Eight Sides of Steel 07.13.08

Posted by Wendell Mitchell on 07.13.2008

We got a hardened criminal, a beautiful woman, a look at two top 10 heavyweights and Anderson Silva!

SHOW STOPPING, MAIN EVENTING AND THE HEADLINES

Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami for the UFC middleweight title will happen at UFC 88, depending on Silva's health coming out of his July 19 fight with James Irvin.

Okami is 6-1 in the Octagon, his only loss to Silva's favorite punching bag Rich Franklin in a close decision. He also has the distinction of being the last peson to which Silva lost. Of course it was by DQ, but a win is a win and it's not like Okami has been trying to make a name off that fluke so I have no problem with his title shot. Too bad he's going to get beat down like everyone else in the Middle weight division.

Keith Kizer of the Nevada State Athletic Commissions announced that they would not formally review the Association of Boxing Commission's proposed ammendments.

Essentially, Kizer has three issues: unnecessary new weight classes; the lack of fighters, promoters, and matchmakers during the meeting; and the alledged lack of porfessionalism by the members of the ABC who wore John McCarthy t-shirts and asked for his autograph in between sessions. I'm with Kizer on the weight class issue. The seven already in use is plenty and it just seems it would dilute the talent pool if we start seperating guys by five pounds. And like Kizer said, if you can agree on a weight class for two guys to fight with, why does the comission need to step in and tell you that they have to fight at another weight? Can't argue with wanting more fighters, matchmakers, and promoters to have a say in new rules either since it directly affects their livelyhoods. There's another meeting next June in New Orleans, so until then, there will be no changes to what we see on our television.

UFC veteran Jeremy Jackson (who appeared on season 4 of The Ultimate Fighter and was kicked off the show by Dana White for breaking house rules) was arrested late last month and is being charged with seven felonies. Jackson is facing charges of forcible rape, kidnapping to commit another crime, first-degree residential burglary, dissuading a witness by force or threat, criminal threats, and assault with a firearm. Jackson is expected to enter pleas on Wednesday in the Ventura County Superior Court in Oxnard, California

Yeah, I got nothing. This is crazy and of course will reflect badly on UFC despite not being associated with one another since 2006. This isn't a guy getting caught with steroids, these are some seroius charges and is not the sort of publicity MMA needs.

Phil Baroni won his debut match at Welterweight against Scott Jansen at Cage Rage 27 Saturday Night.

I make mention of this because last week I talked about Baroni being more show than go and then he shows up and knocks a guy out in three minutes. Of course, it's not like he beat GSP or any of the Zuffa or Dream Welterweights, but hey a dominating win, is a dominating win. Congratulations sir.





AND IN THIS CORNER

Ben Rothwell

VS

Andrei Arlovsky





Overshadowed by the main event, we have these two guys. Arlovski is another former UFC Heavyweight Champ and enters this fight with a 13-5 record, last knocking out Jake O'Brien as a parting gift from UFC. Rothwell is riding a thirteen fight win streak with his latest victory over another former UFC Heavyweight Champ. Let's see them in action.

Andrei Arlovsky


Ben Rothwell


My money's on the Pitbull.





IN A DAZE


Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission executive director Greg Sirb has hinted that there could be an official MMA event by the end of this year. When questioned about reality of sanctioned MMA events in Pennsylvania, he was quoted as saying "The review has been going very well and we have yet to experience any problems."





IN BETWEEN ROUNDS






RANDOM MUSING AND BRUISING

A little Anderson Silva action.






SHOWING PROPS

Adam I know is bringing the news as only he can with another edition of the The Fighting Stance.

The Sultan of Spice John Curry poses the query What if Fedor Loses?

Jeremy Lambert shares his opinions on UFC 86 and Forrest Griffin's road from reality television start to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.





A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS

Captain America wants you!







OFF THE CHAIN AND OUT OF THE CAGE


Once again, I would like to thank everyone of you that took time out to stop by my corner of the internet. Come see me again next week within the confines of the Eight Sides of Steel.