FanNation - The Republic of Sport

UFC 85: Bedlam was a descent showing.  The card was riddled with injuries before the event was even able to kick off.  Chuck Liddell and Mauricio Rua was the originally scheduled main event.  But after injuries and a few card adjustments, the main event was eventually billed as Matt Hughes vs Thiago Alves, the classic Grappler vs Striker matchup.  For UFC/Dana White to even pull off the event was amazing.  This PPV was one injury away from being a SpikeTV special.

First, I'd like to address a couple of call outs.  Nate Marquardt.  What are you thinking?  You want a rematch against Anderson Silva.  Really?  And you have done exactly what to deserve it?  "I want to fight Silva.  I know I can take him."  Uh, because you got TKO'ed in the 1st Round the first time you two fought, you think you can WIN this time?  It's not like you two had a great battle.  It wasn't even close.  Not only that, you just lost to Thales Leites.  How are you gonna call out the champion after a loss to a relative nobody?  Get some wins, fight by the rules, and then get back to me.

Thiago Alves calling out GSP.  At least this call out merits some attention.  Alves has won his last 6 fights, last five by knockout.  And the way he said it, saying that he isn't going to get down on his knees and beg like GSP, could actually start a fire in the ol' hype machine...not to mention GSP.  We'll see if the great Dana White sees fit to book the contest.

Now, a couple of fights.  Michael Bisping/Jason Day:  Okay UFC, let's get someone of fighting ability to fight Bisping already.  He's 16-1 with 11 KO's.  Let's see what he can do against top tier fighters.  Jason Day?  Come on.  I know Bisping was the crowd favorite, and you had to put the ball on the tee for him, but Jason Day?  Does that even qualify as a win?  I would like to see Bisping start fighting better fighters in the Middleweight division.  Once up the ladder, he can fight Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, and maybe even Anderson Silva.  Oooh, maybe Nate Marquardt. (Really Nate?)  All jokes aside, Bisping has shown some skill.  Hopefully he gets a chance to showcase it against some real talent.  Dana, here's another fighter that warrants some of your attention.

And Matt Hughes/Thiago Alves:  Great bicycle-knee to end that fight.  Thiago's striking ability looks to be up there with Anderson Silva.  He throws a punch or kick, it's a great chance it's inflicting damage.  I, as 1 of many, picked Hughes to win this fight and start his march towards the top once again.  Well, someone forgot to tell Alves about Hughes' plan, because he came in there well prepared to assert himself as the #1 contender for GSP's belt.  Alves had this fight, and he knew it.  Landing countless punches and kicks and knees, while defending Hughes' takedown attempts.  And when he did end up on the ground, he did more damage than Hughes.  Pat your camp on the back, Alves, because they did a hell of a job in getting you ready for Matt.  And congrats on a career making win.  Hopefully Dana/fans take notice.

On to Matt Hughes.  From the very beginning he looked out of the fight.  Just seemed disinterested.  And maybe he was, judging by his post fight interview.  "I know this:  I still have one fight left in me.  And Matt Serra better be ready."  It seems like his hatred for Serra is the only thing that's keeping Hughes going, and he's losing concentration on his current opponents.  And maybe that's what Hughes needs, a fight with Serra to break this funk he's in.  After that, maybe, if he decides to, he can rededicate himself and climb up the ladder once again.

As a side note, I'd like to say kudos to you Matt Hughes for taking this fight on short notice, and for taking it at a catch-weight.  Shows what kind of competitor you are.  And Alves, make your weight.  You are a professional.  I know you gave the excuse that your ankle was hurt, but it sure didn't look hurt Saturday night.  Make your weight, no excuses.  I look forward to your fight with GSP...barring a defeat of GSP by the hands of John Fitch.

At the end of the day, Matt Hughes is still the greatest Welterweight of all-time, no matter his recent struggles inside the Octagon.  He's 43-7 with nothing to prove.  If he continues to fight, more power to him.  If he decides to retire after the Serra fight, I wish him all the luck in whatever he does.  I know I'll be watching.