Before today’s UFC 125 press conference Dana White and the UFC made a special announcement that UFC great and former light heavyweight champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell (21-8) has retired. The move had been talked for years really but today its official, Liddell will not be in the octagon as a fighter again.
Fans of “The Iceman” will be happy to know that he doesn’t have to look for a job after today. The UFC also announced that Liddell will now become the new executive Vice President of Business Development.
Liddell looked very uncomfortable at the podium while thanking White and Fertitta brothers for everything they have done. He even got choked up while talking and got teary eyed, knowing that he was retiring from the sport he loved.
Liddell will be missed as a fighter but he helped take the UFC to new levels as a fighter and will continue to help grow the brand to a higher point now as V.P. of Business Development.
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Who will Brock Lesnar face in his 2011 return?
Just two months ago, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar (5-2) lost his belt to Cain Velasquez (9-0) at UFC 121. The first round TKO left the former WWE superstar battered, bloody and lying on the canvas.
In the two months since his defeat, Lesnar has been very low profile, almost to the point of hiding. Some of this is due to the three medical suspensions he was handed following the TKO that amounted to lofty 180 days pending clearance by an ophthalmologist. The very least Lesnar will be suspended though is 60 days for his left cheek laceration with no contact allowed. What this all Means is he is not really hiding but more or less healing and recovering.
The 60 day suspension ends today (December 22, 2010) which means if an ophthalmologist has already cleared Lesnar he could theoretically begin training tomorrow. Needing time to get back into training, work on some of the things he needs to improve and a proper training camp, Lesnar could possibly fight in May or June of 2011.
The bigger question then when will Lesnar return is who will the UFC put him against in his return. There is a short list of possible opponents but timing is everything:
Frank Mir – The two have already fought twice and Dana White was close to setting up the rubber match but fans weren’t too thrilled so Mir is rumored to be facing Brendan Schaub next in March. Mir is practically obsessed with fighting Lesnar again so a third fight is possible.
Roy Nelson – A Lesnar vs. Big Country match up has been talked about but with his contract issues being in limbo right now no one really knows when he’ll return to action.
Shane Carwin – A rematch here is a very long shot because Carwin is out of action till the middle of 2011 as he is recovering from back surgery.
Cheick Kongo – Last fought at UFC 120 against Travis Browne which ended in a draw. He hasn’t done well when facing the top level in the heavyweight division but might make for a good comeback fight for Lesnar.
Mirko Cro Cop – Out until April due to the medical suspension from his UFC 119 KO lose to Frank Mir. The fight might have been better if Cro Cop was like four years younger but none the less the match up would still be interesting.
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
In the two months since his defeat, Lesnar has been very low profile, almost to the point of hiding. Some of this is due to the three medical suspensions he was handed following the TKO that amounted to lofty 180 days pending clearance by an ophthalmologist. The very least Lesnar will be suspended though is 60 days for his left cheek laceration with no contact allowed. What this all Means is he is not really hiding but more or less healing and recovering.
The 60 day suspension ends today (December 22, 2010) which means if an ophthalmologist has already cleared Lesnar he could theoretically begin training tomorrow. Needing time to get back into training, work on some of the things he needs to improve and a proper training camp, Lesnar could possibly fight in May or June of 2011.
The bigger question then when will Lesnar return is who will the UFC put him against in his return. There is a short list of possible opponents but timing is everything:
Frank Mir – The two have already fought twice and Dana White was close to setting up the rubber match but fans weren’t too thrilled so Mir is rumored to be facing Brendan Schaub next in March. Mir is practically obsessed with fighting Lesnar again so a third fight is possible.
Roy Nelson – A Lesnar vs. Big Country match up has been talked about but with his contract issues being in limbo right now no one really knows when he’ll return to action.
Shane Carwin – A rematch here is a very long shot because Carwin is out of action till the middle of 2011 as he is recovering from back surgery.
Cheick Kongo – Last fought at UFC 120 against Travis Browne which ended in a draw. He hasn’t done well when facing the top level in the heavyweight division but might make for a good comeback fight for Lesnar.
Mirko Cro Cop – Out until April due to the medical suspension from his UFC 119 KO lose to Frank Mir. The fight might have been better if Cro Cop was like four years younger but none the less the match up would still be interesting.
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tito Ortiz’s “Last Chance” Moves to UFC Fight Night 24
It has been confirmed that the bout between Tito Ortiz and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira has been moved to UFC Fight Night 24 in Seattle. The matchup was originally expected to take place at UFC 128 in New Jersey but has since moved to headline UFN 24 on March 30, 2011. The night is also expected to be the premiere of Season 13 of “The Ultimate Fighter”.
Following his unanimous decision loss to Matt Hamill back at UFC 121, many speculated we had seen the last of “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” due to his inability to claim a victory in his last five fights. Ortiz still feels his career isn’t over and will look to show that come fight time.
Not only will the fans be looking for something exciting to happen when the two step inside the cage, so will UFC President Dana White. Fighters are now being held to a higher standard within the promotion. Each and every fight could be their last and for the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, it couldn’t be truer. If he is unable to show the dominance he had years ago, this will undoubtedly be the last time we see him inside the Octagon.
HT: MMAValor
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Following his unanimous decision loss to Matt Hamill back at UFC 121, many speculated we had seen the last of “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” due to his inability to claim a victory in his last five fights. Ortiz still feels his career isn’t over and will look to show that come fight time.
Not only will the fans be looking for something exciting to happen when the two step inside the cage, so will UFC President Dana White. Fighters are now being held to a higher standard within the promotion. Each and every fight could be their last and for the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, it couldn’t be truer. If he is unable to show the dominance he had years ago, this will undoubtedly be the last time we see him inside the Octagon.
HT: MMAValor
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Donald Cerrone unhappy with WEC 53 win, wants shot at UFC's Cole Miller
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Donald Cerrone picked up a quality win against a notable opponent, but following the WEC 53 performance, he wasn't exactly in a celebratory mood.
Cerrone, a five-time "Fight of the Night" winner with the WEC, saw plenty of problems in his second-round submission win over Chris Horodecki.
More specifically, he wanted to beat the former kickboxer at his own game.
Read more of this MMAJunkie Article
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Cerrone, a five-time "Fight of the Night" winner with the WEC, saw plenty of problems in his second-round submission win over Chris Horodecki.
More specifically, he wanted to beat the former kickboxer at his own game.
Read more of this MMAJunkie Article
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Friday, December 17, 2010
WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis Results
Main event:
155 lbs.: Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis – Anthony Pettis by Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) [Fight of the Night]
Main card (Televised):
135 lbs.: Dominick Cruz vs. Scott Jorgensen – Dominick Cruz by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
155 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki –Donald Cerrone by 2nd round Submission (Triangle)
155 lbs.: Bart Palaszewski vs. Kamal Shalorus – Kamal Shalorus by Split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Under card (May not be broadcast):
155 lbs.: Danny Downes vs. Zhang Tie Quan– Danny Downes by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Jamie Varner vs. Shane Roller – Shane Roller by 1st round Submission (rear naked choke) [Submission of the Night]
135 lbs.: Ivan Menjivar vs. Brad Pickett – Brad Pickett by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
135 lbs.: Ken Stone vs. Eddie Wineland – Eddie Wineland by 1st round KO [KO of the Night]
155 lbs.: Danny Castillo vs. Will Kerr – Danny Castillo by 1st round KO
155 lbs.: Yuri Alcantara vs. Ricardo Lamas – Yuri Alcantara by 1st round KO
135 lbs.: Renan Barao vs. Chris Cariaso – Renan Barao by 1st round Submission (rear naked choke)
155 lbs.: Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis – Anthony Pettis by Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) [Fight of the Night]
Main card (Televised):
135 lbs.: Dominick Cruz vs. Scott Jorgensen – Dominick Cruz by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
155 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki –Donald Cerrone by 2nd round Submission (Triangle)
155 lbs.: Bart Palaszewski vs. Kamal Shalorus – Kamal Shalorus by Split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Under card (May not be broadcast):
155 lbs.: Danny Downes vs. Zhang Tie Quan– Danny Downes by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Jamie Varner vs. Shane Roller – Shane Roller by 1st round Submission (rear naked choke) [Submission of the Night]
135 lbs.: Ivan Menjivar vs. Brad Pickett – Brad Pickett by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
135 lbs.: Ken Stone vs. Eddie Wineland – Eddie Wineland by 1st round KO [KO of the Night]
155 lbs.: Danny Castillo vs. Will Kerr – Danny Castillo by 1st round KO
155 lbs.: Yuri Alcantara vs. Ricardo Lamas – Yuri Alcantara by 1st round KO
135 lbs.: Renan Barao vs. Chris Cariaso – Renan Barao by 1st round Submission (rear naked choke)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Predictions for WEC 53: Henderson vs Pettis
The WEC 53 weigh-ins has been completed and the fighters are re-hydrating and waiting to fight tomorrow (December 16) at the jobing.com arena in Glendale, AZ. If you haven’t already heard the WEC is merging with the UFC on January 1st 2011 and WEC 53 is the final event for the promotion.
A stacked card including two title fights, former champion Jamie Varner and top lightweight Donald Cerrone plus so much more. Fans not lucky enough to be there can see the fights live on Versus at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.
Main event:
155 lbs.: Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis – Benson Henderson (3rd rd TKO)
Main card (Televised):
135 lbs.: Dominick Cruz vs. Scott Jorgensen – Dominick Cruz
155 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki – Donald Cerrone
155 lbs.: Jamie Varner vs. Shane Roller – Jamie Varner
155 lbs.: Bart Palaszewski vs. Kamal Shalorus – Kamal Shalorus
Under card (May not be broadcast):
135 lbs.: Ivan Menjivar vs. Brad Pickett – Brad Pickett
135 lbs.: Ken Stone vs. Eddie Wineland – Eddie Wineland
155 lbs.: Yuri Alcantara vs. Ricardo Lamas – Yuri Alcantara
155 lbs.: Danny Downes vs. Zhang Tie Quan– Zhang Tie Quan
155 lbs.: Danny Castillo vs. Will Kerr – Danny Castillo
135 lbs.: Renan Barao vs. Chris Cariaso – Renan Barao
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
UFC 124 results and bonuses
Main event:
170 lbs.: Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck – St. Pierre by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) [Fight of the Night – 100k]
Main card (Televised):
170 lbs.: Thiago Alves vs. John Howard – Alves by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
155 lbs.: Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira – Miller by 1st round submission (Knee Bar) [Sub of the Night #1 – 50k]
265 lbs.: Sean McCorkle vs. Stefan Struve – Struve by 1st round TKO
155 lbs.: Joe Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig – Danzig by 1st round KO [KO of the Night – 100k]
Under card (May not be broadcast):
170 lbs.: Ricardo Almeida vs. T.J. Grant – Almeida by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
155 lbs.: Mark Bocek vs. Dustin Hazelett – Bocek by 1st round Submission (Triangle) [Sub of the Night #1 – 50k]
170 lbs.: Matthew Riddle vs. Sean Pierson – Pierson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
185 lbs.: Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Rafael Natal – Majority Draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
185 lbs.: Joe Doerksen vs. Dan Miller – Miller by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Pat Audinwood vs. John Makdessi – Makdessi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
170 lbs.: Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck – St. Pierre by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) [Fight of the Night – 100k]
Main card (Televised):
170 lbs.: Thiago Alves vs. John Howard – Alves by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
155 lbs.: Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira – Miller by 1st round submission (Knee Bar) [Sub of the Night #1 – 50k]
265 lbs.: Sean McCorkle vs. Stefan Struve – Struve by 1st round TKO
155 lbs.: Joe Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig – Danzig by 1st round KO [KO of the Night – 100k]
Under card (May not be broadcast):
170 lbs.: Ricardo Almeida vs. T.J. Grant – Almeida by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
155 lbs.: Mark Bocek vs. Dustin Hazelett – Bocek by 1st round Submission (Triangle) [Sub of the Night #1 – 50k]
170 lbs.: Matthew Riddle vs. Sean Pierson – Pierson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
185 lbs.: Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Rafael Natal – Majority Draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
185 lbs.: Joe Doerksen vs. Dan Miller – Miller by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Pat Audinwood vs. John Makdessi – Makdessi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
UFC inks featherweight Michihiro Omigawa, books Chad Mendes for early-2011
After resurrecting his career in his native Japan and emerging as one of the 145-pound division's top-ranked fighters, he's signed with the UFC and expected to fight Chad Mendes in early 2011.
Versus.com first reported the signing, which MMAjunkie.com has confirmed with a source close to the negotiations.
Read more of the MMAJunkie article
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Top Five Televised Fights from Saturday
Last Saturday both the UFC and Strikeforce held live televised events that included amazing knockout, three round brawls plus the Mckenzietine, and that was just the televised portion. Both events could be seen on free TV and started one hour apart, over lapped each other for two hours.
Hopefully most fans were able to DVR one of them allowing them to see both events, if not you missed out. Judging by the ratings it which The Ultimate Fighter 12 finale averaged 1.7 million viewers to only averaging 350,000 viewers for Strikeforce, meaning several fans missed out.
For those of you that missed out on the action or for those that watched both events, here are the night’s top five televised fights:
5 - Cody McKenzie defeated Aaron Wilkinson by 1st round Submission (Guillotine) [Submission of the night]
You have to love Cody McKenzie, everyone knows he has a mean guillotine yet they all end up tapping out or passing out.
4 - Dan Henderson defeated Renato “Babalu” Sobral by 1st round TKO
It wasn’t a knockout the Strikeforce main event end with very brutal ground and pound by Dan Henderson.
3 - Ricky Story defeated Johny Hendricks by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
A Good back and forth fight between these two wrestling based sluggers. Johny Hendricks came in undefeated at 9-0 but left the octagon with his first professional loss.
2 - Robbie Lawler defeated Matt Lindland by 1st round KO
If not for Paul Daley sending Scott Smith forehead first to the canvas, Robbie Lawler’s knockout would be number one. He does get bonus points for stopping the assault once Lindland was out plus extra points for nicely laying Lindland’s legs out as well.
1 - Paul Daley defeated Scott Smith by 1st round KO
A knockout in this fight was going to happen but Paul Daley’s brutal knockout of Scott Smith was one of the best pure knockouts of the year.
HT: MMAValor
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Hopefully most fans were able to DVR one of them allowing them to see both events, if not you missed out. Judging by the ratings it which The Ultimate Fighter 12 finale averaged 1.7 million viewers to only averaging 350,000 viewers for Strikeforce, meaning several fans missed out.
For those of you that missed out on the action or for those that watched both events, here are the night’s top five televised fights:
5 - Cody McKenzie defeated Aaron Wilkinson by 1st round Submission (Guillotine) [Submission of the night]
You have to love Cody McKenzie, everyone knows he has a mean guillotine yet they all end up tapping out or passing out.
4 - Dan Henderson defeated Renato “Babalu” Sobral by 1st round TKO
It wasn’t a knockout the Strikeforce main event end with very brutal ground and pound by Dan Henderson.
3 - Ricky Story defeated Johny Hendricks by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
A Good back and forth fight between these two wrestling based sluggers. Johny Hendricks came in undefeated at 9-0 but left the octagon with his first professional loss.
2 - Robbie Lawler defeated Matt Lindland by 1st round KO
If not for Paul Daley sending Scott Smith forehead first to the canvas, Robbie Lawler’s knockout would be number one. He does get bonus points for stopping the assault once Lindland was out plus extra points for nicely laying Lindland’s legs out as well.
1 - Paul Daley defeated Scott Smith by 1st round KO
A knockout in this fight was going to happen but Paul Daley’s brutal knockout of Scott Smith was one of the best pure knockouts of the year.
HT: MMAValor
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale results
The closure to season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter had its ups and downs with solid fights, out of nowhere knockouts, horrible judges decisions and of course a Cody McKenzie Guillotine. All five of the main card fights went the distance, but there wasn’t a boring fight among them.
The main event crowned a new Ultimate Fighter season winner but the night will likely be overshadowed by the horrible split decision in the Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan fight.
Main event:
155 lbs.: Jonathan Brookins vs. Michael Johnson – Jonathan Brookins by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Main card:
205 lbs.: Stephan Bonnar vs. Igor Pokrajac – Stephan Bonnar by Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
185 lbs.: Kendall Grove vs. Demian Maia – Demain Maia by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
170 lbs.: Ricky Story vs. Johny Hendricks – Rick Story by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan – Leonard Garcia by Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28) [Fight of the night]
Under card:
185 lbs.: Rich Attonito vs. Dave Branch – Dave Branch by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
135 lbs.: Will Campuzano vs. Nick Pace – Nick Pace by 3rd round Submission (Choke)
145 lbs.: Pablo Garza vs. Fredson Paixao – Pablo Garza by 1st round KO [KO of the night]
155 lbs.: Kyle Watson vs. Sako Chivitchian – Kyle Watson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Cody McKenzie vs. Aaron Wilkinson – Cody McKenzie by 1st round Submission (Guillotine) [Submission of the night]
145 lbs.: Ian Loveland vs. Tyler Toner – Ian Loveland by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
HT: MMAValor
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
The main event crowned a new Ultimate Fighter season winner but the night will likely be overshadowed by the horrible split decision in the Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan fight.
Main event:
155 lbs.: Jonathan Brookins vs. Michael Johnson – Jonathan Brookins by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Main card:
205 lbs.: Stephan Bonnar vs. Igor Pokrajac – Stephan Bonnar by Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
185 lbs.: Kendall Grove vs. Demian Maia – Demain Maia by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
170 lbs.: Ricky Story vs. Johny Hendricks – Rick Story by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan – Leonard Garcia by Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28) [Fight of the night]
Under card:
185 lbs.: Rich Attonito vs. Dave Branch – Dave Branch by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
135 lbs.: Will Campuzano vs. Nick Pace – Nick Pace by 3rd round Submission (Choke)
145 lbs.: Pablo Garza vs. Fredson Paixao – Pablo Garza by 1st round KO [KO of the night]
155 lbs.: Kyle Watson vs. Sako Chivitchian – Kyle Watson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Cody McKenzie vs. Aaron Wilkinson – Cody McKenzie by 1st round Submission (Guillotine) [Submission of the night]
145 lbs.: Ian Loveland vs. Tyler Toner – Ian Loveland by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
HT: MMAValor
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Leonard Garcia defeats Nam Phan by Robbery
When you have Joe Rogan calling out the judges live on Spike TV during the event, you know things are bad. In the first televised fight on the Ultimate Fighter season 12 finale Nam Phan took on mega brawler Leonard Garcia.
The fight lived up to the hype and was a very entertaining 15 minute slugfest, but when is Garcia not in a slugfest. The “said” Robbery occurred when the judges handed in their scorecards, ruling in favor of Leonard Garcia via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28). Everyone in attendance including Garcia was flooded when the decision was read.
Continue Reading the Article
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
The fight lived up to the hype and was a very entertaining 15 minute slugfest, but when is Garcia not in a slugfest. The “said” Robbery occurred when the judges handed in their scorecards, ruling in favor of Leonard Garcia via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28). Everyone in attendance including Garcia was flooded when the decision was read.
Continue Reading the Article
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Despite record, Bonnar is Hall-worthy
LAS VEGAS – There are dozens of fighters who have a higher profile in the Ultimate Fighting Championship than Stephan Bonnar. There are just as many with a better record and probably that many more with greater skill. He hasn’t won a UFC title and probably never will.
Few mixed martial arts fighters, though, have done as much to fuel the sport’s popularity and extraordinary growth than Bonnar, who makes a return to “The Ultimate Fighter” on Saturday when he meets Igor Pokrajac at The Palms Resort & Casino in a light heavyweight bout as part of TUF 12 finale on Spike TV.
Bonnar’s 2005 fight with Forrest Griffin in the TUF finale remains one of the seminal moments in the sport’s history. UFC president Dana White has frequently said the company may not have survived had Bonnar and Griffin not engaged in that epic back-and-forth battle that, in many ways, began to open Americans’ eyes to what the sport was about.
Read More of this Yahoo Sports article
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale Breakdown
As the end of The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck nears, the card for the finale is nearly set, except for the fights involving fighters from the show. It all goes down this Saturday December 4th, live from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Although the “official” WEC merge with the UFC isn’t supposed to go into effect until January 1st, this card will feature three bouts in the newly acquired weight classes. Unfortunately, the final episode has not yet been shown and fans don’t know the two finalists that will make up the co-main event but let’s breakdown the rest of the main card.
The first fight scheduled to take place is a Middleweight bout between TUF 11 alum Rich “The Raging Bull” Attonito (9-3) and Dave Branch (7-1). Since losing on the show, Attonito has put together a two-fight win streak and is taking a step up in competition here. Branch suffered his first loss back in July at the hands of Gerald Harris by way of a beautiful slam that knocked him out cold. With both men being strong in BJJ, this could turn into a grappling match with the winner being the man who can land the best punches.
Read More
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Saturday, November 27, 2010
World MMA Awards return for 2010, Nominees for the 20 Categories are Underway
"Fighters Only" is now taking nominations for the 2010 World MMA Awards, the third installment of MMA's most prominent awards program. I'm tuning in just to see all the fighters sporting the new MMA Clothing by various companies, like Tapout, Silver Star, Dethrone Royalty, Step In and more!
Nominations, which should reflect performances from September 2009 until the end of this month, are underway in 20 different categories until Sept. 26. Finalists will be announced on Oct. 1, and final voting runs until Nov. 26 at www.worldmmaawards.com.
The winners will be announced Dec. 1 at a black-tie reception, sponsored by BodyBuilding.com, at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Broadcast details have not been unveiled, though the 2009 ceremony aired live on Versus.com and in a highlights package on the Versus cable station.
"The anticipation for the 2010 awards has been a little overwhelming," Rob Hewitt, President and CEO of "Fighters Only," stated. "I couldn't be more thrilled by the potential of this year's event.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's supported us in making the World MMA Awards a landmark occasion in the industry's calendar and appeal to the fans to let their voices be heard."
The UFC, Greg Jackson and TapouT were multi-category winners in 2009. Additionally, major-category victors included Georges St-Pierre (Fighter of the Year), Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (Female Fighter of the Year), the UFC (Best Promotion), Dan Henderson (KO of the Year), Toby Imada (Submission of the Year), Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida (Fight of the Year) and Brock Lesnar (Breakthrough Fighter of the Year). MMAjunkie.com picked up an award in the "Best Media Source" category, and MMAjunkie.com's John Morgan was named "Best MMA Journalist."
New categories for 2010 include Referee of the Year, Most Memorable Ring Entrance, Best Technical Equipment Brand, and Best Technical Clothing Brand.
Nominate your favorites now at www.worldmmaawards.com, and check out the 2009 winners below:
* Special Lifetime Achievement Award: Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr., TapouT
* Fighter of the Year: Georges St-Pierre
* Female Fighter of the Year: Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos
* European Fighter of the Year: Gegard Mousasi
* Breakthrough Fighter of the Year: Brock Lesnar
* Fight of the Year: Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida (The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale)
* KO of the Year: Dan Henderson (vs. Michael Bisping at UFC 100)
* Submission of the Year: Toby Imada (vs. Jorge Masvidal at Bellator 5)
* Best Promotion: UFC
* Leading Man of the Year: Dana White, UFC president
* Best MMA Clothing Brand: TapouT (What you do when you LOSE), Should be Step In Gear
* Coach of the Year: Greg Jackson
* Gym of the Year: Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting
* Ring Girl of the Year: Arianny Celeste, UFC
* Best Media Source: MMAjunkie.com
* Best MMA Journalist: John Morgan, MMAjunkie.com/"Dallas Morning News"
* Best Overall MMA Clothing Manufacturer: TapouT
* Best MMA Shorts Manufacturer: TapouT
* Best MMA Gloves Manufacturer: UFC
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Nominations, which should reflect performances from September 2009 until the end of this month, are underway in 20 different categories until Sept. 26. Finalists will be announced on Oct. 1, and final voting runs until Nov. 26 at www.worldmmaawards.com.
The winners will be announced Dec. 1 at a black-tie reception, sponsored by BodyBuilding.com, at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Broadcast details have not been unveiled, though the 2009 ceremony aired live on Versus.com and in a highlights package on the Versus cable station.
"The anticipation for the 2010 awards has been a little overwhelming," Rob Hewitt, President and CEO of "Fighters Only," stated. "I couldn't be more thrilled by the potential of this year's event.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's supported us in making the World MMA Awards a landmark occasion in the industry's calendar and appeal to the fans to let their voices be heard."
The UFC, Greg Jackson and TapouT were multi-category winners in 2009. Additionally, major-category victors included Georges St-Pierre (Fighter of the Year), Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (Female Fighter of the Year), the UFC (Best Promotion), Dan Henderson (KO of the Year), Toby Imada (Submission of the Year), Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida (Fight of the Year) and Brock Lesnar (Breakthrough Fighter of the Year). MMAjunkie.com picked up an award in the "Best Media Source" category, and MMAjunkie.com's John Morgan was named "Best MMA Journalist."
New categories for 2010 include Referee of the Year, Most Memorable Ring Entrance, Best Technical Equipment Brand, and Best Technical Clothing Brand.
Nominate your favorites now at www.worldmmaawards.com, and check out the 2009 winners below:
* Special Lifetime Achievement Award: Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr., TapouT
* Fighter of the Year: Georges St-Pierre
* Female Fighter of the Year: Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos
* European Fighter of the Year: Gegard Mousasi
* Breakthrough Fighter of the Year: Brock Lesnar
* Fight of the Year: Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida (The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale)
* KO of the Year: Dan Henderson (vs. Michael Bisping at UFC 100)
* Submission of the Year: Toby Imada (vs. Jorge Masvidal at Bellator 5)
* Best Promotion: UFC
* Leading Man of the Year: Dana White, UFC president
* Best MMA Clothing Brand: TapouT (What you do when you LOSE), Should be Step In Gear
* Coach of the Year: Greg Jackson
* Gym of the Year: Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting
* Ring Girl of the Year: Arianny Celeste, UFC
* Best Media Source: MMAjunkie.com
* Best MMA Journalist: John Morgan, MMAjunkie.com/"Dallas Morning News"
* Best Overall MMA Clothing Manufacturer: TapouT
* Best MMA Shorts Manufacturer: TapouT
* Best MMA Gloves Manufacturer: UFC
And remember.......... You Can't Win, Until You Step IN...
Saturday, November 20, 2010
UFC 123: Rampage vs. Machida Predictions
The UFC gets no rest this week as just seven days removed from UFC 122 in Germany; they are doing it all over again Saturday for UFC 123. The event takes place in Michigan for only the second time in UFC history and the first time May of 1996.
The second to last PPV of the year will feature four former UFC champions in the night main and co-main events. Former light heavyweight champs Lyoto Machida and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will square off in the night’s main event. The Co-main event will complete a trilogy between former welterweight champion Matt Hughes and former welterweight and lightweight champion BJ Penn.
Along with the main card appearing on PPV, Spike will air two preliminary card bouts starting at 6pm PT with the PPV set to begin at 7pm PT.
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
The second to last PPV of the year will feature four former UFC champions in the night main and co-main events. Former light heavyweight champs Lyoto Machida and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will square off in the night’s main event. The Co-main event will complete a trilogy between former welterweight champion Matt Hughes and former welterweight and lightweight champion BJ Penn.
Along with the main card appearing on PPV, Spike will air two preliminary card bouts starting at 6pm PT with the PPV set to begin at 7pm PT.
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Thursday, November 11, 2010
WEC 52 Complete Results
Main event:
135 lbs.: Urijah Faber vs. Takeya Mizugaki – Faber by 1st rd. Submission (Rear Naked Choke) [Submission of the night]
Main card (Televised):
145 lbs.: Francisco Rivera vs. Erik Koch – Koch by 1st rd. TKO [knockout of the night]135 lbs.: Joseph Benavidez vs. Wagnney Fabiano – Benavedez by 2rd rd. Submission (Guillotine)
145 lbs.: Chad Mendes vs. Javier Vazquez – Mendes by Unanimous Decision
135 lbs.: Demetrious Johnson vs. Damacio Page – Johnson by 3rd rd. Submission (Guillotine)
Under card (May not be broadcast):
155 lbs.: Zack Micklewright vs. Dustin Poirier – Poirier by 1st rd. TKO
135 lbs.: Clint Godfrey vs. Michael McDonald – McDonald by 1st rd. Submission (Armbar)
145 lbs.: Mackens Semerzier vs. Cub Swanson – Swanson by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) [Fight of the night]155 lbs.: Raphael Assuncao vs. L.C. Davis – Assuncao by Unanimous Decision
155 lbs.: Anthony Njokuani vs. Edward Faaloloto – Njokuani by 2nd rd. TKO
145 lbs.: Yves Jabouin vs. Brandon Visher – Jabouin by Unanimous Decision
135 lbs.: Urijah Faber vs. Takeya Mizugaki – Faber by 1st rd. Submission (Rear Naked Choke) [Submission of the night]
Main card (Televised):
145 lbs.: Francisco Rivera vs. Erik Koch – Koch by 1st rd. TKO [knockout of the night]135 lbs.: Joseph Benavidez vs. Wagnney Fabiano – Benavedez by 2rd rd. Submission (Guillotine)
145 lbs.: Chad Mendes vs. Javier Vazquez – Mendes by Unanimous Decision
135 lbs.: Demetrious Johnson vs. Damacio Page – Johnson by 3rd rd. Submission (Guillotine)
Under card (May not be broadcast):
155 lbs.: Zack Micklewright vs. Dustin Poirier – Poirier by 1st rd. TKO
135 lbs.: Clint Godfrey vs. Michael McDonald – McDonald by 1st rd. Submission (Armbar)
145 lbs.: Mackens Semerzier vs. Cub Swanson – Swanson by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) [Fight of the night]155 lbs.: Raphael Assuncao vs. L.C. Davis – Assuncao by Unanimous Decision
155 lbs.: Anthony Njokuani vs. Edward Faaloloto – Njokuani by 2nd rd. TKO
145 lbs.: Yves Jabouin vs. Brandon Visher – Jabouin by Unanimous Decision
Monday, November 8, 2010
WEC 52 Main Card Breakdown
This Thursday, November 11th, the WEC makes its last journey to Las Vegas for its final event ever to be held at The Peal inside The Palms Hotel. This card has had its share of injuries and fighters being shuffled around but with just a few days left the Fight Card finalized.
The card is headlined by “The California Kid” Urijah Faber making his bantamweight debut against a very tough Takeya Mizugaki. Lets breakdown the main card fights that will be shown live on Versus starting at 6pm PT.
Check out the main card...
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Friday, November 5, 2010
Chan Sung Jung and Rani Yahya agree to fight at UFC Fight Night 23
A pair of two high-profile featherweights that may be facing a pink slip have agreed to meet at UFC Fight Night 23.
Chan Sung Jung and Rani Yahya have verbally agreed to meet at the as-yet-unannounced UFC Fight Night 23 event. and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.
While not yet official, "UFC Fight Night 23: UFC Fight for the Troops 2" is expected to take place Jan. 22 at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMA Junkie
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Erin McDougall Step's In for RITC 41
Step In is a proud sponsor of Erin McDougall. Erin will be fighting this Saturday, November 6th at Rumble In The Cage 41 in Lethbridge Alberta. This fight can be viewed on GoFightLive.tv for just $10.00. Erin is more than an established Muay Thai fighter, she’s a well respected MMA columnist, connected to the Canadian MMA Scene, co-host of TUF Crap Radio, has her own blog and website and recently joined Step In as a Team Member/sponsored fighter.
Step In patiently awaits Erin's Victory!!
And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
TUF 12 Recap: Episode 8 Kos in a Commotion
The show starts out with talk regarding the wildcard selections: Dane Sayers and team GSP were shocked that Marc Stevens got the nod over Sayers. Georges St-Pierre says the reason Sayers didn’t get selected was his lack of a pedigree. Dana White tries to explain it as Sayers is only going to get better but right here, right now Stevens is the better fighter and the obvious pick.
During the team GSP training session while Michael Johnson and Jonathon Brookins are training hard, Alex Caceres is having his back worked on because it’s been sore.
At the Koscheck training session Andy Main talks about the wildcard selection being bittersweet for him. Josh Koscheck thought Stevens has a lot of potential but just made a mistake and didn’t get to show it during his first fight (which only lasted 18 seconds).
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMA Valor
Monday, November 1, 2010
Jon Fitch vs. Jake Ellenberger targeted for UFC 126 in February
A welterweight matchup between perennial contender Jon Fitch (23-3 MMA, 13-1 UFC) and Jake Ellenberger (23-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is on tap for UFC 126's pay-per-view card.
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that at least one fighter has agreed to the fight and that bout agreements are in the process of being finalized.
UFC 126 takes place Feb. 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and is expected to feature a middleweight title fight between reigning champion Anderson Silva and challenger Vitor Belfort.
The event takes place on Super Bowl weekend and airs on pay-per-view.
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"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMA Junkie
Saturday, October 30, 2010
UFC 125: Jose Aldo to Face Josh Grispi
With all the recent changes in the MMA world, the most exciting fighter in the soon to be merged WEC will pave the path for a new Title in the UFC. Jose Aldo (18-1 MMA) looks to defend his 145lb. belt against Josh Grispi (14-1 MMA) at UFC 125.
Roy Nelson was pulled off the card due to an injured Shane Carwin, leaving the UFC with no replacement fighter to fill in. This is the first post merger fight that will feature WEC fighters on a UFC PPV card. The last WEC card will be WEC 53 in Arizona on December 16th and will be headlined by a WEC lightweight title bout between Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis. The winner of will move onto a UFC/WEC unification fight between the winner of Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard later in 2011.
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"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Thursday, October 28, 2010
UFC Adds Featherweight and Bantamweight Divisions
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – In a media conference call today, Ultimate Fighting Championship® President Dana White announced the UFC is adding two new championship divisions at bantamweight (135lbs.) and featherweight (145lbs.), while also announcing a new television deal with the VERSUS Network to air four UFC fights in 2011.
“As the UFC continues to evolve and grow globally, we want to be able to give fans title fights in every weight division,” said White. “This is a big day for the sport and the athletes who will have the opportunity to fight on the biggest stage in the world.”
The two new divisions feature WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo who will now be recognized as the reigning UFC featherweight champion, and WEC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. White confirmed that the winner of the Dec. 16 lightweight title fight between WEC champion Ben Henderson and top contender Anthony Pettis live on VERSUS will take on the winner of the UFC 125 main event title bout between champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. This upcoming fight will serve as a UFC lightweight title unification bout to be held next year.
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: UFC
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Top of the UFC Welterweight division holds hate in the heart of fans
If you’ve frequented the social networks recently you’d be hard pressed not to see the wrath of many MMA fans and their angst towards the UFC welterweight division. Most recently their attention was focused on Jake Shields who was making his UFC debut at Saturdays UFC 121. When it’s not Shields though the fans have targeted Jon Fitch, if not Fitch it was Josh Koscheck and if not Koscheck it was Thiago Silva.
The UFC welterweight division holds a lot of hate in the heart of MMA fans, even the current champion Georges St-Pierre has been targeted by some fans. So the question is why all the hate towards the top fighters at one single weight class?
The fact they are all at 170 pounds is basic luck, but the reason for the hate is a little more complicated.
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"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Monday, October 25, 2010
UFC 121 Postmortem: Brocktober Ends with a Thud
Brock Lesnar’s fame prior to entering the UFC brought him a considerable amount of money and opportunity. It also brought some unrealistic expectations for a man with only six professional fights to his name.
Lesnar, 4-1 since his 2008 UFC debut, looked uncomfortable from the outset against contender Cain Velasquez on Saturday, getting into desperate punching exchanges and eventually suffering damage to the point that referee Herb Dean stopped the bout. His sole trump card -- takedown to position to landing molar-rattling punches -- was canceled the minute Velasquez popped up within seconds of being grounded. Taking the fight as sole proof, Lesnar’s is a reputation in search of a complete skill set.
Inexperience isn’t the only explanation: Velasquez only had eight fights himself. But there’s a world of difference between hosting a camp catered exclusively to you (Lesnar) and having the in-and-out daily camaraderie of a high-level gym (like Velasquez’s AKA) offering constant emotional and physical support. Lesnar has insulated himself from the sport and most of the world in his Minnesota compound. Being a misanthrope may seem like a good base for a career that involves harming people, but not when it also requires team energy and direction.
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: Sherdog
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Let's Face it, Tito Ortiz is Done
Coming into his bout with Matt Hamill at UFC 121, Tito Ortiz was in desperate need of a win. A win would not only keep his career afloat, but also prove that the new breed of fighters don’t have what it takes to beat down the legends of the sport. Unfortunately for Ortiz, once that final bell rang, he was proven wrong. By the third round, Hamill was schooling Ortiz at his own game, ground and pound. Hamill earned the unanimous decision victory over his former coach on The Ultimate Fighter.
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Friday, October 22, 2010
UFC veteran Tito Ortiz enters UFC 121 on thin ice, in more ways than one
ROSEMEAD, Calif. – Even by star standards, Tito Ortiz seemingly is skating on thin ice.
The once dominant light heavyweight and former champion is 0-3-1 in the previous four years of competition, and a variety of injuries real and alleged have hobbled his ability to fight at 100 percent.
But "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" scoffs at the idea he's fighting for relevancy, much less his job, at Saturday's UFC 121 event.
Read More
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAJunkie
Thursday, October 21, 2010
UFC 121 breakdown
This Saturday, October 23, 2010, the UFC makes its return to the Honda Center, formerly known as Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. Brock Lesnar is set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against undefeated number one contender Cain Velasquez.
Also on the card: former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields makes his UFC debut and former UFC Lightweight champion Tito Ortiz makes his return to the Octagon for the first time after he had to pull out of his TUF coaching position to have surgery. Not only is the UFC 121 PPV broadcast being shown in select Fathom movie theaters, Spike TV is also going to air two preliminary fights, maybe more if time allows.
Make sure to leave you UFC 121 pick here for a chance to win a Born Stringer shirt, now let’s take a look at all the fights on the card and see how they breakdown:
More.....
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
UFC 121: Jake Shields ready to earn his respect with a debut win over Martin Kampmann in Anaheim
Former Elite XC welterweight and Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields (25-4) will face Martin Kampmann (17-3) at UFC 121: "Lesnar vs. Velasquez" this Saturday night (Oct. 23) on pay-per-view.
Dana White stated that if Shields wins this fight, then he will likely become the number one contender for the UFC welterweight title.
Despite defeating the likes of Yushin Okami, Carlos Condit, Robbie Lawler, Jason Miller and most recently Dan Henderson, Shields admits to Pro MMA Radio that he probably isn't getting the recognition he deserves.
Read the rest of the article after the jump
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAMania
Love Him or Hate Him, Lesnar Brings Excitement to the Cage
In the main event of UFC 121 this Saturday, reigning Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will take on undefeated Mexican superstar Cain Velasquez. Though Lesnar is the slight favorite in the fight, many believe the speed and accuracy of Velasquez will be enough to stop the champ.
Coming from a successful career in the WWE, Lesnar already had many fans supporting him in his transition to mixed martial arts. After each fight, Lesnar gained many more fans, but at the same time he lost several with his WWE attitude that caused fans to dislike him. He took the criticism lightly though and continued acting as if he were still in the professional wrestling business.
To read more click here
"And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You Step In."
HT: MMAValor
Monday, October 18, 2010
UFC Confirms six Bouts for UFC 125
The UFC will once again bring in the new year with an exciting, action packed night of Mixed Martial Arts action. This year they will bring in 2011 with UFC 125 on New Year Day (January 1, 2011) and the card is beginning to take shape.
The night will be headlined by a lightweight title fight between Frankie Edgar and the only man to defeat him, Gray Maynard. The card will also include a co-main event fight in the heavyweight division between Shane Carwin and Roy Nelson. Also on the card are fan favorites Clay Guida and Chris Leben in two exciting fights plus a light heavyweight clash between Brandon Vera and Thiago Silva.
UFC 125 will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Tickets on Sale to the general public on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 10am PT.
Click to see the UFC 125 fight card
HT: MMAValor
Thursday, October 7, 2010
TUF - Watson vs. Main
Tonight’s episode of my favouritest show, The Ultimate Fighter, featured Mr. Andy Main vs. Mr. Kyle Watson…
To start off…Am I the only one who likes Alex Caceres?...i.e. Bruce Leeroy. Every season someone has to take on the challenge of being the house shit disturber…Alex did just that. You can’t hate the kid for being cocky and dramatic because it’s funny as all hell. Trust me, if they all got along, you’d quickly pick up the remote and change the channel…and it’s Wednesday night…Top Model replays at 10pm (tonight’s episode had a wrestling photoshoot. At least it was partially relevant?). So…Boring TUF episode or Top Model? Take your pick because that’s what your choices would be if characters like Alex…erm, Bruce Leeroy, didn’t exist.
I’m pretty sure that John Danaher is the most philosophical Jiu Jitsu instructor on the planet. Everytime he speaks, I blink. lol.
Moving on…How can anyone NOT like GSP? He's so cute. Koscheck pointed out Georges’ new parking spot…which is next to a fire hydrant so he will always have one car door free, after last week’s antics. "I don't want you to prank me again." Georges said in his cute little Frenchie accent. Women around the world melted in that moment. And I'm all for the bad boys...trust me...but Georges is definitely a nice guy who doesn't finish last in my books.
Then…Kos poked fun at Georges by showing up at the gym wearing some tight shorts like Georges likes to fight in… “It’s not my ting watching a guy in his underwear.” Georges said to Kos. In no way am I hating on Georges but I thought it was ridiculously funny. I loved the war between Forrest and Rampage in season 7. I partially wish that Georges would turn immature for an episode and get Koscheck back in true TUF fashion. A door MUST come off this season…Or at least a hole in the wall? Please?
I’d like to say right now…I love GSP, I want to be Team GSP ---Canada Represent--- but I feel like I’m Team Individual. I love me some Andy Main and Nam Phan…It’s hardly their fault that Kos picked them.
Camera pans to a gym shot…Is anyone else thinking Matt Riddle when Andy Main has his back to the camera? They clearly both have the same hair stylist. I recall Riddle rocking a similar style at 111.
Back to the episode…Red team still in control, Georges announces the next fight: Watson vs. Main. Weigh-ins happen: “Oh. My. God. His butt’s so big.” -Kos on Kyle Watson’s ass. I’m feeling a little concerned that this episode seems to be about Kos noticing dude’s asses and commenting on GSP’s junk while wearing tight shorts…lol.
Josh gave his team a little pep-talk and talked about not wanting to lose, “especially [to] a French guy.” Well, there goes whatever French fans he had left. Dude was HATED in Montreal at UFC113. Unless you were there, I can’t explain how bad the crowd boo’d him.
So, Main and Watson got to slug it out…Halfway through the 2nd round Andy gave up his back…I screamed at the television… “NO! WHY?! NO! TURN! FACE HIM! TURN!” Needless to say… TEAM GSP – 3… TEAM KOS – 0…TEAM INDIVIDUALS…i.e. TEAM TEE – 2. At least I’m in second place! =)
Drama, coach banter (pretty one…erm…kos-sided), decent fight… All-in-all. Good episode. Lived up to true TUF fashion.
Episode Sidenote: The Tapout pants that Andy was wearing when he was warming up before the fight…….I want them!!!
This post is in part to....
The Talented and MMA Queen!
Tee Tremblay xo
Speaking of Tee, we all need to SAVE THE BOOBIES and SPONSOR CURE for CANCER. Head over to StepInGear.com and purchase your Pink wristband, 100% of the money goes direct to Cancer Research.
And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Sex appeal and MMA..... It's a MUST!!!
I have recently been criticized for using “suggestive” or “sexy”photos to help ‘sell’ myself in the MMA community. On my blog there is a topless photo of me covering my breasts with my arms, and my fan page has a topless photo of me covered with the TKO Welterweight belt. I do not deny at all that these photos are suggestive and sexy. What I am concerned with is why people are criticizing me for it.
Let me make it clear that whether you agree with me or not, at the end of the day I am still going to be okay with what I do. I made my bed and I sleep like a baby.
My ‘Sexy’ Photos:
“Those who mind, don’t matter… and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Seuss
It is my mission to remain 100% me, as I pursue a spot in the MMA world. I refuse to fit inside a cookie cutter shape of what some people want a journalist (or anyone, for that matter) to look and act like. I understand that people don’t believe it’s professional to post sexy photos, but I am not trying to be the next Loretta Hunt or Maggie Hendricks. I’m trying to be Erin McDougall.
Sex appeal and combat sports are not newly combined. We have ring girls that work for every organization, strutting their stuff at every show. If we freely accept these girls, why is it a big deal if I use suggestive photos? It is not as though I am at an event, doing interviews topless. Do I have to be a ring girl to be ‘allowed’ to show some skin?
Critics have said that my photos are up for viewing out of desperation for attention. They can believe what ever they want; all that truly matters is what I believe of myself. I do not need attention from these photos. I could post photos of me jumping on my bed in sweat pants and no makeup, and I would still have people who love to know more about me, and still have people who love to hate me.
I believe everything is cool in moderation and to each their own. I have never said or hinted that ‘using’ sexuality is an empowering thing to do. What I think IS empowering is being yourself, regardless of how many people judge you for it.
The way I write…
“If I am not for myself, who will be?” ~ Rabbi Hillel
Alluding to sex is not something I do in every article I write, as some critics have suggested. Are there sexual undertones in some articles? Absolutely. That’s my style. Why is society so threatened by girl who is not threatened by her own sexuality? Why do people try to make me feel shameful about this trait? It’s not as though I am sleeping around and stripping for money. If how I write make some people uncomfortable, annoyed, or upset, that is about their own issues and insecurities that are coming up to the surface. It’s not about me.
There are many different ways to doing things, including covering MMA. Julie Veilleux (AKA “Metric” Julie) is a MMA journalist and she writes in a style completely opposite of me. She doesn’t agree with playing the‘sexuality card’ but that’s okay. How boring would it be if all the females out there wanting to be involved in MMA blogging, did it the same way as Julie? It’s a blessing to her that we don’t, as then it would take away the uniqueness of what she offers.
There are multiple websites available to give you the stats, the records, the break down of match ups and the fighting styles… I want to have some fun with MMA and tap into the social side of it. I want to make myself laugh and hopefully others, too. I want to expose and down right make passionate love to the fact, that hello, these fighters are human beings and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have some fun with them. This approach works for me. If people don’t like it, and want to stick to the traditional way of doing things, than by all means, click on Sherdog and not my blog.
To each their own:
When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you. ~African Proverb
I am proud of any one who grinds the grind and puts in time to work towards their dreams. I support those who support. That’s something I live by. If you are chasing your dreams and encouraging people along the way to chase their dreams, I am going to support you no matter what you do. Whether you are a ring girl or a modest journalist who does not tap into her sexuality in order to create her work. We all have our roles. I’m going to back you regardless. It’s too bad that can’t be done for more people.
Just like it takes all kinds of fans to make up this sport, it takes many different angles to report and cover it fully. I use sexual photos on my blog, and yes, that grabs people’s attention. Those photos are not stunting the growth of MMA or down playing what women, including myself, are capable of. What I believe DOES stunt the growth of the sport, is the segregation between the MMA personalities within the community. If we can’t even support and accept each other for who we are within the sport, how can we ever expect the outer communities to accept us or support us?
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. I am open to hearing when people disagree with mine. Say what you want, and I thank you for your opinion, but I don’t need your approval. I won’t down play what makes me who I am, in order to fit into a“mans world.”
** Erin, your the Shit.... Keep doing what your doing! Many of us appreciate your contribution to MMA.
And remember.... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A Strong Debut for Predictions by two of MMA’s Sultry Ladies...
This post is dedicated to two of the most Beautiful, Sexy,....... wait, these two ladies demand more respect beyond their exterior appearance, Tee Tremblay and Erin McDougall are two highly established experts on MMA; their knowledge far surpasses men who claim they know the sport well. I’d put these ladies in the same category as Rogan, Goldberg and Ranallo when it comes to MMA. Tee and Erin are deeply rooted within the MMA scene, both are setting out on a new adventure to further their careers within the exciting MMA industry, look for their video interviews, blog postings, daily/weekly articles, their own apparel products and increased exposure of their personal achievements towards their career goals.
Therefore, I’m personally Congratulating Tee Tremblay and Erin McDougall for a job well done on their UFC 119 fight predictions for OffTheBooksCasino.com. Both ladies posted an accuracy rating of 60% on their predictions, that’s 10% better than some other on-line betting sites I reviewed. Example, while looking at BetOnUFCFights.com, they had an accuracy rating of 50% for their predictions and the odds were slightly less than OffTheBooksCasino.com? By my calculations, if my parlay hit, I would have netted out 27% less money! I know where I’m putting my money going forward at OffTheBooksCasino.com and will be glued to future predictions from Tee Tremblay and Erin McDougall.
So remember…… You Can’t Win, Until You STEP IN…
Head over to StepInGear.com to check out our new arrivals…. So Sick!
