UFC On Fox 3 Results: Diaz & Hendricks Earn Title Shots In Victory

Main Bouts (Fox):
Nate Diaz taps Jim Miller via Guillotine Choke at 4:09 of the 2nd round to earn his 1st Lightweight title shot!  Jesus 219 representing the Stockton home!  Nate came in flexing and refused to touch gloves as the bout began.  The hometown Jersey crowd would have no effect on the coming storm that would crush their local hero.  Miller did right early landing a few leg kicks and pressing the action against the cage where he should have kept things.  Once distance was established the younger Diaz began landing at will and a straight left hand dropped Miller to the canvas.  Nate went to take Jim's back but made a normally costly error when Miller found the control from behind.  They scramble back to the feet and the round ends.  In the 2nd stanza, against the cage again, Diaz starts landing body shots with punches and knees and when Jim escapes Nick drops his hands and the trash talk and mocking gestures begin.  Jim throws an ill advised flying knee to answer and 219's own is hurting Miller with a bevy of strikes.  Jim shoots for the takedown in desperation but Diaz latches onto a one arm guillotine.  The positioning is off so Nate rolls Jim over locking down the choke that has Jim's bloody tongue hanging out of his mouth moments before the tap.  
* It is an impressive and straight dominant win as a prime Nate awaits the winner of the Ben Henderson, Frankie Edgar rematch for the gold!  "Submission Of The Night"

Johny Hendricks defeats Josh Koscheck by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  "Kos" looked great early backing "Big Rig" into the fence and throwing crisp combinations but Johny gets poked in the eye (as we were all warned about) and retreats.  Hendricks is wiinging punches while Koscheck tries to walk him down.  Josh is holding the cage continually but Johny continues to stuff the takedown attempts though he is getting outstruck.  Rd.1 10-9 Koscheck  In the 2nd Johny's eye seems better and he hits the 1st takedown of the fight though not for long.  "Big Rig" is landing the punches now, mainly with uppercuts as the round ends.  Rd.2 10-9 Hendricks In the final round, Johny is landing a bit while "Kos" scurries away until a brutal left finds its mark on Josh and his previously damaged right eye is swelling badly.  Finally its "Kos" who earns a takedown but does little with it as time expires.  Rd.3 10-9 Hendricks  The judges agree and Hendricks wins a razor close fight becoming the new #1 contender to Carlos Condit provided true champion Georges St. Pierre isn't ready any time soon.  The Welterweight division is a mess right now with Nick Diaz and GSP out of the picture but I would not have been surprised had Koscheck got the nod.

* Hendricks presumably awaits Condit as said before but if Carlos wants to wait for "Rush" Johny might face the winner of Jake Ellenberger vs Martin Kampmann while it would make sense for Koscheck to get the loser of said bout.  Speaking of Josh and he notorious and frequent eye pokes, here is what Johny had to say about the continual rule breaker.

"He does it every fight. That’s just him. We knew about it. That’s why I was trying to throw and move my head out of the way. I was moving my head more this fight when I was trying to throw punches because I didn’t want to get poked in the eye because he’s always sticking that hand out there. It ended up catching me and it hurt me."  "Blanket" should also know that he lost to a guy with mono.  Happy holidays asshole.  

Alan Belcher  played the leg lock game and defeated Rousimar Palhares by TKO (Strikes) in the 1st round.  The "Talent" looked to be in peril early as he went right into Palhares guard immediately in the bout and actually looked for the rare Twister submission.  Surprisingly, Belcher seemed content to stay on the mat as both men went back and forth searching for leg locks.  When Alan turned the tables and got on top of Rousimar it was the beginning of the end.  Belcher began dropping with punches and solid elbows that rendered Palhares unable to defend himself as the fight was stopped.  A very impressive win for Belcher who made no bones about the fact he wants to fight for the Middleweight title.

* Belcher isn't a title contender yet but he's close.  The winner of the  Brian Stann vs. incoming beast Hector Lombard bout is a possibility but the winner of Vitor Belfort vs Wanderlei Silva would make more sense.  Palhares is still in the game but he faltered near the top against Nate Marquardt and Dan Henderson make the comeback that much harder. 

