The theme of my blog is my thoughts about happenings in and around the world of mixed martial arts. I am a long time fan of the sport and what I'm looking to provide here is an opinionated discussion about it, hopefully taking the thoughts and debate to a higher level of understanding without being condescending or exclusive. I am David Vaessen, and this is my point of view.
1. Last night Jon Jones proved something we already knew. He proved that if you match him up with another wrestler that isn't used to being put on their back, and has no offensive skills from their guard, that he can make them look like a tomato can. He very impressively disposed of Matyushenko but the fight didn't advance the discussion on the sport's most hyped prospect. It simply provided another notch in his belt. This is something that I am not opposed to though. He is only 23 and his ground skills aren't developed yet. A high level bjj black belt with good striking skills could be too much for the kid right now but the time has come to see just what he can do with somebody that is a threat to him from his guard. I would recommend Forrest Griffin. He's a name that they could build a PPV main event or co-main event off of. That and I don't like Griffin and would love to see him get beat up. Morbid curiosity has taken over for me here.
2. Yushin Okami is a contender. That's something everybody that has followed the sport for a number of years already knew. His strength, balance and use of leverage negating a national champion wrestler should not be overlooked. Munoz isn't ready for the top of the sport but losing to this guy isn't the end of the world for him. He throws power punches only. If he learned to strike properly and figured out how to come forward and shoot take downs on the end of combinations rather than after being pushed backwards pelted by the other guy he could make something of himself in this sport. Until then, he's a good test for some and because of his unique skill set he'll beat many guys that are more refined than himself but he's not well rounded enough to be there yet. I actually think Jake Rosholt is a much better fighter and prospect.
3. The commentary and refereeing in the Ellenberger Howard fight were the disgrace of the night and left a bad taste in my mouth. All Rogan could yap about was how much power Howard has and what brilliant muay thai he was displaying, apparently from his back getting his face broken by somebody that threw him around like a child. Howard was actually considerably out struck in the first round by a very nice jab Ellenberger was using. And in the second round, if not for two power strikes landed form Howard, which barely phased Ellenberger, it would have been an easy 10-8 round. Then he talks about a rematch. A rematch? Why on earth would there be a rematch with this crap? Because Howard was robbed of losing an easy 30-27 around the table decision? Give me a break. Is Joe sleeping with Howard or something? Or were his advances thwarted by Jake? Ridiculous. That brings me to Herb Dean. I'd like that nimrod to explain to somebody where it says in the unified rules that if the crowd is restless because they don't understand bjj that he should stand fighters up. Ellenberger was doing work, clearly, as he broke Howard's face in the process of his ground attack. If Howard is not good enough to improved his position and Ellenberger is clearly not just resting on top then don't stand them up. There is no excuse for that garbage. There has never been a less deserving 4-0 fighter in UFC history than Howard and now that he finally justly got his butt whooped they act like he needs another shot at it. I don't think so. Jake is a better prospect than Howard and should be moved along to a better opponent. How about Anthony Johnson?
4. I'm not going to lie, I am a massive Pride fan, from back in the day. Seeing Gomi look like the old fireball kid was something that brought a real smile to my face. That was a legit stoppage too. Griffin looked up but he didn't move a single limb and was about to be hurt very badly. Gomi has the most knock out power in the division and with his natural skill set he could be a real contender again. He has wrestling, ground game and striking. The problem is, he can be made to look bad by anybody with significant class in any of those three things. He can be technically beaten in all three of those areas. It's good to see him back though and relevant again. Maybe his training will return to form now and he'll have another run. As for Griffin, it's time to face facts. He has little arms. He looks like the world's largest midget. He has no business getting into striking wars with guys that he needs to be 16 inches away from to hit. He's good in most areas and he's a serious player but he's never going to be a contender. He's on the Joe Stevenson level.
5. The Oliviera submission win was awesome. It's said that he's a naturally gifted striker as well and so it's too bad we didn't get to see some of that in his fight too. It's nice to see another prospect though. I hope they don't rush him into things he can't deal with too early but the future is bright with this guy, Rory MacDonald, Hathaway, Jones, Duffee, and Grispi and Mendez from WEC. It stands to reason that we have a bright future of mixed martial arts to look forward to.
6. I would feel incomplete about this post if I didn't mention Mr. Sonnen's interview from last night. He has done the best job of any fighter in the sport's history of hyping a single fight. I also happen to agree with him about Anderson Silva. I hope Chael rips this guy apart. I have never been so interested in a fight between two guys that I have never cheered for in any fight in either of their careers. I have become a Sonnen fan. That doesn't mean that I think he's necessarily going to win on Saturday but I sure hope so. He has a chance. Anderson has had difficulty with wrestlers in his past and Sonnen's not just technically good as a wrestler, he's relentless and grinding. August 7 is going to be awesome and not just for that fight. What a stacked card. My excitement level for this card is higher than any card since Rua Machida 2, and that's only because I am the world's biggest Shogun fan.
'Til next time.
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