Updated: Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin Reported for UFC 115
by Kid Nate on Mar 13, 2010 12:53 PM EST
in MMA News
Email
Print
Zuffa credentialed Fighters Only has the story:
Chuck Liddell will be fighting Rich Franklin in his next bout and not rival TUF 11 coach Tito Ortiz, Fighters Only has heard from a reliable source. The switch was initially reported to us just under two weeks ago but was only a rumour at that time.
However, the rumour hit message boards late last night and an industry source confirmed that Liddell will indeed be facing former middleweight champion Rich Franklin. The fight is to headline an April 17th Fight Night event which will counter Strikeforce's show on the same date.
They also report that Tito Ortiz won't be fighting Liddell, but not for health reasons and that the "reason for his withdrawal is known to Fighters Only is something that may significantly impact his future as a fighter."
Josh Gross has more on the situation in Tennessee:
According to Tennessee State Athletic Commission regulations, Zuffa has until Thursday, March 18, to file an event permit application should the Las Vegas-based promotional company wish to counter Strikeforce's April 17 date in Nashville.
Tennessee executive director Jeff Mullen told SI.com on Wednesday that promoters are required to submit an application with the state no less than 30 days in advance of their requested date.
After Strikeforce and CBS officially announced April 17 at the Bridgestone Arena as the venue for their next show, rumors swirled that executives from UFC and SpikeTV were considering adding an event on the same night in the same town.
Should UFC opt to move forward, and to this point it has not informed Mullen it would, April 17 marks the first time Tennessee is tasked with overseeing two major events on the same night.
"We would have to really look at how things are developing and we'd probably have to borrow some manpower from somewhere," Mullen said of the commission's ability to handle both events. "It would be way bigger than anything we've ever done, but I don't think it's something we couldn't do, we'd just have to make some unusual arrangements to make it work."
I really have to question the UFC's wisdom here. Not only are they losing the Tito Ortiz vs Chuck Liddell headliner for UFC 115 (although that may have been unavoidable due to Tito's mysterious issues) but they are also pushing the TN Athletic Commission to the limits of their resources and capabilities. If someone gets hurt in the cage because of poor oversight, Dana White should be held to answer for it.
They are also completely strip-mining any value that Rich Franklin has as a draw with this long succession of meaningless fights. If Anderson Silva ends up moving up to light heavyweight, it will all have been for naught.
And ultimately, what is the burning reason to destroy Strikeforce anyway? The April 17th show on CBS is already an almost certain ratings disaster thanks to the efforts of M-1 Global to keep Fedor Emelianenko off the card. With Jakes Shields as a headliner, Strikeforce is already virtually counter-programming themselves.
[UPDATE] by Nick Thomas: Rich Franklin vs. Chuck Liddell in the works for UFC 115, not rumored April show -MMAjunkie.com has learned from sources close to the promotion that the two have verbally agreed to face each other in June at UFC 115, though contracts have yet to be finalized.
The Franklin vs. Liddell matchup was first reported by Fighters Only magazine, though the U.K.-based publication pinned the fight to a rumored April 17 UFC Fight Night card that now seems increasingly unlikely to occur.
Those same sources suggested that Franklin was possibly brought in as a replacement coach to finish out the season's filming, and "Ace" now meets Liddell as an opposing "TUF" coach..
186 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I wouldn’t be too worried about the state athletic commission, I mean the UFC can basically run a show by themselves. Their card in Virginia went off without a hitch. As far as Tito is concerned he has alluded to some rumors of personal problems on his Twitter but he’s said it doesn’t have anything to do with his marriage. Could he have some kind of disease?
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 11:39 AM EST via mobile reply actions
This is going to steamroll Strikeforce; it’s still not as appealing as Hendo vs Shields imo but it’s gonna be a WAR. Franklin via decision.
“Poor Chuck.”
I have to strongly disagree that any sort of failure on the part of the regulatory body to protect fighters would be Dana White’s fault for booking the show. It is the responsibility of the commission to determine whether or not they can safely manage two shows. If they decide they can handle two shows and it turns out that their ineptitude gets somebody hurt, then it would be their own fault. Not Dana’s for wanting to host a show there. If the commission doesn’t believe it can work two shows then then it is obviously within their power to deny the licensing or whatever for the UFC show.
by Daniel Faust on Mar 13, 2010 11:40 AM EST reply actions 12 recs
Thank you.
They hold the power to say who can hold events. If their ego is too big and they think they can hold two events when they can’t, that’s their fault, not Dana’s.
Green.
I found this line to be dramatic, reaching, and unnecessary. If a fighter’s hurt in the cage, I doubt it would have anything to do with oversight. And if it somehow IS due to oversight, blame TN for deciding to stretch themselves beyond their capacity in an effort to make more money. Nobody’s holding a gun to their head and forcing them to regulate this.
50% more Ultimate than the leading competitor.
If you didn't like this comment, make sure not to read my posts at Sack Mike Goldberg.
This is BloodyElbow.com...
Where everything is the UFC’s fault, and everything is Dana White’s fault. Don’t you forget it.
Only Kid Nate could post something like that.
If someone gets hurt in the cage because of poor oversight, Dana White should be held to answer for it.
For that you the…….
…comment of the day. Congrats, Kid Nate!.
by snakecharmer1340 on Mar 13, 2010 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
It may be over the top
but it’s still nothing compared to the crap I’ve seen on BR. There is some serious double-thinking going on over there
Because...
They pissed them off by signing Fedor?
by The Flying Gentleman on Mar 13, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Because it went International?
Most reports have said they’re on Russian television in addition to their national deal with Showtime/CBS.
I like this fight better. Tito needs to go to Strikeforce. Then Dana should take all the money he would’ve paid Tito during that year and give the lower level fighters all a raise.
Be a man, not a child-Phil Anselmo
by ANance on Mar 13, 2010 11:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Id say tito needs to do commentary for WEC. He does have the mic skills.
HI YAH!
by Thats It For you! on Mar 13, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
That better be sarcastic.
The Seattle Seahawks offense is driving......right into a brick wall at the end of the tunnel.
I pray that you are being sarcastic
Shut up, Tito.
by TruthSeeker1223 on Mar 13, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Thank Me Later
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIoWzsgV5mY
^ The ‘Best’ of Tito Ortiz’s announcing skills ^
Fan of Tiger 'Makin It Rain' Woods
by B-A-N-A-N-A-S on Mar 13, 2010 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
Very, very curious
I’ll hazard a guess and say that Tito’s back problems returning to hurt him and there’s no way in hell any reasonable promoter – let alone commission – would put any fighter in harm’s way.
A Franklin / Liddell bout has never happened and does somewhat make sense, insofar that they’re both 205 div. “company men” who like to scrap and therefore are ready to call upon for a show next month. Both are coming off recent losses and thus is relevant to their standing in the 205 division.
If this card goes on air for free then, as FCC_bigE said, it may well flatten Strikeforce’s show…
by VikingPhotography on Mar 13, 2010 11:42 AM EST reply actions
the back problems
were specifically mentioned as NOT being the cause of the problems.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Cause Tito never lies about his physical problems.
"an excellent example of why most MMA "journalism" is a joke. Pseudonyms like "toxic" and shitty writing like that dopey article"--- Joe Rogan.
Where did it say they got the info from Tito?
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 11:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Tito would be source of any information causing the UFC to cancel a fight. It’s not like if someone told Dana that Tito was pulling out of the fight, he wouldn’t, you know, just ask Tito.
"an excellent example of why most MMA "journalism" is a joke. Pseudonyms like "toxic" and shitty writing like that dopey article"--- Joe Rogan.
LOL, but what could it be?
How could it be a “non-health” issue? What else could possibly keep someone from fighting at all? Any disease or injury to me is all classified as “health.”
lol, im sure it has always been mental health
but it is still considered health.
Well
He wouldn’t physically be unable to fight, so there’s a pretty big distinction there.
by The Flying Gentleman on Mar 13, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Drugs. He could be “healthy” by our standards and also have something like Hep B. Look who he’s married to.
by VirtualBalboa on Mar 13, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
To me if it has to do with your body it's a health issue......
I’m really curious to find out what he’s talking about.
Well it’s gotta be worse than a cracked skull… For the love of God can we please have another TUF season again that ends in the 2 coaches fighting? Holy shit.
by Polyhedron on Mar 13, 2010 11:43 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Um, People do realize Rampage and Rashad are fighting right????
May 29?
Las Vegas?
UFC 114?
And could somebody please tell me with a straight face they were excited to see Chuck beatdown Tito for a 3rd time?
That hype train has left the station though. People were pumped up to see that fight when it was supposed to happen. I’m sure there will be another war of words between the two to get the excitment level back up.
Be a man, not a child-Phil Anselmo
by ANance on Mar 13, 2010 11:51 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I just hope
they don’t go through the whole talking shit to each other like Rashad and Rampage did and then never fight. And UFC never mentioned that the fight is off. I know Rashad and Rampage are scheduled now but I can’t tell you how many of my buddies who don’t keep up with the sport like we do didn’t know Rashad and Rampage weren’t fighting immediately after the show. I don’t want to get pumped up watching the TUF season and never see them fight again. Gosh dang I can’t stand Tito!
Shut up, Tito.
by TruthSeeker1223 on Mar 13, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
are you kidding me?
I’m always willing to watch a fight where Chucks hand is raised in the end and Tito is faced down on the mat complaining about God knows what.
Shut up, Tito.
by TruthSeeker1223 on Mar 13, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Gonna be really interested to hear
what Ortiz’s problems are. Aside from his normal laundry list, that is.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Mar 13, 2010 11:46 AM EST reply actions
too obvious
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Mar 13, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
because I don't think it's good for the sport
or for the UFC.
I think when they’re so focused on crushing the competition and international expansion that they’re taking their eye off the ball — putting on the best US PPVs.
