Can Fedor Emelianenko Realistically Win the Strikeforce Grand Prix?
by Jonathan Snowden on Feb 12, 2011 12:59 AM EST
in MMA Editorial
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Fedor Emelianenko is the best heavyweight the sport of MMA has ever produced. The Russian became a legend, not just by winning every fight for almost a decade, but because of the way he won. Emelianenko is a rare fighter with all the tools: hard, fast, and accurate punching, great throws and trips, and legitimate submission skills from the top and the bottom. In an era when most fighters were playing Jenga, Fedor was building skyscrapers.
But Fedor Emelianenko is 34 years old. And that's not a young 34. It's a 34 that has had it's skull rattled by Kazayuki Fujita and Kevin Randleman, a 34 that has been through the ringer three times with Antonio Nogueira, a 34 that has suffered the aches and pains of training and grappling at a very high level for almost 20 years. As much as I respect Fedor Emelianenko, I have real questions about whether he can withstand the physical rigors of competing three times in eight months to take home this Grand Prix championship.
Before Fedor fans explode with furious indignation, here's something to consider: Fedor hasn't fought more than twice in a calender year since 2005. And that's not just because he likes chilling in Monaco while consuming both vodka and ice cream by the gallon. Injuries have been the culprit, almost as much as his ever present contract negotiations.
Keep this in mind as well: the man's hands are made of tissue paper and those four ounce gloves don't offer much in the way of protection. It all started with Gary Goodridge back in 2003. Fedor's problem, if you can believe it, is hitting people too hard. Some blame his technique, which often sees his fist collide with an opponent's head near his thumb instead of straight on like god and Jack Dempsey intended. He broke his right hand on Goodridge's noggin and it hasn't been the same since. He re-injured it against Tim Sylvia in 2008 and hurt his other hand against Brett Rogers in 2009. One thing we've learned from boxing over the years- a perpetually injured hand rarely makes a miraculous recovery. We have to assume Fedor is up for a tough challenge from Antonio Silva. I don't know that his hand is.
And then, there's the specter of M-1. Will the Russian's management team allow him to compete three times in a year without succumbing to the temptation of re-negotiation? I can't speak for what kind of contract they've signed with Strikeforce and Showtime. But it doesn't seemingly matter much what is on paper. MMA is a rough sport and the training is even more grueling than the bouts themselves. If M-1 wants to negotiate, and things don't go their way, an injury can always pop up that can remove Fedor from the tournament. It's an ugly thought, but one it would be irresponsible to ignore.
It's these three reasons - age, injury, and management, that prevent me from picking Fedor to win this tournament. There is some incredible talent among the eight participants. Silva is a star on the rise, Barnett a star untested in recent years, Arlovski and Kharitonov former stars looking for a return to glory. Werdum has wins over everyone on his side of the bracket and Rogers has a puncher's chance. But the smart money is on Alistair Overeem to win it all.
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Nothing to complain about here.
I’m not so much concerned about his physical health (except the hand) but I can see M-1 screwing this up somehow.
Pacquiao agreed to blood testing too, but mayweathers not fighting him. I know it’s a bit of apples to oranges, but I do think it is a realistic concern.
by alibabba on Feb 12, 2011 9:06 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
well it's an easy fix
if reem agrees to blood testing and fedor refuses to fight anyway, he loses by default
Yea
Talent wise I think Fedor is more than capable. His bum hands are the thing that really worries me about it. Coker did say that this format can accommodate some injuries, so hopefully that works.
Why I never joined a frat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-KNVrZaN8M
"Don’t quote old fucks to me" – Brent Brookhouse
"A samurai would bite your cock off if you tried that shit on the battlefield." - Kid Nate
Why not?
I think he should still be the favorite. Can anyone besides Fedor and Overreem realistically win the tournament? I think Fedor beats Big Foot, submits Overreem, and knocks out Barnett.
Can anyone besides Fedor and Overreem realistically win the tournament?
Aren’t you forgetting someone?
The guy who already owns victories over the fighters you mentioned probably merits a mention.
Who Sergei Kharitonov?
Mr. doesn’t check a leg kick (daniel ghita).
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that Kharitonov/Fedor fight was a hell of a war, wasn't it?
I know less about recognizing true fighting talent than George W. Bush does about finding weapons of mass destruction. From now on if I wanna pick a winner I will ask the-gentle-way.
by lowellthehammer on Feb 11, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Hell yeah it was. He diffintely has a legit chance.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
I know less about recognizing true fighting talent than George W. Bush does about finding weapons of mass destruction. From now on if I wanna pick a winner I will ask the-gentle-way.
by lowellthehammer on Feb 11, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
No I'm not forgetting Werdum
I dont think he has a chance. He won’t be Reem and even if he does he won’t beat Fedor again. He’s a great fighter but I don’t think he makes it out of the second round with Overeem. I see knees in his future
At the moment he has been respecting himself enough that he makes up for everyone else.
by brad23 on Feb 11, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
We haven’t seen Alistair against a high-level grappler in years. Writing off Werdum, who submitted Fedor, is pretty stupid.
by sgiblin on Feb 11, 2011 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What I'm saying is
That I dont think Werdum will even get to Fedor because I dont think Werdum will get past Overreem, I can’t see how Werdum ever gets him on the ground. It’s just an opinion big guy, don’t so offended
It's an opinion? Damn I thought it was a fact.
But all smartassness aside, we haven’t seen Alistair fight off a takedown since I can’t even remember when. He’s been fed strikers. While I also think Alistair will win, I don’t have much confidence in his ground game and takedown defense. And that is based simply on the fact that he hasn’t faced a grappler in years.
Werdum couldn't even
take him down 5 years ago in the first fight, back when Overeem was 228 and not nearly as strong as he is now.
He took Werdum down 5 or so times, but I doubt he will repeat that this time unless its for some brief Melendez-on-Aoki style GnP before stepping back.
Highly unlikely Werdum survives the first 2-3 minutes…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
todd duffee
And every person he has guillotined in the past 4 years pretty much.
Werdum could totally sub him though. When dude is on he is ON.
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." - Rickson Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Feb 11, 2011 2:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Considering SOMEONE has to emerge from the other side is it THAT unrealistic to think they have a chance to win it all? All it takes is one lucky punch.
by MemphisMike on Feb 11, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Probably wishful thinking
but I thought M-1 had achieved the end goal with this contract, namely that they had secured a place on Showtime for their shows, and thus there was little risk of re-negotiation?
I know less about recognizing true fighting talent than George W. Bush does about finding weapons of mass destruction. From now on if I wanna pick a winner I will ask the-gentle-way.
by lowellthehammer on Feb 11, 2011 11:19 AM EST reply actions
We're talking about M1 bro.
I truly expect M1 to demand renegotiation if Fedor makes it to the finals.
M-1: Hey Scott, Fedor’s outta this shithead tournament?
Scott Coker: Uhhh…. why?
M-1: Just let me get my client on the phone. makes phone call Fedor, baby. I’m here with Scott Coker and he can’t wait to tell you why he has apparently wiped his ass with the TiVO clause in your contract!
"You only lose if you accept the results."
Tropic Thunder
He’s doing a Tugg “Tuggernuts” Speedman routine
I should have satyed out of Cain’s strawberry patch.
by donkeypunch on Feb 11, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Les Grossman vs. Vladimir
I bet if Les Grossman walked in with some Flo-Rida behind him to an M-1/Strikeforce meeting that fight would happen.
Respect the Elbow and follow me on Twitter @DuaneFinleyMMA
by Duane Finley on Feb 12, 2011 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
If M-1 decides to pull that stunt again they will lose their Showtime deal.
Now that they have the deal to put their shows on Showtime, Showtime has leverage over M-1 and has something to take away if they act up.
They had the leverage to tell them to go fuck off the last 8 times also, I don’t understand why people are so sure that THIS time Sho/SF are actually going to us leverage and that M1 will actually care.
Maybe b/c
Scott is actually making a business move w/ this tournament that is benifical to his company; finally. That’s the only reason i could think of.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
I'm just saying...
If Fedor makes it to the final, M1 has the ability to fuck up the entire tournament by pulling Fedor from the finals. Just saying that M1 could squeeze some more money from Strikeforce if Fedor makes it to the finals.
Maybe “expect” is too strong of a word. But I wouldn’t be surprised.
That is possible
b/c look at the touranment Showtime did w/ the boxing super 6. So many fighter were pulling out, and not willing to fight specific fighters do to so called medical reasons. cough* cough* (andre dirrell)
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
M-1 wouldn't want to jeopardize the Showtime deal for their own shows
they didn’t have any disincentive for pulling this kind of shit before.
Right
I think they got what they have long sought and, for once, will not be an issue with the possible exception of trying to keep Fedor from fighting Overeem with last minute demands for some ridiculous, never seen in MMA or boxing level of drug testing.
To me the most likely scenario is that Fedor beats Bigfoot easily, but breaks one or both hands and is out for a time. Overeem wrecks Werdum pretty easily and perhaps Fedor is back to meet the tourney winner (likely Overeem).
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
Fedor's punching technique is why his hands are made of glass.
He hits people with the side of his fist near his thumb when he throws his bombs.
by SilverNBlackZach! on Feb 11, 2011 11:21 AM EST reply actions
Have talked with Bas about this. Will add it in. Thanks. Good contribution.
by Jonathan Snowden on Feb 11, 2011 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t Fedor say it was because it was a very effective way to go around people’s high guards? There’s gotta be a better way.
"You only lose if you accept the results."
His method of facepunching is heavily based upon the combat sambo style of “casting punches”. The casting punch is intended to be both a strike and a potential set up for a throw or clinch. Quite problematically it is also a great way to break a hand because the fist lands are different angles.
by Pyrgz Krum on Feb 11, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Jonathan-
in the past, do you know how long Fedor’s recovery times for his hand injuries were? Let’s say he beats Bigfoot, but breaks his hand- it’ll be at least another 2 months until the 1st round is concluded. We could be looking at a 5-7 month turnaround between Fedor’s fight tomorrow and his 2nd round fight. Just wondering if historically, that would be enough time for him to recover, train and fight.
by John Danaher's Hair on Feb 11, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Fedor breaks his hand on Silva's skull, gets replaced by Sefo
and Sefo wins it all- boomerang punch FTW!!!
If Werdum beats Overeem, I think Fedor takes the tournament.
Otherwise, whether Overeem/Fedor goes off or not, I think Overeem wins it.
I know less about recognizing true fighting talent than George W. Bush does about finding weapons of mass destruction. From now on if I wanna pick a winner I will ask the-gentle-way.
by lowellthehammer on Feb 11, 2011 11:23 AM EST reply actions
Yeah that sounds about right. I think Uber is going to take Werdums head off with a knee though.
When Coker says something about restructuring to accommodate for injuries then I would assume he would do so for Fedor or AO or even Werdum if he wins against AO…..so not all is lost for the org fighters even if Fedor does injury his hand or someone else gets injured.
Yea
I see Overeem vs Barnett in the finale. The Reem will destroy him and we will all rejoice in hand holding and singing folk songs.
I should have satyed out of Cain’s strawberry patch.
by donkeypunch on Feb 11, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
How hilarious/terrible would it be
if Barnett/Overeem (assuming it happens) goes down like Barnett/Aleks?
I know less about recognizing true fighting talent than George W. Bush does about finding weapons of mass destruction. From now on if I wanna pick a winner I will ask the-gentle-way.
by lowellthehammer on Feb 11, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
More terrible than hilarious, that’s for sure.
I should have satyed out of Cain’s strawberry patch.
by donkeypunch on Feb 11, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
Completely agree, could tell by the tone and narrative that it was Snowden writing but I very much agree. I can’t see Fedor getting through this tourney. Largely because of the hand and M-1 more than age.
It also says “by Jonathan Snowden” at the top of the piece.
I should have satyed out of Cain’s strawberry patch.
by donkeypunch on Feb 11, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Yeah his hands really worry me concerning his chances to win the whole thing. Overall great article JS, nothing I disagree with. Those casting punches with them often landing on the side of the fist instead of knuckles forward, flying with the speed and power Fedor throws them at would crush most fighters bones I would guess.
Prediction.
Fedor throws an overhand right from hell, KOing Silva but destroys his hand.
Overeem then kills werdum with a knee that puts him in a coma.
Fedor reluctantly fights Fedor cause he almost needs to win this tourney to get back that Aura he had. In the fight he is scared to throw leather cause he knows his hand is messed up. Overeem smells blood in the water, and unleashes a flurry of blows that KO The last Emperor.
He then does the same to Josh and wins it all.
WAR OVEREEM!!
Fedor reluctantly fights Fedor
You’ll never get Fedor in the cage with Fedor without some serious M-1 contract negotiations
by nastyem on Feb 11, 2011 11:32 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
So True.
The So called pound for pound king to most fans, has been dodging Overeem for two years now. Hell he took a fight against Werdum over a title fight against Overeem what is up with that.
by RJshock 305 on Feb 11, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
I see, Fedor, throw one casting punch, get hold off Silva, use a upper body takedown, lay down some GnP and then end with an armbar. Least amount of damage and Fedor moves on to face Overeem.
Fedor needs to GnP Overeem or overwhelm him like Badr Hari did in the rematch but first he has to make sure he doesn’t break his hands on Antonio’s Easter Island head.
Food goes in here
by Pandanus on Feb 11, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
Lol...
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Well thats just mean! =P
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 Feb 11, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Well thats just mean! =P
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 Feb 11, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Tito?
"2 queens on casino night..... I'm gonna drop a deuce on everybody" - Michael Scott
by Earl Montclair on Feb 12, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
If fedor does win
I think he will retire. No reason not to. Maybe a farewell tour in japan after, but i can’t see much else.
by silent.bisonte33 on Feb 11, 2011 11:43 AM EST via mobile reply actions
To be honest...
I think that would be the best case scenario. It would also be great material for the inevitable Fedor movie.
"You only lose if you accept the results."
by Elite G on Feb 11, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think an Aleks movie would be a little more fun
I should have satyed out of Cain’s strawberry patch.
by donkeypunch on Feb 11, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Naw...
Aleks has tats. That’s a form of self expression. I think that Fedor’s absolute soviet style of stoic expressionless would make for a great dark comedy. The Coen bros could do it.
"You only lose if you accept the results."
THAT WOULD BE EPIC
That comment has my head spinning with Fedor in different Coen pics. They would be perfect to shoot a film set in Stary Oskol
Of course Fedor can win the whole thing.
I say that this is Fedor’s tourny to lose. I think that he matches up well with everyone involved. His hands are the most realistic concern. I honestly don’t see Reem being that much of a threat. Fedor’s biggest enemy is his own bravado sometimes. When he begins to get overly excited people like Fujita can counter with a hook. People like Werdum can slap on a triangle. If he just fights smart for three rounds in any given fight than there there really isn’t a safer bet imo. Unless of course his mittens crumble again.
"You only lose if you accept the results."
I can't agree w/ that
saying The Reem doesn’t posses a threat for Fedor is crazy. The Grim made is fight w/ Fedor and The Reem dismantled him w/ in the openning round. The Reem keeps his hand’s high at all times and i don’t see him getting hit w/ that Fedor super right hand. I feel The Reem takes it and his only competion if he fights him w/ will Josh Barnett.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
The thing is...
Rodgers didn’t land much on Reem. I think Fedor will. I have much less faith in Reem’s “MMA chin”, if you will, than most people. I also see Fedor taking Reem down with some nice ass sweeps. All in all, I just think Fedor is a safer bet. I can see how Overeem could land and finish him, but personally, I say that’s unlikely. Not impossible, just unlikely.
"You only lose if you accept the results."
Despite everything...
The man still has an indomitable will and the heart of a lion. He always has a realistic chance in whatever competition he is in.
by ChuteLegend on Feb 11, 2011 11:44 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
If the Baby Fat Assassin doesn't get tested
I think he can win it all.
I'm more interseted in a Barnett v The Reem final rather than Fedor v. The Reem
I just think it has the makings to be a better fight IMO.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
God that's getting annoying.
You are singlehandedly making me hate Overeem (who I love, but now I’m not sure) because you keep saying “The Reem” instead of just “Reem.”
Who?
Who is that?
"I'd love to be a Cheick Kongo looking brother that could actually move and do a lot of funky stuff - Jiu Jitsu, takedowns, kicks and stuff." - Jon Jones.
"This is the internet: you either have soul-stopping power or you’re a pillow-fisted pansy. There is no middle ground." - woomikee
by outlander78 on Feb 11, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Joshu Barnetto
If Derek Jeter clubbed a baby seal on earth day while wearing a mink coat and crocodile skin boots while burning tires on an iceberg, the reaction would be "Its OK Derek, you’re a Yankee." -First mammal to wear pants
Thanks
"I'd love to be a Cheick Kongo looking brother that could actually move and do a lot of funky stuff - Jiu Jitsu, takedowns, kicks and stuff." - Jon Jones.
"This is the internet: you either have soul-stopping power or you’re a pillow-fisted pansy. There is no middle ground." - woomikee
by outlander78 on Feb 11, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno...
Everyone seems to suddenly be jumping on the “Fedor’s getting old” bandwagon these days. Which fight did he show that in? He has seemed pretty spry in all the fights I’ve seen.
As for his hand, well, that’s a very legit concern. There’s a very real possibility that he breaks it on Bigfoot’s gigantic skull given his history. This and his management seem to be legit questions; I’m not buying the old age thing until I witness it in the cage.
Fedor will do it
I aint worried. If Couture and Franklin can take people out with broken arms.. fubared hands will not stop Fedor!
Fedor just needs to come out patient.
As of lately he’s just been fighting quite reckless sort of like Chuck’s last couple of fights. He needs to take his time if wants to have any success.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 11:53 AM EST reply actions
Age is not a factor at all. Every time someone loses or gets closer to being defeat (like Anderson, for example) all these “aging” speculations spread around. It is not like Fedor got beaten in a devastating fashion, got dominated for five rounds or something along these lines. He got submitted by a credible jiu jitsu black belt, which was eventually bound to happen, considering his aggresssive, reckles, at times, style.
The actual issue is his inactivity. He is still on top of the food chain but the distance was severely shortened the last couple of years. The thing is that when you don’t fight you not only lose fighting experience, but you don’t get the chance to have a full training circle. And it is an issue. All these younger guys are fighting two-three times an year and are having an adequate camp. People just get better and Fedor has to adjust to that.
In a nutshell, a nice article.
I have real questions about whether he can withstand the physical rigors of competing three times in eight months to take home this Grand Prix championship.
Have admittedly not been playing that close of attention this tournament, but i didn’t realize they were trying to wrap it up in that short of a time frame. Seems a bit unrealistic, considering the parties involved.
They're going to have to extend that a bit...
Between the chances of Fedor’s hand exploding for the umpteenth time and just the regular bumps and bruises of fighting, I’d say it’s going to be delayed a bit.
Has Overeem said anything about his K-1 schedule for the rest of the year? I know as the defending champ he gets an automatic spot in the K-1 Final 16 but does he skip everything kickboxing related until then?
If Derek Jeter clubbed a baby seal on earth day while wearing a mink coat and crocodile skin boots while burning tires on an iceberg, the reaction would be "Its OK Derek, you’re a Yankee." -First mammal to wear pants
Well, they’ll go to Japan in April for the 2nd set of quarterfinals, come back to the US in June for the semifinal extravaganza, hopefully with Fedor vs. Overeem and Rogers vs. whomever so it can be in CA, and then wrap it up with the final in August. That should work.
Those June semifinals are going to get pushed back. That only gives the guys in the April show two months to heal up and train for the next fight. All it takes to screw up that timeline is a standard 30-day medical suspension.
My guess is the semifinals get pushed back to July/August and the finals happen in October/November.
That is probably a realistic expectation
I have to wonder though, if Reem wrecks Werdum in under 3 minutes, while taking no damage (as he should), but the winner of Barnett-Rogers receives a suspension, would they delay the whole thing or go ahead and do Overeem/Fedor?
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
there are an awful lot of chickens being counted in that statement.
Fedor will not advance past Big Foot one way or the other.
Werdum very well could sub MegaReem. I dont think he will but he could.
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." - Rickson Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Feb 12, 2011 1:58 AM EST up reply actions
True, that's why
I just through it out there to see what anyone thought…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 12, 2011 2:01 AM EST up reply actions
I wonder if Fedor and his camp would strategize to avoid potential injuries for this tournament? ie. Try to get Bigfoot to the ground and work submissions to avoid a possible hand break on his rock dome? Obviously he’s not going to pass up anything standing, but it seems like that would definitely be the safest gameplan in terms of continuing on. Is that completely out there, or does it make some sense?
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Bigfoot is really big and strong and Werdum was unable to submit him. That doesn’t mean he can’t be submit but I think it would be pretty tough. I believe he is a blackbelt in bjj also.
Yeah i think does.
But everyone seems to underestimate Big Foot, and deminish all of his skills.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Werdum really only had time to set up anything in the 2nd round, and he had Silva in danger with a kneebar. He didn’t set up the arm-triangle all that well though. Anyway, Fedor’s takedown and submission games are completely different than Silva’s. I think he could definitely get Bigfoot to tap. And while Fedor does have a huge speed advantage standing, the danger of missing out on 1-2 more paydays, possible revenge on Werdum or the huge matchup w/ Overeem, etc…it might make it worth it for him to play it safe once.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
I'll take Overeem to win it.
But as far as Fedor’s hand goes…depending on how he injures it, how long would recovery take?
If he bangs it up tomorrow…the other half of the quaterfinals aren’t until April 9th, thats nearly 2 months…I imagine the semi-finals would be no earlier than late June or early July, nearly 3 months later. The April 9th winners need sufficient rest-time and etc. as well.
So that’s the better part of 5 months that Fedor would probably have for a hand injury to heal…can anyone more informed but in on if that would be a decent enough time or not?
But yeah, if Fedor wins it, I’d like it to be him beating Silva, Overeem, then Barnett or Kharitonov(someone he hasn’t fought before) in the finals…and then take his revenge fight against Werdum…then maybe call it quits.
CPG
Alistair Overeem - StrikeForce HeavyWeight Champion, K-1 2010 World Grand Prix Champion, DREAM Interim HeavyWeight Champion
How legit is Silva's
Jujitsu? Could Fedor play it smart, knowing the fragility of his hands, and work for the take down (is that smart against Silva?) or is he just going to come in throwing? I know Silva is a blackbelt but he only has a few submission wins.
Seeing how he keeps hurting his hands I can’t believe he’ll make it through the tournament without breaking something.
"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be." - Kahlil Gibran
by merryprankster on Feb 11, 2011 12:07 PM EST reply actions
I thought about this too
But I’m not sure Fedor will be able to drag/take Bigfoot down. And Fedor doesn’t want to be underneath a giant like Silva. Fedor will fight like he usually does and take what he is given, which is a huge bullseye (Silva’s head).
I should have satyed out of Cain’s strawberry patch.
by donkeypunch on Feb 11, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
If Fedor makes it to the finals I expect massive renegotiations
Especially if its against Overeem and will focus on drug testing(publicly) and on more money/options(privately).
M-1 will have no complaints against Barnett though.
I've got plans for your murder and I'm ready to discuss em
You ready to die? Tell god I said fuck em
Dead Space 2= Awesome
Fedor would meet Overeem in the second round, not the finals.
Unless I completely misunderstand what you’re saying.
nah man your right
I’m fuckin up
I've got plans for your murder and I'm ready to discuss em
You ready to die? Tell god I said fuck em
Dead Space 2= Awesome
by II SMASH II on Feb 11, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Nevertheless
you raise a valid and not unlikely concern…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
besides the K 1 belt he has not beat anyone good for those belts. I also believe he would have been tkoed by Goghan Had they meet in the first round.
by J smooth 420 on Feb 11, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
So did Stephan Struve.
Should we give his scrawny ass a belt too?
by Steve4192 on Feb 11, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hightly doubt Reem getting TKO'd by...
Saki, as much as like Saki that would not had happened. All of those belts are from legit wins.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah for damn sure. lol
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I could easily see Werdum, Overeem, Barnett or Fedor winning the whole thing.
Truthfully though I expect the winner of Werdum / Overeem to run the table the rest of the way.
In the incredibly unlikely event that Werdum beats Overeem, assuming Fedor beats Bigfoot I think he wrecks Werdum this time like everyone expected the first time.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
I like Werdum
but can’t get why people give him this much credit. He beat Fedor in a mistake he made. Saying he’d win the tournament because of this is like saying JDS would wreck everybody in the GP ‘cause he KO’d Werdum.
by mmablitzkrieg on Feb 11, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
He has wins over three people that are in the tourney and he is the only fighter ever
to beat Fedor. He has been ranked legitimately in the top ten for a number of years and has only been finished once in his career EVER. Overeem on the other hand has been finished 8 times and twice by people who are in this very same tourney.
So why would you assume Werdum vs Overeem should decide the winner
you just made a case against Overeem….
Overeem is another fighter from when Werdum fought him. I’d take Fedor anytime in a rematch against Werdum. Silva is probably a worse fighter than Werdum (though their fight was close), but I doubt he gets past Fedor.
Nevertheless there’s also the other side of the bracket.
by mmablitzkrieg on Feb 11, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t expect Fedor to finish the tourney regardless of his result on Saturday.
Overeem and Werdum are the best two fighters left.
I’d not count Barnett out, though he’s been fighting weak competition lately
by mmablitzkrieg on Feb 11, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Hey... Do you remember that time when Overeem beat somebody who was actually good...
Cause I don’t. Sure, he is favored to win against Werdum, but it isn’t set in stone. Werdum has some big wins in his career and is always capable of a big night. If Werdum does beat the Reem, I’d say he has a pretty good chance against Fedor.
Its much like the arguments people used trying to tell me why Jones wasn't who I thought he was
Trying to argue about the quality of his opposition instead of looking at how he utterly dominated them. Since winning the belt, in his 8-0 run at HW he has fought a total of just over 10 minutes in those 8 fights combined.
He also dominated then #8 Cro Cop for 6+ minutes on the feet and on the ground like he had never been dominated before or since, and he was still only around 240 and barely if at all into K-1 at the time.
Granted, the only win on his record against a top-10 guy is against Rogers (also at #8), but like with Jones, anyone really watching knows he is capable of overwhelming anyone on any given night.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think Overeem is bad and I said I think he will win if he beats Werdum.
People writing off Werdum is just silly though.
Their writing him off b/c he won't get him down.
He was zero wreslting ability and grappling skills. If the reem fights him it’ll be just like how Werdum faced JDS. He’ll get stuffed similar to the Duffman and be overwelled w/ a knee to the head.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Do i need to repost that statement.
He has no grappling ability and no wrestling ability.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
Really... how did it go against JDS
and IMO i think Overeem has better grappling than JDS does.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
yes i do...
there’s a difference in BJJ tourament’s and MMA.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
So Werdum has not a good BJJ in MMA? Fedor must be a bum…
by mmablitzkrieg on Feb 11, 2011 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I was refering to grappling in an MMA fight
not in a BBJ match. I never disregarded his grappling in a JJ tourament.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah w/ knees to the face, and elbows to the face.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
8 of his 14 MMA wins came via submission
by mmablitzkrieg on Feb 11, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Look at who's winning ADCC's
and how well they’re doing in MMA.
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
I see what you saying but,
its different in the heavyweight divison. Can you remember the last time a 5 round heavy title match went. 5 round. I only takes one knee or an overhand right to drop in the heavyweight divison.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
You’ve still done nothing assert Werdum has no wrestling or grappling in MMA. 8 sub wins, multiple takedowns in lots of fights, etc. You said that his opponents all slipped. SLIPPED. Seriously?
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
But who was he gotten down?
Name somebody relevant to heavyweight divison.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
Antonio Silva. 4 times.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
by Tim Burke on Feb 11, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Also
You can’t knee or elbow to face on the ground in the tournament.
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
Yeah
that was point excatly. It’s different in tournament as it is in a fight.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
No he can't.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
He’s proven he can. I can’t believe you’re even arguing this.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Yeah i don't know why either, lol.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
I actually i do know why
he didn’t out grapple JDS who people are saying might have problems w/ Brock via grappling and wrestling.
He out grapplied Vera, Mike Kyle, and Gabriel Gonzaga; really. Were any of those 3 names referenced to have subpar take down, wrestling, and grappling ability, i think not.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
He got dummied by JDS a minute into the fight, of course he didn’t grapple him. Brock’s never shown that kind of one-punch KO power.
He outgrappled Gabriel Gonzaga – a former ADCC winner himself.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
by Tim Burke on Feb 11, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
vera was a d1 wrestler and trained with Couture at the US olympic training center.
you dont know what you are talking about.
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." - Rickson Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Feb 12, 2011 2:03 AM EST up reply actions
Since you’ve done nothing to defend your point AT ALL, you should probably just stop.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Just made reference to my point, lets see you validate yours.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
I already have. 8 subs, multiple takedowns on multiple top guys, and a sub over the best heavyweight in the world at the time. Refute that. Annnd go.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Did you read the post 3 place above yours.
What multiple take downs on top guys. Name them please? The sub on Fedor had zero to do w/ grappling he litteraly fell into it. He didn’t wrestle Fedor down and get the sub. Like the point i made before his sub’s are similar to Mia’s. Guy’s slip and fall and he pounces on them and words his BJJ.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
Guy’s slip and fall and he pounces on them and words his BJJ.
