WWE’s Jim Ross blogged about the post-match brawl on Saturday’s “Strikeforce: Nashville” card, criticizing the antics and explaining how UFC and Brock Lesnar handled a similar recent scenario with more class and professionalism.
“The most negative thing that came our of this mêlée was that the ‘thug element’ perception that many casual sports fans have regarding elements of MMA was underscored,” blogged Ross on JRSBARBQ.com. “The NFL is a cash cow for the networks, and the NFL is held in high esteem but even the NFL is trying to clean up their act through the efforts of Commission Roger Goodell. MMA isn’t established to the level that their unsavory moments will be tolerated or taken lightly by a network partner such as CBS.”
“Why was Miller even allowed to enter the cage in the first place,” asked Ross. “Brock Lesnar was professionally brought into the Octagon after Shane Carwin destroyed Frank Mir to set up the July 3 Lesnar-Carwin fight but Brock conducted himself like the big time, professional athlete that he is. Lesnar did not go ‘thug life’ or in business strictly for himself but did make me want to see Brock fight Carwin for the undisputed heavyweight title in UFC.”
“I have no issue with Mayhem Miller making a grandiose challenge but I do feel how it was handled by all involved was bush league and not a good thing for MMA in general,” he added.
Ross also criticized MMA promotions for allowing so many cornermen and teammates and ringside, as putting that many fight-oriented individuals in one setting absolutely creates the risk of things going awray.
Wrote Ross, “The number of corner men and/or the fighter’s entourage allowed at cage side needs to be addressed and lessened.”