Post-UFC 83 Thoughts And Commentary [Editorial]
First off, I think Kenny Florian should fill in for Joe Rogan as much as the UFC will allow it. His fight commentary was spot on and he effortlessly managed to make Mike Goldberg (who to my amusement he called “Goldieâ€) sound foolish several times- always a treat.
Anyhow, UFC 83 answered a lot of questions so lets get right to it.
Is Matt Serra actually capable of hanging with George St. Pierre?
Absolutely not. While the fight did not end in the fashion I imagined, GSP nonetheless disposed of Serra like he had no business being in the cage with him, which he probably doesn’t. Though to be fair, GSP immediately went in for takedowns on Serra and definitely did not want to engage in a standing war with the much shorter opponent. That speaks volumes.
Did Serra at least go down with some class?
To the surprise of some, Matt Serra did in fact lose humbly and gracefully, even going above and beyond by hoisting St. Pierre over his shoulder and raising his hand as the “true champion.†Everyone loves GSP, but you have to respect Serra for his post-fight class. Additionally both St. Pierre and Serra said after the bout that most of the “trash talk” was just ammunition to help hype the fight, which is probably accurate.
So what’s next?
For Matt Serra, the UFC should have him stay at 170lbs long enough to make the Matt Hughes fight happen, then send the guy back to lightweight where I think he belongs. While Serra would surely have his work cut out for him with the 155lb clan, he’d still travel a smoother road as a standard sized light-weight rather than an undersized welterweight.
For George St. Pierre, its back to good old fashion title defenses. First up would be Jon Fitch, and then who knows. This time around I think its safe to say that GSP will hold on to the title for a while, and I really hope that people don’t start yammering on again about him moving up to fight Anderson Silva. Sure that’s a cool match to think about, but GSP has a lot of clutter to clean out before a bout with Anderson should even be considered.
Is Rich Franklin still Rich Franklin?
Yes, he’s still the guy who can likely beat everyone else in the middleweight division except for you know who. Not to take anything away from Rich’s performance, but Travis Lutter clearly gassed out- hard. In fact, it was one of the worst cases of cardio-crash I’ve ever seen inside the octagon. Lord only knows what could have happened if Lutter didn’t crap-out and managed to keep Franklin on his back. Perhaps Travis focused so much on making weight that he neglected to make sure that he could work for 15 minutes once he made the weight. Also I refuse to believe that Franklin “baited†Lutter by almost getting caught in a submission. That sounds ridiculous and Franklin should just admit that he almost got caught, escaped, and out worked Lutter. No need to make up stories in the post fight.
So what’s next?
For Franklin, he will have to keep beating people up at 185 until he gets his inevitable title shot yet again. Assuming Silva doesn’t lose the title before Franklin gets another crack at it, expect a future broken nose and knock out loss from Rich Franklin. Sorry Rich, but since you don’t plan to move up in weight or leave the UFC, its only a matter of time before The Spider puts his well documented hurting on you.
Expect Travis Lutter to be thrown into a random, un-televised middleweight undercard some time over the next few months. I don’t think the UFC will cut his contract short just yet, so if he can improve that cardio and prove himself against some of the other 185lb talent, he just might be able to hold on for a few more UFC pay days.
Is there anyone the UFC should “let go†(fire immediately!)?
Well as a matter of fact there is, and his name is Kalib Starnes. I don’t care how long Kalib has been with the UFC or how many respectful performances he has put on in the past. There is just no excuse for the disgraceful “running from the fight†strategy he utilized last night. Normally I’d frown upon the Frank Shamrock-esque antics which Nate Quarry showed off during the bout, but hey, there are exceptions to every rule. I think Quarry’s actions were damn well justified, and I actually applaud him for making it even more obvious that his opponent had not come to work that night. I also got a little kick out of his Rocky IV speech at the end there.
So what’s next?
For Kalib Starnes, a big bye-bye from the UFC. You just can’t market a guy after that kind of performance, and you shouldn’t have to.
For Nate Quarry, a decent opponent. Since his most recent fight wasn’t so much a fight as it was a battle to see who could circle the most without getting dizzy, I’d say the guy just needs a real fight and fast. Lets see what Quarry can do when his opponent isn’t in the middle of a non-violent protest against fighting.
Is Michael Bisping that much better suited at middleweight?
Absolutely. Though Charles McCarthy didn’t threaten Bisping a heck of a lot outside of an almost successful armbar attempt, Bisping still looked a world faster and more fluid in his 185lb debut. Not to mention the guy now has visible abs and muscle-cuts, something never seen from the Bisping we knew at 205lbs.
So what’s next?
For Bisping, simply another match at his new middleweight home against someone who will make the fight a lot closer than Charles McCarthy did. Maybe not someone on Rich Franklins level just yet, but perhaps a Patrick Cote or Chris Leben? I’d really like to see Bisping fight someone who will test his chin.
For Charles McCarthy, well since he’s supposed to be more of a ground guy, maybe he should be the undercard opponent for Travis Lutter’s next fight. Just a thought.
Is Mac Danzig the real deal?
Yes, he is. While Danzig is not in for any free rides in the 155-pound weight class, he does work a lot stronger at lightweight and may just find himself teetering in the LW top ten after a few more fights. Though in my opinion Danzig’s sprawl looked a little weak against Mark Bocek, I imagine it’s nothing a few months of mat-work can’t help remedy.
So what’s next?
For Danzig, I recommend a sit down with Joe Silva to pick out just the right opponent. Danzig needs to face a strong lightweight that will help prove his status among a very crowded division. A rematch against Kurt Pellegrino would be interesting, as would a match up against the growingly popular Nate Diaz, Gray Maynard, or Rich Clementi.
For Mark Bocek, well he was lucky enough to have a fight broadcast on a pay-per-view event, and I doubt next time he will be as fortunate. I expect Bocek to be another un-televised undercard fighter who may or may not be with the UFC much longer, since the LW division is so cramped.
Should any of the other undercard fights have been broadcast instead of Goulet-Hironaka?
Most would probably argue no, and that Jonathan Goulet’s knockout over Kuniyoshi Hironaka was sufficient post-main event icing. While I agree Goulet’s K.O. was great stuff, I would have liked to see Day vs. Belcher or Maia vs. Herman, as those matches hold a little more meaning and notability. I understand the UFC just wanted to show the most “entertaining” undercard regardless of who the fighters were, but honestly I would have preferred to see one of the matches I was more curious about. Plus I heard that Demian Maia’s submission was sick, would have been cool to see that.
All in all, a reasonably entertaining UFC pay-per-view that unfortunately gets dragged down a bit due to the now infamous Kalib Starnes shame-fest. UFC 83 went down pretty much as expected, which is usually a good thing for the promotion, but I expect UFC 84 to have a few more fireworks.
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1st off…I couldn’t disagree more with your point on florian….sure he may have been spot on at times with some play by play stuff…but rogan is a better talker…is voice is better for commentary….he does interviews better..etc.. there were times when florian was like frank mir on wec….wants to say something…but loses his train of thought for a sec…he wasnt terrble by anymeans…but i prefer, in my opinion, rogan,,,
Also…I dont know how you can state that mac danzig is the real deal after beating a no namer!! Come on…he had to go to the 3rd round to do it even…and was pretty much dominated in the 1st round!! Is he good?! Sure…is he the real deal!? Way too early to tell…he DOES have experience…but who has he fought in the UFC thats good?? No one….give him a good oppenent then we will see if he is for real!!
bang on man totaly agree id actualy like to see penn and st pierre one more time
GSP should consider what it’s like to be rolling with BJ Penn, with his hooks in, while he’s pounding on the side of your bleeding heading looking for the rear naked choke.
well i agree with you i would like to definatly see a danzig vs diaz. however i am more interested in bisping right now. I mean we all saw the speed that he had reguardless if mcarthy put up much of a standup fight. we already knew he was a talented striker but now he has the speed to go with it. i would definatly like to see him up against a much more talented fighter. perhaps nate quarry would be an exciting fight. as for serra he is damn lucky he had some serious class at the post fight because ive been saying with the rest of the world how LUCKY he was in the first fight. However i am glad the first fight went the way it did because of how strong that loss made GSP. so as a fan i thank you serra for your incredible night you had last april.
“Also I refuse to believe that Franklin “baited†Lutter by almost getting caught in a submission. That sounds ridiculous and Franklin should just admit that he almost got caught, escaped, and out worked Lutter. No need to make up stories in the post fight.”
Don’t believe Franklin was being serious to be honest with you. Just showing a bit of a sense of humour?
entirely possible raekwon, the comment could just as easily have been a quick comedic attempt. but I was only able to read the transcribed remarks, and have not yet seen a video of the post fight press conference, so for me the context was unclear at best.
well gsp did not go for the rear choke because he want to beat up matt a little it was vary vary obvious to see that — and on the Maia vs. Herman fight i wished that showed it but at lease we got to see the submission on the “submission of the night”
and franklin was not being serious it was a joke!
Bisping impressed me no end at 185. He was lighter on his feet but managed to maintain his devastating striking power. Reminded me of his early days in Cage Rage. I would not want to have been in McCarthy’s shoes when Bisping decided to go nuts with his knees.
Danzig has just about won me over i think. I didn’t like him for a while, mainly from watching him in the TUF house. During the show i think i made a sub-conscious decision that the man was “all-talk”, however after watching his flawless performance against Speer, followed up by this brilliant victory over Bocek, i think he does indeed belong in the Octagon.
Rich Franklin used to be my idol, until the spider came along and destroyed him. It was still nice to see him looking fierce against Lutter, but i think your right – he might never make the jump up to Silva’s standard. Titanium face-plates at the ready.
I well enjoyed this UFC, as much as i felt for Serra. It’s going to be interesting to see what actually happens for him next? The UFC will want to keep him, the fans love him. If he fights Hughes I think he will just be outclassed again and it will make him look like a poor competitor that got lucky.
fitch has very few ways to beat gsp.gsp is awesome at welterweight and has already beaten most of the best guys in the division with wins over karo,hughes,bj,sherk,koscheck and trigg.
As for franklin i feel a bit sorry for him as he is in my opinion the 2nd best mw in the ufc.i think he should fight henderson next and i think he would beat him as well.
well after UFC 83, i suppose congratulations are in order!!!
first off, congratulations to kalib starnes on his demonstration on how to train for the New York City marathon. you’ve got to have great cardio to be able to run that much in a fight. say goodbye starnes, trust me, you won’t be back!
nate quarry, i loved the rocky IV quote…PRICELESS!
congratulations to Bisping for beating an overweight middleweight who hasn’t fought in 16 MONTHS! McCarthy was right on point saying that michael bisping hasn’t fought beaten any REAL fighters yet…what McCarthy failed to mention was that he himself falls into that same category.
congratulations to travis lutter for being the first fighter ever to train for a 60-second fight. seriously, has anyone else ever gotten so gassed that quickly?
and last but not least, congratulations to matt serra for what fans now realize was the BIGGEST FLUKE IN UFC HISTORY last year when he knocked out gsp. i could not be more happy seeing someone get pounded than i was when he got torn apart. GSP, enjoy your title reign. you’re gonna be there for a while.
ok ill be honest with u i stopped reading after the first paragraph
kenny florian sucked on commentary
he was bland
repititive, dull had no banter with goldie whatso ever
they really miss the natural at times like this
why didnt they use rampage
he wouldve made a great colour analyst
i agree with everthing in this editorial n would like to see the suggested fights made in this editorial. I would really love to see in 2 years GSP vs Anderson Silva…great fight
I may be wrong here, but werent they supposed to talk about the new UFC game for xbox during this PPV??? I was actually really looking fwd to that!!
GSP smashed SERRA like i knew he would!!! now he will wipe out that division and be WW king for awhile until BJ PENN moves up for a rematch then its done for GSP!!! the QUARRY vs STARNES fight damn bra i wonder if STARNES realizes how silly he looked in that octagon im sure after watching himself he felt like a idiot the UFC better not invite his ass back to ever fight again
hey shane…why does rampage have to be the colour analyst?!?!
JK
And Hawaii – im sure you are just biased to BJ Penn bc that would be the only reason someone in their right mind would think Penn could beat GSP.. not going to happen…I think Fitch has a better chance at beating GSP than Penn..but by saying that…i still say fitch will get rolled by GSP….the only person I see beating GSP is Anderson Silva if he takes the fight…if not.. I think he will be as dominate in WW as Silva is in his class..
“I may be wrong here, but werent they supposed to talk about the new UFC game for xbox during this PPV??? I was actually really looking fwd to that!!”
From what I’ve been hearing, they are supposed to release some information and possibly another trailer at UFC 84 in late May.
Here’s a good site that I found that has some basic info and a few of the fighters that are confirmed to be in the game
http://ufc-2009.blogspot.com/
now i am really torn by jon fitch. He is an awesome WW but I am not sure he is ready for a title shot. He hasnt really beat any top 5 competitors. I believe one more big fight (top 5) and he will be ready.
BJ penn was better that I have ever seen him in his fight with joe daddy. now if you remember his fight with GSP he gassed big time and that doesnt seem to be the same BJ now there is also a differnt GSP i think it would be an awesome rematch. gsp needs like 2-3 title defenses before he takes a shot at anderson silva but if you think about it gsp might maybe walk around at 180lbs (maybe) and anderson silva walks around at like 205 he has a pretty big cut to make so come fight day i am not sure Gsp will be able to hang with the deceptivly skinny silva at any rate it will probably never happen…
bisping is the only fighter who can win,look good and still get flamed for it! give him a break the fight was made and he won it thats all he can do.
Seriously people….you guys need to start giving Fitch SOME credit…what is with all this.. he needs to fight better guys…or top 5 guys… whats Thiago Alves??? top 3 if im not mistaken… whats diego? top 10 i am sure…..so come on.. the guy deserves a shot….if he is stomped by GSP..well then he will be like most people then.. GSP is just going to dominate no matter who is in front of him…..I just want to see Hughes vs Serra….im not too concerned with GSP right now.. i want to see Hughes DESTROY Serra…
Oh and 1 more thing….Penn looked awesome vs joe daddy.. but yea….thats joe daddy…NOT GSP or someone close to GSP’s level…I will stop knocking Penn if he beats Sherk next month…
The new Xbox 360 game is being shown at UFC 84 next month.
DANZIG is definitely the real deal
Serra should fight Hughes and move down in weight 100%.
Khalib ran like a little **** but give the guy a chance before you fire him …. hes fought well before, chuck Liddell is also known for jumping on his tricycle and counter punching all day.. not like that but give the kid another chance.
Franklin and Bisping both looked great !!
One thing i’ve noticed is that ST-PIERRE took his last 3 fights to the ground after he got KO’d by Serra …. Has he overcome the KO yet ?? in my opinion he has some fear to stand up….. i guess we’ll see in future fights ..
St. Pierre has ALWAYS taken his fights to the ground, before the KO loss and afterward. And he stood for most of round 3 against Kos. I think St. Pierre is completely over the KO loss to Serra but he knows where he is the strongest, and thats the ground game.
kelvin, you complete me. i say we start an anti bisping website. and again, it’s not to do with his fighting, just his gayness as a person.
MATT- Drew McFedries and Matt Hughes are a lock in the game too
I think the only thing that makes Serra an OK guy is when he exactly replicates the Douche-face of Matt Hughes.
BJ Penn is the greatest fighter in the world. In 3-4 years, maybe GSP takes it. But I think BJ doesnt lose again if he comes to the fight in shape.
Lastly, Joe Rogan and Kenny Florian should do all commentary from now on so Goldberg can go back to being Bisping’s douche housewife.
jason, do you watch the ufc? anderson silva would destroy gsp. gsp is a great fighter but would get worked by anderson’s striking. think franklin but much much worse. franklin is one of the strongest fighters at 185 and couldnt break silva’s clinch or take his strikes. as for penn vs gsp, that would be the best matchup. if you watched the first one penn dominated gsp on his feet. penn again didnt work his cardio as he should have or he clearly would have one instead of being on the wrong side of a split-decision
zac good call on UFC future commentarys lol.
jason N i give fitch his dues and he is a great competitor its just i can see him makeing a dent against GSP. maybe a hughes match will put him one more step closer put him there. hughes dominated for a long time it would speak great credit upon himself to take out the old champ before he gets a shpt at the next greatest WW.
but before anyone goes for hughes I think serra needs to get smacked around by him first everyone agree with that lol.
anyone listen to kenflos commentary he sounds like joe rogoans lil brother but with a bit more commedy….. by the way anyone else agree with his jim carey comment.
Starnes is gone…
http://www.tsn.ca/mma/story/?id=235400&lid=sublink08&lpos=headlines_main
you got everything right but the franklin thing. he was joking man!
Now that GSP has put this whole Matt Serra thing to bed, this sets up 2 potentially great matches. GSP-vs-Fitch and Hughes-vs-Serra. I would love to see both of these fights!!
I think the UFC will put the Hughes/Serra match in order, but I have to say I don’t think Serra can beat Hughes, I never have. I’m glad the injury worked out the way it did so that GSP could beat Hughes again and then take out Serra so it doesn’t postpone any fluke rematches between Serra/GSP/Hughes and lets GSP fight real contenders like Fitch/Davis (possibly)/Swick and others. I don’t really concider Alves a contender yet but another fight or two and yeah!
ken flow looks a lot more like ben stiller than jim carrey…… and I’m all for him since Captain America left. cut goldberg loose. he sucks as an announcer, he doesn’t know sh*t about mma STILL and he’s been there for how long now?
GSP destroyed Serra and will pick Fitch apart too. John has earned his Title shot but will be out classed by Georges.
I say Bisping and Franklin next! Franklin would destroy him and put much of the talk of Bisping being the real deal to rest.
Back on GSP… He will hold that title until he faces BJ Penn. Once BJ beats Sherk and defends against Huerta then we will see BJ face GSP at WW. Penn wont walk thru GSP but will defeat the Nothern Gladiator! BJ’s skill set is spot on and now with his newly gained focus and cardio its only a matter of time for him to pick apart any fighter.