Postal Connections: Misdirected Vitriol

Another week, another batch of questions from Sherdog.com readers. The usual suspects are at the top of the list once again: Ronda Rousey’s mental state, the future of the lightweight division with Saint Conor making the jump in a matter of weeks, Aljamain Sterling’s deal and Michael Bisping’s prospects in London. Without further ado, away we go:

I’m so sick of hearing about Rousey. She is so mentally weak and she proved it by telling everyone she wanted to kill herself after losing to Holly Holm. I hope she never comes back and just stays in Hollywood doing movies. She seems more suited to that. Do you think she will come back to fight again or is she done? I think she’s done. -- Jason, Texas

First off, I have to say it once again: I just don’t get the vitriol people throw Rousey’s way. I guess it’s part of being a superstar -- you take the good with the bad -- but it seems especially angry in regards to Rousey. I thought it was sad, more than anything, when people reveled in her defeat, but here we are three months down the road and people are piling on again. And, of all things, for her showing a little vulnerability? Really?

Now I’m not 100 percent sure that this was something more than a fleeting post-fight mood swing for a fighter who was obviously concussed and beaten to a bloody pulp. I would hope it isn’t something that lingered beyond the initial shock of her first loss, but if it did, what are people hoping to accomplish by continuing to mock her?

Suicide is a serious issue, one with which Rousey has personal experience; it’s not a matter for people to throw around in such a light manner. Even a long period of depression that could lead to those thoughts is not a sign of weakness but a sign someone could use a helping hand from those that care about them.

As for her fighting career, I hope she does what she and her friends and loved ones feel is best. If that is returning to fight, so be it. If she wants to ride off and do movies and be the superstar she has fought to become, I would be happy for her. However, I do suspect she will be back, though I’m not sure she has much for the Holm we saw take her apart in Australia late last year. I’m guessing she’s rooting for Miesha Tate on March 5.

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What does the UFC do with the lightweight division following UFC 196? It seems like they have a lot of options but no clear direction. -- Jay Pettry

I agree, Jay, but I also think there will be plenty of direction after Conor McGregor takes on Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196. If McGregor wins, I fully expect him to challenge Robbie Lawler at UFC 200 in an attempt to grab three different title belts at the same time -- a feat that would cement his place as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

There’s a whole lot of ground to cover before that happens, though. McGregor would have to knock off a beast in RDA and then jump another 15 pounds and square off with an ass-kicking machine in Lawler. It would be amazing if it happens, but the chances are slim.

In the meantime, you have a number of guys at 155 pounds who are looking for a crack at RDA, most notably Eddie Alvarez and the man he just beat (controversially) Anthony Pettis. Pettis has his hands full with Edson Barboza, and Alvarez is rumored to be fighting Nate Diaz. There should be a fully formed challenger after these guys get finished with each other.

The biggest issue for the lightweight class, like the featherweight division, is the fact that everything may be put on hold while the Golden Child heads off in search of greener (more money) pastures at other weights. Either way, there’s no shortage of interesting and potentially exciting matchups in the deepest division in MMA.

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I saw your piece about Aljamain Sterling re-signing with the UFC. It seems like you are making it out like he didn’t get a good deal. I would say doubling your salary is pretty good. He’s the man and will be the champ before the end of the year, so I’m sure he will be making good money pretty soon. -- Albert

Thanks for writing, Albert. I wasn’t trying to make a determination on whether the deal Sterling inked was good or bad. To tell you the truth, it really doesn’t matter what I think; if he’s happy with it, then it’s a good deal for him.

The main point I was trying to make was the fact that the deal he signed, after a much ballyhooed free agent courting period, was not that different from the one he was reportedly not very enthused about before he set off into said free agency. In the end, if he becomes a champion -- something I believe he’s pretty confident will happen -- he’s going to be well compensated.

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There is no way Michael Bisping can see out of both his eyes. He must have some kind of depth perception issues with one eye pointing off in the wrong direction. Who in their right mind would clear him to fight in the UFC? I think Anderson Silva is going to beat the [expletive] out of him and send him to the Fox network for good. No way one-eyed Mike can survive for more than one round, right? -- Anonymous (email redacted)

Here we go again. I just don’t get the Bisping hate, either. I know he can be a surly guy sometimes -- I’ve felt the wrath firsthand before -- but in a world where people complain about athletes being bland and keeping their answers canned, I think “The Count” is a breath of fresh air. Count me as a fan.

As for his eye, I really have no idea, to tell you the truth. I’ve looked at him and it does seem like there could be an issue, but the man has gotten cleared by athletic commissions to compete so who am I to tell him he shouldn’t? Same goes for you.

Heading into his fight with Silva, I really have no clue how it will play out. Would I be shocked if Silva came out an iced him inside of two minutes? No. However, I have zero idea which Silva will show up. Is he going to have his vials of blue liquid? Has Father Time caught up to him? For that matter, which Bisping will show up?

It’s a crapshoot but a fun crapshoot. I expect an entertaining fight with one of these guys (probably Bisping) going night-night. While I don’t see either of them challenging for the title again -- middleweight is suddenly a very deep division -- they can still draw and could find themselves in a few more main events before they eventually hang them up.

Sherdog.com Executive Editor Greg Savage can be reached by email or Twitter @TheSavageTruth. If you would like to have your question or comment answered in the weekly Postal Connections mailbag, please submit them by Wednesday evening each week.