The Sunday Junkie: Aug. 25 edition

Chael Sonnen continues to find himself at the top of the MMA newsreel following his win over Mauricio Rua and potential fight against Wanderlei Silva.

The Sunday Junkie, MMAjunkie.com’s weekly reader-feedback feature, got a few Sonnen submissions, as usual, and some reaction to the UFC’s first card on FOX Sports 1.

But this week’s winner, Quinton Ross, of Kearney, Neb., is looking ahead to Saturday’s UFC 164 card – and how a win by Anthony Pettis over Benson Henderson could lead to the true superfight fans have been clamoring for.

For his winning entry, Ross receives a copy of USA TODAY and MMAjunkie.com’s “25 Most Powerful People in MMA” yearbook, as well as a free year’s subscription to “Fighters Only,” the world’s leading MMA and lifestyle magazine.

Want to submit to next week’s edition of The Sunday Junkie? Scroll to the bottom of the page for instructions.

Also, as a reminder, please be sure to include your hometown and stick within the 150-word limit (and include your submission in the body of an email, not in an attachment). Many quality submissions this week didn’t meet those minimum guidelines and couldn’t be considered for publication.

(Pictured: Anthony Pettis)

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PETTIS WIN MIGHT LEAD TO TRUE SUPERFIGHT FANS HAVE WAITED FOR

For years, talk of a superfight in the UFC has always ended with just that: talk. With Anderson Silva‘s loss in July, all talk about a superfight between him and Jon Jones or Georges St-Pierre ended. While superfight talk has ended for Silva, there’s still a possible superfight that might be in the works if Anthony Pettis defeats Benson Henderson. Earlier this year, a fight between Pettis and Jose Aldo was in the works before Pettis was sidelined with an injury. If Pettis claims the lightweight title, a true superfight between two current UFC champions could be made. Both are two of the best strikers in MMA right now and in the prime of their careers, which could make their fight not only one of the most hyped fights in UFC history, but also one of the best between two young, hungry champions.

Quinton Ross
Kearney, Neb.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF WANDERLEI SILVA

I think it’s shameful on Dana White to use the media to goad a fighter to do what Dana wants. Case in point, the public shaming of Wanderlei Silva. Wandy has every right to negotiate PPV points if he so wishes. That’s why it’s called a negotiation, and from what he expected, a good faith negotiation. He’s trying to get as much as he can while he can in this business, and can you fault him for that? I guess that is too much to ask from a former bellhop who lucked into befriending millionaires.

“Backnine39?
Toronto

ADVICE TO Conor McGregor: DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE

Could anyone really be expected to live up to the hype that is being created around Irish featherweight Conor McGregor? After all, we are talking about a 25-year-old who has fought mainly in small British promotions and is yet to be thrown up against a top-notch wrestler or genuine BJJ black belt. But it seems Dana White is determined to build the sleek striker up as the next big thing. In fact, we could very possibly be witnessing a man-crush evolving before our very eyes as Dana drives Conor around in his Ferrari and the two chat about not leaving fights in the hands of the judges. McGregor has his qualities, but I hope the advice he is getting from his coaches and those close to him is to not believe in his own hype. Not just yet anyway. 

Nick Ballatori
Adelaide, South Australia

IS FOX REALLY GETTING BEHIND MMA?

I’m not really a FOX channel fan, but I was excited for the chance to see the UFC on network TV. Add Dana’s talk about the positive MMA attitude and depth of enthusiasm FOX Sports execs supposedly have for the sport and I felt hopeful for the future of MMA in the sports mainstream. Tonight, I watched two hours of “FOX Sports Live,” their version of ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” and no MMA was covered. Yes, there were ads for “The Ultimate Fighter,” but no coverage of Legacy FC fights from Friday or Cage Warriors 58 from Saturday. There was nothing about Conor McGregor’s ACL, Donald Cerrone‘s assault charge, Stefan Struve‘s enlarged valve or any MMA news. UFC on FOX was good for the owner’s pockets, and good for FOX pockets, possibly good for a few fighter sponsors airing on network TV, but I am seriously doubting FOX’s overall commitment to MMA and the greater benefit to its headway into the mainstream.

“archerD”
Denver

DANGER: FIGHTING OBSESSION

It seems that most top-level mixed martial artists have trouble walking away from this rigorous sport. I can understand why. To have the skill and dedication required, you need to be extremely passionate about your career. And it’s hard to walk away from your passion. Just ask Chuck Liddell. Now when I read stories about fighters such as Bellator’s Joe Riggs and his desire to allocate more time to his family and other career ventures, such as becoming a police officer, I think, “Just do it!” Fighters need to realize when to give fighting a break and focus on other aspects of life. That’s why I applaud fighters such as Ronda Rousey, who realizes being a mixed martial artist isn’t the only thing they’re limited to and are seeking other career opportunities while being a UFC titleholder.

Jon Laurino
British Columbia 

LEAVE IT IN THE HANDS OF THE UFC

We keep hearing “Don’t leave it in the hands of the judges.” In reality though, most times you’re in the hands of the UFC. Dana White, Joe Silva, etc. control a fighter’s fate more than any judge. Phil Davis did not suddenly become an unstoppable fighter, and Lyoto Machida did not suddenly become washed-up due to the questionable ending of their fight. For a non-judged issue, Jon Jones’ rise to the top did not stop with his DQ, nor did Hamill get fast-tracked to a title shot. Yes, the losses appear on the fighters’ records. Yes, the paydays may have been lower (depending on locker-room bonuses). But every time the UFC recognizes the true performance and puts the fighter on the correct career path. In the long run, fighters get what they earn. Leave it in the hands of the UFC.

Gary Doktor
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

A REACTION TO MIKE TYSON’S CONFESSION

Say what you will about Mike Tyson, but in many ways I have a respect for him these days. I had no idea about his current struggles, but I’ve noticed a real softening of his heart over the past few years. When I watched the video clip of Mike talking about his struggles, I got choked up and yet hyped at the same time. We all make resolutions, so whether or not Mike ever uses again or not matters to me for his sake, but it doesn’t matter to me at the same time because anyone who knows what it’s like to be addicted knows that there will be many failures in the process of healing and recovery. The fact that he went up there and allowed himself to be emotionally disemboweled in front of all of those people, though, earns my respect

Joshua Garriott
Westerville, Ohio

BJORN REBNEY NEEDS TO TAKE A CUE FROM DANA WHITE

Bellator needs to be like the CFL is to NFL. It needs to realize that the UFC is superior and the fact it’s trying to be in the same league is stupid. It’s been proven champs and top contenders from other promotions have struggled in the UFC. Eddie Alveraz was Bellator’s chance to prove it has what it takes to create legitimate contenders. I give props to Dana White for minding his own business. It’s about time Bjorn Rebney follows suit.

Josh
Calgary

KOSCHECK WILL GET KNOCKED THE ‘HUH’ UP BY WOODLEY

Am I the only one looking incredibly forward to UFC 167's Koscheck vs. Woodley fight? Koscheck’s only chance, in my opinion, is keeping Tyron Woodley on the ground with his wrestling – or risk getting knocked out again. Woodley is a unique, yet predictable fighter who doesn’t shy away from the fact that he’s looking to “Paul Buentello” or “Head Hunt” in his fights. Josh Koscheck still has a lot to do to evolve his standup, though he’s getting better, and I can see this fight going the distance. Or Koscheck getting knocked the HUH up!

Thiago “Diabinho” Chaves
Bayside, N.Y.

WHY Ben Askren SIGNING WITH THE UFC IS BAD FOR EVERYONE

Ben Askren is a huge name, but joining the UFC now is not smart for all parties. If Bellator loses one of its best fighters, the division will drop. Askren is the face at 170, and there is no one that is going to replace him. If Askren joins the UFC, he will be fed to the wolves. How will he fare against top competition? Askren needs to stay in Bellator, keep his money, beat guys up and keep proving he is the best. By the time he actually reaches the UFC, he will be ready to face the lions. The UFC’s welterweight division is too stacked for Askren. He has so much time left in his career. Urijah Faber was the face for the WEC, and by the time he got to the UFC, it was too late. This won’t be the case for Askren. There is no need to rush something now that is bad for everybody.

Ben McPhee
Prescott Valley, Ariz.

IS IT REALLY A BAN?

Seeing that there is now a “ban” on minors going to MMA shows in Boston raises a couple of questions to me. The fact that the “ban” is actually asking parents to be with their kids at these events, which I attend, I don’t think is going to hurt anything. The “ban” is for anyone under 16. I would not send my 14-year-old alone to a UFC show without an adult. I think that if the UFC wants to keep its mainstream image, it should take this “ban” as a platform to reach out to parents and communities and educate them on the values of martial arts and parental involvement instead of fighting it.

Jason Williams
San Diego

UFC SHOULD PUT TOGETHER A 185 AND 205 COMBINED GRAND PRIX

Recently I was thinking about how much I love PRIDE, which got me wondering: What exactly drew me in? Then I found it! It was the show and novelty of it all. It had an almost fun element to it. The current state of the UFC is great, but it’s all just divisions closed off from one another that have dominant champions and some contenders blabbering about “how he has the tools” or how (insert name) “has never faced a fighter like me.” And to be honest, it’s getting boring. Enter a 185-205-pound grand prix to the mix and imagine! Belfort, Henderson, Jacare, Machida, Shogun, Chael, Okami and more. So many guys in these two divisions are marketable, but have had a chance and failed at UFC gold to the respective weight champions. Give it a separate belt, additional prize money and we have some good viewing.

James Watterson
Coogee Beach, Australia

BROWN VS. DIAZ IS A FIGHT THAT COULD MAKE DANA HAPPY

I may be a little late suggesting this, but ever since I read the “Joe Silva’s Shoes,” there is one fight I think hasn’t been properly considered: Matt Brown vs Nick Diaz. Co-main event possibly (despite Diaz losing two in a row) and a nice high-profile fight that Brown deserves after his win streak. Now I know it wouldn’t test his wrestling as much as Pierce or even Ellenberger, but damned if it wouldn’t be entertaining.

Daniel S.
Brisbane, Australia

LET’S JUSTIFY THE RANKINGS

There has been too much talk about how the rankings in MMA work and how they are decided. I think a solution should be made for the fighters. This week on “UFC Tonight,” Chael Sonnen made a perfect point. He said that while he knows some fighters ignore the rankings, he uses them to be fuel for the motivation he puts into training. My suggestion would be we get a panel of media and maybe even some retired MMA fighters to have a sit-down meeting and talk it out rather then just make a ranking system that does not make sense. My example to this would be “Shogun” being higher then Sonnen, who submitted him in the first round last week. As it stands now, the system needs more merit instead of the week-to-week shuffle based on the card that was put on the following week. 

Albert Cavallaro
Long Island, N.Y.

BELLTOR COULD BE THE ONE TO BREAK NEW YORK’S MMA BARRIER

MMA in New York could be Bjorn Rebney’s true feather in his cap, and Dana White should let it happen. For the culinary union to attempt to rail against Viacom and Bellator is a much different battle than the Fertittas’ casino-based empire. With Viacom’s global-via-New York high-rise corporate structure, it makes the union’s position much less tenable. Also, my June 5 Sunday Junkie post, suggesting the UFC change “UFC On FOX Sports 1 1? to “Fight Night No. Whatever,” to paraphrase? You’re all welcome. Great, great show, but a “UFC on FOX Sports 11? naming convention would have gotten a little painful by the end of it all, methinks. 

Brandon Findlay

BARNETT AND MIR SET TO CROSS PATHS IN BIZARRE CIRCUMSTANCE

  Next weekend, two true heavyweight legends will collide when Josh Barnett takes on Frank Mir at UFC 164 in Milwaukee. Barnett is making his return to the UFC for the first time in more than a decade as he was let go by the company following his positive test for banned substances at UFC 36 back in 2002. Mir, on the other hand, has been with the UFC since 2001 and has had many ups and downs in that time period. It was reported earlier this week that Mir was given a therapeutic use exemption for his fight against Barnett. With all of the controversy surrounding testosterone replacement therapy, it is almost poetic that Barnett’s first fight with the UFC in more than 11 years would involve his opponent using TRT. Whatever the outcome, this is an interesting fight both in and out of the octagon.

Alex Dieckmann
West Chicago, Ill.

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