Newly-Middleweighted Mike Swick scrapped his way to a close decision against the dangerous Josh Burkman while Patrick Cote put a hurting on Drew McFedries.
Mike Swick vs. Josh Burkman (Swick by Unanimous Decision)
Patrick Cote vs. Drew McFedries (Cote by 1st round TKO)
Alvin Robinson vs. Nate Diaz (Diaz by 1st round Submission)
Michihiro Omigawa vs. Thiago Tavares (Tavares by Unanimous Decision)
Alberto Crane vs. Kurt Pellegrino (Pellegrino by 2nd round TKO)
Dennis Siver vs. Gray Maynard (Maynard by Unanimous Decision)
Jeremy Stephens vs. Cole Miller (Stephens by 2nd round TKO)
Joe Veres vs. Corey Hill (Hill by 2nd round TKO)
Justin Buchholz vs. Matt Wiman (Wiman by 1st round Submission)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
UFN 12 Quick Results
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Swick hopes to make “Quick” work of Burkman
Welterweights Mike Swick and Josh Burkman will be doing anything but lounging at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. The two headline UFC Fight Night 12 and look to make a definitive statement live on national television. When The Ultimate Fighter alumni enter the Octagon, can Swick’s fast hands and submission prowess translate to his new division after a long lay off? Or will Burkman’s wrestling-centric game put him out of commission?
By Danny Acosta
170lbs. is a new frontier for Mike Swick. The Texas-born fighter began his career at his natural weight of 185lbs. before moving to 205lbs to star in season one of The Ultimate Fighter. Time in the UFC allowed for the California-based fighter to return to his natural weight, but a hard fought decision loss against massive middleweight Yushin Okami forced “Quick” to buy sauna gear and enter the fray of the UFC’s most challenger-laden division.
The drop to welterweight is not of Gleison Tibau proportions. It allows Swick to be a well-sized fighter in the weight class. With “Crazy” Bob Cook in Swick’s corner, the weight cut should not deplete his cardio, speed, and strength. However, Burkman’s wrestling base proves to be a direct challenge to those three elements of the game. Takedown after takedown can neutralize the American Kickbox Academy’s speed and push his cardio into uncomfortable territory. “The People’s Warrior” is one of the division’s larger fighters—strength is his weapon.
The Utahan has demonstrated improved stand-up in his recent outings, but still needs to bring the fight to the mat to avoid Swick’s fast hands that will most likely still be loaded in his welterweight debut. A ground fight tests Swick’s submission game, which proved to be slow on the draw against Yushin Okami. The Japanese fighter is not as aggressive as the former Team Quest fighter yet he still managed to deliver vicious ground and pound that could have stopped the fight justifiably. Burkman must work on the ground, preferably against the cage, to frustrate Swick. Again, size can be Swick’s downfall as Burkman is athletic as well.
However, Burkman has a tendency to slow down in the later stanzas of the fight, while Swick has stellar cardio and strong takedown defense. Stuffed takedowns can diminish Burkman’s cardio early in the fight. Swick’s explosive stand-up typically lacks knees in his combinations. Working to the body damaged Burkman in his split decision win over Forrest Petz. If Swick retains his aggression, elusive footwork, and mixes up his strikes—including knees and body punches— against a fighter that struggled to solve the puzzle of Karo Parisyan’s winging punches, a successful arrival to 170lbs. is likely.
The featured fight of the night is a lightweight clash between Thiago Tavares and Michihiro Omigawa. Tavares is a Murilo Bustamante disciple with a powerful, technical, tireless ground attack and crisp Muay Thai to match. A tightrope loss in his last fight to Tyson Griffin will see the Brazilian eager to finish against the Yoshido Dojo fighter. Omigawa fails to arrive at the high-end of competition. His judo is enough to bring Tavares to the ground, but not much else. Look for Tavares to pick up his third UFC win.
Middleweights Patrick Cote and Drew McFedries are going to unleash their hellacious fists on each other. The French-Canadian is past his pitter-patting in the Octagon after picking up wins that eluded him inside the walls of the Octagon, including a stunning knockout over over-sized 185-pounder Kendall Grove. His Team Sitydotong muay Thai is the right combination for his devastating hands. Expect the former TKO champion to fight from a distance and employ superior technique. However, McFedries is not the type of fighter to allow his opponents breathing room. He can handle technical strikers ala Martin Kampmann and has the dynamite to find the mark on Cote’s yet-to-be-conquered chin.
