” looking to strike, whoever shows signs of being the inferior will look for the takedown. ” I like that line. What happens if Evans decides to try a strategy that involves his never-before displayed, newly discovered BJJ skills and submits Rampage via kneebar or armbar?

I’m a little bit on the optimistic side. Why? Each year brings new exciting developments. Griffin stepped up, stood with Rampage for 5 rounds, hurt his leg and won by a decision. Rashad Evans, of all people, emerged as a true threat to the light heavy weight divison. Who knows, next year he may truly become a brazilian jui-jitsu threat!! Rampage quieted all doubters. Frank Mir, great MMA commentator and great striker!!

Who knows what may happen in 2009?? One of the new unknown rookies may create a highlight worthy reel. Machida may possibly create a shocking highlight reel of his own against Thiago Silva or get dominated or pulverized in a fight of the year 3 round war. Houston Alexander might develop ground game. Not so much. The thing is every year there always a new exciting development that changes the game. In 2004-2006, Liddell was King, that was really like yesterday. And Randy Couture – ever the opportunist – is not ruling out a bid in for the LHW title shot, cause we all know at this point he’s only going to be fighting in huge mega fights. Or Randy vs. Big Nog or maybe leaving the UFC again citing mistreatment and financial woes, who knows. What about Anderson Silva getting really relaxed, unmotivated, uninspired for his match against Thales Leites, he attempts to put on another “show”, shows up at 190lbs, and then gets dominated and submitted by Leites in 4 rounds of action. Only to return for his next fight and destroy his next MW opponent, setting up a title match at the end of 2009 where he defeats the MW title holder in less than 1 minute, meaning he’s not trying to feel out his opponent, he just runs through him 1-2-3.

I’m sure reality will probably write a better scenario.

——– Just a thought:
End note, the union idea probably won’t come into fruition any time soon and will probably be really bad right now. Dana does a whole lot of some of the fighters but not all. After all, he really didn’t have to pay for all of Corey Hill’s medical expenses.

It is different with the NFL. They have over 1000 players and their opinions and needs can get lost in the mix without proper representation. One big thing would be when it comes to contracts. If a union was to be formed the fighters would want more money. Instead of Roger Huerta or Tito Ortiz saying they want more money, their lawyers would be doing it through the union. I think right now they need to hold off on the union thinking and be positive ambassadors to the sport. Help it grow to the size of the NHL (lets be honest Hockey sucks…lol) or another top sport. At that point they will have the pull for something like that by not right now.

There’s one thing that would help tremendously; a MMA union for the fighters. It would help fix a lot of the problems with Dana White and favoritism and would help consistent fighters get a fair shot at the belts before WWE rookies.

It makes no sense why Josh Barnett is not in the UFC! He would be a great addition to that division.

Like Soukedju, Babalu, Werdum, Gurgel, Brandon Melendez, and Tito Ortiz just to name a few example.

First off, yes, Lesnar is a rookie, but he beat Randy Couture. I will repeat, he BEAT RANDY FRIGGIN COUTURE. And finished him nonetheless. Frank Mir did what Fedor couldn’t do (he had 3 tries) and what nobody could EVER do in finish Nog. These two have shown they have what it takes to be the best by beating two top ranked heavyweights and they should fight for the title. Even though I think Fedor would own these two guys, Fedor has no inclination to compete in the UFC and will be MMA’s version of the pro wrestler “Sting” who will always be known as the best to never compete in the best promotion.

So yea, Lesnar and Mir deserve to fight for the heavyweight title, and Fedor should fight the winner of Randy/Nog and get his title shot, but that all depends on Fedor.

They cut fighters but the UFC has also signed a great number of fighters aswell. I guess they want to keep the product fresh. The Guys who win stay so I have no problem with what they are doing.

Welterweight has Mike Swick, Dan Hardy, Rory Markham, Martin Kampmann, Dustin Hazzelet, all worthy questions going into the new year.

Each division is like this and I’m intrested.