The Doggy Bag: Ball of Confusion Edition
Sympathy for ‘The Barbarian’
With all of the hype on UFC 148 and Hector Lombard's failed attempt at making a big splash in the UFC, I am left feeling flat about 185 pounds. Anderson Silva is the champ and no one can beat him. I guess part of me was hoping for Chael to put something together or Lombard to instill belief in me that there was a 185 pound man on this planet that could defeat "The Spider." So, what now? – Will from San Francisco
TJ De Santis, Sherdog Radio Network program director: Face it, you're hung over. When it comes to 185 we really had an amazing couple of weeks. Anderson Silva solidified his top spot in the world at middleweight and pound-for-pound status, Chris Weidman was scintillating in his stoppage of Mark Munoz, and Strikeforce even contributed to the middleweight madness with Luke Rockhold's victory over Tim Kennedy. Let's cross off the obvious: Luke Rockhold will not be fighting Anderson Silva to unify the Zuffa titles. With Rockhold under Strikeforce employ the complications of getting that fight made outweigh the actual matchup in my opinion. Plus, I still feel Rockhold needs fights like Lorenz Larkin, Roger Gracie, and whatever other 185’er Strikeforce can sell us as title contenders. A possible three-match with Chael Sonnen could happen. Honestly, doesn't some part of you want it? Yeah, me neither. But the UFC has promoted a trilogy before with a fighter coming in 2-0 against his foe. Thanks, Tito.
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"The Barbarian" is 4-0 since moving to 185. Maybe the current stock on him isn't that high based on a lackluster fight with Lombard, but, let's not forget his incredible comeback against Yushin Okami. Boetsch has put his time in at the UFC and has overcome odds to improbably establish himself as a middleweight threat. Does he beat Anderson Silva? No, probably not, but Silva's takedown defense is questionable and Boetsch strength is undeniable. Can you really say that you wouldn't like to see Boetsch try to ragdoll Anderson like he did David Heath?
Weidman is a sexy pick. Honestly, I think the Serra-Longo trained fighter probably has the best chance of beating Silva, but, he isn't quite there yet. Let Weidman savor his win over Munoz a bit and continue to build his skills. I don't think that if Silva-Weidman happened now it would be a case of too much too soon, but with new contenders emerging, Weidman can mature a bit more before trying to claim the top spot.
If you're feeling as wiped out as you’re coming across in your email, then take a deep breath and relax. Things could always be worse. Think about it: you could be Joe Silva and actually have to make the decision on what's going to happen.
Continue Reading » Big Dreaming and Mainstreaming
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