*UFC Fight Night on FS1* 5/19

[Deezz]

The ironic thing is Woodley said on the after show that Usman didn't perform well enough to get a title shot or another big fight.

Usman basically did the same thing that Woodley did.

Even Woodley is acknowledging that the safe, stuff a bunch of take downs style of fighting is boring.

That was Dana's argument all along. Woodley is being the biggest hypocrite.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Deezz - I noticed that too. Woodley went the full 25 mins with a tired, injured Maia. Stuffing some 20 - 25 takedown attempts from the challenger along the way. If he wanted to make a major statement, he would have tried to KO him like he did Lawler, Koscheck, Hieron, and Kim. I'm still surprised he was able to KO Lawler in 2 minutes. Lawler having fought a who's who of names for his career.





https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Lawler#Mixed_martial_arts_record

 

[exiledking]

Agreed. Maia is 40yo now and has been taking plenty of damage his past 3 fights versus Woodley, Covington, and now Usman. For his own health ... he should probably focus on teaching/coaching and BJJ tournaments. He won't be getting near a 170 or 185 title shot any time soon, and it took him many years to get back to a title shot (after lots of consecutive wins) versus Woodley in 2017 (after the lackluster performance versus Silva in 2010).

Usman needs to take more risks. As he said in the post-fight interview ... he dominated a legend from start to finish. Mind you, he's nearly 10 years younger than the guy ... has taken far less lifetime damage in competition, and has a greater overall resume and diversity skill set-wise. Going 25 mins with Maia at 40yo isn't exactly winning over any new fans.




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demian_Maia#Mixed_martial_arts_record

I don't even think he dominated from start to finish though.

He CLEARLY lost first round.

2nd round on, he looked ok. Damien couldn't take him down, but was actually sticking dude with some nice lefts. I'd say, from the 3rd on, Usman clearly won, but he got hit a lot more than I figured he would.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

I don't even think he dominated from start to finish though.

He CLEARLY lost first round.

2nd round on, he looked ok. Damien couldn't take him down, but was actually sticking dude with some nice lefts. I'd say, from the 3rd on, Usman clearly won, but he got hit a lot more than I figured he would.

Good points. Have always respected Maia's toughness and resilience. Even when he's losing ... he doesn't give up or throw in the towel looking for an easy way out. Still looks to grapple & get takedowns. Trying to secure his bread and butter (ground work). Usman definitely needs to look for more definitive, decisive victories. Decisions just aren't gonna cut it looking for a title shot. Very tough to promote.

On a similar note ... I hope RDA whoops Covington's ass next month. Covington's been playing that pro wrestling heel and a poor man's Chael Sonnen Version 2.0, but not as tongue in cheek or humorous. Whereas RDA is a no bullshit kind of guy. Very offensive and high output. Win or lose ... he's in tough fights and is easier to promote. Whether it's Diaz, Cerrone, Pettis, Alvarez, Ferguson, Lawler, etc ... he's no nonsense in there and a fighter's fighter. Covington on the other hand is a decisionator wrestler for the most part.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

The ironic thing is Woodley said on the after show that Usman didn't perform well enough to get a title shot or another big fight.

Usman basically did the same thing that Woodley did.

Even Woodley is acknowledging that the safe, stuff a bunch of take downs style of fighting is boring.

Reminds me of the 2 Woodley and Wonderboy fights. 2 elite-level guys looking to counter one another ... and instead there were big lulls of inactivity and standing around ... both playing it too safe. Very frustrating for fans of the sport seeing 2 guys not deliver, when they've got highlight reels of work owning their opponents with KOs and TKOs respectively. And when there was action, albeit brief, it was pretty great. Believe it was the first fight in NYC ... Woodley caught him in the 4th round and roughed him up on the ground and locked in what looked to be a deep sub attempt. Wonderboy fought it off and proved his resolve. That was great to see. Imagine if they actually clashed and engaged in both fights ... threw caution to the wind. They could have had amazing fights and even though Woodley came out on top (draw and a win) ... IF both fights had delivered, the organization would have been much more likely to schedule a trilogy fight sooner down the road. They know in their heart of hearts they don't want to schedule it again after 2 fights failed to deliver on 50 minutes (25 mins each one).

 

[exiledking]

Good points. Have always respected Maia's toughness and resilience. Even when he's losing ... he doesn't give up or throw in the towel looking for an easy way out. Still looks to grapple & get takedowns. Trying to secure his bread and butter (ground work). Usman definitely needs to look for more definitive, decisive victories. Decisions just aren't gonna cut it looking for a title shot. Very tough to promote.

On a similar note ... I hope RDA whoops Covington's ass next month. Covington's been playing that pro wrestling heel and a poor man's Chael Sonnen Version 2.0, but not as tongue in cheek or humorous. Whereas RDA is a no bullshit kind of guy. Very offensive and high output. Win or lose ... he's in tough fights and is easier to promote. Whether it's Diaz, Cerrone, Pettis, Alvarez, Ferguson, Lawler, etc ... he's no nonsense in there and a fighter's fighter. Covington on the other hand is a decisionator wrestler for the most part.

Yeah I can't WAIT to see Covington get his ass whooped. If RDA loses to this guy, it's time to do some serious reflection lol.

And after Usmans performance , if Covington beats RDA, Im not so confident Usman can get the job done either. I'm just really on the fence with my Nigerian bredren. I want him to be great, but I'm starting to think it may not be in him. I hope I'm wrong. I just don't see the well rounded game I like to see in fighters I support.

 

[exiledking]

The ironic thing is Woodley said on the after show that Usman didn't perform well enough to get a title shot or another big fight.

Usman basically did the same thing that Woodley did.

Even Woodley is acknowledging that the safe, stuff a bunch of take downs style of fighting is boring.

That was Dana's argument all along. Woodley is being the biggest hypocrite.

Yeah but Woodley HAS some major finishes. His name is legit. And he fought Maia when the threat was still real, plus he REALLY did fuck up his shoulder in that fight, which forced him to have to play it safe so he could hold on to his belt. He had to have surgery after. Usman doesn't have as much to lose right now. He's supposed to be making statements. If he's fighting like this now, imagine him with the belt. Talk about snoozeville

 

[Ming Fei Hong]

Yeah, Woodley was on some bullshit. He's the last fighter on the planet that needs to bash boring fights.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Yeah I can't WAIT to see Covington get his ass whooped. If RDA loses to this guy, it's time to do some serious reflection lol.

And after Usmans performance , if Covington beats RDA, Im not so confident Usman can get the job done either.

It will definitely be an interesting time for RDA if he were to lose to Covington of all people. He dominated Nate Diaz in late-2014. Kicked Pettis' ass and took his title. Beat Cerrone in 1 minute later that year. Got injured before the "red panty night" mega payday versus McGregor. Got replaced on short notice by Diaz who pulled off the upset over McG'. Then lost his title to Alvarez in less than 4 minutes. Alvarez in turn lost the title to McG later that year at MSG in NYC. Then he got dominated over 5 rounds by Ferguson, and has since won 3 straight versus Saffiedine, Magny and most importantly Lawler (dominated him over 5 rounds late last year). It's good that he'll be coming in fresh off of 3 victories. I hope he runs through Covington, or dominates him thoroughly. Definitely not interested in a Covington-Usman wrestling match.

 

[exiledking]

It will definitely be an interesting time for RDA if he were to lose to Covington of all people. He dominated Nate Diaz in late-2014. Kicked Pettis' ass and took his title. Beat Cerrone in 1 minute later that year. Got injured before the "red panty night" mega payday versus McGregor. Got replaced on short notice by Diaz who pulled off the upset over McG'. Then lost his title to Alvarez in less than 4 minutes. Alvarez in turn lost the title to McG later that year at MSG in NYC. Then he got dominated over 5 rounds by Ferguson, and has since won 3 straight versus Saffiedine, Magny and most importantly Lawler (dominated him over 5 rounds late last year). It's good that he'll be coming in fresh off of 3 victories. I hope he runs through Covington, or dominates him thoroughly. Definitely not interested in a Covington-Usman wrestling match.

True indeed.

Usman needs some kinda fucking striking game man.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

True indeed.

Usman needs some kinda fucking striking game man.

Agreed. Take more risks and trust in his power. He got a good KO over Sergio Moraes last September, but that was the mere highlight amidst a sea of decision wins for the past number of years. Or if he's not willing to stand in the pocket and trade ... just unleash devastating ground and pound when he out-wrestles his opponents and get them out of there sooner and make a statement. To viewers we see it as rinse and repeat when we know he's most likely going the full 15 or 25 mins.

 

[exiledking]

Agreed. Take more risks and trust in his power. He got a good KO over Sergio Moraes last September, but that was the mere highlight amidst a sea of decision wins for the past number of years. Or if he's not willing to stand in the pocket and trade ... just unleash devastating ground and pound when he out-wrestles his opponents and get them out of there sooner and make a statement. To viewers we see it as rinse and repeat when we know he's most likely going the full 15 or 25 mins.

Yeah, I only like him cuz he be talking that Naija shit, but damn- gimme some kinda reason IN THE RING to really wanna support him. I think you're right about the ground and pound. He could've done that with Danian, especially after he caught him on the feet, or in some of them sprawls. His fights are not matching his mouth. I don't wanna see a lay and pray guy. I HATED GSP for that shit. He got ONE MORE FIGHT with me as a fan lol

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

man Im just waiting for that

miocic vs cormier fight....

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

but damn- gimme some kinda reason IN THE RING to really wanna support him. I think you're right about the ground and pound. He could've done that with Danian, especially after he caught him on the feet, or in some of them sprawls. His fights are not matching his mouth. I don't wanna see a lay and pray guy. I HATED GSP for that shit. He got ONE MORE FIGHT with me as a fan lol

Well said. As many fans have said - GSP was definitely more exciting in his earlier years as a non-champ. Took far more risks and didn't play it safe. Did his best to cement his $ and legacy. But guys like Usman and Covington as non-champs are ALREADY playing it safe ... before they even have the glory. That's something that RDA doesn't do, by comparison. He's stopped opponents. He's been stopped. It's all a part of the game. Way more exciting a fighter overall.

Wish more fighters would take Aaron Pico's approach over in Bellator. He came in as the hot prospect last year and got stopped/upset in less than a minute. He's come back since and used his strengths (boxing and wrestling) and highlight-reeled his opponents. People know he means business in there. He isn't looking to ride out a decision. Ripping those body & head shots. Bad mofo.







https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Pico


https://www.instagram.com/aaronpicousa/

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

man Im just waiting for that

miocic vs cormier fight....

Gonna be a great fight in July!

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Pico#Championships_and_accomplishments

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Pico#Mixed_martial_arts_record

 

[YoungSinister]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Pico#Mixed_martial_arts_record

hes been doing his thang since he took that first L

that whole event was fire

But yo, the Main Event to Bellator 200 is cancelled b/c Cro Cop got hurt.
Page vs Rickels will be exciting AF tho

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

hes been doing his thang since he took that first L

that whole event was fire

But yo, the Main Event to Bellator 200 is cancelled b/c Cro Cop got hurt.
Page vs Rickels will be fire tho

Yeah - enjoyed that event too. Great to see Pico get back on track in his fights since that loss. Great talent for real. Thanks for the intel on Cro Cop. Hadn't heard that he was hurt. News to me. Damn. Page vs. Rickels ... yeah ... very interesting match-up there. Another highlight reel for Page?



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellator_MMA_in_2018#Bellator_200

 

[YoungSinister]

Yeah - enjoyed that event too. Great to see Pico get back on track in his fights since that loss. Great talent for real. Thanks for the intel on Cro Cop. Hadn't heard that he was hurt. News to me. Damn. Page vs. Rickels ... yeah ... very interesting match-up there. Another highlight reel for Page?



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellator_MMA_in_2018#Bellator_200

In all honesty, the only fight I was interested in was Page/Rickels
It will def be a highlight knockout b/c Rickels actually comes to FIGHT. Win or lose, he puts on an entertaining match

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

In all honesty, the only fight I was interested in was Page/Rickels
It will def be a highlight knockout b/c Rickels actually comes to FIGHT. Win or lose, he puts on an entertaining match

That's true. Page looks to style on guys when he counters them. Rickels always comes forward, win or lose, despite his limited skill set. Should be interesting to see how much damage he can absorb, or if Page takes it to him early.

 

[exiledking]

Well said. As many fans have said - GSP was definitely more exciting in his earlier years as a non-champ. Took far more risks and didn't play it safe. Did his best to cement his $ and legacy. But guys like Usman and Covington as non-champs are ALREADY playing it safe ... before they even have the glory. That's something that RDA doesn't do, by comparison. He's stopped opponents. He's been stopped. It's all a part of the game. Way more exciting a fighter overall.

Wish more fighters would take Aaron Pico's approach over in Bellator. He came in as the hot prospect last year and got stopped/upset in less than a minute. He's come back since and used his strengths (boxing and wrestling) and highlight-reeled his opponents. People know he means business in there. He isn't looking to ride out a decision. Ripping those body & head shots. Bad mofo.







https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Pico


https://www.instagram.com/aaronpicousa/

Yeah Aaron Picois making STATEMENTS. And if he keeps going like that he's either gonna raise Bellators profile or he's gonna get BANK from the UFC when it's time. He's doing it right

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Yeah Aaron Picois making STATEMENTS. And if he keeps going like that he's either gonna raise Bellators profile or he's gonna get BANK from the UFC when it's time. He's doing it right

Good thing about him too is that he got started early in his career. He has the accolades and plenty of experience ... so it's cool to see him picking up steam in his MMA career now. He's got the ties to AKA and Zinkin sports management, and they're on good terms with Coker dating back to the Strikeforce days (Cormier, Rockhold, etc) ... so he's getting paid well now. Should be interesting to see if/when he makes it over to the UFC, as you noted.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

 

[Helico-pterFunk]