I wonder what the hold up is. I doubt it’s money (not that Dana White pays ANYONE what they deserve (except Tito, who is a b-fighter and made $210k against Rashad?). I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something on Fedor’s end.
I can’t wait to see the TUF crowds faces when they see Fedor for the first time. “but, but, but.. I thought Randy Couture was the best.. WTF IS THIS GUY!”.. Let the Domination of the Heavyweight class begin.
Fedor vs Arlovski ( UFC 79 December 29 in Vegas)
Believe u me, Matt vs Matt won’t sell UFC 79 on its own.
When Liddell fights Silva I hope (UFC 78 Nov 24th in Newark, NJ) cause Sherk vs BJ Penn aint enough
If Fedor doesn’t sign with the UFC, then the purchase of PRIDE loses all crediblity. It’s like buying a McDonald’s and not selling the fries. Yeah there is still cheeseburgers and chicken mcnuggets…..BUT I WANT TO BUY THE FREAKIN FRIES!!!! GET IT DONE DANA!!!! GET IT DONE NOW!!!!!!!
Very funny analogy Russ. I know alot of people gave ESPN alot of crap for joining the bandwagon late, but they are doing a great job. Alot of the recent aquisitions from Pride have been a bust on there first appearances lately. I hope Fedor isnt the same.
I think pride will be back eventually. It just needs to be rebuilt. Dana is getting all of the Prides best fighters into the UFC, and pride will just be another “minor league”. It will probably take a year for pride to be back.
Its possible - especially as they are both 2 big guys. I think what a lot of new fans to MMA don’t realize is that when you have 2 guys going toe-to-toe, any outcome is possible (sometimes it is less plausible, but anything is possible).
I’m a huge fan of Fedor and believe he is the baddest man on the planet right now. However, Gonzaga is no joke (evidenced by his KO of Cro Cop) - and he has the tools to take out Fedor (as anything is possible). But its definitely a lot less ‘plausible’ against Fedor than it was against Cro Cop.
WHAT THE HELL, PRIDE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN FLOPS, COME ON MAN WITHIN A YEAR TWO PRIDE FIGHTERS ALREADY HAVE TWO BELTS IF FEDOR COMES IT WILL BE THREE, HOW MANY BELTS DO YOU THINK THEY NEED
Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.
How bad would it be if Fedor got knocked out in his next fight??? Don’t tell me it aint possible because it is…and it would definitely open the Heavyweight division right up. Too many pundits rely on this guy as the only APPARENT unbeatable fighter…
[quote post=”2710″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.[/quote]
You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight division (up until being purchased by UFC) was way more competitive than UFC’s heavyweight division - most avid MMA fans who are familiar with PRIDE would tell you that unequivocally!!
You’re amature knowledge of this sport is evidenced by you saying that Fedor is not unbeatable. No he is not unbeatable - and no one in this sport is unbeatable…you’ll learn about that as you gain more experience watching MMA. All the great fighters eventually lose a fight.
“Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world?” I’m not sure where you come up with this, its not like he is dodging anyone. I don’t think, based on his past performances, that he has any reason to dodge anyone in the heavyweight division.
“Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits” - this is just further evidence of how amature you are. I’d bet some large denominations that none of these 3 would last more than 2 rounds with Fedor (and 2 rounds would be generous).
Couture, while I respect his accomplishments, will get destroyed by Gonzaga.
Sylvia is a joke…I don’t need to elaborate on him.
Arlovski - see Sylvia’s comments.
UFC heavyweight division prior to Gonzaga/Cro Cop coming in was a complete joke.
[quote comment=”101768″]I wonder what the hold up is. I doubt it’s money (not that Dana White pays ANYONE what they deserve (except Tito, who is a b-fighter and made $210k against Rashad?). I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something on Fedor’s end.[/quote]
Rofl… thats great.
i like the guy ‘john’, i think we could becomes friends…..what would we have in common?….well we would gather round and laugh at your comments. in time our munbers would swell to a large online community
[quote comment=”101836″]i like the guy ‘john’, i think we could becomes friends…..what would we have in common?….well we would gather round and laugh at your comments. in time our munbers would swell to a large online community, WADZ this guy has a 20 fight unbeaten record, against the best heavyweight fighters in the world, Sylvia is a joke, always will be[/quote]
Dana’s full of shit….So what he brings him to the UFC and low balls him just like all the other fighters?? Where does all the money go if it’s not going to the fighters?? The ten camera guys they have at the event, Rogan & Goldberg?? He should hold out for big time money…good for him.
i say if fedor fights 5 or so more fights against decent competition (gonzaga, arlovski, barnett, couture..) type fighters he’ll loose at least 1.
i think if he fights barnett, he’ll whoop him more than people think, and if arlovski stops being scared to let em go, he has a punchers chance.
but, what im really hoping for, is him to come into the ufc as an underdog … (rampage v lidell, henderson rampage anyone?) because if that happens, im gonna be a happy man.
Well I think Fedor likes Bodog so much cause they have fights in Russia, and they also probably pay him a crazy amount of money.
So if Dana can work out some European shows, he would probably be more inclined to fight, throw in some big money, and you could see Fedor @ a UFC show in the UK or maybe France or Germany, sadly without elbows.
[quote comment=”101805″]”Watch Fedor get knocked out by Gonzaga”
Its possible - especially as they are both 2 big guys. I think what a lot of new fans to MMA don’t realize is that when you have 2 guys going toe-to-toe, any outcome is possible (sometimes it is less plausible, but anything is possible).
I’m a huge fan of Fedor and believe he is the baddest man on the planet right now. However, Gonzaga is no joke (evidenced by his KO of Cro Cop) - and he has the tools to take out Fedor (as anything is possible). But its definitely a lot less ‘plausible’ against Fedor than it was against Cro Cop.[/quote]
I’m in complete agreement here. Gonzaga appears to be the next elite level HW in the MMA pool. If he beats Couture, he would cement himself as a top 5 fighter if not top 3. If they fight in the Octagon, and it will be Fedor’s first UFC match, Gonzaga will have the advantage of octagon experience.
I’m actually picking Gonzaga to win in 74, I think he’s got all the tools to win and can probably pull off a victory if he doesn’t get tired or let the big fight intimidate him. If he gets the better part of the initial exchanges, I think he can carry the advantage and actually control Randy.
I mean look at the guy’s record one lost to Werdum in the initial stages of his career and has become a dominant force ever since.
[quote post=”2710″]I’m actually picking Gonzaga to win in 74, I think he’s got all the tools to win and can probably pull off a victory if he doesn’t get tired or let the big fight intimidate him. If he gets the better part of the initial exchanges, I think he can carry the advantage and actually control Randy.[/quote]
i think gonzaga will beat couture more convincingly than people think. i know its bad to count couture out, but his track record over the past few years isn’t so good. and he beat tim sylvia. honestly, i had couture in that fight by a long shot, and was so excited to see sylvia get demolished (fun fact, 2 days before his birthday… we share a birthday…) but randy is now fighting a big strong agressive heavyweight with great ground game.
i give gonzaga about a 60% chance to win the fight, the only thing i see happening for couture is if it gets past round 2. because then i believe he’ll have the edge on gonzaga, who’s conditioning really hasnt been tested. but im still picking gonzaga.
Dana should just lie and at the next PPV, walk into the ring and say, “The negotiations with Fedor have ended. He decided not to sign with the UFC because he is a bitch and is scared to face real competition and real fighters. There’s no way he can go 3 fights in the UFC without a loss”
Then upon hearing this, Fedor will be so pissed off for being called out like that, that he will actually sign with the UFC.
[quote comment=”101818″]WHAT THE HELL, PRIDE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN FLOPS, COME ON MAN WITHIN A YEAR TWO PRIDE FIGHTERS ALREADY HAVE TWO BELTS IF FEDOR COMES IT WILL BE THREE, HOW MANY BELTS DO YOU THINK THEY NEED[/quote]
Good point. Rampage and Silva come on both of those guys have ridiculous skills. Silva has had a terrific showing in all of his fights and so has Rampage. Big Nog got the win against another pride alum.
I think that there is a big difference for these guys in the cage however. Although you give Fedor the chance to use elbows from the guard and there could be problems. He does enough damage with just his fists.
[quote comment=”101830″][quote post=”2710″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.[/quote]
You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight division (up until being purchased by UFC) was way more competitive than UFC’s heavyweight division - most avid MMA fans who are familiar with PRIDE would tell you that unequivocally!!
You’re amature knowledge of this sport is evidenced by you saying that Fedor is not unbeatable. No he is not unbeatable - and no one in this sport is unbeatable…you’ll learn about that as you gain more experience watching MMA. All the great fighters eventually lose a fight.
“Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world?” I’m not sure where you come up with this, its not like he is dodging anyone. I don’t think, based on his past performances, that he has any reason to dodge anyone in the heavyweight division.
“Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits” - this is just further evidence of how amature you are. I’d bet some large denominations that none of these 3 would last more than 2 rounds with Fedor (and 2 rounds would be generous).
Couture, while I respect his accomplishments, will get destroyed by Gonzaga.
Sylvia is a joke…I don’t need to elaborate on him.
Arlovski - see Sylvia’s comments.
UFC heavyweight division prior to Gonzaga/Cro Cop coming in was a complete joke.[/quote]
Wow, my “amature” (learn how to spell) knowledge…them’s fighting words…
Let’s see…Pride’s heavyweights haven’t had all that much success since coming to the ufc…cro cop, werdum, and to be clear, nog didn’t look too great on saturday night. Just because Pride had a competitive heavyweight division doesn’t mean it was better than the UFC’s. I know this because I watched both regularily. Besides, did I say that the UFC had a better heavyweight division.
Your point about Fedor and “unbeatable” doesn’t hold here dude. There are many on this board who have argued that Fedor is in fact unbeatable. He is beatable, and this will happen (whether it takes 1, 3, 6 fights), he will lose. Likely he will be beaten by a UFC fighter (probably one who I named). And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.
Who said anything about Fedor dodging fighters? I know I didn’t. If he really wanted to fight the best heavyweights on the planet, wouldn’t his camp have worked something out by now? With all due respect to Matt Lindland, when was Fedor’s last true heavyweight challenge?
I agree with those picking Gonzaga over Couture. Couture has had problems against much bigger grapplers like Barnnet and Ricco, and Gonzaga is at least as good on the mat as those (maybe better), and is just as big. I see Randy putting up a fight, but wearing out in the 4th and getting finished, unless he gets subbed early.
As far as Fedor goes, I think he will eventually lose if he goes to the ufc. I’m not saying he will lose, because the ufc is better. I’m saying he will lose, because it is improbable to have such a long streak. Unless he retires in the next year or 2 at the height of his game, a new comer will eventually rise up to take his place at the top of the game. I still think it is fun to watch him, and refer to him as unbeatable, but I just don’t see how he can come up with another 20 fight win streak. As it is, their are only 2 fighters in the ufc with 5 fight or longer win streaks. Those are Koscheck and Fitch, who have yet to fight for/hold a title.
[quote post=”2710″]i say if fedor fights 5 or so more fights against decent competition (gonzaga, arlovski, barnett, couture..) type fighters he’ll loose at least 1.[/quote]
I agree with you that its possible he could lose 1 of these fights - but I think the only one who has a shot is Gonzaga. Arlovski is a bum, he hasn’t proven anything besides beating Sylvia in a UFC division that was so brutal for the last few years that the only real fights they had in this division was Arlovski and Sylvia going at it over and over again…that shows you how brutal the UFC Heavyweight division has been the last few years. I think Arloski has the tools to be a decent fighter, but so far he has proven squat to me.
[quote post=”2710″]If he beats Couture, he would cement himself as a top 5 fighter if not top 3.[/quote]
I can guarantee you that Gonzaga wins this fight over Couture. I think this also highlights how bad the heavyweight division in UFC has been recently. You have Couture (who, like I said I respect because of his accomplishments throughout his career) who lost 2 fights consecutively to Light-Heavy Liddell and then goes on to beat the Heavyweight Champ of the UFC, Sylvia??? Come on now…
I can only imagine what Fedor would do to a Light-Heavy (Liddell or Jackson). I’m a huge Liddell fan and was devastated after his loss to Jackson - but Fedor would end that fight as well as a fight w/Jackson in a matter of seconds.
As for Rampage - although he has Liddell’s number - his reign at Light-Heavy will be over quite quickly…if not Henderson or Wanderlei - then my boy Mauricio Rua will get the job done, just like he did the first time:
[quote post=”2710″]Wow, my “amature” (learn how to spell) knowledge[/quote]
Sorry - didn’t realize you were so concerned about spelling (you know what a typo is?).
[quote post=”2710″]cro cop, werdum, and to be clear, nog didn’t look too great on saturday night. Just because Pride had a competitive heavyweight division doesn’t mean it was better than the UFC’s.[/quote]
First off, yes Cro Crop lost his first UFC match…he got caught with one of the most devastating kicks in UFC history…anyone would go down from that. At heavyweight and like I told you - you’re not going to go an entire career without losing a fight or getting caught with a punch or kick.
[quote post=”2710″]Just because Pride had a competitive heavyweight division doesn’t mean it was better than the UFC’s.[/quote]
I believe it does mean that it was better than UFC’s - prove to me that this doesn’t qualify as being better (more competitive to me = better). If you want to look at the top heavyweight in PRIDE (Fedor) compared to the who has been the top heavyweights in UFC the past few years (Sylvia/Arlovski) -Fedor is on another level (again, to me this translates to mean that the heavyweight division in PRIDE has been better than UFC)
[quote post=”2710″]Your point about Fedor and “unbeatable” doesn’t hold here dude.[/quote]
I never said he was ‘unbeatable’ - I said “No he is not unbeatable - and no one in this sport is unbeatable”. No one. Look at the heavyweight division in either PRIDE or UFC - if you look at multiple fights between 2 fighters, the outcome (who wins the fight) is on many occassions different (re: Arlovski vs Sylvia, etc) - especially in the heavyweight division. In some fights, one guy may have the upper hand on the other and in the next fight it may be the other way around. So if you look at what Fedor has accomplished by ALWAYS having the upper-hand on his opponents (since 2001) - it says a tremendous amount about his ability in the heavyweight division. No one can take that away from him.
[quote post=”2710″]And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.[/quote]
We obviously have a difference of opinions here. Sylvia will never be a true force in the heavyweight division again, his time has come - he’s a bum.
[quote post=”2710″]when was Fedor’s last true heavyweight challenge?[/quote]
Well he fought and beat each and every fighter that he has went up against since 2001. And being the heavyweight champ in the more competitive PRIDE heavyweight division for a few years says a lot.
Since you keep giving props to Sylvia, who the hell has Sylvia beat recently? Please don’t say Arlovski…don’t bother replying if you are.
Arlovski will come back way better…
I think we will see Arlovski vs. Fedor at some point in time. Fedor has said that Andrei is one of the fighters he admires most.
[quote comment=”101789″]Very funny analogy Russ. I know alot of people gave ESPN alot of crap for joining the bandwagon late, but they are doing a great job. Alot of the recent aquisitions from Pride have been a bust on there first appearances lately. I hope Fedor isnt the same.[/quote]
My thoughts exactly. No one is immune from a nice shot to the jaw.
On the other hand, although Fedor is multi-dimensional, his core is GnP, which works beautifully in the Octagon.
The hype is all drama. Fedor is coming to UFC, Dana will pay him what he wants. PrideFC currently is dead. Fedor will fight for the money, and like Cro Cop, will get KTFO’d by some no name supposed “stepping stone”. Give me a break, he fought Matt Lindland last. What a joke, before that, he fought Hunt, in the end of 2006. Fedor and Cro Cop are in an era that are long past. I hope they both lose all there UFC fights. You got Wanderlei, Cro Cop, and Fedor. All over 30 . Lets face it, Randy Couture is next to none (as far as age goes with fighting). Chuck is on the back side of his peak. I could care less if Fedor comes or not, I’m looking forward to Shogun Rua the most. Wanderlei, Fedor, Barnett make me yawn. WASHED.
[quote comment=”101946″]Arlovski will come back way better…
I think we will see Arlovski vs. Fedor at some point in time. Fedor has said that Andrei is one of the fighters he admires most.[/quote]
Was this in an interview? And if so where can I get my mits on it? Arlovski takes alot of crap on this board I noticed but even Randy Couture has said that AA was one of the best fighters in mma HW and respected what he brought to the table. Now before all the super hero bloggers try to rip that comment apart I am merely stating what another top fighter had said. Arlovski’s a bum?? Well of course eveyone’s entitled to their own opinion. I don’t think we need a top analyst to determine who’s comment is more valid two of the top HW’s in the world praising his skill?? Or some blogger ?. Not defending AA this is more of a broad statement about all fighters who get dumped on by know-nothings while ACTUAL fighters have different perspectives. You have to think they might just might be a wee tiny bit more knowledgable then us?? Just some food for thought!
[quote comment=”101768″]I wonder what the hold up is. I doubt it’s money (not that Dana White pays ANYONE what they deserve (except Tito, who is a b-fighter and made $210k against Rashad?). I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something on Fedor’s end.[/quote]
tito may not be the best…but he is still and A level fighter
[quote comment=”101819″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.
How bad would it be if Fedor got knocked out in his next fight??? Don’t tell me it aint possible because it is…and it would definitely open the Heavyweight division right up. Too many pundits rely on this guy as the only APPARENT unbeatable fighter…[/quote]
Uhhhh…he fought and beat all the best in pride…to include former UFC heavyweight champs Randleman and Coleman…Also Crop cop, Mark Hunt, Nog…twice, Heath Herring..Fujita..the list keeps going..there was no one left in Pride…except Josh Barnett who posed a threat
why does “john” feel like he has to respond to everyone’s comments like he is the end all, be all of mma? Face it dude, not everyone is going to have the same opinion as you… until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period
John…Cro Cop was getting his ass handed to him throughout the entire fight with Gonzaga. He wasn’t beaten simply by a devastating kick, he was handily losing before he was knocked out by a UFC fighter. Secondly, Sylvia may very well win the title again. You’re right, he hasn’t beaten any real competition recently. He hasn’t faught recently (since losing to the current champ). But, he did beat Arlovski twice in a row. Arlovski handled Werdum, who was a highly touted Pride recruit. Just some food for thought.
To say Sylvia is a bum shows you’re own ignorance. Yes, he is an underachiever. Yes, he has some holes in his game. And yes, he has not shown fans the most exciting fights. But the guy has the tools (mainly height and reach) to be a devastating and dominant heavyweight for years to come. He may not become this dominant figure in the UFC, but the potential is definitely there.
For your sake, and for many bloggers on this site, I hope Fedor can live up to the immense hype that will surround his entry into the ufc. For whatever reason; Cro Cop, Nog, and Werdum have fallen short. Fedor has been impressive outside of the UFC, we’ll have to wait and see if this translates in the UFC.
I agree with “ufcownsme”…this a site for bloggers to share their opinions about mma…We’re not experts, merely fans.
[quote post=”2710″]until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period [/quote]
that just shows how little you really know about this sport. I’ve been watching the sport when it was still considered a side-show, your comment that Fedor sucks because he hasn’t beaten anyone in UFC just proves your ignorance. Anyone, and I’m sure there are countless true fans (and not UFC bandwagon-jumpers like yourself) on this site who will admit and tell you without question that PRIDE, for the most part, has had the top fighters over the past few years (in most divisions, not just heavyweight). Fedor beat the best of the best in PRIDE- he doesn’t need to prove his worth to you or anyone else by beating 2nd rated fighters like Tim Sylvia or over-the-hill has-beens like Couture.
Just wait and see over the next 2 years what he does in UFC (assuming he does come over)…I think the fact that Dana White is, by his own admission, on the phone twice a day w/Fedor’s managers speaks volumes on what he thinks of Fedor as a fighter.
He, along with 99% of MMA fighters out there know that Fedor is the alpha-dog in this sport - they’ve said it countless times (especially Couture)…and as I said, although I think eventually he will lose (as all MMA fighters do), his reign the past few years has been remarkable.
Do I think I know more than any of you - no. But I find it humorous that some of you who just started watching UFC in the past 2-3 years think that UFC is the be-all and end-all of MMA. Sure they have a tonne of exposure in N.America - and sure PRIDE’s management ran the organization into the ground in Asia…but that doesn’t discredit the skill of fighters like Wanderlei, Rua, Fedor, Cro Cop, Fujita, Nog, etc.
I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations……..
[quote comment=”102040″]why does “john” feel like he has to respond to everyone’s comments like he is the end all, be all of mma? Face it dude, not everyone is going to have the same opinion as you… until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period[/quote]
yes we are all lucky that “john” spends time nuturing our inferior mma minds. but to say fedor sucks is pretty stupid
[quote comment=”101879″][quote comment=”101805″]
[/quote]
I’m in complete agreement here. Gonzaga appears to be the next elite level HW in the MMA pool. If he beats Couture, he would cement himself as a top 5 fighter if not top 3. If they fight in the Octagon, and it will be Fedor’s first UFC match, Gonzaga will have the advantage of octagon experience.
I’m actually picking Gonzaga to win in 74, I think he’s got all the tools to win and can probably pull off a victory if he doesn’t get tired or let the big fight intimidate him. If he gets the better part of the initial exchanges, I think he can carry the advantage and actually control Randy.
I mean look at the guy’s record one lost to Werdum in the initial stages of his career and has become a dominant force ever since.[/quote]
Gonzaga needs to back up that headkick. He looked impressive against Crocop for sure. So was that for real? Show us!
[quote comment=”101909″][quote comment=”101830″][quote post=”2710″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, [/quote]
You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight [/quote]
Wow, my “amature” (learn how to spell) knowledge…them’s fighting words…
Thanks for the classy reply John…[/quote]
Why don’t you ladies go get a room!
[quote comment=”102059″]I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations……..[/quote]
thats the stupidest thing ive ever heard “in his 50s” do you even know who fedor is?for the record he turns 31 in sep,not past his prime at all if your a mma fan then you would know he is in his prime.i could name a couple fighters older than that that are doing pretty well for themselves,chuck is 37,randy is 43,and there are many more.who are youre favortie fighters St.Amour?
[quote comment=”102059″]I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations……..[/quote]
He’s 30….ignorance seems to be multiplying here….in spades.
[quote post=”2710″]I can’t wait to see the TUF crowds faces when they see Fedor for the first time. “but, but, but.. I thought Randy Couture was the best.. WTF IS THIS GUY!”.. Let the Domination of the Heavyweight class begin. [/quote]
Thats what everyone said about CC and he got dominated. Fedor has DECISION wins over CC, Nog, Sobral and Arona,not KO’s or subs. Fedor vs Randy,GG or Vera will all be close fights that could go either way.
[quote post=”2710″]WHAT THE HELL, PRIDE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN FLOPS, COME ON MAN WITHIN A YEAR TWO PRIDE FIGHTERS ALREADY HAVE TWO BELTS IF FEDOR COMES IT WILL BE THREE, HOW MANY BELTS DO YOU THINK THEY NEED [/quote]
We’re talking HWs. Futita got beat by Monson, Werdum got.. (ok he lost to ) AA , Herring lost to O’Brien ,Nog lost to Herring(only Herring was to dense to finish him) and we all know what happened to Cro Cop. Remember this is the weak HW div. where the Pride guys were supposed to DESTROY. So far they are not doing a very good job.
[quote post=”2710″]You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight division (up until being purchased by UFC) was way more competitive than UFC’s heavyweight division - most avid MMA fans who are familiar with PRIDE would tell you that unequivocally!![/quote]
Ya, and the same people would tell you the Pride HWs would OWN the UFC HWs and so far they are totally wrong. I’ve been watching UFC and Pride since they started but I never bought into the Pride is better Hype. If anything I gave a slight edge to the UFC fighters because I think they are more well rounded.
[quote post=”2710″]I can only imagine what Fedor would do to a Light-Heavy (Liddell or Jackson). I’m a huge Liddell fan and was devastated after his loss to Jackson - but Fedor would end that fight as well as a fight w/Jackson in a matter of seconds.[/quote]
Here is a good example of what would happen if Fedor fought a LHW like Sobral … DECISION!! I can only imagine what Chuck would do to Sobral, Oh, no need to, he already KHTFO 2 TIMES! Hey, it’s your logic not mine.
I have no idea what Fedor was paid by PRIDE when it was not under the UFC banner, but obviously the UFC can now pay Fedor more to fight in the UFC, or atleast match his old pay. It almost seems like he is afraid of blemishing his record until getting under a contract that pays him a ridiculously high amount…even more then he has proven to worth in the UFC whether he has dominated PRIDE or not. He knows once he loses in UFC (and it will happen within his first 3-4 fights) his price to fight will drop big time. This is the time for him to come to the UFC now! He will have the chance to beat Couture (assuming Couture beats Gonzaga) and be the first heavyweight to win the unified belt in the heavyweight class making him an instant hall of famer, and a even bigger MMA legend.
i like vera, i think he has potential to be a great fighter, but i don’t think putting him against fedor in his first fight back in the ufc would be a great idea, i have a feeling we’ll see him against tim sylvia, as, i believe he called out sylvia or got called out, before his ufc departure. and i have a feeling they are both in the same spot.
and the people protecting sylvia. sylvia is about as scared to fight as AA. in his last 5 fights, 4 of them went to decision. hes an out of shape guy who fights for the points not for the finish. now i understand fighting to your own strengths such as reach and height, but when you don’t fight aggressively, and don’t get into shape. i can’t personally have respect for you.
[quote comment=”102197″] hes an out of shape guy who fights for the points not for the finish. now i understand fighting to your own strengths such as reach and height, but when you don’t fight aggressively, and don’t get into shape. i can’t personally have respect for you.[/quote]
Tim “the turtle” Sylvia…
Always makes me laugh to hear his actual nickname! He doesn’t live up to it in the ring, but hey maybe he is a maine-iac at the bars or something.
[quote comment=”101893″]Dana should just lie and at the next PPV, walk into the ring and say, “The negotiations with Fedor have ended. He decided not to sign with the UFC because he is a bitch and is scared to face real competition and real fighters. There’s no way he can go 3 fights in the UFC without a loss”
Then upon hearing this, Fedor will be so pissed off for being called out like that, that he will actually sign with the UFC.[/quote]
he might sign for ufc hearing this or he will just kick the shit out of dana for calling him a bitch
I would like to see Fedor vs Gonzaga after Gonzaga defeats Couture.
I cannot see Couture win that fight,I would love him to but he wont,how would Fedor handle Gonzaga?
[quote post=”2710″]Likely he will be beaten by a UFC fighter (probably one who I named). And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.[/quote]
WADZ, have you seen any of Tim Sylvia’s fights in the last 2 years? He is totally gun shy and scared to get knocked out again. The most conservative fighter I have ever seen in my life, even when he is down big on the score cards. He is also so stubburn that he’d rather have his arm broken than tap and he really doesn’t train that hard.
Now lets take a look at his previous 5 fights:
Tim Sylvia vs Assuerio Sylva main even of UFN, I think it was UFN3, which is tied for the worst fight I’ve seen in my life right there with Herring/O’Brien and Marquardt/Salavery. All of which just happened to be main events of UFN’s.
The 3rd fight vs Arlovski was entertaining to you? You are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Tim Sylvia impressed you against Jeff Monson? Again, you are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Randy loses 2 straight fights at LHW and then goes to HW and DOMINATES Tim Sylvia for 5 rounds. If you are going to lose 50 - 45 on 3 score cards, I would say that you got dominated. So you are saying that Timmy looked good to you against Couture?
You are truely one of a kind my friend.
Well that is Tim’s last 5 fights. Comparing his last 5 fights to Fedor’s last 5 I too would say that Timmy would win. LOLOLOLOLOL. NO WAY in hell would Tim even put up a fight against Fedor. He would be lying in the ring completely broken within the first 2 minutes - and that’s being lenient. Fedor is known for his agression and his will to end fights. Tim is known for the complete opposite.
WADZ, Please explain to us all how you think that Timmy can compete with Fedor.
[quote post=”2710″]Arlovski will come back way better…
I think we will see Arlovski vs. Fedor at some point in time. Fedor has said that Andrei is one of the fighters he admires most.
Was this in an interview?[/quote]
Yes, Fedor said this in an interview. I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I’m 99% sure I got there from a link from this website.
[quote post=”2710″]until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period
that just shows how little you really know about this sport.[/quote]
I agree Jon, that was the most ludacris statements I’ve ever heard here.
[quote post=”2710″]I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations…….. [/quote]
Okay, and this is now tied as the ludacris statements I’ve ever heard here. Fedor is 50? That’s news. Last I heard he was 30 years old, turning 31 this September. Past his prime? Actually 30 years old is right in the middle of fighters prime. “UFC fans want to see new generations” Did you know that there is a television show on Spike TV called the Ultimate Fighter where each season there are 16 young “new generation” fighers given the chance to compete for the UFC. There were 5 seasons so far. You should tune in for season 6 in September. Its a good show.
I can’t believe there are still people who think Tim Sylvia is anything but a fat slug. Hopefully he gets knocked out his next fight and goes to IFL where he can actually be a big man again and I don’t have to see him stink up my UFC PPV.
[quote comment=”102386″][quote post=”2710″]Likely he will be beaten by a UFC fighter (probably one who I named). And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.[/quote]
WADZ, have you seen any of Tim Sylvia’s fights in the last 2 years? He is totally gun shy and scared to get knocked out again. The most conservative fighter I have ever seen in my life, even when he is down big on the score cards. He is also so stubburn that he’d rather have his arm broken than tap and he really doesn’t train that hard.
Now lets take a look at his previous 5 fights:
Tim Sylvia vs Assuerio Sylva main even of UFN, I think it was UFN3, which is tied for the worst fight I’ve seen in my life right there with Herring/O’Brien and Marquardt/Salavery. All of which just happened to be main events of UFN’s.
The 3rd fight vs Arlovski was entertaining to you? You are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Tim Sylvia impressed you against Jeff Monson? Again, you are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Randy loses 2 straight fights at LHW and then goes to HW and DOMINATES Tim Sylvia for 5 rounds. If you are going to lose 50 - 45 on 3 score cards, I would say that you got dominated. So you are saying that Timmy looked good to you against Couture?
You are truely one of a kind my friend.
Well that is Tim’s last 5 fights. Comparing his last 5 fights to Fedor’s last 5 I too would say that Timmy would win. LOLOLOLOLOL. NO WAY in hell would Tim even put up a fight against Fedor. He would be lying in the ring completely broken within the first 2 minutes - and that’s being lenient. Fedor is known for his agression and his will to end fights. Tim is known for the complete opposite.
WADZ, Please explain to us all how you think that Timmy can compete with Fedor.[/quote]
OOHHH SNAP. The time is near people!
I wonder what the hold up is. I doubt it’s money (not that Dana White pays ANYONE what they deserve (except Tito, who is a b-fighter and made $210k against Rashad?). I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something on Fedor’s end.
i love dana white.. i just wish he would pay his fighters more money..
I can’t wait to see the TUF crowds faces when they see Fedor for the first time. “but, but, but.. I thought Randy Couture was the best.. WTF IS THIS GUY!”.. Let the Domination of the Heavyweight class begin.
Great interview, thanks for the link MANIA…
Fedor vs Arlovski ( UFC 79 December 29 in Vegas)
Believe u me, Matt vs Matt won’t sell UFC 79 on its own.
When Liddell fights Silva I hope (UFC 78 Nov 24th in Newark, NJ) cause Sherk vs BJ Penn aint enough
If Fedor doesn’t sign with the UFC, then the purchase of PRIDE loses all crediblity. It’s like buying a McDonald’s and not selling the fries. Yeah there is still cheeseburgers and chicken mcnuggets…..BUT I WANT TO BUY THE FREAKIN FRIES!!!! GET IT DONE DANA!!!! GET IT DONE NOW!!!!!!!
Very funny analogy Russ. I know alot of people gave ESPN alot of crap for joining the bandwagon late, but they are doing a great job. Alot of the recent aquisitions from Pride have been a bust on there first appearances lately. I hope Fedor isnt the same.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z48/Bulletproof_photo/Bulletproof-DanaWhiteBeg.gif
I think pride will be back eventually. It just needs to be rebuilt. Dana is getting all of the Prides best fighters into the UFC, and pride will just be another “minor league”. It will probably take a year for pride to be back.
[quote post=”2710″]Alot of the recent aquisitions from Pride have been a bust on there first appearances lately. I hope Fedor isnt the same. [/quote]
Watch Fedor get knocked out by Gonzaga. I think it would be a good match up. Gonzaga is pretty agressive and so is Fedor.
“Watch Fedor get knocked out by Gonzaga”
Its possible - especially as they are both 2 big guys. I think what a lot of new fans to MMA don’t realize is that when you have 2 guys going toe-to-toe, any outcome is possible (sometimes it is less plausible, but anything is possible).
I’m a huge fan of Fedor and believe he is the baddest man on the planet right now. However, Gonzaga is no joke (evidenced by his KO of Cro Cop) - and he has the tools to take out Fedor (as anything is possible). But its definitely a lot less ‘plausible’ against Fedor than it was against Cro Cop.
WHAT THE HELL, PRIDE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN FLOPS, COME ON MAN WITHIN A YEAR TWO PRIDE FIGHTERS ALREADY HAVE TWO BELTS IF FEDOR COMES IT WILL BE THREE, HOW MANY BELTS DO YOU THINK THEY NEED
Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.
How bad would it be if Fedor got knocked out in his next fight??? Don’t tell me it aint possible because it is…and it would definitely open the Heavyweight division right up. Too many pundits rely on this guy as the only APPARENT unbeatable fighter…
[quote post=”2710″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.[/quote]
You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight division (up until being purchased by UFC) was way more competitive than UFC’s heavyweight division - most avid MMA fans who are familiar with PRIDE would tell you that unequivocally!!
You’re amature knowledge of this sport is evidenced by you saying that Fedor is not unbeatable. No he is not unbeatable - and no one in this sport is unbeatable…you’ll learn about that as you gain more experience watching MMA. All the great fighters eventually lose a fight.
“Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world?” I’m not sure where you come up with this, its not like he is dodging anyone. I don’t think, based on his past performances, that he has any reason to dodge anyone in the heavyweight division.
“Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits” - this is just further evidence of how amature you are. I’d bet some large denominations that none of these 3 would last more than 2 rounds with Fedor (and 2 rounds would be generous).
Couture, while I respect his accomplishments, will get destroyed by Gonzaga.
Sylvia is a joke…I don’t need to elaborate on him.
Arlovski - see Sylvia’s comments.
UFC heavyweight division prior to Gonzaga/Cro Cop coming in was a complete joke.
[quote comment=”101768″]I wonder what the hold up is. I doubt it’s money (not that Dana White pays ANYONE what they deserve (except Tito, who is a b-fighter and made $210k against Rashad?). I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something on Fedor’s end.[/quote]
Rofl… thats great.
i like the guy ‘john’, i think we could becomes friends…..what would we have in common?….well we would gather round and laugh at your comments. in time our munbers would swell to a large online community
[quote comment=”101836″]i like the guy ‘john’, i think we could becomes friends…..what would we have in common?….well we would gather round and laugh at your comments. in time our munbers would swell to a large online community, WADZ this guy has a 20 fight unbeaten record, against the best heavyweight fighters in the world, Sylvia is a joke, always will be[/quote]
He will come fellas. be patient. The price is not right yet but Dana will get it to him.
Dana’s full of shit….So what he brings him to the UFC and low balls him just like all the other fighters?? Where does all the money go if it’s not going to the fighters?? The ten camera guys they have at the event, Rogan & Goldberg?? He should hold out for big time money…good for him.
i say if fedor fights 5 or so more fights against decent competition (gonzaga, arlovski, barnett, couture..) type fighters he’ll loose at least 1.
i think if he fights barnett, he’ll whoop him more than people think, and if arlovski stops being scared to let em go, he has a punchers chance.
but, what im really hoping for, is him to come into the ufc as an underdog … (rampage v lidell, henderson rampage anyone?) because if that happens, im gonna be a happy man.
Well I think Fedor likes Bodog so much cause they have fights in Russia, and they also probably pay him a crazy amount of money.
So if Dana can work out some European shows, he would probably be more inclined to fight, throw in some big money, and you could see Fedor @ a UFC show in the UK or maybe France or Germany, sadly without elbows.
[quote comment=”101805″]”Watch Fedor get knocked out by Gonzaga”
Its possible - especially as they are both 2 big guys. I think what a lot of new fans to MMA don’t realize is that when you have 2 guys going toe-to-toe, any outcome is possible (sometimes it is less plausible, but anything is possible).
I’m a huge fan of Fedor and believe he is the baddest man on the planet right now. However, Gonzaga is no joke (evidenced by his KO of Cro Cop) - and he has the tools to take out Fedor (as anything is possible). But its definitely a lot less ‘plausible’ against Fedor than it was against Cro Cop.[/quote]
I’m in complete agreement here. Gonzaga appears to be the next elite level HW in the MMA pool. If he beats Couture, he would cement himself as a top 5 fighter if not top 3. If they fight in the Octagon, and it will be Fedor’s first UFC match, Gonzaga will have the advantage of octagon experience.
I’m actually picking Gonzaga to win in 74, I think he’s got all the tools to win and can probably pull off a victory if he doesn’t get tired or let the big fight intimidate him. If he gets the better part of the initial exchanges, I think he can carry the advantage and actually control Randy.
I mean look at the guy’s record one lost to Werdum in the initial stages of his career and has become a dominant force ever since.
[quote post=”2710″]I’m actually picking Gonzaga to win in 74, I think he’s got all the tools to win and can probably pull off a victory if he doesn’t get tired or let the big fight intimidate him. If he gets the better part of the initial exchanges, I think he can carry the advantage and actually control Randy.[/quote]
i think gonzaga will beat couture more convincingly than people think. i know its bad to count couture out, but his track record over the past few years isn’t so good. and he beat tim sylvia. honestly, i had couture in that fight by a long shot, and was so excited to see sylvia get demolished (fun fact, 2 days before his birthday… we share a birthday…) but randy is now fighting a big strong agressive heavyweight with great ground game.
i give gonzaga about a 60% chance to win the fight, the only thing i see happening for couture is if it gets past round 2. because then i believe he’ll have the edge on gonzaga, who’s conditioning really hasnt been tested. but im still picking gonzaga.
Dana should just lie and at the next PPV, walk into the ring and say, “The negotiations with Fedor have ended. He decided not to sign with the UFC because he is a bitch and is scared to face real competition and real fighters. There’s no way he can go 3 fights in the UFC without a loss”
Then upon hearing this, Fedor will be so pissed off for being called out like that, that he will actually sign with the UFC.
I love Dana and I hate Dana.
but theres no doubt hes absolutely great for the UFC and does a great job running it. Couldnt ask for better.
[quote comment=”101818″]WHAT THE HELL, PRIDE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN FLOPS, COME ON MAN WITHIN A YEAR TWO PRIDE FIGHTERS ALREADY HAVE TWO BELTS IF FEDOR COMES IT WILL BE THREE, HOW MANY BELTS DO YOU THINK THEY NEED[/quote]
Good point. Rampage and Silva come on both of those guys have ridiculous skills. Silva has had a terrific showing in all of his fights and so has Rampage. Big Nog got the win against another pride alum.
I think that there is a big difference for these guys in the cage however. Although you give Fedor the chance to use elbows from the guard and there could be problems. He does enough damage with just his fists.
[quote comment=”101830″][quote post=”2710″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.[/quote]
You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight division (up until being purchased by UFC) was way more competitive than UFC’s heavyweight division - most avid MMA fans who are familiar with PRIDE would tell you that unequivocally!!
You’re amature knowledge of this sport is evidenced by you saying that Fedor is not unbeatable. No he is not unbeatable - and no one in this sport is unbeatable…you’ll learn about that as you gain more experience watching MMA. All the great fighters eventually lose a fight.
“Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world?” I’m not sure where you come up with this, its not like he is dodging anyone. I don’t think, based on his past performances, that he has any reason to dodge anyone in the heavyweight division.
“Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits” - this is just further evidence of how amature you are. I’d bet some large denominations that none of these 3 would last more than 2 rounds with Fedor (and 2 rounds would be generous).
Couture, while I respect his accomplishments, will get destroyed by Gonzaga.
Sylvia is a joke…I don’t need to elaborate on him.
Arlovski - see Sylvia’s comments.
UFC heavyweight division prior to Gonzaga/Cro Cop coming in was a complete joke.[/quote]
Wow, my “amature” (learn how to spell) knowledge…them’s fighting words…
Let’s see…Pride’s heavyweights haven’t had all that much success since coming to the ufc…cro cop, werdum, and to be clear, nog didn’t look too great on saturday night. Just because Pride had a competitive heavyweight division doesn’t mean it was better than the UFC’s. I know this because I watched both regularily. Besides, did I say that the UFC had a better heavyweight division.
Your point about Fedor and “unbeatable” doesn’t hold here dude. There are many on this board who have argued that Fedor is in fact unbeatable. He is beatable, and this will happen (whether it takes 1, 3, 6 fights), he will lose. Likely he will be beaten by a UFC fighter (probably one who I named). And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.
Who said anything about Fedor dodging fighters? I know I didn’t. If he really wanted to fight the best heavyweights on the planet, wouldn’t his camp have worked something out by now? With all due respect to Matt Lindland, when was Fedor’s last true heavyweight challenge?
Thanks for the classy reply John…
Awesome fedor will rule the heavy weights for years to come.
I agree with those picking Gonzaga over Couture. Couture has had problems against much bigger grapplers like Barnnet and Ricco, and Gonzaga is at least as good on the mat as those (maybe better), and is just as big. I see Randy putting up a fight, but wearing out in the 4th and getting finished, unless he gets subbed early.
As far as Fedor goes, I think he will eventually lose if he goes to the ufc. I’m not saying he will lose, because the ufc is better. I’m saying he will lose, because it is improbable to have such a long streak. Unless he retires in the next year or 2 at the height of his game, a new comer will eventually rise up to take his place at the top of the game. I still think it is fun to watch him, and refer to him as unbeatable, but I just don’t see how he can come up with another 20 fight win streak. As it is, their are only 2 fighters in the ufc with 5 fight or longer win streaks. Those are Koscheck and Fitch, who have yet to fight for/hold a title.
Solid link…good to see ESPN putting out some quality articles
[quote post=”2710″]i say if fedor fights 5 or so more fights against decent competition (gonzaga, arlovski, barnett, couture..) type fighters he’ll loose at least 1.[/quote]
I agree with you that its possible he could lose 1 of these fights - but I think the only one who has a shot is Gonzaga. Arlovski is a bum, he hasn’t proven anything besides beating Sylvia in a UFC division that was so brutal for the last few years that the only real fights they had in this division was Arlovski and Sylvia going at it over and over again…that shows you how brutal the UFC Heavyweight division has been the last few years. I think Arloski has the tools to be a decent fighter, but so far he has proven squat to me.
[quote post=”2710″]If he beats Couture, he would cement himself as a top 5 fighter if not top 3.[/quote]
I can guarantee you that Gonzaga wins this fight over Couture. I think this also highlights how bad the heavyweight division in UFC has been recently. You have Couture (who, like I said I respect because of his accomplishments throughout his career) who lost 2 fights consecutively to Light-Heavy Liddell and then goes on to beat the Heavyweight Champ of the UFC, Sylvia??? Come on now…
I can only imagine what Fedor would do to a Light-Heavy (Liddell or Jackson). I’m a huge Liddell fan and was devastated after his loss to Jackson - but Fedor would end that fight as well as a fight w/Jackson in a matter of seconds.
As for Rampage - although he has Liddell’s number - his reign at Light-Heavy will be over quite quickly…if not Henderson or Wanderlei - then my boy Mauricio Rua will get the job done, just like he did the first time:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/274322/mauricio_shogun_vs_quinton_jackson/
If fedor comes over then look at a new champ guys.
[quote post=”2710″]Wow, my “amature” (learn how to spell) knowledge[/quote]
Sorry - didn’t realize you were so concerned about spelling (you know what a typo is?).
[quote post=”2710″]cro cop, werdum, and to be clear, nog didn’t look too great on saturday night. Just because Pride had a competitive heavyweight division doesn’t mean it was better than the UFC’s.[/quote]
First off, yes Cro Crop lost his first UFC match…he got caught with one of the most devastating kicks in UFC history…anyone would go down from that. At heavyweight and like I told you - you’re not going to go an entire career without losing a fight or getting caught with a punch or kick.
[quote post=”2710″]Just because Pride had a competitive heavyweight division doesn’t mean it was better than the UFC’s.[/quote]
I believe it does mean that it was better than UFC’s - prove to me that this doesn’t qualify as being better (more competitive to me = better). If you want to look at the top heavyweight in PRIDE (Fedor) compared to the who has been the top heavyweights in UFC the past few years (Sylvia/Arlovski) -Fedor is on another level (again, to me this translates to mean that the heavyweight division in PRIDE has been better than UFC)
[quote post=”2710″]Your point about Fedor and “unbeatable” doesn’t hold here dude.[/quote]
I never said he was ‘unbeatable’ - I said “No he is not unbeatable - and no one in this sport is unbeatable”. No one. Look at the heavyweight division in either PRIDE or UFC - if you look at multiple fights between 2 fighters, the outcome (who wins the fight) is on many occassions different (re: Arlovski vs Sylvia, etc) - especially in the heavyweight division. In some fights, one guy may have the upper hand on the other and in the next fight it may be the other way around. So if you look at what Fedor has accomplished by ALWAYS having the upper-hand on his opponents (since 2001) - it says a tremendous amount about his ability in the heavyweight division. No one can take that away from him.
[quote post=”2710″]And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.[/quote]
We obviously have a difference of opinions here. Sylvia will never be a true force in the heavyweight division again, his time has come - he’s a bum.
[quote post=”2710″]when was Fedor’s last true heavyweight challenge?[/quote]
Well he fought and beat each and every fighter that he has went up against since 2001. And being the heavyweight champ in the more competitive PRIDE heavyweight division for a few years says a lot.
Since you keep giving props to Sylvia, who the hell has Sylvia beat recently? Please don’t say Arlovski…don’t bother replying if you are.
Arlovski will come back way better…
I think we will see Arlovski vs. Fedor at some point in time. Fedor has said that Andrei is one of the fighters he admires most.
[quote comment=”101789″]Very funny analogy Russ. I know alot of people gave ESPN alot of crap for joining the bandwagon late, but they are doing a great job. Alot of the recent aquisitions from Pride have been a bust on there first appearances lately. I hope Fedor isnt the same.[/quote]
My thoughts exactly. No one is immune from a nice shot to the jaw.
On the other hand, although Fedor is multi-dimensional, his core is GnP, which works beautifully in the Octagon.
The hype is all drama. Fedor is coming to UFC, Dana will pay him what he wants. PrideFC currently is dead. Fedor will fight for the money, and like Cro Cop, will get KTFO’d by some no name supposed “stepping stone”. Give me a break, he fought Matt Lindland last. What a joke, before that, he fought Hunt, in the end of 2006. Fedor and Cro Cop are in an era that are long past. I hope they both lose all there UFC fights. You got Wanderlei, Cro Cop, and Fedor. All over 30 . Lets face it, Randy Couture is next to none (as far as age goes with fighting). Chuck is on the back side of his peak. I could care less if Fedor comes or not, I’m looking forward to Shogun Rua the most. Wanderlei, Fedor, Barnett make me yawn. WASHED.
[quote comment=”101946″]Arlovski will come back way better…
I think we will see Arlovski vs. Fedor at some point in time. Fedor has said that Andrei is one of the fighters he admires most.[/quote]
Was this in an interview? And if so where can I get my mits on it? Arlovski takes alot of crap on this board I noticed but even Randy Couture has said that AA was one of the best fighters in mma HW and respected what he brought to the table. Now before all the super hero bloggers try to rip that comment apart I am merely stating what another top fighter had said. Arlovski’s a bum?? Well of course eveyone’s entitled to their own opinion. I don’t think we need a top analyst to determine who’s comment is more valid two of the top HW’s in the world praising his skill?? Or some blogger ?. Not defending AA this is more of a broad statement about all fighters who get dumped on by know-nothings while ACTUAL fighters have different perspectives. You have to think they might just might be a wee tiny bit more knowledgable then us?? Just some food for thought!
I hope he goes somewhere else. I think the UFC needs good competition to force it to continue to grow, and get better.
[quote comment=”101768″]I wonder what the hold up is. I doubt it’s money (not that Dana White pays ANYONE what they deserve (except Tito, who is a b-fighter and made $210k against Rashad?). I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something on Fedor’s end.[/quote]
tito may not be the best…but he is still and A level fighter
is bodog trying to build a competitive roster? Or are the focused on blockbuster one fight events like boxing?
[quote comment=”101819″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, but he’s not unbeatable. Why doesn’t he SEEM to want to fight the best in the world? He will find some worthy competition in the ufc, and I’m not talking about former pride stars. Arlovski, Sylvia, and Couture could all give this guy fits.
How bad would it be if Fedor got knocked out in his next fight??? Don’t tell me it aint possible because it is…and it would definitely open the Heavyweight division right up. Too many pundits rely on this guy as the only APPARENT unbeatable fighter…[/quote]
Uhhhh…he fought and beat all the best in pride…to include former UFC heavyweight champs Randleman and Coleman…Also Crop cop, Mark Hunt, Nog…twice, Heath Herring..Fujita..the list keeps going..there was no one left in Pride…except Josh Barnett who posed a threat
why does “john” feel like he has to respond to everyone’s comments like he is the end all, be all of mma? Face it dude, not everyone is going to have the same opinion as you… until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period
John…Cro Cop was getting his ass handed to him throughout the entire fight with Gonzaga. He wasn’t beaten simply by a devastating kick, he was handily losing before he was knocked out by a UFC fighter. Secondly, Sylvia may very well win the title again. You’re right, he hasn’t beaten any real competition recently. He hasn’t faught recently (since losing to the current champ). But, he did beat Arlovski twice in a row. Arlovski handled Werdum, who was a highly touted Pride recruit. Just some food for thought.
To say Sylvia is a bum shows you’re own ignorance. Yes, he is an underachiever. Yes, he has some holes in his game. And yes, he has not shown fans the most exciting fights. But the guy has the tools (mainly height and reach) to be a devastating and dominant heavyweight for years to come. He may not become this dominant figure in the UFC, but the potential is definitely there.
For your sake, and for many bloggers on this site, I hope Fedor can live up to the immense hype that will surround his entry into the ufc. For whatever reason; Cro Cop, Nog, and Werdum have fallen short. Fedor has been impressive outside of the UFC, we’ll have to wait and see if this translates in the UFC.
I agree with “ufcownsme”…this a site for bloggers to share their opinions about mma…We’re not experts, merely fans.
[quote post=”2710″]until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period [/quote]
that just shows how little you really know about this sport. I’ve been watching the sport when it was still considered a side-show, your comment that Fedor sucks because he hasn’t beaten anyone in UFC just proves your ignorance. Anyone, and I’m sure there are countless true fans (and not UFC bandwagon-jumpers like yourself) on this site who will admit and tell you without question that PRIDE, for the most part, has had the top fighters over the past few years (in most divisions, not just heavyweight). Fedor beat the best of the best in PRIDE- he doesn’t need to prove his worth to you or anyone else by beating 2nd rated fighters like Tim Sylvia or over-the-hill has-beens like Couture.
Just wait and see over the next 2 years what he does in UFC (assuming he does come over)…I think the fact that Dana White is, by his own admission, on the phone twice a day w/Fedor’s managers speaks volumes on what he thinks of Fedor as a fighter.
He, along with 99% of MMA fighters out there know that Fedor is the alpha-dog in this sport - they’ve said it countless times (especially Couture)…and as I said, although I think eventually he will lose (as all MMA fighters do), his reign the past few years has been remarkable.
Do I think I know more than any of you - no. But I find it humorous that some of you who just started watching UFC in the past 2-3 years think that UFC is the be-all and end-all of MMA. Sure they have a tonne of exposure in N.America - and sure PRIDE’s management ran the organization into the ground in Asia…but that doesn’t discredit the skill of fighters like Wanderlei, Rua, Fedor, Cro Cop, Fujita, Nog, etc.
I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations……..
[quote comment=”102040″]why does “john” feel like he has to respond to everyone’s comments like he is the end all, be all of mma? Face it dude, not everyone is going to have the same opinion as you… until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period[/quote]
yes we are all lucky that “john” spends time nuturing our inferior mma minds. but to say fedor sucks is pretty stupid
[quote comment=”101879″][quote comment=”101805″]
[/quote]
I’m in complete agreement here. Gonzaga appears to be the next elite level HW in the MMA pool. If he beats Couture, he would cement himself as a top 5 fighter if not top 3. If they fight in the Octagon, and it will be Fedor’s first UFC match, Gonzaga will have the advantage of octagon experience.
I’m actually picking Gonzaga to win in 74, I think he’s got all the tools to win and can probably pull off a victory if he doesn’t get tired or let the big fight intimidate him. If he gets the better part of the initial exchanges, I think he can carry the advantage and actually control Randy.
I mean look at the guy’s record one lost to Werdum in the initial stages of his career and has become a dominant force ever since.[/quote]
Gonzaga needs to back up that headkick. He looked impressive against Crocop for sure. So was that for real? Show us!
Fedor/Vera at 76 would be great
[quote comment=”101909″][quote comment=”101830″][quote post=”2710″]Enough talk about this guy…if he’s so great, he should showcase it. I’ve seen him fight, and he’s impressive, [/quote]
You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight [/quote]
Wow, my “amature” (learn how to spell) knowledge…them’s fighting words…
Thanks for the classy reply John…[/quote]
Why don’t you ladies go get a room!
First off, yes Cro Crop lost his first UFC match…
dont mean to be a dick but it was his second fight.
[quote comment=”102059″]I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations……..[/quote]
thats the stupidest thing ive ever heard “in his 50s” do you even know who fedor is?for the record he turns 31 in sep,not past his prime at all if your a mma fan then you would know he is in his prime.i could name a couple fighters older than that that are doing pretty well for themselves,chuck is 37,randy is 43,and there are many more.who are youre favortie fighters St.Amour?
[quote comment=”102059″]I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations……..[/quote]
He’s 30….ignorance seems to be multiplying here….in spades.
[quote comment=”102084″]Fedor/Vera at 76 would be great[/quote]
agreed Stafo, Id love to see it.
[quote post=”2710″]I can’t wait to see the TUF crowds faces when they see Fedor for the first time. “but, but, but.. I thought Randy Couture was the best.. WTF IS THIS GUY!”.. Let the Domination of the Heavyweight class begin. [/quote]
Thats what everyone said about CC and he got dominated. Fedor has DECISION wins over CC, Nog, Sobral and Arona,not KO’s or subs. Fedor vs Randy,GG or Vera will all be close fights that could go either way.
[quote post=”2710″]WHAT THE HELL, PRIDE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN FLOPS, COME ON MAN WITHIN A YEAR TWO PRIDE FIGHTERS ALREADY HAVE TWO BELTS IF FEDOR COMES IT WILL BE THREE, HOW MANY BELTS DO YOU THINK THEY NEED [/quote]
We’re talking HWs. Futita got beat by Monson, Werdum got.. (ok he lost to ) AA , Herring lost to O’Brien ,Nog lost to Herring(only Herring was to dense to finish him) and we all know what happened to Cro Cop. Remember this is the weak HW div. where the Pride guys were supposed to DESTROY. So far they are not doing a very good job.
[quote post=”2710″]You must be a newbie to MMA. First of all, PRIDE heavyweight division (up until being purchased by UFC) was way more competitive than UFC’s heavyweight division - most avid MMA fans who are familiar with PRIDE would tell you that unequivocally!![/quote]
Ya, and the same people would tell you the Pride HWs would OWN the UFC HWs and so far they are totally wrong. I’ve been watching UFC and Pride since they started but I never bought into the Pride is better Hype. If anything I gave a slight edge to the UFC fighters because I think they are more well rounded.
[quote post=”2710″]I can only imagine what Fedor would do to a Light-Heavy (Liddell or Jackson). I’m a huge Liddell fan and was devastated after his loss to Jackson - but Fedor would end that fight as well as a fight w/Jackson in a matter of seconds.[/quote]
Here is a good example of what would happen if Fedor fought a LHW like Sobral … DECISION!! I can only imagine what Chuck would do to Sobral, Oh, no need to, he already KHTFO 2 TIMES! Hey, it’s your logic not mine.
I have no idea what Fedor was paid by PRIDE when it was not under the UFC banner, but obviously the UFC can now pay Fedor more to fight in the UFC, or atleast match his old pay. It almost seems like he is afraid of blemishing his record until getting under a contract that pays him a ridiculously high amount…even more then he has proven to worth in the UFC whether he has dominated PRIDE or not. He knows once he loses in UFC (and it will happen within his first 3-4 fights) his price to fight will drop big time. This is the time for him to come to the UFC now! He will have the chance to beat Couture (assuming Couture beats Gonzaga) and be the first heavyweight to win the unified belt in the heavyweight class making him an instant hall of famer, and a even bigger MMA legend.
[quote post=”2710″]Fedor/Vera at 76 would be great
agreed Stafo, Id love to see it. [/quote]
Ditto
i like vera, i think he has potential to be a great fighter, but i don’t think putting him against fedor in his first fight back in the ufc would be a great idea, i have a feeling we’ll see him against tim sylvia, as, i believe he called out sylvia or got called out, before his ufc departure. and i have a feeling they are both in the same spot.
and the people protecting sylvia. sylvia is about as scared to fight as AA. in his last 5 fights, 4 of them went to decision. hes an out of shape guy who fights for the points not for the finish. now i understand fighting to your own strengths such as reach and height, but when you don’t fight aggressively, and don’t get into shape. i can’t personally have respect for you.
[quote comment=”102197″] hes an out of shape guy who fights for the points not for the finish. now i understand fighting to your own strengths such as reach and height, but when you don’t fight aggressively, and don’t get into shape. i can’t personally have respect for you.[/quote]
Tim “the turtle” Sylvia…
Always makes me laugh to hear his actual nickname! He doesn’t live up to it in the ring, but hey maybe he is a maine-iac at the bars or something.
[quote comment=”101893″]Dana should just lie and at the next PPV, walk into the ring and say, “The negotiations with Fedor have ended. He decided not to sign with the UFC because he is a bitch and is scared to face real competition and real fighters. There’s no way he can go 3 fights in the UFC without a loss”
Then upon hearing this, Fedor will be so pissed off for being called out like that, that he will actually sign with the UFC.[/quote]
he might sign for ufc hearing this or he will just kick the shit out of dana for calling him a bitch
i want vera vs overeem!!!!!
I would like to see Fedor vs Gonzaga after Gonzaga defeats Couture.
I cannot see Couture win that fight,I would love him to but he wont,how would Fedor handle Gonzaga?
[quote post=”2710″]Likely he will be beaten by a UFC fighter (probably one who I named). And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.[/quote]
WADZ, have you seen any of Tim Sylvia’s fights in the last 2 years? He is totally gun shy and scared to get knocked out again. The most conservative fighter I have ever seen in my life, even when he is down big on the score cards. He is also so stubburn that he’d rather have his arm broken than tap and he really doesn’t train that hard.
Now lets take a look at his previous 5 fights:
Tim Sylvia vs Assuerio Sylva main even of UFN, I think it was UFN3, which is tied for the worst fight I’ve seen in my life right there with Herring/O’Brien and Marquardt/Salavery. All of which just happened to be main events of UFN’s.
The 3rd fight vs Arlovski was entertaining to you? You are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Tim Sylvia impressed you against Jeff Monson? Again, you are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Randy loses 2 straight fights at LHW and then goes to HW and DOMINATES Tim Sylvia for 5 rounds. If you are going to lose 50 - 45 on 3 score cards, I would say that you got dominated. So you are saying that Timmy looked good to you against Couture?
You are truely one of a kind my friend.
Well that is Tim’s last 5 fights. Comparing his last 5 fights to Fedor’s last 5 I too would say that Timmy would win. LOLOLOLOLOL. NO WAY in hell would Tim even put up a fight against Fedor. He would be lying in the ring completely broken within the first 2 minutes - and that’s being lenient. Fedor is known for his agression and his will to end fights. Tim is known for the complete opposite.
WADZ, Please explain to us all how you think that Timmy can compete with Fedor.
[quote post=”2710″]Arlovski will come back way better…
I think we will see Arlovski vs. Fedor at some point in time. Fedor has said that Andrei is one of the fighters he admires most.
Was this in an interview?[/quote]
Yes, Fedor said this in an interview. I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I’m 99% sure I got there from a link from this website.
[quote post=”2710″]until I see FEDOR beat someone in a UFC match, then he sucks, period
that just shows how little you really know about this sport.[/quote]
I agree Jon, that was the most ludacris statements I’ve ever heard here.
[quote post=”2710″]I tell u what!!!!!!!! Who cares about Fedor,,, he is way pass his prime… he is like in his 50s n beside Us UFC fans want to see some new generations…….. [/quote]
Okay, and this is now tied as the ludacris statements I’ve ever heard here. Fedor is 50? That’s news. Last I heard he was 30 years old, turning 31 this September. Past his prime? Actually 30 years old is right in the middle of fighters prime. “UFC fans want to see new generations” Did you know that there is a television show on Spike TV called the Ultimate Fighter where each season there are 16 young “new generation” fighers given the chance to compete for the UFC. There were 5 seasons so far. You should tune in for season 6 in September. Its a good show.
Some classic comments under this thread…
I can’t believe there are still people who think Tim Sylvia is anything but a fat slug. Hopefully he gets knocked out his next fight and goes to IFL where he can actually be a big man again and I don’t have to see him stink up my UFC PPV.
here comes the pain.can you feel it.it’s coming!!!!
Consider this: Randy beats Gonzaga. Randy beats Fedor. Randy finds Osama and drags his ass into the Octagon to beat on him too.
Like a great race horse, the govmt. puts Randy out to stud so we can have another generation of little Randy’s running around kicking ass.
Randy finally gets on the Wheaties box.
[quote comment=”102386″][quote post=”2710″]Likely he will be beaten by a UFC fighter (probably one who I named). And yes, all three COULD give Fedor fits. Anyone who argues against this is clearly slow (please read between the lines). I especially like your intelligent comments about Sylvia. Like him or hate him, he’ll still be a heavyweight force when he returns.[/quote]
WADZ, have you seen any of Tim Sylvia’s fights in the last 2 years? He is totally gun shy and scared to get knocked out again. The most conservative fighter I have ever seen in my life, even when he is down big on the score cards. He is also so stubburn that he’d rather have his arm broken than tap and he really doesn’t train that hard.
Now lets take a look at his previous 5 fights:
Tim Sylvia vs Assuerio Sylva main even of UFN, I think it was UFN3, which is tied for the worst fight I’ve seen in my life right there with Herring/O’Brien and Marquardt/Salavery. All of which just happened to be main events of UFN’s.
The 3rd fight vs Arlovski was entertaining to you? You are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Tim Sylvia impressed you against Jeff Monson? Again, you are the first person to say that it was if you say yes.
Randy loses 2 straight fights at LHW and then goes to HW and DOMINATES Tim Sylvia for 5 rounds. If you are going to lose 50 - 45 on 3 score cards, I would say that you got dominated. So you are saying that Timmy looked good to you against Couture?
You are truely one of a kind my friend.
Well that is Tim’s last 5 fights. Comparing his last 5 fights to Fedor’s last 5 I too would say that Timmy would win. LOLOLOLOLOL. NO WAY in hell would Tim even put up a fight against Fedor. He would be lying in the ring completely broken within the first 2 minutes - and that’s being lenient. Fedor is known for his agression and his will to end fights. Tim is known for the complete opposite.
WADZ, Please explain to us all how you think that Timmy can compete with Fedor.[/quote]
I agree with you completely, Sylvia has been far