Chuck Mindenhall

  (3:59 PM)

And here we are with another installment of the Friday chat. We got UFC 144 in Japan going off, Bendo vs. Edgar. Who we taking? Plus the return of Nate Marquardt and the White/Mayweather feud...what's on your minds? Let's do it.

Ryan (NYC)

Chuck!!! Based on your picture above you look like you should be in a British gangster movie.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:00 PM)

I'll take that over the alternative. Most people say I look like I should be hunting fox.

Nick (OH) [via mobile]

Chuck, what's your prediction for Edgar vs Henderson? I've got the answer by tko round 2!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:01 PM)

Man, this is a crazy fight. I expect them both to come out great guns and keep that pace for as long as it goes. I am taking Edgar ultimately. If I have to peg how, I will take TKO in the third.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:01 PM)

I am seeing a lot of people are taking Ben Henderson, though...and I'm hearing that the ESPN panel of mavens is insane to be uniform in picking Edgar. What think?

Steve (Toronto)

Better underdog: Tim Boetsch or Joe Lauzon?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:02 PM)

I think you have to go with Lauzon on that one. I like Boetsch, but not against Okami. Lauzon did it to Pulver...he did it to Guillard....he is a monkey wrench to Vegas oddsmakers.

Mark (Pittsburgh)

Edgar the best LW ever? The last two and a half years he's only fought the same two people.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:03 PM)

That's true. But it was the quality of those people that made it stand out. If he beats Bendo, I think you'd have to consider him among the best lightweights ever. Penn, Pulver...Edgar.

Chad S (Chicago, IL)

Any news regarding whats next for Gil Melendez??? I wish he would be able to fight the winner of Bendo/Edgar...

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:04 PM)

Wouldn't that be a crazy turn of events. I would personally love to see Melendez fight either of those guys. Or any topnotch UFCer. I am not sure what's next for him...not sure Zuffa even knows just yet.

Ryan (NYC)

How is Torres-McDonald not on the main card for UFC 145??? Typical no love for the little guys.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:06 PM)

Wow, I hadn't heard that. My suspicion is it will end up on the main card if it's not. That fight is ridiculous. Former WEC champion against the hardest hitting bantam out there? Too good not to include.

Ross (Milwaukee)

Do you think Rory MacDonald has a chance at being in the "title mix" by the end of 2012?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:07 PM)

That kid is very, very good for his age. He up and moved from BC to Quebec to better himself since that Condit loss (and he nearly won that, remember). I think by the end of 2012, we'll be hearing his name a lot in the title conversation. He can begin by taking care of Che Mills.

Marc (Malden, MA)

I'm surprised that everyone at ESPN is picking Edgar.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:07 PM)

Actually, I am too. I waffled back and forth on that, and I know my editor (Darius Ortiz) did as well. Somehow, it's just too hard to pick against Edgar.

DaAshMan (Toronto)

UFC 144 looks like a stacked card! Who do you think will make the biggest statement (good or bad) Saturday?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:09 PM)

Obviously if Joe Lauzon beats Anthony Pettis, that would be pretty huge. Vice-versa, still good but not a big statement. Akiyama could use a big statement fight, otherwise he'll be looking for work elsewhere. Ryan Bader has a chance to make a statement against a legend in the game, Quinton Jackson. Remember the last time he fought a name brand fighter in Tito Ortiz? He choked.

Todd (Oakland, CA)

If either or both of Akiyama and Gomi lose are they done in the UFC?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:10 PM)

I would think so. Both are still around because the UFC knew it was going to Japan, and they are stars there. Another loss, and that's that...and it won't be easy for Akiyama. Shields seems determined.

Chad S (Chicago, IL)

In your opinion does the winner of Hioki/Bartimus get the next shot at Jose?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:11 PM)

I think that Hioki has a good chance of getting the shot if he beats Bartimus. It would be nice if he did that emphatically, or at least with greater ease than he did against George Roop. Another showing like that and he won't look like much of a challenge to Aldo.

Chet (San Diego)

How sick is this Japan card going to be? Can't wait for Edgar/Bendo!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:11 PM)

It's a pretty damn stacked card, from name power down to the match-ups. That main event is just so good. So good.

DaAshMan (Toronto)

Rampage, during his retirement speech, gives Joe Rogan a Stone Cold Stunner. Buy or sell?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:12 PM)

I'll sell. Rampage is always intense before the fights, and kittenish after. He and Joe will hug it out after the fights (especially if he beats Bader).

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

How disappointed were you in Phil Davis?? He looked overmatched...

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:13 PM)

I don't know if disappointed is the right word. The suspicion was that he was still a little green for that big of a match-up so early, and only thing Rashad did was confirm that suspicion. I think he still has a lot of upside (tons), but he has to work on that striking game.

Andy (Chicago)

Who is the favorite for first flyweight champ? I like McCall.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:14 PM)

I like McCall too...but I think I will go with Benavidez. That's a tough little tournament they have going...and flyweights are aptly named. All springs and coils.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Next time you talk to Jon Anik, tell him to do a weekly chat on ufc.com

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:14 PM)

Count on me mentioning that, Marc. I'd love to see him continue the tradition.

Stephen (KC)

Who is your favorite fighter to watch? For me it was always Chuck Liddell, but these days I like Jonny Bones.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:15 PM)

I'd have to go with Dan Henderson. He just wants to ruin guys with that right hand. All that Greco stuff is just set-up for that right. Would love to see him and Jones next if Jones gets by Evans.

Andy (Chicago)

Besides the 4 fighting next week who else do you see competing at 125?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:17 PM)

John Lineker, Louis Gaudinot (spinach hair), Josh Ferguson, John Dodson and Darren Uyenoyama. Nine feisty guys.

Jeremy (Anaheim)

Did you get a chance to see Brittany Palmer in Playboy? Wow.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:18 PM)

As a matter of fact, yes...Playboy was nice enough to send me a couple of copies. Great article. :)

Mike (Maryland)

Do you think that Jones vs Evans will get to 1 million ppv buys? The fact that it will be the first ppv UFC card in nearly two months will help its cause right?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:19 PM)

I don't think it'll get a million, but it could do some serious PPV buys given the cushion between PPV events. If it does a million, that would far exceed the expectation. Of course, these guys can sell the fight with their feud.

Kraw (Work)

UFC Uncensored sucked last night... if they are looking for interesting interviews, don't do Nick Diaz live!!! hahaha #TerribleProducing

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:20 PM)

I thought the show was pretty good, overall...a few kinks that they'll work out. But I agree on Diaz. At this point, doing anything live with Diaz seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

Cody (Ohio)

what's next for ellenberger?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:21 PM)

He's hoping for Condit. In fact, he's lobbying for that fight after first sort of trying to see things Condit's way to wait. If not him, maybe the winner of Hendricks/Koscheck for true No. 1 contender bout?

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Has Diaz already gone back on his "retirement"?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:22 PM)

Not exactly. But Cesar Gracie, his mentor/manager told me point blank..."I won't let him retire." They've come too far for him to quit. Besides, even with a year suspension, he'll be 29 when he comes back.

Sam (Madison, WI)

Seems like a lot of people are picking Edgar to win this time, which is a change from usual. Have we gone from undervaluing him to overvaluing Edgar? Henderson is no joke!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:23 PM)

No, I think that for the first time we are rightly valuing Edgar. He should be the better favorite in this fight. He's proven he's the toughest out in the division.

Adam (Portland)

Hi Chucky! Hey, love your coverage of MMA. Was wondering who are some of your favorite MMA writers?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:24 PM)

There are a lot of good ones, maybe too many to mention. Off the top of my head, outside of ESPN's talent, would say Jeff Wagenheim is up there. Love Jordan Breen, Ben Fowlkes, Mike Chiappetta...there are some fine pens going. Tomas Rios needs to get busy again. Always enjoy his stuff.

Matt,NYC [via mobile]

What up CHUCK?!?!? Give us your picks for the main card tomorrow night you daffy bastard.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:25 PM)

Daffy! Thank you. Here they are: Edgar, Bader, Kongo, Shields, Okami, Hioki and Pettis.

Jason (T-Town)

Diaz talks about bringing the fight but on last nights Uncensored, he talked about just doing enough to win rounds. Why do you think he hasn't received criticizism?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:26 PM)

I think that Diaz is like Walt Whitman. "Do I contradict myself? Fine, I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes."

Ryan (Tempe, AZ)

Chuck it deep! When and where can we expect the peoples champion Chael Sonnen back in the cage? Will it be in the Brazilian soccer stadium?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:27 PM)

That's still the plan, but the UFC is running into some trouble with the city of Sao Paulo on noise ordinance and other issues. I hope it happens at the soccer stadium. That would be a tremendous event to cover. The biggest in MMA, in my opinion, given the context and stakes.

Andy (Chicago)

How come UFC didn't make it a real tournament and put the rest of those guys in there? Didn;t want a Strikforce HW type thing going on?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:29 PM)

I think they went with the four guys they though most deserving of the chance at the initial title. Some of the others are dropping down to make flyweight, and others still weren't signed yet when the tournament was announced.

Ricky D (Atlanta)

Will you be in Atlanta to watch my boy Jon Jones defend that gold? Hope you do (plenty of beer down here). Going to be a sick fight card!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:29 PM)

I am hoping to. I was down there for UFC 88, and I'll never forget the cathedral hush that came over the crowd when Evans landed that big shot on Liddell. Agree on the fights...that's going to be a fun event.

DaAshMan (Toronto)

What happened to Todd Duffee? He went from the hottest prospect in MMA, to fodder for guys like Overeem and now, Fedor. Does he ever find his way back to the UFC?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:30 PM)

I've heard that when he shows up focused to train, he is unstoppable. His issue was always desire. Not sure how bad he wanted it first go round, and he complained an awful lot for a guy with so much still to prove.

Alex (DC)

What ever happened to Jake Rossen? He dropped off the face of the earth.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:31 PM)

I am not sure...but I love Rossen. He was holding down the blog here before I came aboard. Hopefully he resurfaces soon.

Chris (Boston)

If Cheick Kongo wins, is he in the mix for a heavyweight title shot? Or doe he need to beat a Travis Browne or Strikeforce GP Winner?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:32 PM)

I think he'd still need another win to get in the conversation for real. Mir/Velasquez will be a title eliminator. Kongo will need to beat Hunt...and then another. The Strikeforce tourney champion would be nice, but not sure he wants to wait for 2014 to come around.

Kraw (Work)

Chuck, you ever go to City Steam in Hartford? I'm about to have a Naughty Nurse in 10 min!!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:33 PM)

I haven't been to City Steam, but I have tried Naughty Nurse. Cheers.

Ryan (NYC)

Bantamweight looks pretty shallow after the top 2, do you think there is any chance that the winner of Torres-McDonald gets the loser of Faber-Cruz?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:34 PM)

There's a chance (albeit conditional) that the winner of Torres-McDonald could get the winner of Cruz-Faber. Could also be Renan Barao....

Marc (Malden, MA)

Time flies in MMA, wasn't that long ago Lesnar-Fedor was the biggest possible fight

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:35 PM)

Yeah, the concept of superfights and such have such a finite window. We always hear that they'll only happen if one guy cleans out his division, which is nearly impossible to do. I am (nearly) positive that GSP/Silva doesn't ever happen.

Andy (Chicago)

How many fights until we Marquardt back in the UFC?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:37 PM)

Good question. I guess we could look at it two ways, at either A) Marquardt has been sentenced to purgatory by going to Strikeforce, like Gilbert Melendez, or B) maybe they are going to fortify the Strikeforce roster and make it viable again. Hopefully the latter.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Is Big Country kind of done...or is it the same rhetoric and he needs to work on his conditioning?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:38 PM)

I don't think he's done, but I think he needs to continue his focus of getting in better shape. He came into that Werdum fight as fit as we've seen him, but then he was dining on Werdum's knees all night. He might have to make light heavyweight to be competitive...but that still seems like a far-fetched idea.

felix (chicagoil)

would u think the ufc will change the color of the gloves or tape?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:39 PM)

I'm fine with the black gloves. Was always distracted by the ocean of blue in WEC. In fact, it was hard to watch sometimes with all that glaring blue.

Mike (Toronto)

Who is your favorite ring girl? I know one Chael Sonner wouldn't vote for.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:40 PM)

Brittney is pretty good. Like the cameos. Looking forward to Miss Japan, if she's up for reminding the audience of what round it is in tasteful bikiniwear.

Tom (St. Louis)

What kind of upsets are you seeing this weekend? Main one I'm seeing is Bart over Hioki?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:41 PM)

That's definitely a fight that has potential of an upset. Bart can hit. I also think that Mark Hunt is probably a craps shoot with Cheick Kongo.

mike (vegas)

Hey Chuck- Last 3 or 4 Edgar fights everyone was picking him to lose and he won. Now it seems like most "experts" are picking him to beat Henderson so you know whats coming. Frankie will have few answers for Bendo's strength and willingness to win I'll take the bigger stronger hungrier fighter as long as his name isn't grey maynard Smooth, the NEW LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD BENSON HENDERSON your thoughts?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:43 PM)

It's so tempting to believe this, and you are definitely right...Henderson is bigger and stronger. All of that is the norm for Edgar. But the hungrier thing is debatable. Edgar wants it more than just about anybody when he steps in the cage.

DDDDa (Phoenix)

Who deserves a title shot next -- the winner of Joe Lauzon/Anthony Pettis, or the winner of Nate Diaz/Jim Miller?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:44 PM)

Ah, the merit question. I'd still go with the winner of Diaz/Miller. Miller had seven wins in a row before losing to Bendo, and then he beat Guillard. Diaz has looked like a world-beater since coming back down to 155...and he beat a top contender in Cerrone. Still think te winner there should get it. But timing is an issue, and timing falls to Lauzon/Pettis.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Is Arianny single?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:45 PM)

As in not married, yes.

JA (DC)

If Frankie loses does Dana try to position BJ for one last crack?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:46 PM)

Maybe...I know Dana White wants Penn to fight either way. They were trying to slot him on a Hawaiian card. Right now it looks like Penn is still in semi-retirement, taking it easy, finding himself. All that.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

Why do you think that nobody on ESPN is picking Bendo?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:47 PM)

The most common answer I heard was that it's just too hard to pick against that guy.

Peter (Columbus)

Am I crazy to think that Mark Hunt stands a great chance of beating Cheick Kongo? At least a 50/50 chance, right?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:48 PM)

Not crazy at all. I think Kongo will prevail, but how many times have we seen Kongo get rocked in pursuit of his own knockouts? Hunt can bring it, and he's revitalized his career a little bit. He'll be headhunting come Saturday night.

Smalls (Chicago)

Any word on Stanislav Nedkov? Haven't heard much since his win over Cane at ufc 134.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:49 PM)

I haven't heard too much about Nedkov. It was a sloppy fight with Cane, but he was the only non-Brazlian to get his hand raised at UFC 134 in fights where a Brazilian was competing. Would like to see more of him.

tdiddy (winnipeg ) [via mobile]

Um Edgar has beaten the best lightweight of all time...twice. And drew and ko'd a hard hitting Maynard...twice. What's not to like. Maynard is the better wrestler and he could'nt get Frankie down, why would anyone think that Bendo can. No love for Edgar....sheesh. Ps. My cat 'Dave Meowthews' says hello.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:50 PM)

I like Edgar.

Kraw (Work)

Just for my personal informal poll... where do you stand on elbows to the head on the ground... should be legal or illegal?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:51 PM)

I think they should be legal. Mot fighters I've ever asked about it think so too. Where would Florian be if elbows to the head while on the ground were outlawed?

Craig (NYC)

Is there a clear cut next opponent for Aldo?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:52 PM)

No, but there are interesting possibilities. Hioki is one, should he beat Palaszewski. But the possibility of Edgar lingers, too....if Edgar loses and drops down. Maybe that's wishful thinking.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

Are you in Japan for the fights or on your couch?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:53 PM)

On the couch this time. We have Brett Okamoto in Japan, though. We'll all be doing live coverage at espn.com/mma tomorrow night at 9pm EST.

JA (DC)

Does Rampage retire winor lose?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:53 PM)

It's possible he will, but I don't think so. He still has some fight in him, and he can still bring it. If he beats Bader, will be interesting to see if the UFC matches him with Henderson.

Andy (Chicago)

How come Dana didn't bring back the old Pride rules for this card? Would have liked to see some head stomps.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:54 PM)

Haha. You and a lot of other people.

JA (DC)

Any word whats next for Stipe?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:55 PM)

Haven't heard yet, but that was a great looking performance in Omaha. That's the Miocic that they are hoping to see many times.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

Non MMA question but what do you think about Ryan Braunn basically getting off on a technicality?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:56 PM)

If the cards come out just right, and Bendo wins and then Miller beats Diaz, that's an interesting question. Some of what goes into matchmaking is fan appeal, and not sure how many people would want to see that fight. I know Miller would, given that he was fighting hurt that night.

Todd (Oakland, CA)

If Zuffa really wants to make Strikeforce work, where are all of the signings? Bellator signed Zaromskis today, who is a DREAM champion and has fought in Strikeforce. I know that they signed Marquardt, but shouldn't there be more signings?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:58 PM)

There should be, but business as usual in Strikeforce (even a Zuffa run Strikeforce) means perpetual mystery. If Strikeforce is a promotion that is open for recently cut fighters like Marquardt, maybe Anthony Johnson surfaces there too. They do need to start filling in the divisions, because right now the cupboards are empty in most.

Eddie burns (new york)

what next fight will you be in?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:59 PM)

I'll be in Columbus for Tate/Rousey. Should be a good one main. Wouldn't bet against Rousey here though.

R. Kelly (Thoia Thoing)

Fight of the Night this Saturday will be...?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:59 PM)

I'm going to call for an upset on this, and say Hioki/Bartimus.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

How come MMA live was not on tv last night?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:00 PM)

It's on tonight, Scott. At 11pm EST on ESPN 2. Guest analyst is Tito Ortiz, with Todd Grisham and Franklin McNeil.

Gill (NYC)

You mentioned it would be cool if Edgar moved down to fight Aldo, what if the loser of Cruz-Faber moved up (is there an opponent in bantam either of them would want to face?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:01 PM)

Hmm...Cruz wouldn't move up. It's possible Faber would contemplate it, since he's been there before. Haven't thought about that possibility much. Will say that there are some emerging guys in both divisions, so there will be challenges for Aldo at 145 and Cruz/Faber winner at 135.

Dan (DC)

Saw where GSP would like 15 minute rounds instead of 3, 5's sounds good to me. What say you?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:02 PM)

When you are an uber-athlete with that kind of work ethic, that makes sense to me. I am sure to other guys that sounds like a death sentence.

Smalls (Chicago)

When are the weigh ins?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:03 PM)

I think they are on at 11pm EST tonight.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Is De Los Santos - Overeem already scheduled, or am I just dreaming?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:03 PM)

It's agreed to, I believe for Memorial Day weekend in Vegas at UFC 146.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Too bad we couldn't have gotten Rampage vs Hendo (not the right fight) or Hendo vs. Shogun (not enough time).

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:05 PM)

There is still a small possibility of Hendo/Rampage II. Henderson isn't opposed to it, but there are a lot of factors. Rampage would need to win and come out healthy and be ready to fight again in three months. If all that is the case, they could make that fight to mesh up a little closer to Jones/Evans in April.

Alex (Marlborough)

I might be in the minority, I just don't see how Tate (whom has beaten two top 10 fighters in Zoiloa Frausto & Marloes Coenen) looses to a rookie whom has never faced a fighter whom has more than 5 fights.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:06 PM)

You would probably be in the minority, but I know some people who see the experience factor playing a big role here. Rousey is just mean.

Chris (Michigan)

I couldn't possibly see HW liking 15 mins straight. Imagine big country doing 15 mins straight.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:06 PM)

Would be bad for television. Actually, I just had a shudder thinking about that.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

I just checked the program guide and MMA live is on 12ET.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:07 PM)

There you go. Thanks for the fact-checking, Scott.

Ed (Boston)

Looks MMA Live is airing tonight at a reasonable hour. Will you be on it?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:08 PM)

Not this time, Ed. I will be in Bristol Monday for the MMA Live mini-edition recapping UFC 144.

Tyler (Oklahoma)

Not one expert is picking Benson? Big mistake, mark it down.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:08 PM)

If you are right, you become the expert. (It's more of a target than a title).

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

More hated - Koscheck or Diaz?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:10 PM)

I'd go with Koscheck. Diaz is just Diaz, and he has a sort of charm with his unyielding nature. Koscheck is more calculated, all about that money, etc. He likes to be hated.

eddie burns (new york)

what time is MMA live tonight?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:10 PM)

11pm EST on ESPN 2.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

Have you heard any rumors about what the UFC wants to do for UFC 150?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:11 PM)

Not yet, but I am not sure they will blow it out like they did UFC 100. For starters, not enough big fighters to go around when running so many cards. But I also think they'd rather save the big celebrations for the bigger benchmarks, like 200.

Jeff (Salt Lake City)

What's the next event you'll be at live?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:12 PM)

I'll be in Columbus for Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Tate next weekend.

Chris (Michigan)

Thanks for doing the chat til the end of my work day, I aprecciate it.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:12 PM)

That's the idea...good way to kill the afternoon as you get set for the weekend. Appreciate you stopping in.

Ryan (NYC)

Not a question, not even sure if you're the one reading these but just wanted to say thanks for answering my questions, these chats are an awesome forum for casual fans, I'm a new fan to UFC and I'm loving it more every day.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:13 PM)

Thanks, Ryan. Spread the word.

Ethers (UK)

When and who is next for Bisping???

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:14 PM)

I haven't heard any rumors yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he took a little time off after back-to-back fights with Miller and Sonnen. He also switched camps, so he may be in a little transition period.

Cody (OH)

any news of when we might see guida again? i have heard he probably fight maynard. I like to see it co-main event on dos santos-overeem card

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:15 PM)

That's the most likeluy fight, I think...Guida/Maynard, sometime in June. It's not official, but both guys want to fight around that time and they both are coming off of losses in impressive fights. Makes sense to me.

Rod (Dallas)

Are you in Japan for the fights? Have fun this weekend.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:16 PM)

Not there for this one. I would love to see a fight card in Japan some day...the silence during the fight and all the reverence is just such a contrast to other scenes I've encountered.

Bill ((Detroit, Michigan))

Chuck, boxing question for you: do you think that Mayweather will fight Pacquiao either this year or next? I think the fight will eventually happen?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:17 PM)

Seems like this fight is destined to live in our imaginations. How long have we been trying to see this fight? I almost ignore all the reports as they come out, because nothing ever comes to fruition.

Mocs (GA)

If you could be drinking beer with 5 MMA insiders while watching the UFC 144 card, who would you choose?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:19 PM)

Hmm. I know Ariel Helwani is a lightweight (two beers and he's babbling), so definitely him. Would go with Jon Anik (who is now in regular conversations with Joe Silva, Sean Shelby and all the powers)....maybe Mike Straka, who knows something about everything. Luke Thomas for potential arguments. And Jordan Breen for adjectives.

Hank ((Tennessee))

Groom of Chucky! Business question for you: how many ppv buys will Sonnen vs Silva get in June? Over or under the mystical million mark>

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:20 PM)

I would almost think that would bust a million. Imagine the build-up to that fight. Crazy.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

FYI there is a pretty good show here in Salt Lake tonight. Josh Burkman is headlining.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:21 PM)

Good old Burkman. Hadn't thought of him in a while. Good to hear he's still fighting.

Rich (In.)

What is going on with Shane Carwin?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:22 PM)

He was projecting a mid-2012 return, and last I heard, that was still the case. The heavyweight division could use him and those XXXL hands of his.

Leonard (Washington))

Who do you think will be the next coaches on the Ultimate fighter? Any chance that Sonnen becomes a coach if he beats Silva?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:23 PM)

The next American edition is Cruz/Faber. The Brazilian iteration is Belfort/Wanderlei. I think Sonnen on that show would be either really great, or really grating (or both).

Andy (Chicago)

How come we didn't see more of the old Pride guys on this PPV?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:24 PM)

That's one of the criticisms I've heard directed at Dana White. Saw and interview where he essentially said they don't custom make these cards in that way. A lot of the old Pride guys are booked otherwise or retired, too. Hendo would have been cool to have on the card.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:25 PM)

Alright, my friends. I need to shut this puppy down. Thanks a lot for joining in the conversation this week. Let's do it again next Friday. Spread the word about the Friday chat, and if I didn't get to your question, hit me on Twitter @ChuckMindenhall.