We take a look back at Fight for the Troops 2 and an ominous predicton from Roy Nelson.
With UFC Fight for the Troops 2 now behind us, and Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg on the horizon, it's going to be another busy week in the world of MMA.
First and foremost, a big "thank you" to all of our Canadian viewers who donated to the Hero Fund.
It's a wonderful cause that aids our military personnel and their families. And it's never too late to donate; just visit the site and please give what you can.
During the broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet, we saw a variety of bouts that I analyzed during this week's episode of MMA Connected. First was Mark Hominick's victory over George Roop, solidifying his title shot vs. UFC featherweight champion, Jose (Junior) Aldo.
There are not many fans and analysts that are giving the Canadian much of a chance against the Brazilian, but with his striking speed and precision, coupled with the Brazilian's tendency over his past three fights of starting off slow, there could be an opening for "The Machine" to hurt "Junior" en route to shocking the world.
The two will square off as part of the co-main event for UFC 129, Saturday, April 30, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The other Canadian on the card, Edmonton's Tim Hague, did not fare as well.
It seemed as if one of Matt Mitrione's punches landed so flush, that it looked as if a knockout would have been better than to remain awake, and have to continue fighting with his senses playing tricks on him.
I've seen this occur on many occasions, with many fighters telling me they'd rather have been knocked out than try and defend knowing full well they can't do it at 100 per cent.
Mitrione continues to impress and while he's still a fight or two away from competing with the elite in the division, I am impressed with his development and systematic ascension up the UFC's heavyweight food chain.
The main event between Evan Dunham and Melvin Guillard did not surprise me at all. In late 2003/early 2004, I had a subscription to a product called "Bad Breed TV," a DVD magazine that showcased a variety of grass-roots MMA content.
One volume featured a young fighter named Melvin Guillard, who was destroying his opposition with ease. Many of us in the pre-Ultimate Fighter era firmly believed that this guy was the future at lightweight.
It's taken awhile, and after a few ups and downs, it almost appears as if "The Young Assassin" is on the cusp of finally realizing his potential.
As I mentioned on this week's MMA Connected, now that he's taken out a Top 10 contender in Dunham, a step up in competition is required.
Seeing as Dunham was supposed to originally take on Kenny Florian this past Saturday night, I stated that Guillard should face "KenFlo" in his next fight. Low and behold, Kenny has piped up stating: "If Melvin thinks he deserves a shot over me, he should fight me and beat me...who has he beaten? What has he done?"
As for the rest of the card, I was a little surprised that Pat Barry was unable to finish off Joey Beltran, but it's likely because "The Mexicutioner," as "HD" stated, is a zombie that will just not go away. Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman was a stellar bout and yes, I was surprised that Wiman could dominate Miller so easily.
I predicted the complete opposite in this bout, but such is MMA.
And what was with "Magrinho" looking into the camera after the fight, picking his nose and flicking it towards the lens?
Really?
Cody McKenzie's development is doing well, but Yves Edwards is a wily veteran who was just too much for him. The most bizarre portion of the event's results was former WEC featherweight champion Mike Thomas Brown's loss to Rani Yahya. It's his fourth defeat in a row - we may have seen the last of him in the UFC for quite some time. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
More MMA News
I highly recommend watching this video of Roy Nelson predicting disaster during the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
He's predicting that coach Brock Lesnar will bolt the show mid-way, Frank Mir or Shane Carwin will have to step in, and much more.
The UFC recently partnered with TV Bank Corporation in Japan, who will now become their content partner across various digital platforms. It is also a step in the right direction for the organization to eventually hold events in the Land of the Rising Sun.
It's still a long way from happening, as the climate and culture in Japan is far different than it is in North America. MMA fans, cross your fingers, as the sport needs a serious revival in the Orient, before it fades away into obscurity.
With Herschel Walker stepping into the cage on Saturday night, the pundits are once again criticizing Strikeforce for what many are calling a "freak show."
I can sympathize with their assessments, but Walker does have the right to fight if he wants to. It just so happens that it's with Strikeforce, which has the eyes and ears of many. He could compete for a grassroots organization, but really, why should he?
He's being given the option to compete for one of the biggest organizations in the sport - is that his fault?
And Strikeforce, as a promoter, will do what needs to be done to draw attention to their show. There is nothing wrong with that. Most who are offended by the Walker addition have them believing that Strikeforce is trying to fool everyone into thinking he will be the heavyweight champion one day.
They aren't.
No one seriously believes that. To lose sleep over this is worthless. So he takes away from an up-and-comer in the division. Well, tell that up-and-comer to start doing some more media and drawing the attention of the mainstream networks.
If he does, then Walker will no longer be taking his spot.
And are you following Jon (Bones) Jones on Twitter? Every so often he posts a gem, be it an inspirational quote, or he flat out calls someone out.
First, it was Thiago Silva for his bongo playing on Brandon Vera; now it's Aaron Simpson, who has ticked off Bones.
This could get ugly.
Finally, while it's not until September, I already know what I want for my birthday: it's Big John McCarthy's new book, Let's get it on!, the making of MMA and its ultimate referee.
Coincidentally enough it's being released in September 2011.
