Friday, September 25, 2009

Adrenaline 4 Results

Adrenaline 4 took place in Council Bluffs, Iowa in front of a raucus crowd. Several former UFC fighters desperately needed wins in this event and Tim Sylvia, Houston Alexander, Joe Vedepo and Forrest Petz got much needed wins. Look for the event to be replayed on HDNet.

Tim Sylvia def Jason Riley via TKO (strikes) R1, 2:32- Tim Sylvia weighed in at 287 pounds and looked every bit of it as he bullied Jason Riley. Sylvia threw down, landing most of his punches with power until a left hand sent Riley to the mat. Sylvia still needs to string together a few more wins before he gets another big fight.


Houston Alexander def Sherman Pendergarst via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:51- Houston Alexander found his way back into the win column with a victory over journeyman fighter Sherman "The Tank" Pendergarst. Alexander used devastating leg kicks that quickly took the fight out of the Tank. Some knees to the body left the Tank on the ground covering up.


Jeremy Lang def Matt Delanoit via split dec
Alonzo Martinez def Ryan Williams via unanimous dec
Joe Vedepo def Webster Farris via KO - R1, 0:14
Forrest Petz def Chad Reiner via TKO (strikes) R1, 2:28
Jimmy Seipel def Bob Tuttle via sub (RNC) - R1, 2:59
Jordan Johnson def Ryan Shell via unanimous dec
Dakota Cochran def Bill Holcumb via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:25
Todd Meneely def Cory McDonald via sub (Americana) R2, 1:38
John Hanson def Dean Bradley via TKO (strikes) R3, 1:19
Danny Black def Matt Bentley via sub(triangle) R2, 1:49
Marcos Marquez def Dustin Smith via sub (RNC) R2, 2:22

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Video of the Day - Chavez Jr. v. LeHoullier

Here is an entertaining boxing match from rising fighter Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. against Jason LeHoullier which took place on 9/12/09 at the El Palenque de la Feria, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.

TUF 10 - Episode 2 UK Again

TUF 10's second episode again focused on fighter training as opposed to in house antics which has been a blessing so far. While the fight this week wasn't the greatest, the training aspect was nice to see.

In the beginning of the episode, Kimbo Slice seems a little concerned about an approaching fight. The training depicts Tiki Ghosen and Rampage teaching Kimbo how to scramble out of takedowns and defend himself on the ground. Kimbo described himself as a sponge, willing to soak up knowledge.

Meanwhile on Team Rashad, Roy "Big Country" Nelson was protesting certain training techniques, telling coaches about his way to do things. After practice, the coaches had a heart to heart with Nelson, whom they described as a self made fighter. When they asked, "Do you want to get knocked out again by Arlovski" everything seemed to get put in perspective for the large fighter. Brendan Schaub described in his blog that after the conversation, Roy became a leader of their team.

The second fight was announced, as the massive Wes Shivers was taking on the smaller James McSweeney. McSweeney was mainly trained as a kickboxer, being on the K-1 level and having over a hundred pro kickboxing matches. McSweeney is trained out of the Greg Jackson gym with Rashad in New Mexico.

Shivers meanwhile was a pro football player before getting into MMA. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 7th round before going to the Atlanta Falcons. The former offensive lineman is absolutely massive at 6'7" who has to cut to the 265 pound weight limit.

The fight begins and McSweeney is content to throw stinging leg kicks as Shivers counters with punches. Unfortunately for Shivers he doesn't check many kicks and they accumulate. Soon into the first, he is able to get a trip takedown and nearly gets a kimura locked. However McSweeney is able to roll out and get the fight standing.

After a couple minutes of Shivers being tired, the second round starts. McSweeney again punishes Shivers with kicks and nearly gets a high kick to connect. Somehow, Shivers again gets a takedown and looks to get some ground and pound in. Both fighters are completely gassed at this point.

As the decision is read, McSweeney gets a majority decision, 19-19, 20-18, 20-18. I'm guessing the scores went to him mainly because of Shivers gassing out first. I scored the fight 19-19.
James McSweeney
(James McSweeney pictured)

After two bouts: TEAM RASHAD 2, TEAM RAMPAGE 0

2nd Round- Jon Madsen, James McSweeney

Next Match-up- Roy Nelson v. Kimbo Slice

Sunday, September 20, 2009

UFC 103 Review

UFC 103's preliminary card might have been loaded with slow decisions, but the Spike TV teaser matches and the PPV card was loaded with fireworks. Vitor Belfort, Junior Dos Santos and Josh Koscheck all pushed their way up the UFC contender ranks.

Vitor Belfort def Rich Franklin via TKO (strikes) R1, 3:02- Vitor Belfort looked fast and precise as he picked apart Rich Franklin for the TKO victory. Belfort landed what looked to be a glancing blow, but threw punch after punch as Franklin hit the canvas. With Franklin turtled up, the ref had to call the fight.

With the victory, Vitor Belfort has pushed his name directly to the top of the challengers to Anderson Silva. An ecstatic Belfort thanked Jesus before saying he missed the "UFC vibe" and that he would fight anyone Dana White and Joe Silva put in front of him.
*MMA Blaster readers choose Franklin incorrectly 20-25
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(Vitor Belfort pictured)

Junior Dos Santos def Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic via sub (verbal) R3, 2:00- Dos Santos pushed his name up the heavyweight ladder as he picked up a huge win against MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop. In the beginning of the fight, Dos Santos did his best work in the clinch utilizing his dirty boxing. After a big knee and a couple punches found their mark Cro Cop had no choice but to verbally submit.

Paul Daley def Martin Kampmann via TKO (punches) R1, 2:31- Daley rocked Kampmann early and often, blasting him with devastating hooks. After taking a nasty combination that had Kampmann stunned the ref called the fight. While Kampmann was still standing, the stoppage was justified as he couldn't defend himself.

Josh Koscheck def Frank Trigg via TKO (punches) R1, 1:25- Koscheck worked through Frank Trigg with ease in this fight, pushing him back in contention at 170 pounds. A big right handed landed flush, knocking Trigg to the canvas. Once he was there, Koscheck threw punches until the ref jumped in to save Trigg.

Tyson Griffin def Hermes Franca via KO (punches) R2, 3:26- Tyson Griffin looked like the stronger fighter, utilizing his strength and boxing to win this fight. In the second, a ruthless display of ground and pound by Tyson Griffin ended Franca's night.
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(Tyson Griffin pictured)

Efrain Escudero def Cole Miller via TKO (punches) R1, 3:36- After a feeling out process for the first two minutes, TUF 8 LW champ Efrain Escudero landed a big 1-2 punch combination sending Miller to the mat. Escudero put together more punches before the ref saved Miller from more punishment.

Tomasz Drwal def Drew McFedries via submission (RNC) R2, 1:03- In the first, both fighters were content throwing punches on standing. Near the end of the round, Drwal laid down some serious punishment on McFedries before attempting a submission. With McFedries looking a little dazed to start the second, Drwal landed a big left hand and followed McFedries to the ground before he got his back and locked in the fight ending rear naked choke.

Jim Miller def Steve Lopez via TKO (injury) R2, 0:48
Nick Lentz def Rafaello Oliveira via unanimous dec
Eliot Marshall def Jason Brilz via split dec
Vladimir Matyushenko def Igor Pokrajac via unanimous dec
Rafael Dos Anjos def Rob Emerson via unanimous dec
Rick Story def Brian Foster via submission (arm-triangle) R2, 1:09

*Story wins Submission of the Night bonus. Each fighter wins Fight of the Night bonus.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

TUF 10 - Big Boys Episode 1

TUF 10 got off to a bang with the bloodiest fight in the shows ten season history. The season is guaranteed to have a splattering of trash talk between the two coaches, Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson. With the addition of internet legend Kimbo Slice, goofy tall Wes Sims and the round mound of destruction Roy Nelson, the season will have plenty of laughs and drama.

From the get go, Rashad and Jackson begin ribbing each other before the fighters even arrive. Jackson begins by mocking Rashad in his KO loss to Lyoto Machida. Rashad counters describing Jackson's KO loss to Shogun Rua. Each fighter really does have contempt for one another.

When the fighters walk in, the appear to get bigger and bigger. With 15 fighters emerging, Rashad Evans notices two training partners in the mix, former arena player Brendan Schaub and stand-up UK fighter James McSweeney. Rampage doesn't know who most are, with the exception of former UFC fighter Wes Sims, who stands 6'10". Next, in walks Kimbo Slice, and Rampage immediately declares him his first pick.

Each coach gets a chance to evaluate fighters as the break into two groups. While Rashad is looking at technique and the ability to follow direction with master evaluator and coaching legend Greg Jackson, Rampage puts the fighters through sparring and grappling paces. In the end, it really looks like Rashad got the far better team. Here is the breakdown:

TEAM RASHAD - COMBINED RECORD (44-8)

James McSweeney (4-2) - Stand-up Fighter
Brendan Schaub (4-0) - Former AFL Player
Justin Wren (6-1) - Excellent grappler
John Madsen (1-0) - Excellent grappler
Roy Nelson (13-4) - Last IFL HW Champ
Darrill Schoonover (10-0) - XFC LHW Champ
Matt Matrione (0-0) - Former NFL Lineman
Mike Wessel (6-1) - UFC Vet

TEAM RAMPAGE - COMBINED RECORD (48-21)

Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (3-1) - Elite XC Star
Abe Wagner (6-2) - Wins in small shows
Demico Rogers (0-0) - Excellent amateur wrestler
Wes Sims (22-12) - Veteran fighter, UFC vet
Scott Junk (6-2) - Heavy hands, UFC vet
Wes Shivers (0-0) - Former NFL Lineman
Marcus Jones (4-1) - Former NFL Defensive End
Zak Jensen (7-3) - Former NIU wrestler/football player

After a brief training session, it was time for the first fight of the season. As Rashad got the first pick, Rampage was guaranteed the first two fight picks. In his first pick, Rampage chose his number 2 pick Abe Wagner, a mechanical engineer, against Jon Madsen, a former wrestler getting his MMA career going.

Before the fight started, Abe Wagner asked if Madsen wanted to touch gloves, Madsen didn't really respond. At the bell, Madsen began his takedown and ground and pound parade, as he used the double leg takedown to perfection. Unfortunately for Abe Wagner, he didn't know how to defend a takedown and paid the price.

Madsen unleashed elbows and punches, at times looking a little tired. It was his first fight, so it would be understandable that he had an adrenaline dump. Midway through the first, an elbow struck Wagner above the eye, opening a big cut. The punishment continued as blood flowed from Wagners head. The bell rung, and UFC cutman "Stitch" Duran remarkably patched him up.

At the start of the second, Madsen again went for the takedown executing yet another perfect double leg. This time as Wagner went to try to touch gloves. Soon after the cut was re-opened. Two stand-ups occurred, but Madsen executed perfect double legs again and again.

Near the end of the fight, blood was everywhere. The unanimous decision went to Jon Madsen. The last scene showed the cut, one of the biggest in UFC history. The medic was worried of a potentially fractured skull.
Jon Madsen
(Jon Madsen pictured)

Lesson one - if you can't wrestle and defend takedowns you will not be good at MMA. After 1 fight - TEAM RASHAD 1, TEAM RAMPAGE 0

UFN 19 - Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City was ready and rocking for the return of the UFC for the first time since the epic UFC 4 tournament rolled into town in December of 1994. That tournament had an epic finish with Royce Gracie narrowly defeating Dan Severn after taking a beating for 15 minutes. This Ultimate Fight night featured three epic fights before the main event.

Nate Diaz def Melvin Guillard via sub (guillotine) R2, 2:13- In the main event, Nate Diaz was able to get back on track with a submission victory over the uber athletic Melvin Guillard. In the first round, Guillard went on the offensive, tagging Diaz in the eye knocking him to the canvas. When he got up, blood streamed from Diaz' eye.

However, in the second round, Guillard got a little too comfortable and found himself stuck in a modified guillotine. Soon after Guillard was tapping.
*Diaz wins Submission of the Night.

Gray Maynard def Roger Huerta via split dec- Huerta looked to utilize his advantage in kickboxing to keep Maynard at bay from long distance. Maynard consistently tried to close the distance and tag Huerta with a big punch.

In the third round, Maynard finally got the fight to the mat and locked in a kimura. It seemed as if Huerta's shoulder was going to be ripped off, but somehow he managed to roll out of it. Huerta's heart will never be questioned. I scored the fight 29-28 Maynard, the judges scored it 30-27 twice for Maynard, once 29-28 Huerta.

Carlos Condit def Jake Ellenberger via split dec- Ellenberger didn't get the memo that he was supposed to be a big time underdog. In the first round he worked over Condit with big punches, causing Condit to go into the fetal position on numerous occasions. The ref did a good job letting the action go.

In the second and third rounds, Condit seemed to get better positions on the ground, get mount, and almost get submissions. But, Ellenberger always seemed to escape. I scored the fight a 28-28 draw, while the judges scored it 29-28 twice for Condit, once 29-28 Ellenberger.

Nate Quarry def Tim Credeur via unanimous dec- This fight was an all-out battle and definitely a contender for fight of the year. In the first round, Credeur looked to be landing more effective combinations, kicks and jabs. Near the end of the round, Credeur send Quarry to the canvas and followed him to the ground, nearly getting a fight ending rear naked choke.

In the second and third, Quarry was able to land big right hands, knocking Credeur to the canvas. From there, Quarry unleashed some good ground and pound, with Creduer countering with submission attempts and striking from his back. The crowd was screaming throughout, as both fighters threw punches back and forth.
*Quarry and Credeur win Fight of the Night Bonus.
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(Nate Quarry pictured)

UNDERCARD

Brian Stann def Steve Cantwell via unanimous dec
Mike Pyle def Chris Wilson via sub (guillotine) R3, 2:15
C.B. Dollaway def Jay Silva via unanimous dec
Mike Pierce def Brock Larson via unanimous dec
Ryan Jensen def Steve Steinbeiss via sub (guillotine) R1, 3:56
Jeremy Stephens def Justin Buchholz via TKO (Cut) R1, 3:23

*Stephens wins KO of the Night

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Video of the Day - Gracie v. Fujii

Here is Kyra Gracie against Megumi Fujii at the ADCC 2005 womens 60 KG division. Gracie is a 2X ADCC Champion, 5X Pan Am BJJ Champ and 3X World BJJ World Champ. Megumi Fujii holds an 18-0 MMA record and is generally regarded as the pound for pound best female mixed martial artist.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Video of the Day - dos Anjos v. Hirayama

Here is Rafeal dos Anjos v. Takaichi Hirayama from Pancrase - Shining 5 which took place on 6/1/08. Dos Anjos fights next at UFC 103.

Friday, September 4, 2009

TUF 10 Cast Confirmed!


Meet The Heavyweights

With confirmation that Kimbo Slice will be a contestant in TUF 10, you can bet it will be the most hyped season of the Ultimate Fighter. Kimbo will garner the attention of the casual fan, creating a massive buzz. You can bet he will be featured in the Spike TV ads for the show. Recently, the UFC has confirmed the cast members listed below.

The coaches are also big names in former UFC champs Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson. Each has personality and flair which you can bet will be shown during the season. Rashad was the winner of the previous HW TUF tournament in season 2. Rampage was coach of TUF 7.

Season 10 was slated to begin taping on June 1st, with 16 heavyweights competing for the title. This year, there will be no fight to make it in the house and feature only the big boys. In addition, there are rumors that three ex-NFL players tried out for the show.

Here are some of the contestants:

Kimbo Slice (3-1)- Wins over Tank Abbott and James Thompson
Mike Wessel (6-1)- Win over Pat Castillo (7-3), loss in UFC
Scott Junk (6-2)- Win over Jimmy Ambriz (13-11), loss in UFC
Darrell Schoonover (9-0)- Win over Rex Richards @ Shark Fights
Justin Wren (8-1) - Accomplished wrestler
Abe Wagner (6-2 )- Decicion win over Sherman Pendergarst

Zak Jensen (7-3)- Former NIU football player and wrestler
Wes Sims (22-12, 0-3 UFC)- Wins over Kimo Leopoldo and Marcus Silveira, 6'10"
Roy Nelson (13-4)- IFL HW Champ, wins over Brad Imes, Fabiano Scherner and Antoine Jaoude
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(Roy Nelson pictured)

NFL Players on TUF 10:

Tampa Bay Bucaneer - Marcus Jones (4-2) 6'6" defensive tackle
Atlanta Falcons- Wes Shivers (0-1 or 6-1)- massive guy 6'7"
New York Giants- Matt Miotrone (0-0) 6'4" defensive lineman
Brendan Schaub (4-0)- almost made Buffalo Bills, Arena League player

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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Video of the Day - Nickels v. Vuckovic

Here is TUF 3 fighter Mike Nickels against Vladimir Vuckovic at Ring of Fire 32 which took place on 6/13/08.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Video of the Day - Kerr v. Lawal

Here is Mark Kerr v. Mo Lawal from M-1 Breakthrough which took place in Kansas City on 8/29/09.



Here are the full M-1 Breakthrough results:

Mollie Ahlers-Estes def Andria Caplan via TKO (Doctor Stop) R1, 3:00
Rudy Bears def Brendan Seguin via TKO (Punches) R2, 1:01
Sean Wilson def Josh Arocho via KO (Punches) R1, 3:05
John Eric Marriott def Tim Bazer via Dec (Unanimous)
Alexey Oleinik draws against Rogent Lloret
Daisuke Nakamura def Ferrid Kheder via Dec (Unanimous)
Michal Kita def Lloyd Marshbanks via Sub (Punches) R1, 1:50
Jessie Gibbs def Rob Broughton via Dec (Unanimous)
Lucio Linhares def Mikhail Zayats via Sub (RNC) R1, 1:00
Karl Amoussou def John Doyle via Sub (RNC) R1, 3:15
Muhammed Lawal def Mark Kerr via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:25

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

UFN 19 - Diaz v. Guillard Preview

UFN 19 will come to us live on Spike TV right before the debut of TUF 10 - Heavyweights. The event will take place in the Cox Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The main event will pit TUF 5 Champ Nate Diaz against TUF 2's Melvin Guillard.

Nate Diaz (10-4) is known for his dynamic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills and ever improving boxing. He is coming off two disappointing and kind of lazy decision losses to Clay Guida and Joe Stevenson. Prior to that, Diaz had unleashed five straight wins which included 4 submissions and a decision over Josh Neer.
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(Nate Diaz pictured)

Melvin Guillard (22-7) has shown flashes of being an extremely talented athlete in KO victories over Denis Silver, Gabe Ruediger and Rick Davis. However, he is also prone to trash talking and coming out on the wrong end of a submission. Guillard will try to sprawl and brawl his way to his third straight victory.
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(Melvin Guillard pictured)

Here is what the fight card looks like:

Nate Diaz vs. Melvin Guillard
Roger Huerta vs. Gray Maynard
Carlos Condit vs. Jake Ellenberger
Tim Credeur vs. Nate Quarry
Steve Cantwell vs. Brian Stann
Mike Pyle vs. Chris Wilson
C.B. Dollaway vs. Jay Silva
Phillipe Nover vs. Sam Stout
Justin Buchholz vs. Jeremy Stephens
Brock Larson vs. Mike Pierce
Ryan Jensen vs. Steven Steinbeiss

Video of the Day - Al-Hassan v. Stock

Here is Razak "Razor" Al-Hassan v. Andy Stock from what I believe is RFN 2 which took place on 2/10/07. Al-Hassan next fights at UFC 104 against Kyle Kingsbury.

Video of the Day - Too Small

Here is a highlight video of the lightweight division created by Bestrafer7.