Comments on: The UFC’s “big” problem http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/ Your Destination for Insider MMA News and Opinion Fri, 25 May 2012 14:13:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Five Ounces of Pain | The UFC’s “Biggest” Problem http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-12201 Five Ounces of Pain | The UFC’s “Biggest” Problem Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:18:18 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-12201 [...] remember when I first started contributing to this blog, my first article was entitled, “The UFC’s “big” problem”. That article was written just after Randy Couture’s retirement, and it took a look at how [...] [...] remember when I first started contributing to this blog, my first article was entitled, “The UFC’s “big” problem”. That article was written just after Randy Couture’s retirement, and it took a look at how [...]

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]]> By: The UFC’s “Big” Problem 2 « The Sam Blog. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-7436 The UFC’s “Big” Problem 2 « The Sam Blog. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:40:55 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-7436 [...] UFC’s “Big” Problem 2  I wrote an article for FiveOuncesOfPain a couple of months back when Randy Couture announced his “resignation” that covered [...] [...] UFC’s “Big” Problem 2  I wrote an article for FiveOuncesOfPain a couple of months back when Randy Couture announced his “resignation” that covered [...]

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]]> By: Dave http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4219 Dave Fri, 19 Oct 2007 20:41:00 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4219 #18...you are aware that Ken Shamrock has a brother named Frank, right? Which is why I said "Frank Shamrock" in my post. I'm going to go ahead and assume that you didn't know that, because Frank Shamrock has most certainly not "got straight rocked for the last couple of years." #18…you are aware that Ken Shamrock has a brother named Frank, right? Which is why I said “Frank Shamrock” in my post.

I’m going to go ahead and assume that you didn’t know that, because Frank Shamrock has most certainly not “got straight rocked for the last couple of years.”

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]]> By: Gabber http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4191 Gabber Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:05:35 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4191 I don't think anyone is arguing the fact that Fedor doesn't have world class skills or the physical attirubutes to make him the #1 Heavyweight. Most people feel that because he chose to sign with a third tier organization, when most other top ranked heavyweights are in the UFC, he's not displaying the #1 heart/ambition. I would have to agree. No doubt the guy is one of the best, if not the best fighters in the world, HW or Lbs-4-Lbs, he's never going to be able to silence the critics. It's like Wayne Gretzky signing with the LA Kings, he is the greatest ever, he helped sell tickets for alot of years, but who cares, you're playing hockey in LA and you never won a serious championship there. Fedor could go 10-0 easily over the next 3 years in M-1, but what does that mean if you're not fighting top level guys? You're just playing the game on easy mode. :P I don’t think anyone is arguing the fact that Fedor doesn’t have world class skills or the physical attirubutes to make him the #1 Heavyweight. Most people feel that because he chose to sign with a third tier organization, when most other top ranked heavyweights are in the UFC, he’s not displaying the #1 heart/ambition. I would have to agree. No doubt the guy is one of the best, if not the best fighters in the world, HW or Lbs-4-Lbs, he’s never going to be able to silence the critics. It’s like Wayne Gretzky signing with the LA Kings, he is the greatest ever, he helped sell tickets for alot of years, but who cares, you’re playing hockey in LA and you never won a serious championship there.

Fedor could go 10-0 easily over the next 3 years in M-1, but what does that mean if you’re not fighting top level guys? You’re just playing the game on easy mode. :P

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]]> By: Leland Roling http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4184 Leland Roling Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:35:19 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4184 Ugh, the constant talk of blasting Fedor's skills versus UFC fighters is astounding. Fact is, I wish he would have came to the UFC, but he didn't. The UFC will claim their heavyweight is the best. Fedor won't be mentioned, but if he fights Barnett outside the UFC and absolutely destroys him... everyone will be singing a different tune. Comparing Fedor's fate to Shamrock's legacy is absurd. Shamrock got straight rocked for the last couple of years. Fedor isn't even the same type of fighter, and his Sambo skill is bar none the best in the world. Ugh, the constant talk of blasting Fedor’s skills versus UFC fighters is astounding. Fact is, I wish he would have came to the UFC, but he didn’t. The UFC will claim their heavyweight is the best. Fedor won’t be mentioned, but if he fights Barnett outside the UFC and absolutely destroys him… everyone will be singing a different tune.

Comparing Fedor’s fate to Shamrock’s legacy is absurd. Shamrock got straight rocked for the last couple of years. Fedor isn’t even the same type of fighter, and his Sambo skill is bar none the best in the world.

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]]> By: Dave http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4180 Dave Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:56:26 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4180 Look, it's time to put the "Fedor as World's Best" talk to sleep. He COULD be, he probably SHOULD be, but in his decision to sign with M-1, he basically told the world he doesn't care whether he is or not, and that right there pretty much disqualifies him from being the top dog. There's a point in a top athlete's life where he has to decide whether he wants to compete against the top competition in the world and truly prove himself to be the best. Unfortunately, that option does not always coincide with other tempting options, such as money or location. In Fedor's case, he turned down a huge sum of money and the chance to prove himself in the top organization in the world in favor of an even huger sum of money and a likely list of lousy opponents for the rest of his career. That choice defines the rest of his career. If he truly wanted to be considered the best, he'd have made the conscious decision to fight the best. But let's be honest, he hasn't done that for years. Fighting the best MW in the world and Mark Coleman doesn't prove much, At the end of the day, Fedor's legacy is bound to be similar to that of Frank Shamrock...two guys who probably very easily could have done it all, but for one reason or another, actively chose not to. There is, of course, another line of thinking here that says that Fedor and his team decided to protect his already excellent legacy at the expense of his future. Meaning...rather than risk him getting jacked once or twice in a UFC career (which seems likely at this point given the last year's events), just let him retire with his essentially unblemished record. Let him fight cans, who cares. In some mindsets, it's far better to be an unbeaten enigma than a 2 loss former champ. His team could be building him to be the next Rickson. Look, it’s time to put the “Fedor as World’s Best” talk to sleep. He COULD be, he probably SHOULD be, but in his decision to sign with M-1, he basically told the world he doesn’t care whether he is or not, and that right there pretty much disqualifies him from being the top dog. There’s a point in a top athlete’s life where he has to decide whether he wants to compete against the top competition in the world and truly prove himself to be the best. Unfortunately, that option does not always coincide with other tempting options, such as money or location. In Fedor’s case, he turned down a huge sum of money and the chance to prove himself in the top organization in the world in favor of an even huger sum of money and a likely list of lousy opponents for the rest of his career. That choice defines the rest of his career. If he truly wanted to be considered the best, he’d have made the conscious decision to fight the best. But let’s be honest, he hasn’t done that for years. Fighting the best MW in the world and Mark Coleman doesn’t prove much,

At the end of the day, Fedor’s legacy is bound to be similar to that of Frank Shamrock…two guys who probably very easily could have done it all, but for one reason or another, actively chose not to.

There is, of course, another line of thinking here that says that Fedor and his team decided to protect his already excellent legacy at the expense of his future. Meaning…rather than risk him getting jacked once or twice in a UFC career (which seems likely at this point given the last year’s events), just let him retire with his essentially unblemished record. Let him fight cans, who cares. In some mindsets, it’s far better to be an unbeaten enigma than a 2 loss former champ. His team could be building him to be the next Rickson.

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]]> By: Sarah http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4179 Sarah Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:52:18 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4179 wow, cupitt - nice article that runs down a lot of interesting senerios. but i have to be of the camp that says that if fedor and couture are out in the world still fighting somewhere, the UFC heavyweight belt is not going to mean as much as it has in the past whatever happens. leland has an interesting point - causual MMA fans might not realize that they're missing out on fedor and the ufc is naturally going to spin everything in their own favor - but even the most casual fans have to know that couture is gone from the UFC but not retired. really, as long as we get to see fedor-couture in the near future, i'm happy. the ufc and championship belts don't even have to be involved. wow, cupitt – nice article that runs down a lot of interesting senerios.

but i have to be of the camp that says that if fedor and couture are out in the world still fighting somewhere, the UFC heavyweight belt is not going to mean as much as it has in the past whatever happens.

leland has an interesting point – causual MMA fans might not realize that they’re missing out on fedor and the ufc is naturally going to spin everything in their own favor – but even the most casual fans have to know that couture is gone from the UFC but not retired.

really, as long as we get to see fedor-couture in the near future, i’m happy. the ufc and championship belts don’t even have to be involved.

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]]> By: Evan http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4175 Evan Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:24:03 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4175 Dizzle "no MMA fight is a Gimme" As long as they are in the same weight class. Dizzle

“no MMA fight is a Gimme”

As long as they are in the same weight class.

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]]> By: dizzle http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4170 dizzle Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:27:04 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4170 "but Fedor’s last two fights were basically gimmes." Garth no MMA fight is a Gimme....You must never underestimate your oppenent in fighting. I think that the heavyweight division is stacked which is going to create alot of problems with being able to keep a heavy weight champion crowned for a while. We can only wait and see what UFC is goig to do about the issue. “but Fedor’s last two fights were basically gimmes.”

Garth no MMA fight is a Gimme….You must never underestimate your oppenent in fighting.

I think that the heavyweight division is stacked which is going to create alot of problems with being able to keep a heavy weight champion crowned for a while.

We can only wait and see what UFC is goig to do about the issue.

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]]> By: MMA SKOOL ™ http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4169 MMA SKOOL ™ Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:25:39 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4169 Still not convinced Vera can be called "explosive" yet. We'll see after this weekend. Right now I've lost interest in the UFC HW title picuture. All I want to see out of that weight class now is good matchups. There's plenty of depth in the HW division now, that the UFC could make a lot of good fights. Hope AA gets re-signed and put up against Cro Cop or Kongo, and let the grapplers fight each other... Gonzaga vs. Noguiera, etc. Title match or not, I would pay to see those fights. Still not convinced Vera can be called “explosive” yet. We’ll see after this weekend.

Right now I’ve lost interest in the UFC HW title picuture. All I want to see out of that weight class now is good matchups. There’s plenty of depth in the HW division now, that the UFC could make a lot of good fights.

Hope AA gets re-signed and put up against Cro Cop or Kongo, and let the grapplers fight each other… Gonzaga vs. Noguiera, etc.

Title match or not, I would pay to see those fights.

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]]> By: Andrej http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4168 Andrej Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:13:30 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4168 Fabricio Werdum where doe's he enter the list, How about Gabriel Gonzaga, showed lot's of heart in the fight vs Randy Couture. Brock Lesner is an intrigueing possibility. Mirco Cro Crop said he was fighting injured in his last two fight's. Frank Mir is on the comeback road with a win over Antoni Hardonk. Mark Hunt has also been a name that has bin brought up to add depth to a heavyweight Division. To keep it short Randy Couture leaveing dosen't hurt the Division as much as let's say Rich Franklin or Anderson Silva leaving the middleweight division. Fabricio Werdum where doe’s he enter the list, How about Gabriel Gonzaga, showed lot’s of heart in the fight vs Randy Couture. Brock Lesner is an intrigueing possibility. Mirco Cro Crop said he was fighting injured in his last two fight’s. Frank Mir is on the comeback road with a win over Antoni Hardonk. Mark Hunt has also been a name that has bin brought up to add depth to a heavyweight Division. To keep it short Randy Couture leaveing dosen’t hurt the Division as much as let’s say Rich Franklin or Anderson Silva leaving the middleweight division.

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]]> By: Davey D http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4167 Davey D Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:51:01 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4167 Imagine how crazy it would be if Fedor had Dana with him at his press conference on Monday saying the UFC has purchased M-1. Then they announce Randy and Fedor will meet in the Octagon come February. Wishfull thinking? Maybe so but that is what I'm hoping for. I really hope these two fight in the UFC. If not, and they fight elsewhere I'd still watch but it just would be a lot better if it was there. If Randy never comes back then I hope to see Nogueira become the Champ. Either him or Vera would fine with me. The picture should be a lot more clear very soon. Also, I'd like to see Arlovski fight again soon. Imagine how crazy it would be if Fedor had Dana with him at his press conference on Monday saying the UFC has purchased M-1. Then they announce Randy and Fedor will meet in the Octagon come February. Wishfull thinking? Maybe so but that is what I’m hoping for.

I really hope these two fight in the UFC. If not, and they fight elsewhere I’d still watch but it just would be a lot better if it was there.

If Randy never comes back then I hope to see Nogueira become the Champ. Either him or Vera would fine with me. The picture should be a lot more clear very soon. Also, I’d like to see Arlovski fight again soon.

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]]> By: Leland Roling http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4161 Leland Roling Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:29:46 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4161 To be perfectly honest, I don't think the UFC cares if Fedor is somewhere else and is ranked #1 in the world. Their PR department and marketing will spin everything to say that Nogueira is the #1 or Vera, or whoever. Casual fans will have no idea who Fedor is, nor will they care as the UFC infiltrates their minds with ranking the top heavyweight in the UFC as #1 in the world. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think the UFC cares if Fedor is somewhere else and is ranked #1 in the world. Their PR department and marketing will spin everything to say that Nogueira is the #1 or Vera, or whoever. Casual fans will have no idea who Fedor is, nor will they care as the UFC infiltrates their minds with ranking the top heavyweight in the UFC as #1 in the world.

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]]> By: Accomando http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4160 Accomando Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:27:53 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4160 "...Frenchman that can’t speak English..." I thought he spoke a decent amount of English, and will probably be GSP good in the language department pretty soon. “…Frenchman that can’t speak English…”

I thought he spoke a decent amount of English, and will probably be GSP good in the language department pretty soon.

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]]> By: Gabber http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4157 Gabber Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:10:33 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4157 Is there any truth to the Bloody Elbow interview on Mr. Sunshine that the way Fedor's currnet deal is structured is that he is "owned" by M-1? He gets his 1.1 mil a fight and then M-1 makes whatever then rent him out for on top of that? If so, that could be a fairly big hole card for the ufc to play. They can crown a champ through the course of 2008 and when (and if) he can run the divison, hire in Fedor for a final "Superfight" (oldschool wishful thinking I know. :P) to determine the #1 Big Man in the world? Anyone know if his brother in contracted through M-1? He's fighting in Hardcore Fighting Championship (for you Canucks) on October 19th, if that's the case is he on the same style of contract for a much smaller dollar figure? I guess with the loss of Fedor and the loss of Couture, Arlovski's value has gone up tenfold, not only as a previous champion but as a top 3 HW when he's really on his game and fighting on edge. Is there any truth to the Bloody Elbow interview on Mr. Sunshine that the way Fedor’s currnet deal is structured is that he is “owned” by M-1? He gets his 1.1 mil a fight and then M-1 makes whatever then rent him out for on top of that? If so, that could be a fairly big hole card for the ufc to play. They can crown a champ through the course of 2008 and when (and if) he can run the divison, hire in Fedor for a final “Superfight” (oldschool wishful thinking I know. :P ) to determine the #1 Big Man in the world?

Anyone know if his brother in contracted through M-1? He’s fighting in Hardcore Fighting Championship (for you Canucks) on October 19th, if that’s the case is he on the same style of contract for a much smaller dollar figure?

I guess with the loss of Fedor and the loss of Couture, Arlovski’s value has gone up tenfold, not only as a previous champion but as a top 3 HW when he’s really on his game and fighting on edge.

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]]> By: Sam Cupitt http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4155 Sam Cupitt Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:56:32 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4155 You could probably make a case for Gonzaga, if he gets a roll on soon. You could probably make a case for Gonzaga, if he gets a roll on soon.

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]]> By: FightOpinion.com - Your Global Connection to the Fight Industry. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4148 FightOpinion.com - Your Global Connection to the Fight Industry. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:18:43 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4148 [...] Daily News | The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press II | Dayton Daily News | DDN II | DDN III | Five Ounces of Pain | Steve Sievert | Kevin Iole | MMA Analyst | MMA on [...] [...] Daily News | The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press II | Dayton Daily News | DDN II | DDN III | Five Ounces of Pain | Steve Sievert | Kevin Iole | MMA Analyst | MMA on [...]

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]]> By: cru jones http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4145 cru jones Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:57:08 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4145 impressive list, all of which i would want to see fight, but where does gonzaga enter into this? true, he just lost to couture, but the fight was a lot closer than what it seemed. if it had not been for the crushed nose, there may have been a different outcome. just think how dangerous napao will be when he gets a little more experience--- i would like to see him fight anyone on the list above. his fight with cro cop was not a fluke! impressive list, all of which i would want to see fight, but where does gonzaga enter into this? true, he just lost to couture, but the fight was a lot closer than what it seemed. if it had not been for the crushed nose, there may have been a different outcome. just think how dangerous napao will be when he gets a little more experience— i would like to see him fight anyone on the list above.

his fight with cro cop was not a fluke!

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]]> By: FightOpinion.com - Your Global Connection to the Fight Industry. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4144 FightOpinion.com - Your Global Connection to the Fight Industry. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:48:22 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4144 [...] Daily News | The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press II | Dayton Daily News | DDN II | DDN III | Five Ounces of Pain | Steve Sievert | Kevin Iole | MMA [...] [...] Daily News | The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press II | Dayton Daily News | DDN II | DDN III | Five Ounces of Pain | Steve Sievert | Kevin Iole | MMA [...]

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]]> By: Benzos http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-4143 Benzos Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:30:48 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2007/10/19/the-ufcs-big-problem/#comment-4143 What about Gonzaga? I know he lost to Randy, but even with a smashed nose he managed to break an arm with a lightning fast kick! Watch out for him, I think he's still well in the picture. What about Gonzaga? I know he lost to Randy, but even with a smashed nose he managed to break an arm with a lightning fast kick! Watch out for him, I think he’s still well in the picture.

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