Paulo Filho: Against Himself

 Posted by at 6:56 PM  Features, MMA News  No Responses »
Oct 242011
 

Long considered one of the most talented middleweights in the world, "Eli" Paulo Filho (top) has been his own worst enemy throughout his career. (Photo courtesy of DREAM)

“Eli” Paulo Filho (22-4) was at one time considered the number two middleweight in the world, directly under countryman and UFC middleweight ruler “The Spider” Anderson Silva (29-4). But that was in 2008 – before his first professional loss to the Kryptonite of the MMA kings, Chael Sonnen (25-11). Prior to that loss he was in the midst of one of the longest dominating streaks in the world with 16 consecutive victories, eight by stoppage. Many believed he was the only man to prove a true challenge to “The Spider”, but as he stepped on the scale for his WEC 36 weigh-in for what would be the final middleweight fight before the promotion dropped the larger weight classes, “Eli” began losing his footing at the top of the middleweight mountain, and rumors regarding his descent swirled overhead.

Continue reading »

Share

Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Henderson” Pre-Fight Breakdown: Robbie Lawler vs. Tim Kennedy

 Posted by at 3:57 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Jul 282011
 

Former Green Beret Tim Kennedy (black trunks) has the well-rounded skill set that Robbie Lawler has struggled against in the past. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Two legends of MMA will collide in a long-awaited match-up this Saturday night in Hoffman Estates, Illinois as Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion ”Hendo” Dan Henderson (27-8) will meet “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-3) for the first and possibly last time in their respected careers. Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Champion Marloes Coenen (17-4) will finally take on “Takedown” Miesha Tate (11-2) in the night’s co-main event. Former UFC contender “Semtex” Paul Daley (24-11-2) will face Big 12 wrestling champion “T-Wood” Tyron Woodley (10-0) and “Hands of Steel” Scott Smith (16-8) will open the card against “Sponge” Tarec Saffiedine (10-2). Also on the card is former title challenger and Elite XC Middleweight Champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (18-7). Lawler has had mixed success within Strikeforce, with two bone-chilling knockout wins and three losses, the most recent being his title fight against champion “Jacare” Ronaldo Souza (13-2). Lawler will face former US Army sniper and former title challenger Tim Kennedy (14-3) in a barn burner match-up that will likely lead one to another title shot against the man who defeated them both. Continue reading »

Share

Strikeforce “Diaz vs. Daley” Pre-Fight Breakdown: Gegard Mousasi vs. Keith Jardine

 Posted by at 6:04 AM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Apr 072011
 

 

With an array of titles to his name, Gegard Mousasi (left) hopes to once again add the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title to his collection. His solid striking and grappling render Mousasi well prepared by any means against Keith Jardine come Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

San Diego, California gets its latest taste of MMA action when Strikeforce comes rolling in this Saturday night.  The main card offers enough action to entertain even the more casual mixed martial arts fans, covering the full gamut with young up-and-comers, seasoned veterans, aspiring champions, and game competitors. Submission specialist Shinya Aoki (19-5) battles the always dangerous Lyle Beerbohm (15-1). Japanese wonder “Crusher” Tatsuya Kawajiri (26-5-2) comes onto US soil with the goal of taking the lightweight title from “El Nino” Gilbert Melendez (18-2). In the main event, “Semtex” Paul Daley (23-10-2) challenges current Strikeforce Welterweight Champion “Diablo” Nick Diaz (23-8) in a five-round battle. Within the chaos going on, former UFC superstar “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine (15-9-1) replaces an injured “MAK” Mike Kyle (14-8-1) to take on 205lbs. contender “The Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (24-3-1). For Mousasi, every win gets him closer to regaining the light heavyweight title. With Jardine on the opposite end of him, Mousasi better tread carefully lest he wants to become a stepping stone to Jardine’s second change at glory. Continue reading »

Share

Spilled Bag of Fights: 17 Fights & Charlie Sheen

 Posted by at 5:37 PM  Spilled Bag of Fights  2 Responses »
Mar 072011
 

Feast or Famine. Such is life. Such is MMA. I think over the last week there were about 738 fights. UFC on Versus: Kampmann vs. Sanchez, Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson, Bellator 35 aka The Welterweight Tournament, Chicago Cagefighting Championship with lovable Twitter Smartass/Badass Felice Herrig and the venerable legend and fan favorite Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver headlining.  GASP! That’s too much, Billy!! ( From Buffalo 66 http://twitpic.com/4784p3 ) See, now you’re all in on my references. And yes, for the record, I shot that from my TV & uploaded it, just so you would get the reference. I love you that much… Well, either that or I was just procrastinating. Tomato – Tomahto.

So what do I do? Do I focus on a few key fights and ignore everything else or do quick thoughts on everything? Decisions, decisions. Damn, the new season of The Ultimate Fighter is coming up soon and I’ll have that to add to everything else to write about. I need a nap. Continue reading »

Share

Strikeforce “Feijao vs. Henderson”: The Aftermath

 Posted by at 5:23 PM  Features, MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Mar 062011
 

Olympic wrestler and dangerous striker "Hendo" Dan Henderson (top right) defeated esteemed Team Black House fighter "Feijao" Rafael Cavalcante (bottom left) via KO, claiming the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship belt in last night's main event. (Photo courtesy of Strikeforce)

After another night of excellent mixed martial arts bouts Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Hendo is in the books. The card delivered something for every fan with a technically masterful decision, a quick finish submission, a come from behind title fight victory, and a brutal KO finish all found amongst the evening’s results. The California-based promotion played well off of the star power and name recognition in former UFC tournament and PRIDE divisional champion “Hendo” Dan Henderson (27-8) and the niche market draw of its WMMA roster to build interest in a card that also featured potential title contenders for the lightweight and middleweight belts. This was a change for the better for Strikeforce as the promotion has displayed a history of stacking all of their big named fighters on tri-annual super cards while the middle tiers of their divisional rosters are left to promote themselves. Strikeforce’s use of “Hendo’s” star power and the draw of WMMA to help introduce its talented second level fighters to the casual fan base was a definite step in the right direction for the nation’s second largest MMA promotion. Continue reading »

Share

Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson Quick Results

 Posted by at 3:51 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Mar 052011
 

World class wrestler and dangerous striker "Hendo" Dan Henderson (left) defeated champ "Feijao" Rafael Cavalcante (right) to claim the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship belt. (Photo courtesy of Esther Lin and Strikeforce)

—MAIN CARD (on Showtime)—

Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship: “Feijao” Rafael Cavalcante vs. Dan Henderson: Henderson via KO, Round 3, 0:50

Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship: Marloes Coenen vs. Liz Carmouche: Coenen via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Round 4, 1:29

Billy Evangelista vs. Jorge Masvidal: Masvidal via Unanimous Decision, Round 3, 5:00 (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tim Kennedy vs. Melvin Manhoef: Kennedy via Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Round 1, 3:41 Continue reading »

Share

Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson Main Card Preview

 Posted by at 12:35 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Mar 052011
 

Dan Henderson (top) will pit his legendary striking power against the ultra aggressive boxing of "Feijao" Rafael Cavalcante this evening in the Strikeforce main event. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Tonight, the world’s second most powerful force in MMA visits Columbus, Ohio for Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson. While the MMA world is frustrated over the delay of the continuation of the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix, Scott Coker and his promotional team keep moving along, providing cards that serve up the very best Strikeforce has to offer in the meantime. Tonight, the California-based promotion gives the fans a pair of title fights and a couple of fan pleasing brawls to provide the primer. As is the promotion’s tradition the under card features 11 Ohio native fighters showcasing their skills for the hometown crowd. Let’s take a closer look at the main card to be aired on Showtime. Continue reading »

Share

Spilled Bag of Fights: Salty Dingo

 Posted by at 7:21 PM  Spilled Bag of Fights  2 Responses »
Feb 282011
 

So, UFC 127. Looks like I’m gonna have to get into these issues of bad judging as well as the issue of “unsportsman-like behavior” since there were prime examples of both that night. There were also like 46 fights broadcast via Facebook, ION TV, and PPV. So, let’s get right to it. Continue reading »

Share

UFC 116 Pre-fight Breakdown: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben

 Posted by at 8:48 PM  MMA News  No Responses »
Jun 302010
 

The MGM Grand Arena is the chosen battleground for the latest high profile UFC Pay-Per-View.  In the Octagon this Saturday, current heavyweight king Brock Lesnar (4-1) will defend his belt against interim champ Shane Carwin (11-0) and Japanese-Korean Olympic Judo prodigy Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-2) will face late replacement and middleweight TUF alumni “The Crippler” Chris Leben (20-7).  Originally slated to face “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (34-10-1), this bout was almost scrapped when Akiyama took slight at what he viewed to be an inferior replacement for the injured Brazilian brawler who pulled out of the bout due to several injuries including damaged ribs and a knee injury.  The UFC was, however, able to persuade Akiyama to take the fight anyway and the bout was made official.  An odd stylistic clash between the hard nosed brawling of Leben and the refined premeditated and technically exquisite Shotokan karate/Judo attack of Akiyama, this fight is definitely one of the more difficult pairings to predict with any certainty.  This is due in part to the less concrete variables of Leben’s condition going into this fight just two weeks after a come from behind KO of Aaron Simpson (6-1) and weather or not Akiyama is writing Leben off as a sure thing.  At UFC 116 we will find out just how much that fight took out of “The Crippler” and just how much respect Akiyama will show his opponent. Continue reading »

Share