UFC 91
It was a good night for Brock Lesnar. He TKO'd Randy Couture in the second round to capture the UFC Heavyweight Title. Next up for Brock is a date with the winner of the Nogueira-Mir fight next month. Lesnar become the first person to ever hold the WWE title and UFC title.
Demian Maia submitted Nate Quarry in the first round and called out Michael Bisping after the fight.
Kenny Florian sunk in a rear naked choke late in the first round to defeat Joe Stevenson and locked up his position as #1 contender to BJ Penn's Lightweight title. Look for that fight sometime next Spring.
Full results
Dustin Hazelett defeated Tamdan McCrory via armbar (round 1)
Gabriel Gonzaga defeated Josh Hendricks via TKO (round 1)
Aaron Riley defeated Jorge Gurgel via unanimous decision
Jeremy Stephens def. Rafael dos Anjos via TKO (round 3)
Mark Bocek defeated Alvin Robinson via rear-naked choke (round 3)
Matt Brown defeated Ryan Thomas via arm-bar (round 3)
Episode 7
Interesting episode to say the least. Yes, we did keep stealing Tom’s fruit platter. What he did was slick because it was rightfully his and we were in the wrong for stealing it so, jokes on us. However, I lucked out on this one, as this was the only day I didn’t eat the fruit lol. I would have but I was playing chess and eating a steak, the two pastimes I picked up after being eliminated, THANKFULLY.
What it didn’t show was, after Kyle let his little unborn children have their first oriental taste, it actually took about 4 days till Dave ate it. I mean by this time I figured it was fair game, but damn watching him eat it made me wince. With all the pranks going around it was just a matter of time till someone got emotional about it, and I have a hard time saying I wouldn’t have either. That is when Dave said he was going to take a crap on all of our stuff and that Kyle would have his “fecal matter on his person” by the end of the show. I am not going to lie; I was kind of worried about getting my stuff ruined. I was not exactly in a place where I was making a lot of money, and the free training gear would definitely come in handy. The whole thing turned to a feud between Kyle and Kaplan thankfully though, so my stuff remained safe.
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Tito Ortiz returning to UFC?
Fiveouncesofpain.com has reported that Tito Ortiz may be headed back to the UFC.
"It's either going to be with the UFC or it's going to be with Affliction, but guaranteed, you guys will see me fight -- no matter what -- by July."
I guess with EliteXC's demise Tito's options are pretty limited unles he wants to work on smaller shows for little money. Maybe we'll get to see the boxing match between Tito and Dana White sometime next year.
Ultimate Fighter episode 8
After last weeks display of the worst possible way to fight, my loss kept team Mir in control of the picks. I remember thinking to myself during the fight, "just attack" and every time I see that match it gets uglier and uglier. It sucks to lose but to lose knowing that I could have done better eats me up. The worst part I think might be seeing the faces this week of my team mates and seeing their disappointment.
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Episode 7
What are your thoughts on working out with the snorkel and the ice bath afterwards?
Working out with the snorkel was an amazing cardio work out. It's the first time I've ever done anything like that. THE ICE BATH SUCKS!!!
Did you ever talk to Coach Nogueira when he came over to the house?
I talked to coach Nog every time he came over to the house along with all the other assistant coaches. I got along really well with everybody.
What did you think about Jules's tombstone?
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Feel free to ask George anything about this weeks episode. Please send your emails to Allen@AroundTheOctagon.com
Chris Leben tests positive for steroids
Chris Leben tested positive for Stanazolol on October 18th in Birmingham, England, the day he fought Michael Bisping. Lebenis now suspended for nine months by the UFC and fined one-third of his purse. Leben looked really lean and muscular in his last fight compared to how he looked in previous fights.
Chris posted the following message on his myspace page
"I've really done everything I can to turn my life around, and this is a huge setback for me, but it is something I will have to deal with. During my time off from fighting, I want to speak to kids about the dangers of using performance enhancing agents and let them know it just doesn't get you ahead in life. Of course this is a hard hit for me monetarily, but more so this is embarrassing for me and for all of my fans. I apologize to the UFC and everyone who supported me in my fight in England. I hope to work through this and get back to fighting soon"
Matt Riddle out Matt Brown in at UFC 91
A knee injury has forced Matt Riddle out against Ryan Thomas at UFC 91. Taking his place is his former housemate Matt Brown. Brown last fought Dong Hyun Kim in Atlanta back in August losing a split decision.
Pat Miletich set for December Adrenaline Show
Former UFC Welterweight Champion Pat Miletich is set to face Thomas Denny on December 11 at the Adrenaline show in Moline, Illinois. Miletich last fought in September 2006 when he was defeated by Renzo Gracie. After a two year lay off it will be interesting to see how Militich does against Denny who was last seen on the wrong end of a Nick Diaz TKO. Denny is 5-6 in his last eleven fights while Miletich has not won a fight since June 2001.
I't s been a while since Tom has updated his column but I just wanted let everyone know that Tom is going to be answering the questions via video from now on. The first video will be up later this week so keep checking back.
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Feel free to ask Tom anything. Please send your emails to AskTomLawlor@AroundTheOctagon.com
Interview with Don Frye
What have you been up to? I heard you had a fight back in August?
Yeah, I got my butt kicked. That's what happens when you get old, fat, and lazy. I'm on my way to Japan for some wrestling matches.
Are you under contract with any MMA organizations?
Hell no, right now I'm radioactive. No one is calling me and I'm not calling them. i'm just taking some time off. That IFL bullshit and some personal things in my life led me to take some time off and clear my head.
So you are going to do some pro wrestling for awhile?
I wasn't going to but they called me up and gave me a good price. Now I'm on my way to Japan (laughs). Hell, all I've been doing is laying on the ranch, playing with my horses, and shooting coyotes.
How did you get started in MMA?
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Interview with Seth Petruzelli
What have you been up to since the Kimbo fight?
Man it's been crazy. I've been talking with all sorts of people. I've been metting with sponsors. It's really been fun and nonstop.
How did you get started in MMA?
It was 2000. One of my buddies told me I would do good at it. I had done karate since I was 6 and I wrestled throughout high school and I was pretty good at it. It suited me I knocked out a bigger opponent and a promoter saw me and told me I could make some money. What's better than doing something you love and making money?
How big was your win over Dan Severn?
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UFC 100 thoughts
Usually I leave commentary to Troy with the TDT Commentary but I recently heard an interview where Dana White was asked about UFC 100. He said that he hasn't really thought about it. Well after hearing the interview I have.
UFC 100 will probably take place next summer. This should be the biggest card EVER. This should be the Super Bowl and WrestleMania all in one. This should be a celebration of where the sport and company came from and bring in some of the older fighters and use it as a platform to showcase some of the younger fighters as well. I would talk to CBS or NBC and get a four hour time slot on a Saturday night. There would be ten fights that all are televised along with a few suprises. I know ten fights in four hours is a stretch but if you cut out all the hype for future shows and get a sponsor such as Ford or GM to sponsor the show without commericals this is entirely possible.
The first suprise is I would invite Big John McCarthy back to the organization and let him ref the main event. Do not tell anyone just let him show up before the last fight and say "Let's Get It On!" and do what he does best.
Also, Matt Hughes will be on the card. As soon as his fight is over win, lose, or draw Dana should come into the octagon and announce to everyone that he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later in the year.
But before the big show on Saturday have a 3 hour show on Spike the night before and call it UFC 991/2 or somethin clever like that. Feature only young promising fighters such as Amir Sadollah, Ryan Bader, Tyson Griffin, Shane Carwin, Gray Maynard, etc...
The fights have to be spectacular and this is what I came up with. You will notice that there are som big names such as Keith Jardine, Jon Fitch, Matt Serra, Karo Parisyan, and many moer that are missing. This is because you have to save some big names for the show the month before and after UFC 100.
The opening match would be Forrest Griffin vs. Rampage Jackson. This rematch needs to take place and should provide the fireworks to get the crowd into it right off the bat. Both guys are fan favorites and should be an exciting fight.
Next up would be Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera vs. Brock Lesnar. I'm banking on Lesnar defeating Couture and Noguiera defeating Frank Mir so it's only fitting to crown the champion at UFC 100.
Rich Franklin vs. Tito Ortiz would be at Light Heavyweight. Tito may or may not want anything to do with the UFC but his main event status over the years justifies his place on the card. Franklin also has proved himself worth over the years and a fight with Ortiz would be something the fans would talk about.
BJ Penn vs. Josh Koscheck would be for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Koschecheck would have to drop down but I think this is a good matchup and worthy of a spot on the card.
Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie. These guys started it all. Shamrock has stated recently that he would like to rematch Gracie. It's not really fair to throw these guys in there against a younger, stronger opponent but old school UFC fans would enjoy this.
Speaking of old school Dan Severn vs. Mirco Cro Cop would be a dangerous matchup for Severn but Cro Cop hasn't really shown a lot recently. It's an intriguing matchup that fans would probably be interested in.
Matt Hughes vs. Diego Sanchez The future Hall of Famer against one of the winners of the first season Ultimate Fighter. This could be a dangerous matchup for Hughes but I think he would rise to the occasion and give Sanchez all he can handle. After the fight as mentioned earlier Dana White would announce that Hughes would be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell One more time on the biggest stage. These guys bring out the best in each other and why not let them go at it one more time. The fans would love it. Couture would have to drop to Light Heavyweight one more time but he's done it before I'm pretty sure he could do it again. Liddell leads the series 2 to 1.
The Main Event
Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva The two most exciting fighters settle it once and for all. GSP would have to move to 185 but I think it could easily be done for this show. A fight like this should happen and on the biggest show of the year.
So what do you think? I know it'll never happened but if Dana White or Joe Silva ever called me I'd be happy to step up and help them with the card. Email me at Allen@AroundTheOctagon.com and let me know what you think should be on the show and I'll put them up on the site.
Jake Shields discusses EliteXC and the future
This is an excerpt of an interview I conducted with Jake Shield this afternoon. Check back later in the week for the entire interview.
What's going on with the EliteXC?
I got the call last night and they're bankrupt. I guess they are done. They aren't doing the show in November now. All morning I've been scrambling trying to find out if I'm stuck in a contract or what happens if they are in bankruptcy and get it cleared it up.
How did you find out.
Caesar called me about Nick and he was supposed to fight in a few weeks. I got a call from another friend then about an hour later I saw it on the internet.
You are one of their champions you would think they'd let you know something.
Exactly, but I guess not. I guess they are too scattered over there.
There are rumors of someone buying them have you heard anything?
I know CBS showed interest and so did Affliction but I guess they decided to let it go.
Has Affliction or UFC contacted you this morning?
The UFC hasn't and I don't think they would until I get released from my contract first. I had a few other shows that have called but i'm just worrying about getting my release for now.
Will they let you keep the title back?
I'm not giving it back (laughs). i'd like to see them try to take it.
So would you like to go the UFC and fight GSP?
I think it would be a phenomenal fight. I hope that Dana will give me a chance to fight him. As far as matchups. He doesn't have a lot of weaknesses. It's not easy but I think I'm capable of submitting him. I don't see anyone beating him unless BJ beats him.
Is that the main fight you want now?
That's one of the main reasons why I want to go to the UFC. I love the UFC. I've been watching them forever. But I think the fight wiuth GSP would be a dream match for me. It's not an easy fight I don't think i'd walk through him but to be the best you got to fight the best and I we can make that fight happen.
I hope you land on your feet and it all works out.
I thik it'll work out we are working on getting the release this morning and I'm sure it'll work out.
ProElite/Elite XC is out of business
SI.com is reporting that ProELite the parent company of EliteXC has gone out of business. Employees were notified today. More to come on this breaking story as it develops.
Interview with Mike Swick
How did you get started in MMA?
I have been in martial arts since I was 8 years old. It was one progression to another I went from tae kwando into kickboxing. Then I went from kickboxing into MMA.
I hear you have a big fight coming up with Johnathan Goulet what are your thoughts on that?
I am excited. He's an exciting fighter. I think we are going to go in there an bang it out. He had a big win over Hironaka. It's going to be a good fight for the crowd.
Weren't you supposed to fight him a while back?
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UFC action figures unveiled
Wrestlingfigs.com has posted some of the UFC toys that were recently unvelied at Toyfair. In In addition to the action figures there are also title belts for children. The toys won't be able to purchase until late 2009.
When a plan DOESN'T come together
Wait, wait. Now I understand. Now I can see it clearly. Now it all starts to make a bit more sense.
What am I talking about? I'm glad you asked. Lets take a look at some rather...questionable and very hypothetical situations.
Imagine New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin announced shortly after his team's shocking championship win that the NFL gave his team a bonus for not blitzing Patriots QB Tom Brady.
Hmmm...
Still with me? Ok. What if Buster Douglas announced the morning after he knocked Mike Tyson out that Don King had agreed to line his pockets with a nice bonus had he bunched only with his off hand?
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Sanchez hurt Koscheck to face Alves at UFC 90
Josh Koscheck has agreed to replace Diego Sanchez to fight Thiago Alves on October 25 at UFC 90. Sanchez is injured and cannot compete.
Koscheck originally was slated to to fight Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC Fight Night 16 on December 10. No word yet on whether that fight has been scrapped. The fight with Alves will take place in less than two weeks and a win would possibly put Koscheck in position for a title shot or a fight with the title shot going to the winner.
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.
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?
