Thoughts on UFC 226

 

So the legendary champ vs champ fight between Miocic vs Cormier has finally happened. But before going there, lets first quickly analyze or laugh at the co-main event. I still remember Dana White and the UFC pushing Ngannou as the next big thing hard before his title fight only for it to blow up in their faces. They tried to get the hype train back on tracks only for the train to slide even further at UFC 226.

Francis spent the three rounds standing still while Lewis tried to land a few bombs. Even the commentators were ashamed of whats going on. This poor excuse of a fight reminded everyone of the first Lesner vs Goldberg WWE fight. I understand that Ngannou tried to save energy was more careful after his loss but this fight only pushed him away from another title shot or meaningful fight. Now with that out of the way, the main event itself.

I was really looking forward to Stipe having a fourth title defence but DC came prepared. Eye pokes aside, Stipe had one of the worst gameplans going into the fight. I don’t know if it was his ego or the excitement but he fought horribly. Walking toward DC with his hands down the exact way when he was dropped by Overeem. Didn’t use his length advantage and instead tried boxing at DC’s range which lead to him being dropped.

He should have used the length to his advantage by jabbing at long range. Even go for kicks. Fair game to DC tough, he did what he had to do and won.
I was expecting Miocic to be a little smarter and fight DC the same way Anderson Silva fought did.

The best part, however, was Lesnar’s interview. He went full WWE promo and for the first time delivered. People can argue that Lesnar doesn’t deserve a title shot right away but we are in super fights era and it makes sense for the two to fight stylistically. I predict Lesnar takes DC down the same way as Hunt except this time ending the fight via TKO. But this is MMA, and as we just learned anything can happen. Its been awhile since I got excited for a fight and DC vs Lesnar will not disappoint.

CM Punk is given another chance in the UFC and it is comical

So let’s forget the fact that CM Punk aka Phillip Jack Brooks had zero professional fights in MMA when he was first signed. Let’s forget that Dana White himself stated that CM Punk should take his next fight in a regional league. And finally, let’s forget that CM Punk was referred to as CM Punk instead of Phil Brooks. Add to that his horrible performance and we have a classic case of a fighter that “doesn’t belong in the UFC”.

And yet with all that, Dana White is giving CM Punk another chance because He asked for it? I already made a video on why I think Punk should not be given another chance some time ago but let’s go through this again. The guy is pushing 40 and that’s very old considering he is just starting his MMA journey or should I say trying. I understand that the UFC is desperate for starts as almost all of their cash cows were slaughtered but they should decide on wither they want to be a legit sport or WWE 2.0.

A new fighter doesn’t get to start in the big league let alone be on the main card and CM Punk should not be treated any differently. I admit he did decent numbers his first fight but I don’t expect anyone to care this time. People were curious the first time around on how well he will do and I think we all got our answer. His spot should be given to a more deserved fighter among many who work hard throughout the year just to make it.

Put him on fight pass or whatever but don’t give him a spot of a more deserving fighter. Of course, everyone is wondering who will he face this time considering the way his last fight went. Uriah Hall perhaps? That would be entertaining for sure.

Here is a video I made awhile back on why CM Punk should not be in the UFC to begin with:

Anyway, those were my thoughts. Let me know what you think and make sure to check out my YouTube channel follow me for more upcoming content. Thank you for reading.

UFC 226 an attempt to dethrone Conor?

So the unthinkable was just announced (not really). Stipe Miocic will defend his belt against Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 on July 7th just 6 months after his war with Ngannou. Daniel Cormier did have a 13 winning streak and defeated kinda big names back in strike force but then again, that was years ago and he is not getting any younger. Let alone the fact that he will be fighting a heavyweight GOAT Miocic.

Both men are champions in their respective divisions and despite DC cleaning out the division I still see no real reason to give him an immediate title shot at Miocic belt. The guy is on an amazing winning streak and his only losses are against Joe Jones, but that’s in light heavyweight. A division less dangerous than a place where every punch can KO you.

DC got rocked before and arguably losses the standing exchange against a lot of people. He uses his weight to wrestle and throw guys around but will this be enough against a guy that just went a full 5 rounds war against a monster? Will this be enough against a guy that KOs people left and right?

The way I see it, the UFC is banking on DC wining as a card to use against Conor. McGregor is the first UFC fighter that held two belts at once hence his stock going through the roof. Now we know what came after and his refusal to defend or fight a contender because of his star power. DC wining would send a message to Conor that he is no longer the only show in town in terms of accomplishment. Will this hurt his stock? Not sure but building more stars is the way to go. Putting all of your eggs in one basket can only benefit you for so long.

Now let’s talk about the fight itself. DC cant go five rounds with Miocic. He gassed against Silva and who knows what would have happened had that fight gone for five rounds. Miocic throws deadly shots so DC have to quickly find a way to get him to the ground and use his wight to wrestle. Problem is, Miocic is no bum and can wrestle and counter on the ground himself. Not to mention his reach advantage standing.

My prediction, DC gets KOed while shooting for a takedown in the first round. Like I said, he got rocked before and is hittable. I don’t think he will withstand a deadly punch coming from a KO artist but then again DC is champ for a reason. Anything can happen, that’s the beauty of this sport. But if I had to bet my life, it would be on Miocic wining. UFC 226 will end badly for DC but that’s the worrier sprite! Diving into the danger.

The only thing that is bothering me is that DC’s belt will be intact. He gets to bring it in and take it back regardless of the outcome so Miocic is the only one who is in danger here. I understand that this is a heavyweight fight but you shouldn’t be showing off your belt from another division in a HW fight. Hype and marking make things happen I guess.

Anyway, those were my thoughts. Let me know what you think and make sure to check out my YouTube channel and follow me for more upcoming content. Thank you for reading.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Eddie Alvarez makes sense

I wasn’t always a Khaqbib fan, in fact, I missed a chance to personally greet him when he visited the town. Never the less, he slowly grew on me since the Johnson fight. I was finally hooked after his impressive onesided beating against Barboza. How can anyone in his right mind not be hooked?

Truth be told, It was disappointing to not witness him against Tony Ferguson. Yes, stuff happens and I’m not really mad at Khabib. With that being said, Tony won the belt fair. Yes, his opponent wasn’t the number one contender but it was a win against a dangerous opponent never the less. The guy now holds the interim belt which means only one thing: A title fight against Conor McGregor.

Unfortunately but not surprisingly, Conor/UFC have other plans. Dana White is now pushing for Khabib vs Tony which makes ZERO sense! I am a Khabib fan but Tony should be fighting for the real belt and not defend his number one spot. The champ is healthy and ready so what exactly is the reason for this?

What needs to happen is for Conor to finally defend his belt against a legit contender with the winner fighting Khabib. And this is where Alvarez comes in. Khabib already stated that should his Tony fight falls through he is willing to fight Eddie Alvarez which is an excellent move. Staying busy while adding another top win to your already impressive resume. Of course, Eddie can win and ruin Khabib’s title fight but that’s what I like about Khabib, never dodging anyone.

This fight is also good for Eddie as he is regaining his momentum and a win over Nurmagomedov will skyrocket his stock. Its a fair chance to both. Who you got?

UFC 183 proves Silva is not ready for Wiedemann

silva_vs_diaz

UFC 183 main card was a great match with a great first round. To break it down; Diaz started clowning around the octagon and making all sort of jokes about Silva. On the other hand Silva remained calm and focused but was that enough to convince us that he is ready to retake the belt? No, here is why:

It was the return of the Spider, the all time best in the middleweight octagon. Returning from an injury is impressive, wining an unranked UFC fighter via decision is not NOT.

Let us consider the following; Silva failed to land a serious damage and instead concentrated on short attacks and defiance. And while there is nothing wrong with this, Chris Wiedemann is and will not be Nick Diaz. We are talking about a fighter who dropped and defeated Silva in both fights. Some will argue that the leg break is a freak accident, dropping Silva with a punch and basically wining up to the leg drop is not.

Leaving aside the semi retirement speech at the end, Silva in my opinion is not ready to face the champ and it shows.

The return of the Spider was great and I was amazed that he was able to kick with that leg again but the overall performance against a 2 year off unranked fighter is far from satisfying. The invincible warrior is just not there. Silva looked like any mma fighter and that is not a good sign if you wanna retake the belt from a guy that dropped you twice.

Yes Silva won, but not by a crashing dominant fashion like some are pretending. Overall, I welcome Silva back and happy that he gets to do what he loves but at the same time I’m being realistic; This will not win him back the belt nor avenge his double losses against Chris Wiedemann.

Let me know what you think via the comments or on the following social media that I’m active at.

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Anderson Silva doesn’t deserve a title shot

Anderson_Silva

Man the UFC is losing credibility faster than the next gen’s online play. Dana white announced that should Anderson Silva deafeat Diaz he will get another title shot at the UFC middle weight championship.

I have nothing against the spider and wont try to take away his accomplishments but another title shot after defeating an outranked fighter? This soon? Man the UFC must be so desperate for views first signings CM punk, a zero experience fighter for ratings sake and now giving Silva another title shot? Man if this keeps up the UFC will lose the remaining credibility as a real sport.

Silva lost by know out the first fight and got dominated till the leg break in the rematch so whats the big idea of another title shot? At least make him earn the shot by defeating 2 to 3 ranked fighters than and only than talk about another title shot.

I do realize Silva is not anyone but making him leap frog to the championship fight is a disrespect to all the hard working fighters in that devotion. By this logic Brock Lesnar should get a tittle shot when he returns later this year. I realize that UFC is a business but would Lakers sign a celebrity into it’s NBA team for views sake?

Chris Weidman worked hard and earned his title shot, giving Silva a cheap quick rematches is a disrespect to the current champion.

Now I must admit, the upcoming fights will be interesting as Vitor Belfort’s fight will truly test the current champ and the winner of this match will face Silva should he defeat his firs opponent after his return. Some will argue that the excitement of fights is that matters to which I will reply with: Would you be excited to watch Justin Bieber fight Rob Van Dam in the octagon? Exactly.