Cyborg has arrived

[drypowder]

UFC 214 and Cyborg is a UFC champion. Much credit to Evinger for taking the fight on short notice and up a weight class (and it showed - she looked positively pudgy vs a lean mean Cyborg), and absorbing a lot of punishment in taking it to the 3rd round against the woman who so intimidated the prior champ that de Randamie opted to surrender the belt rather than fight Cyborg.

Curious to see who will be the first to challenge Cyborg for the featherweight title.

 

[LizardKing]

McGregor v. Mayweather and Cyborg in the UFC... 2 things I never really thought would happen, but I'm glad it did.

 

[drypowder]

How about Jon Jones? He was very gracious after the fight, especially considering DC's behavior. Though DC might have been a little bit out of it, in addition to being beside himself with disappointment. If Jones can stay on the straight and narrow, he can dominate light heavyweight for a long time.

 

[LizardKing]

Yeah, if he can "keep his nose clean" and remain consistent he will definitely leave behind a legacy as one of the greatest ever.
How about GSP coming back to fight Bisping??

 

[Majicmike]

Jon jones is a bad man. Nothing else left to say about him. Don't really see anybody beating Chris cyborg either.

 

[drypowder]

How about GSP coming back to fight Bisping??

Is that going to be a welterweight fight or a middleweight title fight?

How about Tyron Woodley? He blocked so many takedown attempts by Maia that he should develop his own Dikembe Mutombo finger wag - at least that would give fans something to watch. But man, that dude does NOT skip leg day. Tough for a taller guy like Maia to take down a shorter guy with tree trunks for legs.

 

[LizardKing]

Middleweight. I didn't see the Woodley fight but evidently Dana wasn't impressed.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bl...s-st-pierre-back-on-for-tbd-date-ufc-mma-news

 

[Silver_Bullet]

Middleweight. I didn't see the Woodley fight but evidently Dana wasn't impressed.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bl...s-st-pierre-back-on-for-tbd-date-ufc-mma-news

That's the problem with UFC from a purist standpoint. Fighters can win and win and still not be rewarded with a title shot. They want it like WWE Wrestling, all about fighters taking risks and entertaining, not always the best and smartest fighters. Sure it's a boring fight for those who don't fully understand, but purists actually see the chess match when you have two equally skilled fighters. They make the money off of sluggers that take risks, thus why some fighters take a back seat that fight smart and careful against certain opponents.

 

[NKD]

That's the problem with UFC from a purist standpoint. Fighters can win and win and still not be rewarded with a title shot. They want it like WWE Wrestling, all about fighters taking risks and entertaining, not always the best and smartest fighters. Sure it's a boring fight for those who don't fully understand, but purists actually see the chess match when you have two equally skilled fighters. They make the money off of sluggers that take risks, thus why some fighters take a back seat that fight smart and careful against certain opponents.

THIS.

Woodley fought exactly how he should have fought to avoid being joked out by the guy who chokes everyone out and is probably the greatest BJJ guy we have ever seen.
So, he puts together the perfect fight plan, then he executes it perfectly........ Only to have to sh!tbag Dana White take to the airwaves to talk sh!t about it.
God, I wish somebody would punch him him the face and choke him unconscious. What a douche.

 

[Silver_Bullet]

THIS.

Woodley fought exactly how he should have fought to avoid being joked out by the guy who chokes everyone out and is probably the greatest BJJ guy we have ever seen.
So, he puts together the perfect fight plan, then he executes it perfectly........ Only to have to sh!tbag Dana White take to the airwaves to talk sh!t about it.
God, I wish somebody would punch him him the face and choke him unconscious. What a douche.

GSP is one of the great fighters, but hasn't fought in UFC in about 4 years after leaving the welterweight title due to personal reasons after he won a fight that he actually lost, and then an ACL kept him from returning, and now gets a title shot. What a crock for the other fighters and Woodly who won his bought and is an active top contender. He just gets leaped over all these fighters in a division he hasn't even held a title in.

