K1 "Dynamite!" announced a blockbuster matchup between Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto vs Rani Yahya. Kid (16-1) is known for his aggressive fighting style featuring vicious strikes. Kid received his education in the United States and wrestled at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Arizona, capturing three state championships. Even though he walks around at 143, wrestles at 132, he typically fights at 155. He has KO wins over Cael Uno, Genki Sudo and Royler Gracie. He also has a decision victory over Jeff Curran. However, his last three fights have been against relatively unknown fighters.
Yahya (11-3) is no slouch himself, and will be Kid's biggest test for some time. Before his loss to Chase Beebe (11-1), Yahya had submitted Mark Hominick (14-7).
Here is a Kid Yamamoto highlight
Thursday, November 29, 2007
TUF - Upperdecker Edition
Recap by the MMA Blaster
I saw something that was pretty nasty last night. Nasty in the sense that War Machine, or Poop Machine, dropped a deuce in the the top shelf of the Team Hughes toilet. I have heard about this practice before, but had never seen it in action. Billy Miles reaction was priceless when he walked into the bathroom and discovered a nasty smell. When he flushed the backwater came back a little brown.
It was pretty obvious when Team Hughes came back from practice that something had just went down. All three could not stop laughing. Mac said that Richie was laughing like Fran Drescher (the Nanny) and got in his face before the deed was even discovered. The person that took it the worse was J-Rock, who proceeded to kick team Serra's door in (too bad he didn't kick like that when he was facing George). Rude Boy and War ended cleaning it up, no harm, no fowl smell.
The editing of this episode was priceless. Anytime they showed Speer, it was right after his previous fight when he is the most swollen. We got to see some actual coaching from Serra and Hughes - finally. Serra was showing JJ, and Hughes gameplaning for some Saunders high kicks. I wish that they would show more technique and training, but I don't think it will happen anytime soon.
The first round of the fight consisted of Speer basically imposing his will for a takedown, and then Saunders getting the most of Speer on the ground. Saunders nearly had a arm bar, then nearly had a triangle. But, close just doesn't cut it. The second round saw Speer taking Saunders down and getting some shots in. I scored the first round for Saunders and the second for Speer. With time left, I thought for sure it would have been called a draw and we would see another round. To my surprise Speer won. I seriously have my doubts about judges, but if you want to win you have to finish the fight.
The quarters were picked with Danzig fighting Arroyo and George fighting Speer. Supposedly one fighter won't be going any further. If it is injury related, I would guess Speer would be out. If it is idiot related, I would say Mac probably did something stupid to Richie and got booted. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next show.
I saw something that was pretty nasty last night. Nasty in the sense that War Machine, or Poop Machine, dropped a deuce in the the top shelf of the Team Hughes toilet. I have heard about this practice before, but had never seen it in action. Billy Miles reaction was priceless when he walked into the bathroom and discovered a nasty smell. When he flushed the backwater came back a little brown.
It was pretty obvious when Team Hughes came back from practice that something had just went down. All three could not stop laughing. Mac said that Richie was laughing like Fran Drescher (the Nanny) and got in his face before the deed was even discovered. The person that took it the worse was J-Rock, who proceeded to kick team Serra's door in (too bad he didn't kick like that when he was facing George). Rude Boy and War ended cleaning it up, no harm, no fowl smell.
The editing of this episode was priceless. Anytime they showed Speer, it was right after his previous fight when he is the most swollen. We got to see some actual coaching from Serra and Hughes - finally. Serra was showing JJ, and Hughes gameplaning for some Saunders high kicks. I wish that they would show more technique and training, but I don't think it will happen anytime soon.
The first round of the fight consisted of Speer basically imposing his will for a takedown, and then Saunders getting the most of Speer on the ground. Saunders nearly had a arm bar, then nearly had a triangle. But, close just doesn't cut it. The second round saw Speer taking Saunders down and getting some shots in. I scored the first round for Saunders and the second for Speer. With time left, I thought for sure it would have been called a draw and we would see another round. To my surprise Speer won. I seriously have my doubts about judges, but if you want to win you have to finish the fight.
The quarters were picked with Danzig fighting Arroyo and George fighting Speer. Supposedly one fighter won't be going any further. If it is injury related, I would guess Speer would be out. If it is idiot related, I would say Mac probably did something stupid to Richie and got booted. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next show.
TUF Finale Preview
Preview Picks by MMA Blaster
On December 8th, this Saturday night, I will be recording the TUF Finale to watch the following morning. Unfortunately, I have two Christmas parties that I am supposed to attend that night. The past episode of the Ultimate Fighter saw Matt Arroyo suffering a rib injury and not being able to continue. John Kolosci was the only fighter enthusiatic about taking a fight with Mac Danzig. However, Mac stood stong against Kolosci's kicks and eventually got him in a rear naked choke.
The second match-up saw George Sotiropoulous v. Tom Speer. Speer threw a punch which caught George's eye. After taking a brief time-out, George re-entered and was caught by combinations and eventually got knocked out. The final is set with Speer v. Danzig.
Here are the match-ups for the finale, my picks are in bold:
MAIN CARD
Clay Guida vs. Roger Huerta
Mac Danzig vs. Tommy Speer - TUF 6 Title
Jon Koppenhaver vs. Jared Rollins
Billy Miles vs. George Sotiropoulous
Dan Barrera vs. Ben Saunders
PRELIMINARY CARD
Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci
Richie Hightower vs. Troy Mandaloniz
Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price
Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet
**Looks like my only loss was taking Speer over Danzig.
On December 8th, this Saturday night, I will be recording the TUF Finale to watch the following morning. Unfortunately, I have two Christmas parties that I am supposed to attend that night. The past episode of the Ultimate Fighter saw Matt Arroyo suffering a rib injury and not being able to continue. John Kolosci was the only fighter enthusiatic about taking a fight with Mac Danzig. However, Mac stood stong against Kolosci's kicks and eventually got him in a rear naked choke.
The second match-up saw George Sotiropoulous v. Tom Speer. Speer threw a punch which caught George's eye. After taking a brief time-out, George re-entered and was caught by combinations and eventually got knocked out. The final is set with Speer v. Danzig.
Here are the match-ups for the finale, my picks are in bold:
MAIN CARD
Clay Guida vs. Roger Huerta
Mac Danzig vs. Tommy Speer - TUF 6 Title
Jon Koppenhaver vs. Jared Rollins
Billy Miles vs. George Sotiropoulous
Dan Barrera vs. Ben Saunders
PRELIMINARY CARD
Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci
Richie Hightower vs. Troy Mandaloniz
Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price
Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet
**Looks like my only loss was taking Speer over Danzig.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
TUF Fight to Call Tonight - Saunders v. Speer
Thoughts by the Blaster
Tonight's episode of the Ultimate Fighter reality show features a matchup between American Top Teams' Ben "Beserk" Saunders (4-0-2) and Minnesota farm boy Tom Speer (7-1). Speer and Saunders both faced tough battles in their previous fights and both ended up coming out on top. Kind of sucks for them that they have to fight at this stage, because Saunders and Speer are no joke.
Saunders lists himself as a Jeet Kune Do Concepts fighter. I'm guessing he is a Bruce Lee fan "flow like water." I saw superb kicks, crisp punches, and near submission attempts in his fight against a very tough Daniel Barrera and expect the same in this fight. Looking at his record, he has wins over Charles Blanchard (4-1, only loss to Saunders), and a couple 185 pounders. His first pro fight ended with a draw to UFC vet Crafton Wallace.
Speer has been shown as a soft spoken and excellent wrestler on TUF (almost a Matt Hughes clone). The red head was cut by a War Machine punch right off the bat in his first match and bled all over the place. Instead of panicking, Speer persevered and was able to get the victory. He has fought in the WEC beating Sidney Silva (6-2), and has fought mainly in Extreme Challenge events. His one loss came from referee stoppage about a year and a half ago to a fighter named John Meyer (2-1).
I really don't know who to pick in this fight, mainly because I am such a fan of both fighters. While ideally, I would have liked a Danzig v. Speer, George v. Saunders quarterfinals, this fight will probably be entertaining. What the heck, I'll say Saunders by submission round 2.
Tonight's episode of the Ultimate Fighter reality show features a matchup between American Top Teams' Ben "Beserk" Saunders (4-0-2) and Minnesota farm boy Tom Speer (7-1). Speer and Saunders both faced tough battles in their previous fights and both ended up coming out on top. Kind of sucks for them that they have to fight at this stage, because Saunders and Speer are no joke.
Saunders lists himself as a Jeet Kune Do Concepts fighter. I'm guessing he is a Bruce Lee fan "flow like water." I saw superb kicks, crisp punches, and near submission attempts in his fight against a very tough Daniel Barrera and expect the same in this fight. Looking at his record, he has wins over Charles Blanchard (4-1, only loss to Saunders), and a couple 185 pounders. His first pro fight ended with a draw to UFC vet Crafton Wallace.
Speer has been shown as a soft spoken and excellent wrestler on TUF (almost a Matt Hughes clone). The red head was cut by a War Machine punch right off the bat in his first match and bled all over the place. Instead of panicking, Speer persevered and was able to get the victory. He has fought in the WEC beating Sidney Silva (6-2), and has fought mainly in Extreme Challenge events. His one loss came from referee stoppage about a year and a half ago to a fighter named John Meyer (2-1).
I really don't know who to pick in this fight, mainly because I am such a fan of both fighters. While ideally, I would have liked a Danzig v. Speer, George v. Saunders quarterfinals, this fight will probably be entertaining. What the heck, I'll say Saunders by submission round 2.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Happy 80th Win For Dan Severn!
Congrats by the MMA Blaster
Dan Severn recorded his 80th win at King of the Cage on November 21st according to Sherdog.com (fcf has him at 82 wins). That total is probably closer to 100 or so, but he just keeps going. The ageless wonder has been in the MMA game since 1994. He beat a fighter named Don Richard (7-9) from Michigan. The event was held at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant Michigan. I have a previous post with a highlight video, click Dan Severn on the labels section.
Dan Severn recorded his 80th win at King of the Cage on November 21st according to Sherdog.com (fcf has him at 82 wins). That total is probably closer to 100 or so, but he just keeps going. The ageless wonder has been in the MMA game since 1994. He beat a fighter named Don Richard (7-9) from Michigan. The event was held at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant Michigan. I have a previous post with a highlight video, click Dan Severn on the labels section.
Monday, November 26, 2007
New Team Event - Josh Barnett, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock and Gokor Chivichyan Coaches
Anaylsis by the Blaster
Apparently another mixed martial arts promotion from Vegas is starting a new event using a team format, ala IFL, called Ring of Fire. They have three very recognizable names in Shamrock, Gracie and Barnett, but Gokor is probably only recognizable to hardcore fans of judo and sambo, as well as Armenians. I don't think they will be fighting, but a Gracie v. Shamrock fight would be nostalgic.
Since the promotion's first event is in the Philippines, I have doubts that we in the US and Europe will get to see much of the action. I am guessing the best way to catch these fights will be the internet. Ken Shamrock is apparently still a coach for the IFL season, don't worry about him jumping ship.
The teams:
Team Gracie - Cleber Luciano (1-2), Jorge Patino (20-10), Daniel Serafian (?), John Marsh (7-6) and Katrine Alendal (0-1).
Team Barnett - Koji Oishi (15-7), Yuki Kondo (47-20), Renato “Babalu” Sobral (28-7), Jeff Monson (23-7) and Ginele Marquez (5-7).
Team Gokar - Karen Darabedyan (2-0), August Wallen (2-1), Rodney Faverus (24-13, KO of Manhoef, w's over Riggs, Kongo, but 2-5 in last 7), Hakim Gouram(?) and Amanda Buckner (10-4).
Team Lion’s Den - Evan Dunham (4-0, small shows), Kyacey Uscola (13-10, 3 straightlosses), Mike Whitehead (19-5, 10 straight wins), Ricco Rodriguez (26-7) and Tonya Evinger (4-3).
Looking at the teams, from left to right for weight classes, it seems that Team Barnett is the clear favorite. Babalu, Monson, Oishi, and Kondo would make a killer IFL team on their own. Right behind I would put Shamrock's team. Teams Gokor and Gracie look to be a touch behind in terms of talent and experience, even though Buckner is probably the most talented of the women. Babalu v. Whitehead would be a good matchup as would Rodriguez v. Monson.
*Why use Ring of Fire? That is a pretty lame name to choose considering it is also the name of a promotion in Colorado, and a Johnny Cash song. Why not come up with something more unique? **The MMA Blaster is full of ideas**
Stock photo of Josh Barnett used incidentally to story.
Apparently another mixed martial arts promotion from Vegas is starting a new event using a team format, ala IFL, called Ring of Fire. They have three very recognizable names in Shamrock, Gracie and Barnett, but Gokor is probably only recognizable to hardcore fans of judo and sambo, as well as Armenians. I don't think they will be fighting, but a Gracie v. Shamrock fight would be nostalgic.
Since the promotion's first event is in the Philippines, I have doubts that we in the US and Europe will get to see much of the action. I am guessing the best way to catch these fights will be the internet. Ken Shamrock is apparently still a coach for the IFL season, don't worry about him jumping ship.
The teams:
Team Gracie - Cleber Luciano (1-2), Jorge Patino (20-10), Daniel Serafian (?), John Marsh (7-6) and Katrine Alendal (0-1).
Team Barnett - Koji Oishi (15-7), Yuki Kondo (47-20), Renato “Babalu” Sobral (28-7), Jeff Monson (23-7) and Ginele Marquez (5-7).
Team Gokar - Karen Darabedyan (2-0), August Wallen (2-1), Rodney Faverus (24-13, KO of Manhoef, w's over Riggs, Kongo, but 2-5 in last 7), Hakim Gouram(?) and Amanda Buckner (10-4).
Team Lion’s Den - Evan Dunham (4-0, small shows), Kyacey Uscola (13-10, 3 straightlosses), Mike Whitehead (19-5, 10 straight wins), Ricco Rodriguez (26-7) and Tonya Evinger (4-3).
Looking at the teams, from left to right for weight classes, it seems that Team Barnett is the clear favorite. Babalu, Monson, Oishi, and Kondo would make a killer IFL team on their own. Right behind I would put Shamrock's team. Teams Gokor and Gracie look to be a touch behind in terms of talent and experience, even though Buckner is probably the most talented of the women. Babalu v. Whitehead would be a good matchup as would Rodriguez v. Monson.
*Why use Ring of Fire? That is a pretty lame name to choose considering it is also the name of a promotion in Colorado, and a Johnny Cash song. Why not come up with something more unique? **The MMA Blaster is full of ideas**
Stock photo of Josh Barnett used incidentally to story.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
HDNet Fights Part II
HDNet Fight Preview by the MMA Blaster
HDNet has a pretty good card is set for December 15th in Dallas. For those unfamiliar with HDNet, it is a television channel owned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The promotion is based out of Dallas and uses the Maverick's arena for the show. Ten of the fighters are from Texas. Here is the fight card:
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (19-5) vs. Tim Kennedy (8-1)
Frank Trigg (15-6) vs. Edwin Dewees (34-10)
Yves Edwards (29-13) vs. Alonzo Martinez (20-8)
Pete Spratt (18-10) vs. Tristan Yunker (12-6)
Chris Bowles (7-1) vs. Cory Mahon (6-0)
Patrick Castillo (3-1) vs. Jay White (1-5)
Krzysztof Soszynski (12-8) vs. Robert Villegas (7-1)
Jason House (7-4) vs. Liam McCarty (6-4)
Lee King (7-11) vs. Marcus Lanier (5-2)
Freddie Espiricueta (5-2)vs. Nissen Osterneck (4-0)
Mayhem v. Kennedy is the match I want to see the most. This is the rematch from their previous fight that Kennedy won by decision. Kennedy explained on 5 Ounces of Pain that it was an extremely bloody fight that was very entertaining.
Overall, this is a great non-ppv card. Five UFC veterens (Spratt, Edwards, Trigg, Dewees, and Miller), IFL vet Soszynski, and other highly touted prospects should make it entertaining.
Mayhem Pic Collage from Photobucket
Kennedy kick pic taken by the MMA Blaster
HDNet has a pretty good card is set for December 15th in Dallas. For those unfamiliar with HDNet, it is a television channel owned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The promotion is based out of Dallas and uses the Maverick's arena for the show. Ten of the fighters are from Texas. Here is the fight card:
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (19-5) vs. Tim Kennedy (8-1)
Frank Trigg (15-6) vs. Edwin Dewees (34-10)
Yves Edwards (29-13) vs. Alonzo Martinez (20-8)
Pete Spratt (18-10) vs. Tristan Yunker (12-6)
Chris Bowles (7-1) vs. Cory Mahon (6-0)
Patrick Castillo (3-1) vs. Jay White (1-5)
Krzysztof Soszynski (12-8) vs. Robert Villegas (7-1)
Jason House (7-4) vs. Liam McCarty (6-4)
Lee King (7-11) vs. Marcus Lanier (5-2)
Freddie Espiricueta (5-2)vs. Nissen Osterneck (4-0)
Mayhem v. Kennedy is the match I want to see the most. This is the rematch from their previous fight that Kennedy won by decision. Kennedy explained on 5 Ounces of Pain that it was an extremely bloody fight that was very entertaining.
Overall, this is a great non-ppv card. Five UFC veterens (Spratt, Edwards, Trigg, Dewees, and Miller), IFL vet Soszynski, and other highly touted prospects should make it entertaining.
Mayhem Pic Collage from Photobucket
Kennedy kick pic taken by the MMA Blaster
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