It’s been another year in the NFL with a wide variety of story lines, and surprises. Let’s take review another great year of NFL football.
SuperBowl: The Baltimore Ravens won the SuperBowl following an incredible game.
Super Bowl Champions
This year saw defending NFL Champions, the New York Giants knocked out in the regular season as the Redskins made the playoff. From then on, new Champions were to be crowned and the Baltimore Ravens, won their second Franchise Super Bowl. A victory over Indianapolis in the Wild card round sent them to Denver, where they got a great win, and also defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, which sent them to the Superbowl to face the San Francisco 49ers, and the explosive Colin Kaepernick. It was momorable Super bowl, that included a black out at New Orlean’s Super dome, and overall a great match of football. Joe Flacco took home the Super Bowl MVP title, with a great performance. Finally, it was a historic final match for future NFL Hall of famer, Ravens legend, Ray Lewis. The line-backer was ending a great career at the NFL, and he went out on top. Best NFL Matches It truly was a year of great matches in the NFL. Who can forget the regular season week 14, in which the Ravens won the Vikings 29-26, after the lead changed a record 6 times after 6 TDs in the 4th quarter, and the Broncos 51-28 win over the Titans where Matt Prater made a 64 yard field goal, and many more great matches with Patriots, Lions, and Dolphins victories. Who can also forget the historic Patriots come back from 24 points down to the Broncos, to win the game 34-31. Tom Brady defeated Peyton Manning yet again, this time with Brady’s former favorite weapon Wes Welker on Manning’s side. The Seattle Seahawks also put on many great matches in the playoffs earlier in the year, and great matches at their stadium this season.
Patriots beat the Broncos 34-31. Courtesy: ABC News
Most popular moments and stories
This category is certainly filled this year.From the disappointing New York Giants, to the statement “RG3 and out”, to Cowboys late failures, to Foles the man, the NFC east was certainly the most talked about division of the year. The Cowboy yet again faced a late “win or go home” situation, and the Philadelphia Eagles sent them home for the year. On Philly’s side, the season began with a summer starting QB competition featuring Michael Vick and Nick Foles. Vick won the battle as Kelly favored his speed for his fast paced offense, but after his injury in the season, Nick Foles took over for the Eagles, and the rest was history. He took charge the offense, and got them to the playoffs, and on the way kept the best TD-Interception ratio in NFL history.Nick Foles shined this season. Even Vick’s return meant nothing to his spotlight as Nick Foles earnt his spot as stating QB. In one game, he even tied Peyton Manning’s NFL record for 7 TDs in one game. The greatness of Shady McCoy, and Desean Jackson greatly led the Eagles to the playoffs. The Giants were disappointing, thats an understatement, and the Redskins fired coah Shanahan after a horrible season as well, especially for his QB RGIII, who last year was highly rated in the NFL. RGIII’s injury problems, and the nightmare offensive line, led to the phrase “RG3 and out.” RGIII witnessed the phrase as a reality, as he was benched. It was a rapis change of brightness to darkness in Washington.
Nick Foles shined this season. Courtesy: @SportsBattles0 on Twitter
Other NFL stories include the most improved Kansas City chiefs. With they help of former Eagles coach Andy Reid, and former 49ers QB Alex Smith, the Chiefs put on a great season with “rejects.” Their defense was solid, and who can forget their running game with Jamaal Charles? Charles bossed the season with an arguably MVP worthy season, with huge numbers. He was a treat for fantasy owners like myself and others who had him on their team. The Chiefs finished 11-5 and into the playoffs Wild Card round after a 2-14 finish last season. They truly where the most improved NFL team. The San Diego Chargers and Philip Rivers also had a great year, and he Bucs, a year to forget. Player of the Year To wrap it up, the best player of 2013 was Peyton Manning. His greatness, combined with the greatness of players and wide-recievers around him led Manning to be the best player of of the year. He broke the records of both NFL greats Tom Brady’s record for the most TDs a regular season year, now set at 55, and Drew Bress’ record for yards a season, now at 5477. It will unfortunately be overlooked because of the team he’s in, but he deserved the credit, for such an amazing year.
