Author: The12ozCurls

‘UFC on FOX 5? Post-Fight Press Conference Notes: The Winners Look Towards the Future, Nate Diaz Discusses His F*cked-Up Eye


(“Ayo, is it cool if I use that toothpick to pop this thing?” Photo courtesy of Tracy Lee/Cagewriter)

By Nathan Smith

As usual, I drew the short straw, so I had to cover the post fight press conference — I actually volunteered because I am a sad lonely man — and Dana White was not there to moderate (double shit!). You Taters can watch the video for yourselves and get put into a coma or take my word within this posting as gospel. I am fairly certain that nobody was upset with “the best fight card to ever be aired on network TV” even though three of the four fights ended via decision.

Benson Henderson was not only magical during his five-round domination of Nate Diaz but he was seemingly able to conjure his inner David Blaine and make a toothpick mysteriously appear in his mouth at the end of the fight. The UFC Lightweight champ was simply dominant and once he finally arrived at the podium, he also showed the charisma of a world champion. With both an eloquent vocabulary and a seemingly levelheaded delivery, Henderson owned the dais (although he talks really really really fast).

When asked about the Scut-Farkus Toothpick Affair and if he actually had a sliver of wood in his mouth during the fight, Henderson was calm and smooth (go figure).

“I can not confirm or deny that. I normally do. It’s a bad habit, but whatever. Majority of the time I have it in. It is what it is.”

Bendo did his best to downplay his one-sided beating by showing respect to his animated opponent.

“Nate’s a good dude. He’s an emotional fighter and he’s an emotional guy. He is trying to do what it takes to get himself worked up.  After the fight he (Diaz) said ‘Good job — great fight and congratulations.’”


(“Ayo, is it cool if I use that toothpick to pop this thing?” Photo courtesy of Tracy Lee/Cagewriter)

By Nathan Smith

As usual, I drew the short straw, so I had to cover the post fight press conference — I actually volunteered because I am a sad lonely man — and Dana White was not there to moderate (double shit!). You Taters can watch the video for yourselves and get put into a coma or take my word within this posting as gospel. I am fairly certain that nobody was upset with “the best fight card to ever be aired on network TV” even though three of the four fights ended via decision.

Benson Henderson was not only magical during his five-round domination of Nate Diaz but he was seemingly able to conjure his inner David Blaine and make a toothpick mysteriously appear in his mouth at the end of the fight. The UFC Lightweight champ was simply dominant and once he finally arrived at the podium, he also showed the charisma of a world champion. With both an eloquent vocabulary and a seemingly levelheaded delivery, Henderson owned the dais (although he talks really really really fast).

When asked about the Scut-Farkus Toothpick Affair and if he actually had a sliver of wood in his mouth during the fight, Henderson was calm and smooth (go figure).

“I can not confirm or deny that. I normally do. It’s a bad habit, but whatever. Majority of the time I have it in. It is what it is.”

Bendo did his best to downplay his one-sided beating by showing respect to his animated opponent.

“Nate’s a good dude. He’s an emotional fighter and he’s an emotional guy. He is trying to do what it takes to get himself worked up.  After the fight he (Diaz) said ‘Good job — great fight and congratulations.’”

When asked about a possible rematch with Anthony Pettis (the last man to beat him and the same guy that gave the world proof that Ninjas actually exist), the champion skirted away from the proposed foe, never mentioning Showtime by name.

“I want to fight the best guys at 155.  I am not going anywhere…The pool of talent at 155 is pretty deep. I literally want to beat up everybody at 155. I want to fight the best guys on the planet. It doesn’t matter who they are.”

Nate Diaz arrived at the post fight presser 10 or 15 minutes after it had already started — I assume he was reading a manual for blender operation — and immediately took a seat only to hang his head while looking directly at the ground. When he finally raised his Metal Mulisha hat-wearing head, there was obvious extreme damage to his right eye. He confirmed as much when he answered questions from the press.

“I caught a punch in the eye pretty early and things were blurry. He landed a good shot early. I did what I could. It was blurry. I was screwed. I was trying to wait for the eye to recover but it never did. I ran out of time with it. I think, like I said, I was blind most of that fight. I was kind of waiting it out. I was trying to be a little more smarter.” (Ya, he said that – awesome.)

Although the Bendo toothpick questions had already been asked and answered directly by the champion, a member of the press asked Diaz for his opinion on his opponent potentially fighting with an Ethiopian corndog in his mouth during the match. “I don’t know if he did but…That’s weird,” Diaz said. Indeed.

Alexander Gustafsson won a unanimous decision and was seemingly never hurt even when he was clubbed a couple times by Mauricio “Shogun” Rua — who skipped the presser in favor of, what I assume, was greener pastures at the hotel bar. So, immediately the title shot questions come to mind. Though he was somewhat reserved on the microphone, he was not shy when asked if he was ready for Jon Jones (assuming “Bones” kicks the shit out of Chael Sonnen) or if he wants to fight in the meantime.

“When I get the chance to fight for the title I will be more than ready…I want to stay active. I’ll fight whenever. It was too long for me (the layoff after his fight against Thiago Silva on 4/14/12).  If they give me one before that I will fight whoever.”

The real “cunt-pickle” (thank you NomadRIP) of the night was both amazing and awkward. Rory MacDonald was awesome during his decimation of BJ Penn (who was absent from the presser because he was at the hospital being treated for potentially broken ribs and a fractured ego). The Waterboy was awe-inspiring. Period. End of Sentence. His stand-up skills against a legend like Penn were impressive, but his disrespectful Ali-shuffle during the fight combined with his weird call-out of Carlos Condit left even the most seasoned MMA viewer taken aback. Luckily, MacDonald doesn’t care if the fans like him.

“I don’t fight for them. People can love me or hate me. I don’t care as long as I fight well.”

With all the comparisons to GSP, can anybody actually imagine a world where Rush would utter anything remotely comparable to that? Regardless, the possibility for MacDonald’s meteoric rise in the welterweight division potentially running into St. Pierre was touched on.

“I don’t know. I’m not there yet. I don’t feel like I need to fight Georges. I am not going to stab him in the back and I don’t want to wreck my opportunity at Tri-Star.”

The whole time, the suited-up Mcdonald, spoke in a weird monotone; Benson Henderson probably takes dumps that are more charismatic than MacDonald’s personality. It was somewhat disappointing to this writer (because I am a gigantic GSP devotee) and I actually expected more from a guy who has been under the tutelage of St. Pierre.

At the end of the night, we were all treated to a great night of fights and hopefully the MMA community agrees. Previous UFC on FOX fight cards have been subpar but this one lived up to the hype. Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night bonus winner, Scott Jorgensen, summed it all up during one of his few responses.

“I don’t enjoy putting on a boring fight.”

And we don’t enjoy watching them, so thankfully, all the participants stepped up and did NOT deliver “twat-waffles” or “Chernobyl love.”

YUSHIN OKAMI THANK YOU!

The Unsupportable Opinion: Georges St. Pierre Should Call Out Anderson Silva and Will Beat Him at a Catchweight

By Nathan Smith

At the conclusion of the UFC 154 main event, I fully anticipate Bruce Buffer to get on the microphone and begin his enthusiastic spiel:

“At the end of five rounds we have a unanimous decision. All three judges score the bout 50-45 for your winner and the undisputed UFC welterweight champion of the woooooorld – Georges “RUSH” St. Pieeeeeeeerre!”

The Canadian crowd will erupt; Molson will be sprayed about and empty Poutine containers will be trampled as the joyous celebration begins. Dana White will put the championship belt around GSP’s waist and then Joe Rogan will approach for the post fight interview. It is at this point that Bizzaro Georges will snatch the microphone out of Rogan’s hand and jump into a tirade while speaking in his native French language. The only two words we will understand during his entire outburst will be “Anderson” and “Silva” as he walks to the edge of the octagon and points directly at The Spider, who will be mocking him all the while from cageside.

