Author: Michael Hatamoto

Team Quest’s Pat Healy Talks About Lightweight Battle Against Mizuto Hirota

Strikeforce lightweight contender Pat Healy steps into the cage tomorrow night to fight Mizuto Hirota in front of a hometown crowd in Portland, Oregon. The fight takes place during Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy and will air on Showtime—and wi…

Strikeforce lightweight contender Pat Healy steps into the cage tomorrow night to fight Mizuto Hirota in front of a hometown crowd in Portland, Oregon.

The fight takes place during Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy and will air on Showtime—and will be Healy’s seventh performance in the Strikeforce cage.

There is a lot on the line for the Oregon native, as he could propel his way to a Strikeforce lightweight title shot against Gilbert Melendez.  He also is dealing with the added pressure of fighting in front of a hometown crowd that expects an impressive performance from him.

Healy recently spoke with Bleacher Report about the lightweight scrap tomorrow, and his expectations in the fight.

Healy first discussed the benefits of fighting at home:

“For me, it’s super exciting.  I love fighting here in Portland.  I have a ton of support, they gave me a section of 150 tickets, and the event sold out a couple weeks ago.  There will be tons of friends and family cheering for me.  I grew up fighting here, so it really helps.  It’s also great to sleep in my own bed, eat regular foods, and not have to make a big adjustment.”

Team Quest is one of the well-established MMA camps in the United States, with a strong stable of fighters able to push one another during training camps. 

“I think it helps to come from a strong camp.  I don’t have to bring other people in.  Everything I need is at home; all of my training partners and support.  When you really begin to rapport with training partners, it helps—everyone at the gym and I train with have my back.  We train the right way.”

It’s not uncommon to hear fighters bring in specific fighters or training partners to help during camp, though Healy benefited from a separate training adjustment, which he explained.

“The only difference for this fight, we had a few guys spend time in Thailand, then come back and help me with my clinch game.  I won’t ever be a striker out at range trying to look slick; I like to fight with my hands on the guy, using my weight, but it’s great to get the training experience.”

Healy has an idea of what Hirota will likely try and do inside the cage, but the Team Quest fighter expects to be able to impose his game plan on the smaller Japanese fighter:

“I expect him to keep his distance from me.  He has good, quick hands and good movement.  He won’t want to make it a grappling match.  He’ll try to move away and use his striking.  I’ll be sure to turn this into the type of fight I want it to be.”

To be more specific of what’s expected, Healy discussed how he’s found success in the cage, forcing opponents to try and adapt.

“I don’t tend to change my game plan (for anyone).  I want to put my will on him.  I watch tape, I plan for things he might do…but my ultimate goal always is to make my opponent fight my fight.”

Healy will look to try and wear down Hirota, whether it takes a minute or two or the entire 15 minutes, and keep the Japanese fighter on his back.  If the fight is standing, Healy can find success by getting into the clinch and ensuring Hirota doesn’t have space to better prepare his striking.

If successful, there is only one option Healy will accept: 

“I expect a title shot with a win after I beat Hirota on Saturday night.  No one has the win streak I have at lightweight right now, and I (paid my dues).”

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UFC 148 Results: What’s Next for Tito Ortiz in Retirement?

Tito Ortiz ended a historic UFC career at UFC 148 by losing a unanimous decision to Forrest Griffin during the co-main event. Ortiz’s 15-year professional MMA career came to a close with the Huntington Beach Bad Boy losing for the sixth time in s…

Tito Ortiz ended a historic UFC career at UFC 148 by losing a unanimous decision to Forrest Griffin during the co-main event.

Ortiz’s 15-year professional MMA career came to a close with the Huntington Beach Bad Boy losing for the sixth time in seven fights—a fact that is overlooked as the UFC Hall of Famer helped develop MMA and build the UFC brand.

Ortiz confirmed during the post-fight UFC 148 press conference that he’s doing, saying the following when asked by a reporter: “I think I did what I wanted to do in the sport. I have no regrets. I’m done” (via MMAJunkie.com).

Now, it’s time to figure out what the 37-year-old will do with his extra free time, as he certainly won’t end up just sitting around in front of the TV all day.

A vacation and time with his family is in the immediate future, but there are numerous options available for the UFC Hall of Famer. 

In addition to his Punishment Athletics clothing line and Punishment Nutrition product catalog, the most likely option would be an MMA analyst position on cable TV.

During a press conference prior to UFC 148, Ortiz said he hopes he can find a position within the UFC, but already has an offer on the table from ESPN. 

The former light heavyweight champion would serve as a good brand ambassador for the UFC, or serve as an analyst for ESPN or Fox.

If he doesn’t want a cushy office job with the UFC, or needs something besides being an analyst, taking acting classes and heading to Hollywood seems likely. He’s no stranger to the big screen, with appearances in Zombie Strippers!, a CSI: NY episode, Numb3rs episode, Valley of the Wolves: Iraq movie and so on—improving his acting skills and taking on larger acting roles would help him earn a paycheck and seek success.

Oh, and let’s not forget—he could still remain active by helping fighters train for their upcoming MMA camps. I don’t know if he’s going to be motivated to get into the cage and train frequently, but a strong worth ethic and solid coaching skill set could clearly help him generate additional revenue—and keep him busy.

Just because Ortiz won’t step into the cage again as a fighter, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s done with the sport yet.

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Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen 2 Results: Keys Leading to Silva’s Solid Victory

Anderson Silva abruptly ended his extended rivalry with Chael Sonnen by TKO during their UFC 148 main event.  Prior to the fight, each fighter’s expected strategy wasn’t a secret:  Sonnen needed to drag this fight to the ground, w…

Anderson Silva abruptly ended his extended rivalry with Chael Sonnen by TKO during their UFC 148 main event. 

Prior to the fight, each fighter’s expected strategy wasn’t a secret:  Sonnen needed to drag this fight to the ground, while Silva looked to keep it standing.  Domination was the intended goal for each fighter, and while Sonnen struck first, Silva bounced back in devastating fashion later in the fight.

In the first round, Sonnen successfully shot in and took Silva down to the mat.  The ‘American Gangster’ controlled the entire five minutes, ending the first round in full mount.  Again, he seemed to have the strategy to frustrate and control Silva – even if he was unable to land any significant ground and pound.

Starting the second round, Sonnen rushed the champion and pinned him against the cage while looking for another take down.  Silva defended the take down but absorbed a few knees, and capitalized when Sonnen suddenly decided to go for a spinning back fist.

After clearly making an adjustment between rounds, Silva followed his keys to victory perfectly: avoid the take down, and capitalize on any mistakes made by Sonnen.  Silva avoided being planted on his back, and instantly jumped on Sonnen after the American fighter missed while trying to land a reckless spinning back fist. 

Silva landed a perfectly placed knee – 100 percent legal – to Sonnen’s sternum, and followed up with ground and pound. 

Following the fight, Silva acknowledged the victory – and respectfully called a truce to the end of his fight rivalry with Sonnen.  During his post-fight speech with Joe Rogan, here is what the champion had to say:

“Chael disrespected my country, but it’s fine.  Yeah, I have big emotions… (but) let’s show that Brazil has manners.  I want everyone to applaud Chael.”

I believed Sonnen would be able to learn from his mistakes following the first fight with Silva, predicting he’d win by submission.  However, Silva took advantage of Sonnen’s reckless and rather sudden standup strategy, and that has to be applauded.

In other words: He did what elite athletes do, and was prepared to fight any possibility in the cage.

On the biggest stage, Silva reaffirmed why he’s the best MMA fighter on the planet.  He’s now 15-0 in the UFC, and successfully defended the middleweight championship for the 10th consecutive time.  Impressive – and he plans to continue facing any and all middleweight challengers.

I’m an MMA writer addicted to Twitter, so feel free to get in touch if you want to chat:

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Dana White: Pat Miletich Could Be in the Hall of Fame, Not Frank Shamrock

UFC President Dana White and Frank Shamrock are currently engaged in a war of words related to Shamrock’s potential entrance into the UFC Hall of Fame. White believes Shamrock isn’t quite UFC HOF material at the moment, but listed another M…

UFC President Dana White and Frank Shamrock are currently engaged in a war of words related to Shamrock’s potential entrance into the UFC Hall of Fame.

White believes Shamrock isn’t quite UFC HOF material at the moment, but listed another MMA pioneer as a potential candidate: Pat Miletich.

Miletich’s UFC record is a solid 8-2, though one of those losses—in the UFC welterweight championship—was due to a rather uninspiring bulldog choke submission. However, in addition to his professional fighting background, Miletich also helped usher in some of the best MMA fighters through his Miletich Fighting Systems (MFS) camp in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Here is what White said regarding the UFC HOF and Miletich (via MMAJunkie.com):

“Guys that have been inducted are guys who have contributed to the growth of the sport and the UFC over the last 11 years. That’s the way you could really look at it.

“It’s not just what they accomplished inside the octagon. It’s what they did outside, too—guys who have absolutely busted their ass and flown around the world and taken time away from their family and other things they were doing to help build the sport and help build the UFC.

“Pat was actually the champion, and he lost to Carlos Newton when we bought the company. He was Matt Hughes’ coach. Jens Pulver. Tim Sylvia. A guy like Miletich could (be in the Hall of Fame).”

In addition to Hughes, Sylvia and Pulver, fighters such as Robbie Lawler, Ben Rothwell and Josh Neer once called MFS home, and the camp was successful in bringing in outside help whenever needed.

Miletich now focuses on training the next generation of MMA superstars, and rightfully deserves a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Speaking of Shamrock, it’s a shame that the UFC Hall of Fame is essentially a popularity contest controlled by White. For better or for worse, there should be some type of voting system—or something beyond White’s say-so—to invite MMA legends into the Hall of Fame.

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UFC 148: Cody McKenzie Looks Forward to Fight with Team Alpha Male’s Chad Mendes

UFC fighter Cody McKenzie steps into the cage at UFC 148 against Chad Mendes, expecting a tough fight from a strong wrestler. Since joining the UFC in 2010, McKenzie is 2-2, either winning or losing his fights via submission. He tapped Aaron Wilkinson …

UFC fighter Cody McKenzie steps into the cage at UFC 148 against Chad Mendes, expecting a tough fight from a strong wrestler.

Since joining the UFC in 2010, McKenzie is 2-2, either winning or losing his fights via submission. He tapped Aaron Wilkinson and Marcus LeVesseur via the patented McKenzie-tine choke, but lost by rear-naked choke to Yves Edwards and Vagner Rocha.

Besides training with Nick and Nate Diaz in Northern California, McKenzie also headed back to Spokane, Washington, working with Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm. 

Now representing BJJ Spokane, Beerbohm works with a tough group of lightweights, including UFC newcomers Sam Sicilia and The Ultimate Fighter Live tournament winner, Michael Chiesa. McKenzie also benefited when pro lightweight Mike Hanks also returned to Spokane to resume his full time MMA career aspiration.

Speaking with MMAJunkie, McKenzie discussed some of the aspects of training camp that he focused on to help prepare for the Team Alpha Male fighter:

(For) this fight I did a lot of grappling because I know Mendes will want to get it to the ground.  This fight the game plan is pretty obvious. We’ve all seen want Mendes likes to do, and we’ve all seen how I fight. I come right at you, and he likes to kind of pin guys.  I always grab that neck, especially with all the wrestlers in the sport trying to come in and hold me down and pin me.”

Trying to latch on the guillotine choke will be extremely difficult against Mendes, but a brief mental lapse may lead to an opportunity McKenzie will gladly pounce on. In addition, McKenzie is a scrappy fighter and will try to take it to Mendes wherever the fight ends up, including if it’s a ground battle. 

After McKenzie decided he wanted to drop from lightweight to featherweight, he wanted a tough fight. Here is how Mendes believes it unfolded (via MMAFighting.com):

I was anxious to get back in there and I think that the UFC was having some difficulty in finding someone, just due to injury and I think matchups were already taken.  So I think Cody actually called the UFC, that’s what I heard, and said he’s going down to 145 and wants a tough fight.

So they were, “Mendes is the only one available, but haven’t you guys trained together?” And he said, “Its a business, send me a contract.” So, you know, it’s him calling me out, and it’s a business, so I’m going to get in there and try to whoop that ass.

Mendes will want to keep this fight on the mat, with the Team Alpha Male fighter on top, and avoid leaving his neck out for McKenzie to latch on to. If all goes according to plan, Mendes will look to grind McKenzie down through three rounds of the fight.

Mendes vs. McKenzie will be on the main card of UFC 148 on Saturday night and will feature occasional training partners squaring off.

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Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II: Closer Look at Chael’s Triangle-Armbar Loss

Chael Sonnen won’t win his rematch against Anderson Silva on the feet. He will need to take the fight down to the ground and control the fight there. After training for two weeks with Vinny Magalhaes in Oregon and watching film of the first fight…

Chael Sonnen won’t win his rematch against Anderson Silva on the feet. He will need to take the fight down to the ground and control the fight there.

After training for two weeks with Vinny Magalhaes in Oregon and watching film of the first fight, Sonnen should have made necessary adjustments to his ground game.

There has been a growing discussion surrounding whether or not Sonnen can avoid being submitted and what his options are on the ground.

Sonnen recently sat down with Jon Anik on Fuel TV’s UFC Ultimate Insider to analyze the first fight with Silva. 

Of note, it’s interesting to hear that the choke was so deep that Sonnen didn’t know where he was, with the following brief dialogue between Sonnen and the referee:

I remember asking the referee when it was done, ‘What happened?’ He said ‘You tapped,’ and I simply said, ‘I believe you.’ I didn’t even know where I was. He had [the triangle choke] so tight. This is such a nice technique. I would love to catch somebody in that myself. It’s very devastating once you’re put in it.

The “Gracie breakdown” of Silva’s submission shows that Sonnen did his homework and was prepared, but he still had a quick mental lapse that Silva capitalized on:

Ryron and Rener Gracie noted Silva’s wrist control before he locked in the triangle, and they also discussed what Sonnen did right and wrong prior to tapping out.

Will Silva be able to finish the fight on the feet, or will he have to defend off his back again?  If he’s on his back, will Sonnen be able to defend any submission attempts while landing strikes—and maybe even trying for a submission himself?

We’ll find out on Saturday night when both men face off during one of the most anticipated UFC fights of the year.

 

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