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Originally Posted by Mr. Cornute  The only WEC champ that did not get a title shot (or title) was Pettis and this was due to Edgar and Maynard II resulting in a Draw. If that did not occur they would have given Pettis a shot, especially riding the heat from his fight with Bendo. They immediately recognized Aldo and Dom as champions and rightfully so as they were just introducing those divisions. By the time WEC folded the UFC already absorbed their larger divisions, WW/MW/LHW/HW.
Dan represented Pride when he came over when Zuffa bought Pride for both the MW and LHW divisions. Fedor held the HW title in Pride and did not sign and that is the ONLY reason and even then he still would have likely received an immediate title shot (DESERVING) if he would have signed to the UFC.
Hell when they brought Shields over he was billed as a champion (Strikeforce) and worthy opponent for GSP. They took Nate Diaz from Strikeforce and billed him as a champion vs GSP (until he fucked up the press conference).
I think many have missed the point that I stated "The UFC COULD do a CHAMP vs CHAMP because it is easiest to promote". I didn't state that Rockhold deserved it, nor did I state that Strikeforce was exactly the same but the two do compare.
In no way did I dismiss Pride, considering I stated that without Pride as competition the UFC would not be where they are today, I think it shows the level of respect I have for Pride, what it brought to MMA and the fighters the UFC absorbed with it.
What I am stating is that since the MW division is in a bit of flux this would be an easy fix for the UFC to promote Rockhold to fight Anderson. |
Cantwell and Condit got immediate Title Shots? I must of missed those fights. Aldo and Cruz were given titles because those divisions were being created, as you said. That's a bit different than getting an actual title shot and was definitely the right move to make considering the UFC didn't have any fighters for them to fight. I also think you missed the point of my post. You should re-read it. It was a rebuttal to your "apples to apples" comparison. My Jake Shields comment was in reference to the UFC most likely learning a lesson in promoting a so called Champ from Strikeforce with the kind of hype they put behind him. And yes, the UFC could do a Champ vs Champ promotion but you fail to realize that most casual fans have most likely never heard of Rockhold. So they could promote another fight just as easily or maybe even easier. And if the lesson from Shields was learned, they may be smart enough not to touch the Champ vs Champ promo with him. Oh and Diaz, was a UFC and Pride fighter before he went to Strikeforce, so he already had a name behind him that was well known. Rockhold might be the fight to make, I was not completely disputing that. I was however disputing your comparison of Strikeforce and Pride.