Source: http://mmasportsreport.com/2423/stefan-struve-thinks-sean-mccorkles-trash-talk-is-funny
Katie Cassidy Katie Holmes Katy Perry Keira Knightley Kelly Brook
Sunday, October 31, 2010
ALL BUSINESS: Bellator News - Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney Releases Text Messages To Prove He Has Reached Out To Scott Coker
By Alvin Benjamin Carter III, MMA Torch Specialist
After Strikeforce President Scott Coker was quoted saying,"Bjorn's saying he's texting me 11, 12 times an hour. I'm not sure if he's trying to be a level-five clinger or anything like that, but I haven't received one text from the guy...,? on ?Savage Dog Show? interview on Sherdog.com. Bellaotr?s CEO, Bjorn Rebney, has responded to what he calls inaccurate claims with the actually text messages sent to Coker.
Two versions of the text messages were sent out by Bellator?s PR company, AlPaytac Inc. These messages are said to have been sent over the last week, and it is said that a collection of voicemails have been sent to Coker as well.
One version shows the name Scott Coker, and the other actually displays Coker?s phone number so members of the media can verify the number. Bellator kindly asked the media not to publish Scott Coker?s personal telephone number, so I have posted the text message set that just shows Coker?s name.
Text Message 1
Text Message 2
Text Message 3
Text Message 4
Coker believes Rebney is calling Strikeforce out in a public fashion just for the sake of staying relevant, but no matter the reason Rebney has some good ideas about fights for a PPV.
After the announcement of the WEC/UFC merger, it might be in the best interest of both camps to co-promote a PPV. Eddie Alvarez vs. Gilbert Melendez, Hector Lombard vs. Jacare Souza, and Ben Askren vs. Nick Diaz sounds like an awesome card to me! Maybe even put Dan Hornbuckle vs. Tyron Woodley to round out a main card.
It will be interesting to see how or if Coker responds. Moving slow (or not at all) on the few non-UFC fights that fans want to see would not be advantages for either promotion. A co-promoted PPV for January would make a lot of sense if either of these company want to announce that their still around after the UFC becomes the most complete mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
 |
Two versions of the text messages were sent out by Bellator?s PR company, AlPaytac Inc. These messages are said to have been sent over the last week, and it is said that a collection of voicemails have been sent to Coker as well.
One version shows the name Scott Coker, and the other actually displays Coker?s phone number so members of the media can verify the number. Bellator kindly asked the media not to publish Scott Coker?s personal telephone number, so I have posted the text message set that just shows Coker?s name.
 |
Text Message 1
 |
Text Message 2
 |
Text Message 3
 |
Text Message 4
Coker believes Rebney is calling Strikeforce out in a public fashion just for the sake of staying relevant, but no matter the reason Rebney has some good ideas about fights for a PPV.
After the announcement of the WEC/UFC merger, it might be in the best interest of both camps to co-promote a PPV. Eddie Alvarez vs. Gilbert Melendez, Hector Lombard vs. Jacare Souza, and Ben Askren vs. Nick Diaz sounds like an awesome card to me! Maybe even put Dan Hornbuckle vs. Tyron Woodley to round out a main card.
It will be interesting to see how or if Coker responds. Moving slow (or not at all) on the few non-UFC fights that fans want to see would not be advantages for either promotion. A co-promoted PPV for January would make a lot of sense if either of these company want to announce that their still around after the UFC becomes the most complete mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/allbusiness/article_7366.shtml
Our Tribe
Last night we had a wonderful experience in Canmore, at the Alpine Club of Canada, where we talked with a group of enthusiastic hikers. Meeting so many fellow hikers at once was a rare and touching opportunity for us. Though their backgrounds were diverse, all openly expressed their passion for the outdoors, and?what most impressed [...]
Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2010/08/our-tribe/
Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris Deanna Russo
Rogan's 'Velasquez Era' backed up by projected odds on Cain-JDS fight
It's a cringe-worthy moment anytime a fight announcer dubs someone unbeatable or that a new, dominant era has begun. UFC analyst Joe Rogan made that mistake in 2009. Wowed by Lyoto Machida's win over Rashad Evans, Rogan said the "Machida Era" was here. Since that win at UFC 98, Machida is only 1-1. Not learning from past mistakes, Rogan did the same thing on Saturday night. When Cain Velasquez destroyed Brock Lesnar to take the UFC heavyweight title, Rogan suggested the new champ may be on the verge of his own era.
With the depth inside and out of the UFC in the heavyweight division, that's a tough one to buy. Velasquez (9-0, 7-0 UFC) certainly has a chance to be a good champion but can anyone truly think he can pull off what Anderson Silva (13 straight wins since Apr. of 2006) or Georges St. Pierre are doing right now (13-1 since Apr. of 2007)?
How about we allow him to successfully defend his title once before we start pushing him toward "era" status?
That said, Las Vegas sportsbook insiders are saying that when Velasquez faces Junior Dos Santos (12-1, 6-0 UFC), he'll be a sizable favorite at minus-240. That seems like a big number against a guy who's finished all but one of his UFC opponents. If JDS is up to snuff in the wrestling department, that heavyweight title fight may come down to which fighter lands the first big shot. Keep in mind, betting numbers are also set to draw two-way betting so if sportsbooks fear that Velasquez may be too heavily hyped, they set the number a little higher.
Players are getting more savvy when it comes to betting on MMA. For UFC 121, they turned in what looked like a 3-1 mark on the big fights.
The original Lesnar number went from minus-200 to as low as minus-135 before it settled on minus-160. So plenty of Velasquez money came pouring in. Underdog players just missed on Martin Kampmann, who was as high as plus-220. Kampmann, who's final number settled on plus-150, lost a narrow split decision to Jake Shields.
The biggest win of the night came with Brendan Schaub. Gabriel Gonzaga was a minus-200 favorite at one point. The betting was mostly one-sided and by fight time the Brazilian was only minus-140 at some houses. Even though there was heavy dog play on those three, the bettors didn't buy Tito Ortiz's chances and they were right. Matt Hamill was driven from minus-160 to minus-185 and still cashed easily.
UFC 121 odds courtesy Lagasse Stadium and M Resort sportsbooks
Leelee Sobieski Leighton Meester Leila Arcieri Lena Headey Leonor Varela
Article: Wanderlei Silva & Rafael Cordeiro - Anderson Silva vs Belfort, MMA Awards (video)
You can view the page at http://ninjashoes.net/forum/content.php?298-Wanderlei-Silva-Rafael-Cordeiro-Anderson-Silva-vs-Belfort-MMA-Awards-(video)
Kazuhiro Nakamura Goran Reljic Mauricio Rua Eric Schafer Wanderlei Silva
Diving Icons: Casio G-Shock
The Blue Collar Dive Watch! Today I?d like to honour a legend in diving, and nearly every other sport and outdoor activity, a true worker?s friend – the Casio G – Shock. From The Days When Digital Was King In the Eighties and Nineties, digital displays adorned every available surface on any product that could [...]
Source: http://www.dailyscubadiving.com/diving-icons-casio-g-shock/
Ben Saunders Matt Serra George Sotiropoulos Georges St. Pierre Jason Tan
UFC/WEC NEWS: Ben Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis winner to face Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard winner in 2011 for Undisputed Lightweight Championship
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Along with today's revelation that Jose Aldo and his new UFC Featherweight Championship would appear on the New Year's Day UFC 125 event, Dana White also revealed the plans for the other WEC titles that will be merged into the UFC.
Both the WEC Bantamweight Championship and WEC Lightweight Championship will be defended on the final WEC card on December 16, and the winners from that event will be set up for big UFC debuts.
Like Jose Aldo and his Featherweight Championship, the winner of the Dominick Cruz-Scott Jorgensen fight will be recognized immediately as the UFC Bantamweight Champion. For the winner of the Benson Henderson-Anthony Pettis fight, while they won't immediately bring Championship gold to the table, they will get their biggest career opportunity.
White revealed that the winner of that fight will face the winner of the UFC 125 main event between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard in a unification bout for the Undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship.
Although previous WEC Champions from other weight classes have simply gone into the UFC fold, such as Carlos Condit when the WEC welterweight division was folded into the UFC after 2008, White said they are treating it like when they brought in the fighters from PRIDE and had unification bouts between Dan Henderson and both Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Anderson Silva.
The lightweight division, until today's announcement, had remained the only weight class that overlapped the two organizations, and now the WEC's lightweights can attempt to establish themselves in the UFC's premiere lightweight division.
Penick's Analysis: Ben Henderson hasn't faced the type of competition that could put him into the top 10 in the lightweight division, but if he gets past a very tough Anthony Pettis in December, he's going to get his opportunity to not only prove he's a top ten fighter, but possibly claim a spot as the best lightweight in the world. This announcement today has opened up so many possibilities for so many fighters, and this is a clear example of that. The WEC will go out with a bang on December 16, but the fighters have an immense opportunity in front of them now.
 |
Both the WEC Bantamweight Championship and WEC Lightweight Championship will be defended on the final WEC card on December 16, and the winners from that event will be set up for big UFC debuts.
Like Jose Aldo and his Featherweight Championship, the winner of the Dominick Cruz-Scott Jorgensen fight will be recognized immediately as the UFC Bantamweight Champion. For the winner of the Benson Henderson-Anthony Pettis fight, while they won't immediately bring Championship gold to the table, they will get their biggest career opportunity.
White revealed that the winner of that fight will face the winner of the UFC 125 main event between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard in a unification bout for the Undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship.
Although previous WEC Champions from other weight classes have simply gone into the UFC fold, such as Carlos Condit when the WEC welterweight division was folded into the UFC after 2008, White said they are treating it like when they brought in the fighters from PRIDE and had unification bouts between Dan Henderson and both Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Anderson Silva.
The lightweight division, until today's announcement, had remained the only weight class that overlapped the two organizations, and now the WEC's lightweights can attempt to establish themselves in the UFC's premiere lightweight division.
Penick's Analysis: Ben Henderson hasn't faced the type of competition that could put him into the top 10 in the lightweight division, but if he gets past a very tough Anthony Pettis in December, he's going to get his opportunity to not only prove he's a top ten fighter, but possibly claim a spot as the best lightweight in the world. This announcement today has opened up so many possibilities for so many fighters, and this is a clear example of that. The WEC will go out with a bang on December 16, but the fighters have an immense opportunity in front of them now.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_7343.shtml
Patrick Cote Tim Credeur Jason Day Joe Doerksen C.B. Dollaway
California River Awards 2010
It’s that time of year when the luminaries of the California Rafting and watershed scene gather for an evening of celebration, hob-nobbing, and fund-raising–yep, get your engines started for the star-studded Friends of the River California River Awards! This year the awards will be held Friday October 8th at the Presidio Officer’s Club in San [...]
Source: http://blog.aorafting.com/california-river-awards-2010/
Dustin Hazelett Kuniyoshi Hironaka Matt Hughes Anthony Johnson Paul Kelly
New UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo defends title at UFC 125
World Extreme Cagefighting's final featherweight champion, Jose Aldo will make his UFC debut on Jan. 1.UFC president Dana White today announced that Aldo - who by virtue of the pending UFC and WEC merger is now the UFC's first featherweight champ - will defend his title against a yet to be named opponent at UFC 125.
Featuring a lightweight title fight between current UFC champion Frankie Edgar and top contender Gray Maynard, UFC 125 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Steve Bruno Josh Burkman Kevin Burns Roan Carneiro Luke Cummo
The History of the WEC: A Timeline
Filed under: UFC, WEC, FanHouse Exclusive
World Extreme Cagefighting, an event with humble beginnings as an entertainment program for an Indian reservation casino in California, will join the MMA's World Series when it merges with the UFC in 2011. Over the past decade, the WEC has succeeded in spotlighting lighter weight fighters as well as the creating of stars such as Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo and Miguel Torres, whom otherwise might not have received the same amount of recognition.
Let's take a look back at the history of the WEC after the jump.
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/28/the-history-of-the-wec-a-timeline/
Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh Ciara Cindy Crawford Cindy Taylor
UFC QUOTABLES: Jake Shields says Strikeforce doesn't push the right people, thinks Gilbert Melendez and Nick Diaz would be better off in the UFC
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"Yes, of course [the UFC would be the better situation for Gilbert Melendez and Nick Diaz]. Strikeforce is a good organization. But ultimately, I feel they don't push the right people. I don't feel like Nick & Gilbert have gotten the attention they deserve. They pick guys like Cung Le to push. And they push Gina Carano and Frank Shamrock. But they have Nick and Gil, who are both top five fighters in the world. UFC would be the best spot for both of them.
Yeah, definitely [I had the same complaint while I was there]. In my first fight in the UFC, they gave me way more push than Strikeforce did the whole time I was there. The UFC just knows how to market. They know how to build stars and they know what they're doing. They're really professional.
It's been my dream for the last 10 years [to be the UFC Welterweight Champion]. It would be amazing. I have an opportunity in front of me to achieve that now. I'm going to work harder than ever for the next six months. The closer I get, the harder it makes me want to work."
-Jake Shields talks to MMAFighting.com about the differences between Strikeforce and the UFC and having his dream of becoming the UFC champion in his sights.
Penick's Analysis: It's not at all surprising to hear his take on Strikeforce. There is a reason he left while still their Champion. And he's right about Diaz and Melendez. Diaz has gotten more of a legitimate push from them than Melendez, but part of it is his own undoing after failing to go for a pre-fight drug test in the summer of '09 that took him out of a planned fight on the August card. But as for Shields, it was clear just from the UFC 121 push that the UFC did more for him in one fight than Strikeforce did for him the entire time he was their Champion. It just is what it is, but he's not wrong about who Strikeforce chooses to push.
 |
Yeah, definitely [I had the same complaint while I was there]. In my first fight in the UFC, they gave me way more push than Strikeforce did the whole time I was there. The UFC just knows how to market. They know how to build stars and they know what they're doing. They're really professional.
It's been my dream for the last 10 years [to be the UFC Welterweight Champion]. It would be amazing. I have an opportunity in front of me to achieve that now. I'm going to work harder than ever for the next six months. The closer I get, the harder it makes me want to work."
-Jake Shields talks to MMAFighting.com about the differences between Strikeforce and the UFC and having his dream of becoming the UFC champion in his sights.
Penick's Analysis: It's not at all surprising to hear his take on Strikeforce. There is a reason he left while still their Champion. And he's right about Diaz and Melendez. Diaz has gotten more of a legitimate push from them than Melendez, but part of it is his own undoing after failing to go for a pre-fight drug test in the summer of '09 that took him out of a planned fight on the August card. But as for Shields, it was clear just from the UFC 121 push that the UFC did more for him in one fight than Strikeforce did for him the entire time he was their Champion. It just is what it is, but he's not wrong about who Strikeforce chooses to push.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_7323.shtml
Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel Ashanti Ashlee Simpson
PENICK: Jake Shields didn't earn a title shot with UFC 121 victory over Martin Kampmann
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Jake Shields won his UFC debut on Saturday night at UFC 121, defeating Martin Kampmann by split decision in Anaheim. But one thing seemed very clear following the fight: the win should not leapfrog him over Jon Fitch for the next shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship.
After fighting three fights above 180 lbs. to finish out his Strikeforce career, Shields seemed to be adversely affected by his weight cut back to the welterweight division for this fight. In April, he went five rounds with Dan Henderson, keeping the former Olympic wrestler on his back for much of the final 20 minutes of the fight with plenty still in the tank. But at UFC 121, Shields was exhausted after the second round, and struggled in the third immensely as Kampmann battled him on the ground.
Kampmann's problem in the fight was that he didn't do much himself to make an argument that he should have won. While he stifled a lot of Shields' offense and scrambled and reversed to make it back to his feet after being taken down multiple times, his offensive output wasn't enough to definitively take it from Shields.
The FightMetric report for the fight had it a draw, with Shields winning the first round, Kampmann edging the second and neither fighter winning the third. As judges are reluctant to score rounds a 10-10, it's not surprising to see their scores come down all over the place at 30-27, 29-28 Shields and 29-28 Kampmann.
The split decision victory wasn't a particularly entertaining fight, and it wasn't a very convincing win for Shields, neither of which bodes well for his hopes to challenge for the Championship. And with how Kampmann handled his grappling, he didn't provide much to suggest he'd be a remote challenge for Georges St. Pierre.
For the UFC, the next move should be clear. Jon Fitch has done everything he can possibly do since losing to Georges St. Pierre in 2008 to earn a second shot at a title. He's won five straight fights since that UFC 87 meeting and has established himself as the clear #2 welterweight in the world. Shields, while he did get his 15th straight victory, didn't do so in a fashion that gives him any claim to the title shot over Fitch.
If (or rather when) Georges St. Pierre retains his Welterweight Championship in December, Fitch should get a second shot against him, and Shields should be matched up against Carlos Condit next. If he can defeat Condit for a second time, and make the cut better to do so, he'll stake his claim for the shot. It also gives Condit a chance to avenge his loss from 2006 and truly earn his title shot as well.
 |
After fighting three fights above 180 lbs. to finish out his Strikeforce career, Shields seemed to be adversely affected by his weight cut back to the welterweight division for this fight. In April, he went five rounds with Dan Henderson, keeping the former Olympic wrestler on his back for much of the final 20 minutes of the fight with plenty still in the tank. But at UFC 121, Shields was exhausted after the second round, and struggled in the third immensely as Kampmann battled him on the ground.
Kampmann's problem in the fight was that he didn't do much himself to make an argument that he should have won. While he stifled a lot of Shields' offense and scrambled and reversed to make it back to his feet after being taken down multiple times, his offensive output wasn't enough to definitively take it from Shields.
The FightMetric report for the fight had it a draw, with Shields winning the first round, Kampmann edging the second and neither fighter winning the third. As judges are reluctant to score rounds a 10-10, it's not surprising to see their scores come down all over the place at 30-27, 29-28 Shields and 29-28 Kampmann.
The split decision victory wasn't a particularly entertaining fight, and it wasn't a very convincing win for Shields, neither of which bodes well for his hopes to challenge for the Championship. And with how Kampmann handled his grappling, he didn't provide much to suggest he'd be a remote challenge for Georges St. Pierre.
For the UFC, the next move should be clear. Jon Fitch has done everything he can possibly do since losing to Georges St. Pierre in 2008 to earn a second shot at a title. He's won five straight fights since that UFC 87 meeting and has established himself as the clear #2 welterweight in the world. Shields, while he did get his 15th straight victory, didn't do so in a fashion that gives him any claim to the title shot over Fitch.
If (or rather when) Georges St. Pierre retains his Welterweight Championship in December, Fitch should get a second shot against him, and Shields should be matched up against Carlos Condit next. If he can defeat Condit for a second time, and make the cut better to do so, he'll stake his claim for the shot. It also gives Condit a chance to avenge his loss from 2006 and truly earn his title shot as well.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/penickstake/article_7289.shtml
Samantha Mumba Sanaa Lathan Sara Foster Sara Spraker Sarah Gellman
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Get off the Computer, get on the Trail
The constant stream of information we get through mobile and hand-held devices is changing the way we think. This�New York Times article explains how the use of digital technology is altering our brains, and how retreating into nature can reverse the effects: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129384107
Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2010/08/get-off-the-computer-get-on-the-trail/
Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris Deanna Russo Denise Richards Desiree Dymond
Snuba Maui: What it is and Why You should Try it
When you are planning your tropical getaway to Maui, snorkeling or scuba diving might be on your to-do list for your vacation. But what about snuba diving? Although this underwater activity is not as well known as standard scuba or snorkeling, Maui snuba diving is quickly picking up steam as one of the most popular [...]
Source: http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/snuba/snuba-maui-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-try-it.html
Nicole Scherzinger Nicollette Sheridan Nikki Cox Nikki Reed Norah Jones
UFC NEWS: Marcus Davis dropping to lightweight, considering retirement
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Marcus Davis has been a staple of the UFC's welterweight division since 2006, when he returned to the organization after a loss following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter's second season. But after 13 fights, three "Fight of the Night" awards and numerous exciting performances, Davis is making a change.
In a story at MMAJunkie.com, Davis revealed he will be dropping to the lightweight division, and will have retirement in mind every bout from here on out.
"I'm going to finish out my career at 155 and try to entertain some people along the way before my old ass retires," he said. "I like the opportunities that present themselves."
One of the issues prompting the move is the reach disadvantage he's had in pretty much every fight at 5' 10" in the welterweight division.
"I think the UFC has me at a 70 (inch reach), and I think they do that because they feel bad for me," he said. "My reach is 69 (inches). That's got to be the worst reach at 170. Every fight that I've had in the past year and a half, I think the closest (opponent) to my reach has been six inches longer than my reach"
Davis has two fights left on his current deal with the UFC, and he says he'll be looking to get two wins at lightweight under his belt before deciding his next move. At the same time, he said he's not looking to continue his career for that much longer.
"I've got to win two fights," the 37-year-old former pro boxer said. "If I make 155, and I win two fights, and I feel like the new Marcus Davis, then we sit down and sign a new contract. But I will say this: I will not be 40 years old and fighting. I just can't."
"I'm not going to blow smoke up anybody's ass and say I'm going to be this phenomenal 155-pound fighter and I'm going to be a champion. I know that I'm a 37-year-old guy who's basically got the body of a 55-year-old guy, and I've got a face that likes to open when you look at it wrong. Those are things that I'm always going to battle as a fighter."
Davis doesn't currently have a fight scheduled, but he is looking towards a number of possibilities for his lightweight debut in the UFC.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: I think this will be a good move for Davis. It may or may not pan out, but it's smart to at least give it a try, because his time as a competitor at 170 lb. are just over. He got beat up pretty badly in two of his last three fights, and the reach advantage against Nate Diaz was clearly a major issue for him. At lightweight he's not likely to face the same level of power he was up against 15 lbs. heavier, but his power may be slightly diminished as well with the cut so it could be a trade off there. But if he plans to go out on his shield, it's smart to try to do it where he could possibly be a bit more successful, and being one of the always exciting fighters on the UFC roster means he'll be given that opportunity.
 |
In a story at MMAJunkie.com, Davis revealed he will be dropping to the lightweight division, and will have retirement in mind every bout from here on out.
"I'm going to finish out my career at 155 and try to entertain some people along the way before my old ass retires," he said. "I like the opportunities that present themselves."
One of the issues prompting the move is the reach disadvantage he's had in pretty much every fight at 5' 10" in the welterweight division.
"I think the UFC has me at a 70 (inch reach), and I think they do that because they feel bad for me," he said. "My reach is 69 (inches). That's got to be the worst reach at 170. Every fight that I've had in the past year and a half, I think the closest (opponent) to my reach has been six inches longer than my reach"
Davis has two fights left on his current deal with the UFC, and he says he'll be looking to get two wins at lightweight under his belt before deciding his next move. At the same time, he said he's not looking to continue his career for that much longer.
"I've got to win two fights," the 37-year-old former pro boxer said. "If I make 155, and I win two fights, and I feel like the new Marcus Davis, then we sit down and sign a new contract. But I will say this: I will not be 40 years old and fighting. I just can't."
"I'm not going to blow smoke up anybody's ass and say I'm going to be this phenomenal 155-pound fighter and I'm going to be a champion. I know that I'm a 37-year-old guy who's basically got the body of a 55-year-old guy, and I've got a face that likes to open when you look at it wrong. Those are things that I'm always going to battle as a fighter."
Davis doesn't currently have a fight scheduled, but he is looking towards a number of possibilities for his lightweight debut in the UFC.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: I think this will be a good move for Davis. It may or may not pan out, but it's smart to at least give it a try, because his time as a competitor at 170 lb. are just over. He got beat up pretty badly in two of his last three fights, and the reach advantage against Nate Diaz was clearly a major issue for him. At lightweight he's not likely to face the same level of power he was up against 15 lbs. heavier, but his power may be slightly diminished as well with the cut so it could be a trade off there. But if he plans to go out on his shield, it's smart to try to do it where he could possibly be a bit more successful, and being one of the always exciting fighters on the UFC roster means he'll be given that opportunity.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_7317.shtml
T.A.T.u. Talisa Soto Tamala Jones Tami Donaldson Tamie Sheffield
Article: Melvin Manhoef first fighter announced for Dynamite!! 2010
You can view the page at http://ninjashoes.net/forum/content.php?297-Melvin-Manhoef-first-fighter-announced-for-Dynamite!!-2010
Cat Power Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore
Strikeforce?s Scott Coker Won?t Do Business With Bellator?s Bjorn Rebney In The Media
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney is nothing if not persistent. He continues to put the heat on Scott Coker in the media regarding a potential co-promotion between Bellator and Strikeforce, and he seems to be upping the ante. Originally, all the talk centered around a lightweight super-fight between their respective champions, Eddie Alvarez and Gilbert Melendez, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/-Qg9wtVzbxc/
Mía Maestro Michael Michele Michelle Behennah Michelle Branch Michelle Malkin
Strikeforce Challengers 11 ratings: Peak audience of 260,000 watches main event
This past weekend's Strikeforce Challengers 11 event drew a peak audience of 260,000 viewers for the Showtime-televised main event between welterweights Bobby Voelker and Roger Bowling. Overall, the Oct. 22 event, which took place at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., averaged 178,000 viewers.
MMAjunkie.com confirmed the figures with industry sources.
Mia Kirshner Mía Maestro Michael Michele Michelle Behennah Michelle Branch
Paranormal Activity 2
I watched this in theaters yesterday with a friend of mine.
It took my masculinity and completed morphed it to the same characteristics of a...
It took my masculinity and completed morphed it to the same characteristics of a...
Source: http://forums.ufc.production.sparkart.net/showthread.php?t=62826&goto=newpost
Emilie de Ravin Emma Heming Emma Stone Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui
The K2 Team Movie Intro and the Return of Travis Parker
Maybe we're all taking a nod from skateboarding with the glut of team flicks this year, maybe it just makes sense to put all your talent on one click-and-play reel. Regardless, here's the teaser for the K2 Snowboards team movie, due out soon. With a solid crew of riders and Travis Parker is back on the team and shredding hard as ever, you know it'll be good...
Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2010/10/26/the-k2-team-movie-tease
Jared Rollins Diego Sanchez Ben Saunders Matt Serra George Sotiropoulos
Brock Lesnar doesn't like getting hit; How does he fix that?
Maybe Tim Sylvia needs to be a fortune teller on a boardwalk somewhere. The former UFC champ is turning out to be an MMA Nostradamus of sorts. This makes it two straight fights where Lesnar reacted horribly to getting hit. Frankly, no fighter likes to get nailed in the grill but 99 percent deal with it, either firing back and getting into a good defensive position. Lesnar has turned his back or literally ran away from his opponent on two occasions. Sylvia described this sort of this happening back in 2007:
"I don’t think he’s going to have a future in MMA. I think Frank Mir is going to beat him," Sylvia told me on FoxSportsRadio1460 before UFC 81. "He’s a baby. Don’t kick him, he doesn’t want to get hurt. He’s a helluva wrestler and he’s strong. But he can’t punch and doesn’t know how to kick. He can only go straight forward. He can’t survive as just a takedown guy."
