Mixed Martial Arts Thread (UFC and others)

[DeToxRox]

As far as Rampage as a coach, to me it seems obvious that Dana wanted to put his biggest personality on the show again, and probably made a lot of promises to Rampage in the process to get him to sign on. Dana had to have known Rampage loved Kimbo, so of course he'd make sure he was on Team Rampage. I honestly believe that if Kimbo wasn't on this season, then neither would Rampage.

Let's put it this way, Dana had to know Kimbo would go out early, but he had to have hoped Rampage's personality kept people who might turn the show off when Kmbo went out would keep them in. I think it has worked as ratings seem to be holding steady.

I think Dana did a disservice to the other fighters but putting Rampage on the show when it's obvious he was there for one guy, but in the flipside, there is no way any of these guys, save Schuab and maybe Nelson or McSweeney amount to anything in the UFC.

I think Schuab will be a beast, but after that it's a bunch of mostly one dimensional guys who if they make it will go the way of Bonnar.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Oilers9911

Big Baby had no reason to be pissed off at all. Evans said "What makes you think you aren't fighting?" Which Big Baby immediately took to mean "You're fighting next". I like the guy too but his crybaby act is wearing thin.

Sorry, I should have clarified, I'm not saying I agree with Big Baby, but that said, just because he might not be all that swift, I think Evans is smart enough to know that.

So the question is now, do you appease the giant by picking him next or walk the tight rope and try to play head games with him now and not pick him until late.

If you do that then he just gets angrier and angrier that he's not getting picked (I'm assuming) and then when he does finally get in there he either rips the arms off of whoever he's fighting or he makes a mistake early and is done before he knows what's happened.

Given that he's still likely set to be matched up with the black sheep of Team Evans, maybe they're trying to stoke the big man's fire and they may not mind going 7-1 rather than 8-0

[PilotMan]

I gotta say, looking at the card that Srikeforce has put out there for this free fight on CBS, as well as the caliber of fighters who are on the card and it looks like Strikeforce really has a much better plan than EXC ever did.

This could be the show of the year, better than UFC 100 basically because it's free, but still is looks to be something that plays out before a national audience where they can actually see the sport as it should be, not with all that Kimbo mumbojumbo.

Can Strikeforce spend the kind of money that they need to in order to be a viable alternative to UFC in terms of landing the big name talent?

Henderson vs the winner of the Mayhem/Shields fight would be another must see fight.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

but still is looks to be something that plays out before a national audience where they can actually see the sport as it should be, not with all that Kimbo mumbojumbo.

The question is how many people in the general public will actually watch minus the Kimbo hype.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

The question is how many people in the general public will actually watch minus the Kimbo hype.

This is the main problem. If you don't already have an idea of MMA, most people don't know who Fedor is. I am curious how the rating is once this airs. I do think they'll get all the MMA fans, but it's the casual observer I am not sure about.

[DeToxRox]

So far two dominating performances at 104.

Rumble Johnson with a quick KO which and then Joe Stevenson gets a stoppage on Fisher with a crucifix and a bunch of huge elbows in succession.

[Calis]

Beautiful first round for Shogun. I'd give anything if he could pull this off.

Not holding my breath obviously.

[Calis]

Worst decision I've ever seen.

That is just absolutely awful.

Kind of crap that ruined boxing. Can't even express how angry I am.

[Recoil]

WTF

[DeToxRox]

I love Machida. Absolutely love him, but that was highway robbery.

Dana is sporting wood now because he has his rematch that will be a huge draw.

[Neon_Chaos]

Rua just got fucking ROBBED.

[MrKordell]

There better be a damn rematch. What a load of crap

[DeToxRox]

I had that 4-1 Shogun. I could see maybe giving Machida the 5th round, not a whole lot happened but that's it.

I have a bad feeling Machida is gonna KO Shogun in the rematch should Shogun get it. I just can't see Machida getting tooled twice in a row.

[TLK]

I have no problem with the decision.


it saved my parlay.

[Recoil]

I love Machida, but he got worked. Judges must have had money on this fight.

[TLK]

Originally Posted by Machida:

I didn't get aggressive mid-fight because I wanted to save my energy to explode in 5th round

Well... that's a horrible strategy.

[DeToxRox]

Just watched Dream 12 on the DVR. Not a bad card. Overeem absolutely murdered in the Main Event though, that was a joke.

[Travis]

I'll say the same thing here that I said to the people I watched the PPV last night, the first three rounds were a coin flip. I can't imagine any judges gave either of the last two rounds to Machida, but I'm not terribly surprised by the decision. I thought he definitely had one of those rounds and would likely have 2 of the 3 on most score cards. I'm a bit surprised he got all 3 on each judges card, but that is the text book reason why you have to finish guys and Hua didn't do that.

Great fight on his part and I feel he did win, but just another example of why finishing a fight is so damn important. I'm very curious to see if he comes in with a similar game plan for the rematch (assuming that'll be their next fights respectively) as Machida hasn't really ever had to over come anybody challenging him like this, so should be interesting to see what he tries to adjust as well.

Fantastic fight though, watching those two exchange sick body kicks for 5 rounds was just unreal. A bit surprised Machida didn't push the fight more later to try and save his title (I can only assume he didn't feel confident in out scoring Hua), but I think a large part of that is just how effective Hua's kicks were and how little Machida could push off to try and catch Hua.

[DeToxRox]

Brock is out of 106 with allegedly having Swine Flu.

Brock Lesnar pulls out of UFC 106 title defense with Shane Carwin due to illness
by Dann Stupp on Oct 26, 2009 at 4:05 pm ET
An illness has forced UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar (4-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) out of the UFC 106 main event and a planned title fight with Shane Carwin (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC).

The news was first reported by Yahoo! Sports, and a source within Carwin's camp confirmed with MMAjunkie.com they were aware of the change.

According to the report, which stated Lesnar has been sick and unable to train for nearly a month, the UFC has not determined a replacement fight to headline the show, which takes place Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, just read Dana doesn't think it's Swine Flu but Brock's been sick over 3 weeks.

[Travis]

That sucks, I was *really* looking forward to that fight. I'm really hoping Dana just postpones the fight and doesn't make Carwin fight somebody else. I'd rather see that fight sooner than later and I'm hoping this might only push it back a couple months rather than 4-6 if Carwin takes on another opponent (plus any potential medical suspensions).

[sovereignstar]

Looks like it's being rescheduled for Jan 2nd (UFC 108).

[sovereignstar]

So who wants to call bullshit on this illness?

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by sovereignstar

Looks like it's being rescheduled for Jan 2nd (UFC 108).

Yay! My birthday

[Calis]

Dana apparently said right after that Forrest vs. Tito would now be the headliner for 106.

That's uhhh..pretty terrible.

I guess both guys are popular so that might still make them some good money but from a competitive standpoint that's pretty weak.

[DeToxRox]

Sherdog reporting that both fighters have confirmed:

At 106, added just now as a Co-Headliner, Josh Koscheck vs Rumble Johnson.

That is a sick, sick, sick fight.

[Neon_Chaos]

UFC 108 just got insane with the Lesnar Carwin fight moved.

Lesnar v Carwin for Heavyweight Title
Anderson Silva v Belfort for Middleweight Title
Evans v Thiago Silva
Gonzaga v Dos Santos

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Neon_Chaos

UFC 108 just got insane with the Lesnar Carwin fight moved.

Lesnar v Carwin for Heavyweight Title
Anderson Silva v Belfort for Middleweight Title
Evans v Thiago Silva
Gonzaga v Dos Santos

Dana said he wants Machiga/Shogun II at 108 which would obviously mean the Silva/Belfort fight would be pushed back.

Regardless of how it works out, they're going to wind up with 4 title fights on 3 shows it looks like.

Just crazyness.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Dana said he wants Machiga/Shogun II at 108 which would obviously mean the Silva/Belfort fight would be pushed back.

Regardless of how it works out, they're going to wind up with 4 title fights on 3 shows it looks like.

Just crazyness.

Just read that Machida has a 60 day medical suspension so I can't imagine the rematch will happen that fast unless he gets doctors clearance almost immediately. Even if neither the Machida or Silva fights end up on 108 it's still a stacked card and if both of those fights end up on 109 or 110, well, immediately makes that a stacked lineup as well.

[JS19]

Are these guys serious (TUF)? Does Dana White and co. do any kind of screening process to see if these guys are even in any kind of shape to fight, let alone even capable of fighting?

[thesloppy]

Originally Posted by JS19

Are these guys serious (TUF)? Does Dana White and co. do any kind of screening process to see if these guys are even in any kind of shape to fight, let alone even capable of fighting?

In other news, after watching many of the post TUF pressers I knew it had to happen sometime, and I guess we can finally nail down THIS as the episode where Dana's head officially got all lumpy.

[Jari Rantanen's Shorts]

Just watched TUF over here, and the Mitrione/Junk fight was a joke - and Dana White was all 'OMFG' between rounds? Ok - they both showed heart, but I've never seen two guys so out of shape in pro sports in that length of time. It was just plain bad.

[judicial clerk]

I think it is a combination of things. First, I think MMA fighters look better when the fight is shown with high production values instead of the way they do it on tuf. Second, I think these guys are nervous and suffering from an adrenaline dump. Third, these guys are big and it is a lot of weight to push around as compared to other weightclasses. Either way, they almost all look like amatures who have not been training.

[k0ruptr]

I can't belive Shogun got robbed so fucking badly. I think it was fixed. That was a fuck over. If I was Shogun , I sure wouldn't want a rematch, I'd go fight in japan. Fuck the UFC if I was him

[PilotMan]

Showtime released their lead-in for this Saturday's fight on MMA weekly. Here it is:

[BYU 14]

Fedor is just so poised its almost scary. Rogers can hurt him, but he throws his punches way too wide. I can see him backing Fedor up early, getting wild and catching a right hand from Fedor right down the pipe, then lights out.

[BYU 14]

Dola, did anyone else notice how unappealing Fedors dinner looked, you're the Champ, throw some steak in the mix.

[DaddyTorgo]

i hate when fucking videos don't embed - wtf is the solution to that anyways?

[PilotMan]

Rogers is going to press the fight, and try and rattle him and control the fight. But Fedor, is so composed, smart and patient, that it won't matter. They will clinch up and Fedor will throw him. If Rogers ends up on his back for any amount of time it's over. His coaches didn't look all that worried about anything that they saw. Very much a feeling of "been there, done that."

[DeToxRox]

Big Nog vs Valasaquez at 108, but now it looks like Brock vs Carwin is off 108 again as Brock apparently has mono.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

Rogers is going to press the fight, and try and rattle him and control the fight. But Fedor, is so composed, smart and patient, that it won't matter. They will clinch up and Fedor will throw him. If Rogers ends up on his back for any amount of time it's over. His coaches didn't look all that worried about anything that they saw. Very much a feeling of "been there, done that."

They did like his shorts and his Haircut though.

[DeToxRox]

TUF spoiler for tonight for the Left Coasters:

Spoiler

Big Baby's armbar on Wessel tonight was sick

[DeToxRox]

More spoilers, Quarterfinals inside:

Spoiler

Roy vs Wren - I think Wren wins, but it's a toss up. That should be a good fight and will be the first quarterfinal fight.

Titties vs Marcus - Gotta go Marcus, he looked sick tonight

McSweeney vs Mitrione - McSweeney is too experienced to lose to Mitrione, plus Mitrione has no cardio

Schuab vs Madsen - Schuab. Dude will win the whole thing.

[JS19]

Finally, somebody that looks like they know what their doing. This Davis guy looks as though he knows what he's doing when he gets to the ground... avoids the trip, goes straight for an armbar, loses top position and is still able to get an armbar. Pretty sure he'd get knocked out real quick by a real UFC fighter, based on what he showed standing up tonight, but at least he looked like a guy who knows what's up.

[dervack]

I might end up going to the Strikeforce card, for an event T-Shirt. A guy can't go and all he wants for his ticket might just be a shirt. Need to talk to him tomorrow.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by dervack

I might end up going to the Strikeforce card, for an event T-Shirt. A guy can't go and all he wants for his ticket might just be a shirt. Need to talk to him tomorrow.

to see fedor? you fucking better go!

[DaddyTorgo]

it's almost fedor-time!!!! i'm pumped!!

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

it's almost fedor-time!!!! i'm pumped!!

I am looking forward to this as well as it is a solid card. Shields / Miller could be a classic and Moussasi is a machine. I watched the weigh ins on HDnet last night and Rogers had to cut to get under 265. I would not be surprised if he enters the ring with a 45-50 lb weight advantage on Fedor. That could be a wildcard if he is able to bully him around, but then again he has to get close enough to do that without getting starched on the way in.

[DeToxRox]

Predictions tonight ..

Mousasi over Sokoudjou via Manslaughter. This is going to be just ugly. Sokoudjou is solid too but Mousasi is the best 205 in the world outside of Machida and Shogun (assuming the Shogun from last month is here to stay)

Miller over Shields via decision. Shields is good but I think he is a tad overrated and I think Mayhem is going to do enough to win a decision.

Big Foot Silva over Werdum via Stoppage. Werdum is not that great and Silva is a monster. I think he'll take Werdum down in the second round and get the stoppage.

Rogers over Fedor via Stoppage. Yes, this is a pick with my heart not my head. Fedor is prone to making mistakes but is so good that if you don't capitalize on that mistake as it happens and end it, you just won't win. I think Rogers is able to tag him and get on him quick enough for a stoppage. If this fight makes it to the ground any other way though then Rogers is through.

I think there will be two first round stops (Mousasi and the Main) and only one likely to hit a decision (Miller/Shields)

Should be a fun card.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

I am looking forward to this as well as it is a solid card. Shields / Miller could be a classic and Moussasi is a machine. I watched the weigh ins on HDnet last night and Rogers had to cut to get under 265. I would not be surprised if he enters the ring with a 45-50 lb weight advantage on Fedor. That could be a wildcard if he is able to bully him around, but then again he has to get close enough to do that without getting starched on the way in.

i'm not worried. fedor's fought big guys who could strike before.

moussasi is awesome