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.

UFC 191 Main Card Breakdown

Breaking Down UFC 191 Fight Card

 

            The main event rematches, what many believe to be, Demetrious Johnson’s toughest flyweight title defense thus far.  Challenger, John Dodson knocked the champ down numerous times in their first fight, but the judges felt Johnson outworked “The Magician” and awarded “Mighty Mouse” Johnson with the Unanimous Decision.     

            Since beating Dodson the champ has finished four of his last five opponents: 3 submissions and a first round KO of Joseph Benavidez (2:08). In April the champ submitted Kyoji Horiguchi with only one second remaining in the twenty-five minute bout. “Mighty Mouse” is on a roll coming into the fight and looking to quite his critics with a convincing win over the hard-hitting Dodson.

            The 30 year old Dodson’s only UFC loss is at the hands of the champ. “The Magician” holds 2 submission and 8 KO/TKO wins and is on a 3 fight win streak since his loss to Johnson. Dodson holds a win over current Bantamweight Champion, T.J. Dillashaw. The athletic Dodson TKO’d Dillashaw to win TUF 14 Finale (12/3/11) and was crowned that season’s Bantamweight Ultimate Fighter.

            The co-main event features two former Heavyweight Champions: Frank Mir vs Andrei Arlovski. Mir, who made his UFC debut way back at UFC 34 (11/02/01), is coming off back to back first round KO wins. Making quick work of Todd Duffee with a stoppage at 1:13 (UFC Fight Night 71 in July) and Antonio Silva at 1:40 back in February. In addition to power striking, Mir also holds 9 submission wins in his career.

            The 6’4” Arlovski is also fresh off two first round stoppages: in May “The Pit Bull” traded heavy strikes with Travis Browne, before earning a TKO stoppage at 4:41; last September he KO’d Antonio Silva at 2;59. Arlovski is on a 5 fight win streak and has a win over current Heavyweight Champ Fabricio Werdum back at UFC 70 (4/21/07).

            In Light Heavyweight action Anthony Johnson takes on Jimi Manuwa. Manuwa is 15-1 and earned a unanimous decision win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night 64 (4/11/15). “Poster Boy’s” only loss was at the hands of, mutual opponent, Alexander Gustafson by TKO in the second round (UFC Fight Night 37. 3/8/14).

            Johnson faired far better against Gustafson by handing him a first round TKO at UFC on Fox 14 (1/24/15). Rumble is coming off a loss to Daniel Cormier for the vacant LHW title in May. Prior to the loss Johnson was on a 9 fight win streak with 6 KO/TKO finishes.

            Another LHW bout matches up contenders: Jan Blachowicz vs Corey Anderson. Blachowicz made his UFC debut with a TKO win over Ilir Latifi at 1:58 0f round 1 at UFC Fight Night 53 (10/4/14). The 32 year old Polish fighter is 18-4 with wins over Houston Alexander and Sokoudjou to name a couple.

            Anderson was issued his first loss by Gian Villante, TKO at 4:18 of the third round in April; he did earn a Fight of the Night Bonus, however. Anderson won TUF 19 via TKO in 1:01 round 1 (7/6/14).

            The first fight on the main card is in the Women’s Strawweight division (115lbs) and matches Alex Chambers and Paige Vanzant.  The 36 year old Chambers, from St. Ives, New So Wales Australia is fresh from an arm bar victory at UFC Fight Night 65 (5/10/15). “Astro Girl” lost her UFC debut by the same outcome to Aisling Daly (12/12/14).

            Vanzant’s last fight was a UD over Felice Herrig at UFC on Fox 15 in April and beat Kailin Curran by TKO in the 3^rd round (11/22/14)in her UFC debut. The Team Alpha Male fighter’s only loss was to Tecia Torres at Invicta FC4 (1/5/13).

            Don’t forget to check out the preliminary fights on Fox Sports 1 at 8:00pm ET with prefight coverage scheduled to begin at 7:00.