Jon Jones enters Rehab

I know its been a while since I have written anything, but this subject I felt that I had to give my opinion.  Jones has been the poster boy for the UFC.  He was the first sponsored by its apparel brand.  In addition, he was featured in many of the UFC's main sponsors, including Bud Light.  This is no surprise as he seemed like an individual he lived the martial arts lifestyle.  He was a father of two who came from humble beginnings and he impressed from his first fight on.  Jones was incredible, he was a tall fighter who knew how to use these advantages well.  He became champion at 23 (the youngest in the organization's history). He was even deemed a hero when he stopped a mugging in Paterson, NJ before he fought Mauricio "shogun" Rua for the title at UFC 128. His demeanor was pleasant and his treatment of the media made him an excellent candidate to increase the organization's appeal to cross over into the mainstream and gather more eye balls to the screen.  Jones along with Ronda Rousey have became the main models of the UFC's new endorsement deal with Reebok.

However, Jones mystique began to fade away with his DUI in 2012 when he crashed his Bentley.  Many fighters, have also called him "fake," saying that his on air personality was different from when he was off the record.  However, this is understandable as we all wear many hats and many of us have to adapt to our surroundings.  From a business perspective, it seems like a great strategy in order to become a fan favorite and to gain the favor of many sponsors.  His stock was going to continue to rise after the weekends bout against Daniel Cormier at UFC 182.  He now seems invincible and many are calling him the GOAT and the greatest pound for pound fighter.

Jones' announcement that he was going to be entering rehab came as a shock to most of the martial arts community.  He issued a public apology to his family and fans.  Dana White, president of the UFC, also issued a statement saying how proud he was that he had made this decision.  Reports are that Jones tested for cocaine metabolites in early December which was administered out of competition by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.  Because it was out of competition, there are no penalties associated by the commission for a positive test.  Now this has stirred up quite a controversy.  On one side there are people who are supportive of Jones' decision and wish him the best and on the other are those who feel that he is receiving special treatment because of his position.

My take on this is that the UFC sets a concerning precedent if it does not take disciplinary action on its champion.  The champion is the representative of the organization and thus is the best of that division and he or she must abide by the code of conduct as an example to other fighters in the organization.  Other fighters have pointed out what they claim is the UFC's hypocrisy in this matter, citing that other fighters like Matt Riddle and Nick Diaz received lengthy suspensions due to testing positive for marijuana metabolites.  However, these were tests done right before or after their bouts.  Now the results of this past Saturday are still in the air.  If Jones does test for a banned substance it would be interesting if his victory becomes a No Contest and forces the UFC to strip him of his title.

The other issue that was brought up yesterday and is fueling the ire of conspiracy theorists, is the convenience of timing in which the UFC announced that it would no longer do out of competition random testing on its fighters, citing the massive errors that were committed by the organization in handling of samples from Cung Le in last year's event in Macau.  And many forums are rampant with people speculating on whether the UFC  hid the fact in order for the main event to continue; instead of cancelling the Main Event which would have deeply hurt the organization as it was trying to rebound after a shaky 2014 where it saw its rating downgraded by Standard and Poors.  Especially since the UFC has confirmed that there were over 750,000 pay-per-view buys.

I can't opine as to this theory as it is mere speculation, although if something happened to the main event it would have certainly hurt those numbers.  Fighters with substance abuse issues is nothing new,  former heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez also struggled with addiction.  Hopefully, Jones can get the help he needs and continue to demonstrate his skills in the cage and the UFC can maintain the momentum of its first event of the year despite this setback.

Sport Betting will Increase legitimacy of Sport

New Jersey has recently passed a law which would allow race tracks and casinos to make bets on National Football League matches as well as other sports.  However, New Jersey Senator Raymond Lesniak, a sponsor on the bill, has yet to be able to place a bet as a Federal Judge has enjoined NJ from implementing the law as a response to a suit that several leagues have levied against New Jersey's Law.  Their primary complaint is that the allowance of sports gambling would lead to higher occurrences of match fixing.

This is certainly a concern as match fixing allegations have arisen in European soccer league, which at this point have prevented clubs like Fenerbahce from participating in Europe's top flight soccer league, the Champion's League.  Several referees from the German Bundesliga have been convicted of match fixing.  Most recently C.J. Ross, a judge for Nevada State Athletic Commission resigned her position after public outcry alleging dubious judging for Floyd Mayweather's title defense against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in September of last year.  However, these instances are few.  In addition, a well regulated betting system would allow police as well as administrators to observe betting trends and gaming activity to discern if there is any impropriety as to the bets being placed at a sportsbook.

The system would also allow more funds to flow into the pockets of the participating leagues as well as the coffers of many struggling casinos.  The Fertita Brothers who are the owners of Station Casinos as well as the Ultimate Fighting Championship's parent company Zuffa,Inc, have come out in support of efforts like NJ's, stating that it would "legitimize the sport." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has joined to support the legalization of sports gambling in the United States.

