Archive for November, 2012

UFC 154 in Main Card Montreal Fight Recap

Posted: November 18, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

MARK HOMINICK VS. PABLO GARZA

Pablo Garza was able to withstand some vicious Mark Hominick flurries early, and was able to establish his jab frustrating Hominick into lunging assaults. Off balance Garza was able to take Hominick to the ground in the second and third rounds. Once in position continuously landed the more significant strikes, although Hominick did provide great resistance.

Winner: PABLO GARZA (29-27, 30-26, 29-28)

 

MARK BOCEK VS. RAFAEL dOS ANJOS

Originally set to be on the preliminary card, this fight was moved up  to replace the loss of the Nick Ring v Costantinos Philippou, bout was scrapped after Ring fell ill and was unable to pass pre-fight medical exams. Bocek stated that he would use his superior take-downs to control Dos Anjos, however the exact opposite is what occurred.  Dos Anjos systematically broke down Mark Bocek with excellent wrestling, and ground and pound. Dos Anjos never lost control of the fight cruising to a unanimous decision.

Winner: Rafael dos Anjos  via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

 

TOM LAWLOR VS. FRANCIS CARMONT

Francis Carmont was able to withstand a relentless grappling attack of Tom Lawlor, by utilizing effective range-establishing strikes, and excellent wrestling defense. Lawlor was able to control Carmont for most of the fight, consistently pressuring the big middleweight up against the fence. Carmont was able to survive two guillotine attempts that appeared to be locked in tight towards the end of the first and second rounds. Very close fight. When the decision was read for the hometown favorite, the crowd began to boo, obviously thinking that Lawlor had won the fight.

Winner: Francis Carmont via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

 

JOHNY HENDRIKS VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN (#1 Contender spot on the line)

After a few seconds of pawing and feeling each other out, Hendriks led with a right hook that was followed immediately by his notorious left hand. Kampman was out instantly, falling backwards Hendriks followed with a vicious shot on the ground that was hardly necessary.  The entire bout lasted only .46 seconds, as Johny Hendriks cemented his position as the #1 contender in the Welterweight division.

Winner: John Hendriks via Knockout (0:46) Rd 1

 

GEORGES ST. PIERRE VS. CARLOS CONDIT (Welterweight Title Unification Bout)

In one of the most memorable matches in UFC history, Georges St. Pierre was able to utilize his superior wrestling skills to ground the versatile attack of Carlos Condit. Even though Condit was on his back for most of the fight, he was able to give St. Pierre all he could handle. Condit used effective striking from the bottom to soften up the champion. In the third frame Condit ducked under a hook, angled out and landed a kick to the head of the champion that sent him to the canvas. Valiantly Condit tried to finish the fight with tactical ground and pound striking, however St.Pierre was able to recover, reestablish position, and then spent the remainder of the round in control on top. The rest of the fight went pretty much the same way. George St. Pierre has now become the most dominate Welterweight Champion in UFC history. (Moving ahead of Matt Hughes in title fight victories)

Winner: Georges St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

MMA Prospect Andre ‘Touchy’ Fili One Step Closer to The UFC

Posted: November 16, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

The long hard life fighters lead is extremely different from fighter to fighter. Back-rounds vary, stories differ, however one goal remains true for most fighters; and that is a contract with the UFC. Andre Fili took one more step closer to that goal last night with a unanimous decision victory over a very game Enoch Wilson at Tachi Palace Fights 15 in Lemoore California.

Utilizing his superior length Fili was able to open up the fight by frustrating Wilson with his jab. After eating a few head turning shots, Wilson was able to secure a take-down  but was unable to keep position as Fili was able to reverse into a dominant position and land strikes from Wilson’s guard.

The second round was very similar to the first, however about halfway through the frame Wilson caught Fili with a whiplash like spinning back-fist that immediately gave Wilson confidence to continue attacking on his feet. Even though he was able to close Fili’s eye with a right hook, once on the ground Fili was able to control most of the round, with the only offense from Wilson being a failed kimura attempt from bottom.

With his eye completely closed, and fight seemingly in his favor Fili could have just cruised to a majority decision. However he began the round like a fighter behind, with excellent distance striking and counter punching. Fili was even able to secure a round securing take-down late, that enabled him to sap the last of the fight from Wilson.

Winning 30-27 on all score cards Andre Fili is hoping to make his way to the UFC soon, where he would join his team Alpha Male brothers Urijah Faber, Joseph Benevides, Chad Mendes, and Danny Castillo who are already on the roster.

Fighter Analysis: At 5-10 the Sacramento native is extremely long for 145 lbs. Very range established striker, with deceptively good ground game. Strong athlete, with excellent agility. Able to establish range with both hands and feet! With 11 wins and only 1 loss that was due to a knee injury, he has the record and the pedigree to make the big stage in his very next fight. Andre Fili is a can’t miss prospect in the 145 lbs division, with an established team supporting him I would not be surprised to see him in the UFC by the middle of next year!

Tachi Palace Fights 15 Live in Lenmore Ca

Posted: November 16, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Tachi Palace Fights 15 Live at the Tachi Palace in Lemoore California.

MAIN EVENT

ANGEL DEANDA

WIN 11 – 2 – 0 (Win – Loss – Draw)

ANTHONY RUIZ

LOSS 29 – 18 – 0 (Win – Loss – Draw)

MATCH
9		 METHOD
TKO (Punches)		 REFEREE
Jason McCoy		 ROUND
3		 TIME
3:39

Winner and NEW CHAMPION ANGEL DEANDA!

MATCH FIGHTERS METHOD ROUND TIME
8

Rolando Velasco
WIN
 vs

Carson Beebe
LOSS
 Decision (Unanimous)
Mark Lawley		 3 5:00
7

Anthony Avila
WIN
 vs

Darren Crisp
LOSS
 Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Jason McCoy		 1 1:08
6

Poppies Martinez
WIN
 vs

Fernando Bernstein
LOSS
 Decision (Unanimous)
Mark Lawley		 3 5:00
5

Andre Fili
WIN
 vs

Enoch Wilson
LOSS
 Decision (Unanimous)
Jason McCoy		 3 5:00
4

Art Arciniega
WIN
 vs

Alexander Crispim
LOSS
 Decision (Unanimous)
Mark Lawley		 3 5:00
3

Freddie Aquitania
WIN
 vs

Javy Ayala
LOSS
 Decision (Split)
Jason McCoy		 3 5:00
2

Alex Perez
WIN
 vs

Carlos DeSoto
LOSS
 TKO (Punches)
Mark Lawley		 1 1:52
1

Dominic Clark
WIN
 vs

Andy Miranda
LOSS
 TKO (Punches)
Jason McCoy		 1 1:50

UFC 154 Analysis and Predictions!

Posted: November 16, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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UFC 154 Analysis and Predictions!

by: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Welterweight (170lbs)
Martin Kampmann ImageMartin Kampmann 20-5-0
vs
Johny Hendricks ImageJohny Hendricks 13-1-0
Analysis: Both fighters are looking to stake a claim to the next welterweight title shot with a win on Saturday. Martin Kampmann is one of the purest strikers in the division, he is able to use superior footwork to keep his opponent of balance. Johny Hendricks, may have the hardest left hand, in the weight class, with wins over Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, Hendricks has the pedigree, and ability to be a champion!
Prediction: Hendricks via 2rd rd TKO
Middleweight (185lbs)
Tom Lawlor ImageTom Lawlor 7-4-0
vs
Francis Carmont ImageFrancis Carmont 19-7-0
 Analysis: Tom Lawlor recently rebounded from his loss to title hopeful Chris Weidman with a impressive victory over Jason Macdonald that only took .50 seconds. Francis Carmont is riding a 8 fight win streak. A training partner of Georges St. Pierre, Carmont is looking to establish himself as one of the divisions rising stars!
Prediction: Carmont via submission rd 2
Middleweight (185lbs)
Dan Miller ImageCostantinos Philippou 11-2-0
vs
Nick Ring ImageNick Ring 13-1-0
Analysis: This fight is an early candidate for fight of the night! Both fighters have established themselves as grinders, having won most of there fights by decision. Ring possesses a great all around game, with excellent wrestling and submissions skills. Philippou has improved with every fight since his loss to Nick Catone by decision. A member of the Serra/Longo fight team, Phillipou is also no stranger to the submission game, although his strength is striking.
Prediction: Nick Ring via decision
Featherweight (145lbs)
Pablo Garza ImagePablo Garza 11-3-0
vs
Mark Hominick ImageMark Hominick 20-11-0
In wrestling one of the most popular matches is the “Loser Leaves Town” scenario. Although wrestling is fake, this scenario is very real for both of these fighters. Both are coming off of losses, and are on the verge of being cut from the ever expanding UFC roster. Hominick was once considered one of the best in the division. A student of the late great Sean Tompkins, Hominick possesses excellent striking skills, and a pretty solid all around game. Pablo Garza started his career in the UFC impressively winning both of his first two fights. Since then he has dropped two connective fights to Dennis Bermudez and Dustin Poirer. Garza’s back is against the wall,
Prediction: Hominick via 2nd rd TKO
UFC Welterweight Championship

Georges St. Pierre ImageGeorges St. Pierre 22-2-0
vs
Carlos Condit ImageCarlos Condit 28-5-0
Coming off almost a 600 day layoff from his last fight finally GSP is back in the mix. One of the best pound for pound fighters GSP possesses one of the most well rounded games in all of MMA. He can stand and bang, wrestle, box, and he can put you to sleep! One of the most dominate champions in all of Combat sports, GSP is running from a knee injury headlong into a waiting Carlos Condit. His win over Nick Diaz proved Carlos Condit is a legitimate Champion. His Muay Thai, and kick boxing is vicious. And he has been training non stop for this fight, since before GSP had surgery! Both fighters are healthy, and in prime condition. This should be a great fight!
Prediction: Georges St Pierre via decision

The Fate of Strikeforce and The Fighters seems set!

Posted: November 13, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

 

Rumors in the MMA world were bouncing like crazy this week, when TMZ prematurely reported that Ronda Rousey became the first ever woman fighter signed to the UFC. In a way, TMZ was correct but not in the traditional sense. The truth is Ronda Rousey is and has been signed under the Zuffa umbrella for quite some time.

In March 2011 Zuffa purchased the struggling California-based promotion, most believed the company would be folded in immediately, as was the WEC previously. However, Zuffa maintained the separation of both entities when Dana White was unable to negotiate a new television deal with Showtime; which consequently expires in February. After cancelling the last two events it was obvious that Zuffa’s red-headed step child was going to soon be left for dead. One obvious question beams. What happens to the fighters like Rousey, who are already under contract with Strikeforce.

The answer is still being debated, however several sources in China for the UFC of FUEL TV 6 event have confirmed that the UFC will not need to ‘sign’ any of these fighters, because they are already signed. They simply have to continue honoring their end of the deal. since Zuffa is the parent company for both entities, the UFC will simply pick and chose the fighters they want to keep, and fold them into to the current roster. Those that the UFC brass deem not to be ready, or worthy will surely be bought out of the remaining time left on their contract.

Is this large influx of talent good for the UFC? Unlike the WEC buyout(which brought two new weight classes), most of the upper echelon fighters in Strikeforce will be entering already congested waters. For fighters such as Luke Rockhold, Gilbert Melendez, Nate Marquardt, and Daniel Cormier there is not much to worry about. As the top dogs they will certainly be brought into the UFC realm. The women’s division  it seems would also be safe, as the UFC will need someone for Rousey to fight!. However the rest of the roster, aside from a few big name contenders are left in limbo.

Any infusion of talent should lead to more exciting fights. However, with the roster already swollen more events must result. Another interesting thought will be the importation of fighters into the Bellator tournament format, which is in need of a talent infusion.

All of this remains “unofficial” for now Strikeforce has one event left on their docket, but the writing is on the wall. Strikeforce’s imminent demise will certainly allow some other promotion to rise from the depths of obscurity. Rumors are already swirling that Showtime and CFA are in talks to pick up where Strikeforce left off. One man gathers what another man spills!

UFC of FUEL TV 6 From Macau, China Predictions and analysis!

Posted: November 9, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

MAIN CARD Predictions and Analysis

(FUEL TV, 9 a.m. ET)

  • Jeff Hougland (10-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (15-7-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC)

Both of these bantamweight strikers were originally scheduled to face each other at UFC 151, which was cancelled due to a string of injuries. Coming off recent losses, each fighter finds themselves in a must win situation. With a history of alternating wins and losses that dates back to 2009, Mizugaki should be able to continue the trend with his elusive defense, and his superior striking.

Prediction: Mizugaki via unanimous decision

  • Jon Tuck  (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Tiequan Zhang (15-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC)

John Tuck is undefeated as a professional and possesses a definite athletic advantage. Although Zhang will have the edge with experience and the hometown crowd, Tuck should be able to push the smaller Zhang around the cage. Eventually his athleticism will prove to be too much.

Prediction: Tuck via 2nd rd TKO

  • Mac Danzig (21-9-1 MMA, 5-5 UFC) vs. Takanori Gomi (33-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC)

Mac Danzig rose to fame winning the ultimate fighter reality show, securing his spot in the UFC. Since then he has compiled a .500 record with some impressive wins, but some poor showings as well. Takanori Gomi is an absolute legend in the sport of MMA. Although his record in the UFC at 2-3 is not stellar, “The Fireball Kid” still has some serious striking ability. However Mac Danzig should be able to utilize his improved striking and wrestling defense to maintain position.

Prediction: Danzig via unanimous decision

  • Dong Hyum Kim (15-2-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC  vs. Paulo Thiago (14-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC)

Both of these fighters are coming off quick losses. Kim was forced to submit after suffering a weird rib injury vs Demian Maia, and Thiago was knocked out cold by UFC newcomer Siyar Bahadurzada in just 47 seconds. Kim will hold a definitive striking advantage over Thiago, however the Brazilian does have power. Kim will need his technique to avoid the KO power of Thiago. If Thiago is able to get the fight to the mat, he will be in a more comfortable position. However, Kim has great wrestling defense, and should be able to keep Thiago’s shots at bay with his superior striking.

Prediction: Kim via TKO rd 3

  • Stanislav Nedkov (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Thiago Silva (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)

Thiago Silva was at one time one of the top fighters in the world at 205 lbs, and for good reason. His size and power, coupled with an excellent submission game make him extremely dangerous. However recent issues (failed drug test, suspension and long layoff) had taken their toll on the Brazilian born fighter. In his return, he faced an extremely game Alexander Gustafsson who was able to literally strike circles around the lumbering Silva, frustrating him all the way to a unanimous decision loss. Now Silva will look to return to form, with a new team (Blackzilians) and against a burly striker much like himself. Stanislav Nedkov  is undefeated as a professional and has notable knockout victories over Luiz Cane, and Travis Wiuff. At only 5’11 he will be giving away a distinct height and reach advantage. A disadvantage he will have to overcome, as going to the ground with Silva is not an option for the Bulgarian striker.

Prediction: Silva rd submission (set up by strikes)

  • Rich Franklin (29-6 MMA, 14-5 UFC)  vs. Cung Le (8-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

Although both fighters are past their primes; with only Franklin holding on to the slimmest of title aspirations, it should make for an exciting match up. Even at 40 years old, Cung Le can strike with the best in the division. His spinning liver kick may be one of the most devastating strikes ever recorded in MMA. His unique angling. and superior flexibility allow him to hit his opponent at seemingly impossible times. Rich Franklin is one of the most well rounded mixed martial artists in the history of the sport. The former school teacher, and former Middleweight Champion of the world can strike, wrestle and roll with the best. He has notable wins over Chuck Liddell, Wanderlai Silva (Twice), Nate Quarry, and many others in his storybook career. If Franklin is able to close the distance then he should be able to control Le, who has shown his weakness on the ground. Once in position the ground and pound will begin, and end!

Prediction: Franklin rd TKO (ground and pound)

Fight of The Night Prediction: Silva v Nedkov

KO of The Night prediction: Kim

Submission of The Night Prediction: Silva