Jacob Volkmann handled Lyle Beerbohm en route to a unanimous decision win last weekend at WSOF 3. Though apparently the man they call “Dr. Feelgood” fought a much more worrisome battle in his hotel room the day prior.
“The maid knocks on my door and keeps on knocking, and I [thought], ‘I’d better not get up too fast.’ So I got up and walked toward the door, and by the time I got my hand on the door, I blacked out,” Volkmann told Sherdog. “Next thing I remember, I was shaking on the floor, having seizures.
“I banged my head, and I must have hit my back on the door handle. I didn’t tell anybody, because I didn’t want them to say I couldn’t fight because I just had a seizure. I had bills to pay, so I really didn’t have a choice.”
Volkmann went on to explain that the incident took place while he was dehydrated from cutting weight, and afterward he abstained from informing Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer what happened. Volkmann is a licensed chiropractor in the state of Minnesota, so after checking all his necessary faculties, the outspoken 32-year-old seemingly cleared himself ready to get punched in the face the next night.
“Mentally and physically, I felt fine. I didn’t feel cloudy,” Volkmann explained. “I kind of did a self-analysis based on my medical background. I just wanted to make sure that my cognitive was there and my mental state was up to par. I was mentally able to fight, still. The thing about chiropractic education is that the first two years are the same as an M.D.’s education. You just branch off after two years.
“It was a byproduct of being dehydrated. I don’t think I need a CAT scan or [anything]. There’s nothing cloudy. My memory is fine. I don’t feel sluggish at all. I’m good to go.”
Far be it from me to question anyone’s medical credentials, but if Volkmann suffered actual, legitimate seizures, reaching any form of a diagnosis based on two introductory years in medical school seems like an incredibly precarious decision. But hey, I’m just some guy who stuffs food into his face and writes words for a living, so what do I know?
6 MUST-READ STORIES
Volkmann seizures. Jacob Volkmann claims to have suffered a seizure the day before defeating Lyle Beerbohm via unanimous decision at WSOF 3, according to a report from Sherdog. After the incident, Volkmann neglected to tell any commission officials, “performed a self-assessment” then cleared himself to fight the next night.
Shamrock on Fight Master. Frank Shamrock reflects on the debut episode of Fight Master, why he stood up to get Nick Barnes, and how Greg Jackson’s passive-aggressiveness could spell trouble later in the selection process.
Aldo heavy favorite. Las Vegas oddsmakers pinned Jose Aldo as more than a 5-to-1 favorite to defend his featherweight title against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 163, according to the opening lines at BestFightOdds.com.
Bellator ratings plummet. Ratings for Bellator’s Summer Series nosedived from last season’s average of 809,000 viewers to 480,000 viewers for Wednesday night’s fight card. Likewise, Fight Master‘s debut episode pulled 432,000 viewers.
Fight bookings. Promotion officials announced a trio of upcoming bouts for WSOF 4: Marlon Moraes vs. Brandon Hempleman, Nick Newell vs. Keon Caldwell, and Gerald Harris vs. Jorge Santiago.
Invicta FC moving to PPV. Invicta FC plans to broadcast its upcoming card, Invicta FC 6, headlined by Cris Cyborg vs. Marloes Coenen, on a traditional television pay-per-view model for $14.95. Invicta FC 6 takes place July 13, 2013 at the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
MEDIA STEW
“He’d be a fool not to respect me as a fighter. On July 6th, when we step in that cage, he’s going to have respect for me.” — Chris Weidman, stating his case.
What’s the matter, Chris? Oh, you were finished! Well, allow Joe to retort.
For anyone interested or anyone that missed it, you can check out the full debut episode of Bellator’s ‘Fight Master’ below. (Click to watch.)
You’re asking me if we have video of Randy Couture singing Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer?’ What a silly question. Of course we have video of Randy Couture singing Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer!’
If you didn’t watch Bellator’s undercard this week (and let’s be honest, I doubt very many of you did), you missed one hell of a brawl. Folks, check this out:
Don’t forget, the Diaz circus (kind of) returns this weekend.
A SIMPLE REQUEST
Can I please get a fight booked! @BryanHamper @BrianButler_Au @ufc
— Jerome-Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) June 21, 2013
GAME 7
Excited for this game tonight. #heat #nbafinals
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) June 21, 2013
Give Lebron the ball every possession and get the hell out of the way #HEAT
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) June 21, 2013
I don’t think I have ever seen a guy be so open for threes…..#NBAFinals
— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) June 21, 2013
Wow this game is cray cray… I hope everyone is watching
— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) June 21, 2013
#Duncan u are a warrior. I am heat but a great respect for you
— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) June 21, 2013
HEAT \o/\o/\o/ #1 http://t.co/3U2JF3z02U
— Edson Barboza (@EdsonBarbozaJR) June 21, 2013
After this win, you Lebron haters better get off his back. @KingJames deserves our respect. #witness #GreatnessAwaits
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 21, 2013
“I’m not even supposed to be here, I ain’t got no worries”
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 21, 2013
Careful with that champagne bottle this year @chrisbosh
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 21, 2013
Good one “@Koipan23: “@JonnyBones: Careful with that champagne bottle this year @chrisbosh” don’t want him to get a DUI”
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 21, 2013
This is great, but when does football start?
