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.

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.

UFC 128 Shogun vs Jon Jones Recap 03/19/11

UFC 128 Shogun vs Jon Jones Recap 03/19/11

Mauricio Shogun Hua vs Jon Jones Bones

1^st round Jones comes out with a huge flying knee and a few high kicks.  While trading right hands they clinch and jones is able to take shogun down.  Shogun tries to use his half guard to sweep but  was unable too.  Shogun does a good job of not taking too much damage on the ground.  But while scrambling to get up near the fence he is caught by a right kick left hook.  Coming back to the middle of the ring Shogun looks very fatigued more than hurt.  Jones reach advantage is apparent.  Keeping Shogun at bay with side kicks to the legs and using his left hand as a measuring stick.  The round ends on the ground after Shogun tries to take Jones down but fails.

2^nd round Shogun looks tired coming out of the corner.  He is having trouble landing anything because of Jones range and having Jones’s left hand in his face.  When Jones gets a break in the action he throws big head kicks, Shogun is unable to do much but block.  Jones get the takedown and Shogun is unable to get a sweep or back to his feet.

3^rd round Shogun still tries and fire over Jones’s jab or left hand but Jones is just too far away.  After Shogun ducks a huge head kick Shogun is able to take Jones’s back go for a leg lock but instead trips Jones instead but ends up on the bottom.  The ground is pound is starting to land on Shogun which short elbows and hands from the guard.  Hurting Shogun with huge elbows, Shogun is forced to bail and roll to his all fours and gets back to his feet but Shogun looks very hurt, and Jones puts Shogun away with a big left hook to the body against the cage.

Jon Jones by TKO in the 3^rd

Uriah Faber vs Eddie Wineland

1^st Round The come out feeling each other out and they clinch.  Wineland pushes Faber against the fence.  They scramble both trying o take each other down.  With separate after a failed takedown attempt by Faber and eats a right hook for his troubles.  Faber tries to take Wineland down but they end up in a clinch, Faber continuously tries to throw or takedown Wineland but both remain standing.  Wineland is able to take Faber’s back and slams him down but Faber right back up but eats a right hand.  Faber catches Wineland with a hand right then a left hook countering Wineland.  Uriah again tries for a takedown but ends up in a clinch and Faber tries to throw him but still cant get Wineland down.  Uriah goes for a leg kick but is counter with a nice right hand by Eddie.  Faber seems unfazed and lands his own looking right hand then a left hook.

2^nd round Both come out aggressive Faber coming out with some kicks mixing up his strikes.  Eddie triest o establish a jab mixing it up with a left hook.  Faber mixes it up fakes a strike than goes gets a single leg and takes Eddie down with a trip.  Uriah immediately works ground and pound.  Continually landing rights and elbows and Eddie is unable to get up as Uriah does a good job of keeping it on the ground.

3^rd round Both fighters try to find their range and Uriah still looking to counter.  Faber tries to take Wineland down but is stuffed.  Wineland lands a good leg kick but is unable to land anything up top.  They clinch again and both fight for takedown and positioning but both end up separated instead.  Faber mixes it up and fakes to grab a leg and instead throw a nice right uppercut catching Wineland and lands another straight right after that.  Faber smells blood as he pushes forward catching Wineland with a left hook.   Faber continually catches with short shots and shoots and gets a takedown.  Faber is able to land some ground and pound until the round ends.

Uriah Faber by Unanimous Decision (29-28)(29-28)(29-28)

Jim Miller vs Kamal Shalorus

1^st Round Miller with a southpaw stance Kamal with the orthodox stance.  They come out with huge shots both men trading, Kamal ending this exchange better landing a left hook up top.   They exchange again both landing but shots are partially blocked.  Both men continue to trade but Miller with more footwork coming in and out using his reach advantage.  Kamal more with a stand and brawl body position.  Both men continue to trade but nothing significant landing for either fighter.  Kamal is swinging for the fences which is not a surprise.  They scramble after Miller misses a lead knee, but both end standing and they both throw more leather.  Miller is trying to time the wild hands of Kamal and lands his own left elbow when Kamal charged in.  Miller lands a big left high kick but Kamal throws back instantly.  Kamal seemed to slow down after catching that kick with his face.  The aggression by Miller ending his combination with a left bodykick and drops down with a guillotine but quickly slips off and Kamal ends up on top.  The referee stands them up fairly quickly with some pause in the action on the ground.  They stand and trade again Kamal landing a nice right hook, but Miller answers with a left after Kamal attempts a leg kick.  At the end of the round catches Kamal with another nice left high kick.

2^nd Round They come out throwing leather again, nothing significant landing.  They continue trading, and Kamal lands a nice leg kick.  Miller is beign more aggressive coming forward and countering Kamal with a uppercut.  As they clinch Miller tries to jump into a triangle but Kamal shrugs it off.  They  continue to stand with a good amount of striking activitiy but Miller goes for the takedown and quickly gets to Kamal’s back.  They hand fight and Kamal is defending the RNR choke till the end of the round.

3^rd Round they come out and trade but Kamal shots are wide and Miller isn’t in danger of getting caught and catches Kamal with a straight left twice.  Miller’s counters are near misses.  Miller catches Kamal with a big uppercut he was looking for since the 2^nd round and follows it up with a knee hurting Kamal and ends the fight with ground n pound.

Jim Miller by KO in 3^rd round

Nate Marquardt vs Dan Miller

1^st Round Both trying to find their distance with a right hand lead the clinch scramble and Nate ends up ontop looking for a choke.  Both scramble and Miller tries to take Nate down and after some good takedown defense by Nate he is unable to stay standing and falls into the fence.  After a scrambling and Miller goes for a guillotine Nate gets his own takedown but has to fight hard to get out of the guillotine.  Nate picking his spots and landing some good elbows in Dan’s guard.  Dan tries to shoot his legs up but finds nothing.  Some time of inactivity and refree stands them back up.  Nate keeps his jab effective not commiting with it then feints his jab to and a very clean straight right.  Falling into a clinch after the right hand he gets a big takedown picking Dan Miller up.  Dan Miller giving up the kimura gets hit with some ground and pound to end the round.

2^nd Round Nate comes out with a low kick and still does a good job of keeping his distance measuring Dan with his lead hand and comes with a nice combination landing on miller.  Then catching Miller with a nice lead high kick.  Dan lands a good 1-2 on Marquardt.  Using feints and footwork Nate gets in and out of range without Dan able to do much.  After a miss by Dan, Nate pushes forward landing a nice combination 2 straight rights and a left high kick then a flying knee but gets taken down.  They scramble against the fence and Nate is able to get into a neutral position clinch standing.  They separate and they trade as Nate comes forward both landing right hands.  Marquardt lands his right hand leads throughout this round and gets a takedown but is caught in Miller’s guillotine but is able to get out.  Marquardt ends the round on top with some ground n pound.

3^rd Round Marquardt sets up another right hand with his jab but is countered with a uppercut for his troubles.  But Marquardt quickly comes back with a left high kick which again lands for him.  Again Marquardt lands a right hand and tries again and Miller tries to counter with his own right hand.  Continously Marquardt tries to set up his right hand with feints and jabs with footwork.  Marquardt landing multiple right hands again and Miller’s face is split open because of this and forces Miller to go for a takedown which is stuffed by Nate.  Marquardt is able to stay ontop and work some ground n pound. 

Nate Marquardt by Unanimous decision judges (30-27)(30-27)(30-27) 

Strikeforce Diaz vs Cyborg Recap

Nick Diaz vs Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos

Both fighters came in the fight trying to find their range, but Cyborg was able to find a home for his leg kick early in round 1 giving some problems for Nick because Nick’s distance is usually closer to the opponent enabling him to land at will with his boxing.  Cyborg continues using the right leg kick throughtout the 1^st round.  Nick tags Cyborg through out the fight with combinations of straights and hook, without commiting 100% to any punch it lets his hands fly faster, doing so, he is able to overwhelm his opponents with multiple punches.  Each shot may not have knockout written on it but if you don’t dodge it, it will do damage.  Cyborg doesn’t use his distance well, when Diaz walks in he can’t land clean because he doesn’t have space to throw, he doesn’t use his feet.  His conditioning is questionable unable to keep what was working for him in the first round, the right leg kick to Nick’s lead leg.  He throws a lot of hooks and winging punches, though Nick takes a few he can see most of them coming and only getting caught here and there.  Nick straighter punches keep Cyborg moving back, the pressure of a taller fighter coming towards you is hard to train for.  The only time you see Nick back up in this fight was when Cyborg was using his leg kicks.  Only landing a big uppercut and a few hooks, Cyborg was getting gassed, unable to handle Nick’s stand up and decided to take Nick down.  Cybrog being gassed and Nick slap on a tight arm bar and finish the fight.  Nick Diaz improves his record to (24-7) with a 9 fight win streak.

Robbie Lawyer vs Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza

Round 1 both fighters get their jitters out with movement on their feet, all that ends with a Souza takedown and easily works in to side control.  Souza, being a top BJJ practitioner, shows the difference skill levels on the ground with great ground control and always threatening with submissions.  Lawler does a great job of scrambling to his feet from side control using hand control to get out of any threats of head choke when scrambling.  They both trade punches as Souza back petals he is caught with a lead left knee by Lawler and starts doing the chicken dance while moving back as he is caught with another huge right hook.  Robbie spends time in Souza’s guard but is unable to put on any offense in passing or strikes.  Lack of action referee John McCarthy stands them up.  Robbie lands a big right liver kick and both fighters throw a flurry ending the round with a takedown attempt by Jacare.

Round 2 Jacare gets a takedown and gets side control and peppers Robbie with strikers trying to set up to mount or a submission.  Robbie is unable to maintain guard on the ground letting Jacare move back to side control quickly after a scramble.  With a leg bar attempt Souza chains an armbar attempt when Robbie tries to escape, and tries to slap on another armbar attempt but Robbie shows his own BJJ IQ by jumping over Jacare relieving the danger of another armbar.

