Ill be one of the first ( debateable, I know) to admit that my outlook on Cung Lee's MMA excursion propelling him into the world of professional film-work would not end up being one of the best of his decisions. Being a World Champion in San-shou? Introducing a large portion of the MMA blogosphere into the "wonders" of his beloved sport? Both top notch tasks, pursued with a fervor enviable by anybody. However, when he decided to formally enter the MMA fight scene, Ill have to admit, I did not see this next of his endeavors ending well for the man. However, Lo and behold, he's managed to put people back in their respective places and make a name for himself not only within the Forums and chatrooms inherent to most if not all MMA websites, but also endeared himself to a mainstream audience, a feat not easily accomplished by even the most recognizeable of our sports athletes. However, his recent forays into acting and brand marketing may have been profitable for him, but have sent his stock in a downward spiral, in terms of his relevance within the Strikeforce middleweight division.
Here we have a champion, who after only a few fights (albeit dominating victories) has decided it would be in his best interest to take a sabbatical from the fight game and pursue his opportunities as an actor, making appearances in movies such as the aptly named "Fighting". He seems to be of the opinion that while this is more than likely the best option in terms of financial stability as the moment, it leaves a plethora of middleweight fighters chomping at the bit for a chance to take the belt away, but to no avail. My train of thought leaves me to believe that Strikeforce should leave him be with his pursuit of an acting career and set up a #1 and #2 contender fight to crown an interim champion, at least until Mr. Lee is satisfied that his acting bug has desisited chomping away .
At 34, Cung may find himself in a position that many of our older fighters are having to come to grips with, that their talent will not always carry them through the toughest of adversities, and that youth and fast-twitch fibers are essential to stay on top in this ever-evolving sport. He has seemed to maintain his grip on this balance of inflicting violence for now, but all it takes is one injury, one slip on the canvas, to force him into a position where he has to completely dedicate himself to one way of life or the other. The life of a fighter is filled with hard decisions, especially one who is trying to maintain a death-grip on his well-deserved belt. However, the way he is going about maneuvering around media attention and his vagueness pertaining to his return to the cage leave a bit of unease swirling aound the top of my head. I cannot in good conscience say that he is one of my favorite fighters. but it would be doing me, and most importantly the rest of the fighters in Strikeforce deserving of a title shot, for him to leave everyone in an on-going limbo as to when he might fight again.
With his recent dominations of Frank Shamrock and Tony Fryklund aside, I see no reason for him to rest on his laurels and reap the benefits of 5 professional victories without testing himself against someone who will truly put Cung into a place he has some forseeable problems. Until that happens, it will be difficult to see him as anything other than a flash in the pan champion, who was never forced to trek into a zone where he was not the clearly superior practitioner.
I know that my opinions will have some obvious detractors, but feel free to comment, and we can debate to our combined hearts content.
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