Lavar Johnson TKO's Pat Barry in the 1st round as expected.  We got what we wanted as the two men came out throwing bombs.  "HD" seemed to get the worst of it early and got a takedown an tried to lock on a keylock but can't complete it.  Back to the feet and "Big" has had enough as he just unloads a barrage of some devastating punches as Barry crumbles to the mat bloodied and beaten.  It's a feel good win for the big fella and the exciting slobber knocker we all wanted to see.
*  There are lots of interesting bouts for Johnson including Mark Hunt, Travis Browne, or any of the big strikers but Barry is still going to be around though he continues to be awful at 3-5 in the UFC.  Neither man is going to be knocking on the title contender door ever but chicks dig the KO.  "KO Of The Night"

Prelims (Fuel TV):
Michael Johnson Upsets Tony Ferguson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  "Springfield" showed great striking improvement from the Blackzilians camp and had a counter punch for everything Tony tried.  It just seemed like everything was in place for Mike and perhaps Ferguson took the late replacement lightly.  


John Dodson defeated Tim Elliott by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  Late replacement Elliott was a game fighter throwing all sorts of fun attacks at Dodson who poked him in the eye causing it to swell almost shut.  John got it done against a cyclops but I'd like to see Tim fight again with two eyes.


John Hathaway defeats Pascal Krauss by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) as he continues to grow in his young career.


Louis Gaudinot Upsets John Lineker by Guillotine Choke submission in the 2nd round.  Both men came to fight as the lil' guys went for broke early and often in this fight throwing caution to the breeze.  "Green Hair" wasn't winning but in the 2nd round deftly secured the choke tapping his opponent and showing some serious heart.  Louis might want to keep the hair out of his face in the future though.  "Fight Of The Night"


Danny Castillo defeats John Cholish by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a lackluster fight.
Dennis Bermudez defeats Pablo Garza by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) scoring takedown after takedown and smothering Garza.  A tough loss for Pablo but damn can Dennis rassle.

Prelims (Facebook):
Roland Delorme tapped Nick Denis by RNC at 4:59 of the 1st round.

Karlos Vemola Upsets Mike Massenzio by RNC at 1:07 of the 2nd round in a come from behind win.  Vemola lost the 1st round and was getting tagged early in the 2nd when he brought things to the ground and secured the choke which I would have never thought possible.  The Czech continues to vex me but a win is a win.  


6-6 on the picks wherein the slump continues.

UFC On Fox 3: Miller vs Diaz Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Fox 3
May 5, 2012
IZOD Center
East Rutherford, New Jersey

Main Bouts (Fox):
Jim Miller (21-3) vs. Nate Diaz (15-7) In our 5 round "Main Event" the remaining Diaz brother has but 1 man to beat to earn a Lightweight title shot.  The problem is Miller has the wrestling that is the Bane (The Dark Knight Rises debuts in a month people!) of Nate's existence.  Rory MacDonald tossed Diaz around like a rag doll and leg kicks embarrassed Nate against Donald Cerrone.  These are both things Jim does well and he is in his backyard just for laughs.  Basically, Jim is the type of fighter that poses problems for the brothers Diaz but if Nate is still in the fight come the 4th round he will go for the kill and we don't know how Miller will hold up in a 25 minute fight.  I don't see Nate's striking to be as deadly to the much smaller Miller brother who mixes up his attack with said kicks, takedowns, and G&P while avoiding those sneaky submissions.  Could be a bad night in the 219 but I hope I'm wrong.  Jersey holds sway tonight but if Dan Miller met Nick Diaz it would be a completely different story.
WINNER-Jim Miller by Decision


Josh Koscheck (17-5) vs. Johny Hendricks (12-1)  I fully believe "Kos" is still gun shy after the orbital fracture Georges St. Pierre gave him which should keep him on the outside of Johny's big left hand that put Koscheck's best friend Jon Fitch to sleep in 12 seconds!  Hendricks instead picks his spots bullying Josh around and the wrestling cancels each other out and "Blanket" runs for the hills keeping himself upright but unable to curry the judges favor.
WINNER-Johny Hendricks by Decision


Rousimar Palhares (14-3) vs. Alan Belcher (17-6)  The always crazy and lethal tree trunk returns to ruin Alan's leg and possibly his career.  Belcher is slowly returning from an eye injury that almost cost him his career already and the striker is just left open far too many ways for "Toquinho" not to capitalize upon.  Palhares will catch Alan eventually and when he does something important is going to tear.
WINNER-Rousimar Palhares by Rd.2 Submission


Pat Barry (7-4) vs. Lavar Johnson (16-5)  Two Heavyweight bombers trade cannon fire in what has to be a 1 rounder.  I personally question Pat's chin but bank on him making a mistake in every fight.  "Big" is no joke and looks to Hulk smash the lil' "HD" who returns to carrying Matt Mitrione's bags.  Where is "Meathead" anyway?
Upset Pick WINNER-Lavar Johnson Rd.1 KO

Prelims (Fuel TV):
Tony Ferguson (13-3) vs. Michael Johnson (10-6)  Tony is a long armed technical and power striker which doesn't bode well for the green Johnson out of the Blackzilians camp.  Mike has some wrestling but not enough to keep Ferguson down who will grow as the fight progresses while "Springfield" notoriously fades.  To finish would be a win for Mikey.
WINNER-Tony Ferguson by Rd.3 TKO


John Dodson (12-5) vs. Tim Elliot (8-2-1)  Uber annoying is the "Lock Of The Night" as he trashes creepy Tim who is a late replacement.  And creepy looking.  
WINNER-John Dodson Rd.2 TKO


John Hathaway (15-1) vs. Pascal Krauss (10-0) The stock of the Brit has fallen recently but his skills are ever improving against a relatively unknown undefeated fighter from Roufusport.  Don't know much about Pascal so we'll stay with the steady providing someone can light some desire in this kid.
WINNER-John Hathaway by Decision


Louis Gaudinot (5-2) vs. John Lineker (19-5) "Green Hair Guy" is at his truer weight now and though highly durable he now meets the Brazilian on a 13 fight winning streak.  "Goodnight" surprises all with his plucky attitude and ekes out an Upset.
Upset Pick WINNER-Louis Gaudinot by Decision


Danny Castillo (13-4) vs. John Cholish (8-1) "Headband" meets a fellow wrestler who can out grappler him which spells trouble.  Castillo reps the Team Alpha Male dogs but Cholish is the highly touted Renzo Gracie prospect.  Expecta a nip and tuck back and forth affair with John pulling things out late with better striking.
Upset Pick WINNER-John Cholish by Decision


Dennis Bermudez (7-3) vs. Pablo Garza (11-2)  This is a tighter contest but lean toward the lanky "Scarecrow."  Bermuda Schwatrz is decent for a TUF player but I'm feeling a mistake leading to another Garza "Submission Of The Night."
Upset Pick WINNER-Pablo Garza Rd.2 Submission

Prelims (Facebook):
Roland Delorme (7-1) vs. Nick Denis (11-2)  Denis gained a little love with some rarely used standing elbows to KO his opponent in his Zuffa debut while Delorme is yet another TUF castoff which should tell you all you need to know.  Nick is looking for a slamfest and Roland, Roland, Roland, gets bounced around and out.
WINNER-Nick Denis by Rd.3 TKO


Mike Massenzio (13-6) vs. Karlos Vemola (8-2) Vemola continues to shrink dropping from Heavyweight, down to Light Heavy, and now trying his hand at Middleweight.  Vemola is all bark and no bite coming from the Czech Republic and looking scary but delivering very little.  Mike isn't going to impress anyone either but at the least, and I mean very least, he is more well rounded.  Vemola knows it is do or get fired time so he looks for the bomb and lands it winning the pink slip derby and sending Mike back to the minors.
Upset Pick WINNER-Karlos Vemola by Rd.1 KO

Introducing the Invicta FC Fighters (Video)

The inaugural Invicta FC card debuts tonight and streams live and FREE from invictafc.com

UFC 145 Results: Jones Retains While MacDonald & McDonald Destroy!

Main Card (PPV)

Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones defeats Rashad Evans by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to retain his title.  "Suga" managed to do everything wrong yet still survived to a decision loss that only Stephan Bonnar had managed against "Bones."  It wasn't exactly a clinic for the young champ but a solid win anyway.  There is at the least respect again between the fellas but Evans still hinted at another go in the future which gave Jon a chuckle.  Dan Henderson meets Jones next while Rashad murks around Light Heavyweight while the Zuffa brass tries to convince the Blackzilian to move to Middleweight which he won't do.  Why Evans fell apart so easily and didn't implement a shrewd game plant leaves me depressed.
Rory MacDonald defeated Che Mills by brutal TKO (via Punches) in the 2nd round.  Despite how many times Joe Rogan called Che "solid" and "a killer" he wasn't and isn't.  This was a showcase for Rory and he passed with flying colors.  Feel sorry for Mills who had a mouse under his eye that looked like his eyeball fell into his cheek.  Geez it was a slaughter.  Next for young Rory should be the winner of Josh Koscheck and Johny Hendricks. 
Ben Rothwell KO'd Brendan Schaub with a big punch only 1:10 into the 1st round.  The "Hybrid" had things going his way and even had big Ben on the ropes until Rothwell landed and Brendan's chin failed him again.  Rothwell is back baby and Schaub's career is suddenly in jeopardy.  
Michael McDonald uppercutted Miguel Torres into a living death to win by KO in the 1st round.  Keeping with the theme of the night Torres fought the wrong game plan and stood with Mike who landed an uppercut that put Miguel to sleep worse than Brian Bowles did.  This is serious trouble for "Angel" who should have employed his more intelligent Tri Star tactics but got caught up and angry with the cocky upstart.  McDonald is still a prick and now is playing the Jesus freak card.  Annoying and fraudulent.  "KO Of The Night"
Eddie Yagin Upset Mark Hominick by Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) in a brutal, bloody, and exciting bout.  I did not expect such an entertaining war in which Hominick was dropped numerous times by the bombing Yagin but the Canadian eventually returned the favor making Ed looking like a polar bear that had just fed in the last round.  Mark may have thought he won but he didn't as the heart of Yagin put it on Mark before shooting his wad before the final 5.  Great fight and 3 losses in a row for Mark who is in serious trouble but won't get the pink slip just yet.  "Fight Of The Night"
Mark Bocek defeated John Alessio by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).  Solid ginger performance as ever.

Prelims (FX)

Travis Browne submits Chad Griggs by Arm Triangle in the 1st round.  "Gravedigger" now moves down to Light Heavyweight and Travis moves up the ranks a tad.
Matt Brown Upsets Stephen Thompson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).  "Wonderboy" had zero ground game and paid for it.
Anthony Njokuani defeats John Makdessi by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  Missing weight and two losses in a row won't serve the "Bull" well.
Mac Danzig bested Efrain Escudero via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).  Yes he did.

Prelim(Facebook)

Chris Clements defeats Keith Wisniewski in a very close Split-Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).
Marcus Brimage defeated an overconfident Maximo Blanco via Split-Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28).  Marcus did win but the flip off competition at the end was embarrassing.  Max needs to realize standing there won't win him a fight.


I'm a little grumpy about the event and posting the results so late and the myriad of MMA websites covered it all.  8-5 on the picks for UFC and 5-4 picking Bellator to make the slump official.

UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans

April 21, 2012
Philips Arena
Atlanta, Georgia


Possibly the biggest fight of the year is here and the crowd was divided at the weigh-ins but more boo's for "Bones" who continued to show he's a fraud dancing around killing time before stepping on the scale and mocking "his" crowd.  There's some bad blood between "Angel" and the cocky smirking McDonald, a couple of TUF winners meet in the cage, and some guys missing and barely making weight.  We also have not 1, not 2, oh wait, it is 2 Upset Picks!! Its gonna be fun.  One final note, Mr. Joe Rogan, bring back the hair, you look sickly.  

Main Card (PPV)
Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones (15-1) vs. Rashad Evans (17-1-1)  Finally, we get to end the long coming family feud as the two best Light Heavyweights meet in a bad blood fight.  There are openings and opportunities for "Suga" but eventually the length of "Bones" will rock Evans as he's trying to bridge the gap and get to the much taller Champion.  Evans is a Middleweight fighting a Heavyweight here with limited offense against an oncoming onslaught that can come from anywhere.  Jones has never been taken down in his UFC career and its a bad idea here for Rashad against a guy looking to catch you coming in for either the takedown or the overhand right.  Bullying and getting into the head of Jon may be Rashad's only hope but it doesn't happen as "Bones" uses his massive size to frustrate "Suga" who fails getting inside and eventually it will be Jon who hits the takedown slamming elbows into his former friend's face before the referee stops the assault.  I hope I'm wrong and Evans spins Jon's head around in Beetlejuice fashion but I doubt it.
WINNER-Jon Jones by Rd.2 TKO

Rory MacDonald (12-1) vs. Che Mills (14-4)  I'm with everyone else in the MMA world in wondering why Che is getting the Co-Main Event treatment after only a single fight in the UFC where he bested also ran Chris Cope who isn't even going to test a mid-card fighter.  Rory is on his way to becoming a superstar training under Georges St. Pierre who calls him a "future champion," at Tri-Star and is going to just throw Mills to and fro bouncing Che into the realization he is far out of his element and most likely just here to make MacDonald look good on his way up the Welterweight ladder.
WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Rd.2 Smashing


Brendan Schaub (8-2) vs. Ben Rothwell (31-8)  Schaub took 8 months to recover from getting stomped by legend Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a classic moment in Brazil while big Ben is looking to rebound from one of the most embarrassing Heavyweight bouts in UFC history against Mark Hunt (who doesn't deserve a title shot by the by) as both men gassed out shamefully in an awkward evening before a sea of rightfully angry fans.  Rothwell looks to be in the best shape of his life and this isn't an easy fight for the "Hybrid."  Ben can bring the thunder and is a bit underrated on the floor not to mention the guy is tough as nails and cannot be broken in a fight why there are questions about Schaub's heart and chin.  Brendan will be faster and a crisper striker following a safe game plan moving in and out winning the judges favor though to me this is a coin flip fight.
WINNER-Brendan Schaub by Split-Decision


Miguel Torres (40-4) vs. Michael McDonald (14-1)  Mike has been very cocky and almost mocking in the way he has spoken about the former Bantamweight Champion who is looking to make an example of the arrogant kid.  Torres despite some rough years recently is a uber-well rounded fighter who has only upped his game splitting time training at Tri-Star and with the Blackzilians while calming his notoriously blitzkrieg style for a more mature approach.  "Mayday" is a brilliant striker who is coming into his own but Torres has far more tools, especially on the ground than his younger opponent.  The rumors of "Angel's" demise have been greatly exaggerated and an respect will be paid when the final bell tolls.
Upset Pick WINNER-Miguel Torres by Decision 


Mark Hominick (20-10) vs. Eddie Yagin (15-5-1)  Aw, Ed is a cute little fella.  I'm not sure I have ever see the "Machine" have a height advantage ever but Yagin doesn't have much of a chance in this one.  Hominick is back and looking for blood after an embarrassing 7 second loss to Chan Sung Jung where he ran out and into a punch getting KO'd for being over excited.  Mark is better than that and better than Yagin who gets fed to the wolves as Hominick re-starts his run at the title in a division where he is better than most Featherweights, just not the Champion Jose Aldo.
WINNER-Mark Hominick by Decision


Mark Bocek (10-4) vs. John Alessio (34-14)  Alessio is back in the UFC 6 years later (though he did make a run in the WEC until 2008) more mature and with better hair.  Speaking of hair, the staunch steady ginger is far more well rounded with sick grappling that John is not going to be ready for.  Alessio is a replacement after all and a decent fighter, but not on the level of Bocek at all who is going to make the "Natural" look silly on the mat.
WINNER-Mark Bocek by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (FX)
Travis Browne (12-0-1) vs. Chad Griggs (11-1)  This is a straight fight between two Heavyweights who have zero desire to take things to the mat.  Its gonna be fun while it lasts.  "Gravedigger" is a hoot to watch and an affable guy with amazing pork chops but he's a Light Heavyweight fighting above his weight class against a giant Heavyweight with an insane reach advantage.  Both have power and either could fall but the odds say go with the bigger, longer, up and comer over the part time MMA feel good story.
Upset Pick WINNER-Travis Browne by Rd.1 KO


Matt Brown (13-11) vs. Stephen Thompson (6-0)  "Wonderboy" is back without the power of flight but a ridiculous arsenal of karate attacks that generally work.  I have never been impressed with anything Brown does save for being able to absorb a lot of abuse but that is about to change against this young offensive phenom.  Thompson has better cardio and striking and if he avoids the hail mary punch Thompson abuses the "Mortal" and hopefully bounces him from Zuffa.
WINNER-Stephen Thompson by Rd.3 TKO


John Makdessi (9-1) vs. Anthony Njokuani (14-6)  Naughty naughty, Mr. Makdessi missed weight and forfeits 20% of his purse.  Njokuani has a massive reach advantage and a bevy of striking ability over the "Bull" who really doesn't wow you in any category.  The "Assassin" is continually and up and down fighter but more well rounded and since the "Bull" enjoys standing and trading he plays right into Anthony's Muay Thai's elbows and knees.
WINNER-Anthony Njokuani by Decision


Mac Danzig (20-9-1) vs. Efrain Escudero (18-4)  Two "Ultimate Fighter" winners who have struggled in their respective careers hook it up in a much needed win situation.  Efrain has been known as a half assed trainee but Danzig never skimps on the schooling.  Look for Danzig to exploit the mistake prone Efrain using the slow and steady wins the race mentality.  
WINNER-Mac Danzig by Decision

Prelims (Facebook)
Keith Wisniewski (28-13-1) vs. Chris Clements (10-4)  Keith is inexplicably back in the UFC but probably not for long.  Clements is a far better striker and there is a lot of wear on the tires of the well traveled Wisniewski.  The Canadian is making his 1st run for Zuffa and stays on the feet punishing  the "Polish Connection" over 15 minutes.
WINNER-Chris Clements by Decision


Marcus Brimage (4-1) vs. Maximo Blanco (8-3-1)  Max looked like he struggled a bit making weight but was successful though he reached for the revitalizing water as if he had struggled through the desert before hitting a sauna.  Brimage is a "Rampage" fanboy which should tell you something about his notorious immaturity.  None the less, Blanco is far more advanced and a vicious attacker provided he can stay calm enough not to break the rules as he has done in the past.  Its the big time and Max will keep his head though Marcus may not.
WINNER-Maximo Blanco by Rd.2 TKO

Bellator 66 Picks & Prognostications

Bellator 66
April 20, 2012
I-X Center
Cleveland, Ohio

Main Card (MTV2):
Eddie Alvarez vs. Shinya Aoki 2 [Rematch] We all know what happened the 1st time around but 4 years later are things any different. I say no, and yes. Neither man has evolved out of what they do best but have honed their particular fighting skills. Eddie will be looking to keep things standing while avoiding scrambles and staying away from any action on the mat against Aoki who has tapped 19 men in his career! I favor Alvarez coming off losing his Bellator title and using his speed and technical striking to pummel Shinya who has just awful stand up. Its a battle of who can implement their style and Eddie's athleticism carries him through as the accumulation of punches wears down a game Aoki.

WINNER-Eddie Alvarez by Rd.3 TKO

Season 6 Middleweight Semi-Finals
Brian Rogers vs. Andreas Spang The "Predator" obliterated Vitor Vianna with an epic flying knee while the "Sweet Swede" makes his Bellator debut after winning on Strikeforce Challengers. Nobody is giving Spang a chance and neither am I as Rogers decimates another victim on his way to the finals.

WINNER-Brian Rogers by Rd.2 TKO

Maiquel Jose Falcao Goncalves vs. Vyacheslav Vasilevsky Falcao is one odd cat. Sometimes he comes out like a house of fire and other times he puts you to sleep. This time around the Brazilian faces the newest M-1 export who has garnered some hype but looked average at best in his Bellator debut. This is a 'pick em' fight in my book but you have to side with the experience of Maiquel who also has the power of 4 names on his side.

WINNER-Maiquel Goncalves by Decision

Season 6 Lightweight Semi-Finals
Rick Hawn vs. Lloyd Woodard The Judo medalist looked reborn at Lightweight but he's not facing a "Cupcake" despite the nickname. Lloyd has only lost to current Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler and snapped constant runner up Patricky Freire's arm with a nasty Kimura. Lloyd has shown himself to be hittable but refuses to stay down while "The Rick" has so much talent and skills in the bag that you just can't go against him. I expect it to be close but Hawn finds the nod from the judges in the end.

WINNER-Rick Hawn by Decision

Brent Weedman vs. Thiago Michel Pireira Silva Ah the Brazilians and their 4 names. TMPS is alright but relies heavily on his heavy striking. Weedman is much more well rounded and has fought and beaten some notable names. Take Brent to expose Thiago's single dimension running a ground clinic on Pireira.

WINNER-Brent Weedman by Decision

Prelims
Jessica Eye vs. Anita Rodriguez W-Eye
Frank Caraballo vs. Donny Walker W-Walker
Tyler Combs vs. Jason Dent W-Dent
Attila Vegh vs. Dan Spohn W-Attila
Marcus Vanttinen vs. John Hawk W-Vanttinen
Julian Lane vs. Joe Heiland W-Heiland

Female Fighter Profile: Felice Herrig (with photo Gallery)

Felice Nicole Herrig (born September 18, 1984) is an American kickboxer, Muay Thai fighter, and mixed martial artist. Born in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, she began her career practicing kickboxing and Muay Thai before transitioning to MMA in 2009. In September 2011, she signed a multi-fight deal with XFC in Florida.

