Review of UFC 58: USA vs. Canada

Introduction

USA vs Canada? Could happen, you know.

Imagine if it turned out Quebec was sitting atop a giant oil reserve (sacre bleu!). Wouldn`t that be something?

Day 1: US invades Canada
Day 2: US troops discover Canada has free health care and that they kicked Celine Dion out in 2002
Day 3: The US army is deserted as everyone moves north to enjoy 7% beer and maple syrup. And possibly bathe in oil.

But enough of that, as the hard hitters of The Octagon didn`t dally in such foolishness at UFC 58: USA vs Canada.

On March 4, 2006, the Mandalay Bay Arena was host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship`s 58th pay-per-view event. Thanks to some creative booking on Joe Silva`s part and no shortage of Canuck fighting talent, the entire event featured all American fighters squaring off against all Canadian fighters, with the returning BJ Penn facing George St-Pierre and the main event seeing David Loiseau challenge math-teacher turned professional ass-whooper Rich Franklin for his Middleweight title.

Despite a gimmicky sounding premise and a lack of real marquee names on the card - particularly compared to the UFC events that preceded and would follow - it tuned out to be a night full of surprises, shocks and courageous displays of both heart and fighting skill.

The event is now out on lovely, shiny disc courtesy of FightDVD

Video

The 4:3 picture presentation on the disc is noticeably better than the digital TV broadcast source. A special mention should go to the production team covering the event, particularly the unsung heroes of all live sport events - the cameramen. Their work continues to improve with each event, covering the high angles, tight shots and everything in between with ease, and constantly keeping up with the pacy flow of the fights. For a marked contrast, check out some of the earlier UFC events.

Audio

Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan doing the double-team, and deliver a very even commentary. As usual, Joe Rogan shows just how well educated he is of the world of MMA, as he and Goldberg are constantly blurring the line between play-by-play and colour. It`s no different here. The jeers of the attending crowd create a strong atmosphere, even though the regularity of the (to be expected) "USA, USA" chants could fool you into thinking you`re watching a WWE event.

You have the option of choosing English, German or Dutch languages for the event itself, all delivered in plain old (but perfectly adequate) 2.0 stereo.

Features

The 40 minute UFC 58: Behind The Scenes featurette included on the disc is focused on the weigh-ins and training for the 2 bigger fights of the night, and split fight wise into 2 selectable chunks from the bonus menu.

Conclusion

**Tom Murphy vs. Icho Larenas**

The Ultimate Fighter season 2 competitor makes his Octagon debut against the ape-like Larenas, a strong and talented striker who possibly possesses the biggest arms in Canada. A bloody and destructive opening bout.

**Rob MacDonald vs Jason Lambert**

A workman-like double debut from these Light Heavyweight fighters.

**Sam Stout vs Spencer Fisher**

Worth the price of admission alone to see this slick and exciting Lightweight fight. Fisher, one of the top talents in the 170lb division drops 20lbs and faces Sam Stout, a K-1 experienced newcomer. A pacy and exhilarating match.

**Yves Edwards vs Mark Hominik**

Another Lightweight bout as the all-arms-and-legs Yves Edwards faces the untested kickboxer Mark Hominick.

**Joe Doerksen vs Nate Marquardt**

Forget trying to pronounce their surnames and concentrate on this enjoyable back-and-forth Middleweight contest.

**BJ Penn vs George St-Pierre**

A highly anticipated return for BJ Penn against the outspoken French Canadian powerhouse GSP. A fierce and bloody battle featuring some superb stand-up, with the winner becoming next in line for a shot at Welterweight champ Matt Hughes.

**Mike Swick vs Steve Vigneault**

No points for ring-name originality, but TUF 1`s "Quick" Swick has lived up to his name with many a first round finish. Is Vigneault the man to slow him down?

**Rich Franklin vs David Loiseau**

A true MMA slugfest from start to finish, as the master of the 80mph elbow, Loiseau, tries to unseat the 185lb champ. A very impressive display of heart and talent as both men face their toughest fight to date.


All in, UFC 58 is certainly a worthy purchase, and one of the more impressive events the promotion has produced this year.