Lots of action in the MMA world today, let's get to it:
First off, congrats to Irish Whip Fighting for their 500th post. That's quite an accomplishment, although not as good as the 600+ members that THE MMA Ad Net currently boasts.
Cheers to Lyoto Machida, who will be stepping in for Quinton Jackson at UFC 98. While I think Jackson/Evans would have been the more exciting fight, I don't think that anyone deserves this opportunity more than Lyoto Machida.
Jeers to Ken Shamrock, who tested positive for steroids. Typically, I'd go on and on about how sad this is and how Shamrock needs to hang 'em up, but I've been giving him that speech for three years now. He doesn't listen.
Finally, a sad farewell to Mask, co-founder of the brand TapouT.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Around The Horn
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Rampage Out, Machida In?
Fight Network has the story:
After reeling off a unanimous decision against Keith Jardine at UFC 96, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's status as the next challenger to Rashad Evans' UFC light heavyweight title is in jeopardy.
Jackson has reportedly sustained injuries to his hand and jaw.
The light heavyweight title bout, originally reported on the UFC 96 broadcast last Saturday, was set to replace Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar.
The heavyweight title unification match-up between Mir and Lesnar has been postponed until UFC 100 after Mir suffered a knee injury and announced that he needed more time in order to be at 100 per cent for the rematch. Mir, who holds the accolade of being the only man to defeat Lesnar, underwent knee surgery on Thursday and will look to repeat history when the two clash at UFC's 100th show.
Plans to have the bout between Jackson and Evans at UFC 98 seemed set in stone as the title affair was heavily hyped throughout the UFC 96 telecast. After "Rampage" had defeated Evans' training partner Jardine in the main event, the Jackson-Evans tease was capped by a heated staredown.
"There's going to be some more black on black crime," said Jackson after the staredown before dropping the microphone and storming out of the octagon.
At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White denied that the two men were confirmed to face off at UFC 98.
The 205-pound tilt is now unlikely to happen on the May 23 card.
Although Jackson was not on the receiving end of a medical suspension from the Ohio Athletic Commission in the aftermath of UFC 96, he injured his hand in the bout against Jardine and is also scheduled to have an injured jaw checked out this week.
As of right now, UFC.com lists Evans' opponent as TBA.
In all likelihood, unbeaten Brazilian Lyoto Machida will step up to face Evans at UFC 98 for the title with the winner facing "Rampage" at a later date.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
UFC 79 Analysis
The UFC 79 card was definitely exciting, but what exactly does it mean for the UFC and its fighters? Ben Zeidler examines the subject.
Liddell is back!
Chuck Liddell is back in full force, utterly dominating Wanderlei Silva for three straight rounds. Sure, he didn't knock The Axe Murderer out cold, but the performance was solid enough to declare The Iceman officially on the rebound from his Rampage loss earlier this year.
St. Pierre takes the crown
Georges St. Pierre beat Hughes with the very move he was beaten by more than two years ago. In doing this, he established himself as the clear top Welterweight and looks to be steamrolling towards avenging the Serra loss.
Sokoudjou NOT the real deal, Machida is though...
The aura surrounding Sokoudjou's two quick knockouts earlier this year was dispelled as Machida showed the extent of his ability in a dominant submission victory. Sokoudjou goes back to the drawing board, Machida goes to the top 4 of the division.
Sylvia-Nogueira for interim belt
It's been long rumored, but it's now confirmed that Tim Sylvia will get a shot as his old belt, but he'll have to go through top 3 HW Nogueira first. This will be the second of three interim titles which will be awarded between December and March.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
UFC 79, M-1 Videos
Thanks to our Senior Writer, Jordan Arnold, we've got some excellent videos here. Look for UFC 79 videos as well as Fedor's win, after the jump.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Hong Man Choi
Nate Mohr vs. Manny Gamburyan
Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Hughes
Lyoto Machida vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Masakatu Funaki
Saturday, December 29, 2007
UFC 79 Results
Check back here tonight for live results of UFC 79. Look after the jump for results.
Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre III (Welterweight title)
-Georges St. Pierre wins by Submission (Arm Bar) in Round 2 (4:54)
Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
-Chuck Liddell wins by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Soi Palalei vs. Eddie Sanchez
-Eddie Sanchez wins by TKO (Strikes) in Round 3 (3:24)
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Lyoto Machida
-Lyoto Machida wins by Submission (Arm Triangle) in Round 2 (4:20)
Rich Clementi vs. Melvin Guillard
-Clementi wins via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in Round 2 (4:40)
Dean Lister vs. Jordan Radev
-Dean Lister wins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
James Irvin vs. Luis Cane
-James Irvin wins via DQ (Illegal Knee)
Roan Carneiro vs. Tony DeSouza
-Roan Carneiro wins by TKO (Strikes) in Round 2 (3:30)
Manny Gamburyan vs. Nate Mohr
-Manny Gamburyan wins by Submission (Heel Hook) in Round 1 (1:31)
Doug Evans vs. Mark Bocek
-Mark Bocek wins via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Classic Fights Close Door On 2007
UFC 79 offers up a buffet of mega fights. Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes look to set the bar for MMA trilogies with an interim title clash. Wanderlei Silva and Chuck Liddell seek the knockout that can cement their legacy as the greatest 205-pounder in MMA history. Young talents Rameau Thierry Sokodjou and Lyoto Machida battle to validate their mystique en route to title contention. Saturday night aims to bring New Year’s fireworks two days early.
By Danny Acosta
The third installment of the trilogy between Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes includes storylines that transcend the sport. Hughes is the established champion, secure in his hall of fame status, mulling retirement but still sharpening his competitive edge. He takes on the paragon for the future—an unstoppable entity that has both succumb and overcome the pressures of elite competition.
Despite Matt Hughes’ hopes, St. Pierre stepping in on short notice is not an issue. The Greg Jackson-trained fighter stays active between matches and was training Rashad Evans for a November clash. Shortly after, he jumped at the opportunity to regain his top spot in the 170lb division when Matt Serra stepped down due to injury.
“Rush” dethroned the Illinois native with ease last November. It was a different fighter than Hughes had seen in their 2004 bout. The French Canadian nullified takedowns and punished him every step of the way. Rangy and fluid strikes ended the Miletich champion’s night early after St. Pierre followed up with ground and pound to a technical knockout.
Hughes cannot enter this fight with his, “I’ll find a way to win” attitude that hindered his second performance. There is no doubt he is one of the most resourceful fighters in history. However, his opponent’s ability to dictate where the fight takes place will not allow for openings. Hughes must make them.
With his ties cut from the MIletich camp for the first time, Hughes needs to remember what MFS imparted to him—confidence and strict game plans. Recalling that he submitted St. Pierre, Hughes has to inch forward, cutting off angles and bullying St. Pierre against the cage. Putting the twenty-six-year-old on his back and grinding out a decision is the former champion’s best bet. Pushing St. Pierre into the latter rounds and neutralizing his offense can dent confidence—the deciding factor of this fight.
If Hughes pulls out a victory, he reasserts his legend against the man who questioned it the loudest. If he loses, St. Pierre rises into his spot as the most dominant welterweight in the world, but still has the long road of reign ahead of him—including a clash with Matt Serra.
In the co-main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell loads up his counter-punching power against former Pride middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva. The fight is five years in the making, stemming from their extensive time as unflappable champions.
For Liddell, the lights of stardom shined too bright for him to see in the Octagon, leading to two devastating losses. For Silva, back-to-back knockout defeats have sent him to rest his battle-worn body while building his murderous rage. Although the fight has lost its king versus king significance, the implications are heavy—the winner may be recognized as the greatest 205-pounder in MMA history.
The “Iceman” cannot rely solely on his fists as he did against Keith Jardine because Silva will throw everything in his arsenal with malice. Kicks are the most integral part of the San Luis Obispo fighter’s game plan. They can punish Silva and keep him at a distance, causing confusion for the former Chute Boxer as suffered against Mirko Crocop. More importantly, they set up Liddell’s looping power punches. The blitzkrieg that is Silva plays right into Liddell’s counterpunching style. Mixing strikes increases the Brazilian’s chances of making a grave mistake—Liddell’s trademark, punctuated with the heavy right hand.
However, like Liddell, the “Axe Murderer” has excellent recovery time. America’s newest import must close the distance and push the pace. Emphasizing traditional boxing in preparation for this fight counters Liddell’s Kempo style well. It will allow the nearly forty-fight veteran to close the distance where he can launch his hatchet-like knees. Silva cannot come forward wildly, but he must be relentless because Liddell will not stick around in the clinch.
Despite the strategies involved in the two different yet dangerous styles, make no mistake—this is a fight that rests on the answer to one question: “Who gets to whose chin first?” (Dave Camarillo). There is no title on the line when Liddell battles Silva. But for the “Axe Murderer” and the “Iceman,” there is still a trophy—the other’s head.
In another light heavyweight bout with serious career implications, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou challenges Lyoto Machida. “Judo Thierry” debuts in the UFC still clouded in questions—just as Machida did in his stateside journey—about his cardio, heart, and chin…to name a few.
Sokoudjou has drawn criticism, ironically, because his showings have been so strong, knocking out Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Ricardo Arona. His aggressive and heavy style is what Machida has made a living toppling. The karate stylist is defensive but destructive in his own right. He has been looking to finish fights since joining the UFC. This can cause problems for Sokoudjou, who lacks experience and typically fights his fight. Coming forward and staying cautious is the undefeated fighter’s route to victory.
“The African Assassin” has a distinct size advantage. After testing the stand-up waters, taking the fight to the cage and employing his judo to set up ground and pound is his best bet to finish the Japanese-Brazilian. Stifled against the fence, Machida cannot be elusive.
The winner propels himself into title contention, a loss is only a minor setback in a young, promising career.
Heavyweight Eddie Sanchez stands across from Soa Palalei in the swing bout of the night. Palelei, training out of Team Quest, enters the bout with a more diverse arsenal than the game, but narrow-minded Sanchez. The Samoan exploits stubborness to a technical knockout victory.
In a lightweight bout to open the night, New Orleans pride is on the line when Melvin Guillard comes after Rich Clementi in a bad blood battle. Guillard’s athleticism can dictate where the fight occurs, which does not bode well for “No Love.” However, the “Young Assassin” lacks the mental component to his game. This can land him in some trouble—especially on the ground—against a well-rounded veteran like Clementi. Guillard’s high-profile loss and embarrassing cocaine scandal likely brings him out the gate furious. If Clementi can drag the fight on, his chances of snagging a victory increase dramatically.
As UFC 79 comes to a close, four of the sports biggest stars in Georges St. Pierre, Matt Hughes, Wanderlei Silva, and Chuck Liddell will have their careers drastically altered. Concluding the year brings different resolutions for the four: win the title or just survive?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
UFC Signs Sokoudjou
Gerbasi's article:2007 has seen the UFC's Light Heavyweight division become the most talent-rich weight class in the world. At UFC 79, which will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on December 29th, fight fans will get a glimpse of the newest addition to the 205-pound ranks as “The African Assassin”, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, makes his UFC debut against unbeaten sharpshooter Lyoto Machida.
“Sokoudjou is an explosive athlete with heavy hands and great judo who is coming off huge back-to-back knockout wins over two top ten guys in Ricardo Arona and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira,” said UFC President Dana White. “Bringing him in just makes the stacked 205-pound division even stronger, and there are endless great matchups for him here in the UFC.”
A highly regarded judoka who won the 2001 US Open, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (4-1) moved to the United States from his native Cameroon in 2001, and by 2004, he had turned his attention to mixed martial arts. He made his MMA debut in 2006, and by 2007 he was brought in to fight in the PRIDE organization. It was there that Sokoudjou truly made his mark as he knocked out world-class light heavyweights Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona in consecutive bouts, with neither fight making it out of the second minute. A member of the renowned Team Quest in California, the 23-year old Sokoudjou comes to the Octagon with great potential and even greater expectations.
Unbeaten in 11 pro fights, Brazil’s Lyoto Machida is one of the most accurate and technical strikers in the game today. Owner of wins over BJ Penn, Rich Franklin, and Stephan Bonnar, Machida entered the UFC Octagon for the first time in February of 2007 and he has since scored wins over Sam Hoger and David Heath. In September, Machida fought the most impressive fight of his UFC career when he soundly outpointed PRIDE vet Kazuhiro Nakamura. On December 29th, he will be pushed to the limit by the hard-hitting Sokoudjou.
“I’m looking very forward to this fight,” said Machida. “I know Sokoudjou doesn’t have a lot of fights, but the fights he’s had are big, and he has beaten some very big names in this sport. I think this is going to be a great fight, and I am looking forward to winning this fight, and to moving on and fighting for the UFC title.”
“Machida needs to fight a guy who will come right after him, keep the pressure on him, and set the pace, instead of Machida setting the pace,” said White. “Sokoudjou’s that type of guy.”
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
UFC 76 Shakes Up LHWs Even More
UFC 76 was a wild night of big upsets, big names, and big breakouts.
Big Upset: Keith Jardine over Chuck Liddell. This was supposed to be the Chuck's two wins en route to a LHW title shot. Instead, he was beaten by split (albeit uncontroversial) decision. No Bisping-Hamill screams here, The Iceman just got beat. Where does he go from here? After spending years beating up on UFC alums, he's had a real problem with PRIDE guys and younger fighters. Maybe a match up with Shogun? Who knows...it's tough to sell a Liddell fight these days. (Never thought I'd say that one).
Big Upset: Forrest Griffin over Shogun Rua. And THIS was supposed to be Rua's tune up so White could justify sending him over to Rampage for a title shot. Now what does White do? Hendo just lost; he can't justify Liddell, Wanderlei, or Rua. Major credit needs to go to Forrest here, he didn't just catch Shogun or get lucky. He soundly beat the 23 year old prodigy.
Big Name: Wanderlei Silva was in attendance, on hand to challenge Liddell once he beat Jardine. Talk about a change of plans. Instead, Wandy went home and challenged Forrest to a fight in order to avenge the loss of his good friend, Shogun. Now, that would be a fight.
Big Breakout: Jon Fitch. Fitch withstood all Diego Sanchez had to offer and won a split decision. He's starting to take down bigger and bigger names and he'll be rewarded soon. Look for him to be third in line for a WW title shot (GSP, Parisyan, Fitch).
Big Breakout: Lyoto Machida. The man who holds wins over BJ Penn and Rich Franklin, Machida spent last night dominating Nakamura (no slouch of an opponent). Considering the recent drop off of, well, everyone in the LHW, he might in line for a title shot soon. He also trains with Anderson Silva over at the Black House camp, so you know the man can fight.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Around The Horn
There's a ton of fallout after the HUGE UFC 76 event...so let's get at it!
Sherdog is reporting that Mauricio Rua entered the fight with a knee injury and was not 100%. Interestingly enough, Shogun's knee had nothing to do with the third round rear naked choke applied by Forrest Griffin. Either way, it hampered his training to a certain degree and didn't allow him to execute the stomps he loves but isn't allowed to use anyway. He's not expected to disappoint fans again until at least early 2008.
MMA News is reporting that Chuck Liddell is in fact NOT retiring and may be looking at a fight with Shogun. Reports place him in the gym on Monday, four days from now. I hate to admit it, but he doesn't look hungry like the old Liddell used to. Maybe him and Cro Cop can start a club with Wanderlei Silva and they can call it "I was really good two years ago."
MMA Junkie is reporting that Matt Hughes "has one or two more fights left in him." Well, let's see, that would account for the win over Serra and the subsequent loss to St. Pierre. Yeah, two fights sounds about right.
UFC Mania is reporting that Kazuhiro Nakamura failed a drug test despite losing to Lyoto Machida. Logic would have it that a fighter would take such a chance in order to gain an advantage. But then again, the same logic would suggest are smart enough to realize that at least one person is getting caught after each event.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
UFC 76 Updates: Lyoto Machida vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
A newly formed match-up between the ever so mysterious Lyoto Machida and UFC newcomer/PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura has been added to the UFC 76 card, set for Sept. 22 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Sources for the fight hail from UFC.com's Thomas Gerbasi in an article released today.
Lyoto Machida most recently defeated David Heath at UFC 70: Nations Collide via unanimous decision and currently holds an undefeated record of 10 wins and 0 losses.
Machida is quickly making a name for himself in the UFC and holds victories over UFC big timers such as: former UFC middleweight champion Rich "Ace" Franklin, former UFC welterweight champion BJ Penn and Stephan Bonnar.
Kazuhiro Nakamura, on the other hand, is not an opponent to be overlooked. Based mainly around Judo and training under Olympic Judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida, Nakamura has faced top competition in MMA today, fighters like Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Josh Barnett, Yuki Kondo, Wanderlei Silva, and Dan "Hollywood" Henderson.
Nakamura holds his most notable wins over Murilo Bustamante, Kevin Randleman, and Igor Vovchanchyn.
UFC 76: Knockout will feature the much anticipated debut of Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, set to face Forrest Griffin, an exciting match-up between Jon Fitch and Diego Sanchez and a main event fight between former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell and Keith Jardine.
The Lianger
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Shogun to Face Griffin at UFC 76
So, it looks like Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (16-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is going to make his UFC debut by facing off against the very likeable Forrest Griffin (14-4, 5-2 UFC). Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was originally thought to go up against Lyoto Machida, who is undefeated in the Octagon, at UFC 76 set for September.
Reports from both Tatame.com and TaggRadio.com are the sources making this latest claim. Originally, UFC President Dana White on ESPN said that Shogun and Machida were supposed to go head to head in Anaheim, California. But, according to Tatame.com “Master Rudimar Fedrigo confirmed us that Mauricio Shogun will face Forrest Griffin at UFC 76, that is schedule for September 22 ….” Fedrigo is the founder of the marvelous Chute Boxe Academy in Brazil, from which Wanderlei Silva, Murilo Ninja, and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua all hail from.
Before you get your panties up in a bunch this is likely to be another silly rumor of the UFC. You know how they roll.
UFC 76 will take place of September 22 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The world's most pointless, garbage main event with Chuck Liddell versus Keith Jardine is also scheduled to take place on the card.
For those new to the MMA community, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is a Brazilian fighter who comes out of the Chute Boxe Academy. Rua won the PRIDE Fighting Championships' 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix and holds impressive wins over Ricardo Arona, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (not to be confused with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira), Alistair OVereem and a complete annihilation of current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson. Rua is known for his nonstop aggressive style of fighting and his ability to keep constant pressure and offense on his opponents. Rua is currently ranked as the number one light heavyweight in the world in numerous big MMA sites around the net.
Rua currently holds 16 wins, 13 by way of KO, and 2 losses. Rua's only losses are to Mark Coleman by a stoppage due to a freak accident leading to a broken arm and a loss to Renato Sobral back in 2003 by a guilotine choke.
Rua's rumored opponent Forrest Griffin is the first-season winner of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter. Griffin nearly beat former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz at UFC 59. Griffin also suffered a devastating TKO loss to Keith Jardine at UFC 66 but only to bounce back with a win over Hector Ramirez very recently on June 16, 2007 at UFC 72: Victory.
Griffin's most notable fights were against Tito Ortiz, Stephan Bonnar 1, Jeremy Horn, and Jeff Monson.
I'm a bit indifferent about the opponent pick for Shogun, however I'm just head over heels about Shogun's debut in the UFC. I hope he doesn't come in over confident like many of the PRIDE fighters have and puts on a mind-blowing performance. I think this fight will bring a lot of attention to Shogun from the American fans considering that Griffin is a huge "star" to many fans and seen as a tough opponent.
The Lianger
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