Here we go! With MMA gaining so much momentum over the past few years, UFC has debuted a three hour show of the UFC’s BEST of 2007,taking a look back at the most exciting fights of the past year. The UFC continues to be consistent by offering great PPVs, free events, and their blockbuster show, "The Ultimate Fighter." I will review the UFC’s BEST of 2007, giving you insight and my thoughts on the fights. Now let’s get to the knock down, drag out year that was 2007. An article by Don Davenport
Tyson Griffin vs. Frankie Edgar
UFC 67: ALL OR NOTHING February 3, 2007
Both fighters exchanged punches early, feeling each other out and eventually leading to a clinch. Edgar faked a takedown and landed some punches which lead to a takedown of Griffin. Griffin attempted a guillotine choke which Edgar managed to escape and gain side control. Griffin got out of side control and slammed Edgar down hard. Both fighters wrestled back to the feet where Edgar dominated with strikes, and then Edgar got a single leg takedown off of a Griffin knee into the guard. Edgar passed Griffin’s guard getting his back and both fighters ended up in the stand up position as the bell rang.
In the second round, Griffin landed a huge uppercut and trapped Edgar against the cage. Edgar defended this well and both fighters were back in the stand up position. Griffin was relentless throwing combinations at Edgar. Edgar caught a leg kick and took Griffin down. Griffin got back to his feet to land some punches, and dropped Edgar with a low kick. Edgar took Griffin back down for some ground and pound. Griffin scrambled on top and dragged him down, Edgar transitioned on top and pounded Griffin to the end of the round.
In the third round, Griffin landed some leg kicks and defended against an Edgar take down. Edgar counter punched then connected with three knees, one was low, but Griffin continued to fight. Edgar landed a flurry of punches then got Griffin’s back against the cage and hammered him. Griffin got to his feet and tried to defend against the vicious assault by Edgar and then got taken down. Griffin got back to his feet and looked exhausted. Edgar hit another take down. Edgar landed a series of blows as Griffin wrestled his way back to his feet. Edgar hit yet another takedown and got the back of Griffin, but Griffin reversed into a knee bar that was locked deep. Edgar hanged on to the end of the round. The winner by unanimous decision was Frankie Edgar.
This was a very technical fight that showed the versatility of both fighters. Edgar is a determined undefeated fighter that is destine for greatness.
UFC Welterweight Championship
Champion Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra
UFC 69: SHOOTOUT April 7, 2007
The two fighters circled each other in the stand up position. Serra had difficulty getting through St. Pierre’s defense, being kept at bay with kicks and a long reach. Serra started to successfully attack the body of St. Pierre, jabbing his way inside. Half way into the round, the two fighters exchanged punches, with Serra getting the best of those exchanges. Serra blocked several high kicks by St. Pierre then landed a superman punch. Serra staggered St. Pierre with an over hand right, and then connected with a left that buckled St. Pierre. St. Pierre tried to hold on as Serra continued to punish him on the ground, but it was to no avail as the referee stopped the fight. The winner by TKO via strikes at 3:25 of the first round to win the UFC Welterweight Championship is none other than TUF 4 winner Matt Serra. Serra was an 11-1 underdog coming into this title fight and managed to pull off the upset. Serra displayed great head movement despite good offense by St. Pierre, eventually landing the right hand that spelled the beginning of the end for St. Pierre.
Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia
UFC 69: SHOOTOUT April 7, 2007
Both fighters slugged it out to start things off. Huerta landed two high kicks and went for a takedown, and then Garcia applied a guillotine choke. Huerta escaped with Garcia against the cage, landing elbows and punches. Huerta transitioned to Garcia’s back then attempted the rear naked choke to no avail. Huerta got the mount position on Garcia. Garcia scrambled to his feet and connected with some punches. As Huerta went for a takedown he got caught with a guillotine but avoids submission. Huerta landsed elbows and punches from the top then kept Garcia against the cage for some ground and pound. Garcia worked back to the feet where both fighters wrestled to the ground. Garcia attempted a kimora on the right arm, but despite the attempt, both fighters were back on their feet exchanging blows. Huerta hit a take down which were followed up with a series of elbows and punches from the top. Garcia rolled into the top position as the bell rang.
Before the second, Huerta appeared to have a small cut over the right eye. Both fighters slugged it out, eventually clinching one another. Huerta took Garcia down for some ground and pound. Garcia got to his feet and landed a big knee to the face, both fighters went toe-to-toe for the next minute until Huerta got a takedown. Huerta dominated on the ground but Garcia made it to his feet again which he followed up with a huge right hand. Both fighters slugged it out some more until Huerta got another take down, and continued to land punches until the end of the round.
Early in the third round, Huerta overwhelmed Garcia with strikes and got him down to the ground. Huerta controlled Garcia on the ground but does minimum damage, and seemingly out of no where Garcia got Huerta’s back and is attempting a rear naked choke. Huerta escaped and rolled back on top, pounding Garcia relentlessly. Garcia took serious punishment but managed to hang on until the end of the fight. Both fighters embraced, showing mutual respect for each other. The winner by unanimous decision was Roger Huerta. It was a spectacular fight where the fans got their money’s worth. Garcia persevered through a ton of punishment despite Huerta's efforts to end the fight. I thought several times that Huerta was going to end the fight, but Garcia was able to hold on. Don’t be surprised to see Huerta receiving a title fight in the near future.
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
UFC 70: NATIONS COLLIDE April 21, 2007
Gonzaga started off by pressuring Cro Cop, landing a straight right hand. Gonzaga threw a kick to the mid section of Cro Cop, which dropped him to the ground. Gonzaga controlled Cro Cop in the top position, landing elbows for the next two minutes. The ref stood the two fighters up, and out of nowhere Gonzaga threw a high kick and knocked out Cro Cop in such a way that his leg twists underneath him. The winner by KO, in 4:51 of the first round, Gabriel Gonzaga. The crowd was in disbelief that Cro Cop was defeated in such devastating fashion. Gonzaga shocked the MMA world by knocking out one of the most feared strikers on the planet with his very own signature move. Gonzaga would go on to face the UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. Cro Cop stated that he didn’t train for elbows or in the cage for this fight. Also, Cro Cop suffered a minor injury to his ankle. Cro Cop was a big international investment for the UFC, and so far, has turned out to be a total disappointment.
UFC Lightweight Championship
Champion Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson
UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson May 26, 2007
Liddell circled away from Jackson, picking his shots carefully. Finally, Liddell threw a big left hook to the body which is rolled under by Jackson. Jackson then answered with a right hand to the jaw that dropped Liddell immediately. Jackson hopped on top and finished Liddell with a series of right hands. The winner by TKO 1:53 of the first round and new UFC Lightweight Champion, Quinton Jackson. I thought that Jackson might win the bout from their previous encounter in PRIDE, but I did not fathom Jackson finishing Liddell in the first round.
Sam Stout vs.Spencer Fisher
UFC FIGHT NIGHT June 12, 2007
Stout came out swinging and is caught with a flurry of punches by Fisher. Fisher attempted a takedown that is defended by Stout. Fisher starts landing combinations at will on Stout, but Stout continued to press forward toward the second half of the round, landing punches and knees that bloody the right eye of Fisher. Both fighters started to slug it out, and then Fisher closed the round with a huge left hand.
In the second round, Spencer mixed up his combinations on Stout. Stout continued to come forward but is dominated with strikes by Fisher. Fisher attempted a take down and is defended by excellent grappling by Stout. The round closed with both fighters in the stand up position.
