brandon vera tim sylvia

“The winner of the Brandon Vera-Tim Sylvia fight on Saturday at UFC 77 in Cincinnati will meet Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for the vacant heavyweight title sometime early next year.”

Yahoo!Sports.com reports that the winner of the fight between Brandon Vera and Tim Sylvia this weekend will challenge Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for the vacant heavyweight title. “Big Nog” was penciled in to clash with Cheick Kongo; however, the status of that showdown could have changed with the recent resignation of reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, Randy Couture. SuperBowl weekend on February 2, 2008, would appear to be the likely slot for this title fight to happen (that’s speculation.)

October 17th, 2007    

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123 Comments »

Comment by King
2007-10-17 10:35:31

That is crap. How do people come up and conted for a title like that? Its not not right. Make them earn the right to fight for the title.

 
Comment by JJC
2007-10-17 10:36:53

Tell me… How did Big Nog get a title shot. His performance against Herring was lackluster at best.

 
Comment by jd
2007-10-17 10:37:41

This is UFC’s way of protecting Big Nog. They dont want to see Kongo beat him and then have Kongo at the superbowl. Not as marketable.

So kongo gets the shaft for beating cro cop.

 
Comment by ViolentMike
2007-10-17 10:38:23

WOW, that’s news! The UFC is completely disregarding Kongo as a contender. Gabe Gonzaga got an immediate shot at the title after beating Cro Cop. Kongo beats Cro Cop and he doesn’t even get considered to fight in a 4 way mini tourney to see who’s champ. I think that an argument can actually be make that Kongo is more deserving than Vera. Remember, its all about ‘what have you done for me lately’, and Vera hasn’t fought in a year. Sure Kongo won be decision, and Gabe KO’d Cro Cop, but what has Big Nog done in the UFC? He barely won a close decision to Heath Herring. That is not as impressive to me as a striker getting a decision win over Cro Cop.

The only reason I see the UFC doing this is to speed up the process of putting the HW belt around a fighter’s waist.

 
Comment by UFCmania
2007-10-17 10:40:08

[quote comment=”180999″]WOW, that’s news! The UFC is completely disregarding Kongo as a contender. Gabe Gonzaga got an immediate shot at the title after beating Cro Cop. Kongo beats Cro Cop and he doesn’t even get considered to fight in a 4 way mini tourney to see who’s champ. I think that an argument can actually be make that Kongo is more deserving than Vera. Remember, its all about ‘what have you done for me lately’, and Vera hasn’t fought in a year. Sure Kongo won be decision, and Gabe KO’d Cro Cop, but what has Big Nog done in the UFC? He barely won a close decision to Heath Herring. That is not as impressive to me as a striker getting a decision win over Cro Cop.

The only reason I see the UFC doing this is to speed up the process of putting the HW belt around a fighter’s waist.[/quote]

VM return your emails please.

 
Comment by nathan
2007-10-17 10:43:21

nog was horrible in his last fight almost losing to herring, the top contender???? he should fight kongo and the winner should fight the winner of the vera/sylvia for the title.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-10-17 10:43:28

Slyvia vs Vera

Big Nog vs Kongo

Winner fights for the vacant title.

Its not really hard to see this is most logical and most simple way to crown a new HH Champ..and if pride guys had any say in this matter..have this tourney all in 1 night.

 
Comment by mike
2007-10-17 10:48:43

LAME

 
Comment by Roadwar
2007-10-17 10:52:04

Why isn’t arlovski in the mix? - he was rumored to be up for a title shot prior to his fight w/Fabrico?
If Sylvia wins the belt back Arlovski may never get another shot since Arlovski Sylvia IV would serve as much purpose as Liddell Jackson III at this point…

 
Comment by getrawbc
2007-10-17 10:53:53

I’m tired of hearing about Big Nog putting on a lack luster performance. He dominated that whole fight and took a kick to the head that would have put 99% of the Heavyweight division to sleep.

In this sport any fighter has a chance to win a fight. If you can throw a kick or a punch or know even the most basic submissions, you can every now and then pull off a miraculous upset. That’s why I like MMA so much, there is no fight that is a garentee for any fighter, I don’t want to pay 40 dollars a month sometimes twice a month to see lop sided beatdowns and no competition.

