Chicks Heart Fights

In the discussions I’ve read of this weekend’s fights, I keep reading the same theme. Those who watch Affliction are hardcore MMA fans, those who watch UFC Fight Night are only UFC fans, and not real MMA fans. Can’t a person be both?

I was introduced to MMA through the UFC, and most of my live MMA watching is limited to the UFC. I’ve watched plenty of Fedor on Youtube and DVDs, and am excited to see him fight in a non-circus match-up. On the other hand, I am familiar with many of the other Affliction fighters because of their experience with the UFC. Does that make me a bad MMA fan?

Though Saturday’s UFC fights are hardly blistering match-ups, some great fighters are going to be showcased. No matter who he fights, I always enjoy watching Anderson Silva’s all around dominance. Brandon Vera is in a must-win situation, and I am thrilled to get a chance to watch Cain Velasquez. Does this make me a bad MMA fan?

There is a tendency in the MMA world to vilify the UFC as the Evil Empire, which I guess would make Dana White Darth Vader. And possibly the Fertittas the Emperor, who looked a lot like my great-grandmother. Anyway. The reason that they’ve lasted so long is because no matter what, the product in the Octagon is, by and large, good. Is there anything wrong with an MMA fan watching that product instead of paying for Affliction?

By no means am I saying that the UFC is perfect, and competition is a good thing. Like I said, I am watching both shows this weekend. But can we stop with the subtle digs at the people who don’t?

Cornell coach Rob Koll does weekly interviews with the Cornell student newspaper, and they are generally hysterical. He says some random things in these interviews, and the Sun takes a look back at them. Apparently, Tyler Baier and Tommy Speers both get their strength from carrying cows. Who knew?

There will be some fun changes in this season of the Ultimate Fighter, according to MMA Junkie. It seems as if the producers of TUF listened to the complaints about the past season not being enough about the fights, and made changes to make the show better. Good job, Zuffa!

Finally, Tim Sylvia mentioned in an interview that he kept the championship belt on while having some sexy time with a lady. I think that’s FANTASTIC. As I mentioned on the Wrestling Talk, if I’m ever dating a UFC champ, I’d want him to keep the belt on at all times, as well. An Olympic medalist? Same thing. Ladies, am I the only one who thinks this way? Granted, Tim Sylvia is not my cup of tea, but he has earned about 76,621 Shrutebucks from me for this little admission. If you don’t quite understand why I feel this way, I’ll let Joe Cocker explain it to you:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPk72nUYri4&rel=1]

Of course, there is news coming out of the MMA world. MMA Junkie is reporting that Brock Lesnar will fight Frank Mir Super Bowl Weekend, a card that will also feature Patrick Cote. Now that I’ve reported on the real news, I will now answer the very important question: which fighter would fare best on Dancing With the Stars?

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A wonderful friend of mine, we’ll call her Ezra, kept me apprised of the happenings of UFC 77 last night by text messages. Read them, after the jump: (more…)

- Sylvia has love handles.

- It would have been better for the UFC if Vera won.

- Silva will enjoy the top spot for a while because no one is all that good at that weight class.

Good night.

Tomorrow night is UFC 77, and with all the Couture discussion this past week (and by the way, if you haven’t seen Dana White’s ESPN interview, WATCH IT. It’s the smartest I’ve ever seen Dana play an interview.) these fights has been relatively overlooked. Unfortunately, I will not be able to see tomorrow’s fight. Nonetheless, my picks of the top fights, and the picks of people who know better than me, after the jump.

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