UFC 85: Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben? (Update)
by MMAmania.com on Apr 22, 2008 12:51 PM EDT
129 comments
Preface: This is a theoretical post for the most part and not a fight announcement. UPDATE: MMAmania.com has just learned that Leben has signed a contract to fight in London ... hmmm.
Sherdog.com is reporting that James Irvin is being considered as a possible replacement for the injured Chuck Liddell to take on Rashad Evans at UFC 85 in London, England, on June 7.
That doesn't seem to make much sense ... not as a main event, anyway.
Of course, options are limited because there aren't too many marquee match ups that can headline a major UFC event with about six weeks notice. Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch for the welterweight title would be the logical fight -- both fighters are in shape.
However, "Rush" has complained about some injuries (shoulder/hand) in some post UFC 83 fight interviews. And it's doubtful that he would risk further injury and take a big fight less than 100 percent on short notice.
Moving the 205-pound showdown between Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine slated for UFC 84: "Ill Will" is an option. However, booking a 185-pound tilt between sluggers Michael Bisping and Chris Leben might be a better one.
Why not?
Sure, it doesn't have a Liddell-type draw ... but what fights do besides others that include Tito Ortiz? And we all know that's not going to happen.
Leben called out Bisping and "The Count" is a popular local attraction. "The Crippler" is one of the best personalities to market a fight -- love him or hate him -- and is on a nice little run.
No matter what happens it's safe to say that fans are going to complain short of a title fight. And those chances are slim. In short, the ace up the sleeve right now is to include Bisping on this card and hopefully add another solid match up (who knows -- that could be Evans vs. Irvin after all).
Let's remember: There are some nice fights already slated for this event such as Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick, Brandon Vera vs. Fabricio Werdum, Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites ... this list goes on.
Add two more solid, high-profile fights -- one that includes Bisping (who has already been a main eventer in New Jersey of all places) -- and that might be the answer.
Time will tell.
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Bisbing vs. Leben would make we really like this card.
by DonnyG on Apr 22, 2008 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bring it on! I am sooooo Down for this match!!! This would make a great fight for the main card, but then we still need to find a main event… Sign Ricardo Arona and let him fight Rashad!
by john on Apr 22, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Leben should be cut from the UFC!!!!!! He deserves to be fighting in the WEC at BEST!!!!!
by john on Apr 22, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
YEAH, and Ed Herman is THE MAN! LOLOLOLOLOL
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like sakara, but that said, his last fight disappointed, I thought he’d be a contender at MW
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what..c’mon man..Leben only lost to Silva and Starnes…That’s it. Sakara never belonged anyway
by Anonymousf*ck on Apr 22, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah and we all know how good starnes is!!! LOL
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Herman and Sakara references were personal jokes make towards John. Sorry for any confusion.
I believe he made a certain statement about Leben belonging in the WEC just to get under a certain poster’s skin….. LOL
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ViolentMike: U r right! I was just breaking balls. I wanted to stir things up and see how long it would take you to defend Leben.
For all you that thought I was serious, I am actually a fan of Leben’s. Ho0w could you not be, he isnt the most technical fighter but is always happy to let the leather fly.
IOnce again, just goofing!
BTW, Allesio Sakara is the only threat to Anderson Silvas Title! LMAO! I cant even type that with a straight face. lol
by John on Apr 23, 2008 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOLOLOL. I still wish we had a side wager on the Leben/Sakara fight in addition to our bets on BetUs….
by ViolentMike on Apr 23, 2008 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont! It wouldnt have worked out too well for me!
Leben has really stepped his game up in the past year. Combine that with his Iron Jaw, its going to be very hard for me to pick against Leben!
by John on Apr 23, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say put Anderson Silva in with Okami it isn’t a lot of time but it is a major fight that is still out there without moving around any other fighters. Leben vs Bisping is a good fight one I would love to see but not really a main event.
by Tim on Apr 22, 2008 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was my first thought too. I like the idea of a Bisping-Leben fight, but Siva-Okami would be much better. Especially since they should both be ready to fight by then and aren’t currently scheduled. I think that adding both fights would make this a very solid card. I’m really looking forward to the Davis-Swick fight and the Marquart-Leites fight as well.
by GregC on Apr 22, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okami is rehabbing a broken hand at the moment. It can’t happen so soon can it?
by RobH86 on Apr 22, 2008 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This would be a good fight for both fighters. Bisping’s got a good name for Leben, and Lebens got a good overall game and will test Bisping’s chin.
by JV on Apr 22, 2008 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I say add a couple of non-main event fights and give it to us free on Spike. The Brits will buy the tickets regardless, especially if Bisping is on the card. I’m sure he’d love to fight in the UK again!
by Jason on Apr 22, 2008 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
balls! im going and im british and im digusted that this is being considered as a main event. most brits hate bisping anyway! bisping silva title shot! now that i could handle whether he deserves it or not!
i am gonna miss chuck! grrrrrrrrr!
by clint burger on Apr 23, 2008 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no shit… june 7 is plenty of time for gsp to heal up and defend …common
by PATRICK on Apr 22, 2008 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thats less then 2 months no way will he take that fight he likes to take at least 3 months to prepare for a fight im telling you there is a zero chance you will see GSP fight before july if we are lucky we will see him fight in august. which will be a one round killing of fitch
by Canadian crippler on Apr 22, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe you’d suggest moving the Wanderlei-Jardine fight off the 84 card…
That is one of the main attractions and for you to mention that as a possibility is irresponsible.
I’m all in favor of CREATING a new match-up for that card rather than shuffling around existing fights and potentially watering down what is likely the best UFC card so far this year…
The 84 card already lost a big-time matchup in Rashad vs Thiago Silva, so F**k You if you think it’d be cool to just move over a fight that has already been promised to those who have paid good money for a ticket.
UFC — PLEASE DO NOT FURTHER MODIFY THE 84 CARD!!!
Thank you.
by Trip7s on Apr 22, 2008 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this rumor came out yesterday, and I said the same thing!! 84 is stacked, don’t take it away from us, but Silva is an overseas draw due to all his fights in Japan. It wouldn’t surprise me, but I’m praying they don’t do it. June 7 is looking VERY weak, so just keep it that way, no fight short of anderson silva/gsp can save this card
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually wouldnt mind moving the wanderlei fight over to UFC 85.
Think about it, UFC 84 is stacked, and it has a few prelims that I want to see like Sokoudjou vs. Nakamura
Wanderlei is HUGE in EUROPE!!!! and June 7th happens to be my bithday….so I wouldnt complain, its only like 10 days apart. Come on, I could wait 10 days to watch a Wanderlei fight.
by john on Apr 22, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoa..my birthday is june, 7 too john, maybe thats why we both are so smart!!
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am with you. I paid $1000 dollars for me and my wife to go live and part of that is to see Silvia/Jardine. Please, please don’t even talk about moving that fight. 84 has been messed with enough already.
I buy every single PPV, but they need a real main event for PPV. Evans/Irving and Leban/Bisbing sounds more like free on Spike to me.
by bnf on Apr 22, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the reason why they will move a fight around is because they have already said it will not be on spike and there is no way i will buy a ppv with evans and irvin and the main event you have to look at the big picture whats good for the UFC
by Canadian crippler on Apr 22, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whats good for the ufc is having a monster card for 84. I too buy every ppv, bbut 2 weeks later, not everyone does that, so 85 isn’t gonna sell anyways
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BNF, I guess u are right. Many people like u, probably paid some good money because of the wanderlei fight and u deserve to see it LIVE.
by john on Apr 22, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great idea, mania. One of the reasons why I love this site. You guys always throw out alternative options.
Bisping-Leben would be huge in London. The fans might not leave very happy though. Leben has a rock hard chin and a very good chance to win that fight.
by Sebowski on Apr 22, 2008 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll add that the winner of Bisping-Leben gets a shot at Franklin.
by Sebowski on Apr 22, 2008 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah man, that is a good call. I like Leben’s chances, considering he’s a major bruiser, with an iron chin. Leben’s on a roll, and Bisping has a something to prove in his new division. I like this fight, let’s see it happen.
by GodDamnMike on Apr 22, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the Irvin/Evans match-up, and I called Bisping/Leben a week ago. But that only draws main event status in England where Bisping is from. They will put asses in seats, but not too many ppv buys. Is GSP that worried about fitch? I don’t see that fight going any different than the Serra fight went. Vera (one of my favorite fighters) isn’t a draw at the watered down HW division, he should stop cominh in at an overweight 220 pounds and just cut the extra 15 pounds and be a force at LHW. In my opinion (and as I said he’s one of my favs) he’s content in the weak HW division, at LHW he might just have to work since it’s stacked
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You called Bispin/Leben a week ago??? HUH? You have been on here for a month saying after Bisping runs through Tupperware he will fight Franklin. And he will kill Franklin. And then he will get a shot at Andrson Silva – all before the end of 2008.
THAT’S what you’ve been saying, over and over and over and over….
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed, then yous aid franklin might be to strong and I said lebe, with franklin/ hendo fighting, then the 2 winners. I actually have agreed with you mike
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok mike, but I do still think bisping will be a contender, just maybe one extra fight…leben, franklin then silva
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He couldn’t be a contender at 205, he was simply too small. MW suits him much better. As of now, I am rooting for him to be successful (unless he fights against Leben or Hendo, but as of now, he ain’t fighting Hendo soon)
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i say rich/hendo,leben/bisping, cote/kampan. let b.j fight siva( once he demolishes sherk). and then you have wandi possibly moving down and gsp moving up soon, WHEW! the mws are starting to look like the lws. loaded! plus i forgot this years tuf is mws so there could be a few studs from that in a couple years.
by b.w. on Apr 22, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just read brandon vera’s 1 year goal is to be HW and LHW champion.. Could happen, if he can win HW, he’ll be quick and a beast at 205…
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he can get his ass in the gym and make 205. what was about 225-230 for his last fight. he has to beat werdum to remain a contender, no easy task, but ithink he can do if just trains right. training hard is not to much to ask is it?
by b.w. on Apr 22, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Irvin? Really? The guy gets one Flash KO against a 2hit wonder in Houston Alexander and gets a Main Event fight?
I really think they should get Koscheck and Sanchez together again..
by jerrolds on Apr 22, 2008 1:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
not a main event, but do you watch mma?? Irvin has some good wins and some exciting losses, I can’t remember a boring fight he’s ever been in…but you probably have only seen one fight against an over rated over hyped Houston “I got no ground game and a weak chin” Alexander
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Face it – the only reason Irvin is even considered is because of his record breaking flash KO of alexander, before that ppl might only remember him from his flying knee on terry martin back in 2005
And yes – i’ve been a fan for many years, although i cant say the same for you based on your comments here
by jerrolds on Apr 22, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
James Irvin vs Terry Martin was boring as hell!!!!!!!!, until the flying knee
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would love to see Diego get revenge on Kos.
by Z on Apr 23, 2008 6:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the idea of Bisping against Franklin better. Leben should fight Jason Day after his win over Belcher.
by Ballam on Apr 22, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why have Leben move backwards? He is on a winning streak and has 8 wins inside the octagon. Not too many people walking this earth can say that.
DoomsDay can enjoy himself on the undercard for a couple more events until he gets waxed by a mid-lower-tier fighter in the division.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why disrespect him like that. He just had his debut and from what I saw was very impressive. He comes too fight, has good skills, and is game. Thats all I ask for. His fight was better than most of the main card. If uve got a reason to say what u did, Id love to hear it.
by Harry Triangle on Apr 22, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll give you that Harry Triangle. I guess I was just flabbergasted at the thought of Leben vs Day, lol. Day did win, but don’t get all excited that he beat Belcher. Who was Belcher’s biggest win against so far? Kalib Starnes. Enough Said.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bisping vs Leben.
Henderson vs Cote? think he might have a fight in July
Rashad and Irvin would be nice. Irvin didn’t really break a sweat his last fight so he should be good to fight.
That would make up for it.
by vin on Apr 22, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
cote cant find henderson he fight almida next which should have huge standings on it for number 1 contender
by Canadian crippler on Apr 22, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think that the Silva fight is big enough to be a Main Event. You need a title holder or a former title holder who has a shot at getting the belt back. Silva/Jardine isn’t that fight.
I think that Leben/Bisping would be a great fight, just not a main event. The UFC needs to put on a really great show as I think the last one they put on in England was a little light.
I heard someone say Nog/Arlovski, contrasting styles with Nog’s great chin. I just don’t know that Arlovski has earned that yet or that his contract is going to get sorted out.
The guys at the UFC have their work cut out for them, maybe this will encourage them to get stuff fixed up with Randy and make the “Fight of the Century” happen. On short notice, but hey, it’s great to think about.
by freddy on Apr 22, 2008 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You’re obviously not an MMA fan if you don’t think Wandy isn’t a big enough name for a main event!
by Big Jake on Apr 22, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wish it wasnt just theoritical. i love to see this fight.
by b.w. on Apr 22, 2008 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t care what they do with 85…but PLEASE do not mess with 84…that card is DOPE AS FUCK.
by Kelvin on Apr 22, 2008 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How about the UFC put its negotiations on high gear and re-sign Arlovski to fight Cain Velasquez ?
by tertio on Apr 22, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What has Irvin done to earn a fight against Rashad?
by knowitall on Apr 22, 2008 1:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t understand why they don’t just put Rashad back up against Thiago at 84?! What the hell is UFC and Joe Silva doing over there? That was a great matchup and then they destroy it because Shogun got hurt and you needed someone to fight Liddell so you put Rashad in that spot. Well now Liddell is out so give Thiago a respectable opponent again and make the 84 card absolutely siiick. Don’t start moving 84 fights back so you have two decent cards, you want two sick cards. 84 is dynamite right now, would be sick with Rashad/Thiago but obviously isn’t suffering too much without it but 85 not only needs a big title fight but a good #2 fight.
I say Anderson Silva vs. Okami. Get it done!
by Anthony on Apr 22, 2008 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Irvin? That guy was getting dominated by Terry Martins ground game before he pulled a flying knee out of a hat. Martin is a 185lb now, and got beat by Leben. Man I hope you guys are hearing bad rumors. This card is in trouble, very few possible replacements.
by efisher on Apr 22, 2008 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let’s just throw it out there… Bisping vs Silva
by goatboy on Apr 22, 2008 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I’m sorry, but that’s ridiculous. Bisping has to beat a legitimate fighter before he’s even considered a contender at 185.
by GregC on Apr 22, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chael Sonnen against Anderson Silva. Noone else in UFC can hang with Silva.
by Vette on Apr 22, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like Sonnen, but there ain’t no way they would give him an immediate title shot. Only Fedor would get that. Dana White has pretty much said this before.
by wagnerav on Apr 22, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but his ground game would sure Anderson a serious problem.
by Vette on Apr 22, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about that, LOL. Chael Sonnen has had his chance at the big show. He was 1-2 in the UFC. His one win was via decision to Trevor Prangley, and his two losses were via SUBMISSION. I mean seriously, how many times does Jeremy Horn need to tap this dude out?
I was ready to jump aboard the Chael bandwagon after his loss to Filho, but after hearing everything about Filho, he clearly was not himself that night, and he STILL got the victory.
Chael Sonnen = Instant Title Shot, LOLOL
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sonnen couldn’t even hang with Paulo. How on earth would he hang with the Spider?? Yeah He was pretty much dominating the fight…. UNTIL HE LOST!!! I don’t care if it was a controversial stoppage or not.
by Big Jake on Apr 22, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been talking about Bisping vs. Leben since Bisping decided to drop weight. Crippler by KTFO in t
he scecond.
by Da Monkey on Apr 22, 2008 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to see Leben Bisping, but not as a main event.
by TonyDrip on Apr 22, 2008 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We could speculate all day but bottom line: it would be so sad if Irvin vs Rashad is the main event. lol. Not even the hardcore fans would get excited about that! Bisping WOULD be the ace up the sleeve. Doubt he’s on medical suspension. lol.
How about BROCK vs CONGO?!?!!! How the hell is UFC going to have 2 giants like that under contract and NOT make them fight?
by kama kaze on Apr 22, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brock already has his next fight against the hammer.
by Z on Apr 23, 2008 6:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get Alistair Overeem. Rob him from whatever Strikeforce and toss him in with Rashad at 205.
Never going to happen but I’d like to see it.
by RobH86 on Apr 22, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Scratch whatever above. I was about to say whatever organisation but then I remembered.
by RobH86 on Apr 22, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well i had already paid like 200 pounds for ufc 85 and liddel rashad was the only fight i was looking forward too this is going to be the worst ufc ever and just my luck iv spent 200 pound on it
by boyer on Apr 22, 2008 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I say the UFC gets off it’s ass and signs Arlovski to whatever deal he wants. Make him fight on this card, and just feed him someone. Everyone loves seein Arlovski rip someones head off. He hasn’t done it in a while tho. Hell, Arlovski vs Heath Hearing would be a good scrap, though I’m not sure if Hearing is booked for a fight already.
by Alex P on Apr 22, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know you guys stateside hate Bisping but adding him to the card would make this event very appealing to us Brits. Also all Bisping fans want him to fight a bigger name in the UFC. He is the best guy we have at the moment and we want to see him go as far as he can. The current UFC strategy of feeding him cans does not sit well with the British people.
From what ive seen of the UFC Leben is no match for him. Anyone who can lose to Kalib Starnes should not be mentioned in the same breath. I would love to see him fight Nate Quarry. He may not win but at least we will know how good he is.
As for the rest of the card there is only the Swick Davis fight that looks good.
by Billy Boy on Apr 22, 2008 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How do you figure Leben is no match for Bisping? What has he done to deserve a bigger name than the Crippler? Get lucky against Hammill? Or that horrible showing against Rashad? Oh I know, that awesome fight against the top fighter in McCarthy! lol Come on now, Bisping as really yet to prove himself, and this would be a damn good start. Just because Leben lost to Starnes means nothing, up untill the other night Starnes was looking pretty good. Bisping is more technical, but Leben has too tough of a jaw, and he would KO the Count.
Also, I would ratehr see Rashad fight a BJJ guy, no more strikers and wrestlers. The best match was Thiago Silva, I doubt it, but it would be nice to see that match set up again.
by Toms Bombs on Apr 22, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Toms Bombs, I was going to respond to that brit as well, but than I read that he doesn’t beleive that Brandon Vera vs. Fabricio Werdum or Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites are good matchups. So it is OBVIOUS that he has no clue what he is talking about and is just trying to hype up his hometown hero.
If Terry Martin and Michael Bisping stood toe to toe throwing punches at each other to see who goes down for the count, who do you think will win? Seeing that Bisping has about as much punching power as Nick Diaz’s left jab, I would bet a lot of money on Terry Martin.
Now Terry Martin and Chris Leben DID stand toe to toe and bang it out. And Terry Martin went to sleep.
Bottom line is Leben can take a punch with KO power, AND he can throw a punch with KO power. Bisping hasn’t proved either.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CORRECTION to last sentence in above post: Bisping hasn’t proved that he can do either.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. Yeah, Terry Martin would most likely KO Bisping.
I doubt they would set this fight up though, they want Bisping to win, which was obvious by them putting him against McCarthy. Lbebn is a threat to most people in the 186 division, save for maybe the top 3 (Franklin, Hendo, and of course Silva). Other than them, he could bang with pretty much any 185’er, just with his solid chin and the bricks in his hands.
by Toms Bombs on Apr 22, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just for the record Leben got destroyed by Silva’s jabs. Bisping fought at 205 and never got knocked out?
by UTD on Apr 22, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You said it right there –
"
Leben fought Anderson Silva
Bisping fought at 205.
"
I know you left the names off of Bisping’s record because there aren’t any. Name one person that Bisping KO’d??? Quick!
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was not the first time starnes ran aways in a fight. he’s a natural coward.
by linx on Apr 22, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guys – Bisping dominated Cage Rage. Its not as bad you think. Anderson Silva fought in it before the UFC. Leben is no match – I even remember his terrible showing on TUF.
Hamill and Evans are better than Starnes.
Also Violent Mike why do you disagree with everyone. The main theme is everybody saying it is currently a poor show. Also you always insult peoples knowledge on this website – not great.
If you are watching on TV yes some of the 85 fights are good but for people like me who have tickets you want to some fights were there will be banging.
I was rs for rampage hendo – live it was not that great because you can barely see. after watching it on tv though later it was amazing. I simply want to have some exciting fights.
by Billy Boy on Apr 22, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sorry if I insulted you Billy Roy. I will admit that I don’t know much about Cage Rage. Thier last event that was on Showtime was actually the first time I watched it LIVE.
Some of the potential matchups on this thread I did find to be pretty far fetched.
Also, assuming that Bisping would KO Leben is just not logical, sorry. Bisping has not shown KO power and Leben has shown that he has one of the best chins around. I would bet on Bisping to win via a flying reverse omoplata before I bet on Bisping to KO Leben.
Again though, sorry if I insulted your intelligence. I get all excited when I see a thread about one of my few favorite fighters (Leben), and its near the end of day at work (I only post while I am at work)./
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apology accepted – but i really want to see leben bisping now. It will be a good test for mike. If he loses to Leben I will accept it and accept yu are right.
You tube bisping and watch hs earlier fights. European LHW are legendarily smaller than US ones. Indeed Dana himself said Pride FC fighters struggled at UFC LHW due to size. Bisping has only ever struggled against strong wrestlers.
by Billy Boy on Apr 22, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a strong feeling that Bisping vs Leben will be booked for this event.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that fight, not as a main eventer but one I’m sure many would like to see. Bisping looked shredded at 185 and I’m curious to see what he has at the new weight. McCarthy v Bisping is not a fight you can guage anything off of. Leben who brings it every fight and doesn’t shy away from a damn thing would be a good test and step up in comp. for him. If Bisping wins convincingly I’d hope to see him and Franklin get it on, or at least a top 5 i85’er… please no more cupcakes for The Count.
by x9iceman9x on Apr 22, 2008 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Bisping/Leben is a great idea. Is Kos available for any fights? He’s been away for a while now.
by bostonmmajunkie on Apr 22, 2008 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I back this fight, but i wouldn’t want to pay 45 bucks for this card. I really like the fight though and plans to be a slugfest. I pick Leben in this fight though.
by facethemusic321 on Apr 22, 2008 3:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I do not think this fight will happen its to soon its rare that you will see a good name fighter jump in to a fight on short notice they have to much to lose unlike a tim botesh who has everything to gain
by Canadian crippler on Apr 22, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but it’s not like Bisping needs more time for this fight if it did happen. His fight with McCarthy was pretty much just another spar in his training lol.
by Toms Bombs on Apr 22, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well that is very true i dont think he even got hit in that fight
by Canadian crippler on Apr 22, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO don’t change the next card, cause I will be in Vegas to see it LOL….
I’m not sure who to put on the card, but whatever, I’ll buy the card just to watch Vera, so to me, whoever else is good on there is just icing on the cake.
by Vera-Liddell-GSP-Edgar on Apr 22, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just a snippet from kaleb “the pussy” starnes, I wonder if the doctors can find this injury (for those who don’t know, he claimed to have a broken rib before, but no one-doctors-could find the injury
“Right now, I have a broken foot [that] I sustained with the first kick I threw in the fight,” Starnes said. “My leg is purple and black from my knee up, I have a black eye, a sprained jaw, and he’s questioning my desire to fight? If that isn’t enough to satisfy him and the crowd, I can show them the medical report. I can barely walk. [Quarry] totally destroyed my thigh with those kicks. I’m sure a lot of people would rather see me suffer a traumatic brain injury and be rendered unconscious. That’s too bad. If that’s what they want, they’re paying the wrong guy $10,000 to get his brain smashed in.”
“Dana White wouldn’t stand and trade with a guy [like Quarry] who had an 80 or 90 percent knockout ratio with injuries like I had Saturday night,” Starnes said. “He wouldn’t cross the street for $10,000. I don’t have anything to prove to anybody. I’m not about to stand there and get smashed to pieces. After I knew my foot was broken, I was trying to back up and work off the jab and keep moving so I didn’t get knocked out.”
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He is such a joke. If his leg was REALLY in THAT much pain, than how was he literally able to RUN away???
If his leg was rendered useless due to the Quarry leg kicks, than wouldn’t you think that he would fall to the ground as opposed to running laps around the octagon?
If he wanted out of the fight, he should have pretended to get KO’d from a punch instead of running around like a vagina.*
- I appologize to any female genatilia that I may have insulted in any way, shape, or form in my above statement.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Finally a response from Kalib himself. Sounds like a swimmer who doesn’t want to get wet. What was he doing there?
by kama kaze on Apr 22, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
manina, that kaleb quote came from thefightnetwork.com
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ive been hearing and believe it to be true, that Wanderlei vs Jardine will be moved to 85 and rashad vs thiago will be remade for 84.
by Harry Triangle on Apr 22, 2008 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And if they dont do that they are talking about moving Machida vs Ortiz to 85.
by Harry Triangle on Apr 22, 2008 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This event is a bit of a kick in the teeth for English UFC fans. No big names at all really. Evans v Irvin is not a main event. The card was weak before Liddell withdrew, now it’s awful.
by Stozo on Apr 22, 2008 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Where do you all you guys think Patrick Cote is in the mix right now? I would put him pretty high up there, he’s been really impressive, good stand-up, good chin, and game for anyone! I’d personally like to see him get revenge on the crippler, but without a (close) decision. Maybe even Franklin would be a good test for the Predator.
by GodDamnMike on Apr 22, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He already has a VERY tough test ahead of him in Ricardo Almeida. If the fight goes to the ground, Cote will be in danger.
by ViolentMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Shit, that slipped my mind.
by GodDamnMike on Apr 22, 2008 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would love to see this fight happen. IMO the Crippler takes this fight by tKO. everyone knows that the Crippler can take as well as throw a punch.but i still hope the Count does well in th Mwt div. i know everyone is sick of Bisping being protected,but i would like to see him fight 1 more can before he steps up against a guy like the Crippler.then after that throw him in the deep end and see if he can swim with the big fish.
by the levi on Apr 22, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Off the topic. After the GSP/Fitch fight (I’m assuming Rush walks right through Fitch, and visualize that scenario), then what’s next for GSP?? I guess we’ll have to just watch the WW ladder until then…..I’d like to see Alves though. He’s a tough kid. Davis and Swick could soon be in the mix as well. We’ll see.
by GodDamnMike on Apr 22, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IMO he fights BJ for the ww title. You guys seem to think the ww are stacked, I go by who can beat the champ. Not Fitch, best chance (once again my opinion) Diego Sanchez. His new found work ethic puts him in it
by kevin on Apr 22, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think because Diego is top 10, this is a fight that needs to happen, hopefully this year. Diego is a nightmare to have to deal with. I think I know the outcome, but he has a good chance. The guy was a MAJOR force until KOS 2. BJ Penn wants GSP too, he said, after he beats Sherk, he’ll get on his knees and beg for GSP (laughingly)!! I’d pay just to catch the Rogan/Penn interview hahaah.
by GodDamnMike on Apr 22, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the first fight I will be routing for Leban. He is going to whin and Kick @$$
by grembone on Apr 22, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Do NOT move Thiago Silva from 84, I’m warning you!!!! 84 is SOLID right now, as it is!!!!!
Has anyone mentioned Nogueira? I mean, I know there aren’t many title contenders at HW, but man, it’s about time we see him defend the title. I don’t know, feed him Arlovski, and make that his trial by fire.
Same for Anderson Silva, Okami sounds like the best offering, plus the UFC has plenty of material to hype the fight.
Rashad Vs. Irvin could be entertaining, but is definitely not main event material… But then again, does anybody care about Rashad being in a main event?
by arodofiron on Apr 22, 2008 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No. I like him and all, but look what we all said last time he headlined. (yapyap bitchbitch). And against The Count. Someone else we’re all saying should’nt headline.
by GodDamnMike on Apr 22, 2008 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wandy and Silva….no other choice right now…Would be a great fight regardlessofthe outcome….and who wouldn’t wanna see those two throdown….
by jintao on Apr 22, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hmmm. be a bit boring, bisping would utterly destroy leben. bisping has great stand-up and his amount of subission victories shows that he can do well on the ground as well. leben always looks shaky against quick strikers. and bisping looks fantastic at 185.
from a fans point of view i’d love to see anderson silva fight at the o2 arene. same as georges saint pierre
by Sp3aker on Apr 22, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HE COULDN’T EVEN BEAT STARNES. Bisping will toy with him then destroy him!
by Tony on Apr 23, 2008 12:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Leben to me is a joke. He just swings wildly with every punch. If Bisping is patient and takes his time and works his angles, this fight will be another Silva/Leben II.
by "Mr. NC-17" on Apr 23, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
8-3 in the UFC. Bisping has KO power? In his jabs?
HUH???
by ViolentMike on Apr 23, 2008 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bisping doesn’t have KO power but he does have TKO power. His kickboxing is good although it wasn’t used much in the tupperware fight.
IMO the fight could go 2 ways.
A: Leben KO 1st Round
B: If Bisping can stay away from Lebens heavy hands for
the first round Leben will gas after swing for 5 mins
and Bisping will get a late TKO or decision.
In reality I just want a fight that is going to be entertaining, sure I have favourites but as long as its not 15 mins of lay n pray or dry humping the fence in happy.
by UKmmaBOY on Apr 23, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BISPING SUCKS.
They keep feeding him softballs.
Bisping vs Evan Tanner.
by sal costello on Apr 23, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I HAVE EMAILED THE UFC AND I HAVE SAID THAT MATT HAMILL SHOULD FIGHT RASHAD EVANS IF THEY STILL WANT TO PROMOTE RASHAD AS THE MAIN EVENT FIGHT, CHRIS LEBEN VS MICHEAL BISPING I HAPPEN TO KNOW HAS BEEN SIGNED BUT WASNT TOLD WHEN IT WILL BE MOST LIKELY AT UFC 86 BUT IT COULD BE PUT AT UFC 85 WHO KNOWS, AND CHRIS LEBEN IS THE MAN HE COULD BEAT BISPING AND IF ANYONE WANTS TO MAKE A BET LET ME KNOW BECAUSE I AM 10-0 IN MY LAST 10 MAIN EVENT PICKS SO GO AHEAD
by #1 Rampage Fan on Apr 24, 2008 6:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Leban could beat Bisping. Leban has no where near the same amount of skill as Bisping but people who stand up and try and exchange punches with Leban tend to end up worse off. Sakara hit Leban with everything but the kitchen sink and Leben kept walking through like the Terminator. Bisping needs to use his knees and his kicks the wear Leban down and try not to engage in the stand up too much. Bisping should be the stronger out of the two an he has a lot of experience and skill which should see him get the win. Punching Lebens head is a waist of time, he he does want to make the mistake a lot of previous fighters have. I have always liked Leban and always root for him, being from the UK I always root for Bisping, didn’t agree with the Hamill descision though. As I always root for these, two all I can say is may the best fighter win.
by Ade on Apr 24, 2008 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bisping .vs. Leban is the fight that Bisping should have had, instead of Tupperware.
by Stagger-Lee on Apr 24, 2008 8:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bisping really impressed me fighting at MW…I knew he would be a better fighter, but I never expected him to look that good.
by Stagger-Lee on Apr 24, 2008 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BTW.
He would never be able to beat Silva, but he is still good for the MW div.
by Stagger-Lee on Apr 24, 2008 8:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that bisping is a to well all rounded opponent for chris he is in the shape of his life and infront of home supporters which will give him confidence i predict first round tko
by cris on Oct 7, 2008 7:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I used to root for Leben until I learned he is a desserter from the US ARMY. He should be removed from all fight venues. Promoting him is an insult to all Veterans who served honorably.
by Thomas on Oct 17, 2008 11:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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