Friday, November 28, 2008
RANT: UFC'S Light Heavy Weight Division
Hello readers and MMA lovers of the world. I have come to realize another unique, but interesting way the UFC is running things. I do see that they have a stacked 205 pound division. I'm not sure what it is, but they do realize they have massive amounts of talent yet they are able to hold on to these fighters.
When you come to think about your elites (for the moment, because MMA can change THAT fast unfortunately in the UFC), you see that you are stacked with a talent pool of fighters. From the likes of Forrest Griffin, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Wanderlei "Axe Murderer" Silva, Chuck "Ice Man" Liddell, Rashad Evans. Besides these elites, which are my own choices just on how popular most of these fighters appear to be on the internet and through my network of friends, I do believe that the Light Heavyweight division in the UFC is an interesting division to have a broad spectrum of great talent.
Now that I've named some elites, I will name the "household" names for the 205lbs division. By any means, I feel these are all fighters who are great, could be on a slump "right now" and give heavy depth and promise for any elite against these fighters. Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, Dan "Hendo" Henderson, Keith "The Dean Of Mean" Jardine, Stephen "American Psycho" Bonner, Thiago Silva, James "The Sandman" Irvin, Matt "The Hammer" Hamil and the newly added Rich Franklin.
Then of course, you got who's not really causing any hype, or not making enough noise in the Light Heavyweight Division. Though, I feel all these fighters are great fighters who help me plead my case. These fighters would be Brandon Vera, Andy Reese, Houston "The Assassin" Alexander, Tim Boetsch, Razak Al-Hassan, and Luiz Crane.
My main point is I feel the UFC has a stacked Light Heavyweight division. The way they are having fights picked, as well as rotating these fighters into their cards, I'm not sure I understand what they are doing with utilizing all this talent for one division. With all these fighters in the Light Heavyweight division, I can't imagine you not having some always interesting matches each month. The thought of having this many GOOD fighters in one division only makes me hope that the UFC can market these fighters as having UFC's twice a month. Not the same as if it was WWE because by no means that is possible with the injuries endured and training time they have to prepare for each fight. However, I feel the UFC has a chance to start really branching out past this division because you're set. By the amount of good quality fighters (which I mentioned previous) I just wonder why and how the UFC plans to expand. I feel they're on the brink of creating something grand and more consistent than a monthly pay-per-view.
I feel every division is pretty much there and I just wonder, what's the UFC/Zuffa going to do with a stacked division. The problem I see with all the coaches being fired in professional sports is only what I can see the future of the UFC adhering to. These fighters deserve longer contracts and if they're losing they should fight more often to work to the top of the heap. I feel if you're the champ, then yes.... you don't fight as often. You get to relax, enjoy the life on the top which I would hope is used for getting better. But at the same time, you have to know whoever is the #1 competitor has gone through hell and back to get a chance at the top. With so much talent, it's no wonder these fighters get lazy.
I am a huge Rampage fan, but I feel that's just what happens most often (with the exception of anderson silva) with all champs in the UFC. You fight with no schedule, and no structure for these people to know where they stand. When Rampage was looking fat in TUF 7, I knew he was sitting pretty. I knew from then on he was "chillin" and enjoying. He is no different than anyone else, I feel that people worked twice as hard to get a chance and it's no wonder they whooped the guy at the tops ass. Forrest worked his ass off to beat shogun and did it. Do you really think he needed as long as he did to do what he did to Rampage? I don't. But at the same time, it's only as if we're testing the champ.
But why? Why do we give someone the belt and then just make them sit and wait? Everyone in the Light Heavyweight Division wants the belt. The belt is up for grabs once a year. Do you think atleast if you have to wait a whole year to find a contenteder for the belt, everyone else should be working their way up to get it? How about working harder than the champ?
Another thing I noticed was depending upon the person holding the belt, it could be more often the champ is tested. Forrest is fighting for the 2nd time this year, but GSP/Hughes would only be fighting once a year. I feel the welterweight division is pretty stacked, but nothing like the Light Heavyweight Division in the UFC.
What is the next step? More fighting? Less fighting? How about the fighers fight more often, and just get a smaller check more often. This is just a rant and opinion, but I feel the UFC needs to find direction because a lot of the worlds best talent wants to head their way, but if there's nothing but an unpredictable dead-end, then in the long run, fighters will not want to go where they have no clue on how to become great/hall of fame/the champ/etc.
When you come to think about your elites (for the moment, because MMA can change THAT fast unfortunately in the UFC), you see that you are stacked with a talent pool of fighters. From the likes of Forrest Griffin, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Wanderlei "Axe Murderer" Silva, Chuck "Ice Man" Liddell, Rashad Evans. Besides these elites, which are my own choices just on how popular most of these fighters appear to be on the internet and through my network of friends, I do believe that the Light Heavyweight division in the UFC is an interesting division to have a broad spectrum of great talent.
Now that I've named some elites, I will name the "household" names for the 205lbs division. By any means, I feel these are all fighters who are great, could be on a slump "right now" and give heavy depth and promise for any elite against these fighters. Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, Dan "Hendo" Henderson, Keith "The Dean Of Mean" Jardine, Stephen "American Psycho" Bonner, Thiago Silva, James "The Sandman" Irvin, Matt "The Hammer" Hamil and the newly added Rich Franklin.
Then of course, you got who's not really causing any hype, or not making enough noise in the Light Heavyweight Division. Though, I feel all these fighters are great fighters who help me plead my case. These fighters would be Brandon Vera, Andy Reese, Houston "The Assassin" Alexander, Tim Boetsch, Razak Al-Hassan, and Luiz Crane.
My main point is I feel the UFC has a stacked Light Heavyweight division. The way they are having fights picked, as well as rotating these fighters into their cards, I'm not sure I understand what they are doing with utilizing all this talent for one division. With all these fighters in the Light Heavyweight division, I can't imagine you not having some always interesting matches each month. The thought of having this many GOOD fighters in one division only makes me hope that the UFC can market these fighters as having UFC's twice a month. Not the same as if it was WWE because by no means that is possible with the injuries endured and training time they have to prepare for each fight. However, I feel the UFC has a chance to start really branching out past this division because you're set. By the amount of good quality fighters (which I mentioned previous) I just wonder why and how the UFC plans to expand. I feel they're on the brink of creating something grand and more consistent than a monthly pay-per-view.
I feel every division is pretty much there and I just wonder, what's the UFC/Zuffa going to do with a stacked division. The problem I see with all the coaches being fired in professional sports is only what I can see the future of the UFC adhering to. These fighters deserve longer contracts and if they're losing they should fight more often to work to the top of the heap. I feel if you're the champ, then yes.... you don't fight as often. You get to relax, enjoy the life on the top which I would hope is used for getting better. But at the same time, you have to know whoever is the #1 competitor has gone through hell and back to get a chance at the top. With so much talent, it's no wonder these fighters get lazy.
I am a huge Rampage fan, but I feel that's just what happens most often (with the exception of anderson silva) with all champs in the UFC. You fight with no schedule, and no structure for these people to know where they stand. When Rampage was looking fat in TUF 7, I knew he was sitting pretty. I knew from then on he was "chillin" and enjoying. He is no different than anyone else, I feel that people worked twice as hard to get a chance and it's no wonder they whooped the guy at the tops ass. Forrest worked his ass off to beat shogun and did it. Do you really think he needed as long as he did to do what he did to Rampage? I don't. But at the same time, it's only as if we're testing the champ.
But why? Why do we give someone the belt and then just make them sit and wait? Everyone in the Light Heavyweight Division wants the belt. The belt is up for grabs once a year. Do you think atleast if you have to wait a whole year to find a contenteder for the belt, everyone else should be working their way up to get it? How about working harder than the champ?
Another thing I noticed was depending upon the person holding the belt, it could be more often the champ is tested. Forrest is fighting for the 2nd time this year, but GSP/Hughes would only be fighting once a year. I feel the welterweight division is pretty stacked, but nothing like the Light Heavyweight Division in the UFC.
What is the next step? More fighting? Less fighting? How about the fighers fight more often, and just get a smaller check more often. This is just a rant and opinion, but I feel the UFC needs to find direction because a lot of the worlds best talent wants to head their way, but if there's nothing but an unpredictable dead-end, then in the long run, fighters will not want to go where they have no clue on how to become great/hall of fame/the champ/etc.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Rant - Los Angeles Angeles vs. Boston Red Sox: Angel Dust
It's been a long day and well. I come to realize, my Angels are gone. My favorite baseball team is the Padres and honestly we had no chance of light since day one. But this entry is not about my team, it's about my 2nd favorite team which is the Angels. Growing up with an older brother who liked the Dodgers and being born in Southern California, it's only natural for me to love the rival... the "California" Angles. It appears they have hit hollywood and are sticking with LAA (Los Angeles Angels).
I truly had a lot of hopes and dreams for us to make it this year. And well, you let us down again. I will honestly admit, as much as I love the network ESPN. They ran you guys into the ground. And truly I am not ashamed that they did. Because for one moment, I can agree... being an Angels fan and the history of it all, we haven't won.
No disrespect, but we're the makings of being a futuristic Cubs. Because they're going to win it soon. Really soon. Just not this year. To my Halos, I am very proud of your season. But you have always been a conditioned and seasoned team. You handle yourselves well in the start, but you run out of gas when it matters most. Almost like the worst relationship you could be in with someone.
I hope everyone from the Halos enjoys their time off but actually works on their game this off season. And the off season is today: Tuesday, 10/07/08.
- Ric
I truly had a lot of hopes and dreams for us to make it this year. And well, you let us down again. I will honestly admit, as much as I love the network ESPN. They ran you guys into the ground. And truly I am not ashamed that they did. Because for one moment, I can agree... being an Angels fan and the history of it all, we haven't won.
No disrespect, but we're the makings of being a futuristic Cubs. Because they're going to win it soon. Really soon. Just not this year. To my Halos, I am very proud of your season. But you have always been a conditioned and seasoned team. You handle yourselves well in the start, but you run out of gas when it matters most. Almost like the worst relationship you could be in with someone.
I hope everyone from the Halos enjoys their time off but actually works on their game this off season. And the off season is today: Tuesday, 10/07/08.
- Ric
RANT - Elite XC: Kimbo Slice vs. Seth Petruzelli
Fight Review: Well as everyone already knows Kimbo Slice lost. The more I've been watching this sport, the more I've come to realize that this is modern day combat. These are specialist who serious have the control, precision and power to be dangerous. What I'm really trying to touch upon is the flash knock outs. I don't know because I haven't punched someone with those UFC gloves on, nor have I ever had a legitimate boxing match (with gloves, a cup, etc). But I seriously think there is just something about these athletes/professionals/masters of their craft/etc that can get it done in intense situations.
I will go ahead and stop my thoughts to remind everyone that I am not a Kimbo hater. I'm neutral in every sense of the word. I think everyone win he has gotten he didn't rip someone else off. He was the bigger man that day. I honestly and truly believe... that this is the best thing to have happened to Kimbo. I think this can truly wake him up to knowing that he's truly not the only good guy out there and that he should figure out if he wants to box, or be in MMA. MMA is different level which I won't try and say that it's "another" level as if it's better or worse. It's different in all terms of the acronym itself.... mixed martial arts. It's chess compared to checkers; different game, different strategy.
Now back to KIMBO: The fight itself is so short that I feel there isn't much to talk about. If I truly tried to make a blog specifically about this fight it would be a 2 sentences, "Kimbo you got caught, it happens to everyone." & "I hope people who are becoming more educated about this sport know people can get caught, no matter who."
The Flash KO. To me this whole thing is insane because I seen it man times. It's always when someone's laid out limp for a second at most and thinks he's back in the fight. As if it was one of his nightmares up-until the fight. When Houston Alexander did it to Jardine, when it happened to Houston Alexander by James Irvin. These are moments and instances where, He was knocked out. We never discredit who got the shot because we must acknolwedge their skill/talent. So with this said.... I think as fans, as presidents, people who help influence the sport, we truly need to acknowledge that a record is a record... but flash knockouts truly can put a taint on your wins. Just the same as winning by a decision. Not that it's looked down upon, but that it is simply a moment where pure precision was implicated. It should be praised.....
These are probably less harmful to the fighters. Again, I am not an MMA specialist, nor a doctor so don't take my words for wisdom. This is a blog and I'm just speaking my mind. But I feel that is a true act of professionalism. It's what I always adored about Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. It's that you were a control martial artist to prevent harm/damage. You were inflicting enough pain and pressure to contain someone to reason or know they cannot win their situation. The flash KO is that to me. The more of those you have on your record, I feel only gives it that better shine. The opposite of having a win by decision (judges).
Congrats to Seth, you truly stepped up and did great things for yourself, for the sport and for MMA (being given the stage he's on). Kimbo was definately not majorly hurt, but he got caught and that's what it takes. Kimbo, keep your head up because honestly you had given MANY people that feeling. I feel it's only worse because it's your first time on TV. That doesn't mean you're any less of a man who can say they've learned another experience in life. Welcome my brotha.
- Ric
I will go ahead and stop my thoughts to remind everyone that I am not a Kimbo hater. I'm neutral in every sense of the word. I think everyone win he has gotten he didn't rip someone else off. He was the bigger man that day. I honestly and truly believe... that this is the best thing to have happened to Kimbo. I think this can truly wake him up to knowing that he's truly not the only good guy out there and that he should figure out if he wants to box, or be in MMA. MMA is different level which I won't try and say that it's "another" level as if it's better or worse. It's different in all terms of the acronym itself.... mixed martial arts. It's chess compared to checkers; different game, different strategy.
