+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2
1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 29

Thread: UFC Chopping Block?

  1. #1
    MMA Good Guy dsver1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    484
    vCash
    500

    Exclamation UFC Chopping Block?

    Lutter cut from contract, more on the way - MMA Experts Blog - Mixed Martial Arts - Yahoo! Sports

    Lutter cut from contract, more on the way
    By Dave Meltzer


    UFC sent a message to fighters last week by releasing middleweight Travis Lutter from his contract. Lutter holds the distinction of being the only person in UFC to win a round off Anderson Silva, taking the first round of their Feb. 2007 match before tapping out in the second. The other distinction Lutter holds is he's the first winner of the Ultimate Fighter reality show to get released by the promotion.

    Lutter won the first round against Franklin in Montreal, before being TKO'd in the second. Lutter gassed badly in round two, and getting cut clearly a message that UFC isn't going to keep people who don't show up in shape to go three rounds.

    But it's also the beginning of what are expected to be massive cuts. The company has approximately 200 fighters on the roster, but doesn't run enough events to keep that many fighters working three fights per year.

    The decision has apparently been made not to stockpile fighters on contract to keep groups attempting to be competition from signing them.

    There is no set number of how many cuts are forthcoming, but the total easily could top 50.

    At the biggest risk are fighters who lose boring fights, or lose several fights in a row. The company is trying to emphasize action fights, using both the threats of not bringing people back with boring fights, and increasing the performance bonuses for having the best match or best finish on pay-per view events to $75,000.
    Couture - Fedor - Mousasi - Penn - Huerta - Hardy - Bones Jones

    LAY 'N' PRAY = MMA'S CANCER

  2. #2
    MMA Good Guy dsver1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    484
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Sam Caplan from Five Ounces of Pain has a more in-depth look at the possible casualties here.

    So, how likely do you think the cuts are?
    Who will go first?
    What upcoming fights are do or die?

    I'm also interested in the effect that this will have on other orgs. Someone that struggled in the UFC could be a force and a potential draw in another org (even 2-3 level like EliteXC and Dream). Will this influx of top-ish level fighters help other orgs and hurt the UFC or is the UFC only gaining because they're cutting the dead weight.

    Also, let me echo Caplan's comments about how no one likes to see someone lose their job (except a certain BC fighter, cough cough), but that pro sports is all about speculation and hypotheticals.
    Couture - Fedor - Mousasi - Penn - Huerta - Hardy - Bones Jones

    LAY 'N' PRAY = MMA'S CANCER

  3. #3
    Banned Gooner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Milky Way Galaxy, Orion Spur, Solar System, Earth, Europe, Finland, Turku, PO Box 1
    Posts
    6,734
    vCash
    500

    Default

    I really hope they don't keep too many "exciting" journeymen and thus get rid of actual contenders who are "boring".

    Lutter holds the distinction of being the only person in UFC to win a round off Anderson Silva, taking the first round of their Feb. 2007 match before tapping out in the second.
    What about Henderson?

  4. #4
    FF Moderator SysRq's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    237
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Where would one find a roster list for the UFC?
    I had no idea that they had 200 people on the roster!!!

    SysRq

  5. #5
    MMA Good Guy dsver1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    484
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SysRq View Post
    Where would one find a roster list for the UFC?
    I had no idea that they had 200 people on the roster!!!

    SysRq
    Don't know how official this is (I mean it is off UFC.com):

    UFC® : Ultimate Fighting Championship®
    Couture - Fedor - Mousasi - Penn - Huerta - Hardy - Bones Jones

    LAY 'N' PRAY = MMA'S CANCER

  6. #6
    I gave up fighting Crashsti's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    near a waterfall
    Posts
    7,567
    vCash
    500

    Default

    whats worse, being under contract with the UFC and not getting fights? Or being released by the UFC and having the option of fighting elsewhere? Fighters like Lutter basically dug thier own graves, two poor performances by a lack of conditioning is'nt going to win anyone over, especially the boss. Overall MMA has reached the point where you have to be better than just talented, you have to win and also be exciting. Even then its not a given that you'll have a job in what is claimed to be the fastest growing sport.

  7. #7
    FF Moderator SysRq's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    237
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by dsver1 View Post
    Don't know how official this is (I mean it is off UFC.com):

    UFC® : Ultimate Fighting Championship®
    Hey, Thanks!

    SysRq

  8. #8
    Still Buddha's Buddy Dirty Fighter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    In Gina's dreams
    Posts
    4,554
    Blog Entries
    2
    vCash
    450

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gooner View Post
    I really hope they don't keep too many "exciting" journeymen and thus get rid of actual contenders who are "boring".



    What about Henderson?
    Chonan, too. It wasn't a UFC fight, but Chonan is now a UFC fighter.

  9. #9
    aka Sailor Moon Disco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Washington, DC
    Posts
    2,157
    vCash
    50

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Crashsti View Post
    whats worse, being under contract with the UFC and not getting fights? Or being released by the UFC and having the option of fighting elsewhere? Fighters like Lutter basically dug thier own graves, two poor performances by a lack of conditioning is'nt going to win anyone over, especially the boss. Overall MMA has reached the point where you have to be better than just talented, you have to win and also be exciting. Even then its not a given that you'll have a job in what is claimed to be the fastest growing sport.
    Amen to that brother.

  10. #10
    FF Moderator SysRq's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    237
    vCash
    500

    Default

    If they were to cut back the roster what would be a healthy number to sustain the UFC?

    I can see some pros and cons to cutting back the roster:

    Pros
    - Removes some bad apples from the box
    - More exposure for some of the unknowns
    - Possible increase in fighter pay
    - Better events

    Cons
    - If they really cut back we may see too much of some fighters
    - Less matchup options for Joe Silva
    - Injuries could cause some major issues if roster was too thin

    SysRq

  11. #11
    Banned Gooner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Milky Way Galaxy, Orion Spur, Solar System, Earth, Europe, Finland, Turku, PO Box 1
    Posts
    6,734
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dirty Fighter View Post
    Chonan, too. It wasn't a UFC fight, but Chonan is now a UFC fighter.
    Wow, you came at it from a crazy angle, brah.


    But did Chonan really win a round off Anderson?
    Methinks he was losing the fight and then pulled off the sub.
    Also, PRIDE didn't have round scoring... that takes the hypotheticality of all this to the next level.
    *keeps pondering*

  12. #12
    Contender Beazt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    591
    vCash
    500

    Default

    My opinion of a few high profile guys that UFC shouldn't get rid of....but might.

    Sam Stout - I thought he had some real potential. He's young, so maybe he'll come back.
    Spencer Fisher - Probably not, but should be worried.
    Clay Guida - God I hope not.
    Marvin Eastman - Is he even under contract?
    Loser of Tanner/Grove - Hopefully Grove

  13. #13
    Still Buddha's Buddy Dirty Fighter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    In Gina's dreams
    Posts
    4,554
    Blog Entries
    2
    vCash
    450

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gooner View Post
    Wow, you came at it from a crazy angle, brah.


    But did Chonan really win a round off Anderson?
    Methinks he was losing the fight and then pulled off the sub.
    Also, PRIDE didn't have round scoring... that takes the hypotheticality of all this to the next level.
    *keeps pondering*
    You got me on the no round scoring in Pride, but I think Chonan would have got the decision.

  14. #14
    Contender
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    358
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gooner View Post
    I really hope they don't keep too many "exciting" journeymen and thus get rid of actual contenders who are "boring".



    What about Henderson?
    Total agreement. I think Henderson won the first round of their fight, no question.
    “Everything’s been about the journey. I never really set out with goals for fighting; it’s been about the adventure along the way. When you’re on your death bed, it’s those stories, those little adventures that are going to be the things that you remember. It’s not so much getting there, but how you got there.” - Evan Tanner 1971 - 2008. Rest In Peace

  15. #15
    Bas Rutten > all Malf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Tampa, FL
    Posts
    558
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Beazt View Post
    My opinion of a few high profile guys that UFC shouldn't get rid of....but might.

    Sam Stout - I thought he had some real potential. He's young, so maybe he'll come back.
    Spencer Fisher - Probably not, but should be worried.
    Clay Guida - God I hope not.
    Marvin Eastman - Is he even under contract?
    Loser of Tanner/Grove - Hopefully Grove
    I don't think any of those guys are at risk. Tanner is at risk of retirement, but diehard MMA fans like him (like me). Here's my possible cut list (just going down alphabetically:

    Danny Abbadi - Garbage
    Joe Doerksen - (even though I like him)
    Justin Eislers - listed, and if he is still there I'd cut him, I don think he is. though.
    Rob Emerson - Blah
    Melvin Guillard - He was exciting, but how many chances do you get?
    Jason Lambert - On the decline badly.
    Pete Sell - Has had two exciting fights.... where he got knocked out. The James Thompson of 185.

    There's more, but you get the point.


