Top 10 Women's Bantamweight Rankings (135 lbs.): The Ronda Rousey Hit List

1 Ronda Rousey 6-0 (UFC Bantamweight Champion)      

The undefeated "Rowdy" one is heading up the newly minted and first women’s division in the UFC.  None of her victims have escaped the initial round against her but there is a murderers row of challengers awaiting the daunting task.  Here are the first female Bantamweight rankings by MMAFO that will most likely change as Zuffa signs talent to their inaugural women’s 135 lb. division.

2 Marloes Coenen 20-5 

"Rumina," the former Strikeforce Champion is coming off a her 1st win in Invicta and sports one of the most impressive records in all of women’s MMA.  The submission specialist (14 submission wins) lost at 145 lbs. to a roided up “Femborg” and got caught in a sub against Miesha Tate in the 4th round of their title fight.  The Golden Glory fighter is a perennial elite women’s MMA fighter that has yet to face the “Rowdy” one.

3 Miesha Tate 13-3

"Cupcake" fell, though she fought valiantly against the champion but everybody wants to see the rematch of the greatest feud in women’s MMA history.  Tate suffered a head kick against Julie Kedzie that would have felled a normal woman (or man) but battled back to get the needed Armbar win.  Also, I don't know if anyone has noticed, but Tate is also rather beautiful.

4 Liz Camouche 7-2

The Marine is riding a two fight winning streak from Invicta and her two losses come from former champions Sarah Kaufman (by Decision) and Marloes Coenen (by Triangle Choke) in the 4th round on short notice. The "Girl-Rilla" has KO power in her hands and no fear.

5 Sara McMann 6-0

The undefeated prospect is a well rounded and won a silver medal in the ’04 games.  The promo writes itself as two fellow Olympians compete with their plied skills. The challenger’s wrestling versus the champions Judo.

6 Sarah Kaufman 15-2 

Sarah suffered and humiliating loss to the champion but she is still one of the best in all of women’s MMA though she needs to develop the hands more.  The former champion still has game and refuses to stop improving.

7 Alexis Davis 12-5

The "Ally-Gator" defeated well respected veteran Julie Kedzie and TKO’d prospect Amanda Nunes with a 1st round RNC win.The  grappling wiz pits her blackbelt against Ronda’s gold belt.

8 Amanda Nunes 7-2

The “Lioness of the Ring” suffered a setback TKO loss to Alexis Davis but rebounded in Invicta 2 and fights out of the AMA Fight Club.  A beloved striker in the women’s game.

9 Cat Zigano 7-0 

The undefeated Jiu-Jitsu stylist has yet to taste defeat and has only gone the distance 1 time so far in her young career.  The "Alpha" Cat still needs to test the American waters but training at Black House means she shall be ready.

10 Shayna Baszler 15-7

The Josh Barnett student had a 4 fight winning streak snapped by Sara McMann but rebounded last out in Invicta.  She’s been around for a long time and faced many of the best.  14 of her 15 wins have come by way of the tap as the "Queen of Spades" would rather not take prisoners.  This girl rocks hard!

UFC 154 Results: GSP Retains Title In A Great Fight & Hendricks Scores Another Big KO!

Main Card (PPV):
Georges St-Pierre defeats Carlos Condit by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 50-45) in one of the best title fights of the year.  GSP came out looking very strong with the jab and took Condit down starting the G&P early.  “Rush” continued an aggressive effort in the 2nd slipping “NBK’s” punches while landing his own and taking down the challenger again looking as if he had suffered zero ring rust.  Carlos looks for a leglock but GSP reigns down an elbow that instantly has Condit pouring blood.  Carlos landed a good elbow from his back which cut the champion but it was a dominant opening 10 minutes for the Canadian.   In the 3rd round Condit unleashed a head kick to the temple that caught “Rush” unaware sending him careening to the canvas where “NBK” attempted to follow up with strikes.  GSP gathers himself and survives to see the 4th round.  From there GSP is back to his game taking Condit down as blood covers both fighters.  In the final frame, Georges is really putting the strikes together gaining yet another takedown though the men roll trading positions in an exciting finish.  "Fight Of The Night"
* In the end GSP just had too much for the challenger who fought valiantly until the end.  Apparently, Anderson Silva came to Dana White after the Main Event and asked for the dream match with St-Pierre.  Condit could take the opportunity to avenge a loss to Martin Kampmann back in ’09 as both men come off tough losses.

Johny Hendricks KO’s Martin Kampmann with his deadly left hand at 0:46 of the 1st round.  “Bigg Rigg” did it again blasting the “Hitman” with a left hand that put Kampmann out like he was taking the Nestea plunge.  An unecessary but bad ass right to the grounded opponent put in the coffin nail for the impressive win!  “KO Of The Night”
* Johny earned his title shot but it looks as if he will have to wait or take another fight while the “Spider” and GSP settle business around May. 

Francis Carmont defeats Tom Lawlor by a very close Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  It was a close fight and probably should have gone the “Filthy” ones way but I was too bored to care. 

Rafael dos Anjos defeats Mark Bocek by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  Dos Anjos looked very good as Bocek just could not bridge the talent gap between the two men.  Mark was just a step behind all night and Rafael’s skillful takedown defense kept Bocek from working his game.  That’s 3 in a row for the Brazilian who takes another step forward.

Pablo Garza Upsets Mark Hominick by Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-26, 29-28).  The “Machine” just cannot get it done.  Mark started out strong enough winning the 1st round but in the 2nd the “Scarecrow” got the much smaller Hominick down and began slicing him open with elbows and punches.  Going to the corner Mark is cut open in three places around both eyes and looks very bad.  In the final round Mark tries to start it up but he is taken down again and he doesn’t relenquish the dominant position as he continues to muck up Mark’s face.
* You have to feel bad for Hominick who has dropped 4 straight since the loss of best friend/trainer Shawn Tompkins which will most likely lead to his pink slip from the UFC.  Garza has his best win to date which he earned in hostile territory.  

Prelims (FX):
Patrick Cote defeats Alessio Sakara by Disqualification (via strikes to the back of the head) at 1:26 of the 1st round.  Cote hurt Sakara early with strikes but then got his back against the cage where Alessio unloaded some nice standing elbows that rocked the “Predator” forcing him to shoot for a single leg.  Then Alessio unleashed 9 consecutive strikes to the back of the head as referee Dan Mirgliotta stopped the fight seemingly for Sakara.  A review of the ending and the DQ is announced, and rightly so for Cote.  Both men want a rematch which is warrented but rules are rules and Alessio blatently broke them.

Cyrille Diabate submits and out of control Chad Griggs by RNC at 2:24 of the 1st round.  “Gravedigger” came flying out of the gate gong and dash style right into a left cross from the “Snake” which most likely broke his nose as he crashed to the canvas bleeding badly.  It cues up the RNC and we may have seen the end of Griggs in the UFC.  It was a pretty embarrassing effort for pork chops who was stopped in the 1st round in both of his Zuffa appearances.

John Makdessi defeats Sam Stout by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).  The “Bull” pitched a shutout keeping Sam’s head rocking backward with a near perfect jab all night while stuffing the takedown attempts. 

Antonio Carvalho  defeats Rodrigo Damm by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  Leg kick, leg kick, and repeat leg kick.  Damm won the last round but the aforementioned leg kicks won the day.  Leg kick.

Prelims (Facebook):
Matt Riddle defeats John Maguire by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).  This was about to as terrible to watch as expected and derp face calls out Dan Hardy yet again.

Ivan Menjivar submits Azamat Gashimov by a beautiful inverted Armbar at 2:44 of round 1.  Azamat got the early takedown but it was Ivan throwing up the armbar turning it belly down in the air as they crashed to the canvas which put much more added pressure on the arm and shoulder as Gashimov grimaced in obvious pain.  One of the best and most painful submissions of the year and another spectacular win for Menjivar!  “Submission Of The Night”

Darren Elkins defeats Steven Siler by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  Elkins treated Siler like big brother all night taking him down and just beating the shit out of him.  Good on ya Steven for continuing to try and hanging in there but the beatdown was on.

Nick Ring versus Constantinos Philippou was cancelled after Nick became ill after the weigh-ins.  The doctors would not allow Ring to compete leading to the bout being scrapped.

7-5 on the picks which no so good.  No so good.

Strikeforce Free Agent Talent Pool: Who Goes On To The UFC?

Strikeforce will finally, mercifully die in February ’13 and there will be a mad run on MMA free agents.  With the UFC roster bursting at around 400 contracts we will see not only an insurgence of Strikeforce talent but current UFC fighters constantly on the chopping block.  It should make for a fun talent exchange much like in the heyday of the WWF and WCW.  Fun times are afoot but just who makes the cut and who is forced to put in work at the minor shows?  MMAFO has the answers baby birds.

Heavyweight

Who's In?

Daniel Cormier  “DC,” the winner of the debacle that was the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix is coming to Zuffa and will be a major player.  

Who's Out?

Sergei Kharitonov  No love for the Russian BLAF?  The Golden Glory fighter could beat many of the Heavyweights currently employed in the UFC and he doesn’t even get a sniff.  What the hell man?  19-5 and coming off a 0:34 submission win in June.

Josh Barnett  The “Warmaster” has had a very famous, public, and bitter feud with Dana White but you cannot deny he is one of the best Heavyweights in the world and he should be brought over.  I doubt it happens though with all the bad blood and Josh's love of professional wrestling which Zuffa won't allow him to do.

Light Heavyweight

Who's In?

Gegard Mousasi  The normally busy “Dreamcatcher” has been absent this year but he is one of the free agents I look forward to seeing the most in the UFC.  A gaudy record of 32-3 in the Light Heavyweight division and we already know 205 needs new blood for Jon Jones.  This former Strikeforce and DREAM champion could easily fill the void.  

Gian Villante  The 10-3 Jersey fighter has stumbled in his career but there is talent there for the 27 year old.  Give him a shot to rumble in the lower UFC 205 ranks.

Ovince St. Preux  There is massive potential in the former Tennessee football player and stepping into a deep pool of talent will either improve or destroy him.  Lets find out what the 12-5 “OSP” can do.

Who's Out?

Mike Kyle  I don’t like this guy.  He’s a cheater and a douche who should see the minor leagues.

Rafael Cavalcante  The steroid suspension is really going to hurt “Feijao’s” chances but he is a former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and he does train with the legends at Team Nogueira/Black House camp.  

Middleweight

Who's In?

Luke Rockhold (Champion)  The AKA titleholder is a shue in for the UFC.  Count on it.

Ronaldo Souza  “Jacare” deserves his 1st shot at the UFC Middleweights as well not just because he is the former Strikeforce Champion but because of his stellar Jiu-Jitsu and ever improving striking in the X-Gym camp.

Roger Gracie  The name alone gets him cred but he deserves it for being a multiple ADCC and IBJJF world champion Jiu-Jitsu monster.  Being a member of Black House won’t hurt either.

Adlan Amagov  The “Wolf” lost a fisticuffs bout with the heavy handed Robbie Lawer but that can happen and otherwise the striker has been quite successful.  

Who’s Out

Keith Jardine  Its not out of the question that the UFC veteran gets another shot in the big time since he is a beloved “name” and fights out of Jackson/Winkeljohn, but he shouldn’t be fighting period.  Since leaving the UFC on a 3 fight losing streak, the “Dean of Mean” has gone 2-3-1 and the 1 (a Draw) should have been a loss with proper judging.  Getting KO’s 6 times and reaching near 40 seems like its closing time.

Lumumba Sayers  Nope.  “Heavy Hands” just got tapped in a bout he should have won and was a heavy favorite.  More work to be done.
Robbie Lawler  The “Ruthless” one much like Jardine has a veteran name but he is a one dimensional striker who struggles on the mat and lost 3 of his last 4.  Not enough upside to continue at the top level.  

Derek Brunson  The 9-2 Jackson/Winkeljohn fighter lost his last two but the judges screwed him against Kendall Grove and Ronaldo Souza is “Jacare” so not too much harm there.  The problem is Zuffa won’t likely bring in a guy on a two fight losing streak even though he is brimming with talent.  Eventually he makes his way in.  

Welterweight

Who's In?

Nate Marquardt (Champion)  This one I’m not entirely certain of.  Nate was bounced from the UFC in disgrace and Dana White famously said he’d never, ever, be allowed to return but the “Baldfather” has broken his word a time or two.  Nate looked quite amazing destroying the previously unbeaten “T-Wood” for the vacant title and that speaks as loud as Dana.

Tyron Woodley  Speaking of “T-Wood,” he may be labeled a “boring” fighter and sometimes rightfully so, but the ATT wrestling phenom is 10-1 tasting only a single loss in said title fight.  Tons of potential looms if he can develop his offense.

Kazuo Misaki  The “Hitman” had the fight of the year against Jorge Santiago in ’10 and is known for gutsy balls out fights fans love to watch.  Three wins in a row including a win over banished Paul Daley gives the 36 fight veteran his long overdue shot!

Jason High  Goddamn right the “Kansas City Bandit” deserves a shot at the big dance.  Granted he lost his one UFC bout but who hasn’t been dry humped to death by Charlie Brenneman.  Besides, with the UFC’s love of twitter ya gotta call in the “Bandit” who is on a 7 fight winning streak!

Quinn Mulhern Eleven career submission wins, a 3 fight winning streak, and potential.  Yup.

Bobby Voelker  After his exciting trilogy with Roger Bowling has grown into a solid fighter and being an exciting striker with 15 (T)KO’s to your credit doesn’t hurt.  

Jordan Mein The 23 year old “Young Gun” would fit in well on a Canada card bringing his 13 (T)KO’s and 7 submissions with him.  This kid could make some noise.

Who’s Out?

Evangelista Santos  The time for “Cyborg” never came and the slugger is relegated to Jungle Fight.

Roger Bowling  "Relentless" couldn't hang in Strikeforce's top 10 so what hope does he have in the UFC?

Nah-Shon Burrell Despite an awesome name and being a "Rock-N-Rolla," Burrell is a not yet ready for prime time player.  He could be one day but some seasoning is needed.

Lightweight

Who's In?

Gilbert Melendez (Champion)  The most eagerly anticipated and high value free agent should come in to an immediate title shot provided he retains the gold against “Bam Bam” in the final Strikeforce show.  El Nino is coming!

Josh Thomson  The “Punk” is a solid veteran in the cage and if he can stay healthy outside the AKA fighter gets his day.

Bobby Green  The “King” may not be very exciting but his wrestling has earned him a 4 fight winning streak and a solid 19-5 record.

Ryan Couture  He may not deserve it but daddy gets him in.

Jorge Masvidal  ATT’s street fighting “Gamebred” is ever improving and might just surprise some UFC veterans.

KJ Noons  I have little desire to see this human garbage make it into the show but he will on his stupid haircut.

Caros Fodor  The “Future” is a good nickname for the 28 year old who was riding a 5 fight winning sreak before getting grounded by Healy.  

Pat Healy  The Team Quest fighter is the #1 contender in Strikeforce and regardless of the outcome, he has earned a shot going 9-1 at this weight class.

Who’s Out

Billy Evangelista The AKA fighter is on the cusp but losing 2 in a row forces him to get some work with Bellator or the like first.

Jorge Gurgel  Being Rich Franklin’s best friend won’t work this time as the veteran went 2-3 since leaving the UFC and he just never quite achieved his full potential and its a little late in the day to do it now.

Joe Duarte  Yah, no thanks.  We got enough similar guys already.

UFC 154 St Pierre vs Condit: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 154
November 17, 2012
Bell Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Main Card (PPV):
Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre (22-2) vs. Carlos Condit (28-5)  GSP has been gone a very long 19 months and as he returns 100% healthy, the true question is whether or not his fragile mind will buckle if “NBK” begins to hurt the champ as the fight moves along.  As far as the fabled “ring rust” goes, Condit has also sat for 9 months refusing to defend his #1 contender’s belt. Carlos is a viper who never gives up as shown against Pierre doppelganger Rory MacDonald coming from behind late to carve up the youngster while I personally have questioned Georges’ mind set during fights when he wavers and seeks the reassuring voice of Greg Jackson who won’t be in any corner for this title fight.  As relentless in training as GSP is, will he trust his body in the cage if the going gets rough? Condit will end up on his back.  A lot.  “Rush” has a 77% success rate in taking fools down not to mention Condit has porous takedown defense.  He’ll even tell you he cedes the takedowns sometimes to work from his back which he does do better than many in the game today.  But past judging has shown this to not be a very profitable game plan if you fail to pull a submission.  Still, Carlos has 13 submissions and 13 (T)KO’s to his credit only hearing from the judges 4 times in 33 professional fights!  That is an evil finishing rate.  Despite the more mixed arsenal from Carlos, GSP is a better effective striker amassing damage over the long haul as opposed to the challenger who can put you away quickly as seen against Don Hyun Kim.  The bout plays out in my mind much like it did when GSP fought Jon Fitch.  GSP will control the fight on the ground earning takedowns over and over again while avoiding submission attempts and grinding up Condit along the way.  The hungry Condit will fight valiantly (as did Fitch) but he’ll be unable to keep the fight standing, as he gets rag dolled till the decision.
WINNER-Georges St-Pierre by Decision

Johny Hendricks (13-1) vs. Martin Kampmann (20-5)  Though not official from the UFC, you can pretty much look at this bout as a #1 contender’s match to face the winner of the Main Event.  The “Bigg Rigg” has been rolling suffering only a lone decision loss in ’10 for his career and dominating on his way to this fight winning 4 in a row impressively.  The “Hitman” traveled a different path winning 3 hard fought battles in a row where he had to come back from near death to snatch victory.  Impressive as it was, Kampmann is known for getting himself into bad circumstances in fights enduring a lot of damage and slow starts.  Hendricks is known for his smothering wrestling more than for his recently successful power striking and that is what will vex Martin.  The Xtreme Couture fighter gets taken to the mat constantly and though he has never been submitted, which Johny won’t threaten him with anyway, Kampmann gets busted up and loses rounds much like he did against Diego Sanchez and Jake Shields.  This is a good match up for the Team Takedown member as he uses his crushing top game to bruise up Martin for all to see.
WINNER-Johny Hendricks by Decision


Francis Carmont (19-7) vs. Tom Lawlor (8-4)  “Limitless” has won 8 bouts in a row and much like his Tristar teammate GSP, he is a physical freak of nature.  Carmont will have a test against the known spoiler Lawlor who employs an unexciting ground game and a penchant for annoying and unfunny costumes for the weigh-ins.  This is Francis’ fight to take if he uses his ground game to confuse Tom into a mistake which he is prone to do.  If Carmont can’t beat this one dimensional fighter, he is not the prospect we all think he is.
WINNER-Francis Carmont by Decision
*  I hate Lawlor's stupid weigh-in skits and this one was no different.  I get it, the old wrestling parody.  Still not funny.  Carmont end this fool and bounce him from Zuffa already.


Nick Ring (13-1) vs. Constantinos Philippou (11-2)  The Serra/Longo fighter has excelled since debuting in the UFC on a loss and many never expected much from him.  Now Phillippou has a 4 fight winning streak and looks better and better with his power striking and takedown defense.  The fabulous Ring has not impressed though he limped into a 3-1 record for Zuffa while trying to remain healthy for more than 5 minutes at a time.  Constantinos has heavy, accurate hands and continues to keep opponents from taking him to the earth as Ring must do to stay in this bout.  Nick might score a takedown but he’ll be eating leather and getting frustrated as Philippou lights him up and breaks him down.
WINNER-Constantinos Philippou by Rd.3 TKO
* Just when I stopped making fun of Nick Ring for sounding so ghey, because  he made the UFC 149 event by coming out with Bret Hart and to the "Hart Attack" entrance music, the guy walks out in an obvious gay porn mustache!  C'mon man, are you doing this on purpose?


Mark Hominick (20-11) vs. Pablo Garza (11-3)  Its been one disaster after another for the “Machine” since his failed title shot against Jose Aldo.  Three losses later and the Canadian must have a win to save a once promising career.  The “Scarecrow” is facing his toughest test to date and is also coming off a 2 fight slide but he must rely on a prayer for submissions in a bout in which he finds himself significantly out gunned no matter his reach advantage (remember Hominick vs George Roop).  Garza pulled a beautiful flying armbar once but that apparition aside, he’s not going to threaten the 31 fight veteran.  Mark is going to use his far superior standing skills to out point Pablo showing the large talent gap between these two competitors.
WINNER-Mark Hominick by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Patrick Cote (17-8) vs. Alessio Sakara (15-9)  Its a strikers delight as the vastly overrated “Legionarius” struggles not to be KO’d for what would be the 5th time in his career.  Cote will be happy to test that questionable chin finding a full training camp this time after a late replacement loss against the surging Cung Le in his Zuffa return in July.  Bring on the soccer chants as the “Predator” lives up to the nickname stalking Alessio before putting him to sleep and hopefully out of the UFC.
WINNER-Patrick Cote by Rd.1 KO
* Cote looked in much better shape for this fight than he did against Cung Le.  The KO is coming for the Canadian.


Cyrille Diabate (18-8-1) vs. Chad Griggs (11-2)  “Gravedigger” makes the necessary move down to Light Heavyweight realizing he just isn’t big enough to hang with the UFC Heavyweight monsters after his debut shellacking by Travis Browne.  The “Snake” is an enigma that sometimes looks solid and other times disinterested in bouts.  Cyrille employs a kickboxing style aided by his long frame but at 39 his best years have passed him by. Multiple times I have witnessed Diabate fade in fights while Griggs just never stops coming. “Pork Chops” is gonna hulk smash the “Snake” pressuring relentlessly until Diabate says uncle.
Upset Pick WINNER-Chad Griggs by Rd.3 TKO

Mark Bocek (11-4) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (17-6)  Dos Anjos seems to hit that glass ceiling in the Lightweight division over and over again but his striking continues to improve and his blackbelt level Jiu-Jitsu is always steady.  Mark has struggled to improve past the standard grappling but he does not wear down and has serious heart in the cage though he also struggled when he reaches top tier talent.  This going to be a close coin flip fight but I question Rafael's heart and gas tank down the stretch as Mark soaks in the homeland love.
Upset Pick WINNER-Mark Bocek by Decision

Sam Stout (17-8-1) vs. John Makdessi (9-2)  The “Bull” has real power in his hands and really nothing else to offer.  Stout the always technical kickboxer looked like he has studied GSP’s takedowns as of late and his footwork should give John trouble.  Without a hail mary bomb Stout is going to dance all over Makdessi to victory.
WINNER-Sam Stout by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Antonio Carvalho (14-5) vs. Rodrigo Damm (10-5)  I don’t know how Rodrigo pulled a damn win out of his ass in his Octagon debut but he ain’t so good.  “Pato” is much more dynamic boxing which puts away the oft finished Rodrigo early. WINNER-Antonio Carvalho by Rd.2 TKO
*  Damm looked very drawn out and lathargic at the weigh-ins but he did make weight.  Could be interesting to see if he had a bad weight cut and if he can rehydrate properly.


Matt Riddle (6-3) vs. John Maguire (18-4)  Great, the idiot is back.  We have yet another gimme from matchmaker Joe Silva to Riddle who seems to just get matched up with guys that don’t pose the finish threat.  I like the “Gypsy Jiu-Jitsu” practitioner but he’s just going to get out muscled and dry humped like he did in his last outing against John Hathaway.  This would be a good bout to use the bathroom or get some snacks unless you enjoy watching "derp" face for 15..
WINNER-Matt Riddle by Decision

Ivan Menjivar (24-9) vs. Azamat Gashimov (7-1)  “Hazmat” is welcomed to the UFC by long time veteran Menjivar who has had 25 more bouts than his opponent.  The “Pride of el Salvador” has seen it all and training at Tristar only makes him better.  Gashimov is going to flounder early against a far more savvy foe.
WINNER-Ivan Menjivar by Rd.1 Submission

Steven Siler (21-9) vs. Darren Elkins (14-2)  “Super” has significantly improved since his days on TUF and is a shocking 3-0 for Zuffa.  Elkins has gone 4-1 for said company this could be a surprisingly good fight people aren’t paying attention to.  I see Siler giving Darren some of the same frustrations he found against similarly lanky Charles Oliveira in ’10.  I surprise myself taking Steven by improved striking in a tough fight.
Upset Pick WINNER-Steven Siler by Decision

UFC On Fuel TV 6 or UFC Macao Results: Japan & Korea Shine In China

Main Card (Fuel TV)

Cung Le KO’s Rich Franklin at 2:17 of round 1 to make me a sad Panda.  I cannot fucking believe that just happened.  “Ace” was doing just fine moving well and working his jab albeit less than normal.  Then Rich threw a left kick to the thigh and just left his chin exposed with his body straight and his chin in the air.  A simple right hand on the chin and Franklin was unconscious before his limp body crashed into the mat.  It is a disaster that never should have occurred and now everybody will be telling Franklin its time to retire ad nauseam.  Cung got lucky but fuck it we move on.  "KO Of The Night"

Thiago Silva submits Stanislav Nedkov by Arm Triangle at 1:45 of the final round.  Silva dwarfed Nedkov who looks better suited to be a Middleweight.  Stanislav pressed Silva into the cage looking for the takedown that he never would achieve.  Thiago worked the leg kicks and they did exchange a bit with both men putting their heads down and swinging wildly, but Nedkov took the slightest of advantages standing even earning a flash knockdown of Silva in the 2nd.  In the final frame Silva looked to be rebounding while Stanislav was gassing out.  A nice punch followed by a head kick and Nedkov turned his back as if he wanted no more.  Thiago took the opportunity to put the Bulgarian on his ass and immediately got full mount.  The transition to the arm triangle was unblocked and Nedkov tapped out for the 1st loss of his career.  "Submission Of The Night"

Dong Hyun Kim defeated Paulo Thiago via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) in a very one sided fight. 

Takanori Gomi Upsets Mac Danzig by Split-Decision (29-28 Danzig, 29-28 Gomi, 29-28 Gomi).  It was actually and shockingly the “Fireball Kid” who got the 1st takedown and worked good leg kicks and the jab often while Mac reacted a bit slowly.  Gomi just did not stop pumping that left jab and never stopped coming forward looking like his former dominant self.  Danzig took Takanori down with a minute to go in the 2nd and locked up a guillotine but Gomi struggled and survived.  Mac got dropped almost instantly in the 3rd as Gomi jumped on the “Vegan Warrior” working from the top controlling more than damaging.  Gomi called Danzig on in the final moments landing a good right and a solid body shot.  “Fight Of The Night”

Jon Tuck defeats Zhang Tiequan by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) and you gotta think that’s the end of the “Mongolian Wolf” for Zuffa while the Friar remains undefeated.

Takeya Mizugaki worked over Jeff Hougland to win a Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-27).

Prelims (Facebook)

Alex Caceres bests Motonobu Tezuka via Split-Decision (29-28 Tezuka, 30-27, Caceres, 30-27 Caceres) and blah blah blah blah blah.

John Lineker defeats Yasuhiro Urushitani by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) now begging the question of whether or not the former #1 Flyweight in the world can even survive in the UFC. 

Riki Fukuda beat Tom DeBlass via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) and nobody even cares.

6-3 on the picks.

UFC On Fuel TV 6 or UFC Macao: Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Fuel TV 6: Le vs. Franklin
November 10, 2012
Cotai Arena
Macau, China

Main Bouts (Fuel TV):
Rich Franklin (29-6) vs. Cung Le (8-2)  “Ace” is back at 185 for the 1st time in 4 years against the San Shou fighter.  Rich will be looking to keep his steady right hand jabbing while avoiding Le’s powerful kicks and testing his notoriously poor gas tank.  Franklin is 38 while Cung is actually the older man at 40 who is complaining about an injured foot and hasn’t faced the high caliber of opponents Rich has.  If the striking isn’t going Franklin’s way, though I believe it will, he can always ground and embarrass Le who is not adept at grappling at this point in his career, and never will be.  There are a myriad of ways Rich can win this and Cung doesn’t even have a kickers chance.  Welcome back to Middleweight where you belong “Ace.”
WINNER-Rich Franklin by Rd.3 TKO

Thiago Silva (14-3) vs. Stanislov Nedkov (12-0) Thiago has battled struggles with a nagging back injury, a steroid suspension, a recent record of 0-2-1, and a move from ATT to the Blackzilian camp.  This is a very important bout for Silva.  Once but a fight away from a title shot, now the brutal Brazilian is just looking for an elusive win to keep him employed with Zuffa.  The undefeated Bulgarian make a very successful debut with the company earning a nice 1 round TKO win but he is still looking for validation against the elite in the world’s best promotion.  Stanislov is a striker but he can submit you as well kinda mirroring his opponent.  The age difference is but a year and the size also very close leading to an intriguing doppelganger war.  Nedkov possesses a Jiu-Jitsu game as well as Silva though Thiago definitely earns the advantage in experience.  I see Thiago keeping things standing as much as possible using his reach well and grinding up Stanislov.  Nedkov won’t shy away in a close bout but he’ll fall short on points.
WINNER-Thiago Silva by Decision

Dong Hyun Kim (15-2-1) vs. Paulo Thiago (14-4) The “Donger” returns after a rib injury cost him in his last outing while Paulo got smooth knocked the fuck out by Siyar Bahadurzada only 42 seconds into their meeting.  “Stun Gun” is far superior technically probably anywhere the fight goes but you should not discount the fact that Thiago is much tougher and has always fought tooth and nail to the bitter end while Kim seems to break against tough opponents.  Hyun will limit the pain he dishes out but if Thiago gets a counter opening, he’ll strike looking to kill.  A close fight finds the “Donger” earning the judges nod on technique.
WINNER-Dong Hyun Kim by Decision

Takanori Gomi (33-8) vs. Mac Danzig (21-9) Oh “Fireball Kid,” where have you gone?  Despite some preferable matchmaking in his homeland last out, Gomi has fallen far from his once elite Lightweight status.  The punches are looping and short though the power remains.  The takedown defense cannot withstand America’s wrestlers and Mac is a nice mix of a well rounded fighter.  The “Vegan Warrior” will avoid the power strikes while taking Gomi to the mat where the submission is pretty much inevitable.  Or Mac could just aim for the Macy’s float sized head in front of him.
WINNER-Mac Danzig by Rd.3 Submission

Tiequan Zhang (15-3) vs. Jon Tuck (6-0)  The “Mongolian Wolf” has struggled a bit going 2-3 for Zuffa but he is the lone homeland hero (if we are counting Macao as China which the UFC is) and that has to count for something.  The undefeated “Super Saiyan” is from Guam and didn’t quite make it into the TUF house and that is about all I know on him.  I dunno, a coin flip match I’m not too interested in here.
WINNER-Jon Tuck by Decision?

Takeya Mizugaki (15-7) vs. Jeff Hougland (10-5)  The “Miz” is tough as they come and if he can’t beat this dude he doesn’t belong anymore.  He does and he does.
WINNER-Takeya Mizugaki by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Alex Caceres (7-5) vs. Motonobu Tezuka (19-4-4) What do we need to do to get rid of “Bruce Leeroy” already?  Cutting his hair was a nice step but he’s still an annoying little shit with flashy moves that are rarely effective.  The UFC loves this douche and have put him against a last minute replacement for him to beat.  Yay.
WINNER-Alex Caceres by Decision

Yasuhiro Urushitani (19-5-6) vs. John Lineker (19-6) Buried deep down on the card is an actually good bout that should most likely be on the main card.  The former #1 Flyweight in the world got a reality check welcome in his 1st UFC bout and now faces a finishing striker.  Urushitani, the man with shit in his name, has to get back in the game and now is the time.  Yasu finds a way though I’m not sure how.
WINNER-Yashuhiro Urushitani by Decision

Riki Fukuda (18-6) vs. Tom DeBlass (7-1) A battle of the never will be’s in a bout we should remember to forget.  That being said it will probably have the KO of the year.
WINNER-Riki Fukuda by Decision

David Mitchell vs. Hyun Gyu Lim – CANCELLED Lim was not “medically fit” to fight according to the doctors after a rough weight cut so no debut for you.  Mitchell gets his show money.

7-3 on the World Series Of Fighting's 1st card for which I gave no results.

World Series Of Fighting Inaugural Card Picks & Prognostications

World Series Of Fighting

Main Card 
Andrei Arlovski vs. Devin Cole The “Pitbull” won 2 in a row and then got a NC for booting arch rival Tim Sylvia in the face in a bout he was about to win and for all purposes still won.  Cole has won 2 in a row but hasn’t fought this year as he dealt with a rape charge which thwarted his journeyman career.  We all still question the glass jaw of Arlovski but he has gained a bit of confidence training with Jackson/Winkeljohn and still possesses fast powerful hands though he does lack the courage to engage fully at times despite his posing with a scary mouthpiece.  There shouldn’t be much coming from Cole who was never that great and at age 36 he’s not getting any better.  Devin can throw a bit but the percentages say Andrei gets the win in calculated fashion.
WINNER-Andrei Arlovski by Decision

Anthony Johnson vs. D.J. Linderman “Rumble” torpedoed his early career failing to make weight time and time again.  Johnson finally wised up realizing it wasn’t a good idea to try and drop 50 lbs. per fight and the massive 205er kept his power and reach while compiling a 3 fight winning streak since getting bounced from the UFC.  Johnson will use his agility to light up DJ peppering him with strikes and looking for the high head kick which he loves to throw and has been improving with his Blackzilian camp.  Linderman has a solid chin and is hard to finish but he’s out of his depth here as he tests his ability to take punishment like Sasha Grey’s asshole. 
WINNER-Anthony Johnson by Decision

Miguel Torres vs. Marlon Moraes “Angel,” another former UFC star cast aside, fights his 1st non-Zuffa bout and comes in with a massive experience edge of 45 professional bouts and was the former WEC Bantamweight Champion.  Moraes fights out of the Armory and won 2 in a row over at XFC but he is about to get annihilated by a motivated and angry veteran.  The master mullet will be looking to make a statement but hopefully the utterance isn’t another ill received rape joke.  I mean, I thought they were funny but most did not. 
WINNER-Miguel Torres by Rd.1 TKO

Tyrone Spong vs. Travis Bartlett The “King of Fighting” makes his MMA debut after becoming a successful K-1 kickboxer at a young age.  Spong sported a kickboxing record of 68-6 with 42 KO’s and there is no doubt about his striking prowess.  The question is whether Tyrone can avoid the ground or if taken there survive.  This bout reminds me of when Cung Le made his MMA debut and like in that case we get a sacrificial lamb who didn’t feel the need to make weight.  Its highlight reel time as Spong destroys Bartlett unleashing terrible violence.
WINNER-Tyrone Spong by Rd.1 KO

Gregor Gracie vs. Tyson Steele Gregor has a certain last name that I guess still sells, but he is, of course, a Jiu-Jitsu bad ass.  Steele is also a submission fighter which means he is in a world of hurt not being able to threaten Gregor on the feet.  We have a grappling match and there Tyson has little hope unless he can summon Obi Won Kenobi.
WINNER-Gregor Gracie by Rd.2 Submission

Prelims
Ronys Torres vs. Brian Cobb Ronys got a bit of a bad rep losing both of his UFC bouts but the cat is a legit lightweight from the heralded Nova Uniao camp in Brazil.  Torres has since won 11 bouts in a row (granted to lesser competition) with only 3 reaches the judges.  The “Bandit” is a decent wrestler who will be willing to grapple versus Torres’ Jiu-Jitsu in a clash of styles.  Don’t expect much on the feet but plan on seeing one of the closer fights on the card with Cobb getting the judges favor.
WINNER-Brian Cobb by Decision

Steve Carl vs. Ramiro Blackmon Carl is a submission stud who taps victims 72% of the time while the “General” has won 7 in a row relying on his sick Olympic level wrestling but is also facing father time at age 40.  The difference is that Steve is a more well rounded fighter who can strike a bit as well and won’t need a walker to enter the cage.
WINNER-Steve Carl by Rd.3 Submission

Gerald Harris vs. Josh Burkman Two more UFC veterans look to get the favor of big brother once again in an important bout for both men's careers.  The “Hurricane” has won 4 in a row but hasn’t really got his groove back since going 3-1 for Zuffa.  The finishing ability has not been there recently and you wonder where Gerald’s head is at these days as he has scraped by.  Josh fell off the planet when he left the Baldfather’s roster but got back in the swing winning twice this year.  The TUF alum both enjoy wrestling but Harris is making his 2nd attempt at Welterweight where Josh has long fought.  Just because I like Gerald and am annoyed by Burkman I’ll take the “Hurricane” to go all Sandy on Josh’s ass.
WINNER-Gerald Harris by Decision

Gesias Cavalcante vs. TJ O'Brien “JZ” was once an elite Lightweight until the dreaded 2008.  Then “JZ” went 2-5-2 battling a myriad of injuries and suffered his 1st KO loss in his last outing.  TJ has been much more successful as of late but he hasn’t faced the same level of competition by any stroke of the imagination.  Can “JZ’s” work with the Blackzilians turns things around or will he fall to another average fighter?  If Cavalcante has absolutely anything left, he has to let it go here against a submission only fighter or face the death of his career.  Back against the wall I’m giving Gesias one last chance to show a semblance of what he used to be.
WINNER-Gesias Cavalcante by Decision

Dave Branch vs. Dustin Jacoby The Renzo Gracie student has always been sturdy only faltering toward the top of Middleweight division.  Jacoby is strike heavy but will find himself being ground down over the course of 15 minutes unable to get anything of note going against a more diverse fighter.
WINNER-Dave Branch by Decision

Waylon Lowe vs Fabio Mello Waylon is an ATT Featherweight known primarily for his fabulous sun tattoo over his belly button striking fear into queens everywhere.  Lowe has powerful hands but they are slow coming and tends to grapple.  The 37 year old has won 7 in a row but his career highlight is lasting 15 minutes with UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.  Its a who wins who cares kinda thing but I'll go with the guy I've actually seen.
WINNER-Waylon Lowe by Decision