Final results of UFC 114, last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen
Round 1
The fighters trade bombs at the bell at Jensen is hurt by a left hook. Jensen returns fire and connects with a right hand. The fighters scramble from the clinch and Jensen locks on a guillotine. Forbes can’t escape and is forced to tap at 1:37 of the opening frame, giving Jensen the submission victory.
Aaron Riley vs. Joe Brammer
Round 1
Brammer storms out with a knee to the stomach and a right-left combo. Riley clinches. Brammer lands two knees to the body. They separate. Brammer throws a kick to the body and Riley catches it. Riley misses the trip and they separate again. Riley misses a flurry and clinches, forcing Brammer into the cage. They exchange meager knees. Riley just misses slamming Brammer as his balance is great. They step back and exchange punches. Riley misses a massive left hook and again forces his opponent into the fence.Riley inadvertently digs his right foot into Brammer's groin. He's okay and the fight resumes moments later. Not much action with under a minute left. Riley just misses a head kick and then digs a hard left kick into Brammer's side. Very close round. 10-9 Riley.
Round 2
The two lightweights measure each other and take turns missing punches and kicks. A hard low kick by Riley followed by a thunderous left kick to the body. Brammer is keeping his distance. Brammer seems tentative now, and is not committing to his strikes. Riley pushes his foe against the cage halfway through the period. The sparse crowd is starting to get restless. Riley lands two knees that set up a sweep. Riley lands in Brammer's half guard. Brammer quickly pulls to full guard. Brammer switches to butterfly guard, but misses the armbar. Riley scrambles out and they're back up. Riley misses a left hook and is clipped by a right. He stumbles away, but he's okay. Brammer takes his back standing at the horn. 10-9 Riley.
Round 3
Brammer lands two low kicks right away. Riley delivers a push kick and Brammer stumbles to his back. He's up. They exchange blows and Riley loses his footing, forcing Brammer to charge and get sucked into full guard. They scramble up and Riley again pins him into the cage. Riley works quickly and slams Brammer down into side control. There's not much to be foundfor Riley and Brammer explodes back to his feet. Brammer clips Riley with a knee to the head. Riley pins him into the cage with just under two minutes left. Riley again drags brammer to the canvas. Brammer needs a sub or a KO to win. Brammer stands again after a scramble. Very little action from either man in the closing moments. Brammer lands a glancing head kick but it's too late. 10-9 Riley.
Official scores: 30-27 for Riley on all three scorecards.
Luis Arthur Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate
Round 1
A hard left low kick by Diabate lands right away. Cane is throwing bombs and missing. Diabate digs a nasty kick to the body. A left hand rocks Diabate and he's down; Cane dives in for the finish. Diabate pulls guard and weathers the storm. Diabate explodes and scrambles up to his feet. They exchange, but Diabate is keeping a perfect distance. A left stings Cane. A right hurts him. Cane comes in and eats a perfect left-right combo and he's flat on his back. Diabate jumps on him and referee Herb Dean stops it immediately before more damage is inflicted. The official time of the stoppage is 2:13 of the round.
Melvin Guillard vs. Waylon Lowe
Round 1
Lowe misses a takedown after clipping Guillard with a wild left hook. Guillard stuffs a double leg, but Lowe scoops him well above his head for a slam. Guillard defends well and lands on his feet. Lowe quickly slams him down and Guillard springs back up. Lowe forces Guillard into the cage. Guillard lands a hard knee. Big left knee to the head drops Lowe, but he seems okay. Lowe can't score the takedown midway through the frame and they separate. Lowe is stalking Guillard. Lowe shoots in and Guillard stuffs the double leg and delivers a brutal knee to the body. Lowe crumpled over onto his knees and gloves. Guillard pounces and lands two right hands as referee Yves Lavigne quickly halts the action. The official time of the stoppage is 3:28 of the first round.
Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
Round 1
Lauzon fires a left hook that graces the head of Escudero. Lauzon follows with a still low kick and a head kick that is blocked. Escudero pumps his jab and Lauzon, fighting in a Southpaw stance, checks him with a left-hand lead. Lauzon jumps with a right hook and Escudero ties him up and connects with knees from the Thai plum against the fence. Lauzon’s knees buckle, but he’s fine. Escudero is reaching for a single as he presses Lauzon against the fencing. The fighters move away from the cage and Lauzon has a kick to the body blocked. Escudero is bleeding from a small cut near the nose above his left eye. The blood is working its way into the eye, so it may become an issue for his vision. Escudero pumps a double jab and lands a low kick. Lauzon answers with another head kick that is blocked. Lauzon lowers his head and fires a one-two that falls short. Escudero kicks the groin and the fighters touch gloves.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Round 2
Escudero attacks the lead leg of his opponent with kicks early in round two. Escudero backs his prey up to the fence with a right hand that scores. Escudero pounces and grabs the Thai plum, where lands several hard jumping knees. Escudero lets his foe off the fence and Lauzon shoots a double that is stuffed. Lauzon has double underhooks as he presses Escudero into the cage. He lets him off and the fighters return to the center of the cage. Lauzon lands a front kick to the body and seems to be gassed out. Escudero is stalking his foil as Lauzon puts his back fence against the cage and circles away. Escudero applies pressure with knees and low kicks that are getting through. Escudero lands a right hook. Escudero is bouncing on his toes and he trips an off-balanced Lauzon to the floor. Referee Josh Rosenthal stands him and the action resumes and Escudero lands a low kick and a right hand. Escudero fails on a single at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Round 3
Again Escudero starts a round with low kicks. Lauzon -- perhaps aware that he is down on the scorecards -- looks for a knockout blow with each punch, but is well out of range to score. Lauzon steps forward with a right hand and Escudero counters with a straight right that finds the chin. Lauzon lands a right hand and Escudero moves him to the fence. Escudero connects with a right hook to the temple and backs away to the center of the Octagon. Lauzon checks to see how much time is remaining on the clock. It reads 2:30. Escudero whiffs on a head kick and then glances the right thigh with his toes on a low kick. Escudero is looking to be aggressive as he attempts a spinning-back kick that misses. One minute remains and Escudero shuffles his feet in Ali fashion. The crowd boos the physical statement. Escudero goes back to work on the right leg of Lauzon with a low kick. Escudero turns up the pressure and blasts the other leg. He tries it again and blasts Lauzon directly on the cup. Lauzon is given time to recover and a point is deducted from Escudero. The fight is resumed and both men jump into a slugfest. Lauzon got the best of the exchange.
Jordan Breen scores the round 9-9 Escudero (29-27 Escudero)
Tomas Rios scores the round 9-9 Escudero (29-27 Escudero)
Mike Fridley scores the round 9-9 Escudero (29-27 Escudero)
All three official judges agree with scores of 29-27 across the board, giving Escudero the unanimous decision.
Amir Sadollah vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Round 1
Both fighters score with a low kick in the opening seconds. Kim trips Sadollah to the canvas and begins to work from half guard. Kim is trying to setup and arm triangle, but the former “Ultimate Fighter” winner is defending perfectly. Kim gives up the hold and Sadollah gets to full guard. Kim is posturing and throwing his left at the chin. Kim passes to half and Sadollah uses his left hand to push the right leg back into guard. Kim scores with two left elbows. Again Kim passes on the right side into half. Sadollah has a near sweep, but the South Korean is game. Kim keeps his position following a brief scramble and scores again with his left hand. Kim gets to half and sees a leg submission coming. Sadollah goes to guard and Kim passes and takes his opponent’s back in a scramble. Kim has both hooks and control of the right arm. Time expires in the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Kim
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Kim
Round 2
Sadollah grazes a head kick and is taken down by a slick single leg. Kim passes to side control. Kim isolates the right arm of Sadollah and then goes to work on the left arm. Kim traps the left wrist under his right knee, but Sadollah scrambles to his feet before Kim can catch him with punches. Sadollah lands a knee as soon as he stands and Kim catches the foot on a second try. Kim holds the position patiently and slowly trips Sadollah back to the floor. 2:15 remains in the round. Sadollah elbows from his back and Kim passes as soon as Sadollah looks to get offensive with his legs. Kim is trying to pass to mount from half guard. A few boos sounds out from the seats, but this has been a technical battle. Kim traps Sadollah’s left hand behind his head, creating a triangle. Sadollah escapes danger, but gives up mount in the process. The horn signals the end of round two.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Kim
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Kim
Round 3
Sadollah misses on a head kick. Sadollah fires a straight-right hand and Kim beautifully drops levels under it to score a single-leg takedown. Sadollah goes high with his hips and Kim passes. Kim moves to mount from half guard. Sadollah gets back to half guard and is greeted by a sharp right elbow on the forehead. Sadollah nearly kicks Kim off, but the South Korean is all over him with tight positioning. Sadollah goes high with his hips again in search of a triangle. Kim sees it coming and has no problems using the window to pass guard. Kim gets on his opponent’s back, but Sadollah fights to get to his feet and makes it. Sadollah lands a jumping knee to the face before being taken back down. Sadollah springs back up and he knows he needs a knockout to prevail. Kim connects with a standing elbow and the fatigues Sadollah lands a knee to the body.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
The official judges agree and award Kim with a unanimous decision win with scores of 30-27 across the board.
Diego Sanchez vs. John Hathaway
Round 1
Sanchez connects with two straight lefts and a right hook from a southpaw stance before dropping levels for a single. Hathaway defends it against the cage as Sanchez stresses to complete the takedown. He gives it up and then secures a quick single. Hathaway bounces right back to his feet and takes the center of the cage. Hathaway lands a stiff low kick to Sanchez’s right leg. A right hand clips the chin of Sanchez. Hathaway goes right back to the right leg with a kick. Hathaway floors Sanchez with a right knee. It was crisp and Sanchez is hurt. Hathaway swarms with punches to the head and body and Sanchez recovers. Hathaway is dropping right elbows on the face. Sanchez is lucky to have not been cut in the assault. Hathaway lands left-handed hammerfists and a huge elbow. Hathaway is teeing off and Sanchez is just holding on. Hathaway lands two more elbows and then he goes to Sanchez’s body. Elbows strike the face and ribs of Sanchez. Sanchez throws an illegal kick to the face from his back, but it doesn’t land. Referee Herb Dean warns Sanchez for the foul.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Hathaway
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-8 Hathaway
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-8 Hathaway
Round 2
Hathaway picks up where he left off as he lands a one-two combo on Sanchez’s chin. The pace slows as Sanchez has become tentative. Hathaway misses a jump knee and Sanchez gets in a rushing right hand. Sanchez gets a single against the cage and begins to work from the top position. Hathaway uses his back against the cage to “crawl” to his feet. Sanchez wants no part of it, and drops for a single on the left leg. Hathaway stuffs it and lands a right hand. Sanchez fires a telegraphed left-hand lead. Hathaway is moving well on his feet as Sanchez is telegraphic every punch. Hathaway blasts Sanchez with a straight right. And another. Hathaway lands a knee to the body and a grazing right hand at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hathaway
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Hathaway
Round 3
The third round shows a different pace for the first two minutes as both men are cautious to pull the trigger. Sanchez clips Hathaway with a right hand and then has a single-leg stuffed. A right hand from Hathaway finds the chin of Sanchez. The season one TUF champion connects with a right hand and fails on a trip attempt. Hathaway lands two left hooks over the right jab of Sanchez. Sanchez gets hit with a right to the temple and thrown into the fencing as time runs in the 170-pound duel.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hathaway (30-26 Hathaway)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Hathaway (30-27 Hathaway)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Hathaway (30-26 Hathaway)
The official scorecards read 30-27 (twice) and 30-26 for the winner by unanimous decision, John Hathaway.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Jason Brilz
Round 1
Brilz misses a low kick and Nogueira connects with the left thigh of his opponent. Nogueira knees the body and shucks off a single leg. Again Nogueira crushes Brilz with a knee to the body. The crowd appreciates the impact. Brilz looks like he’s had enough of the standing game, so he attempts a single and secures it. Brilz lands a few punches from the top and briefly takes his opponent’s back in a scramble. Brilz connects with an elbow and passes to half guard. Brilz nearly gets to knee-on-belly, but he can’t clear his trapped foot in half guard. Nogueira sneaks out the back door and stands to his feet after briefly hoping on Brilz’s back. Brilz presses Nogueira into the fence, but he can’t keep him there. 30 seconds remain in the period. Nogueira paws out his right jab and glances the chin with a right hand.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Brilz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Brilz
Round 2
Brilz catches a low kick and takes Nogueira down. The Brazilian transitions into a guillotine and Brilz pulls his head free. Nogueira sweeps and Brilz locks on a guillotine of his own. It’s tight. Nogueira rolls and he’s in trouble. Referee Yves Lavigne looks like he’s about to stop the bout, but backs away when Nogueira signals that he didn’t tap. Lavigne does not disturb the position. Nogueira stays patient and eventually escapes the hold. Brilz works for another guillotine, but Nogueira is in side control. Brilz lets go and makes it to his feet. Brilz scores with a right hand on Nogueira’s chin. Nogueira steps out of a single attempt and gets cracked with a right hand. Nogueira steps forward and attempts to knee the face. Brilz unloads with a right and left hand that hurt Nogueira. Instead of pouncing, Brilz smiles at his opponent. Time runs out and the fighters touch gloves before going to their corner.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Brilz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Brilz
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Brilz
Round 3
Brilz ducks under a right hand and secures a single-leg takedown. Nogueira sweeps and lands some punches from the top. Brilz stands and shoots, and Nogueira is warned for holding the shorts while defending. Nogueira steps away and sprawls on another Brilz shot. Nogueira works a brabo choke from the top and Brilz escapes. Nogueira stands and connects with a knee to the body. Brilz is showing signs of fatigue as his shot has slowed greatly. Nogueira moves from the sprawl position directly to a crucifix. Nogueira hits the head and Brilz frees himself. Nogueira sweeps again before the bell to take the round, but was it enough to take the fight?
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (29-28 Brilz)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (29-28 Nogueira)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (29-28 Brilz)
Nogueira takes a split decision with scores of 29-28 (twice) and 28-29. The crowd boos the decision.
Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
Round 1
Duffee comes out firing at the bell. Duffee lands a right hand and bullies Russow along the fence. Duffee rocks his opponent with a right uppercut. Russow collapses and Duffee lights him up with punches. Russow stands and grazes a right hand off the chin. Duffee is jabbing and winging a straight right behind it. Duffee lands another clean right hand and Russow is showing what his chin is made of. Russow continues to come forward looking no worse for the wear. Duffee clips his foil with another right hand. Duffee connects again with his jab, but it’s more of a pushing motion than a snapping blow. Duffee connects with an uppercut that gets the fans going. Duffee throws a head kick that is easily blocked and wings an overhand right at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Duffee
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-8 Duffee
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Duffee
Round 2
Duffee uses good head movement to dodge a right hand and deliver a crisp right-hand counter. Duffee lands a hard uppercut that snaps Russow’s head back. Russow scores with a right hand and it just makes Duffee mad. Duffee throws a right-hand lead from a strange angle and follows it with an uppercut. The angles that Duffee are creating from a far range are giving Russow fits. Duffee’s pace starts to slow a bit. He’s used a lot of energy throwing power punches primarily. Russow winds up on a right-hand haymaker and Duffee ducks under and scores with a counter left. Russow lands two sloppy jabs and the crowd starts to boo the action at the 30-second mark. Duffee is bouncing on his toes, but he’s lost some steam and it shows in his punching form. The horn sounds and boos shower the cage.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Duffee
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Duffee
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Duffee
Round 3
Duffee lowers his base and connects with an uppercut. Russow’s chin has held up through 16 minutes in the cage. Russow drops levels for a single and Duffee has none of it. Russow is struggling with the reach of his opponent. He comes forward and Duffee is counter punching at a safe distance. Duffee drops down again to set up an uppercut and Russow lands a clean right hand on the temple. He follows with another and referee Josh Rosenthal is forced to save Todd Duffee at the 2:35 mark of round three.
Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
Round 1
An aggressive staredown unfolds as Bisping gets face-to-face with his opponent during referee Steve Mazzagatti’s final instructions. Miller starts the contest with a right-hand lead that falls short. Bisping then absorbs a kick to the groin and time is called. Bisping says he’s OK and the fight is resumed. Miller counters a right hand with a stiff uppercut that catches Bisping flush. Bisping lazily throws a head kick that misses. Bisping hasn’t found a comfortable range at the midway point of the opening round; all of his strikes seem to fall just short of their target. Bisping connects with a double jab and Miller kicks his legs in return. Bisping connects with a counter-right hand as Miller attacked with a one-two punching combination. Miller goes to the body with a right hand and Bisping clips him with a straight right. Bisping again finds success with a counter right hand.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bisping
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Bisping
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bisping
Round 2
Low kicks are traded effectively throughout the opening minute of round two. Bisping lands a clean right hand as Miller gets over aggressive. He does it again as Miller steps too close without throwing straight punches. Miller kicks Bisping on the cup, but Bisping is fine. They touch gloves and resume boxing. Bisping sneaks in a right hand and Miller chases him to land a hard low kick. Bisping setsup a straight right with a jab. The punch is flush and Miller shakes it off. Miller is rubbing his right eye and Bisping is outclassing him with the hands. Again a Bisping right catches Miller clean on the chin. The right eye of Miller continues to be an issue; he can’t stop rubbing it. Bisping lands a left hook and misses a head kick. Miller lands a right hook at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bisping
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Bisping
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bisping
Round 3
Miller lands his best of the fight as a right hook slams the chin. Bisping retreats looking weary, and then blasts Miller with a one two. Miller has no answer for Bisping’s right hand. He’s landing it in repetition. Miller gets the first takedown of the fight with 2:45 remaining. Bisping is working a closed guard from the bottom. Bisping gets to the cage and uses his back against the fence to stand. Miller sneaks in a right kick to the body and Bisping again clips his prey with a right hand. Miller rushes in for a single and Bisping stops it in its tracks. Bother fighters land clean at the 15 second mark. The middleweights trade punches for the duration of the round, but nothing lands square.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bisping (30-27 Bisping)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Bisping (30-27 Bisping)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bisping (30-27 Bisping)
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 29-28 for Bisping, the winner of a unanimous decision.
