MMA Melee 12/3/08

Diego Sanchez, who I always thought was gay, not that there's anything wrong with that, broke up with his girlfriend, UFC ring girl Ali Sonoma!! The unbelievably beautiful Ali announced on her MySpace page, "As some of you know I was in a almost 2 year relationship with UFC fighter Diego Sanchez, a man who proposed to me after 4 weeks of dating…Diego recently decided he can’t have both: he can’t have the relationship and be the champion. Sigh…and that’s ok…I am the kind of person I believe everything happens for a reason, due to God’s will and his plan for us." Obviously god's plan includes myself and Miss Sonoma in a future relationship. And this does prove Sanchez is gay, not that there is anything wrong with that, and an apparent idiot.

Fedor Emelianenko has opted out of his American Press Tour in order to prepare for his January battle with Andrei Arlovski. Fedor was apparently disappointed with his performance (Bronze Medal) at the recent Sambo competitions in Russia. Upon hearing the news of the “Last Emperor’s” return to focus, the “Pitbull” responded, “Aw shit! Now I’s taste pee pee.”

Matt Lindland’s scheduled brawl with newly crowned Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral has been changed to Vitor Belfort because Affliction believes it will draw more interest. One has to wonder why, as Lindland has barely competed in MMA in the last few years and Belfort, who has a 3 fight winning streak at his new Middleweight, has not resembled the “Phenom” of his youth for quite some time. I picture a hug-fest but here’s hoping Babs lands a decent opponent for the show.

Jorge Gurgel, my wish is granted as you have been given the old heave ho from the UFC. The “Jiu-Jitsu Wizard” kept his fights on the feet (where he is adequate at best and a punching bag at worst) earning him a 3-4 record, a broken jaw, and MMA fans wondering where this fantastical Jiu-Jitsu that has been witnessed as much as the Yeti, is lurking? Jorge has already signed to Strikeforce and says he is no longer going to try and make fights exciting for the fans and fun for him, but he’ll use his “superior” Jiu-Jistu to gain wins and an eventual invitation back to the UFC.

Rameau Sokodjou has also received the boot from the UFC after dismal performances against Lyoto Machida & Luiz Cane while gaining his 1 win over an overweight yet undersized Nakamura. Look for the Team Quest prospect to learn to take a punch and gain some cardio in a smaller promotion as his name will get him signed. If he does not fix his obvious flaws (attack, attack more, if they don’t fall, get pummeled and quit) he will be the 2 hit wonder that shocked the world with upsets over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona.

Speaking of the BTT tank, Ricardo Arona having taken almost 2 years off is now ready to return to action in MMA for 2009. After taking care of family affairs and some much deserved rest, Arona (age 30) has established a gym near his home and the desire for combat competition as been refueled. Expect the "Brazilian Tiger" to pummel and punish upon his return. He is currently entertaining offers from multiple MMA companies.

Rematch city these days in MMA as Jens Pulver vs Uriah Faber II is in the works after the “California Kid’s” title loss to Mike Thomas Brown. The kid rode a 13 fight win streak and if ever anyone deserved an immediate rematch, he does. Still, it should be a good slugfest like the 1st one. The proposed fight between Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture for the 4th freaking time has everyone scratching their heads including the participants. Both men are expressing their displeasure at the idea and neither party has signed a contract. Hey, how about Chuck vs Anderson Silva like I said the 1st fucking time? Wanderlei Silva vs Quinton Jackson III is this December but unlike most “rubber” matches the “Axe Murderer” has won the 1st 2 meetings! Seems a bit silly. Why not resign the has-beens and have Ken Shamrock vs Tito Ortiz 4?

The WEC 37 is tomorrow and though MMAFO is not making predictions, you should tune in to Versus to watch the smaller weights throwdown. "Skinny guys fight until they're burger."