Monday, September 27, 2010

DREAM 16 Results: Aoki Practices, & Mousasi Becomes Champion (again)



Yusuke Kawaguchi bests James Thompson by Split-Decision. Fight Grade=D

Mitsuhiro Ishida takes the Split-Decision win Akiyo Nishiura. Fight Grade= C-

Kazuyuki Miyata got a Decision win on Takeshi Inoue. "Lion" had the most inadvertantly hilarious self-rapped introduction followed by Eminem crap. I threw up so hard that I am sore today. Just has to be seen to be believed. I beg you to listen to it. “Lil Hercules” executed 2 back to back flawless german suplexes on “War Lion.” Really amazing stuff and needs to be seen. Fight Grade= B+

Joachim Hansen wrapped a Triangle Choke around Hideo Tokoro for the submission. Good to have "Hellboy" back to his winning ways.

Michihiro Omigawa tapped Cole Escovedo by Inverted Armbar.

Hiroyuki Takaya KO'd the hell outta Chase Beebe.

Satoshi Ishii dry humped Ikuhisa Minowa and got a Unanimous Decision. Ishii held "Minowaman" down but you should watch the fight just for the front flip mid-air tuck and roll move the former "Punk" pulled off. Minowa is good for at least 1 amazing move per fight win or lose. Fight Grade= C-

Shinya Aoki took a gritty Decision win over Marcus Aurelio though it was never close. Aoki showed his new improved G&P by locking Aurelio's legs in a vice, and then beating him about the face for 15 minutes. I was impressed because Shinya could have ended this whenever he wished but chose to abuse and practice on Marcus. Fight Grade= B-

Jason Miller
submits Kazushi Sakuraba by Arm-Triangle choke. That was terrible. Sakuraba either threw the fight, "work" style, or just didn't care. Either way I chose to forget this ever happened. Fight Grade= F

Gegard Mousasi got the RNC on a gutsy Tatsuya Mizuno to become DREAM's Light Heavyweight Champion. Gegard almost got caught in a nasty armbar, but would not fall the way his mentor Fedor Emelianenko did, and ripped his arm out. Enough games, Mousasi put Mizuno away but the kid has improved vastly. I can't wait to see Mizuno again and Mousasi back in Strikeforce. Fight Grade= C+

8-2 on the picks

Sunday, September 26, 2010

UFC 119 Results: Indianapolis' Hometown Boys Hold Court



Sean McCorkle submits Mark Hunt via Kimura. The UG's own underd0g boy done good did well as he cranked a vicious Kimura that Hunt had no choice in tapping to. Congrats to Sean but Mark's career may be over. Fight Grade= C+

T.J. Grant defeats Julio Paulino by Unanimous Decision.

Waylon Lowe took the 1st of 3 Split-Decision win tonight against Steve Lopez.

Thiago Tavares tapped Pat Audinwood by Guillotine Choke. Thiago looked good but he is known for looking good and then god awful in the next fight. Fight Grade= C

Matt Mitrione out pointed a very game Joey Beltran by Unanimous Decision. Mitrione enjoyed the love of the hometown crowd that even chanted "Meathead" for their infamous son. Matt is really fast for a guy his size though I am not as in love with his striking as the commentators are. He leaves his hands down a lot and gets sloppy but for only 3 fights he's got potential. The "Mexicutioner" took a lot of abuse on his iron chin and got in better shape for this fight. The problem is that he is a "tweener." He's too big for Light Heavyweight and too small for Heavyweight which is sad because homie has heart for days and does not have unexciting bouts. Fight Grade= B-

C.B. Dollaway rolled Joe Doerksen 3 times en route to a beautiful Guillotine Choke submission. "Submission Of The Night" Fight Grade= C+

Melvin Guillard ekes out the Split-Decision win over Jeremy Stephens. Didn't watch it. Don't care. Mel is even more annoying with his yawn inducing in and out style that accomplishes nothing but getting undeserved points in front of the judges. Greg Jackson is going to start catching heat if his boys don't start fighting.

Sean Sherk took a very controversial Split-Decision victory over Evan Dunham. How in the blue bleeding fuck did the judges score this bout for Sherk? Sure the veteran held sway in the 1st and cut Dunham badly, but Evan fought back winning the 2nd and owning the 3rd. Kelvin Caldwell scored the fight 28-29, Cecil Peoples (who is always terrible) scored the fight 29-28
Glenn Trowbridge scored the fight 29-28. Sherk took a lot of abuse and watching this fight filled with blood, multiple submission attempts, and good back and forth exchanges. Props to both men on a good fight but the judging ruined it.
"Fight Of The Night" Fight Grade= A

Chris Lytle bests Matt Serra by Unanimous Decision in front of a roaring hometown crowd! "Lights Out" was not going to lose in Indiana and his superior striking, especially those uppercuts was awesome. Serra looked slow but damn can he eat some strikes to the face. Pretty good fight and Chris came close to dropping the lil' fire hydrant many times. Why the Jiu-Jitsu prone Serra didn't attempt a leg kick or takedown is beyond me but hey. Finally the TUF 4 debacle is avenged! Fight Grade= B

Ryan Bader got a huge career win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira by Unanimous Decision. Bader did about what everyone thought he would but I'm not going to focus on that because he's a douche. I cannot be less impressed with "Lil Nog's" boxing and Jiu-Jitsu. The guy put out very little effort and I see nothing special with his left hand bizness. Wrestling trumps Jiu-Jitsu again. Fight Grade= C

Frank Mir KO's Mirko Filipovic in the final round. If you watched this I am sorry. So Mirko, why was this fight so awful? "The deal with my coach was not to go in any hard exchanges until the third round because I thought I was not as prepared as him. But it turned out that I was more prepared than him. I felt more powerful than him in the third and I went after him aggressively. Too bad I caught that knee, but that's what this sport is about. I want to thank everybody for their support and apologize to the ones I've disappointed." Well that was a stupid game plan. Put the clock against you and coast until the end when you were going to try and finish the fight?

Dana White, what did you think of Mir's winning performance? "I have no clue about Frank. To talk the stuff he does, and then fight like he fought, that's a little frustrating. Once "Cro Cop" stuffed his takedown attempt, his heart fell out on the floor. If Frank Mir can't bully you, his heart shrinks to the size of the Grinch's. If he can't take you down, his heart shrinks to the size of a pea." That about sums it up for me. Fight Grade= D

Notes:
How funny to hear Matt Mitrione fire his agent during his post fight interview with Joe Rogan? "Meathead" is right though. Getting $5,000 in endorsements for a televised fight is sad. I'm liking this kid more and more.

I also found humor in
Sean Sherk bragging about how nobody has ever taken his back in his entire career. Evan Dunham did just that in their fight.

Mike Golberg jumped the shark and yelled “It’s all over!” in the Sherk/Dunham fight a mere 13 minutes before it was actually true. Embarrassingly funny.

The crowd also kept chanting for knees when
Evan Dunham had 3 points purposely on the ground. C'mon people, read the rules.

7-3 on the picks. Obviously, we are not counting the Sherk X-Mas gift.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

DREAM 16 Picking Good For You



DREAM 16: September 25, 2010
Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan

Kazushi Sakuraba (26-13-1) vs. Jason Miller (23-7) "Mayhem" claims Saku is his idol whom he has patterned his fighting style around. Sakuraba is a legend in the sport who degrading physical form is well documented. Miller can defend the wily Kaz's attempts at submission well enough to pound the now fragile "Gracie Hunter" into pieces. Damn it I hope Sakuraba snaps Jason's arm but I highly doubt it.
WINNER-Jason Miller by Rd.3 TKO

Shinya Aoki (24-5) vs. Marcus Aurelio (20-8) Aoki is positioned once again to be the hero to the Japanese crowd that remembers how "Maximus" ruined the immortal visage of Takanori Gomi. Marcus has little chance in this fight and though a durable guy I fully expect him to be ensnared in something none of us see coming.
WINNER-The "Mat Magician" by Rd.1 Submission

Hideo Tokoro (26-22-1) vs. Joachim Hansen (19-10-1) "Hellboy" won the DREAM Lightweight title and then promptly dropped his next 3 bouts in a row. I've never been impressed with Tokoro and fully expect Hansen to have his way before the fight ending brutality as Hideo falls like Icarus.
WINNER-"Hellboy" by Rd.2 TKO

Takeshi Inoue (18-4) vs. Kazuyuki Miyata (9-7) The "Lion" is decent enough in submissions to tap the error prone Mazda. "War Lion" via Mohawk.
WINNER-Takeshi Inoue by Rd.1 Submission

