Chris Camozzi | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

UFC 158: St-Pierre vs. Diaz — Live Results and Commentary

(I don’t always get so excited about a fight that I quote Tito Ortiz, but when I do, I say July 4th…has come early. Photo courtesy of MMAMania)

GSP. Diaz. The Bell Centre in Montreal. That’s right, Potato Nation, it’s finally time for UFC 158. If I need to say literally anything else to get you excited about this card, there is no hope for you at this point. Please show yourself out quietly, and no, we don’t care how exciting you think spring league baseball nonsense is.

But Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz isn’t the only great welterweight fight we have to look forward to tonight. Elsewhere on the card, Johny Hendricks battles Carlos Condit, and Jake Ellenberger welcomes Nate Marquardt back to the big leagues. Plus: A middleweight tilt between Nick Ring and Chris Camozzi, as well as a lightweight bout between TUF finalists Mike Ricci and Colin Fletcher, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Handling tonight’s liveblog will be none other than Aaron Mandel, who will diligently record every punch, kick, and Stockton Heybuddy thrown in the cage after the jump, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and toss your own observations into the comments section. Let’s do it…

(I don’t always get so excited about a fight that I quote Tito Ortiz, but when I do, I say July 4th…has come early. Photo courtesy of MMAMania)

Good evening PotatoHeads, if you like cage fights or just 170 pound men in general, tonight is your night! We’ve got your live play by play action so refresh early and often as we bring you all the action from UFC 158.

Mike Ricci vs. Colin Fletcher

Recent TUF runner-ups clash in this battle with hometown pretty boy Ricci against horror movie extra Fletcher.

Round 1- Fighters feeling it out on the feet to start. Fletcher uses his long legs to throw some rangy kicks, Ricci firing back with hooks and straights. First 90 seconds pass by rather uneventfully, Fletcher working kicks with Ricci showing a more varied arsenal. Rogan calls Fletcher “the whitest human being he’s ever seen” and Goldberg wholeheartedly agrees which is indicative of the lack of action to call so far. An exchange of kicks and punches. Ricci throwing slow kicks and looking a bit stiff on the feet, Fletcher is flowing a little better but hasn’t landed yet, except to Ricci’s groin which Rogan calls “the best strike of the fight so far”, possibly true. Ricci recovers and the round ends uneventfully. 10-9 Ricci, because, pride?

Round 2- Quicker pace to start, Ricci landing and then takes Fletcher down and works from Fletcher’s full guard. Ricci postures up and lands some ground and pound, moves to side control along the cage as Fletcher goes for something Rogan calls “donkey guard”. Ricci works around to back side mount along the cage and Fletcher works back to the feet and clinches Ricci against the cage now. Fletcher is busted up, which gives his complexion a bit more variety. They separate and strike from the center of the cage. Body kick from Fletcher followed by a straight left from Ricci. Fletcher throws a strong leg kick. Ricci seems to be just barely getting the better of the striking but Fletcher is keeping a high volume of kicks coming. Round ends and another snoozer, 10-9 Ricci, again, maybe?

Round 3- Fletcher’s eye is damaged in a way that makes him look even more terrifying and there is ice in the Octagon which of course Rogan flips out about (youtube “Rogan ice in the Octagaon” if you don’t get this reference). Fletcher works for a takedown but Ricci defends and reverses as they pirouette around the cage. Action is lacking and the crowd voices its displeasure as Fletcher tries hopelessly to clinch and drag Ricci down. They separate and strike from the center. Fletcher throws a spinning back first that misses badly and he is auditioning for a role in the next Evil Dead movie as the damage mounts from Ricci’s jabs. Ricci drags Fletcher down against the cage with one minute left. Ricci works to half guard as Fletcher seeks for submissions amid a flurry of ground and pound. Ricci outscrambles Fletcher and takes his back with hooks in and searches for a choke that doesn’t quite get under the chin. Ricci switches to an armbar and the fight ends. 10-9 Ricci, meh.

Mike Ricci defeats Colin Fletcher by unanimous decision

Nick Ring vs. Chris Camozzi

Camozzi rocking a mustache that can be described as questionable, at best, while Ring makes some statements in the promo like “I hope to beat this guy” that threaten to turn the field of philosophy on its head.

Round 1- Leg kicks from both fighters to start. Good left from Camozzi. Lots of leg and body kicks from both fighters in the first minute here. Ring with a good left hook. Cartoon uppercut misses from Camozzi. Ring has his hands very low but hasn’t paid yet. Overhand left from Camozzi lands. Good exchange on the feet with both fighters getting some good shots in. Rings gets clipped, tries to shoot for a takedown and is shrugged off. Good right from Camozzi and Ring has a mouse forming under his right eye. Lots of leg kicks from Ring. A good flurry and combo from Ring as the round ends. Close, I’d say 10-9 Camozzi.

Round 2- More kicks from both fighters to start round 2. I wonder if there is a betting line now in Vegas on whether this card will see any more donkey guard? Both fighters throwing punches, nothing major landing as the round nears the halfway point. Good knee to the body from Camozzi followed by a good right hand. Camozzi rushes in and tries for a standing guillotine but it’s not there and they separate back to striking range. Camozzi seems to be at a sizeable speed disadvantage against Ring, perhaps he is tiring. Good straight right and double jab from Camozzi. Good knee from the clinch by Camozzi. Ring throwing more punches but nothing significant is landing. Rogan is convinced Ring is dominating but I disagree. Right hand from Camozzi briefly staggers Ring. Round ends and I’d say 10-9 Camozzi but Rogan feels differently.

Round 3- Final round begins on what so far has been a lackluster first two fights of the pay per view card. Leg kicks from Ring rip into Camozzi. Two lefts from Camozzi get through. Camozzi throwing bombs that aren’t landing and ends up clinching Ring from behind and trying to drag it to the mat. Ring works against the cage and separates. More leg kicks from Ring, Camozzi is going to have trouble walking tomorrow. Body shot from Ring and Camozzi is firing back. Rogan and I are watching different fights I think, Camozzi seems to be winning in my book. Ring is very tired and Camozzi is trying to pick him apart. Thirty seconds left and Ring is badly gassed. Camozzi can’t find a home for any of his bombs and the fight ends. 10-9 Camozzi, but we’ll see. The crowd is booing, two snoozers so far.

Chris Camozzi defeats Nick Ring by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt

Marquardt makes his return after a few years away and this is his first fight at welterweight in the UFC. He’s facing a tough test in Ellenberger and it will be interesting to see if the Marquardt who wrecked Tyron Woodley shows up or the one who dogged his way through a title loss to Tarec Saffedine. Winner of this is possibly in position for a title eliminator in the near future.

Round 1- Leg kicks back and forth to start but almost no action in the first minute. Marquardt flurries hard on Ellenberger but Jake escapes and nails Marquardt with a good shot. Marquardt trying to exorcise some demons with a bunch of leg kicks. Ellenberger rocks Marquardt with a right hook and drops him! Marquardt crawls around on the ground searching for a takedown but Ellenberger knocks him out face first into the canvas!

Jake Ellenberger defeats Nate Marquardt by KO in round 1

Nate was complaining about the stoppage which is about as comical as anyone saying either of the first two fights were exciting. Big win for Ellenberger, wouldn’t be surprised to see him get Condit if he wins or Hendricks if he loses next.

Carlos Condit vs. Johny Hendricks

Huge test for Hendricks here, he’ll get a title shot if he wins (or probably have it taken away again). For Condit, this is a chance to play spoiler and vault himself right back into contention.

Round 1- Seven inch reach advantage for Condit, I never realized how small Hendricks is, but shit he packs the power. Touch of gloves to start, leg kick from Condit and Hendricks throws the left hand bomb but Condit survives. Hendricks lands again but Condit knees back. Hendricks slams Condit and then walks away. Incredible first minute. Flying knee and superman punch from Condit. Hendricks fires back like a cannon and then takes Condit down. Holy shit finally a breather as Hendricks lays on top of Condit against the cage. Condit back to his feet but Hendricks drags him back down. Condit slick off his back searching for an armbar/triangle. Hendricks in full guard but Condit tying him up off his back and threatening with submissions. Hendricks lets Condit back up as he was being outworked on the ground. Hendricks picks Condit up again to slam but Condit lands out of it. Hendricks back on top of Condit on the ground but Condit is rolling well. Top control for Hendricks and they are again back to the feet! Flying knee from Condit and huge lefts from Hendricks but Condit grabs and arm amidst the flurry and rolls for a Kimura. Hendricks is turtled up on the ground and Condit takes his back as Hendricks stands back up. Hendricks is free and they are both throwing bombs at each other. Round ends with Condit pulling guard and threatening another sub. Holy fuck best round of the year so far. 10-9 Hendricks and I need a new pair of pants.

