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.

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