J.G.’s “Coq Roq” Mail Bag
Middleweight Grand Prix
Josh Gross Aug 11, 2005
Hello everyone. It’s been some time since we last did this and just
a few things have happened:
The greatest tournament in PRIDE history moved into its semifinal and final rounds when Wanderlei Silva (pictures), Mauricio Rua (pictures), Alistair Overeem (pictures) and Ricardo Arona (pictures) won their fights; Croatian Mirko Filipovic (pictures) finally has a signed contract to fight PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (pictures); Frank Mir declared he wouldn’t be prepared to defend his UFC heavyweight “championship” in October versus interim titleholder Andrei Arlovski (pictures); an ample B.J. Penn (pictures) went the distance with 38-year-old Renzo Gracie (pictures); and, if it wanted, America could watch live mixed martial arts on basic cable television.
I’m a bit embarrassed it’s taken me this long to reply to you guys
— call it my summer procrastination. But now, after “Ultimate Fight
Night” and before UFC 54 and the PRIDE Grand Prix finals, I’ve got
to get back to your e-mails.
Oh, I received a few notes about some Burger King ad. Yes, I’ve seen it. No, I won’t head to my local drive-thru tonight. Sorry Cog Roq.
Handicapping the Middleweight Grand Prix
Now that the GP is into the finals and the match-ups are announced, who do you like to win the whole thing? And don’t you think if “The Axe Murderer” wins it again, he has to be considered the best 205lb fighter of all time?
— Eric, Las Vegas
Well, since my sleeper Igor Vovchanchyn (pictures) went out rather meekly, I’m gonna hedge my bet and say Wanderlei perseveres again. In my book he’s been the best light heavyweight for years and, yes, if he defeats Ricardo Arona (pictures) and either fighter on the other side of the bracket, he’ll have cemented his place atop the all-time 205-lb. Pantheon.
Want proof?
In a sport where 10-win streaks are as rare as a — sorry Greg — “Savage Truth” column, Silva’s five-year, 19-fight unbeaten streak at 205 would grow by two. More impressive: He will have become the only man to own more than one PRIDE Grand Prix crown and repeat as champion.
“So, if he’s so damn great why didn’t you pick him from the start, Gross?”
OK, fair enough question. Truth is, I thought if he met up with Vovchanchyn it would be a terrifically difficult style match for the Brazilian. I still think so, and hope that Igor eventually earns his way to a title shot because I want to see Silva pass that test.
In the finals I think Silva will face his teammate, “Shogun” Rua. With Alistair Overeem (pictures) in Rua’s way, that’s no sure thing. Many fans hope Silva and Rua meet because there may never be another opportunity for them to fight outside the gym.
The kid is gifted. But often times younger brothers can’t get over that mental hurdle of taking down Big Bro. Call me crazy, but that’s what happens in the finals. At some point, “Shogun” succumbs to Wanderlei’s pressure.
Brackets Set Up for Arona Surprise?
There was talk that Silva would fight Overeem and Shogun would fight Arona. How come it was switched around? I really think it’s Arona’s tournament to lose. Silva won’t stop his takedowns and he’ll be smothered especially since it’s a shorter fight. What do you think?
— Bill Anderson, San Clemente, Calif.
I think Arona got the bad end of the deal here. Sure, “Shogun” is hardly an easy fight, but Silva is the wrong style of fighter for Arona to do well against. The Brazilian ADCC champion tends to dominate men who aren’t incredibly powerful strikers. Silva, however, is just that. Plus the PRIDE champ is very comfortable from his back. I don’t see a way in which Arona makes life difficult for Silva, who I’m picking by knockout in the second round.
As far as the switching of the brackets, undoubtedly Silva vs. Arona is a fight fans have wanted to see for some time. It’s unfortunate we’ll get five less minutes to watch them in the ring, but that shouldn’t diminish too much of the intrigue. There was no chance Silva would fight “Shogun” in the semis, and other match-ups were less inspiring.
Finally: Fedor vs. “Cro Cop”
Fedor vs. crocop. I can’t wait and this is by far the best fight Pride has ever put on. I can’t believe it’s been so long. This is a dream fight on a dream card. Way to go Pride! UFC could never put a fight like this on.
— No Name Given
It’s the fight of the year as far as I’m concerned. Depending on how you have “Cro Cop” ranked, this is the bout between the two best heavyweights in the world.
Clearly, Fedor, with his performance in recent years, has honors at No. 1. Cro Crop has been up and down, and the loss to Nogueira makes it difficult to place him at No. 2 ahead of the Brazilian former champion. But his violent, dangerous game is enthralling; the ability to knock someone out at any time is worth plenty.
Could the UFC, at this time, hope to promote a fight like this? No. There is a lack of talent at heavyweight, and right now the UFC’s best are scheduled to fight in October, though Buentello could have used some extra seasoning.
Champion’s Obituary
Mirko is going to kick Fedor’s ass. Mirko is the strongest heavyweight and Fedor won’t be able to take him down so that means he’ll get knocked out like his brother. We’re going to see a new champion after they fight, I promise you!
— Oscar
Lots of people out there who think the same, Oscar. I’m not one. As dangerous as Mirko is, I don’t think he matches incredibly well with Fedor.
Two things stand out to me:
1) Fedor takes people down using a clinch, not shooting for their legs.
2) Cro Cop has never had to deal with a grappler the likes of Fedor because, well, there isn’t anyone else like him.
I’m interested to see how they intend to fight one another. Fedor cannot be complacent and allow “Cro Cop” to dictate how the fight plays out. He must make Mirko think instead of react. And he needs to start by punching with him. “Cro Cop” gets hit and, with his wild striking style, Fedor will hit people.
The champion, however, cannot try and counter Mirko. He’s not competent to the point of doing that with a killer like “Cro Cop” and he’d risk everything by doing so. Move in. Strike. Clinch. That’s how he has to fight this fight.
Once it goes to the floor Fedor will dominate. If Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (pictures) couldn’t endanger Fedor from the bottom, Mirko Filipovic (pictures) sure won’t do it.
The greatest tournament in PRIDE history moved into its semifinal and final rounds when Wanderlei Silva (pictures), Mauricio Rua (pictures), Alistair Overeem (pictures) and Ricardo Arona (pictures) won their fights; Croatian Mirko Filipovic (pictures) finally has a signed contract to fight PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (pictures); Frank Mir declared he wouldn’t be prepared to defend his UFC heavyweight “championship” in October versus interim titleholder Andrei Arlovski (pictures); an ample B.J. Penn (pictures) went the distance with 38-year-old Renzo Gracie (pictures); and, if it wanted, America could watch live mixed martial arts on basic cable television.
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Oh, I received a few notes about some Burger King ad. Yes, I’ve seen it. No, I won’t head to my local drive-thru tonight. Sorry Cog Roq.
Let’s start this 3,700-word masterpiece from the beginning:
Handicapping the Middleweight Grand Prix
Now that the GP is into the finals and the match-ups are announced, who do you like to win the whole thing? And don’t you think if “The Axe Murderer” wins it again, he has to be considered the best 205lb fighter of all time?
— Eric, Las Vegas
Well, since my sleeper Igor Vovchanchyn (pictures) went out rather meekly, I’m gonna hedge my bet and say Wanderlei perseveres again. In my book he’s been the best light heavyweight for years and, yes, if he defeats Ricardo Arona (pictures) and either fighter on the other side of the bracket, he’ll have cemented his place atop the all-time 205-lb. Pantheon.
Want proof?
In a sport where 10-win streaks are as rare as a — sorry Greg — “Savage Truth” column, Silva’s five-year, 19-fight unbeaten streak at 205 would grow by two. More impressive: He will have become the only man to own more than one PRIDE Grand Prix crown and repeat as champion.