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Rampage Loose to Evans by Unanimous Decision
Round 1
Evans catches Jackson with a right hand. Jackson stumbles to the fence and recovers as he ties up his rival. Jackson knees the body from the inside as Evans pushes him against the fence. Evans hits the body with his left hand and drops for a single that is easily defended by Jackson. Evans tries to trip Jackson to the floor and referee Herb Dean steps in to restart the fighters in the center of the Octagon. Jackson opens up with his hands and Evans smoothly drops levels for a powerful, driving takedown against the fence. Evans lands directly into side control, but Jackson is able to get to half guard. Jackson uses his back against the cage to stand and eats a right hand in the process. Jackson throws Evans around a bit with a whizzer, but he can’t get off the fence. Dean asks for action as the fighters fight for position against the fencing. Dean acts and separates the men with 20 seconds left. Jackson sprawls on a shot and Jackson unloads his hands at the horn, though nothing lands.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Evans
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Evans
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Evans
Round 2
Evans avoids a punching flurry to tie up with Jackson against the cage. Jackson has neck control and Evans backs away. Evans rushes right back in to clinch against the fence. The crowd is unappreciative of the technique. Dean asks for action as Rashad leans on his opponent. Dean moves the fighters to the center of the Octagon. Jackson jabs and then hesitates to throw his right hand behind it as Evans is long gone. Evans is using excellent footwork to stay away from Jackson’s power. Evans moves forward and lands an uppercut before going back to the fence in the clinch. Again boos are heard from the crowd. Evans engages in a hand battle for wrist control and then drops down for a double. Jackson sees it coming and gets out of harm’s way.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Jackson
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Evans
Round 3
A minute passes before the fighters engage. The crowd is furious and Jackson is patiently cutting off the cage. Jackson traps Evans and floors him with a right hand. Jackson pounces and lands heavy leather and an elbow on the face of Evans. Dean looks like he’s close to stopping it, but he wisely lets the fight unfold. Evans gets a grip of the situation and ties up his opponent. Evans uses nice leg work from guard to get to his feet. Evans gets a powerful single-leg takedown and he’s in a good position to work from half guard. Evans peppers the face of Jackson with right hands. Jackson turns his back and gets to his feet, only to be taken back down. Evans lands punches with his left hand as Jackson again turns his back in an effort to stand. Jackson makes it to his feet and lands a knee to the body before time runs out.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jackson (29-29 Draw)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10 (29-29 Draw)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Evans (30-27 Evans)
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Rashad Evans.
I'm very disappointed with the result of this fight! All I have to say, Evans must have wanted it more....
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Evans catches Jackson with a right hand. Jackson stumbles to the fence and recovers as he ties up his rival. Jackson knees the body from the inside as Evans pushes him against the fence. Evans hits the body with his left hand and drops for a single that is easily defended by Jackson. Evans tries to trip Jackson to the floor and referee Herb Dean steps in to restart the fighters in the center of the Octagon. Jackson opens up with his hands and Evans smoothly drops levels for a powerful, driving takedown against the fence. Evans lands directly into side control, but Jackson is able to get to half guard. Jackson uses his back against the cage to stand and eats a right hand in the process. Jackson throws Evans around a bit with a whizzer, but he can’t get off the fence. Dean asks for action as the fighters fight for position against the fencing. Dean acts and separates the men with 20 seconds left. Jackson sprawls on a shot and Jackson unloads his hands at the horn, though nothing lands.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Evans
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Evans
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Evans
Round 2
Evans avoids a punching flurry to tie up with Jackson against the cage. Jackson has neck control and Evans backs away. Evans rushes right back in to clinch against the fence. The crowd is unappreciative of the technique. Dean asks for action as Rashad leans on his opponent. Dean moves the fighters to the center of the Octagon. Jackson jabs and then hesitates to throw his right hand behind it as Evans is long gone. Evans is using excellent footwork to stay away from Jackson’s power. Evans moves forward and lands an uppercut before going back to the fence in the clinch. Again boos are heard from the crowd. Evans engages in a hand battle for wrist control and then drops down for a double. Jackson sees it coming and gets out of harm’s way.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Jackson
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Evans
Round 3
A minute passes before the fighters engage. The crowd is furious and Jackson is patiently cutting off the cage. Jackson traps Evans and floors him with a right hand. Jackson pounces and lands heavy leather and an elbow on the face of Evans. Dean looks like he’s close to stopping it, but he wisely lets the fight unfold. Evans gets a grip of the situation and ties up his opponent. Evans uses nice leg work from guard to get to his feet. Evans gets a powerful single-leg takedown and he’s in a good position to work from half guard. Evans peppers the face of Jackson with right hands. Jackson turns his back and gets to his feet, only to be taken back down. Evans lands punches with his left hand as Jackson again turns his back in an effort to stand. Jackson makes it to his feet and lands a knee to the body before time runs out.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jackson (29-29 Draw)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10 (29-29 Draw)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Evans (30-27 Evans)
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Rashad Evans.
I'm very disappointed with the result of this fight! All I have to say, Evans must have wanted it more....
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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“We are very excited to launch our new and visionary brand into main stream MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), the fastest growing sport and spectator event in the world; as well as Action Sports, where 47% of people in the United States consider themselves action sports fans. This percentage is growing internationally,” said Tom Watson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “With the recent introduction of our summer 2010 line, the focus will be to partner with MMA gyms, retailers and on-line e-commerce sites to increase brand awareness and points of sale.”
Despite only being launched in November 2009, the offering by Step In has already amassed a solid global following and incremental sales. This brand is for anyone with a passion for MMA or action sports and all things associated with them. Our findings through market research and social media demographics conclude our consumer base purchases products based upon strong graphics, color, quality and the ability to differentiate themselves from others.
“I just wanted to express my thanks for your fast delivery of my “Smear” t-shirt. Honestly, I was expecting much lesser quality, and to say that I was impressed when I opened my package would be an understatement,” said John A., President of the International Society of Close Quarter Combatants and best-selling fitness author. “I’ll be expressing my excitement about Step In products to my colleagues and clients. Quality and value in one place is a rare find these days and I believe that spreading the word when you find a deal is important. I’m placing my order right now for your Sideways t-shirt!”
STEP IN was founded by two guys who are huge MMA aficionados. The founders, as different as they are, had a common attraction to mixed martial arts and action sports. Their determination to parallel the sports beckoned them to create STEP IN, LLC a Premier MMA Apparel and Lifestyle brand focused on uniqueness, quality, and a brand name synonymous with the sport. And remember . . . You can’t win, until you step in! For more information on Step In, LLC and to see our product offering, visit http://www.stepingear.com.
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Countdown to UFC 114" preview special debuts Wednesday on Spike TV
In addition to the popular "UFC Primetime: Rampages vs. Evans" three-part series, Spike TV this week debuts "Countdown to UFC 114."
The 30-minute special examines the May 29 headliner between ex-light heavyweight champs Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, as well a middleweight co-headliner between Michael Bisping and Dan Miller.
The show debuts late Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) at 12:30 a.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.
The UFC's longtime cable partner also airs replays early Friday morning at 12:19 a.m. ET/PT and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, Versus airs the special on Friday at 12:30 a.m. ET (Thursday at 9:30 p.m. PT).
The night's main event, which features opposing coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter 10" and bitter rivals, prompted the UFC and Spike TV to roll out a "UFC Primetime" special. The three-part series are reserved for the organization's biggest fights, and the May 12 "Rampage vs. Evans" debut scored a series record 1.2 million viewers.
UFC 114 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view (main card) and Spike TV (two-fight "UFC Prelims" special).
The full card includes:
MAIN CARD
•Rashad Evans vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
•Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
•Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
•Jason Brilz vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
•John Hathaway vs. Diego Sanchez
PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)
•Dong Hyun Kim vs. Amir Sadollah
•Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
PRELIMINARY CARD (Not televised)
•Melvin Guillard vs. Waylon Lowe
•Luiz Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate
•Joe Brammer vs. Aaron Riley
•Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
The 30-minute special examines the May 29 headliner between ex-light heavyweight champs Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, as well a middleweight co-headliner between Michael Bisping and Dan Miller.
The show debuts late Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) at 12:30 a.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.
The UFC's longtime cable partner also airs replays early Friday morning at 12:19 a.m. ET/PT and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, Versus airs the special on Friday at 12:30 a.m. ET (Thursday at 9:30 p.m. PT).
The night's main event, which features opposing coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter 10" and bitter rivals, prompted the UFC and Spike TV to roll out a "UFC Primetime" special. The three-part series are reserved for the organization's biggest fights, and the May 12 "Rampage vs. Evans" debut scored a series record 1.2 million viewers.
UFC 114 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view (main card) and Spike TV (two-fight "UFC Prelims" special).
The full card includes:
MAIN CARD
•Rashad Evans vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
•Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
•Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
•Jason Brilz vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
•John Hathaway vs. Diego Sanchez
PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)
•Dong Hyun Kim vs. Amir Sadollah
•Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
PRELIMINARY CARD (Not televised)
•Melvin Guillard vs. Waylon Lowe
•Luiz Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate
•Joe Brammer vs. Aaron Riley
•Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Matt Hughes vs. Gracie Fighters Latest Chapter
Ricardo "Big Dog" Almeida and Matt Hughes are set to throw down August 7th at UFC 117 in Oakland, CA. Though not being technically "official" yet, both Hughes and Almeida have confirmed the bout taking place.
“The UFC hasn’t told me I can release this yet, but I’m going to go ahead and say that I’ve done my paperwork to fight Ricardo Almeida on August 7th, in Oakland, CA,” he wrote. “A lot of you know my history with the UFC, I’ve never turned down a fight and this is who they asked me to fight next.”
With the masses love for good sports related storylines, this showdown has many. Do they matter? Are they good ones? That's up to your opinion, but I can't wait for this fight. Not being the biggest fan of Matt Hughes, I love the fact he will truly have to work for this win if he is able to pull it off.
But getting the win will be tough.
Almeida is on the comeback trail after a 3 year layoff to focus on running his jiu-jitsu gym. A comeback that has seen him cruise to a 4-1 record since, dispatching the likes of Matt Brown, Kendall Grove, Matt Horwich, and going the distance in a tough split decision loss against Patrick Cote. A world class jiu-jitsu ace, and cardio beast, this man is dangerous. This could be the fight that finally starts Hughes slide to average fighter status after years of a dominate presence in the UFC.
The latest episode that sets the stage for this fight, is Hughes big win over fighting legend Renzo Gracie. This after hammering on Matt Sera in 2009 and Royce in 2006. Also adding fuel to the hype is the little known fact that Hughes defeated Almeida at the ADCC Submission Wrestling Championship back in 2000. As competitive as the "Big Dog" is , that surely has been a tough loss to get over and no doubt plays huge in this latest chapter of Gracie fighters vs. Hughes.
“I asked for [Matt Hughes] immediately after the Renzo [Gracie] fight [at UFC 112]. It’s been in the works, and for my part, I signed the bout agreement and I’m looking forward to it. It’s definitely a good angle. It’s a good way of promoting the fight. For me, I’m just a competitive guy. Actually, Matt Hughes beat me like ten years ago in a grappling match. Am I going to be motivated because he beat Renzo? Absolutely. I was there in the corner, you know, I want that win. For me and for the team. But other than that, it’s just competition.”
"Sure it's just a competition!"
Haven't the Gracie men learned from past bouts with Hughes? Just saying!
and remember....You Can't Win, Unless You STEP IN.
“The UFC hasn’t told me I can release this yet, but I’m going to go ahead and say that I’ve done my paperwork to fight Ricardo Almeida on August 7th, in Oakland, CA,” he wrote. “A lot of you know my history with the UFC, I’ve never turned down a fight and this is who they asked me to fight next.”
With the masses love for good sports related storylines, this showdown has many. Do they matter? Are they good ones? That's up to your opinion, but I can't wait for this fight. Not being the biggest fan of Matt Hughes, I love the fact he will truly have to work for this win if he is able to pull it off.
But getting the win will be tough.
Almeida is on the comeback trail after a 3 year layoff to focus on running his jiu-jitsu gym. A comeback that has seen him cruise to a 4-1 record since, dispatching the likes of Matt Brown, Kendall Grove, Matt Horwich, and going the distance in a tough split decision loss against Patrick Cote. A world class jiu-jitsu ace, and cardio beast, this man is dangerous. This could be the fight that finally starts Hughes slide to average fighter status after years of a dominate presence in the UFC.
The latest episode that sets the stage for this fight, is Hughes big win over fighting legend Renzo Gracie. This after hammering on Matt Sera in 2009 and Royce in 2006. Also adding fuel to the hype is the little known fact that Hughes defeated Almeida at the ADCC Submission Wrestling Championship back in 2000. As competitive as the "Big Dog" is , that surely has been a tough loss to get over and no doubt plays huge in this latest chapter of Gracie fighters vs. Hughes.
“I asked for [Matt Hughes] immediately after the Renzo [Gracie] fight [at UFC 112]. It’s been in the works, and for my part, I signed the bout agreement and I’m looking forward to it. It’s definitely a good angle. It’s a good way of promoting the fight. For me, I’m just a competitive guy. Actually, Matt Hughes beat me like ten years ago in a grappling match. Am I going to be motivated because he beat Renzo? Absolutely. I was there in the corner, you know, I want that win. For me and for the team. But other than that, it’s just competition.”
"Sure it's just a competition!"
Haven't the Gracie men learned from past bouts with Hughes? Just saying!
and remember....You Can't Win, Unless You STEP IN.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 11: Episode 8 Rundown!

Episode eight of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 11, featuring coaches Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell and Tito "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Ortiz, gets underway with Kyacey Uscola phoning home to celebrate the birth of his son.
Speaking of rebirth, Uscola has a chance to get back into the competition as he faces Kris McCray in the first-ever TUF wildcard elimination match. Since both fighters are from Team Ortiz, Tito sits this one out from a coaching perspective.
Uscola feels more pressure now that his son has been born but McCray isn't going to just roll over and promises fireworks.
Wildcard elimination fight: Kyacey Uscola (18-15) STEP'S IN against Kris McCray (5-0)
Round 1: Low kick by McCray and a jab. Hard low kick answers for Uscola. Quick exchange and they back away. McCray gets kicked in the leg and grimaces hard with a Peter Griffin-esque Arrrrgh. Uscola swarms him but McCray is able to stay upright and they go to the cage. McCray knees the legs. And again. Uscola tied up and has no offense while McCray knees him. Referee Steve Mazzagatti separates them. Another quick exchange. They tie up after a failed takedown and leather is flying. Both men reckless in their striking. McCray gets a big takedown and whales on the body after Uscola turtles up. McCray working the rear naked choke as time expires. This round was all McCray.
Round 2: Uscola aggressive and pushes McCray to the cage who answers with a powerful takedown right into side control. McCray has the arm and is cranking it hard. Uscola pressed against the cage and has nowhere to go but tapsville.
Kris McCray defeats Kyacey Uscola via submission
After the fight Dana White rounds up the coaches to pick the quarterfinal fights. Chuck has no input until Tito gives his and now the bickering begins. Dana can't make a decision while they're arguing so he kicks them out of the room to decide on his own.
Dana chooses:
Nick Ring vs. Court McGee (Rematch!)
Kyle Noke vs. Kris McCray
Brad Tavares vs. Seth Baczynsky
Jamie Yager vs. Josh Bryant
Back at the TUF house Forrest Griffin shows up with a copy of UFC Undisputed 2010. Nothing like a little product placement.
Nick Ring goes to the doctor to have his knee looked at. It appears his ACL is torn and he could be looking at a third reconstruction. The doctor clears him to fight and says he can press on but instead Ring opts to bow out and go under the knife to possibly avoid further damage.
That sends Dana to the TUF house.
Ring reaffirms his decision to leave and Dana has to pick a replacement. That requires him to have a pow-wow with Chuck and Tito but Joe Henle is convinced he's the only eligible candidate. James Hammertree isn't letting Dana walk away without knowing he wants that spot so he chases him down in the parking lot and lets him know.
Dana is impressed that someone finally steps up and gives him the spot. Henle protests but like Yager says, a closed mouth doesn't get fed.
Both guys make weight without incident.
Quarterfinal fight number #1: Court McGee (9-1) STEP'S IN against James Hammertree (5-1)
Round 1: Hammertree comes out firing. McGee shoots and gets nothing. Low kick misses for McGee. Then a high kick. Hammertree gets a low kick caught and McGee pushes him to the fence and takes him down. Hammertree right back up and spins out. Low kick lands for McGee. They exchange and back away. Low kick for McGee and they tie up. McGee with a big takedown but Hammertree powers out. Back on the feet and McGee charges him into the cage but fails to secure the takedown. Spinning back kick for McGee and Hammertree laughs it off and they get all tied up. McGee works it into a takedown. Round over and it's a close one but likely goes to McGee for the takedowns.
Round 2: Hard exchange but nothing lands. Hammertree dives in for a takedown and right into a standing guillotine choke. Just like that and it's over.
Court McGee defeats James Hammertree via submission
After the fight Dana calls McGee the dark horse of the competition.
Stay tuned next week as Team Ortiz faces the possibility of losing their coach, two more quarterfinal bouts go down and Chuck and Tito nearly come to blows.
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Evans Scolds Rampage for Promoting Negative Black Stereotypes
Here we go again with Rashad Evans running his mouth!!! I can only hope Evans putting as much time in the gym as he is exercising his mouth or Jackson's not only going to hurt him, but he's going to make him eat his words when they STEP IN the octagon on May 29, 2010 at UFC 114.
Someone call Bob Arum so he knows to check out the main event at UFC 114 featuring two more Midwestern white dudes who wrestle. Wait a second, that's certainly not the case with two African-Americans, Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, squaring off. It's a pretty significant moment for the UFC as guys from Memphis and the Buffalo area square off. Nothing close to the "skin-head white dudes" that Arum thinks litter MMA (video - 4:44 mark). It also means more and more blacks are getting into MMA, which has a chance to expand the fan base.
On this week's UFC 114 teleconference, Evans seemed to suggest that the fighters need to be careful with the image they project. After Jackson joked with ESPN's Franklin McNeil that he should stop using big words, Evans went off when he told someone why he doesn't like Rampage (1:38 mark).
"He just says ignorant stuff. It's like that last comment," said Evans.
"You perpetuate stupidness. 'Oh don't use those big words, I don't know what that is,' mother[expletive], you're not stupid, stop acting like you're stupid. Stop acting like just because you black, you stupid. I can't stand that attitude."
Evans said it's all part of a silly persona Rampage puts forth (1:58 mark).
"He does this little sambo thing. 'Oh black on black crime, oh I'm stupid. You can't use big words like that.' Like you don't know what the [expletive] is going on? Come on dude. I talked to this dude. This dude is pretty smart. He knows what's going on. 'Oh, it's comedy.' But why perpetuate the stereotype that you stupid?"
Those were interesting comments by Evans that could lead to an intelligent conversation about stereotypes. Instead Rampage turned to Arum's homophobic material.
"Why you act all cocky and all fake? Be playing with your nipples and act all gay," said Jackson. "Why do you play up the stereotype of a black gay man?"
Then Jackson asked Evans why he wears tiny shorts into the Octagon when he fights.
"Cause you gay. You play with your nipples," said Jackson.
Evans wasn't the only target of Jackson's homophobic rant. Then he turned his attention to one of Evans' training partners, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal.
"That's why Queen Mo and you train with each other. He got nipple rings," said Jackson.
Rashad took the bait and fired back.
"I'll put my big balls in your face. Now that sounds gay. My big balls right in your face," said Evans."
"I bet you get an [expletive] from it too," said Jackson.
"I probably will. But it'll be okay, cause it'll be in your mouth," said Evans.
This is one fight with enough hype to bring in big money for the UFC and ensure both Evans and Jackson receive major paydays!
Click here to listen to the interview.
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Someone call Bob Arum so he knows to check out the main event at UFC 114 featuring two more Midwestern white dudes who wrestle. Wait a second, that's certainly not the case with two African-Americans, Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, squaring off. It's a pretty significant moment for the UFC as guys from Memphis and the Buffalo area square off. Nothing close to the "skin-head white dudes" that Arum thinks litter MMA (video - 4:44 mark). It also means more and more blacks are getting into MMA, which has a chance to expand the fan base.
On this week's UFC 114 teleconference, Evans seemed to suggest that the fighters need to be careful with the image they project. After Jackson joked with ESPN's Franklin McNeil that he should stop using big words, Evans went off when he told someone why he doesn't like Rampage (1:38 mark).
"He just says ignorant stuff. It's like that last comment," said Evans.
"You perpetuate stupidness. 'Oh don't use those big words, I don't know what that is,' mother[expletive], you're not stupid, stop acting like you're stupid. Stop acting like just because you black, you stupid. I can't stand that attitude."
Evans said it's all part of a silly persona Rampage puts forth (1:58 mark).
"He does this little sambo thing. 'Oh black on black crime, oh I'm stupid. You can't use big words like that.' Like you don't know what the [expletive] is going on? Come on dude. I talked to this dude. This dude is pretty smart. He knows what's going on. 'Oh, it's comedy.' But why perpetuate the stereotype that you stupid?"
Those were interesting comments by Evans that could lead to an intelligent conversation about stereotypes. Instead Rampage turned to Arum's homophobic material.
"Why you act all cocky and all fake? Be playing with your nipples and act all gay," said Jackson. "Why do you play up the stereotype of a black gay man?"
Then Jackson asked Evans why he wears tiny shorts into the Octagon when he fights.
"Cause you gay. You play with your nipples," said Jackson.
Evans wasn't the only target of Jackson's homophobic rant. Then he turned his attention to one of Evans' training partners, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal.
"That's why Queen Mo and you train with each other. He got nipple rings," said Jackson.
Rashad took the bait and fired back.
"I'll put my big balls in your face. Now that sounds gay. My big balls right in your face," said Evans."
"I bet you get an [expletive] from it too," said Jackson.
"I probably will. But it'll be okay, cause it'll be in your mouth," said Evans.
This is one fight with enough hype to bring in big money for the UFC and ensure both Evans and Jackson receive major paydays!
Click here to listen to the interview.
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Strikeforce open to Bellator co-promotion, Melendez vs. Alvarez Fight
A potential fight between two of the world's top 155-pound fighters outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship is one step closer to fruition.
Just hours after officials from Bellator Fighting Championships distributed a press release campaigning for a fight between their lightweight champ, Eddie Alvarez, and Strikeforce lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melenedez, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said he's open to co-promoting the champion-vs.-champion bout.
"If the stars align and we can work out all the terms and conditions and timing, we'd do it," Coker told a worthy MMA website. "Of course we would. Why wouldn't we? Let's go do this."
With the likes of Frankie Edgar, B.J. Penn, Kenny Florian, Gray Maynard, Jim Miller and Diego Sanchez, the UFC has a stronghold on the world's best 155-pound talent. That, of course, has long been the case and given the promotion just about every major lightweight fight of late.
But Alvarez vs. Melendez would pit two of the world's top-10 lightweights against each other. And with the UFC's upcoming Edgar vs. Penn II and Florian vs. Maynard bouts, it couldn't come at a better time.
Talk of the fight first popped up on Friday when Melendez appeared as a panelist on HDNet's "Inside MMA" program. Melendez, who won an interim title and then unified the belts with a win over Josh Thomson in December, thinks the fight could determine a No. 1 fighter.
"I think he's an amazing fighter, and that's why I call out Eddie Alvarez," Melendez said. "Let's unify those titles. I'd love to fight that guy and test myself. I think if I could beat him, I could be No. 1 and vice versa."
He got some support from Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, who recently pitted Alvarez against UFC vet Josh Neer in a non-title "super fight" earlier this month. (Alvarez won via second-round submission.)
"I will do everything I can to get Gilbert what he asked for," Rebney stated. "Gilbert wants the fight, Eddie wants the fight, and I want the fight. All we have to do is get Scott Coker on board, and together, we can make this happen. Eddie wants to fight the best, and Gilbert wants to fight the best, and there is no reason why any promoter or network should stand in the way of that."
Coker, in fact, agrees. He said Strikeforce has already allowed some of its fighters (such as Rudy Bears) to compete in Bellator. Additionally, he even inquired about using Bellator fighter and UFC vet Roger Huerta on a Strikeforce card.
"We've lent them three or four fighters already, and we had a brief conversation about (loaning) Roger Huerta, but the terms, conditioning, time just weren't right," Coker said. "But we'd love to work with them."
Alvarez (20-2), of course, makes his first title defense this fall. He'll fight either Toby Imada or Pat Curran, who recently advanced to the Bellator season-two tourney finale. Alvarez will enter the fight with 10 wins in his past 11 fights, which included consecutive submission victories over Greg Loughran, Eric Reynolds and Imada to win the season-one tourney and Bellator title.
Melendez (18-2), has won four of his past five and recently avenged the only two losses of his career (to Thomson and Mitsuhiro Ishida). In his most recent bout, he knocked off Japanese star Shinya Aoki in a CBS-televised title fight.
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Just hours after officials from Bellator Fighting Championships distributed a press release campaigning for a fight between their lightweight champ, Eddie Alvarez, and Strikeforce lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melenedez, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said he's open to co-promoting the champion-vs.-champion bout.
"If the stars align and we can work out all the terms and conditions and timing, we'd do it," Coker told a worthy MMA website. "Of course we would. Why wouldn't we? Let's go do this."
With the likes of Frankie Edgar, B.J. Penn, Kenny Florian, Gray Maynard, Jim Miller and Diego Sanchez, the UFC has a stronghold on the world's best 155-pound talent. That, of course, has long been the case and given the promotion just about every major lightweight fight of late.
But Alvarez vs. Melendez would pit two of the world's top-10 lightweights against each other. And with the UFC's upcoming Edgar vs. Penn II and Florian vs. Maynard bouts, it couldn't come at a better time.
Talk of the fight first popped up on Friday when Melendez appeared as a panelist on HDNet's "Inside MMA" program. Melendez, who won an interim title and then unified the belts with a win over Josh Thomson in December, thinks the fight could determine a No. 1 fighter.
"I think he's an amazing fighter, and that's why I call out Eddie Alvarez," Melendez said. "Let's unify those titles. I'd love to fight that guy and test myself. I think if I could beat him, I could be No. 1 and vice versa."
He got some support from Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, who recently pitted Alvarez against UFC vet Josh Neer in a non-title "super fight" earlier this month. (Alvarez won via second-round submission.)
"I will do everything I can to get Gilbert what he asked for," Rebney stated. "Gilbert wants the fight, Eddie wants the fight, and I want the fight. All we have to do is get Scott Coker on board, and together, we can make this happen. Eddie wants to fight the best, and Gilbert wants to fight the best, and there is no reason why any promoter or network should stand in the way of that."
Coker, in fact, agrees. He said Strikeforce has already allowed some of its fighters (such as Rudy Bears) to compete in Bellator. Additionally, he even inquired about using Bellator fighter and UFC vet Roger Huerta on a Strikeforce card.
"We've lent them three or four fighters already, and we had a brief conversation about (loaning) Roger Huerta, but the terms, conditioning, time just weren't right," Coker said. "But we'd love to work with them."
Alvarez (20-2), of course, makes his first title defense this fall. He'll fight either Toby Imada or Pat Curran, who recently advanced to the Bellator season-two tourney finale. Alvarez will enter the fight with 10 wins in his past 11 fights, which included consecutive submission victories over Greg Loughran, Eric Reynolds and Imada to win the season-one tourney and Bellator title.
Melendez (18-2), has won four of his past five and recently avenged the only two losses of his career (to Thomson and Mitsuhiro Ishida). In his most recent bout, he knocked off Japanese star Shinya Aoki in a CBS-televised title fight.
and remember.....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Up and Coming MMA Fighters to Watch
Two of the baddest men on the planet, not in the UFC, showed off their destructive tendencies this past week, and in the process proved that their names deserve to be mentioned among the world's best.
Alistair Overeem retained his heavyweight title by demolishing an overmatched Brett Rogers on Saturday at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery in St. Louis; while Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard knocked out former UFC fighter Jay Silva in an incredible six seconds at Bellator 18 in Monroe, La., on Thursday.
Overeem's victory puts him on a collision course with Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko. Fedor, considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, must first get past Fabricio Werdum in a Strikeforce event in June. That shouldn't be much of a problem. If all goes well, Overeem and Fedor could fight on CBS later in the year.
Fedor defeated Rogers in Nov., 2009, but in less impressive fashion than Overeem. The former Pride champion was bloodied up in the first round before ending the fight with a devastating right hand at 1:40 of the second round.
Overeem used ground-and-pound to stop Rogers in 3:40 of the first round. He showed a combination of speed, power and technique that should give Fedor problems.
In other Strikeforce action, Antonio Silva surprisingly out-boxed Andrei Arlovski en route to a unanimous decision victory. Roger Gracie improved to 3-0 with a victory over UFC veteran Kevin Randleman via rear naked choke, and Ronaldo Souza outlasted a tough Joey Villasenor.
Lombard appears well on his way to winning another Bellator middleweight tournament, with Dan Hornbuckle being the only obstacle. After that, you really have to think the Cuban judo expert would be the best challenger for UFC champion Anderson Silva.
Lombard was originally supposed to face Brazil's Paulo Filho on Thursday in what would have been a true super fight, but visa problems kept Filho out of the country. Silva was a last-minute replacement.
In other Bellator action Thursday, world champion wrestler Joe Warren and undefeated jiu-jitsu black belt Patricio Pitbull advanced to the featherweight tournament finals.
A must see: MMA fans, don't miss out on this one. On Friday, five-time World's Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski takes on former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia in the main event of a surprisingly entertaining card at Moosin: Gods of Mixed Martial Arts at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.
If you can't make it, the event will be available on pay-per-view for $29.95.
Also on the card are former UFC middleweight contender Travis Lutter, and MMA veterans Travis Wiuff and Yves Edwards. Top female fighter Tara LaRosa will also be in action.
And if that's not enough, former Boston Bruins tough guy Lyndon Byers takes on the infamous Butterbean, who is co-promoting the event, in an exhibition fight.
Doors open at 7:30 with the first bout starting a 8. For more information, go to MoosinUSA.com.
Grudge match: UFC 114 is just 12 days away and features the much anticipated matchup between Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans.
Evans and Jackson did plenty of trash talking while they coached against each other on the Ultimate Fighter reality series. The winner should get a shot at Shogun Rua's light heavyweight title.
Lightweight showdown: One of the more intriguing rumors circulating right now deals with a possible lightweight matchup between Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez and Bellator champ Eddie Alvarez, two of the world's best in that division.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said he will do everything he can to make it happen, but whenever co-promotion is involved, the odds of a fight happening are not great.
Tough loss: American Top Team CT lightweight Hitalo Machado's quest for a title came up short Friday with a hard-fought loss to John Cholish at Urban Conflict Championship 2 in Jersey City, N.J.
Machado showed impressive standup technique, but was ultimately done in by Cholish's brutal leg kicks. Machado trains in Danbury while Cholish is part of the Renzo Gracie Academy in Newark, N.J.
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Alistair Overeem retained his heavyweight title by demolishing an overmatched Brett Rogers on Saturday at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery in St. Louis; while Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard knocked out former UFC fighter Jay Silva in an incredible six seconds at Bellator 18 in Monroe, La., on Thursday.
Overeem's victory puts him on a collision course with Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko. Fedor, considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, must first get past Fabricio Werdum in a Strikeforce event in June. That shouldn't be much of a problem. If all goes well, Overeem and Fedor could fight on CBS later in the year.
Fedor defeated Rogers in Nov., 2009, but in less impressive fashion than Overeem. The former Pride champion was bloodied up in the first round before ending the fight with a devastating right hand at 1:40 of the second round.
Overeem used ground-and-pound to stop Rogers in 3:40 of the first round. He showed a combination of speed, power and technique that should give Fedor problems.
In other Strikeforce action, Antonio Silva surprisingly out-boxed Andrei Arlovski en route to a unanimous decision victory. Roger Gracie improved to 3-0 with a victory over UFC veteran Kevin Randleman via rear naked choke, and Ronaldo Souza outlasted a tough Joey Villasenor.
Lombard appears well on his way to winning another Bellator middleweight tournament, with Dan Hornbuckle being the only obstacle. After that, you really have to think the Cuban judo expert would be the best challenger for UFC champion Anderson Silva.
Lombard was originally supposed to face Brazil's Paulo Filho on Thursday in what would have been a true super fight, but visa problems kept Filho out of the country. Silva was a last-minute replacement.
In other Bellator action Thursday, world champion wrestler Joe Warren and undefeated jiu-jitsu black belt Patricio Pitbull advanced to the featherweight tournament finals.
A must see: MMA fans, don't miss out on this one. On Friday, five-time World's Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski takes on former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia in the main event of a surprisingly entertaining card at Moosin: Gods of Mixed Martial Arts at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.
If you can't make it, the event will be available on pay-per-view for $29.95.
Also on the card are former UFC middleweight contender Travis Lutter, and MMA veterans Travis Wiuff and Yves Edwards. Top female fighter Tara LaRosa will also be in action.
And if that's not enough, former Boston Bruins tough guy Lyndon Byers takes on the infamous Butterbean, who is co-promoting the event, in an exhibition fight.
Doors open at 7:30 with the first bout starting a 8. For more information, go to MoosinUSA.com.
Grudge match: UFC 114 is just 12 days away and features the much anticipated matchup between Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans.
Evans and Jackson did plenty of trash talking while they coached against each other on the Ultimate Fighter reality series. The winner should get a shot at Shogun Rua's light heavyweight title.
Lightweight showdown: One of the more intriguing rumors circulating right now deals with a possible lightweight matchup between Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez and Bellator champ Eddie Alvarez, two of the world's best in that division.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said he will do everything he can to make it happen, but whenever co-promotion is involved, the odds of a fight happening are not great.
Tough loss: American Top Team CT lightweight Hitalo Machado's quest for a title came up short Friday with a hard-fought loss to John Cholish at Urban Conflict Championship 2 in Jersey City, N.J.
Machado showed impressive standup technique, but was ultimately done in by Cholish's brutal leg kicks. Machado trains in Danbury while Cholish is part of the Renzo Gracie Academy in Newark, N.J.
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
"Iceman" Chuck Liddell Says He Can't Be A Good Striker Without Good BJJ And Wrestling
The "Iceman" Chuck Liddell has a history of brutal knock outs against opponents to his record but recently the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champ has had a run of getting knocked out himself. Liddell recently spoke about his striking as well as BJJ and wrestling
“It was Dana White who talked about my retirement. He started this cheap talk. I just gave my body a rest. I've being fighting for many years and needed a little time off. But now the Iceman is back. Some time ago I used to train with a kimono. I started training jujitsu in 1997 and every day I learn something new and try to be better at it. I like striking but if I haven’t got good jujitsu and wrestling then I won’t be a good striker. I enjoyed watching Ronaldo Jacaré fight at Strikeforce against Matt Lindland. His jujitsu is amazing. He’s the kind of fighter I like to see."
and remember....You Cant' Win, Until You STEP IN.
“It was Dana White who talked about my retirement. He started this cheap talk. I just gave my body a rest. I've being fighting for many years and needed a little time off. But now the Iceman is back. Some time ago I used to train with a kimono. I started training jujitsu in 1997 and every day I learn something new and try to be better at it. I like striking but if I haven’t got good jujitsu and wrestling then I won’t be a good striker. I enjoyed watching Ronaldo Jacaré fight at Strikeforce against Matt Lindland. His jujitsu is amazing. He’s the kind of fighter I like to see."
and remember....You Cant' Win, Until You STEP IN.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
TUF 11, Episode 7, Two Fighters Get Wild Cards to Complete Quarterfinals Selection

On The Ultimate Fighter 11, Episode 7, three previously eliminated fighters were thrown back into the quarterfinals mix via wild card selection and due to Team Liddell’s Rich Attonito's injury. Also on the agenda was the last elimination bout before the quarterfinals.
According to Dana White, the new wild card selections enables him to neutralize bad referees' decisions by giving two fighters a second chance to make it to the finals and earn a much coveted contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The two lucky fighters benefiting from this modification of the original rules were Team Ortiz’ Kyacey Uscola and his team mate Kris McCray who will face each other in the octagon with the goal to advance to the semifinals on episode eight.
Court McGee will replace his team mate Attonito in the quarterfinals after losing to Nick Ring on episode six. Ring, might have to share Attonito's fate and withdraw from the quarterfinals, though, as he is currently suffering from a knee injury.
The last elimination bout featured Team Ortiz’ Seth Baczynski (11-5) vs. the yet undefeated and quite inexperienced Team Liddell’s Joseph Henle (3-0), who launched his MMA career in July of 2009. For Baczynski this was a second chance to prove himself as replacement for the injured Chris Camozzi (broken jaw) after losing to McGee.
The first two rounds were like a tennis match with both fighters scoring takedowns and trading positions without being able to impose their will on each other. In spite of several submission attempts by both, neither contestant was able to secure the win and after two five-minute rounds the bout goes to the judges' score cards who call it a draw resulting in a third sudden victory round.
In round three Henle suddenly ran out of gas while Baczynski went into overdrive and unleashed a vicious dose of ground and pound which ultimately, secured him the win via unanimous decision.
The following fighters will be competing in the quarterfinals of TUF 11, in no cronilogical order:
1. Seth Baczynski
2. Court McGee (as replacement for Attonito)
3. Kyacey Uscola (wild card)
4. Kris McCray (wild card)
5. Nick Ring
6. Jamie Yager
7. Kyle Noke (My Choice to Win it ALL)
8. Josh Bryant
9. Brad Tavares
and remember... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
'Shogun' Rua takes UFC title from Lyoto Machida with first-round KO

Last October, Lyoto Machida kept his UFC light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over "Shogun" Rua.
More accurately, the judges' decision was unanimous. Not all who scored the fight scored it the same way, including Rua himself.
So at Saturday's rematch in Montreal, he made a decision: Don't leave it up to anyone else to decide whether he won or lost the fight. Less than four minutes into the first round, Rua delivered a right hand that put the champion on the canvas and the belt around Rua's middle.
The prefight word was that the winner of the UFC 114 fight between Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson later this month would be first in line for a shot at Rua's new title. But in a post-fight interview with ESPN MMA, UFC President Dana White said that might not be the case.
Evans, helping out on the broadcast as a commentator, laughingly parried with White over that.
"Hold on, Dana," he told White, "Now you're playing with my emotions. You said the winner of that fight gets a shot at the title."
White rolled with the punch, as it were, and agreed that if Evans is able to knock out Jackson, the title shot is his.
But don't bet the octagon on it.
White, more than any other leader of a legitimate sport, is the face and force behind his enterprise. He's determined to build it the right way, and the right way means putting the best fights together and using all the media -- reality television comes to mind -- to develop a strong and broad base.
It's also why he was quick to react to the most controversial event in UFC 113. Briton Paul Daley, seconds after the final bell rang, sucker-punched Josh Koscheck. Just laid him out.
"I'm probably one of the most lenient guys in sports, and this is probably one of the most lenient sports organizations," a furious White said. "These guys are all human, emotions happen (but) Paul Daley will never, ever fight in the UFC again. I don't care if he fights somewhere else and everybody else thinks he's pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world, he will never fight in the UFC again.
"You don't hit a guy after the bell," White said.
And it was so unnecessary. White acknowledged that Daley is one of the best fighters in the 170-pound division, and even looked good in losing a unanimous decision to "a polished guy like Koscheck."
Koscheck has a great wrestling background, and England "isn't known for its wrestling," as White said. So for the up-and-coming Daley even to hold his own was a credit to the hard work and talent of the young Briton.
"But there's no excuse for what he did," White said, "And I didn't like the answer he gave me when I went up and talked to him after the fight. . . . His answer to me was, 'I didn't hear the bell.' "
Other results for UFC 113: Jeremy Stephens beat Sam Stout in a split decision; Matt Mitrione stopped Kimbo Slice (whom White released from his UFC contract after the fight) with a TKO in the second round; and Alan Belcher won a submission victory over Patrick Cote. For a full list of results, go to ufc.com.
Up next: UFC 114, featuring Jackson and Evans as the main event. It's set for 10 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets are $75 to $650, available through Ticketmaster.com.
And remember.... You Can't Win, Until You Step In.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
UFC 114 Fight Card Announced
Official Fight Card
Main Card
Light Heavyweight bout: Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans
Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
Heavyweight bout: Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
Welterweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs. John Hathaway
Preliminary Card (Spike TV)
Welterweight bout: Amir Sadollah vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Lightweight bout: Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
Preliminary Card
Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Thiago Tavares
Light Heavyweight bout: Luiz Arthur Cane vs. Cyrille Diabaté
Lightweight bout: Aaron Riley vs. Joe Brammer
Middleweight bout: Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen
Announced matchups
Light Heavyweight bout: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Jason Brilz
The following fights have been reported as finalized by reliable sources, but have yet to be officially announced at ufc.com
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Main Card
Light Heavyweight bout: Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans
Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
Heavyweight bout: Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
Welterweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs. John Hathaway
Preliminary Card (Spike TV)
Welterweight bout: Amir Sadollah vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Lightweight bout: Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
Preliminary Card
Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Thiago Tavares
Light Heavyweight bout: Luiz Arthur Cane vs. Cyrille Diabaté
Lightweight bout: Aaron Riley vs. Joe Brammer
Middleweight bout: Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen
Announced matchups
Light Heavyweight bout: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Jason Brilz
The following fights have been reported as finalized by reliable sources, but have yet to be officially announced at ufc.com
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Friday, May 7, 2010
2010 UFC Fan Expo - Event Details - Don't Miss This Event
UFC Fan Expo is pleased to announce the 2010 event! This year's event is sure to be even bigger and better than the inaugural Fan Expo that took place last July. With the largest collection of UFC, WEC, former Pride, and Hall of Fame fighters plus exciting Special Events, Training & Development Sessions, and The Octagon®, you won't want to miss UFC Fan Expo 2010, happening in conjunction with the Memorial Day Weekend Fight Card!
Tickets are on sale now! This year's event will take place May 28-29, 2010 back at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. VIP Packages are now sold out. Be sure to check back periodically for important news and updates.
Ticket Prices
Friday Ticket: $30
Saturday Ticket: $35
2 Day Ticket: $50
Training & Development Sessions: $150 p/session
Please Note: Ticket pricing will increase on site. Don't wait, buy your tickets now and save!
Click here to go to the UFC Fan Expo Home Page.
Show Hours
Friday, May 28: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 29: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Look for STEP IN walking around the Expo with new t-shirts to be given out!
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Tickets are on sale now! This year's event will take place May 28-29, 2010 back at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. VIP Packages are now sold out. Be sure to check back periodically for important news and updates.
Ticket Prices
Friday Ticket: $30
Saturday Ticket: $35
2 Day Ticket: $50
Training & Development Sessions: $150 p/session
Please Note: Ticket pricing will increase on site. Don't wait, buy your tickets now and save!
Click here to go to the UFC Fan Expo Home Page.
Show Hours
Friday, May 28: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 29: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Look for STEP IN walking around the Expo with new t-shirts to be given out!
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
ltimate Fighter Season 11 standings at this point is Team Ortiz 2 and Team Liddell 4!
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 11, episode 6 gets underway with some unhappy campers in the Ortiz camp. They're down 1-4 in the elimination bouts and looking to play the blame game. Kyacey Uscola thinks it starts at the top and questions some of Tito's training methods.
Over at the gym, Chuck returns from his "prior obligations" and Team Liddell is all smiles.
The Minority Report takes a different slant on the workouts under Coach Ortiz. Jamie Yager thinks he's doing a great job and that some of the complainers just don't know what real work is. Tito hears the talk and rallies the troops for a pep talk and calls out Uscola for his bitching.
This season it's dodgeball. As usual, the winning coach gets $10,000 and $1,000 goes to each team member. Rich Attonito swears he saw smoke coming off Chuck's balls. I'm leaving that one alone. Game 1 to Team Liddell. Then Game 2. The end of Game 3 and Chuck and Tito are the last men standing. Just like in the cage, Chuck takes him out.
Just what Team Ortiz needs, another demoralizing loss.
At the fight announcement, Chuck picks Court McGee to fight Nick Ring, who goes into the staredown with some sort of bizarre Too Wong Foo finger wagging technique. Dana thinks it's a mismatch but admits Chuck is doing just fine without his advice.
McGee talks about his desire to fight and how getting beat up is one of the joys of competing. Assistant Coach John Hackleman thinks he's got the skills to beat Godzilla.
Speaking of giant lizards, James Hammertree gets dropped awkwardly in the gym and can't move. He's wailing in pain and the medics have to take him out on a stretcher. Not a pretty site, especially for anyone who's ever competed.
Nick Ring is happy to be back in mixed martial arts after a recovering from a severe knee injury. Coach Ortiz talks about why Ring was his number one pick and is predicting a first round finish. Both fighters make weight without incident.
James Hammertree returns with a swollen back but fortunately doesn't have any serious damage.
Prior to the fight, Coach Hackleman tell McGee that Ring doesn't have any knockout power and that he made a name for himself crushing cans in Canada. Ring apologizes ahead of time for what he's about to do in the cage.
Elimination bout #6: Court McGee (9-1) STEPs IN against Nick Ring (10-0)
Round 1: Jab lands for McGee who then takes Ring down. He does very little to advance his position and draws a few warnings from the ref for inactivity. Ring gets to his feet. They trade kicks. Then hands. Then kicks again. They lock up in the center of the cage and knee each other for a bit. They separate and Ring stuffs a takedown, locking in a guillotine then spinning to take his opponent's back. McGee turns out of it but Ring lands in half guard. He's busier on top than McGee was but conversely McGee is busier on bottom than Ring was. Round one ends with Ring on top, who probably takes the round.
Round 2: Both fighters trade cautiously. Spinning back kick for McGee is an airball. Neither fighter seems particularly eager to close the distance. McGee finally ties him up and then breaks away. Both sides throwing a lot of leather but not much damage being done. Ugly shoot by McGee gets nothing. Ring working the legs fairly well, McGee working the head in return. Ring lumbers in like Frankenstein and gets wrist control only to let it go. They start hugging and go to the cage. Exhaustion has reared its ugly head. Ring lands a few kicks at the bell as McGee peppers the head. Close fight.
Nick Ring defeats Court McGee via majority decision
After the fight, Ring is disappointed that he couldn't finish the fight. Coach Liddell can't comprehend how McGee lost the second round. Dana agrees but also says you can't ever let it go to the judges. Liddell hears that and blows his stack -- staring a hole right through Dana (who immediately sits down).
Stay tuned next week as Nick Ring faces a possible injury, Seth Baczynski and Joe Henle do battle in the final elimination fight and the wildcard spot is finally filled. Who will it be?
Find out next week!
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Over at the gym, Chuck returns from his "prior obligations" and Team Liddell is all smiles.
The Minority Report takes a different slant on the workouts under Coach Ortiz. Jamie Yager thinks he's doing a great job and that some of the complainers just don't know what real work is. Tito hears the talk and rallies the troops for a pep talk and calls out Uscola for his bitching.
This season it's dodgeball. As usual, the winning coach gets $10,000 and $1,000 goes to each team member. Rich Attonito swears he saw smoke coming off Chuck's balls. I'm leaving that one alone. Game 1 to Team Liddell. Then Game 2. The end of Game 3 and Chuck and Tito are the last men standing. Just like in the cage, Chuck takes him out.
Just what Team Ortiz needs, another demoralizing loss.
At the fight announcement, Chuck picks Court McGee to fight Nick Ring, who goes into the staredown with some sort of bizarre Too Wong Foo finger wagging technique. Dana thinks it's a mismatch but admits Chuck is doing just fine without his advice.
McGee talks about his desire to fight and how getting beat up is one of the joys of competing. Assistant Coach John Hackleman thinks he's got the skills to beat Godzilla.
Speaking of giant lizards, James Hammertree gets dropped awkwardly in the gym and can't move. He's wailing in pain and the medics have to take him out on a stretcher. Not a pretty site, especially for anyone who's ever competed.
Nick Ring is happy to be back in mixed martial arts after a recovering from a severe knee injury. Coach Ortiz talks about why Ring was his number one pick and is predicting a first round finish. Both fighters make weight without incident.
James Hammertree returns with a swollen back but fortunately doesn't have any serious damage.
Prior to the fight, Coach Hackleman tell McGee that Ring doesn't have any knockout power and that he made a name for himself crushing cans in Canada. Ring apologizes ahead of time for what he's about to do in the cage.
Elimination bout #6: Court McGee (9-1) STEPs IN against Nick Ring (10-0)
Round 1: Jab lands for McGee who then takes Ring down. He does very little to advance his position and draws a few warnings from the ref for inactivity. Ring gets to his feet. They trade kicks. Then hands. Then kicks again. They lock up in the center of the cage and knee each other for a bit. They separate and Ring stuffs a takedown, locking in a guillotine then spinning to take his opponent's back. McGee turns out of it but Ring lands in half guard. He's busier on top than McGee was but conversely McGee is busier on bottom than Ring was. Round one ends with Ring on top, who probably takes the round.
Round 2: Both fighters trade cautiously. Spinning back kick for McGee is an airball. Neither fighter seems particularly eager to close the distance. McGee finally ties him up and then breaks away. Both sides throwing a lot of leather but not much damage being done. Ugly shoot by McGee gets nothing. Ring working the legs fairly well, McGee working the head in return. Ring lumbers in like Frankenstein and gets wrist control only to let it go. They start hugging and go to the cage. Exhaustion has reared its ugly head. Ring lands a few kicks at the bell as McGee peppers the head. Close fight.
Nick Ring defeats Court McGee via majority decision
After the fight, Ring is disappointed that he couldn't finish the fight. Coach Liddell can't comprehend how McGee lost the second round. Dana agrees but also says you can't ever let it go to the judges. Liddell hears that and blows his stack -- staring a hole right through Dana (who immediately sits down).
Stay tuned next week as Nick Ring faces a possible injury, Seth Baczynski and Joe Henle do battle in the final elimination fight and the wildcard spot is finally filled. Who will it be?
Find out next week!
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Over WBA champ Sugar Shane Mosley
Oscar De La Hoya has fought Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. He lost to them all - Mosley twice.
But what De La Hoya saw Mayweather do to Mosley in a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision on Saturday night convinced him that Mayweather is the best of this generation and possibly of all time.
"Mayweather is special. We have to respect that," De La Hoya said.
Mosley rocked Mayweather in the second round and looked to be on the verge of saying to him, "The buck stops here." But Mayweather survived the round and then shut down Mosley for the next 10.
It was a masterful display by Mayweather. He answered the critics who said he hadn't ever beaten a legitimate welterweight with the victory over Mosley, a three-time welterweight champion and the current WBA champ.
He answered those who said he couldn't weather a storm if his chin was tested. After getting hurt by Mosley, Mayweather didn't fold. And he proved that there isn't an opponent that he can't completely shut down.
Even so, Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) knows it wasn't enough to please all of his critics.
"I'm in a no-win situation, because no matter what I do it's never good enough," Mayweather said.
Mayweather came up with his fight strategy with his uncle and trainer, Roger, and his father, Floyd Sr. The things he did to neutralize Mosley were in-fight adjustments.
"Mosley has very fast hands, but he doesn't have a jab," Roger Mayweather said. "He has tremendous hand speed, but it doesn't mean anything if you can't hit the target. He's fast if he fights somebody who's slow. How was he going to win if he couldn't outbox my nephew? I just told him (Mayweather) to keep him in the middle of the ring and box his ears off."
Mosley said he wanted to end matters in the second round, but his neck tightened up and couldn't finish the job. As his trainer Naazim Richardson noted, Mayweather gives you a brief window of opportunity to get the job done. If you don't take advantage, then it's curtains for you.
Richardson said Mosley was making excuses in the dressing room after the fight, but he told him to stop because no one but his mother wanted to hear them.
Even though he still has the WBA welterweight title, the 38-year-old Mosley (46-7, 39 KOs) said he didn't know what he was going to do. He said he would go on vacation and think about his next move.
After the fight, most of the questions were about a possible bout for Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather said if Pacquiao is interested in fighting him, then he will agree to Olympic-style testing. If not, then Mayweather said he will move forward without him. Pacquiao turned down a proposed fight with Mayweather back in December because he wouldn't agree to the testing.
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You Step In.
But what De La Hoya saw Mayweather do to Mosley in a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision on Saturday night convinced him that Mayweather is the best of this generation and possibly of all time.
"Mayweather is special. We have to respect that," De La Hoya said.
Mosley rocked Mayweather in the second round and looked to be on the verge of saying to him, "The buck stops here." But Mayweather survived the round and then shut down Mosley for the next 10.
It was a masterful display by Mayweather. He answered the critics who said he hadn't ever beaten a legitimate welterweight with the victory over Mosley, a three-time welterweight champion and the current WBA champ.
He answered those who said he couldn't weather a storm if his chin was tested. After getting hurt by Mosley, Mayweather didn't fold. And he proved that there isn't an opponent that he can't completely shut down.
Even so, Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) knows it wasn't enough to please all of his critics.
"I'm in a no-win situation, because no matter what I do it's never good enough," Mayweather said.
Mayweather came up with his fight strategy with his uncle and trainer, Roger, and his father, Floyd Sr. The things he did to neutralize Mosley were in-fight adjustments.
"Mosley has very fast hands, but he doesn't have a jab," Roger Mayweather said. "He has tremendous hand speed, but it doesn't mean anything if you can't hit the target. He's fast if he fights somebody who's slow. How was he going to win if he couldn't outbox my nephew? I just told him (Mayweather) to keep him in the middle of the ring and box his ears off."
Mosley said he wanted to end matters in the second round, but his neck tightened up and couldn't finish the job. As his trainer Naazim Richardson noted, Mayweather gives you a brief window of opportunity to get the job done. If you don't take advantage, then it's curtains for you.
Richardson said Mosley was making excuses in the dressing room after the fight, but he told him to stop because no one but his mother wanted to hear them.
Even though he still has the WBA welterweight title, the 38-year-old Mosley (46-7, 39 KOs) said he didn't know what he was going to do. He said he would go on vacation and think about his next move.
After the fight, most of the questions were about a possible bout for Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather said if Pacquiao is interested in fighting him, then he will agree to Olympic-style testing. If not, then Mayweather said he will move forward without him. Pacquiao turned down a proposed fight with Mayweather back in December because he wouldn't agree to the testing.
and remember....You Can't Win, Until You Step In.
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