UFC 118 Post Post

The UFC made its presence felt in Boston for the 1st time, but are we celebrating UFC 118 as an elite card. Or perhaps, a failed gimmick.

Frankie Edgar Is NOT Boring (Gray Maynard IS)

First things 1st. Frankie Edgar whipped BJ Penn's ass and barely anybody cares. The overwhelming talk is that the rematch with Gray Maynard is going to be boring as hell and impossible to sell. Its a bit harsh to lump Frankie in with Gray who has not shown us any improvement in the offensive category though you cannot deny his wrestling prowess. To me, Maynard is what is wrong with wrestling in MMA today while Edgar represents what is right. When both men came into the league they were both very much amateur wrestlers with a cursory knowledge of the other MMA art forms. Edgar not only added those tools to his arsenal, he found rhythm and confidence in his stand up which elevated his game to embarrassing BJ Penn. The "Bully" still uses his L&P method to, granted, control his opponents in dominant fashion but who the hell wants to watch it? Positioning from the top is one thing, but an almost absence of strikes until the referee threatens to stand you up, is weak and lame. Yes you can win with that and I've often said if you don't like it, do something about it. The problem is that wrestling creates such control in MMA today, that even if you are landing from the bottom, good luck getting a judge to notice. Also, this shit of if a guy gets a takedown than he is winning the fight is over. Many guys take their opponent down only to have him instantly back to his feet. The takedown did nothing and the transition or escape should be awarded. This never happens. I don't know what to do about this and really, BJJ dominates for a while, then wrestling, and eventually something else since life runs in circles. I guess I'll just have to wait this boring season out.

• Edgar landed 142 strikes, 3 takedowns, 15 leg strikes
• Penn landed 56 strikes, 2 takedowns, 0 leg strikes

BJ "The Prodical" Penn

What do you do to motivate BJ Penn now? People are clamoring for Penn/Gomi 2 but why would BJ even want it? He's probably not even going to want the Lightweight fight as he has acted all this time as if 155 was beneath him. He'll say something about "legacy" and wanting big fights probably like Urijah Faber in the WEC. I would rather both men focus on owning the gold strap again. The one thing I know, is that BJ's head is always going to be a problem. You could see it in his face before the 4th round that he had given up. He didn't try to pick up the tempo or even mix in more takedowns and varying strikes. Nothing.

Bridgeport's Own, Owned!

Joe Lauzon is getting so much love on the Internet for his 1-sided "Demolishment," of Gabe Rudiger. "Godzilla," it could not have happened to a better guy and not shaking "J-Lau's" hand because of a semi-funny web video is ghey. So was your ice cream cake move at the weigh-in. "Creepy Joe" isn't ready for a title shot but he is ready for a step up in competition.

Give Davis His Due

Nate Diaz just murdered Marcus Davis who needs to realize, its time to retire or take a long layoff. I'm not hating on "IHG," in fact I am a big fan. But his face cannot take punishment after a career of boxing and now MMA at age 37. Too much scar tissue and frankly he is too slow for the ultra-fast Welterweight division. His power once protected him but he could not even reach Diaz Saturday. Keep this in mind though. He was the 1st boxer to truly pick up all the facets of the MMA game. That is something I have not seen from any other boxer turned MMA fighter! Nate Dogg is healthy at 170 though he wants to bounce back to Lightweight sometimes. Why? There is nothing to gain there and he's not going to get Gray Maynard any time soon even though he asked Dana White at the post fight press conference in front of the "Bully" which was pretty funny. Most impressive victory of Kid Nate's career.

Dana Killed Kenny

Dana White used the words, “Kenny chokes in big fights.” I don't know that to be true and damn that seems harsh. Since becoming the most improved MMA fighter of all time, Kenny Florian has only lost to BJ Penn and now Gray Maynard. The kid straight whips ass but wasn't ready for the title shot with Sean Sherk, or near the caliber of fighter he is now. I don't think the dream dies here and he is exciting enough, and young enough to work his way back up again. The problem will be with what this does to Florian mentally. Losing a title shot and doing it the 1st time the UFC comes to your home. That's tough homie. I believe "Kenflo" will return but I hope not against a much bigger fighter who is going to dry hump him for 15 minutes.

Boston Wins!

How much did Dana White love bringing his product back to his hometown only to hear the crowd chant “UFC, UFC, UFC!” when his boy Randy Couture faced down the predominant boxing voice today in the supposed MMA vs boxing bout? BLAF has come full circle and congratulations to the man who runs the best MMA promotion of all time.

The Eloquent Orca

Randy Couture did say James Toney verbally quit but the referee didn’t hear it. The game planning Couture also told how the seldom used low single leg isn’t used much in MMA, but his old wrestling coach thought it would work. I think anything would work since Toney obviously didn't give a damn. The media is actually giving dap to a guy for actually fulfilling a signed contract, which he proved he didn’t even take seriously by not training and doing an impression of an orca, but I digress. James Toney showed up for his payday and duped everyone into believing there was the slightest chance in hell he could even dream of being effective in an MMA fight. He could not. James Toney makes Kimbo Slice look like Georges St. Pierre.

Misc. Notes

Gray Maynard is as bad an interview as he is a fighter to watch. He killed the momentum during the PPV and decided to ruin what ever flavor was left for the MMA Live crew on ESPN for the post game show. He is like a smaller version ofMatt Lindland that you love to hate. I just wanted to express that.

Mario Miranda looked completely out of his depth and I don't see Demian Maia ever competing for the UFC strap again.

Mike Pierce won again and nobody cared.

Shaq called out Hong Man Choi for a fight and also Tito Ortiz if he was 15 years younger.

Jenna Jameson and Mrs. Frank Mir are in a Tweet war. I'm not sure why this is news but it keeps popping up and any opportunity I have to call Tito's slut a whore, I'm gonna use.

I have no idea why Wanderlei Silva was there dressed as a leprechaun this weekend.

UFC 118 Play By Play

Mike Pierce kicks off the night with a Straight Armbar submission win over Amilcar Alves in the 3rd.

Greg Soto Upsets Nick Osipczack by Unanimous Decision.

Joe Lauzon detstroys Gabe Rudiger in 1 brutal round! “J-Lau” grabbed hold of “Godzilla” and took him apart. Cutting a vicious pace the hometown hero could not secure the takedown so he just slammed the overgrown hela monster to the mat twice with authority. Moving to what ever position he wanted, “Creepy Joe” elbowed and connected with straight wicked uppercuts that dazed Gabe who let his arm dangle until it became locked in the armbar. Rudiger refuses to shake the Bostonian’s hand but he got “demolishment” as Joe Rogan said. Boston wins baby! Boston wins! "Submission Of The Night"

Dan Miller defeats John Salter with a (ahem) “Ninja Choke,” in the 2nd round of his “must win” bout. Miller seemed a bit dry on the feet again but muscled his way into Salters personal space and attempted his dreaded guillotine. It didn’t work as John made a great escape but when shooting in for the takedown, Danny Boy caught the neck securing the rare but beautiful “Ninja Choke,” or reverse naked choke.
*The exact stunning victory Dan Miller needed to keep his job and dreams alive. Still needs some explosion in there but the pressure comes off and the fans really explode for the hard core favorite.

Did Mike Goldberg just say these two were “mirror images of each other?” That is retarded on so many levels it hurts my head. The crowd enjoys it but I get embarrassed every time Davis comes out to “Jump Around” by House Of Pain. Nate gets no love from the crowd.

Nate Diaz vs Marcus Davis

Rd.1 Nate chirping and taunting early but he drops and explodes on Diaz. Nate stands up raising his hands and calling on the fan favorite. Good hook by Nate. Marcus cut early and the crowd begins chanting "Diaz Sucks." On cue lands a big punch but Davis answers with a big left. The pace gets dirty and Nate is mixing up the strikes. Diaz can't secure the takedown but still landing some slapping shots. They are banging and Nate looks sloppy though Marcus is having trouble with the reach. Diaz really landing a barrage of shots but still looks off balance. Davis wants the big shot great war round 1. 10-9 Diaz

Rd.2 Davis' eye is a mess and the doc wants to check it out. We start up Nate working the volume of punches and calls on Davis. They lock up but Diaz cannot get the takedown. More strikes and Davis wobbled. Marcus' punches no where near Diaz who is rolling. Bob and weave from "IHG" but he is still getting tagged. Both men bleeding but Davis is just eating tons of glove. Leg kicks from Davis but his left eye is a mess. Takedown defense from Davis is great and he gets the takedown though Diaz reverses as the round expires. 10-9 Diaz

Rd.3 Davis' left eye has 3 bad cuts as Nate calls to the crowd. Diaz almost looks bored hitting the battered Marcus' nose which is probably broken as it swells up. The eye of Davis looks like Hasim Rahman's infamous injury and Diaz is just doing what ever he pleases. Nate's mouth is open but he finally gets the takedown. Diaz wants to finish this fight and does putting Davis to sleep in the guillotine! (1-Sided) "Fight Of The Night"

*Total dominance is the name of the game tonight and another amazing finish! Diaz hugs Marcus and hears the boo's. Nate thinks he broke his hand in the 2nd and calls out the weak Lightweight class specifically Gray Maynard. Stockton 209 baby!

Light Heavyweight Champion "Shogun" Rua is shown and gets a nice pop from the crowd.

Lightweight #1 Contender's Match

Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard

Extreme Couture's undefeated "Bully" comes out 1st to a shower of boo's from the Boston faithful. Dropkick Murphy's "For Boston" blares into the arena and the Garden goes nuts!

Rd.1 No glove touch and the crowd chants early for Florian. Gray looks far bigger in the feeling out process and Kenny throws a couple of kicks. Gray misses a big overhand right. Stick and move but not much action as the crowd gets jittery. Dirty boxing stuns Gray but he is alright. Big body shot by Maynard and both men look to counter. Powerful shot by Gray but great balance shown by Kenny. Gray just slams Florian down to the mat. Kenny grabbed the fence but nothing from Gray on the ground. 10-9 Florian

Rd.2 Dropkick Murphy's members in the crowd!! Feeling out process still going on with Kenny stalking but little action. Gray shrugs off some arm kicks and shoots on Kenny. Florian stays vertical for a while but is taken down. Kenny is cut on the left eye. Smothering but few punches from the top. Kenny's eye is bad and Gray continues the dry hump. Joe Rogan calls it 2 rounds easy for Gray which seems crazy to me. 10-9 Maynard

Rd.3 Jay Hieron who is rumored to be coming to the UFC after recently parting ways with Strikeforce, is in Gray's corner. The superman punch misses for Kenny as does a windmill kick. The shot takes Kenny down and both men do some work. The ref warns of a stand up as the crowd boos. Gray picks up the pace for about 10 seconds. I feel so bad for Kenny just getting laid upon by a bigger man. "Kenflo" rises to his feet only to be taken down again. Florian secures an omaplata with 30 seconds to go. Maynard escapes and Maynard runs away as time expires and the crowd boos. 10-9 Maynard

* MMAFO scores the bout 29-28 for Maynard. The judges give Gray the Unanimous Decision. My question is who wants to watch Gray fight anyone? Imagine the excitement of seeing Gray vs Frankie Edgar 2?

UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell is in the crowd!

Miranda comes out to DMX which wins him zero points in my book. Anderson Silva, who already defeated Maia, helped train Mario for this bout and is in his corner.

Demian Maia vs Mario Miranda

Rd.1 Maia gets things down quickly and this could be trouble. Demian gets up on Mario's back looking for a triangle and Miranda escapes to his feet. Very little striking work from Mario who gave away the round. 10-9 Maia

R.2 Mario must avoid the cage and still gets caught by a leg and almost gets the takedown. A simple trip and Maia has him down. Maia is putting a Jiu-Jitsu clinic on Mario who has no answers. 10-9 Maia

Rd.3 The nut shot followed by ensnaring Mario on the ground who is out of his depth and who gave him his blackbelt? Maia is just playing around now but Mario senses and gets away and now Maia looks very tired as he drops to his back wasting time. Both men are tired and a weak single leg gets the takedown for Demian and I'm guessing he will now coast to the decision loss. Yup. 10-9 Maia

* MMAFO scores it all the way Demian Maia 30-27. The judges agree and the air has gone completely out of the building after 2 boring bouts in a row.

Retired boxer Micky Ward awakens the crowd as does a view of the Celtics own "Big Baby" Davis in the crowd.

I'm not a big Captain America fan but I am putting MMA's future on his shoulders for the next few moments. James Toney's accomplishments are read as a forklift raises him into the Octagon. The lights dim and the "Natural" enters to Van Halen but he's old so whatever. Grandpa steps in with the orca and the crowd screams as Joe Rogan giggles.

Randy Couture vs James Toney

Rd.1 I'm officially nervous but an immediate single leg and Couture has mounted Toney. "Orca on the beach. Repeat. Orca on the beach." The crowd is chanting "UFC, UFC." Couture is having some fun abusing a smothered Toney and striking which student Gray Maynard could learn. An arm and head triangle and Randy tells the ref "He said he gives." The bout continues and the arm triangle forces the tapout as Toney stumbles getting to his feet. You tapped Princess.

* Well that was as expected but Randy Couture is given his blackbelt during the middle of the interview. How cool was that. Randy is very respectful to boxing and James Toney. Toney says, "Mummmabrumma bumma gumma mumma. Fought fight I gonna mumma gumma mumbra."

The newest Boston Celtic Shaq O'Neal gets a huge ovation as does some quarterback I don't care about. Go Chiefs!

"They don't have much to work with. They only have Frankie Edgar." says BJ Penn in the promo sending soda out of my nose. BJ gets a nice ovation as he comes out to that sleepy hula music. There were rumors of a tough weight cut for Penn but he came in at 154 on the 1st try Friday. I am a bit surprised at the amount of boo birds for the "Answer" who comes strutting out to meet a very calm "Prodigy." There is a fight in the crowd which is freaking shocking me ova here.

Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar vs BJ Penn

Rd.1 Calm vs pocket rocket as we begin. BJ takes the center and wants to strike early but Frank with a big takedown. Ear poppers from BJ and Edgar not doing much with top control. BJ's feet are on Frankie's hips keeping him from any offense and Penn back to his feet. Edgar a little short on the punches then a short exchange. BJ locks him up and lands a knee to the body but Frankie takes him down again! Penn back up and the champ continues the movement from the 1st fight. Edgar looks just fine winning on the feet now as well. 10-9 Edgar

Rd.2 Finally, BJ throwing some kicks. Left right for Penn. Edgar fakes a shot and lands a knee. 3 lefts land for BJ and the "Answer" continues to move. Penn lands a left right and is again taken down! Penn just stands up eating a punch then a jab. Quick hands from Edgar and BJ is going to get dizzy following this kid around. Good body kick from Frankie who steals the round and Penn looks confused. 10-9 Edgar

Rd.3 Penn's corner is confident but I am not. Body kick by Frankie and they are inching closer to each other. Body shots land for BJ and Frankie misses. BJ locked him up and landed but let it go. Where is BJ's takedown attempt? Big right hand for Frankie and BJ is getting caught every time Frankie comes in striking. Nice leg kick by Edgar and BJ is just watching this fight get away. Penn stuffs a takedown but looks bored which is odd considering how much he is losing this fight. Edgar stuffs Penn into the cage and this is a shutout so far. 10-9 Edgar

Rd.4 Penn is fighting exactly the same as the 1st fight and maybe less. BJ takes the "Answer" down but can he hold him there? Edgar showing great defense but there is 4 minutes left in the round. Edgar escapes and lands a beautiful right hand. Frankie is attacking and Penn is taken down again! There is serious trouble in Hawaii tonight. Edgar controls Penn and turns on the ground and pound. Penn finally up and a left hook for Frankie. BJ has no answers and no excuses could cover up this mess. 10-9 Edgar

Rd.5 Penn needs some Anderson Silva last second magic here but I don't think its coming. Edgar scrambles but BJ takes him down. Edgar up but BJ grabs his back and in the end Frankie is on top! Will Penn be able to get up or is he resigned to stay here for the duration? Big elbows from the A.I. of MMA and positional dominance. Wrestlers are dominating tonight but Penn gets to his feet. 1:19 left for a miracle comeback. BJ doesn't care anymore as we wind down and Frankie Edgar should hold his head high after another brilliant performance over BJ Penn. BJ catches a knee for a flash knockdown and this one is over! 10-9 Edgar

* Well that was disappointing as I already saw the exact same fight the 1st time around. I feel like the UFC just suckered my for $45.00 more dollars. MMAFO scores it 50-45 for Frankie "The Answer" Edgar and a looming rematch with Gray Maynard makes me so excited I'm going to bed. Team Renzo Gracie gets a huge much needed win and those Internet haters should shut up about this hard working class act. BJ shows much respect to Frankie and says he must go back and re-think things.

** Folks, Frankie Edgar is all class and the hate on the Internet really pissed me off these days. To me it seems like people just ride what ever wave is crashing into the MMA UG. The only possible knock people could have on Edgar is he is boring which could not be further from the case. This kid just dominated wherever he chose again tonight with constant movement and striking. The exact opposite is a guy like Gray Maynard who L&P's throwing maybe 3 strikes per round. Lucky for us, we are going to see the "Answer" get his shot at redemption against the only man to defeat him, while the "Bully" gets his 1st title shot while enjoying the "heel" role.

"J-Lau" stole the show tonight with the most exciting fight, best finish, and most excitement in Boston, Mass. Shaq O'Neal would like you to know he wants to fight Hong Man Choi for his 1st and last MMA bout. Seriously, he wants this. I mean if Bobby Lashley can be portrayed as a real righter why can't the "Big Aristotle?"

I feel very bad for the all class Kenny Florian but am filled with hope thanks to Dan Miller. What the hell is BJ Penn going to do now? Every excuse he said was destroyed tonight and I don't think he'll want to make that Lightweight journey to the top again. What will he do next?

I'm done with James Toney. Back to boxing or retirement for you. I don't want to hear you mumble anymore Princess. Mr. Randy Couture gets dap for defending our MMA honor, but not much else.

An ugly 6-4 on my nose picks.

UFC 118 Edgar vs Penn 2: Picks & Boston Baby!

UFC 118: August 28, 2010
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Main Bouts (PPV):
Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar (12-1) vs. B.J. Penn (15-6-1) [Rematch] First things 1st, I scored the original bout for Penn take that how you want. I expect much of the same this time around except Penn is trying to draw in Edgar and get him angry. Not sure that's gonna work but his faint, attack, and move for a judges nod is going to be tougher climbing this time. Not that I believe Penn was sick last time around and not because I'm joining the "let's dog out Frankie," club that is growing within the fickle MMA community lately. I saw a bored "Prodigy" last time out, and embarrassed from that performance he rises back up with a full heart to take his revenge and rightful place as the best Lightweight in the world.

*Jersey may be closer to Boston than Hawaii, but Edgar's getting no love from Beantown at the weigh-ins. By the by, BJ is still the best shit talker in the game. People forget that. Watch the promos to see how to get into your opponents head, and be cocky/hilarious.

WINNER-BJ Penn by TKO Rd.5

Randy Couture (18-10) vs. James Toney (0-0) Everybody has already covered what can possibly be covered on this freak fight. I'd rather focus on how fat Toney is and that his speech verifies early onset brain damage from a long grinding and widening boxing career. Zuffa actually has to put subtitles underneath his promos which just kills me. If Couture fucks this up it is over on many levels. No pressure.

*"Light's Out" came in at a svelte 237 lbs. at 42 years of age while 47 year old while "Princess" comes in a 220 and the backing of the best HGH, chemical infused, blood doping team since Lance Armstrong's crew.

