J.G.’s “Crazy Two Weeks” Mailbag

I could give you the old song and dance about how terrible I feel not churning these out on a regular basis (which is true by the way), but I'd rather focus on your e-mails regarding the last two weeks in mixed martial arts. Without further ado …

You have probably received a million and one emails concerning this matter, but I'm throwing in my voice as well: The way the crowd booed Jackson before, and then AFTER HE WON the fight was absolutely disgraceful. I really don't know what else to say -- I actually started getting embarrassed because of the boos. Thanks for listening. - Chris

They'll cheer soon enough.

After all the focus on Rampage's mental strength and confessed nervousness against Eastman, I find the way this fight played out to be a bit ironic. From the weigh-in, to the pre-fight, and all two minutes of the fight itself, it looked to me like Rampage was in Chuck's head. The kicker was when Chuck actually looked away to answer McCarthy during the staredown. During the fight, Chuck looked tentative and sloppy. To my untrained eye, his footwork seemed a little slow and haphazard. Did the supposedly fragile Jackson mentally break the Iceman? I would love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks for taking the time to read this, love the show and the website. With my regards, -- Adam in Pennsylvania

Rampage pounded on the Iceman for 13 minutes in their first fight and Chuck went on to win seven in a row. So I don't think pre-fight ceremonies and two minutes in the ring would break Liddell. Rampage's confidence came out because he was ready to fight, and while I'm sure Liddell felt the same way, it was a bad clash of styles for him. Add the fact that Jackson has an iron chin and is extremely physical, and he's always going to be a tough fight for Chuck.

Just wanted to say thanks for having this show for us fans.

Also I remember you guys tried to get Tito Ortiz (Pictures) on air but could not get a hold of him. Do you have any plans to have him on in the near future? I think many are curious to hear his thoughts on the rumor of him betting 3 grand on Chuck.

Also, I know everyone is talking about the "old " Rampage is back. To tell you the truth I kind of feel like we did NOT see the "old" rampage this past Saturday. I think now that he finally had his first "real" training camp we can expect this "new" Rampage from here on out. He looked a lot more focused then usual. Almost to the point that if I did not hear Josh Gross and Randy Couture (Pictures) talk about him being focused I would of assumed he was nervous.

Also for the Chuck fight, Rampage seemed to focus mainly on training with great strikers. Now with Dan in front of him, whom do you expect Juanito will pull to help Rampage train for Dan's wrestling? - James

Tito is welcome on Beatdown whenever he wants.

Rampage had a solid camp for the Lindland fight, but I think he was still trying to find himself. For Liddell, not only was he given every physical opportunity to prepare, but mentally he also bought into what Juanito was selling.

Jackson will have a decided edge in size and strength against Henderson, and you have to think that Tito would make a great training partner, although who knows how strained the light heavyweights' relationship is at the moment.

Facing Henderson you have to train for two distinctive fighters: the one that works in the clinch and the guy that throws lethal right hands (and now spinning backfists).

Jackson will have an easier time with the striking Henderson than the grappling one, so he'll likely focus on staying out of the clinch and avoiding takedowns as he gets ready for his first title defense. I also wouldn't be surprised if Rampage tries to put Henderson on the floor, where he could ground-and-pound his way to a win.

Does Dana not think he can market Quinton like they did Chuck?

He makes his first title defense against Dan Henderson (Pictures)? No UFC number 1 contender fight? The winner of Rashad-Tito maybe? Or even one of the other guys that have risen in the 205 lb. division. I don't think they want Quinton to be their champion. They (Dana) used him to give Chuck a chance to cement his legacy, but they were wrong. But now they throw Dan Henderson (Pictures) into the mix? I'm sure they are hoping Dan beats Quinton, so Chuck can fight him and get the title back. That's not fair to guys like Rashad Evans (Pictures), but most importantly to Rampage. Let him enjoy the title. Allow him the chance to represent the title and the company.

Chuck had his day (years) in the sun. Turn the page. Think I'm smokin' with Johnny Blaze? Look at how Matt Hughes (Pictures) is right back in the title mix? I'll take it a step further. Look at how they treat Sherdog.com. You guys, despite them not granting you credentials, have covered this event like no other. I trained this morning and now I look like Nastradumus(sp) when I told everyone at the gym Dan Henderson (Pictures) would be fighting in the UFC. Where did I get that info? From my boy Josh Gross (Goooooooaaaaaaaalllllll!!!) But they align themselves to other sites that don't cover the sport like you guys do. It's obvious who the UFC (Dana) wants to be their champion(s). This is why the purchase of PRIDE to the ZUFFA group is bad for the fans. MMA wants to separate itself from boxing … these are Don King moves if you ask me.

PEACE, ONE LOVE, GOD BLESS -- "Big" Al", Thousand Oaks, Calif.

If the UFC can't market Rampage and make millions of dollars off the guy then something is seriously wrong (and it would make your Don King claim moot, because in King's heyday he would've made Jackson a superstar). Plus you make it sound like Jackson can't beat Henderson. It's another great fight and Jackson has a solid chance of retaining the belt.

Chuck isn't going anywhere, and the loss actually sets up a big-money fight with Wanderlei Silva (Pictures).

Had Quinton lost, the UFC would've been paying a guy a lot of money that no one thought had it anymore. Instead they have a charismatic champion and a new story for Liddell: getting back to the top.

About Sherdog and the UFC, we'll continue to cover it just like we do the rest of the sport: comprehensively and to the best of our ability.

Hey Josh, You do a great job at Sherdog. That being said, my view on the Tapout crew is very positive! I am a 40-year-old guy who is a small business owner in the medical field. I was very impressed with Mask and his Business model. To paraphrase his comment on the show: I (mask) keep the guys who we sponsor and the gym owners know "we" (tapout) appreciate their loyalty, Punkass meets the new guys and Skyscrape brings in the goods. I have noticed in my business keeping the current "players happy" is smart. Looking for new business is very smart and giving out hand out's always offers good will. I WISH THESE GUYS THE BEST OF LUCK. I totally respect them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Andy in Philly

The Tapout boys definitely have their own take on MMA, and while some of their advertising has crossed my line, I still recognize what it is they're trying to do. The first piece of MMA related clothing I ever purchased was a pretty straightforward Tapout shirt, which I still own to this day. I bought it at an IFC "Warriors Challenge" card in Friant, Calif. The sport and Tapout have come a long way.

What is up with Cecil Peoples and his TERRIBLE excuse for refereeing during the Nagata vs. Hill undercard bout at Dynamite USA? Those who were at the event, such as myself, know what I'm talking about. I think Cecil should go out and patent the innovative "fight pause then two inch repositioning of fighters" which he used EXTENSIVELY during the bout. I think I actually saw Herb Dean (Pictures) and Mazzagatti (who were both at the event) both bury their faces in their hands during the bout.

All joking aside….Do you think Cecil was given some constructive criticism from some of the veteran refs after the bout? If so, I would love to hear their (Herb & Steve) thoughts on the job. What are your thoughts Josh as I believe you were at the show? -- George from Socal

The Nagata-Hill fight wasn't Peoples' best effort. His refereeing was overbearing and really interrupted the flow of the fight. I don't mind separations and repositioning, but at least stand the guys up and move them to the middle of the ring. That said, the ring ropes were not nearly as taught as they should've been.

Just a quick question about Antonio Silva (Pictures) being denied. He was cleared to fight at the EXC show, is there not a commission in Mississippi or is this just another case of California being California? No disrespect, heh. -- No Name Given

Chalk it up to different measures taken by different regulatory bodies. California is quickly earning a reputation as the most stringent in the U.S., while the Mississippi commission has never been thought of as terribly strong.

By the way, Silva's people feel the CSAC was wrong in denying the license. According to folks at the American Top Team, specialists have said that Silva's gigantism doesn't make him any more susceptible to brain trauma in a fight than you or me.

It appears that the young super heavyweight has two options: surgery or medicine, and he's picked the latter with hopes that weekly treatment will bring down the size of the tumor that forced him out of a fight against Jonathan Wiezorek (Pictures).

Curious what you have heard of his training. Who could be possible opponents and how do you think he ranks in the UFC/Pride/WEC title picture? -- No Name Given

I ran into Evan at UFC 71 and he said he's getting ready to move out to L.A. and train with Chute Boxe USA, which is opening a giant new gym between Downtown L.A. and Pasadena. Tanner said he will be in the UFC and is ready to get back in the cage.

Evan is a solid middleweight, which right now is one of the deeper divisions in the sport, so he won't lack for competition. Having not fought in 14 months, when he beat Justin Levens (Pictures) after falling in consecutive fights to David Loiseau (Pictures) and Rich Franklin (Pictures), Tanner needs to reestablish himself at 185 pounds. With the influx of fighters from TUF shows, as well as young kids making their way up in the sport, I doubt it will take long before we know what Tanner has left.

I watched the WEC on Versus and finally got to see a couple of Urijah Faber (Pictures) fights and he was very impressive. Do think he could add the extra 10 pounds and compete in the lightweight division in the UFC. Ten extra pounds on a guy fighting at a 144 pounds is quite different from a guy that is fighting at 185 or 205. He is very explosive and I think he could pose a serious threat to many in the UFC lightweight division. -- Carl Fulli, Roseville, CA

With guys fighting at 155 walking around 15-20 pounds heavier than that, I don't know if it's in Urijah's best interest to bulk up right now. He makes 145 without any problem and carries a lot of size and power there. With the way he's talked about wanting to be the "Pretty Boy" Floyd of MMA and represent really light guys, it just makes sense for Faber to stay at featherweight until he isn't challenged there anymore. "The California Kid" is only 28 and his division is just beginning to be pushed under the WEC banner. With a solid core of fighters in Shooto and other places, Faber is likely to see a steady stream of tough competition.

I was very impressed with the WEC debut on Versus Sunday night. It's a very refined production under Zuffa. They hang their hat on smaller, agile fighters, which shows an interesting angle of mixed martial arts to fans. -- David Estrada, Austin, TX

It'll be interesting to see what kind of traction the WEC gets. Has mixed martial arts reached a point where light fighters engaging in technical battles can captivate more than just hardcore fans? I hope so.

I wanted your take on what you think Zuffa is doing with PrideFC. Shogun, Dan, and Wand are headed to the UFC. And Filho is headed to the WEC. I like the match-ups that are being created, but I wanted to see if you could discuss what you think is going on in Dana's mind for the next year.

And if both belts (Pride and UFC) are up for grabs in the Rampage vs. Hollywood fight that means they will be unified. Is there a scenario where the belts could be separated again? That is: If Rampage wins -- and holds both the Pride and UFC light heavyweight belts -- could he lose one w/o losing the other? MMA belts work differently than boxing belts. I can't think of a situation where the belts could be separated.

If the Pride rules hadn't changed, I could see it being possible -- depending on the rules being used -- but that's not the case. -- Hank in Nashville

No matter what happens with PRIDE it will never be the same organization Dream Stage Entertainment promoted, at least that'll be the sentiment among PRIDE loyalists.

So, really, what is the fate of the company? The last I heard (and please take this as speculation) Zuffa -- more specifically Lorenzo Fertitta -- wants to promote PRIDE cards, especially in the U.S., while PRIDE WorldWide would be responsible for promoting UFC in Japan. Sounds backwards, I know -- which means it'll probably end up being true.

With all the hang-ups in closing the deal, the next PRIDE event won't be held until August at the earliest, if at all. But what will it look like? The best fighters from PRIDE have made their way to the UFC, some will trickle into the WEC. Where does that leave the tattered carcass of a once compelling company? I can't say for sure.

Regarding Jackson-Henderson ... it's a fight between two great light heavyweight mixed martial artists, and that's why it's interesting. The second PRIDE fell under new ownership, the thought of unifying belts disappeared. But you're right. It seems that there will only be one "unification" fight in each division, and champions will now hold two belts. Yay!

I was hoping you might weigh-in briefly on a question I have about the Karo-Burkman fight and rule implementation. First of all if a fighter grabs the fence, are they issued one warning and then a point deduction if they repeat the offense?

Secondly, Karo grabbed the fence twice, both times preventing the slam. When he prevented the first one, he was going for the Kimura and like Ivan Salaverry (Pictures) against Terry Martin (Pictures) earlier, he was about to get dropped on his head. This type of slam can be fight changing or even ending. Do you feel that a fighter should get a point deduction for grabbing the fence to prevent a slam?

I mean, Karo (who also grabbed Burkman's gloves) did look sharp in the fight, but it seems to me dirty fighting is essentially rewarded in the sport. -- Alan in Lawrence, KS

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.

Most refs will verbally warn a fighter for grabbing the fence. Then a slap of the hand will follow for another infraction. And if it happens a third time, a point should be deducted.

It seems to be one of those subjective things that comes down to the call of a referee. You have to imagine reaching out and grabbing for something when you're being pulled to the ground is a completely instinctual act, and a chain link fence just happens to be a hand magnet.

From where I was sitting I couldn't see how much the fence grabs changed the fight, but the crowd in the arena didn't seem to react that strongly, and Burkman didn't complain afterwards.

I just wanted to ask u guys if u have seen the movie Undisputed 2. I just watched it today and feel that its really relevant to what is going on today in MMA vs. Boxing. The main character is a boxer and he has to face like a street fighter that uses kicks not just boxing. They fight and of course the boxer loses (mostly do to leg kicks like what u guys were saying are boxers weakness). Then this guy tells him he must use different style of fighting like grappling and kicks. So he teaches the boxer how to kick, grapple, and use submissions. The submissions are like different then MMA like there legs are in different positions, and it looks almost like a real submission, I think they actually copy off of the UFC and stuff.

Anyway the last fight he beats the boxer pulls out a submission by doing what looks like a leg lock, but not really, and he breaks his leg. I was like sweet I can't believe this, an actually Hollywood movie is teaching how to really fight and boxing is not the dominant fighting sport in the world today. I think u guys should check it out, its kinda slow and another prison movie, but its pretty good though and really interesting to see. Oh and the fighting in it is sorta like mixed with gymnastics I guess to make it more entertaining even though it looks girly lol (I think TJ would like it. jk). But yeah check it out. - Drew from PA

You might want to check out "No Rules." Now that's a classic.