Classic Scraps: Pele vs Newton

The stare down said it all. Pele’s face brimmed with confidence as if to ask “What are you doing in this ring with me?” Meanwhile, Newton’s face seemed to say, “I don’t fucking know.” Billed as a “striker vs grappler” match-up, the fight itself was both a clash of styles and personalities. Pele’s demeanor radiated arrogance; his dismissive attitude for Newton was evident. Newton on the other hand looked the part of a school nerd taking on the bully (granted, this school nerd was yoked out and a former UFC champion). Still the difference in their demeanor set up how the fight played out. Pele trying to assert himself as the superior fighter- emitting bravado, and Newton serious and collected- conscious of the task at hand. The opening bell rang, and the two fighters made their way to the center of the ring. Pele smiling, dancing, his hands down by his hips. Once within striking range he fired a swift head kick that grazed the top of Newton’s head. Considering his options, Newton threw a hard right hand and quickly closed the distance in an attempt to bring the fight to the ground. He was eventually able to get the fight into his world, where Pele showed his versatile game by throwing up an oomoplata and putting Newton on defense. A wild grappling exchange resulted, and the two men got back to their feet. After closing the distance again, “Ronin” then executed a sloppy judo throw which nearly resulted in Pele taking his back. From the top position, Newton began to advance position forcing Pele to explode back to his feet. Newton, relying on his instincts and muscle memory, recognized the scramble and quickly found himself with Pele’s arm fully extended in an armbar. Wincing and clearly in trouble, Pele pulled away from his opponent prying his arm free; then stood over his foe shaking his head disdainfully. Newton responded with a nod, knowing he had earned Pele’s respect despite the antics. A roar of appreciation emerged from the typically silent Japanese crowd. In just 4 minutes, the fans knew they were watching an instant classic. Eager to get the fight back to the ground, Newton shot in for a takedown following a chaotic exchange on the feet. Unfortunately for him, the takedown attempt was abruptly nullified by a perfectly timed knee to the face. The crack echoed through the arena and sat Newton down on his ass. Pele made it known that he was still dangerous. More rapid exchanges of punches and clinch work ensued, with Newton trying desperately to close the distance. Suddenly, another ferocious knee shot upwards and crashed against the Ronin’s face sending him backwards and nearly dropping the former UFC champ again. Newton smiled, gave a thumbs-up, and reengaged his foe. Clearly dazed, he staggered away as the Brazilian threw more punches, kicks, and knees. Then, in a reversal of roles, Pele clinched Newton, and threw him to the mat. Perhaps it was an attempt to prove himself the superior fighter; to show Newton that he felt comfortable no matter where the fight went. A quick explosion from Newton got him back to his feet with a single. He ran the pipe and dumped Pele on his back. As Newton postured and began to pass the guard, Pele snatched onto a Kimura grip without the control of Newton’s hips. Recognizing this, and with Pele attempting to wrench his arm out of place, Newton spun his hips around, tucked himself under Pele’s arm and extended with all his might. Pele refused to tap, and forced Newton to exert even more energy. Wearing the effort on his face, Newton drove his hips into the elbow with everything he had finally forcing the proud Brazilian to tap. The end showed a different demeanor in both fighters- Pele visibly disappointed, shocked, and frustrated, and Newton ecstatic. It was a classic fight, one worthy of remembering as a perfect representation of Mixed Martial Arts. The fight went everywhere, both fighters were willing to take risks in pursuit of a finish. It may not have been a main event, and there were no belts on the line, but both men showcased the heart of a real fighter.