In the third round, Stout landed a combination and then got caught with a huge left hand. Fisher continued to dominate on the feet with left hands, and defended the combinations thrown by Stout. Fisher landed his strikes at will, rocking Stout with a right hand. Stout tried some offense while taking a severe beating from Fisher. Fisher landed a right hook to close the end of the fight. The winner by unanimous decision, Spencer Fisher. The fight was action-packed as expected, delivering a three round slug fest. I can only expect improvement from both fighters in the future of their careers.
Jens Pulver vs. B.J. Penn
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 5 FINALE June 23, 2007
Penn landed a right hand right that staggered Pulver to start the round. Penn pushed forward and took Pulver down against the cage. Penn picked Pulver off the ground and slammed him again into half guard, securing his body. Penn passed his guard and got into the mount and attempted an armbar. Pulver spinned out into a triangle by Penn who hammered him with elbows. Pulver postured out of the submission attempt into Penn’s guard. Pulver pushed Penn against the cage and followed up with a few elbows as Penn worked back to his feet. The fighters clinched and traded shots until the end of the round.
In the second round, Penn took Pulver down after eating a left hook, and eventually got into the mount position to land some punches to the face. Penn got the back of Pulver and secured the rear naked choke for the submission. The winner by submission, 3:12 of the second round, B.J.Penn. This two round fight is exciting to watch as both fighters were not too fond of each other. Penn came into this fight in shape and more determined then ever to close this chapter in his life. Unfortunately, Pulver was no match for Penn in this fight, succumbing quickly to the rear naked choke.
UFC Middleweight Championship
Champion Anderson Silva vs. Nate Marquardt
UFC 73: STACKED July 7, 2007
Both fighters started by feeling each other out, Marquardt threw a combination and gets countered with a right hand. Silva then attempted a flying knee that is caught by Marquardt who then got a single leg takedown. Marquardt did nothing to improve his position and the referee stood both fighters up. Silva connected with a left hand then Marquardt attempts a single leg, but despite his effort, he took several elbows and punches. Marquardt attempted a single leg again, but Silva switched on top and unleashed a series of devastating right hands, stopping the fight. The winner by TKO 4:50 of the first round and still UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva. Silva demonstrated once again why he is the UFC Middleweight Champion, displaying excellent striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Silva is a true MMA practitioner who showcases his elite skills every time he steps in the octagon.
Houston Alexander vs. Alessio Sakara
UFC 75: CHAMPION vs. CHAMPION September 8, 2007
Alexander closed the distance and Alessio took him down. Alexander pushed Alessio off with brute strength and connected with two knees to the head. Alexander then followed up with another knee to the head that dropped Alessio, and then Alexander finished the fight with a barrage of punches. The winner by KO 1:01 of the first round, Houston Alexander. Alexander is just ferocious in this fight showcasing his strength with every strike. Alexander gives fight fans what they come for and that is brutality. He needs improvement in different areas of his fight game, but I expect him to make the necessary adjustments and continue to lead a very successful MMA career.
Forrest Griffin vs. Mauricio Rua
UFC 76: KNOCKOUT September 22, 2007
Griffin connected with an inside leg kick, then Rua attempted a takedown that is defended successfully. Griffin got his back, but Rua rolled and Griffin was in the top position. Rua got back to his feet and both fighters exchanged blows. Rua got a takedown, but Griffin used an effective guard to avoid punishment and got back to his feet. Both fighters traded shots until Griffin took Rua down, eventually getting his back. Rua rolled with Griffin in the top position, following up with punches, eventually letting Rua back up to the feet. Griffin connected with a left hook, and then Rua shot for a takedown taking some punches before succeeding. Griffin sweeped and closed the round in the top position.
In the second round, Griffin used good head movement to connect with some body shots. Rua got a single leg take down then Griffin attempted a guillotine with no success. Rua cut Griffin with an elbow to the head. Griffin managed to get back to his feet, and Rua clinched Griffin to the cage. Griffin inside leg tripped Rua and got his back while connecting with punches. Rua got to his feet and attempted a takedown that is stopped by Griffin. Griffin delivered hammer fists to the side of Rua's head. Rua worked back to the feet and appeared to be fatigued, dropping his hands to his waist. Griffin defended several take down attempts by Rua, and ended up in half guard. Griffin maintained his position and turned it up, landing punches to close the round.
In the third round, Griffin stuck the jab and got taken down by Rua. Griffin attempted a triangle, but Rua avoided the submission attempt. Rua controlled Griffin on the ground then gets caught in an omoplata attempt. Griffin transitioned to the back of Rua. Griffin smothered Rua with knees to the body and hammer fists to the head. Rua tried to escape, but gives up his back to Griffin who continues the onslaught of punishment. Rua rolled and Griffin gets the top position, transitioning to the back of Rua again, and then applied a deep rear naked choke for the tap out! The winner by submission, 4:45 of the third round, Forrest Griffin. Griffin comes into his own in this fight, out hustling Rua to an eventual submission. Griffin stated that he asked Dana White for the fight against Rua. Rua was considered by many fight fans as one of the best Light Heavyweight fighters in MMA. This win has propelled Griffin’s career to securing a coaching opportunity on the “Ultimate Fighter” with Quinton Jackson.
After watching the UFC BEST OF 2007, I’m pleased to say it was worth my time, and it was a good enough event to be on PPV. The unpredictability of the fights is absolutely shocking. Gonzaga defeating Cro Cop, Jackson disposing of Liddell so quickly, and Griffin submitting Rua are classics that will go down in annals of UFC history. UFC is continuing to deliver the best mainstream MMA action in the world, and it is as entertaining then it is intriguing.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
2007 Year In Review
Sunday, November 11, 2007
IWF Exclusive: The Future Of The UFC
Although we have a set title fight in our sights (Hughes vs. Serra), a slightly deeper look into the ranks of the UFC will give us a more accurate picture of how the sport should shape up over the next six months. While feuds and rivalries culminate in once-a-month events, the sport is built between those events as every member of the roster fights, bargains, and even pleads for a title shot. The following is a look at each division and who is fighting for the title.
Heavyweights: With Andrei Arlovski missing his new contract, Cro Cop dropping fights like he was bought off, and Couture temporarily out of the fight game, the whole division is really up for grabs. It’s unlikely that White would simply award the belt to the winner of an upcoming fight as it wouldn’t make sense for Kongo or Nogueira to receive a title with very little UFC experience under their belts. He could justify giving it to Sylvia as he was the last guy to hold the belt and is fresh off a win, but I doubt he’d give the title to the least marketable guy this side of O.J. Simpson. What is likely is that we’ll see Sylvia take on the Kongo/Nogueira winner in a mini grand prix of sorts. While the best match up for the sport would have been Vera and Kongo, it was spoiled by Sylvia’s yawn-inducing win last month (not that Vera helped to make it exciting, either…). I’d expect to see Nogueira and Sylvia, but the way the UFC’s cookies have been crumbling lately, I’d probably be better off just flipping a coin.
