Jan 312013
Nov 182012
Georges St. Pierre (top) fought a bloody battle with Carlos Condit (bottom) to unify the UFC Welterweight Title in a bout that did good things for both men. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
A dominant five-round decision heralded the return of UFC Welterweight Champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (23-2) who improved to 10-2 in UFC title bouts against tough as nails challenger “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (28-6) in last night’s UFC 154 “Fight of the Night”. The rest of the card delivered as well, much to the approval of the sold-out Montreal crowd with several exciting bouts including a brutal first-round KO courtesy of “Big Rigg” Johny Hendricks (14-1) over “Hitman” Martin Kampmann (20-6). A trio of decisions opened the card with “Limitless” Francis Carmont (20-7) getting two out of three judges to turn his way against “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (8-5), Rafael dos Anjos (18-6) completely dominating Mark Bocek (11-5), and “The Scarecrow” Pablo Garza (12-3) showing that he has contendership qualities by thrashing “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-12). The fans were big winners this time around, a welcome change after several lackluster Pay-Per-View offerings, but the fighters fall into three categories: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Continue reading »
Nov 172012
(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View @ 10:00pm ET)—
Georges St. Pierre vs. Carlos Condit: St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45), Round 5, 5:00
Johny Hendricks vs. Martin Kampmann: Hendricks via KO (Punch), Round 1, 0:46
Tom Lawlor vs. Francis Carmont: Carmont via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00
Rafael dos Anjos (155) vs. Mark Bocek: Dos Anjos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00
Mark Hominick vs. Pablo Garza: Garza via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-26, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »
Apr 232012
Spilled Bag of Ice and Patrick Guera are back to talk about UFC 145, Jon Jones, and also touch on the Alistair Overeem and PEDs in MMA issue. Throughout, be sure they make sure to complain about how much MMA fans complain about MMA. Hypocrisy or just straight up truth? You be the judge… but enjoy it either way!
Click here to listen to MMA Gospel Podcast # 2.
Apr 232012
Apr 222012
Jon Jones (right) finally handled the elephant in the room that was his rivalry with Rashad Evans (left), the man he replaced as challenger for the light heavyweight crown at UFC 128. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
The MMA fans of Atlanta, Georgia were treated to a top-flight night of UFC action capped off by the third defense of “Bones” Jon Jones’ (16-1) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in which he ended his rivalry against “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-2-1). Both “Ares” Rory MacDonald (13-1) and “Mayday” Michael McDonald (15-1) proved that they deserve the respect they have been given by defeating “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-5) and “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-5), respectively. “Big Ben” Ben Rothwell (32-8) and “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (16-5) each saved their UFC careers from an almost certain end with their victories over “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-3) and “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-11). Canadian submission master Mark Bocek (11-4) continued his rebuild against “The Natural” John Alessio (34-15) to open the evening. The UFC had a $2.3 million gate and clearly came out a winner with the Georgia fans, but to find out which fighters came out ahead, we have The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Continue reading »
Apr 212012
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion "Bones" Jon Jones (left) puts his belt up for grabs against former friend and training partner turned bitter rival "Suga" Rashad Evans (right) in the UFC 145 main event. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View)—
Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans: Jones via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45), Round 5, 5:00
Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills: MacDonald via TKO (Punches), Round 2, 2:20
Brendan Schaub vs. Ben Rothwell: Rothwell via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 1:10
Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald: McDonald via KO (Punch), Round 1, 3:18
Mark Hominick vs. Eddie Yagin: Yagin via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29), Round 3, 5:00
Mark Bocek vs. John Alessio: Bocek via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00
Apr 202012
(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
One of the most hyped fights in UFC history will finally take place after what seems like years of snowballing animosity between training-partners-turned-foes “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) and “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1) as the two face off in the UFC 145 main event Saturday night. The prelude to the evening’s marquee bout is a welterweight affair between rising young prospect “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) and fight-finishing Brit “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4). The heavyweights take to cage with TUF alum “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) slugging it out against IFL veteran “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8). Former WEC Bantamweight Champion “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-4) looks to earn his third UFC win at the expense of 21-year-old “Mayday” Michael McDonald (14-1), who currently enjoys a seven-fight win streak. A pair of lightweight match-ups start off the night in Atlanta with former top contender and WEC vet “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10) facing well-rounded Hawaii native “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5) and Tristar MMA fighter Mark Bocek (10-4) pushing the pace against seasoned veteran “The Natural” John Alessio (34-14).
In an event filled with such intriguing match-ups, the possibilities are endless. Here are those that the MMA Gospel staff find most likely. Continue reading »
Apr 202012
After months of building animosity and hype, Jon Jones (red trunks) will put his belt on the line Saturday night against former training partner Rashad Evans. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
Atlanta, Georgia is the epicenter for mixed martial arts action this Saturday night as the Ultimate Fighting Championship presents UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans. “The Natural” John Alessio (34-14) and Mark Bocek (10-4) open up the main card with a lightweight exhibition. Featherweights make their presence known when “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5-1) faces former contender “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10). “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) tees off with fellow heavyweight behemoth “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8). “Mayday” Michael McDonald (14-1) makes a big leap in competition when he stands across former WEC bantamweight champ “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-4). The co-main event is a showcase of promising welterweights as “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) battles “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4). In the main event, “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) will put his light heavyweight title on the line again, this time against friend-turned-foe “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1). No fight in the light heavyweight division has drawn up such a storm before now but once the cage door shuts Saturday night, the time to talk ends and the time to act begins. Continue reading »
Apr 192012
Though seemingly lopsided, Che Mills' (right) bout with Rory MacDonald is a lot more evenly matched than it initially appears. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
The UFC will return to Pay-Per-View Saturday night to follow last week’s highly successful and entertaining UFC on Fuel TV card with a night of championship MMA action. Lightweights Mark Bocek (10-4) and “The Natural” John Alessio (34-14) will kick things off followed by a striking tilt between “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10) and “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5). The anchor bouts of the card feature heavyweights “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) and “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8) and former WEC Bantamweight Champion “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-4) against “Mayday” Michael McDonald (14-1). Before “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) steps into the cage to tie up the loose ends with former friend and training partner “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1) “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) will face “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4) in the co-main event. The two welterweights are looking to make the best of the opportunities left in“Rush” Georges St.Pierre’s (22-2) absence and a strong showing at UFC 145 is just what they need to achieve that goal.
Continue reading »
Apr 182012
Apr 182012
Ben Rothwell (left) has struggled with quick, athletic strikers in the past and will have to close the distance and force Brendan Schaub to clinch if he wants to score the W at UFC 145. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)
“Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) will return to the Octagon on Saturday to finally finish the business between him and former training partner “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1) as UFC 145 hits the scene from Atlanta, Georgia. “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) will face “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4) in the co-main for the card and Canadian submission specialist Mark Bocek (10-4) draws opening duties against “The Natural” John Alessio (34-14). Former WEC champ “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-4) will take on “Mayday” Michael McDonald (14-1) and “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10) will offer “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5) his second chance to shine in the UFC. Leading into the night’s featured entertainment is a heavyweight affair between TUF stand-out “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) and former top IFL heavyweight “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8). Both men are coming off of disappointing losses in their most recent outings and desperately need a victory to find their identity in the UFC’s ever deepening heavyweight division. Continue reading »
Apr 172012
Submission-savvy former WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres (right) will face a stern test in young up-and-comer Michael McDonald at UFC 145, however Torres' experience and well-rounded skillset should allow him to stay in the driver's seat. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the States after last weekend’s showing in Sweden with the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia hosting UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans this Saturday night. Journeyman “The Natural” John Alessio (34-10) returns to the UFC for the fourth time to challenge Jiu-Jitsu artist Mark Bocek (10-4). “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5-1) will match up against fellow featherweight “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10). Heavyweight action graces Atlanta when “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) stands opposite IFL veteran “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8). The welterweight division is bound for a change in scenery when “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) meets British sensation “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4) in the co-main event. Closing out the night is a long-awaited fight as friends-turned-foes collide as current light heavyweight champion “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) takes on another former champ in “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1). Bantamweight action anchors the main card with “Mayday” Michael McDonald (14-1) battling former WEC 135lbs. king “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-4). McDonald has been making serious waves in what is considered a young career while the tested Torres has always been a big dog in the bantamweight division’s yard. McDonald has the weapons needed to get the job done but Saturday night will be presented his stiffest challenge to date. Continue reading »
Apr 172012
Mark Hominick (blue gloves) has fallen on rough times lately, but his high level striking should be more than enough to handle Eddie Yagin. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
One week following the return of the UFC, storied UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) will defend his belt for a third time against former friend and former champion “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1). The amount of animosity between the two is enough to sell the Pay-Per-View on its own, but nevertheless the UFC has built a solid card to support the title fight with “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) facing “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4) after a heavyweight meeting between “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) and “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8). Former WEC Bantamweight Champion “Angel” Miguel Torres (40-4) will face “Mayday” Michael McDonald (14-1) in an effort to stop the younger man’s seven-fight hot streak and Canadian submission expert Mark Bocek (10-4) will open things up against returning UFC veteran “The Natural” John Alessio (34-14). Also making a splash on the main card is “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10). The Canadian kickboxer is looking to snap a two-bout skid but standing in his way is “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5), a well-rounded fighter who lost his UFC debut but still boasts triumphs in seven of his last ten bouts. Continue reading »
Apr 162012
Fight-finishing MMA veteran John Alessio (blue gloves) returns to the UFC Saturday night to face top lightweight prospect and submission specialist Mark Bocek. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)
The UFC returns to Atlanta, Georgia this Saturday with perhaps the most hyped title fight of the year featuring training-partners-turned-bitter-rivals, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Bones” Jon Jones (15-1) and “Suga” Rashad Evans (17-1-1). Young prospect “Ares” Rory MacDonald (12-1) takes on English striker “Beautiful” Che Mills (14-4) in the UFC 145 co-main event. Returning to the Octagon searching for victory is IFL veteran “Big” Ben Rothwell (31-8) versus confident knockout artist “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (8-2) in a heavyweight scrap. Former UFC featherweight title challenger “The Machine” Mark Hominick (20-10) steps into the cage against “The Filipino Phenom” Eddie Yagin (15-5) with both men in a must-win situation. Starting up the Pay-Per-View action is Canadian submission expert Mark Bocek (10-5) welcoming fellow countryman and WEC, UFC, and MFC veteran “The Natural” John Alessio (34-14) back to the Octagon. Alessio, a long-time welterweight, has found a new home at lightweight and will look to show the fans, Dana White, and all of the 155lbs. division that he is here to stay, while Bocek looks to prove that his name belongs in the mix of top lightweight contenders. With both men having a lot to gain and a lot to lose from this fight, the main card opener is sure to entertain. Continue reading »