(Is this mailbag not why you are here?)

WKR's first mailbag is here! If you'd like to be apart of the next one send us an email at watchkalibrun@gmail.com or send us a question through twitter at twitter.com/watchkalibrun. No topics are off limits!

Rules, we don't need no stinking rules!
Why does the UFC ban leg and knee strikes to the head of a downed opponent.  PRIDE allowed it, and there was never any grotesque injury (at least to my knowledge) caused by one of these strikes.  I can see why 12-to-6 elbow strikes are illegal, as you can severely damage the eye or eye socket, but I can't see why these aren't legal.  It lets fighters turtle up if they can't finish a shot, like Anthony Perosh did against Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 110.  Why are these strikes illegal?

An excellent question but one that is ultimately out of Zuffa's control. The state athletic commission's make and enforce the rules. As of this moment Zuffa has pursued a policy of lobbying for legalization or regulation using the "Unified Rules", which were penned by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. At this moment it seems unrealistic to think that  allowing kicks and knees to a downed opponent could be added to each state as MMA still isn't regulated in every state with a commission. In the end we are stuck with a crappy tactical loophole for fighters to exploit. But this has the indirect effect of making Japanese MMA interesting. Like when Sakurai knee'd Shinya Aoki's head into oblivion. Can we call this "curb kneeing"?

Of Gladiators and Pro-wrestling
Had two comments from your most recent Cast. Zak mentioned the days of the gladiator and how much better it is for humans overall today. Seems like most non MMA fans love to use the line the sport is barbaric and something close to gladiator fighting. So what's the first thing we see after the Zuffa *zap zap* PPV intro? A gladiator suiting up for battle, seems like the UFC may want to move away from that image no? In the past my buddies and I have talked about how that intro seems corny/dated anyways and should be changed. At least the WEC has the "every tough guy tribal tattoo" intro, which is slightly better...I guess.

Let's tackle this one first.

The Zuffa gladiatorial intro is clearly a legacy portion of the broadcast. I think one of the reasons why we are treated to that man strapping on his armor with over-dramatic music blaring in the background, is that the audience wants to believe they are watching post-modern gladiators. The Western world has always fascinated with the alien nature of the Roman Empire and there are some similarities between the two and its not just blood, honor and masculine virtue. Remember, Romans liked watching unfair fights or different style match-ups, i.e., lightly armored fighter wielding a dirk versus a heavily armored fighter wielding an axe or polearm, we see the same thing in MMA to a degree, i.e., wrestler vs. striker. It is entirely understandable that Zuffa would directly try to capture that feeling. But to be honest the intro looks like something out of an A&E documentary about gladiators and it would be nice if they could update it. Just please don't go the 300 route. That has to be the most overrated movie of the decade.

Second comment is on Pro Wrestling and MMA, why they are considered peers I'm not quite sure. Forgive me if I misheard, but it sounded like Zak said there is a crossover between the two. I am a rare fan of both, been long time fan of wrestling, then MMA (TUF Finale: Bonner/Forrest Disciple). Although from my sample of friends, none are huge fans of both sports and from what I've read on many message boards/blogs (both wrestling/mma) the crossover seems minimal. If anything wrestling fans enjoy MMA too, but rarely, if ever do I see MMA fans support wrestling mainly due to it being scripted/soap opera/over the top. Maybe you had info of the two having a large crossover that I had not seen?

This Week's Random bit of Spam Mail
I was just on your site and I know this may be an unusual request but I was hoping you might let me send you a piece of jewelry from my store (complimentary of course). I was hoping you might be able to post your honest thoughts (good, bad or ugly) on your blog, even if it's just a really brief mention it would really help me promote my store.  If you're ok with this let me know and I'll email you a gift card which would allow you to choose any item free.
Hope I haven't wasted your time!