Author: Zach G. Harris

Ross Pearson vs. Takanori Gomi Head-to-Toe Breakdown

According to MMA Junkie, Ross “The Real Deal Pearson has asked for Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi as his UFC Fight Night 29 co-main event opponent. While the fight is not yet booked, it could hold considerable significance for both fighters if agreed…

According to MMA Junkie, Ross “The Real Deal Pearson has asked for Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi as his UFC Fight Night 29 co-main event opponent. While the fight is not yet booked, it could hold considerable significance for both fighters if agreed upon. A win or loss can mean the continuation or end to each fighter’s respective bids as a contender in the always-crowded lightweight division.

Both fighters looked sharp in their most recent bouts, but neither have been able to create a quality string of wins in the last three years. Both “The Real Deal” and “The Fireball Kid” have to know this is their lone remaining opportunity to avoid a drop to career gatekeeper or relegation from the league.

The depth and scope of the lightweight division also adds a particular need for a quality showing from one or both fighters. A decision win, unless accompanied by Shogun-vs.-Henderson-like effort, will not move the winner into a contender position. Only a dominating or devastating finish guarantees to put either man within striking distance of a top-contender bout.

 

 

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5 Reasons to Look Forward to the Weidman vs. Silva Rematch

You may be surprised that the author of “Anderson Silva Should Not Receive an Immedaite Rematch” would write this article. But despite one’s own feelings on “The Spider” receiving an immediate rematch, only a fool would not be e…

You may be surprised that the author of “Anderson Silva Should Not Receive an Immedaite Rematch” would write this article. But despite one’s own feelings on “The Spider” receiving an immediate rematch, only a fool would not be excited about the opportunity to see Weidman and Silva face off at UFC 168.

There are seemingly countless variables that add intrigue into the bout. From the shaping of the middleweight division to the fight itself, Silva vs. Weidman II is likely to push anticipation to the limit. Regardless of the outcome, both men have created an ever-cresting wave of interest that has more than just the hardcore fans talking.

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Anderson Silva Should Not Receive an Immediate Rematch at UFC 168

Dana White made the Weidman vs. Silva rematch official, announcing it will take place at UFC 168, according to Bloody Elbow. While Anderson fans are clamoring for a quick return to glory for their fallen hero, the move is questionable for more than one…

Dana White made the Weidman vs. Silva rematch official, announcing it will take place at UFC 168, according to Bloody Elbow. While Anderson fans are clamoring for a quick return to glory for their fallen hero, the move is questionable for more than one reason.

“The Spider” is not the end-all-be-all contender in the division. He is a champion dethroned via finish, and there is little precedent for a dethroned king receiving an immediate rematch. The fact is that Silva did not lose via competitive decision. Weidman knocked out and bludgeoned Silva in the second round of UFC 162 and had been controlling the entirety of the bout up to that point.

An immediate title rematch makes sense when Frankie Edgar suffers a hard-fought loss that has fans arguing over which competitor won the bout. If Edgar had been knocked out by Gray Maynard in the first round of UFC 125: Resolution, no one would clamor for an immediate rematch. Even the ever-shallow heavyweight division forced Cain Velasquez to earn one contender victory after being knocked out by Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 1.

Rich Franklin had to win two bouts prior to gaining a rematch after being dethroned by Silva. Chael Sonnen, even after coming so close to defeating Silva in their first bout, had to win two bouts before a second opportunity. Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre took two bouts before a rematch with Matt Serra after being knocked out and losing his belt.

“The Spider” is leapfrogging the recent existing precedent. It is a shame for the rest of the division and fighters who have to work hard to make it back to a second title shot. More importantly, the middleweight division already has a contender in Vitor Belfort.

Belfort has won four straight middleweight bouts, finishing each of his opponents in spectacular fashion. Belfort is also 36 years old, which renders moot any argument that Silva ought be rushed to a title shot over his fellow Brazilian. Belfort needs that shot as much as “The Spider” and deserves it more.

Perhaps the strongest piece of the argument for Belfort is that he has been a gamer for the company. Belfort stepped up big to replace Lyoto Machida for UFC 152 in a division above his own. A good soldier should be given a tip of the hat by the higher-ups when the opportunity arises. This is especially true when said soldier is already statistically deserving, as Belfort is. The UFC seems to have turned their back on Belfort during what could be his last quality push for a title shot.

Finally, the financial and time-based logistics make sense on all levels for a Weidman vs. Belfort title bout. Silva said he needed to take time off after the loss. Meanwhile, the middleweight champion was practically untouched in his fight with Silva. With Belfort free and ready to vie for the title, there is no reason to avoid a bout with Weidman for the fall of 2013. That would mean Silva versus the winner of the Weidman/Belfort bout could be set for the late spring or early summer of 2014.