Now back to KIMBO: The fight itself is so short that I feel there isn't much to talk about. If I truly tried to make a blog specifically about this fight it would be a 2 sentences, "Kimbo you got caught, it happens to everyone." & "I hope people who are becoming more educated about this sport know people can get caught, no matter who."
The Flash KO. To me this whole thing is insane because I seen it man times. It's always when someone's laid out limp for a second at most and thinks he's back in the fight. As if it was one of his nightmares up-until the fight. When Houston Alexander did it to Jardine, when it happened to Houston Alexander by James Irvin. These are moments and instances where, He was knocked out. We never discredit who got the shot because we must acknolwedge their skill/talent. So with this said.... I think as fans, as presidents, people who help influence the sport, we truly need to acknowledge that a record is a record... but flash knockouts truly can put a taint on your wins. Just the same as winning by a decision. Not that it's looked down upon, but that it is simply a moment where pure precision was implicated. It should be praised.....
These are probably less harmful to the fighters. Again, I am not an MMA specialist, nor a doctor so don't take my words for wisdom. This is a blog and I'm just speaking my mind. But I feel that is a true act of professionalism. It's what I always adored about Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. It's that you were a control martial artist to prevent harm/damage. You were inflicting enough pain and pressure to contain someone to reason or know they cannot win their situation. The flash KO is that to me. The more of those you have on your record, I feel only gives it that better shine. The opposite of having a win by decision (judges).
Congrats to Seth, you truly stepped up and did great things for yourself, for the sport and for MMA (being given the stage he's on). Kimbo was definately not majorly hurt, but he got caught and that's what it takes. Kimbo, keep your head up because honestly you had given MANY people that feeling. I feel it's only worse because it's your first time on TV. That doesn't mean you're any less of a man who can say they've learned another experience in life. Welcome my brotha.
- Ric
Monday, July 28, 2008
UFC® 87 | Analysis
Georges St-Pierre vs. Jon Fitch
This match up looks good on paper. Jon Fitch worked his way up the ladder and it is time to test against some of the top notch fighters in the world. With that, Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is in line. I give his to GSP by round 3 at the latest. I think a lot of this depends on GSP's tone/pace. If GSP comes out with high intensity and urgency, I feel GSP has it very fast.
Fitch is one of those fighters who can take a lot of wear and tear. It's not going to be an edge to get GSP tired because GSP doesn't get tired. However, if you look at something long enough, you can notice it's flaws. I feel that is Fitch's biggest advantage, if he can just keep some time in the ring with GSP to soak up the experience as well as break him down as later rounds pass. Again not because of GSP's cardio
Winner: Georges St-Pierre
Brock Lesnar Vs. Heath Herring
Heath Herring is a veteran underdog. Someone along the lines of Forrest Griffin. Herring has been in the game a long time, and still is relevant. I think his experience will give him great composure in the octagon. However, even as Frank Mir said, Lesnar is incredibly strong. I think this was pretty apparent when Mir and Lesnar fought. You can easily see that Brock was explosive, agile and powerful. He reminded me of Dan Henderson with Anderson Silva's agilty.
I don't doubt herrings experience, but I feel Brock Lesnar has a huge edge in this division being as big as he is, yet as agile as he is.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Kenny Florian Vs. Roger Huerta
This is probably the hardest match for me to pick. I feel that Florian is technically better. However, Huerta has the heart of a beast as well as the will to win. He can and will do anything it takes to win. Huerta has more experience, however, who Florian's fought in comparison doesn't truly compare. Florian has wins over big competitors in the lightweight class such as din thomas, joe lauzon and losses to reputable fighters in the UFC like Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez.
Comparing those fighters with who Huerta has dealt with in the past, I think the only people credible for Huerta's recent past is a win against Clay Guida (which he was losing the fight) and Alberto Crane. Both are very reputable wins.
Winner: Kenny Florian
Manny Gamburyan Vs. Rob Emerson
Winner: Manny Gamburyan
Jason MacDonald Vs. Demian Maia
This is a true test for Jason MacDonald. This will see if he is still relevant with todays fighters. I always thought MacDonald had the potential to do some major damage in this class. I'd even go as far to say that he should drop to welterweight. MacDonald vs GSP could be a very interesting fight. Back to the fight at hand....
Maia is a beast. He is an up-and-coming fighter in the UFC and I really respect his submission game. MacDonald appears to be weaker against the submission fighters, but don't take away that MacDonald loves to bang and he can take a beating. I would like Maia to win this fight, but I give it to MacDonald.
Winner: Jason MacDonald
Luke Cummo Vs. Tamdan McCrory
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Cheick Kongo Vs. Dan Evensen
Heavyweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Andre Gusmao Vs. Jon Jones
TBA
3 5-minute Rounds
Chris Wilson Vs. Steve Bruno
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
This match up looks good on paper. Jon Fitch worked his way up the ladder and it is time to test against some of the top notch fighters in the world. With that, Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is in line. I give his to GSP by round 3 at the latest. I think a lot of this depends on GSP's tone/pace. If GSP comes out with high intensity and urgency, I feel GSP has it very fast.
Fitch is one of those fighters who can take a lot of wear and tear. It's not going to be an edge to get GSP tired because GSP doesn't get tired. However, if you look at something long enough, you can notice it's flaws. I feel that is Fitch's biggest advantage, if he can just keep some time in the ring with GSP to soak up the experience as well as break him down as later rounds pass. Again not because of GSP's cardio
Winner: Georges St-Pierre
Brock Lesnar Vs. Heath Herring
Heath Herring is a veteran underdog. Someone along the lines of Forrest Griffin. Herring has been in the game a long time, and still is relevant. I think his experience will give him great composure in the octagon. However, even as Frank Mir said, Lesnar is incredibly strong. I think this was pretty apparent when Mir and Lesnar fought. You can easily see that Brock was explosive, agile and powerful. He reminded me of Dan Henderson with Anderson Silva's agilty.
I don't doubt herrings experience, but I feel Brock Lesnar has a huge edge in this division being as big as he is, yet as agile as he is.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Kenny Florian Vs. Roger Huerta
This is probably the hardest match for me to pick. I feel that Florian is technically better. However, Huerta has the heart of a beast as well as the will to win. He can and will do anything it takes to win. Huerta has more experience, however, who Florian's fought in comparison doesn't truly compare. Florian has wins over big competitors in the lightweight class such as din thomas, joe lauzon and losses to reputable fighters in the UFC like Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez.
Comparing those fighters with who Huerta has dealt with in the past, I think the only people credible for Huerta's recent past is a win against Clay Guida (which he was losing the fight) and Alberto Crane. Both are very reputable wins.
Winner: Kenny Florian
Manny Gamburyan Vs. Rob Emerson
Winner: Manny Gamburyan
Jason MacDonald Vs. Demian Maia
This is a true test for Jason MacDonald. This will see if he is still relevant with todays fighters. I always thought MacDonald had the potential to do some major damage in this class. I'd even go as far to say that he should drop to welterweight. MacDonald vs GSP could be a very interesting fight. Back to the fight at hand....
Maia is a beast. He is an up-and-coming fighter in the UFC and I really respect his submission game. MacDonald appears to be weaker against the submission fighters, but don't take away that MacDonald loves to bang and he can take a beating. I would like Maia to win this fight, but I give it to MacDonald.
Winner: Jason MacDonald
Luke Cummo Vs. Tamdan McCrory
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Cheick Kongo Vs. Dan Evensen
Heavyweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Andre Gusmao Vs. Jon Jones
TBA
3 5-minute Rounds
Chris Wilson Vs. Steve Bruno
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
UFC® 87 SEEK AND DESTROY - Aug-9-2008
Georges St-Pierre vs. Jon Fitch
Welterweight Title Match
5 5-minute Rounds
Brock Lesnar Vs. Heath Herring
Heavyweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Kenny Florian Vs. Roger Huerta
Lightweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Manny Gamburyan Vs. Rob Emerson
Lightweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Jason MacDonald Vs. Demian Maia
Middleweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Luke Cummo Vs. Tamdan McCrory
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Cheick Kongo Vs. Dan Evensen
Heavyweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Andre Gusmao Vs. Jon Jones
TBA
3 5-minute Rounds
Chris Wilson Vs. Steve Bruno
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Welterweight Title Match
5 5-minute Rounds
Brock Lesnar Vs. Heath Herring
Heavyweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Kenny Florian Vs. Roger Huerta
Lightweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Manny Gamburyan Vs. Rob Emerson
Lightweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Jason MacDonald Vs. Demian Maia
Middleweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Luke Cummo Vs. Tamdan McCrory
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Cheick Kongo Vs. Dan Evensen
Heavyweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Andre Gusmao Vs. Jon Jones
TBA
3 5-minute Rounds
Chris Wilson Vs. Steve Bruno
Welterweight Match
3 5-minute Rounds
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Introduction
I've decided to create a sports blog. To just keep my arts and entertainment rants/topics/point of views separate from my sports rants/topics/point of views.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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