Spilled Bag of Fights: SCC 4!

 Posted by at 1:05 AM  Spilled Bag of Fights  No Responses »
Feb 192012
 

Dominique “Fallen Angel” Robinson is the man. We’ve had him and his friend and training partner, fighter James “9 Knuckles” Chaney on the radio show and they were both awesome cats. I’ve kept in touch with them on Twitter and when I heard they’d be out here in Vegas for Dom’s fight with Anderson Silva’s student Paulo Bananada at Superior Cage Combat 4, I had to go. The rest of the card had some impressive names too – like UFC vets Kendall Grove vs. Jay Silva in the main event.

Anyway, the kind folks at SCC gave me a press pass, despite my frequent assertions that I’m not a journalist. Hey, I’m better than a journalist; I’m a social media juggernaut. In fact, to their immense credit, when I offhandedly suggested via Twitter that they give a ticket to my Twitter friend and ammy fighter Jeff Wright, they did! All he had to do was live tweet the event and keep me company… and buy me a beer. Those last two were my stipulations. And for the record, he only lived up to the first two. He still owes me a beer. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce “Overeem vs. Werdum” Pre-Fight Breakdown: Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs

 Posted by at 8:07 AM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Jun 152011
 

Heavyweight "Grave Digger" Chad Griggs (red trunks) has proven time and again that his power and severely underrated stand-up skills make him an extremely dangerous opponent as long as he is still conscious. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas shall host the second installment of the inaugural Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix less than one week after its home team the Dallas Mavericