Tag: MMA Gossip

Joe Rogan and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson: Finally friends?

Joe Rogan is unarguably one of the best color commentators in the world of mma today. I, personally, have met him, and not only is he an excellent candidate and representative for the sport, but.

Joe Rogan is unarguably one of the best color commentators in the world of mma today. I, personally, have met him, and not only is he an excellent candidate and representative for the sport, but he is also a legitimately down-to-earth, cool guy. It is difficult to dispute and disagree with his opinions and judgments on a fight, match-up, or fighter. He is a very persuasive commentator, and always has an edge of comedy in his execution. He’s a funny person, and is relatable to the “everyday guy” .

However, there was one character that did not see the likes of Joe Rogan in this way. That is, none other than, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Rampage is undoubtedly one of the best fighters in the Light Heavyweight division. He is not the kind of man you want to get on your bad side. He reportedly was fed up, and almost disgusted with Rogan’s commentating. Here are a few of the comments Rampage made about the star commentator when talking with “Fighter’s Only” magazine:

– “If you win then Joe Rogan’s got to do an interview with you. And most likely he has been talking some crap about you and how you don’t throw leg kicks.”

– “He’s so one-dimensional, he’s so one-dimensional – he’s going on about jiu-jitsu the whole time. That’s why [when it’s time to talk to him] I’m like, ‘Oh here comes Joe Rogan’ and he’s all fake in his face like he’s not just picked apart your whole game like he’s the best fighter in the world and he knows every decision you’re gonna make while he is just sitting there watching you.”

– “I would beat the sh*t out of Joe Rogan”

Clearly, Rampage had some unresolved feelings and issues with Rogan. However, just recently these two had a real talk together. No “fake” commentating, no employed reporters asking questions. Rogan approached Rampage after a UFC event, and the two talked about the beef they had. Watch the video below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

This truly shows that both men have a respect for each other, and respect the sport of mma. Rogan is a true gentleman to approach Rampage like this, to clear any misunderstandings they have of each other. Both men have gained a new respect and understanding for each other, and I think they both have come to terms with the fact that the other man is simply doing his job.

-Elise Kapala

Nick Diaz: Strike Two!

At UFC 143, on February 4, 2012, Nick Diaz faced a unanimous decision loss to Carlos Condit for the welterweight interim title. While he did suffer perhaps the most important loss of his career, it.

At UFC 143, on February 4, 2012, Nick Diaz faced a unanimous decision loss to Carlos Condit for the welterweight interim title. While he did suffer perhaps the most important loss of his career, it wasn’t all bad; many fans deemed the outcome of the fight an unfair decision call by the judges, creating sympathy for Diaz and anger towards Condit. The controversy alludes to the fact that Condit was practically running away from Diaz the entire fight. Personally being a huge Nick Diaz fan, I was extremely angered as well. But my initial anger wasn’t due to the fact that Carlos Condit pulled out the decision; it was the realization that Diaz didn’t deserve to win. A fighter is already treading in deep water when he lets it go to the hands of the judges. Anything could happen. And while Condit had a questionable game plan in the eyes of many MMA fans by dodging in and out of the fight, Diaz didn’t do anything to counter Condit. Even if Condit was dipping in and out, there is no room to say that he didn’t have complete control of the octagon the entire fight. Although thought to be a boring display, he was in control the entire time, whether he implemented a traditional plan or not. Diaz claimed he was going to retire following the loss, but the events that follow show that Nick Diaz has a lot of fight left in him.

With my evident disgruntlement being said, the real blow to the stomach came several days after the fight. Due to the controversial decision and obvious interest in an immediate rematch between the two, UFC president Dana White and the UFC made it happen. Nick Diaz was given another chance to develop a winning game plan, and truly show off what he was capable of. I, along with many other avid mma fans, was anticipating the fight, until Diaz was submitted to a post fight drug test and the results came in with startling news: Diaz had tested positive for marijuana metabolites. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspended Diaz immediately. While Diaz was still allowed to appeal the results, many were doubtful he would succeed. Dana White himself doubted a pleasant outcome for Diaz stating, “I get the whole thing they’re going for – the metabolites or whatever it is… Nick can’t smoke marijuana leading up to a fight. You just can’t do it.” After his hearing was delayed, due to failure to produce a medical marijuana card, and Diaz missing the initial hearing, Diaz’s attorney was suing the NSAC for failure of due process. They also argued that the marijuana metabolites aren’t listed specifically as a banned substance under the NSAC. With an ongoing case against the commission, viewers waited in apprehension whether or not they would see a rematch between Diaz and Condit or the much desired Diaz- St. Pierre fight.

