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There’s No Question, Tarec Saffiedine Must Fight Tyron Woodley Next

Tarec Saffiedine has quickly become one of the welterweight division’s greatest surprises. Four years ago no one knew who the man was. And then he signed a contract with San Jose-based promotion, Strikeforce, and his career began an accelerated s…

Saffiedine earned two victories under the Challengers branch of Strikeforce before being granted the chance to compete with the best the promotion had to offer.

A solid Shark Fights victory over Brock Larson served as one final warm up for Tarec, but upon debuting on an official Strikeforce primary card, he quite suddenly ran into one of the sport’s most discussed prospects, Tyron Woodley.

Woodley used his polished and powerful wrestling to take a unanimous decision over Saffiedine. It marked the Belgian’s first defeat inside the Strikeforce cage, and lit a fire under the now 26-year-old’s behind.

Tarec amassed three more consecutive victories in the following 13 months and showcased vast improvement in each outing. The respectable showing earned Tarec a fight on the final Strikeforce card, against current champion Nate Marquardt.

Nate’s “current” champion status was a fading memory after 25 minutes inside the cage with the underrated challenger. Saffiedine outhustled the High Altitude stud, utilizing calculated aggression and pin-point shots to break the once-exiled UFC contender.

Now is Tarec Saffiedine’s time to shine. He’s coming into his own, cultivating his skills every time he competes, and remarkably he’s a good five or six years from his physical prime. Tarec’s got what it takes to become a great.

But first, I think he’s got an important score to settle.

In seven Strikeforce bouts, Tarec’s come up short in just a single case. I’d bet he’s eager to erase the memory of that loss, and considering his uncanny ability to evolve in this sport, he’s got a very fair shot at claiming redemption.

We know Tyron is headed to the UFC, where he’ll meet Jay Hieron at UFC 156. It seems likely that Tarec is all but a lock as a future part of the UFC roster.

Whether or not Woodley makes it past Hieron in February, Saffiedine deserves a chance to introduce balance between himself and Tyron. The only fight that makes sense for Tarec’s official UFC debut, is a rematch with the only man to defeat him inside the last three years.

Come on Joe Silva: make this fantasy fight a bloody reality!

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Did Big John McCarthy Solve the Eye-Poke Problem at Strikeforce Last Night?

Unintentional (and unfortunately the occasional intentional) eye-pokes have been a problem in mixed martial arts for as long as I can remember. Given the structure of the gloves, which leave all digits fully exposed, it’s tough to avoid that. We&…

Unintentional (and unfortunately the occasional intentional) eye-pokes have been a problem in mixed martial arts for as long as I can remember. Given the structure of the gloves, which leave all digits fully exposed, it’s tough to avoid that.

We’ve seen some nasty gouges over the years. Jake Shields appeared as though he hoped to completely skewer champion Georges St-Pierre’s eyeballs at UFC 129.

Kevin Burns seemed to be experimenting with a new finishing move he may have learned from a Mortal Kombat game the first time he met Anthony Johnson in the cage at UFC Fight Night 14.

Josh Koscheck’s name alone has become somewhat synonymous with the questionable tactic.

Eye gouging has been a problem for years. Hell, it’s been a problem for decades.

But last night, while refereeing a trio of bouts on the final Strikeforce card, referee “Big” John McCarthy implemented a very unorthodox technique that was not only a blatantly simple concept, but an effective one as well.

On numerous occasions McCarthy could be heard yelling to the fighters, “close your fists,” reiterating with echoes of “watch your fingers!” He was all over the action, and any time a pawing jab, fingers extended, was thrown, John was in the ears of the fighters, hurling respectful but authoritative warnings.

And, it seemed to work. Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine was a clean event that featured very few fouls. In large part due to John’s assertiveness, eye-gouges were certainly dropped from the equation.

Could constant verbal warnings lead to a drastic decrease of the oft-committed foul? If the final Strikeforce event was any indicator, it could very well be.

Understand this: McCarthy isn’t the only referee to hurl preventative warnings at fighters about striking, or pawing, with open fingers. It’s been done before, but never with the consistency or intensity that we witnessed last night.

Big John was all over every finger to sail through the air, stinging warnings colliding with flailing phalanges before the moment of potentially disastrous contact.

Repeated warnings being bellowed in a fighter’s ear isn’t a sure-fire bet for resolution, that’s a fact. However, Strikeforce’s final event allowed McCarthy to show that overt vocalization can go a long way in deterring the inevitable foul.

Big John McCarthy is still the best referee in the business, and small adjustments to his practice, such as what we witnessed last night prove that.

There are a lot of quality refs in the business these days, but few revolutionize rules on the spot, without stealing a fighter’s sanctioned liberties. McCarthy found a way to do it, with complete respect.

Hopefully, more referees will take notice of this approach and begin implementing similar tactics.

John, an on-the-spot thinker, may have just developed a new standard for caution inside the octagon (one that any man to ever be poked in the eye will likely commend), and that’s precisely why this sport needs the man so badly.

He cares about the combatants’ safety, and he’s got the moxie to say what must be said, and do what must be done!

