MMA Hot Stuff

A Sport Consists of Athletes, Fans and MUCH MORE!

Seeing the 'brawl' that broke out following Jake Shield's win over Dan Henderson (decorated legend in the sport) did NOT help the sport of MMA. I'm not here to point fingers or place blame. I don't care who started it, or why it was started at all. For me it's much bigger than that.

See, what makes up a sport is more than just the athletes (fighters) and fans. There are promotors, marketers/PR people, sponsors/advertisers, journalists, and not to mention families. And trust me, you can't always lump families in the same category as fans. 

Being on CBS was a key differentiator for Strikeforce from their much more established competitor, the UFC. Being on CBS (a national station) during prime time was a way the organization and fighters could increase their fan base by leaps and bounds. It was a way to reach the casual fan and those not yet a fan. Those that don't pay to watch MMA on PPV nor watch on Spike. There are still a lot of people that don't understand the sport. They don't understand what the sport entails.

And yes, I understand "this sort of thing happens in other sports... blah blah blah". But MMA is NOT any other sport. It's not main stream. Again, many people question the validity of a sport that started off with the WWE like characters and lack of weight classes which lead to some memorable but somewhat comical match ups. Not to mention it's not sanctioned and fully accepted in every state never mind other countries. 

But I'm tired of hearing people (fans as well as people that actually make a living from the sport) say "People will keep watching and fans won't be turned off by what happened." That may be true, but I assure you many national brands that saw that debacle Saturday night were turned off. This sport still needs a lot of marketing dollars from national brand names. And not just the money, the sport also needs the reputation that comes along from those national brands. We won't see the sport grow from endemic money. It's a great start but at the end of the day it's almost peanuts in the big scheme of things.

And if you really want compare it to the other sports that have this sort of thing happen like basketball, okay let's review that. During a game between the Knicks and the Nuggets a fight broke out. At the end of the day 7 players were suspended for a total of 47 games without pay (the total pay loss was $1.2 million dollars). 

Someone also said "oh this wasn't as bad as Tyson biting Holyfields ear, so relax" For one that was a PPV event, not free national tv during primetime. Two, his boxing license was rescinded. And three, the media raked him over the coals for his behavior. So sure maybe it wasn't to that extent but that's not really a point to judge right and wrong or good and bad. 

At the end of the day, professional athletes are representing more than just themselves. Like it or not it's what you signed up for when you accepted your sponsorship money and make a living that is supported by fans that buy tickets. Again, I'm not blaming the fighters that were involved. But in general, that's something they need to keep in mind.

But where was the commissioner in all of this? Where was the security? The police? Why were there so many people in the cage to begin with? Why didn't CBS pan to a different camera to show something else other than the scuffle? They could have shown the crowd. Instead I saw a few camera men moving in on the action to get a better view. Also, they didn't edit it out of the west coast feed, so there's a lot to be said about that.

I saw the video interview Ariel Helwani did with Scott Coker after the incident where Scott mentioned the "prep talk" the CBS executive gave the guys during the rules meeting.I could see a talk being a good thing as a friendly reminder. But please tell me there's something in their contract that says it's an obligation to act like a professional. Like an adult? 

Again, this won't kill the sport. But the little momentum that Strikeforce had will definitely be impacted. And this was not good for the sport of MMA overall. If Bellator keeps up with their momentum they definitely could take the #2 position of MMA organizations.

But more than anything, if you're involved in this sport please don't settle. As the sport evolves, so should our standards. 

Strikeforce: Fedor VS Rogers Predictions

Here we are, only a few days until MMA returns to primetime television on CBS and Fedor makes his debut with Strikeforce! We're also treated to a title fight for the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship, vacated by Cung Le, between Jake Shields and the always colorful Jason "Mayhem" Miller. We also get to see Gegard Mousasi and Fabricio Werdum return to the cage in action against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva respectively.

So you know the drill... my predicted winners in GREEN! 

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers

Does Rogers have a chance? Yes, just like all 31 of Fedor's previous opponents had a chance, and only one of them came away with a win (by TKO / Cut, hardly a win). You don't pick against a 97% winning percentage, and I'm not picking against Fedor.

Fedor is technically superior everywhere. Even though some say his striking isn't very technical (which it may not be by boxing or muay thai standards), he puts it all together so well that for MMA it is technical when you give consideration to takedown defense and set up. Rogers has power, and in a sport of 4 ounce gloves and multiple ways to finish a fight he certainly has a shot. As Mark DellaGrotte said in Kevin Iole's article on Yahoo! Sports "A perfectly placed punch can knock anyone out. Anyone". The problem is that Rogers has to land a perfect or near perfectly placed punch, which will be tough to do on Fedor given his footwork and agility. Ultimately I think this fight will go to the ground where the experience gap will shine through. Fedor wins by TKO / Referee Stoppage on the ground.

