Nothing much may have happened yesterday, but maybe that’s a good thing with the current injury-a-day climate.
In fact, instead of getting hurt, a couple fan favorites actually did the opposite and found out when they can expect a clean bill of health. Jose Aldo anticipates defending his title against Erik Koch in October, and Thiago Alves hopes to return to action by mid-December. So that’s good.
Also good: did you realize we’re on the verge of experiencing an almost unprecedented two-day binge of mixed martial arts? UFC on FX 4, Bellator 71, UFC 147, and ONE FC: Destiny of Warriors, all in a span of 48 hours.
Seriously, just look at that murderers’ row. Maynard, Guida, Hioki, Rogers, Wanderlei, Franklin, Werdum, Babalu, Huerta, Imanari. If a few more slow days is what it takes to see each and every one of those guys scrap, then count me in.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Jones sentencing postponed. New York’s Binghamton City Court postponed the sentencing of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ guilty plea for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The proceedings, which were initially slated to take place June 19, will now be held July 3.
Aldo, Siva target return dates. Injured UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo expects to return to action sometime in November, while his sidelined countryman, Thiago Alves, is targeting a return in December,
Hardy vs. Sadollah. Welterweight bruiser Dan Hardy is slated to meet TUF 7 winner Amir Sadollah at UFC on FUEL 5 in his hometown of Nottingham, England on September 29, 2012.
Rogers grateful for second chance. Following a 60-day stint in jail that splashed his mugshot across the internet, led to his Zuffa release, and tarnished his name for a majority of fight fans, former heavyweight contender Brett Rogers is ready to make the most of his second chance at Bellator 71.
UFC 147 ticket refund. Due to the flood of injuries that significantly crippled UFC 147, UFC officials are permitting three days to request a full refund for Brazilian fans who bought tickets to the event.
MEDIA STEW
Whether it was the language barrier or just minor reclusiveness, for a long time the MMA community had difficulty grasping what Anderson Silva was about really about. But now he’s seemingly everywhere, and we find out he’s really just a guy who dreams up ideas on how to ‘save the Batman series.’ (Seriously though, save the Batman series? Just one more month until Dark Knight Rises, people.)
Speaking of Anderson Silva, ten bucks to the person who can watch this UFC 148 spot and not get chills.
I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up I was promised hoverboards by the year 2012. Well, it’s 2012. Where the hell are my hoverboards? Honestly, I’d even settle for a better version of these babies, so we can take our first step towards Real Steel type robot MMA superfights.
Most of you probably know Dana White has been struggling with a rare inner ear disease, but some may not understand how badly the disease is lording over White’s life.
THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF MIDDLE GROUND THERE
If u’ve never seen an episode of that@KimKardashian & family show, or the like. Be proud of yourself, u’re not useless.#ThugjitsuThoughts
— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) June 19, 2012
On another note; if you have that kardashian show or NEthing like it on your DVR, I hope you die in a fire of AIDS. #ThugjitsuThoughts
— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) June 19, 2012
INJURY UPDATE
Great news just talked to my Doctor and my PT. They both told me I’ll be back fighting again by December! I can’t wait! #Spartangottaeat
— Thiago Alves. (@ThiagoAlvesATT) June 19, 2012
WOULD PAY TO WATCH
I rewatched the Pacquiao x Bradley fight this weekend w/@simonelegno . Great fight by Bradley but he still loses. 7 to 5 for Pacman. #boxing
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) June 19, 2012
But for the rematch how about we do Pacquaio x Bradley 2 MMA? 10x5x5 PRIDE rules. There’d be a finish for sure. #mmaoverboxing
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) June 19, 2012
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Tuesday, June 19, 2012):
UFC on FUEL 5: Dan Hardy (24-10, 1 NC) vs. Amir Sadollah (6-3)
UFC on FUEL 5: Che Mills (14-5) vs. Duane Ludwig (21-13)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes from Michael Rome, who offers an against-the-grain film review: Thoughts On Anderson Silva Documentary ‘Like Water’
I had a chance to watch Like Water this evening. To date, I’ve seen the film showered with praise, and I’d like to offer a different view. To be sure, the documentary is a riveting piece of work, but it fails the ultimate test: it doesn’t convey the narrative as it really was.
Like Water suffers from a fatal flaw: it does not accurately convey the mood of the time. Fans were *angry* with Anderson Silva after the Demian Maia fight. It was his third embarrassing performance out of his last four fights. The performances weren’t just boring, they demonstrated an appalling arrogance and a level of contempt that was sickening. The film portrays anyone who was upset about those performances as a meathead, falling right into the trap of believing there are only two choices: an outright brawl, or the kind of performance Anderson put on in Abu Dhabi. Any sophisticated fight fan knows this is not the case.
The portrayal of Chael Sonnen is also disappointing. Chael’s journey from the summer of 2009 through his suspension was one of the most interesting sports stories of the last few years. A career journeyman somehow pulled together a string of dominant wins over the number 2 and 3 fighters in the world, and then gave an invincible champion a true run for his money. Instead of capturing this, “Like Water” treats him as little more than a big mouth.
Chael Sonnen was the first (and only) fighter in the UFC to fight Anderson with reckless abandon. He showed no fear when the fight started–he did what he said he’d do: he walked across the cage and got in a fist fight in Oakland, California. Given Anderson’s highlight reel, and the number of top fighters who have cowered when standing across the cage from him, this is a critical piece of the story that goes untold in “Like Water.”
Found something perfect for the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.