“So, if he’s so damn great why didn’t you pick him from the start, Gross?”
OK, fair enough question. Truth is, I thought if he met up with Vovchanchyn it would be a terrifically difficult style match for the Brazilian. I still think so, and hope that Igor eventually earns his way to a title shot because I want to see Silva pass that test.
In the finals I think Silva will face his teammate, “Shogun” Rua. With Alistair Overeem (pictures) in Rua’s way, that’s no sure thing. Many fans hope Silva and Rua meet because there may never be another opportunity for them to fight outside the gym.
The kid is gifted. But often times younger brothers can’t get over that mental hurdle of taking down Big Bro. Call me crazy, but that’s what happens in the finals. At some point, “Shogun” succumbs to Wanderlei’s pressure.
Brackets Set Up for Arona Surprise?
There was talk that Silva would fight Overeem and Shogun would fight Arona. How come it was switched around? I really think it’s Arona’s tournament to lose. Silva won’t stop his takedowns and he’ll be smothered especially since it’s a shorter fight. What do you think?
— Bill Anderson, San Clemente, Calif.
I think Arona got the bad end of the deal here. Sure, “Shogun” is hardly an easy fight, but Silva is the wrong style of fighter for Arona to do well against. The Brazilian ADCC champion tends to dominate men who aren’t incredibly powerful strikers. Silva, however, is just that. Plus the PRIDE champ is very comfortable from his back. I don’t see a way in which Arona makes life difficult for Silva, who I’m picking by knockout in the second round.
As far as the switching of the brackets, undoubtedly Silva vs. Arona is a fight fans have wanted to see for some time. It’s unfortunate we’ll get five less minutes to watch them in the ring, but that shouldn’t diminish too much of the intrigue. There was no chance Silva would fight “Shogun” in the semis, and other match-ups were less inspiring.
Finally: Fedor vs. “Cro Cop”
Fedor vs. crocop. I can’t wait and this is by far the best fight Pride has ever put on. I can’t believe it’s been so long. This is a dream fight on a dream card. Way to go Pride! UFC could never put a fight like this on.
— No Name Given
It’s the fight of the year as far as I’m concerned. Depending on how you have “Cro Cop” ranked, this is the bout between the two best heavyweights in the world.
Clearly, Fedor, with his performance in recent years, has honors at No. 1. Cro Crop has been up and down, and the loss to Nogueira makes it difficult to place him at No. 2 ahead of the Brazilian former champion. But his violent, dangerous game is enthralling; the ability to knock someone out at any time is worth plenty.
Could the UFC, at this time, hope to promote a fight like this? No. There is a lack of talent at heavyweight, and right now the UFC’s best are scheduled to fight in October, though Buentello could have used some extra seasoning.
Champion’s Obituary
Mirko is going to kick Fedor’s ass. Mirko is the strongest heavyweight and Fedor won’t be able to take him down so that means he’ll get knocked out like his brother. We’re going to see a new champion after they fight, I promise you!
— Oscar
Lots of people out there who think the same, Oscar. I’m not one. As dangerous as Mirko is, I don’t think he matches incredibly well with Fedor.
Two things stand out to me:
1) Fedor takes people down using a clinch, not shooting for their legs.
2) Cro Cop has never had to deal with a grappler the likes of Fedor because, well, there isn’t anyone else like him.
I’m interested to see how they intend to fight one another. Fedor cannot be complacent and allow “Cro Cop” to dictate how the fight plays out. He must make Mirko think instead of react. And he needs to start by punching with him. “Cro Cop” gets hit and, with his wild striking style, Fedor will hit people.
The champion, however, cannot try and counter Mirko. He’s not competent to the point of doing that with a killer like “Cro Cop” and he’d risk everything by doing so. Move in. Strike. Clinch. That’s how he has to fight this fight.
Once it goes to the floor Fedor will dominate. If Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (pictures) couldn’t endanger Fedor from the bottom, Mirko Filipovic (pictures) sure won’t do it.
