You Have GOT To Be Kidding Me News

Kiss your coveted Lightweight Title goodbye Mr. Sean Sherk. "After testing both "A" and "B" samples of the urine specimen provided by Sherk the day before the fight, the UFC champion's Nandrolone level was certified by the Director of Science and Technology at the lab conducting the tests at 12 ng/ml, two times higher than the threshold allowed by the CSAC, said the state regulatory body." The "Muscle Shark" (how funny is that name now?) has been fined and is banned for 365 days for this incident of cheating. Many have always wondered how this unbelievably muscular guy could cut from 179lbs. all the way down to 155lbs. for a fight, now we have insight on how he trains to accomplish these goals. Its so sad to see a guy who truly loved to compete and that belt meant so much to him will now be stripped from his hands as he sits on his ass for a year! Sean told anyone who would listen on UFC All Access about how hard he trains and how meticulously he takes care of his body and only eats the healthiest food. Looks to me like Sherk is a bit of a liar and should really be ashamed for this embarrassing act. Smacks Palmeiro of Baseball, waving his finger in the face of Congress saying he never did steroids, and then getting busted for it.

So, let's give the title to the man he beat that night with the help of banned substances, Hermes Franca. Not so fast. Hermes has also tested positive for steroids! Hermes at least admitted to the act days before the tests were to come out saying "In the next few days, the results from the California Commission will be released. The tests will show that I had a "banned substance" in my system. I would like to apologize to my fans, the UFC, my students and family. I offer only an explanation and not an excuse. I made a decision during a difficult time in my training for the fight that I regret." He went on to say he had injured his ankle and told the UFC he needed to postpone the fight. They of course would not so he allegedly took the steroids to heal faster and make the fight.

What I cannot fathom about all of this, is that the fighters know they are going to be tested! Tests for MMA fights do not include every fighter on the card, but they always include men in title fights and the main events. Knowing this and still testing positive for steroids is just stupid. At a time when the sport of MMA is starting to gain positive recognition in mainstream America, these idiots (Sean Sherk, Carter Williams, Hermes Franca, Jonnie Morton, Kevin Randleman, Melvin Guillard, Vitor Belfort, and lest we forget Royce Gracie) are tarnishing the name of the sport, and setting horrible examples for the people who already are against the sport for whatever reasons.

The UFC has not even ran a story about these incidences on their website, but I for one cannot wait for them to strip the title from Sherk and put it up for grabs with two deserving combatants. Hmmm, Spencer Fisher and Din Thomas have a match coming up. That would be a good place to start, but where does all of this leave BJ Penn who was supposed to get the next crack at Sean and the title? A fine mess the UFC will be sorting through in the next few weeks and for the rest of the MMA fighters who are using steroids, take your heads out of your asses already. The MMA Athletic Commissions are testing for steroids and are serious.

Amen Brother

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Clearing Up The MMA Mess

There have been so many rumors running rampant these days that we need to clear a few things up lest people get the wrong idea.

First, the confirmed. Chuck Liddell will fight Keith Jardine at UFC 76 in November. Although Dana White came out and said Wanderlei Silva turned down the fight with Chuck, that is simply not true. Dana claimed Wand was washed up and worried after his 2 consecutive KO losses. In actuality, Dana is the spoiled brat, who when things don't go his way, gets upset, pouts, and talks shit. Silva is currently moving to America to live, train, and refocus his MMA career. The date of September was the only problem. Wand asked it to be in November and said,"I want to fight Chuck in November and make a huge show, and make it the biggest show ever...I have no doubt it's the most important fight of my life. I know Chuck is a great name in the U.S., we'll have a great fight. I think I must be in my best shape, so I want to take this time to train better and be in my best shape ever." Dana said no it must be September, and Wand said no. End the bullshit. To make matters worse, Dana moved Chuck's fight with Jardine to November just to claim that is always when he wanted the fight, which is just not the case. It is simply a UFC bury job on a guy who isn't signed to the company, and won't leap whenever Dana barks orders to fight his friend (yes Chuck and Dana are "good" friends so who's interests do you think the UFC is looking out for?). I almost think when Silva does decide to fight and sign somewhere, he should go where there aren't mad politics involved, and to a promoter who wants him to do well, not just come in, be defeated, and leave. White is getting out of control with his mouth and is becoming a Don King or worse, Vince McMahon.

On said UFC 76 card, the earlier reported fight between Jason Lambert and Shogun Rua has been changed as well. Jason will now fight Wilson Gouveia, while Shogun will take on the always loveable Forrest Griffin. Ryoto Machida was initially thought to be the man, but a "leaked" poster revealed Forrest as the next victim, er fight, for Shogun.

Spencer "The King" Fisher, fresh off his spectacular win over Sam Stout, is slated to face Din Thomas at UFC Fight Night September 11. Can you say #1 contenders fight? I'm telling you now, the winner of this Lightweight contest should get the winner of Sean Sherk vs BJ Penn (November).

Renato "Babalu" Sobral was arrested last week but it was not spousal abuse as reported. The two charges (battery & trespassing) came from an altercation with a bouncer who wouldn't let Babalu into the party for which the WEC promotion was throwing for him! Apparently, you need to have more ID than your name upon the shirt you are wearing (yes he was wearing his name on his shirt). When pigs, er police arrived, Sobral was arrested with the misdemeanors and the bouncer was later informed that he is a jackass.

Congratulations to Ross "Gladiator" Pointon who finally got a win this past weekend at Cage Rage 22 ending a 4 fight losing streak. Sure the guy's record is 5-9, but we love Ross here at MMAFO and are glad to see him get the much deserved win. Butterbean was TKO'd at the same even by Tengiz Tedoradze who is really starting to look good and come into his own as of late. Could we see Tedoradze vs Bob Sapp please? James Thompson was KO'd yet again in his homeland by Neil Grove who took the fight on 1 day's notice and it was his 1st MMA fight! Could someone please get a hold of Colossus and make him into the fighter he should be? I mean if Bas Rutten can be training Kimbo Slice, someone should try to mold Thompson into a smarter fighter that he has been. Noted ref Herb Dean lost a fight in which he was actually winning via an eye injury and promptly retired from fighting.

Time for Royce Gracie's reply to failing his steroid drug test after his rematch with Kazushi Sakuraba. "I did not appeal the decision because I have been in Spain for the last 1 1/2 (months) on vacation with my family, and for me to appeal, I would have to get a lawyer, and then get some experts to run tests and then get more experts to argue with their experts -- or I can just pay $2,500 fine, and sit out for one year," Gracie said via e-mail Monday. "Well, I fight once a year anyway and it's much cheaper to pay $2,500 in fine than $10,000 retainer to attorney's alone. As for my fans, those who believe me, believe me anyway, and those who don't, does not matter what I do, or what I say, they will not believe anyway." Does it satisfy you, me either.

Mike Swick had some trash talk for Chris Leben who has turned down a rematch with his long time rival. “What it comes down to is that Leben’s got a win over me, and he’s been blabbing about it since the show,” said Swick. “At UFC Fight Night 11, I would get to take that away from him. I don’t think he wants to gamble. It’s a cheap move. And he can’t give me the respect to let me avenge that loss? All that talk he talks, and this is how it goes? I think he lost that warrior spirit.“ Hmmm, with Chris not having a big mouth or anything, I'm guessing there will be no reply.

Finally, 38 year old (how is that possible?) Roy Jones Jr. (51-4) won a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Anthony Hanshaw capturing the IBC Light Heavyweight title. The scorecards favored Jones 114-113, 117-110 and 118-109. It was the second straight victory for Jones, but only the 2nd win in 5 fights for the former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight champion. "I'm not going to go home and get out of shape," Jones promised. "I'm going to stay in shape, and whoever wants it, they can come on and get it." There ya go Joe.

Jorge Gurgel Indefinately Suspended

Now I have doubted whether or not Jorge Gurgel could be a #1 contender for the UFC Lightweight Title, but I won't question the heart and the willingness of this guy to compete until the end. After his war with Diego Saraiva, Jorge was "pissing blood," had a broken jaw, and a "facial fracture." This earned Gurgel $14,000 and an indefinite medical suspension from the California Athletic Commission.

Jorge earned $14,000 in one night of work, and all the best to Gurgel in his recovery process. Hey, at least he won the unanimous decision upping his record to 11-2.

UFC Stacked Sucked, Reactions and Revulsions

Anderson Silva did it yet again, needing only 1 round to TKO #1 contender Nate Marquardt. "The Great" took Silva to the ground early and began to work, only to be stood up very prematurely. We had just watched Sean Sherk lay on Hermes Franca for 25 minutes, and Nate was barely given 15 seconds to work on the floor. Am I saying the UFC had motive here, hell yes! Not only was the PPV running behind schedule, and the Arco Arena crowd had boo'd non-stop through the Sherk/Franca fight, and ref John McCarthy refereed the final 3 fights on the card, which hasn't happened since he was the only ref for the UFC. So moving back to the action, Nate got clinch on "Spider" from behind but Silva did an absolutely beautiful transition around Nate's back and took him down in one motion. It was classic and from there, Silva did his thing and reigned down the blows turtling Nate up and causing the stoppage. Silva looked great again and Rich Franklin sat in the crowd awaiting his turn next.

The aforementioned Sherk/Franca fight did go the distance with Sean Sherk winning all the rounds on 2 cards and 4 on the final one. It was a dominating performance like we have rarely seen! Sherk came charging in and ate a brutal knee from Hermes Franca and still drove the challenger into the cage, though they landed with Sean in the guillotine. The hold was very tight, but that thick neck of Sean didn't give and the champ got out. From there, Sean moved in and out of the guard, passing to full mount, side control, and anywhere he wanted as if he was dancing. Now repeat for 4 rounds. Sean comes out, eats a knee (seriously he ate the same knee the same way 4 times) takes Franca down, does whatever he wants and wins rounds. The end. I know the crowd boo'd the ground game which is wrong. What Sean did transitioning where he pleased whenever he wanted was simply amazing. The only problem I had with Sherk, was when in position on Franca, he just refused to poise up and land any strikes that would actually have a chance at ending the fight. He dropped elbows here and there, and kept busy, but his punches were always in close range and never did any sort of damage. Its the difference between a fighter trying to win a round, or trying to end a fight. Sean's game was most impressive in how easily he dominated a ju jitsu blackbelt on the floor. I just wish he would not be so cautious, especially when he is just owning the fight.

Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans took their fight to a draw in a lackluster affair. Tito came out early taking Evans down, and doing absolutely nothing with it like he always does. In the 2nd, Evans still looked nervous and Tito would take him down, and he would get up. Toward the end of the round Rashad seemed to get comfortable and landed some good strikes and had Tito taken down, until Ortiz grabbed the fence for the 3rd time in the round. The ref warned him repeatedly and finally took a point. In the 3rd, Tito looked very gassed, but the still tentative Evans did just enough with timid striking and a last minute takedown to win the round and cause the draw. The fight was as lame as both of these guys tend to be, and the only interesting notes came when the two trash talked each other in the post fight press conference. Rashad/Tito 2 is coming soon.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira defeated Heath Herring for the 3rd time, though it was an entertaining fight. Heath was getting dominated as always in the 1st, when he landed an awkward kick to Big Nog's chin that sent him to the floor. Rocked like I have never seen, Nog took a few more shots from the attacking Herring, and literally seconds from stopping the fight with strikes, Heath stood up inviting Antonio back to the feet! Nog could barely stand up and the time ran out as everyone was wondering what the fuck Herring was thinking? He had the fight won. Even if he had stayed on the ground landing punches to Nogs arms it was about to be over! The 2nd starts and Rodrigo is still wobbly. Of course Heath rushed in to finish the job, oh wait, he sat there and let 90 seconds run off the clock allowing Nog to get his wits back. Not to completely bag on Herring, he did show a lot of heart got out of some tough spots on his way to a bloody loss. It has to be viewed as a horrible lapse of reason for Heath and a lackluster debut for Big Nog.

Kenny Florian did it again and looked impressive, and in his best shape ever en route to a sub win via strikes over Robinson.

Stephan Bonnar returned from his suspension to easily stop Mike Nickels (why is he employed with the UFC?) in the 1st round with the rear naked choke.

Jorge Gurgel survived a war with Diego Saraiva to get the close decision win.

Chris Lytle looked very impressive with his submission win and dominance of Jason Gillam.

Frankie Edgar got his 2nd win in the UFC with an early stoppage win over Mark Bocek. It wasn't Frank's fault and I think he was going to win anyway, but the ref did stop it a little soon as Mark rolled out of trouble only to see the ref waiving the fight off.

The Sherk lay-fest didn't make this card suck. The Tito/Evans yawnfest didn't make this card suck. What made this card suck, was that the last fight of the evening was Florian's bout, and when it ended there was 25 minutes left until 12:00am when the show was to end. Instead of showing us any (they didn't fucking show any) of the prelim fights, we got an extra long "inside look" for the new movie "Chuck & Larry", and then the PPV went off the air 12minutes early!! What the fuck? Not to mention that bullshit, the UFC had mismanaged their time so badly this evening, that Marquardt was stood up waaay too early (especially given how much Tito & Sean were allowed lay on the mat without action) which I believe led to his defeat, and Kenny Florian and Alvin Robinson were were rushed to the octagon with little fanfare after they had been "warming up" from 6:00pm and told 3 times by management they were on next, only to be put on hold again and again. Disrespectful to their fighters, and disrespectful to their fans.

Bonnar's win took 2:14 while Lytle's win took 2:15 and both could've been shown in their entirety on the PPV. The UFC really showed me that they are making so much money, they can do whatever the fuck they want and screw the fans. This so called "Stacked" card which Dana White said was the best MMA card of all time, turned out to be average at best, and to top it all off, some guy in the smoking area of the Arco Arena went to jump a guardrail not realizing it was a 30foot drop, and fell to his death. Wonderful evening, please enjoy the buffet.

UFC 73 Stacked

Dana White claims this is not only the greatest MMA card of all time, but the greatest combat sport card of all time. I'm not so sure about that, but there are some good fights here, and definitely recognizable names for the newer MMA fans. Lets just hope this sets a precedent for future Zuffa ran cards, to load up on talent unlike the dismal UFC 72 in Ireland.

Middleweight Champion Anderson "Spider" Silva 18-4 vs Nate "The Great" Marquardt 28-6-1 I'm starting out with an upset pick. Most MMA theologians believe the sometimes cautious Nate will be bolled over by the slick and vicious attack of Silva who has just blasted his way through the UFC. Keep in mind folks, in his last fight Silva barely squeaked through an overweight, Travis Lutter who basically gassed and gave up. Marquardt is not going to have issues with cardio coming from Greg Jackson's camp, and the guys stand up is strong, and we all know what he can do on the ground. I have seen Silva tire on occasion and off his back, I don't think he's as effective as everyone wants to believe. Marquardt will take this fight to the floor and that is his key to win. It may take a few rounds, but look for Nate to avoid the strikes and take this fight to the mat for a possible submission, but most likely, a decision win.
WINNER-Nate The Great (by decision)

Lightweight Champion Sean "Muscle Shark" Sherk 35-2-1 vs Hermes Franca 19-5 Everyone is also picking overwhelmingly for Sherk here, but this time I agree. Sean is an absolute Juggernaut beast who is now healthy, and is going to pound his way through the lovable Franca. Franca's best bet is a ju jitsu submission on the ground, but he won't have much of a chance with Sean's short arms or his gargantuan neck. Sherk knows what to do with those looping crazy punches from Hermes, and will probably be able to out strike him on the feet before he takes things to his home on the mat where he pounds out the victory for his 1st title defense.
WINNER-Sean Sherk (by TKO 3rd round)

Tito Ortiz 16-5 vs Rashad "Sugar" Evans 15-0 Once again let me stress, "sugar" doesn't work for me as Evans nickname. It just doesn't mesh. Anywho, though Tito is coming off his 2nd loss to Chuck, I think he beats the up and comer. Tito is much bigger than Rashad, and I question whether or not Evans can keep pace with the ever active Ortiz. Yes, Rashad KO'd Sean Salmon in spectacular fashion in his last fight, but keep in mind he lost the 1st round of that fight to a wrestler who was out striking him and besides the Jason Lambert fight, who has he ever beaten of note? Tito has been against the toughest and with this being the last fight on his UFC contract, he will be as motivated as ever (he's a greedy little bitch which may drive him more than anything) and quite frankly, I believe will out muscle and outwork Rashad on his way to a victory. It won't be pretty (Tito fights never are), but he'll out wrestle the undefeated Sugar take this fight on points.
WINNER-Tito (by decision)

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira 29-4-1 vs Heath "Texas Crazy Horse" Herring 27-12-1 Ummm, haven't I seen this fight twice before? Oh yes I have, so with Heath losing both contests, why are we seeing this again? My guess is the UFC is very disappointed in Herrings efforts so far in the #1 MMA company, and want Big Nog to dismantle him and then send him away. Antonio is being introduced to the American fans for the most part, and the #2 Heavyweight in the world will not disappoint. The guy may be the best submission fighter in any weight class, he has a chin of iron, and he already knows how to beat Herring. They could fight 10 times and I don't know that Heath would win one. I like Heath, but he won't KO Big Nog, and that is his only chance.
WINNER-Antonio Nogueira (submission round 2)

Stephan Bonnar 12-4 vs Mike Nickels 5-1 Everyone welcome Stephan back from an 11 month steroid suspension and two straight losses. As for the match, I've never seen anything of worth from Mike including his supposed ju jitsu prowess. Bonnar's got this on the feet and the ground. And for the record, I still think Stephan's win over Keith Jardine was legit, and I still think he should've got the decision the 1st time against Forrest Griffin. Lets just hope Bonnar has got his personal (no more porn stars) and professional life in order for his MMA return.
WINNER-Bonnar (TKO 2nd)

Kenny "Kenflo" Florian 8-3 vs Alvin Robinson 9-1 I told ya before, Kenflo has proved me wrong too many times and I'm finally giving the guy credit. He's a tough kid (see the Sean Sherk fight), with razor sharp elbows, great low kicks, and is a ju jitsu blackbelt. Alvin is pretty much an unknown with submission skills, but I think, possibly for the 1st time in his career, Kenflo can dominate on the feet to win this fight. Ken, you finally made me a fan of you, now just don't make a liar out of me.
WINNER-Kenflo (TKO cut)

Chris "I Got Robbed At The TUF Finals" Lytle 32-14-4 vs Jason "Gizzard (seriously that's his nickname)" Gilliam Now Lytle has all the experience in the world, and is a much more well rounded fighter, but Jason is a really tough KO striker. Avoiding the feet, Chris should win this on the floor with a nice boring victory. Final note, Gilliam is also a Lightweight who took this Welterweight fight on short notice.
WINNER-Lytle (wake me up for the decision)

Jorge Gurgel 13-2 vs Diego Saraiva 9-4-1 Will the real Jorge Gurgel please stand up. This guy has been touted as a Lightweight contender forever, I just have never seen this potential everyone says he has. His stand up is wild, and his "legendary" ju jitsu has been absent for quite some time. Granted the guy has had a lot of injuries, but he is now supposed to be 100% healthy, so no excuses. This is a fight he should/must win, and must win with style (unlike the Danny Abbadi split decision win and cmon, Danny is horrible) just to remain a possibility in the Lightweight Division.
WINNER-Gurgel (TKO)

Frankie Edgar 6-0 vs Mark Bocek 4-0 Everyone, including myself, became and instant fan of Edgar after his "Fight Of The Year Nominee" performance against the seemingly unstoppable Tyson Griffin. The guys wrestling skills are off the chain (do the kids still say that?) and he can take and throw a punch. Bocek is a great submission guy, but Frankie has transitions on the ground like I have never seen. The non-stop Edgar should take this and probably early.
WINNER-Edgar (TKO rd1)

There ya go. It felt like a pretty easy card to pick except for perhaps Tito/Rashad and Silva/Marquardt. We'll soon see how I do, but lest I let you forget, I picked the last 2 UFC cards 100% correctamundo. Who is that I see in the Sacramento crowd? Is that Gomi? Look closely.

MMA Speculation

Frank Shamrock has found himself a "wanted man" after his recent pounding of Phil Baroni. People are speculating on just who he will face next and it seems his drawing power is back up to full power.

San Shou wizard Cung Le's name has been mentioned, but I believe that would be a big step up in competition for a popular prospect. Renzo Gracie has already stated emphatically that he will take a rematch with Frank to settle things from their last fight which ended in a controversial DQ.

And finally, Nick Diaz has thrown his name into the mix. "Nick Diaz, who is signed with ProElite, has requested to face Frank Shamrock as soon as possible. After a spectacular win against Takanori Gomi, Diaz seems intent on enrolling himself for higher profile fights. With both fighters fighting in the same organization this fight seems the logical next step in what would be as an MMA fan's dream come true.
"I watched his last fight and no disrespect intended but I think I would whoop his ass.", stated Diaz. A formal offer of intent has been delivered to the promoters to set this fight up and now we await their response." All three possible bouts would be a great addition to any fight card.

Frank's brother Ken Shamrock has been officially waived from the UFC roster. Ken did have 1 fight left on his contract, which he has recently stated he wanted to fulfill. Instead, Shamrock was cut last week and has said he wants at least 1 more fight in his career, perhaps in the IFL where he coaches. Given their past history and constant verbal wars, a rematch with fellow IFL coach Don Frye could be looming in the distance. Good to see the young guys still trying to fight, and the IFL seems to love the air gasping old man wars (Pat Miletich, Maurice Smith, Marco Ruas) so don't be surprised if it happens.

Pride FC fan favorite Hayato "Mach" Sakurai has signed with the UFC and his 1st fight may be against Diego Sanchez at UFC 75 August 25th. The bout is not official yet, but it will be interesting to see Mach return to the Welterweight division, and see another major test for the formerly undefeated Sanchez. Diego was in line for a title shot before losing a lackluster fight with his sworn enemy Josh Koscheck. A win could really put the vet Mach in the mix, while a loss for Diego would really set him back. Interesting competitive fight.

Shogun Rua's debut for the UFC is scheduled for September 22, but Mauricio tweaked his knee which probably won't take him out of the fight, but it is a concern for the Chute Boxe trainers. His opponent has yet to be announced, but it is looking like Jason Lambert may get the call.

In some final buzz notes, former Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner is slated to return to the UFC at the aforementioned September event. Contracts will be up for Tito Ortiz and Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk after this weekend's UFC PPV, and it will be interesting to see if Tito Ortiz tries to test the free agent market, rather than stay with the UFC where he is constantly butting heads with Dana White, and isn't likely to be in the Light Heavyweight title scene any time soon.