UFC attempts to put together July 19 event; Wanderlei Silva vs Brandon Vera?
by MMAmania.com on Jun 15, 2008 11:40 PM EDT
86 comments
Several fighters have recently been contacted about competing on a UFC card slated for July 19 for free on Spike TV -- the same night that Affliction MMA is set to pull the trigger on its monster debut with "Banned" via pay-per-view (PPV).
Unabashed counter programming at its finest.
MMAmania.com learned over the weekend that promising heavyweight Cain Velesquez has been approached about making an appearance. In addition, Sherdog.com is reporting that Wanderlei Silva and Brandon Vera have also been contacted about getting in on the action -- possibly against one another.
"The Truth" is a heavyweight; however, back-to-back losses perhaps signal a weight cut to 205 pounds. Silva, on the other hand, mulled a move to middleweight prior to smashing Keith Jardine at UFC 84: "Ill Will" last month.
While nothing is official -- and the report is careful to point out that a light heavyweight match up between Silva and Vera is not a lock -- it looks as if at least either fighter if not both will headline the special if it comes together.
Great news for everyone who is not affiliated with Affliction MMA. If the UFC is able to pull this off with a solid collection of talent and fights with just five weeks notice it will certainly put a dent in the upstart promotion's PPV buys.
No location or venue is known at this time; however, the Sherdog.com report indicates that Las Vegas, Nevada, is the likely destination.
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great match!!!! it should definitely happen!
…uhh… it’s great to be first in line!
by boardRIDER on Jun 15, 2008 11:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if this happens, affliction will go bankrupt! I for one will watch a free ufc event live, and go to the internet to watch the matches I want for affliction. sorry to disappoint, but a rusty Fedor who hasn’t fought a worthy opponent in years or vera/silva…I pick vera/silva!
by kevin on Jun 16, 2008 6:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats the Kevin I know! NOt the positive imposter that was posting under his name yesterday! lol
Dissapointed in you Kevin! the only reason the UFC is putting out this card is to try and squash Affliction. A die Hard fan such as yourself should pray that Affliction succeed’s because the better Affliction does, the better the UFC has to treat the fans! Look at whats happening alreday: The UFC is so worried about Afflictions super stacked card that they are contemplating giving us Wandy vs. Vera for FREE! That would have never happened if it werent for Affliction having the potrential for competition.
For those that wont support the Affliction Card: Shame on you guys! Not sure how you can call yourselves fans of the sport!
by john on Jun 16, 2008 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also Affliction caused the UFC to have to stack up the UFC 87 card. Before Affliction, the card was B.S
Look at all the good Affliction has been doing for mma fans, and they havent even had an event yet!
by john on Jun 16, 2008 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I definately agree. I don’t care if it’s free or not, I would muuuuuch rather see the Affliction card. lol That may be because I have free PPV’s, but still, if I had to pay, I would still rather watch Affliction, that card is just too sick.
by Toms Bombs on Jun 16, 2008 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew you’d be all over me john, and I’m not being negative or hoping affliction doesn’t succeed. My cable bill is 300 a month already, so if I can get quality fights for free, and watch affliction online, I’ll do it. I don’t think affliction is going to last for a number of reasons, first one being giving Fedor 2 million to show, and not having any capabilities as far as marketing him. The US fan base know Tim, but don’t like him! They know babalu, but he doesn’t sell ppv’s, they know arlovski, and he’ll sell around 100 ppv’s and any one else on the card that you can mention is a hardcore fans dream and unknown to the casual fan! Just telling the truth, and as usual, I’m thinking with an open mind. I know of Fedor, and feel Tim will beat him, It’s that whole thing, just like “the most devastating striker in the world” hype…cro cop never even made it to tim before his ass was back to Japan. I just personally think Fedor and his demands will sink affliction, not to mention the dozen other over payed guys on this card
by kevin on Jun 16, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erm… I hope Affliction fails for all the right reasons. One big company. One company for all the fighters to go to. More stacked cards. In the past year from UFC we have seen Anderson reign supreme, Jackson/Liddell, Liddell/Silva, Jackson/Hendo, the debut in UFC of Shogun, Cro Cop get exposed, Penn shines how good he is, GSP dominates all, rising stars in Alves, Bisping, Forrest, Jardine, Rashad and Fitch, as well as re-rising stars in Wanderlei Silva. Also Brock Lesnar coming to the UFC is huge.
