We were a bit saddened by Kimbo Slice’s demise.  OK, the guy just got his 15 minutes of fame, and like a shooting star, Kevin Ferguson shone so bright everyone wanted a piece of his ass—for different reasons.

Some wanted to fry him and expose who he really is: “a punk-who-beats-lame-punks-in-alleyways who thinks anyone, even a punk like him, can be a mixed martial artist.”   What were they thinking?  Everyone knows who he is!

On the other hand, some just love the appeal of his story—a Cinderella story.  And these people were not rooting for him for his skills (or the lack of it) in mixed martial arts.  They were rooting for the person—the underdog.  Everyone loves an underdog (or at least a lot of people do).  You will be surprised to know that even hardcore MMA fans (there were a large number of ‘em!) rooted for this internet sensation.

Kimbo Slice was a spice to the otherwise almost faceless warriors from these MMA stables.  Oh yes, we have the MMA big names but you will be totally dishonest with yourself if you’d deny that not a single one of the lot have grown as big as Kimbo’s in terms of popularity.

Kimbo Slice did to MMA what MMA warriors failed to do.

Kimbo Slice have increased the number of MMA fans in a matter of months when true-blue royal-blood warriors failed to do it in so many years.  Heck, MMA has just even barely risen from the underground image it has as a blood-sport of…well, blood-thirsty spectators.

The Fertitta brothers and Dana White may have done so much in the improvement of MMA as an industry but it took a cash-strapped Elite XC (with their poster boy Kimbo) to bring the sport to a broader fan base.

White has done a lot to bring where MMA is right now.  However, we suggest that he should reconsider his position about identifying MMA as more of a sport of ground games, and driving away those who prefer standup fighting to kick-boxing events.   Let’s face it, outside of those true-blue MMA fans, not many spectators  would relish the prospect of naked men hugging each other on the mat.

Now you have MMA in prime time TV (at least for three shows).

Kimbo Slice was a TV producer’s dream.

Kimbo Slice was a marketing gold find.  He was a marketer’s dream, offered in a silver platter, with all of his YouTube fans in tow.

Kimbo Slice was a marketing masterpiece that Elite XC, and CBS mishandled.

We’re not fooling anyone here.  Kimbo Slice  is a not a mixed martial arts fighter.  Anyone who thinks he was, we pity them.  Kimbo Slice was a marketing gimmick that brought that much-needed ingredient to a young and thriving MMA industry.

Even a marketing bit-player could tell you that an exciting sport such as mixed martial arts could not make it to the big time if it lacks an attraction.  Call it the “freak show” element, call it the Gina Carano appeal, you would need a package that anyone could visualize.  Heck, this is what World Wrestling Federation personalities used to succeed.  You have the Mr. T magic, you have the Undertaker, you have the most obnoxious personalities.  These “actors” became popular (as much as the body-slamming WWF was) not because of their wrestling skills but more because of their colourful (dark, ugly, or nice) personalities.

It’s all about the drama.

Hardcore MMA fans should continue talking about skills.  But we should not neglect talking about marketing the sport too.  We need it—even the gimmickry.

For anything to prosper, including MMA (which is still in its infancy) it should not be afraid of change.  That’s how entities turned out to be in their superior forms now—by evolving.

Those who refused have joined the dinosaurs.

 

 

 

What a letdown. 

Official records say it was 14 seconds, but that was just the record.  The spectators swear it was impossibly…and shockingly shorter than that.  The Kimbo Slice circus top has folded….on all fours!

They may deny it but the Kimbo Slice formula (keeping the Kimbo Slice franchise a hot item by pitting him with “beatable” but interesting opponents – “tomato can” is too much of a term, we don’t want to dishonour the warriors with this derogatory term–uhurm!) is becoming more a fact that urban myth.

They had the dinosaur-old Ken Shamrock fitting the bill for this formula.  Elite XC couldn’t be happier with the prospect that this Kimbo Slice vs. The 44 year-old Ken Shamrock could bail them out of their tight financial fix.  After all, this match is the last telecast of their contract with CBS, and we do not know yet how CBS is feeling with this partnership with cash-strapped Elite XC.  What happens after this bout?  After the Elite XC – CBS three-show contract?

