Tag: Ian McCall

UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar — Main Card Results & Commentary


(“The name’s Frankie. I fight dudes twice.” Photo via MMAFighting)

Tonight at UFC 156 in Las Vegas, Jose Aldo goes for his fourth-consecutive UFC featherweight title defense, while former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar attempts to become the third fighter in UFC history to pick up a belt in two different weight classes. And that’s just the cherry on top of a stacked Super Bowl Eve card, which is loaded with big names and high stakes from start to finish.

Also on the menu: Alistair Overeem returns from suspension to clinch his heavyweight title shot with a win over Antonio Silva, while a victory for Rashad Evans over Lil’ Nog could set him up for a middleweight title fight against Anderson Silva for some reason. Plus, Jon Fitch and Demian Maia look to continue their recent surges in the welterweight division, while Joseph Benavidez and Ian McCall square off at flyweight because honestly, who else are those guys going to fight?

Round-by-round results from the Aldo vs. Edgar pay-per-view card will be stacking up after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, courtesy of George “Bigfoot” Shunick. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please toss your own thoughts into the comments section.


(“The name’s Frankie. I fight dudes twice.” Photo via MMAFighting)

Tonight at UFC 156 in Las Vegas, Jose Aldo goes for his fourth-consecutive UFC featherweight title defense, while former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar attempts to become the third fighter in UFC history to pick up a belt in two different weight classes. And that’s just the cherry on top of a stacked Super Bowl Eve card, which is loaded with big names and high stakes from start to finish.

Also on the menu: Alistair Overeem returns from suspension to clinch his heavyweight title shot with a win over Antonio Silva, while a victory for Rashad Evans over Lil’ Nog could set him up for a middleweight title fight against Anderson Silva for some reason. Plus, Jon Fitch and Demian Maia look to continue their recent surges in the welterweight division, while Joseph Benavidez and Ian McCall square off at flyweight because honestly, who else are those guys going to fight?

Round-by-round results from the Aldo vs. Edgar pay-per-view card will be stacking up after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, courtesy of George “Bigfoot” Shunick. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please toss your own thoughts into the comments section.

OK, Potato Nation, welcome to the live chat. I’m not sure who came up with my nickname, but rest assured, I am more eloquent than cro-magnum Brazilians with gigantism. We’ve seen some impressive action thus far, but it should pale for what is about to come. (Side note: have we seen impressive fights so far? I’ve been on a road trip to North Carolina for most of the day, so I haven’t actually seen any of the fights. I’ll just assume they went well.) Fitch-Maia. Silva-’Reem. Evans-Lil Nog. Edgar-Aldo. Let me repeat that one. Edgar-Aldo. This is a legitimate super fight, folks. Hopefully my shitty Hilton internet service holds up so I can deliver to you, dear reader, a play by play worthy of the magnitude tonight holds.

OK, checked the results. The fights seem like they’ve been pretty good. I feel better about my baseless assumption now. Also, some predictions: Benavidez over McCall by decision, Fitch over Maia by decision or (gasp) late TKO, Overeem over Bigfoot by TKO, Evans by decision over Nogueira, and… Edgar over Aldo by decision. I think Jose will wear down over the course of the fight, and Edgar will take the last three rounds. Of course, being a Frankie Edgar fight with historically poor officials, there’s no guarantee the decision rendered will be just. We’ll see.

RIPPING IT INTO PIECES. UFC 156 has begun. Also, I hate Stemm. It comes with the territory, I guess. And by “it,” I mean shitty nu metal.

Ian McCall vs. Joseph Benavidez

If facial hair had any impact on the outcome of the fight, not only would Ian McCall absolutely destroy Joe Benavidez tonight but he would sit atop any pound-for-pound list this sport has. (Tiki Ghosn would be ranked dead last.) Unfortunately for him, that’s not how things work. Still, he’s an excellent fighter. I think Benavidez is better, but this – like all the flyweight fights – should be a barn-burner.

Round 1

Mazzagatti reffing this. Gets booed. Fighters touch gloves… aaaaaaaand my (PAID FOR) stream craps out. Well, this sucks. The action picks up with 3:30 left in the fight. McCall lands a hard combo, but Benavidez hurts him with a counter! High kick from Joe blocked. McCall getting his feet under him. Accidental low blow by Benavidez. Fight resumes, Benavidez still in control. Nice left right hook by McCall, who is slowly finding his range. Low kick Benavidez. McCall tags Benavidez with a right. Benavidez is cut. Lands a strong body kick. Round ends, 10-9 Benavidez, as far as I can tell.

Round 2

Apparently a headbutt was what caused Beanvidez’ cut. Second round begins, Benavidez takes the center. McCall tries to catch a kick but doesn’t get it. Jab by Benavidez, then a body shot. High kick from McCall blocked. They exchange with nothing of significance landing. Benavidez missing overhand rights. Body kick by McCall. Benavidez really looking for the overhand right, but so far hasn’t hit anything with it. Ducks under a big hook from McCall, takes the center of the Octagon. Uppercut by Benavidez, now working against the fence. They break. Beanvidez is throwing hard punches but not really landing anything. McCall, however, hasn’t landed much either. Benavidez counters a low kick. Nice right jab by McCall. Benavidez goes to the body. Benavidez slips, McCall tries to take his back, but Benavidez gets half-guard. Now McCall has his back! Benavidez scrambles, but McCall still maintains control, working ground and pound now. Benavidez stands, McCall lands a knee from a body clinch. Round ends, 10-9 McCall.

