General MMA Chat/News mk3 - No Spoilers Use Event Threads

Paully D · 14-01-2018 11:38pm

Django99 wrote: »

A Russian journalist has tweeted that Khabib Tony will happen April 7th in Brooklyn.

https://twitter.com/adamzubayraev/status/952607325134651392

I said the night of Khabib's win over Barboza that they'd do Khabib v Ferguson next. Knew it.

Taisumov will be on that card also.

Django99 · 14-01-2018 11:41pm

I know it's been done to death, and the above tweet is almost meaningless on its own, but I feel that this would make sense for everyone involved apart from Ferguson who would miss out on a McGregor payday if he loses.

McGregor - hasn't had an MMA fight for over a year and has by all accounts been enjoying his wealth to excess. He's back training at the moment but I would think he would prefer a few months to get back in shape and primed for an MMA fight. He is in no rush to fight, and rather than have these two potential opponents in a row, one can take out the other and a Diaz fight would be more natural regardless of the result of his next one.

Khabib - obviously would prefer the McGregor fight straight away, but this is the next best thing. He believes he is back to his physical peak, can make weight without issues, and wants multiple fights this year. With a Russia card in September he would be sure to get to headline against McGregor if he was to win this one.

Ferguson - I would guess that if they do this McGregor will be stripped. He could negotiate a good deal as champion, and again, would solidify his claim as Mcgregors next opponent should he win here.

UFC - if they strip McGregor, and make this the undisputed title fight, I think it could sell very well indeed (relatively speaking, nothing like 1m+ but definitely 400k+) Merely by their association with McGregor these two are becoming more well known. The build up could be very good. Better again, if McGregor is stripped the redemption story of coming back to regain the belt in July/August/September writes itself, and would be something I think he would thrive on. Dana says it's hard to be motivated to fight with the money he has, taking his belt away would be one way to spark some motivation.

Zero-Cool · 14-01-2018 11:43pm

That fight should be epic but I wonder if it will be for the interim or real belt.

Django99 · 14-01-2018 11:48pm

Zero-Cool wrote: »

That fight should be epic but I wonder if it will be for the interim or real belt.

It wouldn't bother me either way although I know it's important to a lot of people. I would guess the real belt, as I said above I think it would be good move to strip McGregor at this point, even for himself. He doesn't need a belt for promotion purposes, but if money isn't much of a motivator for him anymore, maybe a belt that he's never lost being taken away from him would be.

xtal191 · 15-01-2018 1:05am

Zero-Cool wrote: »

That fight should be epic but I wonder if it will be for the interim or real belt.

They wont strip Conor

Django99 · 15-01-2018 9:50am

https://twitter.com/mikebohnmma/status/952780491496673280

Zero-Cool · 15-01-2018 10:14am

xtal191 wrote: »

They wont strip Conor

I didn't think so either as they see him holding the belt having a higher stock value, more eyes when he does come back. But Django makes a good point, strip him and watch the motivation come back. He is not a champ champ, he is not even a champ anymore at that point, that might get him going, good for everyone involved.

Subcomandante Marcos · 15-01-2018 11:02am

If they don't it's a joke.

Mellor · 15-01-2018 11:37am

Conor being stripped adds legitimacy to Tonys belt, it also adds an element if Conor ever fights again.

Conor vrs Tony for the title he never lost, sells better than Tony vrs Conor for the title that should already be his.

No brainier for the UFC imo.

EagererBeaver · 15-01-2018 2:23pm

Defending an interim title while the full champion is, in theory, active would be nonsense.

From Ferguson's (and most reasonable people's) point of view, there are two options. McGregor defends against him or McGregor is stripped, he's promoted and he fights Khabib for the belt. The belts and rankings mean comparatively little and McGregor will always be the cash cow, but making Khabib-Ferguson without stripping McGregor would be a joke, as would bypassing Ferguson and making McGregor-Khabib as some have suggested.

dulux99 · 15-01-2018 9:34pm

Did anyone else listen to Tyron Woodley on the JRE? Jesus I thought the long, free flowing style of JRE might suit him and I might hear a new side to him but I dislike him even more now. The man is a gimp. He's bitter, insecure, and does nothing but whinge. All he did was whinge that he's not a bigger star than he is.

Rogan continually pulled him on it aswell and he was just oblivious to how much or a whingey little b*tch he was.

Useful.Idiot · 16-01-2018 11:21am

dulux99 wrote: »

Did anyone else listen to Tyron Woodley on the JRE? Jesus I thought the long, free flowing style of JRE might suit him and I might hear a new side to him but I dislike him even more now. The man is a gimp. He's bitter, insecure, and does nothing but whinge. All he did was whinge that he's not a bigger star than he is.

Rogan continually pulled him on it as well and he was just oblivious to how much or a whingey little b*tch he was.

Like I said a few pages back I thought the opposite and thought he came across well, and I usually have no time for him. The whinging was a bit too much at times but I think Joe was a bit harsh on him at times too. He's definitely not as respected as Joe thinks he is and Dana throwing him under the bus a couple of times, while that's part of what makes Dana Dana, is still not good promotion-wise to be talking down one of your current champions.

It gets a lot better after the first half hour. I more enjoyed the insight into how he prepares for fights and how he breaks down his opponents skills and strengths.

John_D80 · 16-01-2018 12:24pm

Useful.Idiot wrote: »

Like I said a few pages back I thought the opposite and thought he came across well, and I usually have no time for him. The whinging was a bit too much at times but I think Joe was a bit harsh on him at times too. He's definitely not as respected as Joe thinks he is and Dana throwing him under the bus a couple of times, while that's part of what makes Dana Dana, is still not good promotion-wise to be talking down one of your current champions.

It gets a lot better after the first half hour. I more enjoyed the insight into how he prepares for fights and how he breaks down his opponents skills and strengths.

Totally agree. Very enjoyable listening from about 30-40 mins onward.

Totally changed my opinion of him.

dulux99 · 16-01-2018 12:32pm

I actually only got about 40 minutes into it to be honest cos I couldn't be arsed with him. I'll finish it out this evening

Mellor · 16-01-2018 12:37pm

No interest in listening to Woodley whinge.
Danaher on JRE for me later

jcd5971 · 16-01-2018 3:22pm

Mellor wrote: »

No interest in listening to Woodley whinge.
Danaher on JRE for me later

danaher

my god his voice is so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so boring

I think he is literally a cure for insomnia

ricero · 16-01-2018 4:19pm

I found the woodley interview with rogan very interesting. The way woodley studies his opponents in such detail was fascinating.

Think woodley is an extremely underatted fighter by many fans in the mma world.

EagererBeaver · 16-01-2018 4:47pm

People are overstating the Woodley whinging. For a start, over the course of a long podcast, it goes on for a few mins. Secondly, he's not whinging. He says he's not liked, isn't prepared to do the kind of **** Colby Covington is, thinks it's a bit mad that being the champion of the world isn't enough to get him respect and dollars, doesn't understand why he, as champ, should jump through hoops or play the clown.

Thought it was thoroughly enjoyable and a real insight into his camps and approach to fighting.

Lukker- · 16-01-2018 6:11pm

I like Woodley, can't stand Danaher. Woodley is definitely underappreciated, but I think he could legit challenge GSP's record. The man know's how to game plan, and up until recently was extremely active. I'd love to see him and GSP fight, but it won't happen because I don't think GSP thinks he can win.

Danaher is so full of himself, was painful listening to him try and take credit for nearly everything post GSP victory so I'll skip his interview.

Beersmith · 16-01-2018 6:40pm

Lukker- wrote: »

I like Woodley, can't stand Danaher. Woodley is definitely underappreciated, but I think he could legit challenge GSP's record. The man know's how to game plan, and up until recently was extremely active. I'd love to see him and GSP fight, but it won't happen because I don't think GSP thinks he can win.

Danaher is so full of himself, was painful listening to him try and take credit for nearly everything post GSP victory so I'll skip his interview.

You talking about the same Woodley who didn't fight for a year and a half until he got a title shot after he had a two fight winning streak (one of which wasn't even a welterweight contest and a split decision)

mailburner · 16-01-2018 6:56pm

I'm a bit surprised woodley is still champ especially when he was outclassed by rory mac
he got his tactics spot on for wonderboy and maia so credit to him for that and he can put anyone away with one punch which robbie found out.
I'm not a fan but similar to gsp he's winning ugly.

He will struggle with a more rounded fighter like dos anjos imo or the likes of usman who's going places.
I'm not sure how colby will fare out and he gets hit far too easily.

Lukker- · 16-01-2018 7:05pm

Beersmith wrote: »

You talking about the same Woodley who didn't fight for a year and a half until he got a title shot after he had a two fight winning streak (one of which wasn't even a welterweight contest and a split decision)

He was promised one, and he made them stick to their word? So what, more fighters should have a backbone.

