mma The MMA Thread!

[D. S. Veteran]

Yeah Cormier looks very promising and it wouldn't surprise me if he won the GP. Melendez is a given to come over. He's one of the best in SF. Not sure how much I like the guys coming out of Cesar Gracie's camp but they're tough and can fight real well. I wouldn't want to see Evangelista try anything at WW. Unless he was fighting Thiago Alves. Otherwise his lack of grappling defense would make for likely a very one sided fight like you mentioned. Not familiar with Griggs really. Just know he hits hard. I'll have to look up some of his fights.

Cormier will probably beat Silva but I don't think he can beat Josh Barnett yet. Evangelista vs Alves? Maybe he should have his wife fight Alves :lol: Maybe he would have mercy on her. He's 18-14 and was rushed to a WW title fight against Nick Diaz god knows why. As for Griggs, he's entertaining. Start with his Bobby Lashley fight. He was brought in to lose and ended up beating Lashley so badly that he quit. He has only fought cans so far but I think he has some room to improve and provide some entertaining fights for HW prospects.

[D. S. Veteran]

Did anyone else watch Steve Mazzagatti making a massive mistake at Strikeforce Challengers 18? In the D?Alelio vs. Rousey he called a win for Rousey because "she said D'Alelio tapped" when she clearly didn't. All the replays showed it to be a mistake. I hope the comission eventually overturns this to a No Contest like in the Lentz vs Oliveira fight. It's a very clear mistake and Mazzagattis should be punished for it.

[Anibal P]

Did anyone else watch Steve Mazzagatti making a massive mistake at Strikeforce Challengers 18? In the D?Alelio vs. Rousey he called a win for Rousey because "she said D'Alelio tapped" when she clearly didn't. All the replays showed it to be a mistake. I hope the comission eventually overturns this to a No Contest like in the Lentz vs Oliveira fight. It's a very clear mistake and Mazzagattis should be punished for it.

Some online reports are claiming that since D'Alelio screamed out in pain that it was a "verbal tapout" and that Steve was slow to react, so it looks like that's the story they have chosen to go with

I didn't hear no scream or grunt, did hear Rousey after she loosened the armbar and re-tightened it, it still looks like a weird call to me

[D. S. Veteran]

Some online reports are claiming that since D'Alelio screamed out in pain that it was a "verbal tapout" and that Steve was slow to react, so it looks like that's the story they have chosen to go with

I didn't hear no scream or grunt, did hear Rousey after she loosened the armbar and re-tightened it, it still looks like a weird call to me

Rosey suggested that after the fight "anything verbal is a tapout" but I don't think screaming out in pain or surprise should count. She got a tight armbar and then loosened when she believed D'Alelio had tapped. Mazzagatti shouldn't have stopped the fight based on the word of one of the fighters, it's a clear conflict on interest there. If he didn't hear or see D'Alelio tap, he should have let the fight continue and Rosey should have re-applied the hold and make sure to secure the tap. This sets a precedent for a guy getting you in a guillotine, you keep your neck safe but they say you're out and you lose the fight. It's revolting.

[Anibal P]

Rosey suggested that after the fight "anything verbal is a tapout" but I don't think screaming out in pain or surprise should count. She got a tight armbar and then loosened when she believed D'Alelio had tapped. Mazzagatti shouldn't have stopped the fight based on the word of one of the fighters, it's a clear conflict on interest there. If he didn't hear or see D'Alelio tap, he should have let the fight continue and Rosey should have re-applied the hold and make sure to secure the tap. This sets a precedent for a guy getting you in a guillotine, you keep your neck safe but they say you're out and you lose the fight. It's revolting.

I agree, it was a disappointing early stop of what could have been a great fight

[D. S. Veteran]

UFC on Versus 5: Damn!

Amir Sadollah vs. Duane Ludwig: Bang put on a great fight beating Sadollah with his elite muay thai. Sadollah needed a better gameplan to beat Duane. Better luck next time.

Donald Cerrone vs. Charles Oliveira: Cerrone shows what the WEC was all about. He's a big, strong LW who's now 3-0 in the UFC and has showed great skill both in striking and in submissions. Oliveira is still developing but it was clear that while his striking had technique, he didn't have the power necessary to hurt Cerrone. A cut to FW would probably help him due to his size.

Jim Miller vs. Ben Henderson: DAMN! Henderson confirms the Dave Herman theory: if you are aware of BJJ, it can't hurt you. Miller tried a lot of submissions during the fight but none of them got locked in. Henderson was just too strong for Miller to handle, beating him down from inside his guard and when he went for submissions. It was kind of like when George Sotiropoulos lost to Dennis Siver: all the BJJ in the world can't help you if you don't finish the submission. Henderson will probably fight Dennis Siver as he is on a 4-fight win streak for a shot after Guida or Guillard. Also he's absolutely huge for a LW. It's Rumble syndrome.

Dan Hardy vs. Chris Lytle: Hardy lost. Anyone surprised? He keeps sucking and not using whatever diminute skills he has to his advantage. Should probably be kicked back to Cage Rage or BAMMA to learn how to fight. Decides to box with Chris Lytle who is, guess what, an ex-professional boxer and ends up being submitted. Yet Lorenzo Fertitta said on Twitter he will not cut Hardy. Denial isn't just a river in Egypt guys...

Also it's was nice the see that Ben Henderson cooled down on the "THE POWER OF CHRIS COMPELS YOU!" talk.

[Anibal P]

^^ I bet Hardy would have been cut had Lytle not retired, I'm sure that's the only reason he's still in, they'll give him one lat shot

[D. S. Veteran]

Lorenzo Fertitta likes the guy. That or they need to keep UK stars on the roster for future endeavors. This is not likely since John Hathaway is under contract, fights at WW and isn't, for lack of a better word, ****.

[D. S. Veteran]

Alistair Overeem Says He Is Not Cut From Strikeforce, Wants an Immediate UFC Title?Shot

Good luck with that. I don't think he could beat Cigano or Velasquez.

[D. S. Veteran]

So Yoshihiro Akiyama decided to cut to WW. The UFC keeps him around because, let's face it, they don't have many Japanese fighters and they want to keep some Asian appeal for future asian cards. I think they should walk over to One FC (who had their first event this week) and scoop up their champions. The event had some very good fights. They should probably also pick up Cung Le from Strikeforce and Ubereem for a future Japan/China/Philipines card. Also he's going to be mauled at WW by guys like Rick Story, Charlie Brenerman or even Diego Sanchez.

And now that Anderson Silva has pretty much raped everyone in the UFC's MW division apart from Brian Stann (no chance in hell), Bjorn Rebney keeps saying that Hector Lombard is the man to beat. Is he being serious? Hector is 30-2-1 (1) but he's a bigger can crushing streak than Valentijn Overeem. And that's saying a lot. The last guy he beat that was moderately good was Brian Ebersole back in 2008. Since then he has picked up wins against such amazing fighters like Kalib Starnes (look up his fight against Nate Quarry) and a bunch of other guys who where on losing streaks or were can crushers themselves. The only guys Bellator has that is on the UFC talent level is Eddie Alvarez. Not saying that they don't have good prospects like Pat Curran or Ben Askren but the tournament structure really limits the pace that they can develop at.

[Zoom7000]

UFC: Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem set for Dec. 30

Brock Lesnar will return to the UFC octagon in a five-round main event Dec. 30 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, facing newly signed former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem.

"Brock is a big name, a dangerous guy, and this is a dream matchup," Overeem told The Times on Tuesday, just after signing a standard UFC fight contract in the office of Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta. "Brock's a big guy, an exciting wrestler with his takedowns.

"I want to see this fight myself. Overall, I'm a different fighter. A striker, athletic, big. These are going to be two big trucks going at it on a collision course."

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Overeem, 31, is a former K-1 kickboxing champion too, He most recently defended his Strikeforce belt in June with a unanimous decision over takedown specialist Fabrio Werdum, who had previously defeated Fedor Emelianenko.

Lesnar has been out of action since losing his UFC heavyweight belt to Cain Velasquez in October at Anaheim's Honda Center, suffering a return episode of the intestinal ailment diverticulitis.

The Dec. 30 winner will be first in line to fight the winner of a Nov. 12 fight between Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos.

"This is the fight the fans want," UFC President Dana White said. "Both of these guys are monsters. Can Lesnar take Overeem down?"

Fertitta said the Strikeforce belt won't be part of the promotion. The UFC has purchased Strikeforce.

"Our thinking when we bought Strikeforce was to give fans the fights they want," Fertitta said. "Obviously, Alistair's one of the best heavyweights in the world, but he also has that 'it' factor -- the tremendous look, he's huge. It's a star factor."

Overeem said he's exploring setting up training headquarters in Los Angeles.

Source

OMG! Cannot wait! :woot:

[Anibal P]

If it's not a title fight why go five rounds? not that it matters, should be over in one or two rounds as it is :)

[D. S. Veteran]

If it's not a title fight why go five rounds? not that it matters, should be over in one or two rounds as it is :)

All UFC Main Events starting with UFC 138 will be 5 round affairs. Overeem has the advantage here if he can stop the takedown. Brock still doesn't like getting punched (and fighting Cigano wouldn't help that at all). But if Overeem can't stop the shot, he's toast. Let's see if the diverticulitis has taken the power out of Brock or is he still the same freak of nature he was.

:rofl:

[D. S. Veteran]

So M-1 Global has booked a fight for Fedor: he's facing Jeff Monson on November 12th. Mind you, Monson has a fight just one month before against Maro Perak and he's pretty much a gassing mass of steroid filled muscle. This should go well... talk about a gift wrapped win.

[MightyJordan]

UFC: Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem set for Dec. 30

Awesome! :woot: It'll be great to finally see Lesnar back in action, and he's definitely got a challenge on his hands, so it should be a good one. :)

[D. S. Veteran]

And GSP vs Carlos Condit. Dana says he has some backup fight prepared for BJ Penn. I'm drawing a blank as to whom it might be. I was going to say Martin Kampmann but he already has a date with Rick Story. I would love to see the Hitman just pound BJ's head in.

[D. S. Veteran]

And it's Nick Diaz. This is going to be fun.

[D. S. Veteran]

Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov: Oh well, Strikeforce.

Muhammed Lawal vs. Roger Gracie: Seriously? Gracie just gave up. He was 4-0 with all wins by submission. He didn't attempt to take the fight to ground, being content in dancing around Lawal. One punch and it was done, he just shutdown. I don't think we'll see him in a cage again.

Ronaldo Souza © vs. Luke Rockhold: No SF fighter outside of Cris Santos and Nick Diaz has defended his title more than once. That's the problem with a shallow talent pool, most of the times your champion isn't that good. Jacar? was outclassed by a 7-1 fighter who hadn't fought in more than a year. Nevermind the ridiculousness of a fighter being on a shelf for a year and jumping into a title shot. He jumped in there and outstruck (and sometimes outgrappled) Jacar? who was trying too hard to be Anderson Silva instead of himself. He was slow, didn't strike first and couldn't use his grappling in a meaningfull way because Luke knew rudimentary takedown defense and evasion. I can't wait until Gegard Mousasi returns and styles all over Rockhold.

Daniel Cormier vs. Antonio Silva: Cormier shows why he's one of the top HW prospects around. Training out of AKA with Cain Velasquez, he has legitimate wrestling skills, very crisp striking and speed. Silva, a guy who's used to being able to smash guys around because of his huge size got a taste of this speed and just couldn't keep up. Punch after punch after punch landed cleanly and Silva had no possible response for this because he's slow as molasses. Will probably drop out of the Top 10 rankings pretty soon along with Werdum. Cormier should be picked up by the UFC, fast!

Josh Barnett vs. Sergei Kharitonov: Takedown in full mount in less than a minute. The fight was already over, it was only a matter of how he was going to submit him. Barnett shows why he's still a legitimate Top 10 HW fighters (unlike the other over-hyped SF fighters). Now he faces Cormier and that fight is going to be great. If Cormier can keep Barnett from taking him down (or even outwrestling him), he has a puncher's chance but Barnett's got a great chin.

[Anibal P]

What's the status of Cormier's hand, did he break it on Bigfoot's head or is just a sprain/fracture?

It'd a good thing they won't fight till sometime next year, Cormier is going to need the time to heal up properly first.

Still think it's Barnett's title to lose

[D. S. Veteran]

What's the status of Cormier's hand, did he break it on Bigfoot's head or is just a sprain/fracture?

It'd a good thing they won't fight till sometime next year, Cormier is going to need the time to heal up properly first.

Still think it's Barnett's title to lose

If they even go ahead with the finals instead of just making the guys jump to the UFC. The medical suspensions still haven't been released so we don't know yet. I'm hoping it's nothing serious, the HW division needs a solid prospect like him and at 32 he doesn't have much time to make it to the top.

[D. S. Veteran]

So Maximo Blanco (over-hype LW prospect) loses his SF debut against Pat Healy that came in on short notice and gets called up to the UFC. He's a very lucky guy. He's also dropping to FW so that must have something to do with it. I'm sure he'll be gone in no time.

[Rappy Veteran]

A rumored bout between Fedor Emelianenko (31-4) and Jeff Monson (42-12) is now slated for a Nov. 20 M-1 Global event in Russia.

The fight, which previously was expected to take place Nov. 12, instead takes place eight days later at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

M-1 officials today announced the plans.

The Nov. 20 date allows M-1 Global to avoid going head to head with the UFC's debut event on FOX, as well as a boxing blockbuster between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, which are both scheduled for Nov. 12.

Although broadcast plans haven't been announced, the Emelianenko vs. Monson fight could air on Showtime in North America.

Emelianenko's fights for the first time since an ill-fated bout with Dan Henderson at "Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson" that ended with him dazed on the mat after a peekaboo punch from Henderson in the first round. After the July bout, Emelianenko said he wasn't sure whether he'd continue to fight or retire from the sport.

It was Emelianenko's third consecutive loss, and it led UFC president Dana White to declare the former PRIDE champion was cut from Strikeforce, which is owned by UFC parent company Zuffa. M-1 Global officials said Emelianenko was not under contract with Strikeforce ? and instead Showtime ? and would continue to work with the premium-cable network.

Emelianenko is winless since a Strikeforce-debut victory over Brett Rogers in November 2009. Since then, he's suffered a submission loss to Fabricio Werdum in 2010 and a recent TKO defeat to Antonio Silva in the opening round of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix earlier this year. Despite the losses, all three of Emelianenko's recent Strikeforce fights have been some of the highest-rated events in Showtime's MMA history.

Monson recently snapped an eight-fight win streak with a Strikeforce loss to Daniel Cormier in June. (The fight marked Monson's Strikeforce debut.) Since his stint with the UFC in 2006, which included a failed bid to take Tim Sylvia's belt, he's competed in organizations throughout the world and has picked up some notable victories over the likes of Roy Nelson, Ricco Rodriguez, Sergei Kharitonov and others.

No other fights have been confirmed for M-1's event.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/25257/fedor-emelianenko-vs-jeff-monson-slated-for-nov-20-m-1-event-in-moscow.mma?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mmajunkie+%28MMAjunkie.com+Feed%29

[Rappy Veteran]

whoops!

[Anibal P]

^^ It was short but a good fight, Shields got caught good, the best part was when he was trying to grapple with the Ref :)

[D. S. Veteran]

whoops!

Whoops? Jake Ellenberger was lined up 2 times to fight Jon Fitch for a #1 contender spot. His last loss is against Carlos Condit, who will fight for the title at UFC 137. It's not that surprising. Ellenberger is (and always was) for real. This fight speaks more about Jake Shields. Since coming into the UFC, he's 1-2. And one has to think about why. 2 thinks come to mind: 1) He's not used to fighting top level guys, safe in the shallowness and mediocrity of Strikeforce and 2) The weight-cut is wrecking him. The first ideia is debatable since in his last 4 fights in SF, he beat Paul Daley, Robbie Lawler, Jason Miller and Dan Henderson. This also supports the 2nd point because all those fights were at MW. His first fight at WW in the UFC was against Martin Kampmann and it sucked, badly. Then that terrible fight against GSP where he didn't even try to use his grappling and now this one where Jake Ellenberger stops his shot and pounds him out. He reminded me of Muhammed Lawal when he lost the title to Cavalcante: he was so focused on the grappling that he didn't defend the knees that crushed him.

Jake Shields needs to go back to the drawing board or move back up to MW. (And the father thing, I know it speaks to mental state but if he was that frazzled then he should have pulled out and no one would have blamed him).

As for the rest of the fights:

Alan Belcher vs. Jason MacDonald: BJJ can't hurt you if you are aware of it's existence. It's great to see Alan Belcher back. He's still has the skills and can possibly build himself up to a title shot. Jason MacDonald needs to improve the rest of his game. That fact that he tapped due to strikes doesn't help his standing with the UFC. Quoting BJ Penn "If you tap to strikes, you're a little bitch."

Erik Koch vs. Jonathan Brookins: While watching this fight, my mental process revolved around how this was going to end up like Kampmann vs Sanchez: better striker, does more damage but gets hugged a lot and loses the decision. I was sure that Brookins was going to get the UD but the judges scored it for Koch. It's another debatable fight: Koch was clearly the better striker, Brookins has no relevant stand-up, he's all grapler. Almost every punch connected and did damage. They kept saying he was using a Couture strategy but that strategy is putting them against the fence and beating them down with dirty boxing, not hugging it out. Koch needs to improve his graplling defense but his striking is all there. Brookins, not so much.

Court McGee vs. Dongi Yang: I was bored watching this until that final strech in the 3rd round. For a guy that used to be a boxer, McGee has 0 head movement. Had Yang been more diligent with his striking, Court would have been KO'ed 20 times over. I think almost all his punches landed clean on his noggin'. Unless he drastically improves, he's going to be victory fodder for the MW mid-high-tier fighters like Belcher.