Familiar Faces of the UFC
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Rampage will return to to the UFC
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has announced that after saying he was done with fighting and wants to concentrate on acting, that he will indeed return to the UFC for more fights. After coaching against Rashad Evans this past season of The Ultimate Fighter, the two were set to fight last night at the finale, but it was scratched after Jackson's announcement. The two fighters, throughout the entire season, have been at ends with each other and said they will settle their feud in the cage. It wasn't looking like that would be happening though. Rampage has no announced a specific time for his return, but says he wants to come back to shut up not only Rashad Evans, but UFC president Dana White as well. His issue with the president (and friend) most likely stems from Whites not so nice comments on Jackson's decision to act instead of fight. Jackson will co-star in the film of the poplar series The A Team, with Bradley Cooper.
A "lost" interview with Forrest Griffin
I came across a print interview with my favorite fighter, Forrest Griffin, today and I have to say it is quite entertaining. This guy has one of the best personalities in the sport, and his interviews are never less than hilarious. In this interview with MMA Fanhouse, Forrest discusses his new marriage, his loss to Anderson Silva, his book, and even his new iPhone app. He also talks about who he would like to fight net, however we already know that he fought Tito Ortiz at UFC 106 and was victorious via split decision. If you need a good laugh, here is the interview link http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/forrest-griffin-discusses-marriage-anderson-silva-loss-next-uf/
"Bones" takes blame for disqualification
"Well, you know, situations like this can only make you better. A lot of the best fighters in the world, they all have losses and I just want to be one of the best fighters. I don't have too much to celebrate about but I'll come back stronger. I think every thing's about destiny and whoever (Joe Silva) wants me to fight I'll be ready for. I don't call out anyone. I didn't win that fight. I did something illegal. Maybe that's my youth and inexperience. I messed up and I didn't win. If I was smarter I would have thrown elbows more correctly so I gotta go back to the drawing board. There was no warning, (the referee) didn't warn me at all. I think I hit him 15 times unanswered, maybe even more than that. People should go count. I don't feel like I won. I lost. Now I have no pressure because I'm not undefeated!" -Jon Jones (via UFC.com)
Jon "Bones" Jones makes his comments on his first loss last night due to disqualification by illegal elbows. In my opinion, the sport needs classier guys like Jones. He knows that he is still learning and doesn't blame anyone but himself for the loss. I look forward to seeing his next fight. I am sure he will come back only stronger for this experience. He seems to have such a bright career in fighting ahead of him.
Jon "Bones" Jones makes his comments on his first loss last night due to disqualification by illegal elbows. In my opinion, the sport needs classier guys like Jones. He knows that he is still learning and doesn't blame anyone but himself for the loss. I look forward to seeing his next fight. I am sure he will come back only stronger for this experience. He seems to have such a bright career in fighting ahead of him.
Jon Jones DQed. Hamill the victor
On Saturday night, undefeated 22 year old Jon "Bones" Jones fought Cincinnati's own 33 year old, Matt "The Hammer" Hamill. In the very first round, Jones took Hamill down and just man-handled him. But after blocking many of the fists and elbows, and eating an equal amount, referee Steve Mazzagati was forced to stop the fight due to "Bones" throwing multiple illegal elbows to the face of Matt Hamill. Going to the commercial break, it was unsure what the outcome would be, since before cutting to break, the announcers announced the fight over and Hamill was laying on the mat with his eyes filled with blood. However, the judged made the executive decision to disqualify Jon Jones and give the win to "The Hammer". After the announcement, Joe Rogan talked to Hamill and if was obvious that the elbows got the best of his face, especially his nose. His shoulder is also separated, and he was obviously in a great amount of pain.
Franklin taking some time off
For the first time since he began his career with the UFC in 2003, former middleweight champion and Cincinnati native, Rich Franklin has chosen to take a couple months off. He says he needs to get his head together and get his head back in the right place, coming off of a quick KO loss to Victor Belfort. Franklin also says that he likes training in the winter anyway because the winters in Cincinnati can get so bitter. Rich is still,win or lose, one of my all time favorite fighters. I have had the opportunity to meet him on a few occasions and he is one of the classiest guys in not only the UFC, but in all professional sport. I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever.
Dana White's comments on Alexander vs. Slice
"I don’t know what Houston Alexander’s corner was doing, but that was the worst game plan they could have ever come up with.... I am not sure if Kalib Starnes was training him or what, but that wasn’t the Houston Alexander I had seen fight before. I don’t think I have to apologize to Kimbo. I helped him. I said what I did and he did the thing athletes do: He went out there and he worked and he made himself better. He deserves credit. He took me up on the offer I made, did what he had to do and went out and beat a legitimate UFC fighter."
-Dana White (via Yahoo!Sports)
-Dana White (via Yahoo!Sports)
Ortiz and Liddell named as coaches of TUF
Last night on The Ultimate Fighter Finale, UFC president Dana White announced the new coaches for the next Ultimate Fighter. Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, both coming off of big losses, with be going head to head as coaches next season. They have previously fought twice, and will have another bout at the end of the show. I, for one, am not necessarily looking forward to it, due to not caring for either fighter. However, if I had to chose, I really hope that Chuck dominates, just to shut Tito up once and for all.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tito is unhappy (of course)
At UFC 106, Forrest Griffin was victorious over Tito Ortiz via split decision. It was the second time the two light heavyweights had matched up, with Ortiz slightly beating Griffin when it went into the judges hands. Ortiz, of course, believes that the fight was won by him and that Forrest didn't do enough to beat him. He claims that Griffin's face was more damaged than his, so it was obvious that he had won. Forrest, who is famous for bleeding a lot from the face in a fight, was at one point gushing from right above the eye. However, it was from a small cut, just in a bad place. Last time i checked, just because a guy bleeds more, doesn't mean their opponent has the fight in the bag. As soon as the judges decision was announced, Oritz started making excuses and putting blame on the fans, and none on himself. I already hated the guy, but that just make me and many other people hate him even more. Just take it like a man and accept defeat. It makes a man look so stupid and like a crybaby when he makes excuses for everything and wont accept responsibility. Sometimes its better to not say anything than to go off on a rant and end up putting your foot in your mouth.
Slice to make UFC debut in December
Even though this season on the Ultimate Fighter isn't over yet, the most anticipated contestant of the season is already set to make his debut in the UFC octagon. Kimbo Slice, who lost his first fight in The Ultimate Fighter house to Roy Nelson, is set to fight on the finale on December 5th in Las Vegas. In the past couple episodes of the show, it has been a burning question as to whether or not Kimbo would be brought back to fight, due to another fighters injuries. Apparently, that question has already been answered. Slices opponent is rumored to be Houston Alexander, but it is not yet official. The Ultimate Fighter airs at 10PM on Wednesday nights on Spike TV.
Preliminary fights at UFC 107 not being aired
Unlike the past couple PPV UFC bouts, the undercard bouts for UFC 107 will not be aired on Spike TV. On December 12th, BJ Penn is set to take on Diego Sanchez for the lightweight belt. The prelims are not able to be shown due to the Video Game Awards already in that timeslot. If one of your favorite fighters are fighing on the undercard, there is still a chance that it will be show, you will just have to buy the pay per view. If fights are not taking as long as expected on the main broadcast, they will often thrown in some of the best undercard fights in between. The Pay Per View begins live from Memphis at 10PM.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Knee injury forces Coleman out of UFC 106
Yesterday, Tito Ortiz announced on his Twitter account that Mark Coleman was a sissy and wouldn't be facing him on November 21st anymore. Not many people knew exactly what was going on as they were reading it. Even UFC announcer Joe Rogan tweeted back to Ortiz asking what happened. We now know that Coleman has a town MCL tear and will indeed be unable to face the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy". It is, however, been reported that Coleman will be back and would like to reschedule the fight for January 2nd. It would be Tito Ortiz's return to the UFC octagon, and now Tito and his fans may have to wait a little longer. Nothing has been decided yet on whether Ortiz will face another opponent or if the fight will be rescheduled.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter Recap: Episode Three
Last night on the Ultimate Fighter, one of the most anticipated fights of Ultimate Fighter history was set to take place. At the end of the show last week, coach Rashad Evans had chosen his team member Roy Nelson to fight the "Internet sensation" Kimbo Slice. Not only did Kimbo have a lot to prove to UFC fans all over the world, but he needed to prove himself to one man and one man only, UFC President Dana White. In the past, White has made it quite clear that he didn't believe that Kimbo was a real fighter and the only way that he would ever be allowed into the UFC was to be a contestant on TUF. Sure enough, Slice took White up on his offer and was a contender this season.
At the start of the episode, Kimbo is talking about his past and how much he loves fighting. It is a side of Kimbo Slice that I, and many other MMA fighters all around the world, had never seen before. He was speaking from the heart and even came to the realization that there was a big difference between his "enemy" and "inner me". However, the somewhat sentimental moment didn't last long. In the next scene, Rashad and Rampage are at the gym, as Keith Jardine pops in, and once again start bickering at each other. Since both had fought Jardine, they go to great lengths to explain who actually hurt him more. That conversation snowballed into how or why Rampage and Rashad never fought. Rampage says that he ended up fighting Jardine due to Rashad wanting to keep his belt longer and trying to avoid a chance to get it taken from him.
After the Rashad/Rampage spat, it boils over between Team Rashad member James McSweeney and Rampage, due to McSweeney butting in and backing up his coach. Rampage makes it clear that he can't understand the words that are coming out of his mouth, but it has nothing to do with his British accent. Next, however, Rampage has some kind words for Kimbo, after making a few jokes about his beard of course. He says he really likes Kimbo because he is so humble and a lot of people don't really get to see that. By now in the episode, it is clear that Slice is starting to take this sport very seriously. He knows there is so much on the line, but hes ready for the challenge.
Kimbos opponent, Roy Nelson is shown saying how he already knows that he can beat Kimbo, hands down. What he is basically stating is that he doesn't even have to try that much or hit too hard. He just has to keep punching him until the fight is stopped (foreshadowing much?). This guy comes off as one of the biggest tools in the show, so luckily they didn't give him too much camera time. Next, we see Kimbo talking to fellow contender and ex-NFL player, Marcus Jones. Slice gives him a lot or respect and even says that he sees himself in Jones.
When the two finally meet up at the weigh-in's Kimbo Slice weighs in at 230 and Roy "Big Country" Nelson tips the scale at a heavy 264. The heavyweight bout is set and ready to go. It is finally time for Kimbo Slice to prove himself and show that he is worth of being a part of the UFC, no strings attached.
Almost as soon at the fight starts, Nelson is looking to take Slice down. Kimbo was able to resist it at first, but eventually is taken down, after getting in some good jabs and leg kicks. Once he was on the ground, Nelson just layed on him with little punches over and over again. It didn't seem Kimbo was hurt too bad, he just literally could not get up. Nelson was 14lbs. heavier than himself, so he was stuck. No matter if the punches were hurting him or not, there a slim chance that anyone could break out of that. That is how pretty much of the first round went. Boring but Nelson landing some shots and keeping Kimbo down, but it wasn't pretty
Round two opened with Kimbo giving Nelson a nice punch, but eventually takes Nelson to the ground. That as the beginning of the end for Kimbo Slice. The take down led right back to where they were the round before. Nelson laying on Slice, with mount, and then possessed side control. Once he had that, he just started swinging and Herb Dean was forced to call the fight. Roy Nelson was walking around after the fight like he just had one of the most amazing fights of his career. The last thing he needs to do is start walking around like hes on the top of the world after that performance. He did nothing but lay on his opponent and punch him a couple times. Nothing to be too proud of, and Dana White made that quite clear as well.
All of the buildup to the fight and that was it. It was like going to see a movie you've been wanting to see for so long and loving it all the way through and then the ending leaves you feeling jipped. It was clear that Kimbo had progressed and definitely has room for improvement, as the season goes on. Even Dana White seemed pretty impressed. He gave this guy that he publicly bad mouthed all over the world, a chance to step into the ring as a real UFC fighter. He may not have won the fight but he definitely took this seriously and wanted it just as bad as the next person.
I'll be the first one to say it, I despised Kimbo Slice. I couldn't even bring myself to watch the Elite XC MMA fights that he was in because it just all seemed so fake to me. My opinions of that hasn't changed, but my opinion of Kimbo has. Now I feel that the persona that he possessed in the past was almost like a character that he was playing. It wasn't the real Kimbo Slice. The real Kimbo is a self proclaimed"family man" and a person who actually has the desire to learn and absorb all there is to know about the sport. Event before this episode aired I didn't care for him much, but seeing a little bit of the person that he is, it seems that he isn't that bad of a guy. I used to put him on the level of UFC fighter Brock Lesner. Lesner is a former WWE wrestler so he thought he had what it takes to become a UFC champion, with little work. Lesnar is one of those people who always have something belittling to say about their opponent and think that they are the greatest thing God has put on this earth. He has a personality that is so unlikable that it makes you hate the guy. However, there have been many interviews with him and Countdown shows focusing on Brock, and it's obvious that tat is just the type of person he is. Arrogant, obnoxious, and thinks he is the best in the sport because he can lay on someone and throw some bombs. That is how i used to think Kimbo was too, until now. It's obvious that he is willing to learn and is eager to keep fighting, maybe one day for the UFC. And by the sound of it, Dana is TOTALLY opposed to the idea in the future.
At the start of the episode, Kimbo is talking about his past and how much he loves fighting. It is a side of Kimbo Slice that I, and many other MMA fighters all around the world, had never seen before. He was speaking from the heart and even came to the realization that there was a big difference between his "enemy" and "inner me". However, the somewhat sentimental moment didn't last long. In the next scene, Rashad and Rampage are at the gym, as Keith Jardine pops in, and once again start bickering at each other. Since both had fought Jardine, they go to great lengths to explain who actually hurt him more. That conversation snowballed into how or why Rampage and Rashad never fought. Rampage says that he ended up fighting Jardine due to Rashad wanting to keep his belt longer and trying to avoid a chance to get it taken from him.
After the Rashad/Rampage spat, it boils over between Team Rashad member James McSweeney and Rampage, due to McSweeney butting in and backing up his coach. Rampage makes it clear that he can't understand the words that are coming out of his mouth, but it has nothing to do with his British accent. Next, however, Rampage has some kind words for Kimbo, after making a few jokes about his beard of course. He says he really likes Kimbo because he is so humble and a lot of people don't really get to see that. By now in the episode, it is clear that Slice is starting to take this sport very seriously. He knows there is so much on the line, but hes ready for the challenge.
Kimbos opponent, Roy Nelson is shown saying how he already knows that he can beat Kimbo, hands down. What he is basically stating is that he doesn't even have to try that much or hit too hard. He just has to keep punching him until the fight is stopped (foreshadowing much?). This guy comes off as one of the biggest tools in the show, so luckily they didn't give him too much camera time. Next, we see Kimbo talking to fellow contender and ex-NFL player, Marcus Jones. Slice gives him a lot or respect and even says that he sees himself in Jones.
When the two finally meet up at the weigh-in's Kimbo Slice weighs in at 230 and Roy "Big Country" Nelson tips the scale at a heavy 264. The heavyweight bout is set and ready to go. It is finally time for Kimbo Slice to prove himself and show that he is worth of being a part of the UFC, no strings attached.
Almost as soon at the fight starts, Nelson is looking to take Slice down. Kimbo was able to resist it at first, but eventually is taken down, after getting in some good jabs and leg kicks. Once he was on the ground, Nelson just layed on him with little punches over and over again. It didn't seem Kimbo was hurt too bad, he just literally could not get up. Nelson was 14lbs. heavier than himself, so he was stuck. No matter if the punches were hurting him or not, there a slim chance that anyone could break out of that. That is how pretty much of the first round went. Boring but Nelson landing some shots and keeping Kimbo down, but it wasn't pretty
Round two opened with Kimbo giving Nelson a nice punch, but eventually takes Nelson to the ground. That as the beginning of the end for Kimbo Slice. The take down led right back to where they were the round before. Nelson laying on Slice, with mount, and then possessed side control. Once he had that, he just started swinging and Herb Dean was forced to call the fight. Roy Nelson was walking around after the fight like he just had one of the most amazing fights of his career. The last thing he needs to do is start walking around like hes on the top of the world after that performance. He did nothing but lay on his opponent and punch him a couple times. Nothing to be too proud of, and Dana White made that quite clear as well.
