via cdn1.sbnation.com

The Results:

Main Event:

UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos defeats Frank Mir via TKO (Strikes) Round 2

Main Card (pay-per-view):

265 lbs.: Cain Velasquez defeats Antonio Silva via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
265 lbs.: Roy Nelson defeats Dave Herman via KO (Strikes) Round 1
265 lbs.: Stipe Miocic defeats Shane del Rosario via TKO (Strikes) Round 2
265 lbs.: Stefan Struve defeats Lavar Johnson via Submission (Arm Bar) Round 1

Preliminary Card (FX Channel):

145 lbs.: Darren Elkins def. Diego Brandao via unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Jamie Varner def. Edson Barboza via TKO (strikes) at 3:23 of round one
185 lbs.: C.B. Dollaway def. Jason Miller via unanimous decision
170 lbs.: Dan Hardy def. Duane Ludwig via KO at 3:51 of round one

Preliminary Card (Facebook):

155 lbs.: Paul Sass def. Jacob Volkmann via submission (triangle armbar) at 1:54 of round one
205 lbs.: Glover Teixeira def. Kyle Kingsbury via submission (arm triangle choke) at 1:53 of round one
145 lbs.: Mike Brown def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision

Phase's By The Books:

• No surprises here. It was a given fact that Junior Dos Santos will knockout Frank Mir in the same manner that a White Guy With Guitar will win the American Idol.
• Cain Velasquez looked ready to regain his belt back. Cain is the closest threat to dethroning Cigano and his performance against Big Foot solidified that.
• Peewee Herman should be cut for getting caught with that right hand that you can see even from a mile away. Ulf said he had some concerns with Peewee's cardio, well Roy made sure he will never problematize with that.
• Technique beats power 9 out of 10 times. Make it 11 out of 10 if you're fighting Lavar Johnson
• Shane Del Rosario looked promising but he has to work on his cardio and wrestling. Him and Gonzaga should duke it out.
• The same chance as Jessica Sanchez was given to Jamie Varner of defeating the Barboza wreck train. But unlike Jessica, Varner actually exposed the Brazilian's wrestling and chin flaws. Congrats Jamie, I am not sure why people are booing him, the guy gives good fights.
• Cardinal rule: Never bet on Jason Miller again. Never.
• Dan Hardy remained an employee of Zuffa. He will start getting 0-4 again. Believe me.
• What did I tell you about the Sassangle showing up on Sunday? It did.

Mania Fight Camp:

• Despite everyone knowing that Mir is getting knocked out, 1 member of the camp still picked him. That's shameful.
• 20 people were duped by Mayhem's Chimpanzees.
• 17 people did not believe in Dan Hardy, 10 people laughed after the Outlaw knocked out Bang.
• 10 people believed in my prediction that the Sassangle will show up and it did. Unfortunately for me, I did not believe my own prediction.
• 3 people believed Elkins has a chance.
• 4 people gave Kingsbury's wrestling a chance to win over a newcomer.
• 16 people thought Mike Brown is too old.
• Despite being a common knowledge that Cain will obliterate Big Foot, 1 guy (or girl?) from the camp still picked Big Foot. Come on son!
• 8 people believed Del Rosario will win his debut.
• 7 people actually had the nerve to pick Peewee.
• 0 as in Nada picked Varner to win. He proved us all wrong.
• 6 people got 0 for the Hot Bout.

Mania 1 Scores:

• Ricky Dooby/sticky fingers has been on a roll in this pool and this event he showcased his stellar picking abilities scoring 80 points getting 9 out of 12 correct picks (JDS, Hardy, Sass, Texeira, Brown, Velasquez, Miocic, Nelson and Struve). It helped Dooby's case that he/she scored perfectly on the hot bout. Our dear got perfect points on Hardy and Brown. Way to go Doobs.
• Joben , who declared in one thread that he is not good with the money pool picking, proved himself wrong for this event. He tied Doobs with 80 points. Our candidate fore Rookie of the Year only managed to pick 7 out of 12 fights correct but he got five things that helped his case: Full points on JDS, Elkins, Velasquez, Miocic and Struve. Congratulations Joben.
• Mania's OG Ulf_Murphy placed third for this event and is just 1 point shy of also being in the top.Murph got 9 out of 12 fights correct and he got full points on Struve, Miocic, Brown and Dolloway.

Bottom Dweller of the Event Award:

• Johnny WF should get this award but he only picked two fights. This award now rightfully belongs to Deuce02, who despite picking all fights, managed to just pick 5 out of 12 correctly. He scored a measly 31 points and will get a sig from sticky fingers/Ricky dooby.Make it good on him Doobs!

The rest of the scores:

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	80	ricky-dooby	View Picks
1	80	Joben	View Picks
3	79	Ulf_Murphy	View Picks
4	70	freenow82	View Picks
4	70	Rilly	View Picks
6	66	BNF	View Picks
6	66	ItalianStallion54	View Picks
8	65	kg12	View Picks
8	65	goldmouth	View Picks
10	64	scarnon	View Picks
11	63	thepride	View Picks
12	60	jayw27	View Picks
13	59	ViolentMike	View Picks
13	59	Phasebook	View Picks
15	57	Yan117	View Picks
15	57	P-Dub	View Picks
17	55	ShivanTiger	View Picks
17	55	wyldeman99	View Picks
19	52	sarah-	View Picks
20	51	Rolandando	View Picks
21	49	unambig	View Picks
22	47	Amos14	View Picks
23	46	Dlocc	View Picks
24	44	Jido7	View Picks
25	42	Agar	View Picks
26	39	Loonz	View Picks
27	31	Deuce02	View Picks
28	18	JohnnyWF	View Picks

The Rankings After Three (3) Events:

• We have a new leader on top as Ricky-Dooby managed to get past the Beerman. Three points is nothing though as we still have 7 more events (4 of which will be in June!)
• ShivanTiger, despite managing just 55 points for event 3, is just a 3 point- basket behind Ricky Doobs. Good luck with the new job Shivan. I hope you can still bless us with your humor.
• Commissioner Jay is still third and is consistently getting high scores. You probably got your swagger back Commish!
• It is a very close race for the top 10 and those placed 11 below still have their chances.

Season
MMA Playground season 13: The 13th Warrior 3 / 10 events complete
Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	208	ricky-dooby	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
2	205	ShivanTiger	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
3	199	jayw27	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
4	195	Ulf_Murphy	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
5	190	Rilly	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
6	186	Phasebook	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
7	182	kg12	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
8	181	unambig	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
9	179	ItalianStallion54	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
10	177	Joben	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
11	170	scarnon	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
12	167	BNF	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
13	166	freenow82	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
13	166	Yan117	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
14	162	ViolentMike	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
14	162	sarah-	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
15	158	Agar	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
16	157	goldmouth	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
17	155	Dlocc	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
18	153	P-Dub	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
19	150	Deuce02	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
20	146	wyldeman99	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
21	142	thepride	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
22	139	Rolandando	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
23	137	Amos14	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
24	125	Jido7	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
25	120	Loonz	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
26	94	JohnnyWF	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149

Event Winners ( I know you won't be paid but you need to be advertised guys):

• Event 1: unambig
• Event 2: Shivan Tiger
• Event 3: Ricky Dooby

Maniacs By The Books:

• Pineda is going to light Brown up on the feet in the first, take him down in the second, and then get the "uncle" tap. - unambig
• Barboza will lay a smackdown on Varner that should make his return to the UFC brief. - unambig
• Finally, a can for Big Country to crush. After Peewee's last mediocre performance, I don't see how Nelson can lose this. He can land the big shots, take Herman down, and pound him out. This fight shouldn't last long, even if Herman plays keepaway tag for a while. - unambig
• elkins is ass. his best win is over tiequan and he robbed omigawa. – The Pride
• and what the fuck has Brandao done? he got a hail mary arm bar against a guy that was coming off of two consecutive losses and who looked like complete ass in his last fight against an extremely average scarecrow. Elkins has fought much better competition and only has two career losses. – Shivan Tiger
• Brandao will put elkins on his ass with mere pressure... elkins has little to no chance - scarnon

I will leave the discussions to you Maniacs!

via i741.photobucket.com

Important Announcements:

• If you cannot see your name in the camp that only means two things: Your payment did not reach Jay on time or you voluntarily shrugged your balls and your courage and spirit to compete in this pool got shattered when you saw Jay, ricky-dooby and sarah getting back to their old form picking-wise.
• I see a lot of people showing their picks on Mania threads and yet they don't have the balls to join the league. Guess what, you guys can show those picks but we won't care as long as you do not have the nutsack to join us in the Money Pool. Until you can pitch your $20 donation, don't bother showing your picks.
• As early as now, if you want to join next season please contact our Commissioner Jay through his email address: jaywhyte27@yahoo.com.
• Don't come up with reasons like you don't have $20 or you're busy or you don't trust people on the internet. Just man up, join the Money Pool and show us your mettle. Only then can you say that you're a real man.

UFC ON FUEL TV 3 QUICK RESULTS:

Wow. What can I say? Only 4 out of 24 people in the Mania Camp thought that the Korean Zombie has a chance of beating the Diamond. Turned out, there's more than meets the eye for the Korean Zombie as he submitted Poirier in the fourth round. Zombie showed a complete skill set from sick transitions,, very good ground game and fluid striking. After the fight, a lot of Maniacs are saying that Koch should give way to the Korean Zombie against Scarface. Count me in.

Main Event:

145 lbs.: Chan Sung Jung def. Dustin Poirier via submission (D'Arce choke) at 1:10 of round four

Main Card (FUEL TV):

170 lbs.: Amir Sadollah def. Jorge Lopez via split decision
155 lbs.: Donald Cerrone def. Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision
135 lbs.: Yves Jabouin def. Jeff Hougland via unanimous decision
205 lbs.: Igor Pokrajac def. Fabio Maldonado via unanimous decision
185 lbs.: Tom Lawlor def. Jason MacDonald via knockout at 0:50 of round one

"Prelims" Card (Facebook):

185 lbs.: Brad Tavares def. Dongi Yang via unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Cody McKenzie def. Marcus LeVesseur via submission (guillotine) at 3:05 of round one
170 lbs.: T.J. Grant def. Carlo Prater via unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Rafael Dos Anjos def. Kamal Shalorus via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:20 of round one
135 lbs.: Johnny Eduardo def Jeff Curran via unanimous decision
135 lbs.: Francisco Rivera def. Alex Soto via unanimous decision

Phase's By the Books:

• The Korean Zombie should get the title shot if Eric Koch gets injured in camp for the Aldo fight. His slick ground game, fluid striking and complete mixed-martial arts skill sets are well-deserving of Scarface at this point. If he is not given a title shot, give him Dennis Siver.
• I don't know what came up on Dana, the Fertita's or Joe Silva's minds when they let Amir and Monster take the co-main event of the evening. Lopez showed nothing in that fight except to wall and stall and grind out a decision. Fortunately, Amir got the nod.
• The fight between Cowboy and Lil Heathen proved that Stephens is a one-dimensional striker and that Cowboy is definitely top 10 in the LW Division. Cowboy vs Florian? Anyone?
• 8 out of 12 fights went to decision and some of them are simply sores to the eye. See Tavares-Yang and Jabouin-Hougland.
• Igor and Fabio put up a fantastic fight of the night candidate that was only eclipsed by the wonderful showing of Korean Zombie.
• Jason MacDonald's chin has already reached Jonathan Goulet status. I hope he fights one last time in Calgary against a TUF competitor and he retires.
• Do not bet on anyone hyped by Brian Heminger: Remember Maxi Blanco and John Lineker? Now add Marcus Levesseur to that list of Brian Heminger hyped fighters who never live up to their debuts in the Octagon. You're 0-3 now Hemmi!

