Daniel Cormier’s expeditious climb up the heavyweight ranks has been the stuff of legend.Less than a year ago, Cormier was a relative unknown stepping up to fight Jeff Monson. Fast forward a couple of fights later, the American Kickboxing Academy prosp…
Daniel Cormier’s expeditious climb up the heavyweight ranks has been the stuff of legend.
Less than a year ago, Cormier was a relative unknown stepping up to fight Jeff Monson. Fast forward a couple of fights later, the American Kickboxing Academy prospect now towers over most of the division.
On Saturday night, Cormier routed MMA legend Josh Barnett in an exciting five-round affair to win the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix.
It was a bout that served as Cormier’s coming out party as an upper-echelon heavyweight contender and legitimate threat to the UFC title.
With the Grand Prix finale likely serving as Strikeforce’s swan song of the heavyweight division, a deal coming together between Cormier and the UFC appears imminent.
How would the former Olympian fare against the upper-echelon sharks in the UFC?
At 33 years of age, Cormier still hasn’t reached his full potential as a fighter. It’s astounding to see the strides he continues to make in his striking with every outing.
Against Barnett, Cormier showed improved footwork and great head movement. A world-class striking game to go along with arguably the best wrestling in the entire division poses a dangerous matchup for every heavyweight on the UFC roster.
With only 10 professional bouts under his belt, Cormier is learning on the fly against world-class opposition.
“DC” is a name fans better get used to hearing.
Thanks to the Strikeforce Grand Prix, the heavyweight division may have found its new star.
Chael Sonnen may be the “People’s Champ” and the “West Linn Gangster,” but at the beginning of each day, he puts on a pair of pants just like everyone else.For the past two years, fans have questioned the legitimacy of Sonnen’s wise-cracking persona.Do…
Chael Sonnen may be the “People’s Champ” and the “West Linn Gangster,” but at the beginning of each day, he puts on a pair of pants just like everyone else.
For the past two years, fans have questioned the legitimacy of Sonnen’s wise-cracking persona.
Does he truly believe everything that comes out of his own mouth, or is he merely a talented promo artist who missed his boat in the world of professional wrestling?
In a must-see interview, Sonnen joined UFC commentator Joe Rogan on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast to talk about random, interesting topics and his upcoming championship rematch with Anderson Silva.
He also gave fans a rare look into what went through his mind in the first fight back in August 2010, when he was submitted by Silva in the waning minutes of the final round.
“It was devastating. I had no idea what was happening in that fight, none. When the fight was over, I was devastated. I came to, and I said to the ref, you know the typical thing like a doofus, ‘What happened?’ The referee, Josh Rosenthal, is a fantastic referee, simply says, ‘You tapped out.’ And he looks at me for a response like I was going to argue, and I simply say, ‘I believe you.'”
It was hard for anyone to believe. After four-and-a-half rounds of dominating perhaps the greatest fighter of all time, Sonnen found himself trapped in the same submission hold that has plagued him throughout his career, the triangle choke.
The sheer devastation of an entire dream being crushed with only a minute and fifty seconds left on the clock is incomprehensible to most. All of the countless hours spent training and dedicating one’s self to achieving a lifelong goal. Some would even consider it a tragedy.
“I knew [I tapped out] because ESPN zoomed in on it and showed it. But that’s all I said was, ‘I believe you.’ I remember falling asleep. It’s a very weird experience you know, when you’re actually going to sleep, but you’re trying to stay within reality, and I remember having a dream thinking, ‘Well if I tap, I can get out of this, nah, let’s not tap.’
“The fight was over. I had already tapped. I hit his foot, and I really didn’t fully know what happened. When it was over and I came to, I didn’t fully know what happened. I was trying to figure out what just happened.”
Losing makes humans of us all. No one is perfect. As fans, it’s easy to forget the humanity of those who find the courage to step into the cage.
Sonnen is undoubtedly a confident and talented individual, but no amount of skill frees a person from the binds of human emotion.
For two years, fans have been mesmerized by the “Uncle Chael” routine, which generally consists of classic punch lines and elongated pro wrestling-style promos.
For one night, things changed for Sonnen. The joke was on him. After months of trash talk, he was forced to watch UFC President Dana White wrap the world title back around the waste of his most bitter rival.
“Aside from being choked, don’t forget, I had fatigue issues, I got blood and Vaseline in my eyes, I have exhaustion, I have anxiety. I’m a normal human being. I feel every emotion. So many people say to me, ‘Oh you’re never scared.’ Come on, I’m a human, I feel it all. So, I lose the fight, we got to the back and they bring me the Fight of the Night check. They pay you immediately if you get a bonus. Boom, here’s your check.
