You asked, so I deliver on the burning questions around the MMA.

I've received a flood of emails with thoughts and questions pertaining to a plethora of MMA topics. Folks want to know my thoughts on everything from the UFC, to Strikeforce, the WEC and much more.

While I cannot get to all of the topics, here are a few items that have grabbed my attention.

Media ignorance in Germany

First and foremost is that the UFC 99 event taking place in Germany is not being met with open arms by a lot of the local media. Some of my fellow peers (if that's what I'm allowed to call them) appear to believe the UFC is a bare-knuckle, fight-to-the-death representation of Mixed Martial Arts.

I'm of the ilk that if you don't know what you are talking about, you should not write or even speak about the topic until you actually do some research. I'm also a firm believer in one's credibility as a reporter or journalist. If you don't report the facts, then you should not be a reporter. Having an opinion about MMA is one thing, but basing it on ignorance is embarrassing for not only yourself, but your employer and the people who see, listen or read your product. I'm often accused of being politically correct and never rocking the boat, but one thing I will never do is lie to the public.

Some of these media folk in Germany are lost puppies with no clue about what they are talking about. Quite frankly, it's pathetic. Do some research before you report or share an opinion on a topic.

MMA in New York - not so fast

In and around the same topic is the situation that has just risen in New York. MMA will likely be put on the back burner while the politicians who represent the people battle it out. What looked like a promising step for MMA in the Empire State, is now beginning to fade away. With two Democrats jumping ship to the Republican side causing an uproar in the state senate, it looks as if the next two weeks will be used up on other pressing matters, leaving MMA by the wayside until after the summer.

Strikeforce

Last weekend I devoted 100 per cent of my time to the MMA Expo. In doing so, I was unable to watch the Strikeforce event in St. Louis, as well as the WEC show in Sacramento.

While I can officially say that I am now caught up, I am kicking myself for not watching these events live. I obviously had no choice but to report on the results during this week's "MMA Connected" episode, but I cannot watch MMA fights via the highlight package. I need to watch everything from the fighter's entrance to the post-fight interviews.

The Strikeforce event was quite the dandy and the surprises were obvious.

I've always been frustrated with the lack of BJJ skills that Kevin Randleman displayed, but even though he lost his fight vs. Mike Whitehead, I was pleasantly surprised to see "The Monster" using sweeps and reversals. If Randleman would have only applied these new skills about five years ago (to his already existing wrestling base), I can only wonder how unstoppable this guy would have actually been.

The Riggs and Baroni fight was great, especially seeing the NY Bad Ass displaying a little more cardio than normal. I was impressed with his performance but far more in awe of Diesel's. His BJJ game was very slick (courtesy of the boys at the Arizona Combat Sports Team) and hopefully he can convince Jake Shields to fight in the near future.

The third fight ,between Nick Diaz and Scott Smith, was proof positive that the legend of Diaz continues to grow. Punches in bunches and an incredible connection rate, coupled with some insane submission skills has to make many wonder how Strikeforce can keep this guy on their roster before the UFC says "enough... let's sign him back to our organization."

The co-main event between Andre Arlovski and Brett Rogers was obviously the upset of the night. I do not know what to think of Arlovski anymore. From making that terrible mistake in his fight vs. Fedor to underestimating Rogers' striking power is mind boggling. Arlovski has all the tools in the world to be the best and I can't pinpoint truly what is his issue. I doubt it's a glass jaw, because he's taken some tough shots before, but has the abuse taken from all of the boxing training made him more susceptible to being knocked out?

The main event between Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields caught me completely off guard; I thought Lawler would just be too much for Shields, but I was way out to lunch on this one. Good on Shields for submitting Lawler and even better, he called out Frank Shamrock in the post-fight press conference.

WEC

The WEC card in Sacramento was simply amazing. Especially considering the amount of texts and emails I received, I had to see the event for myself to find out why people were telling me it may go down as one of the best events of 2009.

How many times have you heard me say it before, but the fighters in the lighter weight categories make for some amazing matches and stellar bouts.

Jens Pulver losing to Josh Grispi so quickly was a tough pill to swallow. In January 2003, Pulver fought for me at UCC 12 and lost to Duane Ludwig. After the bout, Yves Lavigne and I discussed the loss and said something died within Pulver that night. Every fight after, I kept thinking back to that fateful day when the once feared lightweight was dismantled quickly by Bang. Since then, Jens has been unable to defeat any top calibre fighters and it looks like the end has finally come. Pulver is another legend in MMA, one who has provided many memories on so many different levels. I will always believe he is one of the toughest cats of all time.

Donald Cerrone's calm demeanor and strategic attack vs. James Krause was a sight to behold. Cerrone's game is getting tighter with every fight and I sincerely hope he, and Jamie Varner, will square off soon.

Mike Pettis: now there's a guy whose ground game is as slick as they come. Defeating Anthony Pettis the way he did was magical - there's nothing better than seeing grappling transitions from submission to submission. By far, my favourite part of MMA.

Jose Aldo's double knee combination that ended his fight with Cub Swanson was ridiculous. I wonder what's next for Aldo, as teammate Waggney Fabiano is ahead of him in the rankings. Which one of these guys will get a title shot vs. the champ?

As for the champ and the main event - incredible. Mike Brown successfully defending his title vs. Urijah Faber was a bout for the ages, but I still want to see a third fight. One where I hope Faber does not break his hand so early in the fight. I'm in no way insinuating that the fight would have turned out any different, but for a full four rounds, Faber survived without throwing any right crosses, right uppercuts or anything with his right hand. Other than a few left slaps, he couldn't even jab. Those are huge weapons to lose in a title fight, so imagine if he had all of them working throughout this fight? Hence my reasoning for an eventual third fight.

Misc MMA news

Did you know the UFC offered Cro Cop an unheard of one fight deal? Wonder if they would do the same with Fedor? Personally, I doubt they will.

Don't be surprised if Dana White starts promoting Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva immediately after UFC 99.

After some disparaging remarks post UFC 98, Drew McFederies has been kicked out of MFS.

WEC Med Suspensions - Faber and others out until December 4.

Looks like BJ Penn will not be talking trash with Kenny Florian, leading up to their UFC 101 title fight... something tells me he will.

M-1 is still looking for the UFC to co-promote an event. Don't hold your breath guys.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart training with Ryan Bader and team at Arizona Combat Sports.

Good news for the UFC's Heavyweight division - Shane Carwin has been cleared to spar and wants to come back to the Octagon in September.

The next UFC show in the UK looks to be pegged for Manchester, England.

Just in case you forgot, Tim Sylvia and Ray Mercer are set to rumble this weekend. Up until recently, it has been pegged as boxing in the cage, but it has been re-booked as an MMA bout.