Is the UFC a Fad?

Since it began airing on Spike TV over two years ago the UFC has been like a non stop locomotive headed straight to the top of mainstream sports. In the past few months however, it seems like that locomotive has been slowing down, and it now appears to be at a standstill. With so much negativity surrounding it as of late, is the UFC a fad? Let's take a look at three reasons why the UFC could be in decline.

1. Way to many upsets: Upsets make sports fun. They make betting fun and they give us a reason to watch. But the UFC has seen a wild amount of upsets in the past year. GSP's loss to Serra, Liddell's losses to Rampage and Keith Jardine, Cro Cop and Shogun getting beat, the list goes on. It's hard for the UFC to promote its best fighters when their losing. Too many upsets also keep us fans from seeing the fights we want to see. Unpredictability is good, but when there's too much of it how do you determine who fights who, and more importantly how do you determine who gets a title shot? Just look at the light heavyweight division. How are you supposed to figure out whose next in line for a shot at Rampage after all the recent upsets?

2. Championships are in Limbo: Three out of the five weight classes have major problems. Heavyweight champ Randy Couture retired, and it doesn't look like he'll come back. This looks really bad on the UFC for many reasons, but more importantly how will they determine who fights for the belt, and will the eventual winner even be worthy? The Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva is arguably the best fighter in the UFC and in a league of his own. No one else in that weight class is even worthy of fighting him, and no fight with any current fighter in that division makes sense. And finally onto the Lightweight Championship. Since winning the belt well over a year ago Champion Sean Sherk has only defended his title once. Because of two reasons- an injury, and a failed steroid test that's being disputed. The Lightweight division is the opposite of the Middleweight division. There's probably 4 or 5 guys out there that would be worthy of a title shot, but things are really getting held up. The bottom line is that there needs to be some stability in the championship ranks.

3. Is too much of a good thing bad?: it seems to me that there's way too many live fight cards now. There's a Pay-Per View pretty much every month and a few live events on Spike every few months as well. And rumor has it that the UFC is trying to negotiate a deal with ESPN after their deal with HBO fell through. There just isn't enough talent to go around. What's the point of broadcasting fights between below average fighters? I know every fight can't be a championship bout, but there are way too many lackluster fights as it is. Too many fights will make the UFC watered down. Rashad Evans vs. Michael Bisping in the main event of this months PPV? I think that proves my point. There's no way they should be headlining a PPV event. Seven or eight PPV’s a year would be great! The fight cards would be more stacked, which in the long run would draw in more viewers.

Every sport has its ups and downs and the UFC will be no different. They’ve learned to deal with ignorant people in the media who look at their sport as human cockfighting and they’ll learn to deal with this. Randy Couture’s resignation seems to be their biggest issue at this time, but the recent signing of Brock Lesnar will help fill his void. I’m a fan of the UFC; I just don’t want to see them make mistakes that will costs them current and potential fans. Is the UFC a fad? I hope not, but it still has a long way to go.
-Joe Osborne

As always, tell me what you think. Am I out of line to even bring up such a subject, or do you think the UFC will be gone in a few years?

Video of the Day: Top 10 Teamwork Dunks

Which one do you think was the hardest to do?

Video of the Day: Crazy Play

What do you think? Horrible defense or great athleticism by the offense?

Is the NHL Serious or Delirious?

It's impossible to be a sports fan and not hear all the negative things the media has to say about the NHL. For all the bad stuff there's also some good, so I'll analyze the serious (good) and delirious (bad) about the NHL and give you my final verdict

Serious
-Much like the NBA, the NHL has an amazing group of young talent who are exciting to watch, and will help carry the league into the next decade.
-Following the strike the NHL got it right with its vasts amount of rule changes. The game has opened up a bit, and the shootout at the end of overtime adds an excitement that no other league has.
-The league's top starts don't seem as greedy as their counterparts in other leagues. Players like Sydney Crosby and Danny Heatley could have easily signed max contracts, but decided to take a few million less a season so their teams can sign more talent. This puts the NHL at a different level when you compare it to guys like A-Rod who's pursuing over 30$ million a year.
-Hockey Night in Canada is easily America's answer to Monday Night Football. Saturday nights watching the NHL on CBC still ranks among the top activities for a Canadian to do on a weekend. Plus the broadcast is pretty good too.
-Much like in Major League Baseball, it seems as long as you can make the playoffs, you have a great chance to win it all. In the past few years small market teams such as Edmonton, Carolina, Calgary, and Buffalo have all had some major playoff success.

Delirious

-Sure, the league has a ton of young talent, but the NHL still doesn't know how to market it's players. It seems like the average sports fan can name every mediocre player in the NBA, but ask them to name two players of the Phoenix Coyotes and their stumped.
-Speaking of the Coyotes, the NHL has way to many teams. There shouldn't be hockey teams in places where people actually don't play ice hockey, with the exception of LA. Having 32 teams in the league makes it way to watered down. It also makes it uncompetitive and boring.
-It seems like every week someone is taking an extremely violent blow to the head. Hockey is violent by nature, but it must come up with something to stop this before some has serious brain damage or even dies.
-Big market teams aren't getting it done. Having teams like Carolina and Anaheim win the Stanley Cup isn't good for business in the NHL, because when teams like that are playing in the finals no one cares, which means low TV ratings, which mean no money.
-A year after the league went on strike the salary cap got bumped up a few extra million. Isn't money the reason they went on strike in the first place?
-The people who run the NHL are flat out greedy. They're actually considering adding more teams in Kansas City and Las Vegas. More teams equal more players which will probably mean less true fans.

The Verdict

It's obvious that off the ice, the people running the NHL don't know what the hell their doing. But the bottom line is, hockey is a great game to watch, depending on what teams are playing. Players now are doing things that players 15 years ago could never do. They're faster, stronger and more athletic, which makes for more excitement. Hockey doesn't need the NHL, but the NHL needs hockey so hopefully ten years from now they'll have it together. FINAL VERDICT: Very close, but the NHL is serious.

So what do you think? Leave your comments about your comments whether you agree or disagree.
-Joe Osborne

Video of the Day:'Prime Time' Deion Sanders

While other sports get warmed up, MLB goes into what should be a busy offseason

The 2007 MLB baseball season has come and gone. Before I take a look at what should be a very eventful off season let's talk Red Sox. It was once again another lackluster World Series, but that should take nothing away from the accomplishments of the Sox. They once again had their backs against the wall, down three games to one in the ALCS, and came back to show everyone just how dominant they are. The 2004 championship was about breaking a curse, but this time around it was about putting a stamp on who the best team in baseball is. The Rockies didn't stand a chance against a team who had a great mix of talented vets and youngsters. From the look of things, the Sox have a great chance to be the best in baseball for years to come. Their hitting and pitching are both among the best in baseball, they have an enormously talented young core, not to mention an owner who isn't afraid to open his check book. No matter what any other team in baseball does this off season, Boston should once again be penciled in to take it all in 2008.

The biggest story this off season will no doubt be where Alex Rodriguez ends up. A-Rod's agent announced last night that his client will opt out of the remaining three years on his contract with the Yankees. It's no secret that A-Rod is looking to secure a deal worth thirty million plus a season, which seems somewhat ridiculous. The only thing more ridiculous than what A-Rod will be paid is the fact that a team will pay him the money in hopes of winning a World Series. But the question is, who is gonna pay this much for a guy who's had next to no playoff success, and has a reputation of dividing a club house? The funny thing is, there's probably a few teams lining up. If the Yankees have any sense at all, they'll stay away. After all, haven't they learned their lesson that a team doesn't need an All-Star caliber line up from one to nine to win a World Series? Sure it helps to have a few big bats, but a possible $300 million dollar bat who hasn't proved himself in the post season probably isn't the way to go for the Bronx Bombers. Several teams mentioned as possible suitors include the Cubs, Angels, and Dodgers. I don't expect to see A-Rod in any one of these uniforms next year. He's made it clear that it isn't about winning, it's about money. Expect to see A-Rod sign a similar type of deal that he did close to seven years ago with the Rangers. Big Money, with a mediocre ball club. I wouldn't be surprised to see him sign with the Orioles. Think about it.

