UFC 110: Big Name Fighters at Risk, or are they?
by Zak Woods on Feb 16, 2010 10:00 AM EST
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Our good friend at MMAforReal, Kelvin Hunt, recently penned a piece asking, 'who could least afford a loss at UFC 110'? Hunt believes that Wanderlei Silva, Keith Jardine, Stephan Bonnar and Mirko Filipovic are all in precarious positions; with the underlying implication that a loss for any of the above fighters may translate into their dismissal from the UFC.
If UFC 109's bloodbath of pink slips --six fighters, or over a quarter of the fighters on the card were released-- was a leading indicator than UFC 110 may be another card that features several fighters at the end of their UFC line. Looking over their resumes and it is fairly easy to see why. Wanderlei Silva is 1-5 in his last six fights and 1-3 in most recent UFC run. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic hasn't looked like "Cro Cop" since 2006 and is 2-3 in the UFC. Both Stephan Bonnar and Keith Jardine are on two fight losing streaks and both are 2-4 in past six fights.
Despite the appearance of mediocrity WKR would like to offer the counter argument; that in fact none of these fighters are facing a 'win or find a new job' scenario.
All four of these fighters have powerful name recognition within the MMA world, which makes up for their recent lack of success within the Octagon. If the UFC cuts any of these four fighters Strikeforce would be posed to make a serious short-term gain. This may seem counter intuitive; how does a fighter being fired for not cutting it in one organization help another?
Take Wanderlei Silva for example. If Wanderlei loses and is released Strikeforce could easily sign Silva and use him for several legitimate fights at either 205 lbs. or 185 lbs., e.g. Gegard Mousasi, Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler or a rematch against Dan Henderson. The same goes for Jardine and Bonnar as they represent light heavyweights with decent names and abilties, something that is in short supply and Strikeforce desperately needs to fight Mousasi, Henderson, Sobral, Lawal and Sokoudjou. Even Filipovic could be used as an opponent for Fedor (is there really anyone left for him to fight after Werdum?) or maybe even Bobby Lashley or Brett Rogers. If Strikeforce could sign any of these fighters it would be a nice win, not a great win mind you, but certainly better than signing Wes Sims.
Note: This is dependent on the assumed fighter still wanting to compete and be willing to fight at a lower amount. Well, that is if Strikeforce/Showtime doesn't go Affliction crazy (aka no Tim Sylvia contracts).
One reader previously called this analysis "cynical" but if we look at Zuffa's behavior after Affliction shut up shop it appears that the UFC was trying to deny talent to Strikeforce as much as it was trying to add talent to their own roster. Did you ever think you'd see Paul Buentello or Vladimir Matyushenko back in the UFC?
The one element that may prove to be the ultimate determining factor is money (isn't it always the case?). Zuffa is certainly large enough to absorb a top paid fighter not performing to expectations for awhile. But there may be a point where they say "enough is enough."
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Shortsighted, Fickle and Sad Fans . . .
Agreed.
Wanderlei:
Here’s a fighter that gives the fans what they want just like Chris Lytle. He throws caution to the wind to ENTERTAIN fans you freaking f*cks1
Jardine:
No on has fought the string of world-class athletes that he has in the UFC. Granted, when he loses . . . he really loses -Alexander, Wanderlei Silva and Thiago Silva.
Bonnar
Bonnar is the Ultimate Fighter. Period. He’s Dana White’s boy. White has always been loyal to ‘his’ guys. While he has not performed like an elite fighter, I think he will always have a job as long as they stop matching him up against strong wrestlers. He has never been stopped, well except when he faced the ‘Ghost’ in Lyoto Machida.
Cro-Cop
I think Mirko sees the writings on the wall. He’s questioning his own future. I think he needs to prove to himself that he can compete. Out of the all the fighters, he may actually be given his pink slip if he loses or retire if he doesn’t perform well enough to satisfy his ego.
1 Excuse my vulgar language but it just had to be said. Bashing Wanderlei like he’s yesterday news or washed up really doesn’t compute.
yeah yeah yeah . . .
The only cut I would expect is Mirko as the UFC has shown no plans to go back to Germany in 2010.
Jardine is on the block, but he has another shot if he loses.
Bonnar is Dana’s boy.
Wand has a terrible UFC record, and if he loses I wouldnt mind seeing him cut as his style technique has never changed. But he likely will headline cards similar to UFC 109
I agree that Mirko is the most likely candidate to be cut if he loses or disappoints. But the UFC has used him as an international vehicle and they clearly have international designs so I wouldn’t be surprised if gets another fight. Perhaps against Todd Duffee in U.K. in late ’10?
watchkalibrun.com
If any of them got cut after UFC110, I’d say WKR was wrong with it’s don’t-let-StrikeForce-have-‘em theory. However, I believe CC’s “international vehicle” status, as well as Bonnar’s “Dana’s boy” status mentioned above , as well as Wand’s great perfomances could prevent any/all of them from being cut. If that were the case, we wouldn’t know if Zuffa was holding on to them because of expansion reasons, loyalty reasons, or because of your theory. It’s not a bad theory, I just think it’s complicated by the factors mentioned above.
http://twitter.com/scoozna
I like that term the "don’t-let-StrikeForce-have-‘em" hypothesis
Your definitely right that there are a lot of factors that affect the status of each fighter. I tried to allude to this but I definitely believe that these four fighters could help Strikeforce in the short run. If past history is any indication on how Zuffa operates I don’t think the UFC would release any of these fighters.
That being said here’s the disclaimer. There are scenarios where one may be released. A killer knockout loss, a huge contract with larger payouts coming etc.
watchkalibrun.com
WANDY’s always a draw he didn’t headline or co-headline four of the five cards including this one for no reason. The man brings it he’ll even chase people around like he did to pot belly chuck, rampage (before going in with his hands down and bang lights out), and franklyn and will probably end up chasing bisping too. He’s my hero. He’s a legend and if the ufc wants to go invade japan all they need is WANDY!!! and you could also throw CC, Big Nog, Shogun, and Fedor ‘cause they’re international MMA Stars. Unlike bisping or rothwell who are only for the most part known here in the US, Canada and in Bisping’s case the UK or just England..
I like Bonar and ardine ‘cause they bring the fight so it would be a bummer to see them go. However, unless they have a person ala starnes, florian, bisping, or more recently houston, I doubt they’ll be cut or perhaps they’ll be cut, but with their door wide open for them to come back except for perhaps CC. Either of those fighters especially WANDY could go anywhere they want if that were the case.
Lastly, I’m glad WKR took my advice and made one single post of possible fighters that may get the axe although it’s only the main card, it’s good enough. You’re welcomed WKR.
silva and bonnar i don't think would be cut.
both guys are entertaining and can take alot of punishment. both bleed pretty easily and that’s what the people want.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. I was building a house, I don't deserve this, deserves have nothing to do with it. Bang. "Unforgiven" I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! "There Will BE Blood"
by wolfmanshowlforever on Feb 16, 2010 3:37 PM EST reply actions
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