Dan Griffin

UFC 143: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:14 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Feb 052012

: Carlos Condit (black trunks) defeated Nick Diaz (red trunks) for the UFC Interim Welterweight Championship at UFC 143, besting him in nearly every category on the score cards and showing himself to clearly be the superior stand-up fighter and tactician. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The night of fights at UFC 143 has come to an end and its time again to examine which fighters furthered their careers, which fighters hurt their careers, and which fighters need to make a serious change in order to reverse the damage they caused themselves with The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (28-5) led Nick Diaz (26-9) around the Octagon as if he had him on a string, punishing him the entire time for a clear cut Unanimous Decision win for the newly minted Interim UFC Welterweight Championship belt. “Via Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) made a successful return to the UFC by battering “Big Country” Roy Nelson (16-7) on the feet for three solid rounds. “Kos” Josh Koscheck (17-5) managed to squeeze out an uneventful Split Decision over Mike Pierce (10-4). Renan Barao (28-1) extended his total MMA win streak to 28 with a third UFC victory, this time over “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (12-4), and “Short Fuse” Ed Herman (18-8) recorded the main card’s only finish by submitting Clifford Starks (5-1). Continue reading »

UFC 143 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

Posted by Dan Griffin at 11:10 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Feb 032012

Carlos Condit KOs Dan Hardy Zuffa UFC 143 Pre Fight Breakdown: Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit (black trunks) isn't the more well rounded fighter in his UFC 143 match, but he is one of the rare welterweights who can match both Nick Diaz's striking ability and his reach.(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC returns to its familiar five-bout Pay-Per-View format Saturday as UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit hits the air waves from the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the prelim fighters finish their business on Facebook and FX, the PPV portion of the broadcast will open with a bout between middleweight TUF alum “Short Fuse” Ed Herman (17-8) and undefeated prospect Clifford Starks (5-0). Next up, a bantamweight affair hits the cage as WEC mainstay “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (12-3) squares off with Renan Barao (27-1). For the anchor and co-main, “Kos” Josh Koscheck (16-5) will face Mike Pierce (10-3) and heavyweights Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) and “Big Country” Roy Nelson (16-6) will throw their weight around the Octagon. Even with such a strong supporting card, all eyes will still be on the main event fight for the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship. In one corner, controversial former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz (26-8), in the other, former WEC champion “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (27-5). Continue reading »

MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Spinning Armbar from High Guard Pass

Posted by Dan Griffin at 3:26 PM MMA News, Technique of the Week No Responses »

Feb 012012

Last week, Ed Perdomo and Johnny Rodriguez covered passing the guard on the high side. This week, Ed will build off of that maneuver with a Spinning Straight Armbar. The Armbar is a simple technique that not only follows the natural momentum of the guard pass, but also plays into the opponent’s natural reaction to having his guard passed in this manner. We will start with the last image from last week’s article to provide reference and to serve as a chance to remind practitioners of a few key positions coming out of the pass. Continue reading »

UFC 143 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Ed Herman vs. Clifford Starks

Posted by Dan Griffin at 8:36 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Feb 012012

: Ed Herman (white trunks) is far more experienced than his UFC 143 opponent Clifford Starks and holds key advantages in every area of the fight game. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Following up a strong network TV debut at UFC on FOX 2 last Saturday, the UFC returns to Pay-Per-View for UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit. The promotion’s first full network TV card fell short of many fans’ expectations, but it dominated the ratings and UFC 143 will provide the first measuring stick for how the more than five million fans exposed to the sport for free will affect the PPV buy rates. Headlining the card is Nick Diaz (26-8) as he faces “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (27-5) for the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Stepping into the co-main slot is a heavyweight showdown between returning Fedor killer “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) and “Big Country” Roy Nelson (16-6). “Kos” Josh Koscheck (16-5) will anchor the card against the always dangerous Mike Pierce (10-3) and WEC bantamweight stalwart “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (12-3) will put his heavy hands to the test against submission machine Renan Barao (27-1). Opening the PPV card, fans will find “Short Fuse” Ed Herman (17-8) who looks to continue his renaissance with a third straight UFC win by defeating undefeated Clifford Starks (5-0). Continue reading »

UFC on FOX 2: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted by Dan Griffin at 2:03 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 292012

: Rashad Evans (black shorts) clearly controlled every aspect of the fight against Phil Davis (pink shorts), winning a 50-45 decision on all three judges’ scorecards. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC on FOX 2 card went down at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois and the fans of MMA around the world were treated to a night of solid mixed martial arts on Fuel TV and FOX. Unfortunately for the UFC, all of the fight bonus winners and the most casual fan friendly bouts aired as part of the prelims on the much smaller Fuel TV network and the FOX network showed three technical but less than entertaining fights that went the distance. “All American” Chris Weidman (8-0) used superior wrestling and solid stand-up to edge out Demian Maia (14-4) with a Unanimous Decision. The consensus number one contender Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) stamped his ticket to another showdown with middleweight king “The Spider” Anderson Silva (29-4) by earning a Unanimous Decision over top British middleweight “The Count” Michael Bisping (22-4). In the main event, “Sugar” Rashad Evans (17-1-1) put on a dominant five-round performance against “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (8-1) to earn himself a unanimous nod from the three judges cageside. The card may have fallen short of the UFC’s expectations, but the story may be different for the fighters themselves. Continue reading »

UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping

Posted by Dan Griffin at 6:48 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 262012

Chael ground and pounds Silva Zuffa e1327469165403 UFC on FOX 2 Pre Fight Breakdown: Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping

Chael Sonnen (white trunks) represents a very dangerous threat to Michael Bisping, who has given up what would have been a much less risky fight against Demian Maia for a chance at a UFC title shot. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis will take place Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois as the UFC delivers its second official offering of its multi-year deal with FOX. Chris Weidman (7-0) will face Demian Maia (14-3) on short notice to open the night’s broadcast with what will likely develop into a ground battle between wrestler and submission artist. Two title shots will also be on the line as “Sugar” Rashad Evans (16-1-1) squares off with “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (8-0) in the main event and “The Count” Michael Bisping (22-3) replaces an injured “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Mark Munoz (10-2) against Chael Sonnen (25-11-1) in the co-main. With a potential title shot up for grabs, Bisping jumped at the chance to bow out of his previously scheduled bout with Demian Maia and face the Team Quest fighter. However, Chael Sonnen has made no secret of the fact that he will let nothing stand between him and the “12 lbs. of gold” around “The Spider” Anderson Silva’s (29-4) waist. Continue reading »

UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman

Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:31 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 262012

Chris Weidman chokes Tom Lawlor Zuffa UFC on FOX 2 Pre Fight Breakdown: Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman

Chris Weidman (blue trunks) may not have Demian Maia's submission skills, but his high level wrestling coupled with the fact that Maia's original opponent Michael Bisping prefers to stand should allow him to edge out the Brazilian. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC will present its first full card on the network TV giant FOX’s flagship station as UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis looks to name the number one contenders for not one but two UFC titles. Headlining the card is a light heavyweight contest between “Sugar” Rashad Evans (16-1-1) who will face “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (8-0) for a chance at UFC gold in the 205lbs. division. Serving as the co-main event, “The Count” Michael Bisping (22-3) will replace an injured “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Mark Munoz (10-2) against Chael Sonnen (25-11-1) with a middleweight championship bid hanging in the balance. Opening things up for the televised card, Chris Weidman (7-0) will step in on short notice to face Demian Maia (14-3). The bout will represent a chance for Weidman to expose casual fans to his breed of high octane wrestling and top game submissions, but also poses the most serious threat to his undefeated record to date. Continue reading »

Chael Sonnen Hosts Seminar, Private Workout For Clay Guida’s MMA Stop Fitness

Posted by Dan Griffin at 6:43 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 252012

Chael group photo cropped Chael Sonnen Hosts Seminar, Private Workout For Clay Guidas MMA Stop Fitness

Middleweight contender Chael Sonnen (front center) took time from his pre-UFC on FOX 2 fight preparations to visit with fans at Clay Guida's (back center) MMA Stop Fitness in Crest Hill, Illinois. (MMA Gospel File Photo)

Last night outspoken middleweight contender Chael Sonnen (25-11-1) took time out from his packed schedule in the week leading up to his UFC on FOX 2 bout against “The Count” Michael Bisping (22-3) to hold a mini-seminar, private workout, and autograph signing for the fans and fighters at “The Carpenter” Clay Guida’s (29-12) MMA Stop Fitness in the Chicago suburb of Crest Hill.

Though a busy week preparing for his fight limited the affair to just two hours and a few dozen people, it was another prominent display of how top level MMA fighters remain accessible to their fans despite continued mainstream growth in the sport. In his seminar, Sonnen covered wrestling drills and a few other training tips as well as how to handle stepping into the big show. With a series of questions he addressed handling the bright lights saying, “Are you the toughest guy in your family? If that guy [your UFC opponent] comes over are you now the second toughest? Does he get to take the remote and hold the Doritos? Of course not! If you can beat him in your house, then you can beat him Saturday night in the Octagon, it’s no different.” Chael Sonnen gave the members of the gym more than just the two hours promised despite becoming physically ill after his workout. Continue reading »

MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: High Side Guard Pass

Posted by Dan Griffin at 1:01 PM MMA News, Technique of the Week No Responses »

Jan 252012

MMA Gospel’s Technique of the Week returns to give fans and aspiring fighters alike deeper understanding of the grappling techniques seen in the cage as Ed Perdomo and Johnny Rodriguez go back to the basics for a four-week arc showing two basic guard passes that move directly into two Straight Armbars from side mount. For the first move in this set, Ed Perdomo will pass Johnny’s guard on the high side and end in position to transfer directly into next week’s Armbar. Continue reading »

UFC on FX: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted by Dan Griffin at 5:54 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 212012

Jim Miller RNCs Melvin Guillard Zuffa UFC on FX: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Jim Miller (blue gloves) ushered in the UFC on FOX era by earning himself a potential shot at lightweight gold with a come-from-behind first-round submission of Melvin Guillard (red gloves). (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The Ultimate Fighting Championship ushered in the UFC on FOX era with its first free offering of the year as UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller hit the airwaves following live prelims on FUEL TV. The card was memorable in several ways. Aside from being the inaugural event in MMA’s first long-term network TV deal, it also featured a host of entertaining and fast paced bouts with everything from title contention to jobs on the line. “HD” Pat Barry (6-5) opened the night with a career-saving KO victory over Christian Morecraft (7-3). “The Hulk” Mike Easton (9-0) continued to impress with a Majority Decision win over newcomer Jared Papazian (13-7-1). UFC mainstays “Bang” Duane Ludwig (21-12) and “The Dentist” Josh Neer (33-10-1) met in a slugfest that saw Ludwig land several solid blows only to fall victim to a Guillotine Choke. In the main event, “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (27-10-2) fell short yet again with potential title contention on the line as “The Mongoose” Jim Miller (21-3) weathered an early storm to end the bout with a Rear Naked Choke. Every fight impressed both the fans and the UFC brass, but for some fighters, the night did end as well as they would have liked and for others, it ended in utter disaster. Continue reading »

UFC on FX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian

Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:18 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 182012

Mike Easton TKOs Byron Bloodworth Zuffa e1326856233125 UFC on FX Pre Fight Breakdown: Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian

Mike Easton (top) will look to add another win to his UFC record and remain undefeated by dominating Jared Papazian with his superior ground skills. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

“The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (27-9-2) and Jim Miller (20-3) will enter the Octagon for a lightweight contest Friday as the UFC presents UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller, the company’s first offering under its newly minted contract with media giant FOX. The card has four fights slated to appear on the FX network, all of which hold interesting potential for UFC fans. “The Dentist” Josh Neer (32-10-1) and “Bang” Duane Ludwig (21-11) both have the ability to put on a stand-out showing. “HD” Pat Barry’s (5-5) heavyweight throwdown against Christian Morecraft (7-2) not only pits the brawler against the boxer but it holds additional excitement as either fighter could easily lose his job with a loss. Perhaps one of the most interesting bouts sees Mike Easton (8-0) pit his officially undefeated record against journeyman fighter Jared Papazian (13-6-1) in the latter man’s UFC debut.

UFC on FX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft

Posted by Dan Griffin at 2:59 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 172012

Christian Morecraft GNPs Sean McCorkle Zuffa UFC on FX Pre Fight Breakdown: Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft

Christian Morecraft (blue gloves) has a serious advantage in size over Pat Barry, but offers little else to threaten the former K-1 fighter. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC’s new deal with FOX officially kicks off Friday as “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (27-9-2) takes on Jim Miller (20-3) at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller. Shoring up the main event are several fantastic matches including “The Dentist” Josh Neer (32-10-1) vs. “Bang” Duane Ludwig (21-11), Mike Easton (8-0) vs. Jared Papazian (13-6-1), and the opening fight between beleaguered K-1 fighter “HD” Pat Barry (5-5) and heavyweight brawler Christian Morecraft (7-2). The match is an important one for both men as the Zuffa contract axe looms in each of their futures should they fail to deliver in their match-up. Continue reading »

UFC 142: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted by Dan Griffin at 5:19 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 152012

Jose Aldo celebrates win with crowd Zuffa e1326676815151 UFC 142: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Jose Aldo's (red glove, center of crowd) emotional reaction and the Rio fans' reaction to it following his brutal first-round KO of Chad Mendes has ensured him a place on every UFC event in Brazil for a long time to come. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC has come and gone and the once deafening roar of the Brazilian crowd is now silenced following an electric night of first-round stoppages at UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes. Headlining the all too brief card was UFC Featherweight Champion “Junior” Jose Aldo (20-1) who successfully defended his title in front of a fanatical hometown crowd by blasting the title dreams, consciousness, and undefeated record of “Money” Chad Mendes (11-1) into non-existence with a brutal knee strike. Former UFC Heavyweight Tournament and Light Heavyweight Champion “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (21-9) came to the cage looking dangerously eager to face ill-fated former welterweight “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-4) and made quick work of his foe, submitting “Rumble” with a Rear Naked Choke. “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (16-5) sent a clear message to the rest of the division against Mike Massenzio (13-6) as he added yet another vicious Heel Hook submission win to his record. Controversy filled the air when Erick Silva (8-3) completely destroyed Carlo Prater (28-11-1) in just 29 seconds only to have his victory taken from him as referee Mario Yamasaki ruled the bout a disqualification due to illegal strikes. The opening fight of the night saw British brawler Terry Etim (15-4) suffer one of the most spectacular KO losses in MMA history as Edson Barboza (10-0) nailed him square on the jaw with a spinning hook kick. In a night where all but one bout fails to go past the first round, it is very clear who the winners and losers are, but divining the level to which those victories and defeats impact a fighter’s career takes The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Continue reading »

UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

Posted by Dan Griffin at 5:35 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 122012

Anthony Johnson vs Dan Hardy Zuffa 900x628 UFC 142 Pre Fight Breakdown: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

The last time Anthony Johnson (blue gloves) faced a credible striking threat, he relied on his size and power wrestling game to win a decision. Against a larger opponent with faster, more powerful punches it is unclear if that will be enough to get him the "W" at UFC 142. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The first UFC offering of 2012 comes to fans this Saturday in the form of UFC 142 where UFC Featherweight Champion “Junior” Jose Aldo (19-1) will defend his belt against “Money” Chad Mendes (11-0). The card marks the organization’s second return to the country of Brazil since the beginning of the Zuffa era and, as is often the case when the UFC travels abroad, it features a majority of fighters from that country. “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (15-5) will take on American middleweight Mike Massenzio (13-5), “Indio” Erick Silva (8-2) will face off with fellow Brazilian “Neo” Carlo Prater (27-11-1), and Edson Barboza (9-0) will put his undefeated record on the line against British striker Terry Etim (15-3). Serving as the co-main event is a middleweight match-up with a serious impact on the top of the division’s food chain. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC 12 Tournament winner “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9) will seek to further erase his loss to current champion “The Spider” Anderson Silva (29-4) by knocking out former welterweight contender “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3) who will be making his 185lbs. divisional debut. Continue reading »

UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim

Posted by Dan Griffin at 5:24 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 102012

Terry Etims lands body kick on Rafael Dos Anjos Zuffa UFC 142 Pre Fight Breakdown: Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim

Terry Etim's (gray trunks) striking is dangerous enough that most fighters find it a safer choice to fight him on the mat where his submissions are excellent but his positional wrestling is less than stellar. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.).

The world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, the UFC, reloads and fires off its first event of the 2012 year as it returns toRio de Janeiro, Brazil for UFC 142 featuring a featherweight title fight between “Junior” Jose Aldo (19-1) and “Money” Chad Mendes (11-0). Co-headlining the card is Brazil’s prodigal son “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9) as he continues his middleweight renaissance against divisional newcomer “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3). Playing anchor is a hard-nosed middleweight match-up between submission ace “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (15-5) and American ground fighter Mike Massenzio (13-5) preceded by a welterweight bout between Erick Silva (8-2) and veteran Carlo Prater (27-11-1). Opening the main card is a lightweight affair with career implications for both fighters as British slugger Terry Etim (15-3) seeks to regain his footing after falling short against Rafael dos Anjos (15-3) by following his last bout’s 17-second Guillotine Choke victory with a win over undefeated Edson Barboza (9-0). Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel

Dan Griffin

UFC 143: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

UFC 143 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Spinning Armbar from High Guard Pass

UFC 143 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Ed Herman vs. Clifford Starks

UFC on FOX 2: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping

UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman

Chael Sonnen Hosts Seminar, Private Workout For Clay Guida’s MMA Stop Fitness

MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: High Side Guard Pass

UFC on FX: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

UFC on FX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian

UFC on FX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft

UFC 142: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim

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