The stacked-and-more-stacked UFC 136 card—headlined by not one but two title fights—will pop off this Saturday evening.Are you ready? Getting excited? Got a little action going on this one?Hopefully not yet. Because no one…
The stacked-and-more-stacked UFC 136 card—headlined by not one but two title fights—will pop off this Saturday evening.
Are you ready? Getting excited? Got a little action going on this one?
Hopefully not yet. Because no one should ever, EVER make any wager (friendly or otherwise) without first consulting this space. Would I lie to you? My success rate is almost 20 percent. I’m almost literally shoving money into your pockets!
That is all metaphorical, of course, as gambling is almost completely illegal here in the United States. Even so, it’s still fun to make believe.
As the frost begins to spread over the pumpkin during these last three months of 2011, MMA fans can take solace in knowing there are more than 10 major events remaining this year.Strikeforce, Bellator and the UFC all have plenty in the works. As u…
As the frost begins to spread over the pumpkin during these last three months of 2011, MMA fans can take solace in knowing there are more than 10 major events remaining this year.
Strikeforce, Bellator and the UFC all have plenty in the works. As usual, however, the heaviest action is happening in the Octagon, which will make its network television debut this November on Fox.
But there’s lots happening across the landscape of the MMAp. Here are 25 bouts to circle on what’s left of your 2011 calendar.
There’s a big, big difference between laughing with and laughing at. I’ve never fought professionally, but I think I know which one is probably good to avoid when making one’s way to the cage.At least once in their careers, these 15 men were not …
There’s a big, big difference between laughing with and laughing at. I’ve never fought professionally, but I think I know which one is probably good to avoid when making one’s way to the cage.
At least once in their careers, these 15 men were not successful in that endeavor. Their pride was compromised before they ever took a swing. That’s right, these are the worst entrance songs in the history of MMA.
You may recall that this isn’t the first time I’ve covered this. (For the record, I’ve also counted down the 50 best.) However, recent developments and subsequent conversations have caused me to revisit this critically important subject matter.
That said, while there are several new entries, if you didn’t like the last one, well, you probably won’t like this one either. But it’s OK…I forgive you.
It was simple to the point of elegance. Here at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. for UFC on Versus 6, bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz employed the time-honored mixed martial arts strategem known as I Am Bigger Than You to smother and control …
It was simple to the point of elegance. Here at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. for UFC on Versus 6, bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz employed the time-honored mixed martial arts strategem known as I Am Bigger Than You to smother and control challenger Demetrious Johnson and retain his belt by unanimous decision.
It wasn’t always electric, but it was effective. Here’s what we learned about both fighters.
What we’ll remember about this fight
That both of these men probably own stationary bikes.
Reputedly two of the UFC’s fastest fighters, both men lived up to their reputation by fighting hard and fast for five championship rounds. The action slowed for extended periods when Cruz worked to exterminate Mighty Mouse on the mat, but invariably both men would pop up seeming no worse for the wear.
What we learned about Dominick Cruz
He is a flexible champion. Known for his unorthodox and high-energy point boxing coming in, Cruz in this one realized he was five inches taller and probably a good deal heavier in fight-night poundage than his 5’3″ challenger.
Cruz scored repeated takedowns (including two suplexes) and enjoyed sustained periods of side control on the ground.
In a nutshell, Cruz showed that job one is not “fighting his fight” or securing a bonus from Dana White, but winning. It’s what champions do.
What we learned about Demetrious Johnson
That he deserved to be here.
People wondered whether Johnson had fully earned his place in this title bout. They should cease to wonder.
Though Johnson was outmatched physically, he showed great resilience and skill in escaping from multiple submission attempts and getting up time after time to continue the fight. He actually appeared to get the better of Cruz in the standup exchanges, while they lasted.
Finally, for my money, Johnson proved himself to be the fastest fighter in the UFC, and one of its most well-conditioned. He showed heart in more than one way when he not only recovered from Cruz’s ground smotherings but continued to push a relentless pace for 25 minutes.
What’s next for Dominick Cruz?
The winner of November’s bout between Brian Bowles and Urijah Faber. Many fans are doubtlessly pulling for Faber, so they can witness a rubber match between the two highly regarded champions.
What’s next for Demetrious Johnson?
A move down to the 125-pound flyweight division, assuming the UFC goes through on its plans to implement said division next year. It’s the smart move.
This Saturday at UFC on Versus 6, Dominick Cruz (18-1) is a heavy favorite to turn back challenger Demetrious Johnson (9-1) and retain his bantamweight title.To this point, no bantamweight has solved the Cruz attack, which involves keeping things uprig…
This Saturday at UFC on Versus 6, Dominick Cruz (18-1) is a heavy favorite to turn back challenger Demetrious Johnson (9-1) and retain his bantamweight title.
To this point, no bantamweight has solved the Cruz attack, which involves keeping things upright and throwing attacks from all angles while darting in and out to avoid damage. The phrase “pick him apart” was invented for fighters like Cruz.
On paper, “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has an uphill battle in front of him. But lest the Internets forget, they said the same thing about Johnson’s chances against Miguel Torres, and Norifumi Yamamoto before that.
But look who has the title shot tonight. Neither of those men could or should be confused with the current best bantamweight on the planet, but those wins weren’t for nothing, either.
What the 5’3″ Johnson gives up in height to the 5’8″ Cruz, he makes up for in athleticism and fighting style. Johnson blends a background in grappling with lightning quickness. He has shown that he is not unwilling to engage, or impose a tempo.
Mighty Mouse doesn’t have the size or strength to take Cruz down and hold him there. But he can do the former. If he can score by getting Cruz to the mat once or twice, it might get Cruz (whose entire goal is not to finish, but outpoint) thinking, and that could make him susceptible to fakes and, in turn, big shots.
In essence, if Johnson can use his speed to close the distance between the two, he has the will and the skill to do damage once he’s there. It’s not probable, but it’s possible. Just possible enough to add real intrigue to tonight’s main event, even if the experts and oddsmakers don’t agree.
The UFC is coming to Washington for the first time with UFC on Versus 6, which will take place this Saturday at the Verizon Center and features a bantamweight title fight between Dominick Cruz and challenger Demetrious Johnson.For fight fans traveling …
The UFC is coming to Washington for the first time with UFC on Versus 6, which will take place this Saturday at the Verizon Center and features a bantamweight title fight between Dominick Cruz and challenger Demetrious Johnson.
For fight fans traveling to the city for the event, here are 10 really good ways to kill time and get a flavor of the city.
I’ve been living in the D.C. area for about 15 years now, and even though I’m now a lowly, mooing suburbanite, I’m still able to offer some locals suggestions that you probably didn’t see on your high school field trip.
In addition, most of these are in the same neighborhood as Verizon Center, and those that aren’t are designed to appeal to you, the red-blooded American fight fan. Happy travels.
It was simple to the point of elegance. Here at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. for UFC on Versus 6, bantamweight champion