Light Heavyweight Title Fight [Vacant]
Tatsuya Mizuno vs. Gegard Mousasi (29-3-1) The Miz is a feel good story for sure but he couldn't hang with an under trained and uninterested "Young Vagabond." Though that is how he shows up to fights these days.
WINNER-Gegard Mousasi by Rd.1 Submission

Michihiro Omigawa (11-8-1) vs. Cole Escovedo (16-5) "Ohmygodwa" should hold court wherever this fight roams.
WINNER-Michihiro Omigawa by Decision

Hiroyuki Takaya (13-8-1) vs. Chase Beebe (13-6) "Streetfight Bancho" will brawl with anyone but the "Rage" is seeing a small resurgence in his career and continues it with my "Upset Special."
UPSET PICK WINNER-Chase Beebe by Rd.3 Submission

Mitsuhiro Ishida (19-6-1) vs. Akiyo Nishiura (11-5-1) I absolutely loathe "Wicky" and the "Endless Fighter" owns this fight with little problems.
WINNER-Ishida by (his favorite) Decision

Catchweight Bout
Ikuhisa Minowa (46-30-8) vs. Satoshi Ishii (1-1) "Minowaman" must be pissed as he comes into this bout out weighed against the hope for tomorrow in Japan. The "Punk" once held the honor of defender of Japan and the East is looking for Ishii to be the next golden child. Minowa's heel hooks had better be true as I expect him to take a pounding as Satoshi begins his ascent.
WINNER-Satoshi Ishii by Rd.1 TKO

James Thompson vs. Yusuke Kawaguchi We really have to suffer through a "Colossus" appearance again? I didn't know the guy was even fighting on smaller shows where he was KO'd in his last 2 fights. James also has lost 7 of his last 8 bouts. Yusuke is the fatty that just got pounded by 5X World's Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski who is just awful. I do feel like he'll have some gas in the tank which "Colossus" always lacks though whoever lands 1st probably wins. Really, who cares? This doesn't even have the appeal of a "Giant" Silva vs "Akebono."
WINNER-The Gooch?

Friday, September 24, 2010

UFC 119 CroCop vs Mir PPV Picks *Weigh-In Updates In Depth!


UFC 119: September 25, 2010
Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

Main Bouts (PPV):
Frank Mir (13-5) vs. Mirko Filipovic (27-7-2) Mir's shit talk was on point to set up this lackluster PPV, but poking "Cro Cop" may not be the best idea. Sure Mirko took this fight on 5 weeks notice and got an eye injury that almost cancelled the fight (doctor's did tell him not to fight but it was his decision), but the right leg always brings the hospital as the left leg brings the morgue. Mir is nothing but a confident/arrogant man who will test "Cro Cop" on the feet which is smart considering how durable he has proven to never be. That being said, Filipovic has a small window of time to put Frank away before Mir smartens up and takes this fight to the mat where "Cro Cop" gets injured badly as his pride refuses to let him tap. I personally don't care about all this and will always pick 1 of my all time favorites no matter if he fought Ditka and Chuck Norris by himself. "He should pray god not to be knocked out." -Mirko Filipovic
WINNER-Mirko "Cro Cop" by Rd.1 KO!!
* Mir was roundly boo'd at the weigh-ins as "Cro Cop" showed nothing but respect as always and showed no visible eye damage. Mir is down in weight again at 252 where he should be while "Cro Cop" is at the standard 227.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-3) vs. Ryan Bader (11-0) I had "Darth Bader" winning this fight before I heard that "Lil Nog" was upset by getting a "no name" opponent and reports that he was out of shape and coasting in training. That's not a good idea against the Arizona wrestler with youth and big power in his hands. The left handed Rogerio may cause some problems technically on the feet but Bader will get the takedown and as Jason Brilz showed, American wrestling wins the day against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I'm not happy about it. That's just how it is today.
WINNER-"Darth Bader" by Rd.3 TKO

Chris Lytle (29-17-5) vs. Matt Serra (11-6) [Rematch] It was November 2006 as these 2 veterans closed out season 4 of TUF with a controversial Split-Decision that favored Serra though many including myself, scored it for Lytle. Serra went on to shock the world and have a cup of tea with the Welterweight title while "Lights Out" and his go-for-broke style earned him a cult following and a slew of Fight Night bonuses. I like Lytle back fighting in his hometown, to get hurt or cut early and storm back with a blitzkrieg flurry though I don't know if Matt gets stopped. I also would not be shocked if Serra's coma inducing hand crushed Lytle's skull but I'm a sucker for the hometown boy does good story line.
WINNER-Chris Lytle by Decision
* Lytle got his dragon tattoo finished and it looks pretty kick ass surprisingly. Serra is still really small.