Round 3 Souza starts his attack his a thai clinch landing some knees partially blocked by Lawlers arms as Lawler tries to counter with punches inside the muay thai plum.  The clinch ends up against the fense and Souza is able to take Robbie down again.  Robbie tries to get up giving Souza his back and Souza quickly does a wrestling “suck back” pulls Robbie quickly to the ground and Jacare quickly circles to Robbies back slaps on a body triangle and finishes the fight with a rear naked choke.  Ronaldo Souza ups his record to (14-2).

Herschel Walker vs Scott Carson

Round 1 Herschel Walker takes the center of the ring, Carson throws a right high kick that clips Walker but walker is unfazed and instead pumped up by the kick as he puts his hands down and yells at Carson.  They trade right hands both missing but Walker follows this up with a left hook, right hook combination, the left knocking Carson down.  Herschel follows him to the ground controlling him in the guard and from the back position hammering away.  Carson tries to escape by rolling to his guard and get up using the fence but is caught by a left hook by Walker and ends the fight.  Hershel Walker improves to (2-0) with 2 Tkos.

Roger Gracie vs Trevor Prangley

Round 1 Both fighters were slow to get started on their feet, both trying to find their range no one committing with any combinations or one punch.  Gracie being the taller fighter tries to establish his jab but ends up landing a few knees in the clinch pushing Prangley against the fence.  As they clinch again Gracie gets a front trip takedown.  Prangley stuck against the fence after the takedown was unable to use his legs to get into a good guard giving Gracie a full mount.  Gracie slowly works to get better position cross facing Prangley, as Prangley feels the danger he rolls to escape giving Gracie his back.  Gracie slaps on a body triangle and works to end the fight with a rear naked choke.  Gracie adds another submission win improving his record to (4-0) with 4 submissions.

UFC 125 Main Card Revisited

Clay Guida vs Takanori Gomi

Thumbs Up:  Good submission

Thumbs Down:  Not as much fireworks as I expected

Thoughts on the match-up:  When they announced this fight I was excited.  First thing that popped in my mind was that this fight was going to be a possible fight of the night.  Both fighters very exciting to watch, Clay Guida not a stranger to UFC Fight of the Night, taking part in 3 fight of the nights.  The fight against Deigo Sanchez later becomes voted as fight of the year in 2009.  Known for his unrelenting pace, changing of levels, decent striking, and takedowns he is fighter that contains lesser talent filled over the top with sovereign aggression.  This makes him a dangerous fighter who is a great gatekeeper for UFC’s lightweight division and will give anyone in the lightweight division a good fight.  With his style, when he is matched up to fight, he always brings the question can his opponent handle his pace, his aggression?

This is a question Takanori Gomi wants to answer for us in this fight.  Takanori Gomi is a fighter just as exciting to watch if not more because of the determination he has to knock his opponents out.  Known for his devastating knock outs in Pride, Gomi takes on another very tough opponent since joining the UFC.  He has been put into the cage with some very tough prospects of the lightweight division.  Matched up with an always improving always dangerous Kenny Florian and a very game Tyson Griffin, both at their top of their game can give any fighter in the lightweight division problems.  Whats most notable about these fights is that they show Gomi for truly what he is.  Gomi has 1 punch knockout power displayed in the Tyson Griffin fight, but he is known to gas and can be picked apart by clean crisp boxing shown in the Kenny Florian fight, also the Nick Diaz fight.  On many occasions he commits to his punches 300% and great risk can have great rewards.  He loves the stand up and has a ground game but rather stand to throw strikes, which make him the exciting fighter he is.  Guida doesn’t show the same crisp clean punching Florian or Diaz has making this fight all the more exciting.  Gomi is willing to trade with anyone, clay is willing to take anything (but then shoots for takedowns for defensive purposes).  I am still hoping Gomi can make the same mark he did in Pride being one the most memorable lightweights of him time.

Thoughts on the fight:  First off Im surprised Guida threw so many high kicks and actually landing one to Gomi’s jaw and body, though it didn’t faze Gomi it definitely is something Guida has worked on.  I understand why he continued to try it since the first one was probably the most significant strike of the fight.  Also Guida added a lot more head movement, even more intense than he usually has, giving Gomi a different look made Gomi a little more tentative, not letting his hands fly as often.

But not surprising was Guida’s takedowns.  If anyone was to fight Gomi and putting all ego aside, taking him down would definitely be a safer move.  He has submission wins but is really a knockout artist.  Kenny Florian was picking Gomi’s stand up apart with crisp clean boxing for 3 rounds and decided to take him down right when Gomi landed a huge right hook left hand, probably the best combination landing for Gomi throughout the whole fight.  Smart move by Kenny and Guida as well.  Gomi was trying to throw bombs in the first as always unable to find Guida much with his jab.  With his low stance he stuffs multiple takedown attempts of Guida.  He starts to land a few more in the 2^nd but nothing that hurts Guida, until Gomi lands a left knee from a takedown attempt.  But followed by that takedown Guida gets half guard and sinks an arm in Guillotine Choke from the top, surprised it got Gomi to tap so fast, must have been real tight even before Guida rolled to his back to finish the choke. 

My Card:

Round 1: Guida – landing more and most significant shot

Nate Diaz vs Dong Hyun Kim

Thumbs Up:  Nate Diaz’s stand up

Thumbs Down:  Not enough stand up making the fight not as exciting, Kim’s takedown follows up with minimal ground n pound and no submission attempts didn't help the excitement eithers, Kim’s reaction to knee was too much.

Thoughts on the fight:  Another fight I was extremely excited for.  Fight was somewhat entertaining.  Hoping Diaz would establish his jab and put on a boxing clinic he put on Marcus Davis, but all my dreams were shattered when Dong Hyun Kim gets a big takedown.  Diaz says he has better bjj and better stand up, I believe he does but it’s hard to prove when you try to strike and your opponent takes you down and on the ground hes just stronger and keeps his posture.

Its hard to catch your opponent in a submission when he’s that much stronger than you and knows at least some bjj.  Take Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir 2 for example, Frank Mir bjj IQ is off the charts especially comparing it to Brock Lesnar’s, but as strong as Brock is, what can you do?  Or Shinya Aoki vs Gilbert Melendez, Aoki known for his A class bjj, judo, and shooto can’t tap everyone, even on the ground.  Even for top bjj guys its hard to submit a strong wrestler with good posture with bjj training.  This is the case for this fight.

Though the fight is mostly on the ground it was hard for Nate to get a submission hold to stick or even put Kim in danger of a submission.  Attempts were made and they have a few transitions but Diaz can’t seem to shoot his legs up for a triangle or get a hold of legs for a knee bar or ankle locks.  Though Kim slowly gets tired through the fight and unable to handle Diaz’s boxing, majority of the fight takes place on the ground which wasn’t enough to show the judges the difference in the stand up game.  There are people saying Diaz won, but watching MMA for so long, I know how mma judges do it.  Takedown is king.  Takedowns counts for too much, seems like if you takedown someone in a round anything the opposing fighter did before hitting the mat doesn’t count, like its forgotten.  It counts more than effective striking for a whole minute or two sometimes even more, its pretty ridiculous.  Even if the person ontop isn’t even passing, striking, or going for submission attempts judges still use that as big deciding factors in rounds and sometimes fights as a whole.  That’s the definition of lay and pray and it’s a topic mma fans bring up daily because so many fighters use it and it wins fights.  Knowing this, I knew Diaz wouldn’t win the decision.  It’s sad, in the end who would you rather be, Kim or Diaz?  In the end Diaz did more damage and for Kim congrats you won a wrestling match.

Thoughts on the knee:  The illegal knee, first there needs to be a rule change in the UFC about kneeing a down opponent.  But before getting into this, Kim’s reaction to the knee was just embarrassing.  Is that really how he was going to act if the knee was legal?  Complain and roll on the ground like it was a Wanderlei knee knocking out Rampage?  It’s hard to convince me that that knee was so devastating that Kim needed to put on a Hollywood acting clinic in the cage.  It’ll be hard to convince me that he’ll react the same, bitching and complaining, if that knee was legal.  It’s hard for me to cheer and honor a fighter who milks fouls like Koscheck or a basketball player flopping in the NBA.  There are rule changes needed in UFC to make it a better sport, but there is so much to be said it’ll be in my next blog.

My Card:

Round 1: Kim (10-9)– Takedown with some ground n pound

Round 2: Kim (10-9)– Takedown with some ground n pound

Round 3: Diaz (10-9)– Better stand up, lands more strikes, finishes the round strong

(29-28) Dong Hyun Kim

Brandon Veras vs Thiago Silva

Thumbs Up:  Good ground n pound

Thumbs Down:  Most of the fight on the ground

Thoughts on the fight:  Also another fight I wanted to see.  Both with great striking, both love to stand.  Vera with the more technical striking but Silva with power and aggression.  Some thought this was going to be a stand up war but I had no doubt in my mind this could easily go to the ground, I mean after all we are watching MMA not k-1 or boxing.

Most fights go to the ground especially when someone is losing the stand up game.  But this fight it was out of convenience which happens in a lot of fights too.  A fighter strikes or is moving forward and a clinch happens.  They either trip or body lock or both, tripping is a common take down because most fighters like to drive forward and tripping them is easier than opening up their arms to for a double.

Anyways Silva does this multiple times in this fight and remains dominate with ground and pound destroying Brandon Vera.  Didn’t turn out to be the fight most people wanted to see or expected, most fans want to see stand up, but the ground and pound Silva displayed still gave the fans a show.  The brief time they had standing up still reminds us of what Brandon Vera can do.

The question that comes up for me is, stand up fighters don’t want it to go to the ground, but if you can’t stop the other guys takedown and u find yourself in a clinch a lot why not just take him down first?  Instead of trying to defend takedowns and end up losing the fight anyways, I mean it’s like a crisp boxer who wins with only jabs and 1-2’s but find it not working in a fight, him opening with some different combinations may not be a bad idea, I mean your loosing the fight anyways.  There are times you have to fight out of your style to win a fight, but Vera didn’t go for a takedown even once in the fight letting Silva cease the opportunity.  I understand it’s hard sometimes for fighters to execute during a fight but it’s something that can be used for fighters that want to keep it standing.  To stop him from taking you down and laying and praying, take him down first and if u can find an opportunity to stand up you can, if not, you’re probably still going to win the round since you’re on top.  It’s just sad to see stand up fighters like Brandon Vera get taken down over and over and unable to do anything off their back.  Again takedown is king, which makes me sad but its part of MMA.

Thiago Silva’s ground and pound from Vera’s back at the end of the third round resulted Vera’s broken nose… Ouch!

My Card:

Round 1: Silva (10-9) – Takedown and dominates on the ground with control and ground n pound

Round 2: Silva (10-9) – Takedowns Vera and backs it up with ground n pound

Round 3: Silva (10-9) – Takedowns Vera and punishes him with ground n pound

Brian Stann vs Chris Leben

Thumbs Up: Exciting fight, a war.

Thumbs Down:  None

Thoughts on the match-up:  When I heard this fight was going to happen, I thought to myself, Chris Leben and Brian Stann? Someone is going to be knocked out.  With the willingness of both fighters down to trade and the power both fighters possess it’s a knockout of the night if not fight of the night waiting to happen.  Both their interviews before the fight talk about standing toe to toe and that’s exactly what happens.

They came out swinging for the fences, it was bad news for someone since the beginning, but Stann comes out the victor because of his crisper striking.  Leben is wilder and has more looping shots which Stann wasn’t there to receive on his end.  He landed the more effective shots putting Leben in trouble in the first round putting him away with his relentless attack in the clinch to the body and head.  No love loss for Leben as he displays his heart and crowd pleasing aggression again.  Throwing caution to the wind to land is something the fans always love and respect.  But tonight the aggression got him trouble early in the fight, taking a big chance by pushing the action.  Sometimes this can be rewarding, but the great striking from Stann keeps Leben from cashing out.  Stann kept his composure and didnt let Leben’s aggression stop his hands from throwing.  Finishing the fight quickly not giving Leben a chance to recover, this now puts a lot of eyes on Brian Stann.

Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard

Thumbs Up:  Great fight, won fight of the night, shows Edgars ability to recover

Thumbs Down:  Unhappy with judges

Thoughts on the match-up:  This was a highly anticipated fight.  After their first meetings at UFC Fight Night 13 they both branch out to fight different fighters both proving to be top contenders in the lightweight division.  Frankie Edgar gets the title shot first even though he lost to Maynard.  A factor may be because Edgar has the more impressive wins after their meeting.  If losing had a positive affect on a fighter this maybe one of them.  Grey wins some close split decisions while making the fight uneventful and unmemorable for the fans.  The close fights with Nate Diaz, Roger Huerta, and the unanimous decision over the very popular Kenny Florian maybe the reason angry fans give Maynard the nickname Grey “lay and pray” Maynard.

This is why I am not surprised Frankie Edgar gets a title shot before the undefeated Grey Maynard.  Fans are attracted to his style, with a solid arsenal of punches and kicks always moving in and out, side to side, head movement, speed and his tendencies to stay busy are what the fans are looking for and is also the reason he dominates some of the best in the lightweight division.  Usually the smaller fighter he still holds notable wins over Sean Sherk, Hermes Franca, Spencer Fisher, and 2 wins over B.J. Penn it proves he deserves to be where he is today.  Though most his fights are decision victories, they are convincing wins, always making sure his opponents are a step behind with his movement, footwork and creativity of combination strikes.  This keeps the fans entertained and wanting more.  Stylistically who wouldn’t want to see Frankie Edgar matched up with anyone in his weight division?  Though critics say he doesn’t have the knockout power to finish fights you can’t knock on a fighter for fighting with speed over power, in the end, speed kills.

Thoughts on the fight (round by round analysis because of the close decision):  Frankie Edgar has the faster hands and the faster footwork and he puts it to good use.  He does get rocked hard by a Maynard left hook, landing it by feinted a jab getting Frankie to react.  This gets Frankie in trouble very early in the fight.  This is the worst Frankie has ever been hurt in his MMA career and the following onslaught from Maynard doesn’t help.  I was screaming for the refree Yves Lavigne not to stop the fight so Frankie can prove himself and lucky for Frankie he doesn’t.  Frankie stays alive with takedown attempts, clinching and scrambling.  Looking real bad, with no legs, having trouble with his equilibrium Frankie somehow makes it out of the first round taking a lot of punishment but also lands a good right hand of his own.  This round is minimum a 10-8 one judge gave it 10-7 Maynard which is hard to argue against.  But really what is the official scoring system in MMA?  Its not by knockdowns like boxing so why score it like boxing with a 10 point must score system?  So I guess the judge felt it was so one sided that he should take another point away from Frankie?  Okay, so what would 10-6 be, a knockout?  It really can’t get worst for Edgar in that round unless he gets knocked out or TKO stoppage.  So the scoring is iffy.

In the 2^nd round Edgar goes back to what he does best.  Using his speed he sets up combinations of leg kicks and hands.  I was surprised how much Frankie recovered from the first round.  Throughout the whole round Frankie is the busier fighter, connecting with a few right hands and kicks.  Frankie definitely landing the most significant punch of the round with a nice jab leading the right as Maynard tries to counter with a left hook at 2:40 of the 2^nd round.  Maynard has done nothing, and landing nothing significant in this round.  Frankie secures the round even more with a big takedown with a minute left in the round.  Maynard with his wrestling pedigree gets to his feet quickly.  Repeatedly Frankie lands the right hand over the top of Maynard’s left hand at the end of the round also stuffing Maynard’s takedown.  This is a 10-9 round for Frankie Edgar easily.  It’s hard for anyone to justify this round for Gray Maynard.  Even Randy Couture in the middle of the round tells Maynard, “You gave him that round now.  You understand me?  Now it’s a round a piece.  Alright?”

In round 3 Frankie comes out with the same type of movement and footwork landing a good jab and a leg.  Frankie lands a right hand with a 3 punch combination.  Frankie continuously lands leg kicks and body kicks.  Frankie out works and out strikes Gray for at least the first 3 minutes of the round, though the minute of the and a half is closer, they both land shots.  Nothing significant enough to take the round away from Frankie Edgar, though the most significant punch of the round may have been a short right uppercut from Maynard, Frankie does land a few right hands over the top to balance that also with nice hand left hook combination near the end of the round.  At the end of the round with 40 seconds left Maynard catches Frankie’s kick giving Maynard a takedown.  The first time I was watching the round, I was joking with some friends saying that the judges are probably going to give the round to Gray because he took Edgar down at the last 40 seconds of the fight, sarcastically.  Edgar gets up momentarily as he tries to lock in a Kimura he gets dragged down again.  The last 10 seconds Edgar gets full guard slaps on a guillotine choke to end the round.  The first time watching this fight, I gave this round to Frankie Edgar with no doubt because it seemed like he dominated the stand up with his speed and footwork and Maynard just took him down with 40 seconds left and did nothing with it, not even a strike, while Frankie had two submission attempts also trying to get up.  As I watch the fight over again it was closer than I thought, but still I would give it to Frankie.  Frankie wins the stand up convincingly for the first 3 minutes of the round landing jabs kicks and right hands, Maynard lands… nothing.  Not only does he land nothing, his work rate on his feet is close to zero to none, no significant combination hardly any jabs at all.  He is probably tired from all the punches he threw in the first round to try and finish the fight (punch count says he threw 97 punches in the first round).  The stand up gets a little closer for the next minute and a half or so, with Maynard landing a left hook, body shot, right hook, and right uppercut on Edgar.  But at same time Edgar also lands a body kick, leg kick, right hand left hook of his own.  None of these seem to damage either fighter I would say this part of the round is even maybe a slight edge to Maynard because the right uppercut or right hook seem to be the most significant strike of the round but too close to call.  The takedown for Maynard at the last 40 seconds shouldn’t be worth much, but knowing judges they always count it for a lot because… I don’t know.  Maynard’s takedown goes nowhere; he throws no strikes on the ground or goes for any submission.  The busier fighter on the ground was actually Edgar off his back, threatening with Kimura and slaps on a nice Guillotine Choke in full guard to win the round.  10-9 for Frankie Edgar, if Maynard actually tried to ground and pound or do something maybe it’s arguable it was a 10-10 round but judges rarely give that.  I mean the takedown wasn’t a big slam or anything it, he just sucked Frankie’s legs in near the fence, no damage, and then when Edgar scrambles and tries to stand he drags him back down.  The most you can give Gray was a draw that round and I say MOST, which I don’t think it was.

In round 4 Gray comes out more aggressive ends up getting taken down by Edgar and Edgar slaps on a standing Guillotine attempt and throws a nice combination as Gray defends against the fence momentarily.  Frankie gets another takedown.  They scramble to their feet and again Maynard is a step behind with his stand up, unable to find Frankie as Edgar moves side to side, in and out landing leg kicks and right hands.  Maynard gets a nice combination in after Edgar stuffs his takedown but no damage to either fighter.  The right hand still is the most frequent strike that lands throughout the round also Frankie lands a knee from a failed takedown attempt from Maynard.  Frankie lands with 3 nice left hooks after driving Maynard into the cage as Maynard tries to stand.  The round ends on their feet as Edgar lands a few jabs and Maynard’s strikes are far from hitting Frankie.  Frankie Edgar dominates this round with his footwork, hand speed and takedowns.  Maynard is unable to find home with any of his striking and is nowhere near taking Edgar down this round.  Easy round for Frankie Edgar 10-9.

