The Doggy Bag: Sprechen Sie UFC 122?

I see a lot of online hate for UFC 122, calling it one of the worst UFC cards ever. I have to agree, somewhat. Even though I know that not every UFC card can be stacked like a UFC 100, it’s tough to get excited for a card that has Jorge Rivera and Alessio Sakara in the co-main event. I am starting to hope that this ends up being one of those classic cards that people have low expectations for and turns out to be really exciting. What chances do you think it has to pull off the “upset”?
-- Harry, from Vancouver

Brian Knapp, features editor: Harry, you echo the sentiments of many. Obviously, on paper, UFC 122 leaves a lot to be desired, as not one single fight beyond the headliner jumps off the page and screams, “Watch me!”

The fact that it airs on Spike TV and not pay-per-view largely frees it from expectation, but for those dishing out money to see it live and in person in Germany, it’s a different story. The line-up lacks star power and meaning, two key ingredients when constructing an event.

That said, you have to let the show play out in reality before it can be judged. The main event between Nate Marquardt and Yushin Okami features two of the world’s top six middleweights and carries with it obvious title ramifications. The co-feature you mentioned promises certain fireworks on the feet, as does the lightweight matchup between TUF 9 finalist Andre Winner and Dennis Siver. The potential for quality entertainment exists, as does the opportunity for an event with low expectations to pleasantly surprise.

The UFC-WEC merger figures to go a long way towards strengthening the depth and top-to-bottom quality of future shows, as the additions of the featherweight and bantamweight divisions give matchmakers Joe Silva and Sean Shelby and incredibly rich talent pool from which to draw. Still, we have to remind ourselves that not every event can thrill us like Pride 33 or UFC 84. There will be some duds along the way. That’s just the nature of sports, and even the best laid plans can go awry.