The MMA News Report 5.23.07
Posted by Morgan Marx on 05.23.2007
Another big signing by the UFC and hype for one of Saturday’s fights that doesn’t include Rampage and Chuck. Check inside to see what I think will be the best fight at UFC71!
INTRODUCTION
It's fight week, and you know what that means! Little to no news and bad predictions by yours truly. With only one big story this week, I upped the commentary and previewed the main card of UFC 71. I think all fans, both hardcore and casual, are excited about the big Chuck Liddell v. Quinton Jackson rematch. The UFC has been promoting the heck out of the fight, and I bet it lives up to expectations. So grab a snack and let's get to it.
MAILBAG
Female friend of the column Maranda "M4" checks in again with some thoughts on women and MMA:
There are actually many, many women getting into mixed martial arts (both as spectators and competitors). Although I'm hoping that it does continue to be more male oriented at the actual events as it makes the waiting in line for the women's rest room super short whereas the men's line stretches out for miles..... Seriously though, I've met some great mma fans of both sexes ranging in age from early 20s to 40ish hanging out on MySpace of all places.
I mostly agree Maranda. While the UFC will probably never feature female competitors, it is definitely attracting a larger audience of women. Even my girlfriend, who is decidedly anti-violence, has been watching more MMA programming with me. The UFC does a great job profiling its fighters so we get to know them on a personal level. I have no doubt that women respond to Rampage interacting with his kids just as much as men do to seeing him train on shows like All Access. And of course, there are many women out there who appreciate the training and technique just as much as men.
I'm not sold on women participating in MMA for the same reason I'm not sold on many other professional women's sports. When it comes to sports that rely on strength and explosiveness, women just can't compare to their male counterparts. I love women's soccer because I think the game transitions nicely from one gender to he next. Women's basketball, however, lacks the athleticism that makes the NBA semi-interesting.
In the end, I'm definitely for women spectators, and slightly dubious about women participants, but I'm keeping my mind open. And I definitely know that there many girls who could kick my ass. I currently live with one, thank you very much.
NEWS
Rua Officially to the UFC?
As reported here at 411Mania and everywhere else, Chute Boxe USA is stating that Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has signed exclusively with the UFC and could debut at UFC 72. This move would immediately boost the light heavyweight division in the UFC, a division seen lacking truly credible challengers. Rua is young, exceptionally talented, and could be the first non-American Pride fighter to truly cross over in the US (now that Cro Cop's luster has been tarnished).
It was rumored a while back that Rua might sign with the UFC. After the Pride merger, it was speculated that Rua might split time between the organizations. When Rua himself rubbished those claims, it was thought that he would remain primarily under the Pride umbrella. If the Chute Boxe website is to be believed (and that seems to be a credible source), Rua's move is somewhat surprising.
Following the Chuck Liddell v. Quinton Jackson fight, the light heavyweight division would have to answer a lot of questions. Besides a third fight between Rampage and the Iceman, there weren't too many other marquee match-ups. The top contenders would be Keith Jardine, Rashad Evans, and Lyoto Machida. Rua would jump to the head of that list. With a win over Jackson, he could challenge either fighter. Rua's acquisition and Cro Cop's loss might put off Liddell's move to heavyweight.
Another interesting tidbit on the Chute Boxe site is that Evan Tanner has resumed training to challenge for the UFC middleweight belt. Tanner will be fighting under the Chute Boxe USA banner. Tanner is a great competitor and it will be good to see him in the octagon again, whether he's fighting Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin, or whomever has the belt.
Other than the Shogun signing, there aren't too many other big stories floating around. Which means something huge will break right after I post this. Instead of trumping up stories like "Tim Sylvia to dance with Iowa stars" I'll just comment quickly on some of the stories that are out there.
* Big Nog's Debut in Doubt? In a story that just won't get resolved, rumor is that Rodrigo Nogueira might be forced to pull off of UFC 73's card. UFC.com currently has Heath Herring's opponent (thought to be Big Nog) listed as "TBD." However, counter-rumors have speculated that Herring is the one with the injury, and will need to be replaced. Until we get official word from the UFC that a change has occurred, consider it all just rumor for now.
* Jeff Joslin Off of UFC 73, Drew Fickett In In terrible news for Jeff Joslin, the Canadian fighter will once again miss a scheduled fight. After pulling out of a fight with Kuniyoshi Hironaka (Forrest Petz took his place and lost a unanimous decision), Joslin has now been scratched from a fight with Chris Lytle. The always-game Drew Fickett will replace him. Whatever happened to Joslin must be serious, as it seems the same injury has forced him off consecutive cards. Fickett should put on a good show, and might be a tougher test for Lytle.
* GSP, Serra Exchange Barbs For a second time, we have to endure a round of "Is Georges St-Pierre really that classy" discussions. GSP, widely considered one of the UFC's most genuine and classy fighters, sparked a mini-drama after stepping in the ring and degrading Matt Hughes after the Hughes v. Penn rematch. Now, after telling a Canadian radio interviewer that he "shouldn't have taken that fight (with Serra), but I told myself (that) it's Matt Serra (and that I) could beat this guy easily" we have to wonder again. While Serra was rightly peeved, I'm not too concerned. We want our athletes to speak the truth and their minds, and I'm not going to criticize GSP for doing just that. After the upset, GSP was nothing but respectful toward Serra and let him have his night. Now that some time has passed, I'm relieved to hear that GSP was injured and that there was a reason for the upset. And, if nothing else, this will heighten a rematch if one should occur. Sources:UFCJunkie
* Pro-Wrestlers to Test MMA Waters We all know that former WWE champ Brock Lesnar will be making his MMA debut, assuming the K1/EliteXC event actually happens. Meanwhile, rumors persist that the UFC has had talks with Kurt Angle, and that BodogFight has approached both Angle and Mick Foley (thankfully, not to fight). As a former fan of wrestling I have to wonder, does anyone care? MMA will always be tied to pro-wrestling thanks to fighters like Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and Tank Abbot. In Japan, some of the most storied fighters ever (like Kaz Sakuraba) have pro-wrestling backgrounds. But will a pro-wrestler making the transition to MMA really make much noise? Wrestling just isn't as popular in the US as it was during the late ‘90s boom that captivated most of us 18-28 year olds. While Lesnar might win his first MMA bout, it will be years before he's ready to face a talented striker or someone with a great sprawl. And please, spare me talk of Kurt Angle transitioning to MMA. The man is hardly in shape to still be competing in fixed fights, let alone actual physical competition. I remember marking out when Puder almost locked Angle in a kimura. Now I'm supposed to get excited that Angle will join the UFC?
Even in Japan, wrestling has lost a little of its popularity. And besides Saku, wrestlers like Yuji Nagata, and Dos Caras Jr. have managed little besides not getting killed by Cro Cop. Even Shinsuke Nakamura, as athletic a pro-wrestler as you're going to find, hasn't set K1 on fire.
In the end, I just can't see this making much of a difference. The UFC is arguably bigger than the WWE now. Legitimate media organizations are flocking to cover the sport. Chuck Liddell is appearing alongside Jim Rome on ESPN. What good would importing a pro-wrestler really accomplish?
P.S. Was that Smark-ish enough for you? NJPW knowledge bitches!
COMMENTARY
While not quite as loaded a card as some of the upcoming UFC events (especially if both Rua and Nog make their debuts), UFC 71 is shaping up to be an enjoyable PPV. The main event is clearly the draw, and shouldn't disappoint. At worst, we get to see Chuck Liddell KO another talented fighter in the first round. At best, we see a back and forth battle and a deserved winner. This being the year of bad predictions, that means the fight will stay on the ground and result in a split decision. Sigh.
Having said that, I think the "best" fight on the card will be the welterweight match-up between Karo Parisyan and Josh Burkman. We all know that good match-ups make for great fights, and this is a great match-up between two "pedal to the metal" fighters. Both Parisyan and Burkman are supremely confident fighters who believe they can take anyone out. This should be an explosive battle that could end multiple ways.
Like most semi-knowledgeable fans, I love Karo Parisyan. While some speculate he doesn't train hard enough, he always leaves it all in the ring (kinda like BJ Penn, tho he doesn't gas as much). Karo is an exceptionally talented fighter. Like GSP, he does things in the octagon that look choreographed. Diego Sanchez claimed that Karo wouldn't be able to use his judo in their fight, and Karo put him on his head.
Karo's an interesting fighter. He recently came close to admitting he's burned out on fighting. Though just 24, he's been fighting longer than most men nearing the end of their careers have. Karo's at a crossroads; if he doesn't string together a couple of high profile wins, he won't be getting a title shot anytime soon. It's do or die for Karo in the UFC, and I for one would love to see him get a chance at the belt.
I don't mean to overlook Josh Burkman in this preview, it's just that Karo has more riding on the fight. If Burkman beats Karo (especially in a definitive manner), the sky's the limit. He'd be one or two fights out from title contention in a stacked division. Burkman is scary strong and has put on some great fights. A strong showing at UFC 71 would increase his profile with fans and put him in line for fights against the likes of Sanchez and Hughes.
I think there's a chance this fight could go to decision, but there's no chance it isn't entertaining along the way. Both fighters could KO each other, both could win via submission. It's really a pick ‘em kind of fight. I know I'm looking forward to it, I hope you are too.
UFC 71 Main Card Chuck Liddell v. Quinton Jackson: Everyone and their cousin has chimed in on this fight, so I'll keep it brief. I think the UFC has done a great job building the match-up. I was impressed that they didn't sugarcoat Liddell's loss to Jackson in Pride. It's no shock that Rampage is one of the most entertaining guys in MMA, but I also think he's one of the most likeable. I think Jackson would be a great face for the UFC. He's tough and brash without coming off as thuggy or any of the other negative stereotypes associated with MMA or black athletes. Even his questionable quotes along the lines of wanting to beat people's asses, or being motivated by money, come off as "endearing" as opposed to "threatening." He seemed like a big kid during the UFC All Access show. However, I just can't bet against Liddell at this point. With 7 straight stoppages, he's earned the prediction. Prediction: Liddell by KO.
Terry Martin v. Ivan Salaverry: Terry Martin is another intriguing fighter. Martin is highly educated, and may be the only doctorate candidate in MMA today. He's also pretty funny, as evidenced by his "Billy Jean" knock on Salaverry. I like Salaverry, but I can't deny that he can be excruciating to watch at times. However, Martin is going to come after him, so I don't think we'll have a stalemate. If Martin makes a mistake (like Joe Riggs), Salaverry with catch him and tap him out. I don't think Martin will give Salaverry the chance, so long as he can keep the pressure on and the fight standing. Prediction: Martin by Decision.
Karo Parisyan v. Josh Burkman: See above for the in depth preview. Prediction: Parisyan by Submission.
Houston Alexander v. Keith Jardine: Houston Alexander has a great story. He's a DJ for a radio station in Omaha. He's got 6 kids that he's raising as a single parent. And he legitimately believes he has a shot against Keith Jardine. It's always hard to judge guys with extensive amateur histories, especially when they haven't faced anyone notable. I'd love to see Alexander step in and have a storybook upset of the talented Jardine (and 2007 seems to be the year to get it done). But in the end, I think Jardine will walk through him. Hopefully, Alexander will show just enough in the cage to warrant a return invite. Prediction: Jardine by TKO.
Kalib Starnes v. Chris Leban: While neither of these fighters are that interesting, I'm hoping for a good fight. Both Starnes and Leban seem to have reached their limit in the UFC. Leban should be commended for his straight ahead, aggressive style but he can't seem to hang with the more talented fighters. While there's no shame in losing to Anderson Silva, his loss to Jason McDonald reveals Leban to be a fighter more suited to the WEC than the UFC. And Starnes just isn't that good. If Starnes can survive Leban's initial outburst, he should be able to put him on the ground and pound out a decision. Prediction: Starnes by Decision.
CONCLUSION
Hope this column helped prep you for this weekend's action. I'll recap next week, though I'll leave the full on, round by round accounts to my fellow writers. So grab some friends, head to a sports bar, and enjoy the fights!
