UFC 194 vs UFC 100

UFC 194 vs UFC 100

           UFC 194 takes over the crown as best fight card, the UFC ever held? UFC 100 took place on July 11, 2009 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and has since been considered, by most, the best event the promotion has presented to date. The Main Event of the night was a rematch of Frank Mir and Brock Lesnar for the Heavyweight Championship. Let’s examine the specifics and determine which event ranks as number one.

 

With Pay per view buy totals not yet available (UFC 100= 1.6 Mil. 194 predictions over one million buys) the first thing to consider is the attendance: for UFC 100 was 10,871 with a gate of 5,128,490 while UFC 194’s attendance: 16,516 with 10.1 million at the gate. Advantage 194.

Now let’s look at each match both on paper and actual result:

100-Yoshihiro Akiyama vs Alan Belcher. This was Akiyama’s first time in the UFC, but he was on a 13 fight unbeaten streak. Belcher, 25 at the time, had a record of 14-5 with 5 Sub and 7 KO wins already. The result was a robbery, Akiyama granted a split decision win despite being outworked by Belcher.

194-Max Holloway vs Jeremy Stephens. Holloway came in on a seven fight win streak with six finishes, while hard-hitter, Stephens fresh off his sixteenth career KO, a third round TKO of Dennis Bermudez. The result a Unanimous Decision for Holloway. Advantage 194.

100-Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping. This match up followed season nine of The Ultimate Fighter where “The Count” and “Hendo” coached against each other. The result an H-Bomb that KO’d Bisping before his back hit the mat and the flying exclamation point to follow in the form of a follow up right to the unconscious Englishman.

194-Demain Maia vs Gunnar Nelson. Each fighter came in with ten Sub and three KO wins a piece. The result Maia by UD. No contest here Advantage 100.

This is when UFC 100 got weird, for some reason the Jon Fitch vs Paolo Thiago bout was held and took place after the main event. Fitch won by UD, his usual dominant top game held Thiago to the mat.

194-Yoel Romero vs Ronaldo Souza. Going into the fight it appeared the next MW contender would come from this bout. Each fighter riding a significant win streak (Souza 8 w/ 7 finishes) (Romero 6 w/ 5 KO’s). The result, neither looked ready to take on the new or former champ, Romero by SD. Advantage 100.

100-George St Pierre vs Thiago Alves. This was before GSP was considered so dominant and, the much physically larger, Alves had many believing he would take the title. The result UD St Pierre (two judges scored it 50-45 and the other 50-44).

194-Luke Rockhold vs Chris Weidman. Rockhold former Strikeforce champ and finisher of last four opponents (3 Subs 1 KO) took on undefeated Weidman. Weidman had dethroned the GOAT, Anderson Silva. The result was an even exchange through two plus rounds until Rockhold capitalized on a poor spinning kick by Weidman. Rockhold pounded on Weidman for the remainder of the third and continued dominance into the fourth round until Herb Dean stopped it at 3:12.

This is a comparison of a great performance by St Pierre and a great battle that made way to even better finish. In a close call Advantage 194.

100-Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir. This was a rematch, Mir tapped Lesnar by Knee-bar in their first encounter (just Lesnar’s second career MMA fight) at UFC 81, Feb 2, 2008. The now champion Lesnar looked to even the score between the Heavyweights. The result was a dominant performance by Brock and TKO stoppage at 1:48 of the second round. Lesnar was the biggest star in the UFC at the time and his proportions looked more like He-Man character than those of Mir.

194-Connor McGregor vs Jose Aldo. Like Mir v Lesnar this matched up an interim Champion with the division’s rightful champ. Aldo dominated the Featherweight Division and was the weight class’s only UFC Champion. McGregor had 16 KO’s in his 18 fight career and his ability to sell a fight is unmatched. The result, 13 ticks into the fight McGregor stoned Aldo and took home the belt.

With all the hype of the first Aldo/McGregor match up (cancelled due to injury to Aldo) in July and the world tour, a TV ad priced at over a million dollars, this was the most promoted MMA fight ever. Both fights were dominations. Advantage 194.

As time passes the view of these events relevance to history may change, but as for today UFC 194 takes the crown as the best fight card to date.

Week's recap and predictions

Can UFC 194 Take the Weekend’s Crown?

 

            On paper UFC 194 is, arguably, the best fight card ever, but will it take the crown as the best event of this weekend? Can this card live up to the pressure? The pressure of a postponed Championship fight that saw the UFC lay down the most money to date to promote the event. Two titles on the line, a load of high ranked competitors ready for action and the phenomenon, that is Connor McGregor all take place for this event. The added pressure of following two consecutive nights of fabulous UFC action. Two cards down and almost every fight so far has been memorable.

            Thursday Night recap:

            Thiago Santos convincingly won a UD over Elias Theodoruo in the Middleweight division. Santos opened up a gash over the TUF Winner’s eye, reminiscent of a cocked eyebrow. The loss was the first on Theodorou’s record to date.

            Same old Sage: Sage Northcutt won by stoppage again. In Fact the 19 year-old has been able to stop every opponent he’s faced in his 7-0 career. Thursday’s came as a Guillotine Choke at 0:41 in the 2^nd round over Cody Pfister. “Super” Sage is now 2-0 since entering the UFC in October, when he TKO’d Francisco Trevino, just 0:57 into his debut.

            Michael Chiesa earned his ninth win by submission with a Rear-Naked-Choke over Veteran fighter Jim Miller. The two exchanged positions and fought a fairly even bout before Chiesa found Miller’s neck.

            Rose Namajunas dominated Paige VanZant before locking in a RNC of her own at 2:25 in the 5^th round. “Thug” improves to 4-2 with four Submissions.

            Friday Night recap:

            Evan Dunham out struck Joe Lauzon to convincingly earn the UD in the Lightweight Division contest. The win improves Dunham’s record to 17-6.

            Tony Ferguson’s second round Sub win over Edson Barboza puts him in second place among 155ers, with seven consecutive (he trails Donald Cerrone who has 8). The high action bout thrilled the crowd and earned each fighter a $50,000 bonus check. “El Cucuy” received an additional $50,000 for locking in a Brabo Choke at 2:54 in the 2^nd.

            A late replacement, Ryan Hall, is the new Ultimate Fighter. The BJJ wizard landed 169 total strikes to Artem Lobov’s 13. Hall’s active ground game kept Lobov scrambling and defending Sub attempts all fight.

            Frankie Edgar has done his part to earn another shot at the FW title. The same title contested tonight by Connor McGregor and Jose Aldo. Edgar KO’d Chad Mendes at 2:28 of the opening round. This marks Edgar’s 5^th consecutive win and 3rd stoppage in the run.

            UFC 194

            With all those great fights already this week, what could cap it off: Two Championship fights, a Middleweight matchup that should provide the next belt challenger, and two more Featherweights battling toward a shot at the belt.

            Max Holloway Vs. Jeremy Stephens is a fight that is not getting the kind of push a contender’s fight of this magnitude normally does. Stephens has the punching power to end this fight at any moment. “Lil Heathen” has 16 KO’s in his career to date. Holloway comes into the fight on a seven fight win streak including 4 KO’s and 2 Subs. Sleeper pick for Fight of the Night. Holloway by Sub.

            Gunnar Nelson takes on Demian Maia in the Welterweight Division. Two grapplers with 10 Submission wins each will battle it out. Often great grappling cancels each other out. Maia should still have the advantage on the ground, but will he be dominant enough to stop Nelson? Not likely Maia by SD.

            Before #1 ranked Middleweight, Luke Rockhold challenges Chris Weidman for the MW belt, #2 Ranked Ronaldo Souza takes on #3 ranked Yoel Romero. “Jacare” Souza has 16 Sub wins while 9 of Romero’s 10 wins have come by KO. Romero is a former Silver Medalist in Freestyle Wrestling for Cuba and Souza is a 5 time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion. Different disciplines of grappling will be tested to find the next #1 Contender. Romero wins by KO.

            The Champion Chris Weidman is undefeated at 13-0 with 6 KO and 3 Sub wins. Luke Rockhold comes in with similar credentials 14-2 with 9 Sub and 3 KO’s. At 31 both Men are in the prime of their careers. In fact the two are similar in many ways. Rockhold, the former Strikeforce MW Champion, comes into the bout with four consecutive stoppage wins (3subs 1KO). Weidman dethroned Anderson Silva and has beaten everyone in his path. Weidman by UD.

            Finally the Main Event: Connor McGregor challenges Jose Aldo for the Featherweight Title. If you haven’t heard about this one yet… Everything has been said. A tough match up to call. I’m trusting Mystic Mac’s prediction 1^st round KO for “The Notorious”.

Fight Week December, 2015

Fight Week December, 2015

 

            The UFC’s biggest fight card of the year takes place on December, 12^th and it is the last of three great nights of MMA. The UFC kicks off Thursday night, with a card to air on Fight Pass, headlined by young Strawweights: Paige Vanzant and Rose Namajunas. Friday night the action moves to FS-1 for The Ultimate Fighter Finale, which will feature Frankie Edgar battling Chad Mendes in a Featherweight Main Event. Finally on Saturday two titles are on the line: Jose Aldo and Connor McGregor will get into the octagon for a heavily anticipated Featherweight Championship fight and former Strikeforce Champ Luke Rockhold challenges Chris Weidman for the UFC Middleweight strap.

With all these fights in just one weekend it will be easy to lose track and miss history being made, but don’t panic. Get out the scotch tape and fix those reading glasses, right here is the week’s brief breakdown.

Fox Sports-1 Thursday:

Paige Vanzant is 6-1 on her career with two Submission and one KO win. Last fight “12 Gauge” Submitted Alex Chambers in the 3^rd round by Armbar (1:01).

At just 23 years old Rose Namajunas and the 21 yr. old Vanzant may prove to be the future of the Strawweight Division. “Thug” comes into the bout 3-2 with all three wins by Sub. Her last a first round Rear Naked Choke at 2:47 over Angela Hill (10/3/15).

The Co-Main features 32 yr old Jim Miller taking on 12-2 Michael Chiesa. Miller is looking for his second straight win in the Lightweight Division. His last fight was a split decision over Danny Castillo (7/25/15).

Michael “Maverick” Chiesa is 5-2 in the UFC with 3 Subs. The 28 year old’s last fight was a UD over Mitch Clarke (4/4/15).

Also on this card is UFC’s hottest prospect, Sage Northcut. Northcut was discovered on the show Looking For a Fight staring Dana White. Then the 19 year old Stormed into the UFC in October with a 0:57 win over Francisco Trevino. “Super” Sage has finished all of his six fights, to date, 4 KO’s and 2 Subs. He takes on 12-4 Cody “The Pfist” Pfister.

11-0 Elias “The Spartan” Theodorou takes on dangerous, 11-3 Thiago Santos. Santos’ last fight lasted 0:29 before he head-kicked Steve Bosse to sleep. The win was his sixth first round stoppage of his career.

 

TUF Finale Friday:

Frankie “The Answer” Edgar has won his last 4 fights. In his 19-4-1 career he has won 10 decisions 5 KO’s and 4 Subs. He has a list of victims to include BJ Penn, Urijah Faber and Cub Swanson that have fallen to his relentless pressure.

TKO loss to Interim Champ Connor McGregor was the last time Chad Mendes stepped into the cage, but that was a short notice replacement. “Money” had only lost to Jose Aldo (twice) prior to the McGregor fight. At 17-3 with 7 KO’s Mendes comes to the Octagon sporting 100% Takedown defense.

The Lightweight division sees Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson riding a six fight win streak with 1 KO and 3 Subs matching up with Edson Barboza. The pair own 19 KO wins between them (10EB, 9TF). “El Cucuy” also has 6 Sub wins to Barboza’s 1. Look for Ferguson to lean on his ground skills in this one.

Also on this card: Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon brings his 25-10 record to face 16-6 Evan Dunham. Of Lauzon’s 25 wins only one has been by decision, 6KO’s and 18 Subs to his credit. There is a reason he always earns those bonus checks.

PPV Saturday:

            Finally the day will come, Jose Aldo and Connor McGregor will face off to unify the UFC Featherweight Championship. Aldo comes in the Champ at 29 years old and 25-1 on his career. The owner of 14 KO and 2 Sub wins, Aldo has beaten everyone they’ve put before him. His last loss was in 2005. That’s 10 years and 18 opponents undefeated.

Connor McGregor, the challenger, is 18-2 with 16 KO’s and 1 Sub and currently on a 14 fight win streak with 13 finishes. Last fight TKO win over Mendes (4:57 2^nd) for the Interim FW Championship.

            The Co-Main features a fight many are calling the best Middleweight Championship matchup ever. Chris Weidman looks to defend his title against former Strikeforce MW Champ Luke Rockhold. The two come in with similar: age, height and records on the stat sheet. At 13-0 the 31 yr. old Weidman has 6 KO and 3 Sub wins. Rockhold comes in also 31 with a record of 14-2 with 3 KO’s and 9 Subs. 3 of those Subs came in his last 3 consecutive fights: Lyoto Machida RNC (2^nd 2:31 4/18/15) Michael Bisping Guillotine Choke (2^nd 0:57 11/7/14) and Tim Boetsch Inverted Triangle/Kimura (1^st 2:08). Weidman comes in undefeated with his last fight a first round TKO of Vitor Belfort (2:53 5/23/15).

            Another bout that needed rescheduling is finally here Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza brings his 22-3-1 record to face Olympic Silver Medalist Yoel Romero. Both fighters are on hot streaks “Jacare” is on an eight fight win streak with seven finishes (5 Subs 2 KO) Romero is on a six fight run with five KO’s. Expect excitement in this MW Contender bout.

            In the Welterweight Division the #12 ranked Gunnar Nelson takes on 21-6 Demain Maia. Both fighters come in with 3 KO and 10 Sub wins each on record. Two grapplers each with developing stand up skills will likely slug it out on the feet for three rounds.

            In the FW division Max Holloway takes on “Lil Heathen” Jeremy Stephens. Stephens has powerful striking, the owner of 16 KO wins, KO’d Dennis Bermudez in the 3^rd (0:32) in his last bout. Holloway is on a 7 fight win streak with 4 KO and 2 Sub wins. Look for Holloway to roll right over Stephens in this one. “Lil Heathen” looked outclassed versus DB, but landed a hard shot to change his fate. Heavy punchers always have a chance, but…

            Urijah Faber is also on this card with a 32-8 record Faber has seen it all. He takes on 11-2 Frankie Saenz, who is riding a seven fight win streak (3 of those in UFC).

Breaking Down: Bellator 147

Breaking Down: Bellator 147

 

 

           

            Bellator 147 takes place Friday, December 4, 2015. The main card will air on Spike TV at 9pm and prelims to stream on spike.com at 5pm. The event takes place in, main eventer, Josh Thomson’s hometown, San Jose. When current Bellator President, Scott Coker ran Strikeforce the promotion held numerous events in San Jose and Thomson was featured on the main card for 9 of those events, including a trilogy with Gilbert Melendez. In September “The Punk” debuted in Bellator with a 3^rd round Triangle submission over Mike Bronzoulis in San Jose.

            Prior to his Bellator win Thomson dropped his last 3 fights in the UFC: Tony Ferguson (UD 7/15/15), Bobby Green (SD 7/26/14), Benson Henderson (SD 1/25/14). The Lightweight holds wins over notable fighters including: Nate Diaz, TKO (2^nd 3:44, 4/20/13), KJ Noons (UD 3/3/12) and Duane Ludwig Sub (2^nd 4:36). Josh Thompson takes on Pablo Villaseca in the Main Event at Bellator 147.

Villaseca fights out of Santiago, Chile and brings a record of 10-1 to the San Jose University Event Center, Friday night. In the 28 year old’s ten wins, three have come by KO and four by Submission. The single loss on his record came in his Bellator debut in June, by way of a split decision to Bobby Cooper. Villaseca bounced back with an Arm-bar Submission of Marcos Cornejo (9/19/15 Arena Tour 7) in Argentina.

What else to watch for:

The Co-Main event features two of the promotions most experienced fighters, they have fought, in a combined, 73 fights. 24-4-1 Georgi Karakhanyan takes on 35-9 Daniel Weichel. It didn’t take Karakhanyan long to find the win over Bubba Jenkins in his first fight with Bellator in nearly 4 years. He secured a Guillotine Choke at 1:49 in the 1^st. It was his 14^th win by Sub. GK holds notable wins over: Lance Palmer (Sub Guillotine 4:40, 3^rd), Din Thomas (UD 4/12/13), and Micah Miller (UD 9/7/12).

At only 31 years old it’s difficult to believe that Daniel “The Weasel” Weichel made his pro debut on May 12^th 2002. In his last bout he lost by KO (2^nd 0:32) to Patricio Pitbull, but prior to the loss he was on a seven fight win streak, capped off by a Split Decision win over Pat Curran in February. With 21 Sub wins of his own the grappling in this contest just might neutralize each other. Each fighter has proven striking power: Weichel owns five KO wins and GK has four.

Interesting timing for this Lightweight rematch:

Derek Anderson 12-2-1 beat Patricky Pitbull 14-6 by UD 9/7/13. The two hold 14 KO wins combined (9 for Pitbull) and 7 Subs (6 for Anderson). That’s 21 early stoppages in 26 total wins. Anderson lost his last fight a SD to Brent Primus (8/28/15) while Patricky is coming off a UD over Saad Awad on the same card. While Patricky holds KO wins over: Derek Campos (2^nd 0:52 4/18/14), David Rickels (2^nd 0:54 3/21/14) and Kurt Pellegrino (11/26/11 1^st 0:50) Anderson will enjoy a sizeable height advantage, 6’0” to Pitbull’s 5’7”.

Who cares about two guys with six wins each?

Mario Soto has only seen the final bell once in his career, it’s also the only time he has lost in his 6-1 career. “DR. Mario” has one KO and five Submission wins. Adam Piccolotti has a balanced undefeated career. At 6-0 Piccolotti has two KO, two Sub and two Dec wins. In September he Submitted Salvador Becerra (2^nd 1:47) in his second fight with Bellator. Expect a finish in this Lightweight fight.

Tune in on time

Brian Rogers’ move up to Light Heavyweight comes at an alarming time. He has lost four of his last five fights as a Middleweight. Rogers is fighting in his eleventh fight with Bellator and gone 4-6 with 3 KO’s. Brian Rogers takes on Virgil Zwicker (14-4) who has ten KO and two Sub wins. Zwicker’s last fight was a KO win over Razak Al-Hassan (3:51 1^st 5/15/15) marking his eighth first round KO stoppage. This is the first fight on the televised card so tune in on time or you may miss this fight.

That’s Interesting Because: UFC 192

That’s Interesting Because: UFC 192

 

Alexander Gustafsson’s upper-cut is a snoozer and his knees in the clinch are no joke either. Interesting because, as I see it Daniel Cormier is going to look to close the distance and control Alexander against the fence. This is one of DC’s greatest strengths, but the Mauler’s skill set may make that tough. It won’t be as simple as get in his face, for a tall fighter Gustafsson is devastating from inside. Cormier is great at avoiding damage and I can’t see him getting outpaced. Cormier by UD.

The #5 Rashad Evans of two years ago, runs right over #4 Ryan Bader. Interesting because that is the last time Suga fought. Who is the Evans of 2015? Bader is on a roll, winner of his last four and looking to make it five on the way to the LHW title. I still believe Rashad is the faster fighter and that will be the difference in his two rounds to one, win.

Jon Jones is now available to compete and that just screwed up everything. Everything that UFC 192 would have accomplished. Which is to create interest in the division without Jones. Jones has beaten all of the above listed LHW’s.  If Bones gets a title shot that screws up the Contender fight and everyone’s even timeline. Attila the Hun doesn’t want a piece of “chip on his shoulder” Jon Jones and it doesn’t matter whether he learned a lesson when they lock the cage door.
 

Rose Namajunas V Angela Hill is interesting because we get to see these developing fighters compete and observe the Strawweight division’s development from the ground floor. With only 7 fights combined more experience will favor both and kicking off the FS-1 broadcast is a great spot. Thug by TKO second round.

Alan Jouban and Albert Tumenov is interesting because in their combined 27 wins they total 18 KO’s. This is a Welterweight battle that should end early. Jouban by decision

 

Breaking Down: UFC 192 FS-1 Card

Breaking Down: UFC 192 FS-1 Card

 

Joseph Benavidez is undefeated against opponents not named Dominick Cruz or Demetrious Johnson, he has lost 2 to each of them. At 31 years old the Flyweight is coming off two Unanimous Decision wins over top 10 opponents; in May he beat #6 John Moraga and last November bested #9 Dustin Ortiz. In his 22 wins he owns 6 KO and 9 Submission finishes. The #1 ranked fighter was KO’d by Johnson in the first round (2:08) in Dec of 2013, but since is the victor of his last 3.

Ali Bagautinov last loss was also to “DJ” by UD (6/14/14). Prior to the loss he was on an 11 fight win streak. The “Puncher” is 13-3 with 5 KO and 4 Sub wins. He is currently ranked 14 in the UFC FW division.  

Yair Rodriguez has 3 straight wins, most recently a Split Decision over Charles Rosa (6/13/15). The winner of TUF Latin America Season 1 is 5-1 with 1 KO and 1 Sub. He takes on Daniel Hooker.

Daniel Hooker comes into Saturday 2-1 in the UFC, with 2 stoppages: KO over Hatsu Hioki in May (2^nd 4:13) and TKO over Ian Entwhistle in the opening 3:34 (6/28/14). The 25 year old New Zealander is 12-5 with 6 KO and 5 Subs in his career.

In the Welterweight Division, Alan Jouban comes to the Octagon with 2 wins in 2015 so far. He KO’d Richard Walsh (1^st 2:19) 2/28/15 and a UD over Matt Dwyer (7/15/15). The 32 year old is 12-3 with 8 KO and 1 Sub wins.

Facing Jouban is Russian fighter, Albert Tumenov, who comes into the fight 3-1 in the UFC, including 2 first round KO wins: Anthony Lapsley 3:56 (5/10/14) and Matt Dwyer 1:03 (10/4/14). The 23 year old is 15-2 with 10 KO wins.

Opening the Fox Sports-1 Card is a matchup of TUF 20 competitors: Rose Namajunas 2-2 and Angela Hill 2-1. They share a common opponent in Tecia Torres and both loss to the “Tiny Tornado” (Hill, 6/13/15) (Namajunas, 7/13/13). Namajunas lost the TUF 20 Finale to Carla Esparza (12/12/14). Both fighters come in hungry for a win.  

 

 

Breaking Down: UFC 192 Main Card

Breaking Down: UFC 192

 

Houston, Texas will be the host city to UFC 192, Saturday October 3, 2015. The Main Event matches up Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson for the Light Heavyweight Championship. That is far from the only compelling fight on this card, however. The Co-Main features #1 Johny Hendricks and #3 Tyron Woodley in a Welterweight fight that will, likely, establish the division’s next title challenger. Another fight with championship implications is #5 Rashad Evans and #4 Ryan Bader in the LHW division. There are an additional ten fights scheduled on the card.

Daniel Cormier submitted Anthony Johnson for the LHW title 5/23/15 via Rear Naked Choke. “DC” was a late replacement after Jon Jones was arrested, suspended indefinitely and stripped of his 205 title. This was Cormier’s second consecutive title shot. He lost a unanimous, five round decision to Jones on 1/3/15. The loss gave “Louisianimal” the first of his career. In 2014 Cormier finished 2 former college wrestling greats: Dan Henderson by RNC (3^rd 3:53) and Patrick Cummins by TKO (1^st 1:19). Cormier is 16-1 with 6 KO and 5 Submission wins.

Because, Alexander Gustafsson has a similar build to that of Jon Jones, much of the hype surrounding the match up has been the size advantage of Gus, but at 5’11” Cormier typically is forced to overcome his opponent’s length. Remember “DC” won the Heavyweight Grand Prix in Strikeforce. He KO’d 6’4” Bigfoot Silva in just 3:56 in the 1^st.

It could be said Alexander Gustafsson doesn’t deserve a title shot right now. The Swede is 1-2 in his last 3 fights and his last: a first round TKO (2:15) courtesy of Anthony Johnson was the first time he’d been KO/TKO’d in his career. While this is Gus’s 2^nd fight of 2015, he hasn’t been terribly active lately. The last time he fought twice, in one calender year was 2012, when he won UD’s over Thiago Silva in April and Mauricio Rua in December. Before his Title shot (a loss to J.Jones 9/21/13) he was on a 6 fight win streak, including 2 Submission and 2 TKO wins. It was a 1^st round submission loss to Phil Davis that inspired Gustafsson to work his wrestling with the former Penn State National Champ. Gus holds the honor of being the first to Take-down Jon Jones, in his MMA career.

In this corner we have a Welterweight that is a tough as nails wrestler with real KO power and in this mirror… Johny Hendricks and Tyron Woodley come into this fight looking similar in many areas: similar build, similar records both established collegiate wrestlers, but it will be where the distinction is proven that will provide the winner.

Johny Hendricks had 3 close title fights in a row, unfortunately for “Bigg Rigg”, he lost 2 of those, one to GSP (11/16/13), then Dec. 6, 2014 he dropped the strap to the same opponent he had just won it from 3/15/14, Robbie Lawlar. Johny is fresh from a Unanimous Decision over, the forever game, Matt Brown. Hendricks is the owner of 4, first round KO/TKO stoppages in the UFC and 8 total in his career. The 32 year old is 17-3 going into the fight.

Tyron Woodley’s record of 15-3 consists of 5 KO, 5 Sub, and 5 Dec wins, of the 10 early stoppages 8 have been in the first round. “The Chosen One” is coming off two straight wins: Kelvin Gastelum SD (1/31/15) and Dong Hyun Kim TKO (1^st 1:01) (8/23/14). His last loss came at the hands of Rory McDonald UD at UFC 174. Before that he stopped both Condit (2^nd 2:00) at UFC 171 and Koscheck (1^st 4:38) at UFC 167. A win for either fighter likely locks them into the next title fight with Robbie Lawlar.

Rashad Evans hasn’t fought since 11/16/13 when he beat Chael Sonnen by TKO (1^st 4:05), before that was a SD win over Dan Henderson (6/15/13). “Suga” has been in there with the sports best, the former champion won TUF 2 as a Heavyweight. A win over Bader, may be all he needs to get a shot at the title.

Ryan Bader is 9-0 in fights that go to decision, but he also has 6 KO and 4 Submission wins. It may be a tall order to KO or Sub Evans, but Bader has a history of out pointing and grinding opponents. “Darth” comes into the fight having won his last 4, including OSP and Phil Davis. Like Evans, a win should result in a title shot.

If that wasn’t enough so far, in the Heavyweight Division: Shawn “Savage” Jordan, finisher of 17 of his 18 wins, 14 by KO, takes on 13-1 Ruslan Magomedov, who is on an 8 fight win streak.

Opening up the PPV will be 11-3 Jessica “Evil” Eye #6, taking on 6-2 Julianna “The Venezuelen Vixen” Pena #12. Pena’s 6 wins consists of 3 KO and 3 Sub finishes.

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Thumbnail-In Case You Missed It: UFC Fight Night 75

Thumbnail-In Case You Missed It: UFC Fight Night 75

 

Heavyweight record for significant strikes is now at 146, thanks to Josh Barnett and, as importantly, Roy Nelson’s chin. Barnett kept the pressure on “Big Country” throughout the 5 rounder and earned the Unanimous Decision. This fight should serve notice to all HW contenders: if you find yourself, back against the fence, in a clinch and “The Warmaster” towers before you, get out of there. Barnett’s clinch-work is superb. He controlled Nelson against the cage, landing elbows and body shots, just picking away at him.

Two Middleweights, two distinct game plans. Gegard Mousasi scored an early take down in the first and spent 4:38 of the round on top. As all rounds start on their feet, Uriah Hall had another chance to utilize his plan. Jumping spin kick, followed by a flying knee and finishing punches, ended the match at 0:25 in the 2^nd round. This marks Hall’s 8^th career KO and the first time Mousasi has been KO’d.

Two fights in 2015, two first round TKO wins for TUF 14 Winner, Diego Brandao. This one occurred at 0:28 over Katsunori Kikuno.

Kyoji Horiguchi bounced back, from his loss to Mighty Mouse for the Flyweight title, with an UD win over Chico Camus.

Make it 15 of 21 wins by decision for Takeya Mizukaki. Mizukaki earned a Unanimous Decision victory over George Roop. Roop slides to 15-12.  

Lost in the event, the reality show finale ended in a draw. Mizuto Hirota and Teruto Ishihara will both get 6 figure UFC contracts.

Just a Thought or Dozen: Bellator 143

Just a Thought or Dozen: Bellator 143

 

Joe Warren is like a 90 degree day and you found gum on the sole of shoe. The “Baddest Man on the Planet” is irritating, and when you think you’ve finally managed to scrape him off of you, he found another spot to stick. Try as he might, LC Davis, couldn’t keep that 135lb ball of hate off of him.

Not sure that this made a difference, but it’s worth mentioning: Warren called LC a MFer just before the start of the bout, that got an emotional response from Davis. “It’s about to go down Motherfu@%er” is what Joe uttered when the ref called them to the center of the cage, prior to the opening bell. The expression on LC Davis’s face changed and he yelled back to Warren.

Not sure that a spinning back-fist from Emanuel Newton will be on Jillian Michael’s new Spike TV show, but Joey Beltran credits the impact for his move down to the MW division. Beltran’s jaw was broken and wired shut when Emanuel Newton KO’d him with his patented spinning back-fist. Forcing Beltran to alter his diet and inspired the weight loss to get down to 185. Michael’s new show is a search for the next big fitness gimmick, in case you missed the 2000 ads on Spike Friday night.

Kendall Grove displayed tremendous patience and poise. Ultimately one punch ended the night for Beltran, but a back and forth, stand up battled entertained Bellator fans prior to the 3^rd round TKO by Grove.

Cleaning Out the Division: Heavyweights 6-10

Cleaning Out the Division: Heavyweights

6-10

 

Travis Browne (#6) is 17-3-1 in the HW division. “Hapa” has only been to decision 3 times (2-1) and in 2013 tore through HW contenders with 3 first round Knock Outs: Barnett, Overeem and Gonzaga. Current HW champ, Fabrico Werdum put an end to that streak at UFC on Fox 11 (4/19/14). Browne bounced back, however. With a first round TKO, this time over Brendan Schaub (12/6/14). In May, the 6’7” 33 year old, was on the receiving end of a 1^st round TKO, this at the hands of, the red hot, Andrei Arlovski.  

 Ben Rothwell (#7) has been fighting since Jan. 2001 when he scored a TKO win over his opponent in the opening 0:21. The Wisconsin native owns 27 first round stoppages in his 35-9 career. “Big” Ben has stopped his past 3 opponents: Brandon Vera (TKO, 3^rd 1:54, 8/31/13), Alistair Overeem (TKO, 1^st 2:19, 9/5/14) and Matt Mitrione (Sub, 1^st 1:54, 6/6/15). Ben is scheduled to face Stipe Miocic at UFC Fight Night on Oct. 24, 2015. With another convincing win, it will be tough to argue against Rothwell’s deserved title shot.  

Mark Hunt (#8) has slipped to 10-10-1 following back to TKO losses at the hands of Stipe Miocic (5^th 2:47, 5/10/15) and Fabricio Werdum (2^nd 2:27, 11/15/14) in an interim title fight. Prior to those two, he had scored his 7^th career KO win, over Roy Nelson (9/20/14). On Nov. 15, 2015 he re-faces Antonio Silva in Melbourne, Australia. The last time the two squared off (also in Aus. 12/7/13) it was judged a Majority Draw, in what many call the best HW fight ever. At 41 years old the New Zealander’s remaining fights are limited.

Josh Barnett (#9) and Roy Nelson meet at the Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan (9/26/15). Barnett comes into the fight 33-7 with 28 stoppages, 8 KO’s and 20 Submissions. He is coming off a loss in his last fight that dates back to Dec 28^th, 2013. The Warmaster was the recipient of those infamous down elbows while Travis Browne’s back against was the fence defending the take down. Barnett stopped at 1:00 of the first round by Browne. Prior to that Barnett had earned two straight, first round stoppage wins in 2013: in Jan he submitted Nandor Guelmino by arm triangle (2:11) for Strikeforce and then in August TKO’d Frank Mir at UFC 164 (1:56).

Alistair Overeem (#10) is on a two fight win streak, besting Roy Nelson in an UD (3/14/15) and a Knock Out over Stefan Struve (1^st 4:13, 12/13/14). The “Reem” is scheduled to take on JDS in Orlando, Fla. on December 19, 2015. Does the 35 year old have another great streak in him? In 07 Overeem went on a 4, plus year-long unbeaten streak. In the 11 wins 10 ended by TKO/KO or Submission with Overeem’s hand raised. At 39-14-1 he owns 16 KO/TKO and 19 Submission wins.

Cleaning Out the Division: Heavyweights 1-5

Cleaning Out the Division: Heavyweights

Top 5

 

No touching the King, at least that is how it appears for (#1) UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum. He sits above the division’s top 10, looking unstoppable. Since coming back to the UFC he is on a 6 fight win streak, including 2 Submission and 2 TKO stoppages. Rematch with Cain Velasquez appears to be the fate for The Champ, but the target date isn’t until March, 2016. The 38 year old is 20-5-1 with 6 KO and 10 Submission wins. Werdum’s last 3 losses came from, currently ranked top 10 fighters: Andrei Arlovski, Junior Dos Santos, and Alister Overeem. Since “Vai Cavalo” has wins over nearly every other top 15 HW out there, expect a redemption fight following a second win over Cain. JDS and Overeem are scheduled to fight in December and Arlovski is red hot, on a 6 fight win streak, following his close win over Frank Mir 9/5/15.

In 15 fights (#2) Cain Velasquez has only been to a decision twice (both UD victories for Cain) and he has only been beaten in Championship match ups (Dos Santos and Werdum). Cain’s third career fight was in the UFC. He ended it the same way he has ended 11 of his HW bouts, Knock Out. Some of the names on that list: Big Nog, Lesnar, Bigfoot (twice both in the 1^st round). After losing to JDS by TKO, in their first Championship Fight, Cain returned and bested the Brazilian in a 5 round UD, then TKO’d him in the rubber match (10/19/13). Velasquez dropped the strap to Werdum (6/13/15) and will get the chance to avenge this loss also, however if ring rust were a factor (20 months between fights) in the loss, another 9 months between fights (rumored for March) may not help the 33 year old.  

Junior Dos Santos (#3) sent current champ Fabricio Werdum packing. In Werdum’s initial run through the UFC, a 1^st round (1:21) TKO, at the hands of JDS, was his last fight with the promotion for over 3 years. “Cigano” has only lost to Cain Velasquez (twice) and Joaquim Ferreira (way back in 07). He has 12 KO’s in his 17 Heavyweight wins. The 31 year old last fight was a 5 round UD win over Stipe Miocic 12/13/14. It will total, just over, a year between fights when he faces Alistair Overeem at UFC on Fox 17 (12/19/15).

Stipe Miocic (#4) got back to his winning ways with a TKO win over Mark Hunt (5/10/15). JDS temporarily halted the Ohioan’s freight train-like charge toward a title shot last December, but the 33 year old could inject himself back into the mix with a win over Ben Rothwell, when the two face in Dublin at UFC Fight Night 76 (10/24/15). At 6’4” Miocic owns 9 KO’s in his 13-2 career. Last May He halted, the always durable, Fabio Maldonado in the opening 0:35.

Andrei Arlovski (#5) has been at it awhile. The Pit Bull’s first UFC fight was UFC 28 (11/17/00), he won by first round submission. Perhaps efficiency is the secret to Arlovski’s continued success. Of the Belarussian’s 20 early stoppages 13 have come in the first round. Currently on a 6 fight win streak (including 3 KO/TKO’s), he is fresh off a close UD over Frank Mir (9/5/15) and could find himself back in a championship bout before the end of 2016.

Breaking Down: Bellator 143

Breaking Down: Bellator 143

 

State Farm Arena, Hidalgo Texas will be the home to Bellator 143 (9/25/15). The Main Event matches up Joe Warren and LC Davis in the Bantamweight division. The 38 yr. old Warren was on a 5 fight win streak before Marcos Galvao ended it with a Knee-bar (Round 2, 0:45). Warren was dominating the fight in round 1, but may have inadvertently verbally submitted when Galvao cranked the knee. Warren’s scream cost him the BW Title on March 27, 2015. His wrestling background is what gives, the self-proclaimed, “Baddest Man on the Planet” the grinding style that allows him to outwork opponents. Of his 12 wins 8 have come by decision. In 4 losses, none have gone the distance, 2 KO’s and 2 Submissions.  

LC Davis is riding a 3 fight win streak. In fact he holds 7 wins in his last 8 contests. Davis’s last win was the same night Joe Warren lost his title, back in March, over Hideo Tokoro. The 34 year old, at 5’8” will enjoy a 3” advantage. In his 23 wins, 8 have come by KO and 7 by way of submission.

Kendall Grove takes on Joey Beltran. Grove’s last fight ended by TKO at 2:25 of the 4^th v Brandon Halsey. In fact “The Spider” has been stopped by KO/TKO 7 times in his career. The TUF 3 winner’s career spans over 12 years and at 32 years old has nearly 40 fights, most against world class talent. At 6’6” Grove is long and lean, owning 10 submission wins and 5 KO’s.

In 10 fights that have gone to the judges, Joey Beltran has had only 3 go his way. In his 16 wins he does boast, an impressive 11 KO’s. The 33 year old is looking to win his 2^nd straight since dropping down to the Middleweight division. He won a decision (1 of the 3) over Brian Rogers in April.

In the Featherweight division Henry Corrales takes on Emmanuel Sanchez. The 29 year old Corrales has 4 KO’s and 6 submissions in his career. His only loss came in his Bellator debut, when Daniel Straus submitted him with a Guillotine Choke in the 2^nd round (3:47) in June.

Emmanuel Sanchez is also fresh from a loss, his an UD to Pat Curran (6/26/15). Before that he was on a 6 fight win streak, including 4 straight 1^st round stoppages (1 KO and 3 Subs). At 10-2, the 25 year old is looking to put another in the win column.

Kicking off the Main Card on Spike TV will be a Heavy Weight showdown between Ewerton Teixeira and Vinicius Kappke De Queiroz. Texeira is 3-0 with 1 KO. The Sao Paulo resident is making his Bellator Debut. Previous fights were all in Brazil, the last, back in April of 2013.

Vinicius Kappke De Queiroz has been inactive lately, but the last fight he KO’d Lavar “Big” Johnson in just 23 seconds at Bellator 102 (10/4/13). 6 of his 7 wins have been by KO/TKO, the other win was a submission. In fact the last time “Spartan” went the distance was back in 8/18/07. The 6’7” Heavy Weight will enjoy a 6” height advantage.

UFC Fight Night 75 Update/Breakdown

UFC Fight Night 75 Update

Breakdown

 

The Bantamweight fight between Norifumi Yamamoto and Matt Hobar has been cancelled due to injuries to both fighters, according to mmajunkie.com  Moving to the Main Card, as a result, is Diego Brandao and Katsunori Kikuno in the Featherweight Division.

The 28 year old, Brandao scored a first round TKO win over Jim Hettes at UFC on Fox 15 (4/18/15) by Dr. Stoppage (5:00) in his last fight. The TUF 14 winner is looking to stay in the winner’s circle. Prior to the April win, he dropped 2 straight by 1^st round KO/TKO to Connor McGregor (7/19/15) and Dustin Poirier (12/28/13).

Katsunori Kikuno’s last win was on a card headlined by Roy Nelson. Last Sept. he submitted Sam Sicilia by RNC 1:38 of the second round. The 33 year old, holds 11 KO wins in his career, combined with Brandao’s 10 KO’s, the fists are sure to be flying Sat. night. Kikuno is coming off a first round KO loss to Edimilson Souza (3/21/15).

Breaking Down: UFC Fight NIght, Barnett v Nelson

Breaking Down: UFC Fight Night, Barnett v Nelson

 

The Main Event pits Heavyweights Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson at the Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan. Barnett comes into the fight 33-7 with 28 stoppages, 8 KO’s and 20 Submissions. He is coming off a loss in his last fight that dates back to Dec 28^th, 2013. The "Warmaster" was the recipient of those infamous down elbows from Travis Browne. Barnett stopped at 1:00 of the first round by Browne. Prior to that, Barnett had earned two straight, first round stoppage wins in 2013: in Jan he submitted Nandor Guelmino by arm triangle (2:11) for Strikeforce and then in August TKO’d Frank Mir at UFC 164 (1:56).

Roy Nelson doesn’t win many fights by decision. He is 2-9 in fights that have gone the distance. What he does do often is knock people out. 13 KO’s so far in his 20-11 career. A few names on Big Country’s mandatory nap list include: Big Nog, Cro Cop and Dave Herman. He also has 5 wins by way of submission. Nelson is coming off a two fight skid. Last Sept he was KO’d by Mark Hunt (for only the 2nd time in his career) and dropped a UD to Allistair Overeem at UFC 185 03/14/2015. The 39 year-Old’s last win came at UFC Fight Night 39 (4/11/14) in The Main Event by KO over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at 3:37 of the first round.

Uriah Hall and Gegard Mousasi combine to bring 26 KO/TKO stoppages to the co-main event in the Middleweight Division. Hall comes into the fight with 4 wins in his last 5 fights. The one hiccup: a split decision loss to Rafael Natal at UFC 187. Last fight, he made quick work of Oluwale Bamgbose with a first round TKO at 2:32. "Primetime" has kept busy this year. This is the 31 year-old's 4^th fight of 2015.

Gegard Mousasi is a finisher. He has 19 KO’s and 12 Submissions in his 37 wins. At just 30 years old the "The Dreamcatcher" is riding a 2 fight win streak: UD over Costas Philippou at UFC Fight Night 66 (5/16/15) and a 1^st round TKO of Dan Henderson in Jan. Mousasi’s last 2 losses came by the middleweight division’s cream: Jacare (9/5/14) and Machida (2/15/14). Between those losses he was able to submit Mark Munoz by RNC (3:57, 1^st, 5/31/14).

Dropping down to the125lb class: Kyoji Horiguchi faces Chico Camus. Horiguchi is looking to rebound following, his 2^nd career loss, this time at the hands of Flyweight Champ, Demetrious Johnson, UFC 186 (4/25/15) when Mighty Mouse submitted him with only one second remaining in the 5 rounder. Prior to the loss Horiguchi was on a 9 fight win streak dating back to 2012 including 4 TKO’s and 1 Submission.

Chico Camus wins are well balanced. 7 are by way of decision the other 7= 4 KO’s and 3 Subs. He, like Horiguchi, is also fresh off a loss, his to Henry Cejudo in June at UFC 188 by UD. "King’s" last win was by SD over Brad Pickett last Nov.

In the Bantamweight Division, Takeya Mizukaki faces George Roop. Mizakaki at 20-9 is coming off back to back loses by stoppage: Nobody can forget how Dominick Cruz tore through him last Sept KO-ing the 31 year old at only 1:01 of the 1^st, and in April Aljamain Sterling submitted Mizukaki in the 3^rd round by arm triangle. Prior to the losses he was on a 5 fight win streak.

George Roop is 3-2 in his last 5 fights. At 6’1” he is tall for a 135. He has been a bit inactive lately: KO’d last July by Rob Font, last win was over Dustin Kimura (4/16/14).

Also in BW Division Yamamotto Norifumi takes on Matt Hobar. At 38 Norifumi is hardly the “Kid” his nickname suggests. He is 0-3- and 1 no contest in the UFC since 2011. His last win was way back at Dream 14 (5/29/10) over Federico Lopez.

Matt “The Crobar” Hobar at 9-3 has struggled in the UFC. The 5’10” Bantamweight is 1-2, losing his last to Sergio Pettis by UD last Dec.

Also on the Main Card Mizuto Hirota and Teruto Ishihara will fight. Hirota's last fight in the UFC was a SD loss to Rodrigo Damm in June of 2013. Since then “Pugnus” is on a 3 fight win streak with back to back 2^nd round TKO’s. He has 10 in his career.

Teruto Ishihara is also coming off a second round TKO win, over Jung Hwan in June of 2014. 6 of his 7 wins have come by KO/TKO.

                                                         Update
The Bantamweight fight between Norifumi Yamamoto and Matt Hobar has been cancelled due to injuries to both fighters, according to mmajunkie.com  Moving to the Main Card, as a result, is Diego Brandao and Katsunori Kikuno in the Featherweight Division.

The 28 year old, Brandao scored a first round TKO win over Jim Hettes at UFC on Fox 15 (4/18/15) by Dr. Stoppage (5:00) in his last fight. The TUF 14 winner is looking to stay in the winner’s circle. Prior to the April win, he dropped 2 straight by 1^st round KO/TKO to Connor McGregor (7/19/15) and Dustin Poirier (12/28/13).

Katsunori Kikuno’s last win was on a card headlined by Roy Nelson. Last Sept. he submitted Sam Sicilia by RNC 1:38 of the second round. The 33 year old, holds 11 KO wins in his career, combined with Brandao’s 10 KO’s, the fists are sure to be flying Sat. night. Kikuno is coming off a first round KO loss to Edimilson Souza (3/21/15).

 

Just a Thought or Dozen On: Titan FC 35

 

Busy weekend of fighting, with no UFC event, UFC Fight Pass offered free fights to subscribers. More bang for your buck. This bang comes in the way of two championship fights in Titan FC. 

I love the name Peter Petties “The Joker”. The Lloyd Irvine student started the broadcast off with a first round KO 2:51 in the featherweight division.

That reminds me: Spinning back-fists are nearly as common as groin kicks in MMA lately.

Firas Zahabi’s voice makes me feel taken care of. GSP’s trainer did most of the color commentary for the broadcast.

Fast Referee stand ups throughout the night. It appeared that working in a position wasn’t allowed only advancement. I’m of the belief that if you’re not attacking from bottom and can’t get up, then you are going to lose. Stand ups are a bail out or the reset button too often.

Jason Knight’s BJJ was unreal. Armlock transition to Triangle, impressive submission at 3:06 of the second round.

Note to aspiring fighters: I love it when, fighters that live on the fringe of my awareness tattoo their last name across the shoulders. Reinforced memories. You tend to see the most of the winner’s back typically also, so it’s foolproof.

Steven Siler can choke you out with one hand tied behind his back. That’s why he is “Super”.

Who knew living your life according to a Pitbull lyric was a good idea? Filipe Efrain that’s who.

Reaffirming my belief in the power of positive speech, Tim Elliot called his shot. His prediction, a second round submission, was made into reality Saturday night.

Sometimes all the Referee stand ups won’t make a boring fight exciting. And Still… Andre Harrison.

Pat Healy is a hater. He fought like a warrior, only to keep Rick Hawn from his destiny the LW Champ. Healy missed weight. He lost the title and a chunk of his pay on the scale, but fought for bragging rights like the Bam Bam you know. There is something about when a champ misses weight that makes me want to bet the farm against him, though. Hawn won a close split decision.

Just a Thought or Dozen On: Bellator Dynamite

 

Surprise!!! Fedor signed with an organization that is not the UFC. It was announced he will headline a New Year’s Eve card. That was really all that was announced. “Opponent? Oh figure details out later. Just give this guy the mic he’s a natural.” I never wanted an announcement to end so much.

The most impressive outcome possible. Submitting Tito from the bottom? I don’t care how, when or where that is a solid win for McGeary.

Paul Daley sure has fought a lot of fights, in MMA and Kickboxing.

Take it easy, intro announcer. Fernando what? Half the time I have no idea what she is saying, the other half she’s rolling R’s.

Tournaments are tough.

Francis Carmont is no joke, despite Phil Davis’s dominance. 1 Sub 1 KO for Mr. Wonderful on the night. I can’t wait to see him compete for the title.

Just a Thought or Dozen On: WSOF 23

 

Chael Sonnen can do anything. His Caffeine level might have been spiked at the start of the show, but he settled in and gave intelligent, helpful commentary on an exciting night of fights. The Bad Guy has built a reputation as being a true pro on the mic as of late.

Don’t wear your special, gimmick mask after you’ve been KO’d in the first :32 of the fight. I get the T-shirt. Those sponsors paid to be on your shirt so put it on win or lose, but don’t give me your performance persona after getting dominated. Save the mask for the walk out unless you win.

First time I’ve ever seen a tap due to head scissor. Also, Phoenix Jones, worry about promoting your own name and not selling shirts with another guy’s name on them. It’s hard enough to get people to recognize one name. Move forward. Not that you asked for advice.

David Branch tore right through Teddy “Bear” Holder with a RNC 2:21 into the first round. Now Branch holds belts in both MW and LHW divisions for WSOF. That sounds like a ton of pressure.

Holy backflip. If MMA doesn’t work out for Justin Gathje he could be a higher flyer on the pro wrestling circuits, but something tells me the LW Champ is fine where he’s at, especially after such a thrilling win over Luis Palomino.

Breaking Down Bellator 142-Dynamite

 

This just may be the homerun event that Bellator MMA President Scott Coker is looking for. We’ve got kickboxing fights, MMA fights, the card boasts 15 fights in all, don’t forget a 4 man one night LHW tournament, and oh yeah, a Light Heavyweight Championship fight featuring The Huntington Beach Bad Boy. Bellator has got both guns blazing for this event. Arguably, the most recognizable names in the organization right now come from LHW division and this event matches up the promotions most recognizable, from that division.

Tito Ortiz has blamed numerous injuries from holding him back from a true Title run, and now at 40 years old, claims to be feeling much better. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is coming off back to back wins over former Middleweight Champ, Alexander Shlemenko (arm triangle first round in May 2014) and Stephan Bonnar (by SD Nov 15, 2015). This is Tito’s first win streak since 2006 way back when he beat Ken Shamrock in back to back first round TKO stoppages. Following that he went 1-7-1 before leaving the UFC. That one win was over Ryan Bader with a first round guillotine submission.  

Liam McGeary is undefeated at 10-0 with 9 finishes 5 KO’s, 4 Subs. The 6’6” fighter’s biggest name opponent, Emanuel Newton, is the only man to drag it to a decision. Now sporting the LHW strap he liberated from Newton, McGeary looks to defend the title against one of the sport’s savviest of veterans.

The four man tournament: After acquiring Phil Davis from the free agent market the MMA world wondered how soon would we see Mr. Wonderful fight for the Bellator Title? Question answered. First we see Phil Davis take on Former Champ Emanuel Newton. Then the winner of that bout takes on the winner of the King Mo vs Linton Vassell fight. That is if everything goes off without injury to winners or medical suspensions of course. With the title fight as the main event, the LHW division picture should be windex clear following the night’s conclusion.

Emanuel Newton is 25-8-1 was undefeated in Bellator prior to losing the title; he racked up 7 wins with 2 KO’s and 2 Subs. The Hardcore Kid is also 3-0 over the tournament’s other competitors. He has finished both Vassell and King Mo and holds a second UD win over Lawal.

Phil Davis is 13-3-1 with 4 Subs and 2 KO’s. Two of those submission wins were vs top ranked opponents, Alexander Gustafsson (UFC 112 4/10/10 Anaconda choke) and Tim Boetsch (UFC 123 11/20/10 Kimura) under the UFC banner. He also holds UD wins over both Glover Teixeira and Lyoto Machida. His last fight ended in a split decision loss to Ryan Bader. Mr. Wonderful’s world class resume brings a much needed measuring stick to the Bellator LHW division.

Muhammed Lawal is 15-4-1 with 11 KO’s takes on Linton Vassell in the other first round of the tournament. King Mo is on a 3 fight win streak with 2 TKO’s and a SD win over HW Cheick Congo in Feb. The 34 yr. old’s first fight was against Journeyman Travis Wiuff. Wiuff was riding a 9 fight win streak and had over 60 fights to his credit at the point that the rookie, King Mo TKO’d him in the second round back in 08. Lawal’s powerful hands are still dangerous and collecting victims.

Linton Vassell is 15-4 and 10-1 since 2010. The only loss, Emanuel Newton at Bellator 130 by way of RNC in the 5^th round. The Swarm bounced back in February with a TKO win over Sokoudjou ( Rd 2, 3:18). The winner of this first fight also gets a shot at redemption by either avenging a loss or beating the man that beat the man that beat them. Follow that?

There are many more fights to check out also. Glory fighters are going to fight in a ring near the cage I guess. The event will be interesting to say the least. I choose to remain open-minded to the new experience.