MMA Black Friday: Seven Things Money Can’t Buy (CagePotato)
“While our wives and girlfriends are busy maxing out our credit cards in hopes of finding the perfect gift for everyone she knows, we should be reminded that money can’t buy everything—especially in the world of mixed martial arts. Follow us after the jump to discover the irony of the MMA Black Friday. I promise it will be better than the turkey sandwich and leftover pumpkin pie you’ll have for lunch.”
Jens Pulver’s 2011 Videogame Holiday Buyer’s Guide (MiddleEasy)
“The holiday season is upon us and with the jingling bells, festive lights and awkward family gatherings a veritable avalanche of amazing games are at our game-pad worn fingertips. With many choices comes great responsibility, so what games will you spend your hard earned holiday windfalls of cash on? We recruited Jens Pulver to help you answer this very question. After hours of contemplation and debate, Jens and MiddleEasy compiled the following items that should be at the top of every gamers list and at the bottom of every tree. This is Jens Pulver’s Holiday Buying Guide-Only at MiddleEasy.com.”
The Indestructible Man (MMAFighting)
“Take Thanksgiving Day, 1986. (Daniel) Cormier is a seven year-old kid growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, when his father, long since split from Cormier’s mother, is shot and killed by the father of his second wife.
You can almost imagine the way this story goes. Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws, an argument ensues, things get out of hand. Then bang. You’ve got a tragedy in your living room.”
Vadim Finkelstein: We Will Offer the UFC a Fight Between Velasquez and Fedor (LowKick)
“We are determined to move forward, and would like to offer the UFC a fight between Cain Velasquez and Fedor Emelianenko. M-1 Global would take a full responsibility of organizing the fight sometime during 2012 in Moscow, Russia.”
Redeeming Filipino: Phillipe Nover Bellator 59 Exclusive Interview (MMAMania)
“I had to take some time off because I had neck surgery. I didn’t really publicize this. I don’t know for sure when the injury came first but I know I had a herniated disk and it was really bad. I definitely fought with the herniated disk a few times, that was during the UFC and it just kept getting worse and worse. Finally, I ended up getting an MRI after fighting Rob Emerson and I saw, the doctor told me that my neck is really bad.”
Rick Story Reveals that He Fought Injured at UFC 139 (FiveOuncesofPain)
“I wanted to apologize to all of my fans for my last performance. I ruptured my bursa (sac) and tore my meniscus in the second round. I lost all strength and made it difficult to fight,” Story wrote on his Twitter account.
Victor Conte: Time for Commissions To Use Carbon Isotope Ratio Testing (FightOpinion)
“In the case of Dan Henderson, however, one factor that we cannot dismiss in regards to his physical ability to still hang around in the sport is his reported usage of Testosterone Replacement Therapy.”
UFC Weigh-Ins Provide Comedy, Branding Opportunities (MMAPayout)
“UFC 139’s weigh-ins last night provided some comic relief and three overweight fighters in preparation for tonight’s PPV. With some of the weigh-in comedy, one wonders whether the weigh-ins are now a place to work on fighters’ personal branding.”
Jason “Mayhem” Miller Plans To Finish Michael Bisping (FightLine)
“Dan Henderson took his soul,” said Miller, during a recent interview with MMA Prime (thanks to MMA Mania for transcribing). “I’m going to take the rest. I’m gonna knock him out or submit him in the first round.”
Lyoto Machida Brings “King Mo” to Brazil To Help With Jon Jones Fight (5th Round)
“In anticipation of the toughest test in his career, Lyoto Machida has recruited the services of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal to help him prepare for UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones.”
Up Against It: The Evolution of Fence Tactics in MMA (TheFightNerd)
“Shane “The Hurricane” Burgos scores a body lock takedown and ends up in half guard. His opponent, Jason Aronica, seems comfortable attacking off of his back, so Burgos takes the opportunity to make his first use of the cage wall in the fight. He pushes Aronica’s head into the barrier, cutting off most of Aronica’s mobility and offensive options. This maneuver is now so standard that it is considered conventional wisdom in mixed martial arts. It is easy to forget that this common technique is a recent invention, and just the beginning of the fighter’s tactical use of the fence.”
Alistair Overeem Plans To Stop Brock Lesnar’s Takedowns and “Rip Him Apart, Piece By Piece” at UFC 141 (MMAConvert)
“Myself vs. Lesnar is a huge fight and I jumped at the chance to fight him. But I don’t underestimate this man. Winning UFC belt from Randy Couture in his fourth pro MMA fight and defending it against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin was very impressive. I am also impressed by Lesnar’s fighting spirit; he has twice come back from a very serious illness and fought very tough opposition right away. He obviously has a lot of confidence in himself in fighting me after more than a year out and surgery on his stomach, and I admire that about him, but I am even more confident in myself. I will knock this guy out. He is great at takedowns and controlling people on the ground, but he I can stop his takedowns and he is no match for me on the feet. I am going to rip Brock Lesnar apart, piece by piece.”
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