Sean Brady won his third straight against Leon Edwards on Saturday, but will it be enough to earn him another crack at UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad? (Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images)
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
What does it take for fighters like Steve Erceg and Sean Brady to earn rematches against champions who have previously defeated them? What are the biggest texting blunders when it comes to communicating with professional fighters? And who would be the ideal choice to portray Jack Dempsey in a film about “The Long Count Fight”?
All this and more in this week’s mailbag. To submit your own question, contact @BenFowlkesMMA or @benfowlkes.bsky.social.
@EyeofMihawk: How much extra work does a contender have to do to earn a rematch with a champion they lost to recently? Does it matter how close the fight was? Asking for Sean Brady, Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg
Also: match Ulberg with Jiri for #1 contender or save them both in a thin 205?
Advertisement
I believe the main factor in these situations is the overall landscape of the division. If there are other rising contenders and fresh matchups to be made, a contender who previously lost to the champion may have a challenging path to a rematch. However, if the initial fight was contentious or highly anticipated, there may be more demand for a rematch. In less competitive divisions like flyweight, a contender like Steve Erceg could potentially earn a title shot with a couple of impressive wins, given the limited options available. As for Sean Brady, despite his recent success, he faces stiff competition and will need to stay prepared for any opportunities that arise.
Regarding Ulberg and the light heavyweight division, it may be prudent to preserve potential contenders due to the current lack of depth in the division.
@NeedXtoseePosts: If you had to cast a movie of the long count, truly incredible article by the way
– who plays Gene Tunney & Jack Dempsey
Advertisement
It’s surprising that a compelling movie about Jack Dempsey has not been made yet, given his captivating story. If de-aging technology were available, actors like Josh Brolin or Russell Crowe could portray Dempsey effectively. For Gene Tunney, Ryan Gosling could be a suitable choice with the right preparation. Additionally, a cameo role for sports writer Grantland Rice could be played by someone like Chuck Mindenhall.
@chjobin.bsky.social: In the wake of that Atlantic article, what kind of text message have you ever received from a fighter, manager or promotion that left you baffled?
Text communication with fighters often lacks clarity, especially when it comes to scheduling calls across different time zones. Additionally, fighters may agree to interviews but not respond when contacted, leading to challenges in communication. One amusing incident involved accidentally sending a personal message to a fighter instead of a loved one, which was humorously handled by the recipient.
@bear_reynolds: Why is the UFC always compared to team sports like NBA and NFL instead of individual sports like tennis and golf?
The comparison of UFC to team sports may stem from the unique nature of mixed martial arts as a combat sport. While individual sports like tennis and golf share similarities in structure, the UFC’s format and promotion dynamics differ significantly. Fighters in the UFC rely on the organization for opportunities and title shots, unlike individual athletes who compete for prizes in every tournament they enter.
@MMAbandwagon: After close fights with Alex, Big Ank, and C-Los, are we cool with Jan not fighting the top 5? I’ve always blamed it on others, but he is the common denominator in some lackluster fights. The ufc needs some action at 205 and he’s too good at negating great fighters. (Also old af)
Advertisement
Jan Blachowicz’s approach to fights at his age reflects his need for strategic gameplay to remain competitive. While this may result in less exciting matches, it is essential for his longevity in the sport. Pairing him with younger contenders may not always produce thrilling fights, but it aligns with the UFC’s strategy of showcasing new talent. Balancing entertainment and competition in the light heavyweight division remains a challenge.
@leadbasedsaint.bsky.social: What was your favorite thing about Paris?
Advertisement
Paris’s charm lies in its culinary delights and historical ambiance. The city’s preservation of historical architecture alongside modern amenities sets it apart from other urban centers. Additionally, discovering unique attractions like a video arcade in The Louvre adds to the city’s allure, making every visit memorable.