MMA Classic Photo #11 "Acing The Iceman"

Aleksander Emelianenko vs Tadas Rimkevicius Fight Video

At M-1 Challenge 31, little brother Aleksander Emelianenko TKO'd Tadas Rimkevicius in the 2nd round. Aleks has won two in a row after dropping two and he looked much better this time around. Emelianenko was in much better shape and seemed to get into a speedy rhythm early after taking some of Tadas best shots. Aleks was taking Rimkevicius apart when an overhand left caught the "Russian Reaper" unawares and dropped him to the mat with only 20 seconds left in the round. Aleks recovered almost immediately and went to work again in the 2nd to make sure his opponent was stopped for good. A nice win for Aleks and good to see big brother Fedor Emelianenko in the corner coaching him to victory.

Former UFC veteran Jeff Monson also picked up a win on the card defeating Alexey Oleinik by Decision in the "main event." The "Snowman" got his 44th win after being brutalized in his 1st M-1 bout vs Fedor.

MMA Melee: "Rampage" Crying Like A Bitch, Diaz Hires A Genius Lawyer, & Invicta FC News!

Its a bit of a slow period for MMA, so what better time than to collect the top MMA News of the day and add that MMAFO flavor.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has been crying like a bitch recently whining about wanting to be released from the UFC because he isn't paid enough and was told by Dana White he is no longer a big PPV draw.

Well lets take a look at recent events for the has been. Since getting pwned by Rashad Evans after all that shit talk, Quinton got a gift from the judges against Lyoto Machida, beat a shell of a fighter in Matt Hamill, lost to Jon Jones, and then lost to Ryan Bader(?). And for the last bout he even missed weight by over 6 pounds and after the fight bragged about using TRT for which he did NOT use the proper channels, medicals, or get clearance of any kind. 2-3 in his last 5, missed weight, and hasn't put on a decent performance in the Octagon since 2009! Quinton has also blamed matchmaker Joe Silva for matching him up against wrestlers. Look, if you can't beat well rounded MMA fighters, go fight in boxing or tuff man competitions. At least those guys would be on his intelligence level.

"Rampage," you are not a big PPV draw simply because you talk all the trash, put on your over sized dog chain, howl all the way to the ring, and then fall flat in lame performances. Why would the fans want to pay to see you?

Another thing about the financials. "Rampage" has been taken care of by Zuffa and where exactly is he planning to go to get "properly" paid? DREAM which still owes man fighters money from fights that already took place? Strikeforce which is the UFC's minor leagues? Bellator where he could rule the roost but it's an awfully small farm. I think Invicta sounds like a good fit for such a bitch.

Feel free to leave MMA and make B-movies. We don't need you and you are no longer relevant.

Nick Diaz to retire, not so fast. Even though Nate Diaz said in a recent interview that his big brother has saved his money and is looking forward to the triathlon season and avoiding MMA, Jake Shields just thinks he is burned out which makes sense if you look at his steady array of fights in the last few years. Nick has also hired power attorney Ross Goodman to challenge his suspension for Marijuana after the Carlos Condit bout. Don't sleep on this attorney and watch him run circles around the NSAC. I fully expect Nick to take a 6-month suspension (instead of a year long) and then he will find himself refreshed and ready to kick some ass again. Bet on it.

The UFC will finish the opening round of their Flyweight Tournament with the rematch between Ian McCall and Demetrious Johnson at the Finale of The Ultimate Fighter 15, June 1st in Las Vegas. “Uncle Creepy” and “Mighty Mouse” gave a “Fight of the Night” performance in their recent bout in Sydney, Australia, which ended in a draw due to a counting mistake by the down under commission. We have to wait 3 more months to finish this thing to see who will face Joseph Benavidez for the first ever UFC Flyweight Champion! "Joe B-Won" will have to sit for around 6 months. Thanks again to the morons in Sydney who can't do simple math.

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson has signed with Titan Fighting Championships breaking the news on "The MMA Hour." Johnson then proceeded to make an ass of himself in the interview refusing to take responsibility for his continual problems making weight at 170 bs. and even 185 lbs. and disrespecting stellar interviewer Ariel Helwani who was doing his job asking him why he has missed weight so many times in the past. If "Rumble" is trying to gain fans while he is away from the UFC, he is doing it wrong. Fans ran to their keyboards after the interview chastising Johnson for his arrogance and inability to accept fault for his actions. His bout will be May 25 at Titan Fighting 22 against the dreaded TBA.

