Barnett Calls Out Couture

Let's get straight to it and say that Randy did a phenomenal job at UFC 74 in defending his title. As a fan and a fellow Washingtonian I was happy to see him win. But as for the title itself -- it still sits in my house. No one in UFC ever beat me for it, and as far as I am concerned, no one in the UFC can be the heavyweight champion until they take that belt off of me in the cage.

At the post fight press conference, Dana White said "there isn't anyone in the world that can beat this guy" in reference to Randy. All this because Randy beat a guy that had less than ten fights and only one noteworthy win? That's not even a world championship level fight, let alone reason to proclaim the winner as "unbeatable". This comment was made even more ridiculous by the fact that I was standing right there, living proof that Randy Couture is definitely beatable.

"Unbeatable", Dana says. If he actually believes that, I'm more than willing to step into the cage and prove him wrong. It wouldn't even have to be for the belt. I already got the real belt. They can keep their pile of brass they purport as the UFC Heavyweight Title and put it on their next paper champ.

That was from Josh Barnett's MySpace site. Josh also defeated Randy Couture by TKO at UFC 36 for the Heavyweight Championship. However, he was stripped of the title after he tested positive for steroids and then went to fight in Japan. I smell a rematch but.....

Randy Couture broke his left arm blocking a kick from Gabriel Gonzaga in their recent title bout. Randy is not expected to return to action in 2007, so that give ole Barnett time to sign with the UFC and start working toward that rematch with Couture.

Also, Joe Stevenson broke his nose at the same UFC 74 card mentioned above, and cannot continue training for one month due to a medical suspension. All the UFC fighters for 74 tested clean with no illegal substances found! Yea for the good guys.

Delete This Bitches!

UFC 74 Respect Results

It seems impossible but every time, Randy "The Natural" Couture steps in the Octagon and defies the odds. Everyone (including me) though Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga was not only going to win, but crush Randy. WRONG, Randy opened Gabe from the opening bell and you could actually see Napao's spirit break in the 2nd round. Unbelievably, Couture even managed to pick up and slam the monster. In the post fight press conference Randy was asked about one Fedor Emelianenko and said, "Bring it on." Its the dream match we are all waiting for.

Here's a tip for anyone who may face Renato "Babalu" Sobral in the future. Do not piss him off. David Heath wore a T-Shirt to the ring with Babalu's recent mugshot from an arrest at a club. Bad idea. Sobral didn't find it amusing and proceeded to beat the living shit out of Heath. When David tapped out, Babalu wasn't content until he had choked the man unconscious. Illegal yes, but damn if it wasn't impressive.

So the ever cocky Kendall Grove stepped in to face Patrick Cote who he planned on outworking with his long reach advantage. Instead, a patient Cote awaited his moment and KO'd the Team Punishment bitch for the upset win (which I correctly picked). The Las Vegas crowd erupted in support for Cote, and there were even chants for him from the Canadian support in the crowd. Nice.

Speaking of the good Canadians, Georges St-Pierre dominated Josh Koscheck at his own game to get the unanimous decision win. GSP came out with fakes and fast hands as always but then took the heralded wrestler and put him on his ass for 3 rounds. GSP just dominated all the way through and Kos had no answers for the new #1 contender to the Welterweight crown.

Roger Huerta also put on a dominant performance as he just mauled and out hustled David Crane. Dave just didn't have the gas or class to hang with the impressive Huerta. There were many points in the fight where we were just hoping the ref would stop it because Crane was just getting so badly abused.

Joe Stevenson had his hands full with the very game Kurt Pellegrino. I thought Joe Daddy would just run through Kurt but the fight was close and action packed. Full of great action it came down to the final round where Joe finally pulled ahead and got the unanimous decision.

The Frank Mir of old seems back as he only needed 1:17 to dispatch Antoni Hardonk with a kimura submission. Frank looked good and claims to be back to his old self.

Thales Leitas handled Ryan Jenson to continue his ascension up the 185 ranks. Finally, Clay Guida got his 1st and much deserved UFC win over the man who beat Gomi, Marcus Aurelio by a split decision.

What can you say about this UFC 74 event. All of the fights were great and filled with action, and Randy just continues to mystify all with his brilliant fighting. Wanderlei Silva and Brock Lesnar were in the crowd but not shown on TV, and one Diego Sanchez sat ringside obviously chomping at the bit to get back at Koscheck who handed him his only loss. Pretty damn good PPV and lets not forget I picked 8 out of 9 fights correctly with only Captain America proving me wrong yet again.

UFC 74 Respect Picks

UFC 74 Quick Picks

Randy Couture vs Gabriel Gonzaga -WINNER-Gonzaga by TKO

Georges St. Pierre vs Josh Koscheck -WINNER-GSP by decision

Roger Huerta vs Alberto Crane -WINNER-Huerta by

Joe Stevenson vs Kurt Pellegrino -WINNER-Joe Daddy by submission

Kendall Groves vs Patrick Cote -WINNER-Cote by TKO

Thales Leites vs Ryan Jenson -WINNER-Leites

Renato Sobral vs David Heath -WINNER-Babalu?

Frank Mir vs Antoni Hardonk -WINNER-Mir

Clay Guida vs Marcus Aurelio -WINNER-Guida?

MMA's Top 10 Most Wanted

Time for a different style of Top 10 lists. This is a list of the top MMA free agents who still remain unsigned but I would love to see brought to the states whether for the UFC, WEC, Bodog Fight, Strikeforce, or Elite XC.

MMA Top 10

1 Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko 26-1 The pound for glorious pound best fighter on the planet continues to be a free agent! The guy simply dominates the best in the world and his one loss is from fluke cut which caused a ref stoppage only 17 seconds into the fight. Titles, sambo tournaments, Grand Prix's, the guy just wins. Give him whatever he wants and sign him now! Ideal opponent, God.

2 "The Fireball Kid" Takanori Gomi 27-3 The most dominant Lightweight in the world and he doesn't have a job? Though he can't speak English, the guy is so marketable with his kamikaze style and highlight reel KO's, how could he still be out there? He's exciting, tough, and well rested after a blistering pace in 2006-2007. As the current Pride FC Lightweight Champion and Lightweight Grand Prix Champion, his credentials speak for themselves. Ideal opponents Sean Sherk, or anyone at the top of the Lightweight division.

3 "The Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett 20-5 One of the few Heavyweights left in the world he hasn't lost to Fedor, and could actually give him a compelling fight. Also a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and a guy who can cut an interview to entertain fans, after he has just shown one of the best all around games in the sport, the guy has all the tools. Me thinks he awaits where Fedor will sign and then will soon follow. Ideal opponent, Fedor!

4 Brock Lesnar 1-0 Say what you will about a former "professional wrestler" turned MMA fighter, the guy is a super-star as well as a highly decorated amateur wrestler. His sheer athleticism brutal power is sure to draw the crowds whether or not he can attain the pinnacle of the sport. Either way its a journey I'd love to see. Ideal opponents Mark Hunt & Josh Barnett

5 Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 15-1 Sure the guy is a lighter fighter at 145, but the WEC just opened a division at that very weight class. Even so, the guy is so talented with his wrestling and lighting speed strikes, he could easily hang at 155, and probably compete for the title. If you know MMA, you know the talent this "Kid" has. Ideal opponents Uriah Faber & Takanori Gomi.

6 Shinya Aoki 11-2 The "Tobikan Judan" is already feared by the Lightweights in the states. A slick ground game wizard with a sick rubber guard and deadly triangle choke, the ground is death for his opponents. He is ready for anyone. Opponents, anyone.

7 Aleksander Emelianenko 11-3 Fedor's little brother is a power punching Heavyweight with frightening tattoos and scary KO strength. The guy loves and brawl and so do the drunken American fans. Win, win. Ideal opponents any strikers like Paul Buentello or Brandon Vera.

8 Antonio "Lil Nog" Nogueira 12-3 One of the top contenders in any Light Heavyweight class, Rodrigo's twin/smaller brother fought and beat most of the best in Pride FC. Ju Jitsu master, improved striker, and now featuring a chip on his shoulder (thank you Mr. Sokojou), Rogerio is ready for the elite in MMA today. Ideal opponents, rematch with Sokojou & Wanderlei Silva.

