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Can't get into Will Ospreay at all. It's all just too much . The incredible moves that he is hitting 6, 8, 10 minutes into a match should be ending it. They look like they should kill people on the spot. Then the match lasts another fifteen minutes. I just don't give a shit. I love a sprint as much as the next guy, but that's what it should be - between 4 and 9 minutes, this style might work ok for me. I was down on his match with Takeshita, and the Fletcher one was no different. An amazing spectacle surely, but beyond completely absurd. For wrestling, that's saying something, when it's all nonsense anyway. The crowd love it to death, so I'm clearly in the minority, but it doesn't work for me, bruv. 

The change in graphics and the set were very much welcome. The new song is shite though. Win some, lose some. 

I liked the opening segment in that it was different to 4 out of every 5 weeks being Jon Moxley opening the show for a 20 minute match. Varying the formula is the right idea. 

I've not been dying about Okada when I've seen him in the past, but I don't get the complaints here. I thought the crowd reaction to him coming out was fantastic. The instant the coin dropped, they gave him a star's reaction. A big moment. I didn't know he was coming in for sure, or when. I think this might get me on board with Okada, immediately showing a willingness to change from the formula, go heel on arrival and straight away it opens up a pile of doors. He'll beat Eddie, get draped in gold and has tonnes of interesting directions to go in. Yeah, good move I think. 

Wardlow got heated up so that Joe can get another quick Hook style mini feud before dropping the title to Swerve in April. That's grand by me. Wardlow had that promo a couple of weeks ago that was his best to date, but let's not get carried away here - he's no youngster. He's 36, he's about as good as he's probably ever going to be, and they have kicked his leg out of his leg already on more than one occasion. Wardlow wasn't being built up with that promo and the win at the PPV to actually be placed at the top of the card going forward - he's not at that level. Hopefully he loses to Joe and then turns on the group he's with and goes in a new direction. Path is clear for Swerve v Joe in a month's time. Then Swerve wins - because if he doesn't then he's going to miss his boat as Khan is going full steam with a long reign for the Essex boy come August. 

Serpico Vera had nothing for O'Malley in the end. One man has improved quite a bit since their first fight and the other is much the same fighter as he was then. Granite tough, but Vera got a bit of a pasting here. Broken orbital or something maybe? That cheek bone was a mess at the end. I'd rather see O'Malley v Merab and Topuria v Holloway next if I'm honest. 135 is way too deep to be putting on ice because O'Malley fancies dicking about. 

Cool Dusty P does it again. Back against the wall, looking like it was all going to hell in a hand basket, and he finds that extra gear that so few have. Incredible. You could see the weight fall off his shoulders in the seconds after the ref stepped in. 35 now, been in war after war, but Dustin told us there that he's a long way from done. I dunno what's happening next in this division - Islam not being booked against Gaethje threw everything up in the air - but I'm well on for Dustin against the winner of Oliveira/Tsarukyan or a third encounter with Gaethje. Benoit Saint-Denis will be back. He's only getting started. I could see him going on another smashing streak right after this. He gave Poirier as rough a night as those other guys at the sharp end of the division. The exciting fights for BSD next are endless. 

MVP Vs Holland was a real damp squib I thought, but then I wasn't expecting much different. Did nothing for me this one. 

Jack Della Maddelena showed improvement again against Gilbert Burns. Another changing of the guard type fight. It's no easy thing to stop Gilbert, and I thought this should have been stopped earlier than it was too. Calling out Shavkat as well. The balls on him. He's Jackie flat nose for a reason. 

Petr Tan displayed how difficult this division is against Song. For a man like Yan to have been on the skid that he was, when he showed here that he hadn't been slipping - the depth is incredible. Further proof as well to how difficult Merab is for anyone to handle. Yan looked sharp as a tack here. Yan Vs Figgy Smalls please. 

Jailton Almeida learned you have to make some attempts, once in a while, to actually win the fight. That first round, sure he didn't give Blaydes an inch, but fuck me. I dunno if he threw more than three strikes or ever tried to work for a sub. That KO by Blaydes was a harsh lesson for him - with these big boys, don't be fucking about. When you have someone where you want them, at least attempt to put an end to it. 

I kept to my promise from a few years ago - I forego all Kaitlyn Chookagian fights these days. 

This win over RDA is definitely one of Gamrot's better wins. So much of his record in the UFC I feel has a bit of an asterisk beside it. He's at a lofty ranking in the division with a fair bit of fairy dust. He needed something like this, where there was really no debate about it when it was over. Despite that, RDA really hurt him early, but couldn't capitalise on it. There's a bit of work for Gamrot to do yet I feel though, If he was to fight Islam, Oliveira, Gaethje, Poirier and Tsarukyan again, I don't know that he would be coming out of that better than 2-3. Which is no bloody position to be negative about, but that's the best I think it would be. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't beat any of them. He shouldn't have got the decision against Tsarukyan. He has very good wrestling but I dunno if he lives with those other men unless he progresses that wrestling into something with a serious finishing threat at the end of it. Over five rounds - the tippy top Lightweights usually find a way to get to you if you don't do so first. 

Phillips Vs Munhoz was a tonne of fun opening up the TV prelims. Phillips looked fantastic here. A litmus test for him that he passed with flying colours. He's in with all the Gremlins now at this point, but you know what? I think he'll handle it. Any amount of fun fights from here out for him. Rob Front or Jonathan Martinez would be bags of craic. 

5 hours ago, wandshogun09 said:

Not a fight announcement but I’ll throw this in here. The UFC coming back to the UK in July, and finally somewhere other than the O2 in London!

Gotta think Tom Aspinall is gonna be headlining this one. Bullshit that he’s gonna end up having to defend an interim title to allow for this Jones vs Stipe bollocks but it’s either that or put the career on hold and lose the momentum he’s been building. If he sits waiting for Jones/Stipe he could be waiting forever. 

Aspinall vs Gane or the Blaydes/Jailton winner? 

 

Strange that it's a fight night though if the plan might be to have the HW belt defended (maybe because it's an interim - but let's face it, he's going to be the real champ once Jones/Stipe is over with). Putting any type of title fight on top of a fight night card seems pretty strong and out of character these days for the UFC to do when they usually get by on much less. 

Only just got caught up on this today. Thought Royval deserved the decision. I gave it to him 3 rounds to 2 but could have easily seen 4-1 in his favour as well. Moreno wasn't at the races really. Only small glimpses here of the type of fight both men sometimes have, this one felt like it never really left third gear. 

Brian Ortega yet again showing he's like a lump of granite. Man can take a licking. Yair really got to him in that first round but once Ortega was able to establish his grappling he really schooled Yair for the rest of the fight. Definitely wouldn't be against a trilogy fight either next, or shortly down the line thereafter. 

18 hours ago, gmoney said:

I actually can't stand this match, it's so horrible. I'm a bit squeamish when it comes to people being knocked out and it goes on forever with Jack being away with the faeries. 

I've seen it, but absolute yonks ago and don't really remember much about it, however I'd find myself having a really difficult time trying to find any sympathy for New Jack. In a business with no shortage of bullies and liberty takers in it's past, Jack even then kind of stands out. 

So disappointed for Volk for it to end with him slumped in a heap. That's the life cycle story though. You either hand it over or something younger man takes it from your cold, dead hands. Volk looked really good early too, they both did. I didn't think he was off at all or anything. Would Volk of 3 or 4 fights ago have weathered that shot a bit? Who knows. Either way, Topuria is the man now. I would like to see Volk take 9 months off and then come back as fresh as he can for one last go at the title. Go with Topuria/Holloway in August or something (depending on how Max is after the Gaethje fight). Volk/Topuria II Dec/Jan. 

Topuria is the makings of a new big thing though. He has all the intangibles. Hasn't put a foot wrong so far (other than that post fight McGregor nonsense). 

Costa and Whittaker had a fight and a half, as was bound to happen once they were able to shut the cage door on the two of them. I'll never for the life of me understand how Whittaker survived that spinning heel kick. Brilliant stuff. Deserved the decision in the end too I thought, did Bobby Knuck's. This won't be the fight that would happen, but our boy Gregory Obama Vs Paulo Costa would be some mad shit to watch. 

What's next for Whittaker then? With Adesanya/Chimaev apparently on the cards, Is it Whittaker or Strickland that's getting the nod for DDP? 

Neal/Garry didn't excite in the end. I get a bit of the Darren Till vibes off of Ian Garry to be honest. I wouldn't mind seeing him get fed to Shavkat, but that's not likely to get booked. One can hope. 

Cejudo's career appears to have went out with a wimper in the end. That retirement in 2020 killed him, really. He left too much on the table back then. He's found himself a half, or a step short now at this point in time and in 2024 135 land, that's just not going to be something you can get past. Cejudo fought hard, but Merab was just on another level. I'm dying to see him do that to O'Malley - if he gets the chance to. 

That's a fight and a half. They would have both been 1a and 1b for DDP's first title defence too . . .does that mean they are going DDP/Strickland in a re-match instead?

10 hours ago, SuperBacon said:

Love You, Man, which I all really enjoyed. The latter I think is one of the funniest comedies of the last 20 years, and has huge likeability. 

See, I'm not sure I get comedy the same way as a lot of people. Totally agree with the last part there, I enjoyed it as a movie about male bonding, how easy it is to lose that as you get deep in relationships, and how hard it can be to make friends as you get older. But I see "I Love You, Man" as a feel good drama - I didn't find it funny. I'm not sure if I ever laughed when watching it. Maybe Lance Storm is my dad. 

Darby Allin has always been an awful promo, but that one may have been his worst. Jesus wept. 

A funeral show overall again. I feel they need to mix up the order of the shoes though. It feels like 4/5 shows open with a Jon Moxley match. 

The main event took me by surprise. I've never had any interest in Matt Taven at all but he put in a shift here. Barmy stuff. 

The Joe/Swerve/Hangman segment was fantastic. Clicking on all fronts these three are. 

I Don't like Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Willy Wonka, musicals or Gene Wilder. By fuck have I come to the wrong thread. 

Yeah it's an amazing card. If you're booking that in terms of name value and the quality of the fight, Gaethje Vs Holloway goes on last. As it's a nonsense title they still had to have something that could theoretically sit above it. From the moment Max and Justin was announced though, that was the main event in my eyes. Everything else will pale in comparison. 

I really hope the bout order is different on the night than you have listed though Wand, I won't see the fight pass prelims and i'd much rather watch Figgy Smalls claim the remainder of Garbrandt's chin than Holly Holm stifle her way to a win over a depleted Kayla Harrison. Minor complaints though really! 

It's snuck up on me as I've been a bit checked out with all of the Apex cards lately, but I'll look forward to getting home from work tomorrow and enjoying this one for the Sunday evening. Should be a corker. Hoping no spoilers make it my way before then. Reminder to anyone that was unfortunate on the last PPV like myself, record whatever is on after it, since it cut off the entire main event of the DDP v Strickland fight. Not something that's happened me before but maybe it's some new nonsense.

And I'm about to scud it, but. . . Paulo Costa hasn't pulled out yet? Still time. Hope Whittaker's fall back opponent is in the sauna. 

My biggest question, without even watching it yet - who is Howie Mandel when he's at home?

1 hour ago, Dai said:

Dan Hardy, Randy and Chael as colour commentators sounds pretty good.

Yeah that doesn't seem too bad, from over here at least. Depends on Chael's mood I guess. Glad it's not Mauro. Unlike @Egg Shen, I couldn't stand him. 

A fantastic episode of Dynamite that was. I'm late to the party here and Supremo and JLM have said about everything that I'd have said only better. I'm not booing Hangman though - like Bret in '97, Hangman's in the right and god dammit I'm going to be by his side. Unless The Bucks are nearby, then I'll have to look on, disapprovingly, at his choice of little prick friends. Marvellous pieces of business to open and close this show. Cheering and punching the air for The Stinger, then those two wee delinquents turn up and ruined the party. Hope they get pasted all over the walls of the Coliseum. 

Hechicero (sp?) Love that crazy bastard already and he's only been around about a week. More of him please. 

Couldn't give a fiddlers about Sasha/Mercedes turning up though. She's no Charlotte Flair. 

22 minutes ago, wandshogun09 said:

He’s gone too far with the 3-piece and a soda gimmick. 

Most definitely. It's a 5 piece breakfast and 7 piece lunch now. 

11 minutes ago, wandshogun09 said:

Jorge MASSvidal.

Is Billy Bob Thornton needing a team mate in Bad Santa 3 or something? 

28 minutes ago, Hannibal Scorch said:

I forgot all about The Fan. I saw that, oddly, in a cinema in Norway. I don’t remember it getting a cinema release here, I did remember it getting a vhs release though and I’m surprised it never gets discussed considering the cast.

I've got The Fan on VHS upstairs. I always remember I have it because it's in one of those annoying larger box tape cases that stick out like a sore thumb as they don't fit in neatly in a row like the rest. 

15 hours ago, Tim Healys Chutney Spoon said:

London Marathon winner and World Record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach 

 

https://news.sky.com/story/kelvin-kiptum-world-marathon-record-holder-and-his-coach-die-in-road-accident-13069858

Incredibly sad stuff this. Only 24 and really only getting started in both his life and career. Got into road running because he couldn't afford access to the track and for his first big race he had to borrow a pair of shoes. Came from nothing to become the world record holder in only his 3rd marathon. Achievements beyond most people's wildest dreams. He burnt all too briefly, but very, very brightly. RIP to Kiptum and his coach, also a young man in his 30's, struck down in their prime. 

1 hour ago, wandshogun09 said:

Sweet I missed that one.

Saw yesterday as well that this is gonna headline the Apex card on March 2nd…

Christ. 

The endless mediocre Middleweight main events have been getting shat on so their answer is to give us more Heavyweight headliners? Tuivasa vs Tybura tops the following Apex card as well. And to think this March 2nd card was the one that was supposed to be in Saudi Arabia. The card as a whole is pretty wank but I’d have taken the Muhammad Mokaev vs Alex Perez fight as main event over Rozey vs Gaziev any day. 

😅 That's a shambles. Yet another Fight Night consigned to the bin that I'll be avoiding. They don't make it difficult for people to ignore these shows. Put something at least half way interesting on the top two fights and I'll check out the show. When guff like this is the main event then I'm blanking the whole card. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me when their roster is chock full of people in the exciting, lighter weight divisions, 170 and lower, (ignoring the black hole that is W135). Put these two lumps third from the top and there's not nearly the negativity. Baffling.

3 hours ago, wandshogun09 said:

 

😅 That was cracking. Well done that man. Hope he is back to form here against Topuria. I'm not ready for his time at the top to be over yet. 

@air_raid mentioned the World Title match on Raw with Shawn and HHH that I've long felt was one of their two best. Another match he had on Raw was the street fight with Edge, when both men remembered to wear jeans and bring their blade, as should be general rules. He got a turn out of Chris Masters when Masters was still green as grass during his big push. 

Always thought he worked well with Orton, either in singles or tag. 

A lot of the character work and promo's could often be dreadfully hammy (apart from his brief 1 month temporary heel turn for the Hogan feud in which he seemed to remember what the best iteration of Shawn was), but in the ring he was usually pretty golden on this run. 

Edit: Also the 2nd feud with Jericho, in 2008? That had a lot of impressive stuff in it too, worth seeking out if you haven't seen it. 

On 2/5/2024 at 4:02 PM, CavemanLynn said:

I mean, he's not wrong...

He's certainly not, and why his catchphrase still stands as correct. 

23 hours ago, waters44 said:

I was a dad at 18 so missed those partying years other teenagers enjoy.

I'm confused. Why have we lost Dad's in the forum name cleanse, yet you haven't gained the name? I'm starting a petition. The44thDad?