Chat with Jon Anik
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A new episode of MMA Live, which debuted on ESPN.com and ESPN Mobile TV in May of 2008, airs every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. MMA Live can also be seen whenever it fits your schedule. Just head to the MMA Live video hub on ESPN.com. Anik is joined on the show by two lead analysts: Top UFC Lightweight contender Kenny Florian, and MMA writer Franklin McNeil. Suggestions for the show? Send them to mmalive@espn.com!
Anik started at ESPN in February of 2006 working for ESPN Radio, before moving over to the digital media platforms early in 2007. An avid MMA advocate and fan, Anik has hosted a boxing radio show in Boston for the last four years, covering more than 25 championship fights in Las Vegas and throughout the United States.
Send your questions now and join Anik in chat every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET!
Jon Anik (2:23 PM)
Hey folks! Thanks for being with us for another chat. Should be a lively one today, with a lot to discuss from UFC 90. And when we're done, keep it here at espn.com for MMA Live, our 25th show. Plenty of disagreement on the panel about Anderson Silva...
Matt Deerfield Beach, FL
With Anderson Silva's uninspired win against Cote, do you believe that he will start fighting more at light heavyweight to give him more of a challenge in the octagon?
Jon Anik (2:26 PM)
I do believe Silva needs to move up to 205, but I was not in the camp who thought his win over Cote was totally uninspired. I thought some of the criticism was totally over the top. Cote is the one who got hurt, and Silva would've finished him later, possibly as early as the third. Cote couldn't touch The Spider.
Jason (Bmore)
Look forward to the chats every week. My interest for UFC is continuing to grow as it is getting marketed more and more. Dana White is certainly creative and has done a good job with the reality show's concept. By the way, I've never seen anyone move around like Vinny did to submit that bum last night. Unreal!
Jon Anik (2:27 PM)
Thanks, Jason. Vinny Magalhaes is certainly a name to keep an eye on. One of the better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu games you'll ever see.
North Providence , Rhode Island
Do you think that Kimbo Slice will get on the Ultimate Fighter, obviously the rumors are being spread throughout the internet... and if he does make it does anyone think he will actually go deep into the competition?Mike
Jon Anik (2:29 PM)
I don't think Kimbo will end up on TUF. I'm not sure if Kimbo wants to stay with MMA, or if he just wants to provide for his family. I think there will be other opportunities out there for Slice, be it in Japan, or for another U.S. promoter, that would allow him to make some money. Because he won't make any on TUF. He won't win...
rob (jersey)
How about Vinny's almost "aoki-plata" (gogo from mount)
Jon Anik (2:29 PM)
Pretty ridiculous.
Craig (Erie, PA)
Hey Jon, I'm putting an over/under on Joey Villasenor references in chat today at 18.5. Im betting on the over.
Jon Anik (2:30 PM)
We're at 1.
Tim (Wilmington, NC)
Do you see any value in a Penn vs. Sherk rematch for the title if Sherk can get another win? I know there was the broken hand at UFC 84 but I never saw BJ in trouble. Not sure there's enough intrigue to headline a card.
Jon Anik (2:31 PM)
I sort of agree with you, Tim. I really enjoyed Sherk's performance against Griffin, and would like to see him fight the Florian-Stevenson winner. But I'm with you that a Penn-Sherk rematch doesn't really intrigue me.
Warren (ft. lauderdale,fl)
How long does it take to heal from the dislocated knee that Cote suffered from? The reason im asking is because maybe Dana White can make everything Kosher and have friday fight night live headed by a rematch. I only would support this if it could happen within the next month. Anything longer would put too much delay on the next opponent for Silva.(if he won) Your thoughts?
Jon Anik (2:33 PM)
If it is just a tore meniscus, Cote could be working out within a month, I am told. But if there is more damage, it could be a whole lot longer. That said, I have no desire to see a rematch.
Refs (Chicago, Il)
Keep working Jon, Keep working. I need you to work Jon, Improve your chat, keep working.
Jon Anik (2:35 PM)
Hahaha...it is the hardest job in the cage, but a tough night for the referees on Saturday. Todd Frederickson didn't seem to know what constituted good ground activity. Dudes are going for submissions, and the guy is telling them to work...unreal.
Charlie, Philly
Do you think that Sherk should get the winner of Kenflo/Joe Daddy? Or should do you think Kenny should get his shot at BJ if he gets by Joe?
Jon Anik (2:36 PM)
So much depends on what happens 1/31 with Penn and GSP. But...that is still almost 3 months after Kenny and Stevenson fight (11/15), so I would expect Sherk to face Florian or Stevenson sometime in February of March.
Gene (DC)
How do you see the LW division playing out in the UFC with BJ doing his own thing and a bevy of contenders (Sherk, Edgar, Florian) to name a few seemingly at his mercy?
Jon Anik (2:39 PM)
That's exactly how I see it, Gene. BJ calls the shots, and the other guys just hope he is free when they become the No. 1 contender. I have very few complaints with UFC, but sometimes I wish champions would be forced to remain in their weight classes. I love a mega-fight, but not when the division has worthy challengers
Ben (Columbus, OH)
As UFC 91 draws closer I am starting to get the itch to put some money on Lesner especially if he comes in as a dog. Do you think this is smart money?
Jon Anik (2:39 PM)
Yes. I like Lesnar in the fight. More in the weeks to come...
Robert (Milwaukee,WI)
Jon, Silva didn't look his normal self vs. Cote but if he knocks Cote out instead of Cote getting hurt, nobody complains about Silva's tactics. Anyway, I'm really pumped for the WEC card next week. Who you got on the main card?
Jon Anik (2:41 PM)
Agree with your sentiments on Anderson Silva. And I am pleasantly surprised there isn't much Silva bashing going on in the chat room. Franklin McNeil and Stephan Bonnar disagree vehemently on what they saw. As for WEC 36, sort of leaning towards Chael Sonnen. And I think Urijah Faber gets it done, despite the unexpectedly long layoff. Plenty on WEC 36 today on MMA Live.
Zack C. (Hyannis)
Johnny!!! I have to say that adding Stephan Boner is a huge shot in the arm to the team. His analysis is excellent. Is Kenny ever coming back?
Jon Anik (2:43 PM)
Bonnar is terrific...great energy and information. Ken-Flo will absolutely be back. He usually takes a month off before a fight to put all his energy into training. Speaking of which, interesting to see Randy Couture cornering Griffin and Maynard in Illinois last weekend, just 3 weeks before fighting The Next Big Thing.
Bren (Texas)
Finally a Thursday where I'm not swamped at work!
Jon Anik (2:43 PM)
We thought something was seriously wrong! Welcome back.
Anderson Sliva
What trying to help a guy up who doesn't want to is bad - Cote never should have been in the ring. I'm the bes fighter in the world, I should be fighting in bigger fights - I want to start with Chuck - who doesn't want to see that?
Jon Anik (2:44 PM)
Dana White doesn't seem enthused. I wouldn't mind seeing it at some point, but Liddell needs a win first, no?
Jeff (MD)
Do you make anything of the rumors of Affliction and partnering, with the UFC buying all the Affliction contracts and then allowing Affliction to promote t-shirts within the UFC?
Jon Anik (2:45 PM)
Without a ton of interior knowledge, I think there may be something to it. It seems such a fruitless endeavor to try to compete with the UFC, especially long-term. So...if you can't beat 'em...
Marc (Malden, MA)
I do NOT want to see Silva fight Chuck. There are several light heavyweights who are better than Chuck.
Jon Anik (2:46 PM)
Yup.
Charlie, Philly
Do you see Villasenor entering the Octagon or heading overseas? Where would you rank Joey Villasenor among the UFC middleweights if he were to step into the Octagon?
Jon Anik (2:47 PM)
If someone asked me if Smokin' Joe Villasenor preferred coffee or tea, I'd answer it. He told us last week on MMA Live that he would prefer to fight for a U.S. promotion. I sincerely hope Dana White, Joe Silva, and the UFC give him a shot. He is worthy. Have him fight Robbie Lawler in his first UFC appearance.
Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)
disappointing result but props to Cote's chin. I knew it was good but he took a shin, a knee and a stiff left hook right on the jaw and he kept waving Silva in. Those are shots that would have dropped most, and did drop Ace twice.
Jon Anik (2:49 PM)
Agreed, Cyrus. When Silva threw, he landed. The shin looked especially devastating.
rumteen (sacramento ca)
hey jon in regards to the werdum ko where do you think that puts junior dos santos in the heavyweight division i mean besides the four(nog,mir,brock,randy)werdum was a top contender and thats a huge blow to him and his title run your thoughts?
Jon Anik (2:50 PM)
As Stephan Bonnar told me, we need to reserve judgment on dos Santos until we see him a few more times. The good news now is that we'll all be watching to see what he does next. What a ridiculous KO.
Mike (Chicago)
Why is everyone talking about Joey Villasenor? All I hear is Villasenor, Villasenor, Villasenor. If one more Joey Villasenor fan submits a question about Joey Villasenor, I will shoot myself. Villasenor? Really? Villasenor? Who wants to talk about Villasenor except for the family of Villasenor. Uhhh.....Villasenor Villasenor Villasenor Villasenor Villasenor Villasenor Vilasenor Villasenor.
Jon Anik (2:51 PM)
The man can fight, Michael. Just propping him up a bit. And, I have the forum to do so.
James(Huntington,WV)
Do you think Jake Shields would do well in the UFC against tougher fighters than he has fought?
Jon Anik (2:52 PM)
Excited to see him (hopefully) get the opportunity. I'm curious how the UFC would proceed with Shields. Can't feed him Jon Fitch, for example, right off the bat, can you?
Mike (Rochester, NY)
Sadly I cant stay for the chat today. Gotta go take my math midterm. Wish me luck?
Jon Anik (2:52 PM)
Dude, best of luck. My girlfriend is a math teacher. I can barely divide.
rob (jersey)
And Lawler still beats Joey - NonUFC question if I may. Nick Diaz is scheduled to fight on NYE in Japan - Gomi fights a can from Red Devil on Nov 1st - could we see a rematch - or maybe Diaz should get Mach Sakurai - thoughts?
Jon Anik (2:54 PM)
I like the way you think, Rob, and would love to see a rematch.
michael (palm desert)
hey jon. i have a question for you. what the heck is brock lessnar doing fighting cage now for???? hes big all, but his skills are not all that great. i think shamrock could go in there and make him tap out. hell, coulter will tare him up. but what do you think????
Jon Anik (2:56 PM)
Disagree strongly, Michael. Some say Lesnar is already approaching purple-belt status in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his wrestling is world-class, and he's a humongous puncher. Once he has 1-2 more years and opponents under his belt, he could reign for awhile. I think Lesnar's potential is off the charts. Or maybe I'm just intimidated.
Kremlin (Chicago)
Hey Anik "the Lithuanian Causing Panic", don't take any crap from these chat members. We got your back and support you, Villasenor, your BFF Kenny Florian and the downfall of Joe Rogan's career!
Gene (DC)
Thanks John! on another note I expected to see a lot more action with fighters moving to new promotion with the fall of Elite what is the hold up on some of the big names sigining on with new promotions?
Jon Anik (2:59 PM)
The fighters are still under contract to EliteXC, and that needs to be resolved. So I would assume that is the hold up, and you will see signings in bunches when the fighters are free to sign.
Ripken (Des Moines, IA)
Jon, I have to say that you and the other analysts overrate Urijah Faber so badly. First of all, he hasn't fought anyone in that 2nd rate orgainization the WEC. Secondly, someone will soon expose him and send him back to the X-Games. You need to get your head on straight. You guys built him up almost as bad as you did Martin Kampmann who got exposed as badly as Bisping soon will. I'm angry Jon, and you are feeling my wrath!
Jon Anik (3:00 PM)
Slow your roll, Ripken. Faber is tremendously skilled, but until he knocks off a huge name fighter, he will have critics. You aren't the only one who thinks Faber is a bit overrated. But he won all 5 rounds against Pulver, and you should watch Versus Wednesday night.
MMA
We do not need fans like Michael - get some education under your belt then you can chat - Shamrock sub'ing Lesnar - I have Ken oin the phone and he says you're an idiot
BANISHMENT
Jon - Hello my name is Banishment - I would like to take Michael away now - thanks! No stupid comments allowed
Jon Anik (3:02 PM)
Dan Rafael gave me a stern warning not to steal his 'Banishment' staple for my chat. So I am obliging. Appreciate the dozens of banishment submissions, however.
Jim (Acton, MA)
Hey Jon, any word on when we will begin to hear the signings of the EliteXC orphans? When will the respective court proceedings be complete?
Jon Anik (3:03 PM)
Wish I could give you a better time frame, Jim. I'll talk to a few people later this week, and try to get you something concrete.
Marc (Malden, MA)
It's not just you. Brock Lesner is a monster. He broke Herring's face with one punch and his wrestling skills are so good that he manhandles everyone on the ground.
John (Watertown, NY)
Hey Ripken, so Pulver's a no body? The fact is, if Faber wasn't any good he would have lost at least one of those fights that WEC has put him in, but no..he's won and done it pretty much dominantly! Even when he goes to a decision, it's exciting to watch. Faber is in my opinion, one of the best lb for lb guys out there!
Collin (Los Angeles)
I don't know why everyone's saying Silva obviously won. Even the columnists are saying he did. It did not seem that way to me as Patrick Cote was constantly moving forward, creating more, throwing more, doing more in general. Just watch Jermain Taylor/Bernard Hopkins to see what forward movement does for you.
Jon Anik (3:05 PM)
What makes combat sports great is how many differing opinions there are after a fight. But this one really differs, Collin. Cote barely grazed the Spider. And, when Silva threw (I had him active for about 3:30 of the 10+ minutes), he landed.
Mike M. (Los Angeles, CA)
Hey Jon, love the chat. Who do you think has the best chance to give Anderson Silva his first UFC loss? Do you think that loss will come at 185 or 205?
Jon Anik (3:07 PM)
It's a question we ask a lot amongst ourselves in MMA Live settings. At 185, I would give Henderson a chance, and maybe Marquardt if everything goes perfectly. But I think if Silva loses before he retires, it will come at 205.
Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)
So I'm still trying to figure out who the Anderson Silva of 155 is on TUF. It's gotta be the nurse right (his name is escaping me) - it's obviously not Roop or Junie, and the Polish guy wasn't overly impressive...
Jon Anik (3:07 PM)
I have no idea at this point. Dana White is good, isn't he? Has us all guessing.
Jim (Acton, MA)
Hey Jon, who do you think is the best P4P fighter, not currently holding a title?
Jon Anik (3:09 PM)
You mean other than Smokin' Joe Villasenor? I would say Lyoto Machida. Perhaps Thiago Alves now.
John (Watertown, NY)
Nothing against Cote, he's a gamer. But honestly, WHY? Was there really no one better to put in the cage with Silva than Cote? As wierd as Silva looked, Anik you're right, if he had really pushed it the way everyone knows Silva can it would have been over in a matter of minutes! I honestly think Silva was getting bored with finishing fights sooo quickly, so he danced around a little to extend the match.
Jon Anik (3:11 PM)
The minute I saw Stephan Bonnar this week, I peppered him on the Silva fight. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy. And he saw it the way we, John; Silva wanting to extend the match a bit, and then trying to finish later. Leave the man alone!
Ben (Charlotte)
Can't wait to see Jon Fitch back in action, who do you think will be his next match?
Jon Anik (3:12 PM)
I wouldn't mind seeing him fight Jake Shields, actually.
rob (jersey)
In your opinion - who has had the best year - Alvarez, Mousassi, or Alves - or is it someone else?
Jon Anik (3:13 PM)
We should get into a 'Fighter of the Year' discussion in our final chat of 2008. Right now, those are three names that are certainly in the mix. Most casual fans have no idea what Mousasi has done.
Robert (Milwaukee, WI)
The only 155er that it could be is Phillipe Nover.
Jon Anik (3:13 PM)
We shall see. You're on the record.
Sam (chicago)
any chance we get to see alves get a title shot soon?he looks unbeatable
Jon Anik (3:14 PM)
Not soon, Sam. GSP is the titleholder, and won't fight until 1/31. So, the earliest shot for Alves would be May or June of 2009. I expect Alves to fight at least once more, before getting GSP, or the 170-lb. champion.
Jeff (MD)
Add Lesnar to that list if he beats Couture...
Jon Anik (3:15 PM)
You're right, Jeff.
Rod (NJ)
Fitch and Parisyan are both scheduled to fight on Jan 31st, something tells me they are going to end up fighting each other. Excellent matchup even though its probably 99% to go the distance.
Jon Anik (3:15 PM)
That fight would make sense.
Josh (OHIO)
I know its a ways off but March 7th the UFC is coming back to CBUS. Who do you see headlining Anderson vs Chuck or maybe the end of the Heavyweight tournament. Thanks
Jon Anik (3:16 PM)
Didn't know that, Josh. It's a bit down the line to forecast a headliner. But the date does line up for a possible UFC HW title fight.
Jim (Acton, MA)
Did you see the UFC All Access: Spider Silva this past week? One thing that surprised me was that Anderson eats 2 Bic Mac's 2 days before his fight. Have you heard of any other fighter rituals?
Jon Anik (3:17 PM)
I didn't see that. I eat 2 Big Macs 2 days before MMA Live.
raul (chino,cal)
rampage was down here in socal shooting a movie over the weekend." fighting for your life" or "fighting for life" was the name of the film. shouldnt he be more focused on wand. maybe that whole police chase was part of the film?
Jon Anik (3:18 PM)
Every fighter approaches it differently I guess. I was a bit surprised to see Randy Couture in Illinois three weeks before his fight. I'm excited to see Rampage get back in The Octagon.
Charlie, Philly
UFC has typically been in Columbus the same weekend as the Arnold Classic (bodybuilding - strength show). Didn't realize that it had been announced already.
McDonalds
Thanks for the plug Jon. I'm loving it!
Jim (Acton, MA)
Hey Jon, any word on whether Josh Koshchek (sp?) will still be able to fight in Dec. like he wants?
Jon Anik (3:19 PM)
No word yet. But, given the toughness he displayed Saturday night, I bet he'll be there.
rob (jersey)
Understanding you do not spend as much time as you'd like on MMA - don't you think Tom Atencio should sign Jerome LeBanner - also considering he's wanted to fight Tim Sylvia forever.....thanks
Jon Anik (3:20 PM)
Sure. How's that for an answer? Don't know a ton about LeBanner, bro.
Sam (chicago)
when is bobby lashley (another wwe star going to the mma world) going to make his debut?
Jon Anik (3:20 PM)
When the AFL finally puts a show on!
Ben (Charlotte)
What about Machida, i haven't been paying much attention to him recently, but what's his next fight and do you think he'll be in a title fight soon?
Jon Anik (3:20 PM)
He certainly deserves a title shot. He will face Thiago Silva next.
Mike Chicago
Urijah wouldn't answer this earlier. How great would it be if he walked into the ring with audio from Animal House where they are saying Faber . . Faber . .Faber
Jon Anik (3:22 PM)
Ha...a few weeks ago, we were hoping Bernard Hopkins would enter the ring to 'Ghostbusters', when fighting Kelly 'The Ghost' Pavlik. It didn't happen, but he did bust up 'The Ghost'.
Bren (Texas)
Have you had a chance to "read the articles" in the new Rachelle Leah Playboy?
Jon Anik (3:22 PM)
Not yet.
Adam (Houston, TX)
SO what about the Serra vs Hughes fight Jon? Who do you have on that and why? I'm a Serra fan so I really wanna see him own Hughes but it just doesn't seem likely.
Jon Anik (3:23 PM)
Just jacked up that it will finally happen in April. I guess I am leaning towards Hughes in the fight.
Gene (DC)
On a serious note...no way you and your entire staff werent hitting on Gina all day when she was on the show a couple weeks ago. I for one have already alerted my wife if I ever get the chance...see-ya
Jon Anik (3:23 PM)
We were gentlemen, Gene.
Jimbo (San Diego)
Jon boy, why have I not seen one mention of Thiago Alves in this convo? I had many doubts about him coming into that fight, but he shattered those (even though Koscheck only had 2 weeks to prepare). Please tell me how impressed you were with him and if you think he deserves an immediate title shot against GSP after he fights Penn
Jon Anik (3:26 PM)
I forgot to pluck this question earlier, and wanted to go back in the queue to grab it. Thiago Alves made a huge statement last weekend. He won all 3 rounds on my scorecard and definitely deserves a title shot. Hopefully, the fight with GSP happen in May or June of next year.
Bubba, Framingham MA
With BJ vs. GSP just being decided on, who do you think wins... Remembering that GSPs plan for BJ was to tire him out then avoid submissions. Do you think BJs cardio is improved enough to win through that game-plan or do you think GSPs game has evolved enough to beat a non-tired BJ?
Jon Anik (3:26 PM)
I like St. Pierre in the fight. BJ will be in shape, but this is a different GSP animal we are talking about.
Mike M. (Los Angeles, CA)
Would you like to see GSP vs. Silva @ 185? How will the outcome of GSP vs Penn affect the possibility of that fight? I think Wanderlei Silva vs Anderson Silva would be awesome after Wanderlei knocks out Rampage again.
Jon Anik (3:28 PM)
The biggest fight - not in terms of PPV buys - but the biggest fight the sport could make would be Anderson Silva vs. GSP. Of course I want to see it. St. Pierre must beat BJ Penn, though, or the fight loses luster.
rob (jersey)
Sorry Jon - just trying to add some NON-UFC chat in here my man.....
Jon Anik (3:29 PM)
I hear ya, bro. We welcome it...
Hondo (Boston, MA)
I'm not saying that Lesnar's not going to win or that he's overrated, I'm just saying that his wrestling is not everything it's being made out to be in this chat. He is a one dimensional wrestler on his feet, it's a great shot, but it is one shot. Check out his college tapes if you don't believe me.
Jon Anik (3:30 PM)
That's fair enough, Hondo.
Bren (Texas)
Bobby Lashley is advertised as fighting on an "Mixed Fighting Alliance" card in Miami, FL on December 13th. He's being loaned out by the AFL.
John (Watertown, SD)
Doesn't a BJ win against GSP cause some huge problems for UFC? He holds 2 of the 5 belts, how do they get enough championship fights when a guy who doesn't fight all that often holds 2 of them? Plus it messes up the chance of a GSP-Silva fight (not that that is a bad thing).
Jon Anik (3:30 PM)
It does create headaches, John. Dana White has also said there is no way BJ Penn will fight Anderson Silva.
Jason (Bmore)
Any idea who you like regarding Mir vs Nogueira? Unreal how Vinny was talkin smack on him, then tried to play up to him in Brazilian. I hope he smashes both of them!
Jon Anik (3:33 PM)
Vinny's got a lot of nerve talking all that trash about Minotauro. Know your place. Also, I think it's a brilliant stroke by UFC to showcase Nogueira on TUF. You can definitely understand his English, with the subtitle assistance, and he's just coming off as such a likable guy. I think Mir has a chance in the fight, if he enters The Octagon in the best shape of his life.
Noke (Brown Mills, NJ)
When is Nate Diaz gonna fight a top contender and be on a ppv?
Jon Anik (3:34 PM)
I like Nate a lot at 155. His time will come. Patience, Noke.
Brian (NJ)
After GSP vs Spider, what is the fight you would most want to see?
Jon Anik (3:35 PM)
Under the UFC, I would say Alves-GSP, Florian-Penn, Lesnar-Nogueira. Three potential title fights.
Charlie, Philly
Do you give CroCop a chance against Overeem especially with the pre-existing knee injury? Go Phils!!
Jon Anik (3:36 PM)
Congratulations to the Phillies! Cro Cop has next to no shot, in my opinion.
Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)
Maynard v Diaz seems pretty logical right? Both undefeated and impressive in the Octagon with no obvious opponents right night. Plus it's an interesting rematch.
Jon Anik (3:37 PM)
Sign me up, Cyrus.
Hondo (Boston, MA)
What was your favorite fight of the weekend? Why?
Jon Anik (3:38 PM)
I liked the kickboxing match between Sherk and Griffin. But the most enjoyable fight for me was definitely Koscheck-Alves. Thiago's leg kicks were punishing all night, and Koscheck still managing to keep his feet after most of them. Two world-class mixed martial artists.
John (Watertown, SD)
As far as Mir's conditioning goes, if he does that thing with the snorkel on the treadmill, I think he will have pretty good cardio. Never seen anything like that, gave me a panic attack from fear of being smothered just watching it on TV.
Jon Anik (3:39 PM)
Hahaha...I kept thinking the same thing, John. Mir should get on the treadmill with the snorkel like the rest of Team Mir!
Rob (NYC)
Actually Jon, your boy Mir or "Mur" as Brock would put it, comes off as a punk on the show. Theres a lot of hate on him in the blogosphere. Whats your take on it? Anytruth to that?
Jon Anik (3:41 PM)
Plenty of Mir critics in the chat as well. I actually have nothing but good things to say about Frank. He has been to ESPN 5-6 times...we've been out to dinner. He treats everyone with respect. Doesn't big-time anyone. I can only speak from my personal experience, but the show doesn't always cast him in the most positive light.
dave friday texas
whats next for gina carano?
Jon Anik (3:42 PM)
Remains to be seen. UFC might be receptive to a women's fight or two, but not a division. Affliction may want to think about establishing a women's division, but we just don't know how deep their pockets are. How much does Gina command right now?
rob (jersey)
Not sure if wer have another chat between now and the WEC card - but excited for Jake Rosholt's national debut - i love the wrestlers and jukoda "invasion" into MMA....easier to develop hands then ground game IMO.
Jon Anik (3:43 PM)
Rob, we've got some stuff on Rosholt today on MMA Live.
Craig (Erie, PA)
I haven't seen that guy you made the bet with on the Sherk/Griffon fight gloating at all today. Have you been ignoring him or is he missing his opportunity to rub it in your face?
Jon Anik (3:43 PM)
He e-mailed MMA Live to make sure I would send out his winnings.
Randy Anick (Paris, TX)
Jon, I thnk we are related. I also think that Tim Sylvia's career may be over. If you were Dana, would you ever put this piece of trash back in a cage?
Jon Anik (3:45 PM)
We can't be related, b/c I don't refer to fighters as pieces of trash. I think Sylvia's days near the top are certainly done, but he'll be back in the cage.
Adam (Houston, TX)
When are you guys gonna be on TV?!
Jon Anik (3:45 PM)
Hopefully soon. Keep watching. We're tryin'!
Bren (Texas)
Thought I'd do my part in terms of lobbying for a "MMA Live" intership by informing all that Nate Diaz was scheduled to fight Clay Guida at the December UFC show honoring American troops (but Guida had to pull out due to injury).
Jon Anik (3:46 PM)
Yeah, and it's too bad. Really thought that was an intriguing match-up.
Mike M. (Los Angeles, CA)
So when can we expect to see Bonnar back in the cage?
Jon Anik (3:46 PM)
He will fight Jon Jones at UFC 94. And Bonnar can't wait to get back in there.
Jeff (MD)
Which up-and-comer in the UFC do you see most likely to be a future champion? I think Carwin is going to be a beast.
Jon Anik (3:47 PM)
Carwin has large expectations within UFC circles. It may only be b/c it's fresh in my mind, but I think Thiago Alves is destined for greatness. Rashad Evans has a great opportunity in front of him, but I'm not sure he can get through Forrest.
Amanda(Huntington,WV)
Who do you think will win the Sierra vs Hughes fight?
Jon Anik (3:49 PM)
As long as Hughes is close to 100 %, I lean his way. But Serra ain't going down easy, especially against a guy he loathes to such an extent.
Nate (Mechanicsburg, PA)
How about Lawler vs Anderson Silva? That would surely bring some fireworks.
Jon Anik (3:49 PM)
Best of luck, Robbie.
Jon Anik (3:50 PM)
Alright, that's a wrap. Thanks for all of the great questions. And PLEASE, if I didn't answer yours, just send it to mmalive@espn.com. Hope you enjoy Episode #25 of MMA Live! Until next week...-JA
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