For any of you who play and love UFC Undisputed on the X- Box 360 I have a simple question. Why is Zuffa and THQ not flooding the market with down-loadable characters? They should be selling classic fighters like Shamrock, Royce Gracie, etc. for Microsoft points. What UFC fan wouldn't love to add some classic fighters to their roosters as well as some new up and comers who did not make the game but are now making waves. I don't understand how difficult it would be to add down-loadable TUF winners and others. It would make a great game that much better.
While we are on the topic of UFC Undisputed, there are already training sessions in the ring. Since Zuffa owns Pride why not have a Pride mode when you could stage a classic Pride fight in the white Pride ring? They have to add this to the next version of the game. IT doesn't make sense not to include it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Why did I like Pride FC?
My first exposure to Pride FC was on the Fox Sports New pride show hosed by Frank Trigg and Jay Glazer. I never saw a Pride PPV but I did watch the highlight shows and I have to say that I was always impressed with Pride. Even in the highlight package show the grandiosity of the Pride FC shows was evident. Everything was larger than life, like the Street Fighter video game came to life. I liked the white ring and the blue gloves. The announcer lady was crazy and the show was so over the top with pyrotechnics and laser lights. Pride shows were held in huge arenas and the Japanese crowd was generally eerily quite. The whole thing was ridiculous and strange and quintessentially Japanese. Pride did a great job with the choreographed fighters intros and the tournaments were always very exciting because it felt like a movie, the toughest guys from around the globe meet in a tournament. It seemed like Enter the Dragon but instead of an island it was in an huge arena in Japan.
Of course the UFC bought Pride and closed it down. I am not sure why. White has said that it is hard to do busy with the Japanese...although this statement may be true if slightly stereotypical, I always felt like there was more to the story of Prides demise. It probably will all come out one day. Since the demise of Pride I have often wondered if the UFC would ever resurrect it in one form or another. The UFC wants to expand back into the Japanese market and I wonder if they won't due so under the guise of Pride one day? Many fans were talking about the fact that Lorenzo Fertita was sporting a Pride t-shirt at the UFC FAN EXPO around the time of UFC 100. Was this just a fashion statement or a sign of things to come??
I will keep wondering what happened to Pride and if it will ever come back in some shape or form. In the meantime I think I will add a Pride T-shirt to my Christmas list.
Of course the UFC bought Pride and closed it down. I am not sure why. White has said that it is hard to do busy with the Japanese...although this statement may be true if slightly stereotypical, I always felt like there was more to the story of Prides demise. It probably will all come out one day. Since the demise of Pride I have often wondered if the UFC would ever resurrect it in one form or another. The UFC wants to expand back into the Japanese market and I wonder if they won't due so under the guise of Pride one day? Many fans were talking about the fact that Lorenzo Fertita was sporting a Pride t-shirt at the UFC FAN EXPO around the time of UFC 100. Was this just a fashion statement or a sign of things to come??
I will keep wondering what happened to Pride and if it will ever come back in some shape or form. In the meantime I think I will add a Pride T-shirt to my Christmas list.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Best Radio Show Ever?
I have a horrible commute to work on I95 everyday. Northern VA has the worse traffic in America outside of LA and the only thing that often keeps me going is listening to a terrific podcast- MMA Junkie Radio. MMA Junkie Radio is available to down load free on ITunes everyday and you can also listen live. The podcast is excellent because of the personalities of the Host Gorgeous George and his brother/producer Gooze. The two are usually joined by MMA Insider John Morgan. The three also bring in daily big name MMA fighters for interviews. The show takes place in Vegas and they have had numerous fighters as in studio guests where they can get a little more in depth with fighters than a quick phone interview allow.
The show is full of humor and is pretty free flowing. It feels like friends sitting around and talking about fights and fighters. While it is a laid back, casual show that is often light on production, it is high on content. The show has huge guests off of big wins and loses. For example a topic of one show right after the Bisping vs. Hendo fight was Hendo's last blow on Bisping and whether it was a cheap shot. Caller after caller debated what was going on in Hendo's mind before he threw the last punch, then George said "you know what lets call him and find out." Within minutes Hendo was on the phone explaining his mindset at the end of the fight. No other show is that connected to make that happen while still being independent enough to be critical of big name promotions if they see fit.
John Morgan brings a big dose of journalistic integrity to the show as well as breaking news live as the show goes on. This timely coverage is impressive and useful for fans of a sport that for some reason big time sports media outlets still don't cover enough.
So consider this a plug for a show that I completely enjoy everyday. If you are a fan of MMA than you probably will as well- so check it out.
The show is full of humor and is pretty free flowing. It feels like friends sitting around and talking about fights and fighters. While it is a laid back, casual show that is often light on production, it is high on content. The show has huge guests off of big wins and loses. For example a topic of one show right after the Bisping vs. Hendo fight was Hendo's last blow on Bisping and whether it was a cheap shot. Caller after caller debated what was going on in Hendo's mind before he threw the last punch, then George said "you know what lets call him and find out." Within minutes Hendo was on the phone explaining his mindset at the end of the fight. No other show is that connected to make that happen while still being independent enough to be critical of big name promotions if they see fit.
John Morgan brings a big dose of journalistic integrity to the show as well as breaking news live as the show goes on. This timely coverage is impressive and useful for fans of a sport that for some reason big time sports media outlets still don't cover enough.
So consider this a plug for a show that I completely enjoy everyday. If you are a fan of MMA than you probably will as well- so check it out.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The "Ten Pound Proposal"?
A hot topic in the MMA world right now is whether or not the UFC should institute new weight classes. As the frequency of catch weight 195 lbs. fights rises , think Franklin vs. Belfort or Franklin vs. Wanderlei, some wonder if the UFC might be considering adding a 195 lbs division. Many feel that adding weight divisions will lead MMA into the muddled waters that boxing is mired in. Critics of adding division believe that it will confuse the fans and add complexity to already entangled rankings in the divisions. However if done correctly adding weight classes will be benefit both fans and fighters.
Here is my proposal. (It is not really mine. I stole it from Gorgeous George of MMA Junkie Radio.) It is simple. A weight class every ten pounds. The WEC is already adding 125 lbs., they already have 135 lbs, 145 lbs. and 155 lbs. The UFC should eliminate the 170 lbs division and swap it for a 165 lbs and a 175 lbs divisions. The 185 lbs already exist and adding a 195 lbs wouldn't be too difficult. They have the 205 lbs. class and it should be followed by a 235 lbs class. The heavy weight division should be for those giants residing between the 235- 265 weight.
The "ten pound proposal" would allow fighter to fight at their more natural weights. Fighters making big cuts down to 170 could fight with more strength- not having to cut all the way down to 170. Some fighters have already voiced their desire to fight at the 195 lbs class if it came into existence. Guys who cut way down to 185 ,but are too small for the 205 class would fit in nicely in the 195 lbs. class. Allowing fighters to fight at a weight that is more comfortable for them could lead to better fights.
The biggest change is adding the 205-235 lbs class. Often it has been said that this sport is still in the "leather helmet" days of its existence. The sport is changing right before our eyes. As MMA grows and gets more mainstream there has been an influx of the athletes who are big, big guys who are also really athletic. These fighters have replaced the beer belly brawlers of the first wave of MMA fighters (think Tank Abbot) and the smaller, faster technique driven second wave (think Randy Coutre or Frank Mir). This new, third wave of heavyweights like Brock Lesner and the ex NFLers on season ten of TUF seems to be the future of the heavyweight division. What these Goliaths lack in experience they make up in sheer enormity and athletic ability.
The 205-235 division would give new life to lot of fighters who are too big to ever think about making 205 but unable to fight in the cage against behemoths cutting weight to make 265 and coming into the cage at 290 of muscle. As the heavyweight division stands now you have 235 lbs. guys fighting against 285-290lbser. Often this is just too much weight disparity. Imagine Brian Bowles fighting Nate Marquart. Would anyone consider that fight with its 50 lbs weight disparity a fair fight?
More weight classes means more belts, more championship fights and even more exciting match ups. As the UFC grows and puts on an ever increasing roster of shows, these new weight classes will help stack cards and give more fighters a chance to demonstrate their abilities. The "ten pound proposal" is a win/win for fans and fighters.
Here is my proposal. (It is not really mine. I stole it from Gorgeous George of MMA Junkie Radio.) It is simple. A weight class every ten pounds. The WEC is already adding 125 lbs., they already have 135 lbs, 145 lbs. and 155 lbs. The UFC should eliminate the 170 lbs division and swap it for a 165 lbs and a 175 lbs divisions. The 185 lbs already exist and adding a 195 lbs wouldn't be too difficult. They have the 205 lbs. class and it should be followed by a 235 lbs class. The heavy weight division should be for those giants residing between the 235- 265 weight.
The "ten pound proposal" would allow fighter to fight at their more natural weights. Fighters making big cuts down to 170 could fight with more strength- not having to cut all the way down to 170. Some fighters have already voiced their desire to fight at the 195 lbs class if it came into existence. Guys who cut way down to 185 ,but are too small for the 205 class would fit in nicely in the 195 lbs. class. Allowing fighters to fight at a weight that is more comfortable for them could lead to better fights.
The biggest change is adding the 205-235 lbs class. Often it has been said that this sport is still in the "leather helmet" days of its existence. The sport is changing right before our eyes. As MMA grows and gets more mainstream there has been an influx of the athletes who are big, big guys who are also really athletic. These fighters have replaced the beer belly brawlers of the first wave of MMA fighters (think Tank Abbot) and the smaller, faster technique driven second wave (think Randy Coutre or Frank Mir). This new, third wave of heavyweights like Brock Lesner and the ex NFLers on season ten of TUF seems to be the future of the heavyweight division. What these Goliaths lack in experience they make up in sheer enormity and athletic ability.
The 205-235 division would give new life to lot of fighters who are too big to ever think about making 205 but unable to fight in the cage against behemoths cutting weight to make 265 and coming into the cage at 290 of muscle. As the heavyweight division stands now you have 235 lbs. guys fighting against 285-290lbser. Often this is just too much weight disparity. Imagine Brian Bowles fighting Nate Marquart. Would anyone consider that fight with its 50 lbs weight disparity a fair fight?
More weight classes means more belts, more championship fights and even more exciting match ups. As the UFC grows and puts on an ever increasing roster of shows, these new weight classes will help stack cards and give more fighters a chance to demonstrate their abilities. The "ten pound proposal" is a win/win for fans and fighters.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rampage Retires?
The biggest story in the MMA over the last 24 hours is the supposed retirement of former light heavyweight champion Quinton Rampage Jackson. Jackson posted on his blog that his argument with Dana White has escalated to the point that he wants to walk away from the sport to pursue acting. Rampage was scheduled to fight in his hometown of Memphis against Rashad Evans but has backed out of the fight in order to film the upcoming A-Team movie.
Of course it remains to be seen if we really have seen the last of Rampage in a cage or if this is just another in a series of break-up/make-up sagas that White and numerous other fighters have gone through over the years, think Tito Ortiz, John Fitch or Ken Shamrock. I personally believe that we have not seen the last big Page slam in the UFC. However the more pressing question is if Page is crazy or disloyal for walking away from the UFC to play B.A. Baracus?
While I will miss Page in the cage if we have indeed seen the last of him, I have to say that I understand his reasoning. As Page pointed out in his blog- fighters have a limited shelf life and only he knows the wear and tear on his body. If he feels he is done and he can't put his heart in it because he would rather be doing something else- than I support his decision to walk away. Although I respect MMAJUNKIE.com insider John Morgans' opinion. I have to disagree with him on this issue.
Morgan stated on the MMA JUNKIE Radio show that because the UFC had supported Rampage through his legal issues than Rampage should show loyalty to the UFC and live up to his contract to fight in Memphis, Page's hometown. While I see John's point I have to ask who wants to see a Rampage fight when his heart and mind are not in it? Fighting is too hard and all consuming to not be 100% dedicated. All one has to do is look at the demise of Mirko Crocop's career to see what it looks like when a fighter would rather be fishing than fighting. I do not want to see Rampage get into the cage if that is the case.
I also think that Page's reasoning on thinking about life after fighting is sound. Best case scenario the A-Team movie is a hit and spawns big payday sequels ala the Charlies Angels movies. If that is the case and Rampage shines, then maybe, just maybe a career in action- comedies in Hollywood does beckon. Stranger things have happened. Who can blame Page for pursuing his dream?
White says he is tired of fighters that want to act, and he wants fighters that want to fight. While I agree in that I want to see dedicated fighters, what about guys who did give it their all for years and then want to branch out from the sport in their own way as their career winds down. Do we as fans discard these fighters and turn our backs on them? Do we dissrespect the same guys who gave us so much enjoyment when they were laying it on the line in the cage? Rampage says that many fans turned on him when he announced he was backing out of the fight and he cited that as one of the reasons he was leaving the sport. Well, there is at least one fan who understands the logic behind his decision. So good luck Page. I hope to see you in the cage but if not I will see you in the theater.
Of course it remains to be seen if we really have seen the last of Rampage in a cage or if this is just another in a series of break-up/make-up sagas that White and numerous other fighters have gone through over the years, think Tito Ortiz, John Fitch or Ken Shamrock. I personally believe that we have not seen the last big Page slam in the UFC. However the more pressing question is if Page is crazy or disloyal for walking away from the UFC to play B.A. Baracus?
While I will miss Page in the cage if we have indeed seen the last of him, I have to say that I understand his reasoning. As Page pointed out in his blog- fighters have a limited shelf life and only he knows the wear and tear on his body. If he feels he is done and he can't put his heart in it because he would rather be doing something else- than I support his decision to walk away. Although I respect MMAJUNKIE.com insider John Morgans' opinion. I have to disagree with him on this issue.
Morgan stated on the MMA JUNKIE Radio show that because the UFC had supported Rampage through his legal issues than Rampage should show loyalty to the UFC and live up to his contract to fight in Memphis, Page's hometown. While I see John's point I have to ask who wants to see a Rampage fight when his heart and mind are not in it? Fighting is too hard and all consuming to not be 100% dedicated. All one has to do is look at the demise of Mirko Crocop's career to see what it looks like when a fighter would rather be fishing than fighting. I do not want to see Rampage get into the cage if that is the case.
I also think that Page's reasoning on thinking about life after fighting is sound. Best case scenario the A-Team movie is a hit and spawns big payday sequels ala the Charlies Angels movies. If that is the case and Rampage shines, then maybe, just maybe a career in action- comedies in Hollywood does beckon. Stranger things have happened. Who can blame Page for pursuing his dream?
White says he is tired of fighters that want to act, and he wants fighters that want to fight. While I agree in that I want to see dedicated fighters, what about guys who did give it their all for years and then want to branch out from the sport in their own way as their career winds down. Do we as fans discard these fighters and turn our backs on them? Do we dissrespect the same guys who gave us so much enjoyment when they were laying it on the line in the cage? Rampage says that many fans turned on him when he announced he was backing out of the fight and he cited that as one of the reasons he was leaving the sport. Well, there is at least one fan who understands the logic behind his decision. So good luck Page. I hope to see you in the cage but if not I will see you in the theater.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The First Post
This is the first post of a new blog all about MMA. First lets be clear, I am not a fighter, a trainer, or any kind of expert. I am just purely a fan. I am not a journalist nor do I have any inside information on MMA. What I do have is an infinite amount of enthusiasm for the fastest growing sport in the world. This blog will just be a place for me to write my thoughts on MMA and the exciting and growing phenomenon that is MMA. Please read and hopefully enjoy my musings on the greatest sport in the world.
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