Archive for June, 2014

As Much as We Love Him, Chael Sonnen Needs To Disappear, At Least For A While!

Posted: June 30, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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As Much as We Love Him, Chael Sonnen Needs To Disappear, At Least For A While!.

As Much as We Love Him, Chael Sonnen Needs To Disappear, At Least For A While!

Posted: June 30, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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chael

Photo courtesy of THE UFC

 

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Commentary:

“He cheated, he did drugs, and he gave himself cancer. Well, instead of saying ‘Hey listen, I cheated and gave myself cancer, don’t be like me,’ he actually made himself the victim and then went out and profited something like $15 million from this ‘Hey, poor me, let’s find a cure for cancer’ campaign instead of just coming clean and saying, ‘Look, here’s what I did, I screwed myself up, and I hope people learn from my mistakes.’

-Chael P. Sonnen on Lance Armstrong

We shouldn’t be surprised or should we? The first failed drug test was an indication, wasn’t it? Or did we just fall for the excuse? The facts are in by using his own words, Chael Sonnen (who recently retired from MMA) is a cheater. The first failed drug test was blamed on his TRT exemption. Since being made illegal, Sonnen claimed his first ‘hot’ test was not a surprise. In fact, he stated he looked forward to enlightening the commision on the proper way to come off of TRT treatment.

The first test, (which prompted Sonnen’s retirement) was blamed on drugs that were necessary to ween himself off of the TRT therapy. Then news broke this week that Sonnen in fact failed another test, that was conducted by NSAC. A test that was performed previous to the earlier test. Results for some reason were just lagging behind. The second test removed all doubt as to Sonnen’s intentions.

The second failure set off alarms because of the presence of EPO and HGH. Both are banned substances, and both cannot be confused for “weening therapy”. EPO has long been used as a performance enhancer, because of its ability to help increase the oxygen load of red blood cells. HGH, which became famous during the Balco scandal, is used to speed up recovery time, and to help build muscle.

Neither can be confused as anything but performance enhancers.

This latest evidence proves that Sonnen’s intentions were to improve performance. Despite what he may want you to believe. The facts are he was taking the same substances Lance Armstrong was using, and the fact that he has hasn’t admitted anything yet; makes him as guilty as the man he villainized.

With Sonnen no longer actively competing in MMA, one must wonder if these latest revelations will prompt some sort of disciplinary action from either The UFC or from Fox themselves. As a commentator Sonnen is one of the best. His brash attitude, and quick wit make him a standout at Fox, not just among fighters, but among main stream sports casters as well.

His status and potential must however be put aside, at least for now. His recent actions have hurt the credibility of the sport, and that cannot be allowed by the UFC or its partners. Although he is clearly the best fight commentator, Dominick Cruz, Kenny Florian and Brian Stann could all adequately fill his shoes, while Sonnen rode out a suspension. However the suspension would have to be a significant one, one that allows time to remove the sting of Sonnen’s betrayal.

 

Cub Swanson Deserves, What Some Feel Entitled Too!

Posted: June 30, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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TRU MMA

Cub Swanson with Brother Steven Coach Joel Diaz and his TRU MMA Team

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

To begin the story of Cub Swanson (21-5 MMA), lets start halfway through the tale, to eliminate the 300 lbs elephant. In June 2009, Swanson ate a knee :08 seconds into his fight with Jose Aldo that ended the night for Swanson. ow he lost has since been the screw his haters turn whenever Swanson gets close to that title shot again. The problem is, it appears the UFC is listening, or at least agreeing.

Cub Swanson is a throwback fighter, in a world where title shots are talked into existence, Swanson prefers to let the wins pile up. His 6 fight win streak was punctuated with a 5 round dismantling of Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night. Still after the win Swanson stayed true to his mantra, “I don’t beg!” Swanson said. Should he have too?

His current win streak has seen him beat Denis Siver, Ross Pearson, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira, as well as the aforementioned Stephens, with four of those six wins coming via stoppage.

Currently champion Jose Aldo is set to face Chad Mendes in Los Angeles in August. What is odd is that the same stereotype that haunts Swanson (vicious loss to Aldo) should also haunt Mendes (who was also KO’d by an Aldo Knee), however for some reason it doesn’t. Both fighters have been on a roll since the tile loss. Mendes has maintained an unblemished record, where as Swanson stumbled once when he was caught in a triangle by former title challenger Ricardo Lamas. (A fight Swanson was dominating before getting caught in the submission!)

So, whose next? If the UFC had its way, they would probably lobby for Connor MacGregor. Who is quickly replacing Chael Sonnen as the mouth of the UFC. Will he be able to talk his way into contention? What happens if Mendes gets hurt while preparing?

Hopefully Swanson’s status as a headliner at a Fight Night Event, was the UFC’s way of seeing if he was a viable headliner. As the UFC grows glaring hole has been the amount of legitimate headliners that can sell a PPV. Recent declines in numbers have people wondering if the amount of events (some weekends now how 2 events!) have watered down interest.

Sure this is all conjecture, and monday morning quarterbacking, but I question anyone to find someone more deserving of a title shot than Cub Swanson. Its been 5 years since he lost to Aldo the first time. In that time, no featherweight has shown more improvement. Each win has been punctuated by drastic improvements.

Swanson is also not the type to ‘ride out a win’. As his win over Stephens showed, even when clearly ahead on points, Swanson is constantly looking for the finish. Winning decisively is not enough for ‘Killer Cub’, he has to finish. This determination is what makes him one of the UFC’s most entertaining fighters to watch.

To deny a fighter what he has earned, because of what others perceive is shameful. It reduces effort, and makes the sport look more and more like a popularity contest, than a combat sport competition!

Maybe if the sport was actually regulated by the ranking system already in place, we wouldn’t run into these issues. The Bottom line is the UFC decides who fights who, not the rankings.

We can only hope that the deserving, and the anointed are one in the same!

Spar Star MMA: Press Release For Immediate Distribution

Posted: June 21, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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SSTAR-Top-Header2 (1)

SSWHITELOGO

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: 6/20/2014
Spar Star MMA: Mixed Martial Arts Promotion

For Immediate Release:
Spar Star MMA has long been one of Southern California’s best MMA promotions. Since 2008, Owner Tony Padilla has been hosting both pro and amateur fights featuring some of the regions most notable names such as: Jay Silva (Bellator and UFC vet), Sevak Megakian (TUF contestant), Mario Navarro (Bellator), Karim Ghazi (Formerly Chris Saunders: TUF contestant and UFC vet), and most notably Ashlee Evans-Smith (WSOF, CFA) who is now 2-0 as a professional and will soon be carving her way through the World Series of Fighting ranks.

Although now fighting in one of the worlds biggest promotions, and on national television, Smith still thinks back to her days as an amateur…”These amateur shows, especially Spar Star are a great way for fighters to get wet behind the ears.” Smith said “Tony’s shows always have a professional feel, with a fun family environment.” Smith said. Ashlee Evans-Smith will face Marcia Allen (3-1) on 6/21/14. Smith will be fighting on the undercard, and will be looking to make another statement after her crushing win over transgender fighter Fallon Fox earlier in the year!

Smith will most certainly be in attendance for the Aug 9th show as Spar Star MMA returns once again to The Hollywood Park Casino. The crowd is always filled with MMA royalty such as: Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer, Current Bellator MMA fighter Tito Ortiz, Former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin, Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Current Bellator Fighter Cheick Kongo, Bellator veteran Hector ‘Sick Dog’ Ramirez, UFC Fighter Michael Bisping. and many more.

Spar Star MMA always relies on the regions top MMA gyms which enables matchmaker Mel Valenzuela to pick from a talent pool that maybe one of the sports deepest, globally. California is still the world capital MMA. If you were at the last event you know, if you werent, by now you have heard. Spectacular fights were highlighted by a once in a lifetime intimate concert with Hip Hop Legend Dub C.

On August 9th, the ball continues to roll. With some of the best local gyms such as: Tapout LA, Systems Training Centers, UFC Gyms, 10th Planet Jujitsu, Team PKG, Dynamix MMA, The Body Shop, Blackhouse MMA, Kings MMA, Werdum Combat Team, DogPound MMA, Sweat Shop MMA,HBUTC MMA, NZT Pankration, and many others all ready to send some of their best fighters, the night will be filled with crushing body shots, and I.Q. changing head kicks.

As Spar Star MMA continues to gain momentum, keep an eye out for us in wonderful state of Texas! We are currently in works to put on events in several cities including Corpus Christi E Paso, and San Padre Island. We will continue to provide live streams of the events so you will be able to watch from the comfort of your home.This also gives us the opportunity to add television sponsors! Currently we are also in negotiation with a promotion in Australia as well! So hopefully soon, we can bring our brand of MMA down under!

While we continue to grow, and look forward to bringing our brand global, we still understand that Southern California is our home. We will continue to grow locally as well. Please stay tuned for Spar Star: “The Smoker Series”, as we return to the grass roots of MMA in a way that only that Spar Star can!

Make sure you get your tickets for the August 9th show way ahead of time, we have sold out 3 consecutive events, so get your ticket now!

Please continue to follow us on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spar-Star-Promotions/101943773230504
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SparStarFights
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sparstarmma

Fighter Profile: Joshua Aveles A Diamond in The Rough!

Posted: June 3, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Joshua 'El Rey' Aveles is awarded the victory! with Mike Beltran.

Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles is awarded the victory! with Mike Beltran.

by: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

All photos: by John Walsh The Clinch  Report

Most mixed martial arts fans outside of California have never heard of Joshua Aveles (15-10-1 MMA). He has never fought in the UFC or in Bellator MMA, even though guys he has beaten have, and as a drifter he doesn’t have an actual weight class. Instead he puts people to sleep in three different divisions. His record at first glance is lackluster at best. Especially in a world full of bloated undefeated win loss stat sheets. However if you look closely, and watch the fights, your eyes begin to open.

Aveles started his pro MMA career in April 2008, and was off to a very rough start. Most fighters with a 2-7-1 record would only look to continue fighting as a hobby. How many fighters can make a career as an earning fighter with a start like that? Instead Aveles decided to rededicate himself to his training and slowly things began to turn around.

Since becoming serious about life as a fighter, Aveles has amassed an eye opening record of 13-3. He has won belts in two weight classes and defended his title at welterweight twice. In that time he has also avenged 2 of the three losses with KO wins over both Bellator MMA Fighter David Gomez, and TUF hopeful Kito Andrews; both of whom dwarf Aveles in size.

Although Aveles fights at 185,170, and 160 lbs currently, he walks around at 175 lbs, which is a walk-weight more suitable to a small lightweight (155 lbs). So basically, he is beating up bigger stronger guys. And the fights seem to end the same way, with a lightning quick strike!

The fact that some of these guys have moved on to larger promotions hasn’t soured the humble Aveles. “I’m glad for them, really I am, cause I’m not a hater!” Aveles said. “I hope those guys do really well, and I am glad to see them fighting in big organizations weather its The UFC or Bellator!” Aveles said. “I know my time will come.”

Currently signed to the King of The Cage, Aveles is set to defend his 160 lbs title against  grappler Joe Condon (11-6 MMA) June 5th live on MavTV and streaming on PPV as well.

Condon, is a very tough ground specialist fighting out of Joe Stevenson’s Cobra Kai and on paper should prove to be a very tough opponent. “I know he is tough, but he is coming after my title!” Aveles said. Preparing for a well rounded grappler is not something lost on the predominant striker. “I train with guys like Frank Romero for jujitsu, and Danny Hernandez for wrestling… and if you can get Danny off of you, then you should be prepared!” Aveles said.

If Aveles is able to put together another highlight real win, it would be hard for the UFC or Bellator to ignore this knockout specialist any longer. All you have to do is watch him fight once, and you will fall in love with his style and heart. He is a homerun hitter, a true diamond in the rough.

 

Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles

Fighting out of:Team Diamond in Upland CA.

Aveles is sponsored by: TEAM DIAMOND, Adriana’s Insurance, Lucas Oil, Magic Sweat, Killer Tattoo, Never Quit, and as always he fights with his brother Steven’s name on his shorts, in honor of his late brother who passed away in 2007.

 

Aveles is currently the King of The Cage welterweight (170 lbs) and jr welterweight (160 lbs) champions . With notable wins over David Gomez, Sam Liera, Johnny Cisneros, Kris Armbrister, and Kito Andrews.

Sherdog Profile: http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joshua-Aveles-31362

Team Diamond Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Diamond/113364138697989