Here is Maurice Smith fighting Jorge Cordoba at RFA 2 which took place on 3/30/12 in Kearney, Nebraska.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Video of the Day - Alexander v. Yvel
Here is Houston Alexander fighting Gilbert Yvel at RFA 2 which took place on 3/30/12 in Kearney, Nebraska.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Video of the Day - Lima v. Martin
Here is Douglas Lima fighting Terry Martin at MFC 29 - "Conquer" which took place on 4/8/11 in Windsor, Canada. Lima, who captured the season 6 WW Belator Tourney title, will next fight champ Ben Askren at Bellator 64 on April 6, 2012.
Lima, a rising star in MMA, was interviewed by MMA Blaster back in July of 2008. You can view that interview here.
Lima, a rising star in MMA, was interviewed by MMA Blaster back in July of 2008. You can view that interview here.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Video of the Day - Monson v. Kharitonov
Here is Sergei Kharitonov fighting Jeff Monson at Dream 8 which took place on 4/5/09 at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Japan.
Monson will fight Alexey Oleinik this weekend in M-1 Global.
Monson will fight Alexey Oleinik this weekend in M-1 Global.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Bellator Season 6 Status
Bellator Season 6 kicked off on March 9th at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. The star studded show featured Pat Curran taking the featherweight title from Joe Warren with an epic KO victory.
Tournaments are being held in the 185, 170, 155, 145 and 135 pound men's divisions this season. Each division will also hold title fights for previous tournament winners, except in the 155 pound division, which saw Michael Chandler defeat Eddie Alvarez in an epic battle at Bellator 58.
Middleweight (185)
The middleweight division will find defending champion Hector Lombard (31-2-1) fighting season five champ Alexander Shlemenko (44-7) in a rematch of their Bellator 34 match-up. Lombard, a judo blackbelt, and powerful striker, is on a 24 fight win streak. Shlemenko is a dynamic kickboxer who won the Bellator season 2 and 5 tournaments.
(Pic from Lombard v. Shlemenko I)
Season 6 MW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 61 on March 16:
Brian Rogers (8-3) v Vitor Vianna (12-2-1)
Giva Santana (17-1) v Bruno Santos (12-0)
Victor O'Donnell (11-3) v Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (15-1)
Maiquel Falcão (28-4 1NC) v Norman Paraisy (10-1-1)
Welterweight (170)
The welterweight division will see champion Ben Askren (9-0) fighting season 5 tournament champ Douglas Lima (20-4) at Bellator 64. Askren, an NCAA champion and Olympic level wrestler, narrowly defeated Jay Hieron at Bellator 56 to defend his title which he captured with a win over Lyman Good. Lima won season 5's tournament with a decision over Steve Karl before brutally KO'ing Chris Lozano and UFC veteran Ben Saunders.
(Askren v. Ryan Thomas)
Season 6 WW Final Four:
Karl Amoussou (14-4-2)- Defeats Chris Lozano via RNC.
Ben Saunders (13-4-2)- Defeats Raul Amaya via unanimous decision.
David Rickels (9-0)- Brutally KO's Jordan Smith to advance.
Bryan Baker (17-3)- Defeats Carlos Pereira via decision.
Lightweight (155)
Michael Chandler (9-0), defeated Eddie Alvarez via fourth round rear naked choke at Bellator 58, will likely get a non-title fight during the Season 6. Chandler won the Season 4 lightweight tournament, defeating Marcin Held, Lloyd Woodard and Patricky Freire. Chandler was an All-American at Missouri before making his transition to MMA.
(Michael Chandler v. Eddie Alvarez pictured)
Season 6 LW Quarter-Finals Final Four:
Lloyd Woodard (11-1)- defeats Patricky Friere via kimura.
Rick Hawn (12-1)- defeats Ricardo Tirloni via KO.
Brent Weedman (18-7-1)- defeats JJ Ambrose via submission.
Thiago Michel (9-2)- defeats Rene Nazere via split decision.
Featherweight (145)
The featherweight division will see two title fights this season barring injury due to Joe Warren (7-2) attempting a run at the Season 5 bantamweight tournament. Warren, the season 2 champion, will fight Pat Curran (16-4) at Bellator 60. Curran won the summer series 145 pound championship, where he defeated Marlon Sandro, Ronnie Mann and Luis Palomino.
(Joe Warren v. Pat Curran Bellator promo pic)
Pat Curran (17-4) will next fight Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire (17-1), who won the season 4 featherweight championship. Friere, a BJJ blackbelt and powerful Muay Thai striker, won season 4 by defeating Georgi Karakhanyan, Wilson Reis and Daniel Straus.
The first round of the featherweight tournament saw Marlon Sandro defeat Roberto Vargas via first round rear naked choke in a dominant performance standing. Alexandre Bezerra took a cautious approach at first before catching Kenny Foster in a second round rear naked choke as time was running out.
Mike Corey imposed his will on the favorite, Ronnie Mann, scoring takedowns and ground and pound to win via unanimous decision. Daniel Strauss used a similar gameplan, utilizing a quick power double to win via unanimous decision.
The Season 6 FW Final Four match-ups have been announced:
Marlon Sandro (21-3) v Alexandre Bezerra (13-1)
Mike Corey (12-2) v. Daniel Straus (18-4)
Bantamweight (135)
Season 3 champion Zach Makovsky (14-2) will fight Season 5 champion Eduardo Dantas (13-2) for the bantamweight title. Makovsky has fought in two non-title fights since his season 3 championship, defeating Chad Robichaux via TKO and Ryan Roberts via submission. Dantas captured the season 5 title by defeating Wilson Reis, Ed West and Alexis Vila.
(Makovsky v. Robichaux pictured)
Quarter-Finals Participants, likely to begin at BFC 64:
Marcos Galvao (10-5-1)
Hiroshi Nakamura (14-5-4)
Masakatsu Ueda (14-1-2)
Alexis Vila (11-1)
Luis Nogueira (12-2)
Rodrigo Lima (9-0)
Ed West (17-6)
Travis Marx (18-3)
Tournaments are being held in the 185, 170, 155, 145 and 135 pound men's divisions this season. Each division will also hold title fights for previous tournament winners, except in the 155 pound division, which saw Michael Chandler defeat Eddie Alvarez in an epic battle at Bellator 58.
Middleweight (185)
The middleweight division will find defending champion Hector Lombard (31-2-1) fighting season five champ Alexander Shlemenko (44-7) in a rematch of their Bellator 34 match-up. Lombard, a judo blackbelt, and powerful striker, is on a 24 fight win streak. Shlemenko is a dynamic kickboxer who won the Bellator season 2 and 5 tournaments.
(Pic from Lombard v. Shlemenko I)
Season 6 MW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 61 on March 16:
Brian Rogers (8-3) v Vitor Vianna (12-2-1)
Giva Santana (17-1) v Bruno Santos (12-0)
Victor O'Donnell (11-3) v Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (15-1)
Maiquel Falcão (28-4 1NC) v Norman Paraisy (10-1-1)
Welterweight (170)
The welterweight division will see champion Ben Askren (9-0) fighting season 5 tournament champ Douglas Lima (20-4) at Bellator 64. Askren, an NCAA champion and Olympic level wrestler, narrowly defeated Jay Hieron at Bellator 56 to defend his title which he captured with a win over Lyman Good. Lima won season 5's tournament with a decision over Steve Karl before brutally KO'ing Chris Lozano and UFC veteran Ben Saunders.
(Askren v. Ryan Thomas)
Season 6 WW Final Four:
Karl Amoussou (14-4-2)- Defeats Chris Lozano via RNC.
Ben Saunders (13-4-2)- Defeats Raul Amaya via unanimous decision.
David Rickels (9-0)- Brutally KO's Jordan Smith to advance.
Bryan Baker (17-3)- Defeats Carlos Pereira via decision.
Lightweight (155)
Michael Chandler (9-0), defeated Eddie Alvarez via fourth round rear naked choke at Bellator 58, will likely get a non-title fight during the Season 6. Chandler won the Season 4 lightweight tournament, defeating Marcin Held, Lloyd Woodard and Patricky Freire. Chandler was an All-American at Missouri before making his transition to MMA.
(Michael Chandler v. Eddie Alvarez pictured)
Season 6 LW Quarter-Finals Final Four:
Lloyd Woodard (11-1)- defeats Patricky Friere via kimura.
Rick Hawn (12-1)- defeats Ricardo Tirloni via KO.
Brent Weedman (18-7-1)- defeats JJ Ambrose via submission.
Thiago Michel (9-2)- defeats Rene Nazere via split decision.
Featherweight (145)
The featherweight division will see two title fights this season barring injury due to Joe Warren (7-2) attempting a run at the Season 5 bantamweight tournament. Warren, the season 2 champion, will fight Pat Curran (16-4) at Bellator 60. Curran won the summer series 145 pound championship, where he defeated Marlon Sandro, Ronnie Mann and Luis Palomino.
(Joe Warren v. Pat Curran Bellator promo pic)
Pat Curran (17-4) will next fight Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire (17-1), who won the season 4 featherweight championship. Friere, a BJJ blackbelt and powerful Muay Thai striker, won season 4 by defeating Georgi Karakhanyan, Wilson Reis and Daniel Straus.
The first round of the featherweight tournament saw Marlon Sandro defeat Roberto Vargas via first round rear naked choke in a dominant performance standing. Alexandre Bezerra took a cautious approach at first before catching Kenny Foster in a second round rear naked choke as time was running out.
Mike Corey imposed his will on the favorite, Ronnie Mann, scoring takedowns and ground and pound to win via unanimous decision. Daniel Strauss used a similar gameplan, utilizing a quick power double to win via unanimous decision.
The Season 6 FW Final Four match-ups have been announced:
Marlon Sandro (21-3) v Alexandre Bezerra (13-1)
Mike Corey (12-2) v. Daniel Straus (18-4)
Bantamweight (135)
Season 3 champion Zach Makovsky (14-2) will fight Season 5 champion Eduardo Dantas (13-2) for the bantamweight title. Makovsky has fought in two non-title fights since his season 3 championship, defeating Chad Robichaux via TKO and Ryan Roberts via submission. Dantas captured the season 5 title by defeating Wilson Reis, Ed West and Alexis Vila.
(Makovsky v. Robichaux pictured)
Quarter-Finals Participants, likely to begin at BFC 64:
Marcos Galvao (10-5-1)
Hiroshi Nakamura (14-5-4)
Masakatsu Ueda (14-1-2)
Alexis Vila (11-1)
Luis Nogueira (12-2)
Rodrigo Lima (9-0)
Ed West (17-6)
Travis Marx (18-3)
Video of the Day - Sapp v. Thompson
Here is Bob Sapp fighting James Thompson at SFL 1 which took place 3/11/12 in Mubai, India. As you can see, this is not a pretty fight. I posted it because of numerous requests of people wanting to know what happened.
I honestly don't know how Sapp reversed Thompson from the bottom. I don't know how Sapp's knee then got hurt. I have seen knee injuries occur in practice, and it really doesn't take much. Ugly fight to say the least.
I honestly don't know how Sapp reversed Thompson from the bottom. I don't know how Sapp's knee then got hurt. I have seen knee injuries occur in practice, and it really doesn't take much. Ugly fight to say the least.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
TUF LIVE - Cast List
How do you get 16 fights into a 2 and a half hour time slot and still have room for a boatload of commercials? Easy, just make the fights 5 minutes long in total.
In regards to the production value, I liked that they kept the rawness with no commentators during the fights just hearing from the coaches and Dana White. Dominick Cruz rarely spoke during the fights, only answering questions when asked. Urijah Faber basically gave away all his research and inside information on all the fighters.
Here is the cast list:
Justin Lawrence (3-0)- Fighting out of Missouri, "The American Kid" began his career with a decision over Max Martyniouk in Strikeforce Challengers in 2010. Notched a KO and submission to round out 2011. Lawrence trains out of Team Blackhouse using a karate based stand-up attack and solid speed. Lawrence took out WEC vet James Krause (15-4), landing kicks and punches before hitting a questionable knee then finishing the fight.
Vinc Pichel (7-0)- All of Pichel's 7 wins have been via TKO/KO, with his biggest victory over Dream veteran David Gardner. Pinchel got taken down in his opening fight and showed good grappling against Cody Pfister (6-3), getting a rear naked choke win in a back and forth fight.
Sam Sicilia (10-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants, Sicilia has 5 KO wins and 4 submissions, mainly fighting .500 fighters. Sam crushed Erin Beach (3-1) with an overhand right in just 8 seconds to earn is place on the cast.
Michael Chiesa (7-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants in Washington, Chiesa has 5 submission wins on his record. Hasn't fought the best competition, with his biggest win over Darcy James (then 4-3). Chiesa out grappled, threw decent ground and pound, and eventually choked out Johnavan Vistante (3-1) with a rear naked choke.
Cristiano Marcello (12-3)- The lone Brazilian in the field, Marcello is a black belt under Royler Gracie having also trained under Rickson Gracie. Marcello has 9 submissions in his career, including over TUF 8's David Kaplan. Marcello didn't show the most fluid stand-up, but transitioned quick to mount over a takedown, threw plenty of punches, then locked in the fight ending rear naked choke on Jeff Carlsten (3-0).
Myles Jury (9-0)- Jury was a contestant on TUF 13, however tore his ACL during a practice. The 5'10" King of the Cage fighter has fought exclusively at 170. Jury defeated Akbarh Arreola (19-6) using 3 takedowns and a solid ground game to stifle him.
Mike Rio (8-1)- The Wolverine's only loss was to TUF 8 champion, Efrain Escudero. Has quality wins over Zach Juusola (then 8-1) and Mike Bruno (10-4). Rio choked out Ali MacLean (9-5) in an exciting bout, with Rio eating a couple punches showing good boxing and excellent grappling.
Daron Cruickshank (10-2)- Fighting out of the MASH team in Michigan, Cruickshank is on a 4 fight win streak, including a decision over GSP training partner Mike Ricci and Brad Cardinal. Cruickshank, who holds a TKD black belt, used an impressive stand-up display with great kicks, combined with power wrestling to win a decision over Drew Dober (7-3).
Joe Proctor (7-1)- Fighting out of Massachusetts, Proctor is on a three fight win streak which includes victories over Matt Bessette (then 7-2) and Oz Pariser (then 4-0). Proctor finished a tournament favorite Jordan Rinaldi with a guillotine choke submission. Proctor looked decent standing, and got the choke off a scramble.
John Cofer (7-1)- Fighting out of Rory Singer's Hardcore Gym, Cofer last defeated Marius Cujba (then 7-0). Cofer used control and superior wrestling to win a unanimous decision over Britain's Mark Glover (6-1).
James Vick (4-0)- Fighting out of Texas, Vick has only been a professional for 8 months. Has only fought relatively inexperienced fighters. Vick won an extremely boring split decision over Dakota Cochrane (9-2), probably because he was able to defend takedowns and had two very loose d'arce attempts. Vick is a tall fighter that normally would be able to utilize his reach in a stand-up fight.
Jeremy Larsen (8-2)- Arizona based fighter is a veteran of the Rage in the Cage promotion. Biggest win over Victor Meza (10-3). Larsen won a unanimous decision over Jeff Smith (9-1), surviving a knee bar, and doing more damage.
Chris Tickle (7-4) - Fighting out of Illinois, Tickle defeated longtime MMA veteran Brian Geraghty and UFC veteran Steve Berger in his last two bouts. Has a 5 fight win streak. Ticle and Austin Lyons (9-1) traded bombs standing, each eating a couple before Tickle dropped Lyons just 24 seconds into the round.
Al Iaquinta (5-1) - New York based fighter who has fought exclusively in the Ring of Combat organization. Lost via submission to UFC vet Pat Audinwood in last bout. 3 KO/TKO wins. Ianquita defeated John Tuck (6-0) via decision despite getting put in some precarious positions and escaping an arm bar. Tuck badly broke a toe in the bout which slowed him down in the final two minutes of the bout.
Chris Saunders (9-2)- Fighting out of California, Saunders lost a decision to Chris Horodecki in Bellator in his last bout. Prior to that fight, Saunders notched his biggest win with a KO over Cleber Luciano. Saunders narrowly defeated Dustin Hackett (4-1) in his opening match, latching onto two guillotine chokes, but failing to finish Hackett.
Andy Ogle (8-1)- Fighting out of Tynemouth, England, Ogle currently has a seven fight win streak. Defeated Shay Walsh (then 6-0) via decision in his last bout. Ogle fought Brenden Waefer (6-3) and won via unanimous decision, despite being stuck in a triangle for most of the 5 minutes.
In regards to the production value, I liked that they kept the rawness with no commentators during the fights just hearing from the coaches and Dana White. Dominick Cruz rarely spoke during the fights, only answering questions when asked. Urijah Faber basically gave away all his research and inside information on all the fighters.
Here is the cast list:
Justin Lawrence (3-0)- Fighting out of Missouri, "The American Kid" began his career with a decision over Max Martyniouk in Strikeforce Challengers in 2010. Notched a KO and submission to round out 2011. Lawrence trains out of Team Blackhouse using a karate based stand-up attack and solid speed. Lawrence took out WEC vet James Krause (15-4), landing kicks and punches before hitting a questionable knee then finishing the fight.
Vinc Pichel (7-0)- All of Pichel's 7 wins have been via TKO/KO, with his biggest victory over Dream veteran David Gardner. Pinchel got taken down in his opening fight and showed good grappling against Cody Pfister (6-3), getting a rear naked choke win in a back and forth fight.
Sam Sicilia (10-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants, Sicilia has 5 KO wins and 4 submissions, mainly fighting .500 fighters. Sam crushed Erin Beach (3-1) with an overhand right in just 8 seconds to earn is place on the cast.
Michael Chiesa (7-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants in Washington, Chiesa has 5 submission wins on his record. Hasn't fought the best competition, with his biggest win over Darcy James (then 4-3). Chiesa out grappled, threw decent ground and pound, and eventually choked out Johnavan Vistante (3-1) with a rear naked choke.
Cristiano Marcello (12-3)- The lone Brazilian in the field, Marcello is a black belt under Royler Gracie having also trained under Rickson Gracie. Marcello has 9 submissions in his career, including over TUF 8's David Kaplan. Marcello didn't show the most fluid stand-up, but transitioned quick to mount over a takedown, threw plenty of punches, then locked in the fight ending rear naked choke on Jeff Carlsten (3-0).
Myles Jury (9-0)- Jury was a contestant on TUF 13, however tore his ACL during a practice. The 5'10" King of the Cage fighter has fought exclusively at 170. Jury defeated Akbarh Arreola (19-6) using 3 takedowns and a solid ground game to stifle him.
Mike Rio (8-1)- The Wolverine's only loss was to TUF 8 champion, Efrain Escudero. Has quality wins over Zach Juusola (then 8-1) and Mike Bruno (10-4). Rio choked out Ali MacLean (9-5) in an exciting bout, with Rio eating a couple punches showing good boxing and excellent grappling.
Daron Cruickshank (10-2)- Fighting out of the MASH team in Michigan, Cruickshank is on a 4 fight win streak, including a decision over GSP training partner Mike Ricci and Brad Cardinal. Cruickshank, who holds a TKD black belt, used an impressive stand-up display with great kicks, combined with power wrestling to win a decision over Drew Dober (7-3).
Joe Proctor (7-1)- Fighting out of Massachusetts, Proctor is on a three fight win streak which includes victories over Matt Bessette (then 7-2) and Oz Pariser (then 4-0). Proctor finished a tournament favorite Jordan Rinaldi with a guillotine choke submission. Proctor looked decent standing, and got the choke off a scramble.
John Cofer (7-1)- Fighting out of Rory Singer's Hardcore Gym, Cofer last defeated Marius Cujba (then 7-0). Cofer used control and superior wrestling to win a unanimous decision over Britain's Mark Glover (6-1).
James Vick (4-0)- Fighting out of Texas, Vick has only been a professional for 8 months. Has only fought relatively inexperienced fighters. Vick won an extremely boring split decision over Dakota Cochrane (9-2), probably because he was able to defend takedowns and had two very loose d'arce attempts. Vick is a tall fighter that normally would be able to utilize his reach in a stand-up fight.
Jeremy Larsen (8-2)- Arizona based fighter is a veteran of the Rage in the Cage promotion. Biggest win over Victor Meza (10-3). Larsen won a unanimous decision over Jeff Smith (9-1), surviving a knee bar, and doing more damage.
Chris Tickle (7-4) - Fighting out of Illinois, Tickle defeated longtime MMA veteran Brian Geraghty and UFC veteran Steve Berger in his last two bouts. Has a 5 fight win streak. Ticle and Austin Lyons (9-1) traded bombs standing, each eating a couple before Tickle dropped Lyons just 24 seconds into the round.
Al Iaquinta (5-1) - New York based fighter who has fought exclusively in the Ring of Combat organization. Lost via submission to UFC vet Pat Audinwood in last bout. 3 KO/TKO wins. Ianquita defeated John Tuck (6-0) via decision despite getting put in some precarious positions and escaping an arm bar. Tuck badly broke a toe in the bout which slowed him down in the final two minutes of the bout.
Chris Saunders (9-2)- Fighting out of California, Saunders lost a decision to Chris Horodecki in Bellator in his last bout. Prior to that fight, Saunders notched his biggest win with a KO over Cleber Luciano. Saunders narrowly defeated Dustin Hackett (4-1) in his opening match, latching onto two guillotine chokes, but failing to finish Hackett.
Andy Ogle (8-1)- Fighting out of Tynemouth, England, Ogle currently has a seven fight win streak. Defeated Shay Walsh (then 6-0) via decision in his last bout. Ogle fought Brenden Waefer (6-3) and won via unanimous decision, despite being stuck in a triangle for most of the 5 minutes.
Video of the Day - Curran v. Warren HL
Here is the ending of the Pat Curran title victory over Joe Warren which took place at Bellator 60 on 3/9/12 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Video of the Day - Rinaldi v. Bermudez
Here is TUF 15 hopeful Jordan Rinaldi fighting TUF 14 runner-up Dennis Bermudez at PFC 4 which took place on 11/20/10 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Rinaldi will fight on March 9th to try to earn a spot in the TUF 15 house.
Rinaldi will fight on March 9th to try to earn a spot in the TUF 15 house.
TUF 15 Preview
On March 9th, season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter will kick off on its new home, FX, at its new time, 9PM. The coaches, who will battle for the bantamweight title at UFC 148, are Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. The cast will feature 32 lightweights.
(Dominick Cruz throwing a kick)
The fights will occur over 13 weeks, with each fight shown live. How this will impact the editing of the show is up in the air, as it is unknown exactly what will fill in time if there is a sub 30 second KO. Hopefully, there isn't a Jay Glazer interview to kill time.
(Urijah Faber with the FW belt)
The debut episode will be two and a half hours of live fights. The cast does have serious talent, with 9 undefeated fighters and several interesting veterans.
Here is the cast list:
Jon Tuck (6-0)- Fighting out of Guam, an island in the Pacific, Tuck is the only fighter to defeat Eduard Folayang (11-1). Has a purple belt in BJJ, with 3 TKO's and 3 submission wins.
Jordan Rinaldi (5-0)- Fighting out of North Carolina, Rinaldi notched his biggest win in a rear naked choke submission of TUF 14 runner-up Dennis Bermudez. Has four submission wins.
James Krause (15-4)- WEC/Shark Fights/Bellator veteran has victories over TUF runner-up Michael Johnson (10-6), Sean Wilson (30-17) and Ran Weathers (15-10).
Cristiano Marcello (12-3)- The lone Brazilian in the field, Marcello is a black belt under Royler Gracie having also trained under Rickson Gracie. Marcello has 9 submissions in his career, including over TUF 8's David Kaplan.
Akbarh Arreola (19-6) - California based fighter who has fought at 170 and 155, primarily in Mexico. Coming off a loss to Ronys Torres. Biggest wins over UFC vet Gabe Ruediger and Dream/M-1 vet David Gardner.
Dakota Cochrane (11-2)- Cochrane is a veteran of the Midwest MMA circuit, having notched his biggest win against former WEC champ Jamie Varner in the Titan Fighting Championship. Has beat other veterans Rod Montoya and Marcus LeVesseur (21-5).
Daron Cruickshank (10-2)- Fighting out of the MASH team in Michigan, Cruickshank is on a 4 fight win streak, including a decision over GSP training partner Mike Ricci and Brad Cardinal.
Chris Saunders (9-2)- Fighting out of California, Saunders lost a decision to Chris Horodecki in Bellator in his last bout. Prior to that fight, Saunders notched his biggest win with a KO over Cleber Luciano.
Myles Jury (9-0)- Jury was a contestant on TUF 13, however tore his ACL during a practice. The 5'10" King of the Cage fighter has fought exclusively at 170.
Sam Sicilia (10-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants, Sicilia has 5 KO wins and 4 submissions, mainly fighting .500 fighters.
Vinc Pichel (7-0)- All of Pichel's 7 wins have been via TKO/KO, with his biggest victory over Dream veteran David Gardner.
Michael Chiesa (7-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants in Washington, Chiesa has 5 submission wins on his record. Hasn't fought the best competition, with his biggest win over Darcy James (then 4-3).
Jared Carlsten (3-0)- The 6'1" Carlsten fights out of Los Angeles, with all three triangle victories. A brown belt at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Carlsten's opponents have a combined record of 3-15.
James Vick (4-0)- Fighting out of Texas, Vick has only been a professional for 8 months. Has only fought relatively inexperienced fighters.
Justin Lawrence (3-0)- Fighting out of Missouri, "The American Kid" began his career with a decision over Max Martyniouk in Strikeforce Challengers in 2010. Notched a KO and submission to round out 2011.
Ali Maclean (9-5) - Fighting out of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Maclean has a five fight win streak. The "Insane One" has 7 submission wins and won a four man tournament in the Sprawl n Brawl: Revelation promotion. His biggest win was over TUF 9's Tommy Maguire (11-4).
Andy Ogle (8-1)- Fighting out of Tynemouth, England, Ogle currently has a seven fight win streak. Defeated Shay Walsh (then 6-0) via decision in his last bout.
Jeff Smith (9-1)- A former training partner of TUF 13 runner-up Dennis Bermudez, Smith has rattled off 9 straight wins since losing his debut.
Joe Proctor (7-1)- Fighting out of Massachusetts, Proctor is on a three fight win streak which includes victories over Matt Bessette (then 7-2) and Oz Pariser (then 4-0).
John Cofer (7-1)- Fighting out of Rory Singer's Hardcore Gym, Cofer last defeated Marius Cujba (then 7-0).
Mike Rio (8-1)- The Wolverine's only loss was to TUF 8 champion, Efrain Escudero. Has quality wins over Zach Juusola (then 8-1) and Mike Bruno (10-4).
Mark Glover (6-1)- The British fighter has a submission win over TUF 12's Aaron Wilkinson, with 5 total submissions on his record.
Jeremy Larsen (8-2)- Arizona based fighter is a veteran of the Rage in the Cage promotion. Biggest win over Victor Meza (10-3).
Chase Hackett (4-1)- The 6'1" Hackett fights out of Colorado with 3 rear naked choke wins on his resume. He won a decision over TUF 15 castmate Drew Dober.
Austin Lyons (9-1) - Fighting out of Tennessee, Lyons is on a 9 fight win streak, which includes 7 submissions. Defeated Jimmy Van Horn via arm bar at Bellator 38.
Chris Tickle (7-4) - Fighting out of Illinois, Tickle defeated longtime MMA veteran Brian Geraghty and UFC veteran Steve Berger in his last two bouts. Has a 5 fight win streak.
Drew Dober (7-3)- Dober is a Midwest fighter's biggest win is an arm triangle submission win in Bellator over Nick Nolte.
Cody Pfister (6-3)- Fighting out of Texas, Pfister has gone 5-0 in the Shark Fights promotion. In his last bout, Pfister won via TKO over Isais Martinez (then 8-3).
Al Iaquinta (5-1) - New York based fighter who has fought exclusively in the Ring of Combat organization. Lost via submission to UFC vet Pat Audinwood in last bout. 3 KO/TKO wins.
Brendan Weafer (6-3) - Fighting out of New York, NY, Weafer has 3 TKO/KO's.
Johnavan Vistante (3-1)- Hawaii based fighter has two submission wins and a TKO win on his resume.
Erin Beach (3-1)- Fighting out of San Diego, Beach notched his biggest win in Bellator over Roscoe Jackson.
(Dominick Cruz throwing a kick)
The fights will occur over 13 weeks, with each fight shown live. How this will impact the editing of the show is up in the air, as it is unknown exactly what will fill in time if there is a sub 30 second KO. Hopefully, there isn't a Jay Glazer interview to kill time.
(Urijah Faber with the FW belt)
The debut episode will be two and a half hours of live fights. The cast does have serious talent, with 9 undefeated fighters and several interesting veterans.
Here is the cast list:
Jon Tuck (6-0)- Fighting out of Guam, an island in the Pacific, Tuck is the only fighter to defeat Eduard Folayang (11-1). Has a purple belt in BJJ, with 3 TKO's and 3 submission wins.
Jordan Rinaldi (5-0)- Fighting out of North Carolina, Rinaldi notched his biggest win in a rear naked choke submission of TUF 14 runner-up Dennis Bermudez. Has four submission wins.
James Krause (15-4)- WEC/Shark Fights/Bellator veteran has victories over TUF runner-up Michael Johnson (10-6), Sean Wilson (30-17) and Ran Weathers (15-10).
Cristiano Marcello (12-3)- The lone Brazilian in the field, Marcello is a black belt under Royler Gracie having also trained under Rickson Gracie. Marcello has 9 submissions in his career, including over TUF 8's David Kaplan.
Akbarh Arreola (19-6) - California based fighter who has fought at 170 and 155, primarily in Mexico. Coming off a loss to Ronys Torres. Biggest wins over UFC vet Gabe Ruediger and Dream/M-1 vet David Gardner.
Dakota Cochrane (11-2)- Cochrane is a veteran of the Midwest MMA circuit, having notched his biggest win against former WEC champ Jamie Varner in the Titan Fighting Championship. Has beat other veterans Rod Montoya and Marcus LeVesseur (21-5).
Daron Cruickshank (10-2)- Fighting out of the MASH team in Michigan, Cruickshank is on a 4 fight win streak, including a decision over GSP training partner Mike Ricci and Brad Cardinal.
Chris Saunders (9-2)- Fighting out of California, Saunders lost a decision to Chris Horodecki in Bellator in his last bout. Prior to that fight, Saunders notched his biggest win with a KO over Cleber Luciano.
Myles Jury (9-0)- Jury was a contestant on TUF 13, however tore his ACL during a practice. The 5'10" King of the Cage fighter has fought exclusively at 170.
Sam Sicilia (10-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants, Sicilia has 5 KO wins and 4 submissions, mainly fighting .500 fighters.
Vinc Pichel (7-0)- All of Pichel's 7 wins have been via TKO/KO, with his biggest victory over Dream veteran David Gardner.
Michael Chiesa (7-0)- Fighting out of Team Fancy Pants in Washington, Chiesa has 5 submission wins on his record. Hasn't fought the best competition, with his biggest win over Darcy James (then 4-3).
Jared Carlsten (3-0)- The 6'1" Carlsten fights out of Los Angeles, with all three triangle victories. A brown belt at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Carlsten's opponents have a combined record of 3-15.
James Vick (4-0)- Fighting out of Texas, Vick has only been a professional for 8 months. Has only fought relatively inexperienced fighters.
Justin Lawrence (3-0)- Fighting out of Missouri, "The American Kid" began his career with a decision over Max Martyniouk in Strikeforce Challengers in 2010. Notched a KO and submission to round out 2011.
Ali Maclean (9-5) - Fighting out of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Maclean has a five fight win streak. The "Insane One" has 7 submission wins and won a four man tournament in the Sprawl n Brawl: Revelation promotion. His biggest win was over TUF 9's Tommy Maguire (11-4).
Andy Ogle (8-1)- Fighting out of Tynemouth, England, Ogle currently has a seven fight win streak. Defeated Shay Walsh (then 6-0) via decision in his last bout.
Jeff Smith (9-1)- A former training partner of TUF 13 runner-up Dennis Bermudez, Smith has rattled off 9 straight wins since losing his debut.
Joe Proctor (7-1)- Fighting out of Massachusetts, Proctor is on a three fight win streak which includes victories over Matt Bessette (then 7-2) and Oz Pariser (then 4-0).
John Cofer (7-1)- Fighting out of Rory Singer's Hardcore Gym, Cofer last defeated Marius Cujba (then 7-0).
Mike Rio (8-1)- The Wolverine's only loss was to TUF 8 champion, Efrain Escudero. Has quality wins over Zach Juusola (then 8-1) and Mike Bruno (10-4).
Mark Glover (6-1)- The British fighter has a submission win over TUF 12's Aaron Wilkinson, with 5 total submissions on his record.
Jeremy Larsen (8-2)- Arizona based fighter is a veteran of the Rage in the Cage promotion. Biggest win over Victor Meza (10-3).
Chase Hackett (4-1)- The 6'1" Hackett fights out of Colorado with 3 rear naked choke wins on his resume. He won a decision over TUF 15 castmate Drew Dober.
Austin Lyons (9-1) - Fighting out of Tennessee, Lyons is on a 9 fight win streak, which includes 7 submissions. Defeated Jimmy Van Horn via arm bar at Bellator 38.
Chris Tickle (7-4) - Fighting out of Illinois, Tickle defeated longtime MMA veteran Brian Geraghty and UFC veteran Steve Berger in his last two bouts. Has a 5 fight win streak.
Drew Dober (7-3)- Dober is a Midwest fighter's biggest win is an arm triangle submission win in Bellator over Nick Nolte.
Cody Pfister (6-3)- Fighting out of Texas, Pfister has gone 5-0 in the Shark Fights promotion. In his last bout, Pfister won via TKO over Isais Martinez (then 8-3).
Al Iaquinta (5-1) - New York based fighter who has fought exclusively in the Ring of Combat organization. Lost via submission to UFC vet Pat Audinwood in last bout. 3 KO/TKO wins.
Brendan Weafer (6-3) - Fighting out of New York, NY, Weafer has 3 TKO/KO's.
Johnavan Vistante (3-1)- Hawaii based fighter has two submission wins and a TKO win on his resume.
Erin Beach (3-1)- Fighting out of San Diego, Beach notched his biggest win in Bellator over Roscoe Jackson.
Bellator Season 6 Preview
Bellator Season 6 will kick off on March 9th at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. The star studded show will feature a featherweight title fight between Pat Curran and Joe Warren, with the featherweight tournament kicking off.
Tournaments will be held in the 185, 170, 155, 145 and 135 pound men's divisions this season. Each division will also hold title fights for previous tournament winners, except in the 155 pound division, which saw Michael Chandler defeat Eddie Alvarez in an epic battle at Bellator 58.
The rematch of the season 5 HW title fight between Eric Prindle (7-1) and Thiago Santos (10-1) will happen at BFC 61. At BFC 59, Santos kicked Prindle in the groin at 1:24 of the first round, and Prindle was unable to continue. The fight was ruled a no contest. The winner will fight season 3 champ Cole Konrad.
Middleweight (185)
The middleweight division will find defending champion Hector Lombard (31-2-1) fighting season five champ Alexander Shlemenko (44-7) in a rematch of their Bellator 34 match-up. Lombard, a judo blackbelt, and powerful striker, is on a 24 fight win streak. Shlemenko is a dynamic kickboxer who won the Bellator season 2 and 5 tournaments.
(Pic from Lombard v. Shlemenko I)
Season 6 MW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 61 on March 16:
Brian Rogers (8-3) v Vitor Vianna (12-2-1)
Giva Santana (17-1) v Bruno Santos (12-0)
Victor O'Donnell (11-3) v Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (15-1)
Maiquel Falcão (28-4 1NC) v Norman Paraisy (10-1-1)
Welterweight (170)
The welterweight division will see champion Ben Askren (9-0) fighting season 5 tournament champ Douglas Lima (20-4) at Bellator 64. Askren, an NCAA champion and Olympic level wrestler, narrowly defeated Jay Hieron at Bellator 56 to defend his title which he captured with a win over Lyman Good. Lima won season 5's tournament with a decision over Steve Karl before brutally KO'ing Chris Lozano and UFC veteran Ben Saunders.
(Askren v. Ryan Thomas)
Season 6 WW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 63 on March 30th:
Karl Amoussou (13-4-2) v Chris Lozano (9-2)
Raul Amaya (9-0) v Ben Saunders (12-4-2)
Brian Foster (18-5) v David Rickels (8-0)
Bryan Baker (16-3) v Carlos Alexandre Pereira (33-9-1)
Lightweight (155)
Michael Chandler (9-0), defeated Eddie Alvarez via fourth round rear naked choke at Bellator 58, will likely get a non-title fight during the Season 6. Chandler won the Season 4 lightweight tournament, defeating Marcin Held, Lloyd Woodard and Patricky Freire. Chandler was an All-American at Missouri before making his transition to MMA.
(Michael Chandler v. Eddie Alvarez pictured)
Season 6 LW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 62 on March 23rd:
Patricky Freire (10-2) v Lloyd Woodard (11-1)
Rick Hawn (11-1) v Ricardo Tirloni (14-1)
J.J. Ambrose (17-3) v Brent Weedman (18-7-1)
Rene Nazare (10-1) v Thiago Michel (9-2)
Featherweight (145)
The featherweight division will see two title fights this season barring injury due to Joe Warren (7-2) attempting a run at the Season 5 bantamweight tournament. Warren, the season 2 champion, will fight Pat Curran (16-4) at Bellator 60. Curran won the summer series 145 pound championship, where he defeated Marlon Sandro, Ronnie Mann and Luis Palomino.
(Joe Warren v. Pat Curran Bellator promo pic)
The winner of the Joe Warren (7-2) and Pat Curran (16-4) will then fight Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire (17-1), who won the season 4 featherweight championship. Friere, a BJJ blackbelt and powerful Muay Thai striker, won season 4 by defeating Georgi Karakhanyan, Wilson Reis and Daniel Straus.
The Season 6 FW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 60 on March 9th:
Marlon Sandro (20-3) v Roberto Vargas (12-1)
Alexandre Bezerra (12-1) v Genair da Silva (11-4)
Wagnney Fabiano (14-3) v Ronnie Mann (20-4-1)
Jeremy Spoon (12-0) v Daniel Straus (17-4)
Bantamweight (135)
Season 3 champion Zach Makovsky (14-2) will fight Season 5 champion Eduardo Dantas (13-2) for the bantamweight title. Makovsky has fought in two non-title fights since his season 3 championship, defeating Chad Robichaux via TKO and Ryan Roberts via submission. Dantas captured the season 5 title by defeating Wilson Reis, Ed West and Alexis Vila.
(Makovsky v. Robichaux pictured)
Quarter-Finals Participants, likely to begin at BFC 64:
Marcos Galvao (10-5-1)
Hiroshi Nakamura (14-5-4)
Masakatsu Ueda (14-1-2)
Alexis Vila (11-1)
Luis Nogueira (12-2)
Rodrigo Lima (9-0)
Ed West (17-6)
Travis Marx (18-3)
Tournaments will be held in the 185, 170, 155, 145 and 135 pound men's divisions this season. Each division will also hold title fights for previous tournament winners, except in the 155 pound division, which saw Michael Chandler defeat Eddie Alvarez in an epic battle at Bellator 58.
The rematch of the season 5 HW title fight between Eric Prindle (7-1) and Thiago Santos (10-1) will happen at BFC 61. At BFC 59, Santos kicked Prindle in the groin at 1:24 of the first round, and Prindle was unable to continue. The fight was ruled a no contest. The winner will fight season 3 champ Cole Konrad.
Middleweight (185)
The middleweight division will find defending champion Hector Lombard (31-2-1) fighting season five champ Alexander Shlemenko (44-7) in a rematch of their Bellator 34 match-up. Lombard, a judo blackbelt, and powerful striker, is on a 24 fight win streak. Shlemenko is a dynamic kickboxer who won the Bellator season 2 and 5 tournaments.
(Pic from Lombard v. Shlemenko I)
Season 6 MW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 61 on March 16:
Brian Rogers (8-3) v Vitor Vianna (12-2-1)
Giva Santana (17-1) v Bruno Santos (12-0)
Victor O'Donnell (11-3) v Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (15-1)
Maiquel Falcão (28-4 1NC) v Norman Paraisy (10-1-1)
Welterweight (170)
The welterweight division will see champion Ben Askren (9-0) fighting season 5 tournament champ Douglas Lima (20-4) at Bellator 64. Askren, an NCAA champion and Olympic level wrestler, narrowly defeated Jay Hieron at Bellator 56 to defend his title which he captured with a win over Lyman Good. Lima won season 5's tournament with a decision over Steve Karl before brutally KO'ing Chris Lozano and UFC veteran Ben Saunders.
(Askren v. Ryan Thomas)
Season 6 WW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 63 on March 30th:
Karl Amoussou (13-4-2) v Chris Lozano (9-2)
Raul Amaya (9-0) v Ben Saunders (12-4-2)
Brian Foster (18-5) v David Rickels (8-0)
Bryan Baker (16-3) v Carlos Alexandre Pereira (33-9-1)
Lightweight (155)
Michael Chandler (9-0), defeated Eddie Alvarez via fourth round rear naked choke at Bellator 58, will likely get a non-title fight during the Season 6. Chandler won the Season 4 lightweight tournament, defeating Marcin Held, Lloyd Woodard and Patricky Freire. Chandler was an All-American at Missouri before making his transition to MMA.
(Michael Chandler v. Eddie Alvarez pictured)
Season 6 LW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 62 on March 23rd:
Patricky Freire (10-2) v Lloyd Woodard (11-1)
Rick Hawn (11-1) v Ricardo Tirloni (14-1)
J.J. Ambrose (17-3) v Brent Weedman (18-7-1)
Rene Nazare (10-1) v Thiago Michel (9-2)
Featherweight (145)
The featherweight division will see two title fights this season barring injury due to Joe Warren (7-2) attempting a run at the Season 5 bantamweight tournament. Warren, the season 2 champion, will fight Pat Curran (16-4) at Bellator 60. Curran won the summer series 145 pound championship, where he defeated Marlon Sandro, Ronnie Mann and Luis Palomino.
(Joe Warren v. Pat Curran Bellator promo pic)
The winner of the Joe Warren (7-2) and Pat Curran (16-4) will then fight Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire (17-1), who won the season 4 featherweight championship. Friere, a BJJ blackbelt and powerful Muay Thai striker, won season 4 by defeating Georgi Karakhanyan, Wilson Reis and Daniel Straus.
The Season 6 FW Quarter-Finals begin at BFC 60 on March 9th:
Marlon Sandro (20-3) v Roberto Vargas (12-1)
Alexandre Bezerra (12-1) v Genair da Silva (11-4)
Wagnney Fabiano (14-3) v Ronnie Mann (20-4-1)
Jeremy Spoon (12-0) v Daniel Straus (17-4)
Bantamweight (135)
Season 3 champion Zach Makovsky (14-2) will fight Season 5 champion Eduardo Dantas (13-2) for the bantamweight title. Makovsky has fought in two non-title fights since his season 3 championship, defeating Chad Robichaux via TKO and Ryan Roberts via submission. Dantas captured the season 5 title by defeating Wilson Reis, Ed West and Alexis Vila.
(Makovsky v. Robichaux pictured)
Quarter-Finals Participants, likely to begin at BFC 64:
Marcos Galvao (10-5-1)
Hiroshi Nakamura (14-5-4)
Masakatsu Ueda (14-1-2)
Alexis Vila (11-1)
Luis Nogueira (12-2)
Rodrigo Lima (9-0)
Ed West (17-6)
Travis Marx (18-3)
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