Video of the Day - Fedor v. Ishii

Here is Fedor Emelianenko fighting Satoshi Ishii at Dream's "Fight For Japan - Genki Desu Ka! New Year!" The fight took place on 12/31/11 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. This was Fedor's last bout before his brief hiatus from the sport.

Fedor (34-4) will return on NYE in Rizen FC against a yet to be named opponent. Ishiii (14-4) fights Jiri Prochazka (13-2) on Rizen FC Day 1 in the opening round of the World GP.

Video of the Day - Fedor v. Rizzo

Here is Fedor Emelianenko fighting Pedro Rizzo in his last bout before a 3 and a half year retirement at M-1: Fedor v. Rizzo, which took place on 6/21/12 in Russa.

Fedor (34-4) returns on New Years Eve at Saitama Super Arena for Rizen FC. Fedor is currently rumored to fight Tsuyoshi Kosaka, though I wouldn't lock that in stone until early December.

Several high profile fighter debuts are planned for the event including kickboxing legend Andy Souwer, BJJ star Kron Gracie, 19 year old Japanese wrestling stand-out Asen Yamamoto, women's heavyweight BJJ player Gabi Garcia and pro wrestler Seini Draughn

Video of the Day - Magalhaes v. Weidman

Here is Vinny Magalhaes going against current UFC fighter Chris Weidman in a 2009 ADCC qualifier match. Vinny went on to take a bronze in both the absolute and under 99KG's in 2009. He would win the over 99KG division this year.

Wiedman, who took 3rd in the NCAA's at 197 pounds in 2007, has started his MMA career off with 9 straight victories, going 5-0 in the UFC. His last win was a KO of Mark Munoz.

Vinny's M-1 Global contract finally expired, opening his way to a return to the UFC. He has won 6 straight, including an M-1 belt. Vinny submitted Igor Pokrajac at UFC 152 with a beautiful armbar. An argument can be made that he deserved the submission of the night over Jon Jones. He will next fight Phil Davis at UFC 159.

Video of the Day - Sarnavskiy v. Baker

Here is Alexander Sarnavskiy fighting Beau Baker in M-1 Global which took place on 3/25/11 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Sarnavskiy has begun his MMA career going 20-0, defeating TUF vet Len Bentley, UFC vet Doug Evans and Shooto/M-1 vet Karen Grigoryan.

Video of the Day - Monson v. Komkin

Here is Jeff Monson fighting Denis Komkin at M-1 - Fedor v. Rizzo which took place on 6/21/12 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Video of the Day - Malikov v. Emelianenko

Here is Aleksander Emelianenko fighting Magomed Malikov in M-1 Challenge 28 which took place on 11/12/11.

Video of the Day - Jeffries v. Guseinov

Here is Tyson Jeffries fighting Arthur Guseinov in M-1 Challenge 26 which took place on 7/8/11 in Costa Mesa, California.

Guseinov, a Russian fighter, delivers one of the most exciting finishes of the year in this fight.

Exclusive Interview - Chuck Grigsby

Here is an exclusive interview with mixed martial artist Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby. Chuck has been fighting professionally since 2005 for a variety of fight promotions, including the WEC, M-1, VFC and MCC.  After fighting professionally 26 times in four years, Grigsby took 2010 off while focusing on his family and coaching.

Chuck's next challenge awaits in the World War Fighting Championships fight promotion on April 9th. The card will be headlined by his training partner and UFC veteran Josh "The Dentist" Neer at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa.

MMA Blaster: You did not have a fight in 2010, why was that?

I took off for a few reasons, but the most important to me was to spend time with my family. I wasn't around much in 2009 because I was traveling internationally fighting for M-1. The second reason I took some time off was I felt like my performances weren’t at the dominanant standard I set for myself, despite winning 13 of my last 16 fights.

MMA Blaster: How does taking a year off help your fight career?

The time off was very beneficial, not only physically, but mentally as well. I am the type of fighter that likes to stay really busy once I’m in full fight mode. I don’t just train for the next fight then stop and start training again, I train all year long. With that being said, as a veteran in the sport, fighting all year long does take it's toll and you do get dinged up a bit.

(Rev securing a rear naked choke)

MMA Blaster: Were you focusing on coaching during your year off?  How did that help your game?

I focused on coaching with non-fighters as a kickboxing coach with a company called Kosama, you can visit at Kosama.com. Ironically, teaching and coaching at Kosama has been very rewarding and has motivated me more than training any other fighters.

MMA Blaster: Why have you decided to fight at 185 pounds? What mental challenges do you face in dropping a weight class?

I decided to fight at 185 because it has always been a fantasy of mine after I competed successfully at 205. The mental challenge involves staying disciplined with my diet and doing all things in moderation. It's tough because my frame isn't necessarily built to be that light. I do believe that I have the correct approach dropping weight in a healthy and safe way so I am strong and peaking cardio wise when I compete.

(Rev lets out a victory scream)

MMA Blaster: Are you focusing on being a student now? What sort of frame of mind does that put you into?

Yes, definitely! I am known for my stand-up skills and sometimes people who want to improve in that area seek me out for coaching. Now, I am the student in all areas. I am focused on absorbing everything from anyone who has something to offer and I think it will show in the upcoming year.


MMA Blaster: I've heard you have a fight scheduled for April 9th? What promotion will that be for?

That will be World War Fighting Championships based out of Des Moines, Iowa. This fight is honestly more of an experiment to see if all the things I am training so hard on work. Also to see if competing at 185 is something I can be successful at.

MMA Blaster: What is it like fighting in your hometown?

I’m actually from Missouri, the "Show Me State," so Des Moines is not actually my hometown, but I have been here for most of my life. I enjoy fighting in Des Moines because of the support I get from my family and friends in the crowd. It really elevates my training and performance on fight night.

(Rev going to the body)

MMA Blaster: What challenges are you looking forward to in your upcoming fight?

I’m a seasoned veteran with 26 fights, but this is a new weight class. The type of fighters I will be facing now are quicker, more technical, and possibly even more athletic. It is all new. I compare it to coming down from fighting in the Heavyweight division to Light Heavyweight. Everything seemed so much faster.

MMA Blaster: Who is helping you get ready for the fight? Who are you training with?

The usual suspects, haha, Kervin Veasly, Josh Neer, Anothony Porcelli, Pete Peterson, Cardell James, Paul Bird and all of my fight partners and teammates who come in to get better everyday in practice

MMA Blaster: What are your current goals for your fighting career? Where will you be in a year?

My goal is the same as it always has been, but in a new weight class. That is to dominate and smash out in this this weight division.

(Rev with the M-1 2nd Place Cup, 16 teams competed)

MMA Blaster: Have you thought about returning to M-1 competition? Other international fights?

I won't even think about any of that until I see what happens in this fight in April. All of the other stuff will be what it will be when that time comes. I have learned in this sport that you can only control, or know what is going to happen, one day at a time.

MMA Blaster: Any shout-outs?

Big shout-out to G-unit, and all the peeps who have faith and love for me. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Thank you!

(Rev getting down to 185)

Video of the Day - Grabowski v. Kita

Here is Bellator HW tourney participant Damian Grabowski fighting Michal Kita in BOTE which took place on 6/12/10 in Gydnia, Poland. Grabowski, nicknamed "The Polish Pitbull" is 12-0 with 7 subs and 5 TKO's on his resume.

Kita is no slouch himself, sporting a 10-4 record including 3 wins in the M-1 Challenge and an IAFC Mayor's Cup HW Title.

Video of the Day - Lawal v. Kerr

Here is Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal facing Mark Kerr in M-1 Breakthrough which took place on 8/28/09. King Mo is 6-0 with four victories under the Sengoku banner, which includes TKO's of Travis Wiuff and Fabio Silva. His most recent win was a 1st round KO of Mike Whitehead in Strikeforce.

King Mo, a 2003 NCAA wrestling champ from Oklahoma State, will next fight Gegard Mousasi for the Strikeforce 205 pound title.

Exclusive Interview - The Reverend

In his past three fights, Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby has been traveling across the globe fighting for the M-1: Challenge promotion. I was able to catch up with and ask some questions about his recent mixed martial arts bouts.

MMA Blaster: Where are you training right now?

I primarily train at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy run by Anthony Porcelli. I train my kickboxing with Kevin Veasly and Cardell James, and when I have the opportunity, I like to also work on my Jiu Jitsu at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy. I train with some of the best submission wrestlers and Jiu Jitsu guys in Iowa.

MMA Blaster: Since the last time we talked, you defeated Rob MacDonald from The Ultimate Fighter show, how did that fight play out?

It was a real quick fight. I think felt like it was over in 7 seconds and I enjoyed that. I am very fortunate to get a win in the manner that I did, you don’t get many fights like that.

MMA Blaster: What led you to the M-1 promotion?

I have always wanted to fight internationally. I think that is the best option for me and my style of fighting. I played pro basketball overseas after college for a few seasons. My manager Reed Wallace has many connections internationally and M-1 was the best option.

MMA Blaster: What was it like fighting in Bulgaria for your first M-1 fight?

Bulgaria was wild! There were so many things outside of the actual fight that I had to consider, but outside of that extra stuff, I just assumed it would be like any other fight. I loved the experience, especially getting a win over an Olympic level wrestler and fighter. They displayed good sportsmanship and were good to us, despite our team shutting them out.

MMA Blaster: How did the fight play out against Atanas Dzhambazov? What type of fighting background did he have?

His style was Sambo. He was an extremely strong individual and gave me some unique challenges during the fight. It didn’t help that I pulled my hamstring in the first 30 seconds of the fight either. He was really tough, it was very good win for me.

MMA Blaster: What are the fans like in the M-1 events?

They are different in each different country. In Bulgaria they were much like American fans being rowdy and into the fights. In Holland the fans were very laid back and nonchalant, but you can tell they were well educated in MMA. The Russian fans were really into it and love their Russian fighters, it is a tough team to fight against.

MMA Blaster: What is it like fighting on Team USA East?

I am very proud to be a part of the championship team, it was a lot of work and we were never considered the favorites. That made it even that much more satisfying. I enjoyed seeing fighters from all over the country, with all the different skill sets and styles coming together for one common goal, Team USA East winning. The bond with your teammates is much like the bonds you develop with the guys you train with regularly. The experience of traveling out of the country to fight and going to the finals was awesome. M-1 is like the World Cup or Olympics of MMA.

(Team USA East Pictured)

MMA Blaster: In your second fight you fought at heavyweight right? What happened in the fight with Jessie Gibbs? How much weight were you giving up?

Yes, that fight was at heavyweight. He was too big for me honestly. I think he had like 40 pounds on me. I won’t fight at HW again unless it a opponent I can’t turn down. If anything I might look at the 185 division, but I doubt that. Weight cutting can be hard and I didn’t want it to be an issue. Traveling for that many hours while trying to cut weight can be really brutal if you don't have an organized weight cutting system.

MMA Blaster: How was the fight against Spencer Hooker? Did you look at any of his tape, I saw he has some quality victories?

He is probably the most skilled heavyweight in the M-1 Challenge. That is why I fought him because I wanted to go against the grain and challenge myself. It was a good fight and very technical. I think if we were fighting in neutral territory the fight would have gone into the 3rd round where I would have had another round to break him down, or visa versa. There was no quitting in that fight.

I knew he was a Jujitsu guy, so I knew I had the advantage in stand-up. It seems that most fighters see me a pure stand-up fighter, so they think I’m a good match up for them if they are a wrestler or submission fighter. He was tough and had no quit in him. He took some really good shots from me and was still standing, not many guys can say that. It was awesome fight.

MMA Blaster: What was it like fighting in Russia?

The Russian people were really open to Americans and our culture. Americans have a lot of misconceptions about the Russians. I would like to take my family over to visit someday.

MMA Blaster: What sort of preparations do you have to make before fighting oversees?

I have to be literally fight ready on the day I leave the United States in order to combat the hurdles of cutting weight and training. Usually the time I am overseas I focus on doing light cardio and technique and pray that weigh-in's come faster than they ever do!

MMA Blaster: Any shout outs?

I am able to unveil my family who are my heart and soul: Xander, Sara, Berniece, Jaunette, Carrie, Mannie and all of the rest of the crew. Also want to say thanks to my manager Reed Wallace of White Chocolate Management, training partners and coaches. I couldn’t do it without cha!

MMA Blaster: Sponsor mentions?

KOBC clothing apparel http://www.kobc.tv/, Animal Instinct clothing apparel www.myspace.com/luckyhands, Cup O' Kyptonite Coffee and Comics http://www.cupokryptonite.com/, and Jordan Creek Chiropractic. All those guys have been great to me.

(Rev's Bling)

*You can catch the M-1 Challenge on HDNet!
*Visit past articles on Rev by clicking the label below.

Video of the Day - Kerr v. Lawal

Here is Mark Kerr v. Mo Lawal from M-1 Breakthrough which took place in Kansas City on 8/29/09.



Here are the full M-1 Breakthrough results:

Mollie Ahlers-Estes def Andria Caplan via TKO (Doctor Stop) R1, 3:00
Rudy Bears def Brendan Seguin via TKO (Punches) R2, 1:01
Sean Wilson def Josh Arocho via KO (Punches) R1, 3:05
John Eric Marriott def Tim Bazer via Dec (Unanimous)
Alexey Oleinik draws against Rogent Lloret
Daisuke Nakamura def Ferrid Kheder via Dec (Unanimous)
Michal Kita def Lloyd Marshbanks via Sub (Punches) R1, 1:50
Jessie Gibbs def Rob Broughton via Dec (Unanimous)
Lucio Linhares def Mikhail Zayats via Sub (RNC) R1, 1:00
Karl Amoussou def John Doyle via Sub (RNC) R1, 3:15
Muhammed Lawal def Mark Kerr via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:25

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)

Yarennoka!!! Results

Yarennoka show does not dissapoint - Thoughts by the MMA Blaster

The M1 Yarennoka card was held in Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan this New Years Eve. It was solid from top to bottom as everyone expected. Watching the video's online, I could see it was the top card of the New Years collective. Here are the results:

Michael Russow def Roman Zentsov - Sub (North/South Choke) R1 2:58
Tatsuya Kawajiri def Luiz Azeredo - Dec.(Unanimous) R2 5:00
Makoto Takimoto def Murilo Bustamante - Dec. (Split) R2 5:00
Mitsuhiro Ishida def Gilbert Melendez - Dec. (Unanimous) R2 5:00
Kazuo Misaki def Yoshihiro Akiyama KO - (Kick) R1 7:48
Fedor Emelianenko def Hong Man Choi - Sub (Armbar) R1 1:54
Hayato Sakurai def Hidehiko Hasegawa - Dec. (Unanimous) R2 5:00
Shinya Aoki def Bu Kyung Jung Dec. - (Unanimous) R2 5:00

The Fedor fight was interesting in that Hong Man Choi is just so massive. I didn't think I'd ever see Fedor intentionally pull guard but he did, and took a couple big fists to the face to show for it. But, it only took two arm bar attempts to seal the victory.

Bustamante didn't lose his fight, you can never leave a fight to the hands of the judges. Melendez' undefeated streak is over, he didn't look very good out there. Russow looked pretty good in his first fight on a big stage, but Zentsov looked like he just wasn't on his game in that fight.

Akiyama is hated by the Japapese fans after the incident in his fight with Sakuraba. Apparently he was wearing an oil to make his skin more slippery. The fight with Misaki was very entertaining, the ending is pretty spectacular.

M1 Global Putting Out a Good Card

Preview by the MMA Blaster

M1 Global has been increasing the number of quality fights on their New Years Eve card. Apparently it will be broadcast on HDNet in the USA and be called "HDNet Fights: Fedor Returns". The event is going by the name "Yarennoka!" in Japan. Many of the old Pride staffers apparently are helping with the event. Here is what the card looks like so far. Asterisks are fights that are confirmed, others are more rumors.

*Tatsuya Kawajiri (19-4)(#4 LW) vs. Luiz Azeredo (11-6)
*Gilbert Melendez (13-0)(#3 LW)v. Mitsuhiro Ishida (14-3)
*Fedor (26-1)(#1 HW)(Pride HW Champ) v. Hong Man Choi (1-0)(I wouldn't be surprised if Choi was replaced)
*Murilo Bustamante (14-6)(ex-UFC MW Champ) v. Makoto Takimoto (3-3) (Olympic Gold Judo)
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai (30-7)(#2 LW) v. Hidehiko Hasegawa (14-8)
Kazuo Misaki (18-8)(#8 MW) v. Yoshihiro Akiyama (10-1)(#10 MW)- Rumored back on card**.

*Shinja Aoki (11-2)(#5 LW) v. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante (#6 LW)-Now rumored off card.

Also, rumored to possibly show up on the card are Ricardo Arona, Mark Hunt and Joachim Hansen.

The UFC has to look at these fighters as some that they should make an attempt to sign. Misaki and Akiyama would do well in the dwindling UFC middleweight class.