Source: http://www.ufcrundown.com/blog/best-quality-mma-gear/
Monday, April 30, 2012
Invicta FC 1 Results: Marloes Coenen’s victory caps off action-packed card
It may not be the first event of its kind but tonight’s Invicta FC 1 lineup was certainly the strongest collective gathering of female competitors in Mixed Martial Arts making it unique in its own right. The card, headlined by former Strikeforce champion Marloes Coenen looking to come back strong in her first fight since [...]
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/04/28/invicta-fc-1-real-time-results/
Zelg Benkei Galesić Mauro Galvao Arman Gambaryan Manvel Gamburyan
Randy Orton Is A Work Horse, Stacy Keibler/George Clooney
– Many people that have tickets to the Night of Champions PPV stated they were invited to take part in a group survey to discuss upcoming WWE Studios films. They would be paid $20 to watch scenes from a film and discuss the positives and negatives. WWE has John Cena’s Family Reunion, Edge’s Inside Out, and the horror film No One Lives on the way.
– It has been reported that from August 27th through September 5th, World champion Randy Orton wrestled every day except for one that was used for ...
– It has been reported that from August 27th through September 5th, World champion Randy Orton wrestled every day except for one that was used for ...
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/randy-orton-is-a-work-horse-stacy-keiblergeorge-clooney/
Sick!!
Just finished this photo of @kitcope from our shoot a few weeks ago. What do you think of this composite?Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TracyLee/~3/VkAyKs2WbHY/sick.html
Mauricio Rua targeted for tilt with Thiago Silva
It appears former light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua’s next bout will involve a fellow Brazilian, as UFC President Dana White went on Twitter today to start the rumor mill by saying Thiago Silva would serve as Rua’s opponent though stopped short of confirming the event. Both seasoned scrappers are coming off hard-fought decision defeats and [...]
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/04/29/mauricio-rua-targeted-for-tilt-with-thiago-silva/
UFC Champ Jon Jones thinks Alexander Gustafsson closing in on title shot
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Following a win over Thiago Silva at UFC on Fuel 2 earlier this month, Alexander Gustafsson was showered with praise from many corners, with some comparing him favorably to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
In the lead up to his own April fight last week at UFC 145, Jones commented on that comparison, and while he disagrees with those who find similarities between the two, he did express respect for the young Swede, and expects to see him get a title shot soon.
"I don't think it's appropriate people are comparing us," Jones at the final pre-fight press conference for UFC 145 (transcribed by MMAWeekly.com. "The only similarities that we have is we're both tall, and that's it. We're completely different athletes. I have a wrestler base where I shoot and throw from the clinch, I kick fast and accurate; he has really great boxing."
"I think he's pretty close to a title shot. I think maybe if he wins two more fights against some top guys, maybe like Lyoto [Machida] or Rashad [Evans] or somebody, somebody that can push him in different categories."
Jones feels Gustafsson's got very little left to prove before earning his shot, but there were a couple of specific types of fights he expects to see Gustafsson get past before he gets his shot.
"I'd like to see him against another wrestler and I would like to see him against a worthy striker. Then I think a title shot would be very appropriate," Jones said.
"I like his demeanor, though. He has some swagger. He exudes winning from the second he steps in the cage. I think the kid has the potential to be a star."
Penick's Analysis: Jones and Gustafsson just might be headed for a collision later this year, as Jones faces his next challenger in Dan Henderson this summer. Gustafsson may be next in line should he score one more victory, and we'll see what the two of them have to offer one another inside the cage. The two of them are both very young, and immensely talented, and a title fight between the two could be one of the great battles of this next generation of fighters.
[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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In the lead up to his own April fight last week at UFC 145, Jones commented on that comparison, and while he disagrees with those who find similarities between the two, he did express respect for the young Swede, and expects to see him get a title shot soon.
"I don't think it's appropriate people are comparing us," Jones at the final pre-fight press conference for UFC 145 (transcribed by MMAWeekly.com. "The only similarities that we have is we're both tall, and that's it. We're completely different athletes. I have a wrestler base where I shoot and throw from the clinch, I kick fast and accurate; he has really great boxing."
"I think he's pretty close to a title shot. I think maybe if he wins two more fights against some top guys, maybe like Lyoto [Machida] or Rashad [Evans] or somebody, somebody that can push him in different categories."
Jones feels Gustafsson's got very little left to prove before earning his shot, but there were a couple of specific types of fights he expects to see Gustafsson get past before he gets his shot.
"I'd like to see him against another wrestler and I would like to see him against a worthy striker. Then I think a title shot would be very appropriate," Jones said.
"I like his demeanor, though. He has some swagger. He exudes winning from the second he steps in the cage. I think the kid has the potential to be a star."
Penick's Analysis: Jones and Gustafsson just might be headed for a collision later this year, as Jones faces his next challenger in Dan Henderson this summer. Gustafsson may be next in line should he score one more victory, and we'll see what the two of them have to offer one another inside the cage. The two of them are both very young, and immensely talented, and a title fight between the two could be one of the great battles of this next generation of fighters.
[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13136.shtml
Dana happy for Brock to be back in WWE
---Quote---
When Brock Lesnar walked out on the stage of WWE’s Monday Night Raw a few weeks back, everyone wondered how the UFC would react to one of...
When Brock Lesnar walked out on the stage of WWE’s Monday Night Raw a few weeks back, everyone wondered how the UFC would react to one of...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/101628-dana-happy-brock-back-wwe.html
Hockey Fight of the Day: Brandon Prust vs. Chris Neil
Perhaps the best brawl of this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs went down last night between the New York Rangers’ Brandon Prust and Ottawa Senators’ Chris Neil where the two not only went at each other for more than a solid minute but action unfolded all over the rink. Also, in a rarely seen gesture, Neil [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/24/hockey-fight-of-the-day-brandon-prust-vs-chris-neil
‘UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen II’ Betting Odds (Main Card)
The date and location for the eagerly-anticipated rematch between UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva (Pictured) and Chael Sonnen may have changed, but the chances of Uncle Chael dethroning “The Spider” still remains a long shot. Silva enters the sequel as a 3-to-1 odds-on favorite to retain his title against his bitter rival. Sonnen, despite dominating [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/113687/ufc-148-silva-vs-sonnen-ii-betting-odds-main-card/
Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus Todd Duffee Marvin Eastman
‘UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller’ Betting Odds
Given the lack of hoopla surrounding “UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller,” it’s hard to believe the Octagon is hosting their third event on primetime television this Saturday. To help generate some buzz, the Gambling Gods have released most of the card’s investment options to pique your interest. Despite receiving top billing, Nate Diaz (Pictured) [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/113739/ufc-on-fox-diaz-vs-miller-betting-odds/
Potential TNA No Surrender PPV **SPOILERS**
The lineups for TNA house shows seem to reveal two title changes that may go down at No Surrender.
The lineup for the company’s September 23rd show in Springfield, Illinois lists Austin Aries as the X-Division champion and Winter as the Knockouts champion, leading to believe that they will get the belts tonight or at one of the next two Impacts.
Wrestling News
The lineup for the company’s September 23rd show in Springfield, Illinois lists Austin Aries as the X-Division champion and Winter as the Knockouts champion, leading to believe that they will get the belts tonight or at one of the next two Impacts.
Wrestling News
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/potential-tna-no-surrender-ppv-spoilers/
Logan The Pink Pounder Clark Steve The Snake Claveau Rich No Love Clementi Mark The Hammer Coleman
‘UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida’ Main Card Set
“UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida” takes place June 22nd inside Revel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, you already knew that. But, do you know which four fights will air live during the FX broadcast? Well, you do now. A critical lightweight scrap with former top contender Gray Maynard (Pictured) and Clay Guida headlines [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/113591/ufc-on-fx-maynard-vs-guida-main-card-set/
UFC 145 Bonuses: Heavyweight Travis Browne earns Submission of the Night honors
The UFC heavyweight division was put on notice last night at UFC 145 when unbeaten Travis Browne continued his winning ways with an opening round finish of the previously-streaking Chad Griggs. Browne came up sharp, landing a flying knee early to set the tone. The 29-year old then proceeded to take Griggs down, work his [...]
Randy Couture talks TRT
There are a lot of black and white issues in MMA. However, one area of gray pertains to the use of testosterone replacement therapy by fighters hoping to extend their careers. Though it’s a natural substance and prescribed by doctors, it’s also a performance enhancing process based on replenishing testosterone otherwise lost by the aging [...]
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/04/29/randy-couture-talks-trt/
Fuel TV asks for fans patience as they work for wider availability
---Quote---
During last week's UFC on Fuel event, Cagereaders vented their frustration about the lack of availability of Fuel across the country and...
During last week's UFC on Fuel event, Cagereaders vented their frustration about the lack of availability of Fuel across the country and...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/101631-fuel-tv-asks-fans-patience-they-work-wider-availability.html
Potential TNA No Surrender PPV **SPOILERS**
The lineups for TNA house shows seem to reveal two title changes that may go down at No Surrender.
The lineup for the company’s September 23rd show in Springfield, Illinois lists Austin Aries as the X-Division champion and Winter as the Knockouts champion, leading to believe that they will get the belts tonight or at one of the next two Impacts.
Wrestling News
The lineup for the company’s September 23rd show in Springfield, Illinois lists Austin Aries as the X-Division champion and Winter as the Knockouts champion, leading to believe that they will get the belts tonight or at one of the next two Impacts.
Wrestling News
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/potential-tna-no-surrender-ppv-spoilers/
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Edge, Bret Hart & Trish Stratus Set For SmackDown!
The official website of the Air Canada Centre is advertising WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart and multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus for this Tuesday’s SmackDown! taping at the venue.
Both Canadian stars are advertised for “special guest appearances.”
WWE announced Friday on SmackDown! that former world champion Edge would appear on this week’s show, which emanates from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. According to the Air Canada Centre website, WWE will be paying tribute to the “Rated-R Superstar” with “Edge Appreciation Night.”
Also advertised for the event is a World Heavyweight ...
Both Canadian stars are advertised for “special guest appearances.”
WWE announced Friday on SmackDown! that former world champion Edge would appear on this week’s show, which emanates from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. According to the Air Canada Centre website, WWE will be paying tribute to the “Rated-R Superstar” with “Edge Appreciation Night.”
Also advertised for the event is a World Heavyweight ...
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/edge-bret-hart-trish-stratus-set-for-smackdown/
Aleksander Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein
UFC contract signed, who’s next for Hector Lombard
Former Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard announced his arrival to the UFC on Tuesday. Today, UFC President Dana White tweeted a picture of what is believed to be Lomard’s signature on the signed contract. Done deal!!!! Welcome to the UFC Hector twitter.com/danawhite/stat… — Dana White (@danawhite) April 27, 2012 Lombard (31-2-1 1 NC) is unbeaten [...]
UFC contract signed, who’s next for Hector Lombard is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ufc-contract-signed-whos-next-for-hector-lombard-57964/
Hockey Fight of the Day: Darcy Hordichuk vs. Barret Jackman
Staying with yesterday’s theme of classic clashes, today’s entry comes from 2006 and features fan-favorite Darcy Hordichuk (Nashville Predators) locking horns with the St. Louis Blues’ Barret Jackman. Tweet
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/27/hockey-fight-of-the-day-darcy-hordichuk-vs-barret-jackman
Logan The Pink Pounder Clark Steve The Snake Claveau Rich No Love Clementi Mark The Hammer Coleman
TUF Live Recap: Episode 8 ‘The Lion’s Den’
Welcome back to another episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Live. This week, we’ll see Strikeforce women’s champion Ronda Rousey, a former Olympian, working with the fighters on the show. The countdown clock is on, as Sam Sicilia of Team Dominick Cruz vs. Team Urijah Faber’s Chris Saunders is the live fight this evening. As usual, [...] 
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/sZ1xekIm8F4/
Dana White surprised NSAC gave Alistair Overeem only nine month denial, says "I know he lied to me"
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Alistair Overeem's license denial on Tuesday means he's unable to apply for a license in Nevada for the next nine months. Though he could technically apply elsewhere, the denial would likely be honored everywhere else, and the UFC isn't going to attempt to book him anywhere else in that time frame.
He may not even be in the UFC long enough for an attempt to come together anyway. UFC President Dana White remains unsure about Overeem's future with the organization, and in an interview with Jim Rome on Wednesday, he was surprised Overeem only has to wait nine months before he can reapply.
"I wasn't very optimistic about his chances," he said (transcribed by BloodyElbow.com). "I didn't think things were going to turn out very well for him. So as expected. Nine months? Nine months isn't as bad as I thought it would be... I thought he'd get a year, easily a year."
"If he was on anti-inflammatory meds, whatever the deal was, you're supposed to disclose that to the commission before the test whatever you're taking. You're supposed to disclose that to the commission before the test not after the test."
Regardless of Overeem's excuse, White still contends that the heavyweight contender lied to him and UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta before they signed him. He remains heated over that situation, and because of that he's not sure whether the organization will hold onto him.
"I don't know. We'll see. We'll see what happens man," he said in regards to Overeem's UFC future. "You know he went before the commission and the commission gave him 9 months. I'm sure he's going to have to go in and get tested again. Before he went in there he sat down to lunch with me and my partner looked us in the face and said 'I'm the most tested athlete in all of sports they can test me whenever they want to.' Well he flew in for the press conference, they tested him and now he's on a nine month suspension."
"I know he lied to me.... I don't like it. You know you sit down and you have these guys that you do business with and you say let's sit down, be honest with me and let's figure out how we can work together. And then they sit there and lie to your face. I don't know. Not the kind of guys I want to do business with."
Penick's Analysis: It's clear White doesn't buy the story Overeem was selling to the commission on Tuesday, and that's why the UFC pulled him last week from UFC 146. It's important to distinguish that Overeem isn't technically suspended, he's just not able to apply in Nevada until the end of December. Still, because of the way the scenario played out, White may decide to release him anyway. We'll know more once White gets a little more information on the scenario, and we'll see how he decides to play it from there. But he doesn't believe Overeem right now, and that certainly doesn't bode well for Overeem's UFC future.
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He may not even be in the UFC long enough for an attempt to come together anyway. UFC President Dana White remains unsure about Overeem's future with the organization, and in an interview with Jim Rome on Wednesday, he was surprised Overeem only has to wait nine months before he can reapply.
"I wasn't very optimistic about his chances," he said (transcribed by BloodyElbow.com). "I didn't think things were going to turn out very well for him. So as expected. Nine months? Nine months isn't as bad as I thought it would be... I thought he'd get a year, easily a year."
"If he was on anti-inflammatory meds, whatever the deal was, you're supposed to disclose that to the commission before the test whatever you're taking. You're supposed to disclose that to the commission before the test not after the test."
Regardless of Overeem's excuse, White still contends that the heavyweight contender lied to him and UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta before they signed him. He remains heated over that situation, and because of that he's not sure whether the organization will hold onto him.
"I don't know. We'll see. We'll see what happens man," he said in regards to Overeem's UFC future. "You know he went before the commission and the commission gave him 9 months. I'm sure he's going to have to go in and get tested again. Before he went in there he sat down to lunch with me and my partner looked us in the face and said 'I'm the most tested athlete in all of sports they can test me whenever they want to.' Well he flew in for the press conference, they tested him and now he's on a nine month suspension."
"I know he lied to me.... I don't like it. You know you sit down and you have these guys that you do business with and you say let's sit down, be honest with me and let's figure out how we can work together. And then they sit there and lie to your face. I don't know. Not the kind of guys I want to do business with."
Penick's Analysis: It's clear White doesn't buy the story Overeem was selling to the commission on Tuesday, and that's why the UFC pulled him last week from UFC 146. It's important to distinguish that Overeem isn't technically suspended, he's just not able to apply in Nevada until the end of December. Still, because of the way the scenario played out, White may decide to release him anyway. We'll know more once White gets a little more information on the scenario, and we'll see how he decides to play it from there. But he doesn't believe Overeem right now, and that certainly doesn't bode well for Overeem's UFC future.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13131.shtml
Predict the next Champion to fall.
Names included this time. So you might as well take the time to explain your choices.
Flyweight not counted for obvious reasons.
Also if you feel...
Flyweight not counted for obvious reasons.
Also if you feel...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/101619-predict-next-champion-fall.html
Jon Olav Einemo Per Eklund Jason Ellis Aleksander Emelianenko
HYDEN BLOG: Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson; Jones' Eventual Move to the Heavyweight Division
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Jon Jones dominated Rashad Evans in their fight at UFC 145 Saturday night, but had to settle for a five round decision victory. I give Rashad credit for going the distance with Jones, as I thought Jones would get the finish. Now Dan Henderson steps in as the next challenger for Jones and the UFC Light Heavyweight Title. In a way I would give Henderson a better chance at stopping Jones, as Henderson has unbelievable power and could knock Jones out with one shot. However, at the same time I think Henderson has a much lower chance than Rashad did to beat Jones. The disadvantages start with the reach. We all know about Jon Jones and his 84 inch reach, but that's only the beginning. Jones also has better wrestling, better submissions, and better cardio.
This is the cliche "puncher's chance" strategy come to life. All Henderson has to do is get one clean shot on Jones and the fight's over. However, getting that shot is going to be extremely difficult. Henderson has the experience to pull it off, but I can't see it happening. Jones knows what to expect, and he'd be a major league idiot to put himself into a spot to get caught with one of those bombs from Henderson.
The possibility of Jones moving up to the heavyweight division has now come up, and will continue to come up as long as Jones dominates in his current division. Dana White recently weighed in and said that Jones should be careful because heavyweight is a whole new world, the implication being that the heavyweight division is better than light heavyweight.
The old adage is that, "A good big man will always beat a good little man." That's not even remotely true because of all the variables that go into a fight. It brings to mind the saying, "That's why they play the game." Underdogs win all the time. On any given night, anyone can win. The other problem with just assuming that the heavier fighter will win is the size adage quoted above only applies to athletes of equal ability and skill.
It's true that being larger is an advantage, but it's only one of many advantages that can be gained. Generally larger fighters are stronger, but they are also slower. They also don't usually have good cardio. Size alone isn't an advantage if you don't know how to utilize it. Being strong also doesn't automatically grant you the ability to throw hard punches. If you know how to throw a punch you can knock anyone out. At the same time, if you don't know proper punching technique it doesn't matter how strong you are, you're not knocking people out.
The point I'm making is that Jon Jones could move to heavyweight if he wanted, and he'd grind up most of the guys in that division. Jon Jones would beat the piss out of almost all the UFC heavyweights. How many people out there think that Frank Mir would beat Jon Jones? Probably not that many if they've been paying attention, yet Mir is slated to fight for the UFC Heavyweight title next month. That tells you how weak the heavyweight division is compared to the light heavyweight division. Yes, Mir is a good fighter, but Jones is a great fighter. Mir is really good on the ground, but he'd have a hard time even getting the fight to the ground. Rashad Evans tried to take Jones down four times, and was unsuccessful every time. Rashad is a really good wrestler, when he fought at heavyweight he was able to take guys whenever he wanted. If he couldn't take Jones down, Mir would have a hard time as well.
I'm not suggesting every lighter fighter can beat a heavier fighter. However, there are certain fighters who transcend typical limitations. Jon Jones is one of those fighters. Guys like Jon Jones are able to do things that others can't. I've said for years that Anderson Silva could beat heavyweights, and I still believe that. Anderson Silva has superior technique. Physically, he's very good, but there's nothing there that jumps out and makes you step back. There's no area where he's head and shoulders above everyone else. The UFC is full of great athletes. Jon Jones has his incredible reach, that's huge; that's something that puts him above other fighters. However, he doesn't have the incredible technique that Silva has.
Indications are that Jones is advancing towards reaching that level, though. A lot of times, transcendent athletes struggle to achieve greatness without their natural ability. When the time comes that their natural ability isn't enough, because it's diminished with age or injury, they can't rely on technique and they fail. Mike Tyson is one of the most famous cases of this. Tyson was an average to below-average boxer, but he had amazing power and that aura of invincibility. It seems like Jones won't fail prey to this, though. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are examples of guys who had great natural ability, but worked on their technique so that when age or injury caught up with them, they were still able to perform at a high level.
I think Jon Jones will work on his technique and not just rely on natural ability. That's why I think that Jones will end up being as great as Anderson Silva, and probably even better. That's a long way off, though. I think that if Silva and Jones fought right now that Silva would win. That's not entirely fair, though, as Silva is a finished product. Silva has plateaued, while Jones is still on an upward curve.
Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to me at hydenfrank@gmail.com
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/hydenstake/article_13125.shtml
UFC 145 Bonuses: Heavyweight Travis Browne earns Submission of the Night honors
The UFC heavyweight division was put on notice last night at UFC 145 when unbeaten Travis Browne continued his winning ways with an opening round finish of the previously-streaking Chad Griggs. Browne came up sharp, landing a flying knee early to set the tone. The 29-year old then proceeded to take Griggs down, work his [...]
Hockey Fight of the Day: Brenden Morrow vs. Sean Avery
We’ve got another classic clash today featuring two fairly popular players in the form of the Dallas Stars’ Brenden Morrow and Los Angeles Kings’ Sean Avery. While Avery may have a reputation for being the tougher of the two, Morrow apparently wasn’t aware of it or simply didn’t care as he’s clearly the aggressor at [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/28/hockey-fight-of-the-day-brenden-morrow-vs-sean-avery
Wes Soldier Combs Ray Cooper Kit Cope Wesley Cabbage Correira
Dana White sees wasted potential in “Rampage” Jackson
The resume of light heavyweight fighter Quinton Jackson reads like “who’s who” of MMA. At 32-10, “Rampage” has beaten some of the sport’s all-time greats including Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Dan Henderson, held the UFC championship, and transitioned his popularity into a career earning him millions of dollars. However, according to UFC President Dana [...]
Cane vs. Okami, Hallman vs. Tavares set for UFC 150 in Denver
The Ultimate Fighting Championship will return to Denver on August 11th for UFC 150. Two bouts are already booked for the card which will take place the Pepsi Center. The news was initially reported by the DenverPost.com. Luiz Cane will square off against Yushin Okami in a middleweight bout while Thiago Tavares will face Dennis [...]
Cane vs. Okami, Hallman vs. Tavares set for UFC 150 in Denver is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
Alistair Overeem's continuance request with NSAC denied; explanation for elevated T/E ratio in question [UPDATED]
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Alistair Overeem will appear in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission today to address his positive drug test in March that ultimately has resulted in his removal from UFC 146. However, he and his attorney are expected to request a continuance to gather more "evidence" to defend his test.
Overeem's camp released a statement from the Dutch heavyweight on Monday, blaming an anti-inflammatory that had testosterone as a main ingredient for the positive test. However, that explanation doesn't necessarily hold up to research.
According to Dr. Johnny Benjamin, a medical expert and contributor at MMAJunkie.com, there is no way Overeem should have received an injection of anything that had testosterone without his knowledge. If indeed his explanation is what happened, Benjamin argues, then he should be filing a complaint with the medical board and seeking legal charges against the doctor who prescribed it to him.
Overeem claimed a rib injury required the anti-inflammatory meds, but in that case it would have likely been something along the lines of cortisol, a glucocorticoid steroid which is in an altogether different class of steroids than testosterone. Additionally, Benjamin says testosterone is never included in those types of injections for any legitimate purpose.
The NSAC will have to vote on whether or not to allow a continuance for the case, and given his history with the commission and this excuse for the positive T/E ratio, that's not a given. If they don't allow a continuance, a decision will be made today on his license application.
Penick's Analysis: I don't think his excuse - and make no mistake it's an excuse, not an explanation at this point - is going to necessarily hold weight with the NSAC today. The UFC has already pulled him from UFC 146, and the NSAC has no ulterior obligations that the cynics could point to for allowing Overeem to either be licensed or to continue presenting this farce of a defense. Benjamin debunked the argument in his piece, and the NSAC doesn't have any reason to allow Overeem a continuance to try to come up with more here. They've had several weeks to prepare already.
UPDATE: The NSAC has denied the request for continuance, and a decision will be made on Overeem's license at today's hearing.
[Alistair Overeem art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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Overeem's camp released a statement from the Dutch heavyweight on Monday, blaming an anti-inflammatory that had testosterone as a main ingredient for the positive test. However, that explanation doesn't necessarily hold up to research.
According to Dr. Johnny Benjamin, a medical expert and contributor at MMAJunkie.com, there is no way Overeem should have received an injection of anything that had testosterone without his knowledge. If indeed his explanation is what happened, Benjamin argues, then he should be filing a complaint with the medical board and seeking legal charges against the doctor who prescribed it to him.
Overeem claimed a rib injury required the anti-inflammatory meds, but in that case it would have likely been something along the lines of cortisol, a glucocorticoid steroid which is in an altogether different class of steroids than testosterone. Additionally, Benjamin says testosterone is never included in those types of injections for any legitimate purpose.
The NSAC will have to vote on whether or not to allow a continuance for the case, and given his history with the commission and this excuse for the positive T/E ratio, that's not a given. If they don't allow a continuance, a decision will be made today on his license application.
Penick's Analysis: I don't think his excuse - and make no mistake it's an excuse, not an explanation at this point - is going to necessarily hold weight with the NSAC today. The UFC has already pulled him from UFC 146, and the NSAC has no ulterior obligations that the cynics could point to for allowing Overeem to either be licensed or to continue presenting this farce of a defense. Benjamin debunked the argument in his piece, and the NSAC doesn't have any reason to allow Overeem a continuance to try to come up with more here. They've had several weeks to prepare already.
UPDATE: The NSAC has denied the request for continuance, and a decision will be made on Overeem's license at today's hearing.
[Alistair Overeem art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13119.shtml
The Hot Seat - UFC 145
The time is nearly upon us! After thirteen months of back and forth bickering between UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones and former title-holder/teammate Rashad Evans the two will finally meet tomorrow night at UFC 145 in Atlanta. Jones is a huge favorite and is as confident as ever heading into this match-up, but Evans [...]
Bellator moves quickly to fill void left by Hector Lombard’s departure with announcement of middleweight title-fight
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney didn’t want long to address the recent vacancy at the top of the organization’s middleweight division, confirming the title will be awarded in an eventual fight between the winner of Season 6 finalists Maiquel Falcao-Andreas Spang and Alexander Shlemenko. The title became available when Hector Lombard – the lone fighter to [...]
Method of Victory: Josh Koscheck vs Johny Hendricks
Image: http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/3841267/140787343_extra_large.jpg
Randy The Natural Couture Dan Cramer Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Urijah Faber unfazed by co-headliner status, says UFC 148 is biggest fight card ever
---Quote---
LAS VEGAS – Although he's been demoted to the night's co-main event, original headliner Urijah Faber has no complaints about his spot on...
LAS VEGAS – Although he's been demoted to the night's co-main event, original headliner Urijah Faber has no complaints about his spot on...
Randy Couture Discusses The Use Of TRT
Randy Couture is well-known for being one of the most gifted athletes to ever grace the Octagon. Couture, who well into his 40s, won multiple championships at both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. As someone who knows what it takes to spend countless hours in the gym training, “The Natural” is a perfect person [...] 
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/cVb3shY06Yc/
Randy Couture Discusses The Use Of TRT
Randy Couture is well-known for being one of the most gifted athletes to ever grace the Octagon. Couture, who well into his 40s, won multiple championships at both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. As someone who knows what it takes to spend countless hours in the gym training, “The Natural” is a perfect person [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/cVb3shY06Yc/
Method of Victory: Josh Koscheck vs Johny Hendricks
Image: http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/3841267/140787343_extra_large.jpg
Fedor Emelianenko paired with Pedro Rizzo for summer scrap
As had been reported before, Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will indeed go for his third straight win since dropping a trio of tilts under the Strikeforce banner when he takes to the ring on June 21 for a fight in front of his fellow countrymen. Now “The Last Emperor” has an opponent for the bout [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/20/fedor-emelianenko-paired-with-pedro-rizzo-for-summer-scrap
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE REPORT 4/27: Penick's random thoughts on eighth episode on FX
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: LIVE
APRIL 27, 2012
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
-Jon Anik opens the show as the fighters are shown entering the arena for tonight. Tonight's live fight sees Dominick Cruz's second pick in Sam Sicilia taking on the final pick of the season for Team Faber in Chris Saunders.
-In the open we get a little info on both Sicilia and Saunders, who have been performing in training unexpectedly compared to where they were picked.
-Next is a recap of last week's fight, where Team Cruz's Vinc Pichel scored a third round over Team Faber's Chris Cofer.
-After the opening credits, it's a flash to backstage after last week's live bout. Cruz was ecstatic with the win, while Cofer was crushed with the third round loss, saying the last minute cost him everything. He almost couldn't get through his post-fight comments to the TUF crew. He put forth a solid effort prior to that final round, though.
-Cruz brought in Ronda Rousey to work with his team. Rousey was thankful for the opportunity to be the first female guest coach on TUF, and then we got a montage of her beating the hell out of everyone with throws as she showed them technique. I'll never not enjoy watching Ronda Rousey work in this sport.
-As Cruz and Rousey were leaving the gym, Urijah Faber was getting to the training center. An attempt to have a quick comment with Rousey led to yet another back and forth exchange between he and Cruz. The dislike is strong in those two, and being around each other week in and week out on this show certainly isn't improving things between them.
[Commercial Break]
-Ronda Rousey joins the guys in the TUF house for a UFC 145 viewing party. Things immediately got awkward. They played up the awkwardness of the whole segment until she ducked out. While that was slightly entertaining, would have liked to see some of the reaction to the event they were watching.
-Saunders goes by "The SoCal Kid" as he has idolized Faber, who happens to now be coaching him. He went into fanboy mode while sparring with Faber, but Faber doesn't think he's on a pedestal, and wants to see Saunders believe in himself. Faber's very complimentary of Saunders' skills, but said he needs more confidence.
[Commercial Break]
-Into the house, the pranks are beginning to pick up, though they're rather tame so far.
-Saunders gives some background on himself, and he's had a rough time in life prior to this show.
-Sicilia said he turned pro a year ago after a sporadic schedule as an amateur. Cruz praised Sicilia's game overall before we got more training footage.
[Commercial Break]
-Nine minutes to fight time, and it's time for Faber and his team to turn Cruz's locker room into an equipment room. They wore as little as possible to get as sweaty as possible inside of Cruz's locker room. Cruz called it a cry for attention. It was all pretty amusing, actually, as Cruz then feigned indignation and shook his head.
-Weigh-in time. Sicilia in at 155, Saunders at 155.
-Michael Chiesa, Sicilia's real-life teammate, talked about how hard it will be for him watching the bout as part of Team Faber.
