Yet another great episode… I’ve said it once before but I think I think they did a great job casting. I know a lot of you won’t agree but in the end it’s all about the entertainment.
I’m sure when they were casting fighters one of the criteria they were giving weight to was, fighters with strong personalities.
If you haven’t watched the episode yet don’t read any further (spoiler)
As much as Raffik annoyed me I’m going to miss him. Like it or not you definitely know who Raffik Bakouri is. The question I have is… was this his strategy? Do you think he turned it up for the cameras? Or do you think this is his personality?
At any rate, I think he made things interesting. Who are they going focus on now? The Swede? Has he said anything yet? Either he was the most quiet dude in the house, or the decided to edit him out in post production.
As for the fight…. I think JWP hsd some ring rust. It looked to me that in the later rounds he was hanging on the ropes a little. The fight editing annoyed me a little, or actually a lot. I’m not going to complain though, I think the show is brilliant (my englishism)
Many thanks to Lazy_M for the uploading and sharing.
110 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Feb 4, 2008 at 3:07 pm
The editing pisses me off a bit too. That being said, I still love the show.
2 KoolGuy // Feb 4, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I know everybodys might hate Raffik but he got heart, he deserve to be a contender unlike James whos im aint gonna say nothing…. Muhhhahaha
but yeh….i just want to say sorry to everybodys, this time i really mean it, i want to be part of this site now, im not bullshiettin. I wont spoils nomore fights. To everybodys that still hate me, i wont blame you for it, i been a dough bag.
Nopstar, u should put the k-1 max japan 2008 on here, they fought on the 2nd of this month. Buakaw beat Sato by split decision mang, yah should’ve seen it. Sato got alot better and buakaw punches got alot better also. Artur is no joke, that guy can be a champ someday.
3 nae // Feb 4, 2008 at 4:28 pm
“I won’t spoils nomore fights”, “buakaw beat sato split decision…”, I think you still need to work on the spoilers bro.
OT: The fight was pretty sloppy but according to the edited version we got to watch, JW looked to be a little ahead in each round. Rafik did pull out some slick elbows, but still kinda scrappy.
All-in-all I’m very happy with the episode and can’t wait for the next one.
4 mike // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:45 pm
who has the link to episode 4?
5 KoolGuy // Feb 4, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Dammmnnnnnn my bad for spoiling againnnn, man this time i wont give out no results lol sorry.
6 spydaman // Feb 4, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Damn…Raffik is out!!…..who’s gonna be the bad boy now????
In my opinion both fighters looked sloppy in the ring which was really surprising as I have seen both fighter’s fights…and the fight I have witnessed in this episode was definitely not up to par.
I actually like the editing (like how they slow down the big strikes during the fights)…lol…maybe it’s just me…oh well.
I can’t wait to see David fight I can’t wait to see Yod fight….I like the swedish guy because he is funny.
Au revoir Raffik !!!
7 canfight fan // Feb 4, 2008 at 6:15 pm
KoolGuy’s got some work to do! I appreciate the intent, though. Almost there…;>
JWP definitely had some rust on! Raffik was good TV, though. And for the record, I honestly think he was for real, no acting necessary. (I’ve met a few like him before.)
The editing is wank, but I still love watching the fights. So there you go. As far as who’s focussed on next - who knows? The Swede?? Where’s the Canadien in there?! Sylvain, brother, you still in there? Je me souviens!
8 frank // Feb 4, 2008 at 6:21 pm
back to the editing - the only thing I dislike is that if the fight goes into the later rounds, or decision, it’s hard to know who had the edge. Like this fight, for example. JWP didn’t look too good that night, and it could have easily been a draw from what we were shown. Maybe in the minute or so they edit out of each round, he showed some more control over Raffik.
9 frank // Feb 4, 2008 at 6:22 pm
basically they can make the fights seem much closer than they actually are etc etc.
10 spydaman // Feb 4, 2008 at 6:24 pm
oh….IF THAT’S wut u meant by “Bad Editing”…then I completely agree…..I just thought people didn’t like the big strikes being shown slow motion….I honestly didn’t even realize that those fights weren’t shown in their entirity. Thanx for clearin it up for me Frank
11 Buakawas // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Anyone see John Wayne Parr’s face before round 1? Right before the ref read the rules - that was some angry face!
12 Grouch // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:42 pm
talk about slow motion editing, i hated it! i don’t understand why they do it. it doesnt work on muay thai. those who’ve been to see the live fights would agree with this, the editing REALLY sucks.
13 Littleman // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:58 pm
It was an entertaining episode. I think Raffik redeemed himself a little after this fight. I mean who can last against JWP when hes Looking to knock you out? This fight made JWP look sloppy and in return made Raffik look decent. I think a little of the drama that draws us to the show is lost. “Like who is Raffik going to piss off now?” is what usually runs through my head when i watched the first few episodes. Lol can’t wait to see how things turn out now. Great fight by both fighters im sure the crowd was going wild.
14 cap0 // Feb 4, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Looks like raffik and dzahar(sp?) were aspiring to go into mma judging by their fight during practice.
I love to watch non Thai people participate in the wai kru, especially when they put their own touches to it.
Raffik was running away alot and throwing very unorthodox elbows which parr did not have an answer for.
parr read all of raffiks kicks and answered with good teeps and blocks. i think he was holding on to the ropes because he was tired. Remember in the first episode when he was talking about how he had a little weight problem? Maybe that was a factor.
That being said, still was a good fight, cant wait to see the rest of them.
Did you see raffiks leg at the end? ouch
That all lol
15 Suli // Feb 4, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Raffik was the man i liked how he played that game… and i was really sad to see him go… Because he brought DRAMA to the contender he was that guy that talked a lot of shit and caused shit…
16 Suli // Feb 4, 2008 at 9:43 pm
And Raffik is no punk…
17 nae // Feb 4, 2008 at 9:54 pm
rafik DID put yod on his back more than a few times when they fought in pattaya, who else has done that recently? although he did give up in the end.
i don’t think we’ve seen the last of him.
18 SLAYER // Feb 5, 2008 at 1:09 am
God, I can’t fucking believe I’m the first to say this, but I’m 100% glad he’s gone. If I wanted drama with violence, I’d watch the WWF. I just want to see some of the best fighters compete, and I don’t want to have to wade through this soap opera bullshit to get to it. I hope now that they focus less on the drama they can now focus more on the training, and what makes these guys elite athletes in the first place.
19 canfight fan // Feb 5, 2008 at 7:06 am
Amen to that, Slayer.
Maybe another factor for JWP was that the previous day was a hard training day/demanding challenge. No time for recovery, really. Raffik screwed the pooch in training to have strength for the challenge. So he was probably less tired. Still, he lost. Kudos to JWP for not publicly hooting about his win and making a big deal of it. Well represented!
20 yknocka // Feb 5, 2008 at 10:45 am
i have to agree that i’m glad rafik is gone. he goes against the spirit of any martial arts practictioner. now young french kids are going to think you have to act like a douchbag to get anywhere in french muay thai.
can we get an IP ban on the spoiler please?
21 souvik // Feb 5, 2008 at 3:19 pm
shit. i’m gonna miss raffik. for being the neanderthal he is, he earned my full respect through the fight. after all, what good is sophistication or a good wai khru if you can open up john wayne parr in an elbow fest and spoil his game and make him take back his word? i may be the only one to say this: 1. raffik won his game, 2. john wayne parr’s technique makes me squirm.
22 Tong Po // Feb 5, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I was pretty giddy like a little no panty wearing school girl when I found out that JWP was going to fight Raffik. I can’t help it, but I definitely played into the hype surrounding the drama. The fight itself could have done without the special effects. The drama def added to the fight itself. Raffik did very well.
23 KoolGuy // Feb 5, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Episode 4 tomorrow!!!! guess whos fighting…………………….?
im j/p lol
24 Ryan // Feb 5, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I too am glad he is gone. He def. gave JWP a run for his money though and put up a good fight. I agree that he def. played the game and they did a great job in casting him. As for him being the man for causing drama, I would disagree. I personally don’t like people of that character but I guess that is why he was casted.
JWP did look a little rusty, I think he turned it up a little in the end.
25 Hellraiser // Feb 6, 2008 at 12:54 am
JWP is one of my favorite fighters and i think his bad fade had something to do with his performance. If he was playing his game Rafik would have gone home black and blue. Rafik still has heart though…
26 Anonymous // Feb 6, 2008 at 6:29 am
Methinks that comment on the 4th episode would belong in a post that discusses the, you know, 4th episode. Its not so much the winner of the fights being spoiled that bothers me, but the match ups itself. Usually there’s a pretty good idea of who will win the fight at this point, but the match ups are the exciting part to me. I never saw the JWP Raffik fight coming so soon, and it WOULD have surprised me. Just saying what should be obvious, but the match ups spoil it just as much as the
winner…
27 a5yfk2k // Feb 6, 2008 at 7:17 am
Hey guys anyone know where i can get hold of a proper copy of episode 3 and not the unfinished one?
BTW Contender asia rules!!!
28 Gusnark // Feb 6, 2008 at 11:51 am
Liked epp3 very much.
Fight editing was terrible though. You couldn’t really know who was winning. Rafik showed good defense, his low kick was ok, but in everything else was no match for JWP. JWP kinda underestimated him. I’m glad Rafik lost, his behavior is a disgrace to martial arts.
For a second I thought I Rafik won, didn’t quite understood announcement, Yod didn’t also, just look at him, lol.
Can’t wait to see next epp.
29 Anonymous // Feb 7, 2008 at 1:00 am
They both looked a bit sloppy and tense. Rafiks low kicks were kinda janky. RAFIK GO HOME!!! LMAO
30 totchar // Feb 7, 2008 at 6:04 am
well i think so far rafik are the best. bout red team for me they are just a bunch of uninsteresting people that know nothing bout fight. all they know are just fight like an asoo. look at JWP my godness kinda old for these game. they are not a real fighter but they are only challange winner who will wear a skirt at night. they like to take advantange but come on guy stop acting like an asoo you are better than that. As what Rafik said muay thai are about pride and i m proud of him. well the blood running wrong way instead of Rafik, it flow at JWP. furthermore the only girl in the show who dont know how to act you are so pityfull. you take side how can this happend it was very unprofessional .
31 Spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 7:17 am
” red team for me they are just a bunch of……. people that know nothing bout fight”…Stop me if I’m wrong…but isn’t Yod on the red team???…Other than that I didn’t quite understand what you were saying.
