Tag: Anthony Pettis

Ranking the ‘UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Dodson’ Fights by My Own Interest Level


(“Thanks Jay. Joining me now backstage is none other than…uh…wait a minute. You’re Anderson Silva’s son, right?”)

If you’ve been watching the NFL playoffs on FOX over the last couple weekends, you’ve surely noticed the frequent UFC promos throughout the broadcasts hyping a “World Title Fight” on January 26th between “Johnson and Dodson.” At no point is the word “flyweight” ever mentioned — because that would be a turnoff to casual fans, I guess? — and in most of the live promos I’ve seen, Demetrious Johnson and John Dodson‘s first names aren’t even included. Basically, they’re hoping that the mere promise of a “title fight” will be enough to lure some football fans into tuning in this Saturday night, even if those viewers have no idea who the headliners are, or what belt they’ll be fighting for specifically.

By sticking to the ironclad rule that a title fight will always get headlining-priority no matter who else is fighting on the card — a policy that previously drew some fan-criticism when Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche was given the UFC 157 main event spot over Dan Henderson vs. Lyoto Machida — the UFC has painted themselves into a corner. Johnson and Dodson simply aren’t as well-known, marketable, or admired as some of the other fighters competing at UFC on FOX 6, namely Quinton Jackson, Donald Cerrone, and Anthony Pettis.

It’s a problem, because TV ratings and buyrates are so closely tied to who’s headlining each event. Instead of perhaps making Rampage vs. Teixeira or Cerrone vs. Pettis the headliner, the UFC is choosing to keep things vague (“world title fight!” “Johnson!”) and hope for the best. We’ll see if that proves to be the right decision, or if the ratings will plunge compared to the strong showing of UFC on FOX 5. I know the UFC wants to pump up its budding flyweight division, but I can’t help wondering if they’re doing themselves a disservice when there’s so little heat around that weight class. Could they re-consider their “championship fight always gets the main event” policy down the road?

Since I’ve been thinking about this lately, I’ve decided to present my own rundown of which fights I’m actually looking forward to this weekend. If you see things differently, please hurl some abuse at me in the comments section. Let’s begin…


(“Thanks Jay. Joining me now backstage is none other than…uh…wait a minute. You’re Anderson Silva’s son, right?”)

If you’ve been watching the NFL playoffs on FOX over the last couple weekends, you’ve surely noticed the frequent UFC promos throughout the broadcasts hyping a “World Title Fight” on January 26th between “Johnson and Dodson.” At no point is the word “flyweight” ever mentioned — because that would be a turnoff to casual fans, I guess? — and in most of the live promos I’ve seen, Demetrious Johnson and John Dodson‘s first names aren’t even included. Basically, they’re hoping that the mere promise of a “title fight” will be enough to lure some football fans into tuning in this Saturday night, even if those viewers have no idea who the headliners are, or what belt they’ll be fighting for specifically.

By sticking to the ironclad rule that a title fight will always get headlining-priority no matter who else is fighting on the card — a policy that previously drew some fan-criticism when Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche was given the UFC 157 main event spot over Dan Henderson vs. Lyoto Machida — the UFC has painted themselves into a corner. Johnson and Dodson simply aren’t as well-known, marketable, or admired as some of the other fighters competing at UFC on FOX 6, namely Quinton Jackson, Donald Cerrone, and Anthony Pettis.

It’s a problem, because TV ratings and buyrates are so closely tied to who’s headlining each event. Instead of perhaps making Rampage vs. Teixeira or Cerrone vs. Pettis the headliner, the UFC is choosing to keep things vague (“world title fight!” “Johnson!”) and hope for the best. We’ll see if that proves to be the right decision, or if the ratings will plunge compared to the strong showing of UFC on FOX 5. I know the UFC wants to pump up its budding flyweight division, but I can’t help wondering if they’re doing themselves a disservice when there’s so little heat around that weight class. Could they re-consider their “championship fight always gets the main event” policy down the road?

Since I’ve been thinking about this lately, I’ve decided to present my own rundown of which fights I’m actually looking forward to this weekend. If you see things differently, please hurl some abuse at me in the comments section. Let’s begin…

#1: Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis (LW, main card): It’s the rare combination of “guaranteed banger” and “legitimately important.” Two elite-level lightweights who are known for consistently thrilling fights face off to determine who’s possibly next in line on the contender ladder after Gilbert Melendez. As far as I’m concerned, this is Saturday’s real main event.

#2: Quinton Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira (LHW, main card): I’m not as drunk on the Glover kool-aid as some of you — at least not yet — but man, oh man, do I want Rampage to get creamed. I’m tired of the constant bullshit, and I just want this story to end — particularly with a savage KO that defies any post-fight excuse-making.

#3: Erik Koch vs. Ricardo Lamas (FW, main card): I’m a big fan of Erik Koch, and it’s great to see him back after a 16-month layoff, trying to regain his place in the featherweight title picture. It’s also been interesting to see how Lamas has progressed from WEC mid-packer to undefeated UFC contender over the last couple years. My expectations are high for this one.

#4: Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson (FlyW, main event): As we learned in our first Databomb, finishing rates are strongly correlated to weight class — which should help explain why Demetrious Johnson hasn’t finished an opponent since 2010. And even though Dodson’s last flyweight match ended in a TKO against Jussier Formiga, everything that led up to that TKO was kind of awful. My relative lack of enthusiasm for this fight comes from the feeling that I already know how it will end: With Johnson earning a unanimous decision after five rounds that are so frantically-paced that the action becomes an undistinguishable mess of motion. And that’s what the UFC’s flyweight division has lacked for me, so far — the element of surprise.

#5: Ryan Bader vs. Vladimir Matyushenko (LHW, FX prelims): Two wrestlers who are coming off losses, and will likely be throwing bombs at each other’s heads. The result might not have a big impact on the light-heavyweight division, but it’ll have a serious impact on the fighters’ careers.

#6: Clay Guida vs. Hatsu Hioki (FW, FX prelims): I don’t expect a repeat of Guida’s much-reviled performance against Gray Maynard, but then again, Hioki hasn’t exactly been lightning in a bottle during his time in the UFC. The idea of Guida at 145 pounds is compelling, and he’s usually fun to watch, but I’m not expecting a Fight of the Night here by any means.

#7: Mike Russow vs. Shawn Jordan (HW, FX prelims): Russow, a full-time Chicago police officer, returns to the Octagon in a hometown appearance seven months after being wrecked by Fabricio Werdum in Brazil. We all know what this man is capable of.

#8: Matt Wiman vs. TJ Grant (LW, FX prelims): Grant is on a three-fight win-streak at lightweight, and Wiman pulled off a very unexpected and impressive submission of Paul Sass in his last fight. Sure, I’ll watch this.

#9 (tie): Mike Stumpf vs. Pascal Krauss, Rafael Natal vs. Sean Spencer (WW+MW, FX prelims): I don’t think I’d be able to pick any of these guys out of a lineup. I know that Krauss is German, and that Sean Spencer is a first-timer — and that’s about the extent of my commitment to these fights.

#11: Simeon Thoresen vs. David Mitchell (WW, Facebook prelim): I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched a Facebook prelim. It’s been a while. That’s not going to change this weekend.

(BG)

Meet Me by the Bike Rack: An Old School Throwdown MMA Fans Can’t Miss

There is something about a fight that appeals to our primal senses. By saying this, I’m not talking about the often touted “big fight” feel where there is something special in the air and all that jazz, but rather, the type of fight where you know two …

There is something about a fight that appeals to our primal senses. By saying this, I’m not talking about the often touted “big fight” feel where there is something special in the air and all that jazz, but rather, the type of fight where you know two men who don’t particularly care for one another are going to finally cross paths, where they are going to solve their differences in a flurry of punches and kicks.

It may seem like a stripped-down approach, but championship belts and accolades aside, finding out who is the superior fighter is what mixed martial arts is all about.

Working in the sport for the past several years, I have witnessed plenty of matchups that have played crucial roles in the bigger picture of all things MMA. That being said, few things get me more excited on fight night than knowing I’m going to see an old-school scrap take place.

There is something ineffable about it. My colleague and Bleacher Report lead writer Jeremy Botter likes to say these fights “tickle his violence bone.” Thank you for the phrase Mr. Botter—I couldn’t agree more.

This, of course, isn’t taking anything away from the technical aspects of the battle. When two talented combatants settle into the ruckus, their skill sets are their most important assets. But when you look farther into the heart of the fight and know two men are going to come forward with everything they have, what is there not to get excited about?

When you sprinkle a good old-fashioned grudge on top of an already combustible combination, then you have a fight that simply can’t be missed. Fortunately for UFC fans, over the next few months, there are going to be a handful of these tilts, starting next weekend in Chicago at UFC on Fox 6.

 

Cowboy vs. Showtime

In the world of MMA media, there is perhaps no greater advocate for the 155-pound fighter than yours truly. All truths be told, I’m a geek about it. It is my solemn belief that this weight class is not only the deepest and most competitive in the sport, but also the most exciting.

In the UFC alone, the Top 10 is a shark tank, filled with fighters who can end an opponent’s night in brutal fashion but also have the gas to do 25 minutes’ worth of battle if the situation requires. I’m a lightweight fanatic through and through, and the upcoming throwdown between Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis has been on my radar for quite some time.

As two of the top 155-pound fighters in the now-defunct WEC (Never Forget), it is strange their paths never crossed in the little blue cage. Nevertheless, the merger with the UFC went down, both proved their mettle inside the Octagon and now their scheduled dance is more high-profile than ever. While the winner could potentially earn a shot at the lightweight crown, neither fighter seems all too concerned with that at the moment.

The fighters know that there is a dust-up on the horizon, and no one is making the trip to Chicago to lose.

Of the two, Cerrone has certainly been the busier fighter since transitioning over from the WEC. “Cowboy” fought five times in 2011 alone and has found victory in six out of seven bouts under the UFC banner. The 29-year old, Albuquerque-based fighter is a walking embodiment of the “anytime, anywhere” mentality,and he’s proven as much by taking multiple fights on short notice.

When Cerrone’s name is on a card, you know you are going to see action.

The Jackson’s MMA-trained fighter pushes forward at all costs, working behind technical striking, where he possesses power in both his hands and feet. While his stand-up may be Cerrone’s strong suit, slick submission skills and continued improvement in his wrestling make him a threat wherever the fight takes place. To put it simply: Cerrone isn’t in the cage to mess around, and he’s looking to finish his opponent in any fashion that presents itself.

The path to this fight has been long and winding for Pettis and, ultimately, frustrating as well.

The former WEC champion entered the UFC looking for an immediate title shot, but the congestion caused by the Edgar-versus-Maynard situation lead “Showtime” to take a different route. The 25-year-old faced Clay Guida in his Octagon debut and was handed his first loss in nearly two years.

Pettis bounced back strong with wins over Jeremy Stephens and Joe Lauzon, but a rash of injuries sidelined him for the remainder of 2012. The Milwaukee native is looking to make a huge statement and a case for title contention in 2013.

That quest begins against Cerrone in Chicago.

The Duke Roufus-trained fighter possesses a versatile skill set and is undoubtedly one of the most promising young fighters in the sport. Perhaps Pettis’s biggest asset is his unpredictability. The surging talent has shown the ability to deliver video game-inspired attacks whenever he sees fit, and not knowing if you are going to catch a kick in the mouth coming off a capoeira back spin or fence jump is enough to keep the opposition guessing.

It is in those moments of hesitation where Pettis shines, and he’s proven his ability to capitalize when he goes on the offensive. When you add in strong ground skills, it is easy to see why there is so much buzz surrounding him.

Of course, all these things are nice to say, but no one knows what is going to happen when the cage door closes. Plenty of times before, I have seen a matchup that looks dynamite on paper (Guillard vs. Stephens) turn out to be a wash inside the cage. Nevertheless, Cerrone vs. Pettis appears poised to be the fight we are all expecting it to be.

Earlier this week, Cerrone echoed that feeling, describing the bout as “power vs. flash” on the UFC on Fox 6 media call before adding a few choice words just to throw a little more gas on the pre-fight fire.

Next weekend at the United Center in Chicago, Cerrone and Pettis are going to step in the cage and go at it.

The winner could very well be the next in line for a shot at the UFC lightweight title.

But before those things can materialize, there are going to be leather, shins, knees and elbows flying. After all the talk about Pettis ducking Cerrone for years, now comes the time to show and prove.

There is going to be a fight, ladies and gentleman. What more could you ask for?

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC on FOX 6’s Anthony Pettis: “It Sucks Where I Ended Up”

Anthony Pettis was once guaranteed a title shot, now he’s coming off a one-year layoff and there’s no chance at UFC gold in the foreseeable future. He’s not too thrilled about that. “I mean it sucks where I ended up after the loss [to Clay Gu…

Anthony Pettis was once guaranteed a title shot, now he’s coming off a one-year layoff and there’s no chance at UFC gold in the foreseeable future. 

He’s not too thrilled about that. 

“I mean it sucks where I ended up after the loss [to Clay Guida],” Pettis told the media at a conference call at which Bleacher Report was present. Pettis was referring to a lopsided decision loss to Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale in 2011.

Pettis had just come in from the WEC, where he was the lightweight champion. He was offered an immediate title shot against the winner of Frankie Edgar-Gray Maynard II, but the fight was a draw. 

Unwilling to rot on the sidelines until after Edgar-Maynard III, Pettis took a fight against Clay Guida. He lost, and his career has yet to fully recover. 

“I didn’t get the title shot. Here I am two years [later] still working my way up. But I think everything happens for a reason. Guida exposed a hole in my game. He made me work harder, made me a better fighter,” said Pettis.

However, losing to Guida was only minor setback. A shoulder injury that Pettis suffered in 2012 was the real culprit that stunted his the growth of his career, keeping him out of action for almost an entire year.  

That’s in the past now. 

“I feel ready. I had to get a surgery done. I took the proper long time off, and I’m feeling good,” Pettis said. 

Not all people in MMA responded kindly to Pettis‘ injury and long absence from the sport. His UFC on FOX 6 opponent Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was one of these people. Cerrone called out Pettis‘ “b*tch ass” and made other taunts towards Pettis.

The Wisconsin native was undeterred by Cerrone‘s provocations, and fervently denied that he was ducking Cerrone or anyone else.

“For him to be calling me out while I’m injured, it sucks,” he said. “I couldn’t really take fights. I had a surgery, took a while to recover.  I want to fight. I come here to fight. I took a fight when I didn’t have to against Guida. I’m not a guy that runs—ever. I’m not afraid of anybody in the division. I’m gonna fight everybody in the division.”

Believe Pettis when he says that he’ll fight everyone in the division; he believes that he’s still the best there is at 155 pounds, despite the numerous changes that have happened at lightweight since he last fought in February 2012. 

“The division has advanced so much…You got guys advancing, guys losing. I do feel like I am one of the best in the lightweight division. Come January 26, that question will be answered, if I’m at the top of the division,” he said. 

Pettis will have a chance to prove this on national television, on the UFC’s sixth outing on Fox against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. 

 


Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Must See: The Best UFC Knockouts of 2012 [VIDEO]

(Props: TheBestMMAHouse. Take a look before this bad boy gets pulled.)

Why not blow the first 15 minutes of your workday watching dozens of the best UFC knockouts that last year had to offer? Obviously Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim gets a place of honor at the end of this highlight reel, but if I had to pick another favorite moment, it has to be the way that George Roop‘s mouthpiece explodes out of his face at the 12:01 mark, courtesy of a Cub Swanson right hand.

It’s also nice to revisit the pure frenzy of Anthony Pettis‘s finish of Joe Lauzon (6:30), Rich Franklin going all sack-of-potatoes against Cung Le (8:24), and that intense moment after Pat Barry gets pulled off of Christian Morecraft where it seems like ‘HD’ might just jump back on and keep pounding the poor bastard (10:56). For all of its disappointments, 2012 was a damn good year for dudes getting their lights turned out.


(Props: TheBestMMAHouse. Take a look before this bad boy gets pulled.)

Why not blow the first 15 minutes of your workday watching dozens of the best UFC knockouts that last year had to offer? Obviously Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim gets a place of honor at the end of this highlight reel, but if I had to pick another favorite moment, it has to be the way that George Roop‘s mouthpiece explodes out of his face at the 12:01 mark, courtesy of a Cub Swanson right hand.

It’s also nice to revisit the pure frenzy of Anthony Pettis‘s finish of Joe Lauzon (6:30), Rich Franklin going all sack-of-potatoes against Cung Le (8:24), and that intense moment after Pat Barry gets pulled off of Christian Morecraft where it seems like ‘HD’ might just jump back on and keep pounding the poor bastard (10:56). For all of its disappointments, 2012 was a damn good year for dudes getting their lights turned out.

Top 10 Ugliest Debuts in UFC History

With fights like Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague, Joe Lauzon vs. Jens Pulver and, more recently, John Moraga vs. Ulysses Gomez, it’s easy to say “that guy is going to become a great fighter.” Naturally, however, there is a flipside to this. We ha…

With fights like Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague, Joe Lauzon vs. Jens Pulver and, more recently, John Moraga vs. Ulysses Gomez, it’s easy to say “that guy is going to become a great fighter.” Naturally, however, there is a flipside to this.

We have seen more than a few UFC debuts over the years that made us squirm, led us to think “what is this guy even doing here?” or even feel pity for the poor guy who just got his face punched off in front of a global audience.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 10 Ugliest Debuts in UFC History.

Here, we take a look at some of the fighters that chose the wrong foot to put forward in their first appearance on “The Show.” Some are names you’ll remember for the better days in their career. Some you’ll remember for how bad they were in these fights. Some, meanwhile, will just make you go “who?”

Either way, prepare to have your memories refreshed of these ugly, horrible fights that you probably wish never even happened in the first place!

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Top 10 Lightweight Title Fights in MMA History

So this past Saturday, we saw another chapter added to the legend of Benson Henderson. In a dominating performance, Henderson defeated Nate Diaz and let the world know that he intended to keep his lightweight belt for a very long time. With that develo…

So this past Saturday, we saw another chapter added to the legend of Benson Henderson. In a dominating performance, Henderson defeated Nate Diaz and let the world know that he intended to keep his lightweight belt for a very long time.

With that development, many of us have been looking back on other great moments in the lightweight division and, naturally, that leads us to looking at title fights. So what are the greatest bouts where the belt was on the line?

What are the fights that made us love this division, and who are the great fighters who have reigned over a weight class that is widely considered the best in the sport today? Find out right here, as we whittle things down to the Top 10 Lightweight Title Fights in MMA History.

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