Peyton Manning has had an incredible year. Courtesy: CBS Sports
Playoff Picture
We now head into 2014 with the NFL playoff picture. In the AFC, Peyton Manning & the Denver Broncos finished 13-3, and Tom Brady’s Patriots 12-4. They both have playoff byes on the first week. For the wild card round, the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Indianapolis Colts, and the other match up will bethe San Diego Chargers taking on the Cincinnati Bengals. For the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks finished at 13-3, and the Panthers at 12-4 also get rest with the playoff bye. The New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles battle it out at the wild card stages along with the San Francisco 49ers and Green bay Packers.
NFL Playoff Picture. For UK fans, watch the playoffs on Sky Sports, Eurosport and Channel 4.
It was certainly an interesting year in the National Football League, and we await what treats 2014 holds for us!
This year in cricket we said goodbye to some legends, witnessed a last ever tournament of its kind, Ashes and more. As the sun rises on a New Year, we look at the best moments in 2013 that happened on the field.
This year saw the End of an Era as Sachin Tendulkar retired. Courtesy: Emirates 24/7
The most memorable moments this year in cricket will be retrospectively reviewed with Team of the Year included.
Indian Premier League The sixth IPL season took place this year, possibly undermined by the spot-fixing scandal, but another destination for some fantastic ODI cricket. In May, Delhi Police arrested three players from the Rajasthan Royals along with other players from the tournament. They were accused of spot-fixing for the two matches in the tournament. Later on in that month, more controversy would follow when the Pune Warriors India pulled out of the tournament. The Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians topped the table before the playoffs, and they would meet in the final. Mumbai won by 23 runs to capture the IPL Championship. Champions Trophy The final edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was the very first tournament that TheSportMatrix began coverage on with match reports, previews, opinions and even a match where TheSportMatrix staff headed down to watch England vs. Australia at Edgbaston. India outclassed South Africa in the first game in Cardiff, while England’s first game was a 48-run victory against Australia.
England would defeat South Africa, and an 8-wicket victory from India against Sri Lanka set up for the final.
Edgbaston witnessed a twenty-over thriller between the finalists, ultimately ending in a marginal five-run victory for the Indians.
The final Champions Trophy delivers with an entertaining tournament.
Triumph: The Champions Trophy win was part of a successful year for the Indians. Courtesy: Telegraph.co.uk
Retirement: Kallis, Ponting Retire Two esteemed players in International cricket that are always reminiscent of their cricketing nation. Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting announced their retirements from the sport this year. Kallis struck a century in his final test, and in regards to runs, it is fitting that he has only been surpassed by Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar in most test runs – both men who also retired this year. Although retiring from International cricket in December 2012, Ricky Ponting announced he would retire from all forms of cricket in October, in a year where he won the IPL with the Mumbai Indians. Two esteemed cricketing legends bow out, farewell to Kallis and Ponting.
Bowing Out: Jacques Kallis scored a century in his final test. Courtesy: NDTV
The Ashes: A tale of two very different series
Consisting of nine Ashes tests in the calendar year, we really did see a contrast from England to down under, when it was contested in Australia. England defeated Australia 3 – 0 in the series, with the Old Trafford and The Oval tests being drawn due to poor weather – just one of the problems in the series. The other problem was in the spotlight from the start, the DRS controversy. It really developed into a situation where a traditional series was overshadowed by the problems of modern technology. England delivered fantastically during the Summer, then came Australia in the winter… From the very first test in Australia, disaster struck for England. Losing by 381 runs in Brisbane, England collapsed and had a problematic time – which would lead on to three more losses before the year ended. Australia had another easy outing in the second test, winning by 218 runs in Adelaide followed by a 150-run win in the third test in Perth. England were keeping their own, at least for the start of the fourth test. Soon they would crumble again and Australia would lead by eight wickets. It could be a whitewash if the final test of the series in 2014 is won by the Aussies. Following the Summer’s Ashes action, England were on top, captain Alistair Cook and his teammates were the recipient of much praise – how things have changed just months later… Alistair Cook could possibly be out of the captaincy, and directors and other managerial positions in the club could be poised to change. It just went terribly wrong for England who were embarrassed in Australia, and this could increase come next month.
In Turmoil: England’s year ended in the worst of lows with four consecutive losses to Australia. Courtesy: BelfastTelegraph
Sachin Bids Farewell
This year, Sachin Tendulkar retired from International Cricket, bowing out in Mumbai to a huge ovation in one of the greatest sporting moments of 2013. Twenty-four years and one day after his debut, Sachin Tendulkar retired in his 200th Test match. His final test innings was a 74-run stint against the West Indies.
The “Little Master” really was an incredible person to watch on the cricketing field. After 24 years of playing for India, he gave a farewell and signed off in style. In the most moving moment of the year, Tendulkar would culminate his illustrious career by passing the torch to India’s future legends.
Thank You Sachin: Tendulkar parades the pitch for one last time as he bids farewell.
Team of the Year: India India won the Champions Trophy, Triangular Series and delivered in International tours too. Sachin Tendulkar passes the torch toward a prosperous future.
We said goodbye to cricketing legends, two Ashes series commenced, the final Champions Trophy took, a controversial IPL season and more this year in cricket.
That’s it for this year. We’ve looked back at the best from 2013, but now look ahead to 2014, featuring the ICC Twenty20 World Cup along with more nations playing cricket. Stumps until next year, then…
Another calendar year has passed in football and its been another noteworthy year. From big signings, to vast managerial changes, qualifiers, thrillers and more, we look back at the best from this year.
From English football to International, and everything in between, its been another fun year in the footballing World.
Swans Make History in Capital One Cup Final
Swansea City defeated Bradford City at Wembley with a record-breaking margin of five goals in the first major trophy final of the year. Bradford’s first shot on target came in the 86th minute, but was met with their fans in joy, as they took in the experience. Swansea’s fans were celebrating from the very first minute to the last, in a game where their win came big, and so did their triumph. (VIEW HIGHLIGHTS)
Fergie Bids Farewell
Alex Ferguson, one of the greatest football managers in history, would bow out as Manchester United manager, with his team winning the Premier League title once again.
It was a fitting send-off for Fergie at the Hawthorns, in his 1,500th and final game as Manchester United manager. Alex Ferguson’s final game was an incredible one, with West Brom coming back from 5 – 2 down to draw 5 – 5. It was a monumental occasion and the passing of the torch to David Moyes. What came as the most emotional was Fergies’ final time in Old Trafford, where he spoke to the fans and the players before his team lifted the trophy. David Moyes however, didn’t have the best of starts to his Manchester United career.
With Manchester United now picking things up towards the New Year, maybe its finally coming together. Alex Ferguson bowed out at the top, but it was the following season where his book would cause some controversy. ‘I believe that Roy Keane’s behaviour pattern changed when he realised he was no longer the Roy Keane of old’, described Ferguson in his autobiography, raising some questions and plenty of publicity. But he will be remembered for an excellent managerial reign in the club, and no better farewell could come than winning the league.
Germans Coming to London: Champions League final
A thrilling Champions League final at Wembley Stadium saw Bayern Munich, by way of Arjen Robben, become the Kings of Europe in dramatic fashion. Prior to the final, the Spanish Giants, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid were decimated by the finalists as they sent out a bold statement of intent to win. Arjen Robben would taste sweet redemption as his 89th minute goal would ultimately end Bayern’s misery following failure to win in 2010 and 2012. Bayern would be the victors by a greater margin when they played in the Bundesliga in November.
£85 million man: Gareth Bale to Madrid
Gareth Bale became the most expensive footballer on the World after his £85.3 million move to Real Madrid. This left a huge, gaping hole in Tottenham that seemed yet to be fully recovered from when they had their last 2013 game following managerial turmoil. While his start to his tenure with Madrid was slow, he soon got going and with Cristiano Ronaldo performing outstandingly, Madrid became a force to be reckoned with. More Summer Transfers Arsenal acquired German talisman Mesut Ozil on deadline day, breaking their transfer records in the process.
