UFC 160 “SUCKED” FOR MOST PART
Did We Need To See This Again?
Los Angeles, CA– As boxing fans, we are used to being force-fed meaningless matchups over the years. The outcomes of many fights are predetermined before either fighter steps into the ring. To the UFC’s credit, the organization has largely avoided this predicament over the years. Recently, however, Dana White and company have been putting together some real head-scratchers.
“WORST” MAIN IN UFC HISTORY?
This past weeked, mixed martial arts fans were “treated” to a rematch between current heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez (12-1) and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (18-5). Though Silva was coming off big wins against Travis Browne (14-1-1) and Alistair Overeem (36-12), Bigfoot had been dominated by Velasquez just one year prior to their second meeting.
WATCHING SAME TV EPISODE AGAIN ONLY FOR $70!
If the first fight between Velasquez and Silva had been remotely competitive, a rematch would make sense. It was not, as Silva took a brutal beating from Cain and was stopped in the very first round. Their rematch was even easier for Velasquez, as it took him only 81 seconds to dispose of Bigfoot. The writing was on the wall from the moment the fight was announced.
DANA WHITE “SCREWED THE POOCH” HERE!
Personally, I believe someone like Fabricio Werdum (16-5) would have been a more legitimate opponent for the champion. He has fought the best and won 5 of his last 6, including impressive performances against the legendary Fedor Emelianenko (34-4), Antonio Silva and Roy “Big Country” Nelson (19-7). Nelson himself could also be a suitable performance, as he has knocked out his last three foes in the first round.
STRIKEFORCE CHAMP CORMIER IS CAIN’S BEST FRIEND!
Recent UFC addition Daniel Cormier (12-0) could have gotten a title shot over Silva as well, seeing as how he knocked out Bigfoot a couple fights ago and won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Jon Jones’ (18-1) recent title defense against Chael Sonnen (27-13) was another fight that did not need to happen. Some of you may recall me criticizing Jones for not taking on Sonnen as a replacement for the injured Dan Henderson (29-9) a while back. Sonnen was a suitable opponent for a replacement, stay busy fight that would have saved the UFC from being forced to cancel a card for the first time in its history. Sonnen was NOT a legitimate threat to Jones, and should not have been given a shot at the light heavyweight title.
CHAEL NOTHING LIKE A “REAL” THREAT!
Sonnen was beaten by Anderson Silva (33-4) in a rematch of their 2010 middleweight title tilt just one fight before his clash with Jones. I do not know how this qualified him for a shot at the light heavyweight title. Lately, the UFC has seemed to favor certain fighters and award them undeserved title shots.
CALIFORNIA KID ”HOT TICKET” AGAIN!
Since he lost to Mike Brown (26-8) for the first time back in 2008, Urijah Faber (28-6) is 0-4 in title fights. Though he has only fought in the UFC 6 times, Faber has already participated in 2 title fights under the organization’s banner after the collapse of former promoter WEC. Faber’s personality and looks have gotten him these shots more than his skills. Though he is certainly talented, there is no doubt that if “The California Kid” were not a crowd favorite, he would not be given such special treatment.
UFC A BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY!
The UFC is in great shape financially, but the organization is beginning to run the risk of alienating its fans. Dana White cannot afford to keep putting on uncompetitive fights if he wants to maintain such a thriving business. As Oakland hip hop great Del the Funky Homosapien noted in 1994, there is “no need for alarm” just yet, but the promotion should be cautious in the near future.
Zak Young