Roundtable: What's Next for Michael Bisping?

Roundtable: What's Next for Michael Bisping?
Kingdom MMA Staff

Following Wednesday devastating loss to Tim Kennedy, Kingdom MMA discusses what's next for the poster boy of UK MMA, Michael Bisping.

Ben Heather - @benheather

What's next for Michael Bisping? I've been asking myself this question for the past two days and I've not really got any closer to a definitive answer in my mind. What I have got are a couple of suggestions though:

1) Bisping needs to get affiliated with a big camp and have a big named head coach, someone like Greg Jackson or John Crouch would really help Michael get back to fighting how we know he can. On Wednesday night the Bisping we all know and love unfortunately didn't show up and not only this, from what I could hear (having watched it back a couple of times) his corner didn't seem to help him during the rounds. The best I heard was "come on Mike you got to get up" but didn't suggest any possible ways to help improve the position or to actually get up.

The whole reason we have been told Bisping moved to The States was to get the best training partners and facilities available, but since going out to The States has pretty much won a fight, lost a fight with no win streaks or consistency. Yes he is fighting better fighters - until Wednesday anyway, but if he wants to get that title shot now he needs to win at least 3 fights and against very tough opponents.

I still believe the old Bisping before his eye surgery would beat Kennedy 9/10 times.

2) Who's next for bisping. The best thing that could happen for Bisping is that Luke Rockhold beats Tim Boetsch next Saturday and then Bisping can try and trash talk his way in to that fight which Rockhold has been calling for, for a long time. A win over Rockhold keeps Bisping in the top 10 but he'd still have to win a couple more to get the title shot he craves so much.

It's now a long road to the top for Bisping and it's not going to be easy at all. As for when I expect to see him fight again, well he gets married next month so I think you will be looking at the end of summer August / September earliest, and I really hope we see the old Bisping return to the octagon.

Chris Mazella - @chrismarzella

Going into the Kennedy fight I practically knew it was going the distance. Bisping would either box his way to a decision or Kennedy would wrestle the win away from him.

Despite the work he has done over the years, Bisping's wrestling is still suspect. If you put him up against a high level wrestler who has wrestled their whole life then he's just not going to win.

You really can't put any argument about that fight. It was a snoozer. Don't get me wrong, Bisping was going for it, but when a guy has the sole intention of taking you down and laying on top of you for 25 minutes there's not much you can do. To be fair to Bisping, he was coming off of a serious, potentially career threatening injury. Although it didn't show, there's no telling the impact that had on him and his performance.

Bisping is now in a tricky spot. Where does he go from here? He's 2-3 in his last five fights and hasn't finished anybody in Mayhem Miller in December 2011. Despite all that, he is still a draw. On a weekly basis there are countless call out from up and down the middleweight division, so there will always be fights out there for him.

I've seen calls for him to retire. He is nowhere near that stage yet. He's still competitive in the division.

There are two fights I would really like to see him in now.

Firstly, Mark Munoz. Both guys are at a similar stage of the career. Mid thirties. coming off of losses, floating around in no-mans-land in the rankings with no realistic hope of an imminent title shot. Munoz still has the small matter of taking care of business when he meets  Gegard Mousasi in Berlin on May 31. Regardless of the outcome of that fight, Bisping vs Munoz peaks my interest, it has the potential to be a war.

The alternative option would be Luke Rockhold. Rockhold sits in the top five, with a fight with Tim Boetsch set for UFC 172 in Baltimore. We already know Bisping and Rockhold don't like each other. Rockhold is the newer breed of fighter making his way up in the standings. Bisping may be the ultimate test for him and as far as Bisping is concerned, beating an up and coming fighter propels him back to where he wants to be.

For now let's end talk of Bisping retiring and hop that he get one of these two fights next.

Sam Heard - @samheard_

No one will ever doubt Michael Bisping’s ability to sell a fight but after Wednesday’s performance at the TUF Nations Finale there are those who now question his fighting ability. I was shocked when I read more than one person suggest that it might be time for The Count to hang up his gloves. Granted, his performance against Tim Kennedy was shockingly tentative, sluggish and generally underwhelming but we have on more than one occasion seen a fighter have a disappointing performance only to drop bombs in their next outing. It wasn’t so long ago that people were bleating on about how Shogun should retire after he was easily dispatched by Chael Sonnen only for the chorus of ‘OMG SHOGUN IS BACK’ to start on twitter after he hammered James Te Huna. Just because Mike lost a fight we all thought he should’ve won doesn’t mean his career is over. He was coming back from a long layoff having suffered a career-threatening injury so it was understandable that there were a few cobwebs.

Though the queue for a MW title shot seems to be getting ever longer, all Bisping can do for now is attempt to get back in the W column against a tough opponent and I believe that – dependent on their performances in Berlin – Bisping should be given the winner of Mark Munoz Vs. Gegard Mousasi. If Munoz wins this will mean they get to have the fight Bisping was forced to pull out of due to injury back in October while if Mousasi is victorious we will get to see a stand-up war between two high level strikers (rather than someone like Tim Kennedy lay on top of Bisping for 25-minutes). These are two match-ups I definitely like and were Bisping able to prevail over the winner of UFC FN 42’s Main Event he would definitely keep himself relevant in the division and get back some of his lost confidence.

Roundtable: Where Should Jake Shields Fight Next

Roundtable: Where Should Jake Shields Fight Next

With news breaking earlier this week that top 10 welterweight Jake Shields had been release from the UFC, Kingdom MMA writers Chris Houten, Chris Marzella, and Alex Dillon take a look at what the future may hold for Jake Shields.

Chris Houten - @Mrhouts
The UFC is the best organisation for mixed martial arts in the world, the same way the English premier league is arguably the best football league in the world, therefore both should be made up of the best of the best. In the case of the premier league, you would expect to see the best teams in the league, the same way you would expect to see the best fighters signed to the UFC. In the premier league the 3 worse teams go down, while boring to watch teams like Stoke City hang around because they did what they had to get the victories..... boring or not.  Why? Because football is a sport first and foremost, where the best compete against each other.

Jake Shields is the Stoke City of MMA, no one really wants to watch him, but if the UFC is truly a sport and the biggest league in its sports, then surely entertainment shouldn't come into it and we shouldn't even be having this conversation.

If Jake Shields is looking at his future beyond fighting then the offer from newly formed Titan FC his manager Lex McMahon mention on the MMA hour on Monday which includes equity might be the way Shields goes. He could may also consider ONE FC who by all accounts were willing to pay more than anyone else for similarly boring Ben Askren. From a competitive stand point though I'd like see Shields join WSOF where the best Welterweights outside the UFC reside. With the like of Palharus, Fitch, and Burkman as well as former champ Steve Carl, there is there is enough tough guys in World Series of Fighting to keep Jake Shields fighting at a competitive level and if he is still interested in competing for glory I expect WSOF to be his next home.

Chris Marzella - @ChrisMarzella
Once again we find ourselves talking about a guy firmly in the upper bracket of title contenders being cut. We've had Jon Fitch, Yushin Okami and now Jake Shields. The thing with Shields is his record. Look at the list of guys he has beaten recently. Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, both guys who have been discussed as title challengers themselves. Shields was brutalised by Hector Lombard but I really don't think that lowers his stock much at all.

You need to look at what's best for Jake now. Does he want the biggest and best fights? Or does he want to make a quick buck? He's 35-years-old now and will probably have one big contract left in him at this point. I can't see him heading to Bellator because quite frankly their welterweight division isn't worth much at all. Without wanting to sound disrespectful, theor 170-pound division is so far below Shields level it's scary.

The more exciting prospect is seeing him head on over to the World Series of Fighting and into a budding 170-pound division with exciting, credible challenges for him. Palhares, Burkman, Fitch, Carl. The welterweights is one division WSOF can use as its flagship weightclass and would be a perfect fit for Shields.

Outside of those two there is always of a one off with Ben Askren over at One FC.but then again, where does he go after that fight.

I for one am hoping to see Jake Shields in an WSOF cage in the near future.

Alex Dillon - @_alexdillon_
If I could sum up Jake Shields’ UFC run in one word it would have to be ‘disappointing’. Before his UFC stint, he defeated elite level fighters such as Dan Henderson, Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit which certainly had me thinking this guy could actually beat GSP when the time came. Ever since that fight he’s been on and off squeaking through fights with a few split decisions so to speak. There could also be the argument that he ‘peaked’ a long time ago and just didn’t have it anymore once he arrived in the UFC.

Dana wasn’t wrong when he recently referred to him as just ‘another guy’ in my eyes he’s not someone who can sell a UFC PPV or even put bums on seats for a Fight Night card.

So where does he go from here? Well the obvious route in my opinion is WSOF, you’ve got Rousimar Palhares who’s the 170lb champion there as well as Jon Fitch who’s the #1 contender. Two really intriguing match ups for Shields, both are elite BJJ guys just like Shields. On a more interesting note, Shields never managed to face either in the UFC so WSOF have a selling point already. Shields will also undoubtedly get a good contract there as well as opportunities to fight for the Welterweight belt so I can’t see a better option for him going forward.

Roundtable: Does Andy Ogle Deserve Another Fight in The UFC?

Roundtable: Does Andy Ogle Deserve Another Fight in The UFC?

On Saturday night Newcastle's Andy Ogle fought Charles Oliveira in Brazil at UFC Fight Night 36. A huge underdog going into the fight Ogle put in a noble effort arguable winning round 2 and looking good to take the third round as well before being caught in a triangle choke from the submission specialist which ultimately led to Ogle's 2 loss in a row, and 3rd in his last 4.

While Ogle has proved he is a tough guy taking on some real tough guys in his time with the UFC, one has to start questioning at 1-3 since making his debut for the promotion, how long will Dana and co. keep the 25-year old around.

The team at kingdom MMA discuss whether Andy Ogle deserves another fight, or if the bout with Oliveira will be his last under the promotion.

Chris Houten - @mrhouts
I've been impressed with Ogle since making his debut, the guy has held his own in some pretty tough fights. Although 1-3 in his last 4 fights,  Ogle is a better fighter than his UFC record suggests.

Since making his UFC debut at UFC on Fuel 5, Ogle has had a hellish run fighting top featherweights such as Oliveira, Cole Miller, Josh Grispi and Akira Corassani, and to his credit, he has held his own - its fair to say he has done himself and the UK proud.

Although Ogle hasn't looked like he could finish any of the opponents he has faced, which could ultimately be his downfall in the argument if he deserves another fight in the UFC, Ogle has shown excellent grappling and ground control beyond what the average fight fan would expect from a Brit.

There is no shame in losing to Charles Oliveira - the guy is a killer with his only losses coming to top 10 guys in Jim Miller, Donald Cerrone, Cub Swanson & Frankie Edgar,  as there is no shame in losing to 15 fight UFC vet Cole miller - the guy has had 15 fights in the UFC for a reason, he's that good. An argument could be made that Ogle defeated Akira Corassani also.

Its fair to say, no matter how tough Ogle has had it, he can't keep losing. I'd like to see Ogle have another fight in the UFC but I would total understand if he was cut.

Ben Heather - @benheather
For me this is an easy question to answer. YES

Andy Ogle is certainly a UFC calibre fighter, in my mind two issues have led to people asking will he be cut after his latest loss.

1) He has been matched up really badly in every fight.
2) He is too tough for his own good and has accepted to fight anyone, anywhere. To Andy Ogle getting offered a fight is accepting a fight.

Lets look at my first point. In his UFC debut he got matched up against Akira Corassani, a fight in which going in to it nobody gave him a chance and while we was waiting for the decision 99% of the crowd thought he won. If it wasn't for some poor judging he would have won that fight.

Next up he gets matched with and defeats Josh Grispi. Again, going in to the fight nobody gave him a chance but he proved everyone wrong again and dominated the fight winning this time on the judges scorecards.

Then he accepted, but had to pull out of the fight against Conor McGregor at UFC on FOX Sports 1. Once he was fully recovered he faced Cole Miller in Manchester. This fight was the first time we had seen Ogle dominated but even then in the third round he changed the whole fight around but it was too little, too late. Taking his UFC record to 1-2.

This past weekend he then faced Charles Oliveira in Brazil. This is the same Oliveira who last time out went toe to toe with Frankie Edgar for 15 minutes losing a decision in the co main event of the July 4th weekend card where Weidman defeated Anderson Silva. That is how highly the UFC rate Oliveira and when the fight was booked I thought Ogle had been thrown to the wolves again.

Now Ogle is 1-3 in the UFC a place no fighter wants to be however, I think he deserves one last shot on one of the european shows which have been planned for this year against another fighter who is like Andy Ogle a mid tier UFC fighter. If he gets matched up well for the next couple of fights I see Andy Ogle bringing his UFC record back to a healthier position. The fact he has taken the fights he has and only once pulled out of a fight has to be in his favour and I hope to see him in the Octagon again soon.

Tommy Strong - @strong_tea
Andy Ogle hit our screens on the first ever 'Ultimate Fighter Live' series back in 2012 where he defeated Brendan Weafer via unanimous decision to book himself a place inside the house.
I've got to admit, since the first time I saw Andy fight I've not been very impressed at all. Yes he's game, yes he durable, and yes he gives you 100% every time he fights. Though this simply isn't enough if you want to have a sustainable career within the UFC where the standards are set so high.

He made an impressive start inside the house defeating number Mike Rio via submission in the 2nd round, though lost his following fight in the quarter finals losing to Al Iaquinta inside the first round via TKO and forcing him out of a fight in the Ultimate fighter final. 

Ogle went onto made his UFC debut in Nottingham England where he narrowly lost to Akira Corassani via split decision. I've got to be honest. I thought he was very unlucky not to get the decision that night. If he had won that night , we might not be here now discussing about his future.

His style of fighting really doesn't lend itself to a mass market, and there is little appeal for me to go out of my way to watch him fight, this could be his biggest downfall here. We all know Dana and the UFC love fighters that come to fight regardless of the outcome. Look at Dan Hardy , Leonard Garcia, both went on long losing streaks and held onto there jobs because they entertained the fans. This I'm afraid just isn't Ogle's style of fighting.

At just 25 years old Ogle has his career still in front of him. In my opinion, he would be better off signing himself to a promotion like Bamma or Cage Warriors where he could build on his career and develop his game against fighters more on his level.

 

Roundtable: Our Favourite Memories of Chris Leben's Career

Kingdom MMA Roundtable: Our Favourite Memories of Chris Leben's Career

One Monday afternoon 22-fight UFC veteran Chris Leben went on the MMA hour with Ariel Helwani and officially announced his retirement from MMA.

Through his up and downs, wins and losses, one things for certain Leben was a fan favourite from the minute he stepped in the the cage until the day he left.

In wake of Leben's retirement, we pay homage to Leben's career sharing out favourite Leben moments with you.

Chris Marzella - @chrismarzella
It's quite sad that we won't be seeing Leben competing anymore. He was one of the few guys who, win, lose or draw, was always worth the admission. I've always rooted for those guys from the first series of TUF, we already had Griffin, Bonnar and Florian walk away, so it saddens me to see another of that group go into retirement. The way he quit on his stool in the Hall fight was the most un-Chris Leben thing that I could have imagined, if that was the way his career would have continued than I'd rather not see him do this anymore. His style of taking two, three, four punches to land one of his own has its limitations and he's walking away at the right time. At least we still have those memories of those insane Leben moments, of course the shock win against Sexyama, but the one that will live long in the memory is the night he knocked out Wanderlei Silva. They are practically carbon copies of each other and for Leben to bruatlise Wand in less than thirty seconds was just unbelievable to watch.

Sam Heard - @samheard_
Chris Leben’s career is a fascinating one in so far as it consists of such contrast; intense highs like knocking out MMA legend Wanderlei Silva as well as crippling lows such as his self-deprecation having his Ultimate Fighter shattered by rival Josh Koscheck. Many moments spring to mind as being the best of Leben’s long MMA career. One of my most prominent memories of Leben was his clinical beat down at the hands of former Middleweight champion Anderson Silva, simply put one of the most (if not the most) beautiful displays of MMA we’re ever likely to see in the Octagon. However, I think picking this would be unfair on Leben as clearly he was the one on the receiving end of this onslaught and would certainly rather not be remembered for it.

I would say my favourite memory of Leben was the personal growth which we all saw him undergo in the first series of The Ultimate Fighter. At first he was the outspoken, annoying loudmouth who was there to party rather than to advance his fighting career. By the end however, he had grown and we had seen the tender, emotionally fragile side to the man who – on the very first night – ‘spritzed’ (pissed) on Jason Thacker’s bed sheet. This personal development also allowed his friendship to form with Kenny Florian who had disliked Leben for the first few weeks. This may not be a fighting memory of Leben but it was this insight into his personality which kept me so interested in the career of the Crippler for all these years.  

Chris Houten - @mrhouts
Through his ups and down Chris Leben has always had one thing going for him, his ability to entertain fans. For his antics on season 1 of the ultimate fighter to his glorious knockout of Wanderlei Silva, Leben has provided me with a wealth of memories that while last a lifetime.

While Leben's knockout of Silva was beautiful, and I'll never forget the excitement I felt in the lead up to UFC 138 knowing I would be cage side for the first 5 round non title fighter, my favourite memory of Leben's career takes place during a two week period in 2010 where Leben came from behind to defeat Aaron Simpson by TKO then followed that up with a sweet triangle of Akiyama.

Leben was all heart. A beautiful brawler who would surprisingly fight better when he was hurt and I feel that two week period in Leben's career summed the man to a tee.

I have enjoyed watching every minute of Christian Leben's career.... Thank you for the memories Crippler!

Ben Heather - @benheather
For me the greatest Leben memory is easy. While it's certainly not his finest moment in MMA it is however one of the moments that hooked me in to the great sport of MMA. 

My favourite Chris Leben memory is having him headline my first live MMA event UFC 138 in Birmingham. The main event saw Leben lose to Munoz and end up in a bloody mess by the end but for what that event meant to me on a personal level and how it changed me from a casual fan to a die hard fan it has to be my greatest Leben moment and I feel honoured that I got to see him in action. 

If I had to pick a Leben moment in the octagon it has to be finishing Wanderlei in less than 30 seconds, it was a crazy fight and showed how good a fighter Leben really was. Now, looking back on his career it was the last time he was in the win column. Although he took a beating and didn't look the same fighter during those last four fights the win over Wanderlei was one of many highs and a great way to get his final win. 

All I would like to say is Chris Leben, thank you for the great memories and I salute you for making what must have been a tough decision to retire. You will always be a true warrior!!

Roundtable: 2014 End of Year UFC Champion Predictions

Roundtable: 2014 End of Year UFC Champion Predictions

by Chris Houten - @mrhouts, Tommy Strong - @strong_tea, Ben Heather - @benheather, Sam Heard - @SamHeard_

As we start a new year Kingdom MMA are taking a look in to the future with all of our magical crystal balls to predict who will be the champions in the UFC on the 1st January 2015. Once you have read our thoughts on each weight class, let us know if you agree with them and if not who you think will be champion.


FLYWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Demetrious Johnson
Possibly the easiest division to predict in all of the UFC, I generally don't see anyone touching Johnson at the moment. He is sharper than everyone else in the division, quicker than everyone else in the division, a better boxer than everyone else in the division and one of the best wrestlers at 125 as well. 

Tommy Strong:  Demetrious Johnson
Mighty Mouse has shown over the last year he's a cut above the current crop of fighters in the flyweight division, with three title defences in 2013 beating John Dodson, John Moraga and recently a stunning KO over Joseph Benavidez. Though it was Dodson who gave DJ his toughest fight to date, his speed and power gave Johnson real trouble.  But he still found a way to win.

With the arrival of Brad Pickett to the division, who is 1 of 2 people to beat Johnson, it shall be very interesting if they get to face each other again.

Though I predict DJ still being the champion by the end of 2014.

Ben Heather: Demetrious Johnson
Simply put Demetrious Johnson is the best flyweight on the planet!! He has already beat the top contenders in the division and I don't see him being troubled this year. I would love to say Brad Pickett could be champion, but at the minute he is still an unknown having not fought in the flyweight division yet, so I will stick with Mighty Mouse.

Sam Heard: Demetrious Johnson
No one imagined that Mighty Mouse had the power to put away long time #1 contender Joseph Benavidez, let alone in the first round. Johnson has now seen off the division’s top competition in style and I believe he should be able to continue his reign in 2014. His confidence must be sky-high. 


BANTAMWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Renan Barao
2014 will be the biggest year in bantamweight history, with Renan Barao taking on Dominick Cruz in a champion vs champion unification bout. While I wouldn't be surprise if Cruz comes out on top, I think Barao might be too much for Cruz who hasn't fought in over 2 years.

Tommy Strong: Renan Barao
It'll be over 2 years since Dominick last fought back in October 2011 defeating Demetrious Johnson to retain his Bantamweight title. It will be interesting to see if the time out with the ACL injury will take its toll on Cruz or make him a better fighter for the time off. Facing Renan Barao in February will be a very interesting fight, and Barao the current holder of the bantamweight interim title has all the tools and more to get his hands on the title.

Ben Heather: Urijah Faber
Man, Urijah Faber has to be one of the best fighters in the UFC to never hold a title. He wins every fight he has that isn't for a title but I think once Barao vs Cruz has unified the division, Faber will get his chance to get revenge against whoever is champion, a chance I feel he will come good on.

Sam Heard: Urijah Faber
Like a fine wine, Faber just keeps getting better and better with age. I thought his last fight against McDonald would be a difficult test for him but Faber was unchallenged as he picked up another submission win. Though he has already lost to Barao, that fight was very close and Faber seems to be the more improved since the two last fought (assuming of course that Barao beats Cruz).

 
FEATHERWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Jose Aldo
While it wouldn't surprise me if Aldo beats Lamas and commits to a move up to 155, I personally don't think it will come until the end of the year. I don't see anyone at 145 troubling Aldo.

Tommy Strong: Jose Aldo
I'll keep this very short and sweet! Jose Aldo is a beast for this weight. The only way I see Aldo not holding this title is if he decides to move up to Lightweight for new challenges!

Ben Heather: Cub Swanson
This is my most risky pick. The reason I have picked Cub gives away my next pick. I think Jose Aldo will vacate his title and move up to Lightweight in 2014 leaving a stacked division chance to move forward and the first fight to make should be Cub vs Chad Mendes in a rematch to decide the vacated title. I think Cub will get the better of that fight and become the next Featherweight champion.

Sam Heard: Jose Aldo
Even with an injured foot in his last fight against the Korean Zombie Aldo looked as good as ever. This year his biggest test will be the inevitable rematch against Chad Mendes whom he already overcame once in the very first round. Though knockout-machine-Mendes has looked vastly improved, I still believe the Featherweight division will be Aldo-town in 2014.


LIGHTWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Khabib Numagamedov
The lightweight division is a bit of a mess right now with 3 fighters in the division who can lay claim to being the number one contender - TJ Grant as was meant to fight for the title at UFC 164, Josh Thompson who was also meant to fight for it at UFC on FOX 9, and Gilbert Melendez who Dana White claimed was the number 1 contender after his epic battle with Diego Sanchez at 166.

So where does Khabib Nurmagomedov fit into all of this? Simple, with Pettis out injured the division will have to continue to fight each other. Sure it will take a lot for Numagamedov to get the title shot, but I expect Benson Henderson to beat Josh Thompson, knocking Thompson out of contention. I feel Grant may struggle with ring rust on his return. That would only leave Melendez who is rumoured to be fighting Nurmagomedov in the first quarter of the year. With a win over Melendez, Nurmagomedov would become no. 1 contender.

Tommy Strong: Benson Henderson
"Showtime" Pettis showed that his first win over then current lightweight champion Benson Henderson wasn't a fluke by defeating him via first round armbar! This division is stacked with talent, and on any given day we could see 3 or 4 different champions.

This is one of the hardest for me to try and predict, I'm sticking my neck on the line here: and the new Lightweight Champion: Benson Henderson.

Ben Heather: Jose Aldo 
As I said before I see Aldo moving up in weight. However I do not only think he will move up in weight but I think he will then get his shot and begin his reign over the lightweight division. This will lead to a lot of big fights at lightweight which will be great fun for all of us fans.

Sam Heard: Gilbert Melendez
The UFC’s most talented division’s title picture will be put on hold as champion Antony Pettis is out injured until mid-2014. Melendez, in my opinion, already did enough to earn championship gold with his (incorrect) split-decision loss to Bendo; this adversity should reinforce his determination to get another title shot with a different outcome.


WELTERWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Carlos Condit
While Johny Hendricks vs Robbie Lawler will see one of them crowned champion I don't expect either to hold the belt at the end if the year. While it really wouldn't surprise me to see Nick Diaz make a comeback in 2014 to fight for the belt, which I feel he could win. I actually expect Carlos Condit to be the champion of the welterweight division at the end of 2014.

With the retirement of GSP, Condit is the most well rounded fighter in the division. I expect Hendricks to beat Lawler to become champ, only to lose the title to Condit before the years out, with Condit picking up where he left off in round 3 of their first fight.

Tommy Strong: Johny Hendricks
With the devastating news that GSP will be taking an indefinite leave of absence. The UFC have announced that Johny Hendricks will take on Tom Lawler to decide who will become the new champion.

I'm pinning my hopes of Hendricks taking the win and holding the title he deserved in a controversial loss to GSP.  Again, this is another division that it wouldn't surprise me if it changed hands a couple of times this year.

If Hendricks can win the title, I think for 2014 he has the skills and power to hold onto the belt.

Ben Heather: Carlos ConditAt UFC 171 Hendricks will become the new welterweight champion. That same night Condit will get chance for a rematch when he wins the number 1 contender fight. Later in 2014 the two will meet and over 5 rounds I think Condit will be able to get his wish and not just be called interim champ but the undisputed welterweight champion.

Sam Heard: Carlos Condit
The likely winner of the vacant belt has got to be Hendricks. However, had his match against Carlos Condit been a five-round fight I firmly believe Condit would have won as he clearly had more left in the tank. Therefore if he gets a title shot I think he’ll get the W over Bigg Rigg. He first has to overcome Tyron Woodley which is no small task but if anyone can do it its Carlos.


MIDDLEWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Lyoto Machida
The middleweight division is by far the most intriguing going into 2014, with at least 4 or 5 fighters who could potentially be champion at the end of year. Regardless some of the fans thoughts, Chris Weidman is a worthy champion, and although he faces a tough test in Vitor Belfort, I expect Weidman to pass the test.

With a big win over Mousasi, I feel Machida could earn a shot as the middleweight title, and I think he has the skills to dethrone Weidman. Machida is a far better striker that Weidman and I think Chris Weidman would struggle to take Machida down. It really wouldn't surprise me either if Machida, knocked out Chris Weidman.

Tommy Strong: Vitor Belfort
Whatever you say about Weidman, he's champion and deserves to be. Beating Silva not once, but twice is no mean feat. With Silva going to be out for some time, and no word if he will return.

Up next for Weidman is Vitor Belfort, this In my opinion is an even harder test than Silva. Vitor has 3 knockouts in 2013 with victories over top ranked fighters, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and then the granite chinned Dan Henderson.

If this fights takes place in Brazil then Vitor has to be a firm favourite. I hope this happens in Las Vegas so we get to see a 'clean' Belfort and not one that has an advantage of being able to use TRT.

Ben Heather: Vitor Belfort
Even with his title fight against Weidman being in Vegas I think Belfort will pass all the required drugs tests. After all, we have just seen Antonio Silva fail a drugs test and if Vitor was still abusing the system he would have failed a test by now. I think Vitor's rise will continue and he will become a ufc champion again in 2014.

Sam Heard: Vitor Belfort
There is something preventing me jumping on the Weidman bandwagon and I don’t believe he will be the champion this time next year. Belfort had the best year of any fighter in 2013, consistently making some of the best fighters in the world look subpar. His hyper-aggressive style is probably as different a match-up to Silva as is humanly possible and I believe he can overwhelm Weidman.


LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Jon Jones 
With injuries to Pettis and Velasquez,  GSP retiring, and Anderson Silva out for at least a year if not for good, I expect 2014 to a busy year for Jon Jones, who the UFC will look to push in absence of some of the promotions stars. I expect Jones to run though his next opponent, Glover Texeria, and should be able to make the adjustment to beat Gustafsson.

I expect Daniel Cormier to provide Jones with his biggest challenge this year, but I think Jones wins this one also before committing to a move to heavyweight.

Tommy Strong: Jon Jones   
Jon Jones had the toughest fight of his career when he fought Alexander Gustafsson back in September winning via UD, which many thought was a very close fight and our fight of the year! Next up for Jones is the heavily hyped Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 in April. Glover known for his power and submissions will be up against it facing bones who has a reach and height advantage.

This one was a little easier for me to predict - Jones remains Champion.

Ben Heather: Jon Jones 
This is the easiest choice out of every division. Jon Jones is the pound 4 pound best fighter in the world and will still hold both that title and his UFC belt come this time next year.

Sam Heard: Daniel Cormier
DC will be making his overdue debut into the 205lb division this year and I believe that if he takes well to the weight-cut he possesses the tools to dethrone the current p4p #1 Jon Jones. DC’s Olympic-class wrestling is supplemented by his decent striking and athleticism. A win over Rashad who has himself looked fantastic of late should be enough to get him a title shot.


HEAVYWEIGHT

Chris Houten: Cain Velasquez 
I predicted earlier in the week in My Bold Predictions for 2014 that I don't expect to see Velasquez fight this year and I'm sticking to it. The champions injury seems pretty bad, and Velasquez has a history of delayed recoveries. Should Velasquez return to the octagon this year however, I do rather fancy Werdum's chances against Velasquez, should Werdum beat Travis Browne.

Tommy Strong: Cain Velasquez
Cain has surprised me since his defeat to JDS. After that defeat, I didn't think we would see him get even better. With two stunning and brutal victories in his rematches to JDS no one in the division will be relishing the prospect of fighting the Mexican.

Cain was due to fight Fabricio Werdum at UFC 172, though was forced to pull out due to an injury. With JDS unlikely to get a rematch anytime soon, and maybe the only fighter that could possibly give him a tough fight is his training partner (Daniel Cormier) and he is moving down to light heavyweight. I Think Cain will hold onto the belt for at least another year or two. But as we all know in the heavyweight division, it only takes one punch for things to change!!  

Ben Heather: Cain Velasquez
I don't see Cain fighting in 2014. I think his injury is worse than the UFC have let on. So therefore he will still be the champ.

However, in his absence I think a interim champ will be crowned and that man is Travis Browne. Whether it be against Werdum or somebody else I see his great run of form carrying on in to 2014.

If Cain is back I think Browne will get a shot at Cain but Cain gets the win in that fight to keep his title.

Sam Heard: Cain Velasquez
Perhaps the most stable champion in the entire UFC. The Mexican was steps ahead of JDS at UFC 166; the second best heavyweight is himself head and shoulders better than the rest of the heavyweight competition so this demonstrates just how good Cain is. The likelihood is his first test of the year will be Werdum who I am not massively impressed by.
 

STRAWWEIGHT (WOMEN)

Chris Houten: Carla Esparza
A lot of people are gunning for Jo Jo Calderwood to win TUF 20 and go on to be the Strawweight champion. I do see her doing particularly well, however I feel Carla Esparza has the wrestling background to neutralise the striking of Calderwood, gain top position and grind out a decision, should the two meet at some stage in the tournament. 

Tommy Strong: Carla Esparza
With the announcement of the UFC introducing a new women's 115b strawweight division, TUF 20 ( 'TheUltimate Fighter') will have a new look this year, with the winner of the show being crowned the new champion of the division.

I really can't wait for this. They have shown since the arrival of the bantamweights, they belong here and brought new excitement to the fans.

With 11 of the 16 cast named, we are yet to know who the other 5 might be. Of the 11 named, we are in for a real treat with the likes of Carla Esparza, Claudia Gadelha, Felice Herrig to name a few. We might even see the first British fighter crowned as a UFC champion in Joanne Calderwood.

In the end though, I think Carla Esparza has the tools to become the first Womens 115lb champ.

Ben Heather: Joanne Calderwood
Whoever wins the TUF 20 series will be the champ at the end of the year and I think Jojo is the British hope the UFC has needed to bring home a championship title. She is certainly a top contender and with a bit of luck in the house we could see her have that belt placed around her waist by the end of the year.

Sam Heard: Carla EsparzaArguably one of the harder classes to call as we can’t predict how the inhabitants of the all-new strawweight division will fair on the big stage that is the UFC. However, the former Invicta Strawweight champion looked comfortable at the top, dispatching an array of world-class opponents so she is the most prudent pick to be the champion come year’s end


BANTAMWEIGHT (WOMEN)

Chris Houten: Cat Zingano 
2014 is going to be the busiest and toughest year to date for current champion Ronda Rousey. Up first for Rousey is fellow Olympian Sara McMann who should provide a stern test for Rousey but one which I think she will pass. Waiting in the wings though are the winner of Davis vs Eye and Cat Zingano.

Having watched every fight Rousey has had as a pro I still feel she has flaws in her striking - particularly her defense, and I expect someone to be able to take advantage of these flaws awfully soon. 

Rousey is open to be hit and if Zingano catches her the same way she did Tate, it will be game over.

Tommy Strong: Ronda Rousey
Love her or hate her, Ronda is great for the UFC and MMA in general. If not for her, maybe we still wouldn't see women's mma within the UFC. The women have brought a breath of fresh air to the UFC and long may it continue.

Ronda is coming off a spectacular victory over her arch enemy Miesha Tait last Saturday via her trademark armbar. Great to see her back in action so soon, with the announcement straight after the fight that Ronda would face Sarah McMann a former Silver Medallist at the 2004 summer Olympics. If anyone can withstand Ronda's take downs it surely has to be Mcmann?

Though Sarah hasn't fought the calibre Ronda has, and not been in the spotlight with all the attention like Ronda. If Mcmann can't beat Ronda, I fear unless we see Cyborg fight, the title will be hers for as long as she wishes. 

Ben Heather: Ronda Rousey
I see Rousey defending her title a few times in the year and adding some more arms to her collection. UFC 170 will certainly be her toughest test to date though as McMann may be able to defend her incredible take downs.

Sam Heard: Ronda Rousey
After her recent victory at UFC 168 it would take a bold man to predict the end of the Rousey-era in 2014. Despite losing her streak of first-round victories, Rousey’s grappling and judo throws looked awesome against Tate. Although her striking still clearly isn’t world-class, I believe her amazing ground game will be enough to keep her on top.

Roundtable: Is Chris Leben Finished?

Roundtable: Is Chris Leben Finished?

 

On Saturday night Chris Leben lost a lackluster, one sided decision (in the eyes of everyone who watch it baring the one judge who scored the fight to Leben) to relatively unknown mid-tier Middleweight Andrew Craig, his third loss in a row.

Prior to fighting Craig, Leben had dropped back-to-back loss, including brutal doctor stoppage loss to Mark Munoz at UFC 138 a fight which later saw Leben pick up a drug suspension when the pain killer Oxycontin (nicknamed Hilly Billy Heroin in The US) was found in his system , and another lackluster performance where he lost to UFC debutante Derek Brunson at UFC 155 upon his return.

Having dropped 3 of his last 4 fights now, that leads up to whats next for Chris Leben....... Tom Rooney, Ben Heather, and Chris Houten discuss.


As a fighter do you think Chris Leben still has something to offer,  or do you feel his performance in his last few fights indict he should retire?

Tom Rooney: I think he's finished, and there's no shame in that. He's 1/4 in his last five fights and at this level of competition that's not good enough. The UFC have been very patient with him and supportive when he's had problems, if he wasn't such a long-time servant he would have been cut by now. He has big enough name in the sport that he could retire and probably get a good coaching gig in one of the better camps.

Ben Heather: In my opinion and I'm saying this as a fan of Leben's. I think he is done... He has been near the top of the division and even at his prime didn't make it all the way but as fans we didn't care. We knew he would put on a show and unfortunately his past two fights seem to prove that has changed now so I think it's time to retire.

Chris Houten: Only Chris Leben can decide when to call it a day but at this stage of his career it might not be a bad idea for some one to steer him in the right direct. Its a fact, he has struggled in his last 2 fight against guys not many people expected him to loss to.

Chris Leben has had a good career, he should be proud of himself, and bow out gracefully. He has already took enough blows to the head, he definitely doesn't need to take any more.

Has being an out and out brawler caught up with Chris Leben, or do you feel his performance can be attributed to his past drug addition  and the lay off due to suspension?

Tom Rooney: It's not that his style has caught up with him, but that the sport has surpassed him. Look, the drug issues will certainly not have helped, but relying on haymakers and having cement-mixer for a skull isn't enough in modern MMA. Today, as supposed to when he got started a decade ago, there are fighters that are as equally tough and hit as hard as Leben, but are also far more well rounded and technically proficient. Also, there are some many up and comers that are hungry as hell that would love to make a name for themselves by taking Leben out, at this stage of his career and where he is in the rankings, he doesn't need that kind of target on his back.

Ben Heather: I think it has to be a mixture of all of them. The damage he has taken in fights and still carried on going forward looking for the win has to take an effect on any mans body. No matter how fit/ goof your chin is going through that many wars over the years has to take away his ability to carry on... Surely!!

Then that combined with his personal issues and abuse of his body which led to time he wasn't able to fight and I think it's get us to where we are today. A Leben that gasses after one round and didn't look like he has the power in him for that big haymaker.

Chris Houten: I think it has to be a little bit of both. There is no way in hell you can keep going out there fight after fight, plodding forward taking shots all in the name of courage. Leben is a brawler, his whole career has been based on dragging guys into slanging matches, taking shots with the aim of landing bigger one - a style that probably got him in trouble with the painkillers in the first place.

At the same time Leben looks a shadow of himself since his return, he looks like he has no soul left. Drug addiction is a nasty place to be, and it feels like it has left him completely empty.

Should Leben continue to fight, do you feel he is likely to get cut from the UFC? If so who do you think he will sign for?

Tom Rooney: Yes. They guy has a lot of miles on the clock and is almost twelve years as a professional and when you take the drug problems into consideration, there is only so much a person's body can take. He looked so lethargic, almost broken on Saturday night. The sport is too dangerous and competitive for a guy to be fighting if he's not firing on all cylinders, that's how serious injuries happen. Dana White seems to really care about him, so if he's cut it will be done very tactfully and he'll probably find Leben a job in the company if he wants it -a la Liddell/Griffin. If chooses to keep fighting, Bellator might snap him up or, if he fancies a change of pace, he can come to Europe and fight for Cage Warriors!

Ben Heather: This one is simple for me. No Leben shouldn't fight again. I wouldn't like to see Leben fight for any other organisation but I also wouldn't want to see him get cut. A sit down with Dana where he is advised to retire even given a role to advise young fighters what could happen and try not to do like he did with his career would be better than to see him fight again.

Chris Houten: At this stage he deserves to get cut, but then so did Dan Hardy and look how he has bounced back. I know Leben has recently moved over to Alliance MMA and you never know it could see a change in fortune for him, but at this point I don't see it.

I also don't see many people willing to take a punt on him, least of all Bellator due to their Viacom ownership. If Leben does fight outside of the UFC, I feel the best he can hope for is World Series of Fighting.

If Leben were to in fact retire what would you fondest memory be of the man?
Tom Rooney: The pre-fight press conference in Birmingham before his might with Mark Munoz at UFC 138. He was in flying form, telling the journalists that the only food you can get in England or Ireland has to be boiled, fried or put between two pieces of white bread. The guy's a character and seemed to have a great rapport with the fans and journalists.

Ben Heather: My highlight on a personal level is him headlining 138 as that was my first live event. But a Leben career highlight was him taking back to back fights on 2 weeks notice. After knocking out Aaron Simpson he didnt just Fight but submitted Akiyama on just two weeks notice!! That sums up Leben in my eyes.

Chris Houten: Moment wise the one that sticks with me is Leben knocking out Wandi in just 27 second - Oh Wow, but I will mostly remember Leben for his heart and courage...... a true warrior!

Roundtable - Should Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar really be in the UFC Hall Of Fame

Kingdom MMA discuss the latest Hall Of Fame announcements

The guys at Kingdom MMA decided we would discuss the latest UFC Hall Of Fame announcements and see what our opinions are on Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin being inducted in to the Hall Of Fame.

Do you think that Forest and Stephan should be in the Hall of fame.

Tommy: I would prefer to see the fight inducted as it was a pivotal moment in the history of UFC. Regarding the fighters themselves its a little harder to justify.

Jack: I think Forrest absolutely deserves to be in but not Bonnar. I agree with Tommy, I like the idea of a section of the Hall of Fame being reserved for specific fights. There needs to be a way for this fight to be remembered but not necessarily Bonnar as a fighter

John: Griffin yes, Bonnar no. I agree the fight was probably one of the best in MMA history, but fighters shouldn't just get in to the Hall of Fame on one fight alone.

Forest as a fighter has stood out all of the time I've been watching fights. He always leaves it all in the cage and was a fan favourite for that. Bonnar on the other hand, I can only think of two fights he has been in of the top of my head.

Ben: Right well I am going to disagree with you all, I think that both men should go in to the Hall of Fame. That fight single handedly changed the whole sport of MMA and I think inducting them both is the least the UFC could do to thank them for what has resulted since. The UFC would not be as big as it is today without that fight. The fight itself, when it was and where it was broadcast has played a massive part of making the UFC what it is today.

I do however accept that Bonnar may be seen as a controversial choice due to his failed drugs tests especially how his career ended on a very bad note from what could have been the biggest moment in his career.

Chris: I personally would love to see Griffin vs Bonner the fight in the hall of fame, but do Griffin and Bonner deserve to be in the hall of fame just because the made the UFC a shit load of money of the back of there war.... hell no!

Fair enough Griffin has had a reasonable career, even briefly holding the UFC Light-Heavyweight Belt, but Bonnar, the guy finished 8-7 in the UFC and got busted for drugs twice in the meantime. I think its a compete disrespect to the many more talented fighters out there who have graced the octagon - Evan Tanner, BJ Penn, Frank Shamrock, Jens Pulver, Pat Miletich to name a few.

I also completely disagree with you to be honest, Ben. Griffin vs Bonnar didn't change anything about the sport of MMA, all it did was take it more mainstream. Maybe we should put the producer over at spike in the hall of fame as well because they decided to broadcast the show in the first place.

John: It put TUF on the map not MMA as a whole and it just goes to show that opinions vary a lot even amongst us and that the decision makers must have a lot of fun deciding who is awarded a place in the hall of fame.

Jack: I'd also like to quickly point out Chris' point about many more fighters deserving to go in is a very valid one in my book. Especially Evan Tanner and Jens Pulver. They are both legends that have accomplished much more and done a lot for the sport of MMA and the UFC

Tommy: You can't in my eyes induct two fighters into the hall of fame for one fight! No matter what it has done for the sport. I'm sure it would have taken off with or without that fight. Though i appreciate the significance of the fight, it should come down to more than just one fight. The Hall of Fame has to kept for special fighters and achievements.

Ben: I completely agree that a lot more fighters deserve to be in the hall of fame, but we have to remember its the UFC Hall of Fame and not the MMA hall of fame for that I still stick with my agreement for this decision to induct both fighters.

Chris: Seriously though, Bonnar over BJ Penn - have a word with yourself UFC!

Tommy: I'd even have Brock Lesnar in the Hall of Fame before those two!

Jack: Light Heavyweights alone Bonnar isn't even top 20. With his record he's not even close.

As you can see its a decision which has split the teams opinions, if you have an opinion please comment below to let the team know what you think about the latest Hall of Fame announcements.

Roundtable: Kingdom MMA on Vitor Belfort

Kingdom MMA discuss Vitor Belfort

by Ben Heather @benheather

On Saturday night Vitor Belfort turned back the hands of time and put on yet another brilliant performance. This time he knocked out Luke Rockhold in the first round in the main event of UFC on FX 8.

This performance got some of the guys from Kingdom MMA thinking. Is this Belfort's best streak? Is he the legitimate number 1 contender at middleweight in the UFC? Should he be inducted in to the UFC Hall of Fame? Our thoughts on these questions will be revealed below.

Belfort has beat both Bisping and Rockhold in his last two fights, is this Belfort's best streak of his career?

Chris: Undoubtedly, if it was anyone else right now the UFC would be lining up the fight with the middleweight champion as soon as the winner of Silva vs Weidman was decided.

Jack: If we add in dominant wins over Akiyama and Johnson also in his middleweight run its hard to argue otherwise, four brutal finishes in a row over top competition. It's Belfort's most consistent run and for me this is the best steak of his career to date.

Ben: You would have to say yes. For anybody to beat the calibre of fighters he has lately in Bisping, in a fight that would have finally given him a title shot had he won and then Rockhold who had also been mentioned in title contention its a brilliant run. As Jack mentioned its not just that he won the fights but the manner he did it by winning them both with brutal KO's.

Is Belfort better than ever or is the lack of current contenders at Middleweight making him look better than he is?

Chris: The middleweight division is strong right now, but Belfort has looked simple awesome since his loss to Silva. He is on a 4 fight win streak at middleweight, railroading Akiyama, making easy work of a good quality opponent in Rumble Johnson, and giving us two of the best KO's in 2013 against Bisping and Rockhold. Oh, and along the way he gave arguably the best fighter in the world, Jon Jones,  his toughest test to date.

Jack: As the old saying goes, you can only beat what's in front of you and beat them he certainly does. I think he's better than he's ever been and he's getting results. It's true there are a lack of contenders at middleweight at the minute and that's partly to do with Belfort kicking two legitimate contenders to the back of the queue.

Ben: I think that the Belfort of 2012/ 13 is better than ever, there is one fight that makes me think this and it was the one he lost to Jon Jones. Nobody has come close to beating Jones before the Belfort fight. Belfort proved in that fight that he has the ability to compete with the very best in the world and at Middleweight I only see Silva who is better than him.

Do you think Belfort is the next challenger to the UFC Middleweight belt?

Chris: I wrote in my UFC on FX8 predictions last week that Belfort deserved to be the number 1 contender based on performances, but how can you put a guy who is known to be on a performance enhancing drug in title fight... Especially when he's such a dick about it! Threatening to beat respected journalist up for asking about it is just ridiculous, and can you imagine if he became the champ.... he can't even get a license to fight in the fight capital of the world

Jack: Yes. He was humiliated in the 1st fight with Anderson Silva but he's comeback in the best possible way. No one else deserves the shot and you can sell a rematch. Who doesn't want to see it? It's fireworks and there's likely to be a KO of the year contender again.

Ben: Yes no doubt about it. Belfort has the best recent record at middleweight, excluding Anderson Silva. He has beat more top fighters than Chris Weidman who is getting his title shot in July and so in my opinion deserves his rematch. As Chris mentioned I think what he did in the post fight press conference by going on the attack when a journalist questioned him about TRT is completely unacceptable and not how a potential champion should be behaving.

Is Belfort a future UFC Hall of Famer? Or will the failed drugs test and TRT use overshadow his career?

Chris: With four KO's of the night, a Heavyweight tournament title, a light heavyweight title, and a host of impressive win, Belfort certainly deserves a place in the UFC hall of fame, I'd be disappointed if his recent issues with TRT saw Belfort miss out on the place he deserves, but I'd also totally understand if he was never to be included. 

Jack: I think you can say yes to both questions. There is no doubt in my mind Belfort will be in the hall of fame. I don't like the idea of fighters being inducted into the UFC hall of fame based on past wins in other organisations Mirko Crocop for example. Belfort deserves induction though. He won the light heavyweight championship nearly 10 years ago and 1st competed in the UFC 16 years ago. That he's still competing at the highest of levels is pretty amazing. Is TRT helping him to stay at that level? Probably and that will no doubt taint his resume as well.

Ben: I think yes he should definitely be in the UFC hall of fame. The problem Belfort has currently is that anytime an article is written about him or he takes part in a interview at some point you know the TRT question is going to be in there. However as it stands the UFC are happy to put him in fights knowing he is on TRT with his previous failed drugs test so on the same basis it shouldn't be held against him getting his deserved entry to the hall of fame.

Kingdom MMA Roundtable on the talking points from the Tate vs Zingano fight

Kingdom MMA discuss the potential controversy from Saturday nights women's no 1 contender contest

by Ben Heather @benheather

Since Saturday night it seems that everyone who saw the Miesha Tate vs Cat Zingano fight this weekend at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale has been debating some talking points from the fight. So now the guys at Kingdom MMA will throw our opinions in to the hat for you all to read.

Was the fight stopped Early?

Chris: For well over a year its seems the standing joke amongst MMA fans on twitter is that Kim Wimslow is going to end up letting someone die in the cage, with her late stoppages. While this is a gross over exaggeration, you have to admit she has put some fighters in serious danger since her debut. Controversy is never far away in a Wimslow officiated fight, and it appears this fight was no exception.

I've seen a lot of people talk about an illegal knee, the fight was stopped too soon etc. but to be honest I think Wimslow did a pretty good job in this one, in fact one could argue she would have been justified to stop the fight before Tate even stood up - from my point of view Tate certainly wasn't fighting back or intelligently defending herself.

John: When I watched the fight live I thought it was stopped early but after watching it a few more times I think the stoppage came at the correct time. Tate had just eaten four well placed knees followed by an elbow that dropped her against the cage. I think she was one shot away from lights out.

Ben: If I am honest I thought at the time that Tate was taking punishment which she did not need to take at the end of the fight and not wisely protecting herself. When she took the four consecutive knees to the head that ended the fight as a battle and could have been stopped then. By the time the elbow came in Tate did not know where she was.

Watching the fight back..... A LOT, there is no way that Tate was going for a take down. She dropped and put her hands on the floor. She didn't drop and grab Cat's legs and at that point Kim Wimslow saved Tate from any further punishment.

Were the knees legal at the end of the fight?

Chris: While I would have been happy for the fight to be stopped on the ground, when Tate managed to get up the first knee that landed certainly did look illegal. That being said I don't think there was any malicious intent there, and realistically the damage was already done. Personally I would be keen for a review of the definition of a downed opponent - a finger on the floor does not make you a downed opponent if you ask me.

Ben: The opinion I take on this is that if it was illegal it was so close that you can't blame Kim Wimslow for letting the fight continue. If it was such a big talking point and as controversial as some people on the Internet have been making it out to be, then why didn't Jon Anik and Kenny Florian mention it.... at all!! The answer is because in my opinion there is nothing to discuss.

John: I think the first one was, just. Tate was just about to stand up as Zingano was throwing the first knee. Its not like Tate was trying to stay a downed opponent she was fighting her way back to a stand up position.

What you thought of Tate's conduct after rd 1. (Pushing Cat's face away)  

Ben: This to me was the most controversial moment of the whole fight and it seems to have been swept under the carpet. As far as I am concerned what Tate did was a punk move!! She had no reason to put her hands on Cat's face after the buzzer. I was backing Tate going in to this fight but as soon as she did that I wanted Cat to make her pay and was pleased when she got the TKO finish in the third.

John: No matter what people say before or during a fight, if you like the person you are fighting or not you should never put your hands on an opponent in between rounds or after the fight. You are martial artists who do this as a job and not some drunken yobs fighting on a night out, LEARN SOME RESPECT.

Chris: Someone needs to explain the whole martial artist = respect thing to the Tate / Caraway family. From Tate pushing off Zingano's face to stand up, to Caraway promising violence on women his girlfriend can't beat, it's terrible behaviour and one can't help but feel they got what's coming to them.

Who wins the UFC Women's bantamweight title fight Cat or Ronda?

Chris: While Zingano certainly could have success on the feet against Rousey, I see the fight going just like all the other Rousey fights. Zingano proved she is good on the ground in the Tate fight but she did end up in a Tate armbar at one point in time, and although she managed to defend it and eventually escape, Rousey will take her arm home if Zingano allows her anywhere near it. Expect a ferocious few minutes of dirty boxing against the cage, followed by Rousey take down, Rousey armbar attempt, Rousey first round submission victory.

John: I think this is Rousey’s toughest opponent yet no doubt. I think Rousey will have to come out pressuring from the start and try and get her trade arm bar quick before Zingano gets going. Zingano over powers Rousey all day long, if she finds her range early Rousey’s in trouble. Remember Rousey nearly came unstuck against Liz Carmouche when she took her back and was really cranking on Rousey’s neck but couldn’t quite sink it in fully. Should be an interesting fight to watch.

Ben: Cat's heart and determination to get through some tough times in the first two rounds against Tate makes me think that she may be the first person to take Rousey to the second round.

However the way Rousey has dominated all opponents and even though they all know and I imagine trained non stop on preventing and getting out of armbars she has still locked on and got the tap. I can't see anyone taking the belt away from Ronda anytime soon.

In the end somebody will be picking up that first career loss and if the women's fights in the UFC have been anything to go by so far, what I can guarantee is that it will be an absolute war.

Roundtable: UFC Sweden Main Event - With or Without Gustafsson

Roundtable: UFC Sweden Main Event
With - Ben Heather - @benheather, Chris Houten - @houts4thewin, & Tommy Stong - @strong_tea

With the recent reports that Alexander Gussafsson suffered a cut in training this weekends main event hangs in the balance, do you think the fight will go ahead as planned?

Ben Heather: I think the UFC will do everything they can to let Gus fight, however if its a cut over his eye as Mousasi said on MMA hour the fight could be stopped in seconds if it gets opened up. Which is also not what the UFC need so in my opinion I don't think it will happen.

Tommy Strong: I agree with you Ben, the UFC will do everything they can to put this fight on. Gustafsson will be desperate to fight in his home country, and The UFC will not want to find a replacement and with no obvious replacement it would be their worst nightmare. Somewhat inflicted by themselves due to a very weak co-main event!!

Chris Houten: I know Dana is saying the fight is still on, Gustafsson still wants to fight, Mousasi is still traveling and so on, but from what I have heard, Gustafsson is look at a heal time of 3 to 4 weeks. The Swedish MMA Federation president George Sallfeldt told Swedish MMA website MMAviking.com earlier today it would be a miracle if Gustafsson healed in time, I just can't see this fight going ahead.

If Gustafsson cant fight on Saturday is there a suitable replacment to fight Mousasi on short notice?

Chris Houten: I say the logical replacement is Jimi Manuwa. To start with he is available, he didn't take any damage in his last fight, and he is the most local light-heavyweight available, therefore would travel better and could cut weight easier than any American or Brazilian would.

The thing you need to consider though with Manuwa is he has always been cautious with his career. If you look at the 2 times he has turned down the chance to sign with the UFC it makes you think he might turned down a tough last minute fight, all be it one which could really propel him into the upper echelon.

Personally I think Mousasi will be pulled from the card and the fight rescheduled.

Ben Heather: In my opinion if Gus can't make the fight this weekend then I would like to see Jimi fight too but the guy can't go from prelims to main card once then headlining but if needed I suppose it could happen.

I think they need to look at the schedule and bring someone in. The next legitimate light heavyweight fight is Phil Davis vs Vinny and that's a month away and I can't see one of them stepping in as they both want that fight with each other!!

So like Chris, I agree if the fight with Gus does not happen then the fight will be pulled and potentially fought again in the future.

Tommy Strong: If Gus isn't fit for Saturday , I really don't see an obvious replacement out there. Maybe Phil Davis who has a fight lined up later in the month with Vinny Magalhaes. If I would like to see the fight rescheduled if it doesn't go ahead. Jimi Manuwa is on paper a great tear up, but as Chris said Jimi is very cautious and taking on such a tough opponent on short notice isn't wise for his career!

Ben Heather: Especially when he still has his undefeated record it could make or break his career.

What will become of UFC on Fuel 9 if a replacement isn't found, and Mousasi is pulled from the card?

Tommy Strong: Really struggling to think of who could headline if the main event is pulled. We have a co-main that quite frankly shouldn't be! Two heavy weights in Matt Mitrione v Phil De Fries in a battle that will see who gets cut, then an actual real ding dong fight in Brad Pickett v Mike Easton!

The UFC have once again shot themselves in the foot not having a back up co main event in case the main card doesn't happen.This is why i see the fight going ahead!

 Chris Houten: Its safe to say Ross Pearson vs Ryan Couture is a pretty disappointing co-main event let alone main event. I guess there is the possibility of adding another fight to this card - The Ultimate fighter final is the week after, and a fight that springs to mind is Browne vs Gonzaga as both guys won't have a weight cutting schedule to keep to, but I don't see it happening.

I say Pearson vs Couture main events the card, and there will be fight which goes down as 'the fight before the main event'. I think the only bonus is the possibility McGregor could be bumped to the main card.

Ben Heather: If the headline fight gets pulled your going to have an arena of Swedish fans who will not be happy with anything other than the original fight which puts everyone in a bad situation.

I think logically on a stacked card the co main would fill the position easily however in this instance that's not the case. Like Tommy said the Pickett vs Easton is the fight I would move up but still its not a main event fight after Picketts loss in his last fight.

For me I think the only thing the UFC can do is put together a one week notice fight or move a fight forward a week or so but in doing so I don't think you will get top guys accept that deal.

So in my opinion its gonna take that big fight to keep the fans happy and I can't see it happening.

Chris Houten: I don' think the Swedish will take it too badly. From what I have seen on twitter they seem pretty happy to just be getting a card. Its a different territory then the UK where even without the UFC sees some pretty big fights put on, and has see some the UFCs top stars. I say they take it on the chin, and end up going home happy, because if we are honest there is some pretty damn good fights on this card with or without Gus.