First things first. Congratulations to Frank Trigg who soccer kicked his way back into MMA competition, against Jason "Mayhem" Miller at Saturday's Icon Sport Event. After a short retirement due to frustration, the under-dog Trigg came in and absolutely bullied Mayhem around the ring, showing his new found power from moving up to the 185lb. division. Old "Tinkle Toes" is not done yet, and we await his first title defense in 2007.
Bodog Fight had their first PPV with lackluster, at best, results. Bodog aired to many filler segments with their musically untalented transvestite, Bif Naked. The crowd actually boo'd her constant interruptions. The fights were weak as well, save Josh "Goat" Thompson's war with Ansar Chalangov.
Roger Gracie did win his MMA debut against Ron "H2O" Waterman. Ron took Roger down, only to be caught quickly in an armbar by the Abu Dhabi champion. The heavily publicized fight between Aaron Riley/Eddie Alvarez didn't even make on the air because the PPV ran out of time.
If all this wasn't enough, the Super-Heavyweight fight between Antonio Silva and Eric Pele was stopped very early. Silva was dominating Pele until he was dropped by a sharp left to his jaw. Clearly awake and defending, the ref stopped the fight Ala Shamrock/Ortiz 2. Silva's corner argued but the decision was final. Its a shame especially considering Bodog was planning to push the undefeated Silva to American fans. Still, the talented 6'4 300lbs. fighter will recover, and I expect great things from him in the future! Remember the name, Antonio "Junior" Silva.
WFA had to cancel their recent PPV, and reschedule for early 2007. Funding is a problem, and if the company folds, as the rumors are saying it will, expect Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to sign with the UFC as well as instant #1 Middleweight contender, Matt Lindland.
The World Fighter organization that supposedly signed Frank Shamrock for a 2 million dollar contract, seems to have already folded since they did not land the deal with Showtime. Nick Diaz and Cesar Gracie have already pulled out of their contracts with the fledgling company.
Vince McMahon's "professional" wrestling group, has expressed interest in forming their own MMA company in 2007. WWE officials met with Pride FC officials recently, but Vince has decided to do the promotion on his own. Vince will obviously lend credibility to MMA (sarcasm people), and with the success of former business venture like the XFL, how can he fail? Though admittedly, they would have a lot of money to throw around at talent and know how to promote.
With the IFL officially trading stock in its company, and groups like Showtime, Bodog, WWE, joing MMA as well, expect some major changes in the coming year. The UFC is even thinking of buying smaller promotion, WEC, and creating a weekly show, much like ESPN's Friday Night Fights. Pride FC is still in major trouble, they have lost another major fighter (an article focusing on this move is forthcoming), and Josh Barnett was seen being courted at the Bodog PPV. Lots of new MMA movement daily, so check back for more info.
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