Patrick Guera

UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis

Posted by Patrick Guera at 10:53 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 272012

: Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Sugar” Rashad Evans (right) has the advantages of a more solid striking game and experience on his side in his UFC on FOX 2 match-up against Phil Davis, who, though undefeated, has only half the number of fights to his credit and is predominantly a ground fighter. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC takes its second FOX Network fight card to Chicago, Illinois’ United Center tomorrow night for UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis. The national broadcast network will feature three fights this outing, including a newly shuffled fight between budding middleweight prospect “All American” Chris Weidman (7-0) and crafty submission veteran Demian Maia (15-3). The new co-main event features not only a battle for #1 contender to “The Spider” Anderson Silva’s (31-4) title, but also the crown for the most polarizing figure in MMA as Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) squares off against “The Count” Michael Bisping (22-3) in what is sure to be an all out war of skill and words. The main event is also a title eliminator as “Sugar” Rashad Evans (16-1-1) and “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (9-0) vie for the next crack at 205lbs. phenom “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1). This fight is not being as hyped as it should be, as both fighters are highly skilled and pose very interesting problems to each other. The winner will also be heavily compared to the dynamic champ so a good showing here is a must for either fighter.

UFC 141 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Posted by Patrick Guera at 2:52 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Dec 272011

Vladimir Matyushenko GNPs Alexandre Ferreira Zuffa UFC 141 Pre Fight Breakdown: Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Vladimir Matyushenko's (top) oppressive style of wrestling has rendered many competitors, including kickboxers like UFC 141 opponent Alexander Gustafsson, helpless while he rains down strikes from top position. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC will cap off a dynamic 2011 calendar year at the MGM Grand Garden Arena December 30 with UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem. The titular marquee fight pits two of the biggest heavyweights against each other in a title eliminator as Brock Lesnar (5-2) returns from longstanding medical issues to battle former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (35-11). Nate Diaz (14-7) will try to stop “The Cowboy” Donald Cerrone’s (17-3) emphatic rise up the lightweight ranks in a sure-fire thriller. Long-reigning #2 welterweight Jon Fitch (23-3-1) takes on Johny Hendricks (11-1) in a match that will propel either fighter into contention talk. Nam Phan (17-9) looks to put a win streak together as he faces young submission ace, “The Kid” Jimy Hettes (9-0). The lone light heavyweight tilt on this card gives up-and-comer “The Mauler” Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) a stern test in grinding veteran “The Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5). Should Alex pass this test, he will likely draw much stiffer competition on his way up the UFC ladder.

UFC 139 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson

Posted by Patrick Guera at 8:07 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Nov 182011

Dan Henderson vs Fedor Emelianenko Yahoo e1321478376915 UFC 139 Pre Fight Breakdown: Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson

The legendary power in Dan Henderson's (white trunks) "H-Bomb" right hand coupled with his Olympic level Greco-Roman wrestling makes two of "Shogun's" favorite places to fight, the clinch and the pocket, very dangerous. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo! Sports)

This Saturday night the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California plays host to UFC 139: Shogun vs. Henderson much to the delight of fans both in the crowd and around the world via Pay-Per-View. Light heavyweight funnyman “The American Psycho” Stephan Bonnar (13-7) takes on “Kingsbu” Kyle Kingsbury (11-2). Welterweight stand-outs “Hitman” Martin Kampmann (17-5) and “The Horror” Rick Story (13-4) duke it out to regain relevance. UFC newcomer and former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Cung Le (7-1) takes on legendary slugger “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-11-1) in what is a guaranteed firefight. “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (25-5) and Brian Bowles (10-1) look to claim their shot at bantamweight gold in a #1 contendership fight. The main event is a hardcore MMA fan’s dream as PRIDE legend and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (20-5) takes on the only man to hold the PRIDE welterweight and middleweight belts, “Hendo” Dan Henderson (28-8). The winner will regain traction in the 205lbs. division and given both fighters penchant for slugging, this fight could go down in history as one of the all-time greats.

UFC on FOX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Clay Guida vs. Ben Henderson

Posted by Patrick Guera at 4:29 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Nov 102011

Ben Henderson takes down Jim Miller Zuffa UFC on FOX Pre Fight Breakdown: Clay Guida vs. Ben Henderson

Despite entering the organization on the heels of dropping the WEC lightweight belt, Ben Henderson (black shorts) has been nothing less than dominant in the UFC. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The Honda Center in Anaheim, California plays host to the UFC’s first foray into network television, UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos. The only broadcast fight and main event is one for the ages as heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez (9-0) takes on Brazilian striking menace “Cigano” Junior Dos Santos (13-1). The internet-only undercard will consist of many lesser-known and up-and-coming fighters including featherweights “The Diamond” Dustin Porier (10-1) versus “The Scarecrow” Pablo Garza (11-1). Veteran 145er Cub Swanson (15-4) goes head-to-head with Ricardo Lamas (10-2) while international favorite “Kid” Norifumi Yamamoto (18-4) takes on “BC” Darren Uyenoyama (6-3) at bantamweight. The historic night’s co-main event is being criminally relegated to FOX Deportes and internet streams as “The Carpenter” Clay Guida (29-11) and former WEC Lightweight Champion “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) square off in what will likely determine the next contender for the lightweight title. With their similar styles and equally strong gas tanks, this could be a three-round fight that fans won’t likely forget.

UFC 137 Pre-Fight Breakdown: BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz

Posted by Patrick Guera at 3:04 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Oct 282011

BJ Penn kicks Diego Sanchez Zuffa UFC 137 Pre Fight Breakdown: BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz

Former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion BJ Penn (white shorts) likely won't be able to resist a slugfest with former Strikeforce 170lbs. king Nick Diaz, who is very similar to him stylistically. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The Mandalay Bay Events Center welcomes the UFC back to its home in Las Vegas with UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz this Saturday. Joe Silva should be given a matchmaking award for the roster of fights he’s put together including the debut of Sengoku Raiden and Shooto champion Hatsu Hioki (24-4-2) versus featherweight stalwart George Roop (12-7-1) in what will surely be an early contender for “Fight of the Night” awards. “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6) looks to rebound from a lackluster loss against the aging fan favorite “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-9-2). Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) will look to stave off the fast rise of “Meathead” Matt Mitrione in the night’s most intriguing heavyweight match. And while the title fight between UFC Welterweight Champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (22-2) and underrated contender “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (27-5) has been scrapped, there is no question that its replacement fight between former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) and former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion “Diablo” Nick Diaz (25-7) has “one for the ages” written all over it. Regardless of the dubious reasons behind this fight’s origin, one thing is for sure: both men will be looking to throw down. Penn has always been a fighter first and foremost and Diaz loves opponents who come at him full-throttle. With two multi-talented, born-to-brawl athletes like Penn and Diaz, this fight is guaranteed to entertain. Continue reading »

Question No More: The Answer is Clearly, Frankie Edgar

Posted by Patrick Guera at 2:16 PM Features, MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Oct 092011

Frankie Edgar celebrates Zuffa 614x950 Question No More: The Answer is Clearly, Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar (top) proved himself to be the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion after defeating top contender Gray Maynard via TKO in the fourth round. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Undersized, underpowered, outclassed. These adjectives have dogged UFC Lightweight Champion “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) since he entered the fabled “mix” in the UFC lightweight division. Many dismissed Edgar long before he entered title contention. After a rousing start to his career in the UFC, Frankie hit a wall in “The Bully” Gray Maynard (10-1-1), dropping a one-sided decision to the bigger, stronger wrestler. But after that loss Edgar regrouped. His next few wins didn’t just show a refocused fighter, they showed a man with a plan. He was going to win the title whether anyone cared or not. And seemingly out of nowhere Frankie Edgar was the UFC champ. But just when the shrimpy kid from Toms River, New Jersey thought he was prom king, “The Bully” was back in his face, ready to take his lunch money. Frankie had to win at UFC 136, he had to show he wasn’t just a lucky scrapper. He had to show he was “The Answer” to the question: Who is the UFC’s toughest lightweight?

Gamers: UFC Live on Versus 5 Proves There is Hope, After All

Posted by Patrick Guera at 8:25 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Aug 182011

Lytle vs Hardy Zuffa e1313691278576 Gamers: UFC Live on Versus 5 Proves There is Hope, After All

Chris Lytle (black trunks) and Dan Hardy (red trunks) are two of the most obvious examples of game fighters, those athletes who willingly gamble their health and career against the victory to give fans what they want. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

It can read it on any MMA forum: “the sport is being taken over by wrestlers”, “fighters used to fight, now they play it safe”, “I miss PRIDE rules” (we all do, relax). Even veteran fighters such as “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) have voiced their displeasure with where the sport is supposedly headed. The pundits worry that the days of brawls at the center of the cage are over; overshadowed by collegiate and Olympic dynamos that stifle the brutish element of the sport they fell in love with. But what exactly is all the fuss about? A few more wrestlers? The sport has had plenty of wrestlers since its inception. What the sport needs are gamers. No, not the gamers that obsess over the next World of Warcraft map update. The gamers that MMA needs grit their teeth and plunge headfirst into battle with another fighter. And whether it’s nostalgia for the “glory days” of MMA or the odd disdain fight fans have grown for the ground game, the furrowed brows of MMA fandom have forgotten that regardless of style, gamers still exist in this sport. It just so happens that this past weekend’s UFC Live on Versus 5 brought this point home for fight fans of all persuasions, showing that gameness will trump fighting style any day. And the future of this sport is full of game fighters.

Wrestling with the Truth: Clay Guida Takes Heat From MMA Fans

Posted by Patrick Guera at 7:02 PM Features, MMA News, UFC 2 Responses »

Jun 072011

Clay Guida takes down Anthony Pettis Zuffa 900x665 Wrestling with the Truth: Clay Guida Takes Heat From MMA Fans

"The Carpenter" Clay Guida's (white trunks) headlining bout opposite "Showtime" Anthony Pettis (black trunks) at "The Ultimate Fighter 13" Finale left much to be desired, according to many in the MMA community, as much of the bout was spent with Guida controlling his opponent on the mat. Are the pundits justified in their claims? (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

This past weekend’s The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale was a night to remember. TUF crowned a controversial, yet capable champ in “El Cucuy” Tony Ferguson (11-2). Fans were also fortunate enough to witness up-and-comers like “Kingsbu” Kyle Kingsbury (11-2), Fabio Maldonado (18-4), “C-Murder” Chris Cope (5-1), and others who will likely entertain for years to come. But the night was unfairly lambasted by fans when the co-main event fight between “The Carpenter” Clay Guida (29-11) and final WEC champ “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (13-2) went to the judges’ decision. The fight was derided as boring, “lay-and-pray”, and even incorrectly judged – and all this criticism came down on the winner, Clay Guida. Whether or not the fight was enjoyable is subjective and it is a moot point to try and argue. You either enjoyed it or you didn’t; there is not right or wrong there. However, fans’ displeasure with Guida’s winning tactics are unfounded. “The Carpenter” indeed displays varying skills in a sport that caters to those who know when and how to use their strengths, even if it means using one skill at a time. But it is the bias against wrestling that has misguided so much of the post-fight fallout. Continue reading »

Is Frankie Edgar…the Answer?

Posted by Patrick Guera at 8:14 AM Features, MMA News, UFC 2 Responses »

Jun 032011

UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar has long been the subject of many a fan's chagrin, but do their arguments hold water? (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

After an exciting night of fights at UFC 130: Rampage vs. Hamill, my friends and I quipped about how the originally intended title fight between ”The Answer” Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) and “The Bully” Gray Maynard (10-0-1) would have been icing on the cake. Their second fight was one for the ages. Maynard showed exactly why he should be considered a serious contender and Edgar rallied back from the brink of defeat to show the heart of a champion. I assumed that a fight like that would gain the respect of MMA fans everywhere. What struck me absolutely dumb however, was the fact that the educated and respectful MMA fans in the room with me were completely unimpressed with Frankie Edgar. Are they talking about the same Frankie Edgar who defeated “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) twice? My friends simply said he was “not that good” and “lucky” and explained away his key victories. As Many MMA fans have echoed these very sentiments on internet forums across the globe so I felt compelled to present their arguments and offer the counter-points as well. Interestingly enough, it has been his title fights that have caused the most controversy in his career and the most often-used arguments against his legitimacy as top dog in UFC lightweight division. Perhaps Frankie is not the champ I thought he was? We’ll break down Frankie Edgar through the many factors that have dogged him since taking the belt. Continue reading »

Conduct in MMA: Will Fighters or Promotions Cross the Line First?

Posted by Patrick Guera at 12:17 PM Features, MMA News No Responses »

Mar 012011

MichaelBispingJorgeRiveraatUFC127weigh insZuffa Conduct in MMA: Will Fighters or Promotions Cross the Line First?

Both Michael Bisping (left) and Jorge Rivera (right) exhibited unsportsman-like behavior toward one another leading up to their UFC 127 bout. The two men took it several steps even further when they met face-to-face. Should such antics in MMA be tolerated and go unpunished? (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Leading up to UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch, the relentless and very public trash talk of “El Conquistador” Jorge Rivera (19-8) fueled interest in a fight that many considered a mere formality for his opponent, “The Count” Michael Bisping (21-3). Bisping however, took the ribbing to heart claiming Rivera’s comments hit below the belt. When the two came within arms length of each other at a pre-fight presser, Bisping fired back, likely seeing the need to add fuel to the fire for the sake of hype. And on camera, with many around the world watching, Bisping used the “F” word. In this case the “F” stands for the derogatory word for a homosexual, or if you’re in England, a cigarette. Being an Englishman, Michael knew which version of the “F” word he was using and exactly what context it was delivered in. Whether or not the viewing public found the slur offensive is up for debate. MMA’s key demographics, Males 18-34, are also likely the largest users of this particular “F” word. So we can leave the right or wrong at the door on this one. But hate slurs and post fight misbehavior by Mr. Bisping beg the question: Is it time for MMA’s leading organizations to enforce a code of conduct? Continue reading »

Heavy is the Crown of Anderson Silva

Posted by Patrick Guera at 3:01 PM Features, MMA Gospel Radio, MMA News, UFC 2 Responses »

Feb 052011

AndersonSilvastandsoncageAP Heavy is the Crown of Anderson Silva

"The Spider" Anderson Silva is on top of the world now, but how will he be remembered when he's gone? (Photo courtesy of the Associated Press)

What will become of the legacy of “The Spider” Anderson Silva (27-4), who fights tonight at UFC 126? When his career has faded into the grainy memory of mixed martial arts, what will be remembered? Will it be his vicious, calculated striking? Will fans talk of the daunting 12 consecutive wins that he currently holds within the toughest promotion on the planet? How will the MMA community remember his demolition of “Ace” Rich Franklin (28-5) not once, but twice in a shocking symphony of punches and kicks that left “Ace” crumpled on the floor, humbled and broken? Or will we remember the indifferent, stand-offish Silva? The one who danced around “The Predator” Patrick Cote (13-7) at UFC 90. When the fighter who toyed with Thales Leites (18-4) and Demian Maia (14-2), the latter of which was so painful to watch that even Silva’s biggest supporters shook their heads, puzzled as to why one of the most gifted fighters the sport has ever seen would act in such a pathetic and classless manner. Continue reading »

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Boxing…

Posted by Patrick Guera at 3:43 PM Features, MMA News No Responses »

Jan 042011

RandyCouturebeatingonJamesToneyZuffa Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Boxing...

UFC 118 in August was predominantly centralized around its "MMA vs. Boxing" co-main event between UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture (red/black shorts) and superstar boxer "Lights Out" James Toney (camouflage trunks). Couture demolished Toney and put an end to his night about halfway through the first round. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

This past month rounding out the 2010 MMA calendar and transitioning into the New Year has been thrilling. UFC 124: St. Pierre vs. Koscheck II was for all intents and purposes an exciting affair. “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (21-2) put on another picture perfect fight against perennial contender “Kos” Josh Koscheck (15-5) and “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (18-7) showed he could stay relevant at welterweight by testing the iron chin of “Doomsday” John Howard (14-6), Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu 2 was quite literally a knockout, WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis was an explosive send-off for the exciting organization, and the main event at UFC 125: Resolution featured lightweight champ “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) and his challenger, NCAA Div. I wrestler “The Bully” Gray Maynard (10-0-1), partaking in a five round war dominated by stand-up that rather surprisingly resulted in a Draw. However a disturbing realization has come to light. It is likely that given the growth of MMA, especially the UFC, this beloved sport one day will begin to emulate the stale monotony of professional boxing. As the UFC and MMA continue to grow into the meganaut of combat sports, mainstream growth’s effect on the sport, its entertainment value, and its fighters will only become progressively more apparent. Continue reading »

The UFC Wants World Domination. Let’s Give it to Them.

Posted by Patrick Guera at 1:27 PM MMA News No Responses »

Nov 042010

UFC logo1 250x158 The UFC Wants World Domination. Lets Give it to Them.

Last week, the Internet blew up. Well, at least the part where MMA fans gather. All week fans and journalists speculated what UFC President Dana White was going to announce on Thursday. Most dismissed it as another “non-announcement”. Perhaps his Round 5 doll would include his famous “Do you want to be a fucking fighter?” speech, or Frank Fertitta was now head of UFC accounting. But alas, the day came and the foul-mouthed head honcho delivered a right hand straight to the MMA community’s collective jaw that could make even “The Engineer” Shane Carwin blush (11-1): The UFC will absorb the WEC and its fighters. “Junior” Jose Aldo (17-1) will defend the first ever UFC Featherweight Championship, “Smooth” Ben Henderson (11-1) and “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (12-1) will vie for a shot at the UFC lightweight crown, and Miguel Torres’ (37-3) mullet will appear in the Octagon in all its glory! These sentiments echoed through the halls of many MMA fans’ home, but what does this merger really mean for the MMA world? Continue reading »

A Fireside Chat with Phil Davis, Part II

Posted by Patrick Guera at 7:49 PM MMA News No Responses »

Jul 272010

Last week I spent some time with UFC Light Heavyweight Phil Davis. We discussed the lack of respect the ground game gets from fans. In part two, I share some suggestions the fans have given to stifle ground fighters and Phil takes the questions head-on. Continue reading »

A Fireside Chat with Phil Davis

Posted by Patrick Guera at 6:01 PM MMA News No Responses »

Jul 192010

“Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (5-0) is currently a hot prospect in the UFC’s Light-Heavyweight Division. When he isn’t trying to make his opponent a permanent sponsor on the mat, Phil is actually quite a nice guy who is never shy about making his feelings heard. He has kindly agreed to bless MMA Gospel with knowledge straight from the fighter’s mouth. In this week’s segment we discuss something close to Phil’s heart- and hot on the minds of fans- grappling.

Please note: This is not an interview, it is a conversation, you will hear me chime in whether you like it or not. Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel

Patrick Guera

UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis

UFC 141 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexander Gustafsson

UFC 139 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson

UFC on FOX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Clay Guida vs. Ben Henderson

UFC 137 Pre-Fight Breakdown: BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz

Question No More: The Answer is Clearly, Frankie Edgar

Gamers: UFC Live on Versus 5 Proves There is Hope, After All

Wrestling with the Truth: Clay Guida Takes Heat From MMA Fans

Is Frankie Edgar…the Answer?

Conduct in MMA: Will Fighters or Promotions Cross the Line First?

Heavy is the Crown of Anderson Silva

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Boxing…

The UFC Wants World Domination. Let’s Give it to Them.

A Fireside Chat with Phil Davis, Part II

A Fireside Chat with Phil Davis

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