Archive for the ‘UFC’ Category

King of The Cage: Vindication Photos from San Manuel Casino

Posted: July 19, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

The King of The Cage: Vindication recently took place at the San Manuel Indian Casino. The card featured several bouts that were supposed to lead to title shots. One panned out, the other ended in upset. Former 170 lbs champion Joshua Aveles survived a very tough opponent in order to secure his rematch with current champion David Gomez. That fight takes place next month at the same location.

For Daniel Hernandez unfortunately things did not go according to plan. After dominating the early minutes of round one with his trademark ground and pound, his opponent Matt Lagler (who came in 11lbs over weight) was able to lock in a rolling guillotine, and forced Hernandez to tap. The loss erases a possible title shot against KOTC middleweight champion and promotional stalwart Sean Strickland, who is currently undefeated.

The main event featured Nick Piedmont vs Seth Dikun. Piedmont came into the fight riding a winning streak that most recently saw him defeat Cleber Luciano for Bellator MMA in under 1 minute. Unfortunately for him, Dikun proved to be quite a tough opponent who stayed right in Piedmonts face for the entire fight. Piedmont although maintained the clear edge with effective striking and cruised to a unanimous decision victory. When asked what was next Piedmont replied “I think Bellator MMA is coming back so I’ll probably get a fight with them, we will see!”

These pictures are owned by The Clinch Report LLC, all rights are reserved. If you care to use them for any publication you must ask permission first.

Manny Murillo: Faith, Fighting, and the Quest!

Posted: July 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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UPC Flyer

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

A fighters bravado can ultimately be attributed to necessity. Mohammed Ali mastered the art of winning the fight months before the event, not in the ring but with his mouth. In mixed martial arts young fighters often need to voice that confidence, because otherwise they recognize the chance that they may loose. For some fighters, that possibility is crippling. For others, its part of the game.

For Manny ‘Seargant’ Murillo (5-1 MMA) its just part of the journey. Murillo found his way to the sport, like many others first as a fan. Then one day he decided to give it a try.”I started going to some of the smaller gyms in the area, and did really well on the first day against some of there best guys.” Murillo said.

The sport appeared at first to come easy to Murillo, until that is he found his way to the doors of Team Quest. It was an eye opening first day “Once I got there, I couldn’t move anybody.” Murillo said. “They were on a whole different level!”

With Dan Henderson as a coach and sparring partner the results are staggering. “Its really different with Dan.” Murillo said. “Standing toe to toe with him, is like having a lion charging at you.” Working with the former two division champion has improved Murillo’s game steadily. “Dan shows you something new each time you work with him, weather its a position, a technique, or correcting your posture, he has so much knowledge.” Murillo said.

Murillo is going to certainly need to channel his in inner ‘Hendo’ when he takes on Chris Honeycutt for the vacant UPC Middleweight title at “Up and Comers 16” July 20th at The Agua Caliente Casino and Spa. Honeycutt is a former NCAA finalist as a wrestler, and is widely regarded as one of the sports biggest prospects. Murillo though, seems prepared.

“I am sure his wrestling is going to come into play.” Murillo said. “We have been working specifically on that.” However, its not only Honeycutt’s wrestling that concerns Murillo. “Even though I’m sure he is gonna try to take me down, I think it is going to be more of a back and forth fight.” Murillo said.

Although Honeycutt has the clear edge in the wrestling department, Murillo is the more experienced striker. Murillo also maintains a huge experience advantage as far as cage time. Murillo will undoubtedly be relying on this to carry him through any tough situations, should Honeycutt obtain a positional advantage. “No one wants to say they are going to loose and neither do I, but in reality it comes down to who lands the better blows, and who can hold the better positions.” Murillo said.

Although this may be the biggest fight of Manny Murillo’s career, it by no means defines him. For Murillo it is just another stop on the journey. Faith is what defines Manny Murillo, not wins or loses. “I’m just thankful to be here.” Murillo said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPC 16: A Grand Stage for Jaimie Sierra’s MMA Debut

Posted: July 13, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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UPC Flyer

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Every amateur mixed martial artist anticipates the day when they will turn pro. The idea of finally being paid, as an athlete, is the type of career highlight that each fighter shares. However the path that leads to this decision is often quite individualized. Sometimes in life need arises that forces the decision, other times false confidence plays a role.

However, once you turn pro it counts. Amateur records can be excused but professional losses are difficult to over come. They can be especially debilitating early on in a young fighters career. This is why it is crucial for a young fighter to have a coach, or set of coaches that he can trust with essentially his livelihood.

Lucky for Jaime Sierra (0-0 MMA 5-0 Amateur Record), he has coaches that not only care about him, but they have garnered his total trust. “Cub Swanson is the man, he is my head coach, and I do whatever he says.” Sierra said. “He has been in this game a long time, and I want to be like him as a fighter, aggressive and always in your face!”

Many fighters have and are currently in the same exact position as Sierra, but according to his coach, he posses an intangible that very few fighters have. “He has that toughness, that you don’t always see in a fighter.” Cub Swanson said. “Jaime takes shots, but keeps moving forward.” This according to Swanson is something that can’t be taught. “He has good instincts.”

Recently Swanson said he has been working with Sierra on preparing for going the distance. “We have to train for a 3 round fight, so I want him to be patient.” Swanson said. “But I like my guys to finish, so I’d like to see a TKO!” The coach said with a chuckle.

Sierra will need to rely on those instincts when he takes to the cage on July 20th. “UPC is a big show, they have like two thousand people at their shows” Sierra said. The event will be held at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, which is a larger than most of the regional venues.  “But I think I will be able to block it out.” Sierra said.

Sierra will be fighting on the same card as teammate Steve Swanson so the hometown crowd will definitely support his efforts, However once that cage door closes, it will be all up to him!

UPC 16 will be held JULY 20, at The Agua Caliente Resort in Palm Dessert. For more information on the event go to: http://www.upcunlimited.com/

 

King of The Cage ‘Validation’ Live Results

Posted: July 11, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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kotc

King of The Cage: Validation San Manuel Indian Casino and Bingo

#1 Matt Ruiz v Daylin Murray 205 lbs

Rd1: Both fighters feeling each other out. Murray misses with a head kick.  Shot by Ruiz, is stuffed as he pushes Murray against the cage! Ruiz still looking for the take down, as Murray pommels and looks for the under hooks. Ruiz able to secure the take down. Ruiz looks for a Kimura, but Murray counters beautifully with one of his own. Winner: Daylin Murray via Kimura/Americana 2:47 rd 1.

Victor Henry v Kevin Michel 135 lbs

Rd1: Mike Beltran calling the action. Henry landing with kicks up the middle. big knee and Head kick also land for Henry. Michel stalking, as Henry stays busy with the feet. Another head kick lands for Henry. Michel lets his hands go landing a three punch combo before being chased back with kicks again. Michel lands a great counter right hand, followed by a vicious left. Henry, comes back pressing the action, and scoring a take down. Working from Side control, and then mount Henry postures, but Michel escapes back to his feet. Both fighters landing nice leg kicks, before Henry agains scores the take down. Now in side control, Michel looking to control the hands of Henry, as he continues to work for mount, and he has it. Nice sweep by Michel brings the fight back to the feet. Again Henry looking for the take down. Michel lands a big right hand,  but Henry walks through it. Liver kick by Henry lands, but he slips. Great first round! We have it for Henry 10-9.

rd 2: Henry starts out again busy landing a leg kick and right hand, before the clinch brings the fight back to the mat. Henry lands a big knee as they stand. More knees to the mid section of Michel, as Henry controls the fight. Blood pouring from the left eye of Michel. Again Henry scores the take down. Michel closes up his guard, but Henry again looking to posture. Back to the feet. Big left by Michel rocks Henry.  Michel posts an arm, as Henry lands a knee to the head causing a stoppage. One point deduction by Ref Mike Beltran. Henry again pushing the action, but Michel keeps looking for the right, but its not there. Again big knees land for Henry in the clinch.  9-9 with the deductions!

Rd3: Big head kick by Henry rocks Michel. Both fighters throwing bombs, and technique goes out the window. Michel sprawls away from a take down attempt, but Henry’s persistence pays off, as he scores with the second shot. Henry now takes Michel’s back and starts to soften him up with right hands to the temple. Henry now secures both hooks, but Michel defends well.  Nice elbow from Henry lands. Michel looks to shed off Henry, and lands in side control, before standing. Both fighters exchanging right hands. Liver kick by Henry lands, but Michel keeps charging. Henry again scores with the power double leg. 10 seconds left, as Henry stands and lands one last kick before the bell. 10-9 Henry. We have Henry 29-27. Winner Via UD rd 3: Victor Henry (29-27)

Leon Klee v Robert Otani 185 lbs

Rd1: Mike Beltran calling the action. Klee starts with a leg kick and another. Otani looks to counter, but immediately gets taken down. Klee takes the neck on a guilotine attempt, and lands several knees. Otani throws in side leg kick but gets his foot caught and dropped. back on their feet, Otani lands bigg knees from the clinch. Huge Knee again drops Klee, as Mike Beltran stops the fight, Klee continues to grapple the ref, he has no idea where he is! Great stoppage. Winner Otani via TKO rd: 1 (1:44)

Kenny Ento v Stephen Martinez 170 lbs

Rd1: Long feeling out process, as Martinez shoots and completes the take down. Ento closes his guard, as Martinez looks to posture. Martinez transitions to the half guard, and now has the mount, but Ento controls well. Martinez looks for the arm in choke, but Ento gives the thumbs up.  Martinez releases and moves to side control. Martinez looks for the Kimura but again Ento defends well.  Martinez finishes the round in  top position, and takes the round clearly 10-9.

Rd2: Nice left from Martinez starts the round. and again he shoots successfully putting Ento on his back. Martinez lands a few hammer fists, but Ento again does a decent job control the distance. More hammers land but there is not much behind them. Herb Dean stands them up. Nice head kick by Martinez lands. Ento looking to load up on the left, as again Martinez shoots. Ento momentarily resists, before being again dragged to the mat. Methodically Martinez works in the closed guard of Ento. Another round ends with Ento on his back. 10-9 Martinez

Rd3: Low blow at the onset calls a stop, as Herb Dean gives Ento some time. Action returns, with Ento looking to move to avoid the take down. However, once again the fight finds it way to the ground. Martinez looking for the neck, as he sets in one hook. Ento is in trouble, as Martinez looks to secure the choke. Martinez looks for the choke, and he has it. Winner via Submission RNC rd 3 (4:33)

Matt Lagler v Daniel Hernandez 185 lbs

Rd1: Hernandez misses with a leg kick. Lagler lands one of his own. Hernandez avodis the take down, and ends up on top. right hands from Hernandez land, and now the left. Lagler trying to hold on but Hernandez again lands this time with elbows. Big flurry from Hernandez, must have landed 30 shots. Lagler is still trying to control Hernandez, but is unable too. More ground and pound from Hernandez, but nothing is landing clean. Lagler has a guilotine from the bottom and it is deep! Winner Lagler via submission arm triangle rd 1 (3:51)

Carlos Ortega v Joshua Aveles 170 lbs

Rd1: Referee Mike Beltran in charge of the action. No touch of the gloves. Immediately Ortega shoots and scores the take down, but Aveles lands a few nice elbows. Ortega rolls, looking for a heel hook, but Aveles defends, and stands. Leg kick by Aveles lands. .Another shot by Ortega, but Aveles defends well. However Ortega eventually scores the take down. Ortega lands a one two. Aveles looked for the arm bar, but its not there. Both fighters again to there feet. Flying knee by Aveles lands after the inside leg kick, but Ortega again reverses position putting Aveles against the cage! Another take down by Ortega, as he is completely smothering the former champion. 10-9 Ortega

Rd2: Aveles again goes back to the leg kicks. Aveles slips, and Ortega lands leg kicks. Butt scoots by Aveles, as Ortega wont let him back to his feet. Aveles able to pop back up and lands a nice combo, before eating a knee. Big right hand by Aveles has Ortega rocked. Vicisous knees in the clinch by Aveles, as Ortega takes a big breathe. Nice body shots by Aveles, and he scores the take down. Working in side control Aeles looking for positioning, but Ortega closes the half guard. The round comes to a close with Aveles stealing it 10-9

Rd3: Ortega starts off by pushing Aveles against the cage. Aveles lets his hands go, and lands a 3 punch combo. Aveles looking to land to the mid section, as Ortega is clearly covering up. Ortega throwing single punches, and breathing heavy through his mouth. But Aveles cans seem to flurry. Aveles landing lefts and rights, as both fighters are completely as the round comes. We have Aveles winning the round 10-9 and the fight (29-28)

Winner via UD rd 3 (29-28) Aveles

Cooper Gibson v Henry Corrales 145 lbs

Rd1: Low blow lands on Cooper prompting a stoppage. As they restart Cooper immediately lands a inside trip, but Corrales is able to get back to his feet. Nice single leg by Corrales is parlayed into a double and brings Gibson to the mat. Gibson closes his guard, as Corrales lands a single shot. Herb Dean stands them up. Nice 3 strike combo by Gibson, but Corrales responds. Gubson goes for a throw, but Corrales defends well. Nice counter left by Corrales starches Gibson, and immediately forces the retreat. Corrales institutes the clinch, and pushes Gibson back against the cage. Head kick by Gibson lands. Round comes to a close. Close round but we have Corrales edging it out! 10-9 Corrales.

Rd2: Leg kick by Gibson opens the frame.Big counter left again by Corrales. Both fighters trading kicks in the center of the cage, and then some dirty boxing. Nothing clean landing. Gibson alternating on leg kicks. And scores again with the counter left hand. Gibson has significantly slowed his pace. Another take down by Corrales, and immediatley transitions to the back. Gibson stands, and shrugs Corrales off his back. Hip toss by Gibson, momentarily brings Corrales down, but again he pops back to his feet. Gibson rolls through looking for a leg, but Corrales avoids it well. Elbows from the top land for Corrales.  Corrales 10-9

Rd3: Another take down by Corrales finds him in side control. Now back in full guard. Gibson utilizing a rubber guard, but to little effect. Gibson trying to land elbows from the bottom, but they have very little power. Herb Dean stands them up. Nice combo by Corrales on the break, with Gibson also landing, Another take down for Corrales, but Herb Dean is calling for action. Corrales stands momentarily before diving into Gibson’s guard. Gibson looks for an arm bar, but its not there. Gibson tries to return to his feet, but again gets dragged back down. Corrales finishes the fight in top position, again we have him winning the round 10-9 and the fight 30-27

Winner Via UD rd 3 Corrales (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Nick Piedmont v Seth Dikun 145 lbs

Rd1: Referee Mike Beltran in charge of the action. Piedmont lands a leg kick to start, and now has Dikun n trouble against the cage. Over hand by Dikun misses with a big overhand left. now Dikun is throwing in bulk, but missing mostly. Piedmont driven back against the cage. More ones and twos from Piedmont. Piedmont has the single, but Dikun defends well. Now Piedmont presses Dikun against the cage. Big upper cut by Piedmont rocks Dikun, as both fighters trade the round comes to a close. 10-9 Piedmont in a close round.

Rd2: Both fighters exchanging jabs, as Dikun swings and misses with the leg kick. Good boxing from Dikun as he doubles up the jab, but eats a kick to the pills, prompting a stoppage. Both fighters ready. Piedmont with a short jab lands. And again with a right cross. Dikun bleeding from the nose, as Piedmont slams him to the mat for a moment. Now both standing. Dikun charges forward with a Griffen-esqu jab cross. Nice right hand from Piedmont clears the blood from Dikun’s nose. Dikun countering well, but Piedmont gets the better of the exchange before forcing the clinch. Both fighters exchange in the clinch. As the round comes to a close we have Piedmont again winning a very close round 10-9.

Rd3: Both fighters step to the center. As the round begins both pugilists are gassed. Dikun looking to be busy, as Piedmont seems content to counter. Another quasi take down from Piedmont. Dikun back to his feet, but immediately pressed against the cage. Both fighters separate and throw heavy shots, with Piedmont maybe getting the best of the exchange. Again Piedmont separates and lands with heavy hands before returning to the grind. Dikun lets loose as the round ends, We have Piedmont 10-9 winning the fight as well.

Winner via Decision (29- 28, 29-28, 30-27) Nick Piedmont

UFC 162 weigh ins!

Posted: July 5, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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UFC 162 Main Card: Predictions and Analysis

Posted: July 5, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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UFC 162 is set to take place Saturday Night in Las Vegas. The main card is stacked with a talent pool that all but guarantees one of the most exciting nights of mixed martial arts ever.  With a few lack luster cards in recent history, the company is betting this card will reverse that trend.

The main card is headlined by two champions, one current and one former. Both fighting to cement their respective legacies. Frankie Edgar is attempting to come back after losing his last three fights, all title fights, and in the eyes of many, he was robbed of victory not once or twice but in every fight. For the first time in years Edgar will fight in a 3 round non title bout.

Anderson Silva is the other legend fighting in the main event. I don’t think anyone would argue if you called him the greatest mixed martial arts in the history of the sport. Since joining the UFC middleweight division, Silva has rattled off 16 consecutive victories and has defended the title against all comers, including Chael Sonnen twice. Although age is creeping up on the champion, he never seems to show any cracks on fight night.

Both Charles Oliveira and Chris Weidman have been touted as the future of the sport since they began landing leather in the octagon. Oliveira started his career off strong, but has since run into a few speed bumps. However, his talent has never been in question and his pedigree certainly merits caution.

Chris Weidman, on the other hand has never lost. In fact, rarely has he even been in trouble. Weidman introduced himself as a title contender loudly with a standing elbow KO of Mark Munoz that put the entire division on alert. Like Sonnen, (the only man to ever have any measure of success against Silva in the UFC) Weidman possesses and incredible wrestling game and could stymie the striking of Silva by smothering him. However unlike Sonnen, Weidman is also a high level striker. Which creates other challenges for the champion. Many UFC fighters and professionals are picking Weidman.

 

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Dennis Siver vs. Cub Swanson

This is an interesting match up, in the very cluttered 145 lbs division. I don’t believe the winner will get a title shot, but he will definitely be on a short list of contenders. Siver is ridiculously strong at this weight, the former 170 lbs fighter utilizes and assortment of strikes, but his best asset may be his ability to absorb punishment. Cub Swanson is one of the most dynamic strikers in all of MMA, and has been on a tear since his loss to Ricardo Lamas. Swanson will need to avoid the kicks of Siver, and bring the fight into his kitchen. The only way this fight is going to the ground, is if Siver has no other choice but to take Swanson down. Speed is going to be the difference. Winner Swanson via UD rd 3
Tim Boetsch vs. Mark Munoz

Both fighters need victories if they have any ideas at making a title run. Munoz hasn’t fought in quite some time, but his training has been well documented and he looks to be in amazing shape. Tim Boetsch may not be the most exciting fighter to watch, but he gets the job done. A true grinder, Boetsch is known for winning wars of attrition, however this will not be one of those fights. Winner Munoz via TKO rd 2
Roger Gracie vs. Tim Kennedy

Both fighters will be making their promotional debuts, after being folded into the mix when the now defunct Strikeforce promotion closed its doors. Gracie will need to utilize his submission game to control the fight. Kennedy although not primarily known as a striker, will hold a decisive advantage in this department. Kennedy does not want to try his luck inside the guard of a Gracie! Winner Kennedy via TKO rd 1

Co Main Event
Frankie Edgar vs. Charles Oliveira

Frankie Edgar has single handily ruined fight journalism. There are no more ways to describe him. Every pun, or analogy has been used and abused. So I will spare you any more Rocky references. However, the guy is not a character he is a real fighter. Edgar’s chin and ability to take and give punishment simultaneously is Gatti-esque. His fights with Gray Maynard, Benson Henderson, and Jose Aldo are three of the best fights I have ever seen!

Oliveira is the young gun. At 23 he has already accomplished so much inside the cage. His muay thai has improved tremendously, and has removed him from the ranks of the one trick pony fighters. But his former one trick, his jujitsu, may be the absolute best in the division. This fight is being billed as David vs Golliath, with Edgar being billed as David. I disagree, Oliveira is David, and unfortunately for him, this time Golliath wins! Winner Edgar via TKO rd 3

Main Event

Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman – for middleweight title

Many professionals and fight aficionados are picking Weidman to win this fight. On paper, his style is an absolute nightmare for a guy like Silva. Weidman is young, strong as an ox, and he has an entire workshop of tools that he can use. His striking left Mark Munoz and Uriah Hall in a heap, he has submitted Tom Lawler, and in his fight against Demian Maia he proved he could avoid the submission game, in order to grind out a victory. The man has won in every conceivable way, at every level he has competed on. However, he is fighting a man that has never lost in the UFC, in 16 fights.

Anderson Silva is not only the baddest man alive, he is an artist inside that cage. He paints the bloodiest of canvases, with the precision of a surgeon. He is coy, sometimes arrogant in the cage. Often times, he plays possum and lures his opponents into a false sense of success only to break them in an instance. However at times has also looked aloof when his competition, refused to engage or laid prone in hopes of inducing the grind. Chris Weidman will offer no such luxury for Silva. He will bring the fight from the opening bell, and will be in the champions face from the onset. However, how long he remains there is the question. Unlike many of the professionals that are picking Weidman, I am picking Silva. Why? I have 16 reasons! Winner Silva via Submission rd 3

Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture talks “Fight Master’s”

Posted: June 12, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Video by: John Walsh The Clinch Report

In the world of mixed martial arts, few names are more recognizable than Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture. He is the only 3x Light Heavyweight and 3x Heavyweight champion in the sports history, and has also transitioned outside the sport into main stream media better than almost any other fighter. His fights are legendary and so are the training camps that he founded.

Team Quest and Xtreme Couture are two of the sports most recognizable camps, and both were founded in part by Couture. We have seen his coaching skill first hand on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter, so he is the perfect fit for Bellator and for the show.

Couture has endured a media backlash from the UFC since signing with the rival promotions new endeavor. Dana White has said publicly that Couture is now persona non grata at all UFC events including ones where Randy’s son, Ryan( who is on the UFC roster) is fighting. The elder Couture was in the UFC employ up until recently, but decided to sign elsewhere when he felt his status with the company was left in limbo.

Now with “Fight Masters”, Couture is looking forward to the shows reception. Which should be well received. The show itself on the surface may seem like a ‘TUF’ retread, however after watching the premier episode it is evident that this is not the case. The show offers a completely fresh look at the reality concept with regard to fighters.

Each fighter gets to choose his coach for the season. After a short interview process each fighter decides between Frank Shamrock, Joe Warren, Greg Jackson, or Couture.  Each coach evaluates the fighters, and in some cases, even lobby to be chosen. The show somewhat represents what a real fighter would do, by choosing his own path.

With a diverse mix of talent and incredible coaching; the show is all about pure mixed martial arts. However the coaches add a dynamic of competition between themselves that is not only genuine, but at times it is hysterical. The added entertainment value is a refreshing change to the buffoonery we have become use to on the other reality shows.

The show debuts  Wednesday, June 19 at 10 PM / 9 PM Central on SPIKE TV, and offers a mid week MMA fix for both the avid and casual fight fan alike. With the network having previous success with this reality show format in the past, and with Bellator’s current growth ‘Fight Master’s’ success is all but guaranteed.

Spar Star MMA at Hollywood Park Casino, Fight Footage

Posted: June 10, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Spar Star MMA recently had a hotly contested title fight between Marcel Cyprian and Tanner Chapman that ended in a draw.
Judge for yourself, all three rounds are shown below.

Main Event Round 1

Main Event Round 2

Main Event Round 3

Michael Chandler: Blue Collar Champion

Posted: June 6, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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by: Jonathan King

Video by: John Walsh

To be great at anything one must spend quite a bit of time practicing. The strategy is simple, and yet extremely difficult. The “10,000” hour rule according to Malcolm Gladwell is the key to being great. In order for anyone, to be great in any field, they must simply perform that task for 10,000 hours.

Well over 10,000 hours ago Michael Chandler began walking this path in Missouri as a high school wrestler. Even now years later, this desire is still what fuels him. For many the title is the goal, to become a champion. What makes Chandler different is that he doesn’t measure himself by the gold around his waist,

For Michael Chandler, its about another page, another chapter, each one consisting of another 10,000 hours of discipline. For Michael Chandler its not about who you fight for, but how you do it, that defines greatness. Its about a consistent effort that rewards not only himself, but everything he represents.

This ‘blue-collar’, humble, work ethic, and wholesome attitude is as genuine as the ass-whooping he dishes out, so don’t be fooled. Michael Chandler is a fighter first, and as a champion, he plans on becoming one of the best ever!

Spar Star MMA live at The Hollywood Park Casino

Posted: June 2, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

The golden road to the UFC: lost somewhere between the beginning, and a snowballs chance in hell. Amateur MMA events are often times when dreams run face first into reality. After all even the top amateurs have at best a ‘punchers chance’ to crack into the UFC ranks. Still the effort, the passion, and unfortunately the anguish of defeat is just as potent as it is on the grandest of stages.

And unfortunately for these fighters, once the claps have quieted, and the eyes of the audience glance away; these fighters are left with only a continued dream, or a lesson learned. Amateur fighters don’t receive any financial compensation.

Spar Star MMA provides an environment for these fighters to test their training, and ultimately themselves. Each one of these combat cadets spend so much time training, and preparing for the future, that the present is often left in limbo. Most exhibit a sort of feigned confidence, that the first few seconds of the fight have a way of exposing for being either myth or reality.

In most cases, panic usually eases slowly into a chaotic search for the basics. Once the initial rush of the ‘fight or flight’ instinct passes, the instructional pleas from coaches usually reminding the fighters to breathe or relax follow.

Mixed martial arts is a pretty fair and rewarding venue in the cruel sport of life. For fighters the equation is a simple cliche, ‘what you put in, is what you get out!’ Even at the amateur level the fights are won weeks ahead of time. Even at the amateur level the winners are simply willing to do, what the losers is not!

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