I also think it’s criminal the way they’ve misused Rich Franklin since he lost the 2nd fight with Anderson Silva.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by giving him two warmup fights
and then three high-profile fights including two top-billing headliners?
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Mar 13, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
scuse me
three PPV headliners (93, 99 and 103).
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Mar 13, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
those fights did nothing for his career
or long-term value and moving him back and forth between weight classes is hugely disruptive to his training and health.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
and him switching classes
is solely the idea of the UFC and not his own?
Also had he won those fights, you’d be singing a much, much different tune. Losing a very close fight to Hendo is not a knock on one’s career. Hendo parlayed that win into a showstopping KO and a big contract with Strikeforce and the opportunity to fight on network TV for a belt.
He doesn’t get clipped behind the ear by Belfort and perhaps he’s next (or 2nd) in line for a LHW title shot.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Mar 13, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
i dont get your argument here
like KrmtDfrog said, had he won those fights they would have done wonders for his career..
Kuwabara Kuwabara
by J. B. Maddox on Mar 13, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
he would've had a much better chance to win those fights
had he been allowed to stabilize in one weight division.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
again, you say "allow"
other people say “wanted to switch”
The impetus to get out of MW was the fact that he got shitcanned by Silva twice with no visible improvement between the first two fights. If he wanted to do anything, he HAD to move. This wasn’t forced upon him solely by Silva, White, et al. He had and still has say in his career.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Mar 13, 2010 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
beating the ax murder was bad for his career?
I fail to see your point.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 13, 2010 12:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I personally think the sport would flourish a lot faster if all the best fighters were under one roof. Strikeforce or UFC…
But that argument is best left for another day…
by WestbergIDFC on Mar 13, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
yeah i think so too
but the cost that comes with that is very high for the fighters and the sport.
The UFC has been by far the best steward of the sport, but they’ve also pulled so many stunts that make me question whether I want them to be in 100% control of the sport.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
The same thing would happen with the UFC as it has with ever other major sport that had complete control of the market; a player’s/fighter’s union.
by WestbergIDFC on Mar 13, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know about that
unlike team sports, the UFC has one owner. That’s a lot of concentrated power.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
So what?
If White, the Fertitta’s and their new Arab friends want to treat the fighters so unfairly (which is a notion i disagree with personally), what exactly is stopping them from forming a union to even things out?
Honest question btw. I really don’t completely understand the situation.
by The Flying Gentleman on Mar 13, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
it's very hard to form a union when you work for a monopoly
or even a near monopoly.
It’s also politically much much harder to form unions than it was back when the major sports leagues unionized.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
it’s very hard to form a union when you work for a monopoly
I’m not sure that’s correct… 8 or 9 years ago, the MLS (major league soccer) players tried to form a union, but failed because they couldn’t prove monopolization, and wage repression. The courts said that because there were so many leagues in Europe, a player could theoretically go there to play if conditions were so bad. The parallel with MMA isn’t that different with Strikeforce competing with the UFC and giving fighters options to play elsewhere.
MLS players didn’t have health insurance coverage, wage increases, 401k packages, or an outlet to hear disputes between owners and players. The union passed through in 2003 and now things have completely changed.
by WestbergIDFC on Mar 13, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
there are catch-22's at work
and every table is tilted AGAINST the organizing of workers and TOWARD the corporate interests.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
It’s also much, much harder to form a union in a non-team sport. All the UFC would have to do to kill it would be to peel away the headliners which they have basically already have done. In baseball, football, basketball, and hockey the mid-tier players have value because they have an implact on the game. Give Peyton Manning the worst linemen and recievers in the league and see how well he holds up. In the UFC if the fighters threatened to strike they could pay Brock and Mir several mil and put them on a card with no names and still sell it.
by John Nash on Mar 13, 2010 12:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
All the top guys like Brock and Mir train with those low level and mid-tier guys. I don’t think Brock and Mir or any of the other top guys are going to kick all their training partners to the curb. I fully believe the top guys will recognize the need to be a part of the union if and when that time comes.
Just BE.
Ask actors how much faith they have in stars when they next strike. Sure some will be loyal to their brothers but others are not going to want to forego millions during their brief window of opportunity at the top.
by John Nash on Mar 13, 2010 2:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dana White can’t make the fighters fight. And ultimately, it would be up to the top-tier fighters that would need to force the hand.
Sure the UFC could cut fighters that strike for a union, similar to what MLB did, but the outcome would be the same. Nobody paid to watch minor leaguers play in the big leagues, and nobody would pay to watch lower-tier fighters in the UFC.
There would be growing pains, and probably lots of frustration, but it would solve all the problems about insurance, pay regulation, etc.
If the fighters are segmented and partitioned between multiple org.’s, a union will never happen. So the more UFC bludgeons Strikeforce, in my opinion, the closer we are to a singular fighting organization, and better fighter treatment.
by WestbergIDFC on Mar 13, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
LOL..
This is a free fight ??
