Prodigy.  One word defined as having extraordinary talent at a young age.  In a MMA dictionary it refers to one incredible fighter that has made a living out of submitting top talent time and time again.  Tonight Penn will lay his title on the line against Diego Sanchez, arguably his toughest test at 155 to date.  Strap on tight, here is the preview and predictions for UFC 107.

The Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA could use someone like Struve.  His hight would be a great addition to one of the worst teams in the league…Unfortunately he is stepping into the cage and not onto the hardwood!  Tonight he will be taking on a tough opponent in Paul Buentello.  This is his UFC return.  He last fought in the cage in 2006 and has a record of 3-4 in the UFC.

Prediction:  Struve is improving with every day, his height is nothing more than an incredible took at his disposal.  If he uses his length in this one, he could be in for a great night.  Combine that with the nerves and emotion of making a return to the UFC after 3 years…  Things are looking up for Struve. The tree will not be chopped on this night.

Struve by TKO

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida:

The most exciting fighter in the UFC (outside of the cage) is Clay Guida.  His entrance gets you pumped!  He always has a smile and has a never ending flow of energy.  The operative statement…  Outside of the cage.  If you could take his heart and determination and put it into a hand full of other fighters, they would be the greatest of all time!  Unfortunately Clay’s skill set does not equal the competitive level at which he is fighting.

Kenny Florian was supposed to be the guy to finally challenge Baby J.  Not so much!  His loss to Penn was lost in the Anderson Silva demolition of Forrest Griffin.  Ken-Flo is still one of the best in the division, but Penn is on top of this mountain (more later).

Prediction:  I love Clay Guida.  He is everything that the hardcore MMA fan loves, but like I said earlier…  He just can’t fight with the likes of Penn, Florian, Sanchez or whatever you consider to be the top 3 in this division.  This is going to be exciting, but Kenny will take it.

Florian by unanimous decision.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce:

Jon Fitch is back.  His name became household when he stepped up against the Canadian Superstar GSP.  He wasn’t able to pull off the stunning upset, but he is still one of the best fighters in the world.  Don’t believe me?  His 10-1 record in the UFC agrees with me.  He has won two in a row and another win will get him back into title contention.

Pierce on the other hand is the relative unknown underdog.  His latest win against Brock Larson got Larson the UFC boot and earned him a huge shot at a true contender.  Let’s be honest a win by Pierce is as likely as Tim Tebow winning this year’s Heisman (and he wont).

Prediction:  Do you own a trampoline?  Pierce is going to be Fight’s.  A highlight win here gets Jon back into title contention and a possible shot at Matt Hughes in the spring.

Fitch by TKO (Highlight reel)

 

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce:

Jon Fitch is back.  His name became household when he stepped up against the Canadian Superstar GSP.  He wasn’t able to pull off the stunning upset, but he is still one of the best fighters in the world.  Don’t believe me?  His 10-1 record in the UFC agrees with me.  He has won two in a row and another win will get him back into title contention.

Pierce on the other hand is the relative unknown underdog.  His latest win against Brock Larson got Larson the UFC boot and earned him a huge shot at a true contender.  Let’s be honest a win by Pierce is as likely as Tim Tebow winning this year’s Heisman (and he wont).

Prediction:  Do you own a trampoline?  Pierce is going to be Fight’s.  A highlight win here gets Jon back into title contention and a possible shot at Matt Hughes in the spring.

Fitch by TKO (Highlight reel)

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo:

Have you ever wanted something so bad that it takes control of your life?  Putting yourself in a sense of tunnel vision until you get it?  We very well could be seeing this with Frank Mir!  All you hear from the heavyweight contender is Brock Lesnar this and Lesnar that.  He may get a rubber match with the champ in 2010, but only if he can win fights like this.  This is a very dangerous fight for what could be an unfocused Frank Mir.

Kongo is a beast.  One of those that you would cross the street before passing on the sidewalk.  This is a huge fight for him!  The door is beyond wide open for him to take advantage of Mir.  A lot of people may not agree with me, but this is a very winnable fight for Kongo.  Two reasons…One you already know (Mir’s mental game).  The second is that Mir may have an unwarranted faith in his hands after he picked a part Nog.  Standing with Kongo could be bad for Frank.  If he does he may never get the chance to fight Brock Lasnar because he will be going down the mountain instead of up it.

