UFC 144: The Ugly

 Posted by at 8:57 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 262012
 
With the exception of this one vintage slam, none of the “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (red gloves) that captured the hearts of Japanese fans was on display at the Saitama Super Arena Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The subdued cheers of the respectful Japanese crowd have faded from the Saitama Super Arena. The Octagon has been taken down and “Smooth” Ben Henderson (15-2) has carried the UFC Lightweight Championship back to the United States. UFC 144: Edgar vs.Henderson is history, but the effects of the event on the fighters involved are far more lasting. Several fighters, such as Henderson or “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (8-7), came out of the Saitama Super Arena far better than they went in. Others, such as Cheick Kongo (17-7-2) and “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-7) suffered significant setbacks in their UFC careers. Several others faired much, much worse, damaging their images and careers in major ways and leaving themselves in precarious positions where if they get another chance, it will likely be their last. Here is “the Ugly” of UFC 144. Continue reading »

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UFC 144: The Bad

 Posted by at 6:58 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 262012
 

Cheick Kongo's (right) loss to Mark Hunt (left) showcased that while he is an excellent striker, he isn't the super elite kickboxer the MMA media would have fans believe he is. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC was wildly successful in its return to the Land of the Rising Sun, however, not all of the fighters who competed at UFC 144 can say the same. The awesome display of world class mixed martial arts action may have boosted several fighters to the next level, but as is always the case, not everyone can fully reap the benefits of fighting on a stacked, action packed card. After all, for every fighter who adds a highlight reel finish to their resume, there is another who has to hang his head every time that fighter’s promotional videos hit the screens. The fighters found here may not have suffered career-threatening defeats, but they did find themselves in an awkward position following the night’s action. At MMA Gospel, we refer to this circumstance as being in “the Bad”. Continue reading »

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UFC 144: The Good

 Posted by at 4:43 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 262012
 

Ben Henderson (blue gloves) used his size and athleticism to edge Frankie Edgar in a five round war and capture UFC gold. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

With the jumbo-sized UFC 144 card in the books, the time has come once again to take a look at the ripples the night’s fights left in the MMA pond. The main event saw “Smooth” Ben Henderson (15-2) capture lightweight gold from now former champion “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-2-1). In the co-main, an out of shape and seemingly lethargic “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-10) showed flashes of his old PRIDE hallmarks against “Darth” Ryan Bader (14-2) who showed up game and left with the win. “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (8-7) broke .500 and continued his career resurgence by knocking out Cheick Kongo (17-7-2) in just over two minutes. “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-6) impressed everyone but the judges in his welterweight debut against Jake Shields (27-6-1) while “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (15-4) continued his success as a 185er in a nail biting comeback against “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-7). Japanese superstar Hatsu Hioki (24-4-2) dominated WEC contender and IFL vet “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-15), and “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (15-2) opened the night with a bang by knocking “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-7) senseless early in the first round of their lightweight match-up. With 14 fighters to discuss, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” will need to expand into a three-part, jumbo addition, so to the victors go the honors, let’s start with the Good. Continue reading »

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UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson Live Results

 Posted by at 4:33 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 252012
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View)—

Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson: Henderson via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 49-46), Round 5, 5:00

Quinton Jackson vs. Ryan Bader: Bader via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00

Mark Hunt vs. Cheick Kongo: Hunt via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 2:11

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Jake Shields: Shields via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00

Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch: Boetsch via TKO (Punches), Round 3, 0:54

Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski: Hioki via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon: Pettis via KO (Head Kick), Round 1, 1:21 Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Staff Picks: UFC 144

 Posted by at 8:56 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 252012
 

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Japan tonight after an 11-year hiatus to present UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson, an event boasting a seven-fight main card featuring some of the promotion's top talent. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Tonight the UFC stakes its claim in Saitama, Japan after over a decade-long hiatus in the nation to bring fans in the Saitama Super Arena and around the world an unprecedented seven-fight main card on Pay-Per-View, courtesy of UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson. Starting off the landmark event is a lightweight scrap between high-flying WEC veteran “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2) and resilient submission connoisseur “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6). Former Shooto Lightweight Champion and Sengoku Featherweight Champion Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2) is set to battle with seasoned veteran “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-14). Former title challenger “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) will meet former 205er “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4) in a middleweight contest. Japanese sensation “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5) takes on NCAA Div. II wrestler and former Strikeforce 185lbs. king Jake Shields (26-6-1), followed by what is sure to be a striking clinic between heavyweight kickboxers “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7) and Cheick Kongo (17-6-2). The co-main event sees former PRIDE superstar and UFC light heavyweight champ “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9) face a very determined prospect in “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2). Capping off the four-hour PPV card, “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) makes his fourth title defense, this time against former WEC Lightweight Champion and multiple-time “Fight of the Night” winner “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2). Who will shine at tonight’s UFC 144? Only time will truly tell, but in the meantime, MMA Gospel’s staff members take a stab at predicting how the night will go down. Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson

 Posted by at 11:22 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 242012
 
Former WEC stand-out Ben Henderson (right) has substantially better striking than lightweight champ Frankie Edgar’s previous opponents, but his best chances at victory lie in an early finish, as Edgar is known for his relentless pace even into the later rounds. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

After ten long years the UFC is returning to the Land of the Rising Sun and the former stage of the legendary PRIDE FC with a record-setting seven-fight main card on Pay-Per-View. Former WEC 155lbs. champion “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2) and “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) are slated for battle in the opening bout of UFC 144. Former Sengoku featherweight king Hatsu Hioki (23-4) will face IFL and WEC veteran “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-14). Former middlweight title contender “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) will fight for the first time in Japan since 2006, his opponent the rough and tough “Barbarian” Time Boetsch (14-4) who seems to have reformed his career at 185lbs. Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and former 170lbs. title contender Jake Shields (26-6) looks to avoid three straight losses when he faces Japanese superstar “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5). PRIDE and K-1 powerhouse “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7) will bring his granite chin and bone breaking kickboxing against fellow striker Cheick Kongo (17-6). Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9), also of PRIDE fame, returns to the stage that started his career when he faces TUF 8 winner “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2). The main event of the night pits the UFC’s 155lbs. king – “The Comeback Kid”, “The Ironhorse of New Jersey”, “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1) – against the former WEC lightweight title holder “Smooth” Benson Henderson (14-2) with the winner earning the title of the best 155lbs. fighter in the world. Continue reading »

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UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson Live Weigh-In Results

 Posted by at 8:42 PM  UFC  No Responses »
Feb 242012
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View)—

Frankie Edgar: 154lbs.
Benson Henderson: 154lbs.

Quinton Jackson: 211lbs.*
Ryan Bader: 205lbs.

Mark Hunt: 264lbs.
Cheick Kongo: 229lbs.

Yoshihiro Akiyama: 169lbs.
Jake Shields: 170lbs.

Yushin Okami: 185lbs.
Tim Boetsch: 186lbs.

Hatsu Hioki: 145lbs.
Bart Palaszewski: 146lbs.

Anthony Pettis: 155lbs.
Joe Lauzon: 156lbs. Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Quinton Jackson vs. Ryan Bader

 Posted by at 2:37 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 242012
 

Fighting once again in Japan and in what could be the closing moments of his career, Quinton Jackson (left) finds himself superior in nearly all aspects when pitted against Ryan Bader. Jackson has chosen to slug his fights out but being in Japan could drive him to bring all facets of his game to light. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

It’s been some time but the UFC will make its long awaited return to Japan this Saturday with UFC 144. Lightweights are charged with kicking off the main card when “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) encounters “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2). Japanese sensation Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2) will meet “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-13) and “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) takes on “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4). Jake Shields (26-6-1) and “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5) engage in a promising welterweight showdown. Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) could be in for a kickboxing clinic when he battles K-1 veteran “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7). Before “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) defends his lightweight title against “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) in the main event, a co-main event of epic proportions has been set as “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2) flies to foreign territory to take on “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9). Jackson, an accomplished veteran, and Bader, a promising star, are at pivotal points in their careers and a victory at UFC 144 can be the very defining moment on which to perch their futures.

Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mark Hunt vs. Cheick Kongo

 Posted by at 1:54 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 232012
 
Mark Hunt (red gloves) may not have the best record in MMA, but he does have world class kickboxing and will put on an amazing show against anyone who chooses to stand with him. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

“The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) is set to face “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) this Saturday in the Saitama Super Arena for the main event of UFC 144. Rather than return to Japan with the standard five-fight main card, the UFC has elected to deliver a four-hour Pay-Per-View featuring seven feature bouts. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9) and “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2) draw duties as the co-main event fighters. “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5) faces Jake Shields (26-6-1) to anchor the card. Former WEC champ “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2) will open the card against “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) and bouts between “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) and “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4), and Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2) and “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-14) will round out the event. Supporting the two showcased bouts will be a heavyweight strikers duel between “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7) and Cheick Kongo (17-6-2). Each man has different motivations and goals for the match and brings a different flavor of K-1 level kickboxing to the table in what could very well wind up the front runner among the most entertaining bouts of the evening.  Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Jake Shields

 Posted by at 8:19 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 222012
 

While willing to play along with his adversary's greatest strengths, Yoshihiro Akiyama (left) might find it best to avoid grappling with UFC 144 opponent Jake Shields and exploit the stand-up advantage he will have come Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC brings MMA action to Saitama, Japan for their latest production of UFC 144 this Saturday night.  In the main event, “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) will attempt to add the UFC lightweight title to his mantle when he takes on current champion, “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1). “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9) will make his return to Japan for the first time since his PRIDE FC days when he battles fellow power hitter “Darth” Ryan Bader in the co-main event (13-2). It is a kickboxer’s dream match-up when “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt clashes with fellow heavyweight Cheick Kongo (17-6-2). “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) will meet with “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4) in the middleweight division in a return match since his attempt at the 185lbs. strap. Submission-savvy Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2) and seasoned vet “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski  (35-14) will lock horns and in the card’s opener, “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2) and “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) will engage in a lightweight showcase. The middleweight highlight of the card is between one of Japan’s favorite sons, “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5), and American wrestling stand-out Jake Shields (26-6-1). Each competitor has dealt with a persistence of loss but when they are locked within that eight-sided cage, the stakes could not be any higher to come out with a win. Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch

 Posted by at 7:11 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 212012
 

After dropping down to the 185lbs. division Tim Boetsch (right) has found nothing but success. On paper he might be over his head when he takes on Yushin Okami but if he is able to press forward and enforce his will, "The Barbarian" could pull off a shocker in Saitama. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The days of PRIDE might be long gone, but on Saturday Zuffa rears its head back in Saitama, Japan to present UFC 144. It is a plethora of talent on the main card as “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) takes on “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2), Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2) battles “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-14), and Jake Shields (26-6-1) meets with “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-4) in a highly contested middleweight contest. Rounding off the card are ”Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7) against Cheick Kongo (17-6-1) in a promising scrapfest and “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9) standing across from “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2) in the co-main event. The lightweight division is due for another change in landscape as current 155lbs. king “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) tries to fend off former WEC Lightweight Champion “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) in the main event. In the middle of all this action, “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4) will try to make his newfound home in the middleweight division his stomping grounds but former challenger “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) will try to show that he is still one of the elite. With a challenger seeking to get back into the title run against a prospect looking to start one of his own, this battle between Okami and Boetsch have fireworks guaranteed to light up the Saitama Super Arena. Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski

 Posted by at 6:33 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 212012
 
Bart Palaszewski (right) has an edge in power and overall striking ability against Hatsu Hioki, but his lack of takedown defense may be a weakness he can’t afford. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC has decided to give the fans an additional hour of mixed martial arts action on Pay-Per-View this Saturday when they return to Japan for the first time under Zuffa leadership as “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) defends his lightweight title against “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) in the Saitama Super Arena for UFC 144. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9) and “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2) will play the second fiddle in the UFC’s symphony of violence and Japanese superstar “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5) will welcome Jake Shields (26-6-1) to the middleweight division. Former WEC champ “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2) will meet “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) to start things and bouts between “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6) and “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4), and “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7) and Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) will round out the evening. In one of the more interesting fights for the night, former Shooto Lightweight Champion and Sengoku Featherweight Champion Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2) will look to remain unbeaten in the UFC. Against him is WEC featherweight slugger “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-14), who also is 1-0 in the UFC and has no intentions of letting the Japanese stud celebrate a victory in his home country.   Continue reading »

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UFC 144 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon

 Posted by at 6:30 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 202012
 
Anthony Pettis (red trunks) is known for his high risk kicking attacks. Against Joe Lauzon, they could win him the fight or create the opportunities “J-Lau” needs to get the fight to the ground. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

UFC Lightweight Champion “The Answer” Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) will meet “Smooth” Ben Henderson (14-2) in the Saitama Super Arena for the first UFC event on Japanese soil since UFC 29, the final UFC event prior to the Zuffa purchase of the promotion. The PPV card is a super-sized affair with seven confirmed main card bouts filling out a four-hour long time slot featuring some of the UFC’s best and brightest. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (31-9) will face off with “Darth” Ryan Bader (13-2). “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt (7-7) and Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) will meet in a kickboxer’s brawl and “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5) will face Jake Shields (26-6-1) at middleweight as the anchor. “Thunder” Yushin Okami (26-6), “The Barbarian” Tim Boetsch (14-4), Hatsu Hioki (23-4-2), and “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (35-14) will also make appearances to round out the card. Opening the night’s entertainment, “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (21-6) will look to use his submissions skills to build off of a perfect 2011 in a lightweight bout against former WEC champ “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (14-2). Continue reading »

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UFC on Fuel TV: Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by at 6:47 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Feb 132012
 

Stipe Miocic (left) may represent the stand-up fighter in his striker vs. grappler match-up against Walel Watson, but his Div. I level wrestling tilts the odds of winning decidedly in his favor. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC will lock “The Dream” Diego Sanchez (23-4) in the cage with Jake Ellenberger (25-5) after a night of solid fights this Wednesday as UFC on Fuel TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger hits the airwaves. The card will follow what so far has been the status quo with the UFC/FOX deal: big names headlined by title bouts on FOX, mid-tier and up-and-coming fighters headlined by big names on FX, and journeymen and new faces headlined by mid-tier fighters on Fuel TV. Opening the night, TUF alum TJ Dillashaw (4-1) will face the hardened young slugger fromSan Diego, Walel Watson (8-3). Strong Style MMA knockout machine Stipe Miocic (7-0) will trade leather with fellow undefeated journeyman Philip DeFries (5-0). “A-Train” Aaron Simpson (10-2) will look to keep his recovery from back-to-back losses in 2010 going strong with a win over dangerous Brazilian Ronny Markes (1-0) who sits 12-1 when fights contested outside the Unified Rules of MMA are considered. Shoring up the main event is a bout between two men poised to make a name for themselves in UFC heavyweight division, “Pee Wee” Dave Herman (20-2) and “Skyscraper” Stefan Struve (20-5). The fights are a glimpse at some of tomorrow’s top contenders and, more importantly from a spectator’s perspective, an evening of fights between fighters who are undeniably hungry to impress the fans and their bosses. Continue reading »

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