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Anthony Johnson Decisions Andrei Arlovski, All Things WSOF 2

0 Comments 23 March 2013

Photo Credit: espn.go.com

If there is one guy who deserves another run in the UFC, its Anthony Johnson. Since being cut from the UFC, the guy has gone 5-0 including a victory over Anderi Arlovski tonight at World Series of Fighting 2 from Atlantic City. The guy has been on a tear lately, all it took was for him to figure out he isn’t a welterweight.

Its not only that Anthony Johnson has been winning but that he was been winning at several different weight classes including middleweight, light heavyweight, and now heavyweight. You got that right, Johnson beat Arlovski at heavyweight. I don’t care who you are, that is a pretty impressive feat considering Johnson fought at 170 lbs in the UFC.

Arlovski is no slouch either. While he has been fighting on smaller promotions, “The Pit Bull” was 4-0 with 1 no contest against Tim Sylvia during that span. The former UFC heavyweight champion wanted to make a return to the UFC with a victory over Johnson. His failure pretty much rules out a return for Arlovski.

Dana White had chimed in on the fight saying he didn’t think it was a fair fight to start with for Johnson. But the fight and win should be looked at as a plus for Johnson. He stepped up and took on a big risk against a heavyweight for WSOF. Johnson has paid his dues on smaller fight promotions. Johnson deserves another chance, Dana White should make it happen now that Johnson has figured out his weight issues.

Jon Fitch’s arrival to the WSOF is official. Fitch was on site to watch the fight card. The former UFC contender will possibly meet Josh Burkman who was victorious over another UFC exile in Aaron Simpson. After the victory, Burkman demanded a title shot and called out Fitch for not earning his way in the organization.

Obviously, Burkman was being an idiot. If there is anyone at welterweight that deserves to fight for a title in the WSOF, its Jon Fitch. Fitch is probably the biggest name and the most legit fighter in the WSOF roster right now. Burkman must have been high or hating on Fitch to even make a statement like that. Expect the two to fight soon.

In very devastating fashion, Marlon Moraes knocked out Tyson Nam with a head kick continuing a two fight win streak for Moraes. Nam gained notoriety for beating Bellator bantamweight champ Eduardo Dantas. Clearly, the victory for Moraes shows how talented the fighter is and that the WSOF, while relatively young, has some real talent.

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Lavar Johnson, Ricky Fukuda Cut Following Failed Drug Tests, Alex Caceres Suspended

0 Comments 21 March 2013

Photo Credit: rantsports.com

I don’t know what to tell you, some guys just don’t have their act together. Following failed drug tests at UFC 157 and UFC on FUEL 8, the UFC has cut Lavar Johnson, Ricky Fukuda, and suspended Alex Caceres. The one thing we know for sure is that the UFC is lenient on failed drug tests, Johnson and Fukuda were cut for their performance more than anything else.

Johnson tested positive for a high TE ratio of 6-1 following a loss to Brendan Schaub  at UFC 157. Apparently Johnson was undergoing TRT treatment even though he did not disclose that information to the CSAC. A rep for AKA, where Johnson trains, said he was seeking a TUE at the time.

Ricky Fukuda tested positive for stimulants phenylpropanolamine, norpseudoephedrine, and ephedrine. Supposedly these banned substances were part of medication Fukuda was for an illness he was treating. In the end, they were banned and Fukuda should have consulted a doctor or the UFC prior to taking them.

Alex Caceres’ case shows that the failed drug tests were not the final straws that got the other two fighters cut. Caceres also lost at UFC on FUEL 8 but showed that he can put on exciting fights. The UFC has shown time and again that they are willing to forgive if you are the “right” type of fighter.

Both Johnson and Fukuda are boring fighters that are really one-dimensional. Johnson likes to bang but against Schaub, he was on his back and useless. Fukuda can fight but does not look urgent in his fights which result in boring decisions. The UFC is changing to where it has a plethora of good talent.

Guys that cannot compete will get cut–especially if they are not worth it. A prime example is Jon Fitch, the guy is a big name that demands high pay. When his performance was no longer worth the pay, Fitch was cut. Expect a lot more cuts as the UFC continues to trim its gigantic roster down to size.

While the cuts are sad, its part of the business and I believe will benefit everyone. The lesser fighters will move to smaller organizations where they can grow and flourish. The better fighters can put in their dues and make a return to the octagon at a later point. Other fight promotions will also benefit from gaining more talent and added depth. All in all, its a necessary move for all involved.

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Ronda Rousey Will Coach TUF 18

0 Comments 19 March 2013

Photo Credit: dutchbodybuilding.com

Ronda Rousey is taking the UFC by storm. After successfully headlining her first UFC card last month and defending her women’s bantamweight title, Dana White announced at UFC 158 that Rousey will be coaching opposite the winner of Cat Zingano and Miesha Tate on TUF 18.

That was not the only surprising news to come from White over the weekend, the next season of TUF will feature male and FEMALE fighters. Meaning, for the first time in TUF history we will have female coaches and male and female fighters in the house! That is huge news considering a few months ago, White was against women in the UFC.

The news will do wonders for the next season of TUF. Lets face it, TUF 16 was a total abomination. TUF 17 with Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen is a step in the right direction. TUF 18 will do bigger numbers with the combination of the stardom of Rousey and the male-female dynamic that we have not seen before.

TUF 18 will very interesting since it will pit two very alpha female coaches against one another. I bet you anything Rousey and who ever the other coach is will be very competitive to out-do the other. And at the same time, the TUF household will be livelier than ever before with a Real World feel.

Imagine testosterone and estrogen fueled fighters hooking up with one another left and right. How is the UFC going to manager that? Throw in alcohol and you are going to have some huge drama. Imagine the sex, the cheating, and the debauchery. I think its a step in the right direction for TUF.

While the spirit of competition and finding out who is the Ultimate Fighter has been interesting, it has become very stale. No one wants to see the same old format anymore. Guys get into the house, they work out every day, they fight, they cry, the occasional prank war, and eventually one guy freaks out on the rest of the house and becomes an outcast.

Next season promises to be different and must see tv for once. Even as a fan of TUF, I’ll admit I don’t tune in to every episode since it can be very formulaic. At least with the new element of females and the female coaches, you are on your toes and will wonder how each episode will go.

I cannot wait for TUF 18 and think its going to be one of the most successful seasons in TUF history–if not the most successful. Imagine Ronda Rousey throwing guys and gals all over the place and teaching them her patented armbars. How amazing would it be if Rousey’s team kept winning via armbars? TUF 18 cannot come soon enough!

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GSP Manhandles Nick Diaz, UFC 158 Results

0 Comments 17 March 2013

Photo Credit: cagetoday.com

It was pretty much the fight we thought it was going to be, Georges St. Pierre mandhandled Nick Diaz Saturday night at UFC 158 to retain his welterweight title. I think even the fans in Montreal were amazed to see how easily the champ disposed Diaz despite all the trash talking the challenger did leading up to the fight.

Nick Diaz did little in the fight to back up his brash words at GSP. The Stockton fighter never threatened the champ although he was able to muster a few combinations in the third and fourth round. Diaz’s performance lacked effectiveness and even more, some urgency. I think credit has to be given to GSP for keeping Diaz off his rhythm.

Even more perplexing than Diaz’s performance was his actions after the fight. In the octagon, Diaz was accepting and even classy in hugging GSP and raising the champ’s hand in defeat. But at the post fight press conference and interviews afterwards, Diaz belittled GSP and demanded a rematch before saying he would consider retirement.

I don’t know what to make of Diaz. He is still a top contender at welterweight even with the loss to GSP. Lets face it, no one will ever look good against the champ. Still, Diaz has options if he chooses to fight. Its up to the guy to decide how his career will go. For GSP, the future is much more certain, a date with Johny Hendricks.

Johny Hendricks and Carlos Condit put on an amazing performance Saturday night. They definitely deserved the Fight of the Night bonus for stealing the show Saturday night. Hendricks showcased not only his hands but also his wrestling pedigree taking Condit down at will throughout the 3 round fight.

A lot of credit has to be given to Carlos Condit for weathering the storm from Hendricks in the first two rounds before unleashing his own onslaught in the third round. It was a little too late for Condit as Hendricks was able to hang on and take the unanimous decision victory. Hendricks has a date with GSP later this year unless a super fight with Anderson Silva is set.

If Hendricks didn’t do enough to make waves, then Jake Ellenberger clearly did. “The Juggernaut” steam rolled Nate Marquardt in a fight I thought was Marquardt’s to win. Riding 7 wins in 8 UFC fights, Ellenberger also has the resume to challenge for a title. With Hendricks already being given the #1 contender status, expect at least one more fight for Ellenberger before he is given a shot at the champ.

It was another successful stop for the UFC in Montreal. Of note, Dana White expects GSP to defend his title in Las Vegas sometime this year. So the welterweight champ will not have his hometown crowd when he has his next fight whether its going to be against Johny Hendricks or Anderson Silva. Either fighter will give the champ all he can handle.

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Preview Of UFC 158 From Montreal

0 Comments 15 March 2013

Check out the countdown show for UFC 158. As always, we only care about the main card which is a welterweight heavy card. GSP will be taking on the awkward but big trash talker Nick Diaz. Johny Hendricks will try to secure his #1 contender status against Carlos Condit in the co-main event. And Jake Ellenberger will try to make a statement against Nate Marquardt.

Clearly, the main event between GSP and Nick Diaz will always take center stage. Rush seems to have a hard time dealing with Nick Diaz outside of the octagon which may or may not translate into the octagon. What was originally expected to be a landslide fight in favor of GSP may not happen after all.

I know most people are expecting GSP to do to Nick Diaz what Benson Henderson did to Nate–maybe even possibly worse. Before all the trash talking, I would have given Nick Diaz no chance of winning the fight but now, I think he has a small one if he can get GSP to fight the Diaz type of fight. Its still a BIG if.

The co-main event of the evening will be the Fight of the Night. Johny Hendricks is desperate for a title shot and he has to get through Carlos Condit to get it. As much as Hendricks is known as a knock out artist, I don’t see him knocking out Condit. Condit is a really tough guy and won’t go out like that.

If anything, I think Condit has the edge in this fight. Hendricks may have the power and wrestling credentials but Condit was the interim champ and has the killer instinct. Condit could easily run from Hendricks the whole fight while still scoring points. It could be just like the Condit-Diaz fight all over again. I certainly hope not.

The Jake Ellenberger vs Nate Marquardt fight could also be a barn burner. Both guys have a lot to prove. Ellenberger feels slighted that Hendricks was taken away from him. Marquardt gets a second chance in the octagon and needs to show everyone that his loss to Tarec Saffiedine was a mistake.

Two guys looking to make a statement will always turn into a good fight for us. Overall, I think the card will be very entertaining and I hope there will be some spectacular knockouts and possibly even an upset. It wouldn’t be so bad to have a trash talking welterweight champ right? We’ll find out Saturday night.

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UFC 158′s Johny Hendricks Promised Title Shot With Win Over Carlos Condit

0 Comments 13 March 2013

Photo Credit: graciemag.com

We have all heard this one before, Johny Hendricks will get the next title shot should he get past Carlos Condit at UFC 158 on Saturday night. And no, the offer does not extend to Condit if he beats Hendricks. You never know though, crazier things have happened before so the only thing we know for sure is that you have to keep winning.

The sad part for Johny Hendricks though is that I think he might lose to Carlos Condit. Condit has this style of fighting that can be very difficult for aggressive fighters. Think about how Condit was able to be effective against Nick Diaz while back-pedaling the whole time. I can see his fight with Hendricks being that way too.

And it sucks because I think Hendricks has what it takes to really challenge GSP. He has the power in his hands and he has the wrestling credentials. I know its a lot to say Hendricks can beat GSP but he at least has a very good chance to do so. Right now in the welterweight division, who is more qualified than  Hendricks?

Ultimately its Hendricks’ hands that give him a big chance against GSP. And yet, as far as he has gotten, he still needs to beat Carlos Condit to get to there. I don’t know if Hendricks has anything left in his tank. You can only prove your doubters wrong for so long before you start to break down as well.

This is the fight business. Not many guys go undefeated for years without suffering a defeat. I just hope Hendricks can get past Condit on Saturday so that he gets to take his rightful place against GSP later on this year. The even more tragic thing we forgot about is that Dana White is working on a super fight for Anderson Silva later this year.

This super fight plan may or may not include GSP. If it does include GSP, then even with a victory Saturday night, Hendricks will still have to sit on the shelf and wait until next year to challenge the champ. There are so many obstacles to Hendricks getting a crack at GSP that I feel bad for him.

I know Hendricks is saying all the right things about not looking past Carlos Condit. Its hard to ignore though when the prize is fighting right after you in the main event of the evening, an event he could have been headlining against GSP. Its cliche to say one fight at a time right now, but that is what Hendricks has to do.

Winning is everything for Hendricks. He just has to have faith that he will get this title shot if he gets past Carlos Condit. The fight game is as much mental as it is physical. The answer is simple, keep knocking guys out and, eventually, you’ll get your shot at the champ. The final hurdle may be Condit in Montreal.

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UFC 158′s Nick Diaz Trash Talking His Way Under Champ GSP’s Skin

0 Comments 11 March 2013

Photo Credit: Mark J Rebillas – US Presswire

There have been so many guys that have tried to trash talk Georges St. Pierre–Matt Serra, BJ Penn, and even Josh Koscheck. None of them were able to get to GSP. For some unknown reason though, Nick Diaz gets to the champ. I guess everyone has their kryptonite and GSP just found his.

The usually calm and professional champ was clearly rattled at the UFC conference call this past Thursday. If you haven’t heard it, you need to do yourself a favor and listen to it. It is the MOST hilarious conference call I have ever heard. When will you ever get another fighter call GSP a “mother-BLEEPER” and GSP call him “an uneducated fool” back?

Not only that, Dana White was dropped from the call so the two guys were just going back and forth without a ref! Truly, you have to check it out. I have never heard GSP so rattled in a call before. GSP is the epitome of a professional and even he couldn’t take it from Diaz any longer.

Originally when this fight was booked, I felt really bad for Johny Hendricks who I felt deserved the title shot more. But after how the conference call went down, I don’t anymore. Hendricks got a raw deal that he can overcome by getting past Carlos Condit. Nick Diaz was the better self-promoter and he got a shot at the champ. You can’t be mad at him for that.

Put Nick Diaz in the same realm as Chael Sonnen. These guys, whether planned or not, are good self promoters and sometimes thats all you need to put yourself in a good position. Sonnen got himself back to back title fights while Diaz got himself a title shot after a 12 month layoff.

The only question now is if the trash talk will affect GSP come fight night. Before all this went down, I pretty much figured GSP would do to Nick what Ben Henderson did to little brother Nate but in a more devastating fashion. Now, I actually think Nick has a good chance to fight his fight and pull off an upset.

Think about it. GSP said Nick Diaz deserves to be beat down and told Dana White he was going to punish him like no man has ever done before. Does that sound like GSP is going to lay and pray Nick Diaz to death? Nope. I think GSP wants to hurt Diaz and wants to finish him.

There are so many fans and critics that have dogged GSP for not finishing fights. I think GSP wants to put on a good performance and do it against Nick Diaz. It may be a big mistake since Diaz can be very dangerous. Either way, I think we are in for a treat Saturday night at UFC 158 when GSP finally looks to put the hurt on his opponent for once.

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Mark Hunt Replaces Injured Alistair Overeem, Will Face JDS At UFC 160

0 Comments 09 March 2013

Photo Credit: tigermuaythai.com

“The Super Samoan” wanted a top 5 fighter next, he definitely got one! Mark Hunt, who is coming off a brutal KO of Stefan Struve at UFC on FUEL TV 8, will replace an injured Alistair Overeem and face Junior Dos Santos at UFC 160 in Las Vegas. Overeem had to pull out of the fight with a tear in his quad.

Although it sounds simple, the announcement and story was a lot more convoluted than that. If you will remember, Dana White said the fight between Overeem and JDS was going to be rescheduled for later in the summer since the tear was minor and Overeem would be ready for action soon.

Mark Hunt rallied his fans to bomb Dana White with requests asking for Hunt to replace Overeem. Only a day later did White tell fans that Hunt actually turned down the JDS fight–which was really shocking. Then a few days later, White said he had a good talk with Hunt, that everything was resolved and good news was coming.

Fast forward to today, it was announced Hunt got the fight with JDS. What changed? Apparently, Hunt felt disrespected by the UFC for not treating him well. Hunt referenced a couple issues like him having to share rooms while traveling and not being given enough tickets to the fight for his family and friends.

Dana White changed all that. When a company gets big, I guess the treatment of some fighters fall through the cracks, especially the smaller ones. I guess Hunt was one of them. I’m glad the issue was rectified and we still get an amazing fight as the co-main event for UFC 160.

Realistically, its still not Overeem vs JDS but it will suffice considering the circumstances. I actually think the injury works out better for all the parties involved. Overeem is hurt. Truthfully he is not ready for someone like JDS after his fight with Bigfoot. And JDS is also needing a can to fight to get back in the win column.

Both Overeem and JDS will benefit from a tune up fight before they face each other. And in this case, Hunt gets his wish to face a high caliber fighter in JDS. Taking into account his age, Hunt is nearing the end of his career and is on a hot win streak. Why not reward the guy with a high profile fight?

I don’t see Mark Hunt upsetting JDS but I am glad he has been given the opportunity. While Hunt’s stand up game is dangerous, he is no where near JDS. Especially when you think about how badly Hunt gassed when he fought Struve, he won’t stand a chance against JDS. I see JDS blowing Hunt up badly.

At the very least, our dream of Overeem facing JDS will still be intact for later this year.

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Anderson Silva vs Chris Weidman Confirmed For UFC 162, Renan Barao vs Eddie Wineland For UFC 161

0 Comments 07 March 2013

Photo Credit: bleacherreport.com

It has been so long a part of me was starting to wonder if it would ever happen. Today the UFC announced two title fights for this summer starting with Anderson Silva defending his middleweight title against Chris Weidman at UFC 162 and Renan Barao defending his interim bantamweight title at UFC 161.

Without a doubt, the fight everyone has been looking forward to is Silva vs Weidman. And its not for the obvious reason. I think everyone just loves to watch Anderson Silva fight. The guy is a human highlight reel. If you don’t know, then you should probably youtube him. Its remarkable the things he can do.

The thing I don’t think everyone gets is that Chris Weidman is a very dangerous opponent for Silva. He has the wrestling and submission skills to pose a threat to Silva. That said, I really doubt anyone is in the same league with Silva. Weidman may be a tough opponent but we’ve heard that argument before.

Still, there is this small underlying upset vibe that emanates from Weidman. He is like Clubber Lang and Anderson Silva is Rocky. Weidman has been ducked for so long, he might just actually pull it off. I don’t think Silva has been ducking Weidman but in a way he has by not accepting the fight sooner.

That type mind game may or may not be beneficial, time will tell. There are rumblings Silva took the fight knowing Weidman is still recovering from his shoulder surgery. I don’t think that is true because Silva doesn’t fear Weidman. If Weidman agreed to the fight, he is healthy and will be ready to fight. Period.

I do like the Renan Barao vs Eddie Wineland title fight though. Not because Wineland is going to be a good challenge but because it keeps the champs busy. Lets face it, title fights are what we all want to see–regardless of the opponent. The Barao announcement is a little sad though because it means Dominick Cruz is not anywhere near returning.

After Barao had dominated Michael McDonald, I really thought Cruz would be ready for a return in the summer to unify the bantamweight title. This announcement is pretty scary since it means Cruz is not as close to returning as we all had thought he was. Maybe Dana White was right, Cruz might be closer to retirement.

I certainly hope Dominick Cruz is going to return to the ring later this year. A fight between Cruz and Barao would be an amazing fight. I think both guys want it. For now, I am just glad the UFC is keeping its champions busy.

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Shogun vs Lil Nog 2 And Dan Henderson vs Rashad Evans Confirmed For UFC 161 In Winnipeg

0 Comments 05 March 2013

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UFC 161 is going to be a card of losers–except for Lil Nog–as the UFC heads to Winnipeg, Canada for the first time. Shogun vs Lil Nog 2 and Dan Henderson vs Rashad Evans has been confirmed for the event. All kidding aside, even though three of the guys are coming off losses, its going to be two intriguing matchups.

I haven’t seen the first Shogun vs Lil Nog fight that occurred in Pride but apparently it ended in a controversial unanimous decision in favor of Shogun. The two have always wanted a rematch while in Pride, I guess settling the score in the UFC is the next best thing. I think the fight would have been interesting 5 years ago.

Today, the fight just doesn’t seem to matter much. Its almost baffling since the UFC tends to put fighters on winning streaks against each other. Shogun is coming off a loss to Alex Gustafsson and Lil Nog just beat Rashad Evans in a lackluster performance. I think the UFC just couldn’t come to any deals with these guys and settled for these matchups since the fighters wanted it.

Of the two, I think the Henderson vs Evans fight is more interesting since it could be very entertaining as both guys are looking to avoid another loss on their ledger. And the thing is, these two more than Shogun and Lil Nog seem to be higher on the light heavyweight ladder at this point. A win could get them back or at least remain in title contention.

Even though Evans is on a two fight losing streak, he is a perennial contender. At any point, any injury could result in him getting a title shot. If he gets his fire back, he could get back to Jon Jones quickly. Lets face it, Evans was the only guy that wasn’t finished by Jon Jones when they fought. He is always a contender.

I think we all know I am not a big fan of Dan Henderson after what he showed against Lyoto Machida last month. Yeah he knocked out Fedor but we can’t rest on those laurels forever. I don’t know what to say about his most recent performance, the guy showed nothing. Maybe we have to attribute it to ring rust but he is going to have to show he can do more than throw Hendo bombs to get past Evans.

Overall, in terms of significance, its not a great night of fights. But I think the marquee names will be attractive on paper. I am not sure how the fights will turn out but it should be entertaining if you were ever a Pride fan or like Rashad Evans. There is no word which fight will serve as the main event at this time.