The fight itself will be dynamite. So will the energy in the building at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on July 11, but it's the lead up to the Brock Lesnar-Frank Mir fight at UFC 100 that will have this event breaking records and bringing in the casual sports fan. These guys don't like each and they also wisely know what it takes to hype a fight.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Gina Carano on Sport Science
Now that TUF is over, I am not sure what to do with this site. Maybe I will start a Gina Carano fan site.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fantasy TUF9: Final Score
-(Team Jon's) James Wilks def. (Team Dan's) DaMarques Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 1 (4:54) to become "TUF 9" welterweight winner for 20pts and $50.
-(Team Jon's) Ross Pearson def. (Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to become "TUF 9" lightweight winner for 14pts and $50.
-(Team Jen's) Nick Ospiczak def. (Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester via submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 1 (3:40) for 10pts.
-(Team Tommy's) Jason Dent def. (Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar via submission (anaconda choke) in Round 1 (4:46) for 10pts.
-Team CJ, Team Jen, Team Jon, Team Roxanne, and Team Tommy each receive 5pts for having Michael Bisping as their coach.
-Team Alli & Mike, Team Dan, Team Maria, Team Roy, and Team Steve each receive 1pt for having Dan Henderson as their coach.
Team Jon also wins $100 for having the most points. Here are the final scores:
1st Place - Team Jon (107)
2nd Place - Team Tommy (68)
3rd Place - Team Jen (59)
4th Place - Team Alli & Mike (58)
5th Place - Team Dan (46)
6th Place - Team Roy (43)
7th Place - Team Maria (39)
7th Place - Team Roxanne (39)
9th Place - Team CJ (30)
10th Place - Team Steve (14)
TUF 9: Live Finale Results
Here are the results from last nights The Ultimate Fighter 9: Live Finale.-Diego Sanchez def. Clay Guida via split decision split decision (28-29, 29-27, 29-28)
-James Wilks def. DaMarques Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 1 (4:54) to become "TUF 9" welterweight winner
-Chris Lytle def. Kevin Burns via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
-Ross Pearson def. Andre Winner via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to become "TUF 9" lightweight winner
-Joe Stevenson def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29)
-Melvin Guillard def. Gleison Tibau via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
-Brad Blackburn def. Edgar Garcia via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
-Tomasz Drwal def. Mike Ciesnolevicz via TKO (strikes) in Round 1 (4:48)
-Nick Ospiczak def. Frank Lester via submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 1 (3:40)
-Jason Dent def. Cameron Dollar via submission (anaconda choke) in Round 1 (4:46)
Dana White gave out three Fight on the Night bonuses for the first time in UFC history. The $25,000 Fight Night bonuses went to:
-Fight of the Night: Diego Sanchez-Clay Guida
-Fight of the Night: Chris Lytle-Kevin Burns
-Fight of the Night: Joe Stevenson-Nate Diaz
-Submission of the Night: Jason Dent
-Knockout of the Night: Tomasz Drwal
The total list of paydays:
-Diego Sanchez: $115,000 (includes win and FotN bonus)
def. Clay Guida: $58,000 (includes FotN bonus).
-James Wilks: $16,000 (includes win bonus)
def. DaMarques Johnson: $8,000.
-Chris Lytle: $61,000 (includes win and FotN bonus)
def. Kevin Burns: $34,000 (includes FotN bonus).
-Ross Pearson: $16,000 (includes win bonus)
def. Andre Winner: $8,000.
-Joe Stevenson: $95,000 (includes win and FotN bonus)
def. Nate Diaz: $45,000 (includes FotN bonus).
-Melvin Guillard: $24,000 (includes win bonus)
def. Gleison Tibau: $17,000.
-Brad Blackburn: $18,000 (includes win bonus)
def. Edgar Garcia: $5,000.
-Tomasz Drwal: $40,600 (includes win bonus, KOofN and 20% of Ciesnolevicz's "show" money as a penalty for Ciesnolevicz failing to make weight)*
def. Mike Ciesnolevicz: $6,400.
-Nick Ospiczak: $16,000 (includes win bonus)
def. Frank Lester: $8,000.
-Jason Dent: $41,000 (includes win and SotN bonus)
def. Cameron Dollar: $8,000
*Now, the usual disclaimer: The figures do not include deductions for items such as insurance, licenses and taxes. Additionally, the figures do not include money paid by sponsors, which can oftentimes be a substantial portion of a fighter's income. They also do not include any other "locker room" or special bonuses the UFC oftentimes pays.
The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale drew a crowd of "just over 1,800," which produced a live gate of approximately $500,000, a UFC spokesperson confirmed at the post-event press conference.
-Kevin Iole takes a look at the future of TUF.
-With the UK's sweep of TUF 9 Finale, can European "Fight Night" events be far behind?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Fantasy TUF 9: Live Finale
Here are the Fantasy TUF9 point standings heading into Saturday's season finale. Remember that the team with the most points earns $100 and the Wookie Cup.-68pts Team Jon
-57pts Team Alli & Mike
-53pts Team Tommy
-45pts Team Dan
-44pts Team Jen
-42pts Team Roy
-37pts Team Maria
-34pts Team Roxanne
-25pts Team CJ
-13pts Team Steve
Here are the two TUF9 tournament championship fights. These fights will earn the winning team $50. Also, points earned in these two fights are doubled.
TUF 9 Welterweight Tournament Final:
-(Team Dan's) Damarques Johnson vs (Team Jon's) James Wilks
TUF 9 Lightweight Tournament Final:
-(Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner vs (Team Jon's) Ross Pearson
Also on the card (and earning points) are
-(Team Jen's) Nick Osipczak vs (Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester
-(Team Tommy's) Jason Dent vs (Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar
TUF 9: The Live Finale
TUF 9: The Live Finale is this Saturday night at 9pm. The card features Diego Sanchez vs Clay Guida and Nate Diaz vs Joe Stephenson. The two TUF 9 tournament finals will also be decided as Team US welterweight DaMarcus Johnson takes on Team UK James Wilkes, and Team UK lightweight Ross Pearson takes on Team UK Andre Winner.
Here are the match ups with the odds:
-(7pts) Diego Sanchez (-325) Vs. (12pts) Clay Guida (+250)
-(7pts) DaMarques Johnson (-365) Vs.(12pts) James Wilks (+285)
-(3pts) Chris Lytle (-260) Vs. (6pts) Kevin Burns (+200)
-(6pts) Ross Pearson (+165) Vs. (4pts) Andre Winner (-185)
-(5pts) Joe Stevenson (+125) Vs. (4pts) Nate Diaz (-155)
-(2pts) Melvin Guillard (+190) Vs. (1pt) Gleison Tibau (-240)
-(1pt) Brad Blackburn (-145) Vs. (1pt) Edgar Garcia (+115)
-(1pt) Mike Ciesnolevicz (-125) Vs. (1pt) Tomasz Drwal (-105)
-(1pt) Nick Osipczak (-200) Vs. (2pts) Frank Lester (+160)
-(1pt) Jason Dent (-295) Vs. (2pts) Cameron Dollar (+235)
-Spike TV will air all twelve episodes of The Ultimate Fighter 9 on Saturday.
-UFC broadcaster Joe Rogan's upcoming Spike TV special, "Talking Monkeys in Space," will debut directly after the Live Finale.
-Sherdog breaks down the main card and the prelims.
-Cage Potato is your Gambling Addiction Enabler.
Diego Sanchez talks about Clay Guida
Fantasy TUF 9: Episode 12
Last night was the final episode of TUF 9. James Wilks and Frank Lester fought for the last spot in the finals. Here is what went down:
(Team Jon's) James Wilks vs. (Team Roxanne's) Frankie "Four Teeth" Lester (Welterweight semifinal)
Before the fight, a U.K. coach says to Wilks, "Don't let him back in the house." Bisping replies, "It's the last day." "You know what I mean!" the coach says.
Round 1: Wilks starts the fight off with a "kick in the bullocks" to Lester. Most of the first minute and half is tentative stand-up. Lester lands a left hook that does a bit of damage before Wilks tries for a takedown. Lester shakes him off, and pushes Wilks into the fence. Lester punches out of the clinch, but Wilks keeps working his way back into the clinch. He tries again for a takedown, but it's just not working. Hendo pointed out many times throughout this episode that Lester's takedown defense has improved, and it's showing. Both coaches tell their fighters that they won the round, but I'd give it to Lester.
Round 2: Lester gets payback as the round begins, kicking Wilks in the groin. Bisping calls it a "low blow," but it was clearly accidental. More tentative stand-up follows, and throughout, Wilks taunts Lester, throwing big looping punches that don't land. Sure, that's funny. Both fighters are landing more punches this time. Lester's nose is bleeding, but Wilks is dropping his hands quite often. As the round closes, Wilks gets off a few knees, and Lester lands a few punches. Wilks won that round on my scorecard.
Round 3: Hendo implores Lester to engage first, but Wilks does instead with a knee and punch combo. Wilks again tries for a takedown but gets nowhere near the ground. He then moves to the clinch, where he throws a few knees. One crumbles Lester, the next one takes him to the ground, and Herb Dean calls the fight for Wilks.
-(Team Jon's) James Wilks def (Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester by TKO (strikes) in the 3rd round for 8pts.
-Team CJ, Team Jen, Team Jon, Team Roxanne, and Team Tommy each receive 1pt for having Michael Bisping as their coach.
After the fight, Hendo says that it was just too many wars in a short time for Lester. Dana White lauds his performance, calling him a tough mother fucker. Lester apologizes for his performance, and says that he is sorry because he needed the money for his little girl. Considering what Dana had to say about Frank, he will be OK financially.
Back around Team U.K., Bisping is gloating, to the shock of no one. The U.K. has three finalists to America's one, but Hendo said he is proud of his team. Hendo also says that this show has him excited to fight Bisping, as he is, "for the lack of a better word, a douchebag."
The TUF Live Finale is this Saturday at 9pm.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
UFC 99: Wrap Up
Here are the official results of UFC 99.-Rich Franklin def. Wanderlei Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
-Cain Velasquez def. Cheick Kongo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
-Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic def. Mustapha Al-Turk via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:47
-Mike Swick def. Ben Saunders via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:47
-Spencer Fisher def. Caol Uno via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
-Dan Hardy def. Marcus Davis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
-Terry Etim def. Justin Buchholz via submission (D'arce choke) - Round 2, 2:38
-Denis Siver def. Dale Hartt via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 3:23
-Paul Taylor def. Peter Sobotta by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
-Paul Kelly def. Roli Delgado via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
-Stefan Struve def. Denis Stojnic via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 2, 2:37
-John Hathaway def. Rick Story via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
MMA Live: 6-11-09
WEC Featherweight Champ Mike Brown and Strikeforce Heavyweight Brett Rogers join the program to discuss their big wins this past weekend. In addition, a full breakdown of WEC 41, Strikeforce: Lawler vs Shields and a comprehensive preview of UFC 99
UFC 99: Franklin vs Silva
UFC 99 is this Saturday, June 13th at 3pm on PPV live from Cologne, Germany. This will be the first UFC event held in Germany, as well as the first in mainland Europe (events have previously been held in both the U.K. and Ireland). The main event is former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin vs former PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva. The co-main event is Cheick Kongo vs Cain Velasquez. The winner of this bout will be the unofficial number one contender for the UFC heavyweight championship. The event also features the return of Mirko Cro Cop and Caol Uno to the UFC.(9pts) Rich Franklin (-140) Vs. (10pts) Wanderlei Silva (+110)
(11pts) Cheick Kongo (+160) Vs. (8pts) Cain Velasquez (-200)
(4pts) Mike Swick (-200) Vs. (5pts) Ben Saunders (+160)
(4pts) Marcus Davis (-200) Vs. (5pts) Dan Hardy (+160)
(4pts) Spencer Fisher (-200) Vs. (5pts) Caol Uno (+160)
(1pt) Mirko Cro Cop (-550) Vs. (4pts) Mostapha Al Turk (+350)
(1pt) Terry Etim (-500) Vs. (3pts) Justin Buchholz (+300)
(1pt) Dennis Siver (-170) Vs. (1pt)Dale Hartt (+140)
(1pt) Paul Taylor (-500) Vs. (3pts) Peter Sobotta (+300)
(1pt) Paul Kelly (-500) Vs. (3pts) Rolando Delgado (+300)
(1pt) Denis Stojnic (Even) Vs. (1pt) Stefan Struve (-130)
(1pt) John Hathaway (-150) Vs. (1pt) Rick Story (+120)
The complete card
Here are some articles:
-Sherdog breaks down the main card
-5 Things to Watch for at UFC 99
-How Cain Velasquez seemingly came out of nowhere to become a top UFC heavyweight
-Dan Hardy's Mouth Creating Huge Hype, Marcus Davis Tries to Subdue Emotions
-Cro Cop is motivated and wants 'the big guy's' belt
-Cro Cop's Biggest Wins and Toughest Losses
-UFC 99 is close to a sell out
UFC 99 Countdown Part 1:
-Part 2
-Part 3
-Part 4
Fantasy TUF 9: Episode 11
As episode No. 11 of "The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K." begins, the lightweight finalists are preparing for their chances to qualify for the live finale.Team U.S. lightweight Cameron Dollar is struggling with a set of injured ribs, but coach Dan Henderson is confident his team can win. Meanwhile, his Team U.K. opponent, Andre Winner, is busy using American turncoat Jason Pierce's scouting report to develop his own plan of focusing on boxing while staying away from Dollar's right hand. Back at the house, Winner's teammates bring to light his strange habit of sucking his thumb. It's an odd discussion, and Winner tries to deny it briefly. Unfortunately, video proves otherwise, and he's forced to own up to the habit. The action turns quickly to the episode's first bout.
(Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar vs. (Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner
Referee Josh Rosenthal gets the bout underway, and after a touch of gloves, the pair looks to trade on the feet. Dollar starts with a few missed jabs, before chasing Winner with a flurry. Winner quickly answers with a few shots of his own, and the fight is off to a quick start. After some further blows, Dollar tries for the takedown as instructed, but Winner sprawls easily. Working in the clinch, Winner lands a knee to the injured ribs of Dollar. Dollar succeeds with a trip, but Winner reverses the throw and winds up in mount. The Brit passes on punches and instead transitions to a triangle choke and rolls to his back. Dollar resists, but doesn't escape, and Winner locks the hold in tighter. With the choke in tight, Dollar is forced to tap. It's an impressive performance, and Winner says he looks forward to having the belt around his waist and being "filthy rich." Dollar is obviously disappointed, but Henderson believes the lightweight could be a factor in the future.
Next up is a chance to determine Winner's finale opponent as Team U.S.'s Jason Dent meets Team U.K.'s Ross Pearson. Before Pearson can step into the cage, he's got a challenge in front of him. Pearson's shoulder dislocates in training, but the gritty lightweight, who says it happens quite frequently, simply pops it back into place and is ready to go. As for Pearson's opponent, Jason Dent, UFC President Dana White says he was unimpressed by the lightweight in his first bout. Dent says he's upset at the assertion that he fought a boring fight, insisting instead that he was simply playing it smart and focusing on self-preservation. Either way, Dent promises to go all out in the semifinal. Pearson says he'll do the same.
(Team Tommy's) Jason Dent vs. (Team Jon's) Ross Pearson
Referee Steve Mazzagatti calls for the start of the contest, and Pearson is quickly on the attack. A kick to the body leads to a clinch, though Dent throws several punches inside. The two fighters split and begin to attack on the feet. Dent covers up and avoids any major damage, but Pearson is certainly the aggressor. Dent battles back, landing a few solid uppercuts, but Pearson quickly turns the tide back in his favor. With one minute remaining, Pearson is again aggressive on the attack, though Dent survives and answers with a few punches in return. Henderson calls for a takedown to steal the round, but Dent settles for a final flurry as time expires. Dent opens as the aggressor in the second round, but Pearson is able to deflect much of the attack. Dent briefly takes control with a flurry of punches and some solid knees in the Thai clinch. Pearson withstands the blows and takes Dent to the floor. Dent scrambles back to his feet and a flurry from both fighters follows before Dent again finds himself on the floor. Pearson rides the position out until the final bell, and the fight will see a third round. The final round opens with punches from both fighters, but Pearson scores the heavier blows. Pearson follows with a takedown and traps Dent against the cage. Dent pulls guard, but Pearson begins to work some ground-and-pound offense from the top. Dent tries to roll free, but he can't shake Pearson off. Henderson calls for Dent to return to his feet, but he simply can't find the room to escape. Pearson continues the assault until the final bell, and he earns the unanimous decision win.
It's a tough loss for Dent, who fought valiantly throughout, and White changes his tune on the lightweight's capabilities. Nevertheless, Pearson earns his way into an all-British final with Winner.
Next week brings the final welterweight elimination bout between (Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester and (Team Jon's) James Wilks, and the last episode of the season before the live finale.
-(Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner def. (Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar via submission (triangle choke) in Round 1 for 10pts.
-(Team Jon's) Ross Pearson def. (Team Tommy's) Jason Dent via unanimous decision for 7pts.
-Team CJ, Team Jen, Team Jon, Team Roxanne, and Team Tommy each receive 2pts for having Michael Bisping as their coach.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Fantasy TUF 9: Episode 10
Episode 10 begins with Dana White and the coaches deciding who will fight in the Semi-Finals. Here is what they come up with.
Welterweight Semi-Finals:
-(Team Dan's) DaMarques Johnson vs. (Team Jen's) Nick Osipczak
-(Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester vs. (Team Jon's) James Wilks
Lightweight Semi-Finals:
-(Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar vs. (Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner
-(Team Tommy's) Jason Dent vs. (Team Jon's) Ross Pearson
The first fight is DaMarques Johnson vs. Nick Osipczak. Johnson controls most of the first round on the mat, but with about a minute left in the round both fighters get back to their feet. Osipczak unloads on Johnson landing a flurry of 17 strikes. It's an exciting finish to a round Johnson wins, yet barely survives. In the second round Johnson regains control on the ground. Johnson passes to mount, then moves to the back when Osipczak rolls. The Brit simply hangs on as time expires, and Osipczak is very slow to rise. He gets a second wind in the corner, and lives to answer the bell for round three. Osipczak appears fatigued, but he battles in the pocket. Johnson starts to pick him apart with stiff punches that find their mark. A big flying knee scores for the American, but Osipczak gamely stays in the pocket. Johnson finally pushes him to the floor halfway through the round. Johnson is methodical on the floor, but a few short elbows slam across his opponent's face. Johnson moves to mount, then again to the back, but Osipczak pushes into top position on a scramble. Johnson pulls guard, and with less than a minute remaining he looks content to stay there. Osipczak tries to finish strong, but the result of the slugfest is obvious. DaMarques Johnson is the first fighter to advance to the Finals.
-(Team Dan's) DaMarques Johnson def. (Team Jen's) Nick Osipczak via unanimous decision for 7pts.
-Team Alli & Mike, Team Dan, Team Maria, Team Roy, and Team Steve each receive 1pt for having Dan Henderson as their coach.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fantasy TUF 9: Quarter Finals Wrap Up
With just three more episodes left in this season of The Ultimate Fighter 9, I thought it might be time to make a post to update where we are at. The Quarter Finals of TUF 9 are finished. Both Team USA and Team UK had two fighters advance in both the Welterweight Tournament and the Lightweight Tournament. The Semi-Finals begin this week, and it will be interesting to see if they stick with the US vs UK format. They may have teammate vs teammate Semi-Final to insure a UK vs US finale.Here's who's left.
Welterweight:
(Team Roxanne's) Frank Lester
(Team Dan's) DaMarques Johnson
(Team Jon's) James Wilks
(Team Jen's) Nick Osipczak
Lightweight:
(Team Tommy's) Jason Dent
(Team Tommy's) Cameron Dollar
(Team Jon's) Ross Pearson
(Team Alli & Mike's) Andre Winner
Fantasy TUF9 looks like it will be close with 5 teams within 10pts of the lead. Here are the updated Fantasy TUF9 scores after the Quarter Finals:
Team Tommy - 50pts
Team Jon - 50pts
Team Alli & Mike - 46pts
Team Roy - 41pts
Team Jen - 41pts
Team Dan - 37pts
Team Maria - 36pts
Team Roxanne - 31pts
Team CJ - 22pts
Team Steve - 12pts
The TUF9 Live Finale is June 20th at 9pm.
TUF 10: Rampage, Rashad, and Kimbo Slice?
Kimbo Slice will be one of the 16 Heavyweights that makes it to The Ultimate Fighter season 10. Dana White has repeatedly insisted he would not allow Slice to compete in the UFC unless he won his way onto the show by competing on The Ultimate Fighter. It looks like he will now get his chances to do just that.
Here is what Dana White had to say:
"We shot episode one today. He walked into the gym and was, ah...lemme tell you what, he was pretty serious. He wasn't messing around, he wasn't joking. He wasn't laughing. I don't think he's a big Dana White fan, either. You know, how could you be after all the things that have gone back and forth? So we're gonna find out this season if he's for real or not...
I said a lot of things about this guy, and I'm gonna tell you now, just like I would, I've got nothing but respect for him. This guy stepped up and he wants to fight on The Ultimate Fighter. And he's dead serious about winning this thing too."
White also said something that would be shocking if it's actually true: Kimbo is not being paid to be on the show. ("You don't come on The Ultimate Fighter to get paid. You get paid if you win The Ultimate Fighter.") So he'll be making $5,000 per stoppage victory, like everybody else? Luke Thomas of BloodyElbow sums up the insanity like this:
"The one fighter who has been a part of 'the No. 1 and No. 3 most-watched fights in U.S. history, topping off at 7.3 million viewers' is now living in bunk beds in a group home on a reality television show with other up-and-coming fighters for a chance at a UFC contract. That is the power of the UFC brand."
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