Author: Garrett Derr

Mark Bocek: "If You Use Marijuana, You Shouldn’t Be Fighting"

There’s been a growing connection with the sport of mixed martial arts and marijuana over the past several years as the sport continues to grow.However, it needs to be made clear that there are many fighters who shy away from the marijuana discussion a…

There’s been a growing connection with the sport of mixed martial arts and marijuana over the past several years as the sport continues to grow.

However, it needs to be made clear that there are many fighters who shy away from the marijuana discussion as they believe in doing things the right way.

One of these individuals is UFC lightweight Mark Bocek (10-4) who recently sat down with Bleacher Report.

“I think if your doctor is telling you that you need to take medicinal marijuana, you probably should not be fighting,” said Bocek.

The proud Canadian will continue to do things the right way as he finishes up final preparations for his upcoming bout at UFC 145.

Bocek was originally expected to meet Matt Wiman but will now square off with John Alessio because of an injury that sidelined Wiman.

“I’m not disappointed at all that Wiman got injured. I’m just happy to have an opponent,” said Bocek. “I think if you’re fighting in the UFC, you deserve to be in this position.”

Bocek is coming off a win over Nik Lentz at UFC 140 where his hand was raised via unanimous decision.

On paper, Bocek holds the clear advantage as the odds heavily favor his skill set.

In fact, Bocek’s last loss came when he went the distance with current lightweight champion Benson Henderson only to come up short by way of the judge’s scorecards.

The fans aren’t the only ones who feel Bocek is entering with the wind at his back.

“I believe I have an advantage in every area of this fight,” said Bocek. “I don’t really know how I’ll win, but I will find a way to win.”

As Bocek continues to elevate back to elite contender status, he remembers those who’ve assisted him along the way.

As we know, a fighter is only as good as those in which he surrounds himself with.

“I would like to thank Mary Oliveira, Firas Zahabi, Jon Chaimberg, Mike Dolce and my training partners. I’d also like to thank my sponsors: Major’s Pharmacy, Kleinburg Private Wealth, Kaiwaa, Fight Decals, Dr. Paul Biondich, Vitalife Therapeutics, Life Pulp, Level 12, Venum,  Dr. Josie Buttice, and Street Soldier,” said Bocek.

“And of course all my family and friends.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Mark Hominick Talks Loss of Shawn Tompkins, UFC 145 and More

The greatest boxer to ever walk the face of the earth once said, “Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong.”UFC featherweight Mark Hominick was down.But as Muhammad Ali stated, it’s not being knocked …

The greatest boxer to ever walk the face of the earth once said, “Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong.”

UFC featherweight Mark Hominick was down.

But as Muhammad Ali stated, it’s not being knocked down that defines us, but rather returning to our feet.

On August 14th, 2011, Hominick lost a dear friend when mixed martial arts mastermind Shawn Tompkins unexpectedly passed away.

“Shawn has always been my mentor,” Hominick told Bleacher Report. “That won’t change.”

“He’s the reason I can do this every day of my life,” Hominick said. “He’s led by example. Losing him was a huge loss for me. It’s my job and responsibility to carry on his tradition and legacy by going out there and fighting and winning for him.”

The adversity didn’t come to an end as Hominick strapped on his gloves to take on Chan Sung Jung less than four months later at UFC 140.

Once again, Hominick was down.

Just seven seconds into his featherweight matchup, Hominick found himself defeated as the victim of a knockout blow.

“It’s the nature of the sport,” Hominick said. “You see it happen time and time again. But that’s what makes it so exciting at times. It’s the unpredictability of the sport.”

“It was definitely a very tough loss for me,” he said. “I went in there with so much emotion that I normally don’t fight with, and I paid the price for it. I threw a looping punch that I know I would never throw. He followed it with a nice right so my hat goes off to him.

“I’m sure our paths will cross down the road and when that time comes, I’ll get a chance at redemption,” Hominick said.

But before that can happen, Hominick will meet UFC newcomer Eddie Yagin when the UFC travels to Atlanta, Ga. for UFC 145.

With two consecutive losses and his back against the wall, Hominick will attempt to return to the winning column for the first time in over a year.

“Eddie is a veteran of the sport,” Hominick said. “Because he hasn’t fought in the UFC, a lot of fans don’t know who he is. He’s been fighting since 2000, and he’s fought just about everyone in the sport. He’s a game-time fighter, so I’m excited about it.

“My technique and speed will be huge advantages, especially when I’m on my feet,” he said. “He’s got a lot of power in his right hand, and he’s got a great guillotine. He’s dangerous and a great fighter. I’m taking him serious, and I’m prepared in every area.”

Hominick‘s experience with adversity has allowed him to appreciate every moment of life.

When he enters the Octagon on Saturday, April 21st, he’ll be fighting for more than just himself.

He’ll be fighting for Tompkins.

“I don’t care if it takes one minute or 15 minutes. I’m just going in there to win,” he said.

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Reza Madadi: ‘I Will Manhandle Him and Send Him Back Home’

The fun and games are over.UFC newcomer Reza Madadi (11-2) is ready to make a statement when he enters the Octagon to take on Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-0) at UFC on Fuel 2.”I will manhandle him and send him back home,” Madadi told Bleacher Report.Madadi i…

The fun and games are over.

UFC newcomer Reza Madadi (11-2) is ready to make a statement when he enters the Octagon to take on Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-0) at UFC on Fuel 2.

“I will manhandle him and send him back home,” Madadi told Bleacher Report.

Madadi is slated to square off with Izquierdo in his home country of Sweden for the only 155-pound matchup of the evening.

And as expected, “Mad Dog” Reza wants no one standing in the way of his homecoming party as he’s spent his entire life fighting in the city of Stockholm.

However, without a run-in with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, it’s likely Reza would still be on the outside looking in.

“I actually found out that I would finally fight for the UFC when I attended UFC 138 in Birmingham. I was there to coach Papy Abedi when my manager and I met Joe Silva,” said Reza. “My manager introduced me to him and he said that he heard a lot about me and that he would do his best to get me in.”

“Two weeks later, I received my lovely contract.”

Reza will attempt to record his seventh straight victory when he stands across the Octagon from Izquierdo in just a few short hours.

Reza is also aware that while his confidence may be sky-high, there’s no easy fight in the UFC.
 
“I realize that every matchup is tough in the UFC. I don’t know too much about him [Izquierdo], and I don’t want to know about him either. I just want to do what’s natural for me and that’s fight,” said Reza.

However, Reza believes there’s no reason not to be confident as opportunities to fight at the highest stage in MMA come few and far between.

 “I am not concerned in any area,” said Reza. “I know that I am better than him wherever the fight goes.”
 
As Reza continues to progress into the prime of his career, he realizes none of his accomplishments would be possible without the help of others.

 “I would like to thank my head coach Selman Berisha and my other coaches Boris, Sasha Martinovic, Omar Bouiche, Martin Lindqvist and my manager, Manos Terzitane,” said Reza. “I also want to thank my sponsors for making this possible for me—Carspot, Orcbite, Great Earth and Venum.”

“But most importantly, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Reza Madadi: ‘I Will Manhandle Him and Send Him Back Home’

The fun and games are over.UFC newcomer Reza Madadi (11-2) is ready to make a statement when he enters the Octagon to take on Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-0) at UFC on Fuel 2.”I will manhandle him and send him back home,” Madadi told Bleacher Report.Madadi i…

The fun and games are over.

UFC newcomer Reza Madadi (11-2) is ready to make a statement when he enters the Octagon to take on Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-0) at UFC on Fuel 2.

“I will manhandle him and send him back home,” Madadi told Bleacher Report.

Madadi is slated to square off with Izquierdo in his home country of Sweden for the only 155-pound matchup of the evening.

And as expected, “Mad Dog” Reza wants no one standing in the way of his homecoming party as he’s spent his entire life fighting in the city of Stockholm.

However, without a run-in with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, it’s likely Reza would still be on the outside looking in.

“I actually found out that I would finally fight for the UFC when I attended UFC 138 in Birmingham. I was there to coach Papy Abedi when my manager and I met Joe Silva,” said Reza. “My manager introduced me to him and he said that he heard a lot about me and that he would do his best to get me in.”

“Two weeks later, I received my lovely contract.”

Reza will attempt to record his seventh straight victory when he stands across the Octagon from Izquierdo in just a few short hours.

Reza is also aware that while his confidence may be sky-high, there’s no easy fight in the UFC.
 
“I realize that every matchup is tough in the UFC. I don’t know too much about him [Izquierdo], and I don’t want to know about him either. I just want to do what’s natural for me and that’s fight,” said Reza.

However, Reza believes there’s no reason not to be confident as opportunities to fight at the highest stage in MMA come few and far between.

 “I am not concerned in any area,” said Reza. “I know that I am better than him wherever the fight goes.”
 
As Reza continues to progress into the prime of his career, he realizes none of his accomplishments would be possible without the help of others.

 “I would like to thank my head coach Selman Berisha and my other coaches Boris, Sasha Martinovic, Omar Bouiche, Martin Lindqvist and my manager, Manos Terzitane,” said Reza. “I also want to thank my sponsors for making this possible for me—Carspot, Orcbite, Great Earth and Venum.”

“But most importantly, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Damacio Page: "It’s Do or Die, My Back Is Against the Wall"

Very rarely does a fighter see himself remain in the UFC after suffering three consecutive losses.Therefore, it’s do-or-die for Damacio Page.Page (12-6), who’s coming off two straight defeats to Demetrious Johnson and Brian Bowles, will put it all on t…

Very rarely does a fighter see himself remain in the UFC after suffering three consecutive losses.

Therefore, it’s do-or-die for Damacio Page.

Page (12-6), who’s coming off two straight defeats to Demetrious Johnson and Brian Bowles, will put it all on the line when action begins on April 14th at UFC on Fuel II.

“My back is against the wall right now,” Page told Bleacher Report. “I have nothing to lose right now.”

“I have lost two fights in a row and hardly anyone stays in the UFC after losing three straight,” said Page. “Only a select few have made it past three straight losses.”

With his future in jeopardy, Page isn’t about to let his lifelong dream come to an end.

A mixed martial artist was someone Page aspired to be growing up from a very young age.

In order to focus his attention on his upcoming bout against Brad Pickett (20-6), Page often recalls the long road which he traveled to get to where he is today.

“It was apart of growing up for me. It was in my blood to fight. I started wresting in high school and then again in college. I love the physical aspect of the sport. You go out there and wrestle someone and it’s the same thing when you fight someone,” said Page. “It’s one-on-one only more intense.”

“It’s for guys to get to their peak performances and to fight each other,” said Page. “What more could you want than that?”

Page will do everything and more to capture his win since October of 2009, but it won’t come without a price.

His opponent, Pickett, is also on a fast track to the top of the bantamweight division, having won 10 of his last 12 fights.

In order for Page to break his losing streak, he’ll need to dictate the pace of the fight early and often.

 

 

“I think my speed will be the biggest factor in this fight. I think I’m faster and more explosive. I think that’s the biggest key. I think he’s a tough individual. He brings problems for anyone at 135. He’s a great fight for anyone,” said Page. “He’s going to give you problems the whole way.”

“I’m focused on me in general. As long as I do me I’ll be fine. I went back to the drawing board. I’m done with the injuries that I had over the past two years. I’m finally feeling 100 percent. I just did me for this whole camp,” said Page. “As long as I do what I do, I should come out with the ‘W’.”

If Page is anything like the Page we’ve seen in the past, viewers and those in attendance can expect an early finish and a series of fireworks from the get-go.

However, it’s been two-and-a-half years since we last saw a Page finish.

And a rule of thumb for all fighters: if you can’t finish, make sure you’ve done enough to win the judge’s scorecards.

“If it’s going to the judge’s scorecards, I’ll leave no doubt in their minds. I’m going to win. I don’t know if he wants to put on a show for the fans or what he wants do. I know that I want to win,” said Page. “If I go to the judges I’m going to convince them that I won the fight.”

“If it’s a short night then awesome. That means I can get ready for my next fight. I think either way I’ll have my hand raised,” said Page.

Page recognizes the depth of the 135-pound weight class but believes anyone has the opportunity to become the champion.

However, before Page can focus on what’s ahead, he’ll need to defeat an extremely dangerous opponent in Pickett.

“I think everyone has their time to shine and I think this is my time.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Francis Carmont Talks UFC in Sweden, Remembering Dreams, and More

We’ve all been stressed out at one point or another.But few can understand the stress a mixed-martial artist undergoes leading up to his UFC debut.Enter UFC middleweight, Francis Carmont (17-7).”I think if you ask any fighter, they’ll tell you that the…

We’ve all been stressed out at one point or another.

But few can understand the stress a mixed-martial artist undergoes leading up to his UFC debut.

Enter UFC middleweight, Francis Carmont (17-7).

“I think if you ask any fighter, they’ll tell you that their first fight in the UFC is always the most stressful,” Carmont told Bleacher Report.

Carmont didn’t waste any time making his name known as he breezed through UFC veteran Chris Camozzi en route to his first win inside the Octagon.

But Carmont now has bigger fish to fry.

Enter UFC newcomer Magnus Cedenblad (10-3).

Cedenblad will be making his own debut at the big stage when he meets Carmont in a preliminary bout at UFC on FUEL II, when the UFC travels to Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday, April 14th.

Carmont knows the pressure Cedenblad is going through and plans to spoil his homecoming party.

That’s right, Carmont will be entering enemy territory, as Cedenblad is a native of Sweden.

“It doesn’t matter to me where we fight. I always fight in front of a hostile crowd,” said Carmont. “I can’t fight at home in France because it’s still illegal to fight there.”

“Nonetheless, Sweden is a great country. To be a part of this first UFC event in Sweden is a great pleasure of mine,” said Carmont. 

The challenge for Carmont will be defeating himself when action begins on April 14th—in that Carmont sees his doppelganger in Cedenblad, as he believes they both possess a very similar style. 

“We have more or less the same style and attributes. The key for me will be to impose the pace of the fight,” said Carmont. “It’s definitely going to be an interesting matchup for me.”

“In MMA, it’s quite hard or nearly impossible to predict the outcome of the fight. There are so many ways to win,” said Carmont. “The goal for me is to bring back the victory to Montreal, Canada, where I currently live and train.” 

As Carmont continues to progress in his career, he hopes to remain the same person he was when he strapped on the gloves for the very first time. 

There’s one ingredient to accomplishing this—remembering your dreams.

“I never put any limits to my dreams. I want to become a champion some day.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com