OSH;1297454 wrote:I had a long talk about this fight with a buddy of mine last night, he broke the news to me.
I understand why UFC is doing it. Chael was the most recent title fight loser at 185. He essentially was the top of that division (that wasn't the title holder). No one has really stepped forward at 205 to claim #1 contender. I believe whoever would've fought (and lost) the last title fight at 185 probably would've been given this same chance. Especially since Machida turned down a fight. Shogun is scheduled for December -- which means whoever wins probably should be the #1 contender. Is there really another choice? I understand it, may not agree with it -- I despise Chael -- but, it makes sense to me.
No they wouldn't have. This comes down to TUF struggling and Chael's marketability and ability to sell a fight. MAchida had 3 weeks to prepare, that is a completely different scenario. I would be okay with this if it were a late replacement like 151 was supposed to be, but this is 6 months away. Chael leapfrogs everyone at 205 because he can sell a fight, even though he has no chance to win it. He wouldn't even be top 5 at 205, probably not even top 10. There are so many better fighters there than him. It's a slap in the face to the sport and to the athletes, the business is more important than the belts and rankings. Forrest said it best, why fight your way to the top when you can talk your way to it. There are tons of other choices, this fight isn't happening until April 27, that's a lonnnnnnng way away.
