FIGHTMUGS - Mixed Martial Arts Blog - MMA

Battle of the Silvas, Anderson vs Wand: Why it makes sense and why Dana White has no other option.

2009-04-20T20:28:00.015-04:00

Stuff doesn't always work out the way you want it to.

Girls, work, health, money...MMA Pay per view events from the top fighting promotion featuring the Best pound for pound fighter alive.

Deal with it.

In reality, aside from the "shadow sparring" main event, most of UFC 97 was above average (more on that Tuesday). It was Above Average with a few glimmers of awesome. Typically that would be enough to keep everyone happy. The only problem is that we were all expecting a Superhero in Black and Yellow shorts. Twice now we have been left waiting. Instead of a superhero, we see a regular old Human Being.

Why?

Is he too good? No one wants to engage standing up so nothing happens. Based on that thought alone, you could make the argument that "The Spider" is just as much to blame as his terrified opponents. Right? I mean when Thales refused to attack...Silva should have gone on the offensive...right? No sir, that is wrong.

Is he too smart?. He does not need to win in spectacular fashion, he only has to win. Thales knew he was losing in the 3rd and 4th...why not go for broke? What is the worst that can happen? The best thing would have been a lucky shot or maybe another take down. So what if he gets clipped? He was losing anyway and he knew it. He was hoping that Andersons ego was going to get the better of him and it did not. Here is the problem...Smart Champ = Boring fights highly probable.

Is Dana Stumped?. Dana has not met a problem that he has ever been afraid of confronting (and sometimes fixing) with his non PC mouth. Until now. Yes, I know he has said he was ashamed...didn't want to go to the press meeting...so on and so forth...however he seems to be unwilling to directly slam Silva. Simply saying "I don't know what's going on" and that Anderson "needs a challenge". Almost any other fighter would get full frontal Dana...Spider gets the PG version...on lithium and bong hits. Shit, this is a guy who told BJ to stop whining and get in the gym.

Does Silva Care? Dana knows that Silva is going to Boxing PPV valhalla with Rpy Jones Jr. after his UFC contract is over so he needs to cash in of his P4P gem now...RIGHT FUCKING NOW. Which brings the big question: Who does he fight next?

GSP? Maybe...certainly some day. Not if Alves beats GSP first....either way it's too far away.

Maia? No thanks...saw that movie before.

Bisbing? Henderson? Perhaps. But he will need to fight before the winner of that fight is known.

He needs a fighter that will FIGHT...a fighter not afraid to lose...a fighter like Chuck Liddell had Chuck not lost then retired...a fighter whose style spawned the nickname "The Axe Murderer". That is the only answer to the AS puzzle...Wanderlei Silva.

Either at 185 (War is declared??!!) or at 205 which would leave the door open for Maia to get his shot at the 185 belt. If Anderson wins the battle...he earns his fans respect back (and Danas) and no one could fault Wandy for losing to the best. Plus, if they did fight at 205 Wandy can still make a run at 185 after the fight...regardless of the outcome.

Write this down...print it out. That is the next fight that the UFC offer to the Spider. Don't agree? Tell me why it does not make sense.

It does make sense...you know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Including the Silva

UFC 97 Redemption; The Greatest MMA Card of all time?

2009-04-17T22:44:00.007-04:00

Silva goes for the record book while Shogun and Iceman seek relevancy.

While UFC 97 may not be the greatest card of all time on paper...I dig it's vibe. It makes me think of an Acorn. An evil, smelly Acorn. Yes, it smells. With 12 fights with top notch MMA talent, you are bound to get more than a few gems. Gems being great fights.

Prediction = Potential. 97 has the potential to be an amazing card. In fact, it has the potential to be the best MMA card of all time. There...I said it. In fact, the best so far is a better way to phrase that.

It could be the best MMA card up to this point. No Shit.

Some reasons why...

12 fights. No further explanation required.

No Brainer: It's really fun to watch Anderson fight. By just being on the card he makes it worth buying. Plus, after the Cote fight, he is looking to establish his rightful place...leaving no question that he is the best fighter on the planet. This is his reputation...his legacy. He takes this very seriously. Look for him to address any issues pertinent to that matter...by smashing Leites right in the face. On multiple occasions. Silva wins by convincingly brutal stoppage in Round 2.

Cheick Mate: If Mr. Congo can get past Antoni...he needs to be considered for a shot or a shot for a shot. Dana wants to go to France? Wrap your head around this: A Heavyweight Championship fight held in Paris. Dude. The UFC is a global brand and imagine the press from having the fight card in Paris...every star in Europe (plus some from the US) will be there. Cheick wins by ref stoppage in round 2....goes on to the HW Title before the year 2010 is over. Write the shit down.

TUF Love: Krzysztof Soszynski is totally psyched. He will grind out a decision over "All American"

Kool and the Kang: Dennis Kang is not as psyched as Krzysztof. For Dennis Kang...this is what some would call...A Money Fight. The people that would not call it a Money fight are fools. Kang is pissed...takes it out on Prof. X, wins via sub in the first round.

Say it ain't so: Two aging legends try to prove that they are both still relevant. For right now...they are. This is the lynch pin of the fight card. If these guys bring their "A" games this will be a sick card (see over the top statement above). Write it down. However, if this fight is a repeat of Shogun/Coleman someone is out of the UFC. Chuck takes this. TKO Round 3

WEC Light Heavyweight champion: Sink or Swim. Last time we saw Cantwell he was reminding us why some people hate this sport. "what's that you say? Oh, you say you broke it?" Asshole. Look for Cane to take this in round 3 via ref stoppage.

TUF love, Part 2; Return of the Love: I hope Eliot wins. I also hope for nightly motorboats. That does not happen. Annoying pretty boy via Sub in the 2nd round.

The Return of the Crow: So Much Promise. Running out of time...another "Money Fight". Textbook. Ed Herman really needs this fight as well. Loser may be out of the UFC. Sleeper pick for fight of the night. The Crow wins via Split Decision.

He Beat Anderson Silva: His fight may not be televised. Ryo "Piranha" Chonan will walk away with a W. Unanimous Decision.

Slug fest: This will be the best fight that is not broadcast on PPV. It's a Lock...you know what fight this is without me even saying the names.

and...a few more fights. However, those were not as intriguing and spawned zero words.

97 has the potential to be an amazing card. In fact, it has the potential to be the best MMA card of all time. There...I said it. In fact, the best so far is a better way to phrase that.

Then again, it may totally suck. I'll watch either way.

Brett "The Grim" Rogers + Time = Champion

2009-04-14T21:52:00.006-04:00

There is a reason why Gary Shaw didn't want Kimbo to fight him and there will be a time that Dana White will need him.

Not today...not in a few months but in a year or two he will fight in the UFC and he will contend for the belt. No doubt about it. You know it, I know it...everybody knows it. We just have not realized it yet.

He is Huge...even for a HW
He is a Good Interview...especially for a HW
He is Undefeated
He is Cocky
He is Charismatic
He has a great nickname

Granted...he really has not fought anyone in the "A" tier yet. So what...neither had Brock.

Strikeforce will have Werdum fight Overeem...Overeem will win. If he passes the drug test (he is looking much bigger than before...no?) he will then fight "The Grim". Should be a killer fight.

If Brett can get past the next can they give him and then Overeem (or Werdum) he will find himself the Strikeforce HW champ...undefeated at 11-0. Parrallel to that Brock Lesnar will still be champ and they will fight. Don't believe me? Screw you. Write it down and prove me wrong if it doesn't happen.

Bottom line is that I dig The Grim...it's fun to watch him fight. No emotion, hard to take down and hard to hurt. I would really love to see him fight Brock. So would Dana...so it shall be.

Write it down.

Who needs the UFC? Full Tilt Poker has found a new girlfriend...

2009-04-14T21:48:00.003-04:00

...and her name is Strikeforce.

Question: Was this split Zuffas call or FTPs? One would think Zuffa is pulling the strings but you never know.

Question: Who will end up in better shape? UFCs new poker partner has a shady past and Showtime/CBS can reach lots of potential gamblers.

Zuffa does not make many bad moves...time will tell if this was one of them.

Strikeforce: MMA fans should be excited...UFC should be paying attention

2009-04-12T08:37:00.004-04:00

Love Strikeforce

1. Good Fighters (Le, Gilbert, The Punk, Babalu, Shields, Diaz etc...)
2. A solid non-crazy leader (Coker)
3. A partnership with CBS/Showtime

Not crazy about the fire or the ramp...in fact I hate the fire and the ramp....maybe I only hate the ramp because of the fire. Having said that, I would certainly put up with it in return for a fight card like last night.

Coker has learned to let go a little bit and relinquish some control...you have to give to get Dana...and it seems to be working for him.

A viable Strikeforce with a Major Cable and Network deal is great for the fighters as well.

The best part is that Gary Shaw and his incredibly creepy son Skala have nothing to do with it.

Nick Diaz, keeping it real...loves the Pot. Hates Shamrock

2009-04-10T07:30:00.004-04:00

Nick Diaz does not have a fake bone in his body.

He does not always make the smartest decisions and sometimes his indiscretion can harm his profession. However...no one can ever question if he is real or not. He is a fighter...a fighter that loves to smoke pot.

As reported in the LA TIMES, he not only feels "more consistent" as a cannabis user but he has a way to beat the test. ppsssst! Nick! Inside voice! INSIDE VOICE!

He is clearly not the only fighter using the herb. He is just the only fighter telling the world he smokes it "on the reg" as Kenny Powers would say and tells the commission that he can beat their drug test.

You may not like Nick Diaz...however, in a world of fake people you have to respect his honesty.

Pass it over here Nick...

Why Dana White should not apologize and why Tigers don't ever change their stripes

2009-04-09T22:56:00.005-04:00

Because he is Dana White and Tigers are Motherfucking Tigers.

Seriously, Dana may end up apologizing but should he? What good will it do? Does anyone think that an apology will change who he is? Honky Please!

It would take a severe acid trip at the Burning Man or a Peyote fest in a sweat lodge for Dana to change. Both not likely.

The sad fact is that the groups wanted an apology know full well that Dana will not change. They are using Dana White for Publicity. That's right...the ultimate manipulative promoter is being manipulated for promotion. Plain and simple...it's a chance for them to get their name out their.

I say let Dana be Dana...this is America right? Let the fucking guy speak his fucking mind...you fuckers.

Junie Brownings Brother just as stupid as big bro...Lead paint chips possibly prevalent during childhood

2009-04-09T22:48:00.003-04:00

Sad article Here

Sad Video Here

I guess the MMA world needs over the top, insecure, alcoholic clowns.

Can't wait until he loses.

Justin McCully agrees to play the part of the can for Junior dos Santos at UFC 102

2009-04-08T21:02:00.003-04:00

As reported by many outlets including MMAJUNKIE.COM, "The Insane One" will square off against Big Nog product Junior dos Santos at UFC 102 in Oregon.

Fact of MMA life...the world needs Cans and Justin was just cast as one. Younger, stronger and without a stupid nickname...dos Santos is simply worth more to the UFC.

Having said all of that...just ask Joe Lauzon, Gabe Gonzaga and Matt Serra what happens when the guy that's not supposed to win...wins.

UFC discards Full Tilt Poker for Ultimatebet.com...Money > Anything

2009-04-07T19:35:00.003-04:00

As reported on bluffmagazine.com, UltimateBet.com continues it's transition as the UFCs choice for online gambling sites.

While it's obvious that the UFC will always favor the high bidder...what is not clear is if they are aware of the organizations less than stellar reputation and possible criminal dealings.

Either Zuffa knows something that we don't, Full Tilt Poker has issues of their own or Zuffa does not care that they are shaking up with possible felons.

Why wouldn't the UFC just press harder oni FTP for more money? Maybe they did and they called the bluff...thinking that the fastest growing sports organization would never hitch up with such a shady company. Surprise Full Tilt Poker! The UFC ranks Money higher than ethics and must figure they can drop UB when the shit really hits the fan.

One more chapter in the head scratcher that is the UFC business plan. Who can argue with the results...so far.

Frank Mir will beat Brock Lesnar at UFC 100

2009-04-06T22:42:00.003-04:00

Write it down.

Joe Benavidez, too quick, too young & too much for Jeff Curren at WEC 40

2009-04-06T22:26:00.002-04:00

At 5'4"...Joe Benavidez may not instantly strike fear into people who meet him for the first time. All those people would need to do is watch a replay of WEC 40 and that perception would change.

As Jeff "big frog" Curran found out the hard way...Joe Benavidez is a bad ass. A quick and very aggressive bad ass who can take a punch and push the pace. The WEC is quickly becoming the home of some of the most exciting fighters on the planet.

What's next for Joe? I would love to see him square off against Leonard Garcia.

What's next for Curran? This article by the Northwest Herald helps explain that.

I love where this sport is going.

Joe Rogan, Mike Goldberg UFN 18 Drinking Game

2009-04-01T21:04:00.003-04:00

Here's how,
Re-watch (or watch for the first time) the Griffin/DA fight.

Take a drink every time that Rogan or Goldie mention Tyson Griffins leg and how it might be hurt.

One drink for each mention by either of them.

Include the Rogan interview.

Do not make any plans.

Cole Miller is afraid of Junie Browning; can't lose at UFN 18

2009-03-31T22:19:00.007-04:00

Some might say it's gamesmanship...trying to sell the fight that happens at Ultimate Fight Night 18 in Nashville Tennessee. Maybe.

However, his over the top trash talking goes beyond trying to drum up interest and goes into "I am scared to lose to this reformed asshole". Not only scared but actually thinking that he WILL LOSE.

You know the fear that I am referring to. The 6th grade playground fear when the 8th grade bully comes along. Cole Miller deep down does not think that he is going to win and his response to that is too talk so much shit that it becomes a parody of someone talking shit.

The worst part is that if he loses now...he looks like such a fool. Paint yourself into a corner much? You can actually smell the fear through the video...go ahead...smell that? It's the fear of a man who is fighting on TV on Wednesday night.

When people are scared, people make mistakes. When fighters are scared they get knocked out or submitted. Cole Miller is the favorite in this fight....put your money on Browning.

EDIT: I stand corrected. Cole Miller looks like an animal.

Roger Huerta is the latest UFC fighter to be shunned

2009-03-29T10:55:00.004-04:00

Making sure that everyone realizes that he holds all the cards...all the time, Dana White is orchestrating his patented "Freeze Out" on one time LW contender Roger Huerta.

As reported by MMAJUNKIE.COM (Excerpts)

Popular UFC lightweight Roger Huerta (20-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) - the first mixed martial artist to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated - hasn't been mentioned much in recent months.

After declining to renew his contract with the UFC in January, Huerta said in the most recent episode of HDNet's "Inside MMA" that he's been stuck waiting by the phone.

"To be honest I'm just waiting for that phone call," Huerta said.

As Huerta told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) in January, after "El Matador" turned down a fight with Joe Stevenson at UFC 95 in February due to "personal issues with family and stuff," the UFC extended his contract by six months.

Added to a contract extension issued after his request for the time off that eventually led to his role in the upcoming film "Tekken," Huerta's fight contract now runs through December - though there is just one bout remaining on the agreement.

The UFC has been accused of "freezing out" fighters such as Andrei Arlovski and Brandon Vera in recent years. Each fighter found themselves in a similar position to Huerta - holding one remaining fight and an extended period of time on their UFC contract.

Huerta last saw action in an August 2008 unanimous-decision loss to current No. 1 contender Kenny Florian. That defeat snapped a 16-fight win-streak for the popular fighter, but with fight bookings already being rumored for UFC 101 and 102 in August, Huerta's name hasn't been mentioned at all.

"(I'm waiting) for the UFC to give me a phone call and I'm able to fight my last fight," Huerta said. "I'm just kind of waiting on that."

"I was always really - my focus was mainly on fighting and doing a lot of PR for the UFC. They were like my No. 1 priority at that time. It really didn't hit me until after the (Clay) Guida fight. After that, everything kind of sunk in and I really started taking it in, like, 'Wow. It really was a big deal.'"

And he may never get to feel it again.

On one hand I really can't blame him if Hollywood is calling. I mean, if you can make more money without getting your face bashed in...who wouldn't take that? On the other hand, Hollywood can be very fickle and if his star does not rise...he could be looking down Eric Roberts street very quickly. Plus, he would have NO CHANCE of getting back in the good graces of Dana White...the man can hold a grudge with the best of them.

He was a rising star with unlimited potential as a fighter...he had a good personality...he had the look of a superstar AND...at one point...he had the respect of the most important man in MMA. Right now he is on the outside looking in and keeping his fingers crossed that his movie based on a Video Game does not fail.

Maybe he should have stuck with fighting.

Goodbye Gono, The UFC just got a little less entertaining

2009-03-28T23:26:00.006-04:00

As reported by fightline.com the UFC has released Akhiro Gono.

Entertaining Japanese MMA veteran Akihiro Gono has been released from the UFC. Gono’s release comes after his decision loss to Jon Fitch at UFC 94 in January.

The loss to Fitch was Gono’s 2nd straight and he carried an overall UFC record of 1-2; his lone UFC win came over Tamdan McCrory at UFC 78 in November 2007.

However, it appears Gono will not be unemployed for long as he is currently in negotiations with the Japanese-based Sengoku promotion. If Gono reaches a deal with Sengoku then he could fight for them as early as May 22nd for Sengoku 8.

That really is a shame. a 1-2 record may not be anything to get excited about but he lost two decisions...one to Dan Hardy who is no joke and one to Fitch who is a top10 WW. The guy can fight.

Plus he was fun....hey Dana, remember fun?

Maybe he was just a quick distraction...a hired gun of hilarity and cross dressing. Or maybe they don't have room for him at 170. In either case, he will be missed.

Michael "The Count" Bisbing is still British and Dana White Still Likes that

2009-03-28T23:10:00.004-04:00

In all fairness...he is also 17-1 and has never been stopped. Not a bad anchor for the UFCs presence in the UK. Zuffa, never one to miss an opportunity to make more money, has offered the fighter a new 8 fight contract. As reported by Fightersonlymagazine.com: (Excerpts)

The middleweight star won series three of The Ultimate Fighter (as a light-heavyweight) and returns as a coach in season nine, which begins airing next week.

His contract with the UFC is apparently drawing towards its end and the organization is looking to negotiate a new deal as he moves forward with his career.

Bisping is 17-1 in MMA and 6-1 in the UFC. He has never been stopped in a fight and his only loss is a split-decision to current light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, a verdict he disagrees with.

Starting April 1st (April 5th in the UK) Bisping will be seen coaching a team of UK fighters on season nine of The Ultimate Fighter.

His rival coach is Dan Henderson, who will be captaining Team USA and who will fight Bisping in a middleweight bout at UFC 100.

Bisbing along with fellow Brit Dan Hardy are helping the UFC establish themselves as a global fight brand without equal. Add to that up and comers Terry Etim and Paul Kelly and their UK stable is looking very good.

Expect them to replicate that strategy in other corners of the small and getting smaller world.

Kenny Florian will be the next UFC LW Champ

2009-03-28T10:28:00.003-04:00

BJ Penn is going down...the only question now is when?

As reported on MMAJUNKIE.COM: (excerpts)

As rumors continue to circulate regarding a UFC 101 main event between Penn and top contender Kenny Florian (11-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), the challenger said on the latest episode of ESPN.com's "MMA Live," he's still waiting to secure the deal.

"At the end of the day, I just want this fight to be signed," Florian said. "Let's get an event, let's get a date, and let's make it happen."

Florian, currently riding a six-fight win streak in the UFC, then clarified that nothing was finalized, but that he was hopeful for the bout.

"Hopefully it is true," Florian said. "Aug. 8, it's supposed to be in Philadelphia at the Wachovia Center, which would be phenomenal for me. I'm from the East Coast."

Later in the episode Florian answered a viewer mail question which asked if the events of "Greasegate" made a third bout between Penn and UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (18-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) a marketable option for the organization.

Florian had a simple answer.

"I think the fans want to see Penn against Florian," Florian said.

I think Kenny is 100% correct.

No one really wants to see GSP beat up BJ...again. Only to have BJ think of some other excuse why he lost. BJ: Stick to 155. And while you're at it...beware of Kenny Florian. What happens when Kenny beats BJ? Is BJ going to insist that Kenny is an alien from outer space and that he cheated by channelling his alien laser beam when BJ was on his back.

There is no good reason for this fight not to happen and when it does there will be a new LW Champ.

No one is cooler than Bruce Buffer

2009-03-25T21:30:00.004-04:00

Photo courtesy of doghouseboxing.com
As reported by peoplesdefender.com (excerpts):

TTC- You area renowned poker player. How did you get started in poker?

BB- Probably around the age of eight, I was taught three things basically; poker, 5/7 card stud and black jack. I was taught everything I needed to know about horse racing; the only way to follow a horse is with a shovel. Basically I never got into horse racing.

Poker is my game. I was a professional black jack player for awhile. I made a living playing black jack for about a year. Now I solely play poker. You control money and treat it like a business. I love it.

TTC- Where do you find time to play poker along with your responsibilities with UFC?

BB- I think the easiest part is I never got married. That has allowed me to enjoy things and take the piece of pie in life, whether it be a girl friend on one end, my business interests which takes up most of my time and taking care of my family. I also have my interests such as surfing; I'm a film buff, history buff and plenty of hobbies. The daily poker is something I like to do.

I actually make what most people would consider a nice living playing poker. I could actually turn pro and make a living just playing poker. But, I only have so much time, so the time I do get to play, I really enjoy it and have a lot of passion for the game.

Instead I will hang out with the UFC brass, hot chicks and the best fighters in the world. Oh and by the way...I will also play cards at a professional level.

SuperPimp. Pro BlackJack, potential for pro poker, UFC announcer and proud NOT to be married. Bad Ass.

That plus the 180 flip makes him close to deity status.

UFC 97...The Best and the Rest

2009-03-24T21:19:00.008-04:00

While UFC 97 may not be the greatest card of all time on paper...I dig it's vibe.

Some reasons why...

No Brainer: It's really fun to watch Anderson fight. By just being on the card he makes it worth buying. Plus, after the Cote fight, he is looking to establish his rightful place...leaving no question that he is the best fighter on the planet.

Cheick Mate: IF Mr. Congo can get past Antoni...he needs to be considered for a shot or a shot for a shot.

TUF Love: Krzysztof Soszynski is totally psyched.

Kool and the Kang: Dennis Kang is not as psyched as the loveable Pol. For Dennis Kang...this is what some would call...A Money Fight. The people that would not call it a Money fight are fools.

Say it ain't so: Two aging legends try to prove that they are both still relevant. For right now...they are. This is the lynch pin of the fight card. If these guys bring their "A" games this will be a sick card. Write it down. However, if this fight is a repeat of Shogun/Coleman someone is out of the UFC.

WEC Light Heavyweight champion: Sink or Swim.

TUF love, Part 2; Return of the Love: I hope Eliot wins. I also hope for nightly motorboats. That does not happen.

The Return of the Crow: So Much Promise. Running out of time...another "Money Fight". Textbook. Ed Herman really needs this fight as well. Sleeper pick for fight of the night.

He Beat Anderson Silva: His fight may not be televised.

Slugfest: This will be the first fight on the under card to be broadcast on PPV. It's a Lock...you know what fight this is.

and...a few more fights...however, those were not as intriguing and spawned zero words.

97 has the potential of an Acorn.

Cyborg...please don't ruin this face.

2009-03-24T06:17:00.004-04:00

As reported on MMAWEEKLY.COM (Excerpts):

Carano maintains a solution will be reached that will put her back in action in the near future.

“I just had to weigh some options,” she explained. “I’m making these decisions, so nobody else is going to make these decisions for me. I have to make them, and so we’re going to get something figured out and I’ll be fighting.

“I pray about it and see what would be a good move for my career, and I just know that no matter what, any fight from here is going to be a big fight, and a tough one. Maybe it’s the calm before the storm.”

The current storm on the horizon is Christian “Cyborg” Santos. The fearsome striker made her wish to fight Carano known again at Strikeforce’s press conference announcing the upcoming “Shamrock vs. Diaz.” Santos is scheduled for the April 11 card against submission specialist Hitomi Akano, and a win could position her for a summer showdown with Carano.

“It’s gonna happen,” said Carano of the much-anticipated fight. “Actually, the only person I can think about right now. My focus is on her, and I don’t really want to fight anybody else but her. Let’s do it.

I'm really not crazy about the ladies fighting...sorry it just doesn't do it for me. Having said that, I am not against others enjoying it if that is what they like. So my plea to Christian "Cyborg" Santos (maybe the scariest women I have ever seen on TV) is...please....please do not mess up Ginas face.

One of the great things about this sport is that there are several different ways to win...many of them have nothing to do with punching or kicking someone in the face. Slap a leg lock, arm bar or choke on her...give her a liver shot that buckles her...anything but don't bust up her kisser.

I know that it's not a rational request but it's a request nonetheless. She is the hot girl that fights and that's cool...what would not be cool is to be the "once hot" girl who fights who now has a sideways nose. Maybe this is why I don't like the chicks fighting.

I mean, when a guys face gets destroyed (Rich Franklin etc...) no one cares...Guys faces were meant to be destroyed. But the face if Gina Carano...not meant to to be busted up. She is the face of ladies MMA...BECAUSE she is hot and she is good. However, without the hot she may not only be poster girl for the sport but she may also become a constant reminder of how brutal the sport can be and the damage that it can cause.

Brutal damage on a guy is a badge of honor, brutal damage on a girl is disturbing.

Bobby Lashley is a Lucky man...right?

2009-03-22T23:30:00.003-04:00

Time will tell what long term effect his fight with Jason Guida will have on his MMA career. At face value...he did win the fight. That should be enough to move a step closer to the "Big Time" shouldn't it?

Clearly former WWE start Lashley is a physical specimen...complete with a sponsor-worthy face. Additionally, he does have a legitimate Collegiate wrestling career. Typically, those two attributes are enough to at least "fast forward" into a MMA career. Of course, he would need to beat his fair share of cans on the way to legitimacy. However, if he did put together a string of 6-7 victories without a loss, he could be in line to cash in and have some meaningful (and lucrative) fights.

As everyone saw on Saturday night, that path is sometimes easier said than done. Up against a sub .500 journeyman fighter in Jason "The Carpenters Fat Brother" Guida, Lashley looked less than impressive. Although he got the "W" he was not able to finish Guida and he was sometimes not able to take him down. His performance was lackluster and did not display the talent that is needed to be signed by a major promotion. In fact, he was lucky that he did not lose. Guida secured a fairly tight guillotine in the last round that could have ended the fight.

Either Jason Guida is a much better fighter than his 17-20 record shows or Bobby Lashley has years to go before he can even come close to Brock Lesner money...maybe it's a little of both.

Regardless, it was a good night for Guida. He took the fight on a weeks notice and went the distance with a guy that was supposed to destroy him. Bobby Lashley, on the other hand, took a step back in his quest to cash in on MMAs popularity.

If he had tapped in the third, he would most likely have to pick up boxing like Kimbo. Having said that, a boring decision really did not serve him that much better.

Bobby...get back in the gym and train harder.

Hating Tito Ortiz is getting very old

2009-03-22T23:22:00.005-04:00

You could make a case that Tito Ortiz, more times than not, gets an unfair shake when MMA fans discuss him and his career. While I feel that most critics are not keeping the big picture in mind, I also can't help but wonder if he is responsible for some of this negative attention.

DISCLAIMER: I am referring to his skill as a fighter only. His skill as an announcer is god-awful...entertaining in a odd way but terrible nonetheless. So that that out of your mind while reading.

The fighter who helped carry the UFC torch through a challenging time is now the butt of several jokes while his skill in the ring has been called into question by the MMA Illuminati. I think people need to take a closer look and cut him some slack.

Over the last five years Tito is 5-3-1. Granted, two of those wins were over a washed up Ken Shamrock. However, he also beat Patrick Cote, Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort. All three loses were from two of the most dominant fighters in the weight class...Chuck Liddell and Lyoto Machida (who admits to almost going unconscious from Titos triangle at the end of the fight). Add to that a draw (that could have easily been a win) against the undefeated LHW Champ Rashad Evans and you have the last five years of Titos fight record...all with a badly injured back.

It is also worth pointing out (to those who are not aware) he did not pick his fights...Joe Silva and Zuffa did. He can't help it if they wanted to cash in on the rivalry (and they did) between him and Ken Shamrock.

The last five years are really not that bad.

In fact, it's very similar or better than other featured UFC fighters during the same time frame. So why the extra harshness for Tito?

Is it a "live by the sword...die by the sword" situation? Is the brash "Bad Boy" whose grave digger celebration and incessant trash talking getting what he deserves?

Is it is the Dana White Effect? Many have learned the hard way what happens when you cross Mr White...something that Tito has done on a regualr basis?

Is it that the fraternity of fighters does not accept him and has cast him out as a leper? Hard to believe as Tito has always been a champion for fighters rights...making more money etc...

Or maybe he is just a very easy target at the low end of a very rough and unforgiving totem pole. Is it just too easy to hate Tito Ortiz?

If that is the reason, it's a stupid one.

Charles "Mask" Lewis (RIP) had many detractors who criticized him and his brand as being "bad for the sport"...in fact, they even used that as a tag line in an advertisement. However, once the finality of death took him away...all you heard was the indisputable positives of his life and contributions to the sport. Don't you think Mask would have loved to hear how
important everyone thought he was...when he was alive?

Consider this when thinking of Tito. I am not suggesting that you throw any pity his way...he certainly does not need it. However, keep a counterbalance in mind when trashing his career. It's easy to Pig Pile on Tito and talk about his big head or his porn star wife or his fading skills.

However, we shouldn't forget what he did to help the sport that we all love get to this place. At the risk of sounding over-dramatic, what if he were to die tomorrow? Clearly he would be
remembered as a pioneer. Why not think of him in those terms now?

Just don't let him announce another fight card.

Tom Atencio and Affliction continue to make stupid moves

2009-03-22T11:36:00.004-04:00

Strikeforce has learned to compete with the UFC and still maintain the Goliaths respect (at least in public and at least for the time being) Affliction failed "Not Pissing off Dana White 101"...in fact they skipped the class, burned the book and held a rally outside of the school.

As Fiveouncesofpain.com originally reported (excerpts):

Affliction Entertainment is currently engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of promoting its third-ever event on Saturday, July 11. Such a booking would put the promotion in direct competition with the UFC’s historic UFC 100 pay-per-view event.

Several fighters and managers have been approached by Affliction officials about the possibility of accepting restructured contracts in order to compete on the show.

Meetings are expected to take place within the next several weeks regarding a possible television partner for the proposed event. If enough fighters were willing to accept a reduced rate to compete on the show and if a deal with a suitable television partner could be reached, the door would then be open for Affliction to go head-to-head with UFC 100.

One source also indicated to us that the possible July event for Affliction could be the company’s last MMA show, with the popular lifestyle clothing label looking to “go out with a bang” by going up against UFC 100.

When contacted by FiveOuncesOfPain.com for comment, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio said he could neither confirm or deny our report.

Great Idea...grab all your talent and have them burn the UFC bridge while...earning less money? If any fighter agrees to that then it's their own fault.

Granted...the UFC is the worst offender of counter programming. However, that does not make it wise to return the favor out of spite to "go out with a bang".

At some point in the future, I hope that the Affliction business plan is reviewed at a University somewhere in the course "How not to compete with the UFC"

Stick to making t-shirts Tom

I would not argue with Wanderlei Silva

2009-03-21T10:28:00.004-04:00

As reported on MMAJUNKIE.COM

"I talked with (UFC President) Dana (White) three or four events ago, and I said, 'We need to create a new division at 195 (pounds),'" Silva said. "Because for me, my normal weight is 210 or 208 (pounds). For 205, it's not too much (weight to cut). For 185, it's a lot. For 195, it's perfect."

A feared striker, Silva has struggled in recent years. The 32-year-old has earned just one win in his past five fights, and has constantly been the smaller contestant in his matchups.

Silva knows White already has enough on his plate without the addition of a new division. But the former Chute Boxe fighter also believes a 195-pound class could benefit a range of contestants.

"[White] has got a lot of work," Silva said. "There's a lot of divisions, a lot of fighters. But now, maybe this is the first fight and in the future we'll have a new division. (There's) a lot of fighters in my situation."

In recent interviews with MMAjunkie.com Radio, fighters such as Dan Henderson, Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Houston Alexander have all said they walk around just above 205 pounds, but that the cut to 185 pounds is simply too much.

All "I would not argue with Wandy" jokes aside I think he has a valid point, the LHW division is crowded and clearly some fighters would be better served at 195. Plus the addition of another viable weight class would help in the development of new talent and provide a future home for upcoming stars that fit in the same category.

This is not the first time is has been brought up but hopefully, this time it will gain some traction.

State of Maine: Land of Lobters and Cagefights

2009-03-19T23:35:00.006-04:00

As reported by the Seattle Times:

One of the world's top mixed martial arts fighters asked lawmakers to support regulating the full-contact combat sport in Maine, as dozens of other states already have done.Marcus Davis of Bangor, who claims the world's No. 8 ranking in the 170-pound weight class, was among several to back Rep. John Tuttle's bill to license and regulate these events.

In Maine, Tuttle, D-Sanford, called mixed martial arts "the fastest growing sport in the nation" and said two of the state's cities — Bangor and Portland — could serve as venues for the sport if it becomes recognized.

A co-sponsor, Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, said "there's an opportunity, there's an interest, there's a fan base" for the sport, but no "guiding structure to let this happen in Maine."

The committee did not vote on the bill and will review it again on March 27.

This is a slam dunk. UFN Portland, Maine. Summer of 2010.

Bill Goldberg is the worst MMA announcer ever

2009-03-19T22:52:00.006-04:00

After catching a rerun of Elite XC (Lawler v. Rua) it is clear to me that Bill Goldberg did some major damage to the retarded beast that was ProElite V1.0. More to the larger issue and undeniable fact: Goldberg is (was?) the worst MMA announcer ever.

Way worse than Tito. At least with Titos incompetence as an announcer there is also some humor...I mean there is some entertainment value attached to his gems of wisdom.As well documented by Cagepotato.com:

"Well, like I said, you show your hand-speed time and time again Vitor, 185 pounds, lady and gentlemen, let's give Vitor Belfort a round of applause, an awesome 105 pounder, you just beat the number two guy in the world, buddy, you're on top of the world tonight!"

"Wow! That’s all I got to say. Vitor at 185 pounds. I don’t know. I see him beating the, uh, what was it, Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart because you have two great boxers, and, man, that was amazing. That was the old Vitor Belfort that we all want to see. Him at 131 years old. He’s back for vengeance."

I mean...that s*** is funny in a very Michael Scott sort of way.

But with Goldberg...there is just...agony. There is nothing funny about inappropriate yelling, forced camaraderie and uncomfortable lack of MMA knowledge. It's the trifecta of annoyance...nothing funny about it.

Keep him away from the Mike that is near the cage and no one gets annoyed.

Frank Shamrock is a role model

2009-03-19T06:45:00.005-04:00

As MMAJUNKIE.COM reported:

Frank Shamrock is looking to cast a crew of deserving fighters into a new reality show project. The March 21 Team Shamrock tryouts will provide a chance for a group of young fighters to become overnight stars. "March 21 we've got a massive tryout coming up," Shamrock said. "We've got guys coming in from all over the world. We're also filming it and producing a reality show in conjunction with it."

Shamrock said the winner of the tryouts, being held at the San Jose Athletic Club in San Jose, Calif., will get a chance to train with the former UFC and Strikeforce champion and be the subject of a new reality show.

OK...not a terrible idea. It's not original but it's not terrible. No one can blame him for being an enthusiastic if opportunistic entrepreneur. No, but you can blame him for saying something like:

"We're looking to take on guys and guide them professionally because there's a huge lack of professional guidance in the industry," Shamrock said. "And we're looking for eight guys to really become our talent and to follow them around as they go through this journey."

So...the problem is that there is a lack of professional guidance in the indusrty and the solution is...Frank Shamrock?

Let's be open and honest...he has a long list of bad decisions, a super-cheesy-game-show-host persona and a 2-2 record in the last 3 years...right, any young fighter would certainly gain from his professional guidance. Please.

Having said all of that...I am going watch that show and so are you.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller is the new MMA PR Rep

2009-03-18T20:31:00.007-04:00

First off...I am going to watch this show. Even though it has the potential to be bad...REALLY REALLY bad. It's a risk I'm willing to take...Mayhem is a funny bastard and I would probably watch it even if it were hosted by Tito Ortiz. In fact, at this point, I would watch a group of MMA fighters paint a house.

At face value, this looks like a good thing for MMA. MTV is a great springboard for reaching the tween/teen/college crowd. In addition, any current MMA fans will still be a fan regardless of how bad it is.

However, this could be a"new fan repellent" if it stinks. People that are not fans currently or those on the fence could see this as a reflection of the sport and if that reflection is unsightly...they will judge and move away quickly.

Yes I know...TUF sometimes does the same thing. The only difference is that with TUF everyone on the show are actually fighters striving to move up a level. This show just has a "bully" fighting an MMA fighter...seems fair.

Plus, it seems clear that TUF has actually increased the number of MMA fans. That may not be the case with this show...I mean...it's MTV. If you think that the sport doesn't need new fans then you are foolish.

There is a direct correlation between number of fans a sport has and the amount of money that the athletes of that sport can make. There is also a correlation between money that an athlete can make and the quality of the athletes playing. The last jump is the easiest...the better the athlete the better the fights and the healthier the sport becomes.

To continue to grow, MMA needs new fans.

So, the reality is that Jason "Mayhem" Miller (and MTV editors...yikes) may hold a certain amount of sway of how many incremental fans the sport acquires over the course of the shows life.

I have my fingers crossed, you should too.

Last call out of MMA town for Kimbo Slice

2009-03-18T06:39:00.005-04:00

Ups to the The Nassau Guardian, (a newspaper that sounds like a bodyguard)

“Boxing is really my first desire. I have a lot of love for it and believe I can do pretty well. [The sport of] MMA is somewhat of a project for me. Boxing is one dimensional while there are a lot of dimensions in MMA. I don’t think it would be a hard transition from MMA to stand-up boxing because of my fighting style. Not taking anything away from boxing preparation, MMA training is extremely hard. When you consider martial arts training, you have to prepare for kicks to the head and legs, and opponents wanting to grapple and throwing you to the ground, pounding you with their knees and hands, whereas in boxing you just have to be prepared to weave and bob although the training can be just as intense. At this point in my career, I want to take that same drive and focus that I invested in MMA and put that into training for pro-boxing cards.”

Uh-huh...sure it's your first desire. I don't respect this guy, never have and I probably never will. However, I would have respected him a lot more if he had just said "MMA is too difficult to master...I am simply too one dimensional for the sport...I am fine with just punches." Regardless of the reason why...his departure from MMA is a good thing...he has been exposed as the joke that true MMA fans knew that he was. If fact, there is a question as to whether or not Elite XC even wants him to fight his last two contract fights.

The end could not come soon enough for Kimbos MMA career. Good riddance Kimbo...you will not be missed.

Lyoto Machida, Cage Fighter with Elusive Tendancies

2009-03-17T22:29:00.007-04:00

What would happen if Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida were to
fight himself?

Clearly there would be the potential for a very boring fight. It certainly would not have the pace of a Guida v Guida or a GSP v GSP.

Now, For the record, I love watching him fight and I think he will be a legitimate contender for years. I also like the fact that his base is Karate and that he DIDN'T wrestle in college. Having a diverse mix of top fighters is better for everyone and in that regard, Machida is a breath of fresh air.

He is perceived as a "boring" fighter by some fans...8 of his 14 fights have gone to the Judges scorecard. People like seeing fights finished...plain and simple. However, there is also a group that find his style intelligently elusive...a progression in the evolution of the Mixed Martial Artist.

A big part of Machidas game is waiting for his opponent to strike and then mounting his offense as a counter. In some cases, he just skips the counter strike part altogether...simply moving away from his opponent. As "elusive" as he is...he is also very deft in picking apart the holes in his opponents defense and has the ability to mount a devastating offense (Silva UFC 94, Ortiz UFC 84, Franklin 2003 Inoki Festival etc...) when given the opportunity.

Problem is...if both fighters have the same strategy and they are both waiting for a punch to be thrown from the other guy...that could a while for some action. Even when/if the punch is thrown...the "Other Machida" could simply move away and not counter.

Not exactly a crowd pleasing combination. With that said 2 of his last 3 fights have been finished...choking out Soko and knocking out Thiago Silva with a vicious, last second punch.

Styles make fights and that's why his last fight against Thiago Silva was such a great match up...Silva is a very aggressive striker facing someone who loves to react to strikes. His upcoming title fight against "Sugar" Rashad Evans has the same potential.

What will happen when he faces a fighter with a similar strategy? Who knows...that's one of the reasons why this sport is so amazing...a infinite number of possibilities and outcomes all while being very unpredictable.

A the end of the day, he is a great fighter who has not lost an MMA match while facing "A" grade competition.

It's hard to argue with that.

Welcome to the UFC Mr. Condit

2009-03-17T19:17:00.003-04:00

This is going to be a great fight and a great night.

I have always liked Kampmann...especially since his fight with Drew McFedries (check it out UFC 68) and Carlos Condit is just a beast. This will be a war...both like to scrap, both can take a punch and both have SICK ground games. This is one of those fights that non-fans would not really care about but true MMA freaks (like you and I) can't wait to see.

Will Condit continue the dominance that he showed in the WEC in the octagon? Will the Hit Man make a permanent home at 170? Answers provided on April 1st.

Not to mention the rest of the card...mostly "B" fighters but these aer the stars of tommorow and they can flat out fight. Tyson Griffin, Jeremy Stephens, G. Tibau, Ricardo Almeida and a few recent TUF grads including the venerable Junie "please think I'm crazy" Browning. PLUS the kick off of the lastest TUF season...USA vs. UK. All of this for the low price of nothing...totally free.

Sign me up.

NSAC...as Spike Lee Says...Do the Right Thing

2009-03-16T20:42:00.006-04:00

GSP is a better fighter than BJ Penn.

If they fought 100 times GSP would win 95 of those fights. He is bigger, stronger, quicker and has much better cardio. That fact is not sitting well with BJ "The Prodigy" Penn. So upset was BJ that he latched on to a lapse in judgment by GSPs corner and rode it all the way to a formal complaint.

While I will agree that there is some good that can come from this...Vaseline needs to be handled with more care...the fact that GSP would have won that fight regardless needs to rise above everything else.

Keith Kizer and the rest of the NSAC need to put a procedure in place to avoid this from happening again but they should not overturn the victory or fine or suspend GSP. To do so would validate the ego-centric rants of the king of all Sore Losers = BJ PENN.

GSP > BJ

Video Game Envy...

2009-03-16T07:21:00.004-04:00

EA wants to play too...

As reported by kotaku.com

Electronic Arts has long been rumored to have eyes for a mixed martial arts title. IGN got to the EA Sports chief at a launch event and asked, obliquely, if that was so.

Phrasing the question as "which sport he'd like to see EA Sports tackle next," Moore said that, while they're "incredibly excited" about Fight Night, boxing is fading into the distance.

"Boxing, for me, sadly feels like it's the past of fighting and Mixed Martial Arts feels like it's the future of fighting. So when we look at where people's attention is going, that's something we keep a very close eye on."

THQ has the license for an Ultimate Fighting Championship game until 2011, but there are, conceivably, ways to go ahead with an MMA title without UFC branding, just like there are football games out there without NFL licensing. Whatever the case, Moore's comments were pretty direct that mixed martial arts will be part of his division's next big leap.

EA Sports Mixed Martial Arts Title in the Works? [IGN via GoNintendo]

First off...Moore is right. Boxing is a dying sport and MMA is the next evolutionary step of combat sports.

What's more....Zuffa has control over the fighters in Undisputed FOREVER...yes that forever...as in always. It's called perpetuity which is latin for "by the balls". If ANY company wants to make a UFC game with any of those fighters...Zuffa gets a piece. Like him or hate him, Dana White is not stupid. I still can't wait to play this game.

Run Forrest Run!

2009-03-15T20:21:00.007-04:00

There is a lot riding on the upcoming THQ videogame...UFC undisputed. THQ has hit rocky times financially and the UFC have not entered the game market in almost a decade. This will either help to save THQ and help to continue Mr Whites dominance of the MMA landscape OR it will push a THQ into deeper waters and well...Zuffa will still be dominant.

One component...what fighter will grace the cover has been decided:

From IGN.com:

March 13, 2009 - THQ and Zuffa today announced that Forrest Griffin has been tapped to appear on the worldwide cover of UFC 2009 Undisputed. Griffin is a former light heavyweight champion after winning his UFC contract on Spike TV "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show in 2005.

Canada will see a special cover that will only be available to Canucks. It features Georges St-Pierre, a Quebec native. St-Pierre is currently the welterweight champion and was recently named Canada's Athlete of the Year for 2008.

By the looks of what is out there...I think both companies are all set...I can't wait to play this game and then have my 10 year old son beat me.

For more on the production of the game and its features go to THQ's official UFC Undispited web site

For the original IGN story, head over to IGN.com

Rember the name...Jon "Bones" Jones

2009-03-15T18:41:00.002-04:00

This guy is for real.

UFC 97 Redemption Official Fight card

2009-03-14T19:41:00.006-04:00

Monteal, Quebec Canada...home of Strip Clubs, the Tri Star Gym, Lots of Snow and about once a year...the greatest fighters on the planet earth. The UFC returns to Canada for "UFC 97: Redemption,"

For the Main Event of the evening...One of the greatest fighters at any weight, Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva squares off against fellow Brazilian Thales Leites. If the "Spider" wins it will be his 9th victory in a row with the UFC...a new record. If he loses then we wil have a new MW champ and Silva will lose a little of that God-Like shine he carries around.

With 11 other fights, UFC 97 sold-out in less than one week...just like the UFCs last trip to Canada (UFC 83) where the organization's all-time attendance (21,390) and live gate ($5.1 million) records were set.

The Card is not bad:

MAIN CARD (televised)

Middleweight champ Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites
Chuck Liddell vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brian Stann
Cheick Kongo vs. Antoni Hardonk
Luis Cane vs. Steve Cantwell

PRELIMINARY CARD (un-televised)

Mike Ciesnolevicz vs. Eliot Marshall
Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Denis Kang
Jason MacDonald vs. Nate Quarry
Ed Herman vs. David Loiseau
David Bielkheden vs. Mark Bocek
Ryo Chonan vs. T.J. Grant
Sam Stout vs. Matt Wiman

Not really sure why Kang v. Foupa-Pokam is on the prelim card and Soszynski vs. Brian Stann is on the main card. I am sure that the almighty Dana has his reasons.

I always love to watch Silva fight...a true artist. I don't know how many more cans they are going to throw at Congo before giving him a shot for a shot...love to see him vs. Carwin or CV. I really hope that Liddel beats the snot out of Shogun. Primarily because I like Chuck and want him to be relevant for a few more years...the clock is ticking FAST. Also because I love to see ex-pride guys get dismantled...Kang, Soku, Shogun, CroCop....WEAK performances in the Octagon. Shogun BARELY beat coleman and looked like ass doing it.

I love this shit.

Nick Diaz is a fighter

2009-03-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

Training...it's not just for fighters anymore

2009-03-14T11:00:00.008-04:00

Once upon a time if you were hitting a punching bag or training in a gym with a punching bag...you were there for one purpose; To Fight.

Not anymore.

The South County Times online reports:

"We call it a fun boot camp," said Finney, owner of Finney's Kickboxing and Boxing, one of the premier training gyms in St. Louis. The gym specializes in teaching novices and professionals alike the fine art of boxing, kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

"Out of more than 300 of our members, only 10 percent are professional fighters and at least 40 percent are women," Finney said. "Most people don't want to fight, but they want to train like a fighter."

"What draws people here is the extensive cardio training they get, along with strengthening their core, while at the same time learning important techniques and timing of how to protect themselves," Finney said. "There is no other place in St. Louis you can go to get this kind of high-level instruction with a professional fighter as your trainer."

This is great for two reasons. Number 1: Less fat people...we have far too many in this great land of ours. Number 2: Better fighters...The more athletes (of all ages) that are exposed to the benefits of training as a fighter, the higher the likelihood that a few will choose that path.
Better athletes = better fighters. Better Fighters = Better Fights. Better Fights = More Fans. More Fans = Sustainable Growth.

We are witnessing the evolution of the sport. From Tank Abbott to GSP and beyond.

MMA needs Nick Diaz

2009-03-13T23:24:00.005-04:00

Reported by MMAJUNKIE.COM

While Diaz responded that he was planning on fighting regardless, he later told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he took exception to Shamrock's address of his personal choices. "I don't really give a rat's ass (if Shamrock doesn't approve of me using marijuana)," Diaz said. "So does Michael Phelps. He's an eight-time [expletive] world champion Olympian, the best Olympic champion of all time. That's a little incentive to get with the program, don't you think?

I love it...Diaz urging everyone to "get with the program" and start smoking weed....so we all win gold medals?

I don't care what anyone says...Nick Diaz is good for MMA.

I really do Like Dana White

2009-03-13T23:07:00.003-04:00

Seriously.

But this shit is funny!

Jason Guida is OK with Being a Can

2009-03-13T22:52:00.005-04:00

As reported by MMAJUNKIE.COM

With Ken Shamrock's recent suspension by the California State Athletic Commission for a failed drug test, the hybrid boxing/MMA event "March Badness" was left with a hole in the evening's MMA main event.

According to a new report from VERSUS.com, that void has been filled by former "TUF" cast member Jason Guida (17-19), who will now take on Bobby Lashley (1-0).

How embarrassing.

The worlds most dangerous man gets clipped for the juice and they plug in...Jason Guida. Granted Bobby Lashley is unproven but he can't be happy about this. Instead of the UFC hall of fame variety Can to beat on (Ken Shamrock)...he gets the underachieving brother who can't make weight for the ultimate fighter (Jason "I'll never be as good as my brother" Guida).

If MMA can make it through this...it's not going anywhere.

When authenticy outweighs intelligence

2009-03-13T19:18:00.007-04:00

Jeff "Snowman" Monson is for real.

There are millions of fake people in the world. Jeff Monson is not one of them.

He had an arrest warrant with his name for allegedly spray painting an Anarchy sign on the Washington State Capital building. Typically you would try to avoid anyone seeing you do this...not Monson. Monson is Atypical.

Monson decided to deface government property while having an ESPN photographer snap away. No Joke. Not surprisingly EPSN published the shot and the detectives had the break they needed for a warrant. Keep in mind...it's not like he's holding less than an ounce in Massachusetts...he could face up to 10 Years at ass rape camp and a $20,000 fine. Not to mention an additional $19,000 for the cost of clean up.

The man has beliefs and he is willing to suffer the consequences for his method of communicating that belief. Either that or he didn't think it through to the point of realizing that he would get caught.

Idiot or Radical?

My vote is Radical. If you disagree and think that he is an idiot then I suggest that you let him know exactly how you feel.

Beware the Crane Kick

2009-03-13T07:12:00.006-04:00

would Daniel LaRusso contend for a MMA belt?

In all reality...the answer is no. However, let's forget about reality and take a walk down Miyagi lane.

Can't you see The Karate Kid making an entrance at a WEC show...cheesy 80s music blasting as he is followed in by The Wise Old Asian and his privileged blond girlfriend...maybe even his Mom and Hispanic buddy would make the walk as well....Daniel, all the while, with that fake look of innocent bewilderment that says "I wish I was back in Jersey..."

Maybe instead of just one opponent...he could fight the entire Cobra Kai dojo (where incidentally...there is no pain...SENSAI!). They would all walk in together, brimming with overconfidence, jacked up on No Dose, itching to sweep his left knee all while the soundtrack to the "Lost Boys" plays at full blast.

In real life, he would need to work on his takedown defense but real life can be such a drag. I much prefer to picture him alluding punches and kicks ala Machida and then catching some serious air when Crane Kicking each and every member of the Kais into Movie Style Unconsciousness.

You ARE the best around...nothings going to EVER keep you down.

Upon winning the match (matches?) he would be mobbed by his wholesome if unintimidating entourage and then it's off to the "Golf n Stuff" for a date or maybe the beach for the obligatory bon fire where he would be unceremoniously attacked by his rivals on low grade mini bikes...

And just like every good 80s movie...wait for the sequel where he will take a small pack of ferrets in a strange combat club in Taiwan.

Worse movies have been made...wax on.

"Build it and they will come"

2009-03-12T21:54:00.006-04:00

Bellator Fighting Championships and ESPN announced a sponsorship agreement with Ford Motor Company.

Thats right...that FORD. As in the company that revolutionized the car industry.

Ford becomes Bellator's exclusive automotive sponsor. Not surprisingly...it's the 106-year-old company's first MMA sponsorship.

Bellator, the first-ever ESPN-backed MMA organization, debuts April 3 and hosts events for 12 consecutive weeks. The shows then airs on ESPN Deportes. Fighters such as Eddie Alvarez, Wilson Reis, Hector Lombard and Jorge Masvdial will compete for the organization.

It appears that part of Fords interest was Bellators connection to Latino consumers...Bellator will be featured on ESPN Deportes.

Bellator is the proverbial Canary in the Coalmine for the Disney owned ESPN. The network has has been very inconsistent with it's coverage of the sport. However, like every other network, you need to go where the money is and the growth of the sport is hard (if not foolish) to ignore. It this works and works well...it will be HUGE for the sport as the #1 network for sports worldwide will certainly spend more time on coverage.

Having said that...if this "Canary" does not...fly so to speak then MMA coverage will most likely remain spotty.

Either way...better to have Ford as a sponsor than Toyo tires or Mickeys...

"Follow the Money"

Open Letter to Tim Sylvia

2009-03-12T21:41:00.005-04:00

Dude.

Are you sure you want to box a past his prime, over the hill, out of shape has been boxer?

What if you lose?

I mean...your stock has been falling (with the quickness as some would say) for more than 2 years. Boxing Ray Mercer is as close to a "no win" proposition as you can get.

The only thing worse than an MMA fighter that the fans hate and that keeps losing big fights is an MMA fighter that the fans hate that keeps losing big fights and then loses in a boxing match against an over the hill fatty.

Spare us the horror...save your dignity for when you really need it and get back in the effing gym. Don't forget where you stand but more importantly...never lose site of where YOU DON"T STAND.

Careful What you ask for...

Dana White UFC 96 Video Blog Fight Night

2009-03-12T21:10:00.003-04:00

Like him or hate him...he doesn't hold back and he loves the sport.

And he is getting fat.

Fat Ass.

Why I care, the Final Chapter

2009-03-12T19:29:00.001-04:00

I have discovered and am now a completely devoted fan of a sport that consistently delivers everything that is primal about enjoying sports. Clarity of a victor…physical struggle, skill, hard work, rivalry, honesty…purity. Emotion. It makes me care and I’m down with that.

It makes me care like I care about the Red Sox, no Joke. This coming from a Life long fan that has been to 19 of the last 20 opening days (only missing one when my son was born). With the Sox, as a fan, I have been crushed and elated and pissed and proud and crushed. Make no mistake…it’s all good. You need to feel the “Crushed” or it is impossible to feel the “Elated”.

Imagine taking all the sporting contests in the world and shooting them all through the type of filter that they use to get salt out of ocean water (a very strong one) and after all the excess crap was filtered out what you had left was the purest elements of sport on the planet.

I have seen the product of such a process and it is Mixed Martial Arts.

and THAT is why I care.

Why I care Part IV

2009-03-12T07:12:00.003-04:00

At the core of every sporting event is emotion.

The avalanche of this reality has had me subconsciously seeking a higher purity of sporting competition. I was on a quest for that elusive raw emotion that has been delivered so many times in the past yet can’t be forced into appearing on demand.

It’s the reason why we love rivalries…because they are highly effectively at conjuring up the potent, brilliantly raw emotion of sport.
Red Sox / Yankees is one of the best examples…every game gets better because the story-line continues to grow.

More blatantly…rivalries are so prolific in this arena because they are the result of mixing competition with history.

Why do I care Part III

2009-03-12T07:01:00.004-04:00

Think of your favorite sports team…any sport.

Ok, good. So, think about a time when that team wasn’t playing well.
Examples: The New York Yankees in the 80’s, The Oakland Raiders the last 5 years, The 76 Tampa Bay Bucs…you get the idea.

Can you feel it? It’s so bad that you want to avoid Sports Center as to avoid any coverage of their poor play. Well…you would probably still watch it but you would turn away at the first mention of your ailing club.

The Embarrassment, Empty blackness, Thick Morose, complete and utter hopelessness…that may be a bit overboard.

Amazingly, most can remember having that feeling at some point…Now think of a time where that same team lost an extremely important game…maybe even after they were winning.

Ok, hold that feeling. Good.

The pain, it gets sharper…it lingers. Truly heartbreaking. Depressing. All true sports fans know of the pain of which I speak.

Now think of a time where your team was on top of the world. i.e. The 2004 Boston Red Sox, The Jordan era Chicago Bulls and The New England Patriots since 2000. Feels good, no?

Why do I care. Part II

2009-03-11T21:15:00.003-04:00

Relatively speaking, this Sport is as Pure as it gets if you are looking for competition. In the age of Baseball Steroids, NFL convicts and NBA brats...MMA (in it's current form) is a true contest that taps into the core of every Mammal walking erect with opposable thumbs.

One on One. Are you confident in your own ability to engage with and subdue another human? There is no place to hide. There are no teammates to take the blame. You must stand alone and you must compete.

If there is an absence of purity...you may be entertained but you will not be moved with emotion. RE: Harlem Globetrotters. No emotion = No one really cares. That's what most guys on the couch with a beer really hate to admit, the reason why they love sports is because it's emotional.

Why do I care. Part I

2009-03-11T21:11:00.003-04:00

For the cognizant portion of my 38 years on this planet...I have been a huge sports fan. More specifically; a fan of competition. I can watch and enjoy any sport at any level, as long as the competition is real. However, over the past 5 years my passion for watching and analyzing MMA has been unparalleled and unrivaled. I am an absolute 100% fight freak.

Why? Why do I care so much? Why do I, a Vice President of a Marketing company with a wife and 2 kids, endlessly surf the web for the latest news on MMA...even if it's that a 3rd rate fighter in a lower rung organization has a hang-nail...I need to know. Why? The answer is simple: Purity of competition.

The most important question for all of MMA LAND...

2009-03-11T06:45:00.002-04:00

...is can the growth trend continue?” I can tell you right now that I do not know the answer. However, I know that if the answer is yes then MMA will eventually be one of the most popular sports in the world. “Socceresque”, global popularity.

However, if the fan base does not continue to grow the sport will eventually end up the very same way it started; an underground cult.

For anyone who is thinking of that scenario as a good thing, you are sorely mistaken and foolish.

If the new fans simply dry up it would start a chain reaction of economies that would result in a sad shell of a formerly great and promising sport. As fast as this sport soared in popularity…it could decline twice as fast.

In the immortal words of Christopher Cross circa 1981 “I know it’s crazy, but it’s true”. The quality of MMA as a sport has a direct correlation with the quality of athletes. This should not be surprising to anyone as that equation would hold true in any sport. The point is that the best athletes are (at least in part) fighting for the money.

You can try and kid yourself that there are fighters that “don’t do it for the money” that notion is truly false. Name one that would continue to fight…long term…for free. It simply could not happen…life is not free. Therefore the higher the prize the better the athlete. George St. Pierre is a perfect example of a guy who could have played any sport and played it well…an unreal athlete…and has chosen to fight.

No new fans = No new deals with Sponsors
No new deals with Sponsors =

Without continued fan growth, MMAs

..Who will be the UFC Champs in two years?

2009-03-11T06:41:00.002-04:00

Consider this; two years ago the champs were as follows:

HW: Timmy
LHW: Liddell
MW: Rich Franklin/Silva
WW: Matt Hughes/GSP
LW: Sean Sherk

Two years may seem like a long time but it goes by quick and a lot can change. It makes you think about which fighters have the desire, physical ability and training to end up on top in two years.

It's much more difficult than trying to predict who will win a certain fight that is already set as you need to place your opinion on the entire landscape of the sport...not just the UFC.

Who will the UFC sign over the next four years that may end up a Champ? What Current champ (if any) can hang on that long? What current member of TUF (if any) will hold a belt? the list of questions is long...the possibilities are endless as are the opinions.

Here are mine:

HW: Fedor
LHW: Machida
MW: Anderson Silva
WW: GSP
LW: Kenny Florian

I know that MW and WW seem like cop outs but I just don't see anyone beating GSP or Spider. Two years is 6-8 title defenses (maybe less with injuries) and I can't see any contenders that pose a serious threat to either. Oh yeah...I almost forgot...if you think that Anderson Silva will be retired in 2010 seek help. It will not happen.

Kenny is a long shot...I realize this. But he certainly has the desire...gets better each time he fights and has great trainers. Plus...he’s from Boston. Go Sox.

The UFC will eventually sign Fedor...it will happen, simple economics will prevail. When he does get signed...he will win the belt and keep it.

Call Machida what you will...boring, the ever popular "elusive" etc...but he is for real and if he gets the belt he is the type that could have a long, long run.

Once again...just my opinions.

What are yours?

Hot and scary

2009-03-10T22:39:00.003-04:00

Q: When does a snake get loose in a MMA Cage?

2009-03-10T20:36:00.002-04:00

A: When someone is trying WAY too hard.

The OC register reports that 1,200 were on hand for the six-fight card, including the requisite ring girls, lovely models hawking beer and T-shirts, dudes who just like watching a good fight and ladies who just seem to have a thing for guys twisting and punching the guts out of each other.

The are not likely to forget the ring debut of Inglewood's Lateef Williams … make that Lateef "The Python" Williams.

Seconds after his opponent, Jimmy Stormo, tapped out at 2:43 of the first round of the light heavyweight bout, Williams tossed a live python into the center of the ring.

The Dude WON and then tossed out the Phyton?

Douchebag.

Is Nick Nolte good for MMA?

2009-03-10T20:30:00.000-04:00

We are going to find out.

Celebrity News Service News reports that Veteran actor Nick Nolte has been cast in a new mixed martial arts film "Warrior" for Lionsgate. Gavin O'Connor is set to direct the project.

Joining him as Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and "House" star Jennifer Morrison in the film drama written by O'Connor and Anthony Tambakis.

The 68-year-old actor will play an ex-Vietnam vet boxer-turned-steel mill worker whose family was torn apart by his alcoholism. When he becomes sober, he welcomes back his youngest son (Hardy) and trains him to compete in a mixed martial arts tournament. He and his older brother (Edgerton) are on a collision course in the ring.

Perfectly Cheesy.

25% Rocky, 25% Hooisers (alky Dad), 25% Karate Kid, 25% Bible

Cross your fingers.

Will the real Carl Kettle please stand up.

2009-03-10T20:19:00.000-04:00

Subtitle: The worst MMA nickname of all time.

As Buffalonews.com reports, Carl Lee Kettle who is a mixed martial artist fighting as "The Rezmanian Devil" was not arrested this weekend by Salamanca police, as was incorrectly reported in The News Monday.

However...officers did arest an alternate Carl L Kettle, 27, early Saturday on numerous charges. Salamanca Police Chief Troy J. Westfall had said Sunday that the man in custody was an "ultimate fighter," a designation that led to the confusion.

Stereotype much?

Local FIghter in his first fight!

2009-03-08T19:27:00.000-04:00

The GFL put on a show at the Capital center in Concord...great crowd and a good example of how the sport is growing. A local man debuted a the event and won via Rear Naked Choke in the first round...after applying the extremely rare Full Nelson!

Congrats!

The best fighter on the planet Earth

2009-03-06T22:51:00.000-05:00