UFC 113 Hangover and Impact

The curtains have closed on another great night of fights.  We now have a new champion at 205, a new breed of coaches for TUF, and the UFC handed walking papers to two well known fighters.  Now that the event is in the books, it is time for us to take a look back and see how 113 will influence the future of the sport.

The 205 Pound Picture

Once again the belt has changed hands.  Not since Chuck Liddell have we seen a champ that didn’t appear to be playing hot potato with the belt.  Is this a true testament to Chuck or has the division grown that much?  The real answer is both. 

The current picture looks like this…  Rampage and Rashad will fight to determine who is the true number one contender.  The winner gets a shot at Rua.  The loser very well may be awarded Anderson Silva, which could happen at the always spectacular year end event. 

My wild card for the division is the yungster Jon Jones.  He is the future of this division, if he continues to improve and make strides his name will be in the title mix before we know it.  We also can’t forget about Lil Nog who at some point could make a splash of his own.

Congrats Shogun now its time to hold it!

The Chopping Block Volume 1

Volume 1 of the chopping block brings forth the legend known as Kimbo Slice.  Kimbo has made huge strides in the sport of MMA.  He has evolved from a back yard brawler / Miami street fighter to full fledged MMA fighter.  However, MMA is similar to MLB in that there really are minor leagues.  It exists with Strikeforce, Dream, Bellator, and the various other organizations around the world.  While they won’t admit to it, they are not on the same level of the UFC, they just aren’t. 

That being said, Kimbo will have a job in the sport on some level, it just isn’t on this one.  He got beat up by an average (at best) big guy.  He showed progression but this is not the place to progress (you know what I mean).  The UFC is where the best of the best fight to be known as WORLD CHAMPION.  Kimbo is not and will never be on that level. 

Good on him for trying and giving it the ‘ol college try.  The Internet sensation is still a draw and he will be a solid contributer to whoever signs him.

The Chopping Block Volume 2

Volume 2 brings us to a fighter on the job hunt for completely different reason.  This one is in reference to Paul Daley simply placing a “semtex” on and blowing up his UFC career. 

Daley wore a blond haired Snuggie for three rounds on Sat night by the name of Josh Koscheck.  That is what a great wrestler does, he smothers you with his control, hip movements, and strength.  Daley did not have an answer and had to deal with fifteen minutes of frustration.  Frustrated or not, you can’t punch your opponent after the bell.  It was tasteless, disrespectful, and it cost him his job.

In one split second bad decision Daley went from arguably one of the top 3 British fighters on the planet, to that guy who sucker punched his way into Strikeforce. (Like he is going anywhere else)

It is sad that he made this decision, but now he has to deal with it.  Only time will tell how his career evolves from this point, but his career is not over.  Daley is young and could still be champ in another organization.

From the other side of the yard, the UFC made a great decision in my opinion.  Sure it is harsh to cut a fighter, but it was a necessary move.  This is why the UFC is a cut above.  Not to mention this could be a knee jerk reaction to the horrible scene in Strikeforce merely weeks ago.  In one swift kick to Daley’s butt they warned everyone!

Quick take on TUF coaches

This one is going to be quick.  If Koscheck can find a way to get under GSP’s skin, we could have the next rivalry on our hands.  Kos is “just that cocky” to run his mouth, and challenge George the entire time.  They are the two best wrestlers in the organization, it will be interesting to see who they bring in for boxing, Thai, and stand up.  This could be the perfect season for Dana’s challenge to be an actual freestyle wresting match for the $10,000. 

Now that this chapter has closed, we can now look forward to UFC 114.  I am more excited for the Rampage Rashad fight than any since Forrest and Anderson.  It has the making to be an incredible blockbuster!