My Take On MMA 11.10.08: Final WEC 36 – Faber vs. Brown (11.05.08) Thoughts

Posted by Larry Csonka on 11.10.2008

The WEC returned last week as Urijah Faber suffered a surprising loss, Jen Pulver was pulverized and Paulo Filho committed career suicide. I love my job on weeks like this!



WELCOME~!:
Welcome back once again to another edition of My Take on MMA! This time I'm back to discuss the latest event that the WEC had, WEC 36. This was a show that featured Leonard Garcia scoring a huge win over Jens Pulver, Mike Brown derailing the Urijah Faber love train and Paulo Filho committing career suicide LIVE on Versus. In many ways this was the most memorable WEC show of all time. The WEC has set the bar very high as far as delivering quality MMA events, but did this show live up to that reputation? Let's get to work and find out!

Upcoming Events:
- 11.15 - UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar
- 11.21 - Strikeforce: Destruction
- 12.03 - WEC: Tapia vs. Torres
- 12.10 - UFC Fight Night For The Troops
- 12.11 – Adrenaline II
- 12.13 - The Ultimate Fighter Finale
- 12.27 - UFC 92: Griffin vs. Evans

What did we learn at WEC 36?:
- Fuck Paulo Filho. He needs to stay away from my TV screen
- We got robbed people, Rob McCullough vs. Donald Cerrone was reportedly one of the best WEC fights ever
- Fuck Paulo Filho
- Frank Mir is a great man
- Urijah Faber took one too many chances
- Fuck Paulo Filho
- Urijah Faber is criminally underpaid



~Final WEC 36 – Faber vs. Brown (11.05.08) Thoughts~

The Fight: Middleweight Bout - Nissen Osterneck (5-0) Vs. Jake Rosholt (4-0):
My Pick: Jake Rosholt, STRIKES, RD2
The Result: Jake Rosholt via RD2 (3:48) TKO
Final Thoughts: Coming into the event, Jake Rosholt had a ton of hype behind him. When he competed for Oklahoma State University, Rosholt won the 184-pound NCAA Division I wrestling title in 2003 and the 197-pound title in 2005 and 2006 and was a 4-time All-American as well as a 2004 Big 12 Conference champion. He has some credibility as far as the grappling game went, and was 4-0 thus far in MMA. Nissen Osterneck was 5-0 and wasn't looking to be a steppingstone for the former collegiate wrestler. When Osterneck was able to keep things on the feet, he had success in round one. But Rosholt was able to get it to the ground and nullify that advantage. These takedowns got Rosholt the first round, but in round two the kid was in trouble. Osterneck was just whooping that ass in the standing game, and I will say that Rosholt DOES had a chin. But damn he has NO standing defense at all. He was on the verge of getting knocked out, when Osterneck missed a spinning back fist. Rosholt was able to score the takedown and from there it was ground, pound and victory. With the middleweight division being taken from the WEC, the middleweight fighters have two choices: make a case for Zuffa to move them to the UFC or drop to welterweight to stay in the WEC. Rosholt got the victory he needed, has the background as a blue chipper, and in the cage he has proven that he can take his opponent down with ease and that he can take a punch. But the fact is that if he doesn't learn SOME standup defense, and right now he has NONE to speak of he will get dropped by a seasoned striker. He has the tools though, and I wonder if he will drop weight or if he will be moved to the UFC. Personally I feel he needs experience, and should be groomed slowly.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.0

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The Fight: Featherweight Bout - Jens Pulver (22-9-1) Vs. Leonard Garcia (15-3):
My Pick: Jens Pulver, Decision
The Result: Leonard Garcia via RD1 (1:12) TKO
Final Thoughts: In the roundtable I said, "Honestly I don't think that Garcia is getting enough respect from MMA fans because he is facing Pulver. It should be an excellent fight and I will admit, I am coin flipping here." I freely didn't have a clue who would win here, and I also was looking forward to a long and great fight from these two. Well, it was great but it wasn't long. While Pulver put on a great performance against Faber, it wasn't in the cards this time around. He got caught, Garcia pounced on him like a wild man and got the quick first round stoppage. I will talk about Featherweight Title implications later in the column, but I will say that this was a huge win for Garcia. But now the question is, what about Jens Pulver? He drops to 1-4 in his last five bouts. The surprise loss to Lauzon and the loss to Penn hurt. He came back with the destruction of Cub Swanson and at the time was UNDEFEATED at Featherweight. This earned him the title shot against Faber, where he went for FIVE ROUNDS against the champ. While he lost, he helped the WEC gain their biggest live crowd and TV audience ever. But now he loses again, and this was no dramatic battle, he got nailed and dismantled, pulverized if you will forgive the pun. I think if it was anyone else they maybe gone, but with the business the Pulver/Faber fight did, I think he is safe for the time being. If Pulver suffers another loss like this one though, then all bets are off.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0