Mixing in takedowns and challenging the Miletich fighter on the ground is Cote’s best bet. He is scared of no one, but he is also a smart fighter. McFedries has proved dangerous standing and docile on the ground. Cote can match strikes, especially since McFedries has displayed his chin is not unflappable. A slugfest only favors McFedries—a fight, Cote.
The recent murder of Agnes McFedries-Kennedy is the deciding factor in this fight: can Drew McFedries rise up over tragedy or is the trauma—three weeks removed—too heavy? With Cote’s mind finally aligning with his talent, there is no room for McFedries to waver. Win or lose, McFedries showcases his warrior spirit for stepping into the Octagon.
The opening bout of the night is another lightweight clash between Nate Diaz and Alvin Robinson. The Ultimate Fighter 5 winner has excellent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills under Cesar Gracie. The lanky fighter dominated the reality show before winning the finals due to a Manny Gamburyan injury. Submitting Junior Assuncao pits him against bulky wrestler Robinson, who holds a brown belt under UFC legend Royce Gracie.
“The Kid” struggled against Jorge Gurgel, being mounted at will. However, Diaz plays from his back. His wiry frame proves to be an advantage on the ground, but Robinson’s size poses new problems. Fortunately for Diaz, Robinson fails to utilize the cage effectively, so Diaz’s technical no-gi can lure Robinson into submission chains. In addition, Nate Diaz avoids punishment on the ground much like his older brother Nick Diaz. This is key against Robinson’s persistent punches.
The fight tips in favor of the Stockton, CA native when it comes to will. No one has broke Nate Diaz's will in a fight. Diaz’s precise boxing can break Robinson, who lacks composure under fire and the ability to fight out of a storm as Kenny Florian exposed. If Diaz employs the right gameplan, his top-flight training with Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez makes the difference in this fight. “Cooking” a strong wrestler and jiu-jitsu fighter who prefers top position is a step toward a decision loss—the only way Robinson walks away with a victory.
UFC Fight Night 12 spotlights young talent across the gamut. For Mike Swick and Josh Burkman, a win over such stellar opposition makes a strong case for elevating their contender status. Since it is Swick’s 170lbs. debut and he is coming off a loss, a win is invaluable. For Burkman, it would be the biggest win of his career as he drops his high-profile fights. These headliners hope to be quick in victory although it’s going to be difficult to make the other dead.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Mike Swick Interview
Writer Ben Zeidler recently caught up with Mike Swick to discuss his recent loss to Yushin Okami and his upcoming fight with Josh Burkman. Originally conducted for MMA Madness
MMA Madness: Tell us about your start in MMA and being on The Ultimate Fighter. What did that teach you about the sport and what did you take away from the experience?
Swick: I have been in MMA since 1997. It’s been a long road that would eventually lead to the TUF show which was my biggest break. It was amazing filming the show and after laying it all on the line, I got a UFC contract and here I am today.
MMA Madness: Many recent TUFers have been complaining about living in the house. Was that an issue with you?
Swick: No, not at all. It does have its down sides like anything else but you have to look at the bigger picture. It’s the chance to change your life and if they only knew what it could do for them, they wouldn't complain. How tough can six weeks in a mansion be? [Laughs]
MMA Madness: You've become famous with your nickname and signature move, the "Swickotine." Were you a professional wrestling fan growing up?
Swick: I watched it but wasn't a huge fan or anything. I did enjoy it though.
MMA Madness: What have you done to adjust your game after the Okami loss?
Swick: I learned so much from that fight -- mostly mentally. It was a rough road on that fight.
MMA Madness: That bout was scored very closely, two judges giving it a 29-28 result. Did you feel like you won that fight?
Swick: No, I knew I lost. I should have started that flurry sooner in the second and then if that didn't work I should have known he was coming in to take me down in the third and stay away from the cage. He had me shoved in the cage pretty good.
MMA Madness: Let's talk about your series of quick wins. In a time where more fighters seem to wait during fights or "Lay and pray," what motivates you to take it right at your opponents?
Swick: I have always been aggressive. That’s just my style.
MMA Madness: You've got Josh Burkman coming up. Do you feel that he is a good match up for you?
Swick: Yes I do and I am very excited for it.
MMA Madness: After Burkman, do you have anyone in your sights?
Swick: Only thinking about Burkman right now.
MMA Madness: Many polls have you just in the top 10. Does that mean anything to you or do you just fight to fight?
Swick: At this point I am not paying attention to that stuff. I obviously want to be the champ one day so that ranking will be great!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
UFC 77 Card Updates
Two new fights will be complimenting Silva-Franklin II at UFC 77 on October 20 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The first bout will be with Josh Burkman, which was confirmed by the UFC welterweight himself in a Myspace.com bulletin.
Burkman's bulletin stated:Fighting October 20th My next fight is gonna be Oct. 20th in Cinncinatti @
UFC 76. I learned alot agasinst Karo and i’ll be at a different level than i’ve
ever been before. Thanks for the messages and support.
Jburk “peoples warrior"
Although Burkman confirmed a fight for Oct. 20, he did not specify an opponent.
Burkman most recently lost to Karo "The Heat" Parisyan at UFC 71 in May, by a unanimous decision.
The second fight to be confirmed for UFC 77 is "The Ultimate Fighter 1" light-heavyweight runner-up Stephan Bonnar versus Eric Schafer.
Schafer, who also made his announcement via Myspace.com bulletin, said this:Anyways, I got a call this morning from my manager Jeff Curran. Jeff, who just
How's that for some bad blood!
won his WEC debut on Sunday, told me that the UFC wants me to fight Stephan
Bonnar! Oh snap! Stephan and I shared the same kickboxing coach (Duke Roufus), until Stephan moved out to Vegas a few weeks ago. I would probably rather fight
anyone else to avoid conflicts, but business is business... So it is on! Stephan
is a cool guy, so I guess I will have to generate some false animosity to push
my training sessions. I am jealous that his minivan is a little cooler than my
crappy neon, so I will start there. That dirty SOB!
Schafer was originally set to face off against Sean Salmon at UFC 71, but was forced to back out due to a broken rib.
Stephan Bonnar most recently won at UFC 73 against Mike Nickels by rear naked choke, after a nine month hiatus due to a steroid suspension.
Schafer on the other hand, will be adding another fight to his premature UFC career. Schafer's UFC debut was a win against Rob McDonald by an arm triangle choke at UFC 62 but, fell short against Michael Bisping at UFC 66 by TKO.
Headlining UFC 77 is a rematch between current UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva and former middleweight champion Rich Franklin.
UFC 77 is set at Franklin's hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio inside the U.S. Bank Arena.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Is Parisyan Patient Enough?
UFC 71’s main event caused a bit of an uproar in the eyes of Liddell fans. Honestly, I don’t think it’s anything to gripe about, it was simply history repeating itself, and it’s time for a new champion to reign supreme in the light-heavyweight division.
Though the main event may have stirred the emotions of fans, Parisyan (17-4-0) and Burkman (8-4-0) seemed to steal the show with fifteen minutes of action packed, judo throwing, hard fought rounds. It was an explosive three rounds from beginning to end, to say the least. Parisyan displayed much polished striking ability and a drastic improvement in his cardio. The same cannot be said about Burkman. Burkman’s lack of conditioning was evident to fans watching as he began to take deep breaths during the last minutes of the first round. Though Karo’s jabs and counters further solidified his unanimous win over Burkman, his conditioning sealed the deal.
In an interview, Karo states: "He's a strong guy, but his cardio was shit. Thank god it wasn't that good. I out-conditioned him."
On top of adding a notch on his belt, Parisyan announced his desire for a title shot. Refusing to beg on his knees like Franca and St. Pierre, Parisyan still asked Dana White to give him another chance, as his first was to take place at UFC 56, but was forced to pull out due to an injury.
However, even with Parisyan’s cry for a title shot, it appears that it’s going to be put off till 2008. With TUF6 debuting in September, all eyes are on Hughes and Serra’s match up, which is looking to happen at the TUF6 Finale in December. Parisyan in the meantime, may have to duke it out with Jon Fitch (13-2-0) before he gets a chance to attain the belt. The possibility of the winner of Serra-Hughes taking on the winner of the St. Pierre- Koscheck, scheduled on August at UFC 74, can also pose as a setback for Parisyan’s title shot.
Fitch is set to fight on June 12 in UFC Fight Night 10 against Roan Carneiro.
Whatever ends up happening down the road, Parisyan never fails to put on a good show for fans.
Stay classy fans,
The Lianger
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