While last Sunday’s UFC 127 (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event at Sydney’s Acer Arena was deemed a financial and promotional success, it was a disappointing night for Victoria’s own George Sotiropoulos. The Geelong native’s 7-0 undefeated UFC streak came to an end at the hands of unfancied German, Dennis Siver.
With many figuring George Sotiropoulos to be fighting for the lightweight title by year’s end, he was stunned by the strength and power of Dennis Siver, losing over three rounds by unanimous decision. Before the bout, many complained that the 33-year-old deserved a higher profile opponent, but Siver executed his gameplan and dominated “Soti” from the beginning. Sotiropoulos, an excellent jiu-jitsu practitioner, was unable to implement his ground game, with Siver continually snuffing out takedown attempts. George was forced to strike with the hard hitting German, suffering two knockdowns in the process. The bout went the distance before Siver won 29-28, 30-28 and 30-27.
While the loss for Sotiropoulos is a setback, it is not devastating. George is out of the title picture for the time being, but an impressive couple of wins in 2011 would make him a contender once again. “Soti” will hope that a possible 2012 title shot will occur in his home state of Victoria where “cage fighting” is yet to be legalised. The UFC is also hoping for this to be resolved sooner rather than later. Managing director of UFC’s international development, Marshall Zelaznik, said the UFC is aiming to hold an event in Melbourne, with the 50,000 seat Etihad stadium mentioned as a possible venue. “We’re making real progress, we had meetings all this week,” he said.
The interesting thing is Victoria allows MMA (mixed-martial arts), it just doesn’t allow it in a cage. “That’s like saying you can play tennis on grass but not on clay.” Victorian UFC fans will hope that common sense prevails and that Sotiropoulos will have a chance to fight in front of his home-town fans.
