Battle of the Silvas, Anderson vs Wand: Why it makes sense and why Dana White has no other option.

Stuff doesn't always work out the way you want it to.

Girls, work, health, money...MMA Pay per view events from the top fighting promotion featuring the Best pound for pound fighter alive.

Deal with it.

In reality, aside from the "shadow sparring" main event, most of UFC 97 was above average (more on that Tuesday). It was Above Average with a few glimmers of awesome. Typically that would be enough to keep everyone happy. The only problem is that we were all expecting a Superhero in Black and Yellow shorts. Twice now we have been left waiting. Instead of a superhero, we see a regular old Human Being.

Why?

Is he too good? No one wants to engage standing up so nothing happens. Based on that thought alone, you could make the argument that "The Spider" is just as much to blame as his terrified opponents. Right? I mean when Thales refused to attack...Silva should have gone on the offensive...right? No sir, that is wrong.

Is he too smart?. He does not need to win in spectacular fashion, he only has to win. Thales knew he was losing in the 3rd and 4th...why not go for broke? What is the worst that can happen? The best thing would have been a lucky shot or maybe another take down. So what if he gets clipped? He was losing anyway and he knew it. He was hoping that Andersons ego was going to get the better of him and it did not. Here is the problem...Smart Champ = Boring fights highly probable.

Is Dana Stumped?. Dana has not met a problem that he has ever been afraid of confronting (and sometimes fixing) with his non PC mouth. Until now. Yes, I know he has said he was ashamed...didn't want to go to the press meeting...so on and so forth...however he seems to be unwilling to directly slam Silva. Simply saying "I don't know what's going on" and that Anderson "needs a challenge". Almost any other fighter would get full frontal Dana...Spider gets the PG version...on lithium and bong hits. Shit, this is a guy who told BJ to stop whining and get in the gym.

Does Silva Care? Dana knows that Silva is going to Boxing PPV valhalla with Rpy Jones Jr. after his UFC contract is over so he needs to cash in of his P4P gem now...RIGHT FUCKING NOW. Which brings the big question: Who does he fight next?

GSP? Maybe...certainly some day. Not if Alves beats GSP first....either way it's too far away.

Maia? No thanks...saw that movie before.

Bisbing? Henderson? Perhaps. But he will need to fight before the winner of that fight is known.

He needs a fighter that will FIGHT...a fighter not afraid to lose...a fighter like Chuck Liddell had Chuck not lost then retired...a fighter whose style spawned the nickname "The Axe Murderer". That is the only answer to the AS puzzle...Wanderlei Silva.

Either at 185 (War is declared??!!) or at 205 which would leave the door open for Maia to get his shot at the 185 belt. If Anderson wins the battle...he earns his fans respect back (and Danas) and no one could fault Wandy for losing to the best. Plus, if they did fight at 205 Wandy can still make a run at 185 after the fight...regardless of the outcome.

Write this down...print it out. That is the next fight that the UFC offer to the Spider. Don't agree? Tell me why it does not make sense.

It does make sense...you know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Including the Silva

UFC 97 Redemption; The Greatest MMA Card of all time?

Silva goes for the record book while Shogun and Iceman seek relevancy.

While UFC 97 may not be the greatest card of all time on paper...I dig it's vibe. It makes me think of an Acorn. An evil, smelly Acorn. Yes, it smells. With 12 fights with top notch MMA talent, you are bound to get more than a few gems. Gems being great fights.

Prediction = Potential. 97 has the potential to be an amazing card. In fact, it has the potential to be the best MMA card of all time. There...I said it. In fact, the best so far is a better way to phrase that.

It could be the best MMA card up to this point. No Shit.

Some reasons why...

12 fights. No further explanation required.

No Brainer: It's really fun to watch Anderson fight. By just being on the card he makes it worth buying. Plus, after the Cote fight, he is looking to establish his rightful place...leaving no question that he is the best fighter on the planet. This is his reputation...his legacy. He takes this very seriously. Look for him to address any issues pertinent to that matter...by smashing Leites right in the face. On multiple occasions. Silva wins by convincingly brutal stoppage in Round 2.

Cheick Mate: If Mr. Congo can get past Antoni...he needs to be considered for a shot or a shot for a shot. Dana wants to go to France? Wrap your head around this: A Heavyweight Championship fight held in Paris. Dude. The UFC is a global brand and imagine the press from having the fight card in Paris...every star in Europe (plus some from the US) will be there. Cheick wins by ref stoppage in round 2....goes on to the HW Title before the year 2010 is over. Write the shit down.

TUF Love: Krzysztof Soszynski is totally psyched. He will grind out a decision over "All American"

Kool and the Kang: Dennis Kang is not as psyched as Krzysztof. For Dennis Kang...this is what some would call...A Money Fight. The people that would not call it a Money fight are fools. Kang is pissed...takes it out on Prof. X, wins via sub in the first round.

Say it ain't so: Two aging legends try to prove that they are both still relevant. For right now...they are. This is the lynch pin of the fight card. If these guys bring their "A" games this will be a sick card (see over the top statement above). Write it down. However, if this fight is a repeat of Shogun/Coleman someone is out of the UFC. Chuck takes this. TKO Round 3

WEC Light Heavyweight champion: Sink or Swim. Last time we saw Cantwell he was reminding us why some people hate this sport. "what's that you say? Oh, you say you broke it?" Asshole. Look for Cane to take this in round 3 via ref stoppage.

TUF love, Part 2; Return of the Love: I hope Eliot wins. I also hope for nightly motorboats. That does not happen. Annoying pretty boy via Sub in the 2nd round.

The Return of the Crow: So Much Promise. Running out of time...another "Money Fight". Textbook. Ed Herman really needs this fight as well. Loser may be out of the UFC. Sleeper pick for fight of the night. The Crow wins via Split Decision.

He Beat Anderson Silva: His fight may not be televised. Ryo "Piranha" Chonan will walk away with a W. Unanimous Decision.

Slug fest: This will be the best fight that is not broadcast on PPV. It's a Lock...you know what fight this is without me even saying the names.

and...a few more fights. However, those were not as intriguing and spawned zero words.

97 has the potential to be an amazing card. In fact, it has the potential to be the best MMA card of all time. There...I said it. In fact, the best so far is a better way to phrase that.

Then again, it may totally suck. I'll watch either way.

Brett "The Grim" Rogers + Time = Champion

There is a reason why Gary Shaw didn't want Kimbo to fight him and there will be a time that Dana White will need him.

Not today...not in a few months but in a year or two he will fight in the UFC and he will contend for the belt. No doubt about it. You know it, I know it...everybody knows it. We just have not realized it yet.

He is Huge...even for a HW
He is a Good Interview...especially for a HW
He is Undefeated
He is Cocky
He is Charismatic
He has a great nickname

Granted...he really has not fought anyone in the "A" tier yet. So what...neither had Brock.

Strikeforce will have Werdum fight Overeem...Overeem will win. If he passes the drug test (he is looking much bigger than before...no?) he will then fight "The Grim". Should be a killer fight.

If Brett can get past the next can they give him and then Overeem (or Werdum) he will find himself the Strikeforce HW champ...undefeated at 11-0. Parrallel to that Brock Lesnar will still be champ and they will fight. Don't believe me? Screw you. Write it down and prove me wrong if it doesn't happen.

Bottom line is that I dig The Grim...it's fun to watch him fight. No emotion, hard to take down and hard to hurt. I would really love to see him fight Brock. So would Dana...so it shall be.

Write it down.

Who needs the UFC? Full Tilt Poker has found a new girlfriend...

...and her name is Strikeforce.

Question: Was this split Zuffas call or FTPs? One would think Zuffa is pulling the strings but you never know.

Question: Who will end up in better shape? UFCs new poker partner has a shady past and Showtime/CBS can reach lots of potential gamblers.

Zuffa does not make many bad moves...time will tell if this was one of them.

Strikeforce: MMA fans should be excited...UFC should be paying attention

Love Strikeforce

1. Good Fighters (Le, Gilbert, The Punk, Babalu, Shields, Diaz etc...)
2. A solid non-crazy leader (Coker)
3. A partnership with CBS/Showtime

Not crazy about the fire or the ramp...in fact I hate the fire and the ramp....maybe I only hate the ramp because of the fire. Having said that, I would certainly put up with it in return for a fight card like last night.

Coker has learned to let go a little bit and relinquish some control...you have to give to get Dana...and it seems to be working for him.

A viable Strikeforce with a Major Cable and Network deal is great for the fighters as well.

The best part is that Gary Shaw and his incredibly creepy son Skala have nothing to do with it.

Nick Diaz, keeping it real...loves the Pot. Hates Shamrock

Nick Diaz does not have a fake bone in his body.

He does not always make the smartest decisions and sometimes his indiscretion can harm his profession. However...no one can ever question if he is real or not. He is a fighter...a fighter that loves to smoke pot.

As reported in the LA TIMES, he not only feels "more consistent" as a cannabis user but he has a way to beat the test. ppsssst! Nick! Inside voice! INSIDE VOICE!

He is clearly not the only fighter using the herb. He is just the only fighter telling the world he smokes it "on the reg" as Kenny Powers would say and tells the commission that he can beat their drug test.

You may not like Nick Diaz...however, in a world of fake people you have to respect his honesty.

Pass it over here Nick...

Why Dana White should not apologize and why Tigers don't ever change their stripes

Because he is Dana White and Tigers are Motherfucking Tigers.

Seriously, Dana may end up apologizing but should he? What good will it do? Does anyone think that an apology will change who he is? Honky Please!

It would take a severe acid trip at the Burning Man or a Peyote fest in a sweat lodge for Dana to change. Both not likely.

The sad fact is that the groups wanted an apology know full well that Dana will not change. They are using Dana White for Publicity. That's right...the ultimate manipulative promoter is being manipulated for promotion. Plain and simple...it's a chance for them to get their name out their.

I say let Dana be Dana...this is America right? Let the fucking guy speak his fucking mind...you fuckers.

Junie Brownings Brother just as stupid as big bro...Lead paint chips possibly prevalent during childhood

Sad article Here

Sad Video Here

I guess the MMA world needs over the top, insecure, alcoholic clowns.

Can't wait until he loses.

Justin McCully agrees to play the part of the can for Junior dos Santos at UFC 102

As reported by many outlets including MMAJUNKIE.COM, "The Insane One" will square off against Big Nog product Junior dos Santos at UFC 102 in Oregon.

Fact of MMA life...the world needs Cans and Justin was just cast as one. Younger, stronger and without a stupid nickname...dos Santos is simply worth more to the UFC.

Having said all of that...just ask Joe Lauzon, Gabe Gonzaga and Matt Serra what happens when the guy that's not supposed to win...wins.

UFC discards Full Tilt Poker for Ultimatebet.com...Money > Anything

As reported on bluffmagazine.com, UltimateBet.com continues it's transition as the UFCs choice for online gambling sites.

While it's obvious that the UFC will always favor the high bidder...what is not clear is if they are aware of the organizations less than stellar reputation and possible criminal dealings.

Either Zuffa knows something that we don't, Full Tilt Poker has issues of their own or Zuffa does not care that they are shaking up with possible felons.

Why wouldn't the UFC just press harder oni FTP for more money? Maybe they did and they called the bluff...thinking that the fastest growing sports organization would never hitch up with such a shady company. Surprise Full Tilt Poker! The UFC ranks Money higher than ethics and must figure they can drop UB when the shit really hits the fan.

One more chapter in the head scratcher that is the UFC business plan. Who can argue with the results...so far.

Frank Mir will beat Brock Lesnar at UFC 100

Write it down.

Joe Benavidez, too quick, too young & too much for Jeff Curren at WEC 40

At 5'4"...Joe Benavidez may not instantly strike fear into people who meet him for the first time. All those people would need to do is watch a replay of WEC 40 and that perception would change.

As Jeff "big frog" Curran found out the hard way...Joe Benavidez is a bad ass. A quick and very aggressive bad ass who can take a punch and push the pace. The WEC is quickly becoming the home of some of the most exciting fighters on the planet.

What's next for Joe? I would love to see him square off against Leonard Garcia.

What's next for Curran? This article by the Northwest Herald helps explain that.

I love where this sport is going.

Joe Rogan, Mike Goldberg UFN 18 Drinking Game

Here's how,
Re-watch (or watch for the first time) the Griffin/DA fight.

Take a drink every time that Rogan or Goldie mention Tyson Griffins leg and how it might be hurt.

One drink for each mention by either of them.

Include the Rogan interview.

Do not make any plans.

Cole Miller is afraid of Junie Browning; can't lose at UFN 18

Some might say it's gamesmanship...trying to sell the fight that happens at Ultimate Fight Night 18 in Nashville Tennessee. Maybe.

However, his over the top trash talking goes beyond trying to drum up interest and goes into "I am scared to lose to this reformed asshole". Not only scared but actually thinking that he WILL LOSE.

You know the fear that I am referring to. The 6th grade playground fear when the 8th grade bully comes along. Cole Miller deep down does not think that he is going to win and his response to that is too talk so much shit that it becomes a parody of someone talking shit.

The worst part is that if he loses now...he looks like such a fool. Paint yourself into a corner much? You can actually smell the fear through the video...go ahead...smell that? It's the fear of a man who is fighting on TV on Wednesday night.

When people are scared, people make mistakes. When fighters are scared they get knocked out or submitted. Cole Miller is the favorite in this fight....put your money on Browning.

EDIT: I stand corrected. Cole Miller looks like an animal.

Roger Huerta is the latest UFC fighter to be shunned

Making sure that everyone realizes that he holds all the cards...all the time, Dana White is orchestrating his patented "Freeze Out" on one time LW contender Roger Huerta.

As reported by MMAJUNKIE.COM (Excerpts)


Popular UFC lightweight Roger Huerta (20-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) - the first mixed martial artist to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated - hasn't been mentioned much in recent months.


After declining to renew his contract with the UFC in January, Huerta said in the most recent episode of HDNet's "Inside MMA" that he's been stuck waiting by the phone.


"To be honest I'm just waiting for that phone call," Huerta said.


As Huerta told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) in January, after "El Matador" turned down a fight with Joe Stevenson at UFC 95 in February due to "personal issues with family and stuff," the UFC extended his contract by six months.


Added to a contract extension issued after his request for the time off that eventually led to his role in the upcoming film "Tekken," Huerta's fight contract now runs through December - though there is just one bout remaining on the agreement.


The UFC has been accused of "freezing out" fighters such as Andrei Arlovski and Brandon Vera in recent years. Each fighter found themselves in a similar position to Huerta - holding one remaining fight and an extended period of time on their UFC contract.


Huerta last saw action in an August 2008 unanimous-decision loss to current No. 1 contender Kenny Florian. That defeat snapped a 16-fight win-streak for the popular fighter, but with fight bookings already being rumored for UFC 101 and 102 in August, Huerta's name hasn't been mentioned at all.


"(I'm waiting) for the UFC to give me a phone call and I'm able to fight my last fight," Huerta said. "I'm just kind of waiting on that."


"I was always really - my focus was mainly on fighting and doing a lot of PR for the UFC. They were like my No. 1 priority at that time. It really didn't hit me until after the (Clay) Guida fight. After that, everything kind of sunk in and I really started taking it in, like, 'Wow. It really was a big deal.'"


And he may never get to feel it again.

On one hand I really can't blame him if Hollywood is calling. I mean, if you can make more money without getting your face bashed in...who wouldn't take that? On the other hand, Hollywood can be very fickle and if his star does not rise...he could be looking down Eric Roberts street very quickly. Plus, he would have NO CHANCE of getting back in the good graces of Dana White...the man can hold a grudge with the best of them.

He was a rising star with unlimited potential as a fighter...he had a good personality...he had the look of a superstar AND...at one point...he had the respect of the most important man in MMA. Right now he is on the outside looking in and keeping his fingers crossed that his movie based on a Video Game does not fail.

Maybe he should have stuck with fighting.

Goodbye Gono, The UFC just got a little less entertaining

As reported by fightline.com the UFC has released Akhiro Gono.

Entertaining Japanese MMA veteran Akihiro Gono has been released from the UFC. Gono’s release comes after his decision loss to Jon Fitch at UFC 94 in January.

The loss to Fitch was Gono’s 2nd straight and he carried an overall UFC record of 1-2; his lone UFC win came over Tamdan McCrory at UFC 78 in November 2007.

However, it appears Gono will not be unemployed for long as he is currently in negotiations with the Japanese-based Sengoku promotion. If Gono reaches a deal with Sengoku then he could fight for them as early as May 22nd for Sengoku 8.

That really is a shame. a 1-2 record may not be anything to get excited about but he lost two decisions...one to Dan Hardy who is no joke and one to Fitch who is a top10 WW. The guy can fight.

Plus he was fun....hey Dana, remember fun?

Maybe he was just a quick distraction...a hired gun of hilarity and cross dressing. Or maybe they don't have room for him at 170. In either case, he will be missed.

Michael "The Count" Bisbing is still British and Dana White Still Likes that

In all fairness...he is also 17-1 and has never been stopped. Not a bad anchor for the UFCs presence in the UK. Zuffa, never one to miss an opportunity to make more money, has offered the fighter a new 8 fight contract. As reported by Fightersonlymagazine.com: (Excerpts)

The middleweight star won series three of The Ultimate Fighter (as a light-heavyweight) and returns as a coach in season nine, which begins airing next week.

His contract with the UFC is apparently drawing towards its end and the organization is looking to negotiate a new deal as he moves forward with his career.

Bisping is 17-1 in MMA and 6-1 in the UFC. He has never been stopped in a fight and his only loss is a split-decision to current light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, a verdict he disagrees with.

Starting April 1st (April 5th in the UK) Bisping will be seen coaching a team of UK fighters on season nine of The Ultimate Fighter.

His rival coach is Dan Henderson, who will be captaining Team USA and who will fight Bisping in a middleweight bout at UFC 100.

Bisbing along with fellow Brit Dan Hardy are helping the UFC establish themselves as a global fight brand without equal. Add to that up and comers Terry Etim and Paul Kelly and their UK stable is looking very good.

Expect them to replicate that strategy in other corners of the small and getting smaller world.

Kenny Florian will be the next UFC LW Champ

BJ Penn is going down...the only question now is when?

As reported on MMAJUNKIE.COM: (excerpts)

As rumors continue to circulate regarding a UFC 101 main event between Penn and top contender Kenny Florian (11-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), the challenger said on the latest episode of ESPN.com's "MMA Live," he's still waiting to secure the deal.

"At the end of the day, I just want this fight to be signed," Florian said. "Let's get an event, let's get a date, and let's make it happen."

Florian, currently riding a six-fight win streak in the UFC, then clarified that nothing was finalized, but that he was hopeful for the bout.

"Hopefully it is true," Florian said. "Aug. 8, it's supposed to be in Philadelphia at the Wachovia Center, which would be phenomenal for me. I'm from the East Coast."

Later in the episode Florian answered a viewer mail question which asked if the events of "Greasegate" made a third bout between Penn and UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (18-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) a marketable option for the organization.

Florian had a simple answer.

"I think the fans want to see Penn against Florian," Florian said.

I think Kenny is 100% correct.

No one really wants to see GSP beat up BJ...again. Only to have BJ think of some other excuse why he lost. BJ: Stick to 155. And while you're at it...beware of Kenny Florian. What happens when Kenny beats BJ? Is BJ going to insist that Kenny is an alien from outer space and that he cheated by channelling his alien laser beam when BJ was on his back.

There is no good reason for this fight not to happen and when it does there will be a new LW Champ.

No one is cooler than Bruce Buffer

Photo courtesy of doghouseboxing.com
As reported by peoplesdefender.com (excerpts):



TTC- You area renowned poker player. How did you get started in poker?



BB- Probably around the age of eight, I was taught three things basically; poker, 5/7 card stud and black jack. I was taught everything I needed to know about horse racing; the only way to follow a horse is with a shovel. Basically I never got into horse racing.



Poker is my game. I was a professional black jack player for awhile. I made a living playing black jack for about a year. Now I solely play poker. You control money and treat it like a business. I love it.



TTC- Where do you find time to play poker along with your responsibilities with UFC?



BB- I think the easiest part is I never got married. That has allowed me to enjoy things and take the piece of pie in life, whether it be a girl friend on one end, my business interests which takes up most of my time and taking care of my family. I also have my interests such as surfing; I'm a film buff, history buff and plenty of hobbies. The daily poker is something I like to do.



I actually make what most people would consider a nice living playing poker. I could actually turn pro and make a living just playing poker. But, I only have so much time, so the time I do get to play, I really enjoy it and have a lot of passion for the game.



Instead I will hang out with the UFC brass, hot chicks and the best fighters in the world. Oh and by the way...I will also play cards at a professional level.


SuperPimp. Pro BlackJack, potential for pro poker, UFC announcer and proud NOT to be married. Bad Ass.


That plus the 180 flip makes him close to deity status.

UFC 97...The Best and the Rest

While UFC 97 may not be the greatest card of all time on paper...I dig it's vibe.

Some reasons why...

No Brainer: It's really fun to watch Anderson fight. By just being on the card he makes it worth buying. Plus, after the Cote fight, he is looking to establish his rightful place...leaving no question that he is the best fighter on the planet.

Cheick Mate: IF Mr. Congo can get past Antoni...he needs to be considered for a shot or a shot for a shot.

TUF Love: Krzysztof Soszynski is totally psyched.

Kool and the Kang: Dennis Kang is not as psyched as the loveable Pol. For Dennis Kang...this is what some would call...A Money Fight. The people that would not call it a Money fight are fools.

Say it ain't so: Two aging legends try to prove that they are both still relevant. For right now...they are. This is the lynch pin of the fight card. If these guys bring their "A" games this will be a sick card. Write it down. However, if this fight is a repeat of Shogun/Coleman someone is out of the UFC.

WEC Light Heavyweight champion: Sink or Swim.

TUF love, Part 2; Return of the Love: I hope Eliot wins. I also hope for nightly motorboats. That does not happen.

The Return of the Crow: So Much Promise. Running out of time...another "Money Fight". Textbook. Ed Herman really needs this fight as well. Sleeper pick for fight of the night.

He Beat Anderson Silva: His fight may not be televised.

Slugfest: This will be the first fight on the under card to be broadcast on PPV. It's a Lock...you know what fight this is.

and...a few more fights...however, those were not as intriguing and spawned zero words.

97 has the potential of an Acorn.