"Lil' Bulldog" as she is fondly known, was 23-5-4 in kickboxing where she was ranked number 2 in the World in the IKF International Kickboxing Federation Pro Women’s Muay Thai Bantamweight Division. Felice made the transition to MMA via the reality show "Fight Girls" that aired on the Oxygen Channel in 2007 which she won. Felice also competed on Chuck Norris's World Combat League on the Versus channel. Herrig is currently 6-4 making her way in the Women's 115 lb. Strawweight divison and training with Team Curran that features such MMA fighters as Jens Pulver, Bart Palaszewski, Mackens Semerzier, and Bellator Featherweight Champion Pat Curran under the tuteledge of Jeff Curran.

Herrig is a fan of Mowtown music like the Platters as well as 80's rock like AC/DC and Motley Crue and loves music in general. Felice was one of the 1st female fighters to be featured in a video game called Supremacy MMA.

In a recent profile by HDNet's Inside MMA, Herrig spoke frankly about her personal brand.
"I have sponsors that pay me monthly just to train. So people can knock it, they can say 'Oh you shouldn't use your sex appeal.' Why not? If it brings me the opportunity to get paid to do what I love to do, so I don't have to work a 9-5 job so I can focus on my training … I've worked every angle of just trying to get my name out there, you know, and here I am."

Felice also manages herself which takes a lot of work.
"I’m my own manager, I set up my own fights, and I set up my own photo shoots. I market myself. I do everything on my own and I don’t really have a lot of balance right now. But I know that because I work so hard eventually it will all kind of fall into place where I can have other people take care of this stuff for me, but right now I realize that if you want something done you have to do it yourself."

Whether fighting or posing we here at MMAFO support Felice Herrig all the way.

UFC On Fuel TV 2 Swedish Results: Gustaf, Siyar, & The American Dominate

A magnificently boisterous and educated Stockholm crowd that did Sweden proud. It also seemed like every fighter was giving everything they had for the raucous crowd making it a great night of fights. Mike Goldberg said "slip n' rip" 4 times by my count so thats 4 shots for the kids playing at home. Kenny Florian was back to the top of his game filling in for Joe Rogan and even "Goldie" showed improvement until he got lazy for the "Main Event" using the Jon Jones comparison ad nauseam.

Alexander Gustafsson defeated Thiago Silva by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in an impressive performance as advertised. It was all pretty much as expected as the crowd roared with chants of "Al-lex, Al-lex," and their homeland hero delivered with a steady jab and lightning fast striking in and out mixing in much movement and not allowing Silva to stay near him. Thiago did the "gong & dash" but a quick knockdown from a Gustafsson uppercut slowed his pace at 1st. The "Mauler" just used his length to perfection and showed the lateral movement of his mentor Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz while Silva flailed missing and not getting the takedowns he needed to compete. Thiago was never out of the fight continually coming forward earning a black eye and a cut above his forehead but never hurt the Swede who danced his way to victory.

* Despite all the lazy comparisons to Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, Gustaffson has a ways to go before he attains the top level and a title shot is farther away than many think. Alex didn't get his ground game tested where he has struggled in the past and though this victory is solid, he hasn't exactly faced the greatest of competition if you look at his record. It is time to step up to the big leagues but I'm not sure he is ready for Lyoto Machida, Mauricio Rua and Quinton Jackson, so I'm more thinking of a Ryan Bader.

** Thiago showed well tonight and especially after a year layoff. The steroid thing still irks me but I can't help but root for the guy who has the old school "kill you" stare and always attack mentality. There are lots of interesting fights for Silva but I'd like to see him face the man he replaced tonight in Antonio Rogerio Nogueira or the necessary rematch with Brandon Vera provided the "Truth" can stay healthy for more than 5 minutes.

Brian Stann KO'd Alessio Sakara tapping the glass jaw at 2:26 into the 1st round. I have never understood how Sakara stayed employed with Zuffa this long but this has got to be the end of the road. Stann just leveled him with standing Thai clinch knees and when the "All-American" followed him to the ground, a couple of pithy punches broke Sakara's beard rendering him unconscious. No surprises here as Stann gets the confidence building win.

