“I got three of Richie’s guys breathing through their foreheads ova he-ya, so allow me be brief…”
Behind the scenes information and rampant speculation in the lead-up to a fight is the MMA equivalent of chicks gossiping in a powder room. It’s, like, totally fun, but when you start to base your investment portfolio around it or develop an eating disorder you know you’ve crossed the line. At least, that’s usually the case. The scoop we’re about to share with you is as solid as they come, so take advantage of this opportunity to change your fight picks and spray a bottle of Cool Whip directly into your throat.
Earlier this week, Light-Heavyweight challenger Lyoto Machida revealed that he had not been in communication with Black House’s not-so-secret weapon, Steven Seagal, during his training camp. Considering that his devastating knock out victory over Randy Couture was directly attributable (cough) to the action film star, it seemed odd that he wouldn’t turn to him for guidance while training for the fight of his life.
Have no fear, Dragon fans. As it turns out, Jon Jones‘ weaknesses are so glaring that they can be pointed out and easily exploited after a brief, last-minute teleconference. Who knew? Oh yeah, Seagal did.
“I got three of Richie’s guys breathing through their foreheads ova he-ya, so allow me be brief…”
Behind the scenes information and rampant speculation in the lead-up to a fight is the MMA equivalent of chicks gossiping in a powder room. It’s, like, totally fun, but when you start to base your investment portfolio around it or develop an eating disorder you know you’ve crossed the line. At least, that’s usually the case. The scoop we’re about to share with you is as solid as they come, so take advantage of this opportunity to change your fight picks and spray a bottle of Cool Whip directly into your throat.
Earlier this week, Light-Heavyweight challenger Lyoto Machida revealed that he had not been in communication with Black House’s not-so-secret weapon, Steven Seagal, during his training camp. Considering that his devastating knock out victory over Randy Couture was directly attributable (cough) to the action film star, it seemed odd that he wouldn’t turn to him for guidance while training for the fight of his life.
Have no fear, Dragon fans. As it turns out, Jon Jones‘ weaknesses are so glaring that they can be pointed out and easily exploited after a brief, last-minute teleconference. Who knew? Oh yeah, Seagal did.
In an interview with the Toronto Sun, the Akido black belt said that while he may not make it out to the Air Canada Centre, he’ll be in touch with Machida via Skype. Quoth the “Lawman”:
“I think Lyoto is a better puncher, a better kicker and he really moves better than Jon. I see some things Jon does that I think can be exploited, and I’m going to go over those things with Lyoto. In my opinion Lyoto is probably the best striker in the business. I’m not saying he hits harder than Junior Dos Santos or someone like that, but his speed, his timing and his accuracy are very good.”
Of course Machida is only one half of the equation this evening. What does Seagal think of the young champ?
“He’s a great fighter, but do I think he’s a great puncher and kicker? Absolutely not. He’s just very big and very strong and he’s a very good wrestler.”
So there you have it. Run with that information, make your predictions below, complain that we’re talking about Seagal again…basically, just do what you do, people.
(Gina Carano, rising above her fears. Pic: MenVersus.com)
When signing a business contract, one must be acutely aware of the fine print. Companies often try to sneak in language and terms which may later allow them to catch the other party off guard and emerge victorious in the battle for the almighty dollar.
I’d like to think that signing a contract for an MMA bout is a bit more straightforward. You’re told upfront in no uncertain terms that the opposing party’s objective is to physically hurt you. It’s a special breed that can accept those terms and believe in themselves enough to sign on the dotted line.
Despite that rampant self-confidence—or perhaps because of it—many fighters attempt to psyche out their opponent and gain the upper-hand before the first punch has even been thrown. When successful, it makes for an easier night’s work. When it fails, the would-be intimidator is left looking foolish. The comeuppance may come in a laugh at his expense or a lop-sided asswhooping, but either way it’s a sight to behold.
Join us for a closer look at what happens when fear is not a factor in mixed martial arts.
(Gina Carano, rising above her fears. Pic: MenVersus.com)
When signing a business contract, one must be acutely aware of the fine print. Companies often try to sneak in language and terms which may later allow them to catch the other party off guard and emerge victorious in the battle for the almighty dollar.
I’d like to think that signing a contract for an MMA bout is a bit more straightforward. You’re told upfront in no uncertain terms that the opposing party’s objective is to physically hurt you. It’s a special breed that can accept those terms and believe in themselves enough to sign on the dotted line.
Despite that rampant self-confidence—or perhaps because of it—many fighters attempt to psyche out their opponent and gain the upper-hand before the first punch has even been thrown. When successful, it makes for an easier night’s work. When it fails, the would-be intimidator is left looking foolish. The comeuppance may come in a laugh at his expense or a lop-sided asswhooping, but either way it’s a sight to behold.
Join us for a closer look at what happens when fear is not a factor in mixed martial arts.
Bonello’s Bark Proves Worse Than His Bite
Tony Bonello walked into his bout with Murilo Rua with an undefeated 15-0 record and a massive chip on his shoulder. With allegations of worked fights in his native Australia, Bonello was looking forward to a breakthrough performance that would put him on the map in the US scene and prove that he was more than a can crusher.
Bonello’s trash talk in the staredown was as unwarranted as it was aggressive. But tough talk can be tough to back up when directed at a seasoned product of the Chute Boxe Academy. As Bonello barked slurs in his direction, the calm, wide smile on Ninja’s face reflected great confidence in what he had planned for his foe. Though it only lasted a scant three minutes and fifteen seconds, the bout couldn’t have ended quickly enough for Bonello. “The Gun” failed to fire a single round before Rua began a violent drubbing chock-a-block with indignities such as passing the black belt’s guard, elbows from the crucifix position, full mount, and the always popular knee-on-belly/rape choke combination.
It looks like all of the circumstantial evidence suggesting that Tim Kennedy was packing his rucksack and heading to the UFC was a false alarm. That, or Zuffa realized that Strikeforce’s middleweight herd was thin on credible challengers and decided to keep their most decorated fighter on the roster for a bit longer. Tatame.com reports that the bout is likely to take place in January of next year.
Luke Rockholdreturned to action last September, shaking off seventeen months of ring rust in a title bout with Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza. Rockhold was predictably a massive underdog, but he got the better of “Jacare” throughout the five round affair and took the belt in a unanimous decision. That “W” marked Rockhold’s seventh straight victory.
Kennedy was unsuccessful in his own title bid against Jacare last October, taking the champ the distance but coming up short on all three judges’ scorecards. Since then he’s racked up wins over Melvin Manhoef and Robbie Lawler.
This is second time the pair has been scheduled to fight. Their original bout was scrapped back in February when Rockhold suffered a leg injury in training.
Tim Kennedy Victory” src=”http://www.cagepotato.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Tim_Kennedy-e1305905318997.jpg” alt=” width=”245″ height=”163″ />
It looks like all of the circumstantial evidence suggesting that Tim Kennedy was packing his rucksack and heading to the UFC was a false alarm. That, or Zuffa realized that Strikeforce’s middleweight herd was thin on credible challengers and decided to keep their most decorated fighter on the roster for a bit longer. Tatame.com reports that the bout is likely to take place in January of next year.
Luke Rockholdreturned to action last September, shaking off seventeen months of ring rust in a title bout with Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza. Rockhold was predictably a massive underdog, but he got the better of “Jacare” throughout the five round affair and took the belt in a unanimous decision. That “W” marked Rockhold’s seventh straight victory.
This is second time the pair has been scheduled to fight. Their original bout was scrapped back in February when Rockhold suffered a leg injury in training.
The UFC may be the brand name of MMA, but it doesn’t have exclusive rights to action packed bouts. While the UFC 139 pay-per-view was just getting warmed up, the evening’s “other” war and ‘fight of the year’ candidate was breaking out on MTV 2. If you didn’t catch it, I suggest you watch it in full up above.
Season 4 Lightweight Tournament winner Michael Chandler was all over Eddie Alvarez from the opening bell, driving forward and swinging for the fences. Within the first fifteen seconds he had dropped the champion twice and was only moments away from snatching the belt, but once again Alvarez proved difficult to put away. Chandler’s pressure wilted halfway through the second frame, allowing Alvarez to steal the round with a series of effective combinations. By round three Chandler’s fatigue was visible and the champ pounced, battering him across the cage. Though tired and hurt, Chandler continued to look for the big shot that would take Alvarez out. Answering the bell in the fourth, Chandler looked renewed and eager to throw. His hands found their mark, wobbling Alvarez before a big right hand dropped him. Chandler followed him down and mounted him, locking in the rear naked choke as Alvarez turned his back.
The UFC may be the brand name of MMA, but it doesn’t have exclusive rights to action packed bouts. While the UFC 139 pay-per-view was just getting warmed up, the evening’s “other” war and ‘fight of the year’ candidate was breaking out on MTV 2. If you didn’t catch it, I suggest you watch it in full up above.
Season 4 Lightweight Tournament winner Michael Chandler was all over Eddie Alvarez from the opening bell, driving forward and swinging for the fences. Within the first fifteen seconds he had dropped the champion twice and was only moments away from snatching the belt, but once again Alvarez proved difficult to put away. Chandler’s pressure wilted halfway through the second frame, allowing Alvarez to steal the round with a series of effective combinations. By round three Chandler’s fatigue was visible and the champ pounced, battering him across the cage. Though tired and hurt, Chandler continued to look for the big shot that would take Alvarez out. Answering the bell in the fourth, Chandler looked renewed and eager to throw. His hands found their mark, wobbling Alvarez before a big right hand dropped him. Chandler followed him down and mounted him, locking in the rear naked choke as Alvarez turned his back.
In the evening’s co-main event, Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard took on Trevor Prangley at 195 lbs. If Bellator titleholders must fight in non-title fights, we’re far happier seeing it take place at a catchweight than simply fighting within their division without putting the belt on the line. That being said, regardless of the weight class, a dominant champion like Hector Lombard deserves a bigger challenge than a fighter with one lone victory in his past five outings.
Trevor Prangley‘s only real output in the bout came in the form of a double-leg that saved him from an onslaught of punches that had him in deep trouble early in the first round. That takedown bought him time to time to compose himself and survive the remainder of the round, but the South African wrestling champion had only delayed Lombard from doing what he does best—lighting fools up. Round two opened with a few casual exchanges before the the two traded blows in earnest. Lombard connected with a huge right to the jaw that had Prangley doing the fish dance. Again Prangley sought refuge in the form of a takedown, but “Lightning” stuffed the desperation shot and went to work with brutal ground and pound. Lombard was hesitant to deliver unnecessary blows, but continued the abuse until the ref called a halt to the bout just one minute, six seconds into the second round.
Rafael Dias showed a healthy respect for the striking game of Marlon Sandro and kept far out of range at the opening of the bout. That respect didn’t prevent him from dropping Sandro when the two exchanged in a flurry of punches. Sandro recovered quickly with a takedown and maintained control of the bout on the ground. Dias scrambled back to his feet only to find himself caught in a standing arm triangle. Sandro drug him to the canvas and completed the submission, finishing the fight by tapout in 3:56 of the first round.
(Aguilar-Ward, via Zombie Prophet. Use the link for part II)
If you read our interview with Jessica Aguilar, you knew she was ready to scrap. Despite suffering a broken nose in the opening frame, Aguilar’s standup was too much for Lisa Ellis-Ward. Her overhand rights found their target throughout the three round bout. Ward slipped off a missed flying knee in round two which left her open to multiple knees from the clinch and some heavy shots on the ground. Aguilar continued to get the better of the exchanges in round three, but Ward turned it on at the close of the fight with aggressive stand-up and a kimura attempt. Aguilar pulled out of the hold and maintainted control through the close of the fight, taking the bout by unanimous decision.
Michael Chandler def. Eddie Alvarez via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:06 of Round 4
Hector Lombard def. Trevor Prangley by knockout at 1:06 of Round 2
Jessica Aguilar def. Lisa Ward-Ellis by unanimous decision
Marlon Sandro def. Rafael Dias by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 3:56 of Round 1
Prelims:
Brett Cooper def. Jared Hess by unanimous decision
Valdir Araujo def. Ailton Barbosa by unanimous decision
Cosmo Alexander def. Avery McPhatter by KO at 0:20 of Round 1
Herbert Goodman def. Jonas Billstein by Disqualification (Illegal Soccer Kick) at 3:21 of Round 2 Fabio Mello def. Farkhad Sharipov by unanimous decision
‘Secure a win, and ask for a title shot.’ It’s something we see from top contenders–and even not-quite top contenders–every event. But last night Urijah Faber seemed intent on finishing his opponent and letting his performance demand the title bout for him. He did. It did.
Faber came out aggressively, throwing powerful combinations that kept Brian Bowles moving backwards. He also found a home for a score of uppercuts, one of which would spell the beginning of the end for the former WEC Bantamweight champion. With a second round ‘submission of the night’ victory, Faber emphatically punched his ticket to a rubbermatch with UFC Bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz.
‘Secure a win, and ask for a title shot.’ It’s something we see from top contenders–and even not-quite top contenders–every event. But last night Urijah Faber seemed intent on finishing his opponent and letting his performance demand the title bout for him. He did. It did.
Faber came out aggressively, throwing powerful combinations that kept Brian Bowles moving backwards. He also found a home for a score of uppercuts, one of which would spell the beginning of the end for the former WEC Bantamweight champion. With a second round ‘submission of the night’ victory, Faber emphatically punched his ticket to a rubbermatch with UFC Bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz.
Though not officially signed, the hype for the trilogy started in the Octagon last night with Faber’s post fight interview:
“Dominick, you can run but you can’t hide, homeboy. Throw some gel in that widow’s peak. Let’s do some work. Let’s do battle.”
Awww, dayum! Calling the champ out is one thing, Urijah, but calling him out on his hair is a serious faux pas.
A chance to relive their show stopping performance at UFC 132 is just too good for Zuffa to pass up, and it may prove too good to contain in a simple pay-per-view. Though White wouldn’t commit, his quiet grin conveyed that he’s giving serious thought to the pair serving as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter. White remarked that the two could hypothetically start filming their season in March for the live revisioning of the reality television franchise.
“I hate to have to tell you this, Mr. Bailey, but you’ve got a severe case of liveblog. It won’t be long now.” (Photo: UFC.com)
The good news: you’re all but guaranteed more than sixty-four seconds of action this evening. The bad news: you’re going to have to pay for it.
Nothing in life is free, not even punches to the face. Take Dan Henderson, for example. “Hollywood” was once considered too costly of an investment for the UFC, but after an impressive three-fight win streak he was deemed too valuable for Strikeforce. Tonight he makes his return to the Octagon after a two year hiatus. Does old Hendo have enough gas in the tank for one more title run, or will the “old” Shogun show up and ruin his homecoming.
Though he may not have the cleavage to warrant video commentary, weekend editor Chris Colemon does possess the sort of typing skills that get you beat up by jocks in high school. Come join him inside for the best play-by-play coverage you’ll see on this site tonight.
“I hate to have to tell you this, Mr. Bailey, but you’ve got a severe case of liveblog. It won’t be long now.” (Photo: UFC.com)
The good news: you’re all but guaranteed more than sixty-four seconds of action this evening. The bad news: you’re going to have to pay for it.
Nothing in life is free, not even punches to the face. Take Dan Henderson, for example. “Hollywood” was once considered too costly of an investment for the UFC, but after an impressive three-fight win streak he was deemed too valuable for Strikeforce. Tonight he makes his return to the Octagon after a two year hiatus. Does old Hendo have enough gas in the tank for one more title run, or will the “old” Shogun show up and ruin his homecoming.
Though he may not have the cleavage to warrant video commentary, weekend editor Chris Colemon does possess the sort of typing skills that get you beat up by jocks in high school. Come join him inside for the best play-by-play coverage you’ll see on this site tonight.
And we…are…live! Does anyone know when the Gladiator gets buried? I remember hearing that his days were numbered.
If you’ve been on Facebook, Spike, or MTV2, you’ve already had a great night of MMA, but there’s plenty more to come. Between the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, and Pride, there’s no shortage of past champions on tonight’s card.
We’re jumping right in with the first fight of the night.
Stephan Bonnar vs. Kyle Kingsbury
R1: Both men game to exchange. Kingsbury swings and pushes Bonnar against the cage. Both men exchanging knees in the clinch with Bonnar finally breaking free. Bonnar tags Kingsbury but follows up with a kick to the nuts. A quick timeout and we’re back. Kingsbury is bleeding a little out of the nose. The two clinch again and head back to the cage. Kingsbury with a nice elbow. Bonnar tries a hip toss, but Kingsburs stays on his feet. Now a wild exchange between the two with both men swinging. Now Bonnar forces Kingsbury’s back tot eh cage, but Kyle circles out. Bonnar hunting him down with big punches. Stephan struggles with a takedown but finally drags Kingsbury to the mat. The American Psycho has side mount and is landing light punches while struggling to maintian position. Bonnar steps over to mount and is teeing off, but Kingsbury rolls. Dominant ending to the round for Stephan Bonnar.
R2: Kingbury misses with a high kick, but lands with a body kick. Solid right from Kingsbury and Bonnar responds with a blocked head kick. Bonnar gets behind Kingsbury and works him to the canvas. Stephan on top in half guard and breaks free to side control. Stephan trying to trap an arm in the crucifix but moves to North-South. Now he’s back to side control. Bonnar is in control on top but not scoring any real damage at all. Bonnar is still working for the crucifix but not finding any success. Now he’s got a guillotine and moves to mount but can’t quite hold onto either. Kingsbury is defending, but that’s all that he’s doing. Bonnar was trying for an arm triangle but couldn’t break free from half guard to complete it. Another controlling round for Bonnar.
R3: Body kick from Bonnar. Kingsbury with a leg kick, but Bonnar catches it, takes his back, and once again he’s in a dominant position on the ground. Kingsbury is latching on to half guard, but it was only a matter of time before Bonnar escapes and moves to North-South. “Looking for a choke is Bonnar”. It’s not there, so Stephan abandons it in favor of a kimura, but again Kingsbury defends well. Bonnar lands pitter pat punches and a few elbows to the gut, but largely this bout is a grappling match that he’s winning easily. More kimura contemplation from Bonnar, but that’s as far as it goes. Bonnar handily takes this round and the fight. Boos from the crowd once again remind him that he’ll never match the excitement of his UFC debut. Ever.
Stephan Bonnar defeats Kyle Kingsbury by Unanimous Decision: 30-27 (x2) and 30-25.
An apology from Bonnar to fans for this fight and to Koscheck for the whole t-shirt/lawsuit scandal.