“I remember thinking, ‘You gave me this out of sympathy because that was such a boring fight, nothing happened, you gave it out of sympathy, I’ll take it.’ I’m fighting back the tears, I’m just devastated, I’m absolutely devastated by this defeat.”
Second chances in life don’t come around often, but Sonnen has managed to secure one in a highly anticipated rematch with Silva set for July 7.
While he put forth an impressive performance in the first bout, Sonnen hopes to be more prepared mentally this time around. Competing for a world title can be taxing on any individual, even if they are the self-proclaimed “best in the world.”
“The point I’m trying to make is, that is how out of touch I was with what was happening in the ring. At one point, my corner told me it was round five when it was round four or it was round four when it was round three, whatever it was, the corner had the rounds off. I just didn’t fully know what was going on.
“In this next fight, I’d like, as I visualize and plan for it, that’s one of the things, I’d like to be a little more aware and in touch with what’s happening. But it’s hard, it’s hard in the Octagon man. A lot of stuff goes out the window, you get hit, you get kicked, it’s tough. It’s tough to stay focused.”
The lightweight division is quickly becoming the UFC’s own best of three series.After capturing UFC gold in February, Benson Henderson is preparing to defend his lightweight title in a rematch with former champ Frankie Edgar.This bout will mark the thi…
The lightweight division is quickly becoming the UFC’s own best of three series.
After capturing UFC gold in February, Benson Henderson is preparing to defend his lightweight title in a rematch with former champ Frankie Edgar.
This bout will mark the third consecutive time the lightweight title has been defended in an immediate rematch.
While Henderson vs. Edgar was certainly a competitive bout, there wasn’t any overwhelming sense of controversy surrounding the outcome. The vast majority of fans were content in the judges giving Henderson the decision nod.
With that said, why was Edgar even granted an immediate rematch in the first place? What if Henderson loses? Should he be given another opportunity as well?
People generally aren’t rallying around Edgar because they felt he was robbed of a decision. He has generated support from the UFC and fans because he earned it. When asked to give immediate rematches to BJ Penn and Gray Maynard, Edgar never questioned or complained about the situation. He fought whoever the UFC put in front of him.
Based on pure principle alone, Edgar deserves the immediate rematch.
As for Henderson, this fight really puts him in a tough spot. He has to beat the champ twice to claim the lightweight title. Edgar was in the exact same situation in back to back bouts against Penn in 2010.
If Henderson loses, he would definitely deserve an opportunity to settle the score in an immediate rubber match, but unfortunately for “Smooth,” the road back to the title could be a little rough.
The lightweight division is easily one of the most competitive weight classes in all of MMA. There are too many contenders waiting in the wings for the division to be held up by an endless slew of rematches.
It’s time to move on.
Moving on will probably be the last thing on Henderson’s mind if he doesn’t get his hand raised at the end of the rumored UFC 150 headliner. He would seek out an immediate rematch, and while the UFC may not honor his request, they would certainly have to weigh their options.
What say you? Should the UFC offer Henderson an immediate rematch if he loses to Edgar?
Looking for some more MMA news, and perhaps a couple of laughs? Follow me on Twitter @JordyMcElroy.
Ronda Rousey truly is a chip off the old block.Unfortunately, Inside MMA host Bas Rutten had to find out the hard way when he invited Ronda’s mother, Ann Maria, to step into the cage with him for a judo demonstration.Ann Maria is a highly decorated jud…
Ronda Rousey truly is a chip off the old block.
Unfortunately, Inside MMA host Bas Rutten had to find out the hard way when he invited Ronda’s mother, Ann Maria, to step into the cage with him for a judo demonstration.
Ann Maria is a highly decorated judoka and is the only American to ever win a world judo championship.
Rutten, a former UFC heavyweight champion, seemed more enamored by Ann Maria’s lack of size than her world-class judo skills.
“Look at the size of her. She’s like a little chi—,” Rutten managed to get out before being tossed to the ground.
After the takedown, Ann Maria took the time to show off her Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills and locked up an armbar to finish her downed opponent.
Rutten, who was completely caught off guard by the trip, was a great sport afterwards and even complimented Ann Maria on her technique.
Ronda seemed just as shocked as Rutten.
“That was a bad explanation mom,” Ronda laughed.
It may not have been the best of demonstrations, but Ann Maria certainly put any would-be purse snatchers on notice. This is one mom not to be messed with.
Rory MacDonald is the most highly-touted welterweight prospect since Georges St-Pierre, but he is also human.On Saturday, MacDonald posted a picture of himself on Twitter after what looks to have been a rough training session.Unlike his post-fight mug …
Rory MacDonald is the most highly-touted welterweight prospect since Georges St-Pierre, but he is also human.
On Saturday, MacDonald posted a picture of himself on Twitter after what looks to have been a rough training session.
Unlike his post-fight mug shot in recent bouts, the 22-year-old UFC star looks like he was actually in a fight for once. He shows off a busted up eye to go along with a pair of bandages on the bridge of his nose.
If anything, this picture gives fans some rare insight into the everyday grind of an MMA fighter. These types of things happen all the time, but fighters learn to endure and continue training to be ready on fight night.
Black eyes, dislocated limbs, cuts, bruises —it’s all in a day’s work.
People get used to seeing MacDonald donkey-kong on everyone he faces in the Octagon, but in reality, things aren’t always like that in a training camp setting. MMA fighters are disciplined and humble because they understand anybody can get beat up on any given day.
It’s the way of the warrior, and these individuals have chosen to live their lives in this manner.
Whether MacDonald took a thrashing from a teammate or just simply ate a good jab in a light hearted sparring session, this photo represents the fact that no one is invincible, and MacDonald isn’t afraid to show that side of himself.
With that said, the “Terminator” now has a red eye to go along with his body of steel.
Looking for some more MMA news, and perhaps a couple of laughs? Follow me on Twitter @JordyMcElroy.
Don Frye is becoming a PEZ dispenser of spewed punch lines and trash talk.Is it a desperate attempt to bask in some of the mainstream spotlight, or has the gargantuan mustache finally gone to Frye’s head?It could be both.Frye has never been one to back…
Don Frye is becoming a PEZ dispenser of spewed punch lines and trash talk.
Is it a desperate attempt to bask in some of the mainstream spotlight, or has the gargantuan mustache finally gone to Frye’s head?
It could be both.
Frye has never been one to back down from confrontation, whether physical or simply a war of words.
UFC president Dana White found himself on Frye’s radar in an interview with Sherdog.com, where he was accused of underpaying fighters and owning “30 Ferraris.”
In his latest verbal tirade, Frye moves from UFC president to UFC fighters. MiddleEasy.com caught up with the MMA legend to get his take on Dan Henderson vs. Jon Jones, Chael Sonnen and Ronda Rousey.
[Dan Henderson] doesn’t have a [expletive] chance. [Don Frye stands a chance] if he got off his lazy ass. I said this about a year ago about the same question. [Jones] is going to run the gamut in the light heavyweight division until he goes to the heavyweight division.
Henderson’s close friend and top middleweight contender Sonnen would likely disagree.
Like Frye, Sonnen never shies away from an opportunity to grab the mic and drop a plethora of clever one-liners. As if it were some twisted rendition of MTV’s Yo Momma, Sonnen has been deemed by many as the best trash talker in MMA, but Frye respectfully disagrees.
He’s an extremely competent fighter. I like Chael. He’s extremely competent because he’s been beaten by the same hold four times, haha. You know? Chael Sonnen is fun to listen to, but he doesn’t write his own material. Some [expletive] in Queens living in his mother’s basement in his underwear is writing Chael’s material for him. Chael is a good guy, he just isn’t smart enough to do it himself. That’s why he’s a felon, he wasn’t smart enough to not get caught. Hoho!
Given an opportunity to sit down with Frye, a good journalist savors every chance to pick his brain on any random, interesting topics pertaining to the sport. Frye is a very candid person, which typically leads to unpredictable interviews.
One subject can quickly turn into a another, which was the case when MiddleEasy asked for his opinion of Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey.
Yeah! Ronda Rousey, dang phenomenal and my old sensei helped train her when she was a little girl, but you won’t hear that. That’s the thing about this game, how quickly we forget. Who’s that [expletive], what’s his name? Dominick Cruz. The guy is full of [expletive] and is a lying turd.
He says he learned how to fight in his garage? [Expletive]. My guy Rocko taught him and then he went off by himself. That guy is a lying scumbag. Rocko trained for a couple of years with this [expletive], and he says something like that? I have no use for him, but I’m a fan of Urijah Faber, so I hope Urijah kills him the next time they fight.
People may not agree with some of the things Frye says, but that isn’t going to stop him from saying them.
Chael Sonnen may be the “People’s Champ” and the “West Linn Gangster,” but at the beginning of each day, he puts on a pair of pants just like everyone else.