Only 3 things I didn't really like or agree with here: the shin pads, the thicker gloves and the out-loud commentary. Stricter rules to limit dangerous blows, I could understand, but the shin pads and the thicker gloves might had given a slight defensive and psychological advantage for grapplers against strikers. I also felt that the live commentary was like having a poker game where all players can hear the commentator telling what cards their opponents are having.
Other than that, this whole tournament is just fantastic. Great opportunity for amateurs to gain experience, and the sport to gain awareness. This was exactly how I found MMA before falling in love with it, from watching a tourney in a mall (Mayhem 2), and I'm sure with this and the MIMMA reality TV shows being broadcasted, the sport will capture more new local fans like myself.
The MIMMA Ring Girl Search came to an end yesterday as well with Lisha Ho and Merveen Tan crowned as the winners. Both of these hot stuffs will be officially working the ring cards at the MIMMA Grand Finals that will be happening at Stadium Negara on the 15th of June (tickets available for sale on airasiaredtix.com). On top of that, each of them gets cash prize of RM5,000 and will be featured in an issue of FHM Malaysia magazine.
MIMMA 2013 Semi Finals Results
FLYWEIGHT (56.7KG)Ngeoh Jian Chong (winner by unanimous decision) vs. Julian Lee
Kenny Yap (winner by unanimous decision) vs. Muhd Faizal
BANTAMWEIGHT (61.2KG)
Prabu Somanaidu (winner by unanimous decision) vs. Arthur Kah Bowie
Muhd Aiman (winner by unanimous decision) vs. Bryan Lim
FEATHERWEIGHT (65.8KG)
Muhd Ikram (winner by TKO in the 1st round - punches) vs. Mohd Khairul Annuar
Keanu Subba (winner by submission in the 1st round - rear naked choke) vs. Naimul Amal
LIGHTWEIGHT (70.3KG)
Sharma Chandran (winner by submission in the 1st round - triangle choke) vs. Chew Chee Hui
Allen Chong (winner by unanimous decision) vs. Zeus Lim
WELTERWEIGHT (77.1KG)
Ooi Aik Tong (winner by submission in the 1st round - rear naked choke) vs. Rezza Azim
Chew Chee Chan (winner by unanimous decision) vs. Teh Kah Wei
MIDDLEWEIGHT (83.9KG)
Hafiz Chandran (winner by TKO in the 1st round - punches) vs. Jack Cheang
Jim Chong (winner by submission in the 1st round - standing guillotine choke) vs. Irfan Rizain
HEAVYWEIGHT (>83.KG)
Adrian Than (winner by TKO in the 3rd round - arm bar) vs. Mohd Fitri Abdul Jalil
Mohd Norshaiful (winner by submission in the 1st round - standing rear naked choke) vs. Christopher Leow
BEST FIGHT: Muhd Aiman vs. Bryan Lim
Not sure why the crowd hated Bryan Lim so much that they boo-ed him even before the bout began. Maybe they disliked the referee stoppage in his previous fight, perhaps they felt that he abused the rules by rolling on the ground in his fights knowing that he won't get kicked or kneed, or probably just 'cause he looked like spoiled brat. He even stuck out his tongue during the fight when he's struggling on the ground (bet he got that from Arnaud Lepont). Even though he was clearly outclassed by Aiman and practically had himself constantly beaten up till his nose started bleeding badly (apparently fractured), he showed heart, didn't give up and finished all three rounds even though all he could do when standing was the spinning back fist and hook combo. It was a thrilling match 'cause the majority were rooting for Aiman to finish Bryan off while I was hoping that Bryan could turn it around with a good leg lock attempt.
BEST FINISH: Sharma Chandran's triangle choke vs. Chew Chee Hui
The fight started very quickly with both of them going at each other recklessly aggressive. Chandran was in trouble first with Chew pulling a quick submission attempt which was defended well. Somehow Chandran managed to get his opponent into his guard before calmly transitioning it to a triangle choke. Chew tapped not long after. It was the only successful triangle attempt of the entire day. Initially I thought the shin pads made it impossible to do.
MOST IMPRESSIVE FIGHTERS OF THE DAY: Prabu "Superman" Somanaidu & Keanu Subba
"Superman" used his range, jabs, footwork and low kicks very well to control the whole of his fight against Arthur Bowie. Keanu Subba, brother of ONE FC fighter Gianni Subba, finished off his opponent skillfully and seemingly effortlessly with a rear naked choke early in the first round. I believe he got the finish in all his fights so far right? Anyway, they both looked fearless natural talents.
Not quite sure what kind photo my girlfriend was trying to take here but I'm not complaining. Would've loved to hear Felixia Yeap answering the Ring Girl Search questions instead of just being the one asking.