so i watched 3 episodes in 2 days and i LOVE the show!
some thoughts
(spoilers included):
- too much difference in the level of fighters (i know it's hard to get all pro fighters like JWP, Yod, BPP, Masato and everybody else in one show and you have to have some underdogs but it's just a thought)
- editing and general composure: i feel like they could've used more things and make more episodes... we bearly looked at their training and preparation e.g. that third episode could've been exploited much more - make one episode the scuffle in the ring between Jabba and Rafik, the challenge and create anticipation ending with JWP choosing Rafik then second episode training, cutting weight and actual fight.
i know it's a stupid example but i liked the cutting weight drama in TUF1, i would love if they showed JWP cutting weight for his fight (why mention it 2-3 times then not exploit it, that's at least 5-10 minutes of quality stuff, and it would give the general public excellent idea into what fighters have to go through every time they fight)
- bringing belts: when Yod showed his belts, at first i thought, well, i wouldn't do that cause it's a bit out there... then you see how much those belts mean to these guys, that they appreciate every belt and everything that led to them taking that belt and then i thought WOW, i'd do it too
- of course, it wouldn't kill them to bring some dutch guys (to show diversity between them and thai fighters) or japanese (to show fighters with most heart). Maybe they can repair that in Season 2 (fingers crossed)
- i liked when there is a new term/thing, they explain it... of course, WE all know it, but for general public, which is not well acquianted with muay thai, it's a good thing cause they can understand entire concept of muay thai, the muay thai "culture" and everything sorounding it...
- hopefully, the show can air in USA too (soon), cause there is a serious lack of knowledge on muay thai, and i think some exposure would be great.
sure there is a down side in it: we'll get TUF noobs on muay thai claiming the winner of the show is the greatest fighter in the history of the world but again, exposure is good...
- i'd like to hear more of Thai fighters, i'd like if there is a camera solely for them (i know it's a bit too much but they are really fascinating and of course, everything Yod says is hilarious
)
- i'm sure i had more to say about the show itself but i forgot while i was writing all this...
couple of thought on the contenders
- JWP: man was i syked when i saw him in there (actually, first i saw him in there then i decided to watch the show
)
true character, leader, muay thai fighter and THE FIGHTER i'm rooting for...
- Yod: i just wish he knew more english, the show would be a sit-com with him saying things he says! Yod for president!
- Bruce: that look when JWP choose Soren made me sick, i hope he gets his ass kicked
- Rafik: man, i'm glad he's out! Pompous, arrogant, blabber mouth, moro... i better stop myself before i get banned... persuading the scotsman to take Yod so that he can have an easier fight, mindgames, all the BS - i was sick of him!
that thing with Jabba - when he stood up, i thought, this is it. then he pussies out, then when there's already 2 people between them, he kicks Jabba. what an idiot. suckerpunching Jabba when everything was already cool... no comments... then calling him to come down, i thought Stephan was THE MAN for saying that thing to him about losing respect! i'm not saying it was all Rafiks fault, Jabba also had a saying in it, but i know i wouldn't stand any more of Raiks provocations if i was him...
at the end of that episode then he says something about respect, honour, pride... i only saw ihm on the show so i could be wrong, but WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HONOUR ACTING LIKE THAT??? that really pissed me off... he doesn't belong in this sport behaving like that... honour my shinny ass! constantly provocing other team, saying he's all that, rubing it all in (the challenges and the first 2 fights) - wonder what he does in Thailand cause it sure ain't learning about muay thai culture... i bet it's hookers and drugs all day long with occasional training.
then someone made the best move out there.
JWP
stepping up like a true leader, saying "it's my responsibility to send Rafik home", calming Jabba down, man, he's my alltime hero for that. It wasn't his best performance in the ring, but given the situation, it was great. btw, his Wai kru was AWESOME!
somebody made a comment about JWP was given a gift implying he didn't deserve the decision. i don't know what fight were you watching but it definetely wasn't the one i was watching...
does anybody know what happened to Rafik after that? i heard somewhere he cornered Yod, is it true?
JWP, did you get the chance to talk with him after the show, is there still any bad blood between you?
i'm anxious to see Yod and David fight, i think they have a lot to bring to the table (well i KNOW Yod does
)
that's it for now, i'm sure i'll think of more things to say when i see all the episodes again (this afternoon
)
