Posts Tagged ‘Mixed Martial Arts’

Former Champion Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles Battles Back to Regain 170 Lbs Crown

Posted: August 30, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Inside the confines o f a steel cage, anything can, and often does happen. Knockouts appear out of no where, submissions transition with blinding speed, and many times the impossible happens. When the cage door closes, all talk and hype is removed and all that is left is the purity of two combatants. Two fighters entered the King of The Cage last night. One left with the belt, the other left disappointed; however everyone else bore witness to an amazing fight.

Former King of The Cage welterweight Champion Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles has been on the bottom before. Loss is something that Aveles not only understands, but he literally wears it. On his arm is a tattoo that pays tribute to his brother Stephen who passed away a few years ago. The loss is something that clearly still festers, like an open wound that just wont heal.

The loss of his brother devastated Joshua, but that devastation soon transformed into motivation. Aveles rededicated himself to his craft, and began training full time with renewed inspiration. Then a funny thing happened. He started winning! After losing 7 of his first 10 fights (mostly by decision except for 1 stoppage), Aveles rattled of 10 wins in 12 total fights.

During that span he KO’d 185 lbs stalwart Johnny Cisneros, and also knocked out Sam Liera to capture the KOTC welterweight title. Then Aveles ran into David Gomez for the first time. Gomez the former champion was looking to regain his title, and did so by squeaking out a highly controversial split decision win in April.

Aveles then defeated Carlos Ortega by decision last month, solidifying his #1 contender spot, and setting up the rematch: “Gomez v Aveles II”, which did not disappoint.

Much like the first fight, David Gomez utilized his superior wrestling to control the smaller Aveles for most of the fight. Gomez was able to take his opponent down at will, however once there he had problems landing any effective strikes. A credit to Aveles jujitsu game. Using his closed guard, Aveles was able to stifle the attacks of Gomez, prompting several stand ups form referee Mike Beltran.

At the end of the third round, Aveles was able to rock the champion with a combination to the body. However again, Gomez grabbed a hold of Aveles and was able to finish the round pressing Aveles into the fence.

When the fourth round started Gomez appeared to be fading. He looked for a take down, but unlike every earlier attempt, Aveles was able to avoid the shot, and kept the fight standing. Then he landed a cirrhosis inducing liver shot, followed by an I.Q. changing uppercut that left  Gomez asleep, supine, and once again a former champion.

For Aveles the celebration will be a short one. His next challenger has been named and was on hand to watch the title change hands. Josh Hinkle will be the next to challenge for the belt in October. For Aveles, though the win is another slap in the face of those who doubt him. A group that after last nights nasty KO, will most certainly be dwindling in numbers.

UFC on Fox Sports 1…1 Notes and Analysis

Posted: August 18, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

The UFC once again is blazing a new trail for MMA. This time along with media giant FOX, the power couple launched a very MMA-centric channel called Fox Sports 1. The channels debut featured one of the UFC’s best cards of the year, headlined by Chael P. Sonnen vs. Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. The packed TD Arena in Boston was shaking with the arrival of fan favorites Joe Lauzon and John Howard, how ever the biggest ‘pop’ of the night came when Conor McGregor made his entrance. The Irish featherweight displayed an extremely versatile striking attack early in the fight, however he injured his knee in the second round and needed to utilize his wrestling to secure the decision win over a very savvy Max Holloway.

The Co Main event was by far the biggest upset of the evening, as Travis ‘Hapo’ Browne came back from a vicious early body attack to knock out Alistair Overeem in the first round of their fight. Browne, was floored from an early knee to the gut, and withstood a relentless assault from Overeem that prompted the ref to warn Browne on several occasions that a stoppage was near. Browne, withstood the barrage and then channeled his inner Anderson Silva and kicked Overeem in the face. The blow floored Overeem, and a few Browne hammer fists erased all doubt.

For Browne, his name is now solidified on a short list of contenders for the title. Maybe a match up against Fabricio Werdum would solidify a #3 contender. Overeem’s future is much cloudier. After being viciously knocked out in his last two fights it may be time for him to take a long vacation from the sport. He is not the type of fighter to hang around on mid card status, so his time in the UFC may be coming to an end. Even if it is not, his brain has been rattled lately it might be in his best interest to take at least a year off!

Following the Browne upset, two legends took to the cage. Less than ten seconds into the fight, one of those legends had already imposed his will. Chael Sonnen was able to get across the cage, grab a hold of ‘Shogun’ Rua, and slam him to the mat in less than 10 seconds. ‘Shogun’ did his best to resist, stood up a few times, and then surprised everyone by taking Sonnen down! However, he wasnt able to hold him, and Sonnen was able to reverse position.

Sonnen blanketed the former champion, refusing to let him up. Utilizing his position, Sonnen was able to secure a guillotine choke at the end of the first round that forced Rua to tap. To ‘Shogun’s credit, he rolled and resisted as long as he could. Sonnen, as Joe Rogan pointed out several times has a deadly guillotine,

Like Overeem, these fighters are not really in any title pictures anymore. However unlike Overeem, neither one of these guys has ever appeared to be “done” fighting. For Sonnen, there is talk of a match between him and Wanderlei Silva. A fight that really has no implications, but its should be a fun fight to watch. For Rua, the loss extinguishes any hope of returning to title contention. He has been in a lot of wars, and I wouldn’t blame him if he did hang up the gloves, but I don’t think he will. Maybe a fight with Bisping would make sense.

Analysis of Debut on Fox Sports 1.1:

First the name sort of makes the numbering of events, well redundant, and unclear (For example this was titled UFC on Fox Sports 1.1). I don’t see how that wasn’t brought up already! Secondly, FOX needs to brand the UFC separately from the NFL. For example Kill the robot, and please destroy the NFL music. I’d rather hear the signature “Bring the Pain”. Also, keep Curt Menefee of the broadcasts. Watching him learn about the sport on the fly, hurts my feelings.

Other than those obvious ticks, I think the UFC and FOX hit a 3-run Triple with this swing. Overall exceeded expectations in my eyes. It is a very exciting time for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, which had been in a recession of late. Hopefully these free public displays will infuse life back into the sport that will trickle down to the regional levels. This way the sport continues to grow, and more importantly continues to feed itself!

Lewis Gonzalez Upsets Antonio McKee at WSOF 4

Posted: August 12, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Every mixed martial artist dreams of fighting a ‘big name’ on a grand stage, however more often than not the nerves play a major role in determining the fights outcome. For Lewis Gonzalez (9-0), that dream came true, and the nerves, well they were present, but shortly after the first round started they disappeared.

“The nerves were up!” Gonzalez said. “Fighting a guy like Antonio McKee is a huge opportunity!” Lewis made the most of that opportunity by winning a controversial decision that went to the judges score card after McKee was struck in the back of the head by an inadvertent elbow early in the 3rd round.

Gonzalez was clearly in charge of the fight, and after the fight was waved off, he was awarded the win 29-28 on all of the judges scorecards.

For Gonzalez, the future is extremely bright. Even the win is marred by the foul, it is still a huge victory over a very well known fighter. McKee has fought all over the world and in every major organization. For Gonzalez, this win will thrust his career forward, for McKee it puts an uncomfortable lid on an amazing career.

McKee had stated to several media outlets that a loss would lead him in to retirement. Even though the fight ended in controversy, McKee stated in an interview with Aaron Tru from Tru MMA that he was in fact retiring from competition.

With the World Series of Fighting set to create a 155 lbs tournament to crown it first promotional champion, Lewis Gonzalez may be on a short list of names to compete for that title. However with fighters like Nick Newell, JZ Calvacante, and Justin Gaethje also vying for the shot, nothing is guaranteed!

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!

Post Fight Interview with Chris Honeycutt

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

Video By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Immediately following his Middleweight Title Fight against Manny Murillo, Chris Honeycutt took time to break down his performance, and his short career with The Clinch Report. Chris fights for Dethrone Base Camp in Fresno, famous for being the home of UFC veteran Josh Koscheck. Currently 3-0 as a professional Honeycutt is one of the sports top young prospects.

 

 

Chris Honeycutt Earns First MMA Strap!

Posted: July 21, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Cage Side Video By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

UPC Unlimited 16 took place at Agua Caliente Casino and Resort on July 20, and crowned the first ever promotional champion. Top MMA prospect Chris ‘The Cutt” Honeycutt utilized his wrestling pedigree to smother the heavy hands of Team Quest’s Manny Murillo in the evenings main event. The 5 round title fight was everything the fans expected it to be.

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Below you will find video of rounds 1-4. Round 5 will be added later.

The End of Round 5, sorry about the video issues.

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These videos and photos are the property of The Clinch Report, LLC all rights are reserved.

Manny Murillo: Faith, Fighting, and the Quest!

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

A fighters bravado can ultimately be attributed to necessity. Mohammed Ali mastered the art of winning the fight months before the event, not in the ring but with his mouth. In mixed martial arts young fighters often need to voice that confidence, because otherwise they recognize the chance that they may loose. For some fighters, that possibility is crippling. For others, its part of the game.

For Manny ‘Seargant’ Murillo (5-1 MMA) its just part of the journey. Murillo found his way to the sport, like many others first as a fan. Then one day he decided to give it a try.”I started going to some of the smaller gyms in the area, and did really well on the first day against some of there best guys.” Murillo said.

The sport appeared at first to come easy to Murillo, until that is he found his way to the doors of Team Quest. It was an eye opening first day “Once I got there, I couldn’t move anybody.” Murillo said. “They were on a whole different level!”

With Dan Henderson as a coach and sparring partner the results are staggering. “Its really different with Dan.” Murillo said. “Standing toe to toe with him, is like having a lion charging at you.” Working with the former two division champion has improved Murillo’s game steadily. “Dan shows you something new each time you work with him, weather its a position, a technique, or correcting your posture, he has so much knowledge.” Murillo said.

Murillo is going to certainly need to channel his in inner ‘Hendo’ when he takes on Chris Honeycutt for the vacant UPC Middleweight title at “Up and Comers 16” July 20th at The Agua Caliente Casino and Spa. Honeycutt is a former NCAA finalist as a wrestler, and is widely regarded as one of the sports biggest prospects. Murillo though, seems prepared.

“I am sure his wrestling is going to come into play.” Murillo said. “We have been working specifically on that.” However, its not only Honeycutt’s wrestling that concerns Murillo. “Even though I’m sure he is gonna try to take me down, I think it is going to be more of a back and forth fight.” Murillo said.

Although Honeycutt has the clear edge in the wrestling department, Murillo is the more experienced striker. Murillo also maintains a huge experience advantage as far as cage time. Murillo will undoubtedly be relying on this to carry him through any tough situations, should Honeycutt obtain a positional advantage. “No one wants to say they are going to loose and neither do I, but in reality it comes down to who lands the better blows, and who can hold the better positions.” Murillo said.

Although this may be the biggest fight of Manny Murillo’s career, it by no means defines him. For Murillo it is just another stop on the journey. Faith is what defines Manny Murillo, not wins or loses. “I’m just thankful to be here.” Murillo said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

UFC on Fox 7 Main Card Predictions and Analysis

Posted: April 18, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pR8NFgXirEU

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

This weekend the UFC will put forth a pay per view caliber fight card, that will be featured for free on FOX. Not only will the lightweight title be on the line, but Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier will make his long anticipated debut in the UFC.

Jordan Mein  vs. Matt Brown  

The resurgent Matt Brown has proved that if a fighter wants to stay in the UFC he has to improve once he has arrived. Brown is in the midst of a 4 fight win streak, and is looking to solidify his chances for a possible contender slot. Mein is looking for his second UFC win after defeating the always game Dan Miller by TKO in his last outing. Mein should be technically proficient in the striking department, but Brown is notorious for his tenacity. Prediction: Brown via Split Decision

Nate Diaz  vs. Josh Thomson

Nate Diaz is one of the most talented fighters in the UFC. His boxing skill is unrivaled in the division, and even if you can put him on his back, his submission skills are just as refined. However, in his last performance Benson Henderson completely dismantled the Stockton native, beating him at his own game. Josh Thompson is no stranger to the Cesar Gracie team, having faced Gilbert Melendez 3 times already. Thompson is a hell of an athlete, who even at 34 years old is still extremely dangerous in the division. Prediction: Diaz via Unanimous Decision


Daniel Cormier  vs. Frank Mir

Frank Mir is and has been a top ranked heavyweight for nearly 10 years. As a former champion, he has the skill to end the fight in any position with either a strike, or a submission. He also does not like being considered a stepping stone (see Brock Lesnar first fight)! Daniel Cormier is the best wrestler in the division which alone presents problems, but Cormier can also turn out the lights with his heavy hands. Mir could very well grab a hold of a limb during a take down, but this fight might not ever make it there. Predictions Cormier via TKO RD 2


Benson Henderson* vs Gilbert Melendez 5 Round 155 lbs Title Fight (*Champion)

Finally, ‘El Nino’ Gilbert Melendez will be making his octagon debut, and he does so in an immediate title fight. Coming in as the Strikeforce champion Melendez for a long time has been considered one of the to 3 lightweight fighters in the world. His durable style suits either the quick knockout, or the five round battle. He sets up his powerful hands with excellent feigns, and has great take down skills as well. Benson Henderson is one of the biggest lightweight fighters around. The champions power begins with his tree trunk like legs, that power one of the most athletic frames in all of MMA. As a striker Henderson has great power, and even better timing, often beginning and ending combinations with balance shattering leg kicks. Once Henderson achieves top position, he is nearly impossible to sweep. Make sure you use the bathroom before the fight begins! Prediction: Henderson via Split Decision (Fight of the Night)

UFC on FUEL TV 9 Main Card Predictions

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

UFC On FUEL TV 

Preliminary Bout on Facebook that you MUST SEE

Ryan LaFlare  vs. Ben Alloway:

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

Winner: LaFlare via TKO rd 3


The Main Card:

Robert Peralta vs. Akira Corassani:

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

Diego Brandao vs. Pablo Garza:

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

Winner: Brandao via TKO rd 2

Matt Mitrione vs. Phil de Fries:

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

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

Mike Easton vs. Brad Pickett:

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

Winner: Pickett via TKO rd 1


Ross Pearson vs. Ryan Couture:

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

Winner: Couture via Split Decision

MAIN EVENT

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

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

Winner: Mousasi via TKO rd 2


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