Author: Gary Herman

B/R Exclusive: Valentijn Overeem on Brock Lesnar, Junior Dos Santos and Alistair

Alistair Overeem may have made the most impressive debut in UFC history. His one-round shellacking of former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar made Overeem an instant superstar in the United States. The knockout also netted him an upcoming heavyweight …

Alistair Overeem may have made the most impressive debut in UFC history.

His one-round shellacking of former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar made Overeem an instant superstar in the United States. The knockout also netted him an upcoming heavyweight championship fight with Junior dos Santos.

Not surprisingly, one of his Alistair’s biggest supporters is his brother, former Strikeforce and Pride fighter Valentijn Overeem.

“It’s a big win for him and for the family,” the elder Overeem said to Bleacher Report’s Gary Herman about Alistair’s victory. “I am ecstatic.”

Prior to the Lesnar fight, Alistair only fought two times in the United States since becoming a heavyweight. His first fight was another one-round dismantling. That time, he dominated Brett Rogers.

After Rogers, he won a lackluster decision over Fabricio Werdum.

“In the Fabricio Werdum fight, I don’t think Alistair’s skills came out the way they should have and the way he trained for,” Valentijn said.

With Werdum having no other way to get the fight to the ground, the noted jiu-jitsu specialist flopped to his back multiple times to get Overeem to step into a ground battle. Overeem was too smart for the tactic.

Lesnar unsuccessfully tried to stand and bang with the K-1 champion.

Now, Overeem prepares for the biggest fight in his career—a battle with Dos Santos. Dos Santos is undefeated over eight fights since joining the UFC in 2008.

“It’s interesting,” Valentijn said, when asked to break down the fight. “Dos Santos prefers stand-up. Alistair prefers stand-up. But then again, you never know. One of them could come right out of the box and take the other one down.

“It could go either way. I think it’s going to be a very interesting fight for the fans and for the UFC.”

Alistair has recently had a few public situations regarding his training regimen. First, he had a very acrimonious split with Golden Glory, which has ended up in court. He also took off from his new training facility, Xtreme Couture, just weeks before the Lesnar fight.

However, one part of his camp that has remained the same is Valentijn’s presence.

“We’ll have to change Alistair’s game plan,” Valentijn said, about getting ready for Dos Santos. “Obviously, he is a different fighter than Brock. We’re going to the table, draw a plan and work it out.”

Also a professional fighter, Valentijn has suffered a few losses as of late. He is 3-3 over his past six fights, and his last fight did not go very well for the former Pride veteran. He was defeated in just over two minutes by relative unknown Chad Griggs.

“A couple of years ago, I screwed up my elbow,” Valentijn said, inferring that the injury was affecting his career. “It’s been bothering me for some quite some time. After my last loss in Strikeforce, it was really time to take care of it.

“It handicapped me so much in my preparation. I don’t want to screw up fights because I’m not able to train.”

Valentijn had the surgery, and now he hopes for one more shot.

“I’m getting ready again—hopefully for the UFC,” Overeem said. “If I lose, I want to be 100 percent and lose. I want to be convinced that my opponent is a better fighter than I am.”

As Valentijn waits to get his own career on track, he will continue to support his younger brother. That is not very hard for him.

“I don’t think I could find the words to say how proud I am,” Valentijn said.

As for who will emerge UFC heavyweight champion when the two top strikers square off—likely this summer?

“I hope that my brother wins, of course.”

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UFC on Fox 2: Evan Dunham Talks Nik Lentz, Frankie Edgar, Ben Henderson

Evan Dunham is at a crossroads. Even with a UFC record of 5-2 (12-2 overall), Dunham is in a very tenuous position.He has a lost his last two fights, and in the UFC, three in a row can mean the end of a fighter’s run with the company. Working in …

Evan Dunham is at a crossroads.

Even with a UFC record of 5-2 (12-2 overall), Dunham is in a very tenuous position.

He has a lost his last two fights, and in the UFC, three in a row can mean the end of a fighter’s run with the company.

Working in Dunham’s favor is the fact the first of his two losses was a controversial decision loss to former lightweight champion Sean Sherk. Most observers, including UFC President Dana White, felt Dunham should have easily won the decision.

