UFC President Dana White still insists Georges St-Pierre vs. Anderson Silva is going to happen. It’s a dubious claim by now, though if the long-debated superfight ever does come to fruition, at that point it may not be so super. Or, at least it won’t be if St-Pierre’s prediction proves true.
That’s because the UFC welterweight champion firmly believes the undefeated Chris Weidman — currently listed as a 2-to-1 underdog — won’t just stun the world, he’ll also do so in dramatic fashion.
“I believe [Weidman] is going to beat Anderson Silva,” St-Pierre declared to Canada’s Sportsnet. “I believe it’s a bad matchup for Anderson Silva. It’s very bad.
“Not only is he going to beat, I believe he is going to finish Anderson Silva. I believe it’s not going to be too long, that fight. This, people will be shocked.”
The 37-year-old Silva hasn’t truly lost in nine years, a stretch of time that spans 20 fights. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old has racked up an impressive 9-0 record since turning pro four years ago.
So what do you think, folks? Is St-Pierre onto something here? Let me know what you think in the comments below. Now let’s get to some headlines.
6 MUST-READ STORIES
Gracie responds to White. In response to Dana White’s claims that Nick Diaz cost the UFC $50,000 by missing scheduled interview dates, Cesar Gracie told BJPenn.com: “No way, it’s impossible. The guys that were doing the shoot, the main guy lives in Sacramento, which the drive to Lodi is 45 minutes away. If they’re paying the camera guys that much, they should pay the fighters more. Who the hell gets $50,000 for a couple days?”
Henderson advocates for increased testing. UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson advocated for increased drug testing, not only in the way of blood testing, but also random testing in order to “keep the playing field even.”
Hunt vs. JDS. Looks like the rally worked after all. Veteran heavyweight Mark Hunt agreed to replace the injured Alistair Overeem against Junior dos Santos on late notice for the co-main event of UFC 160.
TUF Brazil 2 cast. Undefeated Yan Cabral, Leonardo Santos, Luiz Jorge “Besouro” Dutra Jr., and undefeated Leandro “Buscape” Silva are among the 28 welterweights announced for season two of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, coached by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Fabricio Werdum. Find out more on the season’s notable competitors with this video primer.
Riddle signs with Legacy. Recently released UFC welterweight Matt Riddle inked a multi-fight contract with Texas-based promotion Legacy Fighting Championships.
Sonnen talks wrestling. Our own Luke Thomas talked to TUF 17 coach Chael Sonnen in detail about the application of successful MMA wrestling for this fantastic one-on-one interview.
MEDIA STEW
Georges St-Pierre calling the upset:
The Reem is always superb, but this latest episode, which detail’s Overeem’s stunning loss to ‘Bigfoot’ Silva, may be the most revealing of the series.
I think we can all safely agree that Pat Barry has the best dance moves of his era.
(HT: Reddit)
Want a lesson in frustration? Check out Dave Begel — the clown who penned this masterpiece — explain his case on Inside MMA.
Just another brutal five-second KO to start your day. Nothing to see here, folks.
(HT: MiddleEasy)
Yep, this is Nick Diaz working a speed bag for 23 minutes straight. About as easy of a summary as you can ask for.
Alex Vamos is a BJJ black belt, plus a Pan-Am and NAGA champion. But today? He’s a white belt. Poor purples never saw it coming.
DODGED A BULLET THERE
GSP vs Diaz!!!FYI- this video is rated NC17. on.ufc.com/Zyb5WY
— Dana White (@danawhite) March 8, 2013
@omarguntaue that’s how it is most of the time. This happens every once in a while too. Is what it is
— Dana White (@danawhite) March 8, 2013
@ufcdoll no way. That would have never happened with me on. I would have got in the way.
— Dana White (@danawhite) March 8, 2013
HAPPY HUNT IS THE BEST HUNT
Just wanted to let u know how thankful myself and my family are for the opportunity Dana and the fertitas have given us thank u zuffa 1luv
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) March 10, 2013
GSP AIN’T ALONE
Two fighters are tailor made for their opponents and they are dos Santos and Silva. They are both in trouble. Picking hunt and Weidman.
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 11, 2013
@whiteyduvalle if Jds wrestles and does what he did to Shane he will win. But he likes knocking people out. Standing with hunt is dangerous
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 11, 2013
“@darnee86: @dc_mma would love wiedman to do it but seriously can’t see it..Where do you think the fight will favour Chris?” Wrestling ,jits
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 11, 2013
@matjames1018 I’m.not. I just really believe Weidman is special man.
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 11, 2013
SKYSCRAPER
Still waiting to get my jaw fixed, hopefully everything will be cleared for surgery on monday. #fingerscrossed
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) March 8, 2013
Fun fact, well for you guys.. :p Mark broke my jaw about 5 secs before the last 2 punches landed, the last left knocked a tooth in my cheek
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) March 6, 2013
@szganyshepherd that’s exactly the plan, the next guy is lucky when he can walk out..
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) March 10, 2013
KAMPMANN WANTS BACK IN
No fights lined up yet, but I would like to get one this summer against strikeforce champ Saffiedine or Diaz after gsp beats him up
— Martin Kampmann (@MartinKampmann) March 10, 2013
If Diaz pulls it off I will be happy to fight gsp as well, I would actually prefer that
— Martin Kampmann (@MartinKampmann) March 11, 2013
All the Diaz nut huggers sure came out of the wood works..
— Martin Kampmann (@MartinKampmann) March 11, 2013
YOU, TOO, CAN COACH JON JONES
If you were fighting Chael what would your strategy be? what tactics would you seek?
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 8, 2013
I love getting advice from you guys, Some of y’all really know what you’re talking about.. Remember don’t try at home
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 8, 2013
Some of you guys advice is so right on I am not even going to retweet you
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 8, 2013
Don’t fear being taken down, even though I will try not to be. it’s MMA!! As Greg Jackson would say “fear no fire”
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 8, 2013
PAT BARRY, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN
LAWD HAB-MUSSYTOOK US 5-6 HOURS TO DRIVE 30 MILES IN THAT “NOT-A-BLZZARD”TOLD ROSÉ”I HAVE CABIN FEVER”REPLIED”ME TOOO”<-IN PIRATE VOICE
— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) March 10, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced over the weekend (Friday, March 8, 2013 – Sunday, March 10, 2013):
- UFC 160: Mark Hunt (9-7) vs. Junior dos Santos (15-2) booked as co-main event
- WSOF 3: John Gunderson (34-14-2) vs. Dan Lauzon (16-4)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day sees connor.ruebusch fan the flames with: Nick Diaz: Highly Effective, Highly Overrated
When it comes to Nick’s boxing, I’ve heard it all. A widely circulated article compared him to the bareknuckle great Daniel Mendoza. He has been lauded for his incredible CompuStrike numbers, as well as his body punching, by every commentator that’s ever worked one of his fights. The man himself isn’t immune to the hype, either: Diaz vaingloriously challenged Roy Jones Jr. to a boxing match after his win over Frank Shamrock. And since Nick’s next bout pits him against Georges St. Pierre, a man whose most obvious and dominant skill is his wrestling, many seem to believe that the Stockton native will have the advantage on the feet.
Well, I’m here to clear that up, and maybe piss off a few diehard fans in the process. And, one week from his fight with GSP, I figure there’s just enough time for the following statement to really fester. You ready? Here we go.
Nick Diaz’ boxing is overrated.
Now, before you give me the Stockton treatment, notice I did not say that Nick’s striking is ineffective. His record, including a recently snapped eleven-fight winning streak, six of those by TKO and the rest decided in large part by Nick’s fists, speaks for itself. But Nick Diaz does not have exceptional boxing skills. What Nick has are fast, accurate hands, incredible stamina, and the sort of pain tolerance that can only come with a healthy diet of In-N-Out Burger and medical marijuana. He’s unquestionably tough, and his punching-centric style has proven very effective in MMA. But with his latest outing against Carlos Condit, we saw how it can be nullified by someone who refuses to fight Diaz’ fight. Diaz’ style leaves a multitude of openings for a willing and able opponent, and he’ll certainly have one in Georges St. Pierre next Saturday. Let’s take a look at some of his liabilities.
In-depth analysis after the jump…
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.