Barcelona bought Neymar which brought another impacting transfer to the Spanish clubs. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Higuain departed to Napoli. Manchester City would add Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo. It was a hectic transfer window, but who do you think was the best transfer this year? Sound-off in the comments below. Managerial Changes: Premier League shift
There were numerous changes once the Premier League resumed in August, with Everton, Stoke City, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea changing managers. David Moyes left Everton, going to Manchester United. Early on, Manchester United were slow off the bat, but began to pick-up as the New Year approached. While the Special One, Jose Mourinho would make his profound return to the Bridge. Manuel Pelligrini replaced Roberto Mancini following his sacking, and Everton were now managed by Roberto Martinez. Mark Hughes took over as Stoke City manager. We learnt a lot about the managerial changes over the Summer, and its clear that Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton are performing better under their new managers. Sometimes change can be a could thing. Set for Brazil: World Cup Qualifiers, World Cup Draw In 2013, the qualifiers for the World Cup culminated and the groups were drawn. In the qualifiers, France and Portugal made it via the play-offs beating Ukraine and Sweden respectively. In the African qualification, Ghana got the most points in their region and scored eighteen goals in their qualifying matches.
The eight groups drawn for the World Cup in 2014.
One group in particular emerged as the proverbial Group of Death, being Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the United States. A very tough group there which saw all teams progress to the Round of 16 in the previous World Cup.
The countdown is on for the World Cup.
Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo really overtook Messi this year, with sixty-nine goals for club and country. Playing alongside quality talent at Madrid could make it their season.
Well, that’s it for this year’s football. In a sport where we have two half-seasons in the calendar year, a lot can be forgotten especially when there is just so much going on.
This year is in the books, but now we look towards 2014, with the World Cup and much more exciting football on our way.
2013 was a year to remember inside the Octagon. With incredible action throughout the year, the UFC was in its prime in 2013, trail-blazing through the sporting World.
In this article we review all there was in the UFC, with an overview of the year followed by Submission of the Year, Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Fighter of the Year, Disappointments and more.
Blockbuster: There were many huge fights throughout the year. Courtesy: GracieMag
Vitor Belfort made headlines in the first UFC event of the year, with a head-kick to Michael Bisping – one of three head kick knockouts scored by The Phenom in the year. Vitor Belfort delivered three emphatic performances, putting away Luke Rockhold with a spinning heel-kick, and defeating Dan Henderson with a head-kick in their rematch in November. All three of those knockouts were awarded Knockout of the Night awards. A successful year for the Phenom has him ready to challenge Chris Weidman for the Middleweight strap in 2014. One week later, the UFC Flyweight Championship would be contested four as John Dodson and Demtrius Johnson went the distance in a quick and explosive bout. Demetrius Johnson retained the belt via Unanimous Decision, before going on to submit John Moraga with an Armbar in July, and knock out Joseph Benavidez months later. SuperBowl weekend would be a big one for the UFC too, as the first pay-per-view of the year impressed many-a-fight-fan with Jose Aldo defeating Frankie Edgar in a top-quality battle for the Featherweight title. Earlier on in the night, Antonio Bigfoot Silva stunned Alistair Overeem with a ferocious knockout – one of two demoralizing knockouts that Overreem received in the year.
Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar was a great Featherweight showcase in February. Courtesy: ESPN
For the next event, the promotion headed across the pond to London, England for a card where the Interim Bantamweight Championship would be on the line. Renan Barao submitted Michael McDonald in Round 4 to keep the belt. On February 23, the Octagon witnessed a monumental moment as Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche became the first ever women to do battle in the UFC. Ronda Rousey would be the victor after utilizing her signature armbar with seconds to spare late in Round 1 to put away a very game opponent. It was a huge stepping stone for Women’s MMA.
The Land of the Rising Sun would witness one of the best fights of the year as Wanderlei Silva engaged in a war with Brian Stann. Wanderlei Silva would become the victor after knocking out Stann in Round 2. Georges St-Pierre would settle his rivalry with Nick Diaz at UFC 158. In a card where Welterweights took to the spotlight, St-Pierre put a beating that would last five rounds onto Nick Diaz, while Johnny Hendricks edged Carlos Condit in the Fight of the Night.
