Jim Ross Discusses UFC 114

Posted by Larry Csonka on 05.30.2010

What did JR think of the show?

- Jim Ross has a new blog entry up, focusing on the events events of UFC 114. Check it out…

The UFC's latest effort Saturday night was a hit from where I was sitting. Always the bottom line of any PPV investment is "Did I get my monies worth?" This answer is absolutely, as the event delivered including an overachieving under card.

Random, UFC thoughts:

The UK's Hathaway is a 6'1" welterweight who is young and destined to be tough to deal with as time marches on if he continues to mature. His 'Hitman' nickname also works for me. Welterweights with Hathaway's reach and leverage are problematic for most in the weight class.

UFC had a significant upgrade in the graphics they utilized and their overall production values of the event Saturday night. The PPV looked slicker to me.

I do think that lead PXP announcer Mike Goldberg should not be voicing over the video packages that highlight the combatants. Sometimes it was Goldberg pitching to Goldberg which is generally considered a taboo. If Goldberg is reading copy prior to the show to build the packages then it would be easy for a 'big voice guy' to handle it and not overexpose their lead guy.

Goldberg and Rogan had a solid night and Rogan always enlightens and entertains me with his vast knowledge of the game and his legit passion for the genre in general.

During the fights themselves it is good to see the Octagon was the focal point and that the crowd not so lighted up as the focus should always be on what's happening in the Octagon. I'd argue the same thing for pro wrestling but I would likely lose that one.

UFC did do a great job in showing off their many celeb's in attendance which gave the event a 'hip' and 'must see,' appeal. There were many shots of 'pretty' women which never hurts an event of this nature.

'Little Nog' got a gift with a split decision victory over last minute replacement Brilz who came to fight and won the first two rounds without question. Brilz, a Cornhusker from Omaha, did make a name for himself in the controversial loss. Norgueira apologized after the fight and winning fighters should never say that they're sorry.

One of the reasons that UFC is such a great spectator sport is its unpredictability. Heavyweight Russow's shocking KO last night in the 'bottom of the 9th with two outs' was miraculous. Russow might never look great on a calendar but he's got a helluva chin.

Don't you love it that UFC generally always provides actual winers and losers. People pay to see such unlike in the entertainment presentation of pro wrestling where non finishes are often times overplayed.

Would love to know why Dan Miller decided to fight Michael Bisping standing up? One always assume that Fighter A will always attempt to attack Fighter B w/ A's strength which in this case was Miller's ground/submission game. Bisping has great charisma and Manchester toughness, without question. Bisping will likely always be booed somewhat in the USA but that would be the least of my worries as long as there is a butt every 18" to see him fight. I'd like to see Bisping fight Anderson Silva in 6-8 months if it can be arranged. Bisping isn't quite ready for that task just yet but he seems to be on track.

It was smart marketing for 'The Expendables' which will be in theaters in August to be all over the UFC PPV especially with UFC legend Randy Couture in the ensemble cast that also includes Stone Cold Steve Austin.

As a viewer, I did think that times that the in fight promotion of a variety of products and events was a little too much and made some of the bouts feel cluttered or 'too busy.'

I had been an Evans' lean all week and never backed away from my prediction and it came to fruition as Rashad won all three rounds and somewhat convincingly defeated Rampage Jackson. Jackson had his chance in the 3rd and final round to win, the only way that he could at that point, by knockout, but he missed at least three, big shots with Evans down and vulnerable that would have won it for the Memphis native. After that offensive flurry by Jackson, Rampage was never the same and looked gassed and unable to pursue Evans to attempt to finish Rashad.

It is tough for any athlete to report to camp in the 250 pound range and then have to pull weight and train down to weigh 205 the day before the fight at weigh in. That's what Rampage allegedly did while Evens stays around 210 or so full time I am told.

Speed, conditioning, and better take down skills seemed to be the winning formula for Rashad Evans who now can turn his sights on Maurico 'Shogun' Rua the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

I'm happy that I bought my second UFC PPV in the month of May and look forward to being in Las Vegas in July for the Lesnar-Carwin fight which is going to be a slobber knocker as Carwin has never let any one survive outside of the first round in amassing an undefeated record. However, make no mistake about it, I'm a Brock Lesnar guy all the way.