Evan Dunham (11-0) vs. Sean Sherk (32-4-1) Nobody should want to see the roided out "Muscle Shark" miss with his midget armed striking and yawn the crap out of us with his brilliantly boring wrestling. Thankfully, Evan is a straight badass with fight finishing ability anywhere the fight goes! That is a strong statement and proves how deadly the kid is. I'll worry all day that Sherk will dry hump Dunham for 15 minutes but Dunham is amazing off his back and slick on the feet while easily evading Sean's slow troll attack. Sean can take a ton of abuse so look for a smart effort if not the most exciting en route to the score cards.
WINNER-Evan Dunham by Decision

Melvin Guillard (25-8-2) vs. Jeremy Stephens (17-5) The "Blonde Bomber" will need his pretty damn good takedown defense at top level because the "Lil Heathen" is going to bring the shot all night long. Mel actually called out Jeremy for this fight and Joe Silva listened. Now he has to back it up as both men bring 1-punch KO power to the feet though Stephens has the advantage in the wrestling. I see Guillard doing the S&B at the behest of super-trainer Greg Jackson and playing it smart to a judges nod or perhaps a sweet KO if we're lucky.
WINNER-The "Young Well Traveled Assassin" by Decision
* Nice stare down at the weigh-ins as these 2 fellas don't like each other much.

Prelim Bouts (
On Spike TV):
C.B. Dollaway (10-2) vs. Joe Doerksen (46-12) CB sucks and is the classic frat boy douche bag. "El Dirte" is the weathered veteran who has been abused in his career, but has that slick submission game Dollagay is known to fall for.
Upset Pick WINNER-"El Dirte" by Rd.2 Submission

Matt Mitrione (2-0) vs. Joey Beltran (12-3) The "Mexicutioner" can throw some hands but Matt's form will be better and more powerful not to mention, he'll hopefully have better cardio. The gas tank wasn't great against Kimbo Slice but Beltran's is awful. He should fight at Light Heavyweight but fighting here Joe will find frustration on the feet, before Mitrione takes him down and shows that in grappling, the Mexican't. (Come on that's a good pun)
WINNER-Matt Mitrione by Rd.3 Submission
* Joey felt disrespected by Matt when he wouldn't acknowledge Beltran back stage and got his dander up. At the weigh-ins, Joey looked pretty soft but the 2 men exchanged smiles like they were old buddies.

Prelim Bouts (Non-Televised):
Steve Lopez (12-2) vs. Waylon Lowe (8-3) Losing to Jim Miller ain't no crime (Lopez), but losing to Melvin Guillard should be (Lowe). Get Lowe and pray for a quick end.
WINNER-Waylon Lowe by Decision
* Lopez has a nice reach advantage but Lowe has a sun tattoo around his belly button so there you have it.

T.J. Grant (15-4) vs. Julio Paulino (17-3) The "Dominican Demon" (sweet name) is going to find a similar lack of success as he did last time out against Mike Pierce which ended in a loss. TJ all day.
WINNER-TJ Grant by Decision

Mark Hunt (5-6) vs. Sean McCorkle (9-0) This is a strange diddy. Hunt gets the final fight from his Pride FC contract back in 2006 which is also the last time won a fight in his last 6 attempts. Sean is a bit of an odd duck who became an Internet sensation with all the absurdities he spews and hasn't fought anyone of any note. He is a big boy (6'7" 265 lbs.) with heavy hands but Hunt is known for a granite chin and some decent K-1 style striking. Mark needs this and by durability survives until he finally delivers that huge punch and hopefully, the "atomic butt drop."
WINNER-Mark Hunt Rd.2 KO
*Hunt looked decent at 265 lbs. while McCorkle looked like a former fat guy who dropped a lot of weight. Which he is.

Thiago Tavares (14-3-1) vs. Pat Audinwood (9-0-1) Tavvy has all the tools to end Pat's unbeaten streak, save for a stunning ability to check out of fights before they end. However, Pat's nickname is "Awesomely Awesome" which is pretty awesome. Tavares has more offense to win by stoppage or Decision and should know his job is on the line considering Efrain Escudero, a fighter with perhaps more potential, just got bounced.
WINNER-Thiago Tavares by Decision

Sunday, September 19, 2010

MMA Melee: Sonnen Tests Positive For Performance Enhancing Drugs




According to California State Athletic Commission Executive Officer George Dodd, Chael Sonnen has been notified that he failed post-fight drug screening following his loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 117, which was held Aug. 7 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

Dodd did not state which banned substance was red-flagged, but it is clear the positive test
was for an illegal performance enhancing substance.

Dana White
, who said he does not know the particulars of Sonnen’s situation said, “What else do I do? We’ve spent millions of dollars – literally, millions of dollars – to try to get this thing regulated so they can be tested by the government. When one of them fails a test, the government is going to fine them and suspend them and tell them they can’t make a living for a year. So should I come in after they’ve already lost the ability to make a living for a year and been fined all this money and, in the worst economic disaster in the history of the world, fine them another huge amount and take away their ability to make a living even longer? These are guys with homes and families and personal lives and bills and debts and obligations, just like me and you,” White said. “After they lost all this money already, money that, A, they’ve probably already spent and B, which they owe taxes, do I fine them another huge amount? What else do you do to a human being?”

Since when does BLAF suck off a fighter for cheating? How can he not be pissed about this? They have already scheduled the rematch for Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva but if this report is true, Sonnen would be sitting out a suspension and would not deserve the rematch anyway. After all the love and respect for Chael and his big Republican Reich mouth, I'd like to hear what the band wagon fans and media have to say now. More importantly, I can't wait so hear Chael try to dance his way out of this one!

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski will make his K-1 debut at the K-1 World Grand Prix in Seoul, Korea on October 2nd. Arlovski has lost his last three MMA bouts, 2 by KO, while competing with Strikeforce and Affliction. The "Pitbull" has been struggling to say the least since leaving the UFC and hooking up with overconfident and overrated Freddie Roach. His chin is a giant question mark but perhaps the larger K-1 gloves will protect the glass beard of the Belarus fighter. The event will air on HDNET and sport names like Alistair Overeem, Badr Hari, Semmy Schilt, Keijiro Maeda, and many more.

Former 5X World's Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski rolled 450+ pound Eric "Butterbean" Esch Saturday in a freak show fight in Poland's KSW MMA promotion. Pudzianowski went for a takedown early in the first round and got the turtle like Butterbean on his back. Mariusz unloaded sloppy hammer fists to Butterbean's massive dome (and back of the head) until the referee stepped in. Nobody takes "Butterbean" serious but are we really supposed to take Pudz serious?

"El Guapo" Bas Rutten is set to host the Ultimate Woman Challenge which will air on NBC. We don't know a whole lot about the show yet, perhaps its about parallel parking, but it should involve Gina Carano is some form or another.

BJ Penn and Jens Pulver are training together as they try to rebuild their respective careers. "Lil Evil" has struggled losing 6 of 7 fights since going down in weight to 145 (Featherweight). Jens has also been dropped by the WEC and been tapped out by the same Guillotine Choke 3 times. The "Prodigy" dropped 2 in a row by Decision to Frankie Edgar. Penn has signed to settle things once and for all with Matt Hughes in the rubber match of their trilogy. Jens and BJ were once bitter enemies but settled their differences after a season of TUF as opposing coaches and a rematch that Penn won. Hopefully, they can draw from each other and return to form.

Ben Saunders has been cut by the UFC. MMAFO is a big fan of "Killa-B" who had this to say on the firing. "Sorry everyone I tried to fight my best these past two fights but ended up getting out worked... the UFC has officially cut me... the good news is they told me to work on my wrestling and ground game and then come back... So that is all I am going to be doing... improving dramatically and show them I belong. It was a honor to fight for the @UFC and I will make it back into the mix in due time."

Super physique freak Todd Duffee was also surprisingly cut by the UFC as well. The Xtreme Couture team member only tasted defeat once in his career, his last time out, getting KO'd by Mike Russow in the closing moments of a fight he had won. Strange that the UFC would cut a Heavyweight with such potential and merely 25 years old.

Antoni Hardonk has officially retired. 8-6 through his MMA career, the Holland native lost his last 2 fights by TKO and last fought in 2009.

Diego Sanchez is going back home to Team Greg Jackson. The "Nighmare" had this to say. "It's official I'm 100% back at team jacksons about to gear up and spar.. My heart is very warm at the moment ;)" I imagine he is feeling quite gay these days as he tries to repair a career that has stalled at Lightweight (loss to BJ Penn) and Welterweight (loss to John Hathaway). You go girl.

Mirko "Cro Cop" Still Fighting Frank Mir (Fighters Only)


Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic confirmed to Fighters Only today that he has suffered an eye injury and that a doctor has advised him to pull out of his fight with Frank Mir at UFC 119 next week. But CroCop says he has no intention of pulling out and he will be boarding a flight to Indiana tomorrow as planned.

“It was the very last minute of the very last round of the very last sparring,” CroCop told Fighters Only staff writer
John Joe O’Regan today. “We were sparring in UFC gloves and my sparring partner - who is about 120 kilos, Croatia’s best thai boxer - he poked me in the eye. The pain was like… I cant even describe it, the pain was so big I thought he had blinded me.

“Luckily there was a TV crew in the room and also some reporters from two websites. Frank Mir has talked this and that, maybe if nobody had seen this and there was no video, he would again be saying I am trying to make excuses. But no excuses, it is just bad luck. All I need now is for my plane to be hit by lightning tomorrow and crash into the Atlantic.

“I went to see a doctor and he advised that the eye should be rested minimum two weeks. But I have made a commitment to the UFC and a commitment to the fans, so there is no question of backing out of the fight. I do not want to let anyone down, I know they could not find a replacement for me at this short notice and many fans have already bought tickets for the show.”
-Fighters Only

UFC Fight Night 22 Results: Marquardt, Miller, & Oliveira Take Care Of Bidness




Brian Foster puts away Forrest Petz by TKO. See ya "Meat Cleaver."

Anthony Waldburger out duels David Mitchell by Decision.

Rich Attonito Upsets Rafael Natal by Decision. "Sapo" found his energy sapped and gave it away.

Dave Branch ends Tomasz Drwal's UFC run by Decision.

Kyle Kingsbury pounded Jared Hamman for a Decision win.

Yves Edwards makes the comeback complete as he takes a Unanimous Decision over John Gunderson. "Thugjitsu" is back baby!

Cole Miller abused Ross Pearson ending with a Submission RNC. Cole came out firing and an unprepared Ross had no answer for the reach advantage as he got picked apart. Pearson didn't bring his mixed bag of striking and Miller went in for the kill with reckless and impressive abandon. "Submission Of The Night"

Jim Miller takes the hard earned Decision over Gleison Tibau.

Charles Oliveira looked deadly schooling Efrain Escudero and getting the RNC while perched on his opponents back. "Fight Of The Night"

Nate Marquardt TKO'd Rousimar Palhares who failed mentally again! Nate escaped the telegraphed heel hook attempt perfectly and "Tree Trunk" began to complain to the referee that Marquardt was "greased." "The Great" never hesitated and blasted out Rousimar on the mat. Still complaining after the stoppage, Nate was checked for greasing agents by the athletic commission, two referee's, and Zuffa's people. Nate was completely clean and Palhares made the mistake of talking to the official instead of taking care of business, and could have voiced the complaint between rounds. Another mental error for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stump and an impressive win for the smarter Marquardt. "(T)KO Of The Night"

5-5 On the Picks

Monday, September 13, 2010

Shark FIGHTS 13 Results: Prangley & Alexander Survive!!



Trevor Prangley defeats Keith Jardine by Split-Decision. The "Dean Of Disappointment" cited a migraine before the start of the fight as his Achilles heel in starting slow but also we should give credit to the South African who ignores father time while improving his veteran game. Jardine's chin is "questionable" to be very gracious, but those high knees were very nice and Keith had no idea they were coming. The recovery after being dropped a mere 4 times in the 1st round was amazing though. Triangle, armbar, and even heel hook all almost found their mark but again, credit the Shark Fights Light Heavyweight Champion for beautifully and deftly escaping all of the peril he was placed in. In the 2nd, they started slow again until a right hand dropped Keith for the 5th time though he would recover. Desperately down 2 obvious rounds (more on that later), a not "Mean," but content looking Jardine began the 3rd. He did not attack, he did not fight like he needed the stoppage to win and seemed to be letting the fight go. Then, just under the final minute, Jardine began to lose his mind with a brutal blitzkrieg attack that was blasting Trevor. Prangley fought back perhaps on instinct, and even looked like he was about to fall when Keith just gassed out and gave away the final 10 seconds with his hands on his knees.
* Well, that's about 6 in a row and just for the sake of confidence, Jardine needs a fight with an opponent he can definitely beat. The cat is a great guy and has fought just the best added with some bad luck and just the most awkward gorilla with turrets style ever seen. I root for the guy but the chin will always be an issue, and make it about against a man with zero stand up ability. Trevor Prangley gets a big name win for his career and hopefully some meaningful fights.

Houston Alexander defeats Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou by Rd. 2 TKO. I'm pretty sure I've seen Sokojoke fight this exact same fight 3 or 4 times. Soko came out firing on all cylinders while Houston seemed tentative again like his disastrous performance against Kimbo Slice. A sneaky left hand dropped Alexander and he was up and down more than Paris Hilton's head in the back of a limo auditioning for another movie. It was just a brutal beatdown though Houston clung to a leg in desperation which did save his ass. Wobbly and with a distant look in his eyes, Alexander survived miraculously and going to the 2nd everyone saw what was coming. Sokojoke got rocked by Houston almost immediately and you could see him quit as the barrage seemed endless. Sokojoke was hurt bad and as the planet Houston swarmed with brutality and everyone within view screamed for the stoppage.
* What an amazing and inspirational comeback for a really good guy! Houston survived on instinct which was impressive while I would be content to never see Sokojoke fight again. The guy just sucks and cannot fix the obvious holes in his game. The referee should be forced into the cage alone with Rameau and they can discuss the late stoppage.

British striker Paul Daley’s fast hands delivered him a Unanimous Decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in a kinda-anticipated welterweight bout. "Semtex" is still a piece of shit and not making weight for this bout is about par for the course with this unprofessional asshole.

Danillo Villefort took an almost easy Unanimous Decision win over Joey Villasenor who has seen the peak of his career.

Tarec Saffiedine Upset veteran Brock Larson for a Unanimous Decision victory. The Belgium striker from Strikeforce used his impressive stand-up arsenal to avoid damage take the bout on points.

Ronnie Mann eked out a Split Decision against Douglas Evans to retain his featherweight title.
Aaron Rosa defeats Devin Cole by Unanimous Decision
Daniel Straus bests Karen Darabedyan by Unanimous Decision
Eric Davila taps Pete Spratt with a Guillotine in Rd.2
Paul Bradley tapped John Reese by RNC in the initial round

Thats 7-3 on the picks baby!

UFC Fight Night 22 in Texas?: We'll Pick It Anyway


UFC FIGHT NIGHT 22: September 15, 2010
Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas

Strikeforce just proved MMA has no business in Texas but maybe the more professionally run Zuffa gang can pull this off without questions of non-existent drug testing, oxygen enhancers, and the local referees trying to get someone killed. Nate "The Great" has "gotta have it" while Pearson looks for that next step in career, and the return of the beloved Yves Edwards.

Main Bouts (On Spike TV):
Nate Marquardt (29-9-2) vs. Rousimar Palhares (11-2) Nate "The Great" is very confident coming into this bout and looking to rebound from a loss to Chael Sonnen and that dream rematch with Anderson Silva. If this lil' Brazilian tank can grab a limb Nate had better run for the hills but Marquardt is light years ahead of Palhares on the feet and has more than enough experience to weather the initial attacks until both men become slick. Nate will be patient until the mouth of Rousimar opens for air and the attack will be on.
WINNER-Nate Marquardt by Decision

Efrain Escudero (13-1) vs. Charles Oliveira (13-0) The Mexican hero takes on a change of opponent (as do a lot of guys tonight) against an undefeated prospect who brought a beautiful submission 41 seconds into his debut for Zuffa. I like Efrain's improved boxing and sprawl to beat up Charles who finds himself out of his depth on the feet. Once worn down and breathing heavy, Escudero can take him down if needed, and pound the cat into his 1st loss.
WINNER-Efrain Escudero by Decision

Jim Miller (17-2) vs. Gleison Tibau (21-6) This is perhaps the most competitive fight of the night. Miller is happy to scrap with anyone and Tibau, a Jiu-Jitsu ace, has developed good striking and is looking to finish fights even if he doesn't always. I like Jim to use superior wrestling but he must keep the points game in mind when this hits the judges table.
WINNER-Jim Miller by Decision

Ross Pearson (11-3) vs. Cole Miller (16-4) The Brit should have this fight all day. Cole has made the papers complaining about wrestlers that hold him down, a sly nod to his opponent in hopes to make this bout exciting, but Ross ain't that guy anymore. Ross developed quite an array of well put together striking and can rock Miller at will. Cole is a tough guy (TUF) but barring a Jiu-Jitsu submission exhibition breaking out, I'll take the vastly improving Team Rough House member to run game.
WINNER-Ross Pearson by Rd.3 TKO

Prelim Bouts (Non-Televised):
Yves Edwards (38-16-1) vs. John Gunderson (23-7-1) More men fell out of this fight than Mexican's outta the truck at the construction site, but we see the long ago uncrowned "Lightweight Champion" of the UFC get his last shot at the big show. I've always been down with "Thugjitsu" but his prime is far in the past and he has become known as a mistake maker. Gunderson will tap anyone if this gets to the floor so it is a must for Edwards to stay upright. Yves should win this fight if he doesn't shoot himself, but I have to stay with 1 of the 1st Lightweights that I liked waay back in the day, who knows this is his last shot.
WINNER-Yves Edwards by Heart Strings
Jared Hamman (11-2) vs. Kyle Kingsbury (8-2) I like Hamman's stand up to own this bout while Kyle can't really hang with anyone, though he'd be happy to accept a beating.
WINNER-Jared Hamman by Rd.2 TKO
Rich Attonito (8-3) vs. Rafael Natal (12-2) I like Rich for bouncing the frat boy douche bag Jamie Yager from the UFC, but he is well out gunned here. "Sapo" simply has a looking to finish Jiu-Jitsu while Attonito just really doesn't bring much at this level which is probably a bit above his head.
WINNER-"Sapo" Natal Rd.2 Submission
David Mitchell (11-0) vs. Anthony Waldburger (12-5) I see this as a close fight for 2 minor league guys trying to take that next big step in their career. At the end of the day though, "Daudi" stays undefeated though his career for Zuffa might not last as long as expected.
WINNER-"Daudi" Michelle by Decision
Brian Foster (13-5) vs. Forrest Petz (17-8) The HITSquad prospect may have stumbled a bit so far but it was against Chris Lytle and the red hot Rick Story so give him a bit of a pass. The "Meat Clever" is simply a gatekeeper who's time has come on the chopping block. Foster is going to make this fight dirty and ugly and Petz' face will tell the tale when all is said and done.
WINNER-Brian Foster by Rd.3 TKO
Tomasz Drwal (17-3-1) vs. Dave Branch (6-1) 2 men who recently made MMA highlight reels for all the wrong reasons battle for their jobs in the UFC. Before making ESPN's "top plays" for being slammed through the canvas into oblivion, Dave was actually doing fine in his bout with Gerald Harris. The guy really transitions well on the floor from hold to hold and had some nice accurate striking against a really tough opponent. The "Gorilla" watched his knee snap, crackle, and pop as Rousimar Palhares held on far too long which would gain him a nice steep fine and gave Tomasz a chance to scream to the heavens in pain. Now he can hang tough here all day but he gets out pointed if not stopped by a guy I plan to watch closely as he progresses.
WINNER-Davey Branch by Decision

Saturday, September 11, 2010

SHARK FIGHTS 13: "Quick Picks"


SHARK FIGHTS 13: September 11, 2010
Civic Center Coliseum in Amarillo, Texas

Main Bouts (PPV):
Trevor Prangley (22-6-1) vs. Keith Jardine (15-8-1) W-Jardine
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (9-6) vs. Houston Alexander (10-6) W-The Planet Houston
Paul Daley (24-9-2) vs. Jorge Masvidal (20-5) W-Daley
Joey Villasenor (27-7) vs. Danillo Villefort (11-3) W-Smokin' Joe
Brock Larson (28-4) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (9-2) W-Mr.Brock

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Featherweight Champion Ronnie Mann (17-2-1) vs. Doug Evans (10-6) W-My Mann
Aaron Rosa (14-3) vs. Devin Cole (14-7-1) W-La Rosa
Daniel Straus (12-3) vs. Karen Darabedyan (9-3) W-Straus
Pete Spratt (21-17) vs. Eric Davila (17-10) W-Davila
Johnny Rees (12-2) vs. Paul Bradley (12-2) W-Bradley