Who ya like? Who ya Dislike?

[REDDzone]

For the years I have posted on this board, I've never really seen the cliche "favorite fighter" thread that is so popular on other boards. Let's do it.

I won't lie. I'm interested. Goldchain is proclaiming himself a Silva fan in another thread. I know a lot of bern's favorites. I know cammo loves Sonnen. Off the top of my head I think SDM recently said he likes Roy Nelson a bit (unsure if a favorite or just someone he roots for), and Nemesis favorite fighter is "whoever is fighting GSP next". Who am I missing?

I'm interested in:
1) Why do you root for? Why? Is there a back story? A pattern to the guys you like?
2) Who do you root against? Guys you love to hate? Again, are there patterns here? Or is it case-by-case?

I'm hoping the next few days will see this forum have a lot of traffic due to the upcoming events, and people will see this thread and stop in while visiting.

[SDM]

Yep, Roy Nelson definitely. He's the typical underdog story that's easy to get behind, doesn't look like an athlete but is a pretty good one. Many people don't like him or want him to lose because they think he's bad for the sport or whatever, but that's total BS. It's inspiring and if that line of thinking is used, I'd say the many buff, six-packed victims of his right hand are bad for the sport since they lost to a fat guy.

Other guys I like unconditionally... Court McGee, Uncle Creepy, Beerbohm, Leben, Scott Smith (though I bet heavily against him now), Frank Mir. I like tough guys with unique pasts. I like Mike Russow too, because he's a Chicago cop and you have to be a hard mother to work on the frontlines in that city, regardless of what my opinion is on the police. I know Russow will never back down or give up and that's really easy to get behind. Basically, I like guys who have earned my respect outside of the cage by slaying personal demons (or at least trying with varied results, like Leben) or by showcasing everyman toughness and heart. Chris Lytle too. Guys like that. I like watching a whole bunch of other fighters fight and try not to miss them: Pettis, Edgar, Bendo, Mighty Mouse, Hendo, Bisping, Sonnen, Maia (though he's become boring). I'll root for them depending on the matchup. I do like Bisping as a fighter a hell of a lot, same with Sonnen, even if they're both pretty douchey and in the case of Sonnen, an outright criminal whose behavior heavily mars the industry I work in.

I'm not a fan, per se, of GSP and Silva, but I respect them probably more than most other fighters because they're so dominant. Jones is skyrocketing up the "respect" list. Depending on the matchup, I'll root for these guys, but cheering for them outright is like cheering for the Yankees after they spend a billion dollars. It's not fun to unconditionally back a winner like that.

I don't dislike many fighters, it changes depending on my mood, I suppose. I'll watch anyone fight and it's hard to keep track of unique personalities. My **** list changes often, right now Tom Lawlor's at the top, so I hope to see him lose the next time around. When a division gets stale at the top or has a dominant champ, I like seeing the #2-5 guys get knocked off their perch like what's happening in WW with Ellenberger/Hendricks leapfrogging Fitch/Shields/Sanchez/Kos.

[Posey H8er]

I'm a passionate supporter of Shogun and Fedor. You couldn't ask for two more likable guys who just go out for the finish, give it their all, and beat the crap out of guys.

I'd say I like Nick Diaz and Sonnen to a lesser extent because I dig their attitudes about fighting. Diaz is a completely honest guy and behind Sonnen's talk is a man with the work-ethic and attitude of a champion.

There are countless other guys I like in mma, it's a huge list, JDS, Barnett, Rampage, Mousasi, Aoki, Palhares, Aoki, Hioki, Hendo, Cro Cop, Big Nog, Couture, Ellenberger, Overeem, Rockhold, Tim Kennedy, and Melendez just off the top of my head.

It's hard to dislike someone in mma unless they don't seem to have a respect for the sport, fans, or the tradition/history of mma or other martial arts.

[jTF2]

^ Interesting that some fans like the fighters' demeanor, background and personality.

I have almost zero interest in these qualities. I only want to see skill and the fight itself. I also like winners. GSP and ASilva are my favorite by far. Both embody a high level of skill and fighting ability while keeping irrelevant talk to a minimum. This is why I dislike fighters like Sonnen, BJ and Diaz even though they're highly skilled. I can see that they do it sometimes to get into their opponents' head or make a name for themselves but its all rubbish, usually fake and borderline whining. There's nothing more satisfying than a loud mouth getting their comeuppance.

I also dislike one dimensional fighters. I have an almost irrational hatred for Shields's fights. I didn't even watch Akiyama v Shields while watching the rest of the card. Barry, Hunto, Hughes and almost ALL Gracie fighters are also up there.

[SDM]

I have almost zero interest in these qualities. I only want to see skill and the fight itself. I also like winners. GSP and ASilva are my favorite by far. Both embody a high level of skill and fighting ability while keeping irrelevant talk to a minimum. This is why I dislike fighters like Sonnen, BJ and Diaz even though they're highly skilled. I can see that they do it sometimes to get into their opponents' head or make a name for themselves but its all rubbish, usually fake and borderline whining. There's nothing more satisfying than a loud mouth getting their comeuppance.

That's an interesting take. Personally, I think psychology is a very important aspect of all sports... the ability to psyche out the other side lends itself well to victory. Hockey coaches send out their goons to send a message, you can't bean a guy in baseball without your best player getting hit too, TOUGH fouls on fast breaks, etc. Diaz/Sonnen/Bisping/BJ... their antics aren't much different.

[REDDzone]

jtf, it is itneresting that you say that you have zero interest in the fighter's personality...when that seems to be one of the most important aspects to you. If you liked guys strictly based on talent, BJ Penn would be one of your favorite fighters. You like GSP/Silva because they are talented, with their easygoing personalities as a qualifier. Hate loudmouths, etc.

Great responses guys, keep 'em coming.

[jTF2]

jtf, it is itneresting that you say that you have zero interest in the fighter's personality...when that seems to be one of the most important aspects to you.

It only gets important when they start mouthing off . Don't get me wrong though. When the fight starts, the only thing I think about is the fight. Doesn't matter if it's Sonnen, BJ or Diaz. I take an interest in their fights because of their skill level. However, I can never be a fan of them due to their mouths.

edit. forgot to mention fighters I like.

Fedor, Aldo, Alves, Sotiropolous, Edgar, Bendo, Hendo, Machida, Bones, Mousasi

[Gold Chain]

Sweet thread. I'm gonna write mine when I get a little more time.

I'm very interested in this.

A lot of great posters on this forum, small, but very good.

[Myth111]

Like: Rory McDonald and GSP. I honestly to do not care about anyone else. I just cheer against whoever the rest of the world likes.

Hate: Silva, Penn, Rumble. I used to hate Diaz but he is one guy who I think is just messed up and I do not hate people like that. I will just now always cheer against him. I also hate anyone who does not know how to make weight.

[NZB2323]

There are three reasons why I like fighters: Their fighting style, their personalities, and if I feel some personal connnection with them.

I love watching Struve and Barry because when they win fights it's entertaining, but when they lose fights it's awesome! Seeing Struve get knocked out always makes my day and Barry has been very entertaining in his losses to Struve and Kongo. Also, I'm in the Big Brothers program and my "little brothers" claim that their uncle trains with Pat Barry.

Chael Sonnen is probably my favorite fighter. The trash talking is hilarious, and with lots of comedy, there is some truth behind it. He also has a balls to the wall fighting style and cardio that will not run out.

The first fight I ever saw was Fedor vs. Brett Rogers, and I became a huge Fedor fan after that. GOAT status, entertaining fighter, insteresting person, ect.

I went to Fedor vs. Henderson and became a big Hendo fan after that. He's got great highlights and Hendo vs. Shogun is the best fight I've ever seen. I also like how he reminds me of the Dude from the Big Labowski and how he'll fight in any weight class. I also became a fan of Miesha Tate and Anthony Pettis after that event when I saw him driving a pimped out Dodge charger and said hi to him.

Jon Jones and Machida have unorthodox fighting styles and are unpredictable in their fights. JDS is predictable but it's great seeing his knockouts.

The Diaz brothers are entertaining fighters and have interesting personalities. Balls to the Wall fighting style and no cardio problems.

The first time I saw Miguel Torres fight it was against Charlie Valencia, and I thought it was hilarious how the fight looked like an ego teenager beating the **** out of his dad. Torres is an entertaining fighter, is funny on twitter(yes, the rape joke was inappropriate), and he's from Chicago.

I like all champions in the sense that it's great to watch very skilled athletes but I'll generally root for upsets.'

I'm not a big Obama fan so I'll root for Volkman.

I'll generally root for an American over a foreigner and if someone's from Chicago I'll root for them. If a fighter has my last name(Brown) I'll generally root for them.

I don't like how Josh Koscheck talks tons of **** before fights and then after fights says that he was doing it just to hype the fight. I like when Sonnen compared Josh's lying to a car salesman committing fraud.

I don't like how Rashad was all friendly towards Jon Jones and refused to fight him and then started talking all this **** and now calls Jon Jones fake. It's cool if you don't like Jones, but Jones is a devout Christian who belives that it's God's plan for him to continue beating the **** out of other people, and there's nothing fake about that. Plus I can't remember an entertaining Rashad fight that he won.

I don't like fighters that gas, clinch a lot and do nothing with the clinch, or who do little in a fight, whether it's on the ground or on the feet.

EDIT: forgot about Matt Mitrione. I like his football background, how he swore and then asked not to be fined taking about his kids, and I think that he's an interesting prospect. His last fight sucked, but before that he was entertaining.

[Posey H8er]

I have a man-crush on Jake Ellenberger with his past couple fight. He is the perfect type of fighter; skilled in every facet of the sport with the athleticism to go along with it. Perhaps he needs to work on his cardio for latter rounds, but his fights have been beautiful to watch,

[Cammo101]

Big Chael fan for a couple reasons. First of all, he made me a bunch of money on his rise to title contender. There was a string of like 4 fights in a row that he was an underdog and won. Then I picked him to beat Silva and got called crazy, only to have him shock the world...kinda. I also find him to be pretty freaking funny. I'm also a big Frank Mir fan, as I really think he is very underrated and under-appreciated. Also a big fan of Forrest, Johnny Bones, Shields, Condit, Pettis...

Dislike Nick Diaz, because I think he is a thug and a cry baby. I also dislike Fedor, because I think he is afraid to fight the big boys in the UFC and has been for a long time. I also dislike anyone who gets mad at their opponent for not fighting their game plan. I'm looking at you Nick Diaz. I also dislike GSP because I think he is boring and fights not to lose.

[Nemesis21]

All time favorites - Couture, Liddell, Royce, Penn and Hughes

Like - Too many to name.


Dislike - Too many to name, mainly GSP.

[cowboyronnie]

Like:
- goofy / self-deprecating cage fighters
- good losers
- stylized striking
- mercy
- Katsunori Kikuno's front kick

Dislike:
- arrogance, vanity, meanies
- guys who hold submissions after the tap
- when you get that weird blowjob spit-chain, gross

[cowboyronnie]

Yep, Roy Nelson definitely. He's the typical underdog story that's easy to get behind, doesn't look like an athlete but is a pretty good one. Many people don't like him or want him to lose because they think he's bad for the sport or whatever, but that's total BS. It's inspiring and if that line of thinking is used, I'd say the many buff, six-packed victims of his right hand are bad for the sport since they lost to a fat guy.

Other guys I like unconditionally... Court McGee, Uncle Creepy, Beerbohm, Leben, Scott Smith (though I bet heavily against him now), Frank Mir. I like tough guys with unique pasts. I like Mike Russow too, because he's a Chicago cop and you have to be a hard mother to work on the frontlines in that city, regardless of what my opinion is on the police. I know Russow will never back down or give up and that's really easy to get behind. Basically, I like guys who have earned my respect outside of the cage by slaying personal demons (or at least trying with varied results, like Leben) or by showcasing everyman toughness and heart. Chris Lytle too. Guys like that. I like watching a whole bunch of other fighters fight and try not to miss them: Pettis, Edgar, Bendo, Mighty Mouse, Hendo, Bisping, Sonnen, Maia (though he's become boring). I'll root for them depending on the matchup. I do like Bisping as a fighter a hell of a lot, same with Sonnen, even if they're both pretty douchey and in the case of Sonnen, an outright criminal whose behavior heavily mars the industry I work in.

I'm not a fan, per se, of GSP and Silva, but I respect them probably more than most other fighters because they're so dominant. Jones is skyrocketing up the "respect" list. Depending on the matchup, I'll root for these guys, but cheering for them outright is like cheering for the Yankees after they spend a billion dollars. It's not fun to unconditionally back a winner like that.

I don't dislike many fighters, it changes depending on my mood, I suppose. I'll watch anyone fight and it's hard to keep track of unique personalities. My **** list changes often, right now Tom Lawlor's at the top, so I hope to see him lose the next time around. When a division gets stale at the top or has a dominant champ, I like seeing the #2-5 guys get knocked off their perch like what's happening in WW with Ellenberger/Hendricks leapfrogging Fitch/Shields/Sanchez/Kos.

How do you not like Tom Lawlor? He and Seth Petruzelli have the opposite approaches to Nick Diaz...I love it. They're gregarious and seemingly not that self-serious all the while being tough as nails and fearless. A spectrum of personality instead of just some one-note monomaniac.

[Headliner]

Like:
- goofy / self-deprecating cage fighters
- good losers
- stylized striking
- mercy
- Katsunori Kikuno's front kick

Dislike:
- arrogance, vanity, meanies
- guys who hold submissions after the tap
- when you get that weird blowjob spit-chain, gross

[REDDzone]

Yo, don't run up on my and my thread without posting yo' favorites, dogg.

I'm still debating mine. lol

[REDDzone]

I generally like guys who go for it. I like finishers and tough guys. I won't lie, I also fall for a good mystique as well (a la Fedor and Machida).

I used to watch the early, early UFCs. Like 2 or 3 through 10ish. Then I got out of it for a long time and hopped back in a few years back. Got back into it watching some event replay and someone made the comment, "Frank Mir is the LAST heavyweight anybody would ever want to go to the ground with". I still to this day think that comment is what got me back into the sport for good. I became fascinated with grappling and submissions, and have been a big Mir fan ever since. I love his kill or be killed attitude. Take off a limb or get ktfo with his aggressive and open jits style.

Finally, I love guys who respect the game. The guys I am a fan of will hype the fight, but are generally respectful afterward. Also make weight and don't have to have to be pulled off their opponent by the ref and 5 other guys after the fight ends (a la Kid, Gomi, Rampage).

Last but not least, I love the "warrior spirit". I'm a sucker for cliches. I'm a Penn fan. Like Nick Diaz said, if you walk down the street and yell some smack at BJ, you'll be fighting pretty quick, whether you are his own size or if you are Brock Lesnar. "Anyone, anytime" mentality. BJ is also rich with a wealthy family, but fought for the love of the game. I don't dig his excuses and I'm not a nuthugger who makes excuses for him, but I really enjoy watching him fight and respect his game.

All in all, my favorites: Anthony Pettis, Ben Saunders, Dustin Ortiz, Lyoto Machida, Fedor Emelianenko, Frank Mir with a second tier of guys like Shogun Rua, Jorge Masvidal.

I'll never miss a fight of any of the above plus: Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Joe Lauzon, Carlos Condit, hael Sonnen, Jake Ellenberger and guys like that.

I know I'm forgetting some. I'll edit if I think of them.

[K1NG]

I really like GSP (sheer dominance), Anderson Silva (reason I fell in love with MMA), Donald Cerrone (loves what he does, humble), Nick Diaz (incredible work ethic), Fedor (see GSP), Jon Jones (limitless potential), Frankie Edgar (no quit in him), Chael Sonnen (most charismatic) and JDS (dude always has a smile on his face).

I don't like Overeem (I think he's way too arrogant), Rampage (I don't think his heart is in MMA anymore and he has excuses after every loss) and Koscheck (douche).

I'll edit this when I think of more as well.

[REDDzone]

I don't like Overeem.

I can handle the arrogance, its the 250 pound heavyweight champion assaulting women/random bar goers that disturbs me.