RECAP
Last weekend was one of the most unforgettable 48 hours of sports ever. Multiple championships and legacies were contested which naturally heightened the pressure and the emotions surrounding all of it. There were so many big, important narratives talked about all week long, and, thankfully, these competitions drew out some of the most intense emotions we as humans can feel. They did not disappoint. We felt it all this weekend. Euphoria, insecurity, glory, heartbreak, and the overwhelming feeling of having just witnessed history in the making.
To begin with, the Conor and Poirier fight will forever stand alone in time as a perfect definition of what karma is. I don't say that with any sort of pride or happiness or feelings of justice, either. I think karma is dumb as fuck and I'd prefer if it wasn't a real thing, but it is. Conor got to feel it first hand on Saturday when he took that misstep on his left ankle. That misstep was just the most recent of the many he has taken in the last 3 years. Conor has been spiraling since the Khabib fight in multiple ways, not just in terms of character. It's as if the trolley incident was the final trigger that caused a complete separation between Conor and The Notorious. He tried to act like a good guy for the Cowboy fight and the second fight with Dustin, but that didn't really work for him because it's not him. I've said it before, I'll always watch Conor in whatever he's doing. I'm not watching him out of admiration or respect, necessarily. It's more because he's a showman with a python for a left arm. Even with his ankle shattered, lying on the floor battered after the ground and pound Dustin had just served him, he still had the wherewithal to somehow cut a promo for a fourth fight. I say "cut a promo" as if he didn't just say some of the most childish, inappropriate statements ever heard in a UFC octagon (which is saying a lot). But yes, that's exactly what he did. He set up the possibility of a 4th fight which will never happen by talking the same shit. I say it will never happen because Conor has stopped growing as a fighter. Between the boxing, the inactivity, the stance change, the odd training camps in Dubai, Conor has stopped being a devoted martial artist for about 3 years now. No one in the fight game, regardless of skill level, can make that many mistakes in their career, at this stage of their career, without taking some major, major defeats. I just don't see Conor at 33 coming back and beating two top 10 guys in the most competitive division of the UFC to earn a rematch with Dustin. Won't happen. At least I guarantee that if the 4th fight ever does happen, it won't be for a belt. Anyways, the same way karma is a real thing, so is notoriety, and I promise we will have our eyes glued to whatever monitor or screen is broadcasting the "Pride of Ireland's" next fight.
I'm really happy for Messi. The little genius deserves it. He's had such heartbreaking moments with that national team. It's really been such a bitter ride for him up until now. Between all of his misses in the finals, all of the criticism from Argentinians, all of the times he said he was going to quit, poor Leo has lived a nightmare with the national team. I'm very relieved for him because a player of his quality needed a big international trophy. I have such a special place in my heart for the little genius. At points in my life, I've despised him even though I secretly fashioned my own way of playing soccer off of him and Maradona. Using few skills and mostly just cutting or creating imbalances in the defenders through head feints. I drove myself a bit insane with the intensity of emotions he drew out of me. I then grew up and loved the game more and, quickly, came to just admire him and have a sort of peaceful jealousy over his success with Barcelona. Then, Real Madrid started winning all of those Champions Leagues and La Ligas while Ronaldo also won the Euros and I felt bad for Messi. Yes, he deserved the criticism that he was receiving because the statistics don't lie, but I thought more respect was owed to him. I don't think he will ever be a greater player than Cristiano or technically more gifted than Zidane or Ronaldinho, nonetheless, Messi is eternal. If I had the option of creating the best starting 11, the first person I would pick would be Cristiano without hesitation. That being said, Messi would be number two, without hesitation. Long Live Leo.
It's not coming home, and it never was. I knew England was going to bottle it, but not like that. That was brutal to watch. I cannot believe that a team of 11 men would ever score in the first 3 minutes of play and think to themselves, "let's protect this lead for another 90 minutes." That can't be the natural reaction from a group of grown-ass men, which makes me think it was a tactical decision. In that case, I'm even more perplexed. That sort of decision-making is only done when you know before the match that you are the inferior of the two teams. Gareth Southgate must've believed that. England could've gone up 2-0 or even 3-0, they still would've blown the lead. Why? Because they stepped on that field knowing they were the inferior team. That all being said, England will be a force to reckon with in the next World Cup. Why? Because the feeling of making amends and avenging yourself is a strong one. It will drive people in ways that other emotions just can't. This England team has now suffered tough losses in a World Cup semifinal and a Euros final...back to back. You don't think that will inspire them? On the other hand, this Italian team was just a treat to watch. Terrifying, but so subtle at the same time. I really think that Mancini is doing some very special things with Italian soccer. This new way of interpreting the game is so colorful offensively, yet, still so Italian in the back, I love it. Early World Cup 2022 finalist prediction: Brazil vs. England.
PREVIEW
UFC: FIGHT NIGHT MAKHACHEV VS. MOISES
On Saturday we will be reminded again as to why it took close to 2 years to get a fight for Islam against Drew Dober -- it's because nobody wants to get dismembered live on non-PPV ESPN. It's because there's nobody in the division outside of top 10 guys who can deal with Mr. Makhachev. I think Islam wins easily and stops Moises early. Seeing coach Mendez's footage of Islam at AKA was enough for me to know. They're going to have to give Makhachev a top 10 guy after this and I wouldn't be surprised to see this guy fighting for the belt in a year. Miesha Tate is back and she says she is eager to show that she's still the same octagon legend as before. I won't make a prediction there but I do think Jeremy Stephens loses to Gamrot and is forced to look at retirement. He's had a ton of fights and has lost four of his last five bouts. I hope I'm wrong but, unfortunately, this is how these warriors' careers usually end, by going out on their shields.
2021 NBA FINALS
I shouldn't even write anything. It was 0-2 Suns up, now it's 2-2 going back to Phoenix. That's all I can really shake out of myself. Fear the deer. Fear the goddamn deer.