Monday, March 26, 2007


Not so fast UFC fans. Dana White is now claiming the purchase of Pride FC is not a done deal. If that isn't enough to tide you over until the "big announcement" Tuesday in Vegas, Pride FC fighters are NOT all coming over in a possible purchase deal. Some fighters have contracts in place that make them free agents even if the UFC does indeed buy Pride FC.

Shogun Rua has signed a new 4-fight deal with Pride FC, but it would come with his services in the deal.

However, Wanderlei Silva is a free agent again, and has not made any decisions on his immediate future, even though Pride FC is saying he will be at the next PPV event.

The biggest dog in the hunt, Fedor Emelianenko, is reported to now have signed a multi-fight deal with Bodog. Sources indicate that Fedor has little desire to come over to the UFC, and work for Dana White and the boys. It seems his stay in Bodog will be extended past the upcoming fight with Matt Lindland. Little brother Aleksander Emelianenko, is also supposed to be signing an extended contract with Bodog soon.

Diego Sanchez failed his last drug test in the fight with Joe Riggs. Diego tested positive for Marijuana (much like former opponent Nick Diaz), only in mysterious circumstances, the story was never told to the public, and Sanchez only received a $500 fine, and 3 month suspension, which coincidentally, has already passed, and will allow him to have his fight with rival Josh Koscheck. Could it be that the UFC's growing power allowed them to supress the story of their rising fighter, while promoting his training efforts with boxing legend, and fellow Hispanic hero, Oscar De La Hoya? Interesting indeed. Also, Diego has again voiced his desire to fight former Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, yet again. It seems if he can get past Koscheck, Diego may well get the next title shot, but only after current Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre, fights Matt Serra, and the winner fights Matt Hughes. I would think Diego would have time for another fight in the meantime, possibly against the loser of GSP/Serra. The 170 division should continue to be red hot in 2007.

Showtime's MMA show, Elite XC, has reportedly partnered up with Japanese power house K-1, in hopes of competing with the UFC. K-1 has their 1st Hero's show in America this year, but there has been little interest in the American MMA circles (due in large part to K-1's odd matchmaking, and shallow talent pool). Now the two groups will combine efforts in a co-PPV event, June 2nd. Brock Lesnar will make his long awaited MMA debut against giant Hong-Man Choi, along with the return of Royce Gracie vs TBA, and yet to be announced Elite XC fighters.

Elite XC already has a partnered show lined up with Strikeforce June 22, where Frank Shamrock and Phil Baroni will finally square off, as well as Ninja Rua vs Joey Villasenor for the Elite XC Middleweight Title.

If all that isn't enough, professional boxer Ray Mercer, has signed to fight in a MMA rules match, with internet sensation Kimbo Slice. Kimbo is known for his internet fights that contain few rules, and fat underwhelming challengers. Kimbo is very popular with the internet fanboys, but has a lot of punching power, little stamina, and less skill. Many fans have wanted a pro boxer to fight a MMA man, and they are actually considering this it. A 46 year old boxer, against a bare knuckle thug, who knows nothing about MMA, except for the punch, wonderful! June 16th, in Cage Fury 5. If you like crap, here's your show.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

UFC Has Bought Pride FC???????????




Oh my god has it finally happened? Rumors, yes just rumors at this point, but inside sources (I'm looking at you Josh Gross of Sherdog), that Pride FC President, Sakakibara, is flying toward Las Vegas as we write, to meet with Dana White and the other owners of the UFC. The deal is reportedly for $65-$75 million dollars. Pride FC has been in dire straits ever since losing their television deal in Japan, and a barrage of talent defections, as well as rumors of corruption due in part to an illegal relationship with the dreaded Yakuza.

So are we excited? Is this good for the sport? How will this affect the world of MMA?

IT SUCKS BALLS! This is the worst possible thing that could happen to MMA right now! Why you say, because it makes the UFC into a giant corporation (like it wasn't on its way already) that has the ability to monopolize the sport, ending the spirit of competition between companies, and bringing the sport into a Pro Boxing situation, with Dana White in the role of Don King. But what about the IFL, K-1 Hero's, and Elite XC? The IFL is the minor leagues of MMA (so what does that make King Of The Cage, Cage Rage, ICON, & Bodog, ect.) and their little team concept, cannot compete with the talent of the UFC, without the Pride FC stable of fighters added into the mix. K'1's chances of catching on here in the US, are about as good as the chances that Paris Hilton won't catch an STD. Elite XC is too new, and this newest UFC expansion puts them far behind in ability to compete. Lest we forget, the UFC already bought the WEC and is running that promotion as their personal minor league circuit.


MMA is on the verge of going mainstream, and become the wildly popular sport that it should be. However, we are soon to find one organization (UFC) controlling the fate of today's best fighters. With no reasonable competition, fighters must sign with the UFC, for what ever they are offering, or risk being blackballed, and stuck on a second rate show that few people see, and for less money than they should be making. They cannot bargain by saying, hey, pay me what I'm worth, or I'm going to fight in front of 105 people in a parking lot for King Of The Cage.

Ah but the super-fights, think of the super-fights! Fedor Emelianenko vs Mirko Cro Cop 2, Andrei Arlovski, or Randy Couture. Chuck Liddell vs Wanderlei Silva (finally), or Wanderlei vs Tito Ortiz 2. Takanori Gomi vs Sean Sherk or BJ Penn 2, or Paulo Filho vs Rich Franklin, vs Paulo Filho, vs Anderson Silva! Yeah right, think of all the great boxing matches Don King let happen over the years. Dana White and the UFC will play favorites (worse than they do now) and protect certain fighters, while giving the tough fights to men they don't like, or that negotiate for more money, or speak out for themselves, or even just for being a former Pride FC fighter.

Mainly, and please forgive me for the comparison, but its like when the WWE bought its rival WCW. At first it seemed heavenly, the top dogs together merging talent and making an ultimate show. But then, ever so slowly, the element of surprise and hypotheticals is gone (you know, the bar conversation topics that propel life along). Remember the buzz when Cro Cop came to the UFC, gone. Remember how great it was when BJ Penn, or Royce Gracie shocked the MMA world by showing up at a UFC event? Won't happen, because the best will be in the UFC, and rest will be in Bodog or worse. Choice is gone from the fans. If we buy more Elite XC PPV's, it makes the UFC put that much more into their PPV's, in hopes you will buy it. Now, the UFC owns it all. They'll give you what they want, and you have to deal with it. No more power to the people.

Maybe I'm chicken little and the sky is falling. Maybe Dana White and the UFC brass will give us those super-fights, and finally fill the PPV's with all great fights. Or maybe, they'll give us just enough, to stay beyond the reach of attempted competition, and jack the PPV price up to blistering pro boxing levels. It looks grim to me. One thing I know, I'm selling my IFL stock immediately.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Bas Rutten's New Role With The IFL


The legendary El Guapo, Bas Rutten has stepped down as the coach of his highly successful IFL team, the Anacondas. Bas has been offered the position as more of the "face" of the organization, and will join the broadcast booth as a color commentator, something he did quite well with Pride FC, as well as host a future IFL program on My Network TV.

This is good news, as the IFL really needs a great ambassador that can unite the fans with the company, and become a promoter that can push the sport and company, in the most professional and charismatic way possible.

Bas would not have the time to train his team, so assistant coach Sean Thompkins, will take over as the new coach.

Friday, March 09, 2007

MMA Suspensions, Rumors, & Insults







As many now know, Nick Diaz failed his drug test after Pride 33, Second Coming. However, Diaz tested positive for marijuana, not a performance enhancing drug. First off, marijuana should not be an illegal drug in America, not while alcohol, and readily available prescription drugs of all kinds, via a signature from a doctor who never even saw a patient, are. That being said, Diaz wasn't high at time of the fight, and THC, the active chemical in marijuana, stays within the body for 30 days or more, so who cares? Not I, marijuana doesn't affect a fighter, except to help them relax, or whatever, between fights. This is a non issue, especially since Nick will probably be suspended for 6 months, while he serves his 6 month medical suspension for a broken orbital bone, so no harm done. Gomi, be ready in 6.

Rashad Evans will finally be getting that top tier talent test soon, as rumors have him facing Tito Ortiz, another skilled wrestler/grappler, at UFC 71 in the United Kingdom.

Chuck Liddell's current opponent is pneumonia, but after he defeats that illness that has placed him in the hospital, it looks like Quinton Jackson will get the title shot. The unavenged rematch from earlier in Chuck's career, could happen this summer, as talks are currently under way. Though Rampage said he wanted a few more fights before a title shot, money talks, and the UFC desperately wants this high profile fight.

Anderson Silva has inked a deal to face long time contender, Nathan Marquardt! Nate has deserved a title shot for quite some time, and was denied the opportunity because fans thought he was boring, and not a big sell for PPV's. But the guy just keeps winning 6 fights in a row, 4 coming in the UFC.

Nate "Rock" Quarry, who hasn't been seen since his devastating KO loss to Rich Franklin, has had successful back and nasal surgeries, and is on the road to recovery. Nate will be looking to fight, possibly this summer.

Vice President of operations for Pride FC in America, Jerry Millen, is trying to put the Wanderlei Silva, fighting in UFC, rumor to bed. Jerry stated Dana White (UFC co-owner) doesn't want Wanderlei to fight now that he has lost 2 fights in a row, so Jerry has stated Pride FC will let Fedor Emelianenko fight anyone the UFC wants to put before the Last Emperor! Hey UFC & Dana White, you guys run your mouth about how Pride sucks, and any of your guys would win in a fight, here is your opportunity. Pick a man, anyone, and step up to face the best MMA fighter of the day. Liddell, Arlovski, Couture, Ortiz, hell, even Cro Cop. Since I know you won't do this, because of a smart fear of Fedor, shut the fuck up, and everyone can just operate two separate MMA companies, and continue to grow the sport!

Sunday, March 04, 2007

UFC 68: Couture Champion Again!


I was going to say its the year of the upset, but I believe I said that last year. At any rate, UFC 68 delivered a HUGE shock in the main event, as "Captain America" Randy "The Natural" Couture, won every single round in his fight with Tim Sylvia! In a fight where absolutely nobody (including myself) gave Randy a shot in hell, he came out and within 10 seconds, dropped the Champion with a right hook that caused the record sized MMA crowd to erupt with elation. Randy threw the perfect punch and then jumped on the ailing Sylvia, with a barrage of fists, until finally he took Tim's back. From there, Randy made little effort to improve his position, and Tim did a good job of defending, to cause a stalemate, and allow Tim the time to recover from the knockdown. Why the ref didn't stand them up, is reportedly because Randy had position, and as a ground fighter, is allowed more time to maneuver. This is curious, because there was absolutely zero action, and even Randy looked at the ref indicating he wanted stood back up. I have never seen a ref allow so little action on the ground, and not break it up. The crowd began to boo, and everyone was shaking their heads at the odd decision of the ref. The decision seemed shady at best, and by definition of the rules, the fighters should've been brought to the feet for a restart.
The round ended on the ground none the less, and Tim, the crowd, and even Randy were shocked at the 43 year olds start to the fight. In the 2nd, Randy landed jabs, got inside, and took the 6'8 giant down and pounded him. In the 3rd, Randy kept the fight on its feet, pushing the pace, and out striking the big man and causing obvious frustration for Sylvia. The 4th and 5th were more of the same, with Randy beating Tim to the punch, taking him down at will, and punishing Tim until his left eye swelled shut. On top and in control, the crowd counted down the clock, cheering Randy Couture on for his 3rd Heavyweight Title win, and 5th title in the UFC overall!
What seems most amazing to me, is not that at 43 years old, coming off two consecutive KO losses, a short retirement, and long odds against a giant power striker, but that Randy told Tim exactly what he was going to do before the fight, and then went out and executed that exact game plan to perfection. Amazing fight, with Randy proving all the doubters wrong, and shocking the world with his ageless fighting skill.
Rich Franklin proved he is back, after punishing Jason MacDonald so badly in the 2nd, that Jason could not answer the bell for the 3rd round, instead opting for a TKO loss. Rich felt ready, and with Anderson Silva in the ring, a future rematch for the Middleweight title, seems imminent.
Matt Hughes scored a lackluster decision win over the very game Chris Lytle. Chris actually came out and won the first round with a guillotine (though he didn't get the tapout), but in the 2nd, Hughes began to establish his wrestling, and easily won the round. The final round seemed to foreshadow what would happen in the Couture/Sylvia fight, as Matt stalled on top of Lytle, but the ref didn't stand them back up. Chris got beat, but gave Hughes a lot of frustration, and Dana White claims GSP and a title shot, will be next for Hughes.
Jason Lambert scored a big upset himself, knocking down, and knocking out, Babalu Sobral. Babalu controlled the 1st round, but at the start of the 2nd, seemed gassed, and kept his hands down, and sloppily ran in, to get clocked by Lambert's powerful hands. Babalu a once smart fighter, lost focus again (much like in his fight against Chuck Liddell) and now who knows what the future will hold for his career. Lambert is back in the mix as a Top Ten Light Heavyweight looking for another name to build his resume back up.
Martain Kampmann survived a brutal barrage of strikes early, from Drew McFedries. It seemed like Drew was on the way to a quick win, but Kampmann hung in there, landed some shots, got Drew to the mat, and beautifully maneuvered for an arm triangle choke.
Jon Fitch got his 12th win in a row, with a gutsy win over Luigi Fioravanti. OK, what does this guy have to do to get a big time fight? He is straight dominating people, and can't even get on the PPV. Jon says he wants to fight Karo Parisyan, so we will wait and see if he gets that big fight.
Matt Hamill, Jaime Varner, Gleison Tibau, and nobody cares.
Wow, Randy Couture is simply amazing, Tim Sylvia looked embarrassing, and like a bitch, when he went to his loss excuse of being injured. The winner of Cro Cop/Gonzaga, will get the next shot at Randy's Heavyweight Title. Championship rematches are in the future for Matt Hughes and Rich Franklin, while Lambert may soon face someone the caliber of a Tito Ortiz, while you shouldn't be surprised if Babalu gets cut from the UFC. Patrick Cote or Kendall Grove could be good opponents for Martin Kampmann, and how about Tim Sylvia possibly finding himself in the Super-Heavyweight Grand Prix in Pride FC, later this year? That could be interesting.

Friday, March 02, 2007

UFC 68 The Uprising (That's the name they came up with?)

This card is so weak I almost forgot it was coming up this weekend. Randy coming out of retirement, and going into a coma, Hughes return, Franklin's return, Jon "People Pay Attention To This Guy" Fitch, and, well, not much else. Good luck trying outperform Pride 33 last weekend. At any rate, on to the debacle.

Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia 25-2 vs Randy "The Natural" Couture 14-8 I love Randy Couture, let me just say that off the bat. Randy is giving up around 40lbs. and 6 inches to the giant Sylvia (not Giant Silva). Couture is 75, and has been through wars, and is coming off 2 consecutive brutal KO losses. Sylvia is a KO monster, with absolute thunder in his hands, good sprawl, which is Randy's only chance in this fight (to take Tim down), and has all the motivation in the world, with this being his biggest name fight of his career. Randy has to get inside Tim, and clinch, in order to take him down, and hold him there, something the much stronger Jeff Monson could not do in 5 rounds! Randy fears no man, and I respect that, but this fight doesn't get out of the 1st round. I hope Couture proves me wrong, and goes down in history as the immortal "Captain America" ageless wonder we all want him to be, I just seriously doubt it.
WINNER-Sylvia by KO

Matt Hughes 42-5 vs Chris "Lights Out" Lytle 32-13-4 Chris is a good guy, and I wish him the best. Matt Hughes will destroy him! Hughes is coming off the loss of his title to GSP, has re found motivation, is close to his home, and simply has much more talent than the likeable Lytle. Matt will not screw around here, opting to take this fight to the mat for a G&P win.
WINNER-Hughes by TKO

Rich "Ace" Franklin 22-2 vs "The Athlete" Jason MacDonald 19-7 Ooooh, a lot of Franklin doubters now that he was dismantled at the hands of Anderson Silva. MacDonald is impressing everyone with his recent wins (Leben, Herman), but lets not go crazy here. Rich was a champ for a reason, and has dominated most of his career. On the ground MacDonald is slick, Rich is no joke either, but will try to stay on the feet none the less. MacDonald is buying into his own hype, while Rich is ready to begin redemption in his home state! Clinch (yes I said clinch even after his title fight loss), stand up, stamina, and just plain skill belong to Franklin. Not that this will be a walk in the park, I envision a decent fight going into later rounds, but Mac doesn't have the game to hang with Franklin for an entire fight, and Saturday will prove it.
WINNER-Franklin TKO

Renato "Babalu" Sobral 27-6 vs Jason "The Punisher" Lambert 22-6 Both coming off devastating losses in their respective careers, and must have a win to remain relevant in the Light Heavyweight division. Lambert came in fat for his loss to Rashaad, and Babalu's lame game plan got him KO'd against Chuck Liddell. This should be a no brainer for Sobral to win, but, at a recent submission fight, Renato came in waaay out of shape, which could spell disaster, if he hasn't mentally, and physically recovered from the title fight loss. A ground affair for both men begs the question, does Babalu really want this, and was Lambert's recent loss due to lack of focus and training? Interesting fight, I must lean toward the higher level of Babalu, but I'm not feeling completely confident about it.
WINNER-Babalu by submission

Jon Fitch 12-2 vs Luigi Fioravanti 10-1 Luigi is the power puncher with one punch KO power, while Fitch is a Miletich grinder, who punishes people for the entire fight. If Jon stays away from those heavy hands, he'll out wrestle, and out class Luigi. Could be a real gritty tough fight though, with both men taking a beating. Look for Fitch to take this to the ground and pound out the win.
WINNER-Fitch by decision

Drew McFedries 5-1 vs Martin Kampmann 11-1 Drew was very impressive in his gutsy brawling stoppage against Alessio Sakara, but Kampmann is a striker by nature (Drew is a Miletich wrestler). I see this being a win win for the fans, an exciting fight, and thus, Drew's downfall. He shouldn't stand, instead taking this to the ground where he can win, but will probably box with Martin, to impress people (he does have a great chin) and there he will lose.
WINNER-Kampmann by decision

Matt "What?" Hamill 2-0 vs Rex Holman 4-1 Holman can stop people with his hands, and Matt doesn't like to be hit, and has had cardio issues. Both men are stellar world class wrestlers, so the ground so prove a stalemate. Could be a boring wrestling match, but if on the feet, Hamill has little shot. Still, I imagine the UFC fed this guy to Hamill for a reason, since they are trying to build him up.
WINNER-Hamill by decision

Glesion Tibau 11-4 vs Jason Dent 12-7 Neither of these guys are appealing, and both are coming off losses. Tibau can submit, Dent is a Muay Thai guy. Striker vs submission. Either way, who cares, and why is this on a PPV?
WINNER-Gleison

Jaime "The Worm" Varner 11-2 vs Jason "The Gizzard (yes the Gizzard) Gilliam" 9-0 Isn't the old saying, the Gizzard gets the worm? Anywho, Varner absolutely ran, and I mean ran, in his last fight with Hermes Franca before mercifully getting armbar'd to stop the madness. I've been waiting to see Gilliam, who comes highly touted, as a tough guy, who never gives up, and punishes his opponents.
WINNER-Gilliam by TKO

There ya go, enjoy a PPV card worthy of a free Spike TV show.