 

[NKD]

GSP is one of the great fighters, but hasn't fought in UFC in about 4 years after leaving the welterweight title due to personal reasons after he won a fight that he actually lost, and then an ACL kept him from returning, and now gets a title shot. What a crock for the other fighters and Woodly who won his bought and is an active top contender. He just gets leaped over all these fighters in a division he hasn't even held a title in.

Oh man, I agree with this so much.
I think that Diaz and Hendricks took a few years off his life!

GSP fight: like watching paint dry.

 

[drypowder]

GSP is one of the great fighters, but hasn't fought in UFC in about 4 years after leaving the welterweight title due to personal reasons after he won a fight that he actually lost, and then an ACL kept him from returning, and now gets a title shot. What a crock for the other fighters and Woodly who won his bought and is an active top contender. He just gets leaped over all these fighters in a division he hasn't even held a title in.

Huh? Woodley is the welterweight champ. Are you saying that Woodley wanted to fight Bisping for the middleweight title?

 

[Silver_Bullet]

Huh? Woodley is the welterweight champ. Are you saying that Woodley wanted to fight Bisping for the middleweight title?

Woodley was supposed to be fighting GSP the former Welterweight champ who vacated, for the welterweight title. Would have been a big fight for Woodley. Even that wasn't fair to Woodley's challengers, but it was fairer then GSP getting the title shot for a division he never competed in. Yes Woodly challenged Bisping back in March 2017 to a UFC champs showdown special fight. Eitherway I don't see how GSP gets a title shot, and a chance at Bisping over Woodley. GSP's last fight was a loss where judges gave him a win. Woodley played a game of Chess and stuffed the takedowns of a good grappler, even though he was unable to land a KO shot. He fought a smart fight and didn't open himself up for a takedown and submission.

They might as well let all the old great fighters who retired or have been out for years fight the champs. It's BS for the guys trying to work there way up that are currently active. Dana White basically only wants Conner McGregors

 

[BowWow]

What weight class did Cyborg come down to?...... I haven't seen her in a while, and I'm guessing she used to be fairly lean at 160+.
Something with her weight class and some steroid test probably held her back for getting the UFC shot she deserved. She has possibly been the toughest MMA female for a while..... well before people knew who Rousey was.

 

[drypowder]

Woodley was supposed to be fighting GSP the former Welterweight champ who vacated, for the welterweight title. Would have been a big fight for Woodley. Even that wasn't fair to Woodley's challengers, but it was fairer then GSP getting the title shot for a division he never competed in. Yes Woodly challenged Bisping back in March 2017 to a UFC champs showdown special fight. Eitherway I don't see how GSP gets a title shot, and a chance at Bisping over Woodley. GSP's last fight was a loss where judges gave him a win. Woodley played a game of Chess and stuffed the takedowns of a good grappler, even though he was unable to land a KO shot. He fought a smart fight and didn't open himself up for a takedown and submission.

They might as well let all the old great fighters who retired or have been out for years fight the champs. It's BS for the guys trying to work there way up that are currently active. Dana White basically only wants Conner McGregors

OK, so GSP fighting anyone for a title is a crock. Between two crocks, is it so terrible that Dana chose to reward a guy who puts on a show vs a guy who is happy to fight a very boring fight? Keep rewarding guys who don't take any chances and you end up with a very boring product.

Of course Dana wants more McGregors. Is it Dana's fault that fans go nuts for McGregor, even to the point of paying $100 to watch him box? If fans went nuts for Woodley, Dana would do more to cater to him. Professional sports are in the business of entertainment, not some abstract, purist search for the best irrespective of what the fans want.

 

[Silver_Bullet]

OK, so GSP fighting anyone for a title is a crock. Between two crocks, is it so terrible that Dana chose to reward a guy who puts on a show vs a guy who is happy to fight a very boring fight? Keep rewarding guys who don't take any chances and you end up with a very boring product.

Of course Dana wants more McGregors. Is it Dana's fault that fans go nuts for McGregor, even to the point of paying $100 to watch him box? If fans went nuts for Woodley, Dana would do more to cater to him. Professional sports are in the business of entertainment, not some abstract, purist search for the best irrespective of what the fans want.

Agreed.

It's not about winning and who's the best. It's becoming more like wwe wrestling, promotions and trash talk and all to entertain. A lot of the respect is gone. It's more entertainment than the roots of mixed martial arts. Dana did a good job making it profitable by grabbing the fans from WWF wrestling that just wanted to see people knocked out or bloody. The original fans understand the fights and these draws. For me it peaked sometime around the Matt Hughes retirement. Been down hill since then, becoming like Wrestling or a Don King type promotion. Of course he wants McGregors in order to make money and feed the new blood thirty fans with shit talking.

Sad part is I can't even let my kids watch Mixed Martial Arts pre events due to language and lack of a good example of sportsmanship. It's gotten very far away from martial artists and fighters respectively testing one anothers skills. Tito Ortiz was the first one that had the mouth sort of like McGregor. I loved it when Machida and Randy Couture beat him.

 

[HMP]

Tito Ortiz was the first one that had the mouth sort of like McGregor. I loved it when Machida and Randy Couture beat him.

Reading your post and my mind went to Ortiz and his 'burial' after the ...crap, what was that guys name he fought a few times? Older guy, was in one of (if not THE) first UFC events and Tito and him fought two or three times in a row.



I do disagree with some of your post though: McGregor talks...A LOT, but after the fight is over he shows good sportsmanship to his opponents, like 99% of the UFC competitors do.
But, yes, the hype is what sells and Dana is a good businessman and is focusing on that.

 

[NKD]

OK, so GSP fighting anyone for a title is a crock. Between two crocks, is it so terrible that Dana chose to reward a guy who puts on a show vs a guy who is happy to fight a very boring fight? Keep rewarding guys who don't take any chances and you end up with a very boring product.

Of course Dana wants more McGregors. Is it Dana's fault that fans go nuts for McGregor, even to the point of paying $100 to watch him box? If fans went nuts for Woodley, Dana would do more to cater to him. Professional sports are in the business of entertainment, not some abstract, purist search for the best irrespective of what the fans want.

But Dana White is responsible for the whole hype train. Same as Rousey. He's the one that built the whole hype train.

It's not like he was over there saying nothing. He was over there doing everything to promote MacMouth, while other far more deserving fighters that are quietly working their asses off, and not complaining, and making 6G to fight, because Dana White has said that is how they must behave, are sitting on the side lines getting screwed, while MacMouth gets to act like the greatest MMA athlete that ever lived, which he is certainly not.

And, this boxing thing: Its shameless money grab. It screws everybody who has worked toward that belt. It says "screw you UFC fighters, we are gonna go over here and create a spectacle and make millions and you dumbasses can sit there and watch. To actual MMA fans, it is universally abhorred. It only makes sense to the new fans that have come in riding that Mac/Rousey hype train, and really don't have any idea who is in the division. Because they don't watch fights. They watch the big promoted circus fights a couple times a year.

 

[drypowder]

But Dana White is responsible for the whole hype train. Same as Rousey. He's the one that built the whole hype train.

It's not like he was over there saying nothing. He was over there doing everything to promote MacMouth, while other far more deserving fighters that are quietly working their asses off, and not complaining, and making 6G to fight, because Dana White has said that is how they must behave, are sitting on the side lines getting screwed, while MacMouth gets to act like the greatest MMA athlete that ever lived, which he is certainly not.

Dana promoted Mac because he knew Mac could become a huge draw. He could have promoted Woodley or Aldo or any number of other fighters similarly, but he doesn't. He's been at this long enough to know who has the potential to become a big draw.

To say Mac is all Dana's doing is saying Dana could have made Woodley as big a star as Mac. Do you really think the style Woodley used against Maia is ever going to have mass fan appeal just because Dana is promoting it?

