Mixed Martial Rants: UFC Live 6, Bellator 52, and Edgar vs. Maynard 3
Last Saturday we were treated to two simultaneous MMA events. UFC Live 6: Cruz vs. Johnson on the Versus network and Bellator 52 on MTV2. I had initially intended on switching between both channels and sticking with whichever fights were more exciting; it didn’t take long for me to decide.
As much as I love Bellator and believe they have done a great job in finding some exciting fighters in the lower weight classes, their heavyweight tournament has a long way to go before they can fully be proud of it. I’m sorry guys, but trying to make me believe that Neil Grove is a legit heavyweight title contender, is not going to happen. I think Eric Prindle wins the tournament and then loses to Cole Konrad.
How great was that head kick from Anthony Johnson, to Charlie Brenneman? Too bad the ref stepped in a bit too premature, but you can’t fault him for doing what he did. Brenneman looked completely overwhelmed by Johnson and it was just a matter of time before he was put to sleep. Anyone else interested in Johnson vs. Ellenberger? What about Diego Sanchez and Johnson?
I’m glad Mac Danzig lost. Thank you, Matt Wiman. Is Wiman, really handsome enough to have, “Handsome”, as a nickname? I don’t get it.
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson gave Dominick Cruz, all he could handle last Saturday night. Johnson was the quicker fighter, but Cruz was stronger, taller, and just a little bit better. I wouldn’t mind seeing a rematch at some point down the road.
It’s time for Pat Barry to call Mike Dolce and cut down to 205 lbs. Barry is 3-4 in the UFC and 6-4 overall. During his time in the UFC he’s beaten Joey Beltran, Atoni Hardonk, and Dan Evensen; not exactly top-tier talent. He will never be successful in the heavyweight division and his only shot at remaining relevant is moving down.
UFC 136 takes place this weekend and it should be an exciting card. A lot of “fight of night” potentials, starting with the main event, Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard. I think Frankie coming back from near defeat in their last match up, gave him the confidence that he needs to beat Maynard. Don’t be surprised if this one goes to the judge’s card again. Edgar should walk away with his belt.
I hate to say it, but I think Kenny Florian loses another title fight. It should be interesting to see what the UFC does with Kenny if does lose. I’m going with Aldo by TKO.
The card also features Brian Stann vs. Chael Sonnen, Guillard vs. Lauzon, Garcia vs. Pham, Maia vs. Santiago, and Pettis taking on Jeremy Stephens. If people walk away from this event talking about it being boring, then Dana White should give us a refund. It should have enough Jiu Jitsu, technical stand up, and brawling to please all level of MMA fans.
Gilbert Melendez might be coming over to the UFC sooner than later. How great is that? While Melendez has always been touted as one of the best lightweights in the world, we will no longer have to wait to find out how he stacks up against the best of the best.
Until my next rant, always stay focused and support the sport.
Image Courtesy of Getty Images
Powered by Max Banner Ads
About the Author (Author Profile)
I'm a freelance writer and photographer. I've been a fan of the sport since the very first UFC. I've been lucky enough to attend many mma events live; both as a fan and photographer. I began writing mma related article over 2 1/2 years ago and last year joined The Verbal Submission show with Brian Hemminger and Ben Thapa. I've had the pleasure to interview Roy Nelson, Bas Rutten, Cesar Gracie, Royce Gracie, Carlos Condit, Kimo, Shawn Tompkins, Chris Horodecki, Vlad Matyushenko, Jay Hieron, Demetrious Johnson, etc....keep checking back to see who I can add to the list.Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