What does that have to do with PPV or putting on the best PPV?
Neither of these guys are in direct contention and both have WAY more name value than anyone on the SF roster combined, including Fedor and Hendo..
This is good business.. plain and simple.. You don’t give your competition an inch in business. You go at them with everything you got.. It’s a shark business.. The money makers don’t make money by playing nice with the enemies.. You go at them hard and use every angle or advantage..
I guess you missed that point in college ?
8-29-09
Keith Jardine is now known as "The Dean of Antihistamine" because he is always sleeping early in fights..
by MMAuthority on Mar 13, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You make a good point in that it’s not the UFC’s job to look out for the well being of the competition, but you could probably be less of a dick making that point.
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 11:59 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Didn't mean to be a dick..
misuse of word choice on my part.. :)
I was just trying to stress the point..
Anyone complaining about one or the other is simply doing so for the sake of bias or to complain..
This is nothing more than an example of good business practice. Neither company is violating policy or ethics.. There are no rules that state the obvious.
I think this would have been a great counter card.. It gives the casuals some good name recognition and it doesn’t take away from any of the bigger fights in place. Liddell/Ortiz 3 is a give or take fight.. It’s no more meaningless as this one.. But the appeal is that these two haven’t fought before and the appeal factor rests in that these were two great former champions that never got to test themselves..
IMO it’s a much better alternative than the former..
8-29-09
Keith Jardine is now known as "The Dean of Antihistamine" because he is always sleeping early in fights..
by MMAuthority on Mar 13, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, unfortunately what’s best for Zuffa isn’t always what’s best for the sport. I think overall they do a lot more good than harm.
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 12:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
when you start making moves
that don’t make good sense for your own business in order to spike the competition — especially when that competitor seems poised to fail on their own — that’s bad strategy.
Many a general has gone down in flames because of overreach.
Read history much? Dana White could be the Napoleon of MMA and Napoleon came to a very bad end because he wasn’t satisfied with being by far the greatest power, he had to be the ONLY power.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
this isn't quite the same
as looking at russia in late fall and thinking… yeah, i bet we could take that.
i’d say this is more like vince mcmahon, who, until further notice has down pretty well with his slash and burn style of market domination.
I think Vince
has hurt himself in the long run. The late 90’s wrestling wars were a huge peak for that genre. I think if there was robust competition that the WWE would actually be bigger today than it is now.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
but that's assuming
that any market can grow indefinitely. vince has done two concrete things. he’s basically guaranteed there will a. always be a market for pro wrestling and b. his brand will always be the market leader.
pro wrestling and mma are niche markets and despite cycles of mainstream interest, they always will be.
not to mention
that it wasn’t the constantly competing wrestling orgs that caused it’s mega popularity in the first place. it was vince mcmahon buying up the best talent and putting on the best shows.
I enjoyed the wars… I remember Vince coming out at the beginning of Raw and announcing all the results for the WCW show so that people could watch Raw instead. I found it hilarious. And never watched WCW after that, I don’t believe.
But you’re right, the majority of it was what was taking place with the entertainment aspect. It’s never gonna be like it was when Stone Cold was pouring concrete in Vince’s convertible. Haha.
"Well, yes, but I’m afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands." - Tobias Fünke
"There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence." - Michael Bluth
One of my favorite lines from the best TV show ever.
WCW actually did that since Raw was taped until 1999. Vince sued them over that numerous times.
by RobertGBP on Mar 13, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Really? Man, my memory is screeewed…..
"Well, yes, but I’m afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands." - Tobias Fünke
"There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence." - Michael Bluth
One of my favorite lines from the best TV show ever.
Raw was taped every other week. Nitro was always live.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Mar 13, 2010 1:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I had to go do some Google-work after that mistake… Eric Bischoff was a ballsy dude for that then… And it forced Raw to develop a better product. I guess you could use that analogy to help endorse how competition is good in MMA.
"Well, yes, but I’m afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands." - Tobias Fünke
"There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence." - Michael Bluth
One of my favorite lines from the best TV show ever.
Although...
I live in the Utopia where all the MMA fighters are under one roof, they have a union, and ESPN shows them every night on Friday Night Fights.
"Well, yes, but I’m afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands." - Tobias Fünke
"There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence." - Michael Bluth
One of my favorite lines from the best TV show ever.
*every week
ill quit talking now.
"Well, yes, but I’m afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands." - Tobias Fünke
"There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence." - Michael Bluth
One of my favorite lines from the best TV show ever.
by zakkree on Mar 13, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
funny how russia always topples empires
Germany, france…….affliction,bodog…soon to be strikeforce.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 13, 2010 12:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Russia… is really fucking big. It is also really fucking hot in the summer and really fucking cold in the winter. The only successful invaders of Russia have come from a place that was bigger, colder, and hotter (Mongolia).
Keep firing Assholes!
Blackout is always right
Those Mongolians are a fierce bunch...
"Well, yes, but I’m afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands." - Tobias Fünke
"There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence." - Michael Bluth
One of my favorite lines from the best TV show ever.
by zakkree on Mar 13, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
GOD DAMN MONGOLIANS!
twitter.com/thisredengine
by Matthew Roth on Mar 13, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
they should have built a shitty wall
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 13, 2010 1:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree. To me counter programming is counterproductive. Not only does it bring undue attention to Strikeforce by hyping a promotional war, but it also gives them an out if ratings bomb: what do you expect the UFC had Chuck vs Franklin on.
It also has already backfired on Zuffa. Reportedly he’s tweaked CBS officials who are now planning to up the promotional effort for Nashville and have committed to another CBS card in June. He would have been better off to let them bomb on their own.
Me? I think the rumors are false but I would love to watch a second (UFC) card free that night.
by John Nash on Mar 13, 2010 12:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Kid Nate
I agree with what you’re saying in sense..
But what you’re overlooking at this point is that UFC has room to gamble and maneuver where as SF does not..
This will not hurt or help the UFC in either the immediate or long-term. But it can be done by one so why not ?
The UFC has the stable of fighters, the financial resources and the means to do these types of things on the fly. They aren’t expecting “great” things with these counter-cards.. They’re only looking to drive home the fact that they’re the top dog and if you want to “really” get in this business, you’re going to have to find a way to conquer us.. While they “say” they enjoy the feeder shows and smaller promotions, they don’t take too kindly to anyone wanting to step up their game even in the slightest.. SF made the deals to get in bed with Fedor and CBS and that’s what the UFC has a problem with..
There is nothing about this that violates ethics or policy.. So I say.. go for it.. As long as one or the other can conquer and be the number 1.. I’m all for it.. Imagine what it would be like if the NBA or NFL was still battling with the AFL and ABA ??
8-29-09
Keith Jardine is now known as "The Dean of Antihistamine" because he is always sleeping early in fights..
by MMAuthority on Mar 13, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Many a general has gone down in flames because of overreach.
You know what else has killed a lot of generals?
Not going in for the kill when they have an enemy hurt.
by Steve4192 on Mar 13, 2010 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
I didn’t know Brandon Vera was a general.
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 2:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If the UFC can put a show on Spike that can do decently in the ratings at the same time as a SF card on CBS it would be great for their business.
If they put a huge dent, or beat SF, that makes them much more appealing to CBS or other Networks, making a UFC/network TV deal a bigger possibility.
If SF dies/leaves CBS, that would be great for the UFC’s business, because it would make it easier to get the fighters that they want to from CBS and let them fight under their power.
You really underestimate Fedor’s name value if you think Franklin is more widely known.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Mar 13, 2010 1:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
To the causuals ??
I certainly think so…
I think the PPV buyrates, and TV ratings, and endorsement deals will back that theory of Franklin being a bigger draw than Fedor in the US..
Perhaps you have insider information that can prove otherwise ??
8-29-09
Keith Jardine is now known as "The Dean of Antihistamine" because he is always sleeping early in fights..
Then why do they need co promotion?
I am tired of hearing about Fedor being in 25 million homes. If this was the case M1 would be the global MMA powerhouse. Fedor could fight once a year and get 5 million PPV buys by himself every NYE. If Fedor was half as popular as some of you thing, M1 wouldn’t need ANY promotion.
Fedor is a non sellable fighter. Period. If he was, we would be watching BoDog XXI.
by Riney on Mar 13, 2010 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i agree nate
If they would just leave stikforce alone just one time without any coutterprogramming the numbers would be huge on cbs. That would open up the door for the ufc getting a netwrok deal imo. If strikeforce had some good numbers u could imagine what the ufc would pull on a nework channel. They would be very very impressive. Especially if lesnar was on the card.
The UFC have been offered network deals in the past and said no. Strikeforce isn’t going to be some kind of trailblazer for the UFC’s success.
yes i know ufc has had offers in the past
but maybe they will get the offer that they finally like is my point
no
you’re missing my point. The April 17th card strikeforce has on CBS is going to flop whether UFC counter-programs it or not. Jake Shields is a great fighter, and I’m a fan, but he’s not the right guy to headline a network card. He lost tons of viewers on the last CBS card and now he’s headlining.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Anyone know if theyre doing a FightCamp360 for it? I think people might be exaggerating on Jake Shields draw factor. He was never a draw. lol If anything people might tune in just becuase they want Dan to KO him like he did Bisping.
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 Mar 13, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I think this kind of sucks for the people who live in nashvile. They have to choose which fight they would rather see. Who wouldnt want to attend both of these, but u can only be one place at one time. I really wish strikforce should move there date up. The people with dvrs are the only people who can enjoy both of these cards.
It'll be interesting to see how Chuck handles a south paw
And to see if Chuck takes any normal standing risks as he’s so accustomed to..
Franklin is a good calculating fighter and has the tools make it an interesting fight.. This is a fight that was rumored when both were champions of their respective divisions and at the tops of their game..
May be a little late, but much like that Wandy/Chuck fight.. Better late than never !!
8-29-09
Keith Jardine is now known as "The Dean of Antihistamine" because he is always sleeping early in fights..
This will tank Strikeforce on CBS for good....
It sucks, I like Strikeforce and I thought they had potential. Scott Coker seemed to have some sense and could make this thing work. Maybe that’s the reason for all the Fedor to UFC rumors are surfacing again.
FREE MMA
Not complaining.. Just wonder what’s behind Tito’s withdrawal.
hmm
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=forum_framed.posts&forum=1&thread=1610054&page=1&pc=19
From: ShowdownJoe
Posted: 18 minutes ago
Member Since: 1/1/01
Posts: 6375
Just received confirmation that rumours of Rich Franklin replacing Tito Ortiz (vs Chuck Liddell) are false. Trilogy bout is still a go.
by pinchet on Mar 13, 2010 11:55 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I think this is awesome. This is 100 times better than having to see Ortiz Liddell 3 plus we dont have to see UFC 115 with a headliner of Ortiz and Liddell. Plus its free not like fans cant watch both Strikeforce and UFC. I think the only loser in all of this is TUF which will lose a bit of drama as we know the coaches wont fight for awhile hopefully never in this case. But I rarely watch anything but the actual fights during TUF anyway,
by ProfessorNacho on Mar 13, 2010 11:56 AM EST reply actions
if the tennessee athletic commission can't handle the load
that’s not dana white’s fault. it’s bound to happen eventually, if they can’t appropriately handle the extra load that’s on them. it’s easy to assume all athletic commissions are shitty and irresponsible and that relying on them at all is like offering fighters up like lambs to the slaughter, but that’s not how it should be and i like to think that’s not how it actually is.
as for the sourcing on this. bullshit. it may be true, but anonymous industry source don’t mean jack. might as well tell me an anonymous source told you they’ve seen irrefutable proof strikeforce has wmd’s.
Chuck vs Franklin?
Meh
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
My wife is friends with Jenna Jameson on myspace and she brought up something possibly related. She said that Jenna’s myspace had some “life changing” situation at hand.
Did you see the size of that chicken?
Might it be something with their kids? I would hope not but that could be a life changing thing.
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 Mar 13, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I just called her and it said “My life is about to change and I dont know if I’m going to like it”
Did you see the size of that chicken?
Jenna’s Myspace page says that. I’m starting to think it’s some marital troubles even though Tito denies it.
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 2:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The April 17th show on CBS is already an almost certain ratings disaster thanks to the efforts of M-1 Global to keep Fedor Emelianenko off the card. With Jakes Shields as a headliner, Strikeforce is already virtually counter-programming themselves.
Just like Fedor on CBS was certain to be a complete disaster right? Remember all the people writing him off as a draw before that event?
Dan Henderson is a draw. He’s already been in a main event on cable that attracted almost 6 million viewers, and in his last fight he stole the show on the biggest UFC PPV ever. And if recent PPVs have given any indication, drawing an audience is all about striking a balance between big stars, competitive fights and title implications, which is what SF has done by making this Hendo vs. Shields matchup. The idea that people will be turned off because of Jake Shields is pretty absurd. I feel like I’m being trolled here.
I never wrote off Fedor as a draw
I will say that he’s really blowing it in the US by not following up on the momentum he established in the first CBS fight. The hand injury forced a delayed return, but this latest one is just self-defeating.
I agree that Dan is a strong draw. In fact I’ve blogged again and again about Hendo’s value and that the UFC was stupid to let him go when they’re starved for headliners.
But Jake Shields has a proven record of losing viewers during the last CBS show. No one is going to tune in just to see him fight. Hendo might be able to overcome that, but we’ll see.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Dan Henderson is gonna solve the UFC’s problem with lacking headliners? This guy is no more of a draw than Nate Marquardt or Jon Fitch, losing him is not a big deal.
by ufc4 on Mar 13, 2010 1:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
LOL
I think people forgot that Brock Lesnar was the draw on that card.. Not Hendo..
Lesnar “stole” the show with his dominating victory and post fight rant.. People got what they tuned in to see (for the majority)..
Hendo had a decent KO highlight.. But he was not the driving force for the buyrates and I don’t think his one KO over Bisping is going to carry over to SF in the way that it would if he were in the UFC.. People care more about the brand than any individual.. As such in all other American sports.. NFL, NBA, PGA, NHL, MLB, etc.. The brand is what people follow.. Everyone has favorites, but the sporting world is short lived.. Hero’s come and go.. You don’t stop following the sport you like because you’re favorite athlete leaves.. You simply find someone else under the brand that attracts the same interest and build from that..
Did the NBA fall when Jordan retired ? He was the single driving force that exploded the NBA on the world stage in the 90’s.. Do you think any of the European leagues would have gained as much if Jordan would have went over and played for one of them ? Nope.. The brand is what people associate to for the majority.. People don’t care about Hendo anymore than they care about Fedor, Brock, Lidell, etc.. Fedor is widely regarded as the single best HW fighter MMA of all time. But yet he has never been able to single handily carry any promotion or brand on his own.. Lesnar left the WWE as it’s biggest atrraction.. Did that cause the WWE to fold ? Did the WWE lose any viewers or followers ?? Nope..
