I truly believe that the ethic Josh Koscheck is displaying is the true heart of a champion. I feel it's truly what shows who should be in the hall of fame regardless of a championship belt or not. It's the same as Kurt Schilling or anyone who doesn't have the solid credentials, but put in the work when it mattered most.
I feel American Fighters who reach the UFC don't fight enough. Could it be that Zuffa is entirely too busy for it's financial committments? Possibly. However, I think Zuffa needs to take more pride in the WEC and have more "fight nights" on Spike TV paying these fighters a fair fight cost. In all honesty, I'm sure you could pay these fighters what they get on any other promotion but with the exposure they get from standard cable TV.
We come to love and hate whoever is lovable and likeable. With that said, I feel Zuffa could and should take a chance on reinventing itself. What better way than to have an Ultimate Fight Night every other month. This is a guaranteed 6 fights a year for Ultimate Fighter Winners as well as opportunities for people who fall off the high pedestal to climb up.
For example, John Fitch. The UFC tends to have to pay him a certain amount since he is a top contender for the division. However, reaching his way to the top and putting him in a place to learn from his quickly learned mistakes (of losing to GSP) it's better to keep him fighting often and early. In all honesty, he should clean up against the lower ranks to get back to the top. He shouldn't suffer as much damage, and he will be showing truly how he is a top contender and should be at the top of the heap.
The same goes with Koscheck. He will take on fights, regardless if he wins or loses, he's getting paid and gaining experience. To me, that is the true essence of anyone who wants to progress. No matter if he wins or loses, I respect Koscheck because he keeps steady. He keeps on the grind. If you were to translate this to hiphop culture, he has the ethic which all great rappers preach about... hustle, and hustle hard.
Why does Koscheck get these opportunities and others don't? Is it truly on the fighers or is it on the match makers? I feel the UFC has a very high standard, but at the same time, fighters who can honestly say they affiliate themselves with the UFC hold HIGH pride that they can say that. With that said, I feel Mac Danzig has the credit and "honor" to hold above any fighters I see on HDNet or any MMA highlight shot (shots to mmalive and insidemma). So if he has that much more to hold his head up high about, but he came from a tv show, give him the chance to grow.
When I was getting into Pride FC and other shows displaying MMA... one thing I admired the most was people's records. We (Americans) have easily become attached to the fact that, the lesser the zeros, the more we see you. When there was people like Evan Tanner (R.I.P.) and even Matt Hughes, fighters who were in the top 10 and had over 30 fights total on their resumes. That's when you know they were great. That's when you know they were battle tested and it could truly "go-either-way". With most, it's 11-2-1 vs. 8-1-0. Where did they earn their stripes? 7 of those 8 can be in another organization,they just won one in the octagon.
I have a hard time connecting U.S. MMA and the true honor MMA used to have where, it didn't matter as much about your last fight, it mattered that you were a soldier to be relevant. MMA is purely about have you beat someone recently? When it should be, you're an honest threat to 80% of your division. That's what makes any man/woman dangerous, mysterious and intriguing to see back testing their abilities.
You wouldn't instantly judge Brett Farve amongst his stats of interceptions vs. touchdown throws, would you? You'd look at the overall greatness of that persons skills. This would determine why you would pick up Brett Farve if your contract/agreement allowed so. Jay Cutler can't ask for the same money Brett can, but Brett put WAY MORE on the line in risking interceptions for clutch games, and getting to where he wanted to be (with his team).
* If they had a clutch game. (this can be said for keith jardine/forrest griffin, people with a good chin)
* If they had a certain charisma about them. (this can be said for houston alexander. regardless of how many times he gets beat, you know the fans come to see him).
* If he's been knocked out or brought to decisions most often (this again can be said for Jardine compared to Wanderlei. he's knocked out or knocking someone out, compared to always being a force for the full 15-25 minutes)
To sum all of this up.... I feel the UFC can throw more fights with the amount of talent and favoritism it has earned with the American Public. If they're worried about the UFC being a high-class promotion, then they should be using the WEC within the same regards.... Bring back the classes you seriously just cut, and have Houston Alexander fighting Brian Stann. Elliot Marshall fighting Steve Cantwell on Spike TV for the WEC. The fighters still can get some kind of income, they have a goal to work for, and they're building the crucial numbers which later own cement them as great fighters who have TONS of experience.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
RANT: Karo Parisyan NSAC Outcome
Karo messed up. To most what Karo had done is pretty dumb. Given the circumstances, I don't think he mean't to do wrong. He's stated he was in pain for quite sometime, I'm thinking about how he is missing some chunks of his leg and still continues to train and fight. My hat is off to Karo.
However, the NSAC held no punches upon beating Karo for testing for some drugs which he wasn't prescribed to be taking.
1) Fight is changed from a win to a No Contest
2) Fined 40% of his $80,000 purse was taken
3) 9 Month Suspension
4) Has to provide a negative test result before fighting in Nevada again
5) Random Drug Testing while on suspension (if deemed neccessary)
Regardless of the outcome, I am not sure if Karo truly grasps why they came down so hard on him.
With all the A-Rod drama that unfolded, saying you didn't know what you were taking is a bad idea. A really bad idea. He supposedly got it from his friend, and if you KNOW you get tested before and after fights, Karo should've atleast mentioned, I took some pain medication I was given from a friend.
Instantly, I know most will think, "but that could've jeopardized him to fight when he was so close to the fight." I understand that. But if you think for one second that Karo could've been injured bad, paralyzed, even killed from the effects of drugs which weren't mentioned (thank god he's alright) the UFC would've been in a heap of trouble. The UFC would've taken a big hit with the NSAC, the media and the world. The UFC organization would've easily been under fire... and worst off.... MMA would've been in DEEP trouble.
People have to realize, as fast as something grows, it can fall. The climb of MMA has been amazing and to that extent, there's a lot people who are still against it, don't see it as a sport, etc. This creates fuel to go against the sport. To not be sanctioned in NY and other places we hope to bring MMA. Not just from the UFC
The NSAC went hard against Karo, but I truly see the reasoning why. He was to be made an example of, and honestly it's good that no one was truly hurt in the process. My honest opinion was that the NSAC not take 40% of his winnings. Kind of a hefty price tag for the mistake. But it truly is a lesson learned. Now is a great time for you Karo, get all things taken care of that you want while you have a 9 month suspension so you're ready to do damage.
However, the NSAC held no punches upon beating Karo for testing for some drugs which he wasn't prescribed to be taking.
1) Fight is changed from a win to a No Contest
2) Fined 40% of his $80,000 purse was taken
3) 9 Month Suspension
4) Has to provide a negative test result before fighting in Nevada again
5) Random Drug Testing while on suspension (if deemed neccessary)
Regardless of the outcome, I am not sure if Karo truly grasps why they came down so hard on him.
With all the A-Rod drama that unfolded, saying you didn't know what you were taking is a bad idea. A really bad idea. He supposedly got it from his friend, and if you KNOW you get tested before and after fights, Karo should've atleast mentioned, I took some pain medication I was given from a friend.
Instantly, I know most will think, "but that could've jeopardized him to fight when he was so close to the fight." I understand that. But if you think for one second that Karo could've been injured bad, paralyzed, even killed from the effects of drugs which weren't mentioned (thank god he's alright) the UFC would've been in a heap of trouble. The UFC would've taken a big hit with the NSAC, the media and the world. The UFC organization would've easily been under fire... and worst off.... MMA would've been in DEEP trouble.
People have to realize, as fast as something grows, it can fall. The climb of MMA has been amazing and to that extent, there's a lot people who are still against it, don't see it as a sport, etc. This creates fuel to go against the sport. To not be sanctioned in NY and other places we hope to bring MMA. Not just from the UFC
The NSAC went hard against Karo, but I truly see the reasoning why. He was to be made an example of, and honestly it's good that no one was truly hurt in the process. My honest opinion was that the NSAC not take 40% of his winnings. Kind of a hefty price tag for the mistake. But it truly is a lesson learned. Now is a great time for you Karo, get all things taken care of that you want while you have a 9 month suspension so you're ready to do damage.
RANT: Greasegate Dissected
I will first start off by saying I was SUPER excited for the BJ Penn vs. George St. Pierre fight. I wanted GSP to win but I thought BJ would win. A quick breakdown of my thoughts on why I picked Penn to win...
1) GSP tends to be as fast or faster than other welterweights with his striking, putting him on the slow end for once (compared to penn)
2) BJ can take a beating
Alright, all that older news aside. I have been following this whole Greasegate situation very closely because it intrigues me to see how the commission deals with this, then how the UFC does afterwards. UFC doesn't have a ranking system like college football, tennis, golf. Thus, matches are made via the best timing per fighters as they rebound from a win or loss.
The reason I'm bringing this up is purely for the obvious reason... BJ Penn vs. GSP... how did Penn get to jump to the front of the line for the weltertweight bout? The obvious answer, it's a superfight. It's all for the better reason that, this is to have both fighters battle it out within their prime to see who's the best.
