Episode 3
Welcome back. Finally the qualifying fights are out of the way and episode three goes back into the typical Ultimate Fighter format. After winning out we all got treated to a thirty minute van ride to where we were staying, a mansion, in the middle of nowhere. The house itself was awesome, plenty to do when you first got there, but give any place enough time and then it sucks. The amount of time in this case started about the same time I finished unpacking. Don't get me wrong, it was awesome being there, but I like to do stuff on my schedule and this was more of a prison scenario. Finally the show got underway; however, with the team selection.
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Elite XC results
Lightweight Bout: Cristiane Justino -vs- Yoko Takahashi
Win: Christiane Justino by Unanimous decision in the third
Although this fight did not end up making the main televised card it was a 3 round brawl that had plenty of fast paced action. Christiane held off Yoko with her superior Mui Thai skills and dominated all three rounds. Yoko did however prove that she could take a punch and remain calm under a furious onslaught, even scoring a huge spinning backfist in the third round, but it failed to fell Cyborg.
This would most likely will set up a future match between Christiane and Gina Carano which should generate some interest.
Middleweight Bout: Murilo Rua -vs- Benji Radach
Win: Benji Radach by referee stoppage due to punches at 2:31 in the second rd.
This fight was much more exciting than it was billed. Radach came out throwing some of the biggest looping haymakers I have ever seen anyone throw. More surprisingly is the fact that he was landing a fairly high percentage of them. Rua looked slightly stunned through most of round 1 yet managed a few heel locks that Radach managed to wiggle out of. Round 2 saw a more aggressive Rua come out and throw some good combos but Radach proved to be too much. After a missed kick by Rua, Raddach capitalized by raining down some devastating punches to a grounded Rua. Rua appeared to be out as the ref stepped in to make the stoppage.
I believe this fight showed the devastating punching power that Radach possesses. However, he clearly needs to develop some different aspects to his game. Rua will probably drop in rankings after this loss due to his inability to capitalize on his ground position.
Featherweight Bout: Gina Carano -vs- Kelly Kobald
Win: Gina Carano by unanimous decision
As far as fights go this one had its ups and downs. When Carano was throwing strikes it proved to be among the crispest stand up from any MMA fighter -- man or woman. The trouble came when Kobald cornered Carano on the cage and they would spend most of the round leaning on it. That being said I have to go back to the spectacular stand up which won the fight for Carano. It seemed that when she threw her punches, kicks, and knees everything landed and landed clean thereby netting her another W.
This fight showcased just how good of a kickboxer Carano is. It also went to set up the fight with Christiane Justino. The two fighters are both Mui Thai trained and like to throw bombs so this could set up a very exciting fight between the two.
Welterweight Bout: Jake Shields -vs- Paul Daley
Win: Jake Shields by tapout due to armbar in the 2nd rd.
The first round of this contest showed the striking ability of Paul Daly, who kept Shields dazed through almost the entire round. The second round started with more of the same, and after a few missed shots, Shields finally got Daly to the ground. While Daly was on the ground he made some poor decisions, presumably due to his inexperience fighting in a cage. Shields capitalized on Daly's inexperience and submitted him with an armbar.
I think that we should see a fight coming up soon between Nick Diaz and Jake Shields for the title. I don't know that Shields can hold off Diaz but it was good for him to face such a strong striker in this fight to prepare for that possible future matchup.
Heavyweight Bout: Andrei Arlovski -vs- Roy Nelson
Win: Andrei Arlovski due to knockout at 3:14 in the 2nd rd.
The first round was surprisingly a fairly even match as both fighters exchanged some brutal fists. Nelson used his size to push Arlovski around and expended a lot of energy that he did not have to burn. The beginning of the second round showed a much slowed Nelson trying to keep pace with the fleet footed Arlovski. Arlovski's conditioning proved to be too much for the paunchy Nelson and floored him with some devastating strikes.
Andrei Arlovski is a contender and there have been some that have proposed the next fight will be Arlovski and Emelianenko. As far as Roy Nelson goes he could be a serious shake up if he would commit to losing some weight and doing some conditioning, otherwise his speed and stamina will continue to be a problem for him in the future.
Heavyweight Bout: Kimbo Slice -vs- Seth Petruzelli
Win: Seth Petruzelli by ref stoppage at 14 seconds in the first
Breakdown: Well folks there isn't much to break down on this one. Kimbo rushed in looking for an early knockout, Petruzelli used some front push kicks to keep Kimbo at a distance and then leveled him with a straight jab to Kimbos eye, dropping Kimbo to the mat where Petruzelli finished him off with a flurry of poorly placed punches.
Wow, I don't know where to begin here. With the Elite XC hemorrhaging money they needed a superstar that would be able to either extend their contract with CBS or be able to get a Pay-Per-View draw. They made a gamble on that fighter being Kimbo Slice. Kimbo has a huge following, however that being said, most of those fans are not die hard MMA fans who will spend 50 dollars a month on MMA pay-per-views. So depending on where you stand on the issue you could see Kimbos loss as a blessing or a curse.
On the blessing side of the coin lies a legitimization for the Elite XC through Kimbo's loss. Many MMA fans, myself included, were beginning to see the Elite XC as a promotion which was no different than that of some boxing promotions, which I will not mention. With Kimbo's loss it quells some of those fans' conspiracy theories about the Elite XC. That is really a blessing not only to Elite XC but to all MMA fans because there are some talented fighters which I would never have gotten to see without the Elite XC.
I think we can all imagine what the curse side of the coin is. The fans who began watching MMA because of Kimbo slice may now begin to feel slightly disenfranchised much like we hardcore fans felt before. I think many of these new fans really wanted to believe that some guy off of the street could go in there and win against world class opponents. In some rights that is true, anyone that has knockout power like Kimbo can end a fight against any opponent, but against world class fighters those chances are diminished to almost non existant. The long and short is only time will tell what the future of Kimbo Slice.
We'd like to welcome Mike Hutchinson to our staff. He will be covering EliteXC and Affliction for ATO. Troy Steffy will continue to cover the UFC and provide the TDT commentary.
On a personal note I'd like to extend an invitation to Troy to join the Vanderbilt bandwagon. I saved you a seat.
TUF 08 - Episode 3
Ok America here it is, week 3 of the Ultimate Fighter. As you can see there is already a lot going on in the house on our first night. So let's get started…
The episode was supposed to begin with team selections but before we could do that there were a few injuries that needed to be addressed. Brian McLaughlin and Karn Grigoryan were both injured. The only thing I have to say about this is that that's the rules and it sucks! Both are great fighters, but the one thing that I can't understand is what Karn did. If I remember correctly, the doctor checked him out after the fight and Okayed him. Karn was the one who insisted that his nose needed to be checked out; this is the one thing a fighter should not do! Everyone knew that if you had an injury that was too severe then it meant it was time to go home. He had it made, he was in the house. What you didn't see is that both of them stayed the first night in the house, but Karn brought it on to himself by having a doctor check him out and confirm his fractured nose. So basically what I'm trying to say is that all he would have had to do is just shut his mouth and he would have stayed in.
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Episode 3
Did you have a preference as to who picked you?
I really wanted to be picked by team Mir because of the great cornering I got in my fight to get into the house.
Did you use being picked last as motivation?
Please click here read the entire Q&A
Feel free to ask George anything about this weeks episode. Please send your emails to Allen@AroundTheOctagon.com
UFC 92 takes shape
UFC 92 is really starting to look like it could be one of the best cards of the year. There will be two title matches and an undercard match that could possibly headline any other show.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena will be rocking December 27th when Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira takes on Frank Mir for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Title and will be the co-main event along with Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title. Wanderleigh Silva will look to make it three in a row over Rampage Jackson after two wins over Jackson in PRIDE.
CB Dolloway will look for his second straight victory over an Ultimate Fighter alum as he takes on Jorge Rivera. Yushin Okami will also return to the octagon after a lengthy absense as he takes on Dean Lister.
The Ultimate Effect
With the next Season of The Ultimate Fighter in full swing, now might be the right time to take a step back and re-examine the effect TUF has had on the UFC.
Anyone with even a small interest in the UFC knows the names. Forrest Griffin. Rashad Evans. Matt Serra. One is the reigning Lightheavyweight Champion, one is a future Lightheavyweight Champion, and one is a former Welterweight champion respectively. Yet since it's inception, The Ultimate Fighter has crowned 11 fighters with the title of The Ultimate Fighter champion and rewarded them with the fabled six figure contract.
So, where is everyone else? What happened to the rest of them? Despite the obvious successes of Griffin, Evans, and Serra, the jury is still out on the majority of the others.
Please click here to read commentary
We are debuting a new feature on the site called Ten TUF Questions. I got several of the new fighters from the Ultimate Fighter agree to answer ten questions about themselves, sorry no info on the show.
Brian McLaughlin
1. How did you get started in MMA?
I’ve been training Jiu-Jitsu since I was 15 years old. I first started training because I was a small kid and wanted to learn self defense. I decided I wanted to get into mma after watching my Jiu-Jitsu coach have his first fight; the energy and excitement of the fight was incredible. I began training wrestling and striking and had my first fight in April of 2006.
2. How did you get involved with Gracie Tampa?
Around 2003 I had a falling out with one of my old jiu-jitsu instructors and had no place to train. Rob Kahn heard what had happened and invited me to train with him and Steve Kardian at Thornwood Jiu-Jitsu. My Jiu-Jitsu improved by leaps and bounds working with Rob and we continued training after he moved down to Tampa. Gracie Tampa quickly began producing top flight Jiu-Jitsu competitors and MMA fighters and is now one of the top schools in the country.
3. Which training partner gives you the toughest time in practice?
Click here to read the Q & A
Dave Kaplan
1. How did you get started in MMA?
I was a Division 1 wrestler in college, and had some friends that got into it and told me I should too.
2. What did your family say when you told them you wanted to be a professional fighter?
They thought that it was cool, my prents just see it as an extension of wrestling, and have come and seen a number of my fights.
3. What are your strengths as a fighter?
Click here to read the Q & A
Ryan Bader
1. What did your family say when you told them you wanted to pursue MMA?
Well they have always been there for me throughout all my endeavors as a kid through my college wrestling days. At first they were hesitant mainly because of the fact that they were not very knowledgeable about the sport of MMA. They are a big part of my life so when I told them I was interested in MMA they immediately began watching and learning about the sport. My mom had a tough time watching my first couple fights, but she is getting better and actually takes her hands off her eyes occasionally! They are very supportive and will support me in whatever path I choose. They are becoming big MMA fans and are looking forward to watching me try and reach my new goals.
2. You had your first professional MMA fight in March of 2007. What were your thoughts as you walked to the ring for the first time?
Sitting in the back warming up I had a ton of emotions running through me. I was extremely excited but at the same time I was very nervous. I didn’t know really what to expect. I have had a ton of high level competition under my belt from my college wrestling days at Arizona State University where I was a two time All American. That helped me out a lot with the calming of my nerves. One thing that made me feel better was watching my opponent hit pads, he had a long braided pony tail and when throwing a combination, his hair whipped around and caught him in the eye and he almost went down! It was funny to watch to say the least and made me feel confident about the match up.
As I walked out I felt a huge adrenaline rush, I know was in competition mode and the guy In the cage already was in my way of starting my MMA career off on the right foot and also in the way of achieving my goals.
3. What's the worst job you ever had?
Click here to read the Q & A
EliteXC Heat Preview
Lightweight Bout: Cristiane Justino -vs- Yoko Takahashi
Name: Cristiane Justino
Nick Name: Cyborg
Record: 5-0
Wins: 3(T)KOs ( 60.00%) 2 Other ( 40.00%)
Height: 5'8
Weight: 140lbs
vs
Name: Yoko Takahashi
Record: 13 - 9 - 0
Wins: 3 (T)KOs ( 23.08 %) 9 Submissions ( 69.23 %) 1 Other ( 7.69 %)
Losses: 2 (T)KOs ( 22.22 %) 4 Submissions ( 44.44 %) 2 Decisions ( 22.22 %) 1 Other ( 11.11 %)
Height: 5'8
Weight: 158lbs
Elite XC has promoted Women's MMA fighting like no other organization, and with many feeling that the Gina Carano fight was one of the more exciting fights on Elite XC's network debut, it seems clear that they intend on capitalizing on this relatively unexplored niche with two Women's fights on the card. With only 5 professional MMA fights under her belt, Cristiane Justino is clearly far less experienced than Yoko Takahashi. However, her knockout ability and unblemished record show that her opponent's experience is clearly not an issue. Takahashi is a veteran of 24 professional MMA fights and has won 13 of those fights -- 9 by way of submission. If Justino wants to walk away from this fight remaining undefeated, she will no doubt have to deal with Takahashi's solid submission ability and fight experience.
Middleweight Bout: Murilo Rua -vs- Benji Radach
Name: Murilo Rua
Nick Name: Ninja
Record: 16 - 8 - 1
Wins: 6 (T)KOs ( 37.5 %) 8 Submissions ( 50 %) 2 Decisions ( 12.5 %)
Losses: 4 (T)KOs ( 50 %) 4 Decisions ( 50 %)
Height: 5'11
Weight: 184lbs
vs
Name: Benji Radach
Record: 18 - 4 - 0
Wins: 14 (T)KOs ( 77.78 %) 2 Submissions ( 11.11 %) 2 Decisions ( 11.11 %)
Losses: 4 (T)KOs ( 100 %)
Height: 5'10
Weight: 185lbs
Murilo Rua has won 5 of his last 6 fights - the lone loss to Elite XC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawlor - and during that streak, Rua has not let his opponent out of the second round. That doesn't mean that Rua cannot go the distance, as he has done so against the likes of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, it just means it isn't likely. Benji Radach has also won 5 of his last 6 fights, but is coming off of a loss to Matt Horwich in the IFL in December of 2007. Taking lengthy amounts of time off inbetween fights is a risky venture, and with no fight in the last 10 months, Radach is clearly at a disadvantage in this fight.
Featherweight Bout: Gina Carano -vs- Kelly Kobald
Name: Gina Carano
Nick Name: Conviction
Record: 6 - 0 - 0
Wins: 3 (T)KOs ( 50 %) 1 Submissions ( 16.67 %) 2 Decisions ( 33.33 %)
Losses: 0
Weight 140lbs
Name: Kelly Kobald
Record: 16 - 2 - 1
Wins: 6 (T)KOs ( 37.5 %) 8 Submissions ( 50 %) 2 Decisions ( 12.5 %)
Losses: 1 Submissions ( 50 %) 1 Decisions ( 50 %)
Height: 5'6
Weight: 140lbs
Elite XC gambled by putting Women's fighting on network TV, but the gamble seemed to work. The day after the show Gina Carano was a hot topic and clearly a hit to the network TV audience. She makes her return and puts her perfect 6-0 record on the line against a veteran of 19 MMA fights, Kelly Kobald. With only two losses in her 19 MMA fights, Kobald looks to steal Carano's thunder and hand her the first loss of her career.
Welterweight Bout: Jake Shields -vs- Paul Daley
Name: Jake Shields
Record: 21 - 4 - 1
Wins: 3 (T)KOs ( 14.29 %) 8 Submissions ( 38.1 %) 10 Decisions ( 47.62 %)
Losses: 1 (T)KOs ( 25 %) 3 Decisions ( 75 %)
Height: 5'11
Weight: 170lbs
vs
Name: Paul Daley
Nick Name: Semtex
Record: 18-6-2
Wins: 13 (T)KO ( 72.22%) 1 submission ( 5.56%) 4 Decisions ( 22.22%)
Losses: 1 (T)KOs ( 16.67%) 4 submissions( 66.67%) 1 Decision ( 16.67%)
Height: 5'9
Weight: 170lbs
Jake Shields is the reigning Elite XC Welterweight Champion. He is also the holder of a ten fight win streak that includes a submission victory over The Ultimate Fighter contestant Ido Pariente in June of last year. His last five fights haven't lasted past the first round, but throughout his career he has shown tremendous conditioning by going to the judges 13 times. Paul Daley holds an impressive win streak of his own that currently stands at 6. During that streak he has knocked out 5 of his opponents and submitted the other. Despite the similarity in their winning ways, Paul Daley has the one thing that has eluded Jake Shields - Knockout Power. Clealry a battle of styles, if Shields wants to extend his winning streak to 11, he will have to elude Daley's heavy hands and try to submit him.
Heavyweight Bout: Andrei Arlovski -vs- Roy Nelson
Name: Andrei Arlovski
Nick Name: Pitbull
Record: 13 - 5 - 0
Wins: 9 (T)KOs ( 69.23 %) 3 Submissions ( 23.08 %) 1 Decisions ( 7.69 %)
Losses: 4 (T)KOs ( 80 %) 1 Decisions ( 20 %)
Height: 6'4
Weight: 240lbs
vs.
Name: Roy Nelson
Record: 13 - 2 - 0
Wins: 6 (T)KOs ( 46.15 %) 4 Submissions ( 30.77 %) 3 Decisions ( 23.08 %)
Losses 2 Decisions ( 100 %)
Weight 249lbs (113kg)
Andrei Arlovski has won his last 4 fights, but his back-to-back losses to Tim Silvia still hang over him. At this July's Affliction card, Arlovsky said that that he was back to championship form, and he showed it in a 3 round knockout of Ben Rothwell. With an on-again-off-again fight against Fedor Emilienko looming in January at Affliction's next PPV, Arlovsky needs to continue his win streak and put past doubts behind him. Roy Nelson's last loss was a split decision to Ben Rothwell in 2007. Since then he has reeled off 5 straight wins, with his last 4 being by (T)KO. He has the big frame that seemed to give Arlovsky fits during the Silvia series, and has a nice blend of knockout power and submission ability, with enough conditioning to go the distance. This fight could signal things to come with Affliction and Elite XC showing that they are willing to work together to put out quality fight cards
Heavyweight Bout: Kimbo Slice -vs- Ken Shamrock
Name: Kevin Ferguson
Nick Name: Kimbo Slice
Record: 3 - 0 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw)
Wins: 2 (T)KOs ( 66.67 %) 1 Submissions ( 33.33 %)
Losses: 0
Weight: 235lbs
vs
Name: Ken Shamrock
Nick Name: The World's Most Dangerous Man
Record: 26 - 13 - 2 (Win - Loss - Draw)
Wins: 2 (T)KOs ( 7.69 %) 22 Submissions ( 84.62 %) 2 Decisions ( 7.69 %)
Losses: 7 (T)KOs ( 53.85 %) 4 Submissions ( 30.77 %) 2 Decisions ( 15.38 %)
Height: 6'1
Weight: 235lbs
Kimbo Slice has power. He doesn't just stand-up and bang, he throws Nuclear Bombs that have grown to nearly mythical proportions thanks to the youtube generation. However he doesn't come without kinks in the armour, as he was pushed to the brink by James Thompson until a referee stoppage and a bloodied ear made the save. Here is the problem; as big and bad as Kimbo Slice is, it is nothing Ken Shamrock hasn't seen before. He has been in the octagon and/or ring with the legends of the sport; Royce Gracie, Bas Rutten, Dan Sevren, Kimo, Tito Ortiz, and the list seemingly goes on and on. 10 years ago, Kimbo Slice wouldn't have had a snowballs chance in Hell. But Ken Shamrock hasn't won a fight since 2004. The name Ken Shamrock alone is enough to say that this is far and away Kimbo Slice's biggest challenge to date, but how much of a threat does a man who has only won 3 times this decade and who has been (T)KO'ed in 7 of his last 8 fights pose to someone as heavy-handed as Kimbo Slice pose? Well that's the problem. It is Ken Shamrock we are talking about, and if Kimbo gives him even the smallest window of opportunity, he will be tapping out.
9-26-08
Welcome to the 2nd weekly installment of Ask Tom Lawlor. Consider me
your "Dear Debbie" or whatever other 60 year old soccer mom writes for
the local newspaper.
1. After all the preliminary fights who did you think where the
favorites to win the show (besides you)
Please click here to read the column
Feel free to ask Tom anything. Please send your emails to AskTomLawlor@AroundTheOctagon.com
UFC 89 Preview
Heavyweight bout: Shane Carwin vs. Neil Wain
Name: Shane Carwin
Record: 9 - 0 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 4 (T)KOs ( 44.44 %) 5 Submissions ( 55.56 %)
Height: 6'4
Weight: 255lbs
-vs-
Name: Neil Wain
Record: 4 - 0 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 4 (T)KOs ( 100 %)
Height: 5'10
Weight: 242lbs
The battle of two undefeated fighters making their UFC debut opens up what looks to be an exciting card from top-to-bottom. Carwin, a mountain of a man, shows big time knockout power as well as good submission ability, and Wain has knocked out every man to step inside the octagon with him. Chances are that this one doesn't go to the cards and one of these men's win streaks will come to an abrupt, violent end.
Welterweight bout: Chris Lytle vs. Paul Taylor
Name: Chris Lytle
Nick Name: Lights Out
Record: 25 - 16 - 5 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 4 (T)KOs ( 16 %) 17 Submissions ( 68 %) 3 Decisions ( 12 %) 1 Other ( 4 %)
Losses: 2 (T)KOs ( 12.5 %) 14 Decisions ( 87.5 %)
Height: 5'11
Weight: 170lbs
-vs-
Name: Paul Taylor
Record: 9 - 3 - 1 (Win - Loss - Draw) ( 1 NC ) Wins 5 (T)KOs ( 55.56 %) 2 Submissions ( 22.22 %) 2 Decisions ( 22.22 %)
Losses: 2 Submissions ( 66.67 %) 1 Decisions ( 33.33 %)
Height: 6'0
Weight: 170lbs
Of Lytle's 25 career wins, 17 have come by way of submission and of his 16 losses, 14 have come by way of decision, which shows his dedication to a ground game and either a lack of knockout power or an unwillingness to fully commit to a stand-up game. Paul Taylor has knocked out over half of his opponents, and has tapped less than a quarter of the rest. Given Lytle's solid submission game, Taylor would be wise to force this match into a stand-up match, or he could be the 18th submission on Lytle's resume.
Welterweight bout: Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly
Name: Marcus Davis
Nick Name: The Irish Hand Grenade
Record: 14 - 4 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 5 (T)KOs ( 35.71 %) 7 Submissions ( 50 %) 2 Decisions ( 14.29 %)
Losses: 1 (T)KOs ( 25 %) 1 Submissions ( 25 %) 2 Decisions ( 50 %)
Height: 5'8
Weight: 170lbs
-vs-
Name: Paul Kelly
Record: 7 - 0 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 4 (T)KOs ( 57.14 %) 2 Submissions ( 28.57 %) 1 Decisions ( 14.29 %)
Weight: 185lbs
Paul Kelly has yet to meet defeat in his professional career, but Marcus Davis' heavy hands, solid ground game and conditioning should be more than happy to introduce the two. But Davis isn't alone in his ability to knock opponents out as he has dropped over half of the men he has fought. It is unlikely that this one makes it to the judges, regardless of which man stands victorious.
Light Heavyweight bout: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Luis Cane
Name: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Nick Name: The African Assassin
Record: 5 - 2 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 4 (T)KOs ( 80 %) 1 Decisions ( 20 %)
Losses 1 (T)KOs ( 50 %) 1 Submissions ( 50 %)
Weight 205lbs
-vs-
Name: Luis Arthur Cane
Nick Name: Banha
Record: 8 - 1 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) ( 1 NC ) Wins 7 (T)KOs ( 87.5 %) 1 Submissions ( 12.5 %)
Losses: 1 Other ( 100 %)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 205lbs
What do you get when you throw an impressive 80% knockout percentage into the octagon with an even more impressive 88% knockout percentage? One hell of a slugfest. Regardless of which man walks away with the win, Dana White and the UFC would be wise to have a plastic surgeon readily availible.
Light Heavyweight bout: Keith Jardine vs. Brandon Vera
Name: Keith Jardine
Nick Name: The Dean of Mean
Record: 13 - 4 - 1 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 6 (T)KOs ( 46.15 %) 2 Submissions ( 15.38 %) 5 Decisions ( 38.46 %)
Losses: 3 (T)KOs ( 75 %) 1 Decisions ( 25 %)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 205lbs
-vs-
Name: Brandon Vera
Nick Name: The Truth
Record: 9 - 2 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 6 (T)KOs ( 66.67 %) 1 Submissions ( 11.11 %) 2 Decisions ( 22.22 %)
Losses: 1 (T)KOs ( 50 %) 1 Decisions ( 50 %)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 225lbs
Keith Jardine has been on the cusp of a title shot but has yet to be able to take that next step, and Brandon Vera was once the future of the Heavyweight division. If either of these two men want to ascend to the top of the Light Heavyweight division, then winning this fight would be a step in the right direction. Jardine has beaten the like of Chuck Lidell and Forrest Griffin. But for every big name win his has on his resume, he has a disappointing loss to accompany it. The Brandon Vera train fizzled in the Heavyweight division with two straight losses. He won his first Light Heavyweight match by decision but at times looked underwhelming and unimpressive. If eitehr of these two men want to throw their names in the Light Heavyweight Title race, a win here is a must. Bar none.
Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben
Name: Michael Bisping
Nick Name: The Count
Record: 16 - 1 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw) Wins 11 (T)KOs ( 68.75 %) 4 Submissions ( 25 %) 1 Decisions ( 6.25 %)
Losses: 1 Decisions ( 100 %)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 204lbs
-vs-
Name: Chris Leben
Record: 18 - 4 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw)
Wins: 10 (T)KOs ( 55.56 %) 4 Submissions ( 22.22 %) 4 Decisions ( 22.22 %)
Losses: 1 (T)KOs ( 25 %) 1 Submissions ( 25 %) 2 Decisions ( 50 %)
Height: 5'11
Weight: 185lbs
The last time Michael Bisping fought in England, he was on the good end of one of the worst decisions ever seen in the UFC when he was HANDED the victory over Matt Hamill. Hopefully this time will be different, and if heavy-handed bad boy Chris Leben has anything to say about it, the judges will absolutely not be a factor. Both Leben and Bisping seem more comfortable throwing hands than they do on the ground, which could lead to a very exciting match. However, there is only one knockout loss between the two men, so both have a good chin too. Look out England, this one could take the whole country to the ground.
Interview with Chris Lytle
What have you been up to?
I've been training. Just getting into my two-a-days. Trying to cut out all of my alcohol and starting to eat healthy.
Is it hard eating right before a fight?
Not really. The only time it gets tough is when I'm at the fire house. They don't really care if I'm fighting or not. They eat good. But it's not good for you. They like to eat.
How excited are you for the fight with Paul Taylor at UFC 89?
I'm really excited. I got to watch some of his fights and I thought this guy is good. He's fast and accurate with his striking. I don't anticipate him taking me down. I think it's going to be a brawl. It's the type of fight I look forward to.
You might get booed fighting the hometown boy over there.
Click here to read the interview
Interview with Tim Sylvia
What have you been up to since the fight with Fedor?
I have been relaxing. I went to Canada for 7 days and went bear hunting. I've been doing a lot of boating I went with a buch of my friends to the Ozarks. I did a lot of boating and jetskiing.
Have you heard anything about your next opponent?
I'm looking to get back in the ring or cage later this fall probably with Adrenaline. I'm going to be there for their next show. I think it might happen in Novemeber but it's not for sure yet. If that doesn't happen I'll probably fight on the New Years' show for DREAM in Japan or whoever picks me up.
How did you get started in MMA?
I just fell into in honestly. I was a big fan of the UFC. I had done karate and starting doing boxing and grappling and fell into it.
Was your family supportive of your decision to pursue MMA professionally?
Please click here to read the entire interview
Randy Couture vs Brock Lensar UFC 91
As reported earlier Randy Couture has settled his difference with the UFC and will return to the UFC at UFC 91 to fight Brock Lesnar in Las Vegas. The winner of this fight will face the winner for the Nogueira-Mir fight for the Heavyweight title.
The original report is below.
There has been a lot of specualtion recently that Randy Couture will be returning to the UFC later this year. We have confirmed that Randy is indeed training for a fight. The opponent or date was unknown to my source but the fact that he is training for a fight is intriguing.
Couture left the UFC earlier this year after a bitter contract dispute that got rather ugly but the internet has been buzzing lately with rumors of a reconciliation.
We'll keep you posted as this develops.
Johny Hendricks blog on road to WEC debut
Johny Hendriks will be making his WEC debut WEC 36 September 10 against Alex Serdyukov. Johny is the 2005 and 2006 165-pound NCAA Division I Champion. He will update his blog regularly here at AroundTheOctagon.com as he gets ready for his debut.
Click here to read the blog
Interview with Kevin Burns
Kevin have you heard when you might be fighting again?
I haven't heard. I want to fight around November or December. My hand will be 100% by then. I'll have all my weapons and that's pretty important to me. I want to have a little more time to prepare. I had a big win of Roan Carniero and I wanted to get another fight as quick as I could so I could take a few moths then get a couple of more in before the end of the year.
How did you get started in MMA?
I started doing Tae kwan doe about nine or ten years ago in 99. Did it for six months and there was some local amatur fights and I wanted to see if what I learned worked. Once I decided I would do it there was a fight that no one would take. It was against Josh Neer. I did well, I knocked him out. I didn't fight for a year after that fight. I fought Josh again. He beat me up pretty bad. I realized that standup striking wouldn't do me any good if I didn't understand the rest of the sport so I started into jiu jitsu and wrestling.
Was your family supportive in your decision to pursue MMA?
Not at first. They didn't understand the sport and didn't know a lot about it. But after a little education and seeing some of my fights they are now my biggest supporters.
What did you do before a living before you broke into the UFC?
I worked for Wells Fargo as a Commercial Leasing Representative. I managed a sales territory from the East Coast to the Upper North Atlantic Territory. Since I broke into the UFC I have taken a part time position in the same company in the same business segment. I am actually training people to do what I used to do.
What was the week like before the Roan Carniero like? It had to be hectic.
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Lesnar vs. Herring II?
According to the MMA Zone on 104.5 in Nashville, Heath Herring doesn't remember the first round after being rocked by Brock Lesnar in the 1st round. Herring is nursing a broken orbital bone that came from that first round punch. Herring was quoted as saying he was disappointed in his performance and would like a rematch with Lesnar.
Interview with Cain Velasquez
What have you been up to since the O'Brien fight?
Well the week after the fight I went back to training on Monday, then I went to L.A. on Friday to do some interviews, some spanish interviews. Then this past week I did a wrestling clinic with some kids in El Paso.
Did you hurt your knee in that fight?
A little bit. It didn't feel right. I got it cheked out and it's alright.
You were impressive in the Jake O' Brien fight. Was that your gameplan to take him down and pound him out?
It depended on if the shot was there. But if he wanted to stand I was going to kick box with him. It was weird how we winded up in the clinch real quick. The wrestling kicked in right away and took him down.
You wrestled him in college back in 2005 was that in the back of your mind heading into the fight?
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BJ Penn vs. GSP in Montreal later this year?
Dana White told the Canadien Press that the UFC may be returning to Montreal in November or December.
"I literally just left a meeting where we were talking about that," UFC president Dana White told The Canadian Press on Tuesday. "We're looking to come back to Montreal."
White also went on to say "Obviously B.J. is pulling for GSP because he wants to fight him."
This fight has been rumored to be taking place sometime down the road. If St. Pierre gets past Fitch this fight should happen. Montreal only seems fitting since it's St. Pierre's backyard.
Interview with Shonie Carter
So what have you been up to? I heard you were on the Iron Ring?
Yeah, I did that a while ago. I'm branching out. I'm doing everything. I'm trying to get women modeling contracts. I'm doing autograph signings in Indiana. I do a little of everything.
You aren't done fighting are you?
I beat John Cronk for my eleventh world title. I'm fighting in late August against Matt Majors from the Tap Out show.
Didn't you sign with Strikeforce?
Yes.
You've won 6 out of your last 7 fights hadn't you?
Yes, I've been tearing through people.
How did you get started in MMA?
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Interview with Tim Credeur
What have you been up to?
A lot of training and trying to help Forrest get ready for his fight this weekend. I'm helping him train as much as I can. Mostly I'm taking a lot of beatings. I'm technically helping him train but it's really a victimization of Tim Credeur I would say.
How do you think he'll do in the fight?
I think we both have similar styles. We both wear the guy out and take the fight out of our opponent over time. Both of us are really serious about strength and conditioning and cardio. We train well together because of that. We train hard for extensive periods of time. It helps us both especially me because he's so much bigger. He's a great training partner.
Has the fight with Cale been rescheduled?
Yes, July 19th. It'll be on the Anderson Silva card.
How disappointed where you that it got postponed?
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