I am surprised by this development make no mistake, but Big Nog is as creditable a heavyweight as anyone else you could name. And when Gonzaga beat Cro Cop, he finished him in the first round and Cro Cop was still unbeaten in the UFC, Congo beat him when he was coming off a knockout loss and he only one by decision. You can’t compare the two together and say if Gonzaga beat Crop Cop and got a title shot why not Congo?
Different circumstances, different types of victories.

At the end of the day who really cares, No Randy, no Fedor, no sense!!!!!!!!!!!

 
Comment by tha spida
2007-10-17 10:56:43

i would like this if big nog had to fight either arlovski or kongo first…either way i think it will be big nog fighting tim sylvia and i like that fight, i think nog will probably be the next hw champ…

 
Comment by tripleainto
2007-10-17 10:56:58

Stupid to simply shaft Kongo like that. Nog wasn’t anything special in that fight with Herring. In fact, the hesitation by Herring made me think about whether he wanted to finish Nog or take the bigger paycheck and lose if you know what I mean. He took the bigger paycheck and lost, and hence we haven’t heard from him in a while. He’s enjoying his riches.

Nog doesn’t deserve a title shot. Who cares about who he was in Pride. It’s about what he is in the UFC and what he is is nothing special (so far).

As stated in the posts, Kongo vs. Nog should have been for the other side of the title fight. If I was Kongo right now, I’d be pissed. What has Nog done in the UFC that has put him above Kongo?

 
Comment by swartzel
2007-10-17 11:00:09

With Arlovski sitting on the shelf do you think he might be shopped by M-1? Or now that Fedor is gone and Randy might go there do you think it might force Dana to sign all his guys who’s contracts are already up so he doesn’t lose any top talent to M-1? If they pick up Hunt, Barnett , arlovski, fedor,sokoujou(LHW) they might start attracting a little attention. I know Randy probably had an impact on alot of fighters in the ufc as far as contracts go when he walked away from them maybe some other fighters will see the light and take off to. Could be a good thing to have some competition for the UFC it could force owners to pay out bigger contracts to there fighters and create some more legends. Any Thoughts?

 
Comment by THE PITTSBURGH KID
2007-10-17 11:04:44

that’s bulls**t, big nog has done nothing to even be considered….dana has made some stupid moves. the ufc is still the best around but true mma fans should be pissed this is a joke.

 
Comment by DJPullout
2007-10-17 11:07:13

The reason why they arent making Nog fight Kongo is because there has to be people left to fight after someone is crowned. Ill put money down that the first title defense will be against Kongo. You have to run it like a business. Leave options open afterwards.

The only thing is….. NOG DEFINATELY does NOT deserve that shot. He hasnt exactly dominated 100% since he has been here in the UFC.

I would rather put Nog vs Vera right now for the title and have Kongo and Sylvia get in line for #1 and #2 contenders. Just to keep the division going.

We also need to get through the AA contract disputes and put him back in the mix. AA still has one fight on his contract but hasnt fought because he wants to extend his contract before the fight. GET AA back in contention.

 
Comment by tha spida
2007-10-17 11:07:53

i think if arlovski wasn’t having contract issues he would definitely be a part of this thing, but i don’t think the ufc thinks kongo is deserving just yet…he’s still pretty one dimensional and cro cop did win that first round and had he not broken a rib or whatever who knows what would have happened in that fight…i think kongo needs to get a big win or two over a fighter who is proven on the ground, like frank mir…but at the same time maybe a fight with big nog would have been a perfect opportunity for him to prove he could beat a good ground fighter, i mean whos better than nog right?

 
Comment by tha spida
2007-10-17 11:09:36

even though i think sylvia and nog are going to be fighting, i would really really like to see brandon vera fight nog, that would be an awesome five round fight…

 
Comment by Jo
2007-10-17 11:14:12

Have Kongo fight Nog and the winner advances to fight the winner of Saturdays fight.

 
Comment by A Lynch
2007-10-17 11:14:37

How about this? Sylvia beats Vera and Nog and gets the title back. Randy comes back out of retirement and again puts Tim on his ass. haha

 
Comment by tha spida
2007-10-17 11:14:45

[quote comment=”181037″]

We also need to get through the AA contract disputes and put him back in the mix. AA still has one fight on his contract but hasnt fought because he wants to extend his contract before the fight. GET AA back in contention.[/quote]

i know man, he’s a big part of the heavy weight division, how bad would that suck if he went somewhere else? cmon dana, do the right thing and show arlovski the money!

 
Comment by FFL
2007-10-17 11:17:29

swartzel - this was discussed on a few different discussion threads (original randy resignation post) but to recap. Yes, Randy leaving is going to stir up the landscape of MMA on the short term. However, unless M-1 or another orginization is able to attract multiple top tier fighters in multiple weight divisions, it will not carry a lasting effect or impact on the sport. UFC has been and will continue to be the premier MMA production. But if the owners of M-1 or others have the deep pockets and and gumption to invest the money upfront on the promise of returns later, we could see another orginization rise to power and be a legitimate alternative to the UFC.

 
Comment by Stunnalator
2007-10-17 11:24:30

THAT IS BS!!!! Why do Tim and Brandon have to fight eachother, then fight Nog to become the Heavyweight champ. If anything just say that the winner of saturdays match is the champ if your not gonna put Nog against Kongo. This is completely unfair for Tim and Vera.

 
Comment by Roadwar
2007-10-17 11:25:45

I just feel like who ever wears the belt is just going to be another UFC interim champion. How many times has this happened???

Rutten never defended it
Barnett left the title up after steroids
Frank Mir left the title due to motorcycle accident
Couture resignes
(I should include Penn in this list seeing that I’m sure at times he weighs over 205…)

Now we’re going to have another interim champion.

 
Comment by PW
2007-10-17 11:26:25

Big Nog and AA (if he ever gets signed) both need convincing wins in the very near future before they should be considered title contenders. As much as I like Vera, he should have to beat Big Poopy and someone else before getting a title shot. Right now I think Kongo makes the most sense for an immediate title match, possibly against Poopy if he beats Vera Saturday. And Gonzaga could get back into the mix with a win in his next fight, whenever that is. Man, this division is a disappointment right now.

 
Comment by marco9690
2007-10-17 11:27:15

[quote comment=”180999″]WOW, that’s news! The UFC is completely disregarding Kongo as a contender. Gabe Gonzaga got an immediate shot at the title after beating Cro Cop. Kongo beats Cro Cop and he doesn’t even get considered to fight in a 4 way mini tourney to see who’s champ. I think that an argument can actually be make that Kongo is more deserving than Vera. Remember, its all about ‘what have you done for me lately’, and Vera hasn’t fought in a year. Sure Kongo won be decision, and Gabe KO’d Cro Cop, but what has Big Nog done in the UFC? He barely won a close decision to Heath Herring. That is not as impressive to me as a striker getting a decision win over Cro Cop.

The only reason I see the UFC doing this is to speed up the process of putting the HW belt around a fighter’s waist.[/quote]
WORD, all that, Mike….. I still for now, see The UFC as being the only game in town, but silly, stupid shit like this could start to make boxing look like a legit sport again. I hate to see it, but I am beginning to favor the idea having less, yet higher quality events. Dana paid these under performers and now we have to swallow them as champ material… Give Randy what he wants so we can get the UFC back on track.

 
Comment by lofty
2007-10-17 11:35:03

have a fight off. with all heavy weight.new and old fighters

 
Comment by Druby Sunshine
2007-10-17 11:44:45

I like the match up Nog vs Kongo wasnt a good “stylistic” match up. Kongo would have just gotten outwrestled, now this frees up a KONGO vs ARVLOVSKI match up that will be a great stand up fight where someone should get knocked out. Winner gets first title defense by the new champ. That way no one gets ignored and you can get a HV champ quick so that the title isnt vacant long. I think overall this was a smart move for the UFC and all the 5 fighters involved who get good matchups and styles fights that will help build their names better before they become champ, although i could make a case why all 5 guys deserve a shot. This way everyone will have their opportunity for the belt. Some will just have to wait longer than others.

 
Comment by Billy Gamble
2007-10-17 11:51:29

Vera is used to fighting guys heavier than him so this should be to hard for him to adjust to.

 
Comment by DanaBlk
2007-10-17 11:52:42

The only reason Big Nog is not fighting Kongo because there is not enough time to fit all these fights before Feb 2nd. Even if Nog would fight Kongo on Dec 29th, it would not be enough time for him to prepare for UFC 81, considering two fighters might get injured, and having tournaments in one night is not happening in US, the NV athletic commision would not allow that.

 
Comment by bryant
2007-10-17 11:53:03

i feel bad for kongo, odd man out but they need to fill the title void asap and it does make since to have it in feb. the only ones fighting are vera and slyvia the nov card doesn’t have a heavyweight bout on it. but kongo should be fighting the winner of the feb match or at least fight in dec against gonzaga or arlovski.

 
Comment by DanaBlk
2007-10-17 11:54:36

I heard AA is signing with M1 just like Fedor, what is heck is M1 that organization is joke !!!

 
Comment by FFL
2007-10-17 11:59:54

On the subject though, Timmy, whether you like the giant or not, is a power striker with bricks in his hands, who also has decent takedown and submission defense. He will give give Vera his toughest test to date, and following this fight we will know if Brandon belongs we the names of the most elite HW. Personally, I think Vera is as good as the hype, he has great hands, quick reflexes and axe-like kicks. In addition, he has extremely underrated jujitsu. He also has octagon experience and has proven that the pressure does not affect his fights. He has also fought fighters much larger (though none as big as the Maineiac, but really, who is?)

It will be interesting to see if he looks to stand up and trade. While he is a great striker, if he gets caught with even one hit from Tim, it could spell for a short night for Vera. If he takes Tim to the ground, which I feel would be his greatest chance for success,this will negate some of the size and reach advantage. From here he can look to submit or strike from the top position. If he does this, I see this fight going his way. My prediction, Vera 2nd RD by TKO due to strikes

 
Comment by Hobo
2007-10-17 12:07:51

This is even going to motivate Vera more to whoop Tim’s A$$. I don’t agree with big Nog gettting a title shot, but there’s not much that the UFC does that I aggree with except sign the best fighters. I really not in to the title shots, but like to see the possible MMA match ups.

 
Comment by bostonmmajunkie
2007-10-17 12:09:53

Randy leaving leaves the HW div in shambles.

That said, Big Nog is going to be the next HW champ. There is no doubt in my mind barring some freak accident.

 
Comment by "Mr. NC-17"
2007-10-17 12:13:29

[quote comment=”181067″]I heard AA is signing with M1 just like Fedor, what is heck is M1 that organization is joke !!![/quote]

You know AA is still under UFC contract right?

I think that UFC needs to saddle up and get Brock Lesnar and Ben Rothwell inside the Octagon as soon as possible.

Ben Rothwell is a free agent, and Brock Lesnar could be the next big thing.

Throw them in there with Frank Mir, Tim Slyvia, AA, Chiek Kongo, Mirko Cro Cop, Heath Herring, Gabriel Gonzaga, Brandon Vera, Big Nog then we can see who the real heavyweight champion is.

The heavyweight division is very weak right now because AA is not fighting, Heath Herring and Cro Cop have horribly under performed, Frank Mir is in and out, so that leaves Kongo, Gonzaga, Vera, Nog and Slyvia for the title.

GEEZE!

WAR BEN ROTHWELL AND BROCK LESNAR SIGNINGS!

 
Comment by GriffinFan05
2007-10-17 12:17:16

[quote comment=”180999″]WOW, that’s news! The UFC is completely disregarding Kongo as a contender. Gabe Gonzaga got an immediate shot at the title after beating Cro Cop. Kongo beats Cro Cop and he doesn’t even get considered to fight in a 4 way mini tourney to see who’s champ. I think that an argument can actually be make that Kongo is more deserving than Vera. Remember, its all about ‘what have you done for me lately’, and Vera hasn’t fought in a year. Sure Kongo won be decision, and Gabe KO’d Cro Cop, but what has Big Nog done in the UFC? He barely won a close decision to Heath Herring. That is not as impressive to me as a striker getting a decision win over Cro Cop.

The only reason I see the UFC doing this is to speed up the process of putting the HW belt around a fighter’s waist.[/quote]
I totally agree. It is stupid for Big Nog to fight for the title. He should fight Arlovski or another heavyweight before there is a title match.

 
Comment by Insain
2007-10-17 12:17:42

[quote comment=”180999″]WOW, that’s news! The UFC is completely disregarding Kongo as a contender. Gabe Gonzaga got an immediate shot at the title after beating Cro Cop. Kongo beats Cro Cop and he doesn’t even get considered to fight in a 4 way mini tourney to see who’s champ. I think that an argument can actually be make that Kongo is more deserving than Vera. Remember, its all about ‘what have you done for me lately’, and Vera hasn’t fought in a year. Sure Kongo won be decision, and Gabe KO’d Cro Cop, but what has Big Nog done in the UFC? He barely won a close decision to Heath Herring. That is not as impressive to me as a striker getting a decision win over Cro Cop.