For all your on-line gaming enteratinment, head over to OffTheBooksCasino.com….. Oopsie, I got to run to make the next poker tournament.
Mir knocks out ‘Cro Cop’ in UFC 119 main event
Frank Mir knocked out Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic on Saturday in the main event of UFC 119 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, a knee to the chin in the final minute putting an end to what up until that point had been one of the worst main events in modern Ultimate Fighting Championship history.
Mir and Filipovic did next to-nothing for 14 minutes, drawing the ire of the large crowd, which booed lustily from the middle of the bout on. As the men grappled with their backs to the cage, Mir pulled Filipovic’s head down and kneed him on the chin. Filipovic went down hard and Mir finished him with a couple of hard shots from the top before referee Herb Dean stopped it with 58 seconds left.
That was about the only action in an otherwise awful main event. Mir said his plan was to get the fight to the ground to use his jiu-jitsu, but they stayed standing almost the entire way to the finish.
“It looked kind of ugly, but I’d rather pull off an ugly win rather than get an ugly loss,” said Mir, a former UFC heavyweight champion who improved to 14-5.
Filipovic didn’t know what had happened at the finish and came over and asked Mir what went on at the end.
Filipovic dropped to 27-8-2.
Ryan Bader, the winner of Season 8 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” moved toward a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. All three judges had it 30-27 for Bader, who is 12-0. Yahoo! Sports scored it 29-28 for Nogueira.
The win likely will lead to a match between two of the UFC’s top prospects, pitting Bader against highly touted Jon “Bones” Jones.
Bader’s wrestling was the difference in the fight, as he took down Nogueira several times and kept the Brazilian off-balance with the threat of the shot. In the first, Bader took down Nogueira and landed two huge rights from the top that had Nogueira in trouble.
“The good thing about being a wrestler is having him guess and being able to dictate where the fight goes,” Bader said.
Chris Lytle and Matt Serra each have black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but they stood and traded punches for the entire fight in an entertaining three-round welterweight battle. That style of fight, though, benefited Lytle, a former professional boxer, who pulled out a unanimous decision over the ex-champion.
All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Lytle. Yahoo! Sports had Lytle, 30-26.
“What kind of idiot wants to box with the Indiana state boxing champion?” Sherk asked following the fight, joking.
Lytle’s right hand consistently found a home. But in the second, he began mixing in hooks and uppercuts and tore apart Serra in a rematch of the finale from “The Ultimate Fighter 4,” which Serra won.
“I give Matt Serra all the credit in the world, because he could have come in here and tried to make it boring, but he was moving forward the whole time,” said Lytle, an Indianapolis fireman who was fighting in front of his hometown crowd.
Sean Sherk and Evan Dunham put on a mixed martial arts clinic in their lightweight fight, as Sherk survived several deep chokes to pull out a split decision victory. All three judges scored the bout 29-28, with Glenn Trowbridge and Cecil Peoples scoring it for Sherk and Kevin Caldwell seeing it for Dunham. Yahoo! Sports had it 29-28 for Dunham, giving Dunham the final two rounds.
UFC president Dana White clearly thought Dunham won. On his Twitter account, he wrote, “Robbed! Judging (expletive) sucks.” The crowd concurred, booing Sherk during his post-fight interview.
Dunham caught Sherk, a former UFC lightweight champion, with two very deep chokes in the first round, but Sherk managed to slip his neck out on each occasion. Sherk wound up in Dunham’s guard after escaping one and drilled Dunham with a big elbow that opened a nasty gash over Dunham’s right eye.
“I was breathing, but all the chokes were tight,” said Sherk, who fought for the first time since losing to Frankie Edgar 16 months ago. “You can ask any of my training partners; I’m hard to choke.”
The crowd booed lustily when the decision was announced, but Dunham accepted the first defeat of his career graciously.
“You can never tell what the judges are thinking,” said Dunham, now 11-1. “I was excited and having fun being in there and having the crowd join me in my fun.”
In the first bout of the pay-per-view portion of the card, Melvin Guillard outlasted bitter rival Jeremy Stephens, winning a split decision. Judges saw it 29-28 and 30-27 for Guillard and 29-28 for Stephens. Yahoo! Sports had Guillard 29-28.
The fight wasn’t nearly as heated as had been expected. Guillard circled most of the night and the men rarely traded, as they had promised to do.
and remember.. YOU CAN'T WIN, UNTIL YOU STEP IN...
Monday, September 13, 2010
Nate Diaz Calls Out the Best at 155 and 170; I want one of the Top 3 Contenders!
Following his win at UFC 118, Stockton’s own Nate Diaz didn’t hide the fact that he feels he’s ready for the best, not only at his new weight of 170 lbs but also at 155 lbs.
“I’d like to get someone in the top three contenders at either lightweight or welterweight rather than against some tough guy that’s not as popular or not as high in the rankings. I want to try and get a belt here sometime.”
Diaz even went as far as to calling out Gray Maynard, saying the two should fight before Lightweight champ Frankie Edgar makes his next defense. Following these comments though, UFC President Dana White made it clear that Maynard would not lose his title shot.
Since moving up from lightweight to welterweight, Diaz has won two straight and looked outstanding in both outings. In his bout with Marcus Davis at UFC 118, Diaz completely dominated “The Irish Hand Grenade” for two rounds before submitting him in the third. The win gets Diaz that much closer to a world title and proves that he’s ready for a top opponent at 170 lbs.
Dana White sounded like he’d like Diaz to stay at welterweight, saying how good and stong he looked in his previous two bouts.
It will be interesting to see what Diaz’s next move will be. Will he move back down to lightweight to take on the “tough guys” of the division like he said or will he continue his quick ascent up the welterweight ladder?
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You Step In.
Check out our Step In Babes.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Couture makes short work of boxer Toney... So much for Toney's promise to make a showing!
BOSTON – As almost everyone expected, mixed martial arts legend Randy Couture dominated and then defeated boxer James Toney at UFC 118, causing the heavyweight boxing champion to tap out with an arm triangle that choked Toney in 3:19 of the first round.
The fight at the TD Garden was billed as a battle between mixed martial arts and boxing, rival sports that compete for customers, media attention and bragging rights, even if the result proved little.
Couture, a one-time All-American college wrestler and a well-rounded MMA legend, scored an immediate takedown on Toney by tackling him around the ankles around 30 seconds into the scheduled three-round fight. The move neutralized the boxer’s advantage in punching power.
Couture (20-10) then mounted Toney for some ground-and-pound and eventually was able to choke the mostly defenseless Toney.
“I’m a huge fan of boxing, a lot of credit to James for being the first boxer to step in here,” Couture said.
The result was greeted well by the pro-Couture crowd, who chanted “UFC, UFC” as the MMA legend pummeled Toney, who could mount little defense from his back. The fight was completely lopsided. Toney managed to land little if any offense.
“He just got me,” said Toney (0-1). “He’s a great fighter.”
Toney is the current IBA heavyweight champion, his 11th boxing belt in five different weight divisions in putting together a 72-6-3 record, highlighted by 44 knockouts. At 42 years old, though, Toney has lost a significant amount of the skill and punching power that earned him the nickname “Lights Out.”
There were questions about his fitness level and commitment. His physique lacked definition and his stomach hung slightly over his shorts. He weighed a career-high 237 pounds in a sport where fighters are often in incredible physical condition.
Matchups between high-level boxers and legitimate MMA fighters have been rare. It’s been mostly agreed that the advantage is based on what rules are employed. In a boxing match, the boxer would win. Inside the cage – where boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, karate and just about anything else you can think up is allowed – the more well-rounded MMA fighter should dominate.
Couture showed conventional wisdom was right.
Still, Toney counts as one of the most accomplished boxer to ever attempt to step into the UFC’s Octagon. The pro-MMA crowd booed Toney and roared their approval for “The Natural” Couture, a UFC Hall of Famer.
Toney’s major punching power, aided by the lighter four-ounce gloves of the UFC (boxing is usually 10 ounces) gave him a puncher’s chance and made the fight intriguing.
Toney agreed to give mixed martial arts a chance because the current state of the boxing business is devoid of big paying bouts – “I can’t get no fights,” he said in the run-up to the UFC card.
He arrived on the scene expressing respect for MMA but delivered a tidal wave of trash talk in an effort to sell the fight. He claimed he’d been well-schooled in MMA during an eight-month training run, and that his punching power was sure to knock Couture silly.
It turns out he never threw, let alone landed, a serious punch. Couture left the Octagon without a single mark on his body after a relatively easy night’s work.
Toney, note to self; "I might want to stick with boxing as this MMA fighting is a lot tougher than I thought it was!"
Nice Win Randy Couture!!!
and remember.... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Strikeforce: Houston results The King Dethroned
Strikeforce Houston was one of the better cards that Strikeforce has offered the fans. The main event and co-main event were both title fights that on paper were sure to be very exciting fights. The main event was for the Light Heavyweight Championship with Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal defending his championship against challenger and number one contender Rafael Cavalcante.
Prior to the fight Lawal had stated in numerous interviews that he considered himself an underdog and indicated that Cavalcante was an excellent striker with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The crowd was pumped when these two final made it to the cage. With Big John McCarthy shouting out “let’s get it on” the two fighters came out ready to do battle. Lawal came out with an early flurry but Cavanlcante seemed to be unfazed. Both fighters continued to appear to be feeling each other out. Lawal worked his way inside and was able to get one of his power slams but was not able to keep the fight on the ground, as Cavalcante was able to immediately stand up.
The first round went back and forth and no fighter doing any significant damage. At the start of the second round, Lawal looked to be a changed fighter. He looked to be more aggressive and really took the fight to Cavalcante. Lawal was able to take Cavalcante to the mat but again he was not able to keep the fight on the ground. Lawal did dominate the second round and appeared to be taking control of the fight.
When the bell rang to start the third round, Lawal came out and attempted to continue where he left off in the second round. Cavalcante, on the other hand, had a different idea. Cavalcante hurt Lawal with a knee that took Lawal’s legs away from him. He did not fall to the canvas but he was definitely rocked. As Lawal shot in for another take down he was again met with a knee and punches that hurt him bad.
Lawal was relentless in working for the take down and did not give up. As Lawal was working for double under hooks, Cavalcante continued to rain down hammer fists to the side of Lawal’s head. This proved to be more than Lawal could handle and Big John McCarthy stopped the fight.
Cavalcante shocked the world with his TKO stoppage over Lawal. After the fight, Lawal stated that this loss will only make him stronger. He stated that a true champion learns from defeat and he will go back to camp, make some adjustments and earn his title back. For now though, Lawal will be left with the taste of defeat in his mouth and wondering why tonight was not his night.
and remember.... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Prior to the fight Lawal had stated in numerous interviews that he considered himself an underdog and indicated that Cavalcante was an excellent striker with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The crowd was pumped when these two final made it to the cage. With Big John McCarthy shouting out “let’s get it on” the two fighters came out ready to do battle. Lawal came out with an early flurry but Cavanlcante seemed to be unfazed. Both fighters continued to appear to be feeling each other out. Lawal worked his way inside and was able to get one of his power slams but was not able to keep the fight on the ground, as Cavalcante was able to immediately stand up.
The first round went back and forth and no fighter doing any significant damage. At the start of the second round, Lawal looked to be a changed fighter. He looked to be more aggressive and really took the fight to Cavalcante. Lawal was able to take Cavalcante to the mat but again he was not able to keep the fight on the ground. Lawal did dominate the second round and appeared to be taking control of the fight.
When the bell rang to start the third round, Lawal came out and attempted to continue where he left off in the second round. Cavalcante, on the other hand, had a different idea. Cavalcante hurt Lawal with a knee that took Lawal’s legs away from him. He did not fall to the canvas but he was definitely rocked. As Lawal shot in for another take down he was again met with a knee and punches that hurt him bad.
Lawal was relentless in working for the take down and did not give up. As Lawal was working for double under hooks, Cavalcante continued to rain down hammer fists to the side of Lawal’s head. This proved to be more than Lawal could handle and Big John McCarthy stopped the fight.
Cavalcante shocked the world with his TKO stoppage over Lawal. After the fight, Lawal stated that this loss will only make him stronger. He stated that a true champion learns from defeat and he will go back to camp, make some adjustments and earn his title back. For now though, Lawal will be left with the taste of defeat in his mouth and wondering why tonight was not his night.
and remember.... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Strikeforce CEO says Sarah Kaufman has earned right to fight on major Showtime card
Sarah Kaufman (12-0 MMA, 4-0 SF) asked, and she shall receive.
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker recently told MMAjunkie.com that the women's 135-pound champion will fight on a major Showtime-televised event in the near future.
"I think she's earned her right to fight in the big show," Coker said.
Kaufman blogged this past month about her frustration at being placed repeatedly on the promotion's prospects-based Challengers series instead of the more visible primetime events. After knocking Roxanne Modafferi (15-6 MMA, 0-2 SF) out cold in her first title at Strikeforce Challengers 9, Kaufman vented further.
"Get me on main cards on Showtime, guys," she said in her post-fight interview. "I think I deserve it. Put me on there."
Coker said he didn't fault Kaufman for using the spotlight to give herself a boost.
"She was probably feeling a little bit frustrated, and wanted to move up to the bigger show,' he said. "I think she could have come to us and talked about it, but she wanted to get her message (across), and she took it to the media. But hey, look what happened. It worked out for her.
"It's a fighter out there trying to improve their position and their life, and I think it worked out real well."
Strikeforce this Friday holds a four-woman tournament that will crown a future contender to the women's 135-pound title, and Strikeforce officials previously announced that Marloes Coenen will drop down from 145 pounds to challenge for the title next.
A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Kaufman has dominated her Strikeforce competition, though the Modaferri win was her first stoppage victory. Kaufman previously bested Miesha Tate, Shayna Baszler and Takayo Hashi by unanimous decision.
As of now, Kaufman is un-booked, but Coker promised she'll get her due when Strikeforce schedules her next bout.
"She will definitely be on one of the bigger shows," Coker said. "Of course, I can't tell you if it's going to be the main event or the co-main event because that will because that will be determined by who's fighting on the card as a whole. But I think she's earned her right to fight on the bigger show, just like Cristiane 'Cyborg' (Santos) did."
Santos, the current women's 145-pound champion, has terrorized her division with four consecutive wins by stoppage due to strikes. All of her contests have been broadcast on on the main cards of Strikeforce's marquee events on Showtime.
Coker said he'd love to see the two champions face off, though he doesn't view it as a requirement.
"If [Kaufman] ever wanted to move up to fight Cristiane, we would love that," he said.
(Pictured: Sarah Kaufman and Roxanne Modafferi)
Shout out to: MMAJUNKIE
And remember..... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN..
Sunday, August 8, 2010
UFC 117 Aftermath: Anderson Silva Earns an Extra $120K for Getting His Ass Handed to Him for 23 Minutes
Whatever “demon effigy” Anderson Silva and Ed Soares really do worship, he certainly turned out to be the better God on Saturday night. If nothing else, Silva’s prayers were answered at UFC 117 when his Hail Mary triangle choke somehow found the mark around Chael Sonnen’s neck with a minute, 50 seconds left in a fight the challenger had dominated for four complete rounds. Sonnen kind of tapped, referee Josh Rosenthal kind of stopped the fight and Silva kind of proved he is still the best 185-pound fighter in the world. So much for the vengeful Christian God that Republican wrestlers from Oregon prance and dance in front of, we guess.
There will no doubt be more than a couple breathless accounts of Silva’s “miraculous comeback” in the MMA media during the next few days, but let’s make no mistake here: Anderson Silva’s greatness was not on display Saturday night. In fact, if the UFC’s so-called “performance-based bonuses” are actually in any way based on performance, Big DW should take that $120,000 he evenly split between the two main eventers for “Fight of the Night” and give about $90,000 of it to Sonnen. Because really, only one guy had the “fight of the night” at UFC 117. The other guy just sort of got lucky.
Instead, it was Silva who walked away from last night’s presser with $120K in total bonus money after his Doug Flutie moment also netted him the “Submission of the Night” award. The champ shared that honor with Matt Hughes, who prior to the end of the main event seemed to have the prize for the night’s most surprising sub locked up for himself. How Silva managed to have just about every hole in his game thoroughly revealed and exploited and still walk away with not one, but two bonus checks, we’ll never know. Chalk it up to another part of his “legendary” night, we suppose.
Yesterday, we published what seemed at the time like an overly optimistic hypothesis that Sonnen had a chance to beat Silva if he could fight a perfect fight. Honestly, we didn’t think for a second the guy would come so close to actually doing it. But there was Sonnen last night, not just beating Silva, but downright outclassing the man many regard as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter for 20-plus minutes. In the process, Sonnen inspired some pretty uncomfortable feelings deep down in our brains’ hearts: We actually felt good for the guy, excited for him and when it was over we felt a great deal of empathy for him. As of about 7 p.m. last night, we wouldn’t have thought any of that possible.
The reason Sonnen’s performance was so stirring was not just because he appeared to be doing exactly what he said he was going to do in the fight – “dump Silva on his prissy ass and beat a hole in his face” – but also because it was a kind of bout we’ve never seen Silva in before. In the past, the middleweight champ has been criticized for being unmotivated, for being ill prepared and for showing a concerted lack of urgency in the cage. That’s not at all what happened at UFC 117. At UFC 117, Sonnen and Silva both showed up and tried their hardest and guess what? For nearly the entire fight, Sonnen was the better man.
In the end though, the Oregon wrestler did as the Oregon wrestler usually does. He got tapped out. Taking people down and letting them catch him in subs is basically the story of Chael Sonnen’s career. Eight of his 11 total losses have now come by some form of arm bar or choke. We’d say that’s a fair enough sample size to conclusively prove that Sonnen has a submission problem. Shoring that up might be something he’ll want to check out.
It also would not be totally accurate to say Sonnen “backed up” much of his prefight trash talk with his performance, since most of his promotional blather had nothing to do with fighting or with reality. No, the true greatness of Sonnen’s domination of Silva was that for those 23 minutes he managed to divorce himself from the Bobby “The Brain” Heenan character he’d been playing for the past few months and, just, fight. He fought his ass off. He fought the fight of his life which, when it was all over, wasn’t quite good enough to steal the UFC middleweight title.
We’d love to sit here and tell you that our lasting memory of Sonnen will be of the shockingly contrite and humble guy we saw in the cage and at the press conference following the loss. The guy who said he was “devastated” and heartbroken over the defeat. Unfortunately, we know that’s not the case. Give Sonnen a day or two to turn this one over in his mind and he’ll probably decide he never tapped out. He could decide that his loss was the result of a vast conspiracy against him. Hell, he might even decide that wasn’t even him in the cage at UFC 117.
Whatever happens, we sincerely hope we can all refrain from spazzing out about how great Anderson Silva’s “comeback” was last night. We hope we can give Sonnen the credit (and some of the disdain because, seriously dude, another triangle?) he deserves. If we can’t, well, maybe Chael Sonnen was right about us all along. Maybe we really are just a bunch of Anderson Silva marks.
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Title Shot for UFC 117 Winner.....
There are many fights that have gone overlooked for UFC 117 because of all Chael Sonnen’s talk about his fight with Anderson Silva. There are many fights that should not get overlooked, but fight fans especially do not want to over look the fight between Roy “Big Country” Nelson and Junior Dos Santos.
Dana White has announced that the winner of this fight will get a title shot against the winner of the Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez bout schedule for UFC 121. Nelson won the Ultimate Fighter Season 10 with a knockout victory over Brendan Schaub. After the Ultimate Fighter Finale, Nelson defeated Stefan Struve via knockout 39 seconds into round number one at UFC Fight Night 21. The victory over Struve earned Nelson a shot at Dos Santos and possible a title shot.
Dos Santos debuted at UFC 90 and made an immediate impact with a first round knockout over, then top contender Fabricio Werdum. Dos Santos continued his winning ways with a TKO victory over Stefan Struve at UFC 95. Dos Santos next earned his biggest and most significant victory when he completely dominated Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic into a verbal submission at UFC 113. Dos Santos most recently earned victories over Gilbert Yvel and Gabriel Gonzaga setting up the show down with Nelson.
This looks to be a very interesting fight as the two match up very well against each other. Both fighters have knockout power in both hands and both fighters own black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. On paper, this fight looks good where ever it goes. If they decide to stand and bang the fight fans should see some fireworks and if the fight goes to the ground then fight fans will be able to see some of the world’s best heavyweight Jui Jitsu practitioners go to war.
Either way this fight has the potential to offer fans a knockout of the night, a submission of the night and fight of the night. If you are going overlook a fight this weekend make sure that you do not overlook Nelson vs. Dos Santos as this fight is sure to be one of the best.
and remember......You Can't Win, Until You .Step In
Friday, July 30, 2010
Joe "The Show" Cronin Steps In with Estevan Payan at RITC 143
Fight fans love a good grudge match. We love to see two guys in a cage, or ring for that matter, who plain don’t like each other going at it. Anyone in attendance at Rage in the Cage 143 will be treated to just such a fight. In a feature bout, Orion Boxing’s Joe “The Show” Cronin will be taking on hated rival Estevan Payan. This will be a rematch of their 2008 bout that Payan won by decision.
Cronin made it clear though that he firmly expects a different out come. “I have no excuses, he won,” said Cronin of his performance, “but I wasn’t to focused on that fight.” Cronin admitted that he was having a little too much fun on the days and weeks leading up to the first fight with Payan, and seems to have learned from that mistake. He now promises a better, more focused Joe Cronin will show up to this fight. “I think overall I‘ve gotten better. Everything from conditioning, ground game, boxing, and overall toughness has improved incredibly,” said Cronin assessing his current physical fitness, “I feel comfortable saying everything has improved tremendously.”
Joe understands what it takes to be successful in this business. He is the former RITC welterweight champion and current RITC lightweight champion. A veteran with 31 fights under his belt, Joe has fought for a variety of MMA promotions throughout the country but prefers to fight in front of the home crowd. He’s also a busy fighter. He has fought three times this year and competed, and won, in a number of Jiu Jitsu tournaments in the gi and no gi divisions. Joe also offers MMA lessons at a number of locations including Orion Boxing(formerly Spartan Combat Sports) and also corners for some of the fighters he trains.
The card for the upcoming RITC event will is stacked and this fight in particular should be a real gem. Both these guys are well rounded fighters though Joe believes he will be able to use his boxing and ground and pound to secure the victory. To see prices or to buy tickets to this event click here. Anyone interested in training with Joe Cronin can visit Orion Boxing or contact jbilducea86@gmail.com for more information on how to get a hold of Joe.
Joe Cronin wears Step In Gear and so should you... It's what WINNERS are seen in!
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sarah Kaufman's slam-KO makes ESPN "SportsCenter" Plays of the Week
Strikeforce women's welterweight champion Sarah Kaufman's slam-knockout of title challenger Roxanne Modafferi continues generating interest.
In fact, the Showtime-televised Strikeforce Challengers 9 co-headliner earned a spot on ESPN "SportsCenter's" Plays of the Week.
The vicious knockout earned the No. 4 spot on the internationally broadcast top-10 list.
The fight, which marked Kaufman's first title defense since winning the belt with a February win over Takayo Hashi, took place July 23 at Comcast Arena at Everett in Washington state. After a close first round, Kaufman took control in the second. Stuck in Modafferi's guard, she picked up her opponent and knocked her out cold by slamming her to the mat.
The attention is a welcome change for Kaufman, who complained after the show about being stuck in a non-headlining Challengers card rather than a major Strikeforce show. The undefeated fighter, who's scored nine of her 12 career wins via knockout, has seen both her title fights (and all four Strikeforce fights) on Challengers cards, which traditionally garner lower ratings.
And perhaps as a sign of ESPN's continued warming up to MMA, host Stuart Scott actually mentioned another Strikeforce fighter during the Plays of the Week segment.
"I want to see her fighting Christy 'Cyborg,' though" said Scott, referring to Strikeforce's women's middleweight champ Cristiane Santos. "I'm just saying."
Shout out to: MMAJUNKIE.com
and remember.....You Can'tr Win, Until You STEP IN.
In fact, the Showtime-televised Strikeforce Challengers 9 co-headliner earned a spot on ESPN "SportsCenter's" Plays of the Week.
The vicious knockout earned the No. 4 spot on the internationally broadcast top-10 list.
The fight, which marked Kaufman's first title defense since winning the belt with a February win over Takayo Hashi, took place July 23 at Comcast Arena at Everett in Washington state. After a close first round, Kaufman took control in the second. Stuck in Modafferi's guard, she picked up her opponent and knocked her out cold by slamming her to the mat.
The attention is a welcome change for Kaufman, who complained after the show about being stuck in a non-headlining Challengers card rather than a major Strikeforce show. The undefeated fighter, who's scored nine of her 12 career wins via knockout, has seen both her title fights (and all four Strikeforce fights) on Challengers cards, which traditionally garner lower ratings.
And perhaps as a sign of ESPN's continued warming up to MMA, host Stuart Scott actually mentioned another Strikeforce fighter during the Plays of the Week segment.
"I want to see her fighting Christy 'Cyborg,' though" said Scott, referring to Strikeforce's women's middleweight champ Cristiane Santos. "I'm just saying."
Shout out to: MMAJUNKIE.com
and remember.....You Can'tr Win, Until You STEP IN.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Women’s first-ever welterweight Tournament set for Strikeforce - August 13th
The much talked about first-ever Strikeforce women’s welterweight Tournament is all set and ready to go on August 13th at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The Tournament will include four women and be completed all in one exciting night.
The four women participating in the Tournament will be Miesha Tate, Carina Damm, Hitomi Akano and Maiju Kujala. The draw to determine the match-ups will be held during the weigh-ins on Thursday August 12th. The Tournament will consist of two semi-final bouts to open the night and the winners will come back to fight each other as the night’s co-main event.
Each fight will be three, 3-minute rounds and the winner of the Tournament will become the official No. 2 welterweight contender. Current welterweight champ Sarah Kaufman faces off against Roxanne Modafferi this Friday and the winner will then take on No. 1 contender Roxanne Modafferi.
Tate (9-2) most recently fought at the Strikeforce Challengers in Fresno, California where she defeated then undefeated Zoila Frausto by armbar in the second round. She is currently riding a 3 fight win streak and the only lost in her last 9 fights was against Kaufman.
Damm (15-3) is a 31-year old student of Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu older sister of another Strikeforce fighter Rodrigo Damm. She is on a very impressive 10 fight winning streak and will be making her Strikeforce debut.
Akano (15-7) is the former Smackgirl middleweight champ and made her Strikeforce debut against the 145 lbs. champ Cris “cyborg” Santos, who actually weight in 5.5 lbs over for the fight. Though she lost the fight, Akano fight into the third round against the much bigger Santos.
Kujala (4-1) is the least experienced of the four fighters, but does have recent Tournament experience in which she won in a similar format. She will have the pressure of making her Strikeforce debut and US debut all at the same time.
Strikeforce Challengers in Arizona will be headlined by Joe Riggs (32-12) against Louis Taylor (6-1) but the showcase of the event is the women’s Tournmant.
and remember..... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
An angry Sarah Kaufman takes issue with Strikeforce and seemingly Cris “Cyborg” Santos
Strikeforce women’s 135 pound champion, Sarah Kaufman has gone on a rant directed at her employers and seemingly the promotions 145 pound women’s champion, Cris “Cyborg” Santos, claiming she should get on a major card because of her talent, not because she’s growing man parts.
Speaking via PrettyToughFighter.com, Kaufman said:
“It seem to be the 2 things that will get me on a main Strikeforce card…that and learning how to shake my assets
I am currently the Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Champion…yet I fought for the title on a Challengers Card. Now, I am set to defend said title against Roxanne Modafferi in just a few days – again – on a Challengers Card.”
“I know that it’s going to be a fun and challenging fight…and I always welcome that. Roxanne has been around the sport for a long time and will come game to fight; however, I need to take this fight and make a statement.”
“That statement will be: I deserve to be on a main Strikeforce Card because I am a talented, exciting FEMALE fighter at 135lbs! I will NOT eat a ridiculous amount of cookies to make 145lbs JUST for the opportunity to be on a main card and growing man parts… well that would just be ridiculous ”
Kaufman competes against Modafferi this Friday night on the Strikeforce Challengers 9 card in Everett, Washington. With a 11-0 record and a technical striking game to boot, it does make you wonder why all the attention in women’s MMA seems to be directed in a certain Brazilian’s direction.
and remember.... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Speaking via PrettyToughFighter.com, Kaufman said:
“It seem to be the 2 things that will get me on a main Strikeforce card…that and learning how to shake my assets
I am currently the Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Champion…yet I fought for the title on a Challengers Card. Now, I am set to defend said title against Roxanne Modafferi in just a few days – again – on a Challengers Card.”
“I know that it’s going to be a fun and challenging fight…and I always welcome that. Roxanne has been around the sport for a long time and will come game to fight; however, I need to take this fight and make a statement.”
“That statement will be: I deserve to be on a main Strikeforce Card because I am a talented, exciting FEMALE fighter at 135lbs! I will NOT eat a ridiculous amount of cookies to make 145lbs JUST for the opportunity to be on a main card and growing man parts… well that would just be ridiculous ”
Kaufman competes against Modafferi this Friday night on the Strikeforce Challengers 9 card in Everett, Washington. With a 11-0 record and a technical striking game to boot, it does make you wonder why all the attention in women’s MMA seems to be directed in a certain Brazilian’s direction.
and remember.... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
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