(If you must ask, Dana, I believe my hype train was headed in that general direction. Then again, it’s been so long since I’ve seen it…)
If you’re anything like us, you’ve more than likely spent your weekend drinking either Budweiser or Miller High Life cans in front of your television whilst watching various Olympic events and screaming “America!” on loop until your Canadian or Russian neighbors got jealous and called the police, who in turn tried to claim that you are somehow at fault if you like to watch TV in the nude and can’t afford curtains. And indeed, the Olympics have successfully managed to captivate and connect its viewing audience as it always does, uniting entire communities over a common passion. Except, oddly enough, in the case of this year’s host country, wherein failure apparently opens you up to disturbingly hateful critiques from your own countrymen.
Switching gears, it seems that one thing we can all agree on, regardless of our cultural divisions, is the inherent ridiculousness in the possibility that Brandon Vera could somehow receive a title shot if he is able to defeat Mauricio Rua in impressive fashion, or vice versa. We know we’ve been a little hard on him today — it’s not like it was his decision to overhype a fight by implying title implications only to be reamed out by fans for doing so shortly thereafter, that was Dana White — but on the short list of contenders currently in the Light Heavyweight Division, Vera is just a step above Mostapha al-Turk, whom you may recall is a retired heavyweight who was released from the UFC over two years ago. And he’s fighting Shogun f*cking Rua, aka the man who ended The Machida Era. Arguably twice.
Spoiler: There is no way in hell that Vera is beating Shogun this Saturday, and we’d be willing to wager a bottle of ipecac on it, if you know what we mean. So in honor of what has been a highly competitive Olympic games thus far, and what will surely be a one sided ass whooping at UFC on FOX 4, here are 10 things, ranked in no particular order, we will more than likely see happen at this year’s Olympics than “The Truth” beating “Shogun” on Saturday.
(If you must ask, Dana, I believe my hype train was headed in that general direction. Then again, it’s been so long since I’ve seen it…)
If you’re anything like us, you’ve more than likely spent your weekend drinking either Budweiser or Miller High Life cans in front of your television whilst watching various Olympic events and screaming “America!” on loop until your Canadian or Russian neighbors got jealous and called the police, who in turn tried to claim that you are somehow at fault if you like to watch TV in the nude and can’t afford curtains. And indeed, the Olympics have successfully managed to captivate and connect its viewing audience as it always does, uniting entire communities over a common passion. Except, oddly enough, in the case of this year’s host country, wherein failure apparently opens you up to disturbingly hateful critiques from your own countrymen.
Switching gears, it seems that one thing we can all agree on, regardless of our cultural divisions, is the inherent ridiculousness in the possibility that Brandon Vera could somehow receive a title shot if he is able to defeat Mauricio Rua in impressive fashion, or vice versa. We know we’ve been a little hard on him today – it’s not like it was his decision to overhype a fight by implying title implications only to be reamed out by fans for doing so shortly thereafter, that was Dana White — but on the short list of contenders currently in the Light Heavyweight Division, Vera is just a step above Mostapha al-Turk, whom you may recall is a retired heavyweight who was released from the UFC over two years ago. And he’s fighting Shogun f*cking Rua, aka the man who ended The Machida Era. Arguably twice.
Spoiler: There is no way in hell that Vera is beating Shogun this Saturday, and we’d be willing to wager a bottle of ipecac on it, if you know what we mean. So in honor of what has been a highly competitive Olympic games thus far, and what will surely be a one sided ass whooping at UFC on FOX 4, here are 10 things, ranked in no particular order, we will more than likely see happen at this year’s Olympics than “The Truth” beating “Shogun” on Saturday.
1. The United States Basketball Team Losing to Tunisia
2. Trampoline Being Taken Seriously
3. Micheal Phelps Drowning in the Mens 4×200 Relay
4. Anybody Giving a Fuck About Race Walking
5. Michelle Jenneke accepting my back-massage offer. (I GIVE THE BEST ONES!)
Collectors of the Round 5 MMA figures will be excited for the companies upcoming UFC Titans Series 2, set for release this October/November. Pictured here is the latest collectible in that series, UFC middleweight champ Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva. Be sure to follow Round 5 on Facebook (@ www.facebook.com/round5) for the latest updates.
Anderson Silva – UFC Titans Series 2
Collectors of the Round 5 MMA figures will be excited for the companies upcoming UFC Titans Series 2, set for release this October/November. Pictured here is the latest collectible in that series, UFC middleweight champ Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva. Be sure to follow Round 5 on Facebook (@ www.facebook.com/round5) for the latest updates.
UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer is back in the studio posing for her 2013 calender. Palmer posted this photo on her webpage BrittneyPalmer.com on Wednesday. Today was such a successful day! I have the best team working with me to make my 2013 calendar a success! Here is one of my favorite looks of today! […]
UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer is back in the studio posing for her 2013 calender. Palmer posted this photo on her webpage BrittneyPalmer.com on Wednesday.
Today was such a successful day! I have the best team working with me to make my 2013 calendar a success! Here is one of my favorite looks of today! What do you guys think
This years calender will be a follow up to last years successful calender, which fans can still purchase (with an autograph) through the store on her website. Be sure to check that out as well as her limited edition paintings of icon’s such as Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix, along with UFC president Dana White.
Below is another photo of Palmer as she sits in the makeup artists chair preparing for the calendar shoot.
Excited to get shooting…and loving my @ufc tanktop 😉
Former WEC champion Urijah Faber came up short again in his quest for UFC gold last night in Calgary, Alberta after losing a unanimous decision to newly crowned UFC interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao. In the post fight interview following the UFC 149 main event bout, Faber spoke about possibly breaking his rib in the […]
Urijah Faber's broken rib following UFC 149
Former WEC champion Urijah Faber came up short again in his quest for UFC gold last night in Calgary, Alberta after losing a unanimous decision to newly crowned UFC interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao. In the post fight interview following the UFC 149 main event bout, Faber spoke about possibly breaking his rib in the fight and has since Tweeted a photo of the evidence.
(@UrijahFaber) – Congrats 2 @RenanBaraoUFC. He’s a tough dude. Broke my rib in the 1st with a great knee. Thank u 4 all the support
Press Release – Tampa, FL. (July 20, 2012) — Bellator Fighting Championships made its return to “The Sunshine State” Friday night with the culmination of the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament as Karl Amoussou became the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Champion while Attila Vegh and Travis Wiuff will now face off at Bellator 73 to […]
Karl Amoussou submits Bryan Baker at Bellator 72 to capture the season six welterweight tournament
Press Release – Tampa, FL. (July 20, 2012) — Bellator Fighting Championships made its return to “The Sunshine State” Friday night with the culmination of the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament as Karl Amoussou became the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Champion while Attila Vegh and Travis Wiuff will now face off at Bellator 73 to determine the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament Championship. Also, Paul Daley and Marius Zaromskis picked up impressive victories at Bellator 72 in Tampa, Florida from The USF Sun Dome LIVE on MTV2 and in HD on EPIX.
“Travis Wiuff continues to amaze with another completely dominating performance, while Paul “Semtex” Daley did exactly what we thought he would in his Bellator debut by delivering another brutal knockout,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “My hats off to Karl Amoussou, who came out as his usual explosive self and had everyone on their feet with a slick submission win. Amoussou vs. Askren is something I’m looking forward to, and should happen in short order.”
For Bellator welterweights Bryan “The Beast” Baker and Karl “Psycho” Amoussou, a win Friday night would not only earn them the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament Championship, but also $100,000 and a shot at Bellator Welterweight World Champion, Ben Askren. After briefly exchanging on the feet, Amoussou (16-4-2) swept the leg of Baker (18-4) and rather than taking the back, latched on to the leg of “The Beast.” Baker immediately felt the pain of the inverted heel hook and tapped quickly to halt the bout at 0:56 of the first round.
“I’m really happy right now,” said an emotional Amoussou. “It’s been a lot of hard work, and I’m so happy to be at this point right now.”
When asked about his next challenge, reigning Bellator Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren, Amoussou didn’t hesitate.
“Lay and prayer, it’s time for you to face the Psycho. I think Bellator needs a real exciting champion. Somebody is getting knocked out, and that somebody is going to be him.”
Entering the Bellator cage for the first time Friday night, vicious striker Paul “Semtex” Daley was looking to impress Bellator brass when he met 6-time Bellator veteran, Rudy Bears at the USF Sun Dome. While Bears (14-11) appeared to have some success early on, Daley (30-12-2) ultimately showed why he is considered one of the best knockout artists in MMA. After landing a series of brutal knees to the body of Bears, Daley unloaded with a barrage of punches until the referee was forced to stop the fight at 2:45 of the first round.
“Anybody who trades with me is getting knocked out. Much respect to Rudy Bears for stepping in here with me,” said Daley. “I’m looking to get in the tournament, and I’m going to win it.”
After choking out Zelg Galesic last month in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament, Attila Vegh was matched up with the toughest test of his career Friday night when he faced Emanuel Newton. Newton (18-7-1), was coming off a submission win of his own over Roy Boughton and looked to stop the momentum of “Pumukli.” The story throughout the fight was the aggressiveness of Newton and the counter striking of Vegh (27-4-2). For three close rounds, both men went blow for blow until a decision was rendered by the judges. Two of the three judges scored the fight in favor of Attila Vegh, who will now move on to the finals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament.
“It was hard to train for the awkwardness he brings. The kicks were coming out of nowhere,” said Vegh. “However, I was confident wherever the fight went. I trained for 15 minutes.”
After earning a decisive victory over Chris Davis in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament, Travis “Diesel” Wiuff undoubtedly wanted to impose his will on Tim Carpenter when the two met Friday night in a semifinal matchup. For three rounds, Wiuff (68-14) controlled Carpenter (9-2), utilizing his takedowns and landing devastating strikes from the guard. After dominating for the entire fight, Travis Wiuff was awarded the unanimous decision victory.
After the fight, Wiuff had choice words for Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Christian M’Pumbu.
“Christian, I’m coming for you,” said Wiuff. “It’s only a matter of time, Christian. Next time I beat you, I’m taking that belt.”
In the first fight of the evening, Bellator welterweights Waachiim Spiritwolf and Marius Zaromskis were looking to pick up where they left off in their previous contest and finally put a stamp on their epic trilogy. Throughout the fight, Zaromskis (18-6) was the aggressor, constantly moving forward and avoiding the power shots of Spiritwolf (9-11-1). Zaromskis also showed off his improved takedown defense every time Spiritwolf attempted to take the fight to the ground. After the completion of three rounds, two of the three judge’s cageside scored the fight in favor of Marius Zaromskis.
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.
About MV2
MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
About EPIX
EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies.
EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available on EpixHD.com. The service is available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.
Press Release – PORTLAND, Ore. (July 14, 2012) – Luke Rockhold retained the STRIKEFORCE middleweight championship Saturday on SHOWTIME® by clearly outpointing Tim Kennedy in the main event from Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. STRIKEFORCE newcomer Nate Marquardt beat previously unbeaten Tyron Woodley (10-1) in an impressive fourth-round stoppage for the vacant STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship. […]
Strikeforce middleweight champ Luke Rockhold celebrates title defense versus Tim Kennedy – Photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
Press Release – PORTLAND, Ore. (July 14, 2012) – Luke Rockhold retained the STRIKEFORCE middleweight championship Saturday on SHOWTIME® by clearly outpointing Tim Kennedy in the main event from Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. STRIKEFORCE newcomer Nate Marquardt beat previously unbeaten Tyron Woodley (10-1) in an impressive fourth-round stoppage for the vacant STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship.
The SHOWTIME telecast will replay tomorrow/Sunday, July 15, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and again Tuesday, July 17, at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. The fights will be available On Demand from July 15-Aug. 12.
Rockhold (10-1) earned his second defense of the 185-pound title by outworking the challenger, earning a unanimous decision after five hard-fought rounds. Rockhold had the better striking and grappling and was able to control Kennedy (14-4) in most areas throughout a fight scored 49-46 by the three cageside scorers. Rockhold remains undefeated in the STRIKEFORCE organization.
Tim Kennedy (L) vs. Luke Rockhold (R) – Photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
After a 16-month layoff, Marquardt (32-10-2) made a loud statement about his return with a brutal knockout win over Woodley at 1:39 in the fourth round of an exciting and fast-paced slugfest.
In other fights on SHOWTIME, Roger Gracie (4-1), who fought for the first time in his MMA career in the middleweight division, won a three-round decision over veteran Keith Jardine (17-11-2) and middleweight Lorenz Larkin (13-0, 1 NC) remained undefeated with an impressive three-round decision over Robbie Lawler (19-9, 1 NC).
In live undercard fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME, hometown hero Pat Healy (30-17) won a three-round unanimous decision over Mizuto Hirota (14-5-1) in a welterweight bout; Ryan Couture (5-1) son of MMA legend Randy Couture, took a three-round split decision over Joe Duarte (10-3) by the scores of 29-28 twice and 28-29 in a welterweight bout; Jorge Masvidal (23-7) recorded a three-round split decision over Justin Wilcox (11-5, 1 NC) by the scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29 in a welterweight scrap; and Jordan Mein (25-8) earned a three-round decision over Tyler Stinson (23-9) in a welterweight match. On the non-televised undercard, Jason High (16-3) impressively submitted Nate Moore (7-3) in an exciting fight to begin the night with a 26-second finish in round one with a guillotine choke.
Nate Marquardt finishes Tyron Woodley to capture Strikeforce welterweight title – photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
STRIKEFORCE returns to SHOWTIME on Aug. 18 with a highly anticipated card headlined by female star and current bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, who takes on former bantamweight champion Sarah Kaufman live at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Nate Marqurdt celebrates Strikeforce title win – Photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
Roger Gracie gets his hand raised versus Keith Jardine – photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
Lorenz Larkins wins his middleweight debut versus Robbie Lawler – Photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
Lorenz Larkins (R) lands a kick to the midsection of Robbie Lawler (L) – photo by Esther Lin for Showtime