Disclaimer: Now if we're talking about betting the spread with my new shoe money, I'd bet on Rogers. I like the long-shots for the big payout! According to betus.com the current spread is Fedor -550 and Rogers +375! OH and because I AM a girl, I count my chickens before they're hatched/shoes before they're purchased: Here's what I want to get. Aren't they gor(geous)?LOVE!

Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Jake Shields (for vacant Strikeforce middleweight title)

Miller is a funny guy, the problem is Shields isn't laughing. Miller has proven that he can go the distance avoiding submissions against some of the best (see Jacare fight in DREAM), but Shields' isn't your typical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He's all about pressure, passing guard, and making your life miserable if you're under him. The knock on Shields has always been his lack of ability on his feet, but in his fight against Robbie Lawler he showed he's not afraid to be there. Miller could use his reach and striking to avoid the takedown, but he will only be able to keep Shields at bay for so long. Look for Shields to secure the takedown, pass the guard, and finish Miller via submission.

Champ Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (non-title match)

Mousasi will dominate. Did you see Babalu? Out cold. Mousasi is a stud (at multiple weight classes). Technically sound. I see this one ending by TKO. Look for Mousasi to hurt Sokoudjou on his feet and finish him on the mat.

Antonio Silva vs. Fabricio Werdum

Even though Silva has a chin the size of a Rhode Island, look for Werdum to finish this one on the ground. His Jiu Jitsu is just too good. 

So gents, there's no need to leave your girls at home to hit the bar to watch this event on PayPerView. Since it's on CBS, throw a Strikeforce party at your house and get your girl engaged. Show her the shoes above and I promise she'll be hooked. On my site and the sport. Tell her more shoes with next week's predictions for UFC 105. 

While Roger's win against Fedor would allow those shoes to come home with me, I also have a bet consisting of bragging rights with Franklin McNeil! If you're not following him on twitter you should be. Did you see who he picked to win this weekend? If not, check out his picks on today's ESPN MMALive!

Friendly reminder, follow me on Twitter!

 

Strikeforce - FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers

Premieres Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®;

For The First Time Ever, Film Crew Captures The Athlete, The Family Man and The Mystique of MMA's # 1 Fighter, Fedor, in Russian Training Camp.

NEW YORK (Oct. 22, 2009)-In the wake of the critically acclaimed debut of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, SHOWTIME Sports® turns the spotlight to mixed martial arts with FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will feature unrestricted access to one of the most enigmatic professional athletes of today, Fedor Emelianenko and his next opponent, the undefeated Brett Rogers, as they prepare to headline "STRIKEFORCE/M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights" to be broadcast LIVE on Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will premiere on SHOWTIME® on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.  The CBS Television Network will also make the show available to its 203 affiliated stations for broadcast in advance of the fight.

From director Ron Yassen, who is embedded in Fedor's training camp in Stary Oskol, Russia: "Fedor is beyond captivating as a fighter, and more so, as a man.  It's a pure joy to film him so intimately as he strives for perfection in life and sport with grace and charm.  While training for this most important match, he kindly opened up his life to us in and out of the ring, without the ego that often comes with being the very best at one's craft."

Produced in conjunction with Roadside Entertainment, FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will showcase both fighters as they prepare for this historic fight.  Nov. 7 marks the first time Fedor, widely considered the sport's No. 1 fighter, will appear in front of a national broadcast television audience.  Despite his iconic status within the sport, Fedor (30-1) remains shrouded in mystery, living and training in seclusion in a remote mining village in Russia far away from the spotlight afforded the sports' very best.

Rogers lives and trains in Minneapolis, and enters the fight with an impressive 10-0 record after most recently dismantling former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Rogers, a quiet, soft-spoken giant outside the cage, who earlier this year quit his job as a tire technician at Sam's Club, has the opportunity of a lifetime to dethrone the sport's greatest in front of a national television audience.

"The response to our inaugural episode of Fight Camp 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic chronicling the boxing tournament has been overwhelming," said SHOWTIME Sports General Manager Ken Hershman, who commissioned the project. "Because of the subjects involved-the mysterious world champion set to fight a man living the American dream-we had to turn our lens in this direction. Special thanks to M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE for affording us a level of access to both men that has been unparalleled in their respective careers."

Scott Coker, president of STRIKEFORCE, added, "This is a one of a kind opportunity for fans to go behind the scenes and take a close look at the extraordinary, number one fighter in the world - Fedor - and his opponent who has become a symbol of The American Dream."

Below are the air dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME 2®.

Tuesday, Nov. 3          9:30p (premiere)         SHO

Tuesday, Nov. 3          10:00p                         SHO2

Wednesday, Nov. 4    11p                              SHO2

Thursday, Nov. 5         10p                              SHO2

Friday, Nov. 6  10p                              SHO2

Saturday, Nov. 7         4:30p                           SHO

Note: all times ET/PT

  

  
 
 

Herschel Walker Signs With Strikeforce

I'm not overly surprised by this announced, given the fixture Herschel Walker has become at MMA events lately. And if you recall at the last Strikeforce event in San Jose when asked he said he'd get in there if people wanted him to. Well, apparently he got the message that some people would like to see this. I've been told that Herschel has been training in Martial Arts for years. And while one can argue he's extremely old for the sport, his athletic ability is not of the average man. I wish him the best of luck and I look forward to seeing his first fight. But mostly I look forward to Dana White's response to this news!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

FOOTBALL LEGEND

 

HERSCHEL WALKER SIGNS WITH STRIKEFORCE MMA

 

NEW YORK (September 21, 2009)--Former NFL and NCAA football superstar Herschel Walker will enter a new chapter in his career as a professional athlete when he makes his debut as a heavyweight in the world's fastest growing sport - mixed martial arts (MMA) - as part of a multi-fight contract he has signed with world championship promotion STRIKEFORCE.

The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time Pro Bowl competitor will begin a 12 week training camp next month at San Jose, California's American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), which plays home to a host of the world's greatest fighters, including STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson.  The 6 foot 1 inch, 220 pound former running back, who already holds a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and boasts additional training in the combat disciplines of Muay Thai and Kenpo, will be trained by AKA co-owner and head trainer Bob Cook.

"I've been training for several years.  I would play college football games on Saturday and then compete in martial arts tournaments on Sunday after church I'm now looking forward to opening up another chapter in my life and to competing in MMA," said Walker, who recently was a contestant on the second hit season of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice reality series on NBC.

"I flew to LA last month to watch Herschel train and was surprised to see his advanced wrestling and striking abilities," said STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO Scott Coker, a martial arts promoter of over 25 years.  "He's got work ahead of him, but he's committed to training at one of the most notable gyms in the sport of MMA so it will be very interesting to watch him progress."

Walker, a 1999 College Hall of Fame inductee who was also selected to Sports Illustrated's NCAA All-Century Team that year, has never been one to shy away from the road less traveled.

Following his junior year at the University of Georgia where he had set the NCAA freshman rushing record en route to an undefeated season and Sugar Bowl championship victory over Notre Dame, Walker, a born-again Christian, astonished the sports world by withdrawing from school to play professional ball in the newly formed United States Football League (USFL) rather than wait to enter the NFL draft after the graduation of his collegiate class, a rule maintained by the world's largest professional football league at the time.

While the vast majority of football players typically follow an intensive weight room regimen, Walker relied on bodyweight exercise, conditioning, and calisthenics while maintaining very little body fat.

Walker was eventually drafted in 1985 by The Dallas Cowboys and established himself as a premiere running back in the league.  In 1986, he was the driving force behind a historic trade that sent in to The Minnesota Vikings in exchange for five players and six draft picks.

In 12 NFL seasons with four different teams, he became the only player to gain 4,000 yards three different ways - rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns.  He is one of six players to exceed 60 touchdowns rushing and 20 touchdowns receiving and is the only player in NFL history to register a 90 plus yard reception, a 90 plus yard run, and a 90 plus yard kickoff return, all in one season (1994).

Off the gridiron, Walker has achieved a handful of feats, including a seventh place finish in the 1992 Winter Olympics two-man bobsled competition.  He also nearly made the Olympic sprint relay team.

Now 47 years of age, Walker, a native of Wrightsville, Georgia, will look to conquer a whole new world.  It is a challenge he is extremely optimistic about.

"I will go in there and test myself against any 20 year old," said Walker.  "I know there will be naysayers and I'm fine with that.  I want to prove to people who sit on a couch and don't do anything but criticize other people that, if you're a true athlete or martial artist, you're not old until you can't get up and walk around anymore.  MMA fighters are said to be some of the best athletes in the world, my plan at the age of 47 is to show the world I am still one of the best athletes as well"

STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on the premium cable television network.  Last week, STRIKEFORCE announced that it would make its live, primetime debut on CBS with its "Fedor vs. Rogers" mega-fight that it will co-promote with M-1 Global on Saturday, November 7.

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com <https://mail.svse.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.strikeforce.com/> ) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its "Shamrock vs. Gracie" event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history.  The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose's HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265.  Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with "Shamrock vs. Gracie."  In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.

Strikeforce to air Fedor VS Rogers on CBS

MMA RETURNS TO PRIMETIME ON CBS WITH

"STRIKEFORCE: FEDOR VS. ROGERS"

LIVE ON SATURDAY, NOV. 7

Fedor, the #1 Ranked MMA Heavyweight in the World, To Be Seen for the First Time by Broadcast Television Audience

The CBS Television Network will return to the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage with STRIKEFORCE: FEDOR VS. ROGERS, to be broadcast Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT).  SHOWTIME Sports® will produce the four-fight event with host Gus Johnson calling the action and MMA legend Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo serving as color analysts.

In 2008, CBS aired the first live MMA fights on network television, with three successful events earning time period-winning ratings in all key young adult and young men demographics.  CBS's most recent broadcast in October 2008 ranked as the night's highest-rated program on both broadcast and cable in adults 18-34 and men 18-34, topping all other sports programming in those demographics, including the Major League Baseball playoffs and college football.

On Nov. 7, the world's Number One-ranked MMA heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko of Russia, will face undefeated American Brett Rogers of Minnesota in the marquee match up. The fight marks the first bout for the highly coveted Emelianenko since his promotional company M-1 Global signed an agreement with STRIKEFORCE to co-promote major events.

"There's no question this is a sport that is fast becoming a force in popularity and as a business," said Kelly Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, Prime Time, CBS Television.  "We're excited to be the platform that will enable millions more to see the athlete regarded as the very best in his sport.  The Number One heavyweight on the most-watched network has a very nice ring to it."

Simply referred to as "Fedor" by fans around the world, the 6-foot, 235-pound Russian is one of the most dominant fighters in the sport.  He is a master of the Russian military combat system Sambo and boasts a record of 30 wins, one loss, no draws with 16 wins by submission, seven knockouts and seven decisions.  The 28-year-old Rogers (10-0) is a massive physical specimen standing 6-feet, 5-inches tall and weighing 265 pounds.  He possesses two of the heaviest hands in the sport of MMA, an attribute that has helped him knock out all 10 of his professional opponents.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring the STRIKEFORCE brand to CBS," said Scott Coker, Founder and CEO of STRIKEFORCE.  "We are looking forward to bringing MMA back to the network and to having the world's No. 1 heavyweight-Fedor-compete for the first time on live network television against one of America's most promising young, undefeated stars-Brett Rogers."

USA Today: MMA fights for prime-time exposure

Check out this article in today's issue of USA Today. See what Dana White has to say about the recent prime-time TV success Strikeforce on NBC, which announced that it's October 18th show drew more than 1.1 million viewers. Also, hear what Mike Afromowitz of Strikeforce has to say about Dana White, and what prime-time television can do for a promotion.

What will happen to fighters like Robbie Lawler and Jake Shileds now that EliteXC has gone belly up? Read the latest.

EliteXC: Kimbo Slice to face Ken Shamrock on October 4th

It's official, the Kimbo Slice show rolls on. It's been announced that Kimbo's next opponent will be none other than UFC legend, Ken Shamrock.

The two will mix it up in the cage on the next CBS event on October 4th in Florida. We'll get to see Kimbo and Ken on prime time television.

Kimbo is coming off a controversial win over James Thompson on CBS' first live broadcast. Many thought Kimbo tapped when he was caught in a standing guillotine, some thought the ref stopped the fight prematurely, and some thought he dominated. Needless to say, there are still some answered questions about Kimbo's talent as a mixed martial artist.

Although Shamrock leaves much to be desired given that he's 44 years old, on a 5 fight losing streak (4 by TKO and his last by KO, and all in the first round) and hasn't won a fight since 2004, he does pose a challenge for Kimbo given his submission prowess and experience in the cage. He's also a good fit for what EliteXC is trying to do, which is pull in viewers to increase ratings and get Kimbo some notable wins without putting him in too much risk of losing.

I think we'd all like to see Kimbo fight someone that's not well past their prime, but for now I think we have to settle for seeing Kimbo come up slowly. EliteXC can't afford to put Kimbo in the same situation Brock Lesnar was put in (fighting a former world champ that is still in his prime while he has limited experience). The UFC has multiple "Brock Lesnars" as well as the ability to continue his storyline after he lost to Mir, EliteXC has only one Kimbo Slice and they must protect it or risk losing credibility and fans.

