Tag: UFC on Fox 6

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)

UFC on Fox 6: Mike Russow vs. Shawn Jordan, the Fight No One Is Talking About

This weekend’s UFC on Fox is drawing a lot of attention for the fights that have been stuffed down our throats as the best fights on the card. While Johnson/Dodson intrigues me, and I think everyone wants to see what Jackson/Teixeira and Pettis/Ce…

This weekend’s UFC on Fox is drawing a lot of attention for the fights that have been stuffed down our throats as the best fights on the card. 

While Johnson/Dodson intrigues me, and I think everyone wants to see what Jackson/Teixeira and Pettis/Cerrone bring to the table, no one is talking about what could be the most entertaining fight of the night: Russow/Jordan. 

By no means am I trying to say that the other fights on the card aren’t worthy of the praise they are getting. In fact, of all the free fights the UFC has offered to its fans, as opposed to the usual pay-per-view format, this card might be the best yet.

But at the end of the night when the bonuses are handed out, don’t be surprised if Mike Russow or Shawn Jordan end out with some cash in their pocket. It might be for Knockout of the Night or Fight of the Night, depending on who comes with the solid chin.

This fight could be an all out, drag down war if both fighters realize what is at stake.

Mike Russow came to the UFC and went on a four-fight win streak before losing to Fabricio Werdum by TKO. The native of Chicago will no doubt want to impress his home crowd this Saturday night when he faces off with the former LSU Tiger fullback and 2007 National Champion Jordan.

Jordan is a newcomer to the sport and has risen to the highest level of MMA quicker than most. With his first professional fight coming in May of 2009, it took Jordan less than three years before he was in the UFC, and only 16 months before he was fighting in Bellator.

Jordan had things relatively easy prior to joining the most well known MMA companies as he compiled a 9-1 record prior to losing his debut with Bellator.  He is now in the rather precarious position of having to improve quicker against the best in the world if he is to become a contender. 

Jordan is just 4-3 since making the jump to Bellator, which led to a chance in Strikeforce and then the UFC.

Russow has the type of one punch power that could send Jordan packing early but is also versatile enough to catch Jordan in a choke.

While neither fighter is a household name to new fans of MMA, both have an opportunity to raise some eyebrows when they get on the national broadcast this weekend.  When this weekend’s match up is finished, there is a very good chance that both could have a larger fan base than before and a little more cash in their pocket from a post-fight bonus.

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Will Rampage Really Part Ways with the UFC After UFC on Fox 6?

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has enjoyed a storied career loaded with peaks. He’s also endured his share of down-times. Over the course of a 13-plus year career, the man has worked his way up from Gladiator Challenge bully to Pride stand…

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has enjoyed a storied career loaded with peaks. He’s also endured his share of down-times. Over the course of a 13-plus year career, the man has worked his way up from Gladiator Challenge bully to Pride standout, to UFC light heavyweight champion.

Yes, the man has suffered a few (apparent) mild breakdowns, but through it all, Rampage has always shown up to fight his heart out, and that’s something fans have come to admire deeply.

Rampage may be a fickle man, a bit on the sensitive side, but he’s got a legion of fans standing behind him, and I’m sure they want – as much as Jackson himself does – to see Quinton exit the sport as he should: in top form, fighting for the top promotion in the world.

The relationship between Jackson and UFC president, Dana White has been strained for some time now, but that might not guarantee a parting of ways.

Dana is a businessman who has a sound grasp on what and who sells, and Jackson is a fighter of extreme pride with marquee value to his name. Friendly or not, it seems absurd that Rampage and Dana will simply head in opposite directions after Saturday night.

Jackson’s days as an elite competitor are fading, but we still tune in to hear the patented howl, always hoping for a dramatic slam, or a vicious hook to find its mark. Dana knows this.

If Rampage Jackson deflates Glover Teixeira’s balloon this weekend, he’ll immediately be tossed back into “Top 5“ talks, and he’ll reposition himself as a major topic of praise amongst the MMA community. Any fan who’s lost his desire to see Rampage fight, will likely rediscover that infatuation.

When Rampage wins, it’s often in dramatic, jaw dropping fashion. Dramatic fights sell tickets and Pay-Per-Views, and both White and Rampage win when the books clock high figures.

A destructive performance from Rampage could completely sway the tides between Rampage and the UFC in general. A hefty locker room bonus could persuade Jackson to rethink his immediate plans, and if he can perform at his best this weekend, a beefy bonus certainly isn’t out of the question.

So, will Rampage really part ways with the UFC after UFC on FOX 6? Not if Jackson leaves his all in the cage and treats fans to a vintage performance. However, if Quinton falls to the oft-praised Teixeira, he may once more find himself battling his inner demons, and a third consecutive loss won’t endear his performance price-tag to Dana White.

