Archive for the ‘UFC’ Category

King of The Cage “Devastation:” Live Thread

Posted: April 11, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGTWoCEccVg

 

By Jonathan King And Karisa Winett

Live the action from San Manuel Indian Casino.
Fight Card to be updated AFTER Each Round.

#1 135 LBS Justin Cook vs. Kevin Michel
rd1: Early take dwon stuffed by Michel after landing some knees he transitions to the back. Cook looses his hooks and is swept by Michel. Michel Now looking to posture and reign down ground and pound.Cook defending well from the bottom, looking for triangle and arm bars, but none work out. Michel now wtih a guilotine. Cook parlays a single leg into a double leg, and takes Michel down fiercly. Cook looking again to transition to the back. But again is swept into guard as Michel slides in and out of side control. Cook looking again for a triangle but eats a heavy right hand. Again Michel takes the back, but once again is swept into guard, Michel with heavy ground punches, Ref steps in with just seconds as Cook taps out due to ground strikes!

Winner RD 1 Submission Tapout due to strikes Kevin Michel 4:58

#2 170 LBS Charles Lee vs. Gabe Lopez
rd1: Body Kick by Lopez cracks Lee, as the fight goes to the mat. Knee to the body by Lee puts Lopez on his back. Lee looking to posture up. Lopez tries to get back to his feet, but Lee grabs a neck crank. Lopez wall walks back to his feet, as Lee lands body shots and Knees. Big knee from Lopez drops Lee. Lee looking for the back, but falls back into Lopez guard. Now Lee in side control. Big uppercut from Lopez as they stand. Lee instigates the clinch but gets dropped again momentarily  Lopez drives for a take down, but lets it go. As Lee has his back against the fence, he lands a few knees to the body of Lopez.  Both fighters are gassed. Right on the break lands for Lopez. Big left hand by Lopez. Close round but we give it to Lopez based on aggression 10-9

rd2: Both fighters are tired. Lee throws a body kick that misses. Lope lands a combination. Body kick by Lopez. Knees from lee puch Lopez back. Now back in the center of the cage, Lopez looks to land with the hands. Both fighters missing often. Fighters trade left hands with Lopez getting the better of the exchange. Front kick from Lee lands. Left hook from Lee lands. Lopez landing with the one two combination often now. Lopez landing with heavy right hands, but Lee is stoic. More lefts and rights, but Lee keeps moving forward. Lopez bleeding now from his right eye. Very close round, we are going Lopez 10-9. Both fighters are exhausted!

rd3: Lopez starts with a left hook, that backs Lee up. Lee fights out of the corner well, as Lopez adjusts his attack. Chopping leg kicks from Lee. More combinations from Lopez. Low Blow from Lee in the clinch prompts a stoppage from Big John. Restart see Lopez landing a kick to the body, as Lee stalks forward. Lopez with some hard body shots in the clinch. Lee secures a take down, and is now IN Lope open guard. Lee Postures and Lands a heavy igh ad. Lopez looking to stand, and does. Both fighters are in slow motion. The last ten seconds sees a flurry by Lopez but nothing lands cleanly. Have to score the last round 10-9 for Lee with the take down! We have Lopez winning 29-28

Winner via Split Decision Gabriel Lopez (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

#3 149 lbs Catch Weight Mike Christensen vs. Henry Corrales

rd1: Corrales takes down Christensen immediately and rides the close guard. Both fighters get back momentarily to their feet, before Corrales again takes down his opponent. Christensen defends well, but Corrales in clear control. Intermittent round and pound keeps the ref at bay, but no significant strikes land. Corrales finishes the round on top. 10- 9 Corrales

rd2: Again Corrales scores an early take down, he is looking to secure an arm, and he does. Kimura looks deep and Christensen taps. Winner Henry Corrales 1:03 rd 2 via Verbal Submission Kimura

#4 265 LBS Lolohea Mahe vs. Rob Jackson

rd1: Heavy hands from both fighters. Jackson looks to kick, but Mahe defending and counter punching well. Mahe ricks Jackson with a beautiful combination, And keeps throwing. Jackson is on weak legs, as Mahe pours it on, the corner throws in the the towel, but it may be too late. Winner Lolohea Mahe via TKO (1:37) RD 1

#5 185 LBS Johnny Cisneros vs. Daniel Hernandez

rd1: Take down from Hernandez starts the fight, as he has Cisneros pinned agaisnt the cage. Hernandez looking to mount. Cisneros scrambles back to side position. Hernandez lloks strong as he wont let cisneros stand. Smothering attack so far by Hernandez.  Hernandez transitions to the back, but Cisneros scrambles now he is mounted, but sweeps. Xisnerso now in control. Hernandez grabs an armbar, it looks deep. Cisneros taps.

