The MMA Thread

[SmoovD]

B.J. Penn (No. 9 WW) vs. Nick Diaz (No. 5 WW)
Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione
Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop
Mirko Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson
Jeff Curran vs. Scott Jorgensen
Dennis Siver vs. Donald Cerrone
Bart Palaszewski vs. Tyson Griffin
Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall

Even without GSP the card looks decent. Lotts "ifs" and "maybes" on this card. If BJ has trained enough and focused I think he takes Nick. Same scenario with Mirko but I don't think he has enough to beat Nelson at this stage in his career. The FON for me is Siver/Cerrone...looking for battle between those two.

Bellator also has a card this Saturday, with Askren/Hieron. Good measuring stick for Askren's growth and I think he surpasses expectations.

[AFCBradyfan12]

You missed the point again. Let's move on.

I agree with you about Sonnen being TKOed. I'd really like him to win, but I don't see it happening. Let's focus on the outcome of the bout rather than the politics.

I respect your opinion and all, but I don't think Silva is a coward. As much I like Sonnen to defeat Silva, I know deep down he can't. Sonnen is a one-dimensional fighter, he's got a good ground game, but can't spare with Silva and last very long. His best weapon is to aggressively attack Silva as soon as they ring the bell and try to take down Silva asap.

But, you're right. Let's move on. This fight isn't for another 4 months...assuimg Dana White makes it happen.

[The Nid Hog]

B.J. Penn (No. 9 WW) vs. Nick Diaz (No. 5 WW)
Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione
Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop
Mirko Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson
Jeff Curran vs. Scott Jorgensen
Dennis Siver vs. Donald Cerrone
Bart Palaszewski vs. Tyson Griffin
Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall

[kroberts]

Non-MMA related, but did anyone else catch that Hopkins vs Dawson fight? The 2nd round was just bizarre. Aftermath is still being sorted I guess, though it seems the WBO(?) is going to have Hopkins keep the belt.

[TimmyBoston]

Non-MMA related, but did anyone else catch that Hopkins vs Dawson fight? The 2nd round was just bizarre. Aftermath is still being sorted I guess, though it seems the WBO(?) is going to have Hopkins keep the belt.

I missed it, what happened?

[SmoovD]

I missed it, what happened?

Hopkins got dumped and hurt his shoulder. The ref stopped the bout and awarded the title to Dawson because Hopkins couldn't continue. It has since been overturned and the title returned to Hopkins. I think that is about it.

[TimmyBoston]

Hopkins got dumped and hurt his shoulder. The ref stopped the bout and awarded the title to Dawson because Hopkins couldn't continue. It has since been overturned and the title returned to Hopkins. I think that is about it.

Found it on youtube. With boxing like that, thank goodness we have mma. :wink:

[jmorris]

I missed it, what happened?
You didn't miss anything. I, on the other hand, am missing a precious 10 minutes of my life due to watching that crapola.

[TimmyBoston]

I lost a lot of respect for the UFC after that event.

[Sullybob]

I lost a lot of respect for the UFC after that event.

How come? I didn't see all of the BJ Diaz fight but it didn't look like BJ really wanted to be there. And it didn't look like he was really in shape (for a professional athlete), Nick saying that GSP has been ducking him after the fight was absurd. I'm glad to see Crocop retire.

[TimmyBoston]

How come? I didn't see all of the BJ Diaz fight but it didn't look like BJ really wanted to be there. And it didn't look like he was really in shape (for a professional athlete), Nick saying that GSP has been ducking him after the fight was absurd. I'm glad to see Crocop retire.

Carlos Condit got screwed because Diaz was talking smack. Condit is now out of the line for a title shot and Diaz will be fighting GSP at the PPV right before the Superbowl. It's garbage. Diaz shouldn't be rewarding for being the trash he is, and I'm sorry BJ Penn lost real interest in fighting a long time ago, he was totally gassed by the end of the first round, beating him wasn't exactly that impressive.

[Sullybob]

Carlos Condit got screwed because Diaz was talking smack. Condit is now not in line for a title shot and Diaz will be fighting GSP at the PPV right before the Superbowl. It's garbage. Diaz shouldn't be rewarding for being the trash he is, and I'm sorry BJ Penn lost real interest in fighting a long time ago, he was totally gassed by the end of the first round, beating him wasn't exactly that impressive.

I agree with everything you said! The whole GSP, BJ, Diaz, Condit debacle is way to much like WWE for me. and I really can't understand why Condit would step down to give Diaz a title shot ahead of his title shot. It's insanity. Now Diaz is puffing up his chest and he gets another shot at the title? He should really fight some other guys in the division first. If he gets through them, then he should get a shot at the title. What make Dana think that Diaz is going to do anything different this time around?

[The Nid Hog]

How come? I didn't see all of the BJ Diaz fight but it didn't look like BJ really wanted to be there. And it didn't look like he was really in shape (for a professional athlete), Nick saying that GSP has been ducking him after the fight was absurd. I'm glad to see Crocop retire.

I didn't think it was such a bad event--certainly far from the best, but it was OK. Poor Crocop should have gone out a long time ago--I'm glad to see that this was the last. I thought that the Kongo fight wasn't very exciting and this also puts the breaks on Mitrione's rise for a while.

Penn v. Diaz didn't really clarify anything. I can't say that I'm surprised that BJ is hanging it up, but I expected him to do better against Diaz. Things really did turn out great for Diaz, didn't they? If his bout with GSP had gone off as planned and he got beat, he would have had one fight and then dropped back to the back of the queue. Now, by being a bad boy, he's got one big payday under his belt and is going to get his GSP fight anyway. But a faded, unmotivated Penn still doesn't give us a good idea about how he's going to do against GSP. I would frankly be astonished if he won, but I couldn't say if it's going to be close or not. Right now, my gut feeling is that it won't be.

Since they're bringing people over from Strikeforce, I'd like to see them go for Melendez. I think he'd be a good fight for Edgar.

[TimmyBoston]

Condit's agent is now reported that Carlos did not step aside from the shot, but he was removed to be replaced by Diaz. If true, that's really wrong.

Any predictions for Leben/Munoz this weekend? If it goes past round 3, I expect Munoz to have quite an advantage.

[The Nid Hog]

Any predictions for Leben/Munoz this weekend? If it goes past round 3, I expect Munoz to have quite an advantage.

If I were Munoz, I'd get it to the ground and keep it there. He probably ought to win, but I wouldn't put any money on him.

[TimmyBoston]

If I were Munoz, I'd get it to the ground and keep it there. He probably ought to win, but I wouldn't put any money on him.

I'm a big Leben fan, his style is one of my favorites. But I don't think Munoz will strike with him, I think he will take it to the ground and grind him.

[Sullybob]

I'm a big Leben fan as well. Chris via KO/TKO.

[The Nid Hog]

Missed the event, so I went to the UFC site on Roku to watch. They want $9.99 for an event that was free OTA! Come on, Zuffa--meet me halfway!

[Sullybob]

Missed the event, so I went to the UFC site on Roku to watch. They want $9.99 for an event that was free OTA! Come on, Zuffa--meet me halfway!

That's crazy.

It was a pretty good event. I was sorry to see Chris get cut. I hope he bounces back quickly.

[The Nid Hog]

I just read that Leben cut 21 pounds in the 24 hours before the fight. That's insane. No wonder he got thrashed.

[Sullybob]

I just read that Leben cut 21 pounds in the 24 hours before the fight. That's insane. No wonder he got thrashed.

I just read that too and it is insane. Who does he train with? I think that he could be great if he was in the right camp.

[TimmyBoston]

I just read that Leben cut 21 pounds in the 24 hours before the fight. That's insane. No wonder he got thrashed.

I haven't heard that, but jeesh, that's a ton in 24 hours. He's got to get a nutrionist. I like Leben, but I've heard a lot of good things about Munoz about a human being not just as a fighter. People say he's one of the classiest guys in mma. I hope he has continued success. I read an article yesterday, that Silva doesn't want to fight Sonnen again and is looking for a new opponent one he hasn't beaten, if that's the case, I'd say Munoz would be at the top of the list.

[The Nid Hog]

I just read that too and it is insane. Who does he train with? I think that he could be great if he was in the right camp.

I don't think that he's with a big camp--I think that he's working out of a place in Hawaii where he's the big name. Icon Fitness & MMA.

Leben has a lot of heart, but he's got a lot of mileage, taken a lot of damage, and been pretty wild too. I don't think he's got much left.

[The Nid Hog]

Anybody know how the broadcast is going to work this weekend for Velasquez v. Dos Santos? I know that there are other fights on the card, but I heard that Fox is only showing the title bout. What gives? Will the rest be on facebook?

[Sullybob]

It looks like all of the other fights will be on facebook and on fox sports.

[The Nid Hog]

I read Dana's justification of it and I have to say I'm disappointed. I don't want to keep switching platforms to watch an event. I hope that, in the future, they run the whole card.

[Sullybob]

It would be great if it was all on the same platform but I'm really happy that it's another free UFC this month. Hopefully they can broadcast all the fights on Fox. That would be awesome.

[TimmyBoston]

From what I read, it was Fox's call to only air only the one fight. I'm really bummed about it myself, Bendo/Guilda could be fight of the year. The prelims will be on facebook as well as Fox's website. Additionally Fox Deportes (their Spanish language channel) will be airing B/G as well as two other fights. I'm still holding onto the hope that the Bendo Guida will be good enough that they show the replay on the Fox broadcast.

For future PPV's FX will air the "Spike" card, while the other prelims will air on Fuel TV. It's rumored FX will air future seasons of the Ultimate Fighter.

[The Nid Hog]

From what I read, it was Fox's call to only air only the one fight. I'm really bummed about it myself, Bendo/Guilda could be fight of the year. The prelims will be on facebook as well as Fox's website. Additionally Fox Deportes (their Spanish language channel) will be airing B/G as well as two other fights. I'm still holding onto the hope that the Bendo Guida will be good enough that they show the replay on the Fox broadcast.

For future PPV's FX will air the "Spike" card, while the other prelims will air on Fuel TV. It's rumored FX will air future seasons of the Ultimate Fighter.

FX would be a good fit. It's like Spike without the lousy programming.

[brucered]

so is the Henderson/Guida fight on the main card televised, or just on FB?

[TimmyBoston]

fox.com

[kroberts]

Here's to hoping we have a great fight tonight so Fox picks up some more cards and includes some undercards as well!

[kroberts]

And I already hate the NFL Pregame feel to this broadcast.

[The Nid Hog]

That awesome Marine commercial raises the stakes.

[The Nid Hog]

What a shot--Cain was poleaxed.

[rockviper]

The Big Boys hit hard.

[kroberts]

Damn good thing that wasnt a PPV

[Sullybob]

That awesome Marine commercial raises the stakes.

Yes it did.


What a shot--Cain was poleaxed.

No kidding, it looked like the last punch or two knocked him back to consciousness.


The Big Boys hit hard.

No kidding. I remember when Cain hit Brock and knocked him silly.


Damn good thing that wasnt a PPV

It would have been like some of the old Tyson PPV's.


And I already hate the NFL Pregame feel to this broadcast.

Me too.

[Pgg365247]

Damn good thing that wasnt a PPV
Indeed! :thumbsup:

I have to say that I really like Dos Santos... He seems like he was raised the right way.

[Sullybob]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_LUaHiLruE&feature=player_embedded#!

Here's a fun video of Chael Sonnen. I really can't stand him.

[SmoovD]

Let's go Hendo! I don't even know who is on the rest of the card....work has been a beast.

[TimmyBoston]

That's one of the best cards I've ever seen.

[The Nid Hog]

Man, that last fight was unbelievable. Regardless of the title picture, I'd like to see those guys fight again. they way they looked after the fight, it's going to be a while before they are back up to speed for another bout with anybody. I have to watch it again this week. Sounds like the Alvarez fight at Bellator was pretty good too.

[rockviper]

Sounds like the Alvarez fight at Bellator was pretty good too.
It was! The first round was once of the best I've seen in a long time.

[brucered]

just watching the MainEvent now.....Best Fight i've seen in a LONG LONG time.....

[Sullybob]

I've only seen the last three fights so far and they were really great.

[TimmyBoston]

I wasn't excited for that card much at all, boy was I wrong. That PPV was top notch! I expected Shogun to destroy Hendo, Henderson looked great in the first 3 rounds. He may be in the title picture for 185 or 205.

[TimmyBoston]

Who takes it Miller or Bisping?

[jmorris]

Fedor won his match that night as well. I didn't get to see it but it sounds like he won in good fashion. I hope he can string together a few more wins against good opponents so that he can get back to fighting some of the top tier guys again.

[Sullybob]

Who takes it Miller or Bisping?

I really want Miller to take it.

That said, does Miller have a good chance of beating Bisping?

[AFCBradyfan12]

Will we then have to endure posts that Jones was exposed or overrated? When determining greatness a big facet for me is excellence over an extended time.

[Badger & Bengall]

I think Jones needs a loss to show his true character. I'm behind Machida on this one.

[The Nid Hog]

Will we then have to endure posts that Jones was exposed or overrated? When determining greatness a big facet for me is excellence over an extended time.

That's exactly what's going to happen. All of the guys who jump on the newest bandwagon will be the first ones to pile on Jones as soon as he loses.

I don't know if he's going to lose to Machida or not. I think that Machida certainly has a chance. Of course, I thought that Shogun had a better chance than he did (but Shogun is so infuriatingly unreliable, regardless of how injured he happened to be when he got into the cage). But I'm pretty sure that he won't take an unbeaten streak into retirement. It'll be interesting to see what happens to him when he does lose.

[ouch]

Everyone needs competition to shine. Ali got better after his loss to Frazier.

Machida is an enigma. He looks physically unintimidating, yet is one of the hardest guys to hit I've ever seen. He has a shot, and if nothing else he may show just how good Jones is.

[AFCBradyfan12]

I think Jones needs a loss to show his true character. I'm behind Machida on this one.

The only advantage Jones has, is his reach advantage. But, I really think Machida can exploit him and frustrate him.

[brucered]

anyone else watching the UFC TUF finale tonight?

HOLD CRAP.....it's actually good, and FREE

[Sullybob]

anyone else watching the UFC TUF finale tonight?

HOLD CRAP.....it's actually good, and FREE

I am. I'm pretty impressed with the fights so far.

[rockviper]

Yes indeed. Some of the prelims were VERY good as well. I don't know if Bisping-Miller will live up to the standard set by the two TUF Finals fights.

[rockviper]

Bwaaahhhaaaaaahaaaaa!!!
Check out Miller's shorts/underwear!! Well, at least it's not a thong!

[brucered]

Bwaaahhhaaaaaahaaaaa!!!
Check out Miller's shorts/underwear!! Well, at least it's not a thong!

yes, the shorts were pretty bad....

wow, did MAYHEM ever look bad.....i wanted him to perform well, i thought he was a very good coach, good personality, but his performance does not warrant antoher Main Event or high profile fight

[TimmyBoston]

Miller looked sickly before the fight, he looked terrible in the fight.

The guys from the show looked great. We might actually get some worthwhile contenders.

[TimmyBoston]

I think between Jones speed and reach, I think he will neutralize Machida's unique style with ease.

[TimmyBoston]

Everyone needs competition to shine. Ali got better after his loss to Frazier.

Machida is an enigma. He looks physically unintimidating, yet is one of the hardest guys to hit I've ever seen. He has a shot, and if nothing else he may show just how good Jones is.

Jay!!! I didn't know you were an mma fan, awesome buddy!

[The Nid Hog]

Miller is a funny guy, and I get a kick out of his antics. He's just not a top level fighter. On the other hand, Bisping is a little bit better than all of his detractors (and I am definitely one of them) would like him to be. Zuffa was probably delighted with how this turned out and the way it plays into their plans to dominate the UK market. I hope that whoever gets matched to Bisping next delivers a Henderson-level beating. Mayhem can happily return to his day job.

[brucered]

Miller looked sickly before the fight, he looked terrible in the fight.

The guys from the show looked great. We might actually get some worthwhile contenders.

+1. i think he make a great on air personality as far as a commentator or host of a show etc, but as a fighter, he's not UFC material.

[ouch]

Jay!!! I didn't know you were an mma fan, awesome buddy!

I've been watching it since they were poking each other in the eyes and kicking 'em while they're down in the early 90's.

[rockviper]

Steel sharpens steel.

[jmorris]

At this point in time, Jones has already proven that he is an extremely good fighter. The 205lb weight class in the UFC is a stacked division. I don't believe for a second that you can be a "champ" in this division by chance.

The way Jones is fighting right now, I believe he will win the fight against Machida but I still wouldn't be surprised if Machida pulls a win either because he is an extremely good fighter as well.

[AFCBradyfan12]

At this point in time, Jones has already proven that he is an extremely good fighter. The 205lb weight class in the UFC is a stacked division. I don't believe for a second that you can be a "champ" in this division by chance.

The way Jones is fighting right now, I believe he will win the fight against Machida but I still wouldn't be surprised if Machida pulls a win either because he is an extremely good fighter as well.

Don't forget Steven Seagal AND Anderson Silva are both training him. That is HUGE advantage for Machida. Especially considering Silva is arguably the best p4p fighter in the UFC.

[jmorris]

Don't forget Steven Seagal AND Anderson Silva are both training him. That is HUGE advantage for Machida. Especially considering Silva is arguably the best p4p fighter in the UFC.
Speaking of Silva, I've said it before and I'll say it again; if he really wants to test his abilities, he'd move to 205 to fight Jones, especially if Jones wins this next fight.

[TimmyBoston]

+1. i think he make a great on air personality as far as a commentator or host of a show etc, but as a fighter, he's not UFC material.

I think he's good enough to be in the UFC, but I don't think he'll ever be good enough to be a champion, but I think he can be a solid midpack 185er. This is based on considerable improvement to his cardio.

[TimmyBoston]

Speaking of Silva, I've said it before and I'll say it again; if he really wants to test his abilities, he'd move to 205 to fight Jones, especially if Jones wins this next fight.

I could not agree more. I hate that Silva is still at 185. He needs to move up or retire.

[commanderkeen]

Jones is a tough opponent because he can keep his distance and deliver lightning fast kicks to anywhere on the opponents body. If someone dives in on him (which I haven't really seen yet) his wrestling is strong enough to where he will wind up on top.

I say Machida could be able to surprise Jones and win but from where I am sitting, that's a bet I'm not willing to make.

So, Jones is my horse.

[The Nid Hog]

I could not agree more. I hate that Silva is still at 185. He needs to move up or retire.

I don't think that Silva needs to do that at all. He isn't preventing anybody from fighting him at 185, and I don't think that he needs to drop down to fight GSP or move up to fight Jones. I don't think that Jones needs to cut to fight Silva either, or move up to fight JDS. They're fine where they are. Zuffa needs to get out there and get some better competition for them. In the whole wide world there's nobody else at 185? I find that hard to believe. Demanding that Silva move up or down is like that movie Redbelt, where you impose a handicap on the better fighter. Silva wasn't the world's best fighter when he started off--he worked hard and progressed. I think it's fine to let him rule the roost until somebody can kick him out. Or he can retire when he's ready. Besides, who knows what he's going to be like when he comes back from his shoulder injury. This could be the beginning of the end of the end for him. Nobody stays on top forever.

Personally, I'm fine to see Silva fight the winner of Munoz/Sonnen. After that, he should fight Bisping too (before sending him back to Palookaville, or Palookashire, as I guess it's called in the UK). In the meantime, they'll be new guys moving up. It always happens.

[ouch]

After that, he should fight Bisping too (before sending him back to Palookaville, or Palookashire, as I guess it's called in the UK).

Now that's funny.

[jmorris]

I don't think that Silva needs to do that at all. He isn't preventing anybody from fighting him at 185, and I don't think that he needs to drop down to fight GSP or move up to fight Jones. I don't think that Jones needs to cut to fight Silva either, or move up to fight JDS. They're fine where they are.
I'm going to cut your reply off there because I don't think you understand or realize something that goes on with this type of sport and that is that these guys don't walk around at the weight they are weighing in at the day before a fight. To expect Jones to go down 2 weight classes, when he probably just makes weight for the weight class he is fighting in, is a bit too much to ask. Have guys done it before? Absolutely. But it would probably make more sense for Anderson Silva to fight in a weight class in which he probably walks around every day at. I wouldn't be surprised if his regular weight was even over 205lb, which is also why I think it's a bit ridiculous to think he should go down to GSP's division to fight him.

