Cert: 18
DVD running time: 296 Mins
Video running time: 148 mins
This week I sat down to watch the latest 2 disc DVD offering from the UFC. This was the much hyped event for the fighting return of Tank Abbott who most will remember from his days in WCW. This match was not top of the bill though as this honour belonged to Ricco Rodriguez who defended his Heavyweight title against Tim Sylvia. These matches coupled with an exciting under-card meant I was looking forward to a real treat but did this release live up to my expectations?
This release from UFCVideo coming hot off the heels of previous releases was pulling the video releases of UFC events closer to when the actual events took place which can only be a good thing. When they have caught up they might even start bringing out back catalogue releases now that would be good. It is with UFC 41 that my attention lies this week though so sit back as I guide you through my views on the event.
Matches
- Ricco Rodriguez Vs Tim Sylvia
- Tank Abbott Vs Frank Mir
- BJ Penn Vs Caol Uno
- Matt Serra Vs Din Thomas
- Phil Baroni Vs Matt Lindland
- Gan McGee Vs "Cafe" Dantas
- Pedro Rizzo Vs Vlad Matyushenko
- Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Pedro Rizzo
Highs and Lows
The main high point for this release is the interest in the matches themselves especially for those who are fans of wrestling but maybe only casual UFC fans. The more mainstream attention and cross-over fans they get the bigger the UFC will become and maybe shed past stereotypes which maybe in the minds of some people. In this release I think they have got the balance between action and entertainment spot on and this will only help the UFC as it continues to grow.
I would again as always highly recommend purchasing this release in DVD format if you have a DVD player at home due to all the brilliant extras the double DVD has. For fight fans it has three extra matches which were the prelim fights which were performed before the live audience but weren't used in the broadcast of the event. For fans new to UFC it has fighter bios for everyone on the card so you can learn more about your favourite competitors. The DVD extras also cater for the hardened UFC fans with special behind the scenes footage. So something for everyone in the extras section.
The action itself is hot all night as there are some really fast paced matches with some explosive knock outs which have to be seen to be believed. You know you are always in for a treat when BJ Penn is on the card and he delivered once again in his fight with Caol Uno. For any live event release the action has to be the main selling point of the event as no matter how many extras you put on people watch live events to see action. This release does this and the most important thing about the action as it is quite different to some of the recent title I have had the pleasure of watching.
One of the few lows of the event is that it is too focused around the return on Tank but I am not surprised by this. For all those who are new to UFC Tank is a UFC legend and is where he started before going to WCW. He made his mark for his unbelievable power which has been well documented as he heavily features on UFC Ultimate Knockouts. His scheduled match was his first match back for some years similar to the Ken Shamrock situation you had at UFC 40 Vendetta. It's similar to when greats make their return to wrestling like Hogan, Piper etc.
The main problem the UFC has when putting on events is that it is so unpredictable you never know what is going to happen. Although matches have set rounds and time limits it can sometimes be hard to judge how long each match will last so that the producers can structure the event. This happens on Onslaught as some of the matches have some very quick finishes; this is why the prelim fights can become quite important if they are needed to fill time. It is the unpredictable nature of UFC though that keeps fans coming back so they can't afford to lose it.
Overall
Although some of the matches are a case of blink and you will miss them on this release there are some really good matches to keep you entertained. This event like Vendetta is another piece of history you can own with the return of Tank Abbott. So on many levels this is well worth the purchase but like I say buy it on DVD if you can.
DVD Extras
- Prelim fights
- Behind the scenes
- Fighter bios
- Fighter features
Points: 7 / 10
Adam Sibley
Buy It:
UK: £24.99
(DVD)
