Author: Donald Wood

UFC 152 Results: What’s Next for Saturday’s Biggest Winners?

With UFC 152 in the books, it’s time to look forward and find out what is next for the biggest winners from Saturday night.Every pay-per-view has clear winners and losers, but sometimes it isn’t as black and white as each fight’s outc…

With UFC 152 in the books, it’s time to look forward and find out what is next for the biggest winners from Saturday night.

Every pay-per-view has clear winners and losers, but sometimes it isn’t as black and white as each fight’s outcome would suggest. Sometimes even in a loss, a star can be prove he is a winner.

Whether these stars won or lost, the following fighters proved their merit Saturday night and have big things in store for their career going forward.

 

Vitor Belfort

It is true that Vitor Belfort lost in the main event to Jon Jones, but UFC fans can’t forget that the man jumped weight classes to take this fight on short notice. Considering how close he came to forcing Jones to tap out to an armbar, Belfort was a winner.

At 35 years old, there aren’t too many years left for the MMA veteran, but this performance in the light heavyweight division should give him more credibility heading back to middleweight. Even a loss to Jones has to earn Belfort a shot at the middleweight No. 1 contender spot.

Anderson Silva has run roughshod over the middleweight division for years, and Belfort knows just how tough fighting the Brazilian star can be. With that said, Dana White has to consider Belfort one of the top three contenders in the middleweight division.

 

Michael Bisping

While MMA fans across the world love the hard-hitting style of Michael Bisping, the star has never fought for a title in the UFC. To say he deserves a shot now would be an understatement.

In a thin middleweight division laid to waste by the title run of Anderson Silva, it should be Bisping that is the No. 1 contender for the championship. While Silva will undoubtedly destroy the British star, Bisping proved he deserves the shot at the belt.

Bisping beat Brian Stann Saturday night at UFC 152 and dominated the whole fight. While Silva would destroy Bisping if he uses the game plan he had against Stann, who else is there in the middleweight division that deserves the No. 1 contenders spot more?

 

Jon Jones

If fighting is an art form, Jon Jones is turning into the Michelangelo of MMA.

Maybe that’s a bit huge, but Jones is one of the most talented fighters we have ever seen in the sport.

At just 25 years old, the UFC light heavyweight champion still has so much room to grow mentally and physically. For his opponents, the thought of the champion getting any better is terrifying.

After surviving an early scare before beating down Belfort in convincing fashion and finally submitting him in the fourth round, Jones has proven his dominance. The problem is there isn’t much left in the division for Jones to take on.

While the UFC could march out young guys like Phil Davis or Alexander Gustafsson, they would be better off scheduling a fight with Chael Sonnen that would allow for ample training time and pre-fight trash talking.

That would be a PPV-worthy fight.

 

Check back for more on Mixed Martial Arts as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s UFC page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

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UFC 152: When and Where to Watch Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort

After watching UFC 151 get cancelled because of more main-event injuries, the already tough times for the company have only gotten tougher. Now Dana White and his business must look to UFC 152 and Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort for the light heavyweight t…

After watching UFC 151 get cancelled because of more main-event injuries, the already tough times for the company have only gotten tougher.

Now Dana White and his business must look to UFC 152 and Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort for the light heavyweight title to bring the company back to the mainstream level it was at when Brock Lesnar was their biggest draw.

With Belfort stepping up to a weight class he hasn’t attempted in years, Jones will be facing a test unlike any other. As much as this should be an easy win, the UFC champion can’t underestimate his opponent’s skill.

This entire PPV will be amazing, but the main event puts it over the edge.

 

Where: Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada

When: Saturday, September 22 at 10:00 p.m. ET

Watch: Main Card starts at 10:00 p.m. ET on pay-per-view; FX Preliminary Card starts at 8:00 p.m. ET; Facebook Preliminary Card starts at 6:30 p.m. ET

Live Stream: UFC.com

 

Fight Card

Pay-Per-View Card

Light Heavyweight Championship: Jon Jones (c) vs. Vitor Belfort

Flyweight Championship: Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious Johnson

Middleweight Bout: Michael Bisping vs. Brian Stann

Light Heavyweight Bout: Matt Hamill vs. Roger Hollett

Featherweight Bout: Cub Swanson vs. Charles Oliveira

 

FX Preliminary Card

Light Heavyweight Bout: Igor Pokrajac vs. Vinny Magalhaes

Lightweight Bout: TJ Grant vs. Evan Dunham

Welterweight Bout: Sean Pierson vs. Lance Benoist

Featherweight Bout: Jimy Hettes vs. Marcus Brimage

 

Facebook Preliminary Card

Welterweight Bout: Seth Baczynski vs. Simeon Thoresen

Bantamweight Bout: Mitch Gagnon vs. Walel Watson

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Noke vs. Charlie Brenneman

 

 

Jon Jones’ Keys to a Victory

There has never been a fighter as young as Jon Jones that knows more about the sport, and that experience beyond his years is what makes him so dangerous.

Jones is a chameleon. No matter who his opponent is, Jones comes into his matchup ready for their style and what they offer. With Vitor Belfort, the UFC light heavyweight champion will be looking to block most of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu Belfort attacks with.

If Jones can keep away from Belfort’s dangerous clinch and inside game, he will be able to keep his opponent at distance with his boxing and add in enough leg strikes to open Belfort up for the knock out.

 

Vitor Belfort’s Keys to a Victory

With the knowledge that Jones is never the same fighter two fights in a row, Belfort knew that the preparation for this fight was less about his opponent and more about getting himself comfortable in the light heavyweight division.

Once in the octagon, Belfort will lean heavily on his Brazilian background and try to beat Jones any way he can. While the veteran will try to get inside and use his jiu-jitsu, he will also mix in a favorable amount of boxing to stun Jones.

If Belfort can weather Jones’ first-round storm and allow his corner to help him figure out the champion’s game plan, Belfort will be able to adapt and possibly shock the world with a win.

 

Main Event Prediction

No matter how much preparation Vitor Belfort has had for this fight, he is still jumping up to a weight class he hasn’t fought at since 2007, and that will hurt him.

Jones could easily move to heavyweight if he wanted, and he will have the sizable advantage over Belfort when it comes to reach and height. While the experience goes to the veteran Belfort, Jones is too smart in the Octagon to discount his in-ring prowess.

While Belfort won’t go down without a fight, Jones will eventually send him to his back with a spinning back-fist, or another odd move that no one sees coming—especially Vitor, and win the fight via TKO.

If Jones does retain, the UFC truly has their next big star.

Prediction: Jones via 3rd Round TKO

 

Check back for more on Mixed Martial Arts as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s UFC page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

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Rousey vs. Kaufman Results: Cyborg Santos Must Accept Ronda Rousey’s Challenge

If you don’t know who Strikeforce bantamweight champion Rondo Rousey is yet, her sixth professional first-round submission win via armbar needs to wake up even the most stubborn MMA fans.Just because she is a woman doesn’t mean she isn&rsqu…

If you don’t know who Strikeforce bantamweight champion Rondo Rousey is yet, her sixth professional first-round submission win via armbar needs to wake up even the most stubborn MMA fans.

Just because she is a woman doesn’t mean she isn’t one of the toughest human beings in the world; just ask former champion Sarah Kaufman and her 53-second loss how tough Rousey really is inside the cage.

Now that Rousey has cleared through the current challengers Strikeforce lined up for her, Rousey and her title want to make a real impact on the sport.

She wants to fight the best.

Rousey was ready to issue her challenge immediately after Saturday’s fight, calling out polarizing women’s MMA figure and former featherweight champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (h/t MMA Junkie):

I need to send out a challenge to Ms. Cyborg, there. People want to see you have the first fair fight of your life. I’m the champ now. The champ doesn’t go to you. You go to the champ. Come down to 135 and let’s settle this

To be perfectly honest, this is as great as any trash talk we have seen in the last five years in MMA. While fans will point to Chael Sonnen and the trash talk against Anderson Silva in their fight, this is much more intense because of the feeling around the MMA world about Cyborg’s positive steroid test.

Fans forget that Cyborg is suspended for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will not be eligible to return until Dec. 10, but recent comments shed doubt on that possibility of the star fighter dropping weight to meet Rousey for the title or even returning to Strikeforce.

With the UFC still living in the stone ages when it comes to women’s MMA, Strikeforce needs to realize the power that wield with the opportunity of making this fight happen.

Whatever it takes to get these two female fighting powerhouses in the same ring, it must be done.

If Cyborg and Rousey fight, the sheer hype around their battle will launch female MMA to another level. Maybe then Dana White and the UFC won’t ignore it anymore.

 

Check back for more on Mixed Martial Arts as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s UFC page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

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UFC 150: Frankie Edgar Doesn’t Deserve Another Lightweight Title Shot

After his second heartbreaking loss in as many fights against Benson Henderson, former champion Frankie Edgar walked out of UFC 150 without his lightweight title and with no hopes of getting another title shot anytime soon.How the mighty have fallen. E…

After his second heartbreaking loss in as many fights against Benson Henderson, former champion Frankie Edgar walked out of UFC 150 without his lightweight title and with no hopes of getting another title shot anytime soon.

How the mighty have fallen.

Edgar’s time as champion in UFC is over unless he can climb the ladder again and claw his way back into a spot to earn another opportunity to snag the gold. The problem is that he doesn’t deserve another shot.

Dana White and the UFC are in a tough spot because Edgar is 30 years old and the lightweight division is stacked. If the UFC keeps handing Edgar title opportunities it will hold back stars like Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz, who deserve the title shot, before Frankie gets another chance.

After yet another loss, Edgar told the Washington Post that he thought he won but realizes his time of fighting for titles is done until he earns his way back to the top:

I felt I improved from last time, and I think I did enough to win…A lot of people told me they thought I’d won, but it doesn’t matter. The judges didn’t. The decision is not going to change, and it is what it is…I’m moving on…Dana’s not going to give me another title shot, I know that much.

Despite having an almost two-year reign over the lightweight division, his recent string of defeats highlights what happens in the MMA world—no fighter can defeat father time and they have to move on eventually.

In the UFC, you have to earn your shot at the title and Edgar has proven that now isn’t his time.

While experts believe Edgar will start the arduous climb through the ranks of the lightweight division, the star would be better-off dropping 10 pounds and fighting at featherweight.

After dominating for so long at one weight, the change could be the kick in the pants that brings the fire back to Edgar’s eyes.

Add in the possibility of winning a title in two divisions, and the transition could seal Edgar’s fate as one of the best fighters of all time.

After fighting for his lightweight title and falling at the hands of Henderson, Edgar will have to go to the back of the title-contention line in any weight class he tries. He doesn’t deserve another title shot until he fights his way into one.

At this point, why not try to achieve greatness in a lighter weight class?

 

Check back for more on Mixed Martial Arts as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s UFC page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

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UFC 150 Results: Frankie Edgar’s Time to Drop Weight Classes Is Now

When Frankie Edgar lost to Benson Henderson at UFC 150 in his attempt to regain his lightweight championship, it marked the beginning of the end for Edgar at that weight class. While there is no denying just how dominant Edgar was during his almost two…

When Frankie Edgar lost to Benson Henderson at UFC 150 in his attempt to regain his lightweight championship, it marked the beginning of the end for Edgar at that weight class.

While there is no denying just how dominant Edgar was during his almost two-year reign atop the division, this second loss in a row to Henderson will relegate him to the back of the championship line.

Edgar told the Washington Post after UFC 150 about how he feels about the loss and what the future doesn’t hold:

I felt I improved from last time, and I think I did enough to win…A lot of people told me they thought I’d won, but it doesn’t matter. The judges didn’t. The decision is not going to change, and it is what it is…I’m moving on…Dana’s not going to give me another title shot, I know that much.

With the truth about starting from the bottom of the barrel again fresh on Edgar’s mind, why not try something new?

As many experts have said before, Edgar has always been a bit small for the 155-lbs division, but made up for it with his strength and speed. As we saw when faced with a fighter just as gifted in Henderson, the sheer height advantage spelled trouble throughout their feud.

If Edgar were to lean out just a bit, he could easily make it down to the featherweight division (145 lbs) and dominate at a higher level. With a star like Jose Aldo ruling the roost, the path to the top wouldn’t be easy, though.

Bleacher Report MMA lead writer Jonathan Snowden talks about how a lower weight class might actually be where he should’ve been the whole time:

It’s hard to call Frankie a loser after that fight, especially since I thought he won the bout. But the universe is sending him a clear message.”You are barely 155 pounds soaking wet Frankie,” the universe is whispering. “Why are you fighting these behemoths?”

Edgar will hate this suggestion, but he’s consistently undersized at lightweight. It’s time to drop down and give 145 pounds a try. His time as lightweight champion, it seems, is officially over.

No one doubts how much talent Edgar has and how much he still has left in the tank, but he is 30 years old and time isn’t on his side. If he can drop weight classes and dominate for another few years, it will go a long way in securing his legacy.

Fans already love Edgar because of his immense skill set, but leaving the lightweight division now before he becomes a gatekeeper only to arise like a phoenix in the featherweight division would be another amazing chapter in an already impressive career.

Edgar isn’t leaving MMA anytime soon, but his decision on which belt to chase now will be the biggest decision of his UFC career.

 

Check back for more on Mixed Martial Arts as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s UFC page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

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UFC on Fox 4 Results: Breaking Down Biggest Winners and Losers

After a wild night that featured a main event and co-main event that were competing for the chance at the No. 1 contender’s spot at the 205-pound weight class, the biggest winner from UFC on FOX 4 was the company itself. With a few lackluster eve…

After a wild night that featured a main event and co-main event that were competing for the chance at the No. 1 contender’s spot at the 205-pound weight class, the biggest winner from UFC on FOX 4 was the company itself.

With a few lackluster events in the four months, UFC put on an event most MMA fans were proud to watch.

As great as the night was for the fans viewing it from the arena or the fans watching at home, there were some serious winners and losers in the Octagon Saturday night. This is where we break them down!

For full winners and losers, check out Bleacher Report’s MMA Blog!

 

Biggest Winners

Lyoto Machida

After UFC President Dana White announced that the two 205-pound main events would also be competing against each other for the chance at Jon Jones and the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, Lyoto Machida won that battle hands down.

With a huge KO victory of Ultimate Fighter Ryan Bader, Machida cemented his skills and proved that he was worthy of another title shot. We can’t forget, though, Jones beat Machida in December of 2011 and he wants vengeance. 

 

Mike Swick

After one of the best starts to a career you could ask for, Mike “Quick” Swick missed the last two years of his career to injuries and a stomach illness. With a return fight against DaMarques Johnson Saturday, Swick proved he is back.

Swick looked great in the portion of the fight in which both men were conscious, but it was his amazing KO in the second round that proved he was back. It was a great welcome home party for the veteran fighter.

 

Biggest Losers

Mauricio Rua

There are few fighters in MMA history who have the all-around skills that a veteran like Mauricio “Shogun” Rua possesses, but many have openly questioned if he can still put it all together in the biggest of moments.

While Rua won his fight against the embattled Brandon Vera, it was in a fashion that made the fans sympathize with the challenger’s efforts. Rua showed no desire to push the tempo of the fight to another level, despite having the possibility of a title shot on the line.

Not good. 

 

Ryan Bader

If I had Lyoto Machida as a winner, I had to put Ryan Bader as a loser because of the uncertainty the young fighter showed throughout the match. While it’s no shock that he was taken aback by Machida’s unique style, Bader had almost no answer for any offense thrown his way.

Bader eventually got so frustrated that he bull rushed himself into the awaiting fist of the now No. 1 contender Machida. While Bader had been heralded as the next big thing in the 205-pound class, three losses in his last five fights means he is not a serious contender.

 

Conclusion

While there has been serious talk about the waning interest in MMA and the UFC, Saturday night’s event will go a long way in ensuring that the sport’s grip on popular culture stays tight.

MMA isn’t going anywhere but up!

The problem for fans watching and paying for these events is the same problem boxing has faced; boring fights over and over again leave fans not wanting to waste their money. The fans want knockouts, not five-round decisions with little serious action.

UFC on Fox 4 was perfect. The event gave fans a submission and KOs and kept any and all decisions out of the hands of the judges.

If Dana White could get the cards to pan out the way Saturday’s did, MMA would never falter!

 

Check back for more on Mixed Martial Arts as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s UFC page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com