By Nathan Smith

At the conclusion of the UFC 154 main event, I fully anticipate Bruce Buffer to get on the microphone and begin his enthusiastic spiel:

“At the end of five rounds we have a unanimous decision. All three judges score the bout 50-45 for your winner and the undisputed UFC welterweight champion of the woooooorld – Georges “RUSH” St. Pieeeeeeeerre!”

The Canadian crowd will erupt; Molson will be sprayed about and empty Poutine containers will be trampled as the joyous celebration begins. Dana White will put the championship belt around GSP’s waist and then Joe Rogan will approach for the post fight interview. It is at this point that Bizzaro Georges will snatch the microphone out of Rogan’s hand and jump into a tirade while speaking in his native French language. The only two words we will understand during his entire outburst will be “Anderson” and “Silva” as he walks to the edge of the octagon and points directly at The Spider, who will be mocking him all the while from cageside.

The fluent crowd will become increasingly thunderous during the 90 second diatribe until there is a crescendo when GSP finally walks back to Rogan and says in English, “I just told Anderson that he is a pussy and instead of talking about me, he should get in here and fight me!” Then GSP drops the mic and Joe Rogan’s head turns into Danga’s favorite youtube clip live on PPV.

Awesome, right? Well not so fast, because it has come to light within the past few days that Anderson Silva does not plan on competing again until the latter part of 2013 because he is in a “comfort zone.” By comfort zone, I assume that means he is really really rich and would rather participate in feature films and open training academies instead of spending countless hours preparing for combat. There is nothing wrong with that because he has earned every right to take, in Silva’s own words, a “vacation from fighting.” But if that is the case, why has his smug manager, Ed Soares, been making so much noise about naming GSP as the next opponent Silva wants to face?

Is it for the money?  Sure.
Is it because general consensus is that GSP poses minimal danger?  Maybe.
Is it because Silva does not want to fight the larger opponent in Jon Jones? Probably.

I am sure that all of these questions factor into the equation but I don’t think that the Silva camp is giving the proper amount of respect to GSP by nonchalantly naming him as Silva’s next perceived victim. In fact, I propose that GSP not only holds his own but completely dominates the Spider the same way Chael P. Sonnen did during their first meeting. The only difference is that it would be Silva tapping near the end of the 5th round. Before you lunatics blow steam out of your ears, give your monitor the Stockton “Hey Buddy,” and scroll down to the comment section and call me a “fuck-tard” or “floor turd” at least hear me out.

Carlos Condit is the same height (6’2”) as Silva and if GSP is able to embarrass “The Natural Born Killer” the same way he has every other fighter he has faced, then the size discrepancy should not be an issue. Although Silva appears to have the same length arms as Plastic Man, there is only a 1.6” difference between his and GSP’s. Then there is the all important weight cut argument that will undoubtedly favor the welterweight champion.

The last time Silva fought below the 185 pound limit was in January of 2006 which coincidentally was the last time a loss was etched on his career record. Sure, it was a DQ loss for an illegal up-kick that almost sent Yushin Okami’s head into the fourth row, but a loss is a loss. Since then, he has rattled off 17 straight victories, but I don’t think that anybody would be surprised if cutting an extra eight pounds would adversely affect a guy that is pushing 40 years old. With a more extreme weight cut comes the propensity for Silva to be a little sluggish and cardio has never been a problem for St. Pierre. In fact, his gas tank has been his second greatest attribute inside the octagon.

GSP’s supreme characteristic as a fighter has always been his wrestling even though he does not have an amateur or collegiate grappling pedigree. He is just athletic as hell. The guy is a freak of nature when it comes to his ability to put his opponent on their back and keep them there while he ground and pounds his way into passing guard. We all know that as dynamic as the Spider is standing, he is equally unimpressive on his back (heroic triangle aside) and when he finds himself with St. Pierre in top position, the only way he is getting up is when the round ends or the fight is stopped.

