Finally having completed part 2 of my Fanpost, Don Frye is still absent but does make a cameo. Thank for being patient, hope you enjoy. I need to hire someone to put commas and shit in, god that is taxing.

Takanori Gomi  32-6-0

There is so much to say about  Gomi, I don't know where to start. I think his teenage years had a serious influence on him and his development as a fighter. Gomi began his boxing training while in high school in 1994. In 1996 Gomi dropped out of high school for academic reasons, the process would lead to his father disowning him. 1996 saw Gomi start serious training in both freestyle and catch wrestling. He would go on to be a 4 time All Japan Wrestling Champ. On November 27th 1998 the career started for "The Fireball Kid"  with a win that would be the first of 14 in a row. During this span Gomi would win the Shooto championship from teammate Rumina Sato on December 16 2001. Gomi would suffer his first career loss to a young and hungry Joachim Hansen. Instead of taking time off or taking a tune up fight, Gomi would fight B.J. Penn two months later in Rumble on the Rock 4. BJ would hand Gomi his second consecutive loss via rear-naked choke in round 3. This fight was widely considered the battle between the number 1 and 2 fighters at 155.

The PRIDE FC era: After back to back losses a change of scenery did Gomi good. Gomi was recruited to fight for PRIDE and he didn't disappoint in his debut on Feb 15th 2004. Gomi would win his first 3 bouts with TKOs including a first round TKO of Ralph Gracie (BJ Penns instructor). In Gomis win against Gracie not only did he get some vindication by beating BJs coach, it also set a PRIDE record for fastest TKO (6 seconds), a record that was never beat. Gomi would go on to beat Charles Bennett and Jens Pulver before his infamous fight with Luiz Azeredo of Chute Boxe. The fight would end with Gomi KOing Azeredo at 3:46 in the 1st but continued with an assualt of punches requiring the PRIDE workers to stop the onslaught. Gomi would reach the finals of the 2005 GP and fight Hayato Sakurai on December 31st for the PRIDE welterweight title. The Fireball kid would end Sakurais night with a TKO in the 1st round. Gomi would lose his next fight to Marcus Aurelio (20-9) only to redeem himself 7 months later with a decision win over Aurelio. Two fights later Gomi would fight Nick Diaz in one of my favorite MMA fights ever. The HL video below is a good one but words do not do the fight justice, I would suggest watching the entire fight. Gomi would be the only welterweight champion in PRIDE history compiling a 13-1-1 record. Gomi has gone 3-3 (1-1 in the UFC) in his last 6 fights.

Gomi Vs Diaz HL (via LBhls)

And the fastest KO in PRIDE history:

Takanori Gomi vs Ralph Gracie (HQ) (via SupermanPunchKO)

Kazushi Sakuraba  26-14-1

The career of Sakuraba needs an entire book to give it the accolades it deserves, I will attempt to do it in a few short paragraphs and not omit anything too significant. His is the original Brock Lesnar, with talent, heart, and the fighting pride that we should expect from all our MMA fighters. Sakuraba started in a pro wrestling league called the UWFi in Japan. The fighters in the UWFi prided themselves on their technical kick boxing and catch wrestling. When the fans and media started to doubt their actual combat abilities the UWFi sent a teammate of Sakurabas to Rickson Gracies and prove the abilities of the wrestlers. The Gracie quickly and soundly defeated Yoji Anjoh and sent him back to Japan.

The foray into MMA for Sakuraba hinged on that very fight. Disgraced and in an attempt to show that they were legitimate fighters, the wrestlers started fighting MMA. Sakurabas first professional fight was a loss to a much larger (this will be a running theme in Sakurabas career) Kimo Leopoldo. About a year later Sakurabas teammates were slated to fight in the UFCs Ultimate Japan Heavyweight tournament. Sakuraba filled in for an injured Hiromitsu Kanehara despite weighing only 183lbs. In his first fight with Marcus Silveira, every ones favorite ref, Big John McCarthy stopped the fight early. After watching a taped replay Big John saw his mistake. The fighters actually fought again the SAME night with Sakuraba coming out victorious with an arm bar in round 1. Kaushi Sakuraba was a UFC tournament HW Champion, stick that in your ear Brock fans.

The PRIDE era: Sakuraba would head to PRIDE FC and start his career going 9-0-1. Those 9 wins might not seem impressive until you look at his competition closely. Included were wins over Vernon White, Carlos Newton, Vitor Belfort, Guy Mezger and 2 guys named Royler & Royce Gracie. Sakurabas victory over Royler Gracie was the first time in decades a Gracie had been defeated in a professional fight. The bout ended by ref stoppage sending the Gracie camp into a frenzy and the MMA world on its ear. Fearing an early ref stoppage, the Gracies pushed for a special set of rules should Sakuraba and Royce should meet in the GP. The rules, when viewed today, seem insane. There would be no time limit and no referee stoppages, just 15 minute rounds until there was a winner. The fight last an hour and a half, in the first 20 minutes both men had submissions but were unable to finish the other. The fight would end after the 6th round with Rorion Gracie throwing in the towel for Royce. After this grueling battle Sakuraba would fight again on the same night. Somehow Sakuraba managed to climb into the ring with Igor Vovchanchyn (49-10-1), who outweighed him by 50lbs, took down Igor and almost submitted him in the 1st round. Fate would not be on Sakurabas side as the drain of almost 2 hours of fighting took its toll. His corner would throw in the towel marking Sakurabas 2nd loss. Sakuraba would go on to win his next 3 fights including wins against Renzo Gracie (Kimura) and Ryan Gracie (decision) confirming him as the true "Gracie Hunter".

Sakuraba holds victories over Ken Shamrock, Quinton Jackson, Kevin Randleman, Ikuhisa Minow and Masakatso Funaki in addition to the fights I mention earlier. He has fought Wanderlei Silva 3 times, Mirko Filipovic, Ricardo Aorna, Antonio Nogueira, Kiyoshi Tamura, Yoshihiro Akiyama (Sexyama) and almost the entire Gracie family. Not bad for a 180lb professional wrestler.

Kazushi Sakuraba documentary (via lakvi22)

And one of my favorite HL videos:

Superman: A tribute to Kazushi Sakuraba (via herecomestherage)

Fedor Emelianenko  31-2-0-1 NC

Fedor started his career on May 5 2000 with 4 consecutive wins before the famous cut stoppage loss to Tsuyoshi Kosaka. Fedor would then go on an unprecedented 27 fight undefeated streak. On Feb 15 2002 Fedor would win the RINGS HW championship. After winning the belt Fedor would jump immediately to PRIDE FC and his debut would be a decision win against Semmy Schilt. Fedors next match was for PRIDE FC #1 contender. His opponent was a young and heavily favored Heath Herring. The infamous ground and pound was unleashed on Herring who would lose by doctor stoppage after the 1st round. Fedor would fight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for the PRIDE HW title on March 16 2003. Big Nog was thought unbeatable at the time, he had a 19-1-1 record and recently avenged his only loss by beating Dan Henderson via armbar. Fedor would go on to win the decision that night, surviving Big Nogs guard and punishing Nog on the feet and ground. Fedor became the 2nd HW champ in PRIDE a history, it was title he would never lose.

While Fedor did have an incredible run, it wasn't without scare or controversy. On Dec 22 2000 Fedor fought Ricardo Arona and the fight went to a decision, many fans thought Fedor had lost but the judges saw it differently. It would be 3 years later before Fedor would find a real scare in the ring. On June 8 2003 Fedor would fight Kazuyuki Fugita. Fugita would land an over hand right that put Fedor in la la land for what seemed an eternity. Fedor managed to grab Fujita end up on the ground and recover. When Fedor regained his feet he dropped Fujita then finished him with a rear naked choke. This would be one of several occasions where Fedors bend but don't break attitude would have him win in the end. Fedor is the most argued about fighter in MMA history, not necessarily by his doing but more so his management. Fedor would fight Matt Lindland (a MW who cut Fedor), Zulu (400lb professional eater) and Hong Man Choi (has 2 career MMA wins, 1 of which is Jose Canseco). Say what you will about his competition, he did beat everyone they put in front of him until June of 2010.

Fedor Emelianenko Legendary Highlights (via kingatrock20081)

With the politics involved in the UFC Hall of Fame some fighters will never get the recognition they deserve from either Dana White or those new to the MMA community. Some fighters will never be eligible due to their very short UFC careers or complete lack thereof. Here is my top 10 in no particular order. I am sure several can be argued but this is the internet and that's what we do.

Hayato Sakurai 35-11-2

In 1996 Sakurai started his career with a submission win over Caol Uno then went on a 5 year undefeated streak putting his record at 18-0-2 and earning the Shooto middleweight championship. In his next fight Sakurai would lose to a larger (and future UFC champion) Anderson Silva. Losing wasn't the only trouble on the horizon for Hayato, a car accident in the US in which he sustained a broken arm and 2 herniated discs helped slow his brilliant career. In his next 10 fights Hayato went 5-5 with losses to Matt Hughes and Jake Shields. In 2005 Hayato traveled to the US to train with Matt Hume and AMC Pankration, this seemed to relight the fire in Hayato. He defeated his next 4 opponents which included Shinya Aoki, Jens Pulver and Joachim Hansen. His career could be defined on the night of December 31 2005 and his fight with Takanori Gomi for the first ever PRIDE FC middleweight belt. Hayato fought with a torn ACL (only known to his trainer at the time) and was doing well til an ill advised Judo throw. The throw allowed Gomi to take his back and reign nasty ground and pound til Sakuarai got back to his feet only to be KOd. His career continued to be a roller coaster of sorts after the Gomi fight eventually he went on to beat Aoki again but lost the next 3 to Marius Zaromski, Akihiro Gono and Nick Diaz.

Fight Of The Week - Shinya Aoki Vs Hayato Sakurai (via HDNetFights)

Wanderlei Silva  33-10-1

Wandys career is hard to put into words, his record in the UFC is a dismal 3-5 which won't get him into the UFC HoF. His career started when bare knuckles and headbutts were commonplace and is winding down in regulated sport with rounds, rules and gloves. His career has encompassed it all. Wandy started  5-1 before a disappointing  set back at the hands of a young Vitor Belfort. 2 fights later Wandy would win the IVC light heavyweight belt with a win over Eugene Jackson at IVC 10. After this fight Silvas nickname soon changed from Cachorr Luoco (Mad Dog) to The Axe Murderer. Wandys career in PRIDE FC started on 9/12/1999 and he wouldn't see defeat until December 31st 2004 with a split decision loss to Mark Hunt. Wandy took the fight on 2 days notice. Both Bas Rutten and Randy Couture (both were announcers) disagreed with the judges decision in Hunts favor. The Hunt fight ended an incredible PRIDE run of 15 wins 0 losses 1 draw (Mirko Filipovic) and 1 NC (Gilbert Yvel) groin strikes. Wanderlei held the PRIDE  title for an amazing 6 years winning the belt on Novemeber 3rd 2001 against Sakuraba. Wanderlei Sivlas career is a rolling highlight reel of spectacular KOs from the nastiest knees in MMA to absolutely brutal hooks. The list of Wanderlei Silvas opponents include Tito Ortiz, Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Rampage Jackson, Kazushi Sakuraba, Chuck Liddell and Ricardo Arona.

While Wanderlie Silvas career in the ring should earn him a spot in the HoF his actions outside the ring should as well. During a UFC fan Expo, Wandy refused to turn away hundreds of fans as the Expo closed. He told the UFC management that he would stay until all his friends (fans) had picture and autographs. He recently also played mentor to a Chael Sonnen giving him a lecture on respect. I will forever be a fan and friend to the Axe Murderer. Did I mention he named his son Thor?

Wanderlei Silva Confronts Chael Sonnen (via DaMMADude)

Sebastiaan "Bas" Rutten  28-4-1

Bas Rutten did something most fighters never will, he retired with a 22 fight unbeaten streak 21-0-1. Bas Ruttens combat sport career started in Thai Boxing at the age of 20, he posted a record of 14-1 all victories were 1st round KOs. Bas would win his first 2 fights in Pancrase before losing to Masakatsu Funaki (39-13-1). Funaki has wins over Vernon White, Ken & Frank Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Semmy Schilt and Ikuhisa Minowa. After the loss Bas realized the ground game was his blaring weakness and went and trained with Funaki who specialized in Catch Wrestling (think Josh Barnett). Bas would go 5-3 over the next 11 months losing to Ken Shamrock twice and Frank once.  Ken had a record of 17-3 back then, losing only to Funaki, Minoru Suziki and some guy and Royce Gracie (yes, Ken was that good back in the day). Bas continued training on the ground and it was starting to pay dividends as Bas won 7 of his next 8 via submission. He would later avenge the losses to Frank Shamrock (1 split decision and TKO) and Funaki (TKO). Bas fought Kevin Randleman for the UFC HW title on May 17th 1999 at UFC 20. He won a split decision and was the UFC HW champion. While attempting to drop down to LHW and become the first champion at 2 weight classes (in the UFC) he hurt himself during training which led to his retirement. The Rutten vs Funaki fight is considered one of the great Pancrase fights, here is a short HL video.

Bas Rutten vs Masakatsu Funaki (via toploader00)

Bas Rutten has a busier career outside the ring than he did in it. He had an announcing jobs with PRIDE, coached in the IFL and is a commentator on HDnets InsideMMA. He has authored books, trained Hollywood stars and made several appearances in both TV and movies. He even helped Rockstar with Grand Theft Auto IV. And can we forget the Brian Urlacher incident?  The thing that will get Bas remembered is his string of commercials on Cartoon Network.

Bas Rutten on Cartoon Network, all segments together! (via sabinebianca)

ZUFFA has roughly 200 fighters under contract at any given time. It has long been discussed (or argued) on BE about the pay scale for the mid to lower tier fighters and their ability to make a living. Several things play into factoring what they should or actually make in a given year. Being a fighter and sitting by the phone waiting for your next payday has to be a difficult lifestyle. If you happen to be unlucky enough to hurt yourself during the training and have to pull out of your fight, the time between paydays must feel like an eternity.

ZUFFA has long been considered the big leagues, you sign a contract with them and you have arrived. Or have you?

UFC 118

Alves $6k loss

Salter $8k loss

Ruediger $8k loss

Miranda $8k loss

UFC 117

Brown $6k loss

Morecraft $6k loss

Brenneman $8k loss

Wallace $6k loss

Davis $9k/$9k=$18k win

Story $11k/$11k=$22k win

Roy Nelson $15k

That isn't a lot of money for a man to feed his family. Subtract training cost, cornering fees and taxes, it gets very slim very fast. Now limit your paydays to once maybe twice a year. Not a way I would like to raise a family or do a budget. The first argument will be sponsorship monies. Since this varies greatly from fighter to fighter and is an inconsistent and unpredictable form of pay we shouldn't consider it as substantial income. Several fighters are on record about not being paid by sponsors and in most cases, they are just slow paying.

If ZUFFA was to implement a $35,000 a year training/publicity salary for fighters it would help the fighters, ZUFFA and MMA as a whole. The annual salary would be the fighters choice, they can take or leave it. They would have obligations to ZUFFA that would include a specific number of personal appearances (6, one every 2 months) at a traveling MMA training/exhibition/meet & greet. The traveling UFC meet & greet would take place every 3 weeks in smaller towns across the US. Using local convention centers the UFC could introduce fighters to the general public, sell merchandise and put on short BJJ/Muay Thai/Kick boxing exhibitions over 2 days.

As part of compensation to ZUFFA the fighters would agree to a payback scale for the financial security ZUFFA has offered. Let us use a fighter like Amilcar Alves who was paid $6,000 to fight at UFC 118. Under the contract he would be entitled to all of his show money ($6,000) but would only collect 50% of his win money ($3,000). The bonuses that ZUFFA hands out at events would be treated the same with 50% being reclaimed by ZUFFA. The cap on repayment by a fighter to ZUFFA could only equal the $35,000 in a single year and never exceed it.

I think using a business model similar to what I have described would give fighters a chance to survive financially in a sport with very irregular paydays. Fighters would have insurance alternatives, financing during training and build the fan base that supports them. The total cost to ZUFFA before a single dollar is reclaimed from fighter purses? About $3.5 million.

Yes i suck at adding picture and gifs. And I'm sure my sentence and paragraph structure is making several of you puke at this very moment, but take the poll anyway.

I would like to start off by saying, I am not an advocate nor have I ever used performance enhancing drugs. Or have I? I was cursed with an insatiable thirst for knowledge for things I don't understand. With all the recent news about HGH testing and the possible MLB and NFL ramifications, I was curious about how it was going to hurt our beloved sport of MMA. I found a documentary called Bigger, Stronger, Faster by Christopher Bell. It is a movie that presents the "other" side of performance enhancing drugs. This movie is worth the 1 hour and 45 minutes of your life if you are interested in all things performance enhancing.

I came away from with movie with a question about performance enhancers. It wasn't the age old question "Do performance enhancers give athletes an edge?". My question is, what defines a performance enhancer? And more importantly, who decides what is (and isn't) acceptable and why?

via img4.allvoices.com

Marijuana has caused quiet a stir recently here at BE. It was Nick Diaz and his love of all thing Cannabis that stared the heated debate. Is marijuana a performance enhancer? How about Gatorade? Marijuana seems like small potatoes compared to steroids or HGH but says who?  Andro and other supplements were legal (some still are) in MLB til a recent change, why? My understanding is anything that helps the body recover faster, build muscle, or helps with red blood cells is labeled a performance enhancer. Where do we draw the line? Is it with injections? Cortisone is an injected steroid that is legal in the NFL and MLB. Maybe we should have a ban on synthetics, ban lab drugs created by mad scientists. Sure that takes care of designer HGH and takes us back to marijuana and other natural enhancers. I know, maybe we should let people who are not informed, have agendas, decide for us. That hasn't worked very well so far either.  And what do we do with caffeine?

via thomaswirthlin.files.wordpress.com

In his film Christopher Bell raises serious questions about who is using performance enhancers as well. Carl Lewis got caught and was slapped on the wrist. US military pilots use them legally when flying, porn starts inject their dicks to keep erections and gym rats use for that extra muscle. Are we to the point where we should just legalize everything?

I don't have a strong opinion either way on this subject. I have come to the realization that a lot of the athletes I admire have used performance enhancers. Do I enjoy their performances less? Nope. Do I look at record books a little differently now? You bet.

If an athletic commission or sanctioning body says it's illegal, don't do it. An athletes personal beliefs have to take a back seat to whatever regulatory body oversees your sport.