Posts Tagged ‘Bellator’

Bellator 89 on Spike TV Continues Successful Trend!

Posted: February 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Once again Bellator live on Spike TV delivered solid numbers, with regard to viewership. Eduardo Dantas made his return to the Bellator cage to defend his bantamweight title against his friend and mentor Marcos Galvao.  The event peaked once again at over 1 million viewers.

Since debuting on Spike TV, many critics of the promotion thought the initial success was due to the stacked first card. Many thought after the Chandler and Curran title fights, that viewership would fall sharply. They thought the promotion would not be able to keep the fight cards as exciting or interesting to a TV audience.

Once again, after the fighters took control the doubters were silenced. Fireworks and emotion highlighted a very underestimated fight card, and the viewership backed that sentiment up. Former WEC champion Doug Marshall had arguably the best highlight of the evening, when he knocked the taste out of Andreas Spang with a vicious right hand. The KO puts Marshall in excellent position for a title shot as the middleweight tournament rolls on!

Of course the highlight of the night was the emotional title fight that saw life long friends square off for the bantamweight championship. Marcos Galvao won the opportunity to fight for the belt, but knew it would be difficult fighting his friend. Dantas, also was emotional both before and after the scrap, refereeing to Galvao as a mentor, and teacher.

The fight was very exciting and seemed to be pretty evenly matched until a second round uppercut that scrapped the mat, dropped the charging Galvao. Taking advantage of his prey, Dantas swarmed with hammer fists forcing the stoppage! The impressive win will do much to erase his out of promotion loss to Tyson Nam in his last fight.

Now with three division champions that possess dominate wins over tournament challengers, the Bellator product seems secure. The top fighters are starting to create large fan bases based on their longevity as champions! The partnerships with Spike TV, and TNA seem to be not only working, but seem to exceed expectations from both critics and allies the like. By creating their own path, they have secured a niche in MMA, one that continues to offer a bevy of exciting fights, for free.

Coalition to Legalize MMA in New York

Posted: February 14, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Coalition to Legalize MMA in New York

Make sure all of you MMA fans, sign up at this website to help end the reign of political terrorism against our beloved sport. The only reason the sport is still illegal is because of a Culinary Union lobby that has issues with Zuffa (Company that owns the UFC), and their interest in the union-less Station Casino’s in Nevada. Hopefully the stench that this shady operation has caused, may finally be reaching the right noses. We shall See!

 

The Clinch Report is building our Army, and hope that both Fighters and Fans the like join our site. We will be choosing one fighter a month to be our featured fighter. The featured fighter will receive a full Bio, and write up that will be marketed in every blog, forum, and fight page that we are members of. Every fighter needs exposure, well now you have a chance to win some!

For the fans, we will giving away signed merchandise and MMA swag that we have been accumulating over the years. The first giveaway will be a signed Tito Ortiz Official UFC Fight Glove. Who wouldn’t want a free chance to own a former UFC world champions signed fight glove?

To qualify all you have to do, is sign up to follow the website. ONLY WEBSITE FOLLOWERS WILL BE QUALIFIED FOR THE DRAWING. (Facebook is cool but its not the website!)

When the drawing is completed the winners will be contacted.

Get the word out, and follow http://www.theclinchreport.com for your chance to win!

Frank Shamrock, Randy Couture, Greg Jackson and Joe Warren to Headline new MMA Reality show

Posted: February 5, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Bjorn Rebney bellator Owner and CEO

Bjorn Rebney bellator Owner and CEO

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Once again Bellator shows their business acumen by following in the footsteps of one of the UFC’s most lucrative paths. Viacom and Bellator announced on Tuesday, that filming would begin “imminently” for a show that would be similar to the Ultimate Fighter, set to debut in the summer of 2013.

Several high profile MMA stars have signed on to coach including UFC exile Frank Shamrock, UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, renowned coach Greg Jackson, and former world champion Joe  Warren. The show dubbed “Fightmaster:”, will not be an exact clone of the TUF series, but very similar. Once again Bellator seems to have stolen more of the UFC’s thunder.

The most glaring issue is the signing of Randy Couture, whose tumultuous relationship with the UFC is apparently permanently put to rest. “I’m glad I never have to do business with the man ever again!” Dana White bristled when asked about Couture teaming with Bellator. “Most people that do business with him would agree!” White, also clarified that the former two division champion’s son would still be fighting under the UFC. Although he made it clear that the elder Couture was not welcome in any capacity. “He can’t even buy a ticket!”

Building on the TUF model, Viacom has put together a tremendous team to run “Fightmaster”. “The cornerstone of this show is really about the people behind it,” said Bellator president Bjorn Rebney.  ”The Amazing Race” creators Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri will be the wizards behind the curtains.

The series will feature 32 welterweights who will choose their own coaches. Fighters will compete for a 6 figure contract, as well as a spot in a future championship tournament. 2013 is looking like the year of Bellator.

Every move they make, seems to pay dividends. With partnerships that are genuinely concerned with producing a quality product, and fighters who tend to leave it all in the cage, the successful rise of this promotion seems to be guaranteed!

BELLATOR 85 A Dynamic Success Live on Spike TV

Posted: January 21, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Bellator made its debut on Spike TV, and did so in tremendous style. The partnerships first joint venture featured two title fights, and two light heavyweight tournament quarter final fights. Early results in show that just under 1 million people tuned in to watch the inaugural event. A huge increase from the numbers they had been seeing on MTV2.

Once all the pieces were in place and the lights heated up, it was out of the promoters hands. The fighters themselves would dictate the success or failure of this event. The gladiators made their intentions known from the onset, as several hotly contested preliminary fights got the crowd juiced, and more importantly the fighters waiting to perform. The under card was featured on Spiketv.com. Savant Young provided the spark with a tremendous one punch knock out of heavily favored Mike ‘The Joker’ Guymon. After being behind in the fight, Young countered an advancing Guymon with a well time left hand that floored the former UFC vet. A thunderous shot, on the ground was purely academic as the ref leaped in too stop any further damage.

The live portion of the Spike TV card began with an incredible back and forth scrap between featherweight title holder Pat Curran and aggressive challenger Patricio Pitbull. The crowd and the audience may have been expecting fireworks, however instead they were treated to a back and forth battle of attrition, that left both fighter swollen, battered, and bleeding. Curran narrowly eked out a split decision, holding on to his coveted featherweight crown.

Not may people gave a young unknown fighter from Russia a chance against a former UFC title contender, but Mikhail Zayats could care less about being an underdog. He only cares about winning, and he proved that after he over came huge odds, and a lopsided crowd to destroy UFC and Strikeforce veteran Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral. A vicious spinning back fist, was the beginning of the end. Zayats left the crowd stunned, and the tournament with a new favorite!

The main event of the evening made several points clear. First of all after defeating a very game Rick Hawn, Michael Chandler’s name certainly has to be mentioned in the pound for pound category. His striking, and dominating wrestling made the fight look easy, although i am sure it was not. Chandler never looked to be out of control, and his pedigree as a champion has been solidified.

Thoughts on Bellator: Bellator provides an extremely exciting format with their tournament based champions. The roster of fighters has always been an exciting fusion of homegrown young talent, mixed with savvy veterans who have fought in several organizations. Bjorn Rebney and his partners have created a juggernaut of a promotion that seems to be creating its own path. For years, many companies have tried to follow the UFC business model and have failed miserably, simply because they were not the UFC. Bellator seems content to succeed in areas that UFC is either no longer interested in (fighters), or in avenues the UFC has no interest in such as: Pro wrestling. As long as the fights are exciting, and the product is not watered down the promotions success appears to be a guarantee at this point. 2013 could be the year Bellator becomes a true rival for the UFC, although it appears they don’t seem to care either way. Bellator seems only concerned with Bellator, and in the combat sports world, that is a refreshing take!

All Photos are provided by: John Walsh

Bellator Main Card Live on Spike Recap

Posted: January 18, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Savant Young and Mike Guymon begin their tango!

Savant Young and Mike Guymon begin their tango!

Pat Curran delivers a liver kick to Patricio Pitbull

Pat Curran delivers a liver kick to Patricio Pitbull

Chandler yanks the title hopes, and the neck of a very game Rick Hawn to retain the Lightweight Championship

Chandler yanks the title hopes, and the neck of a very game Rick Hawn to retain the Lightweight Championship

by: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Patricio Pitbull v Pat Curran

Round1: Feeling out process immediately eats up the first minute.  Pitbull circling, not much for the first 3 minutes both fighters very wary of the others power. Curran using his range to land with the jab and cross. Not much action in the first round both fighters are obviously preparing for a long bout. I give it to Curran in a close 10-9

Round2: Pitbull beginning to land in bunches and finishing with the leg kick. Pitbull bleeding from the nose, after a long right hand from Curran. The champion tosses Pitbull to the mat, but Pitbull bounces back up! Curran landing with the jab, Pitbull landing with the kicks. another close round could go either way but we have Curran winning another 10-9 close round.

Round3: Pitbull starting to pen up with dynamic strikes. Flying knees, and combinations beginning to land, and still landing leg kicks. Curran landing now to the body of Pitbull. Curran backing up as Pitbull stalks. Flying knee by Curran misses, round ends. we are calling a 10-9 round for Pitbull but again very close could go either way!

Round4: Curran backing up as Pitbull flurries, a right hand lands to the back of the head and the ref seperates. A touch of the gloves, and Curran opens up with a 4 punch combination. Now Curran stalking. Pitbull shoots he has a single but a opposite flying knee, breaks the clinch. Curran again lands a hard one two combination. The round ends again, very close, but I have Curran  10-9

Round5: Both fighters trading ones and twos, as Pitbull shoots, Curran lands a big right hand stopping the take down attempt. Curran lands a liver kick that is caught, and breaks free with a straight right to the head.  Curran shoots but to no avail. Both fighters standing in the center of the cage, as Pitbull stalks. Pitbull is hurt by a big left hand. Curran cautiously closes in with a few straight punches that find there mark. Pitbull is gassed. Elbow by Curran lands in the clinch. Pitbull flurries with the last 20 seconds. Both fighters are landing as the bell sounds. Again very close but have to give Curran the nod 10-9 Have him wining the fight 4 rounds to 1.

Pat Curran wins by Split Decision.

Mikhail Zayats v Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral

round1: Babalu starts out pawing with the jab, pushing Zayats backwards. Up against the cage Babaluu begins to land with the dirty boxing and the elbows.  Big John separates the fighters. Zayats lands a big right,  but lands low on Babalu. Big John gives Sobral a minute to recover but he doesnt need it!  now there back in the center of the cage. Back up against the fence, Babalu controls the clinch. Again big John separates the fighters.  Zayats lands big spinning backfist Babalu is in trouble. Zayats landing as Babalu gets on his bicycle. Left hands drops Babalu,  Zayats swarms Babalu on the ground with vicious hammer fists. And that is it!  Big John steps in. Mikhail Zayats wins by TKO Big upset, moves Zayats on to the semi finals of the light heavyweight division

Rick Hawn v Michael Chandler

round1: Both fighters are feeling each other out, as the circle Chandler lands an uppercut but Hawn counters with a leg kick. Big take down by the champion. Hawn working from guard, looking to secure an arm. Hawn very busy from his closed guard. Chandler very busy, but cannot seem to posture up. Hawn is controlling with a body lock from guard. Both fighters stand and Hawn lands a big left hand. But Chandler still coming forward. Round ends, with Chandler seemingly ahead 10-9 with his wrestling.

round2: Round two begins with Chandler taking Hawn down after a quick clinch. Hawn able to regain his feet, but immediately taken down again by Chandler. This time Hawn is on is his side, and Chandler quickly transitions. to the back, where he secures the choke yanking Hawn backwards before securing the tap. Winner Michael Chandler by submission Rear Naked Choke

Bellator weigh in Results

Posted: January 17, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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The Calm Before the Storm

The Calm Before the Storm

Superman or Silverback? or Both! Seth Petruzelli

Joker

Joker

Two Lions

Two Lions

Intensity in Pitbull

Intensity in Pitbull

Confident Champion

Confident Champion

Challenger vs Champion Featherweight Fury!

Challenger vs Champion Featherweight Fury!

The Legend Babalu!

The Legend Babalu!

The Champion Michael Chandler

The Champion Michael Chandler

Hawn v Chandler

Hawn v Chandler

Noe v Petruzelli

Noe v Petruzelli

Superman or Silverback? Seth Petruzelli or Both!

Live on Spike TV DEBUT!Live on Spike TV DEBUT!

Jaime Yeagar

Jaime Yeagar

Yoked!

Yoked!

Bellator 85
Date: January 17, 2013
Venue: Bren Center
Location: Irvine, Calif.WEIGH In ResultsMain Card (on Spike TV):
-Michael Chandler (10-0) weight 154.6 vs. Rick Hawn (14-1) weight 155
-Renato “Babalu” Sobral (37-9) weight 205.2 vs. Mikhail Zayats (19-6) weight 205.7
-Seth Petruzelli (14-6) weight 205.4 vs. Jacob Noe (8-1) weight 205.9
-Pat Curran (17-4) weight 144.8 vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (17-1) weight 144.5

Preliminary Card (on Spike.com):
-Emanuel Newton (18 – 7) weight 205.4 vs. Atanas Djambazov (17 – 2) weight 205.6
-Hector Ramirez (9 – 4) weight 204.8 vs. Jason Lambert (24 – 13) weight 205.5
-Aaron Miller (12 – 8) weight 145.8 vs. Joe Camacho (13 – 17) weight 145.8
-Joe Williams (7 – 1) weight 170.7 vs. Jamie Yager (6 – 3) weight 170.8
-Savant Young (10 – 9) weight 155.5 vs. Mike Guymon (14 – 5) weight 155.7
-Brian Warren (18 – 15) weight  165 vs. J.J. Ambrose (17 – 4) weight 164.5

-Mario Navarro (4 – 2) weight 144.8 vs. Cleber Luciano (7 – 4) weight 144.9

Bellator Champion Pat Curran talks about his up coming fight against Patricio Pitbull

Posted: January 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King

Bellator Open Workouts

Posted: January 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Photo by John Walsh

Photo by John Walsh

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

With a mere 48 hours before Bellator is set to make their historic debut on Spike TV, an obviously anxious Bjorn Rebney walked thru the Huntington Beach training center to see the fighters warm up, wish them well, and of course speak with the press. With an absolutely stacked fight card featuring two world title fights, and also the opening round of the light heavyweight tournament; the promotion is set to hit the ground running with what on paper seems to be the most exciting card in their distinguished history.

Rebney spoke eagerly about the new venture on Spike Television. With this contract in place, the company seems destined to demand a larger sare of the MMA universe. Spike has always done really well in the world of  MMA, with both live events, and highlight shows. Also in the future are possible pay per view deals, that are being discussed. With the partnership with Viacom, and now with companies like TNA, Bellator seems to be gathering up a pretty sizable partnerships that will market the product to the highest level.

Recently Bellator was in the news as word broke that former title holder and fan favorite Eddie Alvarez was contesting the contract matching offer that kept him in Bellator and away from the competing UFC.  Rebney, however seemed optimistic that the former title holder would again be in the Bellator family. “Yes, I do see Eddie fighting in Bellator again.” Rebeney said. “We have had a really good relationship in the past, and hopefully we will again!”

The competitive under card  features UFC veteran Mike Guymon vs crafty veteran Savant Young. Guymon is making his Bellator debut after returning from a recent retirement from the sport, the hometown favorite is 2-0 since returning to the cage, and is looking to make one last run at a world title in the 155 lbs division.

The premiere of Bellator on Spike TV will air three live bouts. The first will be the third of the light heavyweight quarterfinal fights, as former UFC and Strikeforce title contender Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral faces off against heavy handed Mikhail Zayats. ‘Babalu’ was present for the open workouts, shadow boxing lightly. After a quick bout with the media, he was looking to make an exit.

Other combatants such as the two fighters who will be putting their belts on the line, Michael Chandler and Pat Curran took there time answering questions, and working out. Chandler even admitted to appreciating the added attention “The fact that  you guys want to take pictures of me, still gets me!” Chandler humbly said. “Its something athletes take for granted.” 

Also present were Mike ‘The Joker’ Guymon, featherweight contender Patricio Pitbull Friere, lightweight title challenger and Rick Hawn.

Interviews will be up soon!

Gallery:

DSC_2558 DSC_2454 DSC_2446 DSC_2417 DSC_2298

Mike 'Joker' Guymon checking in.

Mike ‘Joker’ Guymon checking in.

The Fate of Strikeforce and The Fighters seems set!

Posted: November 13, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

 

Rumors in the MMA world were bouncing like crazy this week, when TMZ prematurely reported that Ronda Rousey became the first ever woman fighter signed to the UFC. In a way, TMZ was correct but not in the traditional sense. The truth is Ronda Rousey is and has been signed under the Zuffa umbrella for quite some time.

In March 2011 Zuffa purchased the struggling California-based promotion, most believed the company would be folded in immediately, as was the WEC previously. However, Zuffa maintained the separation of both entities when Dana White was unable to negotiate a new television deal with Showtime; which consequently expires in February. After cancelling the last two events it was obvious that Zuffa’s red-headed step child was going to soon be left for dead. One obvious question beams. What happens to the fighters like Rousey, who are already under contract with Strikeforce.

The answer is still being debated, however several sources in China for the UFC of FUEL TV 6 event have confirmed that the UFC will not need to ‘sign’ any of these fighters, because they are already signed. They simply have to continue honoring their end of the deal. since Zuffa is the parent company for both entities, the UFC will simply pick and chose the fighters they want to keep, and fold them into to the current roster. Those that the UFC brass deem not to be ready, or worthy will surely be bought out of the remaining time left on their contract.

Is this large influx of talent good for the UFC? Unlike the WEC buyout(which brought two new weight classes), most of the upper echelon fighters in Strikeforce will be entering already congested waters. For fighters such as Luke Rockhold, Gilbert Melendez, Nate Marquardt, and Daniel Cormier there is not much to worry about. As the top dogs they will certainly be brought into the UFC realm. The women’s division  it seems would also be safe, as the UFC will need someone for Rousey to fight!. However the rest of the roster, aside from a few big name contenders are left in limbo.

Any infusion of talent should lead to more exciting fights. However, with the roster already swollen more events must result. Another interesting thought will be the importation of fighters into the Bellator tournament format, which is in need of a talent infusion.

All of this remains “unofficial” for now Strikeforce has one event left on their docket, but the writing is on the wall. Strikeforce’s imminent demise will certainly allow some other promotion to rise from the depths of obscurity. Rumors are already swirling that Showtime and CFA are in talks to pick up where Strikeforce left off. One man gathers what another man spills!

Mike Bruno vs. Vagner Rocha Ready To Settle The Score

Posted: September 13, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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by: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

 

Only a small percentage of gladiators lived long enough too fight in Rome. However every single one hoped too not only live, but those that embraced this barbaric path dreamed of fighting on the grandest of all stages the Roman Colosseum. Since then nations have risen and fallen, with that gladiator code still festering in the few who continued the fighting spirit.

Today the closest thing we have to the Gladiator is the mixed martial artist, and the UFC is the only stage as grand or at least comparable too the Colosseum. Like the warriors before Mike Bruno (11-4 MMA) and Vagner Rocha (7-3 MMA 1-2 UFC) have been in each others company previously, coming through the ranks. However with a 3 fight stint in the UFC only Rocha has tasted the nectar of the UFC gods, a thirst he longs for still, and one he shares with Bruno

Although it is a normal scenario for Howard Davis’s Fight Time Promotions to feature a young promising fighter, against a UFC vet trying to get back to the show. This fight is anything but ordinary. Bad blood fueled by a team split, jealousy, and smack talk has led too a genuine feeling of disgust shared by both fighters. “When Vagner made it to the UFC, I was extremely jealous, and being young I made the mistake of running my mouth” Bruno said. Before the Brookins fight, Mike Bruno was heard on the Rudolfo Roman Show begging Brookins “To smash” his former teammate.

A salvo that Rocha believes was from a jealous ex-teammate. “I have openly apologized, because I was in a bad spot, but he apparently he is interested,” Bruno said.  Animosity between opponents is common, however the war of words between the two has at times, become quite volatile. Recently Rocha called out Bruno for being a jealous boring fighter, that lacked any quality finishing skills. With Rocha becoming more aggressive, the war of words was back on and has become increasingly personal. “I was willing to let it go, and just be professional, but either way the outcome will be the same, with me smashing him,” Bruno said, seemingly content to let his performance speak for itself.

The match up of styles adds to the intrigue of this bout. Rocha the savvy Brazilian Ju Jitsu veteran, is slick on the ground and possesses lethal submission skills from any position. “I know he is world class on the ground, he used to train at Top Team”, Bruno said. “He also has a very tough chin”, said Bruno referring to Rocha’s UFC fight with title contender Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, who peppered Rocha for three rounds, before winning a unanimous decision. With his world class wrestling pedigree the younger stronger Bruno is not afraid to enter the Brazilians world. “I have no problem putting my wrestling against his jujitsu.” Bruno said.

As the promotion stalwart, Bruno has fought victoriously 4 times in Fight Time, and in the main event 3 times. Training daily with American Top Team has enabled Bruno to grow tremendously with MMA veterans such as: Mike Brown, Cole Miller, Hector Lombard, Stefane Dias (strength coach), Thiago Alves.  His arsenal continues to improve.

At the helm of this project is Mike’s older brother and UFC veteran Steve ‘Hollywood’ Bruno, who also recently began fighting with the promotion. As a dynamic striker Steve has chiseled away at his  younger brother, turning a power wrestler, into  a well round mixed martial artist capable and comfortable wherever the fight may go. “Steve has been an amazing mentor for me, not only as my brother, but he has a very high MMA I.Q., he knows the business inside out,” Bruno said. With both Bruno’s scheduled to compete on this card, its sure to be a family affair.

Fight Analysis: Besides his wrestling and improved striking skills, Mike Bruno is freakishly strong at 155 lbs. He is notorious for is Rampage-esque slams, and his relentless ground-and-pound attack. Once in a dominant position, Bruno’s hands drop like pile-drivers, at lighting speed. His elbows are lacerating, and they seem to finish beneath his opponents. Vagner Rocha is very experienced and on paper his jujitsu is more refined. He will look to capitalize on a mistake, and try to catch an over aggressive Bruno. Although a very close match-up on paper, it seems Bruno has several advantages, with Rocha only holding one.

Prediction: Mike Bruno via TKO rd 2. I cannot see Rocha stopping Bruno’s relentless power doubles, or his ground and pound.

 

 

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