UFC 101: DECLARATION

[Ronsam2006]

UFC 101: Declaration

Main card
Lightweight Championship bout: B.J. Penn vs. Kenny Florian
Light Heavyweight bout: Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin
Welterweight bout: Amir Sadollah vs. Johny Hendricks
Middleweight bout: Kendall Grove vs. Ricardo Almeida
Lightweight bout: Josh Neer vs. Kurt Pellegrino

Preliminary card
Lightweight bout: Shane Nelson vs. Aaron Riley
Welterweight bout: Tamdan McCrory vs. John Howard
Middleweight bout: Thales Leites vs. Alessio Sakara
Welterweight bout: Matt Riddle vs. Dan Cramer
Lightweight bout: George Sotiropoulos vs. George Roop
Welterweight bout: Jesse Lennox vs. Danillo Villefort


I am really looking forward to the Silva-Griffin fight. That is a fight that will make you go numb just thinking about the matchup. I am also looking forward to Amir Sadollah 2nd fight in the UFC who hasn't fought since June 08 after his TUF 7 finale, AND HE WON, but I guess that's why they gave him a job hosting on Spike.

Of course I am ready for the Penn-Florian fight, I am a huge Penn fan, and I have been following him and his blogs closely after the GSP loss, he looks determined and ready to get it done. What do you guys think about this fight?

Also did you guys see Penn jump right out of a 3ft pool? WTF...what an athelete...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXoqfIU0C6Y

[americanctm]

I am really looking forward to the Silva-Griffin fight. That is a fight that will make you go numb just thinking about the matchup.

BOOM! That fight is is going to be epic.

[ironchef]

UFC 101: Declaration

Main card
Lightweight Championship bout: B.J. Penn vs. Kenny Florian
Light Heavyweight bout: Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin
Welterweight bout: Amir Sadollah vs. Johny Hendricks
Middleweight bout: Kendall Grove vs. Ricardo Almeida
Lightweight bout: Josh Neer vs. Kurt Pellegrino

Preliminary card
Lightweight bout: Shane Nelson vs. Aaron Riley
Welterweight bout: Tamdan McCrory vs. John Howard
Middleweight bout: Thales Leites vs. Alessio Sakara
Welterweight bout: Matt Riddle vs. Dan Cramer
Lightweight bout: George Sotiropoulos vs. George Roop
Welterweight bout: Jesse Lennox vs. Danillo Villefort


I am really looking forward to the Silva-Griffin fight. That is a fight that will make you go numb just thinking about the matchup. I am also looking forward to Amir Sadollah 2nd fight in the UFC who hasn't fought since June 08 after his TUF 7 finale, AND HE WON, but I guess that's why they gave him a job hosting on Spike.

Of course I am ready for the Penn-Florian fight, I am a huge Penn fan, and I have been following him and his blogs closely after the GSP loss, he looks determined and ready to get it done. What do you guys think about this fight?

Also did you guys see Penn jump right out of a 3ft pool? WTF...what an athelete...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXoqfIU0C6Y

My picks in bold.

[Ronsam2006]

My picks in bold.

I can respect that....I am going for Kendall Grove as well.

[Sinfix_15]

i dont like the Forrest - Silva match, it makes no sense. On paper you would think Forrest is gonna brawl and bring the fight to Silva, but that isnt gonna happen. Forrest gets cautious after a loss. He's gonna be very evasive with kicks. He's most likely planning on trying to wrestle this one out. Since Silva is a huge win and its only a 3 round fight. Forrest will fight to win, him winning will require a slow pace and the use of his size and wrestling.

They should have gave Hendo another title shot, waited for the winner of Demian Maia and Nate Marquardt. Even Vitor would have been a more significant fight.

It's a good fight.... but not suited for Silva, at this point, Silva is building a legacy and Forrest does nothing for that legacy.

[americanctm]

They should have gave Hendo another title shot, waited for the winner of Demian Maia and Nate Marquardt. Even Vitor would have been a more significant fight.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15694/dan-henderson-gets-next-title-shot-nate-marquardt-vs-demian-maia-winner-in-the-mix.mma

try and keep up lol

[Sinfix_15]

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15694/dan-henderson-gets-next-title-shot-nate-marquardt-vs-demian-maia-winner-in-the-mix.mma

try and keep up lol

im aware of this.... The point is that one of those options should REPLACE Griffin. Not come after it.

[Ronsam2006]

im aware of this.... The point is that one of those options should REPLACE Griffin. Not come after it.

Why? Belfort, Maia, and Marquardt(already did) would all get their asses handed to. I mean Silva has already faced people exactly like them already and you know what happened. Silva only has like 4 more fights left in his contract, why not make it someone special.

[Sinfix_15]

Why? Belfort, Maia, and Marquardt(already did) would all get their asses handed to. I mean Silva has already faced people exactly like them already and you know what happened. Silva only has like 4 more fights left in his contract, why not make it someone special.

Griffin is only special to the newcomers... he's a high profile name because of his celebrity status, not because of his amazing talents.

Yes, Silva already beat Hendo and Nate... but both of those are more legitimate wins that Griffin... even the 2nd time around. Theyre also both on hot streaks. Griffin is on his way down the ladder. Vitor for whatever reason is the popularity choice. Appearantly KOing Matt Linland still means something Either way, Vitor looks better on a resume.

[TSiFTW]

Why? Belfort, Maia, and Marquardt(already did) would all get their asses handed to. I mean Silva has already faced people exactly like them already and you know what happened. Silva only has like 4 more fights left in his contract, why not make it someone special.

WRONG!! Silva has NEVER faced anyone with the BJJ skills of Demien Maia. Period. Nogiera will even admit that. That will be Silva's toughest fight. There has not been anyone in MMA with Maia's skill level since Hoyce Gracie. He should be next in line in my opinion. Marquardt stands no chance against Maia.
On the topic, I hope Ken Flo demolishes Penn, and I also hope Griffin takes out Silva. Simply because I am not a Penn or Silva fan.

[Ronsam2006]

i dont like the Forrest - Silva match, it makes no sense. On paper you would think Forrest is gonna brawl and bring the fight to Silva, but that isnt gonna happen. Forrest gets cautious after a loss. He's gonna be very evasive with kicks. He's most likely planning on trying to wrestle this one out. Since Silva is a huge win and its only a 3 round fight. Forrest will fight to win, him winning will require a slow pace and the use of his size and wrestling.

They should have gave Hendo another title shot, waited for the winner of Demian Maia and Nate Marquardt. Even Vitor would have been a more significant fight.

It's a good fight.... but not suited for Silva, at this point, Silva is building a legacy and Forrest does nothing for that legacy.

Griffin has already stated on the ESPN interview with Mike Straka that he will bring a smart game plan and be a little more evasive.

I can't believe you said Forrest does nothing for the Silva legacy if he wins, are you kidding me? Forrest is still ranked top 10 in the world in light heavyweight. After all, this is only Silva's 2nd fight at 205lbs, and trust me when I say this, Griffin is a big step up from Irvin. I am Silva's biggest fan, I rank him #1 in my book, but I still won't sit here and say Griffin is no trouble.

Also Dana White and Joe Silva purposely matched Anderson against Griffin because he is type of fighter that will bring it, and the fans were tired of watching opponents back away from Anderson (Cote and Leites fight). Rumor is that Griffin accepted this fight after 4 other 205lbs fighters previously declined, names were not mentioned.

[Sinfix_15]

Griffin has already stated on the ESPN interview with Mike Straka that he will bring a smart game plan and be a little more evasive.

I can't believe you said Forrest does nothing for the Silva legacy if he wins, are you kidding me? Forrest is still ranked top 10 in the world in light heavyweight. After all, this is only Silva's 2nd fight at 205lbs, and trust me when I say this, Griffin is a big step up from Irvin. I am Silva's biggest fan, I rank him #1 in my book, but I still won't sit here and say Griffin is no trouble.

Also Dana White and Joe Silva purposely matched Anderson against Griffin because he is type of fighter that will bring it, and the fans were tired of watching opponents back away from Anderson (Cote and Leites fight). Rumor is that Griffin accepted this fight after 4 other 205lbs fighters previously declined, names were not mentioned.

I said the same thing. On paper "Griffin brings it" and i see the logic behind picking him. I stated my opinion and the reasons why i think Forrest will NOT bring it. Silva has stated that he's not interested in the 205lb title while Machida is holding it. So what does Silva beating a 205 contender do for his legacy compared to defending his title? The only reason i can see to have this fight is to have Silva's name in the hat for 205 lb contenders in the event Machida loses..... but... why do that when you have solid 185lb contenders. Hendo is hot right now!... for the first time in his career he's actually marketable.. strike while the iron is hot. Hendo is the #2 185er in the world, he's fresh off a dominant win.. do that fight.