With the way things were going, there was no indication to the negative, as far as the CBS contract is concerned—until that accidental cut that Ken Shamrock inflicted on his eye while doing some light training.  “Oh, he’s so old, he’s brittle!” 

They should have sued that Shamrock sham for letting this accident happen to him!  Oh, how they must all have hated Ken Shamrock for letting them down.  Why didn’t Elite XC do a UFC85 “Chuck Liddel-Mauricio Rua” dancing-chair repeat? 

Remember?  Rua was injured so Evans was brought in.  Liddel hurt his hamstring so Irvin was brought in..and so on and so forth.  The match was altogether scrapped, and both Evans and Liddel have to consummate their unfinished business on UFC88.

Why didn’t they just “injured” and excused Kimbo so he could live another day to face a more suitable (read: defeatable) opponent?  Or maybe a Slice-Shamrock at another date—with or without the CBS contract?  But they didn’t!  And Kimbo was sliced!

What a letdown.   

After that 14-second flash-in-the pan (not unlike the Kimbo fame) tussle, true MMA fans rejoiced.  Newbie MMA curiousity-seekers incredulously asked, “That’s it?!!!”  and the suits of CBS rushed back to their boardroom to brainstorm another show– perhaps a reality show about community organizers, or about old guys wanting to take a shot at becoming a president?  Meanwhile, EliteXC employees start scanning the morning paper’s classifieds for job vacancies.  Oh, how they all hated that Seth Petruzelli pizza, or something.

Elite XC have banked all its rolls on the Kimbo Slice franchise.  It played a hangman’s game and they played till the noose was wrapped around its neck.  What’s next?

Some wise-ass suggests that with Gina Carano’s fame still alive and hot as hotcake, Elite XC could concentrate on becoming the world’s women-only MMA organization.  Or perhaps, they should get Chuck Norris as their new poster boy.

(We are not fans of Kimbo Slice, to set the record straight.  We just love the way he helps turn things out for MMA.  We’re sure a lot have the exact opposite opinion on this—they just HATE how Kimbo Slice turn things out for MMA! Har! Har!)

Just a couple of days more and we will see what fate hangs for the second most popular Mix Martial Arts organization in the United States.  Elite XC fields Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano for its third and last live broadcast with CBS, and the network TV ratings games will determine the company’s perilous make-or-break situation as it broadcasts its fight over CBS from the BankAtlantic Center on October 4.

The Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano headliner is an obvious attempt to make a repeat of that first broadcast with CBS last May 31 (which also happened to be the first mixed martial arts fight to be aired on network television).  This move is quite the most obvious and the most expected from the suits of Elite XC and CBS (whoever is really running the show).  After all, the formula they used gave that card an astounding success in the ratings game with a 3.0 rating and 4.85 million viewers.

While that May 31 bout was hugely successful, a lot of feedbacks from hardcore MMA fans were largely negative.  They complained that the bout did give the new fans of MMA a wrong impression of what mixed martial arts is all about, they complained of too much fanfare and pizzazz on the show, and they complained about an MMA nobody, Kimbo Slice, being the headliner instead of some true-blue MMA warrior.  Elite XC and CBS must have been convinced by all these complaints that they fielded “true-blue” MMA fighters on their second telecast. 

It was a costly mistake. 

It turns out the “Biggest Fight in MMA” history works with a Hollywood formula: casting is number one.  You see, movie-goers wouldn’t be interested in watching a movie starred by our regular “true-blue” MMA gladiators. 

On the other hand, cast a show with someone like Kimbo Slice who is more of a celebrity both in and out of the mixed martial arts world.  While at it, throw in the beautiful Hollywoodish Gina Carano and you have a blockbuster.  All the showbiz elements are there: Kimbo Slice looks like a thug but a lot of people know him as a good person who’s just down on luck (at least before the MMA break), a good father of six kids who is given a shot at making it big in the MMA.  Sounds like a good movie characterization and plot to me.

