Two notable things happened in MMA yesterday.
1.) Chan Sung Jung invoked the wrath of the zombie apocalypse to choke out Dustin Poirier and earn himself an apparent title shot against Jose Aldo. (Or Erik Koch, if you’re into that kind of thing.)
2.) Braulio Estima finally said enough is enough and responded to Cesar Gracie’s statement with his own figurative middle finger, declaring that, when it comes down to it, both he and Nick Diaz are professionals, and to absolve Diaz of the blame “for whatever reason” is inexcusable.
Now, whether or not one of those things matters more to you than the other probably depends on where you fall in the 209 spectrum. But regardless, both of their notability is self-explanatory. So since this is my column and I can jump around wherever I’d like, I’ll briefly start with topic No. 2, because it’s pretty cut and dry.
Honestly, good for Estima. Each of his three main points are valid and it’s clear he’s sick of having his name dragged through the mud. At this point the whole situation is nothing but a bunch of he said/she said gossip, so now that we’ve heard from both sides, maybe we can put it to bed. (Unlikely, I know, but one can always hope.)
Now back to topic No. 1. Was that a fight or what?! Many things can be said about “The Korean Zombie,” but MMA Law officially dictates that the man can never be called boring.
I’ll be frank, I thought the Hominick flash KO was a fluke and completely expected Poirier to roll last night. But wow. I’ll gladly admit I was wrong. The growth Zombie has shown since getting separated from consciousness by George Roop is remarkable. That sequence in the second round when he effortlessly transitioned from armbar-to-triangle-to-armbar-to-triangle was amazing theater. I really can’t say enough about it.
If you asked me whether the Zombie even stood a fighting chance against Aldo yesterday morning, I probably would have chuckled and answered with some snarky remark. But if you asked me that same question today, I’d definitely have to give it a second thought. And really, maybe that’s the biggest accolade of all.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
UFC on FUEL 3. Chan Sung Jung capped the night by invoking the zombie apocalypse, but there still was plenty to see after the lights dimmed in Fairfax. Catch up on all the post-fight action with complete results, fight night bonuses, reaction from the pros, post-fight press conference video, and video highlights of Korean Zombie vs. Dustin Poirier and Donald Cerrone vs. Jeremy Stephens.
Braulio Estima responds. A frustrated Braulio Estima issued a direct response to Cesar Gracie’s recent statement, refuting a series of Gracie’s arguments regarding the Nick Diaz/World Jiu-Jitsu Expo situation.
Dana White to have surgery. UFC President Dana White revealed his absence from last night’s fights was the result of a recent diagnosis of Meniere’s disease. White expects to have surgery today in Los Angeles, CA.
Chael Sonnen’s secret therapy. During a recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen divulged how secret hypno-therapy sessions helped transform him into the world-class fighter he is today.
Top MMA Wikipedia edits. There’s a reason you’re never supposed to cite Wikipedia as an official source. And if you don’t believe us, these 20 ridiculous MMA-related Wikipedia edits might help change your mind.
MEDIA STEW
We know, we know. We already linked to these highlights up there. But seriously, for all the lazies out there who didn’t click the link, you really need to check out last night’s Zombie vs. Poirier brawl.
After bravely weathering the storm for four rounds, it’s heart-breaking to see Dustin Poirier fight back tears following his devastating submission loss.
So Ronda Rousey’s mom is a pretty dangerous woman. But neither you nor Bas Rutten could have predicted how dangerous she really is. (Props to @pegson for the find.)
If you’ve the got time, check out Chael Sonnen dropping his schtick and discussing everything from steroids and The Ultimate Fighter, to hypno-therapy and Sasquatch with Joe Rogan like a normal, intelligent human being. We’re guaranteeing it’ll change your perception of him.
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
Congrats to my lil brotha @KoreanZombieMMA, brilliant performance…way to gut it out & get the W…
— Benson Henderson (@SMOOTHone155) May 16, 2012
This @ufc has me fully torqued right now. #UFConFUELTV
— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) May 16, 2012
Alright… I take it back… I don’t want the Zombiepocalypse to happen…
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) May 16, 2012
DANA’S FAN EXPERIENCE
Lol now for the first time ever of sitting my ass at home watchin the fights I HATE not seeing the walk ins!!! Fix that shit @UFC
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2012
Hey @chilledt5 we have to show walk ins from now on! This is BS! Everyone blow him up and Yell at @Lorenzofertitta too! I’m a fan 2 nite 🙂
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2012
@chilledt5 and @lorenzofertitta fix the walk ins!!! We the fans want them!! What the he’ll do u people do all day @UFC fix this shit!
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2012
@chilledt5 and @Lorenzofertitta Finally we get a walk in!!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2012
SHANE CARWIN IS STILL A MASSIVE HUMAN BEING
This is a picture of my Godson and I after the tournament for Young Life.Yes i wear my sponsors gear everywhere. twitter.com/ShaneCarwin/st…
— Shane Carwin (@ShaneCarwin) May 15, 2012
#ASKRASHAD
.@Sense_Andrew, No I don’t know when it’s gonna be but it won’t be at MW.I’m not dropping down.#AskRashad – @SugaRashadEvans
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@miketweeted,I gotta say Karl Malone.I saw Rodman lately and he’s not well put together.#AskRashad – @SugaRashadEvans
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
@amr454, Thanks, My favorite rapper is Immortal Technique. #AskRashad – @SugaRashadEvans
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@LongBeachOGKush, No I’m still searching.I’m gonna have to find a few more. #AskRashad – @SugaRashadEvans
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@jspecex, Yes I would.#AskRashad – @SugaRashadEvans
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@EtherLW, I can’t say I have a dream fight.Chael would win.#AskRashad – @SugaRashadEvans
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
#ASKCHAEL
.@Dommi_BBC, No MOST definitely not. Regulated fights only. I am house trained.#AskChael – @SonnenCH
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@therealD1, No but i’ve cried and laid there awake. #AskChael – @SonnenCH
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@amr454, No – not because the competition isn’t great, i just couldn’t do it.#AskChael – @SonnenCH
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@JayDotWilce, Mike Who? That bum that dodged Holyfield his whole career?#AskChael – @SonnenCH
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
.@gmorgan23,Thank you in return.I have some interest but i’d need a little encouragement.#AskChael – @SonnenCH
— FUEL TV (@FUELTV) May 15, 2012
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Tuesday, May 15, 2012):
– Titan Fighting Championship 23: Jorge Santiago (24-10) vs. Jay Silva (8-6)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day is a look back at a classic by Rainer Lee, which suddenly seems quite relevant: Savages of the Year: Leonard Garcia and Chan Sung Jung
What makes a great fight? A Fight of the Night? Of the Year? We’d ask for something exemplary, a fight that we can hang our banner on (“MMA” it reads). A fight that shows off the best that mixed martial arts has to offer: studied kickboxing, cannonball wrestling, feverish clinch work, python submission attempts, unfailing will, fearlessness. And a violence tactical, and a brutality sporting. Those last bits are important for us. As fans of a developing, occasionally maligned sport, we worry about its perception, and eagerly dismiss whatever might impede MMA’s growth and acceptance. We want to impress, and dub mixed martial artists like Georges St. Pierre and Lyoto Machida and B.J. Penn our cultural champions. These are sportsmen, technicians, and artists who promise to erase MMA’s reputation for thuggish, talentless cruelty. These are men who bring a form to the otherwise chaotic struggle between two barehanded men. And then there’s Leonard Garcia and Chan Sung Jung.
Found something perfect for the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.