Greg Jackson and Firas Zhiabi should watch the first Silva vs. Sonnen fight (and round 1 of Silva vs. Sonnen 2) until their eyeballs pop out of their heads to come up with a proper game plan for GSP. Once said game plan is in place, nobody is better at following instructions than St. Pierre. To win, GSP must quickly push forward at the start of every round before Silva is set. He needs to close the distance, weather the storm, get the take down and then spend the next 4:55 softening him up for the start of the next round. What Sonnen lacks in punching power and submission offense/defense from the top position, GSP has made a career out of. Once the fifth round comes, a 177 pound Silva will be tired of getting hit and will have nothing left in the tank. GSP will get the take down early and Silva will give up his back so the beating would finally end. I will then wipe a tear from my eye and tell all of my GSP-hating friends to “Suck it” as Carmen Valentina will undoubtedly take to Twitter to express her undying affection for St. Pierre.

So I beg you, Mr. St. Pierre. You are the classiest man in the UFC but please do all of us a favor. After your fight this Saturday, grab that microphone from Joe Rogan and let it rip. Give Anderson Silva what he wants: a fight with you. Otherwise, your next opponent will be another good (but not great) fighter (Kampman/Hendricks) and the middleweight division will be put on hold. After a less than stellar year for the sport, us MMA fans deserve it.

Chael Sonnen is Training to Fight Jon Jones Next Week!

(What has 2 thumbs and can muffle a fart on the first date?)

By Nathan Smith

Dan Henderson’s knee injury and the refusal by Jon Jones to fight his chosen replacement, Chael P. Sonnen on 8 days notice, forced the first UFC event cancelation in history and the infamous Dana White conference call to announce the goings-on took the MMA world by storm. DW chastised and spewed vitriol towards JBJ’s unwillingness to step up to fight Sonnen which infuriated the UFC brass as a whole. Likewise, it enraged the Bones nuthuggers and haters who in turn inundated the CP comment section for more than a week with well-reasoned arguments but mostly sophomoric jabs involving nipples.

Now Lyoto Machida Vitor Belfort has been named JBJ’s next opponent but that is not stopping Sonnen from getting ready to fight the man that turned down his challenge. The American Gangster expects to walk to the octagon and go mano y mano with Bones next weekend.

Dana White told mmajunkie.com:
“Chael Sonnen is in full training camp right now. He’s been training since he got offered the Jones fight. He said, ‘I’m in full camp right now because Vitor will get hurt and pull out, and it will be Jones vs. Sonnen, anyway.’”


What has 2 thumbs and can muffle a fart on the first date?

By Nathan Smith

Dan Henderson’s knee injury and the refusal by Jon Jones to fight his chosen replacement, Chael P. Sonnen, on eight days notice forced the first UFC event cancelation in history.  The infamous Dana White conference call to announce the goings-on took the MMA world by storm. DW chastised and spewed vitriol towards JBJ’s unwillingness to step up to fight Sonnen which infuriated the UFC brass as a whole. Likewise, it enraged the Bones nuthuggers and haters who in turn inundated the CP comment section for more than a week with well-reasoned arguments but mostly sophomoric jabs involving nipples.

Now Lyoto Machida Vitor Belfort has been named JBJ’s next opponent, but that is not stopping Sonnen from getting ready to fight the man that turned down his challenge. The American Gangster expects to walk to the octagon and go mano y mano with Bones next weekend.

Dana White told mmajunkie.com:
“Chael Sonnen is in full training camp right now. He’s been training since he got offered the Jones fight. He said, ‘I’m in full camp right now because Vitor will get hurt and pull out, and it will be Jones vs. Sonnen, anyway.’”

Un-FREAKING-believable!

