Cage Cast 12: The calm before UFC 100

WKR figured we would create a podcast for all those people who are avoiding blowing stuff up and don't like eating BBQ. I think that is only one person in the U.S. but what the hell. You can subscribe to our RSS feed and remember to follow us on iTunes. Here is the streaming version for those who are anti-iTunes. 

In this episode we start off by talking about the news that Lorenzo Fertitta went to Croatia to try and re-sign Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic. This is strange news because it seemed that Mirko would be ostracized from the UFC after UFC 99. WKR thinks that this means the UFC might need the Croatian star to be the center of their Germanic expansion.

Next we talk about the potential fight between Shane Carwin and Cain Velasquez at UFC 104. Spencer feels that the UFC may be risking their prospects by rushing them in a perceived number one contender bout. Zak thinks they really don't have a choice in the matter due to the layout of the division.

An interesting part of this story was Shane Carwin's inadvertent announcement of the fight on his Twitter account. That brings up the role of new media and a different story that occurred this week.

The Youngstown Vindicator reported that WEC lightweight champion was going to be stripped of his title and his career was in doubt due to an injury. The story spread like wildfire until the WEC General Manager set the record straight. Varner is indeed hurt and won't be able to defend his title but the WEC is preparing an interim lightweight title. WKR discusses how this is a great example for how new media works.

WKR also discusses a column by Dr. Benjamin on MMA Junkie. His column was a rebuke of female MMA switching from 3 minute rounds to five minute rounds. Many disagreed with Dr. Benjamin's points and it created a minor controversy with charges of sexism. Dr. Benjamin then wrote a follow up defending his position. WKR wade in with our opinions.

Finally WKR talked about the upcoming mainstream media coverage for UFC 100. WKR feels that this is a great field study for the current state of MMA and the UFC in the eyes of the media.

Next week we start preview UFC 100. 

UFC 100 coverage