Saturday, October 9, 2010

Will Nick Diaz beat KJ Noons?


Gracie Jujitsu ace and the favorite son of Stockton, CA Nick Diaz faces off against the last man to beat him boxer KJ Noons tonight on Strikeforce. Noons brings a strong disliking for the Diaz Bros. into the ring tonight as well as the confidence that comes with being ranked the #154 best Middleweight boxer in the world according to BOXREC.

The last time the two men fought Noons dominated on the feet. He cut up Diaz's face so bad the fight had to be stopped. He dropped Diaz in the fight and Diaz was totally unsuccessful in getting the fight to the ground and into his world. The question is will this fight play out in the same way.

My cystal ball is fuzzy but I am going to have to say that Noons will not emerge the victor this time around. Diaz striking has improved but I don't think he will need it. Caesar Gracie is a great coach as his three pupils are the three current Strikeforce champs at 155, 170 and 185lbs. Gracie will have a good game plan in place this time around and I look for Diaz to get the fight to the ground and sub Noons.

No matter what happens, win or lose one thing is for certain. Diaz is "no punk bitch", he is reppin the 209, and he is still super pissed off.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Is that Aoki in a Nick Diaz Shirt?


Yes Shinya Aoki wore a Nick Diaz T-shirt to the Dream 16 press conference. I don't know what is more surprising the fact that Aoki is wearing a Nick Diaz shirt or that someone out there is making Nick Diaz t-shirts?

More Guest Star Octagon Girls?




After seeing Holly Madison featured in this months UFC Magazine it made me think about how much exposure she has gotten from her one fight ring card girl appearance at UFC 100. I think more actresses/models should also make guest star appearances ala Holly as UFC ring card girls. It has to be great publicity. Of course Hollywood A-listers would do it bout those on the up probably would jump at the chance to get the exposure of the PPVs. It would be neat from a fans perspective to see who the guest Octagon Girl would be each event. I think someone like Kim Kardashian would be a good fit as she seems famous for just being famous. I also would like to see the UFC have at least one redhead in the mix and so I would like to suggest Diora Baird from Old School and Star Trek. Please email me your suggestions.

Is that me with the MMA Junkie Radio Crew?


The answer is YES! I got to visit the MMA Junkie Radio crew in Las Vegas in April and they kindly let me sit in on two shows. If you don't listen to MMA Junkie Radio you are missing out on an informative and great radio show. One of the things that make it so great is that it is so interactive with the listeners. The show broadcasts out of the Race and Sports Book in the Manadalay Bay Casino and the show invites listeners to come in and sit in any time. It was a lot of fun and the guys were great. Thanks GG, Goze and John Morgan. You guys are the best.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Move all 155lbs fighters to the WEC?

I know, I know you dont' like it and that is fine but just consider it. I have been hearing a lot of talk about moving the WEC 155 division into the UFC. I propose a different possibility. How about you move all of the 155ers into the WEC. It could be their flagship division. The WEC would benefit from all the marketing the UFC has done to build up name recognition of these fighters (through TUF etc.) and this would make the WEC the one stop home for the best 155ers in the world.

Why do this? It is part of GG's TEN POUND PROPOSAL he has been talking about. A belt every ten pounds. This would work well with this realignment. It would make perfect sense to have the WEC have the 125, 135, 145 and 155 pound divisions. Four solid weight classes. That would mean that the UFC would have the 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, and 265 (Heavyweight) divisions. Six solid weight classes only one more than the number they have now.

Some of the UFC 155ers would stay in the UFC but fight at 165lbs. Others would choose to go the WEC and fight there. And before you start with the "but the UFC guys make more money etc." talk... I don't even want to start with the money talk. They are all Zuffa employees and they should all get paid well for their contributions to the sport.

This is just a hypothetical proposed realignment that is a potential way to solve what many see as the problem of the split 155 lbs weight division under the Zuffa umbrella. Just throwing it out there. What do you think?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Wandy's Pride Belt?



Iwent to the fight museum inside Mandalay Bay and got this picture of Wanderlei Silva's Pride Belt. It is a cool little spot with memorabilia from both Boxing and MMA. Well worth a stop when in Vegas.

Jose Aldo three belts?

Jose Aldo destroyed Manny Gamburian at WEC 51 on Thursday night and so the inevitable he "should move up in weight and go after the 155 lb belt" began. This was quickly followed by the "he should go down in weight and go after the 135 lb belt" talk. Then the talk that he could be the first man to hold three belts started making rounds. I will advocate for the hold your horses philosophy. I would rather see him be a long and dominate champ at 145 then see him jump around different weight classes. There are 6 Billion people in the world I am sure Sean Shelby can find a few to fight him that could present interesting challenges at 145 first. Lets leave Jose alone and enjoy his upcoming fights at 145 before we have him challenge for any more belts.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Bruce Lee clone?

I think Dana White should clone Bruce Lee and have the Bruce Lee clone fight Royce Gracie. Can you imagine the PPV buys for that fight? I am going to come up with a fantasy card full of these fights. Everybody please email me your suggestions.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Retirement Looms for Lil' Evil?

Retirement Looms for Lil’ Evil

Jens Pulver suffered a submission loss in the first round of his fight with Javier Vasquez at WEC 47. This was an all to familiar scene for Lil Evil as he has dropped his last five fights in the organization. Jens addressed the crowd post fight and with tears in his eyes told the fans “ I love you all too much to make you go through this again”, implying that his career has come to an end. MMA fandom may have seen the last fight of one of the true legends. Jens has done it all in the sport, whining a championship in the UFC coaching on the Ultimate Fighter, fighting in Pride, etc. But the crowd at WEC 47 gave Jens a standing ovation for more than just his accomplishments in the sport. Jens was applauded for his courage, his honesty, for his struggles and the way he overcame them. He was applauded for the way he treats the fans and other fighters. He was cheered because he has been an inspiration to so many. Watching at home I clapped for Jens too. There are a lot of great fighters, but there is only one Lil’ Evil.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Bad Week for Strikeforce?

This past week several events transpired which undoubtedly brought concern to Strikeforce owner Scot Coker. The Strikeforce Challengers card on Friday night suffered from several problems. The referees for the event seemed to not understand even the most basic rules. At one point the third man in the cage told a fighter who just suffered a low blow, “You are all right…fight” The ref did not give the fighter the standard five minutes to recover. The championship fight was a lackluster affair and the co-main event ended quickly due to an eye poke resulting in the dreaded draw. Strikeforce is a growing org and obviously many of the above are out of their control. But Strikeforce’s problems went beyond Friday night’s event. News this week that Fedor will not fight on the upcoming CBS card also signaled a larger problem for the organization. Strikeforce seems unable or unwilling to set the card lineup up in advance of its next marquee show. When all these things happen on the same card and during the same week it makes Strikeforce seem second rate.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

How did I do in my UFC 110 picks?

I went 4-1 and pushed my public picking record to 27-17. Here is how it breaks down.

Nog was a surprise KO victim to a hungry Cain Velasquez. It was a quick and brutal KO. Cain has put the rest of the division on notice. My picks was Big Nog so -1

I picked Wandy to look good at 185lbs and he did. IT was a good fight and Wandy beat Bisping by a close decision. My pick was Wandy so +1

I was proud of my George S. pick over Big Daddy. George was an underdog but I felt he had the ground game to get to Joe Daddy and that fighting in front of his country man would give him an edge. I was right so +1

I picked Bader to edge out Jardine and instead he KO ed him in the third so +1

I
knew Krysztof would beat Bonnar and he did but I was surprised at how good Bonnar looked and at how great of a fight it was. It was stopped due to a cut but hopefully we will get a rematch. so +1

Wandy Heeds Dana’s Advice?

Wandy Heeds Dana’s Advice

After the Rua vs. Machida fight Dana White stated that fighters in the UFC needed to learn how to turn it on in the last minute of a round. White said “But at the end of every round, neither one of the guys went after it. Neither guy tried to steal the round. You saw it a lot in boxing – and these guys have got to learn it in MMA – is when that 30 seconds is left, go after it and try to steal that round." It seems that at least one UFC fighter heeded White’s advice. Wanderlei Silva turned it on in the closing minute of each round in his fight against Michael Bisping at UFC 110. He ended round 2 with a tight guillotine choke and he ended the third round with a flurry that sent Bisping to the mat. These last minute bursts served as exclamation points that pushed the judges to Wandy in a close fight. Hopefully more MMA fighters will adopt this strategy.

Pride Legends Carry On?

Pride Legends Carry On

Three of Prides biggest stars all fought on the UFC 110 card in Australia. Big Nog, Crocop, and Wandy were legends in Pride but all three had suffered some losses recently in the UFC. A lot was on the line for each man in his fights on Saturday night. These fighters were in must win situations in order to stay relevant or to even keep themselves in the UFC. Mirko Crocop succeeded over a last minute replacement. Wandy looked good at a new weight class and potentially revitalized his career. A younger and faster opponent, Cain Velasquez, however, quickly dispatched Big Nog. This fight was a signaled a changing of the guard in the heavyweight division, as Cain is now propelled into title contender and Big Nog is now out of the title picture. Despite this loss Big Nog will regroup and carry on. While all three Pride legends will surely continue on in the UFC, that outcome was in jeopardy prior to their fights ay UFC 110.

Changing of The Guard?

Cain Velasquez brutal KO of MMA legend Big Nog signaled a changing of the guard in the UFC heavyweight division. Cain looked, young, fast and hungry and his KO victory sent a shockwave throughout the MMA world. After the fight the Internet almost ground to a stop from all of the people jumping onto the Cain Bandwagon. Velasquez looked great against a dangerous, veteran opponent. His victory over Big Nog definitely has shaken up the heavyweight rankings.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Who will win UFC 110?

Here are some quick picks for the first UFC in Australia...

Big Nog vs. Velasquez...In this fight I think Big Nog's experience will shine through. Nofg has just had so many wars and I think he will weather Cain's early storm and then submit him late. Cain has not shown much power in his hands and Nog has a serious chin. I think that Cain will be able to take Nog down but eventually Nog will catch him in a sub. My pick Big Nog

Wandy vs. Bisping...Wandy has really been struggling lately but I think he will make a resurgence here at 185lbs. I don't think that Bisping will be able to trade with him and will get KOed, BUT I am nervous about this pick. I might be going with heart more than head hee. It is just hard to imagine that a beast like Wandy is could lose to Bisping. Imagine what the odds would have been on this fight 4 years ago. Wandy would be a huge favorite, but I guess he is in the twilight of his career. I lost on Bisping vs. Kang and I hope I don't get burned here again. My Pick Wandy

George S. vs. Joe Stevenson- I have to go with the Australian fighting in front of his home country in this one. Joe has looked improved but I think the travel and the home field advantage will be too much. George has good ju jitsu and I think he will catch Joe Daddy. My pick George S.

Jardine vs. Bader- Jardine is so up and down. I think that Bader will take the Dean of Mean down and lay and pray a decsion. I am not blown away by Bader and this is a great test for him. I think he pulls it out in a boring fight. My pick Bader

Bonnar vs. Krysztof - I think the Polish Experiment takes this fight. My pick Krystof


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Did I win the Sunday Junkie contest?

The following in this post is not my writing...it is copied from the MMA Junkie website. It says I won their weekly contest. Pretty cool huh. I get to go on the radio on Monday too! The winning entry is in the post below this one.

Despite the romantic nature of Valentine's Day weekend, many mixed martial arts fans didn't seem to have much love for the UFC's decision to utilize Demian Maia at UFC 112 in place of an injured Vitor Belfort.

The biggest story of the past few days, feedback on Belfort's injury and Maia's upcoming bout with Anderson Silva received the bulk of the entries in this week's edition of The Sunday Junkie, MMAjunkie.com's weekly reader-feedback feature.

And while there were some concerns about whether Maia deserved the title shot, this week's winner, Ryan Mahon, argued that the grappling ace is the best available option for now, and it's time for Silva to defend his title for the first time in nearly one year.

For his winning entry, Ryan wins a free one-year subscription to Fighters Only magazine, the world's leading MMA and lifestyle magazine. He'll also be invited onto MMAjunkie.com Radio to discuss the topic with the show's hosts.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Maia- The Right Choice?

When Belfort’s injury forced his withdrawal from UFC 112, MMA fandom wondered who would replace Belfort in the title fight against Anderson. The announcement that Maia would have the opportunity to fight for the title caused forums to implode with widespread disapproval. Fans argued for delaying the title fight until Belfort or Sonnen could heal. Others pushed for Anderson to go up to 205 and face Couture or Thiago Silva. However despite the outcry against Maia, he really is the only choice. Anderson has to defend his 185-pound belt. The last time he defended it was April 18, 2009. Champions need to defend their belts more than once a year. This fight has to be at 185. This eliminates all of the 205 contenders. At 185 Maia is the only real option. He is 6-1 in the UFC with a victory over Sonnen. Belfort and Sonnen are injured and Marquart just lost. Joe Silva made the right choice in selecting Maia.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

How did I do in my UFC 109 picks?

Well Couture won no shocker there so +1

What surprised everyone was the fact that Sonnen dominated Marquart. He layed and prayed and Marquart offered nothing from his back. It looks like Sonnen will get the title shot against Anderson. -1

My upset came through as Thiago Silva blasted and then Darce chocked Swick into sleepy land. Thiago lost to Fitch but looked good in that fight. His striking is looking better and he obviously has power in his hands. This guy is on his way up. +1

So that puts me 2-1 for the event and 23-16 overall. I think that puts me at 59% AGGGHHH!!! The agony.

Demian Maia: Striker?

Demian Maia made a successful return to the octagon in UFC 109. Maia was the favorite and his win not that shocking. However what was surprising was how Maia won. Unlike his other submission victories in the UFC this fight he won by unanimous decision. Even more interesting was the fact that he choose to keep the fight on the feet for the first two rounds. As Maia explained in his post fight interview he wanted to stand and trade during the first two rounds. Maia stood and traded with Miller and enjoyed enough success to win a decision. Maia got blasted in a quick KO in his last fight and many expected Maia to be gun-shy and try and keep the fight on the mat. But Maia wanted to show the fans his striking was in fact improving and he is becoming a more well rounded fighter. While the fight itself was not a barnburner, it did show that Maia is improving on his striking and could be a force to reckon with at 185 after all

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Who will win UFC 109?

A couple of super quick picks...

Couture vs. Coleman- Randy is a huge favorite here and with good reason. My pick Couture

Marquart vs. Sonnen- Marquart is better in every aspect. I think he is headed back to a shot against Anderson. My pick Marquart

Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago- Thiago lost to Fitch but looked good. I think he will sub Swick and pull off the upset. My pick Thiago


Is that Gerald Harris?


After his fight in UFC Fight Night 20. Fighter Gerald Harris comes into the stands and takes a picture with Gavin. Harris won by TKO that night and got KO of the night bonus. Super nice guy who made a fan out of me and my family.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A WEC PPV?

For some time now we have known that WEC was planning on having a PPV and today we are getting more details. First it will be in April and two belts will be on the line. The Lightweight belt will be up for grabs as Benson "Smooth" Henderson rematches against Donald Cerrone and Jose Aldo will put the bantamweight title on the line against former champ Uriah Faber. The other interesting detail is that the WEC will be twice a year and it will priced at $44.95 roughly the same price as the UFC's PPV.

This brings up the question of will it sell, and is it appropriately priced? I love the WEC so of course I will buy it, so they have me as a customer. But will the casual fan shell out the big money for a product that is akin to one they have grown used to seeing on Versus for free? I hope so. I hope the WEC PPV does well enough that it will bring another stream of cash into the company and that this will lead to bigger paydays for the fighters.

I think that the WEC product is as good as the UFC and because of this I can see the logic in charging the same price. I just hope others feel the same way and the PPV sells so that the WEC continues to thrive and showcase the lighter weights. A twice a year PPV is not that big of a strain when the fan know that the cards are going to be stacked and there hasn't been a bad WEC card in recent memory. I hope others see the value in supporting these PPV for what it could mean to the organization. While there are always going to be the haters, I hope the WEC PPV succeed and intend to support it.

Did you watch "Unforgiveable Blackness" ?


If you did not watch this PBS documentary by Ken Burns then you should get it on Netflix. That is what I did and it was great to watch on a snowy day. The documentary is about the rise and fall of Jack Johnson the first black heavyweight champion of the world. What makes the film so great is it depicts a man who just did not give a damn. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted to and simply ignored the social mores and the taboos of his time.

He dated and married a white woman in 1912. All the while having affairs with multiple other white women. He drove fast custom built cars through the streets of Chicago. He dressed fancy, flaunted his money and his gold teeth and partied like a rock star before there were rock stars. He believed the best way to deal with prejudice was to act like prejudice did not exist. In a time when Booker T. Washington purported that Blacks should be like fingers on a hand with whites, separate but able to come together for the good of America, and W.E. Dubois pushed an alternate agenda of social equality, Jack Johnson offered a third way...his way. He did what he wanted because he could. And he dared anyone to stop him. Of course they tried.

Eventually Jack Johnson's interracial lifestyle brought down the ire of white America and like Ali after him, he faced jail time and exile from the country and the sport he loved. All these topics are covered in depth with a glorious array of photos, motion pictures and primary source narration, much of it in Johnson's own word read by Samuel L. Jackson. If you are a fan of boxing history or American history watch "Unforgiveable Blackness".

Friday, January 29, 2010

How cool are the Pride Posters?






What is Strikeforce doing?

Tomorrow night is Strikeforce Miami and once again Strikeforce is somewhat dropping the ball. It could turn out to be a great card but the Nick Diaz vs. Zaromskis match up should really be Diaz vs. Jay Heiron, and I regret that fight is not happening now.

I think Strikeforce is making another mistake by putting the Hieon vs. Joe Riggs on the under card and thereby missing a chance to build those names up for their growing audience. Instead we get Greg Nagy and Herschell Walker and Bobby Lashley vs. Wes Sims? Don't get me wrong I think that Walker is good for the card as he did a lot of press before the fight and was on numerous shows promoting the fight. But what does it say about the sport that two vets like Riggs and Hieron are pushed to the undercard while Lashley and Walker, both more famous for other sports besides MMA, go to the main televised event.

While I will definitely watch, as I am sure all other hardcore MMA fans will as well, it does seem like Strikeforce is more interested in putting on the freak show style matches that are more popular in Japan- instead of finding out who the best fighters in their organization are and promoting them.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Should you watch "Facing Ali"?


I just watched "Facing Ali" and the answer is if you like really well made boxing documentaries than you should watch it. "Facing Ali" is a documentary that follows Ali's career chronologically by interviewing the men that fought him. All the great challengers are here given their versions of the legendary fights. The doc does a great job of weaving, "where are they now" style pieces, along with each man telling how they got started in boxing. Each challenger and champ talks about how the fight with Ali affected their lives both good and bad. The movie is well paced and nicely edited. It is a good companion to "When We Were Kings" another great documentary about Ali. But where "When We Were Kings" focus on "The Greatest" in his prime. "Facing Ali" chronicles the many seasons of Ali's career. The stories here are told by the men who knew him in the ring-where it counted, and listening to them recount tales of the punches they took and the shots they delivered, made for an interesting picture.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Brock Lesnar...good for the sport?

Brock Lesnar…love him or hate him…but welcome him back

This week Brock Lesnar announced a “medical miracle” that will allow him to make a return to the UFC this summer to defend his belt. While the champ’s explanation of his illness was interesting, the more fascinating aspect of his announcement was that Lesnar was interviewed on ESPN, a channel that in the past has avoided MMA coverage. This is why the champ should be welcomed back with open arms by all MMA fans. Despite anyone’s personal opinions of Lesnar or his antics, all real MMA fans should be glad that Lesnar is back for the eyes he brings to the sport. The more casual fans that tune in to see Lesnar the better it is for the UFC and the sport of MMA. Lesnar brings with him name recognition and coverage by the mainstream media. This leads to more money and more opportunities for all professional MMA fighters. So whether you love Lesnar or hate him the ratings and attention that he brings with him are good for MMA overall.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Should BJ move up in weight?

With his recent destruction of Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez, many are now calling for BJ Penn to vacate his lightweight belt and move up in weight. Proponents of this plan cite the lack of competition for BJ at 155lbs and point out that the two most obvious contenders, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, are huge long shots.

While it is true that there seems to be a lack of exciting contenders at lightweight, there are interesting match ups for BJ at 170lbs. For example a fight between BJ and Josh Koscheik could be interesting and a fight with Thiago Alves could pose some problems for the 155 champ. That being said, I firmly believe that BJ should stay at his true weight of 155 lbs.

It is not up to BJ to find worthy opponents. Instead it is the UFC's responsibilities to bring new faces and established veterans into the organizations to challenge BJ. BJ should tell the world, here is the belt..now come and get it. Moving up in weight does nothing to prove who the best 155lber in the world is, instead it just provides new challenges to BJ. Not that BJ avoids new challenges. Remember, he fought Lyoto Machida to a decision at light heavyweight. But it is not BJ responsibility to face bigger guys outside of his natural weight division.

Instead BJ Penn should stay at 155 and dominate until someone shocks the world and beats him or the UFC brings in a fresh face to make some interesting match ups. I truly believe with his skill set that as long as BJ stays committed to fighting, he could rule the division for some time.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Charles Kessinger...mad respect?

Last night my wife and some friends went to the amateur fights here locally. The place was hard to find and when I did find it, I realized why...it was in a barn. That being said it was packed. We got there 30 minutes after start time and were told the only tickets left were the $100 ringside tickets and $45 dollar tickets. Having just gone to the UFC, my MMA budget was a little tapped out so I said thanks but no thanks. I was then promptly told that I could get in "standing room only" for $20. That sounded good to me so I took it and the only few few left in the whole place to stand was in front of the concession stand and bathrooms.

It wasn't too bad standing all night, and EVERYWHERE is close to the cage when you are in a big barn. They did have a nice cage and a professional sound system. They also had a screen for when you couldn't see but unlike other shows with the Jumbotron above, this was a screen in the back so one would have to swivel 180 to see what was on the screen. Overlooking a loooong intermission and some technical difficulties with the lights it was a good time. The crowd was pretty drunk and really into the fights. It seemed a mix of family and friends of the fighters and was definitely fill up. All the patrons and the staff where really nice and everyone seemed pretty educated. I did not hear a single boo the whole night except for when one local fighter was DQed for a supposed blow to the back of the head. Overall their was a sense of comradere between the fighters and the fans who embrace what is very much still a fringe sport. I would estimate there were several hundred people at the fight.

I didn't stay for the whole night but the fights were pretty good. There was one slick armbar but for me the highlight of the night was the fight between Charles Kessinger and his opponent Christopher "Hard Rock" Hendrick. Hendrick came into the fight with a 0-0 record while Kessinger surprised me with an 0-3 record. Hearing his record announced I have to admit I was impressed. Going 0-3 and getting into your fourth fight means either you love fighting or you are stubborn as hell. There are plenty of guys 0-1 and 0-2 and mad respect for guys for even getting in there...I will never do it. So when I heard his record I was definitely supporting him and guess what- he delivered.

It was a fast paced aggressive bantam weight fight with each guy scrapping and scrambling. There was back and forth action and then late in the first round, bam a beautiful spinning back fist from Kessinger sends Hendrick down. Kessinger is on him in an instant and after a few shots it is over. With the TKO Kessinger moves to 1-3 and I was reminded again part of why I like fighting...It shows us what man is capable of, it shows us that when challenged one can overcome. If a guy who is 0-3 is willing to get in there and fight and win, then maybe everyone can find the strengths to overcome what challenges them.

When Kessinger walked back to the dressing room/ bathroom he walked by me and I shook his hand and said good fight. He said, "Thanks" and looked really happy. I was happy for him too.

The New Pride Show?

Friday night at 10 pm the new Pride Show debuted. They showed four full fights and they seemed to be in their entirety, not like the old Fox Pride show that cut out the foot stomps. It was great to see Pride back on TV and maybe it will do a lot to educate newer fans about the awesomeness that was Pride. One thing I missed from the old show was the break down by Trigg and Glazier. The new show is hosted by a model Kendra Hance. Hance is barely on the show just for a few seconds before each fight. She did look pretty good in a half shirt though.

Being a dedicated Pride fan, I will be DVRing it every Friday and if you are a fan of MMA you should too. If you do you will see some great fights.

Fight Night 20 Recap




So last weekend I attended UFC Fight Night 20 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax VA. I took my two oldest sons and my wife. We had a great tome and it was wonderful to see my first UFC in person. Hockey and NASCAR are two sports that I was always told that you hav eto see live to really appreciate. Having never been to NASCAR I can't comment but I know this is true with the NHL. The action, and ability just does not translate to television. But seeing it live is a whole other experience. The same is true with the UFC.

Seeing it live takes it to a whole other level. The energy that was in the sold out crowd was electric. I had heard alot about the Baba O'Reily opening montage and how cool it was, but seeing it in person was incredible. It got the whole crowd hyped.

The awesomeness started the day before at the free and open to the public weigh in held the day before. It was pretty well attended and started with a Q and A with Frankie Edgar. While there was no earth shattering news uncovered it was cool to see a fighter answer questions from the fans. He even let some kid come up and stafge and choke him out. As I would find out the UFC really cares about the fans. After the Q and A you could go down and get your picture with Edgar. The picture above is Frankie with one of my sons.

After the photo op was the weigh ins and the weigh ins were great. Joe Silva was there with Goldy and Rogan it was really neat and some of the stare downs got the crowd really pumped for the fight. I would definitely recommend that anyone who has a chance to go to a weigh in does.

After the weigh ins everybody filters out. I decided to drive around the building to see if I could see any fighters exiting and sure enough I saw a small group of people gathered around some Tahoes surrounded by Security. I got out of my car with my son and sister right when Gray Maynard was walking by. Talk about a cool guy. He stopped for a picture the day before his fight. My sister sent him a thank you on Facebook and he sent back a really nice message to her saying he always has time for his fans.

A couple minutes later Arianny and Chandella came out and walked over to say hi to the fans and took a couple of photos. Then the man himself, Lorenzo Fertita came out. I called out to him and he walked up the little hill and shook hands with fans and took the above picture with my son. I cannot express enough how cool this is that the owner of the UFC took his time to come over and speak to about 10 fans and take pictures. In no other sport would you see that and it is just further proof that MMA is the best sport in the world. I am a fan for life.

We waited about an hour until a UFC worker told us to leave. It was obvious that Dana was still inside but my kid was cold so we split. My friend Ron acted like he was leaving but came right back and in a few minutes Goldy came out and said that Dana would come out in a few minutes. By this time there were only a few fans still around. Dana took pics with everyone and gave everybody there 4 free tickets each! I regret missing him but hopefully I will see him again one day.

The next nights were the fights and although it was a card full of close decisions. One really cool thing happened. Gerald Harris fought early in the night and after showering and changing he came up into the stands and took pics with fans including my son. By the end of the night we were exhausted from yelling and cheering and I cannot wait to go to my next UFC.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

How did I do in my UFC 108 Picks?

Not good...

Rafaello Oliveira vs. John Gunderson- The only fight not shown...but Oliveira won decision so +1

Jake Ellenberger vs. Mike Pyle-
Ellenberger avoided the subs and caught him at the end of the first round with some heavy shots. Ellenberger finished Pyle in the second with a TKO from the GNP. I picked Ellenberger so +1

Munoz vs. Jensen- Munoz took him down and grounded and pound Jensen, who never got much if any offense going. I hoped that Jensen could surprise Munoz from hi back bu† he never got close and was Ground and pounded to a TKO. Jensen-1

Cole Miller vs. Dan Lauzon-
This was a close fight as I predicted, with Miller getting dropped in the first round. Cole survived some how and in a scramble ended up in an inverted triangle/kimura. He subbed Lauzon as I predicted Miller +1

Kampmann vs. Volkmann-
This fight went pretty much how I laid itout with Kampmann getting the better of Volkmann on the feet and eventually subbing him in RD. 1 Kampmann +1

Junior Dos Santos vs. Gilbert Yvel-
I picked JSD who looked great in this fight TKOing Yvel in the first round. Dos Santos +1

Jim Miller vs. Duane Ludwig-
I thought that Miller would sub Ludwig early and guess what, he arm barred him in Rd. 1 Miller +1

Then things really feel apart...

Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout-
I really thought that Stout would get crushed in this fight. Lauzon had looked so good in his previous fights. Stout avoided an early sub attempt and then treated "J-Lau" like a punching bag. Joe showed that he was tough but nowhere near the same level as Stout on the feet. Stout destroyed him for the easy decision. Joe did almost get him at the end of the third in a last ditch effort at a sub but he was beat to hell at that point and it was not enough. Stout- 1

Dustin Hazelett vs. Paul Dailey-
Dailey KTFOed Hazelett in Rd. 1. Hazelett never even attempted to take it down to the ground...it was like Maia vs. Marqart part 2 or something...Hazelett -1

Thiago Silva vs. Rashad Evans-
Remember in my write up how I said that if Rashad goes to his wrestling then Thiago was in a world of trouble. Guess what Rashad went to his wrestling and owned Thiago in Rd. 1 and 2. Then Thiago was able to bait him into a brawling match and hurt Rashad badly who was doing the chicken dance all around the ring...I was up and yelling imaging the victory so late in the thir round..the Thiago backed off and stood there with his hands on his hips exhausted? It was puzzling as hell as he gave Rashad time to recover and win the decision...I cried...Silva -1

I called every fight for 108 and did lots of research to little or no avail. I went 6 right and 4 wrong. 6-4 ouch.

This brings my over all record of since making public picks a meager 21 right and 15 wrong. I lost big hypothetical dollars on Joe Lauzon a heavy favorite and Thiago Silva a underdog. I also really learned what everyone has been telling me, parlays are for chumps. Guess I had to learn the hard way.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Who Will Win UFC 108??

Here are my picks for tonights card:

Rafaello Oliveira Vs. John Gunderson

Oliveira is 0-1 in the UFC and I am sure he knows what going 0-2 could mean. It could possibly lead to an early exist from the UFC. It is a must win for Oliveira and I think this will affect his performance.
Gunderson is making his Octagon debut and as such may succumb to some Octagon jitters. He is doing the UFC a solid by taking the fight on 4 weeks notice so he should get a second shot if he has a good showing but comes up short.
Gunderson is on a three-fight win streak, while Oliveira lost his last fight against Nik “the Carney” Lentz at UFC 103. In that fight Oliveira was doing well in the first round but gassed completely during the second and just hung on to survive, losing a decision. Gunderson does have more experience and is a vet of the IFL and its moderate size stage. However taking a fight on short notice for your first time in the UFC does not seem like a good idea. Gunderson trains at Extreme Couture now apparently and so I am sure he will come to the fight well prepared. He has 15 of his wins by sub and I am not sure if he will be able to sub Oliveira who is a BJJ Black Belt. Oliveira has never been submitted in any of his previous fights. My pick Oliveira.

Mike Pyle vs. Jake Ellenberger

Pyle has 16 of his wins by Sub but Ellenberger has only been subbed once in 26 fights. I think Ellenberger will be stronger, better on the feet and have solid wrestling. I think that Pyle could pull of a miracle sub, his specialty, but I think Ellenberger should have the skills to avoid it as he did in the Carlos Condit fight. Ellenberger badly needs a win after losing a razor thin decision to Carlos Condit in his UFC debut. My Pick: Ellenberger.

Mark Munoz vs. Ryan Jensen

Munoz is a very good wrestler but we have not seen these skills much during his time in the Octagon. He looked awkward and ineffective versus Matt Hamil before being KTFOed. Nick Catone lost a decision to Munoz, but he did not look that impressive. In fact Catone took Munoz down in that fight. Jensen is 1-3 in the Octagon but his loses come to Gouveia, Maia and Leites. I don’t think that Munoz is on their level. Jensen has more experience and has 9 wins by sub so if Munoz does take him down he maybe at risk. Munoz looks to have good condition but his standup looks sloppy in his last fight. I think that Jensen is a live underdog. My Pick: Jensen

Cole Miller vs. Dan Lauzon

Dan Lauzon is on an 8 fight win streak. Miller was knocked out in his last fight by Efrain Escudero. Lauzon has finished people with his hands with 6 TKOs. While Miller has won most of his fights by SUB. This is a hard fight for me to pick. I really am not sure how this fight will go. If I have to pickgun to my head, then I will take Cole. My Pick: Miller

Martin Kampmann vs. Jacob Volkmann

Volkmann has better wrestling and might be able to take Kampmann down and lay and pray a decision win or sub him. But I don’t think that will happen. Kampmann stand up is light years ahead of Volkmann’s who seems to utilize a classical stance in his last UFC fight, a loss. Kampmann also is no slouch when it comes to the ground game having submitted 5 opponents. I think that Kampmann has more paths to victory and takes this fight. I also think that Kampmann is bigger and more experienced. Kampmann is coming off a loss and will be desperate for a win here to get back on track. My Pick: Kampman

Junior Dos Santos vs. Gilbert Yvel

JDS is on the rise. Yvel is a long time vet making his UFC debut. I think the JDS has more paths to victory and I suspect that if he starts getting in trouble on his feet he will take the fight to the ground and sub Yvel. He does train with the Nog brothers in BJJ after all. My Pick: Junior Dos Santos

Jim Miller vs. Duane Ludwig. Bang is a vet who has fought everyone at 155 in every different Org out there. Thtat being said he has never shown much on the ground and Miller will definitely take him there. Add that to the fact that Bang took the fight on short notice and I think this one is close to a lock. My Pick: Jim Miller

Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout

The older Lauzon brother fighting is fighting on the same card. Unlike his brothers fight, I am much more confident that "Creepy Joe" will win this fight. Stout has good stand up but I don't think it is light years away from J-Lau. I don't think it will matter anyway as I see J-Lau taking this fight to the ground and GNP to the finish. I just don't think that Stout has enough defensive wrestling to stop Joe's take down. Once on the ground Joe's time training with Penn will kick in and he will sub Stout. My Pick: Lauzon

Dustin Hazelett vs Paul Dailey

Very Interesting fight... a classic grappler vs. striker matchup. Daily is off a big win against Kampmann and a win her pushed him closer to a title match. That being said he has shown weakness to the ground game as seen in his last loss to Jake Sheilds. Of course the Hazelett is a ground wizard and all of his wins are by subs. That being said he has been knocked out in the Ocatgon and his coming off a long layoff. I think that Hazeletts huge reach will pose some problems for Dailey and I think he will swim in and maybe pull guard. I think that the fight will go to the ground, I hope, and Hazelett subs Dailey. Dailey did not make weight as well so I am not sure how drained he will be from what was a failed cut. My Pick: Hazelett.

Rashad Evans vs Thiago Silva

These two guys each lost to Machida in vicious knockouts this year. Silva has already bounced back from that, having knocked out Evans teammate, Jardine. Evans on the other hand has had a pretty long lay off while coaching TUF season 10. Evans is the favorite in this fight but I think that Silva is a live dog and could win this fight. Here is why: Evans might be overlooking him and focused on the upcoming match against Rampage. In a lot of pressers Evans talks more about Page than he does Silva. This is not a good sign for him. Additionally Evans keeps saying that he is going back to his wrestling, but then the next thing you read is him saying he is in love with his hands and the rush of the KO. If Evans is committed to getting back to his wrestling I think he wins this fight. But if he continues the trends of wrestlers who now think they are boxers, than I think that Silva has the fire power to finish Rashad. Keep in mind that Silva has 11 TKOs in 15 fights, that is sick. I hope that Rashad gets hit early and gets in a brawler mode. If that happens this plays into Silva's advantage. My Pick: Silva

Stay tuned.