And, this boxing thing: Its shameless money grab. It screws everybody who has worked toward that belt. It says "screw you UFC fighters, we are gonna go over here and create a spectacle and make millions and you dumbasses can sit there and watch. To actual MMA fans, it is universally abhorred. It only makes sense to the new fans that have come in riding that Mac/Rousey hype train, and really don't have any idea who is in the division. Because they don't watch fights. They watch the big promoted circus fights a couple times a year.

Of course it's a money grab. I'm the one who suggested that everyone boycott this fight. And you yourself said you'd probably watch it. And then you complain about the UFC crapping on its fans! If even longtime fans like you are willing to reward Dana for this spectacle, how can you blame him for arranging this farce?

 

[HMP]

And, this boxing thing: Its shameless money grab. It screws everybody who has worked toward that belt. It says "screw you UFC fighters, we are gonna go over here and create a spectacle and make millions and you dumbasses can sit there and watch. To actual MMA fans, it is universally abhorred. It only makes sense to the new fans that have come in riding that Mac/Rousey hype train, and really don't have any idea who is in the division. Because they don't watch fights. They watch the big promoted circus fights a couple times a year.

I dont see it as Dana saying "screw you UFC fighters..."
UFC is still going on, he just spent a few days traveling with Mac on these promotion tour stops.

 

[NKD]

Dana promoted Mac because he knew Mac could become a huge draw. He could have promoted Woodley or Aldo or any number of other fighters similarly, but he doesn't. He's been at this long enough to know who has the potential to become a big draw.

To say Mac is all Dana's doing is saying Dana could have made Woodley as big a star as Mac. Do you really think the style Woodley used against Maia is ever going to have mass fan appeal just because Dana is promoting it?

First part, a lot of truth to that. Conor deserves much more credit than I gave him in first post, and that is a solid point. He sells himself.
But he has to have a pulpit. Dana gave him one to use however he wants. Other fighters of course did not get this.

The bold part: this is where you go off the rails.

YES.
In pro football, pro tennis, pro any other sport: A win is a win. A W is what matters. Nobody gives a shit what you do to beat the Patriots, onlt that you beat the Patriots.
Woodley fought a perfect fight. Doing it any other way and he gets choked out. Period. He isn't stupid. Why would he give up the belt and become a nobody? It's a ridiculous notion. He WON THE FIGHT.
What does Dana do? He shits on him for a perfect fight plan. Because Dana has a personal problem with him.

Woodleys "style" is counterpunching somebodys head off their shoulders. But Maia ONLY THROWS PUNCHES AS COVER FOR HIS TAKEDOWN. So, he wants you to counter so he can get under your counter and take you down and smother you.
Have you watched any of Maia's fights? You think those are exciting?

Take a look at this:

Maia chokes you out or lays and prays to a decision. Thats it. He has never knocked any anybody out. The idea that the champ needs to go in there and start winging punches is dumb.

Tyron wants to remain champ, because if he looses, Dana will kick him to the curb with the quickness. This seems so apparent.

Of course it's a money grab. I'm the one who suggested that everyone boycott this fight. And you yourself said you'd probably watch it. And then you complain about the UFC crapping on its fans! If even longtime fans like you are willing to reward Dana for this spectacle, how can you blame him for arranging this farce?

I am a lifelong boxing fan and have been an MMA fan since the 80's, so yeah of course I am going to watch it!

That doesn't mean it is good for the fighters waiting and working toward the title!

I'd watch it if it were Payton Manning fighting Floyd. But that doesn't mean I think it would be okay to suspend the superbowl and make the entire NFL wait around why Payton decides WWF wrestling is really where he needs to focus some energy!

 

[drypowder]

First part, a lot of truth to that. Conor deserves much more credit than I gave him in first post, and that is a solid point. He sells himself.
But he has to have a pulpit. Dana gave him one to use however he wants. Other fighters of course did not get this.

OK, so let's imagine Dana gives Jose Aldo the pulpit to sell himself. Try not to fall asleep.

The bold part: this is where you go off the rails.

