The Sunday Junkie: March 24 edition

The World Series of Fighting’s sophomore show, “The Ultimate Fighter 18? announcement, transgender MMA fighter Fallon Fox and UFC 158 are all topics in this week’s edition of The Sunday Junkie.

This week’s winner of our weekly reader-feedback feature, Chicago’s Seth Sutton, explains why Anthony Johnson’s WSOF 2 main-event win over Andrei Arlovski was so refreshing.

For his winning entry, Seth wins a free one-year subscription to “Fighters Only” magazine, the world’s leading MMA and lifestyle magazine.

Want to submit to next week’s edition of The Sunday Junkie? Scroll to the bottom of the page for instructions.

Also, as a reminder, please be sure to include your hometown and stick within the 150-word limit (and include your submission in the body of an email, not in an attachment). Many quality submissions this week didn’t meet those minimum guidelines and couldn’t be considered for publication.

(Pictured: Anthony Johnson)

* * * *

ANTHONY JOHNSON’S NO-BS APPROACH IS REFRESHING

It seemed like all the fighters at World Series of Fighting 2 on Saturday couldn’t avoid questions about the UFC. I guess that happens when you sign so many fighters from another organization. However, after reading Anthony Johnson’s post-fight interview on MMAjunkie.com, I have to be impressed. He said he’s happy where he’s at. He didn’t care about getting back to the UFC. He stuck up for his team, complimented opponent Andrei Arlovski, and laid out a clear plan for his future, which will come at light heavyweight. Johnson clearly has all the talent in the world. Now he appears to have the focus and maturity to make the most of it. I commend Anthony Johnson and really look forward to what he does next. He made me a real fan this weekend.

Seth Sutton
Chicago, Ill.

WSOF NEEDS TO AVOIDS STUPID MISTAKES

For all intents and purposes, Saturday’s World Series of Fighting 2 event was a solid second show for the new fight promotion. However, WSOF officials need to realize that little mistakes can overshadow good fights. Take, for instance, headliner Andrei Arlovski. He lost a decision to Anthony Johnson in an exciting bout. But I could only think about one thing: Why was Arlovski wearing UFC gloves? One glove clearly had the UFC logo on it, and it appeared like they tried to scratch out the logo on the other one. Did they really have no WSOF gloves available? And if they didn’t, can you at least find a better solution. If you don’t want to be seen as a place for UFC castoffs, you can give your critics easy ammo like that.

Marty McKenzie
Austin, Texas

BURKMAN DESERVES ANOTHER LOOK

After his UFC career ended, I didn’t give much thought to Josh Burkman. Even when he was winning on the regional circuit, I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention. However, I finally watched him fight against Aaron Simpson on Saturday at WSOF 2, and I have to say I’m impressed. He knocked out a tough opponent, and more importantly, he looked determined to get the finish. He’s now won seven of his past eight fight, and they’ve come against tough opponents. I know he’s supposed to fight Jon Fitch at the WSOF event, but I think it’s time the UFC gives him another look. He’s only 32, and he’s proven he can be exciting. I, for one, wouldn’t mind seeing “The People’s Warrior” back in the octagon.

“rumrunner”
Sarasota, Fla.

‘TUF 17' SETS THE BAR FOR UFC’S REALITY SHOW

“They’ll tell you failure is not an option. That is ridiculous. Failure is always an option. Failure is the most readily available option at all times. But it’s a choice. You can choose to fail. You can choose to succeed.” That’s a quote from Chael Sonnen on this season’s edition of “The Ultimate Fighter.” It’s funny to me how the “TUF” has been on television for eight years, and this is my favorite. Past seasons have all seemed to focus on childish pranks, fighters getting drunk, and just any kind of drama. There hasn’t been any if that this time around, and I hope it stays that way. There’s no need for added drama when there is a fight that provides all the drama you need. I like that each week focuses on the contestants who are fighting. The coaches have also been great. There has been no apish posturing or animosity between Sonnen or Jon Jones. They actually seem to get along pretty well. Sonnen has surprised me the most. He seems like a really likable guy. And he’s dispensed some seriously sage advice, inspiring at times. I hope the next season follows the example provided by this one.

Aaron Searcy
Silver Spring, Md.

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION NEEDS SONNEN

Earlier in the week someone asked if Chael Sonnen’s fight with Jon Jones should be his last assuming he loses it. I have to say, no way! Don’t retire; just move home to middleweight. Sonnen is an extremely good middleweight fighter. He has lost only five times (two to Silva) in his past 18 fights while fighting the best competition in the world. When Silva ends Chris Weidman’s win streak, he is headed for superfights. Sonnen can make some amazing fights in his home division: Sonnen vs. Vitor Belfort, Rich Franklin, Hector Lombard, Michael Bisping, Weidman, Cung Le, etc. There are many interesting fights for him in that division. Anyone but Silva who becomes the middleweight champion will have a hard time handling Sonnen. Silva did the first time.

Jonathan Williams
Sweeden, Ky.

