Posts Tagged ‘MMA’

3 O’Clock High: Bonnar vs. Ortiz Bellator’s After School Brawl Set for November 15th

Posted: October 6, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Videoed and Edited By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Usually it would begin with some jokes or ‘smack talk’. Then it would escalate quickly. Emotions, embarrassment, and ego all fueled the once benign flicker into an all encompassing inferno, culminating with those words we have all heard! “After school!” For the rest of the day the hype would grow. Exaggerations and magnifications illuminate the stage, and before long the whole school knew.

When Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar squared off for the first time on Spike TV a few weeks ago, the whole school began to talk. Was it real? Was it scripted? Why the hell was Justin McCully wearing a mask? The angle had been used before, however the many unsavory stories about Tito Ortiz’s past made it somewhat believable. And again, why the hell was Justin McCully wearing a mask?

Long before the talk began, stories have swirled about Ortiz’s questionable business practices. After all his beef with Dana White is supposedly the reason Bonnar was released from the UFC. The prospect of Bonnar punishing Ortiz made it easy for White to allow Bonnar’s exit.

For now of course we ask do Ortiz and Bonnar genuinely dislike each other? At least for now they do. Ortiz, normally no stranger to the hype machine has decided to let his opponent do most of the press. His silence only feeding the fire further. Bonnar on the contrary remains quite vocal. Even warning that Tito’s ex Jenna Jameson may be under the mask next time!

Only time will tell if the bad blood is real. How many times have we seen the hype disappear with a touch of the gloves? It remains a very good possibility that this was all concocted in some board room. Either way the clock strikes 3 o’clock on November 15. The hype, of course will build until then. Lucky for us eventually these two will meet on the playground, and if principal Scott Coker has his way, the whole damn school will be watching!

Bellator 127: The Lessons Learned

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

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Once again the sights and sounds of Bellator MMA did not disappoint. Local fighters such as David Duran, Saad Awad, Keith Berry, Ray Sloan, and Fernando Gonzalez were all victorious while other fighters Karo Parisyan and Johnny Cisneros came up short on the Bellator 127 card.

Lesson 1.) In case anyone thought Daniel Straus was a pretender, they learned a valuable lesson! Straus solidified himself as the promotions #1 contender when he blitzed through Justin Wilcox as if he was standing still. The American Top Team product needed only :50 seconds to obliterate Wilcox, who at least on paper seemed like a good match up! The win catapults Straus into a showdown with current champion Patricio Pitbull.

Lesson 2.) Keith Berry showcased superior technique in his win over Joe Pacheco, however the bout was declared a split decision in what should have been a clear victory for Berry. Pacheco may have landed the heavier shots, but they were few and far between. Berry relentlessly pressured Pacheco and peppered him with his jab, sometime tripling up with success. Once again the judges who already screwed up one fight almost screwed up this one as well! (Note of interest Berry was 10 strikes away from the Bellator Record for strikes landed!)

Lesson 3.) Building off of lesson #2: I wonder how many more years have to pass before the CSAC realizes that one of their judging cures is right in front of their faces! Head inspector Chris Crail is probably one of the most qualified people in the entire state to judge a fight, however in CSAC’s infinite wisdom they have decided he would be better suited as a glorified valet. Maybe the inspector position should be reserved for people who can’t score a fight, lord knows there are plenty of them, some of them call themselves judges!

Lesson 4.) Stephan Bonnar and Tito Ortiz do not like each other. In case you were wondering. And just in case you forgot, Bonnar is a really charismatic guy who can work a stick almost as well as Chael Sonnen. Tito however, cannot! He can however shoot a double and pound out the best in the world. Hopefully the fight  cashes the checks these two are writing. Even if you think the hype is completely ridiculous you have to at least be slightly intrigued by this fight.

Lesson 5.) Rafael Silva is a beast, that eventually a champion will have to contend with.

Lesson 6.)  Shawn Bunch ( See lesson #5, same lesson)

Lesson 7.) Since Scott Coker has taken over the look and feel of the events have improved tremendously. Gone are the delays, and in their place a smooth machine that operates efficiently and fires on all cylinders. Coker and his team are building an incredible roster of talent that fuses the well known veterans, to the little known up and comers with pedigree, solidifying the future while entertaining the hell out of the present.

Manny Gamburyan Ready for Cody Gibson in 135 lbs Debut at UFC 178

Posted: September 24, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Video By: Bob Fisher and Alex Linares

Manny Gamburyan burst on the scene as a contestant on the ultimate fighter early in the genesis of that reality incarnation. At first he was known for his grappling, being the cousin of Karo Parisyan, Gamburyan possessed a slick judo game but his striking was always an issue. However at only 5’5 inches tall, the vertically challenged Gamburyan was constantly at a size disadvantage, and usually ended up losing most of his power as he reached for his opponents. His punches landing past their peak power.

Still he was able to maintain a pretty good record, and eventually when the UFC began to take on the lighter weight classes, Gamburyan began to test the waters. At 145 lbs, Gamburyan made it all the way to the number 1 contender spot, earning a shot against WEC champion Jose Aldo, when he was ale to knock out divisional stalwart Mike Brown. Since that win Gamburyan has gone 2-4 with 1 no contest.

After Gamburyan lost a 3 round decision to Nick Lentz, dietician guru Mike Dolce joined him in the cage and told him it was time to try 135 lbs. Under Dolce’s guidance Gamburyan rearranged his training and diet in order to drop the weight. Gamburyan is now set to make his mark in a division that is full of young hungry lions frothing for a title shot. Gamburyan’s power and pure judo automatically make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

For “The Anvel”, the new division is not an excuse to just hang around. In his eyes, this is his last shot at making a legitimate run for a title. It doesn’t matter who or when, Gamburyan is ready. The question remains, is the division?

Manny Gamburyan trains at The Glendale Fighting Club under the watchful eye of head coach Edmond Tarverdyan. Make sure to tune in to the UFC 178 preliminary card to see Manny take on Cody Gibson.

 

Hollywood Fight Night Returns to Florentine Gardens Oct 30th

Posted: September 23, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report, Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com, and Alex Linares

Everyone has plans for Halloween, well now you have plans for the night before as well! Lights Out Promotions in association with Bash Boxing is proud to present another night of mixed discipline warfare on October 30th at the Florentine Gardens. The event will showcase a combination of boxing and mixed martial arts fights. The “Fight Night” series always delivers a great night of action, and this Halloween eve will be no different!

The card will feature some of the areas most popular young mixed martial artists including:

Thor Skancke  vs. Daniel Clarke

Eric Winston  vs. Dmitry Gerasimov

Richard Leroy  vs. Derion Chapman

Marcos Bonilla vs. Adel Al Tamimi

Cooper Gibson  vs. Jay Bogan

Skancke, is coming off a huge win at “Chaos At The Casino 5” where he defeated Matt Hagge via impressive KO in the third round of their back and forth war. Known throughout Southern California for his aggressive style, Skancke will be looking to build off the victory to create a winning streak. In  his way is jujitsu ace Daniel Clark. Clark is looking to build off his last performance, a win over Bobby Sanchez, however it has been over a year since he has fought according to Sherdog.com. If so, he will have to battle the “ring rust” as well.

Also featured on the MMA portion of the card is Systems Training Center’s Dmitry Gerasimov.  Besides his formerly fantastic beard, Gerasimov is perhaps best known for his epic battle against Chinzo Machida at RFA 15. The fight saw Gerasimov attacking the heavily favored Machida the entire fight. Although he came up short via decision the bout was a highlight real of exchanges as both fighters showcased their superb striking skills. Gerasimov will be taking on a very tough Eric Winston who went the distance against BAMMA USA champion Terrion Ware, although he came up short in the decision.

Popular 145 lbs local Marcos Bonilla will be looking for his first win as a pro as he faces off with Kyokyshin karate expert Adel Altamimi, Richard Leroy will be looking for his 2nd win as a pro when he squares off with Derion Chapman. Chapman is undefeated as an amateur and will be making his highly anticipated debut.  SoCal fight veterans Cooper Gibson faces Jay Bogan to round out the MMA portion of the card!

The event will take place on October 30, 2014 at The Florentine Gardens in Hollywood. For tickets information go to: www.bashboxing.com or by calling (626) 388-8888. The events are normally sold out so make sure you get your tickets early. Just the MMA portion of the card alone is well worth the price of entry!

 

 

Drawing the Line In The Sand: Regarding Conduct

Posted: September 20, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvbK94JSCmk

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Conduct is defined by Webster’s as “the way that a person behaves in a particular place or situation.” However it also has a secondary meaning and that is “the way that something is managed or directed” 

By: Jonathan M. King

The UFC recently did its best NFL impersonation when they reinstated Thiago Silva to their active roster after he was arrested for aggravated battery (on his ex wife) and resisting arrest. Allegedly, Silva upset that his ex wife was with another man, drove to his Brazilian Jujitsu academy with a gun and made threats outside that he was going to kill everyone inside. “Allegedly” this happened in front of 25 people. The incident is not in question, the specifics may be, but there were many people who saw the interaction. In fact the jiu jitsu academy had to be locked down with all the students inside to keep everyone safe. Silva, was supposedly armed and showed the gun!

Silva then barricaded himself in his home and refused to obey police commands to surrender. The police were eventually forced to taser the 205lbs fighter before taking him into custody. Where he remained for quite some time, a guest of the county! That prompted the UFC to release Silva immediately. UFC President Dana White even went so far as saying “This guy will never fight in the UFC again!”

Silva managed to get out on bail, although he was monitored by an ankle bracelet he resumed training at The Blackzilians gym in south Florida. He took a fight with Howard Davis’s ‘Fight Time Promotions’, however the bout fizzled out. Then something extraordinarily odd happened. All the charges were dropped!

The report cited his ex wife’s refusal to cooperate as a reason, as she had moved out of the country and was no longer assisting in the investigation. Then some how, Glenn Robinson (Silva’s Manager) somehow greased the wheel enough for Dana White to awkwardly back track and allow Silva back into the worlds biggest mixed martial arts organization.

White’s reasoning seemed sound, but he himself seemed skeptical at best. “When I watched it and heard of the charges, it didn’t look good for Thiago Silva. But he was acquitted of all charges. How do you not let the guy fight again?”He went through the legal process and came out of it untainted. He deserves to be able to make a living again. He’s back under contract”,White said.

Perhaps the UFC was satisfied with an “Official” report from the police. Maybe they didn’t feel the need to investigate. But as the cell phone video Kamiji Silva produced proved, they probably should have! The video (in portuguese) shows an armed Silva, who appears out of sorts, and is reportedly wiping cocaine from his nose as he threatens his now ex wife.

Like the NFL the UFC has been wearing their flip flops to work lately, because after suspending, and reinstating Thiago Silva, they have decided to cut him again based on the new video! The on again off again, on again love affair is apparently off again! The strange part is this, like the NFL the UFC could have avoided this embarrassment by simply making a few phone calls.

Hopefully these incidents change the way these organizations handle internally problems that happen externally. Athletes or not, accountability for reprehensible actions has to be punished across the board universally. If not you risk the integrity of the sport by alienating the fan base, and you can’t wait for Budweiser to threaten pulling your advertising (which the NFL did!), you have to be proactive.

Note: Anthony Johnson has been suspended indefinitely pending an investigation an investigation into allegations by his ex wife that he beat her in 2012 and knocked out her teeth. Johnson vehemently denounces the allegations as lies. It should be mentioned that unlike Adrian Peterson, Thiago Silva, and Ray Rice these allegations are not recent, nor is their evidence in the media that makes it place inherent guilt on Johnson. That is not to say the charges are false, but they definitely seem a little shady. If he is guilty he should suffer the same fate as Silva.

Hopefully the UFC has learned from the embarrassment of the Thiago Silva debacle. Lets just hope they also learn from the NFL(and it appears that they have!) that sweeping things under the rug, only lead to a complete mess down the road! When it comes to conduct a line has to be drawn, firmly.

 

 

 

Spar Star MMA To Make History with WMMA Bantamweight Tournament

Posted: September 19, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Spar Star MMA Promoter Tony Padilla and Matchmaker Mel Robles Valenzuela have once again rewritten the local MMA playbook by booking the first ever CAMO  sanctioned WMMA bantamweight tournament. Four local women will stake their claim in the opening round of the tournament on Oct 11th at The Hollywood Park Casino.

The winners of each fight will move on to face each other in the finals, in late November, culminating in the first ever Spar Star MMA bantamweight champion. The first fight will feature Aiko Ewing vs. Farren Romero, and the second pits Danielle Mack against Paola Ramirez.

As the sport of mixed martial arts continues to proceed into the mainstream, it is the women who have recently picked up the torch and really turned heads with some of the best fights in recent memory. Supporting this progression at the grassroots level is what will ensure the long term success of Women’s MMA.  Promotions like Spar Star MMA recognize the need to feed the sport.

Continually showcasing talent such as Ashley Evans-Smith, Albert Morales, Andre Nickelson, Matthew Spencer and many others; the promotions relentlessly scouts local talent that consistently make waves in the pro ranks. By offering these fighters a chance, Spar Star MMA not only entertains it ensures the sports future. Make sure you come out to support some of Los Angeles’s finest local amateurs.

Oct 11th Spar Star MMA Hollywood Park Casino

The event will also be Streamed Live on the Internet for those who wish to watch from home!

Melvin Manhoef’s Message to Bellator MMA Fans: “Don’t Blink”

Posted: September 17, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Bellator-125-Fight-PosterBy: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Kickboxing legend and Mixed Martial Arts veteran Melvin Manhoef (28-11 MMA) is set to make his Bellator MMA debut against Doug ‘The Rhino’ Marshall at Bellator 125. Both men can end the fight with one shot, and both would prefer to stand and strike. A fight that has most MMA fans frothing at the mouth. Not because there is anything at stake, but simply because this is  a powder keg of a fight.

The well travelled Manhoef finds his way to Bellator MMA after successful stints in well known promotions such as Dream, Cage Rage, K-1, and most recently One FC. Now fighting in the United States, Manhoef hopes to make a big impression. “I want to show America who Melvin Manhoef is and I think Bellator is the perfect organization to let the fans enjoy my skills.” Manhoef said.

Manhoef transitioned from kickboxing to MMA years ago, and continues to fight in both disciplines today.  Although he has other kickboxing engagements already booked, make no mistake this is not a ‘one and done’ scenario for Manhoef. He has one goal in mind, and that is securing the Bellator MMA World Title. “I want to be Champion. This is my goal!” Manhoef said.

His first step towards achieving that goal is an extremely dangerous one. Doug Marshall may not be as technical as Manhoef in the striking department, but make no mistake he is just as dangerous. Marshall generates tremendous power in his punches, and can just as easily end this fight with one punch. Just ask Brett Cooper, who is known for having a granite chin. Marshall is that strong, and coming off of his suspension for PED’s he will be looking to make a statement.

With both fighters eager to stake their claims in a wide open division, its best to take Manhoef’s advice. “Don’t Blink!”

Prediction: Manhoef via TKO Rd 2 in one of the most entertaining fights of the year!

Bellator Standout McGeary faces his Toughest Test in Anundson at Bellator 124

Posted: September 12, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Many men and woman look the part, and act the part in Mixed Martial Arts. Time however inevitably exposes the hype. Categorizing the serviceable pro from the contenders, and relegating those who never live up to expectation into obscurity. The combat roads are littered with those who dared to believe their own hype, before creating anything more than raw ability. In the fight game toughness and god given ability will get you far, but not far enough.

Liam McGeary (8-0 MMA) is the latest fighter to find himself on that road. Complete with an endearing smile, charming accent, and a very aggressive style; McGeary has all the tools and the early success that could make him the next great light heavyweight. His last fight was supposed to be his toughest test yet. The Bellator brass wanted to see if there protege could stand up against a higher level opponent. His opponent Egidijius Valavicius (27-11 MMA) was far more experienced, and a tough dude who had fought some of the best in the business including Fedor Emelianenko.

The matchmakers at Bellator MMA had there plans thwarted as McGeary dispatched the veteran in just 2:10 into the fight. Utilizing his superior reach McGeary picked his way inside of Valavicius and tore through him with nasty elbows and knees forcing the stoppage. One question however was answered. McGeary ate a few big shots from Valavicius early into the round, and he walked right through them.

In answering those questions, McGeary also punched his ticket to move on in the light heavyweight tournament. His opponent in the finals will be toughest test yet for McGeary as he will face off with American Top Team’s Kelly Anundson (9-2 MMA). Anundson possesses some of the best wrestling in the division and that could be the focus of the fight. Will McGeary, who is primarily known as a striker, be able to withstand the relentless pressure that Anundson brings to every fight.

With a grappler as accomplished as Anundson its not a matter of if he will shoot for the takedown but when? Can McGeary stop them, certainly not all of them. This fight will eventually end up in Anundson’s living room. However if McGeary can get back to his feet, he is deadly in the clinch. So although Anundson has the wrestling advantage, he is going to have to walk through a hell storm of knees and elbows to finish the shot.

The key to victory for either fighter is being able to score in the opponents territory. If McGeary is on his back he has to be active with the strikes, in order to counter the methodical smothering of Anundson. For Anundson, it is imperative for him to score on his feet. He can not allow McGeary to manipulate the distance. If he does, he has a tendency to telegraph his shot, especially as he wears down. If he does, McGeary should be able to avoid, and counter with his superior striking.

In a weekend filled with fights, both Boxing and MMA this is the single most intriguing fight of the weekend, and one that cannot be missed!

The winner of the fight will face the winner of the Joey Beltran vs. Emanuel Newton fight, and vie for the Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.

Prediction: Liam McGeary via TKO RD 2

 

 

 

Spar Star MMA Unveils New WMMA Bantamweight Tournament

Posted: September 9, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Video: Courtesy of JT Media, LLC

UPDATE: Women Named for the tournament! 

Aiko Ewing vs Farren Romero will square off in the first bout, while Danielle Mack vs Paola Ramirez will face each other in the second opening round bout on Oct 11, at The Hollywood Park Casino. The winners will fight for the inaugural Spar Star MMA Womens Bantamweight Title which will take place Nov 29th at Spar Star MMA’s Thanksgiving Fight Weekend!

Tickets are available now!

Spar Star MMA Promoter Tony Padilla, and ‘Matchmaker Mel’ are putting together the first ever CAMO Womens Bantamweight Tournament. With the next two dates secured, the promotion is in prime position to put together a round robin tournament at the amateur level.

October 11th will feature the opening round as four women will enter the cage, each with a chance to move on to the November finals. On the line the inaugural Spar Star MMA Womens Bantamweight title, and bragging rights as the first ever CAMO sanctioned tournament winner.

The tournament is just the latest addition to what is shaping up to be an amazing fight card. Stay Tuned for more details!

Editorial: The Deal That Begs the Question. Why Not Askren?

Posted: August 20, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Battle tested, champion approved!

Battle tested, champion approved!

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

A new day in Bellator MMA has dawned, and the cracking sun shines on a new undisputed champion. The second Eddie Alvarez was released, Will Brooks became the promotions 155 lbs torch bearer. His first title defense is pretty obvious. Michael Chandler will most likely get the first shot at the newly minted undisputed champion. After losing a controversial decision to Brooks, it appeared that a unification bout with Alvarez put Chandler in limbo. It didn’t seem right for him to have to go through another tournament though. Thankfully now he won’t have to!

The Alvarez release makes sense for Bellator MMA. It allows the company to build with fighters that intend on being there for a while. Once the promotions and Alvarez engaged legally, the relationship was fractured. After signing an offer sheet with the UFC, Bellator under Bjorn Rebney exercised their matching rights, and claimed they matched the offer, and a nasty battle outside the cage ensued.

The parting also makes sense for Alvarez who has for years been at the top of the divisional rankings, without having to step foot in the octagon. Alvarez now has the opportunity test himself against the best 155 lbs fighters in the world. His first fight will be against Donald Cerrone at UFC 178. It will be Alvarez’s first fight since defeating Chandler nearly 10 months ago.

Now that Alvarez has moved on and with Scott Coker at the helm, the promotion can finally cut its own path, again! With Coker’s pedigree in MMA and with his new team of matchmakers it seems their only hurdle is the companies past transgressions. However with a group of solid young fighters that includes Chandler, Brooks, 205 lbs contender Liam McGeary, 170 lbs title holder Douglas Lima, 145 lbs champion Pat Curran, Daniel Straus and many others a bright future maybe only be a few roster tweaks away.

With Coker looking to book more big name fights, the Bellator PPV dream may once again become a viable option.

Odd Man Out: Ben Askren ‘Bad timing’

When Ben Askren was released CEO Bjorn Rebney based the decision on Askren’s “one dimensional’ style. Even though he was undefeated and the 170 lbs champion, he was cast aside. Happily Askren accepted the release, expecting his entrance into the UFC. However, Dana White had no intention in legitimizing the Bellator promotion by allowing Askren to continue his domination. So,he was told to sign elsewhere.

Now with One FC, Askren remains undefeated and is slowly becoming the poster child for the dominant Asian promotion.

Now that the regime has changed. It appears tensions have as well. Yes, Alvarez is more exciting to watch, but if the UFC claims to have the best fighters in the world, then you have to include the undefeated Askren. Especially when you consider the UFC even signed Jay Hieron following his loss to Askren.

Maybe Askren wanted too much money, or guarantees the UFC couldn’t grant. However with Alvarez being swallowed up right away, its begs the question. Why Alvarez and not Askren?

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