I should be happier. Most days I should be happier, but today I should be even happier. Sadly, I’m finding myself more worried than excited. In just a few short hours one of the best MMA fighters in the world is going to compete on “network” tv along with a host of other great MMA fighters. So why aren’t I more excited?
Fedor Haters
Some of my biggest concerns center around Fedor’s fight and the inevitable aftermath. The way I see it we have two likely situations that aren’t very appealing and anything outside of those two are even worse.
If Fedor Wins
If Fedor wins he’ll be called a can smasher by some “MMA fans”. These are primarily the people that didn’t think he was great back in Pride, didn’t think he’d beat Tim, didn’t think he’d beat AA and still gave him almost no credit for either of those wins.
Here’s the deal, if Fedor hasn’t “proven” himself to some people yet he never will. Think about it, he’s beaten Big Nog twice (GOOD big nog). He’s beaten a prime Cro Cop (Scary cro cop!). He has a highlight reel that showcases almost every aspect of MMA: striking, submissions, grappling, etc.
If people aren’t capable of acknowledging how incredible Fedor is and how unprecedented what he already has accomplished is, then there is no way they will after he beats an opponent most of the same people also underestimate.
If Fedor Loses
Everyone loses eventually in MMA, and Fedor has been on an insane run for a very long time. Even armed with the knowledge that everyone loses there are some that continue to wait for Fedor to have even the slightest slip up so they can “prove” he isn’t as good as others said.
As silly as it may seem, some will use a loss to Rogers as evidence that Fedor was overrated years ago and continues to be overrated today.
If something “else” happens
If anything besides a clean win or loss occurs then things could get even uglier. A bad decision, a potential NC, a “cut” or questionable stoppage. Bleh I can’t even begin to image the fallout from such a finish. Those things would ripple hard not only through the “hardcore” mma fan community, but also to the potential future fans that are tuning in special tonight.
Shields Haters
Though not nearly as big an issue as the Fedor haters, the Jake Shields haters are about as reasonable. Shields is someone that seems to constantly get no respect. Much like Fedor a win or a loss here won’t “define” his career. Just take a look at:
Here are some cliff notes…
- 23wins 4 losses 1draw
- 12 wins in a row
- last loss in December of 2004 (almost 5 years!)
- fights at multiple weight classes
- Wins over fighters like Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami, Nick Thompson, Paul Daley, and Robbie Lawler
There are other names on the list including other guys who’ve been “top 10″, guys who have gotten title shots, etc.
I really think Shields is another one of those guys where I have to claim I just don’t understand. Early in his career I know he leaned on his wrestling more (10 decisions), but his last 8 fights have ended via (t)KO or Sub. What more can you really ask of a fighter? He’s moved up in weight. He’s fought high ranked opponents. He’s finished his fights. I’m not asking people to put him #1 p4p, but there are some that still claim the guy isn’t even top 10.
My Hope
What I hope is that we get great fights tonight. I hope that all in attendance and all watching at home respect the athletes and the sport just a bit more after tonight. Unfortunately I know this isn’t likely to happen. Whether certain fighters win or lose there will be those ready to bash them. Would it be out of line to request that people at least realize that a fighter like Fedor isn’t going to prove his greatness in this one fight. On the same note he isn’t going to corrupt his legacy with this one fight either.
Fighters like Fedor, GSP, Anderson and many others have earned the position they have over many years and many fights. If you can’t acknowledge how incredible what they’ve done already is, then there is seriously no hope. GSP beating Hardy or Swick isn’t going to “solidify his legacy” and although I hope the Rogers fight is good, it won’t even begin to tell the story of Fedor.
Tags: fedor, gsp, rogers, Shields, strikeforce