If Griffin is the only guy that could get to put in front of Anderson, then it is what it is... but this is no epic clash of the titans. Best case scenerio for me is that Silva walks thru Griffin like he did Irvin and we can move on to more significant matchups.

[Ronsam2006]

I said the same thing. On paper "Griffin brings it" and i see the logic behind picking him. I stated my opinion and the reasons why i think Forrest will NOT bring it. Silva has stated that he's not interested in the 205lb title while Machida is holding it. So what does Silva beating a 205 contender do for his legacy compared to defending his title? The only reason i can see to have this fight is to have Silva's name in the hat for 205 lb contenders in the event Machida loses..... but... why do that when you have solid 185lb contenders. Hendo is hot right now!... for the first time in his career he's actually marketable.. strike while the iron is hot. Hendo is the #2 185er in the world, he's fresh off a dominant win.. do that fight.

If Griffin is the only guy that could get to put in front of Anderson, then it is what it is... but this is no epic clash of the titans. Best case scenerio for me is that Silva walks thru Griffin like he did Irvin and we can move on to more significant matchups.

Silva will not walk through Griffin like he did Irvin. Griffin's ground game is very under rated. I think Forrest is a purple belt in BJJ. Plus who says Silva wants the 205 belt? I think Silva will be satisfied if he beats a few 205rs and keeps the middleweight belt.

Regardless of how many belts he held, the true followers will know what a great fighter Silva is....but putting that aside, did you know that once Anderson Silva got the championship belt, he has never lost it in organization he has been in.

[Sinfix_15]

Silva will not walk through Griffin like he did Irvin. Griffin's ground game is very under rated. I think Forrest is a purple belt in BJJ. Plus who says Silva wants the 205 belt? I think Silva will be satisfied if he beats a few 205rs and keeps the middleweight belt.

Regardless of how many belts he held, the true followers will know what a great fighter Silva is....but putting that aside, did you know that once Anderson Silva got the championship belt, he has never lost it in organization he has been in.

It's not a matter of questioning how great Silva is... people who doubt Silva are foolish. The man is amazing, it pisses me off to see the dissrespect he gets. Like you said, Silva has said he's not going to fight much longer. I want to watch him fight the best possible guys they can put in front of him. Forrest Griffin is just not that man.

[Sinfix_15]

i dont know what i want from the Penn/Flo fight. I think Kenny is a better person and would offer better future matchups, But Penn's skill is hard to match. Smart money is on BJ Penn.

[Sinfix_15]

Also.... outside of a shot in the dark, i dont see why someone would pick Grove over Almeida.

[Sinfix_15]

Another matchup i hate..... Thales vs Sakara..... WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? why throw Thales a bone??? fire that idiot. He looked terrible vs Marquardt and stinked up the building vs Silva... why spoon feed him Sakara... There's a few guys Sakara could possibly beat but this will be an easy win for a very underserving Thales Leites. Will be an easy sub.

[Sinfix_15]

sig bets anyone? Loser has to use the sig created by the winner.

I'll take any of these fights....

BJ Penn > Kenny Florian
Silva > forrest
Almeida > Grove
Thales > Sakara

[Ronsam2006]

sig bets anyone? Loser has to use the sig created by the winner.

I'll take any of these fights....

BJ Penn > Kenny Florian
Silva > forrest
Almeida > Grove
Thales > Sakara

All of those look about right, even though I am rooting for Grove, he will probably lose decision or submission. My money is on your bets.

[ironchef]

LOL @ sig bets, what is this, Sherdog?

[Sinfix_15]

LOL @ sig bets, what is this, Sherdog?

yeah... this isnt much different that sherdog...

[Ronsam2006]

On a side note, here is a good Lyoto Machida video that shows his explosiveness while he was training for UFC 94. Make sure you click HD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFGjaGB1VD4&hd=1

[SleepingTalon]

Talked to BJ last week. He's pumped. Kenny is in trouble. Penn by TKO no later than Rd 3.

[americanctm]

Talked to BJ last week.

wait!? what? YOU personally talked to BJ Penn last week you're saying? How do you know him? And if so, did you ask him to do the jumping out of the pool trick?

