Welcome to this edition of MMAterial Facts, where we feature articles from around the MMA community.
***
This week’s MMAterial Facts:
– The Nick Diaz Phenomenon (MMA Fighting)
“In 15 minutes, Diaz did more to shift the narrative of UFC 137 storylines than Penn, Mitrione and Kongo did in the preceding 40. That’s just the way it is when he speaks.
…
And isn’t that the point of conference calls and press conferences? When it comes to those, Diaz says more with less than anyone in MMA. If he was as verbose and microphone friendly as say, Chael Sonnen, it wouldn’t quite be the same. Diaz shows up when he wants, wedges open a window into his mind, and lets you in look in just long enough to find yourself fascinated and wanting more.”
– Opinion: Dana White is not the right man to lead the UFC during their era on Fox (Fight Opinion)
“Dana White has been the catalyst for the UFC’s growth from 2005 to present day. He is the most influential man in the sport and transformed UFC into an MMA empire. He avoided the kinds of pitfalls that doomed promotions like the WFA, the IFL, Affliction, PRIDE, DREAM, and Strikeforce. Thanks to Zuffa’s connections with Ari Emanuel, the promotion was able to bank a seven year, $700 million USD contract with Fox Sports to air UFC content on various Fox-related platforms.”
– Interview with UFC 137’s Roy Nelson as he prepares for Mirko Filipovic (MMA Mania)
“I feel standing, like I think I’ve stood up with some of the best heavyweights in the world. I stood up with Junior [dos Santos] so like, I think I might regress for this fight and go back to my roots, go back to my first five or six wins were all submissions. Maybe I’ll regress in the chain of being an MMA fighter.”
– The Lost Victims of the Injury Bug (MMA Convert)
“Everyone groans and exclaims when the big names get injured – there’s still weeping to be heard over Georges St. Pierre’s forced exit from UFC 137, and sobs can be heard all around the world over the news that Shane Carwin and Rich Franklin are both on ice over back- and shoulder injuries. But the Dreaded Injury Bug has bitten others, too. And while they may be lesser-known victims, sidelined from their participation in organizations that receive only a modicum of exposure and don’t employ an Octagon as a field of battle, these injured fighters’ absences from promised competition are woes that do still reverberate, albeit on a much smaller scale. So let us acknowledge them, here and now, and recognize that their loss to their respective organizations’ rosters does have an impact on us. They are the lost victims of the injury bug.”
– Get the popcorn ready, UFC is coming to your nearest theater…in 3D (MiddleEasy)
“According to Variety Magazine, the UFC has signed a contract with Cinedigm to offer UFC events that will be shown in movie theaters in illustrious 3D. “
– More surgery for Shane Carwin (NBC Sports MMA)
“Former UFC No. 1 heavyweight contender Shane Carwin will be forced to undergo a second round of surgical procedures to address issues related to neck and back problems. Carwin had surgery last November, and returned to fight against Junior dos Santos before being sidelined by these more recent issues.”
– Chris Leben: The Career Retrospective Interview (Cage Potato)
“[On “sending Anderson Silva back to Japan”:] “Here’s the deal: When you sit down with the UFC and give them a pre-fight interview, what are you supposed to say? I’m not going to say they tell you what to say [during the interviews], but it’s certainly coached, and they want you to be a tough guy. So I couldn’t say, ‘Hey I didn’t want to take this fight, I didn’t think I was ready for it, but I’m taking it anyway because the UFC told me I had to.’ I asked not to take the fight. I thought it was a bad idea, plain and simple.”
– A Review of “Raw Combat: The Underground World of Mixed Martial Arts” (Five Ounces of Pain)
“The book explores the fight scene in New York, which, as most fans know, isn’t exactly legal in the Big Apple. Jim paints a pretty vivid picture of how fights and events go down in New York and things definitely have a Fight Club feel. I’m actually a little worried for Jim’s safety once this book comes out for talking about the subject and breaking the first rule.”
– M-1 Global: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Jeff Monson” Video Promo (5thRound)
“Up until the release of Friday’s video promo, it was unknown how M-1 Global was planning on making the show available for viewing. Many thought Showtime might host the shindig, but it seems the premium cable network will stand clear.”
– We have a pretty interesting interview with Alexander Shlemenko (LowKick)
“How important for you is the potential rematch with Hector Lombard? Do you consider it as your main priority?
Yes, definitely. I’m absolutely sure that when we meet again, the fight will play by a totally different scenario. I’m working very hard on my takedown defense and overall physical condition. Hector Lombard will not be able to take me down and play the clock on the ground. I could beat him up and then win via KO standing.”
– Interview with Dan “Punkass” Caldwell from the Tapout Crew at NYCC 2011 (TheFightNerd)
“I think Kenny [Florian] is a really exciting fighter in his past matches, he just needs to fight the right people… me personally, I think the 155 lb. division looks a little more inviting again. I think he should go back to 155 and try his hand there. Some of those guys would match up better with his style.”
– Matt Lindland Interview: Chael Will Finish Silva Before the End of the Third Round (BleacherReport.com/MMA)
“I think the rematch would look just like the first one, except I’ve got a game plan for Chael to finish him before the end of the third round. So, yeah it’ll look similar to their first encounter, but with some additional techniques and strategy, it won’t make it to the championship rounds.”
Leave a Reply