Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Bellator Adds Undefeated Rising Star Chris “The Assassin” Lozano to Stacked Welterweight Roster
Sporting an impressive undefeated record of 5-0, Lozano has dominated all of his fights to date, beating all five opponents he has faced by TKO or KO, with four of the five stoppages coming in the very first round. In his most recent outing, Lozano took out well rounded Pride/UFC veteran Jason Dent via fourth round TKO in an extremely impressive showing.
Growing up in Cleveland, Lozano struggled to find positive sports programs before eventually turning to MMA for his competitive release. Currently training out Strong Style Gym in Ohio, Lozano began boxing and Tae Kwon Do when he was a child. In middle school, Lozano turned to wrestling where he quickly made the Ohio National team for his age group and weight class before ultimately setting his sites on mixed martial arts.
“Chris Lozano brings proven knockout power to the welterweight division.” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He is a big welterweight that has tremendous potential to accomplish great things in Bellator at 170 lbs.”
Lozano is admittedly anxious to show what he is capable of on the biggest platform of his fast-rising career.
"Fighting for an organization like Bellator Fighting Championship is a dream come true,” said Lozano. “To finally get a chance to compete amongst the best in the world is something I have spent my entire life focusing on and dreaming of.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com
Local Feature Fights Officially Announced for Bellator 27 at Majestic Theatre in San Antonio on Sept. 2nd
Headlining the local main event are undefeated Texas natives Rodrigo Pinheiro (3-0) and Andrew Craig (1-0). Pinheiro currently owns and operates his own Jiu-Jitsui gym in San Antonio, and looks to continue his impressive rise in the sport when he faces off with the hard-hitting Craig.
Five additional Local Feature Fights join this already stacked card including:
San Antonio based Gilbert Jimenez (2-1) squaring off against Houston’s Aaron Barringer(4-2) in the nights local co-main event.
Additionally, 11-year SAPD officer Richard Odoms (1-0) battles Dallas native Dale Mitchell (0-2) in heavyweight action.
Dallas-based Joe Christopher (10-3) will be taking on Houston fighter Andrew Chappelle (9-6) in a Welterweight contest. Both fighters have previous Bellator experience, with Chappelle notching an impressive rear-naked choke at Bellator 20 and Christopher locking up a fight-ending guillotine choke at Bellator 19.
Pasadena, TX native Jon Kirk (15-8) faces San Antonio’s Shane Faulkner (3-2) in a middleweight fight.
Rounding out the local card will be two fighters making their professional MMA debuts in Steven Peterson and Ernest De La Cruz.
“San Antonio fans are in for a treat with our Local Feature Fight lineup.” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “The Majestic Theater has been a great venue for Bellator and with our stacked main card in addition to our Local Feature Fights – it should be a great night of fights.”
Bellator 27's main card includes:
Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe “The Hammer” Soto (9-0) defends his title against Bellator Season 2 Featherweight Tournament Champ Joe Warren (5-1) in a Featherweight World Championship fight.
Two Bellator veterans square off when Nick “Garfield” Mamalis (10-4) and Zack “Fun Size” Makovsky (9-2) collide in an opening round Season 3 Bantamweight Tournament fight. .
In other bantamweight tournament action hard-hitting Bryan Goldsby (15-7) meets submission specialist Ed West (13-4) in a quarterfinal match-up.
Rounding out the main card will be another opening round Bantamweight Tournament fight between the always exciting Travis “The Hurricane” Reddinger (14-2) and submission ace Uylsses Gomez (6-1).
Pair pumped for prime opportunity Teammates Steele, Robertson ready for MFC debuts at Retribution
Though they come from the same camp in the same town, they are two vastly different personalities.
Yet these two fighters have a common goal – a successful and lasting first impression in their MFC debuts.
Tyson Steele and Ford Robertson are both slated to step into the Maximum Fighting Championship ring for the first time at MFC 26: Retribution, and while both have clear intentions on coming out on top in their respective matchups, they certainly have different outward approaches.
The undefeated Steele (6-0), who will lock it up with Curtis Demarce in a lightweight bout, has a quiet demeanor and while excited about the opportunity before him, has a much more laid-back approach. Robertson (3-0), who will round out the undercard in a middleweight battle with Andrew Buckland, has an all-out bluster that is sure to endear him to an MFC crowd that likes its fighters will a healthy dose of bravado.
While their avenue towards pre-fight hype differs, both have a desire to show their worthy of the opportunity on the big stage.
“I’m not aggressive by nature, but I like to start quick, put the pressure on early and not give my opponent a chance to get comfortable. I want a quick start and finish things in the first round,” said a reserved-toned Steele, whose unbeaten streak comes complete with a run of stoppages inside the opening five minutes.
Robertson has a more in-your-face way attitude and a nature that leads one to believe he will be attack-minded to back up his talk.
“Basically I like to hurt the other guy. I want to finish the fight and I’ve done so every fight so far,” declared the 25-year-old, whose record includes a pair of first-round stoppages including one over Heat XC veteran Chad Sherman.
“That’s how I go about things. I want to get in there and if I can finish the fight early, all the better. I just bring it and if I see a finish, I go for it. I’m very aggressive and very offensive. I’m focused on what I want to do and that’s finish the fight.”
Steele will get the biggest test of his career against Demarce who has a decided edge in experience with 17 fights to his credit. Yet the six-foot, 23-year-old has a quiet confidence about him.
“I’m ready to take things to the next level and I know I have to take him very seriously,” said Steele. “I think I just have to stick with the game plan and put him in bad positions where he can’t be dangerous. I have to control him to win, put him in bad spots, keep the pressure on, and finish it.”
Steele has the added incentive of making his debut as the first bout of the HDNet Fights televised main card. It’s quite a jump for a young fighter who has fought in obscurity but Steele feels ready for that additional pressure.
“When I got the call I was very excited. To be the first fight on TV, to get that opportunity, I feel very fortunate because that kind of thing doesn’t come along very often,” he said. “Now I want to put on a good show and prove to everyone that I was there for the right reason.”
Robertson, meanwhile, will also be out to prove he belongs in the MFC ranks. Confidence is not an issue for the five-foot-nine Robertson who is counting on years of action in top-rated amateur wrestling circles to suplex any jitters. A former University of Saskatchewan Huskies wrestler, Robertson was ranked as high as fifth in the nation and took on eventual 2004 Olympic champion Cael Sanderson at a prestigious meet in Winnipeg – an event that also featured Josh Koscheck and Muhammad Lawal.
“It’s a big deal to be coming to the MFC but I’m not worried about the nerves or the pressure,” maintained Robertson. “I’m really excited and I’ve increased my training because of it. I’m putting in the extra effort because it’s going to be such a big night.”
Tickets for MFC 26: Retribution on Friday, Sept. 10 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta, are going fast. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or via Ticketmaster
Monday, August 30, 2010
Watford Cornfest Corn on the Cob eating contest
We went through the old footage and found this little gem that got forgotten, Alex "Pecker" Gasson is a Corn eating machine!!
Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck to take place in Montreal at UFC 124
By Mike JohnstonDana White has confirmed that the UFC Welterweight Championship bout between Georges St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck will take place in GSP’s backyard of Montreal at UFC 124.
The talented welterweights are the two coaches on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, which begins airing on September 15. Dana White has hinted that the time coaching against one another has heated the rivalry. This, coupled with the magnitude of the fight, should make for some good television and a heated rematch.
Back at UFC 74, following GSP’s upset loss to Matt Serra months earlier, the Quebecer defeated Koscheck by unanimous decision. Since that fight, both men have improved tremendously and the rematch should be an entirely different fight than the first.
Koscheck earned his shot at St. Pierre this time around when he defeated Paul Daley by unanimous decision at UFC 113 in May. That event was also held at Montreal’s Bell Centre. After his win over Daley, Koscheck berated the Montreal fans saying he would beat up their beloved champ. He then went on to wish ill will upon the Montreal Canadiens. Needless to say, he was showered with boos.
UFC 124 is sure to have a raucous crowd firmly in the corner of the two-time Canadian Athlete of the Year. For more info on the UFC visit ufc.com. For more information on The Ultimate Fighter Season 12 visit ultimatefighter.com.
THE FIGHT CLUB RELEASES FINAL FIGHT CARD FOR TFC 11: “FULL FORCE”
Edmonton, Alberta (Canada): Rising Canadian fight promotion The Fight Club (TFC) today announced the finalized fight card for their next event, “TFC 11: Full Force.” This exciting event will take place on Friday, September 10th at the Shaw Conference Center. In the main event, one of the most anticipated rematches in Canadian MMA history will commence, as newly-minted TFC Light Heavyweight Champion Martin “The Stress” Desilets (10-2) and UFC veteran Victor “The Matrix” Valimaki (16-6) will lock horns for the belt. Also on the line will be the TFC Canadian Lightweight Championship as undefeated Edmonton native Mitch Clarke (7-0) will battle Josh Machan (7-3). In addition, top Canadian welterweight Ryan “The Kid” McGillivray (10-4-1) will put his talents on display against three-time TFC veteran Markhaile “Showtime” Wedderburn (10-7), who will be taking the place of the injured Adam Lynn (13-8). Doors for this exciting nine-fight event will open at 7 PM, and the fights will begin at 8 PM. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, http://www.thefightclub.ca/, or (780) 451-8000.
In their first bout, which took place at “TFC 10: High Octane” this past March, Martin Desilets and Victor Valimaki laid it all on the line, throwing punches with abandon. In the end, Desilets was able to outlast his foe en route to a TKO victory with only ten seconds left in the first round. He gained Valimaki’s light heavyweight strap in the process. Check out the full fight here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEVf9dK3NR4. Now, these two will look to exceed their performances from their first fight at “Full Force.” Valimaki will attempt to regain his lost crown, while Desilets will do everything he can to hold onto it. Regardless of who comes out on top, the true winners will be the fans.
In a battle for the TFC Canadian Lightweight title, the undefeated Mitch Clarke (6-0), a native of Edmonton, will fight Josh Machan (7-3, seven straight victories), who hails from Red Deer, Alberta. This scrap features two top young Canadian lightweights, and is sure to electrify the crowd.
With the TFC World Welterweight Title declared vacant due to the departure of Ryan Ford from the organization, TFC’s top welterweight contender, Ryan “The Kid” McGillivray, is now in the spotlight. “The Kid” has only been competing in mixed martial arts for the past four years, but has quickly established himself as one of the top Canadian prospects in the welterweight division. All of Ryan’s fights have been in and around his hometown of Edmonton, so he is very well-known in the local MMA community, and he has built a loyal and enthusiastic fan base. And with eight of his ten victories coming via submission, fans know that they can always expect an exciting fight for McGillivray. He’ll be facing a strong Muay Thai fighter in Markhaile “Showtime” Wedderburn. This tough Canadian fighter has fought top 170ers such as Ford, Jason High, and Dan Grandmaison. It will truly be a test for “The Kid.”
Here is the finalized fight card:
· 205 lbs: Champion Martin Desilets (10-2) vs. Victor Valimaki (16-6) for the TFC World Light Heayweight title
· 155 lbs: Mitch Clarke (7-0) vs. Josh Machan (7-3) for the TFC Canadian Lightweight title
· 170 lbs: Ryan McGillivray (10-4-1) vs. Markhaile Wedderburn (10-7)
· 170 lbs: Ryan Machan (11-5) vs. James McCutcheon (3-2)
· 170 lbs: Rio Wells (3-0) vs. Chuck Pelc (2-1)
· 130 lbs: Sy Jewett (1-0) vs. Rachael Swaetz (3-1)· 170 lbs: Darcy Boizard (1-1) vs. O’Denva Phillips (0-0)· 140 lbs: Reece Chapman (0-0) vs. Adam Bodwell (0-0)· 155 lbs: Steve Beaumont (0-0) vs. Dean Cox (0-0)
The event will be shown on The Fight Network on tape delay, and news on a press conference will be announced soon. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.thefightclub.ca/
“Bellator 33: Alvarez vs. Huerta” heading to Liacouras Center in Philadelphia Oct. 21st
“Bellator 33: Alvarez vs. Huerta” is set to take place from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 21st.
For explosive Bellator World Champion Eddie Alvarez, momentum is on his side, as he enters the Superfight with an impressive five-fight win streak on the line where the longtime knockout artist has finished all of his most recent victims by submission. In his most recent trip to the cage, Alvarez put rugged UFC veteran Josh “The Dentist” Neer to sleep with a nasty rear-naked choke during Bellator 17 in Boston on May 6th of this year.
Alvarez is admittedly excited about the opportunity to compete in front of his hometown fans in Philly for the first time in the top lightweight's career that currently spans 22 professional fights, from Japan to Boston, against many of the toughest 155 lb fighters in the business.
"Roger Huerta, Philadelphia, October 21st... this is a dream fight for me,” said Alvarez. “I've never even lost a fight here in the United States, so I'm definitely not going to start in my hometown of Philadelphia with all of my people there. That's not going to happen. Not a chance.
“I'm not going to be happy unless I completely control and dominate Roger in this fight. It's important for me to go in there and dominate this fight and prove that I'm one of the best lightweights in the world.”
In the case of Roger Huerta, the electrifying 27 year old lightweight is eager to return to the cage after suffering a defeat in his previous outing when Pat Curran shocked the MMA world and defeated “El Matador” by unanimous decision in the semifinal lightweight tournament at Bellator 17. As the first MMA fighter ever to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Eddie Alvarez will be the toughest fights that Huerta has encountered is his MMA career.
Although fighting in Alvarez' backyard of Philadelphia, Huerta expects for the advantage to ultimately lie in his favor, stating, “The cheers or jeers won't affect me one way or the other. The pressure is on him fighting in his hometown. He's going to bring the best out of me. The best. It's going to be scary.
“This is a fight that I've always wanted. It's a dream come true. It's going to be a grueling fight for the both of us. It's going to be a potential fight of the year. I'm going in there expecting a war, and I'm going in there trying to finish Eddie.”
Intending to send a direct message to his critics and fans alike in his upcoming performance against Huerta, Alvarez would be the first to admit that he's had the former Sports Illustrated cover athlete in his sites since the moment Huerta signed his contract with Bellator.
“I don't care where you fought in the past, but if you come to my promotion and you have a big name and you're obviously marketable, and the promotion signs you, I'm going to have an issue with that,” said Alvarez. “If I don't feel threatened by that, then I'm an idiot. I feel threatened by someone like Roger trying to move into my house and I'm going to do everything I can to protect what's mine and get him out of there. I want to keep all eyes on me. I'm going to go out there and do my job and get him out of there.”
Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney was admittedly excited to bring this incredible Superfight to Philadelphia, stating, “The Alvarez-Huerta fight should be one of the most electrifying bouts in the history of Bellator Fighting Championships, and to be able to host it in one of the greatest fights towns on earth, Philadelphia is spectacular. . I’ve said it before, I believe Eddie Alvarez is the best Lightweight Mixed Martial Artist in the world today and for Roger to have the courage to face him speaks volumes about his confidence and character. The fans are really in for a treat with not only a great fight card, but also a fantastic host venue in The Liacouras Center.”
The Liacouras Center is located on the campus of Temple University, in the heart of Philadelphia, and is home to the Temple Owl’s Basketball and Volleyball, as well as Professional Indoor Soccer. The Liacouras Center was opened in 1997, and has a capacity of just over 10,000.
Tickets for “Bellator 33: Alvarez vs. Huerta” are priced at $150, $85, $65, $45, and $25, and go on sale Monday, August 30th at www.ComcastTix.com
For more information, visit Bellator.com
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Why 2010 is the REAL "Year of the Upset" in MMA
By Elton Hobson
Every MMA fan remembers the legendary “Year of the Upset”.
It was all the way back in the ancient time known as 2007. George Bush was President. The housing market was booming. The war in Afghanistan was winding down and pretty much over. And nothing, it seemed, was safe in the world of MMA.
The GSP hype wagon ran right into a Matt Serra shaped roadblock. Gabriel Gonzaga gave Mirko “Cro Cop” a taste of his own Left High Kick medicine (and he’s never really recovered). Reality TV favorite Forrest Griffin welcomed Pride legend Maurico “Shogun” Run to the cage by strangling him to within an inch of his life.
We weren’t in Kansas anymore – or Japan, right Joe Silva?
But as tumultuous as 2007 proved to be, the “Year of the Upset” it was not (though it certainly upset GSP and PRIDE fans). Only two thirds of the way through the year, and 2010 has already taken the crown and placed it firmly atop it’s baffling, utterly unpredictable head.
Yes folks, 2010 is the real “Year of the Upset” in Mixed Martial Arts. Without fail (or even serious interruption), this year has served up one unbelievable outcome and shocking result after another. Not convinced? Get ready for a little history lesson, looking back at the year that was, starting with
The Rise of Cain Velasquez
It may seem strange now, but a lot of people were picking PRIDE legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria to defeat Cain in Australia at the start of this year. Be it his stronger BJJ skills, better chin, or superior punching power (remember the Cain has pillow hands theory?), “Minotauro” was given good odds to halt the rise of the Latino HW superstar.
Instead, Velasquez laid out the Brazilian Heavyweight in about the time it takes you to finish reading this sentence.
The Mir fight may have marked the “beginning of the end” for Big Nog, but it was this fight that may prove the true “end” to his storied run atop the 265 lbs rankings. Nogueria now faces the challenge of his own battle worn body, and Cain gets put on ice to await a fight with Heavyweight’s Coors light drinking, bird flipping Ogre of a champion.
Jon Jones vs. Anyone
Remember how many times this year we heard that LHW shooting star Jon Jones was facing “the toughest test of his career.”? And remember how many times “Bones” made the odds makers (not to mention his opponents) look absolutely foolish.
Brandon Vera is one of the most versatile and accomplished veterans in the game with big wins at HW and LHW. Jones literally broke his face with an elbow, and he hasn’t been heard from since.
Vladamir Matyushenko is a 13 year veteran of the sport and a former IFL champion. Against Jones, “The Janitor” may as well have been “The Sparring Dummy”. He hasn’t been heard from since, either (though Jason Brilz may be facing him later on this year).
With every fight, Jon Jones showed us why fights are fought inside the cage, not in the odds makers books – and why everyone is afraid to get in the cage with him from here on out.
Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin
Remember when Frank Mir was a hulked up, concussion inducing HW monster who was hunting for Brock Lesnar’s scalp with a Charles Bronson-esque determination?
Me neither.
The Machida Error
In front of a packed house in Montreal’s sold out Bell Centre, Maurico “Shogun” Rua did in just a few minutes what he couldn’t do in half an hour in 2009.
End the vaunted and much anticipated “Lyoto Machida Era” one challenger in, with a hooking shot from hell.
After walking through the UFC’s Light-Heavyweight division with ease and going undefeated in his MMA career, Machida was expected to have the kind of reign at 205 that made Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva legends. He even beat “Shogun” in their first encounter (controversial as it was) and was expected to have plenty of answers now for Rua’s chopping Muay Thai attack.
Instead, we all (re)learned a valuable lesson: there are no answers for an angry 200 pound Brazilian named “Shogun” using your head for a speedbag.
Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
Remember when Todd Duffee was an unstoppable, juggernaut HW prospect who was going to knock everyone out on his way to a long title reign?
Me neither. Ok, that’s not really fair – Duffee still has all the tools, and the time to hone them into something great.
But when the unheralded Russow survived two and a half rounds of a near car accident like beating to cold clock Duffee clean with one good shot – tell me your jaw didn’t hit the floor. No one, and I mean NO ONE, would have called that to happen before the fight went down.
Chris Leben, MW’s Newest (Old) Prospect
I think it’s safe to say that two week period from June 19th to July 3rd was the best two weeks of Chris Leben’s life.
First, he derailed the hype train behind powerhouse wrestler Aaron “A-Train” in under two rounds at the “Ultimate Fighter” 11 Finale, righting his ship after a shaky (at best) 2009.
But it got better. Stepping in on short notice against Japanese/Korean sensation Yoshihiro Akiyama, Leben put on the fight of the night, as well as the fight of his career. For almost three rounds, he took the best that the Judoka could throw at him, while doing a whole lot to ugly the café of “Sexyama”.
And, seconds before the final bell, he caught him in a Trinalge choke for the shocking submission win. Leben beating Akiyama was viewed by most as unlikely. Leben SUBMITTING the Asian Games Judo champion on only two weeks notice was seen as beyond impossible.
Except it wasn’t, and Leben proved it.
And finally, the granddaddy of them all
Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn 1 and 2
For most fans, Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra 1 is viewed as the most shocking upset in Mixed Martial Arts history. After Frankie Edgar shocked the world not once, but twice, I think we have to agree there’s a new sheriff in town.
After all, Serra caught GSP with a fluke shot and he never let up, An impressive win, no doubt – but not as impressive as dominating your opponent over 25 minutes (nearly an hour if you combine both fights). Getting “lucky” is one thing. Utterly outclassing your P4P great opponent at everything he’s supposed to be better then you at for 5 straight rounds is something else entirely.
In their first fight, Edgar just barely edged Penn to a decision that was nonetheless shocking to fans the world over. Yesterday in Boston, Edgar got to prove once and for all that he has “The Answer” to BJ Penn, dominating the champion over 5 rounds to secure that LW title firmly around his waist.
Coming into 2010, no one would have called the fighting pride of Toms River, New Jersey to defeat BJ Penn not once, but twice, with each passing round more dominant then the one before.
But that’s exactly what we saw. If only for these two fights alone, 2010 must be regarded as the “Year of the Upset” in MMA.
There are honorable mentions, of course – Hathaway over Sanchez, Kampmann over Thiago, any of Roy Nelson’s fights, and Chael Sonnen’s (almost) murder of Anderson Silva just to name a few.
All told, there can be no doubt that 2010 is when the MMA world really got turned over on it’s head – and the only winner you can predict is the fans, who are reminded (and who will be reminded) over and over again,
Anything can happen in MMA.
UFC 118 quick results and opinions
1. Boxers have NO business fighting MMA without a few years of training and definitely can't go in with a "Fedor Sweater"
2. Frankie Edgar is AWESOME and weight cutting may not be "the answer"
3. BJ Penn should retire
4. Nate Diaz is bad-ass
5. I want to see Edgar vs. Maynard 2
I know some people may not agree with some of my assessments, especially about BJ but I get to write whatever I want, so suck it up!
1. James Toney talked as much trash as Chael Sonnen leading up to this fight( granted it wasn't nearly as legible or intelligent) and backed none of it up. Now that Chael "king of the shit talk" Sonnen has come inn and backed up his outlandish claims it makes it much tougher for any other fighters to be a loud mouth after James Toney was absolutely embarrassed, that was a truly sad sight for any James Toney supporters.
2. Frankie Edgar is awesome, that is pretty much it, BJ said he was coming in to show everyone who the true champ is and he did, it just wasn't who the world expected. Frankie Edgar could probably easily fight at 145 lb, and I would love to see a Jose Aldo superfight someday but Frankie is the true king at 155 a weight that is quite natural for him. Seeing "The Bully" against Florian it quite clear that Maynard will still have a huge size advantage but will it help in a 5 round fight? I think not, Edgar seemed fresh, energetic, and strong for not cutting weight, granted Maynard will be stronger but for how many rounds? It is well known that cutting weight can effect your performance and Frankie Edgar showed once again, size doesn't mean a whole lot when you are more skilled.
3. I think BJ has become much too complacent, he really seems disinterested in the whole fight game and has not shown the fire since fighting Joe Stevenson, back at UFC 80. Quite honestly, I was and am a big BJ fan ( yes I do know how that sounds) but he should either take some time off again and get re-energized or just quit because he just is not himself anymore and I want to remember him the way he was, he doesn't need the money and he has his acting career. (I joke)
4. Nate Diaz talked about cutting too much weight for the lightweight division and that he could be a contender at 170 after dropping fights at lightweight most people thought he should have won.
I like most people scoffed at the notion that a non title contender at 155 could step up a weight class and be legit competition, just a way for them to stretch out his TUF fame, I thought.
I was wrong, Nate Diaz has come to the 170 division and looked really good and after last night he says he wants Maynard and I want to see it(after Maynard vs. Edgar of course) and now the 155 lb title picture is actually interesting again, good job Frankie.
5. I wasn't ever too interested in the Edgar vs. Maynard rematch, the first fight was a bit of a bore and "The Bully" was just that, a bully that showed more strength than skill in his decision win of Frankie Edgar at UFCFight Night 13 in April of 2008 and quite honestly it didn't leave me wanting more.
That has all changed, with Gray soundly beating Florian and Edgar just dominating Penn it is clear both fighter have stepped up their game and this will be the best fight available for Dana White and Joe Silva.
Here is a the results from UFC 118:
MAIN CARD
•Frankie Edgar def. B.J. Penn via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to retain lightweight title
•Randy Couture def. James Toney via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 1, 3:19
•Demian Maia def. Mario Miranda via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
•Gray Maynard def. Kenny Florian via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
•Nate Diaz def. Marcus Davis via technical submission (guillotine) - Round 3, 4:02
PRELIMINARY CARD
•Joe Lauzon def. Gabe Ruediger via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 2:01
•Nik Lentz def. Andre Winner via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
•Dan Miller def. John Salter via submission (anaconda choke) - Round 2, 1:53.
•Greg Soto def. Nick Osipczak via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
•Mike Pierce def. Amilcar Alves via submission (cross-body armbar) - Round 3, 3:11
Friday, August 27, 2010
UFC 118 Preview: Can Frankie Edgar and James Toney Shock the World?
By Elton Hobson
Tomorrow night, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship makes its triumphant debut in Dana White’s hometown of Boston, Mass, fight fans will be treated to what amounts to two main events.
Headlining the show is a rematch between longtime Lightweight kingpin BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar, the man who took his title in a startling upset in Abu Dhabi. Their first fight was a tactical, if somewhat unflashy 5 rounder that saw Edgar outwork and outhustle Penn to a Unanimous decision win. With Penn eager to erase the memory of that loss from fans minds, and Edgar looking to prove he is the true divisional #1, the rematch promises to be a more dramatic, decisive affair.
And as far as most casual fans are concerned, it might as well be an undercard fight.
In the much ballyhooed “Boxing vs. UFC” co-main event, 41 year old boxing champ James “Lights Out” Toney becomes the first big time, elite level boxer to step into the Octagon, as he faces 47 year old MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture. Never mind the fact that this fight is about as freakshow a fight as you can get outside of a Minowaman bout. It matters not a lick. By the time the lights come down, and Couture is looking Toney in the eyes inside the cage, fan hype and expectations should be through the roof.
Before any of this happens, a stacked undercard of UFC standbys and Boston favourites takes to the cage to round out the UFC’s opening effort in “Beantown”. So let’s get to a rundown of the nights action, starting with a battle of BJJ masters.
Demian Maia vs. Mario Miranda
If any fighter on this card is desperate for a win, in dramatic, impressive fashion, it’s Maia. Coming off the loss in the 5 round “fight” against Anderson Silva at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi this past April, the man once viewed as the most dangerous submission artist in MMA needs to remind fans why he was once so feared and prove to critics that he has more to his game then just some slick Jiu-Jitsu.
Mario Miranda should prove an intriguing challenge for the multiple time BJJ world championship title holder. A black belt in the Gentle Art himself, Miranda also brings a somewhat polished standup game that gave Canadian vet David Loiseau fits in their fight at UFC 115. Fighting out of AMC Pankration in Seattle, Washington under the tutelage of veteran coach David Hume, Miranda is exactly the kind of well-rounded opponent to test Maia’s mettle at the upper echelon of the division.
Miranda is tough, but Maia is a wizard, and this fight should remind people just why that is. Recent fights vs. Silva and Dan Miller showcased a Maia seemingly enamored with his nascent striking skills. Hopefully he returns to his bread and butter for a signature submission win.
Maia via Submission
Nate Diaz vs. Marcus Davis
Known as “The Irish Hand Grenade”, Marcus Davis has long touted his Irish heritage to the scorn of more then a few detractors. Born in Bangor, Maine, Davis nevertheless stood by his Irish roots in the form of his nickname, his marketing, his ring entrances, his whole schtick period.
Now all of a sudden, the UFC comes to Boston, and Davis suddenly has a fight “in his hometown”. Some may shake their heads at this genealogical pandering. I personally think it’s a marketing coup like few others. If I ever decided to become a professional fighter, I’d be sure to tether myself to some obscure country – “The Lithuanian Hand Grenade” anyone – and ride that for all it’s worth before switching back to the “hometown boy” of whatever major city is nearest my actual birthplace. Genius.
Against Diaz, Davis faces a stern test. The younger brother of Strikeforce Welterweight champ Nick Diaz brings a similar package as his older sibling – a long, lanky frame, effective if awkward boxing combined with Cesar Gracie honed BJJ skills. Davis himself actually comes from a pro boxing background and has some ground skills of his own. Both these guys are scrappers, so expect an exciting back and forth war between these two.
So will Davis come out on top in front of his “hometown fans”. Sadly, I think not. Diaz may not have the kind of power that Ben Saunders used to finish Davis in their UFC 106 bout, but he brings the well rounded skills and tenacity to outwork him for the decision. Now that Diaz fights as a Welterweight, there is no need for concern regarding his gas tank, and he should have plenty of energy to outwork “The Boston Hand Grenade” to a decision win.
Nate Diaz via Decision
Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard
Before Penn and Edgar square off for the Lightweight title, two of the division’s top 5 square off for the #1 contender spot. In another involving fight for the hometown Boston fans, Massachusetts own Kenny Florian tries to secure his third Lightweight title shot when he battles undefeated Gray Maynard.
In some ways, this is a more interesting fight then the world title match is it preceding. Florian has continued to improve since his loss to BJ Penn lat year. Always a solid BJJ player, “Ken-Flo” has continued to sharpen his Muay Thai skills as well as his wrestling under the guidance of Friaz Zahabi at Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. In impressive wins over Clay Guida and Takanori Gomi, Florian proved he is one of the most versatile and polished fighters at Lightweight in all the world, using crisp and technical striking and footwork to set up picture perfect submission wins. For him, the sky should be the limit.
Unfortunately for Florian, he already has had two cracks at the Lightweight title (against Sean Sherk and BJ Penn respectively) and has come up short both times. For him, this fight represents a last shot at proving he deserves to be called the division’s best.
Gray “The Bully” Maynard, on the other hand, is still chomping at the bit for his first world title match. A surging contender with an impressive resume, Maynard has been held back in part due to his grinding, plodding style, which usually sees the NCAA Division 1 wrestler win one unexciting decision victory after another. In recent fights, however, Maynard has shown much improved standup, and there is every indication that he will continue to improve with each fight. With a win over champion Frankie Edgar already on his docket, a victory here would propel him into a title match he must feel he has already more then earned.
Maynard is a bully for sure, but if Florian’s wrestling has improved to the level it should training alongside guys like GSP and Rashad Evans, he should be able to control Maynard and pick him apart with his technical Muay Thai. Look for Florian to pick Maynard apart en route to a decision win and a third (and possible final) shot at the world championship.
Florian via Decision
Randy Couture vs. James Toney
What more can be said about this fight that hasn’t already been said? It’s “Boxing vs. MMA”, the ultimate battle of style vs. style, the kind of fight Mixed Martial Arts was originally created to have. For everyone tuning in, this fight boils down to one question: how would a world class boxer fare against a world class Greco-Roman wrestler?
Of course, that’s not really the question, is it? Instead, this fight is just another chapter in the largely imagined “Boxing vs. MMA” debate, and fans of both sports will be watching in anxious droves to see if a boxer can upset an MMA legend in his own backyard. You can thank the incoherent, punch drunk rambling of Mr. Toney for driving that point home in the minds of casual fans of both sports.
This fight is ridiculous, really. Toney is 41. Couture is 47. Both guys are over the hill, past their prime, and no longer championship material. What’s more, this fight isn’t really style vs style as it’s been sold – Couture brings far more tools to the table then just wrestling, and Toney supposedly has been “training” wrestling and submission defense for some months now in preparation for “The Natural”.
This fight isin’t going the distance. I bet it’s not even going past the three minute mark. In the end, it all comes down to one question: can Randy take Toney down, and pound him out as he has so many others. The answer, despite all the hype and trash talking, should be an emphatic yes. Randy closes the distance, takes Toney down, and punches him a new breathing hole. Dana White dances a jig. MMA is better then boxing! Hooray!
Couture via TKO
Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn 2
It’s remarkable how much in common Frankie Edgar has with Matt Serra.
Both are East Coasters, both are trained by the legendary Renzo Gracie, and both share many training partners such as Ricardo Almeida and Rolles Gracie. Both men are considered small for their respective divisions. And finally, both men scored the “Upset of the Year” when they unseated a P4P great to become the underdog champion of their respective divisions.
In my opinion, Edgar’s win over Penn actually eclipsed Serra’s defeat of GSP in terms of “shock value”. Serra caught the French Canadian with a wild shot behind the ears to set him off balance and never let up. Edgar didn’t need any luck of the draw to defeat the fighting pride of Hilo, Hawaii. He outmoved, outhustled, and plain outworked a lethargic Penn over 5 rounds to take a unanimous decision and turn the world on it’s head. His victory was all hard work, before and during the fight, anf it paid off.
Because it was a close decision, (and because Dana White basically gives BJ Penn whatever he asks for) an immediate rematch was booked and, just like the Serra/GSP situation, the champion and victor in the first fight finds himself an underdog heading into the second bout. As we have heard oh, I don’t know, 100,000 times, BJ Penn is “rededicated” for this fight. “A new BJ”, as it were,m focused on cardio and training like never before. Sure thing Baby Jay. As you yourself has said, talk is fake – the fight is what’s real.
In the rematch, the odds would seem to tilt towards Penn more then the first time around. That’s because the gameplan for Frankie remains the same – outwork him keep moving, use smart head movement and lateral movement, mix in the odd takedown, and grind out a UD. Because Penn knows that, he’ll be more prepared to meet that strategy this time around.
So who takes it? Of all the main card fights, this is the hardest to predict, but I’ll take the New Jersey kid to pull of the shocking upset once again. I think Frankie has “The Answer” for a fighter like BJ, and will make him fight his fight just like he did last time. IN front of a sympathetic East Coast crowd, Edgar will win another decision and secure his place atop the Lightweight division.
Edgar via Decision
Bellator Fighting Championships, Fox Sports Net & NBC Event Coming to Rave-Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee Sept. 16th
The Bellator Season 3 event will feature two main-card semi-final tournament fights that include heavyweight tournament action along with special middleweight and light heavyweight feature fights, as well a host of exciting Local Feature Fights.
“We are thrilled to be the first promotion to bring live, nationally and internationally televised world-class MMA to this beautiful, lake front city,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “The historic Rave-Eagles Ballroom will be a great venue for Wisconsin fans to experience Bellator’s unique brand of MMA action.”
The Rave-Eagles Club was built in 1926 and was named to the National Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1986. The Rave Eagles Ballroom is the largest venue at the club featuring 25,000 square feet and 1,500 seats which will provide an intimate venue for MMA fans.
The Bellator Season 3 Heavyweight tournament is now down to its final four with undefeated European sensation Damian “The Polish Pitbull” Grabowski squaring off against two-time NCAA wrestling champion Cole “Polar Bear” Konrad in Milwaukee. Russian Judo specialist Alexey Oleinik takes on Neil “Goliath” Grove in the other semi-final heavyweight matchup later this season. The winners will then clash in a Championship matchup to crown Bellator’s first ever Heavyweight Champion.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.
Tickets for the event are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $35, and are on sale NOW at www.Ticketmaster.com
UFC 118 Preview & Predictions: It's the James Toney show
By MIKE JOHNSTONMAIN CARD
- Frankie Edgar vs. B.J. Penn (for lightweight title)
This rematch could very well go the way Machida-Shogun 2 went earlier this year. Penn lost a close, controversial unanimous decision to Frankie Edgar at UFC 112 and will look to show that it was a small chink in the legacy of the “Prodigy.” It has been well documented that Penn was injured and had been suffering from a sinus infection during the first fight and was not 100 per cent. Still, Edgar put forth an effective game plan and stifled Penn’s attack.
There is no way, whether standing or on the mat, Edgar will be able to finish Penn, but there are several different ways for B.J. to win this fight. The only fighters Edgar has finished in his 8-fight UFC career are Matt Veach and Ontario’s Mark Bocek, both great fighters, but nowhere near on Penn’s level. On the other hand, Penn has finished Matt Hughes, Takanori Gomi, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez, Sean Sherk, Joe Stevenson, Jens Pulver and Caol Uno, to name a few. Edgar will need to turn this into another kickboxing match and hope to outpoint the Hawaiian once again.
On the UFC 118 Conference Call, Penn sounded tranquil and mentally astute. You know that slow, eerie Hawaiian music B.J. enters the octagon too? Well, that music will be fitting for this bout. Look for B.J. to be his usual, dominant self. Penn will land the harder strikes during the exchanges and eventually gain top position. Follow that by a patented rear-naked choke for the win.
Penn by Submission.
- Randy Couture vs. James Toney
A message from James Toney: “Randy, if you step in my range, yer neck gettin’ twisted. Period.”
Lets be clear, this is not MMA vs. Boxing; this is James Toney vs. Randy Couture. It is a risky fight for Couture, who owns a gym in Toronto, Xtreme Couture Toronto. Sure, nearly all MMA fans will be backing Randy, but give Toney props, he played Joe Frazier in the movie Ali for goodness sakes! Some street cred is warranted.
Toney holds a professional boxing record of 72-6-3 including a knockout of Evander Holyfield and a TKO of Michael Nunn, and is clearly the best boxer to ever fight in the UFC. Considering the fact Couture has been rocked or dropped in his last four fights, he can’t afford to have Toney land any clean shots. This is strictly a case of Toney having a puncher’s chance, but little else. If Toney can land any clean shots before Couture takes the fight to the ground, he has a small chance of pulling off the upset.
Toney has an incredible lead left hook and counter right hand, and Toney also throws tremendous short punches, so even if Couture initiates a clinch, he is still in danger of getting clipped. Randy needs to get this fight to the ground, something he shouldn’t have a problem doing.
Ultimately, Toney’s footwork will be the key to how the fight unfolds. If he can maintain a certain distance, he might able to avoid the takedown long enough catch Couture. However, if Couture can secure a double leg, getting the fight to the ground, it should end in a similar fashion how Couture defeated Mark Coleman at UFC 109. It will be Couture’s choice whether he wants to finish the fight by TKO or submission. Smooth sailing for “The Natural.”
What should happen is Randy comes out, gauges the distance, waits for the opportune time to shoot, lands a double leg, quickly passes to side control then mount, and the ref will step in after a TKO or submission. But, in the unpredictable sport of MMA, fights don’t always turn out the way they should.
I’m lucky enough to have met and spoken with Randy at his gym in Toronto earlier this year, and he was as gracious as he is talented. So, If Randy does take Toney down at will and beat him up or submit him like he should, then I whole-heartedly, humbly apologize to the MMA community and Mr. Couture himself because…
Toney in one of the biggest upset KO’s in MMA history.
… just kidding. Look for Couture to eventually get Toney to the ground, beat him up for a bit, then sink in a choke or pummel him with punches until the ref steps in.
Couture by Submission.
- Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard
At the pre-fight press conference, Dana White announced that the winner of this fight is guaranteed a title shot. Although Maynard is technically undefeated in his professional career, he has lost before. People often forget, but Nate Diaz submitted Maynard on TUF 5, albeit in 2007. Ken-Flo, despite having a weak nickname, has a slick submission game that could spell trouble for “The Bully” even if he gains top position. Florian has been training with Georges St. Pierre and Firas Zahabi at the TriStar gym in Montreal, which has lead to him evolving his game and improving his wrestling tremendously.
>>Time out… I need a moment to name drop, bare with me. When I was out in Edmonton covering WEC 49, I met Kenny Florian and he couldn’t have been nicer. The day after the event I ran into him at the Edmonton airport and had some Tim Horntons with him and the WEC ring girl. He’s so friendly and down to earth, he could be Canadian for God’s sake. Fans north of the border should cheer for Kenny in all his fights. Anyways back to the breakdown<<
If Maynard decides to show off his always-improving boxing, it could backfire on him since Florian’s boxing and Mauy Thai are as crisp as ever. Maynard needs to get clean takedowns and control the majority of the fight. It may be ugly to watch, but it is the best way for Gray to secure his long-awaited title shot. His last six wins have all been by decision, including one over current champ Frankie Edgar. On the feet, Kenny should be able to outpoint Maynard, who is one of the best wrestlers in the sport. Maynard hits hard, but Florian’s chin has seen worse.
Florian by Split Decision.
- Demian Maia vs. Mario Miranda
This bout replaces Nate Maquardt vs. Rousimar Palhares, but should still be worthy of its main card placement. Maia looks to rebound from his much talked about loss to Anderson Silva as he takes on the impressive Mario Miranda. In his last fight, Miranda beat up on Canadian David Loiseau and made him look old and foolish. Maia has been working diligently on his boxing, which should compliment his unparalleled ground game nicely. Miranda must be weary of being put on his back as Maia’s rear-naked choke and triangles are second to none; just watch his win over Chael Sonnen, or his impressive choke of Jason MacDonald. However, Miranda is chiseled and well rounded, and although many don’t know him, he is a threat at middleweight. He has decent enough jiu-jitsu to at least make Maia work for a submission, and he has better striking. Miranda may just shock the world.
Miranda by major upset.
- Marcus Davis vs. Nate Diaz
This scrap is the early candidate for “Fight of the Night” as both men always put on a show. Growing up the younger bother of Nick Diaz, Nate is one of the toughest guys in the sport. No matter where a fight goes, Nate never stops attacking. He takes on Boston’s own Marcus Davis who is coming off an impressive KO of Quebec’s Jonathan Goulet at UFC 113 in Montreal. The main battle within the battle will be Davis’ power vs. Diaz’s chin. Likely, whoever wins this battle will take the fight. Davis’ best chance at pleasing his hometown crowd is catching Nate and jumping all over him forcing a referee stoppage. Remember, Diaz was dropped by Melvin Guillard in their fight earlier this year and Davis hits harder than Guillard. Diaz will want this fight to get to the ground eventually so he can work his jiu-jitsu, especially if Davis finds a way to get inside his reach. This will be Diaz’s first real challenge at welterweight. If he can get past Davis, then he could be a contender at 170 very soon.
Diaz.
Who Canadian fans think will win:
Penn 80% – Edgar 20%
Couture 96% – Toney 4%
Florian 72% – Maynard 28%
Maia 80% – Miranda 20%
Diaz 64% – Davis 36%
**a group of 25 random Canadian MMA fans were polled on Facebook to see who they believe will win the four main card bouts. Only one fan even gave James Toney a chance**
PRELIMS LIVE ON SPIKE TV
- Gabe Ruediger vs. Joe Lauzon
Most UFC fans remember Gabe Ruediger as the fighter who couldn’t make weight, had an emotional breakdown, and was kicked off Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter. Being known for that and that alone is unfair because Ruediger (17-5) is a former WEC lightweight champ and is riding a six-fight win streak. He possesses some dangerous submission skills and decent striking. He takes on fellow TUF 5 cast mate and Boston native, Joe Lauzon. Since fighting Ontario’s Sam Stout at UFC 108, Lauzon insists he has improved tremendously. His only two losses in the UFC have been to Stout and lightweight contender Kenny Florian, nothing to be ashamed of. This matchup, coupled with the support he is going to receive from the crowd, favours Lauzon. Still, it is never a good idea to come into a fight overconfident.
Lauzon.
- Nik Lentz vs. Andre Winner
This is your classic boxer vs. wrestler as Britain’s Andre Winner takes on the American Nick Lentz. At just 26, Lentz has an impressive record of 18-3-2 and uses his wrestling in all his fights. That will be his key to victory. Winner, on the other hand, sprawls and brawls to great affect. He is very quick, has great footwork and takedown defence. Being a member of Team Rough House and training with the likes of Dan Hardy, Paul Daley, Ross Pearson and Nick Osipczak has lead to his success and style. In a close bout, the winner is…
Winner.
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Nick Osipczak vs. Greg Soto
“Slick” Nick Osipczak is one of the top fighters coming out of the U.K. and is a strong prospect in the welterweight division. With his only professional loss being an exciting split decision to powerhouse Rick Story, ‘Slick Nick’ is someone to watch for. A lanky 6’2, Osipczak utilizes his reach with both punches and kicks, and has shown the ability to submit his opponents if he chooses. Greg Soto is trained by UFC lightweight Kurt Pellegrino and has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Despite his credentials and solid record (7-1 with his only loss being a DQ), he might be in over his head. Osipczak should be able to use his reach and Muay Thai skills to handle Soto on the feet, and has the ability to gain the upper hand on the ground.
Osipczak.
- Dan Miller vs. John Salter
A loss for Dan Miller will spell the end of his UFC career as he has lost three decisions in a row to Chael Sonnen, Demian Maia and Michael Bisping, respectively; no slouches there though. He takes on Salter who is technically coming off his first UFC win, but he earned the win when Alberta’s Jason MacDonald suffered several fractures to his leg and ankle. Miller should outclass his opponent.
Miller.
- Amilcar Alves vs. Mike Pierce
Alves is your typical Brazilian newcomer, possesses strong jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai with a good record but hasn’t been in there with any notables. He takes on Mike Pierce, a very underrated welterweight. Alves is a question mark, but look for Pierce to use his wrestling and power to outmuscle Alves.
Pierce.
James Toney offers up more laughs
James Toney can do 2 things really well that I know of,
Box and sell a fight, this Saturday we will see if that translates into MMA but for now get a few more laughs in while you can.
Box and sell a fight, this Saturday we will see if that translates into MMA but for now get a few more laughs in while you can.
Dana White and Mike Tyson talk MMA, Boxing and UFC 118
In Dana White's UFC 118 vlog, White and Mike Tyson have a sit-down, and discuss mixed martial arts, specifically former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion James Toney's upcoming meeting with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 118.
In the conversation it is clear Tyson has been following the MMA scene, at least UFC competition.
In the conversation it is clear Tyson has been following the MMA scene, at least UFC competition.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Boxing or MMA? Pro fighters break down James Toney vs. Randy Couture at UFC 118, Canadian fighters support Couture
By MIKE JOHNSTONMost fight fans across Canada, North America and the rest of the world, at one point or another have been asked which is better Boxing or MMA? This weekend at UFC 118, many believe the question will finally be answered as current IBA heavyweight champion, James “Lights Out” Toney, takes on five-time UFC champion Randy “The Natural” Couture.
Toney insists this bout is neither about boxing nor MMA, but rather, it’s about Toney and Couture as individual fighters. The boxing legend is supremely confident and his entertaining interviews have some convinced he can pull off what would be arguably the biggest upsets in MMA history.
Couture owns a gym in Toronto (Xtreme Couture Toronto) and the fighters from that gym will be cheering on “The Natural.” Canadian mixed martial artists like Mark Hominick, Chris Horodecki and Misha Cirkunov are backing their boy Randy. Hominick and Horodecki, in the past, have travelled to Las Vegas to prepare for fights at the original Xtreme Couture. Cirkunov, one of the top Canadian MMA prospects, trains with Randy on a regular basis.
The consensus among the fighters is that while Toney has hands dangerous hands, he won’t possess enough skills to deal with Randy’s well-roundedness and his smart, tactical approach to fighting.
Canadian MMA instructor and competitor Jeff Joslin is looking forward to Toney’s debut. “Without a doubt James Toney is a slick boxer with fantastic head movement, relaxed and accurate punching, and a killer instinct. All of those assets have me really looking forward to seeing how he does inside the 32-foot octagon shaped cage this coming weekend,” said Joslin.
“I really hope Toney brings some slick movement and long range techniques with him as well on the night of his UFC debut as he desperately needs to avoid being grabbed, stuffed and squished against the cage. If he cannot stop Randy from doing those things, this heavyweight match-up between two combat sport legends, will be over very,very quickly,” added Joslin.
UFC middleweight Patrick Cote predicts Couture will be too much for Toney. “If Randy underestimates his boxing skills it would be a big mistake. But how is James Toney going to react to wearing 4-ounce gloves because he’s used to the bigger gloves in boxing? He has some skills and he has punching power, but in MMA you have to be well-rounded so I think Randy will be too much for him.”
Here are some other opinions from professional fighters about how this fight will go, courtesy of a recent UFC press release. It seems as though boxers and mixed martial artists can agree on one thing: Randy Couture will win.
A Farewell to Fedor
By Elton Hobson
Dear Fedor: We’re done man. We’re breaking up. I think for good. And it’s not me, it’s you.
I hadn’t intended to write a breakup letter. And I know you don’t even care. I was never a diehard fan of yours, really. Not like some folks were. And besides, you never were a fighter who seemed to care about things like fan opinion.
In a way, it was all part of your appeal. The quiet Russian, the stoic warrior, seemingly above the hype and the gossip and the chatter of those around you. Instead, you were like Caeser: You came. You saw. You conquered.
Until Werdum, a triangle choke, and the end of an era.
But in truth, the decline had set in long before then. The rot was already in the wood as your managers and business partners at M-1 leveraged your name, your reputation, and your legacy for one sneaky, shameful act after another.
There were handpicked opponents, exorbitant salary demands, and constant contract renegotiations; At every turn, M-1 played hardball and pocketed millions while you spent your prime in limbo, facing division castoffs instead of the very best in the world like you deserved.
Don’t get me started on that whole “co-promotion” thing.
Through it all, I never gave up hope. I was frustrated, confused, and a little put out. I may not have understood why you made the career moves you did, or even fully comprehended the situation that existed behind them. I shook my head in dismay many, many times.
But I never stopped defending you as a P4P great and the world’s best heavyweight. Even as the tides of public opinion turned against you. Like that old Journey song, I never stopped believing.
But no more.
With this latest round of discussion involving a Fedor vs. Alastair Overeem fight - a fight that should have happened a year ago, if not more - I have given up hope. I’ve thrown in the towel. Either you’re a hopeless patsy and puppet of your corrupt management or you are ducking top opponents in the cloud of accusations, innuendo, and rumor.
Either way you seem to have spit in fan’s faces while throwing your storied legacy away to chase a quick buck.
First, “you” (“you” being the M-1/Fedor conglomeration) claimed to only be interested in a Werdum rematch, as it was “what the fans wanted”. Once Werdum announced he would be out until 2011 with an injury, only one fight remained that made any sense: you vs. Overeem, for the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Championship.
So you sat on your hands for months. You had Vadim Finkelstein claim you still sought a Werdum rematch “pre- or post-surgery” about as ludicrous a claim I’ve ever heard. Overeem seemed down to fight you in the mean time. Scott Coker was on board. The fight was obvious and asked for. And so you waited. And waited.
Then, just a few days ago, you come out with it: Fedor wants to fight Overeem. All right! Finally! Let’s get the contracts out and - Hold on just a second. What’s this I hear about Olympic style drug testing? What are you, Floyd Mayweather Jr.?
Sure, “Ubereem” has packed on the pounds over the last few years. Your own management even went the classy route and called the Dutchman a “steroid cattle” publicly in the press a few months back. Still, we had never heard any public anxiety from you when it came to PEDs- until now.
Never mind the fact that the timing of this Overeem callout- some two months after it should have come- meant that Overseem was already committed to the K-1 World Grand Prix for the rest of 2010. Some would call that bad timing. Others would call it a fool’s errand.
But then you put the cherry on the cake, didn’t you? When rumor broke that you were coveting a Josh Barnett fight for FEG’s Dynamite 2010! New Years show in Japan, the collective jaws of MMA fans the world over pretty much hit the floor.
Josh Barnett of all people? Really? You use the steroids excuse to duck out of the Overeem fight, only to face a man who has failed no less than three drug tests. Don’t you remember what happened with Affliction? Is your memory that poor? Or is the taste of Dream’s Puji money so sweet?
If you, the casual fan, are reading this and thinking “wow, this guy sounds bitterly disappointed” then you’re pretty much right on the money. I mean c’mon Mr. Emelianenko. We always knew your management was deceitful, greedy, and delusional, but it’s never been this blatantly obvious before.
Not facing Overeem for the belt- the best non-Werdum fight outside the UFC- is an embarrassment. Not facing him to take a quick payday against an irrelevant Josh Barnett is a disgrace. And I’d be lying if I put it any other way.
So I’m done, Fedor. Done defending you, done giving you the benefit of the doubt, done buying your excuses and your spin and your B.S. I know you don’t care what anyone thinks. From your home and simple life in Stary Oskol, you let Vadim and crew run your career and pimp your legacy while you provide for you and yours. After all, securing a future for your family is what you were always after, and you have certainly accomplished that. Good on you.
That tragedy here is that after all you’ve done, the unprecedented trail you’ve blazed in this sport, you’re seemingly content to take a pay cheque and let Dana White, Brock Lesnar, and the legion of haters mar the final chapter of your career with a big, ugly footnote.
The saddest thing is they’re right. They’re absolutely right.
Ben Bujar Jumerovski Trains Gross and Clements at BRUTEFORCE FITNESS
BruteForce Fitness Trainer Ben Bujar Jumerovski has trained with some of the best MMA fighters and instructors in the WORLD, from Bas Rutten and Brock Lesnar to Canada's own George St. Pierre and almost any other great name you can think of. We had to get over to WADA where he trains in London Ontario and see just what is going on there.
We were impressed and you can be sure we will be going back and with the results produced and low cost of training we expect to see lots of you there too!!
Thanks to Ben, Emma, Chris and Jesse and the whole staff at WADA
Make sure to check out Ben and Emma's monthly articles in MMASPORTSMAG, an amazing magazine for any fan of Mixed Martial Arts!!
you can contact Ben directly at
pitfighter9@hotmail.com or
call directly at 519 860-9748
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1925 Culver Drive
London, Ontario, N5V 2E1
(Corner of Clarke Side Road and Culver Drive)
We were impressed and you can be sure we will be going back and with the results produced and low cost of training we expect to see lots of you there too!!
Thanks to Ben, Emma, Chris and Jesse and the whole staff at WADA
Make sure to check out Ben and Emma's monthly articles in MMASPORTSMAG, an amazing magazine for any fan of Mixed Martial Arts!!
you can contact Ben directly at
pitfighter9@hotmail.com or
call directly at 519 860-9748
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1925 Culver Drive
London, Ontario, N5V 2E1
(Corner of Clarke Side Road and Culver Drive)
Results of Bellator 26 weigh-in
Chicago (August 18, 2010) — One night before Bellator Fighting Championships’ much-anticipated event at Kansas City Power & Light District, the fighters competing in tomorrow’s event participated in an official weigh-in just blocks away at the Mariott KC Downtown– with all main-card fighters making weight.
Bellator 26 will be broadcast live in prime time nationwide on Thursday on FOX Sports Net and during special Bellator highlight shows this Saturday night on NBC and Sunday night on mun2.The official results of the weigh-in are as follows:
MAIN CARD:
Mike Hayes (238 lbs.) vs. Alexey Oleinik (230 lbs.) @265 lbs.
Jose Vega (134.75 lbs.) vs. Danny Tims (135.5 lbs.) @ 135 lbs.
Lisa Ward (114 lbs.) vs. Aisling Daly (115 lbs.) @115 lbs.
UNDERCARD:
Zak Cummings (181 lbs.) vs. Rudy Bears (182 lbs.) @185 lbs.
Kevin Croom (145 lbs.) vs. Brian Davidson (145 lbs.) @ 145 lbs.
JO (184.75 lbs.) vs. BI (185 lbs.) @ 185 lbs.
Demetrius Richards (201 lbs.) vs. Jeb Chiles (203 lbs.) 205 lbs.
Bellator 26 will be broadcast live in prime time nationwide on Thursday on FOX Sports Net and during special Bellator highlight shows this Saturday night on NBC and Sunday night on mun2.The official results of the weigh-in are as follows:
MAIN CARD:
Mike Hayes (238 lbs.) vs. Alexey Oleinik (230 lbs.) @265 lbs.
Jose Vega (134.75 lbs.) vs. Danny Tims (135.5 lbs.) @ 135 lbs.
Tyler Stinson (173 lbs.) vs. Steve Carl (174 lbs.) @ 175 lbs.*
Lisa Ward (114 lbs.) vs. Aisling Daly (115 lbs.) @115 lbs.
UNDERCARD:
Zak Cummings (181 lbs.) vs. Rudy Bears (182 lbs.) @185 lbs.
Kevin Croom (145 lbs.) vs. Brian Davidson (145 lbs.) @ 145 lbs.
JO (184.75 lbs.) vs. BI (185 lbs.) @ 185 lbs.
Demetrius Richards (201 lbs.) vs. Jeb Chiles (203 lbs.) 205 lbs.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
GOLDBERG, ROGAN, AND LIDDELL FEATURED IN Q&A SESSIONS AT UFC® FAN EXPO™
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – Three of the most recognizable faces in Ultimate Fighting Championship® history will take part in Question and Answer sessions at the UFC® FAN EXPO™ at the John B. Hynes Convention Center in Boston on Aug. 27 and 28th.
On Friday, Aug. 27 at 12pm ET, UFC broadcasters Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan field questions from fans, while UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell talks about his illustrious career on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 1pm ET. Both Q&A sessions will be held at the UFC® FAN EXPO™ main stage.
“This is a great opportunity for fans to fire away with questions they’ve always wanted to ask,” UFC President Dana White said. “Goldberg and Rogan have called some of the greatest fights in UFC history and Chuck has fought in some of the most memorable bouts we’ve ever seen. Both sessions should be very cool.”
This year’s UFC Fan Expo leads into UFC® 118: EDGAR vs. PENN 2 Presented by TAPOUT®, featuring the lightweight title rematch between champion Frankie Edgar and former division kingpin BJ Penn. For more UFC Fan Expo information and to purchase tickets, visit UFCfanexpo.com. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com.
Lisa Ward: Aisling Daly is a bully and she's in for a reality check
Lisa Ward never quite seemed to fit in among her childhood peers growing up. As far back as the 115 lb fighter widely considered to be among the best female mixed martial artists in the sport can remember, she always seemed to have a problem blending in.
"It was really rough because I was a little bit chunky all through elementary and junior high so I would get called "fatso"," recalled Ward. "I remember girls poking my belly and saying, 'Pillsbury Dough-Girl', and then hit me in the head. I joined the soccer team when I was little and like my first day there this girl comes up to me and says, 'Pillsbury Dough-Girl', and then takes the bottom of her hand and hits me in the head as hard as she could.
And the torment didn't slow up one bit once the stocky teenager made the decision to join the boy's wrestling team in high school.
"I got harassed," admitted Ward. "The guys didn't take it easy on me at all. If anything, I probably got it worse because I was a girl. I was always the smaller one so I always got kind of shoved around and the guys would say, 'Hurry up! Don't make us run more.'"
From the wrestling mat to the hallways of her high school, Ward couldn't seem to catch a break among those her age.
"I was tortured in school," said Ward. "I kept to myself a lot. The boys and the girls would make fun of me because I wrestled and they would just harass me every day.
"I never really had boyfriends. I didn't date growing up. I remember the girls would say, 'Oh, are you going to the dance with so-and-so? Aren't you a lesbian?', and I would just turn around and cry. I would cry all the way home. It sucked."
However, with a ten year high school reunion rapidly approaching for the 27-year-old , Ward would be lying if she said she wasn't thrilled about the prospect catching up with her childhood critics, stating, "I'm going to be pretty stoked to go to my 10-year-reunion and be like, "What’s up!" I'm excited about it."
Far separated from the years of torment as a youth, Ward is currently respected as one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in all of MMA.
With the biggest fight of her career rapidly approaching, the Washington-based submission specialist currently has her sites set on undefeated Irish power-puncher Aisling "Ash the Bash" Daly. The pair of top women's mixed martial artists will clash in the biggest fight of either of their careers at Bellator 26 in Kansas City to determine the final spot in Bellator's electrifying women's tournament.
"Aisling just seems like a bully to me," said Ward when asked her thoughts on the powerful undefeated prospect. "She's strong and she likes to push the pace, and I think that's a driving force for her. Most females don't fight like she does. She just kind of seem like a powerhouse bully. She likes to get you in the corner and rough you up and thump on you. But the caliber of the opponents that she's been beating up have mostly been new fighters so it's really hard to gauge exactly how good she is."
Ward will be entering tomorrow evening's bout with a level of confidence that can only come from testing herself against many of the best in the business for more than six years with impressive results.
"I'm pretty sure it's going to be a reality check for Aisling Daly," said Ward. "First of all, the little girl has to make weight, and second, she has to fight me. I'm much more well rounded. I feel like I'm pound-for-pound one of the best females in the world so it's going to be interesting.
"I'm nervous because we're fighting and I'm nervous because she is tough, but in the back of my mind and in my heart, I know that I'm much better than she is."
Ward and Daly are fighting for the last remaining spot in the Season 3 Women’s Tournament semi-finals. The winner tomorrow night will join fellow semi-finalists: World’s #1 female fighter Megumi Fujii, hard-hitting Zoila Frausto, and American Top Team product Jessica Aguilar.
Tickets for the event are on sale NOW at ticketmaster.com and at The Midland by AMC box office in downtown Kansas City. General admission tickets start at just $20 in advance/$30 at the door. Ringside and Terrace tickets are also available for $100 and $50 respectively.
You can catch Bellator 26 and all of this season's Bellator action LIVE on Fox Sports Net, along with action-packed highlight shows on NBC late Saturday nights.
Bellator 26 official weigh-in/pre-fight press conference Scheduled for 8 p.m. CT tonight
Kansas City, MO 64106-2925
The Bellator 26 weigh-in/pre-fight press conference will also stream LIVE at Bellator.com at 8 p.m. CT for those unable to attend.
Participants include Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney as well as all 16 competitors in Thursday’s event including Russian submission ace Alexey Oleinik, powerful heavyweight Mike “300” Hayes, Rubber/grudge match local bantamweights Danny Tims and Jose Vega, heavy-handed local star Tyler Stinson, Iraq War Veteran Steve Carl, Undefeated Irish sensation Aisling Daly, battle-tested 3-ranked 115 pounder Lisa Ward and more.
The event will be emceed by Bellator cage announcer Michael C. Williams and Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith.
The full fight card for Bellator 26 is below:
MAIN CARD:
Special Feature Fight: Steve Carl (12-2) vs. Tyler Stinson (18-6) **
Opening-round Heavyweight Tournament Fight: Alexey Oleinik (27-5-1) vs. Mike Hays (12-3-1)
Opening-round Women’s World Championship Tournament Fight: Aisling Daly (9-0) vs. Lisa Ward (13-5)
Opening-round Bantamweight Tournament Fight: Danny Tims (9-2) vs. Jose Vega (8-3)
UNDERCARD:
Local Main Event: Zak Cummings (10-2) vs Rudy Bears (11-5)
Local Feature Fight #3: Kevin Croom (3-2) vs Brian Davidson (5-2)
Local Feature Fight #2: John Ott (7-6) vs Brian Imes (5-4)
Local Feature Fight #1: Demetrius Richards (5-3) vs Jeb Chiles (8-2)
**-(Catchweight bout of 175 lbs.)
For more information, visit Bellator.com
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