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Jul 14, 2009 Jun 01, 2012 2 1042
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ESPN 980 DC Talks UFC 117 Silva Sonnen
ESPN 980 is one of the two sports talk radio stations in the DC area. In the last year or so upstart 106.7 the Fan, which features Luke Thomas's Radio Show, MMA Nation, has given 980 a run for their money however. In general one of the points of distinction between these two stations has been the younger edgier tinge of 106.7. 106.7 features the Sports Junkies, Chad Dukes, and Lavar Arrington while 980 features Steve Zaban and Tony Kornheiser.
Along with the younger bent of 106.7, has been a willingness to cover the UFC, both on Luke's all MMA radio show and on other programs particularly the Arrington and Duke's afternoon drive show. Because of the history of MMA coverage of these two networks I was surprised at 10am when I hear MMA talk and look down and its 980AM on my radio dial.
Which Super Fight Will We See First
After UFC 100 and the seeming invincibility of Brock Lesnar and GSP many fans, myself, included are itching to see both men take on the strongest challengers possible.
In the case of St. Pierre the obvious match up is a move to Middleweight and a super fight with Anderson Silva. The fight is fascinating since both GSP and Silva look unbeatable in their respective divisions and GSP's unparalleled takedowns present a unique style match up for Silva's striking. Joe Rogan reflected, the very thoughts of many fans when he asked GSP about the prospect of a move to 185 when he asked GSP about the topic in the post-fight interview.
Despite Rogan's and many other's enthusiasm for the fight none of the power players (GSP, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, or Anderson's Silva) seem particularly anxious to make the fight happen. While GSP seems like a man anxious for a challenge he would have a significant size disadvantage moving up immediately to MW immediately. Furthermore the UFC would rather not use two of its larger pay preview draws in one fight. The UFC also has a number of MW prospects (Okami, Marquart, Maia, Henderson) who could present interesting match ups with Silva.
While much of the recent discussion of this perspective super fight has rightly focused on GSP, Silva himself may be the biggest impediment to a GSP Silva match up. Silva has relatively little to gain in a fight with GSP. Certainly it would be a big win, but beating a potentially undersized GSP would not necessarily be viewed as a tremendous accomplishment. GSP presents a difficult style match up for Silva. Not that Silva would be the underdog in a GSP matchup, but there are certainly other styles he would feel more comfortable against (striker, BJJ)}.
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