UFC 144 (Japan, 2/26): Edgar vs. Bendo

[SDM]

This is all so strange. Bendo's wrestling looks much, much better and I think he can lay on Pettis, at the very least.

[K1NG]

To be fair, I'm pretty sure Bendo was merely listing names who he heard had been calling him out after his win. On the other hand though, it seemed like he kinda just threw Pettis' name in at the end almost discretely, and I did get the impression that he didn't want to talk about him.

[High 5]

LOL calm down, calm down. I didn't say I agreed with him. I'm just saying it's an unimpressive 5-0 vs. a so-so 2-1. It's possible for someone to favor the 5-0 without being dishonest.

[High 5]

This is all so strange. Bendo's wrestling looks much, much better and I think he can lay on Pettis, at the very least.

Yeah, I don't get why he would be hesitant. I don't think anyone's really a bad matchup for Henderson given his all-around technical ability with a great chin, insane flexibility, and cardio for days. Pettis beat him, but it was a fairly close fight and it's not like he's going to be hit by that kick again.

[REDDzone]

LOL calm down, calm down. I didn't say I agreed with him. I'm just saying it's an unimpressive 5-0 vs. a so-so 2-1. It's possible for someone to favor the 5-0 without being dishonest.

Agreed.

But you don't shoot down one guy for strength of schedule and then favor another with a much much much worse strength of schedule. That's where the dishonesty comes in.

[REDDzone]

This is all so strange. Bendo's wrestling looks much, much better and I think he can lay on Pettis, at the very least.

Yeah, I don't get why he would be hesitant. I don't think anyone's really a bad matchup for Henderson given his all-around technical ability with a great chin, insane flexibility, and cardio for days. Pettis beat him, but it was a fairly close fight and it's not like he's going to be hit by that kick again.

They are extremely evenly matched, not to mention: there is NO way that Bendo is not a freak of nature in terms of competitiveness. You just don't sacrifice like these guys do without being like that. I really do have a hard time understanding how its possible that he doesn't want to avenge his loss against a guy who put his face (being kicked) on gifs/clips/pictures forever.

Plus, I really don't think a champion should have any say whatsoever in who his challengers are. Not saying Ben did in this instance, but is it really his place to say who is "worthy" of fighting him and who needs to keep working their way up? Not imo.

edit: Not to be too hard on him. If he is asked, he should be able to express his opinion. But it seems presumptuous to talk about the worth of other contenders, especially guys who already beat him.

[SDM]

If Bendo wants to fight the best at 155, the argument could be made that Frankie fits the criteria more than Pettis (and especially more than Volkmann).

But mentioning Volkmann specifically is just nuts. He's had a nice little run here, but can you imagine JDS saying he wants to defend his title against Struve or Mark Hunt because of Overeem's quality of competition? Cuz that's basically the same thing.

[High 5]

LOL calm down, calm down. I didn't say I agreed with him. I'm just saying it's an unimpressive 5-0 vs. a so-so 2-1. It's possible for someone to favor the 5-0 without being dishonest.

Agreed.

But you don't shoot down one guy for strength of schedule and then favor another with a much much much worse strength of schedule. That's where the dishonesty comes in.

Well he could have meant that if you're going to get a shot after only two wins you need more than Lauzon and Stephens. But I agree there's something fishy with Henderson. If he is avoiding Pettis he better lose to Edgar, because I don't see another contender stepping up before then.

[REDDzone]

But mentioning Volkmann specifically is just nuts. He's had a nice little run here, but can you imagine JDS saying he wants to defend his title against Struve or Mark Hunt because of Overeem's quality of competition? Cuz that's basically the same thing.

Ariel: "Carlos, who do you want to fight next? Ellenberger? Kampmann? Diaz rematch?"
Condit: "Well Ariel I actually heard Brian Ebersole has been on a winnign streak..."

[Bernman]

But mentioning Volkmann specifically is just nuts. He's had a nice little run here, but can you imagine JDS saying he wants to defend his title against Struve or Mark Hunt because of Overeem's quality of competition? Cuz that's basically the same thing.

Ariel: "Carlos, who do you want to fight next? Ellenberger? Kampmann? Diaz rematch?"
Condit: "Well Ariel I actually heard Brian Ebersole has been on a winnign streak..."

That's even an under-exaggeration. Ebersole actually has beaten opponents who had plenty of success surrounding his fight against them.

What's Volkmann's best win, a 29-28 Grapple-Fitch edge over Danny Castillo? Yeah, Pettis knocked him the f out.

I do think Pettis is much more special and Bendo knows it. The champions in every other UFC division are nothing like Bendo. He's a high effort grappler. Cruz, Aldo, GSP, Andy, Jones, and JDS are slick strikers who are at least adequate in all other areas. That sounds much more like Pettis than Bendo. I don't think Bendo's striking is at the level to keep this belt long, which is why he wants to face opponents he's already beaten, and primarily grapplers like himself who can deal with more easily.

[Cammo101]

It is real simple. Bendo vs. Pettis and Edgar vs. the Diaz/Miller winner for the next title shot. Problem solved.

[RalphWiggum]

It is real simple. Bendo vs. Pettis and Edgar vs. the Diaz/Miller winner for the next title shot. Problem solved.

Seems about right.

While I think Hendo has advanced more than Pettis since the merger (Pettis will not be landing another insane leg kick off the cage that gets everyone's attention) I also think Hendo has had the more favourable match-ups since the UFC absorbed Strikeforce.

For the average fight fan it would seem out of sorts, for those in the know it's a good a fight. I really think this is a case where even though the UFC will lose money (over matching Bendo with a bigger known name) they should make the match..it just makes sense.

[Bernman]

At least he is keeping a good attitude about the situation...

@Showtimepettis so when the f you getting your shot, champ?

@Young_War dunno bro, **** crazy it's coming tho the line them up I'll knock them down !!!'

He's not going to wait it out like others have attempted to do. Maynard in June/May I say, unless one of Miller or Diaz gets injured, then he can replace them, after which there would be zero controversy over who deserves the shot.