UFC 209 Woodley vs. Thompson 2: Picks, Prognostications + Odds (Updated & Updated Again)

March 4, 2017

T-Mobile Arena

Las Vegas, NV

Main Card (on PPV):

Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley (16-3-1) +150 vs. #3 Stephen Thompson (13-1-1) -170 [Rematch]

Business needs to be settled! In November of last year, these two combatants battled for 25 minutes to a Majority Draw eliciting more questions than answers. Now the men are rebooked as the oft maligned champ comes in amidst controversial statements, and an all around cuntiness about his poor station in life (as a UFC Champion, sports star, and well paid athlete). "Wonderboy" has all the support a generic white-bred christian can muster. Don't get MMAFO wrong, we love this match but neither guy is our type of cat. Still, both men are elite warriors and this should be a fascinating return bout.

"The Chosen One" (why do people feel like this guy is an arrogant prick who believes he is owed the world? Hmm, Mr. Chosen by God.) has won 3 in a row since losing to Rory MacDonald in '14. Despite all of his annoying cries for love and special treatment, Woodley is a talented firm wrestler who has real power in his hands and a knack for making foes fight at his style and pace. Tyrone (misspelled on purpose) was very successful in their 1st meeting mixing in the takedown and damaging Stephen on the ground for which Thompson had little answers. 

"Wonderboy's" karate style attack showed moments of effectiveness against Ty but he couldn't maintain the volume and variety that earned him success because of a righteous fear of the takedown. Thompson must maintain distance and keep giving his opponent new looks and kicks in rapid succession.

What we learned in the 1st meeting is that Woodley's wrestling was dominant even though he went away from the skill as the bout progressed. Tyrone's chin held up fine during the contest while Stephen was battered and nearly put away. Its all about the adjustments one makes between camps but we had our eyes opened about Woodley's ability to smother and frustrate Thompson into paralysis. Confidence will be key early but with Tyrone looking to establish his wrestling game more so this time, he should have the advantage and win another narrow points victory.

Upset Pick WINNER-Tyron Woodley by Decision

Interim Featherweight Title Bout

#3 Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0) -170 vs. #2 Tony Ferguson (23-3) +150 Cancelled!

* Khabib was taken to the hospital hours before the official weigh-ins were to begin and ultimately, the bout has been cancelled with little information, and a ton of disappointment. This is now the 3rd time a proposed meeting between these men has fallen through. Cursed this match is. 

Rashad Evans (19-5-1) -240 vs. Daniel Kelly (12-1) +200

With a combined age of 410, these two crumbling veterans meet in a clash that is sure to put any sleepy viewer to bed. Jesus, Evans struggles to even get cleared to fight these days and Kelly's body is shot from Olympic Judo competitions. "Suga" just cannot, and we mean cannot, pull the damn trigger. The guy just stares at his opponent lacking confidence no matter what he tries to sell you. Kelly is slow and plodding, but he slowly making a climb uphill and wears adversary's down before they know it.

If, if Rashad has anything left to give, he must do it now in a bout he should win. If Evans can't win this it is definitely time to retire. We'll allow "Suga" one last chance and see him winning the most tepid of decisions, but he'll do it by gaining confidence as the bout progresses against a slower, less talented, and rarely delivered offense of Kelly. We expect a terrible bout.

WINNER-Rashad Evans by Decision

Landon Vannata (9-1) -400 vs. David Teymur (5-1) +325

"Lando" has become a MMA darling with his exciting insane antics and eye pleasing style. Vannata has more than enough game to best fellow striker Teymur who is good, but basic. "Groovy" gives us the exciting attack we crave getting a finish in highlight fashion.

WINNER-Landon Vannata by Rd.3 Submission

#4 Alistair Overeem (41-15-1) -145 vs. Mark Hunt (12-10-1, 1) +125 [Rematch]

And so, "Hunto" gets enraged when he fights Brock Lesnar at UFC 200 and then learns post fight that the "Beast Incarnate" was fighting dirty on PED's, holds out of competition while threatening to sue the UFC, and then he is forced to return against a notorious cheater. We thinks Mark may be on the warpath for this one. MMAFO has never seen Hunt as angry as when he learned that Lesnar had fought with illegal enhancements in his mega-frame! Unable to get out of his UFC contract, the "Super Samoan" signs to face a fellow striker who defeated him via submission at DREAM 5 way back in '08.

Poor "Hunto," we feel for him and he is correct in all his complaints against the UFC, but a Samoan's gotta eat. Its hard to know if Mark is coming in just to knock another bout off of his contract, or looking to prove a point by taking Alistair seriously and trying to murder him. 

"Ubereem" was knocked-the-fuck-out against Stipe Miocic last out, and it could have done irreparable damage. It was nasty! Even so, Overeem has been (T)KO'd 10 times in his career now but you've got to get to his glass chin to break it. "The Demolition Man" knows how to maintain distance and will not shy away from straight running away from danger. Alistair has crazy power in his knees if they do get in close, and like every Heavyweight, knockout power.

MMAFO wants, wishes, hopes, "Hunto" wins this by devastating decapitation, but its doubtful. Overeem is too good at avoiding offense and picking his shots. If he doesn't put Mark away, he'll frustrate the fuck out of him while ignoring the boo's and biking to a victory.

WINNER-Alistair Overeem by Decision

Prelims (on FS1):

Mark Godbeer (11-3) -150 vs. Daniel Spitz (5-0) +130

"The Hand of" Godbeer is a good striker from across the pond, but his Achilles heel is the ground work. Mark isn't the most durable but who is at the biggest boy level.

Spitz fights out of the awful Sikjitsu camp but he's destroyed everyone so far save for Wesley "Cabbage" Correira who took him to a decision ("Cabbage" is still alive and fighting people! Can you believe that?!).  Danny is a massive 6'7" grappler but slow as hell when he punches.

We just can't come to an agreement on this coin-flip fight. The coin has decided...

WINNER-Mark Godbeer by Rd.2 TKO

Marcin Tybura (14-2) -160 vs. Luis Henrique de Oliveira (10-2, 1) +140

If we're looking for new talent for the big heavy division, we should look elsewhere. Tybura has found an aggressive streak which is good for him and at 23, Luis has a long way to go before his game is notable in the UFC. Marcin should be able to  avoid the ground game of "KLB" and piece him up for a tepid win.

WINNER-Marcin Tybura by Decision

Darren Elkins (21-5) +550 vs. Mirsad Bektic (11-0) -800

Elkins is a tough as nails grinder but he is matched up here against an undefeated bad ass prospect that everyone has their eyes on. Bektic can do the wrestling game as well, perhaps even better, and out strike Darren. The inability of Elkins to have an offensive move to finish anyone renders him outgunned here as Mirsad is forced to work for it, but dominates on the boards.

WINNER-Mirsad Bektic by Decision

Luke Sanders (11-0) -115 vs. Iuri Alcântara (34-7-1) -105

"Cool Hand" Luke was very impressive in his UFC debut running over Maximo Blanco with ease. The MMA Lab fighter is more of a bully than a technical fighter but we have yet to see much from him. 

Iuri is a striking veteran who will contend unless he meets the top tier of competition. Your standard "gatekeeper." The Brazilian has a tricky kickboxing style and can be much craftier than the rudimentary Sanders. Take the old timer as the safe pick.

Upset Pick WINNER-Iuri Alcantara by Decision

Prelims (on UFC Fight Pass):

Tyson Pedro (5-0) -130 vs. Paul Craig (9-0) +110

The "o" must go! Two undefeateds meet at the shallow Light Heavy division trying to establish themselves as prospects to watch.

The "Bearjew" is a Scottish submission fighter who has no trouble pulling guard and scrapping on the canvas. This, is his game.

Pedro is a big sturdy fella who has just been running game allowing no foe to exit the 1st round against him. The Aussie still needs work standing but he needs to build his game slowly and relying on his wrestling is key until he has matured.

Both of these guys excel on the ground so this should turn into a boxing match. If that is the case, Pedro will have the advantage and getting to a top position, could finish this. 

WINNER-Tyson Pedro by Decision

https://www.instagram.com/abcnation115/?hl=en

Amanda Cooper (2-2) +100 vs. Cynthia Calvillo (3-0) -120

CC has been training with Team Alpha Male and though very new to the game, she's a quick study and has taken to the combat arts. Calvillo needs more work on the striking but her grappling will be her advantage.

"ABC" is also young and green but she doesn't possess the natural abilities of her opponent. Cooper also tends to get in trouble on the mats which will be her undoing here. Her boxing is her saving grace. 

WINNER-Cynthia Calvillo by Decision

Albert Morales (6-1-1) -130 vs. Andre Soukhamthath (11-3) +110

"The Warrior" is coming in off a draw and a loss to Thomas Almeida. No shame there as Morales even rocked Almeida a bit in their meeting and this kid throws crazy early and often.

"The Asian Sensation" is making his promotional debut riding a 3-fight winning streak and is also a striker. Soukhamthath (pronounced-sookimta) starts slow but finishes strong.

Should be a nice fun kickoff to the show with both boys throwing leather. Albert should have the advantages early but he'll need to finish Andre before he goes into deep waters where the tide will turn for Soukhamthath.

Upset Pick WINNER-Andre Soukhamthath by Decision

Bellator 174 Coenen vs. Budd: Fight Card & Quick Picks (Updated)

Jesus, Bellator cannot catch a break. Chris Honeycutt has been pulled from the card for undisclosed reasons and his replacement, Mike Rhodes could not make weight so that bout is cancelled. Fernando Gonzales and Joe Taimanglo both missed weight as well and if all of this isn't enough, Andrey Koreshkov withdrew due to injury. Bellator needs to get their shit together and perhaps a little good will is due from the MMA Gods.

Main Card:

Inaugural Women’s Featherweight World Title Bout 

Marloes Coenen (23-7) vs. Julia Budd (9-2)
WINNER-Pioneer Marloes Coenen

Fernando Gonzalez (25-14) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-5)
WINNER-Gonzo

Chris Honeycutt vs. Kendall Grove Cancelled

Prelims:

Joe Taimanglo vs.  Steve Garcia Cancelled
Justin Wren (12-2) vs. Roman Pizzolato (9-7)
Winner-The Big Pygmy
Rafael Lovato Jr. (4-0) vs. Wayman Carter (7-4)
Winner-RLJ

Cody Pfister (12-6) vs. Jonathan Gary (12-7)
Winner-The Pfist

Jason Witt (7-3) vs. Justin Patterson (8-1)
Winner-J.Witt

Emmanuel Rivera (5-0) vs. Treston Thomison (10-4)
Winner-The River
Alexis Dufresne (6-2) vs. Gabrielle Holloway (5-5)
Winner-The Unprofessional Weight Failing Alexis D.
Emily Ducote (4-2) vs. Katy Collins (6-1)
Winner-Branson's own Red Dragon

Black Beast Up In This Hoe!

MMAFO was so devastated at the cancellation of Fedor Emelianenko versus Matt Mitrione that we went into a deep depression and didn't post results from UFC Fight Night 105. All you really need to know, is "Black Beast up in this hoe!"

Derrick Lewis not only called out Travis Browne for domestic violence allegations by his ex-girlfriend stating, "I believe he did put his hands on his ex-girlfriend," but then straight beat "Hapa's" ass into the dark lands! The stoppage was late allowing for Browne to take additional punishment, but as Derrick said, "I appreciated him letting the fight go a little longer than what it should. I just wanted to get my anger out on Travis' face because he likes to hit on women." Then Lewis hilariously asked, "Where Ronda Rousey's fine ass at!" 

The Texan has now won 6 fights in a row and will take some time off to rest and heal as he broke his foot during the contest. 

Alleged woman beater Browne has now lost 3 in a row and has been (T)KO'd 4 times in brutal fashion! His career is now in free fall. Karma much?

Finally, if you are not following Derrick Lewis on social media, you are missing out. https://www.instagram.com/thebeastufc/?hl=en

Travis Browne's soul leaves his body.

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione Is CANCELLED!

Fedor Emelianenko versus Matt Mitrione has been cancelled!  Mitrione had to pull out of the bout very late, possibly due to kidney stones, which is generally linked to weight cut issues. Bellator President Scott Coker announced scrubbed bout via Twitter shortly after Ariel Helwani reported it. They will look to reschedule the bout at a later date. 

MMAFO is devastated. 

Bellator 172 will continue on without the Main Event and without viewers. 

UFC Fight Night 105: Picks, Prognostications + Odds

February 19, 2017

Scotiabank Centre

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Main Card on FS1:

Derrick Lewis (17-4) -115 vs. Travis Browne (18-5-1) -105

This Heavyweight tilt has turned into a grudge match as Lewis stated, "I believe he did put his hands on his ex-girlfriend," referencing the "incident" back in '15 in which the UFC looked into domestic abuse allegations involving Browne. Travis took exception with the words and fired back saying, "The great thing about this sport is you're going to be held accountable for your words come fight night." The table is set for a fun one.

"The Black Beast" has been on a roll winning 5 in a row, which has kept him active and given the brute some needed experience. Lewis even went to the 4th round in his last outing testing that big man cardio. This bout is bound to play out standing and Derrick has supernova power in his hands. He's not the most technical or fast, but he's got the brawn to make up for it. Lewis generally just stands up when taken down inviting strikes in order to get back to his feet. 

"Hapa" has been in free fall losing 3 of his last 4 (the only win coming in horribly controversial fashion when he brutally eye poked Matt Mitrione causing massive swelling) and looking worse each time out. Reports have surfaced that Browne has changed from the unsuccessful and despised Glendale Fighting Club and punchline Coach Edmond Tarverdyan but these reports are not true. Travis has been splitting time in various camps but he is still stubbornly with GFC. That is not a good sign and Browne seems to get rocked every single time he is in the Octagon.

Surprisingly, it may be Lewis who goes for a takedown in this battle as he is literally and figuratively very heavy from top position. If they're just banging it out, the power easily goes to Derrick but he will be much slower than Travis. "Hapa" can use his long kicks to keep "The Black Beast" at bay but we feel like Browne already has a suspect chin, and if Lewis gets hands on him, he'll break his skull. We see things going well for Travis early but at some point it will all come crashing down as a connection disconnects Browne from consciousness.

WINNER-Derrick Lewis by Rd.2 KO

Johnny Hendricks (17-6) +110 vs. Hector Lombard (34-6-1) -130

Jesus who made this match and wanted to see Hendricks die? The height will be the same but Hector will be much larger even though both have spent time at Welterweight. Here at Middleweight, "Pigg Rigg" will surely make weight but his physique has looked soft and his failures are well known. The USADA era has been affixed to Johny's mistakes but the guy has fallen so far and so fast, it seems almost impossible to pick him. The wrestling game is always there but his power seems gone and he seems to be a mess mentally as well. Couple all that with a quick turnaround from his last loss a month and a half ago, and we don't see good things in his future. Unless a paycheck from Bellator is a "good thing" which it could be. Hector lands some brutality and wins on points.

WINNER-Hector Lombard by Decision

Sam Sicilia (15-7) +145 vs. Gavin Tucker (9-0) -165

Besides all of the cancelled bouts, why is this bout on the Main Card of all places? Little is known about the "Guv'nor" (though respect for the nickname) but he's a solid striker and Sicilia has a questionable chin and questionable ability. We'll take a flier on the new guy because why not?

WINNER-Gavin Tucker by Rd.2 TKO

Elias Theodorou (12-1) +105 vs. Cezar Ferreira (12-5) -125

This matchmaking is hilarious. Two fuck ups pitted against each other and we wait to see who makes the mistake 1st. Theodorou is a wrestler through and through but everything else is a work in progress. Ferreira has improved keeping his glass chin out of danger but he's no jack of all trades either. Elias has more durable and that small fact alone is why he earns our pick. We would not be surprised either way but neither guy deserves much attention.

Upset Pick WINNER-Elias Theodorou by Decision

Sara McMann (10-3) -600 vs. Gina Mazany (4-0) +450

"Danger" is making her promotional debut on short notice after Liz Carmouche dropped out of this outing. Gina is a bit of a mystery as she has fought sporadically '08, '09, '13, and '16 for her short resume. Mazany is an Xtreme Couture fighter who is best at grappling and good luck with that against an Olympic wrestler.

McMann has turned things around a bit winning her last 2 (4-3 UFC record) against stout competition but she seems unwillingly to pull the trigger and relies heavily upon her wrestling. Even so, that will be enough here as she sets the cruise control until the final horn.

WINNER-Sara McMann by Decision

Paul Felder (12-3) -400 vs. Alessandro Ricci (10-4) +325

Felder is an absolute conundrum. The guy is a major talent but just wants to have fun in there and that reflects in his record. Paul would rather brawl than do what is necessary to get wins. "Cowboy" Cerrone's best bud should win this bout in hand but you just never know with Paul. We'll ride with "The Irish Dragon" one last time but if he burns us again he will be banished!

WINNER-Paul Felder by Decision

Prelims on FS1:

Nordine Taleb (11-3) +325 vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (24-3) -400

       Taleb is a nice story as he ko'd the cheap-shot artist Erick Silva last out but his posture leaves his long body open for attacks and he isn't the most stellar of strikers.

       "Gente Boa" is a very impressive fighter coming into his own. Ponzy should be the better striker and all around fighter with more power and decisive attacks. Santiago is a finisher but Taleb's toughness should carry him the final bell.

WINNER-Santiago Ponzinibbio by Decision

Carla Esparza (11-3) -280 vs. Randa Markos (6-4) +240

        These two ladies loathed each other back on TUF 20 and hopefully that rivalry will carry over to today.

The "Cookie Monster" is talented though she seems terrified in the cage and has had trouble getting her groove back after Joanna Jedrzejczyk took her belt and her soul. Esparza has fought but a single time since then in a tepid performance in April of last year. Injuries and rust may have contributed but the fire was definitely absent last out.

"The Quiet Storm" has struggled to get a winning streak going but she is talented. Randa is an offensive grappler but she's going to be out gunned as she cannot stop the oncoming takedowns and plays off her back in a losing effort. Here's hoping we're wrong on this one as Markos is lovely and Esparza is really a C-U-Next Tuesday kind of lady.

WINNER-Carla Esparza by Decision

The Zahabi Brothers Training W/Ryan Hall!

Aiemann Zahabi (6-0) -230 vs. Reginaldo Vieira (14-4) +190

The brother of the well respected Tristar Coach Firas Zahabi. That is good company for sure and Aiemann is a wicked grappler with some chops standing as well. Vieira isn't an easy out by any means and will be the biggest test for Aiemann to date. Zahabi should pass and do so with a slick submission.

WINNER-Aiemann Zahabi by Rd.2 Submission

Jack Marshman (21-5) +160 vs. Thiago Santos (13-5) -185

MMAFO is a bit torn here. Santos seemed to be finding his way at 185's and then Gegard Mousasi destroyed him before Eric Spicely tapped him last out, both in the opening round. We enjoy "Marreta" who is a gifted boxer but his losses have all been perplexing mistakes or from a lack of effort.

"The Gwent Hammer" has won 7 in a row including a nice finish of Magnus Cedenblad that caught us off guard. Marshman is a finisher and as you may have guessed with the nickname, has a nice power set.

We have to side with the cat that is rolling hard right now and with Santos' questionable fight I.Q. we can't pick the guy. Jack makes an ass of Thiago and finishes things early.

Upset Pick WINNER-Jack Marshman by Rd.1 TKO

Gerald Meerschaert (25-8) -320 vs. Ryan Janes (9-1) +260

"The Machine" has won 6 in a row, all finishes, and all in the very 1st round save one. Homie has 18 subs on his resume though his foe is a good grappler. It's Gerald's fight though and he should dominate on the feet and avoid any real trouble on the canvas.

WINNER-Gerald Meerschaert by Decision

Cancelled Bouts:

Junior dos Santos (18-4) vs. Stefan Struve (32-8) 

Alex Volkanovski (14-1) vs. Michel Quinones (8-1) 

Bellator 172 Fedor vs. Mitrione: Fight Card, Picks & Prognostications + Odds

Main Card:

Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1) +110 vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5) -130

"The Last Emperor" returns to America Saturday, February 18th to continue his reign as the greatest fighter of all time! At the age of 40, Fedor has won 5 bouts in a row and has now signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator. Emelianenko is not going to change at this point in his life and we know just what he brings to the table. Fedor's fists can box with God, bringing thunder and death with them using the speed Hermes. The Russian hero is still fast, though obviously slowing with age, but power is the last to go. The International Master of Sport doesn't wear damage well but he is all heart and if he trips Matty to the ground, he could very well pound him all the way to Hell.

Mitrione has gone 2-0 since joining Bellator though there was a scare against Carl Seumanutafa, but the job got done. Matty is fleet of foot for a big man with some nice leg kicks in his arsenal, knockout power in both hands, and a solid granite chin. "Meathead" tends to make mistakes if on the canvas though but there isn't a ton of reason to believe the bout will take place there. Mitrione is only two years younger than Emelianenko at 38 but he hasn't suffered nearly the wear and tear of a long storied career like Fedor.

MMAFO has loved Mitrione ever since we met him way back in '09, but against our favorite fighter of all time, we will be sending death vibes his way. Honestly (for a moment), this is a good matchup for Matt. Mitrione is faster and fresher in his career and as Emelianenko is known for taking a lot of damage, that is something you can't do against Matt. The American can connect and put you away quickly, buuuuuuut fuck it all! MMAFO has, and always will ride with GOAT Fedor Emelianenko! "The Last Emperor" raises his calm head after the announcements and unleashes the power of mother Russia upon the dome of Mitrione. It's quick, vicious, and emphatic! Fedor knocks Matt's head clean off his body and then floats into the air as at the rays of justice and purity shine down upon him. Bet.

Upset Pick WINNER-Fedor Emelianenko by Rd.1 KO

Josh Thomson (22-8) -200 vs. Patricky Freire (16-8) +170

Well, "The Bitch," wait, what's that? Oh, its "The Punk," returns having won his initial two bouts in his new Bellator home. The journeyman is a good grappler and so so striker. He's also a cunt of a human being.

"Pitbull #2" is basically just a striker though a powerful one. There are claims of being a Jiu-Jitsu player but when have you ever seen him use it in cage? 

Thomson should be smart enough to get this to the ground and dry hump Freire for 15 minutes, but let's hope Patty sneaks in something early and decimates Josh.

WINNER-Josh Thomson by Decision

Cheick Kongo (25-10-2) -265 vs. Oli Thompson (17-9) +225

For fuck's sake, why does Bellator keep this boring ass ball kicking loser? Nobody enjoys watching him including his own Mom. Is true. She told us last night in bed. Our only hope is that Oli can land some big bomb before he is placed on his back and we all fall asleep. C'mon big Brit, you can do it!

WINNER-Cheick Kongo by Decision

Josh Koscheck (17-10) -310 vs. Mauricio Alonso (12-7) +255

(MMAFO sighs and shakes head) This could be the oldest card of MMA fighters of all time. "Kos" is finally making his Bellator debut after two years of dicking around since leaving the UFC. Josh lost 5 in a row (hasn't won in 5 damn years!) and looked like total garbage before finding his new home and being 39 hasn't helped his dramatic fall.

Alonso isn't going to garner any attention and rightfully so. This bout is designed to get Josh's feet wet in the pool of MMA again so we can see him get murdered in the future by Paul Daley.

WINNER-Josh Koscheck by Decision

Prelims:

Brooke Mayo (0-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)
Winner-B.Mayo

Dominic Sumner (1-0) vs. Abraham Vaesau (1-0)
Winner-A. Vaesau

Matt Ramirez (1-2) vs. Jeremy Murphy (3-3)
Winner-J.Murphy

Nikko Jackson (1-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (0-1)
Winner-N.Jackson

J.J. Okanovich (3-1) vs. Zach Andrews (3-0)
Winner-J.J.Okanovich

Abner Perez (0-0) vs. Gaston Bolanos (0-0)
Winner-G.Bolanos

James Terry (18-9) vs. J.C. Llamas (8-5)
Winner-J.Terry

Anatoly Tokov (24-3) vs. Francisco France (13-4-1)
Winner-A.Tokov

Diego Herzog (4-2) vs. Martin Sano (4-2)
Winner-D.Herzog
Justin Tenedora (0-0) vs. Roque Reyes (0-3)
Winner-J.Tenedora

Fedor Fight Week: Ladies Love Fedor!

Fedor Fight Week: Team Fedor & His Coaches

     

Fyodor Vladimirovich Yemelyanenko is not only the greatest fighter of all time, but a legendary sambist and judoka. Fedor began as a member of Russian Top Team, before joining the Red Devil Sport Club (Imperial Team), but now spends most of his time at the VOS Gym in the Netherlands. Emelianenko has a crew called Team Fedor that includes students and teachers alike.

Coaches:

Volk Han

Andrei Kopylov

Vladimir Voronov (judo,sambo)

Alexander Michkov (boxing)

Peter Teijsse (muay thai)

Ernesto Hoost (kickboxing)

Team Fedor:

Kirill Sidelnikov 

Vitaly Minakov

Vadim Nemkov

Anatoly Tolkov

Valentin Moldovan

Teodoras Aukstuolis

Members of Team Fedor are now coming to Bellator as well since Bellator President Scott Coker has signed Kirill Sidelnikov, Vadim Nemkov, and Valentin Moldovan. Let the Russian invasion begin!

Fedor Fight Week & The Glorious Sweater of Absolute Victory (video)

MMA fans rejoice! The greatest fighter of all time is returning to America. "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko has his 1st bout for the Bellator promotion this Saturday, February 18th. You never know when it will be the legend's last so we at MMAFO aim to celebrate.

Behold the glory and magnificence that is the Glorious Sweater of Absolute Victory! 

“I cannot understand actually why this sweater became that famous and there is no famous sweater actually because that’s my wear, that’s my manner,” Fedor once said through a translator. “I take the thing and I wear it until it becomes really very old. And I know this sweater became really very old.”

The Sweater of Absolute Victory has become the stuff of legends as Emelianenko continues to be bewildered by its popularity, but smart enough to continue to wear it in American where the garment is treated with the respect and awe it deserves. Pay attention kids, you might just see it this week!

Bellator even made a special, "The Legend Of Fedor's Sweater" video. (watch below)

https://youtu.be/qswZGM38zxQ

UFC 208 Results: A Night of Controversy & Decisions

Germaine de Randamie defeated Holly Holm by Unanimous Decision (48-47 3x) to win the Inaugural Featherweight title.

Controversy just engulfs the UFC's newly christened women's Featherweight division. First off, the damned division was created for Cristiane "Femborg" Justino who promptly tests positive for PED's (for the 2nd time) taking herself out of the picture. Then we get this nothing of a bout with Holly on a 2-fight losing streak against a complete unknown. The fight itself wasn't terrible, but ended with more questions than answers.

After the bell to end the 2nd round, de Randamie threw a very late punch that wobbled and wounded Holm badly. No point deduction was given by referee  Todd Anderson. Then Germaine struck late again after the 3rd round bell and this time even stuck out his tongue to celebrate her infraction. Again, no point deduction. 

So the bout should be scored 48-48, at the very least, and with proper implementation of the unified rules, 47-48 for Holly Holm! "Am I the only one around here who gives a shit about the rules!"

Germaine now does the new champ dance and skates off to have hand surgery prolonging the proposed bout against "Cyborg."

Anderson Silva defeated Derek Brunson by Unanimous Decision (29-28 2x, 30-27).

Okay, okay, everyone scored the bout for DB but fuck it. Anderson had not found victory in his previous 5 outings and last won in 2012, and this fight was close. "Da Spider" had an answer for Brunson's takedown attempts until the final round when he was content to coast. Standing, both men had their moments with Andy even throwing some spinning shit as he continues his crusade against father time. Derek found success in Anderson's clinch rocking him with strikes as the GOAT ate them showing that granite chin isn't gone yet. 

And hey cheating sonofabitch Yoel Romero who as of this date has not officially signed to face UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping. Don't be surprised if your villain ass gets leaped over by "Da Spider" setting up a huge rematch in this new era of UFC. Bet.

Ronaldo Souza submitted Tim Boetsch via Kimura at 3:41 of the opening round.

Yup, shock of the world here. "Jacare" deserves a title shot but the damn division is clogged up. "Submission of the Night"

Glover Teixeira defeated Jared Cannonier by Unanimous Decision (30-26 3x).

Well, Cannonier isn't quite ready for the elite yet, but he's on his way. Give it a year and these two fighters will have swapped positions in the company. At any rate, give the devil his due, Glover won the day and showed how infantile Jared's grappling really is.

Dustin Poirier defeated Jim Miller by Majority Decision (28-28, 30-27, 29-28).
"Fight of the Night"

Belal Muhammad defeated Randy Brown by Unanimous Decision(30-27 2x, 30-27).

Aw man, we jump off our MMAFO created Belal Muhammad hype train for one second, and he makes us pay. Good on ya Belal, we're still fans of this guy who has heart and can grind for days. No quit in this fella and we likes him.

Wilson Reis defeated Ulka Sasaki by Unanimous Decision (29-28 3x).

Islam Makhachev defeated Nik Lentz by Unanimous Decision (30-25 2x, 30-27).

Rick Glenn defeated Phillipe Nover by Split Decision (27-30, 29-28 2x).

Ryan LaFlare defeated Roan Carneiro by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28).

And of course, Ian McCall versus Jarred Brooks was cancelled because the MMA Gods hate him so. Seriously, if "Uncle Creepy" does want to fight again some day, he may need to look at his weight cutting practices.

MMAFO went 7-3 in the picking game.