Video of the Day - Gracie v. Kimura

Here is Rickson Gracie fighting Koichi Kimura from Vale Tudo Japan in 1995. Rickson is a legend of the martial arts world, holding an 8th degree black belt in BJJ. He last fought MMA in 2000 winning over Masakatsu Funaki. Rickson's reported MMA record is 11-0, but there could be many more bouts.

Video of the Day - Cro Cop v. Fujita

Here is Mirko Cro Cop against Kazuyuki Fujita at the K-1: Andy Hug Memorial Fights from 8/19/01. This was Mirko's first MMA fight after having a succesful K-1 kickboxing career.

Mirko fights Roy Nelson at UFC 137. Replay at 1:10 is awesome.

Video of the Day - Silva v. Stout

Here is Anderson Silva fighting Curtis Stout at Cage Rage 14 which took place on 12/3/05 in London, England.

Anderson defeated Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 for the 185 pound title via a miracle 5th round triangle.

Video of the Day - Tank v. Cabbage

Here is Tank Abbott v. Wesley "Cabbage" Correira II from Rumble on the Rock 7 which took place in Hawaii on 5/7/05.

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.

(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.

(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 - Nogueira v. Overeem

Here is Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira against Valentijn Overeem from Rings - Kings of Kings 2001. It was for the one day heavyweight tournament crown. Nogueira had defeated Volk Han via decion and Hiromitsu Kanehara via rear naked choke. Overeem won a decision over Randy Couture and arm bar over Yoshihisa Yamamoto.

Big Nog will next fight Randy Couture at UFC 102.

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

Strikeforce Lands Fedor

The most dominant heavyweight MMA fighter of all-time, Fedor Emelianenko, is heading to Strikeforce after a deal was struck today. The terms of the deal allow co-promoting with the M-1 promotion.

While the UFC attempted to land Fedor, the deal was just not in the cards. Reportedly, Fedor's management insisted on M-1 co-promoting events in the UFC, which they wouldn't approve. The UFC offered to allow M-1 to advertise on Fedor's fight shorts, banner, and t-shirt.

The most likely opponents for Fedor include Brett Rogers, Fabricio Werdum, Gilbert Yvel and Alistair Overeem. Unfortunately, Alistair injured his hand in a nightclub incident in Holland.


Fedor v. Hong Man Choi from K-1 Dynamite

M-1 Breakthrough Preview

M-1 Breakthrough should be a decent show broadcasting on HDNet from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. We will get a shot to take a look at fast rising prospect "King Mo" Lawal as he takes on aging former MMA star Mark Kerr.

Both fighters have NCAA wrestling championships, and excellent pedigrees. However, Kerr is well past his prime and will have trouble dealing with the younger, more athletic Lawal. here is how the card shapes up.

MAIN CARD

Mark Kerr (15-10) vs. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (4-0)
Lucio Linhares (12-4) vs. Mikhail Zayats (8-3)
Rob Broughton (10-4-1) vs. Jessie Gibbs (7-2)
Karl Amoussou (10-2-1) vs. John Doyle (8-8)
Lloyd "Kadillac" Marshbanks (17-8) vs. Michael Kitta (5-3)
Ferrid Kheder (13-4) vs. Daisuke Nakamura (19-10)

UNDER CARD

Rogent Lloret (7-1) vs. Alexey Oleinik (24-4)
Tim Bazer (9-6) vs. Eric Marriott (13-1)
Josh Arocho (11-6) vs. Sean Wilson (18-9)
Rudy Bears (9-3) vs. Brendan Seguin (18-5)
Molly Ahlers-Estes (1-0) vs. Andrea Caplan (0-0)


(Mark Kerr Pictured)

Video of the Day - Kim v. Kubota

Here is Dong Hyun Kim v. Kosei Kubota from Deep 26 which took place on 10/10/06. Kim will be fighting TJ Grant at UFC 100.

Video of the Day - Mayhem v. Sincaid

Here is Jason "Mayhem" Miller v. Lodune Sincaid from WFA - King of the Streets which took place on 7/22/06. Shortly after the show, WFA was heading towards bankruptcy and purchased by the UFC. Thankfully, the move brought Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida and Martin Kampmann to the UFC.

Video of the Day - Minowa v. Zimmerman

Here is Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa against Errol Zimmerman from K-1 Dynamite NYE, which took place on 12/31/08. Minowa is in the final four of Dream's Super Hulk Tournament where he next faces Hong Man Choi.

Video of the Day - Daniels v. Banda

Here is Raymond Daniels v. Brandon Banda in Chuck Norris' defunct World Combat League. Daniels dominated the league with his superior kicking ability.

Gerald Harris Exclusive Interview

The following is an exclusive MMA Blaster interview with former Ultimate Fighter 7 competitor and IFL veteran Gerald Harris. MMA Blaster thanks Gerald for his time and wishes him the best in his martial arts career.

MMA Blaster: Gerald, you recently won the NAGA Arnold Classic World Grappling Championship in the Advanced No Gi division, what was that experience like?

Gerald Harris: It was crazy just to be able to compete. A year ago, I couldn't have even made it past the 1st round, but I've been training in so many great places that my BJJ has developed very fast. Oh yeah, I got the s*** choked out of me in the semifinals but somehow managed to wake up and win the match.

(Gerald after winning the NAGA Arnold Classic)

MMA Blaster: How has your outlook on the fight game changed since your time on The Ultimate Fighter?

Gerald Harris: It may sound dumb, but I'm glad that I lost on the show. It made me work harder to improve and not rely on wrestling. I was blessed to be on the show and became good friends with Rampage Jackson. He showed me what its like to be a true champion. I witnessed some highs and lows of his career so the strong comeback victory over Wanderlei Silva was great. After attending his camps and training with some other great fighters, I realized that I wasn't ready for the UFC. I also left Team Quest for personal reasons, nothing against the members team. It's been a year now and I'm on a 5 fight win streak. I'm getting better everyday, so when I return to the UFC I'll be there for good.

MMA Blaster: What doors has The Ultimate Fighter show opened for you?

Gerald Harris: Somebody actually opened the door in the public restroom one time while I was taking a dump and asked me if I was on TUF 7. Along with that, a million myspace notes and crazy exposure. I have many sponsorships, a new agent, and I'm networking all over the country. I will take full advantage of TUF exposure and experience in order to improve my career.

MMA Blaster: Where have you been training lately? How has your training been going?

Gerald Harris: Training is great and I have a big list of places that I've been to. Arizona Combat Sports, Oklahoma Fight Club, Tulsa Combat Fitness, Wolfslair Gym, Big Bear Training Center, Ghost Dog Boxing, along with private lessons for BJJ and boxing.

(Gerald and Rampage at Wolfslair)

MMA Blaster: You have three victories in C3: Fights since the show, what is it like fighting in that organization?

Gerald Harris: It's pretty cool, they allow me to get some experience against tough guys then pay well so that I can focus on training and not just fighting to survive. I will be fighting for them on March 28th, so that will make win number 4. My goal is to stay unbeaten and learn from each fight.

MMA Blaster: Do you have an upcoming fight in C3? Do you know your opponent?

Gerald Harris: My opponent has changed numerous times, some people think they wanna fight me, but they have no idea how much trouble they are gonna be in once they lock that cage. I'm a different man when the cage is shut. I'm out for blood. They usually back out at the last minute. We have a few names, but nothing solid yet. I just train hard and prepare for everything.

MMA Blaster: Since The Ultimate Fighter you have managed to pull off four straight victories outside the UFC, five overall for an (11-2) record, how close are you to making it back to the UFC?

Gerald Harris: Honestly that's a question I can't answer. I could be (20-2) and it probably wouldn't matter. I have to wait until the window opens and the roster isn't so full. I'm not in a rush to get in the UFC, but I would love to be there. I'm gaining so much experience right now, that I'll be ready when they call. Until then I must continue to whoop ass.

MMA Blaster: What are your current goals in MMA?

Gerald Harris: I will be the champion of any organization that I join.

MMA Blaster: Would you be open to fighting in Japan? What do you think of the fight game and fans in Japan?

Gerald Harris: I'm open to fighting at the mall if it's sanctioned and pays well! Japan is great, I have a few friends that fight over there. My boy King Mo will be fighting this weekend and he's a huge deal in Japan, they love him. I've heard nothing but great things about Japan. I'm open to all options and I have some good offers that I can't discuss in this interview.

MMA Blaster: Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

Gerald Harris: My momma and daddy. My momma use to whoop my ass when I was little so I can take a beating and keep rolling. My daddy raised me to be a responsible hard working man. Other than those two it's Rampage, King Mo, and Kenny Florian.

MMA Blaster: Not to get political, but what are your feelings about Barack O'Bama getting elected? I was at the rally in Grant Park, it was a very intense and uplifting experience.

Gerald Harris: Barack is my cousin, so I was real happy for him. Just kidding, but really, I used to be a history teacher, so to witness an African-American become President is an honor and big step for the world. We were slaves in the mid 1800's and were barely allowed to go to school in the mid 1900's so it shows all people that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

MMA Blaster: Any sponsors or supporters you want to give a shout out to?

Gerald Harris: Oh yeah, I gotta put them in here, cagedsteel.com, AlphaElectronics.com, Marc Ecko Clothing line, Unbreakable Mouthpieces, DiscountSportsNutrition.com, Brookside Tattoos and Piercings and a special shout out to my boxing coach "Sweet Pea Macho Peppe Johnson" that's a long name huh?

MMA Blaster would like to thank Gerald for his time and candid answers. You can find more on Gerald at geraldhurricaneharris.com.

(A picture perfect slam against Benji Radach in the IFL)

WEC 40 Chicago - Preview

WEC 40 takes place April 5th at the UIC Pavillion in Chicago, Illinois. There is a solid lineup of fights that will take place. The undercard is stacked with Wagnney Fabiano, Eddie Wineland, Manny Tapia, Bart Palaszewski and Rafeal Dias. Expect to see some quick and exciting action.

Miguel Torres vs. Takeya Mizugaki- This fight is for the 135 pound bantam weight title. Torres (35-1, 4-0 WEC), won the BW belt at WEC 32 over Chase Beebe and has defended against Yoshiro Maeda and Manny Tapia. Torres is a relentless, creative and entertaining fighter who has an endless supply of energy. Expect him to go big in this fight in his hometown.

(Miguel Torres pictured)

Takeya Mizugaki (11-2, 0-0 WEC) is a late replacement for Brian Bowles, who had to withdraw due to injury. Mizugaki is a veteran of the Japanese Shooto and GCM promotions and is currently riding a 5 fight win streak. He was a Shooto rookie of the year in 2003.


Joseph Benavidez vs. Jeff Curran- This match sets up nice to determine a number 1 contender for the BW Title. Curran (29-10, 2-2 WEC) has had a tough past two fights losing via guillotine against Urijah Faber and a decision to Mike Thomas Brown. Curran should look to take the fight to the ground to utilize his submission game. He has fought in the UFC, IFL and Pride with big wins over Rafael Assuncao, Wagnney Fabiano, Jason Dent and Bao Quach.

(Jeff Curran pictured)

Joe Benavidez (9-0, 1-0 WEC) is an up and coming prospect who trains with Urijah Faber. Benavidez fought in local promotions before being called to fight in Dream, defeating Junya Kudo (7-2) at Dream 5. In his lone WEC fight, Benavidez seemed tenantive at times, but was crisp in his striking. He notched a unanimous victory over Danny Martinez.

(Joe Benavidez pictured)

Ben Henderson vs. Shane Roller- Ben Henderson (8-1, 1-0 WEC) has six submission victories on his resume. In his last two fights he won via decision over Diego Saraiva and won his WEC debut over Anthony Njokuani via guillotine choke. Shane Roller (5-1) is a top level wrestler with 3 submissions and 2 TKO's on the win list. Roller won his two WEC fights over Mike Budnick and Todd Moore with the guillotine choke.

Rafael Assuncao vs. Jameel Massouh- Rafeal Assuncao (12-1, 0-0 WEC) is a BJJ blackbelt that some circles put in the top ten at 145. He has 8 submission wins on his resume with victories over Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal and Joe Pearson. Massouh (21-4, 0-0 WEC) has fought many times out of Wisconsin's FCC promotion. Recently, Massouh has fought in Pancrase.

UNDERCARD

Anthony Njokuani vs. Bart Palaszewski
Dominick Cruz vs. Ivan Lopez
Diego Nunes vs. Cub Swanson
Wagnney Fabiano vs. Fredson Paixao
Eddie Wineland vs. Rani Yahya
Akitoshi Tamura vs. Manny Tapia
Mike Budnik vs. Rafael Dias

Video of the Day - Elbe v. Salmanov

Here is TUF 9 contestant Ray Elbe (20-11) v. Djalili Salmanov at the Governor's Cup in Russia, from 11/10/07. Pretty crazy ending round 2:30. Ray is mainly a Muay Thai fighter who has trained with the legendery Tiger Muay Thai camp in Phuket, Thailand. Elbe's biggest victory was over IFL veteran Donny Liles (12-5).

2008 Exclusives

Here are some exclusive intervies from 2008.

Chuck Grigsby
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2007/12/dreams-goals-dedication-chuck-reverend.html

Muhsin Corbbrey
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/10/spectacular-muhsin-corbbrey.html

Jason Nicholson
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/10/never-stop-fighting-jason-nicholson.html

Shah Bobonis
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/10/hollywood-in-hood.html

Larry Landry
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/11/lethal-leprechaun-larry-landry.html

Gerald Harris
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2009/03/gerald-harris-exclusive-interview.html

http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/07/gerald-harris-update.html

TJ O'Brien and Jesse Lund
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/01/team-revolutions-tj-obrien-and-jesse.html

Douglas Lima
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/05/aggressor-douglas-lima.html

Video of the Day - Leites v. Roland

Here is Thales Leites v. Adam Roland from Rumble on the Rock 7 which took place on 5/7/05 in Hawaii. Leites faces Anderson Silva at UFC 97. The fight starts around the 2:30 mark. Former TUF competitor Troy Mandaloniz is the ref.

Crazy Krazy Horse Video

Here is a backstage altercation between Krazy Horse and Christian Marcello. Apparently Krazy Horse shared a locker room with the Chute Boxe guys and was talking trash. Krazy Horse had just fought Ken Kaneko. I normally don't post stuff like this, but it is one of the crazier things that I have seen go down backstage.

MMA Blaster One Year Old

MMA Blaster has turned one year old and has accumulated over 70,000 hits to date. I'd like to think all the mixed martial artists who have taken time out of their day to do interviews. No matter where my real job takes me, MMA Blaster will live on and add something to the best sport in the world, MMA.