How does this not count as grappling?
If Derek Jeter clubbed a baby seal on earth day while wearing a mink coat and crocodile skin boots while burning tires on an iceberg, the reaction would be "Its OK Derek, you’re a Yankee." -First mammal to wear pants
Taking someone down from the clinch,
via trips, leg sweeps, etc could only be considered “slip and fall” by those altogether unfamiliar with grapping in general. You have clearly identified yourself as being numbered with them, so there’s really little else to say.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
I answered it. Antonio Silva.
And you clearly know very little about grappling if you think guys are just slipping and falling when Maia (who’s got awesome trips) and Werdum are just getting lucky or whatever.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
That lateral drop by Maia was an awesome fall by Sonnen.
If Derek Jeter clubbed a baby seal on earth day while wearing a mink coat and crocodile skin boots while burning tires on an iceberg, the reaction would be "Its OK Derek, you’re a Yankee." -First mammal to wear pants
Maia's awesome trips really? Against which fighter was thought on.
I give the Chael trip was great. Who else what, Kendall Grove, Jason MacDonald. Yeah Nate Marquardt has really great grappling ability.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
Why do you insist on trying to make
everybody dumber? Please stop.
by truck on Feb 11, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Really? Coming for you?
I’ve seen some the ridicilous post you’ve made. Weren’t you leading the commentary about how John Fitch is gonna take down BJ (really).
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
Some people are beyond help
and beyond dialoge. I am done wasting my time here. Either he is trolling or really doesn’t have a clue.
by truck on Feb 11, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
How is that dumb?
You still havn’t given me any names of top 10 heavyweights Werdum has out grappled.
Big Foot isn’t one of them.
My reaction to this is the same as a few other’s ppl’s reaction to saying The Reem doesn’t hold any notable wins in Heavyweight divison. Which i feel is absolutely crazy.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Big Foot’s ranked # 10 right now on the BE consensus rankings.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
yeah i know that's true
but sill hold the Grim over him.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
PLEASE FUCKING STOP
If it seems like everyone around you is an asshole, you are probably an asshole.
Might have been...
A large WW that takes everybody down constantly, taking down a LW that has been taken down by a couple other WWs isn’t a stretch.
Some what valid but...
when said LW jumps up to WW and fights the p4p best fighter in the world. Mind you coming into the fight simlar to his Machida fight (sloppy, and outta shape) can stuff mulitple take downs from GSP in the first round. Spectatior thought Kenny would out grapple BJ and eventually wrestle him down. But did it happen?
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Maia’s awesome trips. You’re very good at looking at fight finder and seeing people you don’t know very well and discounting them. But it seems like you’ve never actually seen any of these fights and what happened in them.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Yes i do remember watching those fights.
Out grappling guy’s like Kendall Grove, is not amazing to me. It might be to you.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
You’re moving goalposts. You said before that these guys were just slipping, and that Maia’s takedowns aren’t any good. Now he’s outgrappling everyone, but they’re just not up to your caliber of opponent to matter.
Yup, it’s official. You’re trolling.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Trolling...
dude please, re-read the post to understand what i’m trying to reference. Yeah some of these fighters have slippled and fell, and he has pounced on a few. Is that not a factual statement. My other point was that the guys he old grappled minus Chael have been out grapple by many other fighters w/ not so stellar grappling ability.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
"Is that not a factual statement."
no its not , who out grappled these guys.
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." - Rickson Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Feb 12, 2011 2:05 AM EST up reply actions
this dude is actually clueless
Did you know that Mario Miranda has very serious wrestling credentials in Brazil, and Maia took him down over and over and over. Literally at any time that he felt like doing it.
Your argument about Werdum is even more ridiculous.
omg
this is so stupid it caused my brain to hurt while reading. I literally feel dumber now.
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." - Rickson Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Feb 12, 2011 1:39 AM EST up reply actions
Case in point
He tricked Fedor into an awesome triangle/armbar.
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
yes, my comment was made towards Untitled_Artistry
by mmablitzkrieg on Feb 11, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
This might be the most wrong statement I’ve seen all month. All year.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
He's got a point
When you think about it, have you ever seen Werdum scale a tower with a rope?
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
Fedor would have escaped the triangle
but his arm would have broke.
He should have manned up.
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
^^^ I agree...
Overeems last 10 MMA opponents:
Win Todd Duffee
Win Brett Rogers
Win Kazuyuki Fujita
Win James Thompson
Win Tony Sylvester
Win Gary Goodridge
NC Mirko Filipovic
Win Mark Hunt
Win Lee Tae-Hyun
Win Paul Buentello
Loss Sergei Kharitonov
…not exactly a murderer’s row of opponents. The most dangerous, IMO, were CroCop & Sergei, and Overeem went 0-1-1 with them… not saying those are easy opponents, but the Strikeforce & K-1 champ should have, really, walked right through (or at the VERY LEAST defeated) those guys. And he didn’t… at all.
I do think that he has tremendous striking ability, but I wonder about two things: his chin & his heart. He seems to wilt when he gets hit hard. And if there seems to be one thing that Fedor does well (and LOTS of), is HIT FUCKING HARD. I’m, like everyone else, hoping for a E.Fed v Ubereem matchup for sure, and I think that Fedor, once he get’s his groove going, will unleash his twin Russian Tsar Bomba’s on him, and that’ll be it.
But this is MMA, so anything can happen!
We’ll see… I’m super-stoked to see it, that’s for sure.
by Atomic Salmon on Feb 12, 2011 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Fedor avoids hand injury by defeating Bigfoot via head kick KO. You saw it here first.
None more gangster.
"What if I told you yut yut Devil Dog Semper Fi oohrah?"
Dunno.
I know he threw a head kick against Cro Cop, but Cro Cop is substantially shorter than Silva.
None more gangster.
"What if I told you yut yut Devil Dog Semper Fi oohrah?"
Can Fedor Emelianenko Realistically Win the Strikeforce Grand Prix?
He’s got a 1/8th chance like everybody else, realistically. Looking at specific match-ups individually, the notion of Fedor having to potentially make his way through Werdum, Barnett, and/or Overeem to win the whole thing, and honestly, I don’t think he can do it. But we’ll see.
Overeem ran from Kharitonov in their fight. Couldn’t put away Fabricio in a fight where he ahd top position and it was standing most of the time before he got kimura’d in the most obvious kimura set up ever…..
and now all of a sudden he’s this MMA monster? Overeem has struggled or lost to most of the not tomato cans his record. he’s beaten belfort and gone 1-1 with Kharitonov…….that does not an MMA monster make.
Loss Sergei Kharitonov KO (Punch) K-1 HERO’s – Tournament Final
Loss Mauricio Rua KO (Punches) PRIDE 33 – Second Coming 2/24/2007
Loss Ricardo Arona Submission (Punches) PRIDE – Final Conflict Absolute
Loss Antonio Rogerio Nogueira TKO (Corner Stoppage) PRIDE – Critical
Loss Fabricio Werdum Submission (Kimura) PRIDE – Total Elimination
Loss Mauricio Rua TKO (Punches) PRIDE – Final Conflict 2005 8/28/2005
Loss Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Decision (Unanimous) PRIDE 29 – Fists Of
Loss Chuck Liddell KO (Punches) PRIDE – Total Elimination 2003
Gatti. Dekkers. Pele. Aoki. Kang. Vanderlei. Basillio. Harry Greb.
by theworldsoldestsport on Feb 11, 2011 1:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I guess you missed that whole 30 pounds of muscle thing
And winning the K-1 GP.
“Clay Matthews? He was a special teams player 4 years ago in college. Now he’s supposed to be this beast in the NFL?”
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 11, 2011 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know who Clay Matthews is, but I’m guessing he got his reputation as a beast in the NFL by playing well against elite NFL players.
Overeem’s potential against elite MMA heavyweights, by contrast, is all speculative at this point. And he has a history, in his already 11-year-old MMA career*, of failing to win the big one.
*he’s been fighting longer than Fedor!
The point is
Some people improve, and if you can’t see that Overeem at 260 is not the same guy he was at LHW, then there’s just no hope.
No he hasn’t beaten top MMA competition, but he made Rogers look like a child, made Duffee look like a child and won the K-1 GP. Werdum’s only real hope is on the ground, but how does he get it there? He couldn’t get it there 30 pounds of muscle ago! Seriously, rewatch their first fight and if you come to the conclusion than that Werdum has better than a semi-fluke chance of winning, I don’t know what to say. There’s a reason Overeem is -325. That’s not 100% like a lot of MMA fans like to think, but Overeem is the overwhelming favorite for a reason, rankings and LHW fights be damned.
Not afraid to nitpick
Even as a regular schmo
I’d like my odds on the ground a lot better than standing up.
He had Rogers broken, curled up in the fetal position and I still would rather take that than a knee.
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
Not really, it was retrospective
A strong performance at the Senior Bowl had scouts buzzing about his upside, especially considering his family’s gridiron success. Considering he has only started 10 games over his career, there isn’t a prospect in the country who can match Matthews’ meteoric rise up draft boards this year.
I guess the Packers were stupid for taking him in the 1st round, he only started 10 games in his career! It’s almost like scouting things that happen can mean more than your resume.
Not afraid to nitpick
Again, I don’t know anything about football, but don’t first-round draft picks fail to live up to their potential sometimes? Sure, hindsight being 20/20, it made sense to think highly of this guy based on his college performances. But that same strategy has backfired a bunch of times too, right?
Again
The point is that Matthews came from absolutely nowhere based on scouting in very controlled, small samples.
To say “Overeem was getting KOed by Chuck!!!!” as an argument against Overeem is the same argument that “Matthews was a special teams player!!!!” in 2009. Overeem hasn’t officially made the leap with the top-end MMA competition the same, but look at what the guy has done with the guys he has faced.
Not afraid to nitpick
And predicting whether someone is good and crowning someone the best are 2 different things.
It doesn’t matter how good you think someone is, you can’t say they are the best until they prove it in the cage by beating other top fighters.
Oh my god
No one but Bas is saying Overeem is deserving of the #1 ranking right now based on the way those things are calculated (not that it matters, Werdum is ranked higher, who gives a shit). How this started:
and now all of a sudden he’s this MMA monster?
Yes, yes he is. He’s heavily favored over Werdum for good reason.
Not afraid to nitpick
To say "Overeem was getting KOed by Chuck!!!!" as an argument against Overeem is the same argument that "Matthews was a special teams player!!!!" in 2009
I don’t know what the significance of “special teams player” is, but it doesn’t seem like a terrible argument on its face. Maybe some caution was called for with Clay Matthews. Again, hindsight is 20/20. We know Clay Matthews turned out great; we don’t know that Overeem won’t show some of the same tactical deficits against really good competition that he has in the past.
Overeem ran from Kharitonov in their fight.
Spoken like one who watched nothing but the last 20 seconds of that fight. Overeem was the first to throw in probably 19/20 exchanges and was advancing forward much of the time until Sergei caught him under the chin with a soccer kick as he was coming off the ground and rocked him at which point he covered up and retreated until it was stopped.
Couldn’t put away Fabricio in a fight where he ahd top position and it was standing most of the time before he got kimura’d in the most obvious kimura set up ever…..
You do realize Overeem was 228 for that fight (which was 5 years ago) and will be 250-255 with world-class striking for this one, don’t you? Werdum couldn’t take him down once even then. Its not too far from trying to argue that Ryo Chonan would be a threat to Anderson today…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Except for Ryo isn't legitimately ranked in the top ten and higher than AS
Also, Ryo isn’t coming off the biggest win of his career.
If Ryo Chonan just beat GSP last year
I might give him a chance.
But, I agree.
I’m willing to make a sig bet that Werdum completes less 2 TD’s.
That’s being extremely conservative.
"I'll rock your body with big nasty hooks!"
He's not completing any take downs.
Werdum has no wrestling ability. His take downs come from guys slipping and then he pounces on them.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
how the fuck did he get this far then?
leg kicks?
what the fuck do you call this, because it looks like a judo black belt just swept the fuck out of someone in mma:
If it seems like everyone around you is an asshole, you are probably an asshole.
by judonerd on Feb 11, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Are you blind?
He was perfectly balanced until his right foot slipped.
None more gangster.
"What if I told you yut yut Devil Dog Semper Fi oohrah?"
o uchi gari
but his 180º turn is a more high-level form of the move.
If it seems like everyone around you is an asshole, you are probably an asshole.
You would be pretty safe taking that bet
Considering he couldn’t take him down once in 14 minutes when Overeem was 228.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 11, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Oh yeah i'm definitely taking that bet once the fight comes.
There is no way in hell Werdum gets Overeem down.
My favorite K1 fighter:
Yuta Kubo the best 70kg striker in the world.
by Untitled_Artistry on Feb 11, 2011 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Overeem will demolish anything in his path. ANYTHING!
Man, woman, child, or bike.
"When the first thing a doctor says to you is 'Can I get an autograph?' it's pretty easy to get any drugs you want." - James Irvin
by Kid Khaos on Feb 12, 2011 1:41 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
that was my bike i just got for my birth day
:-(
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." - Rickson Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Feb 12, 2011 1:43 AM EST up reply actions
Untitled artistry
Said Gabriel Gonzaga was a ADCC winner? False. Also, I have read the whole post concerning whether Werdum is a good “grappler” or not.. Well, I guess if I had no experience grappling or in bjj I would see him as lucky as well. So I think we should be easy on untitled artistry he clearly has never grappled ever in his life. If he has he only wrestles and sticks his neck out way high for us bjj guys to choke that crap out of him until he learns you should go on your back.
by Pain on Feb 12, 2011 1:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Oh yeah
One more thing… Clearly Werdum is an awful wrestler cuz when he took down Vera who has trained as an Olympic greco roman alternate he clearly slipped or had a seizure for like 3 seconds
by Pain on Feb 12, 2011 1:50 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Fedor's hands are made of tissue paper...
I’ve always preferred the descriptor “bubble gum and surgical pins” myself. This is why he keeps damaging them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JISgLclfX3c
Very powerful, very bad for your hands.
The only fight I care about
Is Fedor/Overeem… It’s gotta happen!
Spurious.
1. Age. Fedor isn’t that old. He’s younger than Carwin and about the same age as Brock. He hasn’t abused his body, or even cut weight. He has lived well and simple his whole life. I see no reason he couldn’t fight for another 3 year or so and be competitive.
2. Injury One of his hands breaks a lot and he’s got a lot of scar tissue… that’s about it. He doesn’t have a bad back or bad knees so he should be fine. You could look at tons of guys with more serious injuries who are still champions.
3. Management I don’t see how his management would stop him from winning a tournament. They know this will bring in more money and power for M-1 so they will fully support him. He’s committed and signed up and plans to fight for SF for the year. I know M-1 are some strange bastards that piss off UFC fans, but they are probably the future of the sport when it comes to fighter management. More and more champions (fighters0 will ask for more and more each fight. And why shouldn’t they?
I don’t see any of these reasons as legit.
I’d actually give Fedor high chances because of his experience, skill set, and natural abilities. I think only the power and technical striking of Overeem could put him down, or a lack of focus with Werdum again. Fedor clearly has the ability to beat both Overeem and Werdum if he steps up to the plate.
by TotalAbuse on Feb 12, 2011 5:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
fedor looks like a politician
that could get ur ass.
and no… they are NOT the best fighters BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION…
Fedor… while he was the king of Pride… he only fought 2 competitive fights there (as champion too) ducked the No.2 guy the WHOLE time he was there… and fought top ranked contenders like Zulu and Choi… yeah, he’s the greatest.
Werdum couldn’t hack it in the UFC… he subs one guy, (see above) and now he’s one of the greats…. please… is Ryo Connan one of the top 10 middleweights because of that heel hook on Silva? NO…. neither is Werdum.
Overeem, the ONLY fighter in the tourney thats even relivant is STILL untested in MMA… oh wait… no thats not true…. a smaller fighter from the UFC… I dunno who… oh wait yeah, their LHW Champion beat the piss outta Overeem already…. sounds like the best guys in the world to me…
"melting down all the plastic people, 1 at a time..."
and no… they are NOT the best fighters BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION…
WTF?
by fitefan on Feb 12, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't get me wrong...
I still watch Strikedorks fight cards… I just don’t pretend that there’s any real significance to ANY of their fights.
"melting down all the plastic people, 1 at a time..."
Your sheer number of posts on here borders on spam. It is quite annoying. You have made your point abundantly clear. You are a talk box full of Dana White quotes. Nice work, but I would rather just hear Dana say it. As for your SF bashing, meh…. It is only revealing your lack of knowledge about MMA.
Werdum beat Fedor, Dos Santos beat Werdum, Joaquim Ferreira beat Dos Santos. Therefore Ferreira is WAAAAY better than Fedor. Keep MMA math alive!
I lived in S. Korea & Japan from 2001-03… how many Pride events have you been to live?
"melting down all the plastic people, 1 at a time..."
You, Sir, are a comedian !
Well, anybody who knows me knows I'm no fan of dictionaries or reference books. They're elitist. Constantly telling us what is or isn't true. Or what did or didn't happen.
Of the highest order...
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 12, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Pretty please, with sugar on top,
learn to use the f**king reply button!!!
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." -Mark Twain
by The American Ronin on Feb 12, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
EVER!
I love a Watchmen reference! Great write up Jonathan and it will be very interesting to see if all things will be pushed aside and M-1 will just let Fedor fight. It’s time for a reckoning gents!
Respect the Elbow and follow me on Twitter @DuaneFinleyMMA
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