Brett Okamoto

  (1:06 PM)

What's up fight fans? Happy to have you here for this Wednesday chat. Plenty to talk about today ... Anderson Silva says he's going to break all of Chael Sonnen's teeth? What was that about? ... Clay Guida ... smart game plan or pretty weak performance? ... I also wrote a Featherweight Contenders and Pretenders piece yesterday you should check out if you've got a minute. At the end of the day, I think no one in that division dethrones Jose Aldo. But I think Frankie Edgar does IF he moves down. Let's chat.

Jon Hodges (PA)

How about...Chale Sonnen jus give up cuz Silva's up here ->and Chale's down here -> AM I RIGHT??

Brett Okamoto

  (1:07 PM)

I guess you're right in that Anderson Silva is a much more decorated fighter than Chael Sonnen and all-around game, yes, he's clearly the better fighter. But styles make fights and if you were going to build the perfect fighter to beat Silva, he'd look a lot like Chael ... so ... I'm personally not counting him out in this fight.

Terry (Pittsburgh)

Any new word on how Chael's training is coming along while balancing media obligations/book promotions, etc.?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:09 PM)

He'll be fine. This is a huge opportunity for him, more so than selling his book. If he beats the No. 1 fighter in the world, it sets up so many options, including you'd have to think a guaranteed trilogy fight. I know Neil Melanson, a grappling wiz from Vegas, just spent a few weeks up in Oregon working on his submission defense. I don't expect at all distractions getting in the way for Sonnen.

Matt (Baltimore)

Brett, how could Guida have been mentioned for a possible title fight if he woud have beat Maynard? I mean, the guy has over 20 loses and ran from Maynard practically the whole fight. Any other fighter with that many loses would be cut.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:11 PM)

He's been fighting for a long time. It doesn't really matter how many losses you have over the course of your career, it matters how many of them have happened in a row, lately. I can definitely understand a little Guida hate the way he acted on Friday, but saying he should be cut doesn't make sense. He fought a competitive fight against Ben Henderson, he beat Anthony Pettis, had he actually fought Gray a little more, he might have won and Gray is considered Top 5 in that division.

David (SC) [via mobile]

What was your immediate reaction to Andersons comments?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:12 PM)

No way he's saying this, Ed Soares must be exaggerating with his translating. But then Brazilian reporters started tweeting Anderson was actually saying WORSE. Then it was just kind of like, Geeeez AS. Where is this coming from? When he just hung up the phone on the call without saying anything, that was pretty awesome. Boss behavior there.

noah TN [via mobile]

sonnen says he will leave the ufc if silva beats him. I think silvas gonna ko or tko him in either round two or 3rd. So if sonnen does lose theres nothing for him at middleweight do u think he will leave?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:13 PM)

He's kind of stepped back from those claims since Anderson never really responded to them, but who knows? He might pull that out again the week of the fight to rally PPV buys. Either way, there is no way he steps away from the UFC if he loses the fight. He'll probably say something like, That wasn't me who said that, or, What are you talking about? I won the fight? Something crazy like that.

Eric (Largo Florida)

Do you think Uriah can win his bout against Barao?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:14 PM)

100 percent. As long as there's no hangover effect on Urijah, where he's disappointed he's not fighting for the title and it's not Cruz in front of him, I think he pretty much dominates Barao.

Matty-Ice (Detroit)

You know, I wasn't a big fan of the fight on Friday either, but I think people are getting on Guida too much. He had the advantage in speed on Maynard and tried playing it to that advantage. Yes he got away from it, but chill. People don't get bent out of shape when a pitcher intentionally walks a top hitter because *gasp* they are there to WIN the competition.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:16 PM)

I've got no problem with conservative game plans. Win fights. Don't take damage. What's wrong with that? I guess I had a problem with the fake tough guy stuff Clay was doing, like getting in Gray's face in the staredown and then nodding his head after each round and smiling at Gray when he made him miss but then didn't throw back, it's like dude, cut the charade and fight him because you're not scoring points yourself. Then if you watched DW video blog, he kind of went after Gray in the back, offering his hand but saying backhanded compliments at the same time. His cornermen were yelling offensive language in the back ... come on.

Scott (Salt Lake City)

What do you think is next for Rich Franklin? That was a pretty gutty preformance by him.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:18 PM)

It was and credit to him for the remarkable recovery he made, that was impressive, but let's at least note that Wanderlei didn't go after him at all the rest of the fight unless you count the final 10 seconds, which I really don't. Franklin wants to make a run at 185 and he deserves the chance to do it. Alan Belcher would make some sense. Brian Stann would. Michael Bisping would be fine. Even someone a bit lower would as well, like an Ed Herman, but I think they'll give him a bigger name than that.

rick tx.. [via mobile]

Guidas game plan...ride my bike if he pushed the activeness I think he would of won but maynerds strikeing wayyyyy bettr

Brett Okamoto

  (1:19 PM)

It was a tough situation for Gray to look terrific. He failed to cut off the cage, but the fact is Clay is quicker than him and can be EXTREMELY elusive if that's his goal. I wouldn't say Gray's striking looked waaaay better, but I would say it's hard to tell one way or the other. Clay actually did pop him a few times early. I'd like to see Gray get back to his wrestling just a bit. You'd think the guy never wrestled watching his last few fights.

rick tx.. [via mobile]

Whens diaz suspension over...does he get put back in mix....conduit or gsp

Brett Okamoto

  (1:20 PM)

February 4, 2013. I think he'll be right back in the mix. We'll need to see how everything plays out, but he'd be at most, one fight away from the title.

David (SC) [via mobile]

My initial reactions to Anderson during the conference call..... I don't know Portuguese, but he sure sounds pissed....... WOW...... Damn......HS

Brett Okamoto

  (1:20 PM)

The man was angry.

Ken (ca.)

Is it me, or is A. Silva showing signs of anxiety as the bout gets closer?!!!

Brett Okamoto

  (1:21 PM)

Eh, hard to tell. He's never been a huge fan of doing media, so the fact that he's turned down a lot of interviews and then was very short (but explosive) on the conference call actually isn't terribly out of character. We'll see though, this guy has thrown tempertantrums in the cage before. What's he going to be like when he's already fired up at the start of the fight? Is that good or bad for him?

J (Ohio)

I like JA and Flo, but I'm thinking that commentating was worse for constantly saying how great Guida was doing compared to the fight as a whole

Brett Okamoto

  (1:23 PM)

Here's my take on that. They're still relatively new to the job and when you're employed by the UFC, you're inclination is to turn every negative into a positive. Even if they thought the fight sucked, there is no way they're going to say that on an FX card. Eventually, I think they'll feel comfortable doing it, like Joe Rogan is. Rogan will say a fight is crap if it is and so will Dana White. If you're in Anik and Florian's spot though, you don't want to be too negative on the call.

Travis (Dallas)

Is Silva's comments better or worse for the sport knowing that there are still some people, such as the guys on PTI yesterday, that still see this thing as human cock-fighting?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:25 PM)

I would say worse. You knew when that story would come out, there would be so many comments by non-MMA fans, basically saying look at these barbarians. At the end of the day though, whatever. Anderson Silva showed some emotion, his words were maybe a little strange, but if you're a fight fan this was good news. I do think it ups PPV numbers ... so that's a plus.

Josh (Cedar City)

Brett! I live less than 2 hours away from vega, do i take in the fan expo on the 7th?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:26 PM)

You will wait in some fairly long lines, but you will meet a ton of fighters. They're a good time. Dana usually gives a speech and a Q/A. Fighters are just walking around. You seriously will meet a ton of them if you go.

Dan (Houston)

Do you think Greg Jackson is hurting the popularity of mma with his conservative gameplans?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:27 PM)

No. Greg Jackson has produced a lot of winners, that's his job. And this theory that he turns fighters boring just isn't correct. Also GJ fighters: Jon Jones, Cub Swanson, Melvin Guillard (until this last fight), Leonard Garcia. It's not like all his fighters are conservative. Really, Carlos Condit has always been a wild guy except for one fight and he's a GJ guy.

Matty-Ice (Detroit)

If the fight goes a lot like the first one, where Chael dominates and Silva pulls off a late finish, would they think of doing a third fight down the road if Silva's still around?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:28 PM)

Depends on what Silva would want to do. If he's willing to move up in weight for his final years, I believe that's what the UFC would want out of him.

gizzmo11477 (california)

clay had a good game plan.Fighting defensively though with the in and out movement hindered his ability to sit down on his counter strikes or follow up when stunning grey.If clay could have mixed the defensive style with being aggressive when finding openings and not getting back out so quick he may have gotten a Ko.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:29 PM)

I thought Clay won the first two rounds with what he was doing. But then he went into straight track and field mode, where he maybe threw ten punches in the third and fourth and most of those he didn't really throw with bad intentions and that killed him. In reality, he cost himself the fight. He forgot it was supposed to be stick and move and not just move.

Billy (West Michigan)

What do you believe is the ideal situation that brings Fedor out of retirement?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:31 PM)

Honestly .... just boredom. There isn't going to be this situation where the UFC publicly says, "Hey man, alright, it's all good, come back and we'll sign you." Nor is there likely going to be a situation where a major heavyweight leaves the UFC and calls out Fedor. So the situation that brings him back is him sitting at home and saying, wait, I ain't done.

Bruce (Parts Unkown)

What do you make of Big Coutry's loser leaves the HW division challegne to Russow?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:33 PM)

Hey, it got into headlines. I like Roy a lot but ... this is the second time he's come up with some stipulation of maybe he'll go to 205 if *blank* happens. I'm cool to see them book the fight but this shtick didn't do much for me, personally.

Travis (Dallas)

Re-watched Melendez-Thompson III and although I thought Melendez won watching it the 2nd time while I didn't think he did watching it live, I still don't think he would a top LW in the UFC

Brett Okamoto

  (1:34 PM)

I haven't gone back and watched it, but I scored it for Josh Thomson. Pretty sure I gave him last three rounds, with third round being the closest. They fought fairly even, but Josh scored way more damage, if I'm remembering correctly. Don't base your opinion on Gil completely on that one fight. It was a situation where he had everything to lose, nothing to gain. He looked kind of flat.

Chris (Pittsburgh)

Do you think Dana White is going to veto the VADA testing for BJ and Rory?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:36 PM)

I would actually imagine no. If both guys are agreeing to it right now, man you would have to absolutely think neither will fail so what's the harm? Drug testing is good for the sport. When we lose a fight because a fighter fails a test it sucks, but the last thing you want is to have the perception this is just a bunch of roided-up dudes fighting in a steel cage. I love the move by B.J. though, veteran veteran move.

Bruce (Parts Unkown)

What is next for Forrest after his fight with Tito?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:38 PM)

Talked to Forrest yesterday about that and he really didn't have an answer on what he would want. I asked him point blank, would you be cool taking a fight where it's pretty clear you're the veteran big name being used a stepping stone for an up-and-comer. He thought about it a bit and said, yeah probably. Why not? I was always down to see Forrest/Rampage II but it's lost a lot of appeal in the last year.

Aaron (fl)

You know a lot of people are saying the samething they said about Anderson last time. That Silva is going to destroy Sonnen. How quick we forget how Sonnen dominated Silva for 4 1/2 rounds and needed a hell mary triangle to win.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:40 PM)

That's exactly what's happening. And you see a lot of, Anderson Silva was hurt with the rib injury and Sonnen was on steroids. Just me personally, I don't put a TON of stock on Silva's injury and yes Sonnen did test high for testosterone but I don't put a ton of stock in that either. I'm not sure exactly how the fight is going to go, but I'm not thinking it's an easy win for Silva as I did last time.

Nate (Woburn, MA)

After the HW only fight card last month, has the UFC given any thought for one of their Fuel or FX cards, to do a weight class specific card? You know, something to spotlight a division?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:41 PM)

No, I don't think so. It worked out in that instance but it's not a popular idea you'll see a lot of moving forward. If they decided to do it, I'd be in favor of a flyweight card. We need to spotlight these guys to build that division.

Jake (Los Angeles)

Terry Etim recently pulled out of his fight with Joe Lauzon. Who do you think would be a good replacement? Jim Miller might be too tough a task for J-Lau. Maybe someone like Matt Wiman?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:43 PM)

Yeah, I wouldn't expect Jim Miller. Wiman-esque would be a good guess. On somewhat related topic, darkhorse in the lightweight division a few people are talking about but not nearly enough is Michael Johnson. Keep your eye on Michael Johnson guys, seriously.

Eric (Largo Florida)

Is hector Lombard all hype or the real thing/threat in the UFC???

Brett Okamoto

  (1:44 PM)

Everyone is dying to find out. I think he's legit but I don't think he'll run through the table of guys like Belfort, Munoz, Weidman. Belfort/Lombard is the fight I want to see.

Wes (North CA)

Sup Bro!? Think Hendo is training any different than he normally does for Bones? Perhaps working on not gassing so fast for a 5 round fight or just looking for the knockout in the first two rounds? I keep having images of him gassing against Rua.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:46 PM)

That was a brutal fight. I wouldn't have a ton of concern for Hendo's gas tank based on that. The pace was crazy and although I can't remember every detail, I think they both got hurt in the first round or at most the second. I would think Henderson's focus is to land that right hand, yeah. He's obviously got to get inside and realistically, that's the only shot he's got. He's not going to oustrike Jones in the long run and he's not going to be able to hold him down. I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Jones take HIM down and throw elbows early.

Nathan (Vancouver)

Silva vs. Jones. 10 million dollar purse. Winner takes all. Thoughts?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:47 PM)

We'll start at $3 mil purse and work our way up. I've got to believe that's the UFC's goal if both guys win their next fight. They'll be persuasive.

rick tx.. [via mobile]

Kinda scary anderson has never been this vocal before a fight,dont think hes hypeing up fight for sales....u

Brett Okamoto

  (1:48 PM)

This guy usually says nothing in interviews. Nothing interesting. I agree with you, I don't think it's hype. I'm not sure why it's coming out now and not before, but I think it's real.

cameron (orange county)

Does Chan Sung Jung wait for his title shot or take another fight? If he does fight who should it be against?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:49 PM)

I think he's got to take another fight. Cub Swanson vs. KZ would be a great action fight. Ricardo Lamas is probably more deserving though, since he beat Cub in their prior fight. I'd be fine seeing the UFC make that matchup.

Andy (Chicago)

Okay so is this a way of making Chael think he is in A.S. head?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:50 PM)

Possible, but what's the point of getting that deep into it? Let's make Chael think he's in our head so that ........ I can't finish that sentence? What would be the point?

mike (sf)

who are you looking forward to seeing on the prelims of 148? Anything stick out?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:51 PM)

Gonna be real with you, not really. This card is almost like a boxing card, built around one fight. There are some good guys on the prelims. I'm a Vegas guy, so I'm interested in John Alessio. Both he and Shane Roller need a win pretty bad. Fukuda and Phillipou is a good fight stylistically, but ... nothing major on the prelims.

Ken (ca.)

Vitor is the name at middleweight you left out. He came within half an inch of knocking Anderson's head off his shoulders after the takedown/scramble. Overlooked because of how it ended....!!!

Brett Okamoto

  (1:52 PM)

I actually agree with that. I hear all the time nobody is interested in Vitor ... he got caught by that front kick no doubt. But to ban him to the end of the middleweight division for it? I'd give him another shot, although it is tough to promote that fight because of how the first one went and even if Vitor has a better night, it's still tough seeing him win.

Bruce (Parts Unkown)

If Chael is really in Anderson's head does that play to his advantage?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:54 PM)

Real hard question to answer. Anderson has those moments where he stomps the ground and throws his hands up and kind of freaks out ... he may just do it to intimidate a guy and force him to come in or make a mistake. He drops his hands when he does it though and he starts bouncing around all weird-like, I don't know. What if Chael lands a right hand when he's got his hands down and running around the cage? What if he gets a crucial takedown? In that first fight, it did not appear as if he is capable of getting back to his feet. So each takedown is so big for Sonnen. I think ultimately it works against him, although we've seen how a tempertantrum can sometimes get him in rhythm and throw off his opponent.

@PappaFeez (Dallas)

Where does Gray Maynard go from here? I think he can beat anyone @ 155 and I think he would dominate Pettis (if he used his wrestling)

Brett Okamoto

  (1:55 PM)

That's the fight if you ask me. Maynard/Pettis. Diaz is No. 1. That fight determines the next No. 1.

Aaron (fl)

Does Jackson still not plan on cornering Condit if he fights GSP?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:56 PM)

Hmmm, I haven't followed this story lately so haven't heard the latest but I would be willing to bet $100 Jackson ends up in Condit's corner.

hector (chicago)

condit ran the whole fight as well! you cant be on a primetime tv show and tell the world your going to lay all on the line and than run and jab backwards the whole fight.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:56 PM)

I had a problem with Guida's style, because he didn't even really counter for awhile. He refused action completely. Condit fought smart and landed counters when he could. I still scored the fight for Diaz that night, but I didn't have a problem with the way Condit fought.

Brian (NJ)

Not to get ahead of ourselves, but if Silva beats Sonnen and Bones beats Hendo, wouldn't it be the perfect time for Bones and Silva to face off?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:57 PM)

Completely perfect.

tdiddy (winnipeg) [via mobile]

I guess if you want to applaud Clay's gameplan that's OK. But he lost the fight. So his gameplan stunk I guess. What do you think Dana's "punishment" will be. Undercard at a UFC on FOX or a Facebook fight. In all honestly I hoped they were going to cut him. Made the UFC look bad and was the worst main event fight in recent memory.

Brett Okamoto

  (2:00 PM)

Clay picked an inopportune time to run from the UFC's standpoint. I gotta disagree with you on cutting him. You're going to take away a man's livelihood because he went ultra conservative in one fight? That's harsh. Especially considering some of the fights Guida's given you in the past. I think punishment will be yeah, "banned" to a prelim for awhile and a loooong drop down the ladder. But he should be dropped down the ladder anyway. He was given a real good opportunity to finally move into title contention and he lost to BH and GM ... so ... he drops.

Matt (NYC)

What are your thoughts on the contestants from TUF Brazil?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:02 PM)

Daniel Sarafian, who got hurt and couldn't fight Cezar Ferreira in the middleweight final, looks like a beast. Ferreira is an athlete and he's powerful, but I think he's pretty raw and he gets hit way too much. I think he'll struggle in the early going. Jason Bezerra (I'm just going to call him Jason, that's how most know him) seems good but not a title contender in my opinion. He'll win some fights, but not sure if he goes on a real big run.

Ken (ca.)

Forrest and Bonnar have to do it one more time don't they?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:02 PM)

They're down. They have a plan to just show up at the TUF house next season and start coaching, even if the UFC didn't hire them to do so.

Aaron (fl)

Brett, have you ever called a fight and If the UFC came calling would you take a job with them?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:03 PM)

Never called a fight. Would like to, but I bet it's way harder than it looks. If I ever do anything else involved with this sport besides write and the occasional on-camera appearance, I'd want to judge.

Jared (Tucson)

Dos Santos sustain an injury against Mir that may delay Velasquez-Dos Santos II?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:03 PM)

Nothing that would cause a very long delay to my knowledge. We'll see it by the end of the year.

Jared (Tucson)

I like Big Country too, but what's with calling out a guy that just lost, looked flat, and is ranked significantly lower overall than yourself? Usually people call out champs or top contenders...plus one lost and one just won--would Dana even match them up?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:04 PM)

I think you're giving Roy too much credit in terms of his ranking. He and Russow are in the same ballpark. If the interest is there, UFC will make the fight.

JB (NYC)

How does this play out: Silva destorys Chael, vacates the title and moves to LHW. Who fights for the vacant belt, and who wins that fight?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:06 PM)

Hmmm, good question. Would depend on how Lombard looked. And winner of Munoz/Weidman. My guess right now today, with those as unknowns, it would be either Belfort/Lombard or Belfort/Munoz.

Neil (Ocala, Fl)

Who is your favorite fighter of all time, MMA or Boxing?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:07 PM)

I love watching Anderson Silva fight. I enjoy watching him hit the heavy bag. Nobody moves like him. In boxing, I like Erik Morales and Arturo Gatti fights.

Marc T (Phx)

Best and worst division in your opinion? Best: LW or WW. Worst: LHW, unfortunately

Brett Okamoto

  (2:07 PM)

Would probably agree with that. Lightweight beats welterweight.

Alexis (San Diego, CA)

What do the San Diego Padres need to do to win a game?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:08 PM)

Face the Colorado Rockies. You get that this week.

Mike (Toronto)

Trailer for Kevin James' "Here Comes the Boom" mma movie came out today. Did you see it?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:08 PM)

I have not ... look good?

Scott (Salt Lake City)

Do you think UFC 148 will go over 1 million buys? I think it would have if they would have a done a UFC Primetime.

Brett Okamoto

  (2:08 PM)

Yes, it will go over 1 mil.

TJ (Michigan)

Rashad vs shogun makes more sense than Vera they are both coming off losses

Brett Okamoto

  (2:09 PM)

Rashad was just on a Fox broadcast and he probably wasn't ready yet. I feel you on Vera not making a ton of sense in general though.

JB (NYC)

Have they ever given thought to having two coaches per team for TUF? Have the lower tier coach headline the Fight Night and have the main eventer headline the PPV?

Brett Okamoto

  (2:10 PM)

Not gonna happen. You want everything to be centered around two guys so that fight is huge when it happens. Plus you dont want to pay four guys to basically not fight. That would take those four out of action for an extended period of time.

Brett Okamoto

  (2:11 PM)

Alright guys let's put a bow on this one. Great questions today, expecting a big turnout for the chat next week with 148 around the corner. Keep checking into ESPN all week, we're rolling out some good stuff and the video crew will be in Vegas so tune in for interviews and analysis. Hit me on twitter, too @bokamotoESPN. Have a good one.