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The UFC Experience
by Alea Hunter, Team IronLife.com Writer
In the life of an avid mixed martial arts fan, little is more exhilarating than watching a live Ultimate Fighting Championship in the company of fellow MMA fans. For over a year, some of the members at ironlife.com have dreamt of meeting up in Las Vegas to watch a live UFC together. That dream came true on Saturday, February 5, 2005 at UFC 51. Ironlife members traveled from France, New Jersey, California, and Louisiana to attend the UFC, and it truly was the ultimate experience.
The Ironlife reunion began late Friday afternoon when Tanner Rhoden, Alan Alkermor (aka), Matt Friezo (freezedog187), and their friends went to the Mandalay Bay where they would meet up with fighters such as Tim Sylvia, Jens Pulver, Hermes Franca, Randy Couture, and many more. It is not uncommon to see fighters walking around the Mandalay Bay the day before the event, so it is very important to arrive early and stay late. Unfortunately, I arrived in Las Vegas very late Friday night, so I was unable to spend the day at the Mandalay Bay. Fortunately, Tanner and Alan were still awake when I pounded on their hotel room door to meet them for the first time! When Tanner opened the door, and I heard Alan yelling out “Alea!” in the background, a huge smile appeared on my face, and I knew I would have the time of my life throughout the next few days.
Quickly after meeting Tanner and Alan, I persuaded them to catch a cab with me over to the Mandalay Bay. It was late, and clearly they were tired and wanted nothing more than to sleep. But, we would have only two nights together, and I wanted all of us to make the most of it. It was not too difficult to convince them to sleep later, so to the Mandalay Bay we went. There, we met up with Matt, and the Ironlife reunion was complete.
Saturday morning was the beginning of an incredible day. Tanner and I were awake by 10:00am and at the Mandalay Bay by noon. Immediately, we met Andre Arlovski and Evan Tanner. It was such a thrill for me to meet them; both fighters were very nice and very willing to stop and take pictures or sign autographs for each and every fan. Shortly after, I ran into George St. Pierre, Nick Diaz, Phil Baroni, Caol Uno, Joe Rogan, Dana White, Mike Kyle, Diego Sanchez, Jens Pulver, Pat Miletich, Jake Shields, and Caesar Gracie. I was very impressed with how genuine all the fighters were. I spoke with Jens Pulver for a while, and he wanted the members of ironlife.com to know that he loves the website. I also made a bet with Caesar Gracie, who now owes me one dollar. You can be certain that I will collect on that bet.
Alea Hunter with Jens Pulver
After meeting numerous fighters, it was time for the UFC to begin. I made my way down to the press section of the arena fifteen minutes early. I was elated when I realized that my seat was only three rows from the Octagon. Right before my eyes, I witnessed an extraordinary Ultimate Fighting Championship. There was not a single fight on the card that night that I was disappointed with. Overall, it was a great UFC, full of many exciting and shocking fights.
Alan and Matty with Frank Trigg
After the event and press conference were over, the Ironlife crew and I were able to meet Frank Trigg, Bas Rutten, Ricco Rodriguez, Big John McCarthy, Ivan Salaverry, Matt Serra, Chuck Liddell, David Loiseau, Pete Sell, Paul Buentello, Matt Lindland, Tiki, Karo Parysian, Dan Henderson, Dean Lister, Tito Ortiz, and Josh Koscheck.
I really could not have asked for more from my first UFC experience in Las Vegas. The fights were incredible, I was able to meet several fighters before, during, and after the event, and I had the best time with the Ironlife crew. Attending UFC 51 was truly an ultimate experience, and it will forever be remembered as Ironlife’s first reunion.
UFC 51 MMA Results
Interm Heavyweight Title Championship
- Andre Arlovski defeated Tim Sylvia by submission at 0:47 of round 1.
Middleweight Title Championship
- Evan Tanner defeated David Terrell by TKO at 4:35 of round 1.
- Tito Ortiz defeated Vitor Belfort by a split decision.
- Pete Sell defeated Phil Baroni by submission at 4:19 of round 3.
- David Loiseau defeated Gideon Ray by TKO at end of round 1.
- Mike Kyle defeated James Irvin by KO at 1:55 of round 1.
- Nick Diaz defeated Drew Fickett by TKO at 4:40 of round 1.
- Karo Parisyan defeated Chris Lytle by decision.
- Paul Buentello defeated Justin Eilers by KO in round 1.
* Article by Alea Hunter, Team IronLife.com Writer.
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
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