TJ Martinez

UFC 160 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Glover Teixeira vs. James Te Huna

 Posted by at 7:17 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
May 222013
 
Glover Teixeira (white trunks) has the advantage on the mat and can go blow for blow with James Te Huna standing as well. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Glover Teixeira (white trunks) has the advantage on the mat and can go blow-for-blow with James Te Huna standing as well. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts UFC 160 Saturday night. The heavyweight title is up for grabs when champion Cain Velasquez (11-1) meets “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (18-4) in the main event. “The Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (9-7) has been making a resurgence and hopes to keep it alive when he battles the former heavyweight king, “Cigano” Junior Dos Santos (15-2). “The Bully” Gray Maynard (11-1-1) will test his mettle against TJ Grant (20-5) in a lightweight showdown with the victor earning the right to a title shot. KJ Noons (11-6) makes his Octagon debut as he is set to tango with “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone” (19-5). The card’s anchor, however, is a light heavyweight shoot-out between Glover Teixeira (20-2) and James Te Huna (16-5). Both men have been unstoppable in their recent outings, but one man’s rise to the top will take a slight dive when the cage door closes. Continue reading »

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UFC 160 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Gray Maynard vs. TJ Grant

 Posted by at 11:46 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
May 222013
 
Gray Maynard (bottom) is a world-class wrestler who's advancing his skills in every other area of the MMA game, but his almost year-long lay-off could prove detrimental in his UFC 160 bout. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Gray Maynard (bottom) is a world-class wrestler who’s advancing his skills in every other area of the MMA game, but his almost year-long lay-off could prove detrimental in his UFC 160 bout. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

UFC 160 broadcasts live from Las Vegas, Nevada’s MGM Grand Garden Arena this Saturday and has a main card like no other for the fight capital of the world to display. KJ Noons (11-6) makes his UFC debut against “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (19-5) in the card’s opener. A pair of light heavyweight sluggers grace the card with Glover Teixeira (20-2) meeting James Te Huna (16-5) in the anchor. In the co-main event, “Cigano” Junior Dos Santos (15-2) will look to bounce back from his recent loss as he’s paired against “The Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (9-7). “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (18-4) will try to avenge a 2012 loss when he challenges Cain Velasquez (11-1) for the heavyweight title. In the middle of all the action, a lightweight title eliminator is set between “The Bully” Gray Maynard (11-1-1) and TJ Grant (20-5). Maynard is once again inching closer to a title shot while Grant has never been close to the same chance until now. Come Saturday, there will be a new lightweight challenger waiting to make his claim for 12 pounds of gold. Continue reading »

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UFC 159 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Michael Bisping vs. Alan Belcher

 Posted by at 7:40 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Apr 252013
 
Michael Bisping (left) has a similar skill set to Alan Belcher, but his cardio and athleticism should see him through to victory. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Michael Bisping (left) has a similar skill set to Alan Belcher, but his cardio and athleticism should see him through to victory. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Just a week after an outstanding FOX card, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Pay-Per-View as New Jersey’s Prudential Center hosts the long-awaited UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen. “Bam Bam” Pat Healy (29-16) makes his UFC debut against “The Mongoose” Jim Miller (22-4) in the card’s opener. It’s a clash of styles as Jiu-Jitsu ace “Pezao” Vinny Magalhaes (10-5) takes on wrestling extraordinaire “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (10-1). Heavyweights make their mark on the main card as “Big Country” Roy Nelson(18-7) battles Cheick Kongo (18-7-2) in the anchor bout. Before “Bones” Jon Jones puts (17-1) his light heavyweight title on the line against Chael Sonnen (27-12-1) in the main event, “The Count” Michael Bisping (23-5) and “The Talent” Alan Belcher (18-7) are set to dance. Both men have fallen short in their last outings, but only one will redeem himself when all is said and done. Continue reading »

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UFC 159 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Phil Davis vs. Vinny Magalhaes

 Posted by at 3:42 PM  MMA News, UFC  Comments Off
Apr 242013
 
(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Despite his opponent’s excellent submission game, Phil Davis (blue gloves) should be able to shut him down with his elite level wrestling. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

New Jersey’s Prudential Center hosts a highly anticipated light heavyweight showdown April 27 as “Bones” Jon Jones (17-1) lays his title on the line against the always brash Chael Sonnen (27-12-1) in the headliner for UFC 159. Co-main event duties lie between two middleweights trying to get back in the win column as “The Talent” Alan Belcher (18-7) meets “The Count” Michael Bisping (23-5). Cheick Kongo (18-7-2) will look to make a comeback of his own as he takes on fan-favorite heavyweight “Big Country” Roy Nelson (18-7). A dogfight in the lightweight ranks are promised as “The Mongoose” Jim Miller (22-4) welcomes Strikeforce transplant “Bam Bam” Pat Healy (29-16) in the card’s opener. Amongst the action, “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis (10-1) looks to keep his status as top 10 light heavyweight when he’s charged with facing “Pezao”  Vinny Magalhaes (10-5). The tension is still thickening as words have been exchanged, but words alone can only get each fighter so far once they stand across from each other fight night. Continue reading »

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UFC on Fuel TV 9 Main Card Pre-Fight Breakdown: Part II

 Posted by at 4:22 PM  MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Apr 052013
 
In the night's main event, Gegard Mousasi (red gloves) holds distinct advantages in skill and experience as well as the benefit of a full training camp to stack the deck in his favor. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

In the night’s main event, Gegard Mousasi (red gloves) holds distinct advantages in skill and experience as well as the benefit of a full training camp to stack the deck in his favor. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

April 6 the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Fuel TV when it touches down live in Stockholm, Sweden. As explored in Part I of MMA Gospel’s UFC on Fuel TV 9 pre-fight breakdown, the first half of the main card kicks off with Akira Corassani (10-3) taking on Robbie Peralta (16-3), “The Scarecrow” Pablo Garza (12-3) battling “Ceara” Diego Brandao (16-8) in a featherweight showcase, and “The Hulk” Mike Easton (13-2) taking on fellow striker “One Punch” Brad Pickett (22-7). In this latter half of the main card breakdown, a quick look begins with the heavyweight battle between “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-2) and Philip DeFries (9-2). The co-main event sees “The Real Deal” Ross Pearson (14-6) welcoming Strikeforce transplant Ryan Couture (6-1). Two new faces grace the light heavyweight division in the main event as Ilir Latifi (9-2) steps in on less than a week’s notice for his injured teammate, perennial contender “The Mauler” Alexander Gustafsson (15-1), to meet “The Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (33-3-2). Both men grace the eight-sided cage for the first time and with each getting top-billing for their debut, a win at this stage can open many doors for them at 205 pounds. Continue reading »

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UFC 158 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt

 Posted by at 2:52 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Mar 132013
 
Nate Marquardt (red gloves) has a wealth of experience and skill, but has always struggled with skilled wrestlers. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

Nate Marquardt (bottom) has a wealth of experience and skill, but has always struggled with skilled wrestlers. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

March 16 the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Montreal, Quebec, Canada as welterweight champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (23-2) takes on a dangerous adversary in Nick Diaz in the UFC 158 headlining match-up. The co-main event sees “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (28-6) take on “Bigg Rigg” Johny Hendricks (14-3). Chris Camozzi (18-5) battles fellow middleweight “The Promise” Nick Ring (13-1). In the card’s opener, The Ultimate Fighter alumni “The Martian” Mike Ricci (7-3) meets “Freakshow” Colin Fletcher (8-2) in a lightweight showdown. The card’s anchor will have two welterweights meet in a pivotal match-up as “The Great” Nate Marquardt (32-11-2) returns to the UFC to meet “The Juggernaut” Jake Ellenberger (28-6).  Both fighters are coming off recent setbacks, but a victory over the other is more than enough needed to put them back on their former path to glory. Continue reading »

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UFC 158 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mike Ricci vs. Colin Fletcher

 Posted by at 6:02 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Mar 122013
 
Former "TUF 16" competitor Mike Ricci (blue gloves) not only is arguably the more well-rounded fighter in his UFC 158 match-up, he also comes from a more technically superior fight camp. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Former “TUF 16″ competitor Mike Ricci (blue gloves) not only is arguably the more  technical and well-rounded fighter in his UFC 158 match-up, he also comes from a much more highly-regarded fight camp. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Montreal, Quebec, Canada is set to host mixed martial arts action March 16 with UFC 158: St. Pierre vs. Diaz. Chris Camozzi (18-5) engages with “The Promise” Nick Ring (13-1) in a middleweight affair. “The Juggernaut” Jake Ellenberger (28-6) will welcome former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion “The Great” Nate Marquardt (32-11-2) back to the Octagon in the card’s anchor. “Bigg Rigg” Johny Hendricks (14-1) looks to prove that he is worthy of welterweight gold when he tries to eliminate “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (28-6) from the contention talks. Tensions have been growing thick as the main event draws closer with “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (23-2) putting his championship title on the line against Nick Diaz (26-8). The main card’s opener is set to showcase two unlikely combatants getting main card status: “The Martian” Mike Ricci (7-3) and “The Freakshow” Colin Fletcher (8-2). Both men made very little work of the competition during their respective stints on The Ultimate Fighter but came up short trying to win the coveted UFC contract. Now with a grand stage to re-establish themselves within the organization, both of these runners up will look to pull no punches trying to earn that first UFC win. Continue reading »

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UFC on Fuel TV 8 Main Card Pre-Fight Breakdown: Part II

 Posted by at 3:18 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 282013
 
Takanori Gomi (black trunks) has the power in his punches to score an upset win in his Japanese homecoming. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo!)

Takanori Gomi (black trunks) has the power in his punches to score an upset win in his Japanese homecoming. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo!)

The first females of the UFC have already made history and now just one week later,  the UFC returns to Saitama, Japan with UFC on Fuel TV 8. Opening duties are bestowed upon the welterweights as “Stun Gun” Dong Hyun Kim (16-2-1) locks up with “The Great” Siyar Bahadurzada (21-4-1). Brazilian Rani Yahya (17-7) will look to prove homefield advantage means nothing when he takes on Japan’s own “Pugnus” Mizuto Hirota (14-5-1). A move up into middleweight contention could be in order for the victor between fourth-ranked “Thunder” Yushin Okami (28-7) and eighth-ranked “Lightning” Hector Lombard (32-3-1). “The Fireball Kid” Takanori Gomi (34-8) will greet “The Dream” Diego Sanchez (23-5) when he makes his return to the lightweight division. In the co-main event, one heavyweight’s rise to glory will come to a screeching halt as “Skyscraper” Stefan Struve (25-5) takes on K-1 veteran “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (8-7). Closing the night off is a light heavyweight battle between “The All-American” Brian Stann (12-5) and the always popular “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (34-12-1). The first half of the main card was given a look in UFC on Fuel TV 8 Main Card Pre-Fight Breakdown: Part I. MMA Gospel will round the card off here with Part II, providing what to look for in each match-up leading up to the main event. Continue reading »

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UFC 157 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Urijah Faber vs. Ivan Menjivar

 Posted by at 3:50 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 212013
 
After multiple consecutive title losses, Urijah Faber (red glove tape) knows a loss now will likely mark the end of his run as a top contender. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

After multiple consecutive title losses, Urijah Faber (red glove tape) knows a loss now will likely mark the end of his run as a top contender. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Saturday night the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (6-0) and “Girl-rilla” Liz Carmouche (8-2) lock horns as they become the first two women to compete in the Octagon as they headline UFC 157. The Honda Center in Anaheim, California will also feature light heavyweight contenders #2 ranked “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (18-3) and #1 ranked Dan Henderson (29-8)  taking care of the co-main event duties. “The Crusher” Court McGee (14-3) makes the drop to 170lbs. to take on “The Dentist” Josh Neer (33-12-1). In the card’s opener, #8 welterweight “Kos” Josh Koscheck (17-6) returns after a timely lay-off to welcome back knockout artist “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (19-9). In the middle of all the Pay-Per-View action, the face of the WEC and #2 ranked 135er “The California Kid” Urijah Faber  (26-6) meets the division’s #10 fighter “The Pride of El Salvador” Ivan Menjivar (25-9) in a bantamweight showdown. Continue reading »

