The first round of TUF 17 wittled the cast from 28 to 14. I was happy about most of the fights, however the way it was edited was really annoying. Instead of letting fights that ended in the first round play out, they jump cut to Jon Jones, Chael Sonnen or Dana White jabbering about the fighters.
Sonnen decided to take the first fighter, and Jones picked Gilbert Smith to fight Luke Barnatt. Luke has a big reach advantage over Gilbert, and will need to keep him on the outside. Josh Samman really wanted to fight first.
TEAM SONNEN
Luke Barnatt (5-0)- The 6'6" English fighter has fought in BAMMA and UWC defeating Lee Johnson (5-2) via submission and won a decision over Ben Callum (5-1). Luke used his reach effectively to win a unanimous decision over Nicholas Hohring (3-0).
Uriah Hall (7-2)- The Jamaican born, New York trained kickboxer's only two losses are to UFC title contenders Constantinos Philippou and Chris Weidman. He has a TKO over Edwin Aguilar in Bellator and is currently on a 3 fight win streak. Hall also competed in Chuck Norris' WCL kickboxing league on the New Jersey Tigers. Hall won a tough decision over Andy Enz (6-1) in the first round of the tournament.
Zak Cummings (15-3)- The Bellator and Strikeforce fighter has fought around the midwest, defeating Terry Martin and Rudy Bears. He has 8 submission wins and 4 TKO wins on his resume. Cummings landed one of the fastest KO's in TUF history, with one punch to Nik Fekete's face.
Tor Troeng (15-4-1)- The Swedish veteran fighter is 11-1 in his last 12 fights only losing to Thales Leites. He has submission wins over Rafeal Silva (38-13) and Mark Weir. Troeng submitted Scott Rosa with a rear naked choke in the opening round.
Jimmy Quinlan (3-0)- The Massachusetts fighter was a successful collegiate wrestler and brown belt in BJJ. 2 of his wins are via first round submission. Shown in highlight form, Quinlan scored takedowns and finished Mike Persons via TKO in the first round.
Kevin Casey (5-2)- From California, Casey is a Rickson Gracie disciple who earned a rear naked choke over Eldon Sproat (3-1) in his TUF fight.
Kelvin Gastelum (4-0)- The 5'9" spark plug has 2 KO's and 2 submissions while fighting less than stellar competition. Kelvin won a razor thin decision over Kito Andrews in the first round.
TEAM JONES
Clint Hester (7-3)- Fighting pro for 4 and half years, the former boxer has several quality wins fighting in the southeast. Hester was 3-3 as a cruiser weight boxing. Hester won a dominant decision over Fraser Opie (10-5) in the opening round.
Josh Samman (9-2)- The Florida fighter and WWFC champ last defeated Bellator vet Mikey Gomez via submission due to punches, and has beat Chris Cope via KO. Samman defeated Leo Bercier via TKO in the first round.
Bubba McDaniel (20-6)- The Elite XC and Bellator veteran has won 6 straight with 15 total submission wins on his resume. He has defeated several legit veterans including Eric Schambari (15-3), Johnny Rees and Kala Hose. Bubba TKO'd Ryan Bigler in the 2nd round of the fight.
Gilbert Smith (5-1)- The muscular Colorado fighter has 4 submission wins. He submitted Eric Wahlin in the first round via arm triangle choke.
Collin Hart (4-1-1)- Colin won the fight via submission in the first round via rear naked choke.
Adam Cella (4-0)- A member of Finney's Hit Squad in Missouri, Cella has a kickboxing background. He has 2 KO's and 2 submissions in the first round. Cella may have gotten slammed pretty hard, but he tapped Jake Heun with an armbar in the first round of his match-up.
Dylan Andrews (16-4-1)- The New Zealander has 10 KO's on his resume fighting at 205 and 185 mainly on the Australian fight circuit. He has a win over Shonie Carter. Andrews won a decision over Tim Williams (7-1) in the opening round.
Showing posts with label Chael Sonnen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chael Sonnen. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Video of the Day - Sonnen v. Stann
Here is Chael Sonnen fighting Brian Stann at UFC 136 which took place on 10/8/11 in Houston, Texas. Sonnen next went on win a decision over Michael Bisping to force a title rematch with Anderson Silva.
Silva v. Sonnen II will take place at UFC 148 on July 7th. Fight starts around the 7:00 minute mark.
Silva v. Sonnen II will take place at UFC 148 on July 7th. Fight starts around the 7:00 minute mark.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Sonnen Pre-Positive Test Interview
Here is an interview done by friend of MMA Blaster, Marcos Villegas of Fight Hub TV. The video was filmed the day before the positive steroid test was revealed by the California State Athletic Comission.
In the video, Sonnen makes some usual wild claims, such as nobody who Silva has beaten is still with the UFC, and that Silva told Sonnen his rib hurt during their epic battle at UFC 117. Well, Sonnen, Chris Leben, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt and Forrest Griffin are still in the UFC and close to title contention.
Why would Silva tell Sonnen mid-fight that his rib hurt? Seems like that would be the worst thing you could do, telling your opponent a weakness for him to exploit. Sonnen goes on to call Silva a "dirtbag" and a "bully" who ducked Sonnen for four years. Interesting. Take a look for yourself below.
In the video, Sonnen makes some usual wild claims, such as nobody who Silva has beaten is still with the UFC, and that Silva told Sonnen his rib hurt during their epic battle at UFC 117. Well, Sonnen, Chris Leben, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt and Forrest Griffin are still in the UFC and close to title contention.
Why would Silva tell Sonnen mid-fight that his rib hurt? Seems like that would be the worst thing you could do, telling your opponent a weakness for him to exploit. Sonnen goes on to call Silva a "dirtbag" and a "bully" who ducked Sonnen for four years. Interesting. Take a look for yourself below.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
UFC 117 Preview - Anderson is Back
This Saturday in Oakland, California, Anderson Silva will attempt to erase his odd performance at UFC 112 against Demian Maia with a solid performance against trash talking Chael Sonnen in this stacked card.
Chael Sonnen (24-10-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC) has talked and fought his way into a title shot in his current UFC run by winning three straight decisions over Dan Miller, Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt. Each victory was dominant for the Bodog, WEC and Pancrase veteran, who has used his Greco Roman wrestling to perfection and has dropped some vicious ground and pound in the process.
Expect Sonnen to move forward, throw his jab, then look for the clinch for takedowns. Sonnen will have problems with Silva's striking, so expect him to close the distance as soon as possible. Sonnen will also have to avoid the submission, as Anderson is a BJJ black belt, and Sonnen has been submitted 6 times in his career.
(Sonnen dropping bombs on Nate Marquardt)
Anderson Silva meanwhile began his career in the UFC in epic fashion, taking Chris Leben, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt, Forrest Griffin and James Irvin to school with his beatdowns. While he allowed some takedowns against Travis Lutter and Dan Henderson, each was submitted in the second round.
(Anderson Silva front kick to Dan Henderson)
Then Anderson's elusive style got him in a little trouble with fans, who were dissappointed at his efforts against Thales Leites and Demian Maia. The bone-headed short sighted fans have all but forgotten Anderson's monumental performances, focusing instead on the two boring fights. With much to prove, expect Anderson to counter strike with punches and knees as Sonnen looks for takedowns and pushes forward.
MAIN CARD
Thiago Alves v. Jon Fitch
Rafael dos Anjos v. Clay Guida
Ricardo Almeida v. Matt Hughes
Junior Dos Santos v. Roy Nelson
PRELIMINARY CARD
Dustin Hazelett v. Rick Story
Phil Davis v. Rodney Wallace
Tim Boetsch v. Todd Brown
Charlie Brenneman v. Johny Hendricks
Christian Morecraft v. Stefan Struve
Dennis Hallman v. Ben Saunders
Chael Sonnen (24-10-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC) has talked and fought his way into a title shot in his current UFC run by winning three straight decisions over Dan Miller, Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt. Each victory was dominant for the Bodog, WEC and Pancrase veteran, who has used his Greco Roman wrestling to perfection and has dropped some vicious ground and pound in the process.
Expect Sonnen to move forward, throw his jab, then look for the clinch for takedowns. Sonnen will have problems with Silva's striking, so expect him to close the distance as soon as possible. Sonnen will also have to avoid the submission, as Anderson is a BJJ black belt, and Sonnen has been submitted 6 times in his career.
(Sonnen dropping bombs on Nate Marquardt)
Anderson Silva meanwhile began his career in the UFC in epic fashion, taking Chris Leben, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt, Forrest Griffin and James Irvin to school with his beatdowns. While he allowed some takedowns against Travis Lutter and Dan Henderson, each was submitted in the second round.
(Anderson Silva front kick to Dan Henderson)
Then Anderson's elusive style got him in a little trouble with fans, who were dissappointed at his efforts against Thales Leites and Demian Maia. The bone-headed short sighted fans have all but forgotten Anderson's monumental performances, focusing instead on the two boring fights. With much to prove, expect Anderson to counter strike with punches and knees as Sonnen looks for takedowns and pushes forward.
MAIN CARD
Thiago Alves v. Jon Fitch
Rafael dos Anjos v. Clay Guida
Ricardo Almeida v. Matt Hughes
Junior Dos Santos v. Roy Nelson
PRELIMINARY CARD
Dustin Hazelett v. Rick Story
Phil Davis v. Rodney Wallace
Tim Boetsch v. Todd Brown
Charlie Brenneman v. Johny Hendricks
Christian Morecraft v. Stefan Struve
Dennis Hallman v. Ben Saunders
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Video of the Day - Sonnen v. Curnut
Here is Chael Sonnen fighting Greg Curnut from FCC Rumble at Rosemont from 12/13/03 which took place in Portland, Oregon.
It appears that a title fight between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva will take place at UFC 117.
It appears that a title fight between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva will take place at UFC 117.
Monday, May 25, 2009
UFC 98 Ka-Da-Tay
Karate is officially back in style as Lyoto Machida systematically picked apart Rashad Evans at this weekends UFC 98 to take the Light Heavyweight Crown. Machida is not the first karate practicioner to win the 205 belt, as future UFC Hall of Famer and Kenpo Karate expert Chuck Liddell dominated the 205 pound division before the belt began to change hands.
Lyoto Machida def Rashad Evans via KO (Punches) R2, 3:57- Lyoto Machida dominated this fights as he has in his 15 career victories. Lyoto was able to keep Rashad Evans at a distance, then capitalize when he saw an opening.
In the first, Lyoto was able to score a knockdown off a body kick, back up, then punch the face. Lyoto picked up his pace in the second round, landing kicks and punches before setting up his final push. Lyoto at a couple punches but unloaded a fury with a head kick and several punches before landing an uppercut that sent Rashad into the cage fence seeing stars.
Lyoto will likely face Rampage Jackson in his next bout. Hopefully they are not put in TUF 10 as coaches as it will put both fighter on the shelf for 7 months or more. MMA Blaster's readers were correct in predicting Lyoto Machida would win 66-49.
(Lyoto Machida pictured)
Results:
Frankie Edgar def Sean Sherk via Dec (Unanimous)
Chael Sonnen def Dan Miller via Dec (Unanimous)
Drew McFedries def Xavier Foupa-Pokam via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:37
Matt Hughes def Matt Serra via Dec(Unanimous)
Brock Larson def Mike Pyle via sub (arm-triangle) R1, 3:06
Tim Hague def Pat Barry via sub (guillotine) R1, 1:43
Kyle Bradley def Phillipe Nover via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:03
Krzysztof Soszynski def Andre Gusmao via TKO (strikes) R1, 3:17
Yoshiyuki Yoshida def Brandon Wolff via sub (guillotine) R1, 2:24
George Roop def David Kaplan via split dec
Lyoto Machida def Rashad Evans via KO (Punches) R2, 3:57- Lyoto Machida dominated this fights as he has in his 15 career victories. Lyoto was able to keep Rashad Evans at a distance, then capitalize when he saw an opening.
In the first, Lyoto was able to score a knockdown off a body kick, back up, then punch the face. Lyoto picked up his pace in the second round, landing kicks and punches before setting up his final push. Lyoto at a couple punches but unloaded a fury with a head kick and several punches before landing an uppercut that sent Rashad into the cage fence seeing stars.
Lyoto will likely face Rampage Jackson in his next bout. Hopefully they are not put in TUF 10 as coaches as it will put both fighter on the shelf for 7 months or more. MMA Blaster's readers were correct in predicting Lyoto Machida would win 66-49.
(Lyoto Machida pictured)
Results:
Frankie Edgar def Sean Sherk via Dec (Unanimous)
Chael Sonnen def Dan Miller via Dec (Unanimous)
Drew McFedries def Xavier Foupa-Pokam via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:37
Matt Hughes def Matt Serra via Dec(Unanimous)
Brock Larson def Mike Pyle via sub (arm-triangle) R1, 3:06
Tim Hague def Pat Barry via sub (guillotine) R1, 1:43
Kyle Bradley def Phillipe Nover via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:03
Krzysztof Soszynski def Andre Gusmao via TKO (strikes) R1, 3:17
Yoshiyuki Yoshida def Brandon Wolff via sub (guillotine) R1, 2:24
George Roop def David Kaplan via split dec
Thursday, November 6, 2008
WEC Results - Champions Fall
(FW Champ) Mike Thomas Brown def Urijah Faber via TKO (Punches)- R1, 2:23- The former champ Urijah Faber lost his belt in a quick 145 pound contest. Both fighters looked to exchange from the start infront of the Florida crowd. After a couple exchanges, Brown hit Urijah with a punch to the temple. Urijah was stunned but kept fighting, trying a standing elbow. Unfortunately for Urijah, Brown countered with an uppercut that sent the former champ to the canvas. While on his knees, Urijah wasn't moving and Brown was throwing punches until the ref called it.
"I don't have a lot of knockouts on my record, but I [expletive] hit hard," Brown said. Brown took the belt as tears rolled down his face. It was the biggest win of Brown's solid mma career.
Chael Sonnen def Paulo Filho via Decision (Unanimous)- Filho came out to a chorus of boo's which didn't stop the entire fight. Filho looked off his came from the start. He tried to shoot in a couple times, but after unsuccessful, was gassed and didn't do much. Filho looked off to his corner and into space. Really boring fight that ended in Chael landing jabs, getting a couple takedowns and kicking Filho's legs as he sat in guard. Chael won 30-27 on all cards.
Leonard Garcia def Jens Pulver via TKO (Punches)- R1, 1:12- The third champ to lose was Jens Pulver who took some vicious strikes from Leonard Garcia. Garcia looked loose as used two quick right hands to stun Pulver. Garcia rushed and laid on the pressure to Pulver as he laid against the fence absorbing punishment until the ref called it.
Jake Rosholt def Nissen Osterneck via TKO (Punches)- R2, 3:48- Rosholt is an NCAA champ, but still has much to learn in the stand-up game before he goes to the UFC. Rosholt ate punch after punch from Nissen standing, but anytime he got in trouble found a takedown. From his back, Nissen was attempting submissions, but Rosholt was just too strong. This was a back and forth match that made for my favorite of the night. After weathering more punches and getting mount in the second, Rosholt sealed the victory as the fight was called.
Aaron Simpson def David Avellan via KO (punch)- R1, 0:18- The fighters danced before Simpson threw a nasty overhand with all his body striking Avellan in the chin. Avellan was out, but Simpson threw a couple light punches before the ref stepped in. One of the nastier KO's that have been seen in some time.
Not Broadcast
Donald Cerrone def Rob McCullough via unanimous decision
Jose Aldo def Jonathan Brookings via TKO (strikes)- R3, 0:45
Carmelo Marrero def Steve Steinbess via split decision
Danny Castillo def Rafael Dias via TKO (strikes)- R2, 2:54
Rani Yayha def Yoshiro Maeda via sub (guillotine choke)- R1, 3:30
"I don't have a lot of knockouts on my record, but I [expletive] hit hard," Brown said. Brown took the belt as tears rolled down his face. It was the biggest win of Brown's solid mma career.
Chael Sonnen def Paulo Filho via Decision (Unanimous)- Filho came out to a chorus of boo's which didn't stop the entire fight. Filho looked off his came from the start. He tried to shoot in a couple times, but after unsuccessful, was gassed and didn't do much. Filho looked off to his corner and into space. Really boring fight that ended in Chael landing jabs, getting a couple takedowns and kicking Filho's legs as he sat in guard. Chael won 30-27 on all cards.
Leonard Garcia def Jens Pulver via TKO (Punches)- R1, 1:12- The third champ to lose was Jens Pulver who took some vicious strikes from Leonard Garcia. Garcia looked loose as used two quick right hands to stun Pulver. Garcia rushed and laid on the pressure to Pulver as he laid against the fence absorbing punishment until the ref called it.
Jake Rosholt def Nissen Osterneck via TKO (Punches)- R2, 3:48- Rosholt is an NCAA champ, but still has much to learn in the stand-up game before he goes to the UFC. Rosholt ate punch after punch from Nissen standing, but anytime he got in trouble found a takedown. From his back, Nissen was attempting submissions, but Rosholt was just too strong. This was a back and forth match that made for my favorite of the night. After weathering more punches and getting mount in the second, Rosholt sealed the victory as the fight was called.
Aaron Simpson def David Avellan via KO (punch)- R1, 0:18- The fighters danced before Simpson threw a nasty overhand with all his body striking Avellan in the chin. Avellan was out, but Simpson threw a couple light punches before the ref stepped in. One of the nastier KO's that have been seen in some time.
Not Broadcast
Donald Cerrone def Rob McCullough via unanimous decision
Jose Aldo def Jonathan Brookings via TKO (strikes)- R3, 0:45
Carmelo Marrero def Steve Steinbess via split decision
Danny Castillo def Rafael Dias via TKO (strikes)- R2, 2:54
Rani Yayha def Yoshiro Maeda via sub (guillotine choke)- R1, 3:30
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
WEC 36
On November 5th, 2008, WEC 36 will be held in Hollywood, Fla and broadcast live on Versus. Here are the announced matches on Versus.com.
Maincard
Urijah Faber vs. Mike Brown (FW Title)
Paulo Filho vs. Chael Sonnen (MW Title)
Leonard Garcia vs. Jens Pulver
Nissen Osterneck vs. Jake Rosholt
Donald Cerrone vs. Rob McCullough
Undercard
David Avellan vs. Aaron Simpson
Jose Aldo vs. Jonathan Brookins
Yoshiro Maeda vs. Rani Yayha
Steve Steinbeiss vs. TBA
Danny Castillo vs. TBA
*Urijah Faber pic found on photobucket.com
Maincard
Urijah Faber vs. Mike Brown (FW Title)
Paulo Filho vs. Chael Sonnen (MW Title)
Leonard Garcia vs. Jens Pulver
Nissen Osterneck vs. Jake Rosholt
Donald Cerrone vs. Rob McCullough
Undercard
David Avellan vs. Aaron Simpson
Jose Aldo vs. Jonathan Brookins
Yoshiro Maeda vs. Rani Yayha
Steve Steinbeiss vs. TBA
Danny Castillo vs. TBA
*Urijah Faber pic found on photobucket.com
Thursday, March 27, 2008
WEC 33 Results
Review by the MMA Blaster
Brian Stann def. Doug Marshall via TKO (strikes)- R1, 1:35 - The slugfest occured as predicted as Stann and Marshall traded flurries of punches. After a Thai clinch, Stann was able to drop "the Rhino" with a vicious left hand. The Marine Stann is now the new LHW champ of the WEC.
Chael Sonnen def. Bryan Baker via unanimous decision- Sonnen dominated all three rounds and won the decision.
Marcus Hicks vs. Ed Ratcliff via sub (guillotine choke)- R1, 1:42 - As predicted this was a short and entertaining fight. After eating punches, Ratcliff defended guillotine attempts before eventually sucombing. Hicks' nickname is well deserved, he is a "wrecking ball."
Steve Cantwell def. Tim McKenzie via sub (rear-naked choke)- R1, 2:13- Cantwell overwelmed McKenzie with big kicks and punches for the eventual forearm rear naked choke.
Hiromitsu Miura def. Blas Avena via KO (punches)- R1, 2:35
Brock Larson def. John Alessio via DQ (illegal knee)- R1, 1:50
Richard Crunkilton def. Sergio Gomez via unanimous decision
Alex Serdyukov def. Ryan Stonitsch via sub (triangle choke)-R1, 1:35
Chris Manuel vs. Kenji Osawa via split draw
Logan Clark def. Scott Harper via TKO (strikes)- R1, 4:37
Brian Stann def. Doug Marshall via TKO (strikes)- R1, 1:35 - The slugfest occured as predicted as Stann and Marshall traded flurries of punches. After a Thai clinch, Stann was able to drop "the Rhino" with a vicious left hand. The Marine Stann is now the new LHW champ of the WEC.
Chael Sonnen def. Bryan Baker via unanimous decision- Sonnen dominated all three rounds and won the decision.
Marcus Hicks vs. Ed Ratcliff via sub (guillotine choke)- R1, 1:42 - As predicted this was a short and entertaining fight. After eating punches, Ratcliff defended guillotine attempts before eventually sucombing. Hicks' nickname is well deserved, he is a "wrecking ball."
Steve Cantwell def. Tim McKenzie via sub (rear-naked choke)- R1, 2:13- Cantwell overwelmed McKenzie with big kicks and punches for the eventual forearm rear naked choke.
Hiromitsu Miura def. Blas Avena via KO (punches)- R1, 2:35
Brock Larson def. John Alessio via DQ (illegal knee)- R1, 1:50
Richard Crunkilton def. Sergio Gomez via unanimous decision
Alex Serdyukov def. Ryan Stonitsch via sub (triangle choke)-R1, 1:35
Chris Manuel vs. Kenji Osawa via split draw
Logan Clark def. Scott Harper via TKO (strikes)- R1, 4:37
Monday, March 17, 2008
WEC 33
Preview by the MMA Blaster
WEC 33 is tonight on Versus. Ed "9MM" Ratcliff v. Marcus Hicks is my pick to be fight of the night. Both will be unleashing a furious stand-up attack. Ratcliff is impressive with his kick and punch combinations and unorthodox style.
Doug "the Rhino" Marshall v. Brian Stann is a 205 pound match-up that may also be stand-up war. Stann (5-0) is a fan and WEC favorite as he has five straight first round TKO victories to start his career. Marshall (7-2) will bring experience and confidence to the fight. He won the LHW belt from former TUF 1 contestant Lodune Sincaid (12-6).
Match-ups:
LHW Championship Doug Marshall (7-2) vs. Brian Stann (5-0)
Marcus Hicks (7-0) vs. Ed Ratcliff (6-0)
Bryan Baker (6-0) vs. Chael Sonnen (19-9)
Steve Cantwell (4-1) vs. Tim McKenzie (11-4)
Blas Avena (2-1) vs. Hiromitsu Miura (8-4)
John Alessio (22-10) vs. Brock Larson (22-2)
Richard Crunkilton (15-2) vs. Sergio Gomez (7-1)
Alex Serdyukov (6-4) vs. Ryan Stonitsch (8-0)
Chris Manuel (6-0) vs. Kenji Osawa (13-7)
Logan Clark (9-1) vs. Scott Harper (8-3)
WEC 33 is tonight on Versus. Ed "9MM" Ratcliff v. Marcus Hicks is my pick to be fight of the night. Both will be unleashing a furious stand-up attack. Ratcliff is impressive with his kick and punch combinations and unorthodox style.
Doug "the Rhino" Marshall v. Brian Stann is a 205 pound match-up that may also be stand-up war. Stann (5-0) is a fan and WEC favorite as he has five straight first round TKO victories to start his career. Marshall (7-2) will bring experience and confidence to the fight. He won the LHW belt from former TUF 1 contestant Lodune Sincaid (12-6).
Match-ups:
LHW Championship Doug Marshall (7-2) vs. Brian Stann (5-0)
Marcus Hicks (7-0) vs. Ed Ratcliff (6-0)
Bryan Baker (6-0) vs. Chael Sonnen (19-9)
Steve Cantwell (4-1) vs. Tim McKenzie (11-4)
Blas Avena (2-1) vs. Hiromitsu Miura (8-4)
John Alessio (22-10) vs. Brock Larson (22-2)
Richard Crunkilton (15-2) vs. Sergio Gomez (7-1)
Alex Serdyukov (6-4) vs. Ryan Stonitsch (8-0)
Chris Manuel (6-0) vs. Kenji Osawa (13-7)
Logan Clark (9-1) vs. Scott Harper (8-3)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
WEC 31 Preview
WEC Preview by the MMA Blaster
I was actually a little sad that there was no more Ultimate Fighter until next April. That is, until I saw the card for WEC 31. The first three bouts could just as easily be on a UFC ppv, and there are an amazing seven undefeated fighters on this card. While many are prospects, it is always nice to get a glimpse at the start of something big. Here is the fight card for Wednesday's action:
Urijah Faber (19-1) v. Jeff Curran (28-8) - FW Belt
Cub Swanson (11-1) v. Jens Pulver (21-8)
Paulo Filho (15-0) v. Chael Sonnen (19-8) - MW Belt
Doug Marshal (6-2) v. Ariel Gandulla (4-0-1) - LHW Belt
Brian Bowles (3-0) v. Marcos Galvao (6-1)
Charlie Valencia (8-3) v. Ian McCall (6-0)
John Alessio (20-10) v. Todd Moore (9-0)
Brian Baker (5-0) v. Eric Schambari (7-0)
Alex Karelexis (9-2) v. Eric "8MM" Ratcliff (3-0)
Faber v. Curran- Faber has been the face of the WEC since Zuffa acquired the organization and this is his biggest fight to date. Faber has been building popularity in recent years, successfully defending his featherweight title three times in 2007. Curran is a well experienced veteren (10 years) who has fought much larger and experienced opponents in his day.
Curran has notable wins over Wagnney Fabiano (9-1), Krazy Horse Bennett (19-14), Jason Dent (15-9) and Rafael Assuncao (11-1). Faber is wins over Chance Farrar (5-1), Dominic Cruz (9-1), Joe Pearson (20-9) and Naoya Uematsu (14-7).
Swanson v. Pulver- Pulver is trying to bounce back from losses to Joe Lauzon and BJ Penn and establish him in the 145 pound class. Swanson is looking to push his way into title contention. I'm guessing the winner of this bout gets an immediate FW title shot.
Most fans seem to forget that Pulver has an extensive career with wins over Joe Stevenson (26-7), Caol Uno (22-14), Stephen Palling (11-7), Cole Escovedo (11-4), BJ Penn (11-4), Dennis Hallman (38-12) and Joe Jordan (38-12). Swanson's last two wins in the WEC came over Tommy Lee (20-6) and Micah Miller (8-1).
Filho v. Sonnen- Filho is the legit number 2 middleweight in the world. Despite his undefeated record, he has chose to stay in the WEC. He is friends with Anderson Silva and has stated that he won't fight him unless the conditions are right. I hope to see Filho use all his skills to defeat Sonnen. Then Silva v. Filho, maybe I am dreaming.
*Watch for Ed "8mm" Ratcliff on the undercard, who will use his style of Tae Kwon Do and Karate.
Photo of Urijah Faber found on Photobucket, used incidentally to story
I was actually a little sad that there was no more Ultimate Fighter until next April. That is, until I saw the card for WEC 31. The first three bouts could just as easily be on a UFC ppv, and there are an amazing seven undefeated fighters on this card. While many are prospects, it is always nice to get a glimpse at the start of something big. Here is the fight card for Wednesday's action:
Urijah Faber (19-1) v. Jeff Curran (28-8) - FW Belt
Cub Swanson (11-1) v. Jens Pulver (21-8)
Paulo Filho (15-0) v. Chael Sonnen (19-8) - MW Belt
Doug Marshal (6-2) v. Ariel Gandulla (4-0-1) - LHW Belt
Brian Bowles (3-0) v. Marcos Galvao (6-1)
Charlie Valencia (8-3) v. Ian McCall (6-0)
John Alessio (20-10) v. Todd Moore (9-0)
Brian Baker (5-0) v. Eric Schambari (7-0)
Alex Karelexis (9-2) v. Eric "8MM" Ratcliff (3-0)
Faber v. Curran- Faber has been the face of the WEC since Zuffa acquired the organization and this is his biggest fight to date. Faber has been building popularity in recent years, successfully defending his featherweight title three times in 2007. Curran is a well experienced veteren (10 years) who has fought much larger and experienced opponents in his day.
Curran has notable wins over Wagnney Fabiano (9-1), Krazy Horse Bennett (19-14), Jason Dent (15-9) and Rafael Assuncao (11-1). Faber is wins over Chance Farrar (5-1), Dominic Cruz (9-1), Joe Pearson (20-9) and Naoya Uematsu (14-7).
Swanson v. Pulver- Pulver is trying to bounce back from losses to Joe Lauzon and BJ Penn and establish him in the 145 pound class. Swanson is looking to push his way into title contention. I'm guessing the winner of this bout gets an immediate FW title shot.
Most fans seem to forget that Pulver has an extensive career with wins over Joe Stevenson (26-7), Caol Uno (22-14), Stephen Palling (11-7), Cole Escovedo (11-4), BJ Penn (11-4), Dennis Hallman (38-12) and Joe Jordan (38-12). Swanson's last two wins in the WEC came over Tommy Lee (20-6) and Micah Miller (8-1).
Filho v. Sonnen- Filho is the legit number 2 middleweight in the world. Despite his undefeated record, he has chose to stay in the WEC. He is friends with Anderson Silva and has stated that he won't fight him unless the conditions are right. I hope to see Filho use all his skills to defeat Sonnen. Then Silva v. Filho, maybe I am dreaming.
*Watch for Ed "8mm" Ratcliff on the undercard, who will use his style of Tae Kwon Do and Karate.
Photo of Urijah Faber found on Photobucket, used incidentally to story
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