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Who Was the First Truly Great Light Heavyweight: Ortiz, Liddell or Silva?

Once upon a time, Tito Ortiz was one of the most feared men competing in the sport of mixed martial arts. His aggressive wrestling and devastating ground-and-pound made him a man to fear and an incredibly tough out for anyone looking to get their hands…

The same can be said of Chuck Liddell, although he utilized his wrestling prowess in the opposite manner, opting to use his wrestling as a defensive tool in order to keep combat vertical, where he found extreme measures of success thanks to two sledgehammers that most recognize as fists.

As for Wanderlei Silva, well, he was never the division’s finest wrestler. What he was, was a terrifying monster inside the ring who favored ugly, fast-paced slugfests over technically measured executions. It worked quite well for him, as he managed to put numerous foes to sleep with fists, feet and knees inside the Pride Fighting Championship ring.

Now years distanced from each man’s prime fighting form, discussions often travel back to yesteryear’s greats. Who was the greatest light heavyweight of MMA’s first dedicated wave of fighters?

Even being completely objective, it’s difficult to answer that question. Each man amassed major accolades during their dominant streaks, each man fought very different fights and each man ran into a few brick walls along the way.

Not a single one of the three were perfect fighters, and there’s little doubt that none could compete with the likes of today’s stars.

As amazing as Liddell’s overhand right was, the chances that he could land that punch on a guy like Lyoto Machida or Jon Jones seem remarkably slim.

The same can be said of Silva, whose size alone would all but ensure nightmarish outcomes were he to tangle with the current monsters of the division.

As for Ortiz, well, MMA-executed wrestling has evolved too much to consider him a relevant threat in the takedown department. That bull-rush tactic probably doesn’t yield much success against the elite nowadays, and his ability to deliver punishment from within the guard is a puzzle that was solved years ago.

There’s nothing wrong with admitting that these men are far past top fighting form (Ortiz and Liddell have already retired), as it’s a simple fact that cannot be denied. History has already shown us that these three aren’t fit to compete with the division’s elite anymore. And that’s alright. All three enjoyed highly successful careers, and each has staked rightful claim to Hall of Fame induction and idol status.

But who was the true great of their time?

Let’s take a look at their careers, during their most dominant days, and see if we can’t find some semblance of a legitimate answer.

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Rampage Jackson Will Find The Grass Isn’t Greener Outside the UFC

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is set to make what appears to be his final appearance inside the UFC’s famed octagon on Jan. 26at UFC on FOX 6. Standing opposite him in the cage, aiming to usher the former champion from the promotion on a losing note, will be the highly touted prospect (the term prospect feels wrong in this instance), Glover Teixeira.

In recent months… well, years to be more accurate, Rampage has expressed his displeasure with Dana White, the promotion as a whole, and the stylistically unfavorable matches he’s been subjected to in his last few fights.

Rampage is apparently tired of fighting wrestlers.

What’s interesting about that however, is the fact that Jackson has enjoyed plenty of success against solid wrestlers in the past.

Jackson completely schooled powerful wrestler Matt Hamill at UFC 130, outworked Dan Henderson at UFC 75, obliterated Kevin Randleman at Pride 25 and stopped Chuck Liddell (remember that Chuck is a high-caliber wrestler who simply preferred to use his wrestling as a defensive weapon rather than offensive) on two separate occasions.

So, what’s the deal with Quinton? My guess is Father Time.

Competing in full-contact competition takes a serious toll on the body. No one, not even Randy Couture, can compete with the elite forever. Jackson’s time as an elite mixed martial artist is winding down, and his behavior indicates serious frustration.

Assuming Quinton does indeed part ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, I fully expect his troubles will follow him.

Outside of Bellator, there aren’t many promotions that can meet the demanding price tag that looms over Jackson’s head. Whether he’s lost a step or not, he’s still a very recognizable name, and that name power merits a sizable price tag. This is a man whose services will not come cheap.

He could opt to head back to Japan, but with the MMA scene in Japan continuously losing steam, there won’t be too many big paydays for him there. Finding marquee fights outside of the US will also prove challenging. Although, at this point in time, I’m not sure Rampage is interested in meeting anyone of considerable threat inside a cage, or ring.

Jackson could make a major gamble and head for the World Series of Fighting, where the unproven Tyrone Spong waits, as does the resurgent Anthony Johnson, but let’s be honest. The WSOF is a fledgling promotion that may very well be defunct by this time next year.

His only serious option, if he decides he’d like to continue fighting for a few more years, is the aforementioned Bellator. And, take note: there isn’t much that Bellator can offer the 13-plus year veteran either.

A fight with “King” Mo Lawal looks intriguing, and given some of the verbal barbs the two have exchanged in the past, it could prove an exciting and lucrative fight.

Of course, it should be noted that Lawal presents a similar challenge to those Jackson has expressed displeasure with recently: he’s a strong wrestler capable of grounding Jackson for three rounds.

But even if Quinton took that fight, and (we’ll say for the sake of quality debate) won, what becomes of Rampage beyond that pairing?