    A mixed martial artist should have a mixed arsenal.

    St. Pierre - Penn - Lauzon - Florian - Torres

  16. #16
    $kala FightingIrish's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    1,727
    vCash
    50

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SysRq View Post
    If they were to cut back the roster what would be a healthy number to sustain the UFC?

    I can see some pros and cons to cutting back the roster:

    Pros
    - Removes some bad apples from the box
    - More exposure for some of the unknowns
    - Possible increase in fighter pay
    - Better events

    Cons
    - If they really cut back we may see too much of some fighters
    - Less matchup options for Joe Silva
    - Injuries could cause some major issues if roster was too thin

    SysRq
    This is a good breakdown. I guess 200 is too many, I just hope they don't cut to many of the up and comers because that could backfire badly.

  17. #17
    Banned Gooner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Milky Way Galaxy, Orion Spur, Solar System, Earth, Europe, Finland, Turku, PO Box 1
    Posts
    6,734
    vCash
    500

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Malf View Post
    I don't think any of those guys are at risk. Tanner is at risk of retirement, but diehard MMA fans like him (like me). Here's my possible cut list (just going down alphabetically:

    Danny Abbadi - Garbage
    Joe Doerksen - (even though I like him)
    Justin Eislers - listed, and if he is still there I'd cut him, I don think he is. though.
    Rob Emerson - Blah
    Melvin Guillard - He was exciting, but how many chances do you get?
    Jason Lambert - On the decline badly.
    Pete Sell - Has had two exciting fights.... where he got knocked out. The James Thompson of 185.

    There's more, but you get the point.
    I don't know whether his contract ended after the Clementi fight or not, but he did fight one random guy elsewhere, and is now "coming back".
    I think he might become a new Tito (talking trash and making people want to see him fight)... Except that his style is more exciting and Dana obviously likes him.


    Btw, here's the start of said fight:


    The fight wasn't stopped there, the ref just pulled a Herb.
    Interestingly enough, the other guy fought (and lost) again 8 days later.
    No wonder his nickname is "Short Bus".

  18. #18
    Spanks His Penguin! KungFuGrip's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Location,Location
    Posts
    4,448
    vCash
    147

    Default

    Short bus lol. Looks like they are fighting on a moon bounce. I don't like Gulliard's attitude , but I like to watch the guy fight.


    Support K-1 and DREAM u son of a bitch!!!!!!!!!

  19. #19
    Banned
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    77
    vCash
    500

    Default

    I'm tired of TUF fighter making up the events anyway. Even though they don't over all make them up it sure feels like ever UFC has some TUF in the main card and they have such great talent besides the reality tv fighters.

  20. #20
    Punchin Counters= Fun CounterPuncher's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Pennsyltucky
    Posts
    5,723
    vCash
    62

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Malf View Post
    I don't think any of those guys are at risk. Tanner is at risk of retirement, but diehard MMA fans like him (like me). Here's my possible cut list (just going down alphabetically:

    Danny Abbadi - Garbage
    Joe Doerksen - (even though I like him)
    Justin Eislers - listed, and if he is still there I'd cut him, I don think he is. though.
    Rob Emerson - Blah
    Melvin Guillard - He was exciting, but how many chances do you get?
    Jason Lambert - On the decline badly.
    Pete Sell - Has had two exciting fights.... where he got knocked out. The James Thompson of 185.

    There's more, but you get the point.
    I agree with your list, but like you mentioned I don't think Eilers is there anymore and I'm not sure Abbadi is either. The only thing I don't agree with is Lambert because I don't really see him being on a decline, I mean he had an upset win against Babalu and then was winning his last fight until Gouveia caught him, so I think he will get another chance, especially if he beats Luis Cane at 84.



    Prediction Contest Wins:
    UFN 11
    UFC 79
    UFC 81

    [MTKrav911] 1:23 am "For some odd reason I'm watching "The Exorcist" and getting off on it"
    [40daysZero40'sKrav911] - I'd like to see more Kickboxing, which HDNet has only now begun to show reruns of the big K-1 stuff and I'm getting off on that big time.

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2
1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 24
    Last Post: 03-12-2008, 12:47 AM
  2. L.A. Times Article on The UFC
    By MTKrav911 in forum The "Off-Topic" Octagon
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-27-2007, 04:20 PM
  3. Replies: 36
    Last Post: 09-01-2007, 12:17 AM
  4. More UFC 76 matches added
    By Corey in forum UFC
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-12-2007, 10:28 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts