Announcing The Inaugural SB Nation MMA Live Video Chat

by Luke Thomas on Jul 22, 2011 11:58 AM EDT in MMA Analysis

We're trying out a new feature today: welcome to the first-ever SB Nation MMA chat. This will be a weekly, 60-minute live video chat where we will cover the leading topics in MMA and whatever else interests the community. We're happy to talk about the lastest fight booking, what's irking you, something you noticed watching tape, any of our views on matters media and beyond. The broader the topics, the better, quite frankly.

Nothing is out of bounds, nothing is off limits. What do you want to talk about? What's on your mind? This isn't just about submitting questions, it's also about stating your positions, floating your ideas and having a fruitful collaborative discussion.

How you can you participate? Simple. We'll take questions/comments a couple of ways. I encourage you to leave a comment below or to Tweet me: @MMANation or @KidNate. Nate will be helping us moderate the questions and discussions, so hit him or me up there or simply leave your comment below.

This thing kicks off at noon ET. I look forward to talking to you all later.

UPDATE: the video of the chat is included above.

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Come on, y'all

Let’s get this party started.

Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 22, 2011 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Would love a discussion on UFC TV options..

- in-depth thoughts on the G4 rumors. Does that even make sense for the UFC to pursue, given that their live event on Versus “lost” to the Spike re-air?

- How the installation of a new regime at HBO could potentially effect the UFC, and new MMA landscape in general?

- If the UFC did leave Spike, and Bellator was shifted over – how much could that help Bellator’s brand?

Thanks. Will this video chat be available in its entirety upon completion?

formerly NeilLomaxFan

by BrothersGottaAndyHug on Jul 22, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I think bellator would get huge and become a very substantial number two promotion at least in terms of viewers. People already.know that spike is home to ufc and most the guys I go watch the fights with or have over can’t tell the difference. I think spike would push the hell outta the tourney and the fact that it’s on every Saturday

"This mother Fucker next to me is wearing foot warmers? Its like 60 degrees out here." Joe Rogan

by Bobillarious on Jul 22, 2011 10:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

How do you feel reem gettin axed from the tourney hurts it to the casual? And how badly do you see reem gettin murderized in his proposed boxing mmatch?

"This mother Fucker next to me is wearing foot warmers? Its like 60 degrees out here." Joe Rogan

by Bobillarious on Jul 22, 2011 10:45 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

First question from Facebook:

“AO returns to the GP, AO jumps to the UFC, AO returns to kickboxing, the SFGP crowns the #1 HW”

Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 22, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

Another from Twitter I will lead off with:

http://twitter.com/#!/ZachLambertski/status/94417820124856320

ZachLambertski Zach Lambert
@
@MMANation on a ten scale, and how excited are you for UFC in DC?

Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 22, 2011 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

Marquardt to BAMMA

what are your thoughts on that one?

by 19Miles on Jul 22, 2011 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Marquardt in BAMMA.

Thoughts. Who can he fight?

Also, the UFC clearly is setting up a 135 lb. tournament with Cruz/Johnson and Faber/Bowles. The perfect way to do it, any tournament at a high level shouldn’t have more then 4. And the UFC does this all the time. They just dont put some stupid title on it. Whenever I see people (usually PRIDE fanboys) bitch about no tournaments anymore, I just laugh.

by Willow Cat on Jul 22, 2011 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Do you think there's any point to UFC going to Japan?

Why are they going? Wouldn’t they be better off doing a show in Singapore or a China Sea island?

Bloody Elbow Grappling Editor.
Berate Me on Twitter @KJGould

by KJ Gould on Jul 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Here's my question

A lot of people have criticised the level of talent on recent series of TUF. Some people think that Spike have too much input and only go for those who could provide the most entertainment, instead of those with the most ability.

Do you think it’s possible that if the UFC moved away from Spike, the standard of fighters on TUF would start to improve, or would any new network/channel prevent that?

-----------------------------------------
David Morris BSc. (Hons), MBCS
http://www.lifedownloaded.com

by David Morris on Jul 22, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

Future Landscape in Network deals for TV

I actually asked Jordan Breen at Sherdog this very same question and I would like to hear your very thoughts on this topic.

What do you think is the long term future outlook for Zuffa in terms of possible TV deals?
Do you think that with the growth of the sport, will they get out of of the PPV model and seek a home in network TV such as NBC, Fox or CBS?
Dana White criticized greedy boxing promoters a while back when they removed free boxing fights on network TV which they had during the glory years of boxing in the 80’s.
Do you actually think it is a realistic expectation if Dana White truly has this future view to make it as close as the NFL, NBA or a MLB?

Or do you see a more subtle change where they get into a superior product to Spike or Versus like HBO (with the recent departure of Ross Greeburg) or a Showtime? Is a UFC Network plausible?

by NiN505 on Jul 22, 2011 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Commercial, again

fucking shit, but anyways, lets get away from UFC becoming mainstream with TUF and other Outlets, what do you think the sport would be like if it was still underground and wasn’t accepted like it is today

by Brian Gerard Tucker Jr on Jul 22, 2011 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

This is brilliant.

Doing it while everyone’s at work, however, blows asschunks.

by Paulo Filho's Psychiatrist on Jul 22, 2011 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

I'm not set on doing this on Friday

But there’s no way on earth I’m adding yet one more thing to my weekend. Whenever there are fights, it’s a 7-day work week. I need SOME time to rest.

Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 22, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I get that, man.

But noon? C’mon. Late afternoon, early evening thing, maybe?

by Paulo Filho's Psychiatrist on Jul 22, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

After looking at a time zone converter, I’ve found that this starts just as work finishes for me. This means I either stay in my office after work or miss out on the live stream as I make my way home.

Hopefully the replay will be on UStream quickly.

-----------------------------------------
David Morris BSc. (Hons), MBCS
http://www.lifedownloaded.com

by David Morris on Jul 22, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Question:

Bellator. While I love free, high-caliber MMA, have you seen ANYTHING that suggests that they’re going to survive? I see a lot of money being spent and a lot of names being signed and not a lot of advancement in their numbers. Do you see them surviving, or are they going to Affliction themselves?

by Paulo Filho's Psychiatrist on Jul 22, 2011 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Is MMA really "the fastest growing sport?"

I hear it all the time. I have no idea what evidence there is to support the statement.

.....
In the Land of the Blind, the One-eyed Man coaches the archery team.

by Scabby Knuckle on Jul 22, 2011 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Question >> If the UFC wants to be the 1 and only source for pro MMA on an NFL-like status...

can they count on other smaller pomotions to continually ‘bring guys up’ that will eventually become UFC caliber, and jump ship to the UFC, or do you feel that the UFC needs some sort of minor-leagues or feeder system of their own control to keep a consistant level of up-and-coming talent in their stables and know what they’ll really be getting from these guys when it comes time to book them for a fight?

Twitter: Not just for the cool kids anymore.

by SteveevaD on Jul 22, 2011 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

I can see and hear you

You just said the f-word… ;)

Twitter: Not just for the cool kids anymore.

by SteveevaD on Jul 22, 2011 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

Question...

Do you think Zuffa has a plan with The Reem or was his removal from the tourney a knee-jerk reaction?

Put another way, was pulling him from the tourney a f-off to Showtime for pushing the date, to Reem for turning it down; both? Or was it a premeditated move to keep him in SF and fight the eventual tourney winner? A move to free him up to enter the UFC HW division? — Thanks

by Timothy K on Jul 22, 2011 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

the white play button makes it look like look shaved lol

by elmojo on Jul 22, 2011 12:18 PM EDT reply actions

a Live video chat is always great

but here a slight suggestion. i think vockle would be alot better for what your guys are planning. it allows the viewers to chime in via twitter, facebook, or even with their own cam. ive seen on my other favorite blogs in action and looks almost like a tv show.

http://www.twitter.com/VonSyndicate

by Piru P on Jul 22, 2011 12:27 PM EDT reply actions

UFC in DC confirmed?

I’m hearing- despite what is on all the MMA sites… That the UFC coming to DC in October isn’t 100% confirmed…

Anyone here Dana say they were coming here?

Thanks! The show rocks.

by DeepStrike on Jul 22, 2011 12:32 PM EDT reply actions

This is an amazing addition. Thank you Luke!

by portuguesmike on Jul 22, 2011 12:34 PM EDT reply actions

Has the expansion of the UFC in Latin America been stopped to a halt after Cain-Brock?

They were very aggressive but they suddenly hit the brakes.

Will they start with their aggressive marketing again with Cain-JDS?

by IRodC on Jul 22, 2011 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

Just a suggestion: When you set up your camera you might want the light coming from behind the camera, rather than behind the subject.

.....
In the Land of the Blind, the One-eyed Man coaches the archery team.

by Scabby Knuckle on Jul 22, 2011 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Black guy here

we like MMA too

http://www.twitter.com/VonSyndicate

by Piru P on Jul 22, 2011 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

As you should

But let’s not pretend I’m wrong in assuming the overwhelming majority of the audience is white. It is. And there’s mountains of evidence to justify the claim.

Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 22, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

UFC's Treatment of Injured fighters

We are seeing different examples of #1 contenders being injured and having their title shots taken away.
Is this practice acceptable because the time layoff is so great that the contender must win again to get momentum or should they be awarded the fight once their injury has healed?

We’ve seen this with Karo, Mendes, Rashad etc.

by gpop727 on Jul 22, 2011 12:57 PM EDT reply actions