UFC 114 Preview

UFC 114 is set for this Saturday, May 29th in Las Vegas, Nevada. TUF 10 coaches Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans will finally fight in one of the longest feuds in recent memory. During the trash talking at TUF 10, Rampage poked fun of Rashad's KO loss at the hands of Lyoto Machida. Meanwhile, Rashad brought up Rampage's KO losses to Wanderlei Silva and Shogun Rua.

At the conclusion of the show, Rashad Evans won the coaching war by putting two of his fighters in the finale. Roy "Big Country" Nelson eventually took the trophy by KO'ing Brendan Schaub in the very first round. Rampage's strategy of picking heavyweights based on size obviously didn't work out.

With the fight being delayed due to Ramapage filmed the movie A-Team, Rashad was in a training camp. Evans (14-1-1) fought Thiago Silva at UFC 108 emerging victorious with a unanimous decision, but nearly tasted defeat in the third round. Evans won the second season of TUF as a heavyweight, defeating Brad Imes to kickstart his career. Since, he has notched victories over Michael Bisping, Chuck Liddell and then Forrest Griffin for the 205 pound UFC title.

(Rashad Evans Pictured)

Rampage Jackson (30-7) has had a legendery career first made famous by his epic slams and KO's in Pride. Rampage went high altitue with ferious power while slamming Masaaki Satake, Igor Vovchanchyn, Minowaman to create a stir. But, he really made a name for himself by KO'ing Kevin Randleman and Chuck Liddell. The power bomb on Ricardo Arona will live forever in the history of MMA. His other victories have came over Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, Keith Jardine, Matt Lindland and Ninja Rua.

(Rampage slam of Arona)

In the co-main event, TUF 3 champ Michael Bisping (18-3) will look to rebound from his unanimous decision loss to Wanderlei Silva with a win over Dan Miller (11-3). Expect Bisping to look to use his striking early and often, looking for a big knockout blow. Bisping owns career victories over Denis Kang, Eric Schafer, Chris Leben and Jason Day.

(Michael Bisping Pictured)

Miller's greatest chance at victory comes in getting his European foe to the ground and securing a submission. Miller, a former IFL champ, is an accomplished BJJ player with 7 submission victories on his record. Miller's career wins have come over Matt Horwich, Jake Rosholt, Rob Kimmons and Ryan McGivern.

Rising heavyweight star Todd Duffee (6-0) will look to improve on his 7 second KO of Tim Hague against underrated heavyweight Mike Russow (12-1). Look for Duffee to try to keep the fight standing and pepper the slower Hague with power punches. Russow (12-1) will likely do whatever he can to get the fight to the ground, looking for a submission.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3), otherwise known as Minotoro or Little Nog, seeks to build on his 6 fight win streak with a win over late replacement Jason Brilz (18-2). While Brilz is a great wrestler, he will have his hands full dealing with the boxing of Nogueira, who also possesses top notch BJJ. Look for Minotoro to be throwing some heavy leather, looking for a knockout of the night bonus.

Diego Sanchez (21-3) is returning to the 170 pound division after 2-1 stint at 155 pounds, which saw him lose a title fight to BJ Penn. Standing in his way is the undefeated British rising star John Hathaway (12-0). Look for Diego to get the fight to the ground with several takedowns and ruthless elbows and punches from the top position.

(Diego Sanchez Pictured)

SPIKE TV PRE-LIMS

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Amir Sadollah
Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon

PRELIMINARY CARD

Melvin Guillard vs. Waylon Lowe
Luiz Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate
Joe Brammer vs. Aaron Riley
Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen

UFC 106 Review

UFC 106: Griffin v. Ortiz took place on 11/21/09 and featured nine bouts making the broadcast on Spike and PPV. Forrest Griffin won a narrow split decision to push himself closer to a title shot. Josh Koscheck also moved closer to a title shot with a victory over the uber athletic Anthony Johnson.

Forrest Griffin def Tito Ortiz via split dec- Forrest and Tito battled for three rounds in this compelling three round fight. Tito and Forrest fought a close first round, with Forrest controlling the stand-up and Tito managing to get one takedown. In the second, Tito was able to take advantage of a takedown to land some elbows, opening up a cut on Forrest.

Never one to shy away from blood, Forrest came alive in the third round. Tito cardio started to falter, or he felt he was up on the scorecards. Forrest landed punches and kicks at will, winning the third round in convincing fashion. With the win, look for Forrest to fight Antonio Noguiera or Thiago Silva if he beats Rashad Evans.
*MMA Blaster readers correctly choose Griffin 44-28.

(Forrest Griffin pictured)

Josh Koscheck def Anthony Johnson via sub (RNC) R2, 4:27- The first round saw Anthony Johnson controlling much of the action and defending takedowns. With Koscheck getting up, still on his knees, Johnson threw and elbow and came through with a hand, grazing Koscheck's eye. The round continued with Johnson looking strong.

In the second, a Koscheck open hand punch sunk fingers into Johnson's eye. Johnson appeared shaken, and didn't return to form. Shortly after getting back into action, Koscheck got a takedown and choked out Johnson with a rear naked choke. Koscheck would like to fight number one contender for the 170 pound division, Dan Hardy.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def Luiz Cane via TKO (punches) R1, 1:56- Nogueira's UFC debut was stellar, as his boxing looked crisp as he systematically picked apart Luiz Cane.

Paulo Thiago def Jacob Volkmann via unanimous dec- Thiago controlled the grappling game and managed to land more strikes to win the decision.

Amir Sadollah def Phil Baroni via unanimous dec- Phil Baroni was able to land some power punches and get a takedown in the first round, but Sadollah dominated the clinch and long distance striking from then on. In the third, Baroni slowed down and Sadollah took advantage, peppering him with strikes and clinch work.

Ben Saunders def Marcus Davis via KO (knees) R1, 3:24- Ben Saunders dominated the fight with the use of his devasting thai clinch. Saunders popped Davis with knees from every direction, eventually sending Davis to the canvas.

Kendall Grove def Jake Rosholt via sub (triangle) R1, 3:59- Rosholt dominated the grappling game, getting take downs and landing heavy right hands and knees. However, Rosholt made a wrong move and landed in a triangle choke.

Brian Foster def Brock Larson via TKO (strikes) R2, 3:25- Larson disappointed again, getting run over by Brian Foster. Foster dominated Larson with a heavy dose of ground and pound in the second, stopping the fight.

Caol Uno vs. Fabricio Camoes declared majority draw
George Sotiropoulos def Jason Dent via submission (armbar) R2, 4:36

UFC 101 Results and Review

UFC 101 was not the most exciting event, but we did see two superstars elevate their respective legacies. BJ Penn looked sharp and on his game, as did the larger 205 version of Anderson Silva. While the crowd initially rooted again the two, by the end of their fights, the tide had turned.

B.J. Penn def Kenny Florian via sub(rear-naked choke) R4, 3:54- BJ Penn displayed excellent skill and cardio as he defeated Kenny Florian to claim a submission of the night bonus. While Florian attempted takedowns throughout the fight, BJ defended superbly, wearing Florian down with knees.

While both were standing, BJ seemed to land the harder punches, wobbling Florian on seperate occasions. Kenny's best offense seemed to be some leg kicks. In the fourth, Penn continued his dominance, stuffing a Florian takedown before getting his own. From there he passed the guard, got in mount and soon found Florian's back. BJ took his time working the rear naked choke until it was in too deep.
*BJ Penn wins Submission of the Night Bonus.
*MMA Blaster Readers correctly pick BJ Penn 69-43

Anderson Silva def Forrest Griffin via KO (punch) R1, 3:23- Anderson again looked invincible in this quick three and a half minute fight. While Forrest attempted to move forward he was hit flush with punches to the jaw. Forrest was knocked down twice, and on the second occasion, Anderson didn't want to follow him down and asked Forrest back up. After Forrest rose to his feet, he was hit flush again and the fight was over.

*Anderson Silva wins KO of the Night
*Griffin and Silva win Fight of the Night

Johnny Hendricks def Amir Sadollah via TKO (strikes) R1, 0:29- This fight was short and sweet. While Sadollah was content to throw kicks, Hendricks defended and threw counter punches. A couple uppercuts landed and Sadollah went to the ground. Hendricks followed up with ground and pound, but Sadollah appeared to block most. The stoppage seemed early.

Aaron Riley def Shane Nelson via unanimous dec- Aaron Riley landed the more powerful shots and ground and pound throughout the fight to win a unanimous decision.

Ricardo Almeida def Kendall Grove via unanimous dec- Rather slow fight in which Almeida got the better of the ground game. Grove landed a couple decent knees from the clinch.

Kurt Pellegrino def Josh Neer via unanimous dec- Pellegrino took Neer down at will throughout the fight. Neer tried to look for arm-bars and triangle atttempts, but he wasn't able to secure one.

UNDER CARD RESULTS

John Howard def Tamdan McCrory via split dec
Alessio Sakara def Thales Leites via split dec
Matthew Riddle def Dan Cramer via unanimous dec
George Sotiropoulos def George Roop via sub (kimura) R2, 1:59
Jesse Lennox def Danillo Villefort via TKO (cut) R3, 3:37

UFC 91 Preview

UFC 91 will be held in Las Vegas on November 15, 2008. I'll probably be watching at a local watering hole here in Chicago. With the drawing power of Lesnar and Couture, the ppv buy record for an MMA broadcast will probably be shattered. All fighters made weight with Randy Couture tipping the scales at 220 pounds. Brock Lesnar weighed the max at 265. In the other HW clash, Gabriel Gonzaga came in at 256 while Josh Hendricks came in at 238.

Randy Couture (16-8, 13-5 UFC) vs. Brock Lesnar (2-1, 1-1 UFC)- This is the main event for the UFC Heavyweight title. Couture has been absent from the cage for 14 months while involved in a contract dispute. It is still unclear what Couture will do after this fight as he wants a fight with Fedor.

Couture beat Tim Sylvia to win the HW belt and defeated Gabriel Gonzaga in his title defense. Prior to that fight Couture had lost to Chuck Liddell at 205 pounds in 2006. Couture has been fighting since 1997, winning a four man tournament at UFC 13 in his debut. Couture's big wins have been against Vitor Belfort, Tito Ortiz, Pedro Rizzo, Kevin Randleman, Maurice Smith and one victory over Chuck Liddell (2 losses to Liddell).


Lesnar is a NCAA HW Champion wrestler at the University of Minnesota and placed second in his junior year. Lesnar destroyed Min Soo Kim in his debut with K-1 Hero's(now Dream) with a takedown and ground and pound. He lost his UFC debut to Frank Mir, despite laying a beating on Mir for the first 1:15 of the fight. Unfortunately, Brock got a little overconfident and lost via kneebar. In his last fight he dominated veteran fighter Heath Herring in a decision.

Both fighters are legit wrestlers with power. Couture has a big advantage in terms of experience, but on the flipside is 45 year old and not getting any younger. Couture will look to use dirty boxing in the clinch to win. He will also have to be ready to fight off his back as Lesnar has excellent takedowns.

Lesnar will look to use his speed to get a takedown. From there he has to make his punches count and defend submissions against the cagey veteran. Lesnar will come in with a sizable weight advantage, probably 40+ pounds. Lesnar is also deceptively quick and athletic for his size.


Kenny Florian (10-3) vs. Joe Stevenson (29-8)- This fight will be for a shot at BJ Penn's 155 pound crown. Expect Florian to try to keep the fight standing where he has been improving his Muay Thai game. Expect Stevenson to attempt to get the fight to the ground where he can try to utilize his ground game. Stevenson received his BJJ black belt recently.

Florian is on quite a roll in his UFC career since his loss to Sean Sherk for the 155 pound title. He has beaten Dokonjonosuke Mishima, Alvin Robinson, Din Thomas, Joe Lauzon and Roger Huerta. Stevenson recently defeated Gleison Tibau via guillotine choke. Stevenson also holds wins over Yves Edwards, Kurt Pellegrino and Melvin Guillard and Luke Cummo in the UFC.


Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3) vs. Josh Hendricks (15-4)- Gonzaga is coming off a kimura win over Justin McCulley after back to back TKO losses to Randy Couture and Fabricio Werdum. Gonzaga is 5-2 in the UFC with wins over Cro Cop, Carmelo Marrero and Fabiano Scherner. Hendricks is a two-time All American wrestler who has won his past 10 fights. His best wins have come against Todd Brown (4-1) and Steve Conkel (13-4).

Demian Maia (8-0) vs. Nate Quarry (10-2)- This is the classic grappler v. striker match-up. Maia has some of the best BJJ on the planet. He has submission wins over Jason MacDonald, Ed Herman, and Ryan Jensen inside the UFC. Look for Maia to do everything in his power to get the fight to the ground.

Quarry on the other hand will look to keep the fight standing. Quarry is coming off a lackluster win over Kalib Starnes and a KO of Pete Sell. Quarry also has wins over Lodune Sincaid and Shonie Carter on his resume.

Dustin Hazelett (11-4) vs. Tamdan McCrory (9-1)- I'd really like to see this bout make the televised portion of the event. Hazelett is a BJJ black belt who is a master on the ground. He has submissions over Josh Burkman, Steven Lynch and Jonathan Goulet in the UFC. McCrory is a young up and comer, having beat Pete Spratt and Luke Cummo in the UFC.

Undercard

Jorge Gurgel vs. Aaron Riley
Jeremy Stephens vs. Rafael dos Anjos
Mark Bocek vs. Alvin Robinson
Matt Brown vs. Ryan Thomas

Nick Catone (5-0) vs. Amir Sadollah (1-0)- Unfortunately, this bout was scratched as Amir Sadollah has a leg infection.

TUF Road For Amir

Here is a look at how Amir Sadollah's run on The Ultimate Fighter stacks up to some of the previous season's champs. Amir had to win more times than anyone else, 5, as for the first time there were 32 competitors in the tournament. Amir's first opponent, Steve Byrnes had fought in the UFC. Gerald Harris had two fights in the IFL, and Matt Brown had ample experience.

Season 1
LHW- Forrest Griffin- Alex Schoenauer, Sam Hoger, Stephen Bonnar
MW- Diego Sanchez- Alex Karalexis, Josh Rafferty, Josh Koscheck, Kenny Florian

Season 2
HW- Rashad Evans- Tom Murphy, Mike Whitehead, Keith Jardine, Brad Imes
WW- Joe Stevenson- Marcus Davis, Jason Von Flue, Luke Cummo

Season 3
MW- Kendall Grove- Ross Pointon, Kalib Starnes, Ed Herman
LHW- Michael Bisping- Kristian Rothaermel, Ross Pointon, Josh Haynes

Season 4 - The Comeback
WW- Matt Serra- Pete Spratt, Shonie Carter, Chris Lytle
MW- Travis Lutter- Scott Smith, Pete Sell, Patrick Cote

Season 5
LW- Nate Diaz- Robert Emerson, Corey Hill, Gray Maynard, Manvel Gamburyan

Season 6
WW- Mac Danzig- Joe Scarola, John Kolosci, John Kolosci, Tom Speer

Season 7
MW- Amir Sadollah- Steve Byrnes, Gerald Harris, Matt Brown, C.B. Dollaway, C.B. Dollaway

TUF 7 Finale Results

The TUF 7 Finale wrapped up Saturday night, and it was overall a decent fight card. There was a ton of filler as usual.

*Amir's attempted jump kick versus Matt Brown in his third fight

Rob Kimmons def. Rob Yundt, Submission (Guillotine choke) R1 3:58
Dean Lister def. Jeremy Horn, Submission (Guillotine choke) R1 3:52
Matt Brown def. Matt Arroyo, TKO (strikes) R2 3:40 - This is the second victory that TUF 7's Matt Brown has posted over Arroyo.

Dustin Hazelett def. Josh Burkman, Submission (Armbar) R2 4:46- This fight wasn't shown on the broadcast, but won fight of the night and submission of the night honors.

Andrew McFedries def. Marvin Eastman, TKO (Punches) R1 1:08- This fight was shown after the main event. It was quick as McFedries scored an uppercut to stun Eastman before a barrage of punches to force a stoppage. McFedries won KO of the night for this knockout.

Matt Riddle def. Dante Rivera, Decision (Unanimous) R3 5:00- Riddle looked in shape and sharp as he beat up Rivera for three rounds.

Spencer Fisher def. Jeremy Stephens, Decision (Unanimous)- This fight was a war, but Fisher edged out the decision with takedowns and elbow strikes. Fisher was throwing the elbows across his body. They proved pretty effective.

Diego Sanchez def. Luigi Fioravanti, TKO (Strikes) R3 4:07- Diego came out throwing heavy leather with Luigi. Luigi stayed tough despite being knocked down by punches. In the third, Diego kept up the heat with a left high kick, knee to the face and some punches to force the stoppage.

Amir Sadollah def. CB Dollaway, Submission (Armbar) R1 3:02 - Amir Sadollah proved his win over CB in the regular season was legit as Amir showed heart yet again. After being taken down by CB, Amir weathered a storm of punches before securing an arm. When Amir tourqed the arm, CB tapped once, and that was enough for Herb Dean to call it. Amir had a never say die attitude the entire season. He scored most of his wins in come from behind fashion, never giving up.
*Come on UFC, only a plaque and a contract? What happened to a wristwatch or a Scion? Show Amir some love.

Kendall Grove def. Evan Tanner, Decision (split)- Kendall was able to control the fight for the duration with his stand up game. Tanner's offense was limited to the clinch and takedown. Grove seemed to land knee's, punches and nearly secured the victory. I had it a unanimous decision for Grove, I don't know how anyone could give it to Tanner.
*Kendall has to use his reach and lanky frame to his advantage in his fights. He gets in trouble when fighters get in close.

TUF Drama

The regular season TUF wrapped up on Wednesday night, and there was some drama. We first see the fight between CB Dollaway and Amir Sadollah for a spot in the finals against Jesse Taylor. Taylor had won against Tim Credeur for his spot in the finals.

CB was far ahead in the first two rounds, as he landed every leg kick he threw and got some takedowns. While taken down, CB was able to rain down some elbows which split Amir's face open just below the eye. CB looked to start to gas near the end of the second. In the third, Amir gave up his back, and CB attempted to lock in the hooks and just barely missed sinking the choke in. Amir scrambled and after eating another punch or so locked in an armbar. After a quick tap, Amir sealed the come from behind victory.

With Amir securing his spot in the finals, it stood as Jesse v. Amir. However, after spending a night on the town with Dana White, four fighters decided to rent a limo and stay an extra night. We then see the footage of someone "donkey" kicking the windows out. Pretty crazy. Out walks Jesse Taylor, who according to Dana White, not only kicked the windows out, but "terrorized" women in the casino. On top of that, Jesse disrespected the security and used the ever famous line, "don't you know who I am? I'm a UFC fighter!" Not a good move by JT Money.


Well, Dana decided to kick Jesse Taylor off the show and replace him. Jesse was told to clean up his life and call Dana in a few months. Meanwhile, Dana called Tim and CB into his office and let them know the situation. A couple minutes later and it was Tim v. CB for a spot in the finals. CB probably nudged out the first round because of a takedown after three or four minutes ot CB and Tim trading shots on their feet. CB used that same formula for the entire fight to pull out the win.

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IS THE FINALS!!

Amir Sadollah v. C.B. Dollaway - For the TUF 7 Championship
Kendall Grove vs. Evan Tanner
Luigi Fioravanti vs. Diego Sanchez
Spencer Fisher vs. Jeremy Stephens
Matthew Riddle (TUF 7) vs. Dante Rivera (TUF 7)
Josh Burkman vs. Dustin Hazelett
Marvin Eastman vs. Drew McFedries
Matt Arroyo vs. Matt Brown (TUF 7)
Jeremy Horn vs. Dean Lister
Tim Credeur (TUF 7) vs. Cale Yarbrough (TUF 7)
Rob Kimmons vs. Rob Yundt

TUF Final 4

The final four in the The Ultimate Fighter have now been determined. The show has been condensed this year, with most episodes showing two fights. In this episode we saw Dan Cramer v. Tim Credeur and CB Dollaway v. Cale Yarborough.

First up was Cramer v. Credeur, and Cramer was ready to fight. Cramer landed virtually all his punches standing, and got one takedown too many. Next thing he knew, Credeur had one of the first heel hook submission wins in TUF tournament history. Credeur was not happy with being beat up for a minute and a half before the submission.

CB took the fight to Cale Yarborough, landing everything he needed to get the fight to the ground. Once there, Cale "turtled" up and took punishment until the fight was called. CB has looked incredibly dominant in the tournament so far, and Rampage is proud of his boy. Meanwhile, Forrest is unhappy about CB being an arrogant guy who backs it up.

FINAL FOUR

Jesse Taylor v. Tim Credeur
CB Dollaway v. Amir Saddaloah


*Pic of Jesse Taylor from photobucket

TUF Elite 8

After tonight's episode of The Ultimate Fighter only 8 fighters remain in the TUF tournament. In the final prelim fight, CB Dollaway was able to dominate Nick Klein in the first round with a barrage of elbows, leg kicks and punches. As usual, Steve Mazagatti had to warn about punching to the back of the head.

In the second round CB pressed the action even more eventually sinking in a guillotine choke for the tapout. To his credit, Nick Klein was able to fight back pretty well and took quite a bit of punishment. The closest Klein came to victory was an attempted knee-bar in the first.

Rampage gave some expert advice when CB was encountered with a deep kimura attempt barking, "put yo' knee on dat elbow!" Needless to say, CB was able to escape.

*Here are the TUF Elite 8*

TEAM RAMPAGE
CB Dollaway
Dan Cramer

TEAM FORREST
Amir Sadollah
Tim Credeur
Matt Brown
Cale Yarborough
Jesse Taylor
Dante Rivera

Quarterfinal Match-ups
1. Jesse Taylor v. Dante Rivera
2. Amir Sadollah v. Matt Brown
3. Dan Cramer v. Tim Credeur
4. CB Dollaway v. Cale Yarborough


*CB Dollaway circa ASU wrestling days

The Ultimate Fighter 7 Premier

The Ultimate Fighter 7 did not waste anytime. After Dana White's usual speech he let everyone know they had 24 hours to make weight and 24 hours before the fight. Obviously that hurt a couple guys who came in heavy. Why these guys don't get close to their weight before getting to the show always puzzles me. The episode showed four fights in their entirety and four with highlights.

Winners Highlight Fights:
C.B. Dollaway (6-0)- He made quick work of his opponent with kicks and ground and pound. I am wondering if the coaches know about his wrestling credentials.
Dante Rivera (10-2)- IFL vet Rivera looked impressive in his highlights, carrying his opponent to his corner before finishing him with a kimura.
Nick Klein (3-0)- Klein owns three victories all by armbar, and in his match used an arm triangle to win. This was a highlight fight and not much was shown.
Paul Bradley (5-0)- This was the only time Bradley was shown, as he is rumored to be going to Elite XC. Dana took the time to bash Bradley's performance as a takedown fest.

Winners full fights:
Jeremy May (6-5)- May fought Rampage's friend Doug Roberts and beat the snot out of him. Robert's looked tenative and not completely focused as May's stand-up looked to be on point. May's losses have come mainly via submissions, and he may have a tough time with an elite wrestler.

Cale Yarbrough (0-0)- Cale absorbed a little bit of a beating in the first before coming back and taking it to John Clarke (6-2). After winning the first round, Clarke looked completely gassed. This is understandable as he had dropped 17 pounds the day before. In the second Clarke just didn't have much left.

Amir Sadollah (0-0)- Sadollah is 5-0 as an amateur, and may have lost the first round due to a takedown and some big punches at the end of the round. In the second, Amir was able to land some strikes before securing an armbar. Sadollah probably had the upset of the night beating UFC vet Steve Byrnes (6-1).

Mike Dolce (4-4)- IFL vet Dolce came alive after trading slopping punches with Prince McLean (4-5). Dolce controlled the pace and land punches flush that eventually knocked Prince unconscious. Dolce has mainly fought at 170, and the lack of having to cut alot of weight is a definitive advantage in the TUF tournament.

*Dolce celebrating his victory in the IFL, his IFL record was 1-3 with decision losses to top competitors in Delson Helano (13-4), Antonio McKee (21-3), and Lyman Good (7-0)

*I'm interested to see if there is any mention of the IFL as two of their former fighters are already in the field of sixteen, and Gerald Harris is likely to go there as well.
*Also interested to see what happens with Paul Bradley. He was basically shunned in this past episode.
*The next show will also show 8 fights, probably 4 full and 4 with highlights again. Apparently there is a big KO coming our way.