The Debut

Hey folks, I know there has to be a few MMA fans out there, hiding in the weeds on the internets.

Lets talk about happenings in the MMA world.

First the next two big events are UFC:84 and the EliteXC show on CBS.

-EliteXC- I'm excited for MMA's first prime time event on network TV. It seems like all of their eggs are in the Kimbo basket. If he loses a fight or two, that organization is screwed. This fight against Thompson will be a nice test to see where Slice is at. You couldn't really tell that in the Abbott beat down. I think they were really hoping to have a Ken Shamrock-Kimbo matchup somewhere down the pike, but Shamrock getting KO'd in the first round against some guy named Buzz Berry in the Cage Rage promotion ended that talk. Its been like 4 losses in a row now, Ken needs to retire to save his own health.

I know Elite XC is looking into having a women's division, but after Gino Carano any maybe one or two others, the depth isn't there to have a lot of quality match ups.

They'd be well served to sign Tito after his UFC contract is finished on Saturday.

Speaking of UFC, UFC 84 has a nice card. I'm a huge Keith Jardine fan, and his match against Wanderlei will be a nice test. I think it will be a good match, however Silva is coming in off three straight losses and Jardine should still have momentum from his win over Liddell. Its an important fight for both guys. Prediction: Jardine by decision.

Tito Ortiz-Machida will be interesting. The story line between Dana and Ortiz has overshadowed the fight itself. Machida is 12-0 and coming off a win against Sokoudjou; who he dominated. Beating Tito would be a huge step up for his career and maybe result in a title shot against the Forrest/Rampage winner somewhere down the line. Ortiz will be motivated, because a win over Machida will be great leverage for him in his next contract negotiations, whether it be with EliteXC, UFC, or whoever. I'll go with Tito by KO.

Sherk-BJ Penn is a nice match up, but I think Penn is on top of his game right now and can't be beaten. Penn's last fight against Stevenson looked like something out of a Tarantino movie with all the blood Penn caused Stevenson to lose, and than he made him submit via rear naked choke to add to the fun. I think the same will happen here. Penn by submission.

So what do you guys have to say about the MMA world, right now?

We'll be updating On Tap throughout the day as more news comes down the line. Also look for a TUF analysis later this week.