Now on to a couple of center fielders who will be looking for big money too. Andrew Jones and Torri Hunter. Jones sure picked a good year to have a .222 bating average. He still managed to get over 100 RBI's but his low batting average may be a sign that his best years are behind him. For his career he has a modest .262 batting average, but not many outfielders can match his athleticism in the outfield. Wherever he ends up, and it won't be with the Braves, someone will overpay. As for Hunter, he's also a multiple time Gold Glover who's had a little more success at the plate for his career than Jones. Hunter has stated that he'd love to stay with the Twins, but their known for being extremely stingy with their money. The Twins are moving into a new stadium soon, and you'd think that they'd want the best possible roster. You'd think that roster would include Hunter. If Vernon Wells can sign a $126 million contract, these two guys should at least equal that, but I see them getting more.

Mike Lowell is smart. In his contract year, not only did he have the best season of his career, but he capped it off to win World Series MVP. So ya know what that means. Mike Lowell is gonna get paid. Lowell has always been a steady hitter with a career .280 average but in his second season with Boston he hit .324 with 120 RBI's. Lowell is 33, so teams will probably offer at best 4 year deals. If the Red Sox don't pay up, I know another AL East team who might have a spot open at 3rd base. And no, I'm not talking about the Devil Rays.

Another big name expected to be on the move is Miguel Tejada of the Orioles. Tejada hasn't been happy for a few years now, and it appears the new management is ready to trade him. If the Angels can't get A-Rod, expect them to make a push. Another team who is could use a bat at shortstop is the Blue Jays, although it might be tough for them to trade with a division rival. Jays GM JP Richardi is desperate as he could be fighting for his job, so expect him to try to swing deal.

The Marlins have said they won't move Dontrelle Willis. The Mets will probably try to get him anyways. Even though he had an off season with a 10-15 record, he's still a hot commodity, so he could easily be sporting a new uniform. And what about baseball best pitcher Johan Santana? The Twins might be smart to move him now if they don't plan on dishing out the big bucks for him when he becomes a free agents. Santana will be demanding A-Rod money when his turn comes around, and I doubt the Twins will be willing to break open the bank. Why not trade him now for a proven arm, a decent bat, and some prospects. I doubt it will happen this year, but ya never know.

Even though the World Series didn't have too much excitement it was a pretty good year. Records were broken, dreams were made, and tears were shed(mostly by Yankee and Mets fans). Baseball's off season is often the most intriguing in sports so it should be fun to see what happens. Enjoy it while it last, Spring Training is only about four months away!
-Joe Osborne

NBA Season Preview

Instead of going up and down the league and giving by two cents on each team, I decided to do a more reader friendly season preview where I make predictions on players and teams and tell you who will beat who in the NBA finals. Obviously the thousands of people who read this blog won't agree witch everything I have to say. That's why I'll ask you to leave your comments at the bottom and fill me in on some of your own predictions. It should be a great NBA season, so let's get started!

Most Improved Team- Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks have been basement dwellers in the East for years, and it's been a while since they contended for a playoff spot. The smart thing the Hawks have done over the past two or three seasons has been keeping it's strong nucleus of young players together. By adding AC Law and Al Horford to a team that already has some of the NBA's best young talent the Hawks look like a team who could be a force for a long time as long as they can stay healthy. Expect the Hawks to take the 7 or 8 spot in the East.

Most Disappointing Team- Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs were fun to watch in last years playoffs. They took advantage of a weak Eastern Conference to upset the Pistons and make the Finals. This year will be different as the Cavs now face some stiffer competition with the Celtics and Magic making major moves in the off season and the Baby Bulls being a year older. Michael Jordan didn't get it done without help from Pippen, Grant, and Rodman, and James won't get it done without..... Oh yeah, there is no one else on the Cavs. I see the Cavs having a first round playoff exit.

Ugliest Player: This award could be given out to a few guys in the league, and since I can't give it to Patrick Ewing or Detlef Scrempf, Eddy Curry wins by a nose. Has anyone since this guy lately?! He looks like he spent the off season on the competitive eating tour.

Most Improved Player- Raymond Felton: Last season Felton average 14 points and 7 assists while splitting time with Brevin Knight at the point. With Knight gone to the Clips Felton will get a lot more opportunities to score and to set up teammates. The addition of Jason Richardson will help open things up for Felton, and will also give Felton a good running mate on the fast break. Felton might not be that exciting to watch, but he'll establish himself as a good point guard this season. It's too bad the Bobcats stink worse than Eddy Curry's underwear after another day sweating it out at the buffet table. Well, maybe not that bad.

Most Disappointing Player- Dwayne Wade: Is Wade one of the top players in the league? Without a doubt. Is Wade coming off serious shoulder surgery and a knee surgery in the off season? Yes, and he's gonna miss the first bit of the season. I don't think Wade's play will be disappointing when he's on the court, I just don't think he'll play much due to his lack of durability, which is a huge disappointment to anyone who enjoys the game. I really hope Wade doesn't turn into one of these athletes who's career is ruined by injuries, because things are kinda starting to look that way. I'll be surprised if Wade plays more than 55 games this season.

Defensive Player of the Year- Ron Artest: Ron Ron is in a contract year and he's gonna want to get paid. He'll re-elevate himself to what he was originally known for. Hard nosed, in your face, shut down defense. Does anyone remember when Artest was a rookie with the Bulls and he applied for a job at Circuit City so he could receive the employee discount. Hilarious! That alone erases all of his on and off court hi jinx in my books.

Most Arrest- This is the hardest award to predict. There's so many bad apples out there, but I'm gonna have to go with Matt Bonner of the Spurs. This guy looks like he could snap at any given moment.

Coach of the Year- This is easily the most exciting award the NBA hands out. Time stands still and people sit on the ends of their seats eagerly awaiting for a winner. Yes, I'm being sarcastic, but I think Doc Rivers will come ot on the top of the heap this year. The Celtics will have a successful season, and gel early on in the year, which will be partially due to great coaching by Rivers.

Sixth Man Award- Leonardo Barbosa will win the award this year. Sure, he had a brutal playoffs, but on most other NBA teams he'd be starting. Plus, stepping in after Nash and Co wear down an opposing teams defense can't be to difficult for a player with his skill set.

Least Valuable Player- Rafael Araujo of the Jazz. Araujo did average a double double last year. Oh, I'm sorry, I mean two point and two boards a games. Why would anyone want this guy on their team. He contributes next to nothing on the court. Off the court he's busy trying to fit in with the other scubs in the league. And by the way, nice shark tattoo on your arm Araujo. I'm sure Raptors fans agree with my assessment of this guy.

Most Valuable Player- Kevin Garnett: Garnett's previous MVP season was with the Wolves when he was part of another talented trio with Sam Cassell and Latrell Spewell. This time around he's hungrier than ever and is part of a better group of players. His point production might go down a tad due to sharing the ball with Pierce and Allen, but overall he'll be better than ever. I feel bad for the rest of the East.

How they’ll finish

EAST

1. Celtics
2. Pistons
3. Bulls
4. Raptors
5. Magic
6. Cavs
7. Heat
8. Hawks
9. Wizards
10. Knicks
11.Nets
12. Bucks
13. Pacers
14. 76ers
15. Bobcats

WEST

1. Mavericks
2. Suns
3. Rockets
4. Spurs
5. Denver
6. Utah
7. Memphis
8. New Orleans
9. Golden State
10. LA Lakers
11. LA Clippers
12. Sacramento
13. Portland
14. Minnesota
15. Seattle

NBA Finals
Suns over Celtics in 7 games.

So ladies and gents, that's it! You either completly agree, think i'm absolutly nuts, or you're stuck somewhere in the middle. Either way, leave a comment and tell me how you feel and why. Enjoy the season!
-Joe Osborne