[SleepingTalon]

wait!? what? YOU personally talked to BJ Penn last week you're saying? How do you know him? And if so, did you ask him to do the jumping out of the pool trick?

LOL, yes, I talked to him. I've been acquaintances with him for awhile now...maybe like 4-5yrs, when I first started training. Back then, no one knew what MMA was, let alone who BJ Penn is. I remember when his Myspace had 275 friends, haha. Still, he's not Chuck Liddell famous, just well known within mainstream MMA. Your average person will have no clue who he is. I actually know a bunch of guys through training, BJJ, etc.

[Sinfix_15]

LOL, yes, I talked to him. I've been acquaintances with him for awhile now...maybe like 4-5yrs, when I first started training. Back then, no one knew what MMA was, let alone who BJ Penn is. I remember when his Myspace had 275 friends, haha. Still, he's not Chuck Liddell famous, just well known within mainstream MMA. Your average person will have no clue who he is. I actually know a bunch of guys through training, BJJ, etc.

where do you train in GA.

[SleepingTalon]

where do you train in GA.

KBX but I run around to many different gyms, as over the years, I've made friends everywhere. As soon as UFC 101 is done with, I'm actually planning a trip to Hilo to train with Charuto, BJ, Rudy, etc. I just have to coordinate it with them. Maybe hit AKA or another gym on the way back home too. Just have to see. Shooting for October.

[ironchef]

KBX up off of exit 12, right?

[SleepingTalon]

KBX up off of exit 12, right?

Yes, you train there? My contract is almost up though, and I'm probably gonna go down to Alliance and train over there. It's a bit closer to where I am during the day.

[ironchef]

Yes, you train there? My contract is almost up though, and I'm probably gonna go down to Alliance and train over there. It's a bit closer to where I am during the day.

No, I went there once to check it out. It seemed good, but I didn't want to sign a contract. I'd prefer to do it month to month. Though I would like to start training.

[SleepingTalon]

No, I went there once to check it out. It seemed good, but I didn't want to sign a contract. I'd prefer to do it month to month. Though I would like to start training.

Ah, I gotcha. Well, you should visit as many places as you can to see what suits you. Everyone is different, so you may like one place more than another. If you're just starting out, you're learning curve will be good no matter where you go.

[Shaun]

uhh silvia clowned forrest

[Greddypacked]

It was an alright fight card. Silva played Forrest dough, hilarious.

[Ronsam2006]

Yeah, Silva had his hands down man, that shit was ridiculous.

[Master Shake]

i don't think forrest was really trying to fight. i just feel like he was kinda throwin the fight on purpose.

if you watch the fight against silvia compared to the rest of his fights. you will see why i think he wasn't trying. its like there was no motivation to win.

[alpine_aw11]

People can say what they want, but that punch would not have knocked forrest out under normal circumstances.

[PURP]

People can say what they want, but that punch would not have knocked forrest out under normal circumstances.

QFT....

[Ronsam2006]

People can say what they want, but that punch would not have knocked forrest out under normal circumstances.

What are you talking about? I mean what circumstances? Sure, he looked really nervous, probably the most nervous he has been, but a chin is a chin, and when you come in punching for the fences against someone like Silva, he will just pick you apart. After the fight, I read all the hater comments on other forums and I downloaded the video and watched it like 30 times just to see if he was faking it or not. I don't think so, Forrest was coming in hard, and just got his jaw and his neck snapped back by Silva, a guy who can create power from any angles.

[alpine_aw11]

What are you talking about? I mean what circumstances? Sure, he looked really nervous, probably the most nervous he has been, but a chin is a chin, and when you come in punching for the fences against someone like Silva, he will just pick you apart. After the fight, I read all the hater comments on other forums and I downloaded the video and watched it like 30 times just to see if he was faking it or not. I don't think so, Forrest was coming in hard, and just got his jaw and his neck snapped back by Silva, a guy who can create power from any angles.

I'm just saying I've seen Griffin take WAY harder shots than that, he must have been legitimately injured or something. I heard something about him having a broken jaw, idk. Haven't really looked into it all that much. I think I'm skeptical just because of how disappointing the fight was.

[LeGeNdaRyLeGeNd]

anyone have a stream of the fights? i missed this fight.