This is the face one makes when he realizes that Cyborg Santos is now his most marketable champion.
Some of you may have been surprised when you read that the UFC has apparently called Bigfoot Silva up to the majors. Not only was he coming off of a loss, but there were better fighters out there for the UFC to call up. Well, don’t worry. The UFC has called up arguably Strikeforce’s best fighter, lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, according to a report on MMAJunkie.com. Melendez was scheduled to defend his title against Jorge Masvidal on December 17, but it is yet to be seen how this announcement will affect that. So yeah, don’t worry about the UFC not calling up Strikeforce’s best, most deserving fighters. Unless you love Strikeforce and don’t want to see it go under. Then by all means keep panicking.
The date of his UFC debut, as well as his opponent, has yet to be determined. However, according to the aforementioned report there is the possibility that Gilbert Melendez will get an immediate title shot. If that’s the case, I can’t really make sense out of that. Nick Diaz getting an immediate title shot made sense, given that Georges St. Pierre essentially cleaned out the welterweight division. However, the lightweight division is arguably the UFC’s strongest, deepest weight class. There are already plenty of contenders for the winner of the upcoming rubber match between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Then again, there’s also the possibility that the Donovan McNabb will lead the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl, so let’s not read too much into what’s possible.
This is the face one makes when he realizes that Cyborg Santos is now his most marketable champion.
Some of you may have been surprised when you read that the UFC has apparently called Bigfoot Silva up to the majors. Not only was he coming off of a loss, but there were better fighters out there for the UFC to call up. Well, don’t worry. The UFC has called up arguably Strikeforce’s best fighter, lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, according to a report on MMAJunkie.com. Melendez was scheduled to defend his title against Jorge Masvidal on December 17, but it is yet to be seen how this announcement will affect that. So yeah, don’t worry about the UFC not calling up Strikeforce’s best, most deserving fighters. Unless you love Strikeforce and don’t want to see it go under. Then by all means keep panicking.
The date of his UFC debut, as well as his opponent, has yet to be determined. However, according to the aforementioned report there is the possibility that Gilbert Melendez will get an immediate title shot. If that’s the case, I can’t really make sense out of that. Nick Diaz getting an immediate title shot made sense, given that Georges St. Pierre essentially cleaned out the welterweight division. However, the lightweight division is arguably the UFC’s strongest, deepest weight class. There are already plenty of contenders for the winner of the upcoming rubber match between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Then again, there’s also the possibility that the Donovan McNabb will lead the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl, so let’s not read too much into what’s possible.
This move shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. We’ve said it before, and it deserves to be said again: Being a Strikeforce champion is essentially being in the on-deck circle for the UFC. Gilbert Melendez, currently riding a five fight win streak with notable victories over Josh Thomson and Shinya Aoki, has essentially cleaned out Strikeforce’s lightweight division. If there’s nothing left for him in Strikeforce, and we’re officially finished pretending that Strikeforce has plans to grow as an organization, then why keep him in the minor leagues?
As for the scheduled bout with Jorge Masvidal, I say let Jorge fight Pat Healy on December 17th. Let it be for all the Rockstar energy drinks that the winner desires. And don’t declare the winner your “new lightweight champion”. It can only end with the winner on the prelims of an upcoming UFC card and you frantically trying to find a new champion.
Dana White breaks the news around the six minute mark. Props to NBCsports.com for the video.
When the news first broke that the UFC was going to hold an event in Japan on the same day as an event in Las Vegas in 2012, many of us were confused as to how this was going to work. Some of us pictured a Flintstones-esque scenario where Dana White and Burt Watson frantically try to be in two places at once, leading to various shenanigans. Even though specifics are still up in the air at this point, last night Dana White cleared the air a bit with how the UFC intends on handling the situation.
According to Dana White, the UFC event in Japan will take place on February 26, while the PPV card in Las Vegas will take place on February 25. Due to time zone differences, the plan is that the UFC Japan card will air live for free (presumably on Fox) immediately before the PPV broadcast in Las Vegas. So for those of you who guessed that that was going to happen, feel free to gloat in the comments section.
Dana White breaks the news around the six minute mark. Props to NBCsports.com for the video.
When the news first broke that the UFC was going to hold an event in Japan on the same day as an event in Las Vegas in 2012, many of us were confused as to how this was going to work. Some of us pictured a Flintstones-esque scenario where Dana White and Burt Watson frantically try to be in two places at once, leading to various shenanigans. Even though specifics are still up in the air at this point, last night Dana White cleared the air a bit with how the UFC intends on handling the situation.
According to Dana White, the UFC event in Japan will take place on February 26, while the PPV card in Las Vegas will take place on February 25. Due to time zone differences, the plan is that the UFC Japan card will air live for free (presumably on Fox) immediately before the PPV broadcast in Las Vegas. So for those of you who guessed that that was going to happen, feel free to gloat in the comments section.
Dana White also commented on the fears some of you may have about the strength of the Japan card compared to the strength of the PPV. As transcribed by MMAWeekly: “The thing we don’t do, and it’s what boxing did a long time ago, when the pay model started they started putting (expletive) fights on free TV. We don’t ever put (expletive) fights on free TV.”
Fight cards have yet to be announced for either event.
You ever get really lazy while liveblogging and decide to just use a picture of the fighters in the main event and offer nothing clever in the caption? Yeah, me neither. Props: Pennyjomma.net
You know why you’re here. You know what to expect. Let’s just jump right into this. Also, weekend editor Seth Falvo is handling tonight’s liveblog duties, so please direct all of your hateful comments at him. And hit “refresh” early and often.
You ever get really lazy while liveblogging and decide to just use a picture of the fighters in the main event and offer nothing clever in the caption? Yeah, me neither. Props: Pennyjomma.net
You know why you’re here. You know what to expect. Let’s just jump right into this. Also, weekend editor Seth Falvo is handling tonight’s liveblog duties, so please direct all of your hateful comments at him. And hit “refresh” early and often.
We have the obligatory pre-fight hype for tonight’s main event. Yushin Okami was hyped as “the strongest opponent that Anderson Silva has ever faced”, while Demetrious Johnson is being hyped as “the fastest opponent that Dominick Cruz has ever faced”. Foreshadowing much? You tell me, comments section. Here we go…right into a commercial break.
Matt Wiman vs. Mac Danzig
Mac Danzig cut his hair, and arguably packed on mass. Okay, maybe not. I just wanted to make a Mac from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia reference, and wanted to get it out of the way as early as possible. This one begins after we return from commercials.
Round One:
Leg kick Wiman. They clinch in the center of the cage, with Danzig landing some nice elbows and knees. Danzig goes for a head kick, and gets taken down by Wiman. Danzig looking for a guillotine, but can’t get his arm under Wiman’s neck. They stand, with Danzig landing some good shots before clinching again. Wiman lands an elbow from the clinch. Wiman lands another leg kick. More clinching, as they exchange elbows and hooks. They separate, with Wiman pushing the pace. Wiman lands another elbow, and Danzig’s nose is bleeding. Nice body kick by Danzig. Wiman is landing some nice elbows and knees from the clinch. Wiman goes for a takedown, but Danzig stuffs it as the first round ends.
Round Two:
Leg kick Wiman. And another. Danzig pushes Wiman into the cage, but Matt Wiman lands some elbows from the clinch. They separate, and now Wiman has Danzig against the cage. More elbows, before they separate and Danzig gets the takedown. Danzig attempts to pass guard, but Wiman stuff it. Wiman works for a triangle, but it doesn’t work. He transitions into an armbar, but Danzig manages to stack him up. Wiman attempts a kimura, but Danzig defends. They stand and exchange punches, with Danzig getting the better of the exchange. Another leg kick by Wiman. He shoots for a takedown, but Danzig avoids it. They exchange, with neither guy landing anything, as this round ends.
Round Three:
Wiman comes out swinging, but not really landing anything. Wiman lands a straight right before pushing Danzig into the cage. Another elbow from Wiman. And another. Danzig’s nose is a mess, but he counters and manages to escape. Failed takedown attempt from Wiman, and he looks gassed. They exchange, with Danzig getting the better of the exchanges. Wiman goes for a takedown, then pulls guard. Danzig gets control of Wiman’s back and throws punches before going for a rear naked choke. Wiman defends, and transitions to side control. Wiman begins raining down elbows. Danzig manages to stand up, and eats more elbows from the clinch. Wiman works for a takedown against the cage…but Danzig manages to catch him in a guillotine! Can Wiman hold out until the end of the round? Yes, yes he can. This one will go to the judges.
Great show from both fighters, but the judges give this one to Matt Wiman, 29-28 on all cards. The crowd is not impressed. Fight of the Night? We’ll see.
Some obligatory shots of the Washington Monument and the White House before a three way interview with Joe Rogan, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Both fighters chose to give incredibly safe answers. Seriously, think of the safest thing you could say about if you were either of them about their last fight and predictions for their next fight, and you’ll probably come up with their responses verbatim. Not that anyone should be surprised by this.
Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman
Anthony Johnson violates our ban about “bringing your old self back”. He promises a knockout by either head kick or a straight right. Hmm…when have we heard him say that before?
Round One:
Nice knee by Johnson. Brenneman shoots for a takedown, but Rumble sprawls. Some punches from Johnson while Brenneman turtles up. Nice knees to the body by Johnson. Brenneman needs to do something quickly. Brenneman manages to pull half guard and attempts a guillotine. Johnson moves into side control and stands up. Johnson grazes Brenneman with a head kick, but Brenneman manages to fall back to his knees. The second head kick from Johnson lands as Brenneman stands up, and this one is waved off, with Brenneman sitting up arguing about the stoppage. Premature stoppage? I’ll leave that for the comments section to discuss.
Rumble tells Joe Rogan that after everything that people were saying after the Dan Hardy fight, he knew he’d have to make a statement. He then says that Charlie Brenneman was the first fighter he’s faced that actually had him nervous. He then asks the crowd to give it up for Brenneman, because “he’s a beast”. I honestly can’t tell if he’s being facetious or not.
Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve
Before the fight, Pat Barry sums it up by saying “This is a Dutch kickboxer versus an American kickboxer. We’re going to punch and kick each other until one of us gives up.” Struve hints at possibly using his jiu jitsu, but I’m inclined to believe that Barry’s pre-fight prediction will be more accurate. We’ll see.
Round One:
They feel each other out before Struve lands a body kick against Barry. Leg kick Barry. And another. Not a lot of action, as they feel each other out while the crowd begins to boo. Leg kick Barry, as Struve answers with a teep. Leg kick Barry, as Struve jabs. The crowd begins booing louder. Head kick attempt from Barry, but Struve avoids it. Struve utilizes a few teeps before throwing a leg kick. Barry is doing a good job ducking under Struve’s punches, but he isn’t landing any opf his counter punches. Leg kick Barry before completely missing a Crane Kick as the round ends. Okay, so it wasn’t a Crane kick so much as a jumping kick that completely misses, but I need SOMETHING to entertain me.
Round Two:
Barry with a nice uppercut to start the round. Barry throws another head kick, but Struve blocks it. Leg kick Struve. barry checks a kick before answering with a leg kick of his own. Barry lands another leg kick. And another. Struve attempts to clinch, but Barry escapes. Struve attempts a knee, but Barry answers with a hook. Struve attempts a standing guillotine, and then takes the action to the matt. Struve transitions to guard and locks in a triangle. Barry with an impressive slam, but Struve hangs on. Barry taps. Very interesting ending to an otherwise forgettable fight.
Tough break, Pat. Struve calls Barry “one of the coolest dudes in MMA” and says he couldn’t have done it without him. Submission of the Night honors, or does Paul Sass deserve it more for his heel hook over Michael Johnson? And to think that you thought I wasn’t watching the prelims.
Bantamweight Championship: Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson
More talk about how Demetrious Johnson may be the fastest man in MMA before we’re reminded by Mike Goldberg that there is ANOTHER title on the line tonight in…Cruz vs. Johnson? Did I miss the first title fight, or am I just misinterpreting that one? We’re also reminded that both men are 9-1 in their last ten fights, with only one loss in their careers.
Cruz walks out to Hell’s Bells, but is wearing headphones. Joe Rogan wonders out loud what Cruz can possibly be listening to, and Goldberg speculates that he’s listening to AC/DC. I’m officially lost, so let’s just jump into this.
Round One:
Johnson comes out swinging, but doesn’t land much of anything. He shoots for a takedown, but Cruz stuffs in nicely before getting Johnson down and working for the mount. The crowd begins booing immediately, apparently still angry with the lack of action in the last fight. Cruz transitions to side control. Johnson escapes and eventually stands up. He pushes the action again, but is taken down while attempting a head kick. Cruz transitions to side control before briefly taking Johnson’s back. Johnson escapes, and manages to take down Cruz. Cruz gets back to his feet, but Johnson keeps him against the cage. Cruz escapes, but Johnson is really pressing the action. We’re once again reminded that Johnson is, in fact, the fastest guy that Cruz has faced as the round ends. Interesting start.
Round Two:
Johnson comes out swinging again, but Cruz takes him down against the cage. Some knees to the body by Cruz, but Johnson escapes. Johnson rushes in with jabs and crosses, and attempts a takedown. Cruz stuffs it, and pins Johnson against the cage. Some knees to the body from Cruz before attempting a takedown. Johnson stuffs it and reverses position. Cruz is breathing heavy now. Huge knee by Cruz, but Johnson narrowly manages to escape. Leg kick Johnson. Flying knee attempt from Johnson as he continues to press the action. Johnson attempts a takedown, but Cruz answers with a takedown of his own. Cruz in top position as this round comes to an end.