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The Fight: Middleweight Bout - Aaron Simpson (3-0) vs. David Avellan (2-0):
My Pick: Didn't Make a Selection
The Result: Aaron Simpson via RD1 (0:18) KO
Final Thoughts: This was an added bout from the prelims, and the only reason it made TV was because it was short, and it was spectacular. Aaron Simpson was a guy that was being hyped for his wrestling skills, but coming into the fight he had three (T)KO victories. Sure it was lower level stuff, but it is still impressive. As I mentioned earlier in the column, with the middleweight division being taken from the WEC, the middleweight fighters have two choices: make a case for Zuffa to move them to the UFC or drop to welterweight to stay in the WEC. Aaron Simpson decided that a victory by KTFO in 18-seconds would be the best way to get himself noticed and that's what he did here. The guy looked great, there is no denying that. He has wrestling skills, he looks to have good hands and I think they'll keep him around. With all of the SPIKE fight nights and non-PPV PPV's, Aaron Simpson could find himself some work. From there, it is up to him.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.5

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The Fight: Middleweight Bout - Paulo Filho (16-0) Vs. Chael Sonnen (22-9-1):
My Pick: Sonnen, Decision
The Result: Chael Sonnen via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Final Thoughts: I was really looking forward to this fight. As many have mentioned it was on, then off, then on and then off again, due to Filho's personal issues. And then Tuesday night the weigh-in results came in, and Paul Filho weighed in at 192lbs. This is SEVEN POUNDS over his weight. He was able to cut down to 189lbs, and the match was announced as still taking place, but as a NON-TITLE BOUT. The rematch here, one that was anticipated was to be the FINAL WEC Middleweight Title match since the division is being absorbed into the UFC. I don't buy the bullshit that "it doesn't matter, they were killing off the division anyway." Yes, it DOES matter. It matters because Filho was the CHAMPION. The winner of the fight was guaranteed a top spot in the UFC, and while Filho and Silva may not have battled due to their friendship, he could have come into the UFC with a ton of steam at 17-0. Sonnen was looking to take the title, for his father, his career and so that HE could go into the UFC and maybe earn himself a big payday against Silva. Unfortunately he didn't get that chance and that is bullshit.

Most know Filho's issues outside of the cage, but the fact that he came in at SEVEN POUNDS over the limit is not only disrespectful to Sonnen, but also to the fans of the sport. As I have said, you're a fighter. You job is to train, make weight, piss clean and fight. In my opinion Athletic Commissions and or promotions need to make a rule for this situation. Either the champion is STRIPPED of the title right away and award the title to the challenger that made weight, the match is a three round title match, or they strip the champion and they have the match at catch weight and if the challenger wins, he then faces another contender for the title. I don't know what the right answer is. I personally would go with stripping the champion of the title and awarding it to the challenger that makes weight. What I do know is that there needs to be a rule in place incase the happens again, because the way it is right now, all the champion loses out on is some pay.

NOW, with that all being said we now have to discuss the "fight" as it were. Sonnen was able to control round one on the feet, and Filho wanted it on the ground. Sonnen was actually stupid here in round one as he decided to go to the mat with Filho, and that almost got him submitted. But outside of the submission attempts, Filho did nothing of note. Sonnen got smart in round two, listened to his corner and every time Filho failed on a shot and went to the back to bait him, he completely backed off and made Filho stand. Sonnen was easily up 2-rounds to 0 at this point, but then round three came and Paulo Filho committed career suicide. Considering that Filho was the champion, that he was 16-0, that he IS a top 10-Middleweight; Filho looked like shit. I mean hell, I liked the guy as a fighter and I had him ranked #2 in our latest rankings. He did NOTHING in this round and embarrassed himself. All he did was walk around, throw a half assed shoot attempt here and there and then fall to his back. Fuck this guy, I know he has had problems in the past, and if that is the case, get him the hell away from the cage and get him some help. And for those people bitching because I said FUCK HIM, well tough shit, I don't have to respect someone that didn't earn it.