His title run including Lawler saw him fight at UFC 201, 205, 209 and 214. More or less every four months. He would have fought more recently had their been an actual challenger.

Useful.Idiot · 16-01-2018 7:05pm

Him v Rory was over three years ago. He's too strong and skilled to be out-wrestled and while he has shown weakness to pressure in the past he's one of the most dangerous people in the sport to back up against the cage. The speed he can cover distance to land that big right accurately is insane. I think anyone who doesn't have the striking credentials of Wonderboy is going to get knocked out pretty quick. I would love if RDA beat him but can't see it happening.

mailburner · 16-01-2018 7:19pm

Useful.Idiot wrote: »

Him v Rory was over three years ago. He's too strong and skilled to be out-wrestled and while he has shown weakness to pressure in the past he's one of the most dangerous people in the sport to back up against the cage. The speed he can cover distance to land that big right accurately is insane. I think anyone who doesn't have the striking credentials of Wonderboy is going to get knocked out pretty quick. I would love if RDA beat him but can't see it happening.

I think if rda can employ the same tactics as against robbie he could outwork woodley for five.

I never thought back then he would be good enough to be where he is, looked very good but then lost against jake by doing nothing and not pulling the trigger.
He has improved so much no doubt about that though.

Beersmith · 16-01-2018 7:40pm

I appreciate his skills but he ultimately is a super cautious boring fighter.

Zero-Cool · 16-01-2018 9:06pm

This would be amazing if true, I don't think 1 person would disagree, unless you were the man himself.

Supposed to be announced during broadcast of 220, if true.

https://twitter.com/SandhuMMA/status/953347766066937856

DrPhilG · 16-01-2018 9:08pm

Which would mean that even if Conor returned and fought the winner, he would continue the dubious honour of never having defended a belt.

dashoonage · 16-01-2018 9:24pm

DrPhilG wrote: »

Which would mean that even if Conor returned and fought the winner, he would continue the dubious honour of never having defended a belt.

And also the first person to be stripped in two divisions.

Zero-Cool · 16-01-2018 9:27pm

If he does get stripped, I'm blaming the EA cover curse. Game releases 2nd Feb with Conor on the cover holding 2 belts. Game could release with him having no belts!

ricero · 16-01-2018 9:32pm

I will be delighted if its true. Shocking how he has held up two divisions during his time in the UFC.

For me he is not a true champion. A true champion defends his belt. Obviously doesn't fancy any of tony or khabib and is chasing the money fights.

Beersmith · 16-01-2018 9:42pm

Lukker- wrote: »

He was promised one, and he made them stick to their word? So what, more fighters should have a backbone.

His title run including Lawler saw him fight at UFC 201, 205, 209 and 214. More or less every four months. He would have fought more recently had their been an actual challenger.

That run you call is 2 fights in 2016 and 2 in 2017 hardly the most active.

mailburner · 16-01-2018 9:53pm

Beersmith wrote: »

That run you call is 2 fights in 2016 and 2 in 2017 hardly the most active.

to be fair that is 4 fights between 31/7/16 to 29/7/17

can't argue with that and I can't remember too many champs having 3 title defences within a 9 month period

Subcomandante Marcos · 16-01-2018 10:09pm

Beersmith wrote: »

That run you call is 2 fights in 2016 and 2 in 2017 hardly the most active.

It was 4 fights in 12 months before he tore his labrum in the first round of the 4th fight and had surgery and rehab.

Before the Lawler fight he "sat out" because at first nobody would fight him and then they made his fight with Big Rig a "winner gets a title fight" contest, and Woodley made them promise that if Hendricks didn't make weight he (woodley) would still get a crack at the belt.
Hendricks missed weight spectacularly, and then the UFC did what they always do and ****ed him over and booked Robbie vs Condit. They tried to book Tyron to fight someone else but he rightly told them to go and jump, he was promised a title fight.

He then went out and took Lawler's soul in less than half a round 6 months later. Then he defended his title 3 times, making it 4 fights in 12 months almost to the day.

Since July he's been injured, in rehab and there hasn't been a clear contender. Wonderboy is still #1 contender but he's already failed twice so he goes to the back of the queue, RDA's on a come up but only relatively recently, Covington is just a hypebeast and doesn't deserve a shot yet.

Right now the only really clear contender is RDA, who just fought a 5 round war a months ago. Byt the time he's ready to go again so will Woodley.

Mellor · 16-01-2018 11:02pm

Danaher sounds like a serial killer, and comes across as a narcissist at times. But from a grappling perspective he is phenomenal imo.