A Belfort victory over Weidman would mean a possible bout in Brazil. Both “The Phenom” and “The Spider” are two of the largest personas in Brazilian MMA. The UFC could make up for their missed opportunity at UFC 126 when the two fought in Las Vegas rather than their home country. A Weidman victory means an opportunity to nail down a spring or summer bout in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. Either option makes more financial sense than an immediate rematch with only the last bout as the lead up.

There is no doubt Silva is a special man with a special set of skills. But he lost his bout with Weidman. When you lose your title, especially when you are dominated, you fall down the ladder. Silva, playing the same game he always does, lost his title violently. An immediate rematch simply makes little sense, even when considering the money grab angle.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Invicta 6 Full Results: Cyborg Proves Too Much for Coenen in 4-Round Beating

Cris Cyborg proved be on another level as she once again defeated Marloes Coenen via TKO in the fourth round to take the Invicta FC 145-pound belt in the main event of Invicta 6 from the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City.
Coenen was able to me…

Cris Cyborg proved be on another level as she once again defeated Marloes Coenen via TKO in the fourth round to take the Invicta FC 145-pound belt in the main event of Invicta 6 from the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City.

Coenen was able to merely survive until her inevitable demise Saturday night. The Dutch submission artist tried to pull the fight to the ground continuously. She paid the price as Cyborg punished her with vicious ground-and-pound round after round.

For Cyborg, there is little left outside of a superfight with Ronda Rousey, but contractual and logistical obstacles make efforts a virtual dead end. Ediane Gomes has stated an interest at taking on the fellow Brazilian. Gomes’ lack of bout to prove her worth due to an opponent pre-fight injury adds some concern about the marketability of a theoretical bout with Cyborg.

For Coenen, her career now hangs in the balance. The veteran has few opportunities at 145 pounds. A third fight with Cyborg would be, at minimum, two fights down the road.

 

Claudia Gadelha vs. Ayaka Hamasaki

The Brazilian bullied Ayaka Hamasaki before finishing the fight via ground-and-pound in the third round. She moves to 11-0 as Hamasaki falls to 9-1. The Japanese grappler could not handle the ground control and aggression of Claudia Gadelha, who will now face Esparza for the belt.

 

Sarah D’Alelio vs. Lauren Taylor

Lauren Taylor nabbed a curious decision to move to 8-0, while Sarah D’Alelio falls to 7-4-1 and was visibly perturbed.

 

Jennifer Maia vs. Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith, true to form, threw well over 500 strikes and outpaced Jennifer Maia to move to 6-3-1. Maia is a gamer and is clearly a capable 125-pound contender at 7-3.

 

Jessica Penne vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc

Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc tapped with three seconds remaining in the first round via RNC, falling to 8-7 in her career. Jessica Penne won a fight she was supposed to dominate, advancing to 11-2. Penne is looking to make a quick comeback to reclaim the belt she once held.

 

Joanne Calderwood vs. Norma Rueda Center

Joanne Calderwood was noticeably gassed as she fought to a decision victory, improving to 7-0. Norma Rueda Center spent most of the fight attempting to unravel the Calderwood riddle, and paid the price in the decision. She falls to 2-1.

 

Bec Hyatt vs. Mizuki Inoue

Mizuki Inoue defeated Bec Hyatt despite a third-round surge from the Australian. Inoue came on strong the first two rounds to secure a victory and improve to 6-1. Hyatt will be forced to a tune-up fight after falling to 5-3 in her career.

 

Miriam Nakamoto vs. Duda Yankovich

Miriam Nakamoto stopped Duda Yankovich in the first round via vicious ground-and-pound which followed a series of brutal knees. Nakamoto improves to 2-0-1, while Yankovich falls to 1-2.

 

Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres

An early Fight of the Night saw Tecia Torres claim a controversial decision to move to 3-0. Rose Namajunas takes a tough loss. She likely has not fallen far in the 115-pound division after falling to 2-1.

 

Tamikka Brents vs. Ediane Gomes

Tamikka Brents suffered a last-second injury to her knee. Ediane Gomes is still considered top contender despite not competing in her tune-up bout.

 

Ashley Cummins vs. Emily Kagan

Emily Kagan defeated Ashley Cummings by split decision. Kagan improves to 3-1, while Cummins falls to 3-2.

 

Kathina Catron vs. Livia Von Plettenberg

Livia Von Plettenberg defeated Kathina Catron by unanimous decision. Catron put on a game effort with a 24-hour notice. Von Plettenberg improves her record to 2-1.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Invicta 6 Full Results: Cyborg Proves Too Much for Coenen in 4-Round Beating

Cris Cyborg proved be on another level as she once again defeated Marloes Coenen via TKO in the fourth round to take the Invicta FC 145-pound belt in the main event of Invicta 6 from the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City.
Coenen was able to me…

Cris Cyborg proved be on another level as she once again defeated Marloes Coenen via TKO in the fourth round to take the Invicta FC 145-pound belt in the main event of Invicta 6 from the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City.