Rampage’s future hinges on Saturday’s bout. With a win over Glover, I see Rampage and White shocking the world, with the former champion remaining an active member of the UFC roster. A loss seems to ensure walking papers.

Follow me on Twitter I’m amazingly enlightening.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Ryan Bader’s Climb Back to Contention Begins with Matyushenko

In a sport like mixed martial arts, the education process is unique. When the moving parts are all firing in sync and victory is achieved, a fighter experiences the thrill of success and validation of sacrifices made. On the other hand, the learning cu…

In a sport like mixed martial arts, the education process is unique. When the moving parts are all firing in sync and victory is achieved, a fighter experiences the thrill of success and validation of sacrifices made. On the other hand, the learning curve can be a painful experience. A fighter battling through the ranks will ultimately meet a challenge he’s not quite ready for, and the race for potential to match progress suffers a setback for the time being.

It is in these moments where a fighter discovers if he has what it takes to gather himself and head back into the fray. UFC light heavyweight Ryan Bader is no stranger to the highs and lows of the education process, and once again finds himself preparing to climb back up the divisional mountain.

The former TUF winner has battled his way to the doorstep of title contention on two occasions in his young career, and both times has been turned back in disappointing fashion. Undeterred, the former Arizona State wrestling standout is prepared to jump back into the fire, to prove once and for all that he is one of the sport’s best fighters in the UFC’s “crown jewel” light heavyweight division.

That journey begins with Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC on Fox 6 in Chicago.

“I had a great camp and I’ve learned a lot in the process,” Bader told Bleacher Report. “I’ve worked a lot of my boxing and jiu-jitsu and put it all together. Vlad is a tough opponent. He is a strong wrestler that hits hard. He’s not as mobile as some of my past opponents, but he’s been in there with a lot of great fighters and has come out on top most of the time. I’m looking forward to this fight. I feel this a fight where I need to put everything together and I believe that I can.

“I think speed is going to be a factor. I feel I’m more mobile and quicker. We’ve been working on a lot of things I can really use in this fight. It is a good fight for me and I want to go in there, get the win, but I also want to look good doing it. I’ve said it in past interviews, but I haven’t really had a fight where I’ve looked back and was able to say, ‘that is who I am as a fighter.’ In every fight there has always been something that I didn’t really live up to in there as far as what I know I can do. I want this fight with Matyushenko to be something I can look back on and know that I finally put it all together. I want it to be a fight where I show the type of fighter I really am.”

“I’m going to be a new fighter,” Bader added. “I want to be better every time I go out there. I want my opponents looking at past film and being surprised when they see I’m not the same fighter since the last time I competed. That is my goal. I want to go out there, be a better fighter and put it all together. I’m coming into this fight with Vlad looking for the finish. I want to knock him out. I’m coming into this fight in great shape and definitely have the conditioning to push the action hard and finish Vladimir.”

Bader blitzed his way into the UFC fold by winning Season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter. The 29-year-old continued to build solid momentum as he collected victories in his next four outings, all coming against proven veterans of the sport. His success earned the PowerMMA co-owner a bout with another rising star Jon Jones, but after two rounds, Bader was handed the first loss of his professional career.

Looking to quickly regain his position in the division, Bader squared-off with MMA legend Tito Ortiz at UFC 132. In a shocking upset, the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” stunned the Arizona native with a short punch, followed by a fight-ending guillotine choke.

Back-to-back losses sent Bader back to the drawing board and forced him to take a hard look at the things he was doing to prepare. It was a decision which paid off as “Darth” bounced back strong and claimed two consecutive victories over the likes of Jason Brilz and former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Defeating Jackson once again put Bader in the upper tier of the 205-pound weight class. He appeared to be one victory away from a title shot, but another setback in his next outing against Lyoto Machida pushed Bader to the back of the line. While losses along the way have been difficult, Bader has found a silver lining in the experiences and turned the negatives into positives.

“I’m young in this sport and have only been training for five years,” Bader said. “Four of my last five fights have been against champions or former champions. I’m fighting the best. I’m facing guys who have won world titles, defended them many times and are arguably some of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

“Getting in there with those guys is an experience. Granted, taking the losses aren’t fun, but it gives me so much more that I know I need to work on. It is a learning experience. Being in there with those guys, doing all the media, all the hype that comes with big fights, is a learning experience. Rampage, Machida and Tito Ortiz are all guys I watched coming up through high school and college. Facing those guys and being in those situations definitely helps for future fights.

“When I fought Jon Jones, he was somebody nobody else wanted to fight. Nobody really wants to fight Machida, but we always step up and take those fights. The UFC calls us and we step up and take those matchups. I took a couple of losses, but I know it will help in the long run. As I said earlier, it helps me progress…it really does. Going in there with tough guys who have looked unbeatable at times and scrapping it out boosts your confidence. It shows that you can go in there with anybody.

“In this sport you have an opportunity in a short amount of time to get right back up there. I’ve done it before. I came out and lost to Jon Jones. He is Jon Jones and he is a great fighter, but then I lost to Tito in a fight I wasn’t supposed to lose. I was definitely down about it but I came back and beat Jason Brilz and Rampage. Then I was fighting Machida for a No. 1 contender’s spot.

“Things happen fast in MMA. I’m not worried about getting back up there right now. I’m focused on winning the fight in front of me.”

As a physically-gifted athlete, certain aspects of mixed martial arts have come easily for Bader. His wrestling pedigree provided a great foundation for his transition into the sport, and the natural power he possesses made him a knockout threat.

That being said, the finer aspects of the fight game come with time, and Bader has shown tremendous improvement in his boxing skills, with his foot work and head movement coming along with marked progress. Often times in mixed martial arts, a wrestler will fall in love with his ability to land a one-shot knockout, but Bader is approaching his progress in the striking department with realistic expectations.

“It really started with the Jason Brilz fight,” Bader said about his progression in the stand-up game. “I really didn’t know what I was doing all the way up through Tito. I went out there with the mentality I was just going to try to punch this guy in the face. I had never really had a boxing coach. We thought we did, but didn’t know any better. We had guys who were holding mitts but that isn’t a boxing coach. After the Tito fight we made changes. We made changes as a team and brought in some real boxing coaches. In that short period of time between the Ortiz and Brilz fights, I improved more in that span than I had in the previous two years in my boxing. I went out there, looked good and got the knockout.

“Against Rampage, I felt my hands were a lot faster and I put some good combinations together. Obviously, the game plan wasn’t to go in there and box with him, but I felt a lot more comfortable in the exchanges. Going forward I feel I’m getting better and better with my hands. That being said, I’m not going to fall into a situation where I think I can box with everybody. It’s a new skill and I’m getting better at it, but I need to mix things up and make it fit with my strength, which is wrestling. They will complement one another and make things that much stronger.”

Potential and expectation can be a difficult weight for a fighter to carry. Bader has already proven his ability to dust himself off and get right back to handling business. While a victory over Matyushenko will not put him back in the heated race for title contention, it will be another opportunity to prove the progress continues.

At this point in his career, that is the only thing that matters.

 

Duane Finley is a feature writer for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

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UFC on Fox 6 Vlog, Day 1: Watch Dana White’s Ear Surgery

Warning: This video contains graphic imagery. Watch at your own risk.During the first clip for the usual round of “fight week” video blogs leading into the weekend, Dana White is giving the public a bedside view of his recent ear surgery to combat his&…

Warning: This video contains graphic imagery. Watch at your own risk.

During the first clip for the usual round of “fight week” video blogs leading into the weekend, Dana White is giving the public a bedside view of his recent ear surgery to combat his Meniere’s disease.

Apparently, the surgery was a complete success.

Now the UFC president just has to see if the procedure makes his life any easier.

According to Mayo Clinic, Meniere’s disease is “a disorder of the inner ear that causes spontaneous episodes of vertigo” in its victims.

Aside from bouts of vertigo, it can also induce nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, ringing in the ear and/or increased pressure in the ear—all symptoms that affect the UFC president far more than the usual patient, especially with his consistent time spent flying around the world.

However, the surgery shown above is one proven tactic used to combat the ailment, with doctors removing small portion of bone from the endolymphatic sac and inserting an artificial tube that drains excess fluid from the inner ear.

Dana White’s mandatory recovery time prevented him from being present at UFC on FX 7, but it is assumed he will be in attendance for UFC on Fox 6 this Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC on Fox 6: Ryan Bader vs Vladimir Matyushenko Head to Toe Breakdown

On Saturday night, Ryan Bader and Vladimir Matyushenko do battle on the preliminary card of UFC on Fox 6. Both fighters are trying to rebound from knockout losses at the hands of Lyoto Machida and Alexander Gustafsson respectively.The light heavyw…

On Saturday night, Ryan Bader and Vladimir Matyushenko do battle on the preliminary card of UFC on Fox 6. Both fighters are trying to rebound from knockout losses at the hands of Lyoto Machida and Alexander Gustafsson respectively.

The light heavyweight affair is an important battle for both men. If Ryan Bader is unsuccessful, it will be his fourth loss in only six fights.

Likewise, Matyushenko needs this win to prevent the first losing streak of his career. While that may not seem like a big deal, if the Belarusian fighter takes losses in consecutive fights at the age of 42, he can essentially walk himself into the retirement home.

Here is a Head-To-Toe Breakdown of one of the most intriguing fights on Saturday’s Fox event.

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