Listening to interviews of BJ Penn after the fight and even a leaked video of the hearing for greasegate gave me a clear picture of BJ and what's really going on.
1) If GSP was slippery, I'd assume BJ would say something during the fight between rounds. That is if it was a clear unfair advantage that Penn couldn't win and was stuck having to fight for 20 more minutes with the odds against him (this is with the assumption that Penn noticed after the first round of fighting GSP).
2) If Penn thought he could beat GSP even though he was cheating, it doesn't make him look any better that he's complaining after the fight. You're not that great obviously to beat someone who was "cheating", so are you mad that you couldn't beat him while he was "cheating" or are you mad because you lost the fight when you truly were just not the better man that day?
I don't attack BJ Penn for the same reasons he openly defended himself about in the Sherdog/ESPN video (having a formal complaint). I feel he should be fighting this. As strongly as he's felt in the past about "cheaters" (sherk), I can understand him going the distance in the investigation with the NSAC. Penn briefly mentions that it's for the "future" but I don't feel he truly feels that way. Penn has simply found fuel to add to his fire which burns for GSP.
However, Penn obviously feels he deserves way more than he gets. I would support Penn's new quest to finding a resolution to Greasegate if it didn't seem that he deserves the same things that others work for. How many times has Penn fought as a welterweight within the past year? One (against GSP). He's been owning the whole lightweight (155lbs) division and doing a great job at it.
This is my whole point.... Regardless of the outcome of the NSAC.
1) Penn should be more concerned and supportive that this is change for MMA. Not just speaking about it briefly and it's back to "me, me, me". I feel it's the same as Alex Rodriguez with the steroids issue. He publicly stated that he doesn't want the other 103 names released. Would Penn have the same intergrity and loyalty to athletes which are pushing this great sport (MMA) to the next level? My opinion is no... again that is purely my opinion.
2) If Penn wants to take subtle jabs at GSP for being ok about holding the belt around his waist when he "cheated." I think BJ needs to step back and really look at things. He needs to understand this isn't just about "BJ Penn". This is about MMA and the athletes who make it great (besides himself). When Sherk tested positive, the belt went up for grabs. If Penn has the nerve to say GSP shouldn't be proud to have that belt around his waist he's ignorant. GSP has fought hard to keep that belt, and if anything, it should go up for grabs like the lightweight belt.... an interim match.
Who should be invited to this interim match? GSP should be invited only if the NSAC does NOT suspend GSP for any reason. Who else should fight for it? I don't think Penn should. And it's not because he already was beaten by GSP twice... it's for the mere fact that he should work his way up the ladder as Fitch is doing, Koscheck's doing. If BJ wants to get in the mix to get a piece of GSP... Let's give him the silver spoon he's used to, we'll let him cut in line, but not the front of the line. He can fight koscheck (who is coming off of a loss), or he can fight fitch (who's coming back up the ranks).
This is good for the UFC, this is good for BJ Penn (to adjust to fighting at that weight and earning his stripes), and it's good for the division. No one is cheated, without any doubt, Penn is a true hall of famer by holding the lightweight belt and fighting 1-2 times a year to defend and in the meanwhile fighting welterweights to get the belt he obviously feels he deserves. It's not fair if they gave Diego Sanchez the lightweight title fight for coming down from welterweight. It's not fair to florian, and without knowing sanchez at all, I can assume he wouldn't want to win it that way. He got to fight Stevenson which is a very credible lightweight within the division as opposed to a nate diaz or mac danzing.
GSP didn't show up to the NSAC hearing. Bad move. I understand he's working (training Florian and preparing for Alves). That should be considered, but I believe he should be there. Again, just my opinion.
BJ.... if you want a fight w/ GSP. I'd say do it at a catch weight or 170 again, but you get no belt. It's to simply put a loss on his record and damage GSP's mental psyche. I'm sure that's got to be just as gratifying. Unless.... you want to win the belt from GSP after he's beaten you twice AND haven't taken the same road as he to become a champion? It's not hard to throw those subtle jabs BJ.... you're an amazing fighter and a true warrior. You just want the royal treatment when we're in a time that everyone is working hard for their money (recession) and it's an organization which plays favorites but tends to make most work hard for their title shot (sorry rampage. macchida deserved next.)
1) GSP tends to be as fast or faster than other welterweights with his striking, putting him on the slow end for once (compared to penn)
2) BJ can take a beating
Alright, all that older news aside. I have been following this whole Greasegate situation very closely because it intrigues me to see how the commission deals with this, then how the UFC does afterwards. UFC doesn't have a ranking system like college football, tennis, golf. Thus, matches are made via the best timing per fighters as they rebound from a win or loss.
The reason I'm bringing this up is purely for the obvious reason... BJ Penn vs. GSP... how did Penn get to jump to the front of the line for the weltertweight bout? The obvious answer, it's a superfight. It's all for the better reason that, this is to have both fighters battle it out within their prime to see who's the best.
Listening to interviews of BJ Penn after the fight and even a leaked video of the hearing for greasegate gave me a clear picture of BJ and what's really going on.
1) If GSP was slippery, I'd assume BJ would say something during the fight between rounds. That is if it was a clear unfair advantage that Penn couldn't win and was stuck having to fight for 20 more minutes with the odds against him (this is with the assumption that Penn noticed after the first round of fighting GSP).
2) If Penn thought he could beat GSP even though he was cheating, it doesn't make him look any better that he's complaining after the fight. You're not that great obviously to beat someone who was "cheating", so are you mad that you couldn't beat him while he was "cheating" or are you mad because you lost the fight when you truly were just not the better man that day?
I don't attack BJ Penn for the same reasons he openly defended himself about in the Sherdog/ESPN video (having a formal complaint). I feel he should be fighting this. As strongly as he's felt in the past about "cheaters" (sherk), I can understand him going the distance in the investigation with the NSAC. Penn briefly mentions that it's for the "future" but I don't feel he truly feels that way. Penn has simply found fuel to add to his fire which burns for GSP.
However, Penn obviously feels he deserves way more than he gets. I would support Penn's new quest to finding a resolution to Greasegate if it didn't seem that he deserves the same things that others work for. How many times has Penn fought as a welterweight within the past year? One (against GSP). He's been owning the whole lightweight (155lbs) division and doing a great job at it.
This is my whole point.... Regardless of the outcome of the NSAC.
1) Penn should be more concerned and supportive that this is change for MMA. Not just speaking about it briefly and it's back to "me, me, me". I feel it's the same as Alex Rodriguez with the steroids issue. He publicly stated that he doesn't want the other 103 names released. Would Penn have the same intergrity and loyalty to athletes which are pushing this great sport (MMA) to the next level? My opinion is no... again that is purely my opinion.
2) If Penn wants to take subtle jabs at GSP for being ok about holding the belt around his waist when he "cheated." I think BJ needs to step back and really look at things. He needs to understand this isn't just about "BJ Penn". This is about MMA and the athletes who make it great (besides himself). When Sherk tested positive, the belt went up for grabs. If Penn has the nerve to say GSP shouldn't be proud to have that belt around his waist he's ignorant. GSP has fought hard to keep that belt, and if anything, it should go up for grabs like the lightweight belt.... an interim match.
Who should be invited to this interim match? GSP should be invited only if the NSAC does NOT suspend GSP for any reason. Who else should fight for it? I don't think Penn should. And it's not because he already was beaten by GSP twice... it's for the mere fact that he should work his way up the ladder as Fitch is doing, Koscheck's doing. If BJ wants to get in the mix to get a piece of GSP... Let's give him the silver spoon he's used to, we'll let him cut in line, but not the front of the line. He can fight koscheck (who is coming off of a loss), or he can fight fitch (who's coming back up the ranks).
This is good for the UFC, this is good for BJ Penn (to adjust to fighting at that weight and earning his stripes), and it's good for the division. No one is cheated, without any doubt, Penn is a true hall of famer by holding the lightweight belt and fighting 1-2 times a year to defend and in the meanwhile fighting welterweights to get the belt he obviously feels he deserves. It's not fair if they gave Diego Sanchez the lightweight title fight for coming down from welterweight. It's not fair to florian, and without knowing sanchez at all, I can assume he wouldn't want to win it that way. He got to fight Stevenson which is a very credible lightweight within the division as opposed to a nate diaz or mac danzing.
GSP didn't show up to the NSAC hearing. Bad move. I understand he's working (training Florian and preparing for Alves). That should be considered, but I believe he should be there. Again, just my opinion.
BJ.... if you want a fight w/ GSP. I'd say do it at a catch weight or 170 again, but you get no belt. It's to simply put a loss on his record and damage GSP's mental psyche. I'm sure that's got to be just as gratifying. Unless.... you want to win the belt from GSP after he's beaten you twice AND haven't taken the same road as he to become a champion? It's not hard to throw those subtle jabs BJ.... you're an amazing fighter and a true warrior. You just want the royal treatment when we're in a time that everyone is working hard for their money (recession) and it's an organization which plays favorites but tends to make most work hard for their title shot (sorry rampage. macchida deserved next.)
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