Things I think I think - 7/12/11

Kelly Pavlik needs to stay out of trouble. Brother's pulling each other through windows isn't a good look.

While the Paul Williams v Erislandy Lara was a bad decision, it wasn't as lopsided as people think.

Ridiculous for Max Kellerman to ask William's corner in the MIDDLE OF THE FIGHT whether Williams should retire.

On that note: David Haye should retire.

While Brandon Rios has a great style, he would get absolutely destroyed by Manny. Forget about that fight.

Who says you need a fight to long for action? Rios Antillon had more firepower than several fights combined.

On December 3rd, win or lose, Miguel Cotto will get revenge.

Thanks for the good career Ricky Hatton.

I feel bad for Kermit Cintron.

Rico Ramos doesn't look nearly as good as he should.

Someone please make Lucas Matthyse V Marcos Maidana fight. They fought once in the amateurs (Maidana won).

Tito Ortiz has 9 lives.

The UFC likes the bad guys good guys story line. Stamm V Sonnen had to be made.

Still dissapointed that Sonnen wasn't banned permanently.

The rumored Carlos Condit vs. B.J. Penn should be a very good fight.

I thought that John Howard was going to have a better UFC career than this. Wonder where he will end up.

AMIR KHAN V ZAB JUDAH! Which boxing fan isn't excited for this fight?

Things I think I think - 6/29/11

The California Bar exam sucks.

Juan Diaz should have a better time in Texas, although no exam is easy at all.

Pacquiao-Marquez fight to use instant replay in incidents where fight stopping cuts occur. THANK YOU!!!!

Klitschko Haye is the most watchable heavyweight fight in years, it is hyped up beyond belief and free on HBO. NO REASONS NOT TO WATCH.

What exactly is the big deal with the David Haye's shirt with the cartoon drawing that he didn't even draw? I've heard much much worse things between boxers.

August 27th 24/7 Ortiz Mayweather begins. General public be ready to get dissed by Mayweather again.

I will be cheering for Sebastian Lujan on FNF on ESPN3. Not because we share the same name, but because his ear busting fight against Antonio Margarito strangely is one of my fondest boxing memories.

Tough for Cruz V Faber II to be a boring match. For all you MMA newbies this is a rematch of a WEC match. Here is the full fight video here.
http://www.ufc.com/media/132-WEC26-Faber-Cruz

Boxing really needs to learn from the UFC. They realized that the 132 headliner may not appeal to the general public so what do they do? STACK THE CARD. Silva V Leben, Ortiz V Bader, Condit V Kim, even Guillard V Roller are all good fights.

I have Silva by KO.

Everyone wave goodbye to Tito Ortiz. Thanks for a good career.

Wonder how many Koreans will be watching the Stun Gun Dong Hyun Kim this weekend? Last time he fought there was a full telecast just for him.

Finally some answers for the Nate Marquart saga. Why did he pull out of his fight? He admitted testosterone replacement therapy. The controversial treatments were prescribed by a doctor due to a "legitimate medical condition" since last August.

BTW: THE UFC KNEW ABOUT IT. This is pretty much a known fact. They "gave" him time to clear it up.

I wonder of the UFC knew about Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen, and Todd Duffee? Hard not to see considering that Henderson and Duffee have exemptions in California.

Quote of the week? Victor Ortiz was asked by reporters what he thought about PacMan PBF matchup. His response: "There's only one problem, I'm fighting Pacquiao next."

Breaking News: Nate Marquardt cut from UFC, UFC on Versus Main Event Scrapped

Nate Marquardt has reportedly failed a medical and will not be fighting on Sunday's UFC card.

The main event for UFC on Versus has been changed recently with the substitution of Rick Story for an injured Anthony Johnson. Now with this recent development Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry will become the main event Sunday night.

Also on twitter Dana White has posted a 11-second video stating not only has Nate Marquardt failed his medical and will not be fighting, he will no longer be fighting in the UFC. “Not only is he out of this fight, out of the main event on Versus, he will no longer be with the UFC." said Dana White via twitter.

Story (13-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will now face Charlie Brenneman (12-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC).

There has been no clear reason reported on why Marquardt did not pass his medical examination. Many have guessed that weight was an issue, since he was moving down to 170 for the first time in his career. There also is some rumors about drug testing. Best thing to do is to hold off on any judgement and see what actual facts we can find.

Things I think I think - 6/22/11

We are now officially on twitter. This @thefightknights thing is just weird. I must be too old school.

God that was a bad Strikeforce card.

Don't want to watch the full replay? Look below for highlights

I wonder how judges score jump guards (thanks to Werdum). Maybe they should start using the BJJ scoring for the ground submission scoring in MMA?

Jeff Monson is done.

Strikeforce is losing momentum ever since the sale to Zuffa.

Cain V, JDS, then Alistair still?

Takanori Gomi V. Nate Diaz announced for UFC 135. Let's hope Nate doesn't smoke weed this like his brother last time. I'm guessing no gogoplata for the other brother.

