Dream/Strikeforce Alliance

My very first post on this blog was a pregame analysis of what in my mind would have been the greatest heavyweight MMA fight of the post Pride FC generation. Sadly, Josh Barnett failed a steroid test for the third time in his career, all of which he disputes. I can’t help but feel that a person is more likely to win the lottery than have three false positives. I hate throwing Josh under the bus, but I feel like I, as a fan, have been.

But this article is not about Barnett, my disappointment, my attempt to hold off declarations of guilt, or even the death of Affliction and their affection with the devil of diverse MMA, the UFC. No, this article is about the new hope that has come from these seemingly dark times; the alliance between Dream and Strikeforce. Read more »

Affliction is Dead

It seems there was no turning back or recovery for Affliction following Wednesday’s Josh Barnett fiasco. Unable to adequately patch up the holes in their venue, Affliction: Trilogy was canceled, and the entirety of Affliction as a promotion flatlined. Supposedly, there were rumors that they had talked with both Strikeforce and the UFC about possible mergers, even before recent events, but in any case, they’re majorly in the doghouse now. It’s official that Affliction will salvage what they can and re-enlist as a brand sponsor (i.e. stick to making clothes) for the UFC. This is somewhat ironic considering the less than friendly relationship Affliction and the UFC/Dana White have had with each other. Dana White practically called out their demise last year. Of course, Dana White likes to talk and present himself as an asshole, so it’s not surprising that he’d rejoice over fallen competition. But really, who else would you turn to when you’re struggling and the UFC is raking in the big bucks? Read more »

Barnett Pulled Out of Fight

I am seriously seriously seriously disappointed and pissed at today’s news!!!!  This was THE fight to watch for me this summer, and now poof! Gone!

After hopping on to Sherdog, I read a series of updates stating that Josh Barnett tested positive for some form of anabolic steroid, and therefore, he would not be licensed for the Affliction and M-1 Global “Trilogy” event August 1st where he would have fought Fedor. SOOO DISAPPOINTING! Ugh…

I mean, Josh Barnett is a nice, good guy, and I hope this doesn’t tarnish his name. Read more »

Fedor Emeilianenko vs. Josh Barnett

On my mind right now  is the up and coming Affliction/WAMMA heavy weight championship fight between Fedor Emeilianenko and Josh Barnett. Now, this in my mind is the greatest possible fight over 205. These are the world’s best!

My dilemma is that I like both fighters, for what they do in and outside the ring. Fedor is a great ambassador for the sport, showing that you can be the baddest man on the planet without being  a disrespectful muscle-head that caters to WWE fans. He’s a real mixed martial artist who has both amazing submissions and knockouts.

Josh similarly is a great fighter, not as great as Fedor in my humble opinion, but he is an even greater coach and all around cool guy. For example, the greatest female fighter pound for pound, Megumi Fujii, has been trained by him for years and anyone who’s cool enough to hang out with Mega-Megu, is cool in my book. Read more »