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Sadly, Machida vs. Mousasi bout has been overshadowed

But probably not. These fighters are well aware that it's not simply a "W" that gets you ahead in the UFC. You've got to add some "ow!" and turn it into a

Jeff Wagenheim

Sadly, Machida vs. Mousasi bout has been overshadowed
Sadly, Machida vs. Mousasi bout has been overshadowed /
Lyoto Machida, left, and Gegard Mousasi will be the featured combatants Saturday in Brazil.
Lyoto Machida, left, and Gegard Mousasi will be the featured combatants Saturday in Brazil :: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images/Getty Images

But probably not. These fighters are well aware that it's not simply a "W" that gets you ahead in the UFC. You've got to add some "ow!" and turn it into a "Wow!" Wouldn't it be a treat to see two fighters with such skillful hands move willingly and courageously into each other's firing range? We're overdue for such engagement, after having to withstand such an uneventful off week.

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Jeff Wagenheim
JEFF WAGENHEIM

Paradoxically, Jeff Wagenheim considers himself a pacifist (except when driving in traffic) but nonetheless writes about mixed martial arts, the world's most combative sport (other than driving in traffic). As a veteran of three decades in magazines and newspapers, he's a bit grayer than most who attend UFC fights, even along press row. (A fan watching an MMA media panel show recently referred to him as "that crazy hippie uncle," to which Jeff responds, "Groovy, man!") Wagenheim also has tackled pro football for SI.com, and writes about sports and the arts for The Boston Globe. When he's not on the road chasing the UFC, Jeff spends Sunday afternoons spinning Sleepy LaBeef and Boozoo Chavis records for a popular (but not pop) radio show in western Massachusetts.

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