Winner: Daniel Hernandez Rd 1 via Submission Armbar

#6 160 Lbs KOTC Jr Welterweight Title Fight Lowen Tynanes vs. Kris Armbrister

rd1: Leg kicks traded to start the bout. Big right hands land almost simultaneously. Armbrister moving well. Tynanes instigates the clinch, and takes Armbrister down with a single leg. Tynanes in side control. Tynanaes in control, as Armbrister can escape from bottom. Tynanes lands a big right hand, and then drags Armbrister back to the ground. Short elbows from side control land for Tynanes. Armbrister back to his feet, but Tynanes lloks for the guillotine  and then switches to guard. Tynanes again in side control, landing short right hands and elbows to Armbrister’s head.

Winner via arm in triangle Lowen Tynanes New Jr Welterweight Champion Rd 1(4:30)

#7 David Gomez vs Joshua Aveles* For Welterweight Title (* Champion)

rd1: Both fighters trading jabs. Aveles landing leg kicks. Gomez and Aveles trading in the center of the cage with Aveles winning the exchange. Big leg kick by Aveles floors Gomez, who quickly springs back to his feet. Aveles instigates the clinch, but breaks with a right hand on the exit. Gomez is cut over the left eye. Rd ends with both fighters landing combinations. 10 – 9 Aveles

rd2: More jabs from Aveles set up leg kicks. Gomezt lands his own and keep circling out of Aveles power range (to the left). Gomez starting to tire, as Aveles continues to land. 1’s and 2’s for Aveles. Followed by more leg kicks. Gomez lands a big right hand, but Aveles keeps the pressure on. Gomez lands a right hand as the round comes to an end. Aveles 10-9

rd3: Gomez more aggressive. Landing a big right hand that backs up Aveles temporarily. Gomez again lands the right this time to the body. Aveles still pushing forward, Gomez now playing the counter puncher. Upper cut leg kick from Gomez lands. Aveles chopping with the leg kick. Aveles jabbing Gomez at will. Gomez now jabbing, but Aveles lands a push kick to back him off. Aveles landing crisper shots now. Big Flurry fpr Gomez who lands a uppercut, elbow and a knee before the round ends. 10-9 Gomez

rd4: Aveles starts out with more jabs, and leg kicks. Gomez lands a kick of his own. Head kick from Aveles lands, Gomez immeditaly fires a jab back. 3 punch combination for Gomez, who takes Aveles down to the mat. Now in Aveles guard Gomez looking to posture up, but Aveles ties him up. Gomez landing single punches, in between getting tied up by Aveles. Still in Aveles closed guard, Aveles right eye is starting to close, the ref stands them up. Attempting take down by Gomez falls short. Both fighters trade jabs. Big overhand left from Gomez. Knee from Gomez pushes Aveles back. as the round comes to an end. 10-9

rd5: Big take down by Gomez. Aveles defends well, but eats a few ground strikes. Gomez working out of Aveles’s closed guard. Aveles having a hard time controlling Gomez this time. More ground strikes land, before the tie up Ref Mike Beltran calls for action and then stands them up. Gomez lands a big right hand and immediately brings the fight back to the mat. 10 seonds to go, and Gomez rides the fight out in top position, but stands right before the bell. 10 -9 Gomez

Winner via Split Decision David Gomez ( New Welterweight Champion) 

