What Will Be the Best MMA Fight of the Month?

by Luke Thomas on Nov 3, 2009 12:18 PM EST in News Comment 60 comments

It depends on what criteria one uses to define "best" (I lean towards some admixture of relevancy, skills used and displayed, grit required to persevere, the amount of action and competitiveness), but Josh Gross lines up the contenders:

In no particular order:

• Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers (Strikeforce, Nov. 7 on CBS) -- Whenever Fedor fights, it's an event. His first effort in a cage makes this one in particular unique. If Rogers can muster any kind of effort, this could be a bout remembered for quite some time.

• Jake Shields vs. Jason Miller (Strikeforce, Nov. 7 on CBS) -- Battling for the Strikeforce middleweight title, Shields vs. Miller should manifest into a ground war, with submission attempts aplenty.

• Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy (UFC 105, Nov. 14 on SpikeTV) -- Billed as a No. 1-contender fight in the UFC welterweight division, this bout is compelling on those stakes alone, perhaps even more so than Randy Couture's return to light heavyweight against Brandon Vera.

• Mike Thomas Brown vs. Jose Aldo (WEC 44, Nov. 18 on Versus) -- Vying for the WEC 145-pound championship, Brown and Aldo meet in a clash of styles. Featherweight has consistently pumped out great action, and this one shouldn't be any different. If I'm forced to pick just one fight to watch in November, this is probably it.

• Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin 2 (UFC 106, Nov. 21 on PPV) -- This spot was reserved for Lesnar-Carwin, and the card has certainly taken a hit with its loss. Still, while several bouts from UFC 106 -- Dustin Hazelett vs. Karo Parisyan, Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Luiz Cane -- should be exciting, the Ortiz-Griffin rematch demands attention for the storylines surrounding both fighters.

Based on my critieria, I'm leaning towards Aldo vs. Brown. I couldn't possibly care less about Swick vs. Hardy. Ortiz vs. Griffin could steal the show, but questions remain about Tito coming off of back surgery. Shields vs. Miller should be good, but hardly a barn burner. Fedor vs. Rogers carries import, but no matter how it ends I don't see it as being particularly competitive. Hazelett vs. Karo is a contender, but doesn't carry enough relevancy. Ditto for Lil' Nog vs. Cane. And Koscheck vs. Johnson could be good, but that's about the best one can say relative to these other fights.

It's also fair to say the MMA community is being spoiled this month and it's awfully fun to act like a brat.

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Comments

these all being around my birthday is proof that god loves me…except for swick v hardy thats not nearly as exciting compared ot the rest

by bearcox13 on Nov 3, 2009 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that many times I expect a certain card or fight to suck. And many times, those are the cards or fights that turn out to be the most bad-ass.

Therefore, Fedor-Rogers will be the best.

BOOSH

by Farthammer on Nov 3, 2009 12:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

In order

1) Aldo/Brown
2) Couture/Vera (I really think this is going to be a good fight)
3) Swick/Hardy (as long as Swick doesn’t take to the LnP as he did with Davis)

Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
MMA Editor - SBNation.com

by Brent Brookhouse on Nov 3, 2009 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am on this page.

I can interchange Couture/Vera with Swick/Hardy for 2 and 3 but Brown/Aldo is the fight I am most looking forward to.

"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"

by Warhand on Nov 3, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i like jose aldo over mike brown b/c as the sec says speed kills.

then aldo after winning the belt jumps the cage and celebrates with the fans.

by wolfmanshowlforever on Nov 3, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

CLOSE

but, this is the official list:

1) Aldo/Brown
2) Fedor/Rogers
3) Couture/Vera
4) Lil’ Nog/ Banha
5) Miller/Shield
5) Johnson/Koscheck

by nottheface on Nov 3, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

+1

by 1WAYtiket on Nov 3, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I should mention...

that in all honesty I’m MOST excited for Fedor/Rogers as I’ll be cageside covering the event for BE and really…how many times am I going to get to see Fedor live?

Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
MMA Editor - SBNation.com

by Brent Brookhouse on Nov 3, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I got to admit it awe inspiring. I saw both the Affliction shows at The Pond. But I have to admit I prefer to watch fights on tv now. I know its blasphemy, but I think you get a better view and you don’t have to deal with so many drunken louts. Four hours of fights is long time to be sitting next to some drunk War Machine wannabe.

by nottheface on Nov 3, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

im with you on couture/vera. i think randy’s really gonna bring out the best in brandon vera. i also think that this might be a tuning point for him if he can pull off the win with a good showing.

That was a real kick and good for laughs and lashings of the old ultraviolent.

by mistake4 on Nov 3, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brown/Aldo should be awhsum.

Keep firing Assholes!

I am the King of Rome, and am above grammar. -Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor

by Ubernoober on Nov 3, 2009 12:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m actually looking forward to Swick/Hardy, although admittedly only because I’m pulling for Hardy to beat Swick’s head in.

by lowellthehammer on Nov 3, 2009 12:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

you and me both...

Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
MMA Editor - SBNation.com

by Brent Brookhouse on Nov 3, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care who wins this one

So long as someone’s head gets beat in I’m happy. And I think it should be a pretty good fight!

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
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by funnytiger on Nov 3, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pulling for Hardy as long as he is sporting the red mohawk.

by Razreshat on Nov 3, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually want Swick to win

because I think the beating GSP would give him would be much more severe.

by BNeL21 on Nov 3, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There's something I really don't like about Hardy

Yet at the same time, I can’t help but root for him. The Earache Records sponsorship and his avid, well spoken defense of MMA have won me over.

by pdl on Nov 3, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Me also, I will be happy when someone knocks the AKA trio down a few pegs

by StevenGiles on Nov 3, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

amen

to that brother

by quick rick on Nov 4, 2009 3:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lots of (potentially) great fights

Good fights at 170
Can’t wait to see KOS vs Rumble, should be an action packed fight. Looking forward to Swick/Hardy also. And Hazelett vs anyone. That guy is getting better and better. His BJJ is sick!

by Lunchbox15 on Nov 3, 2009 12:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like Aldo Brown on Good Eats, but he seems to force it as host of Iron Chef America.

BOOSH

by Farthammer on Nov 3, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

nice…. fooooood network rules

by cagefightonacid on Nov 3, 2009 1:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Alton is my hero!

I’m an engineer who has a corny sense of humor, grew up on Bill Nye, and loves to cook; Good Eats is basically custom designed for me.

by Shaun32887 on Nov 3, 2009 4:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've had the privilege of meeting him a few times. (He stays in my area)

Had a nice discussion with him about Guy Ritchie’s movies.

"Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity." - Bullet Tooth Tony
@deowade

by Deo Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brown-Aldo and Cane-Rogerio are the two fights I am most looking forward to this month.

by Steve4192 on Nov 3, 2009 12:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Also, shame on Gross for leaving out lil Nog’s UFC debut against a guy who has been white hot thus far in his UFC career.

by Steve4192 on Nov 3, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

to be honest

gross has seemed to change for the better; giving credit where credit is due, even if it’s a fight under zuffa… but you’re right, leaving that out is too bad.

by cagefightonacid on Nov 3, 2009 1:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I’m on this page as well. Hazelett/Karo could be great, too, if we see a return to form from Parisyan.

Ranking MMA

by JRN on Nov 3, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brown/Aldo, because Brown looks to be at the top of his game and Aldo because he really is a killer and I’ve yet to see him in a boring fight (I am a fanboy though so I am biased).

I’m looking forward to Rogers/Fedro too though, just hoping that Rogers KOs him to see the internet explode and burn (yeah I guess I like anarchy).

by pr0cs on Nov 3, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Its a month were i only have to pay for one event to free mma is all good. I expect the Fedor fight to be a smashing, Swick/Hardy should be a good fight, im a new hardy fan sence that whole feed the troll fanpost. Vera/Couture i cant wait for but that being mostly due to me being a randy fan. The Brown fight as people have said will probably be the most action packed. Im kinda glad that Lesnar/Carwin got moved because if that was still on im sure a few of thses fights would have been over looked and some media space would have been reserved for Brock headlines after the fight now equil attention, so im happy

by Riley_96 on Nov 3, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Big events every week. Loving this.

by Cunny on Nov 3, 2009 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Toss-up between Brown-Aldo and Miller-Shields

by lhasafi on Nov 3, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

luke, how could you care less for hardy vs swick? i personally think its one of the best fights of the month, right behind aldo/brown….and its relevant to the contender picture.

by fightfan531 on Nov 3, 2009 12:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well, I don’t find either fighter to be even close to championship material. Neither guy has a particularly noteworthy skill set. I don’t dislike either guy, but I’m also not a fan. And no matter who wins, they’re both going to get butchered by GSP. It just doesn’t intrigue me at all.

by Luke Thomas on Nov 3, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So you’d be more excited if it was the title eliminator?

"That feeling after you win and they raise your hand... it's like you have this energy that releases from your body, and it's like you mingle with the cosmos, and you feel omnipotent"

by woomikee on Nov 3, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m expecting the WEC to once again blow away the competition with a exciting product that no one actually sees due to them being stuck on such a crappy channel.

by who me on Nov 3, 2009 12:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs

^ Summary of the WEC’s existence

by Tonley on Nov 3, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling dustin vs karo will be a let down…

by cagefightonacid on Nov 3, 2009 1:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I am still sour on Karo from his last performance. I predict a 2nd round sub by hazlett, a community consensus on Karo’s body being shot, and a series of articles authored by Brent chronicling Karo’s adaptation of Judo to MMA.

Just when I thought I could not like Machida any less....UFC 104

by beery_pbr on Nov 3, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

has karo been subbed before?

by cagefightonacid on Nov 3, 2009 2:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Aldo/Brown has to be the best one.
I would put Kos/Rumble at #2 but it would make me very happy to see Swick get KTFO.

I dislike Matt Hughes. Shogun beat him like a dirty horse.

by MonkeyCHops on Nov 3, 2009 1:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Man I don't know its way too hard to choose here...

Don’t see Rumble vs Kos there but that should be good. By far my most anticipated fight is George Sotiropoulos Vs. Jason Dent. Sooooo pumped for that one!

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Nov 3, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Manny vs Cotto is the best fight in NOV

by oousty on Nov 3, 2009 1:46 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Key word here is fight. That’s a boxing match, not a fight.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Nov 3, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sigh

Both are fights.

by Tonley on Nov 3, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If MMA was a real fight I should be able to bring a broken glass bottle and bust it over my opponents head.

by Tonley on Nov 3, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

word…there also isnt any eye gouging, fish hooking, punches to the heart/neck/back of head, soccer kicks to the head, kicking a guy while he is down, knees to the head, biting, ripping ears, noses off, strikes to the groin, pulling the groin off….you know -all the stuff they teach you in the military or kung fu (real combat fighting)

by oousty on Nov 3, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

plus these boxers have more technical skills …very fun to watch

by oousty on Nov 3, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No punches to the heart?

by ufc4 on Nov 3, 2009 10:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

nope

soul punches are completely legal though

by cagefightonacid on Nov 6, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well these other things are MMA matches? They’re both fights. Neither are Vale Tudo.

by omigawda on Nov 3, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And I can’t see it because I have to go to a girlfriend’s play. At least I can see the live broadcast of Couture/Vera earlier in the day.

by nottheface on Nov 3, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

6 Free events in 2 weeks

If you count WVR and Strikeforce Challengers. Then you have the TUF 10 Finale 2 weeks after that.

Aldo vs Brown
Miller vs Shields
Kioki vs Omigawa
Kitaoka vs Masvidal
Herman vs York
Gamburyan vs Garcia
Fedor vs Rogers
Silva vs Werdum

by swells2048 on Nov 3, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Lesnar vs. Carwin

Duh.

by ufc4 on Nov 3, 2009 2:18 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Where is Werdum vs Silva? That should be a great match for HW’s.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Nov 3, 2009 2:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m excited to see the Fedor vs. Rogers fight simply to see Fedor fight again, but Aldo and Brown would most likely be the fight of the month. I like Brown, but Aldo is a beast.

by Johpin on Nov 3, 2009 3:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Brown/Aldo is my first pick, but Lil Nog and Cane should be a great fight too

by Shaun32887 on Nov 3, 2009 4:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

In this order:

1) Koscheck v. Johnson – pretty evenly matched with knockout power.
2) Fedor v. Rogers – just for all the hype
3) Ortiz v. Griffin – only because I want to see Ortiz’ career end. I hate that guy.

by b_radical on Nov 3, 2009 8:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs