UFC On Fuel TV 2: UFC Sweden Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Fuel TV 2: UFC Sweden
April 14, 2012
Ericsson Globe Arena
Stockholm, Sweden

The UFC is finally back after the month long layoff heading for the MMA hungry Sweden for the 1st time. All Swedish hopes lie with Gustaffson, Yousef, Madadi, Cedenblad, and Abedi who represent the Kingdom of the Swedes. A card with a lot of possibly unknown and very hard to pronounce names yet quite a lot of good intriguing matches all for free not to mention two characters on the verge of insanity. Its gotta be fun!

Main Card (Fuel TV):
Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) vs. Thiago Silva (14-2) Gustaf the pride of Sweden carrying the entire county upon his shoulders as their superstar, steps in against Thiago who is returning from a year long suspension for a bogus urine test to hide his steroids. Stay classy Silva. Gustaf has the good striking but has lacked in the wrestling department while Silva likes to take people down and abuse them. Working with Phil Davis will help Alex's ground game but also consider Thiago will have some ring rust after the long layoff. With the crowd behind him all the stars are lining up to begin making the "Mauler" a star.

WINNER-Alexander Gustafsson by Decision

Brian Stann (11-4) vs. Alessio Sakara (15-8) I have never understood how Sakara has managed to stay employed in the UFC. Anytime he meets a decent opponent he loses and has a highly questionable chin. 6-5-1 isn't impressive in Zuffa and while Stann got humiliated by Fael Sonnen last out here he finds a confidence building highlight win. The "All-American" is going to land on the chin of Sakara putting him on skates before punching him into a coma on the floor. After that, more wrestling training for Stann who looks to make a title run again.

WINNER-Brian Stann by Rd.1 KO

Paulo Thiago (14-3) vs. Siyar Bahadurzada (20-4-1) I'm glad Bahad is finally getting his shot in the UFC but he's getting a tough opener against an underrated Welterweight. Both guys are going to bring the war but even though Siyar is crazy he just doesn't have the skills Thiago does. The Afghan will literally try to kill Paulo but the Brazilian literally trains for terrorists as a Special Police Operations Battalion officer. Did I just say that? Just a joke people but Siyar is honestly crazy. This will be fun and then we wait for Bahad to drop his good behavior and come real.

WINNER-Paulo Thiago by Slobberknocker

Dennis Siver (19-8) vs. Diego Nunes (17-2) The star of the German version of Growing Pains came in a bit over for his initial bout as a Featherweight but did make 145 in the back to make the fight official even though he looked gaunt and dreadful. Nunes is right there in the title scene coming off a spirited loss to Kenny Florian and did I mention Dennis looks terrible at the new weight which is obviously not for him. I worry about Siver re hydrating himself for this fight and if he can't win quickly he is gonna be in some trouble.

WINNER-Diego Nunes by Rd.3

DaMarques Johnson (13-9) vs. John Maguire (17-3) Despite all the losses on his record and history of shaky performances, DaMarques has been steadily improving his skills though he is as annoying as ever. The Brit has gotten lucky matchmaking but has nothing that really stands out with his game. Take Johnson to use his length on the feet, halting the coming takedown attempts, and if need be will out grapple John on the floor.

Upset Pick WINNER-DaMarques Johnson by Decision

Brad Pickett (20-6) vs. Damacio Page (15-6) "One Punch" got pwned in his last outing against Renan Pegado ruining his title shot plans in front of his homeland of England. Page is going to come in with his crazy blitzkrieg style which will allow Pickett to take him down and tap him in his best area. Brad needs to get a big win here to forgive his last embarrassing outing and gets it against a guy who may get bounced from the UFC after this loss.

WINNER-Brad Pickett by Rd.2 Submission

Prelims (Facebook):
Papy Abedi (8-1) vs. James Head (7-2) "Makambo" was doing quite well against veteran Thiago Silva in his Octagon debut until he shat the bed. Now returning in his native land against a far less talented foe he is going to run rough shot over Head who doesn't have the "Pitbull" power to stifle the initial onslaught.

WINNER-Papy Abedi by Rd.1 TKO

Cyrille Diabaté (17-8-1) vs. Tom DeBlass (7-0) This is an interesting and close fight. The "Snake" has never developed the ground skills but is a talented kickboxer with serious reach. Tom is a Ricardo Amleida Jiu-Jitsu protege which gives him the kryptonite to any kickboxer with ground deficiencies. I have also seen Diabate fade in fights and quite frankly his best days are behind him at age 38. DeBlass ties the "Snake" in knots while showcasing his more well rounded style.

WINNER-Tom DeBlass by Decision

Francis Carmont (17-7) vs. Magnus Cedenblad (10-3) Magnus got the shot because he's a Swede while the impressive Carmont trains under the tutelage of Georges St. Pierre at the Tri Star gym. I am quite impressed with Carmont's game thus far and fully expect "Limitless" to run game on Cedenblad all night long.

WINNER-Francis Carmont by Rd.3 TKO

Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-0) vs. Reza Madadi (11-2) Izquierdo has a difficult name and a Karate style while "Mad Dog" has bested 3 former UFC veterans in a row. Yoislandy (seriously with the names guy) will be overwhelmed as the homeland hero gets the nod. Also, Karate is near useless in MMA and Reza is straight crazy!

WINNER-Reza Madadi by Decision

Simeon Thoresen (16-2-1) vs. Besam Yousef (6-0) Both guys getting their 1st shot in Zuffa but Besam hasn't got the experience and I fully expect a Thor like beatdown. The "Grin" is looking for and will find the submission.

WINNER-Simeon Thoresen by Rd.2 Submission

Jason Young (8-5) vs. Eric Wisely (19-7) "Little Lee" now forever known as the guy who tapped to the 1st successful Calf Slicer in the UFC, while Young has failed twice in the big show but against stern competition. Wisely could use the takedown to take this on points but Young should have enough skill to avoid the mat while piling up points with his fisticuffs en route to a close victory with his crooked mowhawk.

WINNER-Jason Young by Decision

Why Michael Schiavello Is Wrong

On a recent episode of Inside MMA, guest Michael Schiavello tried to defend his longtime friend Alistair Overeem on his recent 14:1 testosterone levels that may have ruined the upcoming bout against Junior Dos Santos. The "Voice" made these statements to try and rescue the floundering "Ubereem" as ignorant as they might be.

"Alistair doesn't have a license with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), so how are they testing him in the first place when he doesn't have a license with them? By what jurisdiction are they testing him? And 'B,' everyone seems to be hanging Alistair out to dry. They've been nailing him to the cross and crucifying him, but it's still two months away from his fight. You know, he hasn't technically cheated. Because, unless he pisses hot on the fight night, how could he possibly have cheated? There's still an opportunity he can get from the 14:1 down to the allowed 6:1 level by fight time. But we're calling him out as a cheat, two months out from a fight?"

MMAFO would be happy to answer those questions.

A The reason the NSAC are testing Overeem is because he failed to earn a license for his 1st UFC bout with Brock Lesnar. Alistair was supposed to submit a urine sample to the commission for said license but instead flew home to Holland to aid his sick mother. Then, the NSAC gave the "Demolition Man" a pass on the miscue and asked for him to go to a designated facility in Holland and send them a sample. Overeem then went to his own facility of choice, not the facility the NSAC told him to use. That was his 2nd failure and thus the NSAC gave him only a "conditional license" providing that "Ubereem" would give the NSAC two separate samples at the time of the commission's choosing, before the piss test the day before the actual bout against Junior Dos Santos. The surprise drug test after the UFC 146 press conference was the 1st sample of which he scored 14:1 over the max of 6:1 of which most sports only allow 4:1!

B Technically, he has cheated! What Michael is saying is that it's fine to cheat and raise your testosterone illegally as long as you cycle off steroids in time to pass the drug test. That is still fucking cheating!

I hope this clears things up for Michael Schivello who is a longtime friend of Overeem and apparently condones cheating in MMA.

For the record, TRT is cheating as well. Chael Sonnen, Dan Henderson, Quinton Jackson and whoever else that is using this "loophole" in the system to cheat their way to the top should be bounced from the sport for good. One of the most common reasons for low testosterone in males comes from past steroid use which causes the body to stop making testosterone because so much synthetic testosterone was introduced. Please god let Alistair claim he needs the TRT exemption. That would be epically hilarious.

I want cheaters out of MMA and ignorant commentators to stop defending them. "Goodnight Irene." -MMAFO

The Blackzilians Team & Coaches

The Blackzilians are a MMA team fighting out of Boca Raton, Florida. They might as well have called themselves the Orphans as many made the fresh start coming from other notable camps. So far the team members include:

• Rashad Evans
• Alistair Overeem
• Jorge Santiago
• JZ Cavalcante
• Michael Johnson
• Melvin Guillard
• Tyrone Spong
• Anthony Johnson
• Daniel Ghita
• Rodrigo Botti

They have amassed a great set of coaches including Mike Van Arsdale (head coach), Henri Hooft (striking), Flavius Silva (Jiu-Jitsu), and Marcus Silva (Jiu-Jistu).

The Blackzilians also continually work with fighters who spilt time with them and another camp such as Eddie Alvarez, Kenny Florian, Jake Shields, and Miguel Torres.

Head Coach Mike Van Arsdale explained one of the benefits of the new Blackzilian school.

“I came out of the Greg Jackson camp as an athlete and as a coach so I know that camp. They tend to have quite a few people in that gym, and we don't have that many people in our gym. It's kind of like the difference of going to a small private school where there is more one on one with the teachers as opposed to going to a college like I went to like Iowa State where there are 620 people in your psyche class.”
“The athletes should realize that these guys like Greg Jackson and other coaches are giving their lives to this sport. They have families and so many other things they could be doing yet there they are helping the athletes. A lot of times the athletes want more. I just don't think you can deliver if you overload your gym.”

Recent convert Alistair Overeem who had a very public split with his former team Golden Glory talked about the professionalism of the team and Authentic Sports Management that represents the Blackzilians under the tutelage of Glenn Robinson.

“ASM has a team of experts to help you grow as an athlete, from Glenn working hands-on as management to Jen Wenk handling my PR and Karen Gough running marketing, a full-time nutritionist, a finance and legal department. You name it, they have it. After meeting with ASM, I was convinced that they can make me the new UFC world champion.”

If only ASM could take a piss test for "Ubereem" he'd be in the money.

Keep on the lookout as the Blackzilians rise to power this year rivaling the likes of ATT, BTT, AKA, PTA, TNA, NBA, BBC, WTF, and all the top teams in MMA.

Bellator 64 Results: Yawn

Its seems kinda fitting that after I gave Bellator's recent events glowing reviews that when I finally got around to picking a card it was a stinker. Could not have been more bored throughout this night of lame bouts. The official live steam on Spike.tv kept repeating itself almost as much as the commentators repeated their stupid cliches about each bout (i.e. 'Bezzerra is fighting his hero.'). The official live steam on Spike.tv kept repeating itself almost as much as the commentators repeated their stupid cliches about each bout (i.e. 'Bezzerra is fighting his hero.'). To the results such as they were.

Welterweight Champion Ben Askren retained his title defeating a hapless Douglas Lima by Unanimous Decision in a clean sweep. That was just gawd awful to watch. Lima looked as though he did nothing to prepare for the obvious onslaught of oncoming takedowns from Askren who was content as always to get things to the ground and do little to nothing offensively. Yes Ben's tactics work but he makes Jon Fitch look like he's from the Matrix. The crowd was booing something I normally loathe but I actually turned the fight off after the start of the 4th round.

In the Bellator Season 6 Featherweight Semi-Final bout Marlon Sandro snuck by fellow countryman Alexandre Bezerra by Split-Decision. Sandro didn't look terrible but he found Alex had no answer for his leg kicks and rinse and repeat with some striking and we have a close though not very entertaining bout. Sandro got the win as he should have but we expect more from such a talented fighter. Though Bezerra lost to his idol (did you know Alex admired Marlon as his hero? The commentators sure did.) he is only 24 and has great potential.

In the Season 6 Bantamweight Quarterfinals, Travis Marx bested Masakatsu Ueda by Unanimous Decision. At least we got the Upset Pick correct in what was a bevy of takedowns and L&P inaction. Greg Jackson's camp has picked up the "boring" team tag but its kinda hard to disagree these days. Still, I knew the larger fighter would be more prepared and someone teach the Japanese fighters how to cut weight.

In the other Season 6 Bantamweight Quarterfinal, Hiroshi Nakamura defeated Rodrigo Lima by Unanimous Decision. Lima's kicks continually found the cup of Nakamura resulting in a point deduction in the 2nd that was really the difference when the judges made their call. A pretty close affair but I don't like Nakamura's chances going forward if he doesn't pick things up.

Elias Theodorou defeated Rich Lictawa when he gave up by Verbal Submission 0:33 into the last round. There is nothing quite like vocally quitting to make you hated in the eyes of MMA fans.

Kyle Prepolec got a submission on Lance Snow by Armbar in the 1st round!

Chad Laprise defeated Josh Taveirne by Triangle Choke in the 1st round as well.

Mike Richman Upset Chris Horodecki KOing the struggling Pollock with Punches in the 1st round in impressive style. Wow did Mike look big and scary. Richman just attacked and wobbled Chris who never found the chance to recover.

Nordine Taleb defeated Matt Secor in a one sided Unanimous Decision.

Jason Fischer tapped Taylor Solomon with the RNC in the final round of their bout.

8-2 on the picks.

Bellator 64 Picks & Prognostications

Bellator 64
April 6, 2012
Caesar’s Windsor
Windsor, Ontario, Canada

The MMA Vacay is ova! We've been a little lazy here at MMAFO using the break in the UFC's schedule to rest up before the long summer stretch of fights. Poor little Bellator has been chugging along with great fights as per usual and its time to show the little MMA promotion that can some deserved attention.

Main Card (MTV2):
Welterweight Champion Ben Askren vs. Douglas Lima Ya just gotta hate the arrogant, irritating, and most often boring "Funky" champion but you cannot deny his wrestling credentials. Ben made a move to Roufusport to try and improve his offense but we know he will rely on his takedowns and L&P to frustrate another opponent into 25 minutes of tedious hell. Lima has won 9 fights in a row and as Nick Thompson and Jay Hieron have proven, you just need to put those fists on Ben's ugly face. Easier said than done while defending his staunch and continual takedown attempts. Lima must avoid those shots at all costs while looking for the KO for which he has shown some recent love. Doug has 25 minutes to land that hail mary shot but he won't as he gets taken down over and over again while the crowd and I take a nap.

WINNER-Ben Askren by Decision

Featherweight Season 6 Semifinal
Marlon Sandro vs. Alexandre Bezerra Marlon has responded with two brilliant wins after the KO loss to now Champion Pat Curran though the 13-1 "Popo" is no slouch himself. I actually like the skills of Bezerra but not against such a specimen from the Nova Uniao camp where Marlon trains with friend and UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo. Alex can give Sandro a fight for sure but Marlon continues his climb back up the ladder looking to become the 2nd best Featherweight in the world once again.

WINNER-Marlon Sandro by Decision

Bantamweight Season 6 Quarterfinals
Travis Marx vs. Masakatsu Ueda "T-Train" fights out of the Greg Jackson camp with a record of 18-3 but the 15-1 Ueda has faced much tougher opponents in his career. Ueda rides a 5 fight winning streak including a win over a Royler Gracie (who I admit 46 years old) but in a battle where both men "play it safe" until the cards are counted, always bank on the Jackson game plan.