Get ready for an action packed boxing weekend starting with a great main event on FNF.

Felix Sturm vs. Matthew Macklin free on Epixhd.com may be the best fight of the bunch with Tavoris Cloud vs. Yusaf Mack in a close second.

Saul Alvarez doesn't just look good. He looks exciting.

Tickets for the Alvarez Rhodes fight were as low at 100 pesos. I would have loved those seats.

HBO Real Sports report about Ann Wolfe is a must watch.

With the signing now finalized.. SO EXCITED FOR MAIDANA GUERRERO Aug 27th. Best part? It's in my hometown of San Jose, CA. Can you say live coverage?

Very very excited about joining Bloguin. Check them out at www.bloguin.com

UFC 132 Quick Preview

UFC 132 is July 2nd! Time to start the hype! Here is the extended exclusive UFC promo reel as well as the full fight card.

Dominick Cruz has been on a tear since his lost to Faber. Hair gel can do amazing things. How can Silva v Leben be a bad fight?

This card should be a lot better than last weekends snoozefest Strikeforce card. Full preview coming on the week before the card.

Full card and TV listing

PPV:

Dominick Cruz (17-1) vs. Urijah Faber (25-4) [Bantamweight Title]

Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) vs. Chris Leben (25-7)

Carlos Condit (26-5) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (14-0-1)

Ryan Bader (12-1) vs. Tito Ortiz (15-8)

Matt Wiman (13-5) vs. Dennis Siver (18-7)

SPIKE TV:

Melvin Guillard (27-8) vs. Shane Roller (10-3)

George Sotiropoulos (14-3) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (14-5)

Preliminary Card:

Brian Bowles (9-1) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (14-5-2)

Brad Tavares (7-0) vs. Aaron Simpson (8-2)

Anthony Njokuani (13-5) vs. Andre Winner (11-5-1)

FK

Things I think I think - 6/15/11

Let's say this first.

RIP Genaro Hernandez. Good career. Good boxer. Great Person.

With that... on with things that I think I think

UFC 131 was satisfying.

Dave Herman’s UFC debut should keep him around for a while.

Dos Santos V Velasquez has become a very big fight.

When are we going to start having non title 5 rounders main events? We pay enough money for at least one.

K-Flo already in title contention after one fight in the division? Only in the UFC.

Nice to see Sergio Martinez re-up with DiBella. They both deserve better than to be in the Golden Boy v Top Rank drama.

Still still salivating over Maidana V Guerrero. Finish this deal.

Congrats to the STAR STUDDED hall of fame inductees. Tyson, Chavez, Tszyu thanks for the memories.

Please no one buy the proposed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. V Peter Manfredo Jr. fight. PLEASE. Take a stand.

I love this weekend's HBO Boxing After Dark. I mean c'mon, the nicknames of the main event is Cinnamon VS. Spice Boy.

UFC 131 Recap

Jesse Bongfeldt vs Chris Weidman

This fight was aired on Spike TV as one of the prelim fights but still had to have been a contender for submission of the night with Bongfeldt tapping out Weidman with a perfect standingguillotine choke.

He told Joe Rogan in the after fight interview that he had suffered a knee injury during the fight also stating that he had already had 4 surgeries on the same knee, we will keep an ear out to see if this injury will result in surgery number 5.

Sam Stout vs Yves Edwards

3 mintues and 50 seconds is all Sam Stout needed to put Edwards to sleep with a devastating left hook which left Edwards still on the ground as the post-match interview was taking place.

Donald Cerrone vs Vagner Rocha

The stand up skills of Cerrone were on show in this bout and Rocha’s lead leg was the target. Rocha was unable to take Cerrone to the ground and was made to pay. Cerrone was the winner in a unanimous decision.

Dave Herman vs John Olav Einemo

A two round war with each fighter hurting the other at one point or another but it was Herman that stopped Einemo after a big knee followed by a big left hook that dropped Einemo with Herman then opening up on Einemo before the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Demian Maia vs Mark Munoz

This fight went the distance with both fighters known as grapplers to many peoples surprise this ended up being a stand up battle with both fighters possessing explosive power eacher had the other rocked during the fight. Mark Munoz getting the victory with a unanimous points decision.

Kenny Florian vs Diego Nunes

Florian showed no ill effects from the dramatic weight cut to make 145lbs telling Joe Rogan after the fight that before going into camp he weighed in at well over 180 lbs.

He controlled the second and third rounds with ease to take the points victory also saying that he plans on staying at this weight class and making a run for the title.

Junior Dos Santos vs Shane Carwin

Shane Carwin showed great hart to survive a first round onslaught from Dos Santos that had Carwin on the ground against the cage and left him bloodied and with a badly broken nose. Junior controlled the remaining rounds with his super-fast hands and even took Shane to the ground twice in the third round to come out the victor by a unanimous points decision.

