WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross updated the blog section of JRsbarbq.com. The following items are among the highlights.

-Ross on Afflicton: "With Affliction canceling their August 1 event, it looks as if that promotion has signaled its death knell and with that said one could make the assumption that UFC will have the opportunity to pick up as many fighter contracts from Affliction as UFC chooses. From all that I read, Affliction is essentially history which makes their contracted fighters available. UFC is in the cat bird's seat as it relates to signing who they want to join their already deep and talented roster."

Powell's POV: It's worth noting that Affliction developed a loaded heavyweight division. If those fighters go to UFC, Brock Lesnar will have a nice list of challengers and big money opponents.

-Ross on Fedor: "The individual with the most interest will be heavyweight kingpin Fedor (no last name required) who is, arguably, thought by many to be the top heavyweight in MMA. UFC officials are too smart to sign Fedor to a one fight deal as that would be totally insane. Fedor has little leverage in these negotiations unless he thinks fighting in Japan is the answer for him and his career. Fedor is a special fighter, without question, but much of the Russian's specialness comes from the fact that he has only one blemish on his record and that many fans feel that Fedor can't be beat. That would be wrong.

"Fedor's allure will be drastically affected when he is finally defeated, ala when Goldberg's 'winning steak' ended in WCW as it relates to marketing/promotion/ perception, and without question someone will definitely defeat the powerhouse puncher some where down the road. Nonetheless signing Fedor would be a coup for UFC but only if it fits their business model. I am told that a deal with Fedor comes with many demands and with a huge entourage. Neither of those issues are particularly positive but certainly not deal breakers. The PPV potential of a Fedor vs. Lesnar bout is a no brainer."

Powell's POV: Of course, Fedor is the biggest name and draw from Affliction. The dream fight of Lesnar vs. Fedor could be another step closer to actually happening.

Other topics include how to find out who J.R. thinks would win a fight between Vince McMahon and Bill Watts, C.M. Punk's awesome (my word) promo on Smackdown, and more on Ric Flair and Bret Hart's bickering.

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