MMA Predicts

Strikeforce: Overeem vs Werdum Predictions Video

2011-06-17T01:16:00.001-07:00

For more MMA News please visit www.8countnews.com and follow me on twitter! @Jared_8CN

Changing Paces

2011-05-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have recently landed a job with a new website as a mixed martial arts writer. It came to me with great surprise and I was happy to take it! The new website caters to MMA and boxing fans alike and employs former champion Roy Jones Jr. I'm sure that name is familiar to most of you. If not, he's only the greatest boxer to ever live.

Anyways, I would just like to let you know where I'm headed and that I'm not leaving you stranded with no new articles.

As I AM exclusive to my new employer, all of my articles will be viewable only there. However, I will post links to my articles here FIRST and continue to appreciate your support through twitter and facebook. Where I can now be contacted at @Jared_8CN. I will still provide my predictions and any important news.

The new website is www.8countnews.com. Please explore the site and appreciate the simple format and entertaining articles!

Thank you for your readership and support!

TUF Comments Go Too Far

2011-05-26T02:43:00.000-07:00

This weeks episode of The Ultimate Fighter aired on SpikeTV displayed one of the most incomprehensible and unbelievable acts in the series existence. I'm not one to typically comment on the show, but, this weeks events can not be overlooked.

During the early moments of the show, we the fans get a chance to understand and appreciate one of the fighter's more delicate situations. Charlie Radar, a fighter eliminated in the competition explains to friend and teammate Chuck O'Neil that his ex-partner had taken his kids and forbids him to be in contact with them. Going in to detail he tells that he has not seen his beloved son in a year and a half due to the unfortunate circumstance and that his participation in the competition will help pay lawyer fees and child support in order to regain custody of his young son. A sincere and obviously delicate situation. I, even as a product of divorce myself, can not begin to fathom the pain that Radar's predicament would make a parent feel. That is why the next part of this story is not only disgusting, but emotionally paralyzing.

Team Lesnar stand-out and fellow semi-finalist, Tony Ferguson took to partying after his victory over Ryan McGillivray - as I'm sure most of us would - and when Radar spilled his beer on Ferguson the two took to some apparently playful wrestling. After leaping through a glass coffee table - no one was injured - Ferguson pinned Radar to a sofa and thrust his forearm into his teammates neck. Radar then managed to get back to his feet only to meet Ferguson in an aggressive and offensive stance, Radar, hoping to quell the highly tense stand-off, tried to calm Ferguson down with nothing more than kind words and apologies. This is where things get hard to watch.

In a fit of rage, Ferguson begins to repeat "...where's your son now?" in the face of Radar. The two, being restrained by the rest of the house shout back and forth at eachother with the entire house taking to the aid of Radar. With an entire gang of extremely astonished fighters pushing and screaming at Ferguson, the beligerant drunk walks away; not without causing another outbreak of psychotic behavior before the teams go to bed - by chanting the abovementioned quote.

The next morning, when sobriety had sunken in, Ferguson was confused to find his teammates still writhing with hatred for the fighter. Ferguson had forgotten what he had said. Once reminded though, all he could muster to say was "yeah...where IS your kid now?." In the most heart touching moment of the season, Radar's team rallied behind him and cast Ferguson out of the room to live in solitude for the time being.

It is not a level of compassion that one must strive for to empathize for a man that has had the bearing of happiness and love in his life ripped from him. It is not a trait shared only by great men. It is not something you can blame on the booze, no. Displaying this kind of savage emotional diconnect is that on par with the sociopaths that deserve the world to turn a blind eye to their OWN suffering. If not for the polarizing figures we all are to this deviant and disgusting man, that would be as simple as showing this clip to the world. However, Tony Ferguson, we won't do that. We will not kick you out of the tournament and relieve you of your chance at a 6 figure contract to do what you love every day, no, instead we will all look at what you've done and cheer as loud as we can for whoever is punching you square in the face. For it is not people like you that define the rest of us, but people like you that show how great the rest of us are.

Thank you Mr. Ferguson for competing your hardest, thank you for entertaining us with an incredible upkick knockout and thank you for showing the world what the other side of compassion, the other side of love and the other side of empathy looks like; so we will never go there ourselves.

UFC 130: Rampage vs Hamill

2011-05-17T23:41:00.000-07:00

After a string of injuries putting the lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and challenger Grey Maynard out of action, the UFC is still puitting on an action packed card on May 28th live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs Matt Hamill

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rampage Jackson steps in to the Octagon against inspirational contender Matt Hamill. Both have heavy hands and well-rounded wrestling.

Jackson, the former champ is coming off a victory over Lyoto Machida. This knockout artist has made his name against the toughest in the sport and come out on top more often than not. Known for his heavy hands, what is often forgot is his wrestling background. Though underused and perhaps even forgotten in his arsenal, Jackson is hard to get to the ground and nearly impossible to finish while there.

Hamill is a deaf mixed martial artist. He's also no joke. Hamill is on a 5 fight win streak and coming off a victory over Tito Ortiz. He has heavy hands and is known for his incredible wrestling pedigree and violent knockout power.

I expect to see 3 rounds of carefully calculated striking mixed with sporatic takedowns. Jackson and Hamill will likely use the first round to get an idea of distancing on eachother before letting loose in the 2nd round. While Rampage is caught up in the striking I predict Hamill to use openings to score takedowns sealing a decision victory. However, if Rampage lands his fists on Hamill, he won't be awake long enough to taste the 3rd round.

My Prediction: Matt Hamill via Unanimous Decision

Frank Mir vs Roy Nelson

Frank Mir is a former Champion looking to work his way back to the top against the unusually figured and unreasonably tough Roy Nelson.

Mir, coming off a victory over Mirko Filipovic is eager to get back to the top of the division. A submission expert and recently taking to the technical boxing game, Mir is a tough opponent in every area; and able to finish from any position.

Nelson, coming off a loss to title challenger Junior dos Santos is looking to regain his momentum. A rather obese heavyweight with an unbelievably amount of durability and cardio, Nelson is a submission ace with heavy, heavy hands.

In an even matchup, look for the two to feel each other out for the first few minutes before throwing heavy leather. I anticipate seeing more kicks from Mir and Nelson using those kicks to work for takedowns. The girthy heavyweight, once on the ground will look to pound Mir out rather than go for submissions as the two are equally talented in offensive and defensive jiu jitsu.

My Prediction: Frank Mir via Unanimous Decision

Thiago Alves vs Rick Story

Thiago Alves will return to the Octagon to face Rick Story, an up and coming prospect in the UFC's Welterweight Division.

Alves, arguably the best striker in the 170 lb division has had his chance at Championship glory and is currently looking to recapture that moment. Coming off a victory over John Howard, Alves will be using this matchup as a catalyst in to the upper echelon of the division. Known for his heavy leg kicks and devastating knockout power in either hand, Alves holds a definite advantage in the stand-up game.

Story is a young gun looking to make it to the top of the pack in the welterweight division and this is just the fight to do that. An accomplished collegiate wrestler and well-rounded martial artist, look for Rick to utilize his ground game to take Alves in to unwanted waters.

My Prediction: Rick Story via Split Decision

Brian Stann vs Jorge Santiago

All-American mixed martial artist and Marine Brian Stann takes on former Sengoku Middleweight Champion Jorge Santiago in a Contender bout at UFC 130.

Brian Stann, known for his knockout power and increasingly impressive ground game is currently riding high on a 2 fight win-streak, most recently defeating Chris Leben. A heavy handed middleweight, Stann is a former WEC light heavyweight champion so size will be on his size. He is a guy that isn't afraid to slug it out with anyone and more ofen than not, comes out on top.

Santiago is returning to the UFC after two consecutive title defenses of his Sengoku Middleweight title. One of his most recent wins is an avenged loss of an early stoppage to Mamed Khalidov and a win over Kazuo Misaki. Right, who? Santiago proved himself unworthy of the UFC banner in his last stint losing to Chris Leben and Alan Belcher.

I expect Stann to come out strong and early, using his size and power advantage to score an early stoppage. Santiago won't be able to answer the call.

My Prediction: Brian Stann via (T)KO

UNDERCARD LOCKS

Renan Barao vs Cole Escovedo

My Prediction: Barao via Unanimous Decision

Knowing the Fighters: Giving Fighters Nicknames

2011-05-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

In this article we will explore the strange world of fighter nicknames. From The Last Emperor to Pit Bull a fighter identifies himself by the nickname we attach to them. Some make sense, like Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and Joey 'The Mexicutioner' Beltran; others like Pat 'HD' Barry or Chuck 'The Iceman' Liddell don't really connect heavy hands or slick submissions to a fighter's identity.

So let's take a look at some of the best fighters in the world that don't have nicknames....and then let's give them one!

Shane Carwin: UFC Heavyweight Contender

Shane is a punching phenom, he has the heaviest hands in the UFC and has no problem knocking out the greatest fighters in the world. He most recently lost to Brock Lesnar and is now expected to face Jon Olav Einemo.

So....what do we call him?

Shane 'Right to Bear Arms' Carwin. With heavy hands like his, a law should be passed to protect the weak.

Brock Lesnar: Former Champ and Superstar

What can I say about Brock? He is one of the most powerful personalities in the business and draws more pay-per-view buys than any other fighter in the UFC. Though inexperienced, he always draws a crowd and even held the Heavyweight Championship belt for 2 years.

So....what do we call him?

Brock 'The Guy that Cuts in Line at the Supermarket' Lesnar. After 3 fights and a record of 2-1, Lesnar didn't earn the title shot (but ultimately, he won). 'Scary as Hell' would also be an acceptable nickname.

Forrest Griffin: TUF 1 Winner and Punching Bag for Anderson Silva

Forrest Griffin is one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC and a former Light Heavyweight Champion, but two things are unfortunate in his case. First, he got tooled like an orphan on Christmas by Anderson Silva and secondly, he has no nickname.

So....what do we call him?

Forrest 'Speedbag' Griffin. I love you Forrest, but Anderson Griffin made you look like a piece of shoddy gym equipment.

Demian Maia: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Wizard

Demian Maia is the best jiu jitsu practitioner in all of MMA. He has competed at the highest level in both jiu jitsu and MMA; even earning a title shot against Anderson Silva.

So....what do we call him?

Demian 'The Brazilian Snake' Maia. For a guy that can wrap a guy up or suffocate them like an anaconda, Maia gets this corny moniker.

Chael Sonnen: Olympic Wrestler and #2 Middleweight

Chael Sonnen has faced allegations of steroids and has been convicted of Mortgage Fraud. he is also famously intolerant of other cultures and says some of the most unusal things in pre and post-fight interviews. He also brings a world of hurt on anyone that stands in his way.

So....what do we call him?

Chael 'American Hero' Sonnen. That is all.

The Diaz Brothers: Posers and Trash-Talkers

Nick Diaz is one of the best fighters in the world, Nate Diaz is not. They start brawls, talk trash and act like thugs. They wear baggy jeans, hooded sweaters and shoes with bright colors on them. Unfortunately for them, the one thing they don't have is nicknames!

So....what do we call them?

Nick 'Vanilla Ice' Diaz

Nate 'Vanilla Ice's Little Brother' Diaz

I will leave it at that for now, but if anyone can add an interesting or funny nickname, please e-mail it to mmapredicts@live.ca

Criticizing The Best: Shortcomings at the Top

2011-05-07T00:25:00.001-07:00

In mixed martial arts, getting to the top of the ladder is not an easy feat and remaining there is even harder; but, the biggest obstacle for the world's greatest fighters to overcome is the harsh criticisms of fans and fellow fighters. In this article, we will go over some of the criticisms of the greatest fighters in the world. From current champions to legends of the sport, both with and without merit, this is....Criticizing the best.

Georges St. Pierre: Welterweight Champion of the World and Slacker

Georges St. Pierre is the UFC Welterweight Champion and arguably the greatest fighter on the planet, pound-for-pound. GSP has held the UFC Championship since 2007 and has successfully defended the title seven times against the greatest fighters in the world.

Why that's not enough:

Five out of St. Pierre's last 6 fights have gone to the judge's scorecards. This has been interpreted by fans as either an inability to finish or an inability to pull the trigger. GSP has recently recieved the label of a boring fighter. He uses a specific gameplan to put his opponent out of their comfort zone. Whether it's striking with Jake Shields and Josh Koscheck, or putting Thiago Alves and Dan Hardy on their backs; GSP has used his abilities to dictate the location of the fight.

Is it warranted?

No, ultimately, St. Pierre is fighting the toughest and most talented fighters the UFC has to offer. The fighters he is competing against have been notoriously difficult to finish. Take Jake Shields for example: before fighting St. Pierre, Shields had won 15 straight fights and was only finished once in his long career.

Anderson Silva: Middleweight Champion of the World and Bored Employee

Anderson Silva is the world's greatest fighter. He is undefeated in the world's premier mixed martial arts organization and has provided some of the best highlight reel moments in mma history.

Why that's not enough:

Anderson Silva seems bored. Barring his recent performance against Brazilian Vitor Belfort, the Spider was nearly defeated by Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 and put on the most bizarre performance in UFC Championship history at UFC 112 against Demian Maia. The Spider seems unwilling to engage opponents and attempt finishes (again, barring UFC 126 performance against Vitor Belfort). Does Silva not see a challenge in his current weight class?

Is it warranted?

Yes and no. On one hand the Spider will have a handful when the rematch with Middleweight contender Chael Sonnen comes around, but, until that time maybe a move to Light Heavyweight is in order for the UFC's most elusive Champion. In his two bouts at 205 lbs, Silva has finished both opponents (a former Champion: Forrest Griffin) in devastating and frankly embarassing fashion.

Fedor Emelianenko: World's Greatest Heavyweight and Aging Relic

For the greatest Heavyweight in the history of combat sports, Fedor Emelianenko isn't the fighter a casual fan would look at. The Last Emperor is undersized and has never trained at a major MMA gym. He looks more like a plumber than the most dangerous man in the world, but with a record that went untouched for nearly ten years, his legacy has built itself

Why that's not enough:

Until losing to Fabricio Werdum, Fedor looked like an unstoppable force. But, now that the loss to Werdum and subsequent defeat at the hands of Antonio Silva have come to Emelianenko, his stock has significantly decreased in the minds of many fans. He has been called a "can-crusher" and "overrated" by many in the MMA community.

Is it warranted?

No, in his time fighting for Pride, Emelianenko fought the greatest fighters to ever live (at the time). Some of these names include Kevin Randleman, Mark Coleman, Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Andre Arlovski, Tim Sylvia and the list goes on. Though many of these fighters have declined in recent years, so does the human condition as battles are had, and injuries are fought through. Fedor's legacy should not rely on the legacies of his victims.

UFC News: April 16th Edition

2011-04-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

This week in the world's premiere mixed martial arts organization, there have been multiple fights and events announced.

Former Champs Collide

Recently dethroned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua will take on Ultimate Fighter 1 winner and former Champion Forrest Griffin. This fight will be a rematch of the two's battle at UFC 76 back in 2007. Though already seasoned veterans in their own respect, 4 years of competition changes fighters in a lot of ways.

In the first fight, Shogun Rua was rebounding from knee surgery and getting his first taste of fighting in a cage, as opposed to the Japanese ring. That North American inexperience paired with recent injury made for a very underwhelming performance by Shogun Rua.

Now that both fighters are performing at the highest levels in their career, expect an exciting fight between two living legends.

This fight is expected to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Middleweight Title on the Line

UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva will finally defend his title against Yushin Okami.

After Yushin Okami defeated Nate Marquardt at UFC 122, UFC President Dana White crowned Okami the #1 contender, but that didn't happen. Instead, Vitor Belfort got the nod to have his shot at Middleweight gold. However, Belfort's Championship dreams were cut short when Anderson Silva front kicked him into outer space to recalim his title.

Now, it's Okami's turn to take on the long reigning Champion. Silva has not lost a fight since before entering the UFC; and the last person to defeat him was...Yushin Okami. A dominating and powerful wrestler with devastating top control has been exactly the style to give the current Champion headaches.

But can history repeat itself?

Marquardt at Welterweight

As previously reported, UFC Middleweight contender Nate Marquardt is makig the jump to Welterweight. He now has an opponent.

Marquardt will take on Anthony Johnson at UFC on Versus 4. Expect constant news reports on weight cutting as Marquardt has never fought at 170 lbs and Rumble Johnson has continuous and epic problems cutting to 170 lbs.

Other Announced Fights

Jorge Rivera vs Alessio Sakara at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Martin Kampmann vs John Howard at UFC on Versus 4 in Pittsburgh, Pennylvania

Jake Ellenberger vs Sean Pierson at UFC 129 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Anthony Njokuani vs Andre Winner at UFC 132 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Riki Fukuda vs Rafael Natal at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

UFC 129: St. Pierre vs Shields

2011-04-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Live on Saturday April 30, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada UFC 129 will be held at Canada's most prestigious sporting centre, The Rogers Centre. After setting multiple North American attendance records including the largest attendance for a mixed martial arts event, and ticket sale speed, the Rogers Centre will be filled with 55,000 fans for an exciting nights of fights.

With two Campionship bouts on tap and a legend taking on a former Champion, the UFC is making a clear point that it values it's new home. The fans are certainly getting what they want.

Welterweight Championship Bout

Georges St. Pierre (c) vs Jake Shields

UFC Welterweight Champion, Georges St. Pierre will be taking on one of the most successful fighters in the business. Undefeated since 2004, Jake Shields has been a Champion in 3 organizations since his last loss and has won 15 consecutive fights. Not only is Shields a great mixed martial artist, but he is the most decorated jiu-jitsu specialist that Georges St. Pierre has ever faced. Winning multiple grappling tournaments and placing bronze at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Combat Club, Jake Shields will be the first fighter to face the current Champion with a clear-cut advantage in any area.

However, don't count out Georges St. Pierre. UFC Champion since 2007, St. Pierre has dominated every round of every fight since a shocking loss to Matt Serra in 2007. Training with Firas Zahabi and Freddie Roach on his striking, St. Pierre will have an advantage over Shields where the fight starts, on its feet. As far as St. Pierre's grappling goes, he has never had any problem against grapplers of any predisposition. Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling specialists alike have all come and gone at the hands of St. Pierre. Listed as Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year from 2008-2010, St. Pierre will be the clear favorite of his countrymen.

I believe, like the Champions last fight (against Josh Koscheck) that this matchup will be decided on the feet. In the stand-up realm, Georges St. Pierre will hold the challenger at bay with his jabs and do damage with leg kicks. If Shields finds a way to take Georges St. Pierre down, I feel his defensive jiu-jitsu will be enough to stifle Shields' top control. Likewise, St. Pierre will be able to scramble back to his feet. However, don't count Shields out, the line on this one is close.

My Pick: Georges St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision

Featherweight Championship Bout

Jose Aldo (c) vs Mark Hominick

In the second Championship bout of the night, Brazilian phenom Jose Aldo will take on Canadian challenger Mark Hominick.

Jose Aldo has lost only one fight in his mixed martial arts career, it was in 2005. Since then, Jose Aldo has defeated the best fighters in world including an utter demolition of Urijah Faber by way of kicking the hell out of his legs. He is one of the best strikers in the world of combat sports today.

Canadian Mark Hominick is finally getting his shot at mixed martial arts famed. After years in the business, he will face one of the best fighters in the world. Undefeated since 2008, Hominick has finished every fight since his last loss. Well versed on the ground and capable on his feet, Hominick is a well-rounded fighter that will pose a threat in multiple areas to current Champion Jose Aldo.

Watch for Jose Aldo to use his devastating leg kicks to limit Hominick's mobility en route to a mid-fight TKO victory. As good as Hominick is, Aldo is just that much better.

My Pick: Jose Aldo via (T)KO

Randy Couture vs Lyoto Machida

Two Former Champions will face off in a battle of styles. On one hand, an aging veteran renowned for his wrestling and boxing ability; and on the other, a dangerous and elusive striker with a sumo background.

Randy Couture is one of the most appreciated men in the sport. A former Olympic wrestler and multi-divisional Champion, Couture is on a 3 fight win streak and about to face his toughest test in recent history.

Known for his ability to dominate in the clinch and push his opponents against the cage, Couture has defeated many opponents with dirty boxing. He has mastered the art of putting together a gameplan and his bread and butter hasn't failed him yet. In his past three fights, Couture has been able to work over his opponent whilst leaning on him against the cage. That might not work this time.

Lyoto Machida has gone from being one of the most promising fighters in the most competitive division of the UFC to falling to a 2 fight losing streak and being at risk of losing his job. A karate expert since the age of 3, Machida has the most elusive style in the UFC. Rarely being hit is one thing he'll count as an advantage over the plodding Couture. Another advantage, perhaps as strange as it is relevant will be his training in sumo.

Perhaps the rarest style in mixed martial arts, sumo is not seen as being a relevant background. The art of pushing an opponent with the use of leverage and body weight positioning will prove a major factor against the wrestler. But what if Couture takes Machida down you ask? Well, Machida is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has a very dangerous and active guard. So, that might not help.

I see this fight going one way, and that way is in Machida's favor. Machida will use his ability to stick and move to outstrike the UFC hall-of-famer and his training in sumo to avoid being pressed against the cage.

My Pick: Lyoto Machida via (T)KO

UNDERCARD LOCKS

John Makdessi vs Kyle Watson

My Pick: John Makdessi via (T)KO

There you have it, the picks for UFC 129, Live from Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Remember, UFC 129 will feature the new start time of 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET.

Enjoy the fights.

UFC News: April 5th 2011 Edition

2011-04-05T00:24:00.000-07:00

Recent news in MMA's premier organization has been a little slow lately, but here is an overview of what's going on in the UFC...

Wanderlei Silva vs Chris Leben

Scheduled for UFC 132's Main Card, famous sluggers Wanderlei Silva and Chris Leben will meet in the Octagon in what is sure to be a war.

Known for their reckless abandonment and disregard for their own well-being, Silva and Leben have been fan favorites for years now. However, their success levels in recent years have been very contrasted.

Chris Leben has had a terrific run in recent years and though coming off a loss to Brian Stann, expect to see the Team Quest alum back on trck and ready for one of his most high-profile fights to date. Silva on the other hand has failed to find the success in the UFC that he had in PrideFC. Though still a fan favourite, the brawling style hasn't earned him the victories he has been looking for.

Expect to see Leben take this one in what is sure to be the 'Fight of the Year.'

'Daddy' Drops Weight

Former title challenger Joe 'Daddy' Stevenson is make the move to Featherweight. After 3 failed outtings in the UFC's 155 lbs Lightweight division, and perhaps moreso to avoid being released, Stevenson will be making the drop to 145 lbs. A winner of the Ultimate Fighter and former top contender, Stevenson has recently had a serious drop in performance.

The TUF competitor will face Javier Vasquez at the upcoming UFC on Versus 4 and if he can't take home a victory, expect to see the last of the once promising contender.

'Mayhem' Stirs the Pot

Known for his wild personality and dyed hair, MTV's Bully Beatdown host Jason 'Mayhem' Miller is looking to get back into the cage. His last fight, a victory over aging Japanese superstar Kazushi Sakuraba, was way back in September of 2010 and the former Strikeforce title challenger appears eager to get back to action.

In a recent interview with MMAFIGHTING.com's ARIEL HELWANI, Miller expressed a desire to face some of the top contenders in the UFC's Middleweight division. Calling out the likes of Chael Sonnen whome he referred to as a 'Republitard' and Michael Bisping, dubbed by Miller 'The Limey.'

It wouldn't be Miler's first chance on MMA's grandest stage. In 2005, Miller made a startling move to Welterweight in order to face now Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre, a match that Miller did not win.

fan favorite in his own right, Miller could seriously use the UFC's hype machine to drive himself into superstardom. Between his personality and amazing talent as a fighter, the future for 'Mayhem' only looks bright.

Almeida Retires...Again

UFC veteran and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wizard, Ricardo 'Big Dog' Almeida is calling it quits, for the last time. After a 1-2 stint in the UFC's Welterweight division, Almeida has decided to move on to other things. While voicing his desire to remain a part of Mixed Martial Arts, Almeida has opened his own school (a branch of Renzo Gracie Academy) and has family obligations that he feels have been placed on the back-burner for two long. Wishing to retire on his own terms and in good rapport with the UFC, Almeida will hang his gloves up for good.

Dean of Mean is Back

After an unfortunate release from MMA's premier organization, Keith Jardine will be stepping back under the bright lights of the Zuffa promotion (parent company of the UFC). It may be a tougher test than any before though. Strikeforce light heavyweight, Mike Kyle has recently withdrawn from a fight due to a broken hand suffered in training. His opponent for that fight, Gegard Mousasi.

One of the world's best light heavyweight fighters, Mousasi has defeated a laundry list of the world's top combat sports athletes. Coming in on short notice and in the twilight of your career won't favor Jardine either. Expect to see Mousasi get the knock out on Jardine.
br>Actually no, expect nothing, these are two of the most unpredictable fighters in the world today.

That's all for this week's UFC News. Stay tuned for the predictions for UFC 129: St. Piere vs Shields in the coming days.

UFC Fight Night: Noguiera vs Davis Predictions

2011-03-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Live from Seattle, Washington this Saturday night, the UFC will be holding a free fight card, available on SpikeTV at 8 PM Central Standard Time. The original main event was slated as Tito Ortiz vsa Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, however, due to an injury, Ortiz was forced to withdraw from the card. Enter Phil Davis.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Phil Davis

Nogueira, brother of the UFC Heavyweight fighter of the same name has been a staple of the sport for years. Beginning his decorated career in Pride, Nogueira has faced some of the greatest athletes in the sport, holding victories over notables such as Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson and Luiz Cane. Though his career has been littered with greatness, his last showing inside the Octagon have been less than impressive. Coming off a loss to Ryan Bader, and a highly controversial decision win over Jason Brilz, Nogueira has not been able to find the same success he did in PRIDE, in the UFC.

Davis, on the other hand is a young prospect. Currently undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, this Light Heavyweight standout has toppled other young standouts Alexander Gustafsson and Middleweight contender Brian Stann. A wrestler by nature, Davis has finished two of his last four opponents by submission and has an ever evolving game.

Praised for his boxing, Nogueira may have the advantage in the stand-up -- provided Davis hasn't evolved as quickly with his hands as he has with the rest of his technical ability. Nogueira has heavy hands and a great understanding of the science. Davis, in comparison will be the stronger grappler. Though his jiu-jitsu game is still evolving, he is one of the top wrestlers in the division and can overwhelm a fighter on the ground. Having a loss and a near loss to two top-notch wrestlers won't favor Nogueira.

My Pick: Phil Davis via TKO

Dan Hardy vs Anthony Johnson

In a fight that has "knock-out of the night" written all over it, former title challenger Dan Hardy will square off against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

Though both fighters are known for their ability to knock an opponent with one well-placed punch, the technical striking advantage will go to Hardy as he is the more accomplished striker while Johnson comes from a wrestling base. However, Hardy can only hold on to that advantage as long as the fight stays standing.

Johnson, a NCAA National wrestling champion has been out of action for over a year with back-back-injuries sidelining the gigantic welterweight. A wrestler by design, Johnson is not known for applying it to his MMA game. A strong puncher, Johnson has the ability to end the fight astanding or take it to the ground.

In Dan Hardy's previous fight, the glaqring weakness in he game has been takedown defense. exposed in his title shot with Georges St. Pierre, Dan Hardy was unable to stop nearly any takedowns en route to a Unanimous Decision loss. However, Hardy has recognized that as a place for improvement -- in between calling wrestlers boring -- and has began training his jiu-jitsu under world-renowned 10th Planet instructor, Eddie Bravo. Known for his sweeps and attacks from guard, Bravo will likely be looking for Hardy to use the offense from guard to either scramble back to his feet or submit Johnson.

My Pick: Dan Hardy via Knock-Out

Jon Madsen vs Mike Russow

This is a fight that has no reason to leave the first round. Two strong, punchers with one-punch knock-out power should make for a terrific Heavyweight fight.

Mike Russow should not be the one to get knocked out. As seen against Todd Duffee, Russow can take a punch, heck, he can take 50, 60 or a million. You might be able to hit this bastard with a front-end loader and he'll just keep on coming.

My Pick: Mike Russow via Sheer Determination and Zombie-ism.

Sean McCorkle vs Christian Morecraft

In this Heavyweight matchup we see two fighter coming off of a loss. But not only are they both coming off a loss, they are bothing coming off of their first career loss. But not only are they both coming off of their first career loss, they are both coming off of a loss to Stefan Struve. We will get to see first hand how each of these fighters deals with losing inside the Octagon.

McCorkle isn't really an expert at any one discipline, unless you count trash talking on the internet a discipline (and I do). He has shown a great ability to submit opponents off of his back and sweep from full guard. He defeated kickboxing giant Mark Hunt in his first UFC showing before succumbing to Struve in his most recent bout. Look for McCorkle to take this fight to the ground as he has no real place in the Octagon in the upright position.

Morecraft has also shown a great ability to submit his opponents, with 3 of his last 5 fights coming by way of submission, this fight is bound to be a throwback to the old days of Ultimate Fighting where two large men roll around on the floor until one gets lucky enough to bend his opponents arm in an uncomfortable way.

The deciding factor in this game will be the mental state of each fighter. Though I believe Morecraft is not a fighter of UFC calibur and will be handed his second straight loss and walking papers after losing to McCorkle. That being said, anything can happen inside the Octagon.

My Pick: Sean McCorkle via Submission

Mario Miranda vs Aaron Simpson

One of the most dangerous submission experts in MMA today will be facing a heavy handed wrestler with two straight losses. I think we all know how this story goes.

My Pick: Mario Miranda via Submission

There you have it folks, your predictions for UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs Davis. Enjoy the fights!

UFC News: March 20, 2011 Edition

2011-03-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

Following UFC 128, there have been many revelations in the world's premier mixed martial arts organization

Jon Jones

Newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has been slated to fight former teammate Rashad Evans. Before the young Jones dethroned Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua to become the youngest Champion in UFC history, many fans were clammoring for Evans and Jones to face eachother. After numerous interviews, Jones intiated a rivalry between the two Jackson trained fighters that has ultimately led to an end of their friendship.

Additionally, Greg Jackson, the former trainer of Evans, stated in an interview with http://www.mmafighting.com/ post fight at UFC 128 that he would not train either fighter for their scheduled bout and wanted "no part of this fight."

Nate Marquardt Moves to Welterweight

With less than stellar performances in his last Octagon showings, going 2-2 in his last four fights, former top contender Nate "The Great" Marquardt expressed his desire to move to the 170 lb division. While Nate is a very lean and powerful Middleweight, he believes that with his new diet and training regiment, the extra 15 lb cut will not be a problem.

What may be a problem is Georges St. Pierre, the current Welterweight Champion and training partner of Marquardt. When asked about meeting his teammate in the Octagon for a title shot, Marquardt neither turned the idea down, nor confirmed it.

Cro Cop Cut

Pride Fighting Championship's 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix Winner, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has been cut by the UFC. After being knocked-out and recieving a cheap shot by Brendan Schaub, it was revealed by UFC President Dana White that the future of the head-kicking Croatian would not be in the UFC.

With consecutive knock-out losses to middle-of-the-pack opponents, this decision by the UFC is an obvious gesture to push Cro Cop in to retirement. And this isn't a bad idea. No longer a relevant heavyweight, Cro Cop has lost the mental edge more-so than the physical. Though he is a strong but small heavyweight, Filipovic has been unable to pull the trigger when faced with adversity.

Goodbye Mirko

The Light Heavyweight Curse

2011-03-19T23:32:00.001-07:00

The UFC Light heavyweight Championship belt has changed hands again. After a dominant performance over Pride veteran Shogun Rua, Jon Jones became the 7th Light Heavyweight Champion since 2007. In arguably the deepest division in MMA it's hard to stay on top forever.

But forever isn't what we're talking about...one fight. The glory lasts one fight. Beginning in 2007 with Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's victory over Chuck Liddell, the UFC's Light Heavyweight belt has been a hot-potato, being passed around to anyone given the chance to earn it.

Jackson, formerly of Pride Fighting Championships is thought to have brought the Light Heavyweight curse to the UFC with him as before that, the division was long ruled by an elite few, with many legacies built off the title. The PrideFC Middleweight (203lbs) title was brought to the UFC by Dan Henderson and in a fight with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rampage Jackson, the belts were combined for the undisputed 205 lb Championship. Rampage was victorious in this fight, but with the belts becoming one, the curse was transferred.

In Jackson next fight, a battle against TUF 1 Winner Forrest Griffin, Jackson was bested by arguably a lesser fighter and had to surrender his Championship belt. High on victory, Griffin's success would be short-lived. #1 Contender Rashad Evans, an undefeated prospect would dominate Griffin en route to earning himself the 205 lb strap. Evans, a wrestler with a mouth bigger than most, earned a fight against undefeated up-and-comer Lyoto Machida. Once again, as in every other case, the Champion was defeated. Machida walked through Rashad Evans with a highlight reel knockout of the wrestling stand-out, becoming the new Light Heavyweight Champion.

This is where things get complicated...

Lyoto Machida would face Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua in a fight at UFC 113 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The battle was close, one of legend. Two striking phenoms clashing in the center of the Octagon while sparks and fireworks ignite. It looked as though the belt would change hands again, with the fans cheering Shogun on as he held the edge in the stand-up. But, with the judge's decision....it wasn't so. What we all saw, what we all knew was just blindly disregarded. I one of the worst decisions in Mixed Martial Arts history. The belt stayed with the Champion, but just because the judge's say it, doesn't make it so. The UFC granted Rua an immediate rematch as UFC President Dana White stated at the post-fight press conference that he (along with legions of UFC fans) thought that Shogun Rua had won the fight. The curse prevailed...

As we know, the next meeting of these two titans wasn't as close. Shogun Rua knocked Lyoto Machida clean out in the 1st round. A clean decisive win, and a new Champion in the UFC's Light Heavyweight stable.

Tonight, the belt changed hands once again. In Shogun Rua's first title defense, against newcomer Jon Jones, a 3rd TKO sealed the deal. Jones, arguably top 5 or top 10 in the division will likely face former champion Rashad Evans in his first and only title defense.

So, we are faced with a question. Is the UFC's Light Heavyweight belt cursed?

The Welterweight Debacle

2011-03-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

After a major purchase of a rival promotion, one might think that the UFC has all the answers in MMA. Unfortunately for a choice few, some questions have gone unrequited....

For Diego Sanchez, Martin Kampmann, Jon Fitch and BJ Penn, the Welterweight division is a mess. At back to back events, a controversial decision and a draw have created a bottleneck on the ladder to the #1 contender spot. For these four fighters, one judge's poor understanding of Mixed Martial Arts could cost them a spot at the Welterweight Championship of the World.

In the UFC 127 Main event, Former Two Division Champion BJ Penn controlled the first two rounds with significant takedowns and superior striking only to fall victim to Jon Fitch's stamina in the 3rd and final round. Going in to this last round, Penn had a two round advantage, scoring 20-18 and winning the fight. Unfortunately, Penn's performance in the 3rd round was so insignificant that Fitch earned a 10-8 round in the 3rd. This gave Fitch enough points to draw against Penn and leave the two in a sort of limbo at the top of the division.

Following UFC 127, at UFC on Versus 3, energizer bunny Diego Sanchez went to war with Danish kickboxing sensation Martin Kampmann. In a "Fight of the Year" candidate, Kampmann used superior technical striking to pick away at Sanchez, disfiguring him in the process. Kampmann stuffed 14/15 takedown attempts and was only on the mat for a brief moment once finally taken down in the last moments of the fight. Sanchez failed on nearly every takedown attempt and put together no real effective offense. The highlights of Sanchez's performance included two flurries that netted the fighter more air than flesh at the end of his fists. Shockingly, the judge's found reason enough to award Diego Sanchez a Decision victory in what was the worst display of judging in recent MMA memory.

So this situation leaves us with a sort of traffic jam on the road to the Welterweight title.

The current title challenger, Jake Shields' last fight was a Split Decision win over Martin Kampmann. He will face Georges St. Pierre at UFC 129 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Jon Fitch has faced St. Pierre before for the title, but arguably lost to BJ Penn in their UFC 127 meeting.

BJ Penn has fought and lost to St. Pierre on two seperate occassions, but, can still draw a big crowd with his marquee status.

Martin Kampmann arguably won his last two fights, first against the current title challenger, and most recently against Diego Sanchez. He has shown incredible improvements in his game, especially takedown defense and has the most technical striking in the Welterweight division.

Diego Sanchez has lost to BJ Penn and Jon Fitch. He is the least evolved fighter of the four and trains with champion Georges St. Pierre. Making a fight unlikely (though not impossible).

With these four fighters having made a shamble of the ranking system, let's try to sort it out.

1. Georges St. Pierre

- Current UFC Welterweight Champion

2. Martin Kampmann

- Was robbed of victory in both the Shields and Sanchez fights

3. Jake Shields

- Current Welterweight #1 Contender

4. Jon Fitch

- Lost to Champion St. Pierre and Drawed with BJ Penn

5. BJ Penn

- Has two losses to Georges St. Pierre and a victory over Diego Sanchez

With those fighters holding the top 5 positions in the UFC Welterweight division (in my opinion), it creates the need for a tournament in order to eliminate competition and find the true #1 contender. Fortunately for the UFC, they have some time to figure it out. According to UFC President Dana White, if Georges St. Pierre is successful in his title defense against Jake Shields, he will consider a move up in weight to 185 lbs for a superfight with Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. With this time off, the UFC can build and hype a multi-event tournament for the vacated Welterweight Championship. This roadblock has created the brackets for the tournament.

Kampmann -- \
Penn-------------/

Fitch-----------\

Sanchez-----/

Condit--------\

Alves---------/

Shields--------\

Koscheck----/

In this tournament arrangement, or a variation of it, the UFC should have itself a year worth of highly promotable fights while Champion Georges St. Pierre makes the jump to Welterweight. But, with the hurdle of misinformed judges, there is bound to be another Welterweight Debacle.

UFC News: March 14, 2011 Edition

2011-03-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

This week in the world's premier MMA organization a number of future fights have been announced. From Spike Fight Nights to Pay-Per-View Events, the UFC is putting together premier fighters. Let's take a look at what they have on tap...

Cheick Kongo vs Pat Barry

Set for UFC on Versus 4, this heavyweight collision features two of the best strikers in the division. Cheick Kongo will have a height an reach advantage, but the technical edge goes to the shorter, leg kicking king Pat Barry.

Coming off an extremely controversial win, Kongo will be looking to score a convincing victory and find a place in the fans hearts. Known for sneaky hands grabbing anything they can find (including both the cage and his opponents fight gear) Kongo has recently been painted as a dirty fighter.

Barry on the other hand is a fan favorite, from his explosive and precise striking style to his generally positive attitude and underdog story. Barry is coming off a victory over Joey Beltran in a fight that saw both the most disgusting display of laser-like leg kicks and heart.

Neither fighter has a ground game, so, look for Barry's superior striking to make all the difference against the Frenchman.

Other Fights Announced:

Mac Danzig vs Donald Cerrone at UFC 131 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Melvin Guillard vs Shane Roller at UFC 132 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Rich Attonito vs Matt Brown at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Sam Stout vs Yves Edwards at UFC 131 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Kyle Kingsbury vs Fabio Malonado at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Reuben Duran vs Fransisco Rivera at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada

The Fans Fight

2011-03-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

This week's edition of "The Fans Fight" will take a look to the forums for the fights that MMA fans are calling for. With the Zuffa purchase of Strikeforce, a surprising matchup has hit the chat rooms. It's not Brock vs Fedor, or even Brock vs Overeem...

Alistair Overeem vs Shane Carwin

That's right, the fans are calling for one-punch heavyweights Alistair Overeem to face-off against the UFC's Shane Carwin. Both are strong athletic heavyweights, one being a hard hitting wrestler and the other a K-1 kickboxing Champion and current multi-promotion heavyweight Champion.

Rumors are circulating about Alistair Overeem abandoning the Strikeforce roster to join with the UFC. Overeem via twitter announced that he would be making an appearance on MMAFighting.com's MMA Hour with a special announcement regarding the UFC/Strikeforce deal.

The problem with this match up that fans seem to overlook is the level of striking these fighters are at. While Shane Carwin was nearly knocked out by Gabriel Gonzaga and lacks a real technical ability to box, Alistair Overeem is knocking the holy hell out of the best strikers in the world and transferring that ability to the MMA game. Shane Carwin will have an advantage in wrestling, Overeem's submission game is more well-developed. This would not be a good fight for Carwin. Overeem by Knock-Out.

Fedor Emelianenko vs Randy Couture

This is a matchup fans have been clammoring for ever since I can remember. The UFC has just never been able to put it together. M-1 Global is the major roadblock in making this fight happen. The UFC (as we all know) does not co-promote, and M-1 does, exclusively. A solution put forward by fans is to send Couture to Strikeforce in an attempt to by-pass the M-1 obstacle.

There is a huge problem with this fight. Fedor. He is no longer in his prime and a loss to the aging (though still game) Couture would be the final nail in his coffin. Both his legacy and his career can't withstand three fights lost in a row. Couture is the stronger fighter at this point and would easily walk through Emelianenko. In the process, the UFC would hand over one of it's biggest draws and completely dismantle a fighter that if put in the right fights can earn some wins and continue to draw crowds.

So, while this fight would answer fans questions, it's an answer we can all easily predict. Randy Couture, Unanimous Decision. It's not a fight worth promoting because it isn't a fight worth subjecting the fighter's careers to.

Rankings: Top 5 Pound-For-Pound

2011-03-13T03:36:00.001-07:00

These rankings take weight out of consideration. These rankings only factor in technical ability and the ability to apply strength.

1. Georges St. Pierre

The UFC welterweight Champion is currently toying with the idea of moving to Middleweight to take on the champion...But first, GSP will take on Jake Shield's, a former champion in his own right and undefeated in 15 fights. Shield's may be the biggest test to date for St. Pierre, but I expect the champ to beat the Strikeforce alum.

St. Pierre displayed in his last fight against Josh Koscheck that he was more than just a wrestler, attempting only a few takedowns and using a well established jab to batter the challenger's eye. For 5 rounds, St. Pierre punched a fractured orbital bone en route to a Unanimous Decision victory.

2. Anderson Silva

With unmatched striking ability, Anderson Silva is not only one of the best fighters in the world today, but of all time. Silva displayed this most recently against former two-division UFC champion, Vitor Belfort. With a front kick to the face, Silva earned himself a highlight reel knock-out over a very tough opponent.

Although being nearly beaten by Chael Sonnen, Anderson has never lost a fight in the UFC and has set records for both consecutive wins and consecutive title defenses.

3. Alistair Overeem

There is no fighter in the world that has the ability to move from winning a mixed martial arts title to winning the K-1 Grand Prix. He is the best striker in MMA.

After battering the life out of Brett Rogers, Alistair went on to win the K-1 World Grand Prix kickboxing tournament. After that (all within the same year I might add) he knocked out former UFC heavyweight Todd Duffee in the first round to win the DREAM heavyweight championship.

4. Jose Aldo

UFC champion Jose Aldo is one of the best strikers in MMA, training with Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida and Feijao Cavalcante probably doesn't hurt that. Aldo has only lost one fight in his MMA career and since joining the WEC (and subsequently the UFC), he has been facing the toughest opponents available.

We will see if Aldo's striking stands up against a kickboxing dynamo when the champ face Mark Hominick in Toronto, Ontario

5. Rashad Evans

This Light Heavyweight has lost only one fight. His future in the UFC is currently uncertain. Formerly holding the UFC title, Evans' friend and training partner Jon Jones stepped in to face the champ Shogun Rua at UFC 128. While saying they will not face eachother, Evans may be forced to change divisions...again.

His only lsos came at the hands of Lyoto Machida, who at the time was arguably the best striker in MMA.

'Business As Usual' Zuffa, LLC Purchases Strikeforce

2011-03-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

In one of the most important moments in Mixed Martial Arts history, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship - Zuffa, LLC - has purchased the world's second biggest MMA organization. The UFC posted a tweet early Saturday morning announcing the acquisition.

Strikeforce is a San Jose, California based promotion known for it's Japanese co-promotion and dealings with M-1 Global superstar Fedor Emelianenko. The little known promotion is home to some of the best fighters in the world including: Alistair Overeem, Nick Diaz, Dan Henderson, Gilbert Melendez and Jason 'Mayhem' Miller. These fighters will all remain under the Strikeforce brand until their contracts run out, at which time their future's are unsure.

UFC President Dana White announced that Strikeforce would remain it's own seperate entity, continued to be run by promoter Scott Coker. White also stated that the brands would not co-promote but would be used to advertise the other brand. Unlike the UFC-WEC merger, Strikeforce fighters will not be integrated into the UFC roster, at this time, and will not be fighting eachother. Though, as stated by White, contract negotiations are more liekly to be made at the completion of each individual fighter's contract to determine which roster they will be competing on.

Two options are likely within this merger, we will either see the dissolution of the Strikeforce brand and an integration of Strikeforce fighters into the UFC roster as seen with the WEC merger. Or, we will see the UFC use Strikeforce as a minor league, sending fighters like Stephan Bonnar, Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz; fighters that are having problems getting wins together in the UFC and still face credible competition.

So, will Strikeforce be the proving ground for the UFC elite, or will it fall by the wayside? Either way, for Dana White it will all be 'Business as Usual.'

The Voice of MMA

2011-03-09T02:28:00.000-08:00

There are many commentators in MMA; there are many color commentators in MMA. From Strikeforce's Gus Johnson or Pride's Mauro Ranallo to UFC's Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan. Sometimes we'll even get lucky enough to hear fighters, active or retired make the calls beside the cage. Guy Mezger, Randy Couture, Frank Mir and Bas Rutten all take their turns on the mic, providing an intimate, personal look at what's going on during a fight. So with all of these voices, who best represents the sport? Who can use their knowledge of the game to not only describe, but to teach the viewers about the astonishing and technical aspects of the sport.

To say who the best commentator in MMA is, we should look back to the sport's not-so-humble beginning...

November 9, 2003. Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo Dome. 67,450 spectators fill the arena. A voice comes over the loud speaker. An enthusiastic Dutchman welcomes the viewers to Pride Final Conflict 2003. Bas Rutten is that Dutchman. Rutten is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion with over 30 proffessional fights to his credit. Starting in King of Pancrase, Bas Rutten is a self-trained submission expert and muay thai ace. Going undefeated in his last 20 fights and not having lost since 1995, Bas Rutten knows the fight game. As an announcer he provided a thrilling, knowledgable and often comical commentary style and paired with Mauro Ranallo, Rutten provided commentary for some of the most memorable fights of all time. Rutten now makes guest spots commentating for Strikeforce and a few Regional Dutch MMA Organizations. As far as the color commentator in MMA is concerned, Bas is where it started. But Bas is not the voice of MMA.

That brings us to Mauro Ranallo. A lifetime proffessional wrestling fan, Ranallo is not as well-versed in MMA as some, but his over the top antics have created many memorable moments in MMA. Unfortunately for Ranallo, this wrestling persona garners as much resentment from fans as it does adulation. In a sport that is more athleticism than it is entertainment, a level of realization is needed to inform viewers of what is going on; and sometimes with Ranallo, entertainment value comes before what is actually going on in the cage. Ranallo brought theatre to MMA commentary. But Ranallo is not the voice of MMA.

Gus Johnson of Strikeforce, is irrelevant.

Mike Goldberg, the straight man of the UFC is typically jeered by fans for saying some of the most ridiculous things in sports commentary. Originally, Goldberg was sports commentator in Minnesota, calling games for the local NHL team. Through many years of experience, and calling fights for the biggest organization in MMA, it's understandable that a nickname mix-up here or there might happen. Having been in the commentary game for years before beginning in MMA, Goldberg brought a straight-forward, refined style to MMA commentary. "Goldie" provided MMA commentary with it's level of proffessionalism. But "Goldie" is not the voice of MMA.

The UFC is also the home of color analyst Joe Rogan. Joe Rogan is a stand-comedian, actor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt under Eddie Bravo and a world champion kickboxer. Joe Rogan knows the ins and outs of Mixed Martial Arts having trained in (alongside Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do) amateur wrestling and boxing. Joe Rogan is an entertainer that is also trained as a mixed martial artist. When Joe Rogan is calling a fight, he provides an intelligent and informed analysis of the technical aspect of the game, along with an entertaining commentary style that fans world-wide adore him for. Joe Rogan is Bas Rutten, Mauro Ranallo and Mike Goldberg. Joe Rogan is the voice of MMA.

But, it is not without the contrasts in styles that the perfected commentary would be created. It took the failings and faults of all the men before him that has provided Rogan the means to do what he does so well. He should not be applauded alone. It has been a long road in the evolution of MMA commentary and it hasn't yet come to a hault. But for now if you're looking for the Voice of MMA, the UFC's Joe Rogan is the man to listen to.

Rankings: Top 5 Lightweights

2011-03-08T23:34:00.001-08:00

1. Frankie Edgar

Until Gray Maynard beats this little energizer bunny, he'll remain at the top of this list. With two convincing wins over BJ Penn, Edgar solidified himself not only as a top lightweight, but as a top ten pound for pound fighter. As a fighter that could easily fight at 135 lbs, remaining at 155 is a ballsy move, and Edgar deserves the credit for his accomplishment.

2. Gray Maynard

With a victory over Frankie Edgar in their first fight, and a draw coming in their second, Gray Maynard gets a third crack at the champion and I expect a victory from the massive lightweight. A dominant wrestler with a win over Kenny Florian, Gray Maynard remains undefeated in his MMA career.

3. Anthony Pettis

Coming off a victory over top lightweight Ben Henderson and being the last WEC Lightweight Champion, Pettis will get his shot at the UFC title just as soon as their is a clear champion. Showtime shocked the world with the freakiest kick ever thrown in MMA nearly knocking out Henderson.

4. Jim Miller

Jim Miller is the most underrated lightweight fighter in the world. Time after time Miller takes out contenders and has only lost to Maynard and Edgar. Somehow, a title shot eludes him. It might be due to his douchey personality.

5. Ben Henderson

Former WEC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson enters the UFC as a top contender. Coming off a loss to Anthony Pettis, the former champ has yet to be signed to fight in MMA's top promotion.

UFC News: March 7, 2011 Edition

2011-03-07T21:52:00.001-08:00

Heath Herring Eyeing Return

Herring stated earlier this week that he is looking for a return to MMA, but the terms must be specific. Firstly, Herring stated that in order to get back into MMA, the money has to be right. Herring is still under contract with the UFC, but has been in contact with other organizations.

Herring hasn't fought in almost 3 years, since losing to Brock Lesnar at UFC 87. In those three years he has been in contractual negotiations with the UFC. He also has not been training full-time. He has been acting, and playing professional poker.

Herring is a veteran of over 40 fights and has used that experience to lose to everyone from Evan Tanner to Fedor Emelianenko. Herring has never been a relevant heavyweight, which doesn't leave him with much to bargain with. Whether he comes back to the UFC is about as cared about as Herring is. Not at all.

Ortiz Calling out Griffin

It's been time for Tito Ortiz to call it quits for a long time now. His last victory came against an aging Ken Shamrock in 2006. Since then he has gone on to lose 5 straight fights and come up with 5 straight excuses. The former champion recently pulled out of a fight with Lil Nog.

Being too unhealthy to fight Nogueira hasn't stopped the Huntington Beach Bad Boys trash talking though. After a twitter post by Forrest Griffin, Ortiz responded calling out the 'Ultimate Fighter' winner. The two have fought twice before, with both fights ending in Split Decision, once with Ortiz winning and once with Griffin winning.

But both fighters have come a long way since then. In opposite directions.

Griffin recently dominated Rich Franklin en route to a Unanimous Decision victory while Ortiz continues to look horrible in his downfall. Hopefully the UFC answers Ortiz' call to fight Griffin so Tito can be shut up once and for all.

UFC Signs Heavyweight Talent

35 year old Norwegian heavyweight, Jon Olav Einemo is joining the UFC. With a record of 7-1, this heavyweight will make for a great test for contenders. With his only victory coming at the hands of Fabricio Werdum, Einemo is an ADCC Champion but limited MMA experience.

Rankings: Top 5 Welterweights

2011-03-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

1. Georges St. Pierre

The UFC's Welterweight Champion may not just be the best fighter in his weight class, but the best fighter in the world. With only two losses in his mixed martial arts career coming at the hands of Matt Hughes and Matt Serra, St. pieerre has fought some of the best talent in the world. With wins over Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch, Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, BJ Penn and Thiago Alves, the UFC is currently struggling to find opponents for this Canadian goldenboy. His next fight will be against Jake Shields in Toronto Ontario.

2. Jake Shields

Though coming off of a controversial decision win over Martin Kampmann, Shields has proven with 16 straight victories that he is one of the best in the world. Holding notable wins in both the welterweight and middleweight division, Shields has defeated the likes of Dan Henderson, Jason 'Mayhem' Miller and Yushin Okami. His biggest test to date will be against UFC Welterweight superstar Georges St. Pierre.

3. Martin Kampmann

The Hitman may be the most underrated fighter in the world. Also having wins in welterweight and middleweight, Kampmann has defeated fighters Jorge Rivera, Thales Leites, Carlos Condit and Paulo Thiago. Kampmann most recently fought Diego Sanchez and lost an extremely controversial decision. Kampmann has been robbed in his last two outings, hopefully he has better luck in the next.

4. Jon Fitch

Jon Fitch is the most boring fighter in the world, he wins fights by laying on his opponents and grinding out a decision. He last fought to a draw with BJ Penn. It was unexciting, obviously.

5. Josh Koscheck

After a devastating loss at the hand (lead jab) of Georges St. Pierre, Josh Koscheck will need some time off to heal up. But look for him to be right back in the mix when he gets back, maybe a fight against Matt Hughes, Thiago Alves or HOPEFULLY Dan Hardy.

UFC on Versus Recap

2011-03-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

Versus was home to some of the best fights in recent memory, from a brawling Main Event (that was marred by a bad decision) to Brian Bowles' TWIN victory over Damacio Page. Let's break it down a little further:

The Main Event

Diego Sanchez vs Martin Kampmann was one of the most horrific massacres since Diego Sanchez vs Clay Guida or Diego Sanchez vs BJ Penn....let's face it, Diego Sanchez can brawl. But, that's about all he could do against Kampmann. Sanchez landed a single takedown out of 15 attempts, and after taking the fight to the ground, it only lasted for a fraction of a minute.

While Diego Sanchez landed 45 strikes (27%), Martin Kampmann connected on a total of 97 (47%) So not only was Kampmann more accurate, but he landed a LOT more strikes. Kampmann dominated the stand up and the ground game (or lack of).

While Deigo scored a single takedown, Kampmann stuffed 14 attempts and scored a knock down. Again, Diego scored 0. Kampmann also landed a strike while on the ground; Sanchez landed none.

So this all begs the question...how the fuck did Diego Sanchez win the fight? He landed less punches, less relevant punches, less leg kicks, scored 1 takedown out of 15 attempts and was beaten beyond recognition. The answer, as sad as it is....uneducated judges.

It is clear by these statistics that Kampmann dominated every aspect of the fight. What the judges saw however, was Sanchez stalking Kampmann and throwing wild flurries. What they missed, Kampmann landing technically perfect counter-strikes and using his head movement to avoid almost every single punch thrown. They saw 1 takedown, and missed Kampmann stuffing 14 attempts. The judges missed the technical aspect of the fight. When you have people's paygrade resting on your decision that is something you can't afford to miss.

Kampmann won.

Who? Where? What am I?

In the night's Co-Main Event, C.B. Dollaway got knocked into next week by Mark Munoz. In less than a minute, the Fillipino struck with a vicious straight followed up with some ground and pound.

How did C.B. respond? Acting like a goof and arguing with the referee. Truthfully, Mario Yamasaki made a great call that every other referee would have made. When a fighter gets his head caved in by a little brown man, you stop the fight. It wasn't just a knock-out though, C.B. Dollaway looked like he came back into consciousness with a serious case of Autism. He looked like he just caught his father butt fuckig the family pet. It was one of the greatest post K.O. faces in MMA history.

The problem with C.B. is he's a dick. He has faced mediocre competition and really thinks he is in the top of the division. NO C.B. you aren't. You are not. And now, you aren't even in the middle of the division. While C.B. thinks Top Ten, the rest of us think, "Who the FUCK is C.B. Dollaway?" You aren't wrong to ask that question, it's ok, don't feel bad. He's a nobody.

What the Fuck?

Brian Bowles fought Damacio Page in 2008 and won at 3:30 of the first round via guillotine choke. Guess how this goofy-haired badass beat Damacio Page the second time? At 3:30 of the first round via guillotine choke.

Good work Brian, good work.

In Other News

Alessio Sakara sucks...

Curtis Demarce Steps In and Up Against Marcus Davis

2011-03-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

Curtis "The Demon" Demarce has made the best move of his career!

Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, Demarce has been fighting since 2006 and has compiled a record of 11-7 as a lightweight. Competing for the MFC, the 22 year old fighter has agreed to step-in as a late replacement for a fight with UFC veteran Marcus Davis.

The Irish Hand Grenade has recently rode a losing streak straight out of the UFC but has found a home in the #1 Canadian Mixed Martial Arts organization.

Calls for a Superfight

2011-03-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

The UFC has put out the word that upon victory at UFC 129 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada against Jake Shield's, Georges St. Pierre will be slated to fight the organization's middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Having gone undefeated, Silva will be looking for new competition and after cleaning out the Welterweight division, St. Pierre has run out of worthy opponents. This is a superfight that makes a whole lot of sense.

Leave it to Strikeforce to bastardize the idea of a superfight...

After a third round TKO victory in his most recent fight, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ Dan Henderson is being talked about as a potential matchup for Fedor Emelianenko. Now let me tell you a little something about this 'Superfight.'

Dan Henderson isn't all that great. Neither is Fedor. And a superfight just doesn't add up. In his last three fights, Dan Henderson is 2-1 with wins against a mediocre Renato 'Babalu' Sobral and a middle of the road Rafael 'Feijao' Cavalcante with a lone loss to former Welterweight Champion Jake Shields. So let's get this straight, Henderson has face mediocre talent in his victories and smaller opponents in his loss.

Fedor on the other hand was long undefeated, which made him a fan favorite and an instant draw, but he hasn't won a fight since November 2009. His last two outings have been losses. One via submission to Fabricio Werdum and the other via man-handling and ass-kickingg by Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva. His solo victory came after a first round beating by Brett Rogers. Who's that you ask? Exactly.

So this Superfight is another exampple of Strikeforce match-making at it's worst. Rarely does it get worse than this, but it's what is to be expected from an organization that gives title shots to it's losers. Congratulations Strikeforce, you've done it again.

Chael Sonnen Eyes Matchup with Michael Bisping

2011-03-06T03:44:00.001-08:00

It wasn't long ago when Oregon native Chael Sonnen was laying low and handling his personal situation. That time has come and gone...

Known by fans for his unmatched ability to insult and taunt opponents before smothering them with world class wrestling, Chael Sonnen is back in the news calling for a match with UFC middleweight Michael Bisping. This comes following Bisping's unsportsmanlike conduct in the cage at UFC 127, where The Count spat into the corner of opponent Jorge Rivera.

With wins inside the Octagon over the likes of Dan Miller, Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt; Chael Sonnen will be looking to get back in the winning column with a potential matchup with the British fan favourite. Sonnen will not be the first Team Quest stand-out to face Bisping as the British fighter faced Dan Henderson at UFC 100 in an Ultimate Fighter US vs UK finale. Unlike Henderson though, expect Sonnen to rely more on his wrestling in this matchup.

Coming off a loss in one of the most memorable underdog stories in UFC history to UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, Sonnen's only obstacle may be mental as he deals with a lengthy litigation with the Federal gov't regarding a felony charge of mortgage fraud - for which Sonnen made a plea agreement - and a UFC 117 failed drug test & the ensuing fallouts. After which the UFC's top middleweight contender disappeared. Even coach and best friend Matt Lindland was unable to reach the trash-talking fighter.

Now, however, Sonnen is looking to get back in the limelight and punish British MMA star Michael Bisping for his actions post-fight at UFC 127. Being known for his ability to dictate incredible statements, a letter from Sonnen to UFC match-maker Joe Silva has recently surfaced in which Sonnen calls out the Brit.

To: Joe Silva, Matchmaker Extraordinaire, Ultimate Fighting Championship

Re: Spitsbing & his tainted victory

Joe:

If you get a chance to talk with him, please mention to your idiot-in-residence Michael Spitsbing it'll be a little tougher to knee ME in the head when I'm charging at him like a runaway train and mincing him through the fence like a boiled potato, should we ever have the pleasure of each other's company for a few (VERY few) moments in the Octagon.

Oh; and I'd suggest to him being a little careful about spitting on any of MY cornermen, since any one of them can beat him up as badly as I can. Thanks ever so much.

Hope all is well.

-Chael Sonnen

For the #2 middleweight in the world, trash talking comes all too naturally and after serving his California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) imposed suspension, expect to see him back in the Octagon with the brash Brit. With the UFC eyeing a trip to England this summer, these two fighters may have the perfect opportunity to put their money where their mouths are and let their fists do the talking. It will be Bisping's toughest test to date when he puts his mouth up against top contender and UFC trash-talking champion Chael Sonnen.

UPDATE:

Recently, Chael Sonnen made a public announcement regarding Michael Bisping's behavior at UFC 127:

“I did see Michael Bisping’s fight, and I was very disappointed in his behavior. Spitting on Jorge Rivera’s cornermen brought disgrace to himself, to the sport, and to all fighters, me included. That’s why, first and foremost, Michael Bisping owes me an apology. As someone with much more experience than him, at a much higher level of competition, I am his superior and his behavior warrants an apology to me.”

The more Chael Sonnen talks, the more he seems to be enforcing sportsmanship in the UFC. The organization's bulldog added;

“I happen to know, from one of my very highly-placed sources at the UFC, that Michael Bisping’s ‘goodwill account is seriously overdrawn with the company. He’s on very thin ice wearing really sharp skates, if you know what I mean. So, there are only two possible outcomes for him: He can fight me, or he can get released. He needs to fight me to keep his job. But…and this is a big but…I don’t have to fight Michael Bisping to keep my job.”

Sonnen has recently served his suspension following UFC 117 and will need to appear in front of the CSAC in order to regain his fight license. Though that doens't seem to be the biggest issue for the Middleweight contender...

“If I decide not to fight [Bisping], they’ll set me up with some other contender I can ridicule, then pound into fine powder. But Bisping’s got me, or he’s gone … and he better apologize. Once he agrees to do that, I’ll decide what form his apology should take. I may want a singing apology. I may want him to choreograph and perform a little ‘apology dance.’ I may make him kiss my ring like I’m the Pope, or kneel before me like I’m the King and he’s being knighted.”

As Sonnen has proven in the past, backing up his tough talk is no tall-order.