Friday, October 31, 2008

Sengoku "Sixth Battle" Set For Saturday

I slept a bit on the last Sengoku show and paid the price. There was a great debuts from Team Quest's Muhammed Lawal and Jiu-Jitsu badass Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro. The tournaments also had good fights and it was nice to see Nakamura return to Japan at his new/correct weight of 185 lbs. I also saw my tournament pick Jorge Santiago cruise into the final rounds and "Lil Nog," Fabio Silva, and Takanori Gomi lend star power to this WVR event.

Middleweight Grand Prix
Jorge Santiago (180.2) vs. Siyar Bahadurzada (182.6) Siyar said he saw weakness in his opponents eyes but me thinks its just going to be a brutal throwdown from to boys who love to slug it out. Who drops first? I'm sticking with my original pick as Jorge has a more varied striking ability.
WINNER-Jorge Santiago
Kazuhiro Nakamura (182.6) vs. Yuki Sasaki (182.2) Nak is back baby and there is no way I'm not taking the tough as hell Judoka against the inconsistent Yuki.

WINNER-Nakamura
Izuru Takeuchi (182.4) vs. Joe Doerksen (181.9) -- Reserve Bout Be prepared to yawn your way through another boring Joe Doe victory.

WINNER-DoeJoe (get it, dojo)

Lightweight Grand Prix
Mizuto Hirota (154) vs. Kazunori Yokota (153.8) The Miz has really come into his own and upset American Ryan Schultz in the 1st round with my beloved superman punch. I'll stay with Hirota on the ignorance of not knowing Yokota very well.

WINNER-Mizuto
Satoru Kitaoka (154) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (153.8) Much experience from Satoru but Eiji brings a slick submission game and much more notable wins and has faced tougher talent.

WINNER-Eiji
Jorge Masvidal (153.8) vs. Seung Hwan Bang (153.8) -- Reserve Bout Jorge is a bit of a douche but his striking should rule the day here.

WINNER-Masvidal

Non-Tournament Bouts
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (204.4) vs. Moise Rimbon (204.4) Europes Top Team (yes Europe has a Top Team as well) throws Moise to the wolf here as "Lil Nog" reps Black House in his Sengoku debut. Rogerio must be victorious!

WINNER-Lil Nog
Muhammed Lawal (204.2) vs. Fabio Silva (204.2) "King Mo" begins his 2nd battle against a wreckless Chute Boxe striker. You want to pick Fabio with his experience but me thinks if in trouble Lawal will employ his stellar amateur wrestling credentials and lay and pray to a victory.

WINNER-King Mo
Takanori Gomi (153.8) vs. Sergey Golyaev (153.8) The Red Devil is sent in a fodder for the "Fireball Kid." Any chance of WVR giving Gomi a decent opponent in the near future?

WINNER-Gomi

Middleweight Tournament Finals
Jorge Santiago vs Kazuhiro Nakamura Man you gotta love Naks chances at home but I really think Jorge has raised his game a level and I have my doubts as to Kaz's cardio in his 2nd bout of the evening.
WINNER-Jorge Santiago

Lightweight Finals
Mizuto Hirota vs Eiji Mitsuoka This is a real close one and I'm leaning toward the Miz but Eiji could easily take this on the floor.
WINNER-Mizuto Hirota

Thursday, October 30, 2008

MMA Free Agent Melee 10/30/08

Denis Kang got a nice 1st round KO of journeyman Marvin Eastman over in Japan at “Raw Combat.” Kang is still very powerful and after some tough losses (1 to eventual DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix Champion Gegard Mousasi & 1 to Kazou Misaki [split-decision] who he fought with one arm due to a bicep tear in the finals of the Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix), people have forgotten he is a legit and possibly Top 10 Middleweight. Even more important, thanks to a kind release from his home countries MMA promotion Spirit MC, Kang is now a free agent! If signed with a more recognized company like Sengoku or UFC (depending on which continent he wishes to fight on) Denis would be more on the lips of MMA journalists and fans. The guy is a huge 185 pounder and has the experience (31-10-1) and power combined with the great American Top Team camp. Look for Kang to make some real noise in 2009.

Sean Sherk has called out the winner of Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson, after his decision win over Tyson Griffin, saying he wants the winner for the #1 contender spot to Lightweight king BJ Penn. Florian is much improved since he lost a bloody 5 round decision to Sherk and Stevenson’s last loss came at the hands of the aforementioned Baby Joe. I don’t think Kenny can take either man (though he is favored at the moment against Joe “Daddy”) in a fight but Stevenson vs. Sherk leads us to a rematch with the “Prodigy” either way.

