GUT REACTION

With all that’s been going on in MMA this past week I wasn’t sure where to begin, so I might as well start with last Saturday nights EliteXC. The Diaz Brothers are getting bashed all over the Internet for their “WWE like” scuffle with KJ Noons and his entourage. This was following Noons destruction of Yves Edwards. Although they should take some responsibility, I place the majority of blame on Gary Shaw. Why would he send a noted hothead like Diaz out to the cage to confront Noons? I get the idea of hyping a fight, but he had to know this was going to go bad. It marred what was actually a pretty good night of fights. Diaz won his fight over newcomer Muhsin Cobbrey. Cobbrey is a tough kid, who at times looked pretty good. That was until Diaz TKO’d him at 3:59 of the 3rd round. A couple guys to keep an eye on are Rafael Feijao and Dave Herman. Herman looked great pounding out a TKO over veteran Ron Waterman. Fiejao was equally impressive as he TKO’d the very tough Wayne Cole. Just a thought, Murilo “Ninja” Rua should be in the UFC. Granted his opponent (Tony Bontello) wasn’t a household name but that guy sure could take a beating, and that’s just what “Ninja” gave him.
I hope I don’t come across as a homer for the UFC but if the UFC is the NFL, then EliteXC is the XFL. It’s a shame too because they have some very good fighters, I don’t believe they need all of those antics.
Speaking of the UFC, Dana White has done it again. He’s managed to piss people off, by of all things putting on a FREE night of fights. Only problem is, it goes head-to-head with Afflictions first ever fight card. At first I thought; If Dana’s so confident in his product why does he need to do this? Then I realized its just good business. This will certainly affect Afflictions pay-per-view numbers.
Not only is the UFC giving us a free night of fights, but none other than Anderson Silva will headline this card. Silva will be making his UFC debut at light heavyweight as he takes on James Irvin. Irvin last defeated Houston Alexander by KO in only 8 seconds. I actually like this match-up. If Silva walks through Irvin like he has his other opponents, it will make for some interesting fights for Silva in that division. If Irvin wins it will really open some eyes. My money is on Silva. Could that mean a possible Anderson vs. Wanderlei in the near future? As if we don’t already have enough to look forward to.