YES.
In pro football, pro tennis, pro any other sport: A win is a win. A W is what matters. Nobody gives a shit what you do to beat the Patriots, onlt that you beat the Patriots.
Woodley fought a perfect fight. Doing it any other way and he gets choked out. Period. He isn't stupid. Why would he give up the belt and become a nobody? It's a ridiculous notion. He WON THE FIGHT.

Sure, I agree that Woodley fought the perfect fight. He knew exactly what Maia was going to do and he was ready to defend it, and was content to rack up points by punishing Maia when he closed in for takedown attempts, and not taking any risks. Perfect fight plan. But also, boring fight plan.

What does Dana do? He shits on him for a perfect fight plan. Because Dana has a personal problem with him.

I have no idea what Dana's personal relationship with Woodley is. But I do know that Dana heard the same boos from the fans that I heard.

Woodleys "style" is counterpunching somebodys head off their shoulders. But Maia ONLY THROWS PUNCHES AS COVER FOR HIS TAKEDOWN. So, he wants you to counter so he can get under your counter and take you down and smother you.
Have you watched any of Maia's fights? You think those are exciting?

Yep, have watched several Maia fights and no, I don't think his style is exciting. But he was the one pushing the action against Woodley.

The idea that the champ needs to go in there and start winging punches is dumb.

Tyron wants to remain champ, because if he looses, Dana will kick him to the curb with the quickness. This seems so apparent.

I think you misunderstand. Woodley doesn't need to be aggressive and take chances when playing defense is going to get him a win by decision. I totally get that, and I would do the same if I were him. But there are consequences to that choice when it bores the fans.

I am a lifelong boxing fan and have been an MMA fan since the 80's, so yeah of course I am going to watch it!

That doesn't mean it is good for the fighters waiting and working toward the title!

I'd watch it if it were Payton Manning fighting Floyd. But that doesn't mean I think it would be okay to suspend the superbowl and make the entire NFL wait around why Payton decides WWF wrestling is really where he needs to focus some energy!

If you are going to watch this spectacle, I don't see how you have a leg to stand on when complaining about the UFC organizing this farce. Incentivize something and you will get more of it. If the fans rejected this BS, we'd have Mac defending his title instead of freelancing as a boxer.

 

[NKD]

OK, so let's imagine Dana gives Jose Aldo the pulpit to sell himself. Try not to fall asleep.

Fall asleep? This ain't Damian Maia. The Aldo pulpit is the octagon. His record speaks for itself.

Sure, I agree that Woodley fought the perfect fight. He knew exactly what Maia was going to do and he was ready to defend it, and was content to rack up points by punishing Maia when he closed in for takedown attempts, and not taking any risks. Perfect fight plan. But also, boring fight plan.
I have no idea what Dana's personal relationship with Woodley is. But I do know that Dana heard the same boos from the fans that I heard.
Yep, have watched several Maia fights and no, I don't think his style is exciting. But he was the one pushing the action against Woodley.
I think you misunderstand. Woodley doesn't need to be aggressive and take chances when playing defense is going to get him a win by decision. I totally get that, and I would do the same if I were him. But there are consequences to that choice when it bores the fans.

No, there isn't "consequences". He's got the title dude! THAT is the "consequence" of how he fought Maia. He won.
Who cares if the meatheads boo because they want to see a KO? Not all the fans booed. Just the dumb ones.
I understand perfectly why Woodley did what he did: he's paid to win. If he losses he is screwed.

It's Maia's fault the fight is boring, not Woodleys. He 's the challenger. He's the lay and prayer. He's the one trick pony (don't get me wrong, he's a legend).

If you are going to watch this spectacle, I don't see how you have a leg to stand on when complaining about the UFC organizing this farce. Incentivize something and you will get more of it. If the fans rejected this BS, we'd have Mac defending his title instead of freelancing as a boxer.

First off, lets go ahead and dispense with the "fans" believing or doing anything as if ALL FANS somehow agree on everything. Thats laughable. Many, many fans do reject it. I reject shooting people, but if someone puts up a video saying "people getting shot" I might click on it. Doesn't mean I support wanton murder, means I clicked to see a spectacle. A human condition maybe?

I have every leg to stand on. I can watch it and talk all the shit I want. It's not good for MMA, imo. If you think it is: thats fine. I disagree.

I also thought the cheating Patriots were bad for football, doesn't mean I am gonna fall on my sword and never watch another football game.
The idea that if you watch something, you are somehow responsible for it is a bit of a stretch, lol.

 

[drypowder]

Fall asleep? This ain't Damian Maia. The Aldo pulpit is the octagon. His record speaks for itself.

OK, you're changing the metric. Never said Aldo wasn't an exciting fighter. My point is that Aldo isn't in the same league of fight promotion that Mac is. If we're talking about inside the octagon, Mac's record speaks for itself as well. Exciting fighter and simultaneous holder of titles in two weight classes. But that isn't the original point.

No, there isn't "consequences". He's got the title dude! THAT is the "consequence" of how he fought Maia. He won.

The consequence is that while he retains his belt, he doesn't get the GSP fight.

Who cares if the meatheads boo because they want to see a KO? Not all the fans booed. Just the dumb ones.

The UFC cares. It's in the business of entertainment.

I understand perfectly why Woodley did what he did: he's paid to win. If he losses he is screwed.

Covered ad nauseam at this point.

It's Maia's fault the fight is boring, not Woodleys. He 's the challenger. He's the lay and prayer. He's the one trick pony (don't get me wrong, he's a legend).

Maia was pressing the action. Woodley could have taken some risks and ended the fight, but chose not to do so for perfectly understandable reasons. So Woodley gets the blame - also understandable.

First off, lets go ahead and dispense with the "fans" believing or doing anything as if ALL FANS somehow agree on everything. Thats laughable.

Generalizations have value. That there are exceptions to every generalization is well understood.

I have every leg to stand on. I can watch it and talk all the shit I want. It's not good for MMA, imo. If you think it is: thats fine. I disagree.

I don't think it's good for MMA; it's why I suggested fans boycott the fight.

The idea that if you watch something, you are somehow responsible for it is a bit of a stretch, lol.

Again, incentivize something and you'll get more of it. Pretty simple, no?

This fight has the potential to exceed Mayweather v Pacquiao; if so the fans will have voted with their dollars, ensuring that we will get more circus fights, resulting in more opportunities taken away from contenders.

 

[NKD]

OK, you're changing the metric. Never said Aldo wasn't an exciting fighter. My point is that Aldo isn't in the same league of fight promotion that Mac is. If we're talking about inside the octagon, Mac's record speaks for itself as well. Exciting fighter and simultaneous holder of titles in two weight classes. But that isn't the original point.

The consequence is that while he retains his belt, he doesn't get the GSP fight.

The UFC cares. It's in the business of entertainment.

Covered ad nauseam at this point.

Maia was pressing the action. Woodley could have taken some risks and ended the fight, but chose not to do so for perfectly understandable reasons. So Woodley gets the blame - also understandable.

Generalizations have value. That there are exceptions to every generalization is well understood.

I don't think it's good for MMA; it's why I suggested fans boycott the fight.

Again, incentivize something and you'll get more of it. Pretty simple, no?

All good points. Of course, comparing an English speaker to an Portugese (sp) speaker is unfair in a sport where promotion is mostly in English.
Fight promotion should not be a factor in who is given fights for the belt.
Imagine if NFL football became all about game promotion? Golf? Tennis? Only the big shit talkers get in! They would never in a million years have that happen in those sports because it would cheapen and dilute the soprt. Those sports are dominated by those who are the best, not by those that talk the best.

On "pressing the action". In MMA, you only get points for punches, kicks, takedowns, etc. If you spend the whole fight looking for a takedown, and you fail to get it, you don't score points for "trying". Only for actually doing it. If you "press the action" in the super bowl but lose 34-0..... what happens? Nothing. You lose.
The guys who won are the Champions until next year. Just like Tyron Woodley is the Champion until next fight. Being a data type guy, I am surprised by your take on that.

But ultimately, it seems we agree on the main idea here: it's not good for MMA.

At the end of the day, it's gonna happen. Can't beat them? Join them. I am going to watch it and pull for Mac. Despite my whines, it's gonna be interesting and in a way it harkens back to the early MMA days where we saw a lot of differing fighting styles. It will be fun to watch. And, after reading some comments by Malignaggi, he seem to more impressed with Mac than he originally thought. So I am going to watch it and enjoy it. Doesn't mean I think it's good for the guys waiting in line.

 

[drypowder]

Imagine if NFL football became all about game promotion? Golf? Tennis? Only the big shit talkers get in! They would never in a million years have that happen in those sports because it would cheapen and dilute the soprt. Those sports are dominated by those who are the best, not by those that talk the best.

Football, for example, is a mostly formulaic sport in terms of the matchups. But even football has made many changes over the years to draw in viewers. Hard to argue that Thursday night games, or even Monday night games, are good for the players or the purity of the game. And today's NFL is very different from a couple of decades ago in terms of the pass/rush mix - again, to draw in viewers.

Even baseball with all its hallowed records is planning on changes to drive viewership.

So if even a formulaic sport is willing to change their rules to appeal to fans, how can we not expect the far more discretionary sport of MMA to take advantage of that discretion to increase viewership? Does it cheapen the sport, is the UFC selling out? Maybe, but I am reminded of Lars Ulrich's reaction to criticism that Metallica were sellouts with The Black Album - something along the lines of, "Yeah, we are selling out every arena we play in."

 

[NKD]

Football, for example, is a mostly formulaic sport in terms of the matchups. But even football has made many changes over the years to draw in viewers. Hard to argue that Thursday night games, or even Monday night games, are good for the players or the purity of the game. And today's NFL is very different from a couple of decades ago in terms of the pass/rush mix - again, to draw in viewers.

Even baseball with all its hallowed records is planning on changes to drive viewership.

So if even a formulaic sport is willing to change their rules to appeal to fans, how can we not expect the far more discretionary sport of MMA to take advantage of that discretion to increase viewership? Does it cheapen the sport, is the UFC selling out? Maybe, but I am reminded of Lars Ulrich's reaction to criticism that Metallica had sold out with The Black Album - something along the lines of, "Yeah, we are selling out every arena we play in."

I'd be totally down for rule changes. First up: 12:00 elbow rule should go. Next, no knees to grounded opponents should go. Etc etc.

But that is not at all what we were talking about. We're talking about Payton make everyone in his NFL division wait while he goes and plays Roger Federer a match in tennis.

 

[drypowder]

But that is not at all what we were talking about. We're talking about Payton make everyone in his NFL division wait while he goes and plays Roger Federer a match in tennis.

I get it. Not sure what more there is to say about it. We both dislike the idea, but you are voting for it (in the way that fans vote) and I'm suggesting people boycott it.

 

[NKD]

I get it. Not sure what more there is to say about it. We both dislike the idea, but you are voting for it (in the way that fans vote) and I'm suggesting people boycott it.

Good luck with that! I appreciate the sentiment very much. Maybe I'll come to your place and we can watch fight night reruns instead!

 

[drypowder]

Good luck with that! I appreciate the sentiment very much. Maybe I'll come to your place and we can watch fight night reruns instead!

LOL. When you put it that way, my boycott of one does seem a bit ridiculous.

 

[NKD]

LOL. When you put it that way, my boycott of one does seem a bit ridiculous.

The confusing thing to me is that if I were to imagine anybody who would grab the popcorn to watch a crazy spectacle it would be you!

 

[drypowder]

Jon Jones tested positive for steroids in his title win. http://www.tmz.com/2017/08/22/jon-j...test-steroids-ufc-214-cormier-title-stripped/

Jones will now go through the disciplinary process and his title could be stripped, which would make the fight a "no contest" and the title would go back to Cormier.

So I guess all that talk about him maturing and turning things around was just talk.

 

[Bocephus]

His camp is in shock over this result. Shocked because they thought they had a new steroid that they thought the tests wouldn't hit on.

 

[drypowder]

His camp is in shock over this result. Shocked because they thought they had a new steroid that they thought the tests wouldn't hit on.

Indeed. It is hard to believe he was taking steroids without anyone in his camp knowing.

His last ban was for 1 year. This one could be significantly longer. If so, by the time he's eligible to return, he may not be the dominant talent in the light heavyweight division.

 

[Bocephus]

Indeed. It is hard to believe he was taking steroids without anyone in his camp knowing.

His last ban was for 1 year. This one could be significantly longer. If so, by the time he's eligible to return, he may not be the dominant talent in the light heavyweight division.

Sources are saying that this suspension could be for up to 4 years. And there is a strong possibility of the USADA testing previous samples to see if they test positive. With all of his natural talent, I am shocked that he felt he needed an enhancement to compete.

https://mma-today.com/t-is-for-turinabol

 

[HMP]

Hate seeing folks with so much talent and luck (yes, luck plays into these things too), and they piss it away (no pun intended) on steroids or illegal drugs [in reference to all athletes, not just mma]

 

[Bocephus]

Indeed. It is hard to believe he was taking steroids without anyone in his camp knowing.

His last ban was for 1 year. This one could be significantly longer. If so, by the time he's eligible to return, he may not be the dominant talent in the light heavyweight division.

As suspected, his b sample came back positive. USADA is sayin that he could face a 4 yr ban. It is being reported that he popped for a metabolite of the steroid, which means it "may" have been unintentional. After getting busted at least once before for "unintentional" steroid use, how lazy (or arrogant) to you have to be to not make 100% sure whatever you are ingesting is compliant as a professional athlete?

 

[drypowder]

After getting busted at least once before for "unintentional" steroid use, how lazy (or arrogant) to you have to be to not make 100% sure whatever you are ingesting is compliant as a professional athlete?

Or you perceive the benefits are too great to forego. PED's are a game changer at the elite level of sports; especially with regards to training and recovery in a sport like MMA; maybe Jones figured it would be out of his system if he stopped X days prior to testing. We all think Jones would beat DC without PED's, but maybe Jones himself wasn't so sure.

I guess DC gets reinstated as champ. Poor guy - he's been holding/defending the LH title for what, two years, and his entire reign* has been in the shadow of Jon Jones.

* It even sounds weird to refer to it as his 'reign' because of the presence of JJ, even though it would not seem weird to refer to the reign of Rousey, Aldo, Mighty Mouse Johnson, Joanna J, or anyone else who has held a division title for a long time.

 

[NKD]

I actually now think that DC would handle him if he weren't juicing.

When they started a serious PED testing program, half the fighters never won another fight. No more epic "comebacks" by 30 somethings (Talking to you Lawler).
It was fairly obvious how much it affected the sport.

Just can't believe how cocky and arrogant this dumba$$ is. He already showed his lack of character in running into a prego and coming back to save....... his bag of weed, before running off like a coward.

Had such high hopes for him when I first saw him fight. Meh. I hope he gets a lifetime ban. Screw cheaters.

Pic pre roids:

 

[Bocephus]

Or you perceive the benefits are too great to forego. PED's are a game changer at the elite level of sports; especially with regards to training and recovery in a sport like MMA; maybe Jones figured it would be out of his system if he stopped X days prior to testing. We all think Jones would beat DC without PED's, but maybe Jones himself wasn't so sure.

Maybe. But all it would take is a quick Google search to find that this metabolite stays in the body for 45-60 days. His pre-fight test taken at the beginning of July was clean, so he took it after that test and before the fight, so no way his test was coming back clean. PEDs are a game changer but, with testing getting better at catching the designer drugs/new cheat methods, it comes back to either being too lazy to cheat intelligently or too arrogant to care about the consequences, IMO