Black House Celebrates Antonio Nogueira's UFC 134 Win (Video)

ProElite 2.0 Results From Return Show

Joey Palemia bested Chad Thomas by Unanimous Decision.

Brent Schermerhorn KO'd Jesse Lundgren a little over a mintue into round 1.

Dustin Barca TKO'd Reno Remigio via Doctor Stoppage after the 2nd round.

Kaleo Gambill TKO'd Eldon Sproat in fast fashion in their initial round.

Drew McFedries smashed Garrett Olson by TKO in the 2nd round. It was game of Garrett to take the fight on 24 hours notice after Hawaiin fan favorite Kala Hose pulled out with a knee injury. Drew calmly deliberately attacked and brutalized the poor Olson. Garrett gave it a shot but had nothing as McFedries eventually landed and put Olson away.

Sara McMann submits Raquel Pa'aluhi by Keylock in the final round. These ladies stole the show with an impressive bout. The 2004 Olympic silver medalist freestyle wrestler took the Hawaiiain down over and over though Raquel battled valiantly. "Rocky" showed great heart and battled all the way till the end. Sara is one to watch as she improves to 4-0 and continues impressing.

Mark Ellis taps Jake Heun with the RNC in the 2nd. AKA's Ellis had a successful pro debut though not without its share of close calls. Almost submitted Mark rebounded relying on his wrestling and wearing Jake down for the eventual tap. Good to see the Mizzou Tiger make good and I look forward to his continual improvement.

Reagan Penn makes a quick successful debut by tapping Paul Gardiner by RNC in a mere minute and ten seconds.Gardner surprised BJ Penn's brother by getting the early takedown but it didn’t take long for Reagan to secure his back. Then the new Penn just worked for the RNC, got it, and won his debut in 60 seconds! Obviously we'd like to have seen more but more to come from the supposed best member of the Penn family!

Andrei Arlovski got some confidence back by TKOing Ray Lopez in the last round. Andrei did what he wanted getting in some ring work and taking his oppoent down to avoid anymore KO's at all costs. Things went well as the "Pitbull" moved into mount at will until Lopez took his back with 14 seconds in the round. Andrei calmly defended properly and the round ended. For the rest of the bout Arlovski took him down when he felt like it and got to mount with no problem over and over again. He worked from mount and eventually wore down Ray who showed good heart but was just overmatched.

I'm not a fan of Arlovski but have to admit I was rooting for the poor guy. Everyone and their dog said he had to retire after those 4 devastating losses in a row. Andrei went to his trainer Greg Jackson and asked honestly if he should retire. The teacher said no and took him under his wing. This is the 1st step in getting the confidence back and it was refreshing to hear Jens Pulver commentate on his infamous losing streak and how hard it is to just get back in there.

A relieved "Pitbull" said, “After 4 losses in a row I feel fucking awesome! I didn’t follow the game exactly but at least I did something.”

Kendall Grove got revenge be submitting Joe Riggs with a standing Guillotine Choke 59 seconds into the "Main Event." "Diesel" has no business fighting anymore as he is broken down and just collecting paychecks at this point. "Da Spyder" thinks he's back but he isn't.

I love Jens Pulver and great call getting him for color commentary for which he is awesome! Hearing him candidly speaking about 4 straight losses much like Arlovski, and mentioning how you just have to face it and get in there. That is a step and a victory. Then you get your rhythm and feel it that is a step and a victory. Then when you notch the much needed victory its elation and the world off your shoulders. The guy is great and I'd love to see him return to the UFC in a full time commentary role! "Lil Evil" 4 Life!

0-0 on the picks since I didn't do any.

UFC 134 In Pictures

UFC 134 Rio Results: The Brazilian Guard Returns To Glory!

Yves Jabouin defeats Ian Loveland by the narrowest Split-Decision. Ian's technique fell apart as he tired and disagreed with the decision. I had Yves winning 29-28.

