Comments on: Five Fighters who Will Lead the UFC Into the Next Decade http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/ Your Destination for Insider MMA News and Opinion Sat, 26 May 2012 20:16:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: mu_shin http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-69066 mu_shin Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:49:06 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-69066 Not only an entertaining well considered article, but among the most spirited debates I've seen here at 5ozs. If several of you hadn't said it so well, I'd have to chime in on microcephalic Stevie, but suffice it to say that there is room in "journalism" for hard news pieces, more editorially oriented pieces, and op-ed pieces. The point is well taken that an article such as the present piece obviously inspired a good bit of discussion, hence Levick's obvious success, I really enjoy the lighter weight classes, and would suggest that even though he is a former champion, at 27, with a title shot on the near horizon, Uriah Faber may well be another fighter who will contribute to the continued growth of MMA "into the next decade". I know, not technically UFC as stated in the title above, but WEC is Zuffa, and if Zuffa is smart, they will fold WEC into UFC and further popularize fighters like Miguel Torres, Mike Brown, and Faber. Not only an entertaining well considered article, but among the most spirited debates I’ve seen here at 5ozs. If several of you hadn’t said it so well, I’d have to chime in on microcephalic Stevie, but suffice it to say that there is room in “journalism” for hard news pieces, more editorially oriented pieces, and op-ed pieces. The point is well taken that an article such as the present piece obviously inspired a good bit of discussion, hence Levick’s obvious success,

I really enjoy the lighter weight classes, and would suggest that even though he is a former champion, at 27, with a title shot on the near horizon, Uriah Faber may well be another fighter who will contribute to the continued growth of MMA “into the next decade”. I know, not technically UFC as stated in the title above, but WEC is Zuffa, and if Zuffa is smart, they will fold WEC into UFC and
further popularize fighters like Miguel Torres, Mike Brown, and Faber.

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]]> By: TheLevi75 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-69046 TheLevi75 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:04:12 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-69046 I thought that anthony Rumble Johnson should have made the Wwt list. I thought that anthony Rumble Johnson should have made the Wwt list.

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]]> By: dpk http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-69012 dpk Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:53:53 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-69012 I'm surprised no body went outside of the box and mentioned a guy like Mo Lawal, or Phil Davis, some up and coming prospects. As far as HW's go, I'm higher on Cain then Dos Santos, mainly because I think he has the ability to take the fight to the mat if he needs to. Maia, Mousasi, and Dan Miller would be my choices to be ruling the MW division down the road. 5 years from now I wouldn't be surprised if GSP is still the champ, he is an incredible athlete, and always takes care of himself. Guys like Rumble, Hazelett, and Johnny Hendricks will get their shots but GSP will probably be too much. Maynard, Diego Sanchez, or Efrian are all guys who could be running the LW division. I’m surprised no body went outside of the box and mentioned a guy like Mo Lawal, or Phil Davis, some up and coming prospects. As far as HW’s go, I’m higher on Cain then Dos Santos, mainly because I think he has the ability to take the fight to the mat if he needs to. Maia, Mousasi, and Dan Miller would be my choices to be ruling the MW division down the road. 5 years from now I wouldn’t be surprised if GSP is still the champ, he is an incredible athlete, and always takes care of himself. Guys like Rumble, Hazelett, and Johnny Hendricks will get their shots but GSP will probably be too much. Maynard, Diego Sanchez, or Efrian are all guys who could be running the LW division.

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]]> By: wardog http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-69009 wardog Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:29:40 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-69009 Stevefiji you seem to have a thing for Bryan. Let’s leave it at this: you are the only moron who seems to take a personal attack on the man. Other people are critical of his article (which by the way he welcomed) and he has commented on all of those critiques except yours. Score one for Mr. Levick. Now let's critique your points: he is talking about guys coming to the forefront in the future. Now it would've been easy, like your approach to jump on Lesnar, Evans, Silva, and GSP and say "look these guys are going to be tops in their division for ever derrrrrr!" Bryan made points such as Silva may leave, Lesnar has 3 fights and already lost to Mir, Evans is facing Machida who is capable of beating any LHW, and GSP has few people left to face in the WW division. He did not say that ANY of the guys he mentioned would defeat ANY of the "front runners" your obviously super MMA brain mentioned. And yes I said front runners because someone like Evans has NO title defenses so you cannot call him dominant at this point, as you do (see I can pull apart your criticisms as well!). And you seem to like to use BIG words and critique Bryan's writing like "macro industry analyst" when in truth you misuse the word yourself. And where are your great articles, since you seem to be Mr. MMA writing analyst? There may be some issues worth discussing with the author, which again he welcomes in this piece, but why get personal in your attacks? And why read him if you hate his writing so much? Just some sour grapes because no one would give you a place to voice your opinions, which I could only imagine would include articles like "Rashad Evans is the Most Dominant Light Heavyweight" or "Brock Lesnar is the Most Dominant Heavyweight Because He Fights in the UFC and gets to touch Dana White!" or some other idiotic titled piece. And of course when someone would disagree, as some other have but not in a attacking manner, you would respond with how great you are and the all powerful, all seeing, all knowing ruler of MMA and that they should shut up! You know "good writing!" Stevefiji you seem to have a thing for Bryan. Let’s leave it at this: you are the only moron who seems to take a personal attack on the man. Other people are critical of his article (which by the way he welcomed) and he has commented on all of those critiques except yours. Score one for Mr. Levick.

Now let’s critique your points: he is talking about guys coming to the forefront in the future. Now it would’ve been easy, like your approach to jump on Lesnar, Evans, Silva, and GSP and say “look these guys are going to be tops in their division for ever derrrrrr!” Bryan made points such as Silva may leave, Lesnar has 3 fights and already lost to Mir, Evans is facing Machida who is capable of beating any LHW, and GSP has few people left to face in the WW division. He did not say that ANY of the guys he mentioned would defeat ANY of the “front runners” your obviously super MMA brain mentioned. And yes I said front runners because someone like Evans has NO title defenses so you cannot call him dominant at this point, as you do (see I can pull apart your criticisms as well!).

And you seem to like to use BIG words and critique Bryan’s writing like “macro industry analyst” when in truth you misuse the word yourself. And where are your great articles, since you seem to be Mr. MMA writing analyst? There may be some issues worth discussing with the author, which again he welcomes in this piece, but why get personal in your attacks? And why read him if you hate his writing so much? Just some sour grapes because no one would give you a place to voice your opinions, which I could only imagine would include articles like “Rashad Evans is the Most Dominant Light Heavyweight” or “Brock Lesnar is the Most Dominant Heavyweight Because He Fights in the UFC and gets to touch Dana White!” or some other idiotic titled piece. And of course when someone would disagree, as some other have but not in a attacking manner, you would respond with how great you are and the all powerful, all seeing, all knowing ruler of MMA and that they should shut up! You know “good writing!”

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]]> By: stevefiji http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-69000 stevefiji Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:31:54 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-69000 My last post on this topic Dudes, with all due respect... Was i nitpicking? Hell yeah. You guys may like the premise behind the article... even I feel it could have been interesting in the right context...but in execution, it was not even accurate as to his title. But please be aware, i have no grudge to hold against Levick other than his incompetence.... 5oP is a great site... he is just a poor writer...read his other stuff posted in this site as proof... Don't just gloss over them for entertainment sake, read them for his analytical skills, his assertions and for his proof. As 5oP grows in popularity, just like MMA itself there will be growing pains... some fighters make the cut, some don't. The same standard of excellence should be held to writers. What I find most problematic is Levick's choice of topics... he tackles HUGE subjects... they are those of an expert, seasoned columnist crying for some real depth and his writing is that of an amateur. He begs for participation, pre-qualifies his own lack of depth and sensationalizes his assertions. Am i harsh? Absoultely... Over the top? Maybe...but people who are as passionate about MMA as many on this site, should equally care about what they read here. 5oP is now, most definitely an industry trendsetter and a widely read and influential medium and Levick's topics are simply way too expansive for his skill set.... He is akin to a regional roadshow fighting talent, taking on dudes in the Octagon with contender status... and he's getting exposed horribly. Examine his work closely guys... he might be a nice guy, a great family man and even know a thing or two about applying an omaplata.... but he is NOT a macro industry analyst and he's in way over his head. Read his stuff close...listen to what he is trying to assert, if you are honest, most of you will draw the same conclusions. I love this site... that's why i don't like his work. Nothing more, nothing less. My last post on this topic

Dudes, with all due respect… Was i nitpicking? Hell yeah. You guys may like the premise behind the article… even I feel it could have been interesting in the right context…but in execution, it was not even accurate as to his title.

But please be aware, i have no grudge to hold against Levick other than his incompetence…. 5oP is a great site… he is just a poor writer…read his other stuff posted in this site as proof… Don’t just gloss over them for entertainment sake, read them for his analytical skills, his assertions and for his proof.

As 5oP grows in popularity, just like MMA itself there will be growing pains… some fighters make the cut, some don’t. The same standard of excellence should be held to writers. What I find most problematic is Levick’s choice of topics… he tackles HUGE subjects… they are those of an expert, seasoned columnist crying for some real depth and his writing is that of an amateur. He begs for participation, pre-qualifies his own lack of depth and sensationalizes his assertions.

Am i harsh? Absoultely… Over the top? Maybe…but people who are as passionate about MMA as many on this site, should equally care about what they read here. 5oP is now, most definitely an industry trendsetter and a widely read and influential medium and Levick’s topics are simply way too expansive for his skill set…. He is akin to a regional roadshow fighting talent, taking on dudes in the Octagon with contender status… and he’s getting exposed horribly.

Examine his work closely guys… he might be a nice guy, a great family man and even know a thing or two about applying an omaplata…. but he is NOT a macro industry analyst and he’s in way over his head.

Read his stuff close…listen to what he is trying to assert, if you are honest, most of you will draw the same conclusions. I love this site… that’s why i don’t like his work. Nothing more, nothing less.

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]]> By: RU486 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68997 RU486 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:34:22 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68997 Stevefiji: I enjoy all the speculative articles that center around "What if?". For one, it's just that, purely speculative. "YOUR" opinions (which obviously suck to me and apparently a majority of people on this thread) are "YOUR" opinions and speculation. "MY" opinions (which according to this thread are far superior to "YOURS") are just that - "MY" opinions and speculation. The fact that Levick invited us readers to participate in "HIS" speculation is exciting to us that actually enjoy friendly discussions about speculative subjects. If you and your elitist views do not wish to speculate, then shut the fuck up and refrain from posting. For the record - a decade is ten years, and the connotation of the phrase "lead INTO the next decade" is merely subjective. How far does INTO go during the span of the given decade. You're a douchebag. By the way, it seems that Penn, GSP, Silva, Evans, and Mir were all mentioned in the first stanza as being the dominant fighters of today, and therefore passing the torch to the guys on the list that followed in the next decade. Before using your analytical (or lack thereof) skills to attack someone who is diligently trying to enlighten and entertain us with their views, you should first ponder just how innately stupid and juvenile you come across to people that value the freedoms of journalism, respect the concept of opinion, and are ultimately more intelligent than you are and/or believe you are. Without further adieu, I enjoyed the article and regret that it has been tarnished by an absolute idiot. Stevefiji:

I enjoy all the speculative articles that center around “What if?”. For one, it’s just that, purely speculative. “YOUR” opinions (which obviously suck to me and apparently a majority of people on this thread) are “YOUR” opinions and speculation. “MY” opinions (which according to this thread are far superior to “YOURS”) are just that – “MY” opinions and speculation. The fact that Levick invited us readers to participate in “HIS” speculation is exciting to us that actually enjoy friendly discussions about speculative subjects. If you and your elitist views do not wish to speculate, then shut the fuck up and refrain from posting.

For the record – a decade is ten years, and the connotation of the phrase “lead INTO the next decade” is merely subjective. How far does INTO go during the span of the given decade. You’re a douchebag. By the way, it seems that Penn, GSP, Silva, Evans, and Mir were all mentioned in the first stanza as being the dominant fighters of today, and therefore passing the torch to the guys on the list that followed in the next decade.

Before using your analytical (or lack thereof) skills to attack someone who is diligently trying to enlighten and entertain us with their views, you should first ponder just how innately stupid and juvenile you come across to people that value the freedoms of journalism, respect the concept of opinion, and are ultimately more intelligent than you are and/or believe you are.

Without further adieu, I enjoyed the article and regret that it has been tarnished by an absolute idiot.

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]]> By: JJ Docker http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68993 JJ Docker Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:43:58 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68993 stevefiji you surely can't expect to take every word of a headline or a line of an article in it's purest sense. If you do that with every article you read and then judge them along the same guidelines then I imagine you would find almost every article "amateurish and sensationalized". It's pretty clear to anyone with a straight head on them (or anyone that knows that unability isn't a word) that he was going to outline 5 rising fighters in the UFC in each weight class; outlining their potential. He doesn't mean they will literally "lead" the UFC into Las Vegas once a month. The 5 fighters walking ("leading") down the road with the UFC trucks and entourage following them behind. Is that what you thought? No wonder you are confused. As that scene would be ludicrous, and illegal, surely. And 5oz have done a nice job of assembling a team of writers from different backgrounds to suit the tastes of different readers. No one forces you to read their articles. Why don't you start writing an MMA column for some shitty site and then apply to do that for 5oz, and you write the articles instead of Levick? Oh, because you couldn't. If you know you don't like his style or his articles don't read them, there's no need at all to get so personal. stevefiji you surely can’t expect to take every word of a headline or a line of an article in it’s purest sense. If you do that with every article you read and then judge them along the same guidelines then I imagine you would find almost every article “amateurish and sensationalized”. It’s pretty clear to anyone with a straight head on them (or anyone that knows that unability isn’t a word) that he was going to outline 5 rising fighters in the UFC in each weight class; outlining their potential. He doesn’t mean they will literally “lead” the UFC into Las Vegas once a month. The 5 fighters walking (“leading”) down the road with the UFC trucks and entourage following them behind. Is that what you thought? No wonder you are confused. As that scene would be ludicrous, and illegal, surely. And 5oz have done a nice job of assembling a team of writers from different backgrounds to suit the tastes of different readers. No one forces you to read their articles. Why don’t you start writing an MMA column for some shitty site and then apply to do that for 5oz, and you write the articles instead of Levick? Oh, because you couldn’t. If you know you don’t like his style or his articles don’t read them, there’s no need at all to get so personal.

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]]> By: Stan http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68991 Stan Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:52:24 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68991 Can anyone recommend any good stress-relieving games for the blackberry? hah. There is no use of the word "leader" in the article or in the comments other than the comments from ComradeFigi. The question of someone who leads is a bit less confusing. One rather obvious difference between someone being "ZOMG HE'S THE BEST!" vs someone helping usher in the next wave of the sport is that the entertainment factor of the fighter is clearly front and center. Chuck Liddell really wasn't the best fighter when he lead the UFC into its current glory days, but he was extremely good and always entertaining. Along those lines, that entertainment is essential to a fighter being able to usher in the next generation of MMA, I'm still down on Maynard from the Clementi fight. If he turns in a few more active fights, then I think he could become a star rather than just a very good fighter. If he's content to ride to a lot of Ultimate Fight Night decision victories, he'll have plenty of opportunities. But if he wants to step it up and be a PPV draw, it's going to have to be something more. Lightweight is a rough weight class and aside from Sanchez, there really aren't any young guns that make me mark my ppv calendar for a fight I HAVE to see. Roger Huerta had a shot, but Florian took the shine off him even if he were sticking around. And I think this is a fine idea for an article. There's a lot of attention given to the prospects and contenders out there. The ground in between has a lot of great, hungry fighters that deserve more attention. Can anyone recommend any good stress-relieving games for the blackberry? hah.

There is no use of the word “leader” in the article or in the comments other than the comments from ComradeFigi. The question of someone who leads is a bit less confusing. One rather obvious difference between someone being “ZOMG HE’S THE BEST!” vs someone helping usher in the next wave of the sport is that the entertainment factor of the fighter is clearly front and center. Chuck Liddell really wasn’t the best fighter when he lead the UFC into its current glory days, but he was extremely good and always entertaining.

Along those lines, that entertainment is essential to a fighter being able to usher in the next generation of MMA, I’m still down on Maynard from the Clementi fight. If he turns in a few more active fights, then I think he could become a star rather than just a very good fighter. If he’s content to ride to a lot of Ultimate Fight Night decision victories, he’ll have plenty of opportunities. But if he wants to step it up and be a PPV draw, it’s going to have to be something more. Lightweight is a rough weight class and aside from Sanchez, there really aren’t any young guns that make me mark my ppv calendar for a fight I HAVE to see. Roger Huerta had a shot, but Florian took the shine off him even if he were sticking around.

And I think this is a fine idea for an article. There’s a lot of attention given to the prospects and contenders out there. The ground in between has a lot of great, hungry fighters that deserve more attention.

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]]> By: mmac http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68988 mmac Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:20 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68988 Stevefiji... Wow - lighten up, dude... Maynard has gotten a little easier to watch during his last couple of fights, but he's still a lay 'n pray guy to me. Hopefully he'll develop into a more exciting fighter. Maia should be on the list. Definitely an up and comer. Love to see if he has any standup. I'd like to see Jones against someone that knows something about Greco Roman wrestling - I think he himself stated after the Bonnar fight that Bonnar committed all sorts of Greco Roman rookie mistakes. He might not be so showy against an experienced GR wrestler. Stevefiji… Wow – lighten up, dude…

Maynard has gotten a little easier to watch during his last couple of fights, but he’s still a lay ‘n pray guy to me. Hopefully he’ll develop into a more exciting fighter.

Maia should be on the list. Definitely an up and comer. Love to see if he has any standup.

I’d like to see Jones against someone that knows something about Greco Roman wrestling – I think he himself stated after the Bonnar fight that Bonnar committed all sorts of Greco Roman rookie mistakes. He might not be so showy against an experienced GR wrestler.

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]]> By: stevefiji http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68985 stevefiji Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:03:30 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68985 Gameface, I wrote my reply with a blackberry on a bumpy road in Fiji...sorry if i had a typo or two, Bro. Secondly, all of what i said holds true 100%... Levick specifically says LEADER...look up the word dude... "a person who rules" or "one who is in charge or commands" and seriously, which of these dudes will rule "INTO" the next decade?... NOT 5 years down the road ...but 'into', or in other words, entering the next decade... this is the English language that he is using... Nitpicking? ...maybe? Incompetence? ...Definitely!!! Levick also disregards Machida/Evans, GSP, and Lesnar/Mir as is they are not relevant to leading in the next 3 -5 years.... Levick then goes further to comment that GSP may move up in weight so I guess that somehow seems to disqualify him from this list... but i guess he will suck in the higher weight because then Levick must feel that GSP will seem to no longer hold sway anymore, eh? And if he sucks, well then, why would he move up at all when he officially dominates the WW division? These should never be the mistakes of a credible journalist. They are amateurish and sensationalized just like with all of other Levick posts... and his self-serving ass kissing of every friendly poster might make those few feel good, but it does nothing to dismiss his lack of talent. Levick's list is nothing but quick drivel on a few younger, up and coming talents... let's leave it at that and stop with the bogus sensationalism... and please stop begging in all your posts for 'replies' and 'your views' and above all, stop kissing ass to all your posters or ..... just like the WAMMA parasites... I'll be here to call out the hypocrisy and point out your gross incompetence when i see it. If Levick wants to continue to write posts like this, I'll thoroughly enjoy every beatdown. People may wonder why so harsh? Lighten up on the poor guy? Well, it's because this is a damn good website and Levick is the friggin Steve Mazzagatti of the 5oP editorial team... enough said.. Gameface,

I wrote my reply with a blackberry on a bumpy road in Fiji…sorry if i had a typo or two, Bro.

Secondly, all of what i said holds true 100%… Levick specifically says LEADER…look up the word dude… “a person who rules” or “one who is in charge or commands” and seriously, which of these dudes will rule “INTO” the next decade?… NOT 5 years down the road …but ‘into’, or in other words, entering the next decade… this is the English language that he is using… Nitpicking? …maybe? Incompetence? …Definitely!!!

Levick also disregards Machida/Evans, GSP, and Lesnar/Mir as is they are not relevant to leading in the next 3 -5 years….

Levick then goes further to comment that GSP may move up in weight so I guess that somehow seems to disqualify him from this list… but i guess he will suck in the higher weight because then Levick must feel that GSP will seem to no longer hold sway anymore, eh? And if he sucks, well then, why would he move up at all when he officially dominates the WW division?

These should never be the mistakes of a credible journalist. They are amateurish and sensationalized just like with all of other Levick posts… and his self-serving ass kissing of every friendly poster might make those few feel good, but it does nothing to dismiss his lack of talent.

Levick’s list is nothing but quick drivel on a few younger, up and coming talents… let’s leave it at that and stop with the bogus sensationalism… and please stop begging in all your posts for ‘replies’ and ‘your views’ and above all, stop kissing ass to all your posters or ….. just like the WAMMA parasites… I’ll be here to call out the hypocrisy and point out your gross incompetence when i see it. If Levick wants to continue to write posts like this, I’ll thoroughly enjoy every beatdown.

People may wonder why so harsh? Lighten up on the poor guy? Well, it’s because this is a damn good website and Levick is the friggin Steve Mazzagatti of the 5oP editorial team… enough said..

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]]> By: Bryan Levick http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68982 Bryan Levick Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:39:55 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68982 This is what I am talking about. There is no better sport to debate about than MMA. All of you with the exception of person who I won't bother to mention have come up with good choices. Dugas- Florian has become a personal favorite of mine. I am not ashamed to admit that I thought his career would go nowhere when I saw him of TUF but he has improved as much as any fighter during that time frame. The only reason I didn't put him on is because he is already 33. I am looking ahead 3-5 years and while he will probably still be active and even competitive he will also be anywhere from 36-38. Game Face- Thank you for what you said. I know it's impossible to make everyone happy but it's obvious this guy has nothing better to do because this is the 2nd time he has personally attacked me but it is readers like yourself that make this all worthwhile. Hellblade- Great list and I am curious to see if the uFC does add a cruiserweight division. Wanderlei Silva said he has asked Dana about it. 20lbs is a big difference for some fighters. Silva is a small 205 but may be too big to cut to 185 so meeting in the middle would do wonders for him but I am not sure of the UFC is willing to add another weight class right now. I really like Rumble Johnson but I really love how Hazelett has transitioned his BJJ to MMA, not many fighters have done it as well. Logic- You hit the nail right on the head with Jones. While Bonnar may not be a title contender he is a legitimate fighter who is tough as nails and has a solid all around game. He has battled injuries and the steroid suspension over the past few years but that in no way shape or form takes away from the impressive victory that Jones holds over him. JJ- GSP will dominate as long as he wants to but will he do it as a welterweight? At 28 he is just entering his prime which is crazy because he will only continue to get better but as a big WW the cut will become more difficult as he gets older and if he continues on the path of destruction that he is on why would he bother to stay in that division? Thanks to all of you for your great points and opinions. It is what makes this sport so great. This is what I am talking about. There is no better sport to debate about than MMA. All of you with the exception of person who I won’t bother to mention have come up with good choices.

Dugas- Florian has become a personal favorite of mine. I am not ashamed to admit that I thought his career would go nowhere when I saw him of TUF but he has improved as much as any fighter during that time frame. The only reason I didn’t put him on is because he is already 33. I am looking ahead 3-5 years and while he will probably still be active and even competitive he will also be anywhere from 36-38.

Game Face- Thank you for what you said. I know it’s impossible to make everyone happy but it’s obvious this guy has nothing better to do because this is the 2nd time he has personally attacked me but it is readers like yourself that make this all worthwhile.

Hellblade- Great list and I am curious to see if the uFC does add a cruiserweight division. Wanderlei Silva said he has asked Dana about it. 20lbs is a big difference for some fighters. Silva is a small 205 but may be too big to cut to 185 so meeting in the middle would do wonders for him but I am not sure of the UFC is willing to add another weight class right now. I really like Rumble Johnson but I really love how Hazelett has transitioned his BJJ to MMA, not many fighters have done it as well.

Logic- You hit the nail right on the head with Jones. While Bonnar may not be a title contender he is a legitimate fighter who is tough as nails and has a solid all around game. He has battled injuries and the steroid suspension over the past few years but that in no way shape or form takes away from the impressive victory that Jones holds over him.

JJ- GSP will dominate as long as he wants to but will he do it as a welterweight? At 28 he is just entering his prime which is crazy because he will only continue to get better but as a big WW the cut will become more difficult as he gets older and if he continues on the path of destruction that he is on why would he bother to stay in that division?

Thanks to all of you for your great points and opinions. It is what makes this sport so great.

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]]> By: JJ Docker http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68980 JJ Docker Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:06:52 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68980 I'm surprised you have Hazelett at WW, I would have definitely opted for Anthony Johnson. If anyone is going to dethrone GSP in anything over than a fluke upset (i.e. Serra) over the next 3 or 4 years, it's him. Personally, though, I still can't see it. GSP is too far ahead of everyone else at this point. And I really don't understand how anyone could put Dos Santos at HW above Velasquez, Carwin or even Lashley (!). He beat Werdum when Wedrum was being an idiot and not training properly. And don't even mention Struve as anything close to credible. Theres more hype for Dos Santos around the camp he fights out of rather than the man himself. I’m surprised you have Hazelett at WW, I would have definitely opted for Anthony Johnson. If anyone is going to dethrone GSP in anything over than a fluke upset (i.e. Serra) over the next 3 or 4 years, it’s him. Personally, though, I still can’t see it. GSP is too far ahead of everyone else at this point.
And I really don’t understand how anyone could put Dos Santos at HW above Velasquez, Carwin or even Lashley (!). He beat Werdum when Wedrum was being an idiot and not training properly. And don’t even mention Struve as anything close to credible. Theres more hype for Dos Santos around the camp he fights out of rather than the man himself.

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]]> By: MMA-LOGIC http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68971 MMA-LOGIC Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:17:26 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68971 sorry Maia looks impressive too. sorry Maia looks impressive too.

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]]> By: MMA-LOGIC http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68970 MMA-LOGIC Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:15:49 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68970 The only guy I'm excited about on your list is Jones. That guy is unreal and his victory over a veteran Bonnar was the most impressive victory of a newcomer I can recall. I'll explain why, he won a dominant decision victory over a very good veteran fighter who has fought the likes of Machida and Griffin etc. It was no lucky punch or kick and although he tired he won in a dominant fashion. He will train hard and wont gas so easily next time. So I hope this guy delivers on his promise cuz I've never seen anything like him and his explosive throws. The only guy I’m excited about on your list is Jones. That guy is unreal and his victory over a veteran Bonnar was the most impressive victory of a newcomer I can recall. I’ll explain why, he won a dominant decision victory over a very good veteran fighter who has fought the likes of Machida and Griffin etc. It was no lucky punch or kick and although he tired he won in a dominant fashion. He will train hard and wont gas so easily next time. So I hope this guy delivers on his promise cuz I’ve never seen anything like him and his explosive throws.

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]]> By: hellblade http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68969 hellblade Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:38:23 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68969 I'm an MMA prophet, and 5 years from now the UFC champions will be these guys. LW- Gray Maynard WW- Anthony Rumble Johnson MW- Demian Maia LHW- Lyoto Machida CW- Jon Jones HW- Junior Dos Santos I’m an MMA prophet, and 5 years from now the UFC champions will be these guys.

LW- Gray Maynard
WW- Anthony Rumble Johnson
MW- Demian Maia
LHW- Lyoto Machida
CW- Jon Jones
HW- Junior Dos Santos

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]]> By: Gameface http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68967 Gameface Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:50:53 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68967 Oh, this will be fun. Stevie First: Your insults have no purpose because Levick invited people to add names of fighters they thought belonged on the list. Second: The fact that you use no punctuation and make up the word "unability" makes you look twice as stupid being that you were insulting him for his INABILITY to write. There is nothing worse than a retard that doesn't know he's retarded. Oh, this will be fun.

Stevie
First: Your insults have no purpose because Levick invited people to add names of fighters they thought belonged on the list.

Second: The fact that you use no punctuation and make up the word “unability” makes you look twice as stupid being that you were insulting him for his INABILITY to write.

There is nothing worse than a retard that doesn’t know he’s retarded.

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]]> By: stevefiji http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68960 stevefiji Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:03:09 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68960 Inane post by Levick. Its 2009 and for anybody to NOT think that GSP or Machida or even Evans or Lesnar are the leaders for years to come are outright retarded. Sure its trendy to name Valesequez or others but the title of the piece AND its main premise is about the 'leaders' not number 2 or 4 but #1 and so Levick writes yet another sensationalized post with stunning unability to understand language or to back up his pathetic assertions.find another discipline please you truly cannot write Inane post by Levick. Its 2009 and for anybody to NOT think that GSP or Machida or even Evans or Lesnar are the leaders for years to come are outright retarded. Sure its trendy to name Valesequez or others but the title of the piece AND its main premise is about the ‘leaders’ not number 2 or 4 but #1 and so Levick writes yet another sensationalized post with stunning unability to understand language or to back up his pathetic assertions.find another discipline please you truly cannot write

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]]> By: DUGAS http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68950 DUGAS Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:44:51 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68950 Great list, agree with damn near everything, just a few questions...how old is Florian? or is he excluded for already having fought for championship? Great list, agree with damn near everything, just a few questions…how old is Florian? or is he excluded for already having fought for championship?

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]]> By: Angry Mike http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68947 Angry Mike Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:25:49 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68947 No disrespect to Jon Jones, but Rashad Evans continues to improve, and Lyoto Machida is still undefeated. Jones is way behind those guys, and both of them have years left in their careers. No disrespect to Jon Jones, but Rashad Evans continues to improve, and Lyoto Machida is still undefeated. Jones is way behind those guys, and both of them have years left in their careers.

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]]> By: Stan http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/03/30/five-fighters-who-will-lead-the-ufc-into-the-next-decade/comment-page-1/#comment-68946 Stan Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:47:34 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=13359#comment-68946 I am a huge Velasquez fan, but at least compared to the physical freaks of Lesner and Carwin, I don't think he has huge power. Lesner's opening punch against Heath Herring might be the hardest I've ever seen a man get hit... including Fedor's midair hook vs Arlovski's flying knee. And Carwin had a 1-punch knockout of Gonzaga, which is no easy task given the dude's chin is more or less that of a neanderthal. But compared to those guys, Velasquez's standup is far, far more fluid. His combinations vs Stonjic were really impressive, mixing in knees and kicks like he was born to do it. That's really rare for a wrestler of his caliber. Lesner and Carwin get by on straight, freakishly strong punches... It works for them, but from a technical striking standpoint, Velasquez seems to be on another level. He's not content being a wrestler that can get someone down and pound them out... and I think that's his biggest asset at this point. I am a huge Velasquez fan, but at least compared to the physical freaks of Lesner and Carwin, I don’t think he has huge power. Lesner’s opening punch against Heath Herring might be the hardest I’ve ever seen a man get hit… including Fedor’s midair hook vs Arlovski’s flying knee. And Carwin had a 1-punch knockout of Gonzaga, which is no easy task given the dude’s chin is more or less that of a neanderthal.

But compared to those guys, Velasquez’s standup is far, far more fluid. His combinations vs Stonjic were really impressive, mixing in knees and kicks like he was born to do it. That’s really rare for a wrestler of his caliber. Lesner and Carwin get by on straight, freakishly strong punches… It works for them, but from a technical striking standpoint, Velasquez seems to be on another level. He’s not content being a wrestler that can get someone down and pound them out… and I think that’s his biggest asset at this point.

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