Friday, September 30, 2011

UFC On Versus 6: Cruz vs. Johnson Picks & Prognostications


UFC On Versus 6: Cruz vs. Johnson
October 1, 2011
Verizon Center
Washington, DC

For my fellow degenerate gamblers, ignore my Upset predicted by coin toss but Charlie Brenneman is the easy live dog. I feel overly confident in Pat Barry, Matt Wiman, and Josh Neer for parlay action.

Main Bouts (On Versus):
Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz (18-1) vs. Demetrious Johnson (8-1) "Mighty Mouse" is the most successful midget in MMA but this bout will look similar to the previous freak show bout with Barry/Struve. Johnson stands a mere 3'5" and honestly is awaiting Zuffa's dip into the 125 lb. pool perhaps in 2013. Cruz already knows how to keep wrestling machines at bay with his reach and brilliant Floyd Mayweather hit and run away style, and I just don't see any legitimate way to think Demetrious can win the gold. Dominick hasn't legitimately finished a guy since 2008 and is really the only knock on the Champion if you can even call that one. He's still a prick though.
WINNER-Dominick Cruz by Decision

Pat Barry (6-3) vs. Stefan Struve (21-5) "HD" had Cheick Kongo dead to rights before he almost literally ran into a KO punch headfirst to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I definitely like the newly aggressive Barry here with his tree chopping leg kicks against the spindly twigs of "Skyscraper." We must also remember that Struve has a glass chin even if Pat has to leap off a trampoline to reach it.
WINNER-Pat Berry by Rd.1 KO

Anthony Johnson (9-3) vs. Charlie Brenneman (14-2) Everyone is high on the "Spaniard" since he Upset Rick Story but here is his problem. Besides suffocating wrestling, what does Charles have? "Rumble" has decent wrestling but also a ridiculous size advantage, solid leg kicks (thank you Cung Le), and much better striking. "Rumble" is known for making absurd decisions during bouts while Brenneman keeps to the game plan no matter how boring, and smothers opponents like Clay Guida covered in pillows. Tony needs to land a strike that hurts Charlie but this is the toughest fight to pick on the card. I expect a very close fight but side with Johnson who has more ways to win.
WINNER-Anthony Johnson by Split-Decision

Mac Danzig (20-8-1) vs. Matt Wiman (13-6) [Rematch] The 1st time these mediocre Lightweights fought, Wiman had Danzig in a guillotine back in June of 2010, and told referee Yves Lavigne his opponent was unconscious. The referee said, good enough for me and called the bout with Mac immediately springing to his feet, alive and well and in shock. Matt would apologize for the shady move later but truthfully it was the ref's fault. Over a year later and we do it again hopefully with a valid outcome but most likely the same winner. The "Vegan" hasn't impressed in a while though he did join the litany of men who recently defeated an old at a young age Joe Stevenson. "Handsome" has improved training with Gilbert Melendez and rolling off 4 wins in a row before running into the fire hydrant known as Dennis Siver. Basically, one guy got better while the other did not.
WINNER-Matt Wiman by Honest Decision

Prelims:
Yves Edwards (40-17-1) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (14-4) Full disclosure, big "Thugjistsu" fan here. I've followed him his whole career but honestly do see him winning here. Besides getting just brutally lamped his last time out against Sam Stout, Yves is the most well rounded veteran in the Lightweight division and has seen it all. The "Tractor" is decent but with holes that Edwards will be able to exploit with his savvy game. The "Thugjitsu Master" will be looking for a solid return after being on the wrong end of a highlight reel KO last out.
WINNER-Yves Edwards by Decision

Michael Johnson (9-5) vs. Paul Sass (11-0) "Springfield" represent! Mike rebounded from getting jobbed in the TUF finale to win by KO in the very 1st round. Johnson has great potential built around a solid wrestling foundation and obviously improving heavy hands. Sass is undefeated but will be out worked on the feet (barring Mike's endurance problems rearing their ugly head again) as Johnson avoids the mat this time where Paul's submission game resides.
WINNER-Michael Johnson by Rd.2 TKO

Mike Easton (10-1) vs. Byron Bloodworth (6-1) The "Hulk" as a promising kid when he left MMA back in 2009 with a myriad of injuries. Now Easton is back with the decent camp over at Alliance MMA. Byron doesn't impress much and missed weight which is never a point in one's favor. My only worry is Mike returning to the big show after being gone so long.
WINNER-Mike Easton By Rd.2 TKO

Shane Roller (10-4) vs. T.J. Grant (16-5) This is one of those situations where dropping a weight class after a loss is a mistake. TJ is not going to be better at Lightweight and Roller is still going to muscle him around. Despite being KO'd in his last outing with Melvin Guillard, I have seen improvement in Shane's game while Grant remains the grappler with little else. I like Roller to win and though it won't be a landslide, it will turn the judges heads enough for the victory.
WINNER-Shane Roller by Unanimous Decision

Josh Neer (25-9-1) vs. Keith Wisniewski (19-6) Holy crap the "Dentist" is back? One of the few remaining Miletich Camp fighters left Zuffa back in 2009 winning 6 and losing 1 to Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez. Josh may be 62 in fight years but he certainly has enough to beat Keith who isn't going to turn heads even if he gets possessed by Beetlejuice. How's that for a timely reference?
WINNER-Josh Neer by Rd.3 TKO

Walel Watson (8-2) vs. Joseph Sandoval (6-0) Who the, WTF? Somebody tell me who these guys are and you win the stuffed animal. I'll go against the guy with a #1 tattooed on his chest. What is with the phallic chest tattoo's these days?
Upset Pick WINNER-Joseph Sandoval?