9 Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 15-5-1 The nasty Norwegian with the deadly knee's and blitzkrieg style, Hansen has already delighted fans with his amazing fight versus Jason Ireland and can fit into the 145 or 155 class. Versatility always a plus. Ideal opponents Uriah Faber & Jens Pulver

10 Mark Hunt 5-3 The problem here is can Hunt make the 265 Heavyweight limit since there is no Super-Heavyweight division of note in the states? If he can, the guy has an iron chin, K-1 Champion striking, and didn't do too bad against that guy named Fedor. I would love to see this guy bang with a Tim Sylvia or an Andrei Arlovski.

There it is and American MMA companies make it happen. They all need a home and deserve one as well. Whether to boost the already bloated roster, or establish a company like Bodog/Strikeforce/Elite XC, these guys sell tickets and create some of the best fights of the day!

Wanderlei Silva OFFICIALLY Signs With UFC

Finally folks its a done deal. Wanderlei Silva has signed that dotted line and is now a member of the UFC roster. Details of the contract have yet to be disclosed, but "The Axe Murderer's" first UFC fight will most likely be in december.

“Many fighters have a dream of fighting for the UFC, and as a champion for six years in Japan, my dream has always been to have the UFC belt,” said Silva. “Today, I’m one step closer to this goal.”

“As crazy as this sounds, this is the pinnacle of my seven year career in this company,” said UFC President Dana White. “I’m so excited to have this guy under contract. He grabbed my arm and looked me in the eyes like one of his pre-fight staredowns and he said ‘I’m gonna fight so good for you, you’re gonna see the best fights ever from Wanderlei Silva.’

“I’m gonna work hard to give a great show for the fans and I want to thank God for this opportunity,” said Silva, who counts the key elements of his style as raw aggression, emotion, and intensity.

He also wants to send a message to prospective foes.

“I want to issue a warning to the other fighters out there: you need to train hard, because “The Axe Murderer” is here.”

Dear Ambiguous Don

Dear Don,

I’m a twenty-four-year-old woman and it seems like I have the worst luck in meeting eligible men. Every guy I meet is either gay or taken. How can I tell the gay and/or attached men from the straight available ones, and where can I go to find these heterosexual, eligible bachelors?

When you say you can’t tell whether or not a man you’re interested in is gay, that says to me that you’re one of two things. Either you’re too dumb to know that any man prettier than you is probably batting for the other team, or else you’re too desperate to care. Either way, it’s a problem.

Here’s an idea to help you figure it out: go and talk to these guys. If they seem interested in you, they’re probably straight. If they seem interested in where you got your shoes, probably not.

It’s the same when it comes to married men. Ask yourself a series of questions before you get all worked up. Questions like, is he wearing a wedding ring? Is he wearing clothes he obviously didn’t pick out? Is he trying to avoid going home?

If the answer to any of those is yes, then chances are he’s married. You have to realize that at a certain age, most of the good ones are going to be taken. If someone is forty-five and single there’s probably a good reason.

I can see how all this might get confusing for you, but I have a way you can eliminate some of the guess work. Call up a divorce lawyer and ask him for his client list. Sure, it’s unethical for him to give it to you, but he’s a divorce attorney. What does he know about ethics? Just give him a little cash and he’ll go along with it. That way you know going in that these guys are single and straight.

That is, unless the reason they got divorced was so they could date men, or so they could date the woman they were cheating on their wife with.

Hell, even I’m confused now. Just go hang out a strip club and wait for someone to buy you a drink.

This is from Don Frye's annual "Dear Don" column on IFL.tv Freddie Mercury and I just find it amusing that Don "Gayest MMA Mustache" Frye would help someone spot a homosexual.

Top MMA Teams CHUTE BOXE ACADEMY

Though it is man vs man once you step in the ring/cage, we all know it takes a team to get one ready for the top tier in combat sports. Up first in my first ongoing series, we examine the top talent of the dangerous Brazilian squad known as the Chute Boxe Academy.

Wanderlei "Axe Murderer" Silva 31-7-1 The 31 year old Light Heavyweight legend is known for highlight reel KO's and non-stop in your face brutality and unmatched Muay Thai skills coupled with a Brazilian Ju Jitsu black belt. He was the Pride FC Middleweight Champion for almost 6 years, and was the Pride FC 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix Champion. From 1999 to 2004 Silva won 19 fights in a row defeating legends such as Kazushi Sakuraba, Rampage Jackson, Ricardo Arona, Guy Metzger, Dan Henderson, and Hidehiko Yoshida. Silva has now moved to the United States and is doing some training with Rand Couture and his gym co-owned by Bas Rutten in hopes of mounting a comeback in the UFC after 2 straight losses. Wanderlei is the unofficial leader of Chute Boxe and is the most recognized fighter in the clan.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua 16-2 The 25 year old Light Heavyweight is the new rising star in the Chute Boxe ranks has soared to super stardom. He won 13 fights in Pride FC before taking his first loss in a freak injury accident to Mark Coleman. He also destroyed the competition on his way to winning the 2005 Pride FC Grand Prix. Shogun also has that aggressive Muay Thai style as well as the stomps and kicks, but now signed with the UFC, those stomps and kicks become illegal, while a new weapon, the elbow can be used. One of the faster Chute Boxe members, Rua's gas tank never runs low as he pushes the pace of every fight to its max. Mauricio has beaten such big names as Quinton Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem and Ricardo Arona. His next task is his first bout in the UFC against crowd favorite Forrest Griffin.

Murilo "Ninja" Rua 14-7-1 The 27 year old brother of Shogun Rua is the current Elite XC Middleweight Champion and has fought in three different weight classes, never backing down from a fight. Murilo is a schitzophrentic fighter winning some and losing some, but when he is "on" he is one of the best in the world.

Fabricio Werdum 9-3-1 The newest member of Chute Boxe is a Heavyweight Ju Jitsu specialist who has come to improve his stand up skills for which this squad is so well known. Having trained with Mirko Cro Cop for many years, Werdum wanted a change and is now at his new home. His most notable win is over Gabriel Gonzaga the #1 contender for the UFC Heavyweight Title. Werdum is coming off a loss to Andrei Arlovski and has vowed to improve his relatively young fight game in leaps and bounds.

Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos 15-10 The craziest and most unpredictable of the Chute Boxe team has also become on of its most beloved. Cyborg is a non-stop killing machine whose fight against Melvin Manhoef in Cage Rage remains legendary. The guy just loves to fight and doesn't mind getting hit in the process of his always entertaining fights.

Luiz Azerado 11-6 Luiz won his first ever fight against non other than Anderson Silva. Now the Welterweight has his sights set on the Cage Rage title and a rise to the top.

Thiago Silva 10-0 This young Light Heavyweight is the future of Chute Boxe. He has yet to taste defeat and is now signed with the UFC. The guy is a KO artist (shockingly) and is ready to show the world he belongs with the elite Chute Boxe members. Watch for this kid!

Evan Tanner 32-6 Yes that Evan Tanner, a former UFC Middleweight Champion and legendary drinker. The veteran fighter has had many recent personal problems in his life which have led him away from fighting and caused him much grief. Painfully honest on his MySpace site, Tanner has chronicled his rise and fall throughout his career. Now sober and seeking redemption, Evan has signed on with the Chute Boxe team to take his game to a new level in hopes of a comeback. Look for the new Evan Tanner to return to the UFC this year!

There are many more fighters under the Chute Boxe banner, but these are the best. Of course, it was all started in 1978 by Rudimar Fedrigo as a Muay Thai school, which later adopted all aspects and styles of MMA. One of the top and most recognized teams in all of MMA, Chute Boxe is now led by Master Rafael Cordeiro and once began the careers of such fighters as Anderson Silva, Gabriel Gonzaga, Pele Landis, Assueiro Silva, and Nino Schembri. They have a heated rivalry with the Brazilian Top Team, and the notorious Hammer House.

The Chute Boxe Academy continues to dominate the MMA world today and churns out some of the top prospects in all of the sport. Some would consider them the best squad of all time but none can deny their success and popularity.

Next up, we focus on perhaps the top school of today, with the Miletich Fighting System and their Champion fighters.

MMA Happenings And Heartache

The MMA scene has been silent as of late, but get ready for a bevy of action. The UFC and Elite XC have shows the 25th, then the UFC has 3 events in September. The IFL will also have their finals in September and Elite XC will have a show as well as WEC. Fedor Emelianenko and Wanderlei Silva are still out there waiting to be signed and there is always steroids so there's a lot coming our way.

First up, Denis Kang is rumored to not only have signed with K-1 Hero's promotion, but his 1st fight may be against the legendary Kazushi Sakuraba. A major signing for Hero's, but a loss for us fans who want to see Kang against the elite of the 185 division. Sakuraba has been too old to fight for some time, and I have little interest in watching him ruin his "Golden Years" with unnecessary punishment here at the end of his career.

Kevin Randleman continues to break down the stereotypes placed upon fighters today by getting arrested for "DUI, Speeding, Driving Without a Valid License, Intimidating a Public Officer, Malicious Destruction of Public Property, and others." Its not enough to get a year's suspension from action for submitting a fake urine sample, the guy continues his notorious spiral into madness.

Jeff "Snowman" Monson continues to keep busy since leaving the UFC fighting twice in two weeks! First against Chris Guillen in the Global Fighting Championships on August 17th, and then September 1st, Monson will again step up to fight hard-hitting veteran Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo. Jeff's IFA Heavyweight Championship will be on the line for the latter at Art Of War 3.

Brandon "The Truth" Vera has officially resigned with the UFC. His 1st opponent was supposed to by Tim Sylvia (coming off his title loss and back surgery) but Tim has got a bad staph infection and may have to pull out. Staph has gone around the Miletich camp in a devastating way taking Spencer Fisher out of his future #1 contenders match with Din Thomas, and Drew McFedries may be out for 9 months as his infection is especially bad. Someone at MFC needs to do a better job cleaning the mats.

Andrei Arlovski and his management team are upset with the UFC as he cannot get another match. After coming off a cautious win over Fabricio Werdum, "The Pitbull" has not been offered another match. Its been 4 months and the guy is getting restless and wants back into action saying he would like to fight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira next!

In boxing news (yes I'm still barely grasping onto boxing) Felix Trinidad is hoping to return in January against none other than Roy Jones Jr. I don't care how old these guys are, I'd watch this one and it can't be worse than Mayweather/De La Hoya.

Finally in sad yet good news,Wednesday, August 8, Elaine Paiva da Silva, 27, confessed to the kidnap and murder of Priscila Belfort, sister of fighter Vitor Belfort, three years after her disappearance. Silva was the member of a Brazilian gang who kidnapped the woman for a ransom that was never collected. Elaine has informed the Police as to where the remains of Priscila can be found, and turned in 3 of her fellow kidnappers. Here's to the Belfort family finally being able to put their daughter to rest and hopefully to some semblance of peace.

USA, Meet Paulo Filho (WEC Results)

Though relatively unknown in the US, Paulo Filho is a rising star to hardcore MMA fans and the well educated Japanese audience. The Brazilian Top Team's 185lb. tank is now a perfect 15-0 after pounding out Joe Doerkson to take the WEC Middleweight Title. Paulo has been around for years and the Zuffa organization finally snapped him up, though for some reason they put him in the minor league WEC instead of at the big dance (UFC). At any rate, Paulo is now the king of the WEC Middleweights and has to be ranked in the Top Ten of all the Middleweights in the world. Surely a guy who has beaten such great fighters as the notorious Minowa, Amar Suloev of the Red Devils, K.Misaki (2006 Middleweight Grand Prix winner), Ryo Chonan, and Yuki Kongo (Pancrase Champion) cannot be held down in UFC-Lite for too long. Though UFC Middleweight Chamption Anderson Silva is a friend of Filho, that doesn't mean we shouldn't see Paulo against great contenders like Rich Franklin, Yushin Okami, Mike Swick, Nate Marquardt, or any of the other myriad of top fighters in the big show. Otherwise he's just going to dismantle the cans that step up in the WEC.

America, say hello to a future Super-Star, Paulo Filho has arrived in the states.

Also on the WEC card, Carlos Condit retained his Welterweight Title against the very game Brock Larson, raising his impressive record to 21-4. Also, former UFC Lightweight Jamie Varner (13-2) continues to impress as he becomes a top contender if a 155 belt is made for the WEC. If you get the chance, check out Varner's sick slam on Leggett. Jeff Curran (28-8-1) got his 6th win in a row and may now vie for Uriah Faber's Featherweight Title in his next outing.

Hey alright, there was actually a decent MMA event. I was really getting tired of this drought of info and action. "Till all are one."