Pride 33: 4 MAJOR Upsets & A Wild Night!

Pride 33 Second Coming, tore through Vegas bringing the ailing Pride FC company some much needed success, with a night of amazing fights, and shocking outcomes!

Dan Henderson KO'd Wanderlei Silva with a brutal left hand, to become the first ever, two weight-class, simultaneous, Champion! Silva seemed cautious and unfocused, as Dan was the aggressor, easily winning the first 2 rounds. Then, in the 3rd, the brutal left came in to emphatically end the night. Dan lost all his front teeth in the fight, but still got the win. Silva came in with a high temperature, and strep-throat, which may have led to his passiveness, but you must credit Dan for a smart fight, and a great finish. Dan is now the Welterweight, and Middleweight Champion, while Silva's 6 year reign, is now over!

Nick Diaz shocked everyone, after getting overwhelmed early on in the fight, and getting dropped to the canvas in the 1st, to recover, dominate Gomi, and then tap him out with the rare submission, the GoGoplata! Gomi threw all he had at Diaz early, and had Diablo on the ropes. But for all the punishment he took (including a huge gash under his right eye), Gomi seemed to tire badly, and Diaz began to come on strong. In the 2nd, Gomi had nothing left, and with the crowd roaring Nick's name behind him, Gomi desperately took Nick to the ground, only to be caught in a tight GoGoplata, from which he could not escape!

Shogun didn't take long to KO Overeem in their rematch. Rua pushed the pace (as always), and Alistair had no answers. From his back, Alistair tried to defend himself, but Shogun came through with a straight punch that KO'd Overeem, and sent his mouth guard flying. Shogun has got to be a #1 contender now. Especially since....

Sokoudjou KO'd Lil' Nogueira in one punch! Granted, he wasn't even looking when he threw it, and connected with his wrist more than his hand, but a KO win is a win none the less. Sokoudjou has been training with Team Quest, and didn't need to showcase his new skills, just the power in his left wrist. Antonio was left asking what happened?

Sergei Kharitonov got back on track with an armbar submission win over Michael Russow. Curious that Mikey claimed he never tapped out, but in the replay you could see him repeatedly tapping.

Mach Sakurai probably scored the prettiest KO of the night on Mac Danzig. Mac was just over matched here, and Mach worked until he finished his opponent in the 2nd. Gomi had better have eyes in the back of his head, every contender near him is winning, and winning strong.

Speaking of Gomi contenders, Hellboy Hansen got a unanimous decision win over the very tough Jason Ireland in a very tough affair. Hellboy really dominated the game, but damn if Jason can take a beating, and keep on coming. He'll get a contract for sure in Japan, and Hansen puts himself back in the Lightweight title scene.

Frank Trigg defeated the lackluster Misaki by decision. Trigg easily won all three rounds with takedowns, and overall control. This only helps to prove my thoughts, that Misaki is overrated, and most guys in the division will beat him. The Grand Prix tournament was a gift, and a healthy Denis Kang is waiting in the wings for revenge.

James Lee came out and surprised Travis Wiuff with a guillotine win in only 39 seconds. Travis, you should be embarrassed, and Lee, welcome to MMA.

And so, what have we all learned here. Takanori Gomi shouldn't be the Lightweight Champ, now for the 2nd time. This crap of not having Champs defend the belt in Pride, has got to stop. Gomi lost to Marcus Aurelio (which he later avenged by split decision), and now Nick Diaz, without losing his strap. This makes the title a joke, and Gomi a protected company man, in the eyes of the fans. Nick, congrats on a sure contract with Pride FC, where he has always wanted to compete, and the Fight of the Year (so far). Anyone else think Mach Sakurai could beat Gomi this time around, hmmmm?

Um, Silva, we love you, and you are a legendary warrior, but take some time off. The guy fights too much, and it has taken a toll on his body. Thank you also, for not using your illness as an excuse for your loss (he never mentioned it, it was revealed after the fight by Pride doctors), but damn it, don't be so proud that you can't cancel a fight when you are not at 100%. Dan Henderson has now done what no other man has done in MMA, but everyone is coming for him, and now in 2 weight classes! The Middleweight title shot was to go to Lil Nog, but after his loss, it will probably be given to Shogun. Wanderlei even said after the fight, it was now Shogun's time, and that he would step aside and let Shogun have his time with the title. This fight has to happen. Oh and Dan, don't forget Paulo Filho and Denis Kang will be back from injuries soon, and want a shot at that Welterweight title.

Sergei Kharitonov is back in the Heavyweight scene, if nothing else, than for something different besides the normal players competing to get beaten by Fedor (Nogueira, Barnett, Hunt, Fujita, ect.). Can't wait to see how good Sokoudjou can be, and Frank Trigg, has he found new life in the Welterweight division?

Pride 33 was a great event, and successful because it had amazing fights that will be talked about for some time, and a crowd that was loud, and into the action for the entire show. Great night, and UFC, Pride FC ain't dead yet, bitches!

UFC UK Style

The upcoming UFC show in England, is shaping up to be a stellar card. Just added, Fabricio Werdum has signed in the UFC from Pride! This is a big signing, as Werdum has established himself as a legit Top Ten Heavyweight fighter. His 1st task is no joke, as he will step in against former Champ, Andrei Arlovksi, in a test to see where Arlovski is going in his career, and how Werdum will fit into the UFC scene. Werdum is a Brazilian Black Belt, who has trained with Mirko Cro Cop, so he should be well prepared for the accurate, powerful strikes, of Arlovski. The question may be, can Arlovski handle himself on the ground with Werdum?

Speaking of Mirko Cro Cop, he will make his 2nd UFC appearance in the UK, against Gabriel Gonzaga, for the right to become #1 contender for the Heavyweight title! Gonzaga is another Brazilian Ju Jitsu specialist, who was already supposed to be the #1 contender, until Dana White realized how much money he could make if Randy Couture came out of retirement to face Champ Tim Sylvia. At any rate, this will be a true test for Cro Cop, against a man well versed in his weakness, the ground and submissions game. Much like Arlovski/Werdum, it will be power striker vs submission guru, for a future title shot!

Also, hometown hero, Michael Bisping will face gatekeeper, Elvis Sinosic, in a guaranteed slugfest, that will please the crowd with an exciting Bisping win (much like they did with Griffin vs Sinosic).

Oh and about Mr. Forrest Griffin, he will face rising and undefeated star, Ryoto Machida as well. Forrest is coming off his devastating loss to Keith Jardine (soon to face Chuck Liddell for the Light Heavyweight Title), while Machida just dominated Sam Hoger (soon to be looking for work). Forrest will need the win for confidence more than anything, and Machida will love to strike punch for punch with him.

Tito Ortiz will probably fight on the card as well bringing his circus whore and big mouth wherever he goes, as will returning Cheick Kongo, who needs a win after his pathetic loss to a nobody. This is looking like the best UFC card in years, and is only going to get better. Stay tuned, as Dana White claims more Pride FC fighters are coming soon!

Pride FC 33 Second Coming (To America)

Middleweight Champion "The Axe Murderer" Wanderlei Silva 31-6-1 vs Welterweight Champion "Hollywood" Dan Henderson 21-5 (Rematch) Accolades aside, this fight is for the Middleweight belt. In the first contest, both men threw hard, and sustained a lot of damage. I expect more of the same. Dan will try to keep this fight on the mat as much as possible, but keeping Silva down will be difficult to say the least. Bombs will be thrown, cardio will be tested. It goes to decision, and Wanderlei retains the crown.
WINNER-Wanderlei by decision

Lightweight Champion "Fireball Kid" Takanori Gomi 27-3 vs Nick "Diablo" Diaz 14-6 If Diaz can make the weight, he will be very skinny, and in a new, lighter, world. I'm not sure Diaz is built for this weight class, and Gomi is. Gomi's title is not on the line, but there is a lot of interest in this fight none the less. Nick promised he is coming for the KO, but we'll see after they trade for a while. Diaz has a huge advantage on the ground, but I can see his ego keeping the fight on the feet. If that happens, it'll be a easy night for Gomi. I see this as being a very close fight, but one Gomi finds a way to win.
WINNER-Gomi by decision

Jason Lee 0-0 vs Travis "Prounounced View" Wiuff 42-9 Lee is a last second replacement for Nak, who got hurt. Lee has either zero, or little experience, almost zero notice to train, and is up against a behemoth veteran. You make the call.
WINNER-Wiuff by G&P

Hayato "Mach" Sakaurai 29-7-2 vs Mac Danzig 16-3-1 This could be a real interesting match, with a great ground battle. That being said, Mach has done this at a much higher level, for a much longer time.
WINNER-Sakurai by decision

Kazuo "Grabaka Hitman" Misaki (2006 Welterweight Open Champion) vs Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg (ICON Middleweight Champion) 14-5 Misaki is a frustrating fighter, but doesn't really excel at anything except being tough. Frank has all the tools and with this is a fight he should win. We'll see which Frank shows up.
WINNER-Trigg by TKO

"Shogun" Rua 15-2 vs Alistair "Demolition Man" Overeem 24-9 (Rematch) I don't see this match playing out much differently than the first. Shogun just has more game than Overeem. Rua has better stamina, striking, and possibly submissions.
WINNER-Shogun by TKO

Antonio Rogerio "Lil Nog" Nogueira 12-2 vs Sokoud Jou 2-1 Jou is who? Heh, that rhymes. This is a nice warm up for Nog, who will get a title shot against the Middleweight Champ next.
WINNER-Nogueira by submission

Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 14-5-1 vs Jason Ireland 16-6-1 Hansen is frustrated from recent losses and bad performances, and should walk through the gritty Ireland. Hansen is just better, as long as he can abide by the rules.
WINNER-Hansen

Sergei Kharitonov 13-3 vs Michael Russow 3-0 In this heavyweight battle, Kharitonov is coming off two consecutive losses, and lowered expectations. He was once a future #1 contender, and now is trying to work his way back in. Russow is a new fighter, and he brings ground skills to the fight. Sergei must have this win, and I think he'll get it. He has so much promise, a nice skill set, and more experience at the highest level.
WINNER-Kharitonov by TKO

Irish Micky Ward The Movie

"Irish" Micky Ward 38-13, legendary boxer from Massachusetts, is getting a movie based upon his life. The movie, due to start shooting in summer, will star Mark Walberg and Matt Damon.

Micky Ward is known for his unbelievable blue collar toughness, and as a working class hero. After a losing streak in the 1990's, Ward returned in 1994, winning 9 straight fights, and gaining fame during his trilogy of fights against Arturo Gatti. His bout against Emanuel Augustus, was Ring Magazine's "Fight Of The Year" 2001, and he again won "Fight Of The Year" in 2002, for his first bout with Gatti. Round 9 of Ward/Gatti I is known as the "Round Of The Century!"

Micky won the first bout with Gatti, and then lost the rematch, though he broke his right hand during the fight, and continued to punch with it. The second bout was a lopsided affair, and many felt the fight should've been stopped, because of all the punishment "Irish" was taking. In the third and final fight, Ward dropped Gatt in the sixth round, but went on to lose a tough decision. He would again, take "Fight Of The Year" 2003, putting him in company with Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali, who also won the prestigious award three times. Afterwards, Micky would retire, for good, from boxing, leaving a legendary career, and many fans forever grateful. Massachusetts punk band Dropkick Murphy's, wrote a song called "Warrior's Code," about Ward, named the album after it, and put him on the cover in honor of his achievements.

The movie will be called "The Fighter" from Paramount pictures. Walberg will play Micky, while Damon will play his troubled brother Dicky.

Cage Rage News & Notes

At the Cage Rage show this weekend, we may have witnessed the return, of one of MMA's most popular, and biggest, fighters! But 1st....

Mustafa Al Turk, got a big name win, by defeating Mark Kerr, by TKO in round one. Kerr missed a high kick, and slipped to the canvas, where Al Turk jumped on him, and pounded him until Kerr tapped out. A big step forward for the 4-2 Turk, while the decline of Kerr continues. Kerr, a former dominating force in MMA, how now lost 6 of his last 7 fights. The past drug use and personal problems seemed behind him for this fight, as Kerr looked great, back up to 275lbs. Though he physically looked ready, perhaps Kerr just cannot get his mind back into the game.

Butterbean KO'd James Thompson in only 43 seconds into their fight. One has to wonder why these MMA fighters continue to try and stand with the Bean. The guy has no neck, and granite head, and absolute power in his chubby little arms. Simply taking this behemoth to the ground, as Genki Sudo (155lbs.) did, seems to guarantee you the win. Yet these guys try to punch with him, and continue to get KO'd. Oh well.

Dave Legeno beat the 85 year old Dan Severn, and then lost his mind, issuing a challenge, to Bob "The Beast" Sapp, who was in attendance. Sapp then got in the ring and a face to face insued, where Sapp accepted the challenge. Then, Robert Barry, and hometown KO'd boy, James Thompson, jumped in to issue challenges to Sapp as well. The Beast accepted them all, and was escorted away, before an absolute melee broke out.

Pretty funny stuff, and though none of these guys are upper talent Heavy, and Super-Heavyweights, watching Sapp vs Thompson, Legeno, Barry, and possibly Butterbean, would be entertaining. Sapp cannot return to MMA in Cage Rage, fast enough for me! We missed ya Bobbo.

Elite XC Ends In A DQ

In a shocking end to an exciting debut for Elite XC on Showtime, Frank Shamrock was DQ'd after kneeing Renzo Gracie, twice, while he was on the ground! Renzo was attended to by ringside doctors, and decided he could not continue after the foul.
Renzo took Frank down early and often in the 1st round, but was hit, repeatedly, with scoring strikes and leg kicks. Once on the ground, Renzo would maneuver for position, while Frank landed a steady stream of knees to the side of Renzo. Renzo took his time, and worked around for control, while Frank continually landed knees and punches. They'd get up, same thing would happen. Not much for Renzo but takedowns, and the round should've been scored 10-9 for Frank, because of strikes, aggressiveness, and continual work.

In the 2nd round, it was more of the same, until, with Renzo again on top in side mount, Frank landed a knee to the head, and then another (which is illegal, because Renzo is considered a down opponent), and was warned he would lose a point by ref Herb Dean. Then, Renzo slumped and seemed injured. Herb Dean halted the action as the medics would look at the ailing Gracie. A neck brace was even placed upon the neck of Renzo, though he would leave the ring by his own power.

With that, the fight was stopped, and only then, was Frank disqualified for the knees. NOW, the knees were illegal, there is no doubt of that, but were they powerful and damaging enough to stop a fighter, who never even winced when Sakuraba broke his arm in a past fight? It seemed suspect at best. Renzo went to the hospital and claimed he was vomiting, dizzy, and had a concussion. Frank claimed Renzo was faking because he wanted out of the fight. Renzo believes Frank committed the fouls on purpose, because Frank wanted out of the fight.

A nice little debacle here to kick off the 1st Elite XC event. In my opinion, Renzo was faking, but Frank willingly broke the rules. Both men should be ashamed of this fight, and though both claim they want a rematch, why would we want to see it? It was a joke which was completely unprofessional by both fighters, who claim to have so much respect for each other, and the sport of MMA.

On to some actually decent fights....

Joey Villansenor got of the snide, with a dominating unanimous decision over David Loiseau. Whether on the feet, or the ground, Joey dominated the fight, and even used elbows successfully, which is David's most potent weapon. Big win for Joey, and Loiseau must rethink his career.

Gina Carano proved she is more than just a beautiful woman, by defeating the tough, and game Julie Kedzie. Gina dominated the fight, but damned if Julie wouldn't go down, and just kept coming and coming. This was the fight of the night, and had the fans on their feet. Much, much better than the main event, this is a fight Elite XC can be proud of.

Krazy Horse just can't be counted out, when someone wants to trade with him. Charles just plain leveled KJ Noons, in a dramatic KO, showing his triumphant return to MMA from jail, and a drug problem. Krazy Horse is back!

"Bigfoot" Antonio Silva dominated Cabbage in a Super-Heavyweight match, getting the brutal TKO win in the 1st round.

Some really good fights here, except for the Main Event, and how nice is the option of watching the undercard fights, for free, on Showtime's website? This companies 1st show looked really good, and the potential here, is really high. Also it should be noted, Brandon "The Truth" Vera was at the event, and the rumor is he will sign with Elite XC, after his last remaining fight with the UFC is finished. The UFC reportedly offered Vera, $200,000 a fight, which Vera's people laughed at. He must be getting some big offers from XC, cause those numbers are very good for a young fighter. Joey Villasenor may face newly signed Murilo "Ninja" Rua soon, and look for Krazy Horse to become a popular star.

Showtime Presents: Elite XC

Televised Card

Frank Shamrock 21-7-1 vs Renzo Gracie 12-6-1 Renzo is the most active of the Gracie's in modern MMA, and has always taken on the toughest of opponents. That being said, he is 40 years old, and besides Oleg Taktarov, he has lost to upper tier talent. Frank is making his 2nd return, since his 21 second win over Cesar Gracie, who isn't a capable opponent. Frank is always in the best of shape, and Renzo is coming off a controversial win over Carlos Newton, so he is in shape as well. Frank should overwhelm Renzo with his superior conditioning, and brutal striking. Renzo's only chance is on the ground (and ground action in Elite XC is limited to 15 seconds without significant advancement), and Frank can get up easily, by powering his way out.
WINNER-Frank Shamrock by TKO

David "The Crow" Loiseau 14-6 vs Joey Villasenor 22-5 The most interesting fight on the card, features two fighters who are hungry, and desperate for a win. Joey is more well rounded, while The Crow loves to strike with his viciously fast elbows, on the feet. Probably the fight of the night, should feature a lot of action, and the last one standing wins. I like Loiseau, who has fought better opponents, and has learned after his inactive fight with Swick, to push the pace, and no longer be gun shy.
WINNER-Loiseau by decision

Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva 7-1 vs "Cabbage" Correira 18-11 Let the big guys go to battle. Cabbage is a concrete headed hawaiian striker, who is coming off a bad streak, winning 1 of his last 4 fights. Cabbage has absolute thunder in his hands, and is very hard to KO. Bigfoot (change his nickname back to Junior) has a huge reach advantage, standing 6'4, 300lbs., over the stumpy Cabbage. Silva did show a chin issue, being dropped in his only loss to Pele, so this could easily be a puncher's fight. I look for Silva, who has much more ground game than Cabbage, to take the fight to the ground, for a G&P, or submission, win.
WINNER-Bigfoot (stupid name) by submission

Gina "Conviction" Carano 3-1 vs Julie Kedzie 6-4 Ladies, can't we put the fighting aside, and just have you two make out? Sorry, I am trying to take women's MMA seriously, and both these ladies are talented. Carano has a lot of reach on Kedzie, and seemingly, more skill standing and on the ground. I going to continue to contemplate this fight scientifically, and pick the hotter woman.
WINNER-Carano by decision

"Krazy Horse" Charles Bennett 15-13-2 vs K.J. Noons 4-1 Noons is returning to MMA after focusing on boxing for a while. Krazy Horse is just out of prison, crazy as always, and completely unpredictable. A careful KJ, should out strike, and out smart Bennett, but those winging hooks from Charles have KO'd many a fighter. But I think you go with the guy who trains, and not the one who is coming off drugs.
WINNER-Noons by TKO

Prelims (streamed live, For Free, on Showtime's website)

Javier "Showtime" Vazquez 10-2 vs Adriano "Nasal" Pereira 4-1 Javier is the flashy Cesar Gracie trained fighter, who loves pink, and loves action. Adriano is an inexperienced submission fighter, who wants the fight to go to the ground. The winner is the one who establishes their will.
WINNER-Showtime

Mike "Quicksand" Pyle 12-4-1 vs Ross "The Boss" Ebanez 14-4 Pyle is the highly touted ju jitsu fighter, while Ross is a stand up fighter who trains with BJ Penn. I go ground.
WINNER-Pyle

John Shackleford 1-2 vs James Edson Berto 9-3-1 John has little experience, and few wins. James likes to stand and has more experience. Not a compelling fight.
WINNER-Berto by decision

Bo "Redrum" Cantrell 10-6 vs Tim Persey 5-1 Cantrell, bomb thrower with some submissions, Persey is fat, but throws KO's, and has some submissions. Yawn, let the fat guys punch, for at least 30 seconds.
WINNER-The least fat heavyweight

Riki Fukuda 6-2 vs Seth "Doctor" Kleinbeck 6-3 I'll take the guy who trains with Yamamoto.
WINNER-Fukuda

Do You Know Gina Carano?

Do you know who Gina Carano is? Yes, she is obviously a smokin' hot babe, dressed in MMA gear, but she is more than that. She is an actual MMA fighter! Gina "Conviction" Carano, 3-0 in MMA, 12-2-1 in kickboxing, is going to fight on this weekends inaugural Showtime MMA show, Elite XC. She will be facing the very capable, and more experienced, Julie Kedzie.

Gina was featured recently on MSNBC's documentary, Warrior Nation. There they chronicled the rise of Mrs. Carano through the ranks of MMA, trying to establish herself as a legitimate fighter. The lady can kick like Cro Cop, and throws down with the best of them. Not just a gorgeous face, this woman knows how to fight. For those who have not yet seen women competing in MMA, check it out, and keep an open mind. These women (Carano & Kedzie) have real talent, and their bouts are usually non-stop action and excitement.

Drooling over her is natural, but respect the skills she possesses, and what she is trying to do, to establish women in MMA.

UFC All Or Nothing Results

Well that sure was an interesting evening of early stops, flagrant fouls, and all around bad refereeing.

Anderson Silva defeated Travis Lutter in a non-title match, because Lutter could not make the weight. After a fine, the match went on as a 3 round affair. Travis was able to take Silva down at will, but Anderson seemed able to get up fairly easily, and actually scored more from his guard. Lutter's massive weight dump (around 20 pounds) caused him to get tired and sloppy early. Silva got up after a takedown toward the end of the 1st, and Lutter refused to get off the canvas, instead just laying there until time ran out as the boo's rained down. In the 2nd, Lutter again took Silva down easily. This time, Silva struck well with his long legs, and after catching Lutter with a nice kick, Travis fell into a triangle choke. Though the hold was a little off the mark, Silva's long legs were able to cinch the hold in very tight. Lutter struggled to get away, but when Silva began striking with elbows, Travis tapped out.

Now the rub here, is that Silva's elbows were in the illegal downward motion, but Herb Dean did nothing to stop them. Granted, Silva was on his side, but the elbows still came in that illegal motion, and even the announcers couldn't decide if they were legal or not. At any rate, Silva gets the win, and Lutter had a very poor performance, on top of failing to make weight for a title fight, which is inexcusable.

Mirko Cro Cop had little trouble landing strikes with his legs and hands upon Eddie Sanchez. It looked like Eddie was going to stand with Cro Cop at first, but eventually began to run and run from the powerful Croation. Finally, Sanchez fell to the mat, where Mirko got full mount. He began raining down punches, and the ref stepped in to stop the fight. Again controversy, as Sanchez wasn't really hurt, and was moving trying to get out of the position. Still, he was getting hit and the ref felt it was too much to let him continue, though there were only a few seconds left in the round. It probably should've gone to the 2nd round, but I doubt the end would've been different.

Quinton Rampage Jackson also made a successful debut, stopping Marvin Eastman with strikes in the 2nd round. There were some good exchanges, but both men, at times, seemed a little cautious. Still, when the crowd boo'd, it just showed how ignorant the fans in attendance really are. A good fight really, and Rampage admitted after, that he was extremely nervous, and promised to do better next time. No apology necessary Rampage.

Patrick Cote got the unanimous decision over Scott Smith in a listless affair. It was a slow paced fight, where Cote was content to strike and move, making sure he won the rounds, though not the approval of the once again booing fans. When he did rock Smith badly, he did not follow up, but easily won every round. Give the guy a break, he was 0-4 in the UFC (& the judges screwed him in the Leben decision), and had to have the win.

Roger Huerta made quick work of John Halverson stopping him with strikes and a TKO win in the 1st. Despite the announcers thinking it was from an illegal knee, the knee landed, legally, right under the left peck of John, causing the damage. Then, Huerta mounted him and unloaded on the unanswering fighter. Legit TKO win.

Terry Martin KO'd Jorge Rivera in 14 seconds of their fight! Martin is a force to be reckoned with, if he can make weight, which will be difficult for him. He also called out Mike Swick for a fight, but there is no way they would put this dangerous newcomer up against their popular TUF fighter.

Frank Edgar got the decision win over Tyson Griffin in the fight of the night, with a furious pace, and loads of action. The 1st round was close, but in the 2nd, Tyson began to take over and while lifting Edgar in the air for a slam, Edgar held on to the cage and was warned by the ref. Then, he ignored the continued warnings and held on for what seemed forever. This kept Griffin from being able to possibly finish the fight. Then in the 3rd, Edgar hit Griffin in the groin which obviously hurt him. Griffin pleaded to the ref, but the ref did nothing and allowed the fight to continue! This gave Edgar the advantage, and he dominated the round. Even without the flagrant penalties that were not enforced, I still gave the fight to Griffin. The judge who scored the fight 30-27, every round, for Edgar, should be fired. The ref should be fined as well.

Ryoto Machida stays undefeated, beating Sam Hoger in a unanimous decision.

Dustin Hazelett also got a decision win over Saraiva.

Like I said, an odd night of uncalled fouls and early stoppages. The UFC really needs to get a handle on this growing problem, before it begins to really fuck up the integrity of the sport. Not a great PPV by any stretch of the imagination, but the moronic drunk assholes booing in every fight, need to be removed and killed. Until you have the balls and talent to step into the octagon and fight, you have no right to boo. If you don't like the fight, just shut the fuck up and go get another beer. This is not Ultimate Boxing, so learn the sport, or go back to watching Nascar.

Lindland Succeeds, Lutter Fails

Matt Lindland raised his record to 20-4 with a guillotine submission win over Carlos Newton at the IFL, while the Silverbacks got their 1st ever team loss against the victorious Anaconda's 3-2.

Matt Lindland continues his impressive roll in the world of MMA. Carlos Newton took a lot of punishment from the Law, and was almost stopped by punches, but they clinched up in the 2nd, and Matt took him to the ground again. There, tangled in the ropes, Matt secured the guillotine for another big win!

Bas Rutten's new protege, Chris Horodecki, won a close split-decision over Bart Palaszewski, in an action packed, brutally brilliant match. The 19 year old sensation survived early trouble, and illegal blows from Bart, to come on strong in the end to pull out the victory. Great fight!

• Inexplicably, Travis Lutter lost his title shot before the fight ever began. Travis weighed in at 187 for the title fight that is supposed to be at 185. Though you are allowed a pound over in most cases, for title fights, you must not weigh more than the "limit." Lutter was given 2 hours to make the weight, and only lost half a pound! The match will still happen, but now it will be a non-title affair, and only 3 rounds instead of 5. Lutter who has had trouble making weight in the past, should've come in perfect for a title shot of all things! Now he has lost part of his fight purse, and even if he wins, he should not be rewarded a rematch for the title, since he failed to make weight for the main event of the PPV!

UFC 67 All Or Nothing

Anderson "Spider" Silva 17-4 vs Travis Lutter 12-3: Striking Champ vs grappling challenger. Travis can get Silva to the ground and submit him. I just don't think he'll get the chance. Lutter is a decent fighter who won a title shot from a TV show. Silva is a high caliber athlete who is on a roll destroying people. The lanky Silva will strike and recoil like a snake, allowing for continual punishment and the eventual KO.

WINNER-Silva by KO

Mirko Flipovic "Cro Cop" 21-4-2 vs Eddie "DOA" Sanchez 8-0: Despite the upset embarrassing loss of the debuting Heath Herring, the UFC has nothing to worry about here. Cro Cop will defeat Sanchez, and easily. Sanchez and the world are awaiting the kick of Mirko, but it will be the hands and striking skill, that will put Eddie away. By the by, there will be no pressure in Mirko's mind, and I see Eddie getting rattled by Cro Cop's star power, and punching power.

WINNER-Cro Cop by KO

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson 25-6 vs Marvin "Beastman" Eastman 13-6-1: Another debut for the UFC via the hype machine, only this could be a close fight. Eastman is no joke, and has some real powerful strikes. However, Rampage can do much more on the ground, and his takedowns should concern Marvin more than his famous slams. Look for the focused Rampage to win this via strikes on the floor, though it may come in later rounds.

WINNER-Rampage by TKO

Ryoto "Lyoto" Machida 8-0 vs Sam "Alaskan Assassin" Hoger 6-2: Ryoto has not been impressive lately, but he does have wins over Franklin, Penn, & Bonnar. Hoger is a down and dirty Miletich fighter, who loves to fight on the mat. Ryoto wants to stand. This is my UPSET pick of the night!

WINNER-Sam Hoger by decision

Patrick Cote 9-4 vs "Hands Of Steel" Scott Smith 12-2: Striker's war! Both of these guys are gun slingers who want to stand and trade. Cote has the better striking, but Smith is stronger, and neither has a decent ground game. Cote is 0-4 in the UFC and has to have this fight. Cote could almost taste the Ultimate Fighter crown, but lost in embarrassing fashion, and will be motivated in a major way.

WINNER-Cote by TKO

Roger Huerta 17-1-1 vs John Halverson 13-4: Huerta is being groomed in the Lightweight division. Many people expect big things from this guy, and I don't see Halverson being able to stand in the way. 11 fight win streak for Huerta continues against the tough Halverson.

WINNER-Huerta via decision

Jorge Rivera 14-5 vs Terry Martin 16-2: I like Jorge, but age has caught up to him, he can be slow, and he is going against a tank of a man in Terry Martin. Martin is a lead handed puncher, but if he gets Jorge to the ground, the fight will be over. When Martin comes in shape, there are just too many ways for him to win this fight.

WINNER-Terry Martin by TKO

Tyson Griffin 8-0 vs Frank Edgar 5-0: Do you know who Tyson Griffin is yet? Pay attention, this guy is a future #1 contender for the Lightweight belt.

WINNER-Griffin by submission

Dustin Hazelett 9-3 vs Diego Saraieva 9-3-1: Dustin is a submission fighter who is coming off a loss to Tony DeSouza. Diego is a good ju jitsu man, but he is absolutely tiny! Major reach and size advantage for Dustin.

WINNER-Hazelett by submission