Bellator 52: Picks For No Real Reason Because This "Tournament" Is Terrible


Bellator 52
Oct 01, 2011
Lake Charles, Louisiana
L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort

The greatest Heavyweight tournament of all time begins this Saturday! I went 0-4, fucking 0-4 on Bellator last week but surely that can't happen again right? Of course not especially with all these elite fighters to choose from.

Main Card (MTV2)
Heavyweight Tournament Opening Round
Mark Holata vs. Ron Sparks Its 8 wins in a row for the furry Holata while the "Monster" is undefeated at 7-0. Whatever.
WINNER-Ron Sparks by Rd.2 TKO

Neil Grove vs. Mike Hayes Grove has the experience of losing to the Bellator Heavyweight Champion Kole Conrad but in the little show he's a big shark. Michael "PS" Hayes looks like he just stepped out of a bar for this and if you don't get the joke you are no true wrestling fan.
WINNER-Neil Grove by Decision

Blagoi Ivanov vs. Zak Jensen Zak is awful. Just awful. Blagoi is a Bulgarian with a cool name. These are gems of wisdom here people!
WINNER-Blagoi Ivanov by Decision

Eric Prindle vs. Abe Wagner Abe is known for KOing a 400 lb. Tim Sylvia and having no reason to nickname himself "Hurricane." Eric is the "Giant Ginger" who is almost too big for the Heavyweight division and too muscular to move.
WINNER-Abe Wagner by Decision

Prelims (Spike TV)
Cosmo Alexander vs. Josh Quayhagen
Genair da Silva vs. Bryan Goldsby
Nick Nichols vs. Matt Van Buren
Justin Frazier vs. Liron Wilson

Sunday, September 25, 2011

UFC 135 Results: "Bones" Embarrasses "Rampage," "Kos" KO's Hughes, & Nate Diaz Gives His Magnum Opus!





James Te Huna KO'd Ricardo Romero 0:47 into the 1st round. Te Huna is a jacked Light Heavyweight and when Romero shot in to do his ground work he was met with crushing punches. Ricardo would not get up off the mat after the initial shot as the Australian left him motionless in a heap. Nice work for James but he has a way to go yet in his MMA career. A good test might be Fabio Maldonado or Kyle Kingsbury though a steroid filled bout with Thiago Silva might produce a bloody death the fans love. "KO Of The Night"

Takeya Mizugaki TKO'd Cole Escovedo in probably his best career performance. The "Miz" simply would not be denied as he unloaded on the "Apache Kid" who just ate bit shot after big shot.

Junior Assuncao out lasted Eddie Yagin to gain Unanimous Decision win. The questions on Ed's training, or lack there of, continue but a nice win for the "other" Assuncao brother.

Tim Boetsch calmed down and dominated Nick Ring by Unanimous Decision. The "Barbarian" looked good but the giant hip toss was the highlight of the fight and perhaps the night. Tim tosses Nick high into the air for a beautiful slam that the entire arena appreciated. Maybe if Ring had not had all those knee surgeries early in his career he could have made a better run, but probably not. Tom Lawler, Aaron Simpson and a bevy of others could all test the "Barbarian" at Middleweight but calling out Anderson Silva at this point is just silly.

Tony Ferguson TKO'd Aaron Riley who broke his jaw for the 2nd time in a UFC bout! Tony's long arms kept Riley away early and when he found success Ferguson just began unloading. It didn't help matters that a crushing uppercut broke Riley's jaw (shades of the grill shattering bout with Spencer Fisher). Aaron always the tough veteran continued to take an ass kicking with a broken jaw but between rounds the commission mercifully called the fight. Decently impressive for the TUF winner but not nearly as impressive as his open car doors. The Lightweight pool is filled with sharks so the kid needs to be brought along slowly despite his undeserved sense of accomplishment.

Nate Diaz submits Takanori Gomi with an Armbar to continue the family dominance of the "Fireball Kid." I don't know it Gomi is just that bad at this point in his career or if Nate is about to hit his prime but that was a masterpiece! Nate came out using his long reach and superior boxing skills to confuse an hurt Takanori early and often in the stand up exchanges. Gomi's little arms could not reach to the 209 and was even dropped with a beautiful left hook for a moment. As always for the Brothers Diaz, it was the accumulation of strikes that had Gomi missing his Bushido days and a complete ignorance on the ground against a Jiu-Jitsu ace that spelled the end. An easy triangle transition to armbar and its a wrap folks. Dap to Diaz for showing a ton of respect to Gomi post fight calling him one of his favorites to watch all time! I hope Nate stays at 155 where he looks the best and can hang with anyone in the stacked division. Fear not "Fireball Kid" fans as Takanori won't get cut before the UFC heads to Japan. It might be wise to allow Gomi to fight outside the Zuffa banner and get a win much like they recently allowed Yoshiyuki Yoshida to do. Hell, Gomi could probably beat Phil Baroni too for that matter. "Submission Of The Night"

Travis Browne defeats Rob Broughton by Unanimous Decision in what has to be one of the best Heavyweight tilts of all time! Perhaps I'm being a bit facetious here as this was nothing short of awful to watch. I'm not sure why Joe Silva thought it smart to schedule mediocre Heavyweights to fight in the high altitude of Denver but what do I know? Rob just sucks in general and I'm not seeing the "talent" in "Hapa" that others have. Perhaps because he is undefeated (though who has he fought of note?) and a highlight reel striker he is getting the early treatment but his stand up is not good and he's always wild and out of position. Dave Herman and Browne should get together for the sloppiest Heavyweight brawl in history next time out.

