Showing posts with label Leonard Garcia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leonard Garcia. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Leonard Garcia on Jung, Miller, Jones v. Evans

Here is friend of MMA Blaster, Marcos Villegas of Fight Hub TV, interviewing UFC fighter Leonard Garcia. Garcia discusses his recent bout with Chan Sung Jung, where he succombed to the first twister in UFC history. Leonard explains that he has now incorporated the move into his arsenal.

Garcia next discusses the feuds between Cole Miller and his "brother" Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone. The feud began when Miller had some attitude when Garcia fought him. Cerrone said he was going to come get Miller at 155, and the two almost fought at a restuarant.

In regards to the Rashad Evans leaving of Team Jackson, Leonard describes Evans as a big brother to him. Evans gave Jones the title shot. Garcia just wants them to fight so they can figure it out and be best friends. Garcia believes that Greg Jackson gets the worst of it, because he really didn't want to choose sides.

Monday, December 6, 2010

MMA Judges Must Be Held Accountable

The two judges who gave Garcia the decision over Phan deserve an immediate suspension or firing from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Anyone with a functioning set of eyes clearly saw that Nam Phan defeated Leonard Garcia at the TUF 12 Finale, winning all three rounds.

There have been plenty of controversial decisions throughout the history of MMA. Bisping's decision win over Hamill at UFC 75 was robbery. I had Shogun beating Machida in their first bout at UFC 104. Going back further, most people had Ricco Rodriguez beating Antonio Nogueira at Pride Elimination 2003 and Kevin Randleman defeating Bas Rutten at UFC 20.

However, the decision in Phan versus Garcia trumps them all as every round clearly belonged to Phan. The easiest round to score was the second, where Phan landed cleaner strikes, knocked down Garcia, and got the back. The third round seemed clear, as Phan landed cleaner strikes doing far more damage. Throughout all three rounds, Garcia never seemed to land clean strikes.

In addition, Garcia didn't do much in the last two minutes of the final two rounds. It just seems impossible that a person with the power of sight could score that bout for Garcia. Throwing a punch and it not landing should not score points. Running out of gas should not score points.

Quite simply, NSAC and other athletic commissions need to clean house and get rid of incompetent judges. Decisions that seem outrageous need to be reviewed and the judge making the decision needs to be held accountable. People with actual MMA training and/or fight experience who know what they are watching should be the ones judging fights.

Monday, March 2, 2009

WEC 39 Results

WEC 39 produced some exciting moments and was a decent show. With Frank Mir out training, Jens Pulver was on the mic doing the commentary. Mike Thomas Brown looked strong and dominant as he defended his 145 pound belt for the first time.

Mike Thomas Brown def Leonard Garcia via sub (head and arm choke) R1, 1:57- Mike Brown again came out looking like the stronger fighter. Brown connected with an overhand right that fazed Garcia. From there, it was all Brown as Garcia tried to recover. After cutting Garcia with a couple elbows, Brown locked in the fight ending choke in under two minutes. In the post fight interview, Brown said that he would love to fight Urijah Faber again.
*Brown earns Submission of the Night.
mike brown Pictures, Images and Photos
(Mike Thomas Brown pictured)

Ricardo Lamas def Bart Palaszewski via unanimous dec- Late replacement Ricardo Lamas came up big in his WEC debut defeating long time vet Bart Palaszewski. Lamas consistently scored takedowns in the fight and dished out some punishment. Bart almost got close to a triangle choke, but just wasn't there. Lamas' best offense came in the first round when he nearly got Bart's back and when standing Lamas kicked him from behind in the face.

Jose Aldo def Chris Mickle via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:39- Aldo was on his game and Mickle kept his hands low. Those two things didn't mix as Aldo landed kicks and punches before a flying knee. Aldo didn't stop until the ref intervened.

Rob McCullough def Marcus Hicks via majority dec- This fight was a snoozer in the first round, and the fans let their disdain be known. The second round had the most action, as Hicks stunnd McCullough and almost got his famous guillotine choke locked. After Rob got out of the choke, he went to work on Hicks with kicks and punches doing some damage. In the third the fight slowed down again with Rob being more active.

Damacio Page def Marcos Galvao via KO (punches) R1, 0:18- Page came out looking absolutely mean in his stare down. Galvao looked a little scared and young, and it showed once the bell rang. Page threw 9 right hand punches, crumpling Galvao before the ref intervened.
*Won KO of the Night.

Danny Castillo def Phil Cardella via split dec
Kenji Osawa def Rafael Rebello via split dec
Alex Karalexis def Greg McIntyre via TKO (punches) R1, 4:19
John Franchi def Mike Budnik via split dec
Mike Pierce def Justin Haskins via TKO (punches) R3, 3:39
Johny Hendricks def Alex Serdyukov via unanimous dec
*Won Fight of the Night.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

WEC 39 Preview

WEC 39 will be taking place this Sunday in Corpus Christi, Texas. All fighters have made weight and are ready to go. Here is the line-up of fights:

Mike Thomas Brown vs. Leonard Garcia- This fight is for the 145 pound FW title. Mike Brown won the belt with a knockout of Urijah Faber. Brown (20-4) is riding an 8 fight win streak including fights against Jeff Curran, Yves Edwards and Manny Reyes Jr. Brown usually has a size and strength advantage over most 145 pounders.
Mike Thomas Brown Pictures, Images and Photos
(Mike Thomas Brown pictured)

Leonard Garcia (12-3) won his two WEC fights, with knock-out victories of Hiroyuki Takaya and Jens Pulver. Garcia went 1-2 in his 155 pound UFC career, with his two losses decisions to Roger Huerta and Cole Miller. The heavy handed Garcia is better suited at the 145 pound division. Look for him to stand and trade.

leonard garcia Pictures, Images and Photos
(Leonard Garcia pictured)

Ricardo Lamas vs. Bart Palaszewski-
Bart Palaszewski (30-11) was victorious in his WEC debut winning via TKO over UFC veteran Alex Karelexis. He is an IFL veteran with victories over John Gunderson, Ivan Menjivar and Ryan Schultz. Ricardo Lamas (5-0) was a late replacement for Richard Crunkliton. His biggest victory was a decision win over James Birdsley (32-6).
IFL Pictures, Images and Photos
(Bart Palaszewski throwing a punch on John Strawn in the IFL)

Marcus Hicks vs. Rob McCullough- Former LW champ Razor Rob takes on former #1 contender Marcus Hicks. McCullough (16-5, 7-3 WEC) is primarily a stand-up fighter who does his best when countering his opponent. Marcus Hicks (8-1) had three straight wins in the WEC before losing a title fight to Jamie Varner. Hicks has a mean guillotine choke and nickname that suits him, The Human Wrecking Ball.

Jose Aldo vs. Chris Mickle- Aldo has looked lightening fast in the striking department in his 3 straight WEC wins. Aldo has 8 T/KO's, and crushed Rolando Perez in his last fight. Chris Mickle (26-11) last won in the MCC beating then title holder T.J. O'Brien. Mickle fights out of Des Moines, Iowa.

UNDER CARD

Phil Cardella vs. Danny Castillo
Marcos Galvao vs. Damacio Page
Johny Hendricks vs. Alex Serdyukov
Kenji Osawa vs. Rafael Rebello
Alex Karalexis vs. Greg McIntyre
Mike Budnik vs. John Franchi
Justin Haskins vs. Mike Pierce

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.

Mike Thomas Brown Pictures, Images and Photos

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.
Leonard Garcia Poster Pictures, Images and Photos

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

Photobucket
*Urijah Faber pic found on photobucket.com

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

UFC Best of 2007

Thoughts by the MMA Blaster

Many of the top fights and highlights of 2007 were shown last night throughout a 3 hour session. A pretty good show, even though certain fights I saw fairly recently. Some aspects of these fights have been blown out of porportion, and I hope to bring us all back to Earth.

Edgar v. Griffin- This was a legit top three in the fights of the year. Some of the best grappling was on display in this contest and it was close. However, Edgar was definately the guy who won the fight. The defining moment of the fight, and the point I realized Edgar was the real deal, was when Griffin sunk in a knee bar. Edgar remained composed, showed heart, never stopped, and then at the end punches Griffin's leg with authority. Both of these guys will fight for a title someday.

Huerta v. Garcia- This was a top two fight of the year. Huerta is the real deal, with his strikes getting the most of Garcia. Garcia has some serious moxy though and is the definition of a scapper. Garcia never stopped his offense and didn't let the beating stop him.

Shogun Rua v. Griffin- Rua fans, it is ok, he did not get completely dominated and this was actually a very good fight. Rua was able to get a takedown's, looked decent on his feet, and just got gassed. Why? Because he had a ligament tear suffered in training and probably didn't get enough cardio work in. When he is healed, I'm sure he will rebound and challenge for the title. The thing to say about Forrest is that he is the real deal and belongs among the top of the UFC 205 division and so does Jardine. This fight got pretty nasty when Shogun opened up a cut near Forrest's hairline, the blood did not phase Forrest.

Cro-Cop v. Gonzaga- The head kick against Cro-Cop was absolutely brutal. The angle of Cro-Cop's foot after the head kick looked alot worse than I remebered.

Salmon v. Evans- Another brutal head kick, perfectly executed. They didn't show the first round last night, but Salmon was winning that fight.

Fisher v. Stout 2- Not as exciting the second time around, Stout definately lost the fight despite getting a couple cuts.

Anderson Silva- Silva is the cream of the crop. If he is on his game he can beat you on his feet or on the ground. Marquard was able to get some takedowns, but took serious punishment from Silva. Franklin was destroyed in the rematch even though it was a better effort by Franklin.

Maynard v. Emerson- I still think that Maynard should have won that fight even though he may or may not have been knocked out. As soon as Emerson hits the mat he was tapping.

Houston Alexander- This guy is a beast and looks absolutley ripped for his fights. If he can develop a better ground game and try to stay off his back he still can be a force. If Alexander's knee connects to your face you will be seeing stars shortly.

Penn v. Pulver- Penn will dominate if he stays at 155. He looked leaner and in better shape for the fight and hammered Pulver. The rear naked choke at the end of the fight was held a touch too long, but I still don't believe it was malicious.

Kenny Florian- Great year for Florian with wins over Mishima (17-6), Alvin Robinson (7-2), and Din Thomas (20-7). All three of those fights was entertaining and he put forth a technical attack.

Rampage- This guy is going to be champ for a long time. While I have seen the replay of the Chuck KO a few times, I didn't remeber the commentary. Apparently Chuck was asking his corner what happened. Liddell did not have a good year (0-2, TKO win over Tito Ortiz 12/30/06).

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

UFC 145 Division- One thought while watching the program was man, the UFC really needs a 145 class. Really all they have to do is take the guys from the WEC, Urijah Faber, Jeff Curran, Jens Pulver, Cub Swanson not too tough. Leonard Garcia and some of the current UFC 155's could get to 145 and it is probably a more natural weight for them. With the amount of cards the UFC is putting out, they need some more talent.