UFC 90: Where Do the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Go from Here?

For some reason, I feel obligated to write the obligatory fight recap. While fight recaps always seem anticlimactic, like the fight between Silva and Cote, I hope those reading will refrain from booing my efforts; unlike those disgruntled fans in Chicago.

They should be used to things giving out; like this years Cubs team, or last year's, or…

For those of you who can sit through a Gray Maynard fight I give you my attempt at UFC humor. I just hope I don’t self-deprecate upon publishing it.

The Good

Sean Sherk vs. Tyson Griffin: This fight could have bored us, without mercy, and instead ends up winning fight of the night. How’s that for an upset? Sherk managed to outpoint the younger less-white version of himself.

It is great to see Sean bounce back from his brutal beat down, suffered at hands of BJ Penn. It looks as if his and Penn’s blood type is a good match, with Sherk showing off visibly improved striking.

So what's next for the rejuvenated muscleman now that he looks “juiced” to be back in the octagon?

His future looks to be tied-down to the winner of the Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson. Those two will fight in a few weeks at UFC 91. It would make sense for Sherk to fight the winner.

While Florian is the rightful heir to a title shot, he may have to avenge a prior loss to Sherk, before getting that shot. BJ seems to be in no hurry to return to his lighter weighted days.

For Griffin, while losing is never a career boost, he has a bright future ahead of him. He is only 24 and is loaded with talent. Just as Sean Sherk. However, Tyson’s inability to finish fights will plague him if he ever wants to be a star in the UFC.

Just ask Matt Hamill (When in Rome, err Britain).

Look for Joe Silva to give this marketable fighter a rebound fight in the coming months. Perhaps Hermes Franca would or Spencer Fisher could spare the loss.  

Thiago Alves vs. Josh Koscheck: How impressive was Thiago Alves? We finally have a clear No. 1 contender in the welterweight division; RIP John Fitch. Thiago’s striking prowess should give GSP cause for concern. Unlike Serra, Alves doesn’t look to be a fluke.

Just quit begging Alves, that won’t get you what you want; unless your name is BJ Penn.

In true warrior mentality, Alves stated that he did not want to sit around and wait for the winner of GSP vs. Penn. If he does, he would be on the sidelines for at least six months.

Perhaps he can convince Karo there is no need to panic. We are all anxious to see Karo “the heat” Parisyan return to the kitchen.

The UFC will want to be careful if they give Thiago a fight before the title fight though. They don't want to shoot Alves in the foot and loose a true No. 1 contender. Just ask Fabricio Werdum (although maybe they were shooting at Werdum just a little).

Although who wouldn't want to watch “Nightmare on Diego’s street" at UFC 94?

As for Koscheck, barring no injuries, he will have his hands full with Yoshiyuki Yoshida on December 10th.

If Eminem were to rap about Josh it might go something like: Will the real Slim Koscheck please stand up? I repeat, will the real Slim Koscheck please stand up? We're gonna have a problem here. Perhaps Kos should return to his roots and lay ‘n pray for a decision win.

The Bad         

Fabricio Werdum vs. Junior Dos Santos: Junior made the most of his night so the bad isn’t on him. It’s tattooed on Fabricio though, the man who lost hope of a title shot with one uppercut. This was supposed to be a fight for Fabricio to pass the time with, yet somehow it feels like he got set up.

Or maybe he set himself up.

Werdum let himself go, like a married woman, but no one ever proposed to him. Now he may remain single and without title shot for the foreseeable future. He can either fight another up-and- comer or perhaps he can secure a fight with Cain Velasquez, when he returns from injury.

As for Dos Santos, it will be interesting to see if they bring him along slowly, like Brock Lesnar, or throw him back into the spotlight. A tango with Gabriel Gonzaga would be big while a fight with perennial gatekeeper Heath Herring might be in order.

If Junior wins he’s destined to be a huge success. Just ask every great fighter who has beat Herring. Include Lesnar on that list if you insist on forcing him into a title shot too soon.

Gray Maynard vs. Rich Clementi: Maynard got his chance to shine and instead looked duller then a tumble drier. Lay ‘N Pray won’t appease the MMA Gods. If Lay ‘N Gray wants to be a contender he needs to break this bad habit at once.

Despite that, don’t be surprised if the UFC gives him a higher caliber opponent like Roger Huerta or Clay Guida. Either of those men would force Maynard to get exciting or relegate him to a tier two fighter.

Perhaps they can send him to the same school that Rashad Evans seemed to graduate from

As far as Clementi, he secured his gatekeeper status. Perhaps he can fight someone like Mac Danzing or Joe Lauzon and help us figure out if either one is legitimate. Or please, put Marcus Aurelio out of misery for good.

The Ugly

There is not disguising this Ugly Betty. Cote, “coulda been a contender,” but instead will be on the sidelines indefinitely, if indeed it’s his ACL. Here is to wishing our neighbor to the north a quick and full recovery.

Perhaps Bill Manhood will want to lose a third and final fight with “The Predator.”

While some thought Silva looked boring, a la Machida, lets give Anderson a pass here. Perhaps we will learn more in the coming days. Maybe he was employing a new strategy for Cote, who has legitimate boxing prowess and knockout power.

Just ask the other “Spyder” Kendall Grove. Oh what tangled webs he wove for his opponents!

Was Silva being respectful or being cocky; or is he plain bored? Let’s hope Silva fights again soon and is able to stimulate his more striking side. Perhaps a superfight at 205 would be in order.

Another middleweight title defense may cause him to employ the “take a nap in the octagon” strategy.

I hear Chuck Liddell is lying motionless somewhere, and both of these men should be fighting at UFC 94, regardless of age. However, as some have already suggested, Dana “Corleone” may not want to whack his friend like that. Depending on your bookie I wouldn’t bet against it though.

Perhaps this fight would motivate both fighters and everyone I know would surely pay- to-view. 

UFC 90 was no laughing matter and it should have put a smile on some people’s faces. Unfortunately for Matt Hughes he wasn’t one of them. As Joe Rogan told the Brits, “BOOO.” Perhaps he can exact his revenge on Matt Serra.

So here’s to the UFC returning to Chicago the next time the Cubs win the World Series. And don’t hold your breathe Patrick Cote, another shot at the title might take you even longer.

As for the author of this bit of sarcasam, he hopes to return to form sometime before the sun comes up. Good Night, and Good Luck UFC 90 fighters.