Strikeforce Rousey vs Kaufman: (Very) Late Results

Main Card (Showtime)

Ronda Rousey submits Sarah  Kaufman by Armbar a mere 0:54 into round 1.  Well I couldn't have been more wrong in my prediction and Sarah could not have done more wrong in the bout.  Kaufman let Ronda back her into the cage with weak strikes, and then when she had a moment to back away, she stayed glued to Rousey who guess what, tripped her to the ground where the end was academic.  

So that happened.  For all the people clamoring for Cristiane Santos to drop weight and face the unbeaten champ, it ain't gonna happen.  Steroids or no, she cannot make the weight.  Ronda used to fight at 145 but she is unwilling as the champion.  Talk to Rousey.  

Ronaldo Souza KO’d Derek Brunson 0:41 into round 1.  Diving headfirst into the ever improving striking of "Jacare" is just silly business.  A rematch with Luke Rockhold is coming.

Tarec Saffiedine defeated Roger Bowling via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  The Team Quest fighter is still solid but is it enough to warrent a title shot against Nate Marquardt?

Anthony Smith Upset  Lumumba Sayers via Triangle Choke at 3:52 of round 1.  Huh, didn't see that coming either.  I guess you can talk shit about a guys religion and kick his ass in embarrassing fashion.  "Submission Of The Night"

Ovince St. Preux KO’d TJ Cook via a single punch at 0:20 of round 3.  "OSP" had TJ near the living death in the 1st round but the kid rebounded with major heart.  It was all for naught as "OSP" took a round off to catch his breath and proceeded anihilate Cook with a single left blast.  Fun stuff.  "KO Of The Night"

Prelims (Showtime Extreme)

Miesha Tate defeated Julie Kedzie via Armbar at 3:28 of round 3.  If you didn't see this fight you need to.  Major heart showed by Tate who ate some serious punishment including a head kick to her beautiful face.  Through all of that and Kedzie putting on a great effort, we had a great fight with Miesha snatching the victory with a beautiful armbar, the same move that cost her the title last out.  "Fight Of The Night"

Adlan Amagov defeated Keith Berry via TKO at 0:48 of round 1.

Germaine de Randamie defeated Hiroko Yamanaka via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Bobby Green defeated Matt Ricehouse via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

6-3 on the picks.

UFC 151 Cancelled!

Dan "Hendo" Henderson tore his MCL 8 days out from the fight and will be out for quite some time.  Chael Sonnen accepted the official offer from Zuffa but Jon Jones says his trainer Greg Jackson told him not to accept any fight offers and now will wait for Lyoto Machida on the September 22nd card!  The entire card has been cancelled causing a major loss for the UFC and all the fighters that were to fight on the card.  Dana White is fuming mad and lashing out at the Champion.

The Rock & Gina Carano On Set Of Fast & Furious 6

Strikeforce Rousey vs Kaufman: Picks & Prognostications

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman
August 18, 2012
Valley View Casino Center
San Diego, California

Main Bouts (Showtime):
Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Kaufman  Anybody else getting a bit sick of “Rowdy” and her big proud mouth?  She’s overexposed (not a pun about the ESPN Body Issue) and always saying something stupid, offensive, or just running her mouth about pseudo celebrities and equally annoying Olympians.  Anywho, here we are as the overlooked former Champion meets the new title holder in a battle the Strikeforce executives are hoping their battle doll wins.  I’m not so sure.  Rousey spent a whopping 4:27 to win the title after not spending a minute in her previous 4 bouts.  Either thats uber-impressive or she hasn’t been properly tested yet.  Sarah has had 16 pro bouts getting caught only once by Ronda’s favorite weapon the armbar which does cause concern.  Kaufman has some of the best striking in women’s MMA today not to mention a gas tank for days.  Ronda did look to be getting tired against Miesha Tate in a single round and her striking was rudimentary at best.  The key here is can Kaufman last long enough to put some hands on Ronda while wearing her down as she avoids the ground like the plague.  A simple trip or a skilled judo toss can spell the end for Sarah but I have this sneaking suspicion that a surprise is in order for the cocky and untested champion.  We all know the tiniest of mistakes can foil the best laid plans in MMA but, I feel that “Rowdy’s” bravado has been masking her inefficiencies in combat and a lesson is about to be taught.  Nobody, and I mean nobody is picking the major underdog save for the courageous at MMAFO.  That’s right, the “Upset Of The Year” is upon us as Sarah holds sway staying strong and gassing out Ronda before pummelling her and shocking the world! 
Upset Pick WINNER-Sarah Kaufman by Rd.3 TKO

Ronaldo Souza vs. Derek Brunson  “Jacare” is back looking to ply his Jiu-Jitsu trade against the Jackson/Winkeljohn grappler who tasted his 1st and controversial loss to Kendall Grove in Springfield, Missouri which he took on 4 days notice.  Brunson is a developing prospect but he is up against a tried and true former Champion who is a better in all facets of the game at this point.  A questionable gas tank aside, “Jacare” will control the action and show the youngster how the adults play the MMA game.
WINNER-Ronaldo Souza by Decision

Tarec Saffiedine vs. Roger Bowling  In one of the more competitive bouts of the evening.  The Team Quest product has been very impressive using a blend of mixed striking and good grappling when needed.  Bowling is a decent enough fighter but he is known to be rocked by strikes something that won’t serve him well this night.  Tarec takes time to get his game rolling before lighting up Roger if he doesn’t catch him in a mistake sooner.
WINNER-Tarec Saffiedine by Rd.2 TKO

Lumumba Sayers vs. Anthony Smith Sayers has come into his own as of late mixing up his game while Smith is more of a minor league monster than a prime time player.  Its gonna be fun but its not going to last as Sayers lands with more effective and powerful strikes taking Tony to the woodshed.
WINNER-Lumumba Sayers by Rd.1 TKO

Ovince St. Preux vs. TJ Cook  This is a showcase fight for “OSP” who’s wrestling will dominate Cook and as long as he has learned some cardio he may even get the finish.  TJ has a punchers chance but not much else.
WINNER-Ovince St. Preux by Decision

Prelims (Showtime Extreme):
Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie  The beautiful, talented, and healed Tate returns to make another run at the title against the always talented Kedzie what will most likely be a close fight.  Miesha’s wrestling is better and the Achilles heel of Julie who hangs tough but ultimately its Tate’s night as Kedzie sees the end in sight for her MMA career.
WINNER-Miesha Tate by Decision

Adlan Amagov vs. Keith Berry  Adlan should have this fight all day picking up some experience against a far, far less talented fighter now that Robbie Lawler taught him the respect for power punchers.
WINNER-Adlan Amagov by Rd.3 TKO

Hiroko Yamanaka vs. Germaine de Randamie  Yamanaka gets a reprieve after “Femborg” failed her drug test lat out and uses her dominant wrestling to stifle the kickboxer.
WINNER-Hiroko Yamanaka by Decision

Bobby Green vs. Matt Ricehouse  Both of these Lightweights continue to improve but its the “King” who has the better all around skills and has faced the better competition.
WINNER-Bobby Green by Decision

Fightmetric Statistics From Benson Henderson vs Frankie Edgar 2

UFC 150 Results: "Bendo" Retains Title & The "Cowboy" Wins By KO

Main Card (PPV)

Benson Henderson defeated Frankie Edgar via a very close Split-Decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47) to retain the Lightweight title.  Nothing was really settled in this now controversial rematch as the crowd boo’d and the Internet lit up with indignation at the judges decision.  I personally thought Ben won the bout and firmly believe you have to do something pretty emphatic to take the strap away from the man holding it, but that is for another day.  It is seeming that most MMA fans believe Edgar won the bout but that means very little considering he is a far more popular fighter and people let their emotions into judging bouts more than they should.  At any rate, it was a very close fight and this is what happens when point fighters go at it in the Octagon.  I can’t say I’m surprised or outraged at the current bru ha ha on the situation but I am glad it is over and we can move on to Nate Diaz getting his 1st title shot against “Bendo.”  I don’t enjoy watching two guys try to out point each other in what should be a fight but the 209’s own won’t be playing by those rules.  I, like everyone working for Zuffa, want Frankie to move down to Featherweight to give Champion Jose Aldo a real test but Edgar remains stubborn on the situation at this moment.  The “Answer” has been involved in the last 6 Lightweight title bouts and MMAFO is glad this decision laden era is over!

Donald Cerrone KO’d Melvin Guillard with kicks and punches in the 1st round of a very exciting and quick fight!  The “Cowboy” came out strong and paid for it getting rocked early by a Guillard left hand as Melvin swarms trying to finish his former training partner.  Cerrone unleashes a left high kick that seems to only graze Melvin’s head but he is visibly wobbled and Donald puts Guillard down with a perfectly placed right hand.  The “Cowboy” follows up holding back strikes and looking to secure the RNC but its already over as Guillard’s lights are out!  A great back and forth fight that delivered the most excitement of the night and it only took a 1:16 to complete!  “KO Of The Night”
* Dana White says he will make the Donald Cerrone vs Anthony Pettis bout but it isn’t necessarily a #1 contender’s bout, yet.  That is going to be an amazing bout with two very exciting fighters that do not like each other.  Melvin simply proved again he does not belong with the elite of the Lightweight division and has now lost 3 of his last 4 bouts sending his career into a tailspin. 

Jake Shields defeated Ed Herman by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) in his return to Middleweight.  It wasn’t the most exciting fight on the card but Shields got the job done winning every round by doing what he do.  Perhaps the return to 185 combined with the elevation at Denver played a part in the lackluster bout but Jake was successful and there was never a doubt.

Yushin Okami TKO’d Buddy Roberts by lazy G&P in the 2nd round.  So Buddy didn’t have much to offer in this bout but “Thunder” didn’t bring much to him either.  Okami looked tentative as always and the G&P was more like ground and pitter pat as the weak striking on the ground didn’t stop the match as much as Roberts just stopped defending and laid there forcing the referee to step in.
* Okami did get the much needed stoppage win and I believe the perfect test for Yushin lies in the results after this fight.  Jake Shields also still has many questions looming over him and these two men could sort out some things in a potential Middleweight rematch to settle things from their close controversial 1st meeting back in 2006 at Rumble On The Rock.

Max Holloway TKO’d Justin Lawrence with some beautiful body shots in the 2nd stanza.  The youngest fighter in the UFC put some well placed hands on Lawrence hurting the Mizzou wrestler with a big knee to the body followed by a right and left hand to the body that crumbled Justin to the mat.  Max impressed me I have to say and I’m interested to see how this fast striker keeps improving in the cage.  Good stuff for the “Blessed” one.

Prelims (FX)

Dennis Bermudez tapped Tommy Hayden by Guillotine Choke in the very 1st round.  Dennis just used his brutal power to out muscle and crush Tommy’s neck with what looked like an unsecured guillotine but it did the job.  “Submission Of The Night”

Michael Kuiper TKO’d Jared Hamman by Punches in the 2nd round.  Jared just ate punch after punch in the fight with his head straight up and employing zero defense as always.  Kuiper landed some very damaging leg kicks that injured Hamman and to his credit he still tried to battle through it in the 2nd showing a heavy limp while absorbing a cringe inducing amount of punishment.  Mike looked decent but somebody has got to teach Jared some defense before his skinny neck is snapped off his body!  “Fight Of The Night”

Erik Perez quickly TKO’d Ken Stone a mere 0:17 into the fight.  A quick counter from Perez dropped Keith Stone face-first into the mat and the follow up shots sealed the deal as Stone becomes a highlight reel for all the wrong reasons for the 3rd time with Zuffa.  Ken is upset at the stoppage but he was wobbly and googly eyed when he got to his feet as Herb Dean made the proper call.

Chico Camus defeated Dustin Pague by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28).  The “Disciple” didn’t have much for the Roufusport fighter as Chico controlled the bout

Prelim (Facebook)

Nik Lentz TKO’d Eiji Mitsuoka in the 1st round to make a successful Featherweight debut.  Nik didn’t set the world on fire, but then again he never does, as much as Eiji looked like he doesn’t belong in the UFC.  A win is a win and Lentz has quietly amassed a 6-2-1-1 record for Zuffa.

NOTES:
There was a scuffle heard in the background at the post fight press conference and Dana White even stepped away from the podium to try and calm down the situation.  Ariel Helwani is reporting that Frankie Edgar’s manager Ali Abdel-Aziz punched Benson Henderson’s manager Malki Kawa, in the face as the two men argued about the close main event. 

Dana White says Alistair Overeem will NOT be taking the #1 contender spot against Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos, and that rightful #1 contender Cain Velasquez will take the opportunity at the rematch December 29th in Vegas.
6-4 on the picks making me a sad panda.  

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic Is Returning To MMA!

It is said that fighters never retire, and legend Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic is yet another example of this narrative.

Mirko "retired" from MMA and the UFC in October of 2011 after losing via TKO to Roy Nelson.  "Cro Cop" returned to the sport of kickboxing that spawned him for bout called inappropriately, Final Fight: Cro Cop vs Sefo in March of 2012 which Filipovic won by Decision.  This brought back some confidence to Mirko who then fought a kickboxing bout again in May 2012 at the K-1 World Max 2012 World Championship Finals where he won yet again via 2nd round KO by uppercut!  These victories have now caused a stir within the Croatian to return to MMA though not likely with the UFC.

"Concerning my retirement from the UFC, I said it was my last fight for the UFC and last fight on the present contract, but I did not say, 'I won't keep fighting,' " Filipovic said. "I never said that. I think the best thing to say is that I was born to fight."

Filipovic has had surgery to repair torn muscles and tendons in his arm which left him feeling like a fighter reborn. "I feel like a little kid," Filipovic said. "I'm so happy. I'm training every day. I usually train twice a day, and Thursdays and Sundays are supposed to be my days off. But even on those days I'm training at least once. I have to do at least one session each day to be happy."

Mirko is 27-10-2 in MMA and currently fights for the kickboxing organization K-1, where he continues through their 2012 World Grand Prix tournament in October.  Once his participation in that tournament is over, Filipovic is planning to field the already offered contracts for various MMA promotions.

"If you ask me, when I look deep into my soul, of course I would like to fight MMA again," Filipovic said. "People don't get it. Martial arts is my life. K-1 was my first love, but even as recently as this week I was sparring kickboxing, and it was so difficult not to throw them on the ground and look to ground and pound," he said. "Even while I'm preparing for the K-1 grand prix, I'm training on the ground with grappling several times each week.My motivation now is to prove to everyone that I'm still capable of being in the cage. I'm not old. I'm 37, but I can do things that fighters 10 years younger cannot. I will prove that, or I will die trying."

A healthy “Cro Cop” would destroy the stables of Bellator and the SFL  but I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t want to see the long awaited rematch with Fedor Emelianenko in Russia’s M-1 Global promotion.  Of course the “Last Emperor” is retired but as we see that means very little. 

There are opportunities for “Cro Cop” as the world has a shortage of viable MMA Heavyweights, and with the UFC still employing the likes of Dave Herman, Oli Thompson, Christian Morecraft, and the Rob Broughton’s of the world, anything is possible.

UFC 150 Henderson vs Edgar 2: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II
August 11, 2012
Pepsi Center
Denver, Colorado

     Its strange to me that after the hate that labeled UFC 147 & UFC 149 as "bad cards," very little has been said about UFC 150 and its barren landscape. There are two decent fights on this PPV and the rest are up and comers, mismatches, and no names.  Ah well, there is some $money$ to be made on the Upset Picks for which I have selected 3, and a couple of gimme fights with Jake Shields and Yushin Okami, and a title fight that I am not very excited to see.  

Main Card (PPV):
Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson (16-2) vs. Frankie Edgar (14-2) [Rematch]  I haven't been less interested in a UFC "Main Event" in quite a while as two point fighters play another game of tag and run for 25 minutes.  "Bendo" is still going to be stronger, faster, and more skilled in almost all areas of the fight game.  Frankie has become beloved for taking an ass kicking and recovering but that's not exactly a confidence builder and eventually Edgar will stay down after allowing himself to be hit again and again.  Henderson can out wrestle the wrestler turned striker, and Edgar isn't going to worry Ben on the mat in any capacity.  Frank is never going to be throttled in a fight but he's just going to come up short against "Bendo" everywhere as Dana White screams for Edgar to make the long awaited move to Featherweight.  I still find the "Answer" to be overrated.
WINNER-Benson Henderson by Decision
* Dana White has officially stated that Nate Diaz will face the winner of this bout for the gold!


Donald Cerrone (18-4) vs. Melvin Guillard (30-10-2) The "Cowboy" has not just won 6 bouts since coming to the UFC, but straight dominated them falling only to Nate Diaz after perhaps too busy of a schedule.  Melvin got back to the winning side of things after a two fight skid and getting oh so close to the coveted Lightweight title shot.  Mel definitely hits to kill you but has shown a huge weakness on the floor not to mention an ability to be knocked silly on the feet where he is at his best.  Cerrone can strike with almost anybody (save for the 209 star that just signed a new contract with Zuffa) and submit you on the floor which he has done 13 times in his career.  Don knows this is a win that can put him back on the track toward the Lightweight title and does the right thing taking down the former Jackson/Winkeljohn teammate and exploiting his weakness on the floor.  I would not be shocked if Melvin KO'd anybody but save for a lucky strike, the "Cowboy" rides into the sunset as Guillard taps out for the 10th time in his career and Donald calls out Anthony Pettis for an exciting future grudge match.
WINNER-Donald Cerrone by Rd.3 Submission
* The "Not So Young Assassin" missed weight, again, continuing to amass unprofessional failures to his resume.


Jake Shields (27-6-1) vs. Ed Herman (20-8)  "Short Fuse" may have won 3 in a row since his return from a long injury layoff but if Shields has anything left in the tank this bout should be one sided at best.  Jake is a much better higher caliber fighter and back at his proper weight of 185 lbs., his power should return and hopefully some endurance as well which has plagued the 33 year old.  Ed is tough sure, but his striking is as bad as Jake's and he's lost 5 times by submission where Shields will be looking to work.  Shields needs a stoppage win and a good one at that.  He gets it and then he'll move up in competition and we'll see where this latest effort by Jake goes.
WINNER-Jake Shields by Rd.2 Submission

Yushin Okami (26-7) vs. Buddy Roberts (12-2) The "Nature Boy" (look it up) fills in on late notice after 2 opponents fall out due to injury, to become the confidence builder for the recently struggling "Thunder."  After a soul crushing defeat at the hands of Anderson Silva, Okami was running through Tim Boetsch until the final round found him bullied by the "Barbarian" into a barrage he couldn't withstand.  Its a must win moment for Yushin to have any hope of importance in the Middleweight division again as he faces a Jackson/Winkeljohn product who rides a 6 fight winning streak that includes his UFC debut.  There is a reason this bout has the longest odds on the card as Okami brutalizes Roberts giving "Thunder" a much needed stoppage win.
WINNER-Yushin Okami by Rd.3 TKO

Justin Lawrence (4-0) vs. Max Holloway (5-1)  The TUF kid with promise say the pundits brought a head kick KO to his debut but not before struggling against an average fighter in John Cofer without using his vaunted wrestling skills.  Max showed some vicious striking out of the TUF house as a guy I thought was a throw away fighter.  Max won't get to utilize those skills as he is grounded over and over again before succumbing to a submission early.
Upset Pick WINNER-Justin Lawrence by Rd.1 Submission

Prelims (FX):
Jared Hamman (13-4) vs. Michael Kuiper (11-1)  The up and down Hamman has shown great striking at times but he also takes a lot of abuse which isn't good when you are super skinny with a long neck that allows for whiplash when struck on point.  "Judo" Mike (what an original nickname) will be happy to strike but won't have the power, technical skills, or speed to hang with the "Messenger."  The "Messenger?"  When the hell did Jared start with that lame name?  Anywho, Jared can be KO'd but the percentages say he'll light up Kuiper in what could be a spirited affair as Mike slows down late and never uses his Judo.
Upset Pick WINNER-Jared Hamman by Decision

Dennis Bermudez (8-3) vs. Tommy Hayden (8-1)  The "Menace" is a very strong wrestler with great potential and the ability to throw his opponents through the cage while the "Wild Card" only tasted defeat in his UFC debut and trains with Team Jorge Gurgel.  Jorge will have to supply Tommy boy with some real heart as he faces a juggernaut that is relentless with takedowns though severely lacking in his striking.  Its still enough as the TUF veteran gets his 2nd big dance win by crushing his opponents will.
WINNER-Dennis Bermudez by Decision

Ken Stone (11-3) vs. Erik Perez (11-4) The recipient of the "slam heard round the world" now has two wins in a row after beginning his Zuffa career against Scotty Jorgenson and the aforementioned slamming you to hell Eddie Wineland.  Ken is actually quite submission savvy training with ATT but "El Goyito" is no slouch at tapping the competition as well and has a 6 fight winning streak.  The difference is that Perez has not been tested against competition of note and Keith Stone is underrated since people only seem to remember him being slammed into China.  Kenny will be a step ahead in all areas of MMA though this should also be a close bout.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ken Stone by Decision

Dustin Pague (11-6) vs. Chico Camus (11-3) The "Disciple" of douche baggery in white glasses is back again to try to beat someone up for Jesus while Chico of Roufusport makes his UFC entrance on a 3 fight winning streak backed by some decent power striking.  Camus has been a work in progress for a bit, its just a matter of is he ready for the big show?  Pague isn't going to contend for any titles but he's a decent litmus test for the Wisconsin native.  This is really a coin flip match and shocking myself I'll side with the guy who has 3 UFC bouts already and hung tight against the solid Ken Stone in his last defeat.  This could easily go either way so betters stay away.
WINNER-Dustin Pague by Decision

Prelim (Facebook):
Nik Lentz (21-5-2) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (18-8-2)  The "Carny" has been chided for being a "boring" fighter but you cannot deny the guys wrestling skills and overall toughness.  Going a strange 5-2-2 Lentz has notched some top wins but seems to have hit the ceiling against the likes of Evan Dunham and Mark Bocek while he has tried to spice up his game a bit for the fans.  Eiji got plastered in his Zuffa debut by Takanori Gomi but has shown durability in his 26 professional bouts though he is aging quick at 36.  Expect Lentz to control things with his normal constant takedown attempts while slowly, and I mean slowly breaking Mitsuoka down.  The American style wrestling will be too much for Eiji who may get punished enough to leave a submission opening but most likely we add up the points for Nikki. 
WINNER-Nik Lentz by Decision

UFC On Fox 4 Results: A Great Night Of Fights & Finishes & Machida Named #1 Contender

Main Card (Fox)
Mauricio Rua TKO’s Brandon Vera in the 4th round of a war!  Initially Rua was content to ground Vera roughing him up with punches and looking to control.  Despite constant Joe Rogan protests to the contrary, Rua is known for his trip takedowns and top control on the ground which he employs often.  In the 2nd, “Shogun” came with his patented barrage attack and just as you think Vera is about to fall down he battles back landing elbows until Mauricio takes him to the mat to steal another round though the crowd is chanting for Vera!  Both men look very tired in the 3rd and the action slowed though Rua is still striking more and gets another point laden takedown.  For the 4th round, the crowd begins to stir but Rua lands an uppercut that has Vera stumbling and trying to fix his mouth piece when “Shogun” unleashes a right, left, right, left, combination and Brandon falls face down as Mauricio drops hammer fists and the fight is over!  Pretty damn good Main Event and the “Truth” actually showed some real heart in defeat.  

* It ended up being the best of the Final 4 would win the title shot and Rua may have been robbed after this war as Lyoto Machida will be the new #1 contender.

Lyoto Machida KO’s Ryan Bader in the 2nd round.  The “Dragon” looked very confident bordering on cocky as he karate danced around the cage confusing the Arizona wrestler.  Bader couldn’t get to Machida and took a chance in the 2nd round throwing an ill advised superman punch.  Lyoto saw it coming and got there 1st with a straight right hand that put Ryan to sleep as Machida knew it was over and walked away hands in the air.
* Questions are going to continue as to his MMA IQ and chin of Mr. Bader, but Dana White announces after the event that Lyoto Machida will now officially face the winner of Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and Dan Henderson!  


Joe Lauzon tapped Jamie Varner by submission via Triangle Choke in the last round.  Both men came out swinging but it was Varner that hurt “J-Lau” initially and as they fought on a right hand landed behind Lauzon’s ear and he goes down again. Joe storms back in the 2nd, looking for submissions and controlling the fight whether on the feet or the floor as the crowd roared in approval.  In the final round, Jaime looks tired but continues firing as Lauzon blocks. Varner hits another takedown but “J-Lau” makes a nifty flip to the top locking in the triangle submission and bringing down elbows to illicit the tap. “Fight Of The Night”

Mike Swick KO’s DaMarques Johnson with punches 1:20 into the 1st round to make the triumphant return.  Swick quickly caught the leg of Johnson slamming him to the ground in one motion and then delivered the one punch KO and an extra strike just for shits and giggles.  DaMarques is asleep and Swick celebrates after years of misery and toil.  “KO Of The Night”

Prelims (Fuel TV)

Nam Phan defeats Cole Miller by Split-Decision.  Both men put on a spirited effort giving us a nice little fight here.  I had forgotten how much Fran (sic) throws volume wise in the striking game and though Miller was quick to fire back, he just fell short and got hurt a few times during the back and forth action.  Miller looked exhausted in the end but kept coming though Nam landed more, and more accurately. 

Phil Davis and the Wagner Prado bout is declared a No Decision after “Mr. Wonderful” accidentally poked Wagner in the eye and the doctor stopped the bout. The poke was unintentional as Prado came forward and an errant hand by Davis obviously hurt Prado.  Prado’s eye was bleeding and whether by miscommunication in translation, or truly a doctor’s decision, the bout is scrapped ruining a debut and a long awaited return in one fail swoop.

Rani Yahya taps Josh Grispi by Submission via North-South Choke in the 1st round.  What did I tell you about the aptly named “Fluke?”  Never back a quitter people. “Submission Of The Night”

Phil De Fries tapped Oli Thompson with a Face Crank in round 2.  Oli would later win the pose down in the locker room. 

Manny Gamburyan defeated Michihiro Omigawa by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).  That went pretty much as expected. 

John Moraga Upset Ulysses Gomez by KO in the very 1st round.  Moraga unloaded some uppercuts and elbows against the cage and Gomez is rendered “Useless.” 


6-3-1 on the nose picking

UFC On Fox 4 "Shogun" vs Vera: Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Fox 4
August 4, 2012
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California

Main Bouts (Fox):
Mauricio Rua (20-6) vs. Brandon Vera (12-5)  I’m not alone in the large group of MMA fans who are tired of hearing Vera proclaim, this time, this time, he’s ready to fight and fully prepared.  The “Truth” has frozen in so many fights and just look disinterested over and over to the point there is zero faith in him until he does something.  Anything.  “Shogun” is a future Hall of Famer who still has his skills and ability to kill in a blitzkrieg assault.  Vera brings nothing here as Rua hangs for a moment and then blitzes Brandon into submission setting up the rematch with Jon Jones or a more advantageous drive off.
WINNER-Mauricio Rua by Rd.2 TKO

Lyoto Machida (17-3) vs. Ryan Bader (14-2)  “Darth” is going to have a hell of a time catching and touching the “Dragon” especially with his slow blocky style.  Machida is free to target practice and point fight all evening avoiding Bader’s power in what may be a bit of a boring fight all in all.
WINNER-Lyoto Machida by Decision

Joe Lauzon (21-7) vs. Jamie Varner (20-6)  One of if not the most intriguing bouts of the evening, the resurgent Varner stormed into the UFC and is looking to knock off “J-Lau” the finisher.  I like Varner’s wrestling to give “J-Lau” fits while punishing him before taking a narrow victory.  This is the hardest bout to pick on the evening gamblers.
WINNER-Jaime Varner by Decision

Mike Swick (14-4) vs. DaMarques Johnson (15-10)  Well, “Mr. Quick” is back from an upset tummy that held him out of action for over two years and ready for a triumphant return against low level TUF runner up.  The “Darkness” is ok as a fighter, but this should be a get right fight for “Quick” who unloads years of frustration on the feet stopping Johnson.
WINNER-Mike Swick by Rd.2 TKO

Prelims (Fuel TV):
Cole Miller (18-6) vs. Nam Phan (17-10) Fran may be feuding with Sensei Master Steven Segal, but tonight he faces a large reach disadvantage and a very angry Miller brother.  Cole lost a Decision back in March and loves to bully people much like the tiny Nam.  Nam has decent striking but I have never seen any power and Phan just got abused in his last outing loss.  Miller may be hit and miss, but when he hits he hurts and uses his length well for submissions and I don’t think Phan has much talent and is mediocre everywhere.
WINNER-Cole Miller by Decision

Phil Davis (9-1) vs. Wagner Prado (8-0)  Good to see “Mr. Wonderful” get his smile back after a stagnate loss to Rashad Evans 8 months ago.  Davis may have hit the Light Heavyweight ceiling early but now he faces an undefeated and untested Brazilian, filling in for Chad Griggs.  Prado, its in there, hasn’t got much of a shot here in this showcase bout for Phil to get right and get back into the 205 mix against a man with titties.
WINNER-Phil Davis by Rd.2 Submission

Josh Grispi (14-3) vs. Rani Yahya (16-7)  The “Fluke” is the perfect name for this inconsistent fighter who quit in his last bout over a year ago.  The Brazilian is always going to be a tough out but his striking skills are always lacking greatly and everyone knows where to beat him.  Josh can fare quite well on the floor but he is facing a submission specialist though and its just hard to back a guy who visibly gave up in a fight.  I cannot get past it, let's see if Josh can.
WINNER-Rani Yahya by Rd.3 Submission

Phil De Fries (8-1) vs. Oli Thompson (9-3) In the battle of the British Heavyweights, one never takes the man who lists “strong man” competition as part of his MMA resume. 
WINNER-Phil De Fries by Decision

Manny Gamburyan (11-7) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (13-11-1) “Omygodwa” is a weathered 36 while the “Manvil” still has power left.  I expect zero judo from the judo practitioners instead rather a G&P evening heading to the cards.
WINNER-Manny Gamburyan by Decision

Ulysses Gomez (9-2) vs. John Moraga (10-1) “Useless” gets the late entrance to Zuffa’s loving wings and he should at least control the bout if he doesn’t stop Moraga late.
WINNER- Ulysses Gomez by Decison