The Day, In MMA

The Day, In MMA with Jake Chastain

2/16/2012

The day after the debut of the UFC on Fuel TV brought about very positive reactions. Everything went smoothly on the new network and the fights delivered big. The only negative feedback that seemed to kick up today was the fact that the main event between Sanchez and Ellenberger was limited to three rounds rather than the five that most main event fights now receive. Ellenberger won the fight by a decision that saw him win the first two and then drop the third to Sanchez pretty heavily. UFC President Dana White today expressed that he was pleased with how things went on the new network but also agreed that the main event should have been a five rounder. He explained that he was going to make sure that ALL main event fights are scheduled for five rounds, regardless of if it’s scheduled on a PPV or on a cable network station. We also found out that Diego had a severe ankle sprain during his camp that limited his training. That could have played into the fight, but regardless the card was great. The fighters truly delivered in Omaha.

Today was also the UFC 145 presser, held in Atlanta, Georgia. The turnout seemed great, the MMA fans were extremely excited and appreciative of the UFC’s return, and regardless of how much Rashad and Jon tried to stay professional there was an animosity between the two that just couldn’t be hidden. Nothing huge happened, basic questions were answered, both men commented on their current weight (both were around 225), the regular. There was, however, a great question that was brought up (by a fan) about the two training together in the past. It made me realize that Rashad Evans may be the only 205 pound fighter in the UFC that understands, and has trained with the distance that Mr. Jones possesses. This is an interesting point to take into consideration when thinking about the style matchup in this fight. Noted!
We found out today that UFC TUF14 contestant Akira Corassani was again injured and has been forced out his fight with Jason Young, which was scheduled for the UFC on Fuel 2 card. Akira was forced out of his last bout due to injury as well. No specifics were given on the injury.

Chael Sonnen said that he is still yet to receive the call from the UFC to offer him the rematch title fight with Anderson Silva. Sonnen quoted, “I have not even been offered the fight. I’ve read in the media that I’m going to have the fight. I’m telling people that I have the fight, but the reality is I’ve never been offered it.”An interesting comment from the ‘supposed number one contender’? I don’t know what to think about this, especially because Anderson Silva spoke with ESPN and brought up GSP’s name, saying “In my opinion it’s a great, great, great fight, me and Georges St Pierre.” This will definitely be something to keep an eye on. Who is the true number one contender in the middleweight division right now? Hmm…
This also brings up another name that came out today: Dan Henderson. Dana White said he doesn’t know what’s next for him, and Hendo came out and said he has no clue what’s next for himself (Hendo is coming off that epic battle against Rua a few months ago). He did, however, say that he’s not interested in fight Machida but that he’d be open for a heavyweight fight.

Rumors also came out today about UFC ring girl Chandella Powell being released from her duties yesterday for not properly disclosing her prior work as an adult entertainer for on-line web media.

And on top of all of that Aaron Simpson explained that, after his split decision loss last night he might be better suited to fight at welterweight. We’ll see where he decides to take his already successful UFC career from here.

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Cheers to all you hardcore Mixed Martial Arts fans out there. See you tomorrow…

Sincerely,
Jake Chastain