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UFC 157 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Josh Koscheck vs. Robbie Lawler

 Posted by at 5:23 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 192013
 
Robbie Lawler's (white trunks) striking aptitudes and one-punch knockout power pose the most significant threat to UFC on Fuel TV 7 opponent Josh Koscheck. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Robbie Lawler’s (white trunks) striking aptitudes and one-punch knockout power pose the most significant threat to UFC on Fuel TV 7 opponent Josh Koscheck. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Anaheim, California’s Honda Center will play host to the UFC’s first ever women’s headliner Saturday night with UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche. “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (6-0) will test her mettle as the UFC’s first female bantamweight champ when she takes on “Girl-rilla” Liz Carmouche (8-2). Title contention is in the talks for the victor when “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida (18-3) meets the hard-hitting Dan Henderson (29-8) in the co-main event. “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (26-6) and “The Pride of El Salvador” Ivan Menjivar (25-9) will meet again in a rematch that has been seven years in the making. “The Dentist” Josh Neer (33-12-1) and “The Crusher” Court McGee (14-3) will  duke it out as they try to spare themselves from tying a three-fight skid. In the main card’s opener, a knockout artist from the UFC’s past returns as “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (19-9) graces the Octagon again with “Kos” Josh Koscheck (17-6) waiting to greet him. Continue reading »

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UFC on Fuel TV 7 Main Card Breakdown: Part I

 Posted by at 2:53 PM  MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Feb 122013
 
Scrappy welterweight Matt Riddle (blue gloves) will hold a clear advantage on the mat over his UFC on Fuel TV 7 opponent Che Mills. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Scrappy welterweight “Deep Waters” Matt Riddle (blue gloves) will hold a clear advantage on the mat over his UFC on Fuel TV 7 opponent Che Mills. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

February 16 the UFC returns to London as it presents its latest offering of MMA action with UFC on Fuel 7: Barao vs. McDonald. “Barao” Renan Pegado (29-1) will defend his interim bantamweight title when he meets “Mayday” Michael McDonald (15-1). In the co-main event, Cub Swanson (18-5) and “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier (13-2) battle in the featherweight division. Undefeated light heavyweight “Poster Boy” Jimi Manuwa (12-0) looks to keep the streak alive when he meets “Snake” Cyrille Diabate (19-8). In this half of the breakdown, however, a little more insight is shed on the first half of the main card’s proceedings. “Gunni” Gunnar Nelson (10-0-1) will look to display another submission spectacle when he meets a former Sengoku champion “The Sandman” Jorge Santiago (25-10). A battle between two light heavyweight titans is set in motion with “Big Deal” Ryan Jimmo (17-1) taking on James Te Huna (15-5) in his sophomore UFC match-up. Kicking off the night in a welterweight showdown are “Deep Waters” Matthew Riddle (7-3) and “Beautiful” Che Mills (15-5). Continue reading »

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UFC 156 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Rashad Evans vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

 Posted by at 1:09 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 312013
 
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (red gloves) has excellent boxing and exceptional Jiu-Jitsu, giving him the ability to end a fight at any time. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

“Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (red gloves) has excellent boxing and exceptional Jiu-Jitsu, giving him the ability to end a fight at any time. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada will host another stacked card for Super Bowl weekend. Flyweights kick off the main card when Joseph Benavidez (16-3) encounters “Uncle Creepy” Ian McCall (11-3-1). Demian Maia (17-4) tests the welterweight waters again when he meets Jon Fitch (24-4-1) to see who ultimately is the superior grappler. Heavyweights anchor the card as “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (17-4) and “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (36-11) lock horns. “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (15-3-1) comes down from the lightweight division to challenge “Scarface” Jose Aldo (21-1) for his featherweight title in the card’s main event. The fight in question at the moment is set in the co-main event when “Sugar” Rashad Evans (17-2-1) takes on acclaimed veteran of the sport, “Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5). These light heavyweights have been nothing short of spectacular in their careers but the stage could not have been set any better for these two to come to a head. Continue reading »

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UFC on FOX 6 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson

 Posted by at 6:54 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 262013
 
Mighty Mouse slams Joseph Benavidez (Zuffa)

Demetrious Johnson (green shorts) has a dynamic wrestling game backed by exceptional speed and footwork that has led him to dominate everyone on his road to the first UFC flyweight title. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The United Center in Chicago, Illinois sets the stage for UFC on FOX 6 Saturday night. “New Breed” Erik Koch (13-1) and “The Bully” Ricardo Lamas (12-2) will kick off the main card in a featherweight showdown. In a promising candidate for “Fight of the Night”, “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (15-2) takes on “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (19-4) in a 155lbs. grudge match some time in the making. Heavy-handed Brazilian Glover Teixeira (19-2) will face his biggest competition to date when he battles former light heavyweight champion “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (32-10) in the latter’s reported final fight in the UFC. In the card’s closer, the flyweight title is on the line when champion “Mighty Mouse” Demetrious Johnson (16-2-1) takes on The Ultimate Fighter 14 winner, “The Magician” John Dodson (14-5). Continue reading »

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UFC on FOX 6 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Quinton Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira

 Posted by at 1:10 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 242013
 
Glover Teixeira (red gloves) has effortlessly disposed of both of his UFC opponents thus far using his dangerous combination of technical and lethal striking. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Glover Teixeira (red gloves) has effortlessly discarded both of his UFC opponents thus far by using his dangerous combination of technical and lethal striking. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The NFL season might be slowly winding down but it is another healthy feed of mixed martial arts action January 26 as the UFC returns for its sixth installment on the FOX network. Opening the main card, “New Breed” Erik Koch (13-1) steps back into the spotlight after a lengthy lay-off to battle “The Bully” Ricardo Lamas (12-2). WEC veterans-turned-UFC lightweight contenders are set to collide as “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (19-4) meets “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (15-2). “Mighty Mouse” Demetrious Johnson (16-2-1) defends his flyweight title against “The Magician”  John Dodson (14-5) in the main event. Before the night closes, the co-main event will see Glover Teixeira (19-2) try to make the jump from prospect to contender when he takes on former light heavyweight champion “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (32-10) in his final organizational appearance. Continue reading »

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UFC on FX 7 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Ben Rothwell

 Posted by at 7:12 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 152013
 
"Big" Ben Rothwell (blue gloves) has the size, reach, and knockout power to overwhelm his UFC on FX 7 opponent Gabe Gonzaga on the feet to earn nineteenth (T)KO victory. (Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

“Big” Ben Rothwell (blue gloves) has the size, reach, and knockout power to overwhelm his UFC on FX 7 opponent Gabe Gonzaga on the feet to earn his nineteenth (T)KO victory. (Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The Ultimate Fighting Championship plunges to Sao Paulo, Brazil on January 19 to present its seventh edition of UFC On FX. Headlining the card is Brazil’s favorite son “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (21-10) taking on fellow middleweight contender “The Count” Michael Bisping (23-4). “The Doberman” CB Dollaway (12-4) welcomes Daniel Sarafian (7-2) to the Octagon in the co-main event. Two talented lightweights kick off the main card when Thiago Tavares (21-4) battles the undefeated “The Eagle” Khabib Nurmagomedov (18-0). This card is not spared from heavyweight action and lined to satisfy the action is “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (13-6) and “Big” Ben Rothwell (32-8). Both men hold a notorious reputation filled with submissions and knockouts which means when these two step into the cage, all eyes should be at attention. Continue reading »

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