Take Gina Carano, stand her beside Eva Mendez or Hillary Swank, and I’ll pick “my” Gina Carano any day of the week. 

 

Let’s face it, Elite XC is not like our UFC where real fighters get to be appreciated by “real” MMA fans.  Elite XC is doing mixed martial arts a favour by introducing the sport to a wider audience, not without some sacrifices.  You will know when more newbie MMA fans are present, when the crowd boos ground games and delights at fist fights.  Let’s just hope that the CBS telecast on October 4 (which we are sure would be a success) would be able to change Elite XC’s luck.

And Oh, by the way, it’s not me writing this blog.  It’s my Hollywood reporter alter-ego pinch-hitting for me.  The Dr. Jekyll to my Mr. Hyde.  Cheerio!

The main event of UFC Fight Night 15 that took place at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska had Josh Neer walking out to the tune of Stone Sour’s “Bother” (which we find a bit melancholic, by the way) while a visibly pumped up Nate Diaz walks alongside his brother Nick.

Both fighters are coming strong with their winning streak where Nate Diaz boasts of 10-2 for MMA and 5-0 for UFC, and Josh Neer coming in confident with his three-fight win streak.  It was indeed a fight in a tight enclosure.

The first round found Neer getting the initiative on the first half, starting with a leg kick and an attempt for a ground play but Diaz was able to escape and get back on his feet.  It was Diaz who was mostly on the offensive towards the end of the first round where he was pounding Neer from halfguard.

Neer tried to intensify his attempts at suppressing Diaz on the second round but Diaz proves to be slick he always gets away.  On the third round Diaz tried to come out with a combination of punches and takedowns.  It was obvious the two are evenly matched it took the judges to decide (on a split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28) that Diaz wins.

Diaz, as what he usually does, praised his opponent and warned all future challengers.

Here are more highlights:

• Eric Schafer (12-3-2) def. Houston Alexander (8-4, 1 nc) Alexander, having lived in Omaha since 1980 was obviously the crowd’s favourite but was not match to Schafer’s 6’3” height and a 4” reach advantage.  Alexander did a good start with a knee that obviously hurt Schafer badly.  It was Alexander’s lack of sufficient ground game that did him in.  This could be his last for the UFC.
• Jason Brilz (16-1-1) def. Brad Morris (10-4) by TKO (strikes) at the second round.  Brilz, all fired up in front of his own townfolks dominated the game from the time the bell rang.  It was obviously a one-sided bout that the referee decided to put a stop to it and raised Brilz’s hand which have been busy hammering away at the hapless Australian.
• Clay Guida (24-6) def. Mac Danzig (19-5-1) via unanimous decision.  Guida has been known for his high-energy fighting style and this is what he exactly used in this bout.  He was a bit overwhelmed by Danzig at the beginning of the first round but he was able to eventually turn the game around.
• Alan Belcher (12-4) def. Ed Herman (16-6) by split decision
• Alessio Sakara (17-7, 1 nc) def Joe Vedepo (9-2)
• Wilson Gouveia (11-5) def. Ryan Jensen (13-5)
• Joe Lauzon (16-4) def. Kyle Bradley (13-6, 1 nc)
• Mike massenzio (11-2) def. Drew McFedries (7-4)
• Dan Miller (9-1, 1 nc) def. Rob Kimmons (21-4)

 

It all started rather like an “unfinished business” bout for Rashad Evans (17-0-1) and Chuck Liddell (21-6).

Unfinished business indeed, and more.

 
UFC85 was like a merry-go-round of warrior when Evans was brought in as a replacement for Mauricio Rua (who was injured) to face Chuck Liddell.  Liddell have to excuse himself for his injured hamstring.  With both original fighters (Liddel and Rua) out of the game, James Irvin’s name was thrown into the card to fight Evans, the replacement.  Shortly after, Irvin cries “ouch!” when he broke his foot. He has to be replaced again.  

UFC organizers must have gone tired of this endless musical chair and finally said, “What the heck! Let’s remove the card altogether!”

And then comes the fateful UFC88.

It was not difficult to root for the hugely popular Chuck Liddell—who could easily be the greatest 205 pounder gladiator of all time.  After, all he defeated Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz twice.  However, the fight—that dynamite bout—that kept everyone’s butt off the chair the whole time, was nothing short of a tremendous surprise you could easily shout “Holy S*&%$t!” even if your grandma was in front of you.

Evan’s assault of Liddell was spectacular. 

His gameplan was more than what Liddell could have expected.  That one punch knockout that felled Liddel is worth more than any Rocky Balboa slow-mo shots shown over and over again.

That shocking finish, at 1:51 of the second round, was when Evans was being backed by Liddel into the cage.  Evans threw a left jab, and Liddel was throwing an uppercut.  Evan’s quick overhand right follow-up was unexpected and it landed before Liddell’s uppercut found its mark.  Evan’s right on Liddell’s chin was all it took to send Liddell crashing to the canvass.  Ref Herb Dean immediately stopped the fight.

Evans got a knockout bonus of $60,000 plus an unplanned immediate championship title shot against Forrest Griffin.  He now belongs to the 205 lbs elite of the UFC.  Lucky bastard!

This is a huge setback for Liddell.  He must have his comeback fast and a rematch with someone like Keith Jardine would do him good, or else he’s got nowhere to go in this division.  He has lost much in his last four fights and we hate to see this as the beginning of the end of his career.

Here’s the rest of the fight results:

Light Heavyweights:
Rich Franklin (26-3) def Matt Hamill (6-2) by Referee stoppage at 0:39 of the third round

Middleweights:
Dan Henderson (23-7) def. Rousimar Palhares (17-2) by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Nathan Marquardt (30-8-2) def. Martin Kampmann (13-2) by Referee stoppage from punches in 1:22 of the first round.
Jason MacDonald (22-10) def. Jason Lambert (23-9) by a rear naked choke at 1:20 of the second round

Welterweights:
Dong Hyun Kim (11-0-1) def. Matt Brown (10-7) by split decision
Tim Boetsch (8-2) def. Mike Patt (15-3) by TKO at 2:03 of Round 1
Ryo Chonan (12-8) def. Roan Carneiro (14-9) by judges’ split decision

Lightweights:
Kurt Pellegrino (18-4) def. Thiago Tavares (17-3) by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27,29-28)
 

 

Looking more like “Mr. T” with his do and acting more like the phony wrestler on an 80’s TV show, Brett Rogers went on trash-talking Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock.

Elite XC looks excitedly towards October 4 for another MMA tv blockbuster headlined by Kimbo Slice.  Hanging on to the thin thread of salvation, Elite XC clings on the the Gina Carano-Kimbo Slice combination as sure-fire crowd-drawers.  While it was easy finding a match for Gina Carano in Kelly Kobold-Gavin, fight organizers took a while before deciding on pitting Ken Shamrock against Kimbo Slice.

And here comes Brett “the Grim” Rogers crying, “We waz wobbed!”

Rogers says the October 4 match with Kimbo Slice was, “our spot. Shamrock with his name and giant ego butted in line to get a slice of Kevin. At 103 years of age Ken usurped our rightful place against the YouTube champ. Our sincerest hope is that Ken whips Kimbo and then we can finally euthanize the "World's Most Dangerous Man" and relegate him to some MMA dinosaur exhibit. Maybe taxidermy him and (Dan) Severn and place them on a rotating pedestal where they can endless circle each other.”

Rogers’ contention is that if Kimbo can slice Shamrock, a true-blue MMA fighter inside-out, it would lend more credence to Kimbo’s having “paid his dues.”  As we see it, Ken fits the bill of anyone who should fight Kimbo Slice, if we are to use Elite XC’s requirements of a Kimbo Slice fight: old, fading, has-been MMA fighter who does not pose a threat to their poster boy’s saleability as an MMA crowd-drawer.

Kimbo Slice loses and his gold shines lesser.  In fact, it that it would hurt him far worse than another mixed martial arts warrior who would lose.  Take Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia, Robbie Lawler…name any MMA fighter and make them lose.  If they do, life would go on for them as they pick up the pieces and pick another fight to regain their glory.

That wouldn’t be the case with Kimbo Slice.  He’s like a clay jar. Crack it, and it’s cracked forever.

This is what makes Kimbo Slice more interesting as an MMA prize bout.  Elite XC dangles him up like a piñata but they dangle him high enough to get hit and that only the short ones are allowed to hold the bat to take a shot.

This is what Brett “The Grim” Rogers is all crying about.  In a way, he doesn’t fare any better than Kimbo Slice in the hierarchy of fighters.  He is an out of shape fighter looking out for a shot at glory and Kimbo Slice is surely a good ticket to the big league casting.

 

 

 

  

EliteXC was bleeding when they inked a deal with CBS and came away spectacularly with their first telecast (first MMA telecast on network TV) May 31.  Everyone agrees that headlining that event with Kimbo Slice was the best thing they ever did for that momentous event.  However, some didn’t like an MMA nobody like Kimbo Slice to be the poster boy of an event as important as having MMA introduced to the mainstream (network) TV audience for the first time.

Kimbo Slice, a backyard brawler who won fame and popularity from internet denizens, proved to be EliteXC’s golden boy as the succeeding telecast with “real” MMA gladiators barely tipped the rating scale of network TV.

EliteXC continues to bleed they need more Kimbo Slice headlined events to stay afloat, hence the Kimbo Slice Ken Shamrock bout on October 4 in Ft. Lauderdale for its final show (with their present contract) on CBS.

Hardcore MMA fans have said it before, and they’re saying it again:  Kimbo Slice is just your internet sensation that fits the “freak show” requirement to make the EliteXC-CBS concept work.  Hardcore fans just don’t like Kimbo Slice representing MMA to new MMA fans as he would surely give a different picture of what a Mixed Martial Arts warrior really is.

MMA gladiators are finely-tuned, scientific fighters that have trained for years, are masters of at least one martial arts discipline (tae-kwon-do, kick-boxing, wrestling, judu, etc) and have risen from the ground by fighting real MMA warriors.

On the other hand, Kimbo Slice’s handlers (EliteXC) have to gingerly pit him against has-beens or those who equally have his crowd-drawing powers without posing  a real threat to Kimbo’s hand being raised by the referee at the end of the bout.  Kimbo staying a winner is the only way to make this internet sensation a marketable MMA product.  That’s economics my friend.

Kimbo Slice badly needs to win this bout more than ever.  If he does, he goes further at legitimizing his mettle as an MMA fighter by defeating a legitimate and named fighter such as Shamrock.  If he loses, he gets exposed as who he really is: a street brawler that’s even no match to someone with a long streak of loses as Ken Shamrock.  He will be exposed as someone posing as an MMA warrior used by Elite XC and CBS to drum up viewership.

Kudos to EliteXC and CBS for coming up with a formula as this.  This would really be another TV blockbuster, and this is going to be a good fare for the new MMA fans.  Hardcore MMA fans, just grit your teeth.  For your consolation, this increase of new MMA fans is going to be good for the growth of MMA in the long run.

That is, if the EliteXC-CBS formula of a Kimbo Slice headliner does not backfire.

 

 

Didn’t we just say Heath Herring’s loss to a rookie could spell disaster to his career?

When asked what happened during that disastrous match with pro-wrestler Brock Lesnar, he pointed out the overhand right punch that caught him right in the eye.  “I didn’t see it coming and I got caught with it. That definitely had an effect on the outcome of the fight…. I wasn’t able to see. Right at the beginning of the fight you’re blind. How much does that affect you? I don’t know. It’s not good.”  

That heavy Brock Lesnar right hand did drop him at the beginning of the fight, and the rest was nothing short of brutal pounding that ended with Herring's loss in a unanimous-decision on that other weekend’s bout.

Last time we heard, Heath is considering some acting parts in movies.  But moving to Hollywood may still seem to be a remote possibility as he is more bent on training harder for that elusive shot at the championship slot.  And he’s got Lesnar in the crosshairs for his choice of opponent once he gets back on harness–if it can be helped.

Heath points out that Lesnar couldn’t finish him throughout the entire fight, he has to win via unanimous decision.  “We took his best shot and went on from there. I’d love for him to take one of mine, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Elite XC continues to bleed.

Not even a contract with CBS could help this MMA organization that, a check with the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals, they are scampering for more funds from wherever they can find them.  Reports say that the best they could expect to have would just be enough to last them till the end of the year.

It appears that the successful May 31 premier telecast (the first official telecast of an MMA on network TV) was just a flash in the pan, and Elite XC could hardly keep up the fire.  The second telecast only blipped a mere 1.7 rating—a  rating score that is even considered unacceptable for a Saturday night lull.

No amount of an exciting prospect, even of having spectacular matches among “real” MMA superstars like Robbie Lawler and Antonio Silva, could seem to drag people in front of the boob tube for an Elite XC and CBS telecast.  We commented on our earlier posts that CBS have favoured “real fighters” on that July 26 card—without Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano.

Wrong move.  It appears.

Now, they are fielding Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano again for salvation.  Gina Carano is expected to face Kelly Kobold-Gavin, while Kimbo’s opponent remains unknown—this is another source of difficulty.  Outside of his being a crowd-drawer, Kimbo Slice is old and inexperienced.  The safest route to keeping him a star is to ensure he doesn’t lose by pitting him against beyond-their-prime fighters.  However, until when would the fans not see the one-sidedness of this?

Elite XC shakes and rattles

Elite XC is in a bit of a shaky ground nowadays.  Internal layoffs are rife, key officers are resigning, and several shows have been cancelled.  It seems that another Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano headliner is in order.  Perhaps this could pour in a little more money—and confidence to Elite XC.

Elite XC insiders also said CBS is not paying them enough. UFC owners, who have earlier talked with CBS, must be saying, “Told ya!” 

Xxxxxxxx

Watch out for the third instalment of the Strikeforce “Young Guns” series on Sept. 18 at the Civic Auditorium in San Jose, Calif.

• Alvin Cacdac vs. Jose Palacios 
• Luke Rockhold vs. TBA 
• David Barrios vs. Andrew Valladarez 
• Evan Esguerra vs. Gabby Solorio 
• Ron Kesler vs. Eric Meaders 
• Chris Bostick vs. Jose Interiano 
• David Ashkinaz vs. Yohan Banks 
• Adam Antolin vs. Hugo Govea 
• Justin Holdaas vs. Jaime Rodriguez 
• Genaro Strangis vs. Alexander Trivino 
• Mike Davis vs. O.J. Dominguez

 

The Brock Lesnar – Heath Herring bout was a most anticipated encounter not much because of the action and power both would surely unleash but much more on the drama and suspense of whatever the outcome is going to be. 

THE BROCK LESNAR DRAMA

This is Lesnar’s third professional mixed martial arts fight.  While his debut fight with Min Soo Kim was a spectacular one with him pinning Kim and overwhelming him with strikes on the head, Kim was not so much of in terms of being the best competitor for him.  His stars dimmed with his second bout with someone as formidable as Frank Mir.  Another lose would certainly push him back a great deal.

After his Mir defeat, some even have concerns about Lesnar’s taking on another seasoned gladiator.  Despite his sterling wrestling records, Lesnar is still a neophyte in the MMA arena.  He may have prepared so much in the gym but experience is also necessary as shown how Frank Mir put him in a tight spot.

                 Lesnar’s Strong Points

Several years in pro wrestling circuit didn’t change Lesnar’s sheer athleticism and explosiveness that was his best assets as a physically dominant fighter.  His stamina as a true athlete would make him stay longer on the fight, a characteristic that is usually lacking in fighters of his size and physique.