Whether fans or critics thought he would win or lose this battle, everything came to a head on May 21, 2012. The NSAC was going to vote on the future of Nick Diaz, and whether or not he would be suspended. After a three hour hearing, the commission officially suspended Diaz. He would be suspended an entire 12 months from the date of the fight, as well as being charged a $30,000 fine. Nick Diaz will also have to produce a clean drug test before he can be licensed to fight in Nevada again. Diaz’s case had some holes in it, and he wasn’t able to produce enough counterevidence. Nick Diaz won’t be able to apply for a new license until February 4, 2013.

Not only did Diaz give up a shot at an immediate rematch for the interim belt, but he gave up going head to head with St. Pierre as soon as he recovers, assuming he could pull out a victory this time around against Condit. Future opportunities aside, he can’t even think about a match up for another year, not to mention being required to fork over 30% of his winnings from UFC 143. Things just went from bad to worse for Diaz.

As stated, this is Diaz’s second strike, not only with the same offense, but with the same commission. Diaz was suspended on nearly identical terms in 2007, after his win over Takanori Gomi, which eventually turned into a draw following his suspension. One can only hope that Diaz has learned his lesson, and won’t add another strike to his career, whether he chooses to continue with mixed martial arts or retire as previously mentioned. It would be a shame to see a legend fade so soon.

-Emily Kapala

Dana White: Everyday Guy, Everyday Twitter Fight

Mma fighters, and all athletes for that matter, can gain positive or negative effects from fans, magazines, and the general public by their actions. Twitter is the source of much of this negative feedback. We.

Mma fighters, and all athletes for that matter, can gain positive or negative effects from fans, magazines, and the general public by their actions. Twitter is the source of much of this negative feedback. We can all remember the time Frank Mir tweeted that he wanted Brock Lesnar to die from octagon related injuries. Or the time Marcus Davis tweeted that he hoped Dan Hardy got AIDS and died. Although these tweets were over the top, sometimes when athletes or athletic executives engage in “normal”, ordinary behavior, it can be entertaining to fans while at the same time they can relate more to that person.

Recently, Dana White did just the thing. Dana White is such a likeable guy because he is approachable, will curse like a sailor, makes inappropriate jokes, and acts like your buddy. He acts like a normal, everyday guy which gives him a lot of public appeal. White recently got into a fight with a Jersey Shore Guido looking character. This guy, supposedly named Joseph Thomas or “@tweetontilt”, started a feud with White. Thomas was apparently giving White beef about the small crowd attendance at UFC on Fuel 3.

Like I said before, Dana White is a funny guy and loves to crack jokes. Here a couple of the tweets he sent to Thomas:

“@tweetontilt those eyebrows jumped it. LOL Pauly D wants his hair back, that lady from Jesery wants her tan back and nobody wants the brows”

— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2012

“@tweetontilt I’m sorry bro I can’t fight with u on twitter!!! Everytime I look at ur face I start cracking up. Now I feel bad, sorry LMFAO”

— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2012

The two left on alright terms, as no serious harm was caused. However, it proves that being an athlete or executive, you can still have fun. It is just important not to go over the top. I’m sorry, but hoping a fellow fighter will get AIDS and die is excessive. This is a perfect example why everyone loves Dana. He is funny, he says what is on his mind, and he has the type of personality where you want to be around him, and be his friend. This won’t hurt his reputation, in fact it will probably just because more people to like his blunt, but lovable characteristics.

-Elise Kapala

Is Jon Jones’ character in question?

MMA fighters, like any athlete, are criticized for poor performance outside of the octagon. They are made into a spectacle and any mistakes are magnified due to their vast exposure and impact on the industry..


MMA fighters, like any athlete, are criticized for poor performance outside of the octagon. They are made into a spectacle and any mistakes are magnified due to their vast exposure and impact on the industry. Frequent examples of such negative exposure include failed drug tests, violence, and alcohol related charges. Jon Jones has been suspected of the latter. While driving in his Bentley in New York at 5:00 a.m., Jon Jones completely totaled the vehicle and was then arrested on the spot. According to police reports, he hit a pole, and due to the severity of the damage to his car, and his manner at the scene, they suspected him of drunk driving. He was bailed out later that day when his mom came to the Broome County Sheriff’s department.

According to spectators on the scene, Jones left with a bloody nose and two girls who were in the car with him suffered facial injuries. The air bag prevented Jones from suffering further serious injuries. While no one knows why he was driving around that early in the morning with two girls in his car, the main concern at the moment is their recovery.

The real twist to the story is that Jones shot a video with the same law enforcement officers earlier in the year discussing police training and protocol.

Yesterday following the incident Malki Kawa, Jones’ manager, stated, “I can confirm that Jon Jones was arrested early this morning on suspicion of DUI. While the facts of this situation are still being gathered and situated, First Round Management fully supports Jon, and we are asking for fans and media to respect the privacy of Jon and his family during this time.”

While it hasn’t been verified if Jones was actually driving under the influence of alcohol, all this negative exposure has put Jones’ character into question. Jones is notorious for setting an example of integrity for others, and seeks to be a role model. While he has maintained a primarily pristine image in the face of the media, a mistake was bound to have been made. Unfortunately, this could ultimately hurt him with future sponsorship opportunities. A fan can only hope that this will not affect the UFC light heavyweight champion in the long run, whose next fight is approaching September 1. Whether or not the UFC decides to take action against him to use as an example for others, his fans support or disapproval, undoubtedly, will be the real testimony to his offense.

-Emily Kapala

Second champion down, second Interim belt on the line (Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber)

As we all know, one of the most exciting aspects in the sport of mma is the bitter feuds between rivals. As an avid mixed martial arts enthusiast, one can only hope that two rivals.

As we all know, one of the most exciting aspects in the sport of mma is the bitter feuds between rivals. As an avid mixed martial arts enthusiast, one can only hope that two rivals may contend toe to toe in the octagon, to try and determine who was all talk, and who packed a punch, literally, behind their words. The most exciting fight though between rivals is that of a rubber match, the third fight to determine who really comes out on top.

This is the case with Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. As reigning UFC Bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz has seen only one loss in his career: the likes of Urijah Faber. They first met at WEC 26. Faber won the fight due to guillotine choke, and successfully defended his title. Years later, after the WEC merged with the UFC, Faber fought against Cruz for Cruz’s championship belt in UFC 132. This time, by unanimous decision, Cruz came out on top.

Now, all UFC fans have been anxiously waiting for the rubber match between these two fighters at UFC. The anticipation and thrill of deciding the ultimate victor is almost too much to bear. I personally had already ordered my ‘Team Cruz’ shirt, put aside my money for pay-per-view, and was already clearing my schedule for the fight. Then while watching The Ultimate Fighter Live on FX, it was announced that Dominick Cruz was out on ACL injury. I was utterly mortified.

One of the frustrating aspects of mma is injury. It happens to the best of fighters, and is a condition that even the best of fighters may face. At UFC 148, Faber will now get the chance to fight for the interim belt. But against who? No one quite knows yet. Not only is this a huge upset for fans, but also for Faber and his training team. He now has to re-focus on a new fighter, a new strategy, and someone with different fighting skills. The only problem is he still has no idea what this entails. As a true gentleman of the sport, he has already stated he does not care who is scheduled to fight him, and he shows no favoritism towards any one fighter to go against.

We can only hope that an opponent is chosen soon for the previous WEC champion. My bet is that Michael McDonald will be slated to fight Faber in July. Whoever his opponent is, one can only hope that Faber does win the fight. Any avid fan of the feud between these two bantamweights can hope to finally see who will come out on top. As their running record stands 1-1 in fights between each other, we are forced to wait for Cruz to heal until we will finally get the privilege to see the ultimate champion between these remarkable fighters.

-Elise Kapala

UFC on Fox 3 – Betting Recap

See previous Articles MMA Betting Strategies I and II for reference……. After 1 night of posted picks here on MMA Fix, the Crisper wound up 2-1, with wins on Nate Diaz (+175 when locked in,.


See previous Articles MMA Betting Strategies I and II for reference…….

After 1 night of posted picks here on MMA Fix, the Crisper wound up 2-1, with wins on Nate Diaz (+175 when locked in, closed at +155) and Alan Belcher (+220 when locked in, closed at +160). My posted loser was Josh Koschek (-125 when locked in, closed at +140, thought we might get a split decision on this closely contested battle). Because money management has taught me over the years to play “to win 1 unit” on favorites and “to risk ½ unit” on dogs, I wound up + .725 units, for another night of profits!!

The Crisper was a little nervous to post both of his favorite picks, as he didn’t want to have a losing night for all MMA Fixers out there on the first night of posted picks (especially since Dodson was -500). From now on all FAVORITE FAVORITES and at least 1 Dog will be posted each night of fights….all for FREE of course!

Getting back to the action on Saturday, impressive performances were turned in by 3 fighters in particular.

Alan Belcher – how did he keep slipping out of all those leg locks??? Seriously it must be scary when a little Tasmanian Devil lookin’ Jiu Jitsu black belt grabs your foot, then turns on it so you can’t see what’s going on under there….eeesh! Belcher is for real…wondering who he will be paired up with next?

Lavar “Big” Johnson – This is one “Big”, Bad Dude. I counted 38 full out roundhouses to the head of Pat Barry before he finally fell…not bad for a “Big” man. His conditioning is excellent for a heavyweight…and he is definitely “BIG”. One has to wonder if his nickname has any dual meaning?

Nate Diaz – pure domination of a very good opponent. Used his reach and began taunting Miller before literally picking him apart with precision striking. Title fight here he comes.

Closing Note – For all of us MMA junkies out there, how great was it to not have to cough up $60 bucks for this great night of action? By the way, why do they even offer the non-HD version of these fights for $49.95? I mean seriously…NON-HD? What’s the point?

Check back this weekend for the Crisper’s picks for Tuesday’s UFC on Fuel card.

Boom