The Ultimate Fighting Championship (MMA) Thread

[rembrat]

I always knew there was something about Jones that I didn't like. To me he isn't a fighter. He is just a really good athlete who happens to be great at fighting but he isn't a fighter. What the hell. He just ruined his rep with like 95% of fighters everywhere.

Has he made any comments?

And damn it I love Chael. Even if he can't defend a triangle and his stand up is shit he is great for the sport.

 

[Snowplow]

Fantastic interview."Nike is going to have to change they're logo from Just do it to Just do nothing".

Sonnen is the best thing that's happened to MMA in a long time. He's a great ambassador to the sport and happens to be a fantastic speaker/promoter. I'm pissed that the PPV is canceled but the aftermath has been entertaining.

edit- thanks for posting the video H05

 

[Snowplow]

Serious question. If that fight happens, what are chaels chances of winning?

It's hard to say because we've never seen Chael fighting at LHW. He'll throw on more muscle and size to go along with his great wrestling.

That said, Probably a 25-30% chance IMO.

 

[sachmoney]

Uh, the UFC should have been smarter and come up with a proper contingency plan when they sign the fucking contracts. Hey, how about lining up a potential replacement in case someone gets hurt? You know, make the contracts binding, but line up a potential replacement before you sign the contract so the fighters know what they're in for, in case of this specific scenario? No, it's okay, these athletes never get hurt in training, right?

The reason this event got canceled is because the UFC put together a shit card with one fucking fight worth watching. In the past, when a fighter has gotten hurt, at the very least, the fight got pushed back and there was another fight on the card that kept the event together. The UFC got greedy with this one and it bit them in the ass.

Jones could have taken the fight, but ultimately, the UFC is flinging bullshit here. They can try and use the media and everything all they want, but this is what happens when you try to spread your talent too thin and get as many events as possible in a year. This is the consequence.

I'm not a Jones fan, but I would've liked to see him kick the shit out of Chael. I understand why he didn't want to take the fight.

Everyone loses here. Everyone.

EDIT: http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/8/24/3264645/jones-vs-belfort-to-headline-ufc-152-after-lyoto-machida-turns-down
Lyoto turned down a title shot? LOLOLOLOL Bones-Belfort

 

[hunter05]

That fight makes zero sense. I have no words. Completely and utterly baffled.

 

[hunter05]

http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/8/24/3264668/anderson-silva-offered-to-save-ufc-151

Wow.

 

[BrazilianSoxFan]

As UFC 151: Jones vs. Henderson came crumbling to the ground on Thursday, an unlikely figure threw his name in the ring – or the Octagon as it were – to try and help stave off the unprecedented move.
UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, when he heard that the event would have to be scrapped after light heavyweight champion Jon Jones declined to face Chael Sonnen on just eight days notice, offered up his services.
A month and a half removed from his latest fight against Chael Sonnen, Silva hadn’t been in preparation for a fight and thus would be unlikely to safely make middleweight. He reportedly offered, via manager Ed Soares, to take a light heavyweight bout at UFC 151 if it would mean saving the event.
Unfortunately, the offer came in a little too late, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship had already pulled the plug on UFC 151.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ufc-151-cancelled-henderson-injured-074919343--mma.html

 

[kelpapa]

I'm not saying he had a great chance against him. I'd put the odds at less than 2% with Jones having a full training camp, but I'd say he'd have closer to a 5% chance with Jones having only 8 days to prepare. Not much of a chance, but enough that its a real risk to take on such short notice. Jones has the longest reach in UFC history at 84.5 inches, but Anderson Silva had a 4 inch reach advantage over Chael (78 vs 74), but still couldn't keep him at distance for 6 of the 7 rounds they fought. Other than an ill-timed spinning backfist, Sonnen's wrestling completely dominated Silva and I'd argue that Anderson has better footwork than Jones does right now. I just think it was training for a fighter who's a complete 180 from Henderson. I'd be joining the chorus if he turned down Shogun/Machida/Gustaffson, I just think fighting Sonnen requires a completely different training camp than any of those other fighters.

The other part of this now is if Jones gets past Machida and Sonnen past Forrest, you could be looking at a huge event with a full couple of months of Sonnen just smack talking Jones about being scared before they finally fight. This could end up being a cash cow for the UFC in the end as 151 was a pretty poor event on paper (no clue how Hieron is co-main eventing a PPV). Having an 8 day ramp up wouldn't allow Chael to truly sell the fight and use one of his biggest assets, his mouth.

So you think chael would have a better shot without preparing for the fight and taking this on 8 days notice? I disagree, but we will never really know.

The funny thing about this is chael has been baiting jbj on twitter for the last month or so. It's almost like he knew this was going to happen. One of the reporters even asked if chael had been tipped off several weeks ago in the conference call.

I'm absolutely rooting for a jones sonnen fight after this, too.

 

[kelpapa]

Uh, the UFC should have been smarter and come up with a proper contingency plan when they sign the fucking contracts. Hey, how about lining up a potential replacement in case someone gets hurt? You know, make the contracts binding, but line up a potential replacement before you sign the contract so the fighters know what they're in for, in case of this specific scenario? No, it's okay, these athletes never get hurt in training, right?

The reason this event got canceled is because the UFC put together a shit card with one fucking fight worth watching. In the past, when a fighter has gotten hurt, at the very least, the fight got pushed back and there was another fight on the card that kept the event together. The UFC got greedy with this one and it bit them in the ass.

Jones could have taken the fight, but ultimately, the UFC is flinging bullshit here. They can try and use the media and everything all they want, but this is what happens when you try to spread your talent too thin and get as many events as possible in a year. This is the consequence.

I'm not a Jones fan, but I would've liked to see him kick the shit out of Chael. I understand why he didn't want to take the fight.

Everyone loses here. Everyone.

EDIT: http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/8/24/3264645/jones-vs-belfort-to-headline-ufc-152-after-lyoto-machida-turns-down
Lyoto turned down a title shot? LOLOLOLOL Bones-Belfort

This has nothing to do with being spread too thin. No fighters will go through a training camp and prep for a fight where they are an alternate. At no point will the UFC ever force fighters to fight someone, and Dana has said this much.

They can't have multiple belts on the line every event. Yes, other than the title fight it was a weak card, but you can't prepare for something like this.

 

[beezer]

So you think chael would have a better shot without preparing for the fight and taking this on 8 days notice? I disagree, but we will never really know.

The funny thing about this is chael has been baiting jbj on twitter for the last month or so. It's almost like he knew this was going to happen. One of the reporters even asked if chael had been tipped off several weeks ago in the conference call.

I'm absolutely rooting for a jones sonnen fight after this, too.

I really think Chael had a much better chance without either of them being able to prepare for each other. Chael would look to wrestle and smother Jones with constant pressure and takedowns to grind out a decision. Jones has spent the past 12 weeks training for a man who's most likely looking to keep the fight standing at any cost and look for a KO. I think Chael has some of the best MMA style wrestling in the world and without specifically training to fight him, he's very dangerous. I know Chael wouldn't have the camp to train for Jones, but I'd imagine that his gameplan would be very similar to what he wanted to do against Anderson a month ago.

Also, Shogun turned down the title fight as well before Belfort stepped in (after Machida turned it down), maybe he learned his lesson last time about fighting Jones on short notice.

 

[beezer]

This has nothing to do with being spread too thin. No fighters will go through a training camp and prep for a fight where they are an alternate. At no point will the UFC ever force fighters to fight someone, and Dana has said this much.

They can't have multiple belts on the line every event. Yes, other than the title fight it was a weak card, but you can't prepare for something like this.

I completely agree that you absolutely can't have alternates and that when an injury occurs 8 days before an event you really are SOL, but the UFC really did a horrible job setting up the undercard of this PPV. Without the main event, I don't even think another fight on this card would have made the main card of an FX event. The UFC has continually touted how they are very different from boxing because their PPVs are not just a great main event with a horrible undercard, but that's exactly what this event was.

 

[Infield Infidel]

I can understand why Jones wouldn't want to fight Sonnen at 151, but why isn't the UFC trying to put that fight together for 152?

Jones-Vitor isn't anything anyone wants to see.

 

[kelpapa]

I completely agree that you absolutely can't have alternates and that when an injury occurs 8 days before an event you really are SOL, but the UFC really did a horrible job setting up the undercard of this PPV. Without the main event, I don't even think another fight on this card would have made the main card of an FX event. The UFC has continually touted how they are very different from boxing because their PPVs are not just a great main event with a horrible undercard, but that's exactly what this event was.

But the main event and co main event both had injuries forcing fighters out within several weeks of the fight. If koscheck doesn't get hurt, this fight probably happens. (granted its still not the best fight, but still)

This was just the perfect storm of shit happening.

 

[kelpapa]

I can understand why Jones wouldn't want to fight Sonnen at 151, but why isn't the UFC trying to put that fight together for 152?

Jones-Vitor isn't anything anyone wants to see.

Dana said something to the effect that it would be disrespectful to Mandalay bay. He didn't want to jeopardize that relationship by having that fight that should have happened there in Toronto.

 

[kelpapa]

I really think Chael had a much better chance without either of them being able to prepare for each other. Chael would look to wrestle and smother Jones with constant pressure and takedowns to grind out a decision. Jones has spent the past 12 weeks training for a man who's most likely looking to keep the fight standing at any cost and look for a KO. I think Chael has some of the best MMA style wrestling in the world and without specifically training to fight him, he's very dangerous. I know Chael wouldn't have the camp to train for Jones, but I'd imagine that his gameplan would be very similar to what he wanted to do against Anderson a month ago.

Also, Shogun turned down the title fight as well before Belfort stepped in (after Machida turned it down), maybe he learned his lesson last time about fighting Jones on short notice.

Ok. This makes sense. I don't agree that chael has a better chance, but I understand your reasoning. I value getting into fight shape above training your gameplan.

 

[Infield Infidel]

Dana said something to the effect that it would be disrespectful to Mandalay bay. He didn't want to jeopardize that relationship by having that fight that should have happened there in Toronto.

That doesn't make much sense; the fight is moving to Toronto as long as Jones is in it, no matter the opponent. It seems like Jones hand-picked his opponent here. Chael will be just as available for 152 as Vitor would be.

 

[kelpapa]

That doesn't make much sense; the fight is moving to Toronto as long as Jones is in it, no matter the opponent. It seems like Jones hand-picked his opponent here. Chael will be just as available for 152 as Vitor would be.

I'm trying to look for the exact quote now. I'll post it when I find it, but I'm pretty sure that was the gist of it.

 

[kelpapa]

OK, I found it. After Chael accepted, the UFC contacted Mandalay Bay and changed the headlined fight. After that was changed, JBJ declined the fight. Because they already changed the headlining fight, they could not contractually use that exact fight on the next event. Not sure if they can use it on the next one.

 

[sachmoney]

When did Koschek pull out of the card?

 

[kelpapa]

August 7th. He was replaced on August 8th.

 

[rembrat]

Jones was very upset after Chael began calling him out and mocking him on Twitter, going as far as to contact White and ask him to tell Chael to stop

Jesus christ what a vagina.

 

[Snowplow]

What the hell did he expect? I hope White hung up on him. This guy amazes me.

Also, Jones put the screws to the under card fighters who were depending on fight pay.

 

[kelpapa]

I didn't see the Jones Belfort fight, and I'm at work and bored. Anyone have a link?

 

[JimBoSox9]

Silva just embarrassed Bonner for three minutes, had a chat with his corner while In a clinch, then ended it with one knee when he got bored. Even for him, wow.

 

[Curll]

The entire card was outstanding. It'll go down as one of the best UFC PPVs in history. Crazy good.

Silva just blew past Bonner. He belongs in the Avengers.

 

[JimBoSox9]

It's just....He was so much faster than Bonner it was a joke. The only comp I can think of is what I've read about very early Ali.

We already know he's too big and long for 195, if he's too fast for 205, at age 37, wow. I know Bonner isn't study but he's also never been KO'd before tonight.

I had been thinking that Silva/Jones was a bit unfair to the Spider due to where they are on their respective career arcs, but now I think it absolutely needs to happen. Have Silva fight a top LHW to tune up if he wants it, then get it the fuck on.

 

[beezer]

Great Fox card tonight, really excited for Henderson/Diaz. Prelims are starting on FX now with Siver/Phan which should be a complete slugfest. I'm taking Henderson by RNC, Rua by KO, and McDonald by Decision

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Awesome card this evening. I'll have to catch up on DVR, but totally rooting for Bendo (of course), Rua, and Penn.

Followed by Pacman bout - what a night for blood & cartilages!

 

[Infield Infidel]

Bendo might do to 155 what Jones is doing to 205, except be more likable about it.

He manhandled Diaz. How quick was that kick/takedown combo in the second round? He basically kicked Diaz's right leg, then, on the follow through, shot for the same leg.

And Double digit standup punches to the thigh?

Also, UFC needs to stop giving BJ Penn to up and comers. Nick Diaz and now Rory. Good god, he's a HOFer, one of two guys to ever win belts in two divisions, and they give him monsters. I love watching him fight, but it's time to give him the Tito treatment and let him fight guys going downhill. Maybe Koshchek or Maynard

 

[Myt1]

From the prelims to the main event, that was one of the best nights of fights I've seen.

 

[Curtis_Lesspanic]

Forget Up and comers, why are they letting Penn fight at 170lbs? It's moronic. BJ walks around at a doughy 170-175lbs and he's going to trade with guys cutting 15-20lbs? with size and reach on him? Forget it.

BTW Rory looked like a total punk. If you have a guy at your absolute mercy in the 2nd and don't finish him, you look like a donkey showboating in the 3rd. Nevermind the fact that Penn is a legend. It's too bad none of GSPs class has rubbed off on him in training.

 

[hunter05]

Eh, he's a supremely talented 23 year old who looks ready to challenge for the title, I can't fault him too hard for his antics. He's involved in a sport where building your name is important. I have no problems say criticizing what Brock did after he beat Frank Mir at UFC 100, but what Rory was nothing that extreme. I mean BJ himself isn't known for being "classy."

 

[Infield Infidel]

Man, this looks like an underwhelming undercard tonight. No real up and comers, and the heavies usually end pretty quickly.

This might be done by 11:30

 

[Myt1]

Eh, he's a supremely talented 23 year old who looks ready to challenge for the title, I can't fault him too hard for his antics. He's involved in a sport where building your name is important. I have no problems say criticizing what Brock did after he beat Frank Mir at UFC 100, but what Rory was nothing that extreme. I mean BJ himself isn't known for being "classy."

Showboating when you're in no danger at all is a dick move. Either do that stuff when there's some doubt or keep it away and finish the fucking fight.

 

[hunter05]

Showboating when you're in no danger at all is a dick move. Either do that stuff when there's some doubt or keep it away and finish the fucking fight.

That's fine, but a lot of fighters do that. I mean even Silva. I have a hard time criticizing Rory for it. If you don't like when any fighter does it, I understand.

 

[Infield Infidel]

What the card lacked in names it made up for in gore and mayhem

Miller/Lauzon and Boetch/Phillipu were absolute bloodbaths.

I don't see JDS getting another shot against Cain, at least for a few fights. 50-45, 50-44, 50-43, JDS was totally outclassed

 

[Snowplow]

As much as I dislike Overeem, he may be the only HW that can beat a healthy Cain. Daniel Cormier has already spoken about moving down to LHW so he won't have to fight his best friend Cain.

 

[hunter05]

What the card lacked in names it made up for in gore and mayhem

Miller/Lauzon and Boetch/Phillipu were absolute bloodbaths.

I don't see JDS getting another shot against Cain, at least for a few fights. 50-45, 50-44, 50-43, JDS was totally outclassed

If he KO's whoever he fights next I would be surprised if they didn't schedule part 3 immediately.

 

[Myt1]

That's fine, but a lot of fighters do that. I mean even Silva. I have a hard time criticizing Rory for it. If you don't like when any fighter does it, I understand.

Silva also puts his hands down and Matrix dodges punches while in range in the first round. Rory didn't do anything that exposed himself to danger. There's pretty much no comparison between the behavior of the two.

 

[hunter05]

Silva also taunted Maia and ran away from
him for three rounds. In the end, all he's doing is building an image. He doesn't want to be the humble type.

 

[Infield Infidel]

I'm a bit conflicted about this week's card. It's absolutely loaded, Aldo, Edgar, Evans, Overeem, guys I really like watching. But they raised the price on the PPV to 65 dollars I think.

 

[Infield Infidel]

Pretty decent night of fights. I can't believe Bigfoot came back to knock the fuck out of Overeem. I don't know what Reem was thinking, he won the first 2 rounds pretty easily and he just ran straight in there and Bigfoot clubbered him.

I also think Evans is done, which is sad for me because I really like the guy. But he has zero Fire , and he tried hardly any takedowns against a guy he should be be able to take down easily. He's trying to get 1 punch knockout when he when its not his game anymore

 

[BrazilianSoxFan]

 
Great fight. I was one of those that thought Bigfoot was going to be annihilated.
 
Edit: Another angle:
 

 

[Curtis_Lesspanic]

Loved the card the other night and I agree completely.  Evans did what so many young fighters do. He fell in love with his highlights instead of what got him to where he is.  KOing A washed up Liddell and a never was Sean Salmon doesnt make you the next Vanderlei Silva.  He needs to either be the smothering bastard he was or hang em up. 
 
And Overeem got too confident as the fight went on and paid for it big time.  All that bad mouthing he did of Big Foot just got him some extra punishment against the cage. Bigfoot impressed the crap out of me.  He never wavered and waded through everything Overeem had. 
 
BTW you need to watch the Ultimate Fighter tonight.  Uriah Hall is the next MMA sensation and to night there is a KO so devastating it causes anxiety in everyone who has to face him on the show.

 

[JimBoSox9]

It, um, lives up to its billing:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=ipvTxKfjnAE

 

[kelpapa]

It, um, lives up to its billing:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=ipvTxKfjnAE

 
Holy shit.

 

[NickEsasky]

That knockout was vicious. The only problem with Hall is that he's already what, 28? Has this guy been hiding under a rock?

 

[Infield Infidel]

I'm kind of bummed that Hendo has to fight Evans instead of getting a title-shot. Diaz lost to Condit, Sonnen lost to Silva, each got a title shot off a loss. Hendo lost a weird but close match against Machida after a string of wins, and has to fight a make-good match against Evans. Instead of fighting Machida, he really should have gotten Jones this time instead of Sonnen, and now he probably never will. 
 
Also, I'm psyched for saturday. I think GSP confuses Diaz but wins by decision (as usual), and might punish him with a counter jab. 
 
No idea about Condit/Hendricks, While I love Hendricks' power, I think Condit avoids Hendricks' left hand . Condit has great ring awareness and rarely gets tagged. Maybe Hendricks wrestles him down a bit. Condit is usually great with gameplans, so he'll do something new, but he'll be wary of that power. I might be more excited about this one probably more than the main event

 

[NickEsasky]

Also, I'm psyched for saturday. I think GSP confuses Diaz but wins by decision (as usual), and might punish him with a counter jab. 
 
If Diaz can stuff GSP's take downs he has a chance in the fight. If St. Pierre gets him on the ground I have more confidence in GSP's ground and pound and submission defense than I do in Diaz's ability to catch him in something. I think it either goes to a decision for GSP or GSP ends it relatively (Late round 1 or early round 2) with no middle ground.

 

[rembrat]

GSP ending a fight? Ha.
 
Well I guess Ellenberger/Hendricks vs GSP will be fun until GSP imposes his will again. GSP is the best at what he does but man if you have seen one GSP fight you have seen them all.