The Greatest MMA Column: 11.15.08: The Worth of a Win

Posted by Dan Plunkett on 11.15.2008

At UFC 91, 18 fighters will step into the octagon, but only 9 can come out with a win. Today, I take a look at what a win would mean to each fighter on the card. Plus, another fight of the week, so don't miss what my mom claims is "The Greatest MMA Column."


Tonight is the biggest event in the history of MMA. All of the 18 fighters on the card have a chance to be viewed by millions on PPV, but all of the fighters' are in different spots in their careers. One man is a returning legend, undoubtedly in his last big run; another is a hyped monster of a man looking to live up to his billing. The battle between these two is highly anticipated, partially because nobody knows who will win, the fight is virtually a tossup. Here is what a win will mean to all 18 fighters on the card:

Ryan Thomas: After a loss to Ben Saunders at UFC 87, a win for Thomas would keep him in the UFC, while a loss could put him out of a job. If Thomas can get a win against Matt Brown, he would not only have a UFC win, but a win against a fighter that fans recognize from his time on The Ultimate Fighter.

Matt Brown: With a 1-1 record in the UFC, including a loss to Dong Hyun Kim in a fight many think he won, Matt Brown is not in much danger of being released from the UFC. But a win could do wonders for Brown, it would put his MMA record above .500, and an impressive win could give him a spot on the main card.

Alvin Robinson: Robinson's only losses in the UFC have come against Kenny Florian and Nate Diaz, but with a 1-2 record in the UFC, this fight is a must win. At only 26 years old, Robinson does have a big upside, he is a BJJ black belt under legend Royce Gracie, which could be a good storyline for future fights of his.

Alvin Robinson is in a must win situation.


Mark Bocek: The other half of the loser leaves town fight, Mark Bocek is also 1-2 in the UFC, losing to Frankie Edgar and most recently Mac Danzig. Bocek did look impressive against Danzig for a time, but was ultimately submitted in the 3rd round.

Jeremy Stephens: At only 22 years old, Jeremy Stephens has a bright future in the lightweight division. After a loss to Din Thomas, Stephens took 2 straight against Diego Saraiva and The Ultimate Fighter 5 alumni Cole Miller. Since then, he lost to Spencer Fisher in a very exciting fight. A win here would see Stephens take a step up in competition in his next fight, and would solidify him as "UFC ready."

Rafael dos Anjos: The BJJ master comes into this fight with not too much to lose. If he loses this fight, the UFC should hold on to him do to his young age and potential. A win here would see dos Anjos take a step up in competition into the loaded UFC lightweight division.

Jorge Gurgel: Even though he is 3-3 in the UFC, Gurgel is in no danger of losing his job here. He consistently puts up exciting fights, if he decided to live up to his potential he could become a threat in the division, plus, Rich Franklin is his best friend. A win for Gurgel would just be another win for him, as he's done in the past, it would lead to nothing.

Aaron Riley: After only 2 fights in the UFC over 6 years, Aaron Riley returns against Jorge Gurgel. A win for Riley would mean that he finally would have a consistent fighting schedule in the UFC. It would also give him a good win against a solid opponent.

Dustin Hazelett: After his sick armbar win against Josh Burkman, Hazlett returns against "The Barn Cat." Both of these guys are very solid on the ground with the advantage going to Hazelett. A win for Hazelett would put him somewhere around the top 10 welterweights in the UFC.

Tamdan McCrory: This is the biggest test of McCrory's career. This fight looks to be very exciting so McCrory is in no danger of losing his job here. Since he is the underdog going into this fight, he really has nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Nate Quarry: We haven't seen much of Nate Quarry since he was knocked out by Rich Franklin. Since that fight in 2005 Quarry has only fought twice, one of those was the three round train wreck against Kalib Starnes. Quarry could catapult himself into title contention with a win against Demian Maia tonight. If Quarry does end up getting a title shot in 2009, especially if it's against Anderson Silva, expect another highlight reel knockout.

Demian Maia: This is the toughest fight to date for the BJJ wizard. A win for Maia would put him into title contention, where he could be a threat to Anderson Silva on the ground.

Josh Hendricks: Josh Hendricks has absolutely nothing to lose. He can make a name for himself tonight with a win over top 10 heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga. With a win, he'll be another promising young UFC heavyweight, with a loss he'll fight on the under card of a Fight NIght card.

Gabriel Gonzaga: A win for Gonzaga tonight would mean that he would get back into title contention, where he would have a good chance at beating Brock Lesnar if he were to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.


Kenny Florian: These next to are very simple since it's already been announced the winner will receive a title shot against BJ Penn. Florian deserves the opportunity after the impressive win streak he's racked up.

Joe Stevenson: A win for Stevenson means another title shot at BJ Penn, which isn't likely to turn out differently than the last time the two fought.
Brock Lesnar: Without a doubt this is the biggest fight in this man's career. Not only could he become the UFC Heavyweight Champion, he could beat one of the best ever in Randy Couture, and he could show to the hardcore fans that he is a legitimate mixed martial artist. Other than Kimbo Slice, nobody has had it harder gaining the respect of the hardcore fans than Brock Lesnar. He could gain that respect with a win over Couture.

Lesnar has a HUGE opportunity.


Randy Couture: Look who's back! Randy Couture could cement his legacy as the underdog that always wins when you count him out. He is going up against a guy that is one of if not the toughest match ups for him. With a win, Couture becomes the 3rd best heavyweight ever, behind only Fedor Emelianenko and Minotauro Nogueira.

The poster says it all.



Fight Of The Week
With Joe Stevenson fighting this week and Jens Pulver losing recently, I thought it would be fun to bring up the time they foght, with Jens still in his prime, a young Joe Daddy provided little threat to him.



That's it for this week. I would have written more, but I felt like shit today so I kept it relatively brief. Thanks for reading and as always, I'll leave you with MMA Live.