Paully D · 16-01-2018 11:23pm

We’ll never see Conor fight in the UFC again if/when he gets stripped IMO.

thewheel2.0 · 16-01-2018 11:31pm

Paully D wrote: »

We’ll never see Conor fight in the UFC again if/when he gets stripped IMO.

That's definitely possible, he could be pissed.

On the other hand Dana could be selling it to him by saying "think of the publicity and how big the comeback fight would be".

Paully D · 17-01-2018 12:05am

thewheel2.0 wrote: »

That's definitely possible, he could be pissed.

On the other hand Dana could be selling it to him by saying "think of the publicity and how big the comeback fight would be".

I just don’t think he has the motivation any more if he gets stripped nor will he have the willingness to do anything to help the UFC going forward.

He’s set for life now financially and in terms of his legacy will always be able to claim that he never legitimately lost his belts which will get heightened as the years go on.

If he came back there’s a very strong possibility he would lose to Khabib or Tony.

Maybe he’ll box again to keep the competitive juices ticking over as he has nothing to lose there, but I reckon that’s it for Conor in the UFC now.

He did what he said he was wanting to do - he got in, he got rich, he got out.

ASOT · 17-01-2018 12:55am

Lads at the end of the day I love seeing him fight, the buzz is unreal on fight night. Id love to see him defend any sort of belt also, but I couldnt blame him if the sparks gone. Hes now pretty set, has had a child etc that changes your outlook now, why should he want to get hit in the head some more and risk some more cte. Get in, get rich, get out as paully said above.

Axwell · 17-01-2018 4:25am

Lads I know its news but you are fully aware there is a whole thread dedicated to talking about McGregor, there is no need to have the conversation flowing over here when it directly involves him. Keep it to the other thread.

Subcomandante Marcos · 17-01-2018 10:20am

Khabib has been flown back to the US and will be at the fights Saturday night. Expect an announcement at the press conference lads, they're not flying him back from Dagestan two weeks after his last fight so he can shake babies and kiss hands.

The Nal · 17-01-2018 10:42am

Thats great news. Conor vs the winner in the summer so.

Zero-Cool · 17-01-2018 11:08am

Anyone know where Tony will be this weekend?

billybonkers · 17-01-2018 11:11am

Zero-Cool wrote: »

Anyone know where Tony will be this weekend?

Racing speed boats

Django99 · 17-01-2018 11:52am

Subcomandante Marcos wrote: »

Khabib has been flown back to the US and will be at the fights Saturday night. Expect an announcement at the press conference lads, they're not flying him back from Dagestan two weeks after his last fight so he can shake babies and kiss hands.

While I also think we'll get an announcement this weekend, Khabib is cornering one of fighters on the undercard and is a teammate of DC so I wouldn't be guaranteeing it based on his presence there.

dashoonage · 17-01-2018 12:08pm

billybonkers wrote: »

Racing speed boats

wa hey!

Zero-Cool · 17-01-2018 1:01pm

billybonkers wrote: »

Racing speed boats

Had to Google that, fair play Tony

Zero-Cool · 17-01-2018 2:25pm

Can't put it any better than Mike says himself about not wanting to fight Vitor in London "I don't want to be remembered as a dickhead, he will bring that side out of me"

https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/1/17/16900154/morning-report-michael-bisping-no-vitor-belfort-bout-i-dont-want-to-be-remembered-for-being-a-d-ck

The Nal · 17-01-2018 2:29pm

Zero-Cool wrote: »

Can't put it any better than Mike says himself about not wanting to fight Vitor in London "I don't want to be remembered as a dickhead, he will bring that side out of me"

https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/1/17/16900154/morning-report-michael-bisping-no-vitor-belfort-bout-i-dont-want-to-be-remembered-for-being-a-d-ck

Dead right, good stuff from Bisping calling out the drug cheats.

billybonkers · 17-01-2018 5:39pm

So Tony v Khabib has been confirmed

https://www.reddit.com/r/MMA/comment..._that_tony_vs/

Interview just happened on Toucher and Rich on 98.5 The Sports Hub. They usually post clips of their interviews fairly quickly, so it can be found here once posted - https://tunein.com/radio/Toucher--Rich-p120067/

If you select the Dana White interview in the above link, it can be found at 23:40

Useful.Idiot · 17-01-2018 5:44pm

Time to get hyped again https://vimeo.com/206672563

General MMA Chat/News mk3 - **No Spoilers Use Event Threads**

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General MMA Chat/News mk3 - No Spoilers Use Event Threads