All of the buildup to the fight and that was it. It was like going to see a movie you've been wanting to see for so long and loving it all the way through and then the ending leaves you feeling jipped. It was clear that Kimbo had progressed and definitely has room for improvement, as the season goes on. Even Dana White seemed pretty impressed. He gave this guy that he publicly bad mouthed all over the world, a chance to step into the ring as a real UFC fighter. He may not have won the fight but he definitely took this seriously and wanted it just as bad as the next person.
I'll be the first one to say it, I despised Kimbo Slice. I couldn't even bring myself to watch the Elite XC MMA fights that he was in because it just all seemed so fake to me. My opinions of that hasn't changed, but my opinion of Kimbo has. Now I feel that the persona that he possessed in the past was almost like a character that he was playing. It wasn't the real Kimbo Slice. The real Kimbo is a self proclaimed"family man" and a person who actually has the desire to learn and absorb all there is to know about the sport. Event before this episode aired I didn't care for him much, but seeing a little bit of the person that he is, it seems that he isn't that bad of a guy. I used to put him on the level of UFC fighter Brock Lesner. Lesner is a former WWE wrestler so he thought he had what it takes to become a UFC champion, with little work. Lesnar is one of those people who always have something belittling to say about their opponent and think that they are the greatest thing God has put on this earth. He has a personality that is so unlikable that it makes you hate the guy. However, there have been many interviews with him and Countdown shows focusing on Brock, and it's obvious that tat is just the type of person he is. Arrogant, obnoxious, and thinks he is the best in the sport because he can lay on someone and throw some bombs. That is how i used to think Kimbo was too, until now. It's obvious that he is willing to learn and is eager to keep fighting, maybe one day for the UFC. And by the sound of it, Dana is TOTALLY opposed to the idea in the future.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Belfort verbally agrees to fight 'The Spider'
After his quick win over former middleweight champion Rich 'Ace' Franklin at UFC 103 last weekend, Victor Belfort has verbally agreed to take on the man who has single-handedly taken over the middleweight division. He is apparently set to fight the extremly dangerous Anderson 'The Spider' Silva at UFC 108. Although nothing is set in stone, Las Vegas seems to be the spot for the fight to go down. Previously, it was reported that Dan Henderson would take on Silva for the second time, after losing by submission in the Nationwide Area in Columbus, Ohio at UFC: 82. However, not it looks like Henderson will soon fight Nate Marquardt to see who the real number one contender is. Now, it doesn't seem to matter though, as Belfort has made his way back into the UFC and already has a title shot. Although Belfort did get a knockout win in his first fight back into the UFC, something doesn't seem right about the matchup. But I'm sure, come January 2nd, 2010, this will all be put to rest and we will see if Victor can hang with Silva, or if he will get tangled in his web, just like everyone else who has fought him in the past five years.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Rampage drops a bomb- He's 'done fighting'
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson has officially called it quits when it comes to fighting. His announcement, which came straight from Jackson via his official website, comes upon the wake of some comments that UFC president Dana White has made towards Jackson and his recent career decisions. Rampage was set to face opposing coach on this season's Ultimate Fighter, Rashad Evans, in December. However, after being offered the role as Sgt. Bosco 'B.A" Baracus, in the upcoming movie "The A Team", Jackson asked Dana to postpone the fight due to scheduling conflicts. White obliged, but as today the date was still unknown.
Now the fight between Evans and Jackson will not take place, since Jackson says he is done with fighting altogether. He is currently in Vancouver, filming the upcoming film, with co-stars Bradley Cooper and Jessica Biel. Apparently, however, Jackson had time to take to his blog and take the UFC world by storm. It seems like the announcement came out of nowhere, but he makes it known that Dana's comments toward him had a big part of it. White famously 'mocked' Jackson for acting instead of fighting, and it obviously didn't sit well with Quinton, even though this past weekend at UFC 103, White and Jackson had seemed to have made up and were fine with each other.
It will be interesting to see what Dana has to say about this announcement, and I have no doubt that he will have plenty to say. The two had been very good friends for many years now, so this will more than likely put a kink in that friendship. Whether this is just a heat of the moment decision, or Jackson is totally serious, people are going to be talking about it for a while. I, however, believe that he is serious and that those comments could tend to hurt after a while, especially because the movie has a very special meaning to him and his dad. It would be sad to see him go though. He has one of the greatest personalities in the UFC and has so many fans around the world. Hopefully, he will have a great movie career ahead of him.
Now the fight between Evans and Jackson will not take place, since Jackson says he is done with fighting altogether. He is currently in Vancouver, filming the upcoming film, with co-stars Bradley Cooper and Jessica Biel. Apparently, however, Jackson had time to take to his blog and take the UFC world by storm. It seems like the announcement came out of nowhere, but he makes it known that Dana's comments toward him had a big part of it. White famously 'mocked' Jackson for acting instead of fighting, and it obviously didn't sit well with Quinton, even though this past weekend at UFC 103, White and Jackson had seemed to have made up and were fine with each other.
It will be interesting to see what Dana has to say about this announcement, and I have no doubt that he will have plenty to say. The two had been very good friends for many years now, so this will more than likely put a kink in that friendship. Whether this is just a heat of the moment decision, or Jackson is totally serious, people are going to be talking about it for a while. I, however, believe that he is serious and that those comments could tend to hurt after a while, especially because the movie has a very special meaning to him and his dad. It would be sad to see him go though. He has one of the greatest personalities in the UFC and has so many fans around the world. Hopefully, he will have a great movie career ahead of him.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Diaz, Quarry among winners at Fight Night
On Wednesday, September 16th, the UFC held it's 19th Fight Night Live, airing for free on Spike TV. Ultimate Fighter season five winner, Nate Diaz and Melvin Guillard were the headlining fight, both promising to give one of the greatest fights of their career. With both fighters known for their trash talk, bragging rights were definitely at stake. However, before they met face to face in the octagon, two Ultimate Fighter contestants were set to compete.
Nathan "Rock" Quarry went up against Tim Credeur for the first televised fight. Quarry, who at one point in his career had to take time off for a spinal fusion, looked better than ever for this middle-weight fight. Family man, Credeur looked ready as well, and determined to give Quarry a knockout reminiscent of the KO he received from former middleweight champion Rich Franklin. Early in the first round it didn't look good for Quarry, with Credeur landing shot after shot, causing Nate to start bleeding from the nose. When the second round began Tim landing a head kick to Nate, causing him to be hurt badly again. Out of no where, Quarry lands a shot that took Credeur off guard and causes him to fall to the mat. Wasting no time, Quarry takes shot after shot, blasting Credeur. Towards the end of the round, Tim gets in a few good jabs, but not enough to take the round from Quarry, who was obviously dominant throughout the whole round. By the end of the second round, both fighters look worse for wear. The third round is just intense as the others, still going back and forth, but after the first minute, it is Quarry who is really out for blood. With a couple of failed submissions on Quarry, the round would eventually go to Nate, giving him the fight via unanimous decision. Both Credeur and Quarry, however, received fight of the night, and a few extra thousand dollars in their pockets.
Another very much anticipated fight was Roger "El Matador" Huerta vs. Gray "The Bully" Maynard. Huerta, fighting in the octagon for the first time since his unanimous decision loss to Kelly Florian, was convinced that we would be able to come back and get back on the UFC map with a big win. Maynard, who famously went for a takedown on Rob Emerson at the Ultimate Fighter Finale 5, knocking both himself and his opponent out, was looking to give Huerta his second loss of his UFC career. Huerta came out swinging and landing some great shots and combos in on Maynard. Maynard shoots and trys to take Huerta to the ground, but Roger is able to defend it and keep the fight standing. In my opinion, the first round was close, but Huerta clinched it with his great combos. The second round was basically all Maynard. Huerta did land some well timed leg kicks, but Maynard seemed to be able to answer each with a shot of his own. Unlike the first round, round 2 was obviously for Maynard. The third round seemed less intense than the first two. Each fighter was able to get in a couple good shots in on each other, but a couple minutes in, Maynard was able to take Roger to the ground and had him in a very deep Kimura and it was looking like lights out for Huerta. But after looking like Huertas arm was going to pop off, he was able to reverse his position and get out of it with what looked to be like great ease. Once they are both back up to their feet, Maynard gets Huerta down again, but just lays on him, holding him down. Nothing very exciting, but with Maynard not doing anything but holding Huerta down, its uncertain which way the fight would go. With leaving it in the judges hands, its always a risk. But when it came to it, Maynard would defeat Huerta via split decision.
