The Fight To Stay Away: BJ Penn’s Cautionary Tale of Retirement Teaches Valuable Lesson

Posted: July 6, 2014 in Combat Sports
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The Fight To Stay Away: BJ Penn’s Cautionary Tale of Retirement Teaches Valuable Lesson.

The Fight To Stay Away: BJ Penn’s Cautionary Tale of Retirement Teaches Valuable Lesson

Posted: July 6, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Photo: Courtesy of Bob Fisher www.pugilpix.com

Photo: Courtesy of Bob Fisher http://www.pugilpix.com

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

When the itch returned long after the scars faded, BJ Penn certainly felt confident. When the fight was announced and the The Ultimate Fighter began filming, he looked to be in great shape.

Were we seeing a rededicated BJ Penn? A champion reincarnated, back to rebuff his already stellar reputation. Could the legend rise again?

Before the show aired many wondered allowed, “Could he even make 145 lbs?” Then when the show did air we saw a very slim and apparently rededicated Penn. His training looked to be on point, his diet was under control (thanks to Mike Dolce) and he looked better than ever. For a guy who had a hard time making weight at 170 and 155lbs, Penn seemed to ready for Frankie Edgar.

Then the door closed. After the first salvo of strikes were fired it became apparent that the itch should have remained unscratched. Penn never looked comfortable and appeared like he wanted to be anywhere but in that cage. The instincts he relied on in the past betrayed him. All Penn could do was minimize the beating by relying on defensive tactics. He simply stopped throwing punches.

Frankie Edgar punctuated their 3 fight history with the finish he so yearned for. Edgar dominated the first 2 rounds, with his superior movement and power takedowns. Penn was never able to mount any offense from his back, and eventually in the 3rd round, after busting him up with elbows and punches, Herb Dean called a stop to the action.

Still, the legend rose. Refusing to stay down, a battered Penn popped back to his feet as soon as the fight was stopped. Not in protest, but because he is a true champion, and true champions are never down long.

Many will question the gameplan. Why was he standing so erect? Why wasn’t he able to step on the gas? The answer is Frankie Edgar. Its not just his clever nickname, its also the reason Penn lost. Penn maybe the legend, but its obvious he is no longer a world class fighter. Frankie Edgar, however showed the level differential between good and great. The win will certainly cement Edgar’s future title hopes, as he continues to chase the 145 lbs crown.

BJ Penn, however remained true to his prefight word and informally retired from the sport for the second time. The one sided beatings that ended Penn’s storied career (Diaz, MacDonald, and Edgar respectively) will fade from our memories. The bad performances will be excused, and instead we will remember one of the toughest fighters who has ever competed. BJ Penn fought in 5 divisions (145-205lbs) and wore two divisional belts (170lbs 155lbs). He is a lock for the UFC hall of fame, and although no longer known as Baby J he will always be known as the Prodigy.

Hopefully other fighters approaching that stage of their careers were watching. The itch will never go away being a fighter is mentality, not an occupation. Soon the fight is no longer in a cage, but with yourself to stay out of one.

A Family System: Systems Training Center MMA’s Next Big Team

Posted: July 5, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

You are a product of your environment. Where you come from has everything to do with who you are and who you become. The early stages, the developmental stage of life needs to be met with a family environment in order to thrive. For fighters this infintile juncture is also the most important. Often talent gets snuffed out before it has a chance to blossom because of confidence issues, gym egos, or lack of focus. Each fighters personality has to gel with the entire gym, otherwise cliques develop and factions arise.

At Systems, the team dynamic is the most important common theme. This is not a gym for individuals motivated by inflated egos.

The team concept is evident as soon as you enter the doors at Systems Training Center in Hawthorne, CA. During pro practice, the fighters children play nearby as daddies and mommies beat the holy hell out of each other. Although a cohesive unit, where everyone loves everyone, the old adage applies iron sharpens iron. With owner Marcus Kowal and coach Ian Harris leading the charge, Systems has several fighters on the verge of making it to the big show, and a few who are already fighting in big shows.

John Robles (7-3 MMA 0-1 WSOF) has already fought once for the World Series of Fighting, where he lost a decision to UFC veteran Jared Papazian. Robles is a hard punching striker, with a great chin and forward moving mentality. Now fully healed from a few nagging injuries, Robles is ready to finish the year strong, and looking to fight before the end of the summer.

Christos Giagos (9-2 MMA Tachi Palace 155 lbs Champion) is one of those guys that just looks like a fighter. He has wrestler build, but with a Leno-like chin. He utilizes a great combination of jujitsu and wrestling on the mat, to secure some pretty slick submissions. On his feet his power is evident. In his last fight, he defeated a very tough Sevak Magakian via triangle choke in the very first round;  securing his first major world title at Tachi Palace. Giagos is looking to possibly fight for the RFA title before the end of the year, but nothing a contract is not in place yet. One thing is certain though, the UFC is paying very close attention. Already on their radar, Giagos intends to stay ready to fight in case that phone rings.

Terrion Ware (11-2 MMA Bamma USA 135 lbs Champion) is another fighter who is playing the waiting game. Riding a 6 fight win streak, Ware has torn through the SoCal ranks, and is one of the top pro prospects in the state. Currently the Bamma USA bantamweight champion, Ware is also slated to fight for the Tachi Palace belt against former Bellator Champion Joe Soto. A win there would all but guarantee a trip to the UFC.

Systems has a very busy month ahead, with training camp in full swing for several fighters preparing for fights on the horizon. Each morning this family gathers, then they punch each other in the face, happily. After all “the family that kicks the crap out of each other stays together right”?

You can be sure that the waves they are making in the fight world will continue to grow. However, remaining true to their identity is the key to their success. As the future brings more and more success, you can be certain that family atmosphere will never change.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Spar Star MMA: Cages, Combat, and A Hip Hop Legend!

Posted: May 3, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Cali Love

Cali Love

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Spar Star MMA once again took over the Hollywood Park Casino with not only a collection of amazing fights, but SoCal’s favorite son DUB C of the West Side Connection took over at intermission, and the place exploded! Locals saluted with their hands, and the performers responded in kind, as the intimate setting proved to be a unique fusion of entertainment that complimented each other well.

The fights were also extremely entertaining. The main event featured two highly skilled amateurs who are both making names for themselves as top MMA prospects. Tigran Martirosyan and Albert Morales squared off for the vacant 145 lbs Spar Star Title.

Morales and his teammates were all working with heavy hearts as their teammate Dee Boites was killed earlier in the week, the victim of a senseless criminal. Boites was crossing the street in Inglewood, when a criminal who was being pursued by the police, barreled through a red light and struck Boites with his car in the crosswalk. Boites later succumbed to his injuries. Morales fought with “Dee” written all over his equipment, as a tribute to his fallen training partner.

The fight was a back and forth battle with both landing heavy strikes, however the story was Morales’s grappling. Martirosyan was unable to counter the slick transitions by Morales on the ground. Once Morales exposed this weakness, he seemed to focus on bringing the fight to the mat. After several attempts at a submission with the arm, Morals was able to transition to the triangle. After a roll he ended up keeping it in the mount, where he secured the head, and the tap! The win brings Morales to 2-0 as an amteur, but the caliber of his opponent will certainly elevate him in the Camo ranks.

Spar Star Promotions provides a necessary element in MMA. They provide a stage for young fighters to test their metal. Spar Star separates the wheat from the chaff, the confident from the bragard, and the fighters from the frauds. They provide the pro ranks with a talent pool to choose from that has been battle tested, and crowd approved.

To Read more about Dee Boites please go to this site: http://www.systemstrainingcenter.com/systems-training-centers-loss-brother/

There is a link on that page to make donations to the Boites Family.

We would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Dee Boites, and all of his training partners at Systems Training Center!

UFC 172 Main Card Predictions and Analysis

Posted: April 23, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Andre Fili posturing up for a big right hand, as Enoch Wilson defends in guard!

Andre Fili at Tachi Palace v Enoch Wilson. Photo By: John Walsh

 

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Andre Fili vs. Max Holloway

Max Holloway is a real tough dude, but unfortunately for him he is running into a juggernaut in Andre Fili. Fili should have no problem out working Holloway, utilizing his superior reach, and dynamic arsenal of strikes. However Fili has yet to prove his game on the ground, which is where Holloway will try to capitalize. Fili should be able to keep the fight upright, utilizing his length. Look for him to get more comfortable as the fight wears on. Winner: Fili via UD

Yancy Medeiros vs. Jim Miller Filling in on short notice is difficult enough, but to do so against 155 lbs stalwart Jim Miller takes testicular fortitude. In Miller,  Medeiros; who stepped in for injured Bobby Green will face his toughest test yet in the world of MMA. Miller has been “The Guy” in the 155 lbs division who decides wether you’re worth a shot or not, for a long time, and will be for the near future. Miller will rely on his experience to sink in a slick submission. Winner: Miller via Submission

Tim Boetsch vs. Luke Rockhold Tim Boetsch is a grinder with elusive power. He is basically Vladimir Matyushenko with Wanderlei-esque knockout power. In the clinch his uppercuts starches chins, and his ground game is pretty powerful as well. Luke Rockhold however is going to be way too much of an athlete for Boetsch. Rockhold’s striking prowess, natural athletic ability, and solid grappling will neutralize Boetsch where he is at his best, frustrating him. The fight could end in merciful TKO, but it will probably be an ugly one sided decision, simply because Boetsch is one tough dude! Winner: Luke Rockhold via UD

Phil Davis vs. Anthony Johnson Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson is back in the UFC following his successful run in The World Series of Fighting at Heavyweight. Now back at 205 lbs, and back with the UFC, ‘Rumbles’ first fight is no small task. In fact, Johnson will have to rely on his heavy hands to test the previously uncracked chin of Phil Davis. Davis is one of the sports most accomplished wrestlers, and more importantly he is probably the most successful at adapting a pure wrestling style into one that is effective in MMA. His long reach and trunk-like base make shooting for a takedown, a very punishing experience. Johnson will have to somehow get inside and maintain his feet if he expects to win. However Davis is looking to make a statement in the division, and looking to do so at ‘Rumble’s’ expense. Winner: Phil Davis via Submission

Jon Jones* vs. Glover Teixeira For Light heavyweight title (*current champion)

Jon Jones is one of most talented fighters to ever set foot in the cage. His only official career blemish came because of a questionable DQ loss to Matt Hamill. And since defeating Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua in March of 2011, the title has remained on Jones waist. However, in his last fight Alexander Gustafsson was able to beat Jones to the punch, in most cases, leaving the champion battered after five rounds. Jones was able to escape with a narrow decision, however his facade as an unbeatable fighter had been torn away. In steps Brazilian slugger Glover Teixeira. Teixera hasn’t lost a fight since Pope John Paul held the Vatican’s title. However, in the UFC hs wins come over Ryan Bader, James Te Huna, Quinton Jackson, Fabio Maldonado, and Kyle Kingsbury. A nice collection of wins, but none except Jackson were ever title contenders, and he was long removed from that status when he fought Teixeira. Jones, on the other hand has fought everyone, and defeated them! Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Maurico Rua, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, as well as Jackson and the aforementioned Gustafsson. Experience favors the champion, but fortune favors the bold, and Glover Teixeira is more than ready for this fight.

Winner: Glover Teixeira via TKO 

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