Ronald Young Jr.

Finding the Underdog: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 11:23 AM UFC No Responses »

Jan 142012

Vitor Belfort Anthony Johnson face off Zuffa Finding the Underdog: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

After competing at welterweight throughout his professional career, Anthony Johnson (right) is set to face renowned striker Vitor Belfort (left) in a catchweight match-up that likely will still see him enjoy a significant size advantage. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

While the main event at UFC 142 will be an exciting championship clash of top featherweights, the co-main event of this card features a most intriguing catchweight clash between two of the most prominent fighters in the UFC. “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3) was slated to make his middleweight debut, facing off against tough veteran and former light heavyweight champion “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9). Both fighters will be looking for not only a win, but for a chance to re-establish themselves as elite fighters in the world’s premier MMA promotion. This is Belfort’s fifth fight in the 185lbs. class, but he will have his hands full with the “rookie” to the division in Johnson. Continue reading »

Finding the Underdog: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 11:38 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Oct 082011

Edgar vs Maynard Draw Zuffa e1318090359839 Finding the Underdog: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

Strong arguments could be made for either Frankie Edgar (left) or Gray Maynard (right) as the winner of the pairs second meeting, making it a perfect example of truly legitimate draw. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

In the promotion’s third event in three weeks, the UFC hopes to put on yet another set of exciting fights at UFC 136, headlined by the rubber match between UFC Lightweight Champion “The Answer” Frank Edgar (13-1-1) and challenger “The Bully” Gray Maynard (10-0-1). This fight will not only settle the long standing score between the pair but will also set the tone for state of the UFC lightweight division. The future of the 155lbs. ranks lies in the fact that both of these fighters are true mixed martial artists and any champion in the lightweight division must be completely well-rounded in order to obtain and retain the belt. However, one man must fall when the two meet in tonight’s main event. Continue reading »

Finding the Underdog: Jon Jones vs. “Rampage” Jackson

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 8:15 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Sep 242011

Jon Jones vs Stephan Bonnar Zuffa Finding the Underdog: Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson

Jon Jones (red trunks) has distinct advantages in almost every area of the fight game over "Rampage" Jackson, but he still has to respect Quinton's power. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Tonight at UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage, UFC Light Heavyweight champion “Bones” Jon Jones (13-1) will face off against veteran knockout artist “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-8) in the main event. There is only one guarantee in this fight and it is that it will most certainly not go the five rounds typically allotted for a championship fight. Jones will be looking to defend his belt for the first time in his short reign as champion while Jackson on the other hand will be looking to return to relevance and dominance in the division by reclaiming his title first in his bout with Jones, then his pride in the upcoming face-off with challenger “Sugar” Rashad Evans (16-1-1). Continue reading »

Looking for the Underdog: “Rampage” Quinton Jackson

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 2:32 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

May 282011

Rampage old PRIDE Looking for the Underdog: Rampage Quinton Jackson

"Rampage" Jackson has made many changes since his days as a reckless young brawler in PRIDE, but have those changes been good for his career? (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Tonight at UFC 130: Rampage vs. Hamill former light heavyweight champion “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-8) will look to extend his winning streak to two as he faces off against tough wrestler “Hammer” Matt Hamill (10-2). In Jackson’s most recent fight, against “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (17-2), he was able to pull off a pretty convincing decision by controlling much of the action in the first two rounds. A good win over a tough opponent such as Matt Hamill will do much to place Jackson firmly back in the title picture. However, for a win to truly impress the UFC brass, “Rampage” will need a finish, likely in the form of one of his trademark brutal KOs. Unfortunately for Jackson, five of his last six fights have gone the distance and each of them saw Jackson in a position to finish where he was either unable or unwilling to pull the trigger. The appeal of Quinton Jackson is clear from his nickname, “Rampage”, and his recent timidity in clutch situations has left many fans cold to him. So the question in this fight is, is “Rampage” Jackson going to be on the hunt for a KO or will he be content to win on the judges’ scorecards simply to avoid the risk of going all out? Continue reading »

Looking for the Underdog: “The Hammer” Matt Hamill

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 8:36 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

May 282011

Matt Hamill Zuffa Looking for the Underdog: The Hammer Matt Hamill

Matt Hamill will get his first taste of a UFC headlining bout against Quinton Jackson at UFC 130, but does he have the skills to take advantage of the opportunity? (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

At UFC 130 “The Hammer” Matt Hamill (9-2) will be looking to make “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-8) his sixth victim in his current win streak when the pair face off in a main event light heavyweight battle. Outside of a hotly contested disqualification victory over current 205lbs. champion “Bones” Jon Jones (13-1), Hamill has left little doubt with back-to-back decision victories over “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine (17-9) and “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-8) that he has a legitimate presence in the division. He is, however, looked at with a certain measure of contempt as a contender by the pundits who call into question the talent level of the opponents he has beaten since coming to the UFC in 2006. A solid win over a former champion like “Rampage” would do much to allay that contempt. Continue reading »

Looking for the Underdog: Georges St. Pierre

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 1:47 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Apr 302011

Georges St. Pierre solo Zuffa 670x950 Looking for the Underdog: Georges St. Pierre

George St. Pierre is regarded as the best fighter in the world by many and he will seek to prove them correct against two-division champion Jake Shields at tonight UFC 129. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

MMA fans disagree about many things. However, few will disagree that the most likely fighter to dethrone “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (21-2) in the welterweight division is former Elite XC and Strikeforce champion Jake Shields (26-4). Tonight at UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields fans will see the pair face off for the UFC Welterweight Championship after years of speculation from fans and pundits alike. This will be a interesting fight to watch as GSP has been known to best his opponents at their strengths especially when they are touted as the best in the division at what they do. In this case it would be Shields’ esteemed top position Jiu -Jitsu game. Although GSP is a black belt in BJJ and a great submission artist himself, few would doubt that in a submission grappling match Shields would have the edge. However, this is MMA and GSP’s planning comes into play backed with his ability to seamlessly blend the various facets of the game, a fact which more than just evens the playing field.

Looking for the Underdog: Jake Shields

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 6:22 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Apr 302011

jake shields Zuffa1 Looking for the Underdog: Jake Shields

Tonight's UFC 129 main event sees NCAA Div. II wrestler and former Strikeforce and Elite XC champ take on renowned welterweight kingpin Georges St. Pierre. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

More is on the line than the UFC welterweight title tonight at UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields. The main event will be another chapter in an ages old philosophical debate akin to the combat sports version of the immovable object and the irresistible force. It is the answer to the question of who is the best fighter – the man with the longer winning streak and belts in multiple smaller promotions, or the man who has fought in the best promotion against arguably better opponents and defended his title multiple times? That answer will become glaringly apparent this evening when former top Elite XC welterweight and Strikeforce and Shooto Welterweight Champion Jake Shields (26-4) faces off against world renowned UFC Welterweight Champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (21-2). Continue reading »

Looking for the Underdog: Nick Diaz

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 8:18 AM MMA News, Strikeforce No Responses »

Apr 092011

nick diaz Dream e1302237716798 Looking for the Underdog: Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz will put his iron chin, solid boxing, and stellar Jiu-Jitsu to the test tonight against UFC veteran Paul Daley in San Diego. (Photo courtesy of DREAM)

An intriguing welterweight battle projected to send ripples through the 170lbs. division in both Strikeforce and the UFC is set to commence tonight at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. The main event sees heavy-handed Brit and UFC castaway “Semtex” Paul Daley (23-10-2) facing off against Cesar Gracie protege and reigning Strikeforce Welterweight Champion “Diablo” Nick Diaz (23-8) in a bout that will potentially determine the pecking order in the welterweight division of not only Strikeforce, but also its new sister company the UFC. Since both men have previously fought under the UFC banner where they found moderate success, tonight’s match-up is an opportunity to eliminate competition they would’ve otherwise faced later in their road to the top. In Diaz’s case this may be as far as he wants to go as long as his teammate Jake Shields (26-4-1) wins against the seemingly perpetual UFC welterweight king “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (21-2) in their UFC title bout April 30. In any case, with the very real potential that the UFC and Strikeforce may do some roster jockeying, Nick Diaz now more than ever must concrete his position as one of the world’s two most elite 170lb. champions.

Looking for the Underdog: Paul Daley

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 6:07 AM MMA News, Strikeforce No Responses »

Apr 092011

Paul Daley cage rage Looking for the Underdog: Paul Daley

UFC veteran and Cage Rage champion Paul Daley will attempt to add Nick Diaz's Strikeforce welterweight title to his resume Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Cage Rage)

This Saturday at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley the welterweight title will be on the line when “Semtex” Paul Daley (23-10) faces off against a game champion in “Diablo” Nick Diaz (23-8). Daley will attempt to stop the three-year, nine-fight win streak of Diaz and set himself up for some intriguing fights within the Strikeforce organization following the recent Zuffa purchase. At first glance this may look like a boxing match, however, with Daley’s lack of ground game, this may be just a way for Diaz to stay active and put another notch on his belt. Daley can certainly end any fight that remains on the feet in short order and is by no means out of his league against the champ. Regardless of the outcome, this fight will more than likely be one of the most exciting bouts of the year, as both men come to finish and throw their strikes and submissions with obvious bad intentions.

Looking for the Underdog: “Shogun” Mauricio Rua

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 8:42 AM Features, MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Mar 192011

Shogunincage blackwhiteDMandelSherdog Looking for the Underdog: Shogun Mauricio Rua

Reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion "Shogun" Mauricio Rua is a decorated member of the old guard of MMA, but he may have trouble dealing with the versatile, unorthodox style of Jon Jones. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

Fresh off its recent acquisition of rival promotion Strikeforce, the UFC will look to make a statement with what will likely go down as a classic championship battle. At UFC 128 tonight “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4), the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, will face off against a very dangerous fighter and quickly rising star in “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1). Even compared to two tough fights with “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-2) this fight will be no picnic for “Shogun”. The promotion’s 205lbs. division has two unchanging themes, and those are the consistently high level of competition and the constant changing of champions. Since 2008 when “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (18-8) lost the belt to Forrest Griffin (18-6), only one champion has successfully defended the belt and even that wasn’t without controversy, as many thought that Rua was the winner in Lyoto Machida’s only title defense at UFC 104 in October 2009. In four years the belt has changed hands four times, and “Shogun” Rua looks to be the man to bring order to the light heavyweight division. The only thing in his way? The same thing that stood in Machida’s, Jackson’s, Griffin’s, and “Sugar” Rashad Evans’ (15-1-1) way: a very skilled and very hungry opponent with all the tools to end his reign.

Looking for the Underdog: “Bones” Jon Jones

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 5:32 AM Features, MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Mar 192011

JonJones blackwhiteTerryGoodlad Looking for the Underdog: Bones Jon Jones

"Bones" Jon Jones has catapulted to the upper echelon of the UFC's light heavyweight division and tonight challenges reigning 205lbs. king "Shogun" Rua for his title. (Photo courtesy of Terry Goodlad)

Tonight at UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones two highly touted light heavyweight fighters will clash in an effort to decide who is the king of the UFC’s 205lbs. division. There is no doubt that in the immortal words of Optimus Prime: “One will rise, and one will fall”, when reigning champion “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4) puts his title on the line against the fast rising prospect “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1). Jones has cut through the division with an efficiency previously reserved only for seasoned MMA greats like “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-8) or “The Spider” Anderson Silva (28-4). Facing undoubtedly the toughest opponent of his career in tonight’s main event, Jon Jones looks to make a case for being the top light heavyweight in the world with a victory over the esteemed former PRIDE powerhouse “Shogun” Rua. Continue reading »

Looking for the Underdog: Anderson Silva

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 1:17 PM Features, MMA News, UFC 1 Response »

Feb 052011

AndersonSilvawithbeltatpressconferenceSherdog Looking for the Underdog: Anderson Silva

UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva rides a 13 fight winning streak coming into his UFC 126 bout, but may have met his match in dangerous striker Vitor Belfort. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

Much of the mystique of UFC Middleweight Champion and pound-for-pound best fighter in the world “The Spider” Anderson Silva (27-4) comes from the fact that many fighters have tried to figure him out but few have been able to survive long enough to do so. Tonight at UFC 126, “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (19-8) hopes to finish what Chael Sonnen (24-11-1) started at UFC 117 by exploiting the vulnerabilities of the champion and making him pay for his egotistical toying with his opponents. Vitor has been billed as the man with the striking to match Anderson Silva and with the humbling beatdown Silva took from Sonnen still fresh on the minds of many fans, it is certainly easy to believe that Belfort could be the man to beat the champ at his own game. The real questions, however, regard Silva and Belfort’s respective mental states coming into this middleweight championship bout. How did Sonnen affect Silva’s colossal ego? Has his God complex grown even more with the last-second submission win, or has the champ returned to reality? What about Vitor? Will he crack under the pressure of the title fight like he did so many times before? Will he arrive focused and ready to fight or will he show up looking as if he wishes he were somewhere else? As the main event to cap off a spectacular evening of fights, this will be one of the more intriguing battles taking place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center tomorrow night.

Looking for the Underdog: Vitor Belfort

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 7:34 AM Features, MMA News, UFC 1 Response »

Feb 052011

VitorBelfortblackwhiteclose upTerryGoodlandSherdog Looking for the Underdog: Vitor Belfort

"The Phenom" Vitor Belfort will face his toughest opponent to date in UFC Middleweight Champion "The Spider" Anderson Silva tonight at UFC 126. (Photo courtesy of Terry Goodland and Sherdog)

As a prelude to Super Bowl XLV, tonight’s stacked UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort card promises an exhilarating night of fights for both the casual and avid fans. The bout that many fans are looking forward to in particular is the main event’s 185lbs. clash between longtime UFC Middleweight Champion and top rated pound-for-pound fighter in the world “The Spider” Anderson Silva (27-4) and PRIDE veteran “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (19-8). After seeing Silva dominated for nearly all 25 minutes of his bout against the previous title challenger Chael Sonnen (24-11-1) at UFC 117 in August, the aura of invincibility that once shrouded Silva has been nearly destroyed, leaving many fans to believe that Vitor Belfort will be the man to expose Silva’s human vulnerabilities once and for all and dethrone the champion. At the very least, the vast majority of the MMA community agree that Belfort’s combination of hand speed and power will be enough to force Silva into fighting seriously and showing vestiges of the vintage Anderson Silva that finished his first five UFC opponents in a combined time just under 22 minutes. For his part, Belfort has looked amazing since 2006, the year when both he and Silva last lost. However, many pundits will point out that Vitor has faced less than UFC caliber competition since his last defeat, leaving naysayers to question whether “The Phenom” truly has the tools to push Anderson Silva or if he was simply made to look good by sub-par opponents. This fight will further reveal the mystique of the champion in one way or another, but more than that it will tell fans about the true abilities of Vitor Belfort.

Looking for the Underdog: Frankie Edgar

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 1:27 PM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 012011

FrankieEdgarZuffa Looking for the Underdog: Frankie Edgar

UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar's lone loss came by the hands of his UFC 125 opponent, Gray Maynard. Tonight, Edgar likely will look to engage "The Bully" in a stand-up war, where he may out-strike the wrestler and make his second successful title defense. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Few expected “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (13-1) to shock the world. Even fewer expected him to shock the world twice.

But Edgar did just that when he came into his April 2010 title fight against then lightweight champ “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-1) as the considerable underdog, and pulled off what many thought to be impossible by beating the 155lb. thrasher. The match resulted in a highly contested Unanimous Decision, and an immediate rematch was scheduled for just four months later. BJ Penn stepped up his game for their second meeting, but unfortunately for “The Prodigy”, so did Edgar. He ran the show for almost the entirety of the fight, this time winning an undisputed decision victory over Penn and successfully completing his first title defense. With two defeats over the man who previously demolished the entire lightweight division, “The Answer” clearly was quickly rising to the top. Continue reading »

Looking for the Underdog: Gray Maynard

Posted by Ronald Young Jr. at 8:12 AM MMA News, UFC No Responses »

Jan 012011

GrayMaynardDMandelSherdog Looking for the Underdog: Gray Maynard

Using his world class wrestling skills and keeping the fight on the ground affords Gray Maynard the best chance of dethroning lightweight champ Frankie Edgar. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

Today marks the first day of the new year. While most will be celebrating a fresh start and making a valiant attempt at what probably will result in another failed resolution, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will be continuing its own New Year’s tradition by ushering in another top notch fight card with UFC 125: Resolution. The UFC Lightweight Champion “The Answer” Frank Edgar (13-1) will face off against the only man to ever defeat him, “The Bully” Gray Maynard (10-0). The storyline leading up to this fight is quite exciting in that Edgar will have the opportunity to defend his belt a second time and avenge the lone loss on his record in the same fight. However, this is where the excitement ends, because neither of these fighters are known for finishing fights.

Older Entries

MMA Gospel

Ronald Young Jr.

Finding the Underdog: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

Finding the Underdog: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

Finding the Underdog: Jon Jones vs. “Rampage” Jackson

Looking for the Underdog: “Rampage” Quinton Jackson

Looking for the Underdog: “The Hammer” Matt Hamill

Looking for the Underdog: Georges St. Pierre

Looking for the Underdog: Jake Shields

Looking for the Underdog: Nick Diaz

Looking for the Underdog: Paul Daley

Looking for the Underdog: “Shogun” Mauricio Rua

Looking for the Underdog: “Bones” Jon Jones

Looking for the Underdog: Anderson Silva

Looking for the Underdog: Vitor Belfort

Looking for the Underdog: Frankie Edgar

Looking for the Underdog: Gray Maynard

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