Posts Tagged ‘Bellator MMA’

Bellator MMA CEO Issues Statement regarding Ben Askren’s release.

Posted: November 14, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Bjorn Rebney bellator Owner and CEO

Bjorn Rebney bellator Owner and CEO

 

 

 

 

 

Bellator MMA CEO and Founder Bjorn Rebeny has announced that welterweight champion Ben Askren will not be resigning with the company. The CEO’s Twitter account posted “We’ve relinquished any right to match and Ben can sign with whoever he chooses to sign with. I wish Ben the best wherever he goes.”

For the undefeated Askren, the next step is an obvious one. Dana White and the UFC have already expressed interest in signing the now former Bellator Champion. Earlier Rebney had quipped that a guaranteed title shot at St.Pierre immediately would be the only way he would refuse matching rights, however something obviously changed his tune.

Askren a former National Champion and Olympic wrestler has been criticized for his ground based style, that for some fans consider boring. Askren has been dominant in all of his title defenses, and has not shown any cracks in his game since entering the Bellator cage.

 

Bellator 106 Chandler vs Alvarez II: Defining Integrity

Posted: November 3, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Two battered Champions!

Two battered Champions!

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Very rarely in the world of MMA do things go ‘according to plan’! This cliche extends from the fighters, to the judges and referee’s, and certainly reaches beyond even the promoters. Originally, and eventually are usually defined by the gulf between. If in that gap you find integrity, than there is a chance at success.

Bellator 106 was designed to be a Pay Per View. Although the scripted headline of Rampage vs Ortiz fell off due too Ortiz’s neck injury, the actual main event, was always going to be Eddie Alvarez vs Michael Chandler. No longer a PPV card the chasm of doubt in many circles began to grow. Executives at Bellator and their partners at Spike TV however, recognize opportunity where others saw disaster.

By offering the fight for free, on live television they allowed the world a glimpse at the absolute very best of Bellator MMA. Faith was placed in the fighters, and they did not disappoint.

The Pat Curran vs Daniel Straus fight was a clinical example of one fighter effectively executing a game plan throughout a fight. For 5 rounds, Daniel Straus blanketed the Champion, with his superior wrestling, and seemed to be the crisper of the two fighters, even after eating an illegal knee to the head, while grounded.

Curran, who is known to have some of the best hands in all of MMA, just couldn’t seem to get started. The challengers athleticism seemed to keep the champion in a mire, leaving him plodding instead of gliding, which Curran usually does. Unable to commit to combinations, Curran was effectively neutralized by Straus.

With the win Daniel Straus moves his name up the latter of 145 lbs fighter in the world rankings, and also picks up a nice shiny piece of hardware for the mantle piece. For Bellator, they can now legitimately claim have 2 of the top 145 lbs fighters in the world on their roster.

The one fight on the main card that was rather slow, was the King Mo vs Emanuel Newton fight. Newton, although he threw a sack load of strikes, most of them were moving backwards, and not many landed with any sauce on them. Mo, spent the night looking to counter with his wrestling, and inside game ended up on the short end of a unanimous decision. Despite landing the more damaging strikes, and the fights only take downs, the judges obviously scored for the busier fighter.

The Main Event may have been quite possibly Bellator MMA’s most spectacular moment. Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler collided at full speed, and the second fight seemed more like round 5 than it did a new fight. For 5 rounds, both fighters led all who watched on a violent elevator ride. Each appeared to be on the verge of defeat on numerous occasions, only to surge back with a flurry.

When two of the most skilled fighters in the world refuse too loose, we all win. Eddie Alvarez ended up on the sunny side of a split decision and returned the lightweight strap to his waist. For Chandler, an immediate rematch would certainly be justified. Its only a matter of time before the epic third contest is scheduled.

In the end, it is the result that more often than not matters most. The path across the divide may not be recognizable once you pass, but does it really matter? When you look back at that amazing fight, are you going to remember the two warriors that stood toe to toe, for 5 rounds, neither willing to relent? Or will you remember the two that didn’t even fight?

45 Minutes That Define a Fighter!

Posted: September 24, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Can you remember the last time 45 minutes made a difference? What could you do in less than an hour, that would matter on a grand scale? When it comes to children, 45 minutes can make a lifetime of difference. For a child who has spent his life in constant pain, 45 minutes can inspire a smile. For his parents, that relief although temporary, is priceless!

Houston Alexander is a 41 year old Mixed Martial Artist, known to the masses for his tenure with the UFC, where he fought the likes of Keith Jardine, Kimbo Slice, Thiago Silva, Alessio Sakara and James Irvin. Alexander is known for his devastating punching power, his lighting fast hands, and his ominous demeanor.

Donny Caffey Jr, is a young gladiator from Babylon NY. I know his family well, both his uncle and his father are physical specimens, and were always gifted athletes. Donny, however is tougher than both of them. Without getting into too much detail, Donny has lived most of his young life in pain due to chronic hip ailment that has required multiple surgeries. Living in constant agony, Donny has approached this adversity, like the fighters he watches. He takes his lumps, has small victories, and always keeps moving forward.

Knowing he was coming off yet another surgery, we asked the fighters at Bellator 99 to sign the fight card for him. Anything to inspire a smile. Everyone was more than eager to do so, Main Event winner Patricio Pitbull signed a glove, however Houston Alexander had other plans.

“Look man, Autographs are nice, but what do you say we give Donny a call!” Said Alexander. “Calling Donny, that is how we can make a difference!”Alexander, knows better than most about making a difference, being a single father of six children, he has learned to juggle his primary obligations with his training regimen.

With that we exchanged information, and I contacted Donny’s family.

True to his word Houston Alexander made that phone call. For 45 minutes the two spoke. What they spoke about exactly, matters, but its not important to anyone but Donny and Houston. Even his father seemed surprised. ” I don’t know what he said, but right now my son is on his crutches, punching the speed bag!” Don Caffey Sr said.

Houston Alexander may be known for his I.Q. changing right hand, but he is defined by his actions outside of the cage. In a world of questionable role models, Alexander sets the bar petty high. Mr Alexander is a Father first, and an ambassador of good will, that also happens to knock people out!

Authors Note: Thank you to Houston Alexander and his management team for organizing the call. Also, Thank you to Anthony Mazzuca and Bjorn Rebney for allowing us access to the extremely generous Bellator MMA Fighters. Any other fighters wishing to send Donny best wishes can email us at news@theclinchreport.com

 

 

Bellator 97: Big Announcement Tito Ortiz v Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson

Posted: July 31, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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The Clinch Report Founder Jonathan King with UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz at OC Fight Club, Costa Mesa California. Photo by: John Walsh

The Clinch Report Founder Jonathan King with UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz at OC Fight Club, Costa Mesa California. Photo by: John Walsh

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Bellator MMA announced during the live fight card on Spike TV, that their first ever Pay Per View will take place this year headlined by newly signed UFC and Pride veteran Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Jackson was rumored to have been matched against boxer Roy Jones jr, however after a brief speech he said he wanted his first fight for Bellator to be against an MMA fighter.

Then through a cloud of smoke, appeared ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ Tito Ortiz. Ortiz, draped in his classic Peoples Champ flag trotted to the cage and told the world his intentions. “I’ve been fighting for a long, long time. We’ve been friends with each other, but it’s time to put the friendship aside and it’s time to give the fans what they want here in Bellator,” Ortiz said.

Immediately internet pundits opined about the legitimacy of such a fight. However, it makes perfect sense. Will either of these fighters ever be considered a legitimate title contender? Probably not. However, the match up on paper seems to be an interesting one. Rampage traditionally had issues with tenacious wrestlers (See fights with Bader, Evans, and Teixiera), and Ortiz’s chin has been questioned in his last few fights, which is right up Rampage’s alley.

Both fighters play into each others weakness, and in the fight game the match up makes the fight. The names help, but they never trump the match up. Despite what Dana White or any other Bellator critic will say, as an MMA fan its an interesting fight. Weather or not someone will pay for it, and ‘how much’, may be the real question.

The fight will take place in Orange County California, but no other specifics have been given. Stay tuned for more information!

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.

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!

Eddie Alvarez, No Longer Staying Quiet!

Posted: May 4, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Bjorn Rebney bellator Owner and CEO

Bjorn Rebney bellator Owner and CEO

By Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Last week Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney came out and said that talks between the company and the former champion had broken down, and seemed less than hopeful that a resolution would be made. In fact the Bellator Chairman seemed content to allow the courts to settle the issue.

“I had hope a month ago there was a door opening,” Rebney said. “But that door isn’t open at this point. So I don’t know. The court system is slow and methodical, and we’re just going through the process. I don’t have any projections of it getting settled at this point because we’re not talking”, Rebney said.

“The essence of it is, the promoter is never going to get everything he wants and the fighter is never going to get everything he wants. We have a position that we did everything right legally, and the court has supported us. I thought we were headed down a road (to resolution), and then everything went real dark.” (From an interview with http://www.MMAJUNKIE.com)

Yesterday, Eddie Alvarez used twitter to rattle of a few of his contentions. First of all he claimed that the issue was more with Viacom and SpikeTv, and went further to claim that Bjorn had little to do with the situation at all. “Bjorns a Grunt in this . It’s Viacom and Spike and a group of idiots a money who don’t know shit about Mma” Alvarez tweeted.

Then Alvarez went further, claiming he is not the only fighter being mistreated. “I have nothing to complain about I get paid we’ll enough to keep bills paid but to bully guyslike @ZachFunSize(Zach Macovsky) n @CosmoAlexandre (Cosmo Alexandre)is a sin.” Alvarez tweeted.


Alexandre jokingly tweeted about spending his last four dollars and gas, with the hashtag “ThanksBjorn”. Alvarez is not in that dire of straights, but he is in the prime of his career, and should be fighting. No one can say for sure how this drama will unfold, but as for now one of the best fighters in the world is relegated to the shelf, at least for the foreseeable future.

Eddie Alvarez will be n the MMA HOUR with Ariel Helwani on Monday. However saty tuned to his twitter feed, because he teased that he might not be able to wait! “I might just dump just real shit tonight until I get a call from someone to stop. Soooo much to talk about,now that the gloves are off” Alvarez tweeted.

Follow Eddie Alvarez on twitter here: @Ealvarezfight

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.”

Sponsored by: Lanas Egg Whites, West Coast Nutrition, Certified Royalty, Golden Bear Alarms, Jacco, Century MMA, and Mike Santos Body Shop My Boxing Body, “We don’t care about the head we hunt for the body.”

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