Author: Andrew Saunders

TUF Live Finale Results: Martin Kampmann vs. Johny Hendricks Makes Sense

Last night, Martin Kampmann played the part of “The Comeback Kid” once again. After a swarm of strikes which followed a savage left hook, it looked as if Jake Ellenberger would pick up his seventh straight win in impressive fashion.Kampmann came alive …

Last night, Martin Kampmann played the part of “The Comeback Kid” once again. After a swarm of strikes which followed a savage left hook, it looked as if Jake Ellenberger would pick up his seventh straight win in impressive fashion.

Kampmann came alive in the second round, and stumbled Ellenberger with a punch, before throwing a trilogy of clinch knees to send “The Juggernaut” to the canvas, and send Steve Mazzagatti (prematurely) running in to save him.

Now that Kampmann holds a three-fight winning streak, which also includes victories over Rick Story and Thiago Alves, he has made a serious case for himself in the crowded UFC welterweight title picture.

Also in the title scene is NCAA wrestler Johny Hendricks, who was promised a title shot after securing back-to-back wins over Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch. Many feel that Hendricks will be patient and fight for gold after the Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit situation sorts itself out, but the earliest that fight could take place is November. 

With the belt on lockdown until at least March, Hendricks would have to sit out for at least 10 months if he is to cash in the title shot he earned back in May. Can a lower-earning fighter really afford to wait around for a title shot that may not come to fruition until next summer?

Both Hendricks and Kampmann are likely to fall victim to an inevitable logjam at the top of the welterweight division in the event that they do not compete for an extended period of time. It’s a roadblock that has plagued the lightweight division for two full years. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and developing ring rust, the simple solution is for them to duke it out in a battle this fall.

Kampmann just knocked out the No. 3 welterweight in the world, which moves Hendricks into that spot. “The Hitman” wants to strap gold around his waist, and a win over Hendricks is the quickest path to attaining that goal.

This fight makes sense for ratings. This fight makes sense for the business. Most importantly, this fight makes sense for the fans.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

TUF Live Finale Results: Martin Kampmann vs. Johny Hendricks Makes Sense

Last night, Martin Kampmann played the part of “The Comeback Kid” once again. After a swarm of strikes which followed a savage left hook, it looked as if Jake Ellenberger would pick up his seventh straight win in impressive fashion.Kampmann came alive …

Last night, Martin Kampmann played the part of “The Comeback Kid” once again. After a swarm of strikes which followed a savage left hook, it looked as if Jake Ellenberger would pick up his seventh straight win in impressive fashion.

Kampmann came alive in the second round, and stumbled Ellenberger with a punch, before throwing a trilogy of clinch knees to send “The Juggernaut” to the canvas, and send Steve Mazzagatti (prematurely) running in to save him.

Now that Kampmann holds a three-fight winning streak, which also includes victories over Rick Story and Thiago Alves, he has made a serious case for himself in the crowded UFC welterweight title picture.

Also in the title scene is NCAA wrestler Johny Hendricks, who was promised a title shot after securing back-to-back wins over Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch. Many feel that Hendricks will be patient and fight for gold after the Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit situation sorts itself out, but the earliest that fight could take place is November. 

With the belt on lockdown until at least March, Hendricks would have to sit out for at least 10 months if he is to cash in the title shot he earned back in May. Can a lower-earning fighter really afford to wait around for a title shot that may not come to fruition until next summer?

Both Hendricks and Kampmann are likely to fall victim to an inevitable logjam at the top of the welterweight division in the event that they do not compete for an extended period of time. It’s a roadblock that has plagued the lightweight division for two full years. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and developing ring rust, the simple solution is for them to duke it out in a battle this fall.

Kampmann just knocked out the No. 3 welterweight in the world, which moves Hendricks into that spot. “The Hitman” wants to strap gold around his waist, and a win over Hendricks is the quickest path to attaining that goal.

This fight makes sense for ratings. This fight makes sense for the business. Most importantly, this fight makes sense for the fans.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

TUF Live Finals: 5 Fights for Mike Chiesa to Take Next

Fighting three times in four weeks is an uncommon occurrence for professional fighters. In the modern age of the UFC, it simply doesn’t happen. That is, until The Ultimate Fighter changed formats and aired tournament bouts live.In past seasons, th…

Fighting three times in four weeks is an uncommon occurrence for professional fighters. In the modern age of the UFC, it simply doesn’t happen. That is, until The Ultimate Fighter changed formats and aired tournament bouts live.

In past seasons, the finalists of the show would get to leave the house and train for six to eight weeks before returning for one last fight. Mike Chisea did not have that luxury last night, but it didn’t stop him from claiming The Ultimate Fighter: Live tournament championship. 

With a submission of the night performance against Al Iaquinta, Chisea won with style and has already made a splash in the lightweight division. Here is a look at five potential opponents for Chisea in his next bout.

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TUF Live Finale: 5 Fights for Charles Oliveira to Take Next

When Charles Oliveira burst onto the scene, he was the talk of the lightweight division after snagging back-to-back submission victories over tough opponents in Darren Elkins and Efrain Escudero.Oliveira was such a threat that he was the betting favori…

When Charles Oliveira burst onto the scene, he was the talk of the lightweight division after snagging back-to-back submission victories over tough opponents in Darren Elkins and Efrain Escudero.

Oliveira was such a threat that he was the betting favorite in a bout with grizzled contender Jim Miller.

Now that Oliveira has dropped down to his natural weight class, he has been able to better display his skills. “Do Bronx” has recorded submission finishes in each of his featherweight contests, which includes an impressive guillotine choke last night against Ultimate Fighter winner Jonathan Brookins.

With the well-rounded skills of Oliveira, he matches up well against most fighters in the division. Here is a look at five fights that Charles Oliveira should take next.

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TUF Live Finale: Who Will Win the Post Fight Bonuses?

Tonight, there is a lot more on the line than the prestigious title of The Ultimate Fighter. Aside from the division rungs that can be climbed by Jake Ellenberger or Martin Kampmann, the fighters tonight are fighting for a lofty cash prize: Fight Night…

Tonight, there is a lot more on the line than the prestigious title of The Ultimate Fighter. Aside from the division rungs that can be climbed by Jake Ellenberger or Martin Kampmann, the fighters tonight are fighting for a lofty cash prize: Fight Night Bonuses.

While Bleacher Report staff always provides you with previews and predictions on all MMA events, we like to take a guess at who will take home some extra money.  Let’s take a look at our picks for the Fight Night Bonuses at the Ultimate Fighter Live: Finale.

Knockout of the Night: John Albert

John Albert likes to strike first. In both of his UFC appearances, he has come out swinging immediately. Albert is 1-1 in the UFC with a quick TKO finish of opponent Dustin Pague in his debut. He followed up the performance with an excellent scrap against bantamweight contender Ivan Menjivar, in which he hurt the veteran with a big knee before jumping to a guillotine. 

If Albert hadn’t stopped striking, he likely would have earned the TKO victory; however, he ended up getting submitted by Menjivar after escaping the choke. His opponent is 10-4 and untested against stiff competition. 

Despite Ellenberger being on this card, Albert will win the bonus tonight. I think that Kampmann will be able to avoid getting finished in this fight.

Submission of the Night: Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira competes for the second time as a featherweight against former TUF winner Jonathan Brookins in a battle that could make Du Bronx a standout in the ever-growing division. With submission skills that have claimed victories from Darren Elkins, Efrain Escudero and Eric Wisely, the Brazilian is one of the top grapplers in his division.

Fight of the Night: Jake Ellenberger vs Martin Kampmann

Tonight’s main event is going to be an absolute war. Ellenberger has excellent wrestling technique and dynamite in his hands. Kampmann has tremendous offensive striking, but he often takes big damage when getting in close. 

Both men are prone to getting sucked into a slugfest, and that is the type of fight that gets rewarded in kind.

 

What do you think? Send us your predictions in the comments below.

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UFC 149: Power Ranking 4 Potential New Opponents for Shogun Rua

With the announcement that Thiago Silva has had to withdraw from his UFC 149 battle with Shogun Rua, the UFC needs to act quick in order to find a high level opponent and give him enough time for a proper training camp.Shogun is a dangerous striker who…

With the announcement that Thiago Silva has had to withdraw from his UFC 149 battle with Shogun Rua, the UFC needs to act quick in order to find a high level opponent and give him enough time for a proper training camp.

Shogun is a dangerous striker who also holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With knockout wins over Lyoto Machida, Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson, Rua is undoubtedly one of the best light-heavyweights in the world. Finding an opponent won’t be easy.

Here is a look at some potential opponents for Shogun, ranked based on how big of a matchup they would create.

Author’s Note: This list originally contained three names and was edited after considering a fourth candidate.

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