#8 Tony Lopez vs. Nick Rossborough

rd1: Both fighters landing leg kicks and jabs. Lopez controlling the pace, but Nick lands a big right hand. Lopez looking to o work with his kicks, as he keeps feigning. Now Rossborough with a leg kick. Big right hand from Rossborough, but Lopez lands a big body kick. Now Rossborough pusjes Lopez against the cage. Lopez escapes, One two from Rossborough lands. But now its Lopez on the attack. Blood from Lopez’ nose. Jab right cross drops Lopez and Rosborough moves in for the finish. Lopez uses a single leg to get back to his feet. Big Knee from Rossborough on the exit. Lopez in trouble. However he hangs on as the round comes to an end. Very close to be a 10-8 round, but we will give it 10-9 Rossborough.

rd2: Lopez looks out on his feet. Push kick from Rossborough starts off a very lethargic rd 2. Upper cut lead into a one two combination has Lopez in trouble. But again he walks out. Lopez lands to the body with two push kicks. Rossborough again with the lead right hand, Big combination from Lopez his best work  of the fight so far. Left to the body by Rossborough. More action from Lopez.  Early action has us scoring the round for Rossborough. 10-9

rd3: Both fighters trading kicks, As Lopez is looking to control the distance with his length. Rossborough now breathing out of his mouth. Rossborough lands a big left to the body, but Lopez responds with a left. 1 ,2 combination lands flush from Rossborough. Big left hand from Rossborough lands off of the counter. Rossborough landing straight shots that have Lopez in trouble . Knees land from Rossborough as the round comes to an end. Lopez is in big trouble. 10-9 Rossborough

rd4: Kicks from Lopez push back Rossborough with little effect. Clearly in control Rossborough seems content to pick his shots. Inside trip by Lopez slmost sets up a choke. Big elbows from Lopez, this guy has no quit. Lopez attempting to pick Rossboroughs ankle. Now Lopez transitioning to the back. Both hooks are in as he is looking to finsih the fight. Lopez riding Rossborough, back to the mat. Now in side control, Lopez looking for a choke. Big Knees to the body of Rossborough. Big round from Tony Lopez as he comes back to dominate the round. Could very well be a 10-8 round in his favor.

rd5: Round starts with a head kick from Lopez that lands. And immediately he shoots for the take down. Rossborough escapes. John McCarthy stops the action as Rossborough gets poked. Restart Lopez lands a big combination and a leg kick. Again Lopez with an inside trip, now looking to mount. Lopez landing but nothing heavy as Rossborough controls the posture of Lopez. Back in the guard, Lopez looks to transition back to the mount. Big combination from Rossbourugh, but Lopez responds. Now Rossborough looks for a take down, but Lopez defends with a kimura.  Rd comes to an end. We have Lope 10-9

Winner (49-45, 48-45, 49-44) Via Unanimous Decision Nick Rossborough (New Heavyweight Champion)


UFC on FUEL TV 9 Main Card Predictions

Posted: April 5, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

UFC On FUEL TV 

Preliminary Bout on Facebook that you MUST SEE

Ryan LaFlare  vs. Ben Alloway:

Look for Ryan LaFlare to make a very explosive debut against Ben Alloway. LaFlare is very explosive, and should be able to win in electric fashion.

Winner: LaFlare via TKO rd 3


The Main Card:

Robert Peralta vs. Akira Corassani:

Peralta is the favorite going in, but Corassani is fighting at home in Sweden. Is that going to be enough to carry the upset? Yes it will. Winner: Corassani via Decision

Diego Brandao vs. Pablo Garza:

Brandao is on the rise, and Garza has his back against the wall already. If he looses, he will probably find the cut list. Can his time at American Top Team counter Brandao’s vicious aggression? Probably not.

Winner: Brandao via TKO rd 2

Matt Mitrione vs. Phil de Fries:

Both ‘Meathead’ Mitrione and Phil de Fries are on the outside looking in, towards the elite of the division. Mitrione has better hands, but de Fries is better all around. Good match up.

Winner: de Fries via 2nd rd Submission  (*Because of the odds good bet to place!)

Mike Easton vs. Brad Pickett:

Whatever you do, don’t blink! Both fighters have a history of ending fights with heavy strikes, although Pickett should have the better boxing, so if he can avoid the take downs, he should be able to land heavy and often!

