Intelligently Defending 01.01.09: 2009 Resolutions

Posted by Ken Kobel on 01.01.2009

In the first Intelligently Defending of 2009 we will take a look at fighters New Year's Resolutions.

Greetings and welcome to 2009 at Intelligently Defending.

If you thought I would get sick of writing cheesy holiday-themed columns, well then, you obviously haven't been doing much reading over at the Official Intelligently Defending Website.

For this weeks column we're taking a look at New Year's resolutions from various MMA fighters.

Will these guys keep their resolutions going strong into 2010? Or will they fall by the wayside like half of mine already have?

Time will tell…

Clay Guida's Resolution: To put together a win streak that brings him to title contention

If you're an MMA fan, it's hard to dislike Clay Guida. He's well-rounded, will fight anyone and pushes one of the most relentless paces in the sport.

From watching his fights, you get the impression that Clay can hang with anyone in the division. Unfortunately, he has had some bad luck. From dropping a controversial decision to Tyson Griffin to eating a well-timed knee in a fight he was winning against Roger Huerta, the guy just can't seem to put together a wins streak long enough to be considered among the title contenders.

In 2009, Guida will try to put an end to this by stringing together enough wins against solid competition that will put him near the top of the lightweight ladder. So far, he has already won two in a row, including a victory over the respected TUF6 winner Mac Danzig. A win over TUF5 winner Nate Diaz at UFC 94 will further help him in his journey.

Wilson Gouveia's Resolution: To take training more seriously

With a record of 6-2 in the UFC, Wilson Gouveia has all the tools to be a top middleweight. He has knockout power, is a BJJ Black Belt and has vicious leg kicks. The one thing he seems to lack is the drive to be the best.

We saw this early in his UFC career when in his first fight in the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale he gassed and dropped a decision to Keith Jardine in a fight he had been winning. There were more gas tank issues in a losing effort to Goran Reljic at UFC 84 and, most recently, at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale he missed weight for his fight with Jason MacDonald.

While he went on to win the fight with MacDonald in impressive fashion, missing weight is almost always inexcusable. That's why in 2009, Wilson is aiming to devote himself to training more than ever before in the hopes of reaching his full potential.

Chuck Liddell's Resolution: To leave while his legacy is still intact

It wasn't long ago that Chuck Liddell was on top of the MMA world. He was the UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion, was knocking out everyone in sight and was the face of mixed-martial arts in the mainstream.

Now, things are different. Liddell has lost 3 of his last 4 fights and is coming off the worst knockout of his career at the hands of Rashad Evans. With each passing bout, opponents are figuring out the key to beating Chuck is to not play into his hands. He will likely never again be champion and the longer he sticks around, the more the losses will mount.

Chuck has established a lasting legacy in the sport, and it's important to not put this legacy at risk by continuing to be a punching bag. So in 2009, Liddell is going to pick his fights carefully in order to cash in on some lucrative paydays and then ride out with his head high – unlike some other athletes (Brett Favre, I'm looking your way).

Robbie Lawler's Resolution: To come back to the UFC

Earlier this decade Robbie Lawler was considered the next big thing in the UFC welterweight division. After a series of defeats though, Ruthless found himself out of the UFC all together.

Perhaps the time away is what he needed because Lawler has posted a record of 8-1-1 since leaving the organization. He has wins over Joey Villasenor, Frank Trigg, Murilo Rua and Scott Smith which has put him in the top-5 of most MMA middleweight rankings.

In 2009, Robbie is ready to come back to his former home of the UFC and test himself against some of the best middleweights in the world.

Rashad Evans' Resolution: To buck the trend of revolving door UFC Light-Heavyweight Champions

Rashad Evans closed out 2008 by winning the UFC Light-Heavyweight Title at UFC 92. It capped off a year in which Sugar went from human blanket to one of the most dynamic fighters in the 205-pound division.

History has shown us that holding on to the title will be a tough task for the new champ. Quinton Jackson was only able to muster one successful defense and Forrest Griffin had zero. This shouldn't be surprising in a division that is regarded as the most stacked weight-class in all of mixed-martial arts.

To this point, Evans has taken on all challenges and that's why in 2009 he will welcome the chance to have a long and prosperous title reign. The road will be a tough one as a date with former champion Jackson seems imminent and a possible showdown with Llyoto Machida after that – but, Rashad has made fools of the doubters before and will look to do it again.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's Resolution: To come back strong from his loss to Frank Mir

It's been a few days since Minotauro was embarrassed by Frank Mir at UFC 92 and everyone is still scratching their heads. How could that have happened?

While we have all come to know Nogueira as a slow starter, we have never known him to not start at all – which is exactly what happened last Saturday. He was punished on the feet from the opening bell being dropped several times before he was eventually stopped for the first time in his legendary career. It was a sad sight as the man known for his superhuman ability to take punishment stumbled to his feet in a bewildered haze.

Fans can rest assured that for 2009, Minotauro will aim come back strong. He has already taken full responsibility for the loss and is working on getting back on the right track. Unlike Liddell, who is pushing 40-years-old in a crowded division, Nogueira is only 32 and in a relatively shallow weight-class. A few wins can bring him right back into the title picture.

Six resolutions seem like a nice, random number to end at so I'll close here and wish everyone a happy and healthy 2009.

Know of any fighter's resolutions that I missed? Drop them in the comments section below. I'll throw some in my next column. Also, check out the Official Intelligently Defending Website to watch me squirm as I try to explain myself after preaching for months how Mir had no chance in hell.