UFC 82 Pride Of A Champion

UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson "Spider" Silva 20-4 vs Pride FC Middleweight Champion "Dangerous" Dan "Hendo Hollywood" Henderson 22-6 Clinch up and fight for the unified Middleweight Title! Both straps are on the line and we know both men want to lock up but work the clinch in very different ways. Silva likes to employ the Muay Thai style with knees and elbows while Dan works with Greco Roman wrestling style roughing you up in route to the floor. Anderson has just been rolling over people and has stopped 8 fighters in a row (discounting the DQ with Okami). Silva has not gone the distance in a fight since 2004 and will use his size to strike from the outside and superior speed to dole out constant punishment. Henderson loves the ground and pound style Team Quest is known for and that right hand is solid iron. Dan has a chin as well and is used to fighting bigger people though I believe he'll be stronger than Anderson. He also loves to throw punches and just slug it out though in a sloppy fashion that Silva can key in on with his pinpoint accuracy. I just look for Dan to survive early and try to take this fight to the floor where I believe he can win. He just cannot keep his distance and use trips in the clinch to takedown Silva and out point him for a decision victory. That only leaves 25 minutes for Silva to land that strike that ends the day for Henderson.
WINNER-Dan Henderson by decision

Cheick Kongo 11-3-1 vs "The Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring 27-13-1 Keep in mind everyone riding the jock of Kongo after his rib breaking upset of Mirko Cro Cop that Cheick was beaten on the floor by Carmelo Marrero 7-2 an average at best wrestling fighter. Heath knows he cannot hang with Kongo on the feet and has to win this fight just to remain employed with the UFC never mind being a part of the Heavyweight conversation. Herring has 16 submission wins and Kongo isn't good at stopping the takedowns like when he scraped out a win versus another average fighter in Assuerio Silva back in 2007. Kongo was aggressive because he was fighting a fellow striker in Cro Cop who has never gone for a takedown in his career. Heath is a fighter who is known for the floor action, and besides wanting to look good against Nogueira, knows he is outclassed most of the time, and especially this time on the feet. An execution of a standard takedown and I believe Kongo can be submitted. Herring must bob and weave standing but only a fool would trade punches with the exra large Frenchman.
UPSET PICK SPECIAL WINNER-Heath Herring by submission in Round 2!

Yushin "Thunder" Okami 22-4 vs Evan "Lone Wolf" Tanner 34-6 The former Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner returns from a 2 year fighting vacation where he battled alcohol addiction, financial ruin, and a lost sense of self. He claims the demons are behind him as he returns to action, but is still bouncing around from gym to gym for his sporadic training. Okami however has been near the top for a while now and is desperate for a win to keep him near title contention against the Champ Anderson Silva who he holds a victory over. If it were the Evan of old it would be one thing, but picking such a unstable man against an elite fighter would be crazy. Tanner's game is the floor but so is the stronger, younger, and more talented Okami. Gas him out and submit him on the floor.
WINNER-Yushin Okami by submission Round 2

Chris Leben 17-4 vs Alessio Sakara 16-6-1 Leben comes back from his upset win over the stupidly cocky Terry Martin and Sakara is still Sakara. He strikes does nothing else, and has not shown the best chin (KO losses to Alexander & McFedries) and is oh so susceptible to any and all submissions. Leben will test the punching power early, but with his new UFC contract he'll trip Sakara to the floor looking to submit him or at least win 3 rounds on points.
WINNER-Chris Leben by decision

Jon Fitch 20-2-1 vs Chris Wilson 12-3-1 Welcome to the UFC Chris as a replacement for the injured Akihiro Gono, and you get to fight the true #1 contender? in the Welterweight division. Sorry about that. Chris is no pussy coming from Team Quest and sporting big wins over Rory Markham and Jary Hieron. If Jon sleeps on this kid he's going to find trouble in a hurry. I think that this close to a title shot and with his brutal regimen training, Fitch is always ready for war wherever it takes place. 14 fight winning streak for Fitch who has just been beating the crap outta people. This may end up a dogfight but Fitch finds a way to win in a brawl.
WINNER-Jon Fitch

Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski 13-5 vs Jake O'Brien 10-0 Jake can take you down with wrestling experience but has bad standup and a questionable chin. Arlovski has some of the most crisp and powerful punches in the game and great takedown defense. It only takes one with the Pitbull who is on his final UFC fight and pissed about being put on the undercard, and left sitting on the UFC bench for almost a year. Lay & pray is definitely the name of the game for O'Brien but he just won't have enough with the ultra athletic and angry man from Belarus. By the by, Jake mentioned that the UFC will show the bout only if he wins. I wonder what Andrei thinks of that?
WINNER-Andrei Arlovski by TKO

Josh "Blanket" Koscheck 11-2 vs Dustin Hazelett 12-3 Wrestling versus submission? I actually don't think so. Kos is learning to punch at ATT which led to his success against Sanchez (see below). There is no reason to trade with a ground warrior if he isn't that special on the feet. People are calling decision but I see Josh's improved stand up ending this bout earlier than expected. Pundits also overlook the fact when he wants to, Kos has great takedown defense.

WINNER-Koscheck in less boring than normal style

Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez 19-2 vs David Bielkheden 12-5 Say Dave's name I dare you. So Diego the "future" of the Welterweight division finds himself coming off 2 straight losses after being undefeated and leaving Greg Jackson's ranks (which I still believe is a mistake). Kos just surprised him with his punching and Fitch is the elite of the division. All that is the past though folks. Diego is still a wrestling monster who is learning to throw his decent combinations while looking as angry as a love song intro'd Oscar De La Hoya. Davey can play the ground game as well but not match the intensity and stamina Diego brings into every fight (minus the staff infection fight with Koscheck).

WINNER-Nightmare barbarian style

Luke "Weezer" Cummo 9-4 vs Luigi Fioravanti 12-3 A lot of people are going for Luke in this who cares these two are destined for obscurity except for the returning factoid that Cummo drinks his urine daily bout but I'm not so sure. Luigi has a ridiculous chin and lumbering punches that put people to sleep. Cummo must take this to the floor to win though everyone says he is a better striker (which I still don't get). Better team also goes to Luigi with ATT while Cummo dines at Matt Serra's academy. Stamina Luke, power Luigi, breath to Luke, but I still take the bigger fella.

UPSETPICKWINNER-Luigi by decision

Jorge Gurgel 14-3 vs John Alverson 16-5 Hey lets end this with a who cares match featuring a overrated Brazilian (Jorgey) and a plain jane Iowan (John). Jorge is tuff, will outwork you, and can fall back on his Ju Jitsu after his flailing hands fail him.

WINNER-Jorge by who is John again?

If Kos and Diego win their bouts and you cannot see a rematch coming, you are as blind as anyone who dates Paris Hilton. Okami becomes #1 contender if Anderson wins but if he loses he'll rematch Henderson,but I bet Silva takes a deserved vacation, and Henderson asks Dana White why his buddy Matt Lindland still isn't signed while Arlovski goes to Elite XC, Fitch asks why he isn't #1 contender for the winner of Serra/GSP while Karo slides into that spot later next month, and finally Randy Couture ignores the PPV laughing with Mark Cuban on a pile of cash watching Deuce Bigalow. Don't get the Rob Schneider reference you aren't paying close enough attention. Oh lest I forget and I've asked for it many times, can someone fire Sakara already?

The Beast Falls At Strikeforce

Bob "The Beast" Sapp 9-3-1 is not doing himself any favors of ending the "pro wrestler/actor only" by his TKO loss to JanNortje 2-5 Saturday at Strikeforce At The Dome. Jan is by no means a decent MMA fighter but damn, Sapp looked nothing short of out of shape and embarrassing before the fight even began. He cut a nice promo before the fight yelling as if he were still a pro wrestler and laughing at the end of every sentence. Nortje an undefeated Pro Boxer and experienced kickboxer who stands 6'11 333 lbs. was not intimidated. He came out striking as Bob tried to clinch up and take the fight to the floor. The attempts were just sad and Nortje just began to unload as Bob ran away swinging like a kid running from a bully. I haven't seen him get his ass kicked this badly since Cro Cop hit him so hard in K-1 that he shit his pants and folded to the mat. Its almost hard to believe a guy that big could have such a weak chin, but hey, he's proved it over and over again. I don't care to watch this guy fight anymore. Stick to movies and wrestling big fella where they can cover up that after 2:00 of action you can no longer breathe.

"I'm looking past Cory Devela." said a confident Joe Riggs before the fight. After the fight, he was carried from the ring in a stretcher. Granted, Riggs has been complaining of a back injury after a car wreck a while back, and Devala's hip toss didn't do it any favors but, I was glad to see Cory 8-1 win as he is turning into a very nice fighter. Riggs lost his "tune up" fight and went to the hospital to console his ego while Cory begins to sneak into MMA fans radar.

Maurice Smith welcomed Rick Rufus to his 1st MMA fight by taking him down and submitting him in 1:53. These guys had great kickboxing wars in the old days, but if Rick was expecting the stand of battles or yore, he didn't get them. Rick's MMA career is probably over at 0-1. Maurice Smith will most likely continue on the seniors tour.

Jorge Masvidal 13-2 continues to really impress at the Lightweight division as he gets the decision nod over Ryan Healy a very tough Irishmen, Irishman, er whatever. Anywho, Jorge continues to improve over at ATT and could be a future prospect. Watch out for him in the future.

Well that event sucked balls but at least you didn't have to pay for it. And by "you" I mean the 12 people that have HDNet and actually tuned in. Look below for a link to Sapp's running like a school boy routine.



http://mmafightvideos.blogspot.com/2008/02/bob-sapp-vs-jan-nortje-video.html

MMA Schtuff And Other Ramblings

Lettuce begin with information on the ole Wanderlei Silva front. As of now it looks as though Wand will be facing Keith Jardine next and if he wins, a rematch would happen in December if Chuck Liddell defeats Shogun Rua. I love these plans in advance that always pan out but wait oh wait a moment. Wand is also considering making the move down to Middleweight and fighting the "rubber match" with one Dan Henderson. Silva has stated he is unsure if he can lose enough muscle and weight to achieve the 185 lb. weight limit, but he does feel he is awfully small at Light Heavyweight in the UFC. While he mulls over his future plans, he continues to train at Xtreme Couture with Randy Couture himself, trying to rebound from his unheard of 3 straight losses.

Speaking of Randy Couture, he has signed a fight deal with HDNet (Mark Cuban's company). Now how can he do that when he is currently under contract and being sued by the UFC you might ask? The deal does not begin until Randy is released from his UFC obligations which are now tied up in court. However, Mr. Cuban has jumped into the court fracas with his $$$$ and legal team to try and end this debacle and get Randy back to fighting sooner rather than later. Couture returns serve to the UFC and we await their response to these new and delicate circumstances. Cuban claims a deal with M-1 Global and Fedor Emelianenko would be no problem and Randy's 1st fight.

Another Couture is making the news as Randy's property, er wife, Kim Couture is set to make her Amateur MMA debut for HDNet soon. She is trained in kickboxing and has been training with fellow Xtreme Couture teammate the lovely and ravishing Gina Carano. The two have been rolling together, let me stop for a moment to picture that, ok, and training hard with Gina even breaking Kim's nose on accident. She is healed and ready for her 1st mma bout and a shower with Carano following the event.

On the hey I predicted that front, Yves Edwards has been given the title fight with Elite XC Lightweight Champion KJ Noons. KJ denied a rematch with Nick Diaz and had a few lovely words for his fellow combatant. "First of all, I don't dodge anybody," Noons stated in an uncharacteristic stern tone. "Whoever is the best, I want to fight them. In regard to a rematch with Nick, that would be a great pay day for me. Unfortunately, he's not the best. As for Nick, of course he's going to get a rematch in the future," Noons commented. "They created a weight division for this guy (and) he's such a big crybaby. Eventually they are going to be able to rebuild him and of course he's going to get a rematch but he's not the best right now. So I'd love an easy pay day. The kid has re-constructive surgery on his face -- plastic surgery. It was one round and I was ready to go four more. I don't get what people wanted me to do? Did they want me to kill the kid?" Nick Diaz not known for his temper has not responded to these words of encouragement from a guy who beat him on a cut. I would image a well worded response is coming and in the meantime KJ had better focus on Yves because he is one of the best in the world and will probably take his title before he can fight Diaz again. Urine idiot KJ.

I must be Nostradamus these days because now Paul Buentello has called out Kimbo Slice for a fight. Didn't I just mention him as a possible candidate for a bout? Guess he heard me. Paul is coming off a Strikeforce title shot loss to Alistair Overeem but his hands speak for themselves and he's not called the "Headhunter" for no reason. I'd like to see this bout.

Finally, our favorite rope bouncing, banana selling, Hammer House and "classic" UFC alum, Mark "The Hammer" Coleman 15-8 will be inducted into the UFC Hall Of Fame at UFC 82. Mark won the UFC 10 tournament defeating Champion Don Frye, UFC 11 beating Brian Johnston, and became the 1st ever UFC Heavyweight Champion defeating Dan Severn at UFC 12. He also created the wrestling based MMA school Hammer House with such fighters as Kevin Randleman, Phil Baroni, Mark Kerr, and Brandon Lee Hinkle all were trained by Coleman. Mark fell on hard times in the UFC and moved to Japan finding new life in Pride FC and winning their 2000 Grand Prix by defeating Igor Vovchanchyn. He also appeared in the acclaimed documentary "The Smashing Machine" about his best friend Mark Kerr's battle with drugs and their struggles in training and fighting. Mark Coleman won 5 total titles including an NCAA Championship at Ohio State. The "father" of the ground and pound fighting style was almost unstoppable for awhile in his early days and always a game fighter. Congrats to a gritty tough as nails fighter who truly deserves and will respect the honor.

Kimbo KO's Tank, Now What?

Well that was pretty surprising as it took all of 43 seconds for Internet fighting sensation Kimbo Slice and far past his prime brawler Tank Abbott to finish their "street fight." Kimbo gets the KO and Tank absolutely went to sleep. So what does Elite XC do with Kimbo now? He has still only had 2 pro fights, both of which were basically set up for him to win, and the fans are demanding he face some top Heavyweight. 1st of all, he's not ready for a top Heavyweight and the Heavyweights employed with XC are few and far between. Josh Thompson just got leveled by 6-0 newcomer Brett Rogers so why spoil him as he begins to rise? Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva who got the decision win over the shell of a former man Ricco Rodriguez but the giant needs his own path to be built up as well. Basically there is not a lot to choose from but wait, I have it, Cabbage! Wesley "Cabbage" Correira 18-13 is a big man who also likes to throw bombs and has a granite chin Kimbo could play around with. Cabbage also fears nobody and would definetely come to fight. Hell, Cabbage might even take the fight to the floor and test Kimbo's Jiu-Jitsu (if he has any). Not that Cabbage is decent on the ground, but standing with Slice hasn't done much for anyone yet. Tank does hold the 43 second record that I believe Cabbage could brake and bring at least an entertaining brawl. Just don't get silly on me and ask that Kimbo fight a Josh Barnett or Jeff Monson (both free agents) just yet. Perhps a Paul Buentello, Ben Rothwell, or even a Pedro Rizzo(all free agents), though I believe there is legitimate risk in Kimbo losing those fights as well. The reality is, expect a Cabbage or someone worse and at least 6 total fights before Slice truly gets his hands on a true legit heavyweight. No matter how big he is, its still baby steps people.

Oh and Josh Thompson, may we have a word. You were once 12-2 and considered a future Heavyweight contender. What the shit happened? A loss in a spirited war with Fujita brought no shame, but a Rob Broughton 6-3 loss by TKO? Olav Einemo ok I get that one, Yoshida an older Light Heavyweight stands with you and you scrape out a win, only to lose to Butterbean and then Neil Grove in your freaking home town! I won't even awknowledge your win over 80 year old Don Frye and given yet another chance in your debut at Elite XC, after joining up with Xtreme Couture Camp one of the best in the world, you "gong and dash" again and get KO'd by upstart Brett Rogers! What the hell man? Now at 14-8, the losses are stacking up and your hulking frame doesn't seem to be intimidating anyone anymore. You had better find a win soon and possibly a new chin before you become even more of an afterthought than you are right now.

Yves Edwards however is continuing his "comback" with a beautiful knee KO I have dubbed the "rational knee" over very tought Edson Berto. Edson was winning the round and almost had Yves out in the guillotine, but "Thugjitsu's" inventor hung tough, battled to top position, stuffed a takedown, and while Berto was hanging on to a single leg, measured and fired the knee to the temple for a lights out KO. A thing of beauty and so named the rational knee because I have long wondered why people don't do that when someone has the single leg? Just seems like a rational move doesn't it. Congrats to Yves who may now have a future date with Elite XC Lightweight Champion KJ Noons.

Also of note, Scott "Hands of Stone" Smith lost the 1st round of his fight with Kyle Noke, only to come out in the 2nd with one right that put Noke to sleep and badly. The follow up punch was unnecessary but blame the ref not Scott. Heavy hands indeed but don't expect this guy to ever vie for a title, but he does give entertaining matches.

Entertainment was the theme of the night and how about ole Tank, 9-14, losing 8 of his last 9 fights calling out Ken Shamrock for a fight. Great, just what we need. The veterans division is coming people, you can bet on it. 4-1 on the picks people (damn that reckless Thompson).

Kimbo Slice vs Tank Abbott

Quickly now people, Slice, Smith, Edwards, Colossus, Bigfoot, there's the really quick picks!

The Death Of Pride FC & K-1 Hero's Births A "Dream"

Pride FC was purchased by the UFC, partially assimilated, and then put in the grave as MMA fans from all over the world mourned. K-1 Hero's moved on with their MMA cards but could not come close to competing with the UFC. Then, at New Year's Eve of 2007, the former promoters of Pride FC, Dream Sage Entertainment, the Yarennoka production team, and FEG the K-1 team all came together for a one time mega show. Now it seems, the mega show may become permanent.

Born from the "great dream alliance of New Year's Eve," comes Dream, as the successor of both Pride and the K-1's Hero's series!
"Of course Pride is gone now, as is Hero's," said FEG President Sadaharu Tanikawa before the 300-plus fans and media in attendance. "However, we've wanted to put on a new mixed martial arts event that would continue the great dream alliance of last New Year's Eve. Promoting the event will be FEG, as well as TBS, while production will fall to the Yarennoka team. "We want to put on cards that will be extensions of what was seen last New Year's Eve."

Now let me just say at this point, sweeeeeeeet! K-1 and Pride have basically just combined to give us back our beloved foreign MMA company. And just who do they have on their roster to lure in fans you may ask? How about #1 Featherweight in the world Kid Yamamoto, submission wizard Shinya Aoki, K-1 dominator Gesias "JZ" Calvancante, legendary lightweights and top ranked Caol Uno, Joachim Hansen, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Mitsuhiro Ishida, and Gilbert Melendez as well as feared Heavyweight Mirko Cro Cop, "The Punk" Minowa, Kiyoshi Tamura, Masakatsu Funaki (Rickson Gracie rival), legend Kazushi Sakuraba, and support as well as intent to fight from Royce Gracie and Fedor Emelianenko? Not fucking bad eh?

The weight classes are barely different at:
Lightweight: 154 lbs / 70 kg
Welterweight: 168 lbs / 76 kg
Middleweight: 185 lbs / 84 kg
Light Heavyweight: 205 lbs / 93 kg
Heavyweight: More than 205 lbs / 93 kg

The plan is to begin with alternating Lightweight and Middleweight tournaments beginning March 15th. Dream is not to be confused with World Victory Road (WVR) a seperate Japanese MMA promotion holding their 1st card,Sengoku, March 5th, featuring:

Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Josh Barnett
Kazuo Misaki vs. Siyar Bahadurzada
Makoto Takimoto vs. Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos
Takanori Gomi vs. Duane "Bang" Ludwig
Ryo Kawamura vs. Antonio Braga Neto
Fabricio Monteiro vs. Nick Thompson

and possibly Kazuyuki Fujita and Kevin Randleman.

Its a damn good time to be a MMA fan, as the UFC monoply ends before it begins and Japan is back in the middle of the combat sports world!

Cro Cop Out?

Mirko "Cro Cop" Flipovic is done with the UFC.....for now. If the Croation lost 2 fights in a row (which he did to Gabriel Gonzaga & Cheick Kongo) the UFC had the right to release him from his contract. The UFC is calling the release "amicable" , and Cro Cop could be brought back at a later date. Mirko actually was given time to decide if he wanted to stay in the UFC, but decided to leave and sign with "Dream" (more on that new promotion later). "Well, as you all know, I had a bad period in my last two fights, which I'd lost in the UFC," Filipovic said. "I don't want anyone to think that I'm running away from the UFC, but I was thinking a lot about how to continue with my career, and I think in this moment, I think Dream is the right place for me. Another thing is that I never liked fighting in the cage. I always liked to fight in the ring. The second thing is that I liked fighting in Japan. Japan is like my second home -- I feel like I'm home in Japan. All those reasons [have brought me] here, and I'm very happy that I'm going to fight here in Japan. But of course, one day, I don't know when, but definitely I'll be back in the UFC to show that it was just a bad period for me. Now I'm fully recovered, physically and mentally, most important mentally."

Obviously, Cro Cop is not mentally recovered or he would not have needed "tune up" fights and and battles in a ring instead of the UFC's Octagon. This is disappointing for Flipovic fans to see the "2006 Fighter Of The Year" fall on such hard times, but encouraging to know that he has not given up and is planning to return to prominence. Mirko had nasal surgery after his loss to Kongo in which he also sustained a broken rib that basically took him out of the fight. Cro Cop has stated he now feels like he can breathe again and this is attributed to his "physical" recovery. Many noticed that in the 1st round of his bout with Kongo he was almost immediately breathing out of his mouth and the rumor was Cro Cop had not trained hard for the fight and was unable to get his mind right for UFC fights. Now those rumors are proven false and the former Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix winner is back on the path to becoming the #1 Heavyweight in the world, a goal he has come so close to achieving on 2 occasions (against Fedor Emelianko & Antonio Nogueira for titles in which he lost).

Are the injuries legit or just fighter excuses? Is Cro Cop running from the competition to where he was most successful in Japan? Will he re-establish himself as one of the most feared fighters in all the world? These are questions that will now be answered upon the Dream stage and by a proud fighter refusing to say die when times are at their worst and he is doubted the most.

Fedor Calls Out Dana White & UFC

Article by MMAfighting.com

Fedor Emelianenko is asking UFC President Dana White to co-promote a fight with him against either one of the two current UFC champions, Randy Couture or Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

"Numerous times I have read Mr. White’s statements on Internet concerning myself," Fedor wrote in an open letter released on Friday. "In my opinion, allowing yourself to say those things is not a sign of a gentleman or a grown man at all! If he candidly wants to prove himself right then let my fight with Randy happen or let me face the reigning UFC champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. In the future I wouldn’t want to hear those unfounded statements in my address ever again."

Fedor is referring to White's negative comments in the public to downplay Fedor's importance in the mixed martial arts world. White is known for not speaking highly of a fighter not under contract with the UFC, and Fedor is no exception. White was especially vocal during a media conference last October, calling Fedor a "farce."

The biggest hindrance to a guaranteed blockbuster bout between Fedor and Couture in an Octagon is the fact that Fedor is signed to M-1 Global. The UFC would have to co-promote with M-1 Global, and that is not part of the UFC's policy. Synonymous with mixed martial arts in North America, the UFC would only be giving away free promotion to a rival group.

Still, that's not going to stop Fedor to cause some buzz by challenging the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

"The whole world is eager to see me fight your champions instead of listening to your press conferences. I’m signed with M-1 Global and this promotion is ready to organize such fights under our banner or in co-promoted events."

MMAFightOpinion:

Oh my Mr. White, I do believe you have pissed off the "Last Emperor." Not a very smart move. He has not only put the ball in your court but flat out challenged you and your arrogant comments. Maybe its time to shut the fuck up before Fedor tears through the entire UFC roster. People have been doubting Fedor's competitive spirit recently, but me thinks the big man is quite motivated.

A Bevy Of New OFFICIAL Bouts Signed

How about a little the "Iceman" Chuck Liddell vs Mauricio "Shogun" Rua people? Chuck is coming off that impressive win over Wanderlei Silva while Shogun has licked his wounds from the Forrest Griffin loss and is ready to put on the performance we know he is capable of. Rua had this to say about his opponent for UFC 85, June 15 in London England, "A victory over him will give me an "upgrade," but I'm not thinking about the belt -- I'm thinking of Liddell. He is a complete fighter, very tough and on top of the category. He deserves a lot of respect. So, I don't have to think about the belt before this fight against him. I'm thinking of him as a tough opponent that will be in my way, not the belt." This could be a true slobberknocker with two of the best striker's in the game throwing bombs to get back into that title scene.

Josh Barnett and Hidehiko Yoshida have returned from obscurity to be the main event for the inagural WVR event in Japan. The show will be March 5th and the 1st for Josh since his close decision loss to Antonio Nogueira (New UFC Heavyweight Champ) on 12/31/06 while Yoshida returns from a TKO defeat at the hands of Josh Thompson on the very same night. Interesting to see the Judoka master against the "Pro Wrestling Style" Barnett in a class of styles. The WVR event will also feature Takanori Gomi, Phil Baroni, Kazuo Misaki, and more TBA.

Ken Shamrock returns from "retirement" to face Robert Barry 11-7 in the main event at Cage Rage 25 March 8th on Showtime. Ken last fought in October of '06 with his 2nd embarrassing loss in a row to Tito Ortiz and he has lost 4 straight. Robert is a stand up fighter who lost 2 in a row last year and will still probably find a way to KO the 43 year old Shamrock.

Paulo Filho and Chael Sonnen will rematch their last controversial bout for the WEC Middleweight Title in which Chael was in a deep guillotine but did not tap, and the ref still called a stop to the fight. Chael surprised everyone including Paulo by dominating the undefeated fighter before being caught in the submission. It will be interesting to see if Paulo comes in better shape or if Chael has just got the tools to hand Filho his 1st loss and take his belt. That bout will be March 26th.

Matt Serra and GSP rematch in Canada on April 19th at UFC 83 which is shaping up to be a great card. Rich Franklin returns against Travis Lutter in the battle of the guys who can't beat Anderson Silva (both of their last losses). Michael Bisping will make his debut at Middleweight against punching bag Charles McCarthy and T.U.F. winner Mac Danzig will return in a bout against Mark Bocek.

In a little something I like to call "Final Fight News," Tito Ortiz will face Lyoto Machida at UFC 84 in May, and has already said “He’s an egotistical egomaniac,” Ortiz said of White. “He wants to be a fighter and a superstar. I’ve worked so hard for (the UFC) and put my ass on the line. I’ve fought injured and with a torn ACL and a bulging disc and still put my ass on the line, and they still don’t show me respect… Dana’s like Don King. The only thing that separates him and Dana White is the color of their skin.“ He's an ass but always good for a quote and me thinks Tito will be looking for a new home and he's not alone.

Andrei Arlovski vs Jack O'Brien is set for UFC 82 March 1st in Ohio. What is interesting about this, is that the UFC has been forcing Arlovski to their bench because he won't resign with them before his contract comes out. Now they give him a guy who is a straight wrestler and guaranteed to lay on you doing nothing for 3 rounds to make you look bad, and the former UFC Heavyweight Champ doesn't even get on the main card regulated to the "dark matches" that don't make TV. That's gotta hurt and I imagine Team Arlovski moving to a new home soon.

UFC 81 Results & Reactions

Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira 31-4-1 defeated a very game Tim Sylvia to be the 1st ever Pride FC & UFC Heavyweight Champion. Tim came out & used his reach to punish "Big Nog" with his powerful striking game & even knocking Antonio to the canvas and coming oh so close to stopping the Heavyweight legend. As is the the norm, Nogueira survived on instinct alone, striking & looking for takedowns while you could tell he was out on his feet and basically fighting blind. Tim could not finish the Brazilian & ended the round in dominant fashion. In the 2nd, Tim still dominated the stand up battle but Antonio kept battling & attempting takedowns unsuccessfully. Nog got his wits about him & took more punishment but at the end of the round scored his 1st confidence gaining takedown. Into the 3rd & you knew it was coming. Nog gets the big man to the floor by pulling guard, sweeps to the top position, & then secured the guillotine choke. It seems we have seen this fight over & over. Like against Bob Sapp, Mirko Cro Cop, & Heath Herring, the guy takes a brutal beating, but doesn't get stopped, and comes back to gain a miraculous victory. In 36 pro fights, Nogueira has never, never been stopped & is now the UFC Heavyweight Champion!

Brock Lesnar came in like the bull he is landing an immediate takedown & following with a barrage of punches to the back of Frank Mir's head. The ref halted the fight & stood them up taking a point away from Brock & allowing recovery time for Mir. Action resumed & Mir threw a nice leg kick that landed but he fell from the awkward angle. Brock pounced & began the punching assault for the 2nd time as the sneaky Mir grabbed Brock's ankle with his left hand. Brock pounded becoming overconfident & Frank wrapped his legs around Lesnar taking him to the floor into a deeeeep kneebar that forced the tapout by the former pro wrestling super-star. The crowd goes wild & Frank is back in the Heavyweight Title picture & Brock's ultra-hyped debut is ruined. Back to the drawing board for Lesnar while a title shot may be in the future for Mir.

Nate Marquardt dominated Jeremy Horn though Horn did show some great "rubber guard" & almost got in the Go-Go Plata right as the round ended. In the 2nd Nate locked on a guillotine that Horn had no chance of getting free from & the tap ends the fight.

Ricardo Almeida returned from a 2 year absence to defeat Rob Yundt by a rolling guillotine (seriously, watch the vid for the roll) & the victory. Tyson Griffin got the usual decision win over Gleison Tibau giving him 4 decision bouts in a row. If he wants to get in on the Lightweight Title scene he has to get some stoppages with his wins. Act like you know, as I told ya, the new Chris Lytle came out & straight blasted Kyle Bradley winning by TKO in just 33 seconds! I think this guy is a little frustrated by getting screwed in the TUF Finale decision loss to Matt Serra, a cut loss in a fight he was winning to Thiago Alves, and the label of "boring" fighter. Chris has flipped a switch and become dangerous as hell to everyone in the Welterweight Division. "Conan" Tim Boetsch used knees and kicks to dominate the 0-3 in the UFC David Heath who is now looking for a new job after this TKO loss. Marvin Eastman beat Terry Martin in one of the worst and most boring fights ever while Rob Emerson pulled luck from his ass to take a split decision win over K-Taro.

Alright the bad 1st. I don't ever want to see Terry Martin, Marvin Eastman, Rob Emerson, or David Heath again in the UFC until they do something. Terry had so much potential with that powerful frame but he consistantly comes in to fights out of shape, over confident, & if he doesn't win early, just loses interest. I see no heart in this kid & he should be out (2-3 in his last 5 UFC fights). Marvin Eastman is a 37 year old fighter who hit the "ceiling" long ago. He's a nice guy but a boring fighter who couldn't quite hang with the upper talent in his division. Even dropping down to Middleweight, I don't see this guy becoming much of a factor besides putting the fans to sleep. Rob Emerson knows kickboxing, how to bail out on fights, & little else. He is taking up a roster spot for some truly well rounded fighter out there who was not on a reality show. Win consistantly in some smaller shows & we'll talk. David Heath was a cocky 7-0 when he came to the UFC, & is now 7-3. He lost to good names but he talks the talk, & then gets shut down. I just hate that in a fighter. Dave just lost to a guy who took the fight on 10 days notice & has proven he is not ready for UFC caliber fighters.

It was the weekend for the brothers Nogueira as Antonio Rodrigo "Big Nog" won the UFC Heavyweight Title & "Lil Nog" Antonio Rogerio got a nice win up in Canada with a TKO victory at HCF. Much respect to Tim Sylvia who is finally getting some respect from the fans & some cheers as well. The guy really owned the fight & just fell short as many greats have done at the hands of the Brazilian submission specialist. Tim can hang his head high learning from this experience & continue to be in the Heavyweight mix for some time to come. Don't count Brock Lesnar out just yet. The guy has only 2 pro fights & the potential is there for this monster. Don't expect "The Next Big Thing" to go away just yet as he is only beginning what could be a great career in MMA. Finally, our "ata" boy goes out to one Frank Mir.

Frank Mir shocked the world back in 2004 breaking Tim Sylvia's arm to win the Heavyweight Championship. Before he could defend the title even once, he was hit on his motorcycle by a motorist who ran a red light breaking his leg. He would be out of action for 2 years and have his title stripped away. He returned out of shape to lose fights to Pe De Pano Cruz & Brandon Vera, while gaining just 1 win in his comeback in ugly fashion over an equally out of shape Dan Christison. Many, including myself, thought it was over for Frank until we saw just a glimmer of the old Mir in a fight against Antoni Hardonk. Frank was in shape, focused, and secured a submission victory in only 1:17. It wasn't just the win or his loss of weight, Frank had the confidence in his eyes and desire he had lacked for so long. Finally, he took the fight no Heavyweight wanted to fight the incoming Brock Lesnar. The monster who barely made the Heavyweight limit of 265 lbs. was feared for his power and wrestling background. Frank took his lumps, showed great poise, and waited for his opportunity to steal a victory and re-establish himself as a Heavyweight contender once again. 3 years of heartbreak and people telling him he was done, and the guy proved us all wrong returning once again to prominence. Congrats to Frank Mir for not just this fight, but for all the bullshit and pain he endured to fight his way back into the sport he loved.

7-2 on our picks ladies with a special shout out to Irish Lew in the UG who gave some brilliant last second advice. Tank Abbott vs Kimbo Slice is coming up soon on Elite XC along with a WEC show and all the news I care about so keep checking in. Bet.

UFC 81 Video Links

Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir
http://ballhype.com/video/frank_mir_vs_brock_lesnar_full_fight_ufc_81/

Tim Sylvia vs Antonio Nogueira
http://mmaimpact.com/2008/02/03/antonio-nogueira-vs-tim-sylvia-ufc-81-mma-fight-video/

Nate Marquardt vs Jeremy Horn
http://mmaimpact.com/2008/02/03/jeremy-horn-vs-nate-marquardt-ufc-81-mma-fight-video/

David Heath vs Tim Boetesch
http://mmaimpact.com/2008/02/03/david-heath-vs-tim-boetesch-ufc-81-mma-fight-video/

Ricardo Almeida vs Rob Yundt
http://mmaimpact.com/2008/02/03/ricardo-almeida-vs-rob-yundt-ufc-81-mma-video/

Quality may not be the best and the sound is a little off, but hey, its free. Enjoy em before the UFC takes them down.