With UFC 81: “Breaking Point” in the rear view mirror, we can now set our sights on the next major pay-per-view (PPV) event, UFC 82: “Pride of a Champion,” from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 1.
The star-studded card is packed with talent from the bottom up, featuring the 185-pound showdown between UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, and the last man to hold the Pride FC 183-pound belt, Dan Henderson.
Here’s the complete confirmed line up:
Main Event:
UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (20-4) vs. Dan Henderson (22-6)
Main card (televised):
265 lbs.: Cheick Kongo (11-3-1) vs. Heath Herring (27-13)
185 lbs.: Evan Tanner (32-6) vs. Yushin Okami (21-4)
170 lbs.: Jon Fitch (15-2) vs. Chris Wilson (13-3)
170 lbs.: Diego Sanchez (17-2) vs. David Bielkheden (12-5)Under card (may not be broadcast):
265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski (11-5) vs. Jake O’Brien (10-0)
170 lbs.: Luke Cummo (6-4) vs. Luigi Fioravanti (11-3)
170 lbs.: Josh Koscheck (9-2) vs. Dustin Hazelett (10-3)
155 lbs.: Jorge Gurgel (11-3) vs. John Halverson (16-5)
Of course, the major issue with this is that Arlovski — a former heavyweight champion who helped put the organization on the map — is competing in a non-televised preliminary bout.
The primary reason behind the decision is that this is the last fight for “The Pitbull” on his contract and there is no indication that the two sides are close to inking an extension. In fact, Arlovski has been on the “sidelines” since he defeated Fabricio Werdum via unanimous decision back in April 2007.
There’s a good possibility the pre-recorded match up can still make the telecast; however, it is no sure thing … especially if he wins.
In addition, a rumored tilt between middleweights Alessio Sakara (12-6) and Chris Leben (17-4) is still floating around, but it has not been confirmed for the Ohio show. That could change soon, it may be moved to another card or perhaps it was nothing more than just a rumor.
Stay tuned.
“Pride of a Champion” is clearly the biggest event of 2008 for the UFC, similar to UFC 68: “The Uprising” back in March 2007. It’s certainly a must-see show, showcasing some great fighters and fights that will have major implications in the welterweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions going forward.
For UFC 82 ticket details click here. And for all other UFC 82-related information click here.
88 Comments »
Not only is the main event great, but I’m excited to see Diego back in action.
i’ll be getting this PPV for sure! looks pretty solid
Dana White to Arlovski “Fuck you Andre!! Have fun in M-1″
War Diego!
I cant wait to see the Nightmare back putting a beating down like old times.
But What a caed from top to bottom. Cant wait
One word FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. THE SPIDER VS. HOLLYWOOD
if Dan Henderson doesn’t win, then it looks to be a long title reign for Silva because i’m not sure who else would have a chance.
but then again we haven’t seen silva go into later rounds, he’s just steamrolled over everyone, so there might be a major weakness we haven’t seen yet.
The undercard is almost good enough for a pay per view…arlovski, koshcheck and cummo will all put on good fights…wow, what a card in the main card.
mma…u said leben fight isnt for sure? UFC website shows it on the event card?
I like how Cro Cop gets embarrased by Gonzaga and gets a main card fight vs. Congo. Tim Sylvia hasnt been impressive since when, exactly and he gets a title shot. Alot of you are like well Arlovski sucked vs. Werdum, yet he still beat him. He fought him safe and won, Gonzaga was aggressive and lost. Yet it Arlovski wasnt impressive and still beat Werdum, how is Werdum getting talked about as a #1 Contender after winning 1 fight. Truth is, he was a more impressive champion then Sylvia, before he losses to Sylvia, other then Chuck and matt, he was up there as one of the most impressive and exciting fighters there was in the UFC and after on lack luster fight, he is being spit on. I hope he goes and knocks out Fedor, and when Dana White comes and offers him a contract then, I hope he spits in his face.
I’m really excited for this ppv, but am bothered a little too. I understand that Arlovski has had some boring fights recently but he still got the w and I think deserves to be on the main card. Instead I have to watch Heath Herring who imo has been a complete bore in the UFC. Also, I understand quite a few people love Diego and all but he lost his last two. He is main card worthy as well, but I think Arlovski should have replaced one of those two fights. Hopefully some of the main card fights end quickly so we can see some of the undercard matches. I really wish they would show all of the fights rather than us having to go pay additional money for the fights that we should already be seeing. At least go back to the old days where they would do a quick review of all the undercard matches at the end.
The March show in Columbus will probably become a spring tradition..just like the super saturday and new years weekend shows.
Great time to be a fan.
I will follow Arlovski wherever he goes. Big fan of his.
The MW division is slowly getting better, but the winner of this fight will likely be on top for a while.
……evan tanner shud never b in front of andre this is madness
Wow I can’t believe Andre isn’t on the televised portion. When he was on Inside MMA a week or two ago he had nothing but good things to say about the UFC.
[quote comment=”296982″]I like how Cro Cop gets embarrased by Gonzaga and gets a main card fight vs. Congo. Tim Sylvia hasnt been impressive since when, exactly and he gets a title shot. Alot of you are like well Arlovski sucked vs. Werdum, yet he still beat him. He fought him safe and won, Gonzaga was aggressive and lost. Yet it Arlovski wasnt impressive and still beat Werdum, how is Werdum getting talked about as a #1 Contender after winning 1 fight. Truth is, he was a more impressive champion then Sylvia, before he losses to Sylvia, other then Chuck and matt, he was up there as one of the most impressive and exciting fighters there was in the UFC and after on lack luster fight, he is being spit on. I hope he goes and knocks out Fedor, and when Dana White comes and offers him a contract then, I hope he spits in his face.[/quote]
Thank you Kris. My thoughts exactly. It sucks that Arlovski might be leaving the UFC, but I wouldn’t mind him kicking the S#!% out of Fedor and proving that he isn’t as great as everyone thinks he is. Wish Couture & Arlovski could stay, but if not let one of them kill Fedor and then fight each other. That would be one hell of a match imo.
[quote post=”4829″]if Dan Henderson doesn’t win, then it looks to be a long title reign for Silva because i’m not sure who else would have a chance.
but then again we haven’t seen silva go into later rounds, he’s just steamrolled over everyone, so there might be a major weakness we haven’t seen yet. [/quote]
Travis luter did the best against him so far and he was dehydrated in that fight. so if he can come back and beat rich franklin and then maybe a rematch with cote or the winner of okami and tanner and then we could see a rematch of silva vs luter.But that suggesting he can get passed franklin.
[quote comment=”297001″]Wow I can’t believe Andre isn’t on the televised portion. When he was on Inside MMA a week or two ago he had nothing but good things to say about the UFC.[/quote]
yep i saw that. which is why i’m sort of confused. but also why i don’t see AA leaving the UFC.
[quote comment=”297009″][quote post=”4829″]if Dan Henderson doesn’t win, then it looks to be a long title reign for Silva because i’m not sure who else would have a chance.
but then again we haven’t seen silva go into later rounds, he’s just steamrolled over everyone, so there might be a major weakness we haven’t seen yet. [/quote]
Travis luter did the best against him so far and he was dehydrated in that fight. so if he can come back and beat rich franklin and then maybe a rematch with cote or the winner of okami and tanner and then we could see a rematch of silva vs luter.But that suggesting he can get passed franklin.[/quote]
that whole fight confused me. why would lutter work his butt of on TUF, put in all that effort to win the whole thing, deal with the drama in the house and then show up to the fight out of shape and not make weight? seems like a waste to me.
It pisses me off that Heath Herring is fighting Kongo on the main card. Herring has been utter shite since he came to the UFC loosing to O’brien and Nog. I don’t understand how he keeps on getting these top tier fights even though his only weapon his average stand up! He got pwned by O’brien on the ground. They should have put arlovski on the main card vs Kongo. That would have been an amazing match up. Did that and just told Herring to bugger off. He’s a douche! Arlovski is pure class. Great striker and submissions.
Why is Koz behind that jack-ass Sanchez not that I really care for either one, but he did whup that ass
wow how could u put one of the top hw in the world on the undercard and the hw are having trouble finding decent fighters.
why is Arlovski on the under card
Such BULLSHIT Arlovski is on the undercard, that really pisses me off.