Mark Hunt out winded Ben Rothwell for the Unanimous Decision victory. About on the same level as the Browne/Broughton debacle, these two giants gassed out quickly in mile high but it was just hard to watch the men gasping for air and leaning against whatever they could find to remain standing. Hunt landed some big shots but Ben just ate them like they were insert whatever fat joke you will here ______. I was embarrassed for both men but it was nice to see an old Pride FC vet get a win and get that career record to 7-7! Whether the ring rust was a factor or not, being carried to your corner by your crew because you are tired, not because you are hurt and having the doctors unsure if you should continue, is humiliating. "Big" Ben never looked worse and I'm curious as to what he can say about this.

Josh Koscheck KO'd Matt Hughes one second before the end of the 1st round. The cocky "Kos" got his timing down while Hughes got his confidence up before Josh showed Matt that father time is a bitch. The referee gave Hughes all the chances you could as Koscheck dropped and battered the Hall of Famer but the eyes closed and the stoppage had to be made before Matt got hurt any more. A nice return for "Blanket" but Hughes claims he is NOT retiring. If that is the case and we wait to hear from Matt's wife for the final answer, give Matty someone he can beat to go out on a win. Royce Gracie said he only wants one last fight and only against Hughes so let the old timers get together one last time for shits and giggles.

Jon Jones confounded the normally highly intelligent Quinton Jackson before submitting him with the RNC in round 4 to retain the Light Heavyweight title. "Bones" came crawling out in odd fashion but controlled the bout in every facet while "Rampage" missed with wild hooks. Jones continued to be a class act dumping Jackson to the ground well after the bell but the end was never in doubt.

"Rampage" wants a rematch with Mauricio Rua in Japan which actually makes sense for his last fight. Jackson wandered into the press conference late and pointed out he "made a lot of money" which is all he wanted anyway and proved my theory of why he is still fighting.

"Bones" is still a dick and when the UFC sent Rashad Evans into the cage to promote the next title bout Jones cried that "Suga" had now stolen his moment twice. That is a baby complaint and funny considering when they met up Jon stuck out his lip to Evans in baby fashion. He then walked off when it was Rashad's turn to talk showing yet again what a class act he isn't. Jon is a fraud of a person but an amazing fighter with phenomenal potential. Its just a shame he has yet to mature as a person.

The crowd can fuck off and stop booing the always class act Rashad Evans any time now. What has the guy done honestly to deserve all the haters? I don't get it and hope he destroys "Bones" though I doubt it will happen.

9-1 on the picks which helps considering the Bellator 51 miscues. Nobody gets "Fight Of The Night!" Over and out.

Bellator 51 Results In A Night Of Upsets!!

Ed West Upsets Luis Alberto Nogueira by Unanimous Decision.

Marcos Galvao Upsets Chase Beebe by Split-Decision.

Eduardo Dantas Upsets Wilson Reis by KO via Flying Knee and Punches.

Alexis Vila KO'd Joe Warren into "a living death" just over a minute into round 1. All I want to say is that it could not have happened to a bigger dick. I am so glad to see the self proclaimed "baddest man on the planet" get absolutely lamped with supreme authority by the 10-0 undefeated "Exorcist!" I don't even care that I got every single fight wrong.

0-4 on the picks but Joe Warren was knocked into a planking impersonation!

Joe Warren vs. Alexis Vila KO Video!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

DREAM 17, Titan FC 20, & Strikeforce Challengers 19 Results


There is just so much MMA action this weekend we are just going to hit the highs or lows as the case may be (I'm looking at you Sakuraba & Brett Rogers).

DREAM 17 Results
Ikuhisa Minowa submits Baru Harn with a (get ready for this) Scarf Hold Armlock in the 1st round. Say what you will about the matchmaking surrounding "Minowaman" but he doesn't disappoint and the fans get what they expect. Baru lumbered after Minowa for a second before getting taken down and flailing about like Kirstie Alley battling the buffet sneeze guard. Ikuhisa messed around for a bit before securing Harn's right arm beneath his legs while cranking the neck. Kinda neat submission and a win for Japan!
* Is the above picure of Minowa not the greatest thing you have ever seen!

Rodolfo Marques Diniz defeats Yusup Saadulaev by Unanimous Decision.

Masakazu Imanari submits Cain's brother Abel Cullum via Armbar.

Bibiano Fernandes submits Takafumi Otsuka quickly with the RNC.

Antonio Banuelos Upsets Hideo Tokoro by Split-Decision as predicted. Upset Special pays off yet again bitches!

Gerald Harris edged Kazuhiro Nakamura by Split-Decision. And yet another "Hurricane" ruins the hopes of Japan. Aww c'mon!