Upset Pick WINNER-Travis Marx by Decision

Rodrigo Lima vs. Hiroshi Nakamura The undefeated "Ratinho" makes his Bellator debut hailing from Team Nogueira in Brazil. "Iron" is a DEEP and Shooto alum who has won two in a row including a Decision win (as is often his case) against Yoshiro Maeda. Though I'm doubting the littler Lima on the card can put the gritty grind em out Nakamura away, he will control things en route to a close decision nod.

WINNER-Rodrigo Lima by Decision

Prelims (Spike.com):

Chris Horodecki vs. Mike Richman The Cherub faced Horodecki is in for his 3rd Bellator bout after winning the 1st and catching the crowd pleasing draw in the 2nd. Now the "Polish Hammer" who sports good solid kickboxing faces the 11-1 "Marine." Mikey hasn't faced anyone of note until now and will get blown up by Chris' I.E.D. powered hands.

WINNER-Chris Horodecki by Rd.2 TKO

Nordine Taleb vs. Matt Secor The lauded Tri-Star team is in the hizzy people. Matt has one professional bout and fights out of Spa BJJ which sounds like a retreat while Taleb is 6-1 coming off a KO win over former UFC vet Pete Sell. Should be an obvious pick folks.

WINNER- Nordine Taleb by Rd.3 TKO

Kyle Prepolec vs. Lance Snow W-Prepolec

Chad Laprise vs. Josh Taveirne W-Laprise

Elias Theodorou vs Rich Lictawa W-Theordorou
Taylor Solomon vs. Jason Fischer W-Fischer

Ronda Rousey Poses In Fitness RX Gallery (Pictures)

Brock Lesnar Returns To The WWE (Video)

MMA Classic Photo #11 "Acing The Iceman"

Aleksander Emelianenko vs Tadas Rimkevicius Fight Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bellator 60

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

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

Mike Corey defeats Ronnie Mann by Unanimous Decision.

Alexandre Bezerra submits Kenny Foster by Rd.2 RNC.

Daniel Straus defeated Jeremy Spoon by Unanimous Decision.

Jake Nauracy tapped Cory Galloway by Rd.2 RNC.

Travis Wiuff defeated Anthony Gomez by Unanimous Decision.

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

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

Josh Shockley defeated Shamar Bailey by Unanimous Decision.

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

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

Bellator 60: Quick Picks

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

Main Card
Joe Warren vs. Pat Curran W-Warren

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BTW, MCC FTW!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-3 on a tough weekend to pick fights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey Weigh-In Video

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey Weigh-In Pictures

Strikeforce Tate vs Rousey Picks & Prognostications

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

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

WINNER-Ronda Rousey by Rd.2 Submission

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

WINNER-Josh Thomson by Decision

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

WINNER-Paul Daley by Rd.2 TKO

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

Guarantee WINNER-Ronaldo Souza by Rd.2 Submission

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

Upset Pick WINNER-Lumumba Sayers by Rd.3 KO

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

WINNER-Sarah Kaufman by Decision

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

WINNER-Caros Fodor by Split-Decision

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

WINNER-Conor Heun by Decision

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

WINNER-Roger Bowling by Rd.2 TKO

UFC on FX 2: Alves vs Kampmann Picks & Prognostications

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

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

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

WINNER-Thiago Alves by Rd.3 TKO

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

WINNER-Costa Philippou by Decision

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

WINNER-Joe Benavidez by Throttling

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

WINNER-Demetrious Johnson by Decision

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

WINNER-James Te Huna by Rd.2 TKO

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

WINNER-Nick Penner by Decision

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

Guarantee Pick WINNER-Cole Miller by Destruction

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

WINNER-Andrew Craig by Decision

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

WINNER-TJ Waldburger by Decision

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

WINNER-Mackens Semerzier by Decision

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

WINNER-Shawn Jordan by Rd.2 TKO