Randy Quits the UFC

[Ari Bolden]

http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news_detail.php?nid=5085

[Marcus_CC13]

http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news_detail.php?nid=5085

I think this is going to open alot of peoples eyes.....the UFC messed up big with this one

They lost fedor
which made them lose Randy
there is no Heavyweight champion so this changes alot of things

It looks like the fighters are going to stat getting treated they way they want not the way Zuffa wants to run things

[Ari Bolden]

There will be a lot of speculation on this topic over the next few weeks. It will dominate forum boards everywhere.

This begs the question though: What happens to the UFC HW title? It also shows that the UFC has a terrible time 'picking up the pieces' when things go south. Just look at the situation with the LW title and Sherk. Have we seen or heard anything about a title defense? Nope.

In my opinion, if every UFC PPV doesn't have a title fight, it should have a number one contender fight for one of the titles. Some of the recent PPV have been really weak with ‘no movement’ in the ranks. The fans want to know where their fighters are going to end up and how close they are to getting a shot at the belt..

Let's see how this one unfolds.

On a side note: I think Randy and Fedor will be fighting in the next year.

[Dondo]

I agree wholeheartedly with you Ari, on several fronts. First, i'm with you on the fedor v. randy tilt still has a good chance of happening as soon as next year, randy isn't getting any younger and he at least has the desire to be the best and fight the best, which i can't say for fedor. second, i think this reflects horribly on the UFC and i firmly believe that randy's departure may open other fighter's eyes. i mean think about it, if the UFC can't make the sport's classiest guy happy, then how are they treating the "lesser" fighters. right now, i think Gary Shaw's concocting a HUGE offer to pitch randy on, at least i would if i had all his cash!! lastly, this whole lightweight decision is really agitating me, but at the same time, isn't that decision (sherk's appeal) not coming down until next month? that may be the reason for the delay. that division is absolutely loaded with talent. you could realistically turn that division into a PPV on its own. i'd love to see 5 fights featuring the likes of BJ (at what i feel is his most dominant weight), tyson griffin, huerta, guida, joe stevenson, ken flo, sherk and hermes once (if) they get clean. that's a solid mix of entertaining fighters. oh well, we shall see how these chips fall...

[Ryan]

According to articles I have read, Randy can't fight anywhere but UFC until his contract is fulfilled then he can fight anywhere he desires.

Here is my thoughts on the now vacant heavyweight title.
The winner of Vera vs Sylvia at UFC 77 should meet Cheick Kongo for the belt.

The future of Sean Sherk will be decided either this month or next. After the appeal process is through then Dana will probably make a decision. Last I have heard is that Sean passed a polygraph about the incident.

This is the bad thing about this sport is that a fighter can't fight for awhile after a fight if he is hurt or if something is pending with an Athletic Commission. Then once everything is healed up or straightened out he has to train to get ready for his next fight.

Also, you can watch a really great fight and then find out it was all for nothing the next few days when the drug tests come back.

[Marcus_CC13]

According to articles I have read, Randy can't fight anywhere but UFC until his contract is fulfilled then he can fight anywhere he desires.

Here is my thoughts on the now vacant heavyweight title.
The winner of Vera vs Sylvia at UFC 77 should meet Cheick Kongo for the belt.

The future of Sean Sherk will be decided either this month or next. After the appeal process is through then Dana will probably make a decision. Last I have heard is that Sean passed a polygraph about the incident.

This is the bad thing about this sport is that a fighter can't fight for awhile after a fight if he is hurt or if something is pending with an Athletic Commission. Then once everything is healed up or straightened out he has to train to get ready for his next fight.

Also, you can watch a really great fight and then find out it was all for nothing the next few days when the drug tests come back.


winner of Tim VS Vera should fight winner of Nog VS Kongo for the title
and if sherk is still found guilty is sounds like it will be BJ VS Joe Stevenson or possibly Kenflo on the December card

[Ryan]

Wow, Kongo is fighting Nog? Didn't know that. That should be good. Totally conflicting styles. I have to admit though that I am rooting for Kongo even though I am a fan of most BJJ practioners. My prediction? Vera vs Kongo for the belt.

I am glad they are giving Sherk a fair shake. I have to admit though that I can't imagine having to decide which lightweight should get the chance for the vacant title.

Does BJ Penn deserve it? He has only had 1 fight recently at lightweight against Jens Pulver. Not sure he should get it with less then 3 fights at lightweight even though Sherk got the title shot with no lightweight fights.

Huerta is an excellent choice but like others have said..... he is on a winning streak but against who? I think we will see why he deserves it against Clay Guida. Give him 2 quality wins and he will get a shot.

Frankie Edgar has come out of nowhere and decimated his opponents. I would like to see him beat Spencer Fisher and Kenflo before getting a shot.

Joe Stevenson clearly deserves a shot although I would like to see him with 1 or 2 more quality opponents such as Tyson Griffin, Clay Guida or Kenflo

Others who are within 2-3 wins of a title shot

Cole Miller- I think he is an exceptional fighter
Kenflo- finishes fights and making real effort to prove himself
Spencer Fisher- always gives 100%.
Clay Guida- exciting and always in position to win