The Aftermath: UFC 92 – The Ultimate 2008

Published on: 30th December, 2008

The Aftermath: UFC 92 - The Ultimate 2008   | read this item

The Aftermath of UFC 92: Rampage wants Forrest, but will have to settle for a title shot. Frank Mir vs Brock Lesnar is inevitable, Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira says he would face Randy Couture, who is next for Cheick Kongo?
UFC 92 – The Ultimate 2008 may have one of the biggest impacts of any event of the past year, and may have more effects on the 2009 UFC calendar than any event of next year as well. We have heard many scenarios that UFC president Dana White has answered in the past few days and many other bout possibilities that have been brought up to the fighters as well.
Many new fights have opened up including a possible fight between Randy Couture and Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira.
Rashad Evans first test as Champion will be against a former World Champion.
While many people would think that Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s first thoughts would be to go after the Light Heavyweight title he lost to Forrest Griffin, its not the belt he wants. Rampage spoke about his next fight in the UFC post fight interview. He actually said at the UFC 92 post fight press conference he wants to fight Forrest Griffin next, rather than go after his belt.

“I would like to get my title back,” the former Light Heavyweight champion said. “Everybody wants to be the best, everybody wants to be the champ. But, to be honest I would rather go and fight Forrest. That’s the fight that haunts me when I go to sleep or I have nightmares about when I look at myself in the mirror. That’s the fight.

“I want the belt, I want to be Champion, but I would like to fight Forrest first if I could, but its up to the UFC.”

Seems weird at first, but Rampage may have had his mind set on believing that Forrest would defeat Rashad Evans and not yet had the time to focus on him. I am sure he will step up and face Evans next.
Nogueira vs Randy Couture possible
On paper this would be a “Super fight” for every long time UFC and Pride FC fans, two of the best all time Heavyweights in MMA history facing off would not be a very hard sell to many of them. At the UFC 92 post fight press conference, Nogueira was asked about the possibility of fighting Couture in the future as well.

“For sure I would except this fight against Randy Couture,” Nogueira said. ”He’s a great fighter he lost his last bout, but he is still a legend. I’d love to fight him it would be a good promotion.”

While it may not be a sure fight in the near future, it does not mean the fight will not happen. One I am sure will come up as an option to UFC match maker Joe Silva and Dana White.
Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir 2
Frank Mir said he would not let a potential fight with Brock Lesnar cloud his mind in the post fight press conference, but we sure could look forward to the unification of the UFC Heavyweight title. We also couldn’t help, but notice when he yelled out to Lesnar sitting in the front row:

“You got my belt”

In the post fight press conference when he was asked about what he told the other Heavyweight belt holder he responded:

“Careful what you ask for”

This fight is going to sell itself, especially if the fight is booked for UFC 100. It would only be fitting to see the last tournament conclude at such a monumental event, given the fact that the organization was founded on the tournament structure. We will find out soon when exactly the event will take place and wait with baited breath.
Other Quick notes
- CB Dollaway will be getting a step up in competition soon with his win over Mike Massenzio, but he will need to work more on his Jiu-Jitsu defense. Many people are saying they saw him tap out I didn’t, but will wait to see proof first.

- Mike Massenzio was impressive in his loss to CB Dollaway and made us imagine what he could have done with two healthy legs.

- Cheick Kongo looked great and finished his second fight in a row, he also raised his stock to be within a fight of a title shot. Depending on who he fights next, and if he can stay impressive in victory.

- Dan Evensen looked bloated and belongs out of the organization, for a man who once said “I eat Wolf for Breakfast”. It looked like he was also eating Whale blubber with his morning Wolf. He did not want to fight he should have pulled out or at least get knocked out for our entertainment.

- Dean Lister and Yushin Okami did not air on the main card and went to decision, so much for Lister calling out Anderson Silva. Also, I know I have been saying that Okami deserves a title shot, but he needs to finish fights if he wants to stay in contention.

 Narcisist is the Co-owner of UR Dirt and is the designer, editor and author. URDirt.com is a MMA blog that covers the UFC, WEC, StrikeForce, DREAM and several other Mixed Martial Art promotions. Read more from this author

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