Yuri Alcantara defeats Felipe Arantes by Unanimous Decision. I said it before by Yuri was literally hit by a truck (much like Antonio Rodrigo Nogeueira in his youth) in Brazil and still fought to a win! That is impressive alone.

Erick Silva TKO'd Luis Ramos just 40 seconds into his Zuffa debut! Both men came in absolutely throwing to kill and Silva landed the most. I'd like to see the Black House protege a little longer but you can't deny the results.

Raphael Assuncao defeats Johnny Eduardo by Unanimous Decision. I was disappointed to hear the Brazilian crowd boo one of their own just because he is a ground fighter who they considered "boring" on this night. Had to hurt the kid but a solid grind em out performance none the less though the stand up still needs work.

Paulo Thiago defeats David Mitchell by Unanimous Decision. That was not impressive. Thiago was very hesitant and slow against an average at best fighter who doesn't belong in the UFC. Maybe it was the home pressure but Paulo didn't impress and seemed to gas out in the 3rd round yet again to continue his curious training regime.

Rousimar Palhares defeats Dan Miller by Unanimous Decision in a very odd yet entertaining bout. "Toquinho" the tree stump came out smashing Dan and putting him on his ass for a brutal beating. The problem was referee Herb Dean took one step toward the pair for a better look and Palhares took that as he "won" and he broke off from his attack and jumped atop the Octagon to celebrate his victory. The confused look on Dean's face was hysterical as he readied Miller and pulled the idiotic Rousimar down from the cage to continue the bout. Just a huge mental error and completely the fighters fault alone. Back to action, Dan hurts Palhares with a mysterious right hand (?) and almost finishes him but time ran out to save the confused Brazilian who then punched Miller well after the bell had sounded. In the 2nd, Palhares got back to work and continued a just train-wreck-hard-to-watch beating on the Jersey boy though he did survive the harsh 10-8 round. In the final round, Rousimar obviously slowed and was breathing deeply but had enough to gut out the win in a strange yet highly entertaining bout.

* This Rousimar Palhares is dumb and a cheater. We all remember when he held a kneebar long after the referee had called an end to the bout with Thomasz Drwal who suffered unnecessary damage to his knee. Then when he got legitimately defeated by cheater Nate Marquardt, he complained that the "Great" was "greasing" though immediate tests Octagon side proved him wrong. Now we have the fool calling a stop to his own fight and again striking well after the bell has sounded. Let's not forget he also repeatedly held the fence even after repeated warnings and the referee physically pulling him from the fence. I really question why Herb Dean didn't take a point for that cheating alone! Zuffa needs to pull Palhares and his camp aside and really make the point that cheating will not be tolerated. I personally don't want to see this guy fight anymore and hope the UFC addresses this escalating situation.

** Dan Miller is tough as they come and I give him credit,.....but.....he's just not that good. Sorry. Also, Dan got his ass whipped with brother and mother in the corner!

Thiago Tavares TKO's Spencer Fisher (sort of) in round 2. There is an unwritten rule in MMA that referees allow sturdy veterans more leeway in bad positions because they have been there so many times before and deserve the chance to fight out. In the 1st, Thiago took the "King" down and worked for position winning the round but doing little damage. In the 2nd, Tavares again had Spence flattened out and began the barrage of strikes many of which were to the back of the head or to the blocking arms. Fisher's mouth piece did fly out but Fisher was moving and trying to improve position. Trying to improve position is key. He wasn't getting free but was working and for that the bout should not have been stopped but referee Marc Goddard stepped in anyway awarding the win to the hometown boy. The "King" and I disagreed with the decision but we are overruled.

Stanislav Nedkov KO's Luiz Cane who took out his frustrations on the cage. "Banha" came out rolling hurting the smaller Nedkov and seemingly in control of the bout. Then a wounded Stanislav threw a left hook from Bulgaria that rocked Luiz' dome. Cane completely fell apart as his equilibrium failed and while retreating involuntarily kicked at the cage as if to blame the fence for his upcoming loss. Cane hits the mat and Nedkov pounded him out to remain undefeated in a come from behind KO debut! "KO Of The Night"

* C'mon admit it. Seeing the wobbling Cane kick the fence while retreating was funny. It was also nice to see Luiz, devastated by the loss, get to his feet and motion for the crowd to stop booing the winner and clapping in respect.

** I doubted you Stanislav Nedkov and you snatched victory from the mouth of defeat. Kudos but you are still to small for Light Heavyweight.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira KO's Brendan Schaub for one of the most amazing and perfect moments ever in MMA! The most beloved MMA fighter in all of Brazil, past his prime, coming in expected to die, and giving one of the best moments in the entire sports history. "Big Nog" ate some good strikes from the "Hybrid" early, but he just looked different. Healthier, stronger, and throwing so hard as if powered by the cheers of the crowd. I almost thought "Minotauro" was hurt with a just brutally powerful right hand that drops the kid on his face! Rodrigo dives on his unconscious prey as the referee stops the fight and all of Brazil celebrates! Just a great, great moment for the "old guard" and Brazil! "Big Nog" celebrates atop the cage with his twin brother and yells "I'm back!"

* Beautiful just beautiful. I could not have written it any better and I cannot express how happy I am for the legend. How about a "master's bout" rematch with Mirko Cro Cop? I'm down but the beloved Nog can do whatever he wants.

** Brendan Schaub can sit down, check his ego, and return easily but I hope some eyes are opened as to how overrated this kid is at the moment. The potential is there but he isn't as ready as he thinks he is. Stefan Struve would make sense next as both are young improving Heavyweights with holes in their games.

Edson Barboza defeats the always game Ross Pearson by Split-Decision in a never-say-die fight. That people, was a fight. The "Real Deal" came out strong and I was very impressed. Barboza got into his grove as things went along and though I agree with the overall decision, Pearson was never out of the fight and though beaten to a bloody pulp, hung till the end in a very close fight. "Fight Of The Night"

* Edson Barboza takes another step forward in his career but also realizes the competition level is at an all time high.

** I love Ross Pearson and thought he did much better than expected. This guy doesn't stop improving and is a class act start to finish. Much respect and he's not done yet.

Mauricio Rua embarrassed the embarrassing Forrest Griffin by KO in the very 1st round. It began with a right hook from "Shogun" that dropped Forrest who seemed to immediately go into panic mode much like when he shit the bed against Anderson Silva. Rua brings down hammer fists that would make Thor proud as Griffin flails about like he's drowning in the ocean before the lights go out.

* Mauricio Rua looked good again but we just never know what "Shogun" we will see. Are the knees healed after 1,000 surgeries? Can Rua stay healthy? Who knows but its fun to watch isn't it? I could possibly see a rubber match with Lyoto Machida next or even Phil Davis.

** Forrest Griffin said it best this week when he mentioned that he looks like he is stagnate and almost regressing in his game. He's just a personality who over achieved and is coming back to Earth while turning into an asshole. I don't care what comes next for Griffin in MMA and I don't think he cares either. Nice job of running out of the arena again douche bag. Classy.

Anderson Silva TKO's Yushin Okami in obvious and dominant fashion in the 2nd round. The "Spider" took the 1st round off as he often does and then brought the Bruce Lee out in the 2nd. Silva got comfortable dropping his hands to his sides and crouching in a ninja stance. A frustrated Okami is hurt by a straight right jab that drops him and he covers up. Its pinpoint elbows and punches as you see the fight leaving Yushin and the referee is left with no choice but to save the injured fighter.

* Yes, Anderson Silva made it look easy yet again. Even I can't deny he is the best Pound4Pound fighter in the world. I'd like to see a rematch with free agent Dan Henderson next before Chael Sonnen who deserves nothing. Obviously, the world want Anderson Silva versus Georges St. Pierre.

