MMA/UFC Discussion Thread MMA • Page 452

I mean, overall I agree. The UFC needs consistency and the fighters need to know where they stand and what risks are going to result in tangible, definitive opportunities. It's just that I don't know what leverage he currently has whether you go by the rankings or if you go by hype. Also, I agree that it probably doesn't inherently mean much to the UFC, but as it stands, you have to get the fans behind you and make it clear that they want to see you in that position (which is part of the reason they're now trying to fast-track Khamzat). .

I guess my question is: how long is he supposed to be entitled to that #1 contender spot? For example, should a win over RDA three years ago still give him a pass if the UFC once told him he was next in line?

Side note, I do believe he got a raw deal because the UFC originally said fighters wouldn't be punished for not fighting during COVID, but that's sort of what's happening now.

 

His leverage was his rank and banking on the UFC to be meritocratic to some degree. Now, that's a poor plan, but not any poorer than trying to get fans on your side. Hell, Masvidal was the biggest star in the sport for a time and only got a title shot because it was short notice and the UFC was over a barrel.

I don't even view it as him being entitled to a spot, at least not over guys like Colby and Gilbert, but I think he deserves to be fighting those two guys. One could argue that he had those opportunities, but I'll never fault someone turning down a short notice fight, especially a title fight. And during covid, I'm not faulting him for not flying to America on a whim to fight Colby. Like Dana said, no one was going to be punished for not fighting during this. The Geoff Neal and Chimaev offers are just laughable. If he's being difficult book some other welterweights and have them leapfrog him based on activity. They're just making an example out of him at this point.

Leon was certainly naive in all of this, but there's just a weird energy people have towards Edwards I don't understand.

 

RUN IT DANA

 

Yes please

 

That's essentially what's happening and is why I'm not sure why it's surprising to see guys like Colby and Gilbert to move ahead of him and take him out of that previously promised contention spot. But yes, taking him out of the rankings completely is a petty and meaningless move though.

 

It’s very silly on all parts at this point. Edwards just needs to take a fight because at the end of the day, winning fights is ultimately going to get him what he wants, no matter the opponent.

Winning against Wonderboy > not fighting.

 

Justin’s been doing some weird thing where he’s constantly shaking off his left arm all week, could
obviously be nothing but weird nonetheless

 

Going with Gaethje and Whittaker.

 

That's the outcome I'm hoping for.

 

Khabib
Whittaker
Harris

 

Justin has as good a shot as anyone Khabib has ever fought but I think Khabib gets it done.

Khabib
Bobby Knuckles
Harris

 

That's where I'm at. I think Justin can absolutely get it done so I will not be surprised whatsoever if that's the outcome, but I still think a Khabib win is most likely. Really just anticipating a great fight because they match up well stylistically.

 

It’s impossible to know until tomorrow but I guess it’ll be interesting to find out what kind of wrestling Justin actually has. And if he can keep the fight in the middle of the cage.

Then you have Khabib dealing with fighting without his father for the first time.

 

Make this to co-main in January on the Conor - Porier fight. They can’t have a title fight in the card so something this big as co-main makes sense.

 

Lol and Edwards is back in the rankings.

 

never thought I'd say this but I would fucking love to see Leon derail his hype in a long boring decision.

 

Leon is a good fighter. He’s an even better point fighter. I do think he wins.


However, if Khamzat beats Leon he’s 100000% getting a title shot.

 

Woke up this morning with a strange feeling that Khabib might get slept.

 

Can’t remember the last time I was this excited for a fight. I feel like anything can happen and it’s gonna be an amazing war regardless if Justin looks as good as he did against Tony.

 

Do you guys ever get really anxious for important fights? Any time the stakes are high or my favorites are fighting, my palms are sweaty like all day. Haha.

Think I’m officially picking Justin today. I think he has what it takes and his style matches up well. But again, a Khabib mauling would not shock me...

 

Gaethje
Cannonier
Harris

 

Definitely am today. It’s been awhile since there’s been a big big fight that I felt invested in.

 

So nervous for Khabib today
taking Whittaker