If there was anything we learned from Saturday's UFC 125, it's that ION is a real network!
Let's put some kidding aside and leave some in as we identify five talking points from the results of Saturday's show, one that turned out to be a lot better than most of us expected.
Having said that...
1) These shows are always better than expected
I talk about MMA a lot with friends and when they asked about UFC 125, I said that it should be a good card but not one built on star power. There wasn't a lot of buzz about the event and what did exist was that of poo-pooing the main event of UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard.
How did that one turn out? Pretty good if you're a fan of the UFC.
With an expected 27-30 events in 2011, not every event is going to be an A+ affair like it was several years ago. But if the majority of events end up like this one -- with an exciting main event and important undercard bouts -- we should be ecstatic. With the addition of the WEC studs on this roster, there's every reason to expect another great year of action from the world's largest MMA organization.
It's easy to dismiss Dana White's frustrations about premature card callouts as promoter hyperbole, but we also need to be better at giving the UFC the benefit of the doubt - especially when it comes to PPV shows. Their intent is still to provide value. Perhaps we should accept they are intending to do just that.
2) A positive ION
On that same line of thinking, I was among those who scratched my head when the UFC announced they would air three prelim fights on the ION Network.
ION? What? Where were they on the cable channel guide?
Well, it took about 10 seconds for me to find them (in HD, no less) and lo and behold, they sat right next to the traditional TV networks like NBC and ABC. They aired the prelims with no issue and who knows? It could be a regular thing that would be great for UFC fans.
Why? Because it's more free MMA on TV. Even in standard def, watching fights on TV is better than streaming on the internet. With roughly 14 UFC PPVs planned for this year, why should we complain about seeing more free action that is designed to get people interested in the show?
As MMA fans, we're spoiled and I assume that's why people complained about ION. And for those that have an issue about not getting it in HD, call your cable company. That's not the UFC's fault.
3) The Great Roster Turnover Of 2011
With the WEC absorption, roster spots are at a premium and over the past few events, guys are getting cut at a pretty frequent pace.
After Saturday, I would expect at least three or four cuts, all older veterans who have been part of some significant fights in the UFC's tapestry of combat. Brandon Vera, Marcus Davis and Phil Baroni all came up short and have struggled for consistency in the past few years, leading me to think all will be looking for a new place to compete in the next week.
For Vera especially, his run in the Octagon has been puzzling and frustrating for his fans and the UFC front office. For years, his past accomplishments and skill set has been touted but hasn't led to anything in terms of palpable results.
His loss to Thiago Silva was frankly embarrassing (he got repeatedly pimp-slapped and air bongos played on his back) and a run on the independent circuit could be what he needs to get his motivation back.
Regardless, the UFC's roster is getting younger and their veteran class are the ones feeling the pressure. The young kids are coming and taking jobs in doing so. Just think: this is only the first event of 2011.
4) Frankie Edgar = box office draw?
Beating BJ Penn once wasn't good enough. Beating him twice wasn't good enough. But if UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar's effort in a draw against Gray Maynard wasn't enough to give him the respect in MMA circles, nothing will.
It was as hard fought, rugged and as face-swelling an affair as you could hope for in a main event. Plainly put, it was awesome and helped both fighters emerge from being tagged as 'dull'. For one night and 25 minutes, they brought out the best in each other and I can't wait for the third fight in this trilogy.
For Edgar, I think he especially benefited from competing in a fight where he faced major adversity. He survived a brutal 1st round and fought his way back to win one judge's scorecard and tie on another.
While he still needs help on interviews and talking to the press, Edgar took a nice step forward Saturday night. I'm actually excited to see him fight again and you should be too.
5) 2011 will be the Year Of The Lightweights
Frankie Edgar. Gray Maynard. George Sotiropolous. Clay Guida. Anthony Pettis. Ben Henderson. Donald Cerrone. Evan Dunham. Kenny Florian. Jeremy Stephens. Tyson Griffin. Sean Sherk. Melvin Guillard.
That's just a bunch of names that came to mind when thinking about the UFC's premier division. There is no division in the UFC that is as deep and talented as the 155'ers, but with that depth comes the need to be competing and the need to be memorable in doing so. Veterans like Florian and Griffin have to take a step forward or else their spots will be gone.
Competition in the UFC will be at an all-time high in 2011. Luckily, we'll all benefit from getting to watch it unfold.
Josh Nason is a New England-based freelance MMA journalist that covers live events, has written for FIGHT! Magazine and frequently does radio/podcast appearances. He asks for your "like" for ESPN Boston to cover MMA. Follow him on Twitter.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
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