Everyone Needs Bread (or Fighters Are People Too)
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 3:55 PM EDT
in News
157 comments
Fighters are people too.
It seems too obvious to need mentioning. Yet, I think it far too often gets left by the wayside.
With Anderson Silva's recent finagling for bigger pay days and Quinton Jackson's role in the A-Team, the common thread I've gathered from fans is, in so many words, "shut up and fight."
We seem to forget that these athletes have bills and mortgages to pay. We forget that, like you or I, they have interests and ambitions outside their career choice. We forget that they ultimately go home to play with their kids.
When Quinton Jackson takes a movie role and pushes a fight back two months, he's improving the quality of his life. When Anderson Silva eschews a low-money rematch with Dan Henderson or Nate Marquardt for a heavyweight payday, he does so with a sense of responsibility to provide for his family. When B.J. Penn wants to move up and fight Georges St. Pierre for a third time, he's trying to tackle a nagging competitive itch.
Fans like to think that the sport is all about them. It isn't. It's a rough pill to swallow, but the fact of the matter is that a symbiotic relationship exists between fans and athletes. One cannot exist without the other. As such, there will always be an equilibrium that must be reached to balance the motivations of each side.
The next time a fighter acts in such a way that does not match with your "pure" view of the sport, do not take it as a personal affront. Understand that he or she is just like you - a human being with thoughts, feelings, emotions, ambitions, and responsibilities.
Photo via CombatLifestyle.com
1 recs |
157 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
very good point. i think people lose sight of this far too often. Yes athletes can be selfish at times but so can anyone. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can be a very tough thing to actually do.
by stearnum on Sep 16, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So what about all the Fedor criticism ? For Rampage it’s ok but for Fedor it isn’t ?
by JoelMan on Sep 17, 2009 5:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a couple of problems with this
1, regardless of if Dan or Nate are “big money paydays” they have both earned a second shot at the MW title and so if Anderson is not going to defend it then he needs to relenquish it.
2, we have no idea when the Rampage-Rashad fight will happen if it happens at all. Sure you say 2 months but how do you know? Maybe filming runs long and Rashad takes a different fight anything can happen.
3, BJ doesnt need to get his ass kicked a third time case closed.
I understand that fighters are people but at the same time as an mma fan its frustrating to see matches like Silva-Hendo 2, Silva-Nate 2, Rampage-Rashad either not happen or get pushed back.
If Rampage wants to be an actor go do it just dont agree to be a coach on TUF and then back out of one of the biggest fights of the year.
If Silva wants to fight at LHW or HW then drop the MW belt and lets move on.
If you want to be a mixed martial artist then be it. If not dont there are plenty of fighters who will gladly take Rampage or Huerta’s spot because they “dont earn enough money”
by bigdmmafan on Sep 16, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions 7 recs
good article, but:
If Rampage wants to be an actor go do it just dont agree to be a coach on TUF and then back out of one of the biggest fights of the year.
this is key. while the fans don’t have a right to tell fighters what to do, they do have a right to feel screwed. and here i think a lot of fans feel a bit screwed by how this all unfolded. and this impacts rashad’s wallet too!
i think overall the rampage situation is a bit different from some of the others.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think so too. Rampage ditched a title fight with Machida to use the exposure of TUF to both get his licks in on Rashad and make more money on the PPV. The UFC booked the event for his Memphis based on the fact that Rampage was fighting!
I don’t believe fighters should do what I want them to, but when the UFC has invested this much in Rampage’s image (standing by him after his Red Bull binge/police chase), booked an event for his home town and given him the fight he wanted (Evans) rather than the fight they wanted him to take (Machida), his actions just seem incredibly ungrateful and selfish.
Silva can do what he wants. The guy is the best in the world and is entitled to seek bigger fights within the UFC for more money, regardless of division. He’s earned that right. I just wish he’d ditch the middleweight strap if he’s not interested in defending it.
I finish beers at 1:55.
by ihateemo on Sep 16, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the fight is still going to happen, and he will still get paid. How much does he lose 20% tops?
The acting gig gives Rampage some mainstream cred once this whole fighting thing is done.
athletes have to worry about the next 40 years of their life
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Sep 16, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don’t get me wrong, i understand the reasons why quinton decided to take the movie.
but if he did so BEFORE signing up for TUF10 and BEFORE the ufc organized a huge event in his hometown, i would feel a lot differently about it.
i see the counterpoint of “the UFC treats fighters like this all the time” … but 2 wrongs don’t make a right. this isn’t how anyone should be behaving or treating business partners.
it’s wrong when the UFC does it and it’s wrong when a fighter does it.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shit happens in life. Rampage was presented what might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and took it.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it’s true…. the once in a lifetime argument is the only thing keeping the door open for me on the rampage argument.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s definitely once in a lifetime-after this thing bombs there’s no way in hell they’ll ever make another A-team movie.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 6:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed and he has that right. But it is totally fair to him to be criticized for it. An entire season of TUF and a PPV were based, in part, around him.
If your employer spends money building a project around you and you walk away to do something else, they have every right to be upset.