-Backstage for the final word from the coaches. This is by far my least favorite part of this season; these segments come off completely staged and awkward, and it's not adding anything.
[Commercial Break]
FIGHT: SAM SICILIA VS. CHRIS SAUNDERS (LIGHTWEIGHT)
ROUND ONE: Sicilia rushed in and backed Saunders up to the cage. He landed an early overhand right, a knee, and another strike before clinching up. Saunders landed a nice knee to the body, then turned Sicilia around. They jockeyed for position and Saunders landed another knee. Sicilia broke off and missed a punch. He landed hard right. He tripped up as Saunders as avoiding him, but Saunders couldn't capitalize as it got back to a clinch on the cage. Sicilia tripped him up but then he popped back to his feet. Saunders turned him around and landed a few knees to the body and legs. Saunders continued with the knees and Sicilia backed off. Saunders went for a superman punch. He then landed a nice leg kick. He knocked Sicilia down with a head kick! Sicilia face planted, but then recovered to his feet. Saunders got him backed up and started landing strikes. Sicilia got his wits back, though, and fought back at him. They got back to the clinch with a minute and a half left, with Sicilia looking to rest. Saunders continued landing knee strikes to the legs and body. Sicilia tried for a takedown, but Saunders kept up. He landed a nice elbow in the clinch. He went for the head kick again but missed. Sicilia caught a kick and tripped Saunders up. Saunders worked back to his feet, though. Sicilia walked him down. Saunders jumped in awkwardly and nearly got dropped at the end, but he took the punch as the horn sounded.
Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Saunders. Sicilia was having some success, but Saunders stayed quite active throughout and the knock down swung the round in his favor.
[Commercial Break]
ROUND TWO: Sicilia tried to come out quick again, but Saunders landed the first punch. He got in a short combo, then landed a nice short uppercut. Sicilia pressed him back with a kick, but Saunders blocked well. Saunders landed a left, but got cracked by a counter punch. Sicilia connected on a few strikes before grabbing another clinch. Again, Saunders stayed active with knees to the body. He covered up well as Sicilia separated with a strike. Sicilia landed hard uppercut. They traded strikes. Sicilia was simply throwing wild haymakers. Saunders landed a knee in the clinch, then got Sicilia's back standing. He got a takedown, but then Sicilia reversed, and landed a series of knees as Saunders worked to his feet. Back in the clinch. Sicilia went for a single leg, but Saunders pulled off a switch and got on top. He took Sicilia's back as he turned, but then wound up in guard as Sicilia shook him off. He got to his feet and they separated again. Sicilia landed a left. Saunders landed a nice two-punch combo. Sicilia then dropped him with a big punch. He grabbed for a choke, but then Saunders wound up on top. Saunders moved to half guard. Sicilia again gave up his back, but Saunders again couldn't hold the position. They got back up into the clinch on their feet. After separating, Sicila continued throwing bombs. Saunders landed a few nice knees and ended the round with a two-punch combo.
Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Sicilia. That round really could go either way, and I wouldn't argue against either of them getting it. That was incredibly hard to score, with an immense amount of action between both fighters. Thus far easily the best fight of this season, and we might get a third round.
[Commercial Break]
WINNER: Saunders via split decision
-Wouldn't have argued with a third round, but I can see Saunders getting that second frame as well. Really fun, albeit immensely sloppy, fight.
-Saunders said after the fight went as he expected it to go, and he gave Sicilia credit for a tough fight. Sicilia was clearly dejected. Saunders walked up and gave him a kiss on the head. Fight pick for next week after the break.
[Commercial Break]
-Dana White said it was a great fight, but thought it should have gone to a third round. He scored it as I had it, with Saunders in the first and Sicilia in the second. Faber jokingly said he wanted to give Cruz the fight pick (as it's the last fight of this round). It'll be Andy Ogle (who came out in a singlet) against Mike Rio next week. Quarterfinals the week after. Thanks for joining us tonight, join us next week for another Ultimate Fighter blog!
 |
APRIL 27, 2012
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
-Jon Anik opens the show as the fighters are shown entering the arena for tonight. Tonight's live fight sees Dominick Cruz's second pick in Sam Sicilia taking on the final pick of the season for Team Faber in Chris Saunders.
-In the open we get a little info on both Sicilia and Saunders, who have been performing in training unexpectedly compared to where they were picked.
-Next is a recap of last week's fight, where Team Cruz's Vinc Pichel scored a third round over Team Faber's Chris Cofer.
-After the opening credits, it's a flash to backstage after last week's live bout. Cruz was ecstatic with the win, while Cofer was crushed with the third round loss, saying the last minute cost him everything. He almost couldn't get through his post-fight comments to the TUF crew. He put forth a solid effort prior to that final round, though.
-Cruz brought in Ronda Rousey to work with his team. Rousey was thankful for the opportunity to be the first female guest coach on TUF, and then we got a montage of her beating the hell out of everyone with throws as she showed them technique. I'll never not enjoy watching Ronda Rousey work in this sport.
-As Cruz and Rousey were leaving the gym, Urijah Faber was getting to the training center. An attempt to have a quick comment with Rousey led to yet another back and forth exchange between he and Cruz. The dislike is strong in those two, and being around each other week in and week out on this show certainly isn't improving things between them.
[Commercial Break]
-Ronda Rousey joins the guys in the TUF house for a UFC 145 viewing party. Things immediately got awkward. They played up the awkwardness of the whole segment until she ducked out. While that was slightly entertaining, would have liked to see some of the reaction to the event they were watching.
-Saunders goes by "The SoCal Kid" as he has idolized Faber, who happens to now be coaching him. He went into fanboy mode while sparring with Faber, but Faber doesn't think he's on a pedestal, and wants to see Saunders believe in himself. Faber's very complimentary of Saunders' skills, but said he needs more confidence.
[Commercial Break]
-Into the house, the pranks are beginning to pick up, though they're rather tame so far.
-Saunders gives some background on himself, and he's had a rough time in life prior to this show.
-Sicilia said he turned pro a year ago after a sporadic schedule as an amateur. Cruz praised Sicilia's game overall before we got more training footage.
[Commercial Break]
-Nine minutes to fight time, and it's time for Faber and his team to turn Cruz's locker room into an equipment room. They wore as little as possible to get as sweaty as possible inside of Cruz's locker room. Cruz called it a cry for attention. It was all pretty amusing, actually, as Cruz then feigned indignation and shook his head.
-Weigh-in time. Sicilia in at 155, Saunders at 155.
-Michael Chiesa, Sicilia's real-life teammate, talked about how hard it will be for him watching the bout as part of Team Faber.
-Backstage for the final word from the coaches. This is by far my least favorite part of this season; these segments come off completely staged and awkward, and it's not adding anything.
[Commercial Break]
FIGHT: SAM SICILIA VS. CHRIS SAUNDERS (LIGHTWEIGHT)
ROUND ONE: Sicilia rushed in and backed Saunders up to the cage. He landed an early overhand right, a knee, and another strike before clinching up. Saunders landed a nice knee to the body, then turned Sicilia around. They jockeyed for position and Saunders landed another knee. Sicilia broke off and missed a punch. He landed hard right. He tripped up as Saunders as avoiding him, but Saunders couldn't capitalize as it got back to a clinch on the cage. Sicilia tripped him up but then he popped back to his feet. Saunders turned him around and landed a few knees to the body and legs. Saunders continued with the knees and Sicilia backed off. Saunders went for a superman punch. He then landed a nice leg kick. He knocked Sicilia down with a head kick! Sicilia face planted, but then recovered to his feet. Saunders got him backed up and started landing strikes. Sicilia got his wits back, though, and fought back at him. They got back to the clinch with a minute and a half left, with Sicilia looking to rest. Saunders continued landing knee strikes to the legs and body. Sicilia tried for a takedown, but Saunders kept up. He landed a nice elbow in the clinch. He went for the head kick again but missed. Sicilia caught a kick and tripped Saunders up. Saunders worked back to his feet, though. Sicilia walked him down. Saunders jumped in awkwardly and nearly got dropped at the end, but he took the punch as the horn sounded.
Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Saunders. Sicilia was having some success, but Saunders stayed quite active throughout and the knock down swung the round in his favor.
[Commercial Break]
ROUND TWO: Sicilia tried to come out quick again, but Saunders landed the first punch. He got in a short combo, then landed a nice short uppercut. Sicilia pressed him back with a kick, but Saunders blocked well. Saunders landed a left, but got cracked by a counter punch. Sicilia connected on a few strikes before grabbing another clinch. Again, Saunders stayed active with knees to the body. He covered up well as Sicilia separated with a strike. Sicilia landed hard uppercut. They traded strikes. Sicilia was simply throwing wild haymakers. Saunders landed a knee in the clinch, then got Sicilia's back standing. He got a takedown, but then Sicilia reversed, and landed a series of knees as Saunders worked to his feet. Back in the clinch. Sicilia went for a single leg, but Saunders pulled off a switch and got on top. He took Sicilia's back as he turned, but then wound up in guard as Sicilia shook him off. He got to his feet and they separated again. Sicilia landed a left. Saunders landed a nice two-punch combo. Sicilia then dropped him with a big punch. He grabbed for a choke, but then Saunders wound up on top. Saunders moved to half guard. Sicilia again gave up his back, but Saunders again couldn't hold the position. They got back up into the clinch on their feet. After separating, Sicila continued throwing bombs. Saunders landed a few nice knees and ended the round with a two-punch combo.
Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Sicilia. That round really could go either way, and I wouldn't argue against either of them getting it. That was incredibly hard to score, with an immense amount of action between both fighters. Thus far easily the best fight of this season, and we might get a third round.
[Commercial Break]
WINNER: Saunders via split decision
-Wouldn't have argued with a third round, but I can see Saunders getting that second frame as well. Really fun, albeit immensely sloppy, fight.
-Saunders said after the fight went as he expected it to go, and he gave Sicilia credit for a tough fight. Sicilia was clearly dejected. Saunders walked up and gave him a kiss on the head. Fight pick for next week after the break.
[Commercial Break]
-Dana White said it was a great fight, but thought it should have gone to a third round. He scored it as I had it, with Saunders in the first and Sicilia in the second. Faber jokingly said he wanted to give Cruz the fight pick (as it's the last fight of this round). It'll be Andy Ogle (who came out in a singlet) against Mike Rio next week. Quarterfinals the week after. Thanks for joining us tonight, join us next week for another Ultimate Fighter blog!
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Ultimate_Fighter_25/article_13147.shtml
Nick Diaz Given Permission by NJ Commission to Corner Brother Nate at UFC on Fox 3
---Quote---
Nick Diaz will be in his brother Nate’s corner when he battles Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3 next Saturday in New Jersey.
Nick Diaz is...
Nick Diaz will be in his brother Nate’s corner when he battles Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3 next Saturday in New Jersey.
Nick Diaz is...
Zelg Benkei Galesić Mauro Galvao Arman Gambaryan Manvel Gamburyan
The Latest Update On Maryse & Her Recovery Time
Maryse stated on her official website Saturday night that she has recovered from her abdominal hernia surgery on August 24.
“I met with my surgeon today and she said everything is perfect,” she wrote. “There’s a little bit of fluid inside by the incision and where the repairs were done, but its totally normal apparently. The scar healed really good and there is no infection. So the surgery was a total success. I’m sooooooo happy!!!”
The former WWE Divas Champion last competed on the July 25 episode of RAW. She was advertised ...
“I met with my surgeon today and she said everything is perfect,” she wrote. “There’s a little bit of fluid inside by the incision and where the repairs were done, but its totally normal apparently. The scar healed really good and there is no infection. So the surgery was a total success. I’m sooooooo happy!!!”
The former WWE Divas Champion last competed on the July 25 episode of RAW. She was advertised ...
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/the-latest-update-on-maryse-her-recovery-time/
Urijah Faber Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho
WWE SmackDown! Taping Draws 1,600 Paying Customers
Last Tuesday’s SmackDown! taping in Toledo, Ohio was one of the worst attended WWE events in years as it drew 3,200 fans, with only 1,600 paid.
Following the event’s poor advance, WWE only sold tickets facing the camera so the Huntington Center would appear full on television. SLAM! Wrestling columnist Matt Bishop, who attended the event, described the venue’s appearance: “Tuesday’s tapings of WWE Smackdown, Superstars and NXT wasn’t notable because of what happened in the ring, but rather because of what was happening outside the ringside area. Or more appropriately, ...
Following the event’s poor advance, WWE only sold tickets facing the camera so the Huntington Center would appear full on television. SLAM! Wrestling columnist Matt Bishop, who attended the event, described the venue’s appearance: “Tuesday’s tapings of WWE Smackdown, Superstars and NXT wasn’t notable because of what happened in the ring, but rather because of what was happening outside the ringside area. Or more appropriately, ...
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/wwe-smackdown-taping-draws-1600-paying-customers/
Josh Barnett: “I love what I do for a living and I don’t want to do anything else.”
Strikeforce heavyweight Josh Barnett knew he wanted to be a professional Mixed Martial Artist at an early age. Intrigued by a copy of UFC 2 he saw as a teenager, Barnett slowly made his march towards greatness with a few speed-bumps along the way but is now considered to be one of the top fighters [...]
Jai Bradney Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito
Georges St. Pierre “very anxious to come back”
Perhaps it was a caveman who first coined the phrase after a fire burned out, albeit in grunts, but as the timeless saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” UFC welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre has learned exactly how true those words ring over the past six months while sidelined with [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/23/georges-st-pierre-%e2%80%9cvery-anxious-to-come-back%e2%80%9d
Alistair Overeem denies intentional testosterone use in statement regarding failed drug test
Disgraced UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem has finally decided to give his side of the story relating to a recently failed drug test where the hulking Dutchman was shown to have an elevated level of testosterone in his system. While most fans and media members assumed the result related to testosterone replacement therapy it turns out [...]
ronda rousey in the tuf house
i just say Ronda Rousey visit the guys at the house and the just froze and it looked like they didn't utter a word to her or even start a...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ultimate-fighter-tv/101566-ronda-rousey-tuf-house.html
Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo Jeff Big Frog Curran
Alistair Overeem replaced by Frank Mir in UFC 146 title-fight
It looks like disgraced heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem’s April 24 meeting with the Nevada State Athletic Commission will be a moot point where the Dutchman’s immediate future inside the Octagon is concerned. Though he originally said he would wait until Overeem’s status was clarified, UFC President Dana White has since changed his mind and given [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/21/alistair-overeem-replaced-by-frank-mir-in-ufc-146-title-fight
Hector Lombard Wastes No Time in Calling Out Anderson Silva
The ink had barely dried after signing his UFC contract, yet that didn’t stop former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard (Pictured) from calling out his first opponent. The 34-year-old doesn’t have time to waste on fighting bottom feeders and has his sights set on the division’s top dog. “I’ve wanted to fight in the UFC [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/113639/hector-lombard-wastes-no-time-in-calling-out-anderson-silva/
Friday, April 27, 2012
TUF 15 Results: Emotions run high as Team Cruz picks up another win
After more than six weeks inside the TUF fishbowl it appears some mental strain is starting to surface for the parties involved on the Ultimate Fighter 15 with a few verbal jabs thrown and tears shed on last night’s episode. Things started off on a heated note after Urijah Faber offered some words of motivation [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/21/tuf-15-results-emotions-run-high-as-team-cruz-picks-up-another-win
Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo Jeff Big Frog Curran
PELKEY: Despite long shadow cast by Jon Jones, two of MMA's other "phenoms" on display at UFC 145
By Matt Pelkey, MMATorch Columnist
Jon Jones defended his title for the third time Saturday night, besting Rashad Evans in all five rounds (I don't know what two of those judges saw, that was a clean sweep) to win a unanimous decision. Ho-hum. Jones was a huge favorite going in and the only real surprise about the fight was that he couldn't finish "Sugar" Rashad. Spectacular as it is to so summarily beat down your closest rival, it was a virtual workmanlike performance for Jonny "Bones."
This was a one fight card going in. All the hype (and rightfully so) was placed on the main event. It was Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans and... eleven other fights. That's not to say there weren't quality match-ups up and down the card (hell, Matt Brown vs. Stephen Thompson would've been the co-main event of most Fight Night Live events on Spike. Here it wasn't even the main event of the prelims), but about the top eight fights below the main event felt basically interchangeable. Well, except for two. Two fights on the UFC 145 undercard felt a little different. Not because they were exciting stylistic match-ups (they were), but because they featured two of the "next wave" of MMA fighters. The leaders of the new generation, if you will.
While Jon Jones was creating all they hype and soaking up all the attention at UFC 145, two guys were the lucky beneficiaries of all the added eyes on the event. First up was Michael "Mayday" McDonald. Mayday was already 3-0 in his young UFC career, but it wasn't until his last fight, a first round TKO victory over Alex Soto at UFC 139, that fans finally got a glimpse of the talent possessed by McDonald. His reward for that performance? A slot on the main card of UFC 145 opposite former WEC bantamweight champ Miguel Torres. And man did McDonald make the most of the opportunity.
At only 21, this was easily the biggest fight of his career. Hell, it was his first time on the main card in the UFC. He stayed patient against the former champ, darting in and out with successful combination, and then used two perfectly place right uppercuts to put Torres to sleep. It was surely an eye-opening performance for those seeing him fight for the first time, but it only reaffirmed what the rest of us already knew: this guy is a stud. And its not just his KO power. He's good on the ground too, and he's big enough and strong enough, and his wrestling is good enough, to keep the fight upright if he so chooses. I'm not saying he's ready for a title shot, that's a lot to ask of a fighter so young, but with such a dynamic set of skills, such and exciting style, and in a division so starved for contenders, he can't be far off. Renan Barao is in need of a dance partner while Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz settle their score. Beat him half as impressively as he just took out Miguel Torres, and the Cruz-Faber winner will be looking at their next challenger.
In the co-main event was the other young phenom on the card. Rory MacDonald (hmmm... must be something in the name) hadn't fought since last August, injury layoffs being a recurring theme in his early career, but he clearly was spending that time working on his game. Against Che Mills on Saturday, MacDonald was at his best to date. After absorbing a couple of good punches from Mills, MacDonald calmly took him down and out of his element. He passed guard easily, he controlled position completely, and he rained down some of the most accurate and brutal ground-and-pound in the sport. And he did it for two rounds. Mercifully, Mario Yamasaki called and end to the carnage midway through the second round.
Now, look, I realize I have to temper my excitement and expectations over someone dominating Che Mills on the mat, but we've seen MacDonald absolutely demolish his opposition thus far, and yes, that includes interim UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit. MacDonald gassed completely in the third, but he was still just seven seconds away from taking home that victory. Since then he tossed around current lightweight contender Nick Diaz like a ragdoll, and gave longtime vet Mike Pyle the, well... let's just call it the "Che Mills treatment" from now on.
Rory MacDonald, despite being a year and a half older than Michael McDonald, finds himself in a more beneficial position within his division. While, skill-wise, he might actually be ready for the very top of the welterweight heap, there's no need to rush him to the title picture right now. Welterweight, as always, is stacked and teeming with guys looking for their "shot." MacDonald is, however, ready for a severe step up in competition. One win over a top-ten opponent would bring the memories of his first two rounds against Condit flooding back quickly. Like Mayday, Rory is only one big win away shoving his foot in the door of the title picture.
On another card, these fights might've stood out more, out from the shadow of the Jon Jones-Rashad Evans spectacle, but it's unlikely they would've been seen by more eyes. Jon Jones may be one of a kind, but he's the torch-bearer for the young, uber-talented fighters coming into the sport right now. It was a nice synergy having the M(a)cDonalds have their breakout performances on a card he headlined.
 |
This was a one fight card going in. All the hype (and rightfully so) was placed on the main event. It was Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans and... eleven other fights. That's not to say there weren't quality match-ups up and down the card (hell, Matt Brown vs. Stephen Thompson would've been the co-main event of most Fight Night Live events on Spike. Here it wasn't even the main event of the prelims), but about the top eight fights below the main event felt basically interchangeable. Well, except for two. Two fights on the UFC 145 undercard felt a little different. Not because they were exciting stylistic match-ups (they were), but because they featured two of the "next wave" of MMA fighters. The leaders of the new generation, if you will.
While Jon Jones was creating all they hype and soaking up all the attention at UFC 145, two guys were the lucky beneficiaries of all the added eyes on the event. First up was Michael "Mayday" McDonald. Mayday was already 3-0 in his young UFC career, but it wasn't until his last fight, a first round TKO victory over Alex Soto at UFC 139, that fans finally got a glimpse of the talent possessed by McDonald. His reward for that performance? A slot on the main card of UFC 145 opposite former WEC bantamweight champ Miguel Torres. And man did McDonald make the most of the opportunity.
At only 21, this was easily the biggest fight of his career. Hell, it was his first time on the main card in the UFC. He stayed patient against the former champ, darting in and out with successful combination, and then used two perfectly place right uppercuts to put Torres to sleep. It was surely an eye-opening performance for those seeing him fight for the first time, but it only reaffirmed what the rest of us already knew: this guy is a stud. And its not just his KO power. He's good on the ground too, and he's big enough and strong enough, and his wrestling is good enough, to keep the fight upright if he so chooses. I'm not saying he's ready for a title shot, that's a lot to ask of a fighter so young, but with such a dynamic set of skills, such and exciting style, and in a division so starved for contenders, he can't be far off. Renan Barao is in need of a dance partner while Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz settle their score. Beat him half as impressively as he just took out Miguel Torres, and the Cruz-Faber winner will be looking at their next challenger.
In the co-main event was the other young phenom on the card. Rory MacDonald (hmmm... must be something in the name) hadn't fought since last August, injury layoffs being a recurring theme in his early career, but he clearly was spending that time working on his game. Against Che Mills on Saturday, MacDonald was at his best to date. After absorbing a couple of good punches from Mills, MacDonald calmly took him down and out of his element. He passed guard easily, he controlled position completely, and he rained down some of the most accurate and brutal ground-and-pound in the sport. And he did it for two rounds. Mercifully, Mario Yamasaki called and end to the carnage midway through the second round.
Now, look, I realize I have to temper my excitement and expectations over someone dominating Che Mills on the mat, but we've seen MacDonald absolutely demolish his opposition thus far, and yes, that includes interim UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit. MacDonald gassed completely in the third, but he was still just seven seconds away from taking home that victory. Since then he tossed around current lightweight contender Nick Diaz like a ragdoll, and gave longtime vet Mike Pyle the, well... let's just call it the "Che Mills treatment" from now on.
Rory MacDonald, despite being a year and a half older than Michael McDonald, finds himself in a more beneficial position within his division. While, skill-wise, he might actually be ready for the very top of the welterweight heap, there's no need to rush him to the title picture right now. Welterweight, as always, is stacked and teeming with guys looking for their "shot." MacDonald is, however, ready for a severe step up in competition. One win over a top-ten opponent would bring the memories of his first two rounds against Condit flooding back quickly. Like Mayday, Rory is only one big win away shoving his foot in the door of the title picture.
On another card, these fights might've stood out more, out from the shadow of the Jon Jones-Rashad Evans spectacle, but it's unlikely they would've been seen by more eyes. Jon Jones may be one of a kind, but he's the torch-bearer for the young, uber-talented fighters coming into the sport right now. It was a nice synergy having the M(a)cDonalds have their breakout performances on a card he headlined.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/pelkystake/article_13122.shtml
WWE RAW Review: Three Hours of Highs, Lows, and Not That Much Action
Monday Night RAW this week was like trying to stay awake after taking an Ambien: a couple moments of near-delirium followed by hours of wanting badly to fall asleep. Except for a big surprise cameo and one solid-enough match between Kofi Kingston and Chris Jericho, Monday night was mostly a good example of why I [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/27/wwe-raw-review-three-hours-of-highs-lows-and-not-that-much-action
Alistair Overeem's former teammate Marloes Coenen says "more dirt will come up" on the heavyweight
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"If you do stuff like that and get caught, just like Alistair now, just suck it up and don't complain about it. I think the truth will always come out... We know a lot of things about Alistair, a lot of negative things but we never talked about it and knew that the truth would come out. More dirt will come up... Alistair will receive his punishment for what he has done and we don't have to deliver that to him because karma will come and get him."
-Alistair Overeem's former Golden Glory teammate Marloes Coenen hints at previous knowledge of improprieties by the heavyweight contender, as well as more information that hasn't yet come to light, in an interview with Just Scrap Radio (transcribed by BJPenn.com).
Penick's Analysis: Overeem certainly didn't help his case in splitting from Golden Glory last year, because if there is a past history to any performance enhancer usage, those that he's made enemies of may have that dirt on him. Coenen saying karma's going to get him is certainly a pointed take from one of his former teammates, and to not be surprised by the predicament Overeem has found himself in speaks volumes as well. Whether we actually find out more or not remains to be seen, but much of the time where there is smoke, there is fire.
[Alistair Overeem art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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-Alistair Overeem's former Golden Glory teammate Marloes Coenen hints at previous knowledge of improprieties by the heavyweight contender, as well as more information that hasn't yet come to light, in an interview with Just Scrap Radio (transcribed by BJPenn.com).
Penick's Analysis: Overeem certainly didn't help his case in splitting from Golden Glory last year, because if there is a past history to any performance enhancer usage, those that he's made enemies of may have that dirt on him. Coenen saying karma's going to get him is certainly a pointed take from one of his former teammates, and to not be surprised by the predicament Overeem has found himself in speaks volumes as well. Whether we actually find out more or not remains to be seen, but much of the time where there is smoke, there is fire.
[Alistair Overeem art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13130.shtml
Steve The Snake Claveau Rich No Love Clementi Mark The Hammer Coleman Wes Soldier Combs
Greg Valentine Posts Explanation For No-Showing Event
WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine offered an explanation on his Facebook page for no-showing Great North Wrestling’s Randy Savage tribute show on Sept. 3 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada after the organization paid $2,000 for his services.
Here is my Official Statement on my Canada Booking. I hope this clears things up.
I was booked for the Macho Man Memorial Show in Canada. That’s true. I told the promoter I was coming. That’s true. I received my deposit from the promoter. That’s true. Now let me clear some things up…
A ...
Here is my Official Statement on my Canada Booking. I hope this clears things up.
I was booked for the Macho Man Memorial Show in Canada. That’s true. I told the promoter I was coming. That’s true. I received my deposit from the promoter. That’s true. Now let me clear some things up…
A ...
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/greg-valentine-posts-explanation-for-no-showing-event/
Jon Olav Einemo Per Eklund Jason Ellis Aleksander Emelianenko
Major UFC sponsor Anheuser-Busch threatens action over sexist, homophobic remarks made by fighters
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
The UFC's continued progression into being a "mainstream" sport has featured the acquisition of some bigger-named sponsors, perhaps the biggest of which has been Anheuser-Busch's "Bud Light" brand. However, that relationship has become strained due to a number of public incidents by UFC fighters, and the alcoholic-beverage giant has now threatened the UFC with action if things don't get cleaned up.
"We've communicated to the UFC our displeasure with certain remarks made by some of its fighters, and they have promised to address this," A-B said in a statement to AdAge.com. "If the incidents continue, we will act."
The "alpha-male" nature of combat sport has resulted in several of the UFC's athletes - as well as UFC President Dana White and UFC commentator Joe Rogan - making sexist or homophobic remarks to fellow fighters, reporters, and fans alike. Often it's been brushed aside as "that's how fighters are" or "it's hard to control every fighter," but that line of thinking may not be enough moving forward.
For their part, the UFC says they are making more of an effort to crack down on this issue, though they acknowledge their efforts in social media inherently contain some issues with policing these issues.
"With over 425 athletes on our roster, there have unfortunately been instances where a couple athletes have made insensitive or inappropriate comments," a statement from the UFC read. "We don't condone this behavior, and in no way is it reflective of the company or its values."
"Unlike most other sports leagues, we encourage our athletes to engage online. It is part of our company culture, and whenever you are at the forefront of a trend or initiative, it comes with its own pitfalls. We will continue to embrace social media while looking for better ways to stay in front of the issues. This includes a mandate for our athletes to attend sensitivity training and a seminar on proper use of social media."
Penick's Analysis: This could potentially be a very real problem for the UFC. Losing big-league sponsors over what they've tried to essentially sweep-aside in the past could cost them millions, and hurt their image further in areas where they continue to try to gain acceptance. A big issue on this front is that fighters likely feel they can get away with a lot more because White, as the president and outward face of the organization, doesn't have much of a filter when it comes to expressing his feelings on things. That example from the top trickles down, and though he's not slipped up on the level of his infamous rant against reporter Loretta Hunt in the last several years, the fact that the video and incident is widely known doesn't help him either. This is an issue that really does need to be addressed in-house; that may mean fines by the UFC are necessary much the same way that the other big-league sports treat these types of incidents. If they continue to let things slide without much more than a talking-to, they risk a regression in progress overall.
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"We've communicated to the UFC our displeasure with certain remarks made by some of its fighters, and they have promised to address this," A-B said in a statement to AdAge.com. "If the incidents continue, we will act."
The "alpha-male" nature of combat sport has resulted in several of the UFC's athletes - as well as UFC President Dana White and UFC commentator Joe Rogan - making sexist or homophobic remarks to fellow fighters, reporters, and fans alike. Often it's been brushed aside as "that's how fighters are" or "it's hard to control every fighter," but that line of thinking may not be enough moving forward.
For their part, the UFC says they are making more of an effort to crack down on this issue, though they acknowledge their efforts in social media inherently contain some issues with policing these issues.
"With over 425 athletes on our roster, there have unfortunately been instances where a couple athletes have made insensitive or inappropriate comments," a statement from the UFC read. "We don't condone this behavior, and in no way is it reflective of the company or its values."
"Unlike most other sports leagues, we encourage our athletes to engage online. It is part of our company culture, and whenever you are at the forefront of a trend or initiative, it comes with its own pitfalls. We will continue to embrace social media while looking for better ways to stay in front of the issues. This includes a mandate for our athletes to attend sensitivity training and a seminar on proper use of social media."
Penick's Analysis: This could potentially be a very real problem for the UFC. Losing big-league sponsors over what they've tried to essentially sweep-aside in the past could cost them millions, and hurt their image further in areas where they continue to try to gain acceptance. A big issue on this front is that fighters likely feel they can get away with a lot more because White, as the president and outward face of the organization, doesn't have much of a filter when it comes to expressing his feelings on things. That example from the top trickles down, and though he's not slipped up on the level of his infamous rant against reporter Loretta Hunt in the last several years, the fact that the video and incident is widely known doesn't help him either. This is an issue that really does need to be addressed in-house; that may mean fines by the UFC are necessary much the same way that the other big-league sports treat these types of incidents. If they continue to let things slide without much more than a talking-to, they risk a regression in progress overall.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13132.shtml
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