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About This Page: This is a discussion on Other Sports within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. Good interview with Terry Martin
http://ufcjunkie.com/2007/08/30/an-i...com-exclusive/
__________________ "11:19 -- You're not gonna believe this, but J.D. Drew took a called third strike to end the inning.
(Note: Dodgers, Braves and Cardinals fans everywhere are nodding and saying, "Yup ... been there, done that.")
Would like to hear your thoughts on this. Rampage got a title shot after beating journeyman Marvin Eastman.
Say what you want about Forrest, he's overrated by pretty much all UFC newcomers but he's a solid fighter and 100X better than Marvin Eastman. Plus Shogun had a much better run in PRIDE than Rampage.
Also, the winner of 'Page-Henderson is going to have to fight somebody. Obviously it won't be Chuck because the UFC wants to set up that Chuck-Wandy fight as quick as possible.
There's really no one else in line other than Shogun provided he beats Forrest.
Not saying he wouldn't be the best choice, I just prefer when they have more than one fight before entering a title fight whether this be Jackson or Shogun. Ironically I was gonna say put him in the there with Babalu next. Guess not/
__________________ "So I was sitting in my cubicle today, and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it. So that means that every single day that you see me, that's on the worst day of my life." - Peter Gibbons(Office Space)
Not saying he wouldn't be the best choice, I just prefer when they have more than one fight before entering a title fight whether this be Jackson or Shogun. /
Maybe if the debuting fighter isn't quite an elite fighter, 2 fights or so makes sense for a title shot. But when the guy is elite, then one fight should be enough. The caveat being that the debuting fighter should have a very impressive performance in that first fight.
If Shogun grinds out a decision, then he shouldn't get one.
In the case of Fedor, he should get an immediate title shot. Hendo the same thing, I mean the guy has two straps!
Maybe if the debuting fighter isn't quite an elite fighter, 2 fights or so makes sense for a title shot. But when the guy is elite, then one fight should be enough. The caveat being that the debuting fighter should have a very impressive performance in that first fight.
If Shogun grinds out a decision, then he shouldn't get one.
In the case of Fedor, he should get an immediate title shot. Hendo the same thing, I mean the guy has two straps!
Oh I think Shogun deserves it, just a personal preference. Him and Hendo are elites fighters who aren't here to fight creampuffs.
Didn't someone say they were going to be in London during UFC 75.
Here's the info on the weigh ins.
Quote:
The field of 18 fighters for UFC 75: “Champion vs. Champion” will tip the scales for the official weigh-in on Friday, September 7 at 4 p.m. BST (9 p.m. ET), according to UK.UFC.com.
It is FREE and open to the public, beginning at 3 p.m. BST and ending at 5 p.m. BST, for those in the London area next weekend.
Here are the particulars:
London Piazza at O2 Arena
Peninsula Square
London, GB SE10 0DX
Ah good luck man. Remember to bring that digital camera as well.
What's going on in London? Vacation or Business?
A little bit of both to be honest. I got in on Saturday and I've been checking things out since. A little worn out and tired, but I'll make do. I'll be working during the week, and then it's off to somewhere for the weekend. Doesn't look like i'll be able to watch the fights here (tickets are way too much at this point. About $300 last time I checked), so I'll have to Tivo them and watch when I'm home.
UFCjunkie.com: You’ll be fighting Matt Hamill Saturday at UFC 75. In the past, after Hamill had went to the media campaigning for the fight, you mentioned that fighting him would be a step backward in your career. So how did the fight come about?
Michael Bisping: Like you mentioned, he did call me out. Look, I can understand why the UFC wanted this fight. A lot of people watch the show and want to see us fight. It’s the fight the fans want, so that’s good enough for me. Yeah, I didn’t want it at first. I wanted to put the whole “Ultimate Fighter” thing behind me and move on with my career in the UFC. But the fight’s booked. I look forward to going out there and shutting him up and putting on a good show.
UFCjunkie.com: Hamill was portrayed as a bit of a sympathetic character on the show. Was that an accurate portrayal?
Michael Bisping: No, no (it isn’t). They portrayed him as this big gullible, bloody puppy-eyed deaf kid, but that wasn’t the case at all. The guy’s an *******, for lack of a better word. He came on the show for the wrong reasons. He’s a bit of a bully. He didn’t respect anyone. When it’s universal that every guy who meant him thought he was an *******, well, he’s got to be an *******. You’d think someone — at least one person — would like you, but no one in the house except for his buddy Danny (Abbadi) did.
UFCjunkie.com: Were they really that tight on the show?
Michael Bisping: Maybe there was a little man-love going on. (laughs) Seriously, you could see the connection. There was some electricity there. But whatever. It’s 2007. I’m all for gays. More power to them. (laughs) But honestly, they did portray (Matt) as a bit of a teddy bear, and that wasn’t the case at all.
UFCjunkie.com: I was at UFC 68 and saw Hamill’s win over Rex Holman. It was a solid victory, but it was almost like Hamill wanted to keep it on his feet to prove something. A few people have called it “sloppy.” Do you think he’s overconfident in those non-wrestling aspects of his game?
Michael Bisping: Absolutely. I’ve said it before. They guy really is an overconfident ego-maniac. I completely respect the guy for what he’s overcome. He’s done well for himself given what life’s dealt him. But he’s not what I would call a mixed-martial artist. Obviously, he’s got to improve his striking and jiu-jitsu. But I hope he did. I hope he comes out trying to prove a point. But he doesn’t really have any style with his strategy.
UFCjunkie.com: I know it’s hard to predict fight outcomes, but what can fans expect Saturday?
Michael Bisping: I think it’s going to be an exciting fight. If you’ve seen Hamill, you see that he comes out hard and ready to fight. He doesn’t like me. That goes back a while, so I’m sure he’s training his ass off. For me, I always look to finish a fight from the start. We’re going to war, and someone’s going to get stopped. OK, he’s going to get stopped. All he can really do is take me down, but he can’t finish me from there. He doesn’t really have any ground and pound or anything like that. I don’t like to make predictions, but there’s a reason most of my fights finish by knockout.
UFCjunkie.com: Tito Ortiz was your coach on “The Ultimate Fighter 3.” Do you still see or talk to him much?
Michael Bisping: No, not really. He lives in California, and I live in Manchester, so we don’t really bump into each other too much. (laughs) Me and Tito get along all right. We say hi when we see each other and exchange pleasantries, but that’s about all, to be honest.
UFCjunkie.com: Looking back to your time on the show, how would you rate him as a coach?
Michael Bisping: I can’t bad-mouth his coaching abilities on the show. He did a good job. You can’t deny it. He brought in Saul Soliz (kickboxing coach) and Dean Lister (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach), who are both world-class in their own rights. Saul’s a fantastic coach, Tito showed us wrestling things and takedown defense, and Dean Lister showed us some great stuff on the floor. So as a whole of a team, it was very, very good.
UFCjunkie.com: Well, you’re both light heavyweights. If they offered you a fight against Tito, is that something you would take?
Michael Bisping: Of course. I’d be f—ng happy to sock his big basketball head all over the Octagon. (laughs) I’m only joking. You’re going to quote me on that, aren’t you?
UFCjunkie.com: Who? Me?
Michael Bisping: Honestly, I’ve got a lot of respect for Tito. He’s a five-time world champion or something like that. I’ll fight anyone the UFC puts in front of me. I know that’s a bit of a boring answer, but that’s the way it is. Whatever comes my way, so be it.
UFCjunkie.com: Is there any fighter who’s off limits as an opponent — whether for personal reasons or because they’re training partners?
Michael Bisping: No, not really. I’m still taking my time. I’m not ready for a title fight or anything like that. It’s only my fourth UFC fight, you know? I just want to keep learning, progressing and maturing.
UFCjunkie.com: There’s been talk of a possible U.K. version of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Is that something you’d be interested in being a part of?
Michael Bisping: Oh yeah, of course. Sign me up. I’d love to be a coach or whatever. That’d be great.
UFCjunkie.com: So, specifically, you’d be interested in being a coach — and not just some type of host or assistant?
