Friday, February 26, 2016

Anderson Silva fights this weekend...should we even care?

When you step back and think about it, what's currently happening with the UFC is a fairly sad account of the decline of Anderson Silva, arguably the greatest mixed martial artist fighter of all time. Yet at the same time, I'm not sure any of us should feel sorry for the man. 

All the hype for the UFC is focused around UFC 196 next weekend with Conor McGregor moving up TWO weight classes to fight Nate Diaz, who is stepping in for the injured Rafael dos Anjos. And somewhat lost in that hype is that the former UFC 185-lb kingpin Silva is fighting on FIGHT PASS against Michael Bisping. Think about that...FIGHT PASS. 

I get why they're doing it, and that's what is so sad about the whole thing. Fight Pass is their online platform similar to WWE Network where you pay monthly for access to exclusive fight cards and their library of fights from years past. For a hardcore fan it's not a bad deal shelling out $7.99 - $9.99 depending on your commitment level. Yet they need to grow the user base, so putting a big name like Silva as a headliner on the platform isn't a bad deal. And they almost need to b/c he's a fading star, a star that may have gone out after getting popped for PED's after his now NC vs. Nick Diaz in February 2015. 

The fight itself was lackluster, following consecutive losses to Chris Weidman, the first of which he was famously KO's followed by the gruesome leg injury in their rematch. And in the latter, we saw Weidman winning the exchanges up to that point. Against Diaz last February, Silva was hit 77 times. That was over five rounds, sure, but it was more than his previous five fights COMBINED. For a guy that built his reputation on movement, avoidance, and counter punching, to see him hit so frequently after those back-to-back losses signals, to me, that he's lost his greatest strengths. And that makes him ordinary. 

So they sell the name and his matchup vs. Bisping based on legacy, yet as Bisping has continued to point out this week, that legacy is forever tainted based on last year's failed drug test. His refusal to admit wrongdoing coupled with the bogus, ridiculous excuse of taking something from a blue vial for a limp dick, make it even worse. It's unbecoming of a former champion, an ambassador for the sport, and a man who at one time was the most dominant, respected champion the UFC had seen. And when Bisping, a man who has played the role of heel (quite well) his entire career, comes out the more likable of the two, you know you have a problem.

I won't watch the fight this weekend - in part because I don't have Fight Pass nor want to pay for it, but also because I have little respect for Silva. Had he admitted taking the PED's and made an attempt to move forward I might feel differently. But he hasn't and I don't. I'll keep an eye on Twitter and hope Bisping wins the fight, jumpstarting one final attempt at a run for a title shot, something that has escaped him his entire UFC career. 

But regardless, I really won't care. There's a new king in town, and that man is Conor McGregor. His next fight is March 5, and that's the fight I want to see. I'll gladly cough up the money for that PPV and continue to hope Mystic Mac never gives me reason to feel the way I do about Silva.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

RDA out, McGregor awaits new opponent

I'm not going to sit here and call Rafael dos Anjos a pussy and the 155-lb version of Jose Aldo. McGregor will certainly do plenty of that in the next couple weeks. But in case you haven't heard, Ariel Helwani broke the news this morning that RDA is out with a broken foot. For the 4th time in 8 UFC fights, McGregor gets a new opponent due to injury. Incredible. He took on Chad Mendes on 12 days notice when Aldo went down last July and that worked out just fine, but this is especially a bummer b/c of the massive stakes. Winning the featherweight title from a 10-year champ is one thing, moving up a weight class to become the first ever UFC champion in two weight classes concurrently is another. What a buzzkill.

But the show goes on!













The card can still be outstanding, as Holly Holm defending her title for the first time since her KTFO of Ronda Rousey against Meisha Tate is a great co-main event. And any event with "Mystic Mac" is must see. So let's look at some potential options to replace RDA:

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone
An obvious choice is the man who will fight anyone, anytime. After losing his title shot to RDA at UFC on FOX 17, he moved up to 170lb to headline the UFC's card on FS1 this past Sunday night. It was a successful debut as he got rid of the other Cowboy in the 1st round via submission. After the fight, he basically called out anyone on planet Earth looking to get hurt.