32 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 7:41 am
Rafik got robbed imo and he seems no more a ‘jerk’ than JWP. Damn that guy stutters a lot.
33 a5yf k // Feb 7, 2008 at 9:20 am
Here is episode 4:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7TI448DJ
34 a5yf k // Feb 7, 2008 at 9:24 am
Still looking for a proper version of episode 3, anybody please help???
35 TravisTheBeard // Feb 7, 2008 at 10:14 am
a5yf k beat me to it….
36 frank // Feb 7, 2008 at 10:36 am
ep4 = omg. I love this shit.
37 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Since some of you did not understand what tochar is saying I’lll see if I can explain it. Because I do get what he is saying:
“well i think so far rafik are the best. bout red team for me they are just a bunch of uninsteresting people that know nothing bout fight.”
Rafik is the best of anyone there. The red team is not as interesting as the blue team. Probably true since Boars seem to have some interesting little sub plots going on with Preacher and Rafik being the most covered.
“look at JWP my godness kinda old for these game. they are not a real fighter but they are only challange winner who will wear a skirt at night.”
Red Team wins challenges but not fights. JWP is fairly worn for fighting and hasn’t won much lately.
” As what Rafik said muay thai are about pride and i m proud of him. well the blood running wrong way instead of Rafik, it flow at JWP.”
In this I interpret this as JWP’s statement of crushing Rafik and making him bleed was ironic since JWP ended up getting cut himself and really didn’t exactly dominate the fight or severely hurt Rafik as promised.
” furthermore the only girl in the show who dont know how to act you are so pityfull. you take side how can this happend it was very unprofessional .”
The girl commentator is a poor speaker and biased. that’s what I got out of it anyways. Also roughyl translate ‘asoo’ as asshole and I think you got it.
38 KoolGuy // Feb 7, 2008 at 12:36 pm
TotChar,
well i think so far rafik are the best. bout red team for me they are just a bunch of uninsteresting people that know nothing bout fight. all they know are just fight like an asoo. look at JWP my godness kinda old for these game. they are not a real fighter but they are only challange winner who will wear a skirt at night. they like to take advantange but come on guy stop acting like an asoo you are better than that. As what Rafik said muay thai are about pride and i m proud of him. well the blood running wrong way instead of Rafik, it flow at JWP. furthermore the only girl in the show who dont know how to act you are so pityfull. you take side how can this happend it was very unprofessional .
WTH are you talking about??? really tho lol talking about rafik shows alot of respect my azz, he disrespect most people there, trinna let his teammate fight all the good fighters first, i dunno what u watching but everythings u sed was all opposite. It seem like rafik care about gettin famed more than fighting to get to the top. now dats how u get fame, not by disrespecting other so u can get a shot at them top fighters.
39 Anonymous // Feb 7, 2008 at 12:54 pm
totchar . . . you’re trolling, right?
40 fight geek // Feb 7, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Trying . . . very . . . hard . . . not . . . to . . . flame . . . totchar . . .
41 TravisTheBeard // Feb 7, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Back to the topic at hand… Preacher has some balls.
The show and the matches keep getting better. I think the reason Rafik got on my nerves so much is that he lacked general respect for everyone… thats not taking away from his ability to box at all, but it doesn’t win any points in the awesome category. That may be the reason why I’m not sad nor happy about Bruce leaving.. he had loads of respect and you can tell it’s genuine.
He has my vote for a rematch haha.
42 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Preacher rolled his eyes in mild disgust when JWP read off Soren’s name in episode 1. This was in front of all other participants. Not exactly respectful was it?
Then Yod called Rakif Frenchy and said he had a small heart and mocked JWP with the WBC belt literally in his face. JWP subsequently turns around and says he is going to make Rakif bleed.
They are just being fighters. Fighters have confidence and fighters challenge other fighters. It’s not some fighting hero image they need to live up to anyways. They need to live up to the task of being good fighters.
43 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Dude!…….Come on MAN!!!! ” That may be the reason why I’m not sad nor happy about Bruce leaving.. “…..U just freakin’ ruined it for me…I haven’t watch episode 4 yet. Bro…..the Title of this post is “EPISODE 3: bad blood”….Epidsode 3…3….3…3….3…..3……….3…freakin’ 3. I kno u didn’t mean TravisTheBeard but u guys have to be a lil bit more vigilante and considerate for other people. I’m sure Nop will open up a post for episode 3 in which everyone can discuss that episode in peace but please…Lay off the spoilers. *Sob*
44 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Who cares about spoilers? All 3 people that have the AXN network? At this point Contender Asia gets more coverage on the internet than AXN”s total subscribers combined world wide.
45 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Stack…I read the first sentence of ur comment and already my “spoiler alert spidey senses” started tingling…please read my prior comment. Thank u!
46 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:11 pm
The part where I reference episode 1?
47 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:13 pm
WHo cares about spoilers…….a shit load of us cares about spoilers….why do u think almost everyone was ganging up on KoolGuy to begin with. All I’m saying is have some respect for us, bro.
By the way KoolGuy…thanx for tryin hard not to mess it up anymore…We appreciate it!!!
48 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I read ur whole comment and realized my spydey senses were wrong…but u have to understand why a lotta people might be weary about reading some comments in fear of spoilers…and I don’t wanna just simply stop coming to this site until the season is over in fear of spoilers. That’s just not fair!
