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
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Jens Pulver Interview
Irish Whip Fighting: First of all, you had to pull out of your WEC debut against Cub Swanson due to a serious knee injury. How's your knee doing?
Jens Pulver: Well my knee is alright. I tore it, which sucked, but luckily it's just the ligament, it's not the meniscus. So I don't need surgery, I just need time, you know? A lot of rehab, strengthen it back up, icing, just the pain in the butt stuff right now. And once I get that back, I should more than be ready by December 12.
IWF: When do you think that we can expect to see you back in the ring? Are you fighting at WEC 32 on December 12th?
JP: Well, one of the things was I want to fight this year. I don't want to wait. I don't know how many more shows WEC has [this year], and I hope they have one or two. But the goal is hopefully late November, early December, something like that. I don't want to wait till next year. I don't want to wait nine months in between fights, you know -- I can't stand that stuff. Hopefully the end of this year…just as soon as possible. I'm cleared -- I think I've got a physical that I get Monday to make sure I'm cleared for that date. So, hopefully the end of the year, around there.
IWF: Can you tell us a little about your childhood and how that helped you become a fighter?
JP: For me, obviously I've always wanted to be a fighter [and] I've always wanted to be in fighting. I loved boxing -- it was something that I always wanted to do. I remember people would ask me when I was a kid, 13 years old, "what do you want to do?" pretty much, and I'd say, "I want to be world champ". I loved wrestling, you know? But I guess the biggest thing for me is that I'm just not afraid to get punched; I'm not afraid to get hit. I grew up getting punched and hit. I mean I've never died from it.
It hurt worse mentally being around my father than the physical aspect -- physical beatings are nothing. They go away, they heal…the bruises, they're gone. I didn't get into fighting because I was abused. I just have always loved the whole aspect of being in a sport where it's all on you. It's all left up to you. Your hard work, your heart, your skill. I didn't like being on a team where maybe I went to bed early, maybe my diet was great, but the other 10 guys on my football team stayed out and partied and drank. Well, we would get beat. I didn't want to have to worry about 10 other opinions and ideas. I liked it [being] all about me, because I was an individual trying to be on a team rather then being on a team trying to be an individual.
IWF: Would you call your win against BJ Penn back in 2002 the biggest victory of your career?
JP: No, not even. It was a good victory. It was big for the moment. It was big defending the title. But…no… because for me it was just a guy coming up that wanted to take my belt that I just wanted to beat. I didn't know that later on it would turn into this. Winning the title was big; beating John Louis was bigger because I was hurt so bad. My fight with Stephen Palling was probably my favorite fight on the planet. It was my greatest fight that I've ever been in.
It was big beating [Penn], but it was just another title defense against an up-and-coming guy that everyone said was going to beat me. At the time I never knew it would turn into all of this. But was it my biggest fight? Absolutely not. It was a gigantic fight, don't get me wrong, but I don't look at it as my biggest fight. Winning that belt was huge and fighting Palling was huge. We [him and Palling] wailed on each other -- it was an unbelievable fight. The second fight with BJ was big because that was the cleanest I've ever been beat up. I've been caught with a shot trying to get down and I've had a few quick fights that way. But BJ just dumped on me and beat on me. He was getting that mount and getting me on the ground and just beating on me. But yeah, my second fight with him was big for me just because it was so humiliating -- it was just an ass-kicking.
IWF: Did you think Penn was an improved fighter from the last time you faced him?
JP: Oh of course I think he was more improved. The kid's been in there against a lot of people. When I fought him the first time he was young, he still felt bulletproof, or whatever else you want to call it. He hadn't been tested yet. So I could take him into deep water because he had never been there -- he was beating everyone in one round. The second time around, shoot, look at all the battles he's been in, look at the weights he's gone up, or the world titles he's fought for. He was a whole different person, and that was good. I knew he would be a different fighter. I didn't know if I was going to get a lazy BJ Penn, but everyone was asking me if I thought he'd make weight. I was like, "Yeah, he'll make weight…the kid hates me. He'll do it just because he hates me. Just because he wants to hit me, he's gonna make weight. He's going to come back and be the old BJ Penn that everybody’s been waiting and hoping to see…‘The Phenom’…or ‘The Prodigy’…whatever you call it.”
IWF: He held that choke for a LONG time. With ‘Babalu’ recently being fired for holding a choke too long, do you think that BJ should've received some punishment?
JP: You know, at the time I didn't, but I don't think Renato should've received any punishment either. I didn't even think about that. I guess it kinda seems ironic because I don't think Renato held the choke as long as BJ did. It doesn't matter to me -- I didn't see what BJ did as being wrong and I didn't see what Renato did as being wrong. I was the one who got caught in the rear naked choke. I can understand; it's been five and a half years that BJ's had to deal with this. And that's the thing, when you're in the cage and you're fighting somebody, especially when you don't like the person you're fighting,…like truly dislike the person, when you get that hold and you squeeze it, you just get this [self]-assured feeling…it's like…AHH…you just want to put that exclamation point on it. I just got exclamated on.
But I can't believe what's his name, Renato, got the boot. And I don't blame BJ. Shoot, if I had landed a choke on BJ, God would've had to come down and get it off probably, and that's the truth. It would've felt so good to have my arms around him choking the shit out of him…But I'm the one to fall into it, so he can do whatever he wants. It's like getting mad when someone celebrates…don't let them beat you if you don't want [them] to celebrate on you! [Laughs]
IWF: Are you and BJ cool now?
JP: I never spoke to him…I mean, I don't think we need to be pen pals or phone buddies or anything. I think we tried each other once; it's different directions. Truth be told, I look around hearing what everyone says, and I just think to myself… "Man I don't think we're supposed to be friends." [Laughs] I just don't see it, you know? Cause now we're even, 1-1. I hate it! Someone's got to be in front of the other one! I don't know what to think right now. I'm just going to do my fights, let my knee heel, and whatever happens will happen. I just don't like this being even stuff. Someone's got to be ahead of the other one. We'll have to figure something out…
…I'm trying to be gentle here, but I'm trying not to get anything started! [Laughs]
Yeah he beat me, but do I think I could do better? Do I think that the fight could've been different? Yeah, of course. It just sucks that we each have one win. But, he has the biggest win, so cool.
IWF: Would you ever consider a third fight against Penn?
JP: Oh my god yes. I'd give my right arm for a third fight. I've just got to figure out how to earn that third fight. But yeah, I would love to fight. And the thing is, even if he's at 155 [lbs.], I'll fight him at 145. I don't even care about the weight. I'm just going to focus on this fight with Cub, but in the back of my mind I have someone to gun for. I get to gun for BJ, who actually did kick my butt. It wasn't some freaky shock or anything like that, it was a genuine ass-whooping. Now I have someone to chase after, which is kinda what I've been waiting for for a while. Now I can chase after earning that shot to fight BJ again. I'll just have to beat everybody, so I can get my hands on him. It'd be cool.
IWF: After your last fight with Penn, you announced that you were going to drop down to featherweight and fight in the WEC. Why did you decide to do this?
JP: Well I weigh 150 pounds when I'm in shape. And it sucks, because the guys got bigger than me. I just had a good time when I fought at 143 [lbs.], and boxing at 147 [lbs.]. I was just thumping people down there. But there was never a financial opportunity or a show like the WEC out there for 145 pounders. So, I fought at 155 [lbs.], and 160 [lbs.] at PRIDE Bushido. Now there's no hit, it's not a step down for me. It's actually a step up for me to fight at 145 [lbs.] at WEC. There are a lot of 145- and 135-pounders there. Yeah, everyone can sit there and try to say it's a minor league or whatever. But, that's where all of the 145-pounders are. It's the premier spot for that weight class; there is no other spot for 145[-pounders]. And I can still stay close to my UFC family. When I asked them about it they said, "Yeah, no problem." I'm just excited, happy as can be. I get to help build the weight class, and it's just great.
IWF: I know we're all extremely excited to see you fighting again.
JP: Oh yeah man. It's going to be fun, really fun. Cub's trying to irritate me and get under my skin a lot, and he's doing a real good job of it. It's just going to be fun. I can't wait.
IWF: You're the UFC's first lightweight champion, and you technically never lost the belt. What does that mean to you as a fighter?
JP: It's a phenomenal feeling. It doesn't do anything because I don't think about it much anymore. I don't sit there and think "man I was the best once, so that makes my career good enough"…No, my career isn't good enough. I've got a lot of things that I want to get done. At the same token, it's nice to look at those belts. As I'm getting older I'm starting to realize that many people are going to go in and out of this game of MMA and they’re never going to be able to put a belt around them. So that means for one or two years I was the best in the world. When it's all said and done that's a pretty cool feeling. When I'm done I'll be pretty proud of it, but right now it's not something that I really think about. I don't sit there and think "what's wrong with me, I was world champion". But looking at my trophy case it's pretty cool to have four UFC titles.
IWF: Can you tell us a little bit about your experience working as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter?
JP: Well, I loved it. I'd do it again. If they ever asked me, absolutely. I had a great team; I had fun with those guys. It was great to sit back and watch Nate [Diaz] do his thing. I was proud of him…I stay in touch with my team. It was an absolute blessing. I had a great team, I had great support from all of the guys, and they made things a lot of fun. It wasn't a hard thing to do. Coaching those guys wasn't hard to do. I just had to be like "Hell no, I'm not getting in there. Let me tell you what to do." [Laughs] It was cool, you know? But yeah, I'd love to do it again; it was a lot of fun for me.
IWF: Who are some of the most promising fighters you worked with on the show?
JP: On my team of course Nate and Manny [Gamburyan] were tough. Nate…that kid is really tough. [Corey] Hill was great too. Cole Miller is a well-rounded athlete already. I think he's just got to trim up his heart and his courage a little bit; he needs to believe in himself. Once he does that, he'll be unstoppable. He's destroying people right now. He's got the attributes and the skills, but he needs to believe in himself. I like [Joe] Lauzon, my hat goes off to that kid. I didn't really respect him after catching me with that shot, but I didn't know him. But the more I watched him on the show, the more I respected him. I started thinking, man this kid's alright, this kid's cool. [Matt] Wiman -- I always got along with Wiman. [Rob] Emerson -- I always knew Emerson was a brawler. I'm not leaving anybody out; any one of them could prove me wrong. But just in my mind, those guys right there really stood out with me. Those are guys that it would be fun to hang out with or continue coaching. Any one of them I would take, but those guys just stand out.
IWF: Yeah man. I'd think that it'd be really cool to see these guys out there fighting. I know that Nate and Cole just got big wins at UFC Fight Night 11.
JP: Yeah man. When I see Nate and Cole do their thing, that's cool. These are eight fighters that I'll always root for. I'll root for any 155-pounder ‘cause I like to see great fights. But this is kinda like an extended family. I think they understand that if they ever need anything from me – ever -- I'd do it in a second. I guess I'm kinda like a proud uncle when I see these boys win. We all got to bond and do that crazy show together. I love seeing them win.
IWF: More and more fighters are getting caught with steroids lately. Why do fighters take them if they know they'll probably get caught?