8-29-09
Keith Jardine is now known as "The Dean of Antihistamine" because he is always sleeping early in fights..
You’d have to be pretty oblivious of reality to say that people don’t care about the fighters when it comes to PPV buying decisions. When they are just selling the brand, the PPVs don’t do so well. But when they put big stars in big fights, preferably facing one another, it always sells. Prize fighting is not like the NFL or the NBA.
P.S. Hendo’s “decent KO highlight” was almost unanimously picked as knockout of the year. You might have heard about that. I wasn’t making the argument that people bought UFC 100 just to see Hendo fight, but he made the most emphatic impression of anyone on the card. I’m sure he made a LOT of fans from that fight.
I disagee
with the point about winning fans with a huge KO. The KO is an “Oh shit, did you see that?” moment. Fans are won by battles, when a fighter gives 100% during a back and forth fight. See: Guida, Sanchez, Wandy, Hughes, Franklin, Couture, I could go on and on and on.
The casual fans at work I know understand exactly what I’m talking about when I say “flying Hendobomb.”
Keep firing Assholes!
Blackout is always right
HAHAHA
I tell my boys I am going to Bisping them and they settle down. My 62 year old father knows when I tell him something is Bispinged, it is fucked.
Seriously though, that KO was as memorable as any “battle” from last year. Too bad Strikeforce can’t use the footage. I’d bet they create an animatic from photos to show during the promos or the intro to the event.
I was stating
that Irwins Ko of Alexander didn’t get him as many fans as Guida in any of his fights.
I think the Henderson situation is slightly more murky than you’re giving it credit for. While I agree that he’s built up some cache that could translate into casual viewers, I honestly don’t know how it’ll play out. On both those cards you mentioned, it’s unclear whether he had all that much to do with drawing people in. And the real multi-million dollar question we’re getting answered is whether a draw is still a draw without those three big letters behind their name.
50% more Ultimate than the leading competitor.
If you didn't like this comment, make sure not to read my posts at Sack Mike Goldberg.
by Dodectagon on Mar 13, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If they really wanted to do a number on SF they could have done Chuck vs Kimbo.
Keep firing Assholes!
Blackout is always right
Okay this would be awesome. I'm just not a Franklin fan.
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 Mar 13, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t have a problem with Chuck/Rich. they are both coming off losses, and Rich doesn’t have the KTFO power that rashad and Shogun have. One of these guys will get a high profile bounce back, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Keep firing Assholes!
Blackout is always right
I think its safe to say you dont need KTFO power to KO Chuck these days. Sad as that might be.
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 Mar 13, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
yah, I know. I still want to see him kept away from bloodthirsty dangerous younger guys.
He should totally fight Vera.
Keep firing Assholes!
Blackout is always right
Vera is already scheduled for an injury.
I dislike Matt Hughes. Shogun beat him like a dirty horse.
by MonkeyCHops on Mar 13, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Rich may not have the power that Rashad has
But he has more power than he is given credit for. He’s got this.
The man known simply as "Christmas Cheesesteak"
I think Rich will take this
He’s still pretty much in his prime and Chuck is obviously fading. Would of loved to see this fight 3 years ago.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Ben Franklin
Dana's hypocrisy regarding Chuck
Dana pre-4/17 show = “Chuck should hang it up. He is my friend and I want him healthy. I don’t want him hurt.”
Dana looking to counter STRIKEFORCE = “Chuck, want to fight on one month’s notice?”
by William Wilson on Mar 13, 2010 12:22 PM EST reply actions
lol
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 Mar 13, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Chuck's been hounding him about fighting since he came to after the Shogun fight
The best thing Dana could do for him is give him a fight against a decent name with very little KO power
people are ridiculous
Remember how people argued that more competition = more mma and that’s a good thing?
Well this is it kids… More mma…
by ruckus on Mar 13, 2010 12:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The only good thing I can think that comes from this is that it gives MMA as a whole a lot of mainstream attention. I’m pretty sure theres going to be a lot of headlines with a UFC vs Strikeforce war.
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 Mar 13, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
But but but, it’s on the same night How can I watch it all if its on the same night?!? I’m going to make too big of a deal about the growth of MMA!
Seriously guys. I had an epiphany, and I’m starting to care less about how mainstream MMA gets. I used to be concerned with it. The UFC is likely to be in business for a long time. They will continue to grow. As long as they are in a business state similar to what they are in now, they will continue to produce high quality fights on both free TV and PPV. I could give a rats ass about what is best for the growth of the sport. Two events on the same night is not going to sink the sport like the Titanic. Quit overreacting and find a way to watch all of the free MMA fights on the 17th.
