CageJunkies Fact Or Fiction 11.16.11
UFC on Fox did not exactly go off as Dana White planned, but it was by no means a bad event. So lets take a look at some questions left after Saturday night with Derrick Putzel and James Masciantonio:
1. JDS vs Cain Velasquez ended with a first round knockout in just over one minute. Was this quick finish bad for the UFC on Fox?
DP: Fiction
The quick finish was reminiscent of the days when Tyson walked through everybody. While im sure many of us hardcore would have liked to see a war, new and casual got to see a great finish and that is what will bring many back for more.There also was no controversy and no Post fight drama that would have been a negative for the sport. Viewers were introduced to something many hadn’t given a second thought too. So with that said, MMA, the UFC and FOX all won on Saturday. Plus the fans got a free HW title fight on network tv, everyone wins….. Well except for half of the fighters on the card of course.
JM: Fiction
The ratings have come in and they are saying that this was the most watched MMA event in history with over 5million viewers. Would the numbers have been bigger if people were able to tune in for the 2nd round? Probably but in any case I don’t see how this event could be viewed as anything other than successful.
AP:Fiction
I’ve heard all the stories online that people watching in bars didn’t understand what the hype was about when Cain was knocked out early. Even some of my friends who were watching for the first time were disappointed with what they saw. But that does not mean it was bad for MMA. It can only go up from here, with more fights shown in a broadcast and different fighters broadcasted. Plus, this was still the most watched MMA event with 8.8 million viewers!
DP: 1, JM: 1
2. During the prelims of UFC on Fox, Robert Peralta knocked out Mackens Semerzier. The problem is, Peralta and Semerzier collided heads and it was the headbutt that sent Semerzier to the canvas. Semerzier is now appealing the loss to the CSAC, so will this loss be turned over to a no contest?
DP: Fact
If the CSAC ever had a chance to not only look competent (see Josh Barnett and Chael Sonnen hearings for an example of being incompetent.) but do the right thing, they will overturn this and make it a NC. It was clear as day that Mackens went down due to the collision of heads. The clash of heads also left a nice lump on Peralta’s head. This should be a no brainer, key word is SHOULD. The ref in the fight, Big John McCarthy, has concluded that after seeing the replay that it was the clash of heads that caused Mackens to go down. The CSAC shouldn’t even need to ask him as they will get a copy of the fight to review, but having one of the most respected referees saying it was from the accidental head butt that should make this an open and shut case. Let’s just hope they get it right.
JM: Fact
We’ve seen this type of thing in the past. A fight is ended due to what turns out to be an illegal blow. The problem is that there are a lot of elements in play. I think his argument holds water and I think the commission will agree and make it a no-contest. We will see these 2 on another under card for a rematch in the first half of 2012.
AP: Fact
This is an easy one, but it had to be discussed. No doubt, this fight will be ruled a no contest. The strike to drop Semerzier was indeed an illegal headbut (although not intentional) and should have been called when the fighters were separated.
DP: 2, JM: 2
3. Some people on MMA forums seem to think Cain got “Serra’d” on Saturday, meaning he was knocked out quickly and will now fight safe and try to grind out decisions. Will Cain start fighting cautiously?
DP: Fiction
In the case of GSP, Serra was a grappler who had heavy hands. In this case, JDS has not only heavy hands but he is known as a striker/boxer. What Cain should take away from this fight is sticking to gameplans. If you are a grappler/wrestler and facing a known KO artist who also happens to be a great boxer, don’t stand and trade. I’m sure ring rust and if rumors are true, injuries leading up to the fight had more to do with his performance than anything. He will not only bounce back but still be an aggressive fighter. It’s who he is and how he fights. GSP may have finished more fights before Serra but he never was reckless. Two different fights and two different weight classes.
JM: Fiction
I don’t think there is any way to be cautious about being a heavy weight cage fighter. Will we see Cain start focusing on exploiting his opponents weaknesses and keeping himself out of harm’s way? I seriously doubt it. Cain is a real fighter and I don’t expect to ever see him doing anything but trying to finish his opponents.
AP: Fiction
The theory isn’t completely out of left field, GSP has fought more cautiously, but that doesn’t make it a bad thing. GSP now utilizes more technique and paces himself, and creates a gameplan. I have no doubt that Cain had a gameplan coming into his fight with JDS, but it did not work out for him. I think Cain may adjust his gameplan and work his strengths more in a fight, but by no means do I believe he will start grinding out decisions and not try to finish. He is an exciting fighter, and that’s the way he’ll want to keep it.
DP: 3, JM: 3
Looks like we have a tie this week! Don’t miss UFC 139 this weekend and check back next Thursday for another Fact or Fiction segment.
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