Thank you! I tried to post from my view as a fan and help people see how it has changed and evolved since its early days, but left it up to each individual to come up with there own conclusions as to whether or not they wish to watch. It is fascinating to me, but I can see that to some it looks like a bunch of guys or girls rolling around on a mat and they do not see the minds that are carefully planning each move, using weight and the cage to their advantage, knowing when to advance and retreat, and sticking with their game plan regardless of what comes their way.
Haha it will be a great battle. As a promoter yourself, I'm sure you can appreciate the work that goes in to generate excitement for events. I thought I'd make a slightly risky article, since I'm sure there are many who would not wish the UFC even existed, but hopefully the passion of the fighters and the dedication to their craft is taken into consideration.
It can be considered a sort of violent freestyle. Not as fluid as anything you do, but it is a tactical chess match that has both fighters able to change the tides at any moment.
Much safer than boxing, because once you are knocked down, there is no getting up with a ten count. Also far more multidimensional.
I love the charisma that Conor brings verses the no nonsense, came from the bottom Nate.
I can't think of too many more title fights that pitted two of the "bad boys" of UFC against each other. It may be a bit NSFW due to their passionate taunting and frequent middle fingers, and will not assuage the tendency to believe that fighters are just thugs, but this is a unique matchup and often times the fighters have immense respect for one another outside the octagon.
There are those that are always gracious and those that will talk trash far past the point of return. I will not be missing this event for sure!
Conor is quite simply the biggest star, largest personality, and the most exciting fighter in the UFC. All of his fights are must watch. He is an incredible talent that is fighting a taller, heavier, and more durable man who already beat him. And despite Conor being the most exciting fighter in the UFC, Nate actually has the most post fight bonuses in UFC only history. I'm more excited for this than UFC 200 (to be fair, I'd have been more excited for Cormier vs Jones), and if you guys have any interest in MMA at all, this is one you should watch.
I think Conor should be a larger favorite than he is. He completely dominated the first ~7.5 minutes of a fight where he moved up 2 weight classes on short notice. I understand Nate took the fight on shorter notice, but Nate always trains, has cardio for days, and his style is less reliant on having a proper training camp. I think Conor is more cautious, adds more leg kicks (Nate's kryptonite), doesn't gas out this time, and picks him apart en route to a TKO/KO win.
And unlike boxing, this is not a 1 fight event. Anthony Johnson vs Glover Teixeira will likely be lopsided in favor of Johnson, but the winner will fight Cormier for the title. And Donald Cerrone is an exciting fan favorite that, when including his WEC fights, has more of the night (not to be confused with The Night Of) awards than any fighter in UFC/WEC history (Nate is 2nd overall when including WEC).
Conclusion: don't make other plans Saturday night.
To be honest, I have no desire to see a 3rd fight. Conor is the 145 pound champion and he hasn't defended his belt yet and won't have a title unification bout with Jose Aldo for at least a year. 155 is the right division for him and I don't want to put Conor's career on hold during his prime for over a year while he battles Nate repeatedly. Let's see him vs top 155s, a rematch vs Aldo, and other fun stylistic fights instead.
Yes I would like to see those as well, and I think those will take place between a third fight if it happens, but they are just so damn entertaining that I couldn't refuse the option of a third fight.
I've never attended a fight (not legal in New York so I'd have to travel), but I'd love to see one in person someday. Watching on TV probably pales in comparison to watching live, but I do love Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg commentating. They are a hilarious pair and quite knowledgeable (Rogan especially).
I lost the money myself on 5dimes, but they have a very shady way of dealing with US customers. It's pretty common I'm sure, but the legality is strange. The credit cards get charged to random names when you fund, and they request you not tell fed ex that a package contains a check from an offsite gambling site.
I do like 5dimes and they are well respected and helpful, I just wish there wasn't so much behind the scenes tomfoolery and that the USA would just allow gambling and take a small percentage of winnings cashed out and let it be legal. Similar to gains when you cash out stocks. But that doesn't seem likely in the near future.
Thanks. I used to feel the same way about Conor, but he completely won me over in the Poirier fight. I rarely bet MMA anymore, but I thought Conor was such a clear bet at slight favorite odds, and having money on him helped reduce my bias. His quick win followed by the postfight speech was all I needed, fan for life now.
Yes I actually lost about $40K (a lot for me, but was my fault) on an online site and the correspondences I after a few years with the company were quite enlightening. I found a glitch in an online blackjack game on 5dimes and that turned the odds in my favor, but like most unprofessional gamblers, instead of cashing out I found a way to up my betting and lose it all. I follow you, because I enjoy your gambling stories and find them fascinating.
I personally cannot control gambling myself, so I have stayed away from online sites, but may do a small amount for fun to make a few of the more boring Monday Night Football matchups a little more interesting.
Sorry to hear that. In your defense, had I found a glitch in an online blackjack game that turned the odds in my favor I would have a hard time not pressing my edge. My rationale for withdrawing winnings rather than upping my betting would mainly be with the site possibly not paying out due to the glitch and wanting to cash out winnings before they froze and confiscated them. Now that I reread your post, it's actually a bit unclear, did you go on a bad run and lose or did 5dimes confiscate your money?
I lost a lot after Full Tilt was insolvent. And some other random poker sites that never paid out.
I love the brand he is building. Not quite as big an ego as Mayweather, but it does fill out the room.
I bet the Rousey vs. Correia fight and won about $700, but find it unwise to gamble to to the nature of online gambling sites (I've had some shady interactions).
But Conor has really exploded onto the scene and it will be interesting to see the weight difference from last fight and how the dedicated training camp to prepare for Nate will affect the fight.
I'm a professional gambler and have had more than my fair share of negative experiences: had nearly 6 figures disappear on unregulated or insolvent sites (one of the reasons I'd worry for anarchy and a lack of regulation). But the reputable, transparent sites are fairly safe and if you can derive fun or in my case make your living on them, then it's worth having an amount of money you can afford on them.
Conor is quite simply the biggest star, largest personality, and the most exciting fighter in the UFC
While there are fighters that I feel may be more talented (Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Demetrius Johnson) The way that Conor has built his brand is even more appealing than one of the most famous trash talkers of all time in Chael Sonnen Whose Daughter Passed Away Sadly Very Recently
Conor is 100% polarizing. You are either watching this fight to cheer him on or rooting for him to be absolutely dominated and taken down a notch. If Conor does win this may make for the most exciting 3rd matchup that I can think of.
Nate is not an eloquent speaker, but there is no questioning his hard work. Nate and Nick are both quite entertaining to watch, regardless of their records. They always bring 100% even if they are outmatched.
Conclusion: don't make other plans Saturday night.
Absolutely! Get a bunch of guys/gals together, chip in a few bucks and watch the PPV or go out to a bar with other UFC fans.
Having watched the Holly Holm vs Ronda Rousey fight live at a local bar, I can attest that there is not anything quite like an amazing knockout from a complete underdog.
This fight could go one round or the distance. I think Conor will switch his game plan and be more tactical and less aggressive early on and feel Nate out. I think he will prevail, but Nate will not go down without an incredible effort on Conor's part.
I've moved firmly into the "Demetrious Johnson is the greatest fighter of all time" camp. But Conor, the best trash talker and more exciting fighter, who is willing to move around to any weight class taking superfights...how can he not be someone's favorite fighter? Even if they disagree with stuff he says (he is fucking brilliant)
Sad news about Chael's daughter, saw it pop up on frontrowbrian's twitter feed.
Yes I wholeheartedly agree. And could you imagine the talk that would go on social media and in person if Chael and Conor fought? It would be a gold mine.
And how can anyone not love this?
He has a chest tattoo of a gorilla wearing a crown and eating a heart!
Your post is like a quick-start guide for UFC beginners :)
Very nice summary of this sport with a balanced mix of historical fact and personal analysis. They really are two of the best fighting and trash talking.
I think Nate is going to win, altough I expect a very strong start from Conor.
Thank you for the kind words. I really wanted to introduce people to the UFC without giving too much information that would only benefit hardcore fans. I'm hoping some people may decide to tune in and see the sport for what it is.
It will be interesting to see if either one is capable of getting inside the others head.
I feel Conor will have prepared better and is the more tactical fighter, but Nate has the don't quit bad-assery of someone with a passion to win. I give the edge to Conor due to leg strikes and overall athleticism, but as was proven in the first matchup, the tide can turn toward either fighter at any time.
I don't think this will go the distance, as both fighters loathe each other too much to not end with someone tapping out or face-down on the mat.
Your post really has the ability to introduce a balanced view of the sport, mainly because you showed the link with the several rules. It's not like the old days. I guess some time from now someone will think that ufc is too much strategic/tactic and looks more like a game than a fight and something new and more brutal will arise again. It's cyclical.
I also think that Conor will be more prepared this time. Let's see what happens.
I'm excited to see what Conor brings, and may do a breakdown of the fight if all goes well. And you're right, I think in a way gladiators evolved into football and football is slowly being more rule heavy (I think it needs to be) and something else will likely take the place if this happens in the ufc,
It can get bloody. So I definitely understand that may turn off a lot of viewers to it. I think there has always been a drive for people to prove their training and to be declared the best in their craft.
Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm have both really changed the way women are viewed and has shown the world that women can throw down just as hard if not harder than their male counterparts.
If you or your daughter have not read it already Ronda Rouse's Biography My Fight Your Fight is an incredible tale. She has dealt with suicide, abusive boyfriends and many other challenges on her way to becoming a UFC champion. She lost her belt in a fight to Holly Holm, but will have a chance to redeem herself in the future.
I highly recommend this book and the insight into the mind of an intense fighter.
This is the face of someone determined to accomplish the task at hand. I feel she has really empowered younger women, even if she may not necessarily be a picture perfect example of who you may wish your daughter to emulate.
Cool post and good job getting everyone up to speed on the way the rules are and how they have progressed. I was blown away by how UFC exploded and loved watching the fights. GSP was my favorite fighter. For some reason I have sort of fallen out of watching it as much but I still love the sport.
Diaz! Conner won't stop him on punches and certainly not on the mat. At best he can hope to make it a points game, stick and move and stay to the outside. Shouldn't have asked for this fight, but glad I get to see it.
I think Conor will have prepared better this time around. I give the advantage to him in leg kicks, and overall athleticism / stamina, but give Nate the edge in durability and ground game. I love the hate between them so much haha.
Great post! I learned a lot from reading it.
Thank you! I tried to post from my view as a fan and help people see how it has changed and evolved since its early days, but left it up to each individual to come up with there own conclusions as to whether or not they wish to watch. It is fascinating to me, but I can see that to some it looks like a bunch of guys or girls rolling around on a mat and they do not see the minds that are carefully planning each move, using weight and the cage to their advantage, knowing when to advance and retreat, and sticking with their game plan regardless of what comes their way.
UFC 200!! Payback time for the notorious conor mcgregor
Haha it will be a great battle. As a promoter yourself, I'm sure you can appreciate the work that goes in to generate excitement for events. I thought I'd make a slightly risky article, since I'm sure there are many who would not wish the UFC even existed, but hopefully the passion of the fighters and the dedication to their craft is taken into consideration.
It can be considered a sort of violent freestyle. Not as fluid as anything you do, but it is a tactical chess match that has both fighters able to change the tides at any moment.
Much safer than boxing, because once you are knocked down, there is no getting up with a ten count. Also far more multidimensional.
I love the charisma that Conor brings verses the no nonsense, came from the bottom Nate.
I can't think of too many more title fights that pitted two of the "bad boys" of UFC against each other. It may be a bit NSFW due to their passionate taunting and frequent middle fingers, and will not assuage the tendency to believe that fighters are just thugs, but this is a unique matchup and often times the fighters have immense respect for one another outside the octagon.
There are those that are always gracious and those that will talk trash far past the point of return. I will not be missing this event for sure!
Conor is quite simply the biggest star, largest personality, and the most exciting fighter in the UFC. All of his fights are must watch. He is an incredible talent that is fighting a taller, heavier, and more durable man who already beat him. And despite Conor being the most exciting fighter in the UFC, Nate actually has the most post fight bonuses in UFC only history. I'm more excited for this than UFC 200 (to be fair, I'd have been more excited for Cormier vs Jones), and if you guys have any interest in MMA at all, this is one you should watch.
I think Conor should be a larger favorite than he is. He completely dominated the first ~7.5 minutes of a fight where he moved up 2 weight classes on short notice. I understand Nate took the fight on shorter notice, but Nate always trains, has cardio for days, and his style is less reliant on having a proper training camp. I think Conor is more cautious, adds more leg kicks (Nate's kryptonite), doesn't gas out this time, and picks him apart en route to a TKO/KO win.
And unlike boxing, this is not a 1 fight event. Anthony Johnson vs Glover Teixeira will likely be lopsided in favor of Johnson, but the winner will fight Cormier for the title. And Donald Cerrone is an exciting fan favorite that, when including his WEC fights, has more of the night (not to be confused with The Night Of) awards than any fighter in UFC/WEC history (Nate is 2nd overall when including WEC).
Conclusion: don't make other plans Saturday night.
This is such a good comment it deserves to be part of it's own blog.
I hated conor until the mendes fight, now i get it but still not rooting for him, have always loved nate, hope he wins again
To be honest, I have no desire to see a 3rd fight. Conor is the 145 pound champion and he hasn't defended his belt yet and won't have a title unification bout with Jose Aldo for at least a year. 155 is the right division for him and I don't want to put Conor's career on hold during his prime for over a year while he battles Nate repeatedly. Let's see him vs top 155s, a rematch vs Aldo, and other fun stylistic fights instead.
Yes I would like to see those as well, and I think those will take place between a third fight if it happens, but they are just so damn entertaining that I couldn't refuse the option of a third fight.
I've never attended a fight (not legal in New York so I'd have to travel), but I'd love to see one in person someday. Watching on TV probably pales in comparison to watching live, but I do love Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg commentating. They are a hilarious pair and quite knowledgeable (Rogan especially).
I lost the money myself on 5dimes, but they have a very shady way of dealing with US customers. It's pretty common I'm sure, but the legality is strange. The credit cards get charged to random names when you fund, and they request you not tell fed ex that a package contains a check from an offsite gambling site.
I do like 5dimes and they are well respected and helpful, I just wish there wasn't so much behind the scenes tomfoolery and that the USA would just allow gambling and take a small percentage of winnings cashed out and let it be legal. Similar to gains when you cash out stocks. But that doesn't seem likely in the near future.
Thanks. I used to feel the same way about Conor, but he completely won me over in the Poirier fight. I rarely bet MMA anymore, but I thought Conor was such a clear bet at slight favorite odds, and having money on him helped reduce my bias. His quick win followed by the postfight speech was all I needed, fan for life now.
Yes I actually lost about $40K (a lot for me, but was my fault) on an online site and the correspondences I after a few years with the company were quite enlightening. I found a glitch in an online blackjack game on 5dimes and that turned the odds in my favor, but like most unprofessional gamblers, instead of cashing out I found a way to up my betting and lose it all. I follow you, because I enjoy your gambling stories and find them fascinating.
I personally cannot control gambling myself, so I have stayed away from online sites, but may do a small amount for fun to make a few of the more boring Monday Night Football matchups a little more interesting.
Sorry to hear that. In your defense, had I found a glitch in an online blackjack game that turned the odds in my favor I would have a hard time not pressing my edge. My rationale for withdrawing winnings rather than upping my betting would mainly be with the site possibly not paying out due to the glitch and wanting to cash out winnings before they froze and confiscated them. Now that I reread your post, it's actually a bit unclear, did you go on a bad run and lose or did 5dimes confiscate your money?
I lost a lot after Full Tilt was insolvent. And some other random poker sites that never paid out.
I love the brand he is building. Not quite as big an ego as Mayweather, but it does fill out the room.
I bet the Rousey vs. Correia fight and won about $700, but find it unwise to gamble to to the nature of online gambling sites (I've had some shady interactions).
But Conor has really exploded onto the scene and it will be interesting to see the weight difference from last fight and how the dedicated training camp to prepare for Nate will affect the fight.
I'm a professional gambler and have had more than my fair share of negative experiences: had nearly 6 figures disappear on unregulated or insolvent sites (one of the reasons I'd worry for anarchy and a lack of regulation). But the reputable, transparent sites are fairly safe and if you can derive fun or in my case make your living on them, then it's worth having an amount of money you can afford on them.
Agreed. Great addition @daut44 . UFC recently sold out and needs a marquee player like McGregor. Hey that rhymes.
Playa Like McGrega ;)
While there are fighters that I feel may be more talented (Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Demetrius Johnson) The way that Conor has built his brand is even more appealing than one of the most famous trash talkers of all time in Chael Sonnen Whose Daughter Passed Away Sadly Very Recently
Conor is 100% polarizing. You are either watching this fight to cheer him on or rooting for him to be absolutely dominated and taken down a notch. If Conor does win this may make for the most exciting 3rd matchup that I can think of.
Nate is not an eloquent speaker, but there is no questioning his hard work. Nate and Nick are both quite entertaining to watch, regardless of their records. They always bring 100% even if they are outmatched.
Absolutely! Get a bunch of guys/gals together, chip in a few bucks and watch the PPV or go out to a bar with other UFC fans.
Having watched the Holly Holm vs Ronda Rousey fight live at a local bar, I can attest that there is not anything quite like an amazing knockout from a complete underdog.
This fight could go one round or the distance. I think Conor will switch his game plan and be more tactical and less aggressive early on and feel Nate out. I think he will prevail, but Nate will not go down without an incredible effort on Conor's part.
I've moved firmly into the "Demetrious Johnson is the greatest fighter of all time" camp. But Conor, the best trash talker and more exciting fighter, who is willing to move around to any weight class taking superfights...how can he not be someone's favorite fighter? Even if they disagree with stuff he says (he is fucking brilliant)
Sad news about Chael's daughter, saw it pop up on frontrowbrian's twitter feed.
Yes I wholeheartedly agree. And could you imagine the talk that would go on social media and in person if Chael and Conor fought? It would be a gold mine.
He has a chest tattoo of a gorilla wearing a crown and eating a heart!
Your post is like a quick-start guide for UFC beginners :)
Very nice summary of this sport with a balanced mix of historical fact and personal analysis. They really are two of the best fighting and trash talking.
I think Nate is going to win, altough I expect a very strong start from Conor.
Thank you for the kind words. I really wanted to introduce people to the UFC without giving too much information that would only benefit hardcore fans. I'm hoping some people may decide to tune in and see the sport for what it is.
It will be interesting to see if either one is capable of getting inside the others head.
I feel Conor will have prepared better and is the more tactical fighter, but Nate has the don't quit bad-assery of someone with a passion to win. I give the edge to Conor due to leg strikes and overall athleticism, but as was proven in the first matchup, the tide can turn toward either fighter at any time.
I don't think this will go the distance, as both fighters loathe each other too much to not end with someone tapping out or face-down on the mat.
Your post really has the ability to introduce a balanced view of the sport, mainly because you showed the link with the several rules. It's not like the old days. I guess some time from now someone will think that ufc is too much strategic/tactic and looks more like a game than a fight and something new and more brutal will arise again. It's cyclical.
I also think that Conor will be more prepared this time. Let's see what happens.
I'm excited to see what Conor brings, and may do a breakdown of the fight if all goes well. And you're right, I think in a way gladiators evolved into football and football is slowly being more rule heavy (I think it needs to be) and something else will likely take the place if this happens in the ufc,
a breakdown of the fight will be appreciated
Wow I was always wondering why my daughter loves to watch fights :)
It can get bloody. So I definitely understand that may turn off a lot of viewers to it. I think there has always been a drive for people to prove their training and to be declared the best in their craft.
Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm have both really changed the way women are viewed and has shown the world that women can throw down just as hard if not harder than their male counterparts.
If you or your daughter have not read it already Ronda Rouse's Biography My Fight Your Fight is an incredible tale. She has dealt with suicide, abusive boyfriends and many other challenges on her way to becoming a UFC champion. She lost her belt in a fight to Holly Holm, but will have a chance to redeem herself in the future.
I highly recommend this book and the insight into the mind of an intense fighter.
This is the face of someone determined to accomplish the task at hand. I feel she has really empowered younger women, even if she may not necessarily be a picture perfect example of who you may wish your daughter to emulate.
Oh dear ! Mean machine Power Girl ! I will check this out 🙈🙉🐲 Did you see my post today ?
I have not yet, (as I took quite a bit of time writing this) but I will quite soon. I really enjoy your posts @mammasitta!
Cool post and good job getting everyone up to speed on the way the rules are and how they have progressed. I was blown away by how UFC exploded and loved watching the fights. GSP was my favorite fighter. For some reason I have sort of fallen out of watching it as much but I still love the sport.
Diaz! Conner won't stop him on punches and certainly not on the mat. At best he can hope to make it a points game, stick and move and stay to the outside. Shouldn't have asked for this fight, but glad I get to see it.
I think Conor will have prepared better this time around. I give the advantage to him in leg kicks, and overall athleticism / stamina, but give Nate the edge in durability and ground game. I love the hate between them so much haha.
nice forecast :)
Great article, I love watching UFC fights.
💋 @halo 💋
Thanks @halo! Girls that enjoy UFC are a lot of fun to go and watch with