Roufusport: Team & Coaches

Roufusport: Team & Coaches

Roufusport is a notable mixed martial arts team led by legendary kickboxer Jeff “Duke” Roufus (36-8-1). The team trains at Roufusport Martial Arts Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Duke Roufus is a 4-Time Professional Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion and is regarded as one of the "most knowledgeable Americans on Muay Thai and one of the top trainers of Kickboxing in the world."

Duke, in recent years, has also established himself as one of the top MMA trainers in the sport, as well.

Voted “America’s Best MMA Gym” (2011) by MMA.tv and its patronage.  

Roufusport Academy specializes in Roufus Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling and Boxing. The world-class facility is located at 320 N 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53213, 414-453-5425.

• “Duke” Roufus (Head Coach)
• Scott Cushman (Striking Coach)
• Luiz Claudio (Jiu-Jitsu Coach)
• Thiago Veiga (Jiu-Jitsu Coach)
• Joao Zeferino (Jiu-Jitsu Coach)
• Ben Askren (Wrestling Coach)
• Pat Barry (Striking Coach)

Fighters

Razak Al-Hassan “Razor” (205; Light Heavyweight) Former UFC fighter.

Ben Askren “Funky” (170; Welterweight)  Bellator Welterweight Champion who is still undefeated at 10-0.  Known for his amateur wrestling at Mizzou and is a former Olympian.

Pat Barry “HD” (243; Heavyweight) The affable Barry has become a fan favorite Heavyweight in the UFC, known for his K-1 style striking attack and is going to be a guest coach for Shane Carwin on the new season of The Ultimate Fighter 16.

Alan Belcher “The Talent” (186; Middleweight) Alan has returned from terrible career threatening injuries to amass a 4 fight winning streak in the UFC and is knocking on the door of a title shot.

Chico Camus “King” (135; Bantamweight) Chico has officially signed with the UFC and is looking to make his debut in 2012. 

Daniel Downes “Danny Boy” (154; Lightweight) The never say die kid lost in the UFC but at a young 26 years of age, he is looking to make a return to action soon.

Erik Koch “New Breed” (146; Featherweight) 13-1 has earned Erik a title shot against UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo in October.  

Matt Mitrione “Meathead” (261; Heavyweight)  The lovable “Meathead” came into our lives during the Ultimate Fighter 10 and has gone 5-1 fighting all his bouts in the UFC.  His natural athletic ability and gift of gab that emerged through the hilarity of the “Mitrione Minute” hosted by the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, has made him a fan favorite.

Anthony Pettis “Showtime” (155; Lightweight) The man who threw “the kick heard round the world” capturing fame and the WEC Lightweight title.  2-1 since joining the UFC and looking for another belt.

Sergio Pettis “The Phenom” (135; Bantamweight) The younger and perhaps even more talented Pettis brother is only two years into his career and has not tasted defeat going 5-0.

Eric Schafer “Red” (205; Light Heavyweight) Former UFC fighter.

UFC 149 Results: The Prelims Amaze & The PPV Sucks

Anton Kuivanen defeats Mitch Clarke via Split-Decision. "Acne Back" had opportunities on top to escape back to the feet but instead stayed in the guard of a better ground opponent who almost secured the armbar and RNC in the 1st round scrambles. This cost Kuivanen the round as the slam and takedown secured Clarke's 10 points.  In the 2nd round the UFC Facebook feed turned to absolute shit.  

Nice to see the beautiful Logan Stanton back in the UFC holding the cards.

Both men’s grappling skills improved as the fight went on and they still managed to look like two amateurs.  Clarke was relentless with takedown attempts but couldn’t really get anything going though Kuivanen should have employed more action standing.  Not a great fight but a come from behind win for Anton none the less.  (The night starts out with the World getting the win over Canada)

Antonio Carvalho KO’s Daniel Pineda at 1:11 of the very 1st round.  Carvallo is now my hero as he enters the arena to Bret Hart’s entrance music, the "Hart Attack."  Mega-awesome!  A head kick drops Pinera but he recovers before a right hook queers Dan and the follow up finishes putting Canada on the board!  (We are now tied 1-1)  Great stand up striking and Pinera never knew what hit him as he is put to sleep just over a minute into the bout!  No sharpshooter necessary.  Very impressive vastly improved Carvalho!

Bryan Caraway taps Mitch Gagnon by RNC in round 3.  Gagnon hits the 1st takedown while “Miesha Tate’s boyfriend” threatens with an armbar.  Gagnon begins the G&P and beats the brakes off Brian for a time.  “Miesha Tate’s boyfriend” gets back to the feet unloading some strikes and getting his own takedown.  Gagnon is bringing the heat yet again in the 2nd but he is taken down and the giant 135er is looking tired.  "Miesha Tate's boyfriend" works diligently from the back taking his time but in the 3rd the exhausted Canadian submits to the RNC and a nice body lock for good measure. (2-1 As the World re-takes the lead)  Finally, a shot of Miesha Tate in the cage looking purty as the combatants leave.  Dat ass!