St-Pierre dominated Nick Diaz throughout the fight. Courtesy: UFC.com
Gilbert Melendez fell short of capturing the Lightweight Championship in a close fight with Benson Henderson. This was followed by UFC 159, which saw Jon Jones knock out Chael Sonnen in Round 1 of the main event. Cain Velasquez made quick work of Bigfoot Silva at UFC 160. In a card with heavyweights on the bill, it would set up for a highly-anticipated UFC card in October. Not surprisingly, Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez were the victors setting up for a third fight at UFC 166. With both the main event and co-main event originally replaced due to injury, Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson would be the main event of UFC 161, the weakest card pay-per-view of the year. Rashad Evans defeated Dan Henderson via Split Decision. Anderson Silva returned to the Octagon in the Biggest Card of the Summer at UFC 162. His opponent, Chris Weidman would shock the World by a knock-out of “The Spider” in the second round. Former Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva came under much criticism for not adopting a serious attitude for the fight, but taunting and “clowning” his way to his first ever loss inside the Octagon. It was frustrating for many others too, as Silva’s record-breaking win-streak and title reign came to an abrupt end.
Shocking the World: Chris Weidman knocks out Anderson Silva at UFC 162. Courtesy: The Sydney Morning Herald
Jose Aldo’s second title defense of the year saw him defeat the Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jang at UFC 163. Initially set for a showdown between Anthony Pettis and the Champion, Pettis pulled out due to a knee injury and was replaced. A late TKO by Aldo would see him go into 2014 as Champion. One of the most stacked cards of the year would mark the launch of the new broadcast network, FOX Sports 1 in the US. UFC Fight Night 26 saw Chael Sonnen submit Shogun Rua. August closed and September reigned in with one week consisting of three events. Carlos Condit was victorious against Martin Kampmann with a Round 4 knock-out following a ferocious fight. Then, in a night to remember in Milwaukee, a new Lightweight Champion was crowned, as Anthony Pettis submitted Benson Henderson in Round 1, in a Submission of the Year contender. Seven fights were finished out of the twelve on the card. Then, in Brazil, Glover Teixeira celebrated with his compatriots after knocking out Ryan Bader in under three minutes. UFC 165 impressed many around the World with two title fights on the card. Renan Barao defeated Eddie Wineland with a spinning back-kick to retain the Interim Bantamweight strap, while Jon Jones edged-out Alexander Gustafsson in a fight of the year contender. Dana White called it the best card ever, and that can be agreed upon. UFC 166 in Houston saw Cain Velasquez finish Junior Dos Santos in Round 5 to complete the trilogy between two of the World’s best Heavyweights. Diego Sanchez and Gilbert Melendez engaged in an incredible fight that was also a fight of the year contender.
Velasquez finished Dos Santos in their third encounter. Courtesy: Telegraph
20 Years of the UFC were celebrated on 16 November 2013, at UFC 167 when Georges St-Pierre retained the UFC Welterweight Championship against Johnny Hendricks. GSP almost lost the belt with a close fight which could have went either way. Following the fight, Georges St-Pierre announced a hiatus from the UFC – but his fight with Hendricks could have been his very last. Another fight of the year candidate would take place in Melbourne, Australia. Mark Hunt and Bigfoot Silva threw it all at each other for five straight rounds in one of the best Heavyweight bouts to ever be seen. However, TRT controversy discovered following the fight compromised Bigfoot Silva’s performance. “Mighty Mouse” Demetrius Johnson made his third successful title defense in the penultimate card of the year. In a rematch with Joseph Benavidez following their close encounter last year, Johnson left no doubt this time round with a Round 1 knockout. The biggest event of the year would take place in Las Vegas, in an unbelievable night of fights. Entertaining from the outset with the prelims, the main card featured all five fights with finishes. Ronda Rousey went to Round Three with Miesha Tate in the Fight of the Night for the Women’s title, while a gruesome injury from Anderson Silva kept the belt in Chris Weidman’s hands. Submission of the Year Submissions are not as frequent as knockouts in the Octagon, but when they happen, they can come on the biggest of stages, with three title fights ending in big submissions. Other notable mentions were Urijah Faber vs. Ivan Menjivar at UFC 157 and Werdum vs. Nogueira earlier in the year. #3: Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche: In the inaugural Women’s UFC fight, Ronda Rousey submitted Liz Carmouche with just seconds to spare in the first round. Rousey demonstrated great technique to get the submission in a ground-breaking fight.
#2: Renan Barao vs. Michael McDonald: In London, Renan Barao’s emphatic arm-triangle choke would retain the title. An entertaining battle between the two was ended in a great way.
Barao has a shot at the title when Dominick Cruz returns at UFC 169
#1: Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis: It was a homecoming triumph for Anthony Pettis as he captured the Lightweight Championship. A superb armbar that resulted in a verbal tap from Henderson. A moment of silence followed by a huge ovation as Pettis was crowned the Champion.
Armbar: Pettis locks up Henderson to capture the belt
Knockout of the Year Ah, knockouts. There were plenty this year, in the big fights and the smaller ones down the card. They made a statement with three knockouts being ranked in the Top 20 of all time. Notable mentions included Renan Barao’s spinning back-kick to Eddie Wineland and Vitor Belfort’s knockouts to Bisping and Rockhold. #3: Travis Browne vs. Alistair Overreem: In one of three knockouts from Travis Browne, and one of two knockouts received by Alistair Overreem, a vicious flurry of knees by Overreem was countered with a superb kick to the face followed by punches to finish it.
Travis Browne has went from strength-to-strength this year
#2: Antonio Silva vs. Alistair Overreem: In the co-main event of UFC 156, Antonio Silva unleashed a vicious combination of punches to Alistair Overreem against the cage. Herb Dean was able to stop the fight but not at ease, having to pull Silva away as he was fired up following the knockout. It was the start of a disappointing year for Overeem.
Ferocious: Bigfoot unleashed on Overreem
#1: Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman: In their first meeting at UFC 162, Chris Weidman shocked the World with this knockout. Anderson Silva was not respecting Weidman’s striking, and he paid for it.
Fight of the Year
What a year of fights! Thrilling title fights, Mexican Wars, relentless pursuits for victory. The Octagon witnessed some of the best fights in history this year. Although it doesn’t make the list, props to Wanderlei Silva vs. Brian Stann in Japan, that was awesome. #3: Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva: In Melbourne, Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva engaged in one of the best Heavyweight fights ever seen. Ending as a draw, both men displayed heart as they battled fiercely.
#2: Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego Sanchez: Two Mexican Warriors threw it all at each other for three straight rounds at UFC 166. Gilbert Melendez was victorious via decision, although getting dropped in the third round. They would bite down on their mouthguards and just swing at each other for the finish. An incredible, incredible fight.
Swinging for the Fences: Melendez, Sanchez go at it
#1: Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson: A close, five-round thriller between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson was the Fight of the Year. Gustafsson came within touching distance of the belt, it was a phenomenal contest. Fighter of the Year With such a year, its hard not to forget some of the best fighters. Chris Weidman deserves a nod for his knockout of Silva, and what we saw in the rematch was promising, but the unfortunate ending comes as a disadvantage to him as many will still doubt his legitimacy as Champion. Travis Browne also had an incredible year, with three knockouts in the best year of his career. #3: Glover Teixeira: In the second card of the year, Teixeira outclassed Rampage Jackson in a dominant decision victory. Then, he would submit James Te Huna before knocking out Ryan Bader. Teixeira has consistently performed in 2013.
#2: Vitor Belfort: Well, well. Vitor Belfort has been on fire this year and is on a crash course with Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman in 2014. With three kick knockouts, over Bisping, Rockhold and Henderson, Belfort’s year has put him back on track. #1: Demetrius Johnson: UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrius Johnson has rose through the competition to defend his Championship three times over solid opponents. A big win over Dodson in a great fight, followed by finishing Moraga and Benavidez puts him on top as Fighter of the Year.
Disappointments of the Year
There was a lot of hype surrounding Alistair Overreem after he defeated Brock Lesnar in 2011. It was expected that he would beat Bigfoot Silva at ease, but this was not the case. Overreem looked better against Browne but suffered the same outcome of a knockout. Overreem’s performances showed he had the ability to win, but it didn’t pay off this year. Maybe he will rise up next year, starting with Frank Mir as his opponent – who also had a disappointing year with a loss to Barnett and Cormier. Other disappointments included Uriah Hall, but following his victory over Chris Leben, he could be back on the way up.
An Incredible Year in the Octagon
2013 was one of the greatest years in UFC. It had the upsets, the shockers, the amazing fights and everything in between. Even when injuries were the obstacles, the organization got past it well, like at UFC 164 with Pettis replacing TJ Grant. All-round, just an entertaining and groundbreaking year, possibly with next year being a new era in the UFC. BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR: UFC 166 A card that was full of great fights including a terrific preliminary card. Dana White said it was one of the best cards in history. BIGGEST MOMENT INSIDE THE OCTAGON: Weidman Knocks Out Silva Chris Weidman was the first ever man to beat Anderson Silva in the UFC, it was a knockout that sent shockwaves through the fighting World. His injury at UFC 168 was unfortunate, and we may never see Anderson Silva fight again. END OF AN ERA? 2013 could have been the last time that we saw Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva inside the Octagon. Two of the best fighters in the UFC may never step inside the Octagon again. If that’s the case, a new era is ready to begin, with Chris Weidman the Middleweight Champion while Robbie Lawler and Johnny Hendricks are set to contend for the vacated Welterweight Championship. REMATCHES This year had many big rematches throughout: Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva II Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate II Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos III Nick Diaz vs. Gray Mayard II Demetrius Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez II Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis II Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson II Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann II Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Silva II Urijah Faber vs. Ivan Menjivar II But which was best? Sound off in the comments below, to determine what was the greatest rematch this year, and what rematches do we need next year? An excellent year of UFC. Thrilling action inside the Octagon, and it was great to look back at it all. Bouncing back from a year that wasn’t so good, the UFC have trail-blazed and really grown this year.
That’s all for a terrific year inside the Octagon. We had it all, and a lot will be remembered while plenty will effect what is looking to be a very prosperous 2014 in the UFC.
R.I.P. Shane Del Rosario 23 September 1983 – 9 December 2013
In a dramatic season dominated by Tyre management and team orders, one man raced to a place amongst the all time F1 greats.
Sebastian Vettel and Adrian Newey were an unstoppable combination this year. Image Courtesy: F1Fanatic
McLaren finished the 2012 season on a high. They were in good form but had to contend with the fact that their driver that they had nurtured and delivered them a World championship was leaving them. Many pundits wrote off Lewis’ hopes in 2013 instead commenting that his departure meant a great opportunity for Jenson Button to become this years World Champion. Well, how wrong were they – of course building exceptional road cars does sap a lot of the teams resources but few could have foreseen the toll this was to have on their 2013 F1 aspirations.
The first race saw a very welcome win for Kimi Raikkonen winning in Australia for the Lotus team. The second race saw a very dramatic battle between two team mates in two different teams but eventually was won by Sebastian Vettel in very controversial circumstances, more about that later on.
Courtesy: Sky Sport
China saw a great win for the popular Fernando Alonso in the even more popular scarlet Ferrari. McLaren take note, Lewis Hamilton’s second podium of the season and only three races into the Championship! When Fernando Alonso took up his fifth position on the grid for the Spanish Grand Prix not many thought he could go on and win. A fantastic start saw him save some KERS energy at the start and use it on turn three propelling past Raikkonen and Hamilton on the outside to take third place. One of the overtakes of the season from a personal standpoint. A brilliant move that pushed him on to eventually win his home race much to the delight of the Spanish fans.
Then in the season the whole controversial issue of tyre degradation and tyre management was to rear its very ugly head. Monaco saw a great win for Nico Rosberg exactly 30 years after his father Keke had won there. It was a hard fought battle – not with his competitors but with his tyres – Nico frequently had to back off and save tyre wear, not what us F1 fans wanted to see…
Courtesy: Adelaide Now
In Canada for race seven of the season and this proved to be a big win for Sebastian Vettel. The event however was overshadowed by the death of a marshal Mark Robinson who was tragically killed after being run over by a truck recovering a car from the track.
Then the F1 circus arrived at Silverstone, I also arrived at Silverstone and enjoyed a very enthralling weekend! Friday practice was a wet one! Cold too, you would have been forgiven for thinking it was January! We sat at Beckets and stood along Hangar straight and watched as these great drivers tip toed round. Saturday was different, sunny warm weather and a British driver took pole! Lewis Hamilton looked in great form to take a last lap pole much to the delight of myself, son and 80,000 others! Sunday was even hotter and a great start to the race be Lewis holding 1st place on the first lap until.. disaster! His left rear tyre punctured, delaminated and saw him having to pit. The same happened to Felipe Massa, Jean Eric Vergne and Sergio Perez also. Something had gone seriously wrong with Pirelli’s tyre compounds. Vettel had to retire with mechanical problems and the race was won by Nico Rosberg with Lewis battling back from last to finish in fourth place.
For the German Grand Prix Pirelli reverted to 2012 Tyre compounds and we had a more settled race won by Sebastian Vettel. Race ten was Hungary and almost a Karting circuit that Lewis Hamilton always went well at. The Mercedes team were on a high after Silverstone and Lewis delivered a magnificent win. Where were those pundits now writing his chances off then?! I guess my colleague’s prediction for the remainder of the season prior to the Summer Break was just slightly off, but you might as well read it anyway here >>
After the summer break the season reconvened in Belgium at the legendary Spa Francorchamps . It soon became clear who had been working the hardest during the break. Sebastian Vettel won at a canter, a result that we would all have to get used to as the season progressed…
GIF: Sebastian Vettel’s post-race donuts became a ritual after numerous wins.
Italy (read the race report here), Singapore (read the race report here), Japan (read the race report here) came and went, all with the same outcome, no one could stop Sebastian, he was man and machine in total harmony. Eventually in India, Sebastian took his 10th win of the season and with it a historic 4th World Drivers Championship, equaled only by Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher!
Race 17 Abu Dhabi saw the last of Kimi Raikkonen in a Lotus and indeed competing in this years F1 championship. Reports of him not being paid all season and other contract issues saw him retire on the first lap rather lamely and disappear from the circuit for a very early bath and onto his team for 2014, Ferrari. Vettel went on to win that one, too.
The US Grand Prix in Austin saw a very big surprise. Sergio Perez had lost his seat at McLaren for 2014. A decision that on reflection maybe wasn’t so surprising. Disobeying team orders, colliding with his team mate and a string of poor performances altogether in a poor season. The race was won by… well you guessed it, Sebastian Vettel.
Race 19 Brazil, the final race of the season and it was emotional, very emotional. Mark Webber had previously announced he was to leave F1 for the up and coming World Endurance Championship. This was to be his last appearance in a Formula One car and race. In some ways I bet he couldn’t wait to get away from Vettel and a Team so obviously geared up to his younger team mate. In other ways a very sad day for the very likeable Aussie, he will be greatly missed next year.
“Its not easy getting in the car the last time” his radio message to the team as he sat on the grid for the final time. The race was one of his best all season as he came through to finish second behind Vettel. On the slow down lap Mark removed his helmet to wave at the crowds and revealed a visibly emotional driver.
That was it – a historic fourth World title for Sebastian Vettel breaking all kinds of records along the way. His conduct in Malaysia however proves he still has a lot to learn.
Courtesy: Getty / Red Bull
Race Of The Year: Malaysian Grand Prix
The race started in wet conditions and Fernando Alonso charged off the line to challenge for the lead. In doing so he damages his front wing but stays out on second lap. This was to prove a bad decision as moments later charging down the start finish straight the front wing comes off completely and tucks itself under the car – it was race over for Alonso.
A little later on and the first pit stops begin. Lewis Hamilton comes in but instead of stopping in the Mercedes pit he turns into his old team McLaren`s instead who wave him through! Brilliant! Team orders then played a big part as Nico Rosberg was told to hold station behind Lewis whilst at Red Bull Sebastian Vettel was given the now infamous “Multi 21” order which also meant he had to stay behind his team mate Webber. Seb being seb however ignored that instruction and we witnessed an amazing Red Bull v Red Bull battle for the lead which Seb won. Controversial stuff and Seb showed that he was still an inexperienced racer looking out for himself. His fans argued that he was only being a proper racer, something that I have some sympathy with.
A season of two halves! The first promised an exciting championship however the second was dominated by just one man! See you next year, for more from the fastest sport on the planet.
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