Bellator’s light heavyweight division is paper-thin. A meeting with current Bellator 205-pound ace, Christian M’Pumbu doesn’t sound all too intriguing. Fights with Zelg Galesic, Seth Petruzelli, Travis Wiuff and Tim Carpenter don’t offer too much magnetism.

That leaves a bout with the fading Renato “Babalu” Sobral, who’s looked like a shell of his former self over the last three years. And just to be honest, I’m not sure many would clamor to see two fighters well past their prime tangle.

Quinton’s best bet is try to patch things up with the UFC, take a few more fights, and aim to exit the sport on a high note with a hefty paycheck in his pocket.

Rampage may not be pleased with his career trajectory as it stands, but if he parts ways with the UFC, he’s going to learn rather quickly, that the grass isn’t greener outside of the UFC.

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The 50 Least Intimidating Fighters in MMA

Before I plunge into this list, take note: I’m not bashing (sure you’ll spot some sarcasm and a few jokes, which is all in good fun) any one of these 50 fighters. In fact, the vast majority of men on this list are established, highly talented guy…

Being intimidating isn’t a prerequisite for success. It isn’t a mandatory for the job, either. However, a sizable chunk of competitors today are indeed a bit menacing, and I suppose that comes with the territory. These guys do after all earn a living beating the snot out of men.

I don’t aim to ramble, as this is a monstrous piece, so let’s allow the intro to fade. Get ready to take a look at 50 of the least intimidating fighters in the brief history of this sport!

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Do “Fun” Fights Have a Place in MMA?

It seems a lot of MMA followers are quick to dismiss any fight that doesn’t bear significant relevance in regards to divisional rankings. The desire to see top 10 ranked opponents collide isn’t outlandish, but the disregard that every other…

One cannot break into the upper echelons of any division without mowing through some unranked opposition on the way. And remember that because a fighter isn’t a current top 10 occupant, doesn’t mean, for a second, that they’re incapable of putting on one hell of a show for fans.

Remember UFC on Fox 4’s amazing back-and-forth brawl between lightweights Joe Lauzon and Jamie Varner? It was without a doubt one of the top fights of the year, but it wasn’t a contest designed to outline a new entrant into the top 10 rankings.

It wasn’t a title eliminator either. It was nothing more than an exciting matchup that showcased a tangible level of synergy between two men, and yielded one of the most enjoyable fights we’ve seen in years. It was, quite simply put, a fun fight.

Mixed Martial Arts has emerged as a successful platform for a new breed of athletes. Now recognized as a legitimate sport, rather than a freak-show intended to lure drunken, testosterone-fueled meatheads to the television, MMA combines ranking and audience draw to determine who’s advancing their career, who’s fighting for a title and who sits on the cusp of a championship opportunity.

MMA now has a fair structure. Part of the foundation lies in the matchmaking and the manner in which a man may ascend to the top of his specific weight class. If fighter A hopes to emerge as a marquee draw, title contention associated with his name, he’s got to be a part of some fights that, in the grand scheme of things don’t necessarily mean a whole lot.

But these fights, the fights in which a man struggles to make his presence known, are the kind of fights that often produce explosive action. These guys are hungry; hungry for success, and a chance to challenge the best fighters in the world all the while taking home a paycheck that will actually cover training costs as well as living costs.

Think back for a moment on the careers of some of your favorite fighters.

Did Nate Diaz’s second-round submission win over Melvin Guillard at UFC Fight Night 19 mean much to the elite of the division? Did Cain Velasquez’s lopsided mauling of Denis Stojnic at UFC Fight Night 17 send ripples through the deeper waters of the heavyweight division? Did Chuck Liddell’s ultrafast-paced war with Paul Jones at UFC 22 decide the next man to vie for promotional gold?

The answer to all of those questions is an emphatic no. But every one of the aforementioned men eventually emerged as bona fide superstars, and each ended up, at one point or another, fighting for a title. Furthermore those fights were highly enjoyable aesthetic treats for anyone who simply wants to see a good, fun fight.

Without the fun fights, the sport cannot build superstars. The wars among unranked fighters often lead to, or help launch respectable fan followings. Continue to win fights, win fans. These men, the ones willing to put the time and effort in competing in these “fun fights,” often morph from unrecognized preliminary card fighter, to eventual stud, recognized worldwide.

Sit back for a brief moment and try to tell me that virtually every Matt Brown fight isn’t an all-out, fan friendly spectacle that has turned “The Immortal” into a fighter that fanatics are anxious to see compete.

Are we so eager to watch Brown throw leather because we know that with one more win he’ll be challenging Georges St-Pierre for his welterweight title? No, we’re not. Brown isn’t even close to a title shot, in fact, he’s unranked by the majority of quality MMA media outlets.

We watch Matt Brown fight because we love fun fights, and it takes fun fights to mold champions. Whether or not Brown will ever challenge for a title remains to be seen, but what we can take away from Matt’s performances is particularly important: “The Immortal”, just as many previously mentioned in this article, is walking, talking, active proof that fun fights have a key place in this business.

MMA doesn’t always have to be about a title fight. At the end of the day, MMA should always be a pleasure to watch, and that makes the less relevant, but (often) more entertaining bouts a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Do “fun” fights have a place in MMA? You bet they do.

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