Mania Fight Camp Summary:

• Despite Jason MacDonald's tendency to be tagged or quit while in the fight, 12 people in the camp still picked him.
• Only 4 people joined the Korean Zombie Mania and they get rewarded.
• There were 4 people who thought Monster Lopez had a chance against Amir. Well, considering how bad that fight turned out, I don't care who won. It's just that I am on the correct side of the fence for this fight.
• Again, 4 people picked the Ox to do some heavy carrying, Tavares is too much baggage to handle though. The fight sucked and I hope both of them get cut after that showing.
• As if not enough, another 4 people picked the guy that won over Erick Silva by disqualification. The 24 people that picked Grant were laughing now.
• 5 people thought Lil Heathen will KO Cerrone. Bad news. Cowboy is top 10 and Stephens is just a striker.
• The magic number appeared again as 4 people picked Kamal to win against Dos Anjos. Well, Kamal's weakness is his tendency to get submitted. It happened again. This time in Round One.
• This one was a case of reversal: 4 people were caught laughing at the other 24 as Eduardo decisioned Curran. What more can I say, Curran let us down again.
• Related to the above post, the same 4 people were boisterously laughing at the other 24 as Igor won against Fabio in a breath taking display of striking: body shots, knees, elbows, fists, kicks.
• 9 people thought Hougland will win, to the delight of the 18 people who thought Jabouin is better.
• 18 people were once again fooled by Brian Hemminger's build-up of Levesseur. You know what Cody codified him by a guillotine choke in round one. Typical Cody. Heminger is now 0-3.
• Despite all the reviews and analysis saying that Cisco is better than Soto, 6 people still picked Soto. Unbelievable.
• Of the four people (ShivanTiger, Deuce02, jay and ItalianStallion54) who got the hot bout, Only ShivanTiger and Deuce02 were able to nail the he full 22 points. Good job Beer Man and Deuce.
• Props also to stinky fingers/ricky-dooby for being the only one to pick a Korean Zombie submission on the 4th round! and a Johnny Eduardo decision. Wow you're getting back to your old form doobs!
• ViolentMike continued finding his inner Kyu-given strength as he once again correctly picked Tom Lawlor by 1st round knockout and Rafael Dos Anjos submission in the 1st round.

The Scores:

• Getting this event's valedictory award is no other than the Beer Man himself ShivanTiger who showed his impressive picking abilities scoring 89 points by getting 10/12 correct picks. Shivan's excessive love affair with MacDonald cost him points though. Just like the majority, he also gain nothing by picking on Poirier. But what saved our event champion was getting the full 22 points by picking Igor to decision Fabio. Shivan was also among the fantastic four (Yan117, ShivanTiger, P-Dub and ricky-dooby) who got extra 2 points on Eduardo.
• Garnering the salutatory award is yours truly, the birthday boy Phasebook who scored 83 points and picking 10/12 correct fights. Quite impressive is the fact that yours truly missed the hot bout (as has always been the case) but I managed to squeak in those points by getting full points on Rivera, McKenzie, Jabouin, Cerrone, Grant and Tavares. I have to admit that placing 2nd in this event, competing against the best of the best in the world of MMA picking, is one of the best birthday gifts I have received in my 20+ years of existence in this world.
• Lastly, getting third place is the suddenly resurging and resurrecting career of ricky-dooby/sticky fingers. Mr. Doobs scored an impressive 79 points and getting 9/12 correct picks. Doobs, and here I will repeat, is the only one in the Mania camp to pick a Jung submission in the 4th round and an Eduardo full points. What caused Dooby a first-place finish is his love affair for Iranian-Persians (see Kamal Shalorus) and Canadians who boast of having in their arsenal a hybrid of glass and chin (see Jason MacDonald).

Bedshitter of the event award:

• Fellow darksider and DetroitDrew protege Jido7 gets this infamous awards as he scored a measly 32 points and getting only 6/12 correct picks. I don't know what happened but you should proudly wear your signature of shame from ShivanTiger that you will have to wear proudly.

The scores:

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	89	ShivanTiger	View Picks
2	83	Phasebook	View Picks
3	79	ricky-dooby	View Picks
4	77	jayw27	View Picks
5	72	sarah-	View Picks
6	71	ItalianStallion54	View Picks
7	66	Agar	View Picks
8	63	Ulf_Murphy	View Picks
8	63	thepride	View Picks
8	63	unambig	View Picks
11	62	Deuce02	View Picks
12	61	ViolentMike	View Picks
12	61	kg12	View Picks
14	57	BNF	View Picks
14	57	scarnon	View Picks
16	56	freenow82	View Picks
17	55	Rilly	View Picks
18	50	Rolandando	View Picks
19	49	Joben	View Picks
19	49	goldmouth	View Picks
21	45	Yan117	View Picks
21	45	Amos14	View Picks
23	44	Dlocc	View Picks
23	44	wyldeman99	View Picks
25	39	JohnnyWF	View Picks
26	36	P-Dub	View Picks
27	33	Loonz	View Picks
28	32	Jido7	View Picks

Points Total as of 2 events:

• ShivanTiger leads the pack with 150 points
• Resurging Commissioner Jay is second at 139 points
• Close third is ricky-dooby with 128 points

The rest of the scores:

Season
MMA Playground season 13: The 13th Warrior 2 / 10 events complete
Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	150	ShivanTiger	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
2	139	jayw27	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
3	132	unambig	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
4	128	ricky-dooby	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
5	127	Phasebook	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
6	120	Rilly	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
7	119	Deuce02	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
8	117	kg12	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
9	116	Ulf_Murphy	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
9	116	Agar	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
10	113	ItalianStallion54	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
11	110	sarah-	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
12	109	Yan117	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
12	109	Dlocc	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
13	106	scarnon	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
14	103	ViolentMike	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
15	101	BNF	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
16	97	Joben	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
17	96	freenow82	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
17	96	P-Dub	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
18	92	goldmouth	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
19	91	wyldeman99	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
20	90	Amos14	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
21	88	Rolandando	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
22	81	Loonz	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
22	81	Jido7	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
23	79	thepride	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149
24	76	JohnnyWF	(select event)UFC ON FOX 3UFC on FUEL 3UFC 146 : DOS SANTOS vs MIRTUF Live Finale 1UFC on FX 3UFC on FX 4: Guida vs. MaynardUFC 147UFC 148: SILVA VS SONNEN 2UFC ON FUEL 4UFC 149

Maniacs By the Books:

• I like all ur bets except Jung. I think he has close to no chance. – The Pride
• Although pure KOs are rare in the 135-pound division, I think that Soto's aggressiveness and Rivera's power leads to one conclusion. – unambig
• McKenzie by McKenzietune Round 1 – unambig
• MacDonald has displayed dangerous patience inside the cage. Lawlor, meanwhile, has shown a propensity to blow his load and then fade to the finish against Doerkson and Weidman. – unambig
• You know, standard stuff. Although Yves is on a bit of a streak and is no scrub, he's also been caught before. He will get caught again. – unambig
• Stephens is one of the most underrated guys out there imo hes still young, well rounded, and throws bombs. his last 2 losses have both been SDs and i think he easily won the guillard fight and won the pettis fight by a hair. Cerrone is a great opponent for him. Cerrone loves to brawl and has 0 head movement. he is getting beaten up. i dont think finished, but he’ll get dropped a couple of times – The Pride
• Lawlor has never showed me anything. ever. At least MacDonald can get the sub. Lawlor isn’t finishing him, if he wins, it’s a UD – Shivan Tiger

Anything you want to talk trash, hit the comments section. If you don't like the post because of the manual calculations, blame PG. I will update them later anyway after I wake up in the morning.

via i741.photobucket.com

Brandon Vera in the Philippines discovering that there is another UFC brand here (ketchup and hot sauce apparently)

From Brandon's Facebook Page:

I will be fighting on July 11th against Jmes Te Huna @ The Hp Pavilion. Munouz is headlining the card!! Good times ahead. To all my fans out there thank you for your support and I get it...... Believe me....I get it. I owe y'all big!!!!!!..............Don't miss the show!! Love to all!!!!

We all hope there is some semblance of "Truth" into that. Brandon "The Truth" Vera (12-5-1) has been on the shelf for quite some time after being cheated by Thiago Silva at the beginning of 2011 at UFC 125. While Vera was beaten to the pulp by a man who cannot even submit his own urine sample, many people have regarded him as a gatekeeper at best and journeyman worst, in the UFC's Light Heavyweight Division.

In his Facebook post, Brandon confirmed his outing with the one-trick pony Australian brawler James Te Huna (14-5). He said in the post that he is thankful for the support of the fans and that he gets it (the fight with Te Huna and what the fans want) and he owes the fans big. Unless you don't have the brain cells to understand his post, what Vera means is that he will deliver and win against the one-dimensional Aussie.

Say all you want against Brandon, but his 2 losses have come at heavyweight, he was overwhelmed by Jones, took Jardine lightly and was cheated by the judges in the Couture fight. The guy is no push-over and against a guy whose wins have come against Prokrajac, Romero and Rosa, Brandon is given a chance to finally get back to his old form. Rest assured that Brandon is on his way to the win column against Te Huna. That is "The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth."

So who do you have? The Truth or the one-dimensional Aussie? Hit it up Maniacs.

via cdn3.sbnation.com

209 baby. You've got to give it to Nathan Diaz for coming in well-prepared and he showed a complete game in his dominating submission victory over perennial contender New Jersey's own Jim Miller. Another contender emerged in the WW division as Johnny Hendricks won over Koscheck in a split-decision.

New season, new faces for the Money Pool. Recent winners ViolentMike and ItalianStallion54 were outpicked at this event. Will the trend continue? Let's hope!

Let's go straight to the fight results:

Main Event:

155 lbs.: Nate Diaz defeats Jim Miller via Submission (Power Guillotine) Round 2

Main Card (FOX):

170 lbs.: Johny Hendricks defeats Josh Koscheck via Split Decision

185 lbs.: Alan Belcher defeats Rousimar Palhares via TKO (Strikes) Round 1

265 lbs.: Lavar Johnson defeats Pat Barry via TKO (Strikes) Round 1

Preliminary Card (FUEL TV):

155 lbs.: Michael Johnson def. Anthony Ferguson via unanimous decision

125 lbs.: John Dodson def. Tim Elliott via unanimous decision

170 lbs.: John Hathaway def. Pascal Krauss via unanimous decision

125 lbs.: Louis Gaudinot def. John Lineker via submission (guillotine) at 4:54 of round two

155 lbs.: Danny Castillo def. John Cholish via unanimous decision

145 lbs.: Dennis Bermudez def. Pablo Garza via unanimous decision

Preliminary Card (Facebook):

135 lbs.: Roland Delorme def. Nick Denis via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round one

185 lbs.: Karlos Vemola def. Mike Massenzio via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:07 of round two

Mania1 Fight Camp Interesting Insights:

• The fight camp is very much split on Diaz-Miller (15 went for 209 and 14 went for Jersey kid)
• 11 people thought Pat Barry is good. Pat never fails to disappoint.
• 8 people actually believed Massenzio is going to outwrestle Vemola. Guess what Mazz got submitted.
• Only 2 people picked the Green-Haired Monster to beat the guy that missed weight. The rest suffered.
• Again, 8 people thinks that Krauss is going to work Hathaway. Hathaway just finds a way to win.
• Despite unambig's build-up of Cholish, Castillo won
• 9 people thinks Koscheck will win. Well, it seemed having that plane and three cars made him lose that killer instinct, explosiveness and power striking that he has. Or maybe he is not that good.
• 18 people thought another leg will be brought back to Brazil. Instead, Belcher (picked by 11 people) knocked out Palhares
• Garza has highlight finishes but Bermudez is a grinder and a harder worker as he gave points to only 9 people in the camp.
• Michael Johnson disappointed 28 people in the camp as he won by unanimous decision.
• All 28 people picked Dodson. They were right.
• One man actually gave Delorme a shot to win and he did at the expense of 27 people.

The Results:

• The guy that liberally discussed his picks at the Mania fan post won the event! Would you believe it? unambig is $20 richer and has bragging rights for having won the first event of the season. How good was that? No one imagined unambig winning this and he won. He did it by scoring 69 points getting 8/12 correct picks. He got full points on Lavar, Hathaway, Castillo, and Dodson. He also got 10 points from the 209. Congratulations unam. By the way, don't forget to give The Pride his signature. More on that later.
• Getting 2nd place is sticky fingers/Ricky Dooby's favorite Rilly who scored 65 points by also getting 8/12 correct picks. Rilly got perfect points for Lavar, Hathaway, and Castillo. His love affair with Garza cost him the victory.
• 3rd place for the first event is dlocc who also scored 65 points and getting 8/12 correct picks. He got full points on Lavar, Castillo and Bermudez.

Hall of Shame Award

• Andrew attended the event at East Rutherford, New Jersey. That did not prevent him from losing his "Pride" by scoring a measly 16 points by getting 11 points on Castillo and 5 points for Dodson. That has to be the lowest anyone has scored in a camp on Mania. You're the new sarah/Jay of this camp Andrew.
• As it has been the tradition, unambig will give The Pride a siganture which he will have to wear till the next event.

The rest of the scores:

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	69	unambig	View Picks
2	65	Rilly	View Picks
2	65	Dlocc	View Picks
4	64	Yan117	View Picks
5	62	jayw27	View Picks
6	61	ShivanTiger	View Picks
7	60	P-Dub	View Picks
8	57	Deuce02	View Picks
9	56	kg12	View Picks
10	53	Ulf_Murphy	View Picks
11	50	Agar	View Picks
12	49	ricky-dooby	View Picks
12	49	scarnon	View Picks
12	49	Jido7	View Picks
15	48	Joben	View Picks
15	48	Loonz	View Picks
17	47	wyldeman99	View Picks
18	45	Amos14	View Picks
19	44	BNF	View Picks
19	44	Phasebook	View Picks
21	43	goldmouth	View Picks
22	42	ViolentMike	View Picks
22	42	ItalianStallion54	View Picks
24	40	freenow82	View Picks
25	38	sarah-	View Picks
25	38	Rolandando	View Picks
27	37	JohnnyWF	View Picks
28	26	DavidW-S	View Picks
29	16	thepride	View Picks

Maniacs By the Books:

• Vemola is ass. He has 2 minute cardio and weak everything. He goes hulk smash for 2 minutes and if u don’t get finished ur fine – The Pride

• garza sub- garza is a badass, will land something painful and then sub him when dennis shoots - The Pride

• This is gonna be war cant wait!!! gonna go with miller simply because judges hate diaz bros - The Pride

• Palhares will win, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind. I feel bad for Belcher, I like both guys. – freenow82

• Those 4 guys win 99% of the time (Ferguson, Dennis, Lineker, Dodson) – The Pride

• Bermudez has choked, literally, in two of his last three fights, while Garza is a submission guy.- unambig

• And although Lineker has a very impressive streak of beating cans in Brazil, I don't have the courage to pick against the overwhelming number of people who seem to think he's going to win. And if there's anything you should have learned about me by now, it's that I'm easily swayed by popular opinion. – unambig

• Look at the lines. There is a reason Miler went from -210 to -260… - Ulf Murphy

• really? Nate is just not that good. Tenacious yes, good, no - Ulf Murphy

• But Lavar hits like a mack truck. Even a glancing blow should put him away. Lavar is a proven finisher even against extremely durable guys. And he’s got the reach. almost 10 inchs as well as height. You guys will regret picking pat. -- NNR

via i741.photobucket.com

via i741.photobucket.com

Okay maniacs. As most of you are aware, the new season of the Money Pool is fast approaching with the first event in less than ten (10) days away.

Last season, the formation of the Dark Side proved useful for The Dark Sith DetroitDrew as he scored impressively and won the whole thing (heck, he is even number two in the whole of PG). What made this remarkable is that he never won a single event but he managed to pick the correct winners, methods and rounds consistently. Rookie ItalianStallion54 proved this season that even a rookie can place 3rd in the pool and beat regulars.

Now this new season is your opportunity to create a new story line for the Money Pool. Now, most of the 2012ers and regular posters here indicated how much they want to be a part of this much sought-after elite membership club. Now is the time to actually show your mettle, grow your balls, and prove to us that you actually have pairs of nutsacks by signing up to join the money pool.

These people won an event last season and will be your toughest competitors for the upcoming Money Pool:

Yan117, BNF, Rolandando, Ulf_Murphy, BNF, ShivanTiger, freenow82, ItalianStallion54, ViolentMike, The Pride

This new season will be redemption for these Tim Sylvias, Andrei Arlovskis and Royce Gracies:

Agar, NNR, rickydooby/sticky fingers, jayw27, Two_Words, sarah, kg12, Deuce02

Of course, you still have to worry about the threat of the Dark Side:

scarnon, Jido7, Loonz, The Pride, Phasebook

Scottidog and the rookies are also formidable threat.

I don't want to scare you off but if you think you can outsmart, outwit and outpick these people, then step up to the challenge and enlist now in the Money Pool.

Don't give up excuses like you can't do research because you can't afford a computer (yes, I am talking to you Cruz Jackson!) or you just don't have time (paging OJR!). I am also calling out Lesnar's Striking Coach and wolfman to join so you can give us a challenge.

How do I Join:

a) Create an account at mmaplayground.com

b) Email Commissioner Jay (jaywhyte27@yahoo.com) that you are interested to join. He will tell you how you can settle the fee

c) Jay will invite you in Playground to join the Camp, accept it and you are in.

d) The most important thing: The cut-off is the day before the second event. That means one (1) day before MAY 15! (UFC on FUEL 3 event) Jay must have already received your payments.

Now let's keep this rolling. If you have questions, violent reactions or additional information, please feel free to comment below and let you voices be heard.

via i741.photobucket.com

The mountains heaved, heaved and heaved and produced a lackluster, calculated, unanimous decision.

Trust me on this: Every time a fight gets hyped to eternity, expect a unanimous decision to ensue. This was what happened when the much talked about and marketed fight between two former close friends turned out to be a dud.

This fight was like a girl promising the best sex of your life and then when you do her, it sucks.

But hey, this is not my personal blog so forgive me for my rants and let's proceed to the main thing, should we.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• If you are interested to join the next season of the Money Pool, please contact Commissioner Jay. His email address is jaywhyte27@yahoo.com. If you have questions, violent reactions, clarifications or if you just want to stalk Jay or send him pictures of your dick then please do feel free to email him. He's a good guy.
• Fees are due by the second event of next season. This is as important as ABB' coming back to mania.

The Results:

• Jon Jones def. Rashad Evans via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
• Rory MacDonald def. Che Mills by TKO (punches), 2:20 of Round 2
• Ben Rothwell def. Brendan Schaub via KO at 1:10 of the first round.
• Michael McDonald def. Miguel Torres via knock out at 3:18 of the first round.
• Eddie Yagin def. Mark Hominick via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
• Mark Bocek def. John Alessio via unanimous decision (30-27 x2. and 29-28).
• Travis Browne def. Chad Griggs via submission (arm triangle choke) at 2:29 of round 1.
• Matt Brown def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-27).
• Mac Danzig def. Efrain Escudero by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28).
• Christ Clements def. Keith Wisniewski by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29).
• Marcus Brimage def. Maximo Blanco via split decision (30-27, 29-28 28-29).

Interesting Facts From The Money Pool Camp and the Fight:

• Two hype trains were derailed tonight as the Max Murderer and Wonderboy both lost against their opponents. Only Seven (7) Maniacs picked Brown and only Eight (8) picked Brimage.
• Something is wrong with Mark Hominick guys. Being beaten by a guy who no one picked at the pool is ridiculous! 34-0 and 0 won.
• In another surprise, Miguel Angel Torres was knocked out by Mayday. I mean I wouldn't be surprised if Mayday wins this but to be knocked out in the first round? What happened to the guy who was once contending with Anderson Silva and GSP for the best pound for pound best fighter in the world?
• Who's next for Jon Jones? Hendo. I doubt if it will be competitive. Then Heavyweight
• Despite all the garbage that Joe Rogan is trying to spew about how legit Che Mills is, he showed that he is nothing but an overmatched opponent for Rory. Mills picked Zaromski's feet and then kicked him in the face? He's legit, he can't even stuff the telegraphed one leg takedown of Rory!
• In a bombshell, Mir is scheduled to be brutalized by JDS for UFC 146 and Fedor is scheduled to face one of the greatest fighter in the world (circa 1990s) in Pedro Rizzo. That was a true bombshell.

The Money Pool Result

• Taking first (1st) place for the last event of the very competitive Mania Money Pool is the sixteen-year old (16) brazilian jiu-jiutsu practitioner The Pride. He won the event by scoring a whopping seventy-eight (78) points by acing 9 out of 12 fights and getting perfect scores on Rothwell, Danzig, Njokuani and Brown. Congratulations Andrew! You made the DarkSide proud kid.
• Garnering second (2nd) is the MIA Dark Sith himself, DetroitDrew who scored seventy-two (72) points by also getting 9/12 correct picks and getting full scores for Rothwell, Danzig, and Njokuani. DarkSide domination once again Drewbaby.
• Taking third (3rd) place is two-time event winner BNF who scored danago's favorite position sixty-nine (69) by getting 8 out of 12 fights correct and getting full points on Danzig, Njokuani and Brown.
• Taking the place of sarah asthe worst picker of this event is Canadian rookie Scottidog who scored a miserable twenty-five (25) points. Rookie mistake? He called 3 out of 12 fights correct getting Brimage, Danzig and MacDonald (who doesn't get McDonald anyway?). I don't know what bit you Scotti but picking Mkdessi and Griggs should just be enough punishment for you. The Pride will give you your sig later.

The rest of the scores:

Points	Player	Picks
1	78	thepride	View Picks
2	72	DetroitDrew	View Picks
3	69	BNF	View Picks
4	64	Thorazine_	View Picks
5	63	ViolentMike	View Picks
6	62	Ulf_Murphy	View Picks
7	60	Agar	View Picks
7	60	unambig	View Picks
9	59	Yan117	View Picks
10	56	ItalianStallion54	View Picks
11	54	goldmouth	View Picks
11	54	wyldeman99	View Picks
13	52	P-Dub	View Picks
13	52	Rolandando	View Picks
15	50	ShivanTiger	View Picks
16	49	ricky-dooby	View Picks
16	49	Jido7	View Picks
18	48	Phasebook	View Picks
18	48	TheGeneral	View Picks
20	46	freenow82	View Picks
20	46	NNR	View Picks
22	44	scarnon	View Picks
23	42	Two_Words	View Picks
23	42	Dlocc	View Picks
23	42	YouveGotGold	View Picks
26	41	kg12	View Picks
27	39	jayw27	View Picks
28	38	Deuce02	View Picks
28	38	sarah-	View Picks
28	38	Loonz	View Picks
31	36	Dugout	View Picks
32	34	DavidW-S	View Picks
33	32	Amos14	View Picks
34	27	Rilly	View Picks
35	25	Scottidog	View Picks

Money Pool Final Results:

Season
MMA Playground season 12: The Dirty Dozen 10 / 10 events complete
Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	674	DetroitDrew	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
2	636	ViolentMike	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
3	621	ItalianStallion54	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
4	612	BNF	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
5	604	Yan117	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
6	590	Ulf_Murphy	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
7	588	scarnon	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
8	582	freenow82	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
9	581	Jido7	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
10	560	ShivanTiger	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
11	557	Rolandando	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
12	556	thepride	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
13	549	unambig	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
14	547	Thorazine_	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
15	546	goldmouth	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
16	544	Agar	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
17	528	Scottidog	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
18	525	NNR	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
19	523	ricky-dooby	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
20	517	Rilly	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
20	517	Loonz	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
21	511	wyldeman99	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
22	498	Phasebook	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
23	496	DavidW-S	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
24	495	YouveGotGold	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
25	494	Dlocc	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
26	493	Deuce02	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
27	477	TheGeneral	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
28	476	kg12	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
29	462	Two_Words	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
30	421	P-Dub	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
31	408	Amos14	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
32	397	TuffGong	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
32	397	jayw27	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
33	383	newfie	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
34	374	sarah-	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
34	374	Dugout	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145

End of season Results and Afterthoughts:

• Call him goatfucker, traitor, the Dark Sith, fag, emotional fag but DetroitDrew emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of this pool. After ten (10) events, the leader of the much-respected Darkside scored 674 points (averaging 67.4 points per game). There is actually no secret to Drew's victory. He picked consistently, having no scored below forty (40). What is amazing about Drew's run in the pool is that he never once won an event but he still managed to consistently be in the top five or ten. Congratulations Drew. I hope you come back to Mania soon. Your self-exile to the land of the FAGS called Bloody Elbow will not help you develop. Stinky was sorry and he meant it.
• This rabid Kyu and that garbage talentless hack Motmaire's number one fan ViolentMike gets to be this season's salutatorian. He scored 636 points. VM once won an event for this season but he also still managed to pick consistently and he was able to do some accurate picks: Siyar KOing Paulo Thiago. Perhaps Archangel Azrael and Maria's brother were assiting VM in his picks. That we have to find out.
• Coming in third is Rookie of the Year and Ricky Dooby's newest member of the Fingered Club ItalianStallion54. This alumni of the Free Pool gave hope to the thousands of lurkers on mania and the current roster of the free pool that even a rookie can manage to win in the pool. He scored 621 points and edged out Scottidog, Thorazine and Jido as the Mania Money Pool Rookie of the Year. Congratulations brother.
• Not only did Darth Drew captured 2nd overall in points for Playground, Shivan Tiger finished 3rd overall for wagers.. Good job shiv.. nice strategy you picked up during the season..

Mania Money Pool Event Winners:

UFC 141: Yan117

UFC 142: BNF

UFC on FX1: Rolandando

UFC on FOX: Ulf_Murphy

UFC 143: BNF

UFC on FUEL: ShivanTiger

UFC 144: freenow82

UFC on FX2: ItalianStallion54

UFC on FUELTV2: ViolentMike

UFC 145: The Pride

Maniacs By The Books:

• "Alessio is being overlooked here He will get the “W” - unambig
• Fuck you yagin! u lost me an event win, 20 dollars from that, and taking 3rd in the fucking pool FUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK YOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUU--- The Pride
• Jones is going down! - d’locc
• These two are gonna hug it out when its all done Saturday night. - Two Words
• fuck schaub. He tried calling out past their prime legends and nog fisted his ass and face. Pussy chin goin down - The Pride
• This is the first exciting fight on the card. Both have superb standup and I expect this to be a very entertaining war. I also expect Makdessi to hurt Anthony big time. It seems he's the underdog, but that's only because he was choked out quickly by Dennis Hallman. Well sure, and so was Matt Hughes. Twice. The Canadian takes this. - unambig
• in that case, Im going with Wiesniewski...im desperate. - Two Words

This one is dedicated to DavidWS. Wherever you are man. We miss you. We hope you are okay.

That's a wrap Maniacs.

Third (or fourth?) time's the charm as they say so I will infringe ShivanTiger and OJR's ideas for a thread and ask you Maniacs what's the funniest joke you've heard or read.

Actually, this is not without basis because I came across this study done by the group of Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire in 2002 about establishing a LAUGHLAB wherein they created a website where people could rate or submit jokes. Jokes were rated by the readers and the group of Wisemen tallied the jokes that has teh most appeal and understanding among diverse cultures, countries and demographics.

Here are the two funniest jokes based on that study:

1) Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says "Calm down. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says "OK, now what?

2) Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson were going camping. They pitched their tent under the stars and went to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night Holmes woke Watson up and said: "Watson, look up at the stars, and tell me what you see." Watson replied: "I see millions and millions of stars." Holmes said: "And what do you deduce from that?" Watson replied: "Well, if there are millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it’s quite likely there are some planets like Earth out there. And if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life." And Holmes said: "Watson, you idiot, it means that somebody stole our tent."

Here is the funniest in the UK:

A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: "That's the ugliest baby that I've ever seen. Ugh!" The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: "The driver just insulted me!" The man says: "You go right up there and tell him off – go ahead, I'll hold your monkey for you."

I am sure you maniacs are more capable of better jokes than these entries. So go hit it.

waste [weyst] - squander; to fail or neglect to use

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Maniacs, this is a topic that everyone have their opinions, whether intelligent or simply retarded. Every other sport has this: a person believed to perform way above average and showcase his gifts in attaining glory squandering all those specail gifts given to him/her or turning out to be a bust. MMA is no different and here I want to hear your opinions on who do you think is the biggest waste of potential for an MMA fighter. Let me give you some of my opinions and please feel free free to voice out yours.

Melvin Paul "The Young Assassin" Guiillard Jr.

Career: W29-L10-D2-NC1

Key Wins: Marcus Davis, Dennis Siver, Gleison Tibau, Evan Dunham, Shane Roller

Key Losses: Carlo Prater, Josh Neer, Joe Stevenson, Joe Lauzon, Jim Miller

Dana White, in one of his interviews, thinks Melvin Guillard used to be the biggest waste of talent and potential in the UFC. Melvin's explosive power, freakish athleticism, and tons of MMA experience for his young age are factors to be considered why he should be performing better than what he has been showing us. He is just 28 years old with 42 MMA fights already and has fought tough competition. What distinguishes Guillard is the explosive power he packs in his punches and knees as he exhibited when he destroyed the likes of Evan Dunham, Gabe Ruediger, Waylon Lowe and Dennis Siver. His downside has been his attitude towards the fight game. He was supposed to have an advantage striking-wise with a lot of his opponents but he tends to be cocky and careless in fights where he was winning only to be choked out or submitted. With the depth of the Lightweight Division in the UFC getting so much deeper, time may be running out for Guillard to prove that he is not a waste of talent and potential that he has been possessing. For now, he is a waste of talent. Time will tell if he can prove otherwise.

Mark " The Specimen" Kerr

Career: W15-L11-1NC

Key Wins: Paul Varelans, Hugo Duarte, Enson Inoue

Key Losses: Kazuyuki Fijita, Igor Vovchanchyn, Heath Herring, Oleg Taktarov, Muhammad Lawal

Mark Kerr is indeed the Specimen. He was a Division 1 Champion at 190 pounds for Syracuse in 1992. He was also a Division 1 All-American in the same year. He first made his name on the World Vale Tudo Championships wherein he smashed three opponents. His combination of high-pedigree wrestling, brutal ground and pound and freak body athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with in the early days of the UFC. He won the UFC 15 Tournament by obliterating guys with his brutal ground and pound, fists and knees. He then fought for the PRIDE organization. His downfall began when he started getting addicted to opiates and pain killers. It is unfortunate that Mark Kerr is probably one of the best talents the UFC has had in its early days but he was not able to showcase it enough and later on he succumbed to addiction and has never recovered ever since. Sad story for Kerr and his squandered talent.

Jay Dee "B.J." Penn

Career: W16-8L-2D

Key Wins: Caol Uno, Matt Serra, Matt Hughes (twice), Renzo Gracie, Sean Sherk, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez

Key Losses: Jens Pulver (avenged), Lyoto Machida, GSP, Matt Hughes (avenged), Frankie Edgar

Perhaps no moniker can be more fitting to describe BJ Penn than his present one, :The Prodigy." This is a guy that is the first non-Brazilian winner of the prestigious World Jiu-Jiutsu Championship under the black belt category. This is a guy regarded by the pundits as the "most gifted martial artist" in the world. Yes this is the same guy that is only the second guy to win two different belts in two weight classes in the UFC. Known for his incredible flexibility and willingness to fight anyone regardless of weight class makes him one of the best fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. Why is he here in this conversation then? He achieved so much already, why is he considered a waste of talent or potential? Here lies the bitter truth: BJ Penn could have done more. He could have established himself as "the best mixed martial artist of all time in the same manner as Sugar Ray Robinson is for boxing." Unfortunately, his work ethic and "inner fire to compete" went downhill. He was supposed to beat Frankie Edgar, he was supposed to be competitive with GSP but he proved otherwise. His fights with Fitch and Diaz were winnable fights but his lack of conditioning and dedication caught up with him and he lost. He is now retired and who knows if he will come back. Regardless, he could have done more and yet he has failed to do more.

Murilo "Ninja" Rua

Career: W20-L12-D1

Key Wins: Joey Villasenor, Mark Weir, Daijiro Matsui, Alex Steibling

Key Losses: Dan Henderson, Kevin Randleman, Sergei Kharitonov, Benji radach, Quinton Jackson

Ninja was once considered one of the best middleweights in the world because of his all-around game that is heavy on Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jiutsu. He has fought the toughest competition and has made his name in the defunct-PRIDE Fighting Championships. It is unfortunate that he fought as high as Heavyweight and has not cared for his body the way randy Couture has cared for his. He has good Muay Thai and very respectable jiu-jiutsu game but his problem is that he fought almost everybody whether you are a taxi driver moonlighting as a fighter to Heavyweights like Kharitonov and Randleman. Eventually, all the wear and tear on his body caught up with him and he was not able to show what he is capable of as one of the strongest middleweights in the world of MMA.

Hit it up Maniacs.

1st Prize: marcbjr2

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2nd prize: Stazza

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2nd prize: thunderdownunder

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The scores:

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	80	marcbjr2	View Picks
2	72	Stazza	View Picks
2	72	thunderdownunder	View Picks
4	68	BrizzleT	View Picks
5	65	letstalkmma	View Picks
6	64	Bons_210309	View Picks
7	62	MrGrapplefan	View Picks
8	57	liverpoolsnxt	View Picks
9	54	wolfman13	View Picks
10	50	prokk27	View Picks
11	49	Larry	View Picks
12	48	McRad	View Picks
13	44	karpentero	View Picks
14	43	Raymondo	View Picks
15	36	CDSmid	View Picks
16	31	Kalejohncox	View Picks
17	26	tr8k	View Picks
18	22	hairybumcrack	View Picks
19	14	PedroPark	View Picks

Season
MMA Playground season 12: The Dirty Dozen 7 / 10 events complete
Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	432	MrGrapplefan	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
2	409	McRad	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
3	390	thunderdownunder	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
4	389	marcbjr2	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
5	364	liverpoolsnxt	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
5	364	BrizzleT	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
6	338	hairybumcrack	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
7	331	Stazza	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
8	330	Bons_210309	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
9	319	karpentero	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
10	293	PedroPark	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
11	267	tr8k	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
12	260	CDSmid	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
13	257	letstalkmma	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
14	223	Raymondo	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
15	221	prokk27	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
16	217	Choro	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
17	182	carthur	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
18	175	Larry	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
19	152	wolfman13	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
20	31	Kalejohncox	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145

I know this is an MMA website and that any attempt of posting any unrelated topic will be looked down and frowned upon. But I think the following essay that I will share is an interesting one especailly for American citizens.

I found this really interesting essay from Robert Kagan in the February 11, 2012 issue of the Wall Street Journal and I figured this is worth reading if you are an American citizen and if you are a believer of the free-market and democratic principles.

Link of the whole essay can be found here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203646004577213262856669448.html

Quote from the essay:

"But international order is not an evolution; it is an imposition. It is the domination of one vision over others—in America's case, the domination of free-market and democratic principles, together with an international system that supports them. The present order will last only as long as those who favor it and benefit from it retain the will and capacity to defend it."

What do you think Maniacs? Feel free to discuss

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There you go. Event number five was just concluded and we had some low scores. So as not to hurt your eyes with some low scores you can just focus on the partners of the free poolers' group picture.

The guy who banters his name in Mania as Heel Hook (McRad in Playground) get top honors for this event as he scored an event high (yes, I know!) of 64 points. He did this by going 7 of 9 and getting full points on Miocic, Dillashaw, and correctly predicting that Justin Salas will hump his way into victory.

Very close to Heel Hook is perennial contender Mr GrappleFan who scored 63 points by correctly picking 6 out of 9 winners. He got full points on Ellenberger and Dillashaw. He was also able to predict that Kuivanen's takedown defense is worse than Dan Hardy.

Coming in as third is newcomer LetstalkMMA who scored 62 points by going 7 of 9 and getting full points on Miocic and Salas.

My protege karpentero channeled her inner sarah and dismally scored 22 points. That's gotta be the lowest anyone who picked all fights scored in any pool, in any given time.

My pick to win this season Choro probably overslept and forgot to pick. Wake up Choro!

Wolfman was not able to share his picks but he scored decently at 55

Rest of the scores:

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	64	McRad	View Picks
2	63	MrGrapplefan	View Picks
3	62	letstalkmma	View Picks
4	61	marcbjr2	View Picks
5	60	hairybumcrack	View Picks
5	60	thunderdownunder	View Picks
7	55	wolfman13	View Picks
8	52	liverpoolsnxt	View Picks
9	51	Larry	View Picks
10	44	prokk27	View Picks
11	37	Bons_210309	View Picks
12	34	PedroPark	View Picks
13	33	tr8k	View Picks
14	32	Raymondo	View Picks
15	29	CDSmid	View Picks
15	29	BrizzleT	View Picks
17	26	Stazza	View Picks
18	22	karpentero	View Picks

Rankings after 6 events completed:

Season
MMA Playground season 12: The Dirty Dozen 6 / 10 events complete
Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	370	MrGrapplefan	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
2	361	McRad	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
3	318	thunderdownunder	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
4	316	hairybumcrack	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
5	309	marcbjr2	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
6	307	liverpoolsnxt	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
7	296	BrizzleT	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
8	279	PedroPark	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
9	275	karpentero	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
10	266	Bons_210309	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
11	259	Stazza	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
12	241	tr8k	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
13	224	CDSmid	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
14	217	Choro	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
15	192	letstalkmma	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
16	182	carthur	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
17	180	Raymondo	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
18	171	prokk27	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
19	126	Larry	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145
20	98	wolfman13	(select event)UFC 141UFC 142UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. MillerUFC on FOX: Evans vs. DavisUFC 143: Diaz vs. ConditUFC on FUEL: Ellenberger vs. SanchezUFC 144: JapanUFC on FX 2 - Flyweight Tournament SemifinalsUFC on FUEL TV 2 UFC 145

Hit it up Maniacs.

Channeling his inner British strength after drinking three pitchers of Twining's chamomile tea, David WS protege liverpoolisnxt topped this card among the free poolers scoring five points below Ulf at 69 points. He did it by getting full points on Evans, Weidman, and Dunham while getting 14 points for the hotbout. Good job Sir Elton, you make Queen Elizabeth proud dude.

Lurker McRad was tied with the Brit at 69 points by getting full points on Evans, Sonnen, Oliviera and Johnson. Good job lurker. Go brag sometime, it's not harmful to your health.

Placing third is surging free pool veteran Stazza who got 59 points by getting full points on Sonnen and Oliviera. Keep up the good work and who knows, you may end up tied with sarah on the money pool.

Newcomer Larry thought that there were only three fights so he chose just three. There are fights that were not broadcasted but you have to pick bro.

Newcomer prokk27 takes the hall of shame award for this event after scoring a measly 37 points after picking all fights. That's what you get when you pick Phil Davis to win by submission in round 3.

Rest of the scores:

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	69	liverpoolsnxt	View Picks
1	69	McRad	View Picks
3	59	Stazza	View Picks
4	57	thunderdownunder	View Picks
5	55	CDSmid	View Picks
5	55	karpentero	View Picks
7	53	redfox54	View Picks
8	52	Raymondo	View Picks
9	50	letstalkmma	View Picks
10	48	Choro	View Picks
10	48	PedroPark	View Picks
12	47	BrizzleT	View Picks
13	45	marcbjr2	View Picks
14	44	tr8k	View Picks
14	44	MrGrapplefan	View Picks
16	37	hairybumcrack	View Picks
17	34	prokk27	View Picks
18	16	Larry	View Picks

After four events, Mr.Grapplefan is still leading the pack, but the lurker McRad is slowly creeping in. Last season's champion, thunderdownunder is third.

Rest of the scores after four events:

MMA Playground season 12: The Dirty Dozen
4 / 10 events complete

1 227MrGrapplefan

2 225McRad

3 214thunderdownunder

4 207Stazza

4 207marcbjr2

4 207karpentero

5 205BrizzleT

6 196PedroPark

7 188liverpoolsnxt

8 187hairybumcrack

9 178tr8k

10 166Choro

11 158CDSmid

12 148Raymondo

13 114carthur

14 112redfox54

15 76prokk27

16 64tenjotenge

17 57dzerkz21

18 50letstalkmma

19 16Larry

Feel free to brag and talk shit about how the money pool is better maniacs. This event brought back England's Pride in the pool.

Results:

First of all, my apologies to the free poolers for not being able to post this on time. I was waiting for thunder to do his thing but since 2 days have already passed, I will have to assume that he is busy in real life.

Second, congratulations big time to Rolandando, a proud Free Pool alumni, who scored a whopping 96 points to lead the pack in the Money Pool. Keep up the Good Work. ItalianStallion54 also deserve our accolades for performing well and remaining in the Top 5 of the Money Pool. Keep up the good work brothers.

Although we cannot outperform the Money Poolers, we scored decently for this event. First place is new member tr8k who scored 79 points. He did it by going 8/10 only missing picks on Rivera and Habib. He also got 22 points by correctly calling Pineda by submission in the first round and getting full points on Camoes, Denis, and Brenneman. Good work lurker :)

Second is perennial lagger marcbjr2 who miraculously get the second spot this event by scoring 72 points. He got 8 out of 10 and got full points on Habib, Rivera, Denis and Easton. His love affair with Pat Scilling costed him 22 points though. Congratulations still marc. :)

Third, and not surprising because he is always a contender, is Mrgrapplefan who scored 72 points as well. He got full points on Barry and Brenneman. He also got 14 points on the hot bout.

BrizzleT gets the "bottom dweller of the event" award after scoring only 33 points despite picking every fight. He got full points on Miller, Barry and Rivera. Nothing to be ashamed of though as you scored better than sarah!

Another good news is that the Mighty Choro improved and scored 51 points after scores of 26 and 41. Getting in the groove eh Choro?

Camp Rank	Points	Player	Picks
1	79	tr8k	View Picks
2	72	marcbjr2	View Picks
2	72	MrGrapplefan	View Picks
4	69	PedroPark	View Picks
5	68	Stazza	View Picks
6	59	McRad	View Picks
7	51	Choro	View Picks
8	46	hairybumcrack	View Picks
9	44	carthur	View Picks
10	43	liverpoolsnxt	View Picks
11	42	karpentero	View Picks
12	38	thunderdownunder	View Picks
13	33	BrizzleT	View Picks

1

2

That's a wrap folks. Please feel free to comment.

Davey Boy, as you have requested in your thread, I should stick with running the free pool, so here I go. lol

So the Pain Train is officially derailed and now retired after banging into horsemeat at UFC 141. Overeem is a scary dude and the UFC Heavyweight division suddenly got interesting.

Well, speaking of interesting, some newcomers are making waves in the free pool. thunderdownunder, you now have legitimate challengers to the crown.

My friend karpentero actually fared way better than me when, in fact, I was his source of MMA knowledge. He shared the first place honors with hairybumcrack scoring 73 points.

Hairybumcrack scored 73 points by scoring full points on Gus, Pearson, Kim, and getting 14 points from the hot bout. Way to go for the new member of the free pool.

My friend karpentero did not believe my opinions for 141. Good for him. He scored 73 in the process. He got full points on Overeem, Gus, Volkman, and Nunes. He also scored 14 points for the hot bout. Having no pressures mae him take some risks as far as his picks are concerend and it paid off.

Third is BrizzleT who scored 70 points by getting full points on Overeem and Volkman and correctly picking 9 out of 10 correctly. Another new name and he did impressively during the first event.

Bottomdweller is redfox54 who picked two fights and got full points on Gus. His other call? He said Brock will win in the 1st round.

Rest of the scores:

1) hairybumcrack - 73

1) karpentero - 73

3) BrizzleT - 70

4) McRad - 64

5) liverpoolsnxt - 62

6) thunderdownunder - 56

7) CDSmid - 55

7) MrGrapplefan - 55

9) Stazza - 52

10) tenjotenge - 50

11) Raymondo - 41

12) dzerks21 - 38

13) marcbjr2 - 29

14) Choro - 26

14) PedroPark - 26

16) redfox54 - 11

What happened Choro? Marcbj?

Maniacs, please feel free to comment.

I'll keep this real simple.

Are you interested to be a future gambler?

Do you want to have an experience of how Maniacs around here play the pool, but do not want to take the risk of paying $20?

Do you want to show to the Mania community that you are better than thunderdownunder or Chorongata?

Then this is for you: MANIA FREE POOL

Start: Lesnar vs Overeem

End: After 10 UFC Events

Prize: Bragging Rights and Tons of Experience Before Joining the Money Pool

How do I join?

1) create an account at www.mmaplayground.com

2) post below your username

3) Wait for an invite from karpentero

4) accept the invitation

5) start picking winners, rounds, methods

6) enjoy!

See you Maniacs.

via i741.photobucket.com

So we all knew that a young lad from Australia named thunderdownunder came out on top of the first season of the Mania Free Pool. Using his Elvis-Sinosic and G-Sot like skills, he went from a virtually obscure and unknown in the first 5 events to eventually sneak and actually won the pool by just 5 points over bridesmaid michi.

The Free Pool graduates ItalianStallion54, grapplefan, Phasebook, and 2 or 3 more, I believe, will now try their luck on the money pool. Hopefully the experience they got while inside the free pool will be helpful when they compete against Master Lurker and 2-straight season winner Agar, NNR, Two_Words, The Pride and MMA deity danago, among others.

The Free Pool is about to start 2 or 3 weeks from now when The Pain Train and the guy who loves to eat Horse Meat will fight on December 30. Be reminded that ,like the Money Pool, the Free Pool follows the PG format (10 UFC events per season).

In this regard, we are now accepting players who want to experience playing the pool without donating $20. This is a very good experience for you if you want to later on earn moolah in picking the winner, methods and rounds by first practicing your skills for one season then later on transitioning to the Big League.

All you have to do is post your mmaplayground username and my friend karpentero will send you a camp invite.

It's as easy as frying an egg. So let's do it Maniacs. Do you want to be a f*c*ing gambler in the furture? Join the Free Pool then.

Phase's By the Books:

Jason Miller looked horrible last night. Joe Rogan has been repeatedly saying its adrenaline dump. I don't know if Miller got too excited or he just don't train cardio together with his chimpanzees.

Michael Bisping looked average last night. With that fight as an indication of his readiness for a title shot, he will get murdered by Anderson Silva worse than the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I'd like to see Bisping vs Sonnen to determine the number one contender.

John Dodson's laugh is as irritating as any Channing Tatum movie but the kid has serious power. I don't know about his wrestling and jiu jiutsu but the kid can be a factor in the 135 division (or even a 125 pound division).

Diego Brandao is a monster with his striking. Not only that he also showed that he has good jiu jiutsu after getting tagged by Bermudez. However, Diego is not yet ready for the 145 division's elite. I want to see him with Joe Stevenson (if he is not yet fired) or Tyson Griffin or Manny Gamburyan to test his mettle.

Overall, the event was a good night of fights. Hopefully we get to have a better UFC next week in Toronto.

Free Pool Results:

For this event, marcbjr2 channeled his old Tim Sylvia spirit and scored 60 points, the same score as Violent Mike of the Money Pool. He did this by getting 14 pints from Dodson, and getting the complete points for Delorme and Siler. Good score for a guy that picked Miller to sub Bisping in the 4th.

Second in the event is michi who scored 53 points by correctly picking Caraway and Siler.

Third is the Stallion, ItalianStallion54 who showed his mettle by correctly picking Dodson and getting 51 points. The only thing that saved you Stallion is getting the hot bout. Otherwise, you should have been behind me. Carry the momentum in the Money Pool bro!

Bottom-dweller of the night is karpentero who picked one fight and scored 5 points. Luckily for him, he did not believe in Miller's chimpanzees when he picked.

However, among those who picked all fights, it was thunderdownunder who recorded the worst picking ability for this event by scoring only 29 points. Either he did not watch any episode of the TUF or he was flipping channels between TUF, Jersey Shore and Australia's Next Top Model and that affected his picks.

Rest of the scores:

1) marcbjr2 - 60

2) michi - 53

3) ItalianStallion54 - 51

4) CDSmid - 48

5) Phasebook - 47

6) MrGrappleFan - 41

7) Rolandando - 40

8) redfox54 - 35

9) Stazza - 29

9) thunderdownunder - 29

10) PedroPark - 11

11) liverpoolsnxt - 10

11) tenjotenge - 10

12) karpentero -5

Standings after 9 events

1) thunderdownunder - 509

2) michi - 496

3) MrGrappleFan - 486

4) Rolandando - 458

5) marcbjr2 - 439

6) ItalianStallion54 - 438

7) Phasebook - 424

8) Stazza - 414

9) redfox54 - 410

10) liverpoolsnxt - 378

11) karpentero - 329

12) CDSmid - 320

13) tenjotenge - 319

14) dzerks21 - 315

15) PedroPark - 271

16) Raymondo - 266

17) Cruz-Jackson - 208

That's it Maniacs. Feel free to ventilate your angst or your jubilations below,

via i741.photobucket.com

So BJ Penn was here in Manila yesterday. I was lucky to be able to sneak in his hotel room and interview the Prodigy. Here is a transcript of my interview which I would like to share with the Maniacs. With BJ, I learned that you just have to ask the right questions and he will give wholeheartedly his answers.

Introduction

PB: Hi BJ. Welcome to the Philippines man

BJ: Who the f**k are you?

PB: I am Phasebook from MMAMania.com

BJ: Is that the competitor of Planet Romeo?

On being retired

PB: So are you retired?

BJ: What do you mean retard? I am not retard. Go look at posts and comments from Hank_Mardukas. That's the dictionary definition of retard.

On Hendo-Shogun

PB: You have said in an interview that you think the Hendo-Shogun's fight was the greatest you have seen. Why is that?

BJ: Well, I have a strong bias for fighters that lose their cardio starting in the third round.

On his next fight

PB: Who do you want to fight next?

BJ: I have been facing tough opponents all my life man. And yet, I have not been challenged. For my next fights- and I want to fight 10 more fights before I can consider retiring- I want to fight the toughest gusy in MMA today. I will give a call to Dana and request him to set up fights with Jonathan Goulet, Terry Martin, Matt Lindland, Babalu Sobral, Jason Guida, Sokodjou, Houston Alexander, James Irvin, Rob Broughton, and Xavier Foupa-Pokam. These are the toughest guys in the world man. A victory over them will propel me to any title shots in any weight class.

On the P4P greatest MMA fighter today

PB: In your opinion, who is the greatest p4p MMA fighter today?

BJ: What kind of question is that f**kerface? It's me man. I am the P4P greatest. I finish Kenny Florian, Sean Sherk, Diego Sanchez. Those guys can't be finished by other fighters. Who else qualifies as my competitor? Anderson Silva? That guy lost to nobodies in Japan. GSP? That guy lost to a midget and Grandpa. Jon Jones? The guy lost to a deaf. Frankie Edgar? That pitter-patter fighter? Just ask ItalianStallion54.

On Marinovich

PB: Marv Marinovich has been very helpful in your diet and strength and conditioning. Any tips on what have you learned under his system?

BJ: Marv basically offered new sets of food that I should eat before fighting. Before I would just eat all meat and tons of rice before my fights. Marv gave me the following food choices: souffle, pot au feu, daube, thom yan, shnitzel, ceviche, haggis and ratatouile. For my deserts, Marv told me to focus on eating strudel, creme caramel and blood pudding.

On Dana White's advice for him while in the Philippines

BJ: Dana called me up and advised me to always use my rubber guard when I am in the Philippines

On Geno, Jesse and Brain:

BJ: I advise them to improve their writings and posts man. Their current posts are like disorganized scrawling of high school students who are in perpetual conflict with their testosterone.

That's it Maniacs. I hope BJ has given you wonderful insights. Till the next interview session.

Phase's By the Books:

War of the Decade (Century)?: A lot of people are saying that Shogun and Hendo fought for what can be termed as the fight of the decade. I have to disagree. What I have to agree, though, is that Shogun and Hendo gave all their best. It stops there. It pains me to see how Hendo and Shogun  gassed beginning in the third round. Now, two men fighting like Zombies beginning in the fourth round do not qualify as fight of the decade. Besides, how is that fight any different from a Leonard Garcia-fight? A fight of the decade should have two fighters, disciplined enough not to get gassed, fighting their hearts out such that their skills already cancel out each other and the only one that can determine a winner is who has the heart and will power to want it more. If Shogun and Hendo fought back and forth and we call it fight of the decade (or even some call it Century), then how do we call Don-Frye-Takayama's fight in Pride?

Wanderlei is Back (or is he?): Wanderlei Silva might have won but I doubt those who say that he is back. He hurt Le with those knees but Le was never out when the referee stopped it. That referee should have done Josh Rosenthal's job during the Hendo-Shogun fight and not deprived us of a third round to that fight. Wanderlei semmed not willing to engage in the first round and a soft punch rattled him. He looks tentative and more calculated with his attacks. I don't see how h's back. He won that fight but I have serious reservations what he can do if he fought more complete fighters like Belcher, Munoz, Okami and Sonnen. 

Faber was impressive but do we care about Faber-Cruz III?: I never thought in my life that Faber will be able to finish a fight in the UFC considering that he is now facing elite fighters, new breed fighters and top of the heap competition like Brian Bowles is. I don't know what happened to Bowles who looked afraid to engage. No matter how good Faber is though I do not see him winning over Cruz. Faber-Barao would be something that I look forward to.

Now let's head on to the Free Pool:

Overall, the free poolers (as always) was garbage compared to the money poolers but hey, our first placer is in third place in the money pool. That is something at least we can be proud of. 

Getting the bragging rights for this event is redfox54 who scored an event high of 80 points. He got 9/11 correct picks. He secured full points for Wanderlei, MacDonald, Torres, and Baczynski. Way to go redfox. Trying to still bait Red Riding Hood in the top spot eh?

Second place is the comeback kid Stazza who seemed to get his acts together finally in this season only after 8 events. He scored 77 points, got full points on the hot bout, Bader and Torres. Good score but too late to catch up though. Next season perhaps Stazza.

Third place is Pedro Park who scored 75 points by getting the hot bout, Torres and Baczynski full points. Good event Jam Park.

Cellar dweller of the night is once again dzerks who scored four 7's on Silva, Bader, Weidman and Tibau and got 28 points. At least you scored better this time punk. 

The rest of the scores:

redfox54 - 80

Stazza - 77

PedroPark - 75

ItalianStallion54 - 68

tenjotenge - 64

thunderdownunder - 56

Phasebook - 55

liverpoolsnxt - 53

karpentero - 49

MrGrappleFan - 48

Raymondo - 47

michi - 45

CDSmid - 42

Rolandando - 41

Marcbjr2 - 40

dzerks21- 38

As for the overall stats, thunderdownunder is still lording it at the top. I hope he gets to have a G-Sot performance the next two events so we can still topple his dictatorship on top. lol. The duo of MrGrappleFan and michi remained the bridesmaids for the season. The Stallion also quietly sneaked in the top 5 and might actually make it to the top 3 if he continues with his consistency

The scores after 8 events:

1) thunderdownunder - 480

2) MrGrapplefan - 445

3) michi - 443

4) Rolandando - 418

5) ItalianStallion54 - 387

6) Stazza - 385

7) marcbjr2 - 379

8) Phasebook - 377

9) redfox54 - 375

10) liverpoolsnxt - 368

11) karpentero - 324

12) tenjotenge - 309

13) dzerks21- 308

14) CDSmid - 272

15) Raymondo - 266

16) PedroPark - 260

17) Cruz-Jackson - 208

18) chrism - 168

19) suneohair - 123

20) polpog - 18

Comments, criticisms and violent reactions are welcome Maniacs. 

Phase's by the Books:

Frankie Edgar might be the most underrated, unappreciated and underdog champion in the history of the UFC. Pundits said there's no way he can beat BJ Penn. Guess what he beat BJ not once but twice. They said he will not win against a bigger, stronger, more powerful wrestler with heavy hands and KO power such as Gray Maynard. Guess what, he not only beat Maynard, he KO'ed him. He might not be the #2 pound for pound best fighter in the world (well, Dana White thinks so) but he surely gained a lot of respect and appreciation from fans. I, for one, became a fan of Frankie Edgar. That guy is an elite in the crowded lightweight division. Gilbert Melendez is next.

Kenny Florian might be the unluckiest title contender in the UFC. Three divisions, three chances. Nada. Can he surmount another cut weight and challenge Dominick Cruz? Let's hope not! Jose Aldo, though, went down two or three notches in my books as far as pound for pound rankings are concerned as he seemed to lost that killer instinct and just content himself with grinding a decision. 

Chael Sonnen has the skills but his antics went way higher than what the script writers of the WWE can conceive. Loser leaves type of match? The last time I checked Shawn Michaels was not successful in ending the Undertaker's Wrestlemania streak. Stann showed his weakness and Chael capitalized. However, I just don't see Chael dethroning the Spider. He will suffer the banishment.

Thank God the judges won't be swayed by Leonard Garcia this time. And Joe Lauzon pulled a rabbit in the event's hat by pulling a submission over heavily favored Melvin Guillard. That submission was fast and slick. I want Joe to face G-Sot, Jim Miller, Cowboy or Charles Oliviera next. 

Now for the free pool. Although no one was able to get Agar's 105 points, the Mania free poolers gave a good fight. The scores for UFC 136 were far more respectable compared to last event. 

For UFC 136, michi went back to his dominating ways and get the top spot for UFC 136 as he got 88 points by going 9/11. He got the hot bout and got the full points on Maia, Elkins, Phan and Simpson. Congratulations michi. Bragging rights baby.

ItalianStalion54 is second as he got 72 points by getting the hot bout and picking 7 out of 11. He got full points for Maia, Phan and Simpson. Getting up the ladder Stallion.

Third place honors went to thunderdownunder who got 66 points. He got the full points, went 7/11 and got full points for Maia and Simpson.

Bottom-dweller of the night is chrism who scored a measly 22 points and got 4/11. Sad day for you lurker. 

The rest of the scores:

michi - 88

ItalianStallion54 - 72

thunderdownunder - 66

CDSmid - 65

Rolandando - 64

liverpoolsnxt - 60

Cruz-Jackson - 59

PedroPark - 50

MrGrappleFan - 49

karpentero - 49

dzerks21 - 47

suneohair - 46

redfox54 - 45

Phasebook - 44

Raymondo - 35

marcbjr2 - 33

tenjo tenge - 31

chrism - 22

After 4 events, michi took the top spot with a stellar UFC 136 performance. Scores are as follows:

michi -  267

MrGrapplefan - 250

Rolandando - 247

thunderdownunder - 244

redfox54 - 201

Phasebook - 200

marcbjr2 - 196

liverpoolsnxt - 194

Stazza - 190

ItalianStallion54 - 185

PedroPark - 185

Cruz-Jackson - 175

karpentero - 173

dzerks21 - 169

Raymondo - 160

CDSmid - 146

tenjotenge - 143

chrism - 127

suneohair - 123

polpog - 18

What  do you think of the event Maniacs? Hit the comments section. michi go display your bragging rights baby. 

Someone was actually faster than Dominick Cruz but the dominator found his groove and caught the mouse in the proverbial "mouse trap." The Skyscraper proved that he is not just a kick boxer when he caught HD in that awesome triangle choke and Rumble Johnson is really big for 170. I want to see him rematch Koscheck or fight Fitch after Fitch blankets Hendricks. Overall, the event was very good with good fights.

Unfortunately for the Free Poolers, it was not a good event overall as the highest scorer only got a measly 67 points.

That award will go to redfox54 who scored 67 points by getting perfect points for Wiman and Josh Neer. He also got 14 points for picking Sass to submit Johnson, quite unfortunate that he chose round 2. Congratulations redfox54. One week bragging rights will be yours. 

Second in the competition is michi who recovered from a bad event last time and scored a very close 66 points. He got perfect points for correctly picking Cruz, Johnson, Wiman, and getting 14 points for the hot bout. Nice recovery michi.

Third is Rolandando who got 65 points by correctly picking Cruz, Wiman, Easton, and Neer. He also got 14 points for the hot bout. Congrats Rolandando. 

Bottom dweller of the night is CDSmid who picked one fight and correctly picked Cruz. No internet connection eh? 

After three events  Mr.Grapplefan was able to hold a firm grasp on the number one spot. He was closely followed by Rolandando and michi. I'll get you soon!

Here are the scores for UFC on Versus event:

redfox54 - 67

michi - 66

Rolandando - 65

MrGrapplefan - 64

Marcbjr2 - 63

Stazza - 59

Phasebook - 55

liverpoolsnext - 55

thunderdownunder - 54

chrism - 51

suneohair - 50

karpentero - 49

ItalianStallion54 - 46

PedroPark - 45

Cruz-Jackson - 39

Raymondo - 39

tenjotenge - 37

dzerks21 - 34

CDSmid - 11

polpog - 0

Here are the total scores after 3 events:

MrGrapplefan - 201

Rolandando - 183

michi - 179

thunderdownunder - 178

marcbjr2 - 163

Phasebook - 156

redfox54 - 156

Stazza - 146

PedroPark - 135

liverpoolsnext - 134

Raymondo - 125

karpentero - 124

dzerks21 - 122

Cruz-Jackson - 116

ItalianStallion54 - 113

tenjotenge - 112

chrism - 105

CDSmid - 81

suneohair - 77

polpog - 18

What do you think of the scores Maniacs? The Money Poolers made us look like bush league again eh?

Now we know that Frankenstein really do not stand a chance against Spiderman as Bones made Rampage look amateurish and one-dimensional in their fight. One thing is for sure, Bones will have a long time being on top of that 205 ladder. Speaking of amateurish, I am proud to say that the people from the Mania Pool did not do an amateurish  job on their picks. I am proud to present the results for you maniacs.

Mr GrappleFan topped the amateurs as he amazingly scored 80 points. How he did it? He got 9 out of 10 picks correct only missing out on Mark Hunt beating Ben "Zero Cardio" Rothwell. He also correctly picked the method and round for the hot bout earning him 22 points. He also nailed the complete points for Assuncao and Boetsch.

Second is yours truly who scored 6 points lower than GrappleFan. I correctly picked 9 out of 10 winners but was only able to score 14points on the hot bout and getting the full points for Boetsch, Assuncao and Koscheck. I told you the first event was just a "picker's jitters" so I was able to ward that off in the second event. Here's hoping I will continue the good streak. As long as I know not to pick Cody McKenzie and Ben Rothwell again, I will have a credible chance, eh?

Third on the race is ItalianStallion54 who actually started picking fights only for this event. He missed the first event but he was still able to show his picking prowess by scoring 67 points. Mind you Maniacs, despite all the trash and crap he said about how he thinks Rampage will win against Jones, he actually picked Jones to finish Rampage in the third round, way to go with the mindgames Stallion. He was also able to nail the hot bout and correctly predicted Assuncao to win by decision. He also got 8 out of 10 correct winners.

Worst picker of the night went to chrism as he got all his picks and got 3/10. He also picked Rampage to win over Jones. He must be boozed while picking his picks eh? 

Here is the statistics for UFC 135 among the Free Poolers.

MrGrappleFan - 80

Phasebook - 74

ItalianStallion54 - 67

Rolandando - 66

thunderdownunder - 66

Cruz-Jacson - 50

michi - 49

PedroPark - 47

redfox54 - 45

karpentero - 43

Stazza - 40

dzerks21 - 39

marcbjr2 - 38

liverpoolsnxt - 37

tenjotenge - 37

Raymondo - 32

CDSmid - 30

chrism - 15

polpog - 0 (did not pick)

suneohair - 0 (did not pick)

After 2 events the scores are as follows:

MrGrapplefan - 137

thunderdownunder - 124

Rolandando - 118

michi - 113

Phasebook - 101

marcbjr2 - 100

PedroPark - 90

redfox54 - 89

dzerks21 - 88

Stazza - 87

Raymondo - 86

liverpoolsnxt - 79

Cruz-Jackson - 77

tenjotenge - 75

karpentero - 75

CDSmid - 70

ItalianStallion54 - 67

chrism - 54

suneohair - 27

polpog - 18

Hit the comments board maniacs. MrGrappleFan you have bragging rights till next week.

No one gave a chance to Ellenberger beating Shields the same way that no one gave Victor Ortiz a chance against Money Mayweather. But hey, two underdogs, two different results. As we all know Ellenberger crushed Jake Shield's chin with that vicious knee. Wow, no one expected that. I still can't get over that knee to the face in the same way that I can't still get over from that cheap shots that Floyd threw on Ortiz. 

As for the Mania Free Pool, it was michi that racked all the points for the first event thrashing everyone on the free pool roster. Apparently, he was not keen on an Ellenberger victory so he missed on the Shields fight. However he still managed to get 64 points by correctly picking McGee to get a unanimous decision over Yang, Koch over Brookins, Belcher over MacDonald, Rocha over Cerrone, Dunham over Bailey, Ken Stone over Walker, while correctly picking Baczynski, Waldburger and hit it big time with Peralta via unanimous decision. Congrats michi.

Second was marcbjr2 who got 62 points and the only one who picked Ellenberger to beat Shields. However, he picked Ellenberger via split decision so he wasn't able to capitalize on the full points. He also scored 14 points for picking Rocha to submit Cerrone. He also got perfect point for picking Peralta.

Third was thunderdownunder who managed to rack in 58 points. Nice picks bro.

As for me, don't ask. it was a bad first event for me as I managed to get 27 measly points only getting correct on McGee, Belcher, Dunham, Stone, and Waldburger. My picking skills for the event was worse than ABB who might fare better. At least, I am not the last as polpog merely scored 1`8 points by picking correctly that McGee would win by unanimous decision and Belcher would win by submission/tapout.

The rest of the scores below:

michi - 64

marcbjr2 - 62

thunderdownunder - 58

MrGrapplefan - 57

Raymondo - 54

Rolandando - 52

dzerks21 - 49

Stazza - 47

redfox54 - 44

PedroPark -43

liverpoolsnxt - 42

CDSmid - 40

chrism - 39

tenjotenge - 38

karpentero - 32

Phasebook - 27

Cruz-Jackson - 27

suneohair -27

polpog - 18

Hit your comments Maniac. I haven't seen the results of the Money Pool but I am sure we sucked compared to them.

Maniacs, this is Phasebook again. We all know that the Free Pool is also following PG and the Money Pool's 10-event format making UFC: Battle of the Bayou on September 17 the first event already. So I am putting up this fanpost to cordially invite those Maniacs who would like to have a taste of how the money pool is being played without spending. All you need to do is to create an account on mmaplayground.com and let me know your username so I can invite you to our camp. This is an excellent opportunity for you to train your picking skills and eventually be able to transition competing with legends like Jay, Two_Words, Ulf Murphy, Agar and NNR. 

See you in fight camp Maniacs. 

Hi Maniacs. Phasebook here again. The Mania United (MU) Bulldozers Fight Camp on Playground is still recruiting players who want to join our camp. This is a free pool so if you are not keen on investing or you just wanted to train your picking skills for 10 UFC events, please feel free to post below in the discussion thread your willingness to join our camp.

I am not trying to steal players from Jay, Two_Words, Ulf and the other people from Mania as I know and believe in my heart that they are wonderful people. What I intend to do here is to gather players from Mania who wants to train first  before investing $20 in the Big league. Eventually, we will all join the Big League anyway.

So if you are interested, please create an account at www.mmaplayground.com and hit me with your username so I can invite you to camp. Please do so before September 17 as that would be the first event already. 

Thank you very much and hoping to see you there in the camp.

Best regards,

Phasebook

Hello there Maniacs. Phasebook here. Initially, I begged Jay, scarnon and Hector Echevaria to message me or inform me when a new Money Pool will be created. Now that a new season is created I am exuberant that I could finally test my skills against Agar, NNR, Aintnosunshine and sarah. I had a playground account, I had a paypal account then came the atom bomb. My bank will only be able to issue me my credit card on September 20! I felt like my world tumbled down the same way that 209's world tumbled down when Nick Diaz forgot to grow up and was evicted of his fight with GSP. 

But then like Dana White, I felt all was not lost. I could still do a call on Carlos Condit to save the main event. So to cut this outpouring of emotion short, I felt like I needed to be in a pool so if I can't join Jay's pool, I might as well create a free pool.

So Maniacs (who does not have $20 or are simply not willing to invest $20 on Jay's pool) this is our opportunity to play Mania pool the same way that Jay and Two_Words are doing it. I will be the Commissioner (although I will have to admit that this will be a big challenge for me as I am not as good as Jay or TW).

We will copy the Money Pool, this will also be 10 UFC events. What you should do is to just create an account at www.mmaplayground.com. 

If you are interested to join our camp post your username here so I can invite you. I have the same username 

We will not have any prizes here but we will have the opportunity to practice our picking skills before we join the Big League. We might also have bragging rights although ours is just a Bush League.

And oh, jay don't think I did a Rollo here and pussyfooted! I am really interested to join sans the bank problems  

Thanks guys and wishing you all the best. 

This is one thing that has been bugging me for quite some time now. In respectable sites such as  MMA Mania and other sites (there's just two of them actually Mania and others), most of the posters (and I know even lurkers) have this strong hatred for Michael Bisping. A thread that discusses Michael Bisping is sure to be a buy out among forum participants with the GIF of him getting knocked out by Dan Henderson almost always on that particular thread.I find this to be unreasonable. The hatred is misplaced, I would like to say. Why? Let me expound.

During his stay on the TUF House, Bisping was a respectable fighter and is willing to fight anyone at anytime. Although I would have to admit that his castmates (at LHW) are not on his level (Hammill was injured so don't bring that BS that he is better than Bisping). Imagine facing Josh Haynes for the TUF title! It was like a gift from Dana White. People loved him during his stay at the TUF House. In fact, for his first fight in the UFC at UFC 66 against Eric Schafer, people cheer for him. His fights with Elvis Sinosic was also a well applauded fight.

Then he faced Matt Hammill. He was given the nod by the judges but it was not his fault that the judges saw it that way! Some people hated him after the Hammill fight but that hatred is misplaced. Blame the scoring system, blame the judges, why blame Bisping?

I also know that Michael Bisping acted unacceptably when he spat on the corner of Jorge Rivera but other than that I do not know of any other reason to hate him.  His coaching stint on the Ultimate Fighter might be the reason for others to hate him but other than playing a character (villain, that is), Michael Bisping served as a good coach and led his team to victory. Michael Bisping has to play the villain there because Dan Henderson's personality is like Hector Echevarria's acting. The TUF has to sell so I would like to think that Bisping has to play villain there.

His fights against Rashad, McCarthy, Jason Day, Leben, Henderson, Kang, Wanderlei, Dan Miller and Akiyama were all good fights. It's not like he John Fitched all those opponents, In fact he banged with them. So I really don't see the point of hatred on "The Count."

Do people hate him because he was born in Cyprus? Do they hate him because of his accent?  Do they hate him because he is the poster boy of the UFC in the UK? Do they hate him because he has royal blood (Polish royalty)? Enlighten me Maniacs.

We all know that Canada is a great country. No, Jay and Bigger Zino did not pay me anything to write this. I would go here and put my head on the chopping board in saying that as far as its contribution to the world, Canada has so far better contributed positively to the world than UK. In MMA alone, Canada's best contribution is GSP compare that to UK's Michael Bisping. Even Canadian fighters are better in Sam Stout, Mark Hominick, Patrick Cote, Krystoff Sozynski as compared to the UK's Dan "Non-Existent Wrestling" hardy, Ross Pearson, Andre Winner. Its not even close. Even here in Mania, Canada has Jay and BZ, UK has danago. Not even close brother.

But the point of my story is that Canada has contributed positive things to the world. My favorite band is Our Lady Peace who are from Canada. Canada also has Justin Bieber, Alanis Morisette, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, Chantal Kreviazuk,  Michael Buble, Brian Adams among others. 

In the area of comedy, the late Leslie Nielsen comes to mind. The Maple Leafs is a very respectable hockey team. I could go on and on here praising heaps on Canada's contribution to the world.

Now Maniacs, may I respectfully hear your opinion on what or who do you think is Canada's best contribution to the world. It could be something or someone that when you see or remember, you will say to yourself how great Canada is.

Mine are Our Lady Peace and Leslie Nielsen.

Dana White has said many times that the UFC will soon be big in Asia and that they will definitely stage a UFC event in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. But after these blabbers, there were really no positive developments that would lead to the UFC having a show here in the Philippines. Thus, let me say that UFC in the Philippines, at this point in time, are simply more soundbites rather than reality.

Let me offer my insights on why that is my take on the issue.

First, let me say that the UFC has bought Chuck Lidell and GSP here in Manila. I was there both ocassions. And let me tell you that the amount of people who were there were so massive that you literally have to pay the mall 200 pesos ($5) just to get in the venue. People were more than glad to see GSP and Chuck in their respective public workouts.

But the positives stops there. Let me give you five (5) hurdles that the UFC has to get through before they can stage a show here in the Philippines

1) Manny Pacquaio and Boxing Factor

The Philippines, I don't know if this is positive or not, is more of a boxing country. With the immense popularity of Manny Pacquaio, any fighting event that will not feature him will just be regarded as a second tier event. Because many of us see how boxing can bring money, a lot of Filipinos are into boxing nowadays. I mean those who can't find jobs are getting into boxing with the hopes that they would score the same fate as the current pound for pound king. With the development and rise of other boxers like Nonito Donaire, AJ Banal and Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Villoria, among others, MMA is and will be considered a second tier sport here. Well, in Canada, MMA is also second tier to NHL, right? So the hope is still there.

2) Stable of MMA Fighters

Second reason is that there is no UFC or MMA fighter that we can say the Philippines can rally behind ala Pacman. There's Brandon Vera, Mark Muñoz, Shane Del Rosario, Dave Batista and Philippe Nover but these gusy do not have the skills set and popularity that we can rally behind. Hopefully the addition of a 125 weight class will give the chance to fighters like Edward Folayang and other URCC fighters to show their skills.

3) TV Network

Currently, the UFC is being broadcasted in 2 channels here in the Phlilippines. Balls Channel 34 and Studio 23 (for replays) but these are cable channels and not on free television. ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and ABC 5 are the 3 najor networks and are free on TV. As long as the UFC is not on these 3 major channels, popularity wise it will not go far. Also, the schedules of UFC shows are susually slotted 10pm onwards, the time when people would prefer to just sleep rather than watch GSP dominate his opponents or Silva do the impresonation of Neo in the Matrix.

4) Popularity of MMA

I mentioned a while back that a lot of people showed up for the GSP and Chuck public work outs. That is positive news but when you are actually there, you will hear people, who is that? Majority would say, he is a wrestler. Others would say from WWE. It pains me whenever I hear those people just coming there just to see something or someone new. Filipinos are very hospitable, almost to a fault. So a huge turn out in the public work out would not translate to them watching the show when they set up one here.

5) Sponsors, Ticket Prices, Financial Considerations

Lastly, as far as sponsors the only brand that would always support a UFC show is Colt 45 ( a beer brand). Because MMA is not yet that popular here, corporate sponsors would not be very much willing to shed money and sponsor a UFC event here. That would mean that when the uFC comes here, they will have to get revenues from pay-per-views and ticket sales. Now, let's say ticket price (being the lowest) is at $50. That is too expensive for some ordinary folks here (not for me though as I would be willing to pay any amount just to see the UFC here).

Of course there are other reasons but these five are what I could think for the moment.

Please fell free to give your insights Maniacs. Do you think the UFC has a better chance of being legalized in New York than coming to the Philippines? Or do you think UFC in our country will soon be streaming on pay-per-view ala UFC UK and Brazil?

This has been bugging me as of late. I heard it from Joe Rogan multiple times already. Some of my friends echo the same sentiment that the hard-nosed wrestlers have the best base to start in MMA. Heck even the training facility here talks about learning wrestling first if I want to be successful in MMA.

I would like to respectfully ask your opinion Maniacs on whether or not wrestling is indeed the best base to start MMA. If you can't understand what I am saying (fingers pointing to danago), let me rephrase it, " If I want to start in the sport of MMA, should I first focus on honing my wrestling skills? The main argument here is that the mental toughness acquired and the hard and rigorous training presented by wrestling will give you a very good advantage if you are to involve yourself in MMA.

There are good examples here. Matt Hughes, Randy Couture, Chael Sonnen, Mark Muñoz, Joh Koscheck, John Fitch, Daniel Cormier. I could go on enumerating names here of successful MMA fighters that basically started as wrestlers.

On the other hand, there are also fighters that really do not start as wrestlers but has also been successful like Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, Jake Shields. I could also go on here.

If I were to ask you Maniacs, would you advise me to learn wrestling first before any other discipline, if I want to go to MMA? Is wrestling really the best base in MMA?

Please feel free to sound off.