Satoru Kitaoka also got a close win over Willamy Freire by Split-Decision.

Yan Cabral embarrassed Kazushi Sakuraba throughout the fight before mercifully tapping the formerly great legend with an Arm-Triangle Choke in the 2nd round. A humiliated Sakuraba covered his face with a shirt but thank god no parts fell off his body this time! Please someone stop this and make Saku retire. I'm not joking I worry for the legend who they want to fight again on the New Year's Show.

Takeshi Inoue KO'd Caol Uno with a Head Kick in the very 1st round. The "Lion" was doing a
Nick Diaz fist fake out and Uno literally fell for it. Takeshi showed him his fist and then unloaded a head kick that had Caol on the ground with the distant glaze in his eyes.

Tatsuya Kawajiri makes good on his 145 debut tapping Joachim Hansen Arm-Triangle Choke.

Shinya Aoki taps Rob McCullough with his new favorite move the Neck Crank in the 1st round to continue padding his stats. C'mon guys, lets give this guy a real opponent already.

Strikeforce Challengers 19 Results
MMAFO homie Jason High defeats Todd Moore by Unanimous Decision. Somebody get the "KC Bandit" back to the big dance already!

Ryan Couture got a Majority Decision over Maka Watson in odd fashion. Ryan should have gotten the nod one way or the other so a good win for the still very young but improving Couture.

Shawn Jordan Upsets Lavar Johnson with a Keylock submission in the 2nd round. Lavar just didn't have it tonight and credit Shawn for a smart plan and execution. "Big" who used brilliant imagination to think of his nickname had an off night I am interested in seeing the
Greg Jackson Heavyweight continue to improve though I still don't see him going to far.

Lorenz Larkin stays undefeated at 12-0 now by defeating Nick Rossborough by Unanimous Decision.

Titan Fighting Championship 20 Results
Dakota Cochrane (who?) Upsets Jamie Varner by Unanimous Decision. The skid continues as the former WEC Champion has gone 1-4-1 in his last 6 bouts. I tell ya I'm enjoying watching this shithead struggle and fail over and over again! Varner even Tweeted he retired from MMA after the bout but sadly the message was quickly taken down.

Eddie "Dirty" Sanchez Upsets Brett Rogers by lackluster Split-Decision. The "Grim" looked like his nickname coming in flabby and sporting a just silly new skull back tattoo. Eddie didn't look amazing but Rogers either didn't take this fight seriously or has just regressed to an embarrassing degree. Maybe Sanchez could knock out Andrei Arlovski as well at this point as Rogers goes 1-4 since beating said "Pitbull" but on another note is still undefeated against his wife. Heyoooooo!

Well on to the important things. On the bouts MMAFO picked we went 13-3 on the predictions!

Friday, September 23, 2011

UFC 135 Jones vs. Rampage: Picks & Prognostications


UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage
September 24, 2011
Pepsi Center
Denver, Colorado

This is one weak ass small PPV and its obvious the UFC is banking on people opening their wallets for the much hyped main event. A solid bet is Travis Browne while James Te Huna is my Upset Pick. It feels like this is an easy card to pick but I've said that before.

Main Bouts (PPV):
Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones (13-1) vs. Quinton Jackson (32-8) Everyone is talking about what a fraud "Bones" is, "spygate," and the "big time pressure" getting to the 23 year old champion, of which all is true, but it won't matter when the cage door closes. I don't believe "Rampage" wants to fight anymore and is simply doing a great job of hyping his "hunger" for the belt. In reality, he's driving up PPV numbers and thus his paycheck. Jon is struggling in the media spotlight but he'll still light up Jackson. Quinton has visibly slowed in recent fights and has but a one punch KO chance of winning. I'm expecting more of a Mauricio Rua vs Quinton Jackson in Pride FC type of bout with the younger, faster, and vastly more offensively diverse "Bones" taking apart "Rampage" as he tires in the "championship" rounds.
WINNER-Jon Jones by Rd.4 TKO

Matt Hughes (45-8) vs. Josh Koscheck (17-5) This is a nightmare scenario for Hughes as "Kos" steps in for Diego Sanchez. The "Blanket" does everything better than the vet at this stage in their respective careers and Koscheck has long looked to make an example of the man he loathes. Koscheck returns with a standing win as Matt's wife then calls it quits on a legendary career.
WINNER-Josh Koscheck by Rd.2 TKO

Ben Rothwell (31-7) vs. Mark Hunt (6-7) Much like "Rampage's" one punch KO chance in the "Main Event," My Cunt is up against it here. Rothwell isn't going to the top of the Heavyweight division any time soon but as a potential gatekeeper he does his unwritten job to out work and out strike Mark into the unemployment line. God forbid this hits the mat and Ben really works the Samoan.
WINNER-Ben Rothwell by Decision

Travis Browne (11-0-1) vs. Rob Broughton (15-5-1) "Hapa" is straight going to lamp chubby chubby fat fat giving Browne the highlight reel victory Joe Silva envisioned when making this slaughter bout.
WINNER-Travis Browne by Rd.1 KO

Nate Diaz (13-7) vs. Takanori Gomi (32-7) The younger (and more reliable) 209 member is going to be out for blood since Nick Diaz' epic victory in 2007 over the "Fireball Kid" was taken away for a mere marijuana violation. Everyone knows who won the fight and Nate is coming in hands down and middle fingers up to defend big brothers honor. Diaz could embarrass Gomi on the ground but will most likely stand wearing out Takanori with those patented pitter pat strikes the Diaz brothers slowly destroy opponents with. I don't see Gomi landing that kamikaze bomb that he lucked into with Tyson Griffin though he stays employed for the UFC's journey back to Japan next year.
WINNER-Nate Diaz by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (Spike TV):
Tony Ferguson (11-2) vs. Aaron Riley (30-12-1) Riley is a tough veteran but he is here to test the young TUF winner who will take target practice like the NRA on hippies. Barring a mental lapse of judgement for Tony, he's got this dead bang.
WINNER-Tony Ferguson by Decision

Nick Ring (12-0) vs. Tim Boetsch (13-4) As Nick sashays into this bout he'll find a grizzly bear of a man looking to throw him onto the ground in a way Ring doesn't enjoy. The "Barbarian" may not be reborn at Middleweight but his superior strength and striking should stiffen Ring as he tries and fails to be a power bottom. The "0" will go as Boetsch sends Ring to the locker room sore but empty.
WINNER-Tim Boetsch by Decision

Prelims (On Facebook):
Junior Assuncao (13-4) vs. Eddie Yagin (15-4-1) Eddie could win this but I'm not sure he's quite ready for Jr. Assuncao who is a solid fighter. I also don't know much about either guy so take that into consideration.
WINNER-Junior Assuncao by Decision?

Takeya Mizugaki (14-6-2) vs. Cole Escovedo (17-7) I've always found Takeya to be a bit underrated. Miz only loses to the elite and the "Apache Kid" isn't.
WINNER-Takeya Mizugaki by Decision

James Te Huna (12-5) vs. Ricardo Romero (11-2) I'll take the Australian Robbie Lawler to dummy up the hittable and cardio challenged Romero in Upset fashion.
WINNER-James Te Huna by Rd.1 TKO

Bellator 51 & DREAM 17: Picks & Prognostications




Bellator 51
September 24, 2011
Canton Civic Center
Canton, Ohio

Main Bouts:

Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinals:
Joe Warren vs. Alexis Vila Vila has a good shot here against a real douche bag who is likely going to olympic wrestle him to death.
WINNER-Joe Warren by Decision

Wilson Reis vs. Eduardo Dantas
WINNER-Wilson Reis

Chase Beebe vs. Marcos Galvao
WINNER-Chase Beebe

Ed West vs. Luis Nogueira "Littlest" Nogueira win.
WINNER-Luis Nogueira by I'm too tired to do this anymore

Dream 17
September 24, 2011
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan

Caol Uno (26-14-5) vs. Takeshi Inoue (20-5) The "Lion" meets the old guard of Japan. I'm actually taking youth over experience for once.
WINNER-Takeshi Inoue by Decision

Shinya Aoki vs. Rob McCullough "Razor" is a past his prime average in his prime kickboxer who is about to be embarrassed by one of the best Jiu-Jitsu practioners in the world.
WINNER-Shinya Aoki by Rd.1 Submission

Joachim Hansen vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri "Crusher" has made the move to Featherweight which is interesting considering he was a large Lightweight. I still believe in Kawajiri and if the weight cut is done correctly I fully expect him to rip some ass at 145. "Hellboy's" achilles heel is the wrestling game where "Crusher" excels.
WINNER-Tatsuya Kawajiri by Decision

Willamy Freire vs. Satoru Kitoaka Freire may be a UFC washout but I know very little about Kitoaka so flip a coin.
WINNER-Will "I Am" y Freire by Decision?


Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Yan Cabral Why does DREAM keep trying to get Sakuraba killed? I don't believe in god but I'm praying Kazushi doesn't get hurt every time to limps out to a fight. Sak can hang with anyone submission wise but not against and undefeated youngster from Nova Uniao.
WINNER-Yan Cabral by Decision

Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Gerald Harris I'm a big "Kaz" fan but the "Hurricane" who should change his nickname for this visit, has all the tools to best him on his comeback tour.
WINNER-Gerald Harris by Decision

Dream World Bantamweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals:
Hideo Tokoro vs. Antonio Banuelos I'm going crazy upset here as I like the Pit fighter to come in balls to the wall as he is oft to do and shock the tournament favorite.
Upset Pick WINNER-Antonio Banuelos by Rd.1 TKO

Bibiano Fernandes vs. Takashi Otsuka "Flash" may have lost the title but he's well on his way back meeting Otsuka who doesn't fare well out of DEEP.
WINNER-Bibiano Fernandes by Rd.1 Submission


Masakazu Imanari vs. Abel Cullum The Judoka is primed for some Japanese success that the far east so desperately needs.
WINNER-Masakazu Imanari by Decision

Yusup Saadulaev vs. Rodolfo Marques Diniz Knowing exactly nothing about these fellas I'll just roll with the recently dominate Nova Uniao player.
WINNER-Rodolfo Marques Diniz by ?

Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Baru Ham Kudos to the DREAM staff for finding yet another way for "Minowaman" to get a win. Ham looks like fat rotten hog meat and could only belly flop his way to a win if it were a sumo competition.
WINNER-Ikuhisa Minowa by Rd.1 Submission

Strikeforce Challengers 19: "Quick" Picks


Strikeforce Challengers 19
September 23, 2010
The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Bouts (Showtime):
Lorenz Larkin vs. Nick Rossborough
W-Larkin
Lavar Johnson vs. Shawn Jordan
W-"Big"
Ryan Couture vs. Maka Watson
W-Couture
Jason High vs. Todd Moore
W-The "KC Bandit"
Brian Melancon vs. Felipe Portela
W-Portela

Sunday, September 18, 2011

MMA Melee Weekly News Round Up: UFN 25 Fallout, Bellator 50 Results, & The Mayweather/Merchant Incident



Ultimate Fight Night 25 Post Fight
Jake Ellenberger continues to impress as the "Juggernaut" just obliterated Jake Shields in under a minute. Shields could not accept the referee stoppage in multiple post fight interviews but considering the recent loss of his father, his 1st back to back losses in his career and the 1st stoppage loss since 2000, just. give the guy a break. Ellen jumps into the Welterweight Top 10 at #8 while Shields tumbles all the way down to #9. The "Juggernaut's" heavy striking is rare in the wrestling based 170 lb. division but he'll need another stern test before people start calling for title shots. Johny Hendricks makes perfect since for Ellenberger while Shields needs some time off to recoup the recent events in his life.

Court McGee can out cardio a lot of guys but I'm still not seeing the "skill" everyone else does. I would be shocked if the Pit fighter ever got into the Top 30 Middleweights. I'm just being honest though McGee is a seemingly good person.

Alan Belcher comes back from a career threatening injury and just dummies up the sturdy Jason MacDonald in brutal fashion. Very impressive for the Kim Jong Il tattooed fighter who will need more than a few minutes in action for us to see where he's at. There is a myriad of people the "Talent" could face next but I'd enjoy a bout versus Robbie Lawler who I have a sneaking suspicion is coming to the UFC soon from Strikeforce. MMAFO said it 1st "Ruthless" fans. That fight would be a striker's dream.

Erik Koch did as well as you can against the smothering Jonathan Brookins and "New Breed" is ready to keep moving up. Brookins is no doubt an amazing grappler but he has just got to learn some striking defense even more than learning punching for his offense. I don't care about the crowd booing through the fight but Jon's game is so one sided more and more guys are going to figure him out. Roufusport is taking over by the way!

Evan Dunham needs a decent opponent next time out.

TJ Waldburger really impresses me every time out. The kid's Jiu-Jitsu is perhaps sicker than even Demian Maia. TJ's a big kid but as Johny Hendricks showed and Waldburger's record proves (5 (T)KO losses), the stand up needs work. TJ & Brookins should get together and head to Golden Glory in Holland!

Its nice to see Ken Stone not on the wrong end of a highlight reel for once.

Alistair Overeem appeared in the music video for LMFAO's "Sexy & I Know It." The idiot rappers are trying to be funny which they are not, but its still cool to see Ubereem get some mainstream press.

Andrei Arlovski turned down a bout with Sean McCorkle for his next Pro Elite bout. No reason was given but considering "Big Sexy" has terrible cardio and zero striking it seems like a strange move. No offense to the UG favorite but I'd think the "Pitbull's" glass jaw would be relatively safe even for him.

Bellator 50 Results
Poor Bellator got no love this weekend with UFN 25 and the Mayweather vs Ortiz boxing bout (which I'm getting to) despite reaching a milestone for the fledgling company.

Vitor Vianna narrowly defeats Sam Alvey by Split-Decision.

Alexander Shlemenko submits Zelg Galesic with a Guillotine Choke in the 1st round.

Brian Rogers TKO'd Victor O'Donnell with a Head Kick and Punches in the 1st round as well.

Bryan Baker TKO'd Jared Hess in the final round of their bout.

3-1 on the Bellator picks.

Finally, boxing shithead Floyd Mayweather defeated (?) Victor Ortiz by KOing him in controversial fashion to say the least. Ortiz gave a flying headbutt to the man still ducking Manny Pacquiao and after a point deduction, Victor approached Floyd trying to apologize and Mayweather laid him out with a couple of punches. The referee who turned his back in the ring had a look of absolute shock on his face while the ringside referee screamed at him to start counting! Ortiz was counted out and Pro Boxing continues to be a joke. What was even better was when Floyd went to do his post fight interview with noted moron and senile Larry Merchant and the champion went off!

"You don't never give me a fair shake," Mayweather said to Merchant. "So I'm gonna let you talk to Victor Ortiz, alright? I'm through. Put somebody else up here to give me an interview. HBO needs to fire you because you don't know shit about boxing. You ain't shit." The look on the arrogant Merchant's face is one of the funnier things I've seen in a while.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

UFC Fight Night 25: Battle On The Bayou Play By Play


Justin Edwards vs George Lopez
Rd.1 Lopez comes out and slams Edwards but landed in a guillotine. George fights out but is smothered for most of the round until Lopez drops Justin with a knee though Edwards recovers quickly.
10-9 Edwards
Rd.2 More smothering but just as Edwards begins dishing the G&P, Lopez reverses and gets back to the feet.
10-9 Edwards
Rd.3 Lopez is tired and lost out there but gets a takedown himself and into side control. George deftly takes Georges back and punishes. Lopez finally gets busy going for multiple submissions but its too little too late.
10-9 Lopez
MMAFO 29-28 for Justin Edwards & the judges agree.

Mike Lullo vs Robert Peralta
Rd.1 Its a leg kick derby but Lullo doesn't know how to check kicks and his leg is turning bright red as Bobert takes the lead in the leg kick war. A front let side kick knocks down Lullo and its an easy round to call.
10-9 Peralta
Rd.2 Lullo has a large mouse on the left temple and somebody teach Mike how to check a leg kick! Mike finally shoots for a takedown but Bobert stuffs it. A lot of clinch work against the cage and its a closer round. 10-9 Peralta
Rd.3 Both men get busy in the final five but Robbie is landing more strikes and stuffing takedowns. Mike has one red thigh and one white thigh which looks very painful. Lullo gets a takedown for a moment but can do nothing with it. Nice trip takedown for Mike but time runs out. Nice endurance from both men. 10-9 Lullo
MMAFO 29-28 for Robert Peralta. Two 30-27's and one 29-28 from the judges for Robert.


TJ Waldburger vs Mike Stumpf
Rd.1
* TJ set the record for most submission attempts in a fight in his last outing defeating David Mitchell. It looks as though there are ten people in attendance and TJ looks very confident. TJ throws a leg kick and immediately begins his Jiu-Jitsu game. Mike is defending nicely but Waldburger is just sick on the mat! TJ misses an armbar then switches to a triangle forcing Stumpf for the tapout!
Beautifully done for the WINNER TJ Waldburger by Rd.1 Submission
"Submission Of The Night"
$$$ Cha Cha Ching Bodog.

Clay Harvison vs Seth Bacznski
Rd.1 Seth is looking for clinch work early and lots of knees. Some strong elbows from Bacznski and Seth is rolling.
10-9 Bacznski
Rd.2 Right uppercut hurts Clay who tumbles to the ground. Seth begins to drop G&P bombs followed by elbows. Bacznski wraps up the RNC and Clay taps out!
Good improvement from your WINNER Seth Bacznski by Rd.2 Submission
* I thought this would be a close fight but Seth looked improved and has Mr. Ryan Bader in his corner.

Ken Stone vs Donny Walker
* Donnie comes out to Five Finger Death Punch's "Bad Company" cover which immediately makes me dislike him. Ken enters to Prodigy "Smack My Bitch Up" which isn't any better.
Rd.1 Ken takes down Walker who gets back to his feet only to have Stone use his own weight to drag him back down. The RNC is locked in and Donny goes unconscious and his legs stiffen straight out though the referee waited an extra 5, 6 seconds to stop the bout.
Finally back in the right column for our WINNER Ken Stone by Rd.1 Submission

Matt Riddle vs Lance Benoist
* The douchey Riddle comes out in a tie dyed tank top and platinum blonde hair looking more ghey than usual.
Rd.1 Matt takes a low blow and takes some time on the canvas bouncing up and down on his butt to recover? Riddle takes Lance down but Benoist sweeps into guard. Lance is roughing up Matt with the G&P and steals the round! 10-9 Benoist
Rd.2 Lance is winning the striking so Riddle takes him down with a double leg. Benoist gets back up and Matt lands a good knee to the jaw before getting taken down. Benoist is bleeding heavily from the nose on top and blew his nose making me think his nose is broken. The blood is puddling up on Matt but Lance continues to G&P. Riddle goes for an armbar but can't complete. The round ends and the nose is definitely broken and still bleeding profusely. 10-9 Benoist
Rd.3 Matt is screaming at the crowd and dancing around now sporting pink hair. We start swinging to begin and Riddle gets a takedown. Big elbow lands on the damaged proboscis which is still pouring crimson. Riddle finally lands a big shot and Lance is surviving with great defense. MMAFO has it 29-28 Lance Benoist in an Upset win but we await the official judges. The judges agree the moronic crowd boos! Matt plays to the crowd jumping on the cage while Lance was getting interviewed. You gotta hate MMA crowds but Joe Rogan tried to defend him.
* I'm really impressed with the unknown Lance Benoist from Mizzou. If it were not for one knee that broke his nose, he would have rolled Riddle easily.

Evan Dunham vs Shamar Bailey
Rd.1 Shamar has landed a couple of good shots early and Dunham doesn't look all that comfortable. With a minute left in the round Evan looks like he is starting to find his range and heat up. Nice front kick from Evan followed by a head kick. Shamar gets a last second takedown and Dunham tosses him to the mat after the bell which Bailey doesn't appreciate though Evan apologizes.
10-9 Dunham
Rd.2 Bailey is tiring while Dunham is touching him up. Shamar goes for a takedown and is thrown off. Evan is throwing like its target practice and the tide has definitely turned. 10-9 Dunham
Ray Sefo is cornering up young Evan who doesn't even take the stool.
Rd.3 Shamar comes out gunning and Evan responds in kind. Dunham's jab is just pretty and Bailey has no answer for the combinations. Good god those jabs land every single time and a temple shot barely staggers Shamar. Evan is throwing everything he has and Bailey is just taking it. Now Evan is unleashing "Beast Mode" but the referee halts the assault to reinsert a mouthpiece. A standing guillotine choke in the final seconds. 10-9 Dunham
MMAFO 30-27 and the judges agree all for WINNER Evan Dunham by Unanimous Decision. "Fight Of The Night"
* Shamar got absolutely lit up but never went down taking a severe beating. I can't wait to see the Compustrike numbers for Evan.

