Posts Tagged ‘Mixed Martial Arts’

UFC 170 Predictions and Analysis

Posted: February 21, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King ‘The Clinch Report’

Ronda Rousey vs. Sara McMann (women’s bantamweight championship)

Daniel Cormier vs. Patrick Cummins

Rory MacDonald vs. Demian Maia

Mike Pyle vs. T.J. Waldburger

Robert Whittaker vs. Stephen Thompson

The UFC 170 fight card lost some of its appeal when co main event fighter Rashad Evans was injured in training, leaving Daniel Cormier without an opponent for his 205 lbs debut. Frantically the UFC scrambled to find a fighter, and decided on Patrick Cummins who is only 4-0 as a professional.  With other fighters refusing to fight on short notice, the UFC was left grasping to an aged story line, that had Cummins “breaking” Cormier in a training session while he was preparing for the Olympics.

No matter how much hype they try to build, the fight on paper is nothing more than filler. Cormier should have no problem dispatching Cummins, however I would not be surprised by a lack luster fight from both. Cormier is dealing with a heavy weight cut, and Cummins has never fought on such a big  stage. Cummins could shock the world, the stage is set for it, however I dont see that happening! Cormier via TKO

The real story is the Rousey vs. McMann fight. A stylistic match up that intrigues most fight fans. The Olympic Judoka vs the Olympic Wrestler. Both fighters received medals in their respected sports, as Olympians, both are undefeated, and the talent both possess as mixed martial artists has grown exponentially.  Although this fight may become a grappling match, it will certainly be a chess match of epic proportions. This fight may actually be won in the corner. In other words, the fighter that can adjust best on the fly may have the advantage. Both woman should have their moments, however Ronda can end it in a moment, so I have the Champion! Rousey via Submission.

Rory MacDonald v Demian Maia could go a long way as to define the next 170 lbs contenders. MacDonald is coming off a lackluster loss to Robbie Lawler, and Maia as well was out grappled by Jake Shields in another fight that lacked much excitement. So both have something to prove to the UFC brass. You can expect Maia to look for the take down, and you can expect MacDonald to try to avoid it at all costs! Mac Donald’s take down defense may be the difference. If  he can keep it standing, he should be able to land the decisive blow. MacDonald via TKO.

Pyle v Waldburger Should be a very entertaining fight, our candidate for FOTN (other than Rousey v McMann). Both fighters are in need of wins, to re establish themselves in the division, and both are coming off KO losses. Pyle has the experience,and its tough to bet against it, in this case! Pyle via decision.

Robert Whitaker and Stephen Thompson could be another barn burner. Although Whittaker does have an extensive submission pedigree he does like to stand and trade. That is exactly what Thompson wants to do. Thompson is one of the best kick boxers in the UFC, and if he can avoid the grasp of Whitaker he should be able to put on a striking display. Thompson via TKO.

Spar Star MMA Teams with Tapout LA For Grass Roots MMA At Its Best!

Posted: December 11, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Mixed Martial Arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The popularity of the UFC has crept into the mainstream, and given birth to a whole new generation of fighters that cut their teeth on the local scene. For these fighters, the ‘steel sharpens steel’ mentality has created the need for amateur competitions to showcase and test the skills learned.

These “local” shows have the look and feel of the old school smokers, however with CAMO watching closely, the fights and fighters are regulated and safety is always the number one concern.

Spar Star MMA has been consistently putting on amazing fights at the amateur level, and for this event they teamed with Tapout LA Gym to exhibit some of the best young fighters in the area. This night continued that trend. With promoters like Tony Padilla (T Bone Steakz), and gyms like Tapout, the amateur MMA scene  in Southern California has a bright future!

Below is a photo gallery of some of the evenings fights. In between each fight were several ’round robin’ jujitsu exhibitions that gave several young athletes the opportunity to highlight their individual art.

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?

Bellator MMA Chandler v Alvarez II :Results Streaming Thread

Posted: November 2, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Michael Chandler v Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator MMA 155 lbs World Title

Michael Chandler v Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator MMA 155 lbs World Title

Bellator MMA Live from The Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, CA.

First fight is at 3:00 p.m. PST(6:00 pm EST) and the prelims will be streaming online at http://www.Spiketv.com

The main card will be shown live on SpikeTV. The card will feature three world title bouts.

Preliminary Card:

Fight #1: Josh Smith (8-5) vs Darren Smith (4-3) 155 lbs    3 X 5 Rounds:

Results: First fight end 29-28 on all cards Josh Smith via UD

Fight #2 Cleber Luciano (8-5) s Joe Camacho (16-18-3)

Rd 1: Camacho defends the early shot from Luciano, but is pressed back against hthe fence. Luciano with a nice roll, ends up in side control. Nice elbows from Luciano soften up Camacho, who is trying to pull his opponent close. Camacho able to close half guard, but Luciano is still landing with short elbows and punches. Luciano achieves mount, but is bucked back to side control. Both fighters trading from the mat, Luciano digs to the body. More short elbows from Luciano. Luciano landing several punches before the bell. 10-9 Luciano

Rd 2: Good movement from Cleber, as he immediately brings the fight to the mat. Camacho closes his guard, as Luciano postures. Now back in side control, Camacho doing a much better job controlling the body this round. Elbow from Camacho staves off the stand up. Luciano able to achieve mount. Quickly he transitions to the back, but he is unable to get the choke as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Luciano

Rd 3: Luciano again able to get the take down, Nice elbows from the top by Cleber. More ground strikes to Camacho’s head. Now in north south position, Cleber still landing at will. Camacho can’t get any significant damage. More strikes from top position as the fight come to a close. 10-9 Luciano

Winner: Via Decision Unanimous Cleber Luciano 

Fight #3 Michael ‘The Joker’ Guymon (14-6-1) vs Aaron ‘Blood Spiller’ Miller (14-8)

Rd 1: Long feeling out process from the two veterans. High kick from Guymon misses. Miller doubles up on the jab, and lands the second softly. Nice one two from Guymon before he instigates the clinch. Miller being pressed into the fence, reverses and takes Guymon down. Guymon back to his feet eats a knee and then circles out and presses Miller against the cage. Low knee from Miller catches the stones of Guymon who will have 5 minutes to recover. Action restarts and Guymon lands a nice right, before eating a kick. Guymon goes for the clinch, but Miller takes him down.  Miller looking to pass, and he takes Guymons back. Miller looking for the choke, but Guymon defends well. Guymon able to stand but Miller is draped all over him. Another takedown from Miller, Guymon flirts with the triangle, and stands. Nice knee to  the head from Guymon as the round ends. 10-9 Miller

Rd 2: Guymon able to grab a hold of the clinch, but Miller reverses briefly only to be taken down by Guymon. Mller back to his feet, but still in the Jokers grasp. Nice body shots from Guymon find a home. Guymon again with the take down, now has his back. Miller fights back to his feet, and is able to grab a leg that he parlays into a take down of his own. Miller working out Guymons guard. Guymon looking for the triangle, but Miller spins out. Miller back on top working out of side control, then back to north south. Miller looks for a kimura, which he sweeps to his back. Guymon looking for an armbar, swithces to a triangle, readjust and it is deep. Miller forced to Tap.

Winner: Via Submission Triangle Choke Michael Guymon (4:20) rd 2

Fight #4

Brandon Halsey v Hector Ramirez

Rd 1: Halsey with the take-down, immediately reigning blows down from the back mount. Ramirez in trouble, and Big John McCarthy calls a stop to the action.

Winner: Via TKO Rd 1 Brandon Halsey

Fight #5  Alejandro Garcia (14-5) vs Cristiano Souza (6-0)

Rd 1: Souza utilizing some heavy hands, but Garcia is countering well. Both fighters are swinging for the fences. Every strike is a commitment. Nice take down from Souza as he ducked under a jab nicely to secure position. Souza working in Garcia’s guard/ Both fighters back up and Garcia lands a nice elbow before eating a low knee at the bell. Souza landed several strikes before the low blow.  10-9 Souza with the late take down.

Rd 2: Souza flirts with the liver kick, but Garcia circle out. Leg Kick from Souza. Garcia is stalking Souza. Souza again lands to the leg. Souza misses with lead left, but able to get a hold of Garcia, apparently something landed low, Garcia is down. Action starts back up. Now Souza is the one stalking forward. Garcia ducks under the right hand and gets the body lock. Nice knee from Souza in the clinch, and again. Garcia grounds himself with a hand to avoid further knees. Garcia able to get away, but Souza again gets a hold of him. More knees from the clinch as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Souza

Rd 3: Flying knee from Souza, but he heats a big right hand counter from Garcia. Garcia backs him up, momentarily. Souza able to get the take down. Souza transitions to Gracia’s back and is looking for the choke. Garcia fighting the hands well enough to survive for now. Souza trying to soften him up with strikes. The choke looks tighter now, and Garcia taps.

Winner: Cristiano Souza Via submission rear naked choke. rd

Live on Spike TV:

Main Card Fight 1: Akop Stepanyan vs Mike Richman

Mike Richman wins via TKO (strikes) Rd 2

Daniel Straus vs Pat Curran for the 145 lbs World Title

Rd 1: Straus was able to take down Curran a couple of times and controlled position throughout the round ! Curran was able to land sporadically but 10 -9 Straus.

Rd 2: very close round, but Curran was striking with more urgency. Straus was able to secure a late take down, but Curran had him rocked on more than one occasion. 10-9 Curran

Rd 3: Curran in control of the clinch, He takes Straus down with a throw, but lands an illegal knee to the grounded Straus. Straus is hurt badly, this will cost Curran a point, and Straus will have 5 minutes to recover. He looks to be ok, but now the doctor is in the cage to take a look. Dr seems satisfied and we are going to continue. Pat Curran will be deducted 1 point. Nice show of sportsmanship as Curran apologizes. Straus takes him down immediately on the restart. Straus in side control. 10-8 Straus as he rides out the round on top. 10-8 Straus

Rd 4: Again Straus in charge as he has Curran pressed against the cage. Straus has hip control and slams Curran to the mat. Now looking for the back, Straus is in complete control up too this point. Straus is smothering Curran who can’t seem to get any offense going. Another take down for Straus, as Curran attacks the neck. Curran looking for a guillotine pulls guard, it looks tight, but Straus holding tight. Straus gets his head out, and is back in the open guard. Body head from Straus. Nice elbow from the challenger. Curran busted open, and Straus with a standing guillotine but the round comes to a close. 10-9 Straus

Rd 5: Nice body kick from Straus starts the frame. Curran looking to counter but can’t seem to get off. Straus is beating him to the punch every time. Flying knee from Straus finds the solar plexus of Curran, Big flurry from Straus, knees an punches have the champion on his bicycle. Curran now looking to do damage against the cage, but time is running out. Curran looks for a last minute sub, as he pulls guard, but Straus gets free and should be the new champion!

Winner: Via Decision and New Featherweight Champion of the World Daniel Straus 

King Mo vs Emanuel Newton for interim 205 lbs title.

Rd 1: King Mo is busting up Newton after a clinch. Newton lands a low blow, and Herb Dean halts the action for a moment. Newton lands with a right, goes for the back fist, as Mo shot and ends up on his back again. Mo working in the open guard of Newton. Newton gets back to his feet and flirts with a high kick that flails. Mo starts clowning an Manny lands a head kick before the round ends 10-9 King Mo

Rd 2: Both fighters cautious as the second frame begins. Newton charging forward with a single leg kick, Mo walks through it. Mo looks for the single leg, then lets it go. Knees against the cage from Mo find Newtons body. Another take down scores for Lawal. Newton lands a head kick after he stands and Mo is rocked. Knee from Newton lands. Mo on his bicycle. Lazy shot from Mo is stuffed by Newton. Mo back to moving forward, the cobwebs appear to have cleared. Newton now in the center of the cage, lands a nice over hand right. 10-9 Newton

Rd 3: Newton starts the round with range effective kicks, that keep Mo at bay. Newton lands a nice right, and eats the counter from Lawal. King Mo appears to be looking to land one big shot. Nice exchange as both fighters land. Mo may have got the better of the exchange. Nice kick to the thigh for Newton. Newton landing the cleaner shots, as both fighters are looking to explode. Kin Mo moving forward, backs Newton against the cage again. Nice right from King Mo, after a brief clinch, but Newton also lands. 10-9 Mo in a razor close round.

Rd 4: Emanuel again looking for the spinning strike, but Mo backs off then returns fire. Nice kick from Newton lands. Lead left from Mo lands on the temple of Newton. Punch and Kick from Newton find Mo’s face. 3 punch combo for Mo lands, but Newton fires back to the lead leg. Lawal ducks under a right and attempts the take down, but Newton breaks free. Lawal with a double leg, secures the take down. Newton back to his feet, but Lawal is blanketing him against the cage. Knees to thethgh of Newton before both fighters separate. Spinning back fist from Newton misses again, body shot from Lawal doesn’t! Starching jab from Lawal snaps Newtons head back. Front kick from Newton finds Lawal’s mid section as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Lawal in a close round

Rd 5: Nice right hand from Newton glances of the temple of Lawal. Newton moving forward eats a left from Lawal then circles off. Lawal showing some urgency now. Newton lands with a nice over hand right, and a loud cracking left on the exit. Lawal now has Newton’s back, but is unable to take him down. Newton misses with a kick and a flailing left. Mo circling to his right. Nice combination from Lawal, followed by a kick from Newton. Nice right hands from Lawal have Newton leaking some awesomeness. IQ changing right hand from Lawal has Newtons attention. Big breath from Newton. Lawal again with the single leg, and he is able to take Newton down. Spinning back fist from Newton lands with seconds remaining he shoots in and Mo stuffs him. 10-9 Lawal

Winner: Via Unanimous Decision Emanuel Newton is the New Interim 205 lbs World Champion 

MAIN EVENT:

Michael Chandler (Champion) vs Eddie Alvarez (challenger) 5 X 5 rounds for the 155 lbs Bellator World Title

Rd 1: Nice punches from both fighters start. Chandler lands with a heavy left, Alvarez with the right. Chanders right eye already has a small mouse growing. Alvarez searching for a leg, but Chandler gets away easily. Nice jab from Alvarez. Nice jab from the champion. Nice right hand from Chandler lands, Alvarez on his bicycle. Alvarez with a nice counter right hand. Big right hand from Chandler sends Alvarez in search of a leg. The champion is starting to land now. Nice counter from Alvarez. Chadler misses with a big left hook. Big take down from Chadler, he almost has the choke, but Alvarez gets free. Great scramble.  Chandler bullying Alvarez as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Chandler.

Rd 2: Nice jab from the Champion starts us off. Big 2 punch combo from Chandler lands, as does the counter from Alvarez. Nice combination from the Alvarez gets away from the take down, and lands a right and a left to the head. Nice kick from Chandler, sets up the take down. Alvarez back up, and goes for a ride. Another take down for Chandler. Belly to back Suplex by Chandler. Alvarez back to his feet against the cage, but again dragged down by the champion. Alvarez trying to fight the body lock, is able to escape. Alvarez rocks Chandler for a second with a big left hand. Chandler again able to score the take down. Chandler trying to posture up as the round comes to an end. 10-9 Chandler Very close round.

Rd 3: Both fighters trade in the center of the cage, with Alvarez getting the best of the exchange. Chandler looks for the take down, but Alvarez effectively sprawls away. Both fighter reset, nice leg kick from the champion. Alvarez now pressing the action. Alvarez trying his best to get away from another take down, but Chandler is still very deep on the legs. Alvarez slips away. Leg kick from Alvarez. The challenger now landing with jabs and right hands. Chandler again looking for the take down. Alvarez has his back, and is now piecing up the champion with his hands. Alvarez now looking for the take down. But Chandler gets away only to eat a big right hand. Nice take down from Chandler and he gets to Alvarez’s back. Chandler able to secure the take down. Alvarez trying to elbow from the bottom, but the round comes to a close. Alvarez get his first round 10-9 Alvarez.

Rd 4: Chandler starches Alvarez with the jab as we start the fourth round. Alvarez with  feigns with the level change, then presses chandler against he cage. Chandler with a nice knee, and a right hand. Chandler again scores with the take down, Nice ground and pound from the champion. Big right hands from Chandler, and 3 more. Alvarez in trouble on his back, nice elbow from Chandler. Alvarez getting worked by the champion on the ground. Chandler smothering Alvarez. seat-belt from the champion has Alvarez’s arm pinned behind his back. Short elbows from the champ. Alvarez is busted up. Big right hands form Chandler go unanswered, Alvarez trying to survive the round. Chandler finishes a dominant round in top position 10-9 Chandler

Rd 5: Final Round. Alvarez with a lot of urgency to start throws a few punches that miss, but he is charging forward. Chandler looks for a take down, that Alvarez sprawls away from. Chandler lands a nice right hand, and gets Alvarez down, Quick tansition to the back, and the choke is close. Alvarez fights the hands, and gets back to his feet. Now Alvarez pressing Chandler against the cage. Roll from Chandler to get free doesnt work, but he gets up anyway. Chandler lets go of a single leg, as Alvarez lands a big left. Another shot from Chandler misses and Alvarez capitalizing with strikes against the cage. Alvarez now has Chandler’s back, both hooks are in the choke is deep, but Chandler gets out, Again the choke is tight, but Chandler again gets free. He is not out of trouble, as Alvarez still has control. Chandler turns free, and is back on top. Now mounted, Alvarez bucks free, but Chandler still able to take him down. The fight ends with Chandler on top. What a great rematch! 10-9 Alvarez.

Winner: Via Split Decision And New 155 lbs World Champion Eddie Alvarez. WOW

 

Bellator MMA Chandler v Alvarez II

Posted: November 1, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Champions Smile

A Champions Smile

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bellator MMA The Toughest Tournament in Sports, hosted open workouts for the upcoming event on Saturday evening.

The main card features three world title fights, headlined by the rematch of Chandler v Alvarez II. Eddie Alvarez makes his much anticipated return to the Bellator cage since having over a year off due to contractual disputes. With those issues in the rear view mirror (for now), Alvarez is attempting to regain the title he lost to a much improved Michael Chandler.

Pat Curran will also put his 145 title on the line against tournament winner Daniel Straus. Now known as one of the top 145 lbs fighters in the world, Curran will look to solidify those rankings, while Daniel Straus will attempt to end that discussion.

Also on the main card are 205 lbs heavy hitters Emanuel Newton and King Mo Lawal who will face off for the second time, this time with the interim title on the line. The last meeting ended with a surprising spinning back fist KO, that left Lawal prone, and Newton on top of the world. However, each fight is different and whoever wins, it certainly going to be worth watching.

Other notable match-ups worth watching on SpikeTV.com are Michael ‘Joker’ Guymon v Aaron ‘Blood Spiller’ Miller; and Akop Stepanyan v Mike Richman.

The preliminary bouts can be viewed on SpikeTV.com while the main card will air live on Spike TV. Make sure you tune in to what should be one hell of a night of MMA action.

All photos and created content are the property of The Clinch Report, LLC  . Any unauthorized use of video, content, images, or likeness is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. Please contact news@theclinchreport.com for any further information.

John Hackleman Jr. Wins Pro MMA Debut at BAMMA USA’s BADBEAT 11

Posted: October 26, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Emerging from a shadow is never easy. Especially when you have the same name, as a legend. John Hackleman is one of he most well known striking coaches in MMA history. Known best for being Chuck Liddell’s head coach, Hackleman’s ‘The Pit’ MMA gyms are known to be some of the most grueling and demanding gyms in the sport. Coming from a gym with this mentality, the pressure to perform is tremendous. Wins, are expected. For the younger Hackleman, its much more simpler. He doesn’t want to disappoint his dad!

At Bamma USA BadBeat 11 he not only avoided disappointment, he won in spectacular fashion.  Utilizing superior movement, and range effective strikes, Hackleman jr was able to stun his opponent who lay prone after an half-hearted take down attempt. A few hammer fists from a standing position removed all doubt, and Hackleman jr was awarded the TKO win.

Hackleman Jr, is primarily known for his striking, but he is also eager to prove he is not one dimensional. His pedigree and name may have opened a few doors for him, but his work ethic, talent, and desire have pretty much erased any doubt as to weather or not John Hackleman Jr belongs. He most certainly does!

BAMMA USA’s David Duran Again Wins The Bonus for KO of the Night!

Posted: October 26, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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David Duran is quickly gaining a reputation for ending fights quickly! Utilizing a mixture of strikes and kicks, Duran was able to secure the TKO over Rick Rojo at the :20 mark of the very first round. With the TKO, Duran secured his second consecutive “Be First Clothing” KO of the Night bonus.

Currently 2-1 as a professional, with his only loss coming via decision, Duran could be someone to keep an eye on. His strong jujitsu back-round, coupled with his recent power surge make him a capable foe. It will be interesting to watch his progress, as he is matched up against opponents with more experience.

Make sure you follow Be First Clothing and Bamma USA they take care of the fighters!

https://twitter.com/BeFirstClothing

https://twitter.com/BammaUSA

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 99: Opportunity, Recognition and Redemption

Posted: September 14, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bellator 99 delivered some key opportunities for featherweights in the opening round of the tournament. First up, Justin Wilcox survived an early and dynamic battering from Akop Stepanyan, only to secure a submission victory. Wilcox, who took the fight on just 7 days notice, could barely stand after Stepanyan dismantled his lead leg with snapping kicks. However, he could not finish him.

Late in the second round, Wilcox was able to bring Stepanyan down and once he did, the transition to the back and subsequent choke, was lightning fast. Stepanyan did his best to escape, but eventually went to sleep after refusing to tap. With the win Wilcox moves on to the next round where he will face ‘Baby’ Joe Taimanglo.

Taimanglo was able to secure his spot in the next round with a win over Andrew Fisher. Utilizing excellent movement, Taimanglo was able to close the distance well, effectively neutralizing Fisher’s reach advantage. At times the fight lacked action, but that was because both fighters were utilizing their game plans. Fisher flurried late in the third round, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

Also fighting in the opening round of the featherweight tournament were two of the promotions youngest prospects. Former #1 155 lbs prospect Fabricio Guerreiro was able to out point a very dynamic Desmond Green. Guerreiro was able to control the pace of the fight, and aside from a few take downs from Green clearly won the fight.

With the win Guerreiro now is faced with the daunting task of going up against Patricio Pitbull in the next round. Pitbull needed just 1:19 to move on, after he blasted Diego Nunes with an incredible hook to the ear that dropped the former UFC standout. Follow up punches removed all doubt.

Also on the card, Vladimir Matyushenko utilized an effective striking game plan to keep heavy handed Houston Alexander at bay for most of the fight. When Alexander did land, ‘The Janitor’ smothered him with a combination of dominating wrestling and grappling skills. Both fighters refuse to look or act their age (41) and the result was one hell of a fight.

With the win, Matyushenko should be on a short list of names for the next 205 lbs tournament.

More pictures will be added later today!

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Bellator MMA Weigh Ins from Pechanga Casino, Temecula CA

Posted: September 13, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Pitbull v Nunes

Pitbull v Nunes

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bellator MMA has once again invaded the Pechanga Casino, in Temecula California. Today all of the fighters were set to make weight, and aside from a few that were slightly off, all seemed to be ready to go. The main event between Diego Nunes and Patricio Pitbull was probably the most intense stare down of the day. Once Patricio confirmed his weight, he walked past Jimmy Smith’s interview attempt and immediately began an intense stare. Nunes, refused to budge. After a long, and fierce confrontation both fighters respectfully walked away. ‘Pitbull’ went on to tell Jimmy Smith, that tomorrow ‘Nunes was going into the cage with a Pitbull, and he’s going to get bit!” (through his translator)

Also featured on the main card is an excellent battle of contrasting styles from two veterans of the sport. Vladimir Matyushenko makes his promotional debut against fellow UFC veteran Houston Alexander. Matyushenko has become known in the sport by his well earned moniker ‘The Janitor’, for his grinding wrestling based style that has compiled the elder statesmen a record of 26-6 in his career.

Alexander is also making his debut, but that is where the similarities end. Houston Alexander is known for one thing, knocking people out. With a record of 15-9, Alexander is attempting to live up to the high expectations that once ranked him as a rising star in the sport. After being cut from the UFC, Alexander’s record had been quite streaky, however if he is able to extend his current two-fight win streak, a future spot in Bellator’s light heavyweight tournament may be what ‘The Assassin’ has his sites set upon.

 

Make sure you you tune in on Spike TV 8PM Eastern 5PM Pacific with the preliminaries airing on SpikeTV.com

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