In the 5^th round the striking game is even in the round both peppering each other with jabs but near a minute and a half into the round he opens up with some nice combinations that land, but Maynard comes back quickly with a right hook left hook that lands flesh on Frankie.  Frankie takes it well but probably his combinations he landed earlier were forgotten by the judges because of those two punches.  But Frankie still sticks to him game plan and keeps throwing nice combinations stuffing Gray’s takedowns countering with a knee that lands softly.    Gray returns the favor after Edgar stuffs his takedown landing a knee of his own.  But Edgar again comes out with nice combinations landing on Maynard and stuffs his takedown landing a knee to the body as well.  At this point its close, but the last minute and a half Frankie stays quick and creative, coming in with combinations Maynard cant see and Edgar scores multiple times.  People say it’s a close round but the question is, that right hook left hook combination from Maynard counted more than multiple combinations landed by Edgar?  The hooks might have been more powerful but it’s not like Edgar was hurt.  Edgar throws more punches lands more and none of the fighters are really hurt at the end of the round.  I don’t see how I can give this round to Maynard.  10-9 for Edgar easily, Edgar stay more busy, lands more, out strikes Maynard for the whole round.

My Card:

Round 1: Maynard (10-8) Dominated the round, hurt Edgar multiple times badly.

Round 2: Edgar (10-9) Lands the cleaner/most significant punches, High work rate vs. Maynard which had close to none, lands more than opponent

Round 3: Edgar (10-9) Controls the stand up for more than half the round, took no damage the brief moment he was on the ground, submission attempts off his back

Round 4: Edgar (10-9) Footwork and hand speed helps Frankie control the stand up once again, takes no damage from Maynard, higher work rate than opponent, lands more

Round 5: Edgar (10-9) Frankie’s combinations land multiple times and isn’t there for Maynard to return fire, outworks Maynard again on the feet, lands more strikes

(48-46) Frankie Edgar

I was complaining about the decision after the fight because I had Edgar winning all four rounds after the devastating first round.  Re-watching the fight I scored the bout the same but I understand why one of the judges scored it (47-47) as a draw, though the rules in scoring are not clear in MMA.  The (47-47) judge gave the last 3 rounds to Edgar and the 5th round to Maynard and of course the 10-8 in the first round.  This made it a draw, I do not blame him.  But the (48-46) judge gave Maynard the third round which was clearly not the case and also the 5th round.  The third round was the most controversial round of the fight.  The last judge it had it right at (48-46) Edgar giving the last 4 rounds the to him.  At the end of the day the fans get to see a great rematch.

UFC 125 Main Card Quick Recap

UFC 125 Main Card Recap

Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi

The first fight of the main card is here!  Gomi walks out with some Japanese music, Clay is clearly enjoying his Foo Fighters entrance. 

They begin with some close exchanges but never really exchanged within the pocket because Guida is dictating the distance.  Gomi is just stalking in the middle of the ring following Guida.   Gomi is unable to land a clean shot throughout the round.  Guida lands a huge right high kick on Gomi’s jaw in the first round but Gomi takes it well. 

A few takedown attempts are stuffed by Gomi but that’s all he can do.  Guida’s head, side to side, in and out and switching it up seems to keep Gomi guessing an unable to land anything solid throughout the first round.  Clay Guida with his signature strike and shoot technique is putting Gomi on his back at the end of the round.  Guida looks for the overhand right the whole fight but is unable to land.

In the 2^nd round Guida gets caught with a small right hook after he shoots.  Gomi is able to stop another takedown, but is unable to stop the next one as Clay is in Gomi’s half guard he locks up a Guillotine choke from the top rolling to his back he gets Gomi to tap. 

The submission ended up getting sub of the night.

Guida wins by submission 4:27 of the 2^nd round.

Nate Diaz vs. Dong Hyun Kim

Nate establishing his jab early with a nice inside leg kicks.  Nate is the busier fighter on the feet.  Kim gets the takedown the fight takes part mostly on the ground.  Diaz can’t seem to shoot his legs up for a triangle or get a hold of legs for a knee bar or ankle locks.  Kim keeps Diaz on his back until the very end of the 1^st round.  Kim is slowly tiring through the fight and unable to handle Diaz’s boxing.

In the 2^nd round Diaz tries to establish his striking with jabs.  When stand up fails most fighters goes for a takedown which Kim does after eating some nice combinations from Diaz.  More transitions, Diaz unable to pull off a submission attempt from his back. 

In the 3^rd round Diaz again tries to do more of the same with his stand up, throwing more and landing more.  Kim again shoots for a takedown but finally Diaz was able to stop it and a controversial knee lands on Kim’s head.  The referee warns Diaz about the knee and they start standing and Kim takes Diaz down again. 

After some transitions they get back to their feet and Nate knowing hes behind tries to pour it on.  Doing more in the last minute of the fight on his feet than Kim ever did on his feet the whole fight, Diaz lands shots on Kim’s body and head, while Kim was crowded trying to defend himself against the fence to the end of the round. 

Unanimous decision goes to Dong Hyun Kim all three judges (29-28)

Brandon Vera vs. Thiago Silva

The fights starts out in a clinch and some knees were exchanged but after touching the fence Silva gets the takedown.  Some transitions happen and Silva is ground and pounding Vera and eventually passing to side control.  Silva is controlling Vera and lands nice elbows from the top.  Vera helplessly tries to control Silva’s posture but Silva still gets some shots in till the end of the round.  At the end of the round Silva taunts Vera after getting up from the ground. 

I think Brandon was a little aggravated because he comes out in the 2^nd round with some nice aggression and opens up with a knee and head kick.  Silva and Vera exchange but in the end Vera moves away and exchange near the fence but in the end clinch and Silva gets the takedown again.  More of the same from round 1, ground and pound Vera unable to do much.  This happens through the whole 2^nd round and Vera seems okay but the damage is accumulating with hope slowly fading for Vera. 

Down 2 rounds to none, the 3^rd round begins with some comical relief as Vera catches Silva’s body kick throwing a shot of his own. While, Silva falling on his back Vera raises his hands to taunt Silva, getting some revenge from the end of the first round, I had to laugh at that.  They clinch again and guess what?  Silva takes Vera down… again. 

Silva gets Vera’s back and is near the fence.  Hammering Vera with punches all Vera can do is defend though punches are getting through.  Silva starts to open hand slap Vera then uses Vera’s back as a bongo and slaps Vera more also slapping Vera’s ass literally.  The round ends after Silva lands some more shots to Vera’s head.

Thiago Silva gets the unanimous decision judges scoring it (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Brian Stann vs Chris Leben

In the first round they come out trading, Leben with a body kick, Stann with a right.  They trade more but Leben is the one coming forward.  They clinch and throw more.  As they take a quick break in the clinch against the fence. 

Leben seems to be the one taking more punishment and ends up having to go for a takedown but ends up getting rocked with a right hand from Stann and goes to the canvas momentarily then scrambles back to his feet.  Stann feels he’s hurt and continues with right hands and drops Leben, but Leben known for his heart and chin keeps standing up for more but gets dropped again by a right hand. 

Stann goes for the finish hammering away and the ref has to step in to give Brian Stann the TKO victory in the first round at 3:37 of the first round.

Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard

Edgar comes out with his signature side to side movement.  Frankie is busier with the hands keeping his double jab out there for Maynard to worry about.  Frankie mixes things up with a leg kick.  Maynard catches Frankie with a huge left hook.  Frankie seems hurt bad as he goes for a takedown.  Scrambling back to his feet Frankie is caught with another right uppercut.  Frankie stumbles all over the cage trying to survive by moving and shooting for takedowns to slow the pace.

When Frankie moves on his feet he stumbles showing he is badly hurt.  He tries and slow the pace again with some clinching but Gray catches Frankie again with the right hand.  Frankie is still hurt very bad.  Gray is pushing forward with a lot of punches.  Frankie starts to get his composure back near the end of the round.

Frankie seems to be fine at the start of the 2^nd round, back to his head movement and footwork.  Mixing up his combinations and keeping Gray guessing.  Frankie is out striking Gray and staying busier.  Edgar gets a nice takedown to bring the crowd alive.

In the 3^rd round more of the same from Edgar, being the quicker fighter, mixing it up with leg kick and his hand speed.  Frankie able to stuffs Gray’s takedown.  Frankie lands nice combinations as Maynard tries to counter landing a few glancing blows with his right hand nothing affecting either fighter. 

Throughout the round Frankie has the cleaner crisper punching combination.  But Maynard is able to land a few nice right hand including right uppercuts to the chin and Edgar’s body.  At the end of the round Gray gets a takedown while Frankie threatens Gray with a Kimura then ends the round with a Guillotine Attempt. 

The 4^th round starts with a takedown attempt by Edgar and tries to finish Gray with a standing Guillotine as Frankie lets it go Edgar throws a nice combination.  Frankie backups and goes back to his style of movement and mixing it up with hands and leg kicks.  Frankie goes for another shot and pins Maynard against the fence.  Frankie lands 3 left hooks to Maynard’s chin as he keeps him pin to the fence.  The round ends with Edgar moving Maynard stalking. 

The 5th round starts with exchanging of jabs.  Frankie mixing it up and landing a leg kick.  Maynard is trying to push forward unable to find Frankie with anything significant.  They both land in the middle of the round, Maynard with a left hook and a right uppercut.  Frankie is still working his hands trying to find Maynard. 

Frankie stuffs a few shots and lands a knee once to the face another failed takedown Edgar counters with a knee.  Frankie continuously stuffs Maynard’s shots.  They end the round by trading shots both men landing. 

The bout ends in a draw the judges scoring it (47-47, 48-46, 46-48).