The article discusses various UFC topics, including criticism of a UFC-Golden Globes cross-promotion, analysis of hypothetical UFC matchups, and alternate realities for fighters’ careers, while also inviting reader questions on combat sports.
It’s that time of the week, folks. We’re still stuck in the UFC doldrums, but not for long! Let’s dive into questions about various topics, including the bizarre UFC-Golden Globes cross-promotion, an early peek at UFC 324, and a slew of hypotheticals.
If you were Paramount Plus, trying to push your UFC product during the Golden Globes, how’d you do it? The audience overlap seems… questionable. With Brian Ortega and Mackenzie Dern at your disposal, what’s your skit idea? Or, which two fighters would you use to grab attention?
Honestly, no idea. Having them “work security” for a promo wasn’t it. Cringe city. The production team’s defense? Didn’t help.
We all know why this happened—pushing the new UFC/Paramount deal. Organic pairings work better, like having UFC fighters appear at other sporting events. This had all the subtlety of a Vegas billboard.
They weren’t far from a viable idea, though. The Golden Globes are famously laid-back. Instead of random fighters as “extra security,” why not create a skit around UFC fighters as security? Quick, easy, and naturally humorous. Here’s a rough script:
Nikki Glaser (Host): And for our next award…
*Kevin James stands up, clearly tipsy: This is BULLCRAP! Look at these smug actors. My masterpiece, Playdate, was snubbed!
Nikki Glaser: Seems like Kevin James is more like Kevin Jameson tonight. Can we get security here?
Kevin James makes a scene, even “swings” at Dwayne Johnson. BOOM. Ortega and Dern tackle him.
Glaser: Good thing CBS has UFC stars hanging around! If The Smashing Machine doesn’t win, maybe Barry Keoghan can be in the Conor McGregor biopic.
Someone send this to decision-makers. I’m available for hire.
Yeah, makes sense. Amanda is 37 and hasn’t fought in 31 months. No telling how she’ll look. Rose is a wild card, but Natalia Silva‘s been on fire. Rose has never seemed like a true flyweight.
Arnold Allen hasn’t fought in 18 months. Meanwhile, Silva’s gone 3-1 with four bonuses. Makes sense to me.
Umar Nurmagomedov is elite, and Figgy Smalls is aging. Figgy barely beat Montel Jackson; he’s gonna get sat on.
This one’s tricky, but I get it. WCA’s on a roll, and Lewis, though on a winning streak, is over 40. WCA probably out-points Derrick, but “The Black Beast” looks like a live dog.
Sean O’Malley vs. Paddy Pimblett. Which title run is weaker? Great question! Pimblett’s UFC résumé: Luigi Vendramini KO, Rodrigo Vargas Sub, and more. O’Malley’s run: Terrion Ware Decision, Andre Soukhamthah Decision, and others.
Side-by-side, O’Malley’s run looks worse. Pimblett beat fighters past their prime, but the names were good. O’Malley beat one notable name (Eddie Wineland) and lost a fight. His saving grace? Beating Petr Yan, though it was controversial.
Neither run’s legendary, but I lean toward Pimblett’s being better.
Georges St-Pierre vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov. Sad it never happened. Would’ve been a spectacular career end for Khabib. I would’ve favored Khabib. In their primes, GSP could’ve troubled Khabib with his defense and jab, but Khabib’s pressure and wrestling were relentless.
By the time it could’ve happened, GSP wasn’t at his best. Khabib, at his peak, was unmatched. If Johny Hendricks made GSP look human, Khabib would’ve dominated a lesser version.
Alternate realities? Quick-fire predictions:
1. Fedor beats Brock but loses to Cain. Has good fights, then moves on.
2. Jon Jones becomes the greatest fighter ever, but without his quirks, he might not be the same fighter.
3. Chael beats Silva, loses the belt quickly. Funny, but Silva’s comeback is missed.
4. GSP loses to Hendricks, retires. Romero clobbers Bisping for the title.
5. Khabib slaughters Oliveira, maybe fights GSP, then retires.
6. Aldo beats McGregor, moves up to lightweight, beats Alvarez. Conor loses to Max, never ascends.
7. Cruz is the bantamweight GOAT, a Top 6 all-time fighter.
8. DJ wins against Cejudo, blanks TJ, moves up, loses quickly, returns to 125 for fun fights.
Thanks for reading! Got questions about combat sports? Send them my way. I’ll answer the best ones. See y’all next week!