Just like everyone else, I'm feed up with MMA Judging and the 10 Point Must System. So I sat down and came up with my own MMA Scoring System. Take a look and let me know what you guys think.

MMA Pendulum Scoring System

Concept

The MMA Pendulum Scoring System (PSS) is based on a Total Fight Scoring Concept which, much like a pendulum, swings back and forth based on the fighters’ performance, versus the current 10-Point Must System (10PMS), which "locks-in" scores on a round-by-round basis.

Background

The problem with the current 10PMS, is that it forces judges to "lock in" a numerical score at the end of each round, with the winner of the round receiving 10 points, and the loser of the round receiving 9 or less. Unfortunately, there is no clear guidance as to what constitutes a 10-8 round, 10-7 round, etc. In reality, it is an extended point scale where the majority of theoretical outcomes are never even used.

Honestly, when have we ever seen a round scored 10-6, 10-5, 10-4, 10-3, 10-2, or 10-1? I don’t recall that ever happening. Accordingly, since they are never used, there is no reason for those scores to even exist.

The biggest problem with the 10PMS is that Judges just don’t seem to understand how to effectively score the action. And good luck getting an answer as to what actually constitutes a 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, etc, round.

This ultimately leads to a potential problem, such as when Fighter A wins two rounds by the slightest of margins, and Fighter B wins one round clearly or dominantly.

With the 10PMS, judges in the above scenario would be forced to "lock in" scores of 10-9 for Fighter A for two rounds. So unless they score Fighter B’s dominate round as a 10-8 round (or less for the loser), Fighter B cannot draw/win the fight.

This is unacceptable because when objectively viewing a fight in its entirety, Fighter B may warrant the victory based on how dominantly he performed in one round, while just missing out on the winning the other two rounds by the slightest of margins. In other words, the disparity in performance of one round may outweigh the lack of clarity in the other two rounds.

Here is another example:

With regard to the 10PMS, the Judges are "locked-into" giving the winner of a round 10 points. This essentially forces one fighter to fight from behind after losing a round. Because generally, the best they can do is even the score by winning the next round (unless they get a 10-8 round). But in reality, when viewing the fight from an objective total concept, that might not accurately reflect what is happening.

For instance, if Fighter A wins Round 1 by the slightest of margins, he would be ahead 10-9. Now if Fighter B comes out in Round 2 and clearly wins the round, the score would be 19-19. But in reality, a clear round for Fighter B versus a slight advantage round for Fighter A should reflect an advantage for Fighter B after 2 rounds. But with the current scoring system, this just doesn’t happen.

The Pendulum Scoring System (PSS)

The PSS solves this inherent flaw by allowing judges to score the fight on a continuous swinging scale. Here is how my PSS concept works:

The PSS utilizes 4 Scoring Levels (Dominate, Clear, Slight, Even) that can be achieved by the respective fighters.

Round Scoring Levels:

Level 0: Even (No Advantage)

Level 1: Slight Advantage

Level 2: Clear Advantage

Level 3: Dominate Advantage

The following describes what constitutes achieving each of the above Scoring Levels:

Even Round (0 Points):

A. Neither fighter established clear control of the round. And:

B. Both fighters essentially inflicted and absorbed similar amounts of damage. And/Or:

C. Neither fighter clearly landed the cleaner or more powerful strikes. And/Or:

D. Neither fighter clearly controlled the grappling aspect, as both fighters were equally effective at causing/preventing effective takedowns, transitions, dominant positions, ground strikes and/or submission attempts.

Slight Advantage (1 Point):

A. Fighter controlled a slight majority of the round. And:

B. Fighter occasionally landed the cleaner and more powerful strikes, placing his opponent at a slight disadvantage, while absorbing some damage. And/Or:

C. Fighter controlled slightly more of the grappling aspect than his opponent, by occasionally placing his opponent at a disadvantage via effective takedowns, transitions, dominant positions, and/or demonstrated effective ground strikes and/or submission attempts, while usually neutralizing his opponent’s attacks/defenses.

Clear Advantage (2 Points):

A. Fighter controlled the majority of the round. And:

B. Fighter typically landed the cleaner and more powerful strikes, placing his opponent at a disadvantage, while absorbing little damage. And/Or:

C. Fighter controlled grappling aspect by typically placing his opponent at a disadvantage via effective takedowns, transitions, dominant positions, and/or demonstrated effective ground strikes and/or submission attempts, while pre-dominantly neutralizing his opponent’s attacks/defenses.

Dominate Advantage (3 Points):

A. Fighter essentially controlled the entirety of the round. And:

B. Fighter consistently landed the cleaner and more powerful strikes, placing his opponent at a significant disadvantage, nearly causing a stoppage on multiple occasions. And/Or:

C. Fighter completely controlled grappling aspect by continuously placing his opponent at a significant disadvantage via effective takedowns, transitions, and/or dominant positions, nearly causing a stoppage via ground strikes and/or submission attempts, on multiple occasions.

Based on the above criteria, fighters could be awarded between 0-3 points per round.

For instance:

· A Dominate Advantage round scored for Fighter A, would result in 3 points for him, and 0 points for Fighter B.

· A Clear Advantage round for Fighter B, would result in 2 points for him, and 0 points for Fighter A.

· A Slight Advantage round for Fighter B, would result in 1 points for him, and 0 points for Fighter A.

· An Even Round would result in 0 points for both fighters.

Accordingly, if one Fighter were to win every round by Dominate Advantage, his total score at the end of a 3 round fight would be 9 points (15 point max for 5 Round fights), with his opponent receiving 0 points.

As such, with regard to a 3 Round Fight, even if Fighter A were to win 2 rounds, theoretically, Fighter B could still win the fight without having to achieve a TKO/KO or Submission (depending on how closely contested each round is).

Judges would use the above criteria to score the fight, round-by-round. However, because the PSS utilizes a Total Fight Concept, the scoring is fluid.

Let me explain:

Lets say Fighter A wins Round 1 with a Slight Advantage. He receives 1 point. So "the Pendulum swings in his direction."

Now lets say, that Fighter B comes out in Round 2, effectively executes his gameplan, and wins the Round with a Clear Advantage. He receives 2 points. So "the Pendulum swings back in his direction." At this point, the Total Pendulum Score would be 2-1 for Fighter B.

Now lets say, that Fighter A comes out on fire in Round 3 and wins the round with a Dominate Advantage. He receives 3 points. So "the Pendulum swings back in his direction." And the final Total Pendulum Score would be 4-2 for Fighter A.

If all three Judges scored the fight the same, it would be a Unanimous Decision for Fighter A with scores of 4-2, 4-2, and 4-2.

Below is what a Judges’ scorecard would look like:

Penalties

Of course we have to address Penalties (such as for an illegal knee to a downed opponent or for a groin kick). Each penalty assessed against a fighter would result in a 1-point Pendulum swing in the direction of the offender’s opponent. So, for instance:

If Fighter A won a Round by Slight Advantage (thereby receiving 1 point), receiving a Penalty during that round would cause the round to be scored Even.

Lastly, for all Championship, #1 Contender, and Tournament Fights, in the case of a draw, a sudden death round would be used to determine the winner. If that round results in an Even score, the Referee would determine the winner (similar to the old Pride Grand Prix rules).

So here's the deal... Around my house, we have a little saying. Anytime someone (or something) annoys me, "I Want To Punch You In The Face."

This year, more than most, it seems like there are a lot things that I just Want To Punch In The Face!

Feel free to take to the comments section and let Smoking Musket nation know who or what needs Punched In The Face!

So without further ado, Here but a few of the WVU related things that I Want To Punch In The Face!

1. Marshall University: First off, YOU ARE NOT OUR RIVALS!!!! Rivalry would signify some sort of competitive status between opponents. Last time I checked, you've never beaten the EERS on the the Gridiron. At best you are the annoying little kid from down the street who still wets himself and wonders why the cool older kids won't let you hang out with them.

Congratulations!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!

2. Crews who have officiated WVU men's basketball games this season: Don't even get me started. I'm talking to you Syracuse Crew!!!

Congratulations!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!

3. Dabo Swinney: Ol' Dabo, Dabo, Dabo. I don't know who I want to punch more. You or your parents for naming you Dabo... On second thought, since Coach Holgorsen and the Mountaineers already kicked your ass, I might as well complete your humiliation...

Congratulations!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!

4. People who think WV is part of Virginia: Really ESPN? Check the date, we are currently in the year 2012. WV has been an independent member of the union since 1863. Come on Brad Nessler.... Seriously...?

Congratulations!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!

5. John Marinatto: You weren't getting away fat boy. Pull up a chair. I'm going to attempt to punch that clueless look off your face! P.S. Have fun single handily destroying a once promising league!

Congratulations!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!

6. This really has nothing to do with WVU... But Alabama and Knick's fan Jack Blankenship: Anyone with a face this contorted needs to be punched solely on principal.

Congratulations!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!

OK,

After what can only be described as the biggest ass-whoopin’ in College Bowl history, I think we can ALL agree that the future is brighter than ever for the EERs…

That being said, Dana Holgorsen has proven unequivocally that he is the right man for the job, and one of the best offensive minds in the game today.

Accordingly, I think it is time that we put our minds together and finally come up with an official nickname for our beloved head coach.

Everyone in the College Basketball world recognized Coach Huggins and "Huggy Bear." I think it’s time his Mountaineer Football counterpart receives his own unique moniker…

So get creative and post your favorite "handle" for Coach Holgorsen. After we receive everyone’s submission, maybe we can be 5th Year, Country Roads, or WVUIE97 to create an official Nickname poll where we vote for Dana’s new official nickname.

Here is a little bit of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing (Orange Bowl pun intended)…

via cdn1.sbnation.com

via l.yimg.com

via farm7.static.flickr.com

via kegsneggsblog.com

via flavorinternationale.files.wordpress.com

via fitsnews.com

As the year draws to a close, I think its time we finally recognize the contributions of some of our most loyal and longstanding maniacs. Accordingly, I have put together a list of 5 such contributors that I think are worthy of official recognition as MMA Mania Hall of Fame members.

Below, you will find a brief description of each of the respective nominees and the contributions they’ve made to our community that garner our respect and recognition.

While all are certainly worthy in their own right, as with any Hall of Fame induction, only a specified percentage can be inducted. For the purposes of this ballot, the 2 maniacs receiving the highest vote will be entered into the Hall of Fame.

Please take time to post a quick comment in support of the nominees and thank them for helping to make Mania the best MMA community anywhere!

If we get enough response and support, maybe we can get Jesse and Mania to make this an Official Hall of Fame Ballet, and make it an annual event. Maybe we can get them to provide the inductees with a Mania t-shirt or some other type of prize.

Please throw up a few rec’s so we can get as much participation as possible.

To the nominees, thanks for all your contributions and good luck!

MMA Mania's Unofficial Hall of Fame Nominees

In No Particular Order

OJR: As one of the most well-known maniacs, OJR has been a mainstay on Mania boards since long before Mania’s transition over to SB Nation. One of the most consistent and insightful posters, OJR can always be counted on to bring a little levity and excitement to otherwise run-of-the-mill posts. Originator of some of the best-loved fanposts around, including Maniac Quote of The Week, Douchebag of the Week, The Anti-Brock Movement, and the piece-da-resistance… The Friday Booty Fun Post. OJR has also been active in organizing several MMA Mania UFC event trips.

Jay: Balance is essential to harmony… Playing Ying to OJR’s Yang, Jay is known for his love of all things Brockness. Possibly the most active poster on Mania (with nearly 30K posts at last count), Jay loves a good back and forth and is a participant in one of MMA Mania’s most legendary grudge matches. Maniacs should think twice about engaging in an MMA debate with Jay, and should be even more hesitant to enter into a sig-bet with him (many a maniac has ended up wearing a humiliating signature at the hands of Jay). In addition to his daily exploits, Jay valiantly stepped up and managed the remainder of McArthur’s Pick’em pool to avoid an all-out Armageddon among the participants. Jay is also the man responsible for overseeing the current Mania Money Pool.

McArthur: What can be said about this Canadian Maniac? How about giving credit where credit is due…? In late 2009, McArthur hatched a plan to hold an online MMA Pick’em Pool, and what started out as a way to kill some time and rip on maniacs for their failed picks evolved into THE MOST GRUELING PICK’EM POOL IN THE HISTORY OF MMA… Lasting well over a year and a half from start to finish, McArthur’s dedication never waivered as he combed over literally thousands of our post to keep tabs on our picks, and update the scores with IRS like precision. McArthur is also a co-creator of the ever-popular Score Settler posts, and an attendee of Mania UFC event trips.

Bigger Zino: Oh Can-a-da!!! Home of GSP, Universal Health Care, and Big Z… Without question, one of the most knowledgeable maniacs around, Big Z is know for his love of GSP, COTE…Cote-Cote-Cote…, and of course, bagged milk. If I’m not mistaken, Big Z has been roaming Mania since before they changed their name from UFC Mania. One of the friendliest and most helpful Maniacs, Big Z has participated in Mania UFC event trips, and is always quick to share tips on entertainment for Maniacs making a trip north of the border. Bigger Zino is also one of the go-to maniacs when it comes to fight analysis and breakdowns, as evidenced by his many posts. Bigger Z is also the originator of numerous fanposts including his “Getting to Know” series. He can also always be counted on to post breaking news and MMA related material that may otherwise slip through the cracks.

NNR (No Name Required): The best way to describe NNR is “in the trenches.” He is always around, providing insight where needed and acting as a bit of an unofficial regulator when the trolls get out of control. When it comes to straight MMA knowledge, it’s hard to match NNR. This long-time maniac is also well-versed in the ways of the Pride Fighting Championships and can always be counted on to break-off a little old-school knowledge on those who are new to MMA. Quick-witted and always calling it like he sees it, many a noob has been vanquished by the keyboard of NNR. All about the dollars, NNR can always be found hanging around the top of the Mania Money Pools…

Looks like 2012 is shaping up to be another great year for the UFC. With that in mind, I thought I’d post the 5 fights that I would most like to see for each of the current weight divisions.

* Please keep in mind that the fights are based on who I would like to see throwdown from a fan/entertainment perspective (also, I ignored Dana’s statement that the Strikeforce fighters will all be staying put).

Feel free to post some of the fights you would most like Joe Silva to book in the coming year.

HW

1 JDS/Overeem

2 Lesnar/Barnett

3 Cain/Carwin

4 Mir/Werdum

5 Big Nog (if his arm heals)/Big Country

LHW

1 Jones/Hendo

2 Jones/Rashad

3 Machida/Hendo

4 Shogun/Gustaffson

5 Mousasi/Thiago Silva

* also: Machida/Mousasi

MW

1 Spider/Chael II

2 Bisping/Belfort

3 Maia/Palhares

4 Munoz/Weidman

5 Stann/Belfort

WW

1 Condit/Diaz

2 Ellenberger/McDonald

3 Fitch/Shields

4 Alves/Che Mills

5 Condit/Sanchez

LW

1 Cerrone/Barboza

2 Edgar/Melendez

3 Guida/Jim Miller

4 Pettis/Dunham

5 Oliveira/Sass

FW

1 Aldo/Hioki

2 Florian/Korean Zombie

3 Koch/Nunes

4 Pablo Garza/Hominick

5 Aldo/Poirier

BW

1 Cruz/Anyone not named Urijah

2 Mighty Mouse/Benivedez

3 Bowles/Wineland

4 Big Frog/Caceres

5 Torres (Bring him Back please!)/Faber

UPDATED Again:  Thanks a lot Louisville!!!!!!!!!!

This is what I feel like today........

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via t1.gstatic.com

UPDATED:  We are out of the black hole of death known as the Big East!  Thank God!  Great job Mr. Luck!!!!!!!

via t3.gstatic.com

Now, I hope UL and Cincy can catch a break and get an invite as well, to level out the travel requirements.

via t3.gstatic.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

WOO OOOOOO OOOO OOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOO OOOOO OOOHOOOOO OOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOO OOOO OOOOOOO OOOOOO OOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO OOO

Woooo oooooo ooooooooooooo ooooooooo oooooo oooo ooooooo oooooooooHOO  OOOO OOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO  OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO OOOOOOOO

I posted this a while back as part of my MMA Pioneer Series, but thought I would re-post it in celebration of National Muay Thai Day.

Without question, one of the most potent and aggressive styles commonly incorporated into mixed martial arts is known simply as Muay Thai.  This devastating striking art, born in ancient Thailand, has long been revered by practitioners, and feared by opponents.

In its current form, Muay Thai or the "Art of Eight Limbs," utilizes 8 points of attack (shins, knees, hands, and elbows) to inflict damage to an opposing force.  To gain a deeper appreciation for the effectiveness of this art, one need only look to modern day Muay Thai wrecking machines such as Anderson Silva, Shogun Rua, Jose Aldo, and Thiago Alves.

While each of the above warriors brings great honor and fame to this ancient art, there is one name, above all others that even they pay unwavering homage to.  A legendary warrior, commonly known as "The Father of Muay Thai."  His name is Nai Khanom Tom (also known as Nai Khanom D’tom or Nai Khamontom).

Nai Khanom Tom via arsenalbox.net

Nai was born in 1750, at Ban Khum village, Ayudhaya (or Ayutthaya) Thailand.  Born during the reign of the King Pra Chow Tai Sa (a time of continuous war with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma), Nai’s early years were torn by war.  As a boy, Nai’s parents Kern and Ei sent him to live with local monks at the Pekka Temple to study Buddhism and religious rituals.    At the age of 10, Nai’s parents were killed by invading forces and he was forced to become a ward of the temple.  Shortly thereafter, as a form of spiritual enlightenment, Nai began to study Muay Boran with his fellow monks. 

via www.muaythaiclassic.com

Muay Boran or "Ancient Boxing" is the forerunner of modern Muay Thai.  It is often seen as a much more vicious style, due to its origins prior to modern rules.  Similar in its points of attack, Muay Boran was known as "9 Weapons," as it also made use of the head as a striking tool in addition to the shins, knees, elbows, and hands.

via i620.photobucket.com

In 1767, the city of Ayudhaya fell to invading Burmese forces.  Burmese troops rounded up thousands of Thais and took them to Burma as prisoners of war.   Among the prisoners were Nai and a large number of Thai boxers, who were subsequently taken to the city of Ava then later to the city of Ungwa.

In 1774, the Burmese King Hsinbyushin (also known as King Mangra), "Lord of the White Elephants," visited the city of Rangoon.  King Hsinbyushin decided to organize a seven-day/seven-night religious festival in honor of the Pagoda where the Buddha's relics were housed.  The festivities included many forms of entertainment, such as the costume plays, comedies and farces, and sword-fighting matches.  It is said; that on the first day of the festival, a Burmese nobleman commented to the King:  "Muay Thai is very skillful."  King Mangra then decided he wanted to see how Muay Boran (Muay Thai) would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei (a combination of boxing arts from India and China, incorporating punches, kicks, elbows and knee attacks, head-butts, raking knuckle strikes, and take downs).

Nai was selected to represent Muay Thai against the Burmese champion.  A boxing ring was set up in front of the King’s throne and the combatants entered.  Nai then performed a traditional Wai Kru pre-fight dance, to pay his respects to his teachers and ancestors.  Making his way slowly around the courtyard, dancing in a slow ritualistic fashion, Nai amazed and confused the Burmese fighter and the spectators.  The Burmese fighter looked on timidly, fearing that Nai Khanom Tom was cursing him with evil spirits before their match.

via www.muaythaitrainingcamps.com

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When the fight began, Nai rushed his opponent, using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to pummel his opponent until he collapsed.  The referee, however, judged that the knockout was not valid as the Burmese fighter had been distracted by Nai’s Wai Khru dance.

King Mangra then challenged Nai Khanom Tom to fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself and the art of Muay Thai.   Nai agreed…  One by one, Nai Khanom Tom fought and defeated them all, one after the other, with no rest periods in between.

His tenth and final opponent was a great boxing instructor from Ya Kai City, who was in Rangoon to enjoy the festivities.   He was no match for Nai and was soon so mangled by Nai Khanom Tom's kicks that no one dared to challenge him further.

King Mangra was so impressed that he allegedly remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom.  Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents.  But his Lord was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy.  If he would have been any good, there was no way the City of Ayudhaya would ever have fallen."

via www.ifmamuaythai.org

King Mangra was so enthralled by Nai’s performance, that he granted Nai Khanom Tom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives.  Without hesitation, Nai said he would take the wives, "because money was easier to find. "  So King Mangra awarded him two Burmese girls from the Mon tribe.  Nai Khamon Tom took his lovely wives to Thailand, where he lived with them until the end of his life. 

He is considered the first Thai boxer to have imprinted the art of Thai boxing with dignity, and who gave it such a reputation beyond Thailand's borders that his triumph remains engraved in the history of Burma until this day.

His legendary feat is celebrated every March 17th as Boxer's Day or National Muay Thai Day.

via 3.bp.blogspot.com

References:

http://www.mastersken.com/history-of-muay-thai-i-147.html

http://www.thaiboxing.com/history

http://www.muaythaifactory.com/muay-thai/nai-khanom-tom-muay-thai-hero.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai

Previous MMA Pioneer Series:

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/11/30/1846306/mma-pioneer-series-masaaki-hatsumi

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/5/5/1459033/mma-pioneer-series-seishiro-henry

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/4/28/1448968/why-we-should-all-worship-kanji

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/6/3/1497689/mma-pioneer-series-sebastiaan-bas

Here is an excert from the Fox news story:

An Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter has been placed on administrative leave from his job at a Minnesota high school after he insulted President Obama’s intelligence and challenged the commander in chief to a fight.

Jacob Volkmann told Fox News Radio that he is under investigation by White Bear Lake High School, where he has worked as a part-time assistant wrestling coach for three years.

“They didn’t like how I was representing the school,” he said. “They said I was representing them bad because of what I said about the president and his policies.”

Marisa Vette, the school district’s director of communications, confirmed to Fox News Radio that Volkmann is on paid leave. She refused to say if his comments about President Obama sparked the investigation.

Here is the link to the full story...

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/13/coach-leave-obama-comments/#

MMA is a sport filled with numerous techniques, methodologies, and tactics.  In fact, the catalog of skills is so varied and expansive that many casual fans (and nearly all judges) can barely even correctly identify a small portion of them as the athletes effortlessly transition from one to another.

In addition to those named skills, add the snowballing list of MMA slang and lingo, which is routinely expressed among the many MMA blogs. 

What you are left with is a whirlwind of MMA information and jargon that could make even a moderately educated fan scratching their head.

With that, I would like to examine some of our favorite MMA terms and definition, and effectively start "The Official MMA Slang Dictionary."

Below are a couple of my favorites:

Fitch’d – Named in Honor of Jon Fitch, it’s when a superior wrestler takes down and completely smothers his opponent while doing minimal damage.  It’s typically rinse and repeat all the way to a decision victory.

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In a sentence:  Did you see the fights last night?  You didn’t miss anything; Benny Blanco got completely fitch’d by Nick Lentz…

Reemtastic – With regard to Alistair Overeem, it’s when a fighter is so insanely muscular that his muscles have muscles, and the only logical explanation for being that jacked is consuming large amounts of horse meat.

via assets.sbnation.com

In a sentence:  Did you see Bobby Lashley at the weigh-ins last night?  Holy sh*t, he was massively Reemtastic…

Fedorable – Named in Honor of The Last Emperor, it’s when a fighter’s unparalleled fighting skill is surpassed only by his pleasant demeanor and love for horizontally striped sweaters…

via www.mma-manifesto.com

In a sentence:  My girlfriend saw GSP at the mall yesterday.  She said he was wearing a hideous sweater, but was super nice; totally Fedorable…

So what are some of the other MMA slang terms that should be added to the dictionary?

Lets hear it Maniacs……

This one is a little less about pioneering MMA, and a little more about appreciating the history behind the styles that make up MMA....

Without question, one of the most potent and aggressive styles commonly incorporated into mixed martial arts is known simply as Muay Thai.  This devastating striking art, born in ancient Thailand, has long been revered by practitioners, and feared by opponents.

In its current form, Muay Thai or the "Art of Eight Limbs," utilizes 8 points of attack (shins, knees, hands, and elbows) to inflict damage to an opposing force.  To gain a deeper appreciation for the effectiveness of this art, one need only look to modern day Muay Thai wrecking machines such as Anderson Silva, Shogun Rua, Jose Aldo, and Thiago Alves.

While each of the above warriors brings great honor and fame to this ancient art, there is one name, above all others that even they pay unwavering homage to.  A legendary warrior, commonly known as "The Father of Muay Thai."  His name is Nai Khanom Tom (also known as Nai Khanom D’tom or Nai Khamontom).

Nai Khanom Tom via arsenalbox.net

Nai was born in 1750, at Ban Khum village, Ayudhaya (or Ayutthaya) Thailand.  Born during the reign of the King Pra Chow Tai Sa (a time of continuous war with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma), Nai’s early years were torn by war.  As a boy, Nai’s parents Kern and Ei sent him to live with local monks at the Pekka Temple to study Buddhism and religious rituals.    At the age of 10, Nai’s parents were killed by invading forces and he was forced to become a ward of the temple.  Shortly thereafter, as a form of spiritual enlightenment, Nai began to study Muay Boran with his fellow monks. 

via www.muaythaiclassic.com

Muay Boran or "Ancient Boxing" is the forerunner of modern Muay Thai.  It is often seen as a much more vicious style, due to its origins prior to modern rules.  Similar in its points of attack, Muay Boran was known as "9 Weapons," as it also made use of the head as a striking tool in addition to the shins, knees, elbows, and hands.

via i620.photobucket.com

In 1767, the city of Ayudhaya fell to invading Burmese forces.  Burmese troops rounded up thousands of Thais and took them to Burma as prisoners of war.   Among the prisoners were Nai and a large number of Thai boxers, who were subsequently taken to the city of Ava then later to the city of Ungwa.

In 1774, the Burmese King Hsinbyushin (also known as King Mangra), "Lord of the White Elephants," visited the city of Rangoon.  King Hsinbyushin decided to organize a seven-day/seven-night religious festival in honor of the Pagoda where the Buddha's relics were housed.  The festivities included many forms of entertainment, such as the costume plays, comedies and farces, and sword-fighting matches.  It is said; that on the first day of the festival, a Burmese nobleman commented to the King:  "Muay Thai is very skillful."  King Mangra then decided he wanted to see how Muay Boran (Muay Thai) would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei (a combination of boxing arts from India and China, incorporating punches, kicks, elbows and knee attacks, head-butts, raking knuckle strikes, and take downs).

Nai was selected to represent Muay Thai against the Burmese champion.  A boxing ring was set up in front of the King’s throne and the combatants entered.  Nai then performed a traditional Wai Khru pre-fight dance, to pay his respects to his teachers and ancestors.  Making his way slowly around the courtyard, dancing in a slow ritualistic fashion, Nai amazed and confused the Burmese fighter and the spectators.  The Burmese fighter looked on timidly, fearing that Nai Khanom Tom was cursing him with evil spirits before their match.

via www.muaythaitrainingcamps.com

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

via 3.bp.blogspot.com

When the fight began, Nai rushed his opponent, using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to pummel his opponent until he collapsed.  The referee, however, judged that the knockout was not valid as the Burmese fighter had been distracted by Nai’s Wai Khru dance.

King Mangra then challenged Nai Khanom Tom to fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself and the art of Muay Thai.   Nai agreed…  One by one, Nai Khanom Tom fought and defeated them all, one after the other, with no rest periods in between.

His tenth and final opponent was a great boxing instructor from Ya Kai City, who was in Rangoon to enjoy the festivities.   He was no match for Nai and was soon so mangled by Nai Khanom Tom's kicks that no one dared to challenge him further.

King Mangra was so impressed that he allegedly remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom.  Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents.  But his Lord was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy.  If he would have been any good, there was no way the City of Ayudhaya would ever have fallen."

via www.ifmamuaythai.org

King Mangra was so enthralled by Nai’s performance, that he granted Nai Khanom Tom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives.  Without hesitation, Nai said he would take the wives, "because money was easier to find. "  So King Mangra awarded him two Burmese girls from the Mon tribe.  Nai Khamon Tom took his lovely wives to Thailand, where he lived with them until the end of his life. 

He is considered the first Thai boxer to have imprinted the art of Thai boxing with dignity, and who gave it such a reputation beyond Thailand's borders that his triumph remains engraved in the history of Burma until this day.

His legendary feat is celebrated every March 17th as Boxer's Day or National Muay Thai Day.

via 3.bp.blogspot.com

References:

http://www.mastersken.com/history-of-muay-thai-i-147.html

http://www.thaiboxing.com/history

http://www.muaythaifactory.com/muay-thai/nai-khanom-tom-muay-thai-hero.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai

Previous MMA Pioneer Series:

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/11/30/1846306/mma-pioneer-series-masaaki-hatsumi

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/5/5/1459033/mma-pioneer-series-seishiro-henry

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/4/28/1448968/why-we-should-all-worship-kanji

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/6/3/1497689/mma-pioneer-series-sebastiaan-bas

It's been a while since I've put out a "Pioneer Series," so without further ado, here is the latest MMA Pioneer history lesson....

What is it about Mixed Martial Arts that makes it such an exciting and entertaining sport?  Surely it must be a combination of numerous variables... The unpredictability of outcome?  Definitely.  The intricacies of Jujitsu?  Surely.  The power and devastation of Muay Thai?  Without question.  The outright control imposed by Wrestling?  Check.  The opportunity for improvisation and creativity?  Bingo....

I am sure that I am not alone in my feeling that MMA is the culmination of thousands of years of Martial Arts development and evolution.  As such, in order to fully appreciate modern combatives, it is important that we all take the time to understand just how much time and effort has gone into allowing us to reach this point.

With that, I would like to take everyone back to the 2nd of December, 1931, Noda City in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. On that day, a true martial arts Legend was born.  His name is Masaaki Hatsumi (born Yoshiaki Hatsumi).     

via www.volumeedizioni.com

At the age of 7, young Hatsumi began his training in the ways of martial arts.  His first experience was sparring with his father's biwa wood sword.  Masaaki was immediately hooked.  Exhibiting the passion and determination of a modern day mixed martial artists, he studied everything everything he could, including Judo, Kendo, Karate, Aikido, Okinowan Karate (Zen-Bei Butokukai) and Jukendo (rifle and bayonet combat).

By the time he was 20 years old he had obtained the rank of 4th degree black belt in Judo.  At that time (1951) it was extremely rare for such a young student to obtain such a high ranking.   His dedication and perseverance were evident as he was continually tested against much older and bigger opponents.

via www.bujinkancornwall.co.uk 

After the war (WWII) years, he took a break from martial arts for awhile.  As a teenager, he was eager to experience new things.  In an effort to broaden his horizons, he took up western style boxing, played soccer, and worked hard on academic studies.  After graduating high school, he attended the Department of Literature at Meiji University in Tokyo, majoring in theater studies, and also the Department of Reposition at the Advanced Acupuncture and Mixibustion Medical School located in Yotsuya.  He eventually graduated from Meiji University in Tokyo, with a major in theater studies, and osteopathic medicine (bone doctor).  He would later return to Nado City and open a bone clinic (his practice continued on a steady basis until about 1990 when his travel and movie schedule seemed to take over all his time).

Missing the dojo world of training he so loved as a youth, he again returned to martial arts. He kept looking for something; he was not sure what it was but it seemed to be missing.

Hatsumi had trained in boxing and several different Japanese martial arts, earning several teaching certifications.  He practiced Judô (4th Dan), Karate, Aikidô, and Kendô.  After some time he realized that all of these martial arts were teaching Kata, or forms, and not true martial art skills. In search of a "true" martial art be began studying various schools of Kobudô (ancient martial arts).

via www.bujinkan-harstad.com

While teaching various martial arts to some U.S. soldiers stationed in Japan he noticed that the larger and stronger Americans had an advantage in battles when using the same techniques.  As a result, he began to question the legitimacy of modern martial arts training, and started to search for an art where students of equal skill truly were equals, even if the other one was more muscular.

One of Hatsumi's Koryû teachers told him that if he wanted to learn real Budô (or Kobudo), he needed to learn from Toshitsugu Takamatsu.  This same instructor introduced Hatsumi to Takamatsu Sensei.

Master Takamatsu via www.katahodojo.com

Master Toshigatsu Takamatsu, was the last of the true Shinobi (Ninja).  In March 1957 or '58, Hatsumi became a student of Toshisugu who was a grandmaster of several different Kobudô martial arts. During his first meeting, and training session, with Takamatsu Sensei, Hatsumi had realized that he had finally found someone that could teach true martial art skills.  During that initial meeting, Takamatsu Sensei handed Hatsumi the Togakure Ryû Ninpô Taijutsu scrolls.  For the next 15 years, Hatsumi traveled to Kashiwabara City, Nara Prefecture to train with Takamatsu Sensei. 

Takamatsu and Hatsumi via sandiegomartialarts.com

Takamatsu and Hatsumi via www.budotaijutsu.co.uk

Takamatsu and Hatsumi via senkidojo.co.uk

Takamatsu via sandiegomartialarts.com

Hatsumi had stated that even though he didn't see his instructor often, Takamatsu would always know what he was practicing.  Takamatsu would write a letter to Hatsumi every 2 days, discussing his view on many different martial arts topics and techniques.

Master Takamatsu took Masaaki under his wing for the last 15 years of his life, teaching him the Nine secret traditions of Ninjitsu and passed them on to him as the sole heir.  Today these studies have become known of as the Bujinkan Dojo. 

Bujinkan Dojo via passaic-bujinkan-buyu.setech-co.com

via blountville-bujinkan.com 

Hatsumi Sensei chose the name Bujinkan Dôjô (Divine Warrior Training Hall) for the name of his school and system, though for many years, this "system" of skills was referred to as Bujinkan Ninjutsu.  This was based on the fact that Togakure Ryû Ninjutsu was the "original" style of martial art that, over a several hundred year period, eight (8) other Ryû, or styles, were later added.  Hatsumi has since changed the name to Bujinkan Budô Taijutsu, to reflect the overall emphasis in the Budô, in comparison to Ninjutsu, content of most of the nine Ryû.

Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique, or perhaps more accurately, what he terms the feeling of real situations.  Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt Magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, anda cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." 

While technical knowledge of an art is considered important, the direction of this feeling-based approach guides the practitioner towards a "natural understanding" of what links various martial lineages as well as what is most effective in real situations.  Additionally, Bujinkan students do not participate in martial art tournaments, as it is Hatsumi's belief that martial arts are not about winning or losing, but about surviving.

Masaaki via image10.webshots.com

via www.maths.tcd.ie

The following are among Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi's many accomplishments:

The nine (9) Ryû that Hatsumi Sensei is the current Sôke.

• Thirty-Forth (34th) Sôke of Togakure RyûNinpô Happô Bikenjutsu

• Twenty-Eighth (28th) Sôke of Gyokko Ryû Kosshijutsu

• Twenty-eighth (28th) Sôke of Kukishin RyûHappô Bikenjutsu Taijutsu

• Twenty-sixth (26th) Sôke of Shinden Fudô RyûDaken Taijutsu

• Twenty-first (21st) Sôke of Gyokushin Ryû Ninpô

• Eighteenth (18th) Sôke of Kotô Ryû Koppôjutsu

• Eighteenth (18th) Sôke of Gikan Ryû Koppôjutsu

• Seventeenth (17th) Sôke of Takagi Yoshin Ryû Jutaijutsu

• Fourteenth (14th) Sôke of Kumogakure Ryû Ninpô

Publications:

• Masaaki Hatsumi, Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai(2008), Kodansha International, ISBN 978-4-7700-3059-7
• Masaaki Hatsumi, Japanese Sword Fighting(2006), Kodansha International, ISBN 978-4-7700-2198-4
• Masaaki Hatsumi, Advanced Stick Fighting(2005), Kodansha International, ISBN 978-4-7700-2996-6
• Masaaki Hatsumi, The Way of the Ninja(2004), Kodansha International, ISBN 978-4-7700-2805-1
• Masaaki Hatsumi and Quintin Chambers, Stick Fighting(1981), Kodansha International, ISBN 978-0-87011-475-5
• Wolfgang Ettig: Takamatsu Toshitsugu. The Last Shinobi. 2006, ISBN 3-924862-10-9
• Masaaki Hatsumi, Essence of Ninjutsu. The Nine Traditions 1988, Contemporary Books, ISBN 0-8092-4724-0

Grandmaster Hatsumi is the author of 40+ video tapes on the art of Ninjutsu.  He has been featured in almost every magazine relating to this subject in Japan, and throughout the entire world.  He has authored countless magazine and newspaper articles on Ninjutsu and on living a productive life.  He wrote, directed and acted in 50 episodes of a television series called 'Jiraya' which was the number one watched kid's program in Japan.  He is now what is called a historiographer of martial arts for various plays and movies, acting as a consultant to ensure that what is being portrayed is done correctly based on true history.

He is a past President of the Writers Guild of Japan.  He is sought out as a speaker and television personality in Japan.  He is an accomplished musician and singer who plays guitar and yukelale.  The walls of his home display an elaborate collection of signed photos from presidents and leaders of many countries around the world, along with awards, certificates, and honorary degrees from some of the most elite organizations in the world.  Among them are Honorary Doctorate degrees from the USA in Human Sciences and Philosophy, Honorary Texas Ranger, Title of Knighthood from Germany, Blackbelt Magazine's Instructor of the Year, and Honorable Citizenship from the state of Texas and cities of Los Angeles, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Dublin, Ireland; etc..  In 2000 Soke was awarded Japan's highest honor, the Cultural Award, by the  Emperor  of Japan for his worldwide martial arts contributions.  The list is long and grows every month as he travels around the world teaching at international Tai Kai events hosted by senior Bujinkan students in their countries. 

Previous MMAPioneer Series posts:

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/5/5/1459033/mma-pioneer-series-seishiro-henry

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/4/28/1448968/why-we-should-all-worship-kanji

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/6/3/1497689/mma-pioneer-series-sebastiaan-bas

References:

http://www.ninjutsu.com/soke-hatsumi.shtml

http://www.hatsumi.gr/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaaki_Hatsumi

http://www.tacticalselfdefense.com/Bujinkan/hatsumi.htm

The more I look at the current state of the UFC HW division, the more muddled the picture becomes.  After much contemplation, I have come to the conclusion that the HW division is a state of limbo, to be followed shortly by a period of decline.   Bear with me if you will.  Cain and JDS seem to be the Cream of the crop, followed closely by Carwin and Brock.  Then you have a few guys like Mir, Big Country, and possible Rothwell and Big Nog.  Then another drop to Struve, Schaub, Barry, and Mitrione (maybe Crocop and Kongo too, if you want to be kind).  Then it’s a sharp decline…  

I think that aside from the top 4-5 guys, nobody else really has a shot at making a championship run.

Cain Velasquez

via squabbles.com

At the present time, Cain sits atop the HW heap.  Judging from his complete destruction of Brock, he is poised to hold on to the belt for quite a long time.  If (and that’s a big if…) he can get past current # 1 contender JDS.  At 9-0, Cain has run through some of the bigger names in the division including Brock, Nog, Big Ben, and Kongo.  Some may argue, but I would wager that he is currently the most well-rounded fighter in the weight class.

Jr. Dos Santos

Next up at bat, JDS will get his chance to prove that he, not Cain, is the future of the HW division.  At just 26 years of age, JDS has compiled an impressive 12-1 (win streak: W7) record with 11 finishes.  Along his road to the top, he has bulled his way through Big Country, Gabe, Crocop, Werdum, Struve, and Yvel.  If anyone has a shot at taking out Cain, surely most would agree that it would be JDS

Brock

via www.konews.net

What to do, what to do?  Brock is currently in a very peculiar situation.  He was completely dominated by Cain, which now makes his performance against Carwin look even more suspect.  Brock has not been fighting long, but has compiled a record of 5-2 (win streak: L1).  Brock has quality victories over Randy, Heath, and Mir, and an essentially "empty" win over Carwin.  Matchmaking is very critical for Brock at this point, as another loss would be 3 poor performances in a row, and would likely spell disaster for his career and reflect poorly on the UFC marketing machine which had painted him as an unstoppable force.

Carwin

via www.sportsnewscaster.com

On the shelf for the foreseeable future, Shane is coming off a disappointing loss that saw him demolish Brock in the 1st round of their matchup, only to be betrayed by his body, as the victory was snatched from his grasp.  The Engineer is 12-1 (Win streak: L1) with big wins over the likes of Mir, Gabe, Wain, and Wellisch. 

Mir

via www.brobury.com

Ahhh Frank….  Frank is still hovering around that top tier/middle tier limbo area.  Frank has had an up and down career with both big victories and big defeats.  Couple that with his near career ending injuries, and his lackluster performance against Crocop, and  it starts to look like Frank may be permanently on the outside looking in at the title picture.  He is currently 14-5 (win streak: W1) with wins over Crocop, Kongo, Nog, and Lesnar.   Unfortunately, he has definitive loses to Brock and Carwin.

Big Country

via thefastertimes.com

The Kimbo killing TUF winner entered the UFC on a tear, KOing Brandon Shaub and Stefan Stuve before being stopped in his tracks by a superior JDS.   At 15-5 (win streak: L1), could conceivable put himself back into the title chase with a big win over someone like Mir or Brock.  Due to contract difficulties, it may be a while before he gets that chance.

Big Nog

via squabbles.com

The man is a legend, but I fear his best days are behind him.  He is still capable of putting on some good performances in some interesting matchups.  But He is clearly no longer a top contender.  At 34 years of age, his body has taken a lifetime of damage.  He sits at 36-6-1-1, and like has only a handful of fights remaining in his HOF career.

Brendan Shaub

via squabbles.com

Since being put to bed by BC in his 1st UFC fight, Schaub has recovered nicely by winning his last 3.  At just 27, he could be one of the division’s future stars if he continues to improve.  He currently stands at 7-1, and could break unto the upper echelon with 1-2 more wins.

Matt Mitrione

via www.thisis720.com

Meathead is just a fun guy to watch.  He seems to be a goofy dude, but to me, he has continued to show improvement with every fight.  Matt is currently undefeated at 3-0 and needs to take a step up in competition in his next fight.  Perhaps a fight with Schaub, or the winner of Struve/ McCorkle would make sense?

Big Ben

via squabbles.com

Rothwell has been fighting for a long time, evidenced by his record of 31-7 (win streak: 1).  He is currently 1-1 in the UFC, with the loss coming to division kingpin Cain Velasquez.  Ben is a fairly well rounded fighter, and could elevate his status with 1-2 wins.  A man of his size and experience is always a danger for any opponent.    

Stefan Struve

via www.mmalinker.com

At just 22, Stefan is actually one of the most experience fighters in the division, with 24 fights to his credit.   He has also faces some stiff competition, including JDS and BC.  At 20-4 (win streak: W1) he is still learning and improving, and is sure to be a fixture in the UFC for many years to come.  A big win over Sean "The Keyboard Warrior" McCorkle would help to boost him toward the top of the class.

Pat Barry

via farm4.static.flickr.com

HD is still on the mend following his submission loss to Crocop.  Until he broke his hand and foot, Barry seemed to be cruising, but Murphy is a bitch, and Crocop capitalized to defeat the diminished kickboxer.  At 5-2 (win streak: L1), and the loser in 2 of his last 3, Pat needs a win desperately.

What do you guys think.  Outside the top 4-5, does anyone else have a shot at the HW strap?

Continue reading this post »

Well...  The announcement has been made.  As far as I can see, this is a great thing for MMA and for the fans.  With the addition of 2 more weight classes, when scheduled correctly, the UFC can all but ensure that we always have a Title Fight as the main event of cards from here on out.

I am really excited for all of the new match-up possibilities.  So now all that is left to be done is play fantasy match maker and give Joe Silva a few ideas to consider....

Below are some of the fights that i'd like to see.  Be sure to add your fantasy matches in the comments...

Aldo / Edgar

Aldo / BJ

Mike Brown / Jim Miller

Bendo / Dunham

Cerrone / Florian

Cerrone / Guillard

Bendo / Edgar

Varner / Marcus Davis

Pettis / Olivera

Shalorus / Guida

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    4  Mike Brown

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)                                                                      1  Jose Aldo

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                                         3  Marlon Sandro

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     3  Marlon Sandro

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     7  Miguel Torres

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Championship:  Well, no suprises here.  As expected Jose Aldo once again proved his dominance but defeating his teammate and training partner in the tournament final, taking with  72% of the vote.  It seems as though Aldo has momentum and talent on his side, and will likely rule the 145lbs division for the foreseeable future.

All that remains to be said is congratulations Jose Aldo.   You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar, and one hell of a fighter!!! 

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    4  Mike Brown

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)                                                                      1  Jose Aldo

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                                         3  Marlon Sandro

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     3  Marlon Sandro

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     7  Miguel Torres

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Semi-final #2:    In a one sided affair, Marlon proved that he is a force to be reckoned with, dismantling the one-time P4P player Torres, with  81% of the vote.  That sets up the Tournament Championship.

Championship:  BJJ blackbelt vs BJJ blackbelt?  Check.  Brazilian vs Brazilian?  Check.  KO artist vs KO artist?  Check.  Teammate vs teammate?  Check.  Sick Championship fight?  Damn strait.  Aldo or Sandro?  Lets find out.

At first glance, the terms Outcome and Result appear to be nearly identical.  In most cases, these synonyms can be easily substituted for one another and never given a second thought.  But the events of this past year have led me to take a closer look at just what these two ordinary words mean to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. 

A rudimentary internet search of these terms returns a plethora of definitions, more often than not, closely resembling one another:

re·sult: intr.v.

To come about as a consequence.  To end in a particular way.

out·come : n.

Something that follows from an action, dispute, or situation.

As events and fight cards continue to come and go, it seems that this has truly been the year of upsets and unexpected performances.  Accordingly, every exceptional display and inconceivable resolution brings with it a flood of consequences.  As these byproducts continue to mount, I find more and more that Outcomes and Results seem to lie not jointly, but in opposing positions.

Case #1:  Machida vs Shogun

via www.mmabay.co.uk

               The build-up up for this fight was incredible.  Machida was the newly crowned king at 205, and seemed to be an unsolvable mystery for anyone at LHW.  Shogun was surging, finally starting to resemble the Pride juggernaut once thought to be the very best in the world.  What took place on Oct 24th, was a closely contested strategic match-up in which leg kicks and counter attacks were the weapons of choice.  In the end, it would go down as the most controversial decision in UFC history.

• The Result:  Lyoto Machida was declared the winner via unanimous decision.

• The Outcome:  Shogun punished the legs and body of Machida with pinpoint accuracy.  When the decision was read, no one looked more surprised than the night’s winner, Lyoto Machida.  The vast majority of the capacity crowd, along with that of the MMA community cried foul, believing that Shogun had done enough to earn the title.  Nonetheless, Rua had effectively solved the puzzle of Machida.  While his performance did not earn him the title, Shogun was awarded an immediate re-match.  Fate would see to it that his second opportunity end in a much more favorable and convincing manner.        

Case #2:  Lesnar vs Carwin

via 6th-round.com

Billed as the biggest fight in HW history, the biggest question surrounding Lesnar vs Carwin seemed to be whether a manmade structure could contain the sheer power of these two behemoths without imploding.  The two biggest, strongest monsters in the division promised a show, and a show is what they delivered. 

• The Result:  Brock Lesnar wins via arm triangle submission in Round 2.

• The Outcome:  Previously believed to be a modern day Neanderthal, with superhuman strength and uncanny speed and agility, Lesnar entered the match as perhaps the most intimidating figure in the sport and was thought by many to be nearly invincible.  Carwin was unimpressed.  The opening stanza saw Shane completely dominate Brock.  Lesnar was clearly out of his element on the feet and Carwin showed no mercy nor restrain, immediately taking the fight to the champion rocking him early and nearly ending the fight with heavy handed G’n’P.  But with each dropping of the hammer, Carwin visibly slowed.  Lesnar continued to moved and defend just enough to avoid the stoppage, and eventually made it back to his feet by the end of the round. Round 2 would see the coin flipped, as a resurgent Lesnar quickly secured a takedown of the exhausted challenger.  It was only a matter of time from there.  While Brock showed grit and heart by weathering a storm which had capsized 12 men before him, he also showed that his rudimentary striking ability and failure to react properly to being hit could very well be the key to his dethroning.  HW hitters Cain Velasquez and JDS surely took note.  

Case #3:  Silva vs Maia

via www.busybuzzblogging.com

               The setup?  Arguably the most gifted ground artist in the game steps up to show that anyone can be submitted, even the untouchable Spider. During the pre-fight buildup Maia made a few rather forgettable comments about taking one of the spider's legs off.  Silva was not amused.  Consequently, neither were the thousands of fans who shelled out their hard earned dollars for what turned out to be the strangest performance ever witnessed inside the Octagon.

• The Result:  Anderson Silva wins via unanimous decision.

• The Outcome:  Did I just see what I think I saw?  Was it just me, or has Anderson Silva been possessed by a bi-polar ballerina?  The answer to both questions is YES.  Instead of proving that Maia has no business inside the cage with him, Silva decided to take things in another direction.  That direction was a B-line into Looneyville.  Silva, repeatedly screamed at, taunted, and danced for a puzzled Maia for the the better part of the contest, seeming more concerned about perfecting his pantomime skills as opposed to actually fighting. Quite simply, it was the oddest thing ever witnessed inside the octagon.  While the performance may have left some of us laughing, Dana White was less than amused.  He was so angered in fact that post-fight, he threatened to send Silva packing.  Calmer head prevailed and Silva remained in the organization.  As predicted before the fight, serious damage was inflicted.  But instead of Damian Maia being the reciepient, it was Anderson's reputation that suffered the brunt of the damage.
  

Case #4: BJ vs Edgar

via cdn.bleacherreport.com

               Dominate, untouchable, world-destroyer...  These are just a few of the words used to describe BJ Penn leading up to his 112 showdown with Frankie Edgar.  Coming into the fight, no one questioned who the best LW in the world was.  BJ had essentially separated himself from the rest of the 155ers as being on an entirely different level.  While Frankie had strung together several impressive wins, it was collectively known that he stood little chance against the Prodigy.  That all changed as the fighters approached the ring.  As BJ made his way through the crowd, something seems a little off about him.  Que dramatic foreshadowing...

• The Result:  Frankie Edgar wins via Unanimous decision.

• The Outcome:  In a closely contested 5 round back and forth battle, many assumed that BJ had done enough to close out the win.  To bad that assume makes an ass of u and me.  The scorecards were read and history was made.  Biggest upset ever?  Its possible.  Certainly it was the biggest upset of the year to that point.  Edgar had little time to enjoy his moment in the sun, as it was immediately determined that his 1st defense would be against none other than BJ.  If that wasn't enough, Edgar received even less praise for his victory after it was disclosed that BJ had been sick in the week leading up tot he fight.  In fact, for several weeks following the fight BJ remained ahead of Edgar in most LW rankings.  Most assume its a foregone conclusion that BJ will regain the title at UFC 118.  Still struggling to get his due respect, Edgar will enter the Aug 28th rematch as a considerable underdog at + 250 to BJ's -350. 

Case #5:  Jones vs Hamill

via 2.bp.blogspot.com

               Finally, Jones' first test.  A tough, durable, and extremely strong Hamill should be able to push this new kid on the block and tell if he really is worthy of the hype.  Jones is a gifted striker and very unorthodox, but how will he handle Hamill's wrestling pedigree?   All viable questions, and we certainly got our answers...

• The Result:  Matt Hamill wins via disqualification.

The Outcome:  Winner, winner chicken dinner.  The victory goes on Hamill's record.  But the win went to Jones.  Bones was out to prove that the hype is real, and that's just what he did.  He controlled the fight from the outset. Easily the more efficient striker, it was on the ground that Jon really shined.  He completely manhandled Hamill and outworked him in every position.  It seemed like Jones wasn't even trying.  He just did whatever he wanted to do.  The fight was all but in the bag when a small mental lapse caused Jones to start throwin' "Bows" like Ludacris at a Kenny Florian seminar.    9 to 5 ain't no way to make a living.  But in this case, 12 to 6 will get you fired.  A series of illegal downward elbows left Hamill unable to continue, and gave Jones the 1st loss of his career.  Nonetheless, Bones' stock continued to go through the roof.

Case #6:  Fedor vs Werdum

via tkohub.com

               What the F Strikeforce?  Why is Fedor wasting his time fighting Werdum?  This is going to end by Murder.  Fedor by annihilation!  Werdum has no chance.  Before June 26th, it was hard to argue with that stance.  For nearly a decade, Fedor Emelianenko was thought to be some sort of cybernetic hybrid machine developed by cold-war Russia to bring about the end of times.  Calm, calculating, sweater wearing, dominate.  That about sums up the Last Emperor.  This was essentially to be a warm up for a long awaited showdown between Fedor and Alistar Overeem.  Someone forgot to tell that to Vai Cavalo.

• The Result:  Werdum wins via triangle choke in round 1.

• The Outcome:  Were do I start.  Outcomes galore!!!  1.  M-1 takes a HUGE hit, as does Strikeforce.  Since Fedor is the most valuable commodity for both organizations, each immediately went into DEFCON 5 to to figure out how to approach the aftermath.   2.  Dana White?  Does the phrase kid in a candy store mean anything to you?  After relentlessly pursuing the Last Emperor like a fabled unicorn that could never be captured, White quickly changed his tune.  The UFC is no longer interested in securing the services for the greatest HW of all time.   3.  The UFC can finally lay unfettered claim to having the top ranked HW talent.  4.  Fedor's fans (including myself) have been forced to admit that he is in fact human, and not a demi-god born in the fires of Valhalla, as previously believed.           
  

Case #7:  Silva vs Sonnen

via www.5thround.com

               "I know you are but what am I?"  In a classic display of schoolyard trash talking, Chael Sonnen single handily sold this fight to the MMA community, the sports world, and damn near anyone who would listen.  Funny thing is, almost no one gave him a chance in hell.  Guess the real joke was on us. 

• The Result:  Anderson Silva wins via triangle choke in round 5.

• The Outcome:  Domination…  Plain and simple.  For 23 minutes and 10 seconds, Chael Sonnen backed up every single word of the epic trash talk which he had been spouting since February 2010.  It wasn’t even close.  Going into the final frame, Sonnen led on the cards to the tune of 40-34, 40-35, and 40-36.  He had completely taken Silva out of his game, and even managed to rock the champion several times on the feet.  Undoubtedly, Sonnen was poised to pull off what would have surely been the biggest upset in UFC history, and in the most dominate way imaginable.  But with less than 2 minutes remaining in the fight, Anderson Silva decided to throw a wrench in the gears.  A momentary lapse in judgment was all that the spider needed, he threw up a triangle attempt, and in an instant, 23 minutes of an inconceivable one-sided ass whooping disappeared into thin air. In the end, Anderson retained his title.  But Sonnen proved that anyone can be beaten at any time.  The Spider is still the champion, but his aura of invincibility is all but gone.  All thanks to an Oregon Real Estate Agent…  

As events like those above continue to unfold, I am convinced now more than ever that although words are defined in writing, they can easily be rewritten by actions…

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    4  Mike Brown

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)                                                                      1  Jose Aldo

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     3  Marlon Sandro

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     7  Miguel Torres

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Semi-final #1:    Like a stroll through the park, Aldo breezed through the semi-final taking 88% of the vote.  The P4P player now awaits the winner of SF#2.

Semi-final #2:  Dynamic striking?  Check.  Sick Jitz?  Check.  Retarded Cardio?  Check.  Bad-ass Mullet?  Check.  It seems that this next matchup has it all.  2 of the most well rounded fighters on the planet are set to face off for the right to challenge Jose Aldo in the final.  Torres or Sandro?  Either way, it sets up an interesting final.

  
So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

At first glance, the terms Outcome and Result appear to be nearly identical.  In most cases, these synonyms can be easily substituted for one another and never given a second thought.  But the events of this past year have led me to take a closer look at just what these two ordinary words mean to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. 

A rudimentary internet search of these terms returns a plethora of definitions, more often than not, closely resembling one another:

re·sult: intr.v.

To come about as a consequence.  To end in a particular way.

out·come : n.

Something that follows from an action, dispute, or situation.

As events and fight cards continue to come and go, it seems that this has truly been the year of upsets and unexpected performances.  Accordingly, every exceptional display and inconceivable resolution brings with it a flood of consequences.  As these byproducts continue to mount, I find more and more that Outcomes and Results seem to lie not jointly, but in opposing positions.

Case #1:  Machida vs Shogun

via www.mmabay.co.uk

               The build-up up for this fight was incredible.  Machida was the newly crowned king at 205, and seemed to be an unsolvable mystery for anyone at LHW.  Shogun was surging, finally starting to resemble the Pride juggernaut once thought to be the very best in the world.  What took place on Oct 24th, was a closely contested strategic match-up in which leg kicks and counter attacks were the weapons of choice.  In the end, it would go down as the most controversial decision in UFC history.

• The Result:  Lyoto Machida was declared the winner via unanimous decision.

• The Outcome:  Shogun punished the legs and body of Machida with pinpoint accuracy.  When the decision was read, no one looked more surprised than the night’s winner, Lyoto Machida.  The vast majority of the capacity crowd, along with that of the MMA community cried foul, believing that Shogun had done enough to earn the title.  Nonetheless, Rua had effectively solved the puzzle of Machida.  While his performance did not earn him the title, Shogun was awarded an immediate re-match.  Fate would see to it that his second opportunity end in a much more favorable and convincing manner.        

Case #2:  Lesnar vs Carwin

via 6th-round.com

Billed as the biggest fight in HW history, the biggest question surrounding Lesnar vs Carwin seemed to be whether a manmade structure could contain the sheer power of these two behemoths without imploding.  The two biggest, strongest monsters in the division promised a show, and a show is what they delivered. 

• The Result:  Brock Lesnar wins via arm triangle submission in Round 2.

• The Outcome:  Previously believed to be a modern day Neanderthal, with superhuman strength and uncanny speed and agility, Lesnar entered the match as perhaps the most intimidating figure in the sport and was thought by many to be nearly invincible.  Carwin was unimpressed.  The opening stanza saw Shane completely dominate Brock.  Lesnar was clearly out of his element on the feet and Carwin showed no mercy nor restrain, immediately taking the fight to the champion rocking him early and nearly ending the fight with heavy handed G’n’P.  But with each dropping of the hammer, Carwin visibly slowed.  Lesnar continued to moved and defend just enough to avoid the stoppage, and eventually made it back to his feet by the end of the round. Round 2 would see the coin flipped, as a resurgent Lesnar quickly secured a takedown of the exhausted challenger.  It was only a matter of time from there.  While Brock showed grit and heart by weathering a storm which had capsized 12 men before him, he also showed that his rudimentary striking ability and failure to react properly to being hit could very well be the key to his dethroning.  HW hitters Cain Velasquez and JDS surely took note.  

Case #3:  Silva vs Sonnen

via www.5thround.com

               "I know you are but what am I?"  In a classic display of schoolyard trash talking, Chael Sonnen single handily sold this fight to the MMA community, the sports world, and damn near anyone who would listen.  Funny thing is, almost no one gave him a chance in hell.  Guess the real joke was on us. 

• The Result:  Anderson Silva wins via triangle choke in round 5.

• The Outcome:  Domination…  Plain and simple.  For 23 minutes and 10 seconds, Chael Sonnen backed up every single word of the epic trash talk which he had been spouting since February 2010.  It wasn’t even close.  Going into the final frame, Sonnen led on the cards to the tune of 40-34, 40-35, and 40-36.  He had completely taken Silva out of his game, and even managed to rock the champion several times on the feet.  Undoubtedly, Sonnen was poised to pull off what would have surely been the biggest upset in UFC history, and in the most dominate way imaginable.  But with less than 2 minutes remaining in the fight, Anderson Silva decided to throw a wrench in the gears.  A momentary lapse in judgment was all that the spider needed, he threw up a triangle attempt, and in an instant, 23 minutes of an inconceivable one-sided ass whooping disappeared into thin air. In the end, Anderson retained his title.  But Sonnen proved that anyone can be beaten at any time.  The Spider is still the champion, but his aura of invincibility is all but gone.  All thanks to an Oregon Real Estate Agent…  

As events like those above continue to unfold, I am convinced now more than ever that although words are defined in writing, they can easily be rewritten by actions…

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    4  Mike Brown

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     3  Marlon Sandro

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     7  Miguel Torres

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Quarterfinal #4:    Miguel continues to show why he was a long time member of the P4P list, as he gets the win over the Zombie with 59% of the vote..  That sets up one of the best matchups of the tourney as he will now face off against the Brazilian sensation Marlon Sandro.

Semi-final #1: This fight has already gone down once, with Aldo taking a convincing win.  But with power like MTB, you can never count him out.  Do we see a repeat of the 1st fight, or does MTB show that he is still a force to be reckoned with?

  
So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    4  Mike Brown

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     3  Marlon Sandro

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Quarterfinal #3:    The brazilian blitzkrieg proved to much for manny to handle, as Marlon cruised by with 61% of the vote.  He will be patiently awaiting the winner of quarterfinal #4.

Quarterfinal #4:  Miguel get a opponent tailor made for his exciting style.  The Zombie will surely oblige him with a no holds barred slug fest. The winner moves on to the final four.

  
So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    4  Mike Brown

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Quarterfinal #2:   In yet another close contest, MTB squeaked out the win with 57% of the vote.  He is now in the belly of the beast as he must face world destroyer Jr Aldo in the 1st semi-final match...

Quarterfinal #3:  The next man to face Aldo must first face team Nova Unaio member and current Sengoku Champ Marlon Sandro.  Both men have big power, but Sandro hold a significant edge in both striking and on the ground. That being said, last time Manny faced someone who on paper should have defeated him, he came away with the KO victory.

 
So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Sorry for dropping to Ball on this tourney guys.  I have been on the road for work (Miami, Phoenix, next Colorado Springs) and have let it fall to the wayside.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  1  Jose Aldo

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Quarterfinal #1:   In an absolute shellacking, Jose came away with 94% of the vote.  In fact, Hatsu could only muster what has to be assumed was 1 pity vote to avoid the shut out.  Aldo moves on to await a possible rematch with MTB or the hard hitting Brian Bolwes.

Quarterfinal #2:  This one is interesting, 2 of the hardest hitters from their respective divisions will lock 'em up.  Both men have the ability to end it at any time.  MTB has the strength and wrestling advantage, while Bolwes comes in with more speed and better lateral movement. 

 So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Sorry for dropping to Ball on this tourney guys.  I have been on the road for work (Miami, Phoenix, next Colorado Springs) and have let it fall to the wayside.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  Winner QF1

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                         15 Korean Zombie

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Quarterfinal #1:   By the thinnest of margins, taking 52% of the vote, The Korean Zombie pulls the upset and becomes the lowest seed ever to advance in our 16 man tourneys.  That sets us up for guaranteed explosives as he moves on to face Miguel Angel Torres in QF #4. 

Quarterfinal #2:  Jr is back facing the very dangerous Shooto champion Hatsu Hioki.  If the past is any indicator, Aldo will be looking to keep it on the feet, while Hatsu will look to make it a ground contest.

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Sorry for dropping to Ball on this tourney guys.  I have been on the road for work (Miami, Phoenix, next Colorado Springs) and have let it fall to the wayside.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  Winner QF1

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          7  Miguel Torres

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                          Winner 2/15

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Chan Sung Jung (WEC 10-2)

Match #7:  Angel gets back on track taking 65% of the vote. Sets up a great 2nd round matchup with either Cruz or The Zombie.

Match #8:  Current division ruler Dominic Cruz has been on top of his game since dropping down to 135.  He seems to get better every time out.  He faces an extremely tough opponent in Jung who always comes to scrap and has a ridiculous chin. Guaranteed to be an exciting tussle.

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Humility – is the quality of being modest, reverential, even politely submissive, and never being arrogant, contemptuous, rude or even self-abasing.  Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity with the universe or the divine and devoid of ego.

This past Saturday, those who witnessed the monumental upset of the man many believe to be the greatest fighter in the history of mixed martial arts, also bared witness to two very distinctive and inspiring displays of humility. 

At approximately 1:09 of the very 1st round, Fabricio Werdum became the first man to defeat Fedor Emelianenko in nearly a decade.  In the early moments of the fight, a flurry of strikes by Emelianenko caused the Brazilian to backpedal, at which time he lost his footing and fell to the ground. 

via www.cdn.sherdog.com

via www.cdn.sherdog.com

In hopes of securing a quick finish over his fallen foe, Fedor aggressively dove toward Fabricio allowing him to wrap up an arm for a quick arm-bar attempt. 

via www.cdn.sherdog.com

The Last Emperor was able to thwart the attempt briefly, but made a critical error in judgment.  Instead of disengaging from the BJJ blackbelt, Fedor again pressed the action. 

via www.cdn.sherdog.com

In doing so, Fabricio was able to secure a tight triangle choke / arm-bar combination. 

via www.cdn.sherdog.com

And just like that, without throwing a single punch, Werdum had done something that very few even fathomed possible…

via www.m-1global.com

What happened next is something that I feel defines the true nature and essence of what mixed martial arts represents.  Very few know of the depths of dedication and sacrifice which these warriors commit to in order to compete within the sport of MMA.   By definition, MMA is a 1 on 1 competition in which fighters utilize a mixture of various combat arts in an effort to defeat their opponent, but that definition does little to expose the true devotion and these artists.  Accordingly, it could be said that because of this, fighters have an unfettered appreciation and respect for each other’s spirit and willingness to compete.  Never was this more evident that Saturday night.   

Following the loss, no excuses were made.  No injuries were claimed, no discrediting could be found.  In one of the biggest moments in the history of the sport, nothing short of humility and classiness was displayed by two men on opposing sides of the outcome. 

 Fedor’s reaction to his first true loss was as stoic and humble as in any of his previous victories.   When asked of his performance, he stated simply, ""I made a mistake, I'll try to figure out and analyze why it happened."

"The one who doesn't fall, never stands up.  It happened that people made me an idol.  But everybody loses.  I'm just a human being.  And if it's God's will, next fight, I'll win.  At the very beginning of the round, I hit him and I wanted to finish as soon as possible, at that moment, I made a mistake.  I would like to have a rematch with Fabricio if he was to agree.  I’d love to do that....  There were several moments when I could escape, but I relied on myself too much and that’s why I paid for it.  At the very moment when I had to escape, I stopped, and that moment was used for Fabricio to lock it on.  I’m really very sorry and it’s a pity that I disappointed people who believe in me and trusted in me, but everything in this life happens for some reason.  If God decided this is what should happen, then it’s the best thing for this very time."

The evening’s big winner, Fabricio, displayed an equal amount of grace and humility in his post-fight interview with Gus Johnson.   He proclaimed Fedor to be "the best… Everyone knows Fedor is the best.  I would like a re-match with Fedor, he’s the best…"

The Last Emperor made it clear that he will use this loss to learn and reflect with intentions to return to action as soon as possible; resuming his position as one the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.  Though no date for a return has been established, company officials have stated that an early fall fight would appeal to the fighter and his camp, possibly as early as September or October of this year.

Saturday night was many things to many people.  Fedor’s legion of fans saw their hero fall for the first time.  Fabricio Werdum showed that against all odds, when a fighter believes in himself, anything is possible.  Both men showed that this sport extends beyond a physical contest, and that spirit, dedication, and respect is at the center of its foundation.  And lastly, we learned once again, that when it comes to the sport of MMA the only certainty, is that nothing is ever certain…

Sources:

M-1 Global website

MMA Mania

Sherdog

LA Times

via middleeasy.com

This seems like a very questionable business practice.  Shout to ME for another scoop.

Looks like Dana himself approved putting together a false "hijacked" video clip" then creating false fan personas to distribute it to the many MMA sights in an effort to create a viral buzz about TUF.  Just more tricks of the trade coming to light.  

Gotta make it to 75 words....  blah blah blah, yabity-smabity, dippity,do.  1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  Winner QF1

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         3  Marlon Sandro

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          Winner 7/10

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                          Winner 2/15

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Jung Chan Sung (WEC 10-2)

Match #6:  This one was much closer than I anticipated.  Perhaps because Sandro is not yet widely known in the states.  Regardless, he came away with the win, earning 52 % of the vote. 

Match #7:  Former Champ and P4P player, Miguel Torres looks to show why he once ruled his division, as he takes on the crafty and ultra-dangerous Wagnney Fabiano.   I would love to see this one happen in real life, and now that Wagnney is down to 135, we very well could see it happen. We are in for some sick ground play....

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  Winner QF1

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         11  Manny Gamburyan

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         Winner 3/14                                 

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          Winner 7/10

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                          Winner 2/15

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Jung Chan Sung (WEC 10-2)

Match #5:  It finally happened.  For the 1st time since we started these tourneys, we had a fight end in a 50/50 tie.  Seems the Maniacs were split right down the middle on this one.  As a result, we go to the tie-breaker vote as outlined above.  The tie-breaker vote was cast by none other than long time Maniac Synyster, who picked Manvil for the win.  Gamburyan now moves into the quarters to await the winner of Match #6.

Match #6:  This match features 2 of the brightest up-and-comers in the game.  Sandro is the current FW King of Pancrase and should be undefeated (save for a controversial decision loss to Omigawa in Sengoku).  Soto, the current Bellator FW champion is unblemished, and brings a rediculous wrestling style to the table.  Joe may have to pick his poison, as Sandro BJJ wiz, but also has several flash KOs on the feet...

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.

Time to get back to business and see who the Maniacs feel is the cream of the crop in the Featherweight / Bantamweight divisions.

We will poll each fight individually, for 1 day, beginning with opening round Match #1.  MMA Mania has the most knowledgeable MMA online community, so please feel free to post your pick in the comments along with your analysis of how you see the fights breaking down.  Hopefully this will give us something to do on slow news days.

It was extremely hard to come up with seeding for this tourney as I bought in the best fighters from multiple promotions and 2 weight classes.  Accordingly, the top seeds went to current title holders.  For the rest of the seedings, I utilized multiple MMA rankings, while also taking styles into consideration.  I also tossed a few names in a hat, as there are so many good fighters in these classes, it was hard to decide who to put in/keep out.

Just so I don't get bombarded with fighters who were left out, here are the other names that were in the hat that didn't make it:  Josh Grispi, Shuichiro Katsumura, Scott Jorgenson, Michihiro Omigawa, L.C. Davis, Patricio Pitbull, Leonard Garcia, Raphael Assuncao, Takeya Mizugaki

***NOTE***  In the event of a tie, a randomly selected Maniac will act as the tie breaker.  That Maniac will be the 1st person to write a comment in the post thread.  So if you are the 1st to post a comment, make sure to include which fighter you voted for!!!!

1   Jose Aldo (WEC 17-1)

16  Masakatsu Ueda (Shooto 10-1-2)      

Match 1                                            1 Jose Aldo

                                                             QF1                  Winner QF1

Match 2                                           8 Hatsu Hioki

8  Hatsu Hioki (Shooto 20-4-2)                            

9  Bibiano Fernandez (Dream 8-2)                                                                                              

                                                                                       Semi-Final 1

5  Joseph Benavides (WEC 12-1)                                                       

12  Brian Bowles (WEC 8-1)                                                               

Match 3                                          12 Brian Bowles

                                                            QF2                    Winner QF2

Match 4                                           4  Mike Brown

4  Mike Brown (WEC 23-6)                                                        

13  Abel Cullum (KOTC 18-3)

                                                                                                                           Tournament Championship                                                                                                                                                              

6  Urijah Faber  (WEC 23-4)                                                             

11  Manny Gambuyan (WEC 11-4)                                                               

Match 5                                         Winner 6/11                                 

                                                           QF3                     Winner QF3

Match 6                                         Winner 3/14                                 

3  Marlon Sandro (WVR 16-1)                                      

14  Joe Soto (Bellator 9-0)                                                                                             

                                                                                         Semi-Final 2                                         

7  Miguel Torres (WEC 37-3)

10  Wagnney Fabiano (WEC 13-2)

Match 7                                          Winner 7/10

                                                            QF4                     Winner QF4

Match 8                                          Winner 2/15

2  Dominic Cruz (WEC 15-1)

15 Jung Chan Sung (WEC 10-2)

Match #4:  Power, power, power...  Mike Brown has it, and he also has the victory, with 60% of the Vote.  Mikes strength proved to much for Abel as he was booted from the competition by the former WEC Champ...

Match #5:  The California Kid and the Anvil get ready to throw down in mix of speed and raw strength.  Faber has hit a rough patch, losing 3 of 5.  While Manvil is hitting his stride going 3-0 since entering the WEC.  Can Buttchin show why he was once the most dominant man in the featherweight division, or will the Anvil make him consider a permanent drop to the 135lbs class?

So lets hear it Maniacs.  Will the favorites move on, or will we see an underdog rise to the top?  You decide.