Page was offered a title shot and turned it down to do TUF and face Rashad. They set that up only to have him walk away from it.
I can understand why Page did it, it makes sense. But I also think the criticism is justified.
Regarding Anderson Silva: One issue: HE IS THE CHAMP. He wants to keep the title but not defend it. If he wants to fight at LHW and HW, then vacate the belt.
He has every right to be picky, but as champ he should defend the title. If he has his way, the time between defenses could be a year. Not acceptable.
by Lynchman on Sep 17, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, the UFC can strip him of the belt whenever they want!
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 17, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two wrongs don’t make a right – but karma’s a bitch, ain’t it? Even the UFC’s biggest stars obviously have no faith in the UFC looking after them when the going gets tough, so they make what they can of the fame the UFC gives them.
by ludakrish on Sep 16, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then your grievance should be against the contract that allows them to do such things. Otherwise I agree. Rampage already had one negative outcome from his first stint coaching on tuf.
But also I like what Vitor said. It all depends on the focus and priorities of the person. Those are Rampages not ours. Of course he very well might (probably will) pay for it in fighting performance and focus in the cage, so he has his payoff.
So I’m wondering if Rampage broke his contract with the UFC by doing The A-Team?
by Dooda on Sep 16, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BJ doesnt need to get his ass kicked a third time case closed.
On this point, I’m happy to tell BJ to shut up and fight.
I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.
by Llewdor on Sep 16, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“If Silva wants to fight at LHW or HW then drop the MW belt and lets move on.”
I’m so tired of hearing this. If the UFC is so sick of Anderson’s games/refusal to fight at middleweight, they can just as easily strip him of it.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well… the entire anderson silva situation is admittedly pretty complex. if they strip him of the belt what are the legal implications on his ability to get out of his contract? all these variables make this a funky one…
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, in that case, do you think the UFC would just let Anderson relinquish his title? Of course not. And that’s the danger of promotional titles.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that’s the main point, Dana will not strip him of the title because he’d lose the champions clause that will keep andy from fighting somewhere else. but ppl shouldn’t blame andy for all of this, it’s not his fault…
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right right, you are right…. i didn’t interpret what fagan was trying to say correctly before i responded
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t worry, Fagan doesn’t always make a lot of sense.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 6:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
So I can’t have the personal opinion that I think Silva should just drop the belt and go on with his life at a higher weight class if I want? Who knew there were so many rules to follow just to be a fan talking about a sport on the internet?
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this was an option, there’s a good chance he would have already relinquished it.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is Ed Soars that said they aren’t going to relinquish the belt, heck he said they never even mentioned it. So honestly we don’t know if it has ever come up from either side behind the scenes or not.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude, you take everything on a personal note. Above you criticized me because you thought I was taking things too seriously and that these sites are just opinions and nothing more (which is true btw), but you fail to take your own advice… kinda sad brother.
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are you talking about???
What did I forget to put a Supremacy style smiley face after the post??? Did I not make the comment sarcastic or silly enough for it to be obvious?? Did I actually criticize you for anything or were you just taking it that way? Seriously “dude” chill out.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
calm down dude, take a big breath… count from one to ten. you can do this!
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did need to take a deep breath….because I was laughing so hard.
I spent the day looking at forklift accident fatalities, discussing stuff like this on the internet is how I chill out (even the heated discussions are just for fun and to wind down from work).
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DUDE
looking for that kind of stuff on the net is sick! but that’s just me :P
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I deal with it for a living (work for OSHA)
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
again I misunderstood you :P
it’s a busy day for me, so my mind is in two different places I guess lol. keep on keeping us safe (even though I’m in a different country hehe). I’m out!
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you deal with that kind of stuff for a living it puts things like talking about MMA on the internet in a different perspective. For me all this is entertainment and escape from the real world. Talking about MMA is fun :D
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1, regardless of if Dan or Nate are "big money paydays" they have both earned a second shot at the MW title and so if Anderson is not going to defend it then he needs to relenquish it.
Silva already beat the two top contenders to his MW strap, they’d need to fight each other in order to gain that right to fight for the title again, Dana is also leaning towards this option. Besides, the reason he’s allowed to fight outside of his weight class is all Dana’s fault. He is the one who wanted him to fight Irvin to help the UFC. He is the one who wanted him to fight Forrest because of his performance to Thales and Cote. Why are people blaming him for all of this is beyond me, Dana is the one to blame. He can tell Andy to drop his belt and continue fighting LHW, or to stick to MW only. But Dana chooses not to, so blame Dana.
If Rampage wants to be an actor go do it just dont agree to be a coach on TUF and then back out of one of the biggest fights of the year.
Shit, if I was a fighter and got an opportunity (keyword being opportunity) to be in a blockbuster movie, I’d choose the movie business as well. Rampage didn’t plan to be BA Baracus, the opportunity presented itself and he took the role. It’s not like he filmed the TUF show knowing he got the role and would need to postpone his fight. Who knows if he turned it down when he’d have another opportunity to be on a major film again?
3, BJ doesnt need to get his ass kicked a third time case closed.
good point :P
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Silva already beat the two top contenders to his MW strap, they’d need to fight each other in order to gain that right to fight for the title again, Dana is also leaning towards this option. Besides, the reason he’s allowed to fight outside of his weight class is all Dana’s fault. He is the one who wanted him to fight Irvin to help the UFC. He is the one who wanted him to fight Forrest because of his performance to Thales and Cote. Why are people blaming him for all of this is beyond me, Dana is the one to blame. He can tell Andy to drop his belt and continue fighting LHW, or to stick to MW only. But Dana chooses not to, so blame Dana.
1. Dana White is the one who said Dan Henderson gets the next middleweight title shot.
"Dan Henderson is definitely next in line for the title shot," White stated.
2. It’s not Dana White calling out Frank Mir here. There is nothing wrong with Anderson Silva wanting to make a lot of money but it is the UFC who is supposed to make the fights not the fighters.
3. People can say they don’t like the situation without blaming anyone for it, that’s just part of life. Everything we say on these sites is opinions for discussion and not to try to affect what goes on in the sport. Honestly I can blame Anderson Silva for having too shiny of a head if I want to and there is no problems there because it’s just people talking on a website for the sake of talking. It’s one thing to take the sport seriously but people taking what is said in the comments section too seriously is a bit silly.
Shit, if I was a fighter and got an opportunity (keyword being opportunity) to be in a blockbuster movie, I’d choose the movie business as well. Rampage didn’t plan to be BA Baracus, the opportunity presented itself and he took the role. It’s not like he filmed the TUF show knowing he got the role and would need to postpone his fight. Who knows if he turned it down when he’d have another opportunity to be on a major film again?
Blockbuster movie? Seriously? Has Joe Carnahan all the sudden morphed into a blockbuster director? The movie may or may not do decent money (there is absolutely no way to tell until it’s already out)but lets not act like it is any more than what it is. Yea it’s great that Rampage is getting a chance to have an acting career being typecast and MrT number two but it’s not like this was some kind of once in a lifetime opportunity here. If he has what it takes to get one major role then he will find other opportunities in Hollywood too.
Lets also not act like this was some sort of surprise here, they didn’t just call Jackson out of the blue and ask him if he wanted to be in a movie. He would of had to of put his name in for this movie a while back (months ago at least)and I can’t imagine that he would of got this without doing at least one audition and multiple screen test. The pre-production on this project has been going on for a long time, it’s not like they just decided “hey lets make a A-team movie and lets call some MMA fighter and offer him a role out of the blue”, Rampage had to know this was a possibility months ago.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly I can blame Anderson Silva for having too shiny of a head if I want to and there is no problems there because it’s just people talking on a website for the sake of talking. It’s one thing to take the sport seriously but people taking what is said in the comments section too seriously is a bit silly.
what makes you think I’m taking your comments or any other seriously? I think you may be taking my words too seriously, and that my friend would in fact be silly :P
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am talking in general, hell I am commenting on a serious article that was brought upon due to people’s personal opinions expressed in the comments sections of other articles. Hey I know that guys got to eat but that doesn’t mean that I can’t talk about what they do on the internet. The point is that I can blame SIlva or White or the Easter Bunny if I want to because we are all free to have our own opinions and we are all free to disagree with each other in these discussions. Sometimes people just really take these things too serious or get bent out of shape over stuff that shouldn’t bother them.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree completely, I’m just a bit clueless as to why your bringing that up to me… I said that ppl shouldn’t blame andy for numbers of reasons (which is an opinion of mine), and should instead blame White, and then you have all of this “I can blame the eastern bunny if I want to”. I agree, you can blame santa clause, doesn’t change the fact that my opinion is that you should blame DW (hope I’m not getting across as being worked up by this debate, it’s quite funny actually).
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just because I replied to your comment doesn’t mean that everything I said was directed solely towards you. I am just commenting in general about how some people seem to be getting too worked up over this stuff. I mean obviously in the comments section of an article we are commenting on the subject of the article and one of the points of the article was about not blaming the fighters which I thought was a bit funny.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, my bad. usually I try to reply to someone to address something that person wrote, when I’m talking in general I either make that clear or make a comment without replying to someone specific. but eh, we do things differently haha.
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mix it up when it is similar subjects. What you said was similar to what other people have been saying but it wasn’t a comment directed specifically at you just the topic you brought up. It’s a comment section, even the direct replies are for everyone to read.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is nothing wrong with Anderson Silva wanting to make a lot of money but it is the UFC who is supposed to make the fights not the fighters.
They can’t force anyone to fight anyone else.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No they can’t force them to but that doesn’t mean that they should let the fighters book their own fights either. The whole idea of this being a real sport instead of just a way for guys to make money off fighting should at least be given lip service here.
by who me on Sep 16, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
do i want to see ramapage/rashad yes am i upset for him taking this chance to make some good bread and make a good amount of money for him and his kids no.
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar
by pitbull187 on Sep 16, 2009 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Point taken, but the actions they take have to be within the realm of possibility or else the response “shut up and fight” is warranted.
I agree with Rampage taking the movie role. He’s going to up his profile considerably and likely open the doors for future roles in big budget movies. This will only help his fighting career and the UFC in the long run, even if it means delaying the Rashad fight.
But Anderson Silva still talking about a Frank Mir fight doesn’t make sense. It’s not going to happen. Maybe sometime down the line if, there is a small chance that it could happen, but as of right now it’s not even remotely likely which means he’s wasting his breath. The reality is that either Hendo or Marquardt is his next opponent and both are very dangerous guys that could realistically take his belt and hand him his first UFC loss.
by dropkick101 on Sep 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I've never screamed for
fighters to shut up and fight, and I agree with much of what you’ve said, but much like politicians have lost sight of the point so have many fighters. Fighters do not pay fighter salaries. Fans pay fighter salaries, and Silva should be the first one to understand this lesson since he’s been professionally accomplished, but lagged in revenue earnings specifically because he wasn’t as popular with the fans. For example, refusing to defend your title in a timely fashion makes you unpopular with fans, so you will make less money on your next PPV cut. Not fighting a scheduled fight because you want to be in a movie will make you unpopular with fans, and so you may get a smaller PPV cut. If you don’t please the fans, you won’t get no bread.
by rzor on Sep 16, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
"We forget that, like you or I, they have interests and ambitions outside their career choice."
Yeah, but if I told my boss I wouldn’t be able to complete one of the biggest projects of the year because I was going to a jits tournament, he’d shitcan my ass.
Work before pleasure. Handle your business and pursue side projects where they belong … on the side.
Although detractors decry (MMA) as a brutal, bloody form of human cockfighting, aficionados know it is a brutal, bloody, totally fucking awesome form of human cockfighting. -The Onion
by The Kittitas Kid on Sep 16, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
And you don’t have the same sort of leverage as Quinton Jackson or Anderson SIlva, obviously.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reason Rampage has that leverage is because Dans offered it to him with his gig on TUF, to then turn around and say this outside project is more important to me than the company that has paid me millions over the last few years seems pretty shitty to me. I get tired of hearing about these athletes that are just trying to put food on their family’s table when said athlete makes more this year than I will in the next ten. Rampage’s 15 kids will eat just fine, A-Team movie or not.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 4:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Dans=Dana, fucking auto-correct.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 4:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
to then turn around and say this outside project is more important to me than the company that has paid me millions over the last few years seems pretty shitty to me
Why do people act like the UFC owns their fighters? So the UFC paid Page millions in the past few years, does that mean they own him? UFC paid Rampage millions, but Rampage made millions for the UFC, so what’s your point?
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“UFC paid Rampage millions, but Rampage made millions for the UFC”
/brainsplosion
BOOSH
by Farthammer on Sep 16, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both
Either way you blew my mind.
BOOSH
by Farthammer on Sep 16, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks or sorry, depending on how you mean it :P
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point is he wouldn’t be where he is without them but the UFC would still be just as big as they are w/o Page. He wouldn’t even be in the position to get that acting gig without the fame the UFC has given him and the support they gave him after his little episode last year. I think there ought to be a bit more loyalty there.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 4:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
he wouldn’t be as popular without the UFC, the UFC would still be big without him (but not without any fighters). Rampage represents all fighters in this scenario, they (fighters) need each other (promotions). one hand washes the other.
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He wouldn’t even be in the position to get that acting gig without the fame the UFC has given him and the support they gave him after his little episode last year. I think there ought to be a bit more loyalty there.
They gave him support because he is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC and he makes them a ton of money. I’ve seen you use the “loyalty” line a couple times now and it makes me think that you actually believe that the UFC’s support of Rampage was some sort of altruistic endeavour..
by Grappo on Sep 16, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have heard Dana refer to Rampage as a friend many times both before and after the incident and he was on a plane as soon as he heard about Page’s incident last summer. Dana supported Rampage because he thought it was the right thing to do as a friend and it seems kind of selfish to me for Rampage to do this. It’s not a huge deal and obviously it’s Rampage’s prerogative to do what he thinks is best for him but there is something to be said for loyalty in this specific situation.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 17, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rampage only has X years to make money via fighting, and he’d be a fool not to maximize his earnings in that timeframe.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I pitty the fool that passes on great opportunities!
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I'm supposed to feel sorry for Rampage?
This guy will earn more money in his years fighting then I will earn in my entire life and yet since he cant manage his money correctly I’m supposed to feel sorry for him?
Pro-Athletes anywhere at least most make enough money that they are set for life but most blow it gambling or buying useless things and then people act like they had it rough because they could only play or fight for x number of years.
If you want to have sympathy for a guy try picking one of the guys that is making like 2,000 at a UFC event not Rampage or Anderson who if they are smart should be able to retire tommorow and be set for life.
by bigdmmafan on Sep 16, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did I ever say people should feel sorry for him?
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the moral of the story is that humans are greedy, and to take up on opportunities is only what any of us (fans) would do. Why are we mad at Rampage for only doing what any of us would do given the scenario? regardless of the job you have, if you got a call to be on a major blockbuster movie would you not take it?
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you're saying your analogy of Rampage's movie career to my hobbies is not apt?
For what it’s worth, I agree.
Although detractors decry (MMA) as a brutal, bloody form of human cockfighting, aficionados know it is a brutal, bloody, totally fucking awesome form of human cockfighting. -The Onion
by The Kittitas Kid on Sep 16, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll agree with the other comments about Rampage (TUF stint then movie stint) but what bothers me about Silva is that he purposely makes a mockery of the sport because he perceives his challengers as “undeserving”.
He would have had a lot more people agreeing with him if he put a statement down against Leites and Cote rather than playing footsie with them.
If he wants the big paydays that he should be willing to fight and beat whomever the UFC deems is his challenger. Putting on terrible performances against challengers because he doesn’t feel they’re worth is NOT going to win over any fans or have a lot of people agreeing with who he wants to fight next.
by pr0cs on Sep 16, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hmmm i don’t think silva put on any terrible performances. the cote fight was perfectly good, a little bit slow-paced, but pretty compelling. the leites fight i put the blame on leites and think silva handled the situation just fine.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those thigh punches were hilarious.
I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.
by Llewdor on Sep 16, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously, in 10 years we won’t be still saying “OMG terrible fight!” instead we’ll be pointing back at it for all the unusual strikes that we got to see silva use in a real fight.
“one leg behind the other soccer ball kick strike? oh yeah, anderson silva pulled that off once”
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rampage isn’t only making money for his family. He’s taking money away from Rashad’s family.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Every man for himself.
'Ello G'vnor!
by IHateMMA on Sep 16, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don’t you tell Rashad’s family why the fans shouldn’t condemn Rampage running off to make a movie.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was offered a fight with Randy but he decided to turn it down.
by Zack Gobie on Sep 16, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I told Rashad that,
He would grab his dick then blow a kiss at me.
BOOSH
by Farthammer on Sep 16, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Your fists are like pillows you can’t hur argh blargh ahfhff”
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure how Quinton is responsible for Rashad’s life.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I merely find it manipulative to make a point about how Rampage goes home to play with his kids, and how we as fans should recognize that and not demand them hold to their fighting commitments. Other fighters go home to their kids as well, and when Rampage breaks a commitment in favor of his family, he does it at the expense of Rashad’s family. If we were all free to do what we want just because it favors us at the time, civilization wouldn’t exist.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s quite a slippery slope, Michaelthebox.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe for you. mmalogic put it succinctly below: the same is true for the UPS guy delivering packages. That doesn’t give him the right to skip out on his commitments, or on the other people in the equation letting him do so.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
succinctly is not the word i had in mind
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the UPS guy got offered a spot in a blockbuster movie, I expect your packages would be a little late.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And I would, rightfully, be pissed. What is your point?
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
like a butterfly flapping its wings somewhere in africa causes my toilet to overflow…. rampage signing on for the a-team movie is basically going to result in complete anarchy
i like it
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, thats exactly what I said. You are a genius sir; I applaud you.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s not…
But your asking fans to care about Rampage and his life… why shouldnt Rampage care about Rashad and his life? or why shouldnt Fans care about Rshad’s life then?
Your point about Rampage having his own interests to care about is 100% correct. Fans have there owns lives to care about. Rashad has his own, etc…
“whats in it for me” that’s what makes the world go round. And thats what the fans are always asking.
You illustrated exactly what motivates a fighter or person to do what he does… but doesnt mean the fan needs to be understanding of it.
“A rampage fan has a mortgage, credit card debt and wife and kids and make him pull his hair out of his head… what game him comfort and limited solace during this time was knowing he had a great tuf season to look forward to culminating with his favorite fighter (Rampage) fighting Rashad”… and now he’s lost that."
Should the guy who didnt care for this fight give a shit about this guy and his problems and aspirations? NO.
by mmalogic on Sep 16, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not asking anyone to “care” about Rampage’s personal life. I just want people to be conscious of it. There’s a huge gap in between those two points.
"A rampage fan has a mortgage, credit card debt and wife and kids and make him pull his hair out of his head… what game him comfort and limited solace during this time was knowing he had a great tuf season to look forward to culminating with his favorite fighter (Rampage) fighting Rashad"… and now he’s lost that."
Outside of the fact that our hypothetical fan hasn’t “lost that”, this isn’t an analogous scenario at all.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fans like to think that the sport is all about them. It isn’t. It’s a rough pill to swallow, but the fact of the matter is that a symbiotic relationship exists between fans and athletes. One cannot exist without the other. As such, there will always be an equilibrium that must be reached to balance the motivations of each side.
Something tells me we will be seeing this again somewhere down the road.
"I'M GOING TO SHA-BOOMS!"
by beery_pbr on Sep 16, 2009 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree with the article 100%. Fighters don’t have to behave in some imagined idealistic manner conceived by us fans. They are just people too, people w/ a wide array of complicated motives, needs, and faults. I assure you, they know their own business better than we do, and are in a better position to say what is best for themselves
by Headkick on Sep 16, 2009 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
all these reasons you listed...
are just one reason why machida is so special. we’re never going to hear him complain about money or lost opportunities. he is here to fight and be a master of his art. that is it. he embodies a true martial artist. something that seems to be lost on people like rampage and anderson silva. they are already RICH and just want more.
by FiatJustitiaRuatCaelum on Sep 16, 2009 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
machida is a good example, but i don’t think he’s special in this regard. plenty of fighters – especially those who never make it to even fight in a main event – could be described in the same way.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
nothing wrong with fans who love and expect fighters that LOVE to be fighters for the sake of FIGHTING. for the love of the sport. machida, gsp,bj, , brock would probably take an acting role, as long as they are not scheduled to fight. now alot of fans are assumimg that rampage is automatically gonna make more “bread” for this movie, which really no one knows for a fact. it’s obvious he will be making good money for alot less easy road traveled. this ppv in memphis probably would have at least made page 1-2 million, where as he might only be making scale for the a-team. who knows for sure? so it’s not like he wasn’t ging to get his “bread” by saying no to the movie and fighting rashad in dec-that is a fact. now some writers on this site has chose to look at the situation from the best possible case scenario (which is their perogitve), that the fight will only be postponed for a few months and the ufc will definetly benefit from rampage’s movie exposure. well, we’ve all seen what time-off can do to rampage, and it aint pretty. this is probably the most blase ive ever seen some fans act towards an athelete not doing it for the love of the sport or for the love of the fans(memphis). i’m hoping this is fans who really do care about rampage, not just glad that it’s another “stick it to dana” move. nothing wrong with fighters/atheletes wanting to make their money just like their is nothing wrong for fans wanting their fighters to be FIGHTERS.
think cung le. i saw alot of fans do nothing but wish him well with his movie career and how beneficial it would be for strikeforce.ffwd a year later, everyone is calling for him to be stripped (and for nhis head)and i can’t see how he has benefited SF at all. only time will tell.
by bdw on Sep 16, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love that about Machida as well. I wish the editors I hired were as principled. They should be happy doing something they love, instead the bastards keep asking for more every time they hear I’m thinking of buying a new car or going on a trip to Thailand.
by nottheface on Sep 16, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he embodies a true martial artist. something that seems to be lost on people like rampage and anderson silva. they are already RICH and just want more.
If Machida ever learns enough english to be coherent, and is rich and got the opportunity to play Bruce Lee on a biography film, do you really think he’d not take it? guys act like Machida is all about Machida Karate, but I guarantee if he had an opportunity to be rich without fighting he’d take it. Who in their right minds would not? Machida is only human, he is no mystical dragon.
by orcus on Sep 16, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they make enough money, they arent worried about their mortgage or food. this is rampage and a. silva you’re talking about.
I'm old school hating Lesnar, I've been hating Lesnar since '08
by MicahW on Sep 16, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Loooooove this argument.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next time your hair dresser fucks up your haircut you should realize she has a mortgage and kids to feed and probably wants to be an actor someday.
by mmalogic on Sep 16, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hell, why don’t we just give her the money? We all have a right to have money in our pockets, regardless of what we, you know, actually do.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I cut my own hair, so no dice.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow… respectful rebuttal. rampage may be able to make MORE money by doing the A-team movie and then fighting rashad, but dont try to make it out to look like he’d be homeless and his kids would go hungry if he didnt have any other revenue sources than fighting.
I'm old school hating Lesnar, I've been hating Lesnar since '08
by MicahW on Sep 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not, but it’s also not up to you to decide how much money someone SHOULD make or what kind of lifestyle they SHOULD lead.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The same argument is true for the UPS guy delivering my packages…
But when I want my package I want my fucking package… I dont give a shit (nor should I have to) about his childhood dream of meeting some old baseball hall of famer instead of delivering my packages…
Its not the consumers problem. It’s Zuffa’s and the fighters.
The chick last night was trying to tell me how she wants to be a singer pausing inbetween my BJ… I dont give shit! Either finish the BJ or get the fuck out.
Kids test adults all the time… same shit goes on in every business. In the end a smack in the face and a lollipop will do.
I dont think Silva should fight henderson or Nate… let them fight each other and see who’s the deserving one – There’s only so many times you can fight the same guys twice.
If Vitor demolishes Franklin and Anderson is still playing his games then the cane needs to be whipped out.
If you dont take a fight in Zuffa there are repercussions already in place…
The ppv pay structure needs to be revamped beacuse its turning into too much of a “socialist” system where “chuck” needs to contribute to “anderson’s” take, etc… Pretty soon everyone will want to be on a brock lesnar card.
Zuffa doesnt like to speculate but revenue sources are more robust now where the “base” could make up most of the fighters pay instead of vice versa
So sometimes It would make sense for a top fighter to get on a free card to build up his next ppv fight, etc…
The other thing is the “demand” for main event and co main event fighters is rising as fight cards increase… WEC titles need to be brought over sooner rather than later to dilute this new “game” that’s being played.
The “honor” system doesn’t work anymore. Dana and Lorenzo think once you get a taste of big money because of a “favor” you’ll get in line. The opposite usually happens because the “favor” then needs to become standard operating procedure or somebody throws a temper tantrum.
And vice versa where the same thing happens to the fighters who go the extra mile.
More titles and Base Pay needs to be at around the 350k ppv assumption for the regular main eventers. Then the ppv bonus should start at 350 plus.
The base should increase or decrease according to the ppv minimum baseline at the time of signing or re-signing of contracts.
If a fighter wants to play possum to get a on a brock card or another mega card then he gets skipped, the time on his contract extends automatically anyway and then gets another offer on the same or less appealing fight card.
This solves the problem but cant be used too much now because the wec titles havent been brought over yet and these fight cards need to be filled.
by mmalogic on Sep 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LMAO, I don’t care how often you’re wrong logic, keep posting stuff like this and it’s all good with me.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 4:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing wrong with Rampage wanting to act… But its pretty dick ducking machida, lobbying to coach TUF A SECOND TIME, and then deflating the season by skipping out and delaying the coaches fight.
by mmalogic on Sep 16, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure Dana was really pissed to put Rampage on TUF.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think he would have if he knew Rampage was going to delay the fight so he could do a movie?
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is completely irrelevant.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, your argument is completely irrelevant.
See what I did there?
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure what you want me to say or how that proves anything. I’m not even sure Dana would 100% keep Rampage off TUF if he knew about the movie deal back in May. But even for a hypothetical sake that he kept him off the show, I’m not sure what that matters about the topic at hand.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im sure you’d be thrilled if Megan Fox wanted to fuck your brains out – but what if she decided to just take a shit on you before you climaxed and then left.
by mmalogic on Sep 16, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm, is that an offer? I knew you had good connections, but wow! Sign me up!
I’ll be at the store buying plastic wrap….
by Headkick on Sep 16, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely analogous for sure.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just for the record, I have a hard time believing Rampage goes home to play with his kids every night. First off he has so many I’m sure they aren’t all from the same woman, and even if they were she probably doesn’t live in Canada where he’s filming or England where he trains. If you want to make the argument that he’s trying to make his child support payments then fine, but don’t try and paint the portrait of this wholesome family man who tucks his kids into bed and reads them stories every night cuz it’s not true. I’m not going to try and act like I’m the worlds greatest dad but at least I’m there when they go to bed and wake up.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 4:20 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Your points don’t mesh with Fagan’s agenda.
by Michaelthebox on Sep 16, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh, it was bound to happen eventually.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 4:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Oh great, now we’re attacking the man’s parenting skills!
Love you, ufc4.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say attacking, I say setting the record straight.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 5:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
The thing with the Page situation is it’s a betrayal of the UFC. They had his back when he went crazy in his truck. (energy drinks….right) They set the Rashad fight up for him at his request and put him on TUF to promote it. Then he backs out after they’ve obviously made an investment of time and money.
The Anderson situation isn’t at all the same thing.
by Headkick on Sep 16, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He didn’t back out. He’s still fighting Rashad.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for now
that is the plan, and looking at the absolute best case scenario,but he is in fact ducking rashad and has already ducked machida going by a certain writers use of the word “ducking”. he is ducking out of his responsibilty that while he may not have signed a legal contract for, but had to have had gave a verbal commitment to fight in dec. ;)
by bdw on Sep 16, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is the correct use of the word ducking.
by nottheface on Sep 16, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand why Dana is upset with this situation, but I don’t get why he’s as upset as he is.
Rampage would be a moron to turn down the A-team gig. Does it suck that he can’t fight Rashad exactly when everyone wants to? yes. But in there’s a good chance that the A-team thing will end up being an overall positive for the UFC.
In general, i don’t think fighters should take a project lke this that will delay one of their fights, especially if it’s when the coaches fight on TUF, but this is such an opportunity, I can’t really fault the guy.
What I don’t understand is why this whole thing is such a shock to everyone. Rampage being in the A-team has been a possibility since at least before he fought Forrest (he talked about it on Jimmy Kimmel before that fight). Everyone should have done more homework in regards to the timing of the filming of that movie and the timing of the potential Rashad/Rampage fight.
by Phildo on Sep 16, 2009 4:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fagan
would this be a reasonable way to settle this:
i think your article is on point for most of the fighters and circumstances we are seeing lately. but the rampage situation is a bit unique. everyone is screwing each other over on this one, which makes it frustrating for the fans and why this is such a tough situation.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know, maybe if the fight got canceled, I could understand the argument a bit more. Even then, it’s not some crime against humanity.
I watch fighting for my own entertainment. Losing some abstract amount of that entertainment doesn’t really upset me in the slightest.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watch fighting for my own entertainment. Losing some abstract amount of that entertainment doesn’t really upset me in the slightest.
ahhh… not true! you spend a lot of your time analyzing and writing about fighting for other people to read and respond to. you don’t just do this for your own entertainment…. you actually care about what happens with the fight game beyond just entertainment, and actually have ideas on how it should be structured and evolve.
by GregS123 on Sep 16, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I didn’t say I ONLY watching fighting for my entertainment, but I could just as easily argue that analyzing and discussing the sport entertains/brings me pleasure as well.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semi-serious question for some of you out there. I’m seeing a lot of “he makes enough money”, “he’ll make more than I do in X years”, and the like. Do people truly honestly believe that once someone makes a certain amount of money they’re bound to selfless, righteous behavior?
Taken further, do the people who make these statements live in very, very modest housing, cook very inexpensive meals, and donate any and all disposable income to various charities? Because while I’m sure the vast majority of the staff and readership are by no means cash-rich, we have it much better than a large segment of the world’s population.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“Do people truly honestly believe that once someone makes a certain amount of money they’re bound to selfless, righteous behavior?”
No, but I do resent the notion that Rampage is doing the movie in order to feed his children. It seems to me whenever someone takes the viewpoint you’re making it always goes to the extreme- that these athletes HAVE to do these things or else his family will be homeless. Let’s just say it’s so the guy can buy a new Mercedes and his son can buy another pair of Jordan’s and leave it at that.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 5:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never made that argument and I think that’s a gross distortion of the entire point of the article (that being, these people are human beings who do the same thing that “normal” human beings do).
Rampage may be doing it simply because he thinks it would be fun to play B.A. Baracus in a movie.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If that was the case then he should give up fighting and pull a Huerta.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why can’t he do both?
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If his very first movie is already interfering with his fighting I doubt that the UFC will want to deal with this every time he gets a part.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking forward to them releasing him.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t worry, after the A-Team comes out he won’t be getting anymore acting jobs anytime soon. Just a guess.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it could be
but then again it could not be. like luke thomas said on his radio show"this is a HUGE gamble" for rampage. i’m more disappointed, than shocked(i too remember that kimmel show, where he said he was letting his fro grow out to play b.a.) but look at his past, where he has lost to fighters(or came close too) that he should have probably beaten, like forrest and jardine, and claiming that he had “too much time off”. rampage isn’t a gsp or a randy couture type fighter, that trains year round. instead he is the type that lets himself go and “lives life to the fullest” and that’s putting it mildly. i don’t see how rampage will be able to come off of a movies set for a period of time after hob-knobbing with the hollywood types and then go right into training camp and be expected to be at 100%. we will just have to wait and see.
by bdw on Sep 16, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
response to phildos comment
sorry, can’t type for shit. :)
by bdw on Sep 16, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The UFC came and bailed Rampage out after he went on his…rampage. He’s screwed them over here.
by MrSlippyfist on Sep 16, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We seem to forget that these athletes have bills and mortgages to pay
When did Patrick Ewing get a job writing for Bloody Elbow?
by Steve4192 on Sep 16, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You mean Patrick Chewing?
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 5:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
holy shit! liam neeson is playing hannibal!
maybe it’s not a B movie after all….plus page probably gets to keep the gold chains.
by Headkick on Sep 16, 2009 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s nothing close to a b movie. Anyone saying that it’s a B movie hasn’t done the smallest amount of research on it.
This is much closer to summer blockbuster than b movie It probably will be a summer blockbuster.
by Phildo on Sep 16, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the UFC wants to sign these guys as employees and embrace all the costs involved with that, then they have a right to tell fighters not to do these things. As long as they skip out on costs and obligations by calling them independent contractors, I don’t feel sorry for the UFC in the least.
I’m with Fagan completely. All this did was rearrange main events and their dates. I’m sure we’ll all still be watching when Rampage and Rashad fight. It’s not a huge deal.
In a year or two, if Quinton loses a few fights, all the people demanding he fight now will be calling him over the hill and demanding his retirement. He has a limited window, and its almost over. He’d have to be a fucking idiot to pass up a huge opportunity that could potentially be another avenue for success once his career in fighting is over.
Every other fighter would do the exact same thing.
by Michael Rome on Sep 16, 2009 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Not to mention the UFC doing this to guys all the time, and we don’t hear the same vitriol about it.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Sep 16, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because, don’t you know, it’s acceptable for the promoter to make as much as insanely possible but the fighters have to do it for the “love”?
by nottheface on Sep 16, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to wonder if Cain Velasquez is refusing to speak to Dana White for canceling the biggest fight of his career and replacing it with a meaningless fight with Ben Rothwell.
by Michael Rome on Sep 16, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree for the most part, but I’m not sure every other fighter would do the same thing because I don’t think every other fighter wants to be an actor.
And for the record I’m not as pissed off as some people are that he’s doing the movie, it’s kind of annoying but as long as the fight still happens some time in Q1 of 2010 I’m cool with it. But with everything Dana has done for Rampage the last year or so I can see where he is annoyed.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 16, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fagan, you should let Rome make your arguments for you all the time.
You have lost every argument you’ve had with people on this topic. Then Rome comes in and makes all the points you tried to make in 1 clear logical post.
by Rob H. on Sep 17, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
MMA Rankings
Certain photos copyright © 2009 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.
