I was excitedly perusing the UFC 100 fight card the other day and a funny feeling came over me. As I watched the NHL draft in the background at the same time, I found myself comparing the UFC fighters to the NHL's fighters. Which UFC guys and NHL tough guys are most similar? Let's play matchmaker.
BROCK LESNAR and ZDENO CHARA: The Monsters
Easy comparison here. They're both massive physical specimens who frighten the hell out anyone crazy enough to tangle with them. They're also both much better natural athletes than most people think. Your stat projections, measurements and gambling software will tell you they're just huge brutes, but Lesnar is rapidly developing in the octagon and we've all seen Chara's skating, passing, and instincts grow along with his powerful shot and hitting ability over the years.
FRANK MIR and GEORGE PARROS: The Thinkers
This is the "student" class of fighter. Frank Mir, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, is a student of mixed martial arts, well-read and deeply into the sport's mythology. He doesn't have a badass moustache, but he still compares nicely to George Parros. The Ducks enforcer Parros has mean fists but he also writes a mean thesis; he's a Princeton economics graduate.
GEORGES ST-PIERRE and JAROME IGINLA: The Ambassadors
Everyone loves them and they seem to love everyone. These two Canadians are humble, friendly, and great role models within their sports. They're tremendous athletes who can turn from happy-go-lucky to vicious in a moment's notice. As nice as GSP and Iggy seem, they can both destroy people with their fists when they want to, as Thiago Alves may learn when the UFC 100 odds roll around.
THIAGO ALVES and MILAN LUCIC: The Violent Up-and-Comers
These guys are scary in a flashy way. They like to throw their bodies into anything that moves - Alves with his flying Muay Thai knees, Lucic with his flying body checks - and they've won over lots of fans already in their budding careers. They still have a lot to learn, though.
DAN HENDERSON and DONALD BRASHEAR: The Crafty Vets
They won't win every fight, but they're absolutely fearless. Dan Henderson's last three UFC fights were against Rampage Jackson, Anderson Silva and Rich Franklin and he jumped around different weight classes. Like Hendo, Brashear is a few years removed from being the undisputed champion. But he still takes on all comers even if he doesn't always win you money on your sports predictions anymore.
MICHAEL BISPING and WADE BELAK: The Average Joes
They don't get the same fanfare as some of the other tough guys out there, but they can sneak up on you. They come across as funny, self-deprecating, maybe even harmless, but you shouldn't underestimate them in combat. Both have scored wins over some top opponents and both are secretly among their sport's best fighters, so they deserve more credit.
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