— Lorenzo Fertitta (@lorenzofertitta) June 21, 2013
O_O
I hugged a big live Tiger today. He looked annoyed then head swatted me. Then it rained. That is all. Please don’t rain tomorrow #Phuket!
— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) June 15, 2013
Found this kitties sweet spot. Conveniently located directly opposite of its crushing jaws. #Phuket… http://t.co/8QItTbo82B
— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) June 15, 2013
NICE
Maybe dion should have blown his nose before the fight. Gross pic.twitter.com/M3KN4jRd8I
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 21, 2013
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION
POLL: Who’s sexier, Sharon Stone in Casino or Michelle Pffeifer in Scarface? I need alot of responses to make this legit.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) June 21, 2013
HOLLYWOOD JON
Just finished a six hour commercial shoot here in LA!! Wait until you guys see this. #Dynamic #Cray
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 21, 2013
THE END
“I have no regrets. I’ve helped this sport to grow…but I won’t fight anymore…” @BabalusIronGym post fight: pic.twitter.com/aAp5ymlySg
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 20, 2013
I did it my Way. I lived the the life of a fool, no regrets http://t.co/0s8CCYyivo
— Babalu’s Iron Gym (@BabalusIronGym) June 20, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Thursday, June 20, 2013):
- Bellator 99: Alexander Shlemenko (47-7) vs. Doug Marshall (18-6)
- WSOF 4: Marlon Moraes (10-4-1) vs. Brandon Hempleman (9-1)
- WSOF 4: Nick Newell (9-0) vs. Keon Caldwell (9-1)
- WSOF 4: Gerald Harris (21-5) vs. Jorge Santiago (25-11)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day sees dpk875 return with another edition of: A quick look at some of the better prospects in action this weekend
A quick look at some of the better prospects in action this weekend.
RFA 8 – 21 Jun – Milwaukee, WI – If you want to see top prospects, there is no better place than any RFA event.
FLW:
Sergio Pettis (7-0) vs. Joe Pegg
Pettis was suppose to be in a fight with long time MMA veteran Jeff Curran that could have easily sold his case for a shot at the UFC with a win, but Curran has pulled out of the fight just 10 days out. Now Pettis is in a tough spot where he is facing a relatively unknown fighter on short notice. Pegg has 3 wins in 2013, and very little to lose in this scenario against the more hyped prospect.
FW:
Lance Palmer (6-0) vs. Jared Downing (9-1)
Palmer has been considered one of the best prospects in the sport from the minute he announced he was pursing MMA, after being a 4 time All-American wrestler at Ohio State. He has been training with Team Alpha Male, and to this point in his career he has delivered on the hype, and is closing in on a UFC invitation.
BW:
Pedro Munhoz (7-0) vs. Mitch Jackson (20-3)
Munhoz is a two time Brazilian National No-Gi champion. He has been a pro since 2008, but has had six fights cancelled due to opponents pulling out already in his career. Munhoz tried out for the most recent season of TUF, and made the interviews with the TV people but feels he missed his chance when he told the producers that he doesn’t talk much shit about his opponents. There are holes in Munhoz’s striking, but he is quick to come out of a scramble with a submission attempt. Jackson was a college wrestler at the JUCO, and Division II level.
CFFC 25 – 22 Jun – Valley Forge Casino Resort – King of Prussia, PA
HW
Chris Birchler (4-0) vs. Joe Stripling
Birchler was a 2 x NCAA qualifier while wrestling at Edinboro University. He currently is training at AMA in New Jersey, which is also home to numerous current and former UFC fighters. He has a little pop in his hands, but generally sticks to his base, and takes guys down and grinds out his wins.
KOTC – 22 Jun – Albuquerque, NM
HW
Cody East (6-1) vs. Nick Rossborough –
East will attempt to win the KOTC Heavyweight title for the second time. His first attempt ended when he was stopped by long time KOTC, and MMA veteran Tony Lopez. Since that fight East has won three fights by first round stoppage, and even taken a very low level pro boxing match, which he also won. Sounds like he has been training with guys like Frank Mir, and Travis Browne at Greg Jackson’s recently, so that should help his progress.
Vale Tudo Japan – 22 Jun – Tokyo, Japan
FW:
Anthony Avila (11-1) vs. Caol Uno
Avila trains out of team Alpha Male and puts his 10 fight win streak on the line against the UFC, and Dream veteran Uno. A win here for Avila should put him in line for an offer from UFC, Bellator, or OneFC.
Review from Last Week –
Ring of Combat XLV
Frankie Perez, and Andre Harrison both remained undefeated, and improved to 6-0 with wins last weekend. Perez picked up an unanimous decision win over previously undefeated Adam Townsend, while Harrison TKO’d Matias Vasquez.
WSOF
Justin Gaethje has graduated from prospect to a top fighter. The only thing keeping him from Bellator or UFC at this point is his current contract with WSOF. Jerrod Sanders and Krasimir Mladenov both picked up decision victories to improve their long win streaks to double digits. Tyson Steele on the other hand was derailed in the first round by veteran Steve Carl.
XFC
Scott Holtzman picked up a very nice win, and remained undefeated as a LW prospect.
Deep
Doo Ho Choi picked up another entertaining win. I don’t know if it was impressive enough to get UFC on the line, but he is sure fun to watch.
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in Monday’s column.