Sonnen also didn't do much to endear himself to anyone in round three, but that wasn't entirely his fault. Filho was acting oddly, looking around, flopping to the mat and such. Sonnen was likely afraid that he would mess up this victory and was VERY tentative. Normally I would be upset with him as well, but I think he gets a pass here. He came here to fight, he came in at the right weight and he was trying to fight. The fact that the Rob McCullough vs. Donald Cerrone got bumped for this shit is criminal. Word going around after the show is that Mr. Filho will not be fighting under the Zuffa banner anytime soon and to that I say GOOD! Sonnen will get a chance, and that's good for him. This was 15-minutes I will NEVER get back.

And no, I do NOT care that Filho is sending the title to Sonnen and vacating it. It is a publicity move to save some face. Also, it's easy to vacate a title and send it off when that division is now dead.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 0.0

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The Fight: WEC Featherweight Title Bout - Urijah Faber (21-1-0) © Vs. Mike Brown (19-4-0):
My Pick: Urijah Faber, RD2, Submission
The Result: NEW WEC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION Mike Brown via RD1 (2:23) TKO
Final Thoughts: I am not afraid to say when I am wrong kids. I knew Brown had skills and that if it came to power vs. power he could cause some problems for Faber, but I did NOT see him getting the victory here. It never crossed my mind. But Faber did lose. He made ONE big mistake as he went for that wild elbow, he got caught and Mike Brown took the opportunity and just beat his ass for the stoppage. Much respect goes to Mike Brown in this victory. Sometimes it isn't the game plan that wins the fight, it is that one moment, the timing and that is exactly what happened right here. I feel a fighter with less experience wouldn't have been able to capitalize ob Faber here as they could have been tentative, but Brown's experience allowed him to attack. Well, that and the fact that he jacked up his ribs. That isn't a knock on Brown, but he was hurt and he KNEW he had to finish Faber, because I doubt he would have made it out for round two. If you saw him after his interview he had to be helped from the cage ad could barely stand. But we aren't dealing in "what ifs," he took advantage and is out NEW WEC Featherweight Champion.

So where does the Featherweight Division go from here? Depending on Brown's injury he could be out for a while. Garcia got HUGE win over Pulver and he is in line for a title shot. So I feel that we have four ways to go.

-A rematch with Brown and Faber
-A title match with Garcia and Brown
-A match with Faber and Garcia to crown a #1 contender
-A Faber vs. Miguel Torres superfight

I feel that Brown may be out a while, so I think that they will set the match with Faber and Garcia to crown a #1 contender. The one thing that I know is that the loss should re-energize Faber, and it certainly opens up the division that at one time belonged to Faber. But damn, I think that Faber vs. Miguel Torres would rule.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0

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The 411

Best Fight(s): Middleweight Bout - Aaron Simpson (3-0) vs. David Avellan (2-0) 8.5

Worst Fight: Middleweight Bout - Paulo Filho (16-0) Vs. Chael Sonnen (22-9-1) 0.0

Final Thoughts: At the end of the night it wasn't a bad show. The Filho/Sonnen abortion aside, we got to see three great finishes and the featherweight Division opened up big time. While overall I feel this was a notch below the normal WEC standards, I do feel that it is a must see show for the three (T)KO finishes and the career suicide of Paulo Filho. While not the greatest event ever, it is a very newsworthy show in many aspects.

Show Score: 6.5

~FEEDBACK~


From long time friend of the MMA Zone, Samer: You said Kimbo should take Dana White up on his offer, but your reasoning was how it would benefit the UFC. What's in it for Kimbo? For Dana and the UFC, it's obvious, as you said, it's the ratings and possibly $…

But Kimbo? What's in it for him? As far as I know, fighters in the house don't get paid. And there is a pretty big risk that he goes there, loses his fight, and then he just stays there in the house. I think Kimbo would much rather go somewhere and get a nice paycheck.

LARRY: Good to hear from you Samer. You're absolutely right, the KIMBO motivation factor is something I lacked exploring, and I thank you for bringing it up. I think it all comes down to what he wants obviously. Does he want to become a legit fighter and prove the critics wrong, or is he just looking for the payday? Likely he is just looking for the quick buck, like most people, and he wouldn't accept the offer. Thanks again Samer!


From JBGS2: Also, I think Dana's aversion to not having women in his promotion is a detriment to his business. Much like WEC, where people like the smaller fighters because they tend to put on more exciting fights, I think there is a lot of potential for women's MMA. If you watch IFL, I hear more people get into and applaud the female fighter then for the hulking heavyweights. If he really wanted to prove that UFC is the ultimate, Dana would really be able to stroke his ego if he were able to elevate the ladies to star status.

LARRY: I completely agree with you. I am a HUGE supported of Zuffa bringing in the ladies and having them fight under the WEC banner. With the talks of WEC heading to PPV, and the fact that they have cut Light Heavyweight and Middleweight, I think adding the ladies would help bolster the product. Thanks for reading!


From peterparkerspyderman: Larry remember the Csonkanator? Where you would crudely draw a wrestling move to go along with your recaps. You should make one of Werdum getting KTFO.

LARRY: HAHAHA! Holy shit I didn't think ANYONE remembered the CsonkaStrator! I may eventually bring it back now that someone remembers it. Thanks for reading and obviously being a fan of my work.


From Mercury Morris: I think this My Take on is contradictory amongst the stories. You write about Kimbo going to the Ultimate Fighter because he is a draw......and you write about Brock getting Werdum's spot because he is a draw.........but you kill Cote for making comments designed to make him look like a dick to insure a rematch with Silva down the road (i.e. him trying to become a draw a la Tito Ortiz).

LARRY: But the thing is that I feel there has to be some truth to the comments, and with Cote there are not. Plus, Tito has charisma, Cote…not so much. Also, I do not see him getting a rematch. Styles make fights, the UFC wants exciting fights, and this was NOT an exciting fight. It's just my opinion, and you are more than welcomed to disagree. Thanks for reading.


From Colin: Worst writer on the Internet! Dude every time you write about MMA you make a fool of yourself. If you've ever seen a Cote fight you know he can knock out anyone, of course Silva didn't want to go in and trade because there was a very good chance he could get knocked out. Clearly Silva wanted cote to push the pace and counter, which Cote wasn't willing to do and that flustered Silva as it played AGAINST his game plan, thus Cote's game plan did work. If Silva is this unstoppable 'Hulk Hogan circa 1985' fighter people act like he is then he would have knocked Cote out in round 1. Fact of the matter is that Anderson Silva is a great counter puncher and capitalizing on mistakes with his pinpoint accuracy is his biggest skill. All that dancing was to try and force cote to push the pace, which he was unwilling to do because he knew that would play into Silva's game plan, therefore while he may not have had Silva in trouble at any point, Silva never had cote in trouble. This isn't WWE my poorly written friend, Cote clearly showed Silva something he didn't like, Vince McMahon wasn't booking this one that way so give the man some respect.

LARRY: Oh no! You hurt my feelings! Listen, you can defend the Silva vs. Cote fight all you want, but it will not change my opinion on the fight or Cote. And the whole bashing me because I am a wrestling guy first is tired. The fact is this. You clicked on the column. You know my general opinions on things. I don't have to give anyone respect, respect is earned, not given out for free. Thanks for clicking the column and making me more popular than I already am, I really appreciate it!


Finally, from Amusing Comments: Finally, Csonka what the fuck? It seems like your Steelers play every fucking Sunday or Monday night game! Seriously, what's the fascination with these guys playing primetime? They're a good team but damn!

LARRY: I don't know dude, I would guess it is part ratings draw and partly due to their difficult schedule. One on hand it is great because in SC it makes the games available to me. But on the other hand, it sucks big time because I usually have a PPV and or Raw to cover and only catch the last quarter. I would DVR the game, but it ALWAYS gets spoiled for me before hand. Thanks for reading.


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