Mike Johnston wrote a great article on Pat Curran being the best MMA fighter not with the UFC which you can read here: http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2012/03/10/johnston_mma_bellator_pat_curran_best_fighter_not_in_ufc/

I could not agree more. You can also see the video of Pat Curran annihilating the arrogant and overrated Joe Warren to win the Bellator Featherweight Championship.

Speaking of Invicta (see above as a possible landing place for "Rampage" the bitch), the all female fight league will have its 1st show April 28th. The idea of an all female fight league is genius and should not be scoffed at. Ronda Rousey is about to take women's MMA to an all new level! Invicta FC has already signed MMAFO personal favorite Marloes Coenen as well as Liz Carmouche, Kaitlin Young, Amy Davis, Michelle Gutierrez, Romy Ruyssen, and many more talented fighters. Check them out coming to Kansas City at the Memorial Hall.

Bellator 60: Pat Curran Becomes The New Featherweight Champion by KO!

Bellator 60

Pat Curran annihilated Joe Warren by 3rd Rd. KO to become the new Bellator Featherweight Champion! Pat hurt the overly cocky Champion early but he weathered the storm and even won the 2nd round via takedowns and smartly avoiding the stand up. For the 3rd, Joe got too close and it was Curran again dishing out just brutal punishment and the referee decided to enjoy things allowing the destruction to continue for 10 or 15 seconds longer than necessary (which is a lifetime when you are getting your ass kicked) until Warren was completely asleep! I am so happy to see such a hard working and continually growing fighter whip that boring wrestlers ass! At 36 the now former champ may be looking at retirement from MMA.

Season 6 Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal Round
Marlon Sandro submitted Roberto Vargas by Rd.1 RNC.

Mike Corey defeats Ronnie Mann by Unanimous Decision.

Alexandre Bezerra submits Kenny Foster by Rd.2 RNC.

Daniel Straus defeated Jeremy Spoon by Unanimous Decision.

Jake Nauracy tapped Cory Galloway by Rd.2 RNC.

Travis Wiuff defeated Anthony Gomez by Unanimous Decision.

Genair Da Silva TKO'd Bobby Reardanz in Rd.3.

Sean McCorkle tapped Richard White by Rd.1 Neck Crank.

Josh Shockley defeated Shamar Bailey by Unanimous Decision.

5-3 on the picks that I did make (didn't realize the damn thing was Friday).

Mirko "Cro Cop" "Final Fight" versus Ray Sefo (Fight Video)

Bellator 60: Quick Picks

Bellator 60
March 9, 2012
The Venue at The Horseshoe Casino
Hammond, Indiana

Main Card
Joe Warren vs. Pat Curran W-Warren

Season 6 Featherweight Tournament
Marlon Sandro vs. Roberto Vargas W-Sandro
Ronnie Mann vs. Mike Corey W-Mann
Alexandre Bezerra vs. Genair da Silva W-Genair
Daniel Straus vs. Jeremy Spoon W-Straus

Prelims
Cory Galloway vs. Jake Nauracy
Travis Wiuff vs. Anthony Gomez W-View
Lance Surma vs. Eric Oria
Sean McCorkle vs. Richard White W-Corky
Shamar Bailey vs. Josh Shockley W-Shamone

Mirko "Cro Cop" "Final Fight" versus Ray Sefo

The Ultimate Fighter Season 15 kicks off tonight but its a relatively slow stretch for Zuffa until mid April but there is no shortage of MMA action in the meantime. First and foremost, we say goodbye to a legend of the sport in Mirko Filipovic. "Cro Cop" as he is widely known has returned to his homeland of Croatia for a "Final Fight" in his original combat form of kickboxing. Cro Cop will face fellow K-1 standout Ray Sefo.

You can watch the final Mirko Cro Cop bout this weekend on

• Fight Now TV
• PPV
• Live Stream from www.fightnow.com
• The Fight Network (Canada only)

The event kicks off this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT. as we watch the legend one final time!

BTW, MCC FTW!

Strikeforce Results: Rousey Crowned Champion By Another 1st Round Armbar!

Ronda Rousey defeats Miesha Tate via round 1 Armbar Submission as advertised, to become the new Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion! Miesha survived the 1st armbar attempt with skill but Rousey Judo slammed Tate a 2nd time setting up the eventual end. Tate fought so hard but once hyper extended she was forced to tap. Rousey is a beast and Sarah Kaufman is next!

Josh Thomson defeats K.J. Noons by Unanimous Decision to apparently set up a 3rd and very unnecessary fight with Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez. We really need to have the always boring Mr. Glass for another 25 minute beatdown at the hands of "El Nino?" Can't we get Melendez some decent opponents already. KJ sucks.

Kazuo Misaki looked great at Welterweight Upsetting Paul Daley by Split-Decision. The "Grabaka Hitman" looks shiney and new at 170 as he went to war exploiting "Semtex's" lack of ground prowess and standing tall through his punches. Very impressive and lets all point and laugh at Daley who claimed he would return to the UFC after winning this bout.

Lumumba Sayers tapped a shot, out of shape and disinterested fighter in Scott Smith by Guillotine Choke in the very 1st round. There is zero reason to have Scott fight again. I appreciate all the great efforts in the past but fighter safety dictates we retire Smith so he can enjoy watching his children grow up before bad things happen. Lumumba may or may not be someone to watch in the future but I'm doubting it. The jesus shit is very annoying as well.

Ronaldo Souza taps Bristol Marunde via Arm-Triangle in the last round. Marunde was nice to fill in the spot but "Jacare" needs top level Middleweight competition which he deserves! Man Strikeforce is purgatory for some poor souls.

Sarah Kaufman defeated Alexis Davis by Split Decision. This was a bloodbath and an all out brawl. Davis opted not to employ her ground game instead standing toe to toe with Sarah who cut her open badly and got the better of the stand up war. Finally in the final round, Alexis got the bout to the floor and dominated Kaufman but it was after a two round beating. A great fight and Ms. Kaufman now becomes the #1 contender to newly crowned champion Ronda Rousey.

Roger Bowling beats white supremacist Brandon Saling by TKO Rd.2. Granted Saling was a last second replacement but Strikeforce should still do a better background check so that we don't discover post fight we just watched a Nazi fight. Bowling continues but this is embarrassing and ship this Brandon kid away for good. Saling also has a criminal record for Statutory Rape and Domestic Assault. We don't need this guy in our sport.

Ryan Healy defeated Caros Fodor by Arm-Triangle in the last round. "Bam Bam" quietly sits by hoping Josh Thomson gets hurt in camp as he is oft to do.

Ryan Couture TKO's Conor Heun in the 3rd round. I did not see that one coming.

6-3 on a tough weekend to pick fights.

UFC On FX 2 Results: Kampmann Rallies Late, Benavidez Rolls To The Finals, & Flyweight Controversy

Martin Kampmann makes a last second comeback to submit Thiago Alves by Guillotine Choke at 4:12 of the final round! Besides an early push kick that seemed to momentarily rock the "Pitbull," Kampmann got beat up for 13 minutes as Thiago seemed to be cruising to a solid victory. Alves always willing to give away a win, shot in on the "Hitman" after dominating safely on the feet for the duration, and Martin reversed them on the way down landing on top with a secure guillotine forcing the tapout! Great, dramatic, and a much deserved win for Kampmann despite recent losses by horrendous judging, Marty is still near the elite of the division while Thiago continues to watch his prime slip away.

* Never say die Kampmann should get a top tier guy next, perhaps Mr. Jake Ellenberger. Thiago, we're done here. Thanks for the memories.

Joseph Benavidez TKO's Yasuhiro Urushitani with punches a mere 11 seconds into the 2nd round. Joe "B-Won Kenobi" is the favorite of the Flyweight tournament for a reason. The guys wrestling skills are sick and his new "power" at 125 is to be reckoned with. On to the finals for Benavidez.

Demetrious Johnson and Ian McCall fight to a Majority Draw. This is just fucking ridiculous. These two men went to war with one of the most exciting fights of the year with "Uncle Creepy" pulling away in the final moments almost stopping "Mighty Mouse" with enthusiastic G&P. MMAFO scored the fight 29-28 for McCall but it was very close and a Draw can be stomached but the Athletic Commission adding the scorecards up incorrectly to read us a Majority Win for Johnson when it was in fact a Draw, should have been a clear win for Ian, and we have a debacle for the Flyweight tournament. Can you blame Dana White, who had a "sudden death" round in place to avoid such draws, for hating tournaments! Sydney should be embarrassed at their moron commission but Johnson/McCall 2 will go down in April 21, at UFC 145 to bring a finale to this madness. "Fight Of The Night"

Constantinos Philippou Upsets the overrated Court McGee via Unanimous Decision. A perfect game plan from Serra/Longo keeps Constantinos moving and peppering the slower and weaker Court who continues to push forward eating punches. It is what it is.

James Te Huna TKO's Aaron Rosa in the 1st round in brutal fashion. Rosa has a beard and may look good eventually at Light Heavyweight just not against he Aussie Robbie Lawler. Huna just has serious power in both hands and once he starts lighting you up, there is little chance you are going to recover. James may not make any serious runs at a belt but he is always going to be entertaining to watch. "(T)KO Of The Night"

Anthony Perosh defeats Nick Penner via TKO with only 1 second left in the 1st round. I don't know what to say about the veteran "Hippo" who seems to have found youth and new life at Light Heavyweight have now won 3 in a row!

Steven Siler Upsets Cole Miller by Unanimous Decision. Its perfect that on my new and inaugural "guarantee pick" that I am wrong. Siler just came out and took the fight to Cole becoming the "Miller Killer" as he has now beaten both brothers soundly. Did not see that one coming.

* Now would be a good time to set up Cole vs Donald Cerrone for their grudge match with both coming off losses.

Andrew Craig defeats Kyle Noke by Unanimous Decision. He sure did.

T.J. Waldburger taps Jake Hecht with a beautiful Armbar 55 seconds into the fight. "Submission Of The Night"

Daniel Pineda subs Mackens Semerzier with an Armbar in the 1st as well and I'm done with Mack now. I just can't pick his fights correctly one way or the other.

Shawn Jordan TKO's Oli Thompson in the 2nd of an actually entertaining Heavyweight bout. The British strongman took a lot of punishment but the LSU fullback looked very good standing and pulling off a celebratory back flip as well. More to come from Jordan.

We ate it on this one going 6-4 on the picks.

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey Weigh-In Video

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey Weigh-In Pictures

Strikeforce Tate vs Rousey Picks & Prognostications

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey
March 3, 2012
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio

Main Card (Showtime):
Women's Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate (12-2) vs. Ronda Rousey (4-0) Not to belittle women's MMA, but could they make out once in each others comforting warm guard? I'm just saying, you put this together to get attention for womens MMA, add some TNA, and you'll hit your trending twitters. Yet, both women are supremely talented with Tate leaning on her Team Alpha Male based wrestling while Rousey is a decorated Judo practioner who loves to break arms. Ronda is coming down in weight for the 1st time but I don't forsee any issues there. What is does say is Ronda is going to be bigger and much stronger forcing Tate to employ a cautious plan of hopefully keeping things standing where Rousey hasn't spent as much time. All that being said, I see Ronda coming forward and just engulfing Tate, dragging her the the mat, and getting destroyed. Just not the face Ronda.

WINNER-Ronda Rousey by Rd.2 Submission

K.J. Noons (11-4) vs. Josh Thomson (18-4) Wow this fight means nothing. The oft injured Josh against an overrated boxer. This should be a prelim. Thomson has all the ground skills to avoid the stand up that would spell possible defeat. Please god don't let this set up Thomson/Melendez 3.

WINNER-Josh Thomson by Decision

Paul Daley (29-11-2) vs. Kazuo Misaki (24-11-2) So, how badly will "Semtex" miss weight by ya reckon? The guy has continually missed weight for his bouts and I wish someone would take his money and not allow him to fight or he won't fix this issue. If Misaki uses the clinch and smartly takes this to the floor, Daley will be in for some serious G&P. I don't believe the "Hitman's" pride will allow him to smartly take his Jiu-Jitsu starved opponent to the mat instead opting to bang things out and "Semtex" owns that day.

WINNER-Paul Daley by Rd.2 TKO

Ronaldo Souza (14-3) vs. Bristol Marunde (15-6) "Jacare" makes his return after dropping his belt to Luke Rockhold and Bristol (isn't that a girls name?) is going to pay the price. Easiest fight of the night to pick.

Guarantee WINNER-Ronaldo Souza by Rd.2 Submission

Scott Smith (17-9) vs. Lumumba Sayers (5-2) Smith is always a fun fight but the guy has taken too many beatings and is pretty much a 1 trick pony. If Scott can survive long enough, he will try to knock you out. That's it. Sayers is going to want to do much the same but he hasn't been raped by Paul Daley, Cung Le, Nick Diaz, and Robbie Lawer like Smith has. I just think its time for Scott's safety that he step aside after this loss.

Upset Pick WINNER-Lumumba Sayers by Rd.3 KO

Prelims (Showtime Extreme):
Sarah Kaufman (14-1) vs. Alexis Davis (11-4) Sarah should be fighting tonight for the Women's Bantamweight title but she is polite instead of bursting with bravado and people don't want to watch her make out with her opponent unlike the "main event." It is highly disrespectful to the sport and Ms. Kaufman to not give her an earned title shot because they felt another girl was prettier. This is still a great fight and the winner most likely becomes the #1 contender to the winner of Tate/Rousey so it will all work out. I have been impressed with Davis' recent 3 fight winning streak and marked improvement. Kaufman is far more experienced and talented at this stage in the game and avoiding the takedown, Kaufman hits one herself and the pain begins for Davis in a long night.

WINNER-Sarah Kaufman by Decision

Caros Fodor (7-1) vs. Pat Healy (26-16) Fodor has looked very impressive but "Bam Bam" is a tough gritty grinder who always comes prepared for war. I worry about Pat being much larger than Caros but Fodor's talent has really improved and the momentum is his.

WINNER-Caros Fodor by Split-Decision

Ryan Couture (3-1) vs. Conor Heun (9-4) A bad style match up for the "2nd Natural" as he eats punches and thinks about working more on his bad stand up. The "Hurricane" stays on his feet and wins the day.

WINNER-Conor Heun by Decision

Roger Bowling (10-2) vs. Brandon Saling (8-5) Roger should have this all day as long as he prepared properly and didn't take his opponent lightly.

WINNER-Roger Bowling by Rd.2 TKO

UFC on FX 2: Alves vs Kampmann Picks & Prognostications

UFC on FX 2: Alves vs. Kampmann
March 3, 2012
(Airs on March 2 in the U.S. due to time difference)
Allphones Arena
Sydney, Australia

G'day as we return down under for a little MMA action in Australia. The "main event" features two men trying to stay relevant in the Welterweight division and the beginning of the Flyweight division via a 4-man tournament.

Main Card (FX):
Thiago Alves (19-8) vs. Martin Kampmann (18-5) This is kinda a sad bout as the loser sees his elite status fade while the other takes a last shot at a title run. Though more talented, Martin takes a lot of punishment and almost seems disinterested in later rounds. The "Pitbull" is very sturdy and avoiding a ground battle beats Kampmann up on the feet felling him late.

WINNER-Thiago Alves by Rd.3 TKO

Court McGee (14-1) vs. Costa Philippou (9-2) Court never does anything to impress coming forward almost in slow motion but gaining endurance as the fight goes on to break his opponents while absorbing their best shots in his beard. Costa has looked well under the tutelage of Serra/Longo with stiff striking but a weakness on the floor. If, and if Costa can overwhelm McGee striking and stay on his feet, his power will see him through an opponent who does everything decent but nothing impressively.

WINNER-Costa Philippou by Decision

Flyweight 4-Man Tournament
Joseph Benavidez (15-2) vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani (19-4-6) Nope. Yash has little chance here. My gut says the loyal Zuffa brass set up Joe for a finals appearance as he rolls through Urushitani.

WINNER-Joe Benavidez by Throttling

Demetrious Johnson (14-2) vs. Ian McCall (11-2) I've been waiting for "Uncle Creepy" to hit the big time and then the #1 ranked Flyweight draws a horrible style match up. "Mighty Mouse's" lightening fast takedowns are undaunted and his speed versus Ian's notorious slow starting leans us toward Johnson. Johnson is very dynamic and in a title shot loss against Dominick Cruz he really impressed more with his relentless effort and ability to take very little punishment. It will be fun and it will be close, but Demetrious edges out McCall.

WINNER-Demetrious Johnson by Decision

Prelims (Fuel TV):
James Te Huna (13-5) vs. Aaron Rosa (17-4) The new Robbie Lawler brings his punching mits to bare on the sturdy chin of Rosa who takes it for a while, before the fall.

WINNER-James Te Huna by Rd.2 TKO

Anthony Perosh (12-6) vs. Nick Penner (11-1) The Aussie "Hippo" has done very well in this UFC stint upsetting veterans right and left but Penner will be hip to his tricks en route to a going away win.

WINNER-Nick Penner by Decision

Cole Miller (18-5) vs. Steven Siler (19-9) Siler has no chance in tonight's "guarantee pick."

Guarantee Pick WINNER-Cole Miller by Destruction

Kyle Noke (19-5-1) vs. Andrew Craig (6-0) Steve Irwin's bodyguard and homeland hero is going to have a rough night.

WINNER-Andrew Craig by Decision

T.J. Waldburger (14-6) vs. Jake Hecht (11-2) TJ has competed very well and will continue to ground his opponents leaving them frustrated for air.

WINNER-TJ Waldburger by Decision

Mackens Semerzier (6-3) vs. Daniel Pineda (16-7) Its Mack the knife who is more talented against a youngster not at a Zuffa level.

WINNER-Mackens Semerzier by Decision

Prelim (Facebook):
Oli Thompson (9-2) vs. Shawn Jordan (12-3) Its the British strong man vs the LSU fullback. Jordan is far more athletic and being strong doesn't translate into MMA success.

WINNER-Shawn Jordan by Rd.2 TKO