UFC 95 Preview

UFC 95 will be taking place this Saturday in London, England. Lucky for us fans, the event will be shown live on Spike TV. All fighters made weight and will be ready to go tomorrow.

Diego Sanchez vs. Joe Stevenson- The main event pits two TUF champs against eachother in a 155 pound bout. This will be Diego's first match at 155 pounds. I expect Diego to try to keep the fight standing, attempting to utilize his reach advantage. Stevenson will likely try to take the fight to the ground looking for ground and pound.

Sanchez (19-2) has been on a roll beating Luigi Fioravanti and David Bielkheden in his last two bouts. Previous to those bouts, Diego lost two decisions to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, while battling a staff infection that took a chunk out of his leg. Diego has big wins against Kenny Florian, Jorge Santiago, Joe Riggs, Nick Diaz and Karo Parisyan.

(Diego Sanchez pictured)

Joe Stevenson (29-9) enters this bout needing a win to stay relevant as a contender in the 155 pound division. In his last three bouts he has lost to #1 contender Kenny Florian, beat Gleison Tibau, and lost a title fight with BJ Penn. Stevenson has been fighting since he was 17 and has big wins over Melvin Guillard, Dokonjonosuke Mishima, Luke Cummo and Kurt Pellegrino.

(Joe Stevenson pictured)

Dan Hardy vs. Rory Markham- This fight pits hometown English fighter Dan Hardy (20-6) against hard hitting Midwestern brawler Rory Markham (16-4). In Markham's debut, he destroyed Brodie Farbar with the nastiest head kick of 2008. He will be looking to brawl and get the KO of the night. In his 16 wins, he has 11 KO/TKO's and 5 submissions. Markum's big wins have come over Brad Blackburn, Pat Healy and Mike Pyle.

(Rory Markham gif)

Dan Hardy is a solid fighter with technically sound stand-up. At 6 feet tall, he usually has a reach advantage when he fights. Hardy won a razor thin split decision over Akihiro Gono in his UFC debut. Hardy's big wins have come over Hidetaka Monma, Chad Reiner and Daniel Weichel.

Dan Hardy pictured

Wilson Gouveia vs. Nate Marquardt- A win by each of these 185 pound vets would put them that much closer to a potential title shot. Marquardt (27-8-2) is a former King of Pancrase who has gone 6-2 in the UFC. In his last fight he overwelmed Martin Kampmann in a first round TKO. Marquardt has victories over Jeremy Horn, Dean Lister, Joe Doerksen, Kazou Misaki and Yves Edwards. Look for Marquardt to take Gouveia to the mat.

(Nate Marquardt pictured)

Wilson Gouveia (12-5) started at 205 pounds in the UFC before moving down to the 185 pound division. The American Top Team fighter mainly can strike and has a BJJ blackbelt. Gouveia has 7 submission and 4 (T)KO wins with victories over Jason MacDonald, Jason Lambert, Jon Fitch and Seth Petruzelli in his career.

Demian Maia vs. Chael Sonnen- This bout would seem to be a grappling war. BJJ blackbelt Demian Maia has made everyone he's fought in the UFC look out of his league. Chael Sonnen is a superb wresler who will probably stand and trade with Maia, using his wrestling to keep the fight standing.

Demian Maia (9-0) has dazzled submitting each of his four UFC opponents. He has wins over Nate Quarry, Jason MacDonald, Ed Herman and Ryan Jensen in the UFC, securing submission of the night honors three times. Maia also won the 2007 ADCC submission grappling 83 KG division.

Chael Sonnen (21-9) has gone 7-1 in his last eight fights beating Paulo Filho in an odd bout in the WEC. Since the 185 pound division dissolved, Chael made the jump to the UFC, his second stint in the promotion. Chael's career has seen him defeat Tim Credeur, Amar Suloev, Trevor Prangley and Jason "Mayhem" Miller.

Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago- TUF 1 alumnus Josh Koscheck (12-3) is coming off a highlight reel KO victory over Yoshiyuki Yoshida. Josh is a highly decorated wrestler who has devoted himself to learning the striking game. Koscheck has victories over Diego Sanchez, Dustin Hazelett and Dave Menne in the UFC.

Paul Thiago (10-0) is a relevative unknown in this fight. He has fouht primarily in the Brazilian promotion Jungle Fight. This will be his first fight in the United States. He has 7 submission victories with a win over Luis Dutra Jr.(7-2) and Ferrid Kheder (10-4).

UNDERCARD

Junior dos Santos vs. Stefan Struve
Brian Cobb vs. Terry Etim
Paul Kelly vs. Troy Mandaloniz
Mike Ciesnolevicz vs. Neil Grove
Evan Dunham vs. Per Eklund

TUF 8 Finale Results

The TUF 8 finale lived up to the hype as it featured some excellent fights. Gameplans proved to be key in the tournament finals, as Bader kept the fight standing and Efrain used his superior wrestling.

Efrain Escudero def Phillipe Nover via unanimous decision for the TUF lightweight tournament championship- Efrain dominated in the takedown and ground and pound department to win a unanimous decision. It was a great strategy as Phillipe didn't have an answer from Efrain's relentless attack. Phillipe's best offense came in the third round when he was able to lock in a shoulder lock/omaplata attempt. Phillipe just couldn't finish the move. Efrain, at 22 years old, has some definite potential in the 155 pound division.

(Efrain Escudero pictured)

Ryan Bader def Vinny Magalhaes via TKO (strikes) R1, 2:18 for the TUF light heavyweight tournament championship- Bader's strategy for the fight was to keep it standing to avoid Vinny's submission game. Bader threws some punches and kicks before a launching a big overhand right. The punch was partially blocked but clipped Vinny in the temple. Vinny crumpled to the canvas, and tried to roll on his back. Unfortunately, Vinny had to eat a few more punches before the ref stepped in. Bader showcased superior power throughout his stint on the show. He will give 205 pounders problems for some time.

(Ryan Bader pictured)

Anthony Johnson def Kevin Burns via KO(kick) R3, 0:28- Johnson got revenge after sitting out 5 months after getting poked in the eye in their last fight. Burns was close with a triangle choke attempt in the first but was unsuccessful. In the second, we saw mostly Johnson ground and pound. In the third, Johnson let loose a nasty high kick that saw Johnson's shin strike Burns directly in the jaw. Burns went straight back, knocked unconscious. That kick will be on the UFC's highlight reel for years to come.
*Johnson won KO of the night.

Wilson Gouveia def Jason MacDonald via sub (strikes) R1, 2:18- Gouveia made short work of Jason MacDonald, despite missing weight by 3 pounds the day before. Gouveia landed a straight right to MacDonald's jaw then a barrage of hammerfists and punches to win the fight.

Junie Browning def Dave Kaplan via sub (armbar) R2, 1:32- Junie looked crisp in his striking and cardio. He landed strike after strike on Kaplan in the first. To his credit, Kaplan wasn't knocked out. He was armbarred in the second round however, as Junie looked much improved from his time on the show.
*Browning and Kaplan won fight of the night.

Krzysztof Soszynski def Shane Primm via sub (kimura) R2, 3:27- Krzysztof's awkward stand-up style looked to confuse Shane Primm from the start, as he was able to land punches on Primm. Near the end of the first, Krzysztof almost had a kimura. In the second, Krzystof went for the submission again and tweaked Primm's arm for the tapout.
*Soszynski won submission of the night.

Eliot Marshall def Jules Bruchez via sub (rear-naked choke) R1, 1:27- Marshall walked through Bruchez to get the rear naked choke.

Tom Lawlor def Kyle Kingsbury via unanimous decision
Shane Nelson def George Roop via split decision
Roli Delgado def John Polakowski via sub (guillotine choke) R2, 2:18

TUF Finale Set

The finale for TUF 8 has been set for December 13th. The fights feature 16 fighters from the TUF 8 house.

Efrain Escudero vs. Phillipe Nover (LW Final)- Efrain Escudero took out quality veteran Ido Pariente in the first round, Shane Nelson in the second and Junie Browning to make it to the finals. Definately wins over the best run of any fighter so far. Efrain's strength is his wrestling game. He also has a quality submission game and decent hands.

(Efrain Escudero pictured)

Phillipe Nover also had a tough first round opponent in Joe Duarte. In the second he defeated Dave Kaplan and then walked through George Roop. Nover has looked excellent standing and in his submission game. He also seems to be extremely athletic. He recently received his BJJ black belt.

(Phillipe Nover pictured)

Ryan Bader vs. Vinicius Magalhaes (LHW Final)- Ryan Bader, the two time All-American wrestler is lightning quick in his takedown ability. He is very strong and doesn't lack in the cardio department. Bader took out Kyle Kingsbury, Tom Lawler and then Eliot Marshall to make the finals. Bader may try to keep the fight standing to avoid Vinny's steller BJJ game.

(Ryan Bader pictured)

Vinny Magalhaes is world renowned in his BJJ skills. The blackbelt beat Lance Evans with some body kicks, then got submissions on Jules Bruchez and Krzysztof Soszynski to advance to the finals. In his fight with Krzystof, Vinny pulled guard trapping his arms and getting an armbar. Vinny might have a tough time pulling guard with Bader.

(Vinny Magalhaes pictured)

Wilson Gouveia vs. Jason MacDonald
Kevin Burns vs. Anthony Johnson
Junie Browning vs. Dave Kaplan

PRELIMINARY CARD

Shane Primm vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Jules Bruchez VS. Eliot Marshall
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Tom Lawlor
Shane Nelson vs. George Roop
John Polakowski vs. Rolando Delgado

Ultimate Fight Night 15 Results

By MMA Blaster

Ultimate Fight Night 15 featured four televised fights that were each entertaining. While I would have seen Sakara's head kick KO or Massenzio and Miller's submissions that all ended in a minute thirty in the first round, it was a good show overall.

Eric Schafer def. Houston Alexander via Sub (Arm-triangle choke) - R1, 4:53- Houston Alexander showed again that while he has power, he is not good off his back. Alexander unleashed some wicked knees almost knocking out Schafer. However, Schafer held tight, was able to eventually get the takedown and mount. From mount, Houston was toast, though he almost got to the bell. Schafer's tight arm triangle won him the match.

Alan Belcher def. Ed Herman via Decision (Split)- I actually scored this contest in favor of Ed Herman, but it was very close. Belcher landed the more effective strikes, but Herman stood his ground and only once on a punch that pushed him to the cage wall did he appear stunned. The third round was the only true convincing round that should have went to Herman as he had Belcher mounted and was throwing heavy strikes. The first I gave to Herman because of the near submissions while using the darce choke, with the takedowns and ground game. But, that it is a fight and you don't want to leave it to the judges.

Clay Guida def. Mac Danzig via Decision (Unanimous)- Clay worked a perfect game plan outworking Danzig standing and getting takedowns at will. Danzig never really got his submission game working while off his back. At one point Danzig looked for a omaplata with his leg high, but he wasn't able to capitalize. Guida never stopped and peppered Danzig with strikes the whole match. I like many fans would have liked to see Guida go for more of the knockout blow, but to Guida's credit he never stopped going at full throttle for three rounds.

Nathan Diaz def. Josh Neer via Decision (Split)- Diaz and Neer fought a close battle that went back and forth. Neer may have said in the pre-fight that he would be trying to test Diaz' hands may have been lying a touch. Diaz won the takedown battle, capped by a beautiful judo throw. Diaz probably had a slight edge on strikes as well.

Neer was able to get near armbars and triangles, but Diaz utilized a step over escaped that seemed to work every time. A few times Neer was throwing some nasty upkicks off his back that almost landed. A very good fight, and well deserving of the fight of the night bonus that both fighters received.

Quote of the night from Nate Diaz following the fight, “Josh Neer, he ain’t no black belt in jiu-jitsu like the other guys I’ve been fighting. This motherf*****, this dude right here can fight.” Nate also went on to give props to Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez, Cesar Gracie and his brother. He said that another league won't give Nick a fight, referring to Elite XC and champ KJ Noons.


Untelevised
Alessio Sakara def. Joe Vedepo via KO (head kick) - R1, 1:27- KO of the night bonus winner.
Wilson Gouveia def. Ryan Jensen via sub (arm-bar) - R2, 2:04- Submission of the night bonus winner.
Joe Lauzon def. Kyle Bradley via TKO (strikes) - R2, 1:34
Jason Brilz def. Brad Morris via TKO (strikes) - R2, 2:54
Mike Massenzio def. Drew McFedries via sub (kimura) - R1, 1:28
Dan Miller def. Rob Kimmons via sub (rear-naked choke) - R1, 1:27

UFC 84 ILL WILL Review

UFC 84 lived up to all the hype as all the fights broadcast were entertaining. Quick knockouts, submissions, the end of Tito Ortiz' UFC legacy, and the cementing of BJ Penn's UFC legacy. This was the best card of the year featured a whopping nine fights on the broadcast.

BJ Penn def. Sean Sherk via TKO, R3 5:00- This fight made the card the best so far this year. Excellent three round stand-up battle. BJ and Sherk boxed the duration of the bout as Sherk tried to get only a couple takedowns. BJ attempted one which did not land. BJ landed strong snapping jabs, damaging Sherk's face repetitively through the night. You really didn't know how hard the jabs were landing until they showed Sherk's face afterwards.

Sherk threw haymakers and attempted to get inside throughout the fight, but they mainly missed or were blocked. You could hear by snapping sounds that Sherk's punches were strong. They end came with seconds left in the third, as BJ landed a beautiful combo dazing Sherk which was followed by a flying knee and strikes. The bell sounded and Sherk looked as if he didn't know he had been saved by the bell. With Sherk still dazed and BJ looking on, the ref did the smart thing and called the fight. Afterwards, BJ was respectful and invited Sherk to Hawaii to train with him.
*MMA Blaster pollsters correct 23-9 Penn.



Lyoto Machida def. Tito Ortiz via unanimous decision (all 30-27)- Lyoto fought an elusive yet snapping karate style. Machida hit Tito's legs with kicks all through the fight. Some of the high kicks looked to almost sneak in. Machida was able to get a takedown on Ortiz and deny all Tito's takedown attempts. Machida's big hit was a crushing knee to Tito's liver in the third. Tito was crumpled, and looked to be in serious trouble as Machida rained down strikes. In dramatic fashion, Tito came very close to getting a triangle with seconds left, and then arm-bar. Lyoto, didn't tap and got the victory.

*Lyoto's striking style and excellent takedown defense will frustrate wrestlers, ground fighters, and aggressive stand-up fighters.
*During a long post fight interview, Tito said he will be fighting for another 3-4 years.
*Tito's shirt said, "I did it my way." A sharp contrast from the weigh-in shirt, "Dana White is my Bitch."

Wanderlei Silva def. Keith Jardine via TKO, R1 :36- Jardine came out to a crazy bag pipe song while Wanderlei opted up tempo Zombie Nation. Silva landed some absolutely nasty strikes in this bout. Jardine threw a leg kick that was perfectly countered by Silva, as a shot landed flush on Jardine's face. Jardine was hurt and Wandy took advantage pouncing and throwing more bombs. Jardine's eye's rolled back, and it was a little scary for a second, but Jardine eventually walked out under his own power.
*UFC KO of the night bonus.

Thiago Silva def. Antonio Mendes via TKO, R1 2:24- Mendes came out with a huge head kick that nearly knocked Silva out, despite Silva slightly blocking the kick. While dazed, Silva stayed calm and weathered Mendes' storm. After a takedown, Silva got an opening and threw down massive bombs connecting with Mendes' face, forcing a Herb Dean stoppage.

Goran Reljic def. Wilson Gouveia via TKO, R2 3:15- The 24 year old Reljic has been hyped quite a bit regarding his striking and undefeated record. From the start of the bout, Reljic threw powerful kicks to the head and body of Gouveia. At the end of the first, Gouveia came back with some flurry's of punches to Reljic that seemed to give him the momentum.

In the second Gouveia seemed to get the best of it standing, got a takedown and had Reljic near the end of his rope. After a scramble, Reljic landed a massive left hand, then a barrage of hammerfists and punches forcing a TKO stoppage.
*UFC Fight of the night bonus given to both fighters.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry via sub. (armbar), R1 2:36- This fight was shown after Wanderlei's quick knockout of Jardine. Palhares got a good body lock throw takedown on Salaverry to start things out. Palahares was textbook as he went from sidemount, mount, rear naked choke attempt to arm bar finish.
*UFC submission of the night.

Yoshiyuki Yoshida def. John Koppenhaver via sub. (anaconda choke), R1 :56- We were able to see this fight after the BJ Penn fight. Yoshida got a judo throw to a gator roll anaconda choke. Herb Dean saw that War Machine lost consciousness and was out of commission. He made the right move calling the bout. Yoshida did not have much to say afterwards and actually seemed confused that Joe Rogan would want to ask him questions.

Shane Carwin def. Christian Wellisch via KO, R1 :43- We actually got to see this fight on the ppv and dang!!! Carwin dropped Wellish at 43 seconds in the first round with a vicious right straight directly to the chin. Wellish's mouthpiece shot out of his mouth bouncing off the canvas as Wellish's body hit the ground seconds later. The stands were pretty empty at this point and the fans should feel bad for missing such a nasty KO. I don't understand why fans miss the opening fights.

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou def. Kazuhiro Nakamura via TKO(leg injury), R1 5:00- Sokoudjou dished out quite a bit of leg kick variations smashing Nakamura's legs. He seemed to pack some power behind the shots. Near the 4th minute Sokoudjou seemed to fade and favor a taped knee. After one of the shots landed and dropped, Nakamura's knee seemed to buckle. The bout was called shortly thereafter. Nakamura wasn't knocked out, but the injury was too much for the ref to allow him to continue.

Rich Clementi def. Terry Etim via unanimous decision- not broadcast
Dong-Hyun Kim def. Jason Tan via TKO (elbows) R3, :25- not broadcast

*David Spade was there and was holding a mini-whiskey bottle, probably Jack Daniels.
*The Rock was there was extremely pearly whites.
*Shaq was in full in attendence. I wouldn't want to be seated behind Shaq.
*Former UFC Heavyweight Champ and Celebrity Rehab castmate Ricco Rodriguez was in Tito's corner.
*Laura Prepon from that 70's Show was seated next to Spade.
*Mandy Moore was there with some hot hot friends.
*The first hour saw less than 20 minutes of fight time, but 9 fights made the broadcast.
*Steve Mazzagati ref'd without the moustache
*In the crowd was Urijah Faber whom Joe Rogan interviewed. Apparently Urijah went to Hawaii to train. WEC got some press during the ppv. Jens seemed excited and ready to go. Versus got quite a bit of advertising.
*As usual, tons of filler and advertising.
*Actor Jason Statham was .

UFC 80 Results

UFC 80 was a better ppv than many expected. With the tempature at 5 degrees Saturday night, it was an easy decision to get it. The main card was basically all early stoppages and most were pretty good contests. No fight of the year canidates, but solid.

B.J. Penn def. Joe Stevenson via sub (rear-naked choke) — R2. 4:02
*BJ dominated the fight from start to finish. A nasty elbow opened up a gash on Stevenson's hairline and the blood flowed until the perfect rear naked choke that BJ sunk in near the end of the second. Probably a fight where one could say elbows should be banned from the UFC.

Fabricio Werdum def. Gabriel Gonzaga via TKO (strikes) — R2, 4:34
*Gonzaga won the first round with devastating low kicks. He was probably winning the second round too, until he missed with a high kick. Werdum capitalized and punched Gonzaga into submission.

Marcus Davis def. Jess Liaudin via KO (punch) — R1, 1:04
*Didn't take long, basically a left hook put Liaudin to the canvas. Davis needs to fight someone elite next.

Wilson Gouveia def. Jason Lambert via KO (punch) — R2, 0:37
*Lambert dominated the first round with a takedown and punches. In the second, he looked to continue his ways, but in a flurry was hit right on the button and sent to the floor hard.

Jorge Rivera def. Kendall Grove via TKO (strikes) — R1, 1:20
*Kendall's fighting career is trouble right now with back to back losses. He was manhandled by Rivera who had just been crushed by Terry Martin.

Antoni Hardonk def. Colin Robinson via TKO (strikes) — R1, 0:17
Paul Kelly def. Paul Taylor via unanimous decision
Alessio Sakara def. James Lee via TKO (punches) — R1, 1:30
Sam Stout def. Per Eklund via unanimous decision

UFC 80 - Penn v. Stevenson

After testing positive for steroids and losing an appeal (even though fine was reduced) Sean Sherk was stripped of his lightweight title. Fighting for the open lightweight title are BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson. The ppv will be airing live at 3pm EST, and again on tape delay 10pm EST. Here are the fights:

B.J. Penn (11-4) vs. Joe Stevenson (28-7)(for lightweight title)- After watching BJ's training on Countdown to UFC 80, I'm sure he can pull this win out. BJ is watching his diet, training like a cardio machine, and seeing the stretching demonstration made me think he has something coming for Stevenson. Stevenson is no slouch, but I just don't think he has the experience against A-level kind of competition. He seems to be a little too much in awe of BJ. Pick- Penn sub rd 3.

Gabriel Gonzaga (8-2) vs. Fabricio Werdum (9-3)- This is a big fight for both fighters as they are both coming off losses in big fights. Werdum is talking about ending the fight in the first round, but I don't see it happeneing. Pick- Gonzaga TKO rd 3.

Marcus Davis (13-3) vs. Jess Liaudin (12-8)- I would have liked to see Davis take on a legit title contender. Davis is riding a 10 fight win streak with 5 straight in the UFC. Liaudin has won 5 straight including 2 wins in the UFC. Pick- Davis KO rd 2.

Kendall Grove (8-4) vs. Jorge Rivera (14-6)- Both fighters are coming off losses. Pick- Grove TKO rd 3.

Jason Lambert (23-6) vs. Wilson Gouveia (9-4)- Lambert is coming off a huge win over Babalu, but that was last March. Gouveia has three wins in a row since his decision loss to Jardine. Pick- Gouveia wins by unanimous decision.

Antoni Hardonk (5-4) vs. Colin Robinson (9-3)- Robinson via submission rd. 2

Paul Kelly (6-0) vs. Paul Taylor (8-2)- Kelly via TKO rd. 3

James Lee (13-2) vs. Alessio Sakara (11-6)- Sakara via KO rd. 2.

Per Eklund (12-2) vs. Sam Stout (12-3)- Stout via unanimous decision. Interested to see how Eklund does, he has a four fight win streak with one win in Bodog.

BJ Penn pic from photobucket