The DREAM is Over
April 24, 2008 22:51:13 A few weeks back I opined that World Victory Road and their SENGOKU promotion would probably surpass DREAM as the premier MMA organization in Japan.
Well that day has gotten much much closer. DREAM has lost their network TV deal. Is this it for big-time MMA in Japan? According to Zack Arnold a lot was riding on DREAMs success: Theres no question that the DREAM project is a big story to pay attention to. There are a lot of positive and negatives that will come with the rise and/or fall of this league. For all intents and purposes, this is Japans last great hope for trying to restore glory and return to the salad days of the MMA boom that was thriving a few years ago in the country. With the death of PRIDE and K-1 struggling to grab a share of the Japanese MMA market, DSE staffers and K-1 aligned together under the auspices of the Ishii-Kawamata connection. The idea on paper is simple - take K-1s brand power on Japanese television and combine it with DSE-style live-show promoting capabilities. Combine this with DSE-style repetitive GP tournaments and K-1s PR machine and hope that you can create a modified version of PRIDE, with K-1 essentially running the purse strings. A cast of national sports heroes, legitimate businessmen and former state officials like former Tokyo Police Chief, Yukihiko Inoue, lend the new MMA entity both credibility and financing in their official capacities. World Victory Road presents a friendly face to the public, making sure to keep any controversial individuals involved out of the public spotlight. Much of this new organizations success will be determined by how well they are able to continue to do so over the long term. |
Sound And Fury Alert: Montreal Edition
April 24, 2008 20:45:37"The goal of UFC or Mixed Martial Arts fighting and boxing is to strike and overpower another human being. Olympic wrestling does not harm the human body while one single punch to it causes immediate harm. The only logical explanation must be that the vast majority of fighters and organizers must have been mentally and/or physically abused growing up because the main way they express their self-worth is to hurt others so as to feel better about themselves. Wrapping fighting and boxing in themes of sportsmanlike honour and regulation is misleading. Fighting and bullying should be repulsive to any civilized person. If society condones these activities, it directly leads young people accepting fighting and aggressiveness as OK and the cool, tough way to deal with conflict. It takes a stronger man to control his violent urges than to give in to them. We should be raising boys and girls to be repulsed by violence. The only place for fighting is in personal and societal self-defense. We are reverting to ancient gladiatorial spectacles and martial values. I am saddened about this and will do everything in my power to stand up for non-violence and human civilization." -- Mike Trepanier, citizen of Montreal, and apparent victim of bullying his entire adolescence, and is now crying in public because real men are still having fun without him. - [Read more] |
Kalib Starnes, Ironist
April 24, 2008 20:40:46 Kalib speaks to MMA Weekly. Theres a lot of blah blah -- about 15 paragraphs worth in fact, including some overdue apologies to the fans and his team, a lengthy discussion of his extensive injuries, the many inequities of the UFC contract, the savagery of Nate Quarry -- but heres the part that caught my eye:
This sport is as much about losing as it is about winning. There is a winner and a loser in every fight. I tried to win but on that night I couldnt do it and I lost. Instead of allowing me to lose with dignity I was booed and called names and ridiculed beyond anything which seems reasonable to me. I tried to box with him and I couldnt find my range, I tried to kickbox with him and I broke my foot, I tried to take him down and grapple with him but I was unable to, I tried to work in the clinch but that didnt work either, in short, I failed. No excuses." Many have criticized Kalibs fighting spirit, something I wouldnt presume to do, but I must say the guy has very little self-awareness. - [Read more] |
Iron Ring May Suck, But So Do You
April 24, 2008 20:13:31Im not getting as much irate response to my "I like Iron Ring" post yesterday as I was hoping for, but one "writer" did take the bait. His beef basically came down to my use of the term "fanboy whining." Look, watch the show if you want, its your prerogative. But dont call me names because I feel it insults my sport and my intelligence." As a whining fanboy myself, I dont really take umbrage at the term but I guess some others are more sensitive. Sorry dude, but had I known you existed I would have said, "Joshs post repeats the same old whining fanboy complaint that everyone but that one guy who writes for 5oz but isnt Sam or Adam is repeating. That Michael dude is stone standing up for the honor of MMA with a thoughtful, well articulated position that certainly doesnt smack of racism." Hows that? Again, I understand why many dont care for Iron Ring but I dont think the objections amount to much more than "I dont like these people and I dont like what theyre doing to MY sport." Shit, its not even like theyre putting on Rio Heroes here -- a piece of shit that many fanboy bloggers had no problem taking advertising money from. The BET matches take place in rings, with gloves, refs and ringside doctors. Thats a far cry from Felony Fights. The fact is, Iron Ring reminds me of the early UFCs -- except with better athletes, higher production values, and more concern for fighter safety. And thats a proven way to introduce MMA to a brand new audience, which is what BET is doing. Another thing from Iron Ring that reminds me of the old UFC days is this highly amusing debate on the BET forums involving a couple of the traditional martial arts guys who were involved with the show. One of them even dredges up the old "UFC wont let REAL kung fu masters be on the show because they fear our deadly chi powers" argument: So that you know, Im the manager of Novell Bell, Dipsets couch.. The main reason we even got involved in this was because the mma guys think that they are the end all be all of combat. We beg to differ. First of all you didnt see any Kung Fu on the Iron Ring because that footage wasnt put in. Prior to 1930, all MA contest In China had no rules. After that point it was no eyes, no groin, or spine. Full technique was employed. My question to you is do you think that BJJ could handle the full technique of any style from a properly trained practitioner without all the limitations? I feel it would change things considerably, for example: An Eagle claw stylist of Kung Fu speciality is locks with a training goal of the grip alone being able to pulverize bone.A snake stylist who uses his fingers to strike with the power to penetrate an inch from the surface of the body. There are a lot of skills out here that still exist, but understandably these abilities are not allowed into the sports arena. The whole MMA mentality has really gotten a little out of hand. Its a sport, not true Martial arts. Martial means war. The individuals I pick for team dipset all had Mixed Martial art back ground: LW - Josh Key; MW - Daniel Akinyemi; HW - Carlos Moreno; HW Jared Palmer MW Jose Rodriguez; MW Mike Mullero; LW Ameer Richard; LW Mike Easton None of these brothers to my knowledge practice any system of Chinese martial arts. They are MMA fighters and did well in the tryouts is why I picked them to fight for team dipset. When I pick fighters , my pick is base on a fighters power, speed, technique, and adaptability to changing situations. I talk about all this in my profile interview, but for some reason BET did not air my true viewpoints about martial arts. The bottom line no matter what style of martial arts a individual practice , be it karate, judo, mix martial arts , kung fu, in order to be a good fighter in combat, a individual will need to have many kinds of skills. A brother will need to have the right mindset when facing an opponent , they technique must be alive, fast and powerful, and a brother would need to know how and when to capitalize on opportunities and apply thier techniques in an ingenious way feel me. So truth of the matter is I looked for fighters for team dipset that techniques were skillful , but they also could adapt their strategy wisely in combat, standing or ground fighting. But as one of my good friends told me about reality shows; they "create" characters in the editing room. They could try to make the brother with the sword talk either look like the bomb, or like all he spits is theory- its all up to the "editing gods . When it came down to me, they edit me into looking like a street fighter with no understanding of martial arts at all. O well All I can say is I learned from this experience so if next time I ever do a martial art reality show like this again Ill be more on point. MMAPayout.com has learned that the UFC is talking to FOXs entertainment division as opposed to its sports division. This was the companys same tack in negotiations with CBS and NBC. In theory, the promotion would enjoy greater editorial control as an entertainment property, which was reportedly a sticking point in its negotiations with HBO and CBS. Dana is a realist and he recognizes that the sports success so far has come from marketing it outside the traditional sports marketing channels. Hes explicitly followed the WWE path and it has worked brilliantly so far. I dont expect the Iron Ring guys to be a big competitor to the UFC anytime soon, but I do admire their savvy in finding an alternate marketing path -- one thats virgin territory for MMA. And thats the thing about virgin territory, penetrating it always involves a little pain and confusion. But the guys behind Iron Ring were with the UFC in its very early days and have not lost site of something thats absolutely essential to MMAs success -- its fighting. Were selling and buying violence kiddies, you can put the candy coating on it all you want, but it is what it is. Iron Ring takes the necessary precautions for fighter safety and thats really all thats required. The rest is just what kind of candy coating you want it wrapped in, and their brand doesnt suck the same way the IFL and other fiascos have. - [Read more] |
Latest on UFC 85
April 23, 2008 03:28:50MMA Mania reports that in addition to Leben/Bisping, the card may be on Spike TV a la UFC 75: A 185-pound showdown between Michael Bisping and Chris Leben -- a match up we teased earlier this afternoon -- is expected to headline the show. In addition, James Irvin has agreed to step up and replace Liddell to take on Evans. In addition, and this is the shakiest bit of information we are passing along, the show will possibly air on SpikeTV for FREE similar to UFC 75: "Champion vs. Champion." Well, heres the thing. They are much, much more worried about alienating the thousands of fans who have bought tickets than alienating some fans with a letdown of a show here (see UFC 78). With all the money they have pumped into the expansion, they dont want to ruin the good will they have built up by providing a middling card to people who paid good money to see Chuck Liddell. Throughout the day Ive heard they are making efforts on a variety of fronts to add names that matter to this card. However in multiple cases the guys they have approached have been unable to fight. They are still trying though, and I wouldnt be surprised if they add another. - [Read more] |
Liddell Wont Be Out Too Long
April 23, 2008 01:43:29Dave Meltzer has a story up on Chucks injury: "I hyperextended it," Liddell said. "I probably didnt warm up enough, or it was a freak injury. "I think I can fight by August," said Liddell, who will need four to six weeks to rehab before he can begin hard training... Liddell said he was lucky that the partial tear was in the belly of the muscle and not the insertion, so it should heal faster. After the injury, he continued to train his upper body and was swimming without much stress on his legs, while doctors advised him against fighting. I think theyll be able to maintain their plan if Chuck wins, which is to have him fight for the title in December. I guess the question now is whether he will fight Rashad Evans or Shogun, who is rumored to be returning around that time. - [Read more] |
Emerson Out, Clementi In for UFC 84
April 23, 2008 00:19:50Its been a day of fighters taking fights that are very quick turnarounds, but Rich Clementi is putting James Irvins proposed 2 month turnaround to shame: The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced on Tuesday that Rob Emerson has had to withdraw from his bout with Terry Etim scheduled for UFC 84 in Las Vegas. Clementi steps in to take his place. Clementi battled Stout for the duration of their three-round fight, emerging on the winning end with the judges awarding a split decision in his favor. The win was Clementis fifth straight and his eighth bout in the past year and a half. Etim will be fighting for the first time in his professional career outside of England. He has managed a 10-1 record on his home turf, his only loss coming by way of decision to Gleison Tibau when the UFC was last at the O2 Arena in London this past September. Its a ballsy move for Rich but knowing how much Dana White and the UFC brass like guys who are willing to take a risk its a move with a lot of upside. It should be an interesting battle of two guys with 23 submission wins between them. - [Read more] |
Follow the Money -- Did Starnes Throw the Fight?
April 22, 2008 23:59:39In the interest of irresponsible speculation, hey I am a blogger after all, I thought Id make a big stink about this comment that was posted on our last Kalib Starnes thread: I had money on the fight. It does affect me personally. I didnt bet more then I could aford to lose, but to bet on a guy and have him throw the fight breeds a little contempt. Also, I think he threw the fight. I dont have any proof, but if you look at the line for the fight it started at +400 for Starnes. How does that even make sense when he is fighting a guy that was losing to Sell before KOing him and before that was layed up with a back injury? The line was fishy and the performance played into the hands of the bookies. That just makes me question if something was up. by szucconi This raises some real nasty spectors. But its a very real concern. Its so easy for an individual sport to be fixed -- after all, you only need to pay off one fighter -- and gambling is so deeply woven into the fabric of the sport that we really have to take this shit serious. Was Kalib betting on Quarry at +400? Did he get paid by someone who did? Obviously theres nothing but circumstantial evidence -- and honestly Id be very surprised if this turned out to be true -- but just the fact that we have a fighter who was heavily favored who didnt even try to fight raises a cloud. Update [2008-4-22 21:34:31 by Kid Nate]: Yes, Im a dumb fuck and got the odds backwards. Starnes was a +400 underdog, not Quarry. So much for my 5 minute conspiracy theory. But still the fight sucked much much worse than this post and szucconis concerns remain valid. - [Read more] |
The Biggest Threat to Georges St. Pierre
April 22, 2008 23:39:49 Georges St. Pierre talks to Sherdog about who may be his next challenger, but he doesnt seem too concerned:
Most followers of MMA agree that contender Jon Fitch will likely get the first crack at St. Pierre, followed possibly by Thiago Alves, but only UFC brass knows who will be the Canadians next foe. If the decision has already been made, St. Pierre doesnt want to know. "They are both tough fighters, and I dont know yet," he said. "And I dont even want to know until one week, at least." Sherdog is running a poll of who is the biggest threat to GSP going forward. No real surprises in the results, but it is kind of surprising that theyre forgetting B.J. Penn, the biggest threat to GSP out there. Heres B.J. talking about a rematch: "Fighting GSP is all I think about every day. A rematch would be very good and Ill make sure that I will 100 per cent guarantee victory if we fight again." This FightMetric breakdown of their last match might give some indicators of how a rematch would go. But on the otherhand, past results do not always predict future performance. HT MMA Mania - [Read more] |
UFC Promotional Contracts
April 22, 2008 22:11:20Not all is well in Smallville. I hesitate to talk about this subject partly because I have no legal background and Im not privy to the contracts themselves. That being said, you have to be out to lunch not to notice the problems the UFCs contracts are causing within the ranks of their fighters or for prospective fighters who are interested in signing. But what I will say is this ultimately I wonder how sustainable the UFC contracts are. Even if the competition fades away, it is still possible for the UFC to create a contract with clauses that are so outrageous that a court can eventually rule them "unenforceable". Part of my gripe with critics of Couture stems from the "you signed the contract, you have to meet the demands" argument. To some extent, this is true particularly as it relates to preserving positive images. But that argument is insufficient in and of itself as a means of adjudicating contract disputes. It is not enough simply to say that because a person signs a contract they are then bound by the terms. The terms themselves are always and forever subject to legal and ethical scrutiny even if the signees are ostensibly two consenting adults. While I dont think this affects Coutures contract, a key example of what Im talking about is the abridgment of fighters ancillary rights. Folks, this is downright appalling. Even the WWE and their highly questionable business practices dont fall this low. The UFC uses a fighters likeness to make money without compensating the fighter after the fact and this morally dubious. And unhappiness with these contracts is showing. I dont know that I have problem with the UFCs exclusivity clauses per se, but in conjunction with other contractual issues that problem merely adds another layer to the many other problems. Thats why many fighters - Hector Lombard most recently - are opting for other organizations. To date, most of the big or marketable names have not chosen to depart the UFC en masse or sign with competitors. And given the professional wrestling business model the UFC heavily borrows, the exclusivity factor will always be there. But as aforementioned, in the context of other factors, it certainly sticks out. And for every fighter who openly complains - Kalib Starnes - there are likely ten more who tacitly agree with them. Im not referring to Starnes despicable performance on Saturday; just to the issues he is raising. I also understand some fighters grind it out - like Josh Koscheck - for green pastures within the UFC by working hard, winning and keeping their head down. But were they given the option to voice their opinion about how fair a 10 fight contract for 7k per fight that can actually be ended by the UFC following any loss actually is, youd likely get an earful of them all. In short, its contracts like these that are designed to cater only to the most loyal, top-performing athletes in the organization. Key emphasis on loyalty. My prediction is that ultimately someone is going to take the UFC/Zuffa to court over their promotional contracts. Someone is going to contest the enforceability of a clause and a sympathetic judge is going to rule in their favor. Then the floodgates will open. That eventuality would leave Zuffa in a very precarious spot as it could bring to scrutiny other contractual problems in addition to poor press for the sport and brand. Look, Im sure that are a TON of different fighters who are quite satisfied with their pay and their contracts. I believe a large chunk of the UFCs roster are quite content. But we are hearing too much from too many different sources these contracts are off-putting, unfair and restrictive. As the need for transparency grows and as the sport passes further into the concentric circles of mainstream appeal, I believe we are likely headed for a perfect storm. - [Read more] |
Kalib Starnes Side of the Story
April 22, 2008 19:49:20 Fight Network has it:
Starnes told The Fight Network that he requested his release from the remainder of his UFC contract, which had been carried over from his appearance on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series and ensured him three fights per year. "[UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva told me that it usually takes a couple of days for their legal department to complete the paperwork and that he would send me all of the paperwork to indicate that my contract has been dissolved," Starnes said. "Later on in the afternoon, after I had spoken to Joe Silva, a story was released by some reporter from Yahoo! in which Dana White said that he had released me from my contract. I received no documentation on that, and it came after I asked to be released." Starnes - who dropped a unanimous decision to Quarry and was booed by his fellow Canadians for failing to engage - called Whites comments unprofessional and inappropriate. "In my opinion, it was inappropriate to make public statements regarding my character and my future and so on the way that he has, especially without having the courage and the respect to call me up and speak with me personally," Starnes said. "All of these comments come from a man that has never had a fight in his entire life who claims to be the ultimate authority on fighting and courage. I couldnt be happier than to be released from the most oppressive contract Ive ever been under in my life." According to the American Top Team-trained fighter, injuries led to his switch from an offensive to defensive mode against Quarry. For a majority of the fight, Starnes back pedaled out of harms way and away from his opponents dangerous punches. A former challenger for the UFC middleweight championship, Quarry battered Starnes with leg kicks throughout the three-round bout. "Right now, I have a broken foot [that] I sustained with the first kick I threw in the fight," Starnes said. "My leg is purple and black from my knee up, I have a black eye, a sprained jaw, and hes questioning my desire to fight? If that isnt enough to satisfy him and the crowd, I can show them the medical report. I can barely walk. [Quarry] totally destroyed my thigh with those kicks. Im sure a lot of people would rather see me suffer a traumatic brain injury and be rendered unconscious. Thats too bad. If thats what they want, theyre paying the wrong guy $10,000 to get his brain smashed in." Starnes then invited White to walk a few feet in his shoes. "Dana White wouldnt stand and trade with a guy [like Quarry] who had an 80 or 90 percent knockout ratio with injuries like I had Saturday night," Starnes said. "He wouldnt cross the street for $10,000. I dont have anything to prove to anybody. Im not about to stand there and get smashed to pieces. After I knew my foot was broken, I was trying to back up and work off the jab and keep moving so I didnt get knocked out." |
Why Sign With EliteXC Instead of the UFC?
April 22, 2008 17:29:14 Heres Hector Lombards reason:
"I opted for EliteXC because I can fight more and I can act in [Australia] as well," said Lombard, explaining that the EliteXC contract was more flexible. "Soon this sport will be really big in Australia. Everyone already talks about it, and the last CFC was in the newspaper, channel 9 and 10 FoxSport. Australian people are tough. Plus we play rugby, the hardest game of all. I believe MMA will be the future sport." Lombard doesnt know yet when he will debut in the United States or whom he will fight. First he will defend his CFC belt against Fabiano Capoani on May 23 in Australia. Lombard had at one point been signed to fight Karo Parisyan in the UFC but visa issues got in the way. Since then hes secured his Australian citizenship and signed with EliteXC. The question no one has answered is whether or not the UFC ever made him another offer. But its certainly clear that UFCs exclusivity clause makes them less attractive to some fighters. - [Read more] |
Irvin to Replace Liddell?
April 22, 2008 16:57:19 As reported by Sherdog:
The 38-year-old Liddell (21-5) was set to fight Rashad Evans, himself a replacement for Mauricio Rua, at O2 Arena in the main event of UFC 85. Multiple sources tell Sherdog.com that Sacramento, Calif.-based light heavyweight James Irvin could be the man to fill Liddells large shoes, though the bout with Evans (11-0-1) has not been filled at this point. Ive never been the worlds biggest fan of quick turnarounds. Irvin would be looking at about 2 months between his 8 second KO against Houston Alexander and the fight with Rashad. Ive seen a lot of boxers take the short notice call after getting a big win a month or two before and a lot of the time they struggle badly. Fighters should be peaking for a fight the week that it takes place and then there is usually a decompression period of a couple weeks afterward. It isnt about how quickly the last fight went so much as the training leading up to the fight. That being said, this would be pretty much the biggest fight that Irvin could realistically be put into at this point so turning it down wouldnt make a lot of sense. And honestly I dont think it matters if he is peaking fully or not, Rashad would grind out a decision over him either way. Update [2008-4-22 12:12:58 by Kid Nate]: An even worse possible fallout comes from Adam Swift: That bout may now have to wait till the Super Bowl Saturday show in 2009, assuming Liddell successfully recovers and can get by his next opponent. That could mean that the champion, either Jackson or Griffin, would fight only once in 2008. I could see the UFC doing this because Liddell is such a huge draw, but its self-defeating IMO because there are so many up and comers in the 205lb class -- the winner of Jardine/Wanderlei for one. Liddell is old and wearing out, they need to be building Rampage, their current champ, not holding him back so they can milk Liddell for one more big fight. Update [2008-4-22 19:13:42 by Brent Brookhouse]: MMAWeekly is saying that while still unofficial they have confirmed the bout with both camps Although the UFC has made no formal announcement, MMAWeekly.com was able to confirm that James Irvin has agreed to step in and face Evans on June 7 in London in LiddellÂ’s absence. Sources close to both fightersÂ’ camps acknowledged the bout. - [Read more] |
Japan: The Land of Mismatches
April 22, 2008 16:32:16 News from across the Pacific is that World Victory Road has found an opponent for Kevin Randleman -- a natural Light Heavyweight who frequently fights at Heavyweight. And of course, its Middleweight Pancrase vet Ryo Kawamura. This shit just pisses me off. I realize that there is a limited pool of Japanese heavyweights, but must they throw guys like Kawamura under the bus? Not only is Ryo undersized to be taking on Randleman, but hes just moving up to the "major leagues" having fought all but a couple fights in Pancrase. Also, not that I think Kawamura will become an all-time great, but Ill never forgive PRIDE for destroying the greatest Japanese MMA fighter of all-time by pushing him into bouts with fighters one or two divisions larger than him (see pic).
And as weve seen a lot recently, the guys coming from the 2nd tier Japanese promotions -- K-Taro Nakamura, Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Kotetsu Boku, Artur Oumakhanov -- have a hard enough time handling the step up to top flight competition. Its pretty clear that SENGOKU has a pretty shallow talent pool, but thats no reason to continue the very worst tradition of PRIDE -- feeding the best Japanese fighters to much larger elite international fighters. Randleman should be fighting proven 205ers like Babalu, Vitor Belfort, or even heavies like Jeff Monson, not green middleweights. Meanwhile theyre working to get an opponent for Josh Barnetts headline bout, Sherdog is mentioning "either Olympic judo silver medalist Naoya Ogawa or five-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Marcio Cruz" as possibilities. Neither fighter is really a match for Barnett and Id much rather see him take on Jeff Monson, whos at least been a top ten fighter in recent years. This also makes me think its very very unlikely that Barnett will be fighting on the rumored June Affliction card with Fedor and Sylvia. Update [2008-4-22 19:15:39 by Kid Nate]: For those who dont know, Im referring to Japanese MMA legend Kazushi "The Gracie Hunter" Sakuraba. Clearly its time for me to get off my ass and do some more installments of MMA History. - [Read more] |
Zuffa Pruning WEC
April 22, 2008 15:29:48 Yahoo! Canada is reporting that the UFC is going to be pruning the WECs 185 and 205lb divisions to further distinguish the two brands. The move will leave the WEC to focus on the 135, 145, 155 and 170lb divisions (thanks to BE reader Kelvin for catching that!).
White says the UFC has no plans to introduce a 145-pound weight class. "Thats why we bought the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting)." In fact, he said they are going to take steps to make the two circuits more distinct. "Were going to make the WEC the smaller weights and the UFC will be the heavier weights. Well probably take some of the guys in the higher weights, the champions over there and bring them into UFC. Were still trying to figure that out." WEC features 135-(bantamweight) and 145-pound (featherweight) weight classes as well as 155, 170, 185 and 205. The UFC has 155, 170, 185, 205 and heavyweight. Dan Stupp adds some informed speculation: Regardless, Whites recent comments should cool recent rumors that the UFC might fold the WEC completely. Although the organization has a deal with the Versus network, the WEC hasnt exactly been a major draw. A March 26 event in Las Vegas drew just 697 paid attendees for a meager gate of $107,150. However, the organization recently left Sin City for the first time post-Zuffa to go to New Mexico, and the WEC will head to Sacramento in June for a fight between WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber and Jens Pulver. Its expected to be Zuffas biggest WEC event to date. Faber should be a draw in his home town, but Sacramento has been a tough market for the UFC. They did well the first time at UFC 65: ...a fight between Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre headlined UFC 65 in Sacramento, California. The event drew a live gate of $2,138,020, making it the ninth highest-grossing UFC event in history (including UFC 66). But saw diminishing returns on their return at UFC 73:
The official attendance for UFC 73, as recorded by the CSAC, was 13,183. That total includes a paid attendance of 8,622, or 65.4% of the total attendance. There were 4,561 exempt or complimentary tickets that the promotion gave away, or 34.6% of the total attendance. The total capacity of the Arco Arena for UFC 73 was 16,811. That leaves 3,628 tickets that were neither sold nor given away. The live gate (total gross receipts from ticket sales) for UFC 73 was $1,551,920, and the total disclosed fighter payroll was $761,000. Clearly the WEC wont be trying to pack the giant Arco Arena and they wont be saddled with a headliner like Tito vs Rashad. But on the otherhand, do featherweights sell tickets? - [Read more] |
Din Thomas Dropping to 145lbs.
April 22, 2008 04:31:52This diary entry was promoted to the front page by Luke Thomas. According to a recent interview with MMA on Tap, UFC vetran and TUF 4 contestant Din Thomas is planning on continuing his MMA career at 145lbs. "The UFCs lightweight division is the most complex division in the world," Thomas said. "Theres like four different roads to a title shot going on right now and within any of the roads, no one can afford to lose. While I know I can win against any lightweight in the world on a given day, I fell twice in a row. Therefore, Im going to bow out. Good luck to those guys. Im going to drop down to 145 lbs and see if those guys down there will embrace me." - [Read more] |
Confirmed: Chuck Out Of UFC 85 With Torn Hamstring
April 22, 2008 04:22:14Chuck Liddell has been forced to withdraw from his fight with Rashad Evans at UFC 85. The UFC confirmed it on their website tonight, and included a disgusting picture that you can see here: "Unfortunately, Chuck Liddell tore his right hamstring during training last week, and being the warrior that he is, he still wanted to fight, which is the reason why everyone in the world loves him," said Dana White, UFC President. "But I wouldnt let anyone fight with his leg looking that way. Let him heal and come back and fight when he is 100 percent." Whit continued, "Were adding fights to the card and rearranging it so the UK fans wont have to worry, well still be bringing an amazing card to London and the O2 Arena. The UFC® always delivers." It should be very interesting to see what they do. Bump back a fight from UFC 84? Pay Tito extra to fight Rashad in England and cancel the Machida fight? Its hard to think of any realistic short term options that will draw on PPV, so I suspect they will try to move this to Spike. Given the usual recovery time for a hamstring tear, I think were probably looking at a September return to The UFC for Chuck Liddell. - [Read more] |
He Wont Go To Middleweight
April 22, 2008 00:59:56Now that GSP is champ again, people are already talking about a possible clash with Anderson Silva. The reality is that it is not happening anytime soon, nor should it. While it is a "dream match" now for hardcores, another year of dominating wins for both would make for a truly epic clash at the end of 2009. Right now it is probably just a mid range match to most casual fans. Ben Miller argues here that they should do it now to keep things exciting, but I think it is such a shortsighted argument. Historically, the most surefire way to establish draws in the fight world is to have dominant and exciting champions, because it establishes name recognition and gives fans someone to cheer for every time out, and come away happy. The most recent example of this was obviously Chuck Liddell. Both GSP and Anderson Silva could become that kind of phenomenon in the near future, and theres really no reason at all to kill off one of them at this point. Theyre trying to build a series of new stars, not eliminate them. - [Read more] |
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