PACIFIC XTREME COMBAT DEBUTS IN THE PHILIPPINES VIA PXC 24

PACIFIC X-TREME COMBAT (PXC), the premier Mixed Martial Arts promotional organization in the Pacific region, announces its arrival in the Philippines with a bang, staging PXC-24 on June 11^th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.

PXC-24, an event presented by San Mig Strong Ice, in cooperation with Beer Below Zero, with venue partner Resorts World and Media Partners FHM and TV 5 will feature 8 exciting Mixed Martial Arts fights, including a heavy-weight title bout between “The Champ”, Roque Martinez from Guam, taking on the challenger, Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial of Saipan. PXC-24 Promoters are excited to showcase elite international fighters from Brazil, Korea, California, Florida, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and some of the best up and coming talents from the Philippines. “We have one of our best fight cards ever coming to Manila for the June 11^th show,” according to PXC President & Founder, Joey Calvo. “The heavy-weight fight should be a war…and these two guys are over 250 pounds with knock-out power and a lot of heart.”

Calvo is a black-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who has trained with some of the best in the world, and founded PXC in 2004 after promoting several amateur events in Guam.

PXC is well-known in Guam as a springboard for MMA fighters to bigger shows in the US, including the UFC. PXC has produced over 50 MMA events, with over 22 professional shows under their belt. With their expansion to the Philippines, PXC Promoters feel that they will help build up the first ever Filipino MMA fighter to the highest level of the sport in the world. According to EJ Calvo, PXC Promoter / CEO, “PXC will help place a fighter in the UFC…before the PBA places a player in the NBA. MMA is the world’s fastest growing sport, and we know the talent is out there and they just a need the opportunity to compete at a higher level and get exposed on the world stage.”

As a bonus for fans, Filipino-American UFC superstar, Brandon Vera, will be attending the event as a trainer for another Alliance MMA fighter from San Diego, California. PXC often hosts some of the best MMA fighters in the world, who corner or coach their gym-mates…with the likes of BJ Penn, Enson Enoye, and Mark Laimon.

PXC has partnered with TV5, one of the most aggressive television stations in the country, to broadcast the events on a regular basis on their new sports channel, AKTV.

UFC 131 Dos Santos vs Carwin

Main Event
Dos Santos vs Shane Carwin

Main Card
Kenny Florian vs Diego Nunes

John-Olav Einemo vs Dave Herman

Damian Maia vs Mark Munoz

Donald Cerrone vs Vagner Rocha

Sam Stout vs Yves Edwards

UFC 131 Preview

The UFC action continues on Saturday night when Omigawa and Darren Elkins kicks off what is sure to be an entertaining PPV. Strangely, this was the UFC that was derailed by the announcement that Brock Lesnar was going to be off the card due to his illness. However, the replacement was announced to be Shane Carwin, the UFC fans quickly started to salivate at what is sure to be a good action heavyweight fight in the main event.

Shane Carwin VS. Junior Dos Santos

As much as a 50/50 as we have seen in recent main events. Carwin is going to come forward and land hard shots. Junior is going to try to make it into a ground and pound game.

For those of you that aren't convinced of the fireworks. Remember, the two have combined for 22 first-round stoppages (12 for Carwin and 10 for Dos Santos) in their 26 fights.

Either way, it's simply who can impose whose will. It's hard to against the bigger fighter in these types of fights, but it's hard to see Junior putting Carwin away early after not being able to finish Roy Nelson in his last fight. Carwin of course is going need to show that he more than a 1 round fighter. Also, people often for get that Carwin is a former Division II collegiate wrestling national champion. It will be hard to take this guy down. Regardless, very interesting fight. Very.

Kenny Florian Vs. Diego Nunes

The story here is the incredible shrinking Kenny Florian. Usually when fighter's career progress they become larger. It's harder to keep the weight down as metabolism slows with age. Yet with Kenny Florian, this is his record 4th different weight class since joining the UFC ranks as a TUFer. In reality, he should have never been fighting at 185 pounds but was doing it for the sake of a shot in the TUF competition.

Kenny is coming off of a loss to Greg Maynard who is simply outwrestling and beating anyone not named Frankie Edgar

Things I think I think 6/8/11

Things I think I think.

Victor Ortiz v Floyd Mayweather is Mayweather's toughest challenge since never.

That aforementioned PPV should beat Pacquiao and Moseley's numbers.

Martirosyan would be smart to stay as far away from Saul Alvarez as possible.

Froch looked good beating Glen Johnson, but 117-111 was not an accurate score Mr. John Stewart

Watching Zbik V. Chavez Jr. was like watching a pillow fight. I can name at least 5 fighters with more power... EVEN AT WELTERWEIGHT.

Sergio Martinez immediately asked to be the mandatory challenger to Julio Ceasar Chavez Jr.'s newly acquired belt. Looks like some dodging is imminent.