Some Lesnar's first experience in MMA was working with Sylvia at Pat Miletich's gym in Iowa. It doesn't look like much has changed since according to Dana White.
"People were saying to me, 'he's got to work on his striking.' His striking is fine when he's the one doing the punching. It's when he's getting hit is when his striking falls apart," White told ESPN's MMA Live. "And that's something he needs to work on. It takes time. This guy came from wrestling. These guys are used to getting punched in the face.
Lesnar may have allow himself to get bullied on a regular basis in the gym.
"He needs to work on sparring. It's more about getting into the gym and working with guys who are really good."
Can Lesnar close this major hole in his game? It's kind of tough to be a fighter if you can't accept being hit. Is this a learned trait or innate?
Tip on Sylvia quote courtesy MMAMania
Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon Gina Philips Gisele Bündchen
Friday, October 29, 2010
Footloosin': A Strapless Short Film
From Nikolai Samson and Almond Mfg, Footloosin' is a short film of bindingless soul shredding and pillow popping out of Revelstoke, BC. Hit play for 9 minutes of Friday powder stoke.
Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2010/10/14/footloosin-a-strapless-short-film
Keith Jardine Jon Jones Jason Lambert James Lee Chuck Liddell
Yahoo's Iole on big merger: The pressure is on to win
All fighters feel a sense of urgency but with today's announcement that the WEC's roster is folding into the UFC, the final two WEC cards will be pressure packed. Yahoo! Sports Kevin Iole says in the short run with a few less cards on the schedule mid-level fighters up and down the UFC/WEC roster will be under the gun to win.
The increased roster depth now makes it easier for the UFC to pitch new shows to existing or new networks. If you're a fighter, you just have to win to keep yourself in the mix for what could be on the horizon in 2011.
Some of the key pressure fights at WEC 52 include:
Raphael Assuncao v. L.C. Davis
Assuncao has lost two straight which puts the Brazilian at risk. LC Davis needs a win to erase the bad taste of getting choked out by Josh Grispi.
Anthony Njokuani v. Edwards Faaloloto
At the start of 2010, Njokuani was on the fast track to a title shot at 155 pounds. His weak takedown defense did him in against Shane Roller and even more surprising he was beat on the feet by newcomer Maciej Jewtuszko. A third straight loss, especially against a WEC newcomer could be devastating to his future.
Cub Swanson v. Mackens Sermerzier
Swanson has toiled in obscurity for a while and would love nothing better than the big stage in UFC. He's been rotating between winning and losing. He needs a win here. The same goes for Sermerzier, who's on a two-fight losing streak.
Kylie Bax Lacey Chabert Laetitia Casta Lake Bell Larissa Meek
I?d rather be skydiving: Segway Edition
For my regular readers, y’all are aware of the fact that I recently made a rather hefty life change and moved back to the Midwest (as I grew up a Michigander), to the city of Chicago. Though we’ve only been here two weeks, I can already tell you that I’m loving it! This past weekend [...]
Source: http://skydivechick.com/2010/10/id-rather-be-skydiving-segway-edition/
Monica Potter Monika Kramlik Moon Bloodgood Mýa Nadine Velazquez
Shane Carwin out of UFC 125 bout with injury
I am going to pull out of the fight with Roy Nelson. As many of you know I have been having some back pain. I had an MRI yesterday and I have some damage that may really require surgery. If the doctors do not have to perform surgery then I will be out 8-12 weeks. If they do have to perform surgery I do not know how long I will be out of action.
Carwin said that he will be able continue training cardio while healing from surgery, which was clearly his Achilles heel in his UFC 116 loss to Brock Lesnar. If Cain Velasquez's win over Lesnar this past weekend said anything about the UFC's heavyweight division, it was that all fighters need a more complete game to be the champ, and that includes cardio. If Carwin wants to return to the title fight, it's smart for him to both get healthy and not ignore his endurance.
Losing this fight is a blow to UFC 125, a New Year's Day card in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by the lightweight championship bout between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Carwin is disappointed about having to pull off the card, tweeting, "Roy and my boss are the only ones happy about this."
Diane Kruger Dido Diora Baird Dita Von Teese Dominique Swain
Dos Santos: ?I?ll give my best, even a little more than that, to take his belt away and bring it to Brazil on my waist.?
Top divisional contender Junior dos Santos sat in attendance at UFC 121 this past weekend and watched Cain Velasquez dismantle then-champ Brock Lesnar in four minutes on his way to becoming the UFC?s new heavyweight title-holder. However, rather than dismiss Lesnar?s skills to cheapen the victory or express a hint of intimidation at Velasquez?s showing, [...]
Lori Heuring Lorri Bagley Lucy Liu Luján Fernández Magdalena Wróbel
Where the Wild Bunch Roam
Utah is the home of several famous places once homesteaded by many robbers, rustlers, outlaws and bandits. Some names more common than others, all modern day ‘Robin Hoods’ competing with the rich to help give back to the poor. Starting out with the most famous of them all was Robert LeRoy Packer, or better known [...]
Source: http://whitewaterraftingblog.oars.com/post/where-the-wild-bunch-roam
Per Eklund Rob Emerson Terry Etim Spencer Fisher Kenny Florian
California White Water Rafting Guide School
Drum roll please!� We just set the dates for our 2011 California white water rafting guide school so those of you who have a hankering for rafting 24/7 next summer, take note.� We’ll be welcoming students at our professional rafting guide school over the course of two sessions. Our spring session will be held April [...]
Source: http://blog.aorafting.com/california-white-water-rafting-guide-school/
Marley Shelton Mary Elizabeth Winstead Megan Ewing Megan Fox Melania Trump
What Would Jacques Do? 100 Years of Oil + Plastic
Jacques Yves Cousteau spent halcyon days gliding above and beneath the ocean. He lived among the largest mammals and sea drift. He was the master educator and voice for the sea. And so, on this, the 100th anniversary of his birth, it is a sorry state of affairs that we cannot celebrate the legacy of [...]
Source: http://whitewaterraftingblog.oars.com/post/what-would-jacques-do-100-years-of-oil-plastic
Thandie Newton The Avatars of Second Life The Pussycat Dolls Thora Birch Tila Tequila
Me and the @bboylifestyle crew
After our dinner meeting @ monstah lobstah’s
Source: http://mstracylee.com/2010/10/me-and-the-bboylifestyle-crew.html
Sara Foster Sara Spraker Sarah Gellman Sarah Michelle Gellar Sarah Mutch
Thursday, October 28, 2010
UFC 121 attendance and gate: 14,856 attendees, $2.2 million in ticket sales
This past weekend's "UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez" event officially drew 14,856 attendees for a live gate of $2,237,070. MMAjunkie.com recently requested and received the official figures from the California State Athletic Commission.
The Oct. 21 event took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., and proved one of the organization's most successful events of late.
Janet Jackson January Jones Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis
HYDEN BLOG: UFC 121 Fallout With Jake Shields, Brock Lesnar, and Tito Ortiz
By: Frank Hyden, MMATorch contributor
Jake Shields does not deserve an immediate title match after his UFC 121 victory over Martin Kampmann. There's a few reasons for that, but the first is that he doesn't deserve to leapfrog Jon Fitch. If anything, there needs to be the Ambien Bowl match up between Fitch and Shields with the winner of that getting a title shot. However, even if Jon Fitch were unable to compete for a while, Shields still wouldn't deserve a title shot right now. The reason for that is he hasn't done enough to earn it.
Now, some people will accuse me of hating on Shields the same way I hate on Fitch. That's true, but not for the reason that those people think. The reason I dislike Shields and Fitch as fighters is that they don't try to win. They fight to not lose. This is where the disconnect begins with people misunderstanding why I dislike these guys. I'm not asking Jake Shields or Jon Fitch to throw their gameplans out the window and abandon what makes them successful. I'm not asking them to take chances that they shouldn't, wanting them to stand and fight against strikers or get into a submission war with ground experts. I'm not asking them to do high-risk actions inside the cage. I'm just asking them to try to win.
I often use other sports to make an analogy, and here's another one. In the NFL you can have a great defense, one that smothers the other team and doesn't allow them to score at all. The problem lies in the fact that you must be able to score a touchdown or field goal of your own if you want to win. Otherwise, the game ends in a tie. A tie is a half-win, half-loss. That's basically what I consider a decision to be in MMA. The way fights are judged, sometimes it seems like it's a toss-up, especially in close fights.
If Shields and Fitch (and others like them) were to actually try to win by finishing their opponents, we wouldn't have much to complain about. Even if they weren't able to finish an opponent, at least they would be trying. As I've stated before, effort is all we're asking for. It's generally pretty obvious when a guy is trying to win, or when a guy is just riding out the clock trying to coasting to a decision. All we want is a little effort.
************
I was one of the ones who thought Brock Lesnar would win against Cain Velasquez. Perhaps I was overestimating Brock's continued evolution as a fighter. More likely, though, is that I was underestimating Cain's punching power. Cain also exhibited superior technique. I'm certainly not going to act as though the world is over just because Brock lost. This is MMA, everyone loses eventually. I believe Brock will bounce back from this and make his way back to a title shot. I'm not going to assume that Cain will still be the champion at that time, as Junior Dos Santos is a very good fighter in his own right, but that would be a very interesting rematch.
There are actually a lot of great fights that could happen in the coming months and/or years. Cain vs JDS, Cain vs. Shane Carwin, Cain vs. Brock. JDS vs. Carwin, JDS vs. Brock. Carwin vs. Brock. This is all assuming, of course, that Cain, Dos Santos, Brock, and Carwin remain the top 4 guys in the Heavyweight division. I'm sure Roy Nelson would love to insert himself into that mix. And who knows who else might jump into the fray. The only thing we know for certain is that the Heavyweight division in the UFC has never been this good or as exciting.
*************
I think Tito Ortiz is done. I'd like to see him keep coaching, but there's not much left for him in the UFC. If Tito were to fight Chuck Liddell one final time, it would have to be on free TV. You could sell this fight as the main event on one of UFC's Fight Night events, but no one's going to buy this as a pay-per-view fight. It would actually be smart for UFC and Spike to do this, if the fight is going to happen. I would rather see both guys retire and ride off into the sunset, but if they're bound and determined to fight, might as well make it a TV fight.
Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to me at hydenfrank@gmail.com
 |
Now, some people will accuse me of hating on Shields the same way I hate on Fitch. That's true, but not for the reason that those people think. The reason I dislike Shields and Fitch as fighters is that they don't try to win. They fight to not lose. This is where the disconnect begins with people misunderstanding why I dislike these guys. I'm not asking Jake Shields or Jon Fitch to throw their gameplans out the window and abandon what makes them successful. I'm not asking them to take chances that they shouldn't, wanting them to stand and fight against strikers or get into a submission war with ground experts. I'm not asking them to do high-risk actions inside the cage. I'm just asking them to try to win.
I often use other sports to make an analogy, and here's another one. In the NFL you can have a great defense, one that smothers the other team and doesn't allow them to score at all. The problem lies in the fact that you must be able to score a touchdown or field goal of your own if you want to win. Otherwise, the game ends in a tie. A tie is a half-win, half-loss. That's basically what I consider a decision to be in MMA. The way fights are judged, sometimes it seems like it's a toss-up, especially in close fights.
If Shields and Fitch (and others like them) were to actually try to win by finishing their opponents, we wouldn't have much to complain about. Even if they weren't able to finish an opponent, at least they would be trying. As I've stated before, effort is all we're asking for. It's generally pretty obvious when a guy is trying to win, or when a guy is just riding out the clock trying to coasting to a decision. All we want is a little effort.
************
I was one of the ones who thought Brock Lesnar would win against Cain Velasquez. Perhaps I was overestimating Brock's continued evolution as a fighter. More likely, though, is that I was underestimating Cain's punching power. Cain also exhibited superior technique. I'm certainly not going to act as though the world is over just because Brock lost. This is MMA, everyone loses eventually. I believe Brock will bounce back from this and make his way back to a title shot. I'm not going to assume that Cain will still be the champion at that time, as Junior Dos Santos is a very good fighter in his own right, but that would be a very interesting rematch.
There are actually a lot of great fights that could happen in the coming months and/or years. Cain vs JDS, Cain vs. Shane Carwin, Cain vs. Brock. JDS vs. Carwin, JDS vs. Brock. Carwin vs. Brock. This is all assuming, of course, that Cain, Dos Santos, Brock, and Carwin remain the top 4 guys in the Heavyweight division. I'm sure Roy Nelson would love to insert himself into that mix. And who knows who else might jump into the fray. The only thing we know for certain is that the Heavyweight division in the UFC has never been this good or as exciting.
*************
I think Tito Ortiz is done. I'd like to see him keep coaching, but there's not much left for him in the UFC. If Tito were to fight Chuck Liddell one final time, it would have to be on free TV. You could sell this fight as the main event on one of UFC's Fight Night events, but no one's going to buy this as a pay-per-view fight. It would actually be smart for UFC and Spike to do this, if the fight is going to happen. I would rather see both guys retire and ride off into the sunset, but if they're bound and determined to fight, might as well make it a TV fight.
Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to me at hydenfrank@gmail.com
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/hydenstake/article_7321.shtml
Sam Sout Thiago Tavares Gleison Tibau Jamie Varner Matt Wiman
Torah Bright ? Practising Double Corks before Olympics
Check this movie out on Addicted to Ride – Torah Bright practising her double corks prior to hel Olympic halfpipe runs. It looks like a really nice pipe & it gives an insight into how much she’s worked on her riding. Go right here
Source: http://snowboardaction.net/torah-bright-practising-double-corks-before-olympics/
Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle
Shane Carwin pulls out of UFC 125 due to back injury
12-1 heavyweight Shane Carwin has withdrawn his name from the list of competitors slated to enter the Octagon at UFC 125 due to undisclosed back problems shelving him for the next few months. Carwin...
Hayden Panettiere Haylie Duff Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton
2nd workout done!
Wayyyy tooooo much cardio today! And now I’m laid out on the floor!
Source: http://mstracylee.com/2010/10/2nd-workout-done.html
Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Isla Fisher Ivana Bozilovic
UFC and WEC Set to Merge
Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com has just posted an interview with Dana White in which the UFC President has announced the UFC and WEC will be merging effective January 2011. Payout Perspective: This is a topic that I’ve covered almost ad nauseam over the last two years with articles like Exploring a Possible Merger and interviews [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Payout/~3/-vVi2PID05M/
Veronica Kay Veronika Vaeková Victoria Beckham Victoria Pratt Victoria Silvstedt
UFC 121 weigh-in: Shields is finally in the big show
"I feel a lot of pressure to go out there and give a great performance," Shields said. "When I first started, I figured I'd be here in a year, so it took a little longer than I thought. ... It's been a long, hard road for me. I'm new to the UFC, but I've been at it for 11 years. I need to show a lot of people who I am."
The 31-year-old is no rookie but you get the sense he feels like he just got called up to the bigs.
"It feels great. It feels like where I belong," said Shields. "The differences are just way more media attention, way more hype, way more professionalism."
Strikeforce is a solid promotion but its matchmaking can be limited because of a smaller roster. Shields couldn't fight for the Strikeforce title at welterweight because his training partner Nick Diaz holds the belt and there's was nothing juicy waiting for him at middleweight after upsetting Dan Henderson. Plus Shields grew tired of sitting on the sidelines for long periods of time and then getting very little notice before a fight.
"(The UFC) tell(s) you what you're doing and when you're doing it. They have staff. I don't mean that as a knock on Strikeforce. They're just not as organized. It's just nice to be in organization that's so together," said Shields.
Most of the Strikeforce current roster and management won't take those comments the wrong way. Put aside announcer Frank Shamrock, who openly expressed his dislike of Shields, the rest of the guys sounded like they want to see the Cesar Gracie do well.
"I think most of the guys there are rooting for me, there's mostly good people. I'd say the majority of them are. There could be a few guys there rooting against me but I think overall they're mostly good people," Shields told Fanhouse's Ariel Helwani. "We had a few differences in the end and I bet most of them would like to see me succeed. It also makes Strikeforce look good."
UFC 121 weigh-in (Courtesy MMAjunkie):
Pay-Per-View
Brock Lesnar (264) v. Cain Velasquez (244)
Martin Kampmann (170) v. Jake Shields (170.5)
Diego Sanchez (170.5) v. Paulo Thiago (170.5)
Matt Hamill (203.5) v. Tito Ortiz (206)
Gabriel Gonzaga (254) v. Brendan Schaub (239)
Spike TV
Ryan Jensen (185) v. Court McGee (184.5)
Patrick Cote (185) v. Tom Lawlor (185)
Un-televised
Sam Stout (155.5) v. Paul Taylor (155)
Mike Guymon (170) v. Daniel Roberts (170)
Chris Camozzi (185) v. Dongi Yang (186)
Jon Madsen (254.5) v. Gilbert Yvel (249)
Reese Witherspoon Rhona Mitra Rihanna Robin Tunney Rosario Dawson
UFC QUOTABLES: Randy Couture breaks down Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez at UFC 121
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"Cain's definitely going to give Brock a go. It's an interesting match-up. Both guys have great wrestling backgrounds, and I know from my own experience that my toughest fights were against guys with good wrestling backgrounds. If [Velasquez] can stay away and not end up underneath Brock early, not take any serious damage there, the longer it goes the better it is for Cain. He's one of those guys at that weight class who has an unlimited gas tank. He's not going to get tired... Brock is a huge athlete. Every time he's out there we see something else. In the [Shane] Carwin fight he took a beating and still came back and found a way to win. I think that was important for him... Hopefully [Cain] got a bunch of big guys to come in so he could practice being in that worst-case scenario, which is having a guy like Brock sitting on you and hitting you in the head and ramming you into the fence. Those are the things that a guy that size can really do to you. I think if [Velasquez has] prepared himself for that worst-case scenario, and has prepared himself to survive there, he'll be able to do that in the fight."
-Randy Couture talked to MMAFighting.com during the EA Sports MMA launch on Tuesday about this Saturday's UFC 121 main event between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez.
Penick's Analysis: Couture never actually gives predictions on Brock's fights, but he definitely talks up the opponent's strengths and what they might be able to do. One of the reasons Lesnar's fights are such events is that you just can't honestly know what to expect. He's continually evolving his game, and with each opponent he's had a different test. It seems with every fight that his opponent has something that he "won't be able to handle," and yet he continues to prove doubters wrong from fight to fight. This is going to be an excellent heavyweight battle on Saturday night, and anticipation is definitely reaching a boiling point.
[Randy Couture art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
 |
-Randy Couture talked to MMAFighting.com during the EA Sports MMA launch on Tuesday about this Saturday's UFC 121 main event between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez.
Penick's Analysis: Couture never actually gives predictions on Brock's fights, but he definitely talks up the opponent's strengths and what they might be able to do. One of the reasons Lesnar's fights are such events is that you just can't honestly know what to expect. He's continually evolving his game, and with each opponent he's had a different test. It seems with every fight that his opponent has something that he "won't be able to handle," and yet he continues to prove doubters wrong from fight to fight. This is going to be an excellent heavyweight battle on Saturday night, and anticipation is definitely reaching a boiling point.
[Randy Couture art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_7242.shtml
Jorge Santiago Pete Sell Anderson Silva Chael Sonnen Mike Swick
COLUMN: Brock Lesnar's respectful showing in defeat showcases prevalent theme in MMA
By: Mike Bacior, MMATorch Contributor
Mixed Martial Arts is exactly that, martial arts mixed together into a form (and the purest form) of fighting. But this isn't the Roman gladiators, this isn't a street fight in a cage, and this isn't a freakshow. One of the most prevalent themes throughout Mixed Martial Arts is respect.
I recently attended Bellator 33 in Philadelphia, where I met several fighters; one was Fran Evans, a fighter who had just won his pro debut on the undercard, and another was Eddie Alvarez, the star of the show who had just battered Roger Huerta for two rounds, taking a TKO victory. Even though these two were about as different as you can find in terms of where their careers are, they were both unflappably kind and respectful to me, and every other fan that wanted a little bit of their attention.
Then, in the parking garage elevator after the event, I ran into a member of the athletic commission, and I could not resist asking him a few questions about his job. He informed me of how he was the one who made sure fighters were properly taped, and other such things. But the one thing that he clearly pointed out was how respectful and polite all of the fighters were. He said that he often works with other athletes, mostly boxers, and they do not usually share this same level of respectful behavior.
This shows that not only are these fighters respectful out in the open where everyone can see, but also respectful behind the scenes.
Even on Saturday, a man who I have often criticized for his lack of respect, Brock Lesnar, was completely classy and humble in defeat. His opponent, Cain Velasquez, was no less humble. Even though we often hear about the few fighters who are very rude and disrespectful to one another, it is good to take a step back and look at all these fighters who are representing our sport the right way, and acting as true mixed martial artists.
This is what separates MMA from a streetfight in a cage, or a freakshow.
Respect.
 |
I recently attended Bellator 33 in Philadelphia, where I met several fighters; one was Fran Evans, a fighter who had just won his pro debut on the undercard, and another was Eddie Alvarez, the star of the show who had just battered Roger Huerta for two rounds, taking a TKO victory. Even though these two were about as different as you can find in terms of where their careers are, they were both unflappably kind and respectful to me, and every other fan that wanted a little bit of their attention.
Then, in the parking garage elevator after the event, I ran into a member of the athletic commission, and I could not resist asking him a few questions about his job. He informed me of how he was the one who made sure fighters were properly taped, and other such things. But the one thing that he clearly pointed out was how respectful and polite all of the fighters were. He said that he often works with other athletes, mostly boxers, and they do not usually share this same level of respectful behavior.
This shows that not only are these fighters respectful out in the open where everyone can see, but also respectful behind the scenes.
Even on Saturday, a man who I have often criticized for his lack of respect, Brock Lesnar, was completely classy and humble in defeat. His opponent, Cain Velasquez, was no less humble. Even though we often hear about the few fighters who are very rude and disrespectful to one another, it is good to take a step back and look at all these fighters who are representing our sport the right way, and acting as true mixed martial artists.
This is what separates MMA from a streetfight in a cage, or a freakshow.
Respect.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Staff_Editorials_19/article_7300.shtml
Gwen Stefani Halle Berry Hayden Panettiere Haylie Duff Heidi Klum
Melvin Manhoef booked for DREAM's year-end "Dynamite!! 2010" event
DREAM's year-end "Dynamite!! 2010" appears to have its first competitor. The Dutch promotion It's Showtime has announced fighter Strikeforce/DREAM fighter and K-1 kickboxing veteran Melvin Manhoef will compete at the Dec. 31 event.
An opponent has not been named.
Leila Arcieri Lena Headey Leonor Varela Leslie Bega Leslie Bibb
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Maui Boat Tours Offer a Complete Island Experience
While there are many sights to see in Maui, some of the best adventures take place in the waters surrounding the islands. Maui boat tours help you experience your vacation to the fullest, whether you want to spend you time whale watching, snorkeling or taking in a spectacular Hawaiian sunset. We have tips to help [...]
Source: http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/trips-tours/maui-boat-tours-offer-a-complete-island-experience.html
Eddie Sanchez Cain Velasquez Brandon Vera Fabricio Werdum Randy Couture
Dana White feels that Jake Shields should have gotten an immediate title shot against GSP
Dana White has made no secret in the month’s leading into Jake Shields‘ eventually signing with the UFC, the impact that the Cesar Gracie protege could have in the organization’s welterweight division.
Nothing was made more evident when the former Strikeforce middleweight champion was able to successfully defend his title against former PRIDE middleweight and welterweight [...]
Nothing was made more evident when the former Strikeforce middleweight champion was able to successfully defend his title against former PRIDE middleweight and welterweight [...]
Kylie Bax Lacey Chabert Laetitia Casta Lake Bell Larissa Meek
Wanderlei Silva And Rafael Cordeiro ? Anderson Silva Vs Vitor Belfort, Shogun, MMA Awards
Frank Mir Brad Morris Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Jake O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Brien Eddie Sanchez
STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS 11 PREVIEW: Shana Olsen ready to show fans on Showtime what she can do against debuting Julia Budd, sees Women's Champion Cris Cyborg as a beatable foe
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
The UFC isn't the only game in town for televised MMA from California this weekend. Strikeforce brings another Challengers event to Showtime on Friday night from Fresno, and while the event is obviously overshadowed by Saturday's UFC 121 pay-per-view event, there are a number of fights and fighters worth checking out on the night's card.
Mixed in with an exciting rematch between Bobby Voelker and Roger Bowling and fights from former Challengers event headliners in Billy Evangelista and Lavar Johnson is the Strikeforce debut of 4-0 women's 145 lb. fighter Shana Olsen.
Olsen, a product of Sergio Cunha's Minnesota Fight Factory, was initially supposed to debut for Strikeforce in August in a fight against Erin Toughill. Toughill was forced to pull from the fight when she determined she would not be able to make the contracted weight for the fight, and a public spat between the two women never resulted in a fight.
She now gets to step in the cage for the first time outside of Minnesota when she faces Canadian Muay Thai champion Julia Budd in her MMA debut.
"I'm really excited and really happy to be working with such a great organization like Strikeforce," Olsen told MMATorch this week. "I'm glad that they were able to get me on the next available card so I could get in there and show everybody what I could do."
"The exposure is phenomenal, and I'm really excited and happy about the card. This is what the Challengers card is all about. It's about showing up and coming fighters and I think Strikeforce has done a really great job at promoting the fighters that are coming up in the ranks and that are trying to make a name for themselves, especially in women's MMA."
Olsen's work with Cunha has been critical in her development, and the team they've put together at the Minnesota Fight Factory has helped her round out her skills as a mixed martial artist.
"Sergio is a world-class trainer. He's trained the best in the world," she said. "He's trained Anderson Silva, the Nogueira brothers, Wanderlei [Silva], B.J. Penn, he's been with some big names and he comes with that experience and that skill level. He came here because he wants to build the next generation of MMA fighters. And I think he's found that here in Minnesota with all of us. Travis Reddinger, Mike Richman, Chris McCallister, Shawn Williams, Travis Perzynski, all of these guys are at the gym, working really hard to become the next class of MMA champions."
"I've spent a lot of time at making myself a well rounded MMA fighter. I'm not just a boxer anymore. That was kind of my background and that's what I came in with, but I've gained so many other skill sets working with everybody at the Minnesota Fight Factory. With what Sergio Cunha has taught me and Shane DeZee, and so many of our guys have a wrestling background that I've really gotten a good experience and a good mix of everything that I need to be a well-rounded MMA fighter."
Olsen compiled a record of 19-1-1 in boxing in both amateur and professional fights before moving to MMA, but with the Muay Thai background of Cunha and the all around work she's been doing in training, she feels prepared anywhere the fight goes with Budd. While this is Budd's MMA debut, she holds a Muay Thai victory over Gina Carano and competed in this year's Grappler's Quest, and Olsen knows she faces a formidable foe in Fresno on Friday.
"I'm sure she's been working on her ground game and making sure that it's ready, and I hope she has," Olsen said. "I'm looking forward to a good fight, I want to battle. I'm definitely ready to show everybody how good I am...I think everybody can expect an exciting fight.
"She's a Muay Thai striker, that's kind of been my background working with Sergio, so we're going to go in there and give everybody a good show. And I definitely don't look past anybody. Every fight is important and you need it to gain that experience, so I'm just happy to get back into the cage."
Without looking past Budd, questions about Olsen's place in the title picture in the women's division still immediately come into play. As Strikeforce Women's 145 lb. Champion Cris Cyborg has gotten past all comers, the list of potential challengers is a short one, and a victory over Budd on Friday could put Olsen into that spot. It's a position she feels ready for, despite what would only be a five fight career to this point.
"I definitely feel that I'm a lot stronger than anyone that she's faced to this point," Olsen said. "She hasn't really fought anyone that has the same power and aggressiveness that she has and I definitely bring that to the table. I'm not afraid of her. I [wouldn't] be going in there thinking I [only] have a shot or that I could maybe win, [I'd be] going in there thinking that I can beat her, that I can win. Everyone else sees her as this unreachable person and that nobody can beat her; that's not the case, anybody's beatable."
"I think the title shot is within probably the next few months, I would hope [with a win over Julia Budd.] Our camp is ready for whatever, I'm ready to fight whoever. I want to be a world champion. I've never backed down from a fight, I've never turned down a fight, because it's what I need to do to be a world champion, I need to fight."
"I know what I want, and I'm working hard to get towards that goal."
You can see Shana Olsen vs. Julia Budd on Friday night on Showtime as Strikeforce Challengers 11 airs at 11PM ET.
 |
Mixed in with an exciting rematch between Bobby Voelker and Roger Bowling and fights from former Challengers event headliners in Billy Evangelista and Lavar Johnson is the Strikeforce debut of 4-0 women's 145 lb. fighter Shana Olsen.
Olsen, a product of Sergio Cunha's Minnesota Fight Factory, was initially supposed to debut for Strikeforce in August in a fight against Erin Toughill. Toughill was forced to pull from the fight when she determined she would not be able to make the contracted weight for the fight, and a public spat between the two women never resulted in a fight.
She now gets to step in the cage for the first time outside of Minnesota when she faces Canadian Muay Thai champion Julia Budd in her MMA debut.
"I'm really excited and really happy to be working with such a great organization like Strikeforce," Olsen told MMATorch this week. "I'm glad that they were able to get me on the next available card so I could get in there and show everybody what I could do."
"The exposure is phenomenal, and I'm really excited and happy about the card. This is what the Challengers card is all about. It's about showing up and coming fighters and I think Strikeforce has done a really great job at promoting the fighters that are coming up in the ranks and that are trying to make a name for themselves, especially in women's MMA."
Olsen's work with Cunha has been critical in her development, and the team they've put together at the Minnesota Fight Factory has helped her round out her skills as a mixed martial artist.
"Sergio is a world-class trainer. He's trained the best in the world," she said. "He's trained Anderson Silva, the Nogueira brothers, Wanderlei [Silva], B.J. Penn, he's been with some big names and he comes with that experience and that skill level. He came here because he wants to build the next generation of MMA fighters. And I think he's found that here in Minnesota with all of us. Travis Reddinger, Mike Richman, Chris McCallister, Shawn Williams, Travis Perzynski, all of these guys are at the gym, working really hard to become the next class of MMA champions."
"I've spent a lot of time at making myself a well rounded MMA fighter. I'm not just a boxer anymore. That was kind of my background and that's what I came in with, but I've gained so many other skill sets working with everybody at the Minnesota Fight Factory. With what Sergio Cunha has taught me and Shane DeZee, and so many of our guys have a wrestling background that I've really gotten a good experience and a good mix of everything that I need to be a well-rounded MMA fighter."
Olsen compiled a record of 19-1-1 in boxing in both amateur and professional fights before moving to MMA, but with the Muay Thai background of Cunha and the all around work she's been doing in training, she feels prepared anywhere the fight goes with Budd. While this is Budd's MMA debut, she holds a Muay Thai victory over Gina Carano and competed in this year's Grappler's Quest, and Olsen knows she faces a formidable foe in Fresno on Friday.
"I'm sure she's been working on her ground game and making sure that it's ready, and I hope she has," Olsen said. "I'm looking forward to a good fight, I want to battle. I'm definitely ready to show everybody how good I am...I think everybody can expect an exciting fight.
"She's a Muay Thai striker, that's kind of been my background working with Sergio, so we're going to go in there and give everybody a good show. And I definitely don't look past anybody. Every fight is important and you need it to gain that experience, so I'm just happy to get back into the cage."
Without looking past Budd, questions about Olsen's place in the title picture in the women's division still immediately come into play. As Strikeforce Women's 145 lb. Champion Cris Cyborg has gotten past all comers, the list of potential challengers is a short one, and a victory over Budd on Friday could put Olsen into that spot. It's a position she feels ready for, despite what would only be a five fight career to this point.
"I definitely feel that I'm a lot stronger than anyone that she's faced to this point," Olsen said. "She hasn't really fought anyone that has the same power and aggressiveness that she has and I definitely bring that to the table. I'm not afraid of her. I [wouldn't] be going in there thinking I [only] have a shot or that I could maybe win, [I'd be] going in there thinking that I can beat her, that I can win. Everyone else sees her as this unreachable person and that nobody can beat her; that's not the case, anybody's beatable."
"I think the title shot is within probably the next few months, I would hope [with a win over Julia Budd.] Our camp is ready for whatever, I'm ready to fight whoever. I want to be a world champion. I've never backed down from a fight, I've never turned down a fight, because it's what I need to do to be a world champion, I need to fight."
"I know what I want, and I'm working hard to get towards that goal."
You can see Shana Olsen vs. Julia Budd on Friday night on Showtime as Strikeforce Challengers 11 airs at 11PM ET.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Affliction2/article_7270.shtml
Jeremy Horn James Irvin Quinton Jackson Keith Jardine Jon Jones
Dos Santos: ?I?ll give my best, even a little more than that, to take his belt away and bring it to Brazil on my waist.?
Top divisional contender Junior dos Santos sat in attendance at UFC 121 this past weekend and watched Cain Velasquez dismantle then-champ Brock Lesnar in four minutes on his way to becoming the UFC?s new heavyweight title-holder. However, rather than dismiss Lesnar?s skills to cheapen the victory or express a hint of intimidation at Velasquez?s showing, [...]
Eric Schafer Wanderlei Silva Thiago Silva Rameau Sokoudjou Zooey Deschanel
Eight Things UFC 121 Taught Us
<B>By MATT MOLGAARD<BR>
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR>
UFC 121 brought not only an intriguing lineup of fights, but a multitude of questions to boot. How could Diego Sanchez rebound after two devastating losses; Was an MMA youngster like Brendan Schaub ready for a versatile veteran like Gabriel Gonzaga; What the hell would happen when Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez finally met inside the Octagon?<BR><BR>
All interesting questions, a lot of which were decisively answered. Here now is a list of things UFC 121 taught us.<BR><BR>
<B>Jon Madsen Is Evolving, and Quickly:</B> In a fight many analysts picked to end in destructive fashion in favor of Gilbert Yvel, Jon Madsen showed he?s not hanging around the UFC roster as food for the elite. Madsen shot an explosive takedown that Yvel had no answer for. In a matter of moments Madsen reminded the world what vicious ground-and-pound lookslike. Yvel never stood a chance, and Madsen, now 4-0 inside the Octagon is quickly staking his claim to contendership, or at least a chance at a top 10 foe.<BR><BR>
<B>They Call Him The Ninja For a Reason:</B> After being knocked unconscious in his promotional debut by the highly touted John Howard, Daniel ?The Ninja? Roberts is settling into the UFC. He?s now pieced together two back-to-back wins, and his impressive submission last night over Michael Guyman shows this guy?s got a submission game that should be respected.<BR><BR>
<B>Court McGee Can Handle Adversity:</B> Ryan Jensen came out at the bell and immediately dictated the pace of this bout. Court McGee looked a step behind, and an inch off with everything he threw in round one. Jensen utilized angles and crisp punches to control the first round, hurting McGee on more than one occasion, and even dropping The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 winner. But Court McGee had some plans of his own, even if it took five minutes to find his range and set his gameplan in motion. From the second round on McGee brought the aggression and broke Jensen down, showcasing nice strikes and a solid?beard. By the final frame Jensen was a sitting duck, and Court McGee took advantage, getting the fight to the mat where he unleashed some nasty elbows from the top position before sinking an arm-triangle choke.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>It?s Time For Gonzaga To Crack A Couple Cans:</B> The Gabriel Gonzaga of 2006 would have had his way with the Brendan Schaub of today with relative ease. The man who once blended powerful strikes with strong wrestling and a superb submission game in order to string together four consecutive wins inside the octagon (including that legendary knockout of Mirko Crocop) has all but disappeared. Taking nothing away from Schaub, who?s an improving prospect with great mobility and solid striking, Gonzaga should have secured a first round submission victory last night. He?s got all the tools to beat Schaub, save for one, confidence, which Randy Couture stole back at UFC 74; Gabriel Gonzaga has been largely MIA since that loss, dropping multiple fights that very well could have gone his way since, if only he still believed. It's time to rebuild that confidence by cracking through a handful of mid-level opposition in a smaller organization.<BR><BR>
<B>Diego Sanchez Isn?t Going Anywhere:</B> I think a lot of people were on the verge of writing Diego Sanchez off following his humiliating loss to John Hathaway at UFC 114. Many critics simply felt he?d lost the fire that once made him such an intimidating foe. He proved everyone wrong at 121, when he turned a competitive first round with Paulo Thiago into a one-sided beating as the fight unfolded. The Nightmare looked like the vintage beast we?d seen swarm foes like Joe Riggs, Nick Diaz and Karo Parisyan.<BR><BR>
<B>Tito Ortiz Is Done:</B> Matt Hamill is a dangerous opponent. He?s got very good wrestling, and he only moves forward, and I mean only. that being said, he?s not a top 10 light heavyweight, and he?s still got exploitable holes in his game. He is, in short, an opponent that should have given Ortiz some troubles, but ultimately exited the cage the loser. Instead he slowly broke down and busted up Ortiz, who aside from an impressive first round, didn?t do much of anything to justify his recent contract extension. It?s tough to watch the sports' early pioneers fade, but Tito has now become nearly invisible.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>Jake Shields May Be Better Suited For 185 Pounds:</B> I don?t care what Dana White has to say about Jake campaigning at middleweight, after investing extensive time bulking up for his move to the middleweight division not long ago, Shields is going to have problems making the welterweight limit. His body will certainly re-adjust to the divisional change, but I don?t like to fix what?s not broken, and Shields? showings against Robbie Lawler and Dan Henderson proved he?s more than capable of handling the middleweight division?s most dangerous opponents. Draining the body to make 170 pounds isn?t going to help Shields? career at this point, especially if his next foe is indeed Georges St. Pierre.<BR><BR>
<B>Cain Is The Truth:</B> I?ll be the first to say, the main event at UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez looked suspicious as hell. And I?m not saying the fight was rigged, as it sure as hell wasn?t, but things sure looked funny out there. A Brock bull-rush leads to a takedown or two, and 90 seconds later Lesnar looks gassed, he?s dedicated his strategy to covering up, and he?s rolling around the octagon in such awkward fashion you know Heath Herring is cackling like a madman somewhere. It all just looked? weird. It was clearly a case of technique reigning supreme over strength and power, but I?ll be damned if that wasn?t one of the stranger spectacles I?ve seen in a title bout, ever. All that said, hat?s off to the new champion Cain Velasquez, who has the tools to hold that belt for a long, long time should he get past the division?s striking extraordinaire, Junior dos Santos in his first title defense.<BR><BR>
It was a wild night, and while I wouldn?t have minded seeing a clean knockout, I?m pleased with the event and the subsequent results. There are some major shifts happening in a couple of the sports most significant weight divisions; that?s news worth paying attention to.<BR><BR>
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR>
UFC 121 brought not only an intriguing lineup of fights, but a multitude of questions to boot. How could Diego Sanchez rebound after two devastating losses; Was an MMA youngster like Brendan Schaub ready for a versatile veteran like Gabriel Gonzaga; What the hell would happen when Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez finally met inside the Octagon?<BR><BR>
All interesting questions, a lot of which were decisively answered. Here now is a list of things UFC 121 taught us.<BR><BR>
<B>Jon Madsen Is Evolving, and Quickly:</B> In a fight many analysts picked to end in destructive fashion in favor of Gilbert Yvel, Jon Madsen showed he?s not hanging around the UFC roster as food for the elite. Madsen shot an explosive takedown that Yvel had no answer for. In a matter of moments Madsen reminded the world what vicious ground-and-pound lookslike. Yvel never stood a chance, and Madsen, now 4-0 inside the Octagon is quickly staking his claim to contendership, or at least a chance at a top 10 foe.<BR><BR>
<B>They Call Him The Ninja For a Reason:</B> After being knocked unconscious in his promotional debut by the highly touted John Howard, Daniel ?The Ninja? Roberts is settling into the UFC. He?s now pieced together two back-to-back wins, and his impressive submission last night over Michael Guyman shows this guy?s got a submission game that should be respected.<BR><BR>
<B>Court McGee Can Handle Adversity:</B> Ryan Jensen came out at the bell and immediately dictated the pace of this bout. Court McGee looked a step behind, and an inch off with everything he threw in round one. Jensen utilized angles and crisp punches to control the first round, hurting McGee on more than one occasion, and even dropping The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 winner. But Court McGee had some plans of his own, even if it took five minutes to find his range and set his gameplan in motion. From the second round on McGee brought the aggression and broke Jensen down, showcasing nice strikes and a solid?beard. By the final frame Jensen was a sitting duck, and Court McGee took advantage, getting the fight to the mat where he unleashed some nasty elbows from the top position before sinking an arm-triangle choke.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>It?s Time For Gonzaga To Crack A Couple Cans:</B> The Gabriel Gonzaga of 2006 would have had his way with the Brendan Schaub of today with relative ease. The man who once blended powerful strikes with strong wrestling and a superb submission game in order to string together four consecutive wins inside the octagon (including that legendary knockout of Mirko Crocop) has all but disappeared. Taking nothing away from Schaub, who?s an improving prospect with great mobility and solid striking, Gonzaga should have secured a first round submission victory last night. He?s got all the tools to beat Schaub, save for one, confidence, which Randy Couture stole back at UFC 74; Gabriel Gonzaga has been largely MIA since that loss, dropping multiple fights that very well could have gone his way since, if only he still believed. It's time to rebuild that confidence by cracking through a handful of mid-level opposition in a smaller organization.<BR><BR>
<B>Diego Sanchez Isn?t Going Anywhere:</B> I think a lot of people were on the verge of writing Diego Sanchez off following his humiliating loss to John Hathaway at UFC 114. Many critics simply felt he?d lost the fire that once made him such an intimidating foe. He proved everyone wrong at 121, when he turned a competitive first round with Paulo Thiago into a one-sided beating as the fight unfolded. The Nightmare looked like the vintage beast we?d seen swarm foes like Joe Riggs, Nick Diaz and Karo Parisyan.<BR><BR>
<B>Tito Ortiz Is Done:</B> Matt Hamill is a dangerous opponent. He?s got very good wrestling, and he only moves forward, and I mean only. that being said, he?s not a top 10 light heavyweight, and he?s still got exploitable holes in his game. He is, in short, an opponent that should have given Ortiz some troubles, but ultimately exited the cage the loser. Instead he slowly broke down and busted up Ortiz, who aside from an impressive first round, didn?t do much of anything to justify his recent contract extension. It?s tough to watch the sports' early pioneers fade, but Tito has now become nearly invisible.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>Jake Shields May Be Better Suited For 185 Pounds:</B> I don?t care what Dana White has to say about Jake campaigning at middleweight, after investing extensive time bulking up for his move to the middleweight division not long ago, Shields is going to have problems making the welterweight limit. His body will certainly re-adjust to the divisional change, but I don?t like to fix what?s not broken, and Shields? showings against Robbie Lawler and Dan Henderson proved he?s more than capable of handling the middleweight division?s most dangerous opponents. Draining the body to make 170 pounds isn?t going to help Shields? career at this point, especially if his next foe is indeed Georges St. Pierre.<BR><BR>
<B>Cain Is The Truth:</B> I?ll be the first to say, the main event at UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez looked suspicious as hell. And I?m not saying the fight was rigged, as it sure as hell wasn?t, but things sure looked funny out there. A Brock bull-rush leads to a takedown or two, and 90 seconds later Lesnar looks gassed, he?s dedicated his strategy to covering up, and he?s rolling around the octagon in such awkward fashion you know Heath Herring is cackling like a madman somewhere. It all just looked? weird. It was clearly a case of technique reigning supreme over strength and power, but I?ll be damned if that wasn?t one of the stranger spectacles I?ve seen in a title bout, ever. All that said, hat?s off to the new champion Cain Velasquez, who has the tools to hold that belt for a long, long time should he get past the division?s striking extraordinaire, Junior dos Santos in his first title defense.<BR><BR>
It was a wild night, and while I wouldn?t have minded seeing a clean knockout, I?m pleased with the event and the subsequent results. There are some major shifts happening in a couple of the sports most significant weight divisions; that?s news worth paying attention to.<BR><BR>
Source: http://www.mmanews.com/home.php
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