[arda]

One of the reasons that Pride has a better HW division than the UFC is that they bring in one dimensional guys and develop them into MMA fighters. Hunt, CC, Leko, Yoshida, Gardner, Werdum etc. are all examples where they have tried to do this.

For Pride the natural source is K-1 guys. They have access and money so they can bring in elite K-1 fighters and help them become MMA fighters.

The UFC has done a little of this (Pe de Pano) but the natural place for them to look is Division 1 wrestlers. The UFC used to get these guys all the time. (Randy, Kerr, Kev, Coleman)

When was the last time a top HW wrestler came to the UFC? Probably Kevin Randleman. I understand the UFC wants more stand up fighting but why not bring in some of these guys who are fast, explosive and great wrestlers and let them develop. Could they be worse than Eilers, Buentello and Mike Kyle?

[CryforDeath]

You missing the point that the "fans" want to see no talent brawlers like Buantello vs Aldana give a Ko rather then wrestlers.

[Wolfcastle]

Dana should swallowed his little profit margin and made an investment by grabbing Vanderlei Silva and Heath Herring when they were available.

Silva will bring other fighters to the UFC and would pay off down the track.

Herring would run the heavyweight division.

Even Ninja would've been good.

But nah, he keeps bringing in lesser known guys from lesser comps.

Gotta spend to earn.

[Seano]

How come nobody mentions all the new talent at HW in UFC? Monson, Silva, Vera, Cruz even Hinkle are all decent additions to the UFC.

I agree though. UFC should broaden their horizons.

[Wickerman]

Originally Posted by CryforDeath

You missing the point that the "fans" want to see no talent brawlers like Buantello vs Aldana give a Ko rather then wrestlers.

Maybe "TUFers" and the like, but FOLLOWERS of the sport, at least longtime ones prefer FIGHTERS. Sadly, we are the minority now...

[Summoner10]

Originally Posted by arda

One of the reasons that Pride has a better HW division than the UFC is that they bring in one dimensional guys and develop them into MMA fighters. Hunt, CC, Leko, Yoshida, Gardner, Werdum etc. are all examples where they have tried to do this.

For Pride the natural source is K-1 guys. They have access and money so they can bring in elite K-1 fighters and help them become MMA fighters.

The UFC has done a little of this (Pe de Pano) but the natural place for them to look is Division 1 wrestlers. The UFC used to get these guys all the time. (Randy, Kerr, Kev, Coleman)

When was the last time a top HW wrestler came to the UFC? Probably Kevin Randleman. I understand the UFC wants more stand up fighting but why not bring in some of these guys who are fast, explosive and great wrestlers and let them develop. Could they be worse than Eilers, Buentello and Mike Kyle?

Who has Pride done that successfully with? Mirko? That's only one man. Schilt was a bust and so was leko. yishida is still very one dimensional and Werdum is with Crocop. Mark Hunt is still one dimensional. They've also brought in a lot of brazilian JJ guys over the years who get butchered on their fight and are never seen from again. Same thing with Japanese submission wrestlers. Besides Mirko, who has Pride cultivated in that way?

This is a rather dumb post.

[Cube43200]

As long as Pride remains a non-entity in the U.S., there will be little need for the UFC to bring in established fighters...

[HowitZer]

Well now that the UFC has solid WW, MW and LHW divisions I'm sure the HW will be next. Like Seano said they have alreayd made strides in the right direction. I don't think the UFC went out and recruited wrestlers. Guys like Randleman, Couture etc. worked there way to the UFC.

[humboldtco]

Good post. I like outside of the box thinking. Tragically UFC will never hear this because if they didn't think of it, it must be a bad idea.

[arda]

I dont think the fans really do want to see big unskilled guys slug it out. What kind of numbers did the Arlovski/Buentello or Arlovski/Eilers PPVs do? Were they much better than a card headlined by the boring but very skilled Matt Hughes (who is also dull as dirt in interviews)? I think Hughes may have been on one of those cards though. Cant remember.

I dont have a problem with him bringing in lesser known guys but it seems like the ones he brings in have limited talent. Eilers has great heart but limited potential. Buentello is ok but he isnt getting any better.

Why not bring in some top athletes who already are elite in one part of MMA and hwo have the athletic ability to adapt.