Posts Tagged ‘The Clinch Report’

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.

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.

Michael Chandler: Blue Collar Champion

Posted: June 6, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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by: Jonathan King

Video by: John Walsh

To be great at anything one must spend quite a bit of time practicing. The strategy is simple, and yet extremely difficult. The “10,000” hour rule according to Malcolm Gladwell is the key to being great. In order for anyone, to be great in any field, they must simply perform that task for 10,000 hours.

Well over 10,000 hours ago Michael Chandler began walking this path in Missouri as a high school wrestler. Even now years later, this desire is still what fuels him. For many the title is the goal, to become a champion. What makes Chandler different is that he doesn’t measure himself by the gold around his waist,

For Michael Chandler, its about another page, another chapter, each one consisting of another 10,000 hours of discipline. For Michael Chandler its not about who you fight for, but how you do it, that defines greatness. Its about a consistent effort that rewards not only himself, but everything he represents.

This ‘blue-collar’, humble, work ethic, and wholesome attitude is as genuine as the ass-whooping he dishes out, so don’t be fooled. Michael Chandler is a fighter first, and as a champion, he plans on becoming one of the best ever!

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!

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

King Of The Cage Vigilante Photos

Posted: December 26, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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All photos provided by John Walsh

All photos provided by John Walsh

KOTC LG11

KOTC LG12

KOTC LG13

KOTC LG14

 

 

 

 

 

KOTC LG15

 

 

KOTC TL4

 

KOTC TL5

 

KOTC TL6

 

KOTC TL22

 

 

King of The Cage: VIGILANTE

Posted: December 17, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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 KOTC VIGILANTE Full Fight Card                                          

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report 

 

King of The Cage set to put on another talent packed card with three title fights. Also numerous contender spots are on the line. Once again King of The Cage President Terry Trebilcock is responsible for producing an exciting card of fights, just in time to satisfy your MMA Christmas/Chanukah wish list!

December 20th 2012

San Manuel Casino

Highland. CA

FIGHT CARD:

Josh Ramage (1-4 MMA) vs Robert Gleckman (Debut)
Kenny Tenorio (0-10 MMA) vs Frank Park (2-4 MMA)
Roberto Vargas (12-2 MMA) vs Musa Toliver (9-7 MMA)
Johnny Cisneros (7-0 MMA) vs Joshua Aveles (9-8 MMA)
Justin Robbins (13-13 MMA) vs Marvin Garcia (9-2 MMA) Featherweight Title Bout
Sam Liera (7-3 MMA) vs David Gomez (14-4 MMA)* Welterweight Ttitle Bout
Trevor Prangley (26-9 MMA) vs Tony Lopez (32-9 MMA)* Light Heavyweight Title Bout

UFC 153 Silva v Bonnar Analysis and Predictions

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

Anderson Silva (32-4 MMA, 15-0 UFC) vs. Stephan Bonnar (14-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC) 

As a replacement bout, this fight is very lopsided in most fans eyes. However, Stephan Bonnar is not a piece of cardboard. He will be entering the fight with a considerable size advantage, and of course his notoriously iron clad chin. On the ground Bonnar is more than capable and would actually rival Silva’s pedigree. But let’s be honest, odds are this fight is going to be a standing war. Although giving away considerable size, Silva will maintain an advantage in every single aspect of the stand-up battle. Using his notorious feigns he will lure in the aggressive Bonnar eventually overwhelming the slower larger fighter.

Prediction:Anderson Silva via 2nd RD TKO

Dave Herman (21-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC)

This us a fight I call the Enigma v The Old Man. Dave Herman, has some of the best athleticism in the weight class, however Herman has yet to put together a consistent effort since joining the UFC. His losses to Roy Nelson and Stefan Struve prove that he is at best at the tail end of the Heavyweight rankings. Its vexing because he should be a lot better than he is!  Coming into Brazil, squaring off with ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira will prove to be a mountain he is unable to climb. If Herman can keep the fight standing, he has a small chance, less than a puncher’s chance as Nogueira has better hands. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is an absolute warrior. His history is secure in the sport and although his last fight ended by a kimura that broke his arm, ‘Minotauro’ is still a very dangerous lion.

Prediction: Nogueira via submission Rd 1

Fabio Maldonado (18-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC) vs. Glover Teixeira (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) 

Fabio Maldonado may have the best body punching pedigree in all of the UFC. This guy lifts people off the mat, like something out of a Rocky movie. Maldonado loves to get in tight, and punish the liver with his digging blows. Have lost his last two bouts by decision, Maldonado will be aggressive from the start looking to control the pace early. Glover Teixeira is one of the UFC prodigies. His punching power and aggressiveness are legendary already. Former champions Maurico ‘Shogun’ Rua and Rashad Evans refused short notice fights with Teixeira, even though he has only fought once in the UFC. Trained at the world famous “Pit”, Teixeira has been sparring relentlessly with UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell in preparation for this fight. Could you ask for a better training partner?

Prediction: Teixeira via TKO Rd 2

Jon Fitch (23-4-1 MMA, 13-2-1 UFC)  vs. Erick Silva (14-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC)

In a battle of contrasting styles, this fight depends a lot on who is able to dictate the pace and location of the fight. Erick Silva will have a striking advantage, however his aggressiveness will leave him open to the ‘lay and prey’ style of UFC vet Jon Fitch. Fitch has shown time and time again, that he can maintain dominate position for an entire fight. Although not an incredible Greco-Roman wrestler, his MMA wrestling is outstanding. Fitch has grinded down veterans like BJ Penn (draw), Thiago Alves (twice), and Mike Pierce. However it has been almost a year since his last fight. A fight that saw him knocked unconscious in 12 seconds at the hands of Johnny Hendricks. Can Fitch knock off the ring rust, before Silva knocks his chin off? Silva will have to keep the fight standing, and avoid the grappling of Fitch in order to win this fight.

Prediction: Jon Fitch via Unanimous Decision 

Phil Davis (9-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC)  vs. Wagner Prado  (8-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

This fight was supposed to happen months ago, however an errant eye poke by Davis caused a premature stoppage that resulted in a no contest. Now fully healed Wagner Prado is ready to display his striking for the first time in the UFC. He will have his hands full with the outstanding wrestling of Phil Davis. Davis is trying to get his name back into the contender mix, in the very congested light heavyweight division. With a significant reach advantage Davis is going to look too set up his shoot, off his jab. If he is able to get Prado to the ground it will be very difficult for him to escape. Davis  has smothered out victories over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and submitted young gun Alexander Gustaffson. Only Rashad Evans has been able to control Davis thus far, a trend that should continue.

Prediction: Davis via 3rd round submission

Demian Maia (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) vs. Rick Story (14-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC)

Not many people have improved in the striking department as well as Damian Maia. The striking will only get more powerful, as he will now be fighting at 170 lbs. His Jiu Jitsu is well known, and with submissions over Chael Sonnen, Nate Quarry, and Ed Herman he is used to fighting larger opponents. There are not many bigger than Rick Story at 170 lbs. As a wrestler, Story has some of the best skills in the division. However at times he seems to loose focus. At one time he was highly touted, now he seems to be one or two losses away from being released. He has not looked impressive in his last three fights, although he won the last by unanimous decision against an outmatched Brock Jardine. Its only a matter of time before this fight goes to the mat.

Prediction: Demian Maia via Unanimous Decision

MMA Rising Stars The OC Fight Club

Posted: October 8, 2012 in Combat Sports, UFC
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REAL COmbat Meda’s Jonathan King with UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz at OC Fight Club, Costa Mesa California

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Making a name for yourself in the world of mixed martial arts was much easier during the infancy stages of the sport. Today very talented fighters are left struggling for an opportunity to showcase their skills. At the amateur level, fighters give their all just for a chance to become a professional. Most never make it past the amateur ranks. The very few who do, face extremely difficult odds. In the business of fighting, your foundation is the key to your success.

Roy Englebrecht and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, and UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz are providing that strong foundation for several young fighters in the southern California area. Fight Club MMA is a burgeoning promotion that is full of young professional talent in both Boxing and MMA. They also provide an amateur showcase that gives young fighters the opportunity to compete in an a extremely professional environment.

Set up in an old hangar, this amateur showcase has the look and feel of a professional fight. Awaiting the fighters is a packed house of friends, family members and MMA fans in general. The competition is raw, aggressive at times sloppy, but never boring. As the fighters enter the ring, to catered music, the look and feel of the event surpasses some of the larger professional shows. The motivation is evident with Tito Ortiz looking on, these young martial artists are looking to impress.

The full fight card of 10 bouts featured fighters at several different weight classes. who specialized in several different aspects of the sport. For the most part striking was on display, with several exciting exchanges that had the crowd a buzz. The amateur status of some of the participants was evident, however most of the young fighters appeared to be well trained and in excellent condition.

This is an amazing promotion. The fights are exciting, and the showcase is extremely ‘fighter friendly’ with each fighter receiving an equal push and opportunity to perform under the lights. The OC Fight Club is a great place to separate the gym rats from the prospects.

MMA as a sport has seen the talent pool explode over the years. The days of ‘one trick pony’ champions are over. In order to succeed at the highest level, fighters have to be well versed in all aspects of the sport, not just one. The amateur division is where these skills become honed, and polished. Roy Engelbrecht and Tito Ortiz have provided the opportunity for young fighters to display those skills, on a very grand scale. With promoters like Roy and Tito, the future is looking pretty bright for the future stars of MMA.

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