Round 2- Incredible chin from Condit in that first round and unbelievable warrior spirit to throw back. Second round starts with a Condit headkick being blocked. Condit trying to take advantage of his reach. Condit with another flying knee and Hendricks winging bombs as he tries to put Condit against the cage and nullify his range. Hendricks using the left hook to the body now too and throws Condit into the cage and takes him down. Condit threatens with a Kimura but Hendricks is free in top full guard. Condit works back to the feet and nails Hendricks with a straight right. Left hooks from Hendricks being met with another flying knee from Condit. Hendricks shoots a double leg against the cage and gets Condit down. Condit back to the feet again. Hendricks can get him down but Condit can outmaneuver him when it’s there. Hendricks tiring but times a flying knee from Condit and powers him down to the mat. Hendricks on top in half guard and dropping elbows. Condit calm and composed working off his back and again works back to the feet. Condit tags Hendricks with a right hand. Wild exchange and Hendricks dumps Condit on his back. Round ends with Condit chasing Hendricks around the cage. THIS IS A FUCKING FIGHT@!!!!! 10-9 Hendricks

Round 3- Condit looks insane as the third round starts, bleeding and exhorting the crowd. Apparently Hendricks hurt his left hand but he’s still winging it. Hendricks grabs a single leg and takes Condit down. Condit working hard off his back but Hendricks holds him down well. Hendricks raining the right hand now as Condit tries to reverse off the cage. Condit is blasting Hendricks with punches and elbows from his back. Condit searches for a kimura and rises to his feet. Hendricks blasts Condit with a left hand. Hendricks ducks under a head kick and drags Condit down. Condit doing more damage from the bottom than Johny. They are back to the feet with 90 seconds left and Condit absolutely rocks Hendricks, eyes roll back in his head but he clinches up and hangs on for dear life. Condit separates but Hendricks powers him down again. Condit back up and moving forward like a boss nailing Hendricks right and left. Hendricks dumps him down though but Condit up again and fires forward as the fight ends. Holy fuck. 10-9 Condit. What a fight, these guys came to scrap.

Johny Hendricks defeats Carlos Condit by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

That was maybe the fight of the year! I think the decision was fair, first two rounds to Hendricks, third to Condit, but it’s hard to say there was a real loser here. With Hendricks takedown skills I think a match against GSP would be really interesting. Not sure we’ve seen the kind of chin or warrior spirit from GSP that Condit just showed.

Champ Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz

It’s main event time! The buildup and talk is about to end (except for Diaz continuing to talk shit in the cage) and the fight is on. GSP holds most of the advantages here but if Diaz can be slick off his back and take GSP into the championship rounds with lots of volume punches to the body it could get interesting. Get your mean mug ready! Diaz walks out in jeans to a chorus of boos, GSP gets the usual deafening ovation from the hometown crowd in his heavily sponsored gi.

Round 1- I AM WAY TOO PUMPED RIGHT NOW! No touch of the gloves and Montreal is realllly loud. Leg kick from GSP and less than 30 seconds GSP takes Diaz down. GSP on top working some strikes to the body. Diaz throws his legs up looking for something but it’s not there. GSP working a lot from the top throwing punches. Diaz rolls to the turtled position but GSP is stuck to him throwing continual strikes. GSP hops over Diaz to the other side, Diaz sprawls and tries to take GSP down but to no avail. GSP back on top and working all around Diaz throwing strikes and transitioning quickly. Huge elbows from GSP as he postures up. Diaz trying to roll through but GSP is right with him and has maintained a dominant position throughout. Diaz tries to work up the cage but GSP drags him back down. Diaz with a blatant fence grab to get up but GSP muscles him down with ease. GSP on his back with one hook in. Diaz works up the cage again but GSP is smothering him. Diaz working a standing kimura against the cage but GSP absolutely smashes him down to the mat. 10-9 or maybe even 10-8 GSP.

Round 2- Diaz looks super concussed, GSP ready to go as the round starts. GSP with some kicks to start and 40 seconds in GSP dumps Diaz with a double leg. Diaz working his legs around in full guard but GSP raining down some heavy strikes again. Diaz tries to create space and roll for a leg but GSP defends and throws a huge knee to the body. GSP manhandling Diaz around the cage. A brief scramble ends with GSP on top in Diaz’s guard again. Diaz grabs a wrist and tries to roll but GSP stays on top. Diaz back to the feet finally and his face is a swollen mess. Diaz finally does some taunting on the feet, GSP responds with a superman punch. Round ends with Diaz talking shit and Yves Lavigne dragging him back to his corner. 10-9 GSP

“win or lose, he’s a bitch” – Nick Diaz in his corner between rounds.

Round 3- Diaz talking to GSP as they stand. Diaz stuffs a GSP takedown! GSP tries again and gets the fight to the ground. Diaz literally crawls to the cage and gets back to the feet. Nice body shot from Diaz, maybe the first real strike he’s landed this fight. They stand but no real offense from Diaz, GSP mixing in the kicks with punches. GSP tags Diaz with a punch and shoots for a takedown but Diaz shrugs him off against the cage. Diaz starts to finally open with the strikes and seems to clip GSP behind the ear. Volume striking begins but GSP dumps him to the canvas and starts unloading more ground and pound. Round ends with GSP on top. 10-9 GSP but the most life we’ve seen from Diaz.

Diaz took a swing at GSP after the bell, gets a warning from Yves Lavigne.

Round 4- GSP’s corner does not want it on the feet. Championship rounds begin and GSP working a stiff jab repeatedly. Diaz stuffs a GSP takedown and blocks a GSP headkick. Diaz shrugs off another takedown and is firing some big strikes, but none have landed flush. GSP is starting to look busted up and Diaz throws him off on another takedown attempt. They clinch against the cage with Diaz working some uppercuts and knees to the body. Diaz strolling around the cage with his hands down. GSP lands his first takedown of the round and lands in Diaz’s guard. Diaz again crawls to the cage and works back up but Diaz sticks to his back and slams him brutally. Diaz working for a kimura but GSP spins and takes his back. GSP leaning Diaz into the cage. Diaz drops down and works for a kimura again unsuccessfully. Diaz tries to roll under for a leg, GSP on top again as the round ends. 10-9 GSP, closest round so far.

Round 5- Diaz throws a headkick that is blocked. Straight left from Diaz and a good jab from GSP. Nick stuffs a takedown and they are clinched. Knees from the clinch from both fighters. They separate and GSP works the jab over and over. Diaz tries a headkick and slips, GSP is right on top of him and trying to take his back. Diaz trying for a kimura. GSP dominating the positions on the ground and throwing punches from the top. Diaz does some weird gumby shit and he’s somehow out with 90 seconds left they’re standing. Clinch between the two, Diaz working the body, they separate and GSP tries a headkick and then takes Diaz down. Time running out as Diaz hunts for a submission and GSP continues striking. Time expires, Diaz hugs GSP and raises his hand, classy. 10-9 GSP

Champ Georges St. Pierre defeats Nick Diaz by unanimous decision

GSP compliments Diaz’s jiu jitsu and boxing styles and exhorts the crowd to give respect to Diaz. Diaz surprisingly coherent and classy in his post-fight interview and maybe, kinda sorta retires and then starts speaking in incomplete sentences and sort of more definitively retires. He apologizes to Stockton and enters his fourth or fifth minute of talking before introducing Joe Rogan and walking off. Diaz gonna Diaz.

Well that’s all folks, thanks for hanging out!

UFC 158: Chris Camozzi vs. Nick Ring Head-to-Toe Breakdown

UFC 158 takes place this weekend in Montreal. It will host the welterweight championship fight between Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz. It is a bout that is attracting lots of media and fanfare. Meanwhile, the middleweight scrap between Nick Ring …

UFC 158 takes place this weekend in Montreal. It will host the welterweight championship fight between Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz. It is a bout that is attracting lots of media and fanfare.

Meanwhile, the middleweight scrap between Nick Ring and Chris Camozzi has flown under the radar. Both men are The Ultimate Fighter 11 alums who were forced off the show with injuries (Ring with a knee injury, Camozzi with a broken jaw).

Here is a head-to-toe breakdown of their impending 185-pound scrap.

Begin Slideshow

Rising Tide: Chris Camozzi Making Every Moment Count Inside the Octagon

Every fighter dreams of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. The roar of the crowd and the thrill of battle inside the Octagon help a competitor feel the validation of having finally arrived.It has a unique way of making all the sacrifices along the…

Every fighter dreams of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. The roar of the crowd and the thrill of battle inside the Octagon help a competitor feel the validation of having finally arrived.

It has a unique way of making all the sacrifices along the journey worthwhile, but what happens when that dream is realized, only to be lost and then found again?

For UFC middleweight Chris Camozzi, the experience isn’t one he’ll soon forget.

After setbacks and a release from the UFC, the 26-year-old has stormed back into the most prominent organization in mixed martial arts and is making statements every step of the way.

Camozzi is firing on all cylinders, as he’s collected three consecutive victories with his most recent coming at the expense of former light heavyweight prospect Luiz Cane at UFC 153.

The win has things looking up for the California native, but the hardships he has overcome provide all the motivation needed to push forward.

“After being released, I was pretty down on myself,” Camozzi told Bleacher Report. “Even though I’m young, I thought I missed my opportunity. But after talking with my manager Jason Genet and my management company Ingrained Media, they got me going again.

“My manager and my coaches assured me I was young enough to fight my way back. It gave me time to get better. It’s really hard to learn inside the Octagon.

“Most guys have to get their experience outside and they come in ready to go and ready to fight anybody. I took it as a learning experience and it only ended up being one fight outside the UFC against Joey Villasenor. In that fight, alone I learned a ton. It also helped me gain some confidence back after my loss to (Kyle) Noke.

“Making it into the UFC was always the goal. Back when I started it was either the UFC or Pride. Those are the places everyone was trying to get and I’m included on the list of those people. Fortunately I made it to the UFC. I’m here now and I’m getting to live my dream.”

Camozzi made his initial introduction to the UFC fanbase when he was selected to compete on the 11th season of The Ultimate Fighter. He had an impressive showing in his preliminary round matchup with Victor O’Donnell, but the back-and-forth battle came with consequences. Despite earning the victory and showcasing his hard-nosed style, Camozzi suffered a broken jaw which forced him out of the tournament.

“Looking back, there is more I could have done,” Camozzi replied when asked about his TUF experience. “I could have fought better and not gotten my jaw broken. My hands were down quite a bit. I went in there with the mentality where I wanted to be one of those guys who impressed Dana. I wanted to have the best fight there.

“The main goal is not just to win the show, but to impress the UFC, Dana White, and Joe Silva in the process. If you won the entire show just by laying and praying on guys, you are not going to impress anyone. I wanted to go in there with a bang. I feel like I did that, but in turn, I fought sloppy and broke my jaw.

“I’m a huge fan of the sport and I know what kind of fights I like to watch. I try to go in the Octagon and mimic that. I try to go in there with a bang and put on exciting fights. I would rather be known as an exciting and fun fighter to watch, rather than be undefeated and a guy where people see my name on a card and want to fast forward through my fights.

“Chris Lytle and Wanderlei Silva are great examples of this. They may not always win, but when they are on the card, people are excited.”

Upon his return the UFC, Camozzi came up short against Francis Carmont at UFC 137. Determined to get back on track, he returned to the Octagon with guns blazing and found redemption in his 2012 campaign.

The Factory X-trained fighter was successful in all three of his showings, two of which came by way of finish. For a fighter who has experienced his fair share of setbacks, running the table in 2012 offered a sense of redemption.

“It definitely is validating for me,” Camozzi said. “I know now I can compete with anyone inside the Octagon. I’ve hit my stride and everything is coming together for me. During my initial time with the UFC after the show, I was in the process of switching gyms. Now we have a new gym, and while I’m not the owner, we built it up from nothing.

“In my first fights with the UFC, I only had two training partners. Now we have a huge gym, a full weight room, and 40 to 50 guys who I can train with. When I have a camp, I can get the work in that I need and have the coaches to help get me ready.

“Initially during my transition, I only had a stand-up coach. I wasn’t working on jiu-jitsu or wrestling. I wasn’t doing anything to make my game stronger in those areas. Things are different now and I train the right way. I travel and train with guys who give me different looks. I feel I’m getting better each time and that only makes me more confident.

“I have to keep evolving my game, getting better at wrestling, and improving in the areas I need to work on. Confidence is key and with each fight I feel more confident in there. For me as a fighter, once I get confident and comfortable, I can start showcasing a lot more things.

“I’ve got a few things that are a little bit flashier I like to do and I think people will see them come out in 2013. Hopefully, I’ll be catching people off guard.

“I was happy with winning three fights, but there is always more I can do. I know I can do better. I finished two of those fights and wish it had been three. That is something for me to work towards. I didn’t finish Luiz Cane and feel like I should have.”

As Camozzi‘s career progresses, his scrappy style is sure to help him with the growing UFC fanbase. Working behind a rangy, in-your-face attack, Camozzi has used pressure in his past fights to break the opposition down.

“While Camozzi is never opposed to a toe-to-toe throw down, he understands his success will ultimately depend on his ability to evolve as a mixed martial artist. With every aspect of his game coming together at the right time, Camozzi is excited to keep the momentum building.

“Everything is great right now, but there are always improvements to be made,” Camozzi said. “My head coach Marc Montoya is great about switching things up for me. He brings in new guys and different coaches. I’m going to continue to get better and better. I’m not in a position where I’m going to just sit here comfortable for the rest of my career. We are going to keep switching things up to make sure I never get too comfortable.

“I want to put on exciting fights. I feel I have found my killer instinct again and maybe I lost that in some of my earlier fights. I’m going for the finish every time. I’m coming forward and looking to push the pace non-stop. I want to start running over people and making my way up the ladder.

“Any time fans see my name on a card, they can expect to see excitement. I’m going out there and I’m chasing those bonuses.”

Following the interview, it was announced Camozzi will face Nick Ring at UFC 158 in March.

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes, unless noted otherwise, are obtained first hand.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

And Now He’s Fired: Luiz Cane Axed by the UFC Following Second Straight Loss at UFC 153

(It isn’t often that you can document the exact moment someone’s UFC career went to shit, yet here we are…)

If you were to ask any knowledgeable fan of the sport circa 2008 what they thought of Luiz Cane, they would likely tell you that he was “one of the most underrated LHW’s in the division.” Following an unsuccessful UFC debut — which was halted when Cane accidentally struck James “Curse Watch” Irvin with an illegal knee — “Banha” absolutely blistered Jason Lambert and Rameau Sokoudjou in back-to-back contests, then scored a solid UD victory over Steve Cantwell to solidify his place as a rising contender. No, not the five fight losing streak Steve Cantwell, we’re talking about the Brian Stann TKOing, Al-Hassan arm-breaking Steve Cantwell. Cane’s chin appeared to be made of iron, platinum, unobtanium, or whatever element you’d prefer to compare it to, and combined with his solid takedown defense and devastating hands, looked to be on the fast track to a title shot.

But then, things fell apart (as they oft do in MMA) and Cane would quickly find himself fighting not just for a win, but to remain employed under the promotion in which he had once thrived.

It all started when Cane squared off against PRIDE veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 106.

(It isn’t often that you can document the exact moment someone’s UFC career went to shit, yet here we are…)

But then, things fell apart (as they oft do in MMA) and Cane would quickly find himself fighting not just for a win, but to remain employed under the promotion in which he had once thrived.

It all started when Cane squared off against PRIDE veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 106. You see, word had it that this “Minotoro” guy — who was making his UFC debut at the time — packed some power of his own. Word also had it that he had a brother who had been around the block a time or two. Despite this, many members of the MMA media were pegging Cane as the favorite, being that Rogerio and Cane had shared a similar opponent in Sokoudjou and one of them was KTFO by him. In either case, it took roughly two minutes for Lil’ Nog to throw enough left hooks to ensure that Cane would not only fall over, but would never truly pick himself back up. This kind of fighter-changing moment would be mirrored at the very next UFC pay-per-view event when Frank Mir would take a moderately entertaining kickboxer in Cheick Kongo and turn him into a lethargic, hesitant grappler for the rest of his career*.

For his next outing, Cane would be paired against another hard-hitting PRIDE veteran making his UFC debut in Cyrille Diabate. Although he managed to rock Diabate on at least one occasion this time out, just 17 seconds would be the only thing separating his second TKO loss from his first by the time this one was over.

After managing to end up on the right side of a first round TKO in his next outing against Elliot Marshall, Cane was given a golden opportunity to impress in front of his home country at UFC 134, where he would take on fellow slugger Stanislov Nedkov. It would not go well. Despite battering and bloodying his foe up early in the fight, you could almost see the hesitance in Cane’s eyes. “Bahna” would go down in the first (again) and Brazil would suffer its only loss to foreign competition that night. It was at this point that we placed Cane on our list of fighters we wished were better than they actually were, hoping it would provide the spark of motivation that he seemed to be missing.

For his final shot at redemption, Cane faced TUF 11 alum Chris Camozzi at UFC 153. It was a match that he was favored to win, due in part to the fact that Camozzi lacked the kind of KO power that had given Cane trouble in the past. Yet in the end, Cane would find himself swinging at air for the majority of the three round affair and eating a hellstorm of leg kicks and crisp combos to boot. According to Cane’s manager, the Brazilian’s sluggishness could be attributed to the pair of surgeries he was forced to undergo and the fact that he took the fight against doctor’s orders:

[Cain] comes from two knee surgeries. At first, the doctor made a mistake and he had to have another. To compete at that level, with a lot of athletes, it’s hard. He made a great fight.

He’ll keep fighting, and hope to be back soon to the UFC. People have to understand that being cut from the UFC is not a disaster. Once you’ve got a name in the UFC, things get easier for a comeback. Every athlete is likely to have that phase. Soon he wins and returns to the Ultimate.

The question now becomes: What occupation should Cain moonlight in now that he’s been fired?

*Kongo’s Hail Mary KO of Pat Barry, while remarkable, does not change this fact. One fluke KO does not compensate for his abysmal performances against Travis Browne, Paul Buentello, Matt Mitrione, and Shawn Jordan.

–J. Jones

UFC on FX 4: Chris Camozzi Talks Tito Ortiz, Dirty Jobs, and More

A Chinese proverb once said, “fall down seven times, get up eight.”
This is exactly what Chris Camozzi was thinking after being released from the UFC following his loss to Kyle Noke in February of 2011. Camozzi withheld the hardship of being relea…

A Chinese proverb once said, “fall down seven times, get up eight.”

This is exactly what Chris Camozzi was thinking after being released from the UFC following his loss to Kyle Noke in February of 2011. Camozzi withheld the hardship of being released and continue to battle.

After just one fight and win outside of the world’s greatest promotion, Camozzi received a warm welcome back to the UFC.

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Camozzi spoke of his return to the UFC and more.

Garrett Derr: Chris, I know you spent some time playing Rugby in your early days. Why did you choose to give up that sport to pursue a career in mixed martial arts?

Chris Camozzi: I played rugby all throughout high school and a little bit into college as well. Our college team wasn’t very good and I wasn’t liking school much at all. So, I thought it would be best if I decided to drop out and head home.

There are a few club programs that are very good in Colorado, but I just really needed a change of scenery. I decided to go to a local gym and try Muay Thai and BJJ. I got hooked after that.

GD: Before making it to the premier stage of MMA you had a variety of jobs that you hated. What was the worst job that you had and why did you hate it so much?

CC: I would say the worst job I had was working at Quiznos when I was 16-years-old. I’m not meant for customer service jobs or making food. It got pretty irritating listening to people’s complaints for a low-paying job, so I was out of there pretty quick.

GD: You were 2-1 in your first go-around with the UFC before you were released. You were later called back and now you’re once again fighting in the UFC. What did it mean to have the opportunity to return to the greatest promotion in the world?

CC: It really meant everything to me to have the chance to come back. I was going through some rough times when I got the call to come back and it really helped me bounce back from what I was going through at the time. I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to become a household name in the UFC.

GD: Coming up through, you were a part of Team Ortiz on the Ultimate Fighter. Do you still have a good relationship with Tito? What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from him?

CC: Tito was a great coach on the Ultimate Fighter and I talked with him a little bit afterwards as well. But, I don’t really keep in contact with him now. I’m always rooting for him because he’s a great fighter, and I wish him the best.

The most important thing that I learned from Tito was cage wrestling techniques. I can’t get into too much detail yet, because I still use it all in my every day planning. It will probably come in handy for my next fight against Nick (Catone).

GD: Tito will make his farewell in a bout against Forrest Griffin at UFC 148. Do you think he comes out on top in his last fight? Why or why not?

CC: Forrest is a tough fight for Tito, but it’s definitely winnable. I’m not sure who I would bet on, but I think it’s going to be a fun fight to watch.

GD: You’re now set to take on Nick Catone at UFC on FX 4. What holes in his game do you believe you’ll be able to open up when the opening bell rings?

CC: I think every area. Nick is a great challenge for me, but I’m looking to push my way to the top and he is just the next guy in front of me. I’m excited to test my wrestling game against him.

I’m looking for a finish as fast as possible. In my last fight, I won by submission in the third round. I’m hoping to beat that time this time around.

GD: When you’re not fighting or training for a fight, what are some of the things you enjoy doing?

CC: I’m pretty easy going. I love to hang out with friends and family. My fiance and I also love to travel and check out new places.

GD: Who would you like to thank?

CC: I would like to thank all my sponsors which include MMA Elite, RevGear, Jamey Jasta, Tool King and Besties with Testes, a non profit testicular cancer awareness foundation. I would also like to thank my fans, my management team in Ingrained Media and my team at Factory X in Englewood, Co.

Garrett Derr is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 137 Undercard Live Blog: Vera vs. Marshall, Downes vs. Nijem, More

Filed under: UFC

LAS VEGAS — This is the UFC 137 live blog for the four non-televised bouts in support of tonight’s UFC pay-per-view card at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Featured in these four Facebook bouts are Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall, Danny Downes vs. Ramsey Nijem, Francis Carmont vs. Chris Camozzi and Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks.

The live blog is below.

More Coverage: UFC 137 Results | Latest UFC 137 News

Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks

Round 1: Lots of circling early as Jacoby circles the outside of the cage. Starks lands a right cross but Jacoby takes it well. Tight right by Jacoby moments later. Starks answers back. Action is slow-paced but most of the strikes thrown have been power shots. Both men working hard with their footwork to cut off angles. Starks counters a hook with a right hand that scores. Starks goes to the body. One minute left. Starks chases Jacoby across the cage but doesn’t land much. Starks scores a takedown with :30 left. Jacoby hunts a kimura but Starks defends as the round closes. It’s Starks, 10-9.

Round 2: Hard right hand early by Jacoby, his best strike of the fight so far. Starks circles away, and looks fine. Jacoby uses a spinning heel kick that only partially connects. Left hook from Jacoby. Starks times a right that scores as Jacoby leans in. Starks takes Jacoby down with two minutes left. Jacoby does a good job keeping a tight guard but Starks occasionally sneaks in a right hand to the body or head. The late second is all Starks’, and he steals it away 10-9.

Round 3: The straight right is Starks’ money punch, and he lands it again early. The two exchange. Jacoby lands a knee from the clinch. Moments later, Starks shoots and takes him down. Jacoby keeps a tight guard but he’s behind and probably needs to be more aggressive. Starks passes to half-guard. Jacoby again looks for the kimura. Starks finally works his arm out of danger with 30 seconds left and lands some punches from the top. He’s going to take the round 10-9.

Winner: Clifford Starks via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Francis Carmont vs. Chris Camozzi

Round 1: Carmont walks out with welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre in his corner to make his UFC debut. Carmont takes Camozzi down inside the first minute, but Camozzi uses the wall to get back to his feet. Camozzi pushes Carmont against the cage. Carmont punches his way out of the position. Camozzi tries to bully him again, pushing him into the corner. Carmont lands a few knees to the body. Carmont pulls Camozzi down but Camozzi pops right back up. Carmont throws a knee, then a pair of elbows. He’s showing some diverse offense. Relatively close round but Carmont takes it 10-9.

Round 2: Carmont lands a right hand and Camozzi moves inside to initiate the clinch against the fence. Carmont likes knees from in tight, and he’s landed a few any time he has the space. Camozzi is trying hard to crowd him. Carmont lands a right hand, backing Camozzi up. A nice exchange and Carmont gets the better of it. Carmont goes for the takedown, picks up Camozzi and slams him down on his back. Carmont on top with strikes and over a minute to work. Carmont looked up at the clock, Camozzi tried to take the opportunity to get up, and Carmont dropped him with a left hook. Carmont tried to finish but Camozzi covered up. Big round for Carmont 10-9.

Round 3: Carmont lands a series of strikes early. He backed up and Camozzi audibly swore, giving the crowd a laugh. Carmont is taking over the fight with his standup. Camozzi’s face has been bloodied since the second round and Carmont looks pretty much unmarked. Another Carmont takedown with two minutes left. Hammer strikes from the top until he pulls Carmont into his guard. Carmont lets him up and Camozzi comes up with a flying knee into a clinch. Time’s running short. Camozzi nearly had a kimura as time ran out. Carmont 10-9.

Winner: Francis Carmont via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Danny Downes vs. Ramsey Nijem,

Round 1: Left hook by Nijem to open things. Nijem flurries in with a combination, the moves in for the takedown. Downes gets back up but Nijem tags him again with right hands. Nijem scores another takedown. Downes works free for a moment before Nijem drags him down. We’re up and down like musical chairs. Nijem finally takes Downes’ back and looks for the rear naked choke. Downes defends that but Nijem throws strikes to free up his neck. He looks for the choke again. Downes gets free with over a minute left. He has little time to accomplish anything. Nijem takes him down again and gets right to his back. It’s a very one-sided round, and it’s Nijem’s 10-9.

Round 2: Much better start to round two for Downes, who briefly had Nijem in an inverted triangle. Nijem got free though, and took Downes to the ground again. He immediately mounted Downes, who gave up his back. Nijem went for the rear naked choke again. Downes fought it off. Nijem looked for an Americana, Downes scrambled free. Nijem’s basically having his way with him, even if he can’t get the finish. He’s been riding Downes’ back for most of the round. Downes is surviving, but it’s one-sided, 10-9.

Round 3: Nijem faked a takedown and fired off some offense that landed. Downes circled away but Nijem followed him for another takedown. The round then settles into the same thing that’s come before it. Nijem in top position looking for a finish but Downes resisting. Another rear naked choke try from Nijem. With this one, he had the body triangle in and still couldn’t finish. It’s going the distance, and it’s going to be Nijem’s 10-9. Could easily be a 10-8 as well.

Winner: Ramsey Nijem via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27)

Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall

Round 1: Vera attacking the legs and body early with kicks. Vera then jumps into a flying knee. They clinch against the cage until Vera pushes off and they re-set in the middle. Marshall flurries with a combo, and Vera answers with a right cross before another clinch. It’s a stalemate and the ref breaks them up with a minute left. Vera still attacking the legs with low kicks. Marshall tries a high kick near the final horn that misses. Vera takes a slow round 10-9.

Round 2: Pace picks up to start the second. Vera just misses on a head kick and Marshall goes low, looking for the takedown. Marshall grinds him into the fence. The two jockey for position until Vera takes him down with three minutes left. Vera to half-guard, and drops elbows from the position. Marshall gets back to his feet and Vera fires off a hard knee from the clinch. They move back to the center with 20 seconds left. Marshall connects with a left hook near the close. It’s Vera’s 10-9.

Round 3: Marshall staggers Vera early with a right hand. Marshall then drops him with a right. Vera is in trouble as Marshall throws blows from the top. Vera covers up and gets to his feet. Marshall lands another hard left hand before Vera can initiate a clinch and give himself recovery time.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments