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Opinion & Analysis
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Staff Editorials
PELKEY BLOG: Post-UFC 83, 4/23 TUF episode thoughts
By Matt Pelkey, MMATorch Columnist
Apr 28, 2008, 17:15
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Well now that it's completely out of your mind, I'd like to talk about
UFC 83. I think this will end up being a significant event for the UFC.
First off, it was their Canadian debut. If this doesn't convince Dana
White that he needs to abandon Las Vegas as their home base and travel
the world, I don't know what will. The crowd was great, and you can be
sure they spent a ton more on merchandise than any of the Vegas Hard
Rock shows.
As far as the fighters go, the middleweight division is really starting
to take shape. Rich Franklin proved Anderson Silva isn't stuck in his
head, which was very important for him. He's probably still the clear
second best fighter in the division, but he's popular enough that
that's still a good thing.
The middleweight division also had two new contenders step forward at
the show. Nate Quarry had an impressive showing against Kalib Starnes,
but his new personality might be what makes him the most money. If he
wins his next fight, he won't be too far away from an eventual title
shot. That's especially true if Rich Franklin can somehow end up the
champ between now and then. That's a big-money rematch if they build it up right.
Michael Bisping made a successful debut at 185, effectively retiring
Charles McCarthy in the process. His TUF fame, exciting style, and
great mic skills (wrestling reference) will help shoot him up the
ladder quickly.
We also likely saw three fighters at 185 for the last time in the
Octagon. One, Charles McCarthy, probably would've been welcome back,
but chose to retire after his fight with Bisping. Kalib Starnes turned
in one of the most bizarrely passive performances I've ever witnessed,
and shortly after asked for his release. And then there's Travis
Lutter. He hadn't fought in roughly a year since his weight debacle
against Anderson Silva. This was probably his one chance at redemption.
If he upset Rich Franklin, or just put in a strong performance, all may
have been forgiven. Instead he gassed out in about three minutes, and
was finished halfway through the second round as he was basically too
tired to stand. I can't envision a scenario where Dana White would want
to pay him to fight again.
Mac Danzig submitted world jiu-jitsu champion Mark Bocek, and in the
process established himself as a legit lightweight contender. And Bocek
isn't a one trick pony. His stand-up was better than it had any right
to be, and his wrestling was better than I anticipated. Danzig was just
better. This was a good win for him.
And then there's GSP. He proved without a shadow of a doubt he's the
best in the world at 170. After he takes out Jon Fitch and Thiago
Alves, there will be nothing left for him....at 170. Just wait folks.
If GSP and Anderson Silva keep winning, the superfight to end all
superfights (sorry Randy-Fedor) will happen. Write that down.
As for The Ultimate Fighter, I'm liking the season so far.
Riddle-Creduer from Wednesday was a great fight. I have it at ***+. It
was a little too sloppy to reach a four star fight in my book, but
that's too be expected in the first round of fights. Riddle has the look and personality to be a star. We'll be seeing him in the Octagon again eventually. I'm also intrigued
by next week's teaser where Rampage loses his temper. I love the
kinder, gentler Rampage we've seen so far, but this will add a new
dynamic to his character. So when do we get to see Forrest blow up?
That's all I have for now, but check back tomorrow for my column on
what's keeping the UFC and MMA in general from ever reaching the true
mainstream status of the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Take care til then!
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