gygax's smacks

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sam, you have been on an absolute roll lately. You and I usually are about 50-50 in agreement, but lately, I've found myself agreeing with everything you're writing! BTW, I saw your post on 5oz to me. If I see you tonight at the IFL, I'll definitely stop by and say "hi".

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

That review was like reading what I would write about UFC 82, especially its production. Great job Sam! I agree with basically every point you brought up. Rogan is getting better and better. It seems he's also being allowed to shake off the UFC leash more and more. See the ESPN interview last week as an example. The overall pacing was better and it was very nice with the lack of blatant advertising. Though the sponsorship doesn't go into effect until this summer, could the signing of Budweiser mean we won't have to see quite as much of the product placement, especially movies? I sure hope so. Once again, great review Sam.
On Fight Critic Part I: Thoughts on the production for UFC 82

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sam, since you'll be there tonight and I'm sure Gary Shaw will make an appearance, perhaps you could ask him a question. Does he have a response to Gary Turner in the wake of EliteXC scrapping his fight against Antonio SIlva? One week it Turner, the next its Ricco. Contract issues have been mentioned, but Turner is real pissed about how everything was handled and refutes all the contract talk. And isn't it convenient that a few days after Shaw challenges any UFC fighter to take on Silva, he dumps Turner and brings in the former UFC champ. Way to put the fighters first Shaw. If you haven't seen Turner's open letter to EliteXC, let me know. BTW, I'm really looking forward to seeing Eddie tonight against the tough Ebanez. It should be a great fight.
On ShoXC Preview and Other Random Thoughts

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sam, MMAJunkie is now reporting that Gina Carano is not on the Feb 16th card??? WTF?!? This is getting ridiculous. First Kyle Bradley, then Shane Carwin, now one of their premier stars in Gina Carano. Gary Shaw can talk all the crap he wants about how great EliteXC treats their fighters and what a dog Dana White is, but maybe he should concentrate on his own house a little more. Like why they keep advertising fighters as being on shows when they're not. Until we see a confirmation directly from Tank Abbott, are we suppose to worry about the validity of that fight? Stop the shenanigans, please!
On Shane Carwin not signed to fight Antonio Silva

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Showtime is still listing that fight Carwin-Silva. This is the second time in a week that they advertised a false fight. That’s crap. EliteXC better put a stop to that somehow. Its no different than the Japanese promotions putting out names of fighters that were never going to fight on a card to begin with. For example, Yarennoka advertised Arona up until about two weeks prior to the event. Meanwhile Arona had said he wouldn’t be fighting at that event in early November. I hope this doesn’t become EliteXC/Showtime’s habit of releasing fight cards without having them anywhere near confirmed. First Kyle Bradley, Shane Carwin. Garbage.
On Shane Carwin not signed to fight Antonio Silva

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Damn, it was too good to be true. Thanks for the update Sam.

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sweet! We finally get to see big Shane Carwin against an opponent of stature, Antonio Silva. That's great news Sam! Its gonna be a clash of two men who are huge yet athletic. Should be interesting.
On James Thompson's opponent for Feb. 16 named; Krazy Horse added to Kimbo vs. Tank undercard

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

That's more than fair and I appreciate your candidness. In the end, we'll get to see Alvarez fight and thats the best part. Once again, thanks for the info!

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Excellent news. Thanks for the followup on this Sam. Its good to know that we'll be seeing more of Eddie in the near future. One question I would have is why does EliteXC continue to wait until the last minute to make fights? If as of late last week, Eddie was scheduled to fight Carlos Quinlon and now suddenly he's been given Ross Ebanez. Even assuming Eddie knew of the chance that Ebanez would be his opponent as of early last week, that's still just 3 weeks preparation. People are always so worried about prep time (for instance, the uproar over GSP taking the Hughes fight on 6 weeks notice), yet EliteXC gives Eddie just 2-3 weeks prep time for a fighter like Ross, who likewise gets the same notice.
On Exclusive: Eddie Alvarez signs three fight contract with EliteXC; will headline ShoXC event on Jan. 25

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

I couldn’t agree more. When Wanderlei weighed in for the Pride OWGP in Sept 2006, he weighed 225.1lbs. Considering this was at the end of a training rotation in preparation for those fights, there’s little doubt that Silva walks around at the 225-230 range. Just as big of an issue is Rossen basically accusing Wanderlei of using steroids while in Pride, while trying to hide the accusation with the disclaimer of “you can read as much subtext into that as you wish”. Amazing how off of one loss to one of the greatest light heavyweight MMArtist of all time, suddenly Wanderlei is a blown up 205lber. I expected better journalism out of Jake Rossen than veiled accusations.
On The campaign for Wanderlei Silva to move to middleweight

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Thanks again Sam. I appreciate the info!!!

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Cool. I knew with your Philly connections, you'd be by far the best to ask about Eddie's status with EliteXC. I love watching him compete and would much rather catch it on Showtime rather than streaming on ProElite. Thanks for the info and I look forward to reading more.

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Hey Sam, is it true that Eddie Alvarez is going to be on the untelevised undercard of the upcoming ShoXC card? The guy headlines a major Bodog card and held their championship, will be fighting near his hometown and in front of his fanbase, and is an extremely exciting fighter. Yet he's relegated to the prelims on EliteXC's second level show? What gives?

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sam, if you like Jon Murphy, then keep your eye out for Shane Carwin. He’s another heavyweight prospect who has a lot of tools in his favor.
On CBSSports.com Article: Eight who will break out in '08

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Okay, I wish I'd stop hearing this stuff about the Shamrock's being blood brothers. They're not! 8 years separate them and they have never been friendly with each other. When was the last time they were seen together? I'd be willing to bet Gary Shaw doesn't even know that. Sam, its good to see you sit down with Gary Shaw. He sounds pretty much like every boxing promoter, always claiming to want to put on the biggest fights and such. If that was the case, he would have found a way to sign all the free agents he claimed he was going to sign, like Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou for instance. He likes to talk in circles saying "big fights are always being talked about". Stop talking about them and get them done please. To date, the biggest fights he's given us are Frank Shamrock vs Phil Baroni, and Robbie Lawler vs Ninja Rua. Good fights, but not what most would consider to be "big fights". (the Shamrock vs Gracie fight was forced upon him by the Strikeforce agreement) The biggest news coming out of that interview is that Gina Carano and EliteXC are clearly not on the same page either money wise or regarding her particpation in the American Gladiators show. Thats the first confirmation I've gotten that there is indeed a problem.
On Exclusive: EliteXC's Shaw talks Kimbo vs. Tito; Carano's next fight; and Shamrock vs. Shamrock

Smacked evolangel

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Thanks for the connection Angel. I look forward to checking out your blog.

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

I agree with everything you say Sam. And I used to be a big Hughes fan. But I have a problem with this whole cracked rib thing. NO DOCTOR in their right mind would allow a fighter with a documented fracture to compete. The chance of the fracture leading to a punctured lung or other organ laceration is just too great. I don't care what doc it was. Now Matt has said it was not the normal UFC doc, which likely would mean the guy is even more conservative. It was also curious that they did not show any of the footage of the doctor visit, something they have always done before, even this season. Did Matt request to not show the consultation due to medical privacy, something even their show contract cannot breach? Or was it this new doc? Either way, I think the whole cracked rib comment was a way of embellishing the injury, something that didn't need to be done. The pain from a bruised rib is easily enough to prevent him from competing. But if he said he had a cracked rib when in fact he did not, that would not be right.
On Randon Rant: Self-righteous Hughes still at it

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Great find! Sounds like its a pretty good listen. I'm going there now.
On Dana White on Couture vs. Fedor: Never say never

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Yeah, that's the nickname they've given the Prudential Center up in the North Jersey/New York City area. BTW, I've been a fan of yours for awhile and while I certainly don't agree with some things, I always appreciate your insight.

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sam, I don't see anything scheduled for the Rock on either February 16th or March 1, both Saturdays. February 16th might be a tough PPV day since its also the Kelly Pavlik-Jermain Taylor rematch on PPV. March 1 is the UFC 82 PPV, so thats out. With the amount of buys this initial PPV will get, a Friday date might not be a bad idea. February 22 and March 14 are open Friday nights. If I remember correctly, its also cheaper for an promotion to run a PPV on a Friday as opposed to a Saturday or Sunday. This is pretty awesome news for me. I hope it comes to fruition.
On Exclusive: First M-1 Global event could take place in Newark; possibly feature Fedor vs. Barnett

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Jeesh. What's next, Larry Merchant joining a broadcast? And I thought Bill Goldberg was a bad MMA color commentator. I love Al as a boxing commentator. He's actually one of my favorites when it comes to boxing, right there with Teddy Atlas. But as an MMA guy?
On Al Bernstein joins Steele Cage Promotions and the IFO as a commentator

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

While Pat Miletich has been far to classy to negatively comment on the Hughes departure from MFS, that hasn't been the case with all the MFS members. Ben Rothwell went on a few tirades in ripping Matt Hughes for a few things during his time in Bettendorf. While Rothwell is not an official spokesman for MFS, he is quickly becoming one of their more high profile team members and thus his comments represent MFS somewhat.
On Hughes says Serra getting the "easy way out"

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Sam, great read. Larkin's remarks regarding boxing, it current state, and the reasons for that, were simply the most well informed views I have read for a while and what I had been thinking was the case for a long time. The connection between boxing and the socio-economic classification of its participants is incredibly accurate. Thanks again for the interview.
On More Q&A with new IFL president and COO Jay Larkin

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Thanks Sam for staying on top of this. Wasn't it Gary Shaw who proclaimed that his fighters will be able to compete anywhere and would not be exclusive? Has that philosophy changed. BTW, check out Fight Network for a CRAZY STORY on Couture.
On Exclusive: Gary Shaw comments on Kimbo Slice and Nick Diaz signings

Smacked SamCaplan

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:58 PDT

Hey Sam, isn't it Ian Freeman who has been added as a coach, not Ian Hamilton? I honestly don't know. Thanks. The IFL/Rothwell situation really stinks. It makes good business sense from the IFL's viewpoint, but losing the red hot Rothwell really hurts their roster image. Hopefully, something can eventually get worked out though not in time for the Grand Prix.
On The IFL releases Frank Shamrock