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[Dan]

Guillard can only get so far on explosiveness alone.

This isn't to downplay the technical abilities he posses, but the 'coming forward' kind of fights that White talks about tend to be the kind of fights where Guillard's punching power and striking speed overwhelm his opponent and force the stoppage, and don't tend to be displays of incredible technical prowess.

The holes in Guillard's ground game are too glaring for him to ever really make it to the top tier of the division, but if Guillard hopes to keep his job he better beg Dana to pair him up with a brawler, somebody not too technical, because it sure does make for exciting fights.

[roaddawg]

Originally Posted by joeodd2

jesus the way everyone talks, I almost wish he was cut to save his dignity....just keep him around? Fuck that. Either he can become a contender or go someone where else. I mean what the fuck? I'd like to see Melvin make a hard decision, and not become like Chris Leben or other tough gatekeepers. The dude's still young and has the tools....

Now that makes good business sense. Get rid of all your talented fighters and let some other org have them just because they loose.

Do you want Leben gone too?

[joeodd2]

I'm more so speaking from Guillard's perspective. If he's fine being a gatekeeper then so be it. But personally I would hate for him to have that status. I'd rather see him be cut, than just wonder around such a talent rich division as a gatekeeper. In that case he'd be better off being a titlist in a smaller org, than just marking time in the UFC.

[roaddawg]

I don't think any fighter in their right mind would be keen on being a big fish in a small pond. More importantly they would be doing a disservice to themselves.

Me personally, I would rather be challenged in the best org than settling for something mediocre. To me thats like trying to master a video game in sp on the easiest difficulty and wondering why you suck when you go online against actual players. You're not doing yourself any favors.

[joeodd2]

Well I can respect that perspective, but I just hate seeing a hometown fighter constantly get out classed and beat himself. Especially having to read about him on MMA boards by fans who so easily write him off. At some point it just gets to be embarrassing. I wish he could go on another streak and make a run for the title, but I just don't think he has what it takes to do so anymore....

[roaddawg]

Originally Posted by joeodd2

Well I can respect that perspective, but I just hate seeing a hometown fighter constantly get out classed and beat himself. Especially having to read about him on MMA boards by fans who so easily write him off. At some point it just gets to be embarrassing. I wish he could go on another streak and make a run for the title, but I just don't think he has what it takes to do so anymore....

I do too but Melvin has a problem with discipline because it deviates too much from his berserker style. Half the time he ends up beating himself.

Still I would pay to see him fight because hes exciting.

[AnchorPunch]

Originally Posted by roaddawg

I don't think any fighter in their right mind would be keen on being a big fish in a small pond. More importantly they would be doing a disservice to themselves.

Me personally, I would rather be challenged in the best org than settling for something mediocre. To me thats like trying to master a video game in sp on the easiest difficulty and wondering why you suck when you go online against actual players. You're not doing yourself any favors.

For years, Eddie Alvarez volunteered to be the big fish in the little pond because it made him and his family much more money. Just depends on the contracts. But leaving the UFC of your own accord is probably too much of a bridge burning, Dana seems (like many employers) to take it personally.

[kalebarker]

Originally Posted by roaddawg

I don't think any fighter in their right mind would be keen on being a big fish in a small pond. More importantly they would be doing a disservice to themselves.

Me personally, I would rather be challenged in the best org than settling for something mediocre. To me thats like trying to master a video game in sp on the easiest difficulty and wondering why you suck when you go online against actual players. You're not doing yourself any favors.

Being a big fish in a small pond can have a lot of benefits. Better pay, less health risks from not being a sheep lead to slaughter, better treatment from your promoter in gneral, not worrying about being cut or job security. A fighter can definitely be a big fish and be in his right mind at the same time.

[Sniggles]

The idea that being the big fish in the small pond only applies when you are number one. Were Alvarez #2 in Bellator for the majority of his time in Bellator his income would be near bottom of the UFC payscale and we wouldn't be talking about this to near the same degree.

Being the champion in an organization for years is great.... when you are champion, which he no longer is. Bellator would ruin his value in the long run if Alvarez does not regain the title. Alvarez better be doing whatever Rousey is doing to get Dana's attention, lest he be trapped in career purgatory aka Bellator.

Being champ in Bellator or Strikeforce is a means to an end.