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.
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ VS IAN MCCALL
This fight is an interesting match up. Both fighters can stake a claim for a title shot against champion Demetrious Johnson with a decisive win. Benavidez is as strong as they come in the 125 lbs weight division. His wrestling maybe the best in the division. Ian McCall brings a very dynamic striking game to the table. McCall is 0-1-1 against the current champion. Benevidez will need to avoid McCall’s counter punching to secure a take down. If he is able to bring the fight to the mat, he may be able to secure the win. McCall will need to utilize his wrestling defense, to avoid any take downs. However, if he does get put on his back McCall will need to stay active from the bottom as he has in the past. Both fighters bring a contrasting style that should provide great entertainment.
Prediction: Joseph Benavidez Unanimous Decision.JON FITCH VS DEMIAN MAIA
Very often we hear the term “Grinder” when referring to a fighters style. No one exemplifies that label better than Jon Fitch. Fitch has been a contender at the 170lbs division for nearly a decade. His wrestling and conditioning, have become legendary. He has wins over some of the biggest names in the sport, and has even gone the distance with Georges St Pierre. His only sign of weakness came by way of a flash KO at the hands of Johnny Hendricks. Demian Maia is also known as a legend. His grappling and jujitsu game may be one of the most feared in the sport. At 185 lbs, Maia was out gunned by stronger fighters. Now comfortable at 170 lbs, Maia’s power increase will only serve to strengthen his grappling.
Prediction: Jon Fitch Unanimous DecisionALISTAIR OVEREEM VS ANTONIO SILVA
In his first fight after being suspended for having testosterone in his system, Alistair Overeem is already looking for a title shot. Unfortunately for him, standing in his way is another mountain sized heavyweight named Antonio Silva. Silva is coming off a dominating win over Travis Browne, and feels that Overeem is disrespecting him. With a long history of animosity between the two fighters, stemming from their camp decisions (Silva left the Blackzilians and rejoined American Top Team once Overeem signed on with the camp) there should be no shortage of heavy exchanges. Overeem will hold a clear advantage in the striking department, while Silva will have an edge if the fight goes to the ground. Both fighters have extremely heavy hands, and are capable of knocking the other out.
Prediction: Alistair Overeem via TKORASHAD EVANS VS ROGERIO NOGUEIRA
Rashad Evans may be the most talented fighter in the UFC without a belt. His wrestling background, and versatile striking have kept Evans at the top of the division, since his brief reign as champion. He will need to utilize his excellent head movement to counter the tremendous boxing skills of Rogerio Nogueira. “Lil Nog” (as he is known) for a long time has been over looked in 205 lbs division. Known for his precision boxing skills Nogueira like his brother is also deadly on the ground. If he is able to stagger Evans, or somehow able to drag him to the mat, he will have a distinct advantage. As dynamic as his boxing is, Evans will still have an advantage on his feet through sheer athleticism alone. Evans will look to land effectively at distance, setting up his own take downs in order win the fight. However, if he is too aggressive in Nogueira’s guard, he could very easily get caught in a submission.
Prediction: Rashad Evans via 2nd rd TKOMAIN EVENT FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTFRANKIE EDGAR V JOSE ALDO (CHAMPION)
Jose Aldo is one of the most dynamic fighters in any weight class. His combination of speed and technique have laid waste to an all star cast of opponents. His reign at the top, has never been challenged and his name is very often mentioned at the top of the pound for pound rankings. Frankie Edgar embodies the dark horse spirit. His history of exciting fights, and come from behind win seem to be from the pages of a Hollywood script. Edgar’s chin and ability to recover may be his best attribute in a very crowded quiver of mma weapons. If Edgar is able to close the distance and grab a hold of Aldo he might be able to slow the pace and grind on the champion. Both fighters are no strangers to late rounds, and both can take a punch so look for this fight to head into deep water. However, lets not forget one very important wild card in this fight, the referee. Steve Mazzagatti could play a role in a questionable stoppage!
Prediction: Frankie Edgar via Split Decision
Khabib Nurmagomedov (155) vs. Thiago Tavares (155)
Interesting match-up. Both fighters are well rounded, and capable of ending the fight in any position. Tavares has the edge in experience, however Nurmagomedov is 18-0 riding a 2 fight UFC win streak so he is the favorite at (-200).
Prediction: Tavares by submission 3rd round
Gabriel Gonzaga (255) vs. Ben Rothwell (258)
Good news for Gabriel Gonzaga is that he is back in the UFC heavyweight fray after winning his second chance fight against Ednaldo Oliviera, bad news is his next opponent is Ben Rothwell. In his last fight, Rothwell needed only 1:10 to knockout a very strong Brendan Schaub. Both fighters have consistency issues but it should be exciting,
Prediction: Rothwell TKO rd 2 C.B. Dollaway (186) vs. Daniel Sarafian (186)
C.B. Dollaway is often over looked in the UFC. Although Dollaway is not a flashy striker, to the true fight fan his performances are at times masterful. As a wrestler, he can grind with the best of them. Wearing on his opponent, saturating strength with a smothering attack. Daniel Sarafin is new to the UFC but certainly not to the sport, or to the grappling game. The owner of several submission wins, is perfectly at home in the same neighborhood where Dollaway works. Very evenly matched
Prediction: Dollaway via Unanimous decision
Vitor Belfort (185) vs. Michael Bisping (186)
Michael Bisping has been lobbying aloud to anyone with in an ear shot about deserving a title shot against Anderson Silva. The brash, and dry Brit is often writing checks with his mouth, however this one he can cash. His record of wins over ranked fighters reinforces his braggadocious demeanor. However, Vitor Belfort hopes to extinguish those flames, and reignite his own title claim. Belfort may have an edge on the ground, however Bisping was able to neutralize Jason Miller’s jujitsu so this fight is primed to explode into a slug fest. The is no clear edge in the striking department, while Belfort maintains a power edge, Bisping is more technical and has better conditioning. Should be an exciting fight.
Pat Curran delivers a liver kick to Patricio Pitbull
Chandler yanks the title hopes, and the neck of a very game Rick Hawn to retain the Lightweight Championship
by: Jonathan King The Clinch Report
Patricio Pitbull v Pat Curran
Round1: Feeling out process immediately eats up the first minute. Pitbull circling, not much for the first 3 minutes both fighters very wary of the others power. Curran using his range to land with the jab and cross. Not much action in the first round both fighters are obviously preparing for a long bout. I give it to Curran in a close 10-9
Round2: Pitbull beginning to land in bunches and finishing with the leg kick. Pitbull bleeding from the nose, after a long right hand from Curran. The champion tosses Pitbull to the mat, but Pitbull bounces back up! Curran landing with the jab, Pitbull landing with the kicks. another close round could go either way but we have Curran winning another 10-9 close round.
Round3: Pitbull starting to pen up with dynamic strikes. Flying knees, and combinations beginning to land, and still landing leg kicks. Curran landing now to the body of Pitbull. Curran backing up as Pitbull stalks. Flying knee by Curran misses, round ends. we are calling a 10-9 round for Pitbull but again very close could go either way!
Round4: Curran backing up as Pitbull flurries, a right hand lands to the back of the head and the ref seperates. A touch of the gloves, and Curran opens up with a 4 punch combination. Now Curran stalking. Pitbull shoots he has a single but a opposite flying knee, breaks the clinch. Curran again lands a hard one two combination. The round ends again, very close, but I have Curran 10-9
Round5: Both fighters trading ones and twos, as Pitbull shoots, Curran lands a big right hand stopping the take down attempt. Curran lands a liver kick that is caught, and breaks free with a straight right to the head. Curran shoots but to no avail. Both fighters standing in the center of the cage, as Pitbull stalks. Pitbull is hurt by a big left hand. Curran cautiously closes in with a few straight punches that find there mark. Pitbull is gassed. Elbow by Curran lands in the clinch. Pitbull flurries with the last 20 seconds. Both fighters are landing as the bell sounds. Again very close but have to give Curran the nod 10-9 Have him wining the fight 4 rounds to 1.
Pat Curran wins by Split Decision.
