Jason "Mayhem" Miller Seeks Some of Fedor Emelianenko's Limelight at Strikeforce
by Kid Nate on Nov 5, 2009 2:21 PM EST
in News
53 comments
Maggie Hendricks attended the workout and documented some vintage "Mayhem-isms":
Jason "Mayhem" Miller was enjoying every second of the media attention. While wearing a chinchilla coat, he spoke with Cagewriter.
"I'm feeling AWESOME, backslash, dotcom, I'm about to kick some ass," Miller said.
...And to the rumors that Shields will take over Miller's hosting duties on MTV's "Bully Beatdown"?
"I think he's just insecure about this fight, so he's trying to get in my head. Guess what?!? I'm the one who plays the mind games. Not him. And I'm totally not worried about a guy who can't string together a sentence taking over my job on 'Bully Beatdown.' Mario Lopez? OK, maybe I'll be a little nervous. But Jake Shields? Not so much."
Miller and Strikeforce light heavyweight Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal put on a pro wrestling exhibition during the workout.
Mayhem is filling the vacuum left by the ever-stoic Fedor Emelianenko who kept the antics to an absolute minimum. While Jake Shields is the favorite due to his considerable advantages as a wrestler and jiu jitsu practitioner, Miller has a size advantage as a natural middleweight and should have the edge on the feet.
Shields is a top notch fighter, but Miller is the far more charismatic performer. I'm curious to see if he can pull out a win here if he'll emerge as a breakout star.
Mayhem is definitely a colorful character and Bully Beatdown has been a successful show but his schtick has always struck me as a tad forced. Does he really have what it takes to capture the attention of a mainstream audience on network TV? The demographics of the Mayhem Monkeys -- Miller's legions of online followers -- presumably trend younger and more bi-coastal than the CBS audience. The ratings from EliteXC's successful shows seemed to indicate that MMA on CBS draws an older and more Southern and Midwestern audience than UFC on Spike TV.
Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice have been the sole MMA fighters to breakout and become stars after having fought on CBS in Primetime.
The best candidates on this Saturday's card appear to be Fedor Emelianenko and Mayhem Miller. They're taking utterly opposite approaches, it'll be interesting to see if either manages to grab the imagination of the American mass audience.
0 recs |
53 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Haha, that picture is hilarious.
Sorry, he Jason Bourned me.
by MMAussie on Nov 5, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll give you one thing...
Mayhem is definitely aware of the opportunity he is getting to perform and gain an incredible amount of exposure.
If he succeeds here, and manages a few title defenses…his asking price for going to the UFC could be crazy. Lots of ifs, but worth going for.
by Razreshat on Nov 5, 2009 2:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
he'll need to get the money upfront
because while he’d be very competitive in the UFC 185lb class, he’ll never hold the belt.
I could see him trading wins with Bisping or Kang. But Nate, Hendo, Marquardt and definitely Anderson would smoke him.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Nov 5, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beat me to it. Besides he doesn’t need the UFC he’s being sponsored by Serious Pimp:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3165114.htm
Side note: What the hell is Serious Pimp?
by nottheface on Nov 5, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I see the UFC being a lot of downside for Mayhem and little upside. At this point it seems like the fighting part of his gig is more of a means to an end, than the end itself. The UFC seems to cater to those fighters that are trying to establish themselves as fighters with talent, where Mayhem fits that, he has the potential to get lopsided losses. Outside of the UFC he maintains more control of things, while also still being completely submerged in his other self promotional stuff.
by Dooda on Nov 5, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not so true anymore
Dana is still up Rampages butt and he knows that Page doesnt care about the fighting anymore. Rampage even says that, which is fine by me because the ufc doesn’t need him and I couldn’t care less to watch him!
by SHOGUNROBBERY on Nov 5, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The fact that your sign on is SHOGUNROBBERY doesn’t exude confidence in your opinions.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i lol’d here
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Robert Downey Sr. on Nov 5, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How does my sign develop confidence in opinions?
Keep firing Assholes!
I am the King of Rome, and am above grammar. -Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
by Ubernoober on Nov 5, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You didn’t join three days ago.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm… was anyone banned three days ago?
by nottheface on Nov 5, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ME?
I have never been on this site. I always went on Mania, but my job blocks that site now.
by SHOGUNROBBERY on Nov 5, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, nevermind. You missed my point.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There is a point, but you’ve missed it as well. That point being that the decision was far from “robbery”.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No i got it. I’m slow but not quit that slow.
But I remembered someone (masteroftheflyinggguillotine that was it) with a similar writing style getting banned a couple of days ago. Was thinking it was him. Wasn’t.
by nottheface on Nov 5, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He won’t go to the UFC unless they really give him some leeway as to what he can do under his own terms. That’s been his whole problem. He’d have to sign away ancillary rights, and I doubt he’s for that. He seems very much into promoting himself above promoting a promotion, and all the power to him in that he’s done it.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mario Lopez? OK, maybe I’ll be a little nervous. But Jake Shields? Not so much
by Shaun32887 on Nov 5, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well, he's kind of right.
