Author: SethF

UFC 131 Aftermath: It’s Just Like Hockey, without Canadians


If you’ve ever wondered how Cage Potato sneaks into UFC events, let’s just say it involves matching black baseball hats. Props: MMAConnected.com

Look, I get it. Vancouver fans are extremely excited about their Canucks winning 1-0 at home on Friday, putting the team one win away from taking the Stanley Cup. I’m more than willing to forgive those in attendance for being less than excited about UFC 131, an MMA event absent of title fights, or even some fellow Canadians on the main card. I’ll forgive the chants of “Go Canucks Go” and “We Want The Cup” that broke out throughout the evening. I’ll even forgive them for being won over by Jon Olav Einemo’s Canucks flag. But not watching the fights you’re supposed to be judging? That’s unacceptable.

There were some downright awful decisions made by the judges last night, causing some to wonder if they even watched the fights. Fortunately for Junior Dos Santos, his beating of Shane Carwin was too lopsided to possibly mess up. No doubt, Dos Santos looked impressive against Shane Carwin. Not only did he survive some of Shane’s hardest punches, but he also displayed some improved wrestling. He even managed to make Carwin look gun-shy, which seemed unthinkable. There were numerous times throughout the fight where it seemed crazy that Junior Dos Santos was fighting the same guy that almost dethroned Brock Lesnar. Before we get too excited though, remember that Shane Carwin managed to survive all three rounds, despite being a late replacement coming off of surgery. Time will tell how Dos Santos holds up against Cain Valesquez.


If you’ve ever wondered how Cage Potato sneaks into UFC events, let’s just say it involves matching black baseball hats. Props: MMAConnected.com

Look, I get it. Vancouver fans are extremely excited about their Canucks winning 1-0 at home on Friday, putting the team one win away from taking the Stanley Cup. I’m more than willing to forgive those in attendance for being less than excited about UFC 131, an MMA event absent of title fights, or even some fellow Canadians on the main card. I’ll forgive the chants of “Go Canucks Go” and “We Want The Cup” that broke out throughout the evening.  I’ll even forgive them for being won over by Jon Olav Einemo’s Canucks flag. But not watching the fights you’re supposed to be judging? That’s unacceptable.

There were some downright awful decisions made by the judges last night, causing some to wonder if they even watched the fights.  Fortunately for Junior Dos Santos, his beating of Shane Carwin was too lopsided to possibly mess up. No doubt, Dos Santos looked impressive against Shane Carwin. Not only did he survive some of Shane’s hardest punches, but he also displayed some improved wrestling. He even managed to make Carwin look gun-shy, which seemed unthinkable. There were numerous times throughout the fight where it seemed crazy that Junior Dos Santos was fighting the same guy that almost dethroned Brock Lesnar.  Before we get too excited though, remember that Shane Carwin managed to survive all three rounds, despite being a late replacement coming off of surgery. Time will tell how Dos Santos holds up against Cain Valesquez.

Perhaps our expectations of Kenny Florian were a bit too high for a guy who once fought at middleweight making his featherweight debut. Florian, who began his cut to featherweight weighing 180 pounds, coasted to a decision victory against Diego Nunes.  Even though his cardio was still as good as ever, Florian looked too slow against Nunes to be a threat to the top featherweights. In all fairness to Florian, however, he may have been slow simply because this was his first fight at featherweight.  Even though he is more than likely next in line for a title shot, he should probably be given one more fight at featherweight to adjust his weight cut before being offered up to Jose Aldo.

With his victory against Demian Maia, Mark Munoz becomes a contender at middleweight. He looked impressive last night by avoiding submissions from Demian Maia on his way to a unanimous decision victory.  However, he also managed to get rocked on numerous occasions by the mediocre kickboxer.  Munoz will need to spend more time on his striking in order to survive the deep end of the middleweight division.

Speaking of spending more time on striking, Vagner Rocha and Jon Olav Einemo should probably do that as well.  Rocha was never given a chance to utilize his jiu jitsu against Donald Cerrone.  Cerrone, who leg kicked his way to the victory, was never in any real danger of being caught by Rocha’s desperate haymakers.  Then again, perhaps it is a bit unfair to be so hard on Jon Olav Einemo. Despite the time spent at Golden Glory, Einemo was coming off of a five year layoff against a dangerous striker, Dave Herman. What else were we to expect? If anything, it’s an accomplishment that he had Herman in trouble a few times during the fight, which is no easy task.  Another fight in the UFC will see whether or not Einemo can still be a competitor in today’s MMA scene.  Just not against Shane Carwin.

Full Results, courtesy of MMAMania.com:

Junior Dos Santos defeats Shane Carwin via Unanimous Decision
Donald Cerrone defeats Vagner Rocha via Unanimous Decision
Dave Herman defeats Jon Olav Einemo via TKO (Strikes) Round 2
Mark Munoz defeats Demian Maia via Unanimous Decision
Kenny Florian defeats Diego Nunes via Unanimous Decision
Sam Stout defeats Yves Edwards via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Chris Weidman defeats Jesse Bongfeldt via Submission (Standing Guillotine Choke) Round 1
Krzysztof Soszynski def. Mike Massenzio via unanimous decision
Nick Ring def. James Head via submission (rear-naked choke) in round 3
Darren Elkins def. Michihiro Omigawa via unanimous decision
Dustin Poirier def. Jason Young via unanimous decision
Joey Beltran def. Aaron Rosa via technical knockout in round 3

Video: Notorious Hockey Enforcer Donald Brashear Wins MMA Debut


Still got it

Let’s all be completely honest for a minute: If Patrick Cote didn’t get all Rick James on Todd Brown at the weigh-ins, last night’s Ringside 11 in Quebec would have completely flown under our radars. That would have been unfortunate. Aside from a pair of UFC cast-offs fighting to remain relevant, the event also featured the MMA debut of the notorious hockey enforcer Donald Brashear. At 39 years old, Brashear probably isn’t going to be the next Steve Bosse, but at least he is not the next Jose Canseco.

Brashear fought with the same aggression he displayed in the NHL, immediately rushing his opponent, Mathieu Bergeron and dropping him. From there, Brashear just kept punching while Bergeron flopped around the cage trying to get back to his feet. Bergeron eventually laid out, bringing the stoppage only 21 seconds into the fight. MMAFighting.com also reports that after the fight, Brashear said that he would fight MMA again.

Video after the jump. For the record, I’m not exactly sure who shot this footage, or who decided the video needed a DMX song instead of the actual crowd noise. Whoever you are, you may want to shake your camera a lot less next time.


Still got it

Let’s all be completely honest for a minute: If Patrick Cote didn’t get all Rick James on Todd Brown at the weigh-ins, last night’s Ringside 11 in Quebec would have completely flown under our radars. That would have been unfortunate. Aside from a pair of UFC cast-offs fighting to remain relevant, the event also featured the MMA debut of the notorious hockey enforcer Donald Brashear.  At 39 years old, Brashear probably isn’t going to be the next Steve Bosse, but at least he is not the next Jose Canseco.

Brashear fought with the same aggression he displayed in the NHL, immediately rushing his opponent, Mathieu Bergeron and dropping him. From there, Brashear just kept punching while Bergeron flopped around the cage trying to get back to his feet.  Bergeron eventually laid out, bringing the stoppage only 21 seconds into the fight. MMAFighting.com also reports that after the fight, Brashear said that he would fight MMA again.

Video after the jump. For the record, I’m not exactly sure who shot this footage, or who decided the video needed a DMX song instead of the actual crowd noise. Whoever you are, you may want to shake your camera a lot less next time.

Oh, and in case you were curious, Patrick Cote took home a unanimous decision over Todd Brown.  Apparently, he is now also the Ringside MMA Middleweight Champion. Oh well, Todd Brown: Nice guys finish last.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 13? Finale Bonuses Announced


And to think, Tony Ferguson is the asshole of the group. Image via yfrog

Winning The Ultimate Fighter may no longer signify that you’ll be a force in your division for years to come. Or even a relevant name in your division. Or even that you have job security. But it does mean that you now have a six figure contract with the UFC, and if you happen to knock the other guy out in the process, you’ll pocket an additional 40k for “Knock Out of the Night” bonus. See? The show hasn’t completely lost its luster.


And to think, Tony Ferguson is the asshole of the group. Image via yfrog

Winning The Ultimate Fighter may no longer signify that you’ll be a force in your division for years to come. Or even a relevant name in your division. Or even that you have job security. But it does mean that you now have a six figure contract with the UFC, and if you happen to knock the other guy out in the process, you’ll pocket an additional 40k for “Knock Out of the Night” bonus. See? The show hasn’t completely lost its luster.

Other fighters pocketing 40k for their performances were Kyle Kingsbury, Fabio Maldonado and Reuben Duran.  Kingsbury and Maldonado were awarded “Fight of the Night” honors for their three round scrap that saw both men leaving the cage battered. Also, Reuben Duran took home a “Submission of the Night” bonus for his rear-naked choke victory over Francisco Rivera.  For those keeping score, this is the second straight card to have only one fight end via submission, with the winner utilizing a rear-naked choke.

UFC Undisputed to Return in January with Pride Mode. No, this is Not a Joke


Of course, you wouldn’t expect us to make inappropriate jokes about the UFC in the first place. Props: ufcundisputed.com

As a gamer, it sometimes confuses me that I get so excited about the release of new sports games. Other than updated rosters and an occasional gimmick that actually pans out, I’m essentially buying the exact same game every year. Not to mention that for every new feature that I’ll actually use, such as the truck stick in Madden games, there are two or three that I’ll either ignore or downright loathe. So for me to actually be excited about the newest edition of UFC Undisputed is sort of an accomplishment.

Earlier this week, THQ and the UFC released details regarding the game’s development. Set to be released in January of 2012, UFC Undisputed 3 will be available for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 gaming consoles. Obviously, UFC Undisputed 3 will feature the addition of featherweights and bantamweights, improved graphics and new camera angles, just like every other sequel to a sports game. For those of you looking to get in touch with your inner Mayhems, the game will also have fighter entrances. What is especially noteworthy though is that the game will also allow players to play in Pride mode.

For those of you thinking that this just means players will get to use soccer kicks in the Octagon, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The game will not only feature authentic Pride environments (read: a ring), but also Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros doing commentary. That alone has potential to be an awesome gaming experience, although the competition for best video game announcer is pretty stiff. Naturally, you will also be allowed to use soccer kicks, knees to a downed opponent and head stomps.

Official trailer, courtesy of the UFCTHQ YouTube page, after the jump.


Of course, you wouldn’t expect us to make inappropriate jokes about the UFC in the first place. Props: ufcundisputed.com

As a gamer, it sometimes confuses me that I get so excited about the release of new sports games.  Other than updated rosters and an occasional gimmick that actually pans out, I’m essentially buying the exact same game every year. Not to mention that for every new feature that I’ll actually use, such as the truck stick in Madden games, there are two or three that I’ll either ignore or downright loathe. So for me to actually be excited about the newest edition of UFC Undisputed is sort of an accomplishment.

Earlier this week, THQ and the UFC released details regarding the game’s development.  Set to be released in January of 2012, UFC Undisputed 3 will be available for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 gaming consoles.  Obviously, UFC Undisputed 3 will feature the addition of featherweights and bantamweights, improved graphics and new camera angles, just like every other sequel to a sports game. For those of you looking to get in touch with your inner Mayhems, the game will also have fighter entrances. What is especially noteworthy though is that the game will also allow players to play in Pride mode.

For those of you thinking that this just means players will get to use soccer kicks in the Octagon, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.  The game will not only feature authentic  Pride environments (read: a ring), but also Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros doing commentary.  That alone has potential to be an awesome gaming experience, although the competition for best video game announcer is pretty stiff.  Naturally, you will also be allowed to use soccer kicks, knees to a downed opponent and head stomps.

Official trailer, courtesy of the UFCTHQ YouTube page, after the jump.

(SF)

Video Roundup: DREAM 17: “Fight for Japan”


You know, stuff like this. Except moving

Last night, HDNet aired their footage from DREAM’s disaster benefit show, which took place last weekend. Most of you already know what to expect, as results were posted immediately after the event took place, but the fights are worth a quick look. During Aoki vs Clementi Frank Trigg generously guestimated that a half dozen fighters were mentioned as possible opponents for Shinya Aoki. To be fair, that’s about when we stopped paying attention to rumored opponents for Aoki as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have any videos from the bantamweight tournament semifinal matchups. If we find some we’ll get them up. Videos are after the jump.

All videos courtesy of Fight Video MMA:


You know, stuff like this. Except moving

Last night, HDNet aired their footage from DREAM’s disaster benefit show, which took place last weekend.  Most of you already know what to expect, as results were posted immediately after the event took place, but the fights are worth a quick look. During Aoki vs Clementi Frank Trigg generously guesstimated that a half dozen fighters were mentioned as possible opponents for Shinya Aoki. To be fair, that’s about when we stopped paying attention to rumored opponents for Aoki as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have any videos from the bantamweight tournament semifinal match ups. If we find some we’ll get them up. Videos are after the jump. 

All videos courtesy of Fight Video MMA:


Wicky vs. Caol by DREAMF4J


Mitsuhiro vs. Joachim by DREAMF4J

Takeshi Inoue vs Koichiro Matsumoto

Shinya Aoki vs. Rich Clementi. At 5:34, Clementi politely informs Aoki that he punches like a girl. Have to admire a guy who can taunt an opponent who is absolutely dominating him.

While You Were Watching UFC 130: Ultimate Glory and Dream 17 Results


Mark Miller wastes no time knocking out Nikolaj Falin. Props: MMATKO

Chances are that you knew about the United Glory Tournament Finals that took place yesterday in Moscow. It featured some pretty intriguing fights, was available on YouTube and cost less than ten bucks. Of course, many of you figured you could save your money and check Cage Potato this afternoon for some highlights and a quick list of results. Don’t worry, we got your back as usual.

The welterweight tournament, which began in October of 2010, came to an end with a scrap between Golden Glory teammates Tommy Depret and Siyar Bahadurzada. To those of you who have concerns that two teammates fighting each other would lead to a boring fight, relax and take notes. Tommy Depret gave current SHOOTO light heavyweight champion Siyar Bahadurzada trouble in the opening round, but once the second round started, this fight was all Bahadurzada. Bahadurzada used his superior hands and clinchwork to get finish off Depret. Yes, we have a video of this after the jump.


Mark Miller wastes no time knocking out Nikolaj Falin. Props: MMATKO

Chances are that you knew about the United Glory Tournament Finals that took place yesterday in Moscow.  It featured some pretty intriguing fights, was available on YouTube and cost less than ten bucks. Of course, many of you figured you could save your money and check Cage Potato this afternoon for some highlights and a quick list of results. Don’t worry, we got your back as usual.

The welterweight tournament, which began in October of 2010, came to an end with a scrap between Golden Glory teammates Tommy Depret and Siyar Bahadurzada. To those of you who have concerns that two teammates fighting each other would lead to a boring fight, relax and take notes.  Tommy Depret gave current SHOOTO light heavyweight champion Siyar Bahadurzada trouble in the opening round, but once the second round started, this fight was all Bahadurzada.  Bahadurzada used his superior hands and clinchwork to get finish off Depret. Yes, we have a video of this after the jump.

Also of note, TUF Season 9 veteren Mark Miller returned to action in a kickboxing match.  In his first fight since undergoing open heart surgery, Mark Miller knocked out his opponent less than ten seconds into the fight. Just something to think about next time you skip going to the gym over a headache. Also of note, Strikeforce heavyweight tournament competitor Sergei Kharitonov squared off against Mighty Mo in a kickboxing match. Since this is Strikeforce we’re dealing with, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to read that Kharitonov not only lost, but sustained an injury that will sideline him for a pretty long time. Fortunately for Strikeforce, that didn’t happen. Kharitonov knocked out Mighty Mo in the first round. Video is below:

SPOILER ALERT: DREAM 17 took place last night in Japan. However, the fights will not air until HDNet plays a taped version of the event June 3. If you want to watch the event and be surprised, stop reading now. And no, this article doesn’t have videos of the fights

For those of you still here, Shinya Aoki delivered an impressive performance against McKee Nelson Rich Clementi. While Clementi showed a lot of heart, he was by no means ever in control of this fight. Aoki finished Clementi with a neck crank from back control in the second round. 

As for the Bantamweight Grand Prix, Masakazu Imanari and Hideo Tokoro will be fighting in the finale. Imanari locked in a heel hook over WEC veteran Kenji Osawa, while Tokoro squeezed out a very close split decision victory over Atsushi Yamamoto. The finale of the grand prix is set to take place on July 16. Also, both Caol Uno Joachim Hansen took home decision victories against Akiyo Nishiura and Mitsuhiro Ishida, respectively.

Full results:

Ultimate Glory Tournament Finals, courtesy of BoxeoMundial.com:

Igor Jurkovic defeats Pavel Zhuravlev via TKO in round 2 (kickboxing).
Denis Stojnic defeats Mladen Kujundzic via submission in round 1.
Errol Zimmerman defeats Mourad Bouzidi by unanimous decision (kickboxing).
Rasul Mirzaev deafeats Roman Kishev via submission.
Mark Miller defeats Nikolaj Falin via KO in round 1 (kickboxing).
Dion Staring defeats Roman Savochka via TKO in round 1.
Sergei Kharitonov defeats Mighty Mo via KO in round 1 (kickboxing).
Ali Cenik and Zabit Samedov fight to a draw (kickboxing).
Jason Jones defeats Shamil Abdoulmouslimov via KO in round 3.
Artur Kyshenko defeats Nieky Holzken via unanimous decision (kickboxing).

Tournament Finales:
MMA: Siyar Bahadurzada defeats Tommy Depret via TKO in round 2.
Kickboxing: Gokhan Saki defeats Brice Guidon via unanimous decision.

DREAM 17, courtesy of MMAJunkie.com:

Masakazu Imanari def. Kenji Osawa via submission (Achilles lock) – Round 2, 0:58 (Japan bantamweight-tourney semifinal round)
Hideo Tokoro def. Atsushi Yamamoto via split decision (Japan bantamweight-tourney semifinal round)
Shinya Aoki def. Rich Clementi via submission (neck crank) – Round 2, 2:17
Katsunori Kikuno def. Daisuke Nakamura via unanimous decision
Caol Uno def. Akiyo “Wicky” Nishiura  via unanimous decision
Takeshi Inoue def. Koichiro Matsumoto via TKO (strikes) – Round, 6:51
Joachim Hansen def. Mitsuhiro Ishida via split decision
Kenji Osawa def. Takafumi Otsuka via split decision (Japan bantamweight-tourney first round)
Masakazu Imanari def. Keisuke Fujiwara via unanimous decision (Japan bantamweight-tourney first round)
Hideo Tokoro def. Yoshiro Maeda via TKO (corner’s stoppage) – Round 2, 0:43 (Japan bantamweight-tourney first round)
Atsushi Yamamoto def. Yusaku Nakamura via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 8:43 (Japan bantamweight-tourney first round)