There is NO WAY Brandon Rios V Urbano Antillon is going to be a dull fight.

UFC 131 will be much more entertaining than UFC 130.

The main event is my pick for fight of the night.

AWESOME: prelims for UFC 131 will be streaming on Facebook. Boxing should take a hint.

EVEN MORE AWESOME: Monitors for judges at UFC 131. It's about time that fight sports caught up to technology.

Shane Carwin looks scarier with no hair.

The Canadians (UFC 131 is in Vancouver) won't be cheering CA-NA-DA, CA-NA-DA like us Americans.

Why is Gina Carano out of Strikeforce because of a failed medical? What was the actual reason? Who knows? Actually I don't care that much.. just and excuse to put her picture here.

Things I think I think - 6/1/11

I think I think...

Golden Boy apologizing to Manny Pacquiao and settling the defamation case may be the best thing that has happened to boxing in the last decade.

Tavaris Cloud versus Jean Pascal is a great idea.

Brock Lesnar is going to be out of the fighting game in less than 3 years.

I was right about UFC 130 not being worth the money.

Speaking of not worth the money... David Diaz won't fight Juan Manuel Marquez for less $250k. (Rampage got 250k for his UFC 10 payday)

Phil Davis looks like he's wearing shoulder pads... without his shirt on.

This weekend's super six semifinal matchup between Carl Froch and Glen Johnson is to decide who will lose to Andre Ward next.

Dan Henderson is going to lose to Fedor, proving absolutely nothing.

Emanual Steward is an overrated trainer.

Rampage Jackson is not a top 3 lhw. Sorry Dana

I'm actually excited about TWO heavyweight boxing matches? Someone pinch me.

This year's BJJ US Open will be at San Jose State! Live coverage coming!

Nice to see Andre Ward re-sign with the group that brought him up.

Rachel Cordingly (Carl Froch's girlfriend) makes boxing girlfriends better than tennis girlfriends.

UFC 130 Rampage vs Hamill Main Card Preview

Quinton  Jackson vs Matt Hamil

This fight has been moved to the main event.  Rampage gets another main event in the UFC, this being his third time in a row.  Coming off a big split decision win over Lyoto Machida, he looks to regain his momentum after losing the light heavyweight belt in 2008.  Known for his knockout power and his devastating slams, he hasn’t had the same effect since he has joined the UFC (alike most Pride fighters).  With his charismatic personality and his knockout power he is always a fan favorite and a crowd drawer.

The winner of TUF season 3, an always improving Mix Martial Artist.  Matt Hamil brings a well decorated wrestling pedigree to the octagon.  Improving his striking mixed with his ground control, Hamil is a handful for anyone in the cage with him.

Questions???

Will Rampage beable to handle Hamil’s wrestling and ground control?  His recent notable fights with Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, he has been lost sections of the fight when he is on the ground.  Unable to stop takedowns and unable to work off his back or get back up.

Will Matt Hamil try and stand with Rampage?  Will he have the gameplay to try to take Rampage down for an easier way to victory?  Can he take Rampage down?  If they do stand will Hamil beable to stay away from Rampage’s power punches?  Hamil is known for his wrestling but is always improving as a striker.  But will Hamil take his chances on his feet with such a well known power puncher?

Frank Mir vs Roy Nelson

Frank Mir, still considered one of the top heavyweights in the UFC he has recently faced some of his careers most challenging fighters.  With recent wins over Crocop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Brock Lesnar he looks to put on a convincing win over Roy Nelson to stay relevant in the list of top heavyweights of the UFC.  Using his Muay Thai/Boxing and always dangerous bjj, Frank Mir is dangerous in any position and anywhere in the octagon.

Roy Nelson, made his name in the IFL and now being UFC TUF champion looks to break into the list of top heavyweights of the UFC.  Roy Nelson possesses knockout power in both hands and isn’t someone anyone should take lightly.

Questions???

Will Frank Mir look to go to the ground or try to use his striking against someone as dangerous as Roy Nelson?  Who would have the advantage during clinches and up against the fence?  Frank Mir is a well rounded fighter, but usually isn’t the one going for takedowns or aggressive when his back is on the fence.  Will Frank Mir continue to out strike Roy even if he gets hit with a big shot?

Will Roy Nelson be able to handle Frank Mir’s ground game?  Is Roy Nelson going to have enough cardio to go three rounds with Frank?  If he gases in the fight will he beable to survive?

Stefan Struve vs Travis Browne

Stefan Struve

A 6 ft 11 nightmare for anyone he steps into the cage with.  With a great ground game and some great kickboxing he looks to beat some of the top tier heavyweights in UFC so he can be considered to be on that list.  He has taken on some tough challenges in the UFC, beating some prospect fighters in the heavyweight division.  Losing to some of the higher tier fighters like Roy Nelson and Junior Dos Santos, Struve looks to regain his composure as a prospect for the belt.

Travis Browne

Travis Browne is a new edition to the UFC, and brings with him an undefeated record.  With knockout power in hands and legs, he looks to make it to the big times with his chance again Stefan Struve.

Thiago Alves vs Rick Story

Thiago Alves, a dangerous welterweight with great Muay Thai practitioner, falling short fighting for the welterweight championship against GSP.  A powerful striker looks to get his way back to the top to regain another shot at the title.

Rick Story

Rick Story has racked up a 5 win streak and is now given a big step up fight against Thiago Alves.  Known for his wrestling, he is a tough customer never giving anyone an easy win.  With a great chin and great ground work, submissions and ground control, he looks to give the favorite Thiago Alves a run for his money.

Questions???

Thiago Alves has problems with strong wrestlers such as GSP and Jon Fitch (but who wouldn’t have problems wrestling with both), will he beable to keep this fight on his feet?  If he gets taken down will he be more cautious over committing with his strikes?  With a lot of ground work and anti takedown will Thiago gas later in the fight?

Will Rick Story go for broke to try to take Thiago down?  Will Rick surprise us will improved striking?  How much punishment will Rick take on the feet before trying to take Alves down?  If he can take Alves down, can he keep it there?  He has a tough chin, will it be strong enough to take Alves's shots?

Things I think I think

Welcome to the first installment of things I think I think. Another one of the writers didn't like my random thoughts happening behind random articles. Thought that I should place them all in the one place. Well.. here we go.





I Think I Think...

That Bernard Hopkins will beat Chad Dawson and fight the winner of Lucian Bute v Andre Ward.

Roy Jones has finally won me over despite being knocked out badly.

HBO pulling Paul Williams V Nobuhiro Ishida and make it Paul Williams V Erislandy Lara is a good decision.

Oscar De La Hoya has had this problem for a long time.

Julio Chavez Jr. and his people can find the best undefeated nobodies in the business. (Cuello, Loriga, Zbik)

Tom Zbikowski will be back.

Amir Khan challenging Robert Guerrero instead of just fighting Timothy Bradley is a sham.

The proposed July fight of Juan Manuel Marquez V David Diaz is a waste of time.

That Nick Diaz was never intending to ever step in the boxing ring.

Quinton Jackson V Matt Hamill will be a pretty entertaining main event.

UFC 130 is not going to be worth the money.

Quote of the week:
"Frank will be facing a bigger and fatter guy now." - Roy "Big Country" Nelson on his upcoming match with Frank Mir in UFC 130

DREAM 17 - Fight for Japan - Preview

May 29th Japan Bantamweight Tournament (61kg/134.5 lbs), the 1st round and semifinals (finals and 3rd place fight will take place in July) @ Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

Official Fight Card

Caol Uno vs Akiyo Nishiura

Featherweight bout: Caol Uno (27-14-5) most known for title fight loss against Jens Pulver and draw against BJ Penn. Akiyo Nishiura (11-6-1) fought in Shooto and Cage Force before fighting in Dream and in December 31, 2010 he made his kickboxing debt that ended in a draw.

Mitsuhiro Ishida vs Joachim Hansen

Featherweight bout: Mitsuhiro Ishida (20-6-1) has a notable loss to Takanori Gomi in Pride Shockwave 2006. In Dream he lost to Caol Uno and won against Daisuke Nakamura both of which is fighting on the Dream card. Joachim Hansen (21-10-1) is known to hold an MMA world title after winning the Shooto World Welterweight Championship in 2003 from Takanori Gomi.

Katsunori Kikuno vs Daisuke Nakamura

Lightweight bout: Katsunori Kikuno (14-3-2) is the current DEEP Lightweight Champion and the DEEP 2009 Lightweight Tournament winner. Daisuke Nakamura (23-12) fought for virtually every promotion except for UFC.

Takeshi Inoue vs Koichiro Matsumoto

Featherweight bout: Takeshi Inoue (19-5) was a defending Shooto World Champion before losing to Hatsu Hioki. Koichiro Matsumoto (12-2) current DEEP featherweight Champion.

Shinya Aoki vs Antonio McKee

Lightweight bout: Shinya Aoki (27-5-1) is a DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion. Ranked by Fightknights as #10 P4P Lightweight. Rich Clementi (40-19-1) was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 4, notably lost was to Gray Maynard.

Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinals

Yoshiro Maeda vs Hideo Tokoro

Yoshiro Maeda (28-9-2) fought for the WEC Bantamweight Title at WEC 34 against Miguel Torres. Hideo Tokoro (27-23-1) competed in DREAM’s featherweight Grand Prix where he lost the 1st round but was brought back into the tournament where we won the 2nd round but lost in the semi-finals.

Darren Uyenoyama (6-3) vs Atsushi Yamamoto (12-6)

Kenji Osawa vs Takafumi Otsuka (8-3-1)

Kenji Osawa (16-9-2) currently fights in the WEC but his records comes fighting primarily in Shooto.

Keisuke Fujiwara vs Masakazu Imanari

Keisuke Fujiwara (11-2-4) is a current defending ZST Bantamweight Champion and ZST Genesis Tournament 2007 Bantamweight winner. Masakazu Imanari (21-8-2) is a current Cage Rage Featherweight Champion, DEEP Bantamweight Champion and the former DEEP Featherweight Champion.

Henry Liu

UFC 129 Fight Recap

UFC 129 Results and Recap

1. Pablo Garza Flying Triangle Choke in round 1 (4:31) vs. Yves Jabouin.

2. John Makdessi KO with Spinning Back Fist in round 3 (1:27) vs. Kyle Watson.

3. Jason MacDonald Triangle Choke in round 1 (1:37) vs. Ryan Jensen.

4. Ivan Menjivar TKO with Elbows & Punches in round 1 (1:30) vs. Charlie Valencia.

5. Claude Patrick Unanimous Decision vs. Daniel Roberts

6. Jake Ellenberger KO with Punches in round 1 (2:42) vs. Sean Pierson.

7. Rory MacDonald Unanimous Decision vs. Nate Diaz.

8. Benson Henderson Unanimous Decision vs. Mark Bocek.

9. Vladimir Matyushenko KO with Punches in round 1 (:20) vs. Jason Brilz.

10. Lyoto Machida KO with (Silva) Front Kick in round 2 (1:05) vs. Randy Couture.

In an unanimous decision Jose Aldo retains his featherweight title against Mark Hominick but notwithout blood, gasps and gashes.

The 24-year-old Aldo made his entrance riding on his confidence but as soon as he stepped into the octagon the electricity quickly turned thick with tension.

The beginning of round one started at a quick pace, laying a few hands testing each other’s stand up.

Aldo sets Hominick up and scores a takedown but Hominick on his back attacks with an arm bar. Aldo with top position throws singles, both fighters engage with lots of grappling. For the lack of action McCarthy warns the fighters to pick up the pace.

Aldo begins to throw sharp elbows resulting in a cut to Hominick’s left eye. The round ends with

Hominick looking worn out.

Aldo begin round 2 with kicks to the leg and mid-section. There’s a noticeable gape from Aldo’s openmouth as Aldo throws punches while Hominick trades shots with him.

Trying to set Hominick up again with a takedown, Hominick sees it coming and easily stuffs it and puts together some slick boxing. Eating a few shots Aldo manages to catch Hominick with another takedown.

Top position again, with very little ground and pound from Aldo, McCarthy stands them up.

Round 2 ends with Hominick delivering kicks which Aldo catches and gets another takedown

Before the round 3 starts, Hominick comments to his corner that he could feel Aldo fading.

Hominick starts round 3 throwing and landing straights and jabs putting his trademark on Aldo’s eye but Aldo still looked strong returned with his own strikes and takedown attempts. At this point whether Aldo succeeds or not Hominick is aware of the takedown, whereas all Aldo was watching for are Hominick strikes.

Putting together 2 clean hits Aldo puts Hominick on his back. Aldo rains blows but realizing he couldn’t finish him, Hominick survives on the ground both fighters look exhausted.

The start of the round 4, Aldo was the aggressor utilizing both kicks and strikes but Hominick wasn’t going anywhere that was until he threw 2 jabs and in return Aldo threw 2 of his own that lead to Hominick on the canvas with a goose egg on the top of his head. Aldo seizing a weakness attacked the giant golf ball on Hominick head until a doctor was called.

Standing Hominick up, the crowd gasped at the sight of Hominick’s second head. After a quick look, the doctor clears the fighter to resume.

The last round the fighters continue to scrap. Aldo lands a great uppercut but Hominick manages to puts Aldo on his back and goes to work.

A cut on Hominicks face opens and blood gushes on the canvas, the champion is on ground getting beat.

The crowd gets louder and cheers on Hominick who’s attacking from all sides to finish the exhaustedAldo who isn’t returning any shots or submission attempts of his own.

The fight ended in the hands of the judges but did deliver the drama.

In a unanimous decision George St. Pierre retains his belt but not without sustaining an eye injury in the third round.

The main event starts out with George St Pierre striking at a distance where Jake Shields can’t take him down. Shields manage to catch one of Pierre’s leg and pushes him into the fence but with the better leverage Pierre turns Shields around and frees himself away from the fence.

The action returns to the middle of the ring, Pierre’s hands are looking good against a visibly stiff

Shields. Possibility bating Pierre to close the distance, Shields let’s Pierre throw strikes but realizing Shields is at a distance, Pierre sets up multiple spin kicks to the body of Shields.

Pierre looking loose is throwing whatever he wants, a left hand catches Shields on the button and sends him flying to the canvas. Respecting Shields’ BJJ, Pierre smartly does not go in with the ground and pound.

Standing Shields up, Pierre puts together some nice boxing and kicks to end the round.

Round 2, Shields is looking more active with his hands but Pierre is patient throwing straights and landing overhand rights.

Pushing Shields back, Pierre gets enough room to roundhouse Shields in the mid section. Realizing he needs to close the distance, Shields pushes forward but can’t seem to inflect much damage. Pierre continues to throw over hand rights like a machine, all Shields can do is defend.

The round ends with Shields squared up with Pierre catching strikes.

Catching their breath, round 3 starts out with a brawl but Shields is not cracking Pierre’s superb striking skills to get a takedown.

Pierre’s overhand right is proving very effective but a scrappy Shields continues to work in the pocket. But Pierre had clearly neutralized Shields in the third round but not without damaging Pierre’s right eye.

The beginning of the 4th round Pierre is noticeably concerned with his right eye. But that doesn’t affect his performance as he throws Shields to the ground and stands back up, both fighters are looking crisp.

Shields pushes the action but Pierre’s relentless offense lands a great kick into Shields head. Pierre is landing hard hitting blows but Shields is unfazed, taunting Pierre and landing his own shots opening a cut on Pierre’s face. Obviously injured, Pierre can’t finish off Shields.

HL

In the final round, sensing a wounded Pierre, a tired Shields throws for the fences but defending

champion counters with the better combination. At this point the exhausted Shields wasn’t even

looking for the takedown.

The fight ends with the 2 fighters in the middle of the ring.

Breaking News: Maynard V Edgar 3 is off!

The injury bug has hit the UFC again. As reported here previously the UFC schedule has been wrecked by injuries.

This time, both fighters, Greg Maynard and the champion, Frankie Edgar both pulled out of their main even at UFC 130 scheduled for May 28th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.. They were scheduled to fight for Edgar's belt and settle the score after what has been a very entertaining two fights.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Matt Hamill has now moved to the main event and Frank Mir vs. “Big Country” Roy Nelson is the co-main event.

I don't know if UFC plans to have the same number of PPV buys with the main event going to the wayside, but perhaps a $10 discount? I think that way be wishful thinking..

UFC 129 Fight Knights Writer's Predictions

UFC 129 Fight Knights Writer's Predictions

HL's Picks
MacDonald by Decision
Patrick by submission 3rd round
Menjivar by T(KO) 3rd round
Jabouin by split decision
Ellenberger by Submission 3rd round
Makdessi by Strikes 2nd round
Diaz by Submission 3rd round
Matyushenko by Strikes 2nd round
Henderson by Strikes 2nd round
Machida by decision
Aldo by T(KO) 3rd round
Pierre by Decision

SW's Picks
Couture by Decision
Aldo by T(KO) 2nd round
Pierre by Decision




More predictions to come! 
Give us your 2 cents!!!

UFC 129 Fight Card Preview

Jason MacDonald vs. Ryan Jensen

UFC 129 middleweight showdown will be the fight to start off the night. Both fighters are coming off a loss. Notably Ryan Jensen’s loss comes from Ultimate Fighter contender Court McGee from Ogden, Utah.
Both fighters are strong on the ground. MacDonald’s 24 wins, 18 came by submission, contrast similarly Jensen’s 15 wins, 10 were by submission.

Claude Patrick vs, Daniel Roberts
A welterweight’s streak will come to an end. Nick named “The Prince”, Claude Patrick is going into the octagon with 12 straight wins with a record of 13-1-0. With a similar record of 12-1-0, Daniel Roberts is entering the fight with 3 straight victories.
Patrick will mostly likely push the action with his style ( BJJ & Muay Thai) but Roberts southpaw stance (BJJ & Wrestling) could play a factor with counters.

Ivan Menjivar vs. Charlie Valencia
Bantamweight journeymen clash in the third bout both fighters are coming into UFC 129 with a loss. Ivan Menjivar with a record of 21-8-0 will be taking on the challenger Charlie Valencia with a record of 12-6-0.
Bantamweight yields high energy fighters, Menjivar’s 21 wins, 8 were (T)Kos, Valenica will have his hands full.

Pablo Garza vs. Yves Jabouin
On paper this Flyweight fight looks to be action packed. Pablo Garza and Yves Jabouin are hungry for their second win. Impressively Garza’s last fight with Fredson Paixao ended in round 1 with :51 seconds left in the round with a flying knee.
Jabouin will most likely want to go toe to toe with Garza. Jabouin’s 15 wins, 11 came by (T)KOs.

Sean Pierson vs. Jake Ellenberger
Welterweight ground warfare in the 5th match. Sean Pierson is an all-around fighter, 11 wins only one came to a decision. Pierson is a Greco-Roman wrestler and a purple belt in BJJ.
Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger the more experience fighter with 24 wins and 15 of those were (T)KOs. Ellenberger is a wrestler and a blue belt in BJJ.


Kyle Watson vs. John Makdessi
Lightweight pursuits. Kyle Watson, 10 of his 13 wins were by submissions who is now going for his 6th straight win. His last win was by unanimous decision.
John Makdessi is going for his undefeated 9th straight victory, who is also coming off a unanimous decision.

Rory MacDonald vs. Nate Diaz
Welterweights matched up. Both Rory MacDonald and Nate Diaz are coming off a loss. And both MacDonald and Diaz are BJJ and Boxers.
Diaz is known to have heart and excellent BJJ. With only 8 fight difference between them MacDonald only has one loss, the two young fighters will bang.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jason Brilz
Light heavyweight Janitor and Hitman fight in the 8th bout. Valdimire “The Janitor” Matyushenko at 40 years old is coming off a win to battle Jason “The Hitman” Brilz (35 years old) who is coming off a loss.
Both fighters are wrestling emphasized but don’t be surprised if the match ends with strikes especially from Matyushenko (his last win coming from (T)KO strikes) but Brilz learned a lot from Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the split decision loss.

Benson Henderson vs. Mark Bocek
Lightweight mixed martial arts contest. Black Korean American fighter Benson Henderson (12-2) coming off a loss is a black belt in Taekwondo and brown belt in BJJ.
Representing Canada Mark Bocek (9-3) is coming off a win (by submission) is a black belt in BJJ and a black belt in Kempo.

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida
Light heavyweight spectacle. Age 47 Randy Couture (19-10) will fight his last fight at UFC 129 going for his 4th straight victory to finish out his legendary career, but his opponent Lyoto Machida (age 32 record 16-2) who is coming off 2 straight controversial losses (Mauricio Rua & Quinton Jackson) looks to get back on the title track.
Machida is currently ranked #4 light heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog & Yahoo Sports. Couture is ranked at #10 by Yahoo Sports.



UFC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick
Contender Mark Hominck (20-8) is going for his 6th straight victory to retain his featherweight title. His 20 wins, 9 were (T)KOs, 7 by submission and 4 went to decisions. And 8 of his losses came by submission.
Young Champion Jose Aldo (18-1) is starting to top more and more best of lists, defending his championship belt with 11 straight victories. Aldo’s 18 wins, 12 were (T)KOs, 2 by submission and 4 came by decision. Aldo’s only loss was by submission. Ranked by Sherdog Aldo is #1 in the featherweight division and #3 Pound-For-Pound fighter. This fight looks to be high octane with toe to toe action.

UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
George St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields
These welterweights need no introduction. Five times defending champion George St. Pierre’s (21-2) belt is on the line again.
Jake Shields’ (26-4-1) title shot comes following 15 straight wins. Shields is either tough or fight opponents that aren’t tough enough. Shields’ 26 wins, 3 were (T)KOs. 10 by submission and 13 came by decisions.
Coming off an 8 victory streak, GSP should expose Shields’ weakness in finishing an opponent. GSP has great wrestling that grinds fighters leaving them very tired. And recently, GSP showcased his ability to strike versus Josh Koscheck courtesy of new hands trainer Freddy Roach.

HL

Rumors: Fedor to fight Dan Henderson?

According to Lorenna Hunt from SI.com:

"Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson are on board to square off in a proposed late July bout on Showtime, sources from both fighters' camps told SI.com on Saturday.
Strikeforce officials said discussions for the summer blockbuster bout are under way, but that many details, including what weight the headliner will be contested at, as well as the date and venue, still need to be ironed out before the deal can be signed. Talks are expected to pick up next week, according to sources."

Is this for real? This sounds like a blockbuster that Strikeforce has been trying to land. Now that they are bought out by Zuffa, it seems as though they are taking steps continuing to make a name for themselves.

Keep the in mind the Strikeforce Grand-Prix is still ongoing and is a good revenue and viewer ship stream already.

Random Thoughts:
So much hockey, so much basketball, and so many fights! = so much for baseball for a few months.

BERTO VS ORTIZ and KHAN V McCLOSKEY this weekend!!! Read my preview here. Prediction Ortiz KO 10. Khan KO 6.

JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ VS ORLANDO SALIDO AS WELL! Should be a good night for JML. Everyone will be talking about how Salido gave Gamboa a tough time when they fought. Juan Manuel Lopez should have no such problem. I think he is so much more technically sound than Gamboa it should be a relatively easy fight.

Props to Roy Jones Jr. for taking on a tough fight at a bigger weight. He is scheduled to take on the Russian Denis Lebedev (26-1 160KOS) in his home country, AND at the highest weight since he won his HW belt from John Ruiz. At least he's not fighting nobodies. Props and the best of luck to him.

The Klitscko brothers have decided that Wladimir V Haye and Vitali V Adamek. Wait.. they get to choose who each of them fight? That's a bit ridiculous.

They are replaying the Amir Khan V Maidana in HD streaming for free on youtube. It was voted by the BWAA (Boxing Writers Association of America) as their Fight of the Year. Now you have officially no reason NOT to watch this fight. Here it is: