Originally Pubished on MMA Scraps, Re-Posted Here with Permission

With the recent string of bad decisions in MMA, most notably the Tyson Griffin vs. Nik Lentz and Lyoto Machida vs. Quinton Jackson UFC 123 bouts, it has a lot of fans asking how can we change the rules so this doesn't happen anymore?

Many people like the old Pride system of scoring the fight as a whole. Others like the idea of implementing a half point system. While I personally believe that the 10-point must system is perfectly fine and I have yet to see a fight that couldn't have been scored correctly using it. Disagreements in what to do about the rules is really a moot point at this stage in MMA judging because it's the men behind the system that are to blame.

You can change every rule in the book if you want to, but as long as people such as Jeff Blatnik and Sal D'Amato are scoring MMA contests it doesn't really matter. Commissions are run on "good old boy" networks in which case politics come into play and people become judges just by who they know or what they can bring to the table.

There is no extensive training program like the NFL and judges are not absolutely forced to learn the intricacies of the unified rules. These are not people who inherently care about the sport as it pertains the fighters, fans, promotions etc. These are people like Douglas Crosby, a man who trolled on MMA forums to defend his absurd 50-45 scorecard of BJ Penn vs. Frankie Edgar 1. It's really a shame knowing that one decision can derail a fighter's career.

While judges are certainly the guilty party, the commissions refuse to at least give the judges mandatory monitors. In an interview with Fighter's Only Magazine, California Athletic Director George Dodd stated that monitors have been used in trial runs.

I think it was reported once, but not too many media outlets have gotten the notice. We used monitors for the UFC's in San Diego [Jones vs. Matyushenko], in Oakland [Silva vs. Sonnen], and in Anaheim [Lesnar vs. Velasquez].

Dodd also commented on the feedback the use of monitors received.

Well, one thing we noticed is that the judges are able to maintain their view of the match. Sometimes with the ref [in the cage] you don't get a good look at where the action is taking place, so, working with the UFC, I asked if we could put monitors for the judges to look at, and so far the judges I talked to are very encouraged because it gives them the whole aspect of what's going on.

I'm really perplexed as to why it has taken so long to realize these things. In this day and age with Hi-Def cameras and crazy angles it's insane to me that commissions haven't even considered making it mandatory that every judge be given a monitor. I've personally covered events where I'm sitting directly next to one of the cage side judges and half the fight they are either straining their neck to look up at the big screen or they are trying to look around a post to find a better angle on the action.

It's a ridiculous notion to think that monitors wouldn't help solve some of these problems. Most notably counter-punching which continues to be ignored by MMA judges for the simple fact that they put way too much weight on this idea that aggressiveness is everything. Just because a fighter is moving forward doesn't mean he's not getting his ass kicked. The most egregious example of this is BJ Penn vs. Frankie Edgar 1 at UFC 112 in which case anyone who knows anything about boxing could see that BJ Penn was completely outclassing Edgar with beautifully timed counter punches.

Even with the possible implementation of monitors it won't completely change the fact that some of these judges are downright incompetent and are just there to pick up a paycheck. This is not a theory, it's going down right now all across the world and putting critical losses on up-and-coming fighter's records. You want to squeeze out the most salient point of this whole debacle? It's simple, we need new judges.

Kiyoshi Tamura vs Matthew Saad Muhammad

If you're an old Pride head like myself(if not, shame on you) you will certainly recognize the name "Kiyoshi Tamura". Most famously remembering the drubbing that Wanderlei Silva laced on him back at Pride 19 and the armbar slapped on by Minotauro at Pride 31. He was always known for his powerful low kicks.

Matthew Saad Muhammad was a former boxing light heavyweight champion who was known for his fast-paced style and solid recovery abilities. He is a legend in the pugilistic world with his incredible back story which Ring Side Report lays out.

Born Maxwell Antonio Loach just outside of Philadelphia, Saad Muhammad was orphaned as a very young child. He and his brother lived with his aunt who, when she no longer could afford to care for both children, told Saad Muhammad’s older brother to lose and otherwise abandon him. From that, his brother took him to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and ran away. As a fan I long ago realized that much of the allure boxing held for me was in the human factor of those that had turned to it. Lack of direction and desperation are common themes among those that have taken to pursuing The Sweet Science as a means to an end. Boxing is often a last bastion of hope but nowhere can I recall a story as sad and pathetic as the idea of a child being utterly abandoned and left to the wolves of this life as was the case of Matthew Saad Muhammad. The lost child was found and taken to a Catholic children’s shelter where he was cared for and named Matthew after the saint and Franklin after the place where he was found...In and out of reform school as a youth, Saad Muhammad’s life turned a corner when he saw Muhammad Ali sparring at a local Philadelphia gym. The impression Ali left on him at that moment altered the pull of misdirection and mischief and he made the decision to become a fighter.

The IBHOF has more on Saad.

He turned pro in his native Philadelphia in 1974 under the name the nuns had given him -- Matthew Franklin. It wouldn't take long before everyone in the boxing world knew his name. He took an aggressive path to the top and after just 18 pro fights he was saddled with three losses and two draws. Each setback, though, came against quality opposition. His losses were to future champions Marvin Camel and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and one of the draws came against another future champ, Mate Parlov. In 1977, in just his 21st pro fight, Matthew knocked out veteran Marvin Johnson in the 12th round to win the NABF light heavyweight crown. He defended that title with wins over Billy Douglas, Richie Kates and Yaqui Lopez.

In 1998, Saad became a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  Like Toney, Saad has reached heights in combat sports that most MMA fighters can never even dream of. When Saad faced Tamura in 1991 under the UWFi banner which was known for it's worked bouts nonetheless, he was way past his prime and a shell of his former boxing self. Leading up to the bout he talked a lot of trash about easily knocking out Tamura and guaranteeing a victory in a similar fashion to what Toney has been verbally insinuating.  

In the below video you'll see the result as Saad actually wore his boxing gloves, takes a low kick and is subsequently choked out in 34 seconds. Take it with a grain of salt as they were known for worked matches, but this bout has been reported as a legit MMA match.  The parallels are in the pre-fight hype and the point in which Toney and Saad's respective careers were at when they made their decision.  An important story in the Boxing vs. MMA timeline.

(Originally posted on MMA Scraps, Re-Published Here with Permission)

via 2.bp.blogspot.com

The punch, called a "casting punch", is most commonly used in Sambo and most notabley used by Fedor Emelianenko. The punch is sort of a whipping motion that we've seen Fedor use numerous times. The problem with the strike is that it is the reason that Fedor has had so many hand injuries over the years. You're essentially hitting your opponent with the side of your hand.

Obviously, Fedor has used it with a lot of success and it is very useful in an MMA fight because it's purpose is to avoid strikes and get inside on your opponent which allows for clinching. Fedor is one of the least hit fighters of all-time, the "casting" technique keeps your head far away from your opponent's attempts to counter as you see in the picture above.

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

In the video below The Fight Nerd demonstrates this technique in-depth. So what's the verdict? Did Chael Sonnen use a technique that Fedor has mastered and put it to use against one of the best fighters walking the planet? If he did it would be a testament on the benefits of watching tape and trying to find any advantage you can in a fight. Which, judging by Sonnen's performance, I suspect he did.

(Originally Published on MMA Scraps, re-published here with permission)

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

(Originally published on MMA Scraps, re-posted here with full permission)

Where does punching power come from? Is it simply a natural thing you're born with or can it be technically learned? It's an eternal argument in the world of combat sports. What's not debatable is that it is very true that some fighters have it and some, no matter how much they train, just don't. Take Forrest Griffin, a huge light heavyweight with decent technique, yet just doesn't seem to have that natural ability to put an opponent's lights out.

Hailing from Brazil and training at Nova Uniao with the likes of Jose Aldo and Thales Leites is Marlon Sandro a featherweight that possesses enormous punching power. Sandro has sent his last 3 opponents out on stretchers and that's not some philosophical or metaphorical statement, it's a reality.

Now there are ways to improve your punching power, some claim Plyometrics help, but really what needs to be improved is footwork and accuracy which amplifies power. Now Sandro doesn't have the greatest technique, which is all the more incredible, but he does know how to get inside and setup his shots. He's also very adept at picking the right moment to unload that power punch, which in Sandro's case is usually a devastating uppercut. Let's take a look at his last three stretcher jobs.

Sandro vs. Masanori Kanehara at Sengoku 13

After forcing Kanehara back with a decent right straight, Sandro gets low and in on Kanehara's body to unload the uppercut at a great distance for maximum impact. Kanehara doesn't help his cause by throwing a looping left and basically ducking right in to the punch. (3:45 into the video)

Sandro vs. Tomonari Kanomata at Sengoku 12

Almost a carbon copy of the Kanehara fight, getting inside an opponent's body and setting up the distance for the quick uppercut. Sandro is not without speed either which only intensifies his power. (20 seconds in)

Sandro vs. Yuji Hoshino at Sengoku 11

In this fight Sandro does get a little wild with a flurry after hurting Hoshino with a left, but it's still somewhat controlled. As Sandro flurries he manages to land that uppercut, but really flattens is opponent by finding his distance with a right hook. (9:45)

Now obviously we would all love to see Sandro fight Jose Aldo in WEC, unfortunately they are teammates and won't fight each other. Still bring this man to WEC and let fight Faber, Brown etc. because he is not just some super puncher he is also a high level grappler. Just a great MMA fighter that is exciting to watch. Hopefully, Sengoku will put together the match we've all been wanting to see, the subject of my last "Inside the Fights", Hatsu Hioki.

Now I don't claim to be any kind of expert on the subject of punching power. These are my observations and opinions simply based on years of watching combat sports. While I certainly believe that a fighter like Sandro is born with face melting power we still wouldn't be talking about him if he didn't understand things like setups and distance. In the end what a fighter really wants is natural power plus brilliant technique, you know, like Anderson Silva.

Originally published on MMA Scraps, re-posted here with full permission from the owner.

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

"Inside the Fights" is a look inside some of the incredible techniques used by individual fighters. In the first edition we will take a look at the incomparable guard passing of Japanese Shooto champ Hatsu Hioki. Hioki won the Shooto 143 lbs. belt on May 30th of this year and it set to face Jeff Lawson at Sengoku 14 on August 22nd.

If I were to make a list with MMA's top guard passers sure I would mention Georges St. Pierre, Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza. Really though it's all about B.J. Penn and Hatsu Hioki. Hioki is a visionary, highly imaginative, truly an artist when it comes to guard passing and he passes directly to mount an insane number of times, often using the B.J. Penn-esque near side underhook pass.

Why listen to me praise the beautiful technique of this man when there is plenty of video evidence to study. I will point out some specific examples in the videos, but make no mistake the full fights are worth your time.

Hioki vs. Mark Hominick at TKO 25

Go to the 2 minute mark for the sick sweep and watch Hioki use his skills to crush Hominick's attempts at getting any semblance of a guard and effortlessly achieve the full mount position.

Hioki vs. Joe Pearson at Shooto in 2005

This whole fight is poetry in motion as Pearson pulls guard on Hioki, gets punched for it then Hioki goes to side mount, knee-on-belly to full mount in a fraction of a second and finishes with punches.

Hatsu Hioki vs. Rumina Sato - Shooto Tradition 4

Watch the transitions from 3:15 to 5:01. Sato attempts rubber guard to no avail as Hioki quickly cuts through it as he inevitably achieves the full mount. Hioki hurts Sato with punches as Sato attempts a sweep, Hioki jumps to side mount to avoid the sweep and with speed and precision that would make Marcelo Garcia blush Hioki is back to mount and finishes off Sato before you can blink.

This is just a sliver of an example of the greatness that is Hatsu Hioki. Get your youtube on when you have a chance as you won't regret it. All of Hioki's 4 losses are decisions with 3 of them split decisions. He never loses, he simply runs out of time.

****Update**** It was brought to my attention that this article was posted in the sherdog forum and Hioki's opponent from Shooto-Back to Our Roots 3 in 2007, Antonio "Pato" Carvalho, responded with praise for Hioki's skills.

My defense against Hioki's guard passes, just not be there period!!! After getting mounted 3 times in the first round alone, the only defense I could think of quickly in the second and third was just to push the head and do a proper technical stand up. I knew my only hope to perhaps pulling off a win was to not be under him at all. Hioki has amazing pressure when on top. Plus, he utilizes has length really well along with applying maximum leverage. He controls the head perfectly while also uses proper hip mobility and hip pressure to achieve his pass. Lets not forget how relentless he is as soon as he passes.

This decision was an absolute joke.  The judge, Doug Crosby, that gave Edgar every round is the same judge that scored the Marcus Davis vs Dan Hardy fight for Davis and the Diaz vs Neer fight for Neer, so his track record isn't great to say the least.  Any person that knows anything about the intricacies of boxing technique, which you would think an MMA judge would at least have that basic knowledge of, knows that BJ Penn absolutely outclassed Frankie Edgar. 

The fight basically turned into a boxing match and the things that make BJ Penn the most outstanding pure boxer in the sport were all on display in spades.  The jab landed repeatedly, the slipping and countering that Penn does so well was making Edgar look foolish and this man landed every significant power punch in the fight.  Edgar got one take down and BJ popped right back up, I mean the fact that  more people were livid about the Machida-Shogun decision than they are right now about this decision is shocking to me.  Edgar did not win one
round, I gave a 10-10 round in the forth for a 50-46 win by BJ Penn.  I really don't think Edgar was ever even competitive in the fight and the main reason people aren't insanely upset about it, is the commentary.

This fight is exactly why people complain about commentary, if there's ever a fight where fans need to be up in arms about the lack of professional broadcasting and just the lack of basic good color commentary, its this fight.  For some reason Joe Rogan had it in his mind that he was gonna be Frankie Edgar's
cheerleader.  I was beside myself when around the middle of the fourth round Joe Rogan says "I don't even know how to score these rounds", seriously?  It's a perfect example of a fighter that looked competitive, but really wasn't at all.  Somewhere in the middle of the fight the fact that Frankie Edgar wasn't getting completely blitzed by Penn clicked in the commentators minds that "Oh he must be winning" because he's actually surviving with BJ Penn".  I mean to me this fight was a very simple call. I really don't see how people can even argue the fact
that BJ Penn won less than 3 rounds. 

It is mind-boggling to me that more people aren't upset about this decision.  When Matt Hamill fought Michael Bisping and the judges cards were read, people were absolutely beside themselves and the same with Machida vs Shogun.  Why is that?  Because the commentators had decided that they fell head over heels in love with Hamill and in the case of Shogun, they fell in love with one technique, shogun's leg kick and anything Machida did wasnt really even commentated about because "oh Shogun landed that nasty leg kick, Machida's in trouble".  And it happens all the time, like Rogan being absolutely shocked when Alan Belcher wasn't announced the winner in the Akiyama fight, when clearly Akiyama was the clear cut winner, and incidentally Doug Crosby was a judge in that fight and of course the only one to score it for Belcher.  Penn/Edgar is 20 times worse than Hamill/Bisping and Shogun/Machida, the only difference is the fighter they were cheerleading for this time actually won.  Do me a favor, go watch the fight on mute and then tell me Edgar was even remotely competitive.

via www.opednews.com

MMA Weekly has the scoop

The last day of the legislative body’s 2009 session ended Monday, stranding several bills under consideration including one to legalize MMA in the Empire State.

Continue reading this post »

Just watching the "Inside MMA'"special of the Affliction: Day of Reckoning weigh-ins and as all the other fighters, even Arlovski, was introduced by the same guy, Jerry Millen took the mic and decided to introduce Fedor.  Apparently not knowing he could be heard, "El Guapo" had this to say.

That's the asshole... Oh did I just say this on TV! Haha!  He thinks he a rapper now.

Has a more true statement ever been uttered? At least Bas knows the truth about Jerry "Scumbag" Millen.

Bill 1-11458-A, designed to regulate the sport of MMA in New York is not on the committee’s agenda this week, but could be voted on as early as next week.

MMA Weekly spoke to Assemblyman Bob Reilly, a democratic member of the committee who represents the 109th district of New York, who strongly opposes the bill.

MMAWeekly.com: Can you tell me about your feelings on the current bill and about mixed martial arts in general?

Reilly: My feeling about the bill is that it’s a flawed piece of legislation. And my feeling about mixed martial arts is that there are many problems with it. It really is a glorification of brutality and violence. Many people believe that violence in the media, or any portrayal of violence, or violence itself as I think happens in mixed martial arts, in fact, makes people immune to violence and in fact promotes violence.

In New York State, we pass a lot of laws to stop violence, especially among young people in schools, but domestic violence (as well). I think that this basically is a glorification of violence, but it certainly promotes violence. In itself, I think it’s a very brutal sport that creates, obviously, physical harm to the participants, and I don’t think there’s any other sport who’s purpose is to harm your opponent. But we know that in mixed martial arts, that, in fact, is one of the purposes.

I think economically, it’s a very poor thing for New York State, that just the economics of it would not be beneficial to our state. It just draws money out of the state. I compare it to gambling and what happens in gambling. If you take Atlantic City for example, you have casinos that are going broke, surrounded by slums. If you look at Las Vegas, basically, the same thing is happening, where 20 months in a row gambling revenue has decreased, and Las Vegas and the growth there has created many slum areas in Las Vegas.

There is much, much more at MMA Weekly.

This guy makes absolutely zero sense in his arguments. Comparing MMA to domestic violence is just absolutely ridiculous and the below quote is even more absurd.

I don’t think there’s any other sport who’s purpose is to harm your opponent. But we know that in mixed martial arts, that, in fact, is one of the purposes.

Apparently he has never heard of boxing, which of course has been sanctioned in New York for a very long time.

Let's be honest, more than likely there will always be people like this in our beloved sport.  People that refuse to even give it a chance because they see this world through a keyhole and are afraid of embracing new and different things.

What us fans like to call the "beauty" of the sport, people like this will never have the privilege of witnessing.  If someone like this would actually watch an MMA fight where 2 warriors go to war with each other for 15 minutes and then embrace afterward, they might be able to appreciate it. 

The purpose is not to "harm" your opponent, it's to win.  Its the thrill of victory and after its over you hope and check to make sure your opponent isn't hurt.  Oh well, it's his loss that he can't see what we see in this wonderful sport.

via www.strikezonedortmund.eu

In an interview with Tatame.com, UFC Middleweight king Anderson Silva discussed many issues including his long rumored, but not yet confirmed fight with fellow Brazilian Thales Leites.     

Is already right the fight against Thales Leites, in UFC 97? How do you think it will be?

 

I don’t know yet, but I think that it’ll be against him. I don’t know, it’s hard to say. Fight is fight, there’s no how to say how it’ll be, I just have to train. He’ll have the opportunity of fight for the belt, I hope that he’s training well, because we’re too… To fight against a Brazilian is always complicated, even because is a title fight, but it’s cool, we’re professionals and we’ll do our jobs.

Anderson also discussed the recent losses by his close friends Wanderlei Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Did you go to Las Vegas to watch the UFC 92? What did you think?

 

I wasn’t there, I was solving my things at Los Angeles and I didn’t go to watch the fights, but unfortunately it wasn’t a good night for the Brazilians. Let’s come back, see where we did wrong and made right and find to improve. It’s a new year, everything new, let’s forget the pass. This already makes part of the pass. The fight is over and it is already pass, now is to think in the future, the next fights and challenges that will come.

 

Where do you think that they mistook in the fights?

 

I wasn’t very much with Minotauro in the last times, because I was busy doing my things… He must has given a train with the guys there (Wanderlei Silva’s team, in Las Vegas), but by what I know, it’s not excuse, Rodrigo had just left out of the hospital, stayed intern some time and wasn’t very well, so… It’s not an excuse, but we don’t know what really happened, only him can tell what really have happened. This is past now, we have to think in the next fights and to run after, see another time what we mistook in the year that passed and start to improve.

Finally, Silva talked about the possibilities of his training partner, Lyoto Machida, getting a title shot.

How do you see the situation of Lyoto Machida into UFC, who already made five fights, continues undefeated, but doesn’t gets a titleshot?

 

This is not due to us. Lyoto already proved to everybody that has conditions of represent this category and fight for the belt, but isn’t due to me, but to the promoters of the events give this chance. He already proved that, now is to wait the next fight, to hope that make a good fight, a fight that defines once for all his condition like one of the pretenders to fight for the belt. As him as Thiago are big fighters, it’ll be hard for the both, but we’re supporting him (Lyoto). I’m his friend, I train with him and I’m cheering for him. For the belt, he’ll have to wait, and it is due to the owners of the event to give this chance for him. He already proved that can, now it is to wait.

via www.theboxingclub.net

In a post on the Underground Forum, UFC Middleweight Dean Lister, who requested a release from his UFC contract and was granted it, apologizes to his fans and bashes his haters.

I would almost like to make this an "I apologize from Dean Lister" thread...
But that would be way way too lame. Listen I had a very poor performance my last fight. Truth is that I let my team and my gym, my friends and definitely myself down for this fight. Its not only that I lost but I really showed a poor performance. I had a much better showing against Arona (even though that was only primarily a grappling fight that I lost) even in Pride who is a better fighter than Okami for sure. Things just didnt come together for me this fight. I trained so, so hard, I really trained hard but it didnt work out.

Lister then went on to threaten deleting his Underground account if there are too many "mean" responses.

I expect a few weak and mean tempered responses to my thread here, that is OK, I expect this thing from young whack offs who have no (zero) life experience. If there is a damn, huge amount then I will as a pro fighter completely and 100% stop ever posting here on MMA.tv. I do apologize for things and how they turned out, especially to my fans and my friends and my team, (none of you deserve this, it's no one's fault but my own). Things in life are strange. All I can say is in late 90s I was mediocre at best in BJJ, but with some patience, I became world champion in ADCC Absolute WORLD CHAMP IN MOTHA FUCKIN BRAZIL!!!!!!!!!

But for the real haters, Lister simply challenges them and offers them a beer afterwards.

For those who really, really, really hate me and have the balls to come tell me to my face, I am very curious to meet you and to compare your superior style, technique and work ethic, even though I had a piss poor performance in UFC, i'm still in good shape. let me know if you want to "teach me a few MMA moves" cause I can really need the help and i'm an eager student. Only problems is you would have to come and see me in person. 3666 Midway Dr. San Diego CA, 921101, Im there everyday at 4:30. For anyone with the correct instruction, I await your appearance, come by and later after training I'll buy you a guinness (I won't be drinking it by the way, but I should still offer ya know??), only if you are old enough to drink (remember I'm not in the business of contributing to minors OK).

MMA Weekly reports that Lister is already in talks with DREAM and Affliction.

Tatame is reporting that the youngest of the Rua brothers, Marcos, will make his MMA debut soon. 

Marcos Rua, little brother of the former Pride fighters, is getting ready to make his first MMA fight. "He’s well, training tough and much focused. He would fight at The Glory, that would happen at January, but was delayed to March, but we want to see him fighting before", said Shogun

Click here for the full article.  Additionally MMAFighting.com reports that Marcos is bigger than both his brothers and will fight as a heavyweight.

via farm2.static.flickr.com

In an interview with Tatame.com former EliteXC standout Murilo "Ninja" Rua talked about his current situation.

"I'm focused now on Mauricio’s (Shogun) fight and I have nothing planned for my situation yet. I'm still connected to EliteXC and have to wait. I see it (possibility to EliteXC’s back) as very good news, I would be very happy and if the rumors confirm... It’s wait to see"

I would love to see Ninja in the UFC, only because in almost every single one of his fights he is either KO'd brutally or vice versa.  He always brings it and that's what Dana White loves, but of course he has to wiggle out of the EXC contract somehow.

Not exactly an earth-shattering revelation, but damn I can't wait for this fight!

The rest of the weigh-ins are also in this video from ESPN.

My prediction:

The REAL main event in my opinion. If you're Quinton Jackson you have the wrestling, the punching power and brute strength to win this fight, but do you have the mental toughness? Do you have the ability to block out the only 2 times you've been knocked out in your career? Have you mentally recovered from all the stuff that's happen to you lately? All questions that will be answered in this fight. Wanderlei has the upper hand in my opinion and he will use Jackson's tentativeness against him. For Wanderlei its about constantly keeping up the pressure on Rampage, which he certainly has the aggression and cardio to do.
Wanderlei Silva by another brutal KO

A little somethimg I put together for MMA Scraps, I thought everyone here might enjoy.

In a year that saw a lot of serious issues in our beloved sport, there were still plenty of moments to smile at.

***Update*** Thanks to EKC in the Comments-Never Seen That Before!
11.Hilarious Greg Jackson


10. MMA + Arm Wrestling = Epic Fail


9. The Full Bas Rutten vs Daryn Jones Saga







8. Dana White Detroys Tito Ortiz Fan


7. Quinton Rampage Jackson Shows Off Some Dance Moves


6. Dana White: "That's Fucking Illegal"


Go Here for the Top 5

Sorry, I didn't have time to do this yesterday.

10.  Kendall Grove vs Jorge Rivera- UFC 80

Nick Thomas: Rivera by KO - Upset of the night

9. Wanderlei Silva vs Keith Jardine- UFC 84

Brent Brookhouse: I like Silva here. Jardine looks good against guys who rely on counter-punching, but he seems thrown off when someone is putting a lot of pressure in his face. He was able to pick apart Liddell with leg kicks because Chuck waits back for an opening rather than getting in your face and forcing one. Silva is coming straight ahead though and I don't think Jardine has a ton of explosive power in his strikes to where he'll be able to make Wanderlei hesitate. It'll be a small setback for Keith, and possibly Wanderlei's last marquee win. Silva by TKO.

8. Georges St. Pierre vs Matt Serra 2- UFC 83

Brent Brookhouse: I like Serra, so I hate to sound like I'm giving him no chance to win the fight. But I'm giving him next to no chance to win the rematch. Georges is going to bust Serra up on the feet this time around and if it goes to the ground it'll be Serra on bottom where I don't think he will be successful working submissions. I'm going to go ahead and take GSP by TKO in the second round.

7. Rich Franklin vs Travis Lutter- UFC 83

Luke Thomas: Early on I give the edge to Lutter. As the fight wears on, I give the edge to Franklin. Franklin's very competent on the ground, but he's not Lutter. The difference in my mind will be cardio. As Franklin works hard to prevent the fight from hitting the floor and damages Lutter on the feet, he'll eventually wear him down. Assuming Franklin can avoid the submission - no small feat - he'll be in a great position to takeover come round 3. At that point Franklin scores the TKO against the fence from a Lutter unable to defend himself. Franklin, TKO, round 3.

6. Rich Clementi vs Gray Maynard- UFC 90

Michael Rome:   Clementi is on a bit of a resurgence, but I think Maynard's wrestling will be too much.  Maynard via decision.

5. Fabricio Werdum vs Brandon Vera- UFC 85

Nick Thomas: My pick for Fight of the Night. I'm still trying to process Werdum TKO'ing Gabriel Gonzaga. I didn't see that one coming. Because of that, I see the bigger Werdum handling Vera like Sylvia did. Upset # 3: Werdum by TKO.

4.  Tim Sylvia vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira- UFC 81

Michael Rome: I don't see Sylvia stopping Nogueira, so this is basically a game of seeing if Nogueira can submit him over the course of 5 rounds. My guess is he can, and I think this will be the first major Pride win since the acquisition. I see Sylvia winning the first few rounds on points until Nogueira is able to get him down and submit him. Nogueira by armbar, fourth round.

3. Tim Boetsch vs David Heath- UFC 81

Kid Nate: I'm flying blind here since I haven't seen Boetsch fight enough to make an accurate judgement. But based on his surviving three rounds against Vladimir Matyushenko. I'm picking Boetsch to end Heath's UFC career.

2. Mike Swick vs Jonathen Goulet- Fight For the Troops

Luke Thomas: Goulet has the worst chin in all of professional MMA and Mike Swick throws quick, explosive combinations. Gee, I wonder how this ends? Oh yeah, Swick by TKO, round 1

.1. Fabricio Werdum vs Junior Dos Santos- UFC 90

Chris Nelson: I've been questioning the UFC's decision to ink "Cigano" since the day this was announced. His fights in Brazil never impressed me much, but the recent glimpses of his training certainly have. (He's in noticably better shape, and has been working with Amaury Bitetti on his BJJ.) Werdum has some of the worst luck in MMA, and now that he's been all but promised a title shot if he gets past the virtually unknown Dos Santos, I'm fully expecting Junior to pull out the upset. Dos Santos via TKO, Round 1.

Chris Nelson calls the Dos Santos upset!

Sorry guys, I couldn't resist.  Keep in mind that a prediction is just an opinion and a couple are certainly upsets.  I admit that I am horrible at predictions, its just funny how some of these fights ended up going down the way they did.

10.  Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida- Fight for the Troops

Nick Thomas: Yoshida has a win over Dan Hardy just last year and that means a tough fight for Koscheck especially after his war against Alves. I'm betting Koscheck comes in with his I'm a striker now game plan, giving the opportunity to Yoshida to take this to ground and win by submission.

9. Anderson Silva vs Patrick Cote- UFC 90

Nick Thomas: On the ground - Cote loses. Standing up - it doesn't look good for Cote either. But I just can't pick against my fellow canuck. I'm praying that Cote is super aggressive in the first minute of the first round and catches Silva with a big shot. Cote by lucky punch.  - I had to throw in one of Nick Thomas' "fellow canuck" picks. (Honorable mention for his pick of Johnathen Goulet over Mike Swick.)

8. Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans- UFC 88

Michael Rome: I'm always concerned now when Chuck fights, but I think he'll win here.  Every time they hype Rashad we hear we're going to see a new, aggressive striker.  It never happens.  Rashad isn't that hard to hit, he got hit by Bisping and Tito.  Chuck via TKO, round 1.

7. Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta- UFC 87

Mike Rome: Well, this is my first real upset pick, because I don't think Herring should really be an underdog.  I happen to be among those that think Kenny Florian is incredibly overrated.  I don't think any of his wins are all that impressive, and I don't think it will be easy for him to take down Huerta, who has spent months training with GSP and Rashad Evans.  On the feet, I think this is a lot closer, and I think Huerta can win if he turns it into a wild fight, which is what he normally does.  Roger Huerta via decision

6. Rob Emerson vs. Manny Gamburyan- UFC 87

Brent Brookhouse: This is a showcase fight for Gamburyan.  As long as he takes the fight seriously he should have a reasonably easy night.  Gamburyan by submission round 1.

5. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia- Affliction Banned

Brent Brookhouse: This is a hard fight to call.  Generally we know what we're going to get out of Sylvia but what do you get from Fedor in 2008 against a top 10 heavyweight?  I'll tell you one thing, I don't buy this idea that the fight goes clinch, takedown, sub early in round 1.  It took Fedor 2 minutes to sub Hong Man Choi and I think that Sylvia is a bit more of a challenge.  I'm going to follow my gut rather than my brain and take Sylvia by TKO (cut stoppage) Round 3.

4. Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine- UFC 84

Luke Thomas: For me, I cannot allow my love and appreciation of Silva as a fan simply will me into picking him here. There are considerable match-up problems for Silva and to ignore them because Silva needs a win is foolish. Aside from the difficulties Jardine presents in reach and outside kickboxing, Jardine also has a respectable ground game with sufficient takedowns. Most importantly, though, is that Silva's style of trapping people and firing a barrage of punches either moving forward or with planted feet doesn't work as well in the open space of the Octagon. Jardine was able to avoid Liddell's incredible reach which is for sure longer than Silva's. Provided Jardine stays on his horse and doesn't get pressured in close range as he did against Liddell, this is his fight to lose. Jardine, by decision. - Shame on Luke for picking against the Axe Murderer!

3.  Brian Stann vs Steve Cantwell- WEC 35

Michael Rome: Seriously?  Stann via KO, round 1.

2. Tim Boetsch vs David Heath- UFC 81

Nick Thomas: Tim Boetsch? *shrugs*. David Heath by... um yeah.

1. BJ Penn vs Joe Stevenson- UFC 80

Nick Thomas: Penn by decision - I actually think Stevenson has a good chance of winning this; I just want BJ to win more.

And the first place prize goes to Nick Thomas,not because the pick, it was right.  But for actually thinking Joe Daddy had a chance!

Honorable mention goes to Efrain Escudero, getting no love in the predictions for the finale.  The BE staff will redeem themselves tommorow when I dig up their best picks of 2008.

Fight Linker Reports

It wasn't a good weekend for MMA fanboys. Wrestling fanboys yes, MMA fanboys no. Not only did Brock Lesnar knock out Randy Couture, but Fedor has lost as well this weekend. No, it wasn't in an MMA match, but still. Fedor was competing at the World Sambo Championships and lost to some Bulgarian dude in an apparently decisive fashion. He still clinched the bronze medal. This is all original reporting care of our bud Matthew Polly, so expect more info soon.