UFC>>>>>>>>All
by adam on Jun 16, 2008 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was actually saying to myself, “wow what a good comment”, until I got to brock lesner! how is he good for mma, besides selling ppv’s to wwe fans? And that will only last 2 more ppv’s and he’s 0-3!
by kevin on Jun 16, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t know sh1t kevin. If you just try to put things in a different perspective, Brock Lesnar’s presence alone does shake up things in the UFC. Though he still has a long way to go, he’s a fast learner and will definitely utilize his strengths to his advantage. So don’t coun’t him out dude!
by Syd"TheNegation" on Jun 16, 2008 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how do you know he’s a fast learner? he trained for over a year, asked to be against mir, and couldn’t defend a simple heel hook/knee bar.
by kevin on Jun 16, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
0-3 in the ufc is what i was saying, but good catch!
by kevin on Jun 16, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. A bunch of idiots at Sherdog are predicting that the Affliction card will have a huge buyrate. It will be huge among hardcore fans. But they don’t realize that the online MMA community is very small compared to the casual fanbase.
by Pat on Jun 16, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it won’t do 25,ooo ppv buys!! guaranteed
by kevin on Jun 16, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We folks here in the Philippines just can’t get enough of Vera[even if he had back-to-back losses]. So we would really love that event to be shown. though as a true fan of the sport[and just like John says], I’m also all-out for the Affliction event! You could just imagine, Babalu takin’ on Mike Whitehead[who apparently loves to smash his head against glass], and the all-powerful Fedor!!…I just can’t wait!!
by Syd"TheNegation" on Jun 16, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will Affliction Banned be shown in any bars here in Manila? Will National Sports Grill show it?
by jj on Jun 30, 2008 5:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll attend Affliction and watch UFC later.
by Can't wait on Jun 15, 2008 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the affliction card is to big to not order. ill have the ufc event on in another room!
by machidafanclubprez on Jun 15, 2008 11:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That would be nice, and make up for some less than steller cards lately (85/86) Thats what the UFC tried to do to EXC’s first CBS thing, have the “Liddell Night” with the Chuck/Wandi fight occuring at exacty the same time as the Kimbo fight. Dana=Wise
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jun 15, 2008 11:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dana=turned a weak brand to the most succesfull MMA brand in the World. The UFC was always bigger than Pride. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Pride a lot. But the fact is if Pride was so great, why is it dead?
by pUniSHment on Jun 16, 2008 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll record the UFC and watch the Affliction PPV. Best of Both worlds. Know if only WEC and Dream had an event aswell (sadley can’t get my hopes up on the same day. Way better than watching the Adredaline bullshit they had.
by Andrej on Jun 15, 2008 11:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHY? Brandon Vera will get tko’d in round one! He never impresses at all. ALL HYPE!
by Tony on Jun 16, 2008 12:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i agree. but i do want hin to move down in weight so at least when he fights its interesting and theres a point ya know. i just dont think his debut should be against Wandi, it should be against someone lower level, the highest ranked guy he should get is Rashad Evans . . . Unless the UFC wants him to lose . . .
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jun 16, 2008 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GORD!! What up G?!? AND whats up with this prediction LMAO! Are you for real about Vera or just disagreeing with me as usual to keep up with your quota’s??? Its all good, and i cant wait to start argueing with you about the IGSPENNI fight, im sure its within a year from now, no more than 18 months at most. I look forword to making your words on that one! See ya in the next one savage!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jun 16, 2008 3:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I look forword to “marking” your words on that one! (typo)
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jun 16, 2008 3:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yo Gord!You could be right on this one…Go Vera!!
by Syd"TheNegation" on Jun 16, 2008 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahh, the lovely results of healthy competition. We truly are the winners here. I’ll see both, probably for free, on the internet somewheres. Yay!
by dave on Jun 16, 2008 12:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that’s what I’ve been saying all along, competition is great and many ppl disses up and coming promotions such as affliction. The more the merrier, we the fans end up gaining much more.
by linx on Jun 16, 2008 5:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is very true. Competition is what is best for the Fans. IMO, preety petty of Dana White to do this but, i aint complaining. I will watch Affliction AND dvr IT, AND ON ANOTHER Yv, i WILL dvr THE ufc’S PATHETIC ATTEMPT TO RAIN DOWN ON AFFLICTIONS parade! When is the UFC going to learn that they do not have to do this kind of stuff! no other organization will ever catch up to them, as long as they continue to put there best foot forward.
As for: Vera vs Wandy, not going to happen!
I hope they book Rashad vs. Wandy
Vera should fight Hardonk next!
by john on Jun 16, 2008 7:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup…Yes to competition, no to monopoly!!In this case, UFC is the monopoly…But I’m still a hardcore fan…
by Syd"TheNegation" on Jun 16, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loss to slyvia
Loss to Werdum
now he gets silva ?? i thought if you lose 2 in a row you are suppose to get lesser opponents….i would say werdum vs. silva but …. that could turn out to be a snooze fest with werdum trying to pull guard the whole fight….. so lets do kongo vs. silva you know they will stand and bang forget kongo vs. everson or w/e ha
by tapout77 on Jun 16, 2008 1:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Werdum is in heavyweight…as well as kongo. silva is in lightheavyweight
by matthew on Jun 16, 2008 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Silva vs. Wedum? Silva vs. Kongo? Umm, Wanderlei isn’t moving up to HW. He’s a small LHW as it is. Vera is the one that would move down.
by Pat on Jun 16, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know.. Wanderlei will fight anyone, ie Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, he doesn’t seem to care what the hell they weigh lol.. not that the UFC will let it happen..
by O damn he got caught on Jun 16, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll watch this 4sureee if it has Silva and Vera squaring off.
by Little Focker on Jun 16, 2008 1:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ok that post was my bad… i saw vera and just thought heavyweight….not thinking silva was 205….foolish of me but kongo can cut weight haha
by tapout77 on Jun 16, 2008 1:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
great news i hope the fighters take the match
by dcsoldier187 on Jun 16, 2008 2:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I will definatly pay to see the affliction fight. UFC knows they are in a world of shit with this company and planning to hold a free event shows how worried they are. Dana White is such a tool I go to the bar to watch UFC where it’s FREE but will buy affliction to promote them in spite of duschy dana
by dababymaker on Jun 16, 2008 2:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You’re supporting the UFC by going to a bar more then you think
by Derrick Fox on Jun 16, 2008 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, a bar has to pay BIG money to have these PPV events. I don’t know the exact figure though. Does anyone else have any idea?
by chefdaddy on Jun 16, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes you the minority. Most casual fans don’t know shit about the Affliction card. The UFC is only gonna be worried if there are a good number of fans that start to buy PPV’s strictly from another brand. Only Pride has managed to do that, and they still got into financial trouble.
by Pat on Jun 16, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This isn’t going to happen. Both men just fought less than a month ago. They’re not gonna fight this soon.
I like the idea of competition between orgs. But Fedor vs. Silva as the headliner..with fighters like Arlovski, Barnett, and others as undercard matches – sorry…I’m ordering this one.
If there’s free MMA on Spike, I’ll DVR it.
by TabascoSAUCE on Jun 16, 2008 2:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I will be ordering the Affliction PPV and DVR the free UFC on Spike, then I can fast forward the commercials after watching Fedor beat the poopy out of Sylvia. I watch a 2 hour UFC Spike event in about an hour and 20 minutes by simply fast fowarding the commercials and celebrity interviews, and the interview with the director of whatever movie sponsors the event.
As for Wanderlei vs Vera, I don’t really like the idea. DOn’t get me wrong, I would love to see the fight and would love even more to see Wandi splatter Vera’s face. But Vera is a small HW contemplating dropping to LHW. Wandi is one of the smallest LHW’s and has been contemplating a drop to MW. Wandi would be giving up a lot of size in that fight.
by ViolentMike on Jun 16, 2008 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont worry VM, I really dont believe that this fight will happen!
Most likely they will both fight other opponents on the same card.
I cant see this fight actually taking place, and If it does, I really dont like it!
by john on Jun 16, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops..I meant Tim Sylvia….Fedor vs Anderson Silva? hahaha..that’ll be one crazy day in mma heaven.
by TabascoSAUCE on Jun 16, 2008 2:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oooooh i like how the ufc is shaking thing things up a bit! Makes things very interesting…
by matthew on Jun 16, 2008 3:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Afflictiion will loose alot of money anyway, but having a free UFC card would make it that much worse.
by JV on Jun 16, 2008 3:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yah it better not suck like boardrider
by HOWaiianFapOut on Jun 16, 2008 4:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
pls pls pls vera take the fight. dont be stubborn and lazy, cut some weight. you’d be wayyyy better in LHW.
by weoweoweo on Jun 16, 2008 5:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I dont think the UFC has any thoughts of their show beating the numbers that Affliction is going to do. I do think that they see the insane payroll, and they are just trying to make it hurt a little more when it comes time to pay those boys.
You know damn well that there are a ton of people out there who only buy one PPV a month(100 bucks a month is a lot of money) and with the show on July 5th (UFC 86) I dont see a ton of “casual fans” paying another 50 dollars when they can just watch the UFC fights for FREE.
THIS WILL HURT AFFLICTION…REAL BAD.
by WarriorCenter on Jun 16, 2008 5:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dana White is trying to prove that he is better then affliction but i dont think he can pull out a card bigger then afflictions one in so short time. Interesting to see what will happen.
by Bil on Jun 16, 2008 6:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am not 100% sure, but I thionk its $39.99
by john on Jun 16, 2008 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL, it sure does, usually followed by an “?” and since he put a $45 value on it, it sounded weird. but I’m just being a pr*ck really, slow day at the office…
by linx on Jun 16, 2008 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Silva could fight, he beat the crap out of Jardine.
Karo is due for a fight too… Whats Kos doing???
Pelligrino would be nice to see also.
by Yikes on Jun 16, 2008 6:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The UFC couldn’t put on a card that would make me watch it over the Affliction PPV. That’s just my opinion. Like somebody else said I will get the Affliction PPV and watch the UFC event later.
by Ballam on Jun 16, 2008 8:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They should change the name to Affliction: Owned! j/k
Smart on the UFC’s part to at least draw away the more casual fan. Estbelished name for free vs. new brand on ppv. You do the math. Everybody here will be watching both though.
by Bane on Jun 16, 2008 8:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yup! Casual viewers vastly outnumber hardcore fans. The name “UFC” by itself sells. Just like the name “Tyson” easily sold PPV’s even after he passed his prime and/or fighting cans.
by Pat on Jun 16, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think this could be the big announcement?
by homey on Jun 16, 2008 8:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think everyone should buy the Afflication event. If Dana gets his way he wants a monopoly, more money for him, and yes thats okay too if you are looking at it from a business point of view, who wouldn’t do the same?? But for you and me, the audience out there, competition is good, in fact its healthy. Its all about getting value for your buck. So I say embrace Afflication, its a solid card, just go out and support mma and buy the event, keep as many of these events afloat.
by Roy on Jun 16, 2008 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To me this is a sign of a very scaed ufc ,dana white is letting it be known, i mean c’mon another free ppv its only because affliction is having their debut this is pathetic dana and beside the way who in the world would want to see vera? This isthe one who cries and blames the officials …what a putz,
by ORTIZ!!!!!!08....BABY! on Jun 16, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think this is a lame tactic on the part of the UFC and Dana, but this would be a great night for the fans. Set up two TV’s and you can watch both events.
by VNDK8 on Jun 16, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I dont like the idea of rushing Silva into another fight…I really want to see SIlva win agian and get a shot at Rampage…talk about a BIG fight. Knowing Silva, he will take the fight “whatever you say boss, my life is in your hands”…Surely he can beat that wuss Vera.
by Chadx23 on Jun 16, 2008 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol, this would be great. Pre-game with some beers and watch quality free fights. I was planning on watching the Affliction PPV online the next day anyway.
by R-Dizzle on Jun 16, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dana’a kind of a prick but I hope he pulls this off. I think most people will still want to watch the Affliction card and everyone will DVR the free UFC event. But I hope its not Wandi vs. Vera. I think this is a bad match-up for Wandi. He’s pretty short and light for the LHW division as it is. I believe this will be a stand-up fight and I think Vera is just a little to big (to much reach and he has good kicks). I would like to see Wandi get another win because I would love to see Wandi and Rampage rematch in th cage this time.
by brac on Jun 16, 2008 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I honestly think Wanderlei would still beat Rampage even if they fought in the UFC, which is why I HOPE this fight happens and SOON. Wanderlei is such a bad mofo and he seems to hate Rampage which really makes for a great fight. Forget Liddell-Rampage III, I want Wanderlei-Rampage ASAP…as long as Forrest beats Rampage or Wanderlei wins his next fight, I think we will see the match go down.
by Chadx23 on Jun 16, 2008 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ill be watching fedor dominate tim, thanks.
by Bmo121 on Jun 16, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thats cool ufc tryin to battle for ratings but to die hard fans like myself an my friends we want to see them both on different nights affliction an ufc. i love ufc an the hole organization but afflictions got a great card lined up lots of vets an i cant wait.
by georgec on Jun 16, 2008 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
so is this gonna be ufc 87 or a fight night or what??
by bryant on Jun 16, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha it will prolly be UFC 86.5. They had a UFC 37.5 back in the day. LOL who knows.
by pUniSHment on Jun 16, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone else heard about Anderson Silva moving up to 205 to fight James Irvin on July 19th? Affliction is going down if that is true:)
by willie on Jun 18, 2008 3:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dude, no. Anderson wouldn’t bother. James Irvin has good knockout power, but different planet when it comes to striking skill and accuracy.
Also, Anderson is a lanky 185. Do you think he could get any where near 205? Irvin is a pretty big 205 as well.
by Mitch on Jun 18, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
::takes words and feverishly shoves them back in his mouth and starts chewing::
by Mitch on Jun 19, 2008 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone know a list of local bars in Manila that will show Affliction-Banned? Will National Sports Grill show it?
by jj on Jun 30, 2008 5:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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