Sugar Shane Mosley Defeats The Elephant Man

" Sugar" Shane Mosely defeated Fernando "Steroid User" Vargas in round 10 of their Sunday bout. Shane dominated Vargas and a HUGE mouse swelled around the losers eye. Vargas claimed after the fight that he believed he was actually winning and there was no reason to stop the fight! I love to hear a fighter with a sense of humor. Congrats to Shane and enjoy retirement Vargas.

Pride 31 Unbreakable Results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pride 31 looked boring and overmatched on paper, but the actual event was filled with action and controversy. On to the results and explanations on the above pictures.

Mark "The Hammer" Coleman vs Mauricio "Shogun" Rua: WINNER-Mark Coleman????
The match was short and crazy. Shogun came out with a spin kick and Coleman began with his takedowns. Shogun went for some submissions attempts but failed. Then, during a scramble, both men fell to the canvas, where Rua dislocated his elbow! The match was immediately halted as Ninja Rua (Shogun's brother) dove into the ring to attend to his fallen brother. Mark Coleman, already celebrating as if he caused the injury that led to the win, swore at Ninja and walked toward him glaring at his brother. Ninja stood over his brother as if to protect him, and the two fighters jawed at each other. Meanwhile, the leader of Chute Boxe, Wanderlei Silva, entered the ring with the whole team! Phil Baroni, of Mark Coleman's Hammer House, tackled Silva thinking he was going to attack Coleman. Finally, all hell broke loose as the ring filled with fighters and security. All the while, Shogun was laying on the ground in obvious pain. Coleman and Baroni climbed the ropes and celebrated.
An obvious lack of class from the Hammer House team. Chute Boxe will no doubt respond to this growing feud. Wanderlei wants to fight Baroni, and I'm sure Ninja wants a piece of Coleman. Bring in other Hammer House members (Wes Simms, Kevin Randleman, ect.) and we could have a nice war between the two camps.

Antonio Nogueira defeated Kiyoshi Tamura by armbar. Shocking that this would end in a submission.

Pedro Rizzo was brutally KO'd quickly by Roman Zentsov. Zentsov was congradulated by the leader of his Red Devil's, Fedor Emelianenko. Rizzo needs to retire.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson had a much tougher time than most thought against Yoon Don Sik. It went all the way to decision with Rampage getting the nod.

Alistair Overeem continued to impress, debuting at heavyweight and defeating Sergei Kharitonov by TKO. Sergei was thought to be the #1 contender if he could win this fight. Now, as usual, the heavyweight division is up for grabs.

Josh Barnett defeated Kazuhiro Nakamura by rear naked choke keeping his name in the heavyweight title hunt. Speaking of hunt....

Mark Hunt also struggled against a very game Yosuke Nishijima. Many thought Hunt would roll through this fight, but it was close until he attained the KO in the 3rd round.

Tsuyoshi Kohsaka KO'd Mario Sperry in the first round. It looks as though the 40 year old Sperry's fighting days are now numbered.

Fabricio Werdum defeated Jon Olav Einemo by decision gaining a needed win for Cro Cop's team.

An interesting PPV with some good suprises. Rizzo needs to really think about retiring as does Sperry. Alistair Overeem seems to be emerging as the next big thing in Pride. Mark Hunt and Josh Barnett continue to climb the mountain toward Fedor's title. Rampage is now a free agent and it will be interesting to see where this popular fighter signs. Finally, Coleman has lucked his way into the No Limit Grand Prix with his "win" over the injured Shogun. We could possibly see Wanderlei meet up with Coleman in the tournament this summer.
UFC 58 is next, debuting on March 4th. Till then............45-19!

Fedor Out For Six Months!

Pride Heavyweight Champion, Fedor Emelianenko will be out of action for at least six months! The best MMA fighter in the world will have surgery on his right hand. The right has been bothering Fedor for many months and became worse after his last fight against Zulu (which he won by KO) at Shockwave 2005. It will be six months before Fedor is even allowed to lift weights again. Obviously, Fedor will not be competing in this summers No Limit Grand Prix as everone had hoped.

Pride Unbreakable 31 February 26th

On February 26th, the day after my birthday, Pride will deliver one of their weakest PPV's to date. I'm not sure why, since they have had two months since their last show, but anyway, here we go with the breakdown.

Antonio "Minotauro" Rodrigo Noguiera 25-3-1 vs Kyoshi Tamura 13-8:Winner-Noguiera Antonio is the master submission specialist in heavyweight MMA. He has fought almost everbody with a victory, save the champ Fedor. Tamura is a very tough fighter who wins through decision most of the time, unable to finish off opponents. Antonio cannot be KO'd anyway, but Tamura doesn't pose KO power anyway. This fight will be on the mat most of the time and, as always, Noguiera will win via submission, and move on to the No-Limit tournament later this summer.

Josh "Babyface Assassin" Barnett 15-3 vs Kazuhiro Nakamura 8-4:Winner-Barnett Kazuhiro is coming off big wins against Vovchanchyn and Yuki Kondo. Barnett has only lost against Cro Cop and Noguiera in his career (no shame there). Both men have seemed to falter in this careers when faced with a big time opponent. Barnett does have quality wins over Randy Couture, Yuki Kondo, and Dan Severn. Barnett should win with a submission against an opponent that usually leaves the fight in the hands of the judges.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson 23-6 vs Don Sik Yoon 0-2: Winner-Rampage Seriously, is there any doubt with this one? Yoon has only two pro fights which he lost! Rampage loves the slam and TKO's. This is a gimme match to make Jackson look good for his last contracted fight with Pride. Pride has no desire to lose Quinton to UFC. They will resign him and he'll probable be in the No-Limit Grand Prix later in the summer.

John Olav Einemo 5-0 vs Fabricio Werdum 6-1: Winner- Werdum Both of these fighters are trying to make their names in the heavyweight division. Werdum trains with Cro Cop's crew, but lost his last fight against Kharitonov. He has fought 3 times in Pride, while this will be Einemo's debut. Einemo is 6'6 with long legs, that kick with the skill of all Holland fighters. Both men know submissions and this should be a real close fight.

Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo 14-6 vs Roman Zentsov 10-10: Winner-Rizzo Its make or break time for both of these fighters. The Rock used to be a #1 contender in the heavyweight division before he lost confidence and wasn't sure he ever wanted to fight again. Zentsov is a member of Fedor's Red Devil Fight Club in Russia. Both men should throw a lot of leather since they both prefer standing. If Rizzo cannot win this, his career is over. If Zentsov wins, he still sucks. This fight will finally tell us if Pedro has finally got his head together.

Sergey Kharitonov 13-1 vs Alistair "Demolition Man" Overeem 21-6: Winner-Kharitonov Sergey is on the cusp of being a #1 contender in the heavyweight division. This will be Alistair's first forray into the heavyweight division. Sergey's only loss came to Noguiera, and since he has been on a tear throughout Pride. Alistair wasn't considered a top contender in the light heavyweight division until he shocked people in last year's Grand Prix by looking great. Could be a show stealer but Sergey will find the way to win and look for a title shot against Fedor.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua 13-1 vs Mark "The Hammer" Coleman 14-7: Winner-Rua This is a dangerous fight for Rua, who is making his debut as a heavyweight. Coleman, though not liked in most MMA circles, is a former UFC champion who held his own against Fedor before he was defeated. A very strong wrestler, Coleman is great with the ground and pound style, and knows submissions. Rua is coming off his winning streak at last year's Grand Prix. A KO specialist from Wanderlei's Chute Box Academy. This fight must stay on the feet, but I believe Rua will win.

Mark Hunt 3-1 vs Nishijma Yousuke 0-0: Winner-Hunt Mark is a K-1 veteran and former champion. The other guy is debuting and should be fighting a weight class below this one. This is simply Pride trying to build Hunt's resume.

Tsuyoshi "TK" 18-10-1 Kosaka vs Mario "Zen Machine" Sperry 11-3: Winner-Sperry In a real battle of who cares, Sperry wins and no one cares why.

Weak PPV where Pride is trying to build up the records of their fighters. I expect much more when the No Limit Grand Prix rolls around this summer.

UFC 58 Canada vs America

At UFC 58, for the first time, it will be America's MMA fighters, taking on Canada's fighters. Recent years have shown us the Canadian Invasion. Such fighters as George St. Pierre, David Loiseau, Patrick Cote, Jonathan Goulet, and Joe Doerksen (to name a few) have come down to America and dominated the scene. The border war is here!

(American Fighter listed 1st, Canadian Fighter listed 2nd)
Rich "Ace" Franklin 19-1 vs David "The Crow" Loiseau 14-4-For the Middleweight Championship

B.J. "The Prodigy" Penn 10-2-1 vs George "Rush" St. Pierre 11-1-For #1 contender to Matt Hughes Welterweight title.

Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez 14-0 vs John "The Natual" Alessio 16-7 [Welterweights]

Yves Edwards 28-9-1 vs Mark Hominick 9-4-0 [Lightweights]

Mick "Quick" Swick 7-1 vs Steve "Lionheart" Vigneault 11-5 [Middleweights]

Kenny "Kenflo" Florian 3-2 vs Sam Stout 8-1-1 [Lightweights]

Nathan Marquardt 20-6-2 vs Joe Doerksen 32-8 [Middleweights]

Jason Lambert 19-5 vs Rob MacDonald 3-0 [Light Heavyweights]

Tom Murphy 1-0 vs Kristophe "Hurricane" Midoux 5-5 [Heavyweights]

My Tribute To Randy "The Natural" Couture

At UFC 57, the legendary fighter known as Randy "The Natural" Couture, fought in his final match. The 42 year old veteran completed his trilogy against the Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. Randy held strong in the first round though his nose was broken by a vicious over hand right. In the second, a slip showed a vulnerable Couture, and Chuck would capitalize upon it. After a knockdown punch, Randy was unable to defend the oncoming punches from the still standing Liddell. The referee, John McCarthy, stepped in to stop the fight, ending Randy's career.

Across the internet, MMA fans were buzzing because Randy himself said he had signed a new 3-fight deal with the UFC. The truth was, Randy had already made up his mind, win or lose, that he would retire from the sport. Still, the arena, and the fans across the world were shocked when Randy officially called his legendary career over.

A man whose career record of 14-8 doesn't seem to say automatic Hall of Famer. Upon closer look however, you will see why Randy is amongst the greatest of all time. Randy's professional career would begin in the UFC, but would take him to Vale Tudo Japan,Rings King Of Kings Japan, and finally back home to the UFC. Randy was known as a Greco-Roman Wrestler. These men, though talented, seemed to be behind the times in the sport of MMA. Strikers and Ju-Jitsu artists were beginning their dominance. When Randy entered the sport, his win streak was to come to an end against a superstar youth named Vitor Belfort. Vitor was knocking out all of his victims, and Randy was a stepping stone on the way to the Heavyweight title. Randy would have other ideas. Randy defeated the youngster at his own game, earning the TKO via strikes and the upset victory. Randy then got the title shot against legendary kickboxer Maurice Smith. Randy would beat him through decision to become the UFC Heavyweight champion. As champion, Randy was unhappy with UFC management and went to Japan relinquishing the title.

The Natural would return to the UFC to face champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman. This man was also an accomplished wrestler and a super strong fighter from Mark Coleman's Hammer House. Couture shocked again as he beat The Monster with strikes. Randy was the 37 year old, 2-time champion though he had never been beaten for the title. Then came the legendary 2 fights with Pedro Rizzo. Pedro was in line to become the next big thing in the UFC. Randy was supposed to be dominated, but won a grueling legendary fight. In the rematch, Randy would stop Rizzo again, this time with strikes. Randy Couture was on the cusp of being a legend. Then Randy faced back to back defeats against Josh Barnett, and Ricco Rodriguez, too much heavier fighters. Randy, now 40 years old, was on his way out of the UFC. Before he would retire, the UFC asked him to come down in weight to the Light Heavyweight division, to face up and comer Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. Chuck was awaiting a title shot against Tito Ortiz while the politics were being worked out. This was supposed to be a tune up match for the Iceman. Randy, once again, would spoil the written storyline. Randy dominated Chuck, not only on the ground, but also standing with strikes. The referee stopped the contest and awarded Couture and biggest UFC upset victory to date.

Randy's star was now set to shine as he once again, received a title shot, (this time in the Light Heavyweight division) against Tito Ortiz. The same old story said Randy would be out fought by the much younger and stronger fighter. The Natural not only dominated Ortiz, but held him down and literally spanked him during the fight. A classic UFC moment. Champion once again, Randy faced Vitor Belfort for a second time. Early in the fight, a finger cut the eyelid of Randy, causing the fight to end and Randy to lost the title. Undaunted by his bad luck, Randy fought in the rematch embarrassing the "Phenom" and winning by TKO.

With his 3rd title, Randy was now a superstar. He joined the T.V. series The Ultimate Fighter, and the sport of MMA, and his popularity grew to new highs. The second highest grossing fight of all time, became the rematch between Randy and Chuck. Randy again tried to stand and out strike Chuck, but this time was KO'd. Randy bounced back defeating highly athletic, and veteran fighter Mike Van Arsdale, to get the final shot at Chuck, and the title.

Though Randy would come up short, he showed (throughout his career) true class and wisdom. For many years, Randy led Team Quest, a fight camp consisting of such greats as, Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, Nate Quarry, and Rulon Gardner. He won four titles, (something no other fighter has accomplished) and became the hero to all his peers. Randy once said, "Father time will eventually catch up with me." And finally he did. Time will never take away all the accomplishments, pride, and honor Randy gave to the sport of MMA.

A career that began (professionally) in 1997, ended on February 4th, 2006. His record was 14-8, coming by way of 6 TKO's, 2 submissions, and 6 decisions. Thank you Mr. Couture, the Hall of Fame awaits you.

Nick Diaz Fights Joe Riggs In The E.R.

After their 3 round war at UFC 57, Joe Riggs and Nick Diaz had another fight at the hospital. Both men were getting checked out and exchanged words. They then squared off and Nick dropped Joe with one punch! Diaz was then arrested but reports say Riggs would not press charges. More on this story as it develops.

UFC 57 Results Liddell Wins By KO

UFC 57 was able to live up to all the hype! Many exciting fights and the retiring of a legend.

Chuck Liddell defeats Randy Couture by KO in round 2. Chuck was on his bike for the whole fight. Always circling and making it hard for Randy to get in close. Chuck's jab bothered Randy as he tried to get in close for a takedown. Randy seemed a little slower than the Iceman, and took some heavy shots in the first round. In the second, Randy was again trying to advance and close the gap on Chuck, when he slipped and Liddell capitolized upon it. The Iceman dropped Randy with a solid shot and followed it byu dropping bombs (while standing) on Randy. The ref stopped the fight as Randy was no longer able to defend himself. After the match Chuck was gracious in victory and said he was willing to fight whomever the UFC put in front of him. Rand The Natural Couture then shocked the arena when he announced he would retire immediately! The crowd roared thanking him for a soon to be hall of fame career.

As always there was and upset. Frank Mir looked slow and was completely dominated by Marcio Pan De Cruz. Cruz took Frank down early and cut him with a temple punch and some elbows. The ref had the doctor look at the cut but Frank was able to continue. Back on the ground, Frank could not seem to escape or employ the ground skills for which he became famous. Cruz continued to reign down elbows and fists completely covering the face of the former heavyweight champion in blood. The ref allowed Mir many chances to recover but mercifully stopped the fight as Mir continued to be punished.

Joe Riggs made weight against Nick Diaz, and then added back on 30lbs. to weigh in at 202 for this 170 pound fight! Nick dropped Riggs in the first and dominated the round. In the second, Riggs fast strikes cut open Nick. In the third, both fighters slowed the pace and struck what seemed to be an even round. The decision came down in favor of Riggs. Riggs was even given the first round by one judge even though he was knocked down which should've been scored a 10-8 round for Diaz. Nick immediately left the octagon in disgust. Riggs said it was too hard to make weight at this division and would be going back up in weight for his next fight.

Paul Buentello defeated a very game Gilbert Aldana by KO. Both men, as expected, came out throwing leather until Aldana was stopped.

Brandon Vera defeated Justin Eilers with a beautiful high kick to the temple. Vera then landed a vicious knee to the head as Eilers was heading to the mat. After the fight, Vera invited the crowd to his wedding the next day in Las Vegas.

Keith Jardine defeated Mike Whitehead by decision.

Babalu cemented himself as the #1 contender by beating Mike Van Arsdale through a choke.

Jeff Monson choked Brandon Lee Hinkle unconcious for his victory.

Sakara bloodied Elvis Sinosic badly in their bout and went on to the decision victory.

A great PPV that saw us pick 5 correct and 4 wrong. Horrible by our standards.

UFC 57 Is Finally Here!!!!!!!!!!

UFC 57 is finally here as the weigh-ins are now completed. Everyone made weight including Joe Riggs. He and Nick Diaz exchanged angered words and had the best stare down. We were shocked to learn Mike Whitehead (who has lost a ton of weight and looks in amazing shape) and Keith Jardine's fight will be at the 205 light heavyweight class. Paul Buentello got a huge pop from the crowd, seemingly even louder than Chuck or Randy got. Paul's opponent, Gilber Aldana, looks absolutely massive at 255lbs. The weigh-ins were short and sweet. Now, one last time a look at the Mafia's picks for UFC 57.

Randy Couture vs Chuck Liddell: Winner-Couture Win by later round stoppage or decision.
Frank Mir vs Marcio Cruz: Winner-Mir Win by submission early.
Nick Diaz vs Joe Riggs: Winner-Diaz Win by decision or submission.
Paul Buentello vs Gilbert Aldana: Winner-Aldana Our upset pick wins by KO.
Keith Jardine vs Mike Whitehead: Winner-Jardine Wins by submission.
Babalu Sobral vs Mike Van Arsdale: Winner-Babalu Win by doctor stoppage in later rounds.
Justin Eilers vs Brandon Vera: Winner-Vera Win by submission early.
Brandon Lee Hinkle vs Jeff Monson: Winner-Monson Win by submission early.
Sakara vs Elvis Sinosic: Winner-Sakara Win by KO early.

It will be a great PPV all should order now!

MMA legend, Carlson Gracie passed away this morning. Carlson suffered from diabetes but entered the hospital through complications from kidney stones. Carlson trained such fighters as Vitor Belfort, Stephan Bonnar, Murilo Bustamante, Mario Sperry, and many more. He also led the creation of the highly successful Brazilian Top Team. The 72 year old legend was born on August 13, 1935. He passed away this morning (February 1st). Our condolences go out to the Gracie family as well as his friends and fighters.

Daniel Puder Returns To MMA

Daniel Puder was originally a MMA fighter when he decided to give Professional Wrestling a shot. In 2003, he joined the WWE to compete in their reality show Tough Enough. Daniel went on to win the competition and become a WWE employee. He then languished in OVW (the minor leagues for WWE) and could not seem to emerge as a superstar. He has now decided to return to his first love, and compete for Strikeforce. He will be on the March 10th card. This is the same fight card where Frank Shamrock will fight Cesar Gracie. This Strikeforce card is a huge opportunity for Daniel to return in style to the MMA scene.