[The Nid Hog]

I'm going to cut your reply off there because I don't think you understand or realize something that goes on with this type of sport and that is that these guys don't walk around at the weight they are weighing in at the day before a fight. To expect Jones to go down 2 weight classes, when he probably just makes weight for the weight class he is fighting in, is a bit too much to ask. Have guys done it before? Absolutely. But it would probably make more sense for Anderson Silva to fight in a weight class in which he probably walks around every day at. I wouldn't be surprised if his regular weight was even over 205lb, which is also why I think it's a bit ridiculous to think he should go down to GSP's division to fight him.

Wow, jmorris, that's pretty bold to suggest that I don't understand or realize the finer points about this type of sport. I'm going to assume that comes off weirder in print than you meant it to be, unless (unbeknownst to me), we're actually buddies in the real world and you know all about me. More to the point, I'm not sure how what you're saying adds or subtracts anything from my point. Which was that I can't see any reason for a fighter to move to another weight class when he is perfectly set where he is. I didn't say anything about how easy or difficult it is to cut or to put on weight. Simply, if a fighter is dominating the weight class, what incentive does he have to move? None. Why should he threaten his livelihood unless he's determined to hold belts in several divisions or he gets tired of cutting weight. Otherwise, I think it's on the promotion to find him more challenging opponents.

[jmorris]

Wow, jmorris, that's pretty bold to suggest that I don't understand or realize the finer points about this type of sport. I'm going to assume that comes off weirder in print than you meant it to be, unless (unbeknownst to me), we're actually buddies in the real world and you know all about me.
To be perfectly honest, I just realized that I totally misread the part of your reply that I quoted. So I apologize! For some reason that I don't even know or could explain right now, I read it as you saying people should have to cut weight to fight him. Not sure how the hell I read it that way.

[The Nid Hog]

No worries. I'm always half-reading posts and getting fired up, only to realize that I've overreacted.

[rockviper]

UFC 140 prelims streaming on Facebook now. (You have to "LIKE" UFC to get them, but I always "Unlike" the page afterwards so my FB doesn't get flooded with UFC spam)

[brucered]

UFC 140 prelims streaming on Facebook now. (You have to "LIKE" UFC to get them, but I always "Unlike" the page afterwards so my FB doesn't get flooded with UFC spam)

+1 i do the same...i'll have to miss them tonight though, pizza and movie night with the kids and wife. i'll catch up on the TV prelims tomorrow

[brucered]

just checked...2HRS or prelims on rogers sportsnet...i missed the 1st couple of minutes on the PVR, but lots of prelims free on HD tv....nice.

[rockviper]

oooooohhhh Yeah!!! That was NICE .....
watching Tito get smashed by Lil' Nog :001_tt1:

[jmorris]

oof! Those were some heavy body shots.

[SmoovD]

Brutal night of fights.

[jmorris]

I really thought that Machida was going to give Jones a run for his money after the first round. That gash above his head really was the beginning of the end. Great night of fights, that's for sure!

[SmoovD]

I really thought that Machida was going to give Jones a run for his money after the first round. That gash above his head really was the beginning of the end. Great night of fights, that's for sure!

In hindsight, I would have to think that, like Spider does, Jones took the first round to get a read on his opponent.

[brucered]

great PPV if you ask me...lots of good fights, stoppages, submissions, broken arms (ew, that was gross) and both MainEvens were quite entertaining.

[AFCBradyfan12]

He has the superior wrestling skills and has the knock out power to KO Jones and he's trained with him so he knows his weaknesses. Dan Handerson is too old and isn't quick enough to deliver the H-Bomb. Jones' reach and height, not to mention his wrestling skills are too much for Hendo.

With that being said, Jon Jones still sucks!! I don't care if he beat Machida.

Am I the only one who thinks he should move on to HW division if he beats either Rashad or Hendo or anyone else that'll challange him for the title? lol Dos Santos vs. Jones...Lesner would rip Jones apart.

[AFCBradyfan12]

Wow, what a win. Chump move by Jones to drop Machida like that. Once a chump, always a chump. Great fighter, but terrible human being.

[SmoovD]

Wow, what a win. Chump move by Jones to drop Machida like that. Once a chump, always a chump. Great fighter, but terrible human being.

Really? Maybe if Machida had tapped he wouldn't have been subjected such harsh treatment?

[SmoovD]

You don't like Bones. And that is okay.

BTW- Vlad, Bader and Hamill also had better wrestling creds than Jones...look where that got them.

[mmadha]

Why all the hate for Jon Jones recently? The guy is an outstanding fighter, that is usually exciting, and brings a unique skill set into the octagon.

That being said, anyone can get caught in MMA at any time. This is what makes Anderson's title defense streak so impressive. Eventually, Bones' frame will continue to grow and he will be a HW but I would expect a few more title defenses until then.

[azmark]

Why all the hate for Jon Jones recently? .

If you have haters then you're probably doing something right.

Jones is the real deal but that definitely doesn't mean that one wild punch won't take him out. But with all great fighters his time is coming but not anytime soon.

[BingeAndPurge]

Didn't Henderson just knock out a much younger Bisping a year ago? Didn't he take Anderson Silva to the bell? Wasn't he a US team wrestler? Not to say he is going to beat Jones, but I do think this goes against a lot of what you just said. To say a guy stinks who is the champ in the deepest division in the UFC is absurd.

[commanderkeen]

Wow, what a win. Chump move by Jones to drop Machida like that. Once a chump, always a chump. Great fighter, but terrible human being.

I don't know if Jones noticed that Machida was limp. Especially with Machida's arm holding up, it's really not the fighter's fault at that point because if he would have let go and Machida was not out, then he wouldn't have won at that point. Either way you look at it, the choke wasn't held for all that long to cause any serious damage to Machida's brain.

Jones is a tough one to beat, it will be interesting to see how long he can hold on to the title.

[jmorris]

I don't know if Jones noticed that Machida was limp. Especially with Machida's arm holding up, it's really not the fighter's fault at that point because if he would have let go and Machida was not out, then he wouldn't have won at that point. Either way you look at it, the choke wasn't held for all that long to cause any serious damage to Machida's brain.

Jones is a tough one to beat, it will be interesting to see how long he can hold on to the title.
Jones said in a post fight interview that he knew Machida was out.

Either way, I don't think anyone is really qualified to say what he should or should not have done, unless they have been in the middle of the octagon with their adrenaline pumping to the max after beating one of the greatest fighters in the sport. It's not like he kicked him while he was down; the ref jumped in and said it was over and he let go.

[commanderkeen]

Jones said in a post fight interview that he knew Machida was out.

Either way, I don't think anyone is really qualified to say what he should or should not have done, unless they have been in the middle of the octagon with their adrenaline pumping to the max after beating one of the greatest fighters in the sport. It's not like he kicked him while he was down; the ref jumped in and said it was over and he let go.

I didn't watch the post fight, and that paraphrase of Jones is all out of context. Either that means that he knew Machida was out right before the fight was called or he knew for say longer then 30sec before the fight was called.

Could you clarify which of those is the case? Either way I don't think he should have let go any earlier then the fight being called but in the second case he could have asked the ref to call it earlier.

[brucered]

bottom line....you do NOT stop fighting, until the referee stops you! i've seen it a bunch of times, where someone walk away with their back to them, breaks early or whatever, then gets wolloped.

[The Nid Hog]

bottom line....you do NOT stop fighting, until the referee stops you! i've seen it a bunch of times, where someone walk away with their back to them, breaks early or whatever, then gets wolloped.

That's right--it's on the ref to stop it. I think that Jones showed a lot of poise in that fight. It'll be interesting to see how his career develops.

[jmorris]

I didn't watch the post fight, and that paraphrase of Jones is all out of context. Either that means that he knew Machida was out right before the fight was called or he knew for say longer then 30sec before the fight was called.

Could you clarify which of those is the case? Either way I don't think he should have let go any earlier then the fight being called but in the second case he could have asked the ref to call it earlier.
What difference does it make? You don't stop fighting until the ref says that it is over.

[brucered]

he let go as soon as the ref told him to stop....it's not up to him to jones to stop or back off...it's not up to jones to lower his unconcious opponent to the ground.

i'd rather see him drop his unconcious opponent (not his fault) then hit him after the bell, hold on longer then needed.

is anyone even complaining or mentioning that Mir broke a mans arm after he tapped...again, not his fault, as just because someone taps, you do NOT stop, you wait for the referee to stop it, or the opponent will say "no i didn't tap"..

jones did NOTHING wrong here, he's a fighter and we went in and fought fair until the ref told him to stop.

[jmorris]

Even Machida thinks it's a little ridiculous to have expected Jones to hold him up after he learned he was knocked out.

http://sportv.globo.com/site/eventos/combate/noticia/2011/12/sem-esquecer-derrota-lyoto-machida-so-pensa-na-revanche-ficou-entalado.html

For those who do not speak Portuguese: http://translate.google.com/

[The Nid Hog]

Melendez to UFC? Thoughts?

[brucered]

Melendez to UFC? Thoughts?

i hope he does well...i haven't see much of him, but from what i've seen, i've been quite impressed...

[SmoovD]

Gil is talented but the fight against Masvidal was nothing special. I don't know what Masvidal was thinking but he was not ready for that fight. He looked awful. Gil looked good in the stand up but his TD attempts got stuffed. I think it would be a great match if they could get Edgar and Gil in the ring though I think Edgar handles him.

[brucered]

sounds like melendez is NOT moving to the UFC..story here (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/987820-gilbert-melendez-is-not-ready-for-frankie-edgar-or-the-ufc)

[The Nid Hog]

I don't think Melendez looked that great in his last fight, but Ithink he could hold his own in the UFC. I think they should bring him over and give him a couple of tune ups first. Sink or swim. If they don't (and life with Zuffa changes daily), I say make a Strikeforce fight with Eddie Alvarez.

[TimmyBoston]

Melendez is certainly good enough to get a chance to compete in the UFC, but his claims that he's number 1 in the world is laughable, he has beaten one 10 top guy in his career and that was 2006, that was Clay Guida who has improved drastically in that amount of time, not to mention that neither of them were top 10 back then. And a pre-emptive strike, Aoki is NOT 10 ten, nowhere near.

With the new stikefarce deal with Showtime, GIl will have to stay put for the time being. Bringing over Eddie Alvarez is the only chance at a moderately decent opponent that he will get.

[The Nid Hog]

Picks for UFC 141

Zuffa rings in the new year a day early. Any picks?

Lesnar vs Overeem

Diaz vs Cerrone

Fitch vs Hendricks

Matyushenko vs Gustafsson

Phan vs Hettes

Pearson vs Assuncao

Njokuani vs Castillo

Kim vs Pierson

Volkmann vs Escudero

Riddle vs Ramos

Gamburyan vs Nunes

[azmark]

How the heck does Diaz not make weight? Dana looked pissed :lol:

[TimmyBoston]

My picks:

Lesnar vs Overeem

Diaz vs Cerrone

Fitch vs Hendricks

Matyushenko vs Gustafsson

Phan vs Hettes

Pearson vs Assuncao

Njokuani vs Castillo

Kim vs Pierson

Volkmann vs Escudero

Riddle vs Ramos

Gamburyan vs Nunes



I am a Brock fan, but he lacks the standup game to compete with Overeem, still I'll be rooting for him.

I hope Cerrone retires Diaz. I hate that punk.

Fitch grinds out another decision.

Gustaffson continues his rise up the 205 ladder with a win over the Janitor.

I don't like Phan, but I think he'll win.

[TimmyBoston]

How the heck does Diaz not make weight? Dana looked pissed :lol:

That is one of the things Dana really hates, if you miss weight then lose, you often get fired. Nate Diaz getting fired.....how wonderful!!!

[Sullybob]

Lesnar vs Overeem

Diaz vs Cerrone

Fitch vs Hendricks

Matyushenko vs Gustafsson

Phan vs Hettes

Pearson vs Assuncao

Njokuani vs Castillo

Kim vs Pierson

Volkmann vs Escudero

Riddle vs Ramos

Gamburyan vs Nunes

I think that if Brock doesn't get it to the ground he is in serious trouble. I think that Brock will be able to out work Overeem and just wear hime down.

[azmark]

That is one of the things Dana really hates, if you miss weight then lose, you often get fired. Nate Diaz getting fired.....how wonderful!!!

Rightfully so. 1 pound isn't going to make a difference anyway but the reality is that he is getting paid to do something so Dana has a right to get heated.

[The Nid Hog]

Rightfully so. 1 pound isn't going to make a difference anyway but the reality is that he is getting paid to do something so Dana has a right to get heated.

Looks like they renegotiated the contract, so Diaz' cut of the purse is intact. The only thing I'd get out of it--unless this is some screwy Stockton strategy (which I don't believe for a minute)--is that Nate had a tough cut. We'll see once the cage door closes.

[azmark]

Looks like they renegotiated the contract, so Diaz' cut of the purse is intact. The only thing I'd get out of it--unless this is some screwy Stockton strategy (which I don't believe for a minute)--is that Nate had a tough cut. We'll see once the cage door closes.

Diaz's problem is that he is all over the board in weight. It will be a good fight regardless.

[The Nid Hog]

Not a bad card last night. Some surprises--I didn't expect Fitch to get starched so quickly. Overeem looked like he did when he dominated Aerts in the K-1 Grand Prix. I think that there are still some questions about his fit for the UFC, but his next fight should clear that up. Brock ended his career looking like Bob Sapp 2.0. I guess that he brought a bigger audience to the UFC, but I can't say that I enjoyed his MMA run very much. Both UFC and Pride have a long history of freakshow fights, but that's what I enjoy the least. Hopefully the UFC will sustain its popularity on Fox without guys like Kimbo and Brock. Diaz also surprised me with his dominant showing against Cerrone. His striking was sharp, but Cerrone looked terrible. I look forward to seeing what he does with a fighter who comes to fight, not an irrelevant Gomi or a paralyzed Cerrone.

[brucered]

Not a bad card last night. Some surprises--I didn't expect Fitch to get starched so quickly. Overeem looked like he did when he dominated Aerts in the K-1 Grand Prix. I think that there are still some questions about his fit for the UFC, but his next fight should clear that up. Brock ended his career looking like Bob Sapp 2.0. I guess that he brought a bigger audience to the UFC, but I can't say that I enjoyed his MMA run very much. Both UFC and Pride have a long history of freakshow fights, but that's what I enjoy the least. Hopefully the UFC will sustain its popularity on Fox without guys like Kimbo and Brock. Diaz also surprised me with his dominant showing against Cerrone. His striking was sharp, but Cerrone looked terrible. I look forward to seeing what he does with a fighter who comes to fight, not an irrelevant Gomi or a paralyzed Cerrone.

+1 on everything.

fitch going out early not expected
cerrone looked terrible
overeem looked sharp
heddis? opening fight, and Dias both looked fantastic

a couple of ?'s...who's the little guy in the suit (no tie) that comes in after every single fight and is 1st to congratulate the winner?
why did hendrix trainer cut part of his beard off after the fight?

[TimmyBoston]

.who's the little guy in the suit (no tie) that comes in after every single fight and is 1st to congratulate the winner?


Lorenzo Fertitta.

[brucered]

Lorenzo Fertitta.

good to know..i thought that's who it might but, but it he doesn't look like the odd time i've seen him in interviews and online etc..

the guy who comes in after has more hair and dark black hair...is that really Lorenzo? he comes in after every fight to congrat the winner, so would make sense

see pic below from the opening fight the other night:
209852

here is a google image..they might be same guy, but sure looks different with a full head of hair and no grey beard :confused1
209898

[The Nid Hog]

The little guy is Joe Silva, the matchmaker.

[brucered]

The little guy is Joe Silva, the matchmaker.

thanks Nid Hog...i knew the name and what he does, as all the post fight interviews, they always talk about "whoever joe silva sets me up with" etc.

much appreciated.

[TimmyBoston]

Fertitta was out there too. He's short, but he's a tough little dude.

[brucered]

Fertitta was out there too. He's short, but he's a tough little dude.

doesn't look like someone i'd want to mess with...i'm guessing i wouldn't last long before i got choked out or ko'd. :crying:

[ouch]

I'm from the Vito Antuofermo school of fighting.

(I start bleeding at the weigh in.)

[brucered]

I'm from the Vito Antuofermo school of fighting.

(I start bleeding at the weigh in.)

Love the new avatar...George "The Animal" Steele....CLASSIC :001_tt2:

[TimmyBoston]

Official weigh ins, Johnson misses again, this time by 11 pounds! I guess he got down to 188 and a doctor forced him to rehydrate because his health was in danger. He may be pretty worn out by fight time tomorrow.

[Sullybob]

Official weigh ins, Johnson misses again, this time by 11 pounds! I guess he got down to 188 and a doctor forced him to rehydrate because his health was in danger. He may be pretty worn out by fight time tomorrow.

Here's what I got from Sherdog


Anthony Johnson (http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Anthony-Johnson-17662), scheduled to make his middleweight debut against Vitor Belfort (http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Vitor-Belfort-156) (186) in the co-headliner, failed to meet the mandatory 186-pound threshold and will surrender 20 percent of his purse to his opponent after tipping the scales at 197 pounds. If Johnson does not weigh 205 pounds or less by a pre-determined time on Saturday, the bout will be canceled, according to UFC President Dana White.

I don't know if that was after he started rehydrating or not. I was under the impression that his move from WW to MW was so he could make the cut easier. I think he is probably going to be exhausted today for the fight, if he can make the 205 or less cut off mark today.

[The Nid Hog]

I don't know if that was after he started rehydrating or not. I was under the impression that his move from WW to MW was so he could make the cut easier. I think he is probably going to be exhausted today for the fight, if he can make the 205 or less cut off mark today.

Sounds like Dana didn't have any trouble making his cut. In the presser after the fights, he said that Zuffa would be letting Johnson go. It's a shame that he blew a chance like this.

[Sullybob]

Sounds like Dana didn't have any trouble making his cut. In the presser after the fights, he said that Zuffa would be letting Johnson go. It's a shame that he blew a chance like this.



It's a real shame that he missed weight for the third time, Dana said that he could come back to the UFC in the future he just needs to act like a professional.

Looking at the weight of both fighters on fight day was pretty interesting, Johnson weighed in at 211 and Vitor weighed in at 206. I find it incredible that they are cutting 20+ pounds in a day.

[AFCBradyfan12]

His replacement is now Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen.

This is of EPIC proportions!

Does Bisping stand a chance against Sonnen's superior wrestling? Remember, Bisping has NEVER been subbed before. I don't think Bisping has enough time to train for Sonnen.

[The Nid Hog]

His replacement is now Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen.

This is of EPIC proportions!

Does Bisping stand a chance against Sonnen's superior wrestling? Remember, Bisping has NEVER been subbed before. I don't think Bisping has enough time to train for Sonnen.

I liked Munoz against Bisping, and I don't feel much different with Sonnen. Bisping isn't as bad as I'd like him to be, but I think he's risen about as high as he can go in the UFC. Although, to be honest, I'd rather see him get knocked out than submitted.

[HBK42581]

Mark my words. Bisping has NO SHOT in this fight against Sonnen. Not even a puncher's chance. Sonnen is on a tear.

[Sullybob]

I'd like to see Bisping get KO'ed, a repeat of the Hendo KO would be great. I don't think he is going to be much of a challenge for Sonnen.

[brucered]

Mark my words. Bisping has NO SHOT in this fight against Sonnen. Not even a puncher's chance. Sonnen is on a tear.


I'd like to see Bisping get KO'ed, a repeat of the Hendo KO would be great. I don't think he is going to be much of a challenge for Sonnen.

+1 agreed on both. anyone catch the fight night tonight? some good fights, a couple very good ko's and 1 very very good 3 round fight

[The Nid Hog]

I really enjoyed the card last night. I thought that those elbows that Nick Denis landed against Sandoval were spectacular. I like Pat Barry too, and it was nice to see him get a win. Beyond that, there were just a lot of good fights. It's too bad that Fuel only has such limited exposure (I think the only place you can see it on TV is in areas covered by Comcast Rhode Island). Hope the fights on Fox next time turn out to be just as good.

[brucered]

I really enjoyed the card last night. I thought that those elbows that Nick Denis landed against Sandoval were spectacular. I like Pat Barry too, and it was nice to see him get a win. Beyond that, there were just a lot of good fights. It's too bad that Fuel only has such limited exposure (I think the only place you can see it on TV is in areas covered by Comcast Rhode Island). Hope the fights on Fox next time turn out to be just as good.

the standing elbow KO was spectacular. in canada, it was delayed an 1hr, but shown on one of the regular HD channels we get (not a specialty channel) so it was nice for us.

great card from start to finish, despite the fact that there were no MAJOR names on it, a lot of recognized names and the fights were better then most if not all PPV fights lately.

[The Nid Hog]

great card from start to finish, despite the fact that there were no MAJOR names on it, a lot of recognized names and the fights were better then most if not all PPV fights lately.

I agree. The truth is that there's a lot of good MMA out there that isn't on a $50 HD UFC broadcast. In fact, there's a lot that isn't even under Zuffa's banner. When I used to get HD NET, I always liked to watch the fights from regional promotions that they broadcast. As long as two fighters are pretty evenly matched, there's probably going to be a good fight.

[brucered]

I agree. The truth is that there's a lot of good MMA out there that isn't on a $50 HD UFC broadcast. In fact, there's a lot that isn't even under Zuffa's banner. When I used to get HD NET, I always liked to watch the fights from regional promotions that they broadcast. As long as two fighters are pretty evenly matched, there's probably going to be a good fight.

taping a live card right now, to watch tomorrow. only person i know on the card (from memory) is Kendall Grove and i think it's an Elite XC card.

so when my wife is working tomorrow night and the kids hit the sheets, the PVR will be running.

[bad-bryce]

I just found out there was a MMA thread!! Sweet freaking deal!!!!

I watched the event last friday and it was a great event. All fights were exciting. My favourite had to be the main event and the rear naked choke. Just awesome too watch.

[SmoovD]

I just found out there was a MMA thread!! Sweet freaking deal!!!!

I watched the event last friday and it was a great event. All fights were exciting. My favourite had to be the main event and the rear naked choke. Just awesome too watch.

Welcome to the MMA thread. Glad you found us.

[AFCBradyfan12]

Why do we have only one thread to post under? why not make sections like other sports forums do? It would be better than having to go through multiple replies instead of making one thread for a particular subject.

Anyways, Anderson Silva has admitted no current "Brazilian" can beat Johny Bones. Wow, so looks like Silva has admitted he can't beat Jones. :w00t:

"Jon Jones is having a good phase, he's improving a lot. He's getting more and more experienced, he's very young, but he's getting more experienced," Silva told Portal TV.

"He's making his opponents fall into his game. He knows how to use his size very well. There's not much to say about Jon Jones.

"I don't see any Brazilian in conditions to face him, even more so because Brazilians don't tend to completely study what happens in there, there needs to be more studying done by the Brazilians in that division so that they can understand what really is going on in there.

"But it's hard for me to say this, because I'm Brazilian and I wish there was a Brazilian with the conditions to beat Jon Jones, but, this is a personal opinion of mine, I don't see anyone in Brazil that can beat him, at least not for now."

[brucered]

Why do we have only one thread to post under? why not make sections like other sports forums do? It would be better than having to go through multiple replies instead of making one thread for a particular subject.

i think it's for simplicity, as it's a SHAVE/GENTLEMAN'S forum. like you already said, there are SPORTS FORUMS for that.

i like 1 thread, as it sees action before/after the events and is easy to find and search.

[TimmyBoston]

Another exciting prelim card that nobody saw followed up by a terribly boring main card on Fox.

Maia looked awful. Sonnen looked awful. Evans was dominant but he sure looked rusty.

[brucered]

just watching the prelims now...that "knee lock" by Olivera was INCREDIBLE. one of the best finishes i've seen in a while. it's up there with that body wrench a few month ago by the "korean zombie"

[AFCBradyfan12]

Anyone saw UFC on Fox last night? I gotta say, the main card put me to sleep. Rashad Evans was painful to watch, not as irritating to watch as Davis' huge deformed muscles. Jesus, they looked like they had implants inside of them.

[SmoovD]

I caught the replay online....not very compelling entertainment. Way too much time alloted for 3 fights. There is no way that I would have wanted to watch that show live.

[Neognosis]

I recorded it and watched it yesterday.. that is, until my DVR stopped recording in the middle of the Evans/Davis fight...

[HBK42581]

Aside from the Sonnen/Bisping fight, the other two were pretty sloppy and in no way represent the best of what the UFC has to offer. That's two lackluster FOX events in a row. Hopefully, the third times a charm.

Condit/Diaz will be an early favorite for fight of the year, guaranteed. The rest of the card for this weekend isn't too shabby either. Werdum/Nelson should be an interesting fight. Nelson has a stand up and wrestling edge and I think they push in the grappling. Nelson is a very accomplished jiu jitsu practitioner so I don't think he will get subbed by Werdum. Koscheck and Pierce should be a barn burner, too.

[ouch]

Listening to Sonnen makes me want to hear Bisping speak.

[rockviper]

Listening to Sonnen makes me want to hear Bisping speak.
I feel honoured to even be able to listen to Chael :ouch1:

[HBK42581]

Chael is awesome. It'd be one thing if he said all of this and didn't back any of it up.

[brucered]

I feel honoured to even be able to listen to Chael :ouch1:

We're not even worthy to watch the guy.

kinds hoaky, but hey...it adds some humor to it. i don't mind it. guys a goof, but he's a better interview then Chet Kongo or Jake Shields. you might as well interview a bag of hammers, you'd get more life out them then those 2 guys.

[rockviper]

Sound familiar ???

http://youtu.be/XHXxLfvWdEA

[brucered]

Sound familiar ???

Dusty Rhodes, Rick Flair (greatest of all time), Randy Savage, Steven Austin, The Rock, Roddy Pipper...they all had great interview skills. and look at what it did for their careers and notoriety

Ahhh, those were the days....Classic Wrestling...NWA, UWF, AWA...doesn't get any better.

I see your Superstar Billy Grahmam (awesome by the way) and raise you one "Four Foresmen"


http://youtu.be/Th5wXr6-aAw

[ouch]

I'd have to add the late Ravishing Rick Rude to that list.

[tvldatsi]

Diaz (hoping for Condit)
Werdum (hoping for Nelson)
Koscheck
Barao
Starks

After that not really that interested..... UFC primetime (http://www.ufc.com/media/143-PRIMETIME-EPISODE1) is very good and the interviews with Nick Diaz and his trainers are more fascinating to me than the usual

[brucered]

Diaz (hoping for Condit)
Werdum (hoping for Nelson)
Koscheck
Barao
Starks

After that not really that interested..... UFC primetime (http://www.ufc.com/media/143-PRIMETIME-EPISODE1) is very good and the interviews with Nick Diaz and his trainers are more fascinating to me than the usual

just went to watch the prelims, my PVR didtn't record properly :cursing:

[Sullybob]

I enjoyed the Prime time episodes leading up to this fight. I thought that it showed a positive side of Nick and helped to explain why he acts that way that he does.

Diaz rage quitting doesn't help his image at all.

[tvldatsi]

Diaz rage quitting doesn't help his image at all.

It did seem terribly immature to me, but I can't really understand his perspective considering I don't think that he won anyway...

[TimmyBoston]

I am so happy Diaz lost. So happy.

[SmoovD]

Diaz thinking he had won that fight is proof that he smokes too much dope. Condit may not have hurt Diaz but he sure did out point him.

[The Nid Hog]

I enjoyed the Prime time episodes leading up to this fight. I thought that it showed a positive side of Nick and helped to explain why he acts that way that he does.

Diaz rage quitting doesn't help his image at all.

I like the Stockton fighters--for the most part, they come to fight and put on a good show. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line the Diaz brothers got "keeping it real" mixed up with "being a man." Shut up and do your job always trumps lose the fight and run your mouth. Condit did a nice job of sticking to a strategy that stymied Diaz' aggressive style and won points with the judges. I would like to think that he stands a chance against GSP--a fighter who I don't hate but don't really enjoy watching. If GSP comes back healthy, I suspect we're going to see him spending a lot of time laying on top of Condit en route to a clear but unexciting decision.

[Sullybob]

I like the Stockton fighters--for the most part, they come to fight and put on a good show. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line the Diaz brothers got "keeping it real" mixed up with "being a man." Shut up and do your job always trumps lose the fight and run your mouth. Condit did a nice job of sticking to a strategy that stymied Diaz' aggressive style and won points with the judges. I would like to think that he stands a chance against GSP--a fighter who I don't hate but don't really enjoy watching. If GSP comes back healthy, I suspect we're going to see him spending a lot of time laying on top of Condit en route to a clear but unexciting decision.

That's exactly what I expect to happen.

Hasn't GSP trained with Condit at Greg Jackson's gym?

[The Nid Hog]

Yeah, which I thought made it strange that he was talking up hoping that Diaz beat Condit so that he could fight him. I'm not sure exactly what the status of GSP's relationship with the Jackson camp is. He doesn't make it sound like he and Condit are teammates. I would kind of like to see how Jackson trains a guy with Condit's skill set to fight GSP. A lot depends on how explosive GSP is when he gets back into the cage. Certainly if I were Condit, I'd do my best to kick the crap out of GSP's knee as soon as Bruce Buffer stops talking.

[TimmyBoston]

Yeah, which I thought made it strange that he was talking up hoping that Diaz beat Condit so that he could fight him. I'm not sure exactly what the status of GSP's relationship with the Jackson camp is. He doesn't make it sound like he and Condit are teammates. I would kind of like to see how Jackson trains a guy with Condit's skill set to fight GSP. A lot depends on how explosive GSP is when he gets back into the cage. Certainly if I were Condit, I'd do my best to kick the crap out of GSP's knee as soon as Bruce Buffer stops talking.


I firmly believe that Diaz will get an immediate rematch (I can't express the disgust I feel over this) so if Condit does ever fight GSP, Georges will be trained by Greg Jackson wile Carlos by Mike Winkeljohn.

[brucered]

clearly DIAZ lost, wasn't that tough to see, and i agree i'll probably get a rematch, even though he doesn't deserve an immediate one. rematches are for close and/or questionable fights where the ref or bad stoppages occur.

as for immature, i think KOSCHUK was the biggest a-hole of the night with his giving the FANS the finger. i mean, the fans are paying your salary and without the fans, there would be no TUF or UFC.

anyway, happy that carols one, he fought a very smart fight.

[Neognosis]

If GSP comes back healthy, I suspect we're going to see him spending a lot of time laying on top of Condit en route to a clear but unexciting decision.

What makes you say that? I don't really recall any of St. Pierre's fights being spent mostly on the ground.

[tvldatsi]

I don't really recall any of St. Pierre's fights being spent mostly on the ground.

I can't tell, is this sarcasm? He hasn't finished a fight since 2008 unless you count BJ Penn quitting. He beat Thiago Alves up a little bit and stood up with Jake Shields, presumably because shields is dangerous on the ground, but other than that he has absolutely laid on top for the last few years. He doesn't take risks anymore, and I probably wouldn't either if I were him and wanted to have the belt forever; nobody can touch his wrestling including jon fitch Matt Hugues Koscheck and Jake Shields four of the better wrestlers supposedly mma

[Neognosis]

He has not finished a fight since 2008, no. But he does not go to the ground and stay there, as
we're going to see him spending a lot of time laying on top of Condit would indicate.

St. Pierre's fights, I think, are pretty varied and only formulaic in the sense that they seem to be very technical and steady, regardless of whether the action is on the ground or standing up.

I would not say st. pierre's fights go to the ground and just stay there.

[TimmyBoston]

What makes you say that? I don't really recall any of St. Pierre's fights being spent mostly on the ground.

GSP vs Koscheck I, GSP vs Alves, GSP vs Hardy.

[Neognosis]

I don't think any of those three fights spent more than 1/2 the time with st. pierre "laying on top."

[TimmyBoston]

I don't think any of those three fights spent more than 1/2 the time with st. pierre "laying on top."

Watch them again. :wink:

[Neognosis]

Alright, mayhaps I will.

[JLuger]

Just found this thread, good stuff! BTW- Did you guys hear Diaz failed his pre fight drug test? Tested positive for Marijuana metabolites. Hearings to follow to determine his punishment, but he is on temporary suspension pending said hearings.

[TimmyBoston]

Just found this thread, good stuff! BTW- Did you guys hear Diaz failed his pre fight drug test? Tested positive for Marijuana metabolites. Hearings to follow to determine his punishment, but he is on temporary suspension pending said hearings.

Other fighters who have also failed two tests (like Diaz has) have faced a year suspension. He'll likely get less, IMO. Probably 6 months, IMO. His camp has been quiet on the issue, but his brother Nate has stated to ESPN that Nick will likely stay retired, I also doubt this. Frankly, I wish he would retire, but I don't think he will.

In a few days, Jake Ellenberger takes on Diego Sanchez on FuelTV. I'd love to see Ellenberger put on a great performance like he did against Shields. Fox has also announced a free preview week this week which will include (and is likely because of) the UFC event for FuelTV. I hope I'm able to see the event like, I'm an Ellenberger fan.

[Neognosis]

In what way does using marijuana enhance athletic performance?

[TimmyBoston]

In what way does using marijuana enhance athletic performance?

It is a drug of abuse. Those are banned. You can not like it all you want, but it's the rules.

[inspiringK]

In what way does using marijuana enhance athletic performance?

It doesn't and I certainly do not think that there is any good reason for marijuana to be banned for pro athletes.

That being said, it is against the current rules and Diaz knowing broke those rules. It is not like he is fighting to have the ban lifted or has previously argued that the ban is unjust, he simply decided to ignore the ban. He willingly did something that could get him suspended from fighting and that is not all that smart.

Now they are going to take back his snowboarding gold medal:scared:

[tvldatsi]

I heard somewhere, not the most reliable place to find news I realize, but I heard some place that Diaz usually quits smoking 2 weeks before fight day and the UFC brass are aware of this time frame. If that's true, I'm not surprised that he has been popped twice. I disagree with the rule in principle, but it is the rule and if you want to fight in Nevada you have to follow their rules... Guess they should've done this one in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado or some other less militantly anti-marijuana state or country knowing that Diaz had no plans of stopping earlier than 2 weeks prior. Honestly Nevada is like the worst place in America to break the law

[TimmyBoston]

Guys, a friendly heads up, debate about the legality, ethics, etc of marijauna will not be tolerated in this thread.

The facts are he broke the rules, debate over whether or not you like this particular, very politically charged rule won't be tolerated in the clubhouse.

Thanks all! :smile:

[Sullybob]

It is a drug of abuse. Those are banned. You can not like it all you want, but it's the rules.

This! And it's isn't the first time he knowingly decided to use a banned substance.

[TimmyBoston]

With Diaz out, a big fight has been made in the welterweight division, Johny Hendricks vs. Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 in May, the winner might face Condit, depeding on GSP's recovery time. The winner of Ellenberger vs Sanchez may get that honor though. There are a lot of great fights to be made at 170.

[TimmyBoston]

Any predictions for the Fuel Card on Wednesday?

[The Nid Hog]

With Diaz out, a big fight has been made in the welterweight division, Johny Hendricks vs. Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 in May, the winner might face Condit, depeding on GSP's recovery time. The winner of Ellenberger vs Sanchez may get that honor though. There are a lot of great fights to be made at 170.

I agree. In fact, I think all the controversy and movement is good for the UFC. It creates more noise and gives people something to think about when there is still some uncertainty about GSP's return. Looks like there are some good fights that can yield an opponent for Condit if GSP stays on the sideline, and even a place to slot Diaz in when his suspension ends.


Any predictions for the Fuel Card on Wednesday?

I forgot that it's Wednesday. Looks like prelims are on Facebook before it switches over to Fuel. Unfortunately, that's not a channel that I get.

[Sullybob]

With Diaz out, a big fight has been made in the welterweight division, Johny Hendricks vs. Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 in May, the winner might face Condit, depeding on GSP's recovery time. The winner of Ellenberger vs Sanchez may get that honor though. There are a lot of great fights to be made at 170.

I agree, their are lots of great fights to be made at 170. It will be interesting to see if condit can stay on top until GSP's return.


I agree. In fact, I think all the controversy and movement is good for the UFC. It creates more noise and gives people something to think about when there is still some uncertainty about GSP's return. Looks like there are some good fights that can yield an opponent for Condit if GSP stays on the sideline, and even a place to slot Diaz in when his suspension ends.



I forgot that it's Wednesday. Looks like prelims are on Facebook before it switches over to Fuel. Unfortunately, that's not a channel that I get.

I think that Fuel is free this week. Of course if your cable provider doesn't offer Fuel then it's a moot point.

[tvldatsi]

With Diaz out, a big fight has been made in the welterweight division, Johny Hendricks vs. Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 in May, the winner might face Condit, depeding on GSP's recovery time. The winner of Ellenberger vs Sanchez may get that honor though. There are a lot of great fights to be made at 170.

Yes that's a great fight, only problem is I think Koscheck takes a decision and could probably beat Condit as well. GSP Kos 3 would be a disaster in my opinion, GSP and champs in general don't fight often enough the last thing I want to see is GSP win a one sided trilogy that consumes years of his career. I'm virtually certain they wouldn't put this fight on unless Koscheck just beats everybody but you never know w/ injuries etc...

[Sullybob]

I agree, their are lots of great fights to be made at 170. It will be interesting to see if condit can stay on top until GSP's return.



I think that Fuel is free this week. Of course if your cable provider doesn't offer Fuel then it's a moot point.

Fuel isn't free on Time Warner, if I want to watch the fights tomorrow I'm going to have to subscribe to Fuel. Taking a quick look at Fuel TV today I see that they are showing all kinds of recent UFC PPV's, so it might be worth it to pay for the extra channel.



Yes that's a great fight, only problem is I think Koscheck takes a decision and could probably beat Condit as well. GSP Kos 3 would be a disaster in my opinion, GSP and champs in general don't fight often enough the last thing I want to see is GSP win a one sided trilogy that consumes years of his career. I'm virtually certain they wouldn't put this fight on unless Koscheck just beats everybody but you never know w/ injuries etc...

No kidding, the last thing I want to see is GSP fight guys he already beat, and beat decisively.

[TimmyBoston]

Yes that's a great fight, only problem is I think Koscheck takes a decision and could probably beat Condit as well. GSP Kos 3 would be a disaster in my opinion, GSP and champs in general don't fight often enough the last thing I want to see is GSP win a one sided trilogy that consumes years of his career. I'm virtually certain they wouldn't put this fight on unless Koscheck just beats everybody but you never know w/ injuries etc...

Koscheck has said he will not face GSP again. Who knows if this will hold up, but should he lose to Hendricks, he may move up to 185. I also would not be looking forward to GSP vs Koscheck 3.

Nothing against Geoges, but I hope he's out for a while so we can see some new matchups at 170.

[rockviper]

According to our TV guide (yes, some of us still us a paper TV guide :scared:), tonight's Fuel UFC card is being shown on Roger's Sportsnet here in Canada.

[brucered]

According to our TV guide (yes, some of us still us a paper TV guide :scared:), tonight's Fuel UFC card is being shown on Roger's Sportsnet here in Canada.

WOohoo...i checked my online guide with SHAW last night, and it wasn't coming up, but it might get slotted in. i'll check when i get home and set the PVR.

[tvldatsi]

I'm excited, I just realized that there's fights tonight! And I just got received back a perfect score on my physics midterm that made me happy! and I don't have to take another test until Monday glorious Monday!

:)

let's go Ellenberger! Yes! Yes! Yes!

[The Nid Hog]

No kidding, the last thing I want to see is GSP fight guys he already beat, and beat decisively.

Maybe if they had a different format. GSP fights five fighters, one round after another? Two at a time? No lay n pray when there are three guys in the cage!

[brucered]

According to our TV guide (yes, some of us still us a paper TV guide :scared:), tonight's Fuel UFC card is being shown on Roger's Sportsnet here in Canada.

NOT on in WPG...i guess i'll have to hope for a replay.

[rockviper]

NOT on in WPG...i guess i'll have to hope for a replay.
... and Canada Post rates will cost a fortune for me to send you a VHS tape :001_tongu

[brucered]

... and Canada Post rates will cost a fortune for me to send you a VHS tape :001_tongu

was on a late night rerun, watching right now.

WOW, that opening bout was FAST and FURIOUS...Menjibar(?) was awesome, all but out, and the a sweet comeback submission.

sure hope the rest are as good as that one.

[brucered]

now that was a GOOD event! and FREE.

why can't the PPV's be that good.

[TimmyBoston]

now that was a GOOD event! and FREE.

why can't the PPV's be that good.

It was a great event. Really exciting. Tons of great fights.



This is just my 2 cents, but I think with smaller events, (FX, Fuel, Spike, etc) they are more focused on good matchups because the big names aren't there. Look at the last Fox Event and the first Fox event, big names and absolute disasters. Look at the FX card and the recent Fuel card, awesome fights, that's because they didn't have the big names to make the draw, so Joe Silva got to just focus on great fights. To the die hard fans like us, we'd much rather have that.

But don't count out all PPV's remember UFC 139? It was amazing. Silva vs Cung Le and Hendo vs Shogun, some of the best fights I've seen in a long time. But it also didn't have a title fight, so maybe there was more focus on matchups. I typically worry more about the Fox events rather than the PPV. However I am excited about the next Fox event. That one has a solid lineup.

[TimmyBoston]

How do you guys feel about the Main Event 5 Round Fight rule?

When it first was introduced, I was a big fan. Now I'm not so certain. I think from a marketing standpoint it's great, but I've come to have my doubts in terms of fairness and rankings. It definitely provides entertainment, but it also gives an advantage to certain athletes. In particular those with great cardio. It can sway the winner based solely on when the the fight takes place. To me it comes down to consistency and that's most important. Don't get me wrong, I like that title fights are 5 rounds, I think it adds something special to championships, but I think if I made the ruling, those fights would be the only 5 rounders.

Thoughts?

[SmoovD]

I am not a fan of non-title bouts being five rounds. I would rather see three good/active rounds than five. This works better for me not only in individual matches but entire cards as well. A stinker of a five rounder may consume the time of two, or more, matches that contain finishes.

Five works better in title matches because of the strategy that can be involved for the fighters. Have the fighters ever gone five? Can the fighters make the transition? Can the champ drag his foe into "the deep end"? These strategies do not seem to play out as well in most five round non-title matches. The atmosphere of the title fight makes the addition of the championship rounds viable, IMHO.

[tvldatsi]

How do you guys feel about the Main Event 5 Round Fight rule?

When it first was introduced, I was a big fan. Now I'm not so certain. I think from a marketing standpoint it's great, but I've come to have my doubts in terms of fairness and rankings. It definitely provides entertainment, but it also gives an advantage to certain athletes. In particular those with great cardio. It can sway the winner based solely on when the the fight takes place. To me it comes down to consistency and that's most important. Don't get me wrong, I like that title fights are 5 rounds, I think it adds something special to championships, but I think if I made the ruling, those fights would be the only 5 rounders.

Thoughts?

This may shock some everyone, but when I saw the Hendo v Rua fight I thought to myself, "more of these sloppy fights and the UFC will probably stop the gimmick and return it to a championship only format." Of course everyone now thinks it was the best fight ever...

But then on Wednesday I found myself wanting/expecting two more rounds of Sanchez v Ellenberger. If it were MY promotion I'd experiment with different ideas to utilize the timing system, maybe give the contenders 5 rounds, bring back the 10:00/5:00 minute two round format on occasion just to test the waters. The UFC can do no wrong by a lot of it's fans so why not mix things up now that they've got events almost every week? I guess it depends on what the state athletic commissions would allow as well but I think 5 rounds is too many for certain fights and perfect for others

[BingeAndPurge]

221639
Is this the new face of the UFC fan? First it was Affliction shirts, now it's Old Navy fedoras.

[Sullybob]

Maybe if they had a different format. GSP fights five fighters, one round after another? Two at a time? No lay n pray when there are three guys in the cage!

Bull in the ring.....

Or maybe a cage match WWE style.

[Sullybob]

How do you guys feel about the Main Event 5 Round Fight rule?

When it first was introduced, I was a big fan. Now I'm not so certain. I think from a marketing standpoint it's great, but I've come to have my doubts in terms of fairness and rankings. It definitely provides entertainment, but it also gives an advantage to certain athletes. In particular those with great cardio. It can sway the winner based solely on when the the fight takes place. To me it comes down to consistency and that's most important. Don't get me wrong, I like that title fights are 5 rounds, I think it adds something special to championships, but I think if I made the ruling, those fights would be the only 5 rounders.

Thoughts?

I really have mixed feeling about 5 round headliner fights. Some fighters are really gassed after three rounds and I don't want to watch them stagger around for two more rounds. But if you are able to push the pace and physically exhaust your opponent that can also be part of your strategy. I think it rewards fighters who have great cardio. I also think that if you are the champion and you have been fighting five round fights for a while and your opponent hasn't fought a five round fight before that's a big advantage. The five round fights also help prepare fights for championship fights.

I'll need to see more non-title fight five round fights before I make a decision.

[lpe492]

Did anyone notice that George Lucas' oldest daughter is going for an MMA title in Japan? The sport is growing.

http://www.cagetoday.com/george-lucas-daughter-fighting-for-mma-title-today/

[The Nid Hog]

I thought that the Unified Rules specified non-title rounds to be 3 x 5. Is the UFC getting a waiver every time they have the headline bout go five rounds? To be honest, I'm OK with it either way. If both fighters know what it's going to be going into their camps, I don't think it's a problem.

[AFCBradyfan12]

The choke Henderson had in the 4th, was never close. Just because someone has their arms around the neck, that doesn't mean anything is happening. One upkick in 25 minutes shouldn't be enough to win a UD.

[The Nid Hog]

I think it was a good decision. I saw that Compustrike had Edgar at 124-114, but he just didn't do as much damage as Henderson. I could see scoring the fight at 48-47, but I think it was a good call to give Henderson the belt. That having been said, I'd say that he's still a work in progress. I'm looking forward to seeing what he looks like for his first defense.

[TimmyBoston]

I scored the final event 48-47 Edgar not Henderson. It was a great fight regarddless, but however Frankie's face looked, I thought he still edged him. Still, great night of fights. Boetsch's comeback was amazing.

[BingeAndPurge]

Henderson clearly won the fight. His jab was spot on, and he may have outsized him more than anything, but he won with no argument -from me. I think you have to kill Edgar to make him stop.

About the 5 round non title fights. This is an idea that has been discussed for years, and is finally a reality that I am happy to see. These are fights for belt contenders. They used to suffer a disadvantage going from 3 round fights to 5. If they can't handle a five-round non-title fight, then they shouldnt be going into championship fights where that's a possibility, and it helps them to be more prepared for that next step.

[tvldatsi]

I can't stand the "who's face would you rather look like?" argument, some people just swell and cut more easily. I don't understand a world where Diaz lost to Condit and Edgar lost to Henderson, it's just so inconsistent. Edgar landed more shots and scored several takedowns, Henderson bullied (tried and failed) and landed harder shots but so did Nick Diaz. Tired of decisions, esp in championship fights it's become a huge problem imo

[The Nid Hog]

I can't stand the "who's face would you rather look like?" argument, some people just swell and cut more easily. I don't understand a world where Diaz lost to Condit and Edgar lost to Henderson, it's just so inconsistent. Edgar landed more shots and scored several takedowns, Henderson bullied (tried and failed) and landed harder shots but so did Nick Diaz. Tired of decisions, esp in championship fights it's become a huge problem imo

It's kind of hard to see what the alternative is to a win/loss by decision. Most MMA organizations--UFC more than any--are trying to look legitimate to the casual viewer. Nobody is going to sanction a Vale Tudo fight where you put them in the cage until somebody gets submitted, knocked out, or throws in the towel. The Pride/Dream model of extra rounds still regularly failed to produce a decisive winner--fights still went to the judges. I think that there's always going to be controversies.

[tvldatsi]

It's kind of hard to see what the alternative is to a win/loss by decision. Most MMA organizations--UFC more than any--are trying to look legitimate to the casual viewer. Nobody is going to sanction a Vale Tudo fight where you put them in the cage until somebody gets submitted, knocked out, or throws in the towel. The Pride/Dream model of extra rounds still regularly failed to produce a decisive winner--fights still went to the judges. I think that there's always going to be controversies.

You're right and I'm not suggesting a fight to the death, I just think we need some more solid judging criteria. "Octagon Control" is a huge mess (does one fighter stalking the middle of the cage getting jabbed in the face from the outside leave us with a real "octagon controller?"), and so is takedown/striking scoring when you're trying to qualify who's strikes were "more effective." I don't actually have any better ideas myself I just hate the inconsistency of it all. I don't like watching someone walk away with the belt after they got taken down and punched more often just because their up-kick looked really impressive at one time and they appear imposing... I thought Sexiyama won too, maybe I was drunk (I was)

[BingeAndPurge]

It's kind of hard to see what the alternative is to a win/loss by decision. Most MMA organizations--UFC more than any--are trying to look legitimate to the casual viewer. Nobody is going to sanction a Vale Tudo fight where you put them in the cage until somebody gets submitted, knocked out, or throws in the towel. The Pride/Dream model of extra rounds still regularly failed to produce a decisive winner--fights still went to the judges. I think that there's always going to be controversies.

I don't like the must system AT ALL. I hate it, and think it goes against the whole point of fighting. My biggest hatred of it is guys taking people down for points, but getting stuck in guard immediately, and doing nothing with it (I'm looking at you Clay Guida). I don't like guys winning weak rounds by points, get completely dominated a round and essentialy the fight, but taking a decision. I liked the Pride scoring criterea of who won the fight as a whole, not rounds. I keep waiting for them to learn to stop judging MMA with this archaic boxing system, but they never do.

[The Nid Hog]

I thought Sexiyama won too, maybe I was drunk (I was)

Akiyama is always his own worst enemy. If he had been more active in the final round, I'm pretty sure he would have taken it. Instead he looked tan and weary.

[rockviper]

Sportsnet One (http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2012/03/02/ufc_live_alves_kampmann_sportsnet_one/) is carrying 5 hours of UFC on FX2 here in Canada, on now.

[jonty]

ifsni in northern ireland produces some good fighters we have clan wars over here.

[brucered]

Sportsnet One (http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2012/03/02/ufc_live_alves_kampmann_sportsnet_one/) is carrying 5 hours of UFC on FX2 here in Canada, on now.

i know...i saw that last night. 3 hrs of prelims, then a 2hr main card. PVR's are set (back up and main) and wife is working this w/end, so i'll have plenty of time to watch all the fights.

[brucered]

Holy Martin Kampann.

Go Denmark...(i'm 1/2 Danish. Denmark, not the pastry)

225497

[TimmyBoston]

That was a sweet submission he pulled off.


Johnson vs. McCall sure was close. I'm a big Might Mouse fan, but I can't help but feel bad for McCall. I hope he gets the #1 Contender bout for the flyweights. I'm really happy about this new weight class.

[TimmyBoston]

Breaking news - McCall vs Johnson has been declared a draw. Apparently judges can't even count now. A tabulation error was made and they didn't catch it until after the fight. It's ridiculous, especially considering a new rule was added specifically to prevent draws in the tourney. They will be rematching. A brand new weight class and their is already a wrench in it.

[lpe492]

I'm a fan of flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight and glad they added the weight classes. Lots of action.

I'm glad to hear about the draw for McCall. They both brought it.

[brucered]

Breaking news - McCall vs Johnson has been declared a draw. Apparently judges can't even count now. A tabulation error was made and they didn't catch it until after the fight. It's ridiculous, especially considering a new rule was added specifically to prevent draws in the tourney. They will be rematching. A brand new weight class and their is already a wrench in it.

what a freaking joke. and it's note even April 01.

more incompetence from the judges.

[Doc4]

I'm a fan of flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight and glad they added the weight classes. Lots of action.

Devil's advocate ... maybe MMA should't have weight classes? It's reason for being was to pit fighters against each other who otherwise would never meet ... to settle all those 'who's the toughest' arguments ... but we still have all this "pound for pound" stuff. Let them just all fight each other and then we'll see who's really the best.

[brucered]

WOW..i just started watching the Prelims, and that opening fight was awesome.

[tvldatsi]

Well that was... Gross. This Miesha Tate, she is really a pretty girl it's too bad for her Gina Carano beat her to the gimmick. I hate watching sports with a massive talent disparity, I think thats why women's MMA is so incredibly unappealing to me, if cyborg hadn't gotten caught she would probably still be crushing everyone and this Rousey woman has arm barred 5 people in a row and not a single one has been close to stopping it. It's painful to watch people try hard and look ok but really it's impending doom heyre up against. I guess that's uplifting to some but to me it's cringeworthy even before the arm popped the second time

[ouch]

Devil's advocate ... maybe MMA should't have weight classes? It's reason for being was to pit fighters against each other who otherwise would never meet ... to settle all those 'who's the toughest' arguments ... but we still have all this "pound for pound" stuff. Let them just all fight each other and then we'll see who's really the best.

225817

I agree 100%.

[packersfan117]

I am a martial artist myself, and I particularly enjoy watching Jon "Bones" Jones and Josh Haynes (My name is also Josh Haynes, and I am the same height and weight as the professional martial artist, plus we fight a lot the same--berserker style, paying no attention to damage I've taken). Bones has some nasty elbows, and I look forward to watching his career bloom like a good badger brush.

[jonty]

jon jones is a scary talent that man was made to fight altho id love to see machida get the belt one more time i am a karateka in wado ryu and would love to see him do it again.

[TimmyBoston]

I don't think machida stands a chance to beat Jon jones. I would love to see machida move down to 185 and Silva move up to 205

[lpe492]

That Rousey v Tate fight was awesome to watch.

[jonty]

yea id love to see silva fight jones was ther not talk of it i thought i heard dana talk about it ages ago

[tvldatsi]

I'm ready for the Rampage/Shogun/Machida carousel at 205 to end. I just can't think of who is going to end it... James Te Huna?! I think Rashad might get tooled. Is Dan Henderson supposed to come back and take the belt from Bones? It's concerning, I don't want to see Jon Jones have to fight guys like Anderson had to deal with (Leites, Cote, Maia come to mind); I hate the disingenuous hype, but I suppose upsets are always possible

[Sullybob]

I'm ready for the Rampage/Shogun/Machida carousel at 205 to end. I just can't think of who is going to end it... James Te Huna?! I think Rashad might get tooled. Is Dan Henderson supposed to come back and take the belt from Bones? It's concerning, I don't want to see Jon Jones have to fight guys like Anderson had to deal with (Leites, Cote, Maia come to mind); I hate the disingenuous hype, but I suppose upsets are always possible

I don't think that the quality of fighters is much better at LHW then at MW, I don't see Jones having to fight guys like Anderson fought.

[tvldatsi]

I don't think that the quality of fighters is much better at LHW then at MW

This is what I meant to be my point... I just want to see him get challenged a bit so he can really show the full range (see what I did there?) of his game. I have read that it was much Anderson's unwillingness to move up to 205 consistently in order to avoid Machida as any matchmaking issue that caused those post-Henderson pre-Sonnen years at 185. I say in a situation like that you go outside of the organization and bring in someone, in that time period around 08-09 I would've loved to see Akiyama or Mousasi get a shot it if were possible. I guess Bones will have to destroy Rashad and Henderson who both I suppose have some sort of chance to win, but after that we're on to.. Ryan Bader again?

[Sullybob]

This is what I meant to be my point... I just want to see him get challenged a bit so he can really show the full range (see what I did there?) of his game. I have read that it was much Anderson's unwillingness to move up to 205 consistently in order to avoid Machida as any matchmaking issue that caused those post-Henderson pre-Sonnen years at 185. I say in a situation like that you go outside of the organization and bring in someone, in that time period around 08-09 I would've loved to see Akiyama or Mousasi get a shot it if were possible. I guess Bones will have to destroy Rashad and Henderson who both I suppose have some sort of chance to win, but after that we're on to.. Ryan Bader again?

I think Shogun gets a second chance before Bader, but your right. And I did see what you did there!

Or.......

The could sell the Matt Hamil rematch much as they did the Anderson Okami remath, he is after all the only man to beat Jones. The pre-fight hype to that fight was really irritating,

[TimmyBoston]

Edgar vs Bendo II in the works for summer.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/27746/ufc-boss-benson-henderson-vs-frankie-edgar-ii-in-the-works-for-summer.mma

[Sullybob]

Edgar vs Bendo II in the works for summer.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/27746/ufc-boss-benson-henderson-vs-frankie-edgar-ii-in-the-works-for-summer.mma

Personally, I'm not a fan of all these rematches, but I think this one is good. I think that if Edgar had to fight rematches that it's only fair that Bendo does as well.

[tvldatsi]

Edgar probably deserves it if we're being fair, but 155 is one of those divisions that actually has a decent list of contender and title fights to be made; it might just be perfect timing though because Pettis can make an even more convincing case with another win, and if Diaz were to lose to Jim Miller we'd be looking at an even less appealing rematch for the belt. Maybe give Pettis the winner of Miller v Diaz on the same card as Bendo vs Edgar 2 and hope for the best!

[The Nid Hog]

Whenever Edgar is slated for a fight, they should just plan for ten rounds. Do five, take a break, and come back for the rematch. That would keep things at 155 on track.

[TimmyBoston]

I think the UFC should sent one or two quality 155ers over to SF to fight Melendez.

[brucered]

is TUF going to be televised in Canada? specifically SHAW? i don't see it in my guide for tomorrow night.

i know it's on FX, but would have thought, and still am thinking, that Rogers Sportsnet or one of the UFC friendly channels would pick it up.

[TimmyBoston]

is TUF going to be televised in Canada? specifically SHAW? i don't see it in my guide for tomorrow night.

i know it's on FX, but would have thought, and still am thinking, that Rogers Sportsnet or one of the UFC friendly channels would pick it up.

According to this article it will be shown on FX Canada.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2012/03/06/the_ultimate_fighter_live_fx_canada/

[brucered]

According to this article it will be shown on FX Canada.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2012/03/06/the_ultimate_fighter_live_fx_canada/

thanks,
but FX isn't a Shaw channel...oh well, i'll tune in later and hope that Sportsnet picks it up, like they have with the other FX UFC events so far.

[brucered]

i've been watching since season 1, but i guess i won't be this year, unless something changes.

Not on Shaw (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=151689)

[lpe492]

TUF 15 is interesting. I like the fact that they are mixing things up and trying a different format. Fight stopages seem a little premature, and it's a bit word to watch without commentating. I'm not a fan of John Anika, but I guess we'll have to get used to him on FX.

The talent seems to have some depth this season. Should be fun.

[Sullybob]

TUF 15 is interesting. I like the fact that they are mixing things up and trying a different format. Fight stopages seem a little premature, and it's a bit word to watch without commentating. I'm not a fan of John Anika, but I guess we'll have to get used to him on FX.

The talent seems to have some depth this season. Should be fun.

It seems that way to me also.

This is the first TUF season that I have been excited about in a long time.

[brucered]

for us canadians,

Looks like Sportsnet will be showing it on Sundays, 2 days after airing on FX Canada. On Sportsnet Pacific it airs at 8pm on March 11.

Sportsnet TV schedule (http://www.sportsnet.ca/tvschedule/)

[BingeAndPurge]

TUF 15 is interesting. I like the fact that they are mixing things up and trying a different format. Fight stopages seem a little premature, and it's a bit word to watch without commentating. I'm not a fan of John Anika, but I guess we'll have to get used to him on FX.

The talent seems to have some depth this season. Should be fun.Yeah, the fights were kind of strange just listening to the coaches and Dana converse. I haven't watched TUF closely in years, but I just may this time. And I'm interested to see whent the gay porn issue comes up. Dana called it a "non issue," but I think that's BS, and that he knew what he was doing when he put that guy on the show.