(When you absolutely, positively need someone who will poke you repeatedly in the eye, there really is no substitute.)
While there are any number of reasons why an athletic commission might not license Gilbert Yvel (he is, after all, one of MMA’s most despicable people), it seems as if the CSAC is going to let him fight. They’ve cleared him to apply for a license, which basically means that all he has to do pass medicals and not pull an Aleks Emelianenko and get himself benched at the last minute.
But just in case Tom Atencio says he has “people in line if it doesn’t work out."
Trouble is, finding a credible replacement to face someone like Josh Barnett isn’t the same as finding someone to go against Paul Buentello in an undercard fight. There you could just call up Gary Goodridge and nobody would feel as though they’d lost out. In the case of Barnett, you’ve got to get a high-level replacement in order for the fight to feel like anything other than a consolation prize or premeditated ass-whipping.
Atencio wouldn’t say who he has lined up, but whoever it is can’t be a serious opponent for Barnett. It would have to be someone with enough of an ‘I don’t give a fuck attitude’ to take that fight on short notice, and also someone who is a non-UFC heavyweight not already on the Affliction card, which rules out Paul Buentello, thank God.
Fortunately Affliction has set hopes low by giving Barnett someone like Yvel to begin with, but dammit, if we see “Big Daddy” Goodridge come shuffling out at the last minute again, whatever credibility Affliction has left will be destroyed just as surely as he will.
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Comments
Thu, 01/08/09 - 09:09
Paging Fabricio Verdum.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 09:17
You know, I'm not saying I want this to happen, but they could always move Buentello up in the card to Fight Barnett. Then they either scrap the other bout completely or have their mystery man fill in for Buentello's old spot. Guess we'll see.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 09:26
Barnett gets a nobody if Yvel drops...Affliction needs its big namers to stay big. At least for now. Who does Fedor fight if Arlovski goes down? They cant give him a just beat Barnett....
Thu, 01/08/09 - 09:27
Sylvia, duh. At a new discounted price, I'm sure. Besides, why would Yvel's replacement need to be "credible". You make it sound like Gilbert was considered "credible" at some point in his life.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 09:38
How about Overeem? He's been said to be in negotiations with North American companies and is a top-flite heavyweight.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 09:50
Seth Petrchelli anyone?
Thu, 01/08/09 - 10:08
oooh. playing the good ol mystery opponent card always gets people talking.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 10:30
ha, love the article....this site it sweet and amusing for a weedhead mma junkie such as myself. i was wondering what the big deal was too though, i'm more intrigued to see what yvel will do rather than expecting a competitive fight. sylvia seems like a good choice, but wouldn't he just get another bone broken? barnett is cool though he'd probably ko his ass with pride. somebody said something like what if AA can't fight......i would hope someone would see the point of scrapping the yvel fight and making fedor vs barnett. wonder if fedor would take that offer
Thu, 01/08/09 - 10:30
Tank Abbott would look good gassing out on his walk to the ring
Thu, 01/08/09 - 10:37
Man, I love this site! "Thoughts", "Jugger", "Anonymous" and "Ouch! That hurts" all have great suggestions and thoughts. @ Thoughts: You make a HUGE point that Affliction does need it's big names to stay big names. They could throw a can at Barnett just so he doesn't throw a loss. Personally, I think it's an insult to Barnett and from the vibe I get from Barnett, he'd probably be insulted by an "easy" opponent. He's a serious fighter. By the way, I believe he is next in line to fight Fedor. @ Jugger: Sylvia - BINGO! I think your right on the money. Truth be told, I'd like to see Barnett vs Timmy. @ Anonymous: Word is that Overeem is speaking to the UFC and Affliction. Barnett vs Overeem would be a great fight! @ Ouch! That hurts: Seth, you say? Come on! Say what's REALLY on your mind. Come on everyone, say it with me... -* Sung to the tune of the "Mickey Mouse Club Show" *- K...I...M... "M I supposed to take this fight to the ground?" B...O... "BO? Bas, does my beard smell" S...L...I...C...E! YEAAAAAAAA!
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:10
@ OB&I I had thought of K....I can't spell his name for fear he might materialize out of youtube and suck the life out of all who watch him fight. But I'm hoping "he who must not be named" will never fight professionally again and just go back to beating up homeless people in front of a shaky handicam.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:11
DAMN OB&I do you ever quit? Every post you throw leaves me in tears! Kimblo stepping in I do think that would be good!
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:15
I bet the weigh ins will be filled with hopeful starving heavyweights and their managers just in case.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:25
if it was Kimbo we would be hearing all about it already. like him or not but his name is a draw so Affliction would be fools to pass up some free word of mouth hype
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:33
Werdum vs. Barnett would be a good fight, but I think OB&I has the best suggestion yet...Throw the Slice in there!!
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:42
Most of the time I agree with OBI but Slice if Yvel cant go? Thats just not a good idea, however I do like the idea of Timmay vs Josh. That could be a good scrap and would give Josh a credible opponent. What this really comes down to is who is going to fight Fedor after AA gets beat up? Everyone would think Josh, but to be honest I think he is afriad to fight Fedor. It just seems that anytime that match is talked about Josh always backs out or has some "managment" issue. I doubt those 2 will ever fight.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:45
@ Eveboy420 "DAMN OB&I do you ever quit?" No.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 11:54
@ mayhem420 Wait a sec, I'm not saying I'd LIKE to see Kimbo end up at "Day of Reckoning", I'm just saying that you KNOW someone at Afflication is thinking about it. And it would make sense. Like or not, we know Kimbo is a draw. This upcoming Affliction fight is on NOBODY'S radar. I can't even find anyplace around where I live that is showing it. That wasn't the case with the first Affliction event. I had to really search before I found a lsiting for it on DirecTV's website. And this fight is just over TWO WEEKS AWAY! Where's the hype? Where's the noise? Folks at Affliction may roll the dice and say that they need Kimbo. Personally, I'd like to see Timmy or Overeem fight Barnett. ...that is if they can both pee clean... Also, ya got a good point with Barnett possibly "dodging" Fedor. It does seem like something always comes up. If he wants a future in the sport, he better fight Fedor.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 12:02
Barnett dodging Fedor? Seems more like Fedor is quite happy not to fight him, and Affliction seems to not to press the issue; if Fedor wins, and Barnett wins, then Barnett would be the logical choice. He is one of the few people that has a legitimate chance at beating Fedor soundly, which may be a reason Affliction hasn't pushed the issue. Hate to say it, but in some ways (not talent of course) but Fedor is to Affliction as Kimbo was to Elite XC; both of them are the "cash cows" or pinups for the org, and if either loses anytime soon, that may not be the best (wiki Kimbo vs Seth/Elite XC implosion) Affliction isn't on much better footing. Worst case scenario for Tom Atencio and crew; AA beats Fedor, then UFC comes in snatches him up with a nice fat paycheck, so they can have the #1 heavyweight in the world. Plus he is WAMMA (rofl) "certified" then, ring and everything. Bad news then for Affliction.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 12:18
Overeem would be great except for the fact that he's one of the very few guys on the planet who have a shot vs Barnett and he could be one and done if he is really negotiating w/the UFC.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 12:38
@ OBI I get the part that he (Kimbo) would be on the back of eveyone's mind at Affliction and I also agree that he would be a draw... However if your Affliction and right now you need attention for your event I just dont know if having Kimbo on your card is the type of attention you want to have. My point is if your Affliction and your trying to build a rep in this sport you might want to avoid Kimbo for now. I would focus on using established fighters (like they have been) for now. Once your more sound then take a chance on a Kimbo or like fighter. @Shobu - dude Josh has had chances at fighting Fedor before but something has always come up. I just dont think that he is being serious when ever he says he wants to fight him. Sounds more like talk than anything. However I will revist this if and when they do fight.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 12:46
I don't see why everyone is saying they can't find a quality replacement for Yvel. It might be a good thing, if it is someone like Roy Nelson, Tim Sylvia, or Ben Rothwell for example, it would still be a good fight. Those guys are all top 10 or close. I think Roy Nelson would be a great fight against Barnett. Nelson has solid stand-up and a good chin. He is also a BJJ black belt with a great ground game. More or less he is a lot like Josh Barnett. Both are very well rounded. Out of the people that they already had fight under Affliction, a few more good choices would be Overeem, Werdum, or even Sergei would be good if he was up to it. All these guys have been training, and are looking for fights. Frankly, I don't see why the UFC hasn't scooped up more heavyweights, they could turn it into the top division with LHW.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 12:57
@ mayhem420 If Affliction was a financially sound organization that had a legitimate future in the sport of MMA, then pulling the "Kimbo card" would be a bad idea. Truth is, I think that Jan 24th will be Afflictions final event. They don't have a deep stable of fighters. They aren't selling tickets. Their having difficulties putting on events in a timely manner. Their having money problems and issues with their "partners" (Golden Boy). Virtually nobody is paying any attention to their upcoming event that is scheduled the same day as a competing boxing event (by their 'partners') in a nearby city. Affliction, do you hear that noise? It's called a 'death rattle'. If they see that door closing, then they would be smart to do whatever they can to get whatever money they can for this event. Enter Kimbo. If this was their last hurrah, then screw it. That's what I'd do. Cash in on what's left of Kimbo's popularity before he moves to "the state of Japan". Honestly, Kimbo, Overreem and Sylvia would probably not take the fight because of the short notice. Can't blame 'em. @ drewplate I agree. Overeem has a gooood shot at beating Barnett. @ Shobu I was thinking that same thing about AA. Wouldn't that be a Dana White move!
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:11
OBI Well if your looking at it that way then yes pull out the freakshow card. Hell if it will help you sell tickets. I also agree that this is going to be the last Affliction Card. Not that the first one was all that good. I mean some of the fights were but the production and everything else just seemed off or not polished. Either way allot of good HW fighters are going to be looking for work soon. Out of the one's under contract with Affliction how many do you see the UFC going after? Other than Fedor or maybe AA not many else are worth it. Josh will never be in the UFC again and I cant see Timmay coming back anytime soon and Nelson just wont cut it in the UFC.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:13
give him nelson or rothwell. the last thing affliction needs to do at this point is discredit themselves with the likes of bimbo slice
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:14
KIMBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:27
@ mayhem420 You called it right on the money: The UFC isn't interested in any of those guys except for AA and Fedor. I think that Rothwell might be worth picking up, but yeah, your right about Timmy, Josh and Nelson. I like Nelson and he has skill, but he doesn't have the "UFC look". In other words, he's a fatty-boom-ballaty. Dana doesn't like fattys. Arlovski will probably be back in the UFC by the end of 2009. I wonder how many fights he signed with for Affliction?
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:33
OBI Oh so then you didnt hear Freddie Roach talking junk about AA going into pro-boxing after the Fedor fight? Yea man it was all over YahooSports the other day. Freddy was saying that AA is so good on his feet that he (AA) doesnt need to worry about the take down and that after he beats Fedor he want to sign AA vs that big ass hairy Russiun guy... whats his name Nicolai Valuev. He was the guy that Holyfield just fought and got robbed of the desison... yes my friend it might be a while before we ever see AA back in the UFC.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:34
CP your slackin'...not a new post since 9 am.....ive read everything and i want a new one....i mean wat else am i supposed to do at work?!?
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:38
answer: because Dana wants to keep his WWE star on top.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:40
Bringbackbabalu****** Q: why the UFC hasn't scooped up more heavyweights. A: because Dana wants to keep his WWE star on top.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:45
mayhem420 Oh yeah! I did hear about that! If AA wants to do a boxing match, more power to him. He deserves a good payday and he's way cooler than Koons! I hope that match with the big ass hairy Russian guy happens. I'd watch it.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 01:47
How about we just get Kimbo vs. Overreem, Yvel vs. Kharitonov, and Barnett vs. O. Del La Hoya. It would make up for all the ppl who had a shitty christmas. (or even worse, for those that dont even have a christmas)
Thu, 01/08/09 - 02:07
Sylvia, Sergei, Overreem, Nelson, Buentello... all good, but you're forgetting the most obvious: Cabbage Carrera.
Thu, 01/08/09 - 03:19
Barnett - Overeem would be awsome... Kimbo is scared of any good real MMA fighter... not a chance of it appening...Tim Silvia must be walking at 350 right now... Overeem in the UFC would be so friggin NICE!!
Thu, 01/08/09 - 03:23
I really doubt dana "wants" to keep the WWE star on top but frankly, if no one can beat him why shouldn't he be "on top"?
Thu, 01/08/09 - 05:43
Criminally Negligent - **I really doubt dana "wants" to keep the WWE star on top but frankly, if no one can beat him why shouldn't he be "on top"?** I can understand that he wouldn't want him at the top-from an MMA fan's POV. BUT, from a business view (the more important obviously) Dana is a happy that the WWE star is camping @ the top. And to your statement "if no one can beat him why shouldn't he be on top?" - I call SHANANAGANS! Brock the clown Lesnar had an embarrassing UFC debut loss. That alone sets back REGULAR fighters for a while. Lesnar goes on to beat Herring, then by some form of slut magic, gets a fucking title shot. If it had been any other fighter, the title shot wouldn't even be in question at this point. The only reason he got the title shot was due to his already popularity and was expected to bring over WWE fans to watch an MMA event in hopes of getting more viewers/fans. With him still in the spot light, it just might be happening. Thats just my theory
Thu, 01/08/09 - 05:46
Criminally Negligent - **I really doubt dana "wants" to keep the WWE star on top but frankly, if no one can beat him why shouldn't he be "on top"?** I can understand that he wouldn't want him at the top-from an MMA fan's POV. BUT, from a business view (the more important obviously) Dana is a happy that the WWE star is camping @ the top. And to your statement "if no one can beat him why shouldn't he be on top?" - I call SHANANAGANS! Brock the clown Lesnar had an embarrassing UFC debut loss. That alone sets back REGULAR fighters for a while. Lesnar goes on to beat Herring, then by some form of slut magic, gets a fucking title shot. If it had been any other fighter, the title shot wouldn't even be in question at this point. The only reason he got the title shot was due to his already popularity and was expected to bring over WWE fans to watch an MMA event in hopes of getting more viewers/fans. With him still in the spot light, it just might be happening. Thats just my theory.
Fri, 01/09/09 - 04:40
IF the CSAC suddenly comes to it's collective senses and it dawns on them they're about to re-license probably the second biggest piece of shit in active competition after Mike Kyle and take a giant shit on his application, I think I know who they'll be bringing in. Are there any warcraft fans in the house? That's right, ruben villareal vs Barnett. Just fucking wait for it.
Fri, 01/09/09 - 05:39
Barnett keeps getting screwed. Him and Arlovski should have fought and the winner of that should have gotten Fedor.
Fri, 01/09/09 - 05:57
Barnett's been ducking Fedor for a while now, why would he want to take two tough fights in a row when he can get overpaid fighting people well under his level?
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