                The Brock Lesnar Win

Having fought a complete three rounds against a top-notch veteran fighter, Brock Lesnar has made it.  Now, from being an ex-pro-wrestling gone MMA fighter novelty, Lesnar has risen to someone that everyone would wonder who can stop this guy of such size and physique.  He has gone the distance.

The question now comes as who could rain Lesnar with strikes before he gets overcome by his submission.  The question now comes as, “how is Lesnar’s threshold for pain from a possible barrage of strikes from whoever he fights against next”.

THE HEATH HERRING LOSS

Not being able to snag a UFC title run, there is much pressure for the veteran gladiator on this bout.  This loss would take him farther away from a championship bout—a loss to an MMA rookie is a disaster to his career.

Here is last weekend’s action’s MMA results:

1.       Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas by submission (armbar) at 2:28 of the second round

2.       Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno by unanimous decision

3.       Jon Jones def. Andre Gusmao by unanimous decision

4.       Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen by Technical Knockout (strikes) at 4:55 of the first round

5.       Tamdan McCrory def. Luke Cummo by unanimous decision

6.       Demian Maia def. Jason MacDonald by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:44 of round three

7.       Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta by unanimous decision

8.       Robert Emerson def. Manvel Gamburyan by Knockout (punches) at twelve seconds of round one

9.       Brock Lesnar def. Heath Herring by unanimous decision

10.   Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch by unanimous decision

A week passed without any exciting UFC bout, we have to contend ourselves with watching MMA clips on YouTube (har-har!)

While at it, we had a load of Kimbo Slice’s old backyard brawls and wondered what future awaits this EliteXC-CBS shooting star.  The suits of CBS must have sweated buckets when the UFC 84 replay on Spike TV broke the previous record held by the Kimbo Slice headlined card.  To top this, the broadcast was better packaged, better executed, and better cast than the EliteXC and CBS production.

They better start coming up with a better game plan than banking solely on the Kimbo Slice X-factor and the Gina Carano fever—or else, they’d be like playing pro-football on thin Potomac ice.  A promotion whose crowd-drawing powers rests on the shoulders of two superstars wouldn’t just hold for long.

So what else do we have for some significant MMA results?

Josh Barnett’s return to Affliction

 

Smarting from being passed up for a great bout with WAMMA heavyweight Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, Barnett says he is training for, and excited about, an October Affliction card.  He however adds that he isn’t sure about it yet.  He also says he has a pro wrestling match next week (Aug. 15) in Tokyo, Japan.

What’s happening with the guy?  Thin pickings for him, nowadays?  Most believe that after the first Affliction bout, the next logical (and to-watch-out-for event) would be the Barnett vs. Emelianenko bout.  Barnett even went as far as suggesting for a letter-campaign by encouraging fans to write the organization to ask for a fight between “The Babyface Assassin” and “The Last Emperor.”  Barnett says, “If people really want to see this fight, then they need to say something….Write Affliction or whoever. Let it be known. If that’s the fight you want to see, then say so.”

And what’s with this rumoured pay cut?  We’ve heard it through the grapevine that Affliction may come to the point of asking its fighters to cut down their take home pay to 50 percent less.

How much does an MMA gladiator earn?

WEC Fighter, Earned an event-high $44,000

Nevada State Commission lists the take-home pays of our fighters who fought last Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to a total of $230,000.

                    *  Carlos Condit ($44,000) def. Hiromitsu Miura ($5,000)

                    *  Jamie Varner ($30,000) def. Marcus Hicks ($16,000)

                    *  Brock Larson ($30,000) def. Carlo Prater ($7,000)

                    *  Blas Avena ($12,000) def. Dave Terrel ($3,000)

                    *  Shane Roller ($12,000) def. Todd Moore ($4,000)

The winners’ pay includes winning bonus that makes up 50% of their total pay.  While this does not include deductions like taxes, insurance, etc., these are just the base salaries.  It also does not reflect other earnings such as money earned from sponsors and other special bonuses which hugely makes up a substantial earnings for each fighter.

Catch us again next week for some latest MMA results and news!