Well this is simple..... I feel he has the best position to prove it.
I notice that most websites, and even people's opinions (mainstream and underground) believe that it's a combination of the listed:
1) Fedor Emelianenko
2) Anderson Silva
3) Georges St. Pierre
Ok.... Let's take away the numbers, I'll help...
Fedor Emelianenko
Anderson Silva
Georges St. Pierre
I believe for their weight class.... Anderson Silva has fought the hardest competition. Fedor has had better wins (very dramatic or stunning victories), but not with top competition (which could be why he's gotten them to some people). Regardless of that.... I believe Anderson Silva is the best Lb for lb fighter.... Let me break it down.....
If anyone was to jump or "change" weight classes to fight with anyone, I believe Anderson Silva would be the best. Real quick... I want to say, that BJ Penn fighting Machida is more of reason for him to be within the 10 often. He fights best at 155 and fought Machida in K1 at 205. It's about flexibility.... Back to Silva....
I feel Anderson Silva is in the best position to "prove" he is the top Lb for Lb fighter. Let's not get into the logistics of this happening or not yet. Let's actually indulge in the fascination of Anderson Silva....
At 185 he's cutting weight and actually weighed in less than Thales for his 185 championship defense at UFC 97. I'm sure GSP can come up to a 180 or even 185 for a "super fight" (i love how dana white says that phrase, you can tell he's excited at the thought). Not only dropping down.... Anderson Silva can also go up to 205 and if time allowed, he could go up to maybe 210-220 (at most) to fight Fedor. Fedor would have to make a big cut, *but for lack of better word and influence......) the "ULTIMATE" fight would be that Anderson also is within realm to fight Fedor. Yes... I said it....
Anderson Silva can work a whole year ahead of time and Fedor could have PLENTY of time to drop weight... We could answer questions. I feel Zuffa could get as much money as they want (maybe not the most "ever") but a lot of money... Anderson could get a very generous check and so could Fedor. Ok... Money is taken care of. PPV Deals should be set, a general payment amount is set (possibly a little lower than the "usual"). Money is money, that's what the suits worry the most about. Unles... Dana's feeling a little weird since the last time he tried to go to another organization (don't know if Zuffa already bought pride by the time Dana came over with Chuck) Pride FC with his golden boy Chuck Liddell.
For the record I love Chuck Liddell and the lifepass Dana mentioned at the prefight press conference. Not only does he deserve it, we as fans deserve it. I don't care if Chuck becomes the official gatekeeper for anyone into the most deadly class... the light heavyweight division. I'd love to see Krystoff go against liddell, luiz cane, brandon vera (check his calling out of liddell when he came to the ufc)... all against liddell. What better gatekeeper, and what better "invitation" to the organization. Enough about my liddell rant... I had to get it in...
Anderson by far is the best Lb for Lb because he can prove it. When it comes to boxing.... why was Roy Jones Jr the best? Cuz he could jump weights. Why was Oscar De La Hoya the best? Because he could jump weight classes. Why is Manny Pacquiao being considered the best Lb for Lb Boxer? Because he's going to each weight class and proving it. I believe he's going through the ropes having to fight top fighters from each class, it serves as a great transition. Almost like the transition of Wanderlei Fighting Rich Franklin (look for a future blog on that itself).
Anderson is in the best position to prove he is the best Lb for Lb fighter. If we seen Fedor trying to fight at different weight classes (light heavyweight) or GSP switching down to Lightweight or up to Middleweight (even for a fight with the lower part of their divisions)... It's a good move, it's a chance you have to take, and it's the true essence of showing you're not the king of your division... you're going to another level by showing when it comes to fighting at any weight that you fight at.... you win, you rock, you put on a show. That's who wins the best Lb for Lb vote.... my vote is Anderson Silva!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Can I Hire BJ Penn the Lawyer??
This post is about UFC97. I want to first start off saying that I love Anderson Silva and I believe he is an amazing fighter. To me, he is the best pound for pound fighter. I will post about my thoughts on him being the best pound for pound fighter another time however (excuse my attempt at hyping myself).
I had the joy to watch UFC97 and after what I imagined Rua doing to Liddell, I am wondering about what happen after. I feel that Anderson Silva clearly took the "vasoline" from his face and rubbed it on his body. I am not writing this with the intent for Anderson Silva to be damaged about his victory, if anything I'm really out to prove that BJ Penn should be on a tirade and causing a stink for Thales Leites. If what he said at the hearing is true, and if everything his mom and he speak for, it's about the sport. Right?
And if it's about the sport BJ Penn should've clearly noticed that Anderson Silva went through the new motions of the NSAC and hugged his homies and got checked by officials after.... Of course Silva totally was ready and jumped into the octogon and was pulled back. I clearly remember after showing his zealous reasoning to get in there and mix it up, Anderson Silva had to go and get checked... mouth piece?... Check!.... Cup?... Check.
He's ready to go and one of my favorite things about the UFC (their cut men) grease up Anderson's face (as they do everyones). Maybe this could all be out of chance, but you get to see Anderson Silva do his circling thing around the octogon and sometimes he says hello with a pat of gloves on his way around, and other times he doesn't. This time he doesn't (I told you I'm a big Anderson Silva fan).
