MartialArtsNomad.com

Hoo, this just got put up on Youtube.  Marcus “Lelo” Aurelio ( Professor Barraozinho ) of Axe Capoeira Vancouver knocks out Keegan “The Marshall” Marshall at North American Challenge #24 in North Vancouver, BC on April 4th 2009. Called the “Best… Knockout… EVER! Also this is the first meia lua KO in MMA history all in 20 seconds!!” Impressive but I dont know about it being the best knockout ever.

Its true that Brazilian martial arts up until recently were the best kept secret in martial arts. Apparently they still are for some people. Capoestros win their fights it seems, because they have good chops in an unorthodox style and the opponent is unprepared for it. That is just fine for MMA and fans, because the ring or octagon is a place where anything can happen.

His mistake was giving too much
respect for the stupid jumping.

On the Youtube page for the above video the bragging and blustering has begun. The fact remains after we are done here that we dont really ever see Capoeira as a singular style in the big leagues for a couple of reasons. Lots of styles incorporate things you see in Capoeira. The opponent may close the distance making strikes ineffective. Anything can happen and big fighters don’t rely on one style no matter what. You cant depend on the opponent making the mistake that Keegan made.

It was said best in the comment thread by bigpimpdevon1:

….You can generate a lot of power from Capoeira kicks, or flashy TKD kicks, if you’re clinching and in the pocket with them. His mistake was giving too much respect for the stupid jumping.

Fortunately, not everyone is going to buy in to the hype. Here we have a classic matchup at an underground fight, now an old fave on Youtube.

The dude shows off when he is supposed to be fighting. He goes down in an instant and the opponent is gone from the ring before the capestro wakes up. Classic. Surely a contender for the “best knockout ever”….. and against a capoestro. Who knows about the fight in question. Maybe if Keegan had a little more traction things might have been just a little different.

What is the lesson to be learned from all this? Too much and not enough respect for your opponent can get you into trouble.