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Welcome to the SUPER-SIZED Monday Miyama, I am your Party
host David Snipes and with me is Robert "I only lasted 22 Seconds
too" Menn and Joao "Rubberguard" Pedro
1. AA got Got KTFO in 22 seconds- how much LONGER than that did Robert Menn stop crying?
Joao: I think that Robert started crying only two hours after the bout, when the initial shock started to disappear. And then he cried for a whole lot longer than 22 seconds. Hmm, 22 seconds, did not see that coming... neither did Andrei!
David: Here is a little bit of Fun- Brett was a +300 in Vegas- HUGE dog there- with AA going down and taking Menn's 401K at -500 a pop. AA is in MAJOR trouble, and I think this dents Fedor a bit- Here AA and TImmy was supposed to solidify him to UFC fans as the great one- but Mir Broke Timmy's Arm and AA just got Kimbo'ed by some no name off the Street.
Robert: I still haven't. Everytime Arlovski fights I feel like I'm about to get into the fight. Butterflies in stomach, nervousness, the whole nine yards. So to have him lose like that? Yeah, doesn't feel good. And I do think Big John called it a tad too quick. Arlovski was rocked, yes, but he wasn't "Fedor-ed". I think you have to at least give the fighter a chance to recover. Big John didn't even let Andrei take one punch while he was down on his knees and it seemed as if AA had recovered a little bit when McCarthy stepped it. I'm not saying Arlovski would've recovered totally, but you have to give a fighter a shot.
2. Just how good is Brett Rogers?
Joao: Tough to say. But a Heavyweight who is 10-0, all (T)KOs, is certainly someone to keep an eye on; even more now, as he basically dismantled a former UFC champion.
Rogers seems to be on a collision course with Alistair Overeem. Then we will see if he is for real. On the other hand, we know he is good standing up but his ground game is unknown.
Robert: The #1 heavyweight in the world, obviously. No, I'm not serious, but I think he has to be up there near the top 10. However, I do think this is one of those "flash" KOs and honestly believe Arlovski wins 9 out of 10 against someone like Brett. Rogers doesn't have real technique and lacks cardio. I don't know what Arlovski was doing in that fight, but had he taken Rogers down, Brett would've been done in the first round.
David: and if AA hadn;t tried that Flying Knee, right Robert? Everyone blamed AA game plan, but you HAVE to wexpect to last past punch number ONE if you are the Champion right? Brett might be on track for a Title shot vs Overreem later this year- or a MONSTER check from Dana. How good is he? I'd take Cain over him- They need to borrow Herring or Kongo to see how good he is.
3. Is Robbie Lawler done as a credible threat?
Joao: I have personally never thought of Robbier Lawler as a top fighter. In the UFC he showed that he can get caught in submissions (e.g: Evan Tanner) and that sometimes his striking game isn't good enough (e.g.: Nick Diaz). He has been submitted once again, I am not buying the former Miletich Fighting Systems fighter as a credible threat.
His upside is that he is still 27-years-old, still has time to improve; but I do not think he will ever be one of the greatest.
Robert: No. He lost to Jake Shields, submission wizard. Jake looked a lot better than I thought he'd look fighting 12lbs heavy than usual. Robbie just made a mistake and Jake saw it and capitalized on it. It's not like Lawler lost to Baroni or Riggs.
David: I don't see it- I think he is done- he is a solid gatekeeper but any chance of being more than a hot new signee's greeter to the bright lights are nil unless he undergoes a MONSTER change.
4. Phil Baroni & Joe Riggs - are these two done as a credible headliners?
Joao: Baroni is 33 and has always been, basically, a one-trick pony. Scratch him from the "credible headliners" column.
On the other hand, Diesel Riggs is harder to read. He is 26 and has tremendous potential. The problem is that he had the same tremendous potential 3 years ago, 4 years ago, 5 years ago... you get the picture. Riggs is going to keep on being what he has been all along: an average fighter.
Robert: I'm sorry, but I don't remember when these two were viable headliners to begin with. These guys are perfect for what they are, middle of pack fighters. I'll continue to watch them fight, but I'd be surprised if they are every "headliners".
David: Joe has been done since Fight Night- and Baroni is more a name than a Fighter.
5. Is Nick Diaz now the best fighter at his weight not in the UFC?
(Note: Question was at his weight class)
Joao: I am scratching my head. I had never thought of it like that, but you know what? That is correct. With Jake Shields now fighting at 185, Nick Diaz is the best welterweight in the world that doesn't fight in the UFC. He is definitely on a roll; people may not like him, but he is entertaining and definitely has skills. My choice for second best welterweight in the world not fighting for the UFC would be Andre Galvao (DREAM).
Robert: Uh, Fedor, maybe? How about Jake Shields? Gegard Mousasi? I'd take all three of them over Nick Diaz. Sure, Diaz beat a busted up Frank Shamrock and the one dimensional, albeit exciting, Scott Smith. But let's not get carried away.
David: I think he is- he is SO far ahead of everyone out there that Dana HAS to be thinking of bringing him back- and after an Anderson Silva-ish run- he should be thinking it too.
6. Is Frank Trigg headlining 103 a good idea?
Joao: I have never been a Frank Trigg fan. In fact, I always root for his opponents. That having been said, the sport definitely needs villains. On the other hand, Trigg is 37 and, even though he now trains at Xtreme Couture, his best days are clearly behind him. He does not have enough "star power" to headline a UFC card. So, I would say it is a bad idea; the problem is that, with monthly PPV cards, we are bound to get some weak headline fights from time to time.
Robert: Trigg vs Koscheck? Yeah, sign me up. This should be a good fight. Trigg has won his last 4 and Koscheck needs to get back on track. And while Trigg is getting old (37) he is still a threat. A win for Josh could elevate Koscheck away from "gatekeeper" status. And a win for "Twinkle Toes" could put him on the fast track to a title shot.
David: Explain to me how he sells a fight- the last time he won a headline fight was when exactly? vs Jason Miller? The guy doing Bully Beatdown? Oh yeah thats a great showing there. Koscheck is going to put him on his butt and watch a LOT of Matt Hughes here. Trigg is going back to TNA before he climbs to far up the ladder. If Josh loses, however, consider him done for a title fight for a year at least.
7. Strikeforce Lightweight Title Bout: Josh Thomson (16-2) © vs. Gilbert Melendez (15-2) has been annouced- how good can this fight be?
Joao: Looking forward to it. Both are exciting and well-rounded fighters. Their first fight, last year, wasn't exactly the best fight of 2008, but I bet the proceedings are going to be more action-packed this time. Two very tough guys.
Robert: It can be great. The first time Gilbert wasn't all there and Thomson pretty much dominated him. This time however Gilbert will be hungry and have a better game plan. I, for one, can't wait to see the rematch. And if Gilbert fights like he did his last fight, Thomson will be in for the fight of his life.
David: Oh I am waiting on this fight- this could very easily be a #1 contenders fight in the UFC- Gilbert might even be pushed ahead of Florian to some people as a credible challenger. I think THomson kills him in this fight- calling it right now. THis is FAR better than UFC 103 already!
8. Is the Hulk tournament going to do anything for the winners career?
Joao: It depends on who wins it. Minowa is 33 and isn't going anywhere, Hong Man Choi is... well, he is Hong Man
Choi. One of these is going to be in the finals (I bet they wanted an Asian in the finals).
Winning the tournament will be important for the other two fighters. Sokoudjou's a one-time wonder; well, actually, a two-time wonder
(Arona and Minotouro), still young, trying to make a name for himself. Winning this would be good for him.
But the fighter that stands to gain the most from this tournament is
Mousasi. 28-2, has defeated the likes of Mark Hunt, Jacare, Manhoef, Dennis Kang, among others. He is rising fast through the MMA ranks and winning this tournament will only open more eyes and land him bigger paychecks.
Robert: No, because everyone knew going in that Gegard Mousasi would win. He hasn't yet, but it might as well be a formality. If by some chance he doesn't win, then maybe the winner gets fast-tracked to another freak show in Japan. I mean, how many MMA fans over on this side of the pond really care who wins? I rest my case.
David: This tournament hurts the sport- and for 7 of the 8, does not matter- but to
Mousasi, it matters - he loses its like Anderson Silva going into the Ultimate Fighter House as a contestant and losing.
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Submitted 5/19/2009
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