With the dust finally settling from UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen, a variety of chatter has popped up online regarding the typical “what’s next” and “where do we from here” debates. And I like where some of it is going.
Is Jon Jones now No. 1 pound-for-pound?
A victory of Chael Sonnen shouldn’t catapult “Bones” to the top of the pound-for-pound list, but there is some merit to that argument. The quality of opposition he and current top dog Anderson Silva have faced, the common opponents they have shared, and the different types of dominance they have showcased in their performances, makes for a very fun debate.
At this point, I feel as if they are both 1 and 1A. And there’s only one real way to settle it. That’s right — wrap your hands boys, put your mouth guard in and settle it like men. My colleague Jeremy Botter from The Bleacher Report is hearing the two could square off in November, perhaps at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas. When he tweeted me the info, my response was simple: “Sounds like some chickens are being counted before they hatch.”
With that being said, the UFC is perhaps being proactive regarding this mega moneymaking bout, and may simply be reserving a date and venue, should all the stars align.
Problem is, Silva is taking on Chris Weidman next. “The All-American” is widely considered as the man who will dethrone Anderson’s reign as the King of MMA’s Kings. And this is not just coming from the MMA fan base and media, this is coming directly from many of the fighters as well (and I stress the word “many”).
Weidman is set to play the party spoiler at UFC 162. If he succeeds, the Silva vs. Jones (and Silva vs. GSP) super-fights are likely no more. At the very least, they will be delayed, pending the result of an immediate rematch given to Anderson. As much as I’d like to see Silva vs. Jones (or GSP), I’m in no rush with Jones. He’s still young and has lots of time to build upon his legacy, which will likely conclude with “Bones” being affectionately known as “The Greatest of All Time.”
Bisping remains relevant / Belcher going downhill
There is a sense that Alan Belcher has reached his peak. He was out-struck by Michael Bisping and beaten to the punch for the majority of their fight. The consensus was, unless something changes, the words “title mix” and “Belcher” may never be used in the same sentence again. Hopefully not — he’s usually a fun guy to watch.
To play or not to play
If Roy Nelson wasn’t “Roy Nelson,” he’d already have secured a title shot. The ongoing “feud” with Dana White, and how the prez wishes “Big Country” would cut his hair and shave his beard, and with “Roy being Roy,” is Latin for the Las Vegas native fighting Daniel Cormier next (or perhaps Mark Hunt). On one scale, image is everything, and I’m wondering if the UFC cringes at the very idea of Roy Nelson, and his “look” as the heavyweight champion of the world. But to rebut, Roy is the everyman’s man.
The fans love him. He performs, and often performs well. He’s a force to be reckoned with and is always going to be underrated and underappreciated. He also knows this business extremely well, especially how Zuffa conducts it. But, as Dana used to always say about Nick Diaz, if he “would only play the game this much” (while pinching his thumb and index finger) one has to wonder where Nelson would be today if he caved in and followed that advice. Of course, if he hasn’t now, why would anyone believe he would do so tomorrow.
Feel-good week in NYC/N.J.
While my flight back home was cancelled only to be booked on another one six hours later, it did not take away from a great week covering UFC 159. My time in New York City and Newark, N.J. was fantastic.
Smiles all around whenever I got to deal with Chael Sonnen, who to this day, and moving forward, will always be one of my favourites.
I can’t help but feel happy for Pat Healy, who beat Jim Miller. That’s a serious, big win for “Bam Bam,” who’s been waiting a long time for that big win in the Octagon. And kudos to the UFC for granting him both the Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night bonuses. All the years of hard work have somewhat paid off for Pat now.
I got to speak with Bryan Caraway after his fight and as per usual, walk away smiling ear to ear. We have our own banter that we go back and forth with, and let’s just say he beat me down this time around. That is, until a few hours later, when his better half, Miesha Tate came by and said “hello.” We chatted for awhile discussing her career, her last fight, her next bout, Italy, relationships and so much more. If all goes well, I’ll be speaking with the MMA power couple on camera soon to get some interesting info for a feature UFC Central will air in the future.
And finally, there’s Sara McMann, who won her Octagon debut vs. Sheila Gaff. I finally had the chance to sit her down and discuss all things McMann. Well at least, most things McMann. Part two of our interview will take place soon, but in the meantime, I can tell you this. If you are anywhere near her and her infectious smile doesn’t put one on your face, then shame on you. She has this beautiful, calming energy about her, and I watched it spread across the media room after her win. She is something special to say the least, with a very bright future under the UFC banner.