Light Heavyweights: This is obviously the toughest one to call, with the four big names (Liddell, Henderson, Shogun, Wanderlei) being more than one win from a title shot. That leaves us with three guys who can stake a legitimate claim to Rampage’s belt. They are: Keith Jardine, Lyoto Machida, and Forrest Griffin. It probably won’t be Jardine, because although he’s knocked out Griffin and beat Liddell, he suffered a brutal KO at the hands of Houston Alexander at UFC 71. And while Machida’s been impressive in his UFC fights (3 for 3), two weren’t on the main telecast and he doesn’t have quite enough name recognition or ability to speak English to warrant being one good punch away from a title. He’ll have to win one or two more before getting any serious consideration. The honor, I would bet, will go to Forrest, who the UFC considers the heir apparent to the holy trinity of ratings that is about to retire (Couture, Liddell, Hughes). He fits in with the tough, common man image that has gained the UFC so much popularity and it looks as though he won’t get that fight against Wanderlei due to an injury he’s harbored for quite some time. With Wanderlei looking to fight sooner and Forrest out until early 2008, I don’t think we’ll see Rampage Jackson in action for another 8 months (see: Matt Serra) at which point he and Griffin should meet for an all out war.
Middleweights: Dana White has suggested that the winner of the Okami/MacDonald could potentially get an automatic title shot, but that seems counterintuitive due to what is logical “MMAth.” With Silva’s dominant second win over Franklin, and Franklin’s win over Okami, who in their right mind would want to see Silva run down the food chain to take on a man who will almost surely beat? I’m aware that Okami technically beat Silva via DQ, but that was nearly two years ago and before Silva rattled off six straight wins against some of the toughest competition around. White is clearly having trouble booking anyone against Silva and until he can sign Filho or Kang, he’s going to have to convince Henderson to drop to 185 and take on Silva. Initially against the idea of dropping weight, Henderson has since warmed up to the idea, but would probably take a warm up before tackling The Spider.
Welterweights: Finally, a simple division. GSP will get an automatic title shot at whoever wins the Hughes-Serra fight. And when Matt Hughes destroys Serra, it’ll set up just the third trilogy in UFC history. Is there much else to say? When the dust settles, however, it is more likely that Karo Parisyan would get the title shot instead of Koscheck or Sanchez, who have spent the last year losing and turning in lackluster performances. The St. Pierre-Parisyan feud is one that we could be seeing for the next five years.
Lightweights: This division isn’t as tough as it is downright bizarre. With the title not stripped from Sherk, who is now out of action for a full year, White has wisely decided to move on and book one their biggest moneymakers, BJ Penn, against Joe Stevenson. This is smart booking as Penn and Stevenson have separated themselves from the rest of the pack of Lightweight fighters. Beyond those two, there’s just a ton of really athletic guys who haven’t made that big of a splash. No outrageous personalities, no huge upsets, just about five guys who are all on the same level. The UFC tried to give a few of them title shots (Franca, Florian), but nothing came of it and buys were weak. This is the smartest play considering the situation of the current champion. If the UFC is going to sign anyone now, I’d say that they need to be looking for Lightweights even before Middleweights. If I were Dana White, I’d be throwing a huge contract at Urijah Faber, the Featherweight champion in the UFC-owned WEC. He’d add some star power and charisma to a division which is garnering less and less interest with each passing day..
With more contract disputes, injuries, and signings than ever before, it’s tough to call the future of a sport as dynamic as Mixed Martial Arts, but this guide should serve as a decent start.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
PRIDE Fighters At A Disadvantage
With the past losses of Mirko Filipovic, the near loss of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and the current loss of Mauricio Rua, it is easy to see the pattern developing. For one reason or another (Quinton Jackson being the exception), these PRIDE guys are having trouble translating their skills to the Octagon. Are the PRIDE fighters overrated, are the UFC fighters better than we all thought, or is it something else entirely?
It’s possible that the PRIDE fighters are overrated, but it’s hard to justify when you consider that they’re all world-class athletes who have been fighting their entire lives. Cro Cop doesn’t just knock out Wanderlei Silva, switch boats to the UFC, and then just forget how to fight. Similarly, Nogueira shouldn’t go from hanging with Fedor to barely beating journeyman Heath Herring. It just doesn’t make logical sense. And while Shogun looked absolutely brilliant at times against Griffin (with his rolls, submission attempts and strikes), he looked downright tentative at others. Where is the man who went so hard at Rampage Jackson, he looked as if he wanted to knock the current champs head clear off his body? The skills are there, and so that leads me to believe that it must be another factor.
Could it be that the UFC fighters have improved? I think this seems more likely. UFC fighters are long past the days of specializing in just one mixed martial arts field, and are constantly improving and expanding their collective repertoire, and therefore, becoming downright lethal weapons in the Octagon. Another factor that I believe is aiding the improvement of UFC fighters is The Ultimate Fighter.
A venerable playground for newbies and veterans alike (ask Matt Serra), TUF allows fighters to train with guys better than them, fight more than three times in a year, and have access to some of the best facilities in the world. By participating in TUF (as recent winner Forrest Griffin and current champ Matt Serra both did), fighters avoid what is known as The Chuck Liddell Syndrome. For those of you unfamiliar, Chuck is the best guy in his camp. He doesn’t bring in Judo experts to test him with Judo or Boxers to test him with Boxing. TUF combats this by having fighters train with coaches who are leaps and bounds better than they are. They have no choice but to get better. Fighting often also helps the participants to have a greater level of comfort in the Octagon. Instead of having had three fights in a year, a guy coming out of the show may have up to eight under his belt. When you fight that often, there’s no rust or surprises. The final point goes without saying – having access to the training facilities of the UFC put the fighters at an advantage over anyone working with a specific camp, no matter how talented the trainers are.
Even more likely than the idea that improved fighters is contributing to the downfall of PRIDE guys is the possibility that the new environment has thrown all these guys off. Now, they’ve fought in front of crowds before, some even larger in size than those in the UFC. There’s only one major difference. Japanese crowds are dead silent. They are quiet and respectful, usually waiting for the biggest of knockdowns or the end of a fight to cheer their favorite star. Enter: American crowds. Just picture going from the serene, poetic landscape of a stadium in Tokyo to the drunken chaos that is an American sporting event. Fans yell, boo, and throw inanimate objects at will – sometimes, even following a victory.
In an exclusive interview with MMA Madness, Kenny Florian spoke of this difference: “PRIDE fighters have had to adjust to the rule changes, to the environment changes, and everything else. It comes down to the same factors in every event: first, MMA is unpredictable and second, styles make fights.” Florian touches upon something more telling than just the rowdy fans. Perhaps it’s the Octagon that’s throwing these guys for a loop. They’re used to leaning against ropes (which have more give than a cage), and can utilize corners to trap an opponent (see: Wanderlei-Rampage). Perhaps the new environment has them so distracted that they fail to follow their game plan or stay focused.
Rule changes probably have the fighters in a tizzy as well. Different round and time structure, no kicking a downed opponent, elbows are now allowed, and most importantly, the Shogun Stomp has been outlawed. This can’t sit well for a number of fighters (including some of the best) who previously relied on these very moves. Additionally, drug testing is much stricter in the UFC than in PRIDE. Now I’m not saying any of PRIDE’s guys were juicing, but if they were, they’re having a very difficult time of it now.
No matter the reason, it’s clear that some of the most successful PRIDE fighters are having trouble in the UFC. And interestingly enough, it’s the one fighter who had trouble defeating PRIDE’s best who is now champion. Perhaps Florian is right: styles do make fights, and most of the transfers’ styles just aren’t right for the UFC’s Octagon and their newly-improved warriors.
(Originally written for MMAMadness.com)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Nogueira-Kongo Bumped To Early 08
The winner of the Nogueira-Kongo fight is no longer in line for a title shot, as it's been bumped to early next year, but whoever leaves victorious should be guaranteed a shot down the line. Here's why:
With Sylvia-Vera now the only real HW bout in the upcoming months, it's more than expected that the winner will take on Randy Couture early next year at UFC 81 or those whereabouts. For Vera, it would be a long time coming and could represent the passing of the torch from one marketable HW to another. If Sylvia gets the shot, it would represent the rematch clause in his contract. Either way, this seems like the only viable option.
But who gets the winner of the Couture-Vera/Sylvia fight? For rest periods to coincide, the new #1 contender bout (after Sylvia-Vera) would have to take place early next year. Enter: Nogueira-Kongo. Initially scheduled to go down at UFC 79 in December, the fight has been bumped. It's not clear why, but it does provide perfect timing for both these competitors. The booking of Nogueira-Kongo at the same time of Couture's next fight means two big things, other than the fact that the winner will most likely get a shot at the gold.
For Nogueira, it means that the UFC has finally committed to pushing him. He's widely recognized as the #2 HW in the world, but due to his inability to speak English and lackluster win over Heath Herring a few months ago, fan support (and thus, Dana White support) has dwindled. This match up with Kongo, especially with its scheduled date, is a vote of confidence unlike any Nogueira has seen before.
For Kongo, it means that the dream has been realized. Following a massacre of Cro Cop, Kongo now finds himself one win away from a title shot with one of the greatest champions of all time. The UFC will be more than willing to throw it's support behind a young, jacked, charismatic Kongo. Ideally, Kongo-Vera will be the HW battle that UFC execs are looking to see blossom over the next four years.
So, we wait. But with our patience comes the reality that the UFC HW division is shaping up to be stacked after all. It's in a much different manner than was expected (no superfights between CC and Couture), but it should prove to be just as entertaining with a large group of fighters who all deserve to be there.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Kongo and Hamill look to defy Cro Cop and Bisping at UFC 75
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With UFC 75 being polished for delivery, it is easy to forget the historic Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Dan Henderson title unification bout is not the only fight on the card. Mirko Cro Cop looks to use Cheick Kongo as a Gabriel Gonzaga stand in, while Matt Hamill sets out to prove he would have won season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter. Get in-depth now!
Quinton Jackson battles Dan Henderson to unify the UFC and Pride 205 titles on September 8, 2007 in London, England. The magnetism of what could be mixed martial arts’ most important fight in history is well deserved. There is, however, an undercard that requires attention.
Mirko Cro Cop was once known as MMA’s stand-up fighting version of fear. After capturing Pride’s 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix Champion, the Croatian left behind Japan’s honored war zone for the rabid arenas of the UFC.
The structural change of the fighting arena, which Crocop failed to train for, caught up with him in the form of severe underdog and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Gabriel Gonzaga.
“Napao” knocked out Cro Cop with a head kick eerily familiar to the highlights Cro Cop reeled off in Pride.
Cro Cop’s upcoming UFC 75 showdown with Cheick Kongo relies entirely on his mental state. Is the sound of fury that sent him terrorizing Pride’s ranks after an upset loss to Kevin Randleman in 2005 ringing again?
Cro Cop has expressed desire to retire, but his fighting future should not factor into the Kongo equation. The thirty-two-year old cannot look past his opponent with lackadaisical training and/or a tentative performance that typically characterize his losses.
He appears to be rededicated. He bought a cage. He is training in real jiu-jitsu (as opposed to submission defense) with one of the world’s best in Dean Lister. In addition, he added Gilbert Yvel and Remy Bonjaski to prepare his striking for the Thai boxer.
As Cro Cop has said himself, no one can beat him if he comes forward.
The trouble is Kongo will come forward. The mammoth stalks opponents and can send fighters reeling along with strong hands and sharp knees. His key to victory is to close the distance against the superior striker, negating Cro Cop’s NASCAR-fast precision leg kicks. Training with Juanito Ibarra and an array of top fighters in that camp, Kongo will elevate his game and look far better than he did in his impressive defeat of Assuerio Silva.
While both fighters are improving their groundwork, no one is likely to take it to the ground. This will be a stand-up fight.
Cro Cop must be violent grace under pressure against Kongo’s assault. A win for the Frenchman would thrust him into the title picture. A loss for Cro Cop will regale him to unjust criticisms of being a “has been” and a “never was” and to the backseat of the UFC’s heavyweight division. Given years of fighting elite competition, Crocop should be fear incarnate again, however, do not believe victory a certainty. That is certain defeat.
A light heavyweight showdown between Michael Bisping and Matt Hamill can be billed as The Ultimate Fighter season 3 Finale that never happened.
This fight has compelling implications of the participant’s future. A hearty Hamill can be an early awakening for the undersized Wolfslair Gym star. While “The Hammer” lacks experience, wrestling is the one discipline that can grind out an MMA win without a full arsenal of martial weapons. If he can suffocate a win out of “The Count,” it lends weight to Tito Ortiz’s prodigious image of the physically impaired fighter.
Top-flight training makes the difference in this bout. England’s favorite son has been sparring with Quinton Jackson and the mastermind behind “Rampage,” Juanito Ibarro. Bisping can submit, pound out, or knockout the Ohio native. Hamill only has the option of a decision victory unless he can summon Sobral-Heath-esque ground and pound to demoralize the gritty Brit to a technical knockout.
Kongo and Hamill are the unanimous underdogs, but MMA is exciting because stacked odds are often caught in swirling winds.
*By Danny Acosta
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Transition From PRIDE To UFC
As more and more PRIDE fighters continue to pour into the UFC organization, it has become apparent that the transition from PRIDE to the UFC is a much more difficult one then first suspected. When the deal was initially struck between the two organizations not much was made about how the fighters would respond to not only a different rule set, but a whole different environment. Much like any other top level athlete, fighters are creatures of habit. Any little change in environment can make a huge impact when it comes to a fighters performance. So why has the transition between the two organizations been such a tough one so far?
From a fans perspective the differences between the two different organizations seems minimal. So what if theres an octagon instead of a ring? So what if the UFC has 3 x 5 minute rounds instead of PRIDES 20 minute fight which features a 10 minute first round with 2 subsequent 5 minute rounds? While these differences may seem insignificant for the fans the fact of the matter is that when your a fighter, even the smallest differences are amplified. Anything that can take you out of your normal routine could affect your performance.
One fighter who was particularly vocal about adjusting to the ways of the UFC was Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Rampage admitted that he was more nervous then he usually is before a fight when he made his UFC debut against Marvin Eastman. After his win over Eastman, Rampage reportedly asked for a few more fights to adjust to the UFC. Instead, the UFC offered him a title fight against Chuck Liddell. Rampage accepted the fight and the rest is history.
On the other hand, some fighters have had a much tougher time adjusting. When Mirko "Cro Cop" first announced his intention to fight in the UFC, fans were quick to label him as the uncrowned king of the UFC heavy weight division. Many people thought he would simply walk through the division before becoming champion. Well, it didn't quite work out like that. In his first fight against Eddie Sanchez, he was just simply too much for his opponent. His next fight was against the Brazilian, Gabriel Gonzaga. In what was one of the most shocking KO's in all of MMA, Gabriel Gonzaga knocked out Cro Cop with a high kick that would make even the Croation Sensation proud.
To some, the transition was an easy one. Guys like Anderson Silva and Quinton Jackson have made it look easy as both now hold the titles in their respective divisions. Others like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria, Fabricio Werdum, and Heath Herring haven't had the smoothest transition to the UFC, although Herring rebounded from his rocky start by almost delivering a KO in Bog Nog's debut. However, these fighters shouldn't be overlooked. All three are world-class athletes and after some time, should be able to really feel comfortable in an octagon.
