Your MMA News, My Views 5.21.09
Posted by Larry Csonka on 05.21.2009
411’s Larry Csonka discusses the fact that Bobby Lashley can do no right, proof that FEDOR is not human, Kimbo Slice hitting the free agent market, Andrei Arlovski’s history as a contender killer, Herring out, Kongo in, is Cane able, Time Warner trying to ruin our MMA fun, Germany being behind the times and trying to run UFC 99, and much more! Check out the full column for all the details!
INTRODUCTION, COMMENTS and THANKS!
WHAT'S CAUSIN ALL THIS?
With Derek Bedell still on the IR list, I am back for a third week with another edition of Your MMA News, My Views. I have to admit, while it has crunched my time (UFC 2009 Undisputed sits here still unopened) I have really enjoyed getting back into MMA writing on a more regular basis, and I have enjoyed your comments. So I think you for that. For those that have welcomed me back, I really do appreciate it, and thank you for reading. Let's hit a few comments, and then get to work!
From Todd Vote: As far as I know, Carano's holdout with Strikeforce is simply a contract issue. She actually never made mush with Elite, and was a proven draw, she wants her piece of the pie for the Cyborg fight.
From guest1228: I will discuss Kimbo later, but while many do NOT like him, he is a proven draw. And he would have been perfect for the Super Hulk Tournament in Japan.
From PJ: I agree to a point. Dana is a great sound bite machine, but he also isn't exactly the best for business.
From Tito: Thanks buddy! And yes, there will be a ton of create a fighter codes for guys not in the game.
GINA CARANO WELCOMES YOU~!
RANDOM DISCUSSION: BOBBY LASHLEY CAN DO NO RIGHT!
It has become crystal clear that Bobby Lashley can do no right when it comes to both wrestling fans as well as MMA fans. Wrestling fans shit on Lashley and call him a sell out for leaving the WWE. They say he had everything handed to him, and while that is correct in many ways, they also seem to forget that he left due a dispute involving race discrimination. Michael Hayes and his little fun with Mark Henry make that one easy to believe. But that doesn't matter, he left THEIR SPORT, and they feel betrayed.
So he leaves wrestling and goes into MMA. Right away MMA fans shit on him because he is a FAKE WRESTLER and is invading THEIR SPORT! How dare he come into MMA and try to make a living. He has no right. Forget the Armed Forces Championship (2 times), CISM World Championship Silver Medallist (2002), Missouri Valley College National Championship (1996–1998), NAIA National Wrestling Championship (1997, 1998), they don't mean shit because he worked for Vince McMahon.
But there is one thing Wrestling and MMA fans that HATE Lashley seem to agree on, "Bobby Lashley hasn't proven shit, he sucks." They complain that he didn't get into things like Brock Lesnar, who they did and most still do dislike. Let me break some news to you guys, Bobby Lashley is NOT Brock Lesnar. Brock Lesnar was a better wrestler, Brock Lesnar was a bigger name due to his WWE run and failed football attempt, and Brock Lesnar had dollar signs written all over him because he can talk and has charisma.
Bobby Lashley knew this, and he took a different path in his MMA career. He knew he had a lot to work on, so he decided to train and take small fights to gain experience. Let's see who he faced thus far:
* Mike Cook 6-4
* Joshua Franklin 0-1
* Jason Guida 17-20
These men are a combined 23-25 overall after losing to Lashley. Some will call them cans, some will say Lashley's fights have been worked or fake. Bullshit. The fact is that he had to go in there and WIN those fights. He has two quick stoppages, and the decision over Guida. Now mock Guida's record all you want, but this is a man with nearly 40-fights, and he gave Lashley fits. But Lashley won, he is learning, he is evolving, and he is getting better. What is wrong with that? Oh that's right, he's a fake wrestler, he isn't Brock Lesnar, and he isn't doing shit YOUR way. How dare he.
And here's one for all of you experts, did you LOOK at the heavyweights out there that aren't under contract to someone? The pickings aren't exactly very deep. To criticize the level of Lashley's competition at this stage in his career is hilarious, because most guys at his stage are fighting 0-0 guys, 0-1 guys…or Bo Cantrell. He is taking fights, he is training hard, he is improving, why can't people be cool with that?
But then the argument comes back to the fact that Lashley may work TNA along with fighting in MMA. Do people not realize that this has and IS happening already? I don't see much bitching about Barnett, who is scheduled to wrestle on the 2nd Anniversary Inoki Genome show. All I hear is that Barnett is the shit and needs to face Fedor, NO ONE bitches about him doing pro wrestling. NO ONE. But that's because it's Josh Barnett, aren't double standards wonderful. I don't give a shit if Fedor dresses like a women on weekends and throws Mary Kay Parties, he's a bad motherfucker, and he brings it when he fights. Lashley has brought it so far, so why should we care? Now personally, I think Lashley should focus on MMA, because he has a lot to work on, but the guy is trying to make bank while he can, and I can't hate him for that. Is it a smart move? Financially, likely, but for his MMA career, questionable at this stage.
The bottom line is this, people are giving him shit because people like to bitch. Lashley is working hard, respecting the sport and winning fights. I hope the dude pulls off 10-wins and signs a UFC contract and faces Brock three times in a epic series so all of the so-called "REAL MMA FANS" get pissed, while all of the "REAL WRESTLING FAN" cry that they sold out.
MY VIEWS: All right, he didn't catch the swine flu, but the man has been battling an illness for weeks, and apparently has not been able to train. That's a shame, because I like Herring, and I was really looking forward to his bout with Cain Velasquez. Not due to quality, but because I want to see what Cain Velasquez has, I want to know if he is the real deal. It seems as if everyone is on the jock of Cain Velasquez these days. Don't get me wrong; he does deserve hype, and I do think he is a good fighter. Everyone at his gym thinks he is the shit, and that if and or when Brock Lesnar defeats Frank Mir, that Velasquez will take out Brock. Some are even playing the experience card, saying that Velasquez can dominate Brock due to experience. Well let us look at Velasquez's opponents:
They are a combined 36-16, and his only real competition thus far (as a far as a guy with a name that has faced real competition in Herring and Arlovski) has been Jake O'Brien. Let's look at Lesnar:
- Cream of Min Soo Kim: 3-6
- Frank Mir: 12-3
- Heath Herring: 28-14
- Randy Couture: 16-9
Lesnar's opponents are a combined 59-32, and outside of the tomato can from the first show, he has faced stars, name guys, and while he did get caught against Mir, he beat Herring and humbled him, he Donkey Kong'd Couture and will now get his rematch with Mir. Now I am no trying to get into an "MMATH" discussion, because that all ends up to be bullshit. What I am saying is this: Velasquez is a beast, and he may very well be awesome in the gym, but before they start talking title shot and domination for him, he needs to get in there with a Heath Herring to allow us to see IF he is the real deal. And we're going to find out, because Cheick Kongo has stepped up to the place as Herring's replacement. That's a good replacement for Herring, and Velasquez can still gain a lot if he wins the fight as he would have with a win over Herring. Also, there has been a lot of debate on whether or not Kongo is a real contender. This is bout, to me, becomes a #1 contender's bout, as both guys gain so much with the victory. Either man would be a good challenger for Brock/Mir, and don't forget about Carwin looking in from the fringe. You have to give the UFC credit, they are quick in finding replacements!
MY VIEWS: The media in Germany whipped out its dick this week and took a big old piss in the cornflakes of UFC 99 as there has been a lot of negative press regarding the UFC running in Germany, so much so that Germany will not allow fans under the age of 18 to attend UFC 99. The saddest part about this is that the negative publicity has included the use of incorrect information, including the outdated belief that the UFC bans only biting and eye-poking. Child protective services of Cologne asked for the ban.
Dear German media and government:
This is not the 90's anymore. The UFC has these things called rules now, and they follow them rather well. Please get your facts straight and stop being a bunch of uneducated, backwards thinking douche bags. I know that boxing is thriving in Germany right now and that you want to protect "the sweet science," but you are as wrong as wrong could be.
Your buddy,
Larry T. Csonka
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MY VIEWS: The UFC has signed 17-5-1 Mike Pyle to a contract. Before I discuss exactly why he was signed, let me say that I feel this was a good signing for the company. An accomplished fighter, and most of his losses come to some quality competition:
- Rampage Jackson in 1999
- Rory Markham in 2006
- Matt Hrowich in 2006
- Jake Shields in 2007
No shame in that, and he could be a solid addition to the WW division, so this worked well. The company has also made sure that he will be ready to step into the cage for Saturday's show, yes this Saturday if need be. Pyle was hired as an "insurance policy" for Brazilian resident Chris Wilson. For those that don't know, Wilson and his family were the victims of an attack and robbery in their own home. Some feel that there is a chance that Wilson may cancel due to this. According to Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer has stated that the commission is still waiting on additional medical information from Wilson, but also insisted that there was no failed drug test or reason to believe Wilson would be unable to compete at this time. Perhaps he was injured more than some know, or maybe, maybe they are taking insurance due to the Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra and Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Brandon Wolff bouts, which are also at 170lbs. This is just an odd situation, because this is the first time under the Zuffa banner that I remember then hiring a standby for a specific event. I may be wrong, and if I am I apologize, but I think this qualifies as one of those "WTF" style things, because I sure the hell didn't see it coming.
411 MMA LINKZ~!
Tons of great stuff to read this week from the 411 MMA crew!
MY VIEWS: News came out Tuesday that former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski will face unbeaten heavyweight sensation Brett "The Grim" Rogers on Saturday, June 6 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis and LIVE on SHOWTIME. Instant thoughts were as follows: good addition to the card, big opportunity for Rogers, Strikeforce is playing with fire. Some think that Rogers will steamroll Arlovski, and if he DOES defeat Arlovski this would be huge for him. But I think that some are forgetting that Arlovski has a history of taking out "heavyweight contenders". Let's check the history, shall we?
KO of Roy Nelson: Back in October of 2008, Arlovski faced Nelson at EliteXC Heat. At the time Nelson was 13-2, and had a lot of hype coming out of the IFL where he was 5-1. Arlovski took him out.
KO of Ben Rothwell: Back in December of 2008 ay Affliction Banned, Arlovski faced at the time 29-5 Ben Rothwell. He went 9-0 in the IFL with wins over Nelson, Rodriguez and Soszynski two times. Arlovski took him out.
TKO of Jake O'Brien: In his last UFC fight he faced at the time 10-0 Jake O'Brien, who had a lot of hype and a win over Heath Herring. Arlovski took him out.
DECISION of Fabrico Werdum: And then there was his second to last bout with Fabrico Werdum, who was 10-2-1 at the time, and has wins over Gonzaga, Overeem, Kharitonov, and Aleksander Emelianenko. Arlovski took him out.
While many don't realize it, Arlovski is a contender killer, and that is why this is a dangerous fight. So if Rogers wins, he legitimizes himself as a top heavyweight, which Strikeforce needs. But if he loses, it is not a good thing for Strikeforce. Rogers only name victory is over 14-10 James Thompson, so this will be the biggest and most important test of his young MMA career.
MY VIEWS: I am really beginning to hate Time Warner Cable since I moved. No WWE 24/7, shitty customer service, shady Internet service and now there is the chance that they are dropping HDNet.
From time to time we make certain changes in the services that we offer in order to better serve our customers. The following changes are planned:
* On or about May 31, 2009 we will no longer carry HD Net Movies on ch. 797 and HD Net on ch. 798.
* On or about June 1, 2009 we will launch MAV TV HD on ch. 787. This service will be part of the HD Xtra tier.
They were going to drop service a few months ago, but negotiations between both sides kept the channel on the air. If Time-Warner Cable drops HDNet, this would hurt not only ROH TV, but also the numerous MMA groups that run on the channel. HDNet not only carries small US MMA companies, but they also are the ONLY US outlet for Japanese MMA (Sengoku and DREAM) in the US. If they drop HDNet, it will be a sad day for the US MMA fans.
MY VIEWS: And now people wonder where he will go. He won't do The Ultimate Fighter, he already stated that. Japan is his best option most likely, because a boxing career as rumored would NOT be a good idea. But what about Strikeforce? Will they get back to the table and sign a deal? Like it or not, Kimbo has a lot behind him to make him an attractive signing for the #2 US MMA company.
FACT: Kimbo Slice's fight with Tank Abbot is the highest rated Elite show to ever air on Showtime. FACT: Kimbo Slice was the reason that Elite XC drew their first sell out crowd. FACT: Kimbo Slice was the reason the first CBS show did well in the ratings with a constant increase (up to 6.5 million viewers). This was bigger than Shamrock vs. Ortiz, and bigger than Henderson vs. Jackson. Bottom line, he is the reason people tuned in and that isn't a bad thing.
Let me give you a wrestling analogy that 99% of you will hate, since it has to do with wrestling. I was a HUGE Ricky Steamboat fan. The man was awesome and I would always watch for a guy like him. BUT, Steamboat DIDN'T bring in the crowds or the PPV buyers, Hulk Hogan did. I hate to say it, but the awesome 1989 series of matches between Flair and Steamboat did shitty business overall. For all of the MMA traditionalists bitching that they should push Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler and other "real MMA stars," you need to have an audience in order to push them. Kimbo is Hulk Hogan, he puts the asses in the seats. Guys Jake Shields are Ricky Steamboat; he gives them a reason to stay. It's simple.
…BUT…
There is always a but, Strikeforce will NOT open the bank for him. Kimbo got $175,000 for his 43-second knockout of David "Tank" Abbott at EliteXC "Street Certified" in February 2008 and then his pay jumped to $500,000 for his 14-second loss last October at the hands of Seth Petruzell. Strikeforce is and was the EXACT OPPOSITE of EliteXC. Before the deal to acquire the assets of Pro Elite, Strikeforce ran a limited amount of shows, they never blew their load financially, they actually made smart moves and they made money and drew legit big time crowds. They also will not put him in main events if they did sign him. They would use him as a TV draw in low level fights against Bo Cantrell in a mask to get viewers, if they signed him. Will they? I highly doubt it, and honestly, I hope they don't. I want Strikeforce to grow, but I think they can do it by putting on great shows, like the June 6th show that looks sexy as hell.
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With UFC Undisputed about to hit stands, it's time to start planning how to determine who's the best of the best in the 411mania readership. What better way than with a 411mania UFC Undisputed league?
The league, planned for the Xbox 360 version of the game, is in the planning stages at this point, so feel free to hit the forums and offer up advice on how to make it better. You can find the thread here!
I WILL RULE YOU!
FEDOR IS NOT HUMAN~!
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I don't use it, but Ashish says he'll stop paying me if I don't put this here…
I'm laughing at the idea that Lashley won a fixed fight against a dude who lost to Warpath. I have to say his promo after the Cook fight was way better than any of his WWE promos. Unless they cancel the fight (which wouldn't shock me), I'm actually going to see Lashley vs. Sapp live
As far as Barnett goes, it is a matter of where he does his pro wrestling as to why MMA aren't as vocal compared to Lesnar & Lashley. If Barnett had a run with WWE or TNA, then he would be hated more. Since Barnett does his pro wrestling in Japan for a promotion that runs once every two or three months, it doesn't make much news.
Gotta give Strikeforce credit for getting Arlovski so quickly after Overeem went out. Usually the replacement is much lesser than the orignal.
Outside of Arlovski foolishly rushing in and leaving himself open for the big punch, I think this is a pretty bad matchup for Rogers. If it goes to the ground, then how will Rogers react because he has never been tested there. Arlovski is constantly improving his standup and it doesn't hurt to have Freddy Roach as your boxing coach. I just don't see what problems Rogers could present to Arlovski that the ex-IFL heavyweights didn't.
Maybe Rogers will hit that big shot to and make himself a name in the heavyweight division. Crazy stuff happens in MMA.
Kimbo is fine for drawing a crowd to a show, but just don't build an entire promtion around him. Personally, I would like to see him go to K-1 just so Badr Hari could knock the beard off his face with a spin kick. The fight would be extremely one sided, but the promos and build up would be money.
Posted By: CompletePlayer (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 01:31 AM
CompletePlayer pretty much nailed it in regards to Barnett... but the other factor when it comes to Lashley is that he's still trying to make an MMA name/ career for himself.
When the biggest game in town says they won't even look at you if you 'Wrestle', it's generally wise to not wrestle.
Sure- he'll make a decent coin for himself for little work, but that could easily hurt him far greater in the long run.
Besides, he's already shown that he's willing to take a MMA fight based on name recognition to make a few bucks (there's no other reason to fight Sapp), I don't see the point of him having to go to TNA as well.
I also have no problem with him fighting cans for the experience... and I was all for him taking on Shamrock for that exact reason. But when Ken fell through, I thought he should have demanded someone better then Guida. Hell, James Thompson would have been an improvement then Guida.
Posted By: cyks (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 02:15 AM
lmao larry larry larry. if that is really your proof that fedor is not human.......lol than mic foley really is god...... i cant believe i just said that. i think matt hughes vs frank trigg 2 was mor inhuman than that. how did you even get to fedor none of this article had anything to do with him.
let me just say 1 thing about kimbo slice puttin asses in the seats. mike tyson bad idea roy jones jr. bad idea kimbo slice good idea??? at least the other 2 were ligit. kimbo slice is no mma fighter. kimbo needs to go back to taco bell where he belongs sorry slice lovers bur the truth hurts.
p.s.
i dont think fedor can beat shane carwin let alone frank mir or brock lesnar. thats right i even said brock lesnar. say what you want but the truth is....the boy dont even really know what he is doing and still taking our top guys and treating them like they are the ones that dont know shit.
Posted By: jasoncole (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Your first reason on Bobby Lashley is a big reason, IMO, why so many people are fans of Brock Lesnar. All the people who shit on the guy even though he's trying so freaking hard like they're somehow better just makes me that more of a fan and all I want to see is him ruin their favorite fighter just to listen to them come up with excuses and this and that.
You try to call them out on false points they make and some other dude comes in with "When did I say that?" and they try to harp on something else false instead.
Give me a break. "Hardcore" fans my ass.
Posted By: Anon (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 09:14 AM
I just finished reading your thoughts on the Lashley situation, and before I continue reading the rest of this article I just want to say THANK YOU.
Fuck the haters! Go Bobby!
Posted By: Marcus (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 11:04 AM
I believe the UFC had a standby guy at 94 - there were issues with Karo getting cleared due to his panic attacks, or whatever issues he's been having. Of course he tested positive, and the match was deemed NC - so maybe a last minute replacement might have been a good idea for all involved, Karo included.
I think that Pyle is a great signing, I am actually surprised it took this long. Fitch should get a rematch!
Posted By: Jamie (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Very well put at the end when you talked about Kimbo havin the Hulk Hogan effect. You nailed it! Right on man, keep it up.
Posted By: O.N.E. (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Dude, you totally just schooled all the mentally underdeveloped internet tools that comment here constantly. Unfortunately you will quickly learn that reasoning, intelligent conversation, factual evidence, and plain good sense do not matter to the internet crowd. I truly want to believe that most of the ridiculous comments are made by someone that just gets a kick out of posting ridiculous things (I think they call that "trolling"), but at times I lose my faith.
Posted By: OMG! (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 12:33 PM
As a long time hardcore wrestling fan(been watching it for 15 years), and an increasingly hardcore MMA fan(been watching/following it a lot for around 5 years), I can say Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley both get unfairly treated. Both have legit wrestling backgrounds(that are better then most "real" MMA fighters) but get hated on because of a previous occupation. So what that they were pro wrestlers, how the hell does that make them any less of a MMA fighter? What did Chuck Liddell do before MMA? What did Randy Couture do before MMA? What makes them so much more special then Lesnar or Lashley? Is it their fault they worked a job that made them tons of money? Just because they did something years ago doesn't mean they can't become MMA fighters. People in the UFC aren't super humans or anything, they are people that train MMA, just like Lashley and Lesnar are doing. As a fan of both MMA and wrestling, to any fans of either that hate either of these men, you are dumb.
Posted By: Shawno420 (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Larry is hanging from Lashley's nuts, and can't separate wrestling from MMA.
Posted By: Guest#9941 (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Good point, Guest#9941!
Give yourself a hand!
Right across the mouth, you fucking idiot.
Posted By: Vallejo (Guest) on May 21, 2009 at 06:41 PM
