UFC 87
August 11th, 2008
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Audra and I went up to the UFC in Minneapolis with two other couples: my father-in-law and his wife, Barbara, was one couple; the other couple was Jeff and Tisha. My father-in-law and Barbara have been to many UFCs, but this was the first for Jeff and Tisha. To be honest, I get extremely bored at these UFCs but it was kind of fun having Jeff and Tisha there as I helped them get pictures. Tisha got a picture with Rampage and Dana White. Jeff got his picture with the ringcard girls and Wanderlei. In front of me was Dana White and Lorenzo and some other guys that work for the UFC. They sit right in front of the octagon and they have several TVs in front of them that show exactly what is on Pay Per View. So a couple of times, I got to see Jeff and Tisha’s face on PPV and they also got some texts from their kids saying that they saw them on TV. So that was kind of fun, I went there really to watch one fight, probably not the one you’re expecting. I went there to watch Brock Lesnar. He is so interesting because he is so athletic as well as being so powerful. So that fight went just like I thought it would, Brock took him down whenever he wanted and on the ground he did whatever he wanted. I was also there watching my buddy, Roger, but he didn’t quite look the same. I don’t think him or Kenny fought their best fight on Saturday. Roger looked to have done a few things different and I would say that he needs to go back to what he was doing before. The last fight of the night was Georges and Fitch. Georges didn’t look as big as he has before and he seemed like he had gotten tired from the first round. Fitch had the game plan of countering Georges and you just can’t do that. You can’t counter a quicker fighter. To be honest, halfway in the third round I got up and walked out of the arena and went to my hotel. The fight wasn’t the most exciting and I wanted to get out of there before everyone else was getting up to leave. So then Sunday morning I got up and we drove our ten hours back to Hillsboro. We’re still working on the choke video and that will be up as soon as we get it the way we like it. We also have the video of Mark’s tractor pull from Saturday afternoon (which should be directly below this blog entry) if you’re interested in watching that. -matt |
August 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Well ufc 87 dirrent go like a planted roger huerta dirrent do almost enything he was getting to mad and he just wassent looking good …but he is still the best for me ..also brock lesner wow he was strong …his punches were good ….that figth was good and gsp.vs.fitch wow i give all the credit to fitch he was greate he stay in there ithough the figth was ganna be over bye t.ko but no he was stong and stay in there …gsp did his part so im happy for that
August 11th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I thought the GSP fight was a good one. Fitch is a fighter, he was just out matched but man to take a beating and keep coming, i think he made many fans that night. I didn’t like seeing BJ at the end of the fight,it reminded me when GSP came in at the end of Matts fight. Lesner, well he’s a bull, needs a lot more training, herring was the easy win I thought he’d be. The guy who was in the 1st match on PPV impressed me alot (just not enough for me to remember his name, Sry)
August 11th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
If Brock can work on his ground game and be able to mount, the dude on the bottoms face is gonna look like 6 pounds of ground beef after a couple shots from those gorilla hands. Man Lesnar is very quick for his size as well. Fun to watch his progress.
August 11th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
honestly Matt,
i don’t think i would’ve walked out of the fight in the middle of the 3rd round… gotta give some respect to Jon Fitch… he’s got so much heart…
most people thought the fight was over when gsp landed a huge punch on jon early in the fight, then he lands another one in the later rounds and yet this fitch character is still standing and attacking…. i thought if gsp couldn’t stop the fight… the doctors will… but jon stood strong till the end
the great gsp couldn’t even ko this guy nor submit him… it was a great fight worth watching every round… i know that you’re not a fan of gsp, but gotta admit, you used to be the champ and him the protege, now he’s the champ and he’s here to reign the 170lb division for a long time just like you did… gotta watch every fights… every round…
but let’s get down to business here… can you please put that sorry sob matt serra into retirement?
ps. bj penn looked chubby when he walked into the ring… they should have a catch weight fight instead of 170lb, it ain’t fair to bj since he’s a natural lightweight fighter…..
August 11th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Did you do anything in Minneapolis other than watch the fights on Saturday? I noticed Champs had your name/face on a banner when I walked past on Saturday afternoon. It was Matt Hughes and Somebody (I forget who?). I saw Rampage and some other guy with fancy looking facial hair outside a hotel as I was walking back from the gym. I ordered the PPV Saturday night, and thought it was a good card throughout. The only negative (minor nitpick) was how Brock showboated after his win. All the other fighters showed mutual respect for their opponents… Is Brock still in the WWE mindset?
August 11th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I would like to say that I thought that the PPV was a success. A majority of the fights were exciting and lived up to the hype. Brock was good in his 3rd professional fight, he’s a diamond in the rough with alot to learn. his post-fight antics were funny vs. being offensive in the same frame as b.j. penn, tito ortiz and even chuck liddell. I can’t believe that you left after the 3rd round. It was far from being boring as Fitch proved his worth to step in the same octagon with GSP for the title. He showed alot of courage, and I know that GSP was probably a little nervous after the first round seeing that Fitch would not go away. It would have been nice for you to stick around to show your respect to these fighters since they are the new generation of fighters. Maybe you can learn a thing from these fights before you step in the octagon to face Serra.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
[...] Check out Matt’s blog entry on UFC 87 here. [...]
August 12th, 2008 at 12:54 am
[...] check it out here MMANEWS.COM | Matt Hughes Apparently Not Impressed WIth GSP’s Performance or here UFC 87 - Matt-hughes.com [...]
August 12th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Matt is going to take alot of heat for this, but I think it may be a learning lesson for him in what he says and how it affects fans and even the fighters.
He is remarkable athlete and will definitely be in the Hall of Fame as a fighter, but his time has come and finally has to accept that things are changing around him. Fighters are evolving at an incredibly fast rate (Alves, Lesnar)…but instead of being bitter…he should pass the torch and support these fighters. UFC 87 was far from being a boring event…esp. the five round battle of attrition between Fitch and GSP. Fitch gave a 110%, making it impossible for GSP to finish him…leading to a decision based result. Calling this main event boring is saying to us we shouldnt bother watching the UFC any longer. How can he say this when he is UFC fighter and ambassador of the sport? Im sure GSP would have liked to know that you were supporting him in one of the biggest fights of his life instead of leaving during third round, same goes for Fitch. These guys look up to you still, and have learned alot from you.
You owe them that respect. If you cant stick around for a fight thats fine, but at least do it if its a title fight in your own division.
Disappointed Hughes Fan
August 12th, 2008 at 9:42 am
[...] Hmmmm. It sure sounds like a subtle calling out of St. Pierre to me. Or not. In any case, to view the rest of Hughes’ blog - including his thoughts of UFC 87, click here. [...]
August 12th, 2008 at 11:10 am
[...] check it out here MMANEWS.COM | Matt Hughes Apparently Not Impressed WIth GSP’s Performance or here UFC 87 - Matt-hughes.com Are you kidding me? For a guy who once ripped into Rashad Evans for showboating and being [...]
August 12th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Although I didn’t feel that the fight was boring, I have to agree with you Matt. GSP just wasn’t as impressive as I’ve seen him before. I’m all for respecting your opponent, but it seemed that there was way too much respect on both parts. GSP just didn’t have the aggression that he had when he fought Matt Serra or even the last two times that the both of you fought. All though a hard fought match by both parties, I feel that if GSP was on his game he would have taken him out a whole lot earlier. For GSP to say that was his toughest challenge to date was in my opinion was a cop out to justify a not so stellar performance on his part. All in all I think it was a solid card, better than the up and coming one that’s for sure. Brock Lesnar showed the MMA world that he is no Kimbo Slice, he is the real deal and can beat top level competition. Brock is the next big thing!
August 12th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I’m a big Hughes fan, gotta love the hometown boy! and a GSP fan. However, I have to agree with Matt when he said GSP looked winded in round one. I was totally shocked, he usually looks composed and well conditioned. What happened? He looked meatier than in the past so maybe that extra weight messed up the breathing? Who knows. I loved the tan though for once he didn’t look pastey! Being a GSP fan, I was disappointed that the fight went that long. Makes me want Matt to go at it again with GSP and give him a reality check! On the Lesner fight…you gotta give the cowboy props, he didn’t tap and he took a beating. Way to hang in til the last bell cowboy! For once all the fights were really great to watch! I see the UFC is finally coming to Chicago….how about St. Louis??? See what you can do Mr. Hughes!
August 12th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Hey Matt,
im in the military, and im on deployment right now, and i recently purchaced the autographed knight utility rifle poster, off this web site, my wife told me she got it in the mail the other day, she was so excited that you autogaraphed it, i just wanted to tell you thanks for the autograph, and your an awesome fighter, thanks for being a man of your word, and a true american, and supporting our military.
thanks,
mike
August 13th, 2008 at 6:16 am
[...] Matt Hughes, talking about his UFC 87 experience on his personal [...]
August 13th, 2008 at 6:43 am
I have to laugh at people when they get all mad calling you cocky. There is a big difference between confident and cocky. My family stood in line for 2 1/2 hours to see you and would do it all over again. We were told no pictures, but once we got to the front of the line and was going to snap a pic of you, you tilted your head toward her and took an awesome pic that she blew up and framed on her wall. She treasures that pic and defends you all the time when people see it and make the cocky comments. You are truly one classy guy.. God Bless you and your family..
August 13th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Hello Matt,
Matt, I am a GSP fan, as I am Canadian, but I call like I see it. I agree with you 100% on your comments about that fight…GSP was gassed in the first round, he had so many chances to finish that fight, but didn’t look to be himself. I don’t know if he over trained or wasn’t himself due to the fact that it he was defending his belt for the first time again, and didn’t want to get caught? I don’t know, but after watching the replay of the first round, he might of been able to finish him off, hadn’t he gotten gassed! Great call Matt!
Also, this is my first post on your site, which I will say is quite nice!
But I wanted to say thank you for all that you have done in and for this sport, and am waiting impatiently for your return!
Thanks
Fredrick Williamson
August 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
After reading what’s being said on other sites, I find it kind of funny that Matt’s comments have people so bent out of shape. Once again, it’s just a matter of people trying so hard to attach a negative connotation to Matt’s words, that they fail to actually read what Matt said.
Matt didn’t say that the GSP/Fitch fight was boring, he said that ALL of the UFCs that he had to sit through were boring. The fact that he left during the third round could just as easily be seen as a compliment to GSP than an insult. It means that Matt was so convinced that GSP had the fight won, that he didn’t need to see any more.
If something this petty leads people to say, “I’m no longer a fan of Matt Hughes,” then they were clearly not true fans to begin with and those kinds of people are too fickle to even bother responding to. -NateR
August 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Thanks for doing the pictures and signings at UFC 87 on Friday. The line was long, but worth it. Unfortunatly my picture with You (Matt) came out blurry, that’s what I get for being so nervous.
I have to mention, that even though I was looking forward to Lesnar’s fight, I thought he was lacking in MMA skills. He should have submitted Herring. The show boating is a bit much, but I guess that gives the “entertainment” factor. I think the fight is the proof, you don’t have to boast.
NateR, I liked your responce about fans that are ready to give up on someone they like just because they are making an honest statement. I still thought for some reason that Fitch might have pulled a lucky shot, even though I was for GSP.
Hope that knee recovers quick Matt!
August 14th, 2008 at 10:39 am
[...] Source: Matt-Hughes.com [...]
August 14th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
GSP looked the same on PPV. He looked dominating as usual. It seemed boring as usual. Take down, mount, stay busy, and keep control. I would rather see a slug fest. OR at least a bunch of subm. attemps..
August 14th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. … If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Matthew 5:44,46-47
August 14th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I’ve got a lot of respect for you Matt but it’s self-evident that the GSP-Fitch was not only not boring … it was phenomenal.
It was an awesome display of standup, ground and grappling. GSP showed great athleticism and speed while Fitch showed amazing heart and toughness.
However, the best part of the fight was the ending when both guys had a natural outpouring of respect. It was very impressive to see both guys simply kneel and congratulate each other at the center of the ring and discuss the fight.
I have to credit GSP with bringing a true martial arts discipline and respect to each of his fights. That atmosphere is what will make this sport grow and find a mainstream audience.
In contrast, Brock Lesnar pointing and laughing at the end of his fight will do the exact opposite.
UFC87 was a great event. I cannot wait to see GSP-Penn.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Honestly, I cannot stand Brock Lesnar. I know the UFC is trying to pull in some of the WWE fan base but …. jeez that was an incredibly boring fight. He needs to be in some kind of super heavy weight freak of nature weight class.
This time he’s pointing and laughing…next time he’ll be calling out opponents and throwing metal chairs in costume…embarrassing.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hey Matt……I guess you’ve learned you totally have to be cautious with what is written in your blogs because obviously they are taken the wrong way. Thats the bad thing with email, IM, etc. People take things differently……but thanks for clarifying it……
August 18th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
me and my wife still know your the best
August 18th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
[...] you recall in Hughe’s original blog about UFC 87 and the GSP fight he said: The last fight of the night was Georges and Fitch. Georges [...]
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:21 am
I can not believe so many people are jumping on Matts Back for wanting to beat the mad rush from one of these ufc shows. And so much reading into his comments and crapping on one of if not the MOST dominant CHAMPION in UFC History. All this crap about him not showing GSP and Fitch respect, WHAT ABOUT SHOWING MATT SOME!!! Have you all forgotton how humble and respectfull he was after his last loss to GSP? I am a HUGE GSP Fan, He is along with Royce my favorite all time MMA fighter but I take Matts words for EXACTLY what he said and I’m sorry but wanting to beat traffic when you are with your family and friends does NOT constitute disrespect. This is not the same to him as it is for us fans this is WORK to him. An I too commented to my wife that GSP looked a bit “lean” in this fight. And frankly the outcome by the time he left, Tho granted anything can happen, looked and was written in stone. FITCH THO HE SHOWED BIG HEART WAS BEING DOMINATED! I just do not get why Matt, a simple god fearing, tell it like it is, former CHAMPION of this great sport gets so much flack for things he DID NOT SAY.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:43 am
Also I am getting a little sick of this freak of nature stuff when it comes to Brock Lesnar. He is a super athletic and very gifted fighter. To acomplish the things he has in such a short time proves he is what he says he is. Herring if anything is the bigger FREAK of the two! I had no doubt he was going to get stomped and he did and the remark that he has fought BIGGER and MORE ACCOMPLISHED wrestlers was REDICULOUS!!! Who are these wrestlers? Give me a break. What realy impressed me more was the Mir fight. Now Frank, who finally is back at the top of his game is the REAL DEAL and in only his second MMA bout to take on someone with Franks skills and gve the showing that he did well to me this was simply AMAZING. And just yesterday it was announced that Brock will face Randy “The Natural” Coture and I can hear it all now, Lesnar doesn’t stand a chance will be repeated by all the Lesnar haters everywhere. But I personally like Brocks chances in this match up!!! Randy is 45 years old now and has been dominated twice by Chuck who frankly in my opinion is a limited skills fighter. One hell of a punch and believe me Brock has that as well. That opening shot that he hit Herring with was a Punch and a half. Dont get me wrong If I as a betting man which I am not I would have to go with Randy But do I think that Brock has a REAL chance in this fight? Yes I do. Matt I would love to hear your thoughts on this match up as well as GSP Vs. Bj.
September 13th, 2008 at 4:41 am
I have to say, i am a little frightened for randy at ufc 91 although i usually have a lot of faith in randy’s game plans; i hope he does well. This is a little off the subject, but i would like to comment on the fact that most people are very judgemental on matt’s open-minded opinions. I would just like to say that I not only respect, but also admire his williness to be so open-minded about his opinions and hope he continues to be so honest with everything he says and does. I believe it is quite a rarity to be as honest and open as matt is and I very much appreciate it. Thanks matt and I hope you stay true to who you are!