JP: I don't know. Maybe ‘cause everyone else is doing it, maybe someone's telling them that it'll help, maybe someone's telling them that they won't get caught, or maybe someone's telling them that it'll help. I've never used that shit man, you know? I don't need it. More power to the ones who do, most power to the ones that don't. I do understand when you get older, to deal with injuries and stuff…medical reasons. But kids doing it at 22, 23, 25, 27…dude you're just robbing yourself. Build your body up, man. Get caught when you're 36-40! I'll understand then. I don't understand why a strong, young, gifted athlete has to sit there and pop the juice. When I was 25, I didn't sit there and drop a needle in my arm. I just don't need that, and I don't respect people that use it. It's not legal in this sport. You don't need it. Out train the guy, outwork the guy! If you lose, you lose. And I don't want to hear all that "It makes me better" shit, f-ing go on a diet! Pardon my language. Run! Eat! Work! This shit isn't supposed to be easy. If it was as easy as just buying it in a syringe, then how many more people would be a fighter? How many fake-ass fighters would we see down at the bar with their Tapout shirts saying that their time is coming. Shit, you know they don't train. If it was easy, all of those guys would be in there. I don't know man, I don't want any part of that.
IWF: You've been known for giving 110% all the time. Out of all of your fights, who has given you the toughest time?
JP: Me and (Stephen) Palling had a fight that a lot of people didn't see at 143 [lbs.]. It was the most painful thing I've ever been through in my life. I was out there getting hit with shots, and I was wishing that he would knock me out. The hits hurt so bad, I was like, "God, I wish that last one took me down." We went toe-to-toe for three rounds. It was very painful. And it was in Hawaii! You know the Hawaiian fans, don't come in there with some weak ass game, ‘cause they'll throw you out. They've always been solid. They may be on those islands, but their knowledge is disgusting. I was just like, “You know what? I'm just going to go out there and throw down,” even though I was fighting Hawaii's boy, Palling. Today he's my brother, period. I ended [up] being real, real, real good friends with the kid. But, we beat each other senseless.
But, it was weird, the other day we got to sit down and talk about the fight. I hadn't talked about it in about two years, and it was great to sit down with him and go over all of the stuff that had happened during the fight. But to me, that fight was very memorable. I gave it all to those Hawaiian fans, and to Palling too.
IWF: Well you did win the fight...
JP: Yeah true. I guess I can't sound hypocritical because I did win. But it's the worst beating that I've taken. If you're talking about a fight that I've learned the most from, then I've got to say it'd be my last fight with BJ, I hope. We'll see…
IWF: And, anything to say to your fans?
JP: Yeah of course. First and foremost, thank you. Don’t ever think that you can’t walk up to me and say hi. I’ll be pissed off if you don’t. Thank you is all I can say, but I can’t say it enough. The increasing amount and awareness of all of these fans is amazing. They’re not giving up on me, and I swear to God I’m going to give them something to cheer about. It’s coming, I swear it’s coming.
(Originally conducted for MMAMadness.com)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The Ultimate Fighter 5 FINALE: Results and Thoughts!
"The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous."This was certainly the case for tonight's main event and long awaited rematch between BJ "The Prodigy" Penn and Jens "Little Evil" Pulver. I feel like I just robbed the UFC for watching the TUF5 Finale for free. This felt like a solid PPV event with explosive matches from start to finish. From the undercards down to the main event, there was not a single fight I could've afforded to miss.
-V, V for Vendetta
Here are the results followed my two cents on the most memorable fights of the night.
BJ Penn def. Jens Pulver by submission (RNC) at 3:12, Round 2
Nate Diaz def. Manny Gamburyan by submission (shoulder injury) at 0:20, Round 2
Thales Leites def. Floyd Sword by submission (arm triangle) at 3:50, Round 1
Roger Huerta def. Doug Evans by TKO (strikes) at 3:30, Round 2
Joe Lauzon def. Brandon Melendez by submission (triangle choke) at 2:09, Round 2
Cole Miller def. Andy Wang by TKO (strikes) at 1:10, Round 1
Gray Maynard and Robert Emerson declared a NO CONTEST
Leonard Garcia def. Allen Berube by submission (RNC) at 4:22, Round 1
Matt Wiman def. Brian Geraghty by TKO (strikes) at 2:09, Round 1
BJ Penn v. Jens Pulver
Though the event was filled with explosive match ups, this one surely took the cake. BJ "The Prodigy" Penn was looking to avenge his loss to Pulver back in UFC 35: Throwdown in November 11, 2002. Pulver, coming in as a major underdog in UFC 35, pulled a majority decision win over the heavily favored BJ Penn.
Penn's improvement in his conditioning was apparent as soon as he stepped foot in The Octagon. He showed no sign of fatigue throughout the match up and kept pressing the action. Penn began the match with a hard right which staggered Pulver and continued his reign from there. With improved striking, backed with continuous take downs and submission attempts, Penn secured the remarkable win with a tightly locked rear naked choke in the 2nd round.
Penn displayed all he had and more as he neutralized Pulver throughout the match. The bad blood was undoubtedly there as Penn held the RNC for an additional three seconds or so even after the tap. All the bad blood was thrown out the window as the fight concluded. Pulver gave a damn good speech and showed great sportsmanship. Pulver confirmed his move to the 145lb division and will be training with “The Prodigy” himself in the future. Faber's got a handful of trouble coming his way...I give this fight a 10/10!
Nate Diaz (TUF5 Winner) v. Manny Gamburyan, Rob Emerson v. Gray Maynard
Nate Diaz, now crowned the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5, had a rather anti-climatic fight with Armenian pit-bull Manny Gamburyan. Round 1 was pretty fast paced as Manny displayed an obvious strength advantage with takedowns and overall ground control over Gracie BJJ pupil Nate Diaz. After a good first round, the fight concluded in the second round when Manny dislocated his right shoulder in a take down attempt, forcing him to tap. Nate was given all his TUF 5 winner goodies as a disappointed, but humble, Manny Gamburyan stood by.
This was just one of two “freak” accidents of the night.
The first shocker of the night was actually the catchup between TUF5 contestants Gray Maynard and Robert Emerson. Maynard came out swinging for the fences looking to rip Emerson’s head off it seemed. Maynard tagged Emerson with good blows as they continued to trade throughout the first round. Maynard closed the first round with a crushing body shot hurting Emerson at the end of round 1. Now is where the fight got fun. At the start of the second round, Maynard scored a huge uppercut, slammed Emerson down hard and managed to knock himself out in the process. Although, Emerson tapped out from the slam, the fight was ultimately called a no contest because of Maynard’s self-inflicted KO. Maynard protested the decision but, Rogan insisted that he was indeed knocked out. Pure comedy gold ladies and gentlemen!
The rest of fights were solid, you can catch the replay on Spike TV. The replay schedule can be found here.
Hooray for free MMA!
The Lianger
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Is "Little Evil" headed to WEC?
In recent news, MMA on Tap released an article revealing Jens "Little Evil" Pulver’s future plans. Pulver’s longtime manager, Monte Cox, announced that Pulver may be heading over to WEC to join their featherweight division. Though, this may not sound exciting to casual fans, it sets a blueprint for an electrifying matchup between current WEC featherweight champ Urijah “California Kid” Faber (19-1) and Jens "Little Evil" Pulver.
Pulver recently fell short to current TUF5 competitor Joe Lauzon, at UFC63 via knockout in just forty-eight seconds into the first round. Pulver’s last fight in the UFC is set to go down on TUF5’s finale on June 23, 2007, against none other than BJ Penn, at 155 lbs.
No “official” word has been made, White may have some “special news” for us at the conclusion of TUF5 Finale.
Stay classy,The Lianger Read More...
Monday, May 21, 2007
UFC Spotlight
Okay, so it may not be quite like the first season where Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell were opposing coaches. And maybe it isn't as good as season three, during which coaches Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock constantly went at each other. It certainly isn't season four, in which Matt Serra won the tournament to get a title shot against Georges St. Pierre which he quickly turned into a title change. This season doesn't have those fireworks, but it's still worth watching, and here's why:
SpikeTV was smart enough to put the show on Thursday nights, meaning it won't compete with any of the WWE's brands or American Idol. They're counting on the fact you don't have anything better to do on a Thursday night at 10 PM. And let's be honest...you don't.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Who's The Greatest?
Guest article by Thomas Gerbasi:
If 2007 has taught us anything, it's that parity has hit the world of mixed martial arts. And it’s hit hard in a year rife with upsets, from Matt Serra’s stoppage of the seemingly unstoppable Georges St-Pierre to last weekend’s KO win by Gabriel Gonzaga over heavyweight heir apparent Mirko Cro Cop.
So in a sport where, to coin the NFL term, “on any given Sunday” any fighter has the chance to beat another one in the Octagon if everything goes right for him on that night, it makes you appreciate the fighters who are a step above that parity, who have proven that on any given night, you’re going to need your ‘A’ game and nothing less to even have a shot at getting the victory.
Throughout the UFC’s almost 14 year history, there have been a handful of fighters who fit that bill, who have made it to the top of the ladder and have dominated their particular segment of time in the organization. Who was – or is - the greatest, or most dominating, champion in UFC history though?
Let’s find out, breaking it down division by division. And for our discussion here, we will stick to fighters who competed from the time the first UFC Heavyweight Champion - Mark Coleman - was crowned at UFC 12 in 1997.
HEAVYWEIGHTS
There have been ten Heavyweight Champions crowned in the UFC. One, Randy Couture, won the title three times; Tim Sylvia has won the belt twice. Among the other title holders, five champions (Coleman, Bas Rutten, Josh Barnett, Ricco Rodriguez, Frank Mir) never successfully defended the belt, with Mo Smith (1), Kevin Randleman (1), and Andrei Arlovski (2) defending their titles, but not for an extended period of time.
That leaves us with Couture and Sylvia. Sylvia holds the UFC record for most heavyweight title defenses with three combined over his two reigns. He is also 3-3 in fights against fellow champions, beating Arlovski (twice) and Rodriguez, while losing to Arlovski, Mir and Couture. And therein lies the edge for ‘The Natural’. While his only two title defenses were against dangerous but underachieving Pedro Rizzo, and has lost his belt to Barnett and Rodriguez, he holds wins over fellow champions Smith, Randleman, and Sylvia, and when the comparisons are thisclose, you’ve got to go with the guy with the 5-2 championship fight record (compared to Sylvia’s 5-3) and the head to head victory. Greatest UFC Heavyweight ever? Randy Couture.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Five UFC Light Heavyweight Champions have ruled over the years, with Tito Ortiz leading the way in defenses with five, while Chuck Liddell and Frank Shamrock are close behind with four each. Randy Couture, a two-time champion, defended his title once technically (he won the interim title by beating Liddell and then beat Ortiz for the full title), with Vitor Belfort never having successfully defended the belt.
Though he’s fallen on hard times recently due to his inability to take out the man currently at the top (Liddell), Ortiz did dominate the 205-pound weight class in the early years after Zuffa took control of the company, making the second highest total of title defenses in UFC history. And there were good fighters in there for ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’, including the man he beat for the title, Wanderlei Silva, and Yuki Kondo, Evan Tanner, and Vladimir Matyushenko. Some would dismiss the easy wins over Elvis Sinosic and Ken Shamrock, but the fact remains that Ortiz has amassed an impressive body of work en route to a 6-3 title fight record.
A closer look though, shows that against his fellow champions at the weight (and he has fought all of them), Ortiz’ record drops to a paltry 1-4, with his only win coming against Belfort via a close decision. This hurts his all-time standing and leaves us with Liddell and Shamrock. Shamrock, who was champion when the division was called ‘middleweight’, defeated Ortiz, Jeremy Horn, and Igor Zinoviev, but despite his talent, he has to be penalized for dominating what was a weak division compared to the 205-pound weight class of the last few years.
Which brings us to ‘The Iceman’. Liddell, at 37, is as dangerous as he’s ever been, and he shows no signs of slowing down. His title fight record stands at a stellar 5-1 and he holds non-title wins over Ortiz and Belfort, bringing his record against fellow champions to 7-1 if you count his stoppage of former heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman and former middleweight boss Murilo Bustamante. Simply put, at 205, Liddell has proven himself to be the most dominant light heavyweight, not only of this era, but of all-time.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
The Jan Brady division of MMA has risen from virtual obscurity to its rightful place among the most competitive weight classes in the game. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a Liddell, Hughes,
yet. Dave Menne and Evan Tanner didn’t fit the bill, both losing the title in their first defenses. Rich Franklin, with two title defenses before losing his belt to Anderson Silva, came close. Brazilian ground ace Murilo Bustamante had potential to be ‘that guy’ until he left the organization after his lone defense over Matt Lindland. But its the current man on top of the heap, Silva, who may be the one to have a long and dominating reign, especially if he gets through highly regarded Nate Marquardt, a rematch with Franklin, and whoever else the UFC throws at him in the coming months. If he loses his crown before 2007 ends, then it’s back to the drawing board.
WELTERWEIGHTS
After some close races, this is the one no-brainer of the group. In a division filled with quality fighters and quality champions, Matt Hughes stands high above the pack. And it’s a tough pack to get through. Hughes, with seven defenses and two non-title wins over two reigns is the leader, followed by his mentor, Pat Miletich, with three defenses, and the foursome of Carlos Newton, BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre, and Matt Serra, none of whom have heard Bruce Buffer say “and still UFC Welterweight Champion.”
But when it comes down to it, even with his losses to Penn and GSP (whom he also holds wins over), there is no champion at 170 pounds who has a prayer of competing with Hughes’ resume. Look at the numbers. 9-2 in title fights, with wins over Penn, St-Pierre, Frank Trigg (twice), Sean Sherk, Newton, and Mach Sakurai. He has non-title wins over Royce Gracie, Joe Riggs, and Chris Lytle, and in fights against his fellow champions (including lightweight boss Sherk and former middleweight champ Dave Menne), he is 6-2. St-Pierre’s recent loss to Serra only magnified Hughes accomplishments and how hard it is to stay on top once you get there.
LIGHTWEIGHTS
A tough division to break down, especially given the fact that the lightweight class was dormant in the UFC for close to two years. Call it the curse of Jens Pulver, who left the organization over a contract dispute without ever having lost the belt in the ring, but a post-Pulver tournament to crown a new champion fizzled with a draw in the final between BJ Penn and Caol Uno, and then came the division hiatus from 2004 to 2006. So basically we’re looking at two eras and two champions in Pulver, who reigned in the early part of the Millennium when Zuffa took control of the UFC, and Sherk, the current champion, who has yet to defend his crown. Based on resume at 155 pounds alone, Pulver is the easy winner, just because of his title winning effort over Uno, and his defenses over quality opposition like Penn and Dennis Hallman. Plus, he never lost his title in the ring. Sherk a career-long welterweight, is just getting his feet wet at 155, and if his win over Kenny Florian to take the lightweight belt is any indication, we may have to revisit this discussion in a year’s time. But until Sherk proves himself against the contenders in a stacked division, the most dominating UFC lightweight champion of all-time is ‘Lil Evil’.
There you have it – Couture, Liddell, Hughes, Pulver, and a vacancy at middleweight. Who’s the best though? I think it comes down to Liddell and Hughes.
Chuck Liddell
Overall Record 20-3
Record in Title Fights 5-1
Title Defenses 4 (current)
Record against fellow champions 7-1
Current winning streak – 7 (all by KO or TKO)
Matt Hughes
Overall Record 42-5
Record in Title Fights 9-2
Title Defenses 7 (over two reigns)
Record against fellow champions 6-2
Current winning streak – 1
Too close to call? Most definitely. But in the ‘what have you done for me lately’ world of mixed martial arts, you go with the fighter currently on top, and that man is Chuck Liddell.
Of course, having said that...let the debates begin! Read More...
