World Series of Fighting 2 Arlovski vs. Johnson (March 23rd)

[REDDzone]

I doubt Filho gets sanctioned in the US again.

Maybe he can fight TRT Vitor on some Indian Reservation or something.

[Gibby]

Filho should not be allowed to fight again until he goes get some mental treatment.

If you thought last night was bad, watch his fight against Chael.

[cowboyronnie]

I take no pleasure in saying this, but the event was terrible. What separates the fighters/fights from 2011 MFC, other than that they have next to no prospects (whatshisface, that amazing WW now in Bellator and that crazy gangster from Winnipeg) and far worse production values? It's washed-up UFC fighters cobbled together in awkward match-ups. Branch, Burkman, Johnson..."winners" but none with any potential. This archetype has been tried a half dozen times now but this is an esp poor crop of fighters. Albeit this appears to have less money sunk into it and probably less network pressure.

Bas cannot be commentating a cross-over event, he's garbled and confusing. Sefo is punch-drunk and confusing (or really nervous on cam).

It just makes you respect Bellator all the more.

[cowboyronnie]

I take no pleasure in saying this, but the event was terrible. What separates the fighters/fights from 2011 MFC, other than that they have next to no prospects (whatshisface, that amazing WW now in Bellator and that crazy gangster from Winnipeg) and far worse production values? It's washed-up UFC fighters cobbled together in awkward match-ups. Branch, Burkman, Johnson..."winners" but none with any potential. This archetype has been tried a half dozen times now but this is an esp poor crop of fighters. Albeit this appears to have less money sunk into it and probably less network pressure.

Bas cannot be commentating a cross-over event, he's garbled and confusing. Sefo is punch-drunk and confusing (or really nervous on cam).

Douglas Lima, Ryan Ford (Edmonton)

[SDM]

I think it's too early to run them out of town. Burkman's awesome... always composed and I love that he does foot stomps! I remember him getting wrestle-effed in the UFC but he had no problem handling Simpson. The rest of their roster needs to be shaken up... guys like Branch and Rumble, yeah, unexciting castoffs... but Burkman/Fitch is a legit contest. I want to see that fight. Waylon Lowe looked awesome too... he's a guy I thought is easily UFC level when he was there.

[cowboyronnie]

The Lowe fight got broadcast??

[SDM]

Yeah man. All prelims were streamed on Sherdog and a bunch of other sites.

[Bernman]

They had some worthwhile prospects on the prelims (like Rick Glenn, shame on you RZ! ) The prelims were actually better, more intriguing than the main card, as a result. Which supports Ronnie's point that the way WSOF should be building, which has a more proven efficacy, is showcasing their own original finds, rather than UFC rejects. They might be able to do a virtual 180 on their philosophy, and save the organization, but I think it's too late with how much they've already invested in overly expensive, low ceiling, UFC retreads. Also, I believe they are still paying to be on television, rather than being paid. They better have deep pockets and an enlightenment, or they'll be doomed before too many events. But they may hang around for a while because they only hold events once every 3-4 months (speaking of which, how can they accommodate their roster w/ that being the case?).

[Headliner]

They had some worthwhile prospects on the prelims (like Rick Glenn, shame on you RZ! ) The prelims were actually better, more intriguing than the main card, as a result. Which supports Ronnie's point that the way WSOF should be building, which has a more proven efficacy, is showcasing their own original finds, rather than UFC rejects. They might be able to do a virtual 180 on their philosophy, and save the organization, but I think it's too late with how much they've already invested in overly expensive, low ceiling, UFC retreads. Also, I believe they are still paying to be on television, rather than being paid. They better have deep pockets and an enlightenment, or they'll be doomed before too many events. But they may hang around for a while because they only hold events once every 3-4 months (speaking of which, how can they accommodate their roster w/ that being the case?).

The problem with showcasing their new talent, is that unless they are fighting a UFC reject, guys like me, won't really care.
If you said Tim Timmy vs Ed Eddy are fighting saturday, I would probably be watching reruns of Dog the bounty hunter instead.
I would tune in to see Rumble vs AA though.

Make of it what you will, but it's hard to grow a company without established names headlining and a few undercarding.

[REDDzone]

Make of it what you will, but it's hard to grow a company without established names headlining and a few undercarding.

Let us say that Tyrone Spong becomes 5-0 with 5 straight first round brutal knockouts of Tim Timmy, Ed Eddy, etc. Sprawl and brawlin' fools all day. You wouldn't be interested in watching that?

Conversely, let's say they sign Braulio Estima to a deal. He becomes 5-0 with 5 straight first round arm triangles of Tim Timmy and Ed Eddy. Any interest then? JW.

[Bernman]

Make of it what you will, but it's hard to grow a company without established names headlining and a few undercarding.

That's just a fact the long-term thinking have to endure in the beginning before Ed Eddy and Tim Timmy gain resonance with fans like you from buzz, highlights, or flipping thru the channels and having them catch your eye. There is light at the end of the tunnel with the strategy of homegrown stars. Signing a plethora of UFC retreads has only proven to lead to darkness time and time again.

An organization built to last, if they can get through early disinterest, can expedite the process of gaining relevance by pitting Andrei Arlovski vs. Ed Eddy. Then you come due to your interest in Andrei Arlovski, but leave w/ interest in Ed Eddy if he wins. WSOF has utilized this strategy a little, via matches like Miguel Torres vs. Marlon Moraes, and it's gained Moraes some notoriety.

There is probably no long-term benefit from matches like Burkman-Simpson, Branch-Filho, Lowe-Dollar, and AA-Rumble though. They might lose a little less now, but they're just entrenching themselves as the senior tour/minor leagues.

[ShowtimeFan]

A rather dissapointing card, I was hoping Arlovski, would win, but it was not to be, he should try Bellator..

Sure glad I DVR these and watch them later, I can watch the entire program in 30-45 minutes...

[SDM]

Yes, they're using UFC vets (but what semi-decent fighter isn't a UFC vet?) like prior start up orgs, but I see a few things working in their favour.

1. They're not paying Paul Buentello six figures or Tim Sylvia a half mil to get crushed in a main event. I don't even think they're paying anyone six figures. I have no problems with the bulk of the main card fights being UFC vets to start... as long as they eventually work in prospects. They've done some decent building around Moraes and Gaetje looks promising as well, he'll probably get a step up in competition. LOADS of decent lightweights outside of UFC right now.

2. The # of decent fighters outside UFC, or prospects that UFC can't scout/will miss out on, is higher than it's ever been. UFC's cannibalization of Strikeforce tightened things up for sure, but as we saw with Ben Saunders, good fighters are let go all the time, even before they peak. I don't think of Saunders as a UFC castoff... he held his own and is doing OK in Bellator.

3. NBC's got money and the viewership was solid for WSOF 2. Starting up an org in 2006 was much, much tougher than starting one up in 2013, with increased awareness of the sport and major broadcasters vying for a piece.

[Headliner]

Make of it what you will, but it's hard to grow a company without established names headlining and a few undercarding.

That's just a fact the long-term thinking have to endure in the beginning before Ed Eddy and Tim Timmy gain resonance with fans like you from buzz, highlights, or flipping thru the channels and having them catch your eye. There is light at the end of the tunnel with the strategy of homegrown stars. Signing a plethora of UFC retreads has only proven to lead to darkness time and time again.

An organization built to last, if they can get through early disinterest, can expedite the process of gaining relevance by pitting Andrei Arlovski vs. Ed Eddy. Then you come due to your interest in Andrei Arlovski, but leave w/ interest in Ed Eddy if he wins. WSOF has utilized this strategy a little, via matches like Miguel Torres vs. Marlon Moraes, and it's gained Moraes some notoriety.

There is probably no long-term benefit from matches like Burkman-Simpson, Branch-Filho, Lowe-Dollar, and AA-Rumble though. They might lose a little less now, but they're just entrenching themselves as the senior tour/minor leagues.[/quote]


Good points all around, and I think you're right on them all btw.