WINNER-Captain America Rd.2 TKO

Demian Maia (12-2) vs. Mario Miranda (10-1) I really like this fight but Mario will have to strike 1st, frequently, and carefully because if he goes to the floor he's screwed. Maia's Jiu-Jitsu is so elite that even with Miranda being good on the ground, there is no doubt Mario tries with all he has to stay on his feet. Demian thinks his striking coming along but it is still rudimentary and will have to absorb some punishment before he can get to his comfort zone. I'm not so sure Maia is very durable and you are going waay out on that limb believing he gets smashed rendering his brain useless for Jiu-Jitsu.

WINNER-Demian Maia by Decision

Kenny Florian (13-4) vs. Gray Maynard (9-0) The power goes to the "Bully," but besides landing that big and rare shot, Gray can't hang with "Kenflo" on the feet. The most improved TUF alum ever, just has to win in his hometown of Boston, against an opponent who will look for a top control L&P which is not going to happen with the always working and dangerous from every angle Florian.

* People are sleeping on this fight but it is a potential "Fight Of The Night" candidate for me and Maynard's cocky demeanor isn't going to hurt Kenny's desire to return to a final shot at that belt. Also, how about Mr. Florian coming to the weigh-ins wearing a Larry "Legend" Bird jersey!!

WINNER-"Kenfo" by Decision

Nate Diaz (12-5) vs. Marcus Davis (17-6) The "Irish Hand Grenade" does big business in Boston but the surly Diaz looks much better at Welterweight. Look for that long jab and some slicing on the always scarred and easily bloody Davis. Marcus can't take damage anymore but it's that sneaky Jiu-Jitsu game that wins the day for Nate-Dogg.

WINNER-Nate Diaz Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (On Spike TV):
Joe Lauzon (18-5) vs. Gabe Reudiger (17-5) A bored "J-Lau" put out a comedic video on the Internet of "Godzirra," poking fun at the man infamous for failing to make weight on TUF even with the enema, yet still eating ice cream cake, and who isn't good enough to make the UFC roster had Terry "Tripod" Etim not pulled out (pulled out;) sending Zuffa out to find what they could on the minor league circuit. "Creepy Joe" has more than enough game to deal with "Godzilla" and with a hometown crowd dropping love for the Bridgeport native, the card is stacked in favor

*Gabe gave Joe a “Sorry about your loss” cake at the weigh-in which was a bit amusing.

WINNER-"J-Lau" by Rd.2 TKO

Andre Winner (11-3-1) vs. Nik Lentz (18-3-2) Another member of Team Rough House gaining some momentum Andre got the runner up trophy in TUF but has looked very good since. Some smooth super speedy striking (5 S's) abuses the "Carnie" early and often as long as he can stay off the floor.
*Winner was on IV's this week for a badly infected cauliflower ear but looked well hydrated and healthy for the weigh-ins.

WINNER-Andre's a Winner by Rd.1 KO

Prelims (Non-Televised):
John Salter (5-1) vs. Dan Miller (11-4) Miller steps in for an injured (thankfully) Phil Baroni, while on a brutal 3-fight losing streak and looking to save his job. Those losses were to the best in the Middleweight division and barring a cringe inducing leg injury (much like last time out for Salter vs Jason MacDonald) he's going to alleviate some frustrations on an unsuspecting heavy bag.

WINNER-Dan Miller by Rd.3 TKO
Nick Osipczak (5-1) vs. Greg Soto (7-1) "O-Shipshack" isn't going to set the world on fire any time soon but did impress a bit with a dubious Split-Decision loss to the now rolling Rick Story.

Soto is going to get sliced up by "Slick" on the feet the end.

WINNER-Nick Osipczak by Decision
Mike Pierce (12-3) vs. Amilcar Alves (11-1) Alves makes his debut for the company riding an 8-fight winning streak while the solid Pierce wants to take that next step to serious contender. Amilcar is a tough Brazilian fighter but he is going to be taken down over and over en route to a boring decision.

WINNER-Mike Pierce by Decision

"Let's go Boston! Let's go Boston!"

Arianny Celeste In November Playboy!

ARIANNY CELESTE will be gracing the cover of the November issue of Playboy. Dear god!

Jorge Gurgel Post Strikeforce Houston Interview

Jorge Gurgel shows complete class and rational thinking after being screwed by a classless fighter in KJ Noons. "JG" shows the true honor of a MMA fighter and makes many interesting points. Great interview.

Strikeforce & The Texas Debacle

Strikeforce: Houston came and went with two new champions crowned and an unbelievable slew of controversy.

The 1st order of business is the fact Strikeforce held this event in a state that does not test fighters for typical fight-night drug testing. The Toyota Center in Houston, fell under the regulatory oversight of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which typically doesn't conduct testing. After the show, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told MMAjunkie.com that the organization didn't request testing or implement its own. Well that's one way to make your company look legitimate. Go to states that don't drug test and don't test yourself. The UFC has gone to similar states but always did their own testing that followed NSAC guidelines. Now they avoid non-testing states like the plague. Its a matter of being professional. I mean Jesus are we back in the days of the early "anything goes" UFC?

Second on the docket, what the hell were KJ Noons and Mo Lawal puffing on before their respective bouts? The answer is "TRUO2 Portable Oxygen Can." Compressed oxygen is a substance banned from nearly every endurance sport, including MMA, and in every state, including Texas. The Texas state athletic commissions website outlines the rules of what supplies are allowed to accompany a fighter to the cage. Oxygen cans are NOT on the list. The entire concept behind the compressed-oxygen spray is to keep an athlete from tiring out. Some are speculating it would have been OK had both competitors been given the same advantage, but even that is laughable. Would it be alright to take a quick shot of Testosterone or adrenaline before a fight? I doubt it. Another embarrassment for Strikeforce and blatant cheating that was used the very same way in boxing years ago.

The latest update on former "pro wrestler" Bobby Lashley is that he was released from the hospital early Sunday, according to Strikeforce officials. Lashley was said to be "extremely dehydrated" after his fight against Chad Griggs and was taken from the arena on a stretcher. At the hospital, Lashley was treated with multiple IV bags to pump fluids back into his steroid inflated body. Bobs was also treated for the laceration around his let eye. Beaten by a part time fighter, the "Boss" got hit for real for the 1st time in his career and did not fare well. People can cry about the shots to the back of the head but the fight should have been over before those multiple blows landed. Referee Jon Schorleis should have re-started the men in the same position on the floor but that's reffing Texas style! Lashley couldn't "cowboy up" and should head back to scripted fighting.

The referee (name??) in the Noons/Gurgel bout was equally awful. The 1st round was about to end when both men unloaded a flurry of punches. The referee was nowhere near the two men and thus was out of position and unable to step in saving Jorge from a very late punch from KJ that flattened Gurgel. That was good enough to get a normal person fired but he followed it up in the 2nd as well. Noons rocked Gurgel with a right and then a brutal left hook that put Jorge on the mat. Noons motioned towards the referee as if he wanted the fight to be stopped though that is obviously not his call. The referee finally stepped in, and Noons blasted "JG" with a crushing knee though Gurgel's knees were clearly still on the mat. While the knee strike was definitely illegal and the referee was out of position yet again and unsure as to whether to stop the fight or not. This is total bullshit but not surprising in a bout with a cheating bitch like Noons.

No drug testing. Illegal oxygen boosters. Horrible refereeing. And let's not forget the ignorant Texas crowd booing every time the fight hit the floor or chanting "U-S-A, U-S-A" every time they saw a foreigner in the ring. I've always liked Scott Coker but this night was a disaster and ran like a Pro Elite (Affliction) show. Stay away from Texas and someone stop Dana White from laughing himself to death.

Anything you would like to add Quinton Jackson?

@KingMO_GDP that's what u get 4 talking shit,u nipple ring wearing bitch,now keep my name out Yo mouth,before I crash u lil boy

"Don't mess with Texas. We're as dumb as we are big. It's like a whole 'nother country. One infested with foreigners we aims ta git. Everything is bigger in Texas. Except our level of tolerance for outsiders." Also, fuck the Dallas Cowboys;)

Strikeforce Houston Results: 2 New Champions, Upsets, & Lashley Exposed

Artenas Young, Chad Robichaux, & Vinicius Magalhaes all won with Decisions.

Reynaldo Trujillo put away Jose Santibanez by TKO in the 1st round while Andre Galvao got his TKO win over Jorge Patino in the 3rd.

Adam Schindler got the old RNC on Kier Gooch for the Submission win and Daniel Cormier's strikes forced Jason Riley to tapout in the 1st.

Chad Griggs Upsets overrated prospect Bobby Lashley by TKO as he could not rise to his corner and could not answer the bell for the final round. Now the real Bobby Lashley, please sit down, please sit down, please sit down. Pummeled and cut open, the one dimensional wrestler found himself gassing with not enough oxygen to feed his big muscles which are not beneficial to MMA. Thus, a part-time fighter whopped that ass. Strikeforce did everything they could to give Lashley a fighter he could beat so they could promote him as a legit fighter, but they all failed tonight banking on a one trick pony. Wonderful result and let's send this body builder back to TNA wrestling.

KJ Noons punched after the bell and threw a knee to his downed opponent Jorge Gurgel, yet the referee still awarded him the TKO win in the 2nd. The men struck early and of course the always dense headed Jorge didn’t try to get the fight to the floor where he is at his best. If the guy is going to continually be that stupid, well fuck him. However, KJ landed a huge punch easily after the bell that dropped Gugrel to the canvas and scrambled his brains. Visibly shook, Jorge continued on in the 2nd when Noons was about to put him away with superior boxing. Then on the mat, KJ through an illegal knee as “JG” was obviously on the floor. The referee claims he stopped the fight before the illegal knee but he did not and this fight should be ruled a DQ for the cheating bitch that is KJ “Cum Dumpster” Noons.

Ronaldo Souza defeats Tim Kennedy by Unanimous Decision to become the 1st Strikeforce Middleweight Champion! "Jacare" won the 1st round with superior striking during the "feeling out" process. Tim won the 2nd with volume but "Jacare" won the 3rd damaging Tim's eye and cutting it badly. The 4th was a bit of a snoozer and I'll give it to Souza for not delivering and illegal nut shot. The final round saw Ronaldo again fail in the takedowns but he out struck the Ranger for the win. Kennedy hit a nice slam right at the bell but it was too little too late.

*Tim actually thought he got robbed in the Decision. That is hilarious. It wasn’t that close. 4 rounds to 1 unless you are a blind MMA judge which is quite possible these days. Hey Timmay, you, Texas, and Army Rangers all suck balls.

Rafael Cavalcante Upsets Muhammed Lawal by TKO in the 3rd to become the new Light Heavyweight Champion! "King Mo" got a nice slam in the 1st but it was "Feijao" who landed 3 significant knees and landed with the right hand in a slow initial offering. Cavalcante also showed beautiful balance avoiding the rest of the takedowns for the round. Rafael kinda disappeared from this round as "Mo" went southpaw and began landing some really nice body shots. Lawal kept moving and fainting but kept those hands down like he was Roy Jones Jr. "Feijao" head kick was about all he accomplished and was taken down for his efforts though "Mo" could not keep him there long. In the 3rd round, Rafael's Thai clinch lands 3 big knees quickly followed by right hand that floored the "King." Lawal latched onto "Feijao's" legs but had his head exposed and ate a barrage of elbows to the dome. "Mo" was only holding on and not fighting back when his legs turn to jelly and John McCarthy halts the fight crowning the new Light Heavyweight Champion! "Fight Of The Night"

2-1-1 on the picks but I could not be happier that Tim Kennedy and Bobby Lashley lost so who cares? Oh, I'm not counting that debacle with Noons/Gurgel and I'm guessing the athletic commission won'teither.

Strikeforce Houston: 2 Title Fights!

STRIKEFORCE: August 21, 2010

Toyota Center in Houston, Texas

Main Bouts (On Showtime):
Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal (7-0) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (9-2) "King Mo" looks to defend his title for the 1st time against the stand up stylings of "Feijao." Rafael trains with Team Nogueira but his blackbelt has been called into question before. Obviously Mo wants to take him down using his superior wrestling to dominate Cavalcante on the mat safe from harm. Rafael will always make a game out of it but Lawal's talents are too vast and he takes this bout the distance for the win.

WINNER-"King Mo" by Decision

Middleweight Championship Fight (title vacant) Ronaldo de Souza (12-2) vs. Tim Kennedy (12-2) Now here we have an interesting matchup between 2 very talented fighters who are ready to take that next step in MMA to Champion. Tim is a grind you down wrestler while Souza is the Jiu-Jitsu ace who has improved a once non-existent striking game. As my cold continues to grow I lose the ability to type out the breakdown and from here on I'll make "quick picks."

WINNER-Ronaldo de Souza by Rd.4 Submission

Jorge Gurgel (13-6) vs. K.J. Noons (9-2) Nice throwdown hear with 2 good chins and a striker's war.

WINNER-KJ Noons by Decision

Bobby Lashley (5-0) vs. Chad Griggs (8-1) Ghey! Does anyone worth a shit want to fight Lashley?

WINNER-Bob Lashley by Rd.2 TKO

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Daniel Cormier (4-0) vs. Jason Riley (7-3) I'm sick. Can't type anymore.
Andre Galvao (4-1) vs. Jorge Patino (20-12-1)
Vinicius Magalhaes vs. Rocky Long
Adam Schindler vs. Kier Gooch
Jose Santibanez vs. Reynaldo Trujillo
Chad Robichaux vs. Humberto Deleon
Chad Cook vs. Arteneus Young

WEC 50 Results: Cruz, Palaszewski, & Jorgensen Impress

Danny Castillo takes a Unanimous Decision over Dustin Poirier

Fredson Paixao ekes the Split-Decision on Bryan Caraway

Ricardo Lamas also got the judges nod over Dave Jansen

Javier Vazquez makes the Sherdog crew proud by sinking the RNC on Mackens Semerzier in the 2nd round for his 1st winning streak since 2007. Nuthin' but love for ya "Showtime." "Submission Of The Night"

Maciej Jewtuszko TKO'd the once feared and highly touted Anthony Njokuani in the very 1st round. Anthony dropped Maciej (which is a cool name) but he quickly recovered and hurt Njokuani with a spinning elbow! Tony stayed visibly hurt and didn't seem to ever fully recover when Jewtuszko landed a nice uppercut that set up the final flurry that did in Njokuani. "Irokez" announced his presence with authority to the WEC roster and the "Polish Invasion" has begun.

Bart Palaszewski put the beatdown on Zachary Micklewright with a round 2 KO! "Bartimus" looked every bit the more experienced fighter and was winning the standup against a standup specialist. Bart, who is known as a wrestler, had trouble getting the fight to the mat where he shines so he just took care of business on the feet. At the beginning of the 2nd, Bart came out with non-stop 2-punch combinations and a right uppercut that dropped a visible shook Zachary to the mat. Confused and hurt Micklewright could not recover from the onslaught coming his way and Bart takes a big win and a step toward that elusive title. "KO Of The Night"

Scott Jorgensen defeats Brad Pickett by Unanimous Decision in a great battle. Both men came out sporting the "A-game" but "One Punch" had the early lead in an action packed initial round. In the 2nd Scott used his wrestling to bridge the gap as his striking came into effect in a very close round. For the final round, Scott's wrestling was just suffocating and Pickett could not stay off his back long enough to amass points in a close but exciting war! A title shot is looming for Scotty. "Fight Of The Night"

Chad Mendes defeats Cub Swanson by Unanimous Decision. Look there is something to be said for the superior wrestling that comes from the Team Alpha Male but, god these guys need to develop some offense from the top position. This match was nothing but L&P for 15 boring minutes. Granted Cub didn't even attempt to have takedown defense but, the L&P from Team Alpha Male is on point, and as fun to watch as paint drying.

Anthony Pettis defeats Shane Roller by Traingle Choke with only 10 seconds left in the fight! Yes, Shane had lost every single round easily, but how are you going to tapout with 10 seconds left in the bout? Show some heart buddy. Pettis called out Lightweight Champion Ben Henderson who will whip his ass in the future.

Dominick Cruz defeats Joseph Benavidez by Split-Decision though how a judge scored the fight for Joe is beyond stupid but hey. Cruz length, speed/dancing, and striking were the difference as he slowly pulled away in the fight. Somebody should have given Benavidez a step ladder because that little pocket rocket just could not come near his dancing normal sized opponent. I'm not trying to be mean here but it was kinda amusing. Cruz had this bout in the bag but not enough to dance like a fool and start celebrating for the 5th round which is probably what got him the Split.

Notes:

* I love Stephan Bonnar and for the most part he does a good job but he was a couple of moves behind for most of the night. Not entirely his fault considering how fast these guys move.

* How cool was that to see the "Birdman" Chris Anderson of the Denver Nuggets cage side? Yet another NBA player who's a MMA fan.

* Donald Cerrone is just a cool dude.

* Urijah Faber's new ad campaign for K-Swiss along with Kenny "FUCKING" Powers from HBO's "Eastbound & Down" are great!

6-2 on the picks because I left 1 out. Not bad compared to how I usually do in the WEC.

WEC 50: Picks (Sort Of)

WEC 50: August 18, 2010

The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada

Warning: My picks and prognostications for the WEC and weight classes under 155 are legendary for being wrong. However, if you are not watching the product put out by the WEC and its fighters, you are missing some of the best MMA action today. I'll give it the old college try.....

Main Bouts (On Versus):
Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz (15-1) vs. Joseph Benavidez (12-1) [Rematch] Cruz out-wrestled Team Alpha Male's Benavidez in shocking fashion though his brutal offensive attack was no surprise. Joe brutalized Miguel Torres last time out but Cruz has such a height and reach advantage that save for some brilliant takedowns he'll have to survive, Dominick grinds his way to a much closer bout with the same ending.

WINNER-Dominick Cruz by Decision

Anthony Pettis (11-1) vs. Shane Roller (8-2) Eventually, this bout is going to the floor and when it does, Roller is going to execute suffocating top control exposing Anthony's weakness.

WINNER-Shane Roller Rd.2 TKO

Chad Mendes (7-0) vs. Cub Swanson (14-3) Chad will also rep Team Alpha Male tonight and Cub is in trouble. Cub is a tough dude only stopped recently by Jose Aldo "The Destroyer" but how can you pick a guy with "so cal" tattooed on his dumb chest. Team Greg Jackson or not, I've never liked the guy and that's a judgement call I'm making. A solid way to pick a fight.

WINNER-Chad Mendes by Decision

Scott Jorgensen (10-3) vs. Brad Pickett (19-4) I've been a fan of "One Punch" for a minute now but he'll have to pull a Peruvian necktie outta his ass in this one if he hopes to survive. Scott is just going to do what all the dominant lighter weight fighters do and that's wrestling 101.

WINNER-Scotty Jorgensen by Rd.3 TKO

Bart Palaszewski (34-13) vs. Zack Micklewright (7-0) The grizzled veteran will not go quietly into the night as he soldiers on meeting an undefeated prospect. Only an idiot would stand with Zack who will come guns blazing giving "Bartimus" the opportunities to takedown the green fighter for a lesson in fighting experience.

Upset Pick WINNER-Bart Palaszewski by Decison

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Javier Vazquez (14-4) vs. Mackens Semerzier (5-1) W-"Showtime"
Anthony Njokuani (12-3) vs. Maciej Jewtuszko (7-0) W-Njokuani
Dave Jansen (14-1) vs. Ricardo Lamas (8-1) W-?
Fredson Paixao (9-3) vs. Bryan Caraway (12-4) W-Paixao
Danny Castillo (8-3) vs. Dustin Poirier (7-0) W-Castillo