The MMA News Report 06.18.08

Posted by Morgan Marx on 06.18.2008

The UFC plans a free show to be headlined by a current champ, a former champ headlines UFC 88 in a new locale, two top WEC competitors may face off, and yet another independent promotion bites the dust. Plus, thoughts on this Saturday’s TUF Finale, and the connection between Roger Huerta and Wesley Sneijder.

INTRODUCTION

It's another Wednesday here at 411. Since several of my esteemed colleagues have already recapped and reviewed this past weekend's action, we'll be taking a look forward to the TUF 7 Finale airing this Saturday on Spike. But first, thoughts from this past weekend: Aoki is amazing; I vote for inverted gogoplata; even though the Internet loves Eddie Alvarez, I think Tatsuya Kawajiri takes the lightweight tourney; Mayhem can't crack the top 10 at 185; Sakuraba deserves better; and Nick Diaz looked listless, though he got the job done.

Now, onto this week's news and commentary.

P.S. If you're reading this prior to noon on the East Coast, we're still waiting to hear what Dana White's life altering announcement will be. If the news really is interesting (and not just the announcement of sanctioned MMA in New York), I'll probably post an update in the morning. Thanks.


MAILBAG/RANT TIME



While watching the 2008 edition of the UEFA Euro tournament, my thoughts drifted to MMA. This isn't an altogether unlikely scenario; I could be watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network and find myself thinking about KID Yamamoto. In this instance, I wasn't wondering how Jan Koller would do in the cage, or whether Cro Cop kicks harder than Thomas Hitzlsperger. I was thinking about the intersection of sport and entertainment.

One of the recent debates surrounding MMA has been whether to classify it as sport or entertainment. While hardcore fans, myself included, likely view MMA as a true sport, no different from football (or futbol), certain TV execs at certain broadcast networks place MMA under the entertainment banner.

I can't claim to decide that argument, nor am I certain it necessarily matters. But I can't deny that the entertainment factor in a given fight trumps the athletic accomplishment nearly every time. The UFC favors fighters that entertain. Elite XC's biggest star is a product of hype and Internet buzz. The worst case scenario for any televised MMA is a boring, three round decision consisting primarily of lay and pray. Heck, the head of a major MMA organization (well, kinda) recently complained about ground fighting resembling gay foreplay.

The reason for these thoughts (no, not the thoughts about gay foreplay) was the performances of the Oranje Machine against Italy and France. Holland, an afterthought for many soccer prognosticators, turned the tournament upside down, dismantling the 2006 World Cup finalists by a combined score of 7-1. What sets the Netherlands apart is their attack minded play. Even after securing nearly insurmountable leads, the team refused to let off the gas pedal. While some soccer playing nations would feel content with a two-goal lead, preferring to pack it in and defend, defend, defend, the Dutch players pushed forward, looking to increase their goal tally up till the final seconds.

The most obvious example of this sort of play occurred in the France game. Down 2-nil, France scraped together an offensive attack and put one past Edwin Van der Sar thanks to Thierry Henry. For one moment, it looked like the French might crawl back into the game.

Instead, Holland ended things less than a minute later. Arjen Robben dashed the French hopes in a moment of brilliance, torching Gregory Coupet's net from an extreme angle. For all intents and purposes, the game was over. Even then, Holland still played attacking football, adding an extra time goal just for fun. Final score: Holland 4, France 1.

We see these same mentalities in the MMA game. Certain fighters ape the style of Italy. As soon as a lead is built, it's time to lock up shop. They go into defensive mode, minimizing mistakes in an effort to grind out decision victories. These fighters value the win more than entertaining the crowd.

I can't fault a fighter for this out look. Up two rounds, why should a fighter risk defeat (and the loss of a win bonus) just to secure a finish? But there's no questioning that some of the most beloved fighters in the UFC and MMA in general take a more entertaining attitude.

Roger Huerta and Clay Guida immediately come to mind. Both fighters attack from the opening bell until the fight is finished. Neither fighter seems to know how to play it safe, or to fight in anything less than fifth gear. There are drawbacks. Guida's inability to cruise to victory likely cost him his fight with, ironically, Huerta. Had Guida implemented a safety first game plan in the third round of their 2007 fight, he likely would have earned the unanimous decision

Instead, Guida went for the finish. He was rewarded with a knee to the jaw and a rear naked choke. However, he also received fight-of-the-year plaudits and the respect of viewers everywhere (assuming there were viewers that didn't already mark out for Guida). Like Holland, their style may come back to haunt them in their pursuit of a title. But both Guida and Huerta have cemented their reputations as fighters willing to do anything to put on a good show, something perhaps more valuable than a championship.

It's a reputation fighters like Tim Sylvia and Sean Sherk (and teams like Greece) may never know, prior belts/trophies be damned.

The Reader's Question: Should a fighter continue to push for the finish even when victory is assured?


NEWS LEG KICKS

UFC Sets Spider on Affliction



Dana White, speaking with SI.com, has confirmed that the UFC is planning a Fight Night card for July 19. White announced that Anderson Silva, current UFC middleweight champion and pound-for-pound # 1 fighter, would headline the event. The event will take place in Las Vegas, at The Palms hotel.

It just so happens that a little company known as Affliction is also holding an event on the 19, headlined by Fedor something-or-other. He too makes some pound-for-pound lists, or so I hear.

White denied that the event was an attempt to "counter program" Affliction: Banned, claiming that Silva just wants to fight more. According to the SI report, Silva is also expected to appear on September's UFC 88 card as well.

The two-month turnaround between events would be quick for Silva, but not unprecedented. Silva took only three months off between title defenses against Nate Marquardt and Rich Franklin, and only two months between a KO victory over Tony Frykland and his UFC debut, a KO win over Chris Leben.

MMARated followed with reports that Silva's opponent would be James Irvin, who recently defeated Houston Alexander in eight seconds. While unconfirmed, this suggests that Silva is following through on his plans to fight at light heavyweight. MMARated also reports that Frankie Edgar will meet Hermes Franca on the same card. Other rumored participants include Cain Velasquez, Anthony Johnson, Michael Bisping and Chris Leben.

At first glance, one has to wonder how this fight came about. Irvin is an entertaining stand up fighter, and could possible test Silva's chin. But for Irvin to be stepping in against someone with the credentials of Silva is amazing. I wonder if White's statement that Silva is also expected to appear on the 88 card is an indictment of Irvin's upset chances? Clearly, Silva is expected to emerge from this fight unscathed.

For hardcore MMA fans, July 19 becomes a night of choices. Do you watch Anderson Silva, possibly the most electrifying fighter in the world, for free? Or plunk down cash for the Affliction card? If only there were some way to watch the Affliction fights for free, mere hours after the original broadcast. Some medium that could carry embedded videos for all to see. Alas…

Update: MMAMania.com has the full, rumored card:

Anderson Silva v. James Irvine (205lbs)
Brandon Vera v. Reese Andy (205lbs)
Frank Edgar v. Hermes Franca
Cain Velasquez v. Jake O'Brien
Anthony Johnson v. Kevin Burns

Sources: SI MMA, MMARated.com

UFC Announces UFC 88: Breakthrough

The UFC has officially announced a September event scheduled to take place in Atlanta, GA via their website. Chuck Liddell v. Rashad Evans will headline UFC 88: Breakthrough, airing September 6 from the Philips Arena. Assuming everyone's respective parts stay in tact, of course.

As previously mentioned, Anderson Silva is also expected to appear on this card, possibly defending his middleweight title. Originally, it was thought that Shogun Rua might be healed in time to take on Liddell. However, with the Liddell v. Evans fight booked, Rua's re-debut will apparently be sometime in the future.

Liddell and Evans were originally supposed to meet at the ill-fated UFC 85 card that recently took place in the UK. Liddell, with his takedown defense and superior striking, presents a huge challenge for Evans. If the Evans that could barely hold Michael Bisping on the ground shows up, the former Michigan State wrestler could be in trouble. One thing in Evans' favor is his training relationship with the last man to beat Liddell, Keith Jardine.

Tickets for UFC 88 go on sale June 21. Presales will be available for both UFC Fight Club and Newsletter members.

Sources:UFC.com

Report: McCullough and Cerrone to Battle for Title Shot

After both Rob McCullough and Donald Cerrone earned victories at WEC 34, it appears that the two talented lightweights are set on a collision course. "Razor" Rob will meet "Cowboy" Cerrone later this year at a WEC event, according to MMAMania.com.

McCullough, rebounding from a loss to Jamie Varner in a championship bout, outlasted Kenneth Alexander in a stagnant affair June 1. McCullough admitted to feeling some ring-rust, and vowed to get back in the title hunt in his post fight interview. Cerrone, fighting for the first time since serving a diuretic-related suspension, looked fantastic, submitting WEC newcomer Danny Castillo in less than a round.

The fighters seem to be at opposite ends of the championship spectrum. Cerrone is an undefeated prospect, hungry to earn his first major championship shot. McCullough is a past champion, perhaps showing the first signs of decline. McCullough lost by stoppage for the first time in his career against Varner, while all eight of Cerrone's wins have come via submission (with only two fights making it past the first round).