My cat has more personality than Shields (Though his Frank Shamrock rants were excellent!).
Also faster and more violent too.
by dv8shun on Nov 5, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right
I just thought his choice of Mario Lopez was great :)
by Shaun32887 on Nov 5, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At the very least
We should be witness to a great entrance from Mayhem. Then we will probably watch him get submitted in the 1st round.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Nov 5, 2009 2:34 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Meh
The word around Miller is that he’s a bitch to submit. That, coupled with his size advantage, could make this a very competitive fight. I’m actually trending toward Miller right now.
But, I do expect an awesome entrance
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Robert Downey Sr. on Nov 5, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Miller is a bitch to submit … but he is susceptible to getting positionally dominated. Shields has one of, if not THE best, mounts in the sport. He flat-out stifled Yushin Okami on the ground, and Yushin is a hell of a lot harder to control than Mayhem.
I’m expecting to Shields to win a fairly dominant position-based UD. Mayhem doesn’t have the temperament to carry out a slow deliberate gameplan. He will try to land something flashy and wind up with Shields on top of him, and after that happens he is basically done for the round. Shields top control will frustrate the shit out of Mayhem. He’ll get one takedown on his own, Mayhem will do something stupid and give him another one, and that will be that. Two rounds in the books for Shields and he can coast to victory.
by Steve4192 on Nov 5, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Miller is nearly impossible to submit. He has rubber limbs and he’s nearly un-chokeable, which I thought was a real unique attribute for him until I saw Ben Henderson escape seemingly tight submission holds against Cerrone.
It should be a real war, and the real question is whether Shields can go a full five rounds.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Does Miller look soft to you at all? I think the fight is a toss up, but perhaps Millers newly found stardom is having an affect on his training? Thoughts?
by szucconi on Nov 5, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve heard some interesting reports on Miller.
One of them stating that he had a solid camp and he looks like he’s in the best shape as far as conditioning goes as he’s ever been. I’ve been hoping to hear some things on his technical capacity to stop takedowns, but I haven’t heard anything. If he’s improved his takedown defense, he could easily keep this one standing and use his size and reach to edge Shields out in each round to wear him down.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sorry, but I don’t see that happening.
I look at Shields and Mayhem’s striking as ‘sucks’ and ‘sucks slightly less’. Neither guy can bust a grape and both guys are robotic in their approach. I don’t think either guy has the requisite skill to dominate on the feet.
IMO, this fight will be decided on the mat, most likely by Shields controlling Miller from the top.
by Steve4192 on Nov 5, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I look at Shields’ striking as “terrible” and Mayhem’s striking as “Can be good”.
Mayhem doesn’t need to knockout Shields, he simply needs to use his reach and size to land. It doesn’t matter if they are both deficient just as long as Mayhem gets the edge.
I’m not saying you’re wrong. I’m just saying from a standing perspective, Miller can win. The most likely scenario is Shields dominating in a positional battle.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 5, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But we have seen him controlled on the ground by quality grapplers with good top games (GSP, Jacare, Sonnen ages ago). His go for broke style often leaves him stuck on the bottom against guys who are willing to work a conservative top game. I think that is how Shields will beat him.
by Steve4192 on Nov 5, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
more bi-coastal than the CBS audience
Is this one of your marketing terms? Can you describe this? Does it mean the middle of the country likely isn’t full monkey’s?
His personality is forced and antics are over the top. I think its a lock that he was a geek as a kid and is over compensating now that he is semi-famous. I think his ego is kind of getting to big for the over the top shtick to play, but if you hate him, watch ChokeOut. its pure gold.
by szucconi on Nov 5, 2009 2:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I know from BE's readership that we are strong on both coasts
with pockets in major cities around the country and scattered readers in all kinds of places. I’m assuming the Mayhem Monkeys follow a similar pattern.
CBS has drawn a very different audience from the UFC on Spike according to the reports I’ve read, older, more southern, more rural, more ethnically diverse.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Nov 5, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well isn’t this the first time since his MTV show came on that he is fighting in the US? and on prime time tv no less. Surely it will have an impact on his demo. He is getting all those new eyes on him that wouldn’t otherwise know who the hell he was. They might try to catch a little of his fight, like him or hate him. Not that I would call them monkey’s. But the new eyes he brings to the table are the most valuable.
by szucconi on Nov 5, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Mayhem is the actual embodiment of what most people perceived to be Forrest Griffin’s personality pre-Silva destruction, with a little twist of flair in place of self-deprecation.
If Mayhem had Griffin’s work ethic (maybe he does, just doesn’t have the tools?) he could be every bit the star, if not more.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Robert Downey Sr. on Nov 5, 2009 3:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Forrest has two things going for him that Mayhem does not.
1. The UFC marketing machine. The UFC a bajillion hours per week of programming on Spike TV and in syndication. Forrest figures prominently in many of those programs.
