UFC’s Calendar Craze

It’s funny how sometimes you can set out to do one thing, and then completely turn around and do something else. I’m of the opinion that the UFC is putting on way too many shows. The interest varies across the board due to some cards boasting big-name stars on the marquee while others simply have nameless faces posing as feature attractions.

With approximately forty-five events scheduled for 2014, the UFC runs the risk of over-saturating the market which will lead to customer fatigue. However, what if every event was must-see TV? As I was writing an article for the Camel Clutch Blog, my analysis of the situation has changed my position on the matter. There is a method to the Zuffa onslaught of shows that could pay huge dividends going forward.

Check out my newest article titled “Too Many UFC Shows Could Be a Good Thing” up now at the Camel Clutch Blog.com

UFC Fight Night: Aub Dhabi – Nogueira’s Last Stand?

UFC Fight Pass is presenting another exclusive offering with UFC Fight Night: Aub Dhabi featuring a five round heavyweight main event between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy “Big Country” Nelson. From top to bottom, this is the most stacked offering from the digital streaming service, and it’s fitting that “Minotauro” receives top billing. Currently ranked 11^th in the division, he is one of the few that remain from the pre boom period where fighters were larger than life.

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H-Bomb Saves Dan Henderson in Brazil

HendovShogunII — Photo by Gleidson Venga of Sherdog.com

They say styles make fights in Mixed Martial Arts. I like to think that stories make fights, too. Last night, Dan Henderson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua engaged in a rematch from their 2011 War of Attrition, which is considered one of the greatest fights of all time. This time, instead of a wild brawl, we were treated to a tactical affair that produced a different type of excitement that kept fans on the edge of their seat.

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The Decision: Georges St. Pierre vs. Johny Hendricks

ufc167_12_gsp_vs_hendricks_116 — UFC.com

I would have called shenanigans if I hadn’t seen it for myself.

Well, I saw it with my own eyes, and Georges St. Pierre won a controversial split decision over Johny Hendricks, which most people felt he lost. Questionable decisions are happening more and more in the UFC. The end result will generate more money because rematches are bound to happen, but will it keep fans in the long run? All parties involved have to not only deal with the judges’ decision on Saturday but also make a decision of their own.

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Calling the Shots of Georges Rush St. Pierre vs Johny Hendricks

Time flies when you’re having fun. The particular period of time I’m referring to is the 20 years that the UFC has been in existence. This milestone will be celebrated on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden when the greatest welterweight of all time faces his toughest challenge to date.

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Channeling My Inner Vince McMahon with an Independent Show.

I’m dusting off my wrestling promoters hat and putting on a wrestling show on November 2^nd at the Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge in Beverly, MA. This will be a charity event where all of proceeds will go towards the Elks National Foundation which supports military families, youth programs, scholarships and a whole host of other charitable endeavors. Since the show is taking place at the Elks and it’s for the Elks, I found it fitting to name the event, ELKMANIA. Yep, you read that right.

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Remembrance of Chris Benoit

Column I wrote for Gerweck.net

Chris Benoit was my professional idol. There, I said it. It’s something that no one except my close friends know. In a way, I’m ashamed of this even though no one could have predicted the horrific events that occurred six years ago this very day. I remember where I was when I heard the news about the murders. I had just gotten out of class and my friend Reid call me and said: “I have something to tell you and you should sit down.”

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Calling the Shots of Junior Dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt

UFC 160 features a rematch for the heavyweight title where Cain Velasquez defends the title against Antonio “Big Foot” Silva. One year ago, on this very day, Velasquez delivered perhaps the worst one-sided blood bath in combat sports history to Silva. Needless to say, I’m not interested in this fight, but I’m very interested in the co-main event, which pits Junior Dos Santos against Mark Hunt.

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Dean Ambrose is the Future of the Business

From my column at Gerweck.net

I’m putting myself out there on this one. As they say on the street, you either go big or you go home.

There comes a time in any genre where a particular talent stands out from the rest of the pack. It could be for several reasons or simply because of one mitigating factor. Personal opinion comes into play as the exploits of this individual speaks to you, even if they don’t to anyone else. This person also reinvigorates your excitement for the genre to the point where you’ve become a fan again for the first time. I’m talking about professional wrestling, and the wrestler I’m referring to is Dean Ambrose, and I believe he will be the future of the business.

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Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold: A UFC vs. Strikeforce Tale

The Arena Jaragua in Santa Catarina, Brazil, will be treated to a middleweight clash with huge divisional ramifications. Luke Rockhold is the former Strikeforce kingpin looking to establish himself as a serious contender in the UFC. Vitor Belfort is the old lion that can still maul anyone who enters the cage.

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