(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 10, 2010 ) Newport Beach, CA - Based on Whites's reactions and decisions post fight day, UFC's Dana White has been presented an almost identical situation StikeForce's Scott Coker faced two weeks ago.
The truth about MMA fighters is they like to fight and UFC fighters are no different. StrikeForce after fight activities was followed by apologies and punishments. In reality, I felt it was propaganda for a future fight that got out of hand. So UFC and StrikeForce are tied with the two embarrassing instances which is a wash, but there have been no reports of Scott Coker winking on Twitter, not yet at least?
Now the UFC raises the bar because like StrikeForce, not only does the UFC have some of the top fighters in the world, but the staff at Pro Fight Network (PFN), MMABAY Radio, and myself believe the UFC might possibly have the greatest actor in the world in Josh Koscheck, and Hollywood should start making claims to his talent.
It was such first-rate acting that it even fooled the mass audience until the replay, and most of all, until Joe Rogan pointed it out to the world. For many reasons this was a huge risk what Joe did. I personally have to take my hat off to Joe Rogan, I have always felt he is the best announcer in the MMA game with enough well- rounded knowledge, but personally I have never cared for the way he has acted outside the play calling booth. I call a spade a spade, and apparently Joe does too, my respect took on a whole new level for this UFC double main event header.
Joe Rogan said, "Josh you better take a look at the tape and then get up off the ground" Announcing to the world that Josh didn't get hit and that he was faking. I compare it to a super market manager announcing to the owners of a major chain store on CNN news that all of the workers were stealing Lotto tickets. It doesn't go over too well for the Stores image and your job might be at stake for your timing and tactics. But your reputation among fellow employees is of concern and worth mentioning, in this case we have to include the fighters, since Joe Rogan claims to be one.
However risky it could have been, I believe Rogan in reality did the biggest favor for Dana White and the Fertitas and he should get a raise. By staying course and not trying to justify the injury I felt the sport gained credibility. I feel it clearly defined Joe Rogan's character as a MMA fan and spokesman, and contrary to some initial assessments, a very standup guy in the MMA world. I personally invite Joe to create a profile on ProFightNetwork and befriend me.
Koscheck will not be happy with Joe pointing out his acting debut in front of millions of people and it will put other fighters on notice, especially those that train with him at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). His management Zinken Entertainment should be concerned as well. But unilateral acts like this is why Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is such an awesome sport. Its real and we never want people to think otherwise nor profit from it by act such as this. If Rogan wouldn't have mentioned this, all sorts of allegations could have been made if later pointed out and could have significantly discredited the sport of MMA.
The Paul Daley aftermath I believe was a reaction and was based on emotion. It was blatant obvious as the referee gave back the point he took away under false pretense. Daley most likely felt that Koscheck was "buying time" because Koscheck was not doing well at that point or something to those regards. He made it real clear that Koscheck wouldn't fight and he cheated, so he reacted.
Both fighters should be dealt with like the NFL commissioner would deal with a pro football player that did something similar, such as hiking a football and the quarterback hiding the football in his back jersey. Maybe a defensive lineman would react by getting a real late hit because he wasn't amused. Bottom line, it would be outside the scope of expectation for the sport. In this case, anything but punishing a pro fighter for making an indirect but deliberate act that could discredit the organization (UFC) and the sport of MMA is unacceptable.
ProFightNetwork and MMABAY Radio wish to publically acknowledge the unilateral act Joe Rogan did on behalf of MMA and give our respects. We have not progressed the sport to only see it regress. Because fighters in the cage are supposed to be tough, not faking injury's in time of panic and especially pointing blame on ones opponent to attempt to gain undeserved points. Josh Koscheck should be as embarrassed as Paul Daley but it is too close for me to call who should be more. A sucker punch or a fraudulent acting job that initiated it, both class less acts and not a blinking Twitter moment.
Chris Greenman CEO/President Pro Fight Network Corp.