Michael Bisping: Absolutely. A lot of the guys came back from the show and said they hated it and would never do anything like that again. I loved it. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It changed my life. Usually, the guys who don’t like it are the ones who don’t make it very far. The guys who are there to the end usually love it.
UFCjunkie.com: Do you prefer fighting in the U.K. rather than the U.S. or somewhere else?
Michael Bisping: It doesn’t really matter to me. I’ve had good experiences wherever I fight. I will say that the crowd in Manchester (at UFC 70) was amazing, and I expect London to be the same. But the crowd was pretty amazing when I fought in the States too. Saturday will be at a great venue. But I’m pretty sure my next fight will be in the U.S. I’m excited about it.
UFCjunkie.com: As I’m sure you’re well aware, there’s been some criticism that the UFC has babied you in your early career. What would you say to fans who have that gripe?
Michael Bisping: Do you feel that way?
UFCjunkie.com: I’m talking about a lot of fans — vocal fans. Even a lot of UFCjunkie.com readers.
Michael Bisping: But you personally? Do you think that?
UFCjunkie.com: Not necessarily. Well, to an extent, I guess. But no more so than any other young fighter. The UFC needs a deliberate plan for their investments, so I understand not rushing you guys. And I’m not just talking about you guys who win the reality show.
Michael Bisping: Well, here it is. For one, I only fight who the UFC puts in front of me. My first fight after winning the contract was Eric Schaffer, who was 9-1. He finished every win with a first-round submission. He’s a tough guy. I wouldn’t call that a baby fight. His first fight in the UFC, and he chokes a guy out cold in two-and-a-half minutes. That’s no gimme. As for Elvis Sinosic, he doesn’t have the best record, but he’s fought many of the best guys in the world. That fight came about because his last fight was in Cage Rage in England, and he knocked out a guy called Mike Epstein, who was well known in England. So that fight kind of made sense in England. I had beat (Epstein) and so had Elvis, so I think it was a good bit of match-making on the UFC’s part.
UFCjunkie.com: And Hamill?
Michael Bisping: Well, he screamed, shouted and babied to get the fight. And he’s still undefeated. You can’t keep the fans happy. Well, I shouldn’t say fans. The Internet keyboard warriors, you can never please them. They’ll always have something to complain about.
UFCjunkie.com: I know you’re training a lot in Big Bear with Quinton Jackson. Have you thought about making the U.S. your permanent home?
Michael Bisping: I think about it a lot. I love the States. I love the lifestyle. It’s a possibility. You get a lot for your money here. Ideally, I’d like to do half and half — half my time here and half my time in England. I get great training in both places.
UFCjunkie.com: How about a title shot? You mentioned that earlier.
Michael Bisping: Yeah, you know, when you get to the title, there’s only one place to go. And it’s down. It’s true. Everyone wants a piece of you. I want to be there some day. I only have two (UFC) fights under my belt since winning (the contract), and I’m still learning. I don’t want to be there yet. Maybe next year. That’s what I want. I think I’ll achieve that goal eventually.
UFCjunkie.com: So is it a fight-by-fight re-evaluation thing?
Michael Bisping: Exactly. My ambition is to stay undefeated, and if I do that, the title shot will come soon enough.
Let's get some predictions out of the way. I'll post up my reasoning later.
Rampage Vs. Henderson Cro Cop Vs. Kongo Bisping Vs. Hamill
Alexander Vs. Sakara
I'm hoping Henderson loses, if for no other reason that he moves down to 185 and takes that belt in a unification match.
I can't behind Bisping. Even in that interview he just whines and bitches too much for my liking. If you're going to say "I fight the guys the UFC puts in front of me and I'm not ready for a title shot" then bitch and moan when you get the guy who you should have been fighting on your reality show...
Kongo is +280. That's screaming for a bet. I know CroCop has to win this for the money fight (assuming Fedor doesn't come in). Kongo is exactly the kind of guy CroCop could have trouble with, that is if Kongo brings half a tank with him as he gasses early.
I don't like the odds on Houston Alexander either. I'm not sold on him yet. Sakara/Alexander will be a lot like McFedries/Alexander.
I'm hoping Henderson loses, if for no other reason that he moves down to 185 and takes that belt in a unification match.
I like both guys but since Henderson is an ASU guy I'll root for him. I'll agree with you though, I'd love for him to fight at 185. LHW is already pretty stacked and the MW division could really use Hendo.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crapgame13
I can't behind Bisping. Even in that interview he just whines and bitches too much for my liking. If you're going to say "I fight the guys the UFC puts in front of me and I'm not ready for a title shot" then bitch and moan when you get the guy who you should have been fighting on your reality show...
I like Bisping, I thought he was pretty funny in that interview. Difference of opinion I guess. I think he's alright.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crapgame13
Kongo is +280. That's screaming for a bet. I know CroCop has to win this for the money fight (assuming Fedor doesn't come in). Kongo is exactly the kind of guy CroCop could have trouble with, that is if Kongo brings half a tank with him as he gasses early.
It's a good value bet but I don't like Kongo's chances.
Curious to hear why you think Kongo is the type of fighter that could give Cro Cop trouble. For me, Kongo is tailor made for Cro Cop. They both do the same things except Cro Cop is a far superior striker. Much, much better kicks and I think he's better on the feet. CroCop has some sort of ground and pound to his game while Kongo is worthless on the mat. So that's one thing CroCop does't have to worry about. I think the guys that give CroCop trouble are ground guys with solid stand up skills(Big Nog and Fedor).
Plus this is a huge step up in competition for Kongo. He's never faced a HW anywhere near the caliber of CroCop.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crapgame13
I don't like the odds on Houston Alexander either. I'm not sold on him yet. Sakara/Alexander will be a lot like McFedries/Alexander.
We have have no idea what Alexander's ground skills are. Meanwhile Sakara has a good reputation on the ground. The site I use had him at +155. So I put down some money on him.
ICurious to hear why you think Kongo is the type of fighter that could give Cro Cop trouble. For me, Kongo is tailor made for Cro Cop. They both do the same things except Cro Cop is a far superior striker. Much, much better kicks and I think he's better on the feet
I'm not giving Kongo as much credit as you may take that statement, it's deceptive
The thing about strikers is they all think they can take the other's strike. See Leben/Spider Silva.
I think Kongo is going hang back (a hunch) and wait for Mirko to push and use his knees on the inside if he can when Cro Cop comes in.
Kongo isn't a fight professor but the fights I've seen he counters very aggressiveness deceptively well
I think it all depends on how aggressive Cro Cop is. With aggressive guys like Coleman or Silva, Cro Cop uses that. When CroCop is the one pushing the action, weird crazy things tend to happen that shouldn't.
Last edited by Crapgame13; September 6th, 2007 at 08:37 PM.
I'm not giving Kongo as much credit as you may take that statement, it's deceptive
Ah ok. I definitely did thing about putting some money on Kongo, I just don't think he's going to win.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crapgame13
The thing about strikers is they all think they can take the other's strike. See Leben/Spider Silva.
Perhaps, I mean part of that is Leben just being a complete moron and letting Anderson knee the **** out of him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crapgame13
I think Kongo is going hang back (a hunch) and wait for Mirko to push and use his knees on the inside if he can when Cro Cop comes in.
Maybe, Kongo hanging back also leaves him in perfect distance of Cro Cop's head kick though. I think the best part of Kongo's game is his muay thai. Really good knees, etc. If Cro Cop knows this he'll be smart to keep Kongo on the distance and just kick box with him. Kongo will probably have to force the issue and tie up Cro Cop, but trying to do that leaves him exposed to all those strikes. We'll see, I think it'll be a very exciting match. Possible fight of the night.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crapgame13
Kongo isn't a fight professor but the fights I've seen he counters very aggressiveness deceptively well
A good thing for Kongo is he was training with Rampage up in Big Bear, more importantly he was able to work with Juanito Ibarra, Rampage's trainer who is an excellent game planner. I don't know if if Juanito will corner Kongo, but just working him is a big bonus.
SmytheKing