Round Three:
Johnson continues to come out swinging, but doesn’t land anything. Cruz works his jab while the crowd begins to boo. A brief scramble sees Cruz taking Johnson’s back and suplexing him. He attempts a rear naked choke, but Johnson escapes. Another choke attempt by Cruz, but Johnson gets back to his feet and presses Cruz against the cage. Cruz reverses, and manages to take Johnson down. Cruz appears gassed as Johnson attempts to stand back up. Johnson gets up and clinches with Cruz. They exchange knees against the cage as this round comes to an end.
Round Four:
Nice leg kick by Johnson. They feel each other out for a bit, with Cruz landing a few jabs. Cruz trips, but recovers with a jab. Johnson rushes the champion, but doesn’t land anything. Cruz pushes Johnson against the cage, and eventually gets a takedown. Cruz mounts Johnson, but Johnson escapes and tries to stand. He eventually succeeds. They feel each other out some more, but Cruz manages to push Johnson against the cage and work for a takedown. He succeeds, but can’t keep Johnson down for long. Johnson rushes in with a kick, but it’s caught by Cruz as this round comes to an end.
Round Five:
They touch gloves, and then Johnson presses the action. He throws a head kick, but Cruz escapes. Cruz manages a takedown in the center of the cage, and ends up in side control. Johnson gets Cruz in full guard, with Cruz throwing elbows to Johnson’s head. The ref warns them to “get busy”. Johnson scoots towards the cage and attempts to stand up. He succeeds, but Cruz keeps him against the cage. Johnson eventually escapes and lands an uppercut. He misses a head kick as Cruz circles away. Johnson pushes Cruz against the cage, but Cruz gets a takedown. He can’t keep Johnson down though, and he uses his jab to keep Johnson away. Cruz slips a punch and gets a takedown with one minute left. Cruz mounts Johnson, but Johnson turns over to escape. Johnson catches Cruz with a cross, but Cruz recovers and works for a takedown as this fight comes to an end.
I’d like to emphasize while we wait for the official decision that this was one of the most fast paced fights I’ve ever seen. The ref told these two to “get busy” when the fight slowed down to a slightly more normal pace. The judges see this one for Dominick Cruz, 50-45 (x2), 49-46.
They plug the return of the NHL, and we’re done for the evening. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow, but for now, have at it in the comments section.
Truly great works of art often take multiple views to fully understand, and a few more to fully appreciate. In that way, this video is kind of like a forgotten masterpiece. Except that it’s absolutely nothing like art in any way, shape or form, and more like an argument I don’t fully understand.
From what I’ve managed to gather, Rampage Jackson isn’t the only light heavyweight in the UFC with snitching issues. Rashad Evans was apparently the only person on Earth to know about “fuckin’ Melissa”, and now people are butt hurt that everyone knows. For what it’s worth, my totally uninformed opinion is leading me to believe that Rashad is as guilty as former Executive Vice President of MusclePharm Leonard Amenta was (i.e. not at all). Come on, you tell only one person about Melissa and chose to pick Rashad Evans? But I digress. There’s a much needed break in the action at the 1:13 mark before the argument resumes at the 3:20 mark.
Truly great works of art often take multiple views to fully understand, and a few more to fully appreciate. In that way, this video is kind of like a forgotten masterpiece. Except that it’s absolutely nothing like art in any way, shape or form, and more like an argument I don’t fully understand.
From what I’ve managed to gather, Rampage Jackson isn’t the only light heavyweight in the UFC with snitching issues. Rashad Evans was apparently the only person on Earth to know about “fuckin’ Melissa”, and now people are butt hurt that everyone knows. For what it’s worth, my totally uninformed opinion is leading me to believe that Rashad is as guilty as former Executive Vice President of MusclePharm Leonard Amenta was (i.e. not at all). Come on, you tell only one person about Melissa and chose to pick Rashad Evans? But I digress. There’s a much needed break in the action at the 1:13 mark before the argument resumes at the 3:20 mark.
Things get especially interesting when the assistant, Judy, is dragged into things at the 4:30 mark. Like a true public relations professional, Judy managed to deliver the safest answers possible when asked for her comments. Part of me wants to feel bad for the poor girl, but part of me also wonders how she didn’t notice that they were live the entire time. For that matter, how did nobody from the UFC’s Digital Team, apparently watching the entire time, let them know that they were live? A simple “Hey ur live STFU!!!” text could have made things far less awkward.
If there’s one thing to actually take away from the video, it’s this inspirational tidbit at the 6:15 mark: “When you’re in love, you don’t just fuckin’ walk out the door. You fuckin’ sit down and you work that shit out!” How heartwarming. Now work that shit out, Rashad. And remember: Snitches get what they deserve.
Or no longer feels anything, for that matter. Props to MiddleEasy for the video.
It’s Sunday afternoon. Most of you were too busy with UFC 135 to even bother watching Bellator 51 last night. Today, you’re probably too busy with your religious practices to spend time reading a full recap, so I’ll make this quick for you.
For those of you who don’t even have the time to watch that video, damn. Let me first ask you what it’s like to have responsibilities. Let’s also say that Joe Warren will not become Bellator’s first multiple weight class title holder any time soon. Forty year old Bellator newcomer Alexis Vila delivered a left hook that zombified Warren just over one minute into the fight. Look on the bright side, Joe: After getting knocked out like that, you have that featherweight title defense against Patricio Freire to look forward to.
Full results, courtesy of MMAJunkie, after the jump.
Or no longer feels anything, for that matter. Props to MiddleEasy for the video.
It’s Sunday afternoon. Most of you were too busy with UFC 135 to even bother watching Bellator 51 last night. Today, you’re probably too busy with your religious practices to spend time reading a full recap, so I’ll make this quick for you.
For those of you who don’t even have the time to watch that video, damn. Let me first ask you what it’s like to have responsibilities. Let’s also say that Joe Warren will not become Bellator’s first multiple weight class title holder any time soon. Forty year old Bellator newcomer Alexis Vila delivered a left hook that zombified Warren just over one minute into the fight. Look on the bright side, Joe: After getting knocked out like that, you have that featherweight title defense against Patricio Freire to look forward to.
Full results, courtesy of MMAJunkie, after the jump.
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight-Tournament Opening Round:
Alexis Vila def. Joe Warren via KO (punch) – Round 1, 1:04
Eduardo Dantas def. Wilson Reis via KO (flying knee) – Round 2, 1:02
Marcos Galvao def. Chase Beebe via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Ed West def. Luiz Nogueira via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Frank Caraballo def. Dustin Kempf via TKO (knee Injury) – Round 1, 1:19
Jessica Eye def. Casey Noland via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Jesse Riggleman def. Farkhad Sharipo via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Dan Spohn def. Dan Bonnigson via KO (knee) – Round 1, 0:09
John Hawk def. Allan Weickert via TKO (retirement) – Round 2, 5:00
Joey Holt def. Clint Musser via KO (flying knee) – Round 1, 4:07
Nate Diaz was clearly in a win or go home situation heading into UFC 135. Winning only three times in your past eight fights won’t exactly get you on Dana White’s good side. Especially when your brother is Nick Diaz. Fortunately for Nate, he easily locked in a fight ending armbar in the first round against Takanori Gomi. The 75 grand he pocketed for Submission of the Night honors? Just icing on the cake where he’s from, homie.
The only other fight on the card to end in submission, Jon Jones’ rear naked choke against of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, took home Fight of the Night honors. There really isn’t much else to say about this one, save for a sarcastic comment about how Rothwell vs. Hunt was far more deserving of FOTN honors. But you guys have higher expectations of us than that. Also, Josh Koscheck’s first round knockout over “K1 Hughes” earned him Knockout of the Night honors. This fight marks the fifth time in Koscheck’s career that he’s taken an end of the night bonus from the UFC, and also the second time he’s taken home KOTN honors. He also won Knockout of the Night for his performance against Yoshiyuki Yoshida back at UFC: Fight for the Troops in 2008.
Nate Diaz was clearly in a win or go home situation heading into UFC 135. Winning only three times in your past eight fights won’t exactly get you on Dana White’s good side. Especially when your brother is Nick Diaz. Fortunately for Nate, he easily locked in a fight ending armbar in the first round against Takanori Gomi. The 75 grand he pocketed for Submission of the Night honors? Just icing on the cake where he’s from, homie.
The only other fight on the card to end in submission, Jon Jones’ rear naked choke against of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, took home Fight of the Night honors. There really isn’t much else to say about this one, save for a sarcastic comment about how Rothwell vs. Hunt was far more deserving of FOTN honors. But you guys have higher expectations of us than that. Also, Josh Koscheck’s first round knockout over “K1 Hughes” earned him Knockout of the Night honors. This fight marks the fifth time in Koscheck’s career that he’s taken an end of the night bonus from the UFC, and also the second time he’s taken home KOTN honors. He also won Knockout of the Night for his performance against Yoshiyuki Yoshida back at UFC: Fight for the Troops in 2008.