Time for yet another generic pause in which Zuffa forces us to listen to the just terrible Kid Rock.

Cody McKenzie vs Vagner Rocha
Cody still looks like the V For Vendetta version of Guy Fawkes and super hyper but it works for him. Also entered to Steeler's Wheel "Stuck In The Middle" which garners props.
Rd.1 Cody lands some strikes and draws a line on the mat daring Rocha to cross it! Cody looks for a neck but Vagner tosses him off. McKenzie gets popped in the pills but doesn't take any time and won't touch gloves at the restart. Vagner takes Cody down and looks for submissions but the wiley McKenzie escapes. Now Vagner takes the back and sinks in the RNC but he escapes again! G&P for Rocha but Cody spins out. McKenzie begins unloading and Rocha runs until the end of the round. 10-9 Rocha
Rd.2 The crowd is chanting "Cody" but Vagner gets the takedown pretty easily. Eventually Rocha puts on a Darce Choke but you cannot tap this guy! Vagner is doing as he pleases but can't secure a submission so he starts G&P. Finally Rocha gets in the RNC flattening out Cody who passes out instead of tapping.
WINNER Vagner Rocha by Rd.2 Submission
* Cody has a large mouse and cut eye and looks like he is about to head home to the trailer park to beat his wife.

Time to head to Spike TV for the last time as far as the UFC is concerned.

Alan Belcher vs Jason MacDonald
Rd.1 Both men look for a takedown but the "Athlete" pulls Alan down on top of him. Belcher drops a big punch and it seems like Jason is hurt. The "Talent" stands up to bring the thunder and begins teeing off prompting the referee to stop things. Wow that is an impressive return for Mr. Belcher!
WINNER Alan Belcher by Submission (verbal)
* Ring rust my ass. 16 months away for Belcher but that is not a good showing for Jason. Ben Askren is also in Alan's corner.

The camera shows Phil Davis and Melvin Guillard with a beautiful woman between them.

Jonathan Brookins vs Erik Koch
Rd.1 Brookins keeps Koch pinned against the fence for the 1st half of the round and the 2nd round against the cage. Nobody did much of anything. 10-10
Rd.2 Now Erik has found the range and is tagging Jon who presses him against the cage again. The crowd gets uncomfortable with the inactivity and Brookins gets the takedown with a minute left in the round. Koch kicks him off and is constantly landing strikes in close. 10-9 Koch
Rd.3 Erik lands strikes for the 1st two minutes before we clinch against the cage. Joe Rogan is talking it up like Brookins is winning but I'm not seeing it. Erik now more aggressive but the announcers are still on Jon's jock. The fight ends against the cage where we spent most of the evening and nobody in the crowd enjoyed it. 10-9 Koch
* MMAFO scores it 30-28 Koch. The official judges see it 30-27 twice and 29-28 for WINNER Erik Koch by Unanimous Decision. Joe Rogan is still talking shit about the verdict and I couldn't disagree more. The judges actually got something right and Rogan is just wrong on this one.

The lovely Mandy Moore is in the audience tonight.

More Marine propaganda commercials make me wonder are these people "called" to the Marines or just Pavlov's dogs reacting to stimuli? Go America.

Now we get an interview with Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and Quinton Jackson. "Rampage" makes a comment about Jones spying on his camp but Jon calls it a "tactic" to get in the champs head. Jones seems defensive about the issue while Jackson is continuing to poke the bear. Jon seems edgy and has just become an asshole since winning the belt. This kids ego has just exploded and he's trying too hard to be politically correct while obviously simmering with anger.

Court McGee vs Dongi Yang
Rd.1 They feel each other out but Yang's hands are low. McGee lands a good shot but mostly they are just trading. The "Ox" slips against the fence but recovers in a very tentative round for both men. 10-10
Rd.2 They trade a bit but "Ox" seems to be landing a bit more. The boo birds are coming out and Court can't get the takedown twice. Not a lot going on though McGee is pressing the action. 10-9 McGee
Rd.3 Does either man want this fight? Two minutes in Yang gets a takedown but Court escapes and Dongi is bloody somehow. "Ox" actually drops Court for a second but Yang is getting sloppy now though he stuffs a takedown attempt. Dongi is very tired now and Court takes him down though he spins back to the feet. Well that's two awful fights in a row. 10-9 McGee
MMAFO has it 30-28 Court McGee. The official judges say 30-27, 29-28, 30-28 and despite the horrible commentary I'm still not impressed with Court.

Time for the Main Event and let's hope they can bring some passion back into the building as those last two fights have killed the good momentum built up by a good undercard.

Jake Shields vs Jake Ellenberger
Rd.1 Shields goes for the 1st takedown and the powerful Ellenberger just shakes him off. Shields goes for another and Ellenberger crushes Shields with a brutal knee! Ellenberger used the Thai clinch and then dropped some brutal punches and Shields was trying to shoot on the referee. Just devastating by the "Juggernaut" who I've been touting for a while now and must toot toot my own horn.
WINNER Jake Ellenberger by Rd.1 TKO
"(T)KO Of The Night"

My heart goes out to Jake Shields and his family.

9-3 on the picks.