**** Drinks another beer to stop the shaking…..*****

Remember, Zuffa got credit for using its influence to get MMA legalized in Nevada, returned to cable PPV and landed its first T.V. deal – all while losing tremendous amounts of money. Equally, I give credit to the IFL for its business acumen and creativity. Even if the team concept is unproven, the IFL will air on a free television network that reaches 96% of U.S. homes, has signed major deals with Fox and Time Warner and raised $24 million on the securities market.

But if you think the show was a miss, I blame the beer. Next time I’ll let someone else do the drinking.

At the same token, I can’t sit here and criticize others for not being smart businessmen and then not praise the IFL for doing what they have done on paper so far. It is remarkable on paper what they have set up in such a short amount of time.

The first half the show felt like one big advertisement for the IFL. Between their own discussion and then Quadros, it was too lopsided. For a podcast that has been ultra critical of Pride, and at times critical of Zuffa, they basically fluffed over many of the current issues with the IFL. I think everybody agrees that the IFL is doing everything on paper correctly. However, any of the following things could have been mentioned:

- They have yet to turn a profit.
- They have put on exactly one fight that has mattered in the world rankings. That was Lindland vs. Horn.
- Their horrible paid attendance numbers in Oakland, and them canceling the show in Lakeland, FL.

There are more, but those are the biggest 3. Next time, I would at least like to see one host play devil’s advocate to flesh out both sides of the story.

As for Quadros, I like the guy, but I hardly find him credible when he talks about how many great fights are coming up for the IFL, and then downplays any good fights coming up for the UFC or Pride. This is the same guy who gets his living from the IFL. And the same guy who was let go by Pride. And the same guy who lost his job at the WEC once Zuffa bought it over. Once again, I like Quadros, but he was a little too biased, and not one of the hosts called him on it.

This is probably the first episode where I was shaking my head during too much of it. I expect that from Beatdown and Josh Gross. I typically don’t expect that from the Fight Opinion Crew.

I hope this post didn’t come off disrespectfully. I usually love the show. Obviously, hardcore fans aren’t always going to agree. I just thought the last episode was more of a miss then a hit. Hopefully the next one will be back on track.