"In light of these domestic and global trends, the laws on sports betting should be changed," Silver wrote. "Congress should adopt a federal framework that allows states to authorize betting on professional sports, subject to strict regulatory requirements and technological safeguards."- Silver's Op-ED NY Times. Nov. 13, 2014

With the ever increasing demand to legalize sports gambling in more states and figures like Silver supporting efforts like NJ's, will we see a change in federal law that would create a system like the UK or Australia where it is highly regulated?

Feel free to comment below...

Chan Sung Jung Forced to Enlist in Korean Military...Out for Another Two Years

Chan Sung Jung nicknamed the "Korean Zombie" for his fighting style and the way he trudges forward absorbing massive amounts of punishment while appearing unfazed.  Jung captured the hearts of MMA fans and sports fans alike after his three round war loss against fellow featherweight Leonard Garcia at WEC 48 Aldo v. Faber PPV.  After the merger of the WEC's lighter weight classes into the UFC, Jung came along with the package.  While fighting for the UFC he amassed a record of 3-1 (only loss to current featherweight champion Jose Aldo Junior) with a record of 13-4 overall.  He even made UFC history in his rematch against Leonard Garcia in which he submitted him with "a twister" (first time in UFC history.)

Despite this popularity and worldwide appeal he failed to have his mandatory military service waived, which will put his MMA career on hold for at least two years.  Jung made an appeal to Korean army in an effort to maintain his job presenting evidence that he was employed by an overseas corporation and that his job could not afford him a two year leave of absence.  His enrollment had been halted by the fact that he had incurred a shoulder injury in his fight against Jose Aldo.  In addition, Jung has not seen action in the cage since that championship bout in August 2013.  After receiving surgery, for the injury it appears the Korean military become more aggressive as to compelling the fighter to enlist.  With this long leave of absence, will the "Korean Zombie" return to the case?  At the time of this article, Jung is currently 27 years old, which would mean he would be 29 if he so decides to return to the sport.

Brian Rhee, Jung's manager, told MMAJunkie.com that Jung would begin service on October 20th of this year and his release is slated for October 26, 2016. 

UFC Pirate Confesses

The UFC has been adamant in pursuing copyright infringers who distribute their broadcast without their permission.  One such individual Steve Messina, gave up his fight against the league as he confessed in a statement of his wrongdoing.  The New York state resident had been alleged to have downloaded and distributed UFC pay-per-views through torrenting sites like the Pirate Bay in conjunction with broadcasting live streams as well, a violation of the UFC  copyright and transmission right.  Messina had gained a following a gathered support for his cause, alleging his innocence.  He crowd funded most of his legal defense, but his fight came to an end this week.  As he confessed to the allegations and agreed to turn over his computer and to help ZUFFA with the particulars of his operation so that future infringement can be mitigated.

The UFC's war against infringers and pirate streams is understandable as the band keeps growing.  On the other hand, this is a sport that has benefited greatly from these streams and underground videos which were traded quite frequently and was able to spread the sport through word of mouth.  Now that the league is where it is.  It is looking to shut the door and infringers in order to preserve its right to exclude.  A right that is rightly protected by US Copyright law.  This also is a concern to the UFC and Zuffa as it continues to expand to new markets with questionable enforcement of copyright infringement.  

The Media's Reaction to Jon Koppenhaver's Assault on Christie Mack

I just want to take some time to talk about the media's portrayal of Jon Koppenhaver's aka "War Machine" on his adult film actress ex-girlfriend Christie Mack.  I want to say that this is in no way to condone his actions as what he did was irreprenhesible and Mack's account of the nights events were jarring to say the least.  He will surely receive his day in court and the state of Nevada will adjudicate those proceedings.  What I found jarring was that the coverage of the story was minimal and when it was covered the fact that Koppenhaver was an MMA fighter was deeply highlighted.  I feel this black balled a sport whose fragile reputation is becoming even more tarnished.  The image of Mixed Martial Arts being depicted as barbaric bloodsport continues to haunt.  The public at large not exposed to the world of this sport and ignorant to its true.  Those of us of course who are martial artists and have been involved in some for of combat sports know better.  From personal experience the most humble and kind people, I have met on the mat.

Our sport is extremely beneficial, for a myriad of different reasons.  As someone who has spread the world and converted many people to the sport it is disturbing when it is now being associated with such a horrendous and violent crime.  Again it is justifiable to portray Koppenhaver in this manner.  What my concern is is that the availability heuristic becomes ones associated with violence and barbarity of sexual deviancy.  Mixed Martial Arts is continuing to grow and it is important that organizations dissociate themselves with athletes that commit these sort of crimes.  Personal conduct clauses are a must for these organizations and companies.  Bellator did not hesitate to cut Koppenhaver from its roster much like the UFC cut Thiago Silva after his violent cocaine filled rampage.

All that can be done is to not allow the few bad apples to ruin the changing perception of the sport.  And as the sport becomes more mainstream perhaps this course will correct itself.  With large brands attatching themselves to the sport like NIKE and Reebok as well as Anheiser Busch, etc.  This is truly a growing concern as these sponsors could remove themselves and their money from the sport which would be highly detrimental who work within the sport.  Not just the athletes, but the coaches, cutmen, doctors, and even the technicians charged with setting up the shows themselves...

Nevada's Attorney General files a complain against Chael Sonnen after his failed Drug Tests

Chael Sonnen has not been having a good few weeks.  In this elapsed time he was released from the UFC and was fired by Fox from their broadcasts.  And now the "American Gangster is looking at facing criminal penalties which could amount to a steep fine of $250,000. For those who don't know a complaint is the first step in the legal process.  When serving an individual with a complaint, you in form the individual of their alleged wrongdoing and that you are looking for some legal remedy for that action, in this case criminal penalties.  Sonnen must now answer the complaint according to the time limit set by law.  It seems from Sonnen's statements that he wants to cooperate with authorities.  This isn't the first time Sonnen has been met by the law as he pled guilty to Real-Estate fraud in 2011. Chael of course failed a second drug test after testing positively for elevated testosterone levels in his first match against Anderson Silva where he had dominated most of the fight. This test was on the other hand much more stringent and advanced than a simple urine analysis.  Both Chael Sonnen and Warderlei Silva were supposed to be tested by the NSAC before their bout at UFC 175 this past Saturday.  Wanderlei refused to cooperate with officials stating that the official could not produce credentials and as a result was removed from the card.  The fight was then rescheduled as Vitor Belfort (another fighter with a shady history with PEDs was set to step in).  On UFC Tonight's daily show Sonnen derided Wanderlei on air.  Meanwhile, Sonnen was juicing to the gills as Joe Rogan would put it.  But this is not the issue at hand.

The issue here is the substances found in Sonnen's blood.  A precedent was set as the UFC is looking to begin testing its fighters much more stringently.  A step in the right direction for a sport which to this day still is derided for its barbarity.  He tested positive for  human growth hormone, erythropoietin (EPO), anastrozole and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The offender here is EPO an especially banned substance in the sports world as it is linked to many different complications and sports related deaths.  The NSAC is also looking towards perhaps punitive damages as a way to not allow Sonnen to retire and skip town with a simple slap on the wrist.  Nevada is looking for a pound of flesh and Sonnen will be the first in an effort to clean up a sport that is beginning to enter a worldwide consciousness.  This is for sure also appealing to larger sponsors and investors as the league is willing to police its athletes in order to maintain its image but also the integrity of the sport in general.

In anticipation of tomorrow's fight I want to look at the all concerning issue of PED's in MMA. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) earlier this year ended its Testosterone Use Exemptions, which was a heavily monitoring of fighters who had low testosterone and wanted to restore their levels. An ESPN article revealed the flaws of the system put in place as it was discovered that any doctor could right a recommendation that said a fighter had low testosterone and they could get a TUE. The process itself divided the sports community, both the Major League Baseball and the National Football League allowed a small number of TUEs in the prior year.

This process divided many fans.  Many considered Testosterone Replacement Therapy as a way to cheat the system and creating an unlevel playing field for fighters coming up and the subsequent generation.  In addition critics argued that TRT would encourage the use and abuse of PEDs.  On the other hand, supporters argued that TRT allowed fighters to prolongue their careers as well as leveling the playing field for aging men whose bodies began to show their age, which would threaten their careers.  Despite your opinion on the pros and cons, the NSAC banned all use of testosterone.  And they have ramped  up random testing.  As one might remember, Alistair Overeem who had been suspected of abusing PEDs for years tested with an abnormal testerone ratio, and then there was Thiago Silva, who administered non-human urine to the Athletic Commission.

Dan Henderson, a legend in both Pride, F.C. and the UFC, criticized this decision by stating that the decision to ban TUEs would drive PED usage underground.  Not to mention those who were on it like Henderson had to take some time off as their bodies had to relearn how to naturally produce testosterone.  Vitor Belfort a user of TRT was tearing through the rankings and was challenging Chris Weidman, told the UFC that he wanted time off to find out if he could fight without the help.  At 36 years old Belfort is beginning to enter the twilight of his career, but he looks even more impressive than he did with his debut in 1997 at 19 years old.

Now both Wanderlei Silva who has tested positive and Chael Sonnen have both been pulled from their July bouts.  Wanderlei for refusing to cooperate with officials, and Sonnen for elevated levels.  The benefits of PEDs are immense in this sport, but when you are payed to legally assault someone who assumes you both trained hard, but secretly you have an advantage is just not fair.  However, what can be done to remedy the problem?  More stringent testing? Promoters complain that these tests can be extremely costly to perform.  The solution would be to perform random drug testing in the course of the year to make sure that fighters are not cycling off, but this dilemma is nothing new as it is human to try and obtain every advantage to win especially when fight purses and bonuses are on the line.