Random news from Lorenzo Fertitta...

I like the idea of Cain Vs Mir, and I am pumped for Tito vs Griffin.
I don't know why there is any interest in Fedor anymore, he came to Strikeforce, which is considered a step below the UFC and got trashed by there fighters, and he hasn't redeemed himself at all. He's pretty much gone back to fighting nobodies again. I'm not in the anti-Fedor fan club, I'm just being honest, I don't see the appeal in bringing him in.

Because some people still want to see it. Obviously he shouldn't be brought in and thrust into a title fight right away, but there's no real reason to not give him a contract if he's winning.

It's not always as simple as looking at recent wins or losses. If they get a good price on him, then it's win/win for the UFC. You bring in someone who may sell a few tickets, and his name/skill-set still means enough that should he lose to any of their up and comers, it'd be big.

And I agree with James on Lombard. Maybe one fight or so at MW to start off, but WW should be his ultimate destination. Same for Shlemenko. Though I think Alexander should maybe consider making that transition while in Bellator.

Height is definitely an issue with Lombard. I'd hate to automatically dismiss him as a threat at MW in the UFC due to his size, but it certainly seems like it would do him well to apply those skills you mentioned at WW. Not everyone can be a Frankie Edgar.

Shlemenko though seems like a no-brainer to start testing the WW waters asap. Despite not being taller, Vianna and Lombard kind of dwarfed Shlemenko in their fights. Again, there's a ton of talent there, and the guy can give one hell of an exciting performance, but he's a small MW. I'm really disappointed those WW rumors fell through, as it would have been interesting to see if he could make it all the way to that creepy ass lookin' Ben Askren.

So the 10 people on Sherdog that actually pay for the PPV. PFFFT.
That being said if they did get a good price on him you're right, you could feed him to some up and comers.

I really hate when fans get that closed-minded "well I don't like them, so they must suck" attitude towards things. This is the fight game. EVERY fighter deserves a shot in the UFC if they're on a winning streak elsewhere, and/or can provide an entertaining/interesting match-up on some fight card. I don't care if it's Fedor, or someone considered "lowly" like Houston Alexander or James Irvin. If they're winning on the outside, and can contribute something, bring them in.

Just because you personally can't be bothered to care about some fighter, that doesn't mean they can't provide an exciting performance. I mean that's why we watch the sport isn't it? What's great about MMA is that you CAN earn your spot again, regardless of short comings in the past.

Also, sorry to sound mean, but it's really stupid to mention Fedors losses in Strikeforce with the little side-note "it's a step down from the UFC". It wouldn't matter if he lost to those 3 guys in some small promotion in an Iowa barn, Werdum, Silva, and Hendo would still be 3 tough fighters to beat. Fights CAN be significant outside of the UFC. It's not like he lost 3 in a row to a string of 3-4 rookies.

I'm not saying any of this as some Fedor fanboy, just as a fight fan. I definitely don't think he deserves a spot in the UFC if him, or his management, is expecting everything handed over on a silver platter. And I also agree that Fedor should stay far away from the company if he's going to spend the next year or two taking part in "gimme" fights. But if he beats another decent "journeyman" fighter or two, and legit wants to be in the UFC, then great.

It's just a shame that too many people will likely care little about whatever match-up he gets, and instead be licking their chops, hoping deep down that he loses so they can say "told ya so".