(High on the list of the last places you want to see Demian Maia: mounted on top of you. Photo courtesy of NBC Sports.)
The UFC seems committed to offering the remaining “Ultimate Fighter” coaching spot to the winner of the Rich Franklin-Dan Henderson bout at UFC 93 this weekend, despite the fact that neither of them seem excited about getting the job, least of all Franklin. That makes for not only an anti-climactic main event (just picture Franklin, if he wins, standing in the Octagon afterwards and making a face like your dad used to when you’d give him a tie for Christmas every year), but it’s also likely to carry over into making the inevitable season-ending coach fight into something of a bore.
The hell of it is, the solution to this problem is right in front of the UFC, and it’s Demian Maia. He wants a shot at Michael Bisping, and probably wouldn’t mind the low pay and Vegas exile that comes with the coaching job. What’s more, Bisping can’t seem to stop talking about Maia despite the fact that a fight with him isn’t on the horizon at the moment.
Just check his comments to the UK’s Telegraph in a story published yesterday:
Rising star Damian Maia [sic], a submission expert with great striking skills, unbeaten in 10 fights, has been making loud noises within Bisping’s earshot.
“I don’t like the sound of those noises, and I will pacify him,” said Bisping. “Damian is a really nice guy, a gentleman and a sportsman. He wants to go as far as he can in this sport. …A lot of people seem to want to call me out. I don’t want to sound arrogant but they get beaten or knocked out when they come up against me. Damian is a submission expert, but he won’t get me down, and he’ll get knocked out. He’ll just have to get to the back of the queue for now.”
Exactly why Maia, who’s undefeated in his MMA career, should have to wait while Henderson and Franklin fight at light heavyweight to see who will meet Bisping at middleweight, well, that’s unclear to everyone but the UFC brass. It seems much more compelling to match two up-and-comers like Bisping and Maia against one another, and it also sounds like a more interesting clash of styles.
Unfortunately, Dana White seems to have already made up his mind to ignore the great potential here and stay the course with his original plan, whether we (or Franklin and Henderson) like it. That’s just what the TUF series needs. A season where even the coaches don’t want to be there.
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Comments
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:44
Seems like the middleweight divisions problem isn't lack of talent, it's the mismanagement of said talent. Kind of like Vitor Belfort's career.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:45
If/when Henderson wins everything will work out nicely. He can then smash the Count and proceed to rematch Silva.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:51
If Hendo does win, and coaches, who are going to be his assistants? In the past, Dana has let non-UFC fighters come in as assistant coaches, and even gave them decent enough screen time(Robbie Lawler). If Hendo wants Lindland do you think they would let him coach? Also, since Vinny left team quest who would be the Jits coach? Mayhem? I also though he wasn't on good terms with Zuffa with his work for Pro Elite during his tenure in the WEC. Sokoudjou to coach how to ignore your elite level skills in grappling?
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:52
If I recall correctly, last season of TUF grow men unknowingly ate semen and drank urine. Can't say I blame Rich and Dan for not wanting a part of that gay orgy
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:53
yea, knowing that franklin isn't into it would definitely make it less exciting if he were to win. i'd be happy watching henderson or maia as the coach. but i would love to see wandy coach since he's moving down to middleweight.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:54
All I know is they need to hurry the fuck up. Theres a HUGE void in my Wednesday night TV schedule :(
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:59
Maia isn't American though.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:00
Maia doesn't have any star power, though. The average fan wouldn't know/care who he is. It would also ruin the whole USA vs UK thing. The UFC is kind of fucked with this one - unless they don't have the coaches fight at the end of the season; giving them matches in their division instead (creating more problems and bisping criticism). The whole thing seems fubar. Hopefully Dan wins, at least he still has a decent shot at beating A.Silva and an exciting rematch to introduce Wandi to middleweight.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:09
I heard kimbo was a good coach..
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:10
haha good luck Bisping after your last fight I'd have to say its seems to be pretty hard to knock someone out when you back peddle the whole fight.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:13
I hate when UFC doesnt notice those all great potential fights what theyre have. Maia has been so dominant at all his UFC-fights so he should get some high caliber opponent, like Bisping. But no, UFC makes Bisping a TUF coach and i bet that winner of TUF-coach battle will fight against MW champion. And what does Maia get?! I bet Kang if he wins his debut or something like Leites if he doesnt win Silva. So again Maia will have to wait his title shot atleast 6-8 months. And i bet then Cote will be back in picture and he will fight against someone and then get another change at Silva and Maia vs. MW champion will be moved again and again. Not that way UFC! I like those TUF-seasons but hey, its messing all those title fights and all other great fights. Like, if and when Hendo wins Franklin Hendo will be TUF-coach. So it moves his next match atleast 6months ahead, but if he wouldnt be in TUF he could fight 3-4months away against Machida, Thiago Silva, Wandy, Liddell, Irvin, Shogun or something like that and then couple exiting fights and at new years UFC he could fight against LHW title. But no!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:14
I used to like Bisping for some reason, Now I just want to see him get laid out by either Hendo or Franklin. Id like to see him fight Maia after his upcoming loss to aforementioned fighters.. then get shown the door
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:15
TUF has become too much about silliness and drunken behavior. If I watch the series again, I want to see more fighting and training.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:16
Now that American Idol is back on, I really won't be watching any MMA till May.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:18
I'd take Maia over Bisbing & my guess is the odds makers would have that fight close to a pick em.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:19
@ EDDI: Kimbo is too busy commentating in the city of Japan.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:20
I'd be all for seeing Marquart get the other coaching spot. Anyone with a good chance of beating bisping is a good candidate for the USA coach.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:23
i would actually like to see kang vs maia
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:24
lol @ pooptown
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:24
"...city of Japan." ::head->wall::
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:28
My memories a little fuzzy, but I can't remember Michael "The Cunt" Bisping knocking anyone out in the UFC. I looked it up and he has gone to decision 3 times and gotten TKO victories 5 times. No highlight reel KTFO moments from this dickhead. This whole season is gonna blow, especially since we're gonna have to listen to his voice for 3 fucking months. WAR ANYONE ELSE!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:29
I think matt hamill should coach for 2 reasons: 1) redemption in the form of a rematch against that shitty judging of their last bout, and 2) Hamill wouldn't hear that limey chipmunk soundin' bisping talkin how he's the freakin king of england
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:37
I would love to see this match.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:51
Matt Hamill would be a great coach as far as caring about the fighters and putting 100% into it, but I think he has a few aspects of his own to work on before elevating him to coach. Good thinking, though. I'd like it.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:52
i wrote about this on the sunday junkie!!!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:52
The UFC has had such a cushion around Bisping for so long, He has not really faced any legit fighters up to this point, The only one that he faced with even a little talent was Hammill and Hammill won the fight but they gave the decision to Bisping...it was horrible....but my point is this the UFC wants Biping unbeaten so they can continue to use him to bump up ticket sales in the UK....Because Hendo and Franklin are both legends in the sport, and either one of them will dominate Bisping, he will still be marketable with a loss from either one of those guys, but if he loses from Maia, which he would...he will lose his hero status in the UK. So the UFC wants to use a top name to go against him, so when he loses they can say well he is still on the right track...throw some more scrubs at him, and keep those UK tickets selling like they are for Bisping.....I do not like Bisping, I still remeber him as the guy on TUF whining because Tito didn't give him enough attention.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:05
I would like to say that my respect for Bisping is so deep and abiding that it doesn't who he gets knocked out by. It could even be a sound choking by Damian Maia [sic indeed]. I mean the fact that he's not from the US is a minor detail. Brazil is in "The Americas", right? Maia is more than likely being discriminated against because he doesn't have a snazy nickname. Any suggestions? Here's a few that guarantee will boost his MMA profile: 'Ol Poke and Choke', 'The Chiropractor', or Damian "The Angelou" Maia (see what I did there?!). Any one of these would give him the respect that a fighter with a 10 win streak should have. Any other suggestions out there? The guys career could be on the line.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:06
TUF has gone way past its prime. If Dana tries to rid the show of the drunken homoerotism from TUF now, then all the viewers are stuck with is 4 rising stars and a bunch of chumps that have only been dedicated to training since they saw 'Never Back Down'
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:09
Mmm... I seem to remember a draw with Rashad Evans not too long ago. Bisping's decent, but not championship material, and definitely not a finisher against top competition. Boring fighter, lame personality. Mark my words, this season of TUF will suck balls.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:20
If Maia is the coach, there could no longer be a US vs UK rivalry. Marquardt is the better choice.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:22
Yeah but it was the lay and pray wrestler Rashad, they both sucked in that fight....if he fought Rashad right now he would get his head knocked off his shoulders....As far as a nickname for Maia I think The Gentle Assaisin would be a good name for him. He is always saying that his best win is the one where no one gets hurt...So call him the Gentle Assasin....
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:24
Damian "Mama" Maia.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:36
Demian "The Maia-nac" Maia, yeah, yeah, I know it's close to Sylvia's, but the difference is that Maia doesn't suck!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:36
The only house that Leben will be going back into is Dr. Drew's "Celebrity" Rehab House. Count it!!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:37
Why not make it REALLY interesting and stick Chris Leben back in the TUF house and then have him re-fight Bisping! Chris can show those noobs how to really go crazy!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:41
OB&I with all due respect no one wants to see that juiced up parollee on TUF or even in the UFC anymore for that matter....I agree with almost all of your posts, and you always have me laughing, but that guy needs serious help....But as much as I hate Leben...I hate Bisping even more....Neither one should be coaching up and comers IMO.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:49
TUF 9 wont start airing on tv till april
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:52
@ Piss in my own fruit tray Dude, I was joking. Speaking of Leben, he sure does need serious help and I hope he gets it because I do like him as a fighter. That guys got an iron skull. I'm with ya on Bisping. I dunno what it is, but I don't care for Bisping. He's talented and he's got the record to back it up, but he just doesn't do it for me. I'm really jonesin' to see someone completely knock his block off. Where's Anderson Silva when ya need him?
Tue, 01/13/09 - 12:55
@ W: Rich and Dan really lost interest when they found out the marketing theme for the season was changed from "US vs UK" to "Golden Showers vs. Pearl Necklaces"
Tue, 01/13/09 - 01:28
Considering that neither Henderson or Franklin really want to coach, they are essentially fighting to see who gets to fight Bisping. There is something inherently wrong with that.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 01:42
It's a shame the UFC doesn't make coaching TUF an attractive opportunity to seasoned fighters. With TUF being the mainstream golden ticket (and proverbial cash cow), shouldn't they want the best, most talented fighters to WANT to be a part of it? Shouldn't Dana White figure out a way to make Ace or Hendo want to ASK to coach the show? In all reality, the answer isn't a difficult one: 1. $$$ 2. Other coach is an attractive post-TUF match up (title holder, winner gets shot, etc.) 3. ??? 4. Profit
Tue, 01/13/09 - 02:36
@Goog Dude you really are a gigantic homo, American Idol? Come on dude, grow a set.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 02:48
Evans actually beat Bisping. It wasnt a draw. Bisping then tucked his tail and moved down to middleweight. I actually hope that Bisping wins the match after the show and then gets a title shot against silva in England just so he can get destroyed in front of his home crowd.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 02:58
I love American Idol....I watch it in the nude.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 03:13
I got it. The perfect MW to coach opposite Bisping is CB Dollaway. Here's why: 1. He fits the US vs UK theme. 2. He is just as arrogant as Bisping without having achieved much. 3. He doesn't credit his opponents when they clearly beat him. 4. He has a voice that is so irritating that you question being able to watch the show. Make it happen Dana!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 03:17
I know someone who could coach the TUF cast -- Seth Petruzelli not only does he have KO power but he's into the whole urine and semen eating stuff too.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 03:27
Cocky british F***!
Tue, 01/13/09 - 04:02
A good rule of thumb is to never bet on the british if it's important. I can only see the US vs UK ultimate fighter going one way. My only hope is that it's not 8 wrestlers from the states grinding out decision wins over british kickboxers. As for anderson silva vs bisping, I'm going with silva in the 4th (or first if he feels like trying this time) by spontaneous combustion. This is of course in the highly unlikely event of bisping beating Hendo or Ace.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 06:41
Damian Maia "Thats a new way to twist someone...ouch!" the rare end of the surname nickname
Tue, 01/13/09 - 09:36
@ Hal... Better luck on the auditions this season. I hope you don't have to go to all 8 cities again. Try adding in that pelvic thrust you do on your My Pet Monster.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 09:45
step 1: steal underpants step2: ???? step3: profits. haha i think thats what you were referencing. good shit.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 09:58
yeah i was thinking leben. hes gotten better as a fighter lately and i think his loss to bisping was only because leben pressed him the hole time, giving him opprotunities to hit him. if leben just sat back like bisping, it would have been a god-awful boring ass draw all day. either way leben fits the bill. middle weight, american, and got some bad blood with bisping.
Tue, 01/13/09 - 10:15
More Maia is good :D! less alcohol induced antics on national TV is ALSO good. (does XARM have a TUF-E-NUF type show? "DESPERATE-E-NUF?")
Tue, 01/13/09 - 11:09
If the nation vs. nation theme continues on TUF, why not USA vs. Brazil on Season 10? Then Maia would be a legit coach, or Wandy.
Wed, 01/14/09 - 12:08
i really think everyone is missing the boat on this and dana is waiting to see how dennis kang does on saturday and thinking about having him start opposite bisbing. if kang wins impressively ill bet a nut of your choice that he will be the other coach.
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