Brett Okamoto

  (1:03 PM)

What's up fight fans? Appreciate you hanging out with me this Wednesday. Random thoughts before we get started ... I admit I'm not that up for the 153 main event but the card as a whole, I can buy into ... My Michael Johnson man crush almost came to a screeching halt last week but alls well that ends well, I'm still on the bandwagon ... Cleveland Browns really let me down. Should have covered +8.5 ALL DAY on the Giants. What a meltdown at the end of the first half, sorry, that was a painful loss. On to this week's chat. What's on your mind?

Cameron (Auckland (NZ) )

Hi Bro, On the weekend, there was only Arianny as a ring girl whilst there was a non Arianny type ?lady? dressed in black sitting nearby. Was that another one of Dana?s ?giveaways? (like he gives tickets to hold the belt / sit next to him) or something else? On his (presenting the) belt giveaways, I think that greatly cheapens the experience and there needs to be boundaries given how hard those guys work just to stay in the UFC let alone compete for a title.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:05 PM)

I honestly have no idea man. And usually by the time the belt is going around a champ's waist, I'm typing furiously on my column, so I don't really pay attention to who puts the belt on him. I would venture to guess though, the fighter doesn't care at all whether it's Dana White or some random fan putting a belt on him. Still feels good, ya know?

Nick (Perth (Australia))

Hi Brett, Looking forward to Brazil this weekend. Just wondering, what would a good result be for Bonnar, assuming he cant win? The reason I say this is Vitor's credibilty in my eyes went up a lot even though he lost to Jon Jones.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:06 PM)

After talking to Bonnar last week, I think he just wants a fight he can be proud of at the end of the night. He knows it's a longshot that he wins. Not saying he doesn't have confidence in himself, but he understands the matchup here. He doesn't want a Forrest Griffin experience, where he gets clowned. He wants to earn Anderson's respect I guess is a good way of putting it, where Anderson looks at him after the fight and kind of says, Wow. That was tougher than I thought it was going to be.

Simon (Gold Coast )

Surprise surprise, Chad Mendes gets added to the OZ Smashes card. Never seen a fighter have so much fun as he had in Sydney supporting Benavidez. In FW there seems to be Aldo, daylight, Zombie / Mendes, daylight, daylight and the rest. Prob a bit harsh but what matchups are there ahead for Chad?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:07 PM)

I gotta disagree with you Simon. I think the gap between Aldo and the other guys has closed a bit and there are plenty of contenders at featherweight. I'd actually say it's one of the better divisions right now. Frankie dropped, you guys know I'm a Cub Swanson fan, I really like Erik Koch, Dustin Poirier is young and improving, Zombie ... that's a good list of guys.

Barney (Newcastle)

How serious is Faber / Bisping? Maybe they should have Bisping v Faber / Benavedez, handicap tag team match refereed by Jason Miller. I'm sure Mayhem would ensue......

Brett Okamoto

  (1:08 PM)

I'm sure it would ... I'm sure it would.

Jonathan (Loganville GA) [via mobile]

Saw mayhem on the mma hour sad stuff decent fighter, was wondering what is your favorite mayhem miller fight?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:10 PM)

Yeah, I hope Miller is just pulling a fast one on everyone ... like the rest of the MMA world I hope he's doing alright. I've had good interactions with him. As far as my favorite fight, not sure I have one that really comes to mind off the bat. I like his swagger as he walks out for the final round against Robbie Lawler in a 2006 fight. Not sure if ESPN wants me to share this with you (bad word) ... but I guess we'll find out. The crowd sounds awesome as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJR0ZQfhzqQ

Jim Bob (the Counter)

I love Red Ink and love the cash from the Rams +1 last week. Any football plays?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:10 PM)

Yes, the Rams pick worked out much better than the Browns pick. I'd take Philly this week -5 against Detroit.

Dan (NJ)

Hey Brett. Wondering if there is any word on Edgar/Aldo. I'm assuming since they already annoucned that fight they are going to proceed when aldo heals. Also where do you think ellenberger goes from here? I feel hendricks/kampann/ellenb./macdoanld are all very evenly matched and if hendricks/kampann will be the next title eliminator, ellenberger seems to be in limbo.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:12 PM)

Yes, Edgar/Aldo will be the next 145 title fight. The silver lining in Aldo getting hurt was that they'll have more time to promote that fight, which is one I for one am definitely looking forward to. For Ellenberger, not sure ... you're right there's no clear path right now. I could see him fighting Rory MacDonald if MacDonald gets past B.J. He's going to need to fight, the winner of the Hendricks/Kampmann fight will probably do his best to wait for a title shot depending on the circumstances.

