Steve Cantwell Defeats Razak Al-Hassan at the UFC Fight For The Troops; Expresses Remorse Over His Reaction Post-Fight
Date: December 15, 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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Steve Cantwell Defeats Razak Al-Hassan at the UFC Fight For The Troops; Expresses Remorse Over His Reaction Post-Fight
Steve “The Robot” Cantwell displayed his usual top-level fighting style as he defeated newcomer Razak Al-Hassan during the UFC Fight For The Troops event, held Wednesday, December 10th at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The three-hour live event was held to benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and donations went to help build the new National Intrepid Center for Excellence. Cantwell was extremely excited to be fighting in front of the sold-out U.S. military crowd, and credits his quick win to the extra energy created by their presence. “These men and woman lay their lives on the line for all of us on a day to day basis. And because they do such a great job we never have to worry about a lot of the evil out there in the world. It was an honor to fight in front of them and it definitely fired me up,” said Cantwell.
Cantwell’s battle with Al-Hassan lasted a mere four-minutes into round one. Razak appeared to push the pace when the fight began, initially stalking Steve around the Octagon with punches and kicks. But after a few exchanges Cantwell, the more refined striker, landed two clean left hands before taking Al-Hassan to the floor of the Octagon. He quickly passed to side-control, then secured a full mount. In a flash he took his opponents right arm and locked it tightly into the confines of an armbar. Al-Hassan attempted to free his arm by rolling forward but Cantwell rolled with him on to his stomach and locked the arm in tighter. Cantwell rolled forward again to his back with the arm still hooked tightly. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity – and making clear eye contact with Al-Hassan and referee Mario Yamasaki – Cantwell applied additional pressure that resulted in Razak’s arm breaking at the elbow – at which point Yamasaki immediately called an end to the fight.
Cantwell was thrilled with the victory, as Al-Hassan was a formidable opponent with a solid background in Tae-Kwon-Do and Jiu-jistu. However, some controversy has arisen over his remarks to UFC commentator Joe Rogan when he was interviewed after the fight. Cantwell explains; “You know that was a really weird outcome to the fight. I had the arm locked in tightly and expected Razak to tap right away – then we rolled twice and it got even tighter. I was thinking to myself ‘This guy is made of rubber – this is crazy’. The only thing I could to end the fight was force the arm until either it broke or he tapped, and that’s what I did. Fighting is always a series of calculated risks, and he had ample opportunity to tap. But none of us enter the ring trying to end each others career, and I do regret the comments I made and being so animated about it afterwards. It was the adrenalin taking over.”
Shortly after the fight, Cantwell called the UFC and requested Al-Hassan’s phone number to speak to him directly. He reached Al-Hassan at home and expressed a heart-felt apology for the comments he made regarding the injury. He also shared some techniques and healing methods to aid Razak in his recovery. “When Razak heals up I want him to come out to Vegas and train with me. He’s a great guy, a great fighter, and has a future in this sport for sure. There is absolutely no ill will between us,” said Cantwell.
With the win under his belt, Cantwell improves his record to 7-1, and is already back in the gym preparing for his next fight, to be determined next year. “One of the major changes that this sport and the UFC organization has had on all fighters is preparedness. You have to be ready to fight at a moments notice and you better be in shape to do so. I’m happy with the win – but my career is just getting started. So yeah I’m already back to training.”
Steve Cantwell is sponsored by Bad Boy Clothing and Fightgearoutlet.com
Steve Cantwell trains with One Kick Nick, Sergio Pehna Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and George Prince Strength and Conditioning.
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Mad Media
Matt Martelli
(760) 721-3600 or matt@madmedia.com
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