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Morning Report: Nate Diaz to either be 'fined, suspended, or cut' for homophobic slur, manager responds

2013-05-17T12:05:43Z

It continues to confuse me when professional athletes fail to recognize the weight their words carry on social media. You already know what happened by now. Thursday morning, UFC lightweight Nate Diaz popped open his Twitter account and fired off a pair of tweets in defense of Pat Healy, who, as silly as sounds, recently lost a very large sum of money because he smoked marijuana.

Now that's all well and good. Diaz is more than welcome to express his opinion; in fact it's often encouraged. Where he made his mistake, though, is the homophobic slur Diaz haphazardly included in his tweets, which were assumedly directed towards the recipient of Healy's money, Bryan Caraway.

Obviously it was a poor choice of words. Offensive slurs of that magnitude aren't tolerated in any professional sports league. Athletes are public figures both on and off the playing field, and always represent the employers who pay them larger salaries than most of the world will ever dream of earning. It's the downside of the money, prestige and fame. The New England Patriots wouldn't tolerate it if Tom Brady tweeted that to Peyton Manning, the Chicago Bulls wouldn't tolerate that if Derrick Rose tweeted that to LeBron James, and it definitely won't be tolerated in this new era of the UFC, in which inroads to the mainstream and legalization of MMA in New York are top priorities for Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta. This isn't wild, wild west anymore.

So, not surprisingly, it didn't take long for White to respond.

"We are going to fine, suspend or cut him," White told MMAFighting.com's Dave Meltzer. "One or two of those three will happen."

White was in Germany when the news dropped on Thursday, but is expected to make his decision regarding Diaz's fate Friday morning after he arrives in the United States.

As of this writing Diaz's tweets remain posted on his Twitter account, apparently on the advice of his manager, Mike Kogan, who also urged his followers to look up the slur on Urban Dictionary.

"Guess what? The word f----t, at least in Northern California, and where Nate is from, means b---h," Kogan said to MMAJunkie.com. "It means you're a little punk. It has nothing to do with homosexuals at all. So when Nate made the comment that he made, he didn't make it in reference to homosexuals or calling Caraway a homosexual. He just said it was a b---h move.

"How people take it is beyond my control. But that's what my intent was. And it was a b---h move, for the record. Pat Healy? It's not like Pat Healy is Georges St-Pierre and he could afford it. That was probably the most money he's ever made in his life. And because of something he did, I'm pretty sure way before the fight ... it's not like he walked out into the cage with f--king weed in his mouth, he got fined. He doesn't need somebody else dwelling over it."

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Healy's drug test. Pat Healy lost nearly 80% of his fight earnings, just because he smoked marijuana during his training camp. MMAFighting.com's Mike Chiappetta argues that in this case, the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

Diaz uses gay slur. In a misguided attempt to defend Pat Healy, Stockton's favorite son, Nate Diaz, hurled a homophobic slur at the "guy who took the money" on Twitter. UFC President Dana White quickly responded, telling MMAFighting.com's Dave Meltzer, "We are going to fine, suspend or cut him. One or two of those three will happen." White is expected to decide Diaz's fate sometime Friday morning.

Vera vs. Rothwell. UFC veteran Brandon Vera returns to heavyweight for the first time in five years to take on "Big" Ben Rothwell at UFC 164. Vera announced the bout Thursday morning via Twitter.

UFC on FX 8 preview. Get ready for Saturday's UFC on FX 8 showdown with previews and predictions of the 13-fight card.

Florida gon' crazy. Let's talk about something fun, for a change. Two rival Florida mayors, Hialeah's Carlos Hernandez and Miami Lakes' Michael Pizzi, have agreed to settle their political differences in the cage with a charity amateur MMA match. For real.

MEDIA STEW

For a guy that doesn't like fighting fellow Brazilians, Anderson Silva has sure embarrassed quite a few of them.

A clip from Joe Rogan's new stand up. This is totally NSFW, just an FYI. (Also, "Josh" is referring to Josh Barnett, who was in the crowd that night.)

(HT: Reddit)

I wonder how much that 118-pound weight advantage is going to help Scott Ferrozzo against a 19-year-old Vitor Belfort? Seriously folks, if you've never seen this fight, click below and behold the hilarity.

As someone who lives in Arizona, the sentence, "Unfortunately, I live in Arizona," is probably the most accurate sentence I've ever heard.

Shinya Aoki absolutely worked Kotetsu Boku last month to add the ONE FC lightweight belt to his mantle. Now he'll show you how he did it.

NOT A GOOD CHOICE OF WORDS

I feel bad for pat Healy that they took a innocent mans money and I think the guy who took the money is the biggest Fag in the world ..
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) May 16, 2013

#sorryasslittlebitch
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) May 16, 2013

THESE GUYS GET IT

Twitter has struck again . TKO- ed another fighter's wallet !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) May 16, 2013

Language is powerful peeps. Consider that before you hit that "tweet" button.
— Jason Highwalker(@KCBanditMMA) May 17, 2013

SO DO THESE GUYS

I never smoked, I'm not against those people that do, but how can you allow people to do TRT and not smoke weed before a fight?
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) May 16, 2013

Don't know why #mma fighters aren't allowed to smoke weed before fights. If judges can do it then the fighters should be able to as well. 😁
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) May 16, 2013

CARAWAY RESPONDS

I feel I deserved the SOTN anyways for my sub. And fighting on 5 days notice cutting 23.5 pounds and making weight and winning!
— Bryan Caraway (@BryanCaraway) May 17, 2013

My oldest sister is heavily involved in drugs an has caused many hardships on my fam And she started w weed Dnt judge me u dnt know my story
— Bryan Caraway (@BryanCaraway) May 17, 2013

MEANWHILE, IN BRAZIL

Press conference today. Can't stand fist to face bullshit, he will get his, I promise! instagram.com/p/ZYnlUqIaD8/
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 16, 2013

HUNTOOOOOOO!

Today is the day if I don't get visa today I'm going to start eating cake u guys didnt know bout cake day
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) May 16, 2013

SPIDER TRAINING

Cool pic of GSP and I getting some work in @renzograciebjj twitter.com/ChrisWeidmanUF…
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) May 16, 2013

LIKE MAGIC

The CURE!!!! Germany kicks ass. twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2013

MORE GOOD NEWS

Just got my stitches taken out!! Oh yea baby, feelin good
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 16, 2013

VOICE ACTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Proud to give my voice to French-Canadian version of @monstersu! Merci à Disney-Pixar & Studio SPR à Montréal!! twitter.com/GeorgesStPierr…
— Georges St-Pierre(@GeorgesStPierre) May 16, 2013

O_O

Okay tried to Tattoo someone,,,,I suckkkkkk!!
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) May 16, 2013

... I GOT NOTHING

Ranger panties, "Come And Take It" shirt, and cowboy boots make the perfect post workout outfit! twitter.com/TimKennedyMMA/…
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) May 16, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Thursday, May 15, 2013):

UFC 164: Brandon Vera (12-6) vs. Ben Rothwell (32-9)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from our old friend Steve Borchadt, who writes: Pat Healy and the absurdity of how commissions, UFC handle marijuana test failures

Let's make one thing perfectly clear from the get go: Pat Healy has no one but himself to blame for failing his post-fight drug test for marijuana at UFC 159.

The 29 year old Healy is a twelve year veteran of the sport -- and although he may have spent the early years of his career honing his skills on cards with dubious names such as FCFF: Throwdown on the Fairground that reek of, shall we say, laissez faire regulation -- during that time he's doubtlessly learned a thing or two about how this whole drug testing business works. In fact, up until last month Healy spent the entirety of his regulated MMA career peeing as clean as the jokes in a televangelist's sermon.

Which is why he's no doubt going through his own personal regret-laden hell right now. Of all the fights to get popped with a test failure, why did it have to be this one?

Healy's victory over Jim Miller at UFC 159 was the crowning moment of his career. After years of mixed results - including a one and done UFC stint back in 2006 that ended with Healy getting choked out in the first round - here the guy had finally gotten a signature win that established him as a real player at lightweight. It wasn't a case of Healy merely eking out a decision either; he dominated a perennial top five contender in Miller and became the first to ever submit him.

Making an already great night no doubt one of the best of Healy's life, the blue collar fighter earned $152,500 for his efforts between his contracted show purse of $17,500, a $5,000 win bonus, and a whopping $130,000 in bonus money for winning both Submission of the Night and Fight of the Night.

Now, thanks to one dumb mistake, all that has made like the title to a Cheech and Chong movie and disappeared in a cloud of pungent smoke.

If Healy has the stomach to take a look at his bank statement today, it might feel like UFC 159 was just a particularly sweet daydream he was in no hurry to wake up from.

However, something tells me that even if a few weeks after the fight Jim Miller's face isn't still wearing the beating he received at Healy's hands, the scrappy New Jersey native is still going to wake up tomorrow morning feeling like he's coming off a loss. Miller and Healy may both have an unsightly purple box marked NC on their Wikipedia pages now, but everyone who saw UFC 159 knows what really happened that night.

Yet here we are having to pretend like the fight never took place. Might as well erase it from the upcoming UFC 159 DVD and replace it with Healy delivering an insincere PSA on the evils of smoking dope. After all, according to the rules set by both state commissions and the UFC, Healy's ill-advised choice to get high a month before competing somehow cancels out his performance in the fight.

And that's a big part of what makes the standard protocol in situations like this so unsatisfying. You'd have to have red tape flowing through your veins rather than blood to honestly think Healy hitting the bong and watching the Outdoor Channel after training one day had any effect on the beatdown he laid on Miller.

After all, it's not like he was caught with elevated levels of testosterone or some other performance enhancing drug. Healy's only crime was being dumb enough to risk using a banned recreational drug in the weeks before his match at UFC 159.

Maybe it's worth taking a second here to ask ourselves what purpose regulators and the UFC are trying to serve by overturning the result after a victorious fighter gets popped for weed. If the point is to scare fighters away from toking up in their spare time, then it's hopelessly misguided. We aren't exactly talking about the most risk-adverse segment of the population here after all. There are always going to be fighters who look at the case of a Healy or a Nick Diaz and say it couldn't happen to them as long as they stop smoking far enough out and use the proper masking agents.

On the other hand, if what commissions and the UFC are trying to do is punish the stoners in their midst for using a non-performance enhancing drug in their spare time, then they might just be overreacting. It seems reasonable to give fighters a uniform monetary fine for an infraction like this - say $10,000 or so - but it's simply tone deaf to the changing society we live in to treat a marijuana test failure the same as one for steroids. Why erase a fighter's hard fought victory because he was boneheaded enough to use a banned substance that didn't give him a performance advantage?

Again, there's no question Healy messed up; he made a mistake and should be expected to shoulder the full responsibly for it.

What's not quite so open and shut a case however is the whether or not fighters like Healy who test positive for pot deserve to have their wins overturned and the entirety of their bonuses taken away. Smoking marijuana may be against the Unified Rules of MMA, but can we honestly say the punishment fits the crime?

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in Monday's column.

Morning Report: Chris Weidman imitates Anderson Silva; Nick Diaz's War MMA targeting summer debut

2013-05-16T12:07:30Z

Welcome back, folks. It's good to see you again. The summer schedule may be creeping closer, but at least for now there's still plenty of downtime to be had. So what better way to spend it than with the latest and greatest from the MMA community?

We have a full docket on tap today. So instead of me sitting here blathering on and on like an idiot, let's jump ahead and get to the goods.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

War MMA eyeing June debut. Nick Diaz's rumored fight promotion, War MMA, is targeting a debut date of June 22 at the Stockton Arena, according to a report from Sherdog. War MMA also plans to live stream the event online.

MMA Roundtable. Luke Thomas joins your ol' pal Shaun to peruse the UFC cut list, analyze the latest in Eddie Alvarez's crusade against Bellator, debate which UFC champion will be the next to lose their title, plus more on the latest edition of the MMA Roundtable.

Caraway lands SOTN bonus. Bantamweight veteran Bryan Caraway retroactively received Pat Healy's $65,000 'Submission of the Night' bonus for his third-round guillotine choke over Johnny Bedford at UFC 159. Healy forfeited the cash after testing positive for marijuana in a post-fight drug test.

Bellator Summer Series. Bellator announced the four-man heavyweight tournament field that will compete in its upcoming Summer Series: former UFC fighter Vinicius Queiroz, former tournament finalist Richard Hale, Ron Sparks and undefeated Vitaly Minakov.

UFC on FX 8 facts. Did you know that Vitor Belfort holds the UFC record for most first-round finishes? Yup, somehow he does with 10. Check out more UFC on FX 8 pre-fight facts here.

MEDIA STEW

Chris Weidman evoking a little of that Prebek/Tommy Toe Hold style with his Anderson Silva impression here. I dig it.

I don't want to live in a world where Anderson Silva retired before making his legendary UFC run, but hey, it almost happened, and it'll always be one of MMA's biggest 'what ifs.' Who knows? Maybe Rich Franklin would've have ended up becoming the greatest middleweight in UFC history.

This clip couldn't be more aptly titled.

(HT: Reddit)

Let me explain this real quick: Tall Guy was going to fight Guy 2. But then Guy 2 saw Tall Guy, decided 'eff that' and dropped out 24 hours before from the fight. So what happened? If you guessed a spectator at the weigh-ins stepped in to fight on one day's notice, then you'd be absolutely correct. And yes, this ends exactly how you think it will.

(HT: Reddit)

Wait... Bruce Buffer can do the splits? What???

Guile's theme song finally makes it into the Morning Report. Welcome, old friend. We've been expecting you.

FALLOUT

@_royy it's known up front that checks are held until everyone passes the drug test. Brian Caraway get the SON now. Healy did himself dirty.
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

Hey boss thanks for being so F'n cool!! Dinner is on @bryancaraway tonight for sure haha ;-) @danawhite
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) May 15, 2013

Thanks everyone for their support, made a huge mistake and gotta pay for it.
— Patrick Healy (@BamBamHealy) May 15, 2013

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF BLACK HOUSE

The beginnings of a great partnership between @phenommgt, @edblackhouse & myself! So excited to have a great team! twitter.com/CatZingano/sta…
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) May 13, 2013

I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THIS IS

Back to Montréal and working on a very cool special project this morning!! twitter.com/GeorgesStPierr…
— Georges St-Pierre(@GeorgesStPierre) May 10, 2013

HMMMM...

Hey @nicktriga I just met your sister at a soup lounge.. She was telling me that you are a huge supporter! just wanted to say thanks
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 6, 2013

@jonnybones thanks Johnny bones jones. That's my wife, but she is my sister in Christ. Lol
— Nicholas Cummins (@nicktriga) May 6, 2013

wife? She told me you were her little brother, someone has some explaining to do lol @nicktriga
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 6, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Wednesday, May 14, 2013):

Bellator 96: Vinicius Queiroz (6-3) vs. Rich Hale (21-5)
Bellator 96: Vitaly Minakov (10-0) vs. Ron Sparks (8-1)
WSOF 3: Chris Gruetzemacher (11-1) vs. Jerrod Sanders (11-1)
WSOF 3: Carson Beebe (13-2) vs. Joe Murphy (6-0)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day joeyperez, who looks back at: 10 Things that had to happen for Chris Weidman to fight Anderson Silva.

1.

Silva v Munoz/Weidman winner...

Mark Munoz (12-2) +115 vs. Chris Weidman (8-0) -145

Chris Weidman wins a close paper match up and title fight eliminator by total destruction. Anderson decides to take the rest of the year off, to look for other challengers and that Weidman isn’t a big enough name. Weidman wasn’t really meant to win this fight. The idea was a nice easy bout between Anderson and his wrestling coach.

2.

Silva v Bisping?

The organization quickly found a dream candidate in the rock solid power punching kickboxer Michael Bisping. They matched him up against Tim Boetsch, but...

He got injured...

3.

Silva v Lombard?

Tim was then matched up against an even better candidate, the much hyped and newly acquired ‘Ector Lombard.

-310 Hector Lombard v +240 Tim Boetsch

Tim wins. Underdog wins. Silva v Lombard fight cant happen.

4.

Silva v Bonnar

Next up came Anderson v. Bonnar. Of course Anderson needed to win this or the fight with Weidman couldn’t happen. A very tough paper match up for Anderson, who didn’t want to fight in 2012, and had stated this as a reason for not fighting Weidman. A slim -1200 favourite, Silva shocked the world with this great legacy affirming victory.

The search for a legit challenger for the great one continued. Cung Le and even Rich Franklin were mentioned, but laughed out of the park. Jacare would have been a good match, but he had lost to Luke Rockhold. Luke was mentioned, but he had taken 5 rounds to beat Tim Kennedy.

5. + 6.

Silva v Boetsch/Beltcher?

Eventually two names seemed to shine. Those names were Tim Boetsch and Alan Beltcher. Tim had come through Okami and Lombard. He would surely be a worthy match against the aging king. Beltcher had defeated the incredible Blanka like warrior from Brazil, and previous contender to be a contender, known to many as Paul Harris.

Tim was matched up with Costa Philippou; a -155 wrestler favourite against a +130 striker and underdog.

Beltcher had a harder task and was +140 underdog against -170 Okami.

They both lost. On the same night.

Another two worthy challengers for Silva went up in smoke.

All of this told Anderson and Dana one thing. They had been avoiding the real man for far too long. The challenger for the throne already existed. In fact he had already won a title eliminator fight and not been given his credit. That man was out there…and his name was Michael Bisping!

7.

Silva v Bisping?

+110 Bisping was set up with a fight against -140 Belfort and got smashed in the second round, by a guy who is only supposed to be good for one.

Another title fight up in smoke.

8.

Silva v GSP?

GSP had just come back from injury and didn’t want the fight. Silva was much taller, with a much greater reach and would have dwarfed the canadian. For some reason Silva preferred this match up over the less proven Jones and Weidman. Wasnt going to happen.

Another title fight up in smoke.

9.

Jones v Silva?

Jones would be happy to fight silva, but if Silva werent fighting Weidman, he sure as s--t werent about to fight Jones.

Another title fight up in smoke.

Well there we go, no fighter in the whole middleweight division was in a position to take on Anderson. Clearly he had cleared the whole division without even fighting, so that left one chance. And that chance was Rashad Evans. Ex LHW champ Evans would be the guy to take on Silva. Provided -345 Rashad could defeat +265 Lil Nog, a guy who was a very good fighter, but who had seen better days…the fight with silva would be his.

10.

Silva v Rashad Evans?

Shad lost.

Another title fight up in smoke.

And that's how Anderson came to be in a fight with Chris Weidman. The guy he had ducked, and gone to the lengths of ufcs credibility as an organization to avoid, when he had won his title fight eliminator, all those months ago.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

Morning Report: Wanderlei Silva wants to suck and smell Chael Sonnen's blood

2013-05-15T13:34:18Z

In case you hadn't heard, Chael Sonnen really, really wants to fight Wanderlei Silva.

Sonnen called out "The Ax Murderer" on television, Twitter, and even issued a 24-hour deadline for Silva to accept his challenge in recent weeks. The deadline ultimately came and went, and through it all Silva mostly remained mum on the subject. But that ended in magnificent fashion on Tuesday.

"Jon Jones and Anderson (Silva) have been too nice to Chael. I want to suck his blood. I want to smell it. Not just fight. Not just fight. I want to hurt him," Silva said to MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani (via UFC Tonight).

"Chael is a joke, man. He is going to be second forever. He is never going to be first."

Silva went on state that "of course" he wanted to take Sonnen up on his challenge, before laughing heartily and loudly, sarcastically adding, "I'm not going sleep tonight.

"I am just waiting for the UFC. That's all I want to say."

A tirade like that put Sonnen on the spot, but of course the pride of West Linn didn't skip a beat.

"Well I think the real breaking news there is that Wanderlei Silva put together a coherent sentence that somebody understood," Sonnen shot back. "But I can assure you, Wanderlei, I will not be signing a contract for you to suck on any part of me. I suggest you go to a bath and find yourself."

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Sonnen vs. Silva. Like clockwork, Wanderlei Silva accepted Chael Sonnen's challenge on UFC Tonight, but not before spitting some bizarrely hot fire. The best line: "I want to suck his blood. I want to smell it. Not just fight. Not just fight. I want to hurt him."

A look at the UFC contract. Several notable figures in mixed martial arts, including UFC President Dana White, UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and former two-division UFC champion Randy Couture, analyzed the intricacies of UFC contracts. A lengthy, but highly recommended read for all fight fans.

Hunt visa issues continue. UFC 160 co-main event fighter Mark Hunt continued to work through his visa issues, stating on a Tuesday media conference call that he, "should be clear to fly sometime tomorrow, tonight, whenever." Regardless, UFC officials asked heavyweight contender Roy Nelson to apply for a license to fight Junior dos Santos in the co-main event of UFC 160 in case Hunt is unable to resolve the situation.

WSOF schedules tourney. World Series of Fighting plans to stage a four-man tournament to crown it's inaugural middleweight champion. Jesse Taylor, Dave Branch, Danilo Villefort and Elvis Mutapcic will compete in the bracket, with the first semi-final fight taking place at WSOF 4 on August 10, and the second taking place at WSOF 5 in September. The finals are expected to be held in December.

Healy popped for marijuana. Lightweight contender Pat Healy tested positive for marijuana in a UFC 159 post-fight drug test. Healy's third-round victory over Jim Miller has been overturned into a 'no contest.' Additionally, Healy received a 90-day suspension and has been forced to forfeit $130,000 in bonus cash.

MEDIA STEW

It's falling under the radar, but don't sleep on 'Jacare' Souza. The former Strikeforce champ makes his UFC debut this weekend.

Six fighters in. Two spots left. The quarterfinals are finalized on the latest subtitled episode of TUF Brazil 2. (Click to watch.)

For today's daily dose of regional action, Justin Buchholz makes Emanuel Newton proud. (Jump to 1:55 to see the beginning of the end.)

Video mixtape! (It's like a rap battle, but with a lot more violence.) So, folks, who wins this one?

Joe Lauzon, a man of the people.

Okay, this clip is titled "Worst MMA Fighter in the World." My mother always told me If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. So, I guess, here's this:

A PROPOSITION

If not Mir how do the fans feel about a rubber match to finalize the trilogy between me and Noguiera? I'm game to end it w/Big Nog. @ufc
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) May 14, 2013

NEW SPONSOR?

"@themmapodcast: @theantjimmyshowCongrats on the Coca-Cola deal, Uncle C! @sonnench" Tnx- couldn't have happened to a better guy.
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) May 15, 2013

INVICTA UPDATE

The decision was overturned to a NC! Thank you to all my friends and fans who supported me. #gunclub facebook.com/jessamynduke/p…
— Jessamyn Duke (@jessamynduke) May 14, 2013

THE BOSS BITES BACK

@kandywilson money can get u a better bleach job for that hair and u might be able to get those nasty crossed eyes fixed.
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

@kandywilson u might be attractive by "southern Indiana" standards but welcome to the rest of the world. That nappy hay hair has gotta go!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

@kandywilson with hair like yours you should keep your options open! Shaving it might be the only way to fix it. Is that even a color?
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

WINNER

If you ever have something illegal on you, and are getting pulled over by the cops, just shove it up your butt. Don't risk it. #REALTALK
— War Machine (@WarMachine170) May 14, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Tuesday, May 13, 2013):

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from EthanRubyMMA, who optimistically looks ahead to: 5 fights for Josh Barnett in the UFC

Josh Barnett has recently expressed the want to sign with the UFC and finish his long storied career where he started it. These are 5 fights for "The war-master" to cement his legacy with.

5. Roy Nelson

Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson could go of two ways, an instant slugfest on the feet or a spirited ground exchange. Now "Big Country" as of late hasn't shown his ground skills but none the less their there, this combined with his striking credentials and we could have a great fight between the two veterans of the sport.

4. Travis Browne

Browne is one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division with the only bump on his record coming from the No.1 contender Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva with him losing after tearing his hamstring in the first round. A win over Browne for "The war-master" would be a great first fight back in the UFC. For Browne it would do wonders for his career with a win over a highly regarded veteran in Barnett.

3. Loser of Werdum vs. Nogueira

Barnett with 19 submission wins in his career is no slouch on the ground and neither is Fabrico Werdum. A fight between these two would be won an exciting exchange on the ground which is something we're not used to seeing in the heavyweight division. A fight between Nogueira and barnett would be an end to a trilogy that started in Pride and a fitting one at that. With each man taking a win in their past 2 battles a third in the ufc would be a perfect end.

2. Alistair Overeem

Coming off a loss to Antonio Silva, Overeem will be looking for a good bounce back fight later this year. With Barnett looking to sign with the UFC the timing couldn't be more perfect. A match between these two would be the perfect striker vs. grappler.

1. Frank Mir

This is a match up we could have already seen, if Barnett wasn't stripped of the title in '02 these two could have fought with a belt potentially on the line. But better late than never, both known for their skills on the mat this fight would certainly end before the final bell.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

Morning Report: Nick Diaz applying for a promoter's license in the state of California, confirms CSAC

2013-05-14T12:00:06Z

Whether you like him or not, it's hard to deny that Nick Diaz always keeps this insulated little world of ours interesting.

Over this past weekend, a website with the domain name nickdiazpromotions.com popped up amongst rumors that Diaz was spearheading a new fight promotion. The simple white backdrop of the site featured a stylized logo for an organization dubbed War Mixed Martial Arts, with the ominous words "COMING SOON" written below. Very quickly afterward, a Twitter account of the same name was created.

Upon first glance, it's easy to dismiss the story as a hoax perpetrated by another bored MMA fan. However, on Monday an official of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) confirmed to MMA Junkie that Diaz has, in fact, begun the process of applying for his promoter's license in the state of California. Seriously.

It's worth noting, the same official mentioned that a litany of items still stand in the way of War MMA becoming a reality. But even still, the idea of Diaz playing Dana White for a media conference call drips so much comedic potential that it's borderline criminal.

As for the ‘wonder if he misses his own press conference' jokes, they're all right there for the taking, so I'll entrust those to you guys. Don't disappoint.

7 MUST-READ STORIES

Diaz applies for promoter's license. Days after the registering of domain name nickdiazpromotions.com, the California State Athletic Commission confirmed to MMA Junkie that Nick Diaz has initiated the process of applying for a promoter's license in the state of California.

Askren on drug testing. Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren revealed on Twitter that he has been drug tested only once over the course of eight Bellator fights.

The MMA Hour. Ariel Helwani and The MMA Hour return with another loaded episode, featuring Nick Newell in studio, Josh Barnett, Luke Rockhold, Daniel Cormier, Liz Carmouche, Mike Chiesa and Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza.

Barnett talks UFC. Heavyweight free agent Josh Barnett re-opened the door for a potential return to the UFC. "I would love to fight in the UFC next," Barnett said. "I've been a top 10 fighter longer than anybody active in mixed martial arts at this time, and there's a real good reason for that. To be in the UFC would mean to go back to where I already won the belt, to go back to where I was a champion at 24 years old, and try to cement my legacy as an MMA fighter. I don't really feel I can create that legacy and finish on a high point unless I'm there."

Overeem update. Dutch heavyweight Alistair Overeem is expected to return to action against a yet-to-be-determined opponent at UFC 164. Overeem last fought at UFC 156, where he suffered a brutal third-round KO loss at the hands of Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.

Mayorga's win overturned. Former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga's controversial win over Wesley Tiffer in his MMA debut has been overturned into a no contest by the Nicaraguan MMA commission. Mayorga also received a three-month suspension.

Espinoza talks MMA, Mayweather. The dissolution of Strikeforce marked an end of an era for Showtime, however according to Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza, the network's absence from MMA will only be temporary. "I definitely want it back. I think we, as a company, want it back," Espinoza said. He also revealed that Floyd Mayweather's Showtime debut against Robert Guerrero topped one million pay-per-view buys, despite reports to the contrary.

MEDIA STEW

First up, check out the debut trailer for FUEL TV Australia's upcoming Mark Hunt documentary: The Art of Fighting.

Pat Barry recently competed in a grappling tournament. Everything went better than expected.

(HT: Reddit)

Anderson Silva: Master Troll.

Seriously guys, Russia is a magical place. Arrows MMA, the same guys who brought you such classics as sand pit championships, have stepped it up a notch. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Arrows Street Fight Championships, an amateur competition that brands itself with, among others, the tagline: "A local dentist faces off with an accountant. A bum beats up an ex-cop! Incredible action!" And yes, it's held inside of a soccer stadium.

(HT: MiddleEasy)

If you've been waiting for the newest episode of The Gracie Way, then hey, you're in luck. Today's latest features cameos from Ronda Rousey, Lyoto Machida and Brendan Schaub.

Flywin's latest is absolutely sensational. If you can, dial this baby up to 1080p.

WAIT... REALLY?

Just read the article on why Bellator fighters don't fail drug tests.Hard to fail a test when you don't take it.Only been tested once!
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 13, 2013

Don't really care that we aren't tested bc cheaters will cheat no matter what!Just thought the articles was really silly.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 13, 2013

FOND MEMORIES

I remember when I was 16 and my mom jumped on my dads back out of nowhere, sunk a rear naked, then jumped up DX crotch chopping.
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) May 12, 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL

English Class #Wizard twitter.com/SpiderAnderson…
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) May 10, 2013

EVEN IF THIS ISN'T REAL, IT SHOULD BE

.@josecanseco you should fight @shaq on @nickdiazpromo card what does everyone think?
— Diaz Brothers (@DiazBrothers209) May 13, 2013

@diazbrothers209 @shaq @nickdiazpromo 209 I am in
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) May 13, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Monday, May 12, 2013):

UFC on FOX Sports 1: Joe Lauzon (22-8) vs. Michael Johnson (12-8)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from Decado, who sets the record straight with: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Facts.

This is a slightly edited repost of an older fanpost I made. There has been a lot of incorrect and misleading information flying around recently about TRT thanks to the recent Sonnen and, currently, Belfort fights.

It contains detailed information about the causes of Low Testosterone, the tests given by athletic commissions, the normal levels for a person and how those levels are determined and other pertinent information.

This is an educational post letting you learn about TRT so, hopefully, the comment discussions of it are more enlightened and accurate. Plus who doesn't like learning about balls?

Most of you, if you recognize my name, probably know it as someone who does satirical fanposts/tweets, or as one of the hosts of MMA Sentinel radio - this isn't one of those funny pieces (sorry to disappoint). It's the culmination of a lot of research and studying and as a result can be a little dry. Hopefully you'll still get through it alright.

The original is functionally identical, but if you're so inclined you can check it out here:

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/8/6/3224013/facts-about-trt-hypogonadism

THE CAUSES OF LOW TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is the term used to refer to treatment of two specific diagnoses - Primary hypogonadism and Secondary hypogonadism.

Primary hypogonadism refers to any issue which causes the testicles (gonads) to no longer produce the required amount of testosterone for a person to function normally. In women it refers to the ovaries rather than the testicles. Primary hypogonadism is also known as Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism.

A non-exhaustive list of causes of primary hypogonadism[1][2]:

- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Genetic & Developmental disorders: e.g., Klinefelter's syndrome, Anorchia
- Toxins: Alcohol, heavy metals
- Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles, caused by infections or STDs. Most common post puberty)
- Infection
- Liver & Kidney Disease
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Trauma (Trauma in this incidence refers to direct testicular trauma, as opposed to in Secondary Hypogonadism which refers most often to head trauma.)
- Steroid abuse[3]
- Ageing [4]

In total the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists lists 18 direct biological causes of primary hypogonadism. This list does not speculate as to the reason or causes for any of these biological methods of action (e.g. it does not list steroid abuse as a cause, simply the biological result of steroid abuse).[4]

It should be noted that while some sources consider ageing to be a cause of primary hypogonadism, others (such as the AACE) feel it is more likely to be a secondary cause of hypogonadism. This is because the exact mechanism of reduced testosterone in older men is varied and is often not the result of a single cause, but of reduced testicular action combined with other hormonal issues. Because it is not solely a testicular issue, the AACE does not consider it a cause of primary hypogonadism.

The AACE do however concede that "more recent evidence supports the view that an age-related decline in testicular function may occur with associated symptoms and often responds to testosterone replacement therapy"

As we can see, there are reversible causes on this list (such as infections, inflammation of the testicles & heal-able trauma). This is in direct opposition to what some people have claimed and is a common misunderstanding of hypogonadism.

In an ideal world, treatment for hypogonadism would not be prescribed or used until the exact cause of hypogonadism had been diagnosed. In practice many doctors will treat the condition first in order to improve a patients quality of life before the cause of low testosterone is diagnosed.

[5]Of all causes of primary hypogonadism in men Klinefelter's syndrome is the most common, occurring in 1 in every 500-1000 live births in males (an incidence rate of approx 0.1-0.2% of all males).

Secondary Hypogonadism refers to any problems in producing testosterone or related substances where problems with the testicles are not a primary factor. Most often this involves issues with the Hypothalamus & hormones, or the Pituitary Gland. Secondary Hypogonadism is also known as Central Hypogonadism.

Much more after the jump...

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

Morning Report: Leonard Garcia's management calls Bjorn Rebney's impostor rep claim 'childish and far-fetched at best'

2013-05-13T12:00:04Z

After enduring weeks of bad publicity, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney finally went on the defensive late last week. In an extended interview with MMAFighting.com's Luke Thomas, Rebney responded to several of the accusations cast towards his promotion by current and former fighters.

Though one of the most compelling aspects of the conversation arrived when Rebney denied claims made by former UFC featherweight Leonard Garcia that Bellator made him a contract offer, which Garcia was wholly uninterested in signing.

"Not only did Bellator not offer Leonard a deal, but we've never spoken to Leonard," Rebney said. "I will say this and it's probably important for you to get out there because it's important for us as well. For some reason that we don't understand, there are a collection of people out there making phone calls to different gyms and different managers right now claiming to be talent development people with Bellator and Spike.

"So, I have no idea how Leonard Garcia got contacted or by who, but it wasn't by Bellator. We won't be signing nor do we have any interest in signing Leonard."

Rebney's denial of any contract offer, and subsequent revelation of an impostor Bellator representative seemingly put the issue to rest. That is, until Garcia's management team caught wind of the story.

"In light of Bellator's alleged legal chicanery with their own champions like Eddie Alvarez and Zach Makovsky, and high-profile fighters like Leonard Garcia making known their desire to avoid a potentially bad situation, it is not surprising Bellator is trying to get ahead of the bad PR plaguing their promotion," Garcia's representatives at Haymaker's Empire Sports Management wrote in a statement, via MMAjunkie.com. "However, this story about a 'phantom' Bellator representative making phony offers to fighters just strains credulity.

"One must wonder, if this had actually been occurring, why Bellator waited until now -- after Garcia made known his and other fighters' mistrust of their promotion -- to suddenly decide to make mention of 'The Bellator Phantom.' The claim appears childish and far-fetched at best."

Haymaker's Empire Sports Management President Jerry Villasenor followed up by mentioning that a Bellator representative contacted the ex-UFC fighter almost immediately after news broke of Garcia's release. Villasenor then closed by offering his personal take on Rebney's explanation.

"Leonard got the call the day it had been announced that he had been cut by the UFC," said Villasenor. "He received tons of calls for interviews and tons of calls from promoters expressing interest. I think once they realized that Leonard had no interest is when the 'Phantom' was born."

6 MUST-READ STORIES

Rebney responds to criticism. In a lengthy interview, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney responded to a litany of accusations cast against his promotion in recent weeks by current and former fighters.

Garcia disputes Rebney's claim, signs with Legacy. The management team of former UFC featherweight Leonard Garcia vehemently disputed claims made by Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney in the above interview. Within a statement given to MMAJunkie.com, Garcia's team said Rebney's accusation of an impostor Bellator representative was "childish and far-fetched at best." Meanwhile, Garcia inked a multi-fight deal with Texas-based Legacy Fighting Championships. The 33-year-old plans to make his promotional debut July 19th against Rey Trujillo at Legacy FC 21.

Newell, XFC split. XFC president John Prisco stripped Nick Newell of his XFC lightweight belt after the one-armed fighter allegedly refused to defend the title against top contender Scott Holtzman. Newell, however, denied Prisco's claim, telling MMAFighting.com that he opted out of his contract in search of tougher opposition to impress the UFC.

Velasquez focused on Silva, picking JDS. UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez knows he'll be seeing Junior dos Santos soon enough. But if 'Bigfoot' Silva expects Velasquez to be taking their sequel lightly, he's in for a rude awakening.

UFC bookings. The UFC returns to Indianapolis, Indiana on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the promotion's sophomore event on UFC on FOX Sports 1.

Thomson rips Diaz. Speaking to BJPenn.com, UFC lightweight contender Josh Thomson responded to Nate Diaz's bizarre post-loss insults by accusing the Stockton native of missing weight prior to the pair's UFC on FOX 7 bout.

MEDIA STEW

If you've ever seen The Wire, you understand how awesome this is.

The sofa had enough. Now Tarec Saffiedine's 2-year-old is pummeling the laundry basket. (That combination at 0:15 is adorable.)

One big man smashing the lights out of another big man with one meaty punch? Sounds like perfect Morning Report material.

Props to Guilherme Arantes for the find.

Fighters Only was in Dubai this past weekend to give us a behind-the-scenes look at Paul Daley's DFC 4 victory. (Check out that gold-plated iPhone! Only in Dubai...)

And just in case that camera angle didn't allow you to understand the severity of Daley's KO, here you go:

Metamoris 2 is killing it so far with its trailers.

Props to New York Ric for the find.

One more gem from DFA 4, just because this 'out on your feet' gif is so hypnotic. As always, props to our pal Zombie Prophet.

EDDIE'S TURN

Finally They admit To Who is in charge... Funny I just asked Bjorn Who really makes the decisions. He Told Me ,him ,Kevin Kay n "the board"
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 11, 2013

@bjornrebney ,I'm sad to hear You say "I make All the decisions", When I told me it was You, Kevin Kay and " the Board" I believed You.
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 11, 2013

Can't tell You guys how.many times I was told that @bjornrebneyhas to go back.to Kevin and "The Board" to see if We can settle
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 11, 2013

always asked myself ,Whose "the Board"? ,maybe a bunch of investors, mayb lawyers,or guys wearing expensive suits.Wrong Bjorns "the board"
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 11, 2013

@bjornrebney So "the Board" never.existed, IM sad I was looking foward to meeting this group of imaginary People.
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 11, 2013

I will be responding on video to the Bjornfires backinterview he just did, except I will explain what really happened and have proof
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

I am going to break down all of his answers he have the public and replace them with Real life events , dialogue,and documents.
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

Give me a dayOR TWO and I'LL POST
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

20130509155142989.pdf - docs.google.com/file/d/1BtgqH0…Heres the document!!!! Am I still telling Lies ??? @bjornrebney
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

20130509155154189.pdf - docs.google.com/file/d/1Aqij1O…Heres the revised version I signed !! after We caught the Added term
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

What Ed is talking about - and this is what is completely and totally untrue, this is false, this is a statement that's completely untrue
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

There was never a change of a single word. What Ed is talking about - and this is what is completely and totally untrue, BJorn"S Words
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

I have every text message And email for the past 4 years , this Is nothing Compared to what will be released , You guys will be shocked
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

@bjornrebney in all seriousness Tell Your wife I said Happy Mothers Day, Its just business
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 12, 2013

TIPPING THE SCALE

15 days for the fight @ufc 160...15 dias para a luta. instagram.com/p/ZI9EqsmtdI/
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) May 10, 2013

NEW PASTURES

Glad everyone is as excited as I am about the move to @legacyfighting! It's always fun to fight at home #proudtexan
— Leonard Garcia (@badboygarcia) May 11, 2013

RECOVERY

Killed two birds with one stone yesterday. Knee an elbow surgery. Already up an walking around today.… instagram.com/p/ZGb9A6B8cm/
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) May 9, 2013

WELL PLAYED

Folks on twitter get me so down sometimes I almost forget I'm a big handsome millionaire professional athlete,,, almost
— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) May 8, 2013

THIS GUY

Move over Mike, you are blocking the twin on my other shoulder bud!!! #2WEIGHTKING #HISTORYMAKER #EIRE twitter.com/TheNotoriousMM…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 10, 2013

The name's Bow........ Dick Bow twitter.com/TheNotoriousMM…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 9, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced over the weekend (Friday, May 9, 2013 - Sunday, May 11, 2013):

Legacy FC 21: Leonard Garcia (15-11-1) vs. Rey Trujillo (14-10)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day is a depressing headline from NickPT: MMA Injuries: Gegard Mousasi Has Second ACL Surgery

In an interview with MMAJunkie.com Radio on May 10, Gegard Mousasi acknowledged that he recently had surgery to repair a torn ACL. Even worse, he confirmed that the he tore the same ACL that was previously repaired in March 2012. He entered his UFC on Fuel TV 9 fight in April against Ilir Latifi knowing that his knee was injured.

In the interview, Gegard indicated that he used the same surgeon that did his previous ACL reconstruction, and that the failure of the first surgery "wasn't about the surgery. It was just, maybe training too early or something like that that caused the problems... the surgeon didn't do anything wrong." He anticipates returning to action the end of this year, or possibly January 2014 depending on when the UFC has a fight for him.

When asked if his rehab from this ACL surgery will be different from last one, Gegard replied "We're moving a little bit more faster forward with this one. Its healing also much faster than last time because they did less damage to my knee, so the recovery is going also faster this time."

From a rehab and recovery standpoint, there is a lot to sort through in the new information that Mousasi divulged. First in my mind is the failure of the first ACL surgery. Mousasi indicated that the most recent surgery "did less damage" to the knee than the first. I therefore presume that the first surgery used the traditional patella tendon graft to replace the ACL, where an incision is made over the patella tendon below the knee cap to harvest part of the tendon as well as a bone plug at each end of the tendon. (This is called a bone-patellar tendon-bone, or BPTB graft.) This is the "gold standard" for ACL construction, and the fact that this surgery failed is not good.

If the first surgery used the BPTB graft, his surgeon had to resort to a back-up source of ACL graft for the second surgery, such as cadaver allograft or hamstring tendon graft. While these do not involve the extra incision as in the BPTB graft (thus "less damage" to the knee), they come with their own unique challenges for recovery, especially in an elite athlete. The cadaver allograft takes longer to incorporate (or "take") within the knee. The allograft has an increased potential to rupture again, especially in a young, elite athlete. (Ask Dominick Cruz about this one.) In my opinion, the hamstring tendon graft would be preferable in a second ACL repair, as it uses one's own tissue to replace the ACL. However, the hamstring tendon graft takes longer to heal as well (compared to BPTB grafts), as there are no bone plugs at the ends of the hamstring tendon graft. Soft tissue-to-bone healing takes longer than bone-to-bone healing.

For the ultimate health and stability of Gegard's knee, I hope he had the hamstring tendon graft. He stated that his recovery is moving "a little bit faster" than the last time. However, it is very early in his recovery at this point, and "moving faster" probably means that he is no longer on crutches, he may be performing low level quadriceps exercise, etc. Ultimately, I feel that his rehab may take longer than expected, simply because he probably had one of the alternative ACL replacements in his second surgery. I would not expect him back in the Octagon until January 2014. (His own time frame in the MMAJunkie.com Radio interview was November - January.) As with all injured fighters at this elite level, there are the two variables that are not typical of the average patient that has this surgery- an incredible level of dedication to returning to a high level of competition and a dedicated rehab team that he probably has access to every day. This level of dedicated rehab can safely return a fighter to competition sooner than expected. Let's hope that is the case for Mousasi.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

Morning Report: Former champ Zach Makovsky accuses Bellator of coercing him to fight for less than his contracted salary

2013-05-10T12:00:05Z

Last week, midway through a rant about his legal troubles, former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez alluded to a troubling experience his friend, Zach Makovsky, had with Bellator management.

Between 2010 and 2011, Makovsky racked up a perfect 6-0 record within the promotion en route to winning season three's tournament, becoming Bellator's inaugural bantamweight champion, and subsequently fighting in two non-title fights. However things soon went south, as Makovsky lost his title in mid-2012 to Eduardo Dantas, then fell short against Anthony Leone in December before receiving his walking papers.

Makovsky is now scheduled to make his flyweight debut for his first post-Bellator fight this weekend at CFFC 24. Nonetheless, Alvarez's name-drop led Makovsky to explain what exactly went wrong with the promotion that once called him ‘champion.'

"Just before the Dantas fight, I had added some additional fights onto my contract for a potential raise," Makovsky told BloodyElbow.com. "If I were to beat Dantas, my pay scale would have gone up pretty significantly, and if I lost to Dantas, my pay scale would have stayed where it was. In that deal I put in that they have to have... they were going to give me three fights every 14 months. Which is a reason they gave me why, on releasing me. They said that they just couldn't keep me active enough to fulfill that end of their agreement.

"The issue I had was that... so when I signed [those] additional fights to my contract, I had a potential raise against Dantas, and if I lost the fight I was supposed to go back to where I was. But Bellator has it that you're at a certain rate, and if you win your pay goes up by 1,000/1,000 for your next fight and if you lose it stays the same. It never decreases. I won the tournament, I had two non title fights, so my pay scale increased for each of those fights. Then I signed this new part of the contract to fight Dantas, and if I lost I should have went back to where I was, not the original [salary], which is what they offered me. Basically what happened was, they weren't going to give me another fight in 2012, besides Dantas. I had to kind of really push to get that fight with Leone. And then when I got the bout contract it was for 2,000 and 2,000 less than what I believe my contract said I should be fighting for."

Obviously shorting a fighter $2,000/$2,000 less than their contract states is a serious issue when they're only fighting once or twice a year, and for a figure that is already far from lucrative. So, of course, Makovsky raised this point to Bellator officials.

"What they did say was, that if I insisted on getting what my contract said, they wouldn't be able to afford to put me on the card to fight for that, and that they could offer me this 2,000/2,000 less," Makovsky explained. "So if I wanted to fight this year it's basically... and it was my choice to accept the fight, but it was like 'you can accept this, or you can wait till next year and fight and do whatever.' That rubbed me obviously very poorly.

"I only had one [fight at that point in 2012] and I lost, so I didn't have my win bonus. This is all I do right now, so I definitely needed at least a second fight in a year. I kind of had to accept those terms. It was unfortunate, and I did what I had to do because I needed a fight. That's the story there and Eddie knew about it because we're good friends and we talk. I never wanted to bring it up."

7 MUST-READ STORIES

Makovsky details Bellator split. Former Bellator bantamweight champion Zach Makovsky revealed the messy contract dispute that led to his release from the promotion.

Hunt's travel plans delayed. UFC heavyweight contender Mark Hunt has apparently been prevented from boarding a flight to Las Vegas twice due to a 2002 arrest in the United States. Hunt said the UFC is "on it," and he still expects to make his UFC 160 co-main event bout against Junior dos Santos.

Garcia switches camps, fielding WSOF offer. Leonard Garcia discussed his UFC release, revealed why he's leaving Jackson's MMA for Team Alpha Male, and explained the reasons for spurning Bellator's contract offer.

Fox Sports 1 schedule. FOX Sports Media Group announced the debut broadcast schedule for FOX Sports 1, which launches on August 17, 2013. Notably, three live UFC events air on the network within the first two weeks.

Cerrone's rough year. Being embarrassed on national television tends to lose it's impact when you nearly die a few weeks later. Just ask Donald Cerrone.

UFC game on hold until 2014. EA Games' inaugural UFC video game has been delayed until at least March of 2014. EA acquired the rights to a UFC video game from THQ last June.

Signs you've been an MMA fan too long. How do you know when you're in too deep into your MMA obsession? Here's 27 ways to tell.

MEDIA STEW

I just have to say, I'm really digging these Jerry Rips videos. Favorite part of today's clip: Greg Jackson losing his mind at 4:46. (Okay, after watching the rest of the video, it's needs to be said that Jackson is by far the most entertaining cornerman I've ever heard. GO FORWARD! GO FIRST!)

Check out the first Fox Sports 1 promo to hit YouTube. Notice anything missing?

This Jose Canseco vs. Shaq beef keeps escalating, and I, for one, am all for it.

Marina Shafir, aka Ronda Rousey's undefeated training partner with three first-round victories via armbar, recorded a video blog. If you expected it to be five minutes of her and Rousey acting silly, you'd be right.

Normally I stay away from pro wrestling content, because let's face it, I usually have no idea what's going on. But if you jump ahead a few minutes into this one, you'll see Mr. Brock Lesnar utterly destroying an office, with a helpful cameo from a sledgehammer. Totally worth it.

Wondering why Paul Daley has been M.I.A. lately? He'll explain:

STILL WAITING

@wandfc: Tick...Tick...Tick
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) May 9, 2013

SHOTS FIRED

@ufc_ca what does he think? Two words "Pink" "Slip"
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) May 9, 2013

NEW ZEALAND AIRPORTS, MAN

Getting real tired of this shit
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) May 9, 2013

This is wat happens wen u have friends that are dikheads the last fukn time I help these mother fkn trouble makers
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) May 9, 2013

Denied again at airport I'm never helping anymore dikhead mates
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) May 9, 2013

#ASKLUKE

.@lvmmafan, I think @unclecreepymma in the month of November for the mustache battle of the century. #AskLuke @fueltv
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

.@jdhahan, I think Vitor's wrestling is his weakest point and maybe his ability to go the distance. #AskLuke @fueltv
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

.@gregeckman, Truthfully i see it as a 50/50 tossup. #AskLuke @fueltv
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

.@jimotken, That's hard to say, you usually never feel the hard ones but Jacare hit me pretty hard.. Obviously. #AskLuke @fueltv
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

.@theianbain, I think if DC can comfortably make 205, i think he's a threat to the entire division, even Jon Jones. #AskLuke @fueltv
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

.@joshsbaird, I've always thought of moving to different weight divisions.Definitely not down.I'm focused on what's in front of me.
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

.@jamieb336, I think Octagon jitters are what you make of them.It all comes down to mental focus. #AskLuke @fueltv
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 9, 2013

WHAT LEGAL TROUBLE?

Utah here we come. @showdownmma fights tomorrow night instagram.com/p/ZGhGC_KwN5/
— Josh Rosenthal (@MMARosenthal) May 9, 2013

Amazing view instagram.com/p/ZG3nBAKwHR/
— Josh Rosenthal (@MMARosenthal) May 9, 2013

How could you not love these views instagram.com/p/ZHUljuKwDU/
— Josh Rosenthal (@MMARosenthal) May 10, 2013

DANA ON THE ROAD

Bud meeting :) twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 9, 2013

On my way back to the plane stopped and saved a turtle in the middle of the street!! Great day in St. Louis :) twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 9, 2013

MAKE IT HAPPEN

You don't want to get beat up by the dude in a boot 85 @ochocinco
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 9, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Thursday, May 8, 2013):

UFC on FOX 8: John Albert (7-4) vs. Yaotzin Meza (19-8)
KSW 23: Melvin Manhoef (27-10-1) vs. Mamed Khalidov (26-4-2) booked for main event

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from Tkeaner, who looks at: The Difficulty of Becoming a Star in MMA

With many of its star fighters aging and on the back end of their careers, the UFC must decide what, or more importantly, who, is next. Unlike most major sports, UFC and MMA in general must work harder to build their individual stars. Sure baseball or football players can sign endorsement deals and be put front and center by their respective leagues or teams. But if the player is consistently putting up gaudy individual statistics such as 40 homers or 30 touchdowns, they will most likely become a star on their own. The nature of MMA makes this very difficult for a few reasons.

Aside from putting together an impressive win streak or win/loss record, it is very difficult to distinguish oneself in MMA based on numbers. Fightmetrics are not widely accepted enough yet to have an impact on a casual fan's opinion about how good a fighter is or may be. Also, the unpredictable nature of an MMA bout makes moving prospects along that much more difficult. Legitimate undefeated records are unheard of in the UFC. Fighters lose in the sport, it happens to all of them. The UFC could attempt to latch onto a hot young prospect and have major plans for them in the future. But one flash knockout could put an end to those plans rather abruptly.

MMA Promotions do not have the luxury of being able to bring along its athletes with the intention of building them as stars, unlike its distant sport cousins in Boxing and the WWE. Talented boxers are fed tomato cans for much of their younger careers so that when more lucrative fights near, they can be propped up on their bloated 40-0 records. Professional Wrestlers are practically selected by the WWE as the next big thing, given title belts and headlining pay-per-views. While a very different sport, the UFC holds similar power. The promotion also chooses who will headline big shows and who gets the right to fight for world championships. They can choose to promote who they feel will make them the most money, regardless of numbers. As we have seen in recent years with fighters such as Chael Sonnen or Nick Diaz, you can become a star by being a talented fighter who is even more skilled at drawing fan interest with what they say over the microphone. They were rewarded for those skills when the promotion chose to invest in their stardom.

The UFC is a large enough brand at this point that fighters don't need to be true stars in order for fans to still tune in. However, in order to continue to grow as a company and as a sport, the cultivation of these potential stars still needs to take place. The UFC is cognizant of that, UFC 159 being the most recent example. They used Sonnen, an established star, to help continue to build Jon Jones as one of the stars of the present, and future. With the continued growth of the MMA and the UFC, here's to hoping that we will be seeing many more stars emerge.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in Monday's column.

Morning Report: Duane Ludwig says his secret to breaking down fight film is watching while 'high on marijuana'

2013-05-09T12:00:04Z

Team Alpha Male has been on fire lately, ripping off nine straight wins over the past five months, including a clean sweep of first-round finishes at UFC on FOX 7. Much of the credit has gone to new head trainer Duane "Bang" Ludwig, a longtime UFC veteran who has quickly developed a flair for the art of coaching.

Ludwig remains humble in the face of this newfound praise, though he's willing to admit that his unique attention to detail may provide the extra spark fighters like Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez have been missing throughout their lengthy, and mostly successful MMA careers.

But what makes Ludwig's methods so unique? I'll let the man tell you for himself.

"I'm always studying film, looking at fights from all aspects," Ludwig told MMAMania.com on Wednesday. "When I watch a fight, I watch it from A's corner and then I watch it from B's corner. Even with that, I look at the fight again and I alter my own consciousness and I watch the fights again just to make sure, just to get some different looks on things."

Wait, wait, wait... let's play that back: "Alter my own consciousness." Please explain, sir.

"It's freakin' legal," Ludwig followed. "Let me address this issue. When I watch film, I watch film normal how I am now. Then I watch film when I'm high on marijuana. I also watch the film again when I have Alpha Brain in my system. I watch film from three different states of consciousness just to get different looks at things. Just to see if maybe I missed a step or a nice little detail just to get different looks on things. I take this serious as hell. So serious that, if the guys aren't making strides, I personally get my feelings hurt because I want them to succeed so much. I feel it, man. 'This could be better. Take a step here, a two step there.' I care for these f--king guys that's for sure."

Simply fantastic. This is a perfect example why I love covering this sport. These guys can't help but be honest. No P.R. coaching, no generic stock answers.

So hey, good on you, Mr. Ludwig. Like the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Ludwig talks altered states of consciousness. Team Alpha Male coach Duane "Bang" Ludwig explained his methodology for breaking down fight footage, which includes watching footage sober, then high, and then after ingesting Alpha Brain.

White: UFC working on new glove. With the eyepoke epidemic becoming increasingly prevalent, UFC President Dana White told ESPN 710 in LA, "We actually have started to work on a new glove that actually curves your hand. Like the glove is curved like a U, so you can still open your hand, but your fingers don't point straight out."

UFC roster cuts. Earlier this week we told you about Pablo Garza and Antonio Carvalho. Well, on Wednesday seven more UFC fighters reeling from recent losses were cut from the UFC roster: Leonard Garcia, Justin Lawrence, Bart Palaszewski, Sam Sicilia, Kurt Holobaugh, Reuben Duran and Issei Tamura.

Jones-Sonnen PPV numbers. UFC 159, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen, drew anywhere from 520,000 to 550,000 pay-per-view buys, according to preliminary estimates. Those numbers would make UFC 159 the second-highest selling UFC pay-per-view of 2013, behind Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz.

Cormier talks 205, heavyweight. UFC heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier hopes to take at least one more heavyweight fight while cutting his body down to 205 pounds. Said Cormier: "Could I fight at 205 in November? Yes. Could I fight at 205 in August? No. I could fight at 220 in August. Even if I'm fighting a 250 pound guy, it doesn't matter. I could be 220 and still be in the cage, getting experience as I'm making my way down."

MEDIA STEW

No better way to start your morning then with Prebek's latest:

Who says you can't practice double legs in the middle of a 10-mile obstacle course?

Nick Diaz uploaded this video of himself on Wednesday. I have no idea why.

Tito always gets a lot of flak, but it was hard not to feel good for the guy when this happened.

Anytime I can watch people kick really high or strange objects in unique ways, I'm all for it. So thank you, Korean Taekwondo Diplomacy Foundation.

(HT: MiddleEasy)

Okay, that Anderson Silva interview was gold.

THE CUT LIST

Got let go by @ufc thanks for everything! Ill be back better then ever! @seanshelby @danawhite
— Leonard Garcia (@badboygarcia) May 8, 2013

Thanks to all my friends this is a great reality check time to get back on the grind With god all things are possible hard work will pay off
— Leonard Garcia (@badboygarcia) May 8, 2013

I have been let go by the @ufc. I would like to thank them & @seanshelby for all the opportunities and great times. We shall see whats next.
— Bart Palaszewski (@Bartimus7) May 8, 2013

Thanks for all the love guys. Maybe @ksw_mma will have me :) would be cool to go back to the old country. It has been way too long
— Bart Palaszewski (@Bartimus7) May 8, 2013

I'm sad about being cut, but hopefully I can get a sweet gun sponsor for my next fight :)
— Bart Palaszewski (@Bartimus7) May 8, 2013

MEETING WITH BIG-NAME SPONSORS LEFT AND RIGHT

Hey thanks a lot for spending the time today, it was truly my pleasure being there #Greatness @johnashumate @gatorade
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 8, 2013

CHAEL'S PROPOSAL

Wand- you have 24 hours to accept. If you do, I will donate 10% of my purse to help schools in your hometown of Curitiba .. I mean, VEGAS.
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) May 9, 2013

BEST HASHTAG EVER

Good morning y'all . Me and my teacher are having coffee and English class this morning... #imwizardstudent twitter.com/SpiderAnderson…
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) May 1, 2013

WHOA

I mean you see this shit?! She’s alllll up in dudes personal space. Where are peoples’ manners? twitter.com/HPbasketball/s…
— Jason Highwalker(@KCBanditMMA) May 9, 2013

UM, THANKS?

My yucky cauliflower ear twitter.com/HectorLombard/…
— Hector Lombard (@HectorLombard) May 8, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Wednesday, May 7, 2013):

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day sees galathrax pose the question: Zero tolerance policy for fouls - is it finally time?

I've been thinking this for awhile when it comes to MMA fouls, recovery, and safety: the subjective reffing in enforcing rules against fouls has the potential to completely change a fight. A zero tolerance policy could work wonders on the following most-common types of fouls.

1. Fence grabbing - Everybody hates this cheap tactic, because it's commonly used to either avoid a takedown or keep a clinch that would otherwise have separated, and is thus is a form of stalling. This happens so often in fights I don't even need to give examples. This is a perfect foul for zero tolerance: you grab the fence, you lose a point.

Now you might say, Galathrax, it's only human and everybody makes mistakes. That may be true, but we're talking about a potentially fight-changing foul here. It may be pretty human to stomp on guys heads when it's right there in front of your foot (especially if you're Shogun or Wand) but you can train to avoid committing acts that are fouls. Same thing applies for fence grabbing. I have no doubt that if a zero tolerance policy were initiated, fighters would understand that fence grabbing = point deduction, and would modify their training appropriately.

2. Eye poking - This one may be a little more difficult, but when you consider that the purpose of the MMA rules is to avoid injury even at the expense of a less exciting fight, it becomes clear that fighters should have to modify training to avoid eye pokes. How can a fighter train to avoid eye pokes? It's simple: never have an open hand near your opponents face. I can't think of a single eyepoke that occurred during a grappling exchange, which is perhaps odd. But again, if the purpose of "NAC 467.7962 Acts constituting fouls" is to protect fighters, the rules should be enforced strictly. This one is especially crazy considering the seriousness of the foul: Burns/Anthony Johnson and now Bisping/Belcher were horrific, and potentially career ending. Obviously accidents from a closed fist/glove can happen (Belfort/Couture 2) but that's unavoidable. An open hand during striking exchanges? Completely modifiable through training.

3. Groin shots - This is less clear cut, because the in-step kick so often lands where it shouldn't just due to the frenetic positioning in a fight. However, knees to the groin are less forgiving: if you are clinched or throwing a knee at standing, you should have the wherewithal to avoid the groin. Maybe give a one shot warning, with the second resulting in a point deduction. The fighter who is throwing the shots should modify their attack to avoid the groin after the first warning and not continue to throw. Now, you may have fighters who overemphasive a light strike or fake it (Hughes/GSP II comes to mind on the 2nd strike), but that's what instant replay is for. Fighters who game the system (Koscheck) should be penalized as well.

4. Back of the head shots - This is a no-brainer. Don't throw a shot unless you're sure where it's going to land. With Gonzaga's recent fight, Brown's first elbow may have been legal, but the subsequent blows are questionable at best. I've read others say that the rule doesn't apply if the intended target moves so as to put the back of the head as the target. I don't see why that makes sense: if the objective is fighter safety, again, shouldn't we put the onus on the fighter throwing the strike? I think it's very rare (I've never seen it) where a fighter is throwing a strike nowhere in the vicinity of the back of the head but it nevertheless lands on the back of the head. These "accidental" back of the head shots are almost always incredibly close to the foul area to begin with. Belfort's strikes to the spinal column are always ridiculous to watch. Which also reminds me: how about a standardized definition of "back of the head"?

5. More exotic fouls: spiking opponents, spitting, attacking after the bell, etc. - There are easy to enforce, because they're never accidental. A lot of the fouls could use further clarification as well: what is "spiking"? A lot of the NSAC rules are undefined. (What is a "verbal tap out"? Does Chael screaming like a girl count?) That needs to be fixed.

The ref should also be given the benefit of modern science: television replay when determining whether a foul occurred.

Should the athletic commission start a zero tolerance policy for fouls?

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

Morning Report: Anderson Silva claims to have been unaware of missed UFC 162 media tour in L.A.

2013-05-08T12:00:04Z

UFC middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva shelled out $50,000 to the UFC for a missed media tour in Los Angeles, CA earlier this week, but according to the champ, it wasn't on purpose.

On Tuesday, Silva told Brazilian media outlet Veja that he was unaware of his media obligations, blaming his absence on a "miscommunication" which he refused to specify.

"I never missed any commitment to the UFC (in the past)," Silva said (roughly translated via Google Translate). "[I'd] never plan a trip to Brazil if I knew I should be in Los Angeles. Everyone knows that I always lock my media schedule to devote myself to training, they are my priority. I am an athlete and my focus will always be to train and be prepared for the challenges."

No word yet if Silva released video of his explanation via a self-recorded in-car message that includes a few choice words towards some poor driver's mother. We can only hope. And with that, let's get to today's headlines.

8 MUST-READ STORIES

Carwin retires. Former UFC interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin ended his two-year struggle to return to the cage, announcing his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts. Carwin retires at the age of 38 with an MMA record of 12-2, having finished all 12 of his victories via first-round knockout (7) or submission (5).

Silva, Weidman weigh in on UFC fine. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva told Brazilian media outlet Veja he accidentally missed Tuesday's L.A. media tour for UFC 162 due to a "miscommunication." Meanwhile Chris Weidman, who underwent a similar media tour in Las Vegas, said this about Silva's gaffe: "I hope his head isn't getting so big that he thinks he doesn't have to do things for the UFC, but who am I to judge? ... If his head is really getting too big, I'm definitely going to bring him down to earth on July 6."

Sylvia back for ONE FC. Former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia returns to action to battle American prospect Tony Johnson at ONE FC: Rise to Power on May 31 in Manila.

Belfort talks TRT, Rockhold. The old lion Vitor Belfort discussed his usage of TRT, explained why he doesn't believe the criticism is justified, and issued some strong words for his upcoming opponent, Luke Rockhold.

UFC point deductions. The folks at MMA Decisions dug through their record books to compile an intriguing, albiet brief, history of UFC point deductions in decisions.

Spong set for GLORY 9. Kickboxing superstar Tyrone Spong joins Brian Collette, Danyo Ilunga, Filip Verlinden, Mourad Bouzidi, Steve McKinnon, Koichi and UFC veteran Dustin Jacoby in GLORY's upcoming eight-man, one-night light heavyweight tournament on June 22 in New York City.

UFC lands U.K. TV deal. The UFC inked a three-year broadcast contract with U.K. conglomerate BT Group. The deal will "offer comprehensive coverage of the UFC, including programming specifically produced for U.K. and Irish audiences, on the soon-to-be-launched BT Sport," and will likely result in an increase of UFC events held inside the U.K.

Pacquiao vs. Rios. Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao looks to rebound from the first two-fight losing streak of his career when he returns to the ring against Brandon Rios on November 23 in Macau, China.

MEDIA STEW

Check out the lastest from Esther Lin's superb Focus series:

Sure, the Octagon jitters are real, but I'm not sure it's fair to attribute Cung Le's debut loss to them. That was just vintage Wanderlei.

Normally I'd tell you to skip right to the sick KO, but this regional heavyweight championship is just wild and sloppy enough to be a ton of fun. (Fight starts around 1:15.)

(HT: MiddleEasy)

Gruesome eye injuries and Explosions in the Sky? Couldn't ask for more from an intro to a video blog.

I could do without the Limp Bizkit, but goddamn, this guy could punch.

GOODBYE, BIG FELLA

Officially retired 2day:-) thank you to my family, friends and fans! #dreambig GOD BLESS!!!
— Shane Carwin (@ShaneCarwin) May 8, 2013

A BIG COUNTRY SENDOFF (CLICK THE FACEBOOK LINK)

I just heard. Some great fights @shanecarwin You will be missed! @ufc fb.me/2wXNrpPFw
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) May 8, 2013

HEALED BONES

Loving my new heavy duty boot!! great news from the doctors today twitter.com/JonnyBones/sta…
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 7, 2013

The alignment of my bones are healing spot on and the skins closing with no infections
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 7, 2013

SUBTLE

Loading plane to Vegas for a couple days of PR.
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) May 7, 2013

FOR THE CRITICS

I hoy News for the GOSSIPERS: The less you worry about what people think, the less complicated life becomes.#BEFREE
— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) May 6, 2013

MAKING NICE

@sugarraysefo always treating me good ik make up at wsof 3 I promise and give u guys a hard and amazing fight
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) May 7, 2013

@tyrone_spong Thanks brother and I have no doubt you will be ready to do work!!
— Ray Sefo (@SugarRaySefo) May 7, 2013

@sugarraysefo hahaha ray ik make it up also to al the fans this was beyond my power I had visa issues, wsof is my mma organisation
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) May 7, 2013

AIN'T NOBDOY GOT TIME FOR LEG DAY

What are the chances that me and @rondarousey picked out the same outfit for our Maxim shoots? twitter.com/TommyToeHold/s…
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) May 7, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Tuesday, May 6, 2013):

ONE FC 9: Lowen Tynanes (4-0) vs. Felipe Enomoto (6-5, 1 NC)
ONE FC 9: Tim Sylvia (31-8, 1 NC) vs. Tony Johnson (6-1)
ONE FC 9: Ryan Diaz (13-13) vs. Yusup Saadulaev (9-3)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from bigGcastle, who writes: Nearing the end of an MMA bill in New York for 2013; A look into major player Sheldon Silver

This time last year, the effort to legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York died, once again, in the New York State Assembly. With a similar result expected this year, let's breakdown how it all went down in 2012 and look a bit deeper into Sheldon Silver, a major player who single-handedly has prevented the legalization of MMA in New York.

In 2012, as expected, the MMA bill moved easily through the New York State Senate committees and was then brought to the floor for a vote where it passed, decisively, 43 votes to 14. The bill then made its way to its first committee in the Assembly: Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development. It never made it out of this committee because the Speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver, held a closed door meeting among democrats, who hold the majority, to determine if the bill had enough support to actually pass if it ended up reaching the floor for a vote. Well, through a very informal and questionable process involving people raising their hands, he decided that the bill just didn't have a legitimate chance. And that was the end of any chance of professional MMA in New York for 2012. It was also the last time we'd see outspoken MMA opponent Assemblyman Bob Reilly, who did not seek reelection later that year.

Now, something from all that might bug you, or at least it bugged me. But it doesn't seem very democratic that one guy (Silver) can just simply decide that a bill won't come to a vote. I understand the vetting process and managing the large amount of bills that get proposed, but this particular bill sailed through the Senate and had strong support in the assembly and makes you wonder if there wasn't some outside influence. In any event, let's take a look at what makes Sheldon Silver so powerful.

Sheldon Silver has been the Speaker of the New York State Assembly since 1994. This is the highest position one can hold in the Assembly. The speaker "assigns the heads of committees, selects their staffs, fills committee vacancies, dispenses political favors." He's garnered power over the years through loyalty, but he's also earned enemies. Some of these enemies tried to oust him in 2000. Being Speaker also means being chairman of the Rules committee which also has a lot of power. It's the last committee a bill goes through before going to a vote and it manages the flow of legislation. Here's a bit from a credible source describing this more:

"Another symbol of party status is membership on the rules committees of each house. The rules committees, in theory, schedule the business of the legislature. By formal rule, indeed, no bill can go to the floor in the final weeks of the session without first getting special permission from the committee on rules."

Some say this power is too much, that "he wields life-or-death power over almost every bill." If he doesn't like a bill then that's it, it's finished. Looking back at last year, it seems pretty clear he didn't like the MMA bill. But now let's see what's going on this year.

So far this year, we are seeing much of the same but with a bit more support. The bill sailed through the State Senate with 47 votes against 15. In the Assembly the bill has 64 sponsors (48 democrats), 12 short of the 76 votes needed to pass it. The Assembly has 150 members, 105 of whom are democrats. The bill is just sitting in the Assembly's Tourism, Arts, Parks and Sports Development Committee, but the committee chair is expected to meet with the bill's main sponsor this week. Unfortunately, the bill was not included in this year's budget which has made many people skeptical of it being passed in the Assembly.

What really stands out to me this year is that in a 150 member Assembly, where 76 votes are needed to pass legislation, this bill has 64 sponsors! It's just hard to believe they can't secure 12 votes and is why I believe Sheldon Silver is the main crux in all of this. Let's see if he decides to prevent it from coming to a vote again.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.