@PappaFeez (Dallas)

What up Motto? What is next for Glover Teixeira if/after he wins? A major step up against Rashad seems like a good spot

Brett Okamoto

  (1:13 PM)

Yeah, I think so. This whole Glover thing has been strange. He comes into the UFC relatively unknown, wins one fight, and now because a few people have turned down fights against him, he's been elevated in the eyes of everyone without even having a second fight. But I do like the guy and I think he can make a run ... although I'd still favor Rashad Evans if that fight were to be made.

Rusty D (Denver, CO)

Where do you sit in regards to the article by Franklin today on Jon Fitch? Seems like he's doing a ton of talking and complaining when in reality all of his problems are self-inflicted (boring fighting and finances included).

Brett Okamoto

  (1:15 PM)

I won't dive real into the issue of fighter pay (unless you guys want to go there) ... it's a complex thing and we've discussed it before on this chat, but I will say there seems to be a problem when a guy who has fought since 2005 for the UFC, has competed for a title, only lost twice during that entire time, is hurting for money. These guys have a short window on their careers. They give a lot to the sport. It strikes me as a problem that many of them are struggling financially (especially the ones we consider to be basically stars).

Nick (Perth (Australia))

Where is Jon Fitch at the moment and how do you see Fitch / Silva playing out? One of the mma online sites had a really good article a few days ago on him (and financial diffs) and he seems to be very much a non marketable entity who many (bluntly speaking) seem to find too predicable to watch and not deserving of another GSP shot. It's like he's gone from No 1 contender to "past it" in the blink of an eye. Thoughts?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:17 PM)

Good time to throw another Fitch question out there ... as far as what do I think about the fight, I think a hungry Fitch is a dangerous Fitch. I think he's got the style to beat Silva. My Red Ink preview is coming out tomorrow morning so it will go into more detail on the fight, but I like Fitch to win. Not super confident on the pick or anything, Silva is a beast, but Fitch man ... Fitch is good.

Sandy (Gainesville)

Assuming Silva and MacDonald get through Fitch and Penn respectively, could you see the UFC making a #1 contender bout Silva v. MacDonald (after the Hendricks/Kampmann fight)?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:18 PM)

I don't think Silva is quite there yet, even with a win over Fitch. Ellenberger is still higher than him, both in rankings and marketability. You could expect to see Silva in a co-main event type role though, likely in the States.

Adam (Fargo)

Best guess who gets Silva in the MW division next and when?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:19 PM)

It's real tough to say not knowing how this fight against Bonnar and how GSP/Condit will go. If GSP wins, Silva won't fight a middleweight until mid/late 2013 and who knows what happens by then. If GSP loses and Silva defends his belt sooner, I think it will be Chris Weidman if he beats Boetsch.

Brock (Vancouver)

Moto, who in your opinion should headline the Superbowl Card in Vegas? A sub 170 belt isn't gonna draw in tourists paying big bucks..

Brett Okamoto

  (1:21 PM)

Hmmm, good question. I hadn't given it a lot of thought yet. Alistair Overeem would be an easy choice but I think he fights for the title immediately and I don't know if the winner of Cain/JDS would agree to turn around so quickly. Not sure what the timing would be on a GSP/Silva superfight ... we'd have to see what's going on at Cowboy Stadium. I agree with you though, I don't think we'll see a bantamweight/flyweight title combo ... they'll put together something good.

Matty-Ice (Detroit)

I have a feeling January/February are going to be crazy busy. It seems like every other day I read that a fighter wants to try and fight by the end of the year. Well with all the cards pretty much rounded out for this year (barring injury), a lot of these guys will probably want to get into action early next year.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:22 PM)

Yeah, lots of names come to mind for those two months. Should be some stacked cards and fighters are coming back ... Overeem, Leben, Diaz, Edgar/Aldo should happen around then, Rashad ... there was this sort of slow period this summer, but that should mean a pretty exciting stretch this winter.

BDG (Fla)

Jon Fitch has made over a half million $$$ in base pay alone from the UFC - not really going to have a pity party for him.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:23 PM)

I never saw that number, is that accurate? If it is, that's over eight years. Taxes come out of that. That's $62,500 per year, before taxes. Is that what a headlining, 13-2-1 fighter in the UFC should make?

Kevin (Mile High)

Any new news on Strikeforce?

joel (alviso, ca)

Any word on whats going on with strikeforce?

Louis (Detroit)

Any word on the situation with strikeforce? And by extension, the Cormier fight ?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:26 PM)

Showtime has the option to continue business with Zuffa (parent company of the UFC and Strikeforce) into 2013. That's nothing new, we knew that when the deal was signed. As of right now, the Nov. 3 event has not been canceled. I have no word on who Cormier could fight, I've been told he has no idea either. But, as far as Strikeforce living or dying, it's up to Showtime. There are some obvious reasons you would think they'd want to pull the plug, but there are some assets there, too. A big one, obviously, is Ronda Rousey. We'll know either way sometime in November, because Showtime has to decide whether to exercise the option or not.

mike (sf)

who are you picking in the maia vs rick story fight? Do you put any relevance on maia's win over stun gun and that weird rib injury?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:27 PM)

No not really, other than the fact I thought he looked good at the weight. Didn't seem like it was an incredibly difficult cut for him. I like Maia in the fight, although that guy is so mentally unpredictable. I definitely believe he's more talented than Story, but he has letdown performances that I can't really attach to anything and say, Oh, that's why he fought terrible. They seem to just ... happen. I wouldn't wager money on Maia, let's put it that way, but I think he'll get the W.

Nate (Woburn, MA)

Not a question, more of a comment: The ad with Bonnar and Forrest for the fight is great. Good luck, birthday twin.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:27 PM)

Comments are good. We post comments here.

Stoke (Oregon)

Brett,whatevs regarding the whole Andy-Bondog fight. It's the rest of the card that interest me. Maia-Story is gonna end bad for Story. Prado- Davis, welcome to knockoutville Phil. Fitch - Silva, old Jon is gonna get cut after another lousy fight.Glover - Fabio, one of these dudes better impress otherwise who cares. And as a side question... you know how they have all those crazy stupid sports in the Olympics, like synchronized diving. How about a 5'7" and taller division for women's gymnastics.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:28 PM)

Hmmm. Not sure what to respond to this one ... sure?

John (Austin, TX)

Hi Brett, win, lose or draw...is this Bonnar's swan song or will he fight again regardless?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:30 PM)

I think this is it. He believes with a win he'd be offered a huge contract (this is the final fight on his current deal) and a ton of big fight opportunities. I don't know ... obviously it would be a major upset but I don't think it would reignite a ton of peoples' interest in seeing Bonnar fight. Even if he were to win, I don't think we'd start thinking of him as a title contender. So, I just don't think all the opportunities he believes would come ... would come. So, he'd retire.

brandan (charlottesville)

do you think Erik Silva beats Jon Fitch as most predict? Fitch has fallen far, but his loss was a quick KO...can Silva avoid getting held down?

Adam (Long Beach)

How do you see the Erick Silva v Jon Fitch fight going? Is this Erick's coming out party, or does Fitch stifle another up and comer with his wrestling?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:31 PM)

I kind of talked about this already but real quick, yeah I just think Fitch will have success holding him against the cage and taking him down. Fitch is also very durable. He got knocked out in his last fight but before then, he'd never been finished in the UFC. I'm expecting a pretty slow fight ... Silva will have his moments, but overall body of work Fitch will win on the scorecards.

Zach (St louis)

I know Anderson has accomplished everything in MMA, but why wont be fight Bones?? He is fighting the biggest LHW in Bonnar. Can it be anything other then hes afraid?? Thats the superfight everyone wants to see!

Brett Okamoto

  (1:33 PM)

His reasoning is that he doesn't want to fight at 205. If you believe him ... the only reason he accepted this fight against Bonnar was to do the UFC a favor and make sure the card in Brazil wasn't canceled. He doesn't want to stay at 205. I would never accuse probably the greatest fighter of all time of being "scared." I don't think that's it. But he has a lot to lose and there are still plenty of fights for him without challenging Jones. Trust me, I want to see it. But I can understand why those two don't want it.

@PappaFeez (Dallas)

Any clue who Rampage will face in his "last" UFC fight? Who would you like to see him face?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:34 PM)

I was down to see him fight Teixeira. If they remade that fight, I'd be perfectly happy with it. There aren't a ton of other names out there that make sense right now ...

Tyler (OKC)

what is going on with OKC StrikeForce card?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:35 PM)

As of right now, it's still on.

Stoke (Oregon)

At least we know Travis Browne is a fraud. He couldn't even beat S L O W M O T I O N Silva.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:35 PM)

The hamstring injury definitely had a lot to do with that.

Andy (Chicago)

What is the deal with Gonzaga being a back up for 153? Is this something the UFC will do going forward in case of injury?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:37 PM)

No, Gonzaga was supposed to be on the card anyway so he's ready. The UFC can't ask guys to get into a training camp, spend money on sparring partners, trainers, etc. in the hope they MIGHT be able to fight. In this case, Gonzaga is ready but it's pretty late to find a replacement opponent, so tell him to stay ready just in case.

Sam (Ohio)

Anderson Silva has been so dominant and Bonnar does have a (small) chance, but who do you think has the best chance to actually beat him when you look at WW, MW, and LHW fighters?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:38 PM)

I give Chris Weidman a chance (although, a pretty small one.) If he moved permanently to LHW ... I'd give Rashad an okay chance and Jones a very good chance. That's about it.

Brandon (ks)

Tim Elliott had a great fight against John Dodson in the Flyweight division. When is he going to get another fight? He deserves it!

Brett Okamoto

  (1:39 PM)

Yeah he did and if I'm remembering that fight correctly, didn't he suffer a major eye-poke in the first round? He's awkward and tough. I like Tim Elliot, he's not going anywhere I'm sure.

James (CT)

Agree on the Bonnar/Forrest ad. I was wondering what ridiculous angle the UFC would play to make Bonnar seem like a tough matchup for Anderson and they went the other way instead. Smart.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:40 PM)

Yeah, I mean they kinda had to. The public will eat up misleading advertisement to an extent but in this case ... just promote the fight as, "Hey, you wanna see the best fighter in the world do his thing or what?" That was the way to go.

Matt (DC)

IF GSP gets by Condit what next for him Diaz or Silva superfight?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:41 PM)

Silva superfight for sure.

TPontch (Moscow)

Cormier vs Werdum than Comier vs Overeem

Brett Okamoto

  (1:42 PM)

Yeah, many of you said last week Werdum is an obvious choice and I agree. Haven't heard anything along those lines yet, though.

Andy (Chicago)

Bigfoot messed up my parly the other day! Do you think he looked good or any heavyweight can beat a one legged fighter?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:43 PM)

I mean, you've got to give him credit for the knockout. He didn't waste any time. Once Browne was hurt, the knockout came fairly quickly. That said ... if those two fight again ... I wouldn't hesitate to put Browne back on the parlay.

BK (Jersey)

Brett, you know anything about this new MMA organization that Torres and Arlovski are fighting in?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:45 PM)

New promotion, World Series of Fighting. They appear to have firm financial backing and an honest promoter in Ray Sefo. Signed a one-year deal with NBC Sports for broadcasting rights. First card doesn't look awful on paper.

mike (sf)

give us a parlay for saturday!

Brett Okamoto

  (1:45 PM)

Let me grab the odds, hang on.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:46 PM)

It's not a great card for a parlay, lots of lopsided odds and fights too close to call buuuuuut ....

Brett Okamoto

  (1:46 PM)

Let's roll with ... FITCH +110, CANE -150, NOGUEIRA -285, MAIA -155. Holla.

Kid (Fla)

I'm convinced w/ the rimors of Hendo vs Machida being made, that Sonnen (should he beat Forrest handily) will jump everyone at 205 and fight Jones on SB wknd assuming Jones is healthy as well. Agree?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:48 PM)

The post-fight win speech in December ... I'm sure Chael is working on that thing right now. Yeah, it's hard to disagree with you. We're not sure at all when Hendo/Machida will fight, timing seems to work out better for Chael ... so ... I agree with your prediction Kid.

Zach (St louis)

Moto, from above... You dont think GSP could beat Silva?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:48 PM)

I don't think GSP can beat Silva, no.

Zach (St louis)

What do you think about Forrest and Sonnen? To me it seems like Forrest has never been the same since Anderson played with him. I think Sonnen gets a fairly easy UD.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:50 PM)

It's not motivation for Forrest, he's just slowed way down. He was always a guy who stands in the pocket, but he's slower now and he can't quite take a punch like he used to. That's not the kind of fight Sonnen will give him though, I don't think. Sonnen might box him a little, but I think ultimately Sonnen is Sonnen and he takes him down. Forrest has underrated wrestling and he'll be bigger so, we'll have to see how that plays out. I'm with you though, I think in the end probably Chael by decision. Need to think about that one more though.

Andy (Chicago)

Who do you see Guida fighting at featherweight? I know he wants Edgar but that isn't going to happen, right?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:51 PM)

Nah, I can't see that happening. Somebody last week asked if he would still be relegated to the undercard for that Maynard fiasco and I said ... yeah, probably. I don't think they'll give him a big name, maybe a mid-tier guy. Force him to get a win under his belt at 145 before he gets anything too exciting.

Rusty D (Denver, Co)

Say Shane Carwin beats Big Country at the TUF finale (which there's no reason he shouldn't)...where does he jump back into the mix at HW?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:51 PM)

I'd expect them to give him a guy who's still growing in name recognition, like a Stefan Struve type.

Duff (Minnesota)

How much is the Fox card going to set up the next year for growth of the UFC? Its a STACKED card, but will casual fans show up...thoughts?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:53 PM)

I do think casual fans will show up, a big part of that is the UFC will get the promotions running during NFL games again. I was a bit surprised with their choice to headline. Ben Henderson and Nate Diaz don't have a track record of a strong headlining presence. Don't get me wrong, it's the right fight in terms of action, but even putting B.J. in the headlining role would have probably resonated more with casual viewers. Either way, yes I expect good numbers and the fights are all action fights on paper, so it should have a positive effect for the UFC.

Mark (OKC)

After watching the Invicta card this past weekend, gotta say that they can fight and scrap as good as the guys. How come Zuffa doesn't invest in women's MMA instead of trying to get 125 and 115lb guys?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:54 PM)

The problem is still depth. It's going to be interesting to see what happens if Strikeforce closes shop. The UFC is not ready to buy into women's MMA, but they don't want to let go of Ronda Rousey either. At all.

Sam (Ohio)

I know everyone is giving Struve the props he deserved for beating Miocic the other week, but am I the only one who thinks the slippery canvas was a little to blame for creating the opening that Struve used to get the KO?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:55 PM)

I didn't see that. Stipe had already gotten cracked a bunch of times leading up to the knockout. He might have lost his balance due to something on the canvas a little bit but his balance already seemed off by the punches Struve was landing.

John (Austin, TX)

As fans I know we'd never turn down an GSP-Silva superfight, but I can't help but think of how incredible that fight would've been a few years ago. Better late than never I suppose?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:55 PM)

Better late than never. I'm still hoping for a Floyd/Pacquiao fight.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:56 PM)

And, really, I haven't seen a huge decline in either GSP or Anderson's skills ... unlike the Floyd/Pacquiao comparison where it does appear that both are about to or already have started to decline.

Sandy (Gainesville)

I can't believe you're going with Fitch! Silva is wayyy too explosive. KO!

Brett Okamoto

  (1:56 PM)

I've heard that one before Sandy! I'm sticking with my Fitch pick.

Matt (DC)

Nick Diaz vs Rory McDonald if Rory gets by BJ makes sense right? Plus builds up GSP hatred if Nick wins.

Brett Okamoto

  (1:57 PM)

Oh yeah, that's a great storyline. Well done Matt. I'm all for that scenario. I kind of keep forgetting about Diaz because he's gone right now ... when he comes back that welterweight division is gonna be real fun.

Jake (Saint Paul, MN)

Winner of Hendo vs. Machida... guaranteed next shot at Jones?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:57 PM)

I would say yes.

Jake (Saint Paul, MN)

I asked this last time, but have you had a chance to take a closer look at the Gustaf/Shogun fight yet? Still think Alex ROLLSSSS?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:58 PM)

I probably won't go back and rewatch their fights until a few weeks out from the fight but yeah, as of right now, I love Gus in that fight.

Josh (Texas)

who do you have, BJ Penn or Rory Macdonald and why?

Brett Okamoto

  (1:59 PM)

MacDonald. SIZE. Endurance. Wrestling.

Brett Okamoto

  (2:01 PM)

Alright guys, solid hour there. Curious, are you buying UFC 153 or no? And why or why not? Tweet me the answer @bokamotoESPN, I want to know what the interest level is in this fight. We also got Eddie Alvarez fighting Patricky Freire in the final fight of his Bellator contract on Friday, so give that a look. We will see you again right here in 168 hours.