With that in mind I present my list of the ten greatest UFC upsets:
10. Randy Couture vs. Vitor Belfort: UFC 15
At UFC 15, relative newcomer Randy Couture was set to face Vitor Belfort in a match that many experts compared to the ancient practice of feeding Christians to the lions. Couture had only two fights under his belt while Belfort was 4-0 in the Octagon. Not only was he undefeated, Belfort had four straight (T)KO’s and never had a match go longer than two minutes.
Randy was supposed to be a cakewalk for the invincible Brazilian but it was Couture who earned the TKO stopping Belfort with strikes shortly after eight minutes. They would face off two more times in 2004 but the match that will be remembered in my book is probably their first as it ranks as one of the UFC’s first big upsets.
9. Jason Lambert vs. Renato Sobral: UFC 68
Renato Sobral was widely considered one of the top light-heavyweights in the world and for good reason. Since July of 2002 he compiled an impressive 12-2 record including a ten-fight winning streak.
Like Minotauro Nogueira, who could have been on top for years if not for a certain Russian cyborg, Babalu was second only to Chuck Liddell. His bout against Lambert at UFC 68 was supposed to be a chance to get back to his winning ways.
Lambert wasn’t having it. Talented but unproven, Lambert was coming off a KO loss to Rashad Evans and had a history of falling short against popular fighters like Tim Sylvia and Cabbage Correira. He was expected to follow suit against Sobral but instead stunned the world with a lights-out KO at 3:26 of the second round.
8. Frank Mir vs. Marcio Cruz: UFC 57
Believe it or not there was a time when Frank Mir was the poster boy for UFC heavyweights. He was an 8-1 submission master and a fan favorite long before breaking Tim Sylvia’s arm. After a devastating motorcycle accident kept him out of action for nearly two years, the UFC welcomed him back by matching him against Brazilian cream puff Marcio Cruz.
What was planned as a homecoming quickly turned into a nightmare as the 1-0 rookie put Mir on his back and started raining down elbows until a blood soaked Mir could no longer defend. The fight was mercifully stopped at the end of the first round and Frank’s career would never be the same.
7. Mark Coleman vs. Maurice Smith: UFC 14
Mark Coleman was one of the first true heavyweight goliaths of the UFC using his superior wrestling and ground ‘n pound to lay waste to the entire division. At 6-0 he had already destroyed legends Gary Goodridge and Dan Severn by submission and Don Frye by TKO.
His next victim was UFC newcomer Maurice Smith who was 3-4 with submission losses to Ken Shamrock and Bas Rutten. It looked like an early night for the heavily favored Coleman but instead it became a very long one as Maurice put an end to the era of dominant wresting and scored a unanimous decision after twenty-one minutes of fighting.
The Pete Williams head kick may be the loss that fans remember, but to me the Smith fight was a more shocking upset (and what I consider the beginning of the end). Coleman would never see another victory in the UFC and eventually defected to PRIDE in 1999.
6. Jens Pulver vs. Joe Lauzon: UFC 63
Jens Pulver — like most lightweights — was unwelcome in the Octagon after the UFC decided they were better off without a 155-pound division. Fortunately good sense prevailed and Jens, like the division, was reinstated.
Little Evil was undefeated in the Octagon and his win over BJ Penn was a memorable battle. Now he looked to return to greatness and his ring entrance at UFC 63 looked more fitting for a war hero or a matador than a UFC combatant.
In his first UFC match, unknown Joe Lauzon admitted to taking Jens antics personally. He took out his anger on an unsuspecting Pulver with a brutal KO in the first round. Any thoughts of Jens walking to the title went out with the lights.
5. Chuck Liddell vs. Randy Couture: UFC 43
Appearing for the second time in my illustrious list is “The Natural” and this time it’s for upending the mighty Liddell at UFC 43. Chuck was 12-1 and on a torrid ten-fight winning streak looking as close to immortal as a fighter can get.
In contrast Randy was coming down from heavyweight after getting crushed by Josh Barnett and Ricco Rodriguez. Nearly 40, Randy was seen as not just a huge underdog, but also an aging combatant in a sport that long since passed him by (if they only knew).
For the second time Randy made the critics eat their words as he put an absolute clinic on the bewildered Liddell stopping him with strikes in the third round.
4. BJ Penn vs. Matt Hughes: UFC 46
Matt Hughes was a victory machine. Coming into the Penn fight Matt was 13-0 since 2001 and a staggering 34-3 overall. He was making it look easy and scoffed at the idea of BJ moving up in weight. After all, Penn was a mere pup compared to the welterweight workhorse and Hughes probably took things lightly.
He shouldn’t have. BJ tooled him from start to finish and choked Hughes into tapping in the first round. The look on Matt’s face perfectly summarized what we were all feeling: complete and utter disbelief. He didn’t even notice when the Hawaiian celebrated with a kiss. He was too busy trying to figure out what just happened.
3. Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia: UFC 68
After reading this list I wonder how I could have ever picked against Randy. But pick against him I did, as did most, when he came out of retirement to face the hulking menace from Camp Miletich.
Randy’s last dance in the Octagon was grotesquely one-sided, and his return to a weight class that chewed him up and spit him out in 2002 seemed ill-advised and money-driven. Few believed Randy when he claimed to have found a hole in Sylvia’s game and we quietly hoped he would get through the fight void of serious injury.
Once again we looked on in astonishment as Randy dropped The Maine-iac in the opening seconds of round one and continued to punish him throughout the fight. Tim summed it up best after dropping the decision: “He would strike when I thought he would shoot and shoot when I thought he would strike.”
Tim shouldn’t feel bad for having Randy make him look stupid. He’s been doing it to us for years.
2. Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga: UFC 70
I’ll admit it. Part of what makes this upset come in at #2 is the way it ended. Aside from Randy Couture (who looks more and more like a genius with every move he makes) I don’t think anyone gave Gonzaga a real chance at winning.
People may have been open to a decision loss or a freak submission but if you wanted to lay odds on a head kick they would have laughed in your face. Well no one is laughing now as the artist formerly known as #2 in the world is back in Croatia licking his wounds.
Gonzaga was a talented fighter before the bout but his TKO loss to Croat associate Fabricio Werdum made it hard to believe he could withstand the strikes of Cro Cop. Mirko later admitted to having blurry vision courtesy of Gonzaga elbows and never saw it coming. Don’t worry Mr. Filipovic, neither did we.
1. Matt Serra vs. Georges St. Pierre: UFC 69
As if there was any doubt, I present the greatest upset in the UFC and perhaps all of mixed martial arts. Nobody in the world whose last name isn’t Serra gave Matt a chance against an opponent largely considered one of the best fighters in the world today.
With only a submission loss to Matt Hughes on his near-perfect record, GSP represented the new breed of MMA: Young, strong, and versed in all styles of combat fighting with very few weaknesses.
Of course a perfect skill set doesn’t do you any good if you get punched in the head. Serra did everything right, maintained composure, and finished off a rigid GSP in devastating fashion.
This is one win I don’t think even Randy could have predicted.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Ten Greatest UFC Upsets
Sunday, December 23, 2007
2007 Year In Review
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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
BREAKING NEWS: Wanderlei Debuts Dec. 29 at UFC 79
Wanderlei Silva, who recently moved to West Palm Beach, FL, is set to make his return to the UFC at UFC 79 on Dec. 29. Silva has been training with UFC Heavyweight Champ Randy "The Natural" Couture.
According to the Xtreme Couture MMA blog, MMA superstar Wanderlei Silva has been helping Randy train for his upcoming bout with Gonzaga, set for UFC 74.
Randy had nothing but great things to say about "The Axe Murderer":“It’s great to have him in the gym. I’m anxious to pick his brain. To explore his training tactics and techniques. I’m also looking forward to building a rapport with him going forward. We had some good goes today. We were working out of half guard and the mount. He’s very tough in both positions.”
Wanderlei made the prediction in favor of "The Natural," stating that he has "very good boxing."
Silva was also highly impressed with Couture's underrated jiu-jitsu skills, he said this:“He’s strong on the ground. He has very good jiu jitsu and excellent stamina. He’s stronger than I thought.”
Silva's first opponent has yet to be confirmed, but he hopes it will be against Chuck Liddell.
Wanderlei Silva was PRIDE's former middleweight champion and will be coming off two back-to-back knockout losses to Mirko "Cro Cop" and Dan "Dangerous" Henderson.
Wanderlei couldn't have picked a better fighter to work with. Couture will help him tremendously with his wrestling, takedown abilities and defense and so much more. couture, on the other hand, will also be able to further polish his stand-up skills with Silva.
Here is a video of a recent interview, conducted by Sherdog, of Wanderlei about his coming to the U.S. and his soon to be UFC career:
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
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
