(“We’re not angry with you, Ryan. We’re just disappointed.” Photo via Getty.)
Since ReX was finally able to unearth the Potato Index Supercomputer from his “Rave Cave” last week — which, FYI, is just a storage bin packed to the brim with CP t-shirts, used glowsticks, regifted blenders and vintage German porno mags — we figured we might as well continue running with this outdated piece of technology for the sake of nostalgia. For CagePotato readers, if anything, are a nostalgic bunch. Stubbornly trapped in the past and all but refusing to accept change you might even go as far as to say, but I digress. In any case, here are the numbers the CP Supercomputer was able to churn out based on the results of UFC 164 and Fight Night 28.
Two promotions. Two title fights. Two clear cut victories. Not only did Pettis earn an eternal place in Ben Henderson’s nightmares with one kick during their first encounter, but now he done went and submitted him inside of 5 minutes in their second. Lock up your daughters, lock up your wife, lock up your back door and run for your life. “Showtime” is back in town and he don’t mess around.
(“We’re not angry with you, Ryan. We’re just disappointed.” Photo via Getty.)
Since ReX was finally able to unearth the Potato Index Supercomputer from his “Rave Cave” last week — which, FYI, is just a storage bin packed to the brim with CP t-shirts, used glowsticks, regifted blenders and vintage German porno mags — we figured we might as well continue running with this outdated piece of technology for the sake of nostalgia. For CagePotato readers, if anything, are a nostalgic bunch. Stubbornly trapped in the past and all but refusing to accept change you might even go as far as to say, but I digress. In any case, here are the numbers the CP Supercomputer was able to churn out based on the results of UFC 164 and Fight Night 28.
Two promotions. Two title fights. Two clear cut victories. Not only did Pettis earn an eternal place in Ben Henderson’s nightmares with one kick during their first encounter, but now he done went and submitted him inside of 5 minutes in their second. Lock up your daughters, lock up your wife, lock up your back door and run for your life. “Showtime” is back in town and he don’t mess around.
Regardless of whether or not his thrashing of Frank Mir could have gone on a little longer, “The Warmaster” made a huge statement in his return bout nonetheless. Perhaps a fight with Travis Browne is on the horizon? Indubitably, you guys. Now will someone give the poor bastard a lift to the bus stop? He’s got these cheeseburgers, man…
He may still be an elite heavyweight by most standards, but ol’ Franky boy is a couple more beatdowns away from never being able to play Jenga with his kids again.
Fighting Clay Guida is like trying to wrangle a chicken in an amusement park while wearing a blindfold. Finishing the Energizer Blanket is even tougher. Clearly, smoking weed and watching fight videos with Duane Ludwig is paying off in spades for Team Alpha Male. But if we have to hear Chad talk about that dude in the bushes on the back of his twenties ONE MORE TIME.
Another tough break for the UFC’s hardest working and hardest playing star doesn’t do much for Guida’s stock. He’s a tough son of a bitch, that’s for sure, and a guy who will probably never become a champion or even an outright contender while still remaining a legitimate threat to those who are. Not much else to say, really.
We don’t know if we’ve ever seen a fighter as visibly confused as Brandon Vera was in the moments before Rothwell uncorked that beating on him in the third round. Unless you count Brandon Vera in the moments after Shogun Rua uncorked that beating on him in the fourth round last year. Welcome to No Man’s Land, Brandon. The summers are nice but the employment opportunities are somewhat scarce.
Another fantastic fight punctuated with violent exchanges is in the books for “Diamond,” who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting fighters at 145. At just 24 years old, he’s got a long UFC career ahead of him.
Following last night’s UFC Fight Night 28 event, MMA’s Great Debate Radio returns to talk about the show as well as welcome in Chad Mendes and Brian Rogers as guests.
UFC Fight Night 28 ended with Glover Teixeira knocking out Ryan Bader in the first ro…
Following last night’s UFC Fight Night 28 event, MMA‘s Great Debate Radio returns to talk about the show as well as welcome in Chad Mendes and Brian Rogers as guests.
UFC Fight Night 28 ended with Glover Teixeira knocking out Ryan Bader in the first round, and he will now get the next crack at the light heavyweight belt against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson.
On today’s show we debate if Teixeira should be the No. 1 contender or if it’s too soon for the UFC prospect to get the shot.
Also on today’s show, Mendes joins us to discuss his win over Clay Guida and current standing in the division. He also reveals how Ricardo Lamas turned down two opportunities to face him in the Octagon and if he still has interest in fighting him now.
Bellator fighter Rogers also stops by to talk about the upcoming middleweight tournament and how important this upcoming fight is to his career after failing to make it to a title shot in each of his last three attempts.
Today’s debate topics on the show include:
—Teixeira knocks out Bader and will get the next shot at the UFC light heavyweight title. Good move or bad move?
—Jones says Teixeira is “Rampage with better grappling” after saying Daniel Cormier is irrelevant. Is Jones on point or stepping over the line?
—Should JacareSouza leapfrog VitorBelfort as the No. 1 contender at middleweight and face the winner of Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva?
—ChaelSonnen fights Rashad Evans at UFC 167—like it, love it or hate it?
This is MMA’s Great Debate Radio for Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013
(If the embedded player does not work, click HERE to listen. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show via iTunesor listen on Stitcher Radio)
Team Alpha Male standout Chad Mendes did everything in his power to make sure he wasn’t the odd man out in the crowded featherweight title picture, becoming the first man to knock out Clay Guida in his 44 professional fights.
With the decisive victory,…
Team Alpha Male standout Chad Mendes did everything in his power to make sure he wasn’t the odd man out in the crowded featherweight title picture, becoming the first man to knock out Clay Guida in his 44 professional fights.
With the decisive victory, “Money” has now made it four straight victories, all knockouts, since losing to divisional champ Jose Aldo at UFC 142 in January.
Mendes believes he’s done enough to earn a rematch with “Scarface” and he also has a backup plan in mind if Aldo isn’t healthy enough to get back inside the Octagon sometime soon.
Alright @josealdojunior it’s time for the rematch. I am the #1 contender…… period! Lets do this.
Mendes, the top-ranked 145-pounder in the UFC’s official rankings, would likely have a tough matchup on his hands with Ricardo Lamas, who is also riding a four-fight win streak.
Lamas has finished top contenders Cub Swanson and Erik Koch since reinventing himself at featherweight, staking a claim for the next crack at Aldo.
The top dog at featherweight, Aldo has won an incredible 16 bouts in a row, most recently taking out fan favorite Chan-Sung Jung at UFC 163 earlier this month.
Aldo’s next move remains unclear, as both newly crowned lightweight champ Anthony Pettis and UFC President Dana White have expressed an interest in a Pettis-Aldo superfight, but a knee injury leaves “Showtime’s” return date up in the air (via MMA Junkie).
Adding improved boxing and serious knockout power to his solid wrestling base, has Mendes done enough to earn a second chance to crack the Aldo puzzle?
JohnHeinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.
When Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson first met at WEC 53, Pettis took Henderson’s WEC lightweight championship belt. At UFC 164, “Showtime” managed to take things a step further by ripping the UFC lightweight championship right out of Henderson’s a…
When Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson first met at WEC 53, Pettis took Henderson’s WEC lightweight championship belt. At UFC 164, “Showtime” managed to take things a step further by ripping the UFC lightweight championship right out of Henderson’s arms.
It’s tough to argue that, in spite of Henderson’s dominating stint as the 155-pound king, Pettis has his number.
It wasn’t all about the main event, though. Chad Mendes reminded the world of his mad quest to get a second shot at Jose Aldo, and Josh Barnett returned to the UFC in a dramatic fashion.
Let’s take a look at some of the more valuable lessons learned in Milwaukee, Wisonsin.
The year’s not over, but when it’s said and done, don’t be surprised to see UFC 164 stand atop as the crown jewel of the promotion’s endeavors in 2013. The main card delivered in spades, with four finishes – albeit one controversial one – and one fight of the night which somehow didn’t manage to win the actual Fight of the Night bonus. But the big story last night was the ascension of Anthony Pettis to the lightweight throne. There has not been a dominant champion in the most talented division in MMA since the downfall of BJ Penn at UFC 112. If last night was any indication, Anthony Pettis is going to the answer to the series of frustrating draws and questionable decisions that have plagued the top of the division in Penn’s absence.
In the fight itself, Benson Henderson’s strategy became immediately clear – clinch, clinch, clinch. The majority of the round saw Henderson use his strength to drive Pettis into the fence and keep him there while working short strikes to Pettis’ legs. Henderson also attempted a number of takedowns, all of which were stuffed. When the two finally separated for a period of time, it became evident just why Henderson was so eager to keep the fighting in close. Pettis, fighting out of orthodox stance as a means of opening up the body kicks that come when two fighters square off in opposite stances, proceeded to capitalize on that particular strategy, landing four kicks to the body which clearly discomforted Henderson. Pettis, perhaps a little too pleased with his work, then attempted a cartwheel kick, only to be taken down by Henderson. Working in Pettis’ open guard, Henderson planted his right arm on the mat. Pettis immediately grabbed an overhook and soon after went for the armbar.
Henderson defended well at first, but as Pettis rotated on his back, the pressure increased on Henderson’s elbow to the point where it popped and the champion verbally submitted. Pettis became the second man to submit a champion since BJ Penn did it to Matt Hughes in 2004, and he did it against a man who is exceptionally difficult to finish in under a round. Considering that it was previously believed that his standup was his main weapon, it should go without saying at this point that Pettis is not only one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, he could possibly be the best. A fight with Jose Aldo would go a long way to determine that, but a fight with T.J. Grant wouldn’t hurt either. Now the bad news; Pettis claims his knee popped during the fight. Hopefully it’s minor, but it would be a shame to lose Pettis so soon after such an impressive performance. Meanwhile, once his elbow heals, Henderson will be back. He’s insanely tough, well-rounded, athletic, technical… he’s just a level or two below Anthony Pettis. Maybe everyone else is too.
(Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The year’s not over, but when it’s said and done, don’t be surprised to see UFC 164 stand atop as the crown jewel of the promotion’s endeavors in 2013. The main card delivered in spades, with four finishes – albeit one controversial one – and one fight of the night which somehow didn’t manage to win the actual Fight of the Night bonus. But the big story last night was the ascension of Anthony Pettis to the lightweight throne. There has not been a dominant champion in the most talented division in MMA since the downfall of BJ Penn at UFC 112. If last night was any indication, Anthony Pettis is going to the answer to the series of frustrating draws and questionable decisions that have plagued the top of the division in Penn’s absence.
In the fight itself, Benson Henderson’s strategy became immediately clear – clinch, clinch, clinch. The majority of the round saw Henderson use his strength to drive Pettis into the fence and keep him there while working short strikes to Pettis’ legs. Henderson also attempted a number of takedowns, all of which were stuffed. When the two finally separated for a period of time, it became evident just why Henderson was so eager to keep the fighting in close. Pettis, fighting out of orthodox stance as a means of opening up the body kicks that come when two fighters square off in opposite stances, proceeded to capitalize on that particular strategy, landing four kicks to the body which clearly discomforted Henderson. Pettis, perhaps a little too pleased with his work, then attempted a cartwheel kick, only to be taken down by Henderson. Working in Pettis’ open guard, Henderson planted his right arm on the mat. Pettis immediately grabbed an overhook and soon after went for the armbar.
Henderson defended well at first, but as Pettis rotated on his back, the pressure increased on Henderson’s elbow to the point where it popped and the champion verbally submitted. Pettis became the second man to submit a champion since BJ Penn did it to Matt Hughes in 2004, and he did it against a man who is exceptionally difficult to finish in under a round. Considering that it was previously believed that his standup was his main weapon, it should go without saying at this point that Pettis is not only one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, he could possibly be the best. A fight with Jose Aldo would go a long way to determine that, but a fight with T.J. Grant wouldn’t hurt either. Now the bad news; Pettis claims his knee popped during the fight. Hopefully it’s minor, but it would be a shame to lose Pettis so soon after such an impressive performance. Meanwhile, once his elbow heals, Henderson will be back. He’s insanely tough, well-rounded, athletic, technical… he’s just a level or two below Anthony Pettis. Maybe everyone else is too.
The co-main event lasted about as long as the main event, but was decidedly more one-sided. Josh Barnett bumrushed Frank Mir as the bout began, as the two grabbed single collar-ties and proceeded to do their best impression of two hockey enforcers going at it. It soon became apparent Barnett was getting the better of the exchange, as he pressed his advantage by literally pressing Mir into the cage. Controlling Mir’s head, Barnett made infighting an art along the fence, punishing Mir to the head and body constantly. Pushing Mir’s head down, Barnett landed a knee to the face that collapsed Mir. Here’s where it gets controversial; Mir was out cold for a split-second. He went completely limp, the ref stopped the fight, and Mir woke up and protested the stoppage. It was a bit early; it was a flash knockout, and Mir could have conceivably woken up and absorbed another 15 punches before the referee decided to stop it. His resume dictates that he’s earned that right. But it’s hard to get too angry when that’s probably what would have happened. For Barnett, it was an impressive victory. Now let’s see if he can beat an ever tougher opponent; the pre-fight drug test.
At featherweight, Chad Mendes proved once again why he – and frankly, pretty much everyone at Team Alpha Male – is undeniably the second best fighter in his weight class. He dominated Clay Guida with calm, precise striking, and technically superior wrestling. For once, Guida couldn’t find a way to out-maneuver – or at least out-move – his opponent. Mendes’ footwork, brought along by striking coach Duane Ludwig, was too efficient. In the third, Mendes dropped Guida with a counter cross, attacked the downed Guida along the fence, waited until Guida returned to his feet, and then cracked him with an absolutely vicious right hook. Yves Lavigne stepped in after a few follow up punches. To his credit, Guida was quickly bouncing around the octagon soon after the fight was stopped. Also to his credit, he didn’t protest the stoppage. It was just. If Pettis is going to be out for a while, Mendes looks like he’s ready to take on Jose Aldo again.
Unexpectedly, one of the more interesting outcomes came in the finish to the Ben Rothwell-Brandon Vera bout. It’s an important distinction to make between the finish and the fight itself, for the latter was a mostly dull affair. Vera, evidently cautious of Rothwell’s size and power, constantly circled away from engaging. Stopping only to throw hard kicks to the midsection, Vera managed to take the first round. The second was more of the same, or perhaps less, as Vera’s output diminished and a victor was unclear. It appeared we were heading to a dull decision when midway through the third round, Ben Rothwell decided he had had enough of Vera’s evasive chicanery.
Though accounts may differ on what exactly happened next, I profess that Ben Rothwell summoned the ancient gods of cheese, cheap beer and general whiteness through what appeared to be a cross between a native Wisconsin mating dance and a mild stroke. Vera never stood a chance. Imbued with the power and obstinance of roughly 5,726,398 morbidly obese alcoholics, Rothwell barreled forward, pinned Vera against the fence and unleashed a torrent of pain. Rocking Vera with a strong uppercut, Rothwell followed with punches and a knee from the clinch which downed Vera. Only Herb Dean was able to save Vera from the force of nature Rothwell had become. As soon as it happened, it was over. What entity may have possessed him was exorcized as Rothwell bellowed in triumph, not unlike an elephant seal. Rothwell called out Travis Browne before departing, leaving all who bore witness to his brutality to question what was responsible for the transformation they had just witnessed.
Or they simply ascribed it to the new regimen of TRT Rothwell currently employs. Still doesn’t explain the dancing, though.
The first fight was a back and forth battle between young featherweights Dustin Poirier and Erik Koch. The first round in particular was wild. Poirier quickly dropped Koch, but as he followed up on the ground, Koch immediately grabbed a triangle. It was tight, and Poirier had to fight tooth and nail to survive and escape from it. But escape he did. As the fight resumed on the feet, Poirier landed a right hook that sent Koch careening to the mat. Still, Koch survived. Round two saw the action slow as Poirier still pressed his advantage. However, in round three Koch found his second wind, ultimately taking Poirier down and threatening with a rear-naked choke as the round expired. Poirier took home a deserved decision, but somehow this lost Fight of the Night to Pascal Krauss and Hyun Gyu Lim.
Still, it was an exceptional night of fights. Sure, the residents of Wisconsin could’ve seen as many finishes in the parking lot of a Packers game, but quality counts for something. And there’s something special about a hometown coronation like Anthony Pettis received. There was something special about UFC 164 as a whole; no matter who fought, it always seemed to exceed expectations. Who would have thought Milwaukee would have brought out the best of MMA?
Chad Mendes has been on a scorching path of late as he tries to get back into the title race and get another shot at featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
In his last three fights, Mendes was 3-0 with three first-round knockouts while spending less than fi…
Chad Mendes has been on a scorching path of late as he tries to get back into the title race and get another shot at featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
In his last three fights, Mendes was 3-0 with three first-round knockouts while spending less than five total minutes inside the Octagon.
He knew he had a tough challenge on Saturday night, however, at UFC 164 when he took on former lightweight contender Clay Guida.
The name of the opponent changed, and the fight lasted a little bit longer, but Mendes still produced the same result.
Mendes beat Guida to the punch on virtually every exchange when the two fighters engaged in a stand-up fight. Add to that, Mendes was aggressive in his wrestling where he put Guida on the mat a couple of times during the fight, which doesn’t happen often to the wrestler who hails from Chicago.
As the fight wore on, Mendes started to see more openings in Guida‘s striking, and that’s when he unloaded a couple of devastating punches that put an end to the fight.
Mendes managed to do on Saturday night what no other fighter has done in more than 40-plus professional fights against Guida—finish him by TKO.
Check out the full fight video highlights above and see if you believe Mendes has now done enough to earn another crack at Aldo after his fourth straight knockout in the UFC.