Anderson to me, is in the mindset. My champion is believing he will win... he does his traditional champion lap and well.... I see him go and wipe his face and then he wipes his arms. Honestly I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't so into MMA and this whole "Greasegate" bullsh*t that went on. For lack of better knowledge I want to believe it was Josh Barnet (I could be wrong) was saying something along the lines of, "when you are in a fight with someone, it's possible you have your face rubbing on some part of them or vice versa." Of course my quote isn't direct but you get the idea.... It's that they go in with the grease on their face and it could so happen that you grab his back and you rub grease on his back if you aren't able to finish the RNC (Rear Naked Choke... shouts to Inside MMA on HDNet).
But one shameless plug shouldn't be ignored for another... if you were to think about the same philosophy, I enjoy Franklin McNeal's (MMA Live on ESPN) thoughts coming from boxing. He always has faith and respects the gamble that "anything" can happen (another poke at those who doubted Rua). All debts paid, I want to express my main concern of this blog....
Anderson Silva (again who is one of my favorite fighters and my pound for pound pick) was clearly taking the grease off his face and rubbed it on his arms and chest. It's super obvious. If the NSAC checks back, they will see it, but again... my ultimate reasoning for my blog.... was to show that BJ Penn was only at the hearing because this is his ONLY chance to push for greatness. He lost to GSP and can't handle it. He clearly lost (BJ), GSP got caught w/ a glitch in the system (check "greasegate") and only cares that he (BJ) lost. If he truly was about the sport, he should be working with Leites about what just happened in Montreal.
BJ Penn, if you're really about "the sport" and you wouldn't want "anyone" to have the same situation as you.... can the folks from Thales Leites' camp hire you? Consider this a jab at your chracter... Consider this a GSP fan trying to call you out... Consider this whatever you would like BJ Penn (and fans)... Ultimately, if he (BJ Penn) lost to GSP all four rounds because of some grease put on his back during the intermission of the first round going into the second round, you have to be insane. Nows when we see how "political" you will be for the sport. Don't act as if you're noble only when it's for you to be a legend.
GSP said it right, as a Champion, you fight to be a legend. When you don't have the belt, you fight to be the best... a champion... once you're a champion.... you fight to be a legend!
- Rictor
rictor.smith@gmail.com
P.s. I accept all hate mail, or love email....
I had the joy to watch UFC97 and after what I imagined Rua doing to Liddell, I am wondering about what happen after. I feel that Anderson Silva clearly took the "vasoline" from his face and rubbed it on his body. I am not writing this with the intent for Anderson Silva to be damaged about his victory, if anything I'm really out to prove that BJ Penn should be on a tirade and causing a stink for Thales Leites. If what he said at the hearing is true, and if everything his mom and he speak for, it's about the sport. Right?
And if it's about the sport BJ Penn should've clearly noticed that Anderson Silva went through the new motions of the NSAC and hugged his homies and got checked by officials after.... Of course Silva totally was ready and jumped into the octogon and was pulled back. I clearly remember after showing his zealous reasoning to get in there and mix it up, Anderson Silva had to go and get checked... mouth piece?... Check!.... Cup?... Check.
He's ready to go and one of my favorite things about the UFC (their cut men) grease up Anderson's face (as they do everyones). Maybe this could all be out of chance, but you get to see Anderson Silva do his circling thing around the octogon and sometimes he says hello with a pat of gloves on his way around, and other times he doesn't. This time he doesn't (I told you I'm a big Anderson Silva fan).
Anderson to me, is in the mindset. My champion is believing he will win... he does his traditional champion lap and well.... I see him go and wipe his face and then he wipes his arms. Honestly I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't so into MMA and this whole "Greasegate" bullsh*t that went on. For lack of better knowledge I want to believe it was Josh Barnet (I could be wrong) was saying something along the lines of, "when you are in a fight with someone, it's possible you have your face rubbing on some part of them or vice versa." Of course my quote isn't direct but you get the idea.... It's that they go in with the grease on their face and it could so happen that you grab his back and you rub grease on his back if you aren't able to finish the RNC (Rear Naked Choke... shouts to Inside MMA on HDNet).
But one shameless plug shouldn't be ignored for another... if you were to think about the same philosophy, I enjoy Franklin McNeal's (MMA Live on ESPN) thoughts coming from boxing. He always has faith and respects the gamble that "anything" can happen (another poke at those who doubted Rua). All debts paid, I want to express my main concern of this blog....
Anderson Silva (again who is one of my favorite fighters and my pound for pound pick) was clearly taking the grease off his face and rubbed it on his arms and chest. It's super obvious. If the NSAC checks back, they will see it, but again... my ultimate reasoning for my blog.... was to show that BJ Penn was only at the hearing because this is his ONLY chance to push for greatness. He lost to GSP and can't handle it. He clearly lost (BJ), GSP got caught w/ a glitch in the system (check "greasegate") and only cares that he (BJ) lost. If he truly was about the sport, he should be working with Leites about what just happened in Montreal.
BJ Penn, if you're really about "the sport" and you wouldn't want "anyone" to have the same situation as you.... can the folks from Thales Leites' camp hire you? Consider this a jab at your chracter... Consider this a GSP fan trying to call you out... Consider this whatever you would like BJ Penn (and fans)... Ultimately, if he (BJ Penn) lost to GSP all four rounds because of some grease put on his back during the intermission of the first round going into the second round, you have to be insane. Nows when we see how "political" you will be for the sport. Don't act as if you're noble only when it's for you to be a legend.
GSP said it right, as a Champion, you fight to be a legend. When you don't have the belt, you fight to be the best... a champion... once you're a champion.... you fight to be a legend!
- Rictor
rictor.smith@gmail.com
P.s. I accept all hate mail, or love email....
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Perspective: Less Pay, More Brawl
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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