EliteXC: Jake Shields to take on Paul Daley on October 4th

Originally we had reported that Jake Shields would be taking on John Alessio for his next EliteXC fight, however MMAHotStuff has learned that he will now be taking on Paul Daley.

The fight will take place on EliteXC's October 4th card which again will be aired live on CBS.The card will also contain fighters Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano.

Paul Daley is a Cage Rage veteran and a striker on a 6 fight win streak. But if you watched Jake's last fight you know he doesn't let an opponents win streak get in his way (Nick Thompson was on a 10 fight win streak).I suspect Paul will have his hands full with the Gracie black belt.

Jake had been rumored to be close to accepting a fight with Matt Lindland on the upcoming Affliction card, acting as a fill-in for the injured Vitor Belfort. Although EliteXC claims it was merely speculation, MMAHotStuff hears that the fight was very close to becoming a reality and that Shields was excited to take this fight and prove his metal at a higher weight class. I guess we'll just have to settle for watching Jake defend his welterweight title in EliteXC.

Tit for Tat: The UFC schedules a counter to EliteXC Saturday Night Fights

According to the UFC's TV Programming schedule, they are set to air quite a bit of MMA on Spike TV during the same time slot as the next installment of EliteXC and CBS' Saturday Night Fights on July 26th. The UFC has made no secret that they will counter every competitors show with a show of their own.

First they countered the first EliteXC / CBS event on May 31st with a tribute to "The Iceman", Chuck Liddell on Spike TV, followed by a replay of his victory over Wanderlei Silva. Next they countered the Affliction: Banned card with a card of their own, thrown together at the last minute, featuring Anderson Silva VS James Irvin as well as a host of other talent. Now they are set to counter the second EliteXC / CBS prime-time card with a whole host of programming on Spike. The line-up looks like this:

Saturday, July 26thMMA Television Schedule
Time (EST)	CBS / EliteXC	Spike / UFC
4 PM		UFC: Silva vs Irvin
7 PM		UFC Unleashed
8 PM	Live – Under card Fights	Ultimate Knockouts 5
9 PM	Live – Main Card	UFC 84: Penn vs Sherk (Replay)
11:30 PM		UFC 84: Penn vs Sherk (Replay)

They didn't go so far as to pull together another fight card, but they will be re-airing the very exciting UFC 84 card featuring BJ Penn VS Sean Sherk, Wanderlei Silva VS Keith Jardine, Lyoto Machida VS Tito Ortiz and other great fights.

It's pretty clear Dana White is sending a message to every competitor that dare try and step in the sandbox, he's going to make them earn their share of the pie. The UFC, through it's wealth of fighter talent and relationship with Spike TV has the ability to pull this sort of thing off on short notice and wreak havoc on another promotions goal of attracting fans. The UFC currently has two attributes that no one else has, the ability to immediately put fights (new or replayed) on free TV, and consistent talent that is well known to the MMA fan base.

Unfortunately for competing promotions the UFC can offer high quality fights consistently on free TV. For Affliction, in the age of YouTube, it's tough for a fan to justify shelling out some hard earned money for fights they can watch later on the Internet. Especially when they can watch one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in Anderson Silva make his light-heavyweight debut on free TV.

As for the July 26th counter to EliteXC / CBS, that may be a little harder for the UFC to yank fans away from. After all, EliteXC / CBS is offering new fights on free TV, versus the UFC's re-run of older fights. The UFC definitely has the ability to make life difficult for new promotions trying to earn a fan base, and their tactics probably aren't good for the sport but then again the UFC isn't a sport, it's a business.

From my point of view, EliteXC has a few things the UFC doesn't on July 26th. They've got the rematch between Scott Smith and Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields fighting for the EliteXC welterweight title, and Nick Diaz fighting in front of his hometown of Stockton, CA. Sorry UFC, that's too much to pass up... which is why I'll be in Stockton watching the fights LIVE!!!

Nick Diaz off DREAM 5 Card

GracieFighter has reported that Nick Diaz will not be taking part in the DREAM 5 card, where he was scheduled to fight Mach Sakuri. Apparently EliteXC has sited "contractual obligations" as the reasons for not allowing Diaz to fight in Japan in July.

It seems the rumor is that EliteXC has other plans for Diaz in July, which we can only assume would be to add him to the July 26th card which will be live on CBS. Could a fight in July with KJ Noons be added to the EliteXC card? Will we be seeing two title fights that night?

We can only hope!