2. He was 1/2 of the most famous brawl in MMA history. ‘Hardcore’ fans might like to bash the lack of fundamentals shown in Griffin-Bonnar 1, but the casuals who make up 90% of the North American MMA audience think it was the greatest fight ever.
by Steve4192 on Nov 5, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re right on both points, but you can’t deny that Mayhem has that indefinable “star power” that made Griffin so damn popular. And if he had Griffin’s work ethic (talent?), he’d probably be in the UFC soaking up their marketing and being in some great brawls of his own.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Robert Downey Sr. on Nov 5, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
All the mix of discussing an athlete’s potential stardum is a little disturbing. I know sports analysis has progressed and evolved over the years, but a lot of times it sounds like we’re all a bunch corporate execs basing an athlete’s worth on their antics outside the ring/cage/octagon.
At times I think its necessary to project future fights and what organizations a fighter will be with, but I wonder if the casual fan starts getting interested, after reading so much about personality and marketability, is that where they start to focus? You all do plenty of analysis on solely a fighter’s technical and talent abilities too, it just seems to be a trend (on many sites) that makes me a little uneasy. Maybe I’m the only one.
by bleve_ on Nov 5, 2009 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s such a major discussion in places because we’re all really concerned about the growth of the sport at the moment, and stardom, marketability, etc. play such a prominent role in MMA’s development.
It will get to the point where 90% of discussions are solely about fights, talent, and so forth, we’re just not there yet.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Robert Downey Sr. on Nov 5, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
THAT PHOTO IS BY ESTHER LIN!!
just sayin!!
"I’m not going to stop yelling because that would mean, I lost the fight!"-Kenny Powers
shooter/cutter for AllElbows.com
by ekc on Nov 5, 2009 4:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I will probably get flamed for this but any who why dident they promote the Mayhem/shields fight as the main event and have Rogers/Fedor as the co main event.
Yes Fedor is the best HW in the world but a draw is one thing he isnt, if they had to put the promotion machince behind the host of bully beatdown the eyes that Mayhem could draw would have seen fedor as well. Dont shut fedor out of the ads at all but push Mayhem and shields, due to the fact that as of right now i believe that Miller would draw more eyes.
by Riley_96 on Nov 5, 2009 4:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
While I don’t think they should’ve swapped it for the main event, they sure did drop the ball on promoting this one. They should’ve put in just as much effort into promoting this one as the Fedor fight, the difference being that they would’ve got a shitload more out of this fight for less effort.
Sorry, he Jason Bourned me.
by MMAussie on Nov 5, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the reaosn i say make it main event is the fact its a title fight also i believe it would draw more then Fedor. The odd thing about fedor is to market him right he almost needs to be treated like cain valesquez with co main events. Its sad but the truth is Fedor has his skill at the highest level now his drawing power needs ot be built like an up and comer
by Riley_96 on Nov 5, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeh but if the fight plays out the way it is supposed to, i think his drawing power will be created by destroying guys who appear a lot bigger and scarier than he is.
Sorry, he Jason Bourned me.
by MMAussie on Nov 5, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
While I think that Mayhem has potential, there’s something to be said for a guy like Shields, who seems focused and dedicated to his craft. I agree with the author that Mayhem’s schtick feels a touch forced. When he laughs I don’t get the feeling that it’s involuntary, though he is funny sometimes, I think his humor and wit are somewhat overrated.
I think that if Mayhem didn’t seem to be somewhat taken with himself and his fans and his show etc, I’d be fully on board that he’d have this one, but the fact that this doesn’t seem to be the case, and is the case with Shields, it evens the score a bit and I see Shields pulling it out, but that it’s more even than many think.
by Dooda on Nov 5, 2009 4:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Miller wins by being-more-serious-about-this-win-than-anything-he's-ever-done-in-his-life
You think someone who gets so amped he pulls a Wanderlei on a brazilians head, gets disqualified, then gets matched up with an almost-exactly-similar fighter for a title shot on CBS is going to mess around and lose this?
Mayhem is a bit of a choad but this will be his coming out party.
by judonerd on Nov 5, 2009 6:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bloody Elbow
Related FanShots on Bloody Elbow
![Jake Shields looking 200+ pounds at the Strikeforce: Nashville press conference. (more pics here)
Strikeforce: Nashville on CBS coverage [vs. Dan Henderson]](http://cdn0.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/105343/007_dan_henderson_and_jake_shields_small.jpg)
![Cesar Gracie talks Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez and Nick Diaz:
- "Jake [Shields] is one of the world’s best welterweights. In my opinion he is the #2 in the world. His next fight will be against Dan Henderson at middleweight. Depending on how he does will determine his future weight class."
- "Shinya Aoki presents many challenges [for Gilbert Melendez]. He [Aoki] is extremely flexible and has good submissions. It is important to not trade submissions with him. Strikes must be employed to keep him off balance and uncomfortable."
- We are currently in discussion for Nick [Diaz]’s next fight. It is possible that he will be competing for Dream in his next fight. If he fights in Strikeforce first he will probably fight a weight class up at 185lbs. As of yet we do not have a firm opponent.
HT: m-1global.com
Strikeforce: Nashville on CBS coverage](http://cdn3.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/103000/l_1a67648f148b4e58836c9238aa4ac2f1_small.jpg)
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
MMA Rankings
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