Round 3

McCall’s corner tells him that Benavidez has nothing off his back. They touch gloves. Big right hand by Benavidez! Doesn’t knock McCall down, but he felt it. Benavidez stuffs McCall’s shot, and lands an elbow. They separate. Body kick from Benavidez. Leg kick drops McCall, who was going for a kick of his own. McCall back up, Benavidez looks for a superman punch and misses. Nice right hook from McCall. Benavidez getting sloppy again, but lands a short right. Nice body kick by Benavidez, followed by a left. McCall perfectly times a takedown and almost passes to side control, but Benavidez stands up. Big body kick from Benavidez. They exchange low kicks. McCall lands another kick, but Benavidez returns fire with a combination. Low kick from Benavidez, followed by a combination. McCall lands a right, but misses a takedown. They exchange in the center of the octagon. Another body kick from Benavidez, who stuffs another takedown. The round ends, 10-9 Benavidez. Time to go to the judges…

Aaaaaand, it’s unanimous. 29-28 on all three scorecards for Benavidez. The right call. McCall collapses in despair, and Benavidez reaffirms his title intentions to the crowd. Goldberg mentions that the “stars” are in attendance tonight, and then proceeds to mention the tight end of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Most people in Jacksonville don’t know who the Jaguars tight end is. Just saying.

Jon Fitch vs. Demian Maia

Stoked for this fight. Hoping for a ground war. Better not get a stand up farce. Either’s in the cards. Speaking emphatically. Deal. I like Demian Maia, but coming out to Linkin Park? -100, sir. Conversely, Jon Fitch coming out to Johnny Cash? +100. Also, Fitch’s walkout shirt of a man fighting a bear? +100. Jon Fitch is winning the points game, people. Dominating it. Time to step your games up.

Round 1

Maia immediately shoots. He gets it. Transitions to the back. Fitch stands, and Maia is playing the role of backpack. Maia punching, now going for an RNC. Works the body, goes back for a choke. Fitch defending, elbows Maia’s thigh. Maia going for the choke, but Fitch slowly but surely defends himself. Maia leaves the back, tries to drag Fitch to the ground. He does, but Fitch stands again. They’re clinching against the fence, and Fitch grabs the fence to stop a takedown. He goes down, and Maia throws knees to Fitch’s thigh. Maia throwing strikes from the back as Fitch is kneeling. Maia works the body as the round ends. 10-9, arguably 10-8, Maia.

Round 2

Fitch lands a kick. Then a low kick. Then another. Maia with a right. Fitch returns fire. Maia gets a single, and tries to pass to side control. Fitch stands, however. Counter right by Fitch, but Maia clinches and takes Fitch down. He has one hook on Fitch’s back. Maia gets the other hook in. Maia working for a choke, but Fitch is still defending. Maia working ground and pound. Maia’s got the choke! Fitch somehow survives. Maia still working ground and pound. Dominant performance on the ground from Maia thus far. He’s been utilizing the body triangle to remain on Fitch’s back since he took him down. Fitch continues to defend, but he has no answer for Maia’s positional control. Round ends, again, 10-9 or 10-8 Maia.

Round 3

Crazy Bob Cook tells Fitch, in no uncertain terms, he needs to finish Maia on the feet. Fitch throws a kick, Maia clinches and pushes Fitch into the fence. Fitch defending the takedown as best he can. Now they’re clinched against the fence. Fitch goes down to one knee, and Maia takes his back almost instantly. Fitch finally gets out, but Maia immediately shoots. Fitch can’t get Maia off him, but Fitch goes for a guillotine. Maia drops to half guard, Fitch with a big elbow. Fitch works the body, but Maia stands and pushes Fitch into the fence. Fitch escapes, but Maia is relentless. He gets another takedown. This is exceptional. Maia ends the round in mount. His round and a clean sweep. Did not see this one coming. Maia looks absolutely dominant at 170.

Maia wins 30-27 on all scorecards. Some people in the crowd boo, because some people in the crowd are xenophobic douchebags.

Alistair Overeem vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva

Two things can happen here; Overeem will knockout Bigfoot, or Bigfoot will drag The Reem down and batter him into oblivion. The former is much more likely, but let’s not forget that Overeem is historically a bit of a front-runner. Still, much of that was before “horse meat” entered his life. Should be violent.

Round 1

Props to Joe Rogan to mentioning Overeem’s physique change has “[raised] a lot of eyebrows.” Goldberg immediately changes the subject. Overeem looks pretty confident standing across the ring. Fight starts, no glove touch. (Duh.) Silva misses a low kick. Jab by Overeem. Left to the body, and they clinch against the cage. They break. Jab by Overeem. Left to the body by Overeem and they clinch again. Overeem measuring Bigfoot for a knee. Another right hand from Overeem followed by a knee. Bigfoot works some short body punches from the fence. Silva misses a kick, tries to clinch, but Overeem turns him around effortlessly. Overeem working some knees, but none are seriously hurting Bigfoot. Big knee from Overeem following a right. Overeem’s hands are at his waist. Big low kick from Overeem. Silva returns fire. Overeem tosses Silva around in the clinch. Now working knees to the thighs. Knee to the body from Overeem. Overeem slips and counters with an uppercut. Round ends, 10-9 Reem.

Round 2

Bigfoot’s coaches sound way too optimistic heading into the second. Nice leg kick from Silva, but good counter jab from Overeem. They trade rights and Overeem tosses Silva to the ground. Herb Dean implores them to work 10 seconds after Overeem lands a takedown. Patience, Herb. Bigfoot lands serious elbows from the bottom in side control. Overeem now in Bigfoot’s open guard. Overeem punishing Silva now. Serious shots from the top that echo throughout the octagon. Bigfoot’s guard fails to threaten Overeem, who continues to land big shots to the body. More big shots, now Overeem passes to half guard. Back to full, Overeem stands. Herb Dean stands them up. Overeem misses an overhand. Big right by Silva! Overeem is undeterred. They trade hard jabs at the end. 10-9 Overeem.

Round 3

Big knee from Overeem. Bigfoot LANDS! He’s swarming him!!! Overeem is HURT! HE’S OUT!!!! OVEREEM IS OUT!! WOW!!!!!!!

Bigfoot ran up to a downed Overeem and shouted something at him. It all started from a right hand when Overeem tried to slip. Bigfoot followed with a head kick, then a big uppercut, then unloaded with a monster combination. Wow. Frontrunner for comeback of the year. Wow.

Wow. So, if we’ve learned anything, I guess it’s this; you can put on all the muscle you want, but if you’ve got the chin of a light-heavyweight, well, you’re stuck with that. Wonder what’s going to happen to the heavyweight title picture if Daniel Cormier gets past Frank Mir and refuses to fight Cain.

Rashad Evans vs. Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira

Um, yeah, so this fight is happening. Not really a lot to say about this; it’s designed to put Evans over for either another shot at Jones or a shot at Anderson Silva. He’ll probably look pretty good, because he’s better in all facets of MMA – save jiu-jitsu – than Nogueira. And, frankly, Lil Nog isn’t as good on the ground as his big brother. Unless he manages to hurt Evans and quickly follow up on the ground, I don’t see him taking this.

Round 1

Evans with a very wide stance. Lands a body kick. Staying just out of range of Nogueira. Faking shots. There’s little action and the croud is getting impatient. Evans throws a high kick that’s blocked. Nog lands a jab. Another jab. Then a straight left. Nogueira seems to be the superior boxer thus far. Another strong jab from Nog. Now a left. Rashad lands a big right hand. Staggers Nogueira, but nothing more. Evans lands a takedown, and punches Nogueira as the latter stands. They break. They exchange glancing crosses. Rashad lands a right. Goes for a head kick, to no avail. Close round. 10-9 Rashad, but I wouldn’t complain about a 10-10.

Round 2

Jab from Nogueira. A left misses. Rashad lands a solid inside leg kick. Lands a right after a level change. Nogueira rushes in and lands a couple shots. Then a left. Rashad lands a right. Now an inside leg kick. Nogueira lands a straight left and avoids Evans’ rush. Denies Evans a takedown. Nogueira lands another combination. Now a left to the body. Another. Nogueira is beginning to take control, although it’s not overt. He’s clearly the aggressor though. Lands another left. Rashad lands a combination, punctuated by a strong right. Nogueira lands a body kick, and then a jab. Another jab, but Evans almost takes Nogueira down. Nog escapes and lands a combination. Rashad lands a big uppercut. Body kick from Nog, followed by a combination as Evans circles. Evans misses a cross. Evans goes for a high kick, but it’s blocked. Round ends, 10-9 Nogueira.

Round 3

Right to body by Evans. Nogueira throws a combination. Evans returns. Neither lands much. Jab from Nog. Lunging right from Evans lands. But thus far, not a terribly eventful fight. Jab from Nogueira again. It seems to be the only consistent offense in this fight. Nogueira accidentally takes a finger to the eye and the fight is halted. Yves Lavigne calls for the doctor. The doctor asks him if he can continue, Nog obviously says yes. Great job, doc. Fight resumes, Nog lands a solid left. Rashad just seems bewildered right now. He shoots for a takedown, but it’s telegraphed. Nogueira lands another jab. Nogueira lands more lefts. Rashad lands a jab, but Nogueira responds. Evans can’t land a takedown because he can’t get close enough to Nogueira before he shoots. Nogueira still landing more than Rashad. Evans lands a solid right, and they trade from the clinch until the bell. 10-9 Nogueira, but really, no one won this one.

29-28 across the board for Nogueira. The right call, which at least makes this fight slightly less unbearable. OK, let’s get to Edgar-Aldo already…

Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo

This fight is actually happening, Potato Nation. I’m not going to say anything else. Just enjoy the moment.

Round 1

Jose Aldo is 26. That never ceases to astound me. FIGHT TIME. They touch gloves. Edgar with a low kick. Edgar moving well. Aldo lands a body kick, but Edgar was circling away. Edgar circling towards Aldo’s right leg though. Edgar lands an inside leg kick. Aldo having trouble finding Edgar, but his defense is solid as well. Uppercut from Aldo, but Edgar returns fire. Nice jab from Aldo. Another one. Very strong. Aldo is beginning to find his timing. He coutners a low kick with a cross. Another one. Aldo is taking charge. Jab glances Edgar. Edgar misses a low kick. Another jab from Aldo. Nice right from Edgar. Another jab from Aldo. Edgar having trouble closing the distance. Edgar lands a right backing up. They exchange jabs. Edgar’s nose is bloodied. Another jab from Aldo. More punches as he moves backwards. BIG leg kick from Aldo. Edgar lands a cross. Another leg kick. Jesus those sound painful. Round ends, 10-9 Aldo.

