Root, Root For The Home Team:
Local Fighter Mark Bocek Gives Toronto A Reason To Cheer:
Local Fighter Mark Bocek Gives Toronto A Reason To Cheer:
The MMA world is set to descend on Toronto. Hogtown, be set to be besieged by thousands of tattooed MMA fans. On April 30, at the Rogers Center, UFC 129 will present a blockbuster card with elite MMA stars. One of the combatants will be a local lad that you probably have never heard of. Get ready to cheer for Woodbridge's Mark Bocek. It will be a refreshing feeling for this great city to have one of our own in the spotlight. It is long overdue.
Are there still trace elements of the magic left from the Leafs' 1993-94 season in your memory? What about the joy that surged through your body when Joe Carter cracked that homer in 1993? Is that feeling of elation still readily recalled? It seemed Leaf- talk was ubiquitous during that dramatic run and we have long since had another Carter moment. Having something to cheer about brought the city closer and gave Toronto character and an identity of which we could be proud. While neither team had any players from Toronto with leading roles (apologies to Peter Zezel and Mark Osborne), we happily adopted them. Cities are quick to become surrogate mothers to anyone who might come and offer even a brief glimpse of glory. An even more endearing proposition is having a star born and raised amongst the citizens themselves. The alliteration, hometown hero, evokes powerful feelings of pride. There is no love comparable to the love a mother gives to one of her own. A local athlete making good and doing a town well is an inspirational narrative. A tale that Toronto's three major sports teams have not been able to spin for quite some time.
The Toronto Raptors have never had a home-grown star, with all due respect to Rob Butler and Rob Ducey, nor have the Blue Jays. The Toronto Maple Leafs might extend the city limits to Kingston so as to include Doug Gilmour, but really have not had a Hogtown native feature in the famed blue and white in decades. Does Mike Palmateer count? If not, do we need to go as far back as Carl Brewer? The current Leafs' roster has no stars whatsoever. And no GTA boys. The closest would be: John Mitchell (Oakville) and Tim Brent (Cambridge) neither of whom could be considered elite. (Although Scarborough's Dwayne De Rosario is a legitimate star for Toronto MLS and the Toronto Rock has also seen several local boys excel.) Fortunately, there is a new sport creating waves all across the GTA. The legalization of MMA in Ontario is splashing waves of momentum through the Waterfront Trail, past the D.V.P., to the 401, and beyond. As MMA reaches Ontario, and with the UFC set to arrive on April 30, 2011, Toronto already has some local flavour to appreciate.
Rapidly increasing in popularity is the Canadian fighter known simply and famously worldwide by the three-lettered acronym: G.S.P. Over the past several years he has given himself, and the fledgling sport, a massive rise in notoriety. I'm sure many of you can guess of whom I am writing. French-Canadian Georges St-Pierre has won the prestigious title of Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year three years in a row and gained some hard-earned mainstream acceptance. G.S.P. will be headlining UFC 129 on April 30th at the Rogers Center. Meanwhile, a polite, soft-spoken, charismatic, and uber-talented mixed martial arts star from here right in the G.T.A. continues to shine in relative obscurity. Perhaps that is the nature of hailing from Woodbridge which is known for little more than being associated with antiquated notions of ethnic stereotyping. Despite the absence of fame and recognition, Mark Bocek is categorically one of Canada's most accomplished athletes.
The 9-3 lightweight fighter has a record of 5-3 in the world's most competitive mixed martial arts organization: the U.F.C. Mark also competes in the most challenging division which is 146-155 lbs. (The light heavyweight category 186- 205 is also considered the deepest.) Mark's three losses are to: the current champion Frankie Edgar, Spike television's The Ultimate Fighter: Season Six champion Mac Danzig, and a controversial decision loss to Jim Miller. Miller has a record of 8-1 in the U.F.C. The loss to Miller was fought in his home state of New Jersey and, according to many, Bocek appeared to have won easily. While it may go unnoticed, due to the media frenzy that will focus on GSP, Mark's next fight will also be here in Toronto on April 30th.
His opponent will be former WEC champion Ben Henderson. Henderson is 12-2 and is the former WEC lightweight champion. The W.E.C. has recently amalgamated with the U.F.C. and in the last lightweight fight for the WEC, Henderson lost his title to Anthony Pettis via decision- a fight made famous for the Matrix-esque kick that Pettis landed on Henderson. The very well rounded Henderson is a very difficult challenge as he brings excellent wrestling skills, durability, and a history of winning. Fighting a former champion like Henderson on a fight card of this magnitude at the the inaugural UFC event in Ontario is an achievement of great import. The now iconic G.S.P himself will be headlining the card and there will also be many other Canadians on the card. However, none have the jiu jitsu credentials that Bocek carries. How did the young man from Woodbridge achieve such success?
Bocek is one of Canada's most decorated jiu jitsu players. Mark became hooked after watching UFC 2. To get the best training possible he went to abroad to study with legend Rickson Gracie at age 14. He also went direct to Brazil at age fifteen and continued learning through seminars and camps held in Canada, the States, and Brazil. Mark even spent a year in Brazil honing his skills. The dedication was fruitful: five-time Canadian Grappling Champion, two-time ADCC Canadian Trials Champion, three-time Pan American medalist, two-time Grapplers Quest Champion and former BJJ World Cup Champion. He has a black belt from Joao Roque, and has trained with numerous stars in the grappling world. Mark also qualified to compete at the 2007 ADCC world championships- grappling's most prestigious competition. Bocek defeated Drew Fickett to reach the quarter finals where he lost to jiu jitsu wizard Andre Galvao. He has won two UFC Submission of the Night awards. He has also trained with one of the sport's best camps: American Top Team and is currently an instructor at Toronto's Xtreme Couture.
Mark will join several other Canadian fighters on this historic card. The UFC does an excellent job of playing the hometown connection by always having lots of local talent competing in their shows. At UFC 113, eight Canadian fighters were on the card and had a disappointing showing of one win and seven losses. Most recently at UFC 124 there were six Canadians on the card. They showed a remarkable improvement winning three, losing two, and had one bout called a draw. Mark and G.S.P. will be joined by a multitude of brethren. While GSP defends his title, fellow Ontario native Mark Hominick will battle Jose Aldo for the Brazilians featherweight title. Further Canadians also competing at the Toronto event include: Rory MacDonald, Claude Patrick, Sean Pierson, John Makdessi, Yves Jabouin, Ivan Menjivar, and Jason MacDonald.
This will be the most important fight for a local lad since George Chuvalo fought Muhammad Ali on March 29, 1966 at the hallowed Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens. Big George did not disappoint. He did the city well bravely lasting all fifteen rounds and winning hearts and minds of the local gentry, but not a "W". Mark's stage will be even larger. Breaking into this market, what UFC president Dana White calls " the Mecca of MMA", is a monumental moment. According to the UFC's Tom Wright there should be between 25,000 to 40,000 people rocking under the closed room- that in past days of glory was fondly called SkyDome. The raucous crowd will also celebrate a lifetime of dedication and effort of one of their own. This historic night will be a watershed moment for the Woodbridge native. Although, M.B. is not the catchiest acronym, he will long remember that electric night in Toronto when the locals had plenty of reasons to puff their chests from under their TAPOUT shirts. Where, for the first time since 1993, those attending the domed-stadium had something meaningful to cheer about. And even better, a local reason!
Rapidly increasing in popularity is the Canadian fighter known simply and famously worldwide by the three-lettered acronym: G.S.P. Over the past several years he has given himself, and the fledgling sport, a massive rise in notoriety. I'm sure many of you can guess of whom I am writing. French-Canadian Georges St-Pierre has won the prestigious title of Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year three years in a row and gained some hard-earned mainstream acceptance. G.S.P. will be headlining UFC 129 on April 30th at the Rogers Center. Meanwhile, a polite, soft-spoken, charismatic, and uber-talented mixed martial arts star from here right in the G.T.A. continues to shine in relative obscurity. Perhaps that is the nature of hailing from Woodbridge which is known for little more than being associated with antiquated notions of ethnic stereotyping. Despite the absence of fame and recognition, Mark Bocek is categorically one of Canada's most accomplished athletes.
The 9-3 lightweight fighter has a record of 5-3 in the world's most competitive mixed martial arts organization: the U.F.C. Mark also competes in the most challenging division which is 146-155 lbs. (The light heavyweight category 186- 205 is also considered the deepest.) Mark's three losses are to: the current champion Frankie Edgar, Spike television's The Ultimate Fighter: Season Six champion Mac Danzig, and a controversial decision loss to Jim Miller. Miller has a record of 8-1 in the U.F.C. The loss to Miller was fought in his home state of New Jersey and, according to many, Bocek appeared to have won easily. While it may go unnoticed, due to the media frenzy that will focus on GSP, Mark's next fight will also be here in Toronto on April 30th.
His opponent will be former WEC champion Ben Henderson. Henderson is 12-2 and is the former WEC lightweight champion. The W.E.C. has recently amalgamated with the U.F.C. and in the last lightweight fight for the WEC, Henderson lost his title to Anthony Pettis via decision- a fight made famous for the Matrix-esque kick that Pettis landed on Henderson. The very well rounded Henderson is a very difficult challenge as he brings excellent wrestling skills, durability, and a history of winning. Fighting a former champion like Henderson on a fight card of this magnitude at the the inaugural UFC event in Ontario is an achievement of great import. The now iconic G.S.P himself will be headlining the card and there will also be many other Canadians on the card. However, none have the jiu jitsu credentials that Bocek carries. How did the young man from Woodbridge achieve such success?
Bocek is one of Canada's most decorated jiu jitsu players. Mark became hooked after watching UFC 2. To get the best training possible he went to abroad to study with legend Rickson Gracie at age 14. He also went direct to Brazil at age fifteen and continued learning through seminars and camps held in Canada, the States, and Brazil. Mark even spent a year in Brazil honing his skills. The dedication was fruitful: five-time Canadian Grappling Champion, two-time ADCC Canadian Trials Champion, three-time Pan American medalist, two-time Grapplers Quest Champion and former BJJ World Cup Champion. He has a black belt from Joao Roque, and has trained with numerous stars in the grappling world. Mark also qualified to compete at the 2007 ADCC world championships- grappling's most prestigious competition. Bocek defeated Drew Fickett to reach the quarter finals where he lost to jiu jitsu wizard Andre Galvao. He has won two UFC Submission of the Night awards. He has also trained with one of the sport's best camps: American Top Team and is currently an instructor at Toronto's Xtreme Couture.
Mark will join several other Canadian fighters on this historic card. The UFC does an excellent job of playing the hometown connection by always having lots of local talent competing in their shows. At UFC 113, eight Canadian fighters were on the card and had a disappointing showing of one win and seven losses. Most recently at UFC 124 there were six Canadians on the card. They showed a remarkable improvement winning three, losing two, and had one bout called a draw. Mark and G.S.P. will be joined by a multitude of brethren. While GSP defends his title, fellow Ontario native Mark Hominick will battle Jose Aldo for the Brazilians featherweight title. Further Canadians also competing at the Toronto event include: Rory MacDonald, Claude Patrick, Sean Pierson, John Makdessi, Yves Jabouin, Ivan Menjivar, and Jason MacDonald.
This will be the most important fight for a local lad since George Chuvalo fought Muhammad Ali on March 29, 1966 at the hallowed Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens. Big George did not disappoint. He did the city well bravely lasting all fifteen rounds and winning hearts and minds of the local gentry, but not a "W". Mark's stage will be even larger. Breaking into this market, what UFC president Dana White calls " the Mecca of MMA", is a monumental moment. According to the UFC's Tom Wright there should be between 25,000 to 40,000 people rocking under the closed room- that in past days of glory was fondly called SkyDome. The raucous crowd will also celebrate a lifetime of dedication and effort of one of their own. This historic night will be a watershed moment for the Woodbridge native. Although, M.B. is not the catchiest acronym, he will long remember that electric night in Toronto when the locals had plenty of reasons to puff their chests from under their TAPOUT shirts. Where, for the first time since 1993, those attending the domed-stadium had something meaningful to cheer about. And even better, a local reason!
