Friday, June 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Top Ten Scraps of June 2009
10. Cain Velasquez vs. Cheick Kongo
What Cheick Kongo was thinking throughout this fight, i'll never know. It was like a striker's version of Sean Sherk vs. B.J. Penn. Cheick Kongo had some strange clinch fetish and refused to do what he should have; stayed back and exchanged with Cain Velasquez. Nevertheless, Cain's victory set up a bout for number one contender against Shane Carwin at UFC 104.
9. Bobby Lashley vs. Bob Sapp
There is not much to be said of this fight outside of Lashley's ability to control an overpublicized 322 pound prodigy that loses just about every bout, but eh, it was entertaining and impressive. Unless you're Dana White, who apparently found little interest in Lashley and even less interest in Atencio.
8. Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns
Chris Lytle, the UFC veteran and near TUF 4 winner, was able to come back from his split decision loss to Marcus Davis through the dismantling of Kevin Burns. Poor chap, that's two in a row lost for Burns who was knocked out in a revenge match-up by Anthony Johnson. (In their first bout, Burns TKO'd Johnson via a nasty controversial eye bashing nightmare.)
7. Tim Sylvia vs. Ray Mercer
In the second of a series of WTF moments for June 2009, the 300 lb Tim Sylvia was KO'd by Ray Mercer, and fell, as Sherdog put it, like a California Redwood. It wasn't like Timmy attempted to act like he was even somewhat prepared for this fight. Poor little Timmy, I hope he doesn't have the same luck in his dream match on Bully Beatdown.
6. Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields
In the modern version of the classic brawler vs. striker main event, things were exiting. Watching anything but the ending, one would think Shields was being picked apart. And right as the announcers were expressing their man love for Lawler and his comfort in the cage, Shields sunk a good ol' fashion guillotine and sunk to guard.
5. Andrei Arlovski vs. Brett Rogers
In the other facepalm moment of June 2009, one more Fedor challenger was knocked into irrelevancy by an unqualified competitor. I'm really glad he was working hard on his elite boxing for this fight, it's really what carried him into the double digits.
4. Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin
I can't say I was happy by the ending, but I will say I wasn't surprised. Silva's style is tailor made for a technical striker like Franklin, and when I played the scenario through my mind before the fight, it did not end much different. I thought the judging was fair, I just think the sport has evolved where Silva hasn't. This doesn't erase my man love for the psychopath, it's just a disappointing realization.
3. Gilbert Yvel vs. Pedro Rizzo
In the craziest knockout of the month, Gilbert Yvel delivered 3-4 unnecessary hits to the jaw of an unconscious Rizzo. Props to Yvel for saving face after the fight as he quieted down the crowd in respect for Rizzo's well being, or in brilliant showcase of his new found humility.
2. Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida
In the close but no cigar runner up, the UFC's best June fight delivered more than expected. First it was the mad crazy staredown, then the brilliantly violent exchange, than the vicious elbows to the top of Clay's head. Oh, and before I forget."YES!"
1. Urijah Faber vs. Mike Brown 2
This was one of the fights that kept my concentration level at max from start to finish. Watching this fight from the perspective of holy crap, his hand is broken! was pretty intense. Mike Brown is a beast, and I don't see him getting dethroned any time soon.
By Justin Lackey
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Watch Out Fight Promoters! the UFC will sue for using certain letters of the Alphabet.
Here we have an upcoming fight organization, the UCFC (Ultimate Cage Fighting Challenge), which contributes to the sport monumentally through giving Pittsburgh their first ever MMA event. Although the event was a measurable success, their celebration was short lived as the monopolizing MMA giant, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, dropped threats of a copyright infringement claim.
The UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs ranted to MMA Junkie, "We're looking at that right now, and I'll say that to the world. It's too close to our initials, to close to our whole way of doing business."
Is it just me or is this a bit over the edge? When there are a thousand promotions out there that all somehow involve the words fighting, ultimate, cage, challenge, championship, and the like, it's hard to find originality in your promotion's title.
You can argue that the UCFC models the Ultimate Fighting Championship on a smaller scale while being by no means original, but from a legal standpoint, the UFC has no leverage. The bottom line is that while it may look like the UFC, and smell like the UFC, it's still not the UFC.
It's just another hasty act of aggression in a series of similar trends from the corporation. Ban the sponsors of which the fighters rely on, disallow use of the fighter names, and cut off oxygen in the infancy of a competitor.
Right or wrong? That's not for me to decide. But if it were up to me, i'd scratch the lawsuit.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Lesnar vs. Mir II: In Depth Prediction
Striking
Brock Lesnar: Despite being popular for his dominant wrestling, Lesnar has proved to the mixed martial arts community that his stand up game is no less than brutal. The power behind his hands can produce devastating results; tumbling Herring into a near backflip and knocking Couture down with just a glancing blow. In addition to his overwhelming power, Brock Lesnar out strikes his opponents with blue streak speed. With a man this size, the combination can become unbearable for almost anyone. But if you think Lesnar's stand up is limited to his physical dexterity, think again. Lesnar was able to land 67% of his strikes against our beloved Frank Mir, 71 % of his strikes against Randy Couture, and 90 % of his strikes against Heath Herring! And in case you were wondering, those are all respectively high percentages.
Frank Mir: Although he may be able to submit just about anyone, he also has the ability to knockout just about anyone. In his latest UFC victory, Frank Mir had the pleasure of giving Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira the first knockout of his MMA career. This was a task that remained unaccomplished by Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Heath Herring, and Dan Henderson; just to name a few. Although Frank Mir has proved his right amongst the most mechanical strikers in the sport, it is important to note that in his fight against Brock Lesnar, Mir was not able to land a strike of any kind. However, as the fighters say it, a win is a win.
The Edge: Due to their first performance and Brock Lesnar's dangerous striking power; the edge goes to Brock Lesnar.
Grappling
Brock Lesnar: Grappling is undoubtedly the strongest facet of Lesnar's Game. He finished his amateur wrestling career as a two time NJCAA All American, 1998 NJCAA Heavyweight Champion, two time NCAA All American, two time Big Ten Conference Champion, and the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Champion with a record of 106-5 overall in four years of college. In his UFC career, Lesnar has showed unparalleled dominance in his wrestling. Overall, Lesnar has a 72% takedown percentage, and a 100% takedown percentage against Frank Mir. In his dominating victory over Heath Herring, Lesnar passed Herring's guard twice and obtained the mount a total of three times. This was perhaps Lesnar's most decisive display of his wrestling, controlling a considerably large heavyweight for three full rounds landing damaging blows throughout.
Frank Mir: Although it is often overlooked, Mir did score a takedown against Brock Lesnar. In fact, in his last three UFC fights, Mir's total takedown percentage is 100%. Being a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsi, if it is up to Frank Mir, the fight is going to be on the ground. And when it gets to the ground, Mir is one of the best in the business at finding a place to catch his opponent. It is also rarely noted that Frank Mir was a 1998 Nevada State Wrestling Champion. On a less flattering note, Mir has an overall 20% takedown defense percentage in his UFC career.
The Edge: Due to experience, takedown strength, and an overall dominance in grappling statistics; the edge goes to Brock Lesnar.
Submissions
Brock Lesnar: If there has been one worry for Brock Lesnar, it is his ability to handle the submission game with his lack of MMA experience. Unlike wrestling and boxing (while they are no doubt just as useful skill sets), understanding the art of Jiu Jitsu and other submissions is a practice that requires years of experience. And when he first faced Frank Mir, Lesnar displayed this beautifully. According to his peers at the Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Lesnarhas more than learned from mistakes. For the sake of Lesnar, let us hope so.
Frank Mir: As one of the top Brazillian Jiu Jitsu fighters in the sport, Mir's submissions remained unrivaled throughout much of his division. Mir holds a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt under RicardoPires which he obtained in 2004. In his overall mixed martial arts career, 58% of his career wins have been submission victories. In his UFC career, Mir holds a 26% submission success rate. It is also important to note that Frank Mir has never been submitted in his mixed martial arts career.
The Edge: Due to a consistency of UFC submission victories, and a black belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu; the edge goes to Frank Mir.
Final Prediction
Round 1: The two fighters circle, waiting for one to ensue action. Mir grows closer as Lesnar lands a jab and misses a right hook. Mir ties up with Lesnar. The two each have over unders in the clinch. Herb Dean quickly breaks the two as they exchange weak knees. Lesnar rushes in with a left hook that is blocked. The fighters again clinch, but this time Lesnar backs Mir against the cage. Lesnar has double underhooks and scores a high single leg takedown. Lesnar looks cautious in Mir's guard but does not hesitate to throw strikes as he presses against Mir's body, no hits damage Mir as he tries his best to remain wrist control. After no advancement in position, Herb Dean stands the fighters up. Lesnar comes in with no hesitation, clipping Mir with a left jab, then right cross. While Lesnar ensues forward, he misses with a right hook. Mir swings low, hitting the body of Brock Lesnar, and follows with a lead leg kick which is caught by Lesnar.Lesnar manages to strike the unbalanced Mir as he falls to the ground; Lesnar in guard. Mir seems hurt after the exchange. Lesnar is able to posture up and land two or three good shots before the round comes to an end.
Round 2: A soft leg kick lands for Mir. Mir grazes with a left hook, but misses with the right hook follow. A lunging Lesnar is blocked by Mir. Lesnar reels Mir with a counter right cross as Mir nearly stumbles backward. Lesnar follows up with a series of unanswered punches that sends Frank Mir down. Lesnar immediately takes side control and ensues with a series of hammerfists. It is obvious Mir is on queer street as Herb Dean watches closely. Mir gives up his back asLesnar lands two hard knees to the torso. Mir's body seems to fall limp as Herb dean steps in at 1:43 giving Lesnar the TKO.
by Dean Christensen
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Kenny Florian Wants No Excuses from B.J. Penn
Kenny Florian gives us some good stuff from a recent post. He says he does not think B.J. Penn is afraid of him, but he expects B.J. Penn there is. That is who he want to fight, and he "doesn't want any excuses after the fight." That means no wild greasing theories for this one J.D.!
He also goes on to say he'd love to rematch Diego Sanchez, and resents his trash talking. Enjoy!
by Bryan Nelson