Ryan Jimmo KO’s Anthony Perosh 0:07 of round one!  I got a handful of popcorn and literally missed the fight!  “Big Deal” comes out and makes a big splash with a 1 punch KO tying the record for fastest UFC KO at 7 seconds!  An overhand right connected and the “Hippo” was out cold against the fence and with his jaw jacked!  Wow.  Jimmo celebrates in the Octagon with a decent robot dance.  "KO Of The Night" (Canada ties things back up 2-2)

Francisco Rivera KO's Roland Delorme at 4:19 of round 1. “Cisco’s” stand up just looks on point while adding some brutal leg kicks and Delorme is taking a lot of punishment early.  Rivera slips delivering a short left followed by a right hand and Delorme is looking at the lights as this fight is ova!  Francisco looked great and just steamrolled a tough dude.  (The World back in the lead 3-2)

UFC 149 may be as riddled with injuries and lacking the “star power” that also plagued UFC 147, but this night is filled with awe inspiring finishes early into the evening!  

Nick Ring defeats Court McGee by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  So that happened.  (Yawn, Canada tied it again)

Matt Riddle submits Chris Clements by Arm Triangle Choke at 2:02 of the last round.  I still don't like the kid but ya gotta give the devil his due.  Riddle locked on the arm triangle choke standing, tripped his opponent to the floor which only tightened the hold, and got admittidly a beautiful submission win.  "Submission Of The Night"  (The World wins 4-3 over Canada in Alberta!)

At this point in the evening, we have had great fights and stoppages but the air is about to be sucked out of the building as the card takes a nose dive into staring contests and bad judging.  Get ready.

James Head Upsets Brian Ebersole by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  I have absolutely no idea what Brian was thinking of in this bout.  Ebersole used telegraphed faints and odd movement to bait his opponent striking rarely and with half hearted takedown attempts.  Head basically played defense all night as these men didn't really fight as much as they danced awkwardly.  Head came forward aggressively late but neither man could really hurt the other.  It really just came down to Ebersole just looking stuck in limbo unable or unwilling to do anything.  Terrible fight.  

Cheick Kongo defeats Shawn Jordan by Unanimous Decision (30-28, 30-27, 30-27).  Kongo has yet again put on one of the worst Heavyweight bouts I have ever seen.  The entire fight was Kongo pushing the smaller Jordan into the fence, perhaps landing a knee or two, and just resting against each other's warm sweaty bodies for comfort.  Just not worth your time to watch this god awful display of ultimate hugging.

Bret Hart is shown in the crowd to a nice ovation after the awful Kongo fight.  Nice to see the "best there is, the best there was, and the best there every will be" in the hizzy.

Tim Boetsch defeats(?) Hector Lombard by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  The night continues to decend into madness as the judges rob Lombard of his UFC debut, shitty though it may have been.  Lombard clearly won rounds 2 & 3 though granted he did a lot of intimidating staring at the "Barbarian," but easily won since you don't gain points for absorbing rare punches as Boetsch did.  Yet another abysmal bout and add on the horrible judging as the night continues to fall apart around us in Canada where the natives are booing very loudly!

Renan Pegado defeats Urijah Faber by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 49-46).  It wasn't a war.  Its wasn't a bad fight.  It just wasn't close or all that exciting.  "Barao" jumped out early showing his cleaner skill standing while Faber couldn't close the distance.  Urijah was determined to stand with Renan taking sturdy leg shots and finding he could not compete with Pegado's speed.  "Barao's" strikes landed harder and more often though Faber avoided too much damage.  By the time Faber realized it might be time to secure some takedowns, his leg was wounded and he could not power through to gain one.  We would learn later Faber broke a rib in the 1st round but the end was never in doubt.  Pegado becomes the #1 Contender Champion and jumps around like a jackass wearing Billy Bob teeth.  Seriously, look at that grill!  The "California Kid" now finds himself in no man's land much like Kenny Florian with no place for his career to really go now.  

So what started as an amazing evening turned into a slow steaming pile of shit.  Sad that the PPV boys actually brought down the card while the Prelim contenders impressed all.  5 and fucking 5 on the goddamn picks!  The judges can suck it on Boetsch/Lombard.  5-1 on Bellator though.

UFC 149 Faber vs Barao: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 149: Faber vs. Barão
July 21, 2012
ScotiaBank Saddledome
Calgary, Alberta, Canada


  Yet another UFC card decimated by injury but we plug along with yet another pointless "Interim" belt bout, though the match itself could produce a "Fight of the Year" candidate.  In the Canada vs The World bouts I see the world topping out with 4 wins while the Canucks come up short with 3.  Hector Lombard makes his long awaited and quite overdue entrance to the UFC literally looking to murder someone while Anderson Silva and Domick Cruz watch their future foes with great interest in Cargary, Alberta, Canada (as Lance Storm used to say).

Main Card (PPV):
Interim Bantamweight Title Bout
Urijah Faber (26-5) vs. Renan Pegado (28-1)  The "California Kid" vies for gold yet again after Dominick Cruz tore an ACL and will be out of action for quite some time.  That always means the UFC needs the ever important shiney piece of metal on leather that awes the occasional MMA fans.  The "Kid" blew out former Champion Brian Bowles and going 3-1 at his newest weight.  "Barao" has won 28 fights in a row only losing his professional debut bringing crazy effective striking and Jiu-Jitsu from the vaunted Nova Uniao camp.  Renan is known to fade in bouts while Faber has made a career of long MMA wars featuring sick scrambles, heavy hands, and tight submissions.  Its hard to root against Urijah and so I won't.  The Team Alpha Male leader is a brilliant tactician who weathers the beginning and pulls ahead late to set up the needed Rubber Match with the champ.
Upset Pick WINNER-Urijah Faber by Decision

Hector Lombard (31-2-1) vs. Tim Boetsch (15-4)  MMAFO has long awaited the arrival of one of the legitimate meanest fighters in the world who is sporting a 24 fight winning streak against less that stellar opponents.  The ATT Cuban can do it all but loves to straight smash fools with fast powerful striking that looks to kill you.  The "Barbarian" has looked solid at Middleweight going 3-0 since dropping weight and last out crushed Yushin Okami by throwing him through the Octagon!  Look for Lombard's speed to keep Tim off kilter while punishing the "Barbarian" who wears down as the night goes on.  This is a solid debut test for Hector and the possibility of a title match with Anderson Silva looms but he must show he belongs after a long history in minor promotions crushing tomato cans.  
WINNER-Hector Lombard by Decision

Cheick Kongo (17-7-2) vs. Shawn Jordan (13-3)  Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's elbow wasn't yet ready to go and the Jackson/Winkeljohn product gets the call.  Shawn is much shorter than Kongo which may protect Jordan from the coming onslaught of low blows Cheick loves to employ illegally.  I'm weary of seeing the freak of nature fight below all potential while the surprisingly athletic fire hydrant has shown improved skill in his last two wins.  Everyone sees Kongo descending the Heavyweight rankings but he has hung around against all odds.  Just ask Pat Barry.  The "Savage" shouldn't struggle out working Cheick while avoiding being underneath the much taller opponent is a must.  Its time for someone to rid us of Kongo and his patented chest bump and kiss to the sky.
Upset Pick WINNER-Shawn Jordan by Decision

Brian Ebersole (50-14-1) vs. James Head (8-2)  The "Hairrow" quickly returns to action after out gaming TJ Waldburger at his own game.  "Heed" is a very strong wrestler who can hang in the pocket and must avoid his amateur wrestling which will put him in the veterans savvy submission game.  Brian has unique striking and reach not to mention he just out thinks his opponents in the cage all the time.  The high fight IQ will serve him well against the always coming "Heed" has possesses heart and stamina but Ebersole is an underrated fighter in his 67th bout and looking to make a true run whether here at Welterweight or perhaps Lightweight.
WINNER-Brian Ebersole by Decision

Chris Clements (11-4) vs. Matt Riddle (6-3)  Why can't someone put the idiot that is Matt Riddle out of the UFC yet?  The guys throws away all strategy during bouts and quite frankly isn't good yet sneaks by with wins over terrible Welterweights.  The Canadian "Menace" has won his last 5 and wants to turn this into an all out brawl that Riddle won't be able to resist.  If Matt was smart he would ground his opponent and out wrestle his mat challenged foe, but he probably won't.  Maybe I'm too jaded in my hate of the douche bag but I'm leaning toward the underdog.
Upset Pick WINNER-Chris Clements by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Court McGee (13-2) vs. Nick Ring (12-1) [Rematch] A sort of Rematch from an amateur TUF bout between two fighters that continue to be unimpressive in their averageness.  The "Crusher" starts slow but seems to excel as the fight goes along especially when he gets hit.  Ring's power top game is going to stuff McGee into uncomfortable positions grinding him down while the crowd gets a short nap.  Nick can also employ a power bottom defense bucking off his assailant and scrambling for his own finish though the bout goes the distance.
WINNER-Nick Ring by Decision

Roland Delorme (8-1) vs. Francisco Rivera (8-2)  The "Stunning" Canuck has won both of his UFC bouts with the classic RNC while "Cisco" will be looking to bang things out on the feet only.  Roland is known for taking punishment and Francisco is ready to deliver with serious power that will rattle Delorme early and often.
WINNER-Francisco Rivera by Rd.2 TKO

Ryan Jimmo (16-1) vs. Anthony Perosh (13-6)  "Big Deal" has won 16 bouts in a row only losing in his professional debut!  The veteran "Hippo" has been surprisingly effective the last couple of years and will look to pull the Canadian to the ground avoiding his opponents strongest area and getting things into his Jiu-Jitsu world.  Jimmo is going to punish Tony who lacks decent and protective stand up defense employing his will while taking things carefully.
WINNER-Ryan Jimmo by Rd.2 TKO

Bryan Caraway (16-5) vs. Mitch Gagnon (8-1)  The man known as "Miesha Tate's Boyfriend" won his Zuffa return bout with his 14th career submission training with Team Alpha Male.  The Canadian is riding a nice 6 fight winning streak and will oblige the ground game going choke for choke.  Bryan has been better tested in his career and excels with the game plan from one of the top teams in MMA.
WINNER-Bryan Caraway by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Antonio Carvalho (13-5) vs. Daniel Pineda (17-8) Pineda has gone 2-1 for Zuffa losing a spirited Decision to now retired former Champion Mike Thomas Brown.  Daniel is a very aggressive fighter but "Pato" would like to strike as well which leads to his downfall as he just isn't as good as his opponent anywhere.
WINNER-Daniel Pineda by Decision

Mitch Clarke (9-1) vs. Anton Kuivanen (16-5) The Fin has made the move to ATT and is looking to rebound from his debut loss with his good grappling game.  The homeland Canadian also lost his debut and is looking for the submission.  Mitch has a solid chance on the ground but Anton is more well rounded and has the advantage standing and in grappling if he avoids the sub.  
WINNER-Anton Kuivanen by Decision

Bellator 72 Picks & Prognostications

Bellator 72
July 20, 2012
USF Sundome
Tampa, Florida

Main Card (MTV2):
Bellator 6 Welterweight Tournament Final
Bryan Baker vs. Karl Amoussou The "Beast" and the "Psycho" hook it up to see who will get dry humped for 25 minutes by Ben Askren.  Both men are aggressive strikers but there is honestly something scary behind Amoussou's eyes.  Still, Baker can absorb the initial onslaught and then just wait for Karl to shoot his wad as he often does, then employing his grind game.
WINNER-Bryan Baker by Decision

Rudy Bears vs. Paul Daley "Semtex" makes the move to Bellator and gets a veteran fighter who is nearing the end of a decent journeyman career.  Bears is a good fella but he is gonna get his head knocked off in this Daley showcase.
WINNER-Paul Daley by Rd.1 KO

Bellator  Light Heavyweight Semi-Finals
Emanuel Newton vs. Attila Vegh  The "Hardcore Kid" seems to be hitting his stride since a disastrous 2009, and now rides a 6 fight winning streak.  The Kings MMA fighter can employ sturdy wrestling which will pose problems for Vegh who is a bit unruly in his untested fighting career.  Newton takes a careful approach to get himself into the finals.
WINNER-Emanuel Newton by Rd.2 Submission

Tim Carpenter vs. Travis Wiuff 82 professional fights for "Diesel" and he's not slowing down after he Upset Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Christian M'Pumbu in a non-title affair.  The storyline of life dictates that Wiuff make it through this tournament to once again face "Tonton" for the gold.  Tim already had his moment with the champ and the TKO loss was the 1st and only of his career.  Prepared to be grappled and L&P'd to death Timmay.  Its gonna be a long night.
WINNER-Travis Wiuff by Decision

Marius Zaromskis vs. Waachiim Spiritwolf 3 [Rubber Match] So, Waachiim got eye poked in the 1st meeting and the bout was ruled a NC.  In the 2nd meeting, the Spiritwolf was mounting a comeback and almost finished Marius when the Doctors stopped the bout between the 2nd and 3rd rounds for a cut granting Zaromskis a perhaps, undeserved win.  Now we do it again, for the 1st time, for the last time.  Take your pick here.  Marius should win but hasn't fought Waachiim to his level yet.  The 1st two meetings make you think Spiritwolf will win but he's just not a good enough MMA fighter to beat a prepared and focused Marius.  We shall see once again for the last time.
WINNER-Marius Zaromskis by Decision

Prelim:
Ben Saunders vs. Brian Warren "Killa-B" has hit the glass ceiling in Bellator, and if he can't get by this savvy veteran things will be looking bleak.  Ben has enough training to wreck Brian and break the "Unbreakable" man with a sobering Thai plum.
WINNER-Ben Saunders by Rd.2 TKO

Forrest Griffin Joins The TRT Gang Of Cheaters

Forrest Griffin, age 34, has now joined the list of MMA fighters using testosterone replacement therapy or TRT to cheat the rules and up their game.  Griffin has now joined the TRT team with Chael Sonnen, Frank Mir, Nate Marquardt, Quinton Jackson, Todd Duffee, Shane Roller, and Dan Henderson who all also cheat regularly.  

Apparently, the again, 34 year old needs the procedure for middle aged men whose bodies no longer produce testosterone due to hypogonadism (which is a rare disease that is plaguing MMA now) or misusing steroids 

Griffin obviously doesn’t need TRT but apparently needed it to cheat his way past, the past his prime aged fraud, Tito Ortiz in a close, unexciting bout.

Tito responded in his normal elegant way. 

@ForrestGriffin sorry to hear you had to use #steroids to beat me! Wait or try to beat me. @ForrestGriffin = #cheater lol. Have a good day!
2:08 PM, July 13

Its a sad day when Tito Ortiz is the voice of reason.

Fedor Emelianenko Retirement Career Retrospective

Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko, born September 28, 1976, has retired Mixed Martial Arts at age 35.  The “Last Emperor” had a record of 34-4-1 (though actually 35-3-1*) winning numerous tournaments such as  the Pride FC 2004 Grand Prix and the World Combat Sambo Championship on 4 occasions, as well as medaling in the Russian national Judo championship.  Fedor won the Pride FC Heavyweight title in 2003 and kept the belt until the MMA federation closed its doors and never tasted defeat for almost a decade in his legendary career.  Fedor was simply the greatest Heavyweight Champion of all time!

In Emelianenko's era, he simply dominated everyone with serenity and poise like none before or after him.  Fedor began his career in the Japanese RINGS promotion where he became Heavyweight Class Champion against the likes of Renato Sobral and Ricardo Arona.  From there Fedor journeyed into the hallowed halls of Pride FC where he debuted against 6' 11" kickboxer, Semmy Schilt in 2002.  Fedor began racking up the wins  defeating Heath Herring to become the #1 contender to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's title.  The mild mannered Russian met the heavily favored Brazilian but Emelianenko dominated the bout on the mat in Minotauro's stomping grounds.  The “Last Emperor” became the Pride FC Heavyweight Champion by Unanimous Decision. Fedor defended the title 4 times before entering the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix.  In under a round's worth of work, Emelianenko won 3 bouts to rematch Nogueira in the finals but an errant headbutt caused a bad cut on Fedor and the bout was ruled a No Contest.  Fedor and Antonio would settle things at Pride Shockwave where the Last Emperor again won by Unanimous Decision.  Another win later Fedor was to meet the unstoppable kickboxer name Mirko Filipovic in what was at the time the biggest bout ever in MMA!  Again, Emelianenko dominated his opponent with ground and pound to retain the title.  Pride FC would eventually fold into bankruptcy but not after Fedor had dominated the best Heavyweights in the world going 12-0 in the heyday of MMA.

Fedor formed and instant dislike to UFC President Dana White and the two parties could not come to terms forcing Emelianenko to travel the world for fights.  The Last Emperor defeated Matt Lindland in Bodog by armbar, Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski in Affliction by 1 round beatdowns, and finally with Strikeforce defeating Brett Rogers in his debut by TKO.  Now Fedor was 31-0-1 in MMA and I will now explain my record of the G.O.A.T.  *Though some see the bout with Tsuyoshi Kohsaka in 2000 as a loss, it is in fact, not.  Kohsaka cut Fedor open with an illegal elbow which should have disqualified him.  Since the format was a tournament, the RINGS judges awarded Tsuyoshi the bout so they could complete their tournament even though it broke their own rules.  It wasn't a win by RINGS own rule definition and thus, is not a loss.

Fedor then fought Fabricio Werdum and though he knocked his opponent down, he got over confident and hung around in Werdum's guard getting caught in a triangle and tapping out for his 1st career loss.  Emelianenko then got smashed next out against Antonio Silva who outweighed him by 35 lbs. or more and kept fighting though the doctors stopped the fight due to cuts and badly swollen eyes.  Fedor was not out of that fight.  Fedor then met Dan Henderson in a special attraction where he had "Hendo" flailing, hurt, and on his way out, when Dan threw a hail mary that put Emelianenko on skates.  Dan followed it up and Fedor wasn't allowed the room to fight back as the fight was called.  This horrible run of back luck seemed to end Fedor's career as everyone called for his retirement, but it was only the end of his losing streak.  Emelianenko refused to go into that good night instead returning to the mother land where he defeated Jeff Monson by Unanimous Decision in M-1 Global.  Fedor then fought and KO'd Satoshi Ishii in Japan giving the Japanese fans one last look at the conquerer that once ruled their land.  Finally, Fedor returned to mother Russia to fight in front of his homeland fans, his President Vladimir Putin, and his wife and kids as he KO'd Pedro Rizzo to end his legendary storied career.

Emelianenko Notes & Achievements:

• Fedor trained and teamed with the Red Devil Sport Club which included brother Aleksander Emelianenko and MMA talent Gegard Mousasi.
• Fedor never lost a decision.
• Fedor never lost a belt.  
• Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Fight Magazine, About.com, & MMA Fighting, "Fighter of the Decade"
• Sports Illustrated & MMA Fighting, "Fight of the Decade"
• 2009 KO of the Year
• Heavyweight and Fighter of the Year, 6 times
• Sambo Combat Champion Gold Medalist
• 2009 Russian Male Athlete of the Year
• 2008 Olympic Torchbearer
• First Class Golden Order of the Romanov Family of St. Nicholas 2 in 2012
• Brock Lesnar held the UFC Championship longer than any other winner at 707 days defending it only twice.  Fedor held the Pride FC belt for 1,036 days defending it 4 times.  
• Fedor has beaten 5 former UFC Heavyweight Champions 7 times.
• 10 (T)KO's, 18 Submissions, & 8 Decisions in 39 bouts.
• Fedor held 5 MMA Championships.
• Ranked #1 “Pound4Pound” fighter for 7 years.
• Entrance song, Oy, to ne vecher (The Cossack's Parable) by Andrey Zheleznyakov

Strikeforce Rockhold vs Kennedy Results: Marquardt Crowned Welterweight Champion & Rockhold Retains

It was an average uninspiring night filled with fence grabbing which seemed to be the theme of the week.  Its a bizarro world when Woodley/Marquardt provide the exciting fight and who would've thunk Jardine could lose?  Strikeforce just doesn't have an interesting enough or deep enough roster but they're not going anywhere anytime soon so UFC fans don't hold your breath.  

Main Card (Showtime):
Luke Rockhold defeats Tim Kennedy by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to retain his Middleweight Championship.  Well that wasn’t all that interesting as the fight went exactly as most predicted.  Tim couldn’t get control of Luke on the ground or throw more than a single punch at a time.  The lengthy Rockhold controlled the bout with his power left and some kicks but it was mostly a standard affair.  A right hand momentarily dropped Kennedy in the 4th round and from there we hit cruise control.
* Luke remains champ but enough of this talk about him being an elite level Middleweight.  Rockhold beat a solid but flawed fighter who wouldn’t shake the foundations of the UFC’s 185ers either but a strong test for a champ in the grooming process.  Luke is progressing well lets just not get carried away with the young and inexperienced fighter.

Nate Marquardt KO’d Tyron Woodley at 1:39 of R4.  Who knew that this would be the most exciting bout of the week?  The “Great” and “T-Wood” traded early and both men hit the canvas after a big punch landed and both recovered in the opening round.  Nate began to find his rhythm frustrating Tyron who came out aggressive in the 3rd round.  Marquardt was wounded but threatened with an armbar from bottom and Woodley had finally won a round.  For the 4th, Nate looked in command as he bullied Tyron around the cage.  A highlight reel right and left elbow daze Woodley, followed by a left hook rendering Tyron unconscious and on the way down when a right uppercut adds the coffin nails.  Amazing 4 strike combination and after a year off of controversy and setbacks, Marquardt is the Strikeforce Welterweight Champion in emphatic fashion!
* One of the best wins of the year as Nate dismantles the formerly undefeated prospect by KO.  Perhaps Kazuo Misaki should get the test for the title next the result of another former Middleweight dropping down to 170. The MMA world is Nate’s oyster as he enjoys the big fish in small pond scenario as Tyron gets a much needed loss to force him to become more comfortable and aggressive in the striking game that will lead to him becoming a better and more well rounded fighter.

Roger Gracie dismantles Keith Jardine by Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-26).  Roger took Keith down, gashed him open with elbows and threatened for submissions all night.  Credit Jardine for avoiding being tapped but he got owned until the final round when Gracie was tired (yet again) but Keith didn’t jump on the opportunity and kept his weapons holstered.

Lorenz Larkin Upsets Robbie Lawler by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  Larkin survived the Lawler assault early and then settled into his game plan throwing elbows and mixing his attack while Rob seemed to become bored with the fight.  It seems that if things don’t go Lawler’s way early, he just hits cruise control looking unenthusiastic about fighting.  A nice needed “name” win for Lorenz who may get a shot at the Middleweight title.  The getting on his knees after the bout and begging Dana White for fight bonuses was awkward and embarrassing.  A little decorum please.

Prelims (Showtime Extreme):
Pat Healy gets a gift from the MMA judges to best Mizuto Hirota by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).  Robbery!  Hirota came out attacking and the much smaller fighter controlled the 1st 2 rounds before gassing out in the end.  Healy was kept off guard all night and only won the last round as the hometown judging saves his ass.  Let’s just hope this obvious judging error still keeps Pat from a title shot he no longer deserves against Gilbert Melendez since anyone who saw the fight knows who really won.

Ryan Couture defeats Joe Duarte by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  Still not impressed with Couture and Duarte needs cardio training.

Jorge Masvidal defeats Justin Wilcox by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).  “Gamebred” took the street fight to the “Silverback” who could not hang.

Jordan Mein defeats Tyler Stinson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) as the “Young Gun” continues to impress and work his way up the ladder. 

Jason High taps Nate Moore by Guillotine Choke 0:26, R1.  That is not an error.  The “Kansas City Bandit” tapped Moore in 26 seconds of round 1!  That’s a nice highlight win Jason needed.

6-3 on the picks as the Upsets upset me.

Strikeforce Rockhold vs Kennedy: Picks & Prognostications

Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy
July 14, 2012
Rose Center
Portland, Oregon

Main Card (Showtime):
Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Kennedy  The AKA Champion has been running game over the Strikeforce Middleweight division while Tim has been absent for a year with an injury.  The Jackson/Winkeljohn product wants a grappling contest while Luke will be happy to use his long reach and myriad of kicks to keep his challenger guessing.  Kennedy won't have the speed or offensive arsenal to hang with Rockhold who slowly but surely pulls away winning a 25 minute judges nod or a late stoppage from an exhausted 'Merican soldier.
WINNER-Luke Rockhold by Decision

Vacant Welterweight Title Fight
Nate Marquardt vs. Tyron Woodley Nate made weight and is off the TRT so everyone is curious as to he will accomplish a year and 4 months off after being fired by the UFC.  "T-Wood" has been pining for his title shot while being criticized with the "boring" label, and remaining an undefeated 10-0.  This is an interesting bout since we are not sure how the normally well rounded Nate is going to fair against the wrestle only style of his younger opponent.  The gap has been closing as opponents get closer and closer to beating Woodley who is continually leaning on his engulfing wrestling.   Save for the wrestling, Marquardt is better everywhere else and did once give G.O.A.T. Anderson Silva a run.  I should not be picking such a flake of a person, but I just don't see Woodley being able so score enough points while gassing out in the end.
WINNER-Nate Marquardt by Decision

Robbie Lawler vs. Lorenz Larkin The "Ruthless" one only comes to do 2 things.  Avoid the ground at all costs, and punch your face off.  The "Monsoon" will be more than happy to throw fists and sports a perfect 12-0 record (thanks to "King Mo's steroid use).  Can Larkin take the brutal soul crushing punishment Lawler can deliver in a single strike?  Rob used a flying knee to decapitate Adian Amagov but without the worry of a ground assault, Lawler is going to focus in on his striking with sound mind and in a brawl against "Ruthless," you go down and go down hard for the deep sleep.
WINNER-Robbie Lawler by Rd.1 KO

Roger Gracie vs. Keith Jardine The “Dean” returns from his 6th (T)KO loss at Middleweight prompting the question as to why Keith is still getting licensed to fight.  Gracie is a legit Jiu-Jitsu stud who is also giving 185 a try with a large reach advantage.  The striking is going to be as ugly as Jardine's boxing stance but Roger is going to get his hands on Keith and abuse him on the ground.  If, IF, Jardine doesn't get KO'd by a glancing jab he will be tapped when he misses a leg kick and gets taken to the wood shed.  
WINNER-Roger Gracie by Rd.2 Submission

Prelims (Showtime Extreme):
Pat Healy vs. Mizuto Hirota  “Bam Bam” has quietly made his case for Lightweight #1 contender during his current 4 fight winning streak.  Hirota is a tough enough guy coming over from the Japanese scene but Pat will be much stronger smothering Mizuto with his wrestling advantage.
WINNER-Pat Healy by Decision

Jordan Mein vs. Tyler Stinson “Young Gun” is back from his close Split-Decision loss to Welterweight contender Tyron Woodley, along with his great striking and improved grappling.  The “Evolution” is a tough enough guy but his striking falls short against Jordan and finds the evening quite long.
WINNER-Jordan Mein by Decision

Jason High vs. Nate Moore MMAFO fan favorite, the “Kansas City Bandit,”  has rocked six opponents in a row and has been begging for a fight.  Strikeforce finally called Nate from AKA.  High’s wrestling is going to fluster Moore who will then lose the stand up war in fear of the takedown.
WINNER-Jason High by Decision

Ryan Couture vs. Joe Duarte The “Natural Jr.” is now 4-1 in MMA meets a  very athletic and more experienced Arena fighter who just out worked the always gritty Jorge Gurgel.  Ryan has never impressed me and he will have to absorb a very active early attack from Duarte who will look to jump all him early and then pull a submission or face getting out worked on the scorecards.  The odds are against Couture but it should be a fun spirited fight.
Upset Pick WINNER-Joe Duarte by Decision

Jorge Masvidal vs. Justin Wilcox “Gamebred” returns after giving a solid effort against Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez, but losing the close Split-Decision.  The “Silverback” was poked in the eye for a NC a year ago and then returned to a 13 second KO loss to Caros Fodor.  Justin has potentially crippling wrestling while Jorge is a striker who has mostly fought strikers in his career.  “El Nino” tested his obviously stalwart takedown defense and Masvidal will be looking to give Wilcox back to back KO losses.  Jorge is ready for a letdown after losing the title bout while Justin is dialed in after 2 very frustrating bouts in the last year and a safe fight employing G&P.
Upset Pick WINNER-Justin Wilcox by Decision

Ronda Rousey ESPN "The Body" Pictures

UFC 148 Results:Silva Wins While Sonnen, Griffin, & Ortiz Embarrass Themselves

Main Bouts (PPV):
Anderson Silva TKO’s Chael Sonnen to retain his Middleweight Championship at 1:55, of round 2.  It seemed like a repeat of the 1st fight early on as Chael immediately hit the takedown on the “Spider” employing the G&P for the entire round.  Granted, he landed perhaps two hard elbows on Anderson but Silva didn’t even try to use his Jiu-Jitsu instead just holding on to Chael and hoping for a stand up.  Strange, but in the 2nd things came around to reality once again.  Anderson drops his hands obviously feeling quite comfortable, and begins to land on Sonnen while shaking off a takedown.  Silva grabbed Chael’s shorts as he tried to evade the attacking “Spider” and the referee warned him for the blatant rule infraction.  We continued on as Chael tried and failed to throw a spinning elbow as his own momentum landed him on his own ass.  Silva plants a solid knee into the chest of Sonnen who is now absorbing punches.  Chael gets to his feet but Anderson’s fists land dropping him to the mat once more.  Silva unloads the barrage and Sonnen turtles up queing the referee to stop the fight.  Big mouth Chael comes up waaay short after all the trash talk and bravado revealing the fraud his is that we all knew would show up.
* Anderson Silva is gracious in victory inviting Chael to a barbecue in Brazil.  The “G.O.A.T.” solidifies his status as the greatest UFC Champion of all time yet again.  Bring on Hector Lombard or Michael Bisping.  Nobody else deserves the shot.

Forrest Griffin defeats Tito Ortiz by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to complete their trilogy of bouts.  This was like watching two retirement home veterans fighting over the last cup of tapioca pudding.  Tito came out and gave his 1 round of effort before he was gassed as advertised.  The just brutally and constantly regressing Griffin flailed about landing the jab some but also getting knocked down twice by Tito though he came back from one to win the 2nd round.  The striking was amateur, the grappling slow and predictable and the only surprising element was when the fight ended and Forrest ran out of the cage (for 3rd time in his career) and had to be cursed back in by an enraged Dana White.  The decision was read and correct but then Forrest continues his drunken fool routine taking the microphone from Joe Rogan and awkwardly interviewing Ortiz as he retired.  Weird and uncomfortable.
* So that happend.  Tito is finally gone and Forrest is in hot water for turning into a lost child yet again after a bout.  Forrest seems disinterested in fighting now and I am no longer interested in watching him flame out his once bright career.  Finally, why did Tito enter the arena with a extra large gladiator mask on? 

Cung Le defeats Patrick Cote by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) for his 1st UFC win at age 40! So, Cote looked slow and perhaps out of shape as he rarely pulled the trigger on his slopping boxing while Le gave all he had being more conservative with his kicks and following a game plan to defeat the Canadian. 
* Cote just looked stuck in concrete.  Once again we see Pat freeze in the moment.  Cung will probably have one last fight but congratulations to Le on the biggest win of his career.

Demian Maia defeats Dong Hyun Kim by TKO via injury at 0:41, of round 1.  The two men clinched up with Maia trying to take the “Donger’s” back, and they both fell into the cage with Kim’s head hitting the bottom of the cage while Maia’s body smashed his ribs in the one motion.  Demian stopped the attack as his opponent was obviously hurt and the bout ends via injury.  It turns out that Kim was suffering from a muscle spasm and the fall only exacerbated the situation.  Maybe these guys can rematch and actually fight in the future.

Chad Mendes TKO’s Cody McKenzie a mere 31 seconds into their bout. Yup.  “Money” took the fight to Cody landing a body shot that seemed to make McKenzie shit out his soul as Mendes pounded him out in short fashion.  (T)KO Of The Night
* Chad Mendes might hook up with Dennis Siver in the future and Cody will be working on crab boats very soon.

Mike Easton defeats Ivan Menjivar by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).  The men looked equal after the 1st round but then Easton kept on the pressure and got a solid if not impressive victory.  

Prelims (FX):
Khabib Nurmagomedov Upsets Gleison Tibau by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a controversial affair.  Not so sure the judges got this right but not giving Tibau a single round is a crime.  Khabib threw wildly but he did not land punches.  Tibau was unimpressive but he did land punches and hold off takedown attempts.  Whatever, it helps the undefeated kid and Gleison isn’t going anywhere anyway. 

Melvin Guillard bested Fabricio Camoes by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  This was boring.  Mel out boxed Camoes.  Shocking.

Costa Philippou defeated Riki Fukuda by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).  Costa was in control until an arrant finger put Philippou in pain on the mat.  The fight was almost stopped but Costa continued on, now angry, to finish the fight in style.

Shane Roller bests John Alessio by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  John almost threw a fit because Roller kept taking him down and laying on him.  You’d think professional fighters would be ready for the most used game plan in MMA.

Prelims (Facebook):
Rafaello Oliveira defeated Yoislandy Izquierdo by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  Saw part of it.  Wasn’t impressed.

Nobody earns a Submission win tonight or a Fight of the Night nod.  6-5 on the picks which sucks like Tito’s girlfriend.