Tag: LeBron James

Following Chael Sonnen Controversy, UFC Invites LeBron James to UFC 162

Following his second consecutive NBA championship, the UFC has invited NBA Finals MVP LeBron James to watch Anderson Silva defend his middleweight strap at UFC 162. 
Congrats @miamiheat! How about your champ @kingjames come and watch our champ @Sp…

Following his second consecutive NBA championship, the UFC has invited NBA Finals MVP LeBron James to watch Anderson Silva defend his middleweight strap at UFC 162. 

Prior to his second title reign, James’ name was a hot topic among all sports fans after three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen called out the basketball superstar in an interview with Bleacher Report’s own Jeremy Botter. 

“The American Gangster” really raised some eyebrows when he was asked how a potential fight with James inside the cage would go down: 

“He’d run away faster than his hairline. His hair went North, his talents went South and his mother went West … No challenge. It’s happening. Next time I see him, he will shake that little boy’s hand, even if I have to break his arm off and take it to the boy.”

Sonnen is referring to a rumor that James’ former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Delonte West slept with his mother, Gloria James, during the 2010 playoffs, a rumor that West later denied (via Global Grind).

In the same interview, Sonnen also alleges that James snubbed a handicapped fan the opportunity for a photo when he was approached in the crowd at UFC 148. 

Right after the fight, James tweeted “Congrats from one Champ to another!” and posted some photos of the two meeting backstage, including this one: 

Silva was, of course, one of Sonnen‘s biggest rivals since 2010, though after his second loss to the dominant middleweight titleholder, “Uncle Chael” let the feud die. 

James has not responded to any of Sonnen‘s remarks, though that is unlikely to deter whatever the Team Quest standout wants to say next. 

UFC 162 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 6, headlined by Silva defending his belt against undefeated prospect Chris Weidman.

 

John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com and contributes MMA videos to The Young Turks Sports Show.

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Exclusive: Chael Sonnen Details History, Beef with LeBron James

One week ago, UFC light heavyweight Chael Sonnen appeared on The Jim Rome Show on the cable network Showtime.During the show, Sonnen gave his candid opinions on Miami Heat superstar and four-time MVP LeBron James. I think LeBron’s a dork. He won o…

One week ago, UFC light heavyweight Chael Sonnen appeared on The Jim Rome Show on the cable network Showtime.

During the show, Sonnen gave his candid opinions on Miami Heat superstar and four-time MVP LeBron James. 

I think LeBron’s a dork. He won one world championship, and that was in the Olympic Games. It’s so aggravating to hear a title be called a ‘world champion’ when it’s only done in America. It’s not a global event where the whole world can participate. You didn’t win a world title. You won a national title.

To me, the shot at James came out of nowhere. I’d never heard Sonnen mention LeBron’s name anywhere; why was he starting now? Was Chael being Chael, or was there something more to the story?

I had to know, and so I connected with Sonnen on Tuesday evening while James was helping guide the Heat to a 103-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling NBA Finals Game 6. What follows is a transcript of our very candid interview.

 

Bleacher Report: What prompted you to call LeBron James a dork on the Jim Rome show? Is there any sort of history between the two of you?

Chael Sonnen: His name being brought up prompted it. He makes Urkel look cool. I would have liked to call him a twat, but they changed subjects. 

Let me tell you a story about LeBron. He asked the UFC for tickets for my fight against Anderson Silva. We sit the guy front row, and all through the night he snubs our fans. He’s a guest in our house and he refuses to sign any autographs or take any pictures unless your cup size was later in the alphabet than he was able to learn. 

And from what I understand, he thinks the letter purple comes after C. This guy walked up to my fiancee backstage and asks her if there’s a Tic Tac in her blouse or if she was just happy to see him. 

I had a UFC employee tell me he saw a mother wheel her handicapped child up to him to get a picture. Lebron was walking towards them. When he reached the kid, the mother stopped the wheelchair. Lebron took the wheelchair, wheeled it out of the way and kept walking. 

I’d like to slap the divots right off his face.

 

B/R: You’ve become a staple of Jim Rome’s radio show and now his TV show. Do you ever talk to Jim outside of those times when you’re appearing on his program?

CS: Is that his real name? See, I just thought he was doing a Larry Sanders-type thing. I guess that makes it less awkward next time I’m at his show and no longer have to call him “buddy” since his name is, in fact, Jim. 

But yes, I have a great relationship with Jim. He calls me when he needs a boost in ratings and needs some buzz around his show. And then I wait for the blank check to arrive. 

 

B/R: You’ve told me in the past that you don’t follow any of the major sports. Is that still true, or have you started watching anything outside of MMA and wrestling?

CS: There’s a few great websites I frequent, but we’ll leave that between me and the NSA.

 

B/R: You also said that you don’t believe the NBA, or any other sporting league that’s contested solely in the United States, is truly contesting a world title in their championships. In your mind, which major sports can truly claim to crown a real world champion?

CS: And I’m right. Football, out. Baseball, out. Hockey, out. I don’t even think their champions are recognized in warm weather states, let alone around the world. Basketball, out. 

I’ve seen more heart in the kids playing on the cul-de-sac than in the NBA. So where does that leave us? 

 

B/R: You versus LeBron James at UFC 200. Who wins the fight, and how?

CS: He’d run away faster than his hairline. His hair went North, his talents went South, and his mother went West.

 

B/R: Will we see you challenge LeBron to a fight any time soon?

CS: No challenge. It’s happening. Next time I see him he will shake that little boy’s hand, even if I have to break his arm off and take it to the boy.

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Chael Sonnen: LeBron James Is a ‘Dork,’ NBA Title Doesn’t Make Him a World Champ

LeBron James may be the best basketball player in the world, but to Chael Sonnen, he’s just a dork masquerading around as a world champion.The UFC light heavyweight star was recently a guest on “Jim Rome on Showtime,” where he talked about “K…

LeBron James may be the best basketball player in the world, but to Chael Sonnen, he’s just a dork masquerading around as a world champion.

The UFC light heavyweight star was recently a guest on “Jim Rome on Showtime,” where he talked about “King James” and the difference between a national champion and a world champion:

“I think LeBron’s a dork. It frustrates me to hear that these guys are world champions. He won one world championship, and it was in the Olympic games. It’s so aggravating to hear somebody win an NBA title and be called a world champion when it’s only done in America. If you’re not a global event where everybody can participate, you didn’t win a world title. You won a national title.”

Perhaps the most shocking part of the interview comes at the end, where Sonnen even takes a shot at two-time Super Bowl champ and future NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis:

“You got this guy LeBron’s a wimp, you got this nerd named Ray Lewis, it’s like if I saw these guys I’d smack them both at the same time on principle.”

There is obviously a degree of sensitivity for Sonnen, a former Olympian and UFC title contender, when it comes to throwing around the term “world champion.”

The NBA is based in the United States, which puts every championship within its confines on a national level. Sure, the NBA has the best players and the highest level of basketball in the world, but this is established through Olympic play, not the NBA Finals.

With that said, Sonnen probably would slap both James and Lewis, if given an opportunity. This is the same guy who sat at a UFC press conference in Rio de Janeiro and insulted the entire country of Brazil.

As for James, he’ll be looking to lead the Miami Heat to victory on Thursday night when they meet the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Any MMA fan would be quick to advise NBA fans not to be too offended by Sonnen’s comments. No one is off limits when the self-proclaimed Oregon gangster decides to speak his mind.

The life of a “dork” must be really challenging though, especially as an Olympic gold medalist, four-time NBA MVP, one-time NBA champion and Forbes’ No. 4 highest-paid athlete in the world.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Mirror, Mirror: Comparing UFC Fighters With Their Sports Star Counterparts


(Oh, you said you have a *flaggy* tattoo? I must have misheard you.) 

By Nathan Smith

During a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dana White said, “Globally, we’re already bigger than the NFL.” From a global stand point that may be true, but in the Pulp Fiction-esque United States, the NFL is still Marsellus Wallace. The UFC may never gain the notoriety that the NFL has in America but stand-out fighters continue to ink major product endorsement deals. Anderson Silva (Burger King, Budweiser), Georges St. Pierre (Gatorade, UnderArmor) and Jon Jones (Nike) are paving the way to success for future mixed martial artists. Although big-time corporate sponsorship for fighters is in its infancy, the other major professional sports leagues have seen their athletes gain almost as much notoriety outside the lines as within.

The UFC was purchased by Zuffa just over a decade ago and has been charging towards global domination ever since. Sure, the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL (well, maybe not the NHL) playoffs and championship contests annihilate the UFC ratings-wise but the premier MMA organization is gaining at a rapid pace. Take into account the combined several hundred years of history the 4 “major” professional leagues hold and it is glaringly apparent that the UFC and its stars are closing the gap like a fat dude towards a parked Roach Coach.

Comparing the UFC’s ratings and popularity with the aforementioned leagues is somewhat asinine and it would not be fair or rational to compare athletes from other sports with UFC fighters – but you have visited Cagepotato.com. We have never been accused of being fair or rational and matching fighters with their counterparts from around the world of other sporting organizations seemed as logical as a booze-filled headset.

Anderson Silva and Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan has become the benchmark to which all athletes are measured, although the comparisons have transcended far beyond the realm of athletics. Any activity or event draws comparisons to #23 (or #45 whatever). From Ken Jennings being the Michael Jordan of Jeopardy, to Joey Chestnut being the Michael Jordan of gluttony or Peter North being the Michael Jordan of male climax volume, Jordan is synonymous with superiority. In every single poll taken in the last decade regarding the “Top 100 NBA players in History” the battle is for #2 through #100. Michael Jordan is considered the greatest of all time in his medium (and I am not talking about minor league baseball).  Anderson Silva, with his perfect 15-0 record and 10 consecutive title defenses in the UFC, has done things that may never be accomplished again in the history of mixed martial arts. Some day a fighter may come along (if he hasn’t already *foreshadowing*) and surpass Silva’s records but until his numbers fall, Anderson Silva is the Michael Jordan of MMA – period.


(Oh, you said you have a *flaggy* tattoo? I must have misheard you.) 

By Nathan Smith

During a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dana White said, “Globally, we’re already bigger than the NFL.” From a global stand point that may be true, but in the Pulp Fiction-esque United States, the NFL is still Marsellus Wallace. The UFC may never gain the notoriety that the NFL has in America but stand-out fighters continue to ink major product endorsement deals. Anderson Silva (Burger King, Budweiser), Georges St. Pierre (Gatorade, UnderArmor) and Jon Jones (Nike) are paving the way to success for future mixed martial artists. Although big-time corporate sponsorship for fighters is in its infancy, the other major professional sports leagues have seen their athletes gain almost as much notoriety outside the lines as within.

The UFC was purchased by Zuffa just over a decade ago and has been charging towards global domination ever since. Sure, the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL (well, maybe not the NHL) playoffs and championship contests annihilate the UFC ratings-wise but the premier MMA organization is gaining at a rapid pace. Take into account the combined several hundred years of history the 4 “major” professional leagues hold and it is glaringly apparent that the UFC and its stars are closing the gap like a fat dude towards a parked Roach Coach.

Comparing the UFC’s ratings and popularity with the aforementioned leagues is somewhat asinine and it would not be fair or rational to compare athletes from other sports with UFC fighters – but you have visited Cagepotato.com. We have never been accused of being fair or rational and matching fighters with their counterparts from around the world of other sporting organizations seemed as logical as a booze-filled headset.

Anderson Silva and Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan has become the benchmark to which all athletes are measured, although the comparisons have transcended far beyond the realm of athletics. Any activity or event draws comparisons to #23 (or #45 whatever). From Ken Jennings being the Michael Jordan of Jeopardy, to Joey Chestnut being the Michael Jordan of gluttony or Peter North being the Michael Jordan of male climax volume, Jordan is synonymous with superiority. In every single poll taken in the last decade regarding the “Top 100 NBA players in History” the battle is for #2 through #100. Michael Jordan is considered the greatest of all time in his medium (and I am not talking about minor league baseball).  Anderson Silva, with his perfect 15-0 record and 10 consecutive title defenses in the UFC, has done things that may never be accomplished again in the history of mixed martial arts. Some day a fighter may come along (if he hasn’t already *foreshadowing*) and surpass Silva’s records but until his numbers fall, Anderson Silva is the Michael Jordan of MMA – period.

Georges St. Pierre and Derek Jeter

GSP is the focal point of Canadian MMA. He is the big fish in a larger-less-populated pond and the entire weight of a nation rests on his shoulders every single time he enters the octagon. Derek Jeter plays in the biggest media market in the world and has been given the moniker “The Captain” for the most storied franchise in the history of team sports. There is a lot of pressure to perform for both world champions and they are viewed with a certain amount of reverence by fans, media, and contemporaries. Both men have graced the covers of athletic magazines as well as high fashion publications and in regards to their female fans, let’s just call them “popular.”

Jon Jones and Lebron James

It has been covered on CP that there is a thin line between love and hate in regards to Jon Jones and the same can be said for Lebron James after “The Decision.” Both men are loved and hated regardless of their stellar performances during competition. Both men are just entering the recognizable primes of their careers and have already captured championships. Add in the fact that both men are genetic freaks compared to their colleagues and it appears that the dominance of Bones and King James has only just begun. Maybe?

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Terrell Owens

Not that long ago, both Rampage and T.O. were at the top of their professions. Rampage was sporting the UFC light-heavyweight strap and T.O. was widely perceived as the best wide receiver in the NFL. Both men were flamboyant, arrogant and a bit unstable. While Rampage did it with his trash talking combined with a John Candy inspired freeway escapade, Owens did it with his touchdown celebrations and an accidental overdose.  Now, Jackson is on the last fight of his UFC contract and T.O. is desperately trying to make the roster on an NFL team. How the mighty have fallen.

UFC: Who Is the Promotion’s Version of LeBron James?

As the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder battle it out for the ultimate prize in the NBA, the spotlight—as it always is in the NBA—is on the superstars on the court. For the Thunder, Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook are the two big name…

As the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder battle it out for the ultimate prize in the NBA, the spotlight—as it always is in the NBA—is on the superstars on the court.

For the Thunder, Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook are the two big names. Although Dwyane Wade remains the heart and soul of the team, it is clear LeBron James is the biggest star on the team.

Not only the team but James is also likely the biggest star in the NBA. Hearing that line would lead one to believe James has a bevy of fans, but this is not the case, as he is one of the most hated sports figures in recent memory, even possibly of all time.

“The Decision” will forever be etched in the minds of sports fans for years to come. Despite being one of the most talented players to ever step onto the court, James simply can’t shake the negative image that follows the superstar wherever he goes.

The same could be said of a number of fighters competing inside the Octagon. They are some of the most talented fighters in the sport today yet seem to hear more boo’s than cheers when entering an arena.

Which UFC star would you consider to be the LeBron James of the UFC?

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10 Pro Athletes Who Would Make Good UFC Fighters

Over the past several years we have seen some of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. We have witnessed Chuck Liddell knockouts, Anderson Silva submissions and George St. Pierre’s grueling five-round decisions. While UFC has unarguably beco…

Over the past several years we have seen some of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. We have witnessed Chuck Liddell knockouts, Anderson Silva submissions and George St. Pierre’s grueling five-round decisions. While UFC has unarguably become the center stage for producing fighters, other sports have played a role as well.

The exchanging of punches in the NBA, and MLB’s bench-clearing brawls. While these players are world-class athletes of their own respective sport, it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be successful inside the Octagon.

The following is a ranking of 10 professional athletes who would make good UFC fighters if they put in the required training. Please sit back and enjoy.

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