 

Helwani is all over this one if you check out his Twitter feed, with Cerrone at 174 and already having hired Mike Dolce to help him make 155. He's a guy who will fight McGregor, whether it be on the feet or wherever it goes. It would be all action for as long as it lasts, and his ground/submission game could pose a real threat if the fight goes there. The difference here, between him and Mendes as a replacement, is he just fought (quickly) and is coming off a camp. So he's in shape and the cut isn't b/c he's out of shape, but b/c he was fighting up a weight class. He's the obvious front runner as a company man who never turns down a fight and having recently fought for the title McGregor was challenging for. I love this fight.

Eddie Alvarez
Two straight wins after a decision loss to Cerrone, with his most recent win a decision over Anthony "Showtime" Pettis. Alvarez is a bulldog, and his strength is his wrestling and grappling abilities. He used it to smother Pettis and stay away from his dynamic striking, so I would expect a similar approach should he get the call against McGregor. While I feel this is the most dangerous opponent for McGregor with respect to a potential loss, I think the UFC will consider a couple reasons NOT to give Alvarez the fight:

  1. He isn't in camp, so you wonder if he'll face a similar drastic weight cut like Mendes did before UFC 189 and the resulting cardio dump in the 2nd round.
  2. If he takes it to the mat and smothers McGregor for 3 rounds, this fight will suck. The hype train gets stopped, even with the obvious caveats, and people are pissed at the UFC and Alvarez for a boring ass fight.
Alvarez is certainly in a good position from a pedigree/resume perspective, fresh off the Pettis win and clamoring for a title shot, but I don't think it makes sense.

Nate Diaz
I'll always watch a fight that involves one of the Diaz brothers. And Nate is all-time classic. He talks shit out of the cage, in the cage, flips people off, and just scraps. He was on the same card when RDA KO'd Cerrone and left us with this, which lends even more reason to believe he's the right guy:



The only problem with Diaz is his position in the pecking order - while his #6 ranking is only one behind Cerrone, he's been up-and-down the last few years. He's 3-3 since 2012 with wins over Johnson, a zombie-like version of Grey Maynard, and Jim Miller. His most recent loss was RDA's last win before beating Pettis for the title, so I guess that qualifies as a good loss if we're looking at this from a Joe Lunardi Bracketology perspective, but I think the UFC has a harder time selling this to McGregor than they do Cerrone or even Alvarez.

Urijah Faber
He hadn't been top of mind until this happened just a few minutes ago...


And it makes ALL the sense in the world. They coach opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter, made for great TV in terms of talking shit back-and-forth, but also genuinely seemed to enjoy and respect each other as people and competitors. I maintain Faber is on the back-9, won't ever win the UFC title he longs for, and will ultimately serve the UFC and himself best as a "super fight without real title implications" kind of guy. Kind of where Rich Franklin ended up at the end of his career - remember, he fought Forrest, Hendo, Vitor, Wanderlei (twice), Cung Le, and Chuck.

But he's in shape, size wise presents less issues for Connor at 155, won't really threaten him with power, but the wrestling and experience could be problematic. The biggest issue is while it's a fun "super fight", it does little for McGregor's ambitions at 155 and eventually at 170 since Faber is most certainly not a true lightweight and isn't necessarily in the title picture at 135 or 145 just yet. So like Diaz, a hard sell, but man this one is really interesting and fun to think about.

Honorable Mentions
A few other names that have either been shot down or shouldn't be considered, but deserve being acknowledged for the sake of due diligence.

  • Khabib Nahga...nah ga...nah gonna work here anymore - #2 lightweight behind Alvarez and his last fight was a win over RDA...TWO YEARS AGO. Injuries have kept him out and while he's scheduled to fight #4 ranked Tony Ferguson in April, his name has zero cache with casual fans and he actually would be a problem for McGregor. Makes zero business sense.
  • Tony Ferguson - as noted, #4 ranked lightweight and has won 7 straight. But he's another guy who, while knocking on the door for a title shot, really needs that signature win in the lightweight division. His fight with Khabib in April is that opportunity, and the UFC is better off leaving those two alone to establish themselves as a next contender.
  • Frankie Edgar - while an obvious choice, Helwani noted on Twitter he's banged up and dealing with injuries and I'd rather wait for that one at 145 after a full camp for both guys.
  • Jose Aldo - another one Helwani addressed. Aldo turned it down b/c he's not in shape. Which is a bummer to hear that he's so out of shape he can't be ready to step in. What the hell do these guys do to their bodies in between fights? Makes me appreciate Mayweather even more.

That's the landscape. I think Cerrone ends up being the guy, but it'll be interesting to see how this all shapes up. Regardless, I'm watching next week. McGregor is can't miss, appointment television no matter who he's fighting.

-Big Besse

Here Comes the Money!


Shane-O Mac is back! In one of the most shocking returns in WWE history, the former heir to the throne has returned and he wants control of the whole damn company.

During last night's presentation of the Vincent J. McMahon Legacy Award of Excellence, or whatever it's called, Shane-O interrupted to let his father and sister know that after 6 years away from WWE, he's ready to take over. Turns out that before he left, Shane cut a deal with Vince allowing him to pursue his own business ventures without losing his place in line to inherit the company.

Shane has proven before that he can go toe to toe with his father in the board room as well as in the ring. Just look at his purchase of WCW and the McMahon vs. McMahon Street Fight that followed at Wrestlemania 17. But after 6 years of doing his own thing, he has had enough. Just like he said, ever since he left, the ratings have been dropping and the WWE stock is consistently in the red. Luckily for me, I bought that stock at $16.20 and sold it at $16.53. That's why I'm a finance major.

Anyways, after a little more back and forth, the Chairman of the Board decided that he would be willing to hand over company if -- and this is a pretty big if -- Shane can defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania in Hell in a Cell. 

Some of you might be thinking, "How the hell do they expect Shane to survive a match with The Undertaker. At WrestleMania. In Hell in a Cell." And my answer is this...




and this...


Saturday, February 20, 2016

WWE Fastlane 2016 Predictions

Grammar doesn’t count, and neither do people who like to remind you that wrestling is fake. I’m the new wrestling guy on The Brief (I think), and I’ll be writing these previews every month to get our readers ready for every Pay Per View. I’m a life long fan and former stock holder of the WWE so I’d like to think that my opinions mean something. Enjoy my ramblings.

Here we are, about a month and a half away from the Granddaddy of Them All! This coming Sunday, WWE Fastlane will provide us with the last stop before WrestleMania and we’ll be tuning in to watch plenty of feuds come to a close so we’ll be going into the home stretch with a clean slate and plenty of possibilities. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the card.

Match Order is Not Official…

Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio – 2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the United States Championship

Match Moved to Pre-Show    

Alberto Del Rio’s return peaked at Hell in a Cell when he was John Cena’s surprise opponent in the US Open Challenge. In a brief, awkward match designed to free Cena of the belt so he could go shoot American Grit, Del Rio won the title and a heel run as the champ looked promising. He then joined forces with Seamus, Wade Barrett, and Rusev to form the League of Nations (let’s all ignore his brief alliance with Zeb Colter), and they had a quick moment in the spotlight as a heel faction against Roman Reigns before they eventually became glorified jobbers to Reigns and friends.
            Eventually, Kalisto got the push we’ve all been waiting for when Sin Cara went down and Mysterio 2.0 got a shot at the title. These two played a quick game of hot potato with the belt when Kalisto won it on Raw just to lose it back to Del Rio on the following Smackdown. Since then, there hasn’t been much storytelling behind the feud but there have been some matches between the Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara just returned) with a third partner and the League of Nations.

Prediction: Kalisto


Kane, Big Show, Ryback vs. The Wyatts

            There really isn’t much behind this match except for the fact that all three of The Wyatt Family’s opponents have feuded with Bray’s Band of Brothers on separate occasions. I’d expect this match to be a showcase of Bray’s three disciples in a brawl between six of the biggest guys on the roster. Bray will probably manage this one from the sidelines, but don’t be surprised if he gets involved later in the night to pick his next victim. At the end of this match, I expect the Wyatts to be standing tall over their opponents looking strong heading into WrestleMania.

Prediction: The Wyatts


Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch vs. Naomi & Tamina

            The other week on Raw, Sasha Banks asked for Team BAD’s permission for her to go chase the Divas Championship. After what seemed like a peaceful agreement, Sasha was attacked by her former sisters, only to be saved by Becky Lynch. This match seems like more of a showcase for the plethora of Divas talent, specifically Banks and Lynch, so expect the newcomers to come out of this one looking ready for their shots at the Charlotte’s title heading into Mania. What is so big about this match is that we now have two divas matches on the card, which is unheard of considering neither of these are Bra and Panties matches.


Prediction: Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch


Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles

            Anyone else’s heart still pumping from AJ Styles’ surprise entrance at the Royal Rumble? I listened to his entrance music more times than I’m proud of. Luckily it’s a DMX remix so it isn’t that weird to listen to, but I digress.
            That following night on Raw, Jericho and Styles got caught up in their own program based around their respect for each other as wrestlers who have both fought all around the world and as competitors who want to get the best of each other.
            I’d expect this match to be a showcase for the WWE newcomer with Y2J and Styles swapping submission finishers and some big spots. It’ll be a fun match to watch, but Jericho is here to put Styles over.

Prediction: AJ Styles


Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship

            Kevin Owens is helping bring legitimacy back to the mid-card titles. Sadly, his opponents aren’t. With a depleted roster, the Intercontinental Champion hasn’t exactly had a diverse group of challengers, that’s why we’re being treated to what seems like the 87th matchup between these two. Kevin Owens is a main event talent helping bolster a weak mid-card roster and Dolph always puts on exciting matches, so it’ll be a good one. But in the end, expect Dolph to lose the big one just like he always does.

Prediction: Kevin Owens


Charlotte vs. Brie Bella – Divas Championship

            I never thought I would get excited over a Brie Bella championship feud, but here we are. Charlotte has cut some promos talking trash about Brie’s sister (Nikki) and husband (Daniel Bryan) and how they’re both banged up pretty badly and what not. I’m actually more impressed by Brie holding up her end of the deal. She’s been cutting great promos and putting on some great matches, including a roll up style victory against the champ on Raw. But with the rumors of Brie retiring this summer being confirmed, don’t expect another Bella championship run, especially with WrestleMania in our sights and the numerous other challengers chomping at the bit for their shot at the title.

Prediction: Charlotte


Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose -- #1 Contender Match

            I guess what’s most exciting about this match is that even though Roman Reigns seems like the obvious choice here, WWE has been able to add a sense of ambiguity to the match. There is a believable case for each wrestler to win this match.
            Brock is clearly the most dominant wrestler in possibly the history of sports entertainment. Paul Heyman cuts unbelievable promos and watching Lesnar ragdoll opponents doesn’t get old. The build up between Lesnar and Triple H would be sure to draw ratings and the match would be pretty legendary as well.
            Roman Reigns is the safe pick here. He has feuded with The Authority for longer than I can remember ever since his former Shield mate, Seth Rollins (come back soon please), cashed in at last years WrestleMania to become champ. The rivalry with The Authority really picked up at Survivor Series when Seamus cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to end Roman’s first Reign (hah) as champ at 5 minutes and 15 seconds. After becoming champ again, Roman was forced by The Chairman of the Board, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, to defend the belt IN the Royal Rumble where “surprise entry” Triple H eliminated Dean Ambrose to become the champ.
           
Which brings me to my Besse’s Be Bolder Prediction of the Night, brought to you by Butterfinger.
            The safe pick is, and always will be Roman Reigns. Until WWE feels that he is completely over with the crowd, they will continue to shove him down our throats until we eventually give in. That isn’t a knock at Roman, I’m actually a big fan, but that’s the truth. But think about the reasons for Reigns being the obvious winner here. Triple H and The Authority broke up The Shield. Seth Rollins screwed him out of his title opportunity. The Authority has screwed him over time and time again by doing whatever it takes just to keep the belt off of him. But have those exact things not happened to Dean Ambrose as well? I mean, obviously The Shield breaking up affected everybody, but let’s not forget Dean Ambrose’s title shots as well. Remember the Dusty Finish at Elimination Chamber when Dean pinned Rollins clean in the middle of the ring, just to have the ref DQ Rollins instead? Or how about the finish to their Ladder Match at Money in the Bank when Rollins and Ambrose grabbed the belt at the same time and the tie went to Rollins? Don’t you think Ambrose has been waiting for another shot at the belt? And let us not forget the end to this years Royal Rumble. It wasn’t Reigns who was eliminated last by Triple H, was it? No. It was Ambrose, who had Triple H hanging on for dear life on the apron before he flipped Ambrose over. Don’t you think Ambrose has been waiting for his revenge? Ambrose is tired of playing second fiddle to Roman, and he has proven that he isn’t afraid of Brock Lesnar either. I mean, hasn’t the build up of this Triple Threat match been mostly about Ambrose and Lesnar anyways? So before you go ahead and crown Reigns the number one contender, just think about what I have to say.

Prediction (Head): Reigns
Prediction (Heart): Ambrose


P.S. The New Day currently don’t have a match scheduled. Their only plans for the night are an appearance on Edge and Christian’s Peep Show, which honestly might steal the show. But as good as these guys are on the mic, we can’t go through and entire PPV without them defending the belts, so expect a match to be announced during the Peep Show. The Uso’s are getting a little stale and I doubt the Lucha Dragons will challenge. I’m predicting an NXT call up like The Realest Guys, Enzo and Big Cass, to be introduced by Edge and Christian as an immediate challenger for the titles to help build up a rather weak tag team division. Bold, perhaps, but not the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever said.

P.P.S. The Undertaker should be showing up soon for his annual WrestleMania match. Rumors are swirling that his opponent isn't even an active wrestler, so who knows how the build up to the match will go, but don't act too surprised if the lights go out and the Deadman's music plays on Sunday.


            That’s all I’ve got for Fastlane, folks. Agree? Disagree? You can find me on Twitter @KButter_22 is you want to bully me over my picks or give me credit when Dean Ambrose is main eventing WrestleMania.


-           Little Besse

Friday, February 19, 2016

Keefe on Top 5 Picks in NBA Drafts

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Top 25 NBA Players and Where They Were Picked

This list is not an exact science.  You may think player #10 is much better than #7.  Fine.  I also prioritize age.  Younger guys are more likely to be on this list than say Tim Duncan, who is impossible to rank.

  1. LeBron James (1st)
  2. Stephen Curry (7th)
  3. Kevin Durant (2nd)
  4. Russell Westbrook (4th)
  5. Anthony Davis (1st)
  6. Kawhi Leonard (15th)
  7. Blake Griffin (1st)
  8. James Harden (3rd)
  9. DeMarcus Cousins (5th)
  10. Chris Paul (4th)
  11. Paul George (10th)
  12. Draymond Green (35th, 2nd round)
  13. Jimmy Butler (30th)
  14. LaMarcus Alrdidge (2nd)
  15. Damian Lillard (6th)
  16. Kevin Love (5th)
  17. Klay Thompson (11th)
  18. Carmelo Anthony (3rd)
  19. DeMar DeRozan (9th)
  20. John Wall (1st)
  21. Kyle Lowry (24th)
  22. Kyrie Irving (1st)
  23. Andre Drummond (9th)
  24. Chris Bosh (4th)
  25. Karl-Anthony Towns (1st)

Full disclosure, probably forgot a few.  

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Top 25 Characters from Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights celebrated the 5-year anniversary of their finale episode a week or so ago.  5 seasons, 76 episodes, it was quite a journey.  I was late to the party, but watched it all, start-to-finish on Netflix.  Loved it.  Not just a football show, in fact it may be in my Top 10 shows all-time... Top 5?  Ok, it's probably too fresh on my mind.

With any great show, there are a ton of great characters.  This list ranks the best 25.  I know it's very subjective.  My criteria is simple.  The person at #1 is who I wanted to see on screen the most, followed by 2, then 3, then 4....

(These rankings can certainly change, also there is no shame of being outside the Top 5 or 10 on this list due to the strength of so many of the characters.  Also cameo appearances don't count, otherwise Mike Leach and his pirate speech would be #1... well, probably 2.)  Here we go..
  1. Tim Riggins
  2. Matt Saracen
  3. Becky Sproles
  4. Tyra Collette
  5. Lyla Garrity
  6. Buddy Garrity
  7. Tami Taylor
  8. Landry Clarke
  9. Dallas Tinker
  10. Eric Taylor
  11. Vince Howard
  12. Julie Taylor
  13. Smash Williams
  14. Luke Cafferty
  15. Billy Riggins
  16. Mindy Collette
  17. Jason Street
  18. Shelby Saracen
  19. Jess Merriweather
  20. Mrs. Saracen
  21. Mac McGill
  22. Corrina Williams
  23. Ray "Voodoo" Tatum
  24. Herc
  25. Regina Howard

Monday, February 8, 2016

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Best Movie/TV Football Player by Position

QUARTERBACK
1. Joe Kane, The Program
2. Willie Beamon, Any Given Sunday
3. Lance Harbor, Varsity Blues
4. Jason Street, Friday Night Lights
5. Shane Falco, The Replacements

RUNNINGBACK
1. Tim Riggins, Friday Night Lights
2. Wendell Brown, Varsity Blues
3. Darnell Jefferson, The Program
4. Smash Williams, Friday Night Lights
5. Julian Washington, Any Given Sunday

WIDE RECEIVER
1. Rod Tidwell, Jerry Maguire
2. Charlie Tweeter, Varsity Blues
3. Jimmy Sanderson, Any Given Sunday
4. Clifford Franklin, The Replacements
5. Matt Saracen, Friday Night Lights

OFFENSIVE LINE
1. Billy Bob, Varsity Blues
2. Michael Oher, The Blind Side
3. Jamal Jackson, The Replacements
3. Andre Jackson, The Replacements
5. Dallas Tinker, Friday Night Lights

DEFENSE
1. Alvin Mack, The Program
2. Bobby Boucher, The Waterboy
3. Julius Campbell, Remember The Titans
4. Steve Lattimer, The Program
5. Stefan "Stef" Djordjevic, All the Right Moves

Thursday, February 4, 2016

All-Star Festivities

3-POINT SHOOTOUT
James Harden
Chris Bosh
Klay Thompson
Stephen Curry
Kyle Lowry
J.J. Redick
Khris Middleton
Devin Booker

SLAM DUNK CONTEST
Zach LaVine
Andre Drummond
Will Barton
Aaron Gordon

SKILLS CHALLENGE
Isaiah Thomas
Patrick Beverley
Jordan Clarkson
C.J. McCollum
DeMarcus Cousins
Draymond Green
Anthony Davis
Karl-Anthony Towns

Monday, February 1, 2016

Early 2016 TV Schedule

SUNDAY
The Walking Dead, AMC (starts Feb. 14)
Fear The Walking Dead, AMC (April 10)
Game of Thrones, HBO (April 24)
Silicon Valley, HBO (April 24)
Veep, HBO (April 24)
The Last Man on Earth, Fox (TBD)

MONDAY
Monday Night Raw, USA (on-now)
Better Call Saul, AMC (Feb. 15)
Bates Motel, A&E (March 7)

TUESDAY
The Flash, The CW (on-now)
Marvel's Agent Carter, ABC (on-now)
The Muppets, ABC (Feb. 2)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fox (Feb. 2)

WEDNESDAY
Arrow, The CW (on-now)
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, FXX (on-now)
The Challenge: Bloodlines, MTV (on-now)
Scream, MTV (April 20)

THURSDAY
DC's Legends of Tomorrow, The CW (on-now)
Baskets, FX (on-now)
Workaholics, Comedy Central (on-now)

FRIDAY
Grimm, NBC (on-now)
Daredevil, Netflix (March 18)

SATURDAY
Saturday Night Live, NBC (on-now)