Ultimate Fight Night 22 Preview

Ultimate Fight Night 22 will be live on Spike TV on September 15, 2010 from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. The event will serve as a lead-in for The Ultimate Fighter season 12.

The main event pits two of the top 185 pounders against each other in Nate Marquardt fighting Rousimar Paulhares. Expect Marquardt (19-9) and Palhares (11-2) to be a grinding fight with each fighter looking for dirty boxing, takedowns and submissions. Marquardt is a former King of Pancrase and UFC title contender with wins over Demian Maia, Martin Kampmann, Kazuo Misaki and Dean Lister.

Rousimar Palhares is a BJJ blackbelt and wizard on the ground. Getting caught in a Palhares leg lock can mean bad things for your ACL. Palhares is 4-1 in the UFC with heel hook wins over Tomasz Drwal and Lucio Linhares, an armbar over Ivan Salaverry and decision over Jeremy Horn.

Efrain Escudero (13-1) came in 4 pounds overweight, stating on Twitter that he had hit a wall while trying to make weight. Escudero, the lightweight champion of TUF season 8, is attempting to bounce back from a loss against Evan Dunham. Efrain has wins over Cole Miller, Dan Lauzon and Phillipe Nover.

(Efrain Escudero Pictured)

His opponent, Charles "do Bronx" Oliveira (13-0) is a lightening fast muay thai and BJJ fighter. Oliveira has used his skills to notch a wicked first round armbar over solid wrestler Darren Elkins in his UFC debut. Oliveira has won 3 or 4 MMA tournaments in his native Brazil.

Here are a look at the full line-up of bouts:

Nate Marquardt vs. Rousimar Palhares
Efrain Escudero vs. Charles Oliveira
Jim Miller vs. Gleison Tibau
Cole Miller vs. Ross Pearson

UNDER CARD

John Gunderson vs. Yves Edwards
Jared Hamman vs. Kyle Kingsbury
Dave Branch vs. Tomasz Drwal
Rich Attonito vs. Rafael Natal
David Mitchell vs. Anthony Waldburger
Brian Foster vs. Forrest Petz

Ultimate Fight Night 20 Results

Ultimate Fight Night 20 might not have delivered in fireworks, but was filled with three entertaining fights. The sold out George Mason crowd was boisterous and loud throughout the night wanting action.

One fighter who delivered was TUF 7 contestant Gerald Harris, who succesfully returned to the UFC with a TKO of previously undefeated John Salter. The 185 pound Harris won the UFC's knockout of the night bonus and is currently riding an 8 fight win streak.

Here are the results:

Gray Maynard def. Nate Diaz via split dec- unfortunately, the main event proved to be the biggest snoozer of them all. Maynard threw many powerful, looping punches throughout the fight, but most didn't land. Diaz couldn't get his short punches through and failed to get the fight to the ground. In the end, Maynard was able to defend Diaz' attacks and land occasional punches to get the win.

It seems that Frank Edgar will face BJ Penn next for the lightweight title in Abu Dhabi. Maynard will likely have to notch another win to get a shot at the title. Maybe a fight with Kenny Florian is in the works.

Evan Dunham def. Efrain Escudero via sub (armbar) R3, 1:59- Escudero dominated in the first round rocking Dunham with punches and getting takedowns with quick groud and pound strikes. It seemed Efrain almost had the ability to close out the fight.

In the third round and pivotal round, Dunham got a takedown and when Efrain tried to roll to escape he got himself in deep trouble. Dunham had Efrain's arm trapped, rolling to a triangle before an armbar. Efrain didn't tap for several seconds making the viewing audience squeemish as Dunham wrench the arm and elbow, eventually coaxing a tapout.
*Dunham wins Submission of the Night.

Aaron Simpson def. Tom Lawlor via split dec- The first round belonged to Tom Lawlor, whose Hulk Hogan like entrance was a breath of fresh air. He landed short left hooks, straights and jabs to dizzy and daze Aaron Simpson.

In the second and third, Simpson may have done more to win. In the third, Simpson was able to out grapple Lawlor, getting his back. However, he didn't inflict much punishment on the fellow wrestler. Scorecards split for Simpson, but I scored it a draw.
*Simpson and Lawlor both win Fight of the Night bouns.

Amir Sadollah def. Brad Blackburn via unanimous dec- Amir peppered Blackburn with a variety of attacks throughout this fight. Blackburn, fresh from shoulder surgery could offer little in response. Amir beat up Blackburn with a big flying knee, front kicks, and a decent ground and pound attack.

DARK FIGHTS

Chris Leben def Jay Silva via unanimous dec
Rick Story def Jesse Lennox via split dec
Thiago Tavares and Nick Lentz declared majority draw
Rory MacDonald def Mike Guymon via sub (armbar) R1, 4:27
Rafael dos Anjos def Kyle Bradley via unanimous dec
Gerald Harris def John Salter via TKO (strikes) R3, 3:24
Nick Catone def Jesse Forbes via split dec

To read a previous interview with Gerald Harris on MMA Blaster, click here!

UFC 103 Review

UFC 103's preliminary card might have been loaded with slow decisions, but the Spike TV teaser matches and the PPV card was loaded with fireworks. Vitor Belfort, Junior Dos Santos and Josh Koscheck all pushed their way up the UFC contender ranks.

Vitor Belfort def Rich Franklin via TKO (strikes) R1, 3:02- Vitor Belfort looked fast and precise as he picked apart Rich Franklin for the TKO victory. Belfort landed what looked to be a glancing blow, but threw punch after punch as Franklin hit the canvas. With Franklin turtled up, the ref had to call the fight.

With the victory, Vitor Belfort has pushed his name directly to the top of the challengers to Anderson Silva. An ecstatic Belfort thanked Jesus before saying he missed the "UFC vibe" and that he would fight anyone Dana White and Joe Silva put in front of him.
*MMA Blaster readers choose Franklin incorrectly 20-25

(Vitor Belfort pictured)

Junior Dos Santos def Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic via sub (verbal) R3, 2:00- Dos Santos pushed his name up the heavyweight ladder as he picked up a huge win against MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop. In the beginning of the fight, Dos Santos did his best work in the clinch utilizing his dirty boxing. After a big knee and a couple punches found their mark Cro Cop had no choice but to verbally submit.

Paul Daley def Martin Kampmann via TKO (punches) R1, 2:31- Daley rocked Kampmann early and often, blasting him with devastating hooks. After taking a nasty combination that had Kampmann stunned the ref called the fight. While Kampmann was still standing, the stoppage was justified as he couldn't defend himself.

Josh Koscheck def Frank Trigg via TKO (punches) R1, 1:25- Koscheck worked through Frank Trigg with ease in this fight, pushing him back in contention at 170 pounds. A big right handed landed flush, knocking Trigg to the canvas. Once he was there, Koscheck threw punches until the ref jumped in to save Trigg.

Tyson Griffin def Hermes Franca via KO (punches) R2, 3:26- Tyson Griffin looked like the stronger fighter, utilizing his strength and boxing to win this fight. In the second, a ruthless display of ground and pound by Tyson Griffin ended Franca's night.

(Tyson Griffin pictured)

Efrain Escudero def Cole Miller via TKO (punches) R1, 3:36- After a feeling out process for the first two minutes, TUF 8 LW champ Efrain Escudero landed a big 1-2 punch combination sending Miller to the mat. Escudero put together more punches before the ref saved Miller from more punishment.

Tomasz Drwal def Drew McFedries via submission (RNC) R2, 1:03- In the first, both fighters were content throwing punches on standing. Near the end of the round, Drwal laid down some serious punishment on McFedries before attempting a submission. With McFedries looking a little dazed to start the second, Drwal landed a big left hand and followed McFedries to the ground before he got his back and locked in the fight ending rear naked choke.

Jim Miller def Steve Lopez via TKO (injury) R2, 0:48
Nick Lentz def Rafaello Oliveira via unanimous dec
Eliot Marshall def Jason Brilz via split dec
Vladimir Matyushenko def Igor Pokrajac via unanimous dec
Rafael Dos Anjos def Rob Emerson via unanimous dec
Rick Story def Brian Foster via submission (arm-triangle) R2, 1:09
*Story wins Submission of the Night bonus. Each fighter wins Fight of the Night bonus.

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

TUF Episode 10 - Roop's Hand

This episode featured the final first round match-up between lightweights John Polakowski and George Roop. Both are good stand-up fighters, but George believed he held the edge on the ground. Unfortunately for George a few days before his fight he got a finger jammed into the fence and it injured his hand.

The episode featured John's affection for hugs and George's injury. John is seen in a montage giving hugs to all members of both teams including the coaching staff. Funny to see John try to give Mir a hug. The hugs even get to tough guy Junie Browning, as Junie says that he likes the guy.

George's injury seems pretty bad as his hand swelled pretty huge. Throughout the episode the hand was either submerged in water or being massaged.

The fight started with one of the oddest things I've ever seen, a hug in the ring instead of the glove touch. I don't even want to see the glove touch, so I'm definately not a fan. Save the hugging for after the fight.

Roop was able to land some high kicks while John tries to work punches inside. When stepping forward, Roop is able to get a takedown. Roop then lands ground and pound before getting John's back. John is able to reverse and throw some ground and pound of his own to close out the round. I gave the round to Roop.

In the second, Roop eats some hard straight punches to the face and looks rattled. Roop begins throwing punches with his bad hand and eventually gets the takedown. From there he locks in a body triangle with John's back and rides out the fight. I thought the round was pretty even. The decision comes back for George Roop.

(George Roop pictured)

The final four in each bracket are decided next. Not too many surprises as Junie had previously called out Efrain Escudero and Eliot Marshall called out Ryan Bader. They will be showing two fights in the final two episodes.

LW Match-ups-
Junie Browning(Mir) v. Efrain Escudero(Nog)
George Roop(Mir) v. Phillipe Nover(Nog)

LHW Match-ups-
Eliot Marshall(Mir) v. Ryan Bader(Nog)
Vinny Magalhaes(Mir) v. Krzysztof Soszynski(Mir)

TUF Episode 4 - Efrain Backs It Up

In another fantastic episode of TUF, we mainly see another breakdown of fighter Junie Browning. In the previous episode we had been clued into Junie's inability to drink alchohol. In this episode we see a mean drunk come out again, but this time we see that he is crazy with or without the bottle.

The episode kicks off with the fighters watching UFC 84. This is a huge treat for the fighters as they haven't been able to watch any television so far during their stay in the house. Shane Nelson and Junie, both Mir team 155'ers, decide to break open some wine. After a few bottles while watching the show both guys snap.

Prior to this incident Shane Nelson had been actually a nice guy according to most fighters. However as someone put it, he has the alchohol tolerance of a 16 year old girl. Shane begins to pick a fight with Efrain Escudero and Roli Delgado, pushing and harassing the fighters.

Junie meanwhile torments the 205 pound guys, mostly Shane Primm and Kyle Kingsbury at this point. It comes to a head when Junie throws nuts and eventually his wine glass at Kyle. After it breaks and the prospect of cutting yourself is realized, Junie and Shane are banished to the downstairs to find somewhere else to play.

Unfortunatley, more drama insues as Shane and Junie throw a bunch of furniture in the pool. Krzysztof Soszynski, who had enough of Junie's antics that day, decided it would be a good idea to throw Junie's clothes in the pool. As predicted Junie snaps and pushes Krzysztof, Bader, Kyle and everyone else. For the second episode in a row, Junie apologizes and cries.

Dana appears the next day and calls Junie and Nelson's behavior retarded. He gives both a second chance, but tells Nelson that he is fighting next. According to Ryan Bader's blog, he stated that Dana said he wouldn't have cared if Krzysztof or Bader had knocked Junie out. Team Nogeria decides what better than to have Nelson fight one of their top dogs Efrain. Efrain was happy about the fight as Nelson had tried to pick on him the day before.

The fight was a two round affair that saw Efrain doing all the work. The only danger Efrain came in were a couple high kicks that he blocked. Efrain will have to watch his head movement in further fights. Efrain landed some good knees in the clinch. He was able to get a takedown in round one and land a couple strikes.

In the second round Efrain was able to get a takedown and get control. Nelson was able to try to get an ankle lock, and when unsuccessful Nelson ended up in top position. Nelson had to work fast to try to win the round, and after taking some bait from Efrain, ended up in a triangle choke. Efrain worked it over and Nelson tapped.

Afterward, Junie started yelling loudly from outside the cage that the UFC didn't need another boring wrestler. That statement is almost comical as Efrain just finished his opponent with a triangle in the second round. It was a very exciting fight. Nogeria and Efrain implied from inside the cage that Junie is next. Junie in turn jumps over the octogan fence ready to rumble and the episode ends. Talk about a cliffhanger.

*Pic of Efrain found on photobucket

The next episode will feature a guest appearance with Anderson Silva, so don't miss it. He looked to be almost kicking the bags out of guys hands.

TUF 8 Episode 2

In this episode, the next 8 fighters to enter the house is determined. The episode wastes little time as virtually all we see are the preliminary fights. I was very dissapointed to see the two most experienced 155 pounders fight in the first round. I was also dissapointed to see two of the most experienced 205 pounders fight eachother. Whatever, it is easy to be critical of the UFC.

Westly Murch v. John Polakowski- This was the fight between two interesting characters. Murch is from England making the trip over to represent his country. Polakowski has ADHD and enjoys giving people hugs. After a brief exchange, Murch spent a great deal of time on top of Polakowski. However, Polakowski got in quite a few strikes from the bottom. When they stood up, Murch let loose a snapping low kick, however it was checked by Polakowski. The bell sounded right after that kick and Murch fell to the ground. He was in some serious pain, but came out like a true warrior. However, it didn't take long before he couldn't put any pressure on the leg and went to the ground.

Polakowski, who was very happy wasted no time in giving Big Nog, Dana White and Frank Mir hugs. Frank said that if John was on his team there would have to be a 3 second rule on the hugs.

Sean O'Connell v. Shane Primm- O'Connell spoke about his love of Forrest Griffin and having watched every season of TUF. However, he was simply outmatched by Primm. After taking some knees, O'Connell got a double leg takedown. However he is immediately defending an arm-bar, then a guillitine, then is submitted with a rear naked choke.

Ido Pariente v. Efrain Escudero- This match should have taken place in the semi-finals, not the prelims as these the most experienced of the 155 pounders. Ido was able to get a trip takedown on Efrain, however Efrain soon gets to his feet. Efrain then gets his own takedown and gets Ido's back, securing a rear naked choke victory.

Ryan Lopez v. Tom Lawlor- Lopez is a bounty hunter by day, and fighter by night. While Lopez came out absolutely shredded at 205, he probably should have worked on his technique a little more. Mir talks about how he likes Lopez' raw talent and athletisim. However, this isn't a body building match, it is a fight. Lawlor takes Lopez down, rains down punches and gets a rear naked choke.

Roli Delgado v. George Roop- These two very tall 155 pounders. It was a sloppy fight that was shown pretty in highlight fashion. Roop outworks Delgado and gets the unanimous decision victory.

Ryan Bader v. Kyle Kingsbury- This was a very questionable match-up as they have the 2nd and 3rd highest win totals of any other 205 pounders. Kingsbury was able to get the best of Bader standing landing some punches. However, Bader was able to get some slam takedowns and pushed the pace of the fight. In the second round Bader was able to secure an arm-triangle right before the bell for the submission win. On a side-note, Kingsbury looked good.

Charles Diaz v. Shane Nelson- According to Frank Mir, Diaz was talking a huge game before the fight, hyping himself up. Well, don't believe the hype, as Nelson worked his kicks and overwelmed Diaz taking the unanimous decision.

Eliot Marshall v. Karn Grigoryan- This was actually a pretty entertaining fight, but one in which I thought Marshall should have won in the first two rounds. When there was a third round I was kinda shocked. While in the third, Marshall almost had a triangle, got mount, opened up a cut on Grigoryan, and almost had him finished. By some fluke occurence the judges handed the victory to Grigoriyan. I don't know what they were watchign during the fight, but it wasn't the fight. Those judges have to be reprimanded.

Anyway, it is disclosed that Antwain Britt, who had won in the previous 8 fights, broke his hand and will be out for 6 weeks. That opens the door for Dana to bring back Eliot Marshall. Justice is served I guess.

*On a sidenote- That was one of the worst decisions I have seen in a while. I hope NSAC does something about those judges.

205
Krzysztof Soszynski (15-8, 3-4 IFL)
Ryan Bader (7-0)
Vinicius Magalhaes (2-2)
Eliot Marshall (5-1) replaces Antwain Britt (3-1)
Shane Primm (2-0)
Tom Lawlor (4-1, with DQ loss to Shane Primm)
Jules Bruchez (0-0)
Karn Grigoryan (4-0)

155
Shane Nelson (9-3)
"Junie" Allen Browning (2-0)
Efrain Escudero (10-0)
George Roop (8-3)
Phillipe Nover (5-0)
Brian McLaughlin (5-0, wins in Ring of Combat)
John Polakowski (2-1, all three fights v. Olaf Alfonso, 2 in the WEC)
Dave Kaplan (3-1)

-Looking at those records, I'm sure you can tell why I was a little upset that 205 pounder Kyle Kingsbury at 7-1 didn't get an easier first round fight. Also Ido Pariente at 155 who is 13-4 didn't get an easier fight.