Even though the UFC 152 card has been recast and finalized, Sonnen is still making a bunch of noise anticipating a fight with the champ. Could it all be a bouquet of unsubstantiated bullshit being made by a guy that loves to get inside his opponents head almost as much as he loves the spotlight? Absolutely, but does anybody actually doubt the fact that Sonnen IS training to fight next weekend? With Belfort’s recent health woes and an injury curse looming over the UFC it wouldn’t surprise this writer if Vitor comes up lame.

Dana White can hold a grudge the same way any dude can muffle a fart on the first date with his new chick and it is NEVER successful. No matter how much you think your cheeks are pressed tightly against the Olive Garden booth or how loud the bar noise is, she always hears it. DW was born with Irish stubbornness and there is nothing you can do about it (sorry BG, old Dad, new Dad, JJ, Rex, Seth, EC, Jeff, the rest of the “contributors” like me and the CP Nation) because unlike the forgiving first date, he will never forget what happened in the past. DW is worse than an elephant and I have superficial proof that will never hold up in the court of law.

DW went so far as to tell mmafighting.com:

“Ok, we were gonna fight Dan Henderson, guy’s got (expletive) knockout power, great wrestling, a good chin, tough (expletive) guy. Now here’s Chael Sonnen on eight days notice and he’s a (expletive) 185 pounder, coming in with no camp whatsoever. And you heard what they said: he’s a southpaw. Vitor Belfort’s a (expletive) southpaw. And hits (expletive) harder, and is faster and more explosive. So you’re gonna (expletive) say no to him on eight days notice but fight (Vitor). It’s so stupid that it gets me angry.”

In this writer’s opinion, there needs to be around the clock surveillance on The Phenom to insure his safety because there could be a couple of culprits hoping for his downfall. DW could play Wile E. Coyote to Belfort’s Roadrunner. If you see DW with ANYTHING labeled ACME and if you see a bellhop wearing a Blue Jays hat dropping banana peels all over the place while screaming “IT WAS A KNEE TO THE HEAD ON A DOWNED OPPONENT. . . . . . .  DAMN YOU ANDY,” call authorities (or use the “Ring Signal” and Nick will be right there to defend all of Canada). Please!

I have to ask the Potato Nation. Is this just Chael being Chael searching for attention or do you think Sonnen is being proactive in his approach to next weekend ‘s main event in hopes for a Belfort banana slip and/or future endeavors with Jon Jones?

Mirror, Mirror: Comparing UFC Fighters With Their Sports Star Counterparts


(Oh, you said you have a *flaggy* tattoo? I must have misheard you.) 

By Nathan Smith

During a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dana White said, “Globally, we’re already bigger than the NFL.” From a global stand point that may be true, but in the Pulp Fiction-esque United States, the NFL is still Marsellus Wallace. The UFC may never gain the notoriety that the NFL has in America but stand-out fighters continue to ink major product endorsement deals. Anderson Silva (Burger King, Budweiser), Georges St. Pierre (Gatorade, UnderArmor) and Jon Jones (Nike) are paving the way to success for future mixed martial artists. Although big-time corporate sponsorship for fighters is in its infancy, the other major professional sports leagues have seen their athletes gain almost as much notoriety outside the lines as within.

The UFC was purchased by Zuffa just over a decade ago and has been charging towards global domination ever since. Sure, the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL (well, maybe not the NHL) playoffs and championship contests annihilate the UFC ratings-wise but the premier MMA organization is gaining at a rapid pace. Take into account the combined several hundred years of history the 4 “major” professional leagues hold and it is glaringly apparent that the UFC and its stars are closing the gap like a fat dude towards a parked Roach Coach.

Comparing the UFC’s ratings and popularity with the aforementioned leagues is somewhat asinine and it would not be fair or rational to compare athletes from other sports with UFC fighters – but you have visited Cagepotato.com. We have never been accused of being fair or rational and matching fighters with their counterparts from around the world of other sporting organizations seemed as logical as a booze-filled headset.

Anderson Silva and Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan has become the benchmark to which all athletes are measured, although the comparisons have transcended far beyond the realm of athletics. Any activity or event draws comparisons to #23 (or #45 whatever). From Ken Jennings being the Michael Jordan of Jeopardy, to Joey Chestnut being the Michael Jordan of gluttony or Peter North being the Michael Jordan of male climax volume, Jordan is synonymous with superiority. In every single poll taken in the last decade regarding the “Top 100 NBA players in History” the battle is for #2 through #100. Michael Jordan is considered the greatest of all time in his medium (and I am not talking about minor league baseball).  Anderson Silva, with his perfect 15-0 record and 10 consecutive title defenses in the UFC, has done things that may never be accomplished again in the history of mixed martial arts. Some day a fighter may come along (if he hasn’t already *foreshadowing*) and surpass Silva’s records but until his numbers fall, Anderson Silva is the Michael Jordan of MMA – period.


(Oh, you said you have a *flaggy* tattoo? I must have misheard you.) 

By Nathan Smith

During a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dana White said, “Globally, we’re already bigger than the NFL.” From a global stand point that may be true, but in the Pulp Fiction-esque United States, the NFL is still Marsellus Wallace. The UFC may never gain the notoriety that the NFL has in America but stand-out fighters continue to ink major product endorsement deals. Anderson Silva (Burger King, Budweiser), Georges St. Pierre (Gatorade, UnderArmor) and Jon Jones (Nike) are paving the way to success for future mixed martial artists. Although big-time corporate sponsorship for fighters is in its infancy, the other major professional sports leagues have seen their athletes gain almost as much notoriety outside the lines as within.

The UFC was purchased by Zuffa just over a decade ago and has been charging towards global domination ever since. Sure, the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL (well, maybe not the NHL) playoffs and championship contests annihilate the UFC ratings-wise but the premier MMA organization is gaining at a rapid pace. Take into account the combined several hundred years of history the 4 “major” professional leagues hold and it is glaringly apparent that the UFC and its stars are closing the gap like a fat dude towards a parked Roach Coach.

Comparing the UFC’s ratings and popularity with the aforementioned leagues is somewhat asinine and it would not be fair or rational to compare athletes from other sports with UFC fighters – but you have visited Cagepotato.com. We have never been accused of being fair or rational and matching fighters with their counterparts from around the world of other sporting organizations seemed as logical as a booze-filled headset.

Anderson Silva and Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan has become the benchmark to which all athletes are measured, although the comparisons have transcended far beyond the realm of athletics. Any activity or event draws comparisons to #23 (or #45 whatever). From Ken Jennings being the Michael Jordan of Jeopardy, to Joey Chestnut being the Michael Jordan of gluttony or Peter North being the Michael Jordan of male climax volume, Jordan is synonymous with superiority. In every single poll taken in the last decade regarding the “Top 100 NBA players in History” the battle is for #2 through #100. Michael Jordan is considered the greatest of all time in his medium (and I am not talking about minor league baseball).  Anderson Silva, with his perfect 15-0 record and 10 consecutive title defenses in the UFC, has done things that may never be accomplished again in the history of mixed martial arts. Some day a fighter may come along (if he hasn’t already *foreshadowing*) and surpass Silva’s records but until his numbers fall, Anderson Silva is the Michael Jordan of MMA – period.

Georges St. Pierre and Derek Jeter

GSP is the focal point of Canadian MMA. He is the big fish in a larger-less-populated pond and the entire weight of a nation rests on his shoulders every single time he enters the octagon. Derek Jeter plays in the biggest media market in the world and has been given the moniker “The Captain” for the most storied franchise in the history of team sports. There is a lot of pressure to perform for both world champions and they are viewed with a certain amount of reverence by fans, media, and contemporaries. Both men have graced the covers of athletic magazines as well as high fashion publications and in regards to their female fans, let’s just call them “popular.”

Jon Jones and Lebron James

It has been covered on CP that there is a thin line between love and hate in regards to Jon Jones and the same can be said for Lebron James after “The Decision.” Both men are loved and hated regardless of their stellar performances during competition. Both men are just entering the recognizable primes of their careers and have already captured championships. Add in the fact that both men are genetic freaks compared to their colleagues and it appears that the dominance of Bones and King James has only just begun. Maybe?

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Terrell Owens

Not that long ago, both Rampage and T.O. were at the top of their professions. Rampage was sporting the UFC light-heavyweight strap and T.O. was widely perceived as the best wide receiver in the NFL. Both men were flamboyant, arrogant and a bit unstable. While Rampage did it with his trash talking combined with a John Candy inspired freeway escapade, Owens did it with his touchdown celebrations and an accidental overdose.  Now, Jackson is on the last fight of his UFC contract and T.O. is desperately trying to make the roster on an NFL team. How the mighty have fallen.

UFC on FOX 4 Reveals the #1 Contender – THE DRAGON

By Nathan Smith

Earlier in the week Dana White stated that “whoever wins the most impressively” from the contests involving Mauricio “Shogun” Rua VS Brandon Vera and Lyoto Machida VS Ryan Bader would be deemed the #1 contender for the LHW title. After watching the events unfold the UFC’s decision remained even more of a cluster f*ck due to a devestating Machida KO and a hard-fought TKO victory by Shogun. Even before Dana White stepped to the podium for the post-fight press conference, he announced LIVE just prior to the conclusion of the UFC on FOX 4 festivities telecast, that Lyoto Machida held the golden ticket.

By the time DW made his way to the dias for the post-fight press conference, the announcement had already spread across the MMA universe but he did say – during the media frenzy – that Machida “wants it bad.” The Dragon earned a convincing KO victory against a very tough competitor. Ryan Bader’s evening ended when he charged forward and ran directly into a perfectly-timed and placed right hand counter by Machida. Good night Irene.

By Nathan Smith

Earlier in the week Dana White stated that “whoever wins the most impressively” from the contests involving Mauricio “Shogun” Rua VS Brandon Vera and Lyoto Machida VS Ryan Bader would be deemed the #1 contender for the LHW title.  After watching the events unfold the UFC’s decision remained even more of a cluster f*ck due to a devestating Machida KO and a hard-fought TKO victory by Shogun.  Even before Dana White stepped to the podium for the post-fight press conference, he announced LIVE just prior to the conclusion of the UFC on FOX 4 festivities telecast, that Lyoto Machida held the golden ticket.

By the time DW made his way to the dias for the post-fight press conference, the announcement had already spread across the MMA universe but he did say – during the media frenzy – that Machida “wants it bad.”  The Dragon earned a convincing KO victory against a very tough competitor.  Ryan Bader’s evening ended when he charged forward and ran directly into a perfectly-timed and placed right hand counter by Machida.  Good night Irene.

Shogun, on the other hand, had a much more difficult task as (we can only surmise) the pink-slip-motivated Brandon Vera landed repeatedly with sharp elbows early on during their contest.  A back and forth battle ensued between the men and it wasn’t until the closing stages of the 4th round that Shogun was able to finalize the main event with the TKO stoppage after Vera was overwhelmed by fatigue and punishment.

Judging a main event UFC fight with title implications is difficult enough (*unless you are Cecil Peoples – then you can seemingly do Sodoku throughout the scrap then fill in a 10-9 wherever you eenie-meenie-minie-moe feel like it on the official scorecard*).  Objectively judging a UFC battle that is “most impressive” is a completely different thing.  Which is more impressive?

Decking a young buck contender full of piss and vinegar or stopping a veteran that has his career, income and family’s wellbeing on the line?

Well, DW and the UFC went with the former and Lyoto Machida will be the opponent for the winner of Jon Jones VS Dan Henderson.  So there you have it.  Machida is next in line and another CP writer is proven prophetic.  The Dragon was asked who he would prefer to face, Bones or Hendo, to which he replied “It doesn’t matter.”  The verbose Machida was also asked what he plans to do if he faces Jones again.  His response was typical.  “I have to improve my wresting.”  Considering Machida was choked out (go get youself some fans) COLD while standing, we can only hope the rematch is more competitive – unless, of course, Jon Jones runs his Bentley into the Dan Henderson tree.

We have months to speculate but who you got on both Potato Nation?

*Cecil Peoples is a respected and licensed combat sports judge and the bullshit within this article is simply personal opinion*

UFC Fighter Chad Mendes Being Sought By Police In Connection To A Bar Brawl Involving 40 People

(Well. . . . . . . Is a mugshot really necessary?)

If you Google search the phrase “alpha male back door” the results include things about a jealous monkey attacking a man as well as something about a she-male’s back door. You can thank me later for not linking the Potato Nation to the latter but former #1 contender Chad Mendes, a member of Team Alpha Male, is being sought by Hanford, California authorities after he “allegedly sucker punched a patron in the face and took off running out the back door” according to the Hanford Sentinel.

As many as 40 people were involved in an inebriated fracas (or as I like to call it – a SHITSTORM) at the Lacy Inn Bar. By all accounts, a police officer was on patrol and drove past the business where he/she witnessed two men fighting. When the cop stopped to break up the scuffle, one of the combatants turned their aggression towards the officer. When johnny law called for back-up a multitude of presumably drunken patrons came spilling out of the bar like they were entering a big box electronics store on Black Friday. I thought this shit only happened in old Clint Eastwood movies starring an orangutan.

(Well . . . . . . . Is a mugshot really necessary?)

By Nathan Smith

If you Google search the phrase “alpha male back door,” the results include things about a jealous monkey attacking a man as well as something about a she-male’s back door.  You can thank me later for not linking the Potato Nation to the latter, but former #1 contender Chad Mendes, a member of Team Alpha Male, is being sought by Hanford, California authorities after he “allegedly sucker punched a patron in the face and took off running out the back door” according to the Hanford Sentinel.

As many as 40 people were involved in an inebriated fracas (or as I like to call it – a SHITSTORM) at the Lacy Inn Bar.  By all accounts, a police officer was on patrol and drove past the business where he/she witnessed two men fighting.  When the cop stopped to break up the scuffle, one of the combatants turned their aggression towards the officer.  When Johnny Law called for back-up, a multitude of presumably drunken patrons came spilling out of the bar like they were entering a big box electronics store on Black Friday.  I thought this shit only happened in old Clint Eastwood movies starring an orangutan.

A Pier 6 brawl ensued until more police (as well as the Gang Task Force Unit) arrived to break up the awesomeness.  According to the authorities, Mendes was recognized and was said to be visibly intoxicated as he “began cursing at the deputies and officers” before he was asked to vacate the premises. Instead of leaving, though, he went back into the watering hole.  Then (this is when it gets real good), reportedly, Mendes decked a guy that “never saw it coming” and ran out the back door of the presumably high-class establishment.  Cops chased him behind the bar along a set of railroad tracks but could not keep up with the highly conditioned professional athlete because running hills with Urijah Faber is better for your cardio than a jelly.  Mendes has not been seen since.

The Sheriff’s Office has been trying to reach Mendes for questioning but their attempts have been unproductive.  Mendes is sought for questioning and if he does not materialize by Monday, the District Attorney’s Office will be requested to file formal charges against the UFC fighter and an arrest warrant will be issued.  Because of his MMA instruction and professional fighting skill-set, Mendes could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.  Though Mendes is still M.I.A. – four people were arrested at the scene of the brawl for public intoxication, no police officers were reportedly injured and the case remains open as investigation continues.  We’ll keep you updated as the story unfolds.