TUF 10 Finale Q and A

Ok kiddies, new format time.
No more cookie-cutter, review entries for a while.
I like answering questions so I'll start with a couple I've posed, since I need more people to send some in.

Comments, email, FB posts - bring 'em on!


1. Should the UFC keep Marcus Jones?

I consider "Big Baby" to be one of the next generation of HW's - he's freakishly athletic, powerful and ginormous (even for the HW division). With the previous season of TUF ending, he's also probably got a nicer sized Facebook following as well. That being said, I still think Jones should take a step back from the UFC and work on his striking extensively. He could easily use 1-2 months of just standup training, with the likes of a, Duke Roufus, Dellagrotte or Greg Jackson.
Taking any fights in the UFC right now, he'd risk his MMA career in the long run, with a high probability of losing to random can. He could just as easily fight a similar guy in a regional promotion, and when his confidence and experience have catapulted, he should then step back into the Octagon, hopefully as a HW force to be reckoned with.


2. Should "Bones" have been DQ'ed?

Absolutely not - while Hamill was blocking and deflecting damage well, he was NOT advancing himself positionally enough for the fight to have continued far enough for the DQ. By the time the 12-6 elbows reared their ugly little heads, the match should have been over.


3. What's next for Roy Nelson?

"Big Country" is the first of his kind; A TUF winner with a wealth of relevant experience, having fought some top 10 contenders in recent years. I'd even wager to say he could potentially get a title shot before his 3 year contract is up, and I think Dana is going to throw him right into the fire to test my theory. Someone with considerable experience and standup ability would be my first inclination: Gabriel Gonzaga, Heath Herring or a rematch with Ben Rothwell.


4. Who should Kimbo fight next?

The enigma known as Kimbo should be thrown another softball in hopes that he may eventually build up some reasonable skills to transition him from "Street Certified" to "Octagon Certified".
He already has the star power (his fight against Alexander drew the highest ratings of the night) and to be the headliner everyone wants him to be, he still needs considerable training. He should also consider moving down to LHW, or do another catchweight bout. Staying at heavyweight will mean having to deal with constant size issues against larger, stronger opponents.
Another variable that needs to be considered is that giving him a no name would probably not help his career, or draw new UFC fans, as much as giving him a slightly tougher, more well known opponent to move him higher up on the card. An Andre Gusmao or Brian Stann would be a reasonable next opponents as both like to stand and would not be too itchy to take Kimbo to the ground.


5. Is Frankie Edgar ready for a title shot?

The "Answer" is neither ready, nor deserving based on his record, or who he has beaten. Aside from Sean Sherk, who had a horrible gameplan going into that fight, he doesn't have the names to his credit. His loan loss to a still in his young career, Gray Maynard should be more than enough to halt any rumblings of #1 contendership.


I tried to keep this short and sweet, but also give logical explanations for my thoughts. If you come across something that doesn't make sense or requires more clarification, I'm all ears.

Hopefully UFC 107 will bring about some new questions that are interesting and thought provoking.

~S

Kimbo vs. Big Country - My Top Questions and Answers

I know I said this entry would be about UFC 103 but since I'm behind on events anyway, I thought I'd do a quick analysis on the fight of the last TUF episode, Q & A style.

Q. How did Nelson not win in the 1st round? He landed over 20 unanswered, punches to Kimbo's head.
Simply put, he didn't finish Kimbo.
His strikes were weak and the only thing that Kimbo was in danger of was getting mat burn on his forehead. Dana was spot on with his post-fight comments. Roy should have showed a tad bit more "enthusiasm" after he had the crucifix in place.

Q. OK fine, then why did Herb Dean stop it in the 2nd when it was the same scenario?
It was a similar scenario, but not the exact same. The round wasn't even half over when Kimbo was again helpless and could not defend himself.

Q. Why didn't Roy try "harder" to finish the fight?
Big Country is not the typical TUF noob entrant. He may have the most well-rounded accolades in the history of TUF. He's the ex-IFL champ, fought top 10 contenders and has all the skills to back up his big mouth and belly. He's the front runner to win this season - and I'm sure he's thinking the same thing. The only thing that can legitimately beat him is an injury. By not turning up the speed, flair or intensity in his matches, he leaves less chance of misfortune rearing its ugly head.

Q. Did Kimbo ever stand a chance against the ex-IFL champ?
I 100% believe Kimbo could have won.
No doubt in my mind.

Q. Explain how he would have overcome Roy's bjj skillz.
The opposite of the ground game is standup. Forget bjj defense or even the clinch game.
KEEP IT STANDING
Do NOT attempt knees, kicks, spinning backfists, jumping windmill kicks, spinning hook kicks, or the legendary “Triple Lindy".
Just do what you do best:

Pretend you're in a boatyard, light him up like a Christmas tree and introduce Roy to your Certification of the Streets.


Done and done.