The Diaz-Guilliard matchup was set to take place, and with the two staring each other down and not shaking hands at the beginning of the fight, it was obvious that both were ready to knock the other off their high horse. The start of the fight had Guilliard knocking Diaz down to the mat already giving him a cut above his eye. Diaz was able to recover a also throwing a few hooks to his opponent. Guilliard, however, was able to get a knee in and a powerful elbow, adding to the mess on Nate Diaz's face. Guilliard easily takes round 1. Round two looked good at the start for Melvin. He was able to keep landing shot after shot. But, Diaz was able to pull a guillotine on Guilliard and with every second it continues to get deeper and deeper. After a couple seconds in Diaz' grip, Guilliard taps and the fight is over. Submission of the night goes to Nate Diaz and now he will be able to talk about how he actually won a fight.
All in all this Fight Night was a huge success, with many people all over Twitter talking about it. Even UFC President Dana White, stated that these fights were some of the best on a Fight Night ever, and makes him really look forward to Saturday's fights. Hopefully UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort will be as exciting as the ones on Wednesday, maybe even better. Go Rich Franklin!!
Nathan "Rock" Quarry went up against Tim Credeur for the first televised fight. Quarry, who at one point in his career had to take time off for a spinal fusion, looked better than ever for this middle-weight fight. Family man, Credeur looked ready as well, and determined to give Quarry a knockout reminiscent of the KO he received from former middleweight champion Rich Franklin. Early in the first round it didn't look good for Quarry, with Credeur landing shot after shot, causing Nate to start bleeding from the nose. When the second round began Tim landing a head kick to Nate, causing him to be hurt badly again. Out of no where, Quarry lands a shot that took Credeur off guard and causes him to fall to the mat. Wasting no time, Quarry takes shot after shot, blasting Credeur. Towards the end of the round, Tim gets in a few good jabs, but not enough to take the round from Quarry, who was obviously dominant throughout the whole round. By the end of the second round, both fighters look worse for wear. The third round is just intense as the others, still going back and forth, but after the first minute, it is Quarry who is really out for blood. With a couple of failed submissions on Quarry, the round would eventually go to Nate, giving him the fight via unanimous decision. Both Credeur and Quarry, however, received fight of the night, and a few extra thousand dollars in their pockets.
Another very much anticipated fight was Roger "El Matador" Huerta vs. Gray "The Bully" Maynard. Huerta, fighting in the octagon for the first time since his unanimous decision loss to Kelly Florian, was convinced that we would be able to come back and get back on the UFC map with a big win. Maynard, who famously went for a takedown on Rob Emerson at the Ultimate Fighter Finale 5, knocking both himself and his opponent out, was looking to give Huerta his second loss of his UFC career. Huerta came out swinging and landing some great shots and combos in on Maynard. Maynard shoots and trys to take Huerta to the ground, but Roger is able to defend it and keep the fight standing. In my opinion, the first round was close, but Huerta clinched it with his great combos. The second round was basically all Maynard. Huerta did land some well timed leg kicks, but Maynard seemed to be able to answer each with a shot of his own. Unlike the first round, round 2 was obviously for Maynard. The third round seemed less intense than the first two. Each fighter was able to get in a couple good shots in on each other, but a couple minutes in, Maynard was able to take Roger to the ground and had him in a very deep Kimura and it was looking like lights out for Huerta. But after looking like Huertas arm was going to pop off, he was able to reverse his position and get out of it with what looked to be like great ease. Once they are both back up to their feet, Maynard gets Huerta down again, but just lays on him, holding him down. Nothing very exciting, but with Maynard not doing anything but holding Huerta down, its uncertain which way the fight would go. With leaving it in the judges hands, its always a risk. But when it came to it, Maynard would defeat Huerta via split decision.
The Diaz-Guilliard matchup was set to take place, and with the two staring each other down and not shaking hands at the beginning of the fight, it was obvious that both were ready to knock the other off their high horse. The start of the fight had Guilliard knocking Diaz down to the mat already giving him a cut above his eye. Diaz was able to recover a also throwing a few hooks to his opponent. Guilliard, however, was able to get a knee in and a powerful elbow, adding to the mess on Nate Diaz's face. Guilliard easily takes round 1. Round two looked good at the start for Melvin. He was able to keep landing shot after shot. But, Diaz was able to pull a guillotine on Guilliard and with every second it continues to get deeper and deeper. After a couple seconds in Diaz' grip, Guilliard taps and the fight is over. Submission of the night goes to Nate Diaz and now he will be able to talk about how he actually won a fight.
All in all this Fight Night was a huge success, with many people all over Twitter talking about it. Even UFC President Dana White, stated that these fights were some of the best on a Fight Night ever, and makes him really look forward to Saturday's fights. Hopefully UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort will be as exciting as the ones on Wednesday, maybe even better. Go Rich Franklin!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Corano Hits the Big Screen
The current face of woman's MMA, Gina "Conviction" Carano can soon add movie star to her resume. "Knockout" will begin filming at the beginnning of 2010 and will be directed by Steven Soderbergh. It is the story of a young girl on the wrong side of the tracks who is given a second chance to use her skills for constructive purposes. Carano will play the lead role, in her first movie ever. And although by the title and its leading lady, one would believe that it is another movie about fighting and finding a way to get off the streets, but Soderbergh makes sure it is known that is not the case. "Knockout" actually has a lot more in common with Jason Bourne than Chuck Liddell.
Steven Soderbergh has never went this route with a movie before. He's directed action movies, but not to this extent. His "Ocean''s" movies were all hits and indeed including action, however not as much as "Knockout" is promising to produce. On the directors part, I feel that it is a great move by bringing "Conviction" is as the main character. Not only is Gina becoming more and more recognizable to people all over the world, but she is also making MMA more popular. Women's MMA is growing to this day, and she's a big reason why. When the movie is released, one can also be sure that many males will flee to the theaters to see it, even if it is just to watch Corano on screen for a couple of hours. And even females, whether they are already interested in MMA or not, may go to see it just based on the fact that Gina is a strong, determined woman in a male-based career, and she is stil holding her own.
Steven Soderbergh has never went this route with a movie before. He's directed action movies, but not to this extent. His "Ocean''s" movies were all hits and indeed including action, however not as much as "Knockout" is promising to produce. On the directors part, I feel that it is a great move by bringing "Conviction" is as the main character. Not only is Gina becoming more and more recognizable to people all over the world, but she is also making MMA more popular. Women's MMA is growing to this day, and she's a big reason why. When the movie is released, one can also be sure that many males will flee to the theaters to see it, even if it is just to watch Corano on screen for a couple of hours. And even females, whether they are already interested in MMA or not, may go to see it just based on the fact that Gina is a strong, determined woman in a male-based career, and she is stil holding her own.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Matt Hughes signs UFC Contract
Future Hall-of Famer, and fan favorite, Matt Hughes has inked another multi-fight contract with the UFC. After defeating public rival, Matt Serra at UFC 98, Hughes made it known that he was hoping to continue fighting inside of the octagon. By signing this deal, it proves that he will be finishing out his long, successful career with the UFC. There is much speculation about whom Hughes will be fighting, but even he doesnt know yet.
"Nothing is decided yet, so anything you might be reading on the internet right now is just rumors and speculation. However, one name the UFC did bring up is a person I’ve never fought before.” Hughes stated.
Whether he is fighting for a title or not, Matt Hughes is always an exciting fighter to watch and will continue to fill the seats in whatever arena he is fighting in. At 35, he is still able to work hard and fight, while balancing life at the same time. I guess his entrance song rings true, "A Country Boy Can Survive".
"Nothing is decided yet, so anything you might be reading on the internet right now is just rumors and speculation. However, one name the UFC did bring up is a person I’ve never fought before.” Hughes stated.
Whether he is fighting for a title or not, Matt Hughes is always an exciting fighter to watch and will continue to fill the seats in whatever arena he is fighting in. At 35, he is still able to work hard and fight, while balancing life at the same time. I guess his entrance song rings true, "A Country Boy Can Survive".
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