Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:00 PM)

Hey, bro(s). It's Friday, which means we'll talk MMA until we're blue in the fingers. Crazy stuff this week, with the injuries on the UFC 153 card, and Joe Silva's deft patchwork ensemble. Like Bonnar/Silva? Teixeira/Maldonaldo? Nog/PeeWee? And whatever else is on your minds. Let's get this beast rolling...

Sandy (Gainesville)

I thought for sure Shields was going to get Okami or Belcher. Who do you see the UFC matching him up with?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:02 PM)

I am not honestly sure who Shields will get next. A lot of the name 185ers have dates now, except for Mark Munoz. Maybe he'll get Munoz.

Andy (Chicago)

What did Belcher do to piss off Dana?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:03 PM)

Yeah, a lot of people think Belcher deserves someone a little further up the rungs than Okami. Once they booked Weidman/Boetsch, and Lombard/Palhares, you knew Belcher would get a guy we didn't see coming. I like the fight, though. Six years later, they meet again...

Tyler (Mission Viejo)

Seems like the old guys are benefiting from the injury rash of 2012. First Vitor gets the fight with Jones, and now Bonnar gets Silva.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:04 PM)

That's true, and it occurred to me. I saw Jeremy Botter of Bleacher Report talking about the idea of Bonnar getting one last shot at glory. I am sort of down with that. Does he look like a fleecy little lamb being dropped at the doorstep of an abattoir? Sure. But he gets his shot. Good for him.

Andy (Chicago)

Has anyone said how long Aldo will be out? Sounds like Edgar still first in line but is there a time table?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:06 PM)

Still waiting for the timetable for Aldo's recovery. Frankie Edgar said on MMA Live last night that he is inclined to wait it out, as he's grown used to the idea of Aldo in his training. Where it really hurts is guys like Erik Koch, who were dialed up, and now are in limbo.

Captain Howdy (Georgetown)

Are you giving Maldonaldo any shot at all? I hope there's an ambulance on hand...

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:06 PM)

That's a tough man right there, but I just think he's catched Teixeira at the exact wrong moment. Love Teixeira to roll in this fight. Dude packs the wallop.

Ricky D (Atlanta)

Saw your tweet yesterday and wondered if you were visiting the Blackzilians?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:07 PM)

You're only the second person who made out the gym from the sign I posted, but yes, was in Florida yesterday for a piece on Vitor Belfort (runs next week). Lots of monsters in that room....Thiago Silva, Anthony Johnson, Michael Johnson, Eddie Alvarez, Alistair Overeem, Rashad Evans, Vitor...et al. Fun to check it out.

Dennis (MI)

with the ulimate fighter not being live anymore, was there a dropoff in the audience from last season?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:09 PM)

Yeah, I believe there was. For many reasons, not necessarily because it was live. The Friday slot isn't the greatest, and the channel isn't as available as Spike. We'll see how it does this season. The cast is a lot stronger, guys who've been around.

dean (GA)

So mega fight Aldo vs. Edgar early 2013? What is next for Koch? (Korean Zombie or Lamas)

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:10 PM)

I'd like them to play back the idea of Dustin Poirier and Koch, which was slated to take place last November. Poirier is coming off the loss to Korean Zombie, so maybe they'd rather have Jung/Koch. Wait and see, wait and see...

Brad (Long Beach)

Anthony Johnson said the UFC should have called him when Henderson was hurt? Would that have made a difference?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:11 PM)

It's hard to say, but probably not. If you take Jones at face value, he'd have turned down anybody the UFC came up with on eight day's notice. The lone exception would have been Rashad, because Evans and Henderson have similar styles. He'd have turned down Johnson, too. (Though, I have to admit, that fight would hold intrigue for me).

David (Spaertanburg)

Best chance to win: Vitor or Stephan?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:12 PM)

I will go with Vitor, for the reason that he has one-punch knockout power. Just can't fathom a scenario where Bonnar wins it, even when taking into account the four-ounce gloves where anything can happen.

Andy (Chicago )

What is with the change of heart for Silva. He went from see you next year to I am fighting in a couple weeks.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:13 PM)

The UFC probably made it worth his while, for one thing. For another, it's a fight in Brazil (which he felt owed after being moved to Vegas with Sonnen). And lastly, does Bonnar not look tailor-made for a pounding? Slower, older, sludgier...Silva should have his way.

David (Spartanburg)

How long is Dan Henderson expected to be out?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:14 PM)

He originally was talking about a December return, but I think it's too soon. My guess is first quarter of 2013. He's not having surgery, so he'll be out until he's healed.

Ken (ca.)

Do you wonder why with the fights happening at the times they are, that Belcher didn't draw Weidman?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:16 PM)

A little bit, yes. Although, I think part of why it's not Belcher and Weidman is because the UFC holds Boetsch's stock a little higher than most fans. Boetsch has beaten some tough guts (Okami, Lombard) so it makes sense for him to get Weidman (which looks like a disastrous fight for Boetsch, by the way).

Mike (LA)

Rampage and Chael for the 1st fox card of 2013.....Possible/Plausible?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:17 PM)

I like it. Sonnen's not scheduled to fight until Dec. 29, so that might be too soon. It would just be the cruelest sort of treatment for Jackson, too, given his aversion to wrestlers, boring fighters and Velcro artists. In short: Given his aversion to anybody who doesn't want to stand and trade bombs.

Aaron (NV)

Bonnar has never been KO'd but has two TKOs from cuts. Do you think Bonnar will last all three rounds ?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:18 PM)

That's possible. I could see him lasting the whole fight, but he'll take some shots. The thing with Silva is, once he lands that first "wow" shot, and he seems the legs get jellied, he is a surgeon with his strikes. Just moves in and makes each shot count.

Carter (Chicago - Berwyn)

For some reason I'm intrigued by the Bonnar vs Silva match...Silva should beat him, but would it really surprise you if Bonnar "went out in a blaze of glory"? He's one really tough dude (probably because he's from Chicago) and he's going to be much bigger. Thoughts Chucky????

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:19 PM)

He did have a great showing against Kyle Kingsbury. I guess there's a little bit of me that wonders about the suffocation game, just using that bulk to lay on Silva and see if he can outpoint him on the ground. Hasn't worked for anybody yet, but Bonnar might feel like he has hot dice.

JD (VA)

Word is Henderson/Machida fight in the works. Thoughts?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:20 PM)

That would make a lot of sense, particularly if the UFC believes that Machida is title shot worthy. Would establish a true No. 1 contender. Both are currently unbooked.

Dogg Bounty Hunter (Maui)

Hey Brah, do you think UFC dropped the ball by never overpaying for Fedor?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:22 PM)

I think they tried to overpay Fedor, and he snubbed them. Rather, his handlers snubbed him. The UFC was never going to co-brand with M-1, and Fedor didn't want to become an indentured servant (or whatever their terminology was). At this point, with his star a little down and perhaps sitting uneasily in retirement, they might be able to tempt him.

Jim (Detroit)

What's up with Kole Conrad retiring?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:23 PM)

What, if you had a chance to become an agricultural commodities trader and you were a heavyweight champion, you wouldn't jump at it? I think he just wants to move on, Jim. And more power to him. He's a bright guy.

Fritz (Home)

Why do you ignore my questions. I feel like I piece of meat.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:23 PM)

Ha! Don't forget who bought you that Bentley.

Rick (Kansas)

It's pretty bad when your HW champion (Cole Konrad) vacates his belt to become a milkman. Whats your take on Konrad leaving Bellator?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:25 PM)

I think he probably decided he just didn't want to be a fighter anymore. What a month for Bellator champions though, huh? First Eduardo Dantas gets knocked out, then Konrad abruptly retires.

Oskar (Denver)

Stephan Bonnar is a man to step up and fight Silva in Brazil!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:26 PM)

I do like the "why not" attitude. He said on MMA Uncensored that he was semi-retired, unless they came up with a big name. Silva's is the biggest, and why not try and dethrone the greatest MMA practitioner going in his native country? Psychotic? Perhaps, but he lives up to his nickname.

Carl (So Cal)

What do think of the Larkin - Rockhold fight?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:27 PM)

Like Rockhold. I think it'll turn out to be a competitive scrap, but I'd have rather seen the Souza rematch.

Ken (ca.)

Precisely, Belcher/Weidman looks like a GREAT fight, while Boetsch /Weidman may be real bad day for Tim.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:28 PM)

Maybe this is the UFC's idea of getting Boetsch out the way? Then again, Boetsch was supposed to be a trampoline for Lombard, and he just keeps surprising us.

Chuck (Il)

Chuck - Have you given us your thoughts on PaulHarris(sp)/Hector match-up? If not, what do you think?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:29 PM)

Love it. These guys will be winking their pecks at each other from across the cage. That's a lot of visible muscle on display. Lombard's no slouch on the ground, but if it goes there, look out for Palhares. If it stays standing, Lombard might crack him and end it early.

Kris (Los Angeles)

Come fight night, will Jon Jones be booed out of the building in Toronto? Guy hasn't exactly ingratiated himself to fans lately.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:31 PM)

I think he will hear his share of boos. With champions, there's a natural response for people who want to see the upset. But this is a champion who has freshly bummed a lot of people out, so I don't think they'll be throwing rose petals at his feet as he walks out.

Henry ((Virginia))

Chuck, the rumor is that Chael will fight Jones and they will coach tuf against each other if they both win their next fights. How do you feel about that?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:32 PM)

That's a fast way to resurrect the franchise, I know that much. Who could out-heel the other? I wouldn't be surprised if they did this. The 205 landscape is sort of messy right now anyway.

Dan White (Boston)

Do you have press credential issues with the UFC?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:32 PM)

Have never had any problem.

David (Spartanburg)

Finish this sentence:A year from now the relationship between Dana and Jon Jones will be......

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:32 PM)

...better.

Stephen (Brooklyn)

What do you think about the Okami/Belcher match-up? Was hoping Belcher would get Weidman, but that went out the door with Boetsch getting it.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:34 PM)

I mean, it's a rematch from 2006 (UFC 62?). Belcher is a lot better now. Okami is trying to make his way back up the ranks. If Belcher wins this one as emphatically as he did Palhares, he'll get a title eliminator next.

Evgeni Kolgan (Moscow)

We tried, believe me we tried. But if they aren't willing to change the name of the card to UK1 instead of UFC, what are we to do?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:34 PM)

Nothing. There's nothing you can do in that situation, Evgeni. Agree to disagree is all.

Aaron (NV)

I worry about Bonnars safety in Brazil. He kinda looks like a bigger Chael Sonnen.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:36 PM)

Bonnar should be alright. He's a fun-loving guy. He just needs to be respectful like Franklin was heading down there, and he'll get out unhurt. By the fans anyway. As for Silva? Platter of pain.

Mike (LA)

Any word on Diego Sanchez?? Last i heard he was dropping to Light Weight. i think a welcome back fight vs Jim Miller or a rematch with Clay Guida would be nice

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:38 PM)

Haven't checked in with Sanchez lately, but will do that. I wouldn't be opposed to a Jim Miller/Sanchez fight. Doubt Miller would, either. Maybe they cue up Melvin Guillard?

Ebin (Crayfork, Iowa)

Remember when they wasted the end of Randy Couture's prime by feeding him James Toney, Mark Coleman's corpse and Brandon Vera? Thanks a lot UFC for doing that with Anderson Silva, too. What? Thales Leites wasn't available?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:39 PM)

In a pinch like this, I think they were just happy to get one of the biggest names in the sport on the card. Anderson Silva is huge. It's in Brazil. Bonnar's name is still good. I think it's win-win for the UFC and Silva. As for competitiveness, Silva's camp wants GSP next. Would you consider that wasteful matchmaking?

Craypotts (Sandy Hook, CT)

You know that Houston Alexander took take-a-fall money from the UFC to let Kimbo Slice secure a real fight in the organization, right? What a joke.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:40 PM)

Have to admit. Didn't expect the names Kimbo Slice and Houston Alexander to show up in the chat today.

Aaron Zapata (NYC)

Do you ever let your lady friends wear the hat?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:41 PM)

I like that you have assigned me lady "friends," as if they are legion. I like you, Aaron.

Tyler (Oklahoma)

I am very intrigued with the Bonner matchup. He will bring the fight to Anderson. He wont just stand in front of him like Okami. He s tough, hes big. Might even be able to bring him down. I dont think he s gonna win. But what if he does win Chuck! Stephan Bonner takes down the greatest of all time in front of Brazil! Either way, I for one cant wait to see it. I

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:42 PM)

If he does? I really don't know how that would feel. Silva would still be the champ, but that would be a greater thud than when GSP went down to Serra. Or at least a similar thud.

Dogg Bounty Hunter (Maui)

Hey Brah, is there a main event fight left in BJ Penn's gas tank. We would love to get him leiied in Honolulu and have a UFC card out here. What you think about maybe Penn-Florian II???

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:43 PM)

I think if Penn finds a way to beat Rory MacDonald the UFC would fulfill it's desire to have a card in Hawaii. Even if he loses, I think they could have him headline a show there. (Not holding my breath that he'll beat MacDonald).

Captain Howdy (Georgetown)

If Fitch beats Silva soundly, what's next for him? He's only lost twice in the UFC to GSP and Hendricks - no shame in either of those. Feel like that guy doesn't get his due.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:45 PM)

He'd be right back into that familiar role of "prospect killer," and he'd find himself in a holding pattern in the top five or six guys. I agree that he doesn't get his due. But unless he knocks Silva out and develops "excitement," he won't leapfrog anybody too quick, unfortunately.

Chuck Tang (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)

Kenny Florian finishes fights man, no decisions!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:46 PM)

Right now he's finishing segments behind a desk. That's a cushy gig.

Mike (LA)

Nick Diaz vs Josh Koscheck for Diaz's return fight?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:47 PM)

They were threatening to roll that one out before Diaz got suspended. Could happen, but only if Koscheck is still hovering near the top. I think the UFC would love to have GSP/Diaz, if the cards can align to get it there. Diaz will have to get through somebody, and it might be a guy like Rory MacDonald (avenging Nate's loss).

Broadband (Hartford, CT)

Which three fights in UFC history were you most excited about leading up to the actual second the fight started? Lesnar-Carwin had like a Hogan-Andre feel. That's why I ask.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:49 PM)

Wow, that's a tough one. I know I was excited to see Dan Henderson/Anderson Silva, and I was also very enthralled by Silva/Sonnen II. I think UFC 94, when B.J. Penn was telling Georges St. Pierre that he was going to fight to the death was great (unnerving) theater. There've been a lot of match-ups over the years that warrant a sort of visceral response.

Andy (Chicago)

How come Silva/Bonner is only scheduled 3 rounds?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:49 PM)

Not sure. Probably the late booking.

tdiddy (winnipeg) [via mobile]

Chaz. Gotta run into a call and will miss the chat, but want to get your take on Stann v Bisping. Bisping is going to destroy him no? Stann is on of those poor guys who can beat everyone but the top 7-10 guys.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:50 PM)

I give the nod to Bisping, but guys who stand and bang with Stann often end up in bad shape. Bisping is a pretty smart stick and move guy, and he can toil on the fence. I think he'll make Stann fight in the clinch and get it down. But that's a tough fight for me to handicap, honestly.

Mike (LA)

if Rumble Johnson beats Rosholt, do you think the UFC brings him back as light heavyweight?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:51 PM)

Yeah, I do. I was at the Blackzilians camp yesterday, and he was training. That guy dwarfs Vitor Belfort. He's huge. I can't imagine why he was cutting down to 170 pounds. Even 185 is a stretch, but he should be fine at 205 pounds, and he'd add some life to the division.

eric (The South Coast)

Hey Chuck, any mma action your're looking forward to this wknd?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:52 PM)

What, you mean besides the first episode of the Ultimate Fighter 16 tonight? Big Country and Shane Carwin?

Armindo Rallyfionte (El Savador)

Can we all agree that the Sexiyama experiment in the UFC failed? He has a great tan and all, but he's not going to help bring the UFC to prominence in Asia. Guy can't get out of the way of right hands.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:53 PM)

Dude's had more chances than anybody not named Dan Hardy.

Aaron (NV)

Will Strikeforce finally die in 2013?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:53 PM)

My gut feeling is that it will.

psycho (LaLaLand)

if an inexperienced and small Jon Jones beat Bonnar like a pancake, what is the GOAT gonna do to him???

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:55 PM)

We watched Bonnar/Griffin and admired the hell out of them slugging away at each others torsos and chins. But think what happened when Silva fought Griffin? It was one of the most lopsided beatdowns in UFC history. Hard to imagine Bonnar getting it done...but I guess he can make it ugly and see if he can frustrate the champ.

Mike (LA)

Anyword on Rashad? he said he'd be back in Winter

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:56 PM)

Right now he's helping prep Vitor. Saw him yesterday, and asked him if he was a contingency plan for the UFC, should Condit beat GSP to thwart a superfight between GSP/Silva. He said he'd like that fight, but he hadn't heard anything. That's the only way he drops to 185. Otherwise, it's wait and see for his next fight at 205.

Mike (LA)

do you know if Anderson was offered anyone else beside Bonnar?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:58 PM)

I haven't heard anybody else's name. There was some talk of Wanderlei Silva and Andy, but not sure that was substantial.

david (destin, florida)

Why is ESPN so enthralled with the florida gators? You show every game, have two Gamedays in a row, have their logo on screen all the time. They were a mediocre team with a mediocre record last year, and looks the same this year. Why not showcase higher ranked teams that the Gators who just cracked the top 20 after playing unranked teams?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:58 PM)

This is out of my realm, but I guess ESPN likes the Gators.

rudy (a place chuck wont answer questions)

when erick silva beats fitch, whats next for him?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (4:59 PM)

I think he'd establish himself as a top eight guy in the division, and I'd expect him to get a big name. Erick Silva is the real deal. A Fitch win would be huge.

JD (VA)

How forced is this Nelson/Carwin "feud"? Was there really no one else out there they felt could stir up drama as coaches?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:00 PM)

Most feuds are pretty manufactured. I don't even think Nelson/Carwin need a feud. Besides, Nelson/White have enough of one to go around.

Burt (Brooklyn)

Chuck, saw your article on Vinny Magalhaes. You think he has a legit shot of beating Pokrajac? Seems like a mismatch to me.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:02 PM)

I think Magalhaes has improved, but to the point that he can hang on his feet with Pokrajac? Hate to cop out, but that remains to be seen. I could easily imagine Vinny getting clipped and going down. However, if the fight hits the floor, helter skelter.

Orlando (Antiqua)

The three best marketable fights for the UFC to squeeze one last payday out of Brock Lesnar are: ???

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:03 PM)

Three fights for Lesnar? Fedor would still be up there. Maybe a rematch with Carwin (that fight was ridiculous), and Roy Nelson.

rudy (texas)

who wins cormiex or mir i could see mir easily pulling off the sub for a win

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:04 PM)

Cormier. Horrible match-up for Mir.

Rick (Kansas)

If I were in Toronto I'd be cheering Bones. He made it so they now have 2 title fights, not just the 1!

jenn (Columbus)

Do you think Lorenzo Fertitta could/would own an NFL football team?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:05 PM)

It's a billion dollar question, and he's a billionaire. His kids play football. Let him buy the Raiders.

Steve (St. Louis)

Chuck, big fan! Was wondering if you think that Edgar and Aldo will still fight when Aldo is recovered? Thanks!

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:06 PM)

I think it all depends on Aldo's timetable for recovery. If he won't be out too long, Edgar will wait it out. Edgar seems fixated on fighting Aldo now that the UFC has finally convinced him to head to 145.

Michael (Memphis)

Is it possible to see a R Evans vs D Henderson fight by the end of the yr?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:07 PM)

I doubt it. Hendo won't be ready.

Sam (Orlando)

Chuck, you were close enough in your first prediction for the Broncos. You said 31-27 Broncos, when the final score was actually 31-19. Let's have your prediction (with score) for the Atlanta/Denver game.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:08 PM)

That is very perceptive of you, Sam. I got the Broncos score right, but thought the Steelers would hang around better than they did. For Falcons game, will say Broncos 34, Falcons 24.

Aaron (NV)

How quick does Cain shoot for a takedown on JDS?

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:09 PM)

Within the first 90 seconds. But again, JDS is so good at keeping the fight standing. I like JDS's advantage on the feet more than Velasquez's chances of dumping him.

Captain Howdy (Georgetown)

Now that the dust has settled, what card are you looking forward to more: 152 or 153? I think that Brazilian crowd is going to be bonkers for their guys...leaning 153 myself

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:10 PM)

I still like UFC 153. I think they salvaged things pretty nicely (for now, plenty of time for guys to get hurt before October). Maldonaldo/Teixeira will be a great fight. Return of Big Nog. Silva/Bonnar. Fitch/Silva. Still pretty deep card.

Chuck Mindenhall

  (5:11 PM)

Okay guys, need to shut this thing down. Thanks for hopping on here today. Let's do it again next Friday, and hit me on Twitter, @ChuckMindenhall.