Last night I watched UFC 79, Nemesis. The second fight of the night was between the African Assassin, Thierry Sokoudjou and Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida.

Thierry Sokoudjou is a spitting image of the Predator. He actually wore a Predator mask during his entrance, which was unnecessary, because the likeness is already daunting. Sokoudjou’s thighs are as big as tree trunks. When he is not training at Team Quest South in Temecula, he is apparently training in the jungle.

Based on looks alone, it seemed he would handle Machida, from Brazil. However, Machida has secured victories over former UFC Middleweight champion Rich Franklin and former UFC Welterweight champion B.J. Penn. Half way through round two he had Sokoudjou in an arm triangle, and added the African Assassin to his list of impressive defeats.

Though full of quirks, Temecula is basically a quaint and quiet town. It is interesting to think that someone who goes by the moniker African Assassin may roam in Old Town Temecula from time to time. I read in a Yahoo sports article that Sokoudjou’s parent’s don’t know about his blossoming fighting career. They think Thierry is hitting the books, in a San Diego college, not breaking faces in the octagon.

Team Quest South
[where: 41561 Date St, Murrieta, CA 92562]
www.teamquestmma.com