Last night's UFC 116 card was an eye popping display of mixed martial arts. It may just go down as the best night of fights ever. Or at least one of the best--though right now I'm hard pressed to think of one that was even as good.
The main card started off on the right foot. Australia's George Sotiropolous dominated Kurt Pelegrino both on the feet and on the ground. He won a unanimous decision. Then came one of the night's best. Stephan Bonner--who along with Forrest Griffin is credited for the success of the UFC after their fight on season one of the Ultimate Fighter--knew that he desperately needed a win over Canadian Krzysztof Soszynski to stay in the active ranks of the UFC. And that is exactly the way Bonner fought. These guys threw bombs at each other. It looked as if Bonner was done in the first round. But he landed a huge knee in round two that was the beginning of the end. It prompted Dana White later to award it fight of the night.
With the crowd still buzzing, Chris Lyttle and Matt Brown stepped in the ring. They were expected to throw like crazy--and they did, but they also exhibited their ground skills as well. Brown had Lyttle in a very tight choke in the first, but Lyttle escaped. Then in the second Lyttle employed a double submission. An arm triangle which he transitioned into an arm bar for the victory.
When Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama came into the ring for the co-main event, most thought we had seen the best the night would offer. But not so, this fight was so good White also gave it fight of the night. This was a back and forth contest, with Akiyama displaying some impressive judo skills taking Leben to the ground. But Leben proved effective from his back. As the match progressed it was obvious Akiyama was tiring. Leben sensed this and turned it up in the final round and would land some big shots, eventually submitting Akiyama with 14 seconds left. It was the most impressive performance of Leben's career--made even more staggering by the fact Leben had fought in the UFC just two weeks before.
I remember thinking heading into the main event for the heavywieght belt that Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin would almost have to be a let down. But on this night of magical fights it was not to be so. The two heavyweights---and I mean heavyweights--both having to cut weight to make it down to 265 pounds--looked primed and ready during the pre fight instructions. But it was Carwin at the opening bell that exposed the weak stand up of Lesnar. He rocked Lesnar with the left, jumped on top and would go on to land a total of 57 strikes in the round. Carwin said after he felt Lesnar go out a few times. But Lesnar didn't seem to be in enough danger to referee Jake Rosenthal to stop the fight. Though it must have been close. Carwin spent it all in round number one, and Lesnar seemed the fresher headed to number two. He was able to take Carwin down, and then administer the arm triangle forcing Carwin to tap. A huge turn of events. But what a fight. I can't wait until these guys do it again. I can really see this being Ali/Frasier type of rivalry.
UFC 115 here in Vancouver had some definite highlights. I think of the McDonald/Condit fight and the Cro Cop/Barry match. But let's face it. It didn't come close to Saturday night. I was at the Forum Sports Bar on Granville and that place was in a frenzy for almost two hours. I haven't seen a buzz from a UFC pay per view like last night ever. If a fan was on the fence about MMA, and watched UFC 116, they would have to be a fan for life. It was just that good.
Dana White credits that Stephan Bonner Forrest Griffin fight for lifting the UFC off the ground. The viewership numbers back him up. I remember watching the fight and thinking "holy crap this stuff is great". I now wonder if last night's pay per view will also be a bench mark for attracting new fans and cementing the UFC's lock on the MMA pay per view market. Like I said, it was just that good. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do all you can to get in front of a television and watch it. It will be time better than well spent.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
UFC 115: Frankly speaking....I almost up-Chucked
When I took my first look at the UFC's official release of the Vancouver card I wasn't very impressed. Chuck Liddell and Rich Franklin as the main event. The co main event Mirko Cro Cop versus Pat Barry. What was the UFC thinking? After all the drama that had taken place getting this event to happen and then they give us this mediocre card?
First off, I guess it goes to show don't believe anything Dana White tweets or even says on national television. He had told anyone willing to listen that it would be Liddell taking on Tito Ortiz here in Vancouver despite all the rumours to the contrary. Even Ortiz and Liddell supported this, though both have since apologized for misleading their fans. I get that White and co. want as many fans to watch the Ultimate Fighter Season 11 where Liddell and Ortiz are coaching--but you have to think they went a little far in perpetuating the lie of a third meeting between Liddell and Ortiz.
What do you think of Liddell taking on Franklin? For me--it's not a bout I'm terribly enamoured with. Both are long shots to ever get back into the title picture at 205. Over the past few years both have mediocre records. Franklin has dropped three of his last six fights, while Liddell has been even worse falling in four of his last five.
If Liddell wins he's still miles away from getting back into contention. He's only beaten a Rich Franklin who himself is on the down side of his career. And same goes if Franklin is victorious. It just means he's winning fights against guys of Liddell's pedigree...but can't seem to take the next step. In this fight it only really matters who loses. Especially if that's Liddell--it could conceivably be his last fight--unless they get around to doing the Ortiz match-up. If Franklin goes down it's more proof he's no longer amongst the UFC's elite, but rather a definite second tier fighter.
No, I would have way rather seen Ortiz in Vancouver. I'm not saying he's a better fighter than Franklin is right now--it just would have been a better match-up. Ortiz and Liddell don't like each other. Sure they're both all but washed up--but it's fun watching guys fight that truly despise one another. Add to that they're both coaches in season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter and you've got some fuel to the fire. I understand that Ortiz likely doesn't finish the season with Franklin subbing in for him, but that doesn't matter. I think they should have gone back to Ortiz for the coaches match up barring some sort of injury.
Then there is the rest of the card. According to the UFC's website the co-main event will be Mirko Cro Cop taking on Pat Barry. That's a co-main event? Not in my mind. Sure I was excited as anyone when Cro Cop made his UFC debut a few years ago. But for some reason he is not at all dominant in the cage as he is in the ring. Maybe it's his kickboxing back ground--but I've never been impressed by Cro Cop in the UFC. And Pat Barry? Well, suffice to say casual fans have no idea who Pat Barry is.
Now I like the rest of the fights the UFC is preparing for the main card. Paulo Thiago and Martin Kampmann are contenders for Fight of the Night. Both enjoy standing and banging though Thiago is definitely got the better ground game. Thiago is 4-1 in the UFC while Kampmann is 7-2.
The next fight features one of two Canadians on the card. Kelowna's Rory McDonald is widely acknowledged to be one of the bright young fighters in the welterweight division. But he will not have an easy time on June 12th. He'll face Carlos Condit who's five wins in the WEC propelled him into the UFC. He's 1-1 after two fights with his loss coming to the afore mentioned Martin Kampmann. McDonald made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 20 where he submitted Mike Guymon. McDonald holds an untarnished MMA record of 10-0.
The last fight on the main card is also a Fight of the Night candidate. And why not? Tyson Griffin who'll take on Evan Dunham has five previous Fight of the Night honors in just nine UFC bouts. He's 7-2 over that span with his only losses coming to Sean Sherk and Frankie Edgar. Dunham has never lost. His most recent win a near arm breaking submission over TUF season 8 winner Efrain Escudero. Dunham and especially Griffin are like energizer bunnies. You've got to love the lightweights for that.
Now, there is one other bout that could find it's way onto the main card for Vancouver. And to me, this is the difference between a mediocre card and a solid one. Dana White tweeted a couple of weeks back that welterweight contenders Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves would hook up in Vancouver. You may remember they were supposed to fight a few weeks back at UFC 111, but Alves was pulled due to an irregularity found on his brain in a CT scan before the bout.
Despite the rumours--and White's tweet--Fitch and Alves were left off the Vancouver card. It's apparently because Alves hasn't been medically cleared to fight. Word is Alves is headed back to New York on April 21st for a check up, and if everything looks good he and Fitch will be added to the card. After everything that's happened with whether or not the Vancouver show was even going to happen and all the back and forth about the main event....I'll believe Fitch and Alves when it becomes official.
But make no mistake. UFC 115 needs the Fitch-Alves fight as it's co-main event. The card as it stands is totally void of any true contenders in any weight class. Fitch and Alves are widely regarded as the second and third best fighters respectively at 170. The winner would also likely be up for a rematch with title holder George St Pierre. So the fight means something. Vancouver needs a fight that has at least some implications on a title somewhere.
Unfortunately we are left hanging. The lustre of the UFC 115 card completely depends on what doctors find in the head of Thiago Alves. It seems that everything should be ok--Alves has already been cleared to train. But if he's not cleared to fight, Vancouver MMA fans will be watching an event featuring a few older fighters that are way past their best days, and a crop of young up and comers that are just as far in front of theirs.
Don't forget to join me at the Forum Sports Bar on Granville for UFC 113 on May 8th from Montreal. We'll be giving away Tap Out Gear to those who think they know a little something about the UFC. Hope to see you there!
First off, I guess it goes to show don't believe anything Dana White tweets or even says on national television. He had told anyone willing to listen that it would be Liddell taking on Tito Ortiz here in Vancouver despite all the rumours to the contrary. Even Ortiz and Liddell supported this, though both have since apologized for misleading their fans. I get that White and co. want as many fans to watch the Ultimate Fighter Season 11 where Liddell and Ortiz are coaching--but you have to think they went a little far in perpetuating the lie of a third meeting between Liddell and Ortiz.
What do you think of Liddell taking on Franklin? For me--it's not a bout I'm terribly enamoured with. Both are long shots to ever get back into the title picture at 205. Over the past few years both have mediocre records. Franklin has dropped three of his last six fights, while Liddell has been even worse falling in four of his last five.
If Liddell wins he's still miles away from getting back into contention. He's only beaten a Rich Franklin who himself is on the down side of his career. And same goes if Franklin is victorious. It just means he's winning fights against guys of Liddell's pedigree...but can't seem to take the next step. In this fight it only really matters who loses. Especially if that's Liddell--it could conceivably be his last fight--unless they get around to doing the Ortiz match-up. If Franklin goes down it's more proof he's no longer amongst the UFC's elite, but rather a definite second tier fighter.
No, I would have way rather seen Ortiz in Vancouver. I'm not saying he's a better fighter than Franklin is right now--it just would have been a better match-up. Ortiz and Liddell don't like each other. Sure they're both all but washed up--but it's fun watching guys fight that truly despise one another. Add to that they're both coaches in season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter and you've got some fuel to the fire. I understand that Ortiz likely doesn't finish the season with Franklin subbing in for him, but that doesn't matter. I think they should have gone back to Ortiz for the coaches match up barring some sort of injury.
Then there is the rest of the card. According to the UFC's website the co-main event will be Mirko Cro Cop taking on Pat Barry. That's a co-main event? Not in my mind. Sure I was excited as anyone when Cro Cop made his UFC debut a few years ago. But for some reason he is not at all dominant in the cage as he is in the ring. Maybe it's his kickboxing back ground--but I've never been impressed by Cro Cop in the UFC. And Pat Barry? Well, suffice to say casual fans have no idea who Pat Barry is.
Now I like the rest of the fights the UFC is preparing for the main card. Paulo Thiago and Martin Kampmann are contenders for Fight of the Night. Both enjoy standing and banging though Thiago is definitely got the better ground game. Thiago is 4-1 in the UFC while Kampmann is 7-2.
The next fight features one of two Canadians on the card. Kelowna's Rory McDonald is widely acknowledged to be one of the bright young fighters in the welterweight division. But he will not have an easy time on June 12th. He'll face Carlos Condit who's five wins in the WEC propelled him into the UFC. He's 1-1 after two fights with his loss coming to the afore mentioned Martin Kampmann. McDonald made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 20 where he submitted Mike Guymon. McDonald holds an untarnished MMA record of 10-0.
The last fight on the main card is also a Fight of the Night candidate. And why not? Tyson Griffin who'll take on Evan Dunham has five previous Fight of the Night honors in just nine UFC bouts. He's 7-2 over that span with his only losses coming to Sean Sherk and Frankie Edgar. Dunham has never lost. His most recent win a near arm breaking submission over TUF season 8 winner Efrain Escudero. Dunham and especially Griffin are like energizer bunnies. You've got to love the lightweights for that.
Now, there is one other bout that could find it's way onto the main card for Vancouver. And to me, this is the difference between a mediocre card and a solid one. Dana White tweeted a couple of weeks back that welterweight contenders Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves would hook up in Vancouver. You may remember they were supposed to fight a few weeks back at UFC 111, but Alves was pulled due to an irregularity found on his brain in a CT scan before the bout.
Despite the rumours--and White's tweet--Fitch and Alves were left off the Vancouver card. It's apparently because Alves hasn't been medically cleared to fight. Word is Alves is headed back to New York on April 21st for a check up, and if everything looks good he and Fitch will be added to the card. After everything that's happened with whether or not the Vancouver show was even going to happen and all the back and forth about the main event....I'll believe Fitch and Alves when it becomes official.
But make no mistake. UFC 115 needs the Fitch-Alves fight as it's co-main event. The card as it stands is totally void of any true contenders in any weight class. Fitch and Alves are widely regarded as the second and third best fighters respectively at 170. The winner would also likely be up for a rematch with title holder George St Pierre. So the fight means something. Vancouver needs a fight that has at least some implications on a title somewhere.
Unfortunately we are left hanging. The lustre of the UFC 115 card completely depends on what doctors find in the head of Thiago Alves. It seems that everything should be ok--Alves has already been cleared to train. But if he's not cleared to fight, Vancouver MMA fans will be watching an event featuring a few older fighters that are way past their best days, and a crop of young up and comers that are just as far in front of theirs.
Don't forget to join me at the Forum Sports Bar on Granville for UFC 113 on May 8th from Montreal. We'll be giving away Tap Out Gear to those who think they know a little something about the UFC. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Rumour has it...
Rumours are a funny thing. In life, and in the life of the sports reporter. This being an MMA blog I'd like to look at some rumours specific to the Vancouver UFC card and just how credible they might be.
At times, I've found all sports rumours are only that--baseless, inaccurate stories that someone not too close to the situation has dreamed up. But at other times, exactly the opposite. Someone close to the situation has leaked the story, and it's made it's rounds. For those of us on the outside looking in, it's a case of "where there's smoke there's fire".
In MMA I've found the smoke and fire situation is often the case. I'm guessing it's because most of the rumours are coming from credible sources--those inside the promotions themselves. There doesn't seem to be a big gag order handed down from on high either. Case in point--the Vancouver UFC date of June 12th. We've known the date for months even though it's still not official. And the UFC doesn't care about the leak. Why would they? If anything it's a lot of extra promotion for them.
So with that in mind lets try and make sense of the past week or so of UFC rumours regarding the main event card for June 12th in Vancouver.
For a while now it's been held that the Vancouver main event would be Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Both are coaches in season 11 of the Ultimate Figther. But a few "tweets" this past week from Ortiz has opened Pandora's Box of speculation. Ortiz has kept going on about how difficult taping of the show has been. About how challenges have kept coming up. It led to the suggestion that Ortiz was unable to finish taping the show due to injury or behavior. That while it seemed the UFC was looking for a dance partner for Rich Franklin. Some websites were reporting that now Franklin and Liddell had agreed to fight each other. And that Franklin stepped in and finished Ortiz's coaching gig on the show. At the writing of the post, some websites still have Liddell and Franklin headlining the Vancouver card. And they may be right.
But I'm not so sure. UFC President Dana White has denied it on Twitter:
"Nothing happened to Tito. Tito and I are cool". He added "we're doing Couture vs Franklin not Chuck".
Ortiz also tweeted a denial asking those doubters to look at White's words. And really, why would White lie? What has he got to lose? Even if Ortiz didn't finish the show, why respond at all?
But the rumours of Franklin-Liddell persist. In part because of a hospital stay for Ortiz. He apparently caught a very bad flu--and claims to have lost 15 pounds. But he's back home now and seems to be recovering well if you believe his tweets.
So is it Liddell-Franklin or Liddell-Ortiz? Well, here's the nugget that I believe points in the direction of Liddell-Ortiz and something even more exciting.
A couple of paragraphs ago I quoted a Dana White tweet which referred to an upcoming battle between Franklin and the ageless wonder, Randy Couture. It would seem the UFC is trying to get that fight signed and not only that, they're targeting Vancouver for that fight as well.
An article on the Boston Herald's website from last Thursday supports this. Franklin has been training in the Boston area recently and shared what could be next for him: "
At times, I've found all sports rumours are only that--baseless, inaccurate stories that someone not too close to the situation has dreamed up. But at other times, exactly the opposite. Someone close to the situation has leaked the story, and it's made it's rounds. For those of us on the outside looking in, it's a case of "where there's smoke there's fire".
In MMA I've found the smoke and fire situation is often the case. I'm guessing it's because most of the rumours are coming from credible sources--those inside the promotions themselves. There doesn't seem to be a big gag order handed down from on high either. Case in point--the Vancouver UFC date of June 12th. We've known the date for months even though it's still not official. And the UFC doesn't care about the leak. Why would they? If anything it's a lot of extra promotion for them.
So with that in mind lets try and make sense of the past week or so of UFC rumours regarding the main event card for June 12th in Vancouver.
For a while now it's been held that the Vancouver main event would be Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Both are coaches in season 11 of the Ultimate Figther. But a few "tweets" this past week from Ortiz has opened Pandora's Box of speculation. Ortiz has kept going on about how difficult taping of the show has been. About how challenges have kept coming up. It led to the suggestion that Ortiz was unable to finish taping the show due to injury or behavior. That while it seemed the UFC was looking for a dance partner for Rich Franklin. Some websites were reporting that now Franklin and Liddell had agreed to fight each other. And that Franklin stepped in and finished Ortiz's coaching gig on the show. At the writing of the post, some websites still have Liddell and Franklin headlining the Vancouver card. And they may be right.
But I'm not so sure. UFC President Dana White has denied it on Twitter:
"Nothing happened to Tito. Tito and I are cool". He added "we're doing Couture vs Franklin not Chuck".
Ortiz also tweeted a denial asking those doubters to look at White's words. And really, why would White lie? What has he got to lose? Even if Ortiz didn't finish the show, why respond at all?
But the rumours of Franklin-Liddell persist. In part because of a hospital stay for Ortiz. He apparently caught a very bad flu--and claims to have lost 15 pounds. But he's back home now and seems to be recovering well if you believe his tweets.
So is it Liddell-Franklin or Liddell-Ortiz? Well, here's the nugget that I believe points in the direction of Liddell-Ortiz and something even more exciting.
A couple of paragraphs ago I quoted a Dana White tweet which referred to an upcoming battle between Franklin and the ageless wonder, Randy Couture. It would seem the UFC is trying to get that fight signed and not only that, they're targeting Vancouver for that fight as well.
An article on the Boston Herald's website from last Thursday supports this. Franklin has been training in the Boston area recently and shared what could be next for him: "
“It’s not signed yet, but we’ve been working Randy now for a while. We’ve talked June, then we talked August and now we’re talking June again,” Franklin said. “I think we’re having problems with Randy’s scheduling. So I really don’t know what the plan is at this point.”
But if Couture can work out his schedule--apparently his acting commitments are the issue--June 12th is the target though we haven't heard from Couture on the matter. But remember White's tweet--and White usually gets what he wants.
A few posts ago I was a little nervous if there would be any big names left for the Vancouver card. But if all works out as it seems the UFC wants, we could be getting a hell of an event. Imagine, Rich Franklin and Randy Couture as the main event. Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz as the co main event. Also we'd be seeing the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Yoshohiro Akiyama, and Mirko Cro Cop along with plenty of other exciting up and comers and a couple of Canadians.
But again, be careful about getting your hopes up. These are all just rumours Sure, often where there's smoke there's fire. But remember, sports reporters have been fired over reporting rumours.
Enjoy the next crazy week of UFC events! And come see me at the Forum Sports Bar on the 27th. I'll be hosting the pay per view and giving away some MMA stuff provided by my friends from Spartan Fighter Wear.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
MMA of Olympic Proportions
This past week UFC President Dana White stated he'd like to see MMA in the Olympics. White is 40 years old--but he's going to have to live to 140 before MMA is a sport in the Games. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to see it. I just choose not to hold my breath. Hell, I can't hold my breath for 100 seconds let alone 100 years.
Alright. So MMA has come a long way in the past five to ten years. A crazy long way. It is a mainstay on all the sports highlight shows. It's on free TV. We walk into a sports bar, and it's very likely we'll see some level of MMA on the flat screens. Which I love. I think that it's also going to get bigger. It is truly a main stream sport enjoyed by millions. And not just in North America either. All over the world people are watching. Case in point this past weekends UFC 110 in Australia. Half way across the world and people go nuts over MMA.
So the interest is there. The Olympics are always looking to include new sports that have an appeal to a large group of countries and that no one country will dominate. MMA definitely fits that bill. But it's about the only bill being fit when it comes to cage fighting going to the Games.
There are just way too many problems surrounding it. The IOC hasn't even allowed kick boxing into the Games. They wonder if enough countries practice the sport. I'm not too sure but I have a feeling more people kick box than do synchronized swimming. And kick boxing could actually work. They could use the head gear, the big gloves and the leg pads. But let's face it. The IOC is run by a bunch of conservatives. Kick boxing is far too violent. Sometimes I'm surprised boxing is even in the Olympics. Come to think of it, which super-forward-thinking-dude let boxing into the Olympics?
There is also the question of who would participate. Would you have the amateurs like in boxing? Or the pros like in hockey? And here's some other questions: Would you have it in a cage or a ring? Would you wear any sort of protective padding? Would your shorts logo be a picture of a kid and his dad doing karate instead of an ad for condom depot? There's just way too many questions for a backwards group like the IOC to even consider when considering MMA. But again, the number one reason is it's just too violent.
I would suggest there is not much actual fighting in Olympic boxing. I'm not saying that has to be a bad thing, but I don't see many knockouts in Olympic boxing. It's more of a contest to see who can touch the other person's head gear with their gloves the most. Kind of like a light slap contest. I'm pretty convinced a light slap contest is about as far as the IOC will allow in their Games. That being the case, you couldn't make head gear and the big gloves work in MMA. You simply can't employ a safe, fair ground game with that equipment. It' just doesn't work. Another reason we won't see MMA in the Olympics.
Maybe you're reading between the lines I'm not exactly a huge fan of the IOC. I'd call that some nice detective work on your part. Having said that there is one reason for not allowing MMA that the IOC could throw out that I'd have no problem with. And that's that the Olympics are a family affair. I have young kids, and there's no way I'll let them watch MMA. It's not in thier paradigm of understanding. It is an adult program.
With that in mind, what about a comprimise of sorts? We already have boxing, Judo, Karate, and wrestling in the Games. Those are parts of MMA. Why not add jiu jitsu? It's not necessarily all that violent--at least in appearance--and that's what counts with the IOC. It is practiced in a number of countries now, and not always dominated by Brazil. Mostly, but not always. I could see that happening down the road.
I just can't envision a world where the IOC will open it's ultra conservative arms to Mixed Martial Arts. And maybe it shouldn't. MMA certainley doesn't need the Olympics--or vice-versa. While I would never debate the merits of MMA as a sport--I can see why it's not an Olympic sport. Too many issues--real or imagined by a short sighted Olympic governing body.
As I stated Dana White has just turned the big 4-0. I am in that same age range. And for the most part I see White as a definite realist. But if he thinks he'll see MMA taking a bite into the Olympics in his lifetime, his reality definitely bites.
Enjoy the rest of the Olympics. Go Canada Go!
Alright. So MMA has come a long way in the past five to ten years. A crazy long way. It is a mainstay on all the sports highlight shows. It's on free TV. We walk into a sports bar, and it's very likely we'll see some level of MMA on the flat screens. Which I love. I think that it's also going to get bigger. It is truly a main stream sport enjoyed by millions. And not just in North America either. All over the world people are watching. Case in point this past weekends UFC 110 in Australia. Half way across the world and people go nuts over MMA.
So the interest is there. The Olympics are always looking to include new sports that have an appeal to a large group of countries and that no one country will dominate. MMA definitely fits that bill. But it's about the only bill being fit when it comes to cage fighting going to the Games.
There are just way too many problems surrounding it. The IOC hasn't even allowed kick boxing into the Games. They wonder if enough countries practice the sport. I'm not too sure but I have a feeling more people kick box than do synchronized swimming. And kick boxing could actually work. They could use the head gear, the big gloves and the leg pads. But let's face it. The IOC is run by a bunch of conservatives. Kick boxing is far too violent. Sometimes I'm surprised boxing is even in the Olympics. Come to think of it, which super-forward-thinking-dude let boxing into the Olympics?
There is also the question of who would participate. Would you have the amateurs like in boxing? Or the pros like in hockey? And here's some other questions: Would you have it in a cage or a ring? Would you wear any sort of protective padding? Would your shorts logo be a picture of a kid and his dad doing karate instead of an ad for condom depot? There's just way too many questions for a backwards group like the IOC to even consider when considering MMA. But again, the number one reason is it's just too violent.
I would suggest there is not much actual fighting in Olympic boxing. I'm not saying that has to be a bad thing, but I don't see many knockouts in Olympic boxing. It's more of a contest to see who can touch the other person's head gear with their gloves the most. Kind of like a light slap contest. I'm pretty convinced a light slap contest is about as far as the IOC will allow in their Games. That being the case, you couldn't make head gear and the big gloves work in MMA. You simply can't employ a safe, fair ground game with that equipment. It' just doesn't work. Another reason we won't see MMA in the Olympics.
Maybe you're reading between the lines I'm not exactly a huge fan of the IOC. I'd call that some nice detective work on your part. Having said that there is one reason for not allowing MMA that the IOC could throw out that I'd have no problem with. And that's that the Olympics are a family affair. I have young kids, and there's no way I'll let them watch MMA. It's not in thier paradigm of understanding. It is an adult program.
With that in mind, what about a comprimise of sorts? We already have boxing, Judo, Karate, and wrestling in the Games. Those are parts of MMA. Why not add jiu jitsu? It's not necessarily all that violent--at least in appearance--and that's what counts with the IOC. It is practiced in a number of countries now, and not always dominated by Brazil. Mostly, but not always. I could see that happening down the road.
I just can't envision a world where the IOC will open it's ultra conservative arms to Mixed Martial Arts. And maybe it shouldn't. MMA certainley doesn't need the Olympics--or vice-versa. While I would never debate the merits of MMA as a sport--I can see why it's not an Olympic sport. Too many issues--real or imagined by a short sighted Olympic governing body.
As I stated Dana White has just turned the big 4-0. I am in that same age range. And for the most part I see White as a definite realist. But if he thinks he'll see MMA taking a bite into the Olympics in his lifetime, his reality definitely bites.
Enjoy the rest of the Olympics. Go Canada Go!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
You gotta love Chael Sonnen
He might not have been the fighter people watched UFC 109 to see, but he was the fighter everyone was excited about after it was all over. I'm talking about Chael Sonnen. This guy totally opened my eyes on Saturday night. It's very possible he might be your next middleweight champ. We'll get into that in a minute.
I should pay lip service to Randy Couture before the Sonnen love-in begins. He did create quite a buzz with his second round submission win over Mark Coleman. But really? Why? Coleman wasn't in any one's top ten light heavyweight rankings before the fight. Neither was Couture for that matter. And Couture goes out and dominates a guy who's 45 years old. Yeah, yeah, Couture is old too. But big deal. Couture went out and won a fight he should have won. And yes, he might now be on some peoples top ten lists in that division. Good for Couture--but I really don't see him beating anyone in the top five.
Back to gushing about Sonnen. He was in most people's top ten discussion for middleweights heading into the fight. And now he's way way higher. I was totally surprised the way he was able to out-wrestle Marquardt. Sure, I know--Sonnen was a former alternate for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. But often that doesn't mean much. We've seen talented guys like GSP out-wrestle some pretty decorated wrestlers. And Marquardt is scary well rounded. I didn't see Sonnen being able to impose his will on someone who just looked stronger. Heading in, I gave the wrestling advantage to Sonnen, but all others to Marquardt.
And yet, there was Sonnen on top of Marquardt for basically 14 minutes. Grounding and pounding away. At first I thought Marquardt would be able to turn things around at the beginning of round two when they were on their feet again. Nothing doing. More take-downs. Sonnen was full marks for the win--but he's also full marks for personality. I love what comes out of this guys mouth and it's why I'm going to follow him a whole lot closer.
After the fight Sonnen talked about how much it sucked to fight a great fighter like Marquardt, and how much he was just glad it was over. Even better was his comment about how much he likes--no, needs--to fight in the UFC:
"At the end of the day if you want to get to the top of the card in the UFC, you've got to fight tough guys. If you want to be a fighter and get in the cage and be a big deal at your local strip club, go to Showtime. If you want to fight real guys, this is the place to do it."
As Dana White retorted right after, I couldn't have said it better myself. And Sonnen is aware of his "way with words". He's trying to use them for the greater good. He's actually running for a political office right now. Yeah, no kidding--he might become Oregon's District 37 guy at the House of Representatives in Washington. He is running as the Republican candidate, which gives him a good chance of winning. The spot is currently held by an retiring Republican. I'm not sure he'll focus on "being the big deal at local strip clubs", but instead seems to have some firm ideas on what his community needs.
One guy that definitely won't vote for Sonnen (if he could) is middleweight champ Anderson Silva. Sonnen has spent almost as much time campaigning in Oregon as he has bad mouthing who many believe is the top pound for pound fighter in the world. That notion is, in fact, something of a joke to Sonnen. He sees Silva as the weaker--himself as the true "Alpha male". He's been spinning this message for months now--even before he was in the position he is now--lined up for a shot at Silva, if Silva gets through his fight with Vitor Belfort.
So now it seems there's a good chance Sonnen will get the chance to back up his words with his fists--and wrestling ability. I think it would be a very tough challenge for Silva. Yes, Silva is much better when it comes to stand-up. Hell, he's an artist when it comes to stand-up. But Sonnen is going to take him down. We've seen Silva struggle somewhat in the past when he's been taken down--see his fight with Travis Lutter. Sonnen could be a real tough match-up for Silva. Plus I'm starting to think I'm not that enamoured with Silva anymore.
Silva's fights lately have been boring. Boring because he dominated so much--or just boring because they've been boring. Remember his fight with Thales Leites? That's 25 minutes of my life I'll never get back. Personally, I'm with Sonnen when he says he thinks Belfort is the tougher guy and will beat Silva.
But I kinda hope he doesn't. I'd love to witness the war of words that will happen if Sonnen is to fight Silva. Like I said, Sonnen started it a long time ago. One of his best accusations is that Silva can speak perfect English, and that he only uses his translator because he doesn't enjoy the media, a la Pavel Bure. I've heard from several sources Silva can speak English. And if he really doesn't bother with our language because---well for any reason--then Sonnen is right and Silva is a prick. Though having said that, I've heard from those same sources, Silva is a pretty nice guy on a personal level. But whatever. I've also heard the 70's Canadiens were a group of great guys, but I'd still have given my left nut (or as it was at the time, my bicycle) to see them lose. They simply won too much.
And so I'm left to back Sonnen. Partly because of the way he fought Marquardt. Mostly because of his gift for the gab:
" I've had conversations with Anderson Silva in perfect English, and on top of that he's so boring to listen to that he and his rocket scientist manager, Ed Soares, who is also about as exciting as watching grass grow, have decided that Ed is better on the mic than Anderson, so just let Ed do the talking."
And if Silva beats Belfort, there will be a lot of talking. And it's gonna be fun.
Next time: Holy Crap! I'll be reviewing the next UFC pay per view, number 110. Could it be the UFC is scheduling too many events, thus watering things down too much?
I should pay lip service to Randy Couture before the Sonnen love-in begins. He did create quite a buzz with his second round submission win over Mark Coleman. But really? Why? Coleman wasn't in any one's top ten light heavyweight rankings before the fight. Neither was Couture for that matter. And Couture goes out and dominates a guy who's 45 years old. Yeah, yeah, Couture is old too. But big deal. Couture went out and won a fight he should have won. And yes, he might now be on some peoples top ten lists in that division. Good for Couture--but I really don't see him beating anyone in the top five.
Back to gushing about Sonnen. He was in most people's top ten discussion for middleweights heading into the fight. And now he's way way higher. I was totally surprised the way he was able to out-wrestle Marquardt. Sure, I know--Sonnen was a former alternate for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. But often that doesn't mean much. We've seen talented guys like GSP out-wrestle some pretty decorated wrestlers. And Marquardt is scary well rounded. I didn't see Sonnen being able to impose his will on someone who just looked stronger. Heading in, I gave the wrestling advantage to Sonnen, but all others to Marquardt.
And yet, there was Sonnen on top of Marquardt for basically 14 minutes. Grounding and pounding away. At first I thought Marquardt would be able to turn things around at the beginning of round two when they were on their feet again. Nothing doing. More take-downs. Sonnen was full marks for the win--but he's also full marks for personality. I love what comes out of this guys mouth and it's why I'm going to follow him a whole lot closer.
After the fight Sonnen talked about how much it sucked to fight a great fighter like Marquardt, and how much he was just glad it was over. Even better was his comment about how much he likes--no, needs--to fight in the UFC:
"At the end of the day if you want to get to the top of the card in the UFC, you've got to fight tough guys. If you want to be a fighter and get in the cage and be a big deal at your local strip club, go to Showtime. If you want to fight real guys, this is the place to do it."
As Dana White retorted right after, I couldn't have said it better myself. And Sonnen is aware of his "way with words". He's trying to use them for the greater good. He's actually running for a political office right now. Yeah, no kidding--he might become Oregon's District 37 guy at the House of Representatives in Washington. He is running as the Republican candidate, which gives him a good chance of winning. The spot is currently held by an retiring Republican. I'm not sure he'll focus on "being the big deal at local strip clubs", but instead seems to have some firm ideas on what his community needs.
One guy that definitely won't vote for Sonnen (if he could) is middleweight champ Anderson Silva. Sonnen has spent almost as much time campaigning in Oregon as he has bad mouthing who many believe is the top pound for pound fighter in the world. That notion is, in fact, something of a joke to Sonnen. He sees Silva as the weaker--himself as the true "Alpha male". He's been spinning this message for months now--even before he was in the position he is now--lined up for a shot at Silva, if Silva gets through his fight with Vitor Belfort.
So now it seems there's a good chance Sonnen will get the chance to back up his words with his fists--and wrestling ability. I think it would be a very tough challenge for Silva. Yes, Silva is much better when it comes to stand-up. Hell, he's an artist when it comes to stand-up. But Sonnen is going to take him down. We've seen Silva struggle somewhat in the past when he's been taken down--see his fight with Travis Lutter. Sonnen could be a real tough match-up for Silva. Plus I'm starting to think I'm not that enamoured with Silva anymore.
Silva's fights lately have been boring. Boring because he dominated so much--or just boring because they've been boring. Remember his fight with Thales Leites? That's 25 minutes of my life I'll never get back. Personally, I'm with Sonnen when he says he thinks Belfort is the tougher guy and will beat Silva.
But I kinda hope he doesn't. I'd love to witness the war of words that will happen if Sonnen is to fight Silva. Like I said, Sonnen started it a long time ago. One of his best accusations is that Silva can speak perfect English, and that he only uses his translator because he doesn't enjoy the media, a la Pavel Bure. I've heard from several sources Silva can speak English. And if he really doesn't bother with our language because---well for any reason--then Sonnen is right and Silva is a prick. Though having said that, I've heard from those same sources, Silva is a pretty nice guy on a personal level. But whatever. I've also heard the 70's Canadiens were a group of great guys, but I'd still have given my left nut (or as it was at the time, my bicycle) to see them lose. They simply won too much.
And so I'm left to back Sonnen. Partly because of the way he fought Marquardt. Mostly because of his gift for the gab:
" I've had conversations with Anderson Silva in perfect English, and on top of that he's so boring to listen to that he and his rocket scientist manager, Ed Soares, who is also about as exciting as watching grass grow, have decided that Ed is better on the mic than Anderson, so just let Ed do the talking."
And if Silva beats Belfort, there will be a lot of talking. And it's gonna be fun.
Next time: Holy Crap! I'll be reviewing the next UFC pay per view, number 110. Could it be the UFC is scheduling too many events, thus watering things down too much?
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Live in the Cage" lives up
If you've never been to a live Mixed Martial Arts event, you should go. There is definitely a "wave of events" sweeping into the lower mainland, so there is no shortage of opportunity. And they really don't cost that much--for most of the amateur events, you can get in the door for thirty bucks. Worth the money if you even kind of like fighting.
I was part of the sell out crowd for "Live in the Cage", the amateur MMA card at the River Rock this past weekend. With events such as these you can never quite be sure of the level of talent that will be on display. But usually, you can expect excitement. The event at the River Rock did not disappoint one bit on that front. I can't recall one fight that didn't at least have a few very exciting moments. Many of them didn't go the distance, with finishes ranging from the ref stopping a viscous ground and pound to a beautiful arm bar.
There was one female contest, which peaked my interest as soon as I saw the card. It was the first time I had witnessed a live caged girl fight. And no, this was nothing like GLOW of days gone by. I was told before the fight the women are usually the most exciting. I figured that was because men love to see women roll around on the ground. But as I watched the fight, which was third on the card, I realised this was not the reason. Burnaby's Sarah McLeod and North Van's Wendy Roy staged an absolute Battle Royale. Both came out swinging and both could have won the fight in the first round. Both were knocked down, and both recovered to come back for more. The bout ended up winning--and deservedly so--Fight of the Night. It was a draw by the way.
I chatted with a war-torn but thrilled Sarah McLeod afterwards, and was even more impressed. She casually mentioned it was her very first fight. And--oh yeah, she only had 12 days notice. And, she'd never been hit in the face before. And, she'd never punched anyone in the face. And, boy, did that feel great. McLeod, it seemed, learned two things after all was said and done: That you can become friends with those you fight--at least afterwards; and that she can take a good shot to the chin.
The other little nugget that caught my eye before the fight was the info on a fighter from Kelowna. While all other fighters were mentioned as coming from this gym or that gym, all it said about Nick Austin was that he was self trained. What did that mean? Did this guy practice the rear-naked-choke on the couch cushions in the rec room at home? Well, as I would find out--not exactly, but that it was probably in the family home where he honed his early skill.
As I watched this "self trained" fighter TKO his opponent--Rami Kadi of the North Van Wolf Den--I knew I had to find out just exactly how self trained this guy was. I caught up with him just as he was leaving. He pushed his dreadlocks aside to reveal a couple of facial contusions and a smile. He said he just loves fighting. Then he revealed he has three older brothers. And that if you're going to get punched in the face, you better be ready to punch back. Thank-you three older brothers for that valuable life lesson.
I should mention I did find out he had had some jui-jitsu training, but no formal striking work. And this was the guy who won Knockout of the Night. Once again, thank-you three older brothers.
The only downer of the evening was that two of the final four fights had to be cancelled due to injury. The crowd didn't appreciate this announcement, but if a fighter pulls out due to injury, what can you do? One of the fighters called that very morning. You can't really bring in a replacement on a few hours notice.
The main event was billed as your classic striker versus your classic ground guy. Versus 21's Kiarash Moghaddam was said to be very good on his feet. Unfortunately for Kiarash, he couldn't stay on them. Dynamic MMA fighter Bastien Huveneers took him down almost from the opening bell, got into top position and that was all she wrote. Fight over a minute and ten seconds in. Entertaining, but too short. Though I'm sure that was just fine with the very talented and very tattooed Huveneers.
Like I wrote up top, if you get the chance to go see a live MMA event, do it. If it's anything like "Live in the Cage" was on Saturday night, you will not be disappointed. The atmosphere is exhilarating, the entertainment is first rate, and if you are privy to them, the stories behind the scenes can be just as intriguing as the fights themselves.
Don't forget to tune into my MMA reports at the top of the "odd" (as opposed to even) hours starting at 9am only on the TEAM 1410.
I was part of the sell out crowd for "Live in the Cage", the amateur MMA card at the River Rock this past weekend. With events such as these you can never quite be sure of the level of talent that will be on display. But usually, you can expect excitement. The event at the River Rock did not disappoint one bit on that front. I can't recall one fight that didn't at least have a few very exciting moments. Many of them didn't go the distance, with finishes ranging from the ref stopping a viscous ground and pound to a beautiful arm bar.
There was one female contest, which peaked my interest as soon as I saw the card. It was the first time I had witnessed a live caged girl fight. And no, this was nothing like GLOW of days gone by. I was told before the fight the women are usually the most exciting. I figured that was because men love to see women roll around on the ground. But as I watched the fight, which was third on the card, I realised this was not the reason. Burnaby's Sarah McLeod and North Van's Wendy Roy staged an absolute Battle Royale. Both came out swinging and both could have won the fight in the first round. Both were knocked down, and both recovered to come back for more. The bout ended up winning--and deservedly so--Fight of the Night. It was a draw by the way.
I chatted with a war-torn but thrilled Sarah McLeod afterwards, and was even more impressed. She casually mentioned it was her very first fight. And--oh yeah, she only had 12 days notice. And, she'd never been hit in the face before. And, she'd never punched anyone in the face. And, boy, did that feel great. McLeod, it seemed, learned two things after all was said and done: That you can become friends with those you fight--at least afterwards; and that she can take a good shot to the chin.
The other little nugget that caught my eye before the fight was the info on a fighter from Kelowna. While all other fighters were mentioned as coming from this gym or that gym, all it said about Nick Austin was that he was self trained. What did that mean? Did this guy practice the rear-naked-choke on the couch cushions in the rec room at home? Well, as I would find out--not exactly, but that it was probably in the family home where he honed his early skill.