Round 2

Edgar lands, but his leg is already swollen. Nice right from Aldo, thena  jab. Frankie returns fire with a right. Jab from Aldo misses. Edgar is beginning to adjust to Aldo’s jab. Frankie lands a leg kick. Shoots for a half hearted single. Body kick Edgar. They exchange in the center. Nice jab from Aldo, who stuffs another takedown. BIG leg kick staggers Edgar. Edgar fires back with a right. Another leg kick, which takes out Edgar’s leg. Both fighters land. Another leg kick. Aldo has figured out a weakness and he’s exploiting it. Nice right from Edgar. Edgar lands a combination and avoids a flying knee, pushing Aldo into the fence. They separate. Aldo lands a kick, but Edgar catches it, lands a right and takes him down. Aldo stands up though. Edgar lands a jab. Aldo is beginning to tire. Frankie keeps up the pressure and lands a right. Two jabs from Aldo. Aldo misses a spinning kick and Edgar lands a hook. Round ends, 10-9 Aldo, but Edgar has the momentum.

Round 3

Edgar eats a kick, takes Aldo down, but Aldo pops right back up. Edgar with a low kick. Nice right by Aldo. Edgar backing Aldo up though. Misses an overhand right. A right from Aldo is blocked. They exchange. Front kick from Aldo barely misses knocking Edgar out. Edgar’s nose may be broken, though. Aldo lands a counter hook. They size each other up, and Edgar lands a kick to the body. Aldo with a jab. Aldo using his circling to avoid Edgar’s rushes. Leg kick from Edgar. Another. Another. Left hook from Aldo. Nice combo from Edgar, who catches a kick and answers with his own. Nice uppercut from Edgar. Big right hand from Edgar. Leg kick from Aldo misses. Aldo tosses Edgar’s takedown attempt off. Nice right hand from Frankie. Inside leg kick from Edgar. Nice kick from Edgar. Round ends… 10-9 Edgar?

Round 4

Can Edgar maintain this momentum? Nice right from Edgar. Inside leg kick from Edgar. Nice right. Another leg kick from Edgar. Inside leg kick from Edgar. Spinning back kick from Aldo lands. Aldo lands a leg kick, but eats a couple punches. High kick from Edgar is blocked. Edgar backing Aldo down. Edgar misses a spinning back kick of his own. Edgar’s movemnt is flustering Aldo. Goes for a takedown, fails, but lands punches on the separation. Edgar lands an uppercut. Aldo lands a jab. Left hook from both fighters. Leg kick from Edgar. Combination from Edgar. Edgar SLAMS Aldo down, but Aldo stands. Now they clinch against the fence, Edgar kneeing Aldo, who is trying to break Edgar’s grip. They break. Leg kick Edgar. Combination from Edgar. Fakes a takedown and throw s a combination. Lands a cross. Round ends, 10-9 Edgar.

Round 5

Round starts. Both circle. Edgar backs him up with jabs, but none land. Low kick Edgar. Both land as Edgar jumps in. Aldo barely misses a flying knee. Lands a jab though. Another nice jab. Nice right hand from Edgar. Spinning back kick is blocked by Aldo. Nice jab from Edgar, but Aldo lands a counter left. Edgar doesn’t get a takedown, but lands a knee. Both men miss. Left hook from Edgar. Low kick Edgar. Another one. Nice right from Aldo. Frankie pressuring now, lands a nice knee. Lands a good combination. A jab. Throws a high kick. Another inside leg kick. They exchange crosses. Left hook Edgar. Good combo from Edgar. Edgar with ANOTHER combo. Nice hook. Almost lands a headkick. Both men exchange crosses. Aldo lands a crazy superman punch off the fence, but it’s too little too late for the round. 10-9 Edgar.

Oh great, another Frankie Edgar title fight, another close decision. I had Aldo winning the first two, Edgar winning the last two, and the third round is… close. I gave it to Frankie, but I don’t feel confident in it. Anyway, we go to the judges…

49-46, 49-46, 48-47, all for Aldo. I can see the 48-47. But 49-46? God, I hate MMA judges. Anyway, Jose Aldo says stuff, including that he’s not moving to lightweight just yet. Edgar says other stuff, and congratulates Aldo. Alright, that’s the end of things. Overall, a good, and surprising, night of fights. Thanks for joining, Potato Nation.

Preliminary card results:
– Evan Dunham def. Gleison Tibau via split-decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Tyron Woodley def. Jay Hieron via KO, 0:36 of round 1
– Bobby Green def. Jacob Volkmann via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:25 of round 3
– Isaac Vallie-Flagg def. Yves Edwards via split-decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)
– Dustin Kimura def. Chico Camus via submission (rear-naked choke), 1:50 of round 3
– Francisco Rivera def. Edwin Figueroa via TKO, 4:20 of round 2

Ian McCall Has Been Going Through Some Rough Times, You Guys [VIDEO]

Once considered the #1 flyweight in the world, Ian McCall‘s stint in the Octagon has resulted in a goofy draw against Demetrious Johnson, followed by a non-goofy unanimous decision loss to Demetrious Johnson. If McCall wants to avoid the “UFC bust” label, he’ll need a fantastic showing this Saturday when he faces Joseph Benavidez on the UFC 156 main card. But judging from this new video profile from MMASucka, you have to wonder if his head’s in the right place. As Uncle Creepy puts it:

“Been going through a lot on a personal note. It’ll all unfold sooner or later, but at least I have the gym, that’s my happy place at the moment. So as much drama as I’ve been dealing with at the moment, I have this place to make me happy, and at least I’m focused here…It’s all home stuff. I don’t live at home anymore, I’m separated, probably getting a divorce. Just stuff like that…I just want to get this [fight] over with, and be free and just be happy, finally — that’s how I look at it, get in there and I can be happy — and get it over with so I can fix my life.”

A man’s upper lip is one of the clearest signifiers of his emotional state, and as I see it, McCall’s lopsided moustache in the video is itself a symbol of the opposing forces that are pulling him off the straight path towards success; it’s a sign that he’s neglecting what’s important, not just in his grooming habits, but in his life. Or maybe, his moustache is a psychological anchor, tethering him to the old ways that have blocked him in the past. Indeed, you guys. Indeed.

Previously:
– Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson Have Been Going Through Some Rough Times, You Guys
– Mark Coleman Has Been Going Through Some Times, Brother
– CagePotato Ban: The Phrase ‘You Guys’ in Headlines, You Guys

Once considered the #1 flyweight in the world, Ian McCall‘s stint in the Octagon has resulted in a goofy draw against Demetrious Johnson, followed by a non-goofy unanimous decision loss to Demetrious Johnson. If McCall wants to avoid the “UFC bust” label, he’ll need a fantastic showing this Saturday when he faces Joseph Benavidez on the UFC 156 main card. But judging from this new video profile from MMASucka, you have to wonder if his head’s in the right place. As Uncle Creepy puts it:

“Been going through a lot on a personal note. It’ll all unfold sooner or later, but at least I have the gym, that’s my happy place at the moment. So as much drama as I’ve been dealing with at the moment, I have this place to make me happy, and at least I’m focused here…It’s all home stuff. I don’t live at home anymore, I’m separated, probably getting a divorce. Just stuff like that…I just want to get this [fight] over with, and be free and just be happy, finally — that’s how I look at it, get in there and I can be happy — and get it over with so I can fix my life.”

A man’s upper lip is one of the clearest signifiers of his emotional state, and as I see it, McCall’s lopsided moustache in the video is itself a symbol of the opposing forces that are pulling him off the straight path towards success; it’s a sign that he’s neglecting what’s important, not just in his grooming habits, but in his life. Or maybe, his moustache is a psychological anchor, tethering him to the old ways that have blocked him in the past. Indeed, you guys. Indeed.

Previously:
– Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson Have Been Going Through Some Rough Times, You Guys
– Mark Coleman Has Been Going Through Some Times, Brother
– CagePotato Ban: The Phrase ‘You Guys’ in Headlines, You Guys

UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort Aftermath

(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski | US Press Wire)

By Elias Cepeda

Only time will tell if Jon Jones was correct in saying that if he put in a great performance at UFC 152, fans would forgive him for turning down Chael Sonnen as a last-minute replacement to the never-was UFC 151. He certainly did put in a great performance in defending his UFC light heavyweight championship Saturday night against Vitor Belfort.

Other than a tight arm bar attempt that Belfort snapped on from his guard early in the first round that looked to very nearly win the fight for the 10-1 underdog, Jones dominated the fight up through a fourth round Americana submission that earned him the win. Jones didn’t spend much time messing around on the feet before going for and scoring a take down in the first round.

After he withstood his arm being hyper extended and freed himself from Belfort’s hold, Jones went about methodically tagging the Brazilian with short elbows from inside his full guard, opening up a cut over The Phenom‘s right eye that bled for the rest of the fight.

When they were on their feet, Jones kept his distance, landing with front leg side kicks to Belfort. Vitor’s best chance at winning this fight always seemed to be if he could manage to unload his fast hands in the type of flurry that smoked Wanderlei Silva over a decade ago, or knocked out Rich Franklin and Yoshihiro Akiyama more recently.

Belfort landed some good single shots, including a couple head kicks, but he was never able to pull the trigger on combinations that could have possibly backed Jones up or hurt him. Belfort mostly let Jones walk him backwards before getting taken down, as he did years ago in his second fight against Randy Couture, without making the champion pay for trying to get inside.

A beautiful front leg side kick to the ribs from Jones in the third pretty much put the nail in the fight’s coffin for Belfort.

(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski | US Press Wire)

By Elias Cepeda

 

Only time will tell if Jon Jones was correct in saying that if he put in a great performance at UFC 152, fans would forgive him for turning down Chael Sonnen as a last-minute replacement to the never-was UFC 151. He certainly did put in a great performance in defending his UFC light heavyweight championship Saturday night against Vitor Belfort.

Other than a tight arm bar attempt that Belfort snapped on from his guard early in the first round that looked to very nearly win the fight for the 10-1 underdog, Jones dominated the fight up through a fourth round Americana submission that earned him the win. Jones didn’t spend much time messing around on the feet before going for and scoring a take down in the first round.

After he withstood his arm being hyper extended and freed himself from Belfort’s hold, Jones went about methodically tagging the Brazilian with short elbows from inside his full guard, opening up a cut over The Phenom‘s right eye that bled for the rest of the fight.

When they were on their feet, Jones kept his distance, landing with front leg side kicks to Belfort. Vitor’s best chance at winning this fight always seemed to be if he could manage to unload his fast hands in the type of flurry that smoked Wanderlei Silva over a decade ago, or knocked out Rich Franklin and Yoshihiro Akiyama more recently.

Belfort landed some good single shots, including a couple head kicks, but he was never able to pull the trigger on combinations that could have possibly backed Jones up or hurt him. Belfort mostly let Jones walk him backwards before getting taken down, as he did years ago in his second fight against Randy Couture, without making the champion pay for trying to get inside.

A beautiful front leg side kick to the ribs from Jones in the third pretty much put the nail in the fight’s coffin for Belfort. The kick dropped the former champ and from there on out, he went to his comfort zone of the guard in order to try and catch breathers, even though strategically, it seemed suspect.

One can’t really blame Belfort for making the poor choice of pulling guard after he got hurt from the body kick. We don’t know exactly how injured he got from it, and people do strange things when they’re hurt. He took a beating from his guard after that but he hung tough until Jones passed and locked on the shoulder lock from the cross-side position.

However, it was a bit disappointing to see him not try to employ the best strategy off of his back before the body shot. Sure, Belfort went for and nearly got an arm bar off the bat. After getting taken down early in the fight, it might have made sense for the Jiu Jitsu black belt to shoot up an arm bar on Jones. They were still relatively dry since it was early in the fight, and why not give Jones his first real submission test of his career?

But after that failed, Belfort would have been best served trying with all his might to get up to his feet every time he was put on his back. Instead, he played an old school Brazilian Jiu Jitsu closed guard game, for the most part.

Belfort didn’t try to scramble back to his feet against his larger wrestler of an opponent, choosing to look for submissions from his guard. In that guard, Belfort didn’t try to control Jones’ posture much, either. He instead played a double wrist control game that just got him elbowed over and again for his trouble.

Before guys like Chuck Liddell paved the way with cage walking, having being on your back against the cage while fighting a wrestler was a death sentence. These days, however, many downed fighters search out the cage so that they can get, first, to their elbows, then to their hands, squat up, stagger their stance to defend another take down, and then circle away from their cage once on their feet.

There’s no guarantee that Belfort would have been able to successfully get back to his feet if he tried against Jones, but he sure needed to try to have a chance to win the fight. Belfort has never used the best game plans throughout his still-storied career, but Jones is nothing if not cerebral and calculating as a fighter.

You can look at his tactic of trying to take away Belfort’s best chance of winning – his hands – by using his reach until he quickly went for take downs as micro evidence. You can also look at his decision to not fight Sonnen when Henderson pulled out of UFC 151, and instead wait four weeks to fight Belfort, as an example of Jones’ intelligence.

Hate him if you still want for not taking a new opponent on what was essentially three days’ notice, or for supposedly taking money out of the pockets of other fighters. Hell, maybe his recent apparent conversion to the Amish faith has you a bit perplexed.

But what you have to admit is that Jones has always done exactly what he’s supposed to as a fighter – win and win convincingly, and after the dust has settled, he’s still the light heavyweight champion, richer for securing a win bonus and submission of the night award, and for not having spoiled his new Nike contract with a loss out of the gates.

Jones may not be the most self aware kid, yet, and he can sound sanctimonious. But he told us straight out that he was making the decision he thought best for his career, to allow him to continue to provide for his family, when he turned down Sonnen for UFC 151, and there’s no way now to say that he didn’t make the right move.

Take away the fact that it isn’t smart for any world-class fighter to switch opponents on just days’ notice, and we still have the fact that Sonnen was a much more dangerous fighter for Jones to face, with not half the credibility of Belfort.

Sonnen is bigger than Belfort and actually had the wrestling to put Jones on his back and test him there, where he never really has been before. Sonnen is also coming off of a loss and has never been a champion. Belfort was a former two-time champion and future hall of famer that was riding a win streak and is also known for an exciting style.

Other than the arm bar in the first, Jones was able to beat Belfort on cruise control, something that would have been a lot less likely against Sonnen, who has shown he is willing to forge ahead into danger just to give his superb wrestling a chance to win him fights. Love Jones or hate him, but he’s the champion for good reason.

Deal with it.

Mini Mighty Men

Demetrious Johnson gets better with each fight. It wasn’t too long ago that he was awarded a gift decision against Miguel Torres before getting dominated by Dominick Cruz in their 135 pound title fight, or that long ago since he drew with Ian McCall in a fight faded in at the end.

But now Johnson is the first ever UFC Flyweight champion and it is because he is undoubtedly the best in the world at 125 pounds. He earned a split decision win over Joseph Benavidez Saturday night that was competitive but not as close as the judges saw it.

Joe B was the favorite coming into the fight, in some ways for good reason, but Johnson showed up at his best, was slicker on the feet, had better wrestling time and got stronger as the fight wore on, dominating the fifth round before being awarded the championship belt. Johnson cut angles on his feet masterfully, often getting out of the way of Benavidez’ wild but powerful striking and leaving him punching air.

While Benavidez mostly shot for take downs from far away without setting them up very well with strikes, Johnson timed his shots for when Joe was swinging for the fences. Once that happened, Mighty Mouse would change levels, get his hips in deep on Benavidez, catching him off guard, and dumping him to the ground.

I think the official take down tally was Johnson, 5, Benavidez, 0. Even without his sharper striking and dominant positions earned, that would have gone a long way in the judges eyes for Johnson. Benavidez shouldn’t fall that fall down in the rankings with his effort.

He himself landed some good shots on the feet and secured dominant positions at times on the ground, notably a guillotine choke attempt from the mount early in the fight. Perhaps he and McCall can each get tune-up fights before fighting one another for another shot at Johnson.

Whoever you scored the Flyweight title fight for, you’d have to be an idiot to not appreciate the technique, speed, perpetual motion and willingness to mix it up that both fighters showed. Evidently, Toronto MMA fans in attendance at UFC 152 are idiot.

The crowd inexplicably booed at multiple points during the fight between Johnson and Benavidez. We don’t get it.

Maybe it was their small size. If so, here’s some truth for those fans and any other flyweight haters that may be reading now – If you don’t enjoy watching the lighter weight classes in fighting it isn’t because they’re not exciting, its because you don’t like that those tiny guys could kick your ass.

But hey, to each their own. For those that don’t like watching elite MMA we know of a certain just-announced boxing extravaganza happening later this year that might be more your speed.

Arrest Roundup: Mayhem Hit With Vandalism Charges, McCall Mistaken for Drug Dealer


(I’ll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do… suspect me. They’re probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I’m not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching… they’ll see. They’ll see and they’ll know, and they’ll say, “Why, he wouldn’t even harm a fly…”)

After suffering the greatest loss of his storied mixed martial arts career last month — that of his dignity — when he was found nude inside a Mission Viejo church he had destroyed and doused with a fire extinguisher, it appears that charges are finally being pressed against former UFC/Strikeforce fighter and MTV psuedo-reality show host Jason Miller. And they are relatively modest considering both the circumstances of his arrest and the fact that this wasn’t Miller’s first rodeo, if you know what we mean; Miller is being charged with just one count of misdemeanor vandalism for his actions, and is set to appear in court on November 21st.

“Mayhem,” who was released from jail following a brief psychological evaluation, promised to his fans and those concerned that “everything was fine” and that he was “with people that love me, and hope that you will join me. If I ever hurt anyone, I am sorry,” in his first public statement, but hasn’t been heard from since. Fun fact: Miller was arrested almost one year to the day after his aforementioned arrest for putting his sister in a headlock. Apparently that August heat really does drive some people crazy.

Elsewhere on the MMA blotter…


(I’ll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do… suspect me. They’re probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I’m not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching… they’ll see. They’ll see and they’ll know, and they’ll say, “Why, he wouldn’t even harm a fly…”)

After suffering the greatest loss of his storied mixed martial arts career last month — that of his dignity — when he was found nude inside a Mission Viejo church he had destroyed and doused with a fire extinguisher, it appears that charges are finally being pressed against former UFC/Strikeforce fighter and MTV psuedo-reality show host Jason Miller. And they are relatively modest considering both the circumstances of his arrest and the fact that this wasn’t Miller’s first rodeo, if you know what we mean; Miller is being charged with just one count of misdemeanor vandalism for his actions, and is set to appear in court on November 21st.

“Mayhem,” who was released from jail following a brief psychological evaluation, promised to his fans and those concerned that “everything was fine” and that he was “with people that love me, and hope that you will join me. If I ever hurt anyone, I am sorry,” in his first public statement, but hasn’t been heard from since. Fun fact: Miller was arrested almost one year to the day after his aforementioned arrest for putting his sister in a headlock. Apparently that August heat really does drive some people crazy.

Elsewhere on the MMA blotter…

To say that the circumstances surrounding flyweight contender Ian McCall’s recent arrest were suspicious would be like saying that Ian McCall’s nickname is an accurate reflection of the vibe he gives off. The charges that were originally reported to be facing McCall ranged everywhere from possession of drug paraphernalia to driving on a suspended license and mislead the public into suspecting that McCall had fallen back into old habits.

When it turned out that the charges dated way back to a previous arrest in 2008 which McCall had failed to complete the terms of, “Uncle Creepy” was surprised to say the least, but claimed that the reasoning behind his arrest was much more sinister than we were originally led on, according to a recent interview during The MMA Hour:

They thought I was a drug dealer. Don’t know why. Well, actually, I know why. Someone that doesn’t like me told them I was a drug dealer. An actual drug dealer that doesn’t like me got busted — I’ve seen the paperwork — and said ‘oh, he’s a drug dealer too.’

And they came over to my house and they didn’t find any drugs, they didn’t find any text messages, they didn’t find anything bad. So they’re like ‘okay, you’re not a drug dealer, but your probation officer said to come get you anyways because you have a suspended license.

Oh, I see. The police used the classic method of dropping a fake bombshell to soften the blow for the actual bad news, a technique pioneered by the great Frank Reynolds. As much as I’d like to rake them over the coals for such tomfoolery, I used the same method to tell a former girlfriend of mine that she should get checked for HIV, when in fact I had only given her herpes, so who am I to judge?

And as was the case for me, McCall admits that the whole experience was “embarrassing”:

Them taking me away in front of my daughter and my wife. They tore my house apart, they tore my car apart. I guess they were following me from the gym, and they said, ‘oh, it would be more embarrassing if you got arrested in front of your gym.’ Well I’d much rather be arrested in front of my gym, where my coach is a lawyer, compared to me being arrested at my house, in front of my neighbors and my daughter. I don’t know. Cops are stupid, and they really just wanted to come to the house and search the house. But, again, I’m not a drug dealer and I’m not being charged with selling drugs.

Although McCall managed to get out 13 days early from this 30-day sentence, the trials and tribulations of Sir Floyd Mayweather have taught us that McCall’s stay likely depleted him physically to the point that he will never fight again, so we might as well start breaking out his highlight reels and call it a day…

…what’s that? McCall didn’t act like a trifling little bitch in jail, but simply served the time he was required to? You don’t say:

I couldn’t sleep in there. I got maybe like an hour of sleep a day, for the first ten days. I remember just sitting up and I was like, ‘what the hell am I doing here. I don’t belong here. This isn’t where I’m supposed to be right now. I’m should be at the gym, at least getting punched in the face, if not punching someone in the face. I’m supposed to be doing better things with my life, and creating a life for my family.

There’s nothing set in stone. I wanted to fight in November, but I think because of the UFC 151 debacle, I wont be able to fight until January. But there’s a lot of flyweight fights coming up until then, so, I don’t mean to be mean, but hopefully someone breaks a pinky toe or something so I can step in and hurt somebody.

Here’s hoping, Ian. Let’s just hope that toe break doesn’t look anything like this.

–J. Jones

UFC Flyweight Ian McCall Released From Jail


(Seems like a lot of prison tattoos for just 16 days. Impressive.)

UFC flyweight contender Ian McCall was released from jail Thursday, after a 16-day stay resulting from an August 14th arrest for driving on a suspended license and not completing the terms of a previous arrest in 2008. MMA Fighting’s Mike Chiappetta filed his report yesterday and McCall also tweeted in celebration after his release.

“Free at last free at last … time to get back to work,” the Creepy one tweeted Thursday. According to Chiappetta, McCall now faces a year of probation and a $300 fine.

It’s somewhat upsetting to think that McCall served actual jail time for non-violent offenses and citations, while other celebrities get off with none after bludgeoning women. That’s neither here nor there, we suppose, but in any case McCall can get back to his family and MMA career now that he’s been reformed.

In his last fight, McCall lost a decision to Demetrious Johnson June 8th and with it the right to fight for the inaugural UFC flyweight championship.

– Elias Cepeda


(Seems like a lot of prison tattoos for just 16 days. Impressive.)

UFC flyweight contender Ian McCall was released from jail Thursday, after a 16-day stay resulting from an August 14th arrest for driving on a suspended license and not completing the terms of a previous arrest in 2008. MMA Fighting’s Mike Chiappetta filed his report yesterday and McCall also tweeted in celebration after his release.

“Free at last free at last … time to get back to work,” the Creepy one tweeted Thursday. According to Chiappetta, McCall now faces a year of probation and a $300 fine.

It’s somewhat upsetting to think that McCall served actual jail time for non-violent offenses and citations, while other celebrities get off with none after bludgeoning women. That’s neither here nor there, we suppose, but in any case McCall can get back to his family and MMA career now that he’s been reformed.

In his last fight, McCall lost a decision to Demetrious Johnson June 8th and with it the right to fight for the inaugural UFC flyweight championship.

– Elias Cepeda

*UPDATED* UFC Flyweight Contender Ian McCall Arrested

A community news and forum, Stu News Laguna reported Friday that UFC flyweight Ian McCall was arrested last Tuesday on some strange, if relatively benign, charges including “possession of narcotic paraphernalia, possession of prescription meds without a valid prescription, and driving on a suspended license,” after undercover DEA agents spotted him. According to a later report from MMA Weekly, however, McCall’s manager Jason House says that McCall’s arrest happened a bit differently and with different charges.

“According to House, McCall was driving home on Tuesday when an unmarked police car recognized his vehicle from past occurrences and pulled him over.  The police ran McCall’s plates and they found an outstanding warrant in his name,” MMA Weekly reported.

“The warrant stemmed from a ticket issued in June for McCall driving under a suspended license.  McCall apparently paid the fines, but did not make a scheduled court appearance due to a miscommunication and a warrant was issued.”

A community news and forum, Stu News Laguna reported Friday that UFC flyweight Ian McCall was arrested last Tuesday on some strange, if relatively benign, charges including “possession of narcotic paraphernalia, possession of prescription meds without a valid prescription, and driving on a suspended license,” after undercover DEA agents spotted him. According to a later report from MMA Weekly, however, McCall’s manager Jason House says that McCall’s arrest happened a bit differently and with different charges.

“According to House, McCall was driving home on Tuesday when an unmarked police car recognized his vehicle from past occurrences and pulled him over.  The police ran McCall’s plates and they found an outstanding warrant in his name,” MMA Weekly reported.

“The warrant stemmed from a ticket issued in June for McCall driving under a suspended license.  McCall apparently paid the fines, but did not make a scheduled court appearance due to a miscommunication and a warrant was issued.”

Well, that sounds a bit better, we suppose. After all, McCall has spoken publicly about his past struggles with drug abuse and while drug paraphernalia and excessive prescriptions are just downright American, they might not be the best thing for someone in recovery to have laying around.

The bad news for McCall is that he now has to spend a month in jail because he was on parole from past charges and a warrant was out in his name. His release date is scheduled for September 13th. His manager maintains that McCall has only been charged with driving under a suspended license.

McCall last fought Demetrius Johnson and lost a decision in the UFC flyweight tournament in June. He had to pull out of a fight on the UFC on Fox 4 card August 4th because of a knee injury.

– Elias Cepeda

UPDATE, August 18, 2012, 3:15 ET: McCall’s criminal attorney, George Vargas, released a statement to MMA Weekly detailing the incident.

In 2008, Ian was arrested for possession of prescription drugs without a
prescription and paraphernalia.  The paraphernalia was needles that he used to
take the fluid out of his ears.  Part of Ian’s punishment for that case was that
he was to do 20 days of Cal Trans (physical labor).

The following year, Ian was having more troubles and he entered and
completed a six-month residential drug treatment program at Nancy Clark’s The
Recovery Center in Orange County.  Ian completely turned his life around, began
training hard and became the man he is today. 

On June 14 of this year, Ian was pulled over for a traffic stop. He was
given a ticket for PC14601 (driving on a suspended license). Ian’s license had
been suspended for unpaid traffic and parking tickets.

The very next day, on June 15, Ian went to the Harbor Justice Center with
his agent, and paid over $2,600 in fines.  He mistakenly thought that the ticket
from the previous day had been handled. A few weeks later, when the court date
for that case came, Ian did not show and a warrant was issued for his
arrest.

On Aug. 14, once again, Ian was stopped while driving home from the gym.
At that time he was arrested for the two warrants: one for not completing the
20 days of Cal Trans work for the 2008 case, and the other for not showing up to
court on the driving on a suspended license ticket that he had thought that he
had handled.