Winner: Pickett via TKO rd 1


Ross Pearson vs. Ryan Couture:

‘The Real Deal’ Pearson has very heavy hands, but his ground game is his kryptonite. Couture has the ground game to expose this weakness.

Winner: Couture via Split Decision

MAIN EVENT

Mousasi v Latifi *(Late replacement for Alexander Gustafsson who was unfit to compete due to a laceration.)

At one time Mousasi was one of the top 3 light heavyweights in the world, and probably still should be. In his way a very strong, but relatively unknown Ilir Latifi (training partner of Gustafsson). Mousasi is the obvious favorite, but the match-up could prove to be troubling. Latifi is a strong bulldog, and will certainly be looking to bring the fight to the mat. Can the hometown boy shock the world of MMA, he can…..but he won’t!

Winner: Mousasi via TKO rd 2


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Bellator MMA 95 Main Card Predictions and Analysis

Posted: April 3, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Main Card Analysis and Predictions

Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan (22-9) vs Rick Hawn (14-2)

An very interesting match-up kicks off the Spike TV televised main card, as former UFC title contender Karo Parisyan makes his Bellator debut against former lightweight tournament winner Rick Hawn. As high level Judo practitioners they are no stranger too each other, and the competition has fueled a heated rivalry. Simply put these guys don’t like each other. Parisyan is finally healthy again, after several years of injuries, and personal issues that cost him his status in the division.  Hawn, makes his return to welterweight in hopes of winning another title shot. However, Parisyan is a savvy veteran, who is in great shape for the first time in a long time, so he should turn some heads with his performance.

Predictions: Rick Hawn via Decision


Magomedrasul ‘Frodo’ Khasbulaev (20-5) vs Mike Richman (15-2)

Khasbulaev won his last fight vs Marlon Sandro in very impressive fashion. Dominating the perennial contender for 2 1/2 rounds before finishing him with strikes late in the third frame. In doing so ‘Frodo’ (as he is called), earned a featherweight tournament finals position against Mike Richman who won a hotly contested decision to Alexander ‘Popo’ Bezzera. Richman may have the edge in striking technique, but Khasbulaev will have a decisive strength advantage.

Prediction: Khasbulaev via TKO rd 2


Brett Cooper (19-7) vs Doug ‘The Rhino’ Marshall (17-6)

The middleweight tournament finals features the classic striker vs grappler match-up. Cooper is a very well rounded mixed martial artist, who has a very strong wrestling base. However, it was his chin and fortitude that was on display in his last fight, which saw Cooper nearly out on his feet at one point, only to come back and win by KO. Marshall’s journey to the finals was much more controversial as he won a a split decision over Sultan Aliev, in a fight many thought he lost. Marshall will need to learn from that fight, and avoid the wrestling of Cooper if he wants to win this fight. Cooper, needs to stay away from Marshall’s power striking game, and stay in his chest.

Prediction: Cooper via Decision


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Pat Curran Champion (18-4) vs Shahbulat Shamhalaev Challenger (12-1-1) For The Featherweight Title

Shamhalev is riding a 6 fight win streak, that allowed him to step in for the injured Daniel Strauss (who will get his shot eventually according to Bjorn Rebeney) and stake his claim to the title. In his way, is one of the “Faces” of  Bellator Pat Curran. Curran is currently ranked #3 or #4 in the world at featherweight, and is in the midst of a 5 fight win streak that has seen him win and defend the featherweight strap. Shamhalaev will look to neutralize Curran’s strong wrestling with his Sambo back-round. This fight should be an exciting slug fest.

Prediction: Shamhalaev via 3rd rd TKO

Commentary on Bellator:

In the movie “Field of Dreams” the voice of a ghost eerily yet soothingly tells Kevin Costner’s character “if you build it, they will come!” In summary, he does…and they do!

This seems to be the exact format that Bellator has been using from the beginning. Simply put, if they have exciting fights, people will watch, no matter what the names of the fighters are, and even if you can’t pronounce them.

Since the move to Spike TV, Bellator has enjoyed very high ratings. The simple reason for the surge, the fighters! Unlike other promotions that use pomp and circumstance to create drama, and too build hype, Bellator approaches their setup as a fight fan would, not as an event coordinator! The result, a rear view mirror filled with exciting fights.

Leading the charge, is a long list of talented fighters from Russia, with even longer names. A place now dubbed “The New Brazil” according Bjorn Rebeney Bellator CEO. Fighters such as: Shahbulat Shamhalaev, Magomedrasul Khasbulaev have followed the success of Alexander Schlemenko and are now on the precipice of their own title shots.

Bellator’s growth is assured, not because of the popularity of the sport, but because people will always watch exciting fighters fight each other, no matter who is listed on the marquee.



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Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo Shines At Gladiator Challenge

Posted: March 25, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Olympic gold medalist and feel good story Henry Cejudo continued his ascent into the MMA world by winning his second professional fight in very impressive fashion. At 125 lbs his wrestling is already at the top of the division (in any promotion), but as you will see in the video it was his striking that was on display early.


Cejudo utilized his superior athleticism to counter his opponents long range, with effective movement and foot work. Often moving in and out of striking range, to delivery punches.

Then of course there was the take downs. Every time Cejudo was able to secure a leg, the fight went to the ground. Once there, Cejudo did well to avoid getting caught in any submissions. He will need to work on his guard position though, as he seemed more comfortable in half guard, very much like other wrestlers such as Randy Couture.

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After a late take down, Cejudo was able to land some heavy ground strikes that put his opponent on dream street. After a few academic shots, because the referee was late to stop the action, Cejudo’s hand once again was raised.

This performance solidifies Cejudo as a legitimate threat in the 125 lbs division. Now 2-0 as a professional his pedigree in MMA seems to be familiar. Like many of the wrestling legends before, Cejudo’s future with a big promotion seems to be only a few Gladiator Challenge wins away!


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The Fire Burns Once Again For Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan

Posted: March 20, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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The Fire Burns Once Again For Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan.

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The Fire Burns Once Again For Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan

Posted: March 20, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Interviewed by Karisa Winett The Clinch Report

Contributions by Jonathan King and John Walsh

The fire of competition is built on years of training, and is fueled by many motivations. For many fighters, these motivations change. They become infected with injury, or influenced by family and friends. Often the pure love of competition is lost in the search for a paycheck, or for recognition. Talent alone is not enough to counter life’s heavy hands, but it does serve for a starting point, should the fire begin to burn again. For Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan, the furnace is once again stoked, fueled, and ‘The Heat’ is back on!

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At one time, Karo Parisyan was one of the most talented fighters on the UFC roster. His judo pedigree coupled with his brazilian jujitsu back-round made him one of the deadliest ground fighters in the game. With notable wins over Josh Thompson, Nick Diaz, Matt Serra, and Chris Lytle, Parisyan earned himself a shot for the #1 contender position against Diego Sanchez. Although losing the fight via decision in a back and forth affair, Parisyan solidified his reputation as the fight earned a Fight of the Year nod.

Everything seemed to be going great, but then slowly the fire began to go out. Injuries mounted, that led to poor performances and an addiction pain killers arose in attempt to keep himself fighting. After being cut from the UFC, Parisyan continued fighting injured, and soon found himself a memory in terms of relevance in the MMA world.

Then in 2012 Parisyan began the slow process of rebuilding the fire that once fueled him. Slowly under the watchful eye of Team Hayastan leader Gokor Chivichyan, ‘The Heat’ began feeling healthy again, and with two wins in less than two months, he appeared to be in great form.

With the return to form, Parisyan was able to secure a deal with Bellator. His first fight however, would not be a tune up, he would be fighting former Judo rival Rick Hawn at Bellator 95 April 4th at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City New Jersey. The fight will air live on Spike TV. Hawn, is returning to the 170 lbs division after his loss to Michael Chandler in a 155 lbs title fight. Although the two have never fought in MMA before, they have competed against each other in Judo, and have built quite a rivalry.

