Dan Griffin

Strikeforce “Rockhold vs. Jardine”: The Aftermath

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 3:51 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Jan 082012
 
Luke Rockhold Keith Jardine exchange Strikeforce e1326066426607 Strikeforce Rockhold vs. Jardine: The Aftermath

Former UFC light heavyweight Keith Jardine (black trunks) had no answer for the heavy-handed striking of Luke Rockhold (white shorts) at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. (Photo courtesy of Strikeforce)

The second promotional child of the Zuffa family unloaded with its first offering of the new year last night as Strikeforce presented Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. The card featured reigning Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold (9-1), who defended his belt against “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine (16-10-2), and “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (19-8) who put his devastating left hand up against the crisp kickboxing of Adlan Amagov (2-1). Also appearing on the main card were wrestling stand-outs “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (9-1) and “T-Wood” Tyron Woodley (12-0) who tested their mettle against “The Monsoon” Lorenz Larkin (11-1) and Jordan Mein (22-6). Opening the card was a tightly contested bout between “The Sponge” Tarec Saffiedine (12-2) and “The Evolution” Tyler Stinson (22-8). The fights lived up to the expectations of the fans and ushered in 2012 on a good note for Strikeforce. Here’s how things went down. Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Kimura

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 1:04 PM  MMA News, Technique of the Week  No Responses »
Jan 042012
 

TotW logo cropped MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Kimura

Last week, Ed Perdomo and Johnny Rodriguez moved from the head and arm position into a Straight Armbar. It is a fairly basic maneuver but it also needs to be done quickly in order to be effective. That leaves the question of what to do if something goes wrong halfway through the technique. This week, Ed and Johnny will answer that. When Johnny gets his arm loose from Ed’s underhook control during the transition, Ed must act quickly and make two simple adjustments to turn his Armbar into a vicious Kimura.  Continue reading »

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UFC 141: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 10:26 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 312011
 
Brock Lesnar vs Alistair Overeem Zuffa e1325383083952 UFC 141: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

"The Demolition Man" Alistair Overeem (blue gloves) entered the Octagon in a big way at UFC 141, retiring Brock Lesnar (red gloves) with a vicious kick to the liver and subsequent strikes. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC’s traditional New Year’s card went off in a very big way last night to usher in a new year of elite level mixed martial arts. With the FOX deal and more new fans than ever before waiting in the wings, it was extremely important that the UFC start 2012 off on the right foot and UFC 141 certainly achieved that goal. To open the card, undefeated newcomer “The Kid” Jimy Hettes (10-0) announced his presence to the featherweight division in emphatic fashion with an extremely one-sided thrashing of TUF alum Nam Phan (19-11). Rising star “The Mauler” Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) continued to impress with a quick KO of long-time gatekeeper “The Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (26-6) only to be outdone by Johny Hendricks (12-1) in the very next bout when he blasted top welterweight contender Jon Fitch (22-4-1) from consciousness in only 12 seconds. The co-main saw a “Fight of the Night”-winning performance from Nate Diaz (14-8) who handily out-boxed “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (16-5) and in the main event, titanic heavyweights “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (33-12) and Brock Lesnar (5-3) squared off with only the Dutch kickboxing machine left standing after 2:26 of action. The event was a clear winner for the UFC and the fans who got more than their $50 worth, but to assess the damage and gains to the fighters themselves, we turn to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Continue reading »

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UFC 141 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:39 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 292011
 
Alistair Overeem GNPs Brett Rogers Sherdog e1325216529788 UFC 141 Pre Fight Breakdown: Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem

"The Demolition Man" Alistair Overeem's (orange trunks) striking abilities make him a serious threat to Brock Lesnar, despite his sub-par takedown defense. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The last UFC of the year will step back from its traditional date, the closest Saturday to New Year’s Day, as the world’s premier MMA organization presents UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem on Friday, December 30. Opening what is always one of the biggest events of the year is a featherweight competition between TUF alum Nam Phan (19-10) and undefeated Jiu-Jitsu ace “The Kid” Jimy Hettes (9-0). “The Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5) will look to continue his 4-1 UFC career renaissance against the hard hitting Swede “The Mauler” Alexander Gustafsson (12-1). Anchoring the card is long-time welterweight title hopeful Jon Fitch (22-3-1) who will face rising talent Johny Hendricks (11-1), and red hot former WEC lightweight “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (16-4) will take on Cesar Gracie stand-out Nate Diaz (13-8). Serving as the lynch-pin for the entire card is a main event heavyweight bout that old school and new wave fans of the sport have debated since 2008: former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar (5-2) against former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (32-12). One thing is certain, the only thing bigger than the spectacle in the cage Friday night, will be the pair of men who will provide the main show.   Continue reading »

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UFC 141 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Johny Hendricks vs. Jon Fitch

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:03 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 282011
 
Johny Hendricks vs. Mike Pierce Zuffa UFC 141 Pre Fight Breakdown: Johny Hendricks vs. Jon Fitch

Between Jon Fitch and Johny Hendricks (right), Hendricks is both the superior wrestler and the more proven finisher. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

On December 30, the UFC returns after a two-week hiatus and brings the big guns to bear at UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem. Headlining the traditional UFC New Years card are two titanic heavyweights looking for a shot at UFC gold – former UFC champ Brock Lesnar (5-2) and Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (32-12). The lightweights will also see action as Nate Diaz (13-8) takes on “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (16-4). Long-time middleweight contender “The Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5) will face off with “The Mauler” Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) and the featherweights will open the night as Nam Phan (19-10) attempts to build his first UFC win streak against undefeated Jimy Hettes (9-0). The anchor bout for UFC 141 is a welterweight competition with potential title implications as Johny Hendricks (11-1) pits his 6-1 UFC mark against one of the most successful fighters on the current UFC roster, 13-1-1 former title contender Jon Fitch (22-3-1). The bout is made all the more exciting with the looming introduction of an interim welterweight belt, and both men will bring their A-game in the attempt to get a crack at it. Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Armbar from the Head and Arm Position

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 3:52 PM  MMA News, Technique of the Week  No Responses »
Dec 282011
 

TotW logo cropped2 MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Armbar from the Head and Arm Position

Back after an extended break for the holidays, Ed Perdomo and Johnny Rodriguez bring the next step in the current arc of MMA Gospel’s Technique of the Week. This time, Johnny manages to get his arm out of position from last week’s Inverted Gi-Less Clock Choke, forcing Ed to take a different path to victory. He does so with a straight Armbar from the head and arm position.  The sudden reversal of the pressure between the two attacks will actually cause the opponent to assist in setting up the Armbar itself, but Ed must be quick to pull off this simple switch effectively. Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Inverted Gi-Less Clock Choke

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 4:23 PM  MMA News, Technique of the Week  No Responses »
Dec 142011
 

TotW logo cropped1 MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Inverted Gi Less Clock Choke

It’s Wednesday and time for another MMA Gospel Technique of the Week. Feeding off of last week’s Hip Escape to Underhook Sweep from Mount, Ed Perdomo and Johnny Rodriguez return to demonstrate the next step in the chain: an Inverted Gi-Less Clock Choke.  The Clock Choke is a type of head and arm choke normally performed from the turtle position almost as the exact opposite of of an Anaconda Choke. This version finds the opponent on his back under head and arm control. It is quick, efficient, and often overlooked defensively because a failure means a total loss of control over position.  Continue reading »

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UFC 140: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 10:44 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 112011
 
Jon Jones vs Lyoto Machida Zuffa e1323658837305 UFC 140: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Though Jon Jones (black trunks) was frustrated by seeming to just miss Lyoto Machida (red trunks) for the majority of their UFC 140 bout, he pulled through and capitalized on the opportunities he was presented with to retain his light heavyweight crown. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

As Dana White said in the post-fight press conference, the trend for 2011 has been ending events asking how the next card will measure up, and then watching that next event blow the previous one out of the water. Such was the case with UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida. The card kicked off with a bang when “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (12-3) ended “The Machine” Mark Hominick’s (19-9) night in seven seconds with just one punch. Coming behind the featherweight showdown, emerging welterweights Brian Ebersole (45-14-1) and “Prince” Claude Patrick (14-2) fought back and forth to a razor thin Split Decision in a fight that showed all aspects of mixed martial arts. Next on the card, renamed former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz (16-10-1) brought the heat to “Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-5) before having the flames doused by a brutal series of short hooks from the younger Nogueira brother. In the co-main event, “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1) out-boxed fellow former champ Frank Mir (16-5) before having victory snatched from him courtesy of a vicious submission reversal that saw Mir severely damage Nogueira’s arm. Finally, at the end of the night, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) successfully defended his title against the last man to defend the belt, “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (17-3). The fans came out the big winners again, as they have in almost every Pay-Per-View event in 2011, but for the fighters, there are always The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.    Continue reading »

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UFC 140 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:40 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 102011
 
Rampage Jackson vs Jon Jones Heavy e1323484341229 UFC 140 Pre Fight Breakdown: Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida

Though both men are stylistically very similar, Jon Jones (red trunks) is by far the more aggressive and that means that he will benefit more from any lucky slips or miscues. (Photo courtesy of Heavy MMA)

UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida will take the world’s premier MMA promotion back to its home away from home as the Canadian fans gather to watch a series of top level showdowns. Frank Mir (15-5) and “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6-1) have gotten lost in the mix of the UFC heavyweight title picture and will use their rematch to remind everyone they are still contenders. “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (16-9-1) and “Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-5) are both in dire need of a renaissance in their light heavyweight careers and will look to find it against each other. Brian Ebersole (43-14-1) and Claude Patrick (14-1) have both worked long and hard for their chances at UFC glory and will now battle each other for a spot among the top contenders. “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (11-3) and “The Machine” Mark Hominick (19-8) both had renown and glory as elite WEC featherweights and will open the Pay-Per-View card showing the fans why they deserve the acclaim they were introduced with despite falling short in their recent UFC performances. All eyes, however, are focused on the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship fight between “Bones” Jon Jones (14-1) and “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (17-2). Both men have had almost identical MMA careers and now, many experts have speculated that Machida is the man most likely to solve the riddle of Jon Jones much as “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (20-6) was the man to shatter the invincible aura of “The Dragon”.   Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Hip Escape to Underhook Sweep from Mount

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 1:43 PM  Technique of the Week  No Responses »
Dec 072011
 

TotW logo cropped MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Hip Escape to Underhook Sweep from Mount
MMA Gospel’s Technique of the Week returns after the Thanksgiving holiday to deliver an early Christmas present in the form of another jumbo set of four chained techniques. Ed Perdomo and Johnny Rodriguez have chosen to start this arc with a deep Hip Escape and Underhook Sweep from the Mount.  Being trapped in an opponent’s mount is never a good thing, but it also isn’t the end of the fight. MMA fighters in particular tend to be fairly desperate when it comes to being mounted, turtling behind their guard, giving up their back, or expending tons of energy just trying to pull a leg out into half guard. This week, Technique of the Week focuses on using good form and hip movement to not only escape the mount, but to flip the opponent over into top position head and arm control. Continue reading »

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UFC 140 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Brian Ebersole vs. Claude Patrick

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 6:21 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 072011
 
Brian Ebersole carries Chris Lytle Zuffa e1323223467600 UFC 140 Pre Fight Breakdown: Brian Ebersole vs. Claude Patrick

Brian Ebersole (black trunks) may not take himself seriously, but that has proven to be a mistake his more well known opponents couldn't afford to make. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

On December 10, the UFC will bring together two of its most storied light heavyweights of the new era when “Bones” Jon Jones (14-1) defends his title against the last fighter before him to successfully defend the belt, “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (17-2). Also taking the stage are Frank Mir (15-5) and “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6-1) in a rematch of their 2008 heavyweight battle. In another light heavyweight tilt, former champion “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (16-9-1) and “Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-5) will square off with different things to prove as the twilight of their careers descends. Opening the main Pay-Per-View card, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (11-3) pits his granite jaw against the steel hands of former WEC stand-out “The Machine” Mark Hominick (19-8). Not to be lost in the midst of so many exciting, high profile fights, welterweight warriors Brian Ebersole (43-14-1) and Claude Patrick (14-1) will face each other with a possible title contention berth on the line.   Continue reading »

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UFC 140 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mark Hominick vs. Chan Sung Jung

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 4:39 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 062011
 
Chan Sung Jung vs Leonard Garcia Zuffa e1322547197635 UFC 140 Pre Fight Breakdown: Mark Hominick vs. Chan Sung Jung

Though he is known as an unstoppable slugger, Chan Sung Jung's (blue gloves) ground game is the most dangerous variable in his bout with Mark Hominick. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC will return to Canada, arguably the place where its most ravenous fans reside, to present UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida, headlined by the seemingly unstoppable UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Bones” Jon Jones (14-1) and the man many experts feel is his biggest threat in the division, former champion “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (17-2). Shoring up the card is a pair of bouts featuring old guard fighters in battles to remain part of the title contention pictures of their weight classes as Frank Mir (15-5) rematches fellow former heavyweight king “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6-1) and “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (16-9-1) faces the aforementioned Nogueira’s twin brother “Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-5). Brian Ebersole (43-14-1) will help fill in the middle of the event with a bout against rising Canadian star Claude Patrick (14-1), and two former WEC fan favorites will open the night as “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (11-3) pits his iron chin against the devastating power of “The Machine” Mark Hominick (19-8). The two featherweights are known for their exciting styles and willingness to stand in the pocket and throw leather and will certainly open the Pay-Per-View card with a bang. Continue reading »

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The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale: The Aftermath

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 2:23 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 042011
 
Tony Ferguson vs Yves Edwards Zuffa e1323035269687 The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale: The Aftermath

Though Yves Edwards (red trunks) controlled the majority of the bout, Tony Ferguson (black trunks) managed to steal the show and the fight with big statements at the right times like this rolling Omoplata attempt. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Last night the UFC closed the books on its fourteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter, the last season to be broadcast on Spike TV and to show bouts pre-recorded as opposed to live. The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale card was one of the more entertaining cards of the year as TUF 13 winner “El Cucuy” Tony Ferguson (13-3) took down longtime lightweight veteran Yves Edwards (41-18-1), “The Magician” John Dodson (12-5) and “Ceara” Diego Brandao (14-7) scored a pair of six-figure UFC contracts by taking out TJ Dillashaw (4-1) and Dennis Bermudez (7-3) respectively, and “The Count” Michael Bisping (22-3) dealt “Mayhem” Jason Miller (23-7) a one-sided beating in the battle of the coaches. There were a few disgruntled fans, as always, but as a whole, the card was welcomed as a resounding success by the majority of the MMA community and was a very entertaining offering of mixed martial arts action. Continue reading »

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The Ultimate Fighter 14 Live Finale: Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 7:13 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Dec 012011
 
Yves Edwards head kicks Cody McKenzie Zuffa e1322792865541 The Ultimate Fighter 14 Live Finale: Pre Fight Breakdown

Yves Edwards (red trunks) will represent a whole new level of talent for the young "TUF" alum Tony Ferguson in their match-up this Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The fourteenth season of the UFC’s flagship reality show The Ultimate Fighter has come to an end and Saturday night, it’s time for the finalists and the coaches to go to war. Opening the festivities is a bout between old school UFC lightweight veteran Yves Edwards (41-17-1) and TUF Season 13 alum “El Cucuy” Tony Ferguson (12-2). Following that match-up are the finals of the most recent TUF season featuring “The Menace” Dennis Bermudez (7-2) and “Ceara” Diego Brandao (13-7) at featherweight and TJ Dillashaw (4-0) and “The Magician” John Dodson (11-5) in the bantamweight division. Capping off the evening and the final season of TUF on Spike, coaches “Mayhem” Jason Miller (23-6) and “The Count” Michael Bisping (21-3) collide in the main event.

Continue reading »

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Rolling Deals Tonight on MMAHQ

 Posted by Dan Griffin at 11:00 PM  MMA News  No Responses »
Nov 292011
 
mmahq rolling deals 11 30 2011 Rolling Deals Tonight on MMAHQ

MMAHQ ROLLING DEALS DAY STARTS TONIGHT!
November 30, 2011 – A different MMA Deal goes on sale every 60 minutes unless it sells out. When a deals sells out, the next deal goes one sale. Rolling Deals on MMAHQ are from 11PM EST Tuesday to 11PM EST on Wednesday. Go quickly and check back often!
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