SamCaplan's ProElite.com Blog

SamCaplan's ProElite.com Blog http://SamCaplan.proelite.com Latest article from SamCaplan.proelite.com en Fri, 16 May 2008 18:48:44 CDT Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:35:01 CDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The ProElite RSS Robot help@proelite.com help@proelite.com http://proelite.com/general/skins/pe/images/logo.jpg proelite.com http://proelite.com Lineup for IFL's May 16 show at the Mohegan Sun http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106969/Lineup_for_IFLs_May_16_show_at_the_Mohegan_Sun Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:35:01 CDT <p><p> The card for the IFL's next show on May 16 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. is starting to take shape. </p> <p> The show will feature three title matches as well as best-of-three camp vs. camp battles between <strong>Mario Sperry's</strong> <strong>World Class Fighting Center</strong> taking on <strong>Gary Marino's Team Bomb Squad</strong> and <strong>Matt Lindland's Team Quest </strong>doing battle with<strong> Team Prodigy</strong>. </p> <p> Here's the card so far... </p> <p> <em>IFL heavyweight title:</em> <strong>Roy Nelson </strong>vs. <strong>Branden Lee Hinkle</strong> </p> <p> <em>IFL middleweight title: </em><strong>Ryan McGivern</strong> vs. <strong>Dan Miller</strong> </p> <p> <em>IFL lightweight title: </em><strong>Ryan Schultz </strong>vs. <strong>Deividas Taurosevicius</strong> </p> <p> <u>Team Bomb Squad vs. World Class Fighting Center </u> </p> <p> <em>Middleweight:</em> <strong>Mike Massenzio</strong> vs. <strong>Danillo Villefort</strong> </p> <p> <em>Welterweight:</em> <strong>John Howard</strong> vs. <strong>Marcello Salazar</strong> </p> <p> <em>Lightweight: </em>TBA vs. TBA </p> <p> <u>Team Quest vs. Team Prodigy</u> </p> <p> <em>Middleweight:</em> <strong>Matt Horwich</strong> vs. TBA </p> <p> <em>Lightweight: </em><strong>Zac George</strong> vs. TBA </p> <p> <em>Light Heavyweight:</em> <strong>Aaron Stark</strong> vs. TBA </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106969/Lineup_for_IFLs_May_16_show_at_the_Mohegan_Sun Report: Mark Hominick could fight for Affliction http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106968/Report:_Mark_Hominick_could_fight_for_Affliction Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:20:45 CDT <p><p> Former <strong>UFC</strong> and <strong>WEC</strong> competitor <strong>Mark "The Machine" Hominick </strong>is the latest fighter rumored to be attached to a tentative July 19 card in Dallas, Texas to be promoted in large part by clothing company <strong>Affliction</strong>. </p> <p> The news comes courtesy of a <a href="http://www.tkomma.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=341&Itemid=1&lang=en">press release issued by Canada-based MMA promotion <strong>TKO</strong></a>, which indicated during a recent announcement that Hominick has re-signed with them that he is also likely to compete for Affliction in July. </p> <p> A two-time TKO featherweight champion with seven successful title defenses to his credit, Hominick is 2-0 lifetime in the UFC with wins over <strong>Jorge Gurgel</strong> and <strong>Yves Edwards</strong>. </p> <p> Hominick's WEC record is the exact opposite of that in the UFC, as he's 0-2 with losses to <strong>Rani Yahya</strong> and <strong>Josh Grispi</strong>. He became a free agent after submitting in the first round to Grispi during the WEC's February show in Albuquerque. </p> <p> There is no word on a date for Hominick's return bout in TKO and no official announcement has been made by Affliction in regards to Hominick's reported involvement with the upstart promotion. In fact, no official announcement of any kind has been made in regard to Affliction's reported July debut. </p> <p> While no official information pertaining to the show is available, Sherdog.com's Greg Savage reported last week that a main event involving former <strong>PRIDE</strong> heavyweight champion <strong>Fedor Emelianenko</strong> and former two-time UFC heavyweight champion <strong>Tim Sylvia</strong> is being discussed for the inaugural show. </p> <p> Undercard bouts featuring the likes of <strong>Ben Rothwell</strong>, <strong>Andrei Arlovski</strong>, <strong>Aleksander Emelianenko</strong>, <strong>Josh Barnett</strong>, and <strong>Pedro Rizzo</strong> have been rumored as well. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106968/Report:_Mark_Hominick_could_fight_for_Affliction Complete card for UFC 83 this Saturday http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106966/Complete_card_for_UFC_83_this_Saturday Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:53:13 CDT <p><p> Here is the complete card for this Saturday's UFC 83 show at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. </p> <p> <strong><u>Main card (PPV telecast): </u></strong> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Matt Serra</strong> vs. <strong>Georges St. Pierre</strong> for Serra's UFC welterweight title</li> <li><strong>Rich Franklin </strong>vs. <strong>Travis Lutter</strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Nate Quarry</strong> vs. <strong>Kalib Starnes</strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Michael Bisping</strong> vs. <strong>Charles McCarthy</strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Mac Danzig</strong> vs. <strong>Mark Bocek</strong></li> </ul> <p> <u><strong>Preliminary Bouts:</strong></u> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Jason MacDonald</strong> vs. <strong>Joe Doerksen</strong></li> <li><strong>Ed Herman</strong> vs. <strong>Demian Maia </strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Sam Stout </strong>vs. <strong>Rich Clementi</strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Kuniyoshi Hironaka</strong> vs. <strong>Jonathan Goulet</strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Alan Belcher</strong> vs. <strong>Jason Day</strong><br /> </li> <li><strong>Cain Velasquez</strong> vs. <strong>Brad Morris</strong><br /> </li> </ul> <p> </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106966/Complete_card_for_UFC_83_this_Saturday Results from Combat in the Cage's "11th Strike" http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106965/Results_from_Combat_in_the_Cages_11th_Strike Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:38:49 CDT <p><div> Results from WKA sanctioned <strong>Combat in the Cage</strong> '11th Strike.'<br /> <br /> <strong>What: </strong>Combat in the Cage </div> <div> <br /> <strong>When: </strong>Saturday, April 12,2008 </div> <div> <br /> <strong>Where:</strong> Newark, Delaware<br /> <br /> </div> <div> </div> <div> <u><strong>Results: </strong></u> </div> <div> </div> <div> <strong>1. Chet Hardaway</strong> (Team Hitman) def James Harris (Crosswinds Kai) via TKO 2:22 Rd 2<br /> <br /> <strong>2. Chris Finley</strong> (Simrell MMA) def Scott Petty (6 ft Deep) via TKO :55sec Rd 1<br /> <br /> <strong>3. George Hibbs</strong> (Daddis FC) def William Bookwalter (Ephrata MA) via Unanimous Dec<br /> <br /> <strong>4. Anthony Chicone</strong> (Fight Me Fight Team) def Logan Wheeler (Primal Fighting) via Submission 1:58 Rd 1<br /> <br /> <strong>5. Ryan Cassidy</strong> (Maxercise) def Ryan Hodge (Loprestis MMA) via TKO 1:38 Rd 1<br /> <br /> <strong>6. Tim Williams</strong> (Millville BJJ) def Robert Peach (Daddis FC) via RNC 0:46 Rd 1<br /> <br /> <strong>7. Pat Sabatini</strong> (Warriors MA) def Adam Bisignani (Simrell MMA) via unanimous dec.<br /> <br /> <strong>8. Vincent Velluci</strong> (Daddis FC) def John Schollser (Loprestis MMA) via unanimous dec.<br /> <br /> <strong>9. Will Martinez</strong> (Fight Factory) def Jerome McLane (Simrell MMA) via Armbar 2:20 Rd 1<br /> <br /> <strong>10. Ryan Mackin</strong> (Ground Control) def Brad Pole (Primal Fighting) via TKO 2:11 Rd 1<br /> -<em>Ryan Mackin becomes the New Combat in the Cage Featherweight Champion</em><br /> <br /> <strong>11. Jesus Martinez</strong> (Fight Factory) def Erik Williams (Training Center) via RNC 0:56 Rd 1<br /> <em>-Jesus Martinez retains the Combat in the Cage Middleweight Championship</em> </div><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106965/Results_from_Combat_in_the_Cages_11th_Strike Press Release: EliteXC announces the re-signing of Kimbo Slice, Robbie Lawler, and Gina Carano http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106964/Press_Release:_EliteXC_announces_the_re-signing_of_Kimbo_Slice,_Robbie_Lawler,_and_Gina_Carano Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:16:42 CDT <p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <em>Below is a press release issued by EliteXC on Monday.... </em> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">LOS ANGELES (April 14, 2008) – Fans can continue to expect to see mixed martial arts standouts and fan favorites Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano and Robbie Lawler fighting for Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, for a long, long time.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> “I am proud and very excited to announce that Kimbo, Gina and Robbie have all re-signed with us,’’ EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said today. Terms of the long-term, multi-year agreements were not disclosed.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> Kimbo, Carano and Lawler are three of EliteXC’s most popular, talented and exciting fighters and all will be featured Saturday, May 31, in the first of four prime time events on the CBS Television Network in 2008.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Kimbo (2-0) of Perrine, Fla., and Carano (5-0) of Las Vegas will face fighters to be announced while the exciting Lawler (15-4) of St. Louis will defend his EliteXC middleweight title against hard-hitting Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith (15-4) of Sacramento, Calif., in a slugfest that figures to be non-stop, toe-to-toe action.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">The official lineup for the historic MMA card, the first on network television, will formally be announced in the next few days. The highly anticipated event will emanate from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“We’re extremely happy to get these deals done with Kimbo, Gina and Robbie,’’ Shaw said. “Fighters know EliteXC is the place to be and the organization to fight for, which is why we’ve always been able to sign or re-sign almost each and every one of our fighters.</font></font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">“You don’t see our guys leaving. With us, it’s family and all about the fighters. Every fighter who has fought on an EliteXC card has come away being ambassadors for EliteXC. </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <span></span><font> </font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">“Kimbo has already become an MMA star due to his incredible popularity on YouTube. His backyard street fights are legendary. No question Kimbo has made a successful transition from Street to Elite and is on his way to becoming a superstar and world champion.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">“Gina became an instant star after her first fight for EliteXC and has gone on to gain even more national prominence. She truly is the face of women’s MMA, an inspiration to many up-and-coming athletes and is a perfect illustration as to why women do indeed have a place in this sport and with EliteXC.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <span><font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font></span> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">“Robbie’s nicknamed ‘Ruthless’ – what more you need to know? He’s tough, hard-nosed and always been highly regarded. EliteXC is extremely proud to have Robbie as its world middleweight champion. Robbie has shown time and again that he’s one of the most thrilling fighters in any weight class in MMA.</font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></font> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; text-align: justify"> <font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“For sheer action and power, it doesn’t get better than ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler versus Scott ‘Hands Of Steel’ Smith.’’</font></font></font> </p> <p> </p> <p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> <p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106964/Press_Release:_EliteXC_announces_the_re-signing_of_Kimbo_Slice,_Robbie_Lawler,_and_Gina_Carano Report: Krzysztof Soszynski being considered for TUF 8 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106900/Report:_Krzysztof_Soszynski_being_considered_for_TUF_8 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:03:31 CDT <p><p> Casting arrangements for the eighth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" are currently underway. An open casting call was held in Boston last Thursday with several hundred hopefuls showing up to try out for the show. Light heavyweights and lightweights were both called to appear in front of Spike TV and <strong>UFC</strong> executives. </p> <p> While some of the fighters that showed up for the open tryouts will be cast, most of the show's participants usually come from video tape auditions. </p> <p> While former <strong>IFL</strong> heavyweight <strong>Krzysztof Soszynski </strong>did not attend the tryouts, he received a call from the <strong>UFC</strong> to fly to Vegas, <a href="http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/04/13/5270966-sun.html">according to the Winnipeg Sun</a>. </p> <p> Soszynski received the call this past Friday just hours before he fought <strong>Marcus Hicks</strong> at <strong>Cage Wars 11</strong>. Despite some jitters upon hearing the news, Soszynski was able to bear down and dispose of Hicks at just 3:10 of round 1. </p> <p> "It was huge," Soszynski is quoted as saying in the Sun in regards to his first match in his hometown in nearly three years. "Maybe it wasn't the slugfest they wanted. I had to play it a little safe, but I got the job done, which is the most important factor." </p> <p> It might be too early to speculate, but I couldn't imagine Soszynski not getting picked for the show. A former pro wrestler, Soszynski entered the IFL with little MMA experience and was very green during his initial fights. However, during the latter half of 2007, Soszynski really showed signs of turning the corner. He has a look and the verbal skills needed to be a star in MMA if he gets the right exposure. </p> <p> Incidentally, fellow former IFL fighters <strong>Dante Rivera</strong>, <strong>Mike Dolce</strong>, and <strong>Gerald Harris</strong> are all involved in the final cast of 16 for the current seventh season of "The Ultimate Fighter." </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106900/Report:_Krzysztof_Soszynski_being_considered_for_TUF_8 IFL's Tim Kennedy on TV tonight http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106899/IFLs_Tim_Kennedy_on_TV_tonight Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:50:48 CDT <p><p> I justed wanted to pass along this FYI; <strong>IFL </strong>middleweight <strong>Tim Kennedy </strong>will appear on tonight's (10 p.m. ET/PT) premiere episode of "T.O.P. Army Fighter" on the Military Channel. <br /> <br /> For more info on the show, go to: <a href="http://military.discovery.com/tv/top-army-fighter/top-army-fighter.html">http://military.discovery.com/tv/top-army-fighter/top-army-fighter.html</a>. </p> <p> Kennedy fought for <strong>HDNet Fights</strong> on Dec. 15, losing a long-awaited rematch to <strong>Jason "Mayhem" Miller</strong> via unanimous decision. He fought two weeks later during the <strong>IFL's</strong> Wolrd Grand Prix finals on Dec. 29 and won. </p> <p> Kennedy had been scheduled to fight <strong>Matt Horwich</strong> for the IFL middleweight title in February but was forced to withdraw due to military commitments. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106899/IFLs_Tim_Kennedy_on_TV_tonight Analyzing MMA's free agency landscape http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106897/Analyzing_MMAs_free_agency_landscape Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:45:39 CDT <p>My<a href="http://cbs.sportsline.com/mmaboxing/story/10773429" target="_blank"> latest article for CBSSports.com</a>, entitled, "MMA Musical Chairs," is now available for viewing. <p> With so much upheaval within the MMA scene, I decided to give my thoughts on whom I perceive to be the biggest free agents (or soon-to-be free agents) in the sport. </p> <p> To find out who is on the list and where I think they will end up, just <a href="http://cbs.sportsline.com/mmaboxing/story/10773429" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> <p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106897/Analyzing_MMAs_free_agency_landscape McCarthy says he's going to choke out Bisping http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106892/McCarthy_says_hes_going_to_choke_out_Bisping Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:42:38 CDT <p><p> <strong>"Chainsaw" Charles McCarthy</strong>, a.k.a Capt. Miserable, recently conducted an <a href="http://cbs.sportsline.com/mmaboxing/story/10779259/rss">interview with CBSSports.com's Denny Burkholder</a>. </p> <p> During the course of the interview, McCarthy makes the bold proclamation that he's going to "choke out" Michael Bisping during <strong>UFC 83</strong> this Saturday in Montreal. </p> <p> <font face="Arial, Helvetica" size="2"> "He's a decent kickboxer," McCarthy said to Burkholder. "(He's) real arrogant, and, you know -- not much else, really. He's gonna get choked out April 19."</font> </p> <p> Bisping is indeed a good kickboxer, but I think McCarthy might be selling his jiu-jitsu back game a little short. </p> <p> <a href="http://cbs.sportsline.com/mmaboxing/story/10779259/rss">Click here</a> to read the article in its entirety. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106892/McCarthy_says_hes_going_to_choke_out_Bisping Updated tentative card for UFC 85 on June 7 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106767/Updated_tentative_card_for_UFC_85_on_June_7 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:16:03 CDT <p><p> Here is the updated tentative card for <strong>UFC 85</strong> on June 7 in London, England at the O2 Arena: </p> <p> Main Card - </p> <ul> <li><strong>Chuck Liddell </strong>vs. <strong>Rashad Evans</strong></li> <li><strong>Brandon Vera</strong> vs. <strong>Fabricio Werdum</strong></li> <li><strong>Marcus Davis</strong> vs. <strong>Mike Swick</strong></li> <li><strong>Thales Leites</strong> vs. <strong>Nathan Marquardt</strong></li> <li><strong>Martin Kampmann</strong> vs. <strong>Jorge Rivera</strong></li> </ul> <p> Preliminary Card - </p> <ul> <li><strong>Roan Carneiro</strong> vs. <strong>Ryo Chonan</strong></li> <li><strong>Thiago Tavares</strong> vs. <strong>Matt Wiman</strong></li> <li><strong>Jason Lambert </strong>vs. <strong>Luis Cane</strong></li> <li><strong>Antoni Hardonk</strong> vs. <strong>Neil Wain</strong></li> <li><strong>Jess Liaudin</strong> vs. <strong>Paul Taylor </strong><br /> </li> </ul> UFC 85 is expected to air on pay-per-view in the United States.<p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106767/Updated_tentative_card_for_UFC_85_on_June_7 Updated tentative card for WEC on June 1 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106766/Updated_tentative_card_for_WEC_on_June_1 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:09:01 CDT <p><p> The current tentative lineup for the <strong>WEC's</strong> next show on June 1 in Sacramento, Calif. is as follows: </p> <ul> <li><strong>Urijah Faber</strong> vs. <strong>Jens Pulver</strong> for the WEC featherweight title</li> <li><strong>Miguel Torres</strong> vs. <strong>Manny Tapia </strong>for the WEC bantamweight title</li> <li><strong>Jeff Curran</strong> vs. <strong>Mike Brown</strong></li> <li><strong>Donald Cerrone</strong> vs. <strong>Rich Crunkilton</strong></li> <li><strong>Mark Munoz</strong> vs. TBA </li> </ul><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106766/Updated_tentative_card_for_WEC_on_June_1 YAMMA Pit Fighting planning second show in June http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106765/YAMMA_Pit_Fighting_planning_second_show_in_June Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:02:45 CDT <p><p> During Friday's pay-per-view broadcast of the inaugural show for <strong>YAMMA Pit Fighting</strong>, it was revealed that the upstart promotion plans to promote its second-ever show this coming June. </p> <p> A location has not been named but according to company president Bob Meyrowitz during an interview with Sherdog.com's Greg Savage, the show will feature a "Master's Superfight," a female MMA bout, as well as a single-night eight-man tournament to determine the promotion's first-ever middleweight champion. </p> <p> Friday's show saw <strong>UFC</strong> and <strong>PRIDE</strong> veteran <strong>Travis Wiuff </strong>win three matches en route to becoming YAMMA Pit Fighting's first-ever heavyweight champion. UFC 6 winner <strong>Oleg Taktarov</strong> was also victorious in a "Master's Superfight" by recording a first-round submission over <strong>Mark Kerr</strong>. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106765/YAMMA_Pit_Fighting_planning_second_show_in_June UFC releases Jake O'Brien http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106763/UFC_releases_Jake_OBrien Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:57:09 CDT <p><p> The UFC has released heavyweight competitor <strong>Jake O'Brien</strong>, <a href="http://mmajunkie.com/news/4129/jake-obrien-dropped-from-ufc-signs-with-pfc.mma">according to a report by MMAjunkie.com</a>. </p> <p> O'Brien returned to the Octagon at <strong>UFC 82</strong> this past March after a year long layoff due to a neck injury. Upon his return, O'Brien lost via second round TKO to former<strong> UFC </strong>heavyweight champion <strong>Andrei Arlovski</strong>. </p> <p> Junkie's report indicates that O'Brien could be on the verge of finalizing a contract with the California-based <strong>Palace Fighting Championships</strong>. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106763/UFC_releases_Jake_OBrien New article discusses pro sports fatalities http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106652/New_article_discusses_pro_sports_fatalities Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:08:33 CDT <p><p> In the wake of the ruling on the death of Texas-based mixed martial artist <a href="http://www.punchdrunkgamer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=75" target="_blank">Sammy Vasquez's death, PunchDrunkGamer.com writer Justin Bolduc</a> wrote a very interesting article detailing fatalities in professional sports. </p> <p> I found the following passage extremely illuminating: </p> <blockquote> <font color="#c0c0c0"><em><font face="verdana,geneva"><font color="#000000">*Between 1931 and 2006 the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research listed 1,002 deaths in organized American football (professional, college, high school, etc) as a direct result of the sport, while 674 fatalities occurred indirectly. The deaths directly attributable to organized American football average 13.36 per year for the 75 year span covered. However it is notable that the trend has fallen, with only one direct death accounted for in all of 2006. Injuries in football are common and include concussions, fractured bones, ligament and tendon damage, and in extreme circumstances paralysis.</font></font></em></font> </blockquote> <p> <font color="#c0c0c0"><em><font face="verdana,geneva"> </font></em></font> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.punchdrunkgamer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=75" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the article in its entirety. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106652/New_article_discusses_pro_sports_fatalities Hermes Franca wants a match with B.J. Penn http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106651/Hermes_Franca_wants_a_match_with_BJ_Penn Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:01:49 CDT <p><p> In a <a href="http://www.punchdrunkgamer.com/index.php?view=article&catid=30:interviews&id=165:hermes-franca&option=com_content&Itemid=72">new interview with PunchDrunkGamer.com</a>, free agent fighter <strong>Hermes Franca</strong> not only expressed an interest in a rematch with former <strong>UFC</strong> lightweight champion <strong>Sean Sherk</strong>, but also a fight against the current <strong>UFC</strong> lightweight champion, <strong>B.J. Penn</strong>: </p> <blockquote> <p> <font face="verdana,geneva" color="#000000"><strong>PDG:</strong> Your fight with Sean was a close decision; would you like a rematch?<br /> </font> </p> <p> <font face="verdana,geneva" color="#000000"><strong>Hermes:</strong> I don't want to challenge anyone but of course I would fight him again. In my opinion, that fight should have been ruled a no contest. So like I said, I'm not challenging anyone but I would definitely welcome a rematch.</font> </p> <p> <font face="verdana,geneva" color="#000000"><strong>PDG:</strong> Okay, so not challenging anyone.......who out there would you like to fight because you think that it would be a great fight for the fans?<br /> </font> </p> <p> <font face="verdana,geneva" color="#000000"><strong>Hermes:</strong> When I come back, I want to fight the best and right now <em>BJ Penn</em> is the best. We are great friends and good partners but right now he is number one and he has the belt. So if I had a the chance to fight him, I would take the fight. No offense to BJ, like I said he is a really good friend but he has the belt.</font> </p> </blockquote> <p> <a href="http://www.punchdrunkgamer.com/index.php?view=article&catid=30:interviews&id=165:hermes-franca&option=com_content&Itemid=72">Click here</a> to read the interview in its entirety. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106651/Hermes_Franca_wants_a_match_with_BJ_Penn Report: Griffin vs. Aurelio at UFC 86 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106649/Report:_Griffin_vs_Aurelio_at_UFC_86 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:52:15 CDT <p><p> A lightweight match between <strong>Tyson Griffin</strong> and <strong>Marcus Aurelio</strong> has been scheduled for <strong>UFC 86</strong>, according to <a href="http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6059&zoneid=13">MMAWeekly.com</a>. </p> <p> <strong>UFC 86</strong> will take place on July 5 in Las Vegas and will be headlined by a <strong>UFC </strong>light heavyweight title defense by <strong>Quinton "Rampage" Jackson</strong> against challenger <strong>Forrest Griffin</strong>. </p> <p> The rumored card for UFC 86 is as follows: </p> <ul> <li><strong>Quinton "Rampage" Jackson </strong>vs. <strong>Forrest Griffin</strong> for the UFC light heavyweight title</li> <li><strong>Frank Mir</strong> vs. <strong>Justin McCully</strong></li> <li><strong>Josh Koscheck </strong>vs. <strong>Chris Lytle</strong></li> <li><strong>Joe Stevenson</strong> vs. <strong>Gleison Tibau</strong></li> <li><strong>Tyson Griffin</strong> vs. <strong>Marcus Aurelio</strong></li> <li><strong>Melvin Guillard</strong> vs. <strong>Dennis Siver</strong></li> <li><strong>Jared Rollins</strong> vs. <strong>Ben Saunders</strong></li> <li><strong>Justin Buchholz</strong> vs. <strong>Corey Hill</strong> </li> </ul> <p> </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106649/Report:_Griffin_vs_Aurelio_at_UFC_86 YAMMA Pit Fighting: Quick Results from 4/11 debut http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106648/YAMMA_Pit_Fighting:_Quick_Results_from_411_debut Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:55:23 CDT <p><p> Heavyweight Quarterfinals: </p> <p> <strong>Alexey Oleinik</strong> def. <strong>Sherman Pendergarst</strong>, sub (choke), Rd1 (4:18)<br /> <strong>Chris Tuscherer</strong> def. <strong>Tony Sylvester</strong>, decision<br /> <strong>Travis Wiuff </strong>def. <strong>Marcelo Pereira</strong>, decision<br /> <strong>Ricco Rodriguez</strong> def. <strong>George Bush III</strong>, decision </p> <p> "Master's Fight": </p> <p> <strong>Oleg Taktarov</strong> def. <strong>Mark Kerr</strong>, sub (kneebar), Rd1 (1:50) </p> <p> Heavyweight Semifinals: </p> <p> <strong>Chris Tuscherer </strong>def. <strong>Alexey Oleinik</strong>, decision<br /> <strong> Travis Wiuff</strong> def. <strong>Ricco Rodriguez</strong>, decision </p> <p> "Master's Fight": </p> <p> <strong>Pat Smith</strong> def. <strong>Butterbean</strong>, sub (strikes), Rd1 (3:17) </p> <p> Heavyweight Final (YAMMA Heavyweight Title): </p> <p> <strong>Travis Wiuff</strong> def. <strong>Chris Tuscherer</strong>, decision </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106648/YAMMA_Pit_Fighting:_Quick_Results_from_411_debut Frank Edgar staying at lightweight http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106540/Frank_Edgar_staying_at_lightweight Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:52:26 CDT <p><p> <strong>UFC</strong> lightweight <strong>Frank Edgar</strong> has no immediate plans to drop to 145 lbs. following an upset loss to <strong>Gray Maynard</strong> at <strong>UFC Fight 13</strong> earlier this month. </p> <p> During the loss, the first of Edgar's career, it was abundantly clear that the New Jersey-native was giving up a lot of weight to Maynard. </p> <p> However, during a brand <a href="http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/04/11/frankie-edgar-getting-married-staying-at-155-lbs-putting-on-weight/#more-2750">new interview with Adam Morgan of FiveOuncesOfPain.com</a>, Edgar made it clear that he's not thinking about dropping: </p> <blockquote> <p> <strong>Adam Morgan:</strong> There have been some people talking about 145 lbs. being a more natural weight for you after this fight and feel that you might be better off served in the featherweight division in Zuffa’s other company, World Extreme Cagefighting. Do you have anything to say in response? </p> <p> <strong>Frankie Edgar:</strong> I ain’t going anywhere, I guess that’s my response. I’m staying at 155 lbs. </p> <p> <strong>Adam Morgan:</strong> Okay, so it’s still your plan to remain at lightweight and still try to contend for a title there? </p> <p> <strong>Frankie Edgar:</strong> Absolutely, absolutely. </p> <p> <strong>Adam Morgan:</strong> Would you be open to dropping to 145 lbs. if Zuffa asked you to? </p> <p> <strong>Frankie Edgar:</strong> I don’t know, it’s something I’d have to really think about. It’s an option, I definitely can make the weight, but I’d rather try to put some weight on and stay where I’m at. I like fighting in the UFC, you know? </p> </blockquote> <p> <a href="http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/04/11/frankie-edgar-getting-married-staying-at-155-lbs-putting-on-weight/#more-2750">Click here</a> to read the remainder of this interview. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106540/Frank_Edgar_staying_at_lightweight Support local MMA in Delaware http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106537/Support_local_MMA_in_Delaware Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:39:55 CDT <p><p> <strong>Ed Hsu's</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.combatinthecage.com/events/11th-strike/fight-card.php" target="_blank">Combat in the Cage</a></strong> will be returning to Newark, Delaware on Saturday, April 12 (tomorrow). The card has been finalized and is as follows: </p> <p> <strong><u>Bout 1: Bantamweight-3x3</u></strong><br /> <strong> Kyle Jacoby</strong> (XFC-blue corner) vs. <strong>Kenny Kirk </strong>(Primal Fighting-red corner) </p> <p> <u><strong> Bout 2: Middleweight-3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Chet Hardaway </strong>(Team Hitman-blue) vs. <strong>James Harris</strong> (Crosswinds Kai-red) </p> <p> <u><strong> Bout 3: Lightweight-3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Chris Finely</strong> (Simrell MMA-blue) vs.<strong> Scott Petty</strong> (6ft Deep Fight Team-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 4: Welterweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> William Bookwalter</strong> (Ephrata MA-blue) vs. <strong>George Hibbs</strong> (Daddis FC-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 5: 175 lbs. -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Anthony Chicone</strong> (Fight me fight team-blue) vs. <strong>Logan Wheeler</strong> (Primal Fighting-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 6: Welterweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Ryan Hodge</strong> (Loprestis MMA-blue) vs. <strong>Ryan Cassidy</strong> (Maxercise-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 7: Heavyweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Paul Woodard</strong> (Backyard Ground Technitionz-blue) vs. <strong>John Derezze</strong> (Brazen Fight Team-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 8: 190 lbs. -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Tim Williams</strong> (Millville BJJ-blue) vs. <strong>Robert Peach</strong> (Daddis FC-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 9: Bantamweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Adam Bisignani </strong>(Simrell MMA-blue) vs. <strong>Pat Sabatini </strong>(Warriors MA-red)<br /> <u><strong><br /> Bout 10: Featherweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> John Schollser </strong>(Loprestis MMA-blue) vs. <strong>Vincent Velluci</strong> (Daddis FC-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 11: Featherweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Tom Desmond</strong> (Eternal MA-blue) vs. <strong>Phil Ferrero</strong> (Maxercise-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 12: Lightweight -3x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Jerome McLane</strong> (Simrell MMA-blue) vs. <strong>Will Martinez </strong>(Fight Factory-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 13: Combat in the Cage Featherweight Championship -4x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Ryan Mackin</strong> (Ground Control-blue) vs. <strong>Brad Pole</strong> (Primal Fighting-red)<br /> <br /> <u><strong> Bout 14: Combat in the Cage Middleweight Championship -4x3</strong></u><br /> <strong> Erik Williams</strong> (Training Ctr.-blue) vs. <strong>Jesus Martinez</strong> (Fight Factory-red) </p> <p> For more information on how to attend the show, <a href="http://www.combatinthecage.com/events/11th-strike/fight-card.php" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> <p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106537/Support_local_MMA_in_Delaware Instant classic Phil Baroni interview http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106533/Instant_classic_Phil_Baroni_interview Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:24:03 CDT <p><p> Our good friend from <a href="http://mmarated.com/articles/article/news/20080410/_i_will_eat_ninja_sushi_for_dinner_-10456.html">MMARated.com</a>, Ariel Helwani, conducted a <a href="http://mmarated.com/articles/article/news/20080410/_i_will_eat_ninja_sushi_for_dinner_-10456.html">very entertaining interview with <strong>Phil Baroni</strong></a> that I recommend you check out. </p> <p> Baroni always gives a great interview, but he operating at a higher level while speaking with Ariel. For example, this three question exchange where at one point he asks Ariel if he's retarded: </p> <blockquote> <p> <span class="body_text"> <p> <strong>Ariel Helwani:</strong> Were you happy with your performance against Hose? </p> </span><strong>Phil Baroni:</strong> What the fuck do you think? Was I happy with my performance against Hose? What are you retarded?<br /> <span class="body_text"> <p> <strong>Ariel Helwani:</strong> There has been talk of a rematch in the works...does that interest you? </p> </span><strong>Phil Baroni:</strong> Fuck yeah it does. I'll fight anybody anytime, especially that guy. No hard feelings, Kala (Hose) is a nice kid. But I owe him an ass-kicking. And that Icon belt ain't too shabby. Fuck, I love Hawaii...sign me up.<span class="body_text"> <p> <strong>Ariel Helwani:</strong> You're next fight is against Murilo Ninja Rua on CBS. Did you ever think, when you started out in this sport, that you would get a chance to fight on a network like CBS? </p> </span><strong>Phil Baroni:</strong> No, nobody did. Not the fighters anyway. Back then you weren't fighting to become rich or famous. You did it because you loved it. You wanted to compete (and) prove yourself. </p> </blockquote> <p> <a href="http://mmarated.com/articles/article/news/20080410/_i_will_eat_ninja_sushi_for_dinner_-10456.html">Click here</a> to read the interview in its entirety. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106533/Instant_classic_Phil_Baroni_interview Terry Martin to make pro boxing debut tonight http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106531/Terry_Martin_to_make_pro_boxing_debut_tonight Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:16:14 CDT <p><p> <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/boxing/886876,martin041008.article">According to the <em>Chicago Sun-Times</em></a>, former <strong>UFC</strong> middleweight fighter <strong>Terry Martin</strong> will make his professional boxing debut tonight. </p> <p> Martin was let go from his UFC contract after losing two consecutive fights but hopes to return at some point in the future. In the interim, he'll spend some of his time pursuing a career in boxing. </p> <p> Martin will compete as a 190-pound cruiserweight against <strong>Ricardo Upchurch</strong> at the Odeum Sports and Expo Center in Villa Park in a scheduled four-round fight. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106531/Terry_Martin_to_make_pro_boxing_debut_tonight Sam Vasquez's cause of death revealed http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106232/Sam_Vasquezs_cause_of_death_revealed Wed, 9 Apr 2008 10:33:21 CDT <p><p> Houston-based MMA fighter <strong>Sam Vasquez</strong> died from a severe brain injury, the Harris County Medical Examiner's office has ruled.<br /> </p> <p> The report comes from <a href="http://blogs.chron.com/fighting/2008/04/cause_of_death_determined_in_c_1.html">Steve Sievert's Brawl Sports Blog at the <em>Houston Chronicle </em>website</a>. </p> <p> Sievert indicates that the official ruling was that Vasquez's death occurred due to "complications from blunt trauma to the head with subdural hemorrhage. </p> <p> A subdural hemorrhage is described as blood vessels in the brain region rupturing with a buildup of blood building up between the brain and its outer lining. From the buildup of blood, a great deal of pressure then begins to occur. </p> <p> Vasquez was pronounced dead on November 30 of last year after suffering a third round knockout against <strong>Vince Libardi</strong> during a <strong>Renegades Extreme Fighting</strong> bout that took place in Houston on October 20. He was only 35. </p> <p> Vasquez was the first mixed martial artist to die as a result of injuries sustained in a sanctioned fight.<em> </em> </p> <p> </p> <p> <em>-- </em> </p> <p> <em>Sam Caplan </em> </p> <p> <em>Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </em> </p> <p> <em><a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </em> </p> <p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106232/Sam_Vasquezs_cause_of_death_revealed Report: Rollins vs. Saunders likely for UFC 86 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106231/Report:_Rollins_vs_Saunders_likely_for_UFC_86 Wed, 9 Apr 2008 10:22:18 CDT <p><p> A lightweight clash between veterans from the sixth season of "The Ultimate Fighter," <strong>Ben Saunders</strong> and <strong>Jared Rollins</strong>, is in the process of being finalized for the undercard of <strong>UFC 86</strong> on July 5 in Las Vegas. </p> <p> The news was first reported by our friends at <a href="http://mmajunkie.com/news/4105/ben-saunders-vs-jared-rollins-at-ufc-86.mma"><strong>MMA Junkie</strong></a>. </p> <p> Saunders is coming off a unanimous decision victory over <strong>Dan Barrera</strong> at the <strong>TUF 6 Finale</strong> where the two met in a rematch of their controversial fight on the show. Rollins, on the other hand, is coming off of a TKO loss to <strong>Jon Koppenhaver</strong> at the TUF 6 Finale. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106231/Report:_Rollins_vs_Saunders_likely_for_UFC_86 Crunkilton to face Cerrone at next WEC event http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106230/Crunkilton_to_face_Cerrone_at_next_WEC_event Wed, 9 Apr 2008 10:17:43 CDT <p><p> <strong>Rich "Cleat" Crunkilton</strong> is scheduled to return to the <strong>WEC's</strong> Octagon on June 1 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif. </p> <p> Crunkilton's opponent will be <strong>Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone</strong>, according to a recent profile article on Cerrone at the <a href="http://www.wec.tv/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=11229">WEC's official website</a>. </p> <p> A veteran of six WEC fights, Crunkilton last fought on March 26 in Las Vegas, where he recorded a unanimous decision victory over <strong>Sergio Gomez</strong>. </p> <p> Cerrone, considered to be a top lightweight prospect, is a perfect 7-0 in his young mixed martial arts career. He has not fought since last September after being suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following a positive test for a banned substance. </p> <p> The WEC show in June, which will be televised on VERSUS, is scheduled to be headlined by a featherweight title defense by <strong>Urijah Faber</strong> against former <strong>UFC</strong> lightweight champion <strong>Jens Pulver</strong>. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106230/Crunkilton_to_face_Cerrone_at_next_WEC_event Nate Diaz says Tyson Griffin doesn't want to fight him http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106001/Nate_Diaz_says_Tyson_Griffin_doesnt_want_to_fight_him Mon, 7 Apr 2008 18:12:30 CDT <p><p> Following <strong>Nate Diaz's</strong> win over <strong>Kurt Pellegrino </strong>at last Wednesday's <strong>UFC Fight Night 13</strong>, the season five winner of "The Ultimate Fighter" issued a challenge of sorts to former training partner <strong>Tyson Griffin</strong>. </p> <p> The comments were made while speaking with <a href="http://www.graciefighter.com/?page=news&PHPSESSID=b3dbaa49c4d7db95a1e56f03d5113c78">GracieFighter.com</a>, a website owned and operated by Diaz's trainer, <strong>Cesar Gracie</strong>. </p> <p> "That guy (Griffin) doesn't want to fight me because he thinks he's somewhere higher up than me?," Diaz is quoted as saying. "I just beat a guy that's better than him. When was the last time he finished a fight anyways against any 155 pounder that was half decent on the ground? Oh yeah, never." </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/106001/Nate_Diaz_says_Tyson_Griffin_doesnt_want_to_fight_him Terry Etim vs. Rob Emerson set for UFC 84 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105971/Terry_Etim_vs_Rob_Emerson_set_for_UFC_84 Mon, 7 Apr 2008 15:10:38 CDT <p><p> <a href="http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=eventDetail.fightCard&eid=1105">According to the events page on UFC.com</a>, a lightweight match between <strong>Terry Etim</strong> and <strong>Rob Emerson</strong> has been added to the undercard of <strong>UFC 84</strong>. </p> <p> UFC 84 is scheduled to be headlined by <strong>B.J. Penn</strong> defending the <strong>UFC</strong> lightweight title vs. <strong>Sean Sherk</strong>. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105971/Terry_Etim_vs_Rob_Emerson_set_for_UFC_84 Kendall Grove vs. Evan Tanner in June? http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105970/Kendall_Grove_vs_Evan_Tanner_in_June Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:38:46 CDT <p><p> <a href="http://kendallgrovemma.com/index.php">According to the official website for UFC middleweight fighter <strong>Kendall Grove</strong></a>, Grove's next bout is set to take place during the live finale for season seven on "The Ultimate Fighter" on June 21. </p> <p> Grove's opponent? None other than <strong>Evan Tanner</strong>. </p> <p> The UFC and Tanner have yet to comment on this report. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105970/Kendall_Grove_vs_Evan_Tanner_in_June ShoXC Preview featuring Hamman vs. Suganuma http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105703/ShoXC_Preview_featuring_Hamman_vs_Suganuma Sat, 5 Apr 2008 14:08:22 CDT <p>Tonight's <strong>ShoXC</strong> is the third live MMA show to air on cable this week in four days. That's a lot of MMA in just one week but this is a good enough card to warrant your attention. I wasn't overly impressed with lineup for the March 21 ShoXC card but on paper, tonight's show has a lot more to offer.<br /> <br /> Here's a quick preview of what you can look forward to.<br /> <strong><br /> * Po'ai Suganuma (8-1) vs. Jared Hamman (10-0)</strong><br /> <br /> This fight will feature two light heavyweight prospects with good records trying to move up the ladder. Both are capable of competing on <strong>EliteXC</strong> shows but in order to make the move, they need to win here.<br /> <br /> Suganuma, who trains with <strong>B.J. Penn</strong>, has just one loss on his record while Hamman is undefeated. Hamman, a former college football player, is an outstanding athlete and was impressive during his ShoXC debut this past October when he submitted a then-undefeated <strong>Aaron Rosa</strong> in round 2.<br /> <br /> Suganuma can wrestle, but I really hope the fight stays standing because both these guys are good on their feet and we could see a really nice main event if these two guys decide to duke it out. I think that this fight will definitely deliver with the standup.<br /> <br /> With eight of his 10 wins coming via (T)KO, I don't think Hamman's first choice will be to take this fight on the floor even though Suganuma's back game is a bit of question mark. Meanwhile, Suganuma has been training Judo since a young age and has shown some good clinch work in some of his previous fights. While his striking isn't overly technical, he's got plenty of power.<br /> <br /> I see this fight ending with a TKO but I'm not not sure who will walk away the winner.<br /> <br /> <strong>* Bao Quach (12-8-1) vs. Doug Evans (6-2)</strong><br /> <br /> Evans was originally slated to fight <strong>Wilson Reis</strong> but Reis was pulled from the card this week for reasons not yet made public.<br /> <br /> While in the UFC, Evans competed at 155 lbs. The fight vs. Reis was supposed to be at 140 lbs. so he was prepared to drop 15 pounds. That's a lot and at that weight, he's a very intriguing fighter having made a good showing early on during his <strong>UFC</strong> debut against <strong>Roger Huerta</strong>.<br /> <br /> The Alaskan is a well-rounded fighter with solid striking, decent submissions, and good wrestling having been an all-state wrestler in Alaska. However, Evans is not a dynamic fighter and really doesn't stand out in any single category.<br /> <br /> Reis' absence from the card is disappointing but Quach is a very strong late replacement. He came into MMA with good submissions but didn't have much in the way of standup. Since working with <strong>Colin Oyama</strong> he has really changed that and is in the midst of a six fight winning streak. He looked very good in his ShoXC debut this past January, earning a unanimous decision victory over <strong>Bobby McMaster</strong>, but Evans is going to be a much tougher test for him.<br /> <br /> This could be a really good fight but I expect Evans to snap Quach's winning streak.<br /> <br /> <strong>* Matt Lucas (9-0) vs. Giva Santana (10-0)</strong><br /> <br /> Both these middleweights are undefeated as we'll have 9-0 (Lucas) taking on 10-0 (Santana). <br /> <br /> With a strong 185 lbs. division that features <strong>Robbie Lawler</strong>, <strong>Scott Smith</strong>, <strong>Phil Baroni</strong>, <strong>Murilo "Ninja" Rua</strong>, <strong>Joey Villasenor</strong>, <strong>Kyle Noke</strong>, <strong>Riki Fukuda</strong>, and <strong>Seth Kleinbeck,</strong> the winner of this fight could see themselves moving on to fight on an EliteXC show sooner rather than later.<br /> <br /> Lucas is an interesting story because he was a mainstream businessman up until recently. His company downsized in January and he accepted a severance offer in order to start his own business and focus more on MMA. His new business is not yet fully established so he wants to win this fight so he can better support his family.<br /> <br /> Santana is a respected name in the grappling community having won the Mundials twice. While he's undefeated in MMA, he might be best known for his work as the grappling coach with Team Oyama.<br /> <br /> Lucas is well-rounded and is a good wrestler, however, if the fight goes to the ground then I think Santana could be a threat to finish. If the fight stays standing, I think Lucas could win some points with the judges.<br /> <br /> This fight is tough to predict but I consider Santana the favorite going in.<br /> <strong><br /> * Fabricio Camoes (9-4) vs. Joe Camacho (13-11-3)</strong><br /> <br /> Camoes is managed by Ed Soares, who also represents great Brazilian fighters such as <strong>Anderson Silva</strong> and <strong>Rafael Fiejao</strong>. Camoes has made a name for himself primarily competing on MMA shows in Brazil and the result of tonight's fight will go a long way towards whether he'll get more opportunities in the U.S.<br /> <br /> His ground game is world class and if the fight goes to the ground, expect an early finish. I have not seen enough of Camoes' standup to make a strong evaluation, so if the fight stays on the feet, we will likely have some questions answered. But if his standup is solid, then he has a chance to make it big on the U.S. MMA scene because few people will be able to hang with him on the mat.<br /> <br /> Camacho is a very experienced fighter but would seem to fall into the journeyman category. He does a lot of things well, but outside of his ground and pound, it remains to be seen if he does anything great. While his record is not impressive, it's important to note that he's won his last six fights. He has shown to be a knockout threat in the past so if he keeps the fight on the feet, Camoes could be in for some trouble.<br /> <br /> I could be wrong, but I think the obvious gameplan for Camacho is to keep this fight standing. While he can finish a fight with his ground and pound, testing Camoes' back game might not be a good idea.<br /> <br /> If the fight stays standing then I think Camacho could earn the decision or a knockout. But if it does to the ground, I think a submission victory by Camoes is a distinct possibility.<br /> <br /> <strong>* Shayna Baszler (10-4) vs. Keiko Tamai (16-14)</strong><br /> <br /> I have spoken with multiple sources that have told me this is the last fight on Baszler's EliteXC contract. Hopefully she'll re-sign because I think it would be ashame if she didn't get a shot to fight against <strong>Gina Carano</strong>. That opportunity had been talked about publicly by EliteXC officials but for unknown reasons, the fight never happened.<br /> <br /> ShoXC is billed as a proving ground for fighters that aren't established, but both Tamai and Baszler are top female fighters so this fight could have a different element to it in comparison to your usual ShoXC bout.<br /> <br /> Female fights have a tendency to steal a show and I think that could be the case again tonight. Baszler is very well-rounded and has the ability to finish fights on the floor. If there's one knock against Baszler, it's that she's not always aggressive (although that was clearly not the case against Jen Tate). Tamai, who can be quite the showwoman (yes, it doesn't sound right but showman wouldn't be correct), is a very aggressive fighter so I think the two will compliment each other nicely.<br /> <br /> I won't predict a winner but I will predict this bout as earning fight of the night honors. <p> </p> <p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> <p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105703/ShoXC_Preview_featuring_Hamman_vs_Suganuma Fight Critic: Reviewing UFC Fight Night 13 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105395/Fight_Critic:_Reviewing_UFC_Fight_Night_13 Thu, 3 Apr 2008 18:44:05 CDT <p>It was a crazy night of fights last night on Spike TV and I think we all saw some things during <strong>UFC Fight Night 13 </strong>that we've never seen before and may never see again. If I was a betting man, I bet the house that we'll never seen a Superman punch thrown immediately at the start of a fight that actually lands.<br /> <br /> The outcomes were very surprising and I have to state for the record that my record on picks last night was god awful. It's so bad that for my fight previews I am thinking about taking a hiatus from making actual picks. MMA is just too subjective and if you're someone who can consistently make money betting on MMA, my hat is off to you. But at this stage, unless I am in Vegas, I think I'd bet on hockey before I'd bet on MMA. <br /> <br /> I am giving the show a definitive thumbs up, as I really enjoyed all of the fights, however, the pacing of the show was once again tough to take. I guess it's not a bad thing if you can find ways to keep yourself busy. I actually try to use the downtime during UFNs and TUF finales to catch up on phone calls. I just wish that some more innovative ways to incorporate less-intrusive advertising and sponsorships were introduced to the telecasts but I'm not holding my breath. My feeling is that the viewership would increase if the show moved quicker. But what do I know?<br /> <br /> One thing that has to change is they need to stop killing Joe Rogan! Using him as a glorified entertainment correspondent and having him interview "celebrities" is not fair to him. It's just really surreal seeing Rogan give you very technical analysis about ground fighting one minute and the next see him doing a fluff interview with some unknown comic involved with a Vince Vaughn documentary.<br /> <br /> Spike has to do what it has to do to promote its shows but why not help Rogan out and have someone else conduct interviews that aren't directly related to MMA? It would be the same as if CBS asked Phil Simms to leave the broadcast booth during a game in order to interview Jennifer Love Hewitt in the crowd in order to promote the "Horse Whisperer." You know if they asked Simms to do that he'd be on the phone with his agent. Kudos to Rogan for rolling with the punches but I can't imagine the effort it takes to pretend to be interested in interviewing random people from Spike's galaxy of stars.<br /> <br /> And did anyone see the irony in Rogan interviewing two DEA agents? Priceless.<br /> <br /> Oh, and regarding the alleged "rape choke" comment by Rogan, who knows? Some people think he said "rake choke" and some think he said "straight choke." In the gym, I've always heard it referred to as a "bitch choke" but like I said, who knows? Unless we can be 100 percent certain as to what he exactly said, what's the point in talking about it?<br /> <br /> One other thing I wanted to add before getting to the fights is that Spike's HD telecast looked beautiful last night. I think one of the biggest mysteries in life is why Spike's UFC HD telecasts are amazing to look at while the pay-per-view HD telecasts look so flat. <br /> <br /> Onto the fights:<br /> <br /> <strong>James Irvin TKO Houston Alexander at 0:08 of round 1 -</strong> Wow, I did not see that one coming. That ending is going to make some sort of best of UFC DVD. I mean, we've seen a lot of fighters open a fight with a Superman punch, but who ever lands it? <br /> <br /> I feel bad for Houston. I know a lot of people are disappointed but I guess I have a PRIDE mentality when it comes to him because I'll support the guy no matter what. And for all those claiming that his spot in the UFC is in peril, I think you have no clue. After having lost Sylvia, Cro Cop, and Couture, the UFC needs as many recognizable stars as possible. With Arlovski and Ortiz possibly on the outs, a guy like Alexander becomes even more valuable.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/04/02/ufc-fight-night-13-thoughts-commentary/" target="_blank">I disagree with Adam Morgan's hunch</a> that we might not see Alexander on TV for awhile because win or lose, his fights are pure excitement. The UFC has a lot of fighters under contract right now but I don't believe for a second that Alexander is in trouble.<br /> <br /> <strong>Nate Diaz submits Kurt Pellegrino at 3:06 of round 2 -</strong> Once again I pick Diaz to lose and once again he proves me wrong. I won't be picking against him again but I still believe his striking is the one element of his game that could stand to improve.<br /> <br /> Like his brother Nick, Nate showed he can take a world class beating and come back to win. Towards the end of the first round I thought he was half-conscious and was fully expecting him to take a Ric Flair deadfall. <br /> <br /> Diaz's back game is awesome and to be able to catch a grappler the caliber of Pellegrino in a triangle is no joke. As far as his antics at the end as he locked in the triangle -- I thought that was fantastic. The only issue is that by deciding to give the double bird it makes it harder for the UFC to incorporate that into their highlight reel. The UFC airs a really cool highlight video set to the music of "The Who" during their live shows and that ending sequence would normally be perfect for it.<br /> <br /> I really don't know what's next for Diaz because there are so many good lightweights in the UFC right now and Diaz against any of the fighters I am thinking of right now would be a great machup.<br /> <br /> <strong>Matt Hamill TKOs Tim Boetsch at 1:25 of round 2 -</strong> There's no truth to the reports that a record number of people were admitted to hospitals around the country last night in order to have shredded knees and broken ankles looked after jumping off the Boetsch bandwagon. I got the pick wrong but not because I overestimated Boetsch, but because I underestimated Hamill.<br /> <br /> Boetsch is not a mirage and if you think he is, it means you've only seen two of his fights. I've seen him on the small shows as well as the big shows and I know he's legit. But it's time to give Hamill the props he deserves. He has improved a lot since TUF 3 and it is time to forget about how he was portrayed on that show. Maybe that's who he really is but maybe it's not. Whether Hamill is an affable guy in real life is irrelevant when it comes to his performance in the cage. But if he keeps showing the class he showed after last night's fight, his "Q" rating will continue to improve.<br /> <br /> Hamill's striking looks very clunky but at least he has a standup game. Before, he really had none to speak of. It's also obvious that the guy is freakishly strong. He also looks much leaner than he did on TUF, as he has a lot more definition in his physique. The reason why I am commenting on his physique is because it says to me that he's been spending a lot of time training in the gym. He's not going out there trying to get by on his athleticism alone.<br /> <br /> In my mind, Hamill has never lost in the UFC and I would really like to see him against a top six light heavyweight.<br /> <strong><br /> Gray Maynard defeats Frank Edgar via unanimous decision -</strong> I got the predicted outcome for this fight wrong but my pre-fight analysis was pretty much dead on as far as Maynard having a size and strength advantage vs. Edgar. One thing that really struck me was how much better Maynard's striking looked. Before he looked pretty awkward in his stance but last night he looked more natural and relaxed. Hey, working at Xtreme Couture is no joke. A win over Edgar is huge and Maynard's upside is tremendous.<br /> <br /> More kudos to Rogan for dropping the names of JZ and Aoki during this fight. Personally, I'd love to see more of that on UFC telecasts but from my understanding it's usually a big no-no to mention fighters not under Zuffa contract. Sometimes we hear some non-Zuffa names dropped when it comes to past victories by a fighter, but rarely do we hear the world MMA landscape in a weight class discussed the way it was last night. The UFC has the best overall roster of talent in the world but it doesn't have every top fighter under contract. It's almost as if that if you're not with Zuffa, you don't really exist and that bothers me.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/04/02/ufc-fight-night-13-thoughts-commentary/" target="_blank">Adam Morgan brought it up during his UFN 13 review</a> and I will bring it up as well; Edgar's best competitive weight is probably 145 lbs. He's already proven himself to me as a lightweight and I know he can he a top eight competitor in the UFC's 155 lbs. division. But I also think he could be a top two competitor in the WEC's featherweight division. The WEC's featherweight division is happening right now and I think Edgar could be involved in some amazing matchups if he dropped down. In light of Leonard Garcia's legal situation, I think there also could be a need for Edgar.<br /> <strong><br /> Thiago Alves defeats Karo Parisyan at 0:34 of round 2 -</strong> If it's true that Parisyan chose to fight Alves instead of Fitch, I don't blame him. You have to understand that when a fighter is told he's awarded a title shot, it puts him in a bad position if the title fight isn't scheduled in a timely fashion. A full-time fighter does not get paid unless he fights. In addition to the guaranteed purse, it's also very difficult for his representatives to go out and solicit sponsorships if it hasn't been publicly announced that he's signed for a fight.<br /> <br /> I don't know Parisyan's financial situation, but he has said publicly that he supports multiple members of his family. It was a risk taking a fight before the welterweight title picture sorted itself out, but the decision might have been easier than you think if he has bills that need to get paid. <br /> <br /> I read where someone said that Parisyan probably regrets not fighting Jon Fitch and I'm not sure what that meant. Were they implying that Fitch is an easier opponent than Thiago Alves? No way. It was a risk for Parisyan to fight before fighting for the title and he tried to minimize the risk by taking on Alves as opposed to Fitch. How can you blame him given the full nature of the situation?<br /> <br /> Where you can blame him is for possibly not training as hard as he should have. Emphasis on possibly. I don't know the man so I have no idea whether he trained as hard as he could have for Alves. All I know is that Parisyan didn't look in great shape for his UFC 78 fight vs. Chonan in November. He essentially confirmed that he wasn't fully prepared for the fight during his post-fight interview. While Parisyan never has the physique of an Adonis, I think we've seen him look a lot more fit than we've seen him in his last two matches.<br /> <br /> Maybe the guy did train hard and I have no idea what I'm talking about. Or, maybe Parisyan trained hard but isn't training as hard as his opponents. The game continues to evolve. What was considered a great camp two years ago may only be a good camp by today's standards. What was considered a tough workout two years ago may only be average by today's standards. State of the art in MMA doesn't stay that way very long.<br /> <br /> Whatever the situation is, I just feel like Parisyan is underachieving right now and is capable of a lot more.<br /> <br /> This isn't the first time Alves has impressed me in a fight. He had a lot of momentum behind him before testing positive for a diuretic that saw him gets suspended following his win over Tony DeSouza at UFC 66. Since coming off suspension, the ATT product is 3-0. The only negative is that he's already lost to Jon Fitch, which would seem like an obvious next fight for him. With the bottleneck that exists in the UFC welterweight division right now, it might be several months before we know what's next for Alves.<br /> <br /> <strong>Anthony Johnson defeats Tommy Speer via TKO at 0:51 of round 1 -</strong> This fight took me completely by surprise. Tommy Speer did not look like a guy who was a finalist for "The Ultimate Fighter" while Johnson looked like a future lightweight champion. Johnson looked so good that I feel inclined to make statements about his long-range prospects that some would find outrageous. I'm biting my tongue right now because I am still trying to figure out whether last night's outcome was a case of Speer just looking that bad or Johnson just looking that good.<br /> <br /> "Rumble" looked like the man after he knocked out Chad Reiner just 0:13 into round 1 at UFC Fight Night 10 but crashed back down to Earth after losing to Rich Clementi at UFC 76 by submission. I saw the Reiner fight but not the Clementi fight so I don't know what happened. But I know the UFC has something in Johnson.<br /> <br /> <strong>Kenny Florian TKOs Joe Lauzon at 3:28 of round 2 -</strong> I think Jordan Breen from Sherdog.com pretty much called this one. I picked Florian to win but Breen apparently believed that Florian would dominate Lauzon. The first round was really good but Florian just took over in the second.<br /> <br /> Was it too soon for Lauzon to face Florian? In hindsight, yes. But the UFC needs to make main events for its shows and having two fighters from the same top ten media market headline a show is a smart move.<br /> <br /> Florian never ceases to amaze. The guy is a self-made fighter and is obsessed with becoming a better fighter. He's a hard guy not to like and I think he's worthy of another shot at the lightweight title right now. More than likely though he will probably need one more win before he fights for the title again. I'd like to see him against Roger Huerta and I hope Huerta is ready to fight again sometime this summer so we get to see that fight.<p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105395/Fight_Critic:_Reviewing_UFC_Fight_Night_13 Season Premiere of The Ultimate Fighter: Two Thumps Up http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105350/Season_Premiere_of_The_Ultimate_Fighter:_Two_Thumps_Up Thu, 3 Apr 2008 14:44:31 CDT <p>If you didn't enjoy last night's season premiere for the seventh season of "The Ultimate Fighter," then chances are you don't like fighting.<br /> <br /> The first episode of TUF 7 was pretty much nothing but fights. <strong>UFC </strong>president <strong>Dana White</strong> set the stage with a variation of his infamous "Do you want to be a f------ fighter" speech and informed the cast of 32 fighters that they would have to fight their way into the house.<br /> <br /> Most of the fighters were stunned by the development but didn't have much time to mope around because they had just 48 hours to make weight for their first fight. One fighter, <strong>John Clarke</strong> had to cut 17 pounds. It never ceases to amaze me when fighters don't show up on weight because even if there were just 16 fighters, there still is a chance a fighter could fight soon after their arrival.<br /> <br /> Despite being bigger and more experienced, Clarke slumped after a quick start and ended up being arm barred by 21-year old <strong>Cale Yarbrough</strong>.<br /> <br /> In addition to the fights, we were also treated to the comedic stylings of <strong>Quinton "Rampage" Jackson</strong> and <strong>Forrest Griffin</strong>. Both had several one great one liners that really added to the entertainment value of the show. A new innovation for the show which served to be a great utilization of the colorful personalities of White, Griffin, and Jackson were the cut-ins during the fights. I felt the commentary of the three really added something to some of the fights. <br /> <br /> With wall-to-wall fighting, a narrative of some kind was needed otherwise there would be very little communication during the course of the full hour since so much time was devoted to the fights. Once the show gets underway I hope they keep the cut-ins so that Griffin and Jackson's comments are more audible than the typical communication we hear from the corner.<br /> <br /> Griffin is already a recognizable star coming off his appearance during the first-ever season of TUF, but if last night was any indication of things to come, he'll be an even bigger star coming out of this.<br /> <br /> As for Jackson, he was made for TUF. <strong>Tito Ortiz</strong>, <strong>Chuck Liddell</strong>, and <strong>Randy Couture</strong> are three of the biggest draws in the history of mixed martial arts. Jackson has the fighting ability and charisma to join them as the fourth biggest but he just needs to get the exposure. I've felt for awhile that the UFC really has not done a good enough job of promoting Rampage but TUF is a major step towards rectifying the problem. When the season is all said and done, Jackson will have taken a major step towards reaching the same plateau as Ortiz, Liddell, and Couture. <br /> <br /> A lot has been made about the departures of Couture, <strong>Mirko Cro Cop</strong>, <strong>Tim Sylvia</strong> and the potential losses of Ortiz and <strong>Andrei Arlovski</strong>, but if the UFC can build Rampage into the megastar that he has the potential to become, it will help offset some of the defections they are experiencing.<br /> <br /> The change in formats was a welcome one for a formula that had become predictable and stagnant. But while we are promised eight more fights next week, what happens after the first two episodes air and everyone is in the house? Change is good but the show needs sustained change. Hopefully some other surprises are planned.<br /> <br /> Results from last night's full-length fights are as follows:<br /> <br /> <strong>Mike Dolce (4-4) knocks out Prince McClean (4-5) in the first round - </strong>Dolce is an IFL veteran and Team Quest member who dropped McClean with a big right hand. Everyone seemed to be impressed but I'm not sure how far Dolce can go. I think he's capable of winning a fight while in the house but I don't see him as a final four guy. McClean was very emotional after the fight. I think this year's show is doing a much better job of character development early on as opposed to previous seasons.<br /> <br /> <strong>Cale Yarbrough (0-0) TKO in the first round over John Clarke (6-2) -</strong> Clarke made an all or nothing speech before the fight talking about how he's too old to keep fighting on smaller shows. It was obvious that the 17 lbs. weight cut was too much for Clarke and he gassed after a big start. It was really hard to evaluate Yarbrough during the course of the fight but he didn't show me enough to consider him someone that's headed to the show's final four.<br /> <br /> <strong>Amir Sadollah (0-0) submits Steve Byrnes (6-1) with an armbar in the second round -</strong> This was a huge upset in my mind. Byrnes not only has more pro experience but he has even fought in the UFC. He also looked like he gassed early and I didn't detect much of a standup game. Sadollah looked very inexperienced on the ground, as he missed several opportunities for submissions. On the feet, he looked really good but his conditioning also seemed off as well. Unless he gets a favorable draw, I don't see him going too far.<br /> <strong><br /> Jeremy May (6-5) submits Dave Roberts (4-5) with an armbar in the first round -</strong> Roberts was portrayed as a close friend of Jackson's. I am using the term "portrayed" because it's reality TV and you can never be too sure. Apparently the two went to high school together. <br /> <br /> Results from the fight highlights shown:<br /> <br /> <strong>C.B. Dollaway (6-0) def. David Baggett (4-2) - </strong>Dollaway took care of business and put Baggett away early. White sounded very impressed and I would think that barring injury, Dollaway is a shoe-in for the final four. Dollaway could be the Mac Danzig of this year's cast.<br /> <br /> <strong>Dante Rivera (10-2) def. John Wood (6-3) -</strong> Rivera is a tough Jersey-based fighter who I've seen fight on some smaller shows. He's also fought for the IFL before. In spite of a reputation for being a strong puncher, Rivera one this fight when he Kimura'ed Wood up against the cage. Rampage was very impressed.<br /> <br /> <strong>Nick Klein (3-0) def. David Mewborn (4-0) -</strong> Tough draw for both of these guys but what can you do? Klein got the win and Mewborn, a friend of Forrest Griffin's, got an early ticket home.<br /> <br /> <strong>Paul Bradley (5-0) def. Reggie Orr (5-5-1) -</strong> White was very critical of Bradley's performance, which kind of surprised me considering he's a top middleweight prospect. Saying a fighter needs work is one thing, but White buried this kid. I like the setup for this because they gave Orr same camera time which made me think there was a chance he might advance.<br /><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105350/Season_Premiere_of_The_Ultimate_Fighter:_Two_Thumps_Up Report: Justin McCully vs. Frank Mir at UFC 86 http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105232/Report:_Justin_McCully_vs_Frank_Mir_at_UFC_86 Wed, 2 Apr 2008 19:45:09 CDT <p><p> A heavyweight bout between <strong>Justin McCully </strong>and <strong>Frank Mir </strong>has been signed for <strong>UFC 86 </strong>on July 5, <a href="http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6004&zoneid=13">according to MMWeekly.com</a>. </p> <p> Mir last fought at <strong>UFC 81</strong>, defeating <strong>Brock Lesnar </strong>via first round submission. </p> <p> McCully has not fought since a unanimous decision win over <strong>Antoni Hardock</strong> at <strong>UFC Fight Night 9</strong> last April. </p> <p> UFC 86 will take place in Las Vegas and will be headlined by a light heavyweight championship featuring <strong>Quinton "Rampage" Jackson</strong> defending his title vs. <strong>Forrest Griffin</strong>. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105232/Report:_Justin_McCully_vs_Frank_Mir_at_UFC_86 UFC Fight Night 13 Preview http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105203/UFC_Fight_Night_13_Preview Wed, 2 Apr 2008 16:30:48 CDT <p>Tonight's special three-hour <strong>UFC Fight Night 13 </strong>telecast will represent three quarters of a four-hour fighting marathon on SpikeTV tonight. In addition to the live fights, the season premiere for the seventh season of "The Ultimate Fighter" will follow immediately after.<br /> <br /> On paper, it looks like fight fans could be in store for an exciting ride with some excellent matchups scheduled for UFN 13 and a new twist to the TUF format that requires fighters to win a fight before they can become an official part of the cast.<br /> <br /> Here is a preview with predictions for the six fights scheduled to air on tonight's broadcast from Broomfield, Colorado.<br /> <br /> <strong>Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon</strong><br /> <br /> I initially felt this match was too soon for Lauzon. However, it's easy to forget that before going on TUF, Lauzon had pulled off a dramatic upset over <strong>Jens Pulver</strong>, who at the time was a highly ranked lightweight. The win over Pulver combined with Lauzon's two subsequent wins after the show makes him a title contender in my estimation.<br /> <br /> This is a strong matchup with both fighters being very skilled on the ground. When it comes to fighting on the mat, I still have to give the nod to Florian, who continues to refine his jiu-jitsu game and is always working on new and innovative techniques. On the other hand, Lauzon deserves a slight edge on the feet. While Florian's Muay Thai has improved leaps and bounds, I consider Lauzon to be the more explosive, aggressive of the two.<br /> <br /> It's really hard to pick a winner in this one. Both are highly competitive fighters that are always prepared. I don't think 15 minutes is enough for one man to put the other away. I am convinced that this fight is going to the judges.<br /> <br /> <em>Prediction: Florian by unanimous decision (29-28 on all three scorecards)</em><br /> <br /> <strong>Karo Parisyan vs. Thiago Alves</strong><br /> <br /> When we last saw Parisyan he was apologizing for his performance against <strong>Ryo Chonan</strong> at <strong>UFC 78</strong> this past November. He won the fight, but we didn't see the Parisyan so many of us have come to know and love. When he's on his game, he's one of the most exciting fighters around. Regardless of the excitement level of the fight, Parisyan still won and remains in line for a shot at the welterweight title.<br /> <br /> Parisyan could have sat on the sidelines and waited for his shot, but full-time fighters cannot afford extended layoffs. He's accepted the fight against Alves because it's one that he believes he can win.<br /> <br /> While no one can argue that Parisyan should be favored, the hope is that he's not overlooking Alves, who is an underrated performer in the UFC's crowded welterweight division. Alves is known for his excellent ground skill but his standup game is very respectable as well.<br /> <br /> If Parisyan didn't train his hardest for this fight or if he enters the fight in the midst of some of the same personal problems he alluded to after his win over Chonan, we could definitely see an upset. However, Parisyan is a pretty up front guy and indicated recently that he's gotten past some of the things that held him back vs. Chonan. And if that's what he says, I'm inclined to believe him.<br /> <br /> <em>Prediction: Parisyan via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)</em><br /> <br /> <strong>Matt Hamill vs. Tim Boetsch</strong><br /> <br /> I won't hide the fact that I'm a big fan on <strong>Tim Boetsch</strong>. I first became familiar with him during an <strong>Ed Hsu Combat in the Cage</strong> show this past January when Boetsch won the <strong>Extreme Challenge</strong> light heavyweight title after submitting <strong>Brendan Barrett</strong> in the second round (who, as fate would have it, is competing on this Friday's <strong>IFL</strong> show on HDNet). <br /> <br /> Five days later Boetsch was right back at it competing against <strong>Vladimir Matyushenko</strong> during the IFL team semifinals on August 2 at the Izod Center. Boetsch didn't win the fight but he more than held his own and prevented Matyushenko from finishing him.<br /> <br /> It was nice that more people got to see the toughness I saw from Boetsch when his win over <strong>David Heath</strong> at <strong>UFC 81</strong> was shown on tape delay during the main broadcast. It was an impressive performance that got a lot of people talking.<br /> <br /> Against Hamill, I think the legend of Boetsch will grow even further. I realize Hamill is a standout wrestler, but Boetsch had a prominent wrestling career while at Lockhaven University. Maybe he's not as good of a wrestler as Hamill, but he will be able to neutralize much of his game. Where Boetsch will have the advantage is that he's more of a complete mixed martial artist than Hamill.<br /> <br /> <em>Prediction: Boetsch via second round TKO.</em><br /> <br /> <strong>Kurt Pellegrino vs. Nate Diaz</strong><br /> <br /> This is a helluva fight that nobody is talking about. I'm really looking forward to this one, as both are very good grapplers whose ground games have transitioned well to the MMA game. If this fight goes to the floor, and there is no guarantee it will, I think we could see some <strong>WEC</strong>-caliber ground fighting with plenty of transitions and momentum changes.<br /> <br /> I have a lot of respect for Diaz's submission skills, but I still am not yet sold on his striking ability. While Diaz has trained a lot with boxing coaches over the years, his standup game isn't quite on the level of his brother's.<br /> <br /> Pellegrino is hardly a knockout artist, but I think he has the advantage over Diaz on the feet and I think that will prove the difference.<br /> <em><br /> Prediction: Pellegrino via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).</em><br /> <br /> <strong>Houston Alexander vs. James Irvin</strong><br /> <br /> Both Irvin and Alexander are coming off tough fights.<br /> <br /> Alexander's lack of a refined ground game came to light during his first UFC loss this past November at UFC 78 against <strong>Thiago Silva</strong>. Meanwhile, the last time we saw Irvin, he had to be helped back to the locker room after winning via DQ against <strong>Luis Cane</strong> following illegal strikes.<br /> <br /> I think this is a great TV matchup and putting Alexander on Spike is a smart move. In fact, all of his fights should be on Spike. He is the definition of a TV fighter in that he's all action. Once the bell starts there is no playing around.<br /> <br /> In Irvin, he will have a willing dance partner. These two will collide early in the fight and I'd be surprised if he went past two minutes. At UFC 78, we saw what happens when someone doesn't play his game. However, at <strong>UFC 71</strong> vs. <strong>Keith Jardine </strong>and at <strong>UFC 75 </strong>vs. <strong>Alessio Sakara</strong>, we saw exactly what happens when you play Houston Alexander's game and the outcome isn't a pleasant one.<br /> <em><br /> Prediction: Alexander via first round TKO</em><br /> <br /> <strong>Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard</strong><br /> <br /> This is a good matchup featuring wrestler vs. wrestler but Edgar has shown since entering the UFC early last year that he's more than just a wrestler. While Maynard works out of <strong>Xtreme Couture</strong>, there are still some pieces to his all-around MMA puzzle that are missing.<br /> <br /> Whether MMA experience can prove the difference remains to be seen because I am anticipating a size difference. While you never know for sure whether a fighter truly has a size advantage until you see them standing next to each other, I know that Edgar could move to 145 lbs. if he wanted to while Maynard is big for the lightweight division.<br /> <br /> If the fight goes to the ground, I can see Maynard actually getting the better of the wrestling game due to an anticipated strength advantage. However, Edgar has the better back game so position won't be everything.<br /> <br /> I'm an Edgar fan but Maynard is no joke. I see Maynard controlling the position in this fight but envision Edgar winning when he capitalizes on a mistake made by Maynard.<br /> <em><br /> Prediction: Edgar via second round submission</em><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105203/UFC_Fight_Night_13_Preview Top Ten Tantrums http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105020/Top_Ten_Tantrums Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:47:29 CDT <p><p> This past weekend MMA journalists were subjected to another lecture regarding rankings by a promoter grandstanding for his fighters.<br /> <br /> No, <strong>Dana White</strong> wasn't making the case for <strong>Anderson Silva</strong> as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world this past Saturday in San Jose, Calif. Instead, we had <strong>EliteXC</strong> Live Events President <strong>Gary Shaw</strong> stating that <strong>Jake Shields</strong> in the number one fighter in his weight class and that <strong>Cung Le</strong> is a top ten middleweight.<br /> <br /> Shaw is entitled to his opinion but so am I. And I beg to differ on both of his assertions. Normally I wouldn't make a big stink but I hate it when a promoter tries to guilt the media into giving his fighters more props. It's self-serving and insulting in the sense that it implies we aren't knowledgeable enough to form our own opinions and we should just take their word for it -- as if they are impartial in regards to the matter of world rankings.<br /> <br /> My issue when White made his campaign for Silva following <strong>UFC 82</strong> wasn't the content of his message, but the context. It's hard to make a case against Silva as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Personally, I don't agree. That said, I realize I am in the minority in the belief that <strong>Georges St. Pierre</strong> is number one with Silva being ranked two. My issue was White pretty much saying that if you don't think Silva is number one that you're an idiot and or you're only withholding him as number one because you don't like Dana White.<br /> <br /> In regards to Shaw, I had issues with both the content and context. He pretty much came out and said those who aren't ranking more of his fighters are hurting the sport. That's hardly going to warm the MMA media up to his perspective. Condescension just isn't all that tactful.<br /> <br /> So context was an issue, but I had a bigger beef with the content. Shields number one at 170 pounds? Look, I hate having to take this position because it comes off as me denigrating Shields when that isn't the case. Save Gary Shaw, I don't know anyone who has him ranked higher than I do as the fourth best welterweight in the world. I think Shields is great and is one of the most underrated fighters in the sport. While he hasn't been presented with top fighter while with EliteXC, he was able to defeat some top guys before signing with EliteXC.<br /> <br /> But Shields as number one? C'mon now. I haven't seen a single website, blog, magazine, or television show that has Shields ranked as number one. White at least has a ground swell of public support out there supporting his claim about Silva. But what Shaw is basically saying is that everyone is wrong about Shields. <br /> <br /> I understand that it's the job of a promoter to sell their product and get people excited about their fighters, but I just think some of them need to improve their stumping methods. The old school style of a boxing promoter just talking a bunch of nonsense hasn't helped boxing in recent years and it's just not going to fly in MMA. If you are going to take a contrarian viewpoint, you at least have to interject some logic into your argument in order for anything you say to have any credibility. A promoter in MMA needs to hype his product but he needs to do it in a semi-realistic fashion. <br /> <br /> With the way Shaw expressed his viewpoint Saturday night, I feel like he might actually be doing Shields a disservice because some pundits might feel that moving him up in the rankings could be construed as them bowing to Shaw's wishes. And before a reader points the finger at me -- I'll rank a fighter the way I see it without concern of how a fan, fighter, or promoter will react. My thoughts are my thoughts. People can either take them or leave them.<br /> <br /> Shaw needs to give the people more substance when he stumps for his guys. Saying Shields is number one and everyone needs to just accept his word as gospel (not his exact words but pretty close in my opinion) just isn't going to cut it. Why not come out and say, "My personal opinion is that Shields is number one in his weight class and if the UFC gave him an opportunity to fight <strong>Georges St. Pierre</strong> or <strong>Matt Serra</strong>, he'd beat either of those fighters. I realize the UFC doesn't like the idea of co-promotions, so I'll go far as to offer to loan Shields to them without asking them to mention EliteXC. Not only that, but I will pay Shields' purse and the purse of his opponent. I just want Shields to have the opportunity to prove that he's the best."<br /> <br /> Okay, we all know the UFC would never accept such an offer and such a public proposal would be grandstanding. However, people can at least grab onto such a concept as opposed to completely dismissing Shaw's original statement. If promoters want to campaign for their fighters they need to give us something with some teeth.<br /> <br /> In regards to Le, Shaw made his case by saying that "Le isn't even one of my fighters." Well, that's partially true. Le is under contract to <strong>Strikeforce</strong>. However, he appeared on a SHOWTIME pay-per-view last June and his win over <strong>Tony Fryklund</strong> has been shown several times on SHOWTIME. Le's win against <strong>Frank Shamrock</strong> on Saturday was televised live on SHOWTIME. And since Shamrock's remaining fight with <strong>Strikeforce</strong> will be shown on SHOWTIME or SHOWTIME pay-per-view and a rematch with Le is likely at some point, Shaw has a financial interest in pundits helping lend credibility to Le.<br /> <br /> Once again, I'm put in a position as coming off negative about a fighter when I respond to Shaw's statement. I think Cung Le is a very exciting fighter with top ten ability. I'm just as big of a Le fan in MMA as anyone. Having a background in traditional standup martial arts, I think I know more about him than the typical MMA fan or writer because Le was promoted as a god in traditional styles. Le might come from San Shou, but San Shou is more than a sport in my eyes than an actual style. It's essentially full contact Karate/Kung Fu with takedowns. Le was embraced by the Kung Fu and Karate community and in fact first became exposed to him through Kung Fu Magazine.<br /> <br /> So I do believe Le will one day be a top ten middleweight. But today? No way. My belief has always been that in order to be top ten you need to beat fighters that are in the top ten. Either that or you need to pull a <strong>Ben Rothwell </strong>and fight 5-6 times a year and completely dominate everyone put in front of you. Le's win over Shamrock was huge but Shamrock isn't top ten. When he left the sport in '99, he was the pound-for-pound best. But since he's come back, Shamrock has selected his opponents based off box office potential and not world ranking. Considering Frank was short changed during the first act of his career, I have no problems with how he's guiding his own career. But a wins over <strong>Cesar Gracie</strong> and <strong>Phil Baroni</strong> and losses to <strong>Renzo Gracie</strong> (via DQ) and Cung Le aren't enough to get him back into the top ten.<br /> <br /> But regardless of content, it all comes down to context as to whether a promoter's stance is going to get the push from the press he seeks. When a promoter comes off as desperate such as Shaw and White have when they've issued their rhetoric, the natural reaction is skepticism. Shaw, White, and any other promoter can campaign all they want for their fighter but they need to realize that whining and trying to persecute the media for their beliefs isn't going to do any favors for their fighters. </p> <p> From a friend's perspective, I'd love to see these pointless debates end and just have the best of the best fight each other so we can end the inherent subjectiveness that comes with rankings. There's nothing more honest than one fighter beating another. </p><p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/105020/Top_Ten_Tantrums Shamrock vs. Le: Fight of the Year? http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/104663/Shamrock_vs_Le:_Fight_of_the_Year Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:16:51 CDT <p>For me, Saturday's main event between <strong>Frank Shamrock</strong> and <strong>Cung Le</strong> was somewhere between good and great. I will call it a very good fight.<br /> <br /> Round three was tremendous and while Shamrock vs. Le might be the fight of the year thus far, I think it will be a disappointing year for MMA if it is in the top five of top matches come year's end.<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the fight and the San Jose crowd really added to the atmosphere. But my biggest issue with Shamrock vs. Le was that while it was contested under MMA rules, it really wasn't an MMA fight. It was almost entirely a standup encounter, which I don't have a problem with if that's the an organic path for the fight to go down. But there were times when that fight could have and possibly should have gone to the ground and didn't. If someone gets swept off their feet and is lying on their back, a fighter should go in for the kill.<br /> <br /> A lesser issue I had with the fight was Shamrock's incessant hand gestures throughout the fight. The "nighty-night" gesture during the <strong>Phil Baroni </strong>fight last June was awesome. But he went to the well once too often during the fight with Le. I'm all for a little showmanship and gamesmanship but when there is too much banter between combatants during a fight, the level of intensity decreases and it begins to feel like a glorified sparring match.<br /> <br /> Having watched pro wrestling for so many years, I can recall several matches where you could see fighters calling their shots. Shamrock's gestures on Saturday kind of reminded me of that.<br /> <br /> If Shamrock hadn't broken his arm, then the fight not only could have been fight of the year, but possibly one of the greatest of all time. That third round was amazing and it seemed liked the fight was building to a crescendo until it ended suddenly and in anti-climatic fashion.<br /> <br /> Adam Morgan raised a good question, wondering what happened to Shamrock's wrestling game. Bill Goldberg made a good point off the air (and I think he might have said it on the air, but I'm not sure since I haven't seen the broadcast) which was that perhaps Shamrock can no longer change levels and shoot for takedowns like he used to because he has no ACL in one of his knees?<br /> <br /> Another thing I didn't like from Saturday were the quick and one-sided outcomes during the undercard. The same thing happened during the SHOWTIME portion of the Miami card. I like action and sometimes a fight just doesn't go as planned. But as I said in my CBS article this week, I prefer seeing Ali vs. Frazier as opposed to Tyson vs. Spinks. I want to see fights, not squash matches. I don't think you can blame EliteXC or Strikeforce for the outcome of the undercard bouts due to all of the things that happened that were out of their control. I'm simply saying that I hope the style of matches we saw in Miami and San Jose do not become a trend.<br /> <br /> One other thing I wanted to say was that I was really impressed by <strong>Tiki Ghosn's</strong> performance on the undercard. Ghosn recorded a unanimous decision over <strong>Luke Stewart</strong>, who was an undefeated welterweight prospect. It was a big win for Ghosn and his Muay Thai looked excellent. I hope Strikeforce brings him back soon and gives him a shot to fight for their still vacant welterweight title.<p><p> -- </p> <p> Sam Caplan </p> <p> Lead Writer/Editor - ProElite.com </p> <p> <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">SamCaplan.ProElite.com</a> </p> </p></p> SamCaplan http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/104663/Shamrock_vs_Le:_Fight_of_the_Year Shamrock vs. Le Post-Fight Press Conference Notes http://SamCaplan.proelite.com/stuff/blog/104483/Shamrock_vs_Le_Post-Fight_Press_Conference_Notes Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:06:34 CDT <p><p> San Jose, Calif. -- <a href="http://samcaplan.proelite.com/SamCaplan.ProElite.com">ProElite.com</a> (SamCaplan.ProElite.com) was able to confirm with sources after the <strong>F