In the coming months, MMA fans will be treated to great match ups featuring the best that both organizations have to offer. At UFC 75, Dan Henderson will fight Quinton Jackson. Henderson should find himself right at home when he steps into the octagon. After all, he did fight in the UFC early in his career. Henderson's ability to speak English and thus, fully understand the rule changes, should assist his transition. Another dynamite signing for the UFC was that of the young Chute Boxe star, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Rua is the number one ranked 205 pound fighter based on www.mmaweekly.com rankings. Alot of people are anticipating Rua to have very hard time adjusting to the UFC, mainly because he wont be able to deliver those vicious soccer kicks that the Chute Boxe academy is famous for. However, Rua is a very versatile fighter, young, and willing to learn.
The bottom line on the matter is that yes, it is a difficult transition. From the cage to the rules and everything in between. Some fighters handle it well, and others not so well. Where would you rather fight, PRIDE or UFC? If you ask that question to all of the fighters that have and are planning to transfer over to the UFC, I'm sure that you will pretty much get the same response out of all them: "I dont care, I just want to fight." And thats what the fans want to hear.
Monday, July 16, 2007
UFC 75 to Air FREE on Spike TV!
So it looks like UFC president Dana White isn't as Satanic as he makes himself seem, he can do us some good deeds from time to time. White recently announced that UFC's next "stacked" card, UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion, will be aired for FREE on Spike TV via tape delay, as UFC 70 was.
Spike TV will be airing UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion, scheduled for September 8 from the O2 Arena in London, English, free of charge at 9 P.M. E/T via tape delay.
Official word and specifics regarding the free airing of UFC 75 can be found in this press release issued by the UFC.
Last time a major UFC event was aired on television was of course UFC 70: Nations Collide in Manchester, England, where we all got to see Mirko "Cro Cop's" head ripped off my Gonzaga's foot.
Nonetheless, we're going to get to see yet another UFC event without having to dish out fifty big ones. The card's main event includes a light heavyweight title fight with UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and PRIDE's welterweight and middleweight champ Dan "Hollywood" Henderson.
Mirko "Cro Cop" will also be facing Cheick Kongo, let's just hope he comes serious this time. The Ultimate Fighter 3 light heavyweight winner Michael Bisping will also be joining the card as he is set to face off against former castmate Matt Hamill.
And just to remind you, the Jackson-Henderson main event will in fact be the first ever title unification bout, which was confirmed earlier this month.
I can't wait for this fight, I'll just have to keep myself from checking the live play-by-play's this time around!
Thank you Mr. White for this. :)
The Lianger
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
UFC Main Card Updates
Look no further for all the latest in UFC Main Card updates. Shogun's debut, Ortiz-Evans II, Franklin-Silva II, and Sherk-Penn have all been announced. But where will they fall?
UFC 74: Respect
Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (Heavyweight title)
Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck
Joe Stevenson vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Diego Sanchez vs. Hayato Sakurai
Patrick Cote vs. Kendall Grove
David Heath vs. Renato Sobral
Quinton Jackson vs. Dan Henderson (Lightheavyweight title)
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Cheick Kongo
Michael Bisping vs. Matt Hamill
Houston Alexander vs. Alessio Sakara
UFC 76 (Anaheim, CA: Honda Center)
Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Lyoto Machida
Jon Fitch vs. Diego Sanchez
Evan Tanner vs. TBA
UFC 77 (Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Bank Arena)
Rich Franklin vs. Anderson Silva (Middleweight title)
Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans
UFC 78 (Newark, New Jersey: Prudential Arena)
Sean Sherk vs. B.J. Penn (Lightweight title)
UFC 79 (East Rutherford, NJ: Continental Airlines Arena)
Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra (Welterweight title)
Early 2008
Mirko Filipovic vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira II
Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre III
The Debut Of Fedor
UFC 73 Post-Conference: White confirms Fedor for '08, BJ Penn to Fight Sherk for Title
CBS SportsLine.com caught some interesting notes at UFC 73's post conference, which was held last weekend. Dana White confirmed the arrival of The Russian Emperor Fedor Emelianenko and B.J. "The Prodigy" Penn's future plans.
I don't know how credible these "notes" but CBS seems like a solid source, so I'll stick by what they say until further proof arises.
The press conference leaked out some pretty heavy news.
To sum up the biggest points in the post-conference
This is all HUGE news and I'm itching to see Shogun's UFC debut and a fight between "The Prodigy" B.J. Penn and Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk.
However, I'm most excited for the news regarding Fedor's long awaited debut in the UFC. So, does this really mean that Fedor has finally signed with the UFC? White touched upon the subject claiming that Emelianenko's debut (to the UFC) is imminent and went on to say, "We are planning to have Fedor fighting in the UFC at the end of 2007 or early 2008."
God, I say this every time I hear a rumor about Fedor's UFC debut but, I really hope this is true. Dana White better not be pulling MMA fans' legs anymore, we demand Fedor!
Well, it looks like the Dana White will indeed be able to create his "MMA superbowl" that he promised us all. With fighters at this high of caliber there's no dodging explosive fights to come, well, not exactly, UFC 73 certainly chucked that theory out the window. But, I'll still be able to pretend in the meantime.
The Lianger
Friday, June 29, 2007
Top Ten PRIDE Fights Of All Time
After I compiled every win and loss for the UFC, I did the same for PRIDE. And now, following my top ten UFC fights post, I feel it necessary to grant PRIDE with the same right. I realized that I've generally neglected PRIDE in the past, and while it is basically a defunct organization, it has still had it moments (incredible ones, no less). And so, I've teamed Masson up (believe me, it's better that I stay out of this one) with three Sherdog.com experts. Let's see what they have to say...
We adapted criteria from Extremeprosports.com in order to form our own criteria (below) for our Top Ten lists.
1. The fight itself had to have significant drama. In other words, each fighter, at one point or another, must have been in a position to win the fight.
2. The bigger stage, the better. Non-championship bouts didn't get as much love as those giving out belts.
3. Only PRIDE FC bouts were considered.
Masson Liang's Top Ten
10. Joachim Hansen vs. Yves Edwards (Bushido 9)
9. Mirko Filipovic vs Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute)
8. Mauricio Rua vs. Quinton Jackson (PRIDE Total Elimination 2005)
7. Takanori Gomi vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (Bushido 9)
6. Takanori Gomi vs. Hayato Sakurai (PRIDE Shockwave 2005)
5. Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (PRIDE 21: Demolition)
4. Takanori Gomi vs. Nick Diaz (PRIDE 33: Second Coming)
3. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira II (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
2. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic (PRIDE Final Conflict 2005)
1. Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE 28: High Octane)
Viktor VonDoom
10. Mirko Filipovic vs. Kevin Randleman (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
9. Wanderlei Silva vs. Dan Henderson II (PRIDE 33: The Second Coming)
8. Anderson Silva vs. Ryo Chonan (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
7. Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005)
6. Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (PRIDE 21: Demolition)
5. Quinton Jackson vs. Ricardo Arona (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004)
4. Dan Henderson vs. Ricardo Arona (PRIDE 20: Armed and Ready)
3. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira II (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
2. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic (PRIDE Final Conflict 2005)
1. Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE 28: High Octane)
Anthony S.
