Chat with Jon Anik
Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, Jon Anik, host of ESPN.com's MMA Live, will stop by to take your questions!
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 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 also serves as the play-by-play voice for the Bellator Fighting Championships.
Send your questions now and join Anik Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET!
More Jon Anik: MMA Live | MMA index | Chats
Buzzmaster (12:41 PM)
Hey everyone, I just heard from Jon and he got stuck in some traffic getting to work. He might be a few minutes late for his 1 p.m. ET chat.
Jon Anik (1:01 PM)
With one minute to spare...I'm in Bristol. Thanks to Buzzmaster for bailing me out! Hannah Storm almost whacked me with her car, but I'm here. And, not sure we've ever had more to talk about in the MMA world. Brock Lesnar out of UFC 106, UFC 104, and Fedor-Rogers is fast-approaching. I'm here for at least the next hour, so let's vent.
Ken (Pittsburgh)
No excuses! Nevermind, all is forgiven. Jon runs a solid chat. Best MMA chat on the planet!
Jon Anik (1:01 PM)
Thanks, Ken!...And I'm not afraid of Mel Kiper!
Andrew (Newfoundland)
What's your new must see UFC event now that Brock isn't fighting at 106?
Jon Anik (1:02 PM)
I think you'd have to say its UFC 107 and specifically the main event between B.J. Penn and Diego Sanchez. Overall depth on that card is sick.
Ryan (Baltimore, MD)
Do you think that UFC 107 is getting enough respect? I mean you have BJ v. Diego, Mir v. Kongo, and Florian v. Guida! How is this card not getting press like 106 did before Brock dropped out?
Jon Anik (1:03 PM)
...not to mention Todd Duffee...and Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves is on that card as well (I believe). Memphis fans may have been bummed out to not get Rampage-Rashad, but they're gettting a ridiculous show with a ton of top names.
Tyler (Tennessee)
I am a lyoto machida fan should i be worried about a rematch with shogun
Jon Anik (1:04 PM)
I still favor Machida in the rematch. As Kevin Iole told me earlier this week, Machida still hasn't reached his potential. And I'm not sure Shogun Rua is capable of a performance any better than the one we saw against Machida. I expect a more aggressive Machida the second time around.
Jerry (Texas)
IS Dana White going to replace the Brock Lesner fight at UFC 106 with another one, or is he just going to sit tight and not add another fight to the card, as currently contructed, UFC 105 looks better than 106
Jon Anik (1:05 PM)
Reports are that the new co-main event will be a welterweight fight between Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson. Great fight on paper, and a nice job by Dana White and Joe Silva to come up with a quick and suitable Band-aid, given the circumstances.
Jason (Ellicott City, MD)
Dana White rigs UFC. Spread the rumor. There is no way Shogun loses that fight.
Jon Anik (1:06 PM)
The conspiracy theories need to stop! The outcome of Machida-Shogun certainly benefits the UFC b/c they had no surefire #1 light heavyweight contender. But had one of the three judges scored it for Shogun and the result was a split decision, there would be far fewer complaints.
Leo (Boston MA)
Lost in the Main event debate, Cain looked awesome! and how can "rumble" so up 7 pounds overweight.
Jon Anik (1:07 PM)
Velasquez is an animal. He fights with an absolute reckless abandon. He is violent from the touch of the gloves and his motor is unmatched in the heavyweight division. As for Johnson, I'd love to give him the benefit of the doubt (the injury, etc.), but I think this will be a recurring problem if he stays at 170.
Snapple Cap (My Desk)
First I lose the Machida-Rua fight to the Coke bottle and now JA is late, worst week ever.
Jon Anik (1:08 PM)
Only one minute late, though. I try to be here for you ladies.
RoMan (calgary)
UFC 106 card now sucks. I don't consider the Kos-Rumble a main event.
Jon Anik (1:08 PM)
The card has certainly taken a hit, but given Lesnar's illness and the proximity of the event, I give the UFC credit.
Charlie (Philly)
Cain still has nothing for Carwin or Lesnar. No way Cain can take either of those two beasts.
Jon Anik (1:09 PM)
I would respectfully disagree, Chuck. I think we saw a much-improved Cain Velasquez than we saw at UFC 99. Much tighter physically, hands looked quicker. I think Velasquez would be very competitive with both Lesnar and Carwin.
Jason (Owosso, MI)
How much compensation do fights get if their fight is "Fight of the Year"?
Jon Anik (1:11 PM)
I don't believe there is a financial attachment to a 'Fight of the Year.' Some promotions may reward their fighters without reporting it. UFC Fight of the Night bonuses are traditionally $60,000 per fighter.
Chris (Danville, Ca)
Jon, I was pretty disappointed with Ryan Bader's performance in rounds 2 and 3, thought you could argue for a draw in that one 28-28. What were your thoughts?
Jon Anik (1:12 PM)
I thought he won the fight, but wasn't enamored with the performance, either. He gassed early and still has a long ways to go. As stated previously, I don't see him as a future UFC light heavyweight contender. Nice fighter, but not elite.
Leo (Boston MA)
Did the UFC give Yoshida anything extra for fighting "rumble"?
Jon Anik (1:14 PM)
He reportedly received $12K. Not sure if he was compensated anything more.
Finn (Seattle, WA)
SO who do you think won the fight? Only saw it once, and my jaw dropped when they announced Machida. The entire room lost it. (but what do we know)
Jon Anik (1:15 PM)
I had it 48-47 for Shogun, but it easily could have been 49-46 for Shogun. Indeed, it was an overwhelming majority (especially media) who scored it for Shogun. But I do think a 48-47 score for Machida is defensible.
BT (Atlanta)
Hey JA, it has been awhile. What do you think of a Marquardt/Sonnen matchup?
Jon Anik (1:15 PM)
I like it. Chael Sonnen isn't particularly elite at any one discipline, but he is a five-tool guy and brings a lot to the table. I think it's more likely that you will see Sonnen fight Rich Franklin next.
Jon Anik (1:16 PM)
...I certainly would favor Marquardt to beat Sonnen, for the record. But Chael is game.
Brad (Bristol,CT)
Hey Jon! Great to back in the chat. What are your thought on Lesnar's apparent sickness? Alot of rumbles about other motives or steroids. Personally, I believe Brock if he says he' sick and can't properly train.
Jon Anik (1:17 PM)
You gotta take the man at his word. Lesnar really cares about his MMA legacy and he's not gonna jeopardize his title by fighting when he's not 100 percent. He knows that challenge that is Shane Carwin. And, if Carwin believes Brock, that is good enough for me.
Zach (Burlington, IA)
Let's talk about DREAM and the excellent fights provided....how about the Alvarez/Kikuno match? or Sakaraba's race against the clock to beat Galesic before succumbing to brain damage.....very exciting stuff!
Jon Anik (1:19 PM)
Thrilling win for Eddie Alvarez. A very difficult first round for him and he spent most of it battling a neck crank. His Brazilian jiu-jitsu has improved so damn much. He goes for submissions now as much as knockouts. In my opinion, he's as complete an MMA athlete as there is at 155. And you see how loyal he is by walking out with the Bellator belt over his shoulder. The champ is here.
Paul (Cleveland)
Hi Jon - if you think Rua won does this mean you "don't understand the technicalities" of the sport - like Cecil Peoples said (one of the judges)
Jon Anik (1:20 PM)
As long as the human element is part of combat sports, there will always be some things that are open to interpretation. I just thought Shogun was the aggressor for the vast majority of the fight, and certainly did more damage.
Greg (Ellicott City)
I heard a rumor that Dana White fixes the fights. Is this true?
Jon Anik (1:20 PM)
You guys gotta stop. I'm hoping you are kidding, Greg. And I think you are. If so, haha.
drew (d.c)
is it just me or is about the only thing on TUF ur looking forward to is seeing marcus jones fight
Jon Anik (1:21 PM)
...and whether or not Kimbo fights again.