As I watched this "self trained" fighter TKO his opponent--Rami Kadi of the North Van Wolf Den--I knew I had to find out just exactly how self trained this guy was. I caught up with him just as he was leaving. He pushed his dreadlocks aside to reveal a couple of facial contusions and a smile. He said he just loves fighting. Then he revealed he has three older brothers. And that if you're going to get punched in the face, you better be ready to punch back. Thank-you three older brothers for that valuable life lesson.
I should mention I did find out he had had some jui-jitsu training, but no formal striking work. And this was the guy who won Knockout of the Night. Once again, thank-you three older brothers.
The only downer of the evening was that two of the final four fights had to be cancelled due to injury. The crowd didn't appreciate this announcement, but if a fighter pulls out due to injury, what can you do? One of the fighters called that very morning. You can't really bring in a replacement on a few hours notice.
The main event was billed as your classic striker versus your classic ground guy. Versus 21's Kiarash Moghaddam was said to be very good on his feet. Unfortunately for Kiarash, he couldn't stay on them. Dynamic MMA fighter Bastien Huveneers took him down almost from the opening bell, got into top position and that was all she wrote. Fight over a minute and ten seconds in. Entertaining, but too short. Though I'm sure that was just fine with the very talented and very tattooed Huveneers.
Like I wrote up top, if you get the chance to go see a live MMA event, do it. If it's anything like "Live in the Cage" was on Saturday night, you will not be disappointed. The atmosphere is exhilarating, the entertainment is first rate, and if you are privy to them, the stories behind the scenes can be just as intriguing as the fights themselves.
Don't forget to tune into my MMA reports at the top of the "odd" (as opposed to even) hours starting at 9am only on the TEAM 1410.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hey Dana White--Leave something for us
For the past couple of weeks I've been trying to figure out who might be coming to Vancouver to fight at UFC 115 on June 12th. And it seems every time I come up with someone, the next day they're getting booked or rumoured to fight on an earlier card. I get that UFC President Dana White has fill all his prior cards first, but I'm starting to get a little worried.
First off I should point out Vancouver's not the only event competing to get that "marquee fight". The UFC will stage pay per view number 114 just a couple of weeks earlier in Vegas. It's an important event for the promotion because they're also staging their big "Fan Expo" that same weekend. It makes me wonder that, if they're looking to find an event for Brock Lesnar's return, it might make more sense for the UFC to have him come back in Vegas. Yeah, Rashad and Rampage are now on that card, but with Lesnar's remarks about Canadian health care, he might not risk a Vancouver fight. Sure, I'd love to see Lesnar in Vancouver, but I'm not holding my breath.
Especially since the rumour-du jour is that the UFC is going to showcase Ultimate Fighter 11 coaches Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell here in Vancouver. I know it's a given that UFC 115 will sell out in an hour, but those who spend the big bucks on tickets will no doubt be disappointed if Liddell-Ortiz is the main event. I'm not saying there isn't some intrigue to the match-up. The two were friends at one point, grew to genuinely dislike each other, then fought where Liddell dominated. They're both looking to make comebacks, but other than each other--who really would you like to see either of them fight? I don't think that fight should be the sole main event of any card.
Right now, barring injury, all of the title holders--with the exception of Lesnar--are scheduled, or rumoured to be fighting elsewhere earlier. All four of those fights are happening much too close to the Vancouver date for any one of the champions to be ready to fight here. The next title fight scheduled is Georges St.Pierre defending his welterweight belt against Dan Hardy on March 27th. As I wrote last week, two and a half months is just not long enough for the winner to recover. Though I must admit, as big name fighters are thrown into other events, I wonder if Dana White is thinking about delaying the main event announcement for Vancouver until after March 27th. That way he could at least see what happens that night, and if St. Pierre finishes Hardy in the first--who knows? Interesting to be sure, but unlikely.
I figured we would see a full stable of Canadian fighters taking to the cage in Vancouver. But, I guess not--at least not the best Canadians the UFC has to offer. They pretty much will now be fighting in Montreal on May 8th. Patrick Cote will likely take on Alan Belcher, Sam Stout looks to square off against Jeremy Stephens, and Jonathon Goulet faces Marcus Davis. That leaves Kelowna's Rory McDonald and a couple others--expect to see McDonald here, unless of course the Montreal date scoops him up first.
And speaking of Montreal--just how many great fights do they need? In addition to the main event with Lyoto Machida and Marucio "Shogun" Rua, they also have Kimbo Slice against Matt Mitrione, Josh Koscheck taking on Paul Daley. Yes, none of those fights have been officially confirmed by the UFC, but they are as good as done barring injury.
So it leaves us with the question. Who will be coming here? A few weeks ago, it was an exciting question. Right now it's more perplexing than anything else. I just hope, in the end, I like the answer.
NEXT WEEK: I plan to write about Saturday night's "Live in the Cage" event at the River Rock, taking place on the 23rd. It's the Lower mainland's first MMA event in a cage.
First off I should point out Vancouver's not the only event competing to get that "marquee fight". The UFC will stage pay per view number 114 just a couple of weeks earlier in Vegas. It's an important event for the promotion because they're also staging their big "Fan Expo" that same weekend. It makes me wonder that, if they're looking to find an event for Brock Lesnar's return, it might make more sense for the UFC to have him come back in Vegas. Yeah, Rashad and Rampage are now on that card, but with Lesnar's remarks about Canadian health care, he might not risk a Vancouver fight. Sure, I'd love to see Lesnar in Vancouver, but I'm not holding my breath.
Especially since the rumour-du jour is that the UFC is going to showcase Ultimate Fighter 11 coaches Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell here in Vancouver. I know it's a given that UFC 115 will sell out in an hour, but those who spend the big bucks on tickets will no doubt be disappointed if Liddell-Ortiz is the main event. I'm not saying there isn't some intrigue to the match-up. The two were friends at one point, grew to genuinely dislike each other, then fought where Liddell dominated. They're both looking to make comebacks, but other than each other--who really would you like to see either of them fight? I don't think that fight should be the sole main event of any card.
Right now, barring injury, all of the title holders--with the exception of Lesnar--are scheduled, or rumoured to be fighting elsewhere earlier. All four of those fights are happening much too close to the Vancouver date for any one of the champions to be ready to fight here. The next title fight scheduled is Georges St.Pierre defending his welterweight belt against Dan Hardy on March 27th. As I wrote last week, two and a half months is just not long enough for the winner to recover. Though I must admit, as big name fighters are thrown into other events, I wonder if Dana White is thinking about delaying the main event announcement for Vancouver until after March 27th. That way he could at least see what happens that night, and if St. Pierre finishes Hardy in the first--who knows? Interesting to be sure, but unlikely.
I figured we would see a full stable of Canadian fighters taking to the cage in Vancouver. But, I guess not--at least not the best Canadians the UFC has to offer. They pretty much will now be fighting in Montreal on May 8th. Patrick Cote will likely take on Alan Belcher, Sam Stout looks to square off against Jeremy Stephens, and Jonathon Goulet faces Marcus Davis. That leaves Kelowna's Rory McDonald and a couple others--expect to see McDonald here, unless of course the Montreal date scoops him up first.
And speaking of Montreal--just how many great fights do they need? In addition to the main event with Lyoto Machida and Marucio "Shogun" Rua, they also have Kimbo Slice against Matt Mitrione, Josh Koscheck taking on Paul Daley. Yes, none of those fights have been officially confirmed by the UFC, but they are as good as done barring injury.
So it leaves us with the question. Who will be coming here? A few weeks ago, it was an exciting question. Right now it's more perplexing than anything else. I just hope, in the end, I like the answer.
NEXT WEEK: I plan to write about Saturday night's "Live in the Cage" event at the River Rock, taking place on the 23rd. It's the Lower mainland's first MMA event in a cage.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Who's coming to town on June 12th?
Now that it seems likely the UFC will come to GM Place on June 12th, the speculation on who exactly will enter the octagon can begin. First off--just one rumour I have come across so far. Even though June 12th is before the Ultimate Fighter 11 finale, apparantly coaches Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell might square off as the main event in Vancouver. It's because the UFC wants to drum up excitement for the finale which is a week later. I'm hoping this would be just a co-main event. I think we deserve better than two fighters that are well past thier best years. I'm hoping for a title fight. Or at least something a little more interesting.
We know this, the UFC likes Canada. Dana White has called it the Mecca of MMA. High praise for a country still trying to sanction the sport in it's most heavily populated province. The previous two UFC events in Montreal give us two hints about what we can expect in terms of match-ups at GM Place. First off, the card will feature Canadians. Secondly, we should see at least one if not two big match-ups, quite possibly a title fight--I'm crossing my fingers. So with that in mind, let the prognostications begin.
Let's start with who won't be coming. And yes, it is the biggest name in Canadian MMA. Georges St. Pierre will likely not show his face any closer than ringside on June 12th. He's fighting Dan Hardy on March 27th in Jersey. For him to fight in Vancouver it would mean only a two-and-a-half month layoff. That is just not done for title holders in the UFC. I guess if he knocks out or submits Hardy early in the first round there's a small chance, but even then highly unlikely. Keep in mind the UFC will likely name Vancouver's main event before March 27, and they won't know what St.Pierre's status will be until after.
So, no welterweight title fight. And probably no light heavyweight title fight either. Lyoto Machida is penciled in to fight Mauricio Shogun Rua on May 1st in Montreal. Dana White seems pretty sold on that fight. With that in mind, let's take a look at the other weight classes.
The Heavyweights. It's come out this week that Brock Lesnar is back training and could be back in the octagon in a few months. As of right now the UFC has tentative main events right up until UFC 113. Only 114 in Vegas and 115 in Vancouver are events without main attractions. Lesnar could easily end up headlining one of those two cards. He would likely fight Junior Dos Santos or the winner between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez on February 21st.
The Middle Weights. It is a long shot, but with a little luck, Anderson Silva could come to Vancouver. He's slated to take on the hard hitting Vitor Belfort on April 10th in Abu Dhabi. But Silva has been pushing this fight back since last year. His recovery from elbow surgery last fall has taken longer than expected, and just one more little set back is all he would need for waiting period of, say, two months.
The Lightweights. B.J. Penn is good to go right now. He's told Dana White he wants to fight ASAP. Penn has gone on the record saying he expects to compete on that April card in Abu Dhabi. But you can't always get what you want, and White and co. know they need to save something for both the Vegas and Vancouver cards, though apparantly Abu Dhabi is getting very close to a done deal.
As for non-title, but great fight options, the possibilities are greater. Forrest Griffin hasn't fought in a long time. Rich Franklin should be ready to go come June. What about a Kimbo Slice appearance? He hasn't stepped in since his win over Houston Alexander. That's just to name a few.
As for the Canadians, I thought White would save Sam Stout for Vancouver. But it's looking more and more like "Hands of Stone" will compete on the May 1st Montreal card. Too bad, his fights are always exciting. Patrick Cote, who hasn't fought since 2008, is back training, but it's believed he will fight in Montreal. And of course Rory "The Water Boy" McDonald would be an obvious choice. The 20 year old Kelowna resident made his UFC debut this week, submitting Mike Guymon in the first round at Fight Night 20.
Stay tuned for all the rumours as they come. And don't forget to listen for my MMA reports on the TEAM 1410.
We know this, the UFC likes Canada. Dana White has called it the Mecca of MMA. High praise for a country still trying to sanction the sport in it's most heavily populated province. The previous two UFC events in Montreal give us two hints about what we can expect in terms of match-ups at GM Place. First off, the card will feature Canadians. Secondly, we should see at least one if not two big match-ups, quite possibly a title fight--I'm crossing my fingers. So with that in mind, let the prognostications begin.
Let's start with who won't be coming. And yes, it is the biggest name in Canadian MMA. Georges St. Pierre will likely not show his face any closer than ringside on June 12th. He's fighting Dan Hardy on March 27th in Jersey. For him to fight in Vancouver it would mean only a two-and-a-half month layoff. That is just not done for title holders in the UFC. I guess if he knocks out or submits Hardy early in the first round there's a small chance, but even then highly unlikely. Keep in mind the UFC will likely name Vancouver's main event before March 27, and they won't know what St.Pierre's status will be until after.
So, no welterweight title fight. And probably no light heavyweight title fight either. Lyoto Machida is penciled in to fight Mauricio Shogun Rua on May 1st in Montreal. Dana White seems pretty sold on that fight. With that in mind, let's take a look at the other weight classes.
The Heavyweights. It's come out this week that Brock Lesnar is back training and could be back in the octagon in a few months. As of right now the UFC has tentative main events right up until UFC 113. Only 114 in Vegas and 115 in Vancouver are events without main attractions. Lesnar could easily end up headlining one of those two cards. He would likely fight Junior Dos Santos or the winner between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez on February 21st.
The Middle Weights. It is a long shot, but with a little luck, Anderson Silva could come to Vancouver. He's slated to take on the hard hitting Vitor Belfort on April 10th in Abu Dhabi. But Silva has been pushing this fight back since last year. His recovery from elbow surgery last fall has taken longer than expected, and just one more little set back is all he would need for waiting period of, say, two months.
The Lightweights. B.J. Penn is good to go right now. He's told Dana White he wants to fight ASAP. Penn has gone on the record saying he expects to compete on that April card in Abu Dhabi. But you can't always get what you want, and White and co. know they need to save something for both the Vegas and Vancouver cards, though apparantly Abu Dhabi is getting very close to a done deal.
As for non-title, but great fight options, the possibilities are greater. Forrest Griffin hasn't fought in a long time. Rich Franklin should be ready to go come June. What about a Kimbo Slice appearance? He hasn't stepped in since his win over Houston Alexander. That's just to name a few.
As for the Canadians, I thought White would save Sam Stout for Vancouver. But it's looking more and more like "Hands of Stone" will compete on the May 1st Montreal card. Too bad, his fights are always exciting. Patrick Cote, who hasn't fought since 2008, is back training, but it's believed he will fight in Montreal. And of course Rory "The Water Boy" McDonald would be an obvious choice. The 20 year old Kelowna resident made his UFC debut this week, submitting Mike Guymon in the first round at Fight Night 20.
Stay tuned for all the rumours as they come. And don't forget to listen for my MMA reports on the TEAM 1410.
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