Stephan Bonnar: Goin to the Pros

By Joe Rosner

Will national exposure and a Six Figure contract spoil Chicago Area mixed martial artist Stephan Bonnar?   Not just no, but hell no, if his August 7 th   UFC professional debut is any indication.   The lanky, 28 year old, Munster, Indiana native more than held his own against fellow Light Heavyweight Sam Hogar.   Although Hogar was certainly an able opponent, the three round bash was clearly dominated by Bonnar.    Mixed martial arts competition too often have pitted martial artists using mostly a single martial arts style against fighters also using mostly a single style.   Bonnar's blend of boxing, Jujitsu and Taekwondo provided viewers with a clinic on the mixing and matching of combat skills.    A spinning back kick, a right cross, a judo takedown and an armbar all blended together; Like "Garanimals" for fighters. Nice!  

Not that Bonnar is flawless, he's not. Two issues need to be addressed. First, by his own admission Bonnar's   endurance conditioning was not at the level we saw at the Ultimate Fighter reality show finale.   Holding his own against Hogar is one thing, but perhaps Bonnar should consider a return to the TV show's monastic lifestyle he enjoyed (Or didn't enjoy.) prior to his next bout with Forrest Griffin.

The second issue is the "American Psycho" nickname.   Bonnar's demeanor, in and out of the Octogon, is extremely moderate, not manic. His patience in waiting for an opportunity to escape from Hogar's triangle chokehold illustrates a technician's methodical approach, not a madman's adrenal based burst of explosive power. Hopefully,   this "AmPsych" label is meant ironically. You know, just like guys named "Tiny" are almost always over 300 pounds.   So how about "Stephan   "WMD" Bonnar" Or   "Hurricane Bonnar", a reference to spinning destructive power wrapped around a calm center. Or, just to screw with Forrest Griffin, "Stephan "the Lumberjack" Bonnar.

Forrest Griffin watched and cheered on his past and future opponent from ringside.    More than just scouting for potential advantages he seemed to be truly rooting for Bonnar. The cynical might say he just wants an opponent who will enable him to get the biggest possible purse.    But to this writer he appeared genuinely happy and excited, wanting to test himself against the best competition possible.   That's what makes the current UFC fun to watch.   No bogus bravado. Just skilled and motivated fighters looking to learn how good they really are.