Author: Garrett Derr

Jake Hecht Plans to Fight on Every Continent, Talks UFC on FX 2 and More

Everyone has a bucket list.For UFC welterweight Jake Hecht (11-2), his includes fighting on every continent in the world.”A goal of mine is to fight on every continent other than Antarctica,” Hecht told Bleacher Report. “When my coach asked where I wan…

Everyone has a bucket list.

For UFC welterweight Jake Hecht (11-2), his includes fighting on every continent in the world.

“A goal of mine is to fight on every continent other than Antarctica,” Hecht told Bleacher Report. “When my coach asked where I wanted to fight next, Australia was one place at the top of the list and it just happened to work out for me.”

So far, so good for the unbeaten welterweight since joining the UFC during the home stretch of 2011.

Hecht has fought in North America, Europe, Asia, and now Australia leaving just South America and Africa yet to accomplish.

When Hecht takes the Octagon in his preliminary bout against TJ Waldburger (14-6) on March 2 at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, he’ll enter with greatly improved Jiu-Jitsu skills to defend against his opponent’s world-class submissions.

“Given TJ’s skills on the ground, that’s a concern of mine. I feel like I still have the advantage wrestling, though, and also with my stand-up. I also feel like I have the upper hand in the mental game,” said Hecht.

“I have been working a lot with my BJJ coach, Kyle Watson, at just staying calm and working through any submission attempts and using my position to my advantage. I would like to say I’ll get him in a first-round knockout,” said Hecht. “Obviously I can’t predict exactly how the fight will play out, but I do feel I have the better overall game and that I’m the stronger competitor.”

 

 

A win over Waldburger would certainly be the most meaningful of Hecht’s career, but according to the 28-year-old St. Louis product, he’s already accomplished his goal.

“My goal from the beginning of my MMA career was to fight in the UFC, so when I look back I think my fondest memory will be that I met that goal,” said Hecht. “Hopefully, I have inspired some guys to try the sport or even just to keep working for what they want.”

“I worked hard for years to get to where I am, so if I can instill that kind of self-motivation and faith in someone that I see at the gym or coach, that would be a big accomplishment for me,” said Hecht.

With a lot still left in the tank, who knows what Hecht’s future could hold?

However, like many great fighters, Hecht recognizes his success is a mere product of those who’ve assisted him throughout his journey to the UFC.

While Hecht, also known as “The Hitman,” has received an enormous amount of help over the course of his career, he pinpoints a few specific names that continue to push him day in and day out.

“Marc Fiore and Kyle Watson have always being willing to go the extra mile for me and have traveled around the world to be in my corner. I could go on and on, but my girlfriend Natalie has also been a great support system for me,” said Hecht.

“As far as the sport itself goes, a big thanks to Rival Boxing MMA.”

 

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Demetrious Johnson Is Getting Married, Picks Benavidez and Talks Video-Gaming

Losing a five-round war for the UFC title is a hard thing to swallow.But, if your name is Demetrious Johnson (14-2) , things could be worse.”Losing to Dominick was pretty tough especially considering the fact with how hard I worked,” Johnson told Bleac…

Losing a five-round war for the UFC title is a hard thing to swallow.

But, if your name is Demetrious Johnson (14-2) , things could be worse.

“Losing to Dominick was pretty tough especially considering the fact with how hard I worked,” Johnson told Bleacher Report. “But, life is good and I have a lot going on for me right now.”

Indeed life is good.

Johnson, a member of the UFC’s new flyweight division, is enjoying life at 125 pounds as he’ll be taking on Ian McCall (11-2) in just a few short days at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia.

“Ian McCall is a tough matchup for me and if anyone thinks I’m looking past him, they’re crazy. He brings to the table what a lot of guys can’t. Plus hes been fighting at 125 a lot longer than I’ve been. There was never really a market for it before,” said Johnson. “I would have probably entertained the flyweight division if there was that option in the past.”

“Ian is definitely a tricky opponent. I think I’ll be able to set the tone from the start with my pace and quickness. He’s a great fighter, but I’ve also fought some higher level competition compared to what he’s faced,” said Johnson. “I’m confident I’ll be fighting in the flyweight championship.”

Speaking of the flyweight championship, fellow flyweights Joseph Benavidez and Yasuhiro Urushitani will be taking the Octagon immediately after Johnson and McCall finish up on March 2nd.

And, if Johnson’s predictions come true, he’ll be meeting Alpha Male’s Benavidez for the 125-pound title sometime this summer.

“Both guys are great, but I think I have to go with Joe on this one. I think I’ll be fighting Joe in the championship just because of the guys hes faced and the level of competition hes fought at,” said Johnson.

While “Mighty Mouse” is certainly looking forward to his flyweight debut, he’s even more excited for what will come in May.

“I’m getting married in May to my fiance, Destiny. Man, she’s been one of the greatest things that’s happened to me,” said Johnson. “She’s really been there for me since my second fight and hasn’t left my side since.”

“She’s so supportive and does so much for me. She’s my best friend and I’m thankful to have her in my life. She takes care of everything when I’m on the road and she’s just that type of person. She wants me to be happy and I want the same for her,” stated Johnson. “I want to give her everything she wants.”

While Johnson’s plate is certainly full, he still has room for dessert.

Johnson’s free-spirit and down-to-earth personality have caused many to wonder what the “Mighty Mouse” is like outside of the cage.

Johnson breaks it down.

“Man, I don’t know how many people know this about me, but I’m a huge gamer. I love all types of games. When I’m not in the gym training for a fight there’s a good chance I’m catching up on some gamin’. I’m running the streets looking for new games all the time,” laughed Johnson. “If I’m not doing that then I’m looking up and researching new games to see which are worth buying.”

“No matter what I’m doing, I’m loving life.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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Miesha Tate: "I’m Not Making the Rookie Mistake"

Four fights, four armbars and four victories.That’s exactly what Strikeforce No. 1 contender Ronda Rousey (4-0) has done since joining the sport just under a year ago.However, don’t expect Strikeforce’s women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (12-2) …

Four fights, four armbars and four victories.

That’s exactly what Strikeforce No. 1 contender Ronda Rousey (4-0) has done since joining the sport just under a year ago.

However, don’t expect Strikeforce’s women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (12-2) to be the slightest bit concerned about the armbar.

“I’m not really that worried about the arm-bar,” Tate told Bleacher Report. “I think the biggest mistake I could make is focusing on what Ronda is going to do or what she can do versus what I’m going to do and what I can do.”

“I think it would be a big rookie mistake on my part to be training only arm-bar defense every single day. I’m not training to be in that position,” said Tate. “I’m training to impose my will and my game plan which absolutely never involves being in an arm-bar.”

Tate, who’s won five straight fights will look to push the pace as she’s done in the majority of her bouts since making her third return to Strikeforce.

With that in mind, Tate plans to be well-prepared for anything that Rousey may have up her sleeve.

Even if that means something other than the arm-bar.

“I’ve been really focused on implementing what I’m going to do and not too worried about what she’s going to do. I want to be proactive instead of reactive,” stated Tate.

“I haven’t seen much more than what we’ve seen inside a minute. I’m sure Ronda has more than just an arm-bar. I’ve never been a believer that she’s only a one trick pony. You have to expect the unexpected. As the champion you have to be ready for absolutely everything,” said Tate. “I’m going into this fight being prepared for everything and anything.”

Regardless of what Rousey brings to the table, Tate has one goal in mind—finish the fight.

Tate’s no rookie when it comes to finishing off her opponent as she’s found a way to finish eight opponents in just 12 victories.

The eye-catching Tate will attempt to make Rousey her ninth victim of a finish when the two kick off the main event on March 3rd.

“I do know whats shes obviously really good at, but I don’t know what else she has to her game. I want to finish the fight and that’s the goal,” stated Tate. “The finish is definitely what I’m training for.”

“This could be a very competitive fight. I have to be prepared to go all five rounds,” said Tate. “I can’t tell what’s going to happen, but I’m prepared to do either or but I’m always looking for the finish.”

 

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UFC 144 Results: Tim Boetsch Defeats Yushin Okami by Round 3 TKO

In one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening at UFC 144, Japan’s own Yushin Okami entered the Octagon coming off his most recent defeat to Anderson Silva in a championship bout at UFC 134.Okami stood across the Octagon from former light heavywei…

In one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening at UFC 144, Japan’s own Yushin Okami entered the Octagon coming off his most recent defeat to Anderson Silva in a championship bout at UFC 134.

Okami stood across the Octagon from former light heavyweight Tim Boetsch, who was yet to be defeated in the middleweight division.

Boetsch’s winning streak was in jeopardy early, as he was picked apart by the well-rounded Okami.

“The Barbarian” endured cuts under both eyes from straight jabs, but continued to plunge away.

Despite Boetsch landing several leg kicks in the opening frame, Okami stole Round 1 on the judge’s scorecards and picked up steam heading into the second round.

Okami eventually put Boetsch on his back and began to tee off through a series of strikes and elbows.

However, Boetsch would continue to remain in the fight and was saved by the bell as action was headed to the third and final round.

Boetsch gained life during the one-minute break as he appeared to be a man on a mission, attacking Okami with an overhand right to begin Round 3.

Okami was pushed up against the cage as Boetsch began to unload with a variety of kicks and strikes.

After three uppercuts, Okami fell to the Octagon floor as his opponent began to tee off en route to one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history.

The bout was stopped just 54 seconds into the third round, declaring Boetsch the victor via technical knockout.

Boetsch has now won three consecutive bouts at the middleweight division, while Okami has been felled in his last two fights.

 

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UFC 144 Results: Did Joe Rogan Disrespect Frankie Edgar?

Since being declared the UFC lightweight champion over BJ Penn at UFC 112, Frankie Edgar has always been questioned and considered the underdog due to his size.However, Edgar has proven his size to be just another number as his heart often outweighs an…

Since being declared the UFC lightweight champion over BJ Penn at UFC 112, Frankie Edgar has always been questioned and considered the underdog due to his size.

However, Edgar has proven his size to be just another number as his heart often outweighs any type of advantage his opponent may have.

In fact, Edgar’s heart as allowed many fans to fall in love with his tough-minded, never give-up attitude over the years.

Even in the lowest of lows, Edgar has found a way to win.

After two impressive performances over Penn, “The Answer” moved on to fellow lightweight Gray Maynard, who gave him the test of his life.

But Edgar continued to come out on top as he found a way to win.

After getting revenge on the only loss of his mixed martial arts career, it was announced that Edgar would be taking on No. 1 contender Benson Henderson at UFC 144.

When action began, it was Edgar who scored points on the judge’s scorecards through his aggressive and upbeat style of pace.

But, Henderson would eventually take control of the fight, landing several grueling body kicks.

The never-quit heart of Edgar’s was present once again as he continue to battle through a swollen left eye en route to out-striking Henderson 124-114 and winning the takedown battle 7-2.

However, Henderson was able to land more significant strikes, ultimately allowing him to escape Saitama, Japan, as the new 155-pound champion.

Following his first loss in nearly four years, Edgar joined UFC color commentator Joe Rogan for his post-fight interview.

Instead of focusing on the fight at hand, Rogan chose to discuss Edgar’s future in the lightweight division.

Rogan presented the option of dropping to the featherweight division after Edgar has spent his entire career fighting at 155 pounds.

Not only has Edgar spent his days at the lightweight division but he’s done it well, winning nine of his 12 career bouts inside the Octagon.

If Edgar chooses to make the move to the 145-pound weight division, that will be his own decision.

But until then, no one, including Joe Rogan, should question the former champion, as he’s accomplished more than most could ever dream of.

 

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UFC 144 Results: Did Frankie Edgar Lose Because of His Appearance?

After five action-packed rounds, the final bell closed the doors to one of the greatest fights in the history of the UFC.Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar battled it out with No. 1 contender Benson Henderson, only to lose his prized possession of UFC …

After five action-packed rounds, the final bell closed the doors to one of the greatest fights in the history of the UFC.

Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar battled it out with No. 1 contender Benson Henderson, only to lose his prized possession of UFC gold.

Henderson was declared then newest lightweight champion as the judge’s scorecards favored his performance (49-46, 49-46 and 48-47).

However, after an extremely close decision, many fans across the globe were left wondering what the deciding factor of the decision truly was.

Edgar endured a torturing amount of damage to the face, as he saw his left eye swollen badly.

But, from past experiences, Edgar has demonstrated an easier ability to bleed, as its become a trademark to his game.

In fact, it’s difficult to reminisce on a bout when Edgar didn’t have blood flying from his nose or an eye swollen.

His opponent, Henderson, displayed no such damage.

Could the visual damage to Edgar’s face be the result of his stripped title?

When all was said and done, Henderson led the way as he out-struck Edgar in significant blows 87-68.

However, in the grand scheme of things, the tough-minded Edgar was able to edge his opponent in total strikes 124-114.

In addition, Edgar was able to land seven takedowns to Henderson’s two.

With the entire world on the edge of their seats, could the deciding factor of the championship bout have been a direct result of Edgar’s physical appearance?

 

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