Bleacher Report - Articles by Jordan Katz

At 155 There's No Doubt

Jordan Katz — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:43:53 -0400

All hail, for the king has returned. After a minor hiatus vying for the welterweight championship, BJ Penn reestablished his claim as the world’s best lightweight.

The much-improved and highly capable challenger, Kenny Florian, was outclassed from start to finish. It wasn’t that KenFlo didn’t look good, BJ was simply better.

BJ appeared noticeably lean and cut; the best he has looked in years. And it showed in his performance. Florian continually tried to take the fight to the ground, but BJ’s takedown defense was impenetrable.

BJ’s striking was crisp and he landed significant combinations in each round. Once the fight finally hit the ground, BJ’s jiu-jitsu was first rate and he quickly finished the game to a very overwhelmed Florian.

Coming into his title defense, BJ had his back against the wall. He had suffered a decisive loss to rival GSP and was receiving heavy scrutiny from the media. But, he managed to fight his way back into the pound-for-pound consideration with a flawless performance against a top fighter.

Clearly, BJ’s home lies at 155 pounds. Since his return to the division, BJ has destroyed elite opponents in devastating fashion. BJ avenged his loss to Jens Pulver, brutalized Joe Stevenson and brutally TKO’d Sean Sherk. Now he holds a dominant win over Kenny Florian. The Prodigy’s performances don’t lie; he appears unbeatable at this weight class.

The division is full of few established fighters but rich with up and coming prospects. Diego Sanchez is an upper echelon fighter, who is highly skilled and partakes in fan-pleasing bouts. It is likely he will get the next title shot. After Sanchez, the list of intriguing contenders is grim.

Gray Maynard, Frankie Edgar and Tyson Griffin are all within a year of a title shots and becoming elite fighters. But, they aren’t big names and seemingly don’t pose a significant threat to BJ.

So, for the foreseeable future, contenders are on the rise and a showdown with Sanchez lies ahead. But if Penn can beat Sanchez, the UFC will need to manufacture a new challenge for him.

Realizing his full potential has always been BJ’s challenge. He has admitted lapses in commitment and a propensity for the night light. But, a focused and well conditioned “Prodigy” is a force.

Since returning to 155, BJ has yet to lose a round and has been in no trouble of being stopped. All his fights have had the same end result; a picture perfect BJ victory.

BJ entered this fight in phenomenal shape; looked great and didn’t wear down. When he fought as a welterweight, BJ had been at a significant weight disadvantage. At 155, BJ looked chiseled and strong. When he fights those who are his size, unlike his stints at higher weight classes, he is virtually unbeatable.

He blends together phenomenal boxing that’s punctuated by a stiff jab. BJ fuses his boxing with unparalleled jiu-jitsu and a masterful takedown defense. If his pace continues, he will soon clear out the entire division worth of contenders. Then he will have the opportunity to become the greatest lightweight fighter of all time.

The question now becomes not whether BJ has lost a step, but is there anybody who can stop him? If nobody can answer that, then BJ will leave no doubt as to who is the 155 ruler.

Stop, drop and Brock

Jordan Katz — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:30:32 -0400

The crowd’s roar was deafening as heavyweight Brock Lesnar’s massive triple XL glove connected with Heath Herring’s face, causing him to summersault backwards. Instinctually, Lesnar stopped momentarily, dropped his shoulders and exploded forward in a blazing display of athleticism and quickness.

It took one right hand and a Goldberg-esque spear for the legend of Brock to reach new heights and the next big thing to arrive in full.

With tree trunk sized legs and a physique reminiscent of Hercules, it would be easy to mistake mixed martial arts fighter Brock Lesnar for a modern day gladiator. And maybe he is.

Like the ancient warriors, Brock is brutally efficient and unmercifully methodical. Once he senses desperation in his opponents, blood and pain soon befall them. His vicious ascension to the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division has been rapid and controversial.

While dominating inside the octagon with brute force, impeccable wrestling and devastating ground strikes, his antics when not fighting have also raised eyebrows and negative press. And whether fans agree with his behavior or not, Brock has become a signature fixture of the UFC and etched his name amongst one of the most relevant in the sport.

Most recently, Brock dismantled Frank Mir in surprisingly one-sided fashion and followed up his victory with a post fight tirade and tantrum. His WWE like antics have created a bad boy persona; one in which Brock feels all the more comfortable. His heel persona is one he can relate to; for it is the same way he acted as a bad guy during his time in the entertainment industry.

Regardless of his image, the fact remains that the mountain of a man has skills. Lots of them. Each fight clearly accentuates Brocks vastly improving array of tools. He seems more comfortable after each octagon outing and is making a name for himself as one of the baddest men in the sport.

As the sport reaches new heights of popularity, Brock will become the face that represents it. Whether that is a positive or negative is irrelevant; what matter is that Heavyweight champion has used brute for to become most relevant superstar in the sport.

Recently, another bad man and arguably the greatest fighter in the history of the sport, Fedor Emelianenko signed a major deal with rival promotion Strikeforce. The organization invested a lot into the signing and their future success may fall squarely on his shoulders.

In an odd parallel, Brock has single handedly taken the UFC and hoisted it onto his enormous shoulders. The rise or decline of the organization is sure to coincide with the success or failure of its newest and biggest star. Whether the world is prepared or not, they are be going to receiving healthy dosages of the champ, because Brock is a rock that doesn’t looking like he is getting dropped anytime soon

UFC Sits Atop The Throne Of MMA

Jordan Katz — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:14:35 -0400

Put your bias aside, stop hating for a moment and analyze the current landscape of mixed martial arts.

What you will find is a sole promotion that stands atop the ratings; having amassed the most notoriety and popularity, while containing the best stable of fighters. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the number one MMA organization in the world and has only just begun to flex its muscles.

Ironically, MMA was not always flourishing as it does now. Briefly rewind to the days of unsanctioned fights, lawless combat and “human cock fighting.” UFC One took place in November of 1993 and despite the sports alluring nature, the brutality and violence made it almost impossible to make profitable.

With mounting political and fiscal pressure, the organization was bleeding money and in dire straights. The promotion was on the brink of bankruptcy and the owners wanted out immediately. As for the sport itself, it was quickly losing relevancy in the U.S. and the available market space was drying up.

Yet on the verge of collapse, Station Casinos’ executives Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, along with childhood friend and boxing promoter Dana White, bought the fledgling promotion in 2001 for $2 million and forever changed the history of the sport.

Today, that same organization is valued at over $1 billion. It produces monthly pay-per-views with an annual buy rate that surpasses professional wrestling and boxing.

Spearheaded by aggressive marketing campaigns, their reality television series and White’s boisterous personality, the UFC has become a household name. Yet despite the organizations continual successes, some of the accolades have been overshadowed by White’s antics.

Dana White serves as the polarizing and controversial figurehead for the UFC and critics have been quick to scrutinize him. Specifically, White has alienated some due to his inappropriate outbursts, off hand remarks, cut throat business practices and his overall lack of a professional demeanor. While many of these criticisms are justified and well deserved, too much has been made over his behavior and the actual success of the UFC has become a sub plot.

Under White’s leadership, the UFC has transitioned into mainstream America. White was instrumental in landing the Anneheiser Busch partnership. Established fighters like Chuck Liddell have become A-list celebrities as his cameo on HBO’s Entourage demonstrated. Former two division champ Randy Couture has made a foray into making movies and lightweight Roger Huerta graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Furthermore, ESPN has made UFC fighters available for ESPY awards, as well as extending their coverage of UFC events, thus reiterating the belief that UFC has begun to blend professional sport with entertainment.

More importantly, the UFC is not content establishing itself in the United States alone. It wants to be an international sport with a base in every continent. White and the Fertitta’s have taken giant strides in legitimizing the sport nationally as well as place such as Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom. More countries are soon to follow suite and MMA’s growth will continue its rapid development under the UFC banner.

Besides the obvious contributions the UFC has made on behalf of MMA, it also consistently produces the best product. Unlike boxing, which has become convoluted with paper champions and undeserving challengers, the UFC almost always produced fights the public demanded. There is no conflicting bureaucracy within the organization which makes it possible to arrange the best match ups.

Additionally, the UFC has introduced the concept of a stacked fight card. The main event is no longer the only attraction of the night; rather, there are typically several key bouts of note. For example, UFC 100 will feature two title fights, a number one contender’s match and a plethora of established veterans. Essentially, the audience is getting far more bang for their buck compared to previous combat pay-per-views.

Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and a faded Ricky Hatton are all that remains of boxing’s main attractions. The UFC on the other hand, is ripe with reputable stars and a crop of young, hungry prospects. So despite the reservations being voiced by a segment of fans, remember, as the sport continues to thrive, the UFC will be at the forefront and set the precedent for other promotions.

The World's Greatest: My List Of The Top MMA Fighters Pound-For-Pound

Jordan Katz — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:21:18 -0400

No. 1 Lyoto Machida

The top pound-for-pound spot is always a hotly contested debate. A concise, fair argument could be made for several world class fighters. Yet, I have Machida atop the standings as of right now.

After seven fights in the UFC, the elusive and enigmatic fighter has yet to lose a round. At no point has he been truly threatened and he has dispatched top notch competition with relative ease.

The karate-based fighter continues to improve with each fight, and has yet to meet an opponent that has forced him into a battle. If this sort of dominance continues, Machida may find himself entrenched as one of the best fighters of all time.

No. 2 Georges St. Pierre

GSP is without question the most complete fighter the sport has ever seen. He seamlessly fuses boxing, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and many other disciplines and is considered the prototype athlete for the new breed of MMA fighters.

Currently on a five-fight win streak, GSP has thoroughly dominated some of the top-ten welterweights in the world. In what was billed as one of the biggest fights in MMA history, GSP dismantled B.J. Penn through four rounds before the fight was stopped.

If he performs as admirably against the always-dangerous Thiago Alves, then a proposed superfight with Anderson Silva may become a reality and give him the opportunity to elevate his reputation to legendary status.

No. 3 Fedor Emelianenko

"The Last Emperor" is the most revered fighter in the sport and arguably the greatest of all-time. With a nearly unblemished record and scores of victories over heavyweight elites, there is no denying his skills.

While many pundits have anointed Emelianenko MMA’s kingpin, I have relegated him to third. Talent-wise, he may still be the best fighter in the world. However, with his string of lackluster opponents, infrequent fights and his unsteady performance against Andrei Arlovski, his star power has been slightly diminished.

Still, an impressive victory over Josh Barnett at Affliction "Trilogy" would once again solidify his place as the top dog among his peers.

No. 4 Anderson Silva

Another fighter who deserves first-place consideration, Silva has taken the UFC by storm. Having reeled off nine straight victories inside the octagon, Silva has brutalized established stars in vicious fashion.

But his last three opponents have been undeserving, and frankly unspectacular. Against Patrick Cote and Thales Leites, Silva underachieved and was content coasting to victory. Despite utilizing an efficient strategy, he looked lackadaisical and disinterested in his previous two bouts.

If he wants to reclaim some of his past allure and instill the same kind of fear as years past, he needs to make a statement against Forrest Griffin in his next fight.

No. 5 B.J. Penn

Penn’s achievements as a fighter have been marred as of late by his incessant "grease gate" complaints and emphatic loss to GSP. But don’t be fooled, Penn had looked unstoppable before his last bout, dominating lightweight stalwarts like Sean Sherk and Joe Stevenson.

Unfortunately, Penn may never live up this his moniker as “The Prodigy.” As physically gifted a fighter as we have seen, Penn must make the most of his opportunity at greatness before his window closes. In order to re-establish his reputation as arguably the world’s best, he needs to put on a clinic against tough-as-nails Kenny Florian.

Coming just short of making a prediction, Penn seems truly flustered by his loss to GSP and a changing of the guard in the UFC’s lightweight division may be upon us.

No. 6 Miguel Torres

There is no denying this 135-pounder's skills or heart. My problem with him being ranked in the top five is that every one of his fights is a war. To me, elite fighters must not only win matches against top opposition, but do so in dominating fashion. They must rise to the occasion and look and fight noticeably better than their opponents.

Torres is resilient, tough and talented, but all of his bouts result in narrow victories. In order for me to truly appreciate him, I need to see him thoroughly destroy a top contender, and only then will I elevate his status.

No. 7 Rampage Jackson

Rampage is one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. At times, his boisterous personality and outlandish ring attire is more noticeable than his fighting. That is, until he knocks you out.

The wolf-howling Jackson has come a long way since his days in Pride. His entire skill-set has evolved and he has transitioned from a one-dimensional striker, into a lethal, well-rounded machine. With knockout power in both hands, outstanding strength for his weight class and quality takedown defense, he shows flashes of a new age Chuck Liddell.

Although he lost a close decision to Forrest Griffin, Jackson has bounced back with solid performances over Keith Jardine and Wanderlei Silva. When Rampage is focused, he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

No. 8 Rashad Evans

Despite being the world champ, Evans entered his first title defense against Machida as an underdog. And after the shellacking he took, the line proved to be an accurate one.

But don’t sleep on Evans. He is still growing as a fighter and has displayed an array of different talents. First and foremost, Evans is a quality wrestler with a good defense combined with nasty takedowns. Secondly, Evans has some of the quickest hands in the division. The explosion he exhibited against Liddell and Griffin was scary. And lastly, he has some of the best footwork in the sport.

Given all these positives, Evans should be a mainstay in the division for years to come and provide a difficult challenge for any competitor.

No. 9 Mike Brown

Soft spoken, humble and polite, you won’t find Mike Brown at the center of controversy. The American Top Team product has never sought the limelight, but after years of fighting, his performances have thrust him into the limelight.

Coming off of his 10th straight victory—two of which came at the expense of the seemingly indestructible Urijah Faber—Brown has made a career out of grinding opponents down and beating people up. It has taken a long time, but he is now getting the respect he deserves.

In spite of being only 5’6", Brown can bang with the best of them. He claims to enjoy sparring with teammate Thiago Alves and has proven he can strike and wrestle. After another dominating performance, it’s become clear that Brown has a stranglehold on the featherweight division.

No. 10 Kenny Florian

I’ll be honest, deciding on who the 10thbest fighter was my hardest decision. I’ve always been a Florian skeptic and placing him amongst the world’s best was a difficult decision. I thought fighters like Thiago Alves, Urijah Faber, Shinya Aoki and even Dan Henderson deserved consideration above Florian.

But then I began re-watching his fights. I started with his destruction at the hands of Diego Sanchez and didn’t stop until I witnessed him embarrass Joe Stevenson. Fact is, this guy has improved dramatically in all facets of the fight game. His striking is lethal. He takes angles, employs precise footwork, and uses kicks, elbows, knees and punches. There's no doubt his stand-up has become the total package.

The dedication to his wrestling is also noticeable. Since his loss to Sean Sherk, he has been incredibly difficult to take down and has actually made a habit of throwing his opponents off guard by utilizing good shots. He can also fight off his back and slap on submissions.

Simply put, Kenny Florian has become one of the most well rounded fighters in his division. After six straight convincing wins, Florian has shown me he is ready to make his mark as one of the best in the world.

Does Strikeforce Have Enough Force To Strike?

Jordan Katz — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:31:10 -0400

After the completion of the second of two quality events this year, the up-and-coming mixed-martial-arts promotion Strikeforce should be pleased.

They are clearly the biggest threat to MMA’s most recognizable organization, the UFC. Their shows have gained viewership and lacked the false grandeur of previously failed promotions. Strikeforce contains several marketable fighters and the flexibility to co-promote with other vendors.

So as of right now, the organization is content with their standing amongst the competition.

Strikeforce’s most recent event presented stunning upsets, solid action and helped to establish new stars. By reducing over-the-top advertising, utilizing solid match making and avoiding “gimmick” fights, Strikeforce has thus far evaded the fate of its predecessor, Elite XC.

However, before the promotion can rejoice over their initial success, they first must establish a business plan that emphasizes the long term, not just the immediate future.

With another night of fights scheduled for August, which are being headlined by the highly anticipated bout between the Queen and Princess of women’s MMA, Gina Carano and Cristine Santos, the short term looks promising for Strikeforce. Yet, the question remains, where does the promotion go from there?

Despite the entertaining fights and quality production of the events, Strikefoce faces one major hurdle; a lack of depth within their talent pool.

With only a select few household names to throw at customers, Strikeforces’ options become limited. Gina Carano, Renato Sobral, Alistair Oveereem, Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Brett Rogers, a faded Frank Shamrock and a Hollywood-focused Cung Le round out the short list of elite fighters.

Even more damaging to the company is the fact that Diaz, Shields, Lawler, Shamrock and Le all fight within the same weight class. Diaz and Shields train out of the same camp and won’t fight one another, Le has been on a hiatus from fighting filming movies and Shamrock has lost much of his allure due to consecutive TKO losses.

For the time being, Strikeforce can use the revolving middleweight door and find some combination of match ups that work for another event or two. But, soon they will find themselves with a shortage of possible headliners.

The answer then, lies within their ability to co-promote. This tidbit is significant because it is one of the few advantages the company has over its rival, the UFC.

Clothing line turned fight promotion Affliction has amassed some big names in MMA. They have a number of high profile and high caliber fighters under non-exclusive contracts, including the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.

By cross-promoting their events, Strikeforce and Affliction would add much needed depth to their stable of fighters and more importantly, be able to put on star studded main events that could potentially challenge that of the UFC’s.

Ultimately, fight fans want to see an abundance of action and established stars. With the right matchmaking, the two promotions have the power to do just that if they host the events collectively. Strikeforce has a proven track record of effectively utilizing this strategy.

In April, Strikeforce pit Benji Radach against Scott Smith. Although neither fighters are world-class, the organization understood that the result of the fight would be dramatic. They were two strikers with great chins who tend to excite fans.

Their fight ended up being a back-and-forth slugfest that was arguably the fight of the year. That bout, along with the headlining Diaz/Shamrock scrap combined to formulate a recipe for success; great action and good headliners.

The fact remains that the UFC has the best fighters in the world. But, because of the amount of cards the organization hosts each year, “super fights” happen infrequently. Since Strikeforce produces events at a much slower rate, they have yet another opportunity to undermine the UFC.

If they focus on fewer events, but ones that are of a higher caliber, they may gain even more traction amongst fans who yearn for big fights.

It will no doubt be a difficult challenge for Strikeforce to remain successful and profitable, though not impossible. If they adhere to co-promotions, big fights and constant action they may just find a niche within the industry.

As of right now Strikeforce does not have the force to deliver a knockout strike. But, with continual improvement and savvy business decisions, that may not be the case down the road.

Kimbo Slice: Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game

Jordan Katz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:43:11 -0400

Not all of Miami consists of sunny beaches, fast cars, hot women and long island iced teas. There is a dark side to the city where drugs, violence and degradation are common place.

Growing up in an area like that, one learns fast what type of person they are at their core. For Internet sensation turned mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice, he is and always has been, a fighter.

No stranger to danger, Kimbo was immersed in violence at an early age, finding himself forced to defend his childhood friend at only 13. For better or for worse, Kimbo has not stopped fighting since. And it was his ability to win fights that propelled the street fighter to national recognition.

After his taped street fights earned him an overnight like celebrity status, fledgling promotional company Elite XC packaged Kimbo as their biggest star. Hoping to cash in on his popularity, the organization gave him their headlining positions and marketed him as an elite fighter.

In spite of Elite XC’s attempts to legitimize Kimbo as an MMA phenom, the truth was, he was incredibly new to the sport and a very raw prospect. Kimbo himself never claimed to the best, he conceded his lack of experience and the need to get acclimated.

But the hype machine was in full throttle and due to his notoriety he was becoming the face of MMA and one of the biggest stars in the industry.

Yet his fall from grace was just as swift as his rise to the top. After facing poor opposition, winning by controversial stoppage and finally losing to an opponent in a lower weight class, the Kimbo hype had been dramatically altered.

Although his credibility as a fighter was destroyed, there was still interest in this bizarre, gangster talking, bling wearing, giant, beard rocking hard ass who also had an endearing and intriguing appeal. He is humble yet ferocious, gangster however still eloquent and mean but funny. And love him or hate him, people were still talking about him—wanting more.

After months of speculation, Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports, broke the news that Kimbo would be appearing on the next season of UFC’s reality television show, The Ultimate Fighter. Immediately the news drew massive media attention and the message boards were buzzing. The intrigue was back, but this time, without the hype.

Kimbo Slice never said he was the best; he was just promoted and marketed that way. But, regardless of the perceptions we were asked to believe, what we are going to get is a healthy dose of reality.

This situation is far different than Kimbo’s previous one. He understands his inexperience in the sport and the novice level that he is currently at. Kimbo is accepting that by entering the UFC’s equivalent to an MLB farm system, The Ultimate Fighter.

There will be no star treatment for Kimbo, who will be dealt with as just another cast member and expected to earn his keep. That takes strength for an individual to acknowledge his weakness and take action to improve it.

Even at the peak of Kimbo’s popularity there were always haters. A lot of haters. Certain people didn’t buy into the marketing ploy and felt it cheapened the sport. Now Kimbo will have the opportunity to gain the respect of some of those haters. Kimbo is on a level playing field and will be forced to endure the hardships of obtaining success just like his peers.

If he is able to find that success on the show, it will be because of his own due diligence and hard work.

Like he has done his entire life, Kimbo is relying on his skills as a fighter to help him prosper. The difference is, not only will he be fighting actual opponents, but he is fighting to remain relevant in the sport itself.

Whether you are ready for him or not, Kimbo Slice is coming to the UFC and this time, the hype is his to make or break.

Luiz Cane: The Silent Assasin

Jordan Katz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:29:55 -0400

Lyoto Machida sits atop the light heavyweight division. But, there is a silent assassin lurking in the shadows, eagerly awaiting his opportunity to emerge.

When surveying the crowded light heavyweight landscape, it is easy to overlook Luiz Cane. He has not received a marketing push from the UFC nor has he vocalized his desire for recognition. Unlike many of his peers, he is not a chiseled physical specimen with bulging muscles and a boisterous personality.

No, Cane has been content biding his time and accumulating W’s…until now.

With Rampage Jackson set to fight Rashad Evans and Forrest Griffin squaring off against Anderson Silva, the division could use an influx of potential contenders. The Brazilian-born Cane has been patient and, as the UFC looks to establish some new faces, his chance at stardom may have finally arrived.

Having gone 3-1 in the UFC, with his lone loss coming by way of disqualification in a fight he was dominating, Cane has quietly put together a string of quality wins.

His tenacity was apparent in his first round knockout of Jason Lambert. He displayed that same killer instinct when he dismantled Sokoudjou via strikes in his next bout. In April, he earned a hard-fought unanimous decision against the very game Steve Cantwell and has positioned himself for a step up in competition.

Cane is primarily a striker, but has displayed a vast array of skills. With solid wrestling, a jiu-jitsu background, a stout chin and cement in both hands, Cane is a difficult fighter to match up against.

Additionally, Cane does not shy away from a slugfest—a recipe for entertaining scraps. The man loves to trade leather and has done so efficiently and lethally.

While no announcement has been made, a proposed bout between Cane and rising star Thiago Silva might as well be accompanied with a pillow, because one of them would surely get put to sleep. The two native-Brazilians have a long standing beef that goes back to their early fight days in Fury FC.

A match between the two would provide sure-fire action and a fine indicator as to whether Cane is ready for the prime time. As Matt Serra displayed in his stunning knock out of GSP, the prime time can come fast and furious.

With a bone-rattling left-right combo, Cane has the potential to leapfrog the hype stage and catapult himself right into the limelight. And the division is positioned nicely for a new face. Given his evolving skills, Cane has the chance to do just that.

But, until given the chance, Cane will do what he has done since his UFC debut—remain silent and continue to knock people out.

Lyoto Machida: Kiss of The Dragon

Jordan Katz — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:03:41 -0400

“Come not between the dragon and his wrath.” – William Shakespeare

Tito Ortiz staggered backward before collapsing, after a perfectly executed knee landed to his body. Sokoudjou awoke perplexed, following a sleep inducing submission that was applied seemingly effortlessly. And most recently, Thiago Silva experienced his first loss from vicious knockout after a brutal combination.

All these fighters have fallen victim to an undefeated Lyoto Machida. All have felt the kiss of the dragon.

Quite possibly the most obscure fighter in mixed martial arts, Lyoto Machida’s road to recognition has been slow and tedious. Despite boasting a 14-0 record (6-0 in the UFC), Machida has been flying under the radar, due largely to his unique fighting style.

He uses an unorthodox southpaw fighting stance to implement his mastery of Shotokan karate. Perplexing the fight world with his enigmatic style, Machida has the allure of an unsolved mystery. Originally overlooked because of his lack of aggression and defensive tendencies, the soft spoken Machida has forced critics and fans alike to take notice, with quality wins over top opposition.

Watching Machida fight is like seeing poetry in motion. It typically involves evasive, fluid maneuvers and counter punching.

In spite of his six Octagon appearances, "The Dragon" has remained virtually unscathed. Opponents simply cannot get comfortable when fighting him. His awkward style is confusing, and competitors end up straying from their intended game plan.

Ortiz wanted to wrestle, but couldn’t take Machida down. Silva wanted to strike, but couldn’t find the range. "The Dragon" patiently turn his challengers’ strengths into weaknesses and then proceeds to meticulously pick them apart.

His deserved new recognition has been a long time coming.

At UFC 98, Machida has the chance to finally grab the main spotlight when he attempts to dethrone current champ Rashad Evans. The fight figures to be a series of calculated risks, as both fighters have yet to taste defeat and both are known to take their time and wait to engage.

Yes, it has taken some time, but "The Dragon" has no regrets. He is responsible for flaming out the career of Ortiz and extinguishing Silva’s momentum.

Machida remains one of the few unanswered conundrums in the world of MMA. With a rare combination of speed, footwork, defense, and power, The Dragon has taken flight, and finally we all have taken notice.

Pucker up for The Dragon’s kiss at UFC 98!

Chuck Liddell: I Hate to See You Go, but Love to Watch You Leave

Jordan Katz — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:57:20 -0400

The deafening roar of the Las Vegas crowd drowned out the announcers’ proclamations of yet another successful Iceman title defense. Chuck Liddell circled the ring doing his trademark victory dance; arms fully extended, stretched, and flexed, while Liddell screamed furiously with elation.

This was the Iceman fans had come to know and love from the seemingly unbeatable knockout artist with hands of steel and an iron chin. On this night, Dec. 30, 2006, Liddell had managed to TKO his long-time nemesis Tito Ortiz for the second time, earning him his seventh straight victory and truly cementing his legacy as an all-time great.

Unfortunately for Liddell, his victory over Ortiz would mark the last meaningful one of his career. If late 2006 was the highlight of his illustrious career, than mid-2009 is rock bottom for the Iceman. Having lost four of his last five bouts, three by way of brutal knockout, it seems as though Liddell may have to hang up the gloves once and for all.

Make no mistake, the Iceman was one of the most prolific fighters of all-time and one of the few fighters who helped to promote the sport. He was more than just a fighter; he was a marketable household name who became a celebrity and the face of the UFC organization. His acting stints, commercials, interviews and appearances made him a beloved red carpet A-lister, but also a major ambassador to the sport.

Sporting a shaved head, except for his raised Mohawk, Liddell had a distinct look that made him recognizable. The UFC rode this notoriety to major pay-per-view events and all-time mixed martial arts revenue records. Liddell was one of the most polarizing figures to ever grace the sport, specifically because his presence extended well beyond it.

Liddell began gaining notoriety after a string of impressive victories over top notch competition in Jeff Monson, Kevin Randleman, Guy Mezger, Murilo Bustamante, and Amar Suloev. These solid wins helped him to develop a following and jumpstart the UFC.

But, it wasn’t until his two emphatic wins over Vitor Belfort and Renato Sobral that people began to view him as a destroyer. Specifically against Sobral, Liddell began to let his hands go at will. He had the innate ability to knock competitors out from any angle; moving backwards, forwards, or side-to-side. His heavy hands made him one of the most feared strikers in the sport and opponents simply didn’t want to get hit by him. Very quickly, Liddell was becoming the Mike Tyson of MMA; fellow combatants were truly hesitant to fight.

In early 2004, Liddell went on a seven fight win streak that saw him beat Ortiz (twice), Randy Couture (twice), Sobral (again), Vernon White, and Jeremy Horn. All of the aforementioned bouts ended in TKO. During that two year span, nobody in all the sport had as many devastating, highlight reel knockouts or more of a dominating impact.

That time period also came at a critical juncture for MMA. It was in a period of transition, with the sport finally being accepted into mainstream culture. More importantly, Liddell was the face helping to usher in this new era of sport. He was revered by his fellow fighters, marketed by the suites within the organization, and loved by millions of fans.

After those accomplishments in the ring, his achievements on behalf of the sport and his cross-over appeal, it’s difficult to see a fighter of his stature be forced to retire. Great boxers like Ali and Joe Frazier didn't know when to end their careers and the damaging results were tangible. As combat sports have proven time and time again that it's better to walk away unharmed than to risk future damage. And, at the end of the day, Liddell has the opportunity to do so.

The time has come for Liddell to call it quits. His once stout chin has become much maligned in recent fights. The timing and speed in which he regularly landed his monstrous right has slowed and the versatility of his kicks have dwindled. The once great champion, the fierce competitor, the crowd pleasing knockout artist is now a shell of the fighter he once was.

However, if the Iceman chooses to up and leave, walk away from the sport he helped build, then he will do so at exactly the right time. Right now, the sport is in a state of flux. Old school legends such as Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, and even Frank Shamrock are getting exposed for their one dimensional skills and lack of versatile arsenal. Newer, more athletic hybrid fighters like Georges St. Pierre are beginning to take over; they incorporate fluid transitions from all disciplines of MMA. The Iceman’s era of fighting is over and these younger fighters are ushering in a new one.

Chuck Liddell needs to understand that he will always be remembered as a pioneer. He was somebody who fought and beat the best and did so in an entertaining fashion. There is no shame in walking away physically unscathed and financially secure.

You have accomplished all that is necessary, so, before you hurt yourself, do the right thing and end your career. Because I know that I hate to see you go, but will love to watch you leave.

MMA's Kyle Maynard: The Little Engine That Could

Jordan Katz — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:18:17 -0400

You remember the famous childhood book, “The Little Engine That Could”? You know the story about the rundown, old, and small little train that managed to show his newer more savvy competitors that he could still compete at a high level.

That little train never gave up: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...”

Kyle Maynard never gives up either.

Born with a condition called congenital amputation, which left him with no limbs below his elbows or thighs, Maynard has been defying the odds his entire life.

Because of his disability, Maynard was constantly told what he could and could not do. He was forced to endure the shame of being mocked for his condition, but worse, told he couldn’t participate in his true passion—sports.

At an early age, Maynard developed an innate love for competitive athletics, specifically wrestling. However, due to his condition, it was difficult for him to find a person willing to train him. Yet, he was undeterred and by sheer tenacity of purpose, found a coach and realized a dream.

Although thrilled to finally be participating in athletics, his void for competition had not been filled. So, in high school he joined the varsity wrestling team, graduating with a solid record and the respect of an entire community.

His successes and perseverance on the wrestling mat garnered national attention. Maynard’s hard work and achievements were chronicled by the national media, and through motivational speaking and an autobiography, he became somewhat of a celebrity.

Yet despite his successes, the need for a physical challenge gnawed at him, and that void began to increase. In 2004, Maynard received a phone call from MMA legend Randy Couture. Having heard his story and impressed with his will, Couture invited him to attend a UFC event. That one event was all it took to spawn a new direction in Maynard’s life.

Maynard immediately latched onto MMA, enthralled with the sport as so many have become. He began studying the sport, and after truly appreciating the craftsmanship involved in it, he started actively pursuing training opportunities.

"The Little Engine" had started to rev, and nothing was going to get in his way. What started with grappling transitioned into jiu-jitsu and striking. Initially a hobby, MMA was becoming a way of life. Onlookers admired his dedication, MMA constituents respected his heart, but nobody believed he could actually compete, and so they told him what he could and could not do.

“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...”

Critics be damned, rules be ignored. Maynard knew he wanted to compete, but more importantly, he knew he could compete—and nobody was going to tell him otherwise.

In what would be an ongoing battle that would last years, Maynard fought, appealed, and fought some more in hopes of getting sanctioned by an athletic commission. Finally, he won. After testimonials from veteran trainers, ringside physicians, and video clips of his extensive training, Maynard received word that he would be allowed to fight.

Maynard adjusts his positioning on the bench press. He leans forward, delicately balancing the thick dumbbell right on his lower shoulders. His brow furrows, and he grimaces slightly as he exerts tremendous force, but manages to lift the weight.

Training for this fight has not been easy, but it pales in comparison to the daily struggles he has faced his entire life.

Winning would be nice, and losing would be difficult, but merely competing is what drives Maynard. For somebody who has been told his entire life what he couldn’t do, this is a testament to the fact that Maynard decides what he is capable of doing and nobody else.

Much controversy has been sparked over Maynard’s upcoming fight. Many pundits believe it gives the sport a black eye. Others feel it's not a matter of perceptions, but an issue of safety. There are legitimate concerns regarding Maynard’s well-being.

Should he be allowed to fight? Maybe, maybe not. But I dare to you tell him that he can’t, because my guess is, he will tell you that he can.

Better Cheick your Kongo

Jordan Katz — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:54:59 -0400

Cheick Kongo is not an individual you would want to meet in a dark alley. Towering over most at 6’4" and weighing 235 pounds, the chiseled physical specimen has been gaining momentum in the UFC’s heavyweight division.

With his UFC '97 win over Antoni Hardonk and his recent propensity for early finishes, Kongo has positioned himself for an upcoming title shot.

But, truth be told, the enormous Frenchman is neither deserving nor qualified to justify such an opportunity. Despite amassing a solid 7-2 record inside the octagon, Kongo has never exhibited the well-rounded skills of an elite mixed martial artist. Rather, the rigid and hulking Kongo has beaten mediocre competition and lost to very average opposition.

In 2008, perennial gatekeeper and journeyman Heath Herring was able to control him on the ground and eke out a victory. Even worse, in 2006, Kongo allowed a massively undersized Carmelo Marrero, who soon dropped to light heavyweight, to out-wrestle him for the win.

Don’t let his intimidating stature fool you; Kongo is not the destroyer that the media and fans believe. He is a very limited, over hyped fighter whose marketable look and features outweigh his actual skills. Primarily a kick boxer, Kongo has great leg kicks, a rocket straight right, and, typically, a reach advantage that he uses well, but that’s where his accolades end.

Kongo keeps his hands low, has poor head movement and footwork, a suspect take down defense, and no ground skills whatsoever. To worsen matters, he has been responsible for numerous snooze fests, like his lackluster battles against Mirko Cro Cop, Assuerio Silva, Herring, and Marrero. The fact that he is even considered a top contender speaks to a much large issue.

The issue is the UFC’s heavyweight division needs a little life thrust into it. There are the recognizable stars in Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, the fading stars in Randy Couture and Antonio Nogueiera, the up-and-comers in Shane Carwin, Cain Velazquez, and Junior Dos Santos, and, finally, the stalwarts like Gabriel Gonzaga and Heath Herring. All things considered, having only a handful of established heavyweights may prove troublesome down the road. It will especially be true when the UFC has exhausted all possible fight match ups.

Unfortunately, instead of developing their talent and cultivating the next generation of heavyweights, the UFC is content to pit their current up-and-comers in with the likes of scrubs. Velazquez fought a joker, Denis Stojnic, while Dos Santos was forced to battle it out with the underwhelming Stefan Struve. The UFC needs to accumulate fighters with the potential for future development like Brett Rogers, Dave Herman, or unearth some unheralded prospects through the Ultimate Fighter or smaller promotions.

Complicating matters further has been the UFC’s inability to maintain their roster. Losing guys like Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, and Fabricio Werdum hurt the divisions’ credibility. Being unable to lure big names like Fedor Emilanenko and Alistair Overeem thins the division additionally. It also allows mid-tier fighters like Kongo to make a name for themselves.

After two recent undeserving title challengers in Patrick Cote and Thales Leites, the UFC needs to ensure that only the best fight for their prestigious belts. Until Kongo impressively beats an opponent of note, he better check himself before he wrecks himself.

You Do You and I'll Do Me: Nick Diaz Is Still Nick Diaz

Jordan Katz — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:02:48 -0400

Thousands of screaming Hawaiian fans rained down boos, threw scores of garbage and let their disdain for Nick Diaz be known. Mixed martial art’s bad boy simply smiled and extended his own courtesy back to the fans, two double fisted middle fingers pointed high in the air.

Make no mistake: Nick Diaz will always speak his mind. Why? Because he simply does not care what others think.

“My job is to come in and whoop your fu**ing ass so I can get paid and take care of my family and take care of my business,” Diaz once said.

For those of you who don’t appreciate his candor, albeit poor choice of words, Diaz has a message for you too, “Nobody has class here, we’re cage fighters. We fight in a cage, throw elbows. All this classy stuff is sort of derived from us trying to get this sport out. They’ve done their job. That’s not my job to make this sport look like it’s not warfare…like it’s a tennis match, because it’s not!”

Gems like these are what make him one of the most polarizing figures in the sport.

Outlandish? Yeah.

Rude? Absolutely.

Inappropriate? You bet ya.

But captivating? No question.

Love him or hate him, its characters like Diaz which make sports great. Think about it: for every hero there is a villain, for every good guy there is a bad guy. And in a sport founded on mutual respect and honor, Diaz embraces the opposite; his bad boy image.

He’s the guy fans love to hate and THAT ladies and gentleman, is what makes him a valued commodity.

On Saturday April 11, Diaz will square off against legendary Frank Shamrock in a televised Strikeforce event. Although no titles are up for grabs, this is a fight fans should be pleased about.

The bout pits two brash, trash talking showmen in the cage with a victory simply achieving bragging rights. While the fight holds no meaningful significance to either combatant’s career, this has all the makings of a classic back and forth battle. And we all know Diaz is a scrapper.

After a close decision loss to Joe Riggs back in 2006, the fighters were both taken to the hospital for observation. Diaz, who was attached to an IV, entered Riggs’ room and a brawl ensued.

At one point, it was rumored Diaz attempted to strangle Riggs with his IV chord! Let me reiterate; he tried to strangle him with his own IV chord!Now that is entertainment folks. That is some straight up soap-opera, 90210, OC type drama.

The point is, despite his unreasonable antics, Diaz fascinates audiences. His do-or-die, carefree attitude may rub some the wrong way, but it makes for entertaining fights and even better pre-fight build up. Furthermore, the fight will be a fine indicator as to how far Diaz has evolved thus far in his career.

Seemingly always on the cusp of elite fighter status, a win over a notable and respected fighter like Shamrock would solidify Diaz’s place in the upper echelon of competitors. In order to reach that next level, Diaz must find a way to defeat his bigger and stronger opponent.

Fighting the majority of his career as a welterweight at 170 lbs. and most recently at 160 in Elite XC, how Diaz will fare against an opponent who typically cuts weight just to make 185 remains to be seen.

But, Shamrock has never been a physically imposing fighter; rather he has used tact and guile to overcome physical deficiencies. Diaz is similar. He does not have the physical strength of most fighters, but with an awkward yet efficient boxing style and slick jiu-jitsu, he tends to frustrate his opponents.

In the weeks leading up to the bout, both fighters have engaged in a battle of wits, with both playing their usual mind games. The match itself should be no less calculating. It will be a game of chess, with each fighter attempting to place themselves in their most favorable position.

For Diaz, that would most likely be on top position, where he will attempt to sink in a submission. As for Shamrock, he is heavy handed and should be looking to keep the fight standing.

“I definitely don’t like Frank...If I fight you, I don’t like you,”said Diaz in the days leading up to the fight. “As soon as he signed the paper to fight me, he fu**ed up.”

Regardless of the outcome, Diaz will continue to be Diaz. He is not going to censor himself for anyone or anything. And that’s why we will continue to watch and see what he does next. Nick, I'll continue to do me, as long as you promise to continue doing you.

Georges St. Pierre: Finish Him

Jordan Katz — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:07:20 -0500

Georges St. Pierre fires his piston-like jab and transitions seamlessly into a powerfully executed leg kick. Both attempted strikes hit their mark.

B.J. Penn, arguably one of the best mixed martial artists of all-time. The seemingly effortless combination was foreshadowing how dominant GSP’s performance would be in the two combatants heavily anticipated rematch.

Marketed as the UFC’s biggest bout ever and quite possibly the most relevant fight in the short history of the sport, there was more than just the welterweight title up for grabs. Both champions were fighting to strengthen their legacy and continue their paths towards MMA’s pound-for-pound supremacy.

In what was supposed to be an epic , back and forth, tug-of-war battle, ended up being a one sided showcase of GSP’s skill and athleticism. After a four-round war that saw GSP completely overwhelm Penn with crisp striking, powerful wrestling, and brutal ground-and-pound, GSP may already have a legitimate claim as the world’s best fighter.

But, before the bout, both critics and Penn alike openly questioned GSP’s heart. Those questions were answered emphatically when GSP pounded the cage after a dominant and fight ending, fourth round, rubbing his toughness and sheer will in the faces of his former detractors. Criticisms regarding his striking were quelled with a plethora of landed jabs, straight rights, and arsenal of kicks.

Though there was never any doubt about his conditioning or motivation, the welterweight kingpin entered the octagon in phenomenal shape and kept a frantic pace for all four rounds, solidifying himself as well rounded a fighter as there is.

As a mixed martial artist, GSP is the culmination of a perfect fusion between mind-blowing athleticism and a variety of finely tuned fighting disciplines. Unlike so many failed athletes with the same potential, the Michael Vick’s and Kwame Brown’s who awed us with their potential, but wounded us with their disappointing failures, GSP has continually improved with each fight.

Wasted potential and failed expectations are never so glaring as seen with professional athletes. When you’re a once-in-a-life-time athlete, the expectations can’t get higher. Very few are able to meet those unreasonable levels of hype. But, the ones that do, they are the revolutionaries.

These are athletes that transcend sport and time; immortals, continuously living through the greatness of their accomplishments and the fond memories of their fans. With his career defining and legacy cementing performance, GSP has positioned himself as the first iconic figure in the sport of MMA.

While the climb to the top of the division was a challenging one, GSP will face further difficulties solidifying and maintaining his stranglehold on the sports top spot. In order to do that, it will be imperative for him to continue his marked improvement.

What does that mean?

It means he needs to develop a more effective finishing method. Though he managed to stop Penn, GSP’s propensity for allowing opponents to stick around is cause for major concern. The longer a challenger with knockout power or slick submissions is able to get comfortable, the bigger the chance for an upset becomes.

Against top contenders like Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, GSP simply could not finish them. If GSP allows fighters like Thiago Alves and Anderson Silva to find their range, it’s just a matter of time before he could get caught.

Clearly, being a well-rounded and technically proficient fighter is a huge advantage. But, if you have no viable finishing maneuver, it’s difficult to consistently grind out wins. Just ask light heavyweight Forrest Griffin; he was meticulously picking Rashad Evans apart but couldn’t find a way to stop him. Eventually, Evans found his rhythm and was able to TKO Griffin.

Still, GSP is a young and growing as a fighter. His past and most recent accomplishments cannot be ignored and he is methodically working his way up the pound-for-pound ladder. To reach that next rung though, GSP must learn to finish.

The Almost Trap: An Open Letter to Alex Rodriguez

Jordan Katz — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:38:11 -0500

Dear Mr. Rodriguez,

This letter is about “ALMOST”—almost living up to your image, almost being forthright, almost taking full personal responsibility, almost being strong.

I‘ve been a big A-Rod fan, but suspect my feelings are those of many fans.

For the longest time, I’ve been in awe of you.

Your swing is poetic—a fluid, seamless swivel of your hips, followed by the firm arc of the bat. This almost made the complex task of hitting simple.

Your athleticism is uncanny.

You combine a perfect mix of power and speed. Year-after-year you continue to acquire stolen bases, and your cannon arm continues to throw out base runners. You bring a defensive presence to the infield and an air of invincibility at the plate.

You’ve been the man.

You’re a good looking, smooth-talking charmer, with a million-dollar smile that I always emulated. During interviews you are articulate; the consummate professional. In the past, you’ve said all the right things—giving your teammates their proper due, thanking the necessary people, and giving love to your fans.

You’ve been the very best player in baseball. Until late 2007, in the current me-first generation, you seemed to be the exception; the game’s greatest player, ultimate teammate, and excellent ambassador of the sport. As outsized as your persona has been, you still seemed to place team first and uphold the sanctity of the game.

Unlike so many others, you chose the road less traveled, again at least up until the end of 2007. A difficult path where hard work, honesty, and selflessness are required to reach the intended destination. You earned my respect.

But, somewhere along that path, you lost sight of where the road goes…and began traveling backwards.

You became less than a hero.

You opted out of your Yankee contract to leverage your status as the game’s best, in an attempt to make the most money possible. You gave no thought to loyalty or legacy. Instead, you put the all-mighty dollar first.

Despite the team underachieving during you tenure, we remained loyal to you—even after you found the market less generous than anticipated and begrudgingly re-signed with us. Even after you flirted with other teams and flaunted it in our faces.

This incident began to chip away pieces of your honor. I began to think the unthinkable: was the face of baseball and my sports’ hero simply a talented athlete whose character did not match his physical skills?

And then you answered my question by admitting to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In an era where a large percentage of players were using steroids, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. But man, you were A-Rod—the best player to ever grace a diamond. You didn’t need the juice because you had it ingrained in you! You should have been above corruption and ignorance and need.

You had the biggest contract in sports, were on pace to break the sport’s most revered records, and you had nothing left to prove. But, beneath all that money, under the massive amount of accomplishments and hidden inside those hulking muscles did not lie strength, but rather a weakness I never believed possible.

You cracked under pressure. You couldn’t handle it. You weren’t content being the best, you got greedy, son.

You lied to those who paid your outlandish salary and those who cheered your name till their voices went horse. You lied to yourself and the very essence of what you claimed to represent. You are the biggest hypocrite in all of sports…the villain who pretends to be the hero.

And in your media spin session this week, you failed to take complete personal ownership of the details. You couldn’t bring your self to explicitly confront your weaknesses. You couldn’t bring yourself to say, “I did it because I wanted an even greater edge. I made a conscience decision to cheat and own up to that mistake.”

Instead, you ALMOST took full responsibility.

Now, you’ve become a less vilified Barry Bonds. Your credibility is in ruins and your legacy will be forever tarnished. Your records will be accompanied by a big, fat asterisk, real or virtual.

And you’ve managed to make yourself into an “almost” real Hall Of Famer. You may get in, but you failed us twice—once when you used the PEDs, and once again this week when you failed to completely own up to the details, however difficult they might be.

Weakness can be forgiven, but it’s really hard to do so when it’s compounded by hubris.

On the deepest level, you let people down. You let me down. Fans wanted to believe in you, kids wanted to be you. You had it all and you gave it away for what? An extra couple mili-seconds on your 40-time? 10 more long bombs a year?

Personally, I understand your reasons. I sympathize with your pressures and relate to your loneliness. Obviously it’s more difficult to stand alone against many, than to be just another guy.

The fact is though, you weren’t just another guy, but you didn’t have the strength to realize your full potential—on and off the field.

You aren’t A-Rod anymore. Your’re not even “almost A-Rod.”

You are Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler, the chump who had the chance to live the good life, but didn’t have the strength to grasp the opportunity. You are Sam Rockwell in Matchstick Men; biting that hand that feeds you in utter betrayal. You are Bill Clinton on the stand proclaiming, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman!” You are A-Fraud.

You might bench press 300 pounds, hit 70 home runs and be the most physically gifted player of all time. But, you were weak, and worse still, remained so this week at the moment we all needed you to be your strongest, morally.

And I USED to be an A-Rod fan.

The Excellence of Execution

Jordan Katz — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:11:36 -0500

Even a hardened veteran like Bernard Hopkins was caught in the magnitude of the moment. At 43-years young, the Executioner had accomplished the unthinkable; a dominating shutout victory, over heavily favored and undefeated, Kelly Pavlik. As his eyes welled up with tears, Hopkins looked to the ringside media and mouthed, “I’m tired of having to prove myself…”

At this point in his career, Hopkins shouldn't have to. Despite amassing an incredible record, monumental upset victories and a string of 20 title defenses, Hopkins is continually over looked as one of the best fighters of all-time.

For over ten years now, critics have deemed Hopkins too slow, too weak, overmatched, or as of his 40th birthday, too old. Yet, regardless of the naysayers, Hopkins continues to prove his detractors wrong.

His latest triumph may have been his most impressive. Virtually nobody had predicted Hopkins to win. In fact, many analysts believed Pavlik had the potential to win via knock out. But, in what has become the staple of his career, Hopkins defied the odds.

Pavlik, 17 years Hopkins junior, was outclassed from the opening bell. Scrutinized in his last fight for slowing as the rounds wore on, Hopkins never relented this time. He through more punches than Pavlik in nine rounds and out landed him in ten. It was a virtuoso performance for boxings’ elder statesman.

The remarkable career of the Executioner has been paved by his boxing prowess. Arguably the most technical fighter of his era, Hopkins out boxed opponents en route to 49 victories. He’d establish a game plan and execute it with precision.

In 2006, against the light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver, the performance was vintage Hopkins. He was to get his punches off first, land combinations and then clinch to avoid damage.

When he fought Winky Wright in his next fight, he displayed his innate ability to turn his opponent’s best weapons against them. The defensive minded Wright wasn’t able to mount an offense.

The future hall of famer cemented his legacy long ago. Wins over Pavlik simply add to it. But, this wasn’t always the case. It took a huge knock out upset over heavily favored Felix Trinidad. And then Hopkins needed to meticulously pick apart crowd favorite, Oscar de la Hoya and finish him with a body shot, before his greatness was recognized. These two fights accentuated Hopkins capacity to surgically dissect most challengers.

Hopkins was never the biggest puncher or fastest moving, which may have contributed to his obscurity. But, he was one of the most cerebral fighters ever to grace the ring.

His mind games and dirty tactics are stuff of legend. He beat opponents mentally before the bout had begun. Hopkins trash talking and fight propaganda allowed him to goad opponents into fighting his type of chess match scrap. This provided Hopkins the opportunity to dictate the pace of the bout and let his pure boxing skills take over.

At the conclusion of the Pavlik fight, Hopkins indicated he’d still like to fight. Though there are few viable options. Hopkins was last defeated by Calzaghe, in a closely disputed split-decision. But, fans and media have been clamoring for a Roy Jones/Hopkins 2 for a decade. A win over Jones would be a fitting end to Hopkins storied career, except Jones lost to Calzaghe ruling out the potential rematch and future options.

Although the master technician’s career is winding down, his achievements will never be forgotten. He is one of the greatest 40-plus fighters in boxing history and a top fighter of all-time.

Dana The Dictator

Jordan Katz — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:59:35 -0500

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organization is synonymous with mixed martial arts and has spearheaded the sport's transition into mainstream culture. While upstart competitor brands like Pride, Elite XC and the IFL have appeared and folded, the UFC’s brand continues to thrive and gain positive attention.

But, owning the majority of the market has given the UFC a false sense of security along with a real case of short-sightedness.

In the long run, the UFC is making itself vulnerable because of the too often unprofessional attitude and business style of its "face," UFC president Dana White, and because of the organization's treatment of its most valuable assets: the fighters.

Understandably, the UFC is a business and its main purpose is to profit, which it is undoubtedly succeeding at, and handsomely. In this environment, President Dana White should be building the most comprehensive stable of talent in the world and hosting the best and most competitive fights. The organization's way of conducting business should be of the highest professional quality, befitting a major worldwide business.

The problem is that the UFC is failing on all these counts.

They have adopted a cutthroat negotiating style with fighters and an unwillingness to compromise. This has disrespected key fighters and led to the departures of some marquee combatants. Dana White's in-your-face, "gangster style" of operating is more appropriate for a start-up fight club based in a back alley than for a billion dollar global enterprise.

Yes, White understands UFC's position in the market place. His company is, ultimately, the only real game in town—the gold standard and major leagues of MMA.

But White believes he can stonewall anyone who objects to the UFC's practices. Differences in opinion are simply not tolerated. The actions of fighters are either aligned with what the UFC wants, or they are expendable.

Over the past year, notable figures such as Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Tito Ortiz were not re-signed. Arlovski is still relatively young at 29, with incredible skills and a knack for entertaining in fan pleasing bouts.

Although aged and one dimensional, Ortiz is one of the most significant draws in the entire sport and was not re-signed due to his deteriorating relationship with White.

Allowing such talented and marketable fighters to leave is mind boggling.

Compounding the issue has been the recent release of Fabricio Werdum and Jon Fitch.

Both fighters are atop their division and among the world's best.

Fitch is a warrior who went five rounds in an entertaining bout with champion GSP. He is 8-1 in the octagon and holds a win over Thiago Alves. Despite displaying tremendous heart in many bouts, Fitch seemed disenchanted with the organization's negotiating.

“We tried to negotiate five or 10 year deals with them," he said, "but it wasn’t good enough. It was all or nothing. He (White) wanted our lifetime. He wanted our souls forever.”

Even if Fitch’s situation is resolved, White’s unrelenting, in-your-face attitude is eventually going to backfire for the company.

According to reports, the fighters' relationship with the organization soured when they were asked to renegotiate their contracts and give the organization a lifetime contract for their likeness on the UFC’s upcoming video game.

Because of Dana White’s stubbornness and the UFC’s uncompromising attitude regarding its fighters, fans suffer the consequences. Instead of seeing one of the best welterweights in the world challenge the likes of Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes or even B.J. Penn, Jon Fitch will be forced to fight sparingly in lesser known, far less visible promotions.

The stubbornness of the organization has never been so glaring. Top heavyweight and legendary fighter Fedor Emelianenko shunned White’s attempts at courtship because of what he felt was a lack of respect and refusal to cooperate in negotiations. This take it or leave it attitude hurts the fans the most.

White’s products are his fighters. Continuing to alienate groups of them is not a prudent business approach. Feuds with Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz and in-their-primes Josh Barnett and Frank Shamrock have marred White’s successes.

In regards to Fitch and other fighters with whom he has disagreed, the outspoken White spewed this gem, “Affliction is still out there trying to build its company. Let [Fitch] go work with them. Let him see what he thinks of those [expletives]. [Expletive] him. These guys aren’t partners with us. [Expletive] them. All of them, every last [expletive] one of them.”

As always, White is all about the "low road" and allows personal feelings to cloud reasonable business decisions. At the end of the day, the UFC will be held accountable about whether they have the fans' and fighters' best interests at heart.

The UFC risks the rise and popular support for a governing body for fighters that would put an end to further injustices.

The average UFC combatant fights three times a year. And with only a few fighters making more than six figures a year, its clear most are underpaid. At UFC 91, Ryan Thomas and Rafael Dos Anjos made $3000 and $4000, respectively. With all the expenses a fighter incurs, these guys aren’t even making a profit.

As the sport continues to grow and rival promotions like Golden Boy and Affliction keep investing money, it’ll be increasingly difficult for the UFC to maintain its superiority based on its current style of doing business.

Maintaining superiority requires preserving the deepest roster of talent in the world. Forcing stars like Fitch and Werdum out of the organization is a major setback for fans who wish to see elite fighters compete.

In the coming years, the UFC's rule-by-an-iron-fist must be replaced with a more enlightened business approach of cultivating talent. That's how fans will get the best product and UFC will assure its long term success.

UFC 91 Preview

Jordan Katz — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:29:24 -0500

At 6’3" and 265 pounds of sculpted muscle, Brock Lesnar is living proof that giants still walk the earth.

In what is shaping up to be the biggest fight in UFC history, the behemoth Lesnar will fight legendary heavyweight champion, Randy Couture.

Although Lesnar’s rise to No. 1 contender has been fast, there is no denying his appeal or considerable talents. Never has the world of MMA seen such a physical specimen with as much athletic ability. While Lesnar’s career is in its infancy, Couture has been one of the ambassadors of the sport for over a decade.

If Lesnar stormed out of his corner, took Couture down immediately, and TKO’d him in the first round, it would not be a surprise. Lesnar is simply that explosive. He has the capabilities to be that dangerous.

The problem remains, though, that nobody knows what to expect. There is a major unknown factor with Lesnar based on his inexperience. The big man has never been hit with a big shot. He has never been dragged into deep waters. And it’s simply unknown how he will respond to the pressure.

This is where Couture has the glaring advantage. He has fought the world’s best…and won. Couture has been involved in five-round wars before...and won. Outweighed by over 20 pounds and his chances of winning considered minimal against Tim Sylvia and Gabriel Gonzaga, Couture still managed to prevail.

The perennial underdog has made a career out of defying the odds. He has a wealth of experience that cannot be measure in tangible statistics. When he meets Lesnar, the world will discover just how valuable experience really is or is not.

All logic points to Lesnar wanting to end the fight quickly. The longer Lesnar allows Couture to get comfortable, the more dangerous he becomes. It will be essential for Couture to weather the early storm and not allow himself to be overwhelmed.

In all likelihood, Couture is going to utilize some dirty boxing. He’s going to close the distance, clinch with Lesnar, and attempt to pick him off with precise punches.

Essentially, Couture will attempt to use the same strategy he did when he fought Gonzaga. Couture will also display sound techniques. By taking crafty angles, using constant head movement, and feinting jabs and kicks, Couture will try and keep Lesnar guessing.

The question remains: Can a more technical and experienced fighter overcome one who is far more physically gifted? This writer believes it’s possible despite it’s unlikelihood. Lesnar has man handled his previous opponents, stunning them early on in the fight. If Lesnar does so against Couture, he will not recover. But, if Couture can execute a calculated strategic game plan, he may pull off the upset.

Many pundits have dismissed Lesar as a deserving contender. In truth, Lesnar has not earned a title shot. His domination of Heath Herring does not warrant a fight of this magnitude.

But, his popularity cannot be ignored and the UFC wants the biggest fights possible. The fight is more of a spectacle than a championship bout. It’s about old school versus the new, David versus Goliath, and the allure of Couture pulling off yet another unthinkable upset.

The fight is expected to be the UFC’s biggest of all-time. While Lesnar has the overall advantages, Couture can never be counted out. The wily veteran may still have one trick up his sleeve. Couture will welcome Lesnar to the big leagues with a timeless performance that forever cements his legacy.

Prediction: Randy Couture by Decision

Kenny Florian versus Joe Stevenson

Years ago, who would have ever believed Kenny Florian would be mentioned amongst the world’s best lightweights?

But, the scrawny, unassuming, scrappy Boston kid from the first Ultimate Fighter has truly become an elite fighter over time.

Florian is a throwback fighter; he is old school. The guy only wants to fight the best. His training regiment is intense. He tries to finish his opponents. His attitude is always respectful. Winning the title is important, but testing himself against the elite comes first.

At UFC 91, Florian will have his opportunity when he faces another upper echelon fighter in Joe Stevenson. Both fighters have hovered around the top of the division. A win would solidify both as top contenders.

Powerful wrestlers have always been problematic for the undersized Florian. Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez took him down with ease. Stevenson has a similar pedigree and may attempt to implement the same strategy.

While Stevenson has the wrestling edge, Florian is far more versatile. Stevenson is rather one dimensional, where as, Florian does everything well. Additionally, Florian is a cerebral fighter who always comes prepared with an effective strategy.

Fans who find blood disconcerting may want to avoid this one. These guys are going to bust each other up and elbows are going to fly. Stevenson has the propensity to get cut and it could very well happen in this fight. Florian may be put on his back, but he’s going to outwork Stevenson.

Kenflo will use his jab to set up combos. His elbows will also find their mark off his back. While this fight will be close, Florian will win a workman’s like decision by displaying an array of mixed martial arts skills.

Prediction: Kenny Florian by Decision

Demian Maia versus Nate Quarry

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard, Maia, is no longer the division’s sleeper. Instead, he is being touted as a legitimate contender who is quickly climbing the middleweight ladder. His fight against Quarry will provide him an opportunity to live up to the hype.

It’s an important fight for Maia. Quarry will be the first opponent he has fought who contains knockout power and lethal striking. If Maia is unable to take Quarry down, he will be forced to divulge how evolved his striking has become.

In previous bouts, Maia demonstrated a mastery of ground tactics submitting opponents with ease (although Jason McDonald impressed with his resiliency). His ground game is so smooth that Maia is constantly looking for a submission finish.

Quarry is best remembered for being the victim of a ruthless KO courtesy of Rich Franklin. Despite that, Quarry is a solid fighter. He has a tough chin, sharp jab, decent wrestling moves and solid physical strength.

His movement is slow and plodding though, so he may be overmatched by a Maia’s quickness. This match should be interesting stylistically, but it shouldn’t last long.

Prediction: Maia by submission, Round One

For more MMA information, current news and my writing, go to cagetoday.com

Picking Up the EliteXC Scraps

Jordan Katz — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:01:44 -0500

Elite XC’s mainstream ride came to a permanent and unceremonious halt several weeks ago. The once promising upstart-mixed-martial-arts promotion declared bankruptcy, thus, joining the likes of failed fight companies like Pride and the IFL.

The organization had received increasing criticism for resembling the circus like WWE, rather than a respectable sports promotion. By pushing undeserving and over the hill stars, compounded with a lack of fighter depth, their demise was not surprising.

Amidst the chaos though, several talented and intriguing fighters remain in search of new homes. Some of these future free agents are world-class talents, others provide ratings, and a select few find their careers in jeopardy.

In order to decipher the best possible free agents, I have made a comprehensive list of the most viable EliteXC options.

Robbie Lawler

Elite Exec’s incumbent middleweight champion is an entirely different fighter than he was in the UFC. Gone is the undisciplined, one-dimensional brawler. A calculating, precise and well-rounded mixed martial artist has replaced him. Lawler’s game has evolved and combines lethal striking with solid wrestling. Still young at 26, Lawler’s career is on the rise. With an array of skills and a flair for dramatic fights, Big Rob will be a serious addition to any roster.

Kimbo Slice

The face of the defunct organization is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Youtube’s most famous street brawler elicits massive fan reaction and attracts quite a following, but he has been exposed as an inexperienced and pedestrian fighter. It appears as though Slice is too old to ever be a top contender, yet is still marketable enough so that he is a profitable commodity. While the UFC could exploit his popularity, it would hurt its credibility in the process. More likely, the Kimbo Slice show will be taken overseas to Japan, where less skilled fighters with a menacing look have been successful in the past (Bob Sapp). Either way, it seems for now as though Slice’s 15 minutes of fame are almost up.

Jake Shields

The Gracie trained jiu-jitsu fighter is a highly sought after free agent. His impressive 11-fight winning streak and slick ground game make him one of the best welterweights in the world. Shields has also voiced interest in competing at 185, which allows organization flexibility in crafting the best possible fights. Although receiving decent exposure from EliteXC, his fights lacked real excitement so his drawing power is still relatively low. But, his talent is too great to ignore and the UFC is the most logical destination for him.

Gina Carano

The woman who thrust female MMA onto a national platform is in a precarious position. There are few organization that have a steady women’s division, fewer with notable opponents, and even fewer with deep enough pockets to pay Carano her proper due. Yet, she is one of the most popular athletes in the sport, is easily one of the most marketable and attracts an entirely new demographic. That kind of ratings power is a valuable asset for any company and should be enough to get her signed. Additionally, Carano can truly fight and has taken part in fan-pleasing bouts. A potential showdown against rival Cyborg Santos was quickly becoming a highly anticipated main event. It would be a shame for her fighting prowess to go to waste because nobody wants to invest in the development of women’s MMA. Dana White, step your game up! Can anybody say, Ultimate Fighter, Women’s Edition?

The Heavyweights

EliteXC truly began to cultivate three up and coming heavyweights that are deserving of recognition amongst the crop of free agents. Antonio Silva is an established presence and Brett Rogers and Dave Herman are rising stars.

Silva is a giant serving one-year steroids suspension, but Rogers and Herman are young and ready. Rogers gained notoriety for calling out Kimbo Slice and for his propensity for first round TKO’s (see James Thompson and Jon Murphy). He appears increasingly more polished with experience and would be a nice talent to cultivate for a thin UFC division.

I attended Indiana University with Herman where he was a dominant wrestler. With no consistent formal training, Herman is a very raw prospect. Still, the guy is incredibly agile for his size and can really move. He is very limber and extremely powerful. The 23-year-old is an infant in the sport and should be brought along slowly.

All three fighters would provide quality depth for any organization.

Other Notables—Nick Diaz, KJ Noons, Joey Villasenor, and Rafel Cavalcante

Diaz is a MMA veteran who has fought across the globe. Noons is a younger fighter more recognized for his controversial relationship with EliteXC than his actual fighting. Villasenor is an exciting middleweight who is well rounded, but not exceptional.

The real prize here is Cavalcante. Hailing from Brazil, the 28-year-old is a BJJ fighter who trains with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Anderson Silva. At 6'2", the former heavyweight is a massive specimen at 205. His striking has continually improved, which compliments a grappling background and established ground game. If he catches on with a major promotion, look for him to turn some heads.

*For more of my writing, MMA information and breaking news, please go to cagetoday.com.

Clinton Portis: The Return of the King

Jordan Katz — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:18:20 -0400

At the conclusion of the 2003 season, the Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis was king of the world. He sat atop the NFL running back throne, presiding over his accomplishments.

The second-year player was coming off back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons, a pro bowl appearance, the rookie of the year award from 2002, and a legitimate claim to being the best running back in the world.

During his two-year stint as a Denver Bronco, he averaged 5.5 yards-per-carry, a record for NFL running backs in their first two seasons. It looked as though Clinton Portis was destined to be one of the NFL greats.

And then he was traded to the Washington Redskins.

The very first time Clinton Portis touched the ball as a Redskin, he streaked down the field for a 64-yard touchdown. In less than 30 seconds, he managed to justify all that was given up to acquire him. Ironically, that first run would wind up being the highlight of his season—and his longest run over the next four seasons.

After that carry, Portis never found his rhythm in Coach Joe Gibbs' power running offense. The adjustment from the Broncos' outside style of cut back running to
Gibbs’ smash-mouth mentality where the ball carrier has to wait for his blockers proved difficult.

Yes, in his first year as a Skin, Portis did rush for a solid total of 1,315 yards. But he had a pedestrian 3.8 yards-per-carry (.2 under the league average) and was held to just five rushing touchdowns. Whether it was the Skins' offensive scheme, team personnel, or personal adjustment, Portis wasn't able to live up to his upper echelon status.

His next three seasons would be similar—good not great, solid not stellar. What his numbers didn't say was that the explosiveness and decisive running that enamored fans and discouraged defenses was missing.

It was replaced by a player who couldn’t quite grasp the offense, was impatient with his blockers, or was uncomfortable with his role.

Coming off a 2007 campaign where Portis once again averaged an ordinary
3.9-yards-per-carry, even his most ardent supporters could not claim that Clinton Portis was the best running back in football. Fan and team expectations of having a future hall-of-famer in the Skins' backfield were replaced with mere contentment with a quality player.

The allure and hype of his first two seasons had worn off. The guy had become just another good running back.

But just when dejected Redskins fans figured their team was headed for a period of transition under new coach Jim Zorn, a funny thing happened: the former king decided he wanted his crown back.

Through seven games, the Washington Redskins are second place in their division and appear poised to make a playoff run.

A reinvigorated Clinton Portis has literally put the offense on his shoulders and is carrying it effectively. He currently leads the league in rushing and has made a case for midseason MVP. The coaching change has seemingly revitalized Portis and his career.

Instead of fading down the stretch in games, Portis is gaining momentum. His relentless running is wearing teams down, and while they tire he is getting stronger. And the big plays are back.

Thus far this year Portis has had 14 carries for 10 yards or more, combining for 236 yards and a 16.9 yards-per-carry! Those are big-time numbers. And his clutch fourth quarter performances this season have literally sealed three of the Redskins' five victories to date.

So far, Portis is spearheading the Redskins' resurgence. His efficient running has helped dictate the pace of the game and control the tempo. More importantly, his contributions go beyond his rushing. He has evolved into one of the league's premiere pass blockers at his position.

Portis blows defenders up by delivering deceptively explosive hits. Furthermore, his quirky yet endearing personality has made him a team leader.

Right now, life is good for Clinton Portis. Thanks to his contributions, the Redskins are winning consistently. The team is positioning itself as a top contender and Portis looks to have found his stride once more.

Walking off the field after a 175-yard performance against the Cleveland Browns, Portis smiled knowingly, recognizing that the king had returned.

Looking Ahead: UFC 83 Predictions

Jordan Katz — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:36:47 -0400

This weekend, the UFC will make history when UFC 83 takes place on Saturday, April 19, in the Bell Centre in Montreal. Reportedly the venue will hold over 22,000 people and be one of the biggest North American mixed martial arts events of all time. Five main card bouts will air with the main event being the rematch between former Ultimate Fighter winner Matt Serra and Montreal’s own Georges St. Pierre.

UFC 83 does not have as many headliners as you’d like on a card but does boast fights that should be exciting. This event is important to the landscape of the UFC because it will provide answers to three important questions.

1) Is Georges St. Pierre ready to live up to the hype and reclaim his title?

2) Can Rich Franklin rebound from two crushing defeats at the hands of Anderson Silva?

3) Will Michael Bisping dropping to middleweight make him a better fighter?

These three subplots combine to present an interesting event and the capacity crowd will make for an electric atmosphere. Fight fans should be prepared for a solid but not sensational night of fights.

Georges St. Pierre versus Matt Serra (welterweight title on the line)

Make no mistake about it, when St. Pierre is focused, he is a force to be reckoned with. In August against Josh Koscheck, St. Pierre entered the ring looking like he was all business and dominated Kos (by out wrestling the wrestler) en route to a unanimous decision victory. To close out the year, St. Pierre used Matt Hughes to set an example and abused the former champ, making it perfectly clear he was rededicated.

GSP is one of the most talented athletes to ever participate in MMA. His striking is dynamic, he is dominant as a wrestler, taking him down is next to impossible, and his athleticism and speed is second to none. If GSP was an NBA player he’d be “The Chosen One,” Lebron James. Similar to James, GSP has positioned himself as the new breed of athlete in his respective sport. What remains to be seen is whether or not he can deal with the pressure as James has.

In their last fight, Serra was able to close the distance and force GSP backwards which resulted in Serra being able to catch him with a flush shot. He took advantage of the stunned GSP and finished him off. Needless to say he did what was necessary and got the job done. Serra is no slouch despite being a two-time underdog. He is a formidable striker with heavy hands but is more impressive on the ground. Serra is a practiced jiu-jitsu black belt and is comfortable from his back, where he might find himself often courtesy of GSP’s takedowns.

I can see George St. Pierre implementing one of two strategies. The first would be keeping Serra far away and turning the fight into a kick boxing match from a distance. St. Pierre has long arms and is most effective when firing off a straight jab. For GSP the jab allows him to keep his opponent off balance and at a length in which GSP is comfortable. GSP will want to use the jab to set up combinations and leg kicks. Serra is short with stubby arms and little reach. Keeping Serra at a distance will allow GSP to dictate the pace and do what he wants on his feet. Serra likes to throw body shots and in order to reach GSP he tends to lunge. Look for GSP to try and counter with the left hook.

However, if Serra is able to get inside on GSP then I expect him to take Serra to the mat and ground n’ pound him as he did effectively against Koscheck. Although Serra is comfortable on his back, GSP should be able to overpower him but must be comfortable of getting caught in an arm-bar or kimura.

Ultimately, I believe GSP is simply too talented, has properly refocused himself, and will not lose this fight. If Serra is to lose a grudge match against Matt Hughes would be exciting and also marketable. GSP would have a plethora of options. He could fight number one contender Jon Fitch, take part in a much anticipated rematch against BJ Penn, or move up to 185 and challenge champion Anderson Silva in what would be arguably the biggest fight in mixed martial arts history.

Prediction: GSP by TKO, round two

Rich Franklin versus Travis Lutter

Style wise, this is a chess match type fight. Lutter submits guys and Franklin knocks them out. Lutter is going to want to take this fight to the ground while Franklin is going to try and keep it standing. I think the fighter who is able to apply their game plan is the one who comes out on top.

Franklin is in a precarious situation. He is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Clearly he is unable to beat the champion, yet he has proved he is one of the best middleweights in the world. Another loss would force him to reevaluate his career. In order to get back on track, Franklin must punctuate this fight with an impressive performance. A win would also set in motion a potential fight with Nate Marquardt, which in my opinion would be a fantastic bout.

Although Lutter lost to Anderson Silva, he took the fight into the second round, mounted Silva at one point, and has posed the most difficult challenge for him. If he were able to submit Franklin which is a possibility (Yushin Okami almost forced him to tap last July), then he would be on his way to regaining a title shot.

To me Franklin has always been a bit overrated. He is a very good fighter but has never beaten anybody exceptional. Franklin was in a unique position because he was the gatekeeper to a weak division for several years. Franklin strikes me as a somewhat one dimensional fighter. He is a solid but not outstanding striker, who is good in the clinch and can defend takedowns. Despite being well rounded he does not distinguish himself in any area. This fight is up for grabs, but in the end I see Lutter working Franklin the same way he did Patrick Cote. Franklin might beat him up but if Lutter is in shape, he will take a beating but work for a take down, get it, and tap Franklin out.

Prediction: Lutter by submission, round two

Michael Bisping versus Charles McCarthy

Ever since winning the Ultimate Fighter, the UFC has really tried to push Michael Bisping. Unfortunately for the UFC, Bisping has been unable to live up to the billing. Still, he did manage to accumulate three wins in a row against decent fighters, proving he is an above average, but not yet elite fighter. Bisping was awarded a gift split decision against Matt Hammill and then lost a hard fought battle to Rashad Evans in his last two bouts. The question is, will Bisping be able to properly translate into a middleweight.

All indications point to Bisping being better suited for that division. Although competitive at light heavyweight, at times he seemed to get out muscled (taken down at will by Hammil and pushed around by Evans). If he is able to keep his strength and agility at that weight he could be a star there.

“I do feel light, though, and it did take a little while for me to get used to being this light. But my strength is exactly the same,” Bisping said. “I’ve been rolling and sparring with Rampage and he said despite him weighing more than when we trained together last year, I am just as strong in the clinches, against the cage and on the ground.”

If this is true then middleweight is the right place for him. The drop in weight also helps solidify a thin division to begin with. If he is able to continue his improvement and be a strong middleweight he could become a major contender

Charles McCarthy poses a threat to Bisping because of his slick jiu-jitsu (which he doesn’t allow anybody to forget in interviews, proclaiming himself the best practitioner in the UFC). But I think this is a statement fight for Bisping and he is going to fulfill his promises of throwing McCarthy a beating. His takedown defense improves with each fight and he should have the edge in striking. I expect Bisping to welcome himself to the new division with an emphatic knockout.

Prediction: Bisping KO in round one

All Things NBA: LeBron James Tames the Hype

Jordan Katz — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:54:17 -0400

Hype.

Hype is a small word with large implications. Hype converts athletes into icons, forces a teammate to become an individual, and transforms a person of public interest into a national fixation.

The challenge is whether the athlete can live up to the hype without wilting under the pressure. Hype can easily compromise an athlete’s soul, turning him from a once promising prospect to a selfish flash-in-the-pan type player.

Basketball phenom LeBron James has been caught in the hype storm since his freshman year of high school. And since then the hype has continually been building.

By the end of his junior year in high school, the [then] 17-year-old James had already graced the covers of both Sports Illustrated and ESPN magazine. The national intrigue surrounding James was so enormous that ESPN 2 aired several of his high school basketball games.

He was such a dominant player that the media dubbed him “King James” and “The Chosen One.” James was being hailed as the next Michael Jordan, after being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft.

Nike signed a $90 million contract with the King before he played in his first NBA game.

Needless to say, James faced incredibly intense pressure to succeed.

Professional sports are an unforgiving place for failed athletes. Athletes who lack the strength or maturity to deal with the media hype and pressure of professional and public expectations often find themselves wondering where things went wrong.

Big names who can’t measure up often lose their confidence, under-perform, and are quickly forgotten. It is very easy for would-be stars to fall into either basketball obscurity or the purgatory of fans’ disdain.

But certain rare players with special qualities and strengths survive and prosper under difficult circumstances.

Former first overall pick Kwame Brown succumbed to the hype, never living up to it. The notorious Sam Bowie, who was drafted before Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, is regarded as one of the biggest mistakes in sports history.

And 1998’s first pick, center Michael Olowokandi, was forced out of LA because of his poor play and was berated by the fans.

Entering his rookie season, no player in NBA history had faced higher expectations or been given so much attention as LeBron.

Because of the propaganda, the way James played was going to be closely scrutinized, his mistakes severely ridiculed, his demeanor analyzed, and his worth questioned. Before his first game, the hype was in full hurricane force, but the unflinching James was not fazed.

Unlike so many others, LeBron looked directly into the eye of the hype storm and attacked it like he does when streaking down the lane toward the basket.

In his first professional game, LeBron James scored 25 points, had nine assists and six rebounds, and even managed to theft four steals.

Nobody remembers that Cleveland lost that game, and yet that moment will be forever embedded in the minds of sports fans as LeBron’s coming out party. In one game LeBron made a defining statement that he will not shy away from pressure; he will thrive and excel in it.

From that very first game, LeBron established his style and approach to basketball. When the game is on the line, LeBron James wants the ball. He wants to be the one taking the last shot, and the majority of the time, he makes it.

Last season, LeBron willed his team into the playoffs and then put them on his back and carried them into the finals. After several gutsy and dominant performances in which he was unstoppable, LeBron started to get mentioned as one of the best players in the NBA.

In a career-defining game against the Pistons during the 2007 playoffs, LeBron scored 29 of the Cavaliers' last 30 points including 25 in a row, marching them into the finals. In that game he hit fade away threes, cut to the lane in fierce fashion, and played outstanding defense.

In that moment all the hype culminated in one inspiring performance. LeBron electrified and showed the potential of how good he could be and of the greatness to come.

It is rare to see a player in the NBA astonish a crowd night in and night out. What is even more rare is to see a player literally exhibit seemingly impossible maneuvers every single game.

LeBron has succeeded not only as a player but as a revered teammate, entertainer, leader, and role model.

His formula has been a championship mixture of very special ingredients: maturity beyond his years, tenacity and will, dedication to team, humility and perspective, and a rock solid, balanced image.

Despite the pressure he faced, LeBron managed to become a once-in-a-lifetime player and managed to tame the hype that had surrounded him.

All Things MMA: UFC Scorecard

Jordan Katz — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:46:38 -0500

Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir

Although short, this fight lived up to the hype. Questions about Lesnar’s legitimacy were answered and Mir proved he had heart and exhibited flawless jiu-jitsu.

Lesnar was overwhelming; his sheer strength will be unrivaled in all of MMA. He was able to instantly gain a takedown while making it look effortless. The ground-n-pound Lesnar administered was vicious and relentless. Even when striking, Lesnar landed good looking jabs and seemed sharper on his feet than Mir. One thing is certain, Lesnar is the real deal. As he continues to progress, I foresee him becoming a legitimate force in the division.

Despite the damage he took, Mir was able to survive and transitioned from an arm bar attempt into a perfect knee bar. There is no question Mir is phenomenal on the ground but once again, his striking looked suspect. He always seems to be flatfooted and waits to attack, letting his opponent dictate the striking pace. Mir doesn’t have the hand speed to be an effective counter puncher so he needs to stick with his leg kicks, jab, and ground game.

With his big win, Mir propels himself back into title contention and sets up potential fights with Nogiera, Fabricio Werdrum, or even a rematch with Tim Sylvia. He is an exciting fighter who the crowd loves to get behind and has the natural skills to be great. Whether he will continue his winning ways remains to be seen but his quest to regain the title will be important to the development of the heavyweight division.

Tim Sylvia vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogiera

Throughout his career Nogiera has been involved in some brutal wars. His fight with Sylvia was no different and did not disappoint. Like so many of his other fights, Nogiera was hurt badly and often yet found a way to persevere. Sylvia, as always, was able to establish control by keeping a distance. He frequently landed his straight jab and overhand right. At one point in the first round, Nogiera was hit with an enormous two punch combination that floored him. But as he has so many other times in his career, Nogiera found a way to survive.

The warrior moniker that Nogiera has established was once again exhibited. He got hit often and never stopped coming, never stopped fighting, never stopped attempting to take the bigger and stronger man to the ground. And in the end, his superior jiu-jitsu was able to gain him the victory and the title.

Nogiera did not look overwhelmingly impressive in his victory. When Randy Couture fought Sylvia he used constant head movement, inside leg kicks, and jabs to keep Sylvia off balanced and uncomfortable. Nogiera used his jab and an occasional leg kick but never packaged them together as Couture had. Nogiera rarely moved his head and never tried to trick Sylvia as Couture did, with a fake kick into an overhand right. Clearly Nogiera realized his strength on the ground but never instilled an effective strategy to utilize that advantage. None the less, Nogiera’s gritty performance will be remembered as a fantastic come from behind win.

Although losing, Sylvia performed admirably. For much of the fight, Sylvia demonstrated exceptional takedown defense. He stuffed several attempts and also spread himself against the cage to avoid another. His striking was crisp; he landed his monster right hand almost at will. Even his cardio looked to be in solid condition. Everything seemed to be going in Sylvia’s favor, but he was simply unable to finish the fight.

Despite heavy criticism over the years, Tim Sylvia proved through defeat that he is still an elite fighter; one of the best heavyweights in the world. The killer instinct that critics questioned whether Sylvia had, was what almost won him the fight, it just wasn’t enough.

Random Thoughts

Tim Sylvia has one more fight left on his UFC contract. Although he has stated that he’d like to remain with the company, Sylvia has mentioned his displeasure with fighter salaries like Brock Lesnars’ being higher than his. Two giants like Sylvia and Lesnar would make for a great fight. Still, Sylvia’s manager has ties to the new M1 organization, which Fedor Emelianenko is a part of and could be his next destination.

On the upcoming UFC 82 card, former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski will be fighting Jake O’Brien, on the untelevised portion of the event. This is Arlovski’s last fight on his contract and there have been rumblings of his departure from the UFC afterwards. None the less, this is a former main-event fighter who often times been a part of exciting bouts. O’Brien is 3-0 in the UFC and this match has major implications for the division. It is inexcusable that the UFC will not be televising this match.

The upcoming UFC fight night in Colorado has an impressive lineup of potential bouts. The problem is only four out of these ten matches will be aired. Fights like lightweights Frankie Edgar versus Gray Maynard, Din Thomas versus Josh Neer and several others will not be shown. For such a great card it is unfortunate that fans will not get to see some major fights.

For fans who wished to see the stars in Pride compete against the UFC’s best, the rumored upcoming main event for UFC 85 in London, between Mauricio Shogun Rua and Chuck Liddell is a dream come true. Although Rua is coming off a tough loss to Forrest Griffin he is frequently regarded as one of the best fighters in the world. He is a dynamic striker who utilizes the Muay Thai clinch to perfection and holds a brutal win over current UFC champion Quinton Jackson. This fight should be a war and will have possible number-one contender status.

All Things MMA: UFC 81 Preview and Predictions

Jordan Katz — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:29:07 -0500

Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir

Although the UFC is billing Tim Sylvia versus Antonio Nogueira as the main event, Lesnar-Mir is the fight fans and critics alike are talking about.

Dana White and the UFC have spent countless resources marketing and promoting Brock Lesnar as a legitimate fighter.

They have tried to build hype around Lesnar’s potential and on February second, he will try to live up to all of it.

Lesnar is not just a WWE entertainer, but rather, a former division one NCAA wrestling champion. He is a physical specimen; sculpted with massive muscles and bulk. Besides the advantage of his sheer size, Lesnar is also incredibly athletic.

Despite his girth, Lesnar moves like a man half his size. His sheer strength and athleticism earned him an invite to several NFL training camps, where he performed admirably.

Since early April of 2006, Lesnar has taken these considerable skills and tried to hone them under Greg Nelson, at the Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts Academy.

This training culminated in his first MMA match where he gave us a glimpse of his potential.

Lesnar fought undersized and overwhelmed Min Soo Kim in a fight where Lesnar was able to take him down instantly. The fight lasted less than two minutes and Lesnar finished Kim with vicious ground and pound which forced Kim to submit.

Because of his limited experience, Lesnar’s capabilities and his best strategy against Mir remain a mystery.

Frank Mir is a former UFC World Champion and has defeated the likes of Tank Abbot, Wes Sims, and Tim Sylvia (with the now famous arm-bar). While he has a background in boxing, his strengths are on the ground.

Mir is an accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. Six of his ten wins have come via submission, so there is a high probability that Mir will try and force this fight to the ground.

While Lesnar lacks experience, his wrestling background suggests that he should be able to create takedowns. Although Lesnar is incredibly strong, he is running a risk if he chooses to fight from the ground.

Lesnar may be able to impose his will on the ground, but I believe he will try to keep the fight standing to avoid submissions.

In his last several fights, specifically against Brandon Vera, Mir has looked hesitant and immobile on his feet.

He was flat footed against Vera and didn’t move side to side. This resulted in a TKO and he hasn’t looked comfortable standing since.

Another weakness in Mir’s game is his seemingly poor cardio. He has seemed gassed in an array of fights and that could be a problem against Lesnar. While nobody knows if Lesnar can strike, I expect him to use his jab, put on a show, and try to knock Mir out.

Prediction: Lesnar by TKO, round two

Tim Sylvia vs. Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira:

This fight for the interim heavyweight title is hard for me to predict because of the personal bias I have for Nogueira. He has long been a personal favorite of mine and he has proved to be one of the best heavyweights of all-time.

The skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu artist has notable wins over Bob Sapp, Dan Henderson, Mark Coleman, Gary Goodridge, Ricco Rodriguez, Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Barnett, and Fabricio Werdrum.

Aside from his submission skills, Nogueira has also been a well-rounded boxer, practicing with the Cuban national team.

Nogueira is a versatile MMA fighter and is well-rounded in all aspects. In his 36 professional fights he has never been knocked out—proof of his strong chin. He is also known for his incredible recuperative ability which he displayed in his UFC debut against Heath Herring after a devastating kick to the face. Throughout his career Nogueira has endured some wars and one must wonder at what point those battles start to erode the 31-year-old’s skills.

In stark contrast with Nogueira, Tim Sylvia has been criticized for his lackluster performances and non-killer instinct. His style may not be exciting but he is a smart fighter who understands his strengths and weaknesses.

Sylvia’s strategy stays primarily the same regardless of his opponent. He tries to avoid take-downs, impose his will, and use his reach to stay at a distance.

Opponents must be wary of Sylvia’s striking. He has heavy hands and solid leg kicks and he uses the octagon to smother smaller fighters. Since Nogueira is giving up a lot of weight, it would be in his best interest to try and take Sylvia down, which could prove problematic.

Still, Nogueira has found ways to win against tough opposition before and is a ground technician. Style-wise, Sylvia poses an interesting challenge for Nogueira who will need to use his footwork, quickness, and head movement to pick Sylvia apart to set up the take down.

Prediction: Nogueira by submission, round three

All Things MMA: Top 10 Pound-for-Pound List

Jordan Katz — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:24:37 -0500

The Spyder sits atop the list for first time (through January 20th, 2008)...

1. Anderson Silva

What a ride Silva has been on since joining the UFC. He is currently 5-0 in the organization and 3-0 in 2007. En-route to that UFC record, Silva has beaten Rich Franklin (one of the best middleweights in the world) twice in brutal fashion as well as highly regarded Nate Marquardt. Despite the impressive record, it is the ease in which Silva has won that earns him the number one spot. Silva’s dynamic striking is what makes him so dangerous, and his Muay Thai clinch has proved fatal for both Franklin (whose nose Silva broke in the clinch) and Chris Leben (who took several knees). His number one status will be solidified if he manages to get past top contender Dan Henderson which is being touted as one of the biggest fights of 2008.

2. Georges St. Pierre

GSP is arguably the most gifted athlete to ever grace the UFC. He is a new breed of fighter, well versed in all areas with seemingly no weaknesses. Ever since his upset loss in his first title defense against Matt Serra, GSP has looked focused and invincible. He dominated Josh Koscheck by out wrestling the former collegiate stand-out in August and recently dispensed of former champ Matt Hughes in impressive fashion, by avoiding take downs and submitting him. When GSP is mentally prepared, it is uncertain whether he can be beat. A big fight with Jon Fitch seems inevitable and could help to cement his dominance at 170 pounds.

3. Fedor Emelianenko

Mixed Martial Arts most consistently voted as, pound for pound best, falls out of the top two positions due to inactivity and lack of tough competition. Despite his recent defeat over huge but unspectacular Hong-Man Choi, Fedor has not fought a serious contender in years and only fought twice in 2007. In a recent meeting with Randy Couture to promote the Affliction clothing line, Fedor looked pudgy and soft. Skills wise, Fedor is one of the best of all time. He has great submissions, crisp and heavy striking, highlight reel throws, and an array of other skills. But if he wants to continue being considered the best, he must challenge himself with stronger fights (currently heavyweight Josh Barnett is a free-agent and Andrei Arlovski of the UFC, has one fight left on his contract, both would be mega-fights).

4. Quinton Rampage Jackson

In a year filled with shocking upset after upset, Jackson consistently beat top contenders and looked good doing so. Since joining the UFC, Rampage has looked very comfortable in the octagon and has clearly improved his skills since leaving PRIDE. Rampage knocked out long-time UFC champ Chuck Liddell and followed it up by winning the final three rounds of his defense against Dan Henderson. In the Liddell fight, Rampage used good foot work to close the distance and knocked him out with a clean punch. His wrestling is much improved which he displayed against Henderson and he is one of the strongest in the division. Rampages continued development makes him difficult for anybody and his next fight will come against Forrest Griffin.

5. Randy Couture

Although the current UFC heavyweight champions’ future remains in doubt because of his feud with Dana White, his incredible performances of 2007 proved the 44-year-old still has the skills and desire to continue fighting. Couture is one of the best in the business at using a strategic game plan aimed at his opponent’s weakness and following it precisely during a fight. He is methodical and calm in the ring and thoroughly beat both Tim Sylvia and Gabriel Gonzaga. Sylvia, who is a top heavyweight and although lamented as a boring fighter has beaten top talents, was beaten in all five rounds of his fight with Couture. The only fight left that Couture feels is meaningful is against Fedor and we as fans can only hope it somehow comes to fruition.

6. B.J. Penn

Nicknamed “The Prodigy,” Penn skill wise, has always been one of the best fighters around. But with intense training and seemingly renewed vigor, he is becoming a complete fighter. With dominating back to back wins, Penn looks poised to make a run as the number one fighter in the world. Jens Pulver and Joe Stevenson were unable to put Penn in danger at any point during their fights and the well rounded fighter is determined to gain a rematch with Georges St. Pierre whom he lost a close split decision to in early 2006.

7. Dan Henderson

Although Henderson lost a competitive fight to Quinton Jackson, his performance warranted a stay in the top 10 rankings. Henderson is an elite wrestler who can control opponents on the ground. He also likes to strike and has dangerous power in his right hand. Against Jackson he looked tentative and seemed content to try and win the fight by throwing erroneous right hands instead of putting together combinations. The PRIDE middleweight champion will drop back down in weight to challenge Anderson Silva and unify the UFC and PRIDE belts. Henderson holds impressive victories over Wanderlei Silva, Vitor Belfort, Renzo Gracie, Renato Sobral, and Carlos Newton amongst others.

8. Sean Sherk

Sherk had been a successful welterweight contender for years and in 2006 cut weight to fight at lightweight. His prescience was felt immediately, as he persevered in a tough fight against Kenny Florian and then proceeded to trounce Hermes Franca. While Sherk may not be the most talented and his name has been tainted by the steroid allegations, he has none the less shown he is a force at 155 pounds. Sherk takes enormous pride in his cardio and is a work out warrior, he is stronger and more well conditioned then most fighters in his weight class. This combination of speed, power, and conditioning earns him a spot in the top ten and also makes him hard to beat. To beat Sherk at this weight will take quite a lot and I foresee him being a force in this division for a long time to come.

9. Urijah Faber

The WEC featherweight champion is on a 12-fight win streak and hasn’t lost since 2005. Faber, who is very well conditioned, loves to exchange and is relentless in his pursuit. He excels at wrestling but has shown capable striking. In his last fight he fought established jiu-jitsu artist Jeff Curran. Faber showed great resiliency in the fight when Curran had his back for over two minutes and was unable to finish the fight. Faber fought himself out of trouble and ended up submitting the black belt. A fight with Jens Pulver looms but regardless of the outcome Faber has made a name for himself in MMA and has a fan friendly fighting style.

10. Maurico Shogun Rua

While Rua is coming off a disappointing loss to Forrest Griffin, his past accomplishments and promising future keep him in the top ten. Despite being only 26-years-old, Rua has wins over Ricardo Arona, Allstair Overeem, Antonio Rogiero Nogueira, Kevin Randelman, and a crushing defeat over Quinton Jackson. Rua is a Muay Thai specialist and is an exciting, dynamic fighter. In his loss against Griffin he looked out of shape and seemed to exhaust himself by the middle of the second round. With a wide variety of leg kicks, strikes, and knees Rua should be a welcomed edition to the UFC and needs to show improved conditioning in his next fight.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather: The World Awaits

Jordan Katz — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:41:41 -0500

After over the top promotions, severe trash talking between fighters, and unique storylines, the world finally witnessed the highly anticipated fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather.

Although one of the most talked about fights in years did not live up to the hype, it did however, provide some much needed answers to intriguing questions.

The fight went as many analysts expected. Mayweather was able to outbox De La Hoya using his lightning speed and slithery defense. Mayweather primarily threw punches one at a time, but frequently landed.

De La Hoya pretty much left his jab in the garage of one of his mansions, only occasionally taking it out. Mayweather’s tactics reduced De La Hoya into throwing only periodic flurries. Pretty Boy’s defense picked off virtually all of De La Hoya’s shots.

Using his quickness, balance, and footwork, Pretty Boy avoided, ducked, deflected with his gloves, or rolled the majority of De La Hoya’s flurries. De La Hoya attempted to go to the body but only cleanly landed a small number.

The slugfest that fans wanted never really materialized.

What we got was a well executed, meticulous, and smart boxing match for Pretty Boy. While De La Hoya was outclassed, he was never overwhelmed. This kept the fight closer than many experts believed possible. However, the only time De La Hoya looked good was on the rare occasions when he doubled up on his jabs in rounds 2, 4, and 7.

Mayweather knew he could simply avoid trading with De La Hoya and still win—and that’s exactly what he did. It was a technical fight, and Mayweather proved to be a great fighter.

He was able hit and then split, leaving De La Hoya unable to counter. Mayweather put on a boxing clinic but was never forced into exchanging in the middle of the ring. He is not the showman De La Hoya is and unfortunately does not have the all or nothing mentality.

For all his skill, Mayweather appears unwilling to risk taking serious shots in order to go for the knockout. Maybe the truth is, he is simply good enough that he doesn’t need to.

However, since he has never had an opponent force him into a war, we still don’t know how great he could be.

So where does that leave the two fighters?

At age 34, De La Hoya is by no means washed up. He showed he still has a mix of skills and quickness. The Golden Boy displayed very solid endurance, and his post-fight comments indicate he is open to continuing to fight.

But, despite his apparent remaining skill set, De La Hoya has limited options for upcoming fights.

In the Junior Middleweight division, Corey Spinks is one of the top fighters, but his style is not fan friendly. Also, he does not bring an overwhelming fan base to the table.

Furthermore, Spinks' lack of pizzazz probably means there is not enough money or fan fare in this fight for De La Hoya. Alternatively, if De La Hoya was foolish enough to move back up into the Middleweight division at 160, there would be potential for major fights if he decided to fight the winner of either Winky Wright/Bernard Hopkins or the expected slugfest between Edison Miranda/Kelly Pavlik.

Both Miranda and Pavlik are major up and comers who would provide fans with highlight reels of action. At the end of the day, De La Hoya is too smart and too rich, I think, to risk moving back up to 160 where his power is much less evident.

Welterweights, watch out for De La Hoya moving back down.

Immediately following Floyd Mayweather’s win over De La Hoya at the top of his game, 30-years-old Pretty Boy announced his “retirement.” He talked about the De La Hoya victory in terms of solidifying his legacy.

Similar to Roy Jones Jr, before his back-to-back KO losses to Glenn Johnson and Antonio Tarver, Mayweather also has never been forced to stand in the middle of the ring and just bang with someone, throwing it all on the line.

Sugary Ray Leonard had Tommy Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvin Hagler.

Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier. Michael Jordan had Larry Bird. Mark McGuire had Sammy Sosa. The point is, great athletes need to have someone great to push them to their limits, someone to force them to rise to greatness.

Mayweather has never had that and may never get it. Credit him for being the best of his era, but we have never seen his true capabilities.

If he were to retire today, he would be one of the better fighters of all-time, a first ballot hall of famer. But if he wants to cement his place in history as pound-for-pound one of the truly greatest—and if he has the will and the guts to do so—there are still meaningful fights left for him.

In terms of the biggest names, Pretty Boy’s best option right now would be Sugar Shane Mosley. Although Mosley is 35, he looked sharp and speedy in his last fight, dominating tough Luis Collazo.

The fight could pose an interesting match up, because Mosley could be one of the fastest and must elusive, yet powerful fighters Mayweather has ever fought. Mosley also has a lot of heart and is not afraid to take a shot.

Another option is unbeaten Miguel Cotto. The guy is entering his prime, 28-years-old, and is fighting Mayweather’s old nemesis, Zab Judah.

If he beats Judah, and I think he will, this could be a blockbuster fight. Cotto has beat some pretty solid fighters, including Carlos Quintana, Paul Malignaggi, Ricardo Torres, and Oktay Urkal.

I don’t know if Cotto is known well enough to garner enough interest, but avid boxing fans would welcome the fight.

The last option would be for Mayweather to fight the winner of Antonio Margarito vs. Paul Williams. There has been major animosity on Margarito’s party toward Mayweather. He accuses Mayweather of ducking him and has called him “afraid.” Williams is undefeated, and like Margarito, is taller and larger then Mayweather.

Of all the options, I think Mosley is the most lucrative and the most attractive

Regardless of what comes next, the world awaits the next mega fight involving either Floyd Mayweather or Oscar De La Hoya. Stay tuned.

All Things MMA: UFC 68 Review

Jordan Katz — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:38:12 -0500

Since PRIDE fighting's latest card was so incredible, I was hoping for big things from the UFC. And in my opinion, UFC 68 delivered. Every fight was exciting, even if all the matches weren’t close.

Fight fans came away with these insights...

* Matt Hughes’ skills are deteriorating, not the fighter he once was;

* Renato Sobral’s lack of striking abilities prevent him from becoming a top 5 light heavyweight;

* Randy Couture regains the heavyweight championship.

50 or so friends joined me in watching UFC 68 and by the end of the night, both guys and girls, were emotionally involved in the fights. What makes MMA such a compelling sport is that the excitement generated by a good fight can literally captivate a group of people.

Despite the emotion, here are my perspectives on the fights...

Renato Sobral vs. Jason Lambert: “Mistake By Sobral Gives One Dimensional Lambert The Win”

I have seen Lambert fight several times, and the guy is one dimensional. He can strike, but has limited submission skills and few take down maneuvers. When he fought Rashad Evans, he only threw punches. He does not appear to be a fully developed MIXED martial artist.

Despite Lambert being the more physically imposing fighter, I expected Sobral to beat Lambert by a wide margin. At first, it looked like things would unfold that way. Sobral had a nice take down, and grounded and pounded while attempting to lock in a rear-naked-choke.

Yet Sobral made two very big mistakes.

First, he went for a leg kick at the end of the first round and dropped his hands. Lambert caught him with a stiff right and dropped him.

In the second round, Sobral's second mistake was his last. He again attempted a vicious leg kick. Lambert countered, and the end result was a TKO of Sobral. Despite being a fantastic submission artist who uses an array of tactical takedowns, Sobral showed himself here to lack sufficient striking power to be great—and he left himself open for big shots and a knockout.

This was a big upset, and needless to say, I am disappointed in Sobral. He should work hard at his striking, and we will see if he learns his lesson next time he fights. If he is going to attempt a leg-kick he needs to keep his hands up or protect his head as Tito Ortiz and Georges St.Pierre do very well.

As for Lambert, his skills are not nearly as impressive as his strength and size. Right now, I think he is a mid-tier fighter, at best. He’s one of those guys in sports like pro-basketball player Darius Miles.

I remember watching Miles get drafted out of high school. The guy had some serious skills and incredible physical tools, but he was just unable to translate them into greatness. Lambert looks to me like a stout athlete with good athletic ability, but I don’t know if he has enough to be groomed into a very good fighter.

Matt Hughes vs. Chris Lytle: “On Off Night, Hughes Still Dominates Improved Lytle”

I give Lytle a lot of respect. By the end of the fight I could tell he had put a lot of work in and trained hard. Although Lytle was dominated, his ground game was much improved and he didn’t take any MONSTER shots.

On the other hand, Hughes was a little disappointing. He dominated the fight but didn’t look overly impressive. I wonder if his skills are declining, or perhaps he cruised a little, looking ahead for a title shot. He clearly didn’t attempt to strike. His seemingly inhuman strength displayed earlier in his career doesn’t seem to be there as much anymore.

According to Dana White, he is next in line for a title shot, but not because of his performance in this fight, in my opinion. While I realize he is the former champion, I think there are some more exciting fights out there.

Yet, from a purely fan entertainment perspective, how can you argue with the UFC staging a final fight to complete the GSP/Hughes trilogy? I think Hughes will be beaten just as convincingly as the last time they met. GSP should just try and avoid the takedown (which he is fairly good at) and stay on his feet to strike with him. Hughes has proved continually, that despite his effort and improvement, he will never be a dominant striker.

GSP on the other hand is a beast. He can throw great leg kicks along w/ maniac high kicks, he is elusive, has good footwork and head movement, and can deliver a serious punch and is a dangerous striker.

On a side note, Matt Hughes’ personality threatens to make him a jerk-off. His pompous, “high and mighty” attitude is such a turnoff. I realize the guy has accomplished a lot, but the way he talks about himself and others, makes him sound the like a tool.

Former NFL running back Rickey Waters used to talk about his own skills in such a distasteful, boastful way that his teammates and fans soured on him. Despite all his skills, the guy’s personality turned people off and I feel the same way about Hughes.

Rich Franklin vs. Jason "The Athlete" McDonald: “No Surprise—Franklin Wins; Silva Next?”

I don’t have much to say about a fight with no surprises. It went exactly as I expected, and Franklin looked good. There was a little bit of hesitation on his part, but ring rust wasn’t a problem. After the beating he took at the hands of Anderson Silva, it is understandable that he’d be a little tentative in his return fight. A rematch is most likely in store for him next if Silva gets past Nate Marquardt.

The way I see it, I don’t know if he stands a chance against Silva. The Brazilian is possibly the best striker in MMA; he is an assassin out there. He can drop you with a punch from any direction, and if he gets you in the clinch his knees are deadly. I’m so confident in his abilities I’m going to go as far as to say that I do not believe the UFC has a middleweight in their division that can beat him currently. PRIDE fighters Dan Henderson and Paul Filho are the only two contenders I can see giving him problems. Matt Lindland is also a possibility.

Get on that Dana, let’s make that shit happen.

Tim Sylvia vs. Randy Couture: “An Octagon Full Of Historic Drama”

This was one of the most compelling and historic fights I have ever watched. A number of my party guests watching UFC 68 were not UFC fans, yet they found themselves mesmerized by the match and fixated on the fighters.

Couture’s legend made him a favorite to the people in the room, but they just couldn’t wrap their heads around the idea of an aging fighter beating such a huge opponent. It was a classic old David vs. big, young Goliath scenario.

The Natural didn’t disappoint—he fought the fight of his life. It was one of those truly special moments in professional sports where everything comes together for the athlete, in a flawless and dramatic performance.

This was the Natural’s equivalent of throwing a perfect game—like when I watched on TV, David Cone’s perfect game on June 18, 1999.

I remember being unable to avert my eyes from his performance. Being rabid New York Yankee fans, my Dad and I frequently watched games together. On this day, when David Cone was on the mound as the game progressed, you felt something special happening; you felt the anticipation of everyone in the stadium watching the drama unfold. Watching Cone pitch, my Dad told me this was something I would remember for the rest of my life, and it was. This was one of the great sports moments of my young life.

On the evening Couture fought Sylvia, I felt the exact same way.

Couture had a game plan. He wanted to use a lot of head movement, avoid getting hit with the big punch, take Sylvia down, and simply perplex him. He executed his plan with deadly precision and fought remarkably well. Couture saw a hole in Sylvia’s game and exploited it beautifully—which was his clumsy lack of movement and the inability to identify what his opponent is trying to do.

In the opening round, Couture set the big, lumbering Silvia up with a fake leg-kick, and then connected with a huge overhand right which dropped Silvia.

Want to know about the emotional pull of UFC? At my party, girls who I had never seen so excited were screaming and hugging one another. I had buddies patting me on the back, ripping down vodka shots, and clanking their beers together in cheers.

It’s moments like these in sports which are unforgettable. It’s moments like these which help explain why America is such a sports driven society. And it’s moments like these which make the UFC and MMA in general, the next big thing in sports.

Kids my age rarely react that way to any sporting event. I, too, couldn’t maintain any semblance of calm and allowed myself to go just as ballistic as everyone else, once Couture was announced the winner.

I took a shot of Patron, grabbed a girl and kissed her as hard as I could, and let out a triumphant scream as if I had just won the heavyweight title.

If you don’t believe the UFC does not offer a new brand of something different and exciting, the phenomenon that took place at my house, is being replicated on campuses nation wide.

All Things MMA: B.J. Penn Tops Joe Stevenson at UFC 80

Jordan Katz — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:31:19 -0500

On a night where B.J. Penn, the man hailed as “The Prodigy” could take another step in establishing his legacy, he did not disappoint.

Challenger Joe Stevenson was battered from start to finish and Penn was crowned the new lightweight champion.

Seconds into the bout, Stevenson was hit with a Penn uppercut that sent him backwards onto the mat and from then on he seemed overwhelmed.

Stevenson although tough and resilient, was dominated throughout the fight by Penn’s takedowns, ground-n-pound, and jiu-jitsu.

With blood pouring down his face and gushing from his wounds, Stevenson was forced to tap out due to a rear-naked choke by Penn at 4:02 of the second round, in what was a gruesome sight. Penn gained distinction by joining Randy Couture as the only two fighters in Ultimate Fighting Championship history to hold belts in two different weight classes (the other class was welterweight, where he choked out Matt Hughes to win it in 2004.)

Often criticized for his poor work ethic and weak conditioning, Penn looked tremendous in both areas during his fight. At no point did Penn appear tired and his body was lean and chiseled in a far cry from his once puffy exterior.

When in shape, Penn is undoubtedly one of the most talented and best fighters in the world. Penn is well rounded and despite being a jiu-jitsu black belt, has surprisingly heavy hands and was able to establish a dominant jab against Stevenson. It’s hard to envision him being beat when focused and in shape.

UFC President Dana White has already announced that Penn’s next fight will be against former champion Sean Sherk, who was stripped of his belt in the midst of a positive steroid test controversy. Sherk poses an interest challenge to Penn because of his exceptional wrestling.

Arguably the weakest part of Penn’s game is his take-down defense which Sherk exploits in all his opponents. Despite the challenge Penn seems unfazed, telling Sherk “you're dead,” during his post-fight interview.

And with the way Penn has looked in his previous two fights, it’s hard to argue.

With another masterful performance and championship, Penn has cemented himself a place in mixed martial arts history and has moved closer to living up to his nickname.