It’s only a matter of time as former Elite XC Welterweight Jake Shields looks like he will be joining the UFC ranks some time soon. Zuffa was interested in him years ago but he couldn't make weight for a last second fight with Robbie Lawler and teammate Nick Diaz stepped in KOing the heavy handed Miletich fighter. The rest is history as Jake wandered around while Nick became a star. Now it looks as though it will be Shields turn at the “big show” adding his name to the already stacked Welterweight ranks.

Speaking of “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, former Elite XC Middleweight Champion is trying to return to the UFC and putting his name in the mix to eventually fight the seemingly unstoppable Anderson Silva. Though I don’t see a title shot happening soon, the one punch KO power Robbie brings is not to be ignored. Rob, a former Welterweight, revitalized his career when he gained weight and moved into the Middleweight ranks. He dispatched such fighters as Frank Trigg, Ninja Rua, Joey Villasenor, Scott Smith, and held a title with ICON as well. I believe his return to the UFC has been a long time coming and as a member of Matt Hughes H.I.T. Squad, the door has got to be open. However, agent Monte Cox doesn’t think the UFC will meet his Elite XC contract at around $100,000 a fight, so Sengoku and DREAM are still in the mix.

Cesar Gracie said he is already making plans for Nick “Diablo” Diaz’s next fight. The 25-year-old fighter has an existing clause in his contract allowing him to compete in Japan as long as it doesn't interfere with his EliteXC duties. Well, with Elite XC basically down for the count, Diaz isn’t breaking the contract he is currently under. "We’re not doing anything wrong if he fights in Japan," Gracie said. "As far as him fighting in the U.S., then the 30 day thing applies." Gracie said representatives from DREAM and Sengoku had approached him about using “Diablo.” DREAM’s parent company, Fight Entertainment Group, is planning K-1 Dynamite! (Mixed with MMA & kickboxing bouts) event for New Year’s Eve, while Sengoku 7 is scheduled for Jan. 4.

Thiago Alves has a dislocated thumb after his win over Josh Koscheck but it won't keep him out of action for any extended period of time.
Dana White has mockingly offered Kimbo Slice a spot on a future Ultimate Fighter show saying, “What has the guy done to deserve to be in the UFC? Nothing. I don’t consider him a real athlete or anything. He won’t win The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). The offer is out there if he wants to take it and he won’t win it. I might put a heavyweight show together just for him.” I may not be the biggest Dana White fan, but that is funny.

Finally the Lightweight showdown between Nate Diaz and Clay Guida has been scrapped at December 10 Ultimate Fight Night 16. Clay injured his foot and Nate has decided to use the opportunity for some much needed rest. Both will be back making more noise in 2009.

Boo's Boo's Boo's

An Angry Anderson Silva


Anderson “Spider” Silva is very upset at the reaction he has received from fans and the media after his fight with Patrick Cote. “He’s flipping out. He wants to fight again, like, on Nov. 15 … He’s upset about his performance and he wants to fight again immediately.” Said Zuffa’s Dana White.
Silva spoke angrily, “I didn’t come here to play. I didn’t come here to put on a show … I came here to do my job and I didn’t become a champion and defend the title as many times as I have by not doing my job.”
While it could be a possibility, it might be next to impossible to find a suitable opponent to fight Silva on just two and a half weeks notice, though with Anderson so popular in the MMA community, he could probably fight a tomato can and the fans would turn out. I would vote for Yushin Okami to pull out of his bout with Dean Lister at UFC 92 December 27, and reschedule a title bout with Silva. Okami, the only man in the UFC to have defeated the dominate Champion (via DQ in ICON), was the #1 contender before an injury gave Cote the shot. Now healed and fighting a fighter not in the UFC’s Top 10 of Middleweights, it would make sense to put the title fight back together as soon as possible. Anderson would then be facing a more legitimate threat than Cote, and be seeking a measure of revenge for his last loss in MMA. Not to mention what an amazing card it would be with Rashad Evans vs Forrest Griffin, Quinton Jackson vs Wanderlei Silva, Frank Mir vs Antonio Nogueira, and my proposed bout!

Monday, October 27, 2008

UFC 90: Blowouts & Boo's


Its awfully sad when after a PPV one of the main criticisms is that the host city ruined the show. I have personally been to Chicago a few times and loved the city. However, this crowd was raucous and full of boo's for the fighters from the word go. A fight could be 10 seconds in and they were booing. They were booing even during action packed exchanges. These fans definitely need an MMA education, but with their antics Dana White said "I will never go to Chicago again." Nice work Chi-town.
Prelims
Pete Sell defeated Josh Burkman by decision in a bout which has job implications for both men. Even so, Josh came in out of shape and barely made weight on his 2nd try. "Drago" wins but we were all losers in this lame bout. Look for Burkman in the unemployment line and Sell probably gets another worthless crack in the UFC.
Hermes Franca defeated his former mentor Marcus Aurelio in a match he mostly controlled.
Matt Horwich failed to best Dan Miller in his debut as the brother o' Jim go the "W" and is a prospect to continue watching.
Spencer "The King" Fisher gets the tapout victory over Shannon Gugerty with a nice triangle choke. Now Fisher can land a decent opponent that hopefully won't ruin his career with blow (hi Mel Guillard). Thales Leites took a good shot from Drew McFedries and then took him to the floor with the "Tapout Of The Night" with a beautiful RNC. Notice how the Middleweight contender trapped Drew's arms and sent the Miletich fighter out of the UFC until he develops some semblance of a ground game. It took 1:18 for Leites who deserves a serious look at a title shot.

Main card
Sean Sherk and Tyson Griffin gave a little more stand up than I imagined but it was the freight train style of Sherk that earned him a close decision win. The "Muscle Shark" is just relentless with his takedowns and Tyson scrambled well but just didn't have quite enough to best the former Champion. Sean is not going away Lightweight fans, expect him to continue to mount some wins.
Fabricio "Flabby" Werdum took Junior dos Santos for granted, coming in not chubby, but straight up fat assed and was KO'd for his effort. The Black House prodigy made a nice debut with a devastating uppercut that sent Werdum back down the pecking order of the Heavyweights.
Those just waking up from Gray Maynard beating Rich Clementi by decision should remember Gray is still very inexperienced. Maynard seemed unsure of himself and opted to lay upon Rich for the win. Normally I don't care for this but hey, Rich gets "No Love" from me.
Thiago Alves impressed yet again beating a very game Josh Koscheck by decision (should be 29-29, Kos won the 2nd round). Alves dropped Josh early with a nice hook and a knee. Koscheck recovered well from what looked like certain death in my "Fight Of The Night." Alves coasted to a 1st round win though Josh rebounded with some nice offense. Koscheck controlled the pace, action, and landed more in the 2nd which oddly most people still gave to Thiago based upon how bad the commentators were sucking him off. Geez guys, at least pretend not to be biased. In the final stanza, Thiago just took control of Koscheck rocking him again and again though the plucky "Blanket" held on till the end. I was actually more impressed with Koscheck and his vastly improved stand up (not to mention stepping in on short notice for Diego Sanchez) and confused at his inadequate wrestling. The "Pitbull" is right there for a title shot with GSP depending how things line up after the Penn/Pierre fight.
Finally, in the odd Championship Main Event, Anderson Silva defeated Patrick Côté when his knee blew out in the 3rd. Silva has been watching a lot of tape on his hero Roy Jones Jr. as he spent the night dancing around the Octagon and looking to counter. Not his normal offensive output but he was timing Cote who couldn't reach the Champion and though being the 1st to survive until the 3rd round with the "Spider" did little else. Cote is a tough, tough guy, but I believe that knee blew out because of the brutal leg assault Anderson delivered. Such is life and hopefully Yushin Okami will be next.

Well, Cote scored a victory in the eyes of the media losing only by injury and saying “I think I proved to everyone that this guy (Silva) is not unbeatable,” “I think I fucked him up really bad.” Though that is just ludicrous, let him have it since the guy is hurt. Sell, Burkman, and McFedries should all be fired just for all around sucking and Josh Koscheck is trying to make me a fan of him and his Sideshow Bob hairdo. Werdum proved once again it is always good to take opponents lightly and now is the time for a Marquardt/Leites rematch! We went 8-2 with our picks. Solid, and Chicago, grow up.

Friday, October 24, 2008

UFC 90 Anderson Silva vs Patrick Cote


Main card
Middleweight championship bout: Anderson "Spider" Silva vs. Patrick "Predator" Côté I like the "Predator," I am a fan, but he is going to get demolished. He has a good chin and a heavy punch like Leben and look where that got him. Cote has zero ground game and Silva is a blackbelt. Anything can happen in a fight, but Cote isn't even a Top 10 Middleweight. If Travis Lutter can sub him, so can Anderson. Finally, getting into the highly competitive face of Silva is also not recommended, as Cote did at the weigh-ins.
WINNER-Anderson Silva TKO round 3
Welterweight bout: Thiago Alves vs. Josh Koscheck Who's gonna be the new Welterweight #1 contender? This fight decides it. I see Alves using his great takedown defense to stuff some takedowns, but Josh will get him down eventually. Whether or not Thiago can do enough damage on the feet against an inferior striker, and survive the ground assault which usually includes laying on people, will be the keys to the fight. Kos can't seem to generate offense and Alves is known for it. If Kos can take it the distance he could win on points, but Thiago is a finisher though Josh has only been stopped in a fight once. Toss the coin people.
WINNER-Thiago Alves?
Heavyweight bout: Fabricio Werdum vs. Junior dos Santos Fabby is the odd man out in the Heavyweight division as he has beaten Brandon Vera, Gabriel Gonzaga, and lost a boring debut decision to Andrei Arlovski. A case could easily be made for Werdum in the UFC Heavyweight Tournament if only he had wrestled in the WWE and had a penis tattooed on his chest. Santos is a Black House member who trains with Anderson Silva and Antonio Nogueira who got him the job. The web is buzzing about Jr.'s hands but Werdum is better on the floor where the kid has nothing. Hell, Fabricio may even out strike him and shock people like he did to "Napao."
Winner-Future Heavyweight #1 Contender Fabricio Werdum by submission
Lightweight bout: Sean Sherk vs. Tyson Griffin The battle of "Who is the best Lightweight wrestler" is on! These two wrestling machines are almost mirror images of each other with limited striking. Sherk may be stronger but Griffin will be faster. Hardest fight on the card to pick. Nobody can stop the other but Sherk nudges ahead by a fin against the smaller less experienced fighter
WINNER-The Muscle Shark by collegiate decision
Lightweight bout: Gray Maynard vs. Rich Clementi The "Bully" vs. "No Love" in a slobberknocker of a war. Both guys can get down and dirty but Rich has the better Jiu-Jitsu, while Gray has the better wrestling. I only lean toward Maynard because he has better hands, trains with a better camp Xtreme Couture, and just has this desire to push forward no matter the battle.
WINNER-Grey Ashen by G&P

Prelims
Middleweight bout: Thales Leites vs. Drew McFedries If Thales is healthy, he is smart enough to stay away from the stand up attack of Drew, taking him to the floor for a relatively easy submission.
WINNER-Thales Leites
Lightweight bout: Spencer Fisher vs. Shannon Gugerty Let the "King" reign as he stops the 8-fight winning streak of the girl named Shannon. Besides tight Jiu-Jitsu and boxing, what does this prospect have? Ok, he's actually pretty damn good but I won't pick against my boy! By the by, nice work Melvin Guillard getting bounced from the UFC for doing blow a 2nd time. Genius!
WINNER-Spence by figure 4
Middleweight bout: Matt Horwich vs. Dan Miller Welcome to the UFC, former IFL Middleweight "bible thumper," and Team Quest product, Horwich. Matt fights just like his teacher Matt Lindland with Greco-Roman wrestling, dirty clinch boxing, and constantly pushes forward. Dan is brother to the guy I have been touting recently, one Lightweight prospect Jim Miller, only Dan is better. Danny boy is a wrestler too only he has better cardio and striking. Sorry Jesus, your guy is going to get crucified in this one.
WINNER-Dan Miller via necromancy
Lightweight bout: Hermes Franca vs. Marcus Aurelio Former training partners and former good friends from the days of ATT are now mortal enemies. This is going to be a great ground war between 2 Brazilians who know their Jiu-Jitsu well. I really think "Maximus" has improved a lot recently but Franca can actually out strike him and has that hey maker right hand.
WINNER-Franca defeats his former Jiu-Jitsu instructor
Welterweight bout: Josh Burkman vs. Pete Sell Why do these two douche bags still have employment in these harsh economic times? Who cares who wins but a drop in weight doesn't help the overrated "Drago" against the underachieving Burkman.
WINNER-Josh Burkman by boring ass fight

A lot of really tough fights to pick on this card and I didn't even bring an "Upset Pick" which I apologize for. No room for error here boys. Anyone notice how slyly I snuck Kos into the poster?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Elite XC's Final Days


EliteXC is as dead as McCain's Presidential bid as the promotion heads into its final days of business. Pro Elite, which has accrued $55 million deficit during its two years of operation, had been in need of a helping hand in recent months. Showtime and CBS looked as if they were going to buy the struggling MMA promotion but negative press surrounding questionable conduct before the main event of Elite XC's last show "Heat," between Seth Petruzelli and Kimbo Slice have overshadowed the ratings success. Petruzelli, who stepped into the headlining bout on an hour's notice and beat Slice in 14 seconds with a short right jab, hinted afterward on a Monday morning talk show that promoters had given him a financial bonus to stand with the less ground-savvy Slice.

Pro Elite officials later denied any wrongdoing, calling the pre-fight locker room discussion a "knockout bonus" offer, but public outcry led the Florida State Boxing Commission to open an investigation on the matter.
Nice work as great fighters like Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Gina Carano, Robbie Lawler, Joey Villasenor, Antonio Silva, Brett Rogers, Frank Shamrock, Eddie Alvarez, Ninja Rua, Nick Thompson, Benji Radach, and even Kimbo Slice will all be free agents as well as many more. Damn, just less competition as the UFC monopoly looks to grow.

Monday, October 20, 2008

UFC 89: Bisping & Leben Hug It Out


Per Eklund defeats Samy Schiavo by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) 3 1:47
Jim Miller beats David Baron via Submission and is still a prospect to watch! (Rear Naked Choke) 3 3:19
Terry Etim upsets Sam Stout by Decision and Sam's days may be numbered with the UFC.(Unanimous) 3 5:00
David Bielkheden takes the match with Jess Liaudin by another Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Shane Carwin destroys the Mini-Butterbean Neil Wain by brutal TKO (Punches) 1 1:31 Shane is the new Mark Coleman of the UFC. He cuts weight to make the 265 Heavyweight limit, and has brutal ground and pound. Interesting to see how far this 10-0 wrestler can go who is also training with one Randy Couture.
Dan Hardy upsets Akihiro Gono by Decision (Split) 3 5:00
Marcus Davis taps Paul Kelly by Submission (Guillotine Choke) 2 2:16
Chris Lytle and Paul Taylor had the "Fight Of The Night" in which "Lights Out" got the Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 People seem to be upset at this result but Lytle won the bout no doubt. He gassed in the 3rd but do the math, winning 2 rounds gets you the win even if you struggle at the end. Lytle also called out (respectfully) Marcus Davis for a fight possibly in Ireland. That is an exciting match I would love to see from 2 very lethal Welterweights.
Luis Arthur Cane fulfills my upset pick stopping the overrated Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou by TKO. (Punches) 2 4:15 Soko has really been exposed in his last few fights. Survive the early flurry, and then take him apart. The guy doesn't take punishment well and "Banha" dished it out. 9-1 (the 1 loss was a illegal knee DQ) Cane is beginning to make noise in the Light Heavyweight division.
Keith Jardine beat Brandon Vera by Decision (Split) 3 5:00 Well, this fight was just straight awful. Neither guy did a hell of a lot save for boring the shit outta the crowd. Something is just wrong with Vera at 205. He just walks around the ring like he's stunned and doesn't know what to do. The stiff attack style is gone, replaced by a guy with more questions than answers. The "Dean" didn't do much better and this guy has got to get consistent if he is going to every compete for the belt.
Michael Bisping outpointed Chris Leben with ease to a Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 I saw little improvement from the "reborn" Leben except for good cardio he should have had all along. The guy has an iron jaw for sure but what else? Bisping will now move on to coach the next season of TUF USA vs Britan, and face the winner of Dan Henderson versus Rich Franklin, who will also be a TUF coach!! That is 2 mega-fights I have to see!

So it was a decent card for free so I can't complain too much. 8-3 on the picks which isn't great, but at least I didn't fall for the "new & improved" Chris Leben like most of the prognosticators did. There is also no excuse for the way Sam Stout and Brandon Vera performed. This very weekend will bring us UFC 90 Anderson Silva vs Patrick Cote so hang around MMA fans.

Friday, October 17, 2008

UFC 89 Bisping vs Leben


Main Card
Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben Am I missing something here? The critics are picking Leben more often than not because he has heavier hands and is tough to finish. Bisping however, is far more athletic with much, much crisper/accurate striking and a good gas tank allowing him to take his time and take apart the slower opponent. Despite Leben's own claims that he is a new fighter and in the best shape of his life, he still has a sloppy stand up game and I don't think he has a prayer on the ground with the much slicker "Count." Maybe Mike won't get the finish, and maybe Chris will land the big lucky shot like against Terry Martin, but if you are betting, bet on the hometown hero.
WINNER-Michael Bisping by decision
Light Heavyweight bout: Keith Jardine vs. Brandon Vera A lot of talk coming into this fight between these 2 men who need impressive wins to get into that title contention. Jardine more powerful and awkward which usually works to his advantage, won't be able to employ his leg kick damage against a better kickboxer. Vera has lost power at 205 and seemed gassed from the weight cut in his last bout. Things seem to have come together for this one and his speed and overall game should outwork Jardine.
WINNER-Brandon Vera by decision
Light Heavyweight bout: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Luis Cane "Baha" may not look the part, but he can take people apart with his brutal striking. Sokoudjou is perhaps overrated on the feet and abysmal on the floor. This fight stays on the feet but I'll take the "Upset Pick" and say the more aggressive Cane overwhelms the still inexperienced Soko.
WINNER-Luis Cane by TKO
Welterweight bout: Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly Kelly is the Wolfslair Teammate of Mike Bisping and is a smart, tough, and rough fighter. Marcus has a far better all around game and I believe better striking as well. I don't see the hometown crowd helping their boy past the "Irish Hand Grenade" who gets back to his winning ways here.
WINNER-Marcus Davis by TKO
Welterweight bout: Chris Lytle vs. Paul Taylor Taylor never says die and the guy always has an exciting fight. Chris Lytle is going to take him apart. I saw a change in Lytle after the Alves fight that I really like. He is going for the jugular these days and is going to stomp the Brit into oblivion.
WINNER-"Lights Out" Lytle by submission

Prelims
Heavyweight bout: Shane Carwin vs. Neil Wain Wow, Neil hearkens back to the days of Emmanuel Yarborough, Teila Tuli, Cabbage, Tank Abbott, and other striking fatties. This is a Pride FC freak fight style and Carwin, or the new young Mark Coleman, is going to KO the Michelin Man.
WINNER-Shane Carwin by can opener
Welterweight bout: Akihiro Gono vs. Dan Hardy I dunno, I like the "Outlaw" alot as a person, but Gono is awfully colorful as well and a Roy Jones Jr. fan as well. Oh yeah the fighting part, Gono has just been in with so much tougher opponents and has real elite experience. I don't know if Gono can stop anyone anymore, but he'll get the slow jam win.
WINNER-Akihiro by decision thanks to his countering ability
Lightweight bout: Jess Liaudin vs. David Bielkheden Neither guy impresses me that much but someone has to win and since I seem to be snubbing the Brits at home I'll do it yet again.
WINNER-Dave by decision I suppose
Lightweight bout: Samy Schiavo vs. Per Eklund "The Dog" does nothing for me and Eklund is going to submit him with relative ease.
WINNER-Per Eklund per submission
Lightweight bout: Sam Stout vs. Terry Etim "Stone Henge Hands" has more skill standing versus the lanky Etim, but he is very susceptible to getting tapped out which "Tear Bear" can do. Sam is tough and the kickboxer takes the square.
WINNER-Schammy Stoot
Lightweight bout: David Baron vs. Jim Miller Both of these guys are actually really talented. Miller has only lost to Frankie Edgar by decision and David Baron got a win over "Mach" Sakurai in his last bout. Jimmy is sick and a guy to watch in the 155 realm where he is going to make some noise. You are going to watch Jim and his brother Dan Miller (Middleweight) really rise to notoriety next year.
WINNER-Jim Miller by wrestling submission

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Christian Marcello vs Krazy Horse



Translation by IHateMMA:
Krazy Horse was sharing a locker room with Chute Boxe.
Christian Marcello was a corner man for a fight and that after the fight he returned to the locker room.
Krazy Horse started offending (or insulting) left and right and was defying team Chute Boxe and all of its fighters.
5 minutes of combat ensued.

Lesson learned, Jiu-Jistsu doesn't work in street fights and its always a good idea to fuck with Chute Boxe.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

The Fall Of Kimbo Slice?


So for the hardcore MMA fans, we all had a good laugh at last minute fill in Seth “Silverback” Petruzelli, a UFC reject and former The Ultimate Fighter Season 2 loser, who threw half a punch into Kimbo Slice’s eye, dropping him to the canvas and crushing the mystique of the Internet brawler. As funny as it was that the oh so scary Kimbo got dropped by a relative “no name,” it was even more hilarious to watch Jared Shaw (Pro Elite’s V.P.) in the background screaming at the referee, “back of the head” as Seth hammer fisted Elite XC’s cash cow into unconsciousness. Yes, the shots were illegal, but I believe unintentional from a fighter in shock that he was actually beating one of the most enigmatic and feared fighters in MMA today, and the outcome was not going to be changed. Kimbo was going down, and he wasn’t getting up. Seth Petruzelli, your new MMA man of the moment.

Now, 1st I want to get to the bad of the situation. This is disaster for Elite XC. Already hemorrhaging money at $55 million in debt, their biggest draw just got punked which could lead to people thinking Elite XC is a joke, ruining their future ratings, and eventual bankruptcy and the end of the fledgling MMA company. That is bad. I want Elite XC to succeed because competition between anyone and the UFC is good for the sport. So what do you do with Kimbo now?

Do not, under any circumstances give him a rematch with Seth or allow him to fight Brett “The Grim” Rogers. If Seth beats him again, it’s all over. Brett will beat him and that won’t help either. I say set the fight up with Ken Shamrock again. Though brittle and a sad caricature of the fighter he used to be, Ken still draws big ratings and people will tune in for the fight. Two big names equal big ratings. Also, despite falling from a half ass right, Ken isn’t knocking out anyone. His jaw is glass and I don’t think he can takedown Slice so it’s a big name win for the former porno bodyguard. Then just continue to feed Kimbo losers and hope Bas Rutten can build him into something until Elite XC can get a positive cash flow situation, and showcase other fighters.

To the good, this is helpful to Kimbo. The unbeaten record is gone and there has to be less pressure on the man so hyped up and talked about. As a fighter, he is young and this is a learning experience every fighter needs. Bas will know how to build up his Heavyweight and Slice showed class in the loss. Keep in mind, as scary as he looks, the guy is a family man, generally pretty respectful to fighters, and rather humble for a super-star. Less pressure, more focus, equals a better fighter. He’ll come back from this and still has a future in the sport. I’ll tune in to see how he rebounds for sure. Don’t you think others will be interested as well?

In the end, this is just a misstep in the road for a fighter, and can be forgotten in the long run. How he handles the loss will tell us more about his future than any win. Lets just hope Elite XC will be around long enough for Kimbo Slice to make another appearance in the spotlight
.

Elite XC "Heat" Results & Fallout

Seth Petruzelli (a Light Heavyweight) stepped in at the last second to replace Ken Shamrock (he caught a head butt requiring stitches forcing the doctors to DQ him from fighting) and fight Kimbo Slice. Cue the bell, a front kick, well placed right hand, and the phenom is down. Seth hammer fists Slice on the floor and the ref stops the fight as a semi-conscious Kimbo tries to takedown the ref not knowing what has happened. Seth shocks the world and Kimbo has a swollen eye with a cut, and his 1st loss on record. I’ll speak more on this whole Kimbo Slice thing later.

Jake Shields mounted Paul Daley time and time again and looking like he was just horsing around until he finally decided to armbar the big mouthed Brit to retain his Welterweight Title.

Andrei Arlovski got the TKO over very adept “Big Country” Roy Nelson. Roy did well in the beginning and even took the “Pitbull” down and gained side control. Landing knees and looking for a kimura, the ref inexplicably stood the 2 men up. This was awful and the ref has to be fined or punished in some way for this. Nelson was active and in side control! Stupid and for no reason. Still, I don’t think Roy was going to get the submission, and I figured in the end Andrei would find a way to win. Beautiful leg kicks and superior striking gives Arlovski the win in the end. By the by, Josh Barnett has stepped out of the running to fight Fedor Emelianenko and now Andrei may slide into the slot for the January Affliction/Golden Boy card. Fedor vs Andrei will draw a huge audience!

Gina “My Love” Carano got the decision win over Kelly Kobald in another exciting affair. Carano was never in trouble and definitely got the better of the exchanges. Kobald just could not takedown Gina which is her game. “Femborg” Chris Santos also got a win and we now have a fight between the 2 winners for the 1st Elite XC Women’s MMA Championship Belt! Chris, please make it quick and don’t hit Gina in the face.

Ninja, bro, stop standing in front of strikers and throwing bombs. Granted, it is fun to watch, but you seem to come out on the losing end too often. Benji Radach defeated Murilo “Ninja” Rua by TKO after the 2 men just traded barrages of punches and almost KO’d each other at the same time, twice! This was a war and if Ninja would have used his ground skills he would have earned the victory. Instead he gets caught slipping on a kick and a bludgeoned bloody eye for his effort. Benji, welcome to Elite XC.

Other results
Nicolae Cury beat Jorge Bouchat Submission (Reverse Triangle Choke) 1 1:35
Bryan Hamade defeated David Gomez Submission (Guillotine Choke) 1 2:03
Mikey Gomez beat Lorenzo Borgomeo Submission (Armbar) 2 4:06
Conor Heun defeated James Edson Berto TKO (Punches and Elbows) 2 2:18

So as it goes down for the weekend counting the Strikeforce show and Elite XC, I go 8-1 on my picks.
Gamblers, you are welcome.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Elite XC "Heat" Weigh-In Hilarity


Elite XC "Heat"


Main Card
Heavyweight Bout: Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock Oh jeezus. Kimbo turned his back on Kenny at the weigh-ins so of course the ill tempered Shamrock shoved Slice and a melee ensued. Classic Ken hyping up a fight in which he is going to be killed. Literally, possibly. I don't want to hear about takedowns, heel hooks, and submissions. Kimbo by slaughter and bet on 1 round.
WINNER-Kimbo and his "bread"

Welterweight Title Bout: Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley Shields is the Elite XC Welterweight Champion and has the amazing ground/submission game while Daley throws all the crazy stuff. Might I also mention I hate bitches who talk shit and try to slap his opponent. Paul is a class act. At any rate, Jake will take "Semtex" down and pound him back into Cage Rage.
WINNER-Jake Shields by G&P

Heavyweight Bout: Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy Nelson The Pitbull has a hellova height and reach advantage over "Big Country." He has been working with legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach and Nelson isn't going to make this a ground war. Beer Belly Fella has the "punchers chance" with good power but Arlovski is going to take him apart. Roy I hope you get the fast food sponsors you crave for your effort.
WINNER-Andrei Arlovski by KO

Women's Bout: Gina Carano vs. Kelly Kobald Gina Carano is just the hottest shit in the world. I'm sorry she is, but she's in some trouble here. Kelly wants to be the 1st to beat Gina and is very aggressive. Carano ain't no bitch (rumors of her and Nick joke) and Gina is intense and prepared for this fight. Kelly pushes early but "Conviction" wins the war.
WINNER-The oh so lovely Gina "Crush" Carano.

Middleweight Bout: Benji Radach vs. Murilo Rua Throw down some scratch on Benji. These guys are going to stand and try to kill each other. Intense as hell and in each others faces at the weigh-ins. Ninja has better game all around, and if he starts losing the stand up he can actually head to the ground. Benji returned from a 3 year long absence from MMA and destroyed people in the IFL (until his final fight). Rua is up and down these days sometimes not fighting the smart fight and seemingly susceptible.
WINNER-Benji Radach by TKO

Prelims
Women's Bout: Cristiane Santos vs. Yoko Takahashi Cyborg had Ono (HA!) in shock at the weigh-ins (hilarious picture coming soon) and is going to hurt this poor little girl.
WINNER-Femborg with the KO
Lightweight Bout: James Edson Berto vs. Conor Heun "Little Tiger" has the experience and Jiu-Jitsu while Heun wants to grind one out. Berto will push the fight for the win.
WINNER-JEB by decision
Light Heavyweight Bout: Seth Petruzelli vs. Aaron Rosa
WINNER-Rosa after Seth injures himself
Welterweight Bout: Lorenzo Borgomeo vs. Mickey Gomez

Bantamweight Bout: David Gomez vs. Brett Jackowski

Lightweight Bout: Jorge Bouchat vs. Nicolae Cury
Who the hell are these people in the last 3 fights?
My god the weigh-ins were the most fucked up I have ever seen in MMA. Kimbo showing the disrespect and Ken does the WWE push and shove leading to a "living death"tomorrow for Shammy. My poor Gina misses weight on her first try,again, and will never hear the end of it as she has to strip down and maybe made weight with some Elite XC scale tampering. They are actually holding towels around her exquisite body when her own father drops the top towel and we almost see glory. How do you slo-mo on YouTube? Paul Daley gets the fight going early with the "nice guy" Jake Shields and Takahashi has the greatest look of shock when seeing her opponent for the 1st time. Should be a good show Saturday.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Women Of MMA: Michelle Waterson


Ladies and gentlemen, mostly gentlemen, let me introduce you to Michelle "Karate Hottie" Waterson. Michelle is a former bikini model and native of Aurora, Colorado, has been throwing kicks and punches since the age of 10 when she took her first Karate class. Friday, she will attempt to give her hometown fans a thrill when she makes her 7th pro start in MMA competition at Strikeforce "Payback."

As a contestant on the 2007 Oxygen network series, “Fight Girls,” a reality program that gave female kickboxers the opportunity to train and battle one another while living at a Las Vegas, Nevada (and featured the 1st lady of MMA, the voluptuous Gina Carano),Waterson introduced herself to a national audience.

It was the culmination of her past experiences in martial arts and her burning desire to excel at the sport of MMA that, a year and a half ago, led her to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she has taken up residence to train under Greg Jackson, guru of one of the most finely tuned fight teams in the country.

“I needed to come here to take my career to the next level,” explained Waterson. “I’ve learned how to grapple on the ground and use my wrestling as a weapon. I’m a much more well-rounded fighter now.

Her work with Team Jackson produced dividends five weeks ago when she forced an opponent to submit from an armbar just 22 seconds into their bout. “Albuquerque has become a second home for me, and the Jackson team has become my family.”


She is the one to watch win on this less than interesting card that also will feature Duane "Bang" Ludwig get revenge in a rematch with Sam Morgan and Frank Trigg will lay on Falaniko "Niko" Vitale in route to a victory. Just watch for Michelle.