Ultimate Fight Night

Just sat down to watch tonight's fights and I'm feeling optimistic. Looks like a rowdy crowd in North Carolina. Here goes...

Ross Pearson vs Denis Siver:

Siver throwing lots of kicks. Pearson pawing with his jab. Siver lands a good counter left hook. Siver is cut below the left eye. Pearson lands a nice right straight. Pearson lands a left high kick. He has Siver's back with one hook in, and almost the body triangle. Siver rolls over and Pearson throws his hands. Siver gets to his feet and throws some good leather.

Round 2 - Pearson landing good low kicks. A good right straight, left hook from Pearson and Siver gets stuffed on a takedown. Siver throws the spinning back kick but Pearson avoids it. A flying knee from Pearson. Siver gets a single and the takedown. Pearson scrambles and Siver takes the back, but can't hold it. Back to the feet. Siver swinging at air. Good jabs from Pearson and Siver has no answer. Another good right hand from Pearson. Siver looks fatigued.

Round 3 - Good leg kick from Pearson. Siver missing on a ton of kicks, but staying active. A good right from Pearson, and a takedown from Siver. Pearson gets to his knees and back to the feet. A nice leg kick from Pearson. They clinch and Pearson gets the back, and a takedown, landing in side control, he tries to mount but Siver escapes. Siver misses another spinning back kick. Pearson landings one-twos, Siver shoots but can't secure the takedown.

Winner: Ross Pearson by Unanimous Decision (30-27 on all three cards)

Nate Quarry vs Jorge Rivera:

Rivera looks focused (and a little crazy too). Quarry lands a hard body kick. Both fighters trade low kicks. Rivera throws two right straights. He lands a lot of crisp powerful punches. He drops Quarry and Mario Yamasaki is right on top of the action. Quarry gets back to his feet, but Rivera is still teeing off. Rivera drops him again with a right. Quarry looking for the takedown, but he can't get it. He's back up now, and Rivera drops him a third time with thirty seconds to go. A great round for Rivera.

Round 2 - Quarry takes the center of the Octagon and back Rivera up to the fence. Rivera lands a clean right to the temple and Quarry loses his footing. Another right and a short left hook. Quarry drops. Jorge Rivera looks GREAT.

Winner: Jorge Rivera, TKO Round 2.

Roy Nelson vs Stefan Struve:

Wow. Nelson comes out and slams Struve with an overhand right. He pounds away until Dan Miragliotta stops the fight at 39 seconds.

Winner: Roy Nelson, KO Round 1.

Kenny Florian vs Takanori Gomi:

Jabs from Florian and takedown attempts from Gomi which keep getting stuffed. Florian jabs strong and keeps Gomi at bay. Gomi lands a lead right hook. A nice left leg kicks from Florian, then a jab, straight left and Gomi shoots but gets stuffed.

Round 2 - More of the same from Florian. Using his jab to his advantage and keeping Gomi away. Gomi leaps in with some good body work. Gomi still working on the body, and Florian misses a head kick. Gomi with a one, two and Florian puts the jab back on him.

Round 3 - Florian gets the thai clinch and tries to knee but Gomi gets out. He lands a nice left and Florian hits a strong double. He lands a short elbow and moves to half guard. Florian setting up the arm triangle, then moves to the mount. He starts to strike and Gomi gives up his back. Florian shows excellent control on Gomi's back. Gomi turns to get out of the choke but only lands himself in Florian's other arm. Kenflo gets the rear choke and the tap.

Winner: Kenny Florian, Rear choke Round 3.

What will Kenflo bring to the table?

Kurt Pelligrino praised Kenny and Keith Florian for their help with his training leading up to his fight against Fabricio Camoes. Pelligrino was in a bad situation when Camoes had his back, but he stayed calm under pressure and was able to turn the tables - locking up his own rear choke and picking up the submission of the night bonus. In the post-fight interview, Pelligrino told Gomi he better, "Bring his 'A' game."

Kenny Florian (12-4) looked great against the always game Clay Guida in December. He is 10-3 in the Octagon with two of those losses being title shots - one against Sherk and one against Penn. I believe that on Wednesday night, Kenflo will show sharp skills against Takanormi Gomi and suprise a lot of people.

Florian has been training with welterweight kingpin, Georges St. Pierre and lightweight title contender, Frankie Edgar at Renzo Gracie's Manhattan academy, as well as muay thai mastermind, Kru Phil Nurse.

I expect Florian to come out and pick Gomi apart with fast punches and a barrage of kicks from the opening bell. If Gomi chooses to swing for the fences like he used to, he is in for a long night. I can't see anything but a dominant performance from Florian in this one. The level of training partners he was able to work with leading up to this fight, being a part of the St. Pierre camp and feeling that atmosphere - that expectation for greatness - will be evident on Wednesday night.

My prediction: Kenny Florian by Rear choke, Round 2.

Yikes

Immediately after the fight I thought, "My god! Shane Carwin is a seriously scary man." After that, my phone received several text messages with the same words, "Holy Shit."

I was very impressed with his tenacity against Mir. I think once the pace settled and they clinched against the cage Mir let his guard down. Then came the storm of left uppercuts that would ruin any normal persons' life.

Carwin's power was known but his speed was surprising. I knew he hit hard, but those shots came so fast. Once Mir hit the mat the punches from the gut wrench and back control looked like a jackhammer landing on Frank Mir's head. In the last 21 seconds of the fight, Carwin landed 22 punches. Maybe not that impressive for a lighter fighter, but when you weigh in at 265 lbs, it's pretty darn impressive.

When Lesnar entered the cage for the post fight interview he looked significantly bigger than Carwin, but there are a lot of reasons - not having to make weight the day before he was walking around pretty heavy, recovering from his illness, putting on lost muscle mass, etc. Nonetheless, Carwin looked like a freak of nature on Saturday night. His "it's destiny we meet" speech helped that image a little bit too.

My first thought after his talk with Lesnar was, "I wonder what he will do when Lesnar puts him on his back?" But that may be wishful thinking. I am already excited for this fight. I'm excited both to see Carwin riding high on this win - coming in fresh and aggressive - and excited to see Lesnar coming off his illness. Will he be willing to bang with Carwin? Doubtful. Will he be able to take Carwin down? Only time will tell. Regardless, this should be a huge money maker for the UFC and the trash talk leading up to it should be entertaining.

UFC 111 Results

Quick rundown of last night's fights from Newark, NJ.

Tomasz Drwal vs Rousimar Palhares:

Very quick. Drwal slips on a front kick. Palhares enters his guard, takes a leg and rolls for a heel hook. Drwal is caught. He taps. Kevin Mulally is late getting in and even after he arrives Palhares keeps cranking the knee as Drwal screams.. Ugly finish. Drwal can't leave the cage on his own. Rousimar Palhares by Heel Hook, Round 1.

Ricardo Almeida vs Matt Brown:

First round was slow. Brown seemed to set a decent pace. Almeida trying for the takedown, but he couldn't keep Brown down. Back and forth clinch work against the cage closes out the round. Almeida lands a nice left elbow, right straight a couple times coming out of the clinch. Almeida misses a throw and Brown takes the back, but only briefly.

Round 2 - Almeida catches a low kick and lands a nice right straight. He takes the back, moves to the mount and lands a nice elbow. Brown starts the scramble and Almeida takes the back again. He puts on the body triangle and locks in the Rear choke. Good finish for Almeida and a job at 170. Ricardo Almeida by Rear Choke, Round 2.

Nate Diaz vs Rory Markham:

Markham opens with a high kick and misses. Diaz sets a good pace, landing three or four shots for every one Markham throws. Diaz putting his hands on Markham after another missed high kick. Diaz lands a solid knee that cuts Markham and drops him. Diaz spins to take the back and puts on the body triangle. Diaz lays on strikes from behind until the stoppage. Diaz's boxing looks great thanks to boxing coach Richard Perez. A successful move up to 170 for Diaz. Nate Diaz by TKO, Round 1.

Jim Miller vs Mark Bocek:

Bocek looks like he doesn't want to be there. He lands a few good right straights. Miller jumps to guard for a guillotine. Bocek gets top control and Miller gets back to his feet. Miller lands a knee to the head, then one to the body, they separate and he lands a nice low kick. Bocek with another right straight and a takedown. Miller working from mission control, he tries for an omoplata and Bocek escapes to half guard. Miller gets a kimura and reverses Bocek but can't finish. Bocek is cut from a solid Miller elbow to close the round.

Round 2 - Bocek gets the takedown, working for an arm triangle. Miller goes for a heel hook and Bocek is able to spin out, ending up in side mount. In a scramble, Bocek takes the back, gets the body triangle with Miller's right arm isolated. Bocek can't finish. Miller escapes, stands and slams Bocek down on his head.

Round 3 - Miller lands a few low kicks. Bocek looks gassed but he stuffs a few takedowns. A slow third round, but Miller takes the back to finish. It's close. Jim Miller by Unanimous Decision.

Ben Saunders vs Jon Fitch:

Saunders lands a solid low kick and Fitch responds with a better low kick. Fitch gets the takedown. Saunders striking from the bottom and lands a nice upkick, but it doesn't faze Fitch. Saunders threatens an armbar and a triangle from the bottom but Fitch's top game is too strong.

Round 2 - Fitches slams Saunders to the mat. The crowd is restless. Fitch mounts some good ground and pound offense from half guard and full guard. Both fighters are stood up and the round closes.

Round 3 - Fitch lands a nice right straight. He looks fresh and lands a solid low kick. Fitch landing good combinations. Fitch gets another takedown, gets the mount and transitions to back control. They scramble and stand up, Saunders' low kick is caught and Fitch takes him down. Good ground and pound from Fitch. He cuts Saunders with 20 seconds left and the round closes. Jon Fitch by Unanimous Decision.

Kurt Pelligrino vs Fabricio Camoes

Pelligrino looks AMPED - running down to the cage. Camoes opens with a nice throw and big shots from the top. He takes Pelligrino's back and threatens with a Rear choke but can't finish. Pelligrino stands and dumps Camoes right on his head. Camoes is dazed and Pelligrino seizes the opportunity - taking his back. Pelligrino threatens with a choke, then moves to mount when Camoes rolls. Camoes goes for a triangle and omoplata, but nothing is there.

Round 2 - Camoes misses on a trip, swinging wildly, but doesn't land anything. Pelligrino gets the takedown, moves to half guard, then the mount. Camoes tries pushing Kurt's hips away and Pelligrino lands a big elbow. Kurt putting up some ground and pound offense and Camoes gives up his back. He stands and Pelligrino lands a nice knee, Camoes gets a takedown but Kurt takes the back again. He locks up a rear choke and the Jersey crowd goes nuts. Kurt Pelligrino by Rear Choke, Round 2.

Frank Mir vs Shane Carwin:

Mir looks confident. Carwin misses with some fast strikes. They clinch and Carwin lands some heavy shots close. Mir is cut. They push up against the cage. The time is ticking away, Mir looks like he is fading. Carwin pulls his left arm away violently and throws some serious uppercuts. Four or five uppercuts from Carwin land clean. Powerful punches coming real fast from Carwin. Mir drops and Carwin is hammering away. with uppercuts and hooks. Mir is flattened out and Carwin is still pounding away. A late stoppage by Dan Miragollata. Shane Carwin is a scary man. Watch out Lesnar. Shane Carwin by TKO, Round 1.

Georges St. Pierre vs Dan Hardy:

St. Pierre looks focused. He hits a lightning fast double, which will be a recurring theme. Every takedown St. Pierre lands in half guard, moves to side control and mount at will. In a scramble he takes the back but can't put Hardy away. He attacks the arm and has it fully extended but Hardy won't tap. Round 1 closes with a GSP superman punch. Dominant round.

Round 2 - St. Pierre hits the double, lands in half, moves to side control and full mount. Hardy scrambles and GSP takes the back. Hardy shakes him off and ends up on top, but St. Pierre hip escapes and gets to his feet. GSP lands a 1-2. Hardy taunts him and GSP pops him in the mouth with another jab. St. Pierre has another dominant round.

Round 3 - GSP slips a right and gets another takedown. Greg Jackson told him not to pass between rounds, so GSP stays in the guard. He lands a few good left hands from above. St. Pierre threatens with a kimura and looks like he's got it. Hardy still won't tap. Wow - this guy has heart. Yet another dominant round from St. Pierre.

Round 4 - Very much the same. Takedowns from St. Pierre, transitions from side control to full mount and the back. He threatens with another kimura but can't finish. GSP attacks the legs of Dan Hardy to close the 4th round.

Round 5 - St. Pierre gets another takedown. This is getting repetitive. He throws some knees to the body. An uneventful final round. Very dominant performance from St. Pierre. Hardy did not win a single minute of that fight. St. Pierre wins and retains the title. Georges St. Pierre by Unanimous Decision.

That's what friends are for...

After the news that Thiago Alves wouldn't be competing on this Saturday's card, UFC 111, his teammate, Ben "Killa B" Saunders volunteered himself as the replacement.

Saunders (8-1-2) destroyed Marcus Davis is in last outing with a storm of knees in the first round. He was originally slated to face off against the rising Jake Ellenberger, but when the opportunity to fill in for his teammate arose, he jumped at the chance.

Dana White told TMZ.com that if Saunders makes it past Fitch he will be next in line for a shot at the welterweight title. Well that makes it a pretty easy decision, doesn't it? Ellenberger has been promised both the "show" and "win" money for his troubles. That's a pretty easy nights work if you ask me.

Since the Saunders-Ellenberger bout was scrapped, that makes room for another bout on the main card. Enter: New Jersey native, Kurt Pelligrino! Pelligrino is scheduled to face off against Fabricio Camoes.

Now for a little breakdown.

Ben Saunders vs Jon Fitch:

Saunders (8-1-2) is riding high after that brutal beating he put on Marcus Davis. With seven of his eight wins being finishes, and impressive ones at that, he has proven he has what it takes to put opponents to sleep. While he hasn't faced the stiff competition Fitch has, Saunders is a threat if the fight stays standing. He's show strength in the clinch, which could come in handy against the former Purdue wrestler.

Jon Fitch (21-3) is an animal. He sets a high pace for his fights and has no quit in him. Even during his bout with Georges St. Pierre, Fitch hung in there and gave it his all. Since losing, he's picked up three consecutive wins, all by decision. I think his game plan stays very much the same come Saturday night - close the distance, get the takedown, do his damage.

My prediction: Ben Saunders will take Fitch. Filling in for his troubled teammate, bumping up to a higher profile opponent and being promised a title shot if he wins will be fuel in his tank. Fitch is a solid fighter, but I think Saunders will be too aggressive for Fitch to handle. Ben Saunders by TKO, Rd. 2

Kurt Pelligrino vs Fabricio Camoes:

Pelligrino (14-4) is a Jersey native - and I love Jersey natives. Aside from that, the guy is tough as nails. Does anyone remember is fight with Alberto Crane? Pelligrino ate a high kick to start (which literally put a hole in his lip) but he rounded nicely and hammered his way to victory.

Camoes (10-4-1) , a Curitiba native, posted seven straight wins, six being first round finishes before fighting to a draw against Caol Uno in his UFC debut. He has six submission wins but I doubt he his slick enough to catch "Batman."

My prediction: Pelligrino is gritty and he will battle anywhere the fight goes. He's a hard nosed wrestler with good boxing. While I've only seen Camoes draw with Uno, he gassed late, and with an opponent like Pelligrino, that will might be his undoing. Pelligrino will land some heavy shots standing, mixed with strong takedowns and ground and pound. Kurt Pelligrino by Unanimous Decision.

It's About Time ESPN

FINALLY! ESPN will feature MMA Live on it's sister channels ESPN2 and TSN.

MMA Live is a great show. Host Jon Anik and contributors Kenny Florian and Franklin McNeil make up the regular panel. Each episode features a few fighters, trainers, or people of importance in the MMA industry. It runs for 30 minutes and has been features online for less than two years.

This is exactly what MMA needs - greater exposure through a major media outlet. I expect that MMA Live will receive a warm welcome on ESPN2 and eventually move to ESPN. Although both the UFC and Strikeforce have been featured on Sports Center, the pieces are fleeting, usually only making the 'Top 10 Plays' list.

Congratulations to Jon Anik, KenFlo, F-Mac and the rest of the MMA Live crew. I will surely be tuning in for each broadcast.

Alves Out of UFC 111

MMAWeekly.com is reporting that Thiago Alves is off the UFC 111 card. Alves was set to rematch Jon Fitch Saturday night in what had potential to be the fight of the night. Unfortunately, a CAT scan revealed "issues that could not be resolved before their scheduled fight on March 27th."

Brain injuries are a touchy issue. For a long time, MMA supporters pointed to the higher degree of safety in MMA compared to boxing due to the smaller gloves. The larger boxing gloves allowed combatants to absorb more punishment over the course of a fight. Accumulation of hundreds of blows to the head during the course of a ten, twelves or fifteen round boxing match caused severe brain injuries - often leading to irreversible brain damage and in some cases death.

MMA gloves weigh about four ounces, compared to the ten ounce boxing gloves. The rationale behind the "higher degree of safety" is that with smaller gloves, fighters cannot absorb as much damage. One clean punch and a fighter may go down and be done for the night. However, as the popularity of MMA skyrockets and fighter salaries increase, fighters are more willing to put on the show that will keep them relevant in viewers eyes.

Training has become increasing intense in the last few years and fighters are evolving. They are able to take more punishment and continue fighting. Brain injuries may always be a problem in combat sports, but some fighters will always be willing to put their health aside for glory. I'm sure Alves wants to fight, and if a doctor wasn't stopping him, I'm sure he'd get in the cage.

I believe that in the future fighters will be giving and taking nearly as many strikes to the head as in a boxing match, yet still with smaller gloves. Add in the maximum intensity sparring sessions leading up to a fight and you have a recipe for mashed brains. In the coming years we will see the first generation of fighters aging, and we may not like what we see. Now imagine the fighters of tomorrow - how talented and tough they will be - and the damage which will accumulate over years of even harder training and competition.

Regulations and testing like this are absolutely necessary. This sport has the capacity to be brutal, and the participants are willing and able. We all have a responsibility - promoters and sanctioning bodies, as well as fans and supporters - to look out for the athletes which put their skills on display.

Dirty Jerz is What I Preferz

The UFC has prepared an excellent night of brain-rattling, bone-shattering fun set to take place in beautiful Newark, New Jersey.

I'm a Jersey native myself - born and raised. When I was 16 years old I went to my first MMA event, UFC 41 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. I was amazed.

This Saturday the UFC has lined up an impressive stable of fighters for our viewing pleasure. Lets take a look at the card.

Nate Diaz vs Rory Markham
Diaz (11-5) is coming off a split decision loss to Gray Maynard in January. With a 6-3 UFC record Nasty Nate has stayed active but dropped a few in recent memory. Diaz is tough and has only been finished once in his career, an armbar from Hermes Franca.

Rory Markham (16-5) is coming off a knockout loss to welterweight contender Dan Hardy in February. Markham, a Militech trained fighter, is durable and hard-nosed - no surprise there. He can bang on the feet and has shown the willingness to trade.

My Prediction: Both fighters will trade early. Diaz using his boxing and reach to beat Markham to the punch. When Rory closes the distance, watch for Nate to throw him hard, transition smoothly on the ground and attach with submissions. I think Markham's conditioning won't be good enough to mount enough offense to pick up the win. Nate Diaz by Unanimous Decision.

Ricardo Almeida vs Matt Brown

Almeida (11-3) is 3-1 since returning to the UFC in 2008. He is on a two fight win streak (both decision victories) and is looking to stake his claim at 185 with a win over the dangerous Matt Brown. To prepare for Brown, Almeida has been training alongside Renzo Gracie, Frankie Edgar, Kenny Florian and Georges St. Pierre.

Matt Brown (11-7) is 4-1 since joining the UFC, he has finished all of his opponents in impressive fashion. Brown's ability to push the pace may be his biggest asset, but only if he can lure Almeida into a fire fight.

My Prediction: When the fight hits the mat look for Almeida, the Renzo Gracie black belt, to put forth an offensive clinic stringing together submissions until Brown makes a mistake and Almeida can capitalize. Ricardo Almeida by Guillotine, Rd. 2

Jim Miller vs Mark Bocek

Jim Miller (16-2) training out of AMA, Jim is 5-1 in the UFC - his only loss coming at the hands of Gray Maynard. With twelve of his wins being finishes, Miller has real potential. A win of Bocek would be another nice addition to his hit list.

Bocek (8-2) is also riding a three fight win streak into this bout. He is slick on the mat with six of his victories being submissions. A win over the former IFL champ, Miller, would seriously improve his resume.

My prediction: Miller will stifle Bocek's ground game with sound wrestling if the fight hits the mat. Watch for crisp boxing from Miller. Once he smells blood in the water, Miller will close in for the kill. Jim Miller by TKO, Rd. 2

Jake Ellenberger vs Ben Saunders

Ellenberger is a great wrestler with lightning fast hands. He rebounded from the loss to Carlos Condit with a devastating TKO win over Mike Pyle. Watch Ellenberger mix up combinations with powerful takedowns.

Ben Saunders (8-1-2) is a scary man. Saunders throws everything with the worst intentions and has been able to utilize his reach to pick apart his opponents. He is also coming off a beautiful win, a knockout of Marcus Davis. Before that, Mike Swick took out Saunders, using speed to beat him.

My prediction: Jake Ellenberger must use his speed or else. If he makes quick work of the striking exchanges - moving in, letting his hands go, and moving out quick - he may have what it takes to beat Saunders. Unfortunately, I think Saunders is too hungry for this one. Ben Saunders by KO, Rd 2.

Jon Fitch vs Thiago Alves

Everyone loves a good rematch. Four years in the making and both fighters have improved drastically. Fitch (21-3) hasn't finished a fight since 2007 when he choked out Roan Carneiro. Since losing to GSP, he was earned three straight victories but all have gone the distance.

Thiago Alves on the other hand is fresh off a loss to St. Pierre. He took the fight the distance but was simply outclassed by GSP. If he can get back the Pitbull mentality and bring the ruckus to Fitch we may have a Fight of the Night candidate on our hands.

My prediction: Alves attacks with everything he's got. Fitch won't play into Thiago's game plan, but that won't be enough. Look for Fitch to use his wrestling to try and take Alves to the mat. After a failed Fitch takedown attempt, Alves lets loose and earns the knockout. Thiago Alves by Knockout, Rd. 2

Frank Mir vs Shane Carwin (Interim Heavyweight Title bout)

Respectively ranked the No. 3 and No. 9 heavyweights, this fight will meet the expectations. Mir (13-4) is dangerous on the mat. His stand up has improved and some powerful punches should be on display, especially with the added muscle he has put on. If his can last through the initial onslaught, we may see holes in Carwin's game exposed.

Shane Carwin (11-0) is a beast with 11 knockouts in the first round. Although the majority of his fights haven't come against top competition, his last win speaks for his potential. After being wobbled by Gonzaga, he fired back and knocked out the former title contender with a short punch. Imagine what he can do with room for that shot to accelerate.

My prediction: It's a tought call to make. Part of me would like to see Mir pull it off and get another shot at Lesnar...mailing for the hype. But another part of me wants to see Carwin/Lesnar. I expect heavy punches early from Carwin and Mir to trade. With 250 lb athletes and four ounce gloves, someone is going down. I like Carwin in this one. He will put on a show. Shane Carwin by TKO, Rd. 1

Georges St. Pierre vs Dan Hardy (Welterweight Title bout)

There has been a lot of talk leading up to this clash. But the time for talk is over. St. Pierre (19-2) dictates the pace of fights, taking down opponents down when he so chooses and picking them apart on the feet. To put it simply, he is dominant. He has enlisted a stellar stable of training partners leading up to this bout and claims to have made great strides since the Alves fight. But he needs to back up that talk and that training or it means nothing.

Dan Hardy (23-6) stands out thanks to a signature red Mohawk and heavy hands. His last two fights has gone the distance and he's proven that he can last 15 minutes, but the championship rounds are what separates the best from the rest. The question is whether or not he is willing to put himself out there to hurt the UFC golden boy. The risk is an embarrassing loss, but the reward is toppling the welterweight king.

My prediction: St. Pierre has the edge everywhere. He will push the pace and Hardy won't be able to keep up. Barring the possibility of a flashy St. Pierre getting caught, I think we see another dominant title defense from the champ. Georges will put him on his back, rough him up with elbows and make him want to quit. After two rounds of pummeling Hardy on the ground, Georges finds a his range on the feet and batters Hardy with combinations. "The Outlaw" will be looking for a way out and a St. Pierre body kick will be the beginning of the end. Georges St. Pierre by TKO, Rd. 3

Tune into Spike on Saturday for the prelims and be sure to check back Saturday night for results from the event.

The Importance of Excitement

Promoters are in the sports entertainment industry.

There are three important words in that sentence...sports, industry and of course...entertainment. MMA has been given an initial nod of approval from the media and is recognized as an organized, legitimate sport. The profitability of MMA is evident from data showing increases in ticket gate sales, pay-per-view buys and fighter salaries/bonuses. MMA is a cash cow and promoters are striking while the iron is hot. Most importantly, is the entertainment. Fans expect fighters to lay it on the line and most are willing to do so.

There will always be fighters willing to give their all for the chance at glory - however their jobs are only secure when there is a medium to showcase their skills. The survival of MMA promotions like the UFC, Strikeforce and others is contingent on fans buying tickets, viewers tuning in, and people paying attention. There is a relationship between fighters and promoters which creates a mutual benefit, but only if both parties pull their weight. Promoters need to promote and fighters need to fight.

If a first time viewer tunes in to see a snooze fest they may be somewhat confused. I've heard it before, "Why is he just laying on top of him?" And the MMA fan replies, "Well he's trying to....[insert whatever techniques are being set up]" Boring fights leave a bad impression on fans. And those fans may not give the sport another chance. On the flip side, if a first time viewer sees a barn burner during his or her first foray into MMA there's a good chance they'll be hooked. (I was) The responsibility fighters have to their camps is to secure a win, but they also have a responsibility to their employer, and that is to entertain paying customers.

There is money up for grabs for the fighters and fortunes to be made for those people who orchestrate events. For fighters to stay relevant (and employed) and for promoters to continue doing business, viewers need to be captivated. When UFC middleweight, Wanderlei Silva was fighting for the now defunct Japanese brand, PRIDE, he was dominant and exciting. The man always came to fight and is now employed by the biggest MMA promotion in the world. (Even with a 2-3 UFC record since returning in December 2007.)

The younger generation of Mixed Martial Artists are getting accustomed to his philosophy on fighting. Silva said when he fought, it was not to win or make money but rather, to make the stadium shake. It is now understood that if you lay it on the line for your employer, win or lose, you have a much better chance of staying employed than the fighters who don't show the same bravery and tenacity. Silva, who is affectionately known as "The Axe Murderer" was vocal about his intentions in the ring saying, "All I guarantee is violence."

With a guarantee like that, what fan wouldn't tune in?

"Bones" Jones Brings the Pain

22 year old Jon Jones is a scary fighter. Unpredictable, athletic, explosive...the guy is an exciting fighter. Sunday night was no different as he laid a beating on Brandon "The Truth" Vera. The truth is, Vera was in over his head. Jones landed a HUGE elbow after posturing up in Vera's guard. You could hear the sound of impact on the television broadcast - that's a heavy shot. Brandon immediately clutched his face and rolled over. It wasn't long until the fight was called. Vera's management issued a statement saying that Brandon sustained three - count them 3 - fractures to his right cheek bone.

Ouch. That's some big time damage from one elbow. Jones' elbows looked very dangerous in his disqualification loss against Matt Hamill and this just confirms that observation. If Jon Jones takes you down, which he probably will, you better get back to your feet or tie him up quick. If not, you might be eating through a straw for six to eight weeks.

DREAM 13

At Dream 13 Josh Barnett made easy work of Mighty Mo. In the first round they traded punches, Mo landing a few decent shots. Barnett put on a few good leg kicks and then hit Mo square in the groin with a front kick. Mo did not look so mighty as he instantly fell to the canvas. After a TEN minute break to recover and being prodded by the Japanese officials to continue he manned up. Barnett felt him out on the feet for a short while, secured a takedown and immediately went for a kimura. The arm lock was tight and Mo tapped.

Afterwards, Barnett offered Mo the chance to get his revenge with a groin shot. Mo accepted and landed a short knee to the groin which Barnett absorbed with a smile. The fighters shook hands and went their separate ways. I'm not sure if that qualifies as sportsmanship, but if so the Barnett can be considered Sportsman of the Year in my book.

Check out the fight without the ten minute break.

In other news, Bibiano Fernandes defended his DREAM Featherweight title against the always dangerous, Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen. It looked like Hansen had trouble with the cut, his first down to 139 lbs. He started slow in the first and Fernandes took advantage with a newly improved striking arsenal. Hansen turned on the power in the second but couldn't muster enough offense to win the decision. Fernandes wins by split decision.

K.J. Noons got a nice workout in chasing down former Chute Boxe member, Andre Dida. Dida showed nice prowess with the leg kicks but after Noons landed a few body shots he had Dida on the defensive. Noons, a former professional boxer, threw punches in bunches and stayed aggressive, earning himself a unanimous decision victory. He will return to the US for a fight under the Strikeforce banner.

PRIDE and UFC veteran, Ryo Chonan, outlasted Andrews Nakahara to win a unanimous decision. Nakahara showed some grit in the second firing away from his feet but wasn't able to earn the judges nod.

Cole Escovedo dispatched Yoshiro Maeda quickly with a thunderous head kick in Round 1. Maeda came forward aggressively trying to negate Escovedo's height but when he ducked, Escovedo threw the kick and it landed square on Maeda's chin. He was out before he hit the mat.

Katsunori Kikuno ran through former UFC employee, Kuniyoshi Hironaka. Kikuno landed the always painful liver kick and followed up with a big right hand. Hironaka fell and the referee rushed to his aid.

The ever-confusing Ikuhisa Minowa earned his fourth straight victory by way of footlock over the substantially larger Jimmy Ambriz. Minowa has a knack for taking on larger competition - something the Japanese MMA scene has always had a soft spot for.

Another good card for DREAM. I'm looking forward to more interaction between the Japanese promotion and US based Strikeforce. DREAM lightweight champion, Shinya Aoki will meet Strikeforce champion, Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce title which should be an exciting bout. Be sure to tune in to CBS on April 17th to check out the action.

UFC on Versus

The live broadcast just started.

Alessio Sakara vs James Irvin:

Looks like James Irvin has re-hydrated from a tough weight cut. Sakara hits with a nice left hook. Irvin goes down saying there was an eye poke - nope. Clean left hook from Sakara. Knuckles right on the eye. Josh Rosenthal makes the call. Awkward stoppage but a victory for Sakara at 3:01 of Round 1. Irvin may see the chopping block after that one. Winner by TKO - Alessio Sakara.

Paul Buentello vs Cheick Kongo:

Kongo shoots a double early and gets Buentello down. Buentello looking to get back to his feet and Kongo throws a knee to the body then hits another takedown. Kongo's keeping the pressure on and Buentello is looking for a kimura. Kongo really looking to hit the takedown. Looks like Buentello dislocated his pinky. The doctor pops it back in and here we go again. Herb Dean gets the action started. Kongo keeping his head straight, eats a shot and takes Buentello down again. Kongo isn't providing much offense aside from knees to the body and keeping Buentello against the cage. Herb Dean provides a stand up at the 15 second mark and the round expires with Buentello going down and Kongo throwing some short punches.

Round 2 starts with some good leg kicks from Kongo. Both fighters trade briefly, Buentello is like an elevator up & down. Kongo pounding away and keeping Buentello on the mat. Kongo throws knees to the body and then hits a downed Buentello with a knee to the face. Kongo loses a point. Kongo throws his hands with his head straight and gets a takedown. More knees to Buentello's body, Buentello is up, trading and back down. Kongo throwing knees with a front headlock. Buentello "playing the game" which Joe Rogan defines as putting his hands down when he saw a knee was coming to the head. Herb Dean doesn't take a point and gets them going again. (Lets just admire Herb Dean's excellent job here.) Both men are stood up. Paul looks gassed. Kongo applies the pressue looking for a takedown again. Round expires.

Round 3 Kongo's hands are low and his head is straight. He gets ANOTHER takedown. Looking to put Paul up against the cage and unload the same knees to the body. Kongo in half guard throwing elbows to the thighs and ribs. Buentello rolls over, Kongo rides the back and throws more elbows at an angle. Buentello taps hard due to elbows to the thigh. Kongo really put a backyard beating on Buentello. Winner by Tapout due to Strikes - Cheick Kongo. Buentello looked sluggish and out of shape. He will certainly see the chopping block after that outting.

Junior Dos Santos vs Gabriel Gonzaga:
Two big bad Brazilians ready to throw down. Rogan compares Gonzaga's head kick to being hit in the head by a meteor...a slight exaggeration I'm sure. Dos Santos walks out to "Getting Strong Now" from the Rocky I-VI soundtracks. That's a surefire way to earn my respect. I have a feeling this is going to be far better than the last two bouts.

Round 1 is under way. Both men touch gloves and measure the distance out. Gonzaga misses a leg kick. Dos Santos lands a straight right to the body. Gonzaga gets a takedown and the back but Dos Santos spins out. Gonzaga lands a low kick. Two jabs to the body from Junior. Gonzaga misses the head kick. And Dos Santos sends one back, then another...first the right then the left. Dos Santos misses a big right hand. Gonzaga goes high with a kick, blocked. Lands a left kick to the body while Dos Santos counters with a left hook. Gonzaga hits the mat. Dos Santos blasts away from above. Josh Rosenthal stops the fight at 3:53 of the first round. Winner by KO - Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos. Guy looks great each time out...says he wants to give good knockouts for the fans and appreciates their support.

John Howard vs Daniel Roberts:

Round 1 begins with Howard landing a nice leg kick and Roberts taking him down. A scramble, Howard looking for a single. Roberts rolls a kimura and takes top position. Landing some heavy shots to a downed Howard. Roberts looking for a guillotine. Howard grabs a single, scoops Roberts up over his head and throws him down hard. Roberts maintaining mission control looking for an omoplata. Howard escapes, stands and lands a BOMB from standing. Roberts is out cold immediately. Howard lands two more glancing shots and the referee finally jumps in to save him. Howard gets style points for the hairdo and back flip. Winner by KO - John "Doomsday" Howard at 2:01 of Round 1.

Jon Jones vs Brandon Vera:

Main event of the evening folks. Jon Jones walking out to New York State of Mind enters the Octagon and does a one-handed cartwheel? Vera comes out looking focused. Jones has a 6 and one half inch reach advantage...will it be the difference maker? Jones gets a warm welcome from the Denver crowd and Vera receives an equally ...

Here we go. Touch gloves and clinch. Jones gets a takedown. Vera climbing his legs up. Jones postures up and Vera pushes him away. Standing again, Jones catches a leg kick. Jones working hard for a takedown and gets it. Vera isolating the arm any chance he gets but not committing to anything. Jones tries to elbow close. Now posturing up and Vera throws an upkick that hits Jones square in the chin. Herb Dean stops the action because Jones was down. Herb offers Jon Jones the position back, and he accepts. Vera deducted a point and they resume; Vera on his back, Jones in the guard. Vera lands a clean upkick, Jones looks frustrated. Vera has the guard high. Jones covers Vera's mouth with his free hand. He postures and lands a huge elbow, then another. Vera clutches his eye, and rolls to protect himself. Jones jumps all over him and blasts away until Herb Dean pulls him off. Jones may very well have broken Vera's orbital bone. Waiting for the decision, Vera can hardly open his right eye. Winner by TKO - Jon "Bones" Jones at 3:19 of Round 1.

A good maiden voyage for the UFC on Versus. Interestingly, this UFC on Versus 1 took place in the same arena that the very first UFC. My thoughts on the televised fights? The Sakara/Irvin fight was a terrible way to start the night. A confusing stoppage and anticlimactic finish. Kongo is an incomplete fighter, although he showed good determination in getting the takedowns his striking looked less than crisp and his head was straight up most of the time. Close the distance on a guy like Dos Santos or Cain like that and your teeth will be 15 rows deep. Dos Santos looked very tough and his speed will be a problem for most heavyweights. The guy has dynamite in his hands and can beat his opponents to the punch. Jon Howard looked tough in a fast paced bout and showed some real power. Jon Jones is living up to the expectations put on him. Although Vera isn't a top ten LHW, he's still a step up in competition. And it was a great finish for Jones.

HOLY ASS-KICKING GREATNESS!

I heard about this flick from my brother a while back and now the first poster is out. It's a tasteful, yet gritty.

Quite the list of names, no?

Sly Stallone! Jason Statham! Jet Li! Dolph Lundgren! Randy Couture! Stone Cold Steve Austin! Terry Crews! Micky Rourke!

Long story short, the plot involves the aforementioned actors/badasses playing the part of mercenaries in South America. They take on some sort of forceful dictators or something....who cares!

Look at the damn poster!

Prepare yourself for badassity! The Expendables are coming to town!

BRUUUUUCE!!!

No, not Springsteen.

For centuries, the black belt has been a symbol of dedication, expertise and respect. It is the sign that a Martial Artist is a master of his craft. When Mixed Martial Arts got started, in the Vale Tudo and NHB days, a black belt in any style was given his credit.

Style vs. Style fights pitted Judo black belts and Karate black belts against one another (or whichever style you prefer for the example.) Regardless, athletes and Martial Artists have become more intelligent on the issue of cross training since those days .

Only training Judo, or Freestyle Wrestling or Muay Thai is a recipe for an incomplete skill set, and has been for years. Where there is a hole in your game, a good opponent will exploit it. This leads participants to train every aspect of the sport. Whether standing, clinching, on the ground or in transition, fighters train techniques for the right situation. The result is your modern Mixed Martial Artist.

Bruce Lee had the idea that one style was not complete. As quoted in the 1994 book Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit, he said, "Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it." This is what MMA is seeing today. Fighters utilizing every tool available to them and it is making for highly competitive athletes.

Obtaining a black belt in one particular Martial Art will take the individual years of practice. For those people who want to delve into Martial Arts for the chance to compete in MMA, a black belt is not a requirement. Because of this, many practitioners are foregoing the classical approach of advancing ranks. While still honing their skills, albeit slightly differently, these practitioners are still training the muscles rigorously to remember set movements.

Very few Mixed Martial Artists have been able to emulate the philosophy Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee's thinking centered around remaining formless and patternless. It was revolutionary at the time. He stressed opening one's mind to every available option and not relying on patterns or muscular memory. This caused the artist to be "anchored down to a reactionary pattern."

MMA requires knowledge of an innumerable amount of techniques and a complete MMA fighter is able to apply those techniques, without thinking, only reacting. However, the patterns still exist. Transitions from one attacking move to another are common enough that defenses or counter-attacks match the transition. The cycle continues until someone makes a mistake; a lapse in judgement or conditioning. By remaining aware enough to avoid these patterns and mixed up the approach, and pairing that with highly conditioned bodies, makes a dangerous opponent. The some combatants in the sport have it all; no missing pieces. MMA will be dominated by these types of fighters; dynamic and unpredictable, fighting with fluid tenacity.

Classless

Don't get me wrong...I love a little bad blood in the cage. It makes for interesting pre-fight hype and post-fight pressers. I am usually the last person to condemn a fighter for dirty moves. In fact, I'm a fan of Pele and Gilbert Yvel...I think a little Brock Lesnar/Frank Mir tension is entertainment at its best...but come on Ariel Gandulla.

The guy puts his thumb in Mike Bernhard's eye. You can let it slide once. It happens with open fingered gloves. Then he hits his opponent low. Careful now...one more and you're a dirty fighter. But, fair enough...it happens pretty frequently. If you can throw inside leg kicks, it will happen eventually. I'll let it slide. He gets taken down, Bernhard takes side control and then Ariel puts his thumb in the opponents eye AGAIN! And not even in a sly way. Just blatantly.

Troy Waugh makes a good call on waving it off. Ariel decides to climb the cage and kick at Mike Bernhard's corner men. (Classy) And then squares up with Bernhard again once he gets back into the cage.

This guy ought to have his license revoked. Having people like this in the cage is not only bad for the sport but it increases the danger of an already dangerous sport. One of the aspects of MMA that I truly admire is the comradary fighters show one another after a well-fought contest.

Check it out. I liked how Bernhard tried to time the punch when Gandulla was about to land and how Troy Waugh got the hell out of there when they squared up.

The head is going in orbit, for real

I can't get enough of James Toney. First it was the idea of a high level boxer (at one point or another) entering the UFC...pretty impressive. Now...it's just getting to be laughable. While spending some time talking with FightHype.com on the radio show, "OnTheGrindBoxing," Toney had this to say.

“If a guy gets in there and try to take me to the ground, he might see his head go into orbit, The head is going into orbit, for real. These guys in MMA, they good wrestlers and good grapplers and good kickers, like girls, but, you know, when it comes to throwing them blows, they ain’t got a chance in hell.”

For the masses, fight sports are all about hype. When Jens Pulver said, "Sometimes it takes more than hype..." he may very well have been right. But thats in the cage. Outside of it...it's all hype.

“If you hate me, come see me try to get beat, if you love me, you enjoy the ride, have a good time and eat your popcorn.”

Will do.

Two Can Play at this Game

Strikeforce announced an April 17th event filled with great match-up, including 3 title fights. The card will feature a lightweight title clash between fast-paced, Gilbert Melendez and DREAM lightweight champion, Shinya Aoki. The second title bout will be at middleweight, featuring grappling phenom, Jake Shields and UFC refugee/long time badass, Dan Henderson. The final title fight of the night will be contested between the composed champ, Gegard Mousasi and flamboyant prospect, Mohammed "King Mo" Lawal.

Quite a night of fights to be featured, FREE, on CBS nonetheless. Well, if you aren't familiar with how Zuffa does business, here's a sample. NEWS FLASH: Dana White has announced plans for a UFC event on April 17th... coincidence? Absolutely not. Counter programming has been an effective strategy in most cases, and one tactic that the UFC brass has down to a science. (With a roster as big as the UFC's it's relatively easy to scrape together a quality card on short notice.)

Well two can play at that game. Scott Coker fired back that if the UFC put on a show April 17th, then the "Strikeforce: Nashville" card would be moved to April 24th...the same day as the first WEC pay-per-view. Touche, Strikeforce, touche.

My opinion? Healthy competition is great for the sport. So many fights and so little time...what is an MMA fan to do? If you don't have a DVR, I suggest you get one by April.

Real Economics

Who needs college anyway? I spent four years studying business. And now I'm taking a crack at another piece of paper...but I learned everything I needed to know from Prof. B.I.G.

Respect.

James Toney Keeps it Real

James Toney (72-6-3) the current NABO and IBF heavyweight champion, and former champion in six, count them SIX, different divisions has been signed by the UFC. The outspoken veteran managed to drum up enough hype about himself to get Dana White to make him an offer.

Toney is the most accomplished boxer to make his entrance into MMA, albeit slightly after his prime. At 41 years old, Toney has been absorbing concussive blows for 21 years! Toney has always been verbal about being, "a fighter's fighter." The kind of guy that doesn't care how much you weigh, how you fight or who you are..you sign the contract and it's on...anywhere, anytime. And I'm sure a UFC paycheck sounds awfully nice since the man hasn't headlined a PPV in 14 years.

Toney is not the only boxer who plans to test his skills in MMA in the near future. Former welterweight and super-welterweight champion, Ricardo Mayorga makes his debut at SHINE Fights against the dangerous Din Thomas.

My thoughts on Toney? I like it. If a grown man has a penchant for punishment and takes training seriously, why not let him fight? Herschel Walker, 47 years old (former Heisman Trophy winner, NFL running back and U.S. Olympic Bobsledder), caught heat leading up to his debut under the Strikeforce banner. What was the result? A dominant performance.

What will the MMA debut hold for Toney? It all depends on the match up. Put him in with someone who wants to trade and fans could be in for something special. Match him up with competition that is a little smarter and we can expect a mat clinic. Either way - the man will pull numbers. Maybe not the same type of numbers as former WWE employee, Brock Lesnar, but increased exposure to another fan base can't hurt.

Jealous Much?

Ever had a dream you were flying?

Well dreams can come true. A small community of diehard adrenaline junkies have taken to the skies.

Check out what is probably the gnarliest hobby you will ever see. I wish I had the stones to pull this stuff off.

Brass Tacks

Lets get down to 'em. The of mixed martial arts, in particular, the UFC brand.

The UFC dominates the market, but how? Why is it that no one poses a substantial threat? Other promotions spread too thin and they FAILED. The UFC had the right strategy. Put on great fights and stock pile cash.

Is the UFC great for the sport? Clearly, the answer is yes. Is it safe to assume that the sport would not be where it is today without the UFC? Yes. Do the Fertitta's and Dana White really know what they are doing? Absolutely, yes. Is it too early for upstart promotions to cultivate superstars? Yes. And that should not be the goal of any young promotion. If you put everything behind one fighter and he takes an embarrassing loss, then you're out of luck. (i.e. EliteXC and Kimbo Slice...meet Seth Petruzelli.)

Back to the point, the sport's development is not about turning every prospect into legend and having fans follow the career of those athletes. Right now, this sport is about putting on the best fights imaginable, creating a solid fan base for the future and putting butts in seats. And that is what has made the UFC what it is today.

Whoooaa

All of this technology - holy cow.

That's right - I've got a facebook. And a Twitter. And now a blog. Coming from a family where we don't have cable, my old man doesn't have a cell phone and my brother doesn't have the internet, I feel like MJF in Back to the Future. (That's right, I abbreviate it.)

To me, it's pretty much like I'm the first person to walk on the moon. I don't care that people have been blogging for years...I have arrived!