** Yushin Okami wasn't as sturdy as I thought but you cannot express how powerful and just perfect placed the strikes are coming at the poor fella. You just can't hang and I'm just glad "Thunder" at least got the title shot he deserved.

I love Kenny Florian for the record. His commentary is great as well but his interviews were cringe inducing and very hard to watch. He just doesn't excel there which is fine but its pretty bad when I'm telling the TV to let Mike Goldberg do the interviews! You're still the man "Kenflo."

Dana White was bowled over with joy at this event and said, “We might be here every weekend. We’re getting early polling back from TV in Brazil that we did a 20 percent share tonight, which could be almost 30 million homes… We’re probably real close to setting up an office down here, this is a huge market for us, and we’re just getting started."

Referee Mario Yamasaki stood up fights way too early all night almost at the behest of the crowd it should be noted.

8-4 on the picking side.

Octagon Girls: Brazil Uniforms!

UFC 134 Rio: Silva vs Okami Picks, Prognostications, & Fight Odds

UFC 134 Rio: Silva vs. Okami
August 27, 2011
HSBC Arena
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When was the last time you saw a UFC card with two rematches as the main points of interest? Hell, when was the last time the UFC went to Brasil? We may be seeing the final installment of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Anderson Silva turning into Muhammad Ali, and "coming out" parties for Edson Barboza Jr. and Erick Silva!

Main Bouts (PPV):
Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (28-4) [-500] vs. Yushin Okami 2 (26-5) [+400] [Rematch] It has taken the UFC five years to rightfully give "Thunder" his title shot. After all this time, they put the bout in Brazil where the "Spider's" popularity just exploded after he routed the countries hero Vitor Belfort, and is now looking to establish himself as the best fighter in the world. The press is on in Brazil as Anderson Silva with Burger King and Bud Light commercials are everywhere. You cannot discount how much pride the Brazilian fighters feel fighting at home as the UFC returns for the 1st time since 1998! Okami has been training with the infamous Chael Sonnen who did quite well with a similar style as Yushin. "Thunder" loves the G&P but his stand up will not be on par with Chael who tagged Silva more than anyone thought possible. Yushin is tough as they come but lacks the offense to threaten Anderson while the "Spider" picks him apart from distance. A stoppage is not a guarantee here but the victory (most likely) is. The 1st bout has zero relevance this time around save that the "Spider" takes his past losses very seriously and wants vengeance.

WINNER-Anderson Silva by Rd.4 Submission

Mauricio Rua (19-5) [-240] vs. Forrest Griffin 2 (18-6) [+200] [Rematch] I like "Shogun" here for many reasons. First, people remember that Forrest won the 1st meeting. What they forget, is Griffin was getting his ass handed to him by a guy on injured knees and who had not trained because of a recent marriage until he simply ran out of breath. For this camp, OG great Rafael Corderio returned to his protege who made it through injury free and looks to be in great shape. Forrest has told everyone that at this point MMA is a job and he's in it for the money. Not great motivation especially when facing a guy you already beat. Rua is just a better fighter and Forrest is just an average guy who did above average things in the past. Notice the key word, past. Griffin stopped evolving as a fighter long ago and I fully expect that to show here. Hopefully Forrest runs crying from the Octagon for the 3rd time.

WINNER-Mauricio Rua by Rd.3 TKO

Brendan Schaub (8-1) [-250] vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1) [+210] I don't particularly like the "Hybrid" and believe he is "building" his reputation on fading fighters but, "Big Nog" has obviously been deteriorating and facing a younger, stronger, faster opponent will not help. "Minotauro" has been shelved for a year and six months with hip surgery and recovering from the shellacking given by now Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez. Ring rust and the whispers that Nogueira returned too quickly from surgery to fight in the homeland doesn't bestow confidence. "Big Nog" also says he is 35 years old which is most likely a lie but in fight years he's still 84. Brendan will most likely win on points but hopefully the former Pride & UFC Heavyweight Champion can give a memorable effort.

It is quite laughable that Brendan believes that if he wins this bout he should face the winner of Velasquez/dos Santos. He's taking the proper steps, but lets not get ahead of ourselves before the elite of the Heavyweight division comes calling. The best Schaub has faced to date was Roy Nelson who rendered him unconscious in 1 round.

WINNER-Brendan Schaub by Rd.2 TKO

* "Big Nog" is the most beloved fighter in all of Brazil (Wand is #2). The appreciative crowd exploded for his entrance at the weigh-ins and vehemently boo'd the "Hybrid" and chanted "You're gonna die! You're gonna die!" which I found hilarious.

Ross Pearson (12-4) [+260] vs. Edson Barboza Jr. (8-0) [-320] I don't like this bout for the "Real Deal" of whom I'm a big fan. Ross showed he was very hittable lately against average strikers where as now he is facing a little known super-striker looking to disrupt the Lightweight picture. Edson is ridiculously fast and will tear Pearson up on the feet as the "Real Deal" finds himself unable to get a takedown for respite. Barboza makes a statement in the homeland opening peoples eyes and closing Pearson's.

WINNER-Edson Barboza Jr. by Rd.3 TKO

Luis Cane (11-3) [-220] vs. Stanislav Nedkov (11-0) [+180] There was a lot of hype on Nedkov coming over but its just that. Hype. Stanislav is far too small for Light Heavyweight and is about to be introduced to a level of striking he is not aware of. "Banha" is an elite dude but people have forgotten after he lost to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (no shame there) and then got upset by Cyrille Diabate. Cane got back on track last time out and is going to steamroll Stanislav sending him to Middleweight where he belongs.

WINNER-Luis Cane by Rd.1 KO

* There are no guarantees in gambling but this one is very close.

Prelims (Spike TV):
Thiago Tavares (15-4-1) [-225] vs. Spencer Fisher (24-7) [+185] I am a proud "King" supporter but I have seen the skills sliding as age catches the Ric Flair fanatic. That being said, nobody knows how to lose fights they are winning more than Thiago. He has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory more than I care to count. He should still win and especially at home against a shop worn fighter.

WINNER-Thiago Tavares by Decision

Rousimar Palhares (12-3) [-290] vs. Dan Miller (13-5) [+245] I'll be interested to see what game plane Dan comes in with because I don't see him doing much. If ever there was a guy that could literally take a limb home like a Grizzly bear versus Timothy Treadwill, it would be "Toquinho." I know everyone and their dog likes Dan, but I find him to be one dimensional at best.

WINNER-Rousimar Palhares by Rd.1 Submission

Prelims:
Paulo Thiago (13-3) [-400] vs. David Mitchell (11-1) [+325] If I made a "lock of the night," this would be it. Mitchell doesn't belong and Zuffa knows this. They are sacrificing David to rebuild the Brazilian Special Forces Officer and it will work.

WINNER-Paulo Thiago by Rd.2 Submission

* Betcha money here!$!

Raphael Assuncao (16-4) [-165] vs. Johnny Eduardo (25-8) [+145] Though both are Brazilian, Johnny will be the hometown boy as Assuncao is considered "Americanized." I find the Ninja Turtle to be a more complete fighter but there is no denying "Johnny Wad's" athleticism. A coin flip match.

WINNER-Raphael Assuncao by Decision

* This is a close fight and not worth the betting risk.

Erick Silva (12-1) [-280] vs. Luis Ramos (19-6) [+240] Erick cannot spell his name but is a beloved protege of Anderson Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira which is high praise indeed. I gots yet another Silva all day here and am interested to see how this blue chipper develops.

WINNER-Erick Silva by Decision

Yuri Alcantara (24-3) [-460] vs. Felipe Arantes (13-4) [+365] It should be noted that Yuri got hit by a truck in Brazil this week but he's still fighting. That's a true story. It should also be noted that Felipe wore an "I'm a douche bag" hat to the weigh-ins.

Upset Pick WINNER-Felipe Arantes?

Yves Jabouin (15-7) [+175] vs. Ian Loveland (14-8) [-210] I'll take the "Barn Owl" for the block.

WINNER-Ian Loveland by Decision

Marcus Aurelio Switchkick Highlight Video!

Knuckle Movie Preview

Female Fighter Profile: Ronda Rousey

Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey is a 24 year old American Olympic judoka and professional MMA fighter. Currently 3-0, Rousey competes for Strikeforce in the Women's 145 lb. division. Ronda is afraid of nothing and never bites her tongue while antagonizing opponents and throwing her way to victory.

"Rowdy" began her combat career at 17 qualifying as the youngest judo player in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. After amassing many medals on the Junior World Circuit, Rousey won silver at the 2007 Judo Championships and gold at the 2007 Pan Am Games. In 2008, she won bronze at the Olympic games in China. Ronda was the first American to win an Olympic medal in women's Judo since its inclusion in the games in 1992.

The vegan from California won three amateur bouts before turning pro and amassing the same record but in a mere 1:44 total! Most recently, the Nutella lover defeated Sarah D'Alelio via Armbar submission at Strikeforce Challengers 18. Ronda currently trains with Team Hayastan under Gokor Chivichyan, Leo Frincu, Gene Lebell, and Edmond Taverdyan, along with Team Hayastan fighters such as Manny Gamburyan, Karen Darabedyan, Sako Chivitchian, Roman Mitichyan, and Sevak Magakian.

Rousey also teaches judo in Santa Monica at Dynamix MMA along with Gracie BJJ Black Belt, Henry Akins, and former Dutch Kickboxer and UFC heavyweight Antoni Hardonk. Her 2nd job is as a veterinary assistant at California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE).

Ronda has expressed her "different" approach to MMA on Ariel Helwani's MMA Hour show saying, "My goal is not the be the most liked girl in women's MMA, I want to be the most talked about girl in women's MMA. If there's a lot of controversy, people saying I suck, I'm cocky, or it was a good fight or an amazing move -- as long as there's polarizing opinions and people want to discuss it."

The blonde beauty is super talented, hungry, and climbing the Women's rankings fast! With the talent pool a little light in the ladies division, it would not be shocking to see Rousey face new Strikeforce Champion Miesha Tate or even the returning Gina Carano in 2012. Expect good things and a lot of controversial sound bytes.

Accomplishments:

2010:
Gold - USA Judo Senior National Championships

2008:
Gold - U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Judo
Gold - USA Judo Senior National Championships
Gold - Budapest World Cup
Bronze - Olympic Games
Bronze - Belgian Ladies' Open
5th - Pan American Championships
9th - Paris Super World Cup

2007:
Gold - British Open (63kg)
Gold - Vienna World Cup
Gold - Pan American Games
Gold - USA Judo Senior National Championships
Gold - U.S. Open
Gold - Rendez-Vous Canada
Silver - World Championships
Bronze - Pan American Championships
Bronze - German Open

2006:
Gold - Swedish Open (63kg)
Gold - U.S. Open (63kg)
Gold - Rendez-Vous Canada (63kg)
Gold - USA Judo Senior National Championships (63kg)
Gold - Birmingham World Cup (63kg)
Gold - Belgian Ladies Open (63kg)
Gold - Junior Pan American Championships (63kg)
Silver - Pan American Championships (63kg)
Bronze - Junior World Championships (63kg)
Bronze - Finnish Open (63kg)

2005:
Gold - U.S. Open (63kg)
Gold - Rendez Vous Canada (63kg)
Gold - USA Judo Senior National Championships (63kg)
Gold - Pan American Championships (63kg)
5th Place - Leonding World Cup (63kg)
9th - Hamburg Super World Cup (63kg)

2004:
Gold - Ontario Open (63kg)
Gold - Junior World Championships (63kg)
Gold - Pan American Championships (63kg)
Gold - Junior Pan American Championships (63kg)
Gold - USA Judo Senior National Championships (63kg)
Gold - Titan Games (63kg)
Gold - USA Judo High School National Championships (63kg)
Bronze - U.S. Open (63kg)
Bronze - Rendez Vous Canada (63kg)
9th - Olympic Games (63kg)

2003:
Gold - Fall Classic National Championships (63kg)
Gold - Rendez Vous Canada (63kg)
Silver - U.S. Open (63kg)
5th - Korean Open (63kg)

Bellator Season 5 Video Promo

Pat Curran KO's Marlon Sandro Video

Bellator 48 Results: Pat Curran KO's His Way To A 2nd Tournament Win!

Saul Almeida defeats Tateki Matsuda via Unanimous Decision.

Ryan Quinn defeats Brett Oteri by submission from the RNC in the 1st round.

Andrew Calandrelli defeats Matt Nice by keylock submission in the 1st stanza.

Nik Fekete defeats Mark Griffin by TKO from strikes in the 2nd round.

Jeff Nader defeats Dan Cramer by TKO via punches in the 3rd.

Rene Nazare defeats Juan Barrantes by TKO (doctor stoppage) before the final round.

Seth Petruzelli Upsets Ricco Rodriguez by KO in the very 1st round. The "Silverback" warned "Suave" early with an errant high kick but Ricco only decided to showboat. Rodriguez shot from too far away and out of control as Petruzelli threw the same short right hand that destroyed the Kimbo Slice myth. Same effect here as well. Ricco went down hard and fast as the hammerfists came down to seal the deal. Major upset again from Petruzelli as Rodriguez rebuilds the now broken "comeback."

Bellator Heavyweight Champion Cole Konrad defeated Paul Buentello by Unanimous Decision (non-title). It was a battle of the chubbies as Cole came out establishing a nice jab and staying upright without even looking for his normal takedowns. The "Polar Bear" was doing just fine as 1st as the "Headhunter" seemed unable to take the safety off his guns. In the 2nd, "Burrito" made things much closer and though Konrad won the round, he was sucking wind and bleeding from his wide open mouth. For the final round, Cole was exhausted and smartly took Paul down. Konrad immediately made a mistake on the ground allowing Paul back to his feet but the damage was done and too little too late Konrad stays unbeaten.

* Well, it wasn't impressive to see Cole Konrad weeze his way past a struggling veteran. Obviously, the guy has to cut weight. He cuts to make the 265 lb. limit and is still obese. If he could make that jiggle into muscle, we may have something while he continues to train with Brock Lesnar and Pat Barry.

Pat Curran Upsets Marlon Sandro by head kick KO in the 2nd round. Sandro came in absolutely rolling and seemed to have taken the early lead being more aggressive and landing more wild uppercuts and overhand strikes. Just as the announcers were mentioning the reckless style of Marlon, the Brazilian bobbed his head low and Pat unleashed a kick that had Sandro cold before he hit the canvas! A few exclamation points and we have a highlight reel KO to finish the Featherweight Tournament in style.

* Pat Curran has now won 2 Bellator tournaments and now will wait for his turn at Joe Warren after Patricio Freire who was injured recently and forced the rematch to be rescheduled. Curran has gone an impressive 6-1 losing only to Champion Eddie Alvaraz by Decision. This kid is young, hungry, humble, and patient. A deadly combination as Sandro found out. Marlon perhaps came into the tournament finals overconfident or perhaps Pat just landed a perfect lightening kick Sandro never saw coming.

** It should also be noted that Spike TV officials were in attendance observing the Bellator product. MTV2 and Spike TV are Viacom properties so a move to the former UFC home is not out of the question at all.

6-2 on the picks.