Tag: steve cantwell

The Cut List: Who’s in Desperate Need of a Win at UFC 136?

Filed under: UFCUFC 136 may be the rare event to include two title fights, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some men fighting for their livelihoods in Houston this Saturday night.

We all know that professional pugilism isn’t the line of work …

Filed under:

UFC 136 may be the rare event to include two title fights, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some men fighting for their livelihoods in Houston this Saturday night.

We all know that professional pugilism isn’t the line of work you go into if you really crave job security, but some of this weekend’s competitors are on much shakier ground than others, and it might take only one more loss to send them plummeting into the void of unemployment.

Who are they, and what are their chances to revive their careers with a win at UFC 136? For answers, we turn to The Cut List.


Leonard Garcia (15-7-1, 2-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Nam Phan
Why he’s in danger: Garcia’s 2-3 record in the Octagon is a little misleading for a couple of reasons. He went 1-2 in his first UFC run, which precipitated a drop to featherweight and a full-time move to the WEC. He came back after the merger and won a highly suspect decision over Nam Phan last December, then got twister’d by Chan Sung Jung in March. In a more just world, Garcia would be 0-2 in his latest stay with the UFC, and there’s a good chance that this is how he’s viewed by the people who matter. The good news is, Garcia is unquestionably one of those fighters who, in Dana White’s words, brings it. And boy does he bring it. No defense. No fancy technical stuff. Just straight-up bringing it. As a matter of fact, so much space in his brain is devoted to bringing it that there simply isn’t any space for thoughts of self-preservation. That makes Garcia the exact kind of fighter who can keep his job with a losing record in the UFC, but it also makes him predictable. Opponents who can keep their wits about them and resist the urge to brawl with him should be able to take great advantage of his incessant need to bring it, which might result in Garcia bringing it right on out of the UFC if he’s not careful.
Chances of getting cut: Decent. Phan should win this, but Garcia could still get another shot afterward with the right kind of showing. His brawlability quotient is simply too high, and the UFC has too few name brand featherweights to go and get rid of one people know and like.

Nam Phan (16-9, 0-2 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Leonard Garcia
Why he’s in danger: Just like Garcia, Phan’s record is also skewed by some questionable judging. If he’d have gotten that decision in his UFC debut, he’d be sitting at 1-1 after his not-at-all questionable decision loss to Mike Brown in August. But as it is, he’s winless in the UFC, at least on paper, and you know what typically happens after you lose three in a row. Again, the edge in this fight likely goes to Phan, but in a way it might be more interesting to see what would happen if he were to lose. Would the UFC give him a mulligan on that first loss to Garcia, with the understanding that it was complete nonsense from the judges? Or would a second, more legitimate loss to Garcia make all that irrelevant anyway? Hard to say, but I’m sure he’d rather not find out.
Chances of getting cut: Unlikely. I think he beats Garcia more clearly and obviously the second time around, thus securing his status for at least a few more months. That is, if he can resist the siren’s song of a bonus-worthy street fight. We know Garcia’s game.

Eric Schafer (12-5-2, 3-4 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Aaron Simpson
Why he’s in danger: If Schafer’s name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s been around — in a manner of speaking — for a good little while. This will be his third stint with the UFC in five years, and let’s just say that the UFC isn’t known for handing out fourth chances, so he’d better make this one count. Schafer went 1-2 in his first Octagon installment and 2-2 in the second, but all his losses came against tough opponents like Michael Bisping, Stephan Bonnar, Ryan Bader, and Jason Brilz. If you’re going to get beat, those aren’t bad guys to get beat by, but then you turn around and look at his three UFC wins. Rob MacDonald, Houston Alexander, Antonio Mendes — none of them remained in the UFC for long after losing to Schafer, and that’s not a good sign. Now Schafer has dropped to middleweight and, like virtually every fighter who moves weight classes, seems convinced that it has changed everything for him. We’ll see if he’s right, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
Chances of getting cut: Very good. I sure wouldn’t want to fight a grinder like Simpson if my career was on the line. Schafer lacks the wrestling prowess of a Mark Munoz and the punching power of a Chris Leben, so I don’t see how he stops the “A-Train” here. I think he gets outwrestled and roughed up, and then I think the UFC gives him his participant ribbon and sends him home.

Steve Cantwell (7-4, 1-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Mike Massenzio
Why he’s in danger: Honestly, I’m a little surprised he hasn’t already been cut. He entered the UFC with a full head of steam as WEC light heavyweight champ, and then he enthusiastically bent Razak Al-Hassan’s arm out of shape in his Octagon debut. After that, however, he lost three in a row. Now he’s dropping to middleweight, which he should have done a long time ago, but it’s mildly amazing that the UFC let him hit a three-fight losing streak before either suggesting that he drop down or go win a few in the minors. As it stands, Cantwell’s claim to fame is that he won one of three fights against Brian Stann (and, sure, also the Al-Hassan arm snap thing), so if he wants to stick around at all after Saturday, he absolutely, positively needs to win.
Chances of getting cut: Good. Massenzio is a beatable opponent for Cantwell, but by no means an easy one. If he wins, he stays. If he loses, he’s gone for sure. Dan Hardy might get to lose four straight, but Cantwell is no Dan Hardy.

Mike Massenzio (12-5, 1-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Steve Cantwell
Why he’s in danger: Massenzio got cut after going 1-2 his first time around, but earned himself some points with the UFC when he took a fight out of his weight class on extremely short notice at UFC 131. Even though that resulted in an ugly decision loss to Krzysztof Soszynski, it represented him stepping up and doing the UFC a solid just to get back in there. Now, as is customary, he gets a fight back in his own weight class and with adequate time to prepare. That’s the UFC’s version of repaying a favor, and if Massenzio can’t capitalize on it he’ll find himself all out of brownie points.
Chances of getting cut: Good/Very good. I give Cantwell the slight edge, but it’s very slight. Whoever loses this one is probably also going to lose his job, and let’s just say Massenzio is not the favorite.

 

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The Cut List: Who’s in Desperate Need of a Win at UFC 136?

Filed under: UFCUFC 136 may be the rare event to include two title fights, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some men fighting for their livelihoods in Houston this Saturday night.

We all know that professional pugilism isn’t the line of work …

Filed under:

UFC 136 may be the rare event to include two title fights, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some men fighting for their livelihoods in Houston this Saturday night.

We all know that professional pugilism isn’t the line of work you go into if you really crave job security, but some of this weekend’s competitors are on much shakier ground than others, and it might take only one more loss to send them plummeting into the void of unemployment.

Who are they, and what are their chances to revive their careers with a win at UFC 136? For answers, we turn to The Cut List.


Leonard Garcia (15-7-1, 2-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Nam Phan
Why he’s in danger: Garcia’s 2-3 record in the Octagon is a little misleading for a couple of reasons. He went 1-2 in his first UFC run, which precipitated a drop to featherweight and a full-time move to the WEC. He came back after the merger and won a highly suspect decision over Nam Phan last December, then got twister’d by Chan Sung Jung in March. In a more just world, Garcia would be 0-2 in his latest stay with the UFC, and there’s a good chance that this is how he’s viewed by the people who matter. The good news is, Garcia is unquestionably one of those fighters who, in Dana White’s words, brings it. And boy does he bring it. No defense. No fancy technical stuff. Just straight-up bringing it. As a matter of fact, so much space in his brain is devoted to bringing it that there simply isn’t any space for thoughts of self-preservation. That makes Garcia the exact kind of fighter who can keep his job with a losing record in the UFC, but it also makes him predictable. Opponents who can keep their wits about them and resist the urge to brawl with him should be able to take great advantage of his incessant need to bring it, which might result in Garcia bringing it right on out of the UFC if he’s not careful.
Chances of getting cut: Decent. Phan should win this, but Garcia could still get another shot afterward with the right kind of showing. His brawlability quotient is simply too high, and the UFC has too few name brand featherweights to go and get rid of one people know and like.

Nam Phan (16-9, 0-2 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Leonard Garcia
Why he’s in danger: Just like Garcia, Phan’s record is also skewed by some questionable judging. If he’d have gotten that decision in his UFC debut, he’d be sitting at 1-1 after his not-at-all questionable decision loss to Mike Brown in August. But as it is, he’s winless in the UFC, at least on paper, and you know what typically happens after you lose three in a row. Again, the edge in this fight likely goes to Phan, but in a way it might be more interesting to see what would happen if he were to lose. Would the UFC give him a mulligan on that first loss to Garcia, with the understanding that it was complete nonsense from the judges? Or would a second, more legitimate loss to Garcia make all that irrelevant anyway? Hard to say, but I’m sure he’d rather not find out.
Chances of getting cut: Unlikely. I think he beats Garcia more clearly and obviously the second time around, thus securing his status for at least a few more months. That is, if he can resist the siren’s song of a bonus-worthy street fight. We know Garcia’s game.

Eric Schafer (12-5-2, 3-4 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Aaron Simpson
Why he’s in danger: If Schafer’s name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s been around — in a manner of speaking — for a good little while. This will be his third stint with the UFC in five years, and let’s just say that the UFC isn’t known for handing out fourth chances, so he’d better make this one count. Schafer went 1-2 in his first Octagon installment and 2-2 in the second, but all his losses came against tough opponents like Michael Bisping, Stephan Bonnar, Ryan Bader, and Jason Brilz. If you’re going to get beat, those aren’t bad guys to get beat by, but then you turn around and look at his three UFC wins. Rob MacDonald, Houston Alexander, Antonio Mendes — none of them remained in the UFC for long after losing to Schafer, and that’s not a good sign. Now Schafer has dropped to middleweight and, like virtually every fighter who moves weight classes, seems convinced that it has changed everything for him. We’ll see if he’s right, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
Chances of getting cut: Very good. I sure wouldn’t want to fight a grinder like Simpson if my career was on the line. Schafer lacks the wrestling prowess of a Mark Munoz and the punching power of a Chris Leben, so I don’t see how he stops the “A-Train” here. I think he gets outwrestled and roughed up, and then I think the UFC gives him his participant ribbon and sends him home.

Steve Cantwell (7-4, 1-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Mike Massenzio
Why he’s in danger: Honestly, I’m a little surprised he hasn’t already been cut. He entered the UFC with a full head of steam as WEC light heavyweight champ, and then he enthusiastically bent Razak Al-Hassan’s arm out of shape in his Octagon debut. After that, however, he lost three in a row. Now he’s dropping to middleweight, which he should have done a long time ago, but it’s mildly amazing that the UFC let him hit a three-fight losing streak before either suggesting that he drop down or go win a few in the minors. As it stands, Cantwell’s claim to fame is that he won one of three fights against Brian Stann (and, sure, also the Al-Hassan arm snap thing), so if he wants to stick around at all after Saturday, he absolutely, positively needs to win.
Chances of getting cut: Good. Massenzio is a beatable opponent for Cantwell, but by no means an easy one. If he wins, he stays. If he loses, he’s gone for sure. Dan Hardy might get to lose four straight, but Cantwell is no Dan Hardy.

Mike Massenzio (12-5, 1-3 UFC)
Who he’s facing: Steve Cantwell
Why he’s in danger: Massenzio got cut after going 1-2 his first time around, but earned himself some points with the UFC when he took a fight out of his weight class on extremely short notice at UFC 131. Even though that resulted in an ugly decision loss to Krzysztof Soszynski, it represented him stepping up and doing the UFC a solid just to get back in there. Now, as is customary, he gets a fight back in his own weight class and with adequate time to prepare. That’s the UFC’s version of repaying a favor, and if Massenzio can’t capitalize on it he’ll find himself all out of brownie points.
Chances of getting cut: Good/Very good. I give Cantwell the slight edge, but it’s very slight. Whoever loses this one is probably also going to lose his job, and let’s just say Massenzio is not the favorite.

 

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UFC 136 Cut List: Six Fighters Who Need a Win Saturday Night


(“What is it I’m supposed to do with these things again?”)

Joey Beltran: If Beltran loses against UFC newcomer Stipe Miocic, the loss would put him at 1-3 in his last four fights. For a journeyman like Beltran, a slide like that would likely mean a pink slip with his check. A Golden Gloves champ and NCAA Division I wrestler, Miocic is no slouch, which could play into the favor of “The Mexicutioner” if he gets called to the boss’ office.

Steve Cantwell: Heading into his UFC middleweight debut bout with Mike Massenzio,Cantwell is 0-3 in his last three outings. A loss Saturday night would likely land him on the cut list, or at the very least in the margin with a circle around and a question mark beside his name. The UFC might take into account that there was a year-and-a-half gap between his last two losses in which the former WEC light heavyweight champ battled an unnamed illness that UFC president Dana White mentioned was “career-threatening.” Since he doesn’t quite have a memorable personality like Dan Hardy or Pat Barry, that may be the only card he has to play.


(“What is it I’m supposed to do with these things again?”)

Joey Beltran: If Beltran loses against UFC newcomer Stipe Miocic, the loss would put him at 1-3 in his last four fights. For a journeyman like Beltran, a slide like that would likely mean a pink slip with his check. A Golden Gloves champ and NCAA Division I wrestler, Miocic is no slouch, which could play into the favor of “The Mexicutioner” if he gets called to the boss’ office.

Steve Cantwell: Heading into his UFC middleweight debut bout with Mike Massenzio,Cantwell is 0-3 in his last three outings. A loss Saturday night would likely land him on the cut list, or at the very least in the margin with a circle around and a question mark beside his name. The UFC might take into account that there was a year-and-a-half gap between his last two losses in which the former WEC light heavyweight champ battled an unnamed illness that UFC president Dana White mentioned was “career-threatening.” Since he doesn’t quite have a memorable personality like Dan Hardy or Pat Barry, that may be the only card he has to play.

Mike Messenzio: If “The Master of Disaster” can’t figure out a way to pull of a win against Cantwell, he should probably ask for some work references from Bruce Buffer and Joe Rogan before he leaves the Octagon. At 1-3 in the UFC, it’s surprising that he hasn’t been fired yet, considering he was dropped by the promotion after back-to-back losses to CB Dolloway and Brian Stann, only to be brought back after winning a fight on the regional circuit and losing to Krzysztof Soszynski.

Eric Schafer: It was somewhat of a surprise when Schafer was released after only two straight decision losses in the UFC. Prior to that, he was 2-0 since returning from his first sabbatical from the Octagon. If he loses this return bout, which will be his first as a middleweight under the UFC banner, the result won’t be a favorable one for “Red.”

Anthony Pettis: Sure, a loss to Jeremy Stevens Saturday night likely wouldn’t cost “Showtime” his job with the UFC, but it sure as hell wouldn’t help MMAFighting and Sherdog’s 2011 “Breakout Fighter of the Year” plead his case for an upper main card slot any time in the near future, let alone a crack at a top five lightweight.

Jorge Santiago: Back-to-back losses for the former Sengoku middleweight champ won’t bode well for Santiago, who makes more than most fighters who have been fighting for the promotion for much longer. You could argue that he lost to a current and a former contender, but it might be for naught as DW and company might already have a ticket bought for Santiago to go back to Japan where the competition is easier.

UFC 136 Picks

Main card Lightweight Championship bout Frankie Edgar (c) vs Gray Maynard I always would pick Frank Edgar over opponents, but against Gray Maynard I think the last fight Gray just gassed himself out. I don’t expect that again. I’ve got Gray in this one. Featherweight Championship bout: José Aldo (c) vs Kenny Florian I want

Main card

Lightweight Championship bout Frankie Edgar (c) vs Gray Maynard

I always would pick Frank Edgar over opponents, but against Gray Maynard I think the last fight Gray just gassed himself out. I don’t expect that again. I’ve got Gray in this one.

Featherweight Championship bout: José Aldo (c) vs Kenny Florian

I want to pick Kenny Florian, but I can’t. Aldo faster, more technique, more dangerous.

Middleweight bout Chael Sonnen vs Brian Stann

Chael Sonnen. Expect takedown and grind down.

Lightweight bout Joe Lauzon vs Melvin Guillard

In the past Lauzon would be an easy pick here. However, Melvin Guillard has improved so much in the submission and submission defense. I think Guillard is going to be too much for Lauzon.

Featherweight bout Leonard Garcia vs Nam Phan

Nam Phan. A little more technique here might be the key to victory.

Preliminary card (Spike TV)

Middleweight bout: Demian Maia vs Jorge Santiago

I like the improvements Demian Maia has made to his standup game and the agressive stance he has taken. If it goes to the ground Maia is better there, but Santiago is no slouch. Standup probably goes to Santiago, but hes definitely more wild.

Lightweight bout Anthony Pettis vs Jeremy Stephens

Such a good fight. Both have great striking with Stephens being the bigger power puncher of the two. However, Jeremy is more wild. If it goes to the ground, Pettis, has a good advantage. On the feet I think its even, slight edge to Pettis, due to reach.

Preliminary card (Facebook)

Heavyweight bout Joey Beltran vs Stipe Miocic

I can take the Mexicutioner in the dark here.

Featherweight bout: Zhang Tie Quan vs Darren Elkins

Pass

Middleweight bout Aaron Simpson vs Eric Schafer

Interesting match. Two zombies that don’t stop coming forward despite taking damage. Schafer is not as good as doing damage as Simpson is. If it stays up I say Simpson.

Middleweight bout Steve Cantwell vs Mike Massenzio

Steve Cantwell. I don’t know what skills Massenzio has to beat Cantwell.

Steve Cantwell Suffers Knee Injury, Knocked Out of UFC 120

Filed under: UFC, NewsSteve Cantwell suffered another setback to his promising career, after a knee injury suffered during his last days of training has knocked him out of UFC 120.

MMA Fighting confirmed the news with UFC sources.

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Steve Cantwell suffered another setback to his promising career, after a knee injury suffered during his last days of training has knocked him out of UFC 120.

MMA Fighting confirmed the news with UFC sources.

Steve Cantwell Explains Injury That Forced Him Off UFC 120

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, NewsLONDON — Steve Cantwell just can’t buy a break.

The light heavyweight was forced to pull out of his UFC 120 fight against Stanislav Nedkov Friday morning after suffering a knee injury in training on Wednesday…

Filed under: , ,

LONDON — Steve Cantwell just can’t buy a break.

The light heavyweight was forced to pull out of his UFC 120 fight against Stanislav Nedkov Friday morning after suffering a knee injury in training on Wednesday.

“Wednesday we were training,” Cantwell told MMA Fighting. “It was my last medium day training, just trying to cut weight, loosen up a little bit. I was just having a really, really great training session. Literally, the last five minutes I was rolling — we did three rounds on pads and two rolling — literally the last minute, I rolled, hit a move, my foot got caught and torqued my knee and popped my lateral collateral ligament. I couldn’t walk. I tried to play it off because there were all kinds of people in the room, like, ‘Ah, I got a cramp. I’m done training,’ kind of thing.”

The 23-year-old was understandably disheartened by the news, especially considering the fact that a string of issues have kept him out of action since September 2009. The Nevada State Athletic Commission refused to clear him to fight at UFC 108 against Vladimir Matyushenko due to an undisclosed reason and he also pulled out of a UFC 116 fight against Ricardo Romero in July.