I am an MMA fan, I will watch MMA, I can care less if my neighbor knows who Anderson Silva is. MMA not going mainstream is not going to take a business, the fights will be here for me. I will sit back and enjoy them without worrying about this drama.
If this is true, it's a terrible choice
They could have used Wand v Akiyama for the Spike card… it’s not even a PPV. Now, instead of Chuck probably KOing Tito, he will suffer another ugly loss and the retirement talk will be back. Bad move by Dana.
They've said umpteen times that fight could still happen
But still not as a main event.
The Seattle Seahawks offense is driving......right into a brick wall at the end of the tunnel.
That's what I'm thinking
Tito was the perfect matchup for Chuck to stay alive. Franklin is going to outstrike him. They need to find a one dimensional wrestler for Chuck.
The man known simply as "Christmas Cheesesteak"
Reporter: Dana, a lot of people believe you are oversaturating the market right now with all the cards you’ve put on so close to each other. What do you have to say to that?
Dana: You haven’t seen oversaturating yet, motherfucker! JUST BLEEEEED!!!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
You can’t oversaturate the market with free stuff. If they were putting on 3 PPVs a month, then that would be oversaturation.
Keep firing Assholes!
Blackout is always right
by Ubernoober on Mar 13, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I would like to have seen this fight 3 years ago, I would still watch it now, however. I don’t think that having Hendo as a headliner is going to draw, he was part of a huge card for UFC 100, but has he been a huge draw in the past? He fought Rampage, but I think the majority of those ratings came from Rampage, not Hendo.
I told you not to f*ck with me.
According to "Showdown" Joe Ferraro of Sportsnet...
“Just received confirmation that rumours of Rich Franklin replacing Tito Ortiz (vs Chuck Liddell) are false. Trilogy bout is still a go.”
That was an hour ago…
Canadian Bureau Chief and Staff Writer - MMA Madness - www.mmamadness.com
by E. Spencer Kyte on Mar 13, 2010 12:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Was just coming to post this. Seems the rumor mill may have gotten a little out of hand on this one.
by Chris Nelson on Mar 13, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
I like mmajunkie, good writing over there, I usually come here for news first though
I told you not to f*ck with me.
Well there you go. The UFC needs only one headlining act and a decent 2nd tier name as the co-main event.
The rest of the card could be exactly like a regular fight night.
Don’t expect a stacked card, just get one big name for the main event and Strikeforce on CBS is done for.
The Seattle Seahawks offense is driving......right into a brick wall at the end of the tunnel.
As an MMA fan, I am still going to watch SF show, but I like the competiveness of the UFC here. I do think this is a bad idea though, no need to counter, I think SF will sink themselves, no huge headliner here. I would love to see the UFC put a show on network tv, under their own direction, dont think it will happen anytime soon though. I dont want to see UFC fighters walking down a ramp, through dancing girls and smoke. I like the production value UFC has put together, except for that damn Gladiator open.
I told you not to f*ck with me.
man if Tito cant finish the show that means something is going on in his life. I hope for the best for him and his family.
If the UFC doesn't have this show after all (which I'm starting to think is the case)
How would they counter-program?
The Seattle Seahawks offense is driving......right into a brick wall at the end of the tunnel.
i dont think they have any of him without a blackeye. lol
why does he always sport that? I think even to this day he has one right?
cause chicks dig scars
Why else?
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 13, 2010 2:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I feel the comparison between wcw/wwe and ufc/other mma promotions does not hold any water what so ever. Its pretty simple actually. When the wwe and wcw were in the mist of their rivalry the pro wrestling business was booming this is true and after the wwe put wcw out of business things got boring. The reason was that the rivalry became a major part of the story line for the business. The ufc only cares about strike force from a business side of things and it does not play out on any of the ufc broadcasts ppv or on spike. The Ufc vs its rivals has no bearing on how i spend my ppv dollars.
The sky is falling …..the sky is falling.
good analogy,however the wwe didnt put wcw out of business,the wcw sunk themselves.poor managment and bad decisions.if strikeforce wants to suceed they need to step it up a notch.ufc is doing what any smart business would do.and as fas as Kid Nate and others thinking its unnessesary,they obviously could not run a huge company.its not about making friends its about making money.i would never rely on strikeforce to sink themselves,and i dont think dana wants to sink them,only put them back in their place,where they were 3 years ago.Strikeforce needs to stick to being a breeding ground for fighters,this is what they were good at.They cant promote a fight worth shit and their co-promotion partners are ruining them.not saying that i dont watch their events,i just dont mark them on my calender either unlike the ufc events payper view or free.
Dana just tweeted
That it’s not true. The UFC is still doing Randy vs Rich.
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
"still" ?
Was Couture vs Franklin ever confirmed by some sources ?
danawhite
Nothing happened to tito. Tito and I are cool.
"My fighting career is getting in the way of my Marijuana smoking" - Nick Diaz
"May 8th, whoop a fraggle" - Paul Daley
This whole thing is just getting confusing.
by HarmlessNinja on Mar 13, 2010 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
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 © 2012 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.