The only reason I see the UFC doing this is to speed up the process of putting the HW belt around a fighter’s waist.[/quote]

your right man, bollox to this - Big Nog aint proved anything in the UFC. Give Arlovski a chance to get in on this - Big Nog V Arlovski - Its Arlovski’s time right now, just that nobody knows it yet - hes just picked off 2 top bjj guys - Big Nog wont be a huge challenge at all for that animal.
I dont think any of these guys should be considered for the vacant title shot :- Gonzaga, Vera, CroCop,Big Nog - that leaves Arlovski, Sylvia and Kongo as deserving contenders - crazy really, just shows how empty this division really is.

 
Comment by fire dana white
2007-10-17 12:21:08

I think Big Nog should fight Tank Abbot for the belt.

 
Comment by Fidel Cashflow
2007-10-17 12:25:09

Although Nog pretty much came within spitting distance of losing his debut and really hasn’t impressed me enough to think he’s champ material at the moment, I’m more disgusted at how they just looked past Kongo.

as they say: Holdin’ the black man down.

while i hope it’s not that, it just seems lame that they’d forget about him altogether.

 
Comment by Noel
2007-10-17 12:25:12

What is everyone complaining about? Nog is the most qualified to fight for the title b/c of what he’s accomplished outside of the Octagon.

Besides, I remember a similar case where a certain former Pride star came over to the UFC, beat a B level opponent, and was immediately offered a title shot afterwards.

Rampage, anyone? Were you all complaining about that matchup, b/c I sure wasn’t. Just relax.

 
Comment by FFL
2007-10-17 12:26:06

Also a good link for some of vera’s highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWnKt_XD_Ew

 
Comment by truestory
2007-10-17 12:33:05

immediately offered a title shot afterwards.

Rampage, anyone?

whoa…agreed..nog is a good choice and a real bad match up for kongo…

 
Comment by bostonmmajunkie
2007-10-17 12:37:27

How can AA not be in the mix is so far beyond me. Are they still “negotiating”? Somebody should set a timeline and get things done!

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-10-17 12:46:31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqYPpbwJFXw

Yo CLICK ON THIS LINK!!!! Tim Slyvia the blind date show!!!

Mad Funny!!

 
Comment by jd
2007-10-17 12:46:40

Why don’t we just have an over the top rope Royal Rumble with all the heavyweights?

 
Comment by ppwwpp
2007-10-17 12:50:28

ROYAL RUMBLE!!!! Winner takes the HW belt!!

 
Comment by Big Zino
2007-10-17 12:52:05

Is Lesnar really a viable option for the HW division… really, seriously? I don’t have a hard time believing he’s a tough guy, but can he compete within the MMA talent pool on his wrestling credentials alone (which aren’t all that current anymore). Big Ben’s alright… but how far can you really expect him to get, maybe Heath Herring or lower.

Clearly the UFC has overlapped the rankings from the Pride purchase. Rampage got Chuck right away, Silva got Franklin 2nd Fight, Big Nog now gets his shot at his division due to circumstance (We would all love best case scenario, but i can’t even bring myself to type it out, everyone should know)

Think about Gomi coming over tomorrow… no title shot after he beats someone???? Then “Mach”… he would have a title shot in 2 or less fights. Thats the formula.

Vera is gonna Hurt Tim… if it came from Iberra, you have to respect it.

ANYONE KNOW WHO RANDYS PICKING??? lol.

BZ.

 
Comment by BustYoFace
2007-10-17 12:52:22

MANIA???

Can you please find some new about when BROCK is coming into the picture??!?!?!?!

 
Comment by PW
2007-10-17 12:52:33

[quote post=”3616″]What is everyone complaining about? Nog is the most qualified to fight for the title b/c of what he’s accomplished outside of the Octagon. [/quote]
That would be like giving the Saskatchewan Rough Riders a free pass to the Super Bowl because of what they did in the CFL. If Big nog wants something in the octagon, he has to earn it in the octagon. I think we’ve all seen how far a reputation gets you in the UFC.

 
Comment by James S
2007-10-17 12:54:04

Do you think its time for people to stop dissin the winner of this fight? Serious question. A lot of people give Vera crap about being overrated and cocky. Alot of people give timmy crap about being fat and lacking killer instinct. if Vera beats Tim, has he proven himself. If Tim finishes Vera does he get a little more respect. I’m not trying to sound like I’m pissed about people dissin fighters, I could care less. I’m just thinking, the winner of this fight could possibly be a HW Champ, I’m not really a huge fan of either, but I may have to become one.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-10-17 13:04:17

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtNjUxYFwI

Josh Thomson on a BLind Date…where he says ” I’m the number 1 155..humm.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-10-17 13:06:00
 
Comment by Matthew
2007-10-17 13:13:11

That February 2nd card should have another heavyweight match like AA or GG vs Kongo. That winner could then fight the champ in June or July. You can say what you want about whether or not it’s fair to Vera and Sylvia to have to fight to be a contender at UFC 81, but you can’t say this isn’t a great marketing move. The HW fight Saturday just got a lot more interesting when they put a title shot on the line.

 
Comment by nhoj
2007-10-17 13:17:48

Slyvia vs Vera

Big Nog vs Kongo

Winners fights for the vacant title.

 
Comment by Mike
2007-10-17 13:32:34

Brandon Vera = Jason Mcdonald.

They look great for a while, and then they step into the cage with a top 5 fighter.

Silvia by K.O. second round.

 
Comment by Stunnalator
2007-10-17 13:39:59

[quote comment=”181128″]Brandon Vera = Jason Mcdonald.

They look great for a while, and then they step into the cage with a top 5 fighter.

Silvia by K.O. second round.[/quote]

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!!!! Are you crazy??? Brandon Vera was supposed to fight Tim for his belt and his contract negotiations fell through because of his management and thats the only reason Randy came in to take the spot. Brandon is way more at the top then Jason Macdonald. Brandon will pick Sylvia apart until Sylvias frustrated and tired and then Brandon will go in for the kill.

 
Comment by Pat
2007-10-17 13:43:43

[quote post=”3616″]Vera is gonna Hurt Tim… if it came from Iberra, you have to respect it.[/quote]

Word. Ibarra knows a great fighter when he sees one.

 
Comment by Pat
2007-10-17 13:47:51

[quote comment=”181128″]Brandon Vera = Jason Mcdonald.

They look great for a while, and then they step into the cage with a top 5 fighter.

Silvia by K.O. second round.[/quote]

Huh? Jason Macdonald already got exposed before he even entered the UFC. Nobody has yet to find a hole in Vera’s game. I’m not saying he won’t lose, but to compare him to Jason is just non-sensical.

 
Comment by Joe
2007-10-17 14:03:36

They dont want to leave the title vacant..if they do it sort of causes lack of interest in that division..Hence as soon as they found out about mirs injury back when he was the champ the arlovski vs sylvia fight

 
Comment by MonsterJoe
2007-10-17 14:03:47

Good news. Nog is the highest ranked HW in the UFC and should fight for the title. No disrespect to Kongo, but his ground game still needs improvements before he can take Nog.

 
Comment by SulaPeace
2007-10-17 14:10:34

[quote comment=”181011″]Slyvia vs Vera

Big Nog vs Kongo

Winner fights for the vacant title.

Its not really hard to see this is most logical and most simple way to crown a new HH Champ..and if pride guys had any say in this matter..have this tourney all in 1 night.[/quote]

Seems obvious, but damn! Way to spit in a man’s face. They are telling Kongon his efforts will be worthless despite the outcome of the fight. Kongo is just something to do in the meantime? He didn’t knock out Cro Cop but he definitely neutralized him. Cro Cop didn’t do any damage in that fight. Just for that I hope Kongo breaks Nog’s face open. Having the 2 fights in the same night would be sweet, a big money maker- that’s all that matters to Dana anyway.

 
Comment by SulaPeace
2007-10-17 14:19:41

[quote comment=”181017″]Why isn’t arlovski in the mix? - he was rumored to be up for a title shot prior to his fight w/Fabrico?
If Sylvia wins the belt back Arlovski may never get another shot since Arlovski Sylvia IV would serve as much purpose as Liddell Jackson III at this point…[/quote]

It would be really nice to have Arlovski in the mix, Dana better pony up the money to set everything and everyone straight.

 
Comment by MrAngry
2007-10-17 14:20:28

There’s gonna have to be some sorting done in this division. What’s all the moaning about Kongo not getting a shot?……… GOOD cos he’s not ready. AA would murder the bum. And where’s the er little but WIDE Jeff monson? He’d kick some ass still but obviously got outBOXED by Silvia and found the guys size too much.
And I agree with signing Ben Rothwell, he’s a beast. He’s won loads of fights lately and lots of KOs.
Also (!) Josh Barnett would sweep most of these guys away with minimal effort. Dana doesn’t like him… SO WHAT! The fans WILL pay to see the guy wrecking some heads! :)

 
Comment by hector
2007-10-17 14:21:27

dude you all forget about ARLOVSKY, you know hes still the shit, before a questionable knock out which can happen to anybody he lost a decision where he clearly wasnt himself after that he has 2 wins i mean that dude is like 8-2 in his last 10 fights damn he is still the shit they should put him against kongo, or noguera or vera, hes deserving “THE PITBULL”

 
Comment by CageFightingKip
2007-10-17 14:24:43

You guys have to stop disrespecting Big Nog… It is sopmewhat of a shocker to me also but don’t take out your frustrations on the UFC upper echelon decisions with Big Nog… And all this earning a title fight is nonsense, Randy comes out of retirement and with losses to get an instant title shot, when Chuck and other UFC guys came to Pride they didn’t have to fight more than a couple of times to get shots at their dsesired fights, also concerning the Herring fight, how was that a horrible performance, becuase he got rocked once? And don’t tell me that Herring didn’t try and finish it, if you think that then go back and re-watch that fight, he instantly jumps on him and thorws hammerfists, which only a couple land and NOg is clearly defending, then Herring makes the mistake of relenting and standing back up (probably because he realized he wasn’t landing and Nog was cognizant and we all know about his ground game)

 
Comment by hector
2007-10-17 14:25:33

and in Vera vs Sylvia I see it pretty close tim is always dangerous standing i dont believe he can clinch and knee the shit out of tim nor can he score that high kick he knock Eilers with and we havent really seen him utilize his hands so im kinda leaning more on tims side his only opportunity is landing a big right hand if any opponent has studied him that same punch has dropped him in 3 fights so Vera should be looking to set up the right hand but I still think Sylvia has the edge

 
Comment by CageFightingKip
2007-10-17 14:26:26

[quote comment=”181159″]Good news. Nog is the highest ranked HW in the UFC and should fight for the title. No disrespect to Kongo, but his ground game still needs improvements before he can take Nog.[/quote]

Someone with a brain…refreshing, nice post my frined

 
Comment by hector
2007-10-17 14:26:59

I meant that i dont believe Vera can clinch and knee and yada yada…

 
Comment by SulaPeace
2007-10-17 14:28:39

[quote comment=”181067″]I heard AA is signing with M1 just like Fedor, what is heck is M1 that organization is joke !!![/quote]
What are they gonna do? Have AA anf Fedor fight each other over and over again. I know fighters have to go where the money is sometimes, but M-1? What a joke. I guess Fedor doesn’t think he has anything to prove.

 
Comment by kitsunex
2007-10-17 14:32:49

i dont’ understand the hype around Brock or Ben Rothwell. Brock is green. he only has one fight under his belt, he isn’t even close to being ready for any sort of title picture.

as for Ben Rothwell? the guy is a joke. the only reason he is undefeated is because he is the IFL’s golden boy. a couple of his decision wins shouldn’t have gone his way. The guy is one dimensional. he’s just a barroom brawler that would get destroyed in the UFC heavyweight division.

 
Comment by matt
2007-10-17 14:44:32

i say let chuck move up to heavyweight to fight for the title

 
Comment by 12121212
2007-10-17 14:51:05

Yeah I agree that its nonsense for them to offer Minotauro a title shot so fast… Dana isn’t treating the veteran UFC fighters right… Arlovski has been in the UFC for 7 years, since UFC 28, Sylvia has been there for 5 years, then some guy from PRIDE comes in and beats Heath Herring by decision to get paid a reported $200,000 and get a title shot.

In my opinion, the UFC is favoring the wrong guys. The future faces of the UFC are the guys like Vera, Arlovski, Kongo, Rampage, Houston Alexander, Forrest Griffin, Anderson Silva, GSP, Jon Fitch, Roger Huerta, BJ Penn… they are the exciting, likeable bunch of fighters who would carry the torch of MMA through the UFC’s next era.

I understand that Minotauro has paid his dues in PRIDE (and I heard that he went through some really tough times in life), but at least make him fight another top contender for a shot at the title. When Randy Couture came out of retirement, he set the bar very high for MMA fighters, especially Heavyweights. It seems like they are letting certain guys just walk under the bar instead of going the distance to clear it.

 
Comment by Republic (not Northern) Irish UFC fan
2007-10-17 14:55:21

Thats bull. Big Nog is good n all, but not impressive enough in the cage for a title shot after one fight. Bring back Pitbull and get him to fight Cro Cop. THEN we’ll see if Cro Cop belongs in the cage and the winner fights a winner of Big Nog V Vera/Sylvia

 
Comment by Jackie
2007-10-17 15:32:14

[quote comment=”181138″][quote comment=”181128″]Brandon Vera = Jason Mcdonald.

They look great for a while, and then they step into the cage with a top 5 fighter.

Silvia by K.O. second round.[/quote]

Huh? Jason Macdonald already got exposed before he even entered the UFC. Nobody has yet to find a hole in Vera’s game. I’m not saying he won’t lose, but to compare him to Jason is just non-sensical.[/quote]

I’ve got a hole–he’s not a heavyweight. He’s a lightweight. Other than that, he’s got it all.

 
Comment by XXXFactor
2007-10-17 16:41:31

[quote comment=”181011″]Slyvia vs Vera

Big Nog vs Kongo

Winner fights for the vacant title.

Its not really hard to see this is most logical and most simple way to crown a new HH Champ..and if pride guys had any say in this matter quote]

thats exactly what should happen…

 
Comment by hector
2007-10-17 16:43:00

[quote comment=”181076″][quote comment=”181067″]I heard AA is signing with M1 just like Fedor, what is heck is M1 that organization is joke !!![/quote]

You know AA is still under UFC contract right?

I think that UFC needs to saddle up and get Brock Lesnar and Ben Rothwell inside the Octagon as soon as possible.

Ben Rothwell is a free agent, and Brock Lesnar could be the next big thing.

Throw them in there with Frank Mir, Tim Slyvia, AA, Chiek Kongo, Mirko Cro Cop, Heath Herring, Gabriel Gonzaga, Brandon Vera, Big Nog then we can see who the real heavyweight champion is.

The heavyweight division is very weak right now because AA is not fighting, Heath Herring and Cro Cop have horribly under performed, Frank Mir is in and out, so that leaves Kongo, Gonzaga, Vera, Nog and Slyvia for the title.

GEEZE!

WAR BEN ROTHWELL AND BROCK LESNAR SIGNINGS![/quote]
dude Every time ben rothwell fights a known fighter he losses, hes a good fighter for the IFL where there is no top contender competition other than that he gets beaten, he got beat by dan christonson and mike whitehead who are not considered top fighters and then tm sylvia beat him as well.
And dont get me started on Brock Lesnar the dude is a joke he would loose to Ben Rothwell so that sums it up

 
Comment by Pat
2007-10-17 16:49:20

[quote post=”3616″]And dont get me started on Brock Lesnar the dude is a joke he would loose to Ben Rothwell so that sums it up[/quote]

Care to elaborate? Why is it that when an accomplished NCAA wrestler like Kos comes through the UFC, they get all the hype, but when it’s Brock Lesnar, he’s quickly discounted. Do you think he forgot how to wrestle b/c he did the fake stuff? Do you think he will go into the Octagon and try pro wrestling moves? I know he hasn’t accomplished much yet (1 fight, 1 win), but if he keeps training hard, he can be legit competition. Brock Lesnar has all the physical tools you could ever want in an MMA fighter. But he’s like clay right now, and just needs someone to shape his MMA skills.

 
Comment by kitsunex
2007-10-17 17:01:53

[quote comment=”181352″][quote post=”3616″]And dont get me started on Brock Lesnar the dude is a joke he would loose to Ben Rothwell so that sums it up[/quote]

Care to elaborate? Why is it that when an accomplished NCAA wrestler like Kos comes through the UFC, they get all the hype, but when it’s Brock Lesnar, he’s quickly discounted. Do you think he forgot how to wrestle b/c he did the fake stuff? Do you think he will go into the Octagon and try pro wrestling moves? I know he hasn’t accomplished much yet (1 fight, 1 win), but if he keeps training hard, he can be legit competition. Brock Lesnar has all the physical tools you could ever want in an MMA fighter. But he’s like clay right now, and just needs someone to shape his MMA skills.[/quote]

i agree. Brock has the potential to be great. But signing him to the UFC now would be premature. he needs to fight in the minor leagues for a while first. Ben Rothwell, even though he’s a terrible fighter, still has more experience and would probably beat Brock because of that. As much as i dislike the Militich camp, i think brock should go train with them a bit. Honestly though i’d like to see Brock hook up with Rampage and his camp. i bet they could mold him into an MMA monster.