“I don’t like Rick Hawn” Parisyan said. “He has said alot of bad things about me, saying he didn’t want to be compared to me!” [in reference a statement Rick Hawn made before transitioning to MMA when he was compared to Karo for his Judo back-round by a reporter Hawn Responded :”“I wouldn’t want to compare myself to him, kind of just because I can’t stand the guy,” said Hawn. “I’ll be better than he was. He had a base with judo but he wasn’t as good. My judo is a little more advanced.”] “He should be happy to compared to me, I helped put Judo on the map for guys like him.” Parisyan said

Although Parisyan does not like Hawn, he does respect his ability. “His right hand is really good, he has been knocking guys out with that, and he is a really strong athlete.” Parisyan said. “But I’m walking around heavier, and have built more strength I used to walk around at 172 and fight at 170, but now I’m closer to 190.” The new strength has shown in the gym, as he is now sparring with bigger guys, and pushing them around.

For Parisyan the future is uncertain, but his focus is clearly placed on his April 4th fight. “I have a three fight deal with Bellator, maybe I will enter a tournament, we will see what they say after this fight.” Parisyan said. For now, the fire will continue to grow. Fueled solely by the motivation too “Shut a few people up…and to kick Rick Hawns ass!”  Parisyan said.


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Joe Rogan’s Take on Fallon Fox Transgender Fighter!

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

Anybody in this world has the right to be whatever, or whoever they want to be. Transgender people deserve the respect that everyone in life is entitled too. As Rogan states, “In violent competition” Physical structure matters. Although Fallon Fox is technically a female, now, her male attribute have not disappeared. Her frame is still that of a man, and that could give her a huge advantage!

“When it comes to  competitive athletics , thats when you have to draw the line!” No fighter should ever have an unfair advantage over another. Male or Female.


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Video is care of the Joe Rogan Podcast. We are simply re posting one of the best podcasts ever!

UFC 158 Diaz v St. Pierre Main Card Analysis and Predictions

Posted: March 15, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: The Clinch Report Jonathan King

Mike Ricci -280    v    Colin Fletcher 240

Analysis: Mike Ricci is coming off of a very impressive showing on ‘TUF’, and will be looking to win in front of his hometown Montreal crowd. Standing in his way is an extremely unorthodox submission fighter Colin Fletcher who himself is coming off of a loss. With the UFC’s current spate of roster cuts, it would not be far from the imagination to think the loser of this fight might be handed his walking paper.

Prediction: Ricci via Decision (UD)

Chris Camozzi -105    v     Nick Ring -115

Analysis: Both fighters are looking to stick to their winning ways in the UFC. Nick Ring is looking to build off a win over Court McGee, while Camozzi is in the midst of a 3 fight winning streak that includes 2 stopages (1tko 1sub). For Camozzi a win will certainly move him close to the top ten in the division, while Ring will look to make a name for himself by betting a fighter of that caliber.

Prediction: Camozzi via Decision (UD)

Jake Ellenberger -165    v    Nate Marquardt 145
 Analysis: Jake Ellenberger has transitioned very well from a grappler to a striker.  His wrestling ability, will most certainly be needed against the very heavy handed Nate Marquadt. For Marquadt, this will be his first fight back in the UFC, since his first stint ended rather unceremoniously, due to a failed drug test. In his last fight, Marquardt lost the now defunct Strikeforce title to Tarec Saffedine in a surprising upset.  He will certainly be looking to make a statement at the expense of Ellenburger. However, Ellenberger should be able to utilize his wrestling to keep the strikes of Marquardt relegated to the ground.

Prediction: Ellenberger via TKO rd 3

Carlos Condit 115    v    Johny Hendricks -135 Co Main Event

Analysis: This is the most interesting match up of the night. Both fighters are well versed on the ground, however both prefer to stand. Johny Hendricks may maintain the edge on power, but Carlos Condit has more diverse striking, more experience, and one hell of a chin! Hendricks will certainly be looking to land that trade mark ‘Big Rig’ left hand, but if he telegraphs it, or loads up too much he could very easily get picked apart. Condit, is known for being very difficult to track down, as in he was in the Diaz fight.

Prediction: Condit via Decision (Split)

Georges St-Pierre -550    v    Nick Diaz 425 

Analysis: Finally MMA fans around the world will get to see the fight they have been waiting for, for over 3 years. With the feud coming to a head at the press conference and the weigh in, both fighters seem to be chomping at the bit to get at each other. This kind of behavior is nothing new for Nick Diaz, but the outbursts and anger are something new for the normally reserved champion GSP. Diaz has apparently succeeded in getting under St. Pierre’s skin, and if he can goad him into a slug fest he actually has a very good chance of winning! If GSP decideds to grind down the brash challenger with his wrestling, he will not be free from danger either, as Diaz is an accomplished Brazilian Jujitsu Black Belt under Cesar Gracie, and has 8 wins via submission in his career, many of those were from his back. For St. Pierre, he will need to rely on his athleticism, to move in and out of the slower Diaz’s range. If he can use his jab, and his take downs the way he did against Josh Koscheck, Nick Diaz is in for a very long and frustrating night.

Prediction: GSP via Decision (UD)

And on The Eighth Day, He Rested!

Posted: March 13, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report Photos by: John Walsh The Clinch Report

According to some the earth was created in 7 days. If it was, that would be a pretty productive week for a god. For a mixed martial artist 7 days after a fight usually finds them healing, re-charging or simply put; in lazy mode. For Bellator heavyweight Josh Appelt (10-2 MMA), 7 days is all that separates two very impressive wins in the Bellator Cage.


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Appelt is currently riding a 6 fight win streak that has seen him rise in the heavyweight rankings from virtual unknown, to possible Bellator Tournament contender.

On February 28, Appelt’s impressive TKO win over Josh Lanier (7-7 MMA) left him virtually unscathed. When the opportunity to fight Manny Lara on short notice arose, Appelt gamely stepped up to answer the call. Although he was taking the fight on short notice, ‘The Juggernaut’ felt ready.”I knew he was tough (Lara), after watching his fight with Martinez, but I was confident.” Appelt said.

Although this fight did not end as quickly, it definitely solidified Appelt’s status in the burgeoning Bellator Heavyweight division. For three rounds, Appelt dominated the heavy handed Lara, on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Utilizing his superior wrestling, Appelt was able to keep Lara pinned on one hip where his vicious ground strikes scored heavily on the judges scorecard.


Lara at times did land some heavy shots, but ‘The Juggernaut”  continued his relentless assault.  “I didnt feel rocked at all really, only when i took the knee did i feel hurt at all.” Appelt said “But that guy does has heavy hands!”

For Appelt, the key to the dominant performance was his superior grappling.  “He (Lara) told me he was surprised by my wrestling ability… he didnt realize I had been a wrestler, he though I was just a striker, but i actually like the ground!” Appelt said.

The win over Lara puts Appelt (3-0 in Bellator) in a interesting free agent situation, as it was the last fight on his contract. However, if he has his way he won’t be going anywhere. “I like Bellator, and am hoping to get in the tournament.” Appelt said. However the two battles in 7 days have left the ‘Juggernaut’ with some minor wounds that need to heal up first.

For Bellator, Appelt seems to be the perfect fit. If you were to cut a fighter from the Bellator cloth it would be hard to find a better representative than Appelt. “I like the Bellator tournament format, it tests a fighter not just physically but mentally, you have to try and stay healthy, and not get hurt!”  Appelt said. Unfortunately for the eager Appelt, in the Bellator tournament the fights are more spread out than 7 days!


Hopefully his recent success will enable the former collegiate football player to become a full time fighter, however his family obligations and full time equipment operator on a gold dredge fuel his hunger to succeed in the Bellator cage. “I’m a dad first, and always will be.” Appelt said. But the glare of gold outside of his sluice box and around his waste is clearly obvious. “I’ll fight whoever, wherever, whenever!” Appelt said. “But then, we can hang out afterwards!”

Josh Appelt: “I want to thank my son Braden and my wife Amanda. Tyson, Mikey, and Jeremy my coaches and my manager Dave Hirschbein of MMA Gold.”

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The Russian Invasion Continues! Bellator 92 Highlights

Posted: March 8, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Marlon Sandro is a warrior!

Marlon Sandro is a warrior!

The Clinch Report by Jonathan King Photos by: John Walsh

Bellator MMA Championship tournaments have been on an exciting run of late showcasing some of the best MMA fights ever to be seen on live television. Since the company has moved over to Spike TV, the organization has seen a revolving door of exciting fights, and stunning upsets, most of which have ended in highlight real KO’s. Can this trend continue?  The Bellator matchmakers seem to think so, but maybe that is because they are sitting on a “Golden Goose” so to speak.

Since Bellator joined the foray on SpikeTV, filling the vacancy left by the UFC, it seems almost ever single fight has been an exciting one. One reason for that is the matchmakers at Bellator seem to have discovered a hidden vault of  vicious unheard of fighters from the “New Brazil” as Bjorn Rebeny said. Where is the “New Brazil”? It very well could be Russia.

For years the Heavyweight division in MMA was dominated by one man. Fedor Emelianenko may be the most popular Russian mixed martial artist of all time, but following him are a cadre of talented fighters, with varying styles. Most of these fighters seem to be ending up in Bellator.

With Bellator’s debut on SpikeTV the world became exposed to this Russian invasion for the first time, and many including most ring side reporters were shocked. Heading into that night MMA legend Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral was the favorite to win the light heavyweight tournament. That night he was supposed to run through his unknown opponent, however Mikhail Zayats had other plans. The heavy handed Russian dispatched ‘Babalu’ with vicious strikes that left the legend in a crumpled heap, and the fans with their mouths agape. The only people who were not surprised, were the Bellator match makers who all week were lauding the power and skill of the underdog Zayats.

Last nights Bellator 92 featherweight and Middleweight tournament Semi finals featured more of the same. Akop Stepanyan started the Russians contingent off on the right foot, by laying heavy hands on Chris Saunders early and often. Eventually finishing the fight with a liver splitting kick that Saunders complained caught him low. After the ref said fight on, Stepanyan dropped some academic ground strikes that forced the stoppage, but the highlight reel kick is what finished the fight.

Sultan Aliev was next set to face Doug Marshall in a battle for the Middleweight Tournament Finals. Aliev used his impressive wrestling and sambo skill, to smother the explosive Marshall. With the crowd booing and Marshall complaining to the Ref, Aliev seemed content to grind out a decision against the heavy handed striker. However, he stopped advancing positions, and began to receive warnings from referee Herb Dean.  As the second round wore on, several times the ref stopped the action to restart the fighters standing. On the restarts, Marshall showed his explosive power often landing heavy hands before again being dragged to the mat. The third round saw a much more aggressive Marshall swinging for the fences. As the round came to an end, Marshall dropped some heavy hands on Aliev as he pulled guard. Once the split decision was read in favor of Marshall he seemed more surprised than anyone. Aliev, although dominant like his fellow Russians, fell short on the judges score cards, but most who saw thought he won the fight.

The headline fight of the evening featured Marlon Sandro vs ‘Frodo’ Khasbulaev. The winner of the fight would move on to the featherweight semi finals. For Sandro, this is a familiar position. In the past he had come up one fight short, in tournaments past. His return to the finals, was being blocked by a relatively unknown fighter, once again from Russia. Both fighters were extremely strategic, with their positioning, and soon it became clear that a Sambo v BJJ clinic would ensue. An inadvertent early low blow by Sandro almost stopped the fight, as Khasbulaev rolled in agony for several minutes. But after 5 minutes he was able to continue.

Both fighters used effective sweeps to gain control, Khasbulaev at one point used a kimura sweep to put Sandro in deep trouble as he cranked the arm. Sandro however used his own sweeps to attack a triangle that ‘Frodo’ escaped quickly. The second round saw more take downs by Khasbulaev but again Sandro seemed to escape every precarious situation including a crucifix position, that saw multiple right hands bounce off of his forehead. The third round was more of the same, but now Sandro seemed to be tired. Khasbulaev controlled the Brazilian on the ground, and again secured an arm that left Sandro defenseless against several right hands, prompting Referee John McCarthy to stop the fight.

With the win, Khasbulaev secures his spot in the featherweight finals, and for a chance at the 100,000 dollar prize for winning the most exciting tournament in all of Mixed Martial Arts. With Khasbulaev, and Zayats in the finals of their tournaments, and with Alexander Shlemenko as a champion, Bellator may have found the new Brazil buried in the arctic landscape of Russia.

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