Punch Drunk Hangover 4.28.08: A DREAM Come True

Posted by Bren Oliver on 04.28.2008

Read ahead for Bren Oliver's thoughts on the partnership between DREAM and HDNet, Kimbo Slice's response to Chuck Liddell's criticism, the newest additions to the UFC 85 card, Frank Mir as a championship contender, and the upcoming fight between Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson. Those things and more, plus this week's "Monday Morning Moment of Zen" featuring rare moments from DREAM 2 headliners Shinya Aoki and 'JZ' Calvancante, are all just a click away!



Good morning, afternoon, evening, or whatever in-between time it is that your eyes have found their way to the Punch Drunk Hangover! I'm here with another one-stop shop for catching up on all of last week's news, hoping as always to deliver consumers a delectable mixture of insight and humor. While I am salivating at the thought of UFC 84 and its main event trifecta being less than a month away, the coming weeks will provide plenty of time to pick apart the card from top to bottom. Instead, I want to start out this week by focusing on a much more immediate show and news pertaining to its future on American airwaves...


It was announced on the 4/25 edition of "Inside MMA" that HDNet and DREAM have come to an agreement making the network the exclusive North American home of the Japanese MMA promotion. HDNet will first show last month's initial DREAM event, featuring the Lightweight Grand Prix, on May 2nd. The following night, HDNet will bring fans the April 29th card featuring the rematch between JZ Calvancante and Shinya Aoki, as well as the Middleweight Grand Prix.


Arigato, Cuban-san! I was elated to hear HDNet and DREAM finally worked out a deal to broadcast the PRIDE-esque promotion here in the United States. While the events are not being shown live, at least as far as the first two installments of DREAM go, it's hard to argue the broadcast of the events in vivid High Definition quality is something to shrug one's shoulders at compared to watching a live webcam stream or next-day fight on YouTube. And, given that HDNet did broadcast Yarennoka live starting at 5:00 in the morning, I reserve some hope the same may be done when it comes to future DREAM events. I'm also hoping Mark Cuban, and the people at FEG, work out a way to bring DREAM to Mixed Martial Arts fans who don't yet have HD technology. It seems like FX or FoxSports would be logical home for MMA action.

Regarding DREAM 2, it's hard not to be looking forward to seeing "Punk" Minowa, Kazushi Sakuraba, Kiyoshi Tamura, Dong Sik Yoon, or Denis Kang in action. And, if those names weren't enough, lest I forget about the (hopefully injury-stoppage-free) rematch between Shinya Aoki and Gesias "JZ" Calvancante? I also would be lying if I didn't mention my excitement at once again hearing tongue-rolling antics of ring announcer Lenne Hardt as well as sitting their wide-eyed at the elaborate production of the show, the reverence of the Japanese fans in attendance. While the results of the fights will be available before the event blasts its way onto American television sets, for myself personally, nothing can "spoil" the thought of DREAM on HDNet...unless of course Ron Kruck somehow ends up playing a set of giant drums while wearing a cloth diaper. That could shift things in an entirely different, nausea-filled direction...

That's my three cents on the matter. And now on to my thoughts on a handful of other matters gracing the headlines this past week. I'd love to hear your thoughts so feel free to shoot me an email or leave comments on the page.


The following medley of items were reported between April 21st, 2008 and April 27th, 2008:


The UFC has released former Ultimate Fighter contestant Kalib Starnes. Starnes was released due to his poor performance at UFC 83 against Nate Quarry.


Good riddance to bad rubbish! I would tell Starnes to not let the door hit his ass on the way out, but I don't think it'll be an issue given his proclivity for running/retreating. Until I see an actual medical report from UFC 83 listing Kalib's self-alleged broken foot, his proclaimed reason for retreating, I have no reason to think his performance at the event was anything more than a means to collect a paycheck and stick one to the UFC. The supposed injury occurred on the first kick he threw - this kick...





Unless the Invisible Man somehow stumbled into the Octagon, perhaps donning an Afflicition-sponsored full suit of armor, then fail to see how Starnes broke a bone when it doesn't appear the kick connected with anything other than air. The problem with his explanation is that he backpedaled for the first ninety seconds of the fight prior to the phantom head-kick, while also showing no signs of distress while running away from Quarry for the next thirteen minutes afterwards. If there had been a gimp in his step, or even some sort of in-corner commentary on the injury between rounds, I would be much less skeptical of his motivation for phoning in the UFC 83 bout. However, as it stands right now, I see Starnes as an immature, selfish individual who will forever be associated with his actions in Montreal.


World Victory Road announced today that top ranked heavyweight Josh Barnett has been added to the May 18th "Sengoku II" show. Barnett last fought at "Sengoku" in March and defeated Hidehiko Yoshida. Barnett will face former UFC Heavyweight Championship contender Jeff Monson at the event.


Perhaps it's too much to ask, but I would love for World Victory Road and DREAM to align and give those of us missing the days of PRIDE a viable alternative to the now-defunct organization (and to the UFC as well). Both Japanese promotions are great in their own way but were they to become the Far East version of EliteXC - a fellowship of companies using combined rosters - I could see them making a significant dent in the American MMA market.

Focusing on Barnett vs. Monson, "The Babyface Assassain" should have no problem disposing of the tattoo-laden "Snowman". His wrestling is comperable, if not better, than Monson's and he has a better set of skills when it comes to both standing and working on the ground. Regardless of outcome, I'll personally be pulling for Barnett to come out of the bout with minimal damage in order to maintain the possibility of his participation at the Affliction event on July 19th.


Chuck Liddell has pulled out of his upcoming fight at UFC 85 against Rashad Evans due to a torn hamstring he sustained while training. The fight may be re-scheduled for later in the summer. Liddell was originally scheduled to face Mauricio "Shogun" Rua who was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury. Rashad Evans stepped in when Shogun was forced to pull out.


I'm not sure what was more disturbing - the picture of Liddell's torn hamstring or the close up of Chuck's boxer-briefs. Either way, similar to a post-op "Iceman", I have forever been scarred. Thanks UFC! The thought of Liddell vs. Rua taking place in England was clearly cursed from the beginning and I want to extend my thanks to the MMA gods for this epic fight heading back to the States without risk to either man's record. I would have picked everyone's favorite mohawked, pot-bellied former champ over Evans had the bout gone down, but I would have definitely given Rashad his due based on his history in the Octagon and his close friendship with the Liddell-beating Keith Jardine.


The UFC has announced that Rich Clementi will be replacing the injured Rob Emerson at UFC 84. Clementi will be facing Terry Etim on the May 24th card after just earning a victory over Sam Stout at UFC 83. The UFC did not announce what kind of injury Emerson suffered.


Rich Clementi seems to be picking up where he left off in 2007. He fought four times between September and December of that year and now appears to be stepping into the cage again thirty-five days after a hard-fought split decision against Sam Stout. His nickname may be "No Love", but Clementi definitely gets a "yes" when it comes to the brass-cajones department. Terry Etim is no joke as evident in his 10-1 record and I have a lot of respect for Rich taking this bout on short notice.

As far as Rob Emerson's injury, rumor has it there was a wicked bonfire down at the beach, but on the way he stubbed his toe on daddy's Bentley while trying to impress a couple of girls from Orange County.


UFC hall-of-famer Ken Shamrock has filed a lawsuit against the UFC, alleging that they breached a two-fight deal that he signed prior to his last fight. Shamrock filed the suit on April 15th in the Nevada State Court.


It's sad to see a man who was once considered the greatest American fighter turn into a shell of his former self; an individual clinging on to yesteryear and doing his best to squeeze every dime out his name that he can. Ken Shamrock is clearly desperate to bring suit against the UFC disputing a paperwork roughly two years prior. And, if Shamrock did indeed feel Zuffa hadn't lived up to their agreed-upon contract, didn't he essentially violate the form's standard "no compete" clause by signing with EliteXC and getting sham-rocked by Robert Berry at Cage Rage 25 in early March 2008? I'm not sure what the statute of limitations is on filing a lawsuit pertaining to a Mixed Martial Arts contract, but it's clear there is no time limit when it comes to the dumbassery of Ken Shamrock.


James Irvin will be stepping in for the injured Chuck Liddell at UFC 85 against Rashad Evans. Liddell was forced to pull out of the fight due to a torn ligament. Irvin last fought at UFC Fight Night 13 where he earned an 8 second KO victory over Houston Alexander.


Rashad Evans has been a proverbial pinball on the UFC 85 card. He went from a third-tier fight against Thiago Silva to a huge main event against Chuck Liddell, but has now bounced back down even a bit further by drawing James Irvin as an opponent. I commend Evans for his willingness to accept the fighter behind Door #3 after having already changed his gameplan twice before. It would have been understandable had he wanted to wait another month or two and prepare properly for a fight when every win is crucial to one's UFC career. James Irvin is a talented fighter but I'm not convinced Houston Alexander wouldn't destroy him two out of three times were we to replay the Fight Night XIII bout. Evans best move will be to take Irvin down and limit his striking. Rashad's experience as a boxer should help him avoid Irvin's striking, while Evans' wrestling is such where it should allow him to bring Irvin to the canvas and pound out a win (or at least blanket him for fifteen minutes and earn a decision victory).


The UFC's Charles "Chainsaw" McCarthy has officially announced his retirement from MMA. McCarthy (27 years old) appeared on The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 and is 10-5 as a pro. McCarthy just lost via TKO to Michael Bisping at UFC 83 last weekend.


This is a real shame. Charles McCarthy was the future of the Middlewei-.......who am I kidding.....this retirement means absolutely nothing in the scheme of things where Mixed Martial Arts is concerned. I'm glad "Captain Miserable" realized fighting was not in his heart and I do not fault him one iota for stepping away from the sport. He is only 27 so it's possible he'll change his mind at some point in the future, but if he's able to make a living as a trainer with American Top Team, possibly even open his own gym in the near future, I think McCarthy will have ended up as one of the success stories in MMA. Winning doesn't always take place inside the cage.


The UFC has announced that Dean Lister will be facing Jeremy Horn at The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale which will air on Spike TV on June 21st. Jeremy Horn last fought at UFC 81 where he suffered a submission loss to Nate Marquardt. Lister last fought at UFC 79 where he earned a decision victory over Jordan Radev.


....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

Er...um...please excuse me. It's strange. I read the sentence regarding a fight between Dean Lister and Jeremy Horn and sudd-...

...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

...dozed off. Where was I?!? It's almost like the thought of those two locking up affects me as though I'm Kramer on Seinfeld and Horn vs. Lister is Mary Hart's voice. This bout has snoozefest written all over it. I appreciate what both Jeremy Horn and Dean Lister bring to MMA, but neither is known as being an exciting fighter nor will either ever wear a championship with any mainstream significance. Horn is one of the sport's legends. You don't fight more than a hundred times professionally without earning the respect of many fans and fighters. However, those days are behind him, and he's lost three of his last four fights. Dean Lister is a whiz on the ground and is one of the greatest submission grapplers on the planet, but he's more listless than Lister when it comes to his pace inside the cage and his striking is some of the Middleweight division's worst. This fight should ultimately go to the mat and I can see Lister submitting Horn. Then again, I can also see it being incredibly bad and making the entire arena go comatose.


Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves has been confirmed as the second new main event match for the 6/7 UFC 85 show in London as the company shuffles things around to fill the void left by injured Chuck Liddell. It has also been announced that a fight between Michael Bisping and Chris Leben has been added to the same event.


It's amazing how quickly UFC 85 went from being a joke to being an intriguing event. When Chuck Liddell withdrew due to injury and James Irvin was named as his replacement it seemed as though the event would be perhaps the worst in post-TUF history. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, we ended up with two bouts with each having significance within a division's title-hunt. In fact, I think UFC 85 has become a very exciting show with a ton of potential. As is the case in Hughes/Alves and Bisping/Leben, there are a number of other match-ups on the card where the outcomes will affect the future contendership of a number of divisions including Werdum/Vera, Davis/Swick, and Marquardt/Leites. And, if Rashad Evans wins, it seems as though he'll simply need one more victory against a major opponent to work his way into a chance at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

I know I'll break Hughes vs. Alves and Bisping vs. Leben down in more detail as we get closer to the event, but at first glance I expect two highly competitive fights where there is no clear favorite. Thiago Alves' striking is superior to Hughes' regardless of what the former UFC Welterweight Champion wants to tell himself. I give Hughes the advantage as far as wrestling goes and I also think he has a slight edge when it comes to submissions simply based on his strength and mat prowess. I won't be surprised if everyone's favorite Ultimate Fighter coach takes Alves down and either pounds him out or locks in a rear-naked choke for the submission win. Bisping and Leben will come out guns blazing and I'm positive "The Crippler" will be aiming for a highlight reel knockout of TUF III Champion Bisping in front of the English crowd. I will be shocked if this bout makes it to the third round.


BloodyElbow.com is reporting that Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was one of the original replacement ideas kicked around by the UFC once Chuck Liddell got injured. But the UFC decided to throw James Irvin into Liddell's place and he will now be facing Rashad Evans. However, the UFC has now pulled Frank Mir vs. Justin McCully's fight at UFC 86 off it's website.


The lingering rumor surrounding Frank Mir being the #1 Contender in the UFC's Heavyweight Division, whether in regards to the Ultimate Fighter Season VIII or UFC 85, makes me ill as I think Mir is better off sniffing a Vegas buffet than the Heavyweight Championship. He has proven absolutely nothing since returning from injury. He beat three unpolished fighters and lost to Brandon Vera and Marcio Cruz. Plus, let's not forget Brock Lesnar, in only his second professional fight, destroyed Frank Mir for 90% of their bout before making a rookie mistake and getting caught in a submission. I know the UFC's big-boy division is hurting right now with the losses of Randy Couture, Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Mirko "Cro Cop", and Jake O'Brien. That doesn't mean they can't use the fighters they still have under contract to sort out the mess before naming a contender to Nogueira's title.


It was announced on Friday's "Inside MMA" that the upcoming debut of the Affliction Brand fight promotion will be named "Banned". The title appears to be a tongue-in-cheek jab at the UFC based on the company's recent ban on the popular brand being worn by fighters at UFC events. "Affliction: Banned" is scheduled to take place on July 19th in Dallas, TX with a main event featuring former UFC Champion Tim Sylvia taking on the world's top Heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko. In addition, Matt Lindland has confirmed his participation on the show, a card also rumored to involve names like Josh Barnett, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Ben Rothwell, and Andrei Arlovski.


Clever move by the people behind Affliction, as the name plays both to the "outlaw" perception of Mixed Martial Arts as well as the ongoing dispute with the UFC. I honestly still expect a partnership to be named with HDNet Fights given the location of the company's first show, as well as their announcements being made exclusively on "Inside MMA", and I would wager the news will break as soon as the official card is announced. Whether I'm fortunate enough to be granted media access or have to spend some cash on a ticket, there is no doubt I will be attending this event and I encourage anyone with the means to do the same. Regardless of how the other fights play out, the opportunity to see Fedor Emelianenko fight is a rarity in itself and the mere fact it will be against Tim Sylvia makes the cake's frosting taste that much sweeter.


Following a year of anticipation, Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion, Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez (14-1), will put his coveted title on the line against number one contender and Bay Area arch-rival, Josh "The Punk" Thomson (14-2), in the main event of a Strikeforce mixed martial arts mega-card at San Jose's HP Pavilion on Friday, June 27th.


Showtime, I will indeed be ordering you for another night for the pleasure of viewing a Strikeforce event at the cost of twenty-seven cents. Melendez vs. Thomson should be a very entertaining match-up between two of the top twenty Lightweights in the world (and two of the more unique hairstyles in MMA as well). Melendez will clearly be the favorite as both Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and one of the true elite 155-pound fighters out there. I'm not sure "The Punk" can compete with Melendez's strength or energy, especially coming off surgery to repair a separated shoulder he sustained while training for a fight with "El Nino" scheduled for late March, so I'm fairly certain Gilbert will retain his title and take the next step towards solidfying himself as the best in the business.


Mirko Cro Cop recently announced via his blog that he will squaring off against Jerome LeBanner at the upcoming DREAM 4 show which will take place on June 16 in Saitama, Japan. LeBanner last fought in March of 2006 and scored a KO win over Jimmy Ambriz. Cro Cop last fought at DREAM 1 where he scored a first round KO over Tatsuya Mizuno.


The post-Octagon tomato-train keeps on rolling for Mirko Filipovic. Jerome Lebanner has five professional MMA fights to his name, the same number as Tatsuya Mizuno did prior to his fight against "Cro Cop", and approximately twenty-five less total fights than the Croatian superstar. I'm sure Mirko is happy winning and competing in Japan, inside a ring and not a cage, but it doesn't do much for his standing amongst the top Heavyweights in the world.


USAToday.com is reporting that WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit has signed a contract extension to stay with the WEC. Condit has won seven straight fights and has been vocal about his desire to unify the WEC and UFC welterweight titles. Condit had only one fight remaining on his previous contract with WEC.


First of all I dig that USA Today is the source for a story regarding Carlos Condit and MMA in general. I'm a big fan of "The Natural Born Killer", both in regards to his skill and his personality. He seems to be a very polite, humble young man who even walks to the ring with his mother in tow, yet once he steps inside the cage the expression on his face becomes one of contempt and he turns into a beast. I sincerely believe he could beat any Welterweight contender the UFC can boast, even Jon Fitch, and I have no doubt he would give Georges St. Pierre a run for his money. Condit has the ability to submit opponents from any position, is a solid wrestler, has knockout power, and always comes to fight with a full tank of gas. I think a unification fight between Condit and St. Pierre would be a natural move if the UFC intends to absorb the WEC's heavier divisions as has been rumored for a few weeks.


Jibber-Jabber:

The following soundbytes were delivered over the past week...

Kalib Starnes, to the Fight Network, on his release from the UFC and the criticism he received from Dana White after his performance in Montreal...

"In my opinion, it was inappropriate to make public statements regarding my character and my future and so on the way that he has, especially without having the courage and the respect to call me up and speak with me personally. All of these comments come from a man that has never had a fight in his entire life who claims to be the ultimate authority on fighting and courage. I couldn't be happier than to be released from the most oppressive contract I've ever been under in my life."


Courage? Respect? These are words that should apply to a true professional Mixed Martial Artist, not the President of a business who has every right to criticize his employees. When it comes to UFC 83, Starnes showed he possessed little of either characteristic (courage/respect) to Nate Quarry, his fellow Canadians, or the fans watching at home. I've already discussed my opinions on his broken foot and my willingness to rescind some criticism if he indeed was injured. That being said, his comments regarding his pleasure in being released from an "oppressive contract" add fuel to the fire in relation to those who question his motivation for a fifteen-minute retreat at UFC 83. Starnes has also claimed to have requested his release prior to White's announcement of the two sides parting ways, so again, I believe his actions cast doubt on his character and believability.


Travis Lutter's response to fans' criticism and hate mail he's received since UFC 83 (via an interview with FightTicker)...

"I think most of them are dumb-ass kids. I'm not saying MMA fans. I'm saying the people that are writing me this sh*t. I think the average MMA fan rules. They're following my sport. I like them a lot. But, the guy who is taking the time out of his day that lives in Kentucky to email me to tell me what a piece of sh*t I am. You really have to question, what is his motivation? How sad of an individual is that? I don't know what to say to that. It's like, 'I saw you on TV so you suck. As a fighter you suck. You've got no cardio, blah blah blah.' What motivates these guys to send hate mail? I don't understand it.

Maybe I shouldn't even touch on this subject. It's one of those things. I'm sure Serra's getting hate mail too. Whoever is getting hate mail. Kalib Starnes – he got fired from the UFC for his performance. And that was a bad performance. He didn't fight. Me, I went in there, I tried to kill the guy and I ended up getting beat and I'm getting an amazing amount of hate mail. I don't understand it from a fighter's perspective."


I agree with Lutter 100%. It's one thing to sit back and criticize his performance against Rich Franklin or his weight-related debacle against Anderson Silva. It's something entirely different to invade his personal space with threats or insults. Does anyone think he's happy about losing to Franklin or blowing his shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship? I would hope not. Sadly though, it's human nature to criticize instead of compliment. When was the last time you told a waiter how good the service was? So, it is with that motivation I want to say I definitely think Lutter did his best and was a second away from winning (deja vu Anderson Silva) before Franklin reversed the armbar and slipped out. I also don't think conditioning was a factor at all. Lutter took a vicious kick to the head early in the fight and wasn't the same afterwards.

Also, at deadline news appears to be breaking that Travis Lutter has been released by the UFC. I can't say I'll genuinely miss seeing him, but I think it's a short-sighted move by Dana White as far as attempting to make a return on the Ultimate Fighter Season IV. Lutter would have been fine fighting against guys who didn't happen to be two of the top three Middleweights in the sport. I suppose it's becoming more and more clear that White is putting a premium on entertainment as opposed to overall talent.


Kimbo Slice responds to Chuck Liddell's scathing comments regarding Slice's ability and popularity...

"We can always take it back to old-school; that'll work for me, but I still got love for all the MMA fighters, but if you keep on rapping man, I'm going to have to zip it close, baby, because I'm getting tired of the talk. The next one that has something to say, just see me [directly]. I'll come to your camp, and that's real talk."


While it's highly unlikely Chuck Liddell and Kimbo Slice will ever step into the cage against one another, consider me amongst the school of thought who would love to see that fight go down. Liddell is known for being one of MMA's top strikers and he's shown on numerous occasions that he packs his gloves with ether. Kimbo's reputation is of a street fighter and also as someone who possesses the ability to floor an opponent in one strike. Neither man is known for having a ground game so it's unlikely either would attempt a submission, though each has shown the ability to tap out an opponent if need be. I'm not sure how the weight classes would work but I can tell you this - Chuck Liddell vs. Kimbo Slice would induce a ridiculous buyrate for a fight featuring a multi-time UFC Champion against a guy with two professional fights. Look what Lesnar did and multiply it times two.


--------------


That's about all she wrote for this week's Hangover. Till next time Punch Drunk buckaroos, here's your "Monday Morning MMA Moment of Zen" - two things that have each only occurred one time; Calvancante losing (to Joachim Hansen) and Shinya Aoki getting knocked out.

Yes, I know I'm a sick f*ck...

From JC to JZ, your perfect record is about to go "bye bye bye"...




Maybe the tights are magical after all?

Send questions/comments to:

[e-mail]