Prediction:  If this one goes to the ground then it is good night for Kongo.  Mir has top level jits and would take advantage of any limb left loos.  That being said, Mir has been training every minute of everyday for Brock Lesnar.  He is fighting Kongo, and one kick to the face could equal nighty night.

Kongo by TKO

B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez:

This could be the toughest competition that Penn has faced in the 155 pound division.  Since his loss to Matt Hughes in 2006 Penn has been on a tear.  Losing only to GSP in a bout not in this weight class.  He has defeated the likes of Kenny Florian, Sean Sherk, Jens Pulver, and Joe Stevenson in one of the most dominating championship runs in the history of the UFC.  Every one of those fighters could have gave Penn fits, but he has been nothing but untouchable in this division.  I will put it this way.  I am not a Penn fan at all, but if there was no Anderson, Fedor, or GSP, Penn would be the hands down favorite for the P4P best fighter in the world.

Diego Sanchez has been around the block for awhile now.  A member of the original TUF class, he has only lost twice in the past four years.  Those losses were against Koscheck and John Fitch.  Take AKA out of the mix, then he is undefeated…  Diego’s transition to the Ribero camp could prove to be the difference in this one.  Arguably the best jits camp in the word, they may have an answer for Penn’s viscous ground game.

I have picked against Penn in his last four fights at 55.  I have been 0-4 in those predictions.  The Prodigy is truly one of the greatest fighters ever, but I still can’t call him a favorite.  He has always been portrayed as the guy who didn’t train properly, had terrible cardio, and could be great but isn’t…  Penn may have turned that corner.  He has been all but unbeatable at 155 and a win here puts him in rare-ified air among the best ever.

Prediction:  Like I said, I have picked against Penn until I am blue in the face.  I want Diego to win, but I am going to pick against him.  I feel that Penn’s jab could keep him on his heels, and that is noth the place he wants to be.  This fight will hit the ground, and when it does we will see just how good Diego is.  This could be a closer fight than a lot expect, but Penn should be able to get the victory, Diego will get excited and make a mistake, resulting in a Penn submission.

Penn by submission.

Don't forget to check out the entire piece at this link

The Miami Dolphins kept their season and postseason hopes alive with an incredible win against New England last weekend.  The Fins are now only one game back for the division lead, and suddenly have a real shot to make the playoffs.  Hanging right with the Fins is the Jets, but the Dolphins own the tiebreaker.

Here is the remaining schedules of the threats to win the AFC East...

Miami:     

Dec 13 - Jax Jags

This is the day that could tie these two teams.  Miami will take on a team that is known for being inconsistent.  If the not-so-good Jags show up, then this could be a fairly easy win.  On the other hand, if the very good Jags show up, the tears could flow.  I see Miami using their D, pressuring the QB, and running all day.  This will get them a tough win in Northern Florida.

Dec 20 - TN Titans

The Tennessee V-Youngs are still one of the hottest teams in the league, but are they really that good?  The Fins can shut down Chris Johnson, and VY.  This is a very winnable game...unless Johnson turns this into a track meet...

Dec 27 - Houston Texans

The Texans seem to be the home of the injury bug.  I see this as the easiest game on the Fins' remaining schedule.

Jan 3 - Pittsburg Steelers

This game has playoff implications all over it!  The Fins may NEED a win to get in, the same for the Steelers.  If the Steelers aren't in the playoff hunt, I expect them to roll over in a sense which would be great for the Fins.

New England:

Dec 13 - Carolina Panthers

The Pats are pissed, and possibly on the edge of imploding!  The great veterans of the northeast are now just old guys that can't run, cut, or tackle.  It is killing them.  This is going to be a much closer game than many believe.  The Cats are going to run all day, and unless Tom has a...well...Tom Brady like day...then they will lose.

Dec 20 - Buff Bills

Lets face it, the Bills are terrible....Don't expect an upset here...The Bills already stole their one win of the year from the AFC East...This wont be close.

Dec 27 - Jax Jags

The Roulette Wheel of the league is back again, this time trying to stop New England.  Be careful in this one, it has a trap game sort of feel.  This will be a must win game, and if the Jags are ready to play, they could steal one.

Jan 3 - Houston Texans

This is for all of the marbles.  A win here more than likely solidifies the division title, a loss opens the door for a miraculous Miami season...GO TEXANS, the Fins will need you to win this game.

Jets:

Dec 13 - Tampa Bay Buccs

Sanchez not playing could be a blessing in disguise...Could be a close game, but one the Jets should win.

Dec 20 - Atlanta Falcons

Dec 27 - Indy Colts

Jan 3 - Cincy Bengals

All three of the final games for the Jets are very tough.  Their D can't stop Peyton Manning, or the running games of the Bengals or Falcons...The Jets aren't going to be in the run for the postseason, because they are not going to win enough of these games.

Making the playoffs is not going to be an easy road by any stretch of the imagination.  Both the Pats and Fins have arguably the same type of schedule.  Both could finish 4-0, or could go 0-4.  It is going to be a great finish to the year.  I am rooting for the Pats to implode and open the door for a second straight division title!

Go Fins!

I hope you guys like this, I usually post at my blog but figured I would share this here.

That is right.  Shane Carwin wants to fight or train with Fedor!

About Fedor...

BL: If you could fight any one fighter past or present who would it be?

SC: I’d love to fight or train with Fedor. I have a ton of respect for him as a fighter and a man.

Future up and comer....

BL: Are there any young fighters that you are training with that we should look out for?

SC: Brendan Schaub, I suspect he will become an elite Heavyweight in the next few years.

Wanna coach TUF?

 

BL: How do you feel about the heavyweights that came off of this year’s Ultimate Fighter?

SC: They need to get that cardio up for sure. Guys like Cain Velasquez have unlimited gas tanks and you do not want to gas against the UFC’s elite heavyweights. I think some of those guys are going to be a force in the division and I look forward to seeing them rise to the top.

BL: How would you feel about an opportunity to coach on the show?

SC: I really enjoy my family too much to be away from them. If it was summer and I could bring them with me I might consider it. I am a guy in need of coaching, I am still learning and evolving into the fighter I want to become. I can think of a lot better choices than me to teach the future fighters.

Again, here is the full interview

Tonight is something we have all been waiting for: the conclusion of this season of TUF, the end of the Kimbo weekly drama (catch the show this week to see Kimbo's return), and the constant bickering between Rampage and Rashad.

While, we are hoping the fights will be better tonight, we at least get more real UFC fighters on the card, and less TUF types.

Here are a few clips and my thoughts...

Marcus “Big Baby/ The Darkness” Jones vs. Matt “Meat Head” Mitrione

This will be the first bout of the TV card and one that many want to see.  Meat Head aggravated people all season and most will be rooting against him in this fight.  Davis became the favorite of the show as his size, strength, and huge teddy bear appeal warmed the hearts of his viewers (and plants).

Prediction:  Both of these guys are very green, Meat Head could very well KO Jones.  Both are former football players, and at some point this one will go to the ground, when it does Jones will dominate.

Jones by submission

Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander:

TUF 10 will forever be known as the season of Kimbo.  Believe it or not, a lot of the hardcore MMA fans started coming around and rooting for Kimbo, but the constant pressure of Kimbo down your throat, and him not stepping up to fight changed most of their minds.  Houston on the other hand is the UFC’s version of Kimbo…No ground game, hated on by many…  This could actually be a decent fight.

Prediction:

Kimbo has never fought anyone that can bang like Houston.  When Kimbo denied the chance to fight for the contract it made me question his motives.  If he doesn’t want this, and is pressured by Alexander, then he may fold.  That is what I expect!  Houston by TKO!  If Houston does not win, expect the UFC to hand him his walking papers.

The rest of my predictions can be found right here.

Tonight is something we have all been waiting for, the conclusion of this season of TUF, the end of the Kimbo weekly drama (catch the show this week to see Kimbo's return), and the constant bickering between Rampage and Rashad.

While, we are hoping the fights will be better tonight, we at least get more real UFC fighters on the card, and less TUF types.

I put all of my preview and predictions AT THIS LINK

Here are a few clips and my thoughts...

Marcus “Big Baby/ The Darkness” Jones vs. Matt “Meat Head” Mitrione

This will be the first bout of the TV card and one that many want to see.  Meat Head aggravated people all season and most will be rooting against him in this fight.  Davis became the favorite of the show as his size, strength, and huge teddy bear appeal warmed the hearts of his viewers (and plants).

Prediction:  Both of these guys are very green, Meat Head could very well KO Jones.  Both are former football players, and at some point this one will go to the ground, when it does Jones will dominate.

Jones by submission

Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander:

TUF 10 will forever be known as the season of Kimbo.  Believe it or not, a lot of the hardcore MMA fans started coming around and rooting for Kimbo, but the constant pressure of Kimbo down your throat, and him not stepping up to fight changed most of their minds.  Houston on the other hand is the UFC’s version of Kimbo…No ground game, hated on by many…  This could actually be a decent fight.

Prediction:

Kimbo has never fought anyone that can bang like Houston.  When Kimbo denied the chance to fight for the contract it made me question his motives.  If he doesn’t want this, and is pressured by Alexander, then he may fold.  That is what I expect!  Houston by TKO!  If Houston does not win, expect the UFC to hand him his walking papers.

 

The rest of the predictions can be found at this link!

You have to admit, even thought the Tiger Show has been all over the news, this picture is pretty funny. 

via curtisandkyle.com

My Stance:

Tiger Woods is one of the most influential people to ever pick up a golf club.  The things he has done not only for his sport, Stanford, and people around the world are incredible in themselves.  People often forget that Tiger is an athlete.  His occupation in life is to hit a ball in a cup.

Yes he should be held to a specific standard, but until you understand his position we can't hate on him.  We have no clue what was going on behind closed doors with his wife and family.  For all we know, they could have been heading toward a divorce.

At the same time he could have been cheating the whole time...  At the end of the day it is his business and once he wins that next major we will forget all about this...

Just ask Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Alex Rodriguez, and all of the other super stars that have done wrong and lived to move past their errors.

After the disappointing loss to the Bills, the playoff picture for the Fins seems to be a bit darker than many fans would like.  Tonight the division leading Pats will take on the high flying Saints. 

As a Fins fan I know that this game is huge!  If the Pats win here, it will all but knock the Dolphins out of the playoff picture.

On my personal blog I broke down three reasons why the Pats will lose this game.

HERE IS THE LINK

Not spamming, I pasted the post below.  Feel free to check out my blog, but the post in its entirety is below.

GO FINS!

Tonight is arguably the biggest football game to date.  

The New England Patriots are amidst a playoff run, and the Saints are having their best season in history.  The game has true meaning and playoff implications, and will indeed be a great game!

I usually don’t do this but I am going to give it a go.

Pick the Saints for a victory tonight.

Reason #1

The game is being played at the Super Dome.  Once the place of pain and suffering with the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina is now a place for celebration and smiles.  The Saints are undefeated this season and have played great at home.  This is the their biggest game of the year and the crowd will be loud!  The Pats have only won one game on the road this season and that was against a dismal Tampa Bay Buccs.  Home field advantage is important and will be the main reason the Saints will be victorious.

Reason #2

D!  Enough said!  You have heard it time and time again, defense wins championships.  The Saints have been playing great on both sides of the ball the entire year, and is the main reason they are undefeated.  They are hungry and are seeing the field very well.  The key will be the secondaries tonight.  Frankly put, New England’s isn’t very good.  That will play into the hands of Drew Brees and cost Mr. Brady the game.

Reason #3

Brett Farve…You are probably scratching your head and wondering how Brett Farve could have any affect on this game at all.  Well, the old man has stepped up his already Hall of Fame career as he is leading the one loss Vikings like never before.  If the Saints want to have home field advantage they need a win.  They know they play better at home, and know this win would be key as they push toward the postseason.

There are three solid reasons why the Pats will lose tonight!  It is also possible that the coaching decisions against the Colts will have an affect at some point later this year.  If this is a close game, with Brady driving, watch how the O is called.  It is a matter of time before Coach B has to make another decision…

I expect a great game tonight!  It will be one with a lot of action and possibly an instant classic.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope you all have a great day with family and friends (if possible).

This morning I was going through old video clips and wanted to post something that would be some what related to the Thanksgiving holiday.

What I found is pretty funny.  It is an oldie but goodie of Dave Kaplan.  At this point many of you already know what vid this is!

In it, Dave Kaplan is very thankful for his amazing iron chin.  One that is untouchable!  He can not be knocked out!...RIGHT, heard that one before...MICHAEL BISPING...

I also posted this vid up at my website located here.

This is the ultimate MMA what if question.  Wrestlers have done their share of dominating the MMA world.  What would have happened if the greatest wrestler of all time competed in MMA?

HERE is a link of the post written by Robert.  He shares some great points!  This is a very good read.

It is often said that one of the best bases to have as a mixed martial artist is wresting. Wrestling, in all of its forms, is a sport that is all about leverage and control.

Many fighters who have come from a strong wrestling background have found great success. Just look across the MMA landscape today as it is littered with champion wrestlers making the transition to the sport.

The reason wrestlers have excelled in MMA is not due solely to wrestling itself. Wrestlers are successful because of the drive, determination, and work ethic that they bring with them.

If there is one man who epitomizes wrestling, drive, determination, and work ethic it is Dan Gable.

Impressive....

While attending college and after his collegiate career Gable competed in the Olympic wrestling style of freestyle. Gable was a six-time midlands champion and a three-time USA Freestyle National Champion. In 1971 Gable become World Champion, winning the 68kg division in Sofia, Bulgaria.

In 1972, when the Olympics invaded Munich, the goal was simple; bring home the gold. During these historic Olympics Gable would not only win the gold but he did so without surrendering a single point to his opposition.

What if....

It is not difficult to imagine that had MMA been an avenue available to the Olympic champion it would have been something to consider. For many college wrestlers MMA has become the most suitable path to choose when following the dream of professional athletics.

Gable could have been a force inside the octagon, and would have likely competed at lightweight. The lightweight division has truly become a fan favorite with the incredible pace that the athletes are able to fight at. Gable would have surly been at home in that atmosphere.

With an unstoppable shot and flawless transitions Dan Gable would have ruled the lightweight land. The ability that he possessed to throw and control another human was unreal.

We will never know if Gable could learn to strike, or if he could even take a punch, but we do know that he could wrestle. With his caliber of wrestling, and his work ethic he would have become a champion.

This is the ultimate MMA what if question.  Wrestlers have done their share of dominating the MMA world.  What would have happened if the greatest wrestler of all time competed in MMA?

HERE is a link of the post written by Robert.  He shares some great points!  This is a very good read.

It is often said that one of the best bases to have as a mixed martial artist is wresting. Wrestling, in all of its forms, is a sport that is all about leverage and control.

Many fighters who have come from a strong wrestling background have found great success. Just look across the MMA landscape today as it is littered with champion wrestlers making the transition to the sport.

The reason wrestlers have excelled in MMA is not due solely to wrestling itself. Wrestlers are successful because of the drive, determination, and work ethic that they bring with them.

If there is one man who epitomizes wrestling, drive, determination, and work ethic it is Dan Gable.

Impressive....

While attending college and after his collegiate career Gable competed in the Olympic wrestling style of freestyle. Gable was a six-time midlands champion and a three-time USA Freestyle National Champion. In 1971 Gable become World Champion, winning the 68kg division in Sofia, Bulgaria.

In 1972, when the Olympics invaded Munich, the goal was simple; bring home the gold. During these historic Olympics Gable would not only win the gold but he did so without surrendering a single point to his opposition.

What if....

It is not difficult to imagine that had MMA been an avenue available to the Olympic champion it would have been something to consider. For many college wrestlers MMA has become the most suitable path to choose when following the dream of professional athletics.

Gable could have been a force inside the octagon, and would have likely competed at lightweight. The lightweight division has truly become a fan favorite with the incredible pace that the athletes are able to fight at. Gable would have surly been at home in that atmosphere.

With an unstoppable shot and flawless transitions Dan Gable would have ruled the lightweight land. The ability that he possessed to throw and control another human was unreal.

We will never know if Gable could learn to strike, or if he could even take a punch, but we do know that he could wrestle. With his caliber of wrestling, and his work ethic he would have become a champion.