However, after the Sherk fight, Dunham stepped into the Octagon with Melvin Guillard. Three minutes later, Dunham left with his second straight loss, but this time there was no controversy. Guillard unleashed a lightning-quick barrage of strikes to devastate Dunham.

With the loss, Dunham was no longer a hot, rising prospect. He went from “can’t miss” to “possibly did miss.”

In his first fight since the Guillard loss, Dunham is set to take on noted amateur wrestler Nik Lentz. The fight with Lentz will be his first opportunity to prove the Guillard fight was an aberration.

While Dunham has a reputation for exciting fights, Lentz has, well, the opposite.

While fighting live on the Spike prelims, Lentz’ three-round decision win against Andre Winner at UFC 118 is regarded as one of the worst televised match-ups in years.

“No,” Dunham said, when asked is he will change his style to ensure a more fan-friendly fight. “I’m not in very many boring fights, so hopefully this one will be exciting, and he’ll be in it.”

Where Lentz would appear to have the advantage is in wrestling. Dunham, however, disagrees.

“He’s a good wrestler,” Dunham said, “but I’ve got better hands. I’ve got better ground, and I think I’ve got better wrestling.”

With a highlight-reel win over Lentz, Dunham could potentially jump back into title contention.

While many experts view the lightweights as the UFC’s strongest division, in truth, the promotion has recently set up fights where the top guys have been or will be knocking each other off.

Clay Guida recently lost to Ben Henderson in a classic fight. Jim Miller also lost to Henderson. Gray Maynard was defeated by the champion, Frankie Edgar, and surprisingly, Gilbert Melendez still is not fighting in the UFC.

Another elimination bout is set with former WEC champion Anthony Pettis taking on Joe Lauzon in February, and the winner of that fight could be next in line for the title. After those match-ups, the division is wide open.

“I’m not sure,” Dunham said, about the possibility of quickly regaining a high ranking. “I’m going to take it one fight at a time like I always do.”

The next lightweight title fight will also be on February’s UFC in Japan. Frankie Edgar will defend against Ben Henderson.

“I’ll be watching it,” Dunham said, when asked to pick a winner. “I think it’s a great fight. Both guys are gamers.

“If I had to pick somebody? I’d probably go with Frankie because he’s got more big-fight experience. But Henderson…he’s a bad dude.”

With a win over Lentz two weeks prior to the Edgar-Henderson showdown, Dunham would have more than a casual rooting interest in the championship fight. For his fight, Dunham is much more decisive with his prediction.

“He’s a tough kid, but all-around, I’m better,” Dunham said. “I’m going to knock him out in the second round.”

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UFC 142: Chad Mendes Talks Jose Aldo, Urijah Faber, and Kenny Florian

Chad Mendes watched his partner lose. Urijah Faber was not finished in the fight, but he did not look very good coming out of it. Featherweight champion Jose Aldo dominated Mendes’ friend and training partner for the full five rounds. In retainin…

Chad Mendes watched his partner lose.

Urijah Faber was not finished in the fight, but he did not look very good coming out of it. Featherweight champion Jose Aldo dominated Mendes’ friend and training partner for the full five rounds. In retaining the title, Aldo utilized a wide assortment of strikes, including vicious leg kicks, to retain the title.

Now, Mendes has a chance to succeed where Faber did not. On Jan. 14, in Aldo’s home country of Brazil, Mendes will go one-on-one with the UFC feather champion.

To prepare for the fight, Mendes will be watching the footage from the Faber-Aldo bout.

Faber is more than a training partner of Mendes. He is one the key people to make Mendes a successful mixed martial artist.

“It doesn’t make me nervous,” Mendes said to Bleacher Report’s Gary Herman when asked about watching the Aldo-Faber video.

“It really helps me out. We saw what his game plan would be against a wrestler.

“For me, it’s a way to pick Urijah’s brain to see where Aldo’s strengths are and where he thought Aldo was weak. It will help developing our camp and our game plan.”

Mendes’ first opportunity to compete for the UFC title almost took place a few months ago. Mendes was deemed the No. 1 contender, and he was just waiting for the fight to be announced.

However, when longtime lightweight star Kenny Florian announced he would be dropping to featherweight, plans quickly changed.

“I wasn’t too surprised,” Mendes said, when asked about the switch from himself to Florian.

“I kind of heard it coming down. If Florian won his first fight (over Diego Nunes), they were going to put him in. At first, I was a little upset, but Kenny has a huge following.”

As with Faber’s loss to Aldo, Mendes sees a bright spot in his being passed over in favor of Florian at UFC 136.

“Honestly, all it did was bring more recognition to us featherweights,” Mendes said.

“Plus, I was able to watch that fight and pick Aldo apart a little more.”

While this will be Mendes’ first shot at the title, former champion Faber has had three opportunities to win a UFC title since he first lost the featherweight title to Mike Brown. Faber had missed title opportunities against Brown, Aldo and bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.

However, with all that big fight experience combined with his up-close knowledge of Mendes, Faber believes his training partner will do well in the fight.

“I think Chad’s unstoppable wrestling is going to really translate in the fight,” Faber said to Bleacher Report’s Gary Herman.

“Aldo has great conditioning. He’s a great athlete, but we’ve seen when he’s done more grappling he gets more tired. Chad will force some grappling on him, and Chad’s very tough.”

Like Mendes, Faber is watching the video from his prior Aldo fight to assist with preparation.

“I’m a durable guy, and Aldo pinpointed my leg and took it apart,” Faber said, referring to the vicious assault of leg kicks.

“Chad knows that, and he knows what he has to do.”

Mendes’ opportunity will be coming very early in his MMA career. While he is undefeated, Mendes has only had 11 prior fights.

“Three years into my career, I never thought I’d be doing this already,” Mendes said.

“I know he’s a very dangerous fighter. I got to be careful of those big knees, the kicks, and the big uppercuts.”

Even with the difference in experience compared to Aldo’s 21 fights, Mendes is confident.

“I think it’s a great fight for me,” the former collegiate wrestling standout said.

“My wrestling will definitely slow him down. Hopefully, we get in there I can take it where I want to take it.”

While Mendes stopped short of predicting victory, Faber did not.

“I think he’s going to do it.” Faber said.

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Nate Jolly Talks the Problems with the Ultimate Fighter and MMA Debut

Substance over style. MMA fighter Nate Jolly understands what it will take to make it to the UFC. He just is not sure it is worth it. As an aspiring MMA fighter with a 10-4 record, Jolly knows that the UFC is the big show and that every mixed martial a…

Substance over style. MMA fighter Nate Jolly understands what it will take to make it to the UFC. He just is not sure it is worth it. As an aspiring MMA fighter with a 10-4 record, Jolly knows that the UFC is the big show and that every mixed martial artist wants to be there.

However, Jolly sees that that there are some changes he would have to make. Of his 10 wins, five have been by decision—including his last three.

“A part of me thinks about changing my style,” Jolly said. “I’ve never been a finishing kind of guy, but I am entertaining.

“Am I working on my knockout power? Of course. Am I going to change my style to make it in the UFC? Absolutely not.”

In just a couple of days, Jolly returns to action against David Mays for the Valley Fight League in Williamson, W.Va. Jolly is the more experienced fighter as Mays (2-1) only has three previous fights.

Interestingly, Saturday’s show will be the first ever to take place in West Virginia.

“I love it,” Jolly said, about being on the debut card. “It’s great to be a little part of history. It shows that MMA is finally growing.”

By participating at VFL 34, Jolly will help give the sport more national appeal. However, for Jolly to attain more national appeal, the most direct route is through the UFC’s reality show.

Jolly is not so sure that is the best way for him.

“It’s a great marketing tool,” Jolly said, when asked about The Ultimate Fighter. “Do I think they have a good way to pick the best fighters? No.

“Dana White said on many occasions that they want exciting fighters. Exciting fighters aren’t necessarily the best fighters.”

Jolly understands that the UFC is just trying to give the audience what they want.

“Your average fan is not MMA savvy,” Jolly said. “They want to see a slugfest with small gloves on.”

Instead, Jolly is taking the long trip to the big show. He is working his way up the smaller cards in hopes of eventually getting the call. If that does not occur, Jolly will be content.

“Long term, obviously, I want to be in the UFC,” Jolly said. “When it comes down to it, if that never happens, there are many fighters who have great careers who don’t make it to that top ship. I’m not going to change who Nate Jolly is.”

The next step for the former amateur wrestler is Saturday night against Mays.

“I’m going to win,” Jolly said, when asked for a prediction. “How I’m going to do it? The guy doesn’t have a lot of three round fights. That shows me that somewhere between rounds one and two – he’s probably gassing. Guys that don’t have good cardio? I usually finish.”

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Mike Schiavello on Announcing, Pro Wrestling and Japanese MMA

Mike Schiavello believes he has a gift. For the fans that have tuned into HDNet to see any of the recent Dream MMA or K-1 kickboxing shows, Schiavello has demonstrated a very unique storytelling ability. The Australian native is one of the fastest comm…

Mike Schiavello believes he has a gift.

For the fans that have tuned into HDNet to see any of the recent Dream MMA or K-1 kickboxing shows, Schiavello has demonstrated a very unique storytelling ability.

The Australian native is one of the fastest commentators in MMA history. His color commentators are often heard laughing during the middle of a broadcast.

“God given gift of quick-wit,” Schiavello said. “I’ve been doing this for 16 years—always the same style. It’s a lot of experience.”

Over the past few years, Schiavello has made his name in the U.S. He is the lead announcer for HDNet. He has covered a variety of smaller promotions in the U.S., but his specialty is the Japanese fight scene.

In his career, Schiavello has called over five thousands fights.

“I’ve commentated so many fights it’s hard to pick a favorite,” Schiavello said, when asked for his most memorable matches. “For K-1, I’m going to go with Masato vs. Souwer at Budokhan Hall in 2007. Sammy Schilt vs. Peter Aerts was amazing.”

“For MMA, I love Hatsu Hioki vs. Marlon Sandro in Sengoku’s end of year show last year.”

Unfortunately though, the major Japanese fight scene has not been anywhere near as popular is it was in the early 2000’s. Gone are the massive sell-outs for Pride FC.

“The local shows are flourishing at the moment,” Schiavello said. “The big shows not so much. K-1 is in trouble. They owe a lot of money. On the other hand, Dream has real entertainment.”

 

Schiavello is clearly a big fan of Dream—even though the organization is not drawing anywhere near as well as Pride did. Rumors about Dream’s demise have recently circulated.

“Dream is a great show from a TV perspective,” Schiavello said. “I think there is potential there. I think they will do several more cards.”

The fall from prominence for K-1 is what has caused people to think the same future is on the way for the MMA promotion.

“I don’t think Dream has a problem—It’s FEG,” Schiavello said, referring to the organization that oversees K-1. “Real Entertainment handles Dream. They are still paying their fighters on time. They’re still drawing big crowds.”

As long as Dream is attracting people to the arenas, Schiavello will be the person calling the action for U.S. fight fans.

His somewhat bombastic style of calling the action filled with one-liners has caused many onlookers to believe his style would also be suited for pro wrestling.

Schiavello sees some similarities and some differences.

“They’re both live spectacles,” Schiavello said. “They are both a combat style of entertainment, but the biggest obvious difference is the MMA is real and pro wrestling is not.”

“You can’t schedule anything in mixed martial arts. It’s not pro wrestling. You don’t know the storylines.”

 

Recently, former pro wrestlers Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley have made the switch to the cage. Lesnar credits his past history with World Wrestling Entertainment for teaching him how to be a star.

Schiavello feels that more fighters should follow the former UFC heavyweight champion’s lead.

“MMA fighters can learn from pro wrestling on how to better market themselves,” Schiavello said.

However, for someone to become a successful announcer like Schiavello has, he offers much simpler advice.

“Practice, practice, practice. Pay your dues.”

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Gilbert Melendez on Frankie Edgar, Jorge Masvidal, Nick Diaz, and More

He is the last superstar left in Strikeforce. Over the past few months, the UFC has cherry picked the fighters they want to bring over since the purchase of Strikeforce. Among the people who made the switch are former Strikeforce main event fighters Ni…

He is the last superstar left in Strikeforce.

Over the past few months, the UFC has cherry picked the fighters they want to bring over since the purchase of Strikeforce.

Among the people who made the switch are former Strikeforce main event fighters Nick Diaz, Alistair Overeem and Dan Henderson. Gina Carano has not been discussed because the UFC has not shown any inclination to want to promote women’s MMA.

However, the one man the UFC has not brought over yet is Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez. A few months ago, UFC President Dana White commented that Melendez was on his way to the sport’s top promotion.

Melendez was very happy to hear White’s comments.

“I reached out to Dana ‘Yo, let me know. I’m ready when you are,” Melendez said. “I was even willing to sit out for a while to come to the UFC.”

That deal, however, never came to pass. Instead, Melendez is set to defend his title against fast-rising Jorge Masvidal on Saturday, December 17 on Showtime.

“He’s very talented,” Melendez said of Masvidal. “I think he’s underrated, but the more and more I watch tape, I think there are some holes in there that I can expose.”

With the big prize of a UFC title shot seemingly in Melendez’s not-too-distant future, he understands that he has to keep focused.

“This is where I’m supposed to choke, right?” Melendez said. “This is what motivates me. This fight is for myself, to show I can stay focused. I know what’s on the line here.”

Masvidal has the reputation of someone who is a feared striker.

“People act like I should be super scared,” Melendez said.

“Someone like (Shinya) Aoki you’re not scared of because he might tap you, but he won’t hurt you. Jorge likes to hit hard, but the more I see, the more he likes to run.”

Melendez still realizes that Frankie Edgar, and the UFC championship may not be that far off.

“I feel like I’m ready,” Melendez said of a possible fight with Edgar.

“I’ve done a lot of stuff just outside of the UFC.”

Edgar and Melendez have very similar styles. Both have great conditioning, fight a very a fast pace and have a strong wrestling background.

“I think he’s an amazing fighter,” Melendez said, when asked about Frankie Edgar.

“I like his style. He’s very smart. He goes top, low, middle. He uses kicks. I think some of his defense could use a little work on the stand-up.”

Melendez has already has his strategy of how to win the title from Edgar.

“Does it look like he can’t be dethroned? No. Does he look untouchable? No. We’ve seen how to beat him-for one round, but can you keep it up for two or three? I think I can keep it up for five.”

A fight with Edgar could be an instant classic in the way many of Edgar’s UFC fights have been. Edgar has already won many Fight of the Night bonuses.

Melendez is not the only one from his training camp looking for a UFC title. One of Melendez’s closest friends, the enigmatic Nick Diaz, is preparing to vie for the UFC welterweight championship in February 2012.

Ever since defeating BJ Penn at UFC 137, Diaz has seen his popularity skyrocket. Melendez realizes that Diaz’s rise will help the entire Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training camp.

“Nick Diaz is a friend of mine,” Melendez said. “We’re a team. Because of them, I’m way more popular. I’m honored. They don’t let that many people in.”

Diaz is known for displaying a somewhat puzzling public persona. He has missed press conferences, failed drug tests and got into unplanned televised brawls.

“He’s not really sure what people’s intentions are,” Melendez said, when asked about Diaz.

“If you get to know him, he’s a very smart, intelligent guy. He’s a fighter. Maybe he didn’t anticipate being an entertainer.”

“He just beat BJ Penn. That’s crazy”

While Diaz shies away from media appearances, Melendez understands that interviews and marketing can play a big role in a fighter’s popularity.

“We don’t really talk about the media that much,” Melendez said.

“I encourage Nate (Diaz) to do it. We back each other up with what we’re good at. I’m more than happy to talk on our team’s behalf if I can.”

Melendez would clearly like to be participating in press conferences that are with the UFC. Even though Masvidal is next, he clearly has his sights set on the Zuffa’s number one promotion.

“I want to be the UFC champ,” Melendez said.

“That’s the goal. When you’re the UFC champ, you’re No. 1 in the world. The goal is to be in the UFC ASAP.”

When asked who would win Edgar’s upcoming title defense, Melendez said that Edgar will defeat Henderson.

“I think he’s going to hold the belt—until I get over to the UFC.”

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