The MMA Thread v2

[underGRADFlame]

I had no idea he bought a place near Regina.

[killer_carlson]

hmmmm

This is problematic as I was 100% cheering for Hunt before this news. Now i'm going to have to reconsider.

If this is legitimate and not Lesnar trolling our nation then it's awesome. He had some pretty harsh things to say about Canada and our health care with the initial diverticulitis diagnosis before.

[Regulator75]

http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/6/13...g-with-the-ufc

Fedor Emelianenko to the UFC? Finally? It could happen in 2016, said the man himself.

Emelianenko told Ariel Helwani on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour that he is closer than ever to signing a contract with the world's leading MMA promotion. And his next fight, after this weekend's bout under the Eurasia Fight Nights banner, could very well be in the Octagon.

"Yes," Emelianenko said through a translator. "In a word, yes. That possibility does exist."

Emelianenko will meet UFC veteran Fabio Maldonado at EFN 50 on Friday in St. Petersburg, Russia. The bout will air on UFC Fight Pass. After that, the MMA legend said he will be a free agent and ready to speak with any and all organizations. Emelianenko said he does have an offer on the table from the UFC.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

hmmmm

This is problematic as I was 100% cheering for Hunt before this news. Now i'm going to have to reconsider.

If this is legitimate and not Lesnar trolling our nation then it's awesome. He had some pretty harsh things to say about Canada and our health care with the initial diverticulitis diagnosis before.

I'm pretty sure it was just that one hospital in Brandon MB that drew most of his ire. He was in bed, pretty much feeling like he was slowly dying, while they're busy (IIRC for something like 48 hours) waiting for an overdue replacement part for a CT scan machine. All they did was give him painkillers and tell him that the part was coming, but didn't know when exactly. He straight up had to bolt out of that place across the border to North Dakota.

[Inferno]

Vancouver's getting a Fight Night. Pettis vs Oliveira

http://www.ufc.ca/news/UFC-Returns-t...in-August-2016

[Senator Clay Davis]

The sale of the UFC is coming to a head

Bidding to buy the UFC is drawing closer to an end, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

The two bid groups, WME-IMG in conjunction with Dalian Wanda Group, and China Media Capital, had similar bids in the $4.1 billion range, sources said.

Sources said that both bidding groups are still trying to completely finance the buyout, which would be for the entire company. Which company ultimately wins out might depend on the details of that financing. Sources say WME co-chair Ari Emanuel has been asking well-heeled investors to chip in $25 million to $50 million.

One of those investors that said yes, according to sources, was the Kraft Group, which owns the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution. A Kraft Group spokesman declined comment.

The WME-IMG bid with Dalian also is said to include China's Tencent Holdings, one of the 10 largest internet companies in the world and ESPN's official digital partner in the region. State-backed investment firm China Media Capital has been bankrolling many projects, including a five-year broadcast-rights deal with China's top-tier soccer league worth $1.3 billion.

Reached Thursday, UFC president Dana White said he had no comment.

http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/16...ser-conclusion

[VladtheImpaler]

Not being in the know about anything... with Chinese groups being so prominent in both groups, I am assuming the UFC must be going to China?

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Not being in the know about anything... with Chinese groups being so prominent in both groups, I am assuming the UFC must be going to China?

It would be a pretty big move IMO.

The biggest age range there is between 20-35, which is the UFC's ideal target demographic. The economy is still growing, and that demographic just happens to have the highest disposable income. It's this group that's made Warcraft a commercial success even though critics tanked it hard in North America.

Also, martial arts has been part of Chinese national identity and culture for hundreds of years. I'd have to think the sport would grow quickly in China - the whole style vs style has been harped on before when Western influence was starting to creep into Chinese culture. They made a big deal of it in the Jet Li movie Fearless.

[Flash Walken]

Fertitas are wise to get out now while the gettin's good.

[rubecube]

Lol, apparently they're going to let Lesnar use his WWE entrance music for UFC 200.

[burnin_vernon]

It will be very interesting to see what the UFC does with tonight's main event result. Does Rory stay in the UFC win or lose? Do they throw money (and a title shot) at him if he wins?

I'm as pumped for this fight as anything on 200.

[Slava]

Hopefully that's the end of the UFC for Rory. He is so frustrating to watch. That was the worst fight and his performance was just bad. I can't believe that the strategy was the close the gap and then turtle.

[Roof-Daddy]

Rory is good, but not good enough to get over the hump against the very best. Also, end of Rory in the UFC? I doubt it. He's only 26 and still a top ranked fighter. He may just be destined always be bridesmaid and never a bride. A stepping stone for guys like Thompson.

Looking forward to seeing Wonderboy fight for the title though.

[Inferno]

That main event was horrible. Bosse vs O'Connell was wicked though.

[burnin_vernon]

I really thought Rory would have fought closer and/or on the ground. It wasn't a lopsided fight, but by the third round, it was becoming clear that Rory should have changed his game plan.

On another note, I just kept thinking that this would have been exactly the kind of fight GSP would do well with against Wonderboy.

[wontondestruction]

I feel Rory is the new Condit. He'll always be a top contender, but never a champion. Wonderboy has to get the next title shot, can't wait for that. Also, Cerrone and Nick Diaz would be awesome. Cowboy made Cote look clumsy tonight.

[corporatejay]

Does any one go to the hard knocks fights here in town. Any good?

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

On another note, I just kept thinking that this would have been exactly the kind of fight GSP would do well with against Wonderboy.

Nah, Rory doesn't have the fight IQ that GSP has / had.

GSP is faster and has the cardio to match Wonderboy and could close the distance whenever he wanted too.

GSP > Rory

[Hanna Sniper]

I hope the UFC doesn't give Wonderboy a title shot (although it's pretty much 100%) I just don't like to see a title shot on the back of a fight like that.

I have zero problem with fighters that maintain and hold onto the counter-punch only strategy but you have to finish the fight and not allow it to go to decision. I don't want to pay $50 to see that as a main event and title shots are pretty much main events. No problem as an co-main event. But fighting like that doesn't move the needle or sells PPV's

Amazing fighter and 100% exciting but he's only that if the opposition is aggressive and initiates the attack. He did try and finish the fight, no question, I don't knock his talent or will to win. I just don't like to spend $50 playing the wait and see who goes first for 2 -3 round of a 5 round fight. A 3 round fight brings out his urgency a lot quicker. I would have no problems if he didn't engage for 4 rounds as long as he finishes the fight,

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Rory is good, but not good enough to get over the hump against the very best. Also, end of Rory in the UFC? I doubt it. He's only 26 and still a top ranked fighter. He may just be destined always be bridesmaid and never a bride. A stepping stone for guys like Thompson.

Looking forward to seeing Wonderboy fight for the title though.

Rory MacDonald might only be 26 but his first professional fight was at the age of 16, sixteen. He's been in some battles the past couple of years, I'd be totally find with him hanging up the gloves to be honest. That's a hard ten years of abuse. Jordan Mein got out at 25, the fight game can be brutal.