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Sunday, November 30, 2008
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Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Today's News
Jon Fitch, Christian Wellisch and Possibly Others Cut by UFC
Johnson vs. Burns II, MacDonald vs. Gouveia featured at TUF 8 Finale
TUF Recap and Commentary
More Bad Press For Affliction
Dustin Hazelett Talks Jiu-Jitsu and Facial Hair
Scott Smith Ready to Let His Hands Fly in Strikeforce Debut
Anderson Silva vs Cote Tanks On PPV
Johnson vs. Burns II, MacDonald vs. Gouveia featured at TUF 8 Finale
TUF Recap and Commentary
More Bad Press For Affliction
Dustin Hazelett Talks Jiu-Jitsu and Facial Hair
Scott Smith Ready to Let His Hands Fly in Strikeforce Debut
Anderson Silva vs Cote Tanks On PPV
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Why a Marriage Between Gina Carano and the WEC Makes Sense
Following the demise of EliteXC, Dana White was quick to restate that he had no interest in creating a women's division for the UFC. Dana has made it well known he does not like women fighting in general and that there was a lack of depth in the talent pool. After yesterday's press conference for UFC 94, Dana's tune seems to have changed slightly:
“Gina Carano is a star. I think she’s talented, I think she’s got all the tools, so what I’m willing to do is bring Gina into the WEC. And we could do fights whenever there’s a challenger for Gina. ["Cyborg!" shouts an audience member.] Obviously. So I think that’s how I’ll test the waters and see how it goes.”
Dana may not like women fighting, but he does like making money and improving his products (UFC and WEC). Dana has finally seen that Carano draws crowds and generally puts on exciting fights. Dana also has seen that EliteXC was paying Carano roughly $25k/fight and her next opponent, Cyborg, was being paid less than $10k/fight. Even if Dana decides to increase their pay, he is getting a great deal for a potential co-main event. So, financially it makes sense to at least give the ladies a shot.
Dana is not a huge fan of "exhibition" fights and thats why the WEC is perfect home for Carano. Dana can keep his purists happy with the UFC product and also take a calculated risk with Carano. Worst case scenario, the Cyborg/Carano fight is a dud and Zuffa is out $50k. On the other hand if the fight is exciting and fans continue to warm up to Carano as expected, he will have a inexpensive and new product to sell.
I suspect Dana will sign Carano to a 4 fight deal and sign contenders to single fight deals. This way he can showcase Carano 3-4 times in 2009 and cherry pick the top contenders from regional shows.
Today's News
Bellator Fighting Championships releases details for ESPN Deportes show
Proposed UFC Ad Campaign to Feature the Impact of MMA on Popular Sports
Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral Strikeforce Interview Exclusive with MMAmania.com
UFC 94: Jon Fitch vs Akihiro Gono
Seven UFC 91 Fighters, Including Lesnar and Couture, Issued Medical Suspensions
Andrei Arlovski, Henry Cejudo to Make Boxing Debuts?
Proposed UFC Ad Campaign to Feature the Impact of MMA on Popular Sports
Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral Strikeforce Interview Exclusive with MMAmania.com
UFC 94: Jon Fitch vs Akihiro Gono
Seven UFC 91 Fighters, Including Lesnar and Couture, Issued Medical Suspensions
Andrei Arlovski, Henry Cejudo to Make Boxing Debuts?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Anderson Silva to Train Boxing with Freddie Roach
Go to 3:45 mark if you don't want to hear Freddie's annoying voice
Props MMAMania.com
Where Do We Go Now?
Saturday night it seemed like the chorus from that once famous Guns and Roses tune, Sweet Child of Mine, was playing in my head no stop. Following the Brock Lesnar hammer fist pound out of my favorite fighter, I felt quite unnerved about his future prospects in the sprot of MMA. Who does he fight? Suddenly fights against Fedor and Big Nog don't really appeal to promoters and all the heavyweight prospects appear to be built around the Brock Lesnar mold. Make no mistake, the lesson learned Saturday night was that size, strength and speed will ultimately trump age and experience. Granted, that lesson is learned every year in NFL training camps when young rookies take the spots of crafty veterans, but in the sport of MMA it seemed that Randy's return would prove the sport to be different from any other. Unfortunately, those of us that fell for that fantasy were sadly mistaken. The fight game, just like the NFL, is Darwinian evolution in the spotlight for millions of TV viewer to see live. We've seen it with Ken Shamrock, Don Frye, and Royce Gracie. Skill, technique and experience may keep you in the fight game for a long time, but ultimately someone younger, stronger and with a newer set of skills will take your place at the top. This may be Randy's time, because I can't seem to answer that question. Where does he go from here? Sure there are fights to be had and money to be made, but why do it if he may never get a legit shot at the belt again and if he did get one, it could be 12-18 months away. I love to watch the guy fight and it seems like he has rebounded from every big defeat in his career, but how many more rebounds does he have? In short, where do we go now?
Today's News
UFC 93 & 95 Not Airing For Free on Spike TV
WEC 37 fight card finalized for ‘Torres vs Tapia’ on Dec. 3
UFC 91: Fighter Payroll Figures
Rich Franklin open to rematch with Lyoto Machida, "TUF" coaching gig
Scott Smith Lands on His Feet
"Affliction: Day of Reckoning" tickets on sale Wednesday
Mixed Martial Arts Makes Its Way to High School
WEC 37 fight card finalized for ‘Torres vs Tapia’ on Dec. 3
UFC 91: Fighter Payroll Figures
Rich Franklin open to rematch with Lyoto Machida, "TUF" coaching gig
Scott Smith Lands on His Feet
"Affliction: Day of Reckoning" tickets on sale Wednesday
Mixed Martial Arts Makes Its Way to High School
Monday, November 17, 2008
Afternoon News
UFC 91 Fighter Paydays and Salaries
Anderson Silva Superfight with Chuck Liddell at UFC 95 Looking Like a Real Possibility
KJ Noons the boxer defeats Alejandro Bogarin
Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva confirmed for UFC 94
UFC returns to London with official announcement of UFC 95
Fedor Emelianenko loses at 2008 World Combat Sambo Championships
Anderson Silva Superfight with Chuck Liddell at UFC 95 Looking Like a Real Possibility
KJ Noons the boxer defeats Alejandro Bogarin
Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva confirmed for UFC 94
UFC returns to London with official announcement of UFC 95
Fedor Emelianenko loses at 2008 World Combat Sambo Championships
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Blog Predictions for UFC 91
With Leather gets into the act
5th Round plays Nostradomus
Performify posts his picks at MMAjunkie
Eric Shapiro chimes in from MMAFrenzy
Patrick Willis of the 49ers gives some thoughts
Picks from Yahoo! Sports here
MM4Real.NET has some idea of what will happen
MMAFix has there best bets here
Matt Hughes picks are here
5th Round plays Nostradomus
Performify posts his picks at MMAjunkie
Eric Shapiro chimes in from MMAFrenzy
Patrick Willis of the 49ers gives some thoughts
Picks from Yahoo! Sports here
MM4Real.NET has some idea of what will happen
MMAFix has there best bets here
Matt Hughes picks are here
Luke's UFC 91 Predictions
Heavyweight Championship Match: Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar[1]
I got Randy via submission somewhere between rounds two and four, for more details see my article from yesterday.
Lightweight bout: Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson
Ken Flo is on a nice five match undefeated streak since losing to Sean Sherk in 2006. He needs this win over a bigger and more physical 155 lb fighter like Stevenson to show the UFC brass that he is ready to hang with BJ or Sherk. The Huerta win was nice, but I think Stevenson is much more established on the ground, which is where a fight with BJ or Sherk would end up. Stevenson is a big 155er, accomplished wrestler and very strong, but can be very one dimensional i.e. I don't see Kenny get caught with a guillotine. I think Kenny keeps the fight standing, peppers him with shots, avoids the takedown and squeezes out a tight decision victory.
Heavyweight bout: Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Josh Hendricks[5]
Gonzaga is kind of the forgotten man in the heavyweight division, but you don't hand Mirko Cro Cop his most devastating defeat and lose your ability over night. Hendricks isn't new to fighting, but holding the Gladiator Challenge belt and fighting under the lights in Vegas are two different things. Gonzaga via TKO in round two.
Middleweight bout: Demian Maia vs. Nate Quarry
Classic grappler versus brawler match up. Maia is a hot prospect, who has won submission of the night in all three of his UFC appearances and a much tougher opponent for Quarry than the fleet footed Khalib Starnes. I like Maia in a decision here, because I think Quarry's conditioning and stregth will keep him in the fight.
Welterweight bout: Dustin Hazelett vs. Tamdan McCrory[6]
Not to much to offer here, I like Hazelett via submission, possibly submission of the night honors
Lightweight bout: Jorge Gurgel vs. Aaron Riley[7]
Gurgel via submission
Lightweight bout: Jeremy Stephens vs. Rafael dos Anjos[8]
Rafael dos Anjos via decision
Lightweight bout: Mark Bocek vs. Alvin Robinson[9]
Robinson via submission
Welterweight bout: Matt Brown vs. Ryan Thomas
Brown via TKO
Today's News
Dana White now considers Gina Carano vs Cris Cyborg fight for WEC
Showtime Taking Over Production for Affliction; Lindland, Matyushenko, Buentello Confirmed for “Reckoning”
UFC 91 Gambling Picks Here, Here, Here, and Here
Adrenaline MMA adds Ben Rothwell vs Chris Guillen to Dec 11 card
‘McLovin’ it: Dustin Hazelett UFC 91 interview exclusive with MMAmania.com
Showtime Taking Over Production for Affliction; Lindland, Matyushenko, Buentello Confirmed for “Reckoning”
UFC 91 Gambling Picks Here, Here, Here, and Here
Adrenaline MMA adds Ben Rothwell vs Chris Guillen to Dec 11 card
‘McLovin’ it: Dustin Hazelett UFC 91 interview exclusive with MMAmania.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Scorpian King Will Prevail
I know, I know not really an exciting or an original pick considering that the Natural is probably the most liked fighter of All-Time and is an underdog, if only in Vegas terms, but I still believe that he is the toughest guy on the planet to beat in a title fight. Lesnar has some very obvious advantages, which anyone with two working eyeballs can see. He is a massive human being, who moves as quickly as someone a tenth of his size and is probably the most powerful person in the sport. Regardless of what you think of his years in the WWE, Lesnar is an accomplished athlete and was skilled enough to get a shot at the NFL without any college football experience. He trains with one of the toughest competitors in the sport, Sean Sherk, so it is pretty safe to say that the guy will be in shape for the fight and focused. Hmmm? Sounds like Randy is up against a guy that is bigger, faster, stronger, younger and in shape, how could he possibly win? The answer is knowledge and experience. Randy won't be as disrespectful to Lesnar's physical skills as Frank Mir, let Brock get top position and hope to submit him. He won't be as stupid as Heath Herring was to test one of Brock's punches in hopes of proving his iron chin. No, I believe Randy is going to design his game plan to use Brocks biggest strengths against him. I am guessing he'll probably make Brock work on his feet the first round or two like he did with Tim Sylvia. Use some good head movement and lad a few jabs, but mostly frustrate Brock because regardless of his power, Lesnar is not sharp and compact with his punches. The message is simple, I can make you look bad, which will get Brock fired up and over anxious. At that point, Randy is hoping Lesnar switches to Donkey Kong mode and as long as Couture isn't mounted or pressed against the cage there will be openings for submissions. Which ones? Not sure, but I am quite positive he'll catch Brock during some sort of transition or if Couture is able utilize a trip or a throw and land himself in good position. I can't say what round or how, but I expect Randy to force Brock to tap.
More thoughts from Michael Rome at Bloodyelbow.com are here
Today's News
TUF Recap and Commentary
Kenny Florian UFC 91 interview exclusive with MMAmania.com
Bobby Lashley vs. Joshua Franklin set for Mixed Fighting Alliance card
Jason MacDonald vs. Wilson Gouveia on tap for TUF 8 live season finale
Will Donald Trump Leave Affliction Entertainment?
Kimbo Slice's First Interview Since Loss
Kenny Florian UFC 91 interview exclusive with MMAmania.com
Bobby Lashley vs. Joshua Franklin set for Mixed Fighting Alliance card
Jason MacDonald vs. Wilson Gouveia on tap for TUF 8 live season finale
Will Donald Trump Leave Affliction Entertainment?
Kimbo Slice's First Interview Since Loss
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Afternoon Session
Apparently the Iceman is having a rougher time than this dude on the USO tour
First Match ups announced for the NYE K-1 Dynamite Show
Jason Lambert is out of the UFC
Kim Couture got a restraining order against Todd Beard of Affliction? I would have guessed having The Natural as your husband would be protection enough, Beard must be a real whack job...here is his picture just in case
Tonay Evinger is pissed more drunk pics surfaced...next on her list of victims? Luke and Butch?
Randy Couture's pre-fight party is here
The UFC turned 15 today!
BLOG TIME!
Wandy talks about the prospect of fighting a trainging partner
What is up with Ricardo Arona?
Randy Couture training pics here
What is going on with the lack of interest in UFC 91?
Apparently Armando Garcia, resigned head of CSAC, really sucked
The secret to Fedor's success
What is up with Ricardo Arona?
Randy Couture training pics here
What is going on with the lack of interest in UFC 91?
Apparently Armando Garcia, resigned head of CSAC, really sucked
The secret to Fedor's success
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Blogorama
Rich takes some time to speak to some disabled veterans
Fabricio Werdum isn't sure why he is done with the UFC
Handicapping Brock vs. Randy will be tought
Randy's son Ryan won his MMA debut
Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva? I think that would be a good grudge match at the very least
Semmy Schilt wants a rematch with Fedor
Andy Wang(TUF Competitior) flips out
Monday, November 10, 2008
Gina Carano is...........
HAMMMMERED checkout the pics here Also pictured Tonya Evinger(pink), who has been known to throw a few back.
Props Fightlinker.com
AJ's Sarcastic Response
Deadspin has posted a response here My personal favorite is the facts available excuse. How about when Skip Bayless said that Troy Aikmen was gay based on the facts at hand. How smart was that?
Make It Right
I am not going to bore everyone with a diatribe about the rights and wrongs of blogging etc, but I will say that the blogging community has done wrong to Lloyd Irvin and his family. If you need details please read this post at Bloodyelbow.com The picture above is of AJ Daulerio, he is the editor of Deadspin, probably the biggest sports blog out there right now and the standard for the sports blog industry. Given their status and influence, it would seem that more time and diligence would be put into their work, but it seems that razing a raucous has taken precedence over getting things correct. I would request that you read the post at Bloodyelbow.com and if you feel the need please email AJ and request that an apology be posted on the site. I am pretty sure that when you read about what Irvin's kid has been through you will be more than willing to do so.
Today's News
Countdown for UFC 91 is on SPIKE @ 11 PM ET
The Natural breaks down the game plan for Brock here
Werdum out of the UFC?
Carano vs. Cyborg still in the works
Joe Daddy picks up a black belt
MMA Agents are trying to block the auction of Elite XC contracts
Interesting 911 call here.......is Deadspin losing it? Check the article in question here Seems like Rick Chandler lacks an incredible amount of journalistic integrity and apparently has no knowledge of MMA, way to prove Buzz right.
The Natural breaks down the game plan for Brock here
Werdum out of the UFC?
Carano vs. Cyborg still in the works
Joe Daddy picks up a black belt
MMA Agents are trying to block the auction of Elite XC contracts
Interesting 911 call here.......is Deadspin losing it? Check the article in question here Seems like Rick Chandler lacks an incredible amount of journalistic integrity and apparently has no knowledge of MMA, way to prove Buzz right.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Blogorama
Head of CSAC steps down details here
Arianny Celeste Maxim Photos here
After all that BS Tito Ortiz will probably back in the UFC
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Today's News
Ask Fedor a question here
Matt Hughes has an explanation for his White Supremacist picture
Paul Filho explains the cut off flannel and his general insanity here
Brock lesnar camp update here
Where is Gina Carano headed?
Kevin Randleman fans fear not DA MONSTA will be back in the ring soon
Matt Hughes has an explanation for his White Supremacist picture
Paul Filho explains the cut off flannel and his general insanity here
Brock lesnar camp update here
Where is Gina Carano headed?
Kevin Randleman fans fear not DA MONSTA will be back in the ring soon
Friday, November 7, 2008
Stitch Duran Loves Blood
Stitch took some time to talk about the nastiest cuts he's had to clean up inside the Octagon, details here
Today's News
Luis Cane wants Keith Jardine next
Sonnen talks crazy Paul Filho and his cut off flannel
TUF is struggling when eating jizz is the best stuff you got
Randy Talks Affliction's Todd Beard
Friday YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM
BJ Penn and Mickeys = Awesome
MMA Eruption goes after Ken Flo
Great Post WEC pics here
Captain Kirk talks MMA
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Today's News
Wrap up of Last nights WEC Event
WEC post fight press conference videos with Urijah Faber, Chael Sonnen and Leonard Garcia
TUF Commentary, Recap, and Stankie: The Early Days
Hermes Franca Arrested for DUI After WEC Event
EA MMA Game to Star Frank Shamrock?
Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal making immediate impact in Sengoku
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Thank God It IS OVER!!!!!!!!
No more political conversations with Know-It-All assholes, but sadly no more of this.......
The LAW lost his chance for a seat in Oregon
Big John returns to the cage in November
The Iceman addresses his critics
Checkout WEC 36 tonight....Paul Filho is fat
Cro Cop interview here
Win a free training session with Urijah Faber
Eddie Bravo is crazy in a funny way
Matt Hughes concedes Obama's victory
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
He Speaks.........
"I just happen to be a white guy that has some great genetics, so I guess that puts a bullseye on me… I’m a white dude that’s shredded and you don’t see a lot of it — a guy that’s walking around that looks like me."Rest is here
Elite XC Ruins Careers From The GRAVE
Pretty sad that this loser gets to grab a big payday in Japan, but Scott Smith, Joey Villasenor or any other legit fighter from Elite XC is being held captive. More details here
Today's News
WEC 36 Preview here
Dana White talks about the upcoming TUF series...says it is retarded...my lost chromosome agrees
Obama responds to Matt Hughes comments
Another Olympian makes the jump to MMA
Matt "the Law" Lindland is up for election today
Who are MMA stars voting for?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Just Sad
Chris Leben tested positive for the steroid stanozolol. I remember seeing the Countdown show and thinking to myself, 'Man this guy is really in shape and jacked up. It is great to see what eating healthy and training can do for you.' Too bad it was all a lie. Great you have been sober for 90+ days, but you got on steroids, what have you learned? I wonder if Joe Rogan still thinks his body looking great was because he hadn't been boozing? It is a real setback for Chris and for that I feel bad for the guy. He is an entertaining fighter and loves his fans dearly, but he has to get his life together, because otherwise he won't be around long.
Monday Back in the Saddle
Yep that is Seth Petruzelli as Kimbo Slice for Halloween props to www.thegarv.comDenis Kang signs with the UFC......I pumped...one of my favorite fighters in PRIDE. He has fallen on some hard times of late, but he is going make things more exiting at 185
Some interesting news on Randy Couture
Elite XC show in 2009? More details here
Pat Miletich set to fight a crazy redneck
Kim Couture to fight in Strikefore show
CB Dolloway pics from Halloween here
Is Gomi finished? Sengoku results here
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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