Affliction: Banned was a pretty good show…Arlovski, Barnett and Fedor all lived up the hype…Vitor Belfort also displayed some of the power that made him popular earlier in his career. I wasn’t crazy about Megadeth, but a lot better production than EliteXC’s first primetime show. And it was basically an all-star cast of HOF players. I’d say a solid B.
UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Irvin was basically what it was supposed to be. It was a quality show. Great fights with great production value. The UFC put the show together last minute, but Spike and The UFC have done this enough that there were very few if any hiccups. Though there weren’t as many big names on the UFC card, they made up for it with top notch young talent. I’d also give this show a solid B.
I watched both fights side by side to make a comparison. Each show had its ups and downs. I felt Brandon Vera came out extremely cautious and couldn’t finish even though he was obviously in charge the entire fight. It looked to me like he was just trying to get the decision from the very beginning. Matt Lindland looked very slow and winded after the first round, probably ring rust. Babalu looked like a different fighter. Not nearly as intense as other fights in the past, but if his fight would have been in a cage I see him sinking in one of those guillotines and finishing the fight. Hermes Franca looked way overmatched. Maybe ring rust…or maybe Frankie Edgar is that good.
What’s next? Well despite putting on a good show, Affliction has a lot of work ahead of it. The talent roster for the UFC is deep. Unlike the UFC, Affliction will have to compete with other organizations to keep fighters fighting for them. Putting on another all-star show is quite unlikely. And the UFC has most of the all-stars. The only way Affliction can have long term success is by winning the Fedor vs. Randy battle. This is the fight everyone wants to see. Whichever promotion gets this fight first will take a huge step forward. Affliction looks like it’s willing to put up some cash. The UFC might just steal this fight to stick it to them. Obviously Fedor is willing to fight for Affliction. Randy is willing to fight for the UFC. Will Dana White make a move or stick to his guns. Will he let Randy Couture age? Will the UFC tie Randy up in litigation for as long as possible? Hopefully terms will be reached. Maybe we’ll witness a new age in MMA. Co promotion. Only time will tell.
I’m just kidding Dana. UFC 85: BEDLAM will be taking place this Saturday afternoon in London’s O2 Arena. In what was supposed to be a much anticipated fight between Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, fans will instead see former two-time welterweight champ Matt Hughes take on Thiago “Pit-bull” Alves in the main event. I’ve got to give the UFC credit for putting on a decent show despite all the injuries and last minutes substitutions. There are some pretty good match ups despite the criticism Dana White and Co. have faced from almost selling out the fight then having to scratch out the main draw. With competition growing against the UFC, fans are demanding championship caliber fights on every card to dish out $50 for the show on pay-per-view. In my opinion, UFC 85 has delivered.
Don’t count out Matt Hughes just yet. Hughes returns to the cage for the first time since being on the receiving end of a beating at the hands of current welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre. Hughes hasn’t looked as dominating in his last three fights, losing twice to GSP and winning in a cautious decision vs. Chris Lytle, but I see Matt making a big come back against Alves. His wrestling is arguably the best in MMA next to Randy Couture and his ground and pound is second to none. I think Matt’s standup has always been overshadowed by his ground game and some people have overlooked it in the past only to end up eating leather. Hughes is hungry and looking for a big win. Hopefully Hughes isn’t looking past this fight. We all know he can’t wait to fight Matt Serra.
Thiago is a very good young fighter looking to make a name for himself against the greatest welterweight of all time. He has very strong standup and a good ground game, but he needs to keep this standing. Hughes is a very cerebral fighter and will game plan for Alves’ slow starts. I think Thiago will counter this by trying to bring pressure to Hughes early in the first round. “The Pit-bull” will bring a ton of intensity and tenacity to this fight. He will be a handful.
I think Thiago will push the pace early in this fight. He’ll come out swinging hard and will be looking for the explosive knockout. Hughes will stand with him in the first frame. Thiago will get very comfortable tagging Hughes pretty effortlessly. Alves win the first round and bloodies Hughes. The second round will be a different story. Alves will come out wanting to do more of the same as the first round, but Matt Hughes will get a big takedown early in the round. Once in Matt Hughes’ world, Thiago will have a hard time getting out. His ground game isn’t good enough and he will succumb to Matt’s ground and pound. Matt Hughes wins by late second round TKO.
On to the under card:
Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day – Bisping is being spoon fed here. He’s a big favorite and the face of the UFC in the UK. I don’t see this fight lasting very long. This is Bisping’s second fight at 185 lbs and has been training non-stop since January. He’ll be in shape and ready. Day has fought a decent list of fighters, but this will definitely be his biggest test to date. He needs to test Bisping’s cardio. If he’s in better shape he has a chance, but I think Bisping will win by first round TKO.
Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick – This looks to be a very entertaining fight. This is probably the most evenly matched fight on the card. Both fighters will come out swinging and will test each others chins early. I think this will be a great back and forth battle that will last all three rounds. I see Davis having the slight edge in striking and will get the unanimous decision.
Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites – This will be an explosive fight. Nate has fought against Anderson Silva. Almost surviving a round with “The Spider” will make for great ring experience and confidence. I think Thales Leites is a bit overmatched and will be KO’d in the first round.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Brandon Vera – The best fight on the card in my opinion. Brandon Vera ran through everyone he faced in the UFC until he met Tim Sylvia. Vera just seemed to have a tough time getting started against the Maine-iac. I see him bouncing back and looking to go toe-to-toe with Werdum. Fabricio is a master on the ground and has very heavy hands, but lacks form. Brandon Vera will expose the holes in his standup. After being tagged a few times, Werdum will try for the take down. Brandon Vera is good on the ground, but Fabricio is in a different league. Brandon needs to keep this standing. Vera by third round TKO.
WEC 34 should have been dubbed “Overmatched”. Don’t get it wrong, Urijah Faber and Jens Pulver put on quite a show, but I don’t think “The California Kid” was ever really in any trouble. Pulver did tag Faber a couple of times with his patented left, but never posed any threat to the much faster and athletic WEC featherweight champ.
Though Pulver did weather the storm known as Urijah Faber, he just looked a step slow reacting and countering. Jens did neutralize Urijah’s takedown attempts with some pretty impressive sprawls throughout the fight, but couldn’t gain a dominant position while on the ground. The stand up battle was all Faber. Pulver couldn’t seem to react fast enough to Urijah’s straight right, tagging “Lil Evil” whenever he wanted.
Urijah Faber is a freak. His athleticism was way too much for Pulver and has been way too much for everyone he’s faced. His pace and rattle snake quick strikes were the difference in this fight like they’ve been in all of Faber’s fights. Genetics are what beat Jens Pulver Sunday night.
I’m a Jens Pulver fan. I think he’s been overlooked his entire career in MMA. His story is a very inspiring one. He’s persevered where I think others would have crumbled. “Lil Evil” has come out of a tough and abusive childhood to become a proven contender in both the 145 lb and 155 lb weight classes in Pride, the UFC and now WEC. Jens is a former champ and I feel has secured his legacy in this sport. I don’t think he’s done, but where does he go from here?
I think Jens is an in between fighter. His natural weight seems to fall right between the featherweight and lightweight weight limit. Jeff Curran would be an interesting match up and potentially entertaining fight. Curran would probably like to take Pulver to the mat, but I think Jens has enough takedown defense to keep it standing and possibly knock Curran out. The WEC would be smart to convince Pulver to move back up to 155 lbs and take another shot at a champion. I feel Jens would be a good match up for Jaime Varner, current WEC lightweight champ.
Lil Evil lost, but is far from done. He’s proven he still has the heart and desire to train and win. Look for Pulver to be back very soon.
Quick note: Miguel Torres and Yoshiro Maeda stole the weekend in my opinion. Maeda gave Torres fits early on, but Miguel took over late in the fight with his frenetic pace and stiff jab. I think Miguel Torres needs to be considered one of the top 10 pound for pound fighters in the world.
Saturday night we are going to witness history. Saturday night is what I feel will be a make or break moment for MMA Saturday night CBS will be broadcasting live on network television for the very first time in the U.S. a mixed martial arts fight card. Is the mainstream ready?
The Ultimate Fighting Championship debuted in November 1993 and has been fighting an uphill battle ever since. Initially billed as “no holds barred” fighting with only a few rules, many in the general public viewed The UFC as “human #### fighting” and not really as a sport. Fortunately for fans the UFC was purchased by Zuffa, LLC and run by then boxing promoter Dana White. Through White’s vision and leadership, the UFC is no longer viewed as a spectacle, but now as the fastest growing sport in the world. Sport is the key word. Fighters are no longer looked at as bar room brawlers and real world bullies. Rather a MMA fighter is recognized as an athlete that combines physical abilities with technique and skills acquired through mixed martial arts training. Arguably some of the most disciplined athletes in all off sports.
Though many strides have been made, MMA still faces adversity. Some still think the sport is too brutal despite all the rules that have been put in place to protect a fighter’s health. Some see MMA as a trend, something that will pass like grunge music and the wedge haircut. Conversely some have the foresight to see what this sports potential is. Some that see they are sitting on an entertainment goldmine.
EliteXC got lucky. Talk about being at the right place at the right time. They just so happen to be the promotion with the right ties. Everyone thought the UFC would have been the first to break into the mainstream. And just like MMA, so much for what “they” know. Now can EliteXC take advantage of their position? Can a promotion with far fewer top level fighters handle the lime light? Will the average Joe be watching ? All eyes will be focused on the rating charts the day after the show. I bet even Dana will be looking for the numbers. #### see #### do in the TV business. If EliteXC and CBS get the ratings, look for the UFC and NBC to have a deal done by the end of next month. The Ultimate Fighter reality show will be moved to primetime. Good times for fighters and promoters will follow.
Now what if EliteXC and CBS can’t deliver?
Let’s just hope they can.
And I think they can. This card has the potential to cater to all who watch. EliteXC has put together a fight card that features something for all:
Those looking for the spectacle of a street fighter turned legit athlete will get to see Kimbo Slice take on a brute of a man named James Thompson. This is going to be fireworks. No MMA here. Just straight up slugfest with one man standing at the end.
Those looking for something to look at will get Gina Carano. Wow. Beauty, brains and brawn. Already making strides outside of MMA with her stint on American Gladiators, Gina looks to prove she is the real deal on Primetime! Gina will be facing Kaitlin Young, who isn’t too hard on the eyes either. Together they will both be looking to make women’s MMA appealing to both men and women. Third from the top billing…not too bad for a primetime debut!
Those looking for a “real” MMA fight will get to see Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler take on Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith. Both men bring true MMA pedigree with them into the cage Saturday night. Lawler has wins over Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg and has fought in the UFC and now dismembered Pride FC. Scott has also fought in the UFC and Pride FC with wins over Pete Sell and Troy Miller and notable losses to Ed Herman Patrick Cote and James Irvin. Scott even held the WEC light heavyweight title for a bit.
Those looking for professional wrestling entertainment will get to watch Phil Baroni take on Joey Villasenor. The self proclaimed “New York City Badass” Phil Baroni always puts on an entertaining show with his trash talk and fight entrance. Joey Senor looks like a character from a Spanish channel luche libre show with his ####s only haircut and tattooed and quite soft physique. But don’t let his shape fool you. This has the looks to be a stand up brawl between a couple of very entertaining fighters.
Overall I like the card. I feel it will be a very entertaining night. I just hope people turn on the TV. I don’t think CBS has put enough money into promoting what some feel is a historic moment in TV and sports history. I hope CBS doesn’t make MMA look like a spectacle. I hope the other promotions and networks are paying attention. I hope the dancing girls and Busta Ryhmes doesn’t make MMA look like WWE. I hope this doesn’t set the sport back. I hope promoting Kimbo Slice wasn’t a mistake. I hope Kimbo proves all the detractors wrong. There’s a ton of weight on the shoulders of an unproven superstar. I just hope that star shines.
My picks for EliteXC Primetime:
John Murphy vs. Brett Rogers – Both men are relatively unknown outside of the hardcore MMA fans. Rogers has a clearer head coming in the fight and an undefeated record. Murphy has a better gas tank and shows more athleticism. Rogers needs to strike early and often. Rogers gets the first round TKO.
Phil Baroni vs. Joey Villasenor – Both fighters are heavy-handed and this should be a quick and exciting one. I see both men swinging for the fences with Joey Villasenor getting the better of the exchanges. This guy looks like he’s the real deal. Villasenor wins by first round KO.
Gina Carano vs. Kaitlin Young – Gina Carano is the only fighter on the card being lobbed a softball this fight card. Gina will quickly over power her overmatched opponent. I see this being stopped in the first round due to strikes from ground and pound. Gina wins easy.
Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith – This should be a very good and entertaining fight. Both fighters like to throw hands which should equate to a feeling out period in the first frame. Scott will bring pressure to Lawler in the second round, but will eventually be put on his back. I think Smith will survive the second round, but barely. Lawler will pick up where he left off in the second and will finish Scott off mid third round by TKO.
Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson – This one has me thinking. Kimbo is the big time favorite in this fight, nearly 6 to 1. I think Thompson has a better chance than that. He is on a losing streak, but has fought some pretty big names in his career. Both men like to press the action and both will be looking for the knockout. I see Thompson putting Kimbo on his back quickly. He will lay on him for the remainder of the round. Kimbo will come out in the second round looking for Thompson’s take down and will catch him with a big right hand. Kimbo wins via KO early in the second round.
BJ Penn is my second favorite fighter of all time. Arguably the most gifted fighter ever to walk into the cage on any level. He’s scary good and truly believes he’s the greatest MMA fighter on the planet. I doubt Penn would ever turn down a fight at any time in any weight class. Every fight he’s been in has been entertaining and dominating. Even in loss, Penn looks like he won. BJ is a scary good fighter. Mean. Aggressive. Cocky. Exactly what a fighter needs to be. Exactly the sort of thing that makes the fans gravitate towards a guy like BJ Penn.
Complacency.
History has proven that things like money, women and fame have made great fighters complacent. BJ Penn’s self admitted flaw. Effortlessly beating up on your opponents can make you lazy. Training is hard work, harder than most people think. MMA athletes have to be in top form for a fight. The gas tank has to be on full. Top tier fighters are excellent strikers and grapplers…more so they are conditioning freaks with crazy cardio and must have granite chins. BJ Penn is at the top of the food chain. I think he could clear out the light-weight, welter-weight and middle-weight divisions. But why would he? He’s made money. He knows how good he is. What does he have to prove? Here’s the line that separates the good from the great. BJ Penn is reaching for glory. This is the area that makes a man a superstar in this sport. He’s not worried so much about making money. He doesn’t care if you like him or not. The Prodigy is fulfilling his destiny. The Prodigy is on a mission for glory.
I feel for Sean Sherk. He’s in the same place as Rich “Ace” Franklin. It’s tough being the second best fighter in the world in their respective weight divisions. No doubt it’s going to be a great fight. I do see Sherk getting some redemption. He will give Penn a run. Unfortunately for “The Muscle Shark” this isn’t a race.
Predictions:
BJ Penn vs Sean Sherk – Second round TKO. Sherk will push early, but Penn’s superior striking will be the key in this fight.
Wanderlei Silva vs Keith Jardine – This will hopefully be a war. Styles make fights. I see “The Axe Murdere” winning via a big right-handed knock out in the first round.
Wilson Gouveia vs Goran Reljic – Cardio could be an issue for Gouveia. Wilson’s UFC experience will not be enough to beat the bigger and hungry Goran Reljic.
Tito Ortiz vs Lyoto Machida – This is probably the most anticipated fight on this card. Both fighters have something to prove. I see this going the distance. Ortiz will try and stand early, but Machida’s superior striking will make him go back to take downs and ground and pound. I do think Ortiz will frustrate “The Dragon” by leaning/laying on him the entire fight. I’m calling the upset here. Ortiz squeaks out the decision.
Now why for one minute would you think Chuck Liddell's going to pull out of a fight for a reason other than a major injury. The Iceman is one of the the toughest SOB's on this planet! He's battled (and beaten down) a who's who list of top tier fighters in both the UFC and now debunked PrideFC. If any thing Chuck has proven that he deserves the benefit of the doubt!
He's bounced back from losses better than any current fighter on the UFC roster. He lost to Jeremy Horn early in his career by submission...bounced back for 10 straight wins before losing two of his next three matches. Those losses were to some guy named Randy Couture...and an up and coming Quinton Jackson.
I've read Chuck was in a funny funk during this time of his career and life, but just like the true champion he is bounced back to defeat Tito Ortiz..twice and The Natural in their rematch and rubber match. Somewhere between those wins he avenged his loss to Jeremy Horn and beat Renato "Babalu" Sobral...again.
Here's something for you to chew on...Liddell's record has been 1-2 his last 3 fights...I find it eerily similar to the last time Chuck lost two fights during a three fight stretch. The Iceman bounced back from his first Rampage loss to easily beat Tito Ortiz. Reminds me how he defeated Wanderlei Silva in impressive fashion after his loss to Jardine.
Prediction: Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell will be back...better and as determined as ever to make one more run at the Light Heavyweight Title. With the way he looked against The Axe Murderer...I say Rashad Evans is getting off easy...and I feel sorry for his next opponent.
Last thing: Chuck has proven he has a lion's heart in and out of the ring...I can only imagine how dissappointing it was for him to make the call and drop the Evans fight. The former champ is one of the reason's the UFC is where it's at today. I think we need to respect the future Hall of Famer and rest any rumors that might errupt. Rest up and get better Chuck. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I'm a wanna be fighter that loves the sport of MMA. I'd like to give you all a fresh perspective of what I feel is the greatest sport on earth. Hopefully you enjoy!
