Listening to the New York Dolls on my headphones while riding the subway train back to Brooklyn after witnessing UFC 45 Revolution, a ballistic attack of surrealistic imagery flashes through my brain. Although this event should not be compared to "larger money – bigger production" MMA events in countries such as Japan or Holland, it turned out to be a highly entertaining MMA spectacle. Despite a couple of controversial early stoppages, it was great to see so many fights go past the first round, fighters are becoming much more multidimensional in their tactics. The cage usually equals "stacking your opponent against the fence," fortunately we saw way more than just that. Not only was there some real bad blood between Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes and challenger Frank Trigg, but a tough Hawaiian dude's victory dance "Cabbage Patch," ignited an all out Bushido war between two raging tribes. Perhaps this should be pursued; tag team MMA has already been done in DEEP events in Japan and it is quite interesting to watch.

Royce Gracie, "Mr. UFC" - the man who single handedly made this sport, the man whose name is first most in the memory of any MMA witness- was in the house to be honored with other UFC greats such as "King of the Streets" Marco Ruas, and "The Principal of the School of Real Men" Professor Don Frye. The Predator, a great presence to behold, sure knows how to have a good time and party with his students. It was truly amazing to see all these UFC legends with their guards down, and Randy Couture finally getting the recognition he has worked so hard for and has always been so worthy of. Perhaps the best words were delivered by "The Most Dangerous Man Alive" Ken Shamrock. He thanked the fans that remained faithful during the UFC's underground period, and stressed the power of the Internet and Web Publications who have kept MMA alive and well on this tenth anniversary bash. Ken indeed recognizes the power of technology, after all he is a video game in Japan.

Just like any good party, sometimes things get a bit emotional, a little out of control, and someone calls the cops. It's sad that there was a "Communications Breakdown" between "NY Badass" Baroni and referee Larry Landless. Baroni threw a couple strikes at the referee, and all hell broke lose. Evan Tanner's stablemate "Hollywood" Dan Henderson, had to step back into the octagon to help quell Baroni's "Mauvais Sang!" Fortunately, or unfortunately, this was overshadowed by the all out brawl, which followed after operation Cabbage Tank. At the initial bell, Tank attacked like a Panzer trying to remove the head of Cabbage, but this Hilo Cabbage had some serious knees and a good neck clinch. Tank softened and ate some of those knees and started to wake up as blood poured over his eyes. Unfortunately, the cut on the forehead would end the war prematurely. Cabbages luau hip shake then sparked the already combustible energy in the cage, followed by a flying plastic cup of water, some wet judges, and the two camps going at each other. There were a few kicks delivered, but mostly some pro-wrestling dialogues. Shit happens, it's a high adrenaline game, and hopefully we will get the rematch the masses will demand. Judging by the fans cheers, Tank is still the UFC's "King of Pop."

The Pedro Rizzo - Rico Rodriguez fight was a grueling battle for Rico, who received a defeat and booing from the fans. Much to Rico's credit, he was implementing the tactic of a Jiu-jitsu fighter, his instinct was to go to his guard against a dangerous striker, unfortunately this is something many fans need to start understanding and respecting. Much to Pedro's credit, he did a formidable job avoiding takedowns, shucking and throwing by Rodriguez various times. He sprawled like lightning while keeping a tighter distance with his opponent. Rizzo was very effective with the right leg strikes and definitely wounded Rico's left reddening thigh as well as wounding his mental strength. It was a unanimous victory for perhaps the most deserving candidate for the crown among the heavies. Rizzo came so close in his first challenge against Couture's heavyweight title, that it would be poetic justice to see him resurrected, as he has won his last two.

Matt Hughes had a bone to pick with Frank Trigg in the championship bout of the evening. Trigg did everything correctly getting a quick double leg take down and proving that he is indeed a top grappler, Oklahoma style. Although Hughes reversed him repeatedly and then slammed him, Trigg was half a step ahead, initiating moves, going for kimuras and legs, while exhibiting a great guard. What could have been a great enduring grapplers delight was then short circuited when Hughes climbed Trigg's back and applied a standing rear naked choke. Trigg couldn't peel or control Hughes' arm, standing instead of rolling forward, or assuming the turtle position. I thought an upset was in the making, but Hughes kept his cool and jumped at the first mistake his challenger made. Although a gentleman after the fight, Hughes dissed Trig at the press conference because of the pre fight verbal parley leading up to this highly anticipated event. The very exciting news is that Hilo Boy, B.J. Penn is stepping up to challenge Hughes for his belt. This is excellent news, and I'm sure B.J. will have no problem filling out the necessary mass he might need.

The 155 lb division is still in chaos, and it seems that Yves Edwards, the "Texas Gunslinger" is the toughest man left in this battle of attrition, or should we say, seemingly diminishing lightweight assets. Yves tactically punished a tough Nick Agallar with body shots and powerful kicks inside and outside Agallar's left thigh. Edwards slowly took over this tough stand up show opener, finishing his challenger at 2:14 of the second round. What is still missing here is the status of Uno, Ludwig, Sudo, etc… Perhaps Pride Bushido and K-1 Max are luring away and seducing the vast talent in this weight class which has been subjected to irregular intervals of filler status on Pay Per View.

The next fight was a case of man meets a tough young man, and of course experience is usually more vital than strength. A strong willed striker, Chris Liguori was bear hugged by the Jui-jitsu / Muay Thai man Keith Rockel who was here to redeem himself after getting guillotined in his UFC debut fight which he had been winning. The younger man showed excellent defensive skills from the guard, controlling the arm well, but eventually got caught in a guillotine in one of his many reversal attempts.

The swing bout between Team Quest's Matt Lindland and Falaniko Vitale, managed by Egan Inoue was a less than fulfilling tactical stalemate, which Lindland eventually finished after Vitale offered almost no offense. It was a tap in an easily forgettable fight. Lindland indeed redeemed himself in this revenge match, and perhaps only needs greater stimuli to raise him to the level of that illusive payday he mentioned at the post fight press conference. I say bring on Sakuraba, it will be formidable grappling and perhaps a submission.

One decision, which I personally felt was controversial, was Robbie Lawler against Chris Lytle. Although Lawler got the first takedown, Lytle did a superb job defending from the guard and initiating submission attempts such as knee and ankle locks. After a few interesting reversals Lawler kept the top position, but was not fully effective with his ground and pound. He even ate a hard heel to the face from the Jiu-jitsu Boxer. The same way that a referee warns a wrestler for "Stalling" in the sport of wrestling, I feel that Lawler should have been warned in the second round. He kept circling counter clockwise hardly engaging in any contact for about three minutes. Perhaps Lytle's mistake was not being more aggressive in his pursuit of Lawler in that second round. This fight was too close to call, and perhaps this "boxing scoring" style needs to be tossed out, revolution means change. Judges should be allowed to deem a fight a draw. If there is no decisive victor, why fool ourselves?

Since the environment shapes the strategy, to be a well-rounded fighter one obviously must experience the ropes as well, this is why Chuck Liddell deserved a homecoming after returning as the UFC representative to The Pride Middleweight tournament. After all, isn't he now one of the top four middleweights in the world? Liddell deserves to be congratulated for stepping into choppier waters, and performing quite well in the ropes. Perhaps in this struggle to legitimize the sport of MMA in these United States, we need to alter the environment of the fights. Now that the pyre techniques and what Dana White referred to as "bells and whistles" are gone, maybe it’s time to get rid of the cage. Perhaps to mainstream America the cage resembles a jail cell, or an alley, while the ropes are like fighting in open pastures. This is the terrain, which Zuffa should perhaps pursue in order to "Legalize it!" If the "revolution is to be televised" maybe the ring should look more viewer friendly. You say you want a Revolution, how about one more final change, a more convincing sports ring? The cage is fine, but the ropes are more ref.