* Next up for Brian should be a top level guy like Yushin Okami or the winner of Wanderlei Silva vs Vitor Belfort 2.

Siyar Bahadurzada KO'd Paulo Thiago with one punch 0:42 into the 1st round! Thiago made the rookie mistake of running with all his force at his opponent who landed a short right hand on the button. Paulo's body was limp before he hit the mat and Siyar simply raised his hands in victory and walked away. Impressive win for Bahadurzada being the 1st man to stop Thiago who granted made a giant mistake, and there are endless great bouts for Siyar at Welterweight. "KO Of The Night"

Dennis Siver bested Diego Nunes by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to make a successful Featherweight debut. Ze German looked just fine at Featherweight after a rough 1st cut but somebody has got to teach Nunes to let his offense go. The Brazilian just watches his opponents too much and likes to avoid strikes putting his hands down safely as if that would earn him some magical points in the eyes of the judges. Siver was steady in his attack not really doing anything stellar but making his 145 debut a success none the less and putting himself right in the Top 10 Featherweights.

John Maguire tapped DaMarques Johnson by Armbar in the 2nd round. Oh DaMarques, how you continue to make stupid mistakes. Johnson was doing just fine looking for the Kimura when he stepped over his opponent who took the opportunity to grab a limb for the standard Armbar submission. Embarrassing for Johnson but a nice win for Maguire as "Gypsy Jiu-Jitsu" is in the house! "Submission Of The Night"

Brad Pickett tapped Damacio Page with the RNC in the 2nd round of an uber exciting bout. The "Angel Of Death" brought the heat as he always does throwing everything imaginable. Pickett just weathered the storm working in his technically better striking and showing a bit of that "One Punch" power. An accumulation of damage plus a wicked uppercut and left hook dropped Page who tried to defend but found himself trapped in the RNC getting Pickett back on the winning track. "Fight Of The Night"

James Head submits Papy Abedi with the aforementioned RNC in the very 1st round while managing to unsportsmanlike in victory. OMG Papy shat the bed again. Abedi was controlling things early (again) when he got wild and careless (again) allowing the giant Welterweight James to land three consecutive right hooks in a row. Papy fell to the mat confused and Head sunk in the choke for the victory. Then, James kicked away his defeated opponent in arrogant fashion and taunted the Swedish crowd with a moronic Hulk Hogan impersonation. That was completely unnecessary and shitty for no reason.

Cyrille Diabate defeated Tom DeBlass via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28). DeBlass looked like a midget next to the "Snake" but he controlled the 1st round grounding Cyrille. Both men had their moments on the ground in the 2nd but Diabate ended the round with some G&P which most likely gave him the 2nd. In the final round, BeBlass seemed to be draining his gas tank as Cyrille controlled him with ground striking. It wasn't amazing on either side but should have been a clear cut victory for the "Snake" but he gets a "W" none the less.

Francis Carmont submits Magnus Cedenblad by RNC in the 2nd round. Cedenblad gave a lackadaisical Carmont all he could handle early gaining mount and threatening with the RNC in the 1st round. Francis survived and GSP calmed his fighter between rounds. In the 2nd Francis hit the takedown early and worked into mount unloading G&P where he finished with the RNC. A nice wake up call for Carmont who learned a valuable lesson about taking opponents lightly. Still a ton of upside for the Tri-Star fighter in the future.

Simeon Thoresen defeated Besam Ypusef with the move of the night, the RNC. Thor has a crazy reach (79 inches the most at Welterweight) but used the ground game to his advantage taking things to the mat. Yousef stayed very busy from his back until an odd standup by the referee. Besam just did not stop throwing whether standing or grounded but in the 2nd round but a short uppercut hurt Yousef and both men went to the mat. Simeon held on and utilized the G&P taking his opponents back and choking out Besam in a great back and forth bout. Another solid fight where I'd like to see both fighters in the Octagon again!

Jason Young defeated Eric Wisely via Unanimous Decision (30-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Reza Madadi tapped Yoislandy Izquierdo with a Guillotine Choke in the 2nd round. Izquierdo gave "Mad Dog" all he could handle but when Madadi locked on the choke for the 2nd time he would not let it go without a tap. Very nice fight and I'd like to see both fighters again.

7-4 on the picks showing we got a bit rusty during the break.