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[smoogy]

I found this kind of interesting, I don't agree completely but there are some good points:

The Internet Matters
By Michael Rome
Posted on Sun Mar 16, 2008 at 10:46:22 PM EDT

Following the incredible reaction to the first Liddell/Silva match, the UFC wanted to do a rematch in June. The match would draw big following their first one, and either outcome would give them something very marketable. Instead they opted to go with Liddell/Shogun, and according to Dave Meltzer, they changed their mind entirely as a result of internet criticism of too many rematches. I'll take his word for it since he speaks directly with those who make the matches.

For all his bashing of the internet, Dana obviously reads a lot of what is posted. He was engaged in a flame war earlier over at The Underground over Fedor, but the thread has been deleted. The influence is real, no matter how much trash he talks.

I think that for the most part this influence is a good thing. Nearly all other major sports are influenced in their decisions by the mainstream press, and since it does not cover MMA seriously, it is up to the blogs and the online megasites like Sherdog and MMA Weekly. I think this influence should and will grow, but The UFC needs to be very careful about who it listens to.

The loudest voices on message boards are usually the people who were against Shamrock/Ortiz 2 and 3, thought Chuck/Ortiz was a shitty fight nobody wanted to see, would not have brought Brock Lesnar in, and can't imagine why Lyoto Machida doesn't have a title shot next month. Remembering a few years back, they also thought TUF was a stupid idea that would ruin the "purity" of their sport. If these fans had their way, The UFC would not be in the position it is in today. It would not be sponsored by Bud Light, it would not be covered occasionally by ESPN, it would not be negotiating with major broadcast networks, and frankly, it would probably be out of business.

The MMA internet fanbase really can add a lot to The UFC, whether it's pointing out unfair pay, hypocrisy, poor card booking, shitty shows, company mistakes, or any number of other things. But when a loud chorus starts advocating the idea of abandoning a fight that will do big business just for the sake of their own tastes, UFC should just ignore that chorus, and keep on doing what they've been doing right for a few years now.

Bloody Elbow :: The Internet Matters

[AJL416AZ]

well why the fuck would they have a rematch if Wand is on 3 straight losses.
he needs a fight he can win pretty badly, before any of that

i dont like immediate rematches anyways, it generally plays out to be the same sort of fight, i prefer a rematch in a few fights when the momentum of both guys has changed somewhat

[Dimson]

Originally Posted by AJL416AZ

well why the fuck would they have a rematch if Wand is on 3 straight losses.
he needs a fight he can win pretty badly, before any of that

i dont like immediate rematches anyways, it generally plays out to be the same sort of fight, i prefer a rematch in a few fights when the momentum of both guys has changed somewhat

Instant rematches should only be granted if there was some controversy about the out come, ala the Sonnen/Filoh fight. other than that let them get a fight or two under their belt befor you put them back in the cage together.

[jlruthven84]

Originally Posted by The Sundance Kid

Fuck I'm happy with the way things turned out.

Save Shogun getting hurt.

Also, who wants to see anyone who is 0-3 in there last 3 fights, fight Chuck Liddell.

Give Wandy a break, let him get a win under his belt.

Sure I want to see Wandy and Chuck fight again.

WE (INTERNET FANS) WERE THE ONES SCREAMING FOR THE MATCH FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS.

Why didn't they take heed then?

Because Rampage beat Chuck's ass.

[Ramma]

Originally Posted by The Sundance Kid

WE (INTERNET FANS) WERE THE ONES SCREAMING FOR THE MATCH FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS.

Why didn't they take heed then?

A....men.......

[Howie]

i call bullshit because i can not for the life of me see why dana white would listen to the people on the internet and he has no problem bitching out when given the chance

[Mirko45]

I agree if I'm booking in the UFC that Wandy needs to win a few times before fighting Chuck again

[markzabin]

I would like to see them in a 5 rounder just cause the fight went to a decision, but until then, no rematch!!

[ArMnHC]

this is complete BS! why would they have an immediate rematch? Chuck won decisively IMO...give Wandy a couple more wins before even considering this, sheesh.

[POINDEXTER]

I agree - Wandy/Liddell rematch makes no sense at this time. It seems pretty obvious.