Jon Anik

  (2:22 PM)

Hello, MMA Nation! Good to be with you on another Thursday afternoon/late morning on the West Coast. A lot to get to post-UFC 96. And today's chat, of course, in honor of the late Charles 'Mask' Lewis. The face and founder of TapOut Clothing died in a car accident earlier this week. I never met the man, but also never heard of anyone who didn't like him. Kenny Florian told me he was 'just a genuinely good dude'. Tapout has become synonymous with MMA and has been an integral part of the sport's growth. Mask's loss is a great one for Mixed martial arts. So with him in our thoughts, let's vent.

Big Bob (Pittsburgh, PA)

Hey Jon, went to UFC 96. The crowd and the card were great! So, how about that head kick by Matt Hamill. No one in the building saw that coming.

Jon Anik

  (2:23 PM)

I have never been as impressed with Hamill as I was Saturday night. He just looked so confident and comfortable on his feet right out of the shoot. He has certainly evolved as a Mixed martial artist.

rob (jersey)

Jon what's up? As a member of WAMMA yourself - do you feel that WAMMA has to recognize Rashad, GSP, and Anderson Silva as WAMMA Champs - even though the UFC does not recognize WAMMA?

Jon Anik

  (2:25 PM)

WAMMA has been very careful to only crown champions in two weight classes. Fedor Emelianenko and Shinya Aoki can both be argued as the best fighters in their weight classes, WAMMA hasn't crowned a champ at 170, b/c it knows GSP is the champion. Unfortunately, he and Rashad Evans fight for promotions that don't recognize WAMMA's rankings, Hopefully that changes one day and their are universal MMA rankings. It's an ambitious endeavor.

Jeff (MD)...back from Columbus

So now that Carwin KO'd a legit opponent, who do you want to see him fight next? A matchup with Kongo could place him next in line for a title fight.

Jon Anik

  (2:26 PM)

And that's the match-up I would like to see. Hope you enjoyed your first UFC show.

Kirby( San Diego Ca)

Who is Shane Carwin fighting next?

Jon Anik

  (2:26 PM)

TBD.

Ben (Columbus)

Jon, do you think it was wrong of Dana White to put tickets on sale for UFC 98 under the pretence that it was Mir vs Lesner, even though Frank stated at UFC 96 he had told the UFC about his injury 2 weeks prior? I understand a fighter getting hurt after tickets go on sale but this seems like Dana wanted to sell the tickets before he announced the change.

Jon Anik

  (2:29 PM)

There seem to be some holes in the UFC timeline, Ben. Mir went under the knife prior to UFC 98 being announced. But, as you say, injuries can happen at anytime and are largely out of the UFC's control. I wouldn't come down too hard on Dana. I guess I'm glad it happened early enough in the process so those wishing to go can decide if the new main event is worth their $$$. I think Machida-Rashad Evans may be more interesting than a lot of others do.

Matt(Atlanta)

what world class boxer, in your opinion, if they took up wrestling and bjj training, could perform best in the UFC?

Jon Anik

  (2:30 PM)

Good question. But very few guys, Matt. I have a hard time coming up with one. If Floyd Mayweather put in two years of ground training and fought at 135, I could see it.

Brad (Nanuet, NY)

Love the chats. Matt Hughes talking about moving up a class. Wasn't one of his biggest advantages his strenght in the WW division, and isn't it negated moving up 15 pounds?

Jon Anik

  (2:31 PM)

Yeah Brad, I don't see it either. I sort of think it's a non-story to be honest with you b/c I don't expect it to happen.

Nate (Minneapolis, MN)

Jonny good afternoon, Great chat on saturday night! So when does rampage get the Evans/Machida winner?

Jon Anik

  (2:31 PM)

Thanks, Nate. My expectation is that fight will happen as soon as Rampage and the Machida-Evans winner are both healthy. Perhaps September.

daniel( TJ)

What do you think the outcome of the chuck vs shogun will be?

Jon Anik

  (2:32 PM)

I'll tell you for sure the week before the fight. Have already waffled on this one. Today? Liddell.

Steiny (NYC)

The California State Athletic Commission on Wednesday suspended Ken Shamrock for one year after the veteran fighter tested positive for multiple steroids following his first-round submission of Ross Clifton on February 13th in Fresno, California. Jon your thoughts?

Jon Anik

  (2:33 PM)

Not at all surprised, given his physique for a man of his age. I just want him to go away. Important to note that MMA is more stringent when it comes to drug testing than any other sport, b/c it's regulated by state athletic commissions.

Ryan (West Des Moines)

Hey Jon- Just an FYI as I read to chat weekly and there's always a question to the UFC video game release date. I work in DVD and video game distribution and THQ tells us the date is June 2. I'll keep you posted with changes.

Jon Anik

  (2:33 PM)

Keep keeping in posted, Ryan. Thanks.

Oliver Lee - Hollywood, FL

Anik, You nailed all of your UFC 96 predictions. I didn't expect Rampage-Jardine to go to a decision. You were right. Do you think Rashad Evans and Machida also goes to a decision? I think it's destined to be a 5-round snoozefest.

Jon Anik

  (2:35 PM)

For once I had a decent card, Oliver. I do not think Evans-Machida goes the distance. I think there will be a feeling-out process early, but give me two undefeated guys in their primes fighting in the UFC's glamour weight class any day. And it's hard to pick a winner, isn't it?

Tyler (Dayton, OH)

Hey Jon, UFC 96 ended up being much better than many people expected. How much of a role do you think an awesome crowd like the one in Columbus play into the fights themselves? Or was this just excellent matchmaking that led to such great fights to watch?

Jon Anik

  (2:35 PM)

All of the factors play a role, Tyler. The people I was watching with made note of the crowd. It can certainly help the cause. So do knockouts.

Craig (Erie, PA)

Hey Jon, man Rampage looked real real slow this weekend against Jardine, I'm kinda glad Machida is getting the shot vs Evans, because the Rampage we saw this weekend woulda had no shot vs Sugar.

Jon Anik

  (2:37 PM)

Agree with most of that, Craig. I don't think Rampage - right now - has a great chance to beat Rashad. But give him ample rest and another camp at Wolfslair, and it would be very close. I also wasn't quite as down on Rampage's performance against Keith Jardine. My man McNeil was highly critical of 'Page in his column on espn.com

Chuggies: (Parts Unknown)

When do you expect Robbie Lawler to fight again? He's one of the most entertaining in the world in my opinion, and has been off for a year now.

Jon Anik

  (2:38 PM)

Soon. He'll be on one of the next 2-3 Strikeforce cards, after the 4/11 debut. Maybe against...wait for it...wait for it...Smokin' Joe Villasenor.

John(Buffalo)

Whats next for Jon Jones?

Jon Anik

  (2:39 PM)

Good things. Great things. Can't give you an opponent.

Jeff (MD)

Josh Gross thinks the lack of submissions in the 2 of the 3 last UFC cards is an indication of dying piece of MMA. I think it is merely stylistic match-ups that are the cause. What are you thoughts?

Jon Anik

  (2:40 PM)

It's an interesting discussion. I think submission defense, across the board, continues to improve. But I don't agree and don't think you are going to see a major trend away from submissions. Just weren't a ton of BJJ specialists on the card.

Brendhan (Texas)

Any thoughts on the way Yves Lavigne handled his officiating duties in the Sell vs. Brown fight?

Jon Anik

  (2:42 PM)

Just awful, Brendhan. Where do I begin? He stopped the fight, inexplicably restarts the thing. Then fails to stop it again when it should"ve been. He kept compounding his mistakes. It's one thing to screw up early, but he had two chances to make amends, and instead made it worse.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Jon, Anything new on Dana White and his meeting with Fedor Emelianenko? When will it happen? Do you expect to see him fight in the Octagon before 2009 in over?

Jon Anik

  (2:42 PM)

Nothing new, Mikey. Dana said there was no meeting scheduled when he learned of Fedor's comments.

chris GR MI

i've been reading all your chat's for about 10 weeks now, and it's constantly the highlight of my thursdays, please don't ever stop!

Jon Anik

  (2:43 PM)

Thanks, Chris. Appreciate that a lot man.

Cheese San Mateo

Jon cant wait for a live show on ESPN! Hey I have known Mark Munoz for over 20 yrs, while I wanted him to suceed I was surprised he got thrown into one of the deepest divisions in the UFC so early. Will we see him in the UFC again or will he go back to WEC for a couple more fights to get more experience and polish?

Jon Anik

  (2:44 PM)

Can't go back to the WEC Cheese, because it has abolished its light heavyweight division. I think Munoz will be given another chance against a lesser opponent in the UFC. He needs to take care of business there. Hamill was a tough test right out of the shoot, but Munoz really has some work to do on his feet.

Tito Ortiz

My back is feeling better, now who do you want me to fight and where?

Jon Anik

  (2:44 PM)

I want you to fight Frank Shamrock on Strikeforce's CBS debut.

Jason (Philly)

Any chance Lesnar has a tune-up fight before he fights Mir? There has been such a long lay-off for him.

Jon Anik

  (2:46 PM)

Very doubtful, Jason. But you raise a good point, and one we discuss today on MMA Live. I think the potential 8 1/2 month layoff for Lesnar could be a major factor in the fight against Mir. I don't know how anyone can say it will be an advantage for Brock. He doesn't have a ton of in-cage experience and needs to be active.

Molly Qerim (ESPN)

Hi Jon!

Jon Anik

  (2:47 PM)

No way Molly Qerim is gracing us in the chat room. If it's you, hello!

Marcus (KC, MO)

Hey Jon! After UFC 96 what are your thoughts on Brandon Vera? What do you think is next for him and do you think we will ever see the title contender he's supposed to be?

Jon Anik

  (2:48 PM)

I think Brandon Vera can be a nice fighter in the UFC. But I don't think he has the total package (technique, heart, cardio, etc.) to be a real championship threat.

Kenny (CA)

Anik, MMA Live seems to be your big pet project. Besides hosting, what other jobs (or credits) do you do for the show.

Jon Anik

  (2:50 PM)

For MMA Live, I am responsible for writing the show. We have a great team that helps determine the direction, guests, what questions are asked, etc. Outside of MMA, I do other on-air stuff for ESPN.com and ESPN Mobile TV...ScoreCenter, the Daily Dime, highlights, etc. Check out some of our college hoop highlights later tonite.

Daniel(TJ)

Good after noon jon , great work this couple of weeks, Do u think that Anderson Silva will lose his title against Thales Leites ? If so do u think he will ever face the dream fight against gsp??

Jon Anik

  (2:51 PM)

No, he won't lose the title to Thales Leites. And yes, I do think we will see the mega-fight with St. Pierre. BUT, I'm not as confident in that second assertion as I was a few weeks ago.

Nate (Minneapolis, MN)

Best ref currently is herb dean hands down to me. Where is it kongo/carwin to see who gets lesnar/mir winner?

Jon Anik

  (2:51 PM)

Herb Dean is certainly up there, if not No. 1. Chieck Kongo has a fight with Antoni Hardonk first. Then, we can start the Carwin talk. And Shane is having surgery on his nose before he can return.

Dustin (St.Louis, MO)

Has there been a date set for the Florian vs Penn title fight?

Jon Anik

  (2:52 PM)

Nope. My best guess is as late as UFC 102. I would say UFC 101 in August, but if that fight is in Portland, OR, I'm not sure you put Penn-Florian there. You already have Couture-Nogueira, and to me, BJ and Kenny need to throw down in the fight capital of the world.

Pete (Montreal, Canada)

"But, I'm not as confident in that second assertion as I was a few weeks ago." Do tell..

Jon Anik

  (2:54 PM)

Well, I just think there are all of a sudden 2-3 fights for Silva at 185 (Bisping-Hendo winner, and then either Demain Maia or Nate Marquardt). Plus, a lot of folks want to see Silva at 205 sooner rather than later. And lastly, both Silva and GSP must keep winning to keep that fight in tact. And I expect them to, but they will be facing a lot of tough tests over the next 8-10 months.

Stracy M (Boston)

Hello Jon, could you please give me a good reason as to why MMA Live is not on TV yet? Do the big wigs really not like MMA that much?

Jon Anik

  (2:56 PM)

I wish I had a good answer for you. There are some higher-ups that like MMA and I know there are others that do express trepidation. We will have been on espn.com for a year upcoming in May, which is great in and of itself. Objectively, I think the show and our chemistry has improved. Keep asking away. Hopefully it happens.

Adam (maine)

jon come on, please answer my davis question.. Seems like his fight with Dan hardy is more to lose than to gain. A win does what for him

Jon Anik

  (2:57 PM)

Didn't see your question, Adam. Several hundred in here man. I hear part of what you are saying. But Davis does get to (try to) shut up a guy who is talking. And that seems to be enough for Marcus right now. Who would you rather see him fight that isn't already matched up?

Ken (Pittsburgh)

Projected Mark Coleman/Stephan Bonnar bout is rumored to be added to UFC 100. What a card (on paper)! Has ESPN given the greenlight for another road trip in July?

Jon Anik

  (2:58 PM)

I'm supposed to be at a wedding in Aruba on July 11th, but will certainly clear the calendar if need be! I'd expect us to be there. We'll see.

Scott (Des Moines)

If you did go on the air, would you have a daily show or a weekly show?? What do you think...?

Jon Anik

  (2:59 PM)

I don't know. But I would certainly pine for a presence more than once a week. News break in MMA, like any other sport, on the hour. Perhaps 2-3 shows/week.

Hondo (Boston, MA)

Are you guys taking the road trip to Montreal for UFC 97?

Jon Anik

  (3:00 PM)

Not that I know of. I'm kept in the dark on certain things.

Ben (Columbus)

Do you think BJ is ducking K FLo? He says he can't fight till late summer to spend time with his family, yet I look at the last 2 UFC shows (95 and 96) and who is there cornering fighters but BJ himself. And now his camp files with NSAC over the GSP thing. It seems a little fishy to me, and K FLo has to wait from November to September to fight. That is weak.

Jon Anik

  (3:01 PM)

As long as he fights Kenny, I won't say BJ is ducking him. Is he playing games with the delay and trying to get Florian to accept another opponent? Doubtful, because Kenny won't fight for anything less than the UFC lightweight title. I would just like to see the division get going again. A ton of talent, and the belt hasn't been contested in almost a year.

Jim (Acton, MA)

What do you think of Rampage's comments that he overtrained?

Jon Anik

  (3:02 PM)

I don't like excuses of any kind.

Scott (Des Moines)

Doooooooooooo it, let's start a petition to get MMA Live on the air...

Adam (Houston, TX)

Hey Jon so why does MMA get a weekly show on ESPN.com and not Boxing? Don't get me wrong I love it that we get this and they don't!

Jon Anik

  (3:04 PM)

I am a big boxing fan, too. But MMA, as a sport, is literally the fastest growing sport in the world. That incline in popularity is reflected in MMA Live's numbers. I'm just not sure that a boxing show would get the large and consistent support and following that our show does.

Stephen (Afghanistan)

Any word on what might be on tap for Bobby Lashley since there won't be a fight against Shamrock?

Jon Anik

  (3:04 PM)

Stephen, I'd expect him to stay on the card against a TCTBD (Tomato can to be determined).

Jeff (MD)

Buy or Sell: Post-fight confrontations.

Jon Anik

  (3:05 PM)

Sell. I don't like a fighter who isn't fighting getting into the ring or Octagon to talk to a future opponent.

Brian Kenny (ESPN)

We have a little show every week called Friday Night Fights where I sit in studio and talk to Boxers it has been on for a while!

Jon Anik

  (3:07 PM)

And I watch it every week and have for some time! I'm a huge fan of FNF, and not at all trying to disrespect the sweet science. I just think its a challenge to get people to watch a 30-minute show on the Internet week-in and week-out, and do so for the whole show.

Jeff (MD)

Just a warning to all. If you think you are addicted to MMA and haven't yet attended a UFC event, just wait until you attend...it makes it even worse.

Boston Matt

Hey Jon, I was watching a few of Kenny's videos on how to execute some of the BJJ moves. Any chance that you can be a test subject for him when he films his throat punch video? Do you think a fighter like Faber could step up a weight class and give guys like Kenny and BJ a good fight?

Jon Anik

  (3:08 PM)

I've been the dummy before, but ended up on the cutting room floor. As for Faber, he's smaller than you think. And there are plenty of solid 145 lbs. guys for him to tangle with.

Dustin (St.Louis, MO)

Hey Jon, Were you as impressed as I am at how much Matt Brown has improved since the Ultimate Fighter ?

Jon Anik

  (3:10 PM)

Glad you brought that up. Matt Brown has only one UFC loss in four fights, and it was a split decision loss to Dong Hyun Kim that many media guys contested. I am becoming a fan of The Immortal. Much improved, as you point out. Loved the aggression and sense of urgency at UFC 96.

Marcus (KC, MO)

You want to talk addictions how bout moving your wedding up 6 hours cause you find out UFC 100 is the same day.

Jon Anik

  (3:10 PM)

Did you really? That is dedication my man.

che (Macon, GA)

Didn't see the nelson-riley fight. How bad of an early stoppage was it, and do you think that the early stoppage gave yves lavigne pause in his fight?

Jon Anik

  (3:11 PM)

It was one of the worst I've seen in some time. And it certainly could've been in the back of Yves Lavigne's mind when he tried to reverse course and restart the Brown-Sell fight. But, as stated earlier, don't like excuses. And you want hear Lavigne use it.

Klatush, Grayland, WA

RIP CHARLES "MASK" LEWIS!!!

Jon Anik

  (3:12 PM)

Amen. Tried to share my thoughts off the top of the chat. A tremendous loss for the sport.

Nick (Philly)

Should Pete Sell be cut from the UFC after his string of losses and his brutal defeat at the hands of Matt Brown?

Jon Anik

  (3:12 PM)

I think he is likely to get cut, yes.

Nick SV Arizona

I just read Coleman is fighting Stephan Bonner at UFC 100, what are your thoughts on this fight and why is Coleman still fighting.

Jon Anik

  (3:13 PM)

My thoughts are that Coleman shouldn't still be fighting, and Bonnar has no choice but to win by stoppage of some kind. Stephan may always have a place in the UFC, but he's gotta get through Coleman, and decisively.

Ken (Pittsburgh)

Hey Jon, Do you think the upcoming Bellator Fighting show/tournament on ESPN Desportes will prove to be a fine litmus test for MMA on the Worldwide Leader? If those fights get ratings, I don't see why MMA Live can't be a terrific lead-in show!

Jon Anik

  (3:14 PM)

I am jacked up for Bellator, and will be monitoring it closely. Monitoring the way ESPN promotes and covers it, as well.

J.R. (Tampa, FL)

I was really impressed with Gray Maynard on Saturday night. How is his fight trajectory lining up?

Jon Anik

  (3:15 PM)

As was I, J.R. His boxing really took a major step forward. You'd have to think Maynard is now a top-5 UFC lightweight. I'd like to see him fight Tyson Griffin.

Chris (Chicago)

As bad as it actually was, imagine how bad it would have been had Sell recovered enough after Ives briefly stopped it to do some damage and maybe even win the fight. If it had made it to the end of the first round, could the judges have called a stop?

Jon Anik

  (3:17 PM)

The doctor can stop the fight in-between rounds. And you're right. It would've been a disaster had Sell come back to win. It also would've been bad if the initial stoppage was the end of the fight, because then Matt Brown wouldn't have gotten any credit. Either way, the focus is on the officiating, and that's not good.

Mike (Boston)

Jon u are crazy thinking boxers can't hack it in MMA Boxing takes way more training and stamina to potentioally go 12 rounds! If you can throw your hands like I can.. then u don't get taken down. A boxer wouldn't even be allowed to wear those light UFC gloves because they would murder someone! peace

Jon Anik

  (3:18 PM)

So give me a name of a professional boxer who you think would have great success in MMA? I'm curious to see Hasim Rahman's ridiculous power translate to MMA, but he has no cardio and has never been on the ground.

Nikita (Boston, MA)

Am I the only one who still really wants to see what Amir Saddollah can do in the UFC?

Jon Anik

  (3:18 PM)

Not at all, Nikita. But his injuries have halted his momentum.

Chris (Chicago, IL)

TUF has been pretty good at spitting out talented fighters. Do you have any insight on the recently announced new cast of fighters?

Jon Anik

  (3:19 PM)

Not much, Chris. I am very excited for another season, however. Just been busy with other MMA stuff.

Chris (Piketon, Ohio)

Any word on the first CBS show for Strikeforce? When and who could be featured on the card.

Jon Anik

  (3:20 PM)

Looking like later in 2009 than was initially thought. Not expecting a summer card. As for names, Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice should both be on the card. I'd also expect at least one Strikeforce belt to be on the line.

Ray Mercer (Boxer)

I lost to Kimbo Slice and I fought for a heavyweight title. Enough Said.

Stevie G.

How about some MMA Live action, Jon?

Jon Anik

  (3:20 PM)

Should be up soon, if it's not already.

Jon Anik

  (3:21 PM)

And, WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres, just three weeks before his title defense, is live in Bristol!

Geoff (Ottawa, Ontario)

Let's see Gray Maynard actually stop somebody. Sure he has been better than every man he's faced so far, but he can't be that much better if his last four fights have gone to decision. Do you think he slowed down after realizing he was up on the cards and was fighting not to lose?

Jon Anik

  (3:23 PM)

I just think Jim Miller was tough and refused to be finished. I wasn't too critical of Maynard. You're right, he really needs a knockout. The UFC likes - and rewards - finishers.

Jake AZ

I hear Ken Shamrock tested positive for roids and isnt going to be fighting Lashley and word on if and who Lashley will be fighting instead.

Jon Anik

  (3:23 PM)

Check the chat queue from earlier, Jake. Thanks.

Matt (Boise)

Hey what does Kenny need to do to get so love in the rankings

Jon Anik

  (3:24 PM)

Kenny gets some Top 3 love in certain rankings, but he also fights in MMA's deepest division.

Stevie G.

Fighting not to lose is winning. A fighters goal should be to win... nothing else. No other sports team or athlete concentrates on anything more than winning. Gray should continue to do his thing!

Jon Anik

  (3:26 PM)

I agree 100 %. Problem lies in my previous answer. If your employer craves exciting fighters, do you try to become that? Or do you just keep winning and hope that leads to a title shot? Because a guy like Maynard...one loss, and he may never get another chance at the top.

Jerry (Joplin, MO)

You've ignored my GSP/Alves question twice Jon; why do you hate me?

Jon Anik

  (3:27 PM)

Fellas, hundreds of questions in the chat. Answer them as quickly and fairly as possible. And you didn't even ask your GSP-Alves question here, Jerry!

Bo (Honolulu, HI)

Jon, give us your thoughts on Kendal Grove. Who do you see him fighting next?

Jon Anik

  (3:28 PM)

His post-fight antics are vomit-inducing, but at 6'6", he's a match-up nightmare for a lot of middleweights. A good performance against a guy in Jason Day who was ultra-prepared for the fight. He was training 3x/day with Miguel Torres. Miguel was pretty bummed out about that result.

Jim (Acton, MA)

With no fights this weekend... I cannot wait for King Mo on the 20th... how many more fights is he going to need to be signed by a US company (strikeforce, ufc, etc.)? Or is it possible that he would stay in Japan?

Jon Anik

  (3:29 PM)

As long as the money is there, King Mo Lawal could stay overseas. He has become a major draw very quickly over there. I'll be watching Sengoku on the 20th on HDNet!

Chris (Piketon, Ohio)

Jon keep up the good work! Hope to see mma live on tv soon. Gotta go study for a midterm!

Jon Anik

  (3:29 PM)

Best of luck on the test. Thanks for chatting with us.

Jerry (Joplin, MO)

I'm just kidding Jon, you're ok. My question was, wouldn't it have made more sense to move the GSP/Alves fight to 98, instead of messing around with Rampage/Evans/Machida, and the poor timing involved with that? Or is the UFC just set on the marketability of having it at 100?

Jon Anik

  (3:31 PM)

St. Pierre would not have fought at UFC 98. Georges is ultra intense about his training, and wasn't gonna put in a short camp.

J.R. (Tampa, FL)

Hey Jon, any take on Tamdan McCrory's post fight rant? (Sidebar: that guy's one strange looking cat)

Jon Anik

  (3:31 PM)

Strange dude. Interesting fighter.

HDNet (Dallas, TX)

Actually, HDNet is showing "Affliction: Day of Reckoning" and "DREAM 7" this weekend so there WILL be MMA action for any fellow junkies out there.

Jerrod(Columbus)

Hey Jon! Appreciate the love on MMA Live 2 weeks ago, but i will say its pronouced Jared(think subway guy). What is the projected recovery time on Frank Mir? Also, doesnt a longer layoff make Brock harder to prepare for since he could be much more skilled and different by the time they do fight?

Jon Anik

  (3:34 PM)

Sorry about the pronunciation error! As for Mir's recovery, he can begin training at 80 percent the second week of April. The fight hasn't been confirmed for UFC 100, but all indications are it will happen. And I think the extended layoff benefits Mir and not Lesnar. Read the rest of the chat for details.

kevin (san jose)

Is Jon Jones serious about moving up to Heavy Weight at some point??

Jon Anik

  (3:35 PM)

A lot of guys say it. Fewer actually do it. But I'm not gonna doubt Jon Jones in any capacity. Dude came out to 'Angry Johnny' at UFC 94! Also, Gegard Mousasi is a middleweight moving to heavyweight. Or so he says.

Ed (Chicago,IL)

What's up with MMA Live? I'm having withdraws!

Jon Anik

  (3:36 PM)

Technical difficulties. The real talent is working on it. Sorry for the delay.

Hondo (Boston, MA)

What was your favorite finish of the night? I'm going with Vera and the leg kicks. I think we can all agree that Pete Sell stumbling around was our least favorite?

Jon Anik

  (3:37 PM)

I'd have to say Matt Hamill. Now that we know Munoz is okay, I never expected Hamill to finish a guy with a head kick. Also thought Shane Carwin's quick reversal to knock out Gonzaga was noteworthy.

kevin (san jose)

Anthony Johnson is legit! I want him to fight a top 5 guy!

Jon Anik

  (3:37 PM)

You're not alone.

Mike(Charlotte)

Jon, who would win in a fight between yourself and Dan Rafeal?

Jon Anik

  (3:37 PM)

Jon Anik.

Jon Anik

  (3:39 PM)

Alright guys, gotta run. Working tonite, then off to a wedding in Orlando. Thanks for another great chat. Enjoy Episode #44 of MMA Live. Shane Carwin by phone, Stephan Bonnar from Las Vegas, and Miguel Torres live in-studio. Until next week... R.I.P. Charles 'Mask' Lewis. -JA