The Face of Defeat (graphic)

VikingPhotography · 20-01-2008, 22:29

Here's a photograph that pretty much says it all: Joe "Daddy" Stevenson is pictured moments after losing his UFC lightweight title shot to BJ Penn at UFC 80 in Newcastle

(Warning: graphic image - viewer discretion advised)

More of my shots from Stevenson vs. Penn can be viewed at SportsShooter.com - member: Martin McNeil and there'll be several added over at ESPN - Mixed Martial Arts in the next few days

Whipspeed · 20-01-2008, 22:35

Bloody Hell (literaly) what a shot, that is truly raw emotion.

Les Meehan · 20-01-2008, 23:54

What a flippin wimp!

Boofers · 20-01-2008, 23:54

these fights always remind me of what people can have inside, powerful picture VP.

j sotelo · 21-01-2008, 06:03

He really got his butt kicked

Rob Barron · 21-01-2008, 14:43

Someone should sack the referee for letting that fight go on WAY too long! I know this not boxing but Ultimate Fighter which is far more brutal.... and in my own opinion too savage to be called a sport but that is only my own distaste for savagery on this scale, doesn't mean I impose it on others so am not calling for a ban!

The image is raw and painful to look at, exactly as it should be! It captures the grotesque finale of a battle for supremacy which is what the fight is all about. I know the amount of blood looks far worse than it really is as it gets spread around a lot. Guess you could argue it makes for a grittier shot anyway <g>

Not sure I like the crop, the hands missing and nothing to set the context actually makes this guy look like he is riding a bicycle, however unlikely that might be LOL.

Interesting shot VP. I definitely wouldn't put it on my wall but that doesn't stop me appreciating it as a photo

Cheers,
Rob

VikingPhotography · 21-01-2008, 16:20

First off - thanks for the comments, though I trust that Les was being tongue-in-cheek with his 'wimp' remark?

I should state that the amount of blood on Joe's face came from what was really a superficial surface cut on the top of his forehead... it just so happens that it bled a lot but it wasn't anything remotely dangerous.

On more that one occasion the fight was paused so that medical staff could examine and treat the cuts and, in each instance, Joe insisted that he would fight on.

At the end of the day the blood caused Joe difficulty insofar as it made it hard for him to see what was going on. The fight was actually won when BJ Penn took Joe to the ground and submitted him via a rear naked choke. The shot was taken just seconds after Joe had tapped out...

In closing - Joe Stevenson fought with all his heart and continued to give 110% where other fighters would simply have given up... so although this was a 'face of defeat', he certainly won a lot of respect and admiration that night.

P-E · 21-01-2008, 19:33

Powerful capture

Les Meehan · 22-01-2008, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by VikingPhotography

First off - thanks for the comments, though I trust that Les was being tongue-in-cheek with his 'wimp' remark?

Of course! And as a martial artist myself I know what full-contact is like and have total admiration for the guts and commitment it requires. As you said, this guy gave his all and no one can ask more of anyone. Hope this puts the record straight!

VikingPhotography · 22-01-2008, 20:20

Update: ESPN have finally gotten round to hosting a series of my shots in a flash based gallery

ESPN: UFC 80 ZOOM Gallery

Enjoy!

simpbow · 24-01-2008, 01:27

Guy looks to be in bad nik,great shot & well caught.

j sotelo · 24-01-2008, 02:43

pictures are not centered correctly in ESPN... cant see the whole thing

24-01-2008, 03:25	#13 (permalink)
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