The Future of Fighting Blog

Monday, July 27, 2009
by Tomas Rios (trios@sherdog.com)

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Nearly eight years ago, mixed martial arts scribes prepared eulogies for the UFC after its disastrous 33rd show, which had been supposed to mark a triumphant return to pay-per-view.

Instead, the event was cursed from the word go, as a super fight between incumbent light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz and top contender Vitor Belfort was scrapped after the Brazilian suffered an injury during training camp. With millions already invested in the UFC since its purchase of the brand earlier the same year, Zuffa had no choice but to move forward.

A less-than-inspiring replacement was found in Vladimir Matyushenko, but with two other title bouts already on the card, many held out hope that some semblance of success could be salvaged from the wreckage of Belfort’s injury. Those hopes got shot through a particle collider, as the show deteriorated into a mess of dull decisions that left fans wondering if the hyped return of the UFC was destined to end like a small-town fireworks show — a bit of flash that leaves nothing but smoke. We all know Zuffa continued to dump millions into the UFC despite years spent operating in the red before finally emerging as the juggernaut we know today, but it’s worth remembering that bit of history after watching the less-than-shocking demise of Affliction Entertainment as a fight promotion.

It took one scrapped main event to flatline Affliction, and while Josh Barnett may be justifiably guillotined in the court of public opinion, his third positive test for steroids only accelerated what, in hindsight, was inevitable. Make no mistake, Affliction hit the scrap heap because its financiers were not willing to operate in the red while bankrolling multi-million dollar payrolls and UFC-level operating costs. Why anyone would pour millions into a market already dominated by the UFC brand without being ready to absorb some major losses is beyond me, but it shows the reckless nature with which these fly-by-night operations run.

Reckless because Affliction lured top talent with non-exclusive multi-fight deals that paid them well above market value and now has them twisting in the wind while they try to find their next paycheck amidst a pile of bills. That is the collateral damage of Affliction’s demise — athletes living paycheck to paycheck left jobless while a bunch of millionaires write off their exercise in arrogance as a failed business venture.

This exact same scenario has played out with every promotion that has tried to challenge the UFC’s stranglehold on the North American market. A quick look into the past provides a laundry list of such promotions, and the one trait they all shared was a willingness to throw around paper like party favors until the money pit ran dry.

Photo by Sherdog.com

Playing Robin Hood to the UFC’s Sheriff of Nottingham by radically altering the pay scale for mixed martial artists has proven a shortsighted and self-damning business plan. Fans may bemoan the UFC’s practice of actively keeping its pay scale in check, but it has kept the promotion in the black and was likely its saving grace during the years it spent operating in the hole. This may seem like an economics lesson, but the real point here is that while trying to compete with the UFC is not necessarily a bad idea, the way everyone goes about it is just plain bad for MMA.

Call me selfish, but I want all the world’s top fighters in one promotion constantly fighting one another — especially when you consider the cost of my monthly cable bill — and that’s something every MMA fan desires, no matter how much they loathe the UFC’s supposed monopoly. The benefits of stability and centralized control extend beyond the fans, though; someone like Eli Manning never has to worry about the New York Giants or the NFL going under, and the same luxury extends to virtually everyone in major sports.

Meanwhile, an entire roster of Affliction fighters have to wait for their contract situation to be sorted out and pray the UFC decides to bring them on board, as it represents one of their only shots at earning the same kind of living that Affliction so briefly gave them. That goes beyond unfair and shows just how concerned a company like Affliction is with the bottom line.

Back when MMA was a financial black hole, no one wanted any part of it, but now that the UFC has established a successful business model, everyone wants to make a quick buck off the sport. Affliction was no different from the World Fighting Alliance, International Fight League or any other promotion looking to carve out a piece of the pie Zuffa baked. That’s to be expected, but we’re reaching the point where it’s getting in the way of everyone’s MMA utopia.

Attempting a jump into the mainstream with the world’s best heavyweight and a large contingent of elite fighters outside the UFC umbrella seems incongruous at best, and the blame lies entirely with companies like Affliction, which actively court talent they cannot afford to keep.

Short of having a team of international assassins snuff out anyone who keeps the MMA paradise from being realized, the best move fans can make is to vote with their dollars. If it becomes clear the buying public will not support promotions that are doomed to failure, premier fighters will be unwilling to lunge headfirst into a temple of financial doom and we will reach the end game that much quicker. We’ll see the world’s best fighters negotiating with the UFC and securing their financial futures while delivering the promise that the UFC made from its very inception — the world’s best fighters fighting one another.

At this point, I’d settle for Fedor Emelianenko in the UFC and regulated MMA in New York. Yes, I’m that selfish.

E-mail comments to trios@sherdog.com.

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Three months to the day of its official announcement, Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski finally stood toe-to-toe inside the House of Blues in Los Angeles for the first of three staredowns leading up to their heavyweight tilt on Saturday at Affliction and M-1 Global’s “Day of Reckoning” at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

The confident couple will square off again Friday at the event’s weigh-ins, also inside the Honda Center, and will converge one last time in the center of the ring before they retire to their corners.

It hasn’t been an easy task assembling such a high caliber bout between the world’s No. 1 and 2 ranked heavyweights, though one wouldn’t notice from the polished presentation that Affliction, M-1 Global, Golden Boy Productions, and the Trump Organization presented their few month’s effort Wednesday for the press.

The road to “Reckoning” has had its twist and turns though.

Following Emelianenko’s 36-second trouncing of Tim Sylvia at Affliction “Banned” last July, word quickly spread that the unflappable Russian would not be well enough to helm a second event planned for Oct. 11 in Las Vegas. It seems Emelianenko’s right hand, which has steadily betrayed the heavyweight throughout his 8-year career, could not withstand the shellacking he inflicted.

Affliction rightfully turned its efforts to a contender’s match between Josh Barnett, hot off avenging his 2000 loss to Pedro Rizzo, and Arlovski, who has flourished with victories against Ben Rothwell and Roy Nelson since he exited the UFC in July.

However, amidst whispers of emaciated ticket sales and Zuffa LLC’s strong-arm tactics in exerting its home turf advantage, the event was cancelled.

On Oct. 21, Affliction announced that it would team up with Golden Boy for an illustrious hybrid event. Those plans fell to the wayside shortly afterward, but a solo MMA offering stayed on the docket for Jan. 24, while Oscar De La Hoya’s unit booked a monster attraction between “Sugar” Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito just 30 miles down the road at the Staples Center.

But all this is water under the bridge, say the partnering promoters. What’s important is Emelianenko (28-1), who hasn’t always faced the strongest opposition available, should get a test in a hungry Arlovski (15-5). The bout, which will reportedly cost Affliction a few million dollars in purses alone to pull off, will answer a relevant question in the heavyweight division.

“It’s a very, very important fight,” said Emelianenko through his interpreter Steve Nash. “It’s one of the most important fights of my life, my career. I’m fighting a very difficult, a very dangerous opponent, one that I’ve trained for very seriously with all of my efforts.”

With a yogi’s calm, the slightly grinning Emelianenko addressed the room Wednesday as if he were speaking at a Tony Robbins seminar.

“I’d like to wish all the fighters no injuries, a great show and for them to perform to the best of their ability,” he said.

That’s all anybody can ask for.

The magnitude of Saturday’s meeting between Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski at Affliction “Day of Reckoning” has not been lost on TV producers.

Two documentary projects cast the spotlight on the pair of world-ranked heavyweights this week.

Fox Sports Network airs the one-hour “Best Damn Fedor Special –- The Baddest Man on The Planet” on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. EST/PST (check local listings), while Arlovski’s preparation for the world’s No. 1 heavyweight is chronicled in the seven-part mini-series “Arlovski 360: On the Road to Reckoning” at www.arlovski.com

“Baddest Man” takes viewers inside the feared Russian’s never-before-seen training camp, speaking with the stoic fighter, his trainers, and sparring partners. Complete with footage from Emelianenko’s great conquests in Pride Fighting Championships, the episode also introduces Emelianenko’s mother and investigates the fighter’s childhood, his rise in MMA, and the legacy he has created in the sport.

MMA personalities Randy Couture, Kevin Randleman, Frank Trigg, Bas Rutten, “Big” John McCarthy, Sherdog.com News Editor Loretta Hunt, Sports Illustrated’s Josh Gross, commentator Stephen Quadros, and author Sam Sheridan are also featured.

“Arlovski 360” follows the Belarusian heavyweight through his six-week training camp leading up to his Jan. 24 meeting with Emelianenko at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Cameras roll in Chicago and Los Angeles, recording key moments during Arlovski’s quest to become the world’s greatest fighter. Arlovski’s physical preparation, mental game, and entourage are also dissected, while those closest to “The Pitbull” describe the man behind the fighter.

Old meets new has become a familiar theme of late in the UFC. The light heavyweight tilt between Chuck Liddell (Pictures) and Rashad Evans (Pictures) at UFC 88 on Saturday in Atlanta encapsulates that eternal struggle.

Liddell has played the role of mixed martial arts rock star for years but may be on the back end of his career. Evans, the hungry up-and-comer, may not be ready to take on the boogeymen that populate his weight class.

If good matchmaking centers on answering questions, than the UFC 88 main event will prove quite enlightening.

Liddell Scouting Report

Ht/Wt: 6’2”/205 lbs.
Age: 38
Hometown: Santa Barbara, Calif.
Fighting out of: San Luis Obispo, Calif.
MMA record: 21-5

Did you know? Despite having worked as a bouncer and bartender in his early days, Liddell actually holds a degree in accounting from California Polytechnic State University. It is there that he first developed the takedown defense that has proven vital to his MMA success.

Bio: Long one of the faces of the UFC, Liddell has spent the better part of the last seven years as the light heavyweight division’s resident grim reaper, his atomic right hand substituting for the scythe. However, his status as an unquestioned juggernaut now stands on unsteady footing.

A pair of losses to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Keith Jardine (Pictures) did not reveal any weaknesses that were not already obvious to anyone with a discerning eye, but they did reveal that his opponents had finally learned how to hone in on them. Or perhaps “The Iceman” had lost a step after so many years of dominance. He does turn 39 in December.

Answers came when Liddell stepped inside the cage with Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) at UFC 79 for a bout that took place after an eternity of anticipation. While it was not the all-out war for which many had hoped, it did reveal that Liddell had finally evolved and no longer had to rely on landing a perfectly placed punch to win a fight.

Will Liddell’s approach pay off against the new breed of light heavyweights set to supplant him? That question haunts many a Liddell fan and perhaps Liddell himself.

Why he’ll win: Wrestlers toss and turn at night when they think of fighting Liddell, who has an uncanny ability to force takedown-minded foes into a slugfest thanks to his incredible takedown defense. Evans struggled to score takedowns on Tito Ortiz (Pictures), who dwarfed the undersized Greg Jackson protégé at UFC 73 last summer, and he may be in for more of the same against Liddell.

Why he’ll lose: Time cuts down many an athlete, and Liddell’s definitely not the fighter he once was. While the aging former champion remains a dangerous proposition for most, Evans has a non-stop motor and the quickness to give Liddell fits.

The X factor: Hamstring injuries are some of the most difficult from which to rebound for athletes, and Liddell’s coming off a particularly muscle hamstring tear that had him on the shelf for months. If his legs are not up to the task, Liddell’s impenetrable takedown defense may end up more wide open than the presidential election.

Photo by Sherdog.com

Evans, who fights at 205 pounds,
won the heavyweight division of
Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 2.”

Evans Scouting Report

Ht/Wt: 5’11”/205 lbs.
Age: 28
Hometown: Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Fighting out of: Albuquerque, N.M.
MMA record: 11-0-1

Bio: Another success story from “The Ultimate Fighter,” Evans may also be one of the most mercurial graduates of the UFC’s reality television bonanza.

After winning the heavyweight competition on the show’s second season, Evans promptly dropped down to the 205-pound weight class and proceeded to rack up a pair of insomnia-curing decision wins over Sam Hoger (Pictures) and Stephan Bonnar (Pictures). They consisted primarily of impressive takedowns from Evans, followed by his utter disregard for the concept of guard passing.

Just as the masses wrote off Evans, he got back into the good graces of the MMA cognoscenti by scoring a pair of spectacular knockouts against Jason Lambert (Pictures) and Sean Salmon (Pictures); they lent credence to the UFC’s relentless trumpeting of its latest golden goose.

Evans, however, appears content to prove the consistency of inconsistency. He has since struggled in bouts against Tito Ortiz and Michael Bisping (Pictures). While that undefeated mark remains as glossy as ever, there is not much on the Evans resume to suggest he can keep it intact.

Why he’ll win: Evans has the wrestling pedigree — he wrestled collegiately at Michigan State — and style that pose problems for Liddell, as most of his takedowns come via the shot. That means he will not have to risk Liddell unloading on him while he sets up a clinch. Better yet, Liddell struggles with opponents who use footwork to cut off his angles, and Evans is fleet of foot.

Why he’ll lose: Evans had to wait for Ortiz and his reconstructed knees to run out of gas before scoring a takedown. That does not bode well for him in this bout, as he will likely end up knocked out before Liddell gasses.

The X factor: In a division loaded with titans who cut significant weight, Evans consistently faces the challenge of outwrestling opponents who dwarf him. While Evans has managed the task admirably thus far, the UFC has wisely kept him away from the likes of Liddell — until now.

The bottom line: Say what you will about Liddell’s predictable style and unorthodox striking, but the fact remains that there is not a wrestler alive who’s enthused by the idea of facing “The Iceman.” Evans has the technique to take down Liddell, but he cannot keep him there. Standing, Evans will be in no man’s land. That “Sugar” moniker Evans carries around will look awfully out of place when Liddell turns him into highlight reel fodder.

Ken Shamrock (Pictures) will be the fourth man to face Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson (Pictures) when the two icons clash at EliteXC’s third installment of “Saturday Night Fights” Oct. 4 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. The headlining bout will anchor a live broadcast on CBS.

Sherdog.com confirmed the bout’s signing with multiple parties aware of the fight, while a press release is expected to circulate later today with the news.

The 44-year-old Shamrock (26-13-2) beat out fellow candidates Sean Gannon and Brett Rogers (Pictures), who called out Slice in May, for the coveted slot.

Shamrock, a 15-year veteran of the game who made his storied Octagon debut at UFC 1 in November 1993, has dropped his last five bouts in a row since 2005, including a lackluster showing against brawler Robert Berry (Pictures) at Cage Rage 25 last March.

However, “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” exudes substantial selling power for a match now only five and a half weeks away. A strong personality in and out of the cage, Shamrock’s 15 appearances in the UFC earned him international recognition alongside his original nemesis Royce Gracie (Pictures).

Slice (3-0) earned a third-round victory against Brit James Thompson (Pictures) in his last foray for EliteXC in May. The bout was much criticized for its questionable officiating, placing Ferguson’s skill set in doubt after Thompson held the advantage for sizable stretches of the 11-minute contest. Ferguson holds previous wins over David “Tank” Abbott (Pictures) and Bo Cantrell (Pictures).

It was one of the most-watched fights in the history of mixed martial arts, and luckily for EliteXC and its major network television debut on CBS, it was also one hell of a fight. “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (Pictures) stood toe-to-toe with Scott Smith (Pictures) in what was clearly the “Fight of the Night,” a perfect precursor to the somewhat deflating main event featuring the grossly overhyped Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson (Pictures).

The fight ended in a no-contest when an errant finger from EliteXC middleweight champion Lawler poked Smith in his eye in the third round. Since Smith was deemed unfit to continue by cageside physicians, the fight ended thanks to the accidental foul. The battle’s premature ending screamed for an immediate rematch.

Thankfully for fans of straight-up, back-and-forth action, Lawler and Smith will meet again this Saturday at EliteXC: Unfinished Business in Stockton, Calif. Hopefully, the MMA world will receive a decisive victor this time. Sherdog.com sent text messages, phone calls and e-mails to dozens of professional fighters and trainers to get their take on Lawler/Smith II. Forty pros got back with predictions and analysis in advance of the bout, which will anchor EliteXC’s second CBS telecast.

Mac Danzig (Pictures): Both guys are great fighters, but I think Lawler takes this one. Offensively, they are at the same level, but I don’t think Smith has the defense to deal with Lawler’s heavy combos.

Cung Le (Pictures): Robbie by TKO.

Dan Henderson (Pictures): Probably Lawler.

Rob Kimmons (Pictures): Lawler.

Troy Mandaloniz (Pictures): Definitely an exciting one. I say Lawler [by] TKO [in] round two.

Kit Cope (Pictures): Last time, I think Robbie spent an entire round game planning and letting Smith throw himself out, and that looked bad since it was the end of fight. I don’t think Robbie was ever out of the driver’s seat in that fight. I think Robbie will look to finish earlier this time and succeed.

Travis Wiuff (Pictures): I think Lawler takes this one by KO. First fight was very competitive, but I think it’s just a matter of time before Robbie lands the big shot.

Jorge Santiago (Pictures): Lawler by TKO, second round.

Luigi Fioravanti (Pictures): Lawler seems to be the better striker. He needs to work on getting inside and work the body more. Smith does have heavy hands, so Lawler needs good head movement.

Ron Frazier: I pick Robbie Lawler (Pictures) [by] second-round KO.

Zac George (Pictures): Lawler by decision in an exciting fight.

Kevin Randleman (Pictures): My pick is Lawler. You have to beat the champ decisively.

Gina Carano (Pictures): I’m going with Robbie, but it was a great fight last time, so … who knows? Anything can happen. [I’m] looking forward to it.

David Loiseau (Pictures): Lawler in the second or third round.

Rory Markham (Pictures): Lawler [by] KO [or] TKO in round two.

Erik Paulson (Pictures): If Robbie Lawler (Pictures) doesn’t take it easy and just say, ‘Yeah I got my belt back’ and just kept on training, I think he will win the fight. I think Smith was behind last time, but I think it will be another really close fight. I hope it’ll be another exciting match, but it would be exciting if we see Smith win.

Jaime Fletcher (Pictures): Lawler had Smith hurt early in the first fight but didn’t look to finish him. I think Lawler will take care of business this time.

Rich Clementi (Pictures): I think it’s going to be a tough fight, a fan favorite to say the least. I really like both of the guys’ style, but I have to say I think Robbie’s wrestling will nullify Scott’s wrestling. Close fight, but I’m with Robbie. I think he’s a little better at handling [the] pressure of being the main event.

Trevor Prangley (Pictures): Lawler over Smith [by] stoppage.

Travis Lutter (Pictures): Lawler.

Matt Lindland (Pictures): Lawler. He was destroying him the first time but nice to see a couple guys get another pay day when stuff like [the eye poke] happens.

Cole Miller (Pictures): I have to go with Robbie Lawler (Pictures). He was clearly the sharper, crisper boxer of the two in the first bout, and I think hands will be what make the difference. My pick is Lawler by superior boxing and punching.

Skipper Kelp: Lawler [by] KO in round two.

Nathan Marquardt (Pictures): I say Lawler by KO.

Mark Coleman (Pictures): Lawler.

Mike Whitehead (Pictures): Lawler. He’s in his head already.

James Fanshier (Pictures): I think Scott’s proven that he has the heart, the skills and the conditioning he needs to win this fight. He’s proven that in his last fight and previous fights, so I’m picking Scott in this one.

Andrei Arlovski (Pictures): Robbie.

Kevin Burns: I got Lawler winning by TKO or KO [in] round three, but it will be a great fight.

Eddy Millis (Pictures): Lawler by round-two KO.

Cub Swanson (Pictures): Should be an awesome fight, but I think Lawler will get the better of the exchanges.

Jorge Gurgel (Pictures): Lawler [by] KO.

Frank Shamrock (Pictures): Lawler by KO in three.

Cesar Gracie (Pictures): Lawler by TKO in the third.

Mark Selbee: Lawler will deliver a good, old-fashioned, corn-fed, farm boy beat down in the second.

Falaniko Vitale (Pictures): I think Lawler is going to finish Smith this time around.

Shawn Tompkins (Pictures): Lawler is just too experienced and has too many tools for Smith. Lawler will finish this fight in the second round.

Pete Sell (Pictures): Smith by KO [in] round four.

John Hackleman: Lawler.

Brodie Farber (Pictures): I have to go with Lawler.

The Final Tally
Pros Picks for Lawler: 36
Pros Picks for Smith: 2

I had originally intended to begin my weekly crybaby session by chiding the UFC for its folly in scheduling an emergency Fight Night block to combat Saturday’s Affliction pay-per-view offering. Hadn’t Zuffa brass, I thought, heard of a Digital Video Recorder-capable cable box, which has made these kinds of choices obsolete?

Joke’s on me. Despite my assumption that DVRs were as pervasive in U.S. households as litter boxes, an agency buying unit with the dubious handle of Magna Global USA reported to Media Weekly that only 25 percent of homes are equipped with the tech, which would ostensibly eliminate fight fans from having to choose between two pretty compelling events.

That leaves enterprising viewers to depend on either a two-tuner DVD recorder or — pause for a communal gasp at the Luddites — a VHS deck to watch one and record the other. Either way, we still find that the vast majority of eyes will likely pick one to watch and one to comb viral video sites for highlights of later on.

For those of you techno-phobes still rocking Walkmans instead of an iPod, or still harboring a collection of laserdiscs “just in case,” here’s a handy primer to the respective attributes of each broadcast. Consider it an event-wide weigh-in.

Pound-for-Pound Showdowns

Depending on whom you talk to, both Affliction and the UFC lay claim to promoting the best “pound-for-pound” fighter on the planet Saturday night. In the UFC’s case, it’s middleweight Anderson Silva, who has made some very credible opposition look very foolish. Affliction, meanwhile, is paying out the nose for Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), a concrete-constitution Russian with few visible seams in his armor.

Silva has done more to validate his promotion’s boasts than Emelianenko, who hasn’t truly been threatened in the ring since a late 2006 fight with Mark Hunt (Pictures). But that’s where things get interesting: While there’s undeniable intrigue in Silva moving up to 205 pounds against a dangerous James Irvin (Pictures), he’s already stated he has no intention of vying for that division’s title, which slightly deflates the point of even moving up in the first place. Emelianenko, meanwhile, is in a very relevant battle against a very formidable opponent in Tim Sylvia (Pictures), who has proven time and again to be one of the biggest hurdles to clear in the heavyweight division.

There’s real drama in whether the former Pride champion can sustain his win streak against his most substantial challenge in three years. It means something. If Silva should happen to beat Irvin, it won’t be nearly as instrumental to the battle of legacies as what’s happening across the dial.

Advantage: Affliction

Heavyweight Attractions

IFL’s Ben Rothwell (Pictures) is slated to make a significant step up in competition against former UFC heavyweight champion — one of three on the card — Andrei Arlovski (Pictures) at Affliction, and Josh Barnett (Pictures) competes in a seemingly pointless rematch against a fading Pedro Rizzo (Pictures).

The UFC will have Cain Velasquez (Pictures) taking on Jake O’Brien in a fight that isn’t likely to have too many repercussions in the promotion’s stagnant heavyweight division.

I can take or leave Barnett-Rizzo — a return engagement long past its expiration date — but Rothwell-Arlovski could set up Emelianenko’s next move, a significant bit of momentum for a fledging promotion.

Advantage: Affliction

Controversial Participants

The UFC is granting a second chance to golden shower fetishist Jesse Taylor (Pictures), who probably did more to blemish the sport’s reputation in two urine-soaked segments than Goodridge-Herrera stuck in a loop. Affliction pairs penalized Renato “Babalu” Sobral — who held on a choke too long against David Heath (Pictures) — against Mike Whitehead (Pictures).

I can’t condone either man’s behavior, but random discharge of bodily fluids is a pretty hard public relations blunder to solve.

Advantage: Affliction

Ancillary Entertainment

After unfortunate experiments with elaborate ring entrances and WWE-style ramps, the UFC settled into a pleasantly mundane telecast that has more in common with conventional sports than overblown theatrics.

Affliction is slated to ignore the cardinal rule of fight promotion — no cross-pollinating of entertainment genres — by having irrelevant rock band Megadeth perform at some point during the show. Why presume MMA fans are going to appreciate heavy metal noise pollution? I don’t own a single Iron Maiden T-shirt, and don’t feel the least bit deprived.

Advantage: UFC

Hyperbolic Figureheads

Far be it from me to challenge Dana White’s ability to swerve press and influence mass opinion. His blunt-force media misdirection is an art unto itself. (The latest, and possibly best, clipping: that this UFC Fight Night was in no way a response to the Affliction card. Uh. Huh.)

Whatever how-to-deal-with-media tutorial he read up on, I’d venture it was authored by Donald Trump, master of the bombastic pull quote. Trump’s delivery is so smooth, so polished by his decades in front of microphones, that you walk away half-believing you need a case of Trump Ice Water. Better, he can do it without coming off like Andrew “Dice” Clay’s dialect coach.

Advantage: Affliction

Announcers

Disclaimer: Bruce Buffer is a swell guy. He’s done more for the UFC’s growth behind the scenes than most realize. A rock of support. Really.

But when it comes to the ability to induce goose bumps in his ring generalship, he can’t hold a megaphone to brother Michael, possessed of a voice so commanding — so attuned to the needs of spectacle — that it brings to mind unfortunate comparisons to Frank and Sly. I appreciate the UFC’s loyalty to Buffer Light, but Affliction scores big points by slotting in his well-piped sibling.

Advantage: Affliction

Curiosity compels me to award Affliction the nod for Must-See TV on Saturday, though obviously some fans will prefer the reasonable expense of the UFC (free) to the premium placed on the pay-per-view … though I would seriously question the brain capacity of those who feel it’s not worth $39.95 to see Emelianenko in a truly competitive fight. This is, after all, a world in which more than 400,000 people paid $44.95 for a Bisping-Evans headliner last November. Set a precedent like that and Affliction should be asking $79.95 for this card.

The UFC is — perhaps inadvertently — leaving one loophole for the undecided. The Fight Night event replays immediately at 12 midnight Eastern time, precisely when Affliction’s “Banned” attraction ends. How considerate.

For comments, e-mail jrossen@sherdog.com

If another season of “Dexter” isn’t enough to get you to shell out a few extra bucks a month for Showtime, this Saturday night should deliver the most eloquent argument possible. What is classier than sitting back, putting on some Mozart and watching a bunch of dudes fight? This is why television exists, people.

Your friends at EliteXC deliver the fistic mayhem with enough next-generation talent to keep the whippersnappers happy while giving all us old kooks just enough nostalgia to keep us from switching to a rerun of “The Golden Girls.”

So read up or, better yet, read left to right. I find that works best.

Yves Edwards (Pictures) vs. KJ Noons

After years as an uncrowned lightweight king, veteran face-smasher Yves Edwards (Pictures) will look to become EliteXC’s monarch at the expense of one of MMA’s most carefully groomed prospects: Karl James Noons (Pictures).

Known to fans as KJ, there was a time when Noons (6-2) seemed unworthy of sharing the same nickname as baller extraordinaire Kevin Johnson. Of course, much of that had to do with the ongoing Pride audition curse, which paralyzed the careers of several prospects. Years floundering on the sidelines quickly ended when Gary Shaw decided Noons would be the man to rule the EliteXC lightweight division. A good idea on paper that was run through the shredder by an atomic KO punch courtesy of everyone’s favorite felon, Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett.

Impressive rebound wins over Edson Berto and Nick Diaz (Pictures) have Noons back in the spotlight and sporting the EliteXC lightweight title. However, that is no guarantee of ongoing greatness considering the task that awaits him.

Normally, the sight of a guy sporting spandex shorts with a smiley face on the crotch doesn’t inspire much fear in the hearts of men unless you’re that guy who had a seizure the first time you walked into a locker room. Yves Edwards (Pictures) (34-13-1) may wear the smiley shorts, but he has ruined enough smiles to pay for many dentists’ mortgages.

While he is coming off a rough stretch that saw him lose five of six bouts, Edwards has found new life under the EliteXC banner. His stunning flying knee knockout against Berto had many an old-school fan remembering ye olden days of Sir Edwards perpetrating grievous injury on many a soul.

Grievous injury awaits someone come Saturday night since neither Noons or Edwards is likely to pass on the opportunity to match wits and fists with a willing opponent. The only question is if Noons is the striker that EliteXC advertises him to be or if that bout with “Krazy Horse” revealed that he doesn’t have the jaw to play in the deep end of the pool. Considering Edwards’ combination of technical acumen and cranium-crunching power, it’s hard to like Noons’ chances here especially since he’d be hard pressed surviving any entanglements with Edwards on the ground.

The deck is stacked against Noons, and he lacks the crazy magician eyes of David Blaine to make up the difference. Edwards takes home the EliteXC lightweight title with a second-round knockout.

Hard to say who will walk away from this bout with a bigger headache, Noons or Shaw.

Nick Diaz (Pictures) vs. Muhsin Corbbrey (Pictures)

The ongoing soap opera that is Nick Diaz (Pictures)’s MMA career will get another episode to add to the archives when he takes on the relatively unknown but more than capable Muhsin Corbbrey (Pictures).

Sporting the sort of tattoos you’d expect from a Gilbert Yvel (Pictures) fan boy, Corbbrey lacks the mad Dutchman’s temper but more than makes up the difference with a well-rounded style highlighted by the kind of ground wizardry that every Dutch kickboxer only dreams about.

The Harry Potter of the mat routine has served Corbbrey well in his brief EliteXC tenure, helping him notch a pair of wins. An even bigger achievement could be waiting for Corbbrey however, assuming he can get past MMA’s answer to Nick Nolte.

Known as much for his excess of talent as his surrealist rants, Nick Diaz (Pictures) (16-7, 1 NC) has made himself into an enigma that would drive The Riddler insane. The only concern is if all that eccentricity is starting to affect a fighter who once appeared destined for greatness in the welterweight division. Razor-thin loss after razor-thin loss put those dreams to an end, and Diaz’s run as a pseudo-lightweight hasn’t gone much better.

An epic win over Takanori Gomi (Pictures) was overturned thanks to his dalliance with the lovely Miss M and his supposed EliteXC coronation was ruined by Noons. Brought in to be a star attraction for MMA’s fastest growing promotion, Diaz might end up turning into a gatekeeper if he doesn’t start paying as much attention to his fights as his ongoing critiques of not-so-pure reason.

Even if Diaz shows up in full-blown Tyler Durden mode, Corbbrey’s weak takedowns and preference for working off his back won’t serve him well against Diaz, who has the kind of jiu-jitsu to shut down Corbbrey’s offense while coming in over the top with his underrated ground-and-pound.

Overall, not a good matchup for Corbbrey, who doesn’t pose much of a threat to Diaz on the feet and will be lucky to get any offense going on the ground.

This one comes to a merciful end after two rounds of Diaz bringing the pain like Method Man … *insert obvious connecting joke here*

Murilo Rua (Pictures) vs. Tony Bonello (Pictures)

No MMA fan can deny stumbling across Tony Bonello (Pictures)’s Fight Finder page and wondering why in the world a guy who racks up seemingly easy submission wins at a Ruthian pace is stuck slumming in local shows.

The same questions surround the puzzling downward spiral of a fighter who was once one of MMA’s most promising prospects: Murilo “Ninja” Rua. Rua was supposed to be next in line after Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) as the standard-bearer for the always sadistic Chute Boxe camp.

Unfortunately, Rua (15-8-1) ended up being Silva’s personal bodyguard in Pride and was thrown to the wolves before his technique could catch up to his talent. While he still shows flashes of that talent, you have to wonder if Rua will ever recover from the lopsided matchmaking he endured in his early days.

Not something Bonello (16-0-1, 1 NC) has ever had to deal with, as most of his competition has been overmatched local fighters with little clue about the spot’s intricacies. Then again, it is awfully hard to score a rear-naked choke in less than 45 seconds, and the ease with which Bonello has notched many of his wins has led to whispers about whether or not “The Gun” is simply adding glossy entries to his resume.

We know that Bonello can slap on a heel hook, but that isn’t getting the job done at this level and he will be tested by Rua’s well-rounded skills and savvy, something that Bonello either lacks or has never shown.

The myth of Tony Bonello (Pictures) takes a hit when Rua picks him apart on the feet before giving “The Gun” a taste of his own medicine, a one-sided submission loss. I’ve been wrong before, but if it happens with this one, I can’t wait to read the conspiracy theories that are sure to follow.

Ron Waterman (Pictures) vs. Dave Herman (Pictures)

Because no card is complete without the prerequisite heavyweight tussle, EliteXC and Co. deliver us the ultimate Jesus power of Ron Waterman (Pictures) taking on the decidedly less dei-rific Dave Herman (Pictures).

Maybe they can raise the stakes and let the winner keep the “man” suffix?

Either way, interest should be high in this one, considering Herman (10-0) comes in with a shiny record. He is coming off an impressive dismantling of the much-hyped Mario Rinaldi (Pictures) and may be EliteXC’s next big thing in the heavyweight division. The idea of a heavyweight prospect making good would be a welcome relief for any MMA fan.

A solid challenge awaits the youngster in Ron Waterman (Pictures) (15-5-2), who has been on the heavyweight MMA scene as far back as anyone can remember and always seems to have been the kind of fighter custom-built for derailing prospects. With strong wrestling and suffocating top control, Waterman has the style to give green fighters fits, but he also seems to fall apart against opponents who can answer back with offense of their own.

It is a potential problem in the making since Herman isn’t shy about taking the fight to his opponents — which could either be what wins or costs him the fight. Coming out like a Meatloaf-inspired bat out of hell will only get you stuck underneath Waterman, but standing idly by is likely to end the same way.

I’ll go out on a limb here and say that Herman has the game to find a way against Waterman, more than likely by taking advantage of “H20″ on the feet where he flows more like WD-40 than water.

Rafael Feijao vs. Wayne Cole (Pictures)

The other heavyweight throw down awaiting Showtime subscribers features another blue-chip heavyweight prospect, Rafael Feijao, putting his press clippings on the line against the always exciting — if not successful — Wayne Cole (Pictures).

It is an interesting bout for Feijao (5-1), who saw his hype take a hit in the IFL, where, after an impressive drubbing of Devin Cole (Pictures), he lost a bizarre match with one-time UFC prospect and BJJ-ubermensch Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz.

Seemingly down on the scorecards entering the third round, Feijao was disqualified for throwing an illegal upkick after having been warned several times about the IFL’s relatively simple rulebook.

We’ve seen plenty of “Million-dollar-talent, five-cent-brain” situations go down in MMA, and Feijao has some work ahead of him to erase the memory of his Wes Sims (Pictures) moment.

While no one is going to tab grand expectations on Wayne Cole (Pictures) (11-6), that is often the ultimate liberator in a sport where the pressure of living up to the hype has buckled the knees and minds of many a fighter.

A return to form awaits Feijao, who picks apart Cole on the feet before getting him down to the mat and scoring a relatively uneventful submission win.

Tragic considering MMA really needs someone to run with the whole “rule-breaker angle.” I refuse to believe the sport has made any progress until we find our Ric Flair, and why not have our “Nature Boy” be a huge Brazilian dude?

Kimbo Slice is ready to take his career to the next level, which is saying something given how far he’s come in recent months.

Once merely relegated as an Internet freak show, and relegated by critics as a YouTube pretender with a penchant for knocking out hapless challenges, Slice’s progression into mixed martial arts carries with it the eyeballs of the fight nation — and the expectations that he’ll carry EliteXC up a few notches on the promotional ladder.

Slice (aka Kevin Ferguson) carries the dual expectations of EliteXC across his shoulders as the organization will kick off the first prime time mixed martial arts broadcast on CBS May 31 at 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.

Facing James “The Colossus” Thompson in a heavyweight main event, Slice’s second sanctioned MMA bout pits him against a 14-8 veteran with a penchant for quick fights — he’s only gone past the opening round five times — heavy hands and a suspect chin.

Slice has been on the cover of the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine. People recognize him on the street everywhere, he explains. Promoter Gary Shaw says they had 150 interview requests pending at one point. The Kimbo phenomenon may be the most pervasive meme in recent sporting memory, fueled by the weird convergence of television, media hype and broadband beatdowns. Fittingly, each next outing carries with it ever-larger stakes for Slice, but the money is a lot better than thumping guys in street fights for a few thousand per winner-take-all match.

Not bad for a former porn set bodyguard from the ‘hood who was beating up no-namers during the peak of the housing boom. Unlike that trend, Kimbo’s prospects keep rising.

“I shut it all out,” said Slice on a recent media conference call.

He said his focus on Thompson is absolute, despite the tempting conflagration of mass exposure, surreal hype and a pending debut on network TV in a landmark moment for the sport. It’s just another scrap.

“No drinking, no smoking, no sex. I’m fighting not to be back in the gutter again. To raise my kids in a different environment. I’m no longer one-dimensional in my life. I’m more excited about being on the ground than standing up right now,” Slice said when asked about how his ground game was coming along. “I’m really looking forward to that.”

His tutelage under Bas Rutten (Pictures) has carried him to quickie wins over Bo Cantrell (Pictures) and UFC vet David “Tank” Abbott (he choked out former heavyweight contender Ray Mercer prior to turning pro). Slice said he’s still working toward becoming a complete fighter.

“It’s like the people who love boxing, they’re transitioning into MMA. Like back in the days when the Romans would fill their stadiums up with thousands of people. This is a new millennium, a new era,” he said. “People love to be entertained, and I’m fortunate. I love to fight. I can take a punch. Can you take a punch? That’s what it’s about with me.”

Thompson, for his part, steered clear of the trash talk typical of the event. A loser by quick knockout in his last two bouts, the 6-foot-5 hulking Englishman sees the bout as an opportunity to fight a rising name in the game and steer his career back on track.

“Obviously I’m being brought in, I’m a big guy, the hope is that I get hit on the chin,” Thompson said. “It doesn’t bother me. After my last two fights, I didn’t think I deserved the chance. To get this chance is massive to me.”

With a first-round knockout of Abbott at the EliteXC event Feb. 16, Slice’s win created a buzz, even though Abbott’s best days were well behind him. According to some, Slice would lose because he wasn’t legit, wasn’t bopping out would-be tough guys in street fights that made him an Internet sensation. Instead, he blitzed Abbott, though the slugger landed his booming trademark right hand during an exchange.

Instead of crumpling as many expected, Slice fired back.

And won.

In doing so, he almost prompted as many new questions as old ones answered.

Slice added that he is “not worried” about anything Thompson brings to the table. But he does respect the game and is enjoying the slow process of acceptance from fans and fighters.

“He’s an aggressive standup fighter,” said Thompson. “I’ve got holes in my standup defense. Got to make sure I’m tight. I don’t want to be doing a three-round standup war with Kimbo. I want to go to the floor and see what he’s got there.”

The Rutten/Slice duo is working on an unfinished product, as both are quick to acknowledge, but the former UFC heavyweight and King of Pancrase champ was typically enthusiastic about his charge’s upside. And Slice said he’s with the perfect guy to refine his abilities and bring out his best.

“I saw Bas in Pancrase,” Slice said. “I said if I’m gonna train (MMA) with anybody, it has to be that guy. That’s what made me cross over to the MMA world and leave the street fighting alone.”

Rutten’s years in Pancrase and the Japanese circuit, beginning in the early 1990s, were bouts often contested with watered-down rules, dubious endings and combatants sporting effete knee-high boots. That’s a long time ago, and the sport has come a ways. Yet he made the transition into modern MMA due to being a fighter by birth — and he maintains Kimbo’s got the same thing going for him.

“I had to learn the hard way. A long time ago, I lost to Ken Shamrock (Pictures) by submission. I started training (grappling) two to three times a day, then my next eight fights I won by submissions,” he said. “When Kimbo came in, we started working on it. I knew he was gonna be a striker, but guys are not going to stand with him. I think Kimbo’s hands are better than 80 percent of the guys out there.”

“Bas is the man. You can’t ask for a better trainer, coach or advisor,” Slice said when asked about the fast-changing nuances of combing striking and grappling. “He explains everything to me so I can understand the cause and effect. I still have love for the sport, all my brothers and sisters in the MMA world. We’re only gonna get bigger and better and make more money. That’s what we do.”

Jason Probst can be reached at jasonprobst@hotmail.com

The proposed EliteXC title bout between top welterweight contender Jake Shields and challenger Drew Fickett will be pushed back beyond the proposed June 14 date in Hawaii. EliteXC vice president Jared Shaw confirmed the news MMAWeekly Radio on Thursday night.

Despite the loss of a potential match-up between Shields and Fickett, Shaw promised the fans in Hawaii wouldn’t be disappointed as he confirmed the lightweight title fight between K.J. Noons and Yves Edwards, as well as fights featuring Nick Diaz versus Muhsin Corbbrey, Murilo “Ninja” Rua against Tony Bonello, Rafael Feijao taking on Wayne Cole, and top heavyweight prospect Dave Herman against UFC and Pride veteran Ron Waterman.