MMA Live host Jon Anik
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Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, Jon Anik, host of ESPN.com's MMA Live, will stop by to take your questions!A new episode of MMA Live, which debuted on ESPN.com and ESPN Mobile TV in May of 2008, airs every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. MMA Live can also be seen whenever it fits your schedule. Just head to the MMA Live video hub on ESPN.com.Anik started at ESPN in February of 2006 working for ESPN Radio, before moving over to the digital media platforms early in 2007. An avid MMA advocate and fan, Anik also serves as the play-by-play voice for the Bellator Fighting Championships.Send your questions now and join Anik Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET!More Jon Anik: MMA Live | MMA index | Chats
Buzzmaster: Hey everyone, I just heard from Jon and he got stuck in some traffic getting to work. He might be a few minutes late for his 1 p.m. ET chat.
Jon Anik: With one minute to spare...I'm in Bristol. Thanks to Buzzmaster for bailing me out! Hannah Storm almost whacked me with her car, but I'm here. And, not sure we've ever had more to talk about in the MMA world. Brock Lesnar out of UFC 106, UFC 104, and Fedor-Rogers is fast-approaching. I'm here for at least the next hour, so let's vent.
Ken (Pittsburgh): No excuses! Nevermind, all is forgiven. Jon runs a solid chat. Best MMA chat on the planet!
Jon Anik: Thanks, Ken!...And I'm not afraid of Mel Kiper!
Andrew (Newfoundland): What's your new must see UFC event now that Brock isn't fighting at 106?
Jon Anik: I think you'd have to say its UFC 107 and specifically the main event between B.J. Penn and Diego Sanchez. Overall depth on that card is sick.
Ryan (Baltimore, MD): Do you think that UFC 107 is getting enough respect? I mean you have BJ v. Diego, Mir v. Kongo, and Florian v. Guida! How is this card not getting press like 106 did before Brock dropped out?
Jon Anik: ...not to mention Todd Duffee...and Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves is on that card as well (I believe). Memphis fans may have been bummed out to not get Rampage-Rashad, but they're gettting a ridiculous show with a ton of top names.
Tyler (Tennessee): I am a lyoto machida fan should i be worried about a rematch with shogun
Jon Anik: I still favor Machida in the rematch. As Kevin Iole told me earlier this week, Machida still hasn't reached his potential. And I'm not sure Shogun Rua is capable of a performance any better than the one we saw against Machida. I expect a more aggressive Machida the second time around.
Jerry (Texas): IS Dana White going to replace the Brock Lesner fight at UFC 106 with another one, or is he just going to sit tight and not add another fight to the card, as currently contructed, UFC 105 looks better than 106
Jon Anik: Reports are that the new co-main event will be a welterweight fight between Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson. Great fight on paper, and a nice job by Dana White and Joe Silva to come up with a quick and suitable Band-aid, given the circumstances.
Jason (Ellicott City, MD): Dana White rigs UFC. Spread the rumor. There is no way Shogun loses that fight.
Jon Anik: The conspiracy theories need to stop! The outcome of Machida-Shogun certainly benefits the UFC b/c they had no surefire #1 light heavyweight contender. But had one of the three judges scored it for Shogun and the result was a split decision, there would be far fewer complaints.
Leo (Boston MA): Lost in the Main event debate, Cain looked awesome! and how can "rumble" so up 7 pounds overweight.
Jon Anik: Velasquez is an animal. He fights with an absolute reckless abandon. He is violent from the touch of the gloves and his motor is unmatched in the heavyweight division. As for Johnson, I'd love to give him the benefit of the doubt (the injury, etc.), but I think this will be a recurring problem if he stays at 170.
Snapple Cap (My Desk): First I lose the Machida-Rua fight to the Coke bottle and now JA is late, worst week ever.
Jon Anik: Only one minute late, though. I try to be here for you ladies.
RoMan (calgary): UFC 106 card now sucks. I don't consider the Kos-Rumble a main event.
Jon Anik: The card has certainly taken a hit, but given Lesnar's illness and the proximity of the event, I give the UFC credit.
Charlie (Philly): Cain still has nothing for Carwin or Lesnar. No way Cain can take either of those two beasts.
Jon Anik: I would respectfully disagree, Chuck. I think we saw a much-improved Cain Velasquez than we saw at UFC 99. Much tighter physically, hands looked quicker. I think Velasquez would be very competitive with both Lesnar and Carwin.
Jason (Owosso, MI): How much compensation do fights get if their fight is "Fight of the Year"?
Jon Anik: I don't believe there is a financial attachment to a 'Fight of the Year.' Some promotions may reward their fighters without reporting it. UFC Fight of the Night bonuses are traditionally $60,000 per fighter.
Chris (Danville, Ca): Jon, I was pretty disappointed with Ryan Bader's performance in rounds 2 and 3, thought you could argue for a draw in that one 28-28. What were your thoughts?
Jon Anik: I thought he won the fight, but wasn't enamored with the performance, either. He gassed early and still has a long ways to go. As stated previously, I don't see him as a future UFC light heavyweight contender. Nice fighter, but not elite.
Leo (Boston MA): Did the UFC give Yoshida anything extra for fighting "rumble"?
Jon Anik: He reportedly received $12K. Not sure if he was compensated anything more.
Finn (Seattle, WA): SO who do you think won the fight? Only saw it once, and my jaw dropped when they announced Machida. The entire room lost it. (but what do we know)
Jon Anik: I had it 48-47 for Shogun, but it easily could have been 49-46 for Shogun. Indeed, it was an overwhelming majority (especially media) who scored it for Shogun. But I do think a 48-47 score for Machida is defensible.