Coenen was able to merely survive until her inevitable demise Saturday night. The Dutch submission artist tried to pull the fight to the ground continuously. She paid the price as Cyborg punished her with vicious ground-and-pound round after round.

For Cyborg, there is little left outside of a superfight with Ronda Rousey, but contractual and logistical obstacles make efforts a virtual dead end. Ediane Gomes has stated an interest at taking on the fellow Brazilian. Gomes’ lack of bout to prove her worth due to an opponent pre-fight injury adds some concern about the marketability of a theoretical bout with Cyborg.

For Coenen, her career now hangs in the balance. The veteran has few opportunities at 145 pounds. A third fight with Cyborg would be, at minimum, two fights down the road.

 

Claudia Gadelha vs. Ayaka Hamasaki

The Brazilian bullied Ayaka Hamasaki before finishing the fight via ground-and-pound in the third round. She moves to 11-0 as Hamasaki falls to 9-1. The Japanese grappler could not handle the ground control and aggression of Claudia Gadelha, who will now face Esparza for the belt.

 

Sarah D’Alelio vs. Lauren Taylor

Lauren Taylor nabbed a curious decision to move to 8-0, while Sarah D’Alelio falls to 7-4-1 and was visibly perturbed.

 

Jennifer Maia vs. Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith, true to form, threw well over 500 strikes and outpaced Jennifer Maia to move to 6-3-1. Maia is a gamer and is clearly a capable 125-pound contender at 7-3.

 

Jessica Penne vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc

Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc tapped with three seconds remaining in the first round via RNC, falling to 8-7 in her career. Jessica Penne won a fight she was supposed to dominate, advancing to 11-2. Penne is looking to make a quick comeback to reclaim the belt she once held.

 

Joanne Calderwood vs. Norma Rueda Center

Joanne Calderwood was noticeably gassed as she fought to a decision victory, improving to 7-0. Norma Rueda Center spent most of the fight attempting to unravel the Calderwood riddle, and paid the price in the decision. She falls to 2-1.

 

Bec Hyatt vs. Mizuki Inoue

Mizuki Inoue defeated Bec Hyatt despite a third-round surge from the Australian. Inoue came on strong the first two rounds to secure a victory and improve to 6-1. Hyatt will be forced to a tune-up fight after falling to 5-3 in her career.

 

Miriam Nakamoto vs. Duda Yankovich

Miriam Nakamoto stopped Duda Yankovich in the first round via vicious ground-and-pound which followed a series of brutal knees. Nakamoto improves to 2-0-1, while Yankovich falls to 1-2.

 

Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres

An early Fight of the Night saw Tecia Torres claim a controversial decision to move to 3-0. Rose Namajunas takes a tough loss. She likely has not fallen far in the 115-pound division after falling to 2-1.

 

Tamikka Brents vs. Ediane Gomes

Tamikka Brents suffered a last-second injury to her knee. Ediane Gomes is still considered top contender despite not competing in her tune-up bout.

 

Ashley Cummins vs. Emily Kagan

Emily Kagan defeated Ashley Cummings by split decision. Kagan improves to 3-1, while Cummins falls to 3-2.

 

Kathina Catron vs. Livia Von Plettenberg

Livia Von Plettenberg defeated Kathina Catron by unanimous decision. Catron put on a game effort with a 24-hour notice. Von Plettenberg improves her record to 2-1.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Invicta 6: Cyborg vs Marlos Coenen Head to Toe Breakdown

Marloes Coenen fell short in her first attempt at defeating Cristiane Cyborg. Some saw it as a demolishing of sorts, like in the article from Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo! Sports blog.
While the supposed dominance is debatable, the bout left Coenen search…

Marloes Coenen fell short in her first attempt at defeating Cristiane Cyborg. Some saw it as a demolishing of sorts, like in the article from Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo! Sports blog.

While the supposed dominance is debatable, the bout left Coenen searching for answer after a third-round defeat. Now, Coenen is the Invicta FC champion, and Cyborg is once again gunning to dethrone the Dutch veteran. 

Coenen is sure to have developed a game plan for their upcoming bout at Invicta 6. Whether or not she has found the answers to unlock the violent puzzle that is Cristiane Justino (formerly Santos) will be noted on Saturday.

Coenen is one of the few women who is unfazed by the sheer power and dominance of Cyborg. The submission artist is stiff competition for the Brazilian striker and is sure to test her cardio and willpower as she pushes the fight deep into the championship rounds.

No matter who wins the event, spectators should expect powerful strikes, intelligent clinch work, explosive ground games and a possibly abrupt finish.

 

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