Wackbag MMA Thread (UFC)

[Yukon_1449]

They (Rogan & Coture) thought that the arm popped. I was amazed that not only did it not pop but he was striking Matt in the back of the head when they rolled over.

From what I have read, Gracie's elbow actually broke. Not sure how bad, but there is a definite fracture. The Gracies will never ever submit. You have to beat them by decision or knockout.

[askewcore]

From what I have read, Gracie's elbow actually broke. Not sure how bad, but there is a definite fracture. The Gracies will never ever submit. You have to beat them by decision or knockout.

Thats fuckin nuts. If you look at his face, he looks like he's just layin there getting a massage. The fuckin dude got his arm broke and never showed any bit of pain in his face.

[PestCoast]

I gotta' visit the Off Topic threads more often...

The Hughes-Gracie fight rocked! Mostly because I was happy to see Hughes win. Gracie's won a ton of fights but if you watch the old videos he's kind of a prick - not just the cockiness after winning but holding painful submissions on opponents long after they've tapped out. That said, it was impressive to watch him "zone out" the pain as his elbow was most certainly getting torn. You could almost see it coming from the beginning of the fight though... the first time Royce got hit you could see on his face that he's not used to being hit and it took him out of his game.

As for the Sanchez - Alessio fight... when Sanchez clung to Alessio's back and Alessio walked over to his corner to ask what to do, in my mind he lost the fight right there. How can you consider yourself an "ultimate fighter" and have to ask for help in the middle of a fight? I think he could've pushed the arm bar against his neck a little harder and won, but I guess we'll never know. Either way, if you have to stop in the middle of your fight to ask a trainer "uh... what do I do now?" you don't deserve a win. As good as he is on his feet, Alessio needs to go learn at least a minimal ground game.

[whoisisthis]

From what I have read, Gracie's elbow actually broke. Not sure how bad, but there is a definite fracture. The Gracies will never ever submit. You have to beat them by decision or knockout.


I'm surprised his corner didn't throw-in the towel

[Palerider4146]

I gotta' visit the Off Topic threads more often...

The Hughes-Gracie fight rocked! Mostly because I was happy to see Hughes win. Gracie's won a ton of fights but if you watch the old videos he's kind of a prick - not just the cockiness after winning but holding painful submissions on opponents long after they've tapped out. That said, it was impressive to watch him "zone out" the pain as his elbow was most certainly getting torn. You could almost see it coming from the beginning of the fight though... the first time Royce got hit you could see on his face that he's not used to being hit and it took him out of his game.

As for the Sanchez - Alessio fight... when Sanchez clung to Alessio's back and Alessio walked over to his corner to ask what to do, in my mind he lost the fight right there. How can you consider yourself an "ultimate fighter" and have to ask for help in the middle of a fight? I think he could've pushed the arm bar against his neck a little harder and won, but I guess we'll never know. Either way, if you have to stop in the middle of your fight to ask a trainer "uh... what do I do now?" you don't deserve a win. As good as he is on his feet, Alessio needs to go learn at least a minimal ground game.

In regard to the old UFC's with Royce, very often he would hold the subs in longer because the refs were awful and often did not see the tap out. One fight with Shamrock, Ken tapped, the ref stopped it, then Ken tried to say he didnt tap. The refs were really horribile.
In regards to Allessio taking him to the corner, I dont discredit him for that at all. When I wrestled, you often try to get the guy to your side of the mat so you can get help from your bench. Heck, even the champ Hughes does it. Watch the next time he does one of the huge slams. He often is running across the cage to bring the guy to his side to get help from Militich and the team. You couldnt believe how much help you can get because the others in your corner can see things from a much different angle.

By the way, because I'm an ass and cant figure out how to put multiple quotes in a reply, I believe the NSAC out lawed throwing in the towel as part of the MMA rules...http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=LearnUFC.Rules

see #31 under fouls.

[whoisisthis]

I believe the NSAC out lawed throwing in the towel as part of the MMA rules...http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=LearnUFC.Rules

see #31 under fouls.

well I'll be damned... I didn't know that


I wonder if the rules were different in CA

[MikeyP]

I'm surprised his corner didn't throw-in the towel

As I may have said elsewhere in this thread or in another thread, I think it actually looks like Gracie was beginning to tap before the ref stopped the fight.

Whether he did or not doesn't matter, it was ref stoppage, but I think it's absolutely possible (heck, even likely). That whole "Gracies don't tap" bulljive that a lot of folks on other boards seem to swear by doesn't mean noodles when he's being pummelled about the skull by Hughes' sledgehammers.

It's just not the same as sucking up an armbar, something he's trained his whole life to deal with.

[PestCoast]

In regard to the old UFC's with Royce, very often he would hold the subs in longer because the refs were awful and often did not see the tap out. One fight with Shamrock, Ken tapped, the ref stopped it, then Ken tried to say he didnt tap. The refs were really horribile.
In regards to Allessio taking him to the corner, I dont discredit him for that at all. When I wrestled, you often try to get the guy to your side of the mat so you can get help from your bench. Heck, even the champ Hughes does it. Watch the next time he does one of the huge slams. He often is running across the cage to bring the guy to his side to get help from Militich and the team. You couldnt believe how much help you can get because the others in your corner can see things from a much different angle.

Fair enough (on both points), but even if that's a standard practise it still costs him points in my mind which is probably why UFC hasn't approached me to be an official scorer yet. :icon_wink

Even accepting that he'll get some help from outside the ring, I don't see how many people would've given him the entire fight. He had some wicked quick fists and his sprawl defense was lightning quick, but saying his defense took away Diego's ground game was like saying Diego's piggy-back took away his striking game. Neither fighter had the best rounded skillset but at least Diego kept pushing the fight. I wouldn't have scored it 30-27 (was that judge related?) but I wasn't surprised/upset when Sanchez got the win.

[PestCoast]

It's just not the same as sucking up an armbar, something he's trained his whole life to deal with.

Absolutely!

I haven't seen better camera angle replays to see about the possibility of him tapping out but taking "intervalled" shots to the head is a lot different than tuning out a constant pain point. And Hughes hands must've felt like bricks when he's sitting on Royce's back just swinging back and forth.

[MikeyP]

I haven't seen better camera angle replays to see about the possibility of him tapping out but taking "intervalled" shots to the head is a lot different than tuning out a constant pain point. And Hughes hands must've felt like bricks when he's sitting on Royce's back just swinging back and forth.

Hehe, yeah. Gracie should make sure he didn't get a concussion from that walloping.
Regarding replays, check out the slow-mo replay afterwards... It looks even more likely, but that could be a trick of the slow-mo.

[whoisisthis]

from av8rOC's sig
http://f5.putfile.com/5/14808463714.gif

I don't see it"whaa"

I guess BJM's right leg could be hiding it

[PestCoast]

from av8rOC's sig

I don't see it"whaa"

I guess BJM's right leg could be hiding it

Yeah, that's the only slow-mo replay I've seen after hearing a possible tapout. From that lone angle it looks like he's locking his hands under his head (trying to prevent the mat bounce?) and one of his hands gets knocked loose right before Big John gets in the way (jerk! :icon_wink ). From that 1 angle it doesn't look to me like he's reaching out for a tap but that his hand got knocked loose and he's actually pulling it back to relock his hands.

[MikeyP]

Yeah, his right hand is being blocked by BJM, but that was the hand. Right as BJM is coming over it looks like Gracie reaches it out and taps the canvas twice, and then BJM breaks them up. If you still have the PPV you could see it from the other angle.
Either way, it's academic because the loss will go down as ref stoppage.

[PestCoast]

Bummer, gf deleted the Tivo. I'll have to wait for a replay to show up on Spike...

[Kid Brock]

Bummer, gf deleted the Tivo. I'll have to wait for a replay to show up on Spike...



Kick her!

[novalia]

From what I have read, Gracie's elbow actually broke. Not sure how bad, but there is a definite fracture. The Gracies will never ever submit. You have to beat them by decision or knockout.

yeah i've seen a few Gracies fight in Pride and against Sakuraba Renzo's elbow was bent the wrong way from a kimura but he wouldnt submit... the ref had to stop it... was pretty weird looking...

before that one.... against Sakuraba... Royler Gracie wouldnt submit to a kimura and the ref had to stop it... he was actually pissed that it was stopped... he was the first Gracie that Sakuraba defeated.

[Kid Brock]

yeah i've seen a few Gracies fight in Pride and against Sakuraba Renzo's elbow was bent the wrong way from a kimura but he wouldnt submit... the ref had to stop it... was pretty weird looking...

before that one.... against Sakuraba... Royler Gracie wouldnt submit to a kimura and the ref had to stop it... he was actually pissed that it was stopped... he was the first Gracie that Sakuraba defeated.


A couple years ago I saw a Pride ppv (one of the Bushido's I think) that was setup as all Gracie's vs fighters from other camps. They kind of treated it WWE style with an invasion angle. Pretty interesting and a couple decent fights.

[av8rOC]

I know one of the Gracies tapped a few years ago, I dont remember which one though. Anyone read the Gracie response to the Hughes fight? Basically they believe despite Royce losing GJJ won...


UFC 60
Royce Gracie Loses but Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Wins!

"When discussing the "secret" to the success of the Gracie Family, Helio Gracie once said, "It is not the Gracie's who are amazing people, it is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that is amazing. This jiu-jitsu of ours is not exclusive to us, anyone who is dedicated enough to thoroughly study and understand it will be empowered far more then they could ever be without it." .............


On May 27, 2006, Royce Gracie would return to the UFC to face the current welterweight champion Matt Hughes. When the bell rang and the fight started, Matt and Royce got into a clinch and went to the ground. Matt was able to pass the guard and establish the sidemount from which he was able to attempt a Kimura lock from which he transitioned into a straight arm lock. Royce was able to untangle his arm and in an attempt to get to a better position, he went to his knees. At this point, Matt quickly spun to a backmount and with his hooks in controlled Royce enough to be able to end the fight with an array of punches to the back of the head.

When the fight was over, the crowd was shocked, Royce lost but Gracie Jiu-Jitsu won."

[novalia]

I know one of the Gracies tapped a few years ago, I dont remember which one though. Anyone read the Gracie response to the Hughes fight? Basically they believe despite Royce losing GJJ won...

http://www.sherdog.com/news/interviews.asp?n_id=1430
Eddie Bravo - The "Twister" Talks
February 5, 2004
by Derek Calahan

It would be a stark raving occurrence to hear a grappling fan yell ‘encore!’ after a match, but there’s a good chance these days that one may feel the need to shout ‘Bravo!’ It was on his back in a position his opponent had been in since near-birth. After dog-fighting Royler Gracie out of his half guard and into the full, Eddie Bravo made one last surge and with much effort, locked in a devastating triangle choke that made the legendary Gracie break new ground as he became the first Gracie to tap out in combat.

“He basically controlled most of the match, at least 50% of it he was in control,” remembered Bravo of his historical Abu Dhabi bout.

“He passed my guard a couple times but never really stabilized a position. He would pass and I would put him back in my half guard, and when I finally put him back into my full guard, then it was time to go to work.”

Bravo continued, “I didn’t have that much time so I had to act fast. All I was thinking about is setting up a triangle. I knew if I went for omoplatas [shoulder locks] he was going to pop out of it. his shoulders are double jointed or something. It was all about setting up a triangle and I pulled it off.”

[askewcore]

Royce set up that whole angle about even if he loses, GJJ is still dominant even before the fight.

[MikeyP]

Royce set up that whole angle about even if he loses, GJJ is still dominant even before the fight.

I've seen a lot of BJJ fanboys spouting this left and right lately, but from what I saw and understand it was a combination of martial arts, including but not limited to BJJ, (along with athleticism) that won the day.

Isn't that what MMA is?

[askewcore]

I've seen a lot of BJJ fanboys spouting this left and right lately, but from what I saw and understand it was a combination of martial arts, including but not limited to BJJ, (along with athleticism) that won the day.

Isn't that what MMA is?

Yeah, I wasnt saying he was right, I was just saying that even before the fight Royce was saying, "well even if i lose, it just shows that GJJ is dominant because thats what everyone learns now"

[MikeyP]

Yeah, I wasnt saying he was right, I was just saying that even before the fight Royce was saying, "well even if i lose, it just shows that GJJ is dominant because thats what everyone learns now"

Understood. :)

[locallounge]

Sad news:icon_sad: . Longtime MMA enthusiast, Host of MMA Weekly Radio, and founder of www.mmaweekly.com Ryan Bennett has recently passed away while traveling with his family on 5.31.06.
For memorial and other info, please visit www.mmaweekly.com

[Yukon_1449]

Just a reminder, There is a Pride FC Bushido Tournament of Pay Per View this Sunday. Should be a good show with a huge card.

http://www.pridefc.com/pride2005/fightcard.htm

Also, there is a new organization that is starting up. The 1st card looks way better then the last UFC. It is the World Fighting Alliance. They have signed some really good fighters. Quentin Rampage Jackson, Bas Rutten (Yes he is back!), Matt Lindland. First PPV is in July.

http://www.wfa.tv/index.php

I love how this sport has taken off. I remember the old days when there were court battles before every event and you did not know from one day to the next if MMA events would survive. Now there are 4 quality PPV shows, a host of Mid level international fight shows, and countless shows in your cities with guys who have huge, inflated, records because they fight fish that are thrown there way. "Hey kid, like to fight? Want to earn a couple of hundred" If you know of Monte Cox fighters out of Omaha, you will know what I am talking about.

[whoisisthis]

Just a reminder, There is a Pride FC Bushido Tournament of Pay Per View this Sunday. Should be a good show with a huge card.



Also, there is a new organization that is starting up. The 1st card looks way better then the last UFC. It is the World Fighting Alliance. They have signed some really good fighters. Quentin Rampage Jackson, Bas Rutten (Yes he is back!), Matt Lindland. First PPV is in July.

http://www.wfa.tv/index.php




nice! I'd shell-out the cash to see just throse three fight.

[whoisisthis]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/01062006/2/sports-next-ufc-champ-matt-hughes-canadian-contender-georges-st.html
Next up for UFC champ Matt Hughes is Canadian contender Georges St. Pierre

Thu Jun 01, 12:26 PM EST

By Neil Davidson
ADVERTISEMENT
click here

TORONTO (CP) - In beating Royce Gracie, UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes disposed of the past. Now the 170-pound mixed martial arts fighter has to face the future - Canadian Georges St. Pierre.

"That's the next big mega-fight." Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White said from Las Vegas

"As far as I'm concerned, Georges St. Pierre is the most talented athlete in the fight game right now," he added.

Hughes and St. Pierre will meet in a rematch some time in September. There is no venue as of yet, but White has said he would love to take the card to St. Pierre's native Montreal.

The two met in UFC 50: The War of 04 in October 2004, with Hughes forcing the Canadian to tap out with one second remaining in the first round.

St. Pierre has since said he showed Hughes too much respect in that fight. But he has bounced back with consecutive wins over Jason Miller, Sean Sherk, Frank Trigg and former champion B.J. Penn.

"After fighting Matt, he's walked through everybody who's anybody in that division - including B.J. Penn," White said.

Hughes scored major points when he destroyed Gracie, the winner of UFC 1 and the sport's first star, in the first round of UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie in Los Angeles last Saturday.

The former all-American wrestler at Eastern Illinois has only lost one of his last 19 fights.

"He's the most dominant welterweight champion of all time," White said. "He deserves all the fans and all the recognition he gets."

Hughes will no doubt remind him of that at contract renegotiation time. White acknowledged that Gracie earned more than the American champion last weekend.

Hughes, 32, has an MMA record of 41-4 while the 25-year-old St. Pierre is 12-1.

The UFC thinks enough of St. Pierre to make him one of the "advisers" to the fighters competing on Season 4 of The Ultimate Fighter reality TV show, which is currently in production.

As for UFC 60, White said the fights went a lot quicker than he expected, with rapid wins for Mike Swick and Brandon Vera.

While Gracie was dominated by Hughes, he earned kudos for refusing to submit even though Hughes was bending his arm unnaturally in an armbar at one point.

"Matt said he heard it (Gracie's arm) pop three times," White said.

Realizing referee John McCarthy was not going to stop the fight at that moment unless Gracie tapped out, Hughes elected not to break his arm and went for another move.

"Matt said 'I'm not going to do this. I'll figure another way out of this,"' White related.

Other fighters to shine at UFC 60 were jiu-jitsu ace Dean Lister and crowd-pleaser Spencer Fisher, who used a flying knee to end his bout.

"He is amazing. I love that kid," White said. "Spencer Fisher, you're going to see a lot more of him."

Fisher was fighting at welterweight, returning to 170 pounds after losing to Sam Stout of London, Ont., as a last-minute lightweight injury replacement at UFC 58: USA vs. Canada.

White said the pay per view buy for UFC 60 was looking "very healthy."

"One of the best, if not the best," he added.

White is also pumped about the next Ultimate Fighter TV series, slated to start airing in August. This one features former UFC pro fighters looking for another title shot, instead of newcomers looking to secure a UFC contract.

"The fights are awesome this year," White said. "You're talking about seasoned veterans, guys who have been around for a while. Good fights."

The UFC has not yet announced the fighters taking part.

White also noted that the UFC topped the Yahoo buzz index earlier this week as the most searched item of the day, beating out Jessica Alba, X-Men and World Cup 2006. It also topped the Yahoo sports index.

The Internet has proved crucial to the UFC, with mainstream media slow to cover mixed martial arts.

UFC 61: Bitter Rivals is set for July 8 in Las Vegas with co-main events: the rubber match between heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia and former title-holder Andrei Arlovski and light-heavyweight foes Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock.


::side note::

Realizing referee John McCarthy was not going to stop the fight at that moment unless Gracie tapped out, Hughes elected not to break his arm and went for another move.

"Matt said 'I'm not going to do this. I'll figure another way out of this,"' White related.

Hughes is a true champ:clap:

[askewcore]

nice! I'd shell-out the cash to see just throse three fight.

According to that website, Bas is going to be fighting Kimo. The show is gonna be on PPV on 7/22. I'll order it just for the return of El Guapo. Rampage vs. Lindland will be a sweet bonus. I'm curious to see if they pull out anyone else fun to watch. U.S. competetion for UFC, more gooder.

On their site where they list the fighters, they have Ricco Rodriguez, Jason Mayhem Miller, Ivan Salaverry, Mandingo McKee and Vernon Tiger White. Thats some pretty decent talent for an upstart organization. This should be fun.

Ricco is figting a guy named Ron Waterman, anyone know anything him? He looks like fucking Scott Steiner.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9366/frwaterman15zj.jpg
Edit: I looked him up on sherdog, he's fought some good fighters. He got KOed by CroCop and lost to TK, but beat Randleman and Ricco.

Anyone else ordering Pride tomorrow?

[Kid Brock]

According to that website, Bas is going to be fighting Kimo. The show is gonna be on PPV on 7/22. I'll order it just for the return of El Guapo. Rampage vs. Lindland will be a sweet bonus. I'm curious to see if they pull out anyone else fun to watch. U.S. competetion for UFC, more gooder.

On their site where they list the fighters, they have Ricco Rodriguez, Jason Mayhem Miller, Ivan Salaverry, Mandingo McKee and Vernon Tiger White. Thats some pretty decent talent for an upstart organization. This should be fun.

Ricco is figting a guy named Ron Waterman, anyone know anything him? He looks like fucking Scott Steiner.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9366/frwaterman15zj.jpg
Edit: I looked him up on sherdog, he's fought some good fighters. He got KOed by CroCop and lost to TK, but beat Randleman and Ricco.

Anyone else ordering Pride tomorrow?



Ron "H2O" Waterman is a former WWE developmental talent. I think down in OVW. CroCop whooped him , but who hasn't been by the Croation Cop.

[whoisisthis]

Ricco is figting a guy named Ron Waterman, anyone know anything him? He looks like fucking Scott Steiner.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9366/frwaterman15zj.jpg


http://www.team-impact.com/cimg/team/Ron_Waterman_02.jpg
http://www.team-impact.com/team_member.cfm?name=Ron_Waterman

looks like he's also one of those christian guys that bend shit for christ

[av8rOC]

I cannot wait for Hughes-GSP 2. Two of the top 3 most talented guys in MMA in my book. I give this one to St. Pierre.

[PestCoast]

I cannot wait for Hughes-GSP 2. Two of the top 3 most talented guys in MMA in my book. I give this one to St. Pierre.

Gracious guy you are. I think Hughes in 2.

[whoisisthis]

I cannot wait for Hughes-GSP 2. Two of the top 3 most talented guys in MMA in my book. I give this one to St. Pierre.

I agree. I'm just glad they're both in the UFC. There would be little reason to follow it otherwise



I'm split this way: if Matt gets the takedown, he gets the win. But GSP's sprawl and stand-up could shift it the other way. I hope this fight is as amazing as it looks on paper

[av8rOC]

I agree. I'm just glad they're both in the UFC. There would be little reason to follow it otherwise



I'm split this way: if Matt gets the takedown, he gets the win. But GSP's sprawl and stand-up could shift it the other way. I hope this fight is as amazing as it looks on paper

The way I look at is the first fight GSP was dominating the stand up and Hughes capitolized on a mistake and armbarred him. St. Pierre was what, 23 at that fight? Since then he has beat the best in the division and only gotten better. It's ineveitable he will become ww champ, just a matter of time. Will he do it in Sept? I think so...

[novalia]

Tim Sylvia likes foo foo drinks (http://www.filecabi.net/video/tim-sylvia.html)

[Standby]

Did anyone else catch the Pride Bushido PPV last night? To be honest... kind of subpar... I don't know if it's the Bushido round setup (10 min round, 5 min round as opposed to multi 5 min rounds or 10-5-5) but for having 10 fights, 7 of them in the Welterweight Grand Prix, there weren't that many that really stood out to me...

[av8rOC]

Tim Sylvia likes foo foo drinks (http://www.filecabi.net/video/tim-sylvia.html)

Yeah but he had a good point....Whos gonna make fun of him?

Anyway what a drunk tramp, and Tim seems like a down to earth guy. Too bad Arlovski is gonna take the belt back next month. I have a ton of respect for Tim requesting the rematch right away though, he knows AA is the only other real competion at HW in the UFC.

[PestCoast]

Did anyone else catch the Pride Bushido PPV last night? To be honest... kind of subpar... I don't know if it's the Bushido round setup (10 min round, 5 min round as opposed to multi 5 min rounds or 10-5-5) but for having 10 fights, 7 of them in the Welterweight Grand Prix, there weren't that many that really stood out to me...

I haven't watched a lot of Pride. Do a lots of fights go to decision or are they mostly ko/to?

[av8rOC]

About the same as UFC.

A lot of differences, but its still MMA and the talent is right there if not better. One of the things I like most is they arent so quick to stand fighters up and as a result you see a lot more ground fighting.

[askewcore]

About the same as UFC.

A lot of differences, but its still MMA and the talent is right there if not better. One of the things I like most is they arent so quick to stand fighters up and as a result you see a lot more ground fighting.

I love the yellow cards in Pride too, this way you cant just sit in a mount and not do anything, but still win the round. I also like the 10 minute rounds. And I think the overall talent pool is better than UFC, but thats just my opinion. I didnt see Bushido last night because Cablevision was being jerks, and then I got some oral treats, but it sounds like I didnt miss much.

[Kid Brock]

Tim Sylvia likes foo foo drinks (http://www.filecabi.net/video/tim-sylvia.html)



"Arm broken 3 weeks ago", "Heart broken many times"

[MikeyP]

Here's a little article I read this morning about Jim Lampley bashing MMA.

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=2188&zoneid=7

- HBO BOXING'S JIM LAMPLEY BASHES MMA
Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - by Ivan Trembow - MMAWeekly.com
The voice of HBO Boxing, Jim Lampley, bashed the sport of MMA on Monday during his guest-hosting gig on Jim Rome's show.

While UFC president Dana White continues to say, as recently as last week in the Washington Post, that the UFC is "coming soon" to HBO, it seems pretty clear that Lampley does not approve and will not be rolling out the welcome mat when or if the UFC does sign with HBO.

Lampley said that while boxing is a real sport, UFC events are nothing more than a bunch of bar fights. Lampley showed no respect for MMA or its competitors, even saying that MMA fighters are "not athletes."

Mixed martial arts and the UFC were repeatedly referred to as "no-holds-barred fighting" by Lampley, even though that hasn't been true since 1994. He apparently didn't even get the proverbial memo about how Zuffa added all of the rules in 2001.

Lampley went on to say that any of the top fighters from the UFC or K-1 would lose very quickly to a top boxer. That may be true in a boxing match, but it would certainly not be true in an MMA fight.

Even if an MMA fighter did beat a top boxer in an MMA fight, Lampley said it would "mean nothing" because "it's a bar fight," and he could go to a bar at any time if he wanted to see a bar fight.

Regarding the popularity of MMA in the United States, Lampley said that the UFC will never be bigger than boxing, which is already a factually incorrect statement when it comes to TV ratings and all but the biggest boxing pay-per-views.

Lampley, who has come under fire from some boxing fans in the past for "cheerleading" the HBO-backed fighter in many major boxing matches, is not exactly Mr. Credibility, so his comments should not come as much of a surprise. As the long-time play-by-play man for HBO Boxing, Lampley is also a major player in the old-school boxing crowd, the majority of which feels very threatened by MMA as it continues to chip away at boxing's audience.

[novalia]

Lampley knows even less about boxing.

[MikeyP]

Lampley knows even less about boxing.

Good to know. He sounds like a prick to me. I hope the UFC gets an HBO contract and I hope they put this piece of trash out on the curb.

[novalia]

James Toney on Lampley:
http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=3788
"Then you have these dickwads on HBO, Jim Lampley. Do you guys have a voicemail or email, an email for Jim Lampley? Well, get it and email me. These are f*ck b*tches, these are punk boys, *ssholes, c*cksuckers. You see they don’t even know how call fights. They kept saying he was hitting me, dude wasn’t even hitting me. You all saw the fight, what fight did you see? Did you see me slipping this guy's damn shots."

[askewcore]

Great, more reasons for me to fucking DESPISE Jim Lampley. Him and Larry Merchant are two of the biggest douches on the planet.

Lampley showed no respect for MMA or its competitors, even saying that MMA fighters are "not athletes."

Thats the stupidest fucking thing I've ever heard. They are probably the most well-rounded athletes on the planet. I'd like to see a boxer fight 5 minute rounds, not even gonna go as far as to say 10 minute rounds like Pride. Boxers train one style and thats it. While MMA guys have to try and stay up on any kinda style they can.

Lampley went on to say that any of the top fighters from the UFC or K-1 would lose very quickly to a top boxer. That may be true in a boxing match, but it would certainly not be true in an MMA fight.

I'd take Feydor, Silvia or Cro-Cop over Klitschko in a boxing match in a second.

Lampley said that the UFC will never be bigger than boxing, which is already a factually incorrect statement when it comes to TV ratings and all but the biggest boxing pay-per-views.

That makes me smile.

Lampley, who has come under fire from some boxing fans in the past for "cheerleading" the HBO-backed fighter in many major boxing matches, is not exactly Mr. Credibility

I'm glad they mentioned that because its so fucking true. Whoever has the long-term contract with HBO he pumps up. He also constantly calls shots that either land on arms, or get blocked completly as "landing hard". Fuckin idiot.

I love boxing, but the quality of it has just been getting worse and worse. Castillo missing his weight against Corrales again really didnt help either. I have no doubt in my mind that within 3-5 years (possibly sooner) MMA will be more popular than boxing. The only thing boxing really has going for them is Jermaine Taylor, and casual fans really wont be impressed with him.

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Good to know. He sounds like a prick to me. I hope the UFC gets an HBO contract and I hope they put this piece of trash out on the curb.

Exactly. Boxing is boring compared to what happens in a MMA match. Also, more people have died from boxing then from MMA. So stick that up your ass Lampley.

[av8rOC]

After finding MMA I cant even stomach a boxing match. Boring and corupt, bring on the future.

[novalia]

After finding MMA I cant even stomach a boxing match. Boring and corupt, bring on the future.

unfortunately corruption is universal...
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=2187&zoneid=2

Apparently Pride FC has ties with the Japanese mob so their TV contract was cancelled. Old news this "yakuza scandal" but new news to me.

[askewcore]

Yeah, I didnt know about that Yakuza deal either. Maybe they forgot to mention it in my weekly Yakuza newsletter.

[Palerider4146]

unfortunately corruption is universal...
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=2187&zoneid=2

Apparently Pride FC has ties with the Japanese mob so their TV contract was cancelled. Old news this "yakuza scandal" but new news to me.

Hmmm Dana White is probably chuckling over this one. Although Pride does seem to have the better overall fighters (namely in the HW division, although I think the other divisions are much more even) things like this and there questionable steroid practices may help the UFC in the end. BTW, can anyone who watches Pride regularly answer this question, do they incorporate "pro" wrestling matches into their shows, I thought I read that somewhere. I really despise "pro" wrestling myself.

[askewcore]

do they incorporate "pro" wrestling matches into their shows, I thought I read that somewhere. I really despise "pro" wrestling myself.

No. But they have alot of Japanese Pro Wrestlers who try and fight MMA. And lose consistently. There's a clip floating around of Cro-Cop vs. some guy named Dos Caras Jr., he has a mask on. And Mirko almost kicks his head into the Pacific Ocean

[Palerider4146]

In regards to Lampley, tell him to "go shit in your hat", I was just busting Lampley's balls and he's getting fresh! How great would it be for HBO to see the light and put on a UFC show every so often. I wonder if this could be the end of the PPVs (doubt it though). By the way, check out the actual Washington Post articile that was mentioned. A HBO deal would be HUGE! (think of lil Jimmy yelling now) Let's wait and see.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/31/AR2006053102341.html?sub=new

You may need to register but it's quick and free.

[Palerider4146]

No. But they have alot of Japanese Pro Wrestlers who try and fight MMA. And lose consistently. There's a clip floating around of Cro-Cop vs. some guy named Dos Caras Jr., he has a mask on. And Mirko almost kicks his head into the Pacific Ocean

That is where pride loses me a bit. To often it can come off as to "pro" like. I dont want to see WWF shit, I just want to see to guys beating the crap out of each other, no fluff. It seems like the UFC fluff is much less than in Japan.

[novalia]

i dont like it when they pit superman vs supernoob..

[av8rOC]

That is where pride loses me a bit. To often it can come off as to "pro" like. I dont want to see WWF shit, I just want to see to guys beating the crap out of each other, no fluff. It seems like the UFC fluff is much less than in Japan.

Agreed, Pride does a lot more back stage "fluff" crap, and sometimes it has a WWF (or whatever its called these days) feel to it.

[av8rOC]

No. But they have alot of Japanese Pro Wrestlers who try and fight MMA. And lose consistently. There's a clip floating around of Cro-Cop vs. some guy named Dos Caras Jr., he has a mask on. And Mirko almost kicks his head into the Pacific Ocean

Haha thats funny.

Another thing that I have noticed about Pride is that they seem to shelter their "golden boys" ie. Fedor, Nog, Cro-Cop, Wanderlei, and feed them cans way too often. There is so much talent in Pride I feel like they should have big time fights more often.

[whoisisthis]

No. But they have alot of Japanese Pro Wrestlers who try and fight MMA. And lose consistently. There's a clip floating around of Cro-Cop vs. some guy named Dos Caras Jr., he has a mask on. And Mirko almost kicks his head into the Pacific Ocean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-qh5VsJ9vw&search=Dos%20Caras%20Jr
:icon_eek:
at the very end

[av8rOC]

Not sure if we discussed it already, but a nice card for the UFN live June 28th:

Chris Leben Vs. Anderson Silva

Rashad Evans Vs. Stephan Bonnar

Jonathan Goulet Vs. Luke Cummo

Jon Fitch Vs. Thiago Alves

Dave Menne Vs. Josh Koscheck

Branden Lee Hinkle Vs. Jason Lambert

Looking forward to the Leben fight for sure, Silva is real deal competition.

I think Bonnars stand up is superior and if they stay on their feet he wont have a problem.

Koscheck is always fun to watch.

All in all another nice card, especially when you factor in the price. There are so many UFC haters on the big forums but who else is giving us this much MMA and live fights for free? Not to mention 1 fight a week on the TUF.

[av8rOC]

Then, 4 days later we have Pride OWGP round 2! Check out this fight card:

5 Fights Officially Announced for OWGP Round 2
http://www.prideofficial.com/

Cro Cop vs Hidehiko Yoshida
Kazuyuki Fujita vs Wanderlei Silva
Josh Barnett vs Mark Hunt
Antonio Nogueira vs Fabricio Werdum
Kazuhiro Nakamura vs Evanglista "Cyborg" Santos

Holy crap that is a sick card.

Then, 6 days later is UFC 61:

Ortiz vs Shamrock 2
Silvia vs Arlovski 3
Mir vs Dan Christienson
Josh Burkman Vs. Josh Neer


Oh yeah, did I forget to mention the TUF finals on June 24th? That card is headlined by Kenny Florian vs. Sam Stout.

Holy shit what a sick 2 weeks of MMA fights!

[Palerider4146]

Good month for mma..."Happy Birthday to meeeeee, happy birthday to meeeeeeeeeeee". The UFN card is pretty good, hopefully win or lose, they will give Leben a PPV match next. I'm also looking forward to seeing if Mir can bounce back from that beating a few months ago. I think he came back to soon back then. in regards to UFC 61, kudos to Sylvia to giving a rematch so soon, that should be interesting. Plus, even though I think Tito is going to kill Ken, the back story and hatred there will be enough for good entertainment.

[av8rOC]

Tito embarassed him the first time, I'm sure it will only be worse the second. Hopefully Ken will take a page out of Randy's book and hang it up.

[av8rOC]

Sanchez vs. Parisyan Confirmed

Diego and Karo fight confirmed for the August 17th UFN live on Spike. Another fight I am really looking forward to. If Diego comes out like he did last time I think he will be handed his first loss.

[Palerider4146]

Sanchez vs. Parisyan Confirmed

Diego and Karo fight confirmed for the August 17th UFN live on Spike. Another fight I am really looking forward to. If Diego comes out like he did last time I think he will be handed his first loss.

This is actually a big test for both guys. Karo's ground game and judo is amazing, but his standup is real wild. Any good standup guy should be able to use that against Karo. Unfortunately for Diego, he isnt a great standup guy. This should be a real interesting fight. I dont think Karo has fought since last summer against Diaz. He was supposed to fight Hughes but got hurt in training. If he beats Diego, and if GSP loses to Hughes, Karo should get his shot at Hughes, or at least against GSP, which could be a real good fight.

[av8rOC]

This is actually a big test for both guys. Karo's ground game and judo is amazing, but his standup is real wild. Any good standup guy should be able to use that against Karo. Unfortunately for Diego, he isnt a great standup guy. This should be a real interesting fight. I dont think Karo has fought since last summer against Diaz. He was supposed to fight Hughes but got hurt in training. If he beats Diego, and if GSP loses to Hughes, Karo should get his shot at Hughes, or at least against GSP, which could be a real good fight.

Penn is in that mix as well, cant forget about him. I agree though, big test for both guys. The winner of this fight will be next in line behind GSP and Penn for a title shot.
This is a MMA fan's fight, maybe why its not a PPV fight. I expect a ground war and I love a good ground war.

[av8rOC]

I thought this was a brilliant article from sherdog about the current UFC talent pool:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=4725

Technically speaking, it’s not really déjà vu. That term refers to the fraudulent sensation of having seen or experienced something before. It’s an evocative term, but the wrong one.

Wrong because I am entirely certain I have seen July’s UFC 61 card before. Less than 60 days ago, Tim Sylvia (Pictures) tackled Andrei Arlovski (Pictures). Less than four years ago, Ken Shamrock (Pictures) was counting the Tweety birds circling his concussed head, victim of the most one-sided mauling in UFC light heavyweight title history.

If that bout somehow left something to the imagination, has the UFC got a deal for you.

In today’s Zuffa-owned fight climate, rematches have morphed into something other than an intermittent novelty. They’ve become an epidemic, the manifestation of a shallow talent pool. No longer does Management recruit intriguing new challengers. They’re content to re-package and re-purpose contenders, dressing the fight in propaganda that might lead one to believe it makes an ounce of sense.

Don’t believe it? Consider: as the current light heavyweight champ, Chuck Liddell (Pictures)’s history of defense has consisted entirely of rematches. He won the belt from Couture; he defended it against Horn; he fought Couture, again; he is now set to oppose Renato Sobral (Pictures) in August.

That’s four fights and not a single fresh opponent for a celebrated champion who is nearly 38 and has perhaps a handful of fights left in his prime.

And what of Sylvia-Arlovski? We’ve now reached the saturation point where not even three months will pass before these two will resume their confrontation. I suspect Arlovski — the UFC’s Great Belarus Hope for a marketable heavyweight — has contractual guarantees that he will be granted a rematch. I find it little comfort for what has turned out to be a monotonous season of repeats.

This comes after a pointless rubber match between Jeremy Horn (Pictures) and Chael Sonnen (Pictures), the first two bouts having left nothing to the imagination. (Horn’s presence at middleweight — where he continually picks off contenders while simultaneously refusing to fight champ Franklin — is another fiasco onto itself.)

And it will climax in July with what is clearly the most shameless grab at cash to date: the sequel to Ortiz-Shamrock.

Doubtless that the UFC’s hype machine will point out that Shamrock fought gallantly with a torn ACL in their first encounter. And now, healthier, he will provoke a better fight. What is likely to slip their minds is that Shamrock, now four years older, would have to dredge up an effort he’s biologically incapable of producing in order to even threaten Ortiz.

(This is not likely to deter Dana White from staring solemnly into a camera and discussing how “badly Ken wanted this,” as if that’s a viable method of handicapping.)

But because Ken is one of the few combat athletes to talk a good game, and because little effort is needed to sell a sequel, the bout will go on as scheduled. And what was once a highly anticipated match will now be a sad punctuation mark on a dependable Shamrock’s career.

Liddell’s case is more offensive for the simple fact that the UFC failed to ensnare free agent Quinton Jackson (Pictures), which would’ve provided a major shake-up of the division. And while I’m aware of the hypocrisy in advocating a fighter who would wind up in a rematch with Liddell, it should be noted that it’s at least compelling. After all, Jackson gave him a thorough beating in Japan.

There is nothing inherently wrong with rematches; plenty of bouts with dubious decisions warrant them. Promoted correctly, rivalries can help elevate athletes and their profession. I don’t begrudge the UFC for three Liddell-Couture bouts; I express puzzlement at the sheer number of redundant matches that have not even a fraction of that series’ significance.

In today’s Ultimate Fighter-fueled era, the UFC has developed a perfect business plan. They have a nationally televised outlet in which to promote unknown athletes, who in turn draw business for pennies on the dollar. Economically, it’s brilliant. Why pay Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) $500,000 when Forrest Griffin (Pictures) will draw more buy rates for less than a tenth of the purse?

The dearth of contenders is — like many things in life — a business decision. The Accounting Department doesn’t have the luxury of romanticizing the sport. But when your roster is swollen with up-and-comers who aren’t yet prepared for title bouts, you wind up with the same handful of high-level athletes in an endless loop of confrontation.

The only way this changes is if the American public becomes cognizant of what’s happening outside the Octagon, that Liddell’s real threats are across the ocean. How this happens is beyond me. The UFC is MMA in the States, and our society’s impressions of the sport are directly influenced by what they choose to reveal. Casual viewers searching for information online get funneled to the UFC’s bias on their home page, where “Cro Cop” would be regarded as an error message rather than as a fighter.

Perhaps DSE’s unfortunate situation in Japan will provide an avenue for the top athletes to find a home stateside … though I can’t imagine the UFC matching the substantial salaries sure to be offered by K-1.

More than likely, Liddell’s winter title defense will be against Noe Hernandez. And thanks to some slick barker shows on SpikeTV, damned if we won’t think that maybe ol’ Noe has a shot.

[askewcore]

Bored and poking around on Youtube. You guys will probably dig this.

Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira's Highlight film (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85HmGcB6Vlc)

A random MMA HL reel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NtKBmvDFpg)

8 minutes of KOs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJeuGMkC_qA)

[Palerider4146]

As much as I like the UFC, there is a talent pool problem, especially at the HW div. They are going to need to spend some money soon. One thing that may delay that is if the UFC waits to see what happens with the Pride situation. They just lost their main tv deal over some Jap mob scandal. I dont know what is in store longterm for them. The UFC has great name recognition, but they need to step it up a bit with recruiting. Rampage was a free agent and they didnt get him signed. Instead he joined I believe the WFA and they have an impressive card coming up.

[av8rOC]

Rampage would have been a sweet addition to the LHW division. That article I posted just does a great job of exposing how shallow the talent pool in the UFC is.

[Cromwell]

Dana White featured in this month's Playboy Magazine

Check out the July issue of Playboy (available now) for an insightful interview with Dana White In "20 Questions". Dana takes you behind-the-scenes of the hit television series The Ultimate Fighter, what he sees up ahead for the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization, what distinguishes a real warrior and why the UFC is crushing the competition!


Ever wonder what Dana thinks of Mike Tyson or the WWE? Interested in why Dana stopped fighting, or how he feels about his kids becoming fighters? Find out all this and more in this month's Playboy Magazine – on newsstands now. Pick up your copy today!

http://mm.ticketmaster.com/tmbrowseimages/zuffa%20llc/email//1PLAYBOYCOVER.JPG

[av8rOC]

Another 2 lackluster fights last night.... Looks like the only guy with the ability to really compete in the UFC who made it to the finals is Mike Bisbing. Interested to see Matt Hamils fight that night as well.

[novalia]

looks like Team Punishment picked up another sparring partner last night.

[novalia]

Dana White featured in this month's Playboy Magazine

Check out the July issue of Playboy (available now) for an insightful interview with Dana White In "20 Questions". Dana takes you behind-the-scenes of the hit television series The Ultimate Fighter, what he sees up ahead for the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization, what distinguishes a real warrior and why the UFC is crushing the competition!


Ever wonder what Dana thinks of Mike Tyson or the WWE? Interested in why Dana stopped fighting, or how he feels about his kids becoming fighters? Find out all this and more in this month's Playboy Magazine – on newsstands now. Pick up your copy today!

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1383/danawhite4cb.jpg

[Jimmy's Dignity]

it is a really good article. Dana comes across well in it. And Vida Guerra is naked in that issue too, so that's a win

[av8rOC]

anyone have the transcript?

[Standby]

it is a really good article. Dana comes across well in it. And Vida Guerra is naked in that issue too, so that's a win

Damn, as if the interview wasn't enough, el oh el. Didn't take Vida long to move from Maxim to Playboy. What's the over/under on her in Penthouse?

[av8rOC]

TUF 3 Finale tonight:

Just in case you forgot the TUF3 finale is tonight, here is the card:

-Sam Stout Vs. Kenny Florian
(155lb main event, the winner of which fights Sean Sherk for the vacant LW title belt)

-Michael Bisping Vs. Josh Haynes
(LHW TUF final. IMO Bisping will have a nice future in the UFC)

-Kendall Grove Vs. Ed Herman
(MW TUF final. Personally I dont think either of them have what it takes to comete with the talent in the UFC and I think they both are deuchebags, but thats just me)

-Keith Jardine Vs. Wilson Gouveia

-Ross Pointon Vs. Rory Singer

-Danny Abbadi Vs. Kalib Starnes

-Luigi Fioravanti Vs. Solomon Hutcherson

-Jesse Forbes Vs. Matt Hamill

-Wes Combs Vs. Mike Nickels

Probably only 4 fights will be broadcast. Bummer cause I was looking forward to seeing Matt Hamill fight. Not bad for a free card though.

[Cromwell]

TUF 3 Finale tonight:

Just in case you forgot the TUF3 finale is tonight





I didn't. I've got the DVR all set up (since I at that time I will be at FH Rileys :) )


here is the card


-Sam Stout Vs. Kenny Florian
(155lb main event, the winner of which fights Sean Sherk for the vacant LW title belt)


Is Kenny Florian the guy with the slicing elbows? I like the fact that a guy can use weapons like that to overcome an otherwise outwardly appearing "more powerful" opponent.


-Michael Bisping Vs. Josh Haynes
(LHW TUF final. IMO Bisping will have a nice future in the UFC)


Yeah - Mike Bisbing turned out to be the real star of this seasons TUF. Funny that - early on - when Tito was ignoring him - he was all pissy and disagreeable. Well, in all honesty - we never got to see Bisbing and Olympic Wrestler deaf Matt go at it. *That* should have been the final.



-Kendall Grove Vs. Ed Herman
(MW TUF final. Personally I dont think either of them have what it takes to comete with the talent in the UFC and I think they both are deuchebags, but thats just me)


Agreed. They're both a couple of DB's.



-Ross Pointon Vs. Rory Singer


Wow. I didn't know *these* guys were going to fight. Here we have a classic "banger" (Pointon) vs the more developed ju jitsu guy (Singer). I'm very curious about this one.


-Danny Abbadi Vs. Kalib Starnes


Danny seems out of his league, but will Kalib quit again?


-Jesse Forbes Vs. Matt Hamill


Wow. Matt *is* back. Poor Jesse - he's going to get his ass kicked *again*. :icon_mrgr


-Wes Combs Vs. Mike Nickels


Don't know who Wes Combs is. Nickels is that tatoo guy.


Probably only 4 fights will be broadcast. Bummer cause I was looking forward to seeing Matt Hamill fight. Not bad for a free card though.

Yeah, not bad. But I too would like to see Hamill fight.

[circpro]

TUF 3 Finale tonight:

-Kendall Grove Vs. Ed Herman
(MW TUF final. Personally I dont think either of them have what it takes to comete with the talent in the UFC and I think they both are deuchebags, but thats just me)




I don't know, that was a great fight...but did Dana really have to pull that twist out...

[Kid Brock]

I don't know, that was a great fight...but did Dana really have to pull that twist out...


Yeah, not nearly as close as Forrest vs Stephon was. I say the judges got it right and Kendall should of got the only contract.

[av8rOC]

Agreed. Not nearly as warrented as the Bonner/Griffen fight, but still a great fight. After dogging the two of them I have to say, I was impressed with the fighters who showed up tonight.
All in all another great TUF finale and considering the price a great night of MMA. The Jardine fight was a war, and although I would have liked to see Hamill fight tonight I was pleasantly surprised with that undercard matchup. Kenny Florian looked sharp as hell and I am looking foward to the Sherk/Florian fight for the vacant LW belt. How about the signing of Jens Pulver!

[sinAtra]

. . . the Pride situation. They just lost their main tv deal over some Jap mob scandal. I dont know what is in store longterm for them.

Friends in Japan say the "yakuza" angle, tho' probably true, is just a face-saving way to say no to Pride's price demands . . . my sources say "Pride will be back" but what do I know - I'm in America.

When I was over there, peeps would stay up 'til midnight with huge silver bottles of some shitty beer, twenty or thirty to a house out in the Japanese countryside, watching and betting and hooting and brawling. Pride should have filmed it - young and old, all colors, salaryman and karaoke bar jockeys and a surprising amount of women. Pride brings people together.

[HerkyJerkyLiz]

those fights went exactly how i thought they would. i was kind of annoyed that ed got a contract too. not because i dont think he deserves it but do it another time.. the point of the show is to have 1 ufc winner to get a contract at the end. i think it kind of takes away from kendals win.

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Tito is going to destroy Shamrock. Hope Ken has retirement plans, and coaching shouldn't be one of them.

[StickyKeyboard]

Agreed. Not nearly as warrented as the Bonner/Griffen fight, but still a great fight. After dogging the two of them I have to say, I was impressed with the fighters who showed up tonight.
All in all another great TUF finale and considering the price a great night of MMA. The Jardine fight was a war, and although I would have liked to see Hamill fight tonight I was pleasantly surprised with that undercard matchup. Kenny Florian looked sharp as hell and I am looking foward to the Sherk/Florian fight for the vacant LW belt. How about the signing of Jens Pulver!

They did show the Hamill fight. He won by TKO with like 15 seconds left in the 1st round.

[Kid Brock]

Yeah they showed "deaf" Matt because they had 12 minutes to fill after the Florian fight. I was hoping they would show it and he looked pretty decent. (fighting that is no homo)

[Cybouncer]

The Hamill fight wasn't even close. I thought Jesse would put up a better fight than that. I am not a big Hamill fan, but he looked real good tonight.

I agree with Liz. Ed should have got a contract, but at a later time. He looked real good last night but I wasn't impressed with him at all during TUF3.

Bisping showed that he was probably the best fighter to come out of season 3. I didn't really expect that because he was such a bitch early on in the season crying all the time because Matt was getting all of the attention. Josh is a tough son of a bitch, but he needs to work on his technical skills. You can't always just stand there and throw in today's MMA.

Florian is an animal. He is going to dominate @ 155.

[TDRacing13]

Josh is tough as hell, and he has allot of heart. The big problem with josh is he opens himself up for allot of submisions. If he was fighting a seasoned veteran the first time he opened his back he would have been choked out. Bisping just couldnt get it cinched in tight enough

[Digital_Trauma]

I'm glad Ed got beat, with all his "I'm the best looking guy here and the toughest . . . ." crap. I just wish it wasn't Kendall who beat him. I lost a lot of respect for Kendall when he turned his back on his team to help his "Team Homo/Dagger" buddy Solomon. After a little buildup, I think Bisping v. Hamill will be a great fight somewhere down the road. I was impressed by Florian, he crushed that Stout guy.

[Palerider4146]

Bisping has some potential in the UFC. In regards to Josh, I really cant wait to see him at 170, that's 35 pounds lighter. He may very well be an animal at that division. He is a great pounder and from what it looks like, he is well versed in subs. I really want to see him kick the shit out of Nick Diaz and I think he would beat Diego as well.

Kendall did a real nice job, and deserved the win. It definetely wasnt as close as Bonner/Griffin. Ed deserves to be in the UFC, but not like that. Let him earn his way in like Leben.

KFlo, looked real good also, and the LWs should be real interesting. I'm still disappointed that the UFC didnt think to do TUF4 with the LWs. They could have gotten 16 lws in a house and let the two left standing compete for the vacant title. Oh well, what do I know.

I like Matt, but Chuck would knock him the fuck out with his low hand defense. He needs to get his hands up better.

Also, Randy, along with Bas Rutten is opening a new gym in SoCal, it's called Legends gym . Mayhem, Eddie Bravo, Rob Kaman among others. There prices are real steep, but they will attract a lot of celeb types. Unfortuantely the regular fighter probably couldnt afford the $250 month. MFS I believe only charges $100 month( big difference between Socal and Iowa).
My question is, is Randy leaving Quest. At best his involvement has to come down from wherever it is at right now.

Also, Josh and Ed both made mention of Team Quest being the hub of MMA in north America. Is it really Josh, is it? MFS has to be "the place" to learn right now. American Top Team also has to top Quest. Any thoughts.

[novalia]

fuck i had in-laws over and totally forgot about this... my TIVO probably didnt catch it because they most likely used "Ultimate Fight Night"....

FUCK

[av8rOC]

fuck i had in-laws over and totally forgot about this... my TIVO probably didnt catch it because they most likely used "Ultimate Fight Night"....

FUCK

nope. It recorded on mine no problem. It was titled as another edition of the The Ultimate FIghter.:action-sm

[novalia]

argh... well it is replaying tonight so i am happy..
dont mind me... after a wknd of inlaws i am close to killing myself...
passive aggression makes me aggressive =)

[Flea_Man]

Ortiz is going to destroy Shamrock at UFC 61.

[av8rOC]

argh... well it is replaying tonight so i am happy..
dont mind me... after a wknd of inlaws i am close to killing myself...
passive aggression makes me aggressive =)

I must not have made myself clear. It did in fact record as just another TUF episode on my DVR.

[novalia]

yeah i got ya..
my FIL probably stopped it from recording or something...

[Cromwell]

Yeah, I enjoyed all the fights.

But - one thing nobody's mentioned . . .

the fact that if Matt Hamill didn't have to do that hospital time - it would have been Matt vs Bisbing.

Any thoughts on who would take that fight right now?

Its the fight Bisbing really wanted - and Matt's superior wrestling skills means he have Bisbing down on the ground.

But could he pull off the same kind of ground-and-pound that he did on Jesse?

[av8rOC]

Good fight, I will take Bisping. He is much more rounded and Matt is just getting started in MMA.
Dont be surprised to see this fight in the next few months.

[StickyKeyboard]

I wasn't that impressed with Matt. He needs alot more experience. The fight he had on the show vs Mike was really sloppy (I know he was injured). Bisping seems to be alot more well rounded. I loved the flying knee he hit Pointon with. Matt seemed to have some submission opportunties in his fight the other night which he didn't take.

[askewcore]

Is Jens Pulver gonna make a return to the UFC ring? He fought not too long ago in Pride as a replacement fighter and he did pretty fucking good. Since he was announcing during the Florian/Stout match, I assume he's back under UFC contract. Bring Back LITTLE EVIL

[Palerider4146]

Is Jens Pulver gonna make a return to the UFC ring? He fought not too long ago in Pride as a replacement fighter and he did pretty fucking good. Since he was announcing during the Florian/Stout match, I assume he's back under UFC contract. Bring Back LITTLE EVIL

First of all congrats to the MMA thread for getting made a sticky.

Yes Jens Pulver is under UFC contract, it was announced on the UFC website and on the finale of TUF.

[novalia]

i wasnt impressed with matt either.. he leads with his face and his punching has no POP.. sure you can kick someone's ass that cant defend himself but anyone with a little defense isnt going to get hit.. and he is going to get pummeled in his next fight if he doesnt keep his hands up... he is a walking upper cut knockout...

also his ground game was pretty crappy.. he didnt pass the guard at all when it was there..

it just seems like he has no brain... he doesnt think at all out there.

[av8rOC]

Shit yeah, sticky! Second only in popularity to the Yankees thread. Nice.

Why dont the boys talk about MMA on the show again?

[askewcore]

Alot of wrestlers really bore me in MMA. Like that black kid with blonde hair from the 1st TUF, all he did was get mount and then hold the position. He never really went for subs or tried to G&P people.

Deaf Matt I think was really over-rated. I think he would knocked the fuck out by a solid striker. Plus, everytime he gets hit he needs to go to the hospital like a punk.


Why dont the boys talk about MMA on the show again?

I think they'll need Rogan back on before they do. Plus, Op doesnt seem to dig it. But Jimmy seems like he's sort of a fan.

[av8rOC]

So does anyone give Leben a chance tomorrow night? Really looking forward to that fight.

[novalia]

Leben wins

[askewcore]

So does anyone give Leben a chance tomorrow night? Really looking forward to that fight.

Since he's come around, I been really down on him, but he keeps winning, its hard to doubt him. That being said, if he beats Anderson Silva, I'll be verrrrry impressed.

Anyone know who this guy is:
Kristian Rothaermel
He's 40-4 in MMA, and I dont think I know him. I hate that.

Josh Koshcheck (I didnt know his name in the last post, just saw him on the UFC site) knocked out Mirko? When/where?...wait a sec, did you think I was talking about Randleman?

[Kid Brock]

Since he's come around, I been really down on him, but he keeps winning, its hard to doubt him. That being said, if he beats Anderson Silva, I'll be verrrrry impressed.

Anyone know who this guy is:
Kristian Rothaermel
He's 40-4 in MMA, and I dont think I know him. I hate that.

Josh Koshcheck (I didnt know his name in the last post, just saw him on the UFC site) knocked out Mirko? When/where?...wait a sec, did you think I was talking about Randleman?


Isn't that the Kristian from this seasons TUF?

[novalia]

Josh Koshcheck (I didnt know his name in the last post, just saw him on the UFC site) knocked out Mirko? When/where?...wait a sec, did you think I was talking about Randleman?

haha yes i was way too fast and didnt see your TUF reference =)

[Cromwell]

Kristian has 40 MMA wins?

Against who?

He got his ass handed to him on TUF. Then he didn't want to fight when they offered him back in.

Psyched for tonight, though!


http://mm.ticketmaster.com/tmbrowseimages/zuffa%20llc/email//UFN5_EMAIL_TOP.JPG

[Standby]

Ah, congrats on this being made a sticky. Can't wait for tonight's fights. We're into a fucking great few weeks of MMA coming up, like someone said, with UFC in two weeks and Pride this weekend.

I really want to see Leben win, and hopefully by then he'll make it to a PPV like he should be in already. But I guess he's being the good company man and taking these free TV fights and of course, the publicity doesn't hurt.

[Palerider4146]

Kristian has 40 MMA wins?

Against who?

He got his ass handed to him on TUF. Then he didn't want to fight when they offered him back in.

Psyched for tonight, though!


http://mm.ticketmaster.com/tmbrowseimages/zuffa%20llc/email//UFN5_EMAIL_TOP.JPG

Should be some good fights tonight. I'm very suprised that Dana gave Kristian a fight. After backing down when given the chance to get back in, and considering he sucked moose cock through his ass, I didnt expect him in the UFC.

As for Leben, win or lose he deserves a PPV fight next. He has been the good company man paying his penance for his TUF actions. He has looked very impressive except for his last win against Fioravanti.

[novalia]

wow good night.. rashad owned bonnar.. good i hate that slow ass ufc golden boy..

leban got owned hard.. luke really surprised me.. i thought he had more.. how in hell didnt he get that choke.. he had an anaconda and the choke and the guy just pulled his hands together.. he also should have stopped him when he "rocked" him in the 2nd round..

rogan's new phrase "for sure"... man i thought that phrase died with tito...

the louisina kid looked weak and weak...

jorge put up a good fight and deserves another fight in the ufc..

overall good night.. great acquisition getting silva.. that guy fights everywhere.. i hope they locked him up for a few fights....

we didnt see Josh Koscheck who scored a decision.. probably laid on the guy for 3 rounds.....

here are all the fights:
Match Winner Loser Method Round Time
1 Jorge Santiago Justin Levens KO (Knee) 1 2:13
2 Rob MacDonald Kris Rotharmel Submission (Armbar) 1 4:01
3 Jon Fitch Thiago Alves TKO (Strikes) 2 4:37
4 Jason Lambert Branden Lee Hinkle TKO (Referee Stoppage) 1 5:00
5 Josh Koscheck Dave Menne Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
6 Mark Hominick Jorge Gurgel Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
7 Rashad Evans Stephan Bonnar Decision (Majority) 3 5:00
8 Anderson Silva Chris Leben KO (Knee) 1 0:49
9 Jonathan Goulet Luke Cummo Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00

[Papagolash]

Best part of that night was when Rogan said that one ref should be shot.

[av8rOC]

He had a point though. Who in the world saw the Rashad/Bonner fight a draw??


My favorite part was Leben talking about how he was going to knock Silva out and send him back to Japan where there is less comptetion. Less that a minute later he gets his ass handed to him...hahahahahaha

[Standby]

It's a shame Leben got outclassed like he did. He was done right when the match kicked off. He's got talent though, so hopefully that won't hurt him too much. All I read about this Silva guy is how he's so dominating. Maybe if they give him a few big fights like that, he can be a decent challenger for Franklin's belt. Other than heavyweight, that division really could use some rejuvenation, in a challenge to the champ that won't end in a sick looking knockout (a la Quarry).

Best part of that night was when Rogan said that one ref should be shot.

Don't forget, Rogan also mentioned that he liked the Shaft. And we can call back the shirtless grappling to the sounds of Gangsta Fag.

No homo.

[novalia]

for sure

[av8rOC]

I'd love to see Silva vs. Loiseau

[askewcore]

I'd love to see Silva vs. Loiseau

Ooh, I second that. That would be a really good fight. Is Silva locked up with UFC?

[av8rOC]

Ooh, I second that. That would be a really good fight. Is Silva locked up with UFC?

yep:clap:

[av8rOC]

Just a rumour, but MMA weekly is saying Franklins first fight back will be against Silva:
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/rumors.asp?articleid=2292&zoneid=14

[locallounge]

Wtf was Leben talking about, saying he was going to send Silva back to Japan, where the competition is weaker?:rolleyes:
Japan has some great fighters, and a better overall talent pool that U.S. Leben would be a mid-card chump over there.
I love when people who talk alot of shit get humbled..

[Palerider4146]

Just a rumour, but MMA weekly is saying Franklins first fight back will be against Silva:
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/rumors.asp?articleid=2292&zoneid=14

Hmmm, that could be possibile, Leben had a shot had he not gotten owned like that. I believe Franklin wont be back to the end of the year, so that gives a shot for Silva/Loiseau first. Any other MWs deserve a shot?

[Cromwell]

Yeah, I thought it was a very entertaining night of fights as well.

Though just about everyone I was rooting for got beat.

I wanted Jorge to win - but he didn't play to his strength. He kept it a stand-up fight - but if you are a Brazilian Ju Jitsu black belt - you should be doing all you can to take the fight down to the ground. He didn't. He wanted to show off his stand-up skills (which, to his credit, are pretty good) - but he got bit on the ass when he lost a close decision. I agree that he deserves another fight, though.

Its interesting that the better wrestler overall won all the fights. Rashad over Bonner. I always root against Rashad - and he always wins. I haven't liked him since TUF 2 - when he hot-dogged it and pissed off coach Hughes (you don't do that to coach Hughes). But I will give Evans credit - he dropped down in weight and totally dominated Bonner.

The same for Goulet-Cuomo. I wanted Luke to win bad (for Long Island, dammit) - but he spent most of the match on his back - fighting the better wrestler off. When Luke *did* make stand-up contact - he nearly knocked him out. But unlike Silva - he failed to pounce and take advantage when he had his opponent rocked. Then - he had that rear-naked choke - and couldn't finish it. Much like Ed vs Kendall - somehow the guy getting choked was able to fend it off.

Yeah, the big surprise was Leben just getting his bell rug. First the kick to the temple stunned him - then Silva just pounced with deadly accuracy - with solid shots to the chin. Leben never had a chance. He was sent to sleepy town.

I now would love to see Rich the Scholarly Animal Franklin take him on. It looks like Franklins hand is no longer in any kind of cast or bandage. How long before he'll be back in the octagon?

Overall, a decent night of fights.

[HerkyJerkyLiz]

the leben fight was just embarrasing.. poor fella. i still <3 him..

[askewcore]

Wtf was Leben talking about, saying he was going to send Silva back to Japan, where the competition is weaker?:rolleyes:
Japan has some great fighters, and a better overall talent pool that U.S. Leben would be a mid-card chump over there.

I think he was just trying to pump UFC up. Either that, or he's fucking delusional. And you're right about him being a chump in Japan. He was so far outclassed by Silva and while Anderson is a very good fighter in Japan, he's not a main event guy, and he made Leben look silly.

I love when people who talk alot of shit get humbled..

Oh, me too. I never liked Leben since TUF 1 when he went outside and cried because he lost.

I'm liking this Mark Hominick kid. I was really impressed with him after he beat down Yves, and he has really fucking good standup and, as he showed against Yves, his ground game isnt bad either. I didnt like that he was turning and running from Gurgel last night, but his wanting to keep the fight standing was a good gameplan. I dont know why the fans booed him so hard for winning, I guess because they know Jorge from the TV show, I thought he won the first two rounds easy, and the third round was close.

I also heard rumors of BJ Penn moving to lightweight and having a re-match against Jens Pulver, I like the sound of that.

[av8rOC]

anyone know where to find the Leben/Silva fight online? I dont see it on youtube yet.

[Cromwell]

anyone know where to find the Leben/Silva fight online? I dont see it on youtube yet.

You didn't watch it live? :icon_eek:

Also - its was only a minute :icon_mrgr

Seriously - I can't believe how Leben left himself open like that. I think he took Silva waaaay too lightly. Its like - he wasn't protecting himself at all. Got rocked - then pummelled.

I'm still pissed that Luke couldn't close out Goulet with the RNC. Two weeks in a row that somebody slipped out of that move. Matt Hughes never lets that baby go. More time in the weightroom Luke!

Goulet has really benefitted by working with George St. Pierre. His ground control was excellent.

Can we please get a Matt Hughes v. GSP match already?

I want to see if this Canadian has improved his skills enough to actually beat the Mighty Hughes.

(but I don't think he will. Matt is still too strong/smart/determined to lose - at least now. A few years from now? Sure, its possible).

[askewcore]

Can we please get a Matt Hughes v. GSP match already?


I thought they already set that fight up for the next PPV. (After Arlovski/Silva 3 and stupid Ortiz/Shamrock 2 that no one really cares about) Am I wrong?

[novalia]

and stupid Ortiz/Shamrock 2 that no one really cares about) Am I wrong?

i care.. i want to see tito beat ken's face some more.

[askewcore]

i care.. i want to see tito beat ken's face some more.

But do you think they really deserve top billing over Sylvia/Arlovski? Ken and Tito are both washed up, neither of them interest me at all anymore

[novalia]

let's be real honest here.. there arent many people in the ufc you really want to see fight.. every card they introduce you to a bunch of guys in their "octagon debut".. enough already lets get a tournament together or something.. let's build a brand with some faces we can relate to... i am sick of all the new faces..

[askewcore]

let's be real honest here.. there arent many people in the ufc you really want to see fight.. every card they introduce you to a bunch of guys in their "octagon debut".. enough already lets get a tournament together or something.. let's build a brand with some faces we can relate to... i am sick of all the new faces..

Good point sir, good point. They should definitly bring back the tournament style. That was always much more compelling, and it encouraged the guys to finish the fight as soon as they could. I'm thinking the reason they got away from it is because it holds the potential for serious injury, but thats just an idea, I have no reason or proof to think that.

That's also another reason I like Pride more than UFC, they have alot more quality fighters, enough where they can make 3 or 4 good matches on a card and not have to bring back old, washed up guys (ie Tito, Shamrock, Royce) I wonder when Dan The Beast is gonna be making his octagon debut...:icon_roll

[av8rOC]

Matt Huges GSP 2 is September 23 @ UFC 63.

I have also read that Ortiz/Lidell is tenatively scheduled for superbowl weekend providing Tito beats ken and Chuck beats babalu.

Just a bunch more rematches on the horizon which IMO just exposes the lack of top level fighters in the UFC. Dont get me wrong though, GSP definitely deserves another shot, as does Babalu.

[av8rOC]

Good point sir, good point. They should definitly bring back the tournament style. That was always much more compelling, and it encouraged the guys to finish the fight as soon as they could. I'm thinking the reason they got away from it is because it holds the potential for serious injury, but thats just an idea, I have no reason or proof to think that.

That's also another reason I like Pride more than UFC, they have alot more quality fighters, enough where they can make 3 or 4 good matches on a card and not have to bring back old, washed up guys (ie Tito, Shamrock, Royce) I wonder when Dan The Beast is gonna be making his octagon debut...:icon_roll

I know they cant get sanctioned by the states atletic comission for a tourney with multiple fights per night. I would think they could do a tourney over the course of a few months if they wanted, but Im not sure.

[novalia]

I have also read that Ortiz/Lidell is tenatively scheduled for superbowl weekend providing Tito beats ken and Chuck beats babalu.


this is a good rematch.. it is so widely believed that chuck dominated tito but the spark that created chuck's dominance was a thumb in the eye to tito that he took advantage of by storming him...

[novalia]

I know they cant get sanctioned by the states atletic comission for a tourney with multiple fights per night. I would think they could do a tourney over the course of a few months if they wanted, but Im not sure.

yeah like pride does.. they have 16 fight one night then 8 a few months later and then a few months after that they have semi final and final in the same night.

[askewcore]

yeah like pride does.. they have 16 fight one night then 8 a few months later and then a few months after that they have semi final and final in the same night.

the OWGP is a fucking great idea. God Bless those Japs and their lack of saftey concerns.

[Standby]

the OWGP is a fucking great idea. God Bless those Japs and their lack of saftey concerns.

Pride's got this idea right, but to be honest, the majority of the OWGP 16 fighters were all in the HW/LHW class anyway. It wasn't really like you had a Welterweight fighting at guy at 260. But still, it's a great idea that UFC doesn't seem to have the depth to do. Not to mention it ties up champions from having title fights.

Effectively, The Ultimate Fighter has become that same tournament, with a reality show spin. I'd love to see UFC take a weight class or two and have the undercard of their PPVs be tournament matches, building up to someone previously mid-card, now deserving of a title shot.

The gap between fresh-out-of-TUF and top stars in UFC is really startling, and slowly that gap will be bridged. For now, though, it's gonna be a lot of rematches...

[novalia]

another thing i like about pride is how not EVERY single fight a champ has is a title fight.. so you see them more often... they'll fight some new guy or a schlub or a mid ranked guy to stay sharp without risk to his belt.. the guys that get the title shot really earn it... in the US we are title fight hungry.. there are too many schmos that get title shots...

the UFCs best guys just dont fight often enough.. and this is the difference between how pride has built a brand and how the ufc is still a few steps behind..

i've been watching all of the UFCs and all of the Prides on DVD and this one of the reasons i like pride more... even when they introduce a new guy to pride he fights someone you've already seen.. hell Shoji has fought in like 80% of the prides...

[askewcore]

Pride's got this idea right, but to be honest, the majority of the OWGP 16 fighters were all in the HW/LHW class anyway. It wasn't really like you had a Welterweight fighting at guy at 260.

Yeah, you're right. For the most part they were close in weight, I think one reason they did that was to allow the four point strikes. In the two fights that had big weight difference (TK vs. Hunt, TK is like 210 and Hunt is around 300 and Nogiera vs. Zuluzino, Nogs is 230 and Zulu is 400) they were giving the lighter guy a choice one whether he wanted to allow them or not. Either way though, it was creative and generated some good buzz and interest. I think since Pride is one of the bigger sports in Japan, especially compared to UFC here, they try to keep things fresh alot more over there.

[Cybouncer]

But do you think they really deserve top billing over Sylvia/Arlovski? Ken and Tito are both washed up, neither of them interest me at all anymore


I agree with you about Shamrock being washed up but Tito can still brawl.

I have a whole new respect for him after this season's TUF.

[av8rOC]

I think the UFC is trying, and I give them credit for the recent explosion of interest in MMA. Aparently its going to continue, as there is a rumour of a big HBO deal on the horizon.
Pride has great depth, especially at HW. They have 5 HW's that could put Silvia/AA to shame. At the same time the UFC has 4 or 5 WW's that are better than anyone in Japan. I think Dana needs to continue bringing new talent over such as Anderson Silva. If they could score at least one of the big HW's from pride it would be another great move.
Bottom line is it is a good time to be a fan of MMA. Pride, K1, UFC, IFL, whatever. Im enjoying it.

[Cromwell]

Matt Huges GSP 2 is September 23 @ UFC 63.


Cool. Looking forward to that.

Hey - check this out. As a guy who trains on Long Island myself (but at a different dojo) - I'm most interested in this development:

'Ultimate Fighter' gets Long Island accent
BY HANK WINNICKI
Newsday Staff Writer

June 29, 2006, 8:37 PM EDT


Don't call it a comeback, even if that's what they're calling it. Matt Serra hasn't gone anywhere. He's been beating up people for years.

The cast for season four of Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series was announced Wednesday night and it has a distinctly Long Island flavor. Serra, from East Meadow, is competing as a welterweight, and one of his top students -- Bay Shore's Pete Sell -- will be in the middleweight division.

Previous seasons were comprised of up-and-coming fighters who had never been tested in the UFC's octagon. Some wilted while others rose to the occasion. The new twist is a cast of former UFC fighters who, for one reason or another, never had their title shot. The winner of the show, which premieres Aug. 17, gets to fight for the belt.

"They told me the gist of the show," Serra says, "and I said I'd love to do it. The winner gets a $100,000 contract, so of course I'm going to go for it."

Serra is 4-4 in UFC bouts with an aggressive, attacking style that never fails to entertain. Last June, he lost a three-round decision to Karo Parisyan but came close to knocking him out in the first round.

Serra, the first American black belt under Renzo Gracie, is also well-known for his two Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies – one in East Meadow and the other in Huntington. He runs the schools with his brother Nick, who also fought in the UFC. Season two's Luke Cummo (New Hyde Park), who lost a three-round decision Wednesday to Jonathan Goulet, gives the school four fighters with UFC experience. Serra also has a gold medal from the Pan Am games on his resume.

The reality series has brought a flood of new fans to the UFC. But it probably hasn't been easy for veteran fighters to sit back and watch the reality show fighters get all the attention.

"There are other guys out there who are more popular than myself because of the show," Serra says. "I saw this as an opportunity to show my skills. And if I do well, it will help my schools."

"I don't want to take anything away from the other reality show guys," Sell says. "But I'll be walking down the Las Vegas strip, and all the fans flock to them. I got to the UFC the hard way. Some guys on the show weren't that good. They could fight a little, but their heart wasn't in it. They just wanted to be on TV."

The series has been a way for fans to see what the fighters are like outside the octagon. It's also a good look at how hard they have to train to compete at this level. But the show forces fighters to be trapped in a house unable to contact the outside world. That's enough to break even the toughest guys.

"I just turned 32," Serra says, "and I had to celebrate it in the house with a bunch of monsters. But I made the best of it. The guys in the house were really focused."

The other fighters in the house are middleweights Patrick Cote, Edwin Dewees, Travis Lutter, Charles McCarthy, Gideon Ray, Jorge Rivera, Scott Smith and welterweights Mikey Burnett, Shonie Carter, Rich Clementi, Jeremy Jackson, Chris Lytle, Pete Spratt and Din Thomas.

"I feel like I did a bid," Sell says. "I feel like I did some jail time. It was like country club jail time. But it makes you think about all the time you waste watching TV and playing video games. Coming home from this, I have a different outlook on life."

Sell got his first shot in UFC 51 against another Long Islander, Phil Baroni.

"That was my career-changing moment," the 23-year-old said. "I took the fight on short notice and I beat him."

But Sell suffered a setback against season one reality star Nate Quarry. Sell lost the fight by TKO after just 42 seconds of the first round.

"The Nate fight was a premature stoppage," Sell says. "It is what it is. He caught me with a shot. It was one of those flash knockdowns. My butt hit the floor and I saw the other punch coming and I knew I had to eat it. I was okay, but the ref stopped the fight."

Serra feels it's a loss Sell will overcome.

"Pete's tough as nails," Serra says. "For every bad break, a new door opens up. And this one opened for him."

Opening doors is something Sell knows about. On weekends, he is a bouncer at some popular L.I. clubs such as Posh in the Garden City Hotel.

"I have to work until I make enough money in this sport," Sell says. "It'd be great to just train without all the distractions."

Sell is often referred to by his nickname "Drago," which he picked up because, you guessed it, he looks like Dolph Lundgren's character from Rocky IV. "I've had this nickname since I was 14 years old. I used to hate it, but eventually it stuck. Now people chant it at my fights."

Sell went to St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, but admits he was a bit of a troublemaker back then. But that was before he found Serra jiu jitsu.

"Matt showed me the right way," Sell says. "And look at me now."


*****

Also - here are the coaches:

Assisting these vets in training will be UFC hall of famer Randy Couture and top welterweight contender Georges St. Pierre.

[av8rOC]

I wonder where his Huntington dojo is?

[Cromwell]

I wonder where his Huntington dojo is?

Yeah, I'm trying to find that one, as well as the East Meadow one. I'd like to drop by see it for myself. East Meadow is just one town over from where I live.

Not having any luck doing a Google search, however.

Anybody else know?

Here's a picture of Serra from Sherdog:

http://www.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/260.jpg

[Cybouncer]

Yeah, I'm trying to find that one, as well as the East Meadow one. I'd like to drop by see it for myself. East Meadow is just one town over from where I live.

Not having any luck doing a Google search, however.

Anybody else know?



I don't know about the Huntington one but I have worked out at his East Meadow location a few times. It is right on the south side of Hempstead turnpike, just West of the Wantagh Parkway. It's a small place but there are some really great fighters working out there.

[Cromwell]

I don't know about the Huntington one but I have worked out at his East Meadow location a few times. It is right on the south side of Hempstead turnpike, just West of the Wantagh Parkway. It's a small place but there are some really great fighters working out there.

Thanks for the info, Cybouncer.

Yeah, I'm sure there are quality guys training there. Its never been about the size of the room, anyway.

I'm going to take a ride by and see if I can pick up a class schedule, and whatnot.

[Cybouncer]

Yeah, I'm sure there are quality guys training there. Its never been about the size of the room, anyway.


This is very true.

Let me know what the current rates are there.

[av8rOC]

Anyone catch the second round of the OWGP last night?

[Palerider4146]

I wonder where his Huntington dojo is?

It's on Jericho Tpke not far from Oakwood if I remember correctly. It's in a small shopping center. He's got a small octagon in there.

[Standby]

Anyone catch the second round of the OWGP last night?

No, and usually I watch a stream of it but I lost cable/internet for the night because of a stupid power outage in Arlington. Power came back on at 10:30, but no internet til the next day when I mooched off my neighbors' wireless. The fights sounded good too, I'm upset I missed it.

All the same, time to head to my usual spot next weekend for UFC. Can't wait.

[av8rOC]

Looking forward to it to as well. I feel so confident in Tito I am thinking of betting. (Which I never do) Prob is I need to put $600 down to make $100!

If you like do a search on www.youtube.com for OWGP and you can catch most, if not all the fights. All the ones I saw were pretty entertaining.
When the finals are shown you have to send me a link to the stream, if thats cool with you...

[novalia]

i just watched UFC 51 on dvd tonight and saw the weirdest thing.. during the night they kept flashing to chuck liddell.. to me it looked like chuck was hitting the bullet one too many times.. he looked a little crazed all night.. a crazed look in his eyes and he kept rubbing his nose..

in between the 2nd and 3rd round of the ortiz/belfort fight they replayed tito almost getting pounded out and they flashed to chuck and he looked totally fucked up gyrating back and forth and kept rubbing his nose.. even rogan said what is chuck doing - "he looks like he's drugged" then quickly catches himself and says "is he drunk? what is he doing?"

then after the fight tito said he wanted to fight chuck after he hopefully beats couture and chuck freaks out and runs into the ring to jabber at tito.. it was a little out of character for chuck who is usually a pretty mellow guy at fights or interviews...

there is little doubt in my mind that chuck was faily coked up..
if anyone has this dvd check it out.

[Standby]

Looking forward to it to as well. I feel so confident in Tito I am thinking of betting. (Which I never do) Prob is I need to put $600 down to make $100!

If you like do a search on www.youtube.com for OWGP and you can catch most, if not all the fights. All the ones I saw were pretty entertaining.
When the finals are shown you have to send me a link to the stream, if thats cool with you...

Thanks, will definitely check out Youtube... The stream I use does cost money though. It's www.streamtvnow.com, but it's only 3 bucks and change a month, and you get the wrestling, UFC, Pride, all the PPVs, plays out of your winamp. I highly recommend.

[av8rOC]

Thanks, will definitely check out Youtube... The stream I use does cost money though. It's www.streamtvnow.com (http://www.streamtvnow.com), but it's only 3 bucks and change a month, and you get the wrestling, UFC, Pride, all the PPVs, plays out of your winamp. I highly recommend.

Thats pretty cool. decent quality?

[Standby]

Thats pretty cool. decent quality?

Yeah, it plays in Winamp, so check out what you need to install for Winamp. But it works really well. I've watched Pride PPVs on it mostly, since I go to a nearby bar for UFC.. more fun to watch it with a bunch of people screaming around you.

It buffers rarely on occasion, but not often at all. I think it's maybe buffered during the ECW PPV once, maybe twice the whole time.

EDIT: One thing to be mindful of, they usually take Paypal. And Paypal takes some time to move money, depending on how you do it. So purchase ahead of time just to be safe. (I use my checking account in Paypal and it takes a few days to clear.)

[av8rOC]

My picks for tomorrow...


Tim Sylvia Vs. Andrei Arlovski

AA regains the belt: Ref stoppage strikes rnd 2

Tito Ortiz Vs. Ken Shamrock

Ortiz: Ref stoppage brutal GnP round 1

Dan Christison Vs. Frank Mir

Mir: submission round 2

Josh Burkman Vs. Josh Neer

Burkman via decision

Yves Edwards Vs. Joe Stevenson

Edwards via decision

Drew Fickett Vs. Kurt Pellegrino

Fickett: round 1 submission

Jeff Monson Vs. Anthony Perosh

Monson: round 2 KO

[Cromwell]

there is little doubt in my mind that chuck was faily coked up.

I find that hard to believe.

This guy is too good of an athlete - and trains way to hard to succumb to an addiction like that. He'd get his ass knocked out in the ring (not the other way around - like it usually is) if he was a "druggie".

The only "drug" Chuck is on - is "Xyience"

[locallounge]

What an ass Tito is... When Ken weighed in, he came in at 206...which is within the limit for a Non-Title fight. Tito proceeded to get pissed and throw a fit...then when he weighed in himself...the motherfucker came in heavier than Ken did.
Doh!:action-sm

[Cybouncer]

I find that hard to believe.

This guy is too good of an athlete - and trains way to hard to succumb to an addiction like that. He'd get his ass knocked out in the ring (not the other way around - like it usually is) if he was a "druggie".

The only "drug" Chuck is on - is "Xyience"


Don't be naive.

L.T. was a great athlete.

Dwight Gooden was a great athlete.

Micheal Irving was a great athlete.

All 3 were coked out of their mind.

Him being a coke head, would not mean that he is going to get knocked out.

[av8rOC]

What an ass Tito is... When Ken weighed in, he came in at 206...which is within the limit for a Non-Title fight. Tito proceeded to get pissed and throw a fit...then when he weighed in himself...the motherfucker came in heavier than Ken did.
Doh!:action-sm

I saw that... Tito looked like his old center of attention/main event self while Ken looked uncharacteristically poised. Im excited for the fight. I was pissed at first, but Dana is one hell of a businessman. Kens still getting a horrific beating though:action-sm

[Cybouncer]

I missed it. Where can it be found? I checked YouTube and nothing...


I don't give a shit. I hope Tito punishes him worse than ever. I am so sick and tired of Shamrock and you really saw his true colors on TUF3. He doesn't care about anybody but himself.

[av8rOC]

www.ufc.com for the weigh in video.

[circpro]

Big Daddy Joe......

[locallounge]

Chuck Liddell vs Wanderlei Silva!!! Holy S!

[HerkyJerkyLiz]

the ortiz shamrock fight was bullshit. other than all the blood gushing out of that black guys head the fights were uneventful. i left before the sylvia arlovski fight.. boo on this ppv.

[circpro]

the ortiz shamrock fight was bullshit. other than all the blood gushing out of that black guys head the fights were uneventful. i left before the sylvia arlovski fight.. boo on this ppv.

I would have agreed with the stoppage if it wasn't Shamrock/Ortiz... They have taken worse abuse than that and went on to win fights....

Sylvia/Arlovski