Love Sauce (Sunny AZ Phoenix)
Excellent assesment of the score I truly beleive it could have been easily 49-46 as well (not biased to rua or anything) also Machida says he wasnt "dazed" or hurt...I coulda sworn in a flurry he got tagged by Rua and stumble foward and hugged Rua to recover?!?
Jon Anik (1:21 PM)
I thought I read somewhere that Machida indeed said he took more of a beating than he had in quite some time. Shoot me an e-mail (jon.a.anik@espn.com) and I'll try to find the quote for you.
Greg (Ellicott City)
Are you just denying it because White is looking over your shoulder? Dont answer me if this is the case.
Jon Anik (1:22 PM)
He's dictating the chat answers to me right now actually.
Jeff (MD)
I believe the 10-point system needs to be scraped but what do you think would be a better solution?
Jon Anik (1:23 PM)
Only see one solution. You have to encourage judges to score more 10-10 and 10-8 rounds. In the Shogun-Machida fight, I thought Round 2 could've gone either way, yet instead of scoring it 10-10, I gave it to Machida. That's the only immediate solution I see that would make an appreciable difference. Right now, judges are allowed to score a 10-10 round, but it is discouraged.
Greg (Ellicott City)
You are more rattled than Machida was mid fight.
Jon Anik (1:23 PM)
Hahahaha
Jason (Ellicott City, MD)
Lots of Anik fans in MD! Talk about how awesome Jon Jones is.
Jon Anik (1:24 PM)
Thanks, Jason. Jon Jones is awesome. Highly unorthodox and eternally dedicated to MMA. His time in the spotlight will come.
Paul (Santa Cruz)
How do you think the quick turn around effects Rumble, seems he should easily make the weight this time?
Jon Anik (1:25 PM)
Certainly helps him from a weight-cutting standpoint. I also think, because his fight with Yoshida was so quick, that fighting twice in a month could help his nerves and overall mindset. Koscheck deserves a lot of credit, as usual. Dude will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Mike (TN)
Did you know Jon Jones had those brothers that play football at Syracuse...Very athletic family
Jon Anik (1:26 PM)
Yup. I guess that's my job, but it was neat to hear him talk about it after his win at UFC 94. We had him on set on MMA Live. Classy guy who's gonna be around for a long time.
Matt H (Phx, AZ)
Hey Jon! I have a bad sinus infection so I can understand Brock not training if he has H1N1.
Jon Anik (1:27 PM)
It'd be nice if more MMA fans would give Brock the benefit of the doubt. He feels badly about this and no one is gonna convince me otherwise. Lesnar knows Carwin deserves this opportunity, and I'm sure he hated having to pull out.
Brian (Umass)
10-8 rounds need to happen wayyyyy more. You have to nearly decapitate somebody in order to score one. Perfect example of that is the Penn- GSP 1 BJ should have gotten more credit for the damage he did in round one than Georges did for scoring a few takedowns
Jon Anik (1:28 PM)
Agreed. I think you could argue that Velasquez-Rothwell Round 1 was a 10-7 round. You just gotta have the stones to be aggressive with your scorecard.
sammy (chicago)
Rua might be the best 205ers in the world
Jon Anik (1:29 PM)
I still think it's Machida and believe Lyoto would beat Shogun 7 out of 10 times. But he certainly lost that first fight!
Jarric (Kansas)
Lets get your opinion on Rampage's comments on the Machida-Shogun fight and TUF. Will Dana and Rampage be able to resolve these issues? Rampage in strikeforce?
Jon Anik (1:29 PM)
I think Rampage needs to slow his lips down immediately and will be advised to do so. I'm not sure Strikeforce can take the risk of emptying its pockets for someone who is so volatile and unpredictable.
Andrew C. (Montgomery, AL)
Hey Jon, sorry I am late. What do you think of the continuing Hendo situation?
Jon Anik (1:31 PM)
I can sympathize with both parties. If I'm Henderson, it's my final opportunity at a monster pay day. And, if I'm the UFC, I feel as though I'm the only promotion that can really afford Hendo over a 4-5 fight span. I expect Hendo to eventually lower his asking price. Not saying he's not worth what he's looking for, but...
Jeff (Alabama)
Is Johnson gonna make weight this time? No way he should have been allowed to earn $$ for his last fight. 7 pounds over is a joke.
Jon Anik (1:32 PM)
He's got a great chance to make weight b/c it's such a quick turnaround. But, I don't expect him to hit 170 (or 171) on the first try.
Dre (Atl)
Has Machida put off fighting Brock any after that fight? Maybe wait 10 fights
Jon Anik (1:32 PM)
Hahahaha. You'd have to think so.
Peter Lampasona (Oceanside, NY)
From the MMA World Expo from which F-Mack was PALPABLY missing, reports are that sanctioning of MMA in NY is all but a done deal. However, the legislation only allows for professional bout and not amateur ones. So, New York up and comers will still have to rely on smokers or Atlantic City to get experience. Do you think this is as backward as I do?
Jon Anik (1:33 PM)
Sounds a little backward, yes. Appreciate you passing that info. along, Peter.
Jerry (Texas)
Just out of curiosity,do you know the kind of money Hendo is looking for?
Jon Anik (1:35 PM)
He told us on MMA Live that he had no idea what Randy Couture was making (approx. $1.5 million/fight), which I don't believe. I read reports of a $1M signing bonus as part of Henderson's request. I think he recognizes he's not worth Couture money to the UFC, but I consider him a legend and he should be among the top 10-15 in the UFC in terms of compensation.
Andrew C. (Montgomery, AL)
Out of my own curiosity, how many watchers are there for MMA Live?
Jon Anik (1:36 PM)
Numbers vary each week, and I'm not really privy to the exact numbers, nor would I be encouraged to offer up that information. But there's a lot of you, and we appreciate the support. Definitely above six figures.
The-Scooch (NYC)
Whoo, tough crowd today. Can't get any questions in. My streak may be ending here.....
Jon Anik (1:36 PM)
Streak is alive, and so is the chat! Great amount of newbies in here today as well. Keep 'em coming!
roberto (UAE)
rumble vs Kos!!! should be a good fight ! how you see it playin out?
Jon Anik (1:37 PM)
Either a Rumble knockout early, or Koscheck will find his range and wear Johnson down. Haven't seen the line on the fight, but there might be some value on Koscheck if it's close to even money.
Steve (Sault Ste Marie, ON)
I'm hurting too Scooch!
Andrew C. (Montgomery, AL)
Who is MMA Live this week?
Jon Anik (1:38 PM)
I believe Florian and Rashad will both be in-studio. I will post later today on Twitter (Jon_Anik). If Kenny is in, it'll be his last appearance before his fight at UFC 107.
Adam (Provo, UT)
Jon, can we get Rashad to demonstrate that standing crucifix on you like Alvarez was in last week?
Jon Anik (1:39 PM)
I'm sure you're not the only one who would like to see me get my neck cranked.
Frank (NYC)
What did you think about joe rogan and mike goldberg's commentating for the fight. Little one sided no?
Jon Anik (1:40 PM)
I thought they were just calling it as they saw it. When I was calling the Bellator featherweight semifinal, I said on the air that I scored it for Wilson Reis, 30-27 over Joe Soto. All three judges had it 30-27 for Soto. We're all human and we see what we see. I do believe commentators can have an impact on how the masses view fight outcomes.
Ryan (Baltimore, MD)
Rampage has a huge mouth but he also said the UFC has to straighten out the judging system "before he comes back". Does that mean he really was not telling the truth when it came to the retirement for good from the UFC?
Jon Anik (1:41 PM)
Oh, he's definitely coming back. There is too much money out there for him not to. He's just expressing his bitterness while he's in this short-lived retirement. He'll be back before you know it.
Paul (Cleveland)
Hi Jon - can I be the first to say that GSP's next fight will be a snooze-fest and not worth the headline billing. Sorry, I know you have a man-crush on him!
Jon Anik (1:42 PM)
Not a man crush. Just an appreciation for his unbelievable evolution. Some criticized his performance at UFC 100. Me? I thought those takedowns were things of beauty, and he was doing it with a torn groin. GSP is electric. Okay, maybe I do have a small man crush. Just calling it like I see it.
Fred (Hoboken)
don't u think Page makes a fair point about him not getting an immediate rematch against Forrest?
Jon Anik (1:42 PM)
Sure it's a fair point.
Adam (Provo, UT)
no no no...Jon's true man crush is on Five Guys.
Jon Anik (1:42 PM)
...and I haven't been to Five Guys in way too long.
sammy (chicago)
stop it mma nation stop saying anik is in love or has crushes on other men
Jon Anik (1:43 PM)
Thanks, Sammy.
Ryan (Tillsonburg, ON, CAN)
At +237, how live of a dog is Mayhem vs. Shields?
Jon Anik (1:44 PM)
I like that line a lot, Ryan. I picked Shields to beat Robbie Lawler and I think he will beat Miller, but I like that value. Mayhem is a wild card and knows Shields' game pretty well.
Zed (Alabama)
Is Kenny the man to finally break the MMA Live curse?
Jon Anik (1:44 PM)
No curse, Zed. No curse.
Dre (Atl)
If Fedor gets Rogers down, how long can Brett hold out? 40 seconds? 45?
Jon Anik (1:46 PM)
We haven't seen Rogers on the ground, so I have no idea. I think I might pick the upset, just because.
Nate (Minneapolis, MN)
Not sure about a machida era anymore but there will be a jon jones era, no?
Jon Anik (1:47 PM)
I think there will absolutely be a Jon Jones era someday. Patience is a virtue.
Jason (Ellicott City, MD)
You are really good at picking fights....okami, neer.
Jon Anik (1:47 PM)
Hahahahaha. I had a tough weekend. You guys force me to make predictions. Thankfully, MMA Live doesn't, so I save a little bit of face there.
Jimmy (Peoria)
what kind of car does Hannah Storm drive? She is quite bubbly...
Jon Anik (1:48 PM)
She does a great job. Awesome addition for ESPN. BMW I believe, but it was moving so fast I can't be sure.
Paul (Cleveland)
Hi Jon - there will never be a Jon Jones era. I love watching his fights but he'll never have the power to dominate any era.
Jon Anik (1:48 PM)
Paul is on the record. All I will say is that Jon Jones is nowhere near his ceiling.
Jeff (MD)
Iole reported that Machida received a 60-day medical exemption so we probably wont see the rematch until March at the earliest. So much for the UFC striking while the iron is hot.
Jon Anik (1:49 PM)
So I guess Machida did get hurt.
Zed (Alabama)
In all fairness to Jon, Okami has been a good value bet for a while.
Jon Anik (1:49 PM)
You tell 'em, Zed.
Rocky (TX)
Fedor will destroy Rogers. I give it 75 seconds. The only way Rogers wins is a lucky punch.
Jon Anik (1:50 PM)
Every time we think Fedor may have a challenge, he spits in our faces. You're probably right, but I've seen Rogers fight live twice, and he is a legitimate and talented heavyweight.
Juan (Miami, Fl)
Jon, I need you to keep my streak alive. Did Rua showed us the key element to defeat Lyoto???
Jon Anik (1:51 PM)
Well, he did a nice job dictating the pace and keeping Machida off balance with the leg kicks. It's the first blueprint we have for beating Machida, but not every 205er will be able to execute it. Therefore, I think a world-class wrestler's approach will be takedown after takedown.
Charlie (Philly)
The Jose Aldo Era will begin in 3 weeks!!
Jon Anik (1:51 PM)
Took the words out of my mouth. I did a radio interview this morning and I said it begins November 18th. We are in accordance.
TV Update (Bristol)
Still not happening, right?
Jon Anik (1:52 PM)
Haha. Thanks for the inquiry. Nothing new to report on the MMA Live-to-TV front, but I believe someone is starting a petition!
Erik (Austin, TX)
Just in case you forgot Jon...Mamed Khalidov vs. Jorge Santiago on November 7th in Tokyo.
Jon Anik (1:53 PM)
MAMED KHALIDOV! Yes. Can't wait to see him pull off the upset. Not sure if I will be in Chicago that night, or in Hartford for Glen Johnson-Chad Dawson, but Khalidov will dominate my DVR.
Jake Klipp (Milwaukee, WI)
Even though it didn't end the way I wanted it to, has there been a better nickname matchup than "Ravishing Red" and "Darth Bader"?
Jon Anik (1:53 PM)
No argument here. I hadn't heard Shafer be referred to as 'Ravishing Red' before.
Rocky (TX)
Mamed Khalidov is a fun fighter to watch. I would love to see him in SF or UFC. I think he will beat Jorge.
Jon Anik (1:54 PM)
That's right, Rocky. Get on the bandwagon now. Plenty of room for the rest of you. You obviously know your MMA.
sammy (chicago)
do you think mayhem is getting a title shot cause of his popularity or is he next in line?
Jon Anik (1:55 PM)
Strikeforce doesn't have a ton of depth, and there aren't really any obvious #1 contenders. Scott Smith? Lost to Lawler twice and Shields beat Lawler.
Dre (Atl)
With Brock's fight delayed, Big Nog needs to keep busy. How about a #1 contender match with Velasquez
Jon Anik (1:56 PM)
A distinct possibility.
Jason (Owosso, MI)
I'm going to start a streak for not having posts appear.
Jon Anik (1:56 PM)
C'mon dude. No time to get testy. We're almost done here!
Paul (Cleveland)
Hi Jon - apart from Fedor, which fighter would you like to see come to the UFC? I'd like to see Gegard Mousasi.
Jon Anik (1:57 PM)
Mousasi is the obvious answer. Not sure there is a close second, although I like Antonio 'Big Foot' Silva a bunch.
Ryan (Urbandale, IA)
Why the constant complaints about guys not getting immediate rematches? This isn't something that the UFC has histroically done. Couture didn't get one. Liddell didn't get one. I think you should have to win one before getting another shot, regardless if it's a close decision or not.
Jon Anik (1:58 PM)
By and large, I agree. Even Miguel Torres said, after the loss to Brian Bowles, that he wanted to work his way back to a title shot. He's changed his tune slightly since, but I found it interesting nonetheless. Because if any fighter could make a case for an immediate rematch, it would be Torres, who hadn't lost in 17 fights coming in.
Jimmy (Peoria)
Do you expect Anderson Silva to fight in January? The potential titlefight with Belfort has not been officially announced... plus will Lesnar be rescheduled on 1/2/10 also? Thoughts...
Jon Anik (1:59 PM)
I think it is more likely that Lesnar fights on 1/2/10 than Anderson Silva.
Danny Rube (Chicago, IL)
I MADE IT! i understand the UFC doesn't want to cancel fights, but how do they create larger penalties for fighters missing weight? 10% of rumble's purse seems like a raw deal for yoshida
Jon Anik (2:00 PM)
What's up, Danny? Quite frankly, I'd like to see Yoshida get a full winner's purse and the fight taken off the card. I know it's unrealistic, but if you're looking for the ultimate deterrent, I can't think of a better one than not letting the guy fight. Especially when he misses the number by 5+ pounds.
Paul (Cleveland)
Yeah, Yoshida got pounded by a guy 20 pounds heavier than him. Not fair!
Paul (Cleveland)
Hi Jon - who would win a fight between Kenny and Gilbert Melendez. I actually think Melendez would win. That guy has hands of stone and never misses!
Jon Anik (2:01 PM)
I'm a huge Gil Melendez fan. Not gonna pick a winner in that one for obvious reasons. A no-win situation for me! Would be a competitive fight. And Melendez is certainly the 155er in Strikeforce that I would most like to see against the UFC's elite.
questioner (parts unknown)
honestly, what maeks anyone think that rumble can make 170 next time gainst koscheck?
Jon Anik (2:02 PM)
I certainly don't expect him to make weight. But the quick turnaround is irrefutably a huge advantage. You gotta think he's below 200 now, right?
Rocky (TX)
who wins between Werdum and Silva? Should be a great fight.
Jon Anik (2:02 PM)
I like Big Foot. Not a Werdum guy.
jamie (sc)
who do u think is the best Heavyweight fighter right now
Jon Anik (2:02 PM)
Fedor Emelianenko.
Jason (Owosso, MI)
Jon - do you have a KenFlo action figure yet?
Jon Anik (2:03 PM)
Hahaha. Nope. You'd think Kenny would bring me one, but I'm like the last guy in his entourage. He'd probably say I'm on the fringe of his entourage, but I know I'm in there.
Jim (Boston)
Jon, back to Leo's question on Yoshida. He recieved 20% of Rumbles purse. Rumble got 30k, so Yoshida received an extra 6k.
Jon Anik (2:03 PM)
Thanks, Jim. Still not sure I think the fight should've happened.
Jason (Ellicott City, MD)
We need an Arianny and/or Logan post. Thank you in advance.
Jon Anik (2:04 PM)
Arianny usually gets a lot of love in the chat. And there it is.
Matt (Cleveland, OH)
Hey Jon. I missed Rampage's comments about the Machida-Rua fight. Could you fill me in???
Jon Anik (2:04 PM)
Just took issue with the outcome and also feels slighted that Shogun is getting an immediate rematch and he, as the champion, didn't get one after the loss to Forrest Griffin.
Paul (Cleveland)
Hi Jon - using deep psychological insight, does you not picking K-Flo over G-Men really mean you think your boy would lose? I think so. But no shame in that. Gilbert is for real and Dana needs to grab him.
Jon Anik (2:05 PM)
You can interpret my answer any way you would like, P.
Greg (Ellicott City)
Logan is hotter than Arianny.
Jon Anik (2:05 PM)
Respectfully disagree. Both easy enough on the eyes.
Carlos (Atlanta)
Hey my sister got me to watch UFC and now we're both fans, but what I didn't know is that a lot of women are into MMA!
Jon Anik (2:06 PM)
Absolutely. I'm not sure what % of MMA fans are women, but it's a lot higher than you'd think and a lot higher than the percentage in other sports. I guarantee that.
Dre (Atl)
With Ortiz-Griffen now the main event, does this help Forrest concentrate and get his head together or does is insure he turns into a basket case?
Jon Anik (2:06 PM)
I don't think it impacts Griffin's preparation or his psyche on fight night. He's a veteran.
SWIFTboy (Ottawa)
Nevermind Lyoto vs. Rua specifically; do you generally beleive in having to 'beat the champ to be the champ'? I say a win is a win.
Jon Anik (2:07 PM)
I don't believe in that adage. I don't score the fight with that in mind.
Evan (Chicago)
Do you think Darrill Schoonover could really beat Rampage?
Jon Anik (2:07 PM)
Umm. Absolutely not.
BT (Atlanta)
With Almeida injured, do you think Alves exacts a little revenge against Finch, or do you see a repeat of the first matchup?
Jon Anik (2:08 PM)
Jacked up for that one, BT. I like Jon Fitch to grind out yet another decision victory. Awesome fight and glad we get to see the match-up a second time.
Vince (Pittsburgh)
Worse coach, Rampage or Jim Zorn?
Jon Anik (2:08 PM)
Best question of the chat by far, Vince. Rampage isn't a coach, so I'll go Jim Zorn.
Jon Anik (2:10 PM)
Alright, folks. Gotta get going on the MMA Live prep. Tomorrow, we've got Rashad Evans and Kenny Florian in studio. Join us at 3 PM ET for a stacked show. And, if I didn't get to your question, try me on Twitter (Jon_Anik) or at mmalive@espn.com. Until next week, be well and be safe. -JA
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