Author: Garrett Derr

Brock Lesnar: Why He Will Never Be What He Once Was

After being off for more than a year, UFC’s Brock Lesnar will return to the Octagon when he takes on arguably the best striker he’s faced in Alistair Overeem at UFC 141.UFC 141 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on Decembe…

After being off for more than a year, UFC’s Brock Lesnar will return to the Octagon when he takes on arguably the best striker he’s faced in Alistair Overeem at UFC 141.

UFC 141 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on December 30th, 2011 beginning at 7 p.m. PT and 10 p.m. ET.

As fans know, Lesnar is overcoming an illness known as diverticulitis which has prevented him from fighting since UFC 121.

Now, a healthy, or a believed to be healthy Lesnar will look to return to his normal form and become the dominating force he once was.

However, that might not come as easy as Lesnar or his fans expect.

Lesnar will be dealing with a variety of stumbling blocks when he straps his gloves on and enters the Octagon on December 30th.

It’s rare that a fighter ever returns to his previous image after being off for such a lengthy amount of time. And, for Lesnar, it will be even more difficult going up against a second-to-none striker like Overeem.

It will be interesting to see how Lesnar responds within the first few minutes of Round 1 as he is usually the fighter to be the aggressor.

However, it may take some time for Lesnar to become comfortable inside the Octagon again.

If Lesnar wants any chance in proving he is in fact capable of becoming the fighter he once was, he’ll need to display a game plan not effected by his illness.

Fans in attendance will be able to tell immediately whether or not Lesnar is at full health.

While ring rust may play a role when action begins in the main event of the evening at UFC 141, it won’t be the only thing.

Over the course of his career, Lesnar has transformed himself into a one-dimensional type of mixed martial artist.

Lesnar certainly doesn’t have the striking to compete with the upper-echelon competition in the heavyweight division.

In result, Lesnar’s used his powerful double-leg take down and vicious ground-and-pound to override his inability to exchange strikes.

Despite a come-from-behind submission victory over Shane Carwin at UFC 116, Lesnar hasn’t been able to produce a victory in any other way.

Therefore, a combination of his opponent’s exceptional skills, ring rust and his one-dimensional fighting style will ultimately prevent Lesnar from returning to the fighter he once was.

To make matters worse for Lesnar, a single loss would not only put him out of title contention in the heavyweight division but it could be his entry way for retirement from MMA.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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Why Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos Is the Greatest WMMA Fighter of All Time

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos entered Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal as one of the greatest women mixed martial artists of all time.Leading up to her highly anticipated bout with Hiroko Yamanaka, Santos brought in a 10-1 career record with her only def…

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos entered Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal as one of the greatest women mixed martial artists of all time.

Leading up to her highly anticipated bout with Hiroko Yamanaka, Santos brought in a 10-1 career record with her only defeat coming in the first fight of her MMA career.

Santos looked to remain unbeaten in her Strikeforce career, as she posted a perfect 4-0 record prior to her December 17th bout with Yamanaka.

Fortunately for Santos, just 16 seconds after the opening round began, she was declared victorious and remained the Strikeforce women’s featherweight champion.

Santos’ win sparked discussion; many began to wonder if she belongs in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Whether or not Santos is considered a top pound-for-pound fighter in cross gender MMA, she is certainly the greatest women’s fighter to have ever participated in the sport.

As displayed in her victory over Yamanaka, Santos is levels above her competition, as she landed 15 strikes in a matter of 16 seconds.

Santos’ knockout power has turned many shoulders over the course of her career, as she has a tendency to finish nearly every fight she takes part in.

The Brazil product has not only defeated the upper-echelon of competition in women’s MMA, but she’s done it with ease.

To make matters worse for her competition, Santos is just 26 years of age and holds potential to remain unbeaten throughout the remainder of her career.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos is the greatest WMMA fighter of all time.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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Gilbert Melendez Defeats Jorge Masvidal by Unanimous Decision

In the main event of the evening at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal, it was Gilbert Melendez who dominated action early and often.With a mission of proving why he belongs in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Melendez approached his opponent, conne…

In the main event of the evening at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal, it was Gilbert Melendez who dominated action early and often.

With a mission of proving why he belongs in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Melendez approached his opponent, connecting on right and left combinations that pushed Masvidal back against the cage.

Action would stand still midway through Round 1 until Melendez once again became the aggressor, landing a big right to Masvidal.

Melendez then pinned Masvidal up against the cage and placed in a Guillotine Choke.

Unfortunately for Melendez, Masvidal escaped, as both remained on their feet until the first frame came to a close.

When action picked back up, Melendez began to display his spectacular striking skills, as he landed a big right hook that once again pushed Masvidal up against the cage.

However, Masvidal would respond with a knee and an attempted combination, but it wasn’t enough to phase Melendez.

Melendez held control of the second round by displaying various leg kicks along with strikes, while Masvidal appeared to be gassing out.

Masvidal continued to look uncomfortable against a much faster Melendez as Round 3 began.

Any momentum that Masvidal may have had was long gone when Melendez began to attack his opponent with a series of strikes.

Melendez continued to unload his right hand, but Masvidal connected on a strike that appeared to swell up Melendez’s eye.

The third round came to a close with Melendez continuing to dominate his opponent despite an occasional knee by Masvidal.

When the first of two championship rounds began, it was Masvidal who remained content with how the championship bout was going, evidenced by his failure to test Melendez.

Melendez began to swing for the fences as Round 4 came to a close.

When the fifth and final round began, Melendez’s eye continued to swell up but Masvidal still lacked a sense of urgency.

After a Masvidal knee, Melendez began to unleash his vicious striking, while his opponent had no answer.

With just a minute remaining in the championship bout, Masvidal finally began throwing strikes, but it was too late.

After a takedown attempt, Melendez returned to his feet as the final round came to a close

The judge’s scorecards read 50-45, 50-45, 49-46, allowing Gilbert Melendez to remain the Strikeforce lightweight champion.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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Kenny Florian Talks His Future in the UFC, Moving Weight Classes and More

After a long and successful career in the lightweight division, UFC’s Kenny Florian made the transition to 145 pounds to square off with Diego Nunes at UFC 131.Florian would be declared victorious via unanimous decision and move on to face Jose Aldo fo…

After a long and successful career in the lightweight division, UFC’s Kenny Florian made the transition to 145 pounds to square off with Diego Nunes at UFC 131.

Florian would be declared victorious via unanimous decision and move on to face Jose Aldo for the featherweight title. There, however, Florian would take part in a five-round war that would ultimately go in the favor of Aldo.

Following his bout, there was speculation that Florian would return to 155 pounds, as he endured medical difficulties from dropping to the featherweight division.

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report’s Garrett Derr, Florian discussed his plans to return to the lightweight division, along with the hardships he endured during his time at featherweight.

“Dropping to the featherweight division was way too much for my body to handle,” said Florian. “The Diego Nunes fight was the worst I’ve ever felt on a weigh-in day. Luckily, I felt better on fight day and was able to pull out a victory.

“But, against Aldo it was a brutal weight cut, and I really didn’t feel too great heading into the fight. In result, I had some medical issues I had to deal with. I had a thyroid issue that was based on the drastic weight loss.

“Those are the things you kind of ignore as a fighter, but it became very real to me after the fight. I’ll now be moving and staying at lightweight.”

As Florian makes his transition back to the lightweight division, he still has one goal in mind: winning a UFC championship. Despite coming up short in all three title opportunities, Florian still feels he has what it takes to make another run towards UFC gold.

“I feel that I have all the skills to get it done,” Florian said. “I’ve had different issues over the course of my career, but I’m capable of doing it. It’s just going out there and getting it done. I have some injuries I’m going to let heal for the next two months. Once those things clear up, I’m looking forward to getting back on the race to the title.”

However, when that title run begins is unknown as Florian is unsure of when his exact return date will be.

Florian is also unsure of whom he will face in his return to the Octagon in 2012.

“I really have no idea right now<” Florian said. “I’m hoping it would be a well-respected, top guy in the lightweight division. But, right now I don’t have anyone in mind.

“I have a back injury that I’m letting heal up. As soon as that’s cleared, I’ll start talking to the UFC about possible opponents.”

While Florian has already established himself as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, fans began to question how much he had left in the tank following his defeat at UFC 136.

However, Florian feels he still has what it takes to be an elite contender in the UFC for a few more years.

“Physically, I know I’m capable of doing it. I love the sport, and I love the training. I have a bad back injury like I said, but I feel as if I can do this for a few more years. I’ve never had a problem going to the gym. I love it to a fault.” Florian laughed. “I think my career has a few more great years and fights left.”

However, that day will eventually come when Florian steps away from the Octagon.

But, that doesn’t mean Florian will step away from mixed martial arts; he’s demonstrated exceptional skills in broadcasting. Florian has taken part in analyzing fights in the past and would certainly pursue such a career following his retirement.

“Yes, I definitely want to [go into broadcasting] one day,” said Florian. “I do a lot of it already. I really enjoy doing it because it’s a great way of being a part of the sport.

“That will eventually be my career, along with some coaching, and I’ll continue to run my gym in Boston.”

Florian will entertain these other careers when the time arrives, but his main focus is recovering from his injuries and enjoying his time off.

Like many fighters, Florian enjoys doing many things outside of the Octagon.

“I love to travel when I get [the] chance. I also enjoy reading a good book, and I love to play chess. I don’t have a lot of time for too much else outside of mixed martial arts. Right now I’m reading a philosophy book and the ‘Future of Physics,'” said Florian.

While Florian has accomplished many things over the course of his career, he is often reminded of his brother, who has been by his side since day one.

“My brother Keith is one of the biggest influences in my life. He’s been with me since the very beginning. He’s been training with me since day one,” said Florian. “It’s been our journey together. There’s been a lot of other guys that have helped me along the way, but mainly it’s Keith who’s been there for me from the very beginning.”

To learn more about Kenny Florian follow him on Twitter or visit his website.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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Roy Nelson: ‘I Want to Fight the Best in the World’

After capturing arguably the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career over Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic at UFC 137, Roy Nelson is now slated to take on Fabricio Werdum at UFC 143.UFC 143 will take place on February 4th, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Events…

After capturing arguably the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career over Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic at UFC 137, Roy Nelson is now slated to take on Fabricio Werdum at UFC 143.

UFC 143 will take place on February 4th, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT and 10:00 p.m. ET.

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the fan favorite Nelson as he had lost two consecutive bouts leading up to his heavyweight showdown with “Cro Cop.” In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Garrett Derr, Nelson addressed the roadblocks he had to overcome.

“I would say it was a learning lesson. It was a lesson I needed to learn before I can become champion,” Nelson told Bleacher Report.

“You have to get rid of those stumbling blocks before you can become a champion. That way, you’re not becoming like the heavyweight division where the title flip-flops all the time.”

Not only did Nelson manage to surpass the roadblocks but he entered UFC 137 looking like a brand-new fighter. Nelson appeared in the best shape of his fighting career and packed with muscle. A loss in weight was a key component to Nelson’s success inside the Octagon.

“The biggest thing for my weight loss was taking part in secret ninja training.”

“And, if we’re going off my previous fight, overall, I lost about eight pounds,” Nelson stated.

Nelson will attempt to produce similar results when he squares off with Werdum in what could be the toughest fight of his mixed martial arts career.

A win over Werdum at UFC 143 will continue to move Nelson up the heavyweight rankings and potentially earn him a title shot.

“My first and foremost is that I’ve always wanted to fight the best in the world. I think just for what I’ve done in my past, being a former champion myself, it all depends on timing. Who’s hurt and who’s not hurt.”

“I think I showed the best and most impressive performance against Junior Dos Santos compared to any other fighter,” said Nelson.

Nelson addressed the possibility of seeing a potential rematch with Dos Santos in hopes of seeking revenge from his defeat at UFC 117.

“I would like to fight Junior just because he has the belt. But, if he doesn’t have the belt when I get around to fighting for it, I’ll fight whoever has it.”

Whoever has the belt could change as Nelson mentioned, as Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem are set to square off with the winner moving on to earn the No. 1 contender spot. Nelson shared his view on one of the most anticipated bouts of the year.

“It all depends on a lot of things. I’m waiting to see if that one actually happens. If Lesnar can take the fight to the ground, I think he’ll win. But, if Lesnar can’t take it to the ground, he loses. I really think it will be that simple,” said Nelson.

As Nelson continues to move forward in his career, he is often brought back to those who’ve helped him become the fighter he is today.

“All my success is a result of those around me. I’d definitely say my wife and the friends who push me,” Nelson stated. “But, the biggest in my fighting career, are the fighters who’ve made me lose. The guys who gave me my losses. Those guys are actually the guys who’ve made me the fighter I am today.”

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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UFC 141 Fight Card: Questions Alistair Overeem Must Answer Against Brock Lesnar

After a whirlwind of rumors leading up to UFC 141, Alistair Overeem will in fact take on Brock Lesnar in the main event of that pay-per-view.
UFC 141 will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 7 p.m. PT and 10 p.m. ET on Dec…

After a whirlwind of rumors leading up to UFC 141, Alistair Overeem will in fact take on Brock Lesnar in the main event of that pay-per-view.

UFC 141 will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 7 p.m. PT and 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 30.

Following years of discussion, Overeem will finally make his UFC debut after signing with the organization earlier this year.

His opponent, Lesnar, will have to answer many questions in his return to the Octagon after being off for a full year due to an illness referred to as diverticulitis.

However, he won’t be the only man in the Octagon who will be faced with questions as it will be the biggest fight of Overeem’s mixed martial arts career.

In order for Overeem to move closer to a heavyweight title shot, he’ll have to prove to the world he can handle the premier stage of mixed martial arts.

It’s likely Overeem may be hesitant out of the gate when action begins, as he’ll likely endure debut jitters. However, Overeem must overcome any anxiousness he may have and stick to his game plan early.

Overeem’s biggest question will come when Lesnar goes for the double-leg takedown.

Whether he can stop it will not only be the biggest question Overeem must answer but ultimately a deciding factor in the outcome of their main event bout.

However, if Overeem is taken to the ground, he’ll need to answer the question of whether or not he can escape or return to his feet.

More times than not, when Lesnar takes an opponent to the ground, they stay there.

Overeem must demonstrate the ability to escape from his back or somehow manage to catch Lesnar in a submission similar to that of Frank Mir at UFC 81.

If Overeem can remain on his feet and avoid grappling with Lesnar, he should leave Las Vegas with his first UFC victory.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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