Should the two meet, fireworks could occur. Despite Cerrone's submission acumen, both fighters share a background in kickboxing. Hopefully, McCullough will feel more comfortable in letting his hands (and kicks…and knees) go his next time out. Cerrone always comes willing to fight.

No date has been set for the bout, but MMAMania speculates it could take place at WEC 36 this fall. WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner will make his first title defense against Marcus Hicks at WEC35, August 3.

Sources: MMAMania.com

If a Non-UFC Event is Postponed, Will MMA Fans Make Noise?

In entirely non-surprising news, Godz of War, an MMA promotion scheduled to debut this Saturday in North Carolina, has been postponed. The event will take place this fall at an undetermined date, according to MMAWeekly.com.

Godz of War promoters Global Fighting, LLC released a brief statement updating the status of the event. I believe that the same promotional outfit was behind last year's Global Fighting Championships, another hard luck MMA event that was ultimately canceled. Ironically, both events were due to be headlined by former UFC fighter Jeff Monson. The event cancellation announcements (here and here) even look eerily similar.

This cancellation is interesting for two reasons. First, despite the growth in popularity of MMA worldwide, it's still difficult to put on a successful show. Promotions like Godz of War and Global Fighting Championships suffer from slow ticket sales, unreliable fighters, and all the other problems that hound fledgling groups.

The second intriguing factor is that most reports peg Jeff Monson's unavailability due to injury as a reason for the show's cancellation. The original main event featured Monson taking on former PRIDE contender Kevin Randleman. After Randleman withdrew due to injury, Ricco Rodriguez too his place. Once Monson was forced out, the promoters were left without a credible main event.

Monson also withdrew from last weekend's Adrenaline MMA event. Jason Guida was tabbed as a late replacement, and Guida's cage rust was obviously apparent during his quick submission loss to Mike Russow.

On one hand, you could fault Monson for being an unreliable main event fighter. The number of shows Monson has canceled on is growing quite lengthy. On the other hand, this might be a byproduct of the non-binding contract practice preferred by many smaller promoters.

Due to the lack of credible "name" fighters, it's no wonder promoters want to share talent. However, when fighters overbook multiple events for multiple promotions, the chances that an injury can scuttle multiple events sky rockets. The UFC still runs the risk of injury cancellation, as we witnessed with the UFC 85 card. The recent struggles of Monson, Drew Fickett, and even Nick Diaz highlight one of the downsides of fighters trying to maximize their income by appearing all over the map.

I'm not saying it's a bad model. But it's obvious that non-UFC promotions have to be careful about overbooked talent.

Sources:MMAWeekly.com


UFC PROFILE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

(Serious, Warrior/Poet Edition)

Do you have any heroes? Evan Tanner:

I don't like to use the word hero. I would rather use the word respect. There are those for whom I have respect. To me that is something more than what "hero" means. I have respect for anyone who stands up strong for his ideals and principals. I have respect for anyone who has the strength to walk with integrity and live in truth and honesty. I have respect for those who have a big enough heart to show kindness to all those around them. I have respect for those who can laugh at themselves, and understand it is those around us that give life meaning.


COMMENTARY

The Ultimate Finale Thoughts

As another season of MMA's first and best reality series (sorry, Iron Ring) winds down, we come to the obligatory finale. Changes to this season's format were supposed to address some of the common complaints that plague the show. Contestants fought their way into the house, a move that elicited almost as much criticism as credit. Episodes centered more prominently on the in-cage action, with many featuring two fights per show.

But in the end, viewers were still treated to the usual: a less-than-stellar cast, drunken antics, pre-season favorites advancing to the finals, etc. I don't hate the format or season seven's cast (obviously excepting Jeremy May), but I also can't pinpoint a single standout memory from this season.

Unless tonight's shocking, twist ending trumps all the previous shocking, twist incidents from seasons past.

Here are four thoughts on the finale.

1. Guilt by non-association The first thing that jumps out from the card of this season's TUF finale is the overall lack of TUF-ness. As of now, only five fighters from season seven's cast are expected to appear on the card, according to MMAWeekly.com. As always, the two finalists will battle it out for the albatross of a UFC contract. Elsewhere, the Bill Brasky-esque Matt Brown will fight TUF alum Matt Arroyo, while season seven's Dante Rivera and Matt Riddle will also do battle.

At least one of the additional semifinalists will appear on the card. Tim Credeur has confirmed his participation. I assume that Amir Sadollah would also get a spot. I mean, assuming he doesn't upset CB Dollaway on tonight's episode, of course. The participation of Dan Cramer, Gerald Harris, and Mike Dolce also wouldn't shock me. Whether they will appear on Saturday's finale or somewhere down the road, I'm not sure.

In any event, this is certainly a down year for TUF competitors. It's one thing for bloggers and fans to discredit the cast. It's quite another for the UFC itself to overlook multiple participants. Even season six, widely considered one of the worst casts assembled to date, managed to place 15 fighters on their finale. At best, season seven is looking at 10, and that's not taking into account whichever cast member is booted off tonight.

In the end, the UFC can sell us on fighters as much as they want. But if the talent assembled isn't good enough to make up a majority of a free Spike card, why should we tune in week after week to watch those same fighters whittled down?

2. So which fighter is "The Ultimate Fighter" Before season seven began, I figured CB Dollaway would be in the mix at the end. Prior to his semifinal match up against Amir, I figure Dollaway will walk away the winner on Saturday night.

This predication had less to do with my amazing MMA knowledge and more to do with the fact that Dollaway is the only season seven cast member I'd actually seen fight. I wasn't exactly scouting MMA prospects in tiny, local bars either. Dollaway happened to appear on the first HDNet MMA card, a channel I happen to receive. At that show, Dollaway overwhelmed a semi-decent opponent with a huge knee in the first round. It was a dominant performance.

I was impressed with Dollaway's size and striking. When I heard about his wrestling background, I figured he was a blue chip prospect. On shows like TUF a strong wrestling background will generally get you deep in the competition. Jesse Taylor (assuming he isn't the one tossed from the show) pretty much rode a one-dimensional game to the finals. Dollaway can outclass the strikers on the ground, and out strike the wrestlers on his feet.

Of all the competitors, Dollaway looks to be the only one that could step into the UFC's middleweight division and actually compete. If Dollaway's wrestling is as good as his credentials suggest, he could even rival Michael Bisping as far as talented, TUF graduates in the 185 division.

Having said all this, I'm now positive that Dollaway ends up being the numbskull booted from the show. Sigh.

3. What about the last middleweight winner? You may have noticed Kendall Grove's name missing from the discussion of middleweight TUF graduates. After two straight losses, to average opponents, in devastating fashion, Grove's star has fallen far. His main event fight against Evan Tanner seems like a loser leaves town match, one that could forever alter both fighters' careers.

This fight is all about the loser. What will the winner prove? Should Grove emerge victorious, all the talk will be about how Tanner spent too much time away from the sport, how his best years are behind him. If Tanner wins, the comeback angle would be great, but after three consecutive losses, what would beating Grove really mean?

It's an odd situation, and one that's difficult to predict. Like most MMA fans, I'm a huge fan of Tanner. But you can't, in good conscious, pick him to win a UFC bout until he proves he's still in cage shape. On the opposite side, I don't feel great about picking Grove either. Tanner is wily enough to avoid submissions, and I'm not sure if Grove has the striking to take Tanner out. He certainly doesn't have the size/strength that made the difference in the Tanner v. Okami fight.

What this fight does offer is a ton of intrigue. A career will be at stake, a legacy will be at stake, and both fighters should be expected to come out hungry for the victory.

4. Has Diego Sanchez rediscovered his form? Wins over David Bielkheden and Luigi Fioravanti won't secure Sanchez a title shot, nor will they move him above Josh Koscheck, Mike Swick, and Karo Parisyan in the welterweight pecking order. But they will demonstrate whether the New Mexico native is the fighter of old.

Sanchez will be expected to steamroll Fioravanti like Bielkheden, Riggs, and Gassaway before him. Anything less than a dominant performance will open up the Pandora's box of questions that surround Sanchez. Should he drop to lightweight? Has he lost the drive the spurred his first 17 wins? Did he luck into victories over Diaz and Parisyan?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure that Fioravanti is the steamrolling type. Though he's only at .500 in the UFC, Fioravanti is more than the sum of his record. He's a big welterweight, a fighter that took Chris Leben the distance. He's defeated each of the fighters he was favored over. His only stoppage loss came against Jon Fitch, and Fioravanti performed admirably for three rounds. Plus, he trains with arguably the best camp in the world, ATT. I doubt many fans will be picking Fioravanti for the upset, but I wouldn't place it in the realm of impossibility.

In the end, the fight is more about Sanchez than Fioravanti. If Sanchez wants to expunge the memories of his losses to Koscheck and Fitch from fan's memories, a dominant win over Fioravanti is a must.


UFC PROFILE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

(Non-Serious, Warrior/Goof Ball Edition)

Ranks in any martial arts styles? Spencer Fisher:

Black Belt in Hillbilly Wrassling.


CONCLUSION

Once again, thanks for reading. Whether you hate the reality show or not, enjoy the TUF finale on Saturday. We'll be back next week, with the usual dose of news. Take care.