AS UFC FOES, SO GOES THE WORLD (OF SPORTS)

The recent controversy surrounding transgender fighter Fallon Fox, as well as the highly debated marijuana metabolites issue, have provided the UFC a forum that some influential power players in the world of sports lack: a bully pulpit to shape public opinion and drive policies for MMA and sports as a whole. As such, it becomes more and more evident just how important the UFC will become moving forward in framing arguments to change opinions and perceptions related to the use of marijuana legally and the inclusion and acceptance of gay and/or transgender fighters, as difficult as it may be for people to accept. As we all become more educated on these tricky and challenging topics, I hope the UFC continues to set the tone for these conversations in a manner to advance the conversation for progress and inclusion into the mainstream.

Lonnie Shipman
Vacaville, Calif.

FALLON FOX COMPLAINTS FALL SHORT

I completely agree with recent comments that the reality of biological differences should take precedence over political correctness in MMA. The fact is, penis or no, having a higher bone density gives an advantage in terms of power and athleticism – as UFC commentator Joe Rogan pointed out when asked about Fallon Fox. This is why those who oppose Fox’s right to fight other women should also be calling for separate race divisions, like the good old Negro baseball leagues of 1920s America. After all studies show that African-Americans have on average a bone density 15-17 percent higher than Caucasian males (Ettinger, 1997) thus giving them a physical advantage. Who cares that physical advantage in MMA is counteracted by weight limit and more importantly by an opponent’s skill set (just ask Mariusz Pudzianowski)? If we’re going to be prejudiced against Fox for the way she was born, then let’s be consistent. It’s only fair.

Matt Faulkner
London, England

MAYBE DANA WHITE KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING

Words can’t describe how much it bothered me that Nick Diaz got a shot at UFC champ Georges St-Pierre before Johny Hendricks. It seemed like a slap in the face to everyone who views MMA as a sport, not glorified pro wrestling. However, after hearing that UFC 158 did Anderson Silva/Chael Sonnen pay-per-view numbers, I wonder if my reaction was wrong. Hendricks’ brilliant display was seen by a huge audience. GSP continued to work himself back into old-GSP shape. The UFC got attention it may not have received with the lesser-known Hendricks fighting at the top of the card. Maybe Dana White knows what he’s doing after all.

Alex Groberman
Los Angeles, Calif.

DANA WHITE IS A HYPOCRITE

Much buzz was generated throughout the MMA community when Dana White announced the mixture of genders living in the “The Ultimate Fighter 18? house later this year. White has said numerous times that a man and woman will not face off inside the octagon. Despite worries of the many shenanigans which will assuredly take place inside the house, will the UFC be exposing Americans to a new and different kind of controversy? With both house guests weighing in at 135 pounds, it is as if the UFC is encouraging them to spar. This author can’t help but wonder if heated sparing sessions will have White eating his own words.

Chance Corum
Lewisburg, Ky.

‘TUF 18' WILL TAKE FOCUS OFF FIGHTING

The Twitterverse erupted this past week when it was announced that Season 18 of “The Ultimate Fighter” will see a mixture of men and women living in the same house. To me, this signals the end of the credibility of “The Ultimate Fighter” competition. I know that UFC authorities are trying to create an atmosphere of female fighters being considered no different than the males. This is true in terms of fighting, but as we have learned from the past seasons of “TUF,” we also get a glimpse into the personal lives of the competitors, and I believe that the unisex tournament will see at least one pair of fighters become romantically involved. For years, I have dreaded the day when “TUF” would become the same as “Big Brother,” but it looks like that day is here. In the upcoming series, fighting will become less important than the household interactions.

Darragh Murphy
Cork, Ireland

‘TUF 18' IS A PUBLICITY STUNT

“The Ultimate Fighter” finally seemed to be getting it. This season has been much better then the past seasons, and the revamped presentation has also been a plus. The positive news on the “TUF” front ended, though, as next season will have men and women in the house. This is obviously a media stunt to gain more viewers as shows like “Big Brother,” “Real World” and “Jersey Shore” all put men and women in a house to cause much more drama. But it takes away from what is supposed to be a show about getting into the UFC and is a sellout to try to intrigue non-fight fans.

Joel Wielenga
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

UFC MUST SEVER TIES WITH WWE IMMEDIATELY

For reasons that I can’t seem to understand, the UFC seems to be strengthening its bonds with the WWE, something that needs to stop immediately. If the UFC wants to propel itself into the world of mainstream sports, it needs to get as far away from the steroid-induced cheap entertainment that’s known as the WWE. With the recent rampant use of steroids in the UFC, there is a huge risk that the legitimate athletes of this sport will be categorized with the “performers” of the WWE. Now Stephan Bonnar, who was recently released from the UFC for his steroid usage, is mentioning joining the WWE. Dana White needs to find a way to keep his fighters out of the WWE. If that’s not possible, then it’s on the athletes. You helped build the sport, Mr. Bonnar. Now you’re about to destroy it.

Timothy Gilbert
Long Island, N.Y.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Do you have an idea for next week’s edition of “The Sunday Junkie?” Send your submission of 150 words or fewer (no attachments please) to sundayjunkie @ mmajunkie.com with your full name or nickname, your hometown (city and state), a valid email address and a phone number (not to be published). Incomplete submissions will not be considered for publication. Only one submission per week is suggested, but we’ll consider multiple entries if they’re submitted separately. All submissions must be received by Sunday at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT).