UFC 158: St. Pierre vs. Diaz Live Results

 Posted by at 3:04 PM  UFC  1 Response »
Mar 162013
 
(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View @ 10:00pm ET)—

Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz: St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45), Round 5, 5:00

Carlos Condit vs. Johny Hendricks: Hendricks via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt: Ellenberger via KO (Punches), Round 1, 3:00

Chris Camozzi vs. Nick Ring: Camozzi via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Colin Fletcher vs. Mike Ricci: Ricci via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »

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UFC 158: St. Pierre vs. Diaz Weigh-Ins Results, Video

 Posted by at 7:20 PM  UFC  No Responses »
Mar 152013
 

(Video courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View @ 10:00pm ET)—

Georges St. Pierre (170) vs. Nick Diaz (169)

Carlos Condit (169) vs. Johny Hendricks (171)

Jake Ellenberger (170) vs. Nate Marquardt (171)

Chris Camozzi (185) vs. Nick Ring (183)

Colin Fletcher (155) vs. Mike Ricci (156) Continue reading »

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Spilled Bag of Fights: Is Joey Beltran’s Mustache Good for the Sport?

 Posted by at 4:13 PM  Spilled Bag of Fights  No Responses »
Jan 302012
 

Is Joey Beltran’s mustache good for the sport? Does it make him look too Mexican? Does it alienate the non-Hispanic MMA fans? In case you haven’t picked up on it, I’m being sarcastic.

Back before I became an MMA journalist pundit …whatever the fuck it is I do, things were different. 98% of my Twitter followers didn’t know what MMA was or weren’t fans. Now, my Twitter feed is nothing but MMA fans. At first I enjoyed discussing upcoming fights and being in the loop on the latest news but coming up on two years since the birth of SBoI, I have to deal with the other side of it. The dark side… (cue over-dramatic music)  A lot of MMA fans tend to over-analyze everything and make mountains out of molehills. Especially when it comes to what is or isn’t “good for the sport”. If some MMA fans obsessed over their children’s every action the way they do everything that happens in MMA, their kids would grow up to be neurotic freaks; possibly serial killers. MMA is gonna be fine. It’s time to cut the apron strings and let your baby grow up and you know, just try and enjoy it. Chael doing a Superstar Billy Graham isn’t going to ruin the sport. Relax. You have to realize that the so-called “casual” fans or potential future fans aren’t paying attention to all this minutia the way we sick bastards are. Anyway, feel free to continue being obsessed just try to do it with a sense of joy, passion, and humor rather than neurotic angst. If you can’t do that, try to keep it off my Twitter timeline. I’d appreciate it, you doughy wankers! (courtesy of @sonnench) Continue reading »

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UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis Live Results

 Posted by at 3:12 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 282012
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on FOX)—

Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis: Evans via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45), Round 5, 5:00

Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping: Sonnen via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00

Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman: Weidman via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00*

Continue reading »

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UFC on FOX 2 Weigh-In Results

 Posted by at 4:54 PM  UFC  No Responses »
Jan 272012
 

Tomorrow night's UFC on FOX 2 main event sees Rashad Evans (left) and Phil Davis (right) face off, with the winner getting the next shot at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship title. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on FOX)—

Rashad Evans: 205lbs.
Phil Davis: 205lbs.

Chael Sonnen: 185lbs.
Michael Bisping: 185lbs.

Demian Maia: 186lbs.
Chris Weidman: 185lbs. Continue reading »

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UFC 137: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 Posted by at 5:03 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Oct 302011
 

Nick Diaz (red trunks) took full advantage of BJ Penn's (white trunks) cardio issues at UFC 137, out-landing him 218-58 in total strikes during the second and third rounds. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The thousands of fans have left the Mandalay Bay Event Center and fighters have returned home to nurse their injuries and plan for their next bouts following a night of solid competitive fights at UFC 137. “Diablo” Nick Diaz (25-8) took the win over “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) in his main event return to the UFC. Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) showed how superior technical abilities are a perfect foil for raw athletic ability when he dismantled “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-1). The MMA world witnessed the end of one of the most storied careers in MMA as “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-11-2) came out on the losing side of a three-round fire fight with “Big Country” Roy Nelson (16-6). “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-14-1) had his UFC return spoiled by WEC stand-out “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (12-3) and Hatsu Hioki (22-4-2)  broke the curse of JMMA fighters with a solid win over George Roop (12-7-1). With the fights in the books, everyone knows which man recorded the victory in each fight, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect how each man’s career will be affected and for that, MMA Gospel has the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.   Continue reading »

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UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Live Results

 Posted by at 5:18 PM  UFC  No Responses »
Oct 292011
 

Former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion BJ Penn (left) and former Strikeforce 170lbs. champ Nick Diaz (right) square off tonight in the UFC 137 headliner. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View)—

BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz: Diaz via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione: Kongo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Mirko Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson: Nelson via TKO (Punches), Round 3, 1:30

Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran: Jorgensen via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00

Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop: Hioki via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Staff Makes UFC 137 Predictions

 Posted by at 12:29 PM  UFC  3 Responses »
Oct 292011
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC 137 main card has survived a series of blows to its line-up to finally come to fruition tonight at the promotion’s primary stomping grounds, the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. To kick off the Pay-Per-View festivities, perpetual underdog and TUF 8 alum George Roop (12-6-1) welcomes Japanese sensation Hatsu Hioki to the Octagon for his stateside debut. Two former WEC stand-outs go to battle as multiple-time “Fight of the Night” winner “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (11-3) is pitted against fellow bantamweight and seasoned submission guru “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-13-1). The famed head kicks of  ”Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-10-2) will likely make an appearance when the former PRIDE superstar takes on inaugural IFL Heavyweight Champion and TUF 10 winner “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6). The co-main event sees another heavyweight clash, this time between renowned French kickboxer Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) and the man who “pisses excellence” each time he steps foot in the Octagon, “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-0). Former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) goes head to head with Stockton native “Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) of Cesar Gracie tutelage in the evening’s marquis event – a pairing that already showed fireworks at last night’s weigh-ins. Despite its rocky start, the UFC once again has managed to string together an event chock full of promising match-ups that are nearly certain to render the full gamut of results. Continue reading »

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

 Posted by at 3:04 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Oct 282011
 

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 »

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UFC 137 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione

 Posted by at 5:48 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Oct 272011
 

Matt Mitrione (yellow trunks) has shot through the ranks like a rocket thanks to his work ethic and solid fundamental striking, two things Cheick Kongo will put to the test. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

While a knee injury in training has robbed MMA fans of the UFC Welterweight Title fight between “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (22-2) and “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (27-5), the UFC 137 card headlined by  “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) and “El Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) is certainly not lacking in talent. Sengoku superstar Hatsu Hioki (21-4-2) will open the main card in his UFC debut against George Roop (12-6-1). “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-13-1) will make his return to the Octagon against former WEC contemporary “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (11-3) and “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-10-2) will seek a return to glory against “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6). Pulling co-main event duties are a pair of heavyweight strikers from opposite ends of the public spectrum, Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) and “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-0). Known for his blunt, dry sense of humor and almost comical arrogance, Matt Mitrione came from the NFL, to the TUF house, and into a five-fight win streak as he continues to “piss excellence” in the Octagon. Kongo, by contrast has been a man of very few words who has quietly climbed the UFC ladder with a five-year-long, 9-4-1 mark in the organization and a traditional, no-flash style of kickboxing that he uses to great effect. Both men have made their presence known and are looking for the chance to make a big splash in the division. This fight represents that chance. Continue reading »

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UFC 137 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mirko Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson

 Posted by at 7:48 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Oct 272011
 

Mirko "Cro Cop" (right) will look to end his career as the fighter he was when he KO'd Wanderlei Silva (left) when he faces Roy Nelson and his own demons at UFC 137. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Though an injury to UFC Welterweight Champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (22-2) cost fans a title fight between he and former WEC champ “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (27-5), the UFC 137 event headlined by “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) and polarizing welterweight talent “El Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) remains one of the most impressive offerings of the year, from any organization. The cast of characters is nothing short of amazing with the stern Frenchman Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) going head to head with heavyweight class clown and break away knockout artist “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-0), Japanese champion Hatsu Hioki (21-4-2) taking on George Roop (12-6-1), and “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-13-1) making his first Octagon appearance in nearly six years against former WEC rival “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (11-3). Also slated for marquis action, former PRIDE superstar “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-10-2) will again seek to reclaim a piece of his former self against former IFL champion “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6). The pairing is an interesting affair as both men have questions about their career decisions pressing in on them from the media, the UFC brass, and the fans. Continue reading »

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UFC 137 Pre-Fight Breakdown: George Roop vs. Hatsu Hioki

 Posted by at 5:05 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Oct 262011
 

He might have stumbled a few times in past performances but George Roop (left) has always made it a point to win until stopped otherwise. He will face a daunting challenge when he faces UFC newcomer Hatsu Hioki in the main card's opener. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The card has undergone many changes but UFC 137 still comes at full force come Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Young  Guns” Scott Jorgensen (11-3) welcomes back “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-13-1) in a bantamweight match-up. The potential for knockouts is always high when the heavyweights are involved, especially when Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) meets “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-0) and “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-10-2) clashes with “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6). The main event is a dream match for those who love a good old fashioned scrap, as “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) and “Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) are set to lock horns. In the card’s opener, George Roop (12-6-1) welcomes top featherweight Hatsu Hioki (21-4-2) into the Octagon. Roop has always been the featherweight division’s underdog but when he meets a high-level grappler in Hioki, the moniker might seem fitting more than ever. Continue reading »

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UFC 137 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran

 Posted by at 6:48 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Oct 252011
 

"Young Guns" Scott Jorgensen (top) got his UFC debut off to the right start with a knockout victory to erase his loss to current bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz. If he can make short work of the veteran Jeff Curran at UFC 137 he makes another shot at the title come closer to fruition. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

Despite a series of last-minute changes, the UFC still manages to pull through as the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz on Saturday night. The original main event bout with “Rush” Georges St. Pierre defending his welterweight title against “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit was scrapped after the champion sustained a knee injury, “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) and former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion “Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) take care of headlining duties. In the co-main event, “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-0) gets a steep increase in competition as he tries to keep his undefeated streak alive when he taking on fellow knockout artist Cheick Kongo (16-6-2). It is a do-or-die fight for their careers when “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-10-2) and “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6) square off to get back into the winning circle. George Roop (12-6-1) is the one-man welcoming party when he greets Hatsu Hioki (21-4-2) into the Octagon for his featherweight debut. The bantamweights kick off the festivities when “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (11-3) takes on submission artist “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-13-1). Once a challenger for the title, Jorgensen seeks to tie together another chain of wins in order to get a second shot at the gold. Curran is as tested as they come and would love to make a statement when he enters the cage by making the young contender tap. Continue reading »

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Spilled Bag of Fights: Dear Dana

 Posted by at 6:03 PM  Spilled Bag of Fights  3 Responses »
Jun 062011
 

Dear Dana White,

I like to consider myself an intellectual. Not in a pretentious way but more in the sense that I don’t think being smart or educated is something to be ashamed of or mocked. Early on in high school I was picked on by a couple of jocks. By in large most of them, like most of everyone else didn’t really notice my existence but a couple of jock douchebags decided to pick on me and my indifference to sports became a seething hatred for meathead jocks. Granted, it was unfair of me to judge a whole group of people, namely athletes, by the actions of a couple of assholes but when you’re fifteen you’re generally not blessed with a philosophical and objective perspective. Even to this day, despite being intellectually evolved and more open-minded, that knee-jerk prejudice against jocks is still there. I make a distinction here between “jocks” and athletes, which doesn’t erase my prejudice, just makes it more selective.

When I first became aware of MMA I didn’t know it was MMA. I, like a lot of people saw it for how it was marketed at the time, as a brutal, no rules, barbaric bloodsport. Unfortunately, this angle repulsed me. It seemed to be everything I hated: dumb, meathead, uber-agro jock dicks that thought bashing someone’s face in and sending them to the hospital was cool. If they didn’t market it like that, I likely would’ve become a big fan of Royce Gracie – this little Brazilian beating much bigger and stronger guys with technique, with brains. I would’ve eaten that shit up at the time, if I had known and understood more about the sport; if it was marketed as mixed martial arts and not “No-Rules Cage Fighting”. It was your doing with The Ultimate Fighter that showed me that this was a real sport with athletes who trained. Martial artists rather than blood-thirsty barbarians. Not to say it’s not violent and primal and occasionally brutal and not to deny the visceral appeal of that element but it’s also a lot more.  And we also got to see that most fighters weren’t typical jocks. They’re athletes but most of them had to be a little bit nuts to want to do this for a living. Continue reading »

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