By Nicholas Bailey (nbailey@mmaratings.net)
I take great exception to some parts of this piece by Ben Fowlkes, who apparently gets to write about MMA for SI.com despite not even being an MMA fan.
To wit:
The two other televised bouts for UFC 91 aren’t likely to be on anyone’s list of must-sees…
Tamdan McCrory takes on Dustin Hazelett
WHAT!? Sure, neither of these guys has the appeal to casuals that Lesnar does, but this is obviously a treat for the hardcore fans. All but the most casual MMA fans are excited about Hazelett after his ridiculous whizzer to armbar, and even more so with his engaging interviews and amusing personal style, and those who saw Tamdan McCrory dismantle Luke Cummo know that the guy has real potential and will certainly make this an exciting fight. The Sherdog forums were nearly unanimous in their celebration of the fight being televised.
I just have trouble believing that anyone who isn’t at least a little interested in this fight has no business writing about MMA, especially if they can’t even recognize that tons of people are very glad this fight is now being televised.
His criticism of Dana’s claim of 1.2million expected PPV sales may prove to be extremely premature, as well. I certainly think that the UFC’s tactic of blowing up one blockbuster fight has sold very well for them in the past-and Couture vs. Lesnar is one of the biggest blockbusters the UFC has put together. Lesnar generated buzz before he ever fought in the UFC, and now that he’s demonstrated his enormous potential AND made many fans hate him so much they will buy Pay-Per-Views to watch him lose, his drawing power is probably much increased. Furthermore, any matchup with Randy Couture is sure to motivate another sizable chunk of fans.
Lastly, breaking out the old (and untrue) chestnut that Boxing cards have nothing of value aside from the main event speaks of unfamiliarity with that sport as well. Maybe Ben should stick to writing about whatever he does instead of watching MMA.
yeah…this guy ben is a douchebag…haz vs mccroy has fight of the night potential all over it..was happy amir’s fight got pulled for it in fact..awesome its on the ppv..fuck you fowlkes!
fowlkes actually writes for cagepotato.com as well. that IS a pretty weird thing to say about McLovin’ vs the Barncat. Hazelett’s jits are freaking super.
Fowlkes used to work for IFL, so I think he’s a fan.
No doubt he’s a fan, and writes some quality pieces. I think criticism like this is just the nature of the business.
Are you serious? Seriously! To claim this douche face isn’t a fan of MMA is complete retardedness on your behalf to even write such a gay blog. Obviously you’re completely jealous of the peices written by Fowlkes(that son of a bitch). Sure the dude looks like a douche with his smug little smile but god damn it this douche is a fan of MMA and quite knowledgable, compared to you atleast. So quit you’re bitching and do us a favor and “go home, walk to your bedroom, take your shoes off, lie down in your bed, take about 20 or 30 minutes and go fuck yourself.” And yea I know I’m 2 months late but no one can ever be 2 months too late to say Fuck You!
I think you’ve gotta keep this in perspective. I’ve got nothing against Folkes, but he clowned himself in the article mentioned.
Fowlkes is not only a fan…he is a badass sub-grappler as well…trained with the like of Dean Lister…and myself. I’ve tapped to him and am proud of it!!!!!
Are you serious? Seriously! To claim this douche face isn't a fan of MMA is complete retardedness on your behalf to even write such a gay blog. Obviously you're completely jealous of the peices written by Fowlkes(that son of a bitch). Sure the dude looks like a douche with his smug little smile but god damn it this douche is a fan of MMA and quite knowledgable, compared to you atleast. So quit you're bitching and do us a favor and "go home, walk to your bedroom, take your shoes off, lie down in your bed, take about 20 or 30 minutes and go fuck yourself." And yea I know I'm 2 months late but no one can ever be 2 months too late to say Fuck You!
Fowlkes is not only a fan…he is a badass sub-grappler as well…trained with the like of Dean Lister…and myself. I've tapped to him and am proud of it!!!!!