Author: Duane Finley

Tyron Woodley Feels Marquardt Is Trying to Hype Himself for Fight

Tyron Woodley has traveled the road from prospect to contender and if everything goes as planned, on Saturday night he will be crowned champion. The former University of Missouri wrestling standout faces veteran Nate Marquardt for the vacant Strikeforc…

Tyron Woodley has traveled the road from prospect to contender and if everything goes as planned, on Saturday night he will be crowned champion. The former University of Missouri wrestling standout faces veteran Nate Marquardt for the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title.

This will undoubtedly be the biggest fight of Woodley’s career. Marquardt, who was once considered one of the best 185-pound fighters on the planet, will make not only his Strikeforce debut, but his first showing in the 170-pound weight class as well.

Woodley intends to spoil the party when the two fighters lock up in Portland. He feels this is the moment he has been waiting for and is eager to accomplish his goal of becoming champion.

“It feels really good to be fighting for the title,” Woodley told Bleacher Report. “It’s been a long time coming and a lot of preparation has gone into this. Not just with fight camp but all of the experiences and things I’ve been through. Those things have prepared me for this moment. I have to go in there and get the job done. Once the fight is over is when all the release and excitement kicks in.

“I’m a complete mixed martial artist. I bring the full package of striking, conditioning and wrestling into the cage. I think I’ve fought guys who are just as tough as Marquardt but he may be better in specific areas than some of my past opponents. I definitely think he’s the most well rounded guy I’ve faced.

“I’m coming out with the belt. I’m really at the point where I’m getting everything rolling. Every aspect of my game from the wrestling to the striking, from power to conditioning is coming together. I can’t tell fans how the fight will go but they can expect me to get my hand raised at the end of it.”

In the lead up to their bout, Marquardt has fired off his opinion in interviews about Woodley. He feels the undefeated fighter has taken shots at his highly publicized struggles and vowed to make him pay for it. Woodley disagrees with the accusations.

Rather than take it personally, he believes his opponent is using the talk for his own benefit.

“His talk isn’t any type of motivation for me,” Woodley said. “If anything I think he’s using it to motivate himself. I’ve said it a million times that I respect him and his family. I know he’s been through some difficult things and I’ve veered away from talking about TRT or him saying things that are uncharacteristic for him to say.

“It’s him trying to hype himself. Sometimes people have to pump themselves up and I’m not one of those guys. I believe my training, lifestyle and belief in God is more than enough to motivate me. I don’t need anything extra to get me hyped up. I don’t buy into it. 

“In my opinion I’ve been overly respectful to him. I don’t listen to the things he says. All I know is he has a rude awakening coming for him this Saturday.”

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Kennedy Promises Bout with Rockhold Will Deliver Where Silva vs. Sonnen 2 Failed

The current state of affairs in Strikeforce has Tim Kennedy shaking his head in disbelief. As the No.1 contender to the middleweight crown, the biggest fight of his career is just a day away, and he’s fairly certain the bout will not register…

The current state of affairs in Strikeforce has Tim Kennedy shaking his head in disbelief. As the No.1 contender to the middleweight crown, the biggest fight of his career is just a day away, and he’s fairly certain the bout will not register on the mainstream MMA radar.

Kennedy has every right to be upset. He has worked tirelessly to work back to the top of the middleweight division. One of the weight class’s scrappiest, Kennedy has made his name in the sport by making good fighters look bad by using his grinding style to break his opposition. It will be a tough task to execute against Rockhold, but Kennedy wouldn’t have it any other way.

But when it comes to the topic of who will be watching, Kennedy didn’t hesitate to speak his mind on the current situation surrounding the organization.

“We’ve been overlooked for a long time in Strikeforce and will continue to be overlooked,” Kennedy told Bleacher Report in an exclusive interview. “Honestly if I win the championship on Saturday night it is not going to change anything for me. With my career, my family’s wealth, or how the media and fans perceive me isn’t going to really change. Which is tragic because I’m fighting an amazingly talented, underrated, super-tough guy.This fight is almost inconsequential to most MMA fans.

“There is nothing either Luke and I can do. We go out there and put on the fight of the year, five rounds of up and down action, slams, knockdowns — Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar 2 and nobody will care.”

The month of July has been a showcase of the sport’s top middleweight fighters. While Rockhold vs. Kennedy is certainly one of the biggest matchups on this month’s schedule, it isn’t receiving the attention it deserves.

When talking about his fight with Rockhold this Saturday night, Kennedy promised their matchup will deliver where he feels the biggest fight in UFC history came up short.

“UFC 148 just happened with Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen,” Kennedy said. “There were five minutes of Chael laying on him and two minutes of Anderson hitting Chael in the second round. It was pretty anti-climactic. The build-up didn’t deliver and fans are going to see a fight between Luke and I. We are two men, completely in our athletic prime and we are going to put on a show. We are going to go out there and put on one of the best fights in MMA history.

“This isn’t WWE. Luke and I don’t have a problem with one another and we aren’t bad mouthing each other. But we are going to step into the cage on Saturday night and try to knock each other’s heads off. I don’t have to have a beef with a guy to hit him hard. I don’t need to put on a show to sell tickets. I need to go out and perform.

“Chael and Anderson did a great job of selling their fight but then they got into the cage and left a lot of people disappointed. It will be the opposite with us. We are going in there and we will put on one hell of a fight. I don’t care what is said beforehand; once the cage doors closes and the referee says ‘let’s do this’ there is going to be a fight. That’s all I care about.”

While Kennedy may be at a loss with the circumstances surrounding the bout, the fight itself has him fired up. Both men create interesting problems for one another inside of the cage, and Kennedy’s focus isn’t on championship gold, but testing himself against one of the best middleweights in the world.

“The belt is kind of irrelevant to me,” Kennedy said. “I know that is anti-climactic but what matters to me is fighting the best guys in Strikeforce. Luke is the best guy in Strikeforce and that gets me excited. Even though he is underrated and people don’t know how good he is, I know I’m fighting the best.

“Rockhold’s range and timing is his best asset. He doesn’t hit terribly hard, or at least it doesn’t look like it. I’ve never been hit by him so I can’t say for sure. His ability to use his length and height are tools he uses well. I’m not going to want to fight his fight and I’m not going to be within his range for any amount of time.

“He’s a brown belt in jiu-jitsu under Dave Camarillo. Dave is someone I have a lot of respect for and he’s cornered me in some of my fights. I have a lot of respect for Luke’s jiu-jitsu and his takedown defense is one of the best in the sport. He’s fantastic up against the cage and he’s a great open mat wrestler. He has the ability to put the fight where he wants it. He has no problem with hitting a guy, running in there and then going to the ground with his opponent.”

For the time being, Kennedy will drown out the other emotions to make sure his complete focus is fixed on the current middleweight champion. Kennedy understands what needs to be done in order to win and is prepared to give it his all inside of the cage.

“Of course I would love an easy fight where it is a one punch knockout, but it is not going to happen that way,” Kennedy said. “I’m not going to let Luke fight the fight he wants to and it will be brutal and hard. It is definitely going to be one for the ages.”

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Nate Marquardt’s Road to Redemption Begins with Tyron Woodley

Nate Marquardt is tired of talking. He’s done the interviews. He has explained the reasons behind his elevated testosterone levels. In the year since his highly publicized release from the UFC, he has watched quietly from the sidelines a…

Nate Marquardt is tired of talking.

He’s done the interviews. He has explained the reasons behind his elevated testosterone levels. In the year since his highly publicized release from the UFC, he has watched quietly from the sidelines as the sport he loves carried on.

Marquardt has done his best to remain positive with his back against the wall, and this Saturday he will return to action as he makes his Strikeforce debut in Portland against Tyron Woodley.

Marquardt will have the opportunity to fight for the vacant welterweight title when he attempts the task of defeating Woodley, the former Missouri wrestling standout who is unbeaten in 10 outings.

When they lock up this Saturday night, Marquardt will not only be fighting for his chance to wear championship gold. It will be his opportunity to take a giant step forward after taking so many difficult steps over the past year.

“Woodley is definitely a top level fighter,” Marquardt told Bleacher Report. “He’s undefeated and has faced some tough dudes. He has fought some tough guys in the past, but nobody with my experience and talent.

“I believe a solid performance against him would secure me a place in the Top 10 at 170 pounds, or maybe higher if that is what people think. If I’m looking at it objectively, that is what I would think. My well-rounded skills are going to be a factor in this fight.”

While Woodley makes no secret about wrestling being his greatest strength, over the past two fights he has shown improvement and confidence in his hands. Marquardt has worked hard to improve his wrestling but if Woodley decides to stand, Marquardt believes his striking will be too much for his opponent to handle.

“I hope he makes the mistake of standing with me,” Marquardt said. “I don’t think he will though. I think he is going to stick to what he knows best. At the same time there are a couple of things he does well with on the feet but I think he’s going to realize when we get in there and start moving around that I’m on a different level than him when it comes down to it.

“The opportunity to become a champion is definitely something I’m looking forward to, but that is not my focus for this fight. My focus is to win by getting in there and performing. I want to do my best. I want to have a good fight for the fans and put on a show. Fans are going to see a very exciting fight. They are going to see a better athlete than I was before and this is going to be an upgraded version of Nate Marquardt.”

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Luke Rockhold Hungry to Prove He’s One of the Best Middleweights in the World

There are times when respect matters more than anything. Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold may have earned credibility amongst his peers, but it is his place in the bigger picture which still pushes his buttons. Rockho…

There are times when respect matters more than anything. Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold may have earned credibility amongst his peers, but it is his place in the bigger picture which still pushes his buttons.

Rockhold steps into action this Saturday against No.1 contender Tim Kennedy. He is expecting a war, but knows no matter what caliber of performance he puts on, the recognition of his place amongst the sport’s best middleweights could still be overlooked.

Since hitting the Strikeforce cage in 2008, Rockhold has battled his way from prospect status to undisputed champion of the 185-pound division. He is a proud champion, and fully prepared to do whatever it takes to make a statement against Kennedy.

“You only live once and I live to be the best,” Rockhold told Bleacher Report in an exclusive interview. “Until I am I won’t be happy. I have to keep putting on solid performances against whoever I face and I plan on doing that this coming weekend. I have to put a stamp on fights.

“In Strikeforce it doesn’t seem that we get the respect we deserve and I plan on putting a stamp on this one. I want to let everyone know I can compete with and beat anybody.

A quick look at Rockhold’s record and it becomes clear his performances speak for themselves. All but one of his victories have came within the first round, and he’s been able to put his opposition away in a variety of fashions.

He has been able to capitalize on a well-rounded skill set which will most definitely be put to the test when he squares off with Kennedy. He knows Kennedy wants to take their fight to the ground and Rockhold plans to have a few things waiting for him.

“I want to keep my distance, use my range and reach in this fight,” Rockhold said. “If he does manage to close the distance and get inside, my counter-wrestling is on point. If he gets me down he won’t be able to keep me there. I can get up no matter who is on top of me and Kennedy won’t be any different. I want to keep my distance and catch him coming in. I believe I can do that.

“He’s coming in there to beat me and I don’t like losing. I’m in this to win. He wants my belt and that just isn’t going to happen. Anyone who comes after it—I have to go out there and put it on them. I have to beat their ass.

“I’m bringing a high-paced, exciting fight. I don’t like boring fights and I want to keep the fans excited. From top to bottom this fight card is amazing and it’s going to end in dramatic fashion with the main event. I’m either going to knock his head off or I’m going to rip it off; one or the other. Fans need to tune in because they are not going to want to miss this.”

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Aaron Simpson Plans on Getting Back to His Old Ways in a New Division

Tonight, a new chapter begins for Aaron Simpson. The former Arizona State All-American wrestler has spent the first 14 fights of his career competing as a middleweight, but when he steps into the Octagon tonight against Kenny Robertson, it will be his …

Tonight, a new chapter begins for Aaron Simpson.

The former Arizona State All-American wrestler has spent the first 14 fights of his career competing as a middleweight, but when he steps into the Octagon tonight against Kenny Robertson, it will be his first showing at 170 pounds.

Simpson made the decision to become a vegetarian three years ago. After fully adapting to the lifestyle, he has taken the next step in becoming vegan, which he credits for helping a great deal in his ability to make weight for the bout.

“Being vegan definitely made the weight cut easier,” Simpson told Bleacher Report in an exclusive interview. “It is something you have to be disciplined about because it’s not necessarily the most convenient thing. Once you live that lifestyle and you know where to go and know what you need; it becomes easier. It was the easiest and cleanest way I could have cut the weight. I feel strong as hell right now.

“People are coming out and talking smack about (Houston Texans running back) Arian Foster because he’s decided to become vegan. They are saying he’s not going to be the running back he was and he is going to lose muscle mass. That’s just B.S. You can get great plant proteins that are healthier than animal proteins. It’s just a matter of being disciplined about it.”

The fight with Robertson will mark Simpson’s official debut in the welterweight division. He was originally slated to face perennial contender Jon Fitch until the AKA-trained fighter was forced to withdraw due to injury.

While Simpson was looking forward to facing one of the division’s best right off the bat, he’s gained enough experience in the fight game to know it is never a good thing to overlook an opponent.

”When I learned Jon (Fitch) wasn’t going to be able to take the fight, I was disappointed for a couple of hours and then I got over it,” Simpson said. “I put it behind me quickly because I had to prepare for Kenny Robertson. Anything can happen in a fight, and I’m looking to get the win here. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I know I’m going to be the bigger fighter in this bout, and that is a great change. I spent a lot of time facing opponents who were much bigger than I was, and it was an obstacle I constantly had to overcome.  I’m looking to get back to my old ways and get this victory.”

Simpson will be entering a division that has become an expressway for contenders since long-reigning champion Georges St-Pierre became injured. With the current state of affairs at 170 pounds, Simpson feels the timing is right for him to add his name to the list of fighters who want a shot at wearing championship gold.

“The welterweight division is wide open right now in my opinion,” Simpson said. “There are 10 guys who could legitimately become the champion in this weight class, and I’m looking to be another fighter in that mix.”

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UFC on Fuel TV 4: Andrew Craig Looks to Remain Unbeaten Against Natal

Competing on the sport’s biggest stage can be a complex issue filled with varying degrees of pressure. Some fighters take to it naturally, like a clicking gear, and immediately begin the process of battling their way up the rankings. For others, the pr…

Competing on the sport’s biggest stage can be a complex issue filled with varying degrees of pressure. Some fighters take to it naturally, like a clicking gear, and immediately begin the process of battling their way up the rankings. For others, the process isn’t automatic and they struggle against the best the world has to offer.

Entering an environment where fighters are moving in a handful of different trajectories can create confusion. But newcomer Andrew Craig takes it all in stride.

Just over two years into his professional mixed martial arts career, Craig has not only earned his way into the UFC, but made a statement in his arrival by defeating a game fighter in Kyle Noke. The victory marked the next leg of his journey and he appreciates the steps he’s taken to get here.

“It felt awesome to beat Noke,” Craig told Bleacher Report in an exclusive interview. “Every victory in this sport means you still have a job. Australian fans are really cool so it was no sweat off my back. I got booed a little bit but it was more the fans cheering him louder than anything else. It wasn’t hostile territory or anything like that. It was a lot of fun and I like having a few things stacked against me.”

“There are a lot of tough guys outside of the UFC these days and I’ve been fortunate to fight some of them along the way. A lot of it is about timing and exposure. There are guys fighting on regional circuits and other promotions who are just as good as some of the guys in the UFC but they haven’t been able to time things right or get noticed.”

Craig’s next challenge will come against MMA veteran Rafael Natal at UFC on Fuel TV 4 in San Jose. After experiencing a setback in his UFC debut, Natal has put together two consecutive victories heading into their matchup Wednesday night. Craig will be looking to keep his unblemished record intact and is prepared for what Natal brings to the table.

“I like the matchup with Natal,” Craig said. “I’ve fought against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts before and I’ve done well. I faced Rodrigo Pinheiro in Bellator my second pro fight and he was a great Jiu-Jitsu guy like Natal. The biggest difference is Natal has some heavy hands and throws some heat. I really don’t see too much difference between this fight and the one with Kyle Noke.

“I think my wrestling is better than his. Natal has great Jiu-Jitsu but I don’t believe he’ll be able to use it against me. My submission defense is solid. I don’t see myself going to the ground with him unless I’m on top and I feel I will beat him decisively.

“I don’t like to back down. I’m coming forward and I’ll drag him into deep water if I have to. I don’t go out there crazy looking for a first round finish, but I am looking to put a hurting on him.”

Being under the bright lights of the grand stage can change a thing or two about a fighter’s life. The attention increases and their performances are heralded or scrutinized on a level previously unknown to them. Craig is excited for whatever may come down the road, but is more than happy to take things one step at a time.

“I’ve set pretty short term goals,” Craig said. “I take it fight by fight and my goal is to win the fight in front of me. It’s nice to be where I’m at, but I’m humbled everyday by the guys I spar with. I think I have the potential to make it far in this sport, but I’m not looking too far ahead of where I’m at.

“I’m just a regular dude. I teach fighting and self-defense at a school. I’m a laid back guy who likes to have a good time.

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