Sunday, April 25, 2010

Jake Shields Signs With The UFC (almost)


Jake Shields is about to sign with the UFC. As if that was any sort of shocking news, it seems as though the pen is very close to the paper. Shields (25-4-1) Strikeforce Middleweight Champion is currently the hottest free agent in MMA after a straight dominant come from behind win over the former hottest MMA free agent Dan Henderson. The poster boy for Strikeforce was sitting beside UFC President Dana White at Saturday nights WEC PPV and was seen mouthing the words, "he's mine."

It is rumored that the "Scrap Pack" (Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) team Captain will forgo Middleweight and return to Welterweight where he will face current UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre for the strap for his 1st Zuffa bout. Jake is riding a 14 fight winning streak that includes the who's who of MMA such as Jason Miller, Yushin Okami, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, Nick Thompson, Carlos Condit, and "Mach" Sakurai. Shields has only been stopped once in his career (way back in 2000; his 3rd pro fight) and is a former Shooto Middleweight Champion plus Pro Elite XC Welterweight Champion.

If Jake Shields signs with the UFC a bevy of interesting fights loom, but Strikeforce will be dealt a heavy blow and only Fedor can save the day.

WEC's 1st PPV Results: Aldo & Henderson Retain Titles


Well the WEC had its 1st PPV ever and you may notice the WEC logo was nowhere to be found. It seems as though Spike TV is to blame for that disrespect. I say disrespect because these guys have always fought their asses off and delivered amazing card after amazing card and a bunch of TV execs said they would not air the "WEC Countdown" show unless the PPV was ambiguous about whether it was WEC or UFC (they are two brands owned by Zuffa). Even though the fighters couldn't fly their colors so to speak, they did deliver yet again with a better PPV event than most sponsored by the UFC logo.

Jose Aldo defended his Featherweight title with success, earning an intelligently game planned 5 round Decision over Urijah Faber. The boys came to stand early trading a bit but mostly trying to find range in the 1st which the "California Kid" won. In the 2nd Jose started landing some knees to the body that were brutal as well as experimenting with the leg kick that would turn the fight in his favor. In the 3rd things started to get rough for Faber as he was visibly being hurt by the leg kicks and in the 4th was caught for what seemed like an eternity in a crucifix, where he took a lot of abuse. Helped to his corner by Team Alpha Male teammates, Urijah survived a less exciting final round as Aldo was victorious against the greatest Featherweight of all time!

Mr. Benson Henderson defended his Lightweight Championship by sneaking in a tight beautiful guillotine choke on the "Cowboy" Donald Cerrone, causing the tap to end the fight in under 2 minutes. Cerrone had never been stopped before in his career but left a neck exposed while trying to escape the bottom position, and the MMA Lab star capitalized for a quick and "Smooth" win.

Manny Gamburyan shocked Mike Thomas Brown and the MMA world (but not me) as he got a 1st round KO over the former Featherweight Champion. The "Manvel" looked good with his normally lackluster striking and has always had big power. It came to fruition as Manny landed some bombs but the excuse makers are out saying Brown's girlfriend broke up with him causing a 14 day absence from camp. I say be a man and train correctly if you are going to fight. The chick is probably a bitch though to be fair.

Shane Roller upped his stock by clamping the RNC choke over impact striker Anthony Njokuani. Shane has won 3 in a row after a loss to current title holder Ben Henderson while Njokuani just lost his 3 fight winning streak he started after losing to Ben Henderson. To show a bit of class, Anthony Twittered after the fight calling Roller a "fag" for not standing with him. Someone explain to Tony just what MMA stands for.

Leonard Garcia got a Split-Decision robbery over the "Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung in an early "Fight Of The Year" candidate. These 2 just come to throw bombs and that is about all they did. Sometimes Garcia would just put his head down and throw as both men found themselves on the canvas at 1 point or another. In the end Jung landed more strikes with more accuracy, and everybody with vision scored the fight 29-28 Jung. Horrible judging fucks up yet another amazing fight.

Also on the card, Scott Jorgensen avenged an earlier loss while Anthony "Showtime" Pettis secured a triangle choke win. Quiet Brad "One Punch" Pickett (who has now won 9 in a row!) earned a Decision as did ultra-tough Takeya Mizugaki. Chad Mendes secured Guillotine choke to remain undefeated for Team Alpha Male and Tyler Toner won with elbows via TKO.

A great night of fights, all exciting and worth watching. 0-0 on the picks I didn't file.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Strikeforce Nashville Results: 1 New Champion & The Riot

Cody Floyd throws a knee the KO's Thomas Campbell in the 3rd.
Dustin Ortiz hits the RNC on Justin Pennington in the beginning round.
Zach Underwood takes a Decision win over Hunter Worsham.
Cale Yarbrough TKO's Josh Schockman with a knee and punches in the 2nd.
Jason Miller TKO's Tim Stout before returning to ruin the evening.
Andy Uhrich slaps on the RNC, causing the tap from Dustin West.
Ovince St. Preux TKO's Chris Hawk in a mere 47 seconds into the fight.

Muhammed Lawal pulls the upset win via Unanimous Decision over a lackluster Gegard Mousasi. Gegard didn't like all the talk going into the fight so you'd think he would have trained properly for the fight. Unfortunately, he didn't. "King Mo" pushed the pace early and Mousasi did survive the early onslaught, but could not stop the takedowns though he presented a very active guard winning some of the fight there. In the end, both men got tired but "King Mo" pressed on through while Mousasi wilted. It certainly wasn't pretty, but the correct decision was made and we have a new Light Heavyweight Champion!

Gilbert Melendez straight ran game on Shinya Aoki all night taking a shutout Unanimous Decision win. Aoki tried everything for the takedown but got continual punishment for his efforts and by the end was a broken man. "El Nino" entered the final round assured of a win but fought as if he had lost every round. You can't respect that enough leaving one to wonder what Shinya will bring for the obligatory rematch in Japan.

Jake Shields survives a disastrous 1st round to take a Unanimous Decision win over legend Dan Henderson. It was a nightmare early as Jake got dropped hard by that brutal right hand but Dan could not put him away as a confused Shields defended until the round ended. From there, Jake found his rhythm and begin taking "Hendo" down and apart with dominating positions and improved G&P. A very impressive performance and you have to give the "Scrap Pack" captain all the credit for gutting out a tough fight and improving his game when everyone though he had no chance.

Of course, what stole the show was jackass Jason "Mayhem" Miller interrupting Jake's post win interview which resulted in a near riot. Gilbert Melendez stepped in and pushed Miller back causing Jason to answer said shove. Then it was on as the "Scrap Pack" stepped in to defend their boy who had just fought 5 brutal rounds and was having his "moment" usurped. Nick Diaz did most of the damage as corner men and officials tried to pull the warring factions apart. Nate Diaz got some good stomps in and "Mayhem" ensued.

It was embarrassing I'll admit for the sport on live CBS TV, but you do not disrespect in the way Miller did and expect nothing to happen. Miller Twittered "Whoops." after the melee while the brothers Diaz said, "this shit ain't no game." Boys will be boys and you don't fuck with the "Scrap Pack."
2-2 on the picks.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Strikeforce On CBS: 3 Title Fights Picks & Prognosticationerssonstuff


STRIKEFORCE: APRIL 17, 2010 ON CBS
venue: Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee

Main Bouts (On CBS):
Middleweight Champion
Jake Shields (24-4-1) vs. Dan Henderson (25-7) Oh I fear for Jake in this one. "Hendo" is a far stronger fighter with better wrestling and a brutal right hand in the stand up area where Shields is oft absent. Shields will test the feet early but not for long as Dan sprawls and brawls while accumulating a beatdown on the champ. Eventually, tired and bruised, that sledgehammer right hand lands before "Hendo" does the G&P for the "W."
WINNER-Dan Henderson by Rd.4 TKO

Light Heavyweight Champion
Gegard Mousasi (28-2-1) vs. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (6-0) The talk between these two got ugly quick and this thing has turned into a bonafide grudge match. "King Mo" is going to put the pace on Gegard early and he will have to withstand the early onslaught much like he did with Sokojoke. Another eventually, as the pace slows "King Mo" will make a mistake and Mousasi will tap him unless Lawal's ego requires a break.
WINNER-Gegard Mousasi by Rd.5 Submission

Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (17-2) vs. Shinya Aoki (23-4) The mat magician made good on his word and debuts stateside against the latin storm. "El Nino" will keep Aoki at the end of his jab while avoiding takedowns like herpes while Shinya struggles with the pace and striking en route to frustration and eventually (have I said that before) the power combination to put the Japanese rainbow warrior to bed.
WINNER-Gilbert Melendez by Rd.3 TKO

Prelim Bout (May air on CBS):
Jason Miller (22-7) vs. Tim Stout (8-7) Really? I mean really? I guess this is a tune up for Robbie Lawler later this summer.
WINNER-Jason Miller Rd.1 Submission

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Ovince St. Preux (4-4) vs. Chris Hawk (3-3)
Justin Pennington (0-0) vs. Dustin Ortiz (0-1)
Hunter Worsham (5-1) vs. Zach Underwood (4-0)
Thomas Campbell (3-0) vs. Cody Floyd (3-0)
Andrew Uhrich (4-0) vs. Dustin West (2-2)
Josh Schockman (6-2) vs. Cale Yarbrough (6-1)

MMA Melee: Demian Maia Speaks, MMA Judge Doug Crosby, & BJ Penn's Rematch


Demian Maia has finally commented on Anderson Silva and his actions during their recent title fight. “I just thought it was disrespectful for him to swear at me during the fight, saying things like, ‘You (explicative) momma’s boy, show me your Jiu-Jitsu.’ That type of stuff. I felt it was disrespectful and unnecessary. Aside from that, it was a normal fight. He begged my forgiveness and I feel everyone makes mistakes, that’s normal. I feel something influenced him afterwards and he came up with that statement about me having disrespected him. I never made any strong statements and, even if I had, it would have been to promote the fight, which is normal. The fight ends and the two fighters embrace.”

Dana White has made Chael Sonnen the official #1 contender to the Middleweight crown. The Team Quest member is already talking a good game so let's see if the "Spider's" head explodes this time around. Dana also stated on ESPN that if Silva ever pulls that shit again he will cut him whether or not he is the champion!

MMA judges Doug Crosby is taking a lot of heat for his blind man's scorecard on the recent BJ Penn vs Frankie Edgar fight (he scored every round for the "Answer" 50-45) and then going on the Internet, attacking fans and calling them ignorant to MMA rules. Several athletic commissions and the UFC brass called Crosby to tell him to stay off the Internet and not join in the melee of arguments with 13 year old keyboard warriors. How's about we just fire this ass and start educating judges?

BJ Penn has not hid out or complained about his recent now controversial fight with Frankie Edgar instead focusing on the positive and a potential immediate rematch saying, "The UFC contacted us yesterday, and I think they want to put a rematch together, so I think a rematch is in the works." Penn said Tuesday morning in an interview with 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. The rematch could possibly land on the August 1 Versus show in Oakland.

After a hundred denials the UFC has made Chuck Liddell vs Rich Franklin and official bout and the Main Event for UFC 115 in Vancouver, Canada which sold out in a matter of seconds. This June fight features 2 very high profile fighters that are beloved by the fans that will draw a huge gate. I don't know that "Ace" can knock him out, but almost every other spot the fight can go the "Iceman" will be in some trouble.

With Strikeforce airing a bit show on CBS this weekend I thought it would be helpful to list some of their upcoming shows and the talent involved.

May 15 in St. Louis:
Alistair Overeem vs. Brett Rogers for the Heavyweight Title!
Andrei "Glass Jaw" Arlovski vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva
Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Joey Villasenor
Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro vs. Lyle Beerbohm or Mitsuhiro Ishida ("Shaolin" is 1 to watch when he shows up stateside)
Roger Gracie vs. Kevin Randleman (ha ha ha)
Kid Yamamoto vs. Federico Lopez (finally we get the "Kid" in the states!)
Antwain Britt vs. Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante

June 16 in
Los Angeles:
Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Robbie Lawler
Bobby Lashley vs. TBA (he's still not ready for anyone of note)

June 26 in
San Jose:
Fabricio Werdum vs. Fedor Emelianenko for the WAMMA Heavyweight Title!
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. TBA Who dares step in with this fella?


And finally in great for the sport news, "Mixed martial arts veteran and former UFC fighter Mike Whitehead is currently wanted by Nevada police on sexual assault and drug charges as reported on CBS Channel 8 News in Las Vegas. When police arrived at his home they discovered a marijuana growing operation, weapons and evidence associated with the sexual assault crime they were investigating." I gots no problem with the growing factory, but if the crime is true (and that is "if") then Mike's career has just popped like someone squeezing his last name. Oooh, that was more disgusting that I thought it would sound.

Kimo Leopoldo Is Still Crazy



Kimo Leopoldo calls out Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Kimbo Slice, Tito Ortiz, Anderson Silva, the Nogueira Brothers, and speaks of his attraction to Georges St. Pierre. Its sad but I can't stop watching the train wreck.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Anderson Silva vs Fedor Emelianenko

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UFC 112 Post Post


So after the debacle that was the UFC 112's Main Event, we are all asking why? Why did Anderson Silva act the fool and taunt a seemingly humble opponent? Why does the "Spider" feel like a champion can act like such a douchebag? What will a very angry Dana White do in response to this embarrassment?

Silva says he wanted to teach Demian Maia a lesson for "morally disrespecting him." The great incivility resulted from pre-fight hype in which Maia said he would "take home 1 of Anderson's 8 legs" if he got a hold of them or would "take his arm or neck." That's it. That's the great impudence bestowed upon the Middleweight Champion. The opponent talked up the fight in the UFC's promo videos where the Zuffa brass ask the fighters to "sell" the event.

So why didn't Anderson Silva throw a bevvy of punches and just out class his opponent while earning a highlight reel stoppage? When asked that question in the post fight presser, an indignant "Spider" replied, "I dominated the fight." I suppose dominance is winning 2 rounds of a fight and then running while dancing like an epileptic at a rave. Silva also said he, "Doesn't owe the fans an apology." No you don't, but a warrior with an ounce of respect for the sport that made him famous, would.

It's become a topsy turvy world when I hate Anderson Silva and laugh while rooting for
Chael Sonnen who had this to say about the "Spider" after his performance. "There's people out there that need to be beaten up, he's one of them. And I have a moral obligation to society to beat him up. Silva is a dirtbag anyway, whether he went out there and shook hands and was gracious or he didn't. Who cares? I don't know why sportsmanship needs to be involved, anyways. It's a fight, go do whatever you want. So, yes, I will do whatever I want. And when my music hits those speakers, I will make that walk and answer for my words."

So Dana White was left with a bitter taste in his mouth after spending so much time promoting this huge event in the Mecca of submission fighting. Besides calling the fight "embarrassing," and a "disgrace," while feeling as if this is "the lowest time in 10 years with the UFC," the UFC President vowed to "make it up to the fans that bought this crap." I actually think Dana owes us nothing. The guy put on a top tier show but not all of the fighters performed up to their standards. Save for the jackass at the end, a lot of good fighters fought good fights. Unfortunately, people will only remember the taunting, dancing, moron who closed the show.

Speaking of the actual fighters who fought on the card, controversy is slowly swirling around the Frankie Edgar decision win over BJ Penn. Many people in the media have noted this fight could have gone either way. 3 Sherdog judges scored fight for Penn and many noticed Edgar didn’t land clean shots while Penn did. Fightmetric had the bout 49-48 Penn, Sports Illustrated columnist and respected MMA journalist Josh Gross had the bout 48-47 Penn. Not all the MMA online outlets had the Hawaiian winning. MMA Weekly scored the fight a draw while over at MMA Junkie, they gave the nod to Edgar by 48-47. Either way, BJ acknowledged he lost in a very respectful Internet post to Frankie and we can all agree that ringside judge Douglas Crosby is a blind fool somehow scoring every round officially 50-45 for Edgar. Someone needs to be fired.

With the legend of BJ hitting a speed bump, this opens the door for all the Lightweights especially the formidable Kenny Florian who has dominated everyone save the "Prodigy." "Kenflo" is maybe 1 fight away from that 3rd title shot but Gray Maynard, the only fighter to have beaten Frankie Edgar so far, will most likely get a rematch that comes with a title shot.

Matt Hughes said Renzo Gracie had more pressure being closer to home and the biggest draw on the card and defending the family name, while he only had to tend to normal business. Renzo is beloved around the world but in Abu Dhabi the Gracie name is royalty. Interesting to note that Huges stated he couldn't get his hands on Renzo early and thus changed the game plan to leg kicks on the fly. Leg kicks were also not focused upon in practice. It was the game changer, that and Renzo's lack of endurance, that led to the HIT Squad founders win. Huges only wants to fight once or twice a year but still wants to compete. Unfortunately for him, the top dogs at Welterweight have passed him by and a title shot ain't gonna happen.

The always entertaining Paul Orndorff, excuse me I mean Phil Davis, is looking to add some "razzle dazzle" to his stand up the next time up but knows he is a "work in progress." "Mr. Wonderful" also wanted to point out his pink mouth guard that said, "I love you Mom." and wanted to earn his way onto the main card so she could see it. How cute. He pulled no punches when talking about his next potential opponent calling out UFC Octagon girl Chandella Powell as his next fight. According to Davis, Chandella has been "giving him attitude" and it's too late to make up now. He wants the bout at UFC 116.

Finally, a successful and relieved Paul "Tellys" Kelly stated he planned to lose the 1st round of his fight with Matt Veach. The Brit said Veach was just too good of a wrestler, but he would survive and once a little tired, he came in for the kill against Matt. After all the distractions from a fallout with the Wolfslair camp and management, he just focused on the fight and kissed a penny he wears around his neck that his daughter gave him when she began to crawl.

UFC 112: Congrats To New Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar & A FU To Anderson Silva


Jon Madsen defeats Mostapha Al-Turk by Decision and there is nothing surprising about that.
Paul Kelly subs Matt Veach with a Guillotine Choke in the 2nd which is nice.
DaMarques Johnson gains the TKO win over Brad Blackburn with a kick to the body in the 3rd.
Rick Story edges out Nick Osipczak via Split-Decision.

Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis bested Alexander Gustafsson with a slick Anaconda Choke in the very 1st round. This kid is still very green but expect good things in the future. "Submission Of The Night."

Mark Munoz staged a comeback and TKO'd iron jaw Kendall Grove through the floor. Munoz looked positively awful in the beginning shooting from far too off and catching a well placed uppercut which put him on his ass. From there he ate more shots and had to fend off submission attack after submission attack as "Da Spyder" looked honestly a bit impressive. Finally the true Kendall showed in the 2nd getting jaw jacked as Mark began to throw wildly but connecting when it mattered. "Fight Of The Night" honors.

Rafael dos Anjos has really improved his striking and kicks but in the end it was his brilliant Jiu-Jitsu that allowed the Armbar tapout over "King Dong" Terry Etim. Rafael is quietly making a name in the Lightweight division.

Matt Hughes started slowly but finished strong against the legend, Renzo Gracie. The toughest of the Gracie's was winning the battle on the feet early and actually won the 1st round leaving Hughes with a small mouse under his eye and quickly re-thinking his strategy. In the 2nd Matt's methodical pace began to show dividends as Renzo's leg was just getting battered by the HIT Squad founders leg kicks. Renzo was beginning to look winded as we went into the final round where the greatest Welterweight finally found his stride and began to really hurt the Gracie. After a couple of knockdowns, Renzo was having trouble getting back to his feet and it got so sad that you wondered if he could finish the fight. Finally, Hughes put him away and Herb Dean mercifully stopped the fight. Renzo vowed to return and hopefully the 43 year old can learn some jumping jacks or something. Hughes still has nothing left for the top dogs in the division but will probably keep fighting "big name" fights like this one.

Frankie Edgar kept moving and using his speed to take a Decision win over B.J. Penn! The "Answer" never quit working even when he trailed in the bout early on. As we entered the 3rd round the fight was close and BJ looked a bit tired spinning on what may have been a bad knee. Penn has yet to address the wrapped knee but he also looked a bit doughy even for him. At anywho, Edgar kept mixing up his attack and Penn just couldn't seem to get his hands on him and was even taken down twice in the fight! Both of BJ's eyes were swollen a bit but neither man took any real damage. Just a genius game plan for Frankie who maybe didn't deliver a pretty fight for the fans, but a brilliant one none the less and is the new UFC Lightweight Champion!

Anderson Silva defeated Demian Maia by Unanimous Decision in the worst title fight of all time. The "Spider" decided Maia "didn't respect him" and thus danced around like an enormous asshole taunting and mocking the fellow Brazilian. Silva was far better on the feet and called Demian on as if angered Maia didn't want to fight Silva's fight. However, the more he danced and made an ass of himself, he wasn't fighting and Demian, who would be bloodied with one eye swollen completely shut and a broken nose, kept coming and earned the respect of the fans who chanted his name in hopes he could find a way to stop the disrespectful egomaniac who was running around the warning track of the Octagon and refusing to fight. The referee even threatened to take a point from Anderson if he continued to run but time was just about up. Anderson wins the Decision in a bout he could have ended at any time but refused to. Silva claims he doesn't owe anyone a reason for his antics besides the "respect" issue but does a true champion treat an opponent in that manner? This fight was disguesting and this PPV which I built up so big, sucked balls. Not Dana's fault, but terrible none the less.
6-4 on the picks.

Friday, April 09, 2010

UFC 112 Silva vs Maia Picks & Such

UFC 112: April 10, 2010
Concert Arena in Abu Dhabi

This PPV will be outside fighting for the 1st time in a long time and features not 1, not 2, oh wait, yes 2 Title fights! Also featuring a sweet grudge match of legends and hopefully the death of Kendall Grove. I can be honest when a card is worth the money and this 1 ownz.

Main Bouts (PPV):
Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (25-4) vs. Demian Maia (12-1) Stop talking about Maia's new stand up prowess because it's not going to matter in this affair. The "Spider" is finally back and looking to set a record in the UFC for defending his title the most times successfully. Silva will not come in unprepared or overlooking the Abu Dhabi Champion's pedigree on the floor. Instead opting to dismantle Maia with that long jab and a myriad of offensive attacks that does get the fight to the ground where Demian wants it. Unfortunately for him, he will be unconscious.
WINNER-Anderson Silva by Rd.2 TKO
Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn (15-5-1) vs. Frankie Edgar (11-1) The "Answer" has beaten the elite of the Division while improving in every single fight and nobody thinks he has a chance in hell against the "Prodigy." I do. Frank always has his superior dominating wrestling to fall back on when in trouble, and though I think he can hang punch for punch with BJ, he lacks significant power which Penn will deliver in spades. Edgar will make a more competitive fight than Diego Sanchez did, but the end result is the same. Penn just has more game in almost every area and will eventually, methodically, break you down. Edgar just needs a Dan Hardy like performance which I think he can deliver.
WINNER-BJ Penn by Decision
Matt Hughes (43-7) vs. Renzo Gracie (13-6-1) If you don't love the toughest Gracie of them all, you are a fool. That being said, Matt is intensely looking to make yet another statement against the Gracie name using his cardio and power to best Renzo's Jiu-Jitsu and toughness. Renzo will never give up, but Hughes sure can make him want to. Matt has far more experience and strength in this game while the Gracie must wait for you to make a mistake in order to win. He can't out box Matt and on the floor the HIT Squad founder can surely hold his own if not dominate in any situation. Biding your time against Hughes is not a good option as Matt slowly imposes his will on Renzo and batters him for 3 tactical and still interesting rounds.
WINNER-Matt Hughes by Decision
Terry Etim (14-2) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (13-4) Sherdog's favorite Peter North impersonator brings his lanky frame to cut up a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Dos has done well against some tough guys but can he floor Etim long enough to lock him up? I'm not confident in much Anjos does so side ever so slightly to Terry, king of the wangs.
WINNER-Terry Etim by Decision
Mark Munoz (7-1) vs. Kendall Grove (11-6) The "Philippine Wrecking Machine" is going to straight maul the faux "Spyder." What does it take for a TUF winner to get cut from the UFC anyway? Grove sucks and even with his 42 inch reach advantage he'll take a few chin shots before he folds like Jonothan Goulet in front of ANYONE! Black House represent!
WINNER-Mark Munoz by Rd.1 KO

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Phil Davis (5-0) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (9-0) The "0" must go fight! "Mr. Wonderful" is back to embarrass yet another up and comer with just ridiculous wrestling skills, a big reach advantage, surprising striking skills, and easy breezy endurance. Ze German cannot sprekenze-schtop the takedown and will be ate up by days end.
WINNER-"Mr. Wonderful" by Decision
Paul Taylor (10-5-1) vs. John Gunderson (22-7) England's own makes the move to 155 against a so-so fighter he is scheduled to beat. Just on heart and pressure alone, I like Taylor to stay away from the ground and strike with abandon. If floored, Paul might surprise you with his ability to get off the mat and stay away from John's submissions in a close fight.
WINNER-Paulie T by Decision
Nick Osipczak (5-0) vs. Rick Story (9-3) Shipshack (that's how you pronounce his peculiar name) is an odd duck. He kinda meanders around and before you know it, he's winning the fight. Not sure he can employ his sneaky game plan against "Horror" who can take anyone down and Hulk smash them to pieces.
WINNER-The "Horror" by Rd.3 TKO (G&P)
DaMarques Johnson (10-7) vs. Brad Blackburn (15-10-1) Well here's 2 guys that couldn't impress me less. Both guys fight similar ground styles but aren't super "athletic" or "explosive." So can we still play the UFC commentators drinking game? I don't know or care who wins.
WINNER-"Bad" Brad by Decision?
Matt Veach (11-1) vs. Paul Kelly (9-2) "Telly's" won't shake your hand at the weigh-ins, but Veach is going to power wrestle a little respect from the Brit. Veach would be a beast at Welterweight but this is a Lightweight fight! Matt is going to smother and bash to victory as long as he doesn't run out of gas.
*How about that huge Wolfslair tattoo on Paul's back. The cat loves his camp so much he gets the ink, then gets screwed by said friends, and now has a ginormous "X" on his back. Hilarious and kids, take a lesson.*
WINNER-Matt Veach's the Decision win
Jon Madsen (4-0) vs. Mostapha Al-Turk (6-5) The HIT Squad wrestler will win this fight on the floor and if Madsen gets a lucky punch in, will TKO Al-Turk into the unemployment line.
WINNER-Jon "Tank Top" Madsen

Thursday, April 01, 2010

UFC Fight Night 21 Results: Florian, Nelson, Pearson, & Okami WIN Big!


Kenny Florian owned Takanori Gomi and eventually subs him with the RNC in the final round. "Kenflo" was just flowing tonight landing his jab all day long and the "Fireball Kid" could not even reach him. Gomi was obviously looking to counter but Kenny is too technically superior to get sucked into a slugfest. In the final round Gomi finally landed a good punch but then Florian just took him down where the unsurprising end was waiting.
*Just a horrible debut in the UFC for Gomi who looked like he might even get owned in the WEC. The last Pride FC Lightweight Champion has got a lot of work to do with his hands (throwing punches from your knees doesn't work anymore) and "Kenflo" is just praying Frankie Edgar beats BJ Penn and he is your true #1 contender! Perhaps Tyson Griffin, Gray Maynard, or George Sotiropoulos could keep Kenny active while he ruins everyone in the division except for the "Prodigy."

Roy Nelson KO'd Stefan Struve in 39 seconds of the 1st round after a power outage halted the introductions. "Big Country" went to work quickly with his red mullet fantastically flowing behind him. 2 overhand rights in a row put "Skyscraper" down and Nelson just mugs him on the mat until the referee stops the abuse.
*Roy thinks he is in title contention (not yet) and says he'd fight James Tony which would be a hilarious idea. Think of the trash talk leading to Nelson taking down an equally fat man and subbing him with ernest. The winner of Mirko Cro Cop vs Pat Barry might be a better idea.

Jorge Rivera defeats Nate Quarry by TKO destruction! Jorge had his guns firing early and often as he drops "Rock" with constant right/left combinations that were a thing of beauty. Nate is just too stiff and robot like as only the clock saved a bloody swollen Quarry from an imminent "living death." The 2nd only brought more hell as Jorge lands that same combo collapsing Nate for the (merciful) last time.
*Jorge looks great for an old timer but what did "Free Wheezy" on his t-shirt mean? "Boston in the house! What. What!" I love Quarry's heart and he's a good guy, but he got old really fast and his future in the UFC doesn't look promising.

Ross Pearson mixes up his attack as he takes a well earned Unanimous Decision win over the equally tough Dennis Siver. Ross threw leg kicks, body kicks, jabs, hooks, over hands, knees, and did it all constantly keeping his opponent on guard. I have always wondered why strikers don't mix things up more and Pearson shows why they should. Siver was a superior wrestler but Ross had little trouble when taken down, getting back to his feet. The "Real Deal" has really impressed me since TUF and has become a threatening Lightweight. Great match and fighters watch his foot work!!

Andre Winner got the decision nod over Rafaello Oliveira while Jacob Volkmann eeked out a Split-Decision win over Ronys Torres. Charlie Brenneman took Jason High on points as Gerald Harris out struck Mario Miranda via TKO. Gleison Tibau looked at least 2 weight classes above Caol Uno whom he dispatched with a 2nd round TKO and Nik Lentz did me proud by defeating the horrible Robert Emerson by score cards.

Finally and most importantly, Yushin "Thunder" Okami not only defeats Lucio Linhares, but does it by TKO in the 2nd round! Okami ain't dead yet and the Middleweights should beware!

8-3 on the nose picking and how about Jeff Hardy in the crowd pimping out TNA wrestling? Also, about that new ring girl Chandella (pronounced Shawn Della). I hate to pile on since she is being critiqued almost constantly but, her name is fitting for a hot female body on the face of a man! + this color scheme hurts my eyes.