Is Roger Huerta vs. Gray Maynard a Huge Risk for the UFC?
Dave Meltzer has an overview of the issues revolving around the Roger Huerta vs. Gray Maynardmain event showdown taking place on September 16th at Ultimate Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In the article, Meltzer mentions that the UFC is taking a gamble on the Maynard defeating Huerta as Huerta stands to gain some considerable bargaining power if he wins:
For Huerta, a win could also make him valuable to Strikeforce, which needs to add depth with an extensive schedule planned for next year, or Bellator, which marketed its first season around Hispanic fighters, paying well above what would be perceived as market value. Huerta’s first taste of acting came with a small role in the movie "Tekken," which also includes MMA star Cung Le. It comes out later this year.
It's interesting that we haven't heard more about Huerta's acting career taking off. It could be that he's awaiting his contract to end before making any huge deals with movie studios, or he has over-estimated his popularity. In any case, Meltzer suggests that Huerta could gain some huge bargaining power with other promotions with a win. Strikeforce and Bellator are named, but Strikeforce is probably a much more likely suitor who has the money and resources to potentially gain from Huerta's popularity within the UFC. Could Huerta simply be looking for a bigger payday instead of acting?
Meltzer throws in this interesting fact regarding contract negotiations between Roger Huerta and the UFC:
Instead of capitalizing on that momentum, Huerta asked for time off to go back to college. Contract negotiations for a new deal went sour with the sides far apart. Huerta, coming off six straight wins and a classic fight, was asking for a better deal than Penn, the lightweight champion was getting, including pay-per-view points even though he had never appeared in a pay-per-view headline match. His leverage for that kind of a deal fell apart when Kenny Florian beat him by decision on Aug. 9, 2008, in Minneapolis, and shortly after that, made the announcement of leaving the sport for acting.
Asking for a better deal than B.J. Penn including PPV points? That seems like a greedy endeavour by Huerta, but is it justified? After all, he did appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated and managed to be part of one of the best fights of 2007 in an epic war with Clay Guida. Should he command that kind of money? The UFC didn't think so.
All of the information presented makes for some interesting theories, the most prominent being that Huerta is leaving the UFC to try to garner more money from another promotion. He'll definitely burn a significant bridge if he follows through with that possibility, and it seems rather ridiculous to think he would want to burn a relationship with a promotion that built his name up incredibly. I'm more inclined to believe he's taking a serious stab at an acting career, but I wonder why he isn't simply re-signing and acting as a side job such as Gina Carano, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, or Cung Le.
The other major risk in this match-up is that Gray Maynard is a fighter that the UFC hopes will become a new prospect to eventually battle for the lightweight title. He's already defeated a solid lightweight in Frankie Edgar, and two veteran fighters in Rich Clementi and Jim Miller. This battle is obviously set up as a fight to showcase Maynard as the new challenger to the top of the division, and a solid win will only boost his stock with casual fans. If he's defeated on national television by a fighter leaving the promotion, it certainly puts the UFC on the losing side of their gamble.
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The UFC needs to resign him
Now I’m not saying give him anything but he is a great talent at LW and a lot like Cain Velazquez he appeals to the mexican demographic which you want to take from boxing.
I’m sure there is a middle ground. I’m sure his acting carrer isnt taking off like he had hoped.
Even if he loses to Maynard I say resign him but if he beats Gray and you dont?
You want Strikeforce to die Dana not only dont counterprogram but you have to prevent them from landing good fighters.
by bigdmmafan on Sep 8, 2009 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think there’s any chance he goes to SF. Even if he doesn’t re-sign with UFC I bet they’d pay him just to act and promise not to go to another promotion.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 8, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The interesting thing about all of this is that the no-compete clause doesn’t really apply because he is actually finishing out the contract, so he wouldn’t even be locked down with the exception of his ancillary rights.
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by Leland Roling on Sep 8, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if there is any clause that allows the UFC to match any offer he gets like Tito had.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 8, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that's an interesting point for sure.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Sep 8, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like a restricted free agent in basketball? I didn’t know they had contracts like that in MMA.
by CliChe Guevara on Sep 8, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huerta has the looks to be in movies, but then, so do a million other people. I haven’t seen anything that would lend me to believe he’d be successful in movies. I think he’s overrating himself with his movie career, just like he’s doing so regarding his pull in the cage. Yes, he was on the cover of SI, and yes, he’s a good fighter, but more pay than BJ? Yeah right. I have a feeling he’ll end up leaving the UFC. There’s just something about him that makes me think he’ll think with his heart rather than his head.
At any rate, it’s all a moot point, cause Maynard is gonna beat Huerta in a decision.
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by pud333 on Sep 8, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He doesn’t have to be fabulously succesful in movies for it to seem like a better choice for the next few years. Especially if he isn’t in love with fighting like some other fighters. Getting a few small roles will not only make him alittle risk free money, but will add a little value to his image. Plus after a few years maybe bj Penn retires and winning the title at lw becomes a possibility for some of these guys
by ruckus on Sep 8, 2009 3:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I always felt Huerta was overrated
Aside from Clay Guida (who he was close to losing to!), all the guys he beat are long since out of the UFC. Aside from Florian, he hasn’t faced anything remotely close to top level competition. Which means that I am greatly looking forward to this fight.
He’s definitely not worth what he’s asking for.
I finish beers at 1:55.
by ihateemo on Sep 8, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t normally delve into personal matters, but my guess is that he thinks he has a big future in acting because his girlfriend (Laura Prepon) has connections. I could be way off on that, I don’t know. But he’s definitely moved fighting down his priority list in the last year.
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by Beer Monster on Sep 8, 2009 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s going to be in that Tekken movie atleast, so that is a good start.
Plus I’ve always found Laura Prepon quite attractive, so I can see why he does not want to get his face punched any more.
by DirtyML on Sep 8, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Video game movies are horrible. I doubt he’ll get any serious looks if he’s as bland as I expect him to be.
'Ello G'vnor!
by IHateMMA on Sep 8, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Don “The Dragon” Wilson or Chuck Norris?
by asa on Sep 8, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
c'monnnnn
that movie was so bad it was good!
http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l236/wonkalumps/?start=40 :D
Besides, that’s more of a bad anime/manga adaptation
by Grappo on Sep 8, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1 tekken is gonna be just as bad as the new street fighter prolly wont do huertas acting career much good 2 is huerta dating laura prepon or something always hear her name brought up
by ldglass on Sep 9, 2009 5:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt that
Since she hasn’t really done an awful lot of acting since That 70s Show.
And yes, she is a honey.
I finish beers at 1:55.
by ihateemo on Sep 8, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure they're banking on Ring Rust and Maynard's ability to grind matches out.
"I would say that he’s a little donkey that, he’s on steroids, he thinks he’s a running horse. But, he’s more like a little pony." - Gegard Mousasi on Paulo Filho
by Deo Wade on Sep 8, 2009 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Roger purposely asked for a ridiculous contract, knowing the UFC would not agree to it so he could leave the sport.
I don’t think he has a great desire to fight anymore, and I am not sure whether he will be motivated to beat Gray to prove a point or just do the fight and “get it over with” and leave the UFC.
by DirtyML on Sep 8, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i don’t think it’s that big of a risk. I think that he’s been iced long enough that he really isn’t that much of a threat.
If he dominates maynard, that wouldn’t be ideal, but I don’t think they’ll fear him running off to another org and taking anyone with him.
by Phildo on Sep 8, 2009 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it really a gamble for the UFC?
I agree that if Huerta pulls the upset, and in MMA anything can happen, then yes its not ideal for the UFC promotion machince. But I ask you this, when was the last time the UFC lost one of these gambles? Machida beat Tito, Florian took it to Huerta, Deigo beat Nick Diaz when there were questions about how legit TUF contestents were, Tim Silva got subbbed by Big Nog… I’m sure there is at least one instance of Joe Silva and Dana White hand picking an opponent for a fighter they wanted to see lose, but they sure seem to win these “gambles” a lot more than they lose. And as any good gambler will tell you when you win more than you lose, keep gambling.
by pwrcartel on Sep 8, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Zuffa lost one when Arlovski beat Jake O Boring. They were definitely hoping that Jake could blanket Andrei for three rounds.
by Steve4192 on Sep 8, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s why it’s not such a huge risk.
Were they pissed at the AA result? Probably. Did it hurt them in the long run? No.
by Phildo on Sep 8, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree, UFC was trying to resign Andre and O’Brian fight was a prelim bout. Not same as putting someone they know they couldn’t sign on the main card for the purpose of making them look bad. Not to mention the “bad match-up” for AA is anyone who can touch his glass jaw.
by pwrcartel on Sep 8, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zuffa hasn’t lost really any of the gambles, but that doesn’t mean they can’t. Ya never know… Huerta’s pace could be a huge problem.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Sep 8, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huerta’s acting career = fail. Just look at this:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2292085/
Huerta would be a decent name for Strikeforce to get, but who could he fight there? Jorge Gurgel? Gilbert Melendez would beat the living sh*t out of Huerta. Besides, there’s probably a noncompete in Huerta’s contract that should have him sitting out just long enough to see Strikeforce get crushed under its own weight.
The UFC’s lost faith in Huerta and they’re using him to build up Maynard. Huerta was exposed in the Guida fight as being average at best – a guy who’s tough but doesn’t have technique to really be a contender.
by MMAEruption on Sep 8, 2009 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am rooting for Huerta here, just to throw a monkeywrench in the UFC’s plans!!
www.knees2thehead.com
Check it out!!
by BJJDenver on Sep 8, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m rooting for Huerta just to see a possible Sanchez vs Huerta fight I’ve always wanted to see. There would be fireworks for sure.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Sep 8, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m rooting for Huerta because I am a fan of his despite wanting to go into acting. More importantly, I am just NOT a fan of Maynard.
by chrisbboy82 on Sep 8, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually if anything Huerta beating Gray would be doing the UFC a favor, most people think he’s boring and would take him off a possible title shot anytime soon.
by Raker on Sep 8, 2009 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
QFT
He is boring.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Sep 8, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Maynard has admitted that he has no personality. He has a very unexciting fighting style and a very unexciting personality. That combination isn’t going to draw buys or ticket sales.
by chrisbboy82 on Sep 8, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even some of those that were around Huerta in the Twin Cities thought his demands were a tad high.
I
by Lynchman on Sep 8, 2009 7:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Huerta – “Uhh yeah guys, I want to be an actor”
*deep down inside
“I’m still not over Arianny =’(”
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Sep 8, 2009 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Plays "Baby Come Back" by Player

"I would say that he’s a little donkey that, he’s on steroids, he thinks he’s a running horse. But, he’s more like a little pony." - Gegard Mousasi on Paulo Filho
by Deo Wade on Sep 8, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't
Huerta giving Maynard any problems. If Guida could take Huerta down @ will, then Maynard should just as easily be able to deposit him on his ass
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by ElliotMatheny on Sep 8, 2009 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Asking for a better deal than B.J. Penn including PPV points? That seems like a greedy endeavour by Huerta, but is it justified? /blockquote>
No way is it justified. He has never beaten a top 10 opponent for crying out loud! Yeah, he’s popular, but if everyone like him was asking for what he wanted, the UFC would go bankrupt!
by TDITZ on Sep 8, 2009 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oops
i guess i dont know how to use the quotes, my bad.
by TDITZ on Sep 8, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
[FAIL] stamped
=P
I keed.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Sep 8, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Roger Huerta MIA?
Is there any evidence that Huerta is training for his fight with Maynard? Why isn’t he doing any press? I don’t see any quotes from him anywhere. Just because the UFC isn’t promoting him, doesn’t mean that he’s been totally muzzled.
I think his absence from the limelight indicates his disinterest in continuing his MMA career. He really didn’t look like he had any kind of motivation during his fight with Kenny Florian either. And, his hair was aweful! For someone going into acting, he didn’t do himself any favors sporting a see-thru flat-top while looking frustrated for 15 minutes.
All in all, as a former Huerta fan, I’m not looking forward to seeing him in the cage if he can’t sell his future a little (be in MMA or acting).
by Jaydoggydog on Sep 10, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
training in seclusion?
This doesn’t exactly explain WHY he would bother training if he’s not interested in MMA anymore.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/09/11/news.notes/
by Jaydoggydog on Sep 11, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

by 








![Brock Larson reflects on his upset loss to Mike Pierce in an interview with MMA Junkie:
"I don't think the judges made the wrong call. They had to award him the win because the only thing that went on in the whole fight was takedowns, and he got them. I clearly lost the fight. Hats off to Pierce, but he has some issues to work on himself."
In the locker room after the fight, UFC matchmaker Joe Silva told Larson's manager, Monte Cox, "Don't worry about Brock. He's a fighter. We don't know what we're going to do with this other [expletive]. I don't know if I can watch another 15 minutes of that [expletive].".
"That was good to hear coming off a loss," Larson said. "In a weird way, that loss helps me, and it would have helped Pierce if he tried to be aggressive. Win, lose or draw, at least he's competing. People won't want to watch that stuff.
"I've always taken pride in going after and trying to finish my fights, and I get the upper hand always going after it and being aggressive. Pierce didn't have that attitude. He just wanted to eke out the win and get the [win].
"The W is important, but at the same time it's the entertainment business. People pay to watch, and they don't want to watch two guys hug belly buttons. Clay Guida, he makes more money on friggin' 'Fight of the Night' bonuses than he does on his fight wins."
"People look at film and say, 'This guy beat Brock? That's all he had to do,'" Larson said. "I have to get the Band-Aids out, cover that owie and not have to worry about that being a problem."](http://cdn1.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/84043/md97y25v01_small.jpg)














