Kenny makes a statement regarding Barnett, Josh responds.
by Lynchman on Feb 15, 2009 3:00 PM EST
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PrintBy now, I am sure we all have read Josh Barnett's comments about Kenny Florian. Mr. Josh was upset at Kenny's comments on MMA Live and took some shots at Kenny.
On the Underground, Kenny recently responded:
Anyone who watches MMA Live on ESPN.com knows that I am fair when talking about UFC, Strikeforce, Affliction etc . . . or any of the fighters. In the most recent episode, I spoke about Joe Lauzon's dominant win over Stephens. Joe has spoken negatively about me in several interviews lately but I call it like I see it. He did well against Stephens and dominated the ground action. I also spoke about Strikeforce being a great thing for mma fighters and fans. Criticizing fighters or even picking winners and losers is always tough but it is my job and what ESPN pays me to do. Most here understand that and many here supporting Barnett most likely never saw the episode.
I expected a dominant finish from Barnett because HE IS a top heavyweight going against a man in Yvel who doesn't have his ground skills. Barnett certainly dominated but for whatever the reason, he struggled to put him away. It was my job to tell people watching the show what I thought about the fight.
I have always had a lot of respect for Josh Barnett as a fighter and he has always came across well in the past. Hearing his comments about me shows that while he is a good fighter, he is like school on Sunday, he has no class. I am not sure if Barnett is overly sensitive, sexually frustrated or believes he had a perfect performance, whatever the case, I think the comments he made shows what kind of a background he comes from. He has made some unusual comments about the UFC and other fighters so I find it odd that he is so sensitive.
As a professional mma fighter myself, I have been subjected to a lot of criticism. I think all of my performances are terrible after a few weeks after my fights. I know I need improvement which is why I train so hard. To resort to insults and name calling because someone thought I should have fought better is immature and pointless. We can always do better. We fight on TV and people will criticize. No mysteries here.
It is fighters like Josh Barnett who help support the perception that MMA fighters are ignorant and low class individuals. This is unfortunate since the MMA world needs guys who act like professional athletes if we want people to take this sport seriously. Barnett isn't a kid anymore and has been around the sport for a long time now, he should act like a pro. If we show a lack of respect, how can we want people to respect us?
Either way, thanks for watching MMA Live on ESPN.com. All of our past episodes are available on the MMA page at ESPN.com.
KF
Shortly thereafter, Josh responded:
Now that I have your attention Kenny, and the rest of the internet it seems, I’ll lay it out for you without the attention grabbing obnoxiousness. I have done media work in MMA for years and know the difference between acting as a professional on camera and taking shots at someone. You obviously do not and did not have respect for me as a fighter when you decided to not simply be critical of my performance but talk of it with derision and disdain. Your clearly condescending attitude is where I took offense and when I have fellow fighters sending me messages saying, "Hey, did you see Kenny Florian talking down about you on ESPN?" it’s clear to me you’re being disrespectful.
Yeah I know all the crass comments were a bit much and "Sit-on-a-dong" in retrospect was in very poor taste. I regret that one. But for grabbing attention and putting more listeners in front of the PC for Shoman and Co. it did the trick. The offer still stands however if you, K-Flo, think you can teach me a two about throwing an armlock or two. Your attitude suggested you sat on a pretty high perch for someone so much my junior in this sport and you must think yourself a better fighter. I’d simply like to see you stand up for that attitude. I have been submitted plenty of times by Matt Hume who is around your weight and you’re a professional athlete so no need for anyone to whine about me picking on you Kenny.
Who are you to speak of class or more importantly my background? The only thing you need to know about my background is that no one ever let me act like an arrogant prick without smacking me one. My teachers are men who put up or shut up and take no shit from anybody. See when I started fighting I didn’t have the luxury of gyms everywhere, promotions all over the US, sponsors, or even MMA gear. We fought whoever, whenever pretty much regardless of weights, time limits or rules. What you see on Sherdog isn’t the extent of my fighting history. Ever fight bare knuckle, with headbutts or no time limit? No cutting and running in those matches buddy boy. No, I bet you didn’t. You got all the benefits of a modern MMA created by people like myself and I can tell you what it really means to suffer for a sport when we didn’t make dick. But we fought however we could and for free if we had to, just to fight.
You’re a kid in this game. A mewling babe sucking from a teet. You haven’t done the things I have or even have as many fights as I have wins. You need to realize that just because you fight in the UFC and are on an ESPN internet show, we are not peers. Not even close. Not as fighters, not in MMA knowledge, not in the business aspects, not in anything.
I must say that as a fighter your improvement has been impressive and I think you have come far from the finals of the first TUF. This however is not just about professionalism but about being a man. If you want to speak with contempt and flout be prepared to have own up to it –even if it means having to get physical. That’s the way it is.
Don’t talk shit if you don’t want shit.
Josh
Folks have already pointed out that Kenny's comments were nothing compared to what mainstream Sports writers would have offered up. When you step into the spotlight, you have to accept that a certian amount of criticism is going to come with it.
Was Kenny critical? He was, but I don't think anything he said crossed the line. Actually, I think he hit the nail on the head. He said nothing that was not being said online and even among the MMA fans I know.
I give Josh credit for admitting some of his remarks were crass, but he still comes across in a very condescending manner. I think Kenny and Josh are indeed peers. Kenny has become one of the top LWs in the world and has established himself as a fine commentator as well. To me, Josh's latest comments almost had a tint of jealousy to them.
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Barnett is being an idiot
The first comments were just rambling, but this is clearly thought out, and purely juvenile. Don’t talk up your street cred to a guy that was operating as an analyst. He’s not unqualified to state his opinion because he’s a fighter, and comparing resumes is arrogant posturing. Does he roll out his fight record for Franklin McNeil when he comments on his lackluster performances? I wish he would have just let it die instead of trying to escalate this into some kind of childish web-feud that can never be settled in the manner he claims to suggest.
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
I suppose only Barnett and people he views as senior enough in the realm of MMA are qualified to give their opinions on the sport. Clearly, rules of that nature would send MMA back into the shadows. Analysis, good and bad, is part of the media infrastructure that supports any sport with healthy fan interest. The person acting in a “condescending” manner is Barnett. It’s quite alright to come out and contend that Florian’s analysis was somehow flawed. But to attempt to embarrass a man who is attempting to do his job the best way he knows how is completely unnecessary, and ultimately detrimental to Barnett’s own image.
Nice find, Lynchman.
I thought I liked Barnett…but wow has this week been an eye opener.
Barnett is reminding me of one of those big guys who always has to have the biggest and the best, to compensate for his…lack of whatever it may be. Kenny didn’t cross any lines, he didn’t pad the truth. Josh Barnett should have been embarrassed with his performance against Yvel, and I don’t see Josh going for anyone elses throat. Kenny has class, and for Josh to sit and try to call him out is idiotic, why would he mess with some over reacting man-child when he has a title fight coming up?
Kenny’s response was just right, pretty proffessional with just the right amount of pokes at Josh. But really, should any of this matter?
Oh well. I’ve heard of and met alot of people affiliated with this sport who act like Josh…it’s sad.
by Kaleb Kelchner on Feb 15, 2009 3:34 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This whole thing really killed my impression of Josh Barnett as a fighter and a person. The silly elementary school playground challenging him to a fight antics were particularly sad. The whole thing just reeks of childishness and and dumb jock ego. Even if Barnett was right (and I don’t think that he was) his whole response and attitude about it just makes him look bad.
by who me on Feb 15, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Prior to posting this, I went back and watched MMA Live 38 again. Kenny was totally professional.
After reading Barnett’s most recent remarks, I think he sees Florian as being beneath him and not worthy of judging his performances.
by Lynchman on Feb 15, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
After Barnett’s last fight I think it’s arguable that he would be below Kenny performance-wise.
by Kaleb Kelchner on Feb 15, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
WarGods II: Josh Barnett vs Tank Abbot
They could both talk about how, back in the day, before those crazy rules, they were the toughest guys in the parking lot of the rodeo bar.
Then Barnett could take a dive for Abbott and yell at Kenny Florian some more.
If you see Mark Coleman in person, drop $5 on the floor and watch the fun as he tries in vain to bend down and pick it up.
It is fighters like Josh Barnett who help support the perception that MMA fighters are ignorant and low class individuals.
I like that Kenny kinda gets away with calling Barnett ignorant and low class, without actually calling Barnett ignorant and low class. Funny.
"They called him the axe-murderer because he was murdering chumps. They should have been calling him the chump-murderer..." Rampage Jackson (commentating on the fighting abilities of Wanderlei "F#ck Chuck" Silva.)
by BlueberryMuffin on Feb 15, 2009 3:50 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Thats the best way to do it. It’s like a free shot below the belt while maintaining a professional attitude.
by Kaleb Kelchner on Feb 15, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah...
he does a nice job of being “above that sort of behavior” while still taking some shots. He also does one of my favorite things with this here:
I am not sure if Barnett is overly sensitive, sexually frustrated or believes he had a perfect performance, whatever the case, I think the comments he made shows what kind of a background he comes from.
At no point does he SAY what kind of background Josh must come from…he just floats it out there like a baited hook and Josh jumped on it in his response. It’s prefect internet warfare…which I hate…but do appreciate the skills it takes to do it well.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Feb 15, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
The sexually frustrated dig was a little cutesy for my taste. My favorite line was at the end: paraphrased, ‘Allow me to further rub in the fact that I got a job you clearly wanted.’
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 15, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
With you on both points. I thought Kenny could have done better than the ‘sexually frustrated’ bit, and loved the way he sunk the guillotine on the commentator gig. Really good stuff there.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Feb 15, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
when I have fellow fighters sending me messages saying, “Hey, did you see Kenny Florian talking down about you on ESPN?” it’s clear to me you’re being disrespectful.
I was hoping Barnett could think for himself.
I will play my game beneath the spin light.
by Eugene Schelfaut on Feb 15, 2009 4:18 PM EST reply actions
Seriously.
It’s like his buddies are behind him saying, “Did you hear what he said about you? You’re not gonna take that, are you? You should punch him. Go on. You know you wanna. Punch him.”
And Barnett, being a big dumb mule, responds with “Hells yeah.”
If you see Mark Coleman in person, drop $5 on the floor and watch the fun as he tries in vain to bend down and pick it up.
So basically Josh said,
“Hey the gay jokes were out of line BUT I’VE BEEN DOING THIS LONGER THAN YOU HAVE AND THEREFORE IMMUNE FROM CRITICISM FROM YOU ON ESPN! WANNA FIGHT ABOUT IT?!”
I’m a Barnett fan actually but I can’t side with him here.
by Tonley on Feb 15, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I think he’s a quality HW, if a little overrated – but there are people in your weight class in the UFC that, if I showed them Barnett-Yvel, they’d say ‘wow, that was fucking terrible.’ I wonder if he’d be so willing to pick on someone his own size.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 15, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
Barnett isn't overrated
Maybe if you’re basing it on the Yvel fight, but that was uncharacteristic. I mean, it could be how he is going forward, but it doesn’t make him overrated.
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
When your ranked as the second best heavyweight in the world on most rankings but you haven’t actually beat (or even fought) another top 10 contender in years then yea there is going to be some discussions of whether your ranking is overated or not. That is to be expected.
Maybe we're arguing different things
My opinion of him as it regards his abilities (and the seeming suggestion that he isn’t as good as advertised) has nothing to do with his ranking on an arbitrary ranking list. Do people really get up for fuckin lists? I get up for fights.
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
I think that is what Subo is refering to, the fact that he is supposed to be the second best heavyweight in the world. If your talking about overrated then obviously the ratings are going to be part of that. There isn’t a lot of arguement that he is one of the best heavyweights in the world but there is a big difference between being one of the best like Fedor or one of the best on the level of Tim Sylvia, that’s why people pay attention at the “experts” rankings(although I do agree that the rankings are very arbitrary according to which “expert” is making them)..
^ I think Josh Barnett’s a good, good HW – probably top five – but #2 is kind of a stretch to me. Yes, this has a lot to do with me a) being a Lesnar mark and b) thinking Mir beat Nog, not a staph-riddled shell of Nog.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 15, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
I really do think Mir beat a staph-riddled shell of Nog, but that said, it still launches Mir up the ladder. I don’t think he’s above Lesnar, even though the meta-rankings have him there, but they’re awfully close…and if we’re talking about actual ability going forward, and not just looking at past performances, Barnett has to at least be around those two.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Feb 15, 2009 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
This is just petty, but could be something else too
It could be that Barnett is a showman, and he does professional wrestling which is a world that has people “working” the fans and the critics. To give Barnett the benefit of a doubt, he could just be “on character” as “The Babyface Assassin.” I feel that Florian was right on, though. Barnett just comes off as petty, childish and immature here.
I've heard that argument
And I call bullshit. He wouldn’t even rile up Yvel, who he fuckin fought in real life, and now he’s doing his schtick with Florian, who he will literally never fight? Nahhhhh….
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
I agree with the heel angle here. I think he’s doing what he can to keep his name in the limelight until he fights Fedor, and Florian is a good target since he’ll never have to face off with him. This isn’t about Kenny Florian, it’s about getting himself over as an asshole. People like watching assholes get their ass kicked. They pay to watch it.
Here’s the episode in question where Kenny makes his remarks. It’s about 12:30 into the show.
by Tonley on Feb 15, 2009 4:53 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Thanks for the find. Rec’d cause folks should check it out again.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Feb 16, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
Hearing his comments about me shows that while he is a good fighter, he is like school on Sunday, he has no class.
Kenflo has 12 year old ghost writers
It has got to suck to be Josh Barnett
Not only does he have to live with the comments he makes but he also has to specifically apologize for the only funny thing he said.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
Kenny handled this with class
Barnett should take a lesson.
"It's like a flying knuckle sandwich." --Rogan
"And many men have eaten it." -- Goldy
Here is where Josh fails ...
You’re a kid in this game. A mewling babe sucking from a teet. You haven’t done the things I have or even have as many fights as I have wins. You need to realize that just because you fight in the UFC and are on an ESPN internet show, we are not peers. Not even close. Not as fighters, not in MMA knowledge, not in the business aspects, not in anything.
When you were sucking on your momma’s teet, I was doing steroids and losing to Pedro Rizzo and Mirko Cro-Cop …
"It's like a flying knuckle sandwich." --Rogan
"And many men have eaten it." -- Goldy
Barnett tries to justify challenging a lightweight
I have been submitted plenty of times by Matt Hume who is around your weight and you’re a professional athlete so no need for anyone to whine about me picking on you Kenny.
So, because you get submitted in training, you think its a fair fight to go against a guy more than 60 pounds lighter than you?
Challenging a guy below your weight is lose-lose. I am still trying to figure out how Barnett thinks he sounds like a tough guy by challenging a lightweight …
"It's like a flying knuckle sandwich." --Rogan
"And many men have eaten it." -- Goldy
I thought that was a strange way to pose the argument
I’m great at BJJ and don’t need you to tell me how to apply an armbar— but Matt Hume makes me tap constantly.
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
by Blackout612 on Feb 15, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
I tap all the time in practice so it’s a fair fight? Uh … no.
"It's like a flying knuckle sandwich." --Rogan
"And many men have eaten it." -- Goldy
I see this type of thing in a lot of different sports. I remember when Karl Malone was in the last couple of years of his career, he hated and constantly criticized younger players like Kobe and Vince. Mostly they have a chip on their shoulders because they were with the game for so long and these younger guys weren’t and they want some type of worship style respect.
And I think this is the case with Barnett. Your mindset easily taints your reality and the fact that he’s a real veteren of the sport taints the way he sees criticism from a youngster like Kenny when no disrespect was intended. Barnett types are typically bullies, hate change, hate the new guy, etc etc.
I didn’t think that Barnett could put on a more disappointing performance than the one he put on Yvel, but I stand corrected.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Feb 15, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
Nice ...
Well played, sir.
"It's like a flying knuckle sandwich." --Rogan
"And many men have eaten it." -- Goldy
This is the verbal equivalent of getting knocked silly by a guy you’re straddling.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 15, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Ha!
Nicely done. Rec’d.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Feb 15, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
Or should I say
“Choi’d?”
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
by misterjonez on Feb 15, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
Florian gave Barnett absolutely no credit for his victory, just watch the episode. Josh might be a bit crude, but I can understand him not liking such one-sided “analysis” coming from a UFC mouthpiece like Kenny. I mean, I’ve never seen Florian be so critical towards any fighter on that show, let alone a guy who won via dominant TKO victory. Lets just say you don’t hear him dumping on Cain Velasquez like that.
Nobody on the show gave Barnett any “credit” for the win and they all downplayed his performace, funny Josh Barnett didn’t challenge John Anik or Franklin McNeil to a fight in the playground sand lot too. Was there anyone who actually thought that fight would go past the first round? It wasn’t one sided analysis nor was is the work of a UFC mouthpiece it was pretty much what people were saying after the fight.
Wow!
Cain’s never even gone two full rounds and you compare it to the stinkfest Barnett put on a guy who is, if you’re feeling charitable, a fringe top fifteen HW.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 16, 2009 1:18 AM EST up reply actions
Smoogy,
I have seen nothing from Florian to suggest he is unfairly favoring UFC fighters.
He certainly was critical, but Barnett was a -600 favorite in that fight. I don’t think anyone expected it to go past the first round. Yvel had no right being in that match.
Barnett has a right to object, but his responses have not only been crude, but overbearing and reeking of jealousy.
Fact is that it was not Florian the fighter saying these things, it was Florian the paid commentator.
I guess part of what bugs me about this is that Barnett has never had any problems saying things about other fighters and folks in the business. I say as a person that has cheered Barnett on for years.
Why would he be jealous of someone who makes less money and is inferior to him both as a fighter and a broadcaster? Barnett has accomplished more in his career by a long shot.
On a related note, its funny that Florian of all people is criticizing him for not catching the armbar. Kenny had Lauzon mounted forever and didn’t come close to a submission.
Barnett has accomplished more in his career by a long shot.
Which makes him immune from any sort of criticism?
by Tonley on Feb 15, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Then what was the problem with what Florian said about Barnett?
Most people, including Barnett, acknowledged that he looked less than impressive against Gilbert. Now when Florian says it it’s a huge deal to Josh.
hi im smoogy, Fighter A becomes an ass but i have to support him since he’s anti ufc too. :)
http://weoweoweo.deviantart.com/
by Anton Tabuena on Feb 17, 2009 3:52 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I consider never getting caught using steroids a damn fine accomplishment these days.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 16, 2009 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Why would he be jealous
Well. I think Barnett might just be a bit jealous of the fact that KenFlo may just have a career when his fighting days are over, while Barnett has a bright future as punchdrunkpunchingbag ahead of him?
Or maybe that when Affliction dies, Barnett may no longer get such great pay-days while KenFlo will prolly keep earning at least 60+ k plus sponssorships 3 times a year for the next 3 or for years?
And that in LW where the risk of gettin TBI (How many times did Goldie use that phrase on FightForTHeTroops?) are considerably less than when you`re going up against 260 lb monsters?
"They called him the axe-murderer because he was murdering chumps. They should have been calling him the chump-murderer..." Rampage Jackson (commentating on the fighting abilities of Wanderlei "F#ck Chuck" Silva.)
by BlueberryMuffin on Feb 16, 2009 3:35 AM EST up reply actions
“Or maybe that when Affliction dies, Barnett may no longer get such great pay-days while KenFlo will prolly keep earning at least 60+ k plus sponssorships 3 times a year for the next 3 or for years?”
That would amount to about as much as Barnett made for his last fight alone.
Affliction payrolls are the norm of the industry as well, right?
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
Barnett’s last paycheck was an anomaly.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
At no point was Florian actually LOSING from the mount
… unlike Barnett vs Yvel. I thought Barnett was gonna tap from strikes while on top.
Barnett may have accomplished more...
…but Ken-Flo hasn’t had his title shot yet.
Give it a few months.
If you see Mark Coleman in person, drop $5 on the floor and watch the fun as he tries in vain to bend down and pick it up.
Barnett has this odd sense of entitlement and that somehow, he is beyond reproach. I’ve always been a fan of interviews with him and thought he had a pretty good personality. But he’s coming off like a complete baby and bully. If you want to have the spotlight as one of the premier fighters in the sport, be prepared to take everything that comes with it. It was a bad performance, plain and simple.
But I know, people are right. No one would ever criticize a UFC fighter for having a bad performance. Because you know, no one was all over Anderson Silva’s shit for his horrible performance against Cote. Nope, not a single person.
Anderson whooped Cote`s ass
Watch the fight again. If Cote hadn`t had such a good chin, you might well have seen him gettin knocked down more than once.
Cote didn`t hit Anderson once.
"They called him the axe-murderer because he was murdering chumps. They should have been calling him the chump-murderer..." Rampage Jackson (commentating on the fighting abilities of Wanderlei "F#ck Chuck" Silva.)
by BlueberryMuffin on Feb 16, 2009 3:38 AM EST up reply actions
Do you realize how many cans Barnett will have to beat before he is ranked #2 again after he gets smeared by Fedor?
by nitro on Feb 16, 2009 12:11 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
After Barnett gets smeared by Fedor, he’ll never be #2 again.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 16, 2009 1:19 AM EST up reply actions
Barnett’s first remarks were out of line from a seasoned pro. In fact his arguement circles itself by defending his ‘offended-ness’ with the, I’m twice-the-seasoned-pro-as-you defense.
BUT – his second remarks are best summarized by a line I’ve seen in a trailer for a new show (paraphrasing): “…BUT I’M GONNA KEEP ON YELLING BECAUSE IF I DON’T, THAT MEANS I LOST THIS FIGHT…”
Florian FTW
Florian is a more intelligent analyst of the sport, and a better fighter than the hugely overrated Barnett.
by klown on Feb 16, 2009 6:21 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Florian Is Not Doing His Homework to give an Analysis to the Fight
Florian Is Not Doing His Homework to give an Analysis to the Fight cause he’s so wrong on Yvel not having a ground game, if you se ALL of Yvel’s fights, Yvel has develop a decent ground offense and a very good ground defense plu his agressive nature is tough enough for Barnett to finish him in the 1st round, its all Florian’s fault for giving unprepared opinion to the public thus making Barnett angry
by Over77 on Feb 16, 2009 8:28 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I hope you’re not serious with your assumption on Yvel’s groundgame cause I don’t have my sarcasm detector with me..
It sounds like he actually sought out Yvel’s fights to form his own opinion. Which one of you is really making the assumptions?
Yep he formed his own opinion and then he came here and stated it like it was a fact instead of just his personal opinion. Brownie points all around I guess but I can’t remember anyone else (expert or otherwise) presenting that observation about Yvel’s so called “very good ground game” before the fight.
by who me on Feb 17, 2009 12:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It also sounds like he actually read Florian’s notes on fight analysis and didn’t just opined on how wrong Kenny was about Yvel’s ground game.
Or maybe he’s right about Yvel. He does have a ground game. If you indeed looked at all of his fights he did manage to win 5 fights by submission out of 35 fights. But then again..
Barnett won 15 out of his 25 wins via submission. Who’s really making the assumption?
Even IF Yvel had developed his ground game, Barnett is still world-class when it comes to ground games. Kenny’s analysis seems right-on to me. I think you’re correct in pointing out that Yvel’s grappling may have been underrated, but to use that to justify what Barnett said is patently absurd. Kenny’s point still stands since there is such a huge gap in grappling skill.
by TheMisanthrope on Feb 17, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t think Kenny was unprofessional until I read his response to Barnett. Unless he intends to actually “fight” Barnett, then his response was superfluous. If he had to respond, he could have done it quickly but to ramble on and on was foolish.
There are 3 rules to arguing: Never argue with a drunk, an angry woman, or someone who’s not listening. Barnett certainly qualifies for 1 of the three.
Move on Kenny.
I sort-of agree...with a "but..."
I’m curious – do you think that Kenny’s response was unwarranted – rather – was he out of line and/or deliberately provocative? I would say no. He was a little bit passive aggressive, but look at what he was responding to. Kenny would be more than happy to forget this, I believe – it’s Barnett that seems to have a bug up his arse. I do think it may have been a bit long winded (as you point out), but I think putting Barnett in his place was justified. Fighters performances get critiqued – fucking deal with it, Josh.
We can talk about what Kenny said – but a response was in order, and I’m not sure that it should have been a polite one.
Also – I don’t link an acid-tongued response to a foolish, childish comment to be grounds for “fighting” someone in the MMA world. Kenny was attacked – he responded.
"Bulls die on the ground" - Karl Gotch
by TheMisanthrope on Feb 17, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Jock vs Nerd
Jock’s dont like nerds calling them out. Barnett’s response is essentilly, ’I’ll stuff you in a locker, ya nerd’. And Kenny responded with a clever and witty retort. He essentially ended the argumant. Josh responded once more cuz I guess he’s the "well I got him last’ type.
This doesnt really change my opinion of either fighter. If you’d asked how an internet fight btwn the two would be, this is how I’d guess it would pan out.
I’m a fan of most fighters because they are good fighters…if they have good character that’s a bonus. It’s difficult to think of a fighter that I started following due to personality…maybe serra. Anyway, I still look forward to Barnett and Kenflo’s next fight.
by Headkick on Feb 16, 2009 11:49 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Am I really the only one???
Though it was very out of line and disrespectful I cannot be the only person who thought that the “Sit On a Dong” comment was totally hilarious. I am a big fan of Ken-Flo but that shit cracked me up and I still get a little smirk when I think about it. I am on the “Fuck Josh Barnett and his egg shell ego” train but I will never be able to hear about Sityodtong again without chuckling a little bit. Am really alone on this?
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
Nah.. I think someone here felt sorry for Barnett apologizing for the only funny line on his original statement on KenFlo.. It did give me a li’l smirk too..
lol...that was me.
I am glad there is at least two of us who found it funny.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
So basically Barnett apologized for being crass and rude and then went on to type several more paragraphs that were slightly veiled at being crass and rude?
by ilostmydog on Feb 16, 2009 3:35 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Honestly, if Bosh Jarnett criticizes Kenny as a fighter, all Kenny really has to say is that he is begging for a shot at the number one guy in his division. Then mention that every time Barnett has had the opportunity to fight Fedor, he dicktucks and finds an excuse not to.
by ilostmydog on Feb 16, 2009 3:37 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Rec’d – I would also carry around all of my negative piss test results with me and then ask to see Josh’s.
by Derek Suboticki on Feb 16, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i never really had an opinion of barnett, but now i think him because i finally have a reason to like and cheer for fedor
Irrelevant
Barnett’s fighting experience, and the way he paved the way for fighters like Kenny is an absolute red herring in all of this. The issue was whether or not Kenny was out of line (which he wasn’t) and whether Barnett’s response was out of line (which it was).
Barnett seems to have a lot of pride – which is fine..he’s one of the best and he’s worked hard to get there – but to be immune to criticism is something that no one in the public arena has the right to. If you fight, you’re going to get critiqued. I’m sure Bob Costas at some point made comments about Michael Jordan – he doesn’t need to be a better ball player than Jordan to make these remarks.
Kenny was cool, Barnett blew his top. Very disappointing indeed.
by TheMisanthrope on Feb 17, 2009 11:18 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Yes, thankyou!
http://weoweoweo.deviantart.com/
by Anton Tabuena on Feb 17, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
lol
well josh is pretty funny at least
i think kenny was in the right however, it is his job to analyze fights and give his opinion.
Way to go, Josh
Barnett has done a great job mobilizing fan opinion against himself, judging by the commentary above.
Yeah I know all the crass comments were a bit much and “Sit-on-a-dong” in retrospect was in very poor taste. I regret that one. But for grabbing attention and putting more listeners in front of the PC for Shoman and Co. it did the trick.
Translation
by pumaman on Feb 18, 2009 2:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
PS Josh Barnett reminds us what is the most fake about professional wrestlers: Their personalities.
Everything he says is a calculated plea for the attention that mommy and daddy never gave him. Nothing about Josh Barnett is genuine.
by pumaman on Feb 18, 2009 2:44 AM EST up reply actions
Nice picture.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Feb 18, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
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