49 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Since AXN is a station no one gets and the web gives more coverage to Mark Burnett’s latest abomination in fight sport I hardly see who it hurts in refraining with spoilers.
If it ruins the outcome for you personally I see that as more your own personal preference. Think about how it hampers discussions for those that have seen the episode and want to discuss with others who have for an exchange of opinions and discussion.
I think Nop should poll the blog commenters on this one and see what he thinks. Personally, I like hearing what people thought and compare it to how I saw it but may be the time line should be after Nop makes an official post of the episode or some thing.
50 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:22 pm
“but may be the time line should be after Nop makes an official post of the episode or some thing.”/…..dat’s exactly what I was saying. As soon as nop get his hands on the episode he will post it and then everyone would be free to discuss it. I would hate for someone to come on here right now and start rambling about how David Pacquette elbowed KOed Yod in the finals…..This was just an imaginary scenario by the way….I have no idea who fights in the final ( well I have an idea….lol).
51 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:24 pm
But here you are complaining about spoilers to episode 3 right in the episode 3 fight post. Now in episode 4…just kidding.
52 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:26 pm
lol….Funny!…Lemme hurry and go watch this damn episode 4….lol.
53 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Last post then I will STFU for a while:
What does Thailand think of Contender Thailand?
From bangkokpost.com -
I’ll be watching the premiere of the Muay Thai version of boxing reality show The Contender tonight with real trepidation.
The show is called The Contender Asia and will be aired on TrueVisions’ AXN channel (D25, A19) at 10pm.
It features the same format as the boxing version, with 16 Muay Thai fighters living together and then battling it out to win the overall title.
The series was filmed in Singapore and there are two Thais on the show, as well as Europeans and Australians.
Looking at the line-up, Lumpini Stadium and WBC champion Yodsaenklai Fairtex is my bet to win the title and 7.4 million baht prize money.
Team challenges will play a part in the show and plenty of air-time will be devoted to the fighters’ personalities.
This is one aspect which I fear could exploit the competitors, especially the Thais on the programme.
While some of the American boxers on the The Contender were quick to shoot off their mouths and generally make fools of themselves, this is thankfully not a part of Muay Thai culture in this country.
The vast majority of Muay Thai fighters are quiet, considered individuals with a great respect for the history of the sport.
They may be ferocious fighters inside the ring but they are also gentlemen outside the ropes.
Trash-talking is unheard of between fighters in Thailand and the wish to avoid unnecessary confrontation is paramount.
I wonder whether the producers of The Contender Asia will have been prepared to accept this cultural difference while filming the show.
I hope they haven’t tried to spice things up for the sake of it while dragging Muay Thai down into the gutter in the process.
The American boxing version of The Contender often makes for sickly viewing with the pugilists filmed in staged meetings with their families while they make sentimental statements about what they are fighting for.
Do we really need to hear every boxer say that they are doing it for their family and the future?
I’m sure you would get the same statement from most people who work, whether they beat people up or flip burgers to get a salary.
However, my biggest gripe with The Contender has always been that the actual fights at the end of the show are edited into a movie-like montage peppered with replays and enhanced sound effects.
Seemingly, the producers felt viewers were incapable of watching and appreciating a fight in its entirety after building up the matches throughout the show.
This practice totally devalues the fights, as though they aren’t good enough without being changed into some grotesque homage to a Rocky film.
It is impossible to know if the scoring rings true without being able to see every second of the action.
It is also easy for the producers to create a false impression if they show the same punch landing over and over from different angles accompanied with loud sound effects.
This is one reason why I hope The Contender Asia is modelled more on the mixed martial arts reality show called The Ultimate Fighter (which is also shown on AXN).
The Ultimate Fighter screens the full fights at the end of each episode, no matter what happens in them.
Some of the matches are exciting while some are tedious but we need to see the whole thing to make an informed judgement on what is going on.
The Contender Asia has the potential to be a great international platform to boost the popularity of Muay Thai.
But it needs to hit the right balance between entertainment and respect for the sport.
If it doesn’t come up to scratch then you might be better off at Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen stadium watching the real thing.
juliant@bangkokpost.co.th
54 spydaman // Feb 7, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thanx a lot for this post…opened up my eyes on a lotta things….THanx again Stack!
55 greg // Feb 7, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Raffik did quite well in the fight. Reminded me that even if a guy isn’t as famous and accomplished as another fighter, he can still put up a good fight. I think John Wayne had the better of the punches and kicks, but Raffik got more clean elbows in, even if they did look akward and weird.
Anyway, he lost to a fighter who is just plain better than him. By the way, I found it funny when Raffik was saying something like “when JWP looks in the mirror, he will know that the French-Moroccan made him bleed”… then they show Raffik taping his shin in real bad pain…
56 Stack // Feb 7, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Now Rafik is less accomplished? This gets better and better.
57 greg // Feb 8, 2008 at 12:06 am
Is Raffik more accomplished than John Wayne? Sorry.
58 KoolGuy // Feb 8, 2008 at 2:48 am
Rafik has accomplish alot in his country, Jwp accomplish alot in his country and internationally. I guess….
59 MR X? // Feb 8, 2008 at 4:08 am
who the hell is rafik?
60 fight geek // Feb 8, 2008 at 12:37 pm
WTF is a wozzie?
61 Ryan // Feb 8, 2008 at 12:43 pm
hey Fight Geek,
According to Wikipedia, A woozle is a fictional creature mentioned in the Winnie the Pooh stories that is similar to a weasel, and the supposed race of one of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham’s puppets.
LoL. Soo….um yea I don’t know why he called you a wozzle.
62 KoolGuy // Feb 8, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Ryan,
According to Wikipedia, A woozle is a fictional creature mentioned in the Winnie the Pooh stories that is similar to a weasel, and the supposed race of one of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham’s puppets
Lol never knew that.
63 fight geek // Feb 8, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Ryan, nobody called me a wozzie.
KoolGuy is the wozzie.
64 Gusnark // Feb 9, 2008 at 3:40 am
Stack, thanx for sharing the bangkokpost.com’s opinion.
65 elbowmonster // Feb 9, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I have watched all 3 episodes, and definitely seen that rafik is a trash talker, but we do the audience do not see all that is said and what is said back to him. One thing was clear to also that even though Rafik was talking trash, Yoba or whatever the Russian fighter’s name is started the fight and he was the aggressive out of control monkey that should have received more heat for what he started instead of rafik. We all no trash talkers, but if you are semi intelligence you just won’t pay any attention to it.
In any case, moving on to the fight between Rafik and Parr, for Parr to use the spiritual dance before the fight to try to put down Rafik and disrespect him with by going up to him and doing that bs with his gloves in front of his face not to mention that stupid bird imitation, what a pats. Doing that I lost all respect for him, if I even had any before that, which I don’t think I did, and was hoping that Rafik was gonna give him a proper beating. I thought it was a great fight, it was so close I think maybe by 2-3 points difference, If Rafik was more aggressive he could have won it for sure. That elbow which opened Parrs face up was awesome. hope he gets his ass kicked in the next round. Thanks to everybody who makes it possible for us to watch the contender, its amazing. thanks!
66 fight geek // Feb 9, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Elbowmonster . . .
JWP, on occasion, in the past, has been disrespectful of fighters in the ring. But not in this case.
Replacing the arrow shot with the gun shot is just his adaption of the ram muay. It’s a reflection of his aussie humor, not an attempt to disrespect Rafik. Intimidate, yes—disrespect, no.
As far as you saying JWP has a ’stupid bird imitation’—I think you are the one being disrespectful.
If you didn’t have any respect for JWP before this fight, then you couldn’t have seen him fight.
Admittedly, this fight was a very bad one by JWP, but even having a bad night, JWP was able to bring home the win . . . think about that.
Do yourself a favor dude, go watch some JWP fights—I think you will come to appreciate his skills in the ring.
67 Spydaman // Feb 9, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Lotsa fighters have their own version of the Ram Muay..That’s the reason why there is an annual award for the most beautiful one excuted. However u can tell that JWP didn’t only want to intimidate Raffik…he was down right disrespecting him…It was flagrant and clear as day.
Me, personally I think the guy (JWP) is ok….his fighting skills however never really excited me (I’m not comparing him to me of course…I’m comparing me to my favorite fighters).
I have also noticed that they Make him seem like the greatest of the greatest of all time in that show. Can someone explain to me why?
68 fight geek // Feb 9, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Spydaman,
if JWP was disrespecting Rafik then he disrespects all his opponents—that’s just the way he does the ram muay.
As far as ‘favorite fighter’ status . . . each to their own.
I certainly don’t think he is the greatest of all time, but he certainly is the greatest nak muay to come out of Australia (this may explain my bias, being an australian myself).
69 Spydaman // Feb 9, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I don’t think he disrespects all his opponents…because I have seen him do Ram Muay b4….but he actually got all up in Raffik’s face and if u look at the expression on JWP’s face u can tell.
When I said “favorite firghters” I really meant Fighters who I personally think are much better but u are right…to each his/her own.
Nathan Corbett hailed outta “down under”…and he seems to be the latest craze…..Do u think he’s better than JWP?? (Honest question)
70 Gusnark // Feb 9, 2008 at 3:21 pm
“he actually got all up in Raffik’s face and if u look at the expression on JWP’s face u can tell”
That’s not disrespecting, Spydaman that’s your opinion. JWP does that all the time. That’s just showing off and intimidating in the first place. I agree with Fight Geek. Watch his fights.
71 Spydaman // Feb 9, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Gusnark…OK….I’ll say that it’s my opinion that he was disrespectin Raffik by gettin’ all in his face because gettin this close to someone’s face is very seldomly done in “Traditional Muay Thai”…just like it’s ur opinion that he wasn’t disrespectin’ him. The only guy who would kno 100% would be JWP himself.
Now Fight Geek I think we agree on just about everything except for the “disrespectful” part. I’m sure we can just agree to disagree.
Gusnark, U seem to kno an awful lot about JWP….and since u are tellin me to “Watch his fights” I suppose that U are assuming that I haven’t watched any, even after I clearly stated in my first paragraph that I have seen him do Ram Muay before…..so why don’t u send me a link to a few of his fights, where he does the Ram Muay that close to someone’s face (since u say he does that all the time)?? Thanx in advance, Gusnark!
72 fight geek // Feb 9, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Spydaman . . .
Now I understand what you’re saying. I watched it again and I can see why you think he was being disrespectful—he was a little close. But I still think it wasn’t intentional. I think we’ll have to agree to disagree.
Concerning Nathan Corbett: Do I think he better than JWP?
NO.
Lots of reasons why, but here’s one . . .
IMHO the best muay thai fighters are at the lighter weights, so Carnage (through no fault of his own) hasn’t had the opportunity to fight the best nak muays, whereas JWP has.
If Carnage was a natural middleweight I think he’d have a better opportunity to showcase his skills.
I really like Nathan Corbett too, btw.
73 Spydaman // Feb 9, 2008 at 11:23 pm
FightGeek, I’m glad u took the time to watch and realize why I was saying what I was sayin’….I’m totally comfortable with us agreeing to disagree.
I haven’t really followed up with Corbett but I hear a lotta people praising his name but u are right when u say that JWP has fought some of the top Muay Thai fighters (Buakaw, Orono, Skabrowski etc…) and eventhougth I was never a fan of his style of fighting I do admit that he does deserve some level of respect for his accomplishment ( I did lose some of that during this episode…but that’s me!…..lol.)….Thank u for the discussion.
Gusnark…I’m still waitin on those links…..merci !
74 Gusnark // Feb 10, 2008 at 2:30 am
Spydaman, take it easy. I’m not searching the net for you, check it on youtube, I’m sure there are some clips. Beside that, my post was aimed to everyone.
JWP was like “I’m goona kick your ass”. After all, Rafik really doesn’t deserve respect.
75 Spydaman // Feb 10, 2008 at 9:46 am
” I’m not searching the net for you” I didn’t think u had to do a big search since “he does it all the time”….I figured it would be easy. I seen his fight vs Orono….trust me…he was nowhere near the proximity of his face….anyway….I just wanted to know if you could back up your claim.
“Beside that, my post was aimed to everyone.” Ur post was aimed directly at me….U said my name and u were responding to one of my posts….anyway enough about this!…..at the end of the day JWP got the job done and that’s all that matters. Au revoir Raffik !! Can’t wait for NOP to make an episode 4 post. I’m tired of discussin this one……lol.
76 Gusnark // Feb 10, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Spydaman,
I don’t want to bang heads with you.
First of all my post was to everyone. Secondly I wasn’t claiming anything, I was saying that he was not disrespecting Rafik. I believe this is just JWP’s trademark. He does this constantly, and believe it or not I checked the net just for you.
So here it is, watch at 4:04:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxTZaWgWv0Y
Cheers!
77 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 10:04 am
JWP routinely disrespects his opponents. That’s nothing new. Spydaman is right.
78 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 10:13 am
Oh and Rafik does deserve respect. I know it’s a hooray white guy thread and I could care less. How Rafik doesn’t deserve respect is a mystery to me. He had a right to defend himself after Dzarbar attacked and as far as his views of JWP being way overweight JWP himself confirmed it as true.
JWP hasn’t faced anyone near the top off the food chain except Yodsaenklai. Too bad you guys don’t have your facts straight well enough to discuss anything beyond a reality show. Stick to K-1 or MMA, talking about Muay Thai requires knowing and following the sport.
79 fight geek // Feb 11, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Stack. . .
I suggest you take some of your own advice . . .
“talking about Muay Thai requires knowing and following the sport.”
I find it difficult to understand how someone who claims to “know and follow” muay thai could say this . . .
“JWP hasn’t faced anyone near the top off the food chain except Yodsaenklai.”. . .
Either you haven’t got a clue, or you have a VERY low opinion of some VERY good fighters.
Then again, perhaps you’re just trolling for JWP fan-boys . . .
And I was stupid enough to bite.
80 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Who has he faced that’s a current top tier Thai outside of Yodsanklai? No one.
JWP hasn’t accomplished nearly what any of you guys give him credit for. But he’s a white kid and that’s all that matters to you lot.
As for alekos you’re so pathetically stupid it’s not even worth responding to.
81 Spydaman // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Gusnark, hey buddy…lol…I don’t wanna bang heads with you either. I have watched your video…here’s my input.
Watch at 1:44….He’s at safe distance while doing that “gunslinging” thing. A respectful distance where u can intimidate someone without entering his personal space.
Then I watched at 4:04 as u instructed me to….and What do I see??….TOTAL DISRESPECT FOR A FELLOW MUAY THAI FIGHTER. Now if u’re getting into an argument with someone and they put their pointing fingers at ur face…I don’t think he’s trying to intimidate u….he’s flagrantly disrespecting you. Now if you disagree ( and that’s ur god given right) all it means is that me and you have a different opinion, a different code of honor and a different code of ethics and that’s ok…lol….Let’s agree to disagree. Thanx for finding the vid for me.
Now I do think Raffik deserves respect…Why??…Because the man has the heart of a giant….for those who didn’t kno….Raffik actually fought Yodsanklai in the past ( he got destroyed…lol)…..but not only did he fight him….He actually called him out, and it takes a lotta heart to go outta ur way and challenge a Muay Thai world Champion. He truly has the heart of the Tiger.
82 greg // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:19 pm
STACK, since you’re such a high and mighty Muay Thai master, I suggest you review everyone’s posts in this blog, make a list of who deserves to post here and give it to Nopstar. If the blogger agrees with you, I’d gladly piss off and stop commenting here.
“JWP hasn’t faced anyone near the top off the food chain except Yodsaenklai.” I may know less than you, but I know that JWP was beaten by Buakaw (K1, not MT, I’m sure you know that), who according to you is not top of the food chain. As far as I know, JWP is/was not looked down upon by the Thais, but of course you know more than I do, so I’m probably wrong about that as well.
“Too bad you guys don’t have your facts straight well enough to discuss anything beyond a reality show.” This page is entitled Episode 3 - Bad Blood and we are supposed to discuss the reality show. Wtf do you expect?
“Stick to K-1 or MMA, talking about Muay Thai requires knowing and following the sport.” Like I said in my first comment on this blog, I am new to this blog and I find it to be a useful resource to learn more about sports (K1 and MT) that I really love watching. I really wish we get more coverage of K1 and Muay Thai in my country, but we don’t. People like you seem to think they are in an exclusive club and that other people do not have a right to learn more and discuss MT. I have been a fan of MMA for 11 years. When I hear a new fan discussing it, I try to share my ideas on what fights he should see to better enjoy and understand the sport instead of saying that I’m a great hardcore fan, he doesn’t know shit and he should just stick to watching the Ultimate Fighter. I was hoping that would be the atmosphere on this site.
83 greg // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Before I’m labeled a JWP fanboy, I just want to make it clear that I do not think he will win this competition. He is clearly being made the face of the show because he is relatively popular, has a good personality, lots of experience, good English, etc. Not because he is the “greatest Muay Thai fighter of all time” as Jaymee puts it.
84 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:38 pm
You don’t know shit and need to stick to TUF. There’s lots of new fans here and they don’t run around claiming to know all of Japan or who’s more accomplished than who without actually knowing. Sound familiar? Good.
The atmoshere is mostly good until we have the random retard or 8 making it an oppotunity to bash Japan, Rakif and act like in general you know what you’re talking about. You don’t.
85 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:39 pm
greg - I wasn’t referring to you specifically. But then again you don’t claim to know all that is Japan, Muay Thai or hold much creedence to a reality show for true rankings either. Don’t sweat it, it’s not you I’m talking to.
86 Ian // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Didn’t JWP fight Sakmongkol and Orono too, losing both?
87 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Both were on the way past it too. Care to debate it?
88 fight geek // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Stack . . .
First you say this . . .
“JWP hasn’t faced anyone near the top off the food chain except Yodsaenklai.”
Then you modify your stance and say this . . .
“Who has he faced that’s a CURRENT top tier Thai outside of Yodsanklai? No one.” [my emphasis]
Then Ian points out a few ‘lower on the food chain’ fighters that JWP has fought in the past (Sakmongkol and Orono), to which you respond . . .
“Both were on the way past it”
So let me get this straight. According to you:
1. JWP hasn’t fought any top fighters.
2. JWP hasn’t fought any top fighters, recently.
3. The top fighters he has fought, were WAY past it.
You lack coherence.
Now onto the more troubling aspects of your posts . . .
You said this: “he’s a white kid and that’s all that matters to you lot.”
I don’t like the racist sentiment of your post. I’m actually a little hurt over it—I’ve copped racist epithets all my life (nigger, mostly, because I’m part Maori), and now I’m getting called out for liking the ‘white kid’?
Have your opinion about fighters, by all means, but don’t be telling me I like a fighter because of his skin color.
And finally . . .
Referring to me (I think) and a few others who have posted on this thread . . .
“we have the random retard or 8 making it an oppotunity to bash Japan, Rakif and act like in general you know what you’re talking about.”
Hmmm. . . My favorite K1 fighter is Masato, I was impressed with the effort Rafik showed in this particular fight, and I’ve never claimed to be an expert commentator (nor did I think you had to be one in order to comment).
Why do you need to be so toxic in your posts?
At any rate, I hope you’re able to experience some happiness in your muay thai life . . .
I train because I love it, and I try and encourage other people to see the beauty in muay thai . . . So I won’t be arguing any more issues with you.
peace.
89 Stack // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Both. Good never argue with me again and hail whitey.
JWP hasn’t fought anyone current or past that is top tier except Yodsaenklai.
90 greg // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:37 pm
“You don’t know shit and need to stick to TUF. There’s lots of new fans here and they don’t run around claiming to know all of Japan or who’s more accomplished than who without actually knowing. Sound familiar? Good.” I don’t understand these statements at all. Are you telling me to stick to TUF?
Anyway, I want to argue and stuff, but I do not understand your replies, so forget it. Doesn’t matter anyway.
91 Dan // Feb 12, 2008 at 11:29 am
Could anyone be kind enough to give me the link on Episode 1. I just started to watch this show and have missed Episode 1 & 2. Megaupload perhaps..
92 Gusnark // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Dan,
http://www.mymuaythai.com/archives/episode-1/
http://www.mymuaythai.com/archives/episode-2/
93 spydaman // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:49 pm
WHOA !!! I’m not sure how this all started but I think we’re starting to go a lil crazy. I understand that we all may not have the same opinions and it’s expected, but I don’t think the name callings are neccessary. Muay Thai is a sport of contact but also a sport of respect. So let’s respect each other and most of all let’s respect the Man who created this website for us to begin with. This is getting outta hands and we are starting to look like some of those MMA Fan threads. EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINION AND IS WELCOME TO SHARE IT WITH THE REST OF….but wouldn’t it be better if we did it in peace ???
94 spydaman // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:50 pm
“SHARE IT WITH THE REST OF (US)”….sorry!
95 nopstar // Feb 12, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Holy shit what’s going on here… seriously I’ve been kind of busy as of late so I haven’t been able to spend as much time with you guys as I’d like.
Seriously debate is awesome but the flaming is bullshit take it somewhere else if your going to be a douche bag I’ll just mark your shit spam.
Peace out.
96 greg // Feb 12, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I feel sorry for/to nopstar because some discussions resemble discussions on Sherdog (MMA forums) which aren’t very healthy. Anyway, sorry.
Just downloaded and watched episode 4 and all I have to say for now is that it’s a great episode. Show gets better and better, IMO.
97 Ernesto // Feb 12, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Let’s just blame it all on Spyda or Tong Po… Anyone going to be lucky enough to go watch the show in Amstredam March 1st (I think)? WHo is fighting who?
98 Ernesto // Feb 12, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Anyone notice how this “thread” has evolved into this blog’s title “Bad Blood”?
99 spydaman // Feb 12, 2008 at 5:37 pm
U took the words right outta my mouth……I had been thinking this since this morning….(It’s 8:30pm in NJ right now)……OH….and I ain’t takin’ the blame for this one…..For a minute there this thread was getting so intense that it reminded me of those on-going flaming wars on “TKD vs MT” vids on youtube (and we all know how vicious those comments get)….but when I looked at the address bar…it said…mymuaythai.com….uh oh!!!!
100 alekos87 // Feb 12, 2008 at 6:12 pm
take it to the streets
101 cap0 // Feb 12, 2008 at 10:22 pm
……. exactly what I was thinking. I suggest a MT Tournament between everyone involved in these disputes to see who is right, sanctioned and in honor of nopstar lol jp
102 nopstar // Feb 12, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Dan-
Click the huge “Contender Asia” image at the top of the page.
103 Dan // Feb 13, 2008 at 10:11 am
Thanks Gusnark but I’ve already watch the you tube version. Nopstar, great upload. That’s just what I’ve been looking for. Took me hours to download still its the only complete version.
104 Gusnark // Feb 13, 2008 at 11:12 am
Dan,
now you should see epp 4… awesome stuff.
105 MR. X? // Feb 14, 2008 at 3:50 am
Jeez Rafik has some good muaythai skills with his elbows and his low kicks….. I thought it was closer than evry1 thort
106 Dan // Feb 14, 2008 at 6:35 am
Its certainly a great episode. Yodsaenklai was so cool and he has that certain rythmn that some of the other contender lack. I like the fight in ep.1,3 & 4. I hope ep. 6 will be better.
107 Gusnark // Feb 14, 2008 at 11:51 am
Dan, where did you miss epp 5?
Join the debate in Episode 4 post.
108 Dan // Feb 16, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Gusnark, I didn’t miss it. I’ve watched it when I posted my comment.
109 Perspective // Feb 20, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Guys,
First of all, the reason why noone gives Dzabar a hard time about the out-of-ring-fight is because he is NOT a team captain. Yes he was antagonizing Rafik, but it was rafik who threw the first attack. THEN, when it was over, Rafik went over to Dzabar in what looked like a peace gesture…then he sucker punched Dzabar in the jaw. In an extended clip, Rafik tried to do that another time which is what prompted Stephen Fox to tell Rafik that he lost all respect for Rafik.
Why does that matter? It matters because, JWP is correct. You’re a leader and supposed to be setting an example for your team, setting a higher standard, not acting like a hooligan. He lost respect with every single one of his team mates as well fyi. Very few people respect a leader who acts like a 15 yr old… “Well he pushed me first!”
And frankly, whether anyone really thinks hat JWP sucks as a muay thai fighter or not is really totally up to their own opinions.
The facts are, JWP has fought some very tough fighters. Can’t keep amending he conditions you set upon him as and when someone personally feels it should be amended. Facts are that JWP is also well known and respected by the Thai fighters.
As for Rafik having heart because he called Yodsanklai out… I believe the Fairtex camp felt it was very disrepsctful the way he did it.
Muay Thai isn’t Western Boxing. With Rafik comes western boxing’s trash talking and disrespect for your opponents.
Rafik is trying to make a name for himself as quickly as possible so he’ll fight anyone win or lose simply becasue it will giv ehim exposure. It’s a strategy, no right or wrong about it. But his character/personality is disrespectful to the sport as well as to the Thai culture.
Thai people don’t go around trash talking and hooting their own horns all the time. Most foreigners assimilate themselves into the Thai culture but in this case, here we have a French man who only cares about his own fame by any means necessary…and “respect” is just something that gets in his way of geting what he wants.
Good or bad, it’s up to each persoon to decide themselves.
110 Ian // Feb 20, 2008 at 1:31 pm
^ I agree with most of everything you said. But I can’t stop wondering if Raffik’s attack at Dzabar was set up to boost ratings. I mean sure, if any of the fighters were to cause something, it would probably be him…but the producers know this too. And Stephen didn’t seem to hold the same attitude towards Raffik when he was with him later before the fight.
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