MMA Live: MMA's SportCenter

Espn carves out a very decent half hour of MMA "SportsCenter" in MMA LIVE.
Solid work done yet again behind a mike for Kenny Florian, you are slowly gaining a fanbase. Now, if only they'd like'm in the cage...We'll see if he can woo the crowd in his toe to toe showdown with Roger Huerta.

In the meantime, a very sharp and insightful Kenny who displayed his poise for the first time @ Ufc 84, now can be caught Thursday's at 6pm...

We've got the last couple of weeks for you below. So far MMA live is on the 4th Webisode and is gaining ground, we'll continue to support here.

Last week....



Thoughts and takeaways*

• Thiago Alves:A monster in the ring (hard to judge 4lbs over), agreed with Kenny 1 fight til title shot (possibly after Fitch, to close out '08 unless the Bj Penn fight holds water).
• Expect to see alot more MMA on Network Television, this is going to be a delecate process expect to see the industry finetune it's presence on Mainstream t.v.
• Referee stoppage. It's part of the game. Nba has badly officiated games *see game #2 Los Angeles vs Boston Celtics June '08. It's part of the sport, most sports do have the use of instant replay...food for thought.
  
• If your ear has a zipcode...Drain it. If people scream "Supersized!" when they look at your ear....drain it. If you continually hear the sloshing of water...DRAIN YOUR EAR!
• Fitch's gameplan to beat GSP, drug his food...

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The week before last week....



A few takeaways*

• CBS has a HUGE showing over $6 MILL, but production was sub-par good for mma, just not Great...No Tony the Tiger awards...
• Lawler vs Smith agreed, was the fight of the night followed by Gina C. and Karen Y., love that our boy Franklin disliked the booing of the fans. Welcome to the Us, where our fanbase just had it's 1st televised event...if you want a cultured MMA crowd watch Pride/Dream the asian community not only respects the art of bouts, but they actually understand the fundamentals of great ground work. Stop watching CBS and start watching the MMA events with names you can't pronounces *wink
  
• Uriah Faber is almost unstoppable, but fighting Floyd Mayweather...just isn't feasable. Boxer vs MMArtist just isn't fair is a knife in a gun fight. One side has 2 weapons while the other works with 8 (striking weapons) + the ability to go to the ground. So how about a boxing bout, while great stand up against Jens...Boxing Mayweather is even dumber than Anderson Silva Challenging Roy Jones. At least Roy Jones is retired. So Urijah We love you, but you get the Gary Coleman Award on that one.
  
• *sigh* Tito. Thanks for spending just enough time on this story. Ortiz. The fact that the piece was over before you could finish his name was brilliant.
  
• Hughes:(On the Alves fight) Easier said than done. Huh? (On another GSP fight) I want another Gsp fight on the same card as Anderson Silva vs Rich Franklin VII, Tito Ortiz vs Chuck Liddell XII, and the same night Chuck will take on Rampage in IIVX.
  

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UFC 85 Post-Fight Interviews

Straight from the horses mouth(s).

Enough Said.

Matt Hughes and Thiago Alves

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Michael Bisbing On Win of Day

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The Rest of the Pack: Swick, Marquadt, and Burns on their fights

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UFC 85 Bedlum: Full Video

It's been a little hectic. In and out, here and there.

With all the hussle and bussle it's been a little quiet here, but worry not you were still in the thoughts. By now you've already heard what a stellar weekend of fights they had at UFC 85. Great showings by Mike Swick, Michael Bisbing, and Thiago Alves.

While most of the controversy revolved around the officiating and calls, all in all it was great production with constant action and a great flow to the event. Plenty of fights on this one to pass the time, so if you've already watched most the fights in pieces sit down to enjoy a great series. We'll have the Post-thoughts and highlights a bit later...

Right now you should grab that Brewskie, a bowl of chips and salsa...


Part I


Part II

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Espn Debates CBS Weekend Good? 20/20 On MMA Bandwagon.

Big Big BIG Weekend for MMA.  And even more surprising about it, all UFC had to show for it was an Ultimate Knockouts ft. the Iceman.  No wonder, front man Dana White has a few things to say about this weekend.

If you saw Elite Xc 3 out of 5 fights where worthy, Gina and Young stole the show followed closely by the Lawler/Smith No Contest.  On Espn they talk the turn of MMA and  Television.

Dana being the salesman he is spins all the other current sports, but in actuality if boxing/wrestling can be shown mma is marketable.

Wether or not what CBS showed the world on Sat was positive for MMA or negative. It's been said before, there is no such thing as bad press. Let's hope. It wasn't ground-breaking, but it was an eventful night. Was it successful? Thanks to MMAmainia.com

Here’s what we do know:

The 18-49 year old demographic showed a strong increase in viewers over the first two hours of the broadcast. The first half hour showed 1.4 million viewers, which increased to 2.4 between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. ET.

While most of us were glued CBS w/ picture in picture on Spike Saturday Night, Abc actually is rounding the corner.
20/20 Special Delivery.

Mixed Martial Arts = The Devil?

Or is this just a NEW threat on the horizon we must paint as evil?

77 deaths as of baseball, 25000 cheerleaders with trips to the hospitals, and 0 deaths and no more injuries than boxing...

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Old Tito vs Wanderlei Fight Video

Have you ever wished you could control time?

Maybe when you're bored, sneak out back to take the Delorian for a joy ride?

Well, we do. And we did this morning, brought back a little souvenir. Isn't there a saying about history? Has a way of repeating....repeating itself.

Enjoy the trip down memory lane. And a glimpse of what may be to come.

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Rear Naked Video Lessons : Oldest Choke in the Book

One of the most widely used finisher in all of MMA.

A part of the the BJJ arsenal, the rear naked is the quinatasential "Bear Hug" around the neck. It's a crowd pleaser, and a fighter pleaser as well.

Nothing beats feeling like you are about to pop you're aggressor head off.

Take notes.

For a little Bill Nye Action, we look to Fight Science for an inside track.



The Takeaway -
*Notice this is not to (cut off air supply), but to stop the flow of blood to the brain. Much more effective. So notice wear the pressure points, on either side of the trachea.

Here is a great step by step.



*Great points on where to place your hands while "not choking" , where to hold onto your opponent - 'scapula'

*Where to grab ,and how to secure a tighter position with your hands...

*How to apply pressure in the choke.


Looks easy. I know. But is it really?
The placement of the hands, and the choke are the toughest. Avoiding the instinct to arm squeeze or hold the head are habits you have to break...but... if you don't believe its as easy as 1,2,3




And what video series is complete without a hot girl?

Yes. We can find a way to work one in. Try this on for size.

Joanna over at the lovely MMAgirls.net being choked out. What a champ.


MMA Girls Joanne Is Choked Unconscious

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Did you miss Ufc 84: Ill Will?

So after this weekend's fights ended, we all sat back, put our hands to our heads and sighed...

"Wow."

What a night of fights, if you missed it we're going to rub you nose in it now. Jeez...

The card boasted a tough line up and they delivered...


Ok, We lied. This is not a break down post, or a post fight article. This is for all of you who are broke, who didn't pay attention to the date, who are married (enough said) and had to pay the piper, those who just don't know any better...look no further. We did your work for you, or as much as we could. Not like we could watch it for you right?

Yes kids, Ufc 84 Ill will is here. Enjoy.

Part I

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part II

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part III

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part IV

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part V

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part VI

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Part VII

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part VIII

Online Videos by Veoh.com


Part IX

Online Videos by Veoh.com

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This Week: Jon Fitch Title Shot, Lesnar Waits, Wandie Needs Win

Weekend wrap up. Here's what happened this week in MMA.

It's Official, Jon Fitch gets what he wants as of yesterday. On August 9th, he will face George St. Pierre for the Welterweight Title.

After very impressive road at (17-2) Jon with an amazing wrestling pedigree is a product of American Kickbox Academy. He knocks at GSP's door toting 15 consecutive wins.

Still. Just can't shake the feeling that this match is strictly a formality.

Sorry, Jon. You are loved, just....out-matched. Next.

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Most of us although painful, had to laugh at the rollercoaster of a life the Chuck Liddell vs Shogun bout turned into. First Chuckie and Shogun, then no Shogun... Then we were set up for Chuckie vs Rashad E. (puke)... Once again the Fight Fairy said no, and Chuckie was out with a hammie pull. So in comes James Irvin to dance with Evans, until... The curse continues... Evans mysteriously breaks his foot. So we wait for yet another cast change in Luis Cane, and finally the UFC flies into our rescue. Suffer no more, we're canning it altogether. Thank you.

Well, looks like the curse may not have been lifted just yet. Brock Lesnar debuted this year against a game Frank Mir. Lesnar lost the opening bout but was set to fight Mark Coleman at 87. After suffering a knee injury during practice, it's concluded Coleman will not be able to be in fight condition...he's out. Waiting for the B string to step in, and sadly. We've been here before, please keep all legs and arms inside the car at all times, buckle all safety harness' and enjoy the roller coaster.

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Dana goes on record, "Wanderlie needs a win."

We'll agree with Capt. Obvious, but coming from the bald headed beauty those words carry a little more weight. Those of us who love the Ax Murderer know he hasn't been himself as of late, and saw this next fight an "ALL IN" situation.

He had plenty to say...here's a snip.

“Wanderlei has lost three in a row,” White said. “This guy has to win some fights here to stay in the UFC and stay at the top of the 205-pound division.”

“He’s one of these unique fighters who people just love to watch fight because of his mentality on fighting,” White said. “Obviously, though, [he] has to get a win.”

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And lastly. Predictions.
Courtesy of our girls at MMAgirls.net

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WEC Countdown: Is Faber ready for Pulver?

The WEC prepares for it's night in the lights. May 26th will be the crowning night of yet for the smaller sister of the UFC. Mainly because of 1 fight. One of the current, fastest up and commers Urijah Faber who has been reigning of the Wec for the last 3 yrs will, face the UFC's very first lightweight Champion in Jenz Pulver.

The big question- is Faber ready for the next level?

We've done a little digging to bring you a view video specimens to set the stage for the battle royale. As much as we've enjoyed the last few months of Urijah imprinting his knees, fists, or whatever was available into the face his competition, but there come's a time when we the fans want to "see" (as in actually watch you fight some as good as you) a challenge. There also comes a time when you realize, there is always someone better than you. As much as we love Faber for all of his quick wits in the ring, the surfer hair,'rock on' hand signs, and the refusal to appear over the age of 16...we just don't know if he Urijah's ready for the trial he's about be put through.

And here's why. Buckle up, it's a good fight.

Yes I know. Pulver lost.
But, a few things to note during this fight.

When Gomi is unable to go to the ground he stands. In this fight Pulver is the smaller man, giving away 2-3 inches in height/reach. As well as a couple pounds, with size comes power. What Gomi gives away in technique, he makes up for in power. All those exchanges take a toll, even though Pulver is more crisp-Gomi still hurts...eventually the knockout.

Faber will not have the luxury of size, he will the smaller of the two as well as the less technical in the striking game. Aside from conditioning Fabers biggest asset is his speed and pace. If the ground game is nullified by Pulver, then what options does Faber have against a stronger, more experienced, more accurate striker? He is the question, if this comes out to a flat out war. Little Evil has proven the dirtier, grittier, and more brawler like the fight the better. Is this the moment Urijah jumps from good to great?

Training Camp Details. Little sneak peak into both camps.

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Lyoto Machida: Eye On the Dragon

Rather under-noticed, and under appreciated we are gearing up to see a potential upset this weekend...

While most of the eyes, and ears considering we can't shut him up, will be on Tito this weekend. At least, while Jenna not around anyway. But this does mark the end of an era. Yes, we did give Tito the credit on this one by using the word "Era". A quick romp down memory lane if you will. courtesy of Dave Meltzer over at Yahoo! Sports-

“Ortiz has had more fights (21) in the Octagon than any man in history. He was the longest-reigning champion in company history, a three-and-a-half year run as light heavyweight champion from 2000-03. And the Huntington Beach, Calif., native headlined the company’s two most successful pay-per-view events in matches with Ken Shamrock (770,000 buys) and Chuck Liddell (1.05 million), and the company’s highest rated television special (3.1), in a third match with Shamrock.”

The numbers, are good.

This weekend is the 22nd of 22 fights in the UFC for he Bad Boy, while he is 15 and 5. Machida comes at 13 and 0, with 8 being UFCers. And we ain't talking your AFC (Aver. F*cking Chump), the list totes Stephen Bonner, B.J. Penn, Vernon White, Sokoudjou, and Rich Franklin. Really, Ace? What a coincidence. The Dragon Machida just happens to come from Black House, home of another Ass Kicking Brazillia, The Spyder.

Machida is unorthodox fighter, who has surprising strength and speed in the stand up. Easily had knock-out power, but his real forte is timing....He presents quite a few challenges for the Bad Boy, and we aren't so sure that the biggest thing about Tito right now isn't just his head. Machida will close in the the third round, or it'll be to the judges cards...

Here are a few moments to consider for the Dragon.

1st up Stephen Bonner


Ace just has a soft spot for Brazillian's...


The lastest tangle with Sokoudjou...

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Muay Thai Foundation: The Clinch

This weekend presented some very interesting conversations. In the company of 'self proclaimed' MMA fanatics a curious topic arose.

Why do guys always just hug each other? They look like they want to dry hump each other on the cage, rather than fight. What is that all about?

*sigh*

Yeah it is kind of gay how that hold one another. And whisper sweet nothings into there opponents ears, as the sweat in front of millions of fans. These statements are a crystal clear view into how much you really know about fighting. So we decided to clear up the homographic nature of the MMA community for the 'fanatics'.

So why chest bump. The correct name is the Clinch.

Arguably the most effective weapon in the Muay Thai arsenal is unquestionably the most overlooked.

So instead of the scientific break down on how to pull this off. Catch the video first.

Things to keep in mind.
*Watch your fingers!
*Think Leverage not strength
*Grab Head, not neck




So what are the take aways?
1) Control the Head, you control the body.
If you are wondering where that is, grab the back your neck with your right hand. (Your index finger should be where your neck meets your torso, pinky finger where your neck meets base of your skull) You want to grab your opponent where your pinky fingers are or higher.
The avg. head ways eight pounds, which is actually alot of weight for a muscle as weak as the neck. Any pressure above the base of the neck is multiplied by the leverage and the neck just cannot copensate for weight above 12-20lbs. In short. grab the right spot.

2) If you like using your fingers, don't cross them.
Biggest mistake. Just don't do it. Fingers that are locked are asking to be broken. That easy. Simply clasp your fists.

3) Leverage is more powerful, than strength.
If you grasp them correctly, you will have you elbows near the collar bone. Keep your hips away, this allows you to do two things at once.

You automatically apply pressure and begin to control the person body weight and movement, secondly you give yourself the ability to set up or avoid strikes. Hips back means you can move, knee, push, pull all without having to set yourself or fight the opponent.

Chuck does well with this last point. Take notes.




Everything we learned, in motion watch Ufc 64 Franklin vs Silva. When we can locate a live link, we'll post.

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Espn's Pound for Pound Video Rankings

While for pound rankings are always opinion-based, we lightly stand behind the words of Sherdog.

At least til you get to the top 3. A little reshuffle is in order but all in all, they are pretty dog gone close.


We have small dispute for the top 3 spots.

3rd - Quinton Rampage Jackson - King of the Light Heavy's. Recent Claim to Fame: Hasn't been beatin in the UFC yet. Notable wins over Henderson and Liddell. Why isn't he higher? One word - Inactivity. Last fight was almost a year ago, things change pretty quick around here now adays, got to be fighting to be the best.

2nd - Anderson Silvia - The Ultimate Striker. Recent Claim to Fame: Same as Jackson, just a little more impressive. Yet to be beatin in (6 fights) the UFC yet. Not only did he win, but he dismantled the competition. Not one fight has been past the 2nd half of the 2nd round. Why isn't he higher? Today isn't tomorrow. The only place Anderson could be on this list, if not first is tied for it. Or about to be crowned 1st again.

1st - GSP. The total package. Recent Claim to Fame: Demolition of a champion. It as one sided a fight one could have, reclaiming a title. But the reason GSP is a chart topper are for a couple of reasons. GSP is probably the best in every facet of the game, minus striking vs Anderson...or wrestling a Rampage. A+'s across the board. The one difference between this guy and our other top 5 is. They all have area's of expertise, but GSP has and can win from any of them....

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Royce Gracie: Brazillian Ju Jitsu's Ambassador

The Day MMA Changed.
If you consider yourself a fan of MMA, but by some catastrophical mishap you don't know who Royce Gracie is...

We're just going to put you fanhood on pause for a moment. Til we get up to speed.

A quick trip, before memory lane.
Royce Gracie was the son of the famed Helio Gracie (the father/creator of today's Brazilian Ju Jitsu.) Born in Rio De Janeiro, Royce began practicing BJJ as a toddler. Yes, while most of us were busy mowing bubbles with our walker/big kid lawn mower, Royce was toying with an armbar. He began to participate in competitions by age 8, and at age 9 was asked to teach Jiu Jitsu in California to Americans despite his not knowing English. By 18 he was awarded his black belt. By now he had competed in the US and Brazil quite a bit, toting a record of 51-3.

Now that your know a little on where he came from let's take a look at what he did.

MMA Then and Now.

At this point MMA was still budding. It existed, but far from mainstream. Many of the fights consisted of brawlers, boxers, and strikers. The idea of fighting was still centered around a person's ability to effectively out strike the other. This took into account a person's pedigree, conditioning, skill level, and most importantly size.

Up until this point...

• The bigger guy always won.
• The bigger guy always won.
• Fights rarely went to the ground.
• The bigger guys always won.
• Martial Arts as a sport were semi one-sided *similar to traditional boxing (but without the fanbase)

What Royce was able to effectively do was add another element. It's the equivalent of George Mikan and Dr. J did for basketball by adding the Slam Dunk. The sport before him was viewed one way, and after him has budded into an art form that must be mastered less you be 'tapped out'. His efforts made ground game a must, and here's where it starts.

Royce enters the Ultimate Fighter, which has no weight restrictions. Considering Royce weighs 160lbs at the moment, all of his contenders are easily bigger than he. They all look like deer in headlights after the first 2 minutes.

Here are clips from UFC 1 & 2

Cheers to you Royce.



[fanhood unpaused]

Welcome back.

Now that you're in the know. It's fun to watch those who just don't believe in the power of BJJ.

Learn him good Royce. Learn him good.
MMA: Royce Gracie vs. Jason DeLucia 1 (@ Gracie Academy)

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Monday Morning MMA Motivation

According to the calender, it's Monday again.
Most of us are in the need of a little motivation.

So we went looking for some great videos, to get the creative juices flowing.

The first piece of advice. Don't slack.
(There is always someone faster, hungrier, and younger than you.)


His Good - Awesome video clips here

Secondly, pretend you're a Shaolin Monk.
Don't underestimate yourself.
People in China are doing handstands on there fingertips...



And lastly.
Seek proper training, enough said.



This week, watch for those pesky double leg take downs...

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Bisping in, McCarthy Out...

A New Beginning?
This weekend marked a new day for Uk favorite Michael Bisping at UFC 83. Fight numero Uno after suffering his first loss on a 14 fight win streak to start off the career. Secondly, it was his debut performance into a well-deserving middleweight class. After this weeks statement, we're thinking we might have found a new contender at 185lbs. By contender we do mean exciting to watch until you dance with the devil, er um Anderson. Despite his heavy following around the globe, Bisping aura had yet to cast its magic this direction. Immediately following his entry to the ring, fans and those less impressed finally had identical thoughts.

"Wow. The Count looks preetty ripped."

On to the Show...
It's a muscle definition we've never seen from the likes of Michael. He appears focused, balanced, and surprisingly mildy intimidating. Neither McCarthy or Bisping held their words prior to the fight, and the initial 1st minute the tension is visible. McCarthy easily the wilder puncher, showing how much he's putting into his swings. After, McCarthy secures the first take-down the fight begins to show true.

After attempting a few submissions from his back, The Count methodically works his way to his feet. Here where the diffrence in weight becomes evident. Bisping begins to put combinations together that flow seamlessly. He's fluid, he's accurate, and he's freaking quick. Transitions are excellent from strikes to clinch, knees, elbows all barrage and connect. This may be a beautiful find for Bisping, normally walking around at a 190lbs the extra weight is obviously not missed. Bisping has always been a cardio freak, the only question left is.

What a bout the power?
Yes, it was concluded in just A round.
Yes, McCarthy was unable to continue.
But, how long was he being brutalized? Even Matt Serra ended a fight in less time.

What's the take away?
Once he starts to connect Bisping's elegance lacks the sting to close the show. And while he looks good, efficient, and precise these are the things that separate the Men from the GODS. And at this point, when his road does cross the path of Zues. We're wondering if the end will be any different than anyone else "smart" enough to stay in the Middleweight Division.

On a lighter note, what better way to make a debut than to actually retire your competition. Following the performance, McCarthy released an official statement thanks to MMAweekly:

I would like to announce my formal retirement from Mixed Martial Arts competition,” said McCarthy in a prepared statement. “I have achieved many of the goals I set out to accomplish in this sport and found others just out of reach. It is now time for me to lay down my gloves and rededicate my attention towards my business, my fighters, my family and my team.

“The successes I have found in my career are due in large part to all the great people who have helped me along the way. Being involved with the true champions at American Top Team has guided me to become a better father, husband, teacher and friend. Without the great generosity of ATT my life would have had a void. I hope that everyone reading (this) can one day feel the love of a great family as I have.”

“My goal in my career was always to be the best, and you know it just didn’t work out this time. I’m okay with that. I kind of hit the whole glass ceiling in my career and I don’t feel like dwindling on past my usefulness.”

While he now retires from fighting, McCarthy will still be a major player in mixed martial arts, training and teaching new fighters at his BocaMMA facility (an American Top Team affiliate), along with friend and trainer Cole Miller. “I have a gym full of guys that need my attention, so I plan on giving them as much of that as they can possibly handle,” he stated. “I think out of everything that’s what I enjoy doing the most and I’d like to be able to focus my attention on that.”

“Thank you to all who have supported Mixed Martial Arts. You have helped me live out a childhood dream of being a professional athlete. I am proud to say that in some small way I helped to grow our great sport and entertain fans across the world. Some of the best friends I have made throughout my career I met on the other side of the cage. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to compete with them and entertain the fans.”

Cheers to you Chainsaw.

We hardly knew thee.

[fade to black]

Now.
Enjoy the new and improved Count Bisping.

[que video]

*be patient, there is a slight delay after clicking play...

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Title Fight: Zuffa Vs. Couture, Undercard: Nogueira vs. Barnett

It was a sad day in California.

We were rooting for you Randy, but looks like his day just got a little longer.



And a little blood bout down memory lane.
Nogueria vs. Barrnett. This kinda how we see Randy's up coming court case.



Enjoy.

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Jenna Does Dana...

It looks like *coughed* comments and giggle* giggle* shoulder-brush, wasn't loud enough for Jennito. The quieter side piped up over the weekend voicing much disgust and disapprovment for, wait who was that? Oh, Dana White. Well Former-Porn Goddess/Actress(??)/Author Jenna Jameson refused to get in the long line of anti-Dana fanatics. She decided to shimmy* to the head of the line and sprinkled her little two cents. With a cherry on top via her myspace blog.

The blonde ambition waste no time getting to the meat of the topic-

I usually don’t comment on nastiness in the press, but I couldn’t ignore Dana Whites’ ramblings any longer. His latest interview referring to Tito as a "moron" for the hundredth time... will not go unnoticed.

so here goes...

Dana White - Pre Pubesent Schoolyard Bully
By Jenna Jameson
Dana White’s insistance of my lack of brain power smacks of 18th century
beliefs that women (all women) are inferior to the male species.
Ignoring a persons achievements or simply their IQ due to the fact they
have a vagina instead of a penis, explains Danas simplicity.

She continues in a measurable fashion to chisel and chop and at the adolescent psyche of the UFC president. It's not must-see tv, but for some reason you just can't turn away.

In my experience anyone
that reverts to this type of defense is simply insecure about
themselves, and tend to try to shift the glaring light of truth away
from his profane grammatically incorrect rantings. The most interesting
story here, is the silence by the UFC. How do they sit back, silent, and
allow their "figure head" to endanger the worth of their empire?

Was a figure head JJ. We love Tito. Or lets be honest, SOME liked Tito. But Tito ain't no Anderson Silva, Tito ain't no GSP, and Tito Damn sure ain't no Rampage Jackson...but go on.

When are the Fertitas going to step to the plate and put a sock in Dana’s hate spewing mouth? It seems to be depreciating their
companies worth with every syllable. It is plainly obvious that it isn’t
just a coincidence that so many champions have chosen to test the waters
beyond the UFC trainwreck. Their defection to greener pastures is no
longer just a money issue, but more of a continued lack of disrespect on
Dana’s part.

True. True.

In closing, maybe the UFC should mandate steroid
testing to company presidents, then maybe the company could continue its
massive dominance... with a soft hand.

and that’s all I have to say about that...

Well. That's a bit more then you had to say to the scoop...

But we'll admit, talking or not, we've always liked your um distinct...point of view.

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Video Lesson #3 - Clinch Defense

Well it's Friday, and there are so many things to look forward to. Paychecks, weekend fights, bars, sleep...the list goes on and on.

But there's one thing we know you're looking for.

We thought about teasing you, but we're not looking for any violence. So here.

Eat up. Enjoy. Act like your listening.

This week we get a video lesson in Clinch Defense. Can someone get Rich Franklin on the phone?


If you've got to pretend like you're learning something, Clinch fighting is a part of the striking game. Clinching is the act of wrapping ones arms or forearms around an opponents head or body. Usually utilized to eliminate space to diffuse punches or kicks, or use of weapons. It has been now used as a method of attack in and of itself. Common uses, to set up or diffuse a take down, to control body movement, to center opponent for low kicks and knee strikes. Prime example, other than Lauren and JoAnna the Striking God himself - Anderson Silva.

End Transmission-

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Diego Makes Headline at TUF 7 Main Event + TUF 7 Promo Video

Despite a wobbly 2007 with two large scale fights with Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck falling victim to wayside of the judges. 2008 the stars look promising for Diego Sanchez. Sherdog reported the Albuquerque native, Mexican American will headline for the Tuf 7 Finale. Both fights in 2007 gave way to decision, but considering his present company there is no reason to hang his head. Both were top-notch welter championship contenders that depending on the night might have falling prey to the same fate as Diego.

At UFC 82 Diego rekindled the flame with an impressive win over David Bielkheden. The Diego of old was reborn, igniting his 18-2 record again. His opponent for the match has not been officially announced but sources are pointing to an unlikely pick in Luigi Fioravanti who also won at UFC 82. Luigi is known to be a banger with lead fists, the match-up is leaning to be a battle tipped in Diego's favor. Once on the ground, he becomes overwhelming and can keep pace that few can withstand. Fans and critics alike are noting it would be a perfect time to give light to the feud between he and Josh Koscheck, considering it was at Tuf the first met. Nothing is official, but it looks like a verbal agreement between Diego and Luigi has already taken place...cross your fingers.

In line with TUF, an promo video has been floating around. TUF 7 premiers directly following UFC Fight Night 13, a 3 hour special, on April 2nd. 32 fighters arrive, 16 fighters go right back home...

We snagged it.

Here you go. Begin video transmission.

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If You Miss Pride, You'll Love DREAM... Weekend's Video Recap

For those whom are still in morning for the recent passing of one the most elite and stylistic fighting championships, PRIDE, this weekend I believe our prayers have been answered.

In the states we have come to find there are two types of fans. There are those who love MMA and those who think the UFC IS MMA. While the previous fan is prominent the later is more of what you'll find thanks to the over abundant brainwashi-sorry marketing efforts of Zuffa. Yes, the Ufc is the most successful dollar-wise because of the PPV (pay-per-view) division, Pride was a much more long-standing and crowd supported entity. Since conception in 1997, Pride toted a semblance with it's name in it's choice in fighters, which now reign the UFC (Anderson Silva, Rampage Jackson, Minotaro Noguiera) but, also in the knowledge of its fanbase. While broad casted in 40 diffrent countries Pride's largest event in the Tokyo Dome reached 70,000 strong compared to the UFC's infant 22,000. The Eastern culture had more of an understanding for the technical aspects of the martial arts and loved to see combatants reach new levels. It's been said that the UFC, after Dana White breathing life back into it, resembled a fighting championship with (even before Lesner) WWE steroids pumped into it's system. Focusing on the chatter between the fighters before, during, and after the fight as well the most blood on the matt.

If that is how you feel, then we have your answer.

DREAM. And this weekend was a list of fights that we have not seen matching caliber, intensity, or technique in quite some time. We're sure you'll agree DREAM is a gem. In between the flashes of blood lust and testosterone craves the UFC is good for, those days you want to see the top shelf performances Pride was known for DREAM has arrived. Take a look at this weekend. It's a showcase of fights that barely makes it out of the first round. Topped off with the return on Cro Cop. Yes, we do mean return.

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Ikuhisa Minowa vs Bum Chan Kang

Dream.1.Minowaman.vs.Kwan-Bum.Lee.
Uploaded by iowcatalyst

While we're still pondering the somersaults, there is no question about what happens after the double leg take down.

Tatsuya Kawajiri vs Black Mamba

Tatsuya Kawajiri vs Black Mamba
Uploaded by Princenino

This fight may get off to a slower start, towards the mid-way mark you realize you are watching two scrappers. This is one of the longer fights of the evening, but immediatly following the bout watch the two combatants.

Joachim+Hansen vs Koutetsu Boku

Joachim Hansen vs Koutetsu Boku
Uploaded by Princenino

Fireworks, standing up or on the ground. And the early transition from the rear-naked, to the arm-bar, to the triangle choke was poetry in motion. The only thing crazier was Boku survived...

Hayato Sakurai vs Hidetaka Monma

Hayato Sakurai vs Hidetaka Monma
Uploaded by Princenino

Sakuria = Low Kicks...
Take note, towards the end of the fight count how long the ground and pound lasts...


Mirko Cro Cop vs Tatsuya Mizuno

Like we said, the return. This is how Cro Cop was known, hopefully this the beginning of another run.

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