UFC on Fox 2 Results: Evans & Sonnen Earn Title Shots!

Chris Camozzi taps Dustin Jacoby in the 3rd with a Guillotine Choke. Yup, Jacoby doesn't belong with Zuffa yet.

Lavar Johnson KO's Joey Beltran at 4:24 of the very 1st round. The "Mexicutioner" may be out of a job after "Big" dropped some bombs and put Joey to sleep to make a successful debut for the Strikeforce Heavyweights. Beltran could not reach Johnson and just ate a bevy of uppercuts that destroyed the normally sturdy veteran. Impressive highlight win for the one dimensional Lavar who displays his one punch KO power.

* I'd love to see big hitters Lavar Johnson vs Pat Barry for an exciting slugfest.

Michael Johnson Upsets Shane Roller by Unanimous Decision. "Springfield" was far faster than the average Roller who did stay in the fight though the new minted Blackzilian member showed improvement and avoided big mistakes.

Charles Oliveira submits Eric Wisely with the 1st Calf Slicer successfully used in the UFC! "Do Bronx" may look rail thin at Featherweight, but he is deadly. Wisely looked like a Bantamweight out of his depth as Oliveira looked for a kneebar early and then grapevined Eric's leg with his own dropping back for the 1st brutal calf slicer causing the painful tapout. Amazing stuff and a dangerous move that is known for blowing out knees. "Submission Of The Night"

Cub Swanson TKO's George Roop with brutal precision at 2:22 of the 2nd round. These two men took the bout personally but Cub had trouble with the giant reach advantage early. Roop was keeping Swanson at bay with kicks and movement when a massive overhand right sends Roop's mouthpiece flying and crumbled him to the canvas. Cub follows with far too many unanswered and unnecessary blows before a tardy John McCarthy finally halts things. "KO Of The Night"

* Another bad loss for the now 0-3 Shawn Thompkins camp post passing. Swanson gets a desperately needed win and George finds new danger in his career with a dismal 12-9-1 record.

Mike Russow defeats John Olav Einemo by Unanimous Decision in his hometown Chicago. This bout was as ugly as the Heavyweight bodies within it. Russow was aggressive throughout using his single leg attack rather than strike on the feet where JOE generally lacks. Mike played around tempting Olav's Jiu-Jitsu game but won the lackluster bout without much fanfare.

* Russow has now won 11 in a row, 4-0 in the UFC, but lacks any real momentum to really challenge anyone of note. The victories cannot be ignored though and perhaps Gabriel Gonzaga or Matt Mitrione would be a good litmus test.

Evan Dunham TKO's Nik Lentz via Doctor Stoppage after the 2nd round. Nik took the "boring" label from the fans to heart and attacked with valor and determination against the slick striking Xtreme Couture standout. Lentz did look for his wrestling constantly but was attacking on the feet with never say die striking in the pocket while Evan slowly picked up steam. Dunham's striking began taking over and a short elbow against the cage opened up an already bloody Nik from a badly injured left eye. Evan went on the attack with picture perfect uppercuts and the round ends with Evan dominant. The eye of Lentz is almost completely closed and the doctors cannot allow him to continue. A happy Evan celebrates but Lentz has to have saved his job with a gutsy exciting performance! Lentz answers the critics and Dunham continues his return to the top of the division. "Fight Of The Night"

* Dunham needs a stern test like a Clay Guida, Donald Cerrone, or Matt Wiman would provide the test.

Chris Weidman defeats Demian Maia by Unanimous Decision. The "All-American" took the bout on 10 days notice and pulled off an uninspiring judges nod. Chris had little trouble with the once again disappearing stand up game of Maia who could not secure a takedown for much success. Weidman was more aggressive and landed more accurately as both men slowed drastically in the fight toward the end. Still the biggest and an impressive win for the young now 8-0 Weidman.

Chael Sonnen edges Michael Bisping by a close Unanimous Decision. The "Count" came in ready and was put on his heels against the ever charging Sonnen. Chael was able to get Mike down a couple of times in round 1 but could not keep him there. Chael's overall aggression and Bisping playing defense gave the important 1st round to Sonnen. In the 2nd, Bisping came roaring back pressuring Chael against the fence with dirty boxing taking a page out of his opponents book while landing knees to the body. Its anyone's fight in the final round as Sonnen again gets the takedown and looks for the RNC though the "Count" defends well. Chael controls the round though Mike has one last chance as he rises taking Sonnen down and dropping some elbows too little too late as the bout ends. Mike had a great showing but Sonnen was just too much for him. Sonnen out landed Bisping in total strikes (135-102) and significant strikes (40-30). The only area "The Count" had the advantage was in head strikes, in which he landed one more (80-79) while Sonnen won the takedowns (4-1).

* Chael is now officially the #1 contender to Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva who will defend his crown in Brazil later this year in the epic rematch everyone wanted to see!

** Bisping's stock actually rises showing he can hang with the top of the division and interesting bouts with Brian Stann and perhaps Yushin Okami if he wins soon seem relevant.

Rashad Evans defeats Phil Davis, to become the new #1 contender to Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones,.....again, by Unanimous Decision. It was a strategic fight with "Suga" finding his range while the big reach advantage Davis fell short throughout the 25 minutes. Neither man looked in serious trouble but Rashad always seemed a step ahead as Phil looked to be surviving in the later rounds as both men slowed. A good growing effort for Davis who suffered only the 1st loss of his career though he must continue working on tightening up hi striking and finding more offense.

* "Suga" now faces "Bones" for the title in the biggest grudge match in MMA for a long time. It goes down in April and let the trash talking begin!

** "Mr. Wonderful" can only go up from here but he is in a tough spot as the guys ranked around him he has already beaten (Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Alexander Gustafsson) while he isn't quite ready for Lyoto Machida or Quinton Jackson yet. Perhaps a tussle with big names like Rich Franklin or Forrest Griffin would serve best.

8-2 on the picks tonight and 8-2 on the UFC on FX for which I didn't post results.

UFC on Fox 2: Evans vs. Davis Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Fox 2: Evans vs. Davis
January 28, 2012
United Center
Chicago, Illinois

Main Bouts (Fox):
Rashad Evans (16-1-1) vs. Phil Davis (9-0) The Rodney Dangerfield of MMA returns ever so close yet again to that title shot against rival Jon Jones. Standing in his way is a very talented young wrestler who uses his long limbs to his advantage as well as bringing strong kicks into his arsenal. "Suga" has far more experience at this level and really has only been shut down once against Lyoto Machida, and since has employed a more tactical game plan that seems to have drawn the ire of fans. Evans has powerful wrestling but it should be nullified in this instance allowing for more striking though in 25 minutes things may get slow at times. "Mr. Wonderful" has been good but Evans experience and fight plan ability should carry him before we drag our way to the final bell.

WINNER-Rashad Evans by Decision

Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) vs. Michael Bisping (22-3) Two of the most hated men in all of MMA meet to see who will get embarrassed by Champion Anderson Silva later this year in Brazil. Sonnen has all the momentum and injections after thumping Brian Stann easily while the "Count" embarrassed an unprepared Jason Miller. Bisping has better cardio and striking but will be looking at the lights all night which luckily for him may be short. Chael will not give up on the takedown and will show no fear from "Pillow Fists" on the feet. Much like the Stann fight Sonnen is going to bully Mike to the ground where he pounds him out.

WINNER-Chael Sonnen by Rd.3 TKO

Demian Maia (15-3) vs. Chris Weidman (7-0) No one is sleeping on the talented last second replacement as Maia the "Mat Magician" looks to continue his improved striking that was absent last out. The "All-American" had an impressive Brabo Choke debut victory but avoiding the ground will be implicit. Weidman has so much natural ability but don't sleep on Maia's trips and sweeps getting this bout where Demian wants it. Though a lot of people are picking Maia on experience, I just think Weidman's style will tire and frustrate Demian before he leaves his chin exposed for a fight ending barrage.

WINNER-Chris Weidman by Rd.3 TKO

Prelims (Fuel TV):
Evan Dunham (12-2) vs. Nik Lentz (21-4-2) Nik claims he was forced into this bout because the UFC wants him to lose so he can be cut since the fans find him so boring. Good. I hope its true. Dunham had an epic career rise even though the judges screwed him against Sean Sherk and the humble pie Melvin Guillard served him only make Evan better. Lentz has L&P wrestling and that is absolutely it. Dunham has too many advantages standing and killer Jiu-Jitsu though I'd advise avoiding the mat entirely.

WINNER-Evan Dunham by Rd3. TKO

Mike Russow (14-1) vs. Jon Olav Einemo (6-2) The hometown hero here in Chicago has won 10 in a row at about the talent level of JOE who would prefer a Jiu-Jitsu bout. Mike is going to make things rough and has some power in his striking which spelled the end for JOE in his Zuffa debut. This is going to be about as ugly as it gets but Russow's toughness will see him through.

WINNER-Mike Russow by Decision

Cub Swanson (15-5) vs. George Roop (12-8-1) Roop has a hilarious size advantage but I also believe he has been visibly improved each time out. Cub is known to make mistakes but has some stand up that he won't be able to use against the much taller fighter who can hang with him strike for strike. Its only a matter of time before Roop's all around game catches Swanson admiring his ridiculous tattoos and taps him out.

WINNER-George Roop by Rd.2 Submission

Charles Oliveira (14-2) vs. Eric Wisely (19-6) "Do Bronx" is going to straight whip up on Eric who would be wise to take a knee before hand.

WINNER-Charles Oliveira by Rd.1 TKO

Michael Johnson (9-6) vs. Shane Roller (10-5) "Springfield" continues to make big mistakes in fights while Roller is solidly disappointing. You think Johnson could out work Shane in time but he has shown endurance issues before. In a bout where wrestlers slug it out, I take Johnson to cure his gaffes and shake out a workman like effort.

Upset WINNER-Michael Johnson by Decision

Joey Beltran (13-6) vs. Lavar Johnson (15-5) The "Mexicutioner" has gone 3-3 in the UFC but has always provided tough performances and never gives up on a fight. "Big" is the 1st of the incoming Strikeforce Heavyweights whose punch lives up to his nickname though his overall skill is lacking. Lavar has lost two in a row and is an impressive looking beast while Joe looks like he just got off the bar stool, but make no mistake, Beltran has good striking and though lacking power, he doesn't fade like Johnson and has the heart to walk through the early fire.

WINNER-Joey Beltran by Decision

Chris Camozzi (15-5) vs. Dustin Jacoby (6-1) Chris is a smart bet coming off a game close decision loss in which he mounted a nice comeback. Dustin is a not yet ready for prime time player who is about to exit Zuffa employment.

WINNER-Chris Camozzi by Rd.2 TKO

UFC on FX 1: Picks & Prognostications

UFC on FX 1
January 20, 2012
Bridgestone Arena
Nashville, Tennessee

We gotta throw up some "quick picks" because I didn't realize the UFC bumped their FX show up a night in fear of Pro Elite and "Minowaman." $Bet big on Jim Miller, Josh Neer, and Pat Barry.$

Main Bouts (FX):
Melvin Guillard (29-9-2) vs. Jim Miller (20-3)

WINNER-Jim Miller

Duane Ludwig (21-11) vs. Josh Neer (32-10-1)

WINNER-Josh Neer

Mike Easton (11-1) vs. Jared Papazian (14-6)

WINNER-Mike Easton

Pat Barry (6-4) vs. Christian Morecraft (7-2)

WINNER-Pat Barry

Prelims (Fuel TV):
Jorge Rivera (19-9) vs. Eric Schafer (12-6-2)

WINNER-Jorge Rivera

Kamal Shalorus (7-1-2) vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (16-0)

WINNER-Kamal Shalorus

Charlie Brenneman (14-3) vs. Daniel Roberts (12-3)

WINNER-Charlie Brenneman

Fabricio Camoes (13-6-1) vs. Tommy Hayden (8-0)

WINNER-Fabricio Camoes

Daniel Pineda (15-7) vs. Pat Schilling (5-0)

WINNER-Pat Schilling

Joseph Sandoval (6-1) vs. Nick Denis (10-2)

WINNER-Nick Denis

UFC 142 Results: Aldo Retains Title, Vitor, Barboza, Palhares, & Pyle All Finish!

Felipe Arantes defeats Antonio Carvalho by Unanimous Decision.

Mike Pyle TKO's Ricardo Funch with a knee and punches only 1:22 into round 1. Funch got crunched with a Pyle right hand that dropped him to the mat where he would be brutally mauled into defeat. A just powerful performance for "Quicksand" though against a late replacement minor league fighter. Still a highlight reel win though.

Yuri Alcantara defeats Michihiro Omigawa by Unanimous Decision. Omigawa is done.

Gabriel Gonzaga returns in solid fashion tapping Ednaldo Oliveira with the RNC 3:22 into round 1. JDS led me astray with this pick and I completely blame him. Oliveira looked skinny yet still out of shape and his body language said he had no business being in there with a confident "Napao." Just an embarrassing pick.

Thiago Tavares Upsets Sam Stout by Unanimous Decision. Thiago employed a seamless all around game thwarting Stout's technical striking and grounding the Canadian as well as beating him up on the feet. A very impressive for a focused Tavares while Stout loses a ton of momentum and loses any realistic shot of being an elite Lightweight.

Edson Barboza KO's Terry Etim with a pinpoint spectacular spin wheel high kick. Etim was game all night but the vicious Barboza leg kicks slowed Terry while Edson put on a show. Barboza was growing as the fight progressed while Etim's battered legs slowed before he caught the end of an amazing spin wheel kick that put the Canadian to sleep before he splashed down! A highlight reel finish that would make Anthony Pettis proud and sure to be in the mix for "KO Of The Year." "KO Of The Night"

Carlo Prater defeats (?) Erick Silva via DQ issued by referee Mario Yamasaki for illegal punches to back of head to end the fight only 30 seconds in. This is what happened. Young superstar in the making came in, dropped Prater, and put him away in another short but impressive performance. Then, referee Mario decided to ruin his career and DQ Silva for illegal strikes to the back of the head. Erick did land about 2 of the 14 strikes that did damage to the back of the head which didn't seal Carlo's fate. Whether Yamasaki was looking for attention or to get fired one isn't sure but it was great to see Joe Rogan put the microphone in Mario's face asking him where the illegal shots were? Nobody saw them and Yamasaki knew he had make a mistake and walked away highlighting a night of terrible referee efforts.

* This bout has to be overturned by the Brazilian Athletic Commission that doesn't exist because it was a straight up mistake that Mario couldn't go back in time to fix instead standing in front of the world in an awful awkward moment.

Rousimar Palhares taps Mike Massenzio with the you guessed it heel hook just over a minute into round 1. Mike had nothing to offer anyway but when "Toquinho" pulled guard and grabbed a leg, the doctors were out of their seats heading to the cage. Another brutal tapout for Palhares who deserves some upper tier competition. "Submission Of The Night"

* "Toquinho" is closing in on the Middleweight Top 10 and a fight versus Brian Stann makes perfect sense!

Vitor Belfort submits the unprofessional unable to make any weight class Anthony Johnson by RNC at the end of the 1st round. Referee Dan Mirgliotta gave Vitor every chance with continual quick stand ups while "Rumble" was in control on top and working. Johnson stood strong on the feet but wisely took Belfort down only to be stood up time and time again by the meddling referee. In a scramble it was Vitor that deftly secured the back of Tony and peppered him with stiff strikes before the inevitable tap.

* Anthony Johnson has been fired by the UFC and I applaud the organization for an act long overdue.

** Vitor is in a good position now moving to the 1st Ultimate Fighter in Brazil to face rival Wanderlei Silva in a rematch 14 years in the making.

Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo retains his title KOing Chad Mendes with a flying knee 1 second before the end of the very 1st round! Aldo stuffed all takedown attempts and showed his brilliant striking for moments when Chad pressured him to the cage only to have Jose spin and land a lightening quick flying knee that put "Money" to bed! Yet another amazing KO ending tonight and a perfect end to the evening as Aldo races from the Octagon into the crowd to celebrate with the mad crowd!

* Next for "Scarface" could be a title eliminator between Hatsu Hioki and fan favorite Chan Sung Jung who will get destroyed in turn.

Amazing event in Rio yet again though a humiliating botched job by referee Mario Yamasaki and an over enthusiastic referee Dan Mirgliotta humoring the home crowd. 7 of 10 bouts finished and the crowd was wild, singing, chanting, and great.

6-3 on the picks though soon we'll be adding another win as the UFC gets Erick Silva the win he deserves!

UFC 142 Aldo vs. Mendes: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 142 Aldo vs. Mendes (UFC Rio 2)
January 14, 2012
HSBC Arean
Brazil

Main Card (PPV):
Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo (21-1) vs. Chad Mendes (11-0) "Money" earned the shot defeating an array of solid fighters though none the caliber of the Champion. Aldo comes in from two dominant Decision victories that showed a more tactical warrior. Chad will no doubt be looking to employ the Team Alpha Male style wrestling putting Jose on the defensive where Mark Hominick had some late success. Aldo just has some of the best striking and striking defense in the game, not to mention a rumored to be brilliant Jiu-Jitsu he has yet to need. The leg kicks should be minimal to avoid takedown attempts as "Scarface" slowly breaks Mendes down who is surprised by the power and speed which are normally his. I expect Chad to be there till the end fighting just a step behind.

WINNER-Jose Aldo by Decision

Vitor Belfort (20-9) vs. Anthony Johnson (10-3) "Rumble" makes the move up to Middleweight and misses weight by a ridiculous 11 pounds! Vitor takes the fight provided Johnson makes 205 the day of the fight and the purse is fined. Not to mention, and visibly angered Dana White said Johnson's job is on the line "win or lose." Oh, Tony is in some trouble and he hasn't even stepped in against the fast KOing "Phenom." "Rumble" is obviously a beast who will look to his power to get Belfort to the mat avoiding the possibility of being rocked. Belfort is average from his back but adequate enough to avoid true trouble. I think this is probably a slower fight than expected but Belfort will be looking to make an example of his unprofessional opponent who disrespected the sport and should be dealt with in front of the home crowd. I was going to pick "Rumble" but yet another weigh in fiasco turns the tide for a now angered Belfort.

WINNER-Vitor Belfort by Rd.2 TKO

Rousimar Palhares (13-3) vs. Mike Massenzio (13-5) Every one's favorite rule breaker "Toquinho" is back back after seeing a sports psychologist and continuing to get into trouble for dirty tactics and outright cheating. Still, if Rousimar catches your leg he is going to snap it! The Jersey Short kid is going to come jacked and then will be screaming before the break as "Toquinho" bathes is his blood before eating his kill.

WINNER-Rousimar Palhares by Rd.1 Submission

Erick Silva (13-1) vs. Carlo Prater (29-10-1) 9 wins in a row for "Indio" a lauded prospect who won his Zuffa debut in a mere 40 seconds who also trains with Team Nogueira. "Neo" makes his UFC debut with a long less than impressive record as a well traveled veteran. The kid is going to blow Prater out of the water probably before the horn ends the 1st round. Erick will put Carlo down with strikes before a quick tapout.

WINNER-Erick Silva by Rd.1 Submission

Edson Barboza, Jr. (9-0) vs. Terry Etim (15-3) The undefeated Jr. comes in off hard fought victories against "Ten Inch" Terry who looks to employ his submission game with his long limbs. Barboza is going to bomb kicks to Etim's tiny legs though that could leave Edson open for the takedown and submission. Edson must not be overconfident on the ground but should edge the Brit in a tough bout.

WINNER-Edson Barboza Jr. by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Thiago Tavares (16-4-1) vs. Sam Stout (17-6-1) You just don't know which Tavares is going to show up for fights. One night he looks like a title contender, the next you wonder why he hasn't been cut. "Hands of Stone" is a vaunted striker who has fought elite competition and excelled more than failed. Stout will be comfortable on the feet but must avoid the coming takedown from Thiago when he struggles standing. Sam's takedown defense is strong and I look for him to continue sprawling and brawling staying out of trouble using his technical striking to catches the crowds eye. Sam will also be looking to make a statement to honor Shawn Thompkins (R.I.P.).

WINNER-Sam Stout by Decision

Gabriel Gonzaga (12-6) vs. Edinaldo Oliveira (13-0-1) Welcome back "Napao" who got a win outside of the UFC and is making his comeback. "Lulo" is an undefeated striker, the style that has hurt Gonzaga in his worst losses. Gabe's time has past and though he is a well rounded fighter, when hurt he crumbles and Oliveira's pressure will make him work more than he wants as Gonzaga quits in his mind again bringing the loss.

Upset WINNER-Edinaldo Oliveira by Rd.3 TKO

Yuri Alcantara (26-3) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (13-10-1) Omigawa has struggled recently in the MMA game as he record approached .500 range. "Marajo" rides in on a 12 fight winning streak though this is the best competition he has faced to date. I just don't see the hunger anymore for Omigawa as he is eventually overcome by far more talented fighter.

WINNER-Yuri Alcantara by Decision

Ricardo Funch (8-2) vs. Mike Pyle (21-8-1) The Funch Bunch comes in as a late replacement who happens to be Brazilian though he has fought in America for years. Anywho, Pyle is far more talented veteran who is going to take the kid to school. The gap will be apparent as "Quicksand" looks for sub of the night money.

WINNER-Mike Pyle by Rd.3 Submission

Prelim (Facebook):
Felipe Arantes (13-4) vs. Antonio Carvalho (13-4) "Pato" makes a Zuffa debut repping Canada and a solid resume. Arantes is coming off a loss and honestly doesn't impress much. Take Carvalho to work his way to victory.

WINNER-Antonio Carvalho by Decision

2011 MMAFO World MMA Awards!: The Most Important Awards In All Of MMA!

The 2011 World MMA Awards have been released after the black tie extravaganza. Here are the results of the catagories I cared 

about and definitive winners.

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Jon Jones

FEMALE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Miesha Tate

GYM OF THE YEAR

Black House

BREAKTHROUGH FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Nick Diaz

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

Cheick Kongo

MMA JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Ariel Helwani

COACH OF THE YEAR

Greg Jackson

MEDIA SOURCE OF THE YEAR

MMAjunkie.com

SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR

Chan Sung Jung's "Twister"

RING GIRL OF THE YEAR

Arianny Celeste

KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR

Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort at UFC 126

FIGHT OF THE YEAR

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard at UFC 125

Strikeforce Results: Rockhold & The Old Guard Roll

Estevan Payan defeats Alonzo Martinez by Unanimous Decision.

Ricky Legere Jr. defeats Christopher Spang by Unanimous Decision.

Gian Villante defeats Trevor Smith by TKO via punches 1:05 into round 1. Gian caught Trevor with a solid punch and followed him to the ground where he delivered no less than 6 hammer fists to the back of his opponents head. Referee Kim Winslow sees nothing and halts the bout which may also have been premature. Just wait the female Crypt Keeper is only beginning.

Nah-Shon Burrell defeats James Terry by a very close Split-Decision.

Tarec Saffiedine defeats a very game Tyler Stinson by Split-Decision. The wild haired Tyler brought it early as Tarec got confident delivering a fight altering elbow that sent Saffiedine reeling and bloodied his right eye. The Team Quest product went to his team's roots and got the takedown where he employed the G&P to even the score. In the final round, Saffiedine went to the same playbook in a nice come from behind win against a very tough opponent. "Fight Of The Night"

Tyron Woodley defeats Jordan Mein by Split-Decision in a controlled affair. The Mizzou wrestler just cannot let his hands go but his wrestling is top notch as always as he suffocates another fighter but doesn't earn any fans with his "boring" style.

* "T-Wood" wants a title shot and he has earned it. Now if he and Jon Fitch would just learn some striking.

Muhammed Lawal defeats Lorenz Larkin by KO a la punches at 1:32 of round 2. "King Mo" worked his wrestling game as well taking the "Monsoon" down and exposes his biggest flaw. In the 2nd, Mo began dropping around 15 unanswered right hands from guard which put Larkin to sleep though again referee Kim Winslow didn't see it and halted the fight far too late. Mo looked really good and besides a ground game and some takedown defense, Lorenz needs to drop down to Middleweight.

* Larkin isn't ready for prime time as expected while Mo wants redemption against Rafael Cavalcante in a possible rematch for a title both men lost.

Robbie Lawler TKO's Adlan Amagov with a flying knee and punches at 1:48 of round 1. Adlan took Robbie down early but landed a blatant and illegal knee to Lawler's head. A point was taken and when we resume, Lawler leaps into the air hitting Amagov with a flying knee and jumping almost completely over him. Adlan lays hurt on the mat as Lawler brings some "Ruthless" exclamation points to earn the victory! "KO Of The Night"

* Lawler claims asthma for his past transgressions and we shall see as he looks to be busier in '12.

Luke Rockhold TKO's Keith Jardine via punches near the end of round 1. I like Jardine I do, but we have got to get this guy to retire. Keith simply has no chin to speak of and once Luke began connecting after some light sparring, it was lights out per usual. Jardine has now been (T)KO'd 6 times in his career as Rockhold awaits a true opponent to defend his Middleweight title.

* It was cute for a while, but referee Kim Winslow is awful and could not separate Gian Villante and Trevor Smith when the fight ended and a confused Smith continued to fight. Kim has no business being a referee for mens MMA.

8-1 on the picks which is a nice way to start 2012.

Gina Carano Pictures From GQ

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos Tests Positive For Banned PED's

In "holy shit I didn't see that one coming news," the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has suspended the license of MMA fighter and Strikeforce 145 lb. Champion Cristiane Justino Santos and fined her $2,500 as the result of a positive test for a banned substance.

Santos’ December 16, 2011 drug test came back positive for stanozolol metabolites. CSAC learned of the test results December 23, 2011 and suspended Santos’s license, with the suspension applied retroactively to December 16, 2011. In accordance with Rule 368, the result of her last fight between Hiroko Yamanaka will be changed to a “No Decision”.

“Our primary concern is for the health and safety of fighters,” said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd. “Anabolic agents and other banned substances put not only the users of those agents at risk, but their opponents as well. The commission simply will not tolerate their use."
“I am ultimately responsible for everything I put in my body, and at the end of the day, there is no excuse for having a prohibited substance in my system. I do not condone the use of any performance enhancing drugs by myself or any other professional athlete, and willingly accept the penalties and fines that have been handed down to me by the California State Athletic Commission and those of the StrikeForce/Zuffa organization."

Cristiane responded to the failed drug test saying, “While I was preparing myself for my last fight I was having a difficult time cutting weight and used a dietary supplement that I was assured was safe and not prohibited from use in sports competition. It was never my intention to obtain an unfair advantage over Hiroko, mislead StrikeForce, the Commission or my fans. I train harder than any fighter in MMA and do not need drugs to win in the cage, and I have proven this time and time again! My only mistake is not verifying the diet aid with my doctor beforehand, and understanding that it was not approved for use in the ring. I will do everything I can to show my fans that I can still compete at the professional level without the use of any prohibited substances, and ask God’s forgiveness for my mistake."

That's all well and good "Femborg," but stanozolol metabolites are a steroid and making it sound like simply a weight cutting aid is bogus. The rumors of steroid use have plagued the manly Santos who destroyed her competition but is now stripped of her title and now Zuffa is rumored to be cutting the female 145 division altogether as Ronda Rousey has now officially made the move to 135 where she will face Strikeforce Champion Miesha Tate.

Santos will be out of the mix for most likely a year's time as redemption comes for the now #1 145 female fighter Hiroko Yamanaka who was stopped in 16 seconds by "Femborg" last out. This is a deadly blow to the already beleaguered women's MMA and perhaps removing Santos' penis would help her with future weight cuts.

Strikeforce Rockhold vs Jardine: Picks & Prognostications

Main Card (Showtime)
Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine Obviously, the "Dean Of Mean" doesn't deserve this title shot coming off a Draw and a 2-3 record in the last few years, but Strikeforce is struggling, so building Rockhold's name off the known veteran is business. Jardine is making his debut at Middleweight which does not fix his glass jaw or help him in any real way. Luke shocked me and the world owning Ronaldo Souza and taking his title after a year layoff so I'm not sure Rockhold should be commentating on people's right for title shots but I digress. Luke is far faster and employs a wide array of kicks that keep his opponents at bay while breaking them down. We have no idea how the weight cut will affect Jardine as the bout progresses but at this point in his shop worn career, it doesn't really matter. Luke will begin putting things together as he grows as the fight builds while Keith withers if he doesn't end up unconscious per usual.

WINNER-Luke Rockhold by Rd.4 TKO

Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov The "Ruthless" one has lost two in a row and still is a one dimensional fighter who is now aged via the striking wars of his past. Adlan has won 9 in a row and is a vaunted striker himself in what is sure to be the striker's event of the night! Its a big step up in competition but I see Lawler starching Amagov en route to re-announcing himself in the Middleweight division for '12.

WINNER-Robbie Lawler by Rd.1 KO

Muhammed Lawal vs. Lorenz Larkin "King Mo" looks to use his staunch wrestling and improving striking from AKA against the big "Monsoon" who is a great striker and undefeated at 12-0. Mo has no business standing with the far more advanced striker and it would behoove Lawal to keep this bout grounded. A smart plan wins the day for Muhammed as long as he doesn't get too confident in his striking and avoids danger looking for the "impressive" win another day.

WINNER-Muhammed Lawal by Decision

Tyron Woodley vs. Jordan Mein People are beginning to question the game of "T-Wood" who has been gasing recently in bouts though he survived a tough test against Paul Daley last out. Woodley has shown improved striking but relies very heavily on his dominant wrestling. Mein has won 6 in a row Upsetting his last two opponents and looking very good recently. Mein has a better shot than people are giving him but the Mizzou wrestler just won't be denied using the smother offense when needed to a close judges nod.

WINNER-Tyron Woodley by Decision

Tyler Stinson vs. Tarec Saffiedine Tarec has been impressive only stumbling in a very game performance against Tyron Woodley while improving steadily with Team Quest. Tyler is a well traveled veteran who just isn't quite at this level though he provides another solid test for Saffiedine. I see Tarec controlling this entire bout looking to make a statement in the sparse Welterweight scene.

WINNER-Tarec Saffiedine by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims
Nah-Shon Burrell vs. James Terry Besides a kick ass name, Nah-Shon has been tearing through the minor leagues and steps up in competition for his 2nd Strikeforce bout. Terry is a decent striker training with Cung Le but he may be out gunned in this shootout.

WINNER-Nah-Shon Burrell by Rd.3
Gian Villante vs. Trevor Smith Gian came into Strikeforce with a lot of hype and immediately lost his 1st two bouts in grand fashion. After a "Challengers" win Villante returns against the streaking Smith who has quietly amassed a 9-1 record on submissions. Gian must stay off the floor and I think he does using the S&B to a confident decision.

WINNER-Gian Villante by Decision
Ricky Legere vs. Chris Spang The "Kiss" (odd) comes in 4-0 against the more experienced though not exactly at the highest level.

WINNER-Chris Sprang by Decision
Estevan Payan vs. Alonzo Martinez This is a Catchweight bout of 160 lbs. Estevan rides in on a 5 fight winning streak against a uber-well traveled veteran.

WINNER-Estevan Payan by Decision

Its a new year for MMA Fantasy Picks and MMAFO's record can now also be verified through Sherdog's MMA Pick Em game as well as MMA Playground as usual.