10. Mirko Filipovic vs Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute)
9. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira II (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
8. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic (PRIDE Final Conflict 2005)
7. Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005)
6. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Bob Sapp (PRIDE Shockwave 2002)
5. Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Renzo Gracie (PRIDE 10: Return of the Warriors)
4. Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE 28: High Octane)
3. Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Carlos Newton (PRIDE 3)
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Mirko Filipovic (PRIDE Final Conflict 2003)
1. Kazushi Sakuraba vs Royce Gracie (PRIDE Grand Prix 2000)
CroCopIsBack (only ballot with all six consensus fights below)
10. Quinton Jackson vs. Ricardo Arona (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004)
9. Sergey Kharitonov vs. Semmy Schilt (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004)
8. Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (PRIDE 21: Demolition)
7. Mirko Filipovic vs. Igor Vovchanchyn (PRIDE Total Elimination 2003)
6. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira II (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
5. Quinton Jackson vs. Mauricio Rua (PRIDE Total Elimination 2005)
4. Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE 28: High Octane)
3. Mirko Filipovic vs Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute)
2. Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005)
1. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic (PRIDE Final Conflict 2005)
Appeared on 4 out of 4 ballots
Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE 28: High Octane)
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic (PRIDE Final Conflict 2005)
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira II (PRIDE Shockwave 2004)
Appeared on 3 out 4 ballots
Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005)
Mirko Filipovic vs Wanderlei Silva II (PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute)
Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (PRIDE 21: Demolition)
Reappearing Fighters
Out of the 40 total contests listed here, Mirko Filipovic appeared in the most fights (10), followed closely by Wanderlei Silva (8), Quinton Jackson (8), Fedor Emelianenko (8), and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (6).
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Top Strikers of MMA Today
Honorable mention: Melvin Manhoef, Rob McCullough, Mark Hunt, Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto
5. Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski
The Pitbull! Though Arlovski last few bouts can’t exactly be considered stellar, I still consider him as one of the greatest strikers in MMA today.
Arlovski is quite the physical specimen, I mean he is absolutely shredded; he has muscles on top of his muscles. Arlovski’s immense power is complemented by his crisp and accurate strikes.
Arlovski is no slouch on the ground. He's an avid practitioner of Sambo. Sambo is a combat spot and self defense system developed in the Soviet Union and greatly resembles mixed martial arts with its blend of judo, jiu-jitsu, and striking techniques. Arlovski has won a European Youth Sambo Championship and the World Youth Championship. He also took a silver medal at the Sambo World Cup and another silver medal at the World Sambo Championship.
Arlovski holds a notable submission victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia and a stunning knockout victory of Vladimir Matsyushenko. Arlovski showed his dominant striking skills against Matsyushenko, who he knocked out with a beautifully landed uppercut.
4. Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva
Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva has been an absolute animal, from his earliest bare-knuckle showdowns in the IVC’s to his PRIDE FC career. Silva is best known for his incredible speed, power, and aggressiveness in the ring.
Wanderlei Silva specializes in Muay-Thai and trains under Rudimar Fedrigo at the Chute Boxe Academy in Curitiba, Brazil. With 21 of his 31 wins ending by some form of knockout, it’s no surprise that Silva is considered by many to be one of the best strikers in MMA today. Silva’s arsenal consists of knees from the Muay-Thai clinch, soccer kicks, stomping downed opponents and his “wild looping punches.”
Wanderlei Silva has also earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but prefers having his fights ending by way of knockout.
In my opinion, Silva’s greatest fights are his two knockout wins over current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and his first fight with Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. I would choose Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson II as one of the greatest fights in all of MMA history to date.
3. Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell
Is a description even necessary for The Iceman? Chuck Liddell has to be one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA today. Being MMA’s top celebrity, Chuck Liddell has brought in tons of positive attention towards the UFC.
Liddell’s background began in karate and collegiate wrestling but has grown into almost pure striking. Chuck seems to only utilize his wrestling abilities to avoid being taken down by his opponents. After graduating from college, Chuck began training with current trainer John Hackleman of The Pit in Arroyo Grande, California.
Liddell is most known for his unorthodox style of fighting. Chuck possesses a very wide stance and keeps his hands low most of the time. He's considered to be a counter-puncher and delivers his punches from virtually all angles.
Chuck Liddell possesses deadly punches, kicks, and knees but his most powerful weapon is his ferocious overhand right, which usually gains him his knockout wins. Liddell currently has 13 out of his 20 wins coming by way of knockout. Chuck Liddell holds outstanding wins over some of the best mixed martial artists of today. Tito Ortiz, Renato Sobral, current HW champion Randy Couture, Vitor Belfort, and Alistair Overeem are just a few of the countless top contenders Liddell has defeated.
2. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic
Cro Cop can is seen as the top striker in the MMA business today. He's well known for being in the majority of MMA highlight reels played around the world today. Cro Cop is not only a world class fighter but a Croatian Anti-Terrorist officer and a former member of the Croatian parliament!
Cro Cop is easily known for his most deadly attack, the signature left high kick. Everyone knows it’s coming, but no one can stop it. Cro Cop best describes his kicking prowess as “Right leg, hospital, left leg cemetery,” I couldn’t have summed it up better myself.
Cro Cop’s outstanding striking abilities have given him much success throughout K-1 and PRIDE FC. On September 10, 2006, Cro Cop was the winner of PRIDE FC’s 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix in which he had to face two opponents on the same night. Cro Cop faced feared striker Wanderlei Silva and topped the night off with a submission (due to strikes) win over Josh Barnett. Barnett is considered to be one of MMA’s top heavyweights. Cro Cop currently fights for the UFC.
Before entering professional kickboxing and mixed martial arts, the Croatian Sensation held an amateur boxing record of 40-5 (31 KOs).
Cro Cop’s most renowned wins are over Josh Barnett, Wanderlei Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba, Ikuhisa Minowa, Hidehiko Yoshida in MMA and Remy Bonjasky, Peter Aerts, Jerome LeBanner and Mark Hunt in kickboxing.
1. Anderson "The Spider" Silva
And we finally reach the number one spot for strikers in my book, Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Anderson Silva is like a sniper, and his hands and feet are his bullets. Corny? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
Silva is UFC’s current middleweight champion and has been Cage Rage’s longest reigning middleweight champion. Anderson Silva has been successful in PRIDE FC, Shooto, Cage Rage, and Rumble on the Rock and has currently been tearing through the UFC.
Anderson Silva trained in the famous Chute Boxe Academy and left to create the Muay Thai Dream Team and most recently created a new team called Black House with fighters Assuerio Silva, Vitor Belfort, Lyoto Machida and Carlos Barreto.
Anderson Silva is hands down the best Muay Thai practitioner in ALL of MMA. Silva utilizes Muay Thai techniques to the fullest extent with his virtually unstoppable clinch, flying knees, flying elbows, spinning back fists and his dead on kicks and punches. On top of Silva’s deadly arsenal of Muay Thai skills, he possesses an iron chin, best displayed in his bout against Jorge Rivera. Anderson Silva purposely ate numerous punches of Rivera’s on the chin and was not fazed one bit. Silva’s best display of his dominating Muay Thai in the UFC was his fight against Rich Franklin. Fighting for the middleweight belt, Silva completely picked apart Rich Franklin, with his clinch and lethal knees, one of which broke Franklin’s nose. Silva of course walked away victorious and still holds the UFC middleweight belt to this day.
All in all, Anderson Silva has sniper scopes on his hands and feet and is dead on with all his strikes. His deadly precision and top notch striking makes every fight of his a blast to watch. For this reason, I give Silva the number one spot for top strikers in MMA today.
Read More...UFC 75: Official Updates
Dana White was featured on ESPN's "Hot List" yesterday and confirmed the rumors about Cro Cop facing Cheick Kongo at UFC 75.
UFC 75: "Champion vs. Champion" is set to take place back in England, where the Croatian Sensation Mirko "Cro Cop" suffered his most recent and devastating knockout loss to Gabriel Gonzaga.
In regards to Cro Cop's next fight, he had this to say:
I am one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, but unfortunately, I did not prove that reputation in my last fight. It was a great shock for me and I believe for all my fans and I was very disappointed. But I am a true professional and fighting is my life so I’m training harder than ever. And in the next fight I will be better than ever so I hope you will all be there to see it. I am going to beat my opponent. As I already told you, it was a shock for me and many people ask me if I am okay, if I am injured – it didn’t look good – that my ankle twisted, that my knee was looking bad, but it’s okay now. I have started running already, I started full training already and I am dying for my next fight.Cro Cop is of course known for his lethal striking abilities and his signature left high kick. Cro Cop has also been highly successful in K-1 and PRIDE FC and is the winner of the PRIDE 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix. Cro Cop was signed to the UFC not too long ago and has had two fights so far, a TKO victory over Eddie Sanchez and a knockout loss to Gabriel Gonzaga.
Cheick Kongo has some impressive credentials up his sleeve as well. Also, known for his impressive striking game, Kongo is a kick boxer and Muay-Thai practitioner who fights out of Paris, France. Kongo's last victory was at UFC 70: Nations Collide, where he defeated Assuerio Silva via majority decision.
This is a should be a stand-up war. Although Kongo lacks ground skills, I don't think Cro Cop is looking to take this one to the ground at any point in the fight.
Other confirmed fights for UFC 75:
Championship Bout: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson v. Dan "Hollywood" Henderson
Michael Bisping v. Matt Hamill
The Lianger Read More...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Cro Cop's Comeback at UFC 75?
After nearly going into cardiac arrest upon hearing the announcement of the 205 pound double-crown championship fight between Rampage and Dan Henderson, rumors have risen about “Cro Cop’s” possible opponent on the same fight card.
“Cro Cop,” a former Croatian law enforcement officer, has been a wrecking machine in his professional career as a fighter, holding a hard-earned record of (16-7) in K1 and winning the PRIDE 2006 Open-weight Grand Prix with a MMA record of (22-5-2). After a less than stellar win over Eddie Sanchez and a devastating knockout loss against Gabriel Gonzaga, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic is in dire need of a strong comeback in the UFC. “Cro Cop” lacks the heart and passion he had when he fought for Pride FC.
With any luck, Cro Cop’s fire will be rekindled at UFC 75 as he squares off against Cheick Kongo (10-3-1) in London, England, on September 8. At least that’s what German website http://groundandpound.de is claiming to be the Croatian officer’s next opponent.
Cheick Kongo is a French based mixed martial artist whose arsenal focuses primarily on Muay Thai and kickboxing. Kongo has thus far earned a (3-1) record in the Octagon. Being that Kongo looked like a lost cause on the ground with opponent Assuerio Silva, there is no doubt in my mind that Kongo will decide to keep the rumored bout on his feet. Though Cro Cop’s ground arsenal is light years beyond Kongo, fans can surely prepare themselves for a classic standup mêlée between Cro Cop and Kongo.
I really hope this is true. It seems to make sense at this point, as an attempt to bring Cro Cop back in the spotlight of UFC. I’ll make sure to keep you guys posted on any official word regarding the bout.
Stay classy fans,
The Lianger
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Iceman and The Axe Murderer
It might not be quite as exciting as when first announced, but the Superfight between Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva looks as if it is going to happen after all. It was first announced at UFC 61 in July 2006, that the two fighters who were at the time at the top of their respective promotions, would fight if Liddell could get past Renato Sobral at UFC 62. Liddell did, but negotiations between the UFC and PRIDE broke down, Wanderlei got knocked out by both Cro Cop and Dan Henderson, Liddell got rampaged by Quinton Jackson, and before you know it, here we are. Two fighters who were at the top of the pile less than a year ago are now struggling to regain their respective reputations. Such is the world of Mixed Martial Arts. So even though this fight may not be the greatest thing to ever take place in an Octagon, it still promises to be an excellent fight between who I consider to be the 3rd and 4th best Light heavyweights in the world (Rampage and Henderson are above them).
Wanderlei is 2-0 against Rampage, with his first victory coming by TKO after 17 consecutive knee strikes. Coincidentally, this took place at PRIDE Final Conflict 2003, the same event in which Rampage Jackson knocked out Liddell for the first time. Wanderlei holds a split record against Henderson. Liddell has obviously lost twice to Rampage but has never fought Henderson. Of course, Liddell has many other wins to his credit, including two against Randy Couture and two against Tito Ortiz. Both fighters (Liddell and Silva) are well-known for their street fighting inspired strategy and generally aggressive style. Although I'd expect them to feel each other out for a little (a la Rampage-Liddell II), I think it would only be a matter of time before these two legends started to bang, ending in a fast and hard finish.
MMAfighting.com has an excellent article on the subject, and in a far more articulate fashion than mine, lays out each fighter's strengths and how the fight would go down (both under PRIDE rules and UFC rules). For those of you too bored to read (or maybe you don't know how, like me), the article paints Silva as having near-equal punching power, a slightly better chin, and some of the best conditioning in the world. Essentially, he's Tito Ortiz if Tito could punch and withstand punishment. Or from another perspective, he's like me with conditioning. Either way, we're talking about a complete fighter here. However, Liddell shouldn't be overlooked: with punching power (probably more than Silva), a great chin (other than the Rampage fight which is unfortunately everyone's most recent memory), and a legendary sprawl (seriously, the best since Royce Gracie ten years ago), he wouldn't exactly be expected to drop easily. Despite Liddell's credentials, I believe that Wanderlei Silva's Muay Thai skills would come through in the end, delivering the victory to the Brazilian Chute Boxe prodigy in one of the earlier rounds.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Ranking the crossover & holdout Pride FC stars
Sunday, April 22, 2007
It's all Over! Gonzaga knocks Cro Cop out cold!
First of all, I want to say that I hate Direct T.V. Last night, my satellite had problems picking up Spike T.V. at 8:00 pm, so I figure I will leave it on Spike and it will come in later that night. So I sit there watching a blank screen, I call Direct T.V., they tell me to reset the box, and that doesn’t work. So they tell me it will clear up soon, but they don’t know when. At 9:00 pm, I go to sleep out of rage. I wake up around 12:00 am and Spike comes in a little bit, I clear my eyes and I see Cro Cop vs. Gonzaga.Then, without warning, I watch as the relatively-unknown Gonzaga throws a high kick and ends the fight! Cro Cop falls in such a way that I've never seen, his leg and ankle are bent backwards while his arms are stretched out. Cro Cop is clearly out cold prompting the medics to come running over while an animated Gonzaga celebrates around the octagon and becomes the number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship Title.
Most people won’t believe me, but I thought all along that Cro Cop was going to lose this fight by knockout via punches, just not one kick. I thought Cro Cop would get caught with a wild punch like he did against Kevin Randleman in his first fight. I predicted this victory after seeing the “eye of the tiger” in Gonzaga in “The Countdown to UFC 70” video packages. Gonzaga looked very strong with comparable knockout power. He is also the younger fighter and seemed more hungry for the win. I have watched Cro Cop for years now, and I have decided that he fights his best when he is cautious of his opponent. Cro Cop annihilated every opponent in the Pride FC 2006 Grandprix tournament, which was not an easy task. Cro Cop was fast on his feet and used a variety of combinations in the 2006 Grandprix tournament. The little bit of the fight I saw last night featured Cro Cop standing right in front of Gonzaga and showing little respect. Generally, when a larger fight is in the distance, such as Cro Cop vs. Couture, people tend to overlook the present bout. This past summer MMA fans were getting excited to see Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva. What happened next? Cro Cop knocked out Wanderlei in the Grandprix tournament and squashed that fight. So what is next for both fighters?
The way Cro Cop was knocked out, I believe his career could be over! Cro Cop has one of the best highlight reels in MMA, beating some of the best fighters with his devastating left high kick and fast hands. Cro Cop was, in my opinion, the second best heavyweight in MMA until this knockout by Gonzaga. This knockout is one of the best knockouts in UFC history. How ironic Cro Cop is finished by one of his own moves and maybe will be featured on UFC Ultimate Knockouts 5, if I’m counting correctly. When Randy Couture was knocked out twice, we all said it was his age. When Wanderlei Silva lost his two pervious fights, his excuses were the weight difference and he was sick, respectively. For Cro Cop, there are none. In North America, Cro Cop will be known as the guy who got knocked out by Gonzaga unless they have followed Pride FC. If Cro Cop comes back, he will never win the UFC Heavyweight Championship or return the to level of success he had been accustomed to. Gonzaga will face Couture in a few months and lose by decision or win by submission in a shocking match.
My finals words are this: I respect Cro Cop for just getting in the octagon -- MMA is no joke and anyone can win or lose on any night. Gonzaga could shock the world again and beat Couture and become the UFC Heavyweight Champion. Whether its Pride FC or UFC, it only takes one punch, kick, or submission to end a fight.
Donald "Diddy Kong" Davenport writing for The Irish Whip
Monday, April 16, 2007
UFC Heavyweight Division Heats Up!
The Ultimate Fighter 5, Chuck Liddell's next title defense at UFC 71 , the new Lightweight division, UFC buying Pride. With all of these things going on in the Mixed Martial Arts world, what I believe to be the most important is the emergence of the Heavyweight division as the powerhouse division in the UFC. With new fighters and amazing upsets, it is easily the most exciting division in all of Mixed Martial Arts.
The UFC has never been known for its strength at the Heavyweight Division. Pride has always had the most dominant Heavyweight Division in the world, with Fedor Emelienenko leading the pack. Now, the UFC owns 6 of the 10 top rated Heavyweight fighters in the world. With Randy Couture, Mirko " Cro-Cop", Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, and two new recent acquisitions from Pride, Fabricio Werdum ( who will fight Arlovski at UFC 70) and arguably the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist in the Heavyweight Division Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
There are many questions to be answered in this division. Can Arlovski battle his way back to the top? Can Couture hang onto the title with the dominant Cro-Cop ready to fight him? Will Fedor sign with the UFC? Where does Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira fit into this mix? All of these questions will make for an interesting next few months in the UFC Heavyweight Division.
Upcoming UFC cards
Unlike my announcement to hold the Wanderlei Silva-Chuck Liddell fight at UFC 78, the following fights on the following cards are either confirmed or heavily rumored from company sources.
UFC 70
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Ryoto Machida vs. David Heath
Michael Bisping vs. Elvis Sinosic
Andrei Arlovski vs. Fabricio Werdum
Assuerio Silva vs. Cheick Kongo
UFC 71
Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson (Light Heavyweight title)
Karo Parisyan vs. Josh Burkman
Sean Salmon vs. Eric Schafer
Chris Leben vs. Kalib Starnes
Ivan Salaverry vs. Terry Martin
UFC 72
Rich Franklin vs. Martin Kampmann
Forrest Griffin vs. TBA
Jorge Gurgel vs. TBA
Tyson Griffin vs. Clay Guida
UFC 73
Anderson Silva vs. Nate Marquardt (Middleweight title)
Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans
Jorge Gurgel vs. Jamie Varner
UFC 74
Randy Couture vs. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic/Gabriel Gonzaga (Heavyweight title)
Sean Sherk vs. Hermes Franca (Lightweight title)
UFC 75
Matt Serra vs. Matt Hughes (Welterweight title)
UFC 76
Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin (Middleweight title)
Some notes on these UFC cards: First, it's obvious that UFC 72 is going to be a piece of crap. They should just move it to SpikeTV at this point. It was supposed to feature the Ortiz-Evans fight, but that got bumped to UFC 73. Second, I found it interesting how far the Serra title fight has been pushed. I suppose that this is a testament to the level of talent in the UFC, but it also means that Georges St. Pierre may have to wait until 2008 for his rematch. Finally, I hope that some classic talent is added to these later cards in the form of Arlovski, Sylvia, etc. The new guys are fun, but being able to examine a fighters long history is just as enjoyable.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Updated UFC commentary
Although UFC has acquired Pride FC, it appears that the two entities will remain separate for now. This was made evident when, on April 7th, Dana White signed former Pride superstar Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira. This could create some very interesting match ups in the ever stellar Heavyweight division considering the fashion in which the newly-signed Brazilian beat current star Cro Cop in 2003. Cro Cop is currently getting a huge push in the next UFC event (broadcast for free on SpikeTV), so the signing of Minotauro puts them on a fast track to face one another. With this addition, the list of UFC Heavyweight contenders looks like this: Randy Couture (Champion), Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, Cro Cop, and Minotauro. Look for a Couture title defense at around UFC 74 or UFC 75, possibly a rematch against Sylvia. If he wins this fight, you can expect to see the Cro Cop-Minotauro winner to face him next. If the UFC could somehow move Fedor across brands, it would make the heavyweight division as strong as it has ever been.
Comparatively, the Light Heavyweight division is weak. That's right, the division that owns Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz is weak. That's how good the Heavyweight division is. Rampage Jackson and Liddell should provide some short-term fireworks at UFC 71, but there's not enough star power to provide longevity. My suggestion: sign the super fight with Liddell and Wanderlei Silva. Of course, if Rampage upsets Liddell (like Serra just did with St. Pierre), we have a whole new ballgame. I know that Rampage won their last fight, but I can't imagine Liddell being listed as the underdog in the rematch or any match, for that matter.
The Welterweight division, usually the definition of consistency with Hughes at the reins, has experienced a title change in its last two title defenses. That's three champions in two events. Notorious for good but not great wrestlers (such as Frank Trigg, Sean Sherk, and others), the division finally has some new-found story lines with the recent rash of changes. Now, to figure out who gets the first title shot...
The Middleweight division features a boring champ who immediately jumps into a Muay Thai clinch at the beginning of every round and a cast of rejects from "The Ultimate Fighter." The Lightweight division features a champ who is only champ because he couldn't cut it with the Welterweights and had to drop (Sean Sherk) and two bonafide superstars who won't fight until the end of the next season of "The Ultimate Fighter" (BJ Penn and Jens Pulver). With their fight booked already, it will be months before either can provide a challenge to Sherk. If the UFC needs to move talent from Pride to any two divisions, these are the ones. Sure, I'd like to see some dream Heavyweight matches, but the talent in those divisions is already there. In these two, it is dangerously lacking.
