UFC, Pride merger brings hyperbole normally reserved for Tiger Woods

By William K. Wolfrum

With Tiger Woods in the mix, golf writers have plenty of openings for hyperbole. This writer has gone as far as to proclaim Woods the best athlete of his era, and awaits any solid arguments against that claim.

Nonetheless, occasionally situations get out of hand. Take the indicted Tom DeLay, comparing himself to six million Jews, Poland, et al, by proclaiming in his nearly completely un-read book that "Liberals have joined scoundrels like Hitler," for bringing up the fact that DeLay treated campaign finance laws like stop signs in a gated community.

Not quite up to the level of that narcissistic claim, but impressive in its own right is the maniacal enthusiasm displayed by Ultimate Fighting Championship's Lorenzo Fertitta after the UFC bought out rival Pride Fighting League.

"This is really going to change the face of (mixed martial arts fighting)," Fertitta said. "Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL."

While I understand he'd like to compare this merger to the AFL-NFL union, I'd like to compare my genitalia to the Empire State Building. But, that doesn't necessarily make it so.

The whole ultimate fighting world is Ok, I suppose. The fighters themselves are due acres of respect for battling it out in a cage where rules are few and far between. But honestly, every fight I've ever seen devolves into the same thing. One guy gets on top of another guy, and endlessly looks for openings to split his opponent's head in two with an elbow. The guy on his back then spends a great deal of his time trying to avoid letting this happen. Occasionally it happens. Mostly it doesn't. Fight over, winner declared.

So while I understand that ultimate fighting has its fans, I think it's dreams of world domination are somewhat ... hmm, how to put this? ... nuts.

Besides, Tiger Woods could kick all their asses anyway.

(Source)