[quote comment=”297014″][quote comment=”297009″][quote post=”4829″]if Dan Henderson doesn’t win, then it looks to be a long title reign for Silva because i’m not sure who else would have a chance.
but then again we haven’t seen silva go into later rounds, he’s just steamrolled over everyone, so there might be a major weakness we haven’t seen yet. [/quote]
Travis luter did the best against him so far and he was dehydrated in that fight. so if he can come back and beat rich franklin and then maybe a rematch with cote or the winner of okami and tanner and then we could see a rematch of silva vs luter.But that suggesting he can get passed franklin.[/quote]
that whole fight confused me. why would lutter work his butt of on TUF, put in all that effort to win the whole thing, deal with the drama in the house and then show up to the fight out of shape and not make weight? seems like a waste to me.[/quote]
I actually thought Marquardt was doing decently until he was flat footed for a few seconds and Silva capatilized. If he kept moving , I think he could of eventually pulled it off. Marquardt has some serious skills. I just really like the guy. Winner of Okami/Tanner will most likely be number 1 contender spot.
Nice work UFC, putting a Top 5 HW on the undercard.
Dana is digging himself a grave in the heavyweight division. What an idiot for leaving Arlovski out of the maincard, he lost what little respect for him I had.
Have a look at the event site, Artlovski is not even mentioned!
P.S AA not on the main card leaves my feeling physically ill - what an disgrace.
[quote comment=”296984″]I’m really excited for this ppv, but am bothered a little too. I understand that Arlovski has had some boring fights recently but he still got the w and I think deserves to be on the main card. Instead I have to watch Heath Herring who imo has been a complete bore in the UFC. Also, I understand quite a few people love Diego and all but he lost his last two. He is main card worthy as well, but I think Arlovski should have replaced one of those two fights. Hopefully some of the main card fights end quickly so we can see some of the undercard matches. I really wish they would show all of the fights rather than us having to go pay additional money for the fights that we should already be seeing. At least go back to the old days where they would do a quick review of all the undercard matches at the end.[/quote]
It really pisses me off that they don’t show all of the fights in the first place. Its pay-per-view, we should get to see all of the fights. Plus they just raised the cost of the pay-per-views!
[quote comment=”296982″]I like how Cro Cop gets embarrased by Gonzaga and gets a main card fight vs. Congo. Tim Sylvia hasnt been impressive since when, exactly and he gets a title shot. Alot of you are like well Arlovski sucked vs. Werdum, yet he still beat him. He fought him safe and won, Gonzaga was aggressive and lost. Yet it Arlovski wasnt impressive and still beat Werdum, how is Werdum getting talked about as a #1 Contender after winning 1 fight. Truth is, he was a more impressive champion then Sylvia, before he losses to Sylvia, other then Chuck and matt, he was up there as one of the most impressive and exciting fighters there was in the UFC and after on lack luster fight, he is being spit on. I hope he goes and knocks out Fedor, and when Dana White comes and offers him a contract then, I hope he spits in his face.[/quote]
I agree bro. I have always thought of Arlovski as one of the best fighters in the world, besides his troubles with Sylvia, he has pretty much demolished everyone else. Werdum didnt want to fight and was terrified of him. I hope Arlovski decapitates O’brien, then fights Fedor and repeats the process, then when the UFC offers him a new contract he takes a big shit on it and leaves it in Dana’s mailbox.
[quote comment=”297057″]Nice work UFC, putting a Top 5 HW on the undercard.
Dana is digging himself a grave in the heavyweight division. What an idiot for leaving Arlovski out of the maincard, he lost what little respect for him I had.
Have a look at the event site, Artlovski is not even mentioned![/quote]
Well look at it this way: Since either Dana White or Arlovski have not came to an agreement on a contract, it’s a smart business move on Dana’s part to not have Arlovski on the main-card. There are still amny people who do not know that Arlovski will not be back with the UFC. Dana’s doing his part and giving Arlovski the last fight on his contract, without making the UFC looking like they lossed a star. It’s probably not a personal decision, its a business decision. People have to think outside of the box.
pUniSHment - if you think this does not look like they are tossing out a star you have problems mate.
For around 9 months now fans have been wondering where one of the most popular, successful and highest paid fighters have been.
I dont think you realise how popular Arlovski is! He was the most dominant and recognisable figures in the sport for years.
It looks like we get to see the two Sambo masters go at it after all .. Fedor v Arlovski.
UFC needs to be very careful of thinning out the HW division again. It will be interesting when each fighters contracts finsh, as I wonder how many will bail for more cash.
I must say this, there are some quality fights on the main card, I know Evan Tanner has been off the wagon for some time, but his fight with Yushin Okami is more appealing than seeing Andre Arvloski beat down Jake O’Brien.
I am thoroughly disappointed to see such a lackluster undercard. Sure there are quality fighters who will enter the octagon, yet those fights are not against great competition.
By that I mean the UFC is really disrespecting Arvloski by having him on the undercard and feeding him a can who is a pure wrestler. Dana White may as well say “well Andre helped us get to mainstream status but since we now have plenty of talented heavyweights, he can ride off in to the sunset”.
Luke Cummo is a loser who has less personality than a pretzel, and quite frankly I can see Luigi Fioravanti knocking him out cold !
Josh Koscheck is going to steam roll through Hazlett and as far as Jorge Gurgel goes, why do we want to see him have his face broken in 3 places again ?
ANYONE AGREE WITH ME ?
WOW!!! Look at all the names! Cheick Kongo, Heath Herring, Evan Tanner, Yushin Okami, Jon Fitch, Diego Sanchez, Josh Koscheck & of course Andrei Arlovski!!! ALL IN ONE CARD!!! Just the under card could arguably be a main card!!! KEEP EM COMING UFC!!!
Ok i’ve had just about enuf of Dana Whites petty skool yard bullshit!! Arlovski is a GREAT fighter and should not be sidelined like he has been. Just because his last fight was “lackluster” (which i totally disagree with) he was a Champion at one point, and a damn good one at that! There r plenty of fighters out there who have had poor preformances in the cage and yet we still see them on the main card and given another shot. Just cuz Andre is suckin from Danas balls doesn’t mean he should be put on the back burner.
[quote comment=”297020″]It pisses me off that Heath Herring is fighting Kongo on the main card. Herring has been utter shite since he came to the UFC loosing to O’brien and Nog. I don’t understand how he keeps on getting these top tier fights even though his only weapon his average stand up! He got pwned by O’brien on the ground. They should have put arlovski on the main card vs Kongo. That would have been an amazing match up. Did that and just told Herring to bugger off. He’s a douche! Arlovski is pure class. Great striker and submissions.[/quote]
i agree kongo will jus take that bum and ground and pound him im not sure about kongos ground game but it has to b better then that bums…if aa is leaveing ufc there is no way there showing his fight unless he loses then dana can say told u so
Cant wait for Fitch!
This is actually a really good card on paper. Hope it pans out the same.
Also hope they do show Arlovski fight
Who are these guys that Fitch and Diego are fighting? I can’t find info on them anywhere.
Dana says he is all about doing what is best for the fans, but it’s a lie. We have been waiting almost a year for AA, now he is put on the undercard because of behind the scenes business. Very petty. I am outraged and upset, but I just want to see him fight. And if it’s not for Dana, then F the UFC.
Very nice looking card. But why do they keep draggin Jorge Gurgel out?
I will be pissed if the Arlovski or Koszcheck fight don’t get shown. I can’t ever remember two names that big being on the undercard. I would prefer the Arlovski over Diego vs some guy no one has ever heard of although Diego would be a huge name to be on the undercard as well. Anyways they usually show at least 2 undercards so we’ll probably get to see those two anyways.
[quote comment=”297077″]pUniSHment -
if you think this does not look like they are tossing out a star you have problems mate.
For around 9 months now fans have been wondering where one of the most popular, successful and highest paid fighters have been.
I dont think you realise how popular Arlovski is! He was the most dominant and recognisable figures in the sport for years.
It looks like we get to see the two Sambo masters go at it after all .. Fedor v Arlovski.
UFC needs to be very careful of thinning out the HW division again. It will be interesting when each fighters contracts finsh, as I wonder how many will bail for more cash.[/quote]
Nah man, I didn’t mean my comment to come off sounding offensive. All I mean is that if Dana White does not want to resign Arlovski, it is the right move not to have his fight showed on the main card, ONLY because if he does win, us fans will be asking “Whose Arlovski gonna fight next?”. I understand that Arlovski was one of the faces of the UFC for a long time, but maybe the UFC wants to go into a different direction. Do I agree with all of their business decisions? The answer is NO. But the fact is we don’t truly know what goes on behind the scenes, so its rought to come up with all these hasty conclusions. You feel me?
You guys can complain all you want about Arlovski not being on the main card, but UFC 81 showed every fight except Eastman vs. Martin, so I’d say there’s a decent chance you end up seeing the fight provided the main fights don’t take too long. Unless Arlovski does crappy, I’d expect to see the fight
Maybe it’s just me, but I am not impressed with this card. The main event, Silva vs. Henderson, is top-notch, of course, and Tanner vs. Okami is a good #3, but the other fights are weak.
I don’t think that Cheick Kongo is a real MMA fighter. He has no idea how to wrestle or grapple, but is ridiculously overhyped and overrated because of his kickboxing skills. Carmelo Marrero took him down at will and completely controlled their fight, winning by split decision. An out-of-shape Assuerio Silva took him down and got side control at will but lost by majority decision. And those two fighters are nothing special. Silva is out of the UFC after going 0 for 3. Marrero was completely outclassed in 1st round submission losses to Gabriel Gonzaga and Wilson Gouveia and is also now out of the UFC.
I think that Kongo would lose in the first round to anyone with decent submission or G&P skills. Couture, Nog, Werdum, Mir, Gonzaga, Arlovski, Lesnar… and probably some of the 205 G&P guys too. Kongo against Heath Herring (1-2 in the UFC) is not a #2 fight.
Other than that, the talent is great, but the matchups are awful. Three top-10 welterweights and a top-5 heavyweight, all fighting relative nobodies. I agree with evangelion27 that there are a lot of big names, but I don’t pay just to see names, I pay to see the names fight each other.
[quote comment=”297231″][quote comment=”297077″]pUniSHment -
if you think this does not look like they are tossing out a star you have problems mate.
For around 9 months now fans have been wondering where one of the most popular, successful and highest paid fighters have been.
I dont think you realise how popular Arlovski is! He was the most dominant and recognisable figures in the sport for years.
It looks like we get to see the two Sambo masters go at it after all .. Fedor v Arlovski.
UFC needs to be very careful of thinning out the HW division again. It will be interesting when each fighters contracts finsh, as I wonder how many will bail for more cash.[/quote]
Nah man, I didn’t mean my comment to come off sounding offensive. All I mean is that if Dana White does not want to resign Arlovski, it is the right move not to have his fight showed on the main card, ONLY because if he does win, us fans will be asking “Whose Arlovski gonna fight next?”. I understand that Arlovski was one of the faces of the UFC for a long time, but maybe the UFC wants to go into a different direction. Do I agree with all of their business decisions? The answer is NO. But the fact is we don’t truly know what goes on behind the scenes, so its rought to come up with all these hasty conclusions. You feel me?[/quote]
Also, if Jake O’Brien somehow wins this, the UFC can show the fight and hype him up as “THE UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT WHO KNOCKED ARLOVSKI OUT OF THE UFC” for future main cards. If not, the fight can stay dark as Arlovski leaves the UFC. Another option not mentioned is that the UFC could buy out Arlovsi’s contract and release him silently. Of course, if I had my way they would extend or resign him.
I feel ya punishment, but I too feel AA is getting some of the worst treatment I have ever seen. The ufc for some reason to me, are acting like they have major problems with the guy.
Another note, this fight card looks great, my only complaint is i’d probably rather see the AA fight or Kos fight, instead of Kongo and Herring. Probably the Kos fight actually.
I can’t wait for Evan Tanner. Never a boring fight with that guy.
Henderson vs Silva = best matchup they’ve had for a title since……………………….
……………………………
……………………………
ever?
>>Very nice looking card. But why do they keep draggin Jorge Gurgel out?
Cause Rich Franklin
[quote comment=”296982″]I like how Cro Cop gets embarrased by Gonzaga and gets a main card fight vs. Congo. Tim Sylvia hasnt been impressive since when, exactly and he gets a title shot. Alot of you are like well Arlovski sucked vs. Werdum, yet he still beat him. He fought him safe and won, Gonzaga was aggressive and lost. Yet it Arlovski wasnt impressive and still beat Werdum, how is Werdum getting talked about as a #1 Contender after winning 1 fight. Truth is, he was a more impressive champion then Sylvia, before he losses to Sylvia, other then Chuck and matt, he was up there as one of the most impressive and exciting fighters there was in the UFC and after on lack luster fight, he is being spit on. I hope he goes and knocks out Fedor, and when Dana White comes and offers him a contract then, I hope he spits in his face.[/quote]
word for word perfect
[quote comment=”296946″]Dana White to Arlovski “Fuck you Andre!! Have fun in M-1″[/quote]
Is AA def going to MM1?
[quote comment=”297361″]Henderson vs Silva = best matchup they’ve had for a title since……………………….
……………………………
……………………………
ever?[/quote]
Since Rampage and Hendo!
On Leben’s myspace site it says that it is confirmed and signed that he is fighting at UFC 82. I dunno if Leben has signed a new contract with The UFC, so if he has not, UFC 82 is the last time Leben could fight in the UFC.
So I believe this will be on the card.
I hope Leben is going… Man That guy is useless.
I can’t believe there are some people dogging this card on here… WTF!
This is the best card i can remember, better than Stacked, 68, 79, the works. The main event needs no explaination, i’d pay $45 for just that fight.
Added to that you’ve got Fitch who is my favourite fighter, Nightmare, Evan Tanner’s return and a stand up war between Kongo and Herring.
The only issue is Arlovski being on the undercard which is a discrace. But hey, a couple of knockouts and its televised.
Awsome, awsome card FULL STOP.
[quote comment=”297151″]Who are these guys that Fitch and Diego are fighting? I can’t find info on them anywhere.[/quote]
I am angry that Diego vs some one we never heard of made the televised card, but Kos vs Dustin McLovin Hazelett didn’t. Dustin is a young up and comer BJJ guy who trains with Gurgel and Franklin. He is 3-0 in the UFC, with has last two being super quick first round submissions. I saw both of those fight, but never seen his first in the UFC. He is VERY slick on the ground. He is going to give Kos troubles, mark my words.
Anderson Silva all the way baby! He doesnt get the respect he deserves. I hope he remains champ for the next 3 years and destroys henderson. He will be the first person to KO Dan henderson
[quote comment=”297568″][quote comment=”297151″]Who are these guys that Fitch and Diego are fighting? I can’t find info on them anywhere.[/quote]
I am angry that Diego vs some one we never heard of made the televised card, but Kos vs Dustin McLovin Hazelett didn’t. Dustin is a young up and comer BJJ guy who trains with Gurgel and Franklin. He is 3-0 in the UFC, with has last two being super quick first round submissions. I saw both of those fight, but never seen his first in the UFC. He is VERY slick on the ground. He is going to give Kos troubles, mark my words.[/quote]
Ya, I am really surprised that they are giving Diego a fighter that hasn’t made a name. I am especially surprised about the Fitch matchup. He has been wiping everyone up. I would think they would want to give him a really tough match up???
VM, that is cool on Dustin. Now, I am even more excited and hope they show him and KOS.
All and all this has the makings of one of the best cards ever and I guess someone has to be on the undercard list.
[quote comment=”296982″]I like how Cro Cop gets embarrased by Gonzaga and gets a main card fight vs. Congo. Tim Sylvia hasnt been impressive since when, exactly and he gets a title shot. Alot of you are like well Arlovski sucked vs. Werdum, yet he still beat him. He fought him safe and won, Gonzaga was aggressive and lost. Yet it Arlovski wasnt impressive and still beat Werdum, how is Werdum getting talked about as a #1 Contender after winning 1 fight. Truth is, he was a more impressive champion then Sylvia, before he losses to Sylvia, other then Chuck and matt, he was up there as one of the most impressive and exciting fighters there was in the UFC and after on lack luster fight, he is being spit on. I hope he goes and knocks out Fedor, and when Dana White comes and offers him a contract then, I hope he spits in his face.[/quote]
YEAH!!!!!!
[quote comment=”297568″][quote comment=”297151″]Who are these guys that Fitch and Diego are fighting? I can’t find info on them anywhere.[/quote]
I am angry that Diego vs some one we never heard of made the televised card, but Kos vs Dustin McLovin Hazelett didn’t. Dustin is a young up and comer BJJ guy who trains with Gurgel and Franklin. He is 3-0 in the UFC, with has last two being super quick first round submissions. I saw both of those fight, but never seen his first in the UFC. He is VERY slick on the ground. He is going to give Kos troubles, mark my words.[/quote]
I want to see that fight too! I don’t know why Sanchez and Fitch are fighting nobody’s. Hopefully we’ll get to see a lot of the undercard. The last two pay per views they showed 8 out of the 9 matches.
[quote comment=”297264″]Maybe it’s just me, but I am not impressed with this card. The main event, Silva vs. Henderson, is top-notch, of course, and Tanner vs. Okami is a good #3, but the other fights are weak.
I don’t think that Cheick Kongo is a real MMA fighter. He has no idea how to wrestle or grapple, but is ridiculously overhyped and overrated because of his kickboxing skills. Carmelo Marrero took him down at will and completely controlled their fight, winning by split decision. An out-of-shape Assuerio Silva took him down and got side control at will but lost by majority decision. And those two fighters are nothing special. Silva is out of the UFC after going 0 for 3. Marrero was completely outclassed in 1st round submission losses to Gabriel Gonzaga and Wilson Gouveia and is also now out of the UFC.
I think that Kongo would lose in the first round to anyone with decent submission or G&P skills. Couture, Nog, Werdum, Mir, Gonzaga, Arlovski, Lesnar… and probably some of the 205 G&P guys too. Kongo against Heath Herring (1-2 in the UFC) is not a #2 fight.
Other than that, the talent is great, but the matchups are awful. Three top-10 welterweights and a top-5 heavyweight, all fighting relative nobodies. I agree with evangelion27 that there are a lot of big names, but I don’t pay just to see names, I pay to see the names fight each other.[/quote]
NO COMMENT>
i think its a great card but the way dana is doing aa is b.s. he is a great fighter and they need that in the h.w. devision dana is always trying to sell that he is doing what is best for the sport and trying not to make it like boxing.how do you keep it legit when you won’t let the best fighters compete because of personal reasons.if dan can’t beat silva theres another m.w. that might be able to lindland,but again you got dana not letting him.
Frank Mir and Tim Sylvia possible coaches on next The Ultimate Fighter!
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/…5636&zoneid=13
Frank Mir said he wanted to set up hype behind a next possible fight against Tim Sylvia by being coaches on the next The Ultimate Fighter season after Griffin and Rampage.
Frank is very comedic and we haven’t had a heavyweight ultimate fighter series in a while.
Haha..Arlovski is on the undercard.
That really sucks..another fight that has to be watched on youtube.
[quote comment=”297644″]Frank Mir and Tim Sylvia possible coaches on next The Ultimate Fighter!
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/…5636&zoneid=13
Frank Mir said he wanted to set up hype behind a next possible fight against Tim Sylvia by being coaches on the next The Ultimate Fighter season after Griffin and Rampage.
Frank is very comedic and we haven’t had a heavyweight ultimate fighter series in a while.[/quote]
I’ld much rather see Frank Mir and Noguiera..but i think it’s gonna be Big Tim coaching with Frank Mir
Dana White needs some integrity.
He only cares about the UFC, not MMA as a sport no matter what he says, this just proves it.
AA on the undercard… Dana you’re a Class A toolbag sometimes.
Like I said the card looks great. But good fights make good cards. Big names dont always make good fights. We wont be able to judge this card till its over.
[quote comment=”297663″][quote comment=”297644″]Frank Mir and Tim Sylvia possible coaches on next The Ultimate Fighter!
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/…5636&zoneid=13
Frank Mir said he wanted to set up hype behind a next possible fight against Tim Sylvia by being coaches on the next The Ultimate Fighter season after Griffin and Rampage.
Frank is very comedic and we haven’t had a heavyweight ultimate fighter series in a while.[/quote]
I’ld much rather see Frank Mir and Noguiera..but i think it’s gonna be Big Tim coaching with Frank Mir[/quote]
Frank Mir seems cool, I’d be dissapointed if I got put on Sylvia’s team.
[quote comment=”296982″]I like how Cro Cop gets embarrased by Gonzaga and gets a main card fight vs. Congo. Tim Sylvia hasnt been impressive since when, exactly and he gets a title shot. Alot of you are like well Arlovski sucked vs. Werdum, yet he still beat him. He fought him safe and won, Gonzaga was aggressive and lost. Yet it Arlovski wasnt impressive and still beat Werdum, how is Werdum getting talked about as a #1 Contender after winning 1 fight. Truth is, he was a more impressive champion then Sylvia, before he losses to Sylvia, other then Chuck and matt, he was up there as one of the most impressive and exciting fighters there was in the UFC and after on lack luster fight, he is being spit on. I hope he goes and knocks out Fedor, and when Dana White comes and offers him a contract then, I hope he spits in his face.[/quote]
I couldn’t agree more Kris. Although I still can’t see Dana letting some petty money squabble allow him to watch one of the best HW fighters in the World go to another org.
[quote comment=”297609″][quote comment=”297568″][quote comment=”297151″]Who are these guys that Fitch and Diego are fighting? I can’t find info on them anywhere.[/quote]
I am angry that Diego vs some one we never heard of made the televised card, but Kos vs Dustin McLovin Hazelett didn’t. Dustin is a young up and comer BJJ guy who trains with Gurgel and Franklin. He is 3-0 in the UFC, with has last two being super quick first round submissions. I saw both of those fight, but never seen his first in the UFC. He is VERY slick on the ground. He is going to give Kos troubles, mark my words.[/quote]
I want to see that fight too! I don’t know why Sanchez and Fitch are fighting nobody’s. Hopefully we’ll get to see a lot of the undercard. The last two pay per views they showed 8 out of the 9 matches.[/quote]
Diego was supposed to fight Roan Carneiro, but Roan had to pull out due to illness (I think, it might have been injury). Fitch wants to fight Karo, but Karo wants an easier fight. Fitch was going to fight Gono, but Gono broke his hand. Chris Wilson was the only guy who would take the fight.
Fitch is from the Midwest, so a bunch of friends and family dropped serious coin to come to his fight, so he wanted to make sure he stayed on the card. Also, he hasn’t had a fight since Sept, so I’m sure he needs a paycheck.
“The star-studded card is packed with talent from the bottom up”
- I have to disagree with this statement. I’d say it’s lacking star power. Yes there a lot of names we know but their fights are lack luster events
Main Event:
UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (20-4) vs. Dan Henderson (22-6) - GREAT FIGHT…STAR POWER GRANTED
Main card (televised):
265 lbs.: Cheick Kongo (11-3-1) vs. Heath Herring (27-13) CHEICK IS A DRAW BUT HE NEEDS TO NOT GO ALL 3 ROUND YET AGAIN…LET’S SEE SOMETHING…ANYTHING!
185 lbs.: Evan Tanner (32-6) vs. Yushin Okami (21-4)TANNER IS WASHED UP…THIS IS A STEP BACK FOR YUSHIN
170 lbs.: Jon Fitch (15-2) vs. Chris Wilson (13-3) CHRIS WHO!!??
170 lbs.: Diego Sanchez (17-2) vs. David Bielkheden (12-5)DIEGO IS GOING TO KILL THIS GUY…YAWNER
Under card (may not be broadcast):
265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski (11-5) vs. Jake O’Brien (10-0)ANDREI IS GETTING RIPPED OFF IF THIS IS NOT AIRED…RUN WHILE YOU CAN ANDREI…CRUSH THIS DUDE AND RUN.
170 lbs.: Luke Cummo (6-4) vs. Luigi Fioravanti (11-3)UH OK…4 LOSSES VERSUS…WHO!?
170 lbs.: Josh Koscheck (9-2) vs. Dustin Hazelett (10-3)WE MIGHT NOT GET KOS BUT WE GET DIEGO WHO KOS BEAT!!?? WHATEVER DANA.
155 lbs.: Jorge Gurgel (11-3) vs. John Halverson (16-5)OH YEAH…HERE’S STAR POWER…LOL!
[quote comment=”297528″]I hope Leben is going… Man That guy is useless.[/quote]
Yeah 7-3 record in the UFC with dramatic knockouts and always exciting fights…real useless.
[quote comment=”297725″][quote comment=”297528″]I hope Leben is going… Man That guy is useless.[/quote]
Yeah 7-3 record in the UFC with dramatic knockouts and always exciting fights…real useless.[/quote]
Agreed - Leben brings it every time, how is he useless. At a minimum, you’re going to get an exciting fight.
Another entertaining fighter going to a different league for more $$. How long can Dana say “It doesn’t matter!?” One of these organizations are going bring in enough top talent to become a legit alternative. EliteXC looks promising - I wish Fedor would have went there.
Arlovski is getting s#*t on.. After a couple years of carrying the heavyweight division with Tim.Now they sign some big names and give no respect to the guys who put in there time,blood and sweat. It’s the same reason Randy no longer wants to be part of the UFC. The guys who were here when the ufc wasn’t what it is now,who helped build it get no respect or the money these new guys are getting!WHAT?? Come on Dana White you gotta take care of the fighters who helped build the ufc up to what it is now.Take care of the fighters period! I happen to have watched pride fighting before the zuffa bought it out and know the names of the guys they brought over to the ufc, but to the average fan they don’t know who these guys are and there making double if not triple what Arlovski makes.Someone alot of ufc fans know! I think all the fighters should be getting paid more,being that they put there careers on the line every time they go out and fight. The ufc makes plenty off money and it wouldn’t hurt them to pay all the fighters alittle more. So I hope they show Arlovski last ufc fight, before M-1 gets him so Fedor can fight a real fighter.So that he’s ready for when they get Randy. Then shortly after that I won’t be surprise if you see Tito under the M-1 banner.