Mikhail Zayats v Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral
round1: Babalu starts out pawing with the jab, pushing Zayats backwards. Up against the cage Babaluu begins to land with the dirty boxing and the elbows. Big John separates the fighters. Zayats lands a big right, but lands low on Babalu. Big John gives Sobral a minute to recover but he doesnt need it! now there back in the center of the cage. Back up against the fence, Babalu controls the clinch. Again big John separates the fighters. Zayats lands big spinning backfist Babalu is in trouble. Zayats landing as Babalu gets on his bicycle. Left hands drops Babalu, Zayats swarms Babalu on the ground with vicious hammer fists. And that is it! Big John steps in. Mikhail Zayats wins by TKO Big upset, moves Zayats on to the semi finals of the light heavyweight division
Rick Hawn v Michael Chandler
round1: Both fighters are feeling each other out, as the circle Chandler lands an uppercut but Hawn counters with a leg kick. Big take down by the champion. Hawn working from guard, looking to secure an arm. Hawn very busy from his closed guard. Chandler very busy, but cannot seem to posture up. Hawn is controlling with a body lock from guard. Both fighters stand and Hawn lands a big left hand. But Chandler still coming forward. Round ends, with Chandler seemingly ahead 10-9 with his wrestling.
round2: Round two begins with Chandler taking Hawn down after a quick clinch. Hawn able to regain his feet, but immediately taken down again by Chandler. This time Hawn is on is his side, and Chandler quickly transitions. to the back, where he secures the choke yanking Hawn backwards before securing the tap. Winner Michael Chandler by submission Rear Naked Choke
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
Pablo Garza was able to withstand some vicious Mark Hominick flurries early, and was able to establish his jab frustrating Hominick into lunging assaults. Off balance Garza was able to take Hominick to the ground in the second and third rounds. Once in position continuously landed the more significant strikes, although Hominick did provide great resistance.
Winner: PABLO GARZA (29-27, 30-26, 29-28)
MARK BOCEK VS. RAFAEL dOS ANJOS
Originally set to be on the preliminary card, this fight was moved up to replace the loss of the Nick Ring v Costantinos Philippou, bout was scrapped after Ring fell ill and was unable to pass pre-fight medical exams. Bocek stated that he would use his superior take-downs to control Dos Anjos, however the exact opposite is what occurred. Dos Anjos systematically broke down Mark Bocek with excellent wrestling, and ground and pound. Dos Anjos never lost control of the fight cruising to a unanimous decision.
Winner: Rafael dos Anjos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
TOM LAWLOR VS. FRANCIS CARMONT
Francis Carmont was able to withstand a relentless grappling attack of Tom Lawlor, by utilizing effective range-establishing strikes, and excellent wrestling defense. Lawlor was able to control Carmont for most of the fight, consistently pressuring the big middleweight up against the fence. Carmont was able to survive two guillotine attempts that appeared to be locked in tight towards the end of the first and second rounds. Very close fight. When the decision was read for the hometown favorite, the crowd began to boo, obviously thinking that Lawlor had won the fight.
Winner: Francis Carmont via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
JOHNY HENDRIKS VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN (#1 Contender spot on the line)
After a few seconds of pawing and feeling each other out, Hendriks led with a right hook that was followed immediately by his notorious left hand. Kampman was out instantly, falling backwards Hendriks followed with a vicious shot on the ground that was hardly necessary. The entire bout lasted only .46 seconds, as Johny Hendriks cemented his position as the #1 contender in the Welterweight division.
Winner: John Hendriks via Knockout (0:46) Rd 1
GEORGES ST. PIERRE VS. CARLOS CONDIT (Welterweight Title Unification Bout)
In one of the most memorable matches in UFC history, Georges St. Pierre was able to utilize his superior wrestling skills to ground the versatile attack of Carlos Condit. Even though Condit was on his back for most of the fight, he was able to give St. Pierre all he could handle. Condit used effective striking from the bottom to soften up the champion. In the third frame Condit ducked under a hook, angled out and landed a kick to the head of the champion that sent him to the canvas. Valiantly Condit tried to finish the fight with tactical ground and pound striking, however St.Pierre was able to recover, reestablish position, and then spent the remainder of the round in control on top. The rest of the fight went pretty much the same way. George St. Pierre has now become the most dominate Welterweight Champion in UFC history. (Moving ahead of Matt Hughes in title fight victories)
Winner: Georges St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
Rumors in the MMA world were bouncing like crazy this week, when TMZ prematurely reported that Ronda Rousey became the first ever woman fighter signed to the UFC. In a way, TMZ was correct but not in the traditional sense. The truth is Ronda Rousey is and has been signed under the Zuffa umbrella for quite some time.
In March 2011 Zuffa purchased the struggling California-based promotion, most believed the company would be folded in immediately, as was the WEC previously. However, Zuffa maintained the separation of both entities when Dana White was unable to negotiate a new television deal with Showtime; which consequently expires in February. After cancelling the last two events it was obvious that Zuffa’s red-headed step child was going to soon be left for dead. One obvious question beams. What happens to the fighters like Rousey, who are already under contract with Strikeforce.
The answer is still being debated, however several sources in China for the UFC of FUEL TV 6 event have confirmed that the UFC will not need to ‘sign’ any of these fighters, because they are already signed. They simply have to continue honoring their end of the deal. since Zuffa is the parent company for both entities, the UFC will simply pick and chose the fighters they want to keep, and fold them into to the current roster. Those that the UFC brass deem not to be ready, or worthy will surely be bought out of the remaining time left on their contract.
Is this large influx of talent good for the UFC? Unlike the WEC buyout(which brought two new weight classes), most of the upper echelon fighters in Strikeforce will be entering already congested waters. For fighters such as Luke Rockhold, Gilbert Melendez, Nate Marquardt, and Daniel Cormier there is not much to worry about. As the top dogs they will certainly be brought into the UFC realm. The women’s division it seems would also be safe, as the UFC will need someone for Rousey to fight!. However the rest of the roster, aside from a few big name contenders are left in limbo.
Any infusion of talent should lead to more exciting fights. However, with the roster already swollen more events must result. Another interesting thought will be the importation of fighters into the Bellator tournament format, which is in need of a talent infusion.
All of this remains “unofficial” for now Strikeforce has one event left on their docket, but the writing is on the wall. Strikeforce’s imminent demise will certainly allow some other promotion to rise from the depths of obscurity. Rumors are already swirling that Showtime and CFA are in talks to pick up where Strikeforce left off. One man gathers what another man spills!
With the recent rash of injuries in the UFC, many intriguing match-ups have arisen only to disappear. Jon Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) the current light heavy weight champion of the world was offered his title shot because of an injury. When Rashad Evans (17-2-1 MMA, 15-2-1 UFC) was unable to compete against Maurcio ‘Shogun’ Rua (21-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC) because of an injury, Jones accepted the title shot and went on to dominate Rua becoming the promotions youngest UFC champion in history. Since then other opportunities have been offered, some accepted, some refused, but none were as successful as Jones.
Recently with injuries to both Georges St Pierre (22-2 MMA, 17-2 UFC) and Dominick Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and as in the past, the UFC decided to implement ‘Interim’ champions. Currently both Carlos Condit (28-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC), and Renan Berao (29-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) hold these titles in the welterweight and bantamweight division respectively. Both fighters are obligated to unify their titles once St. Pierre and Cruz are healthy enough to compete again.
The past month has been especially rough with both title contenders and title holders being injured. After Dan Henderson (29-8 MMA, 8-2 UFC) injured his knee and was unable to fight Jon Jones several people had the opportunity to rise to the occasion, only no one did. Fighters only have a small window of time before these injuries take their toll. The cliche ‘better to have tried and failed, then to have never tried at all.” seems to be apropos.
As the UFC roster expands more contenders will surely emerge. Hungry young fighters that would relish the opportunity to reach the limelight are moving up the ranks. Fighters such as Chris Weidman, (9-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) Glover Texiera (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Steven ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson (6-1 MMA , 1-1 UFC), and Alexander Gustafsson (14-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) are certainly going to be looking for the opportunities that Lyoto Machida (18-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) willing let go. Now that Machida is set to face Henderson, it seems obvious that title shots disappear quicker and easier than they are offered.
Only a small percentage of gladiators lived long enough too fight in Rome. However every single one hoped too not only live, but those that embraced this barbaric path dreamed of fighting on the grandest of all stages the Roman Colosseum. Since then nations have risen and fallen, with that gladiator code still festering in the few who continued the fighting spirit.
Today the closest thing we have to the Gladiator is the mixed martial artist, and the UFC is the only stage as grand or at least comparable too the Colosseum. Like the warriors before Mike Bruno (11-4 MMA) and Vagner Rocha (7-3 MMA 1-2 UFC) have been in each others company previously, coming through the ranks. However with a 3 fight stint in the UFC only Rocha has tasted the nectar of the UFC gods, a thirst he longs for still, and one he shares with Bruno
Although it is a normal scenario for Howard Davis’s Fight Time Promotions to feature a young promising fighter, against a UFC vet trying to get back to the show. This fight is anything but ordinary. Bad blood fueled by a team split, jealousy, and smack talk has led too a genuine feeling of disgust shared by both fighters. “When Vagner made it to the UFC, I was extremely jealous, and being young I made the mistake of running my mouth” Bruno said. Before the Brookins fight, Mike Bruno was heard on the Rudolfo Roman Show begging Brookins “To smash” his former teammate.
A salvo that Rocha believes was from a jealous ex-teammate. “I have openly apologized, because I was in a bad spot, but he apparently he is interested,” Bruno said. Animosity between opponents is common, however the war of words between the two has at times, become quite volatile. Recently Rocha called out Bruno for being a jealous boring fighter, that lacked any quality finishing skills. With Rocha becoming more aggressive, the war of words was back on and has become increasingly personal. “I was willing to let it go, and just be professional, but either way the outcome will be the same, with me smashing him,” Bruno said, seemingly content to let his performance speak for itself.
The match up of styles adds to the intrigue of this bout. Rocha the savvy Brazilian Ju Jitsu veteran, is slick on the ground and possesses lethal submission skills from any position. “I know he is world class on the ground, he used to train at Top Team”, Bruno said. “He also has a very tough chin”, said Bruno referring to Rocha’s UFC fight with title contender Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, who peppered Rocha for three rounds, before winning a unanimous decision. With his world class wrestling pedigree the younger stronger Bruno is not afraid to enter the Brazilians world. “I have no problem putting my wrestling against his jujitsu.” Bruno said.
As the promotion stalwart, Bruno has fought victoriously 4 times in Fight Time, and in the main event 3 times. Training daily with American Top Team has enabled Bruno to grow tremendously with MMA veterans such as: Mike Brown, Cole Miller, Hector Lombard, Stefane Dias (strength coach), Thiago Alves. His arsenal continues to improve.
At the helm of this project is Mike’s older brother and UFC veteran Steve ‘Hollywood’ Bruno, who also recently began fighting with the promotion. As a dynamic striker Steve has chiseled away at his younger brother, turning a power wrestler, into a well round mixed martial artist capable and comfortable wherever the fight may go. “Steve has been an amazing mentor for me, not only as my brother, but he has a very high MMA I.Q., he knows the business inside out,” Bruno said. With both Bruno’s scheduled to compete on this card, its sure to be a family affair.
Fight Analysis: Besides his wrestling and improved striking skills, Mike Bruno is freakishly strong at 155 lbs. He is notorious for is Rampage-esque slams, and his relentless ground-and-pound attack. Once in a dominant position, Bruno’s hands drop like pile-drivers, at lighting speed. His elbows are lacerating, and they seem to finish beneath his opponents. Vagner Rocha is very experienced and on paper his jujitsu is more refined. He will look to capitalize on a mistake, and try to catch an over aggressive Bruno. Although a very close match-up on paper, it seems Bruno has several advantages, with Rocha only holding one.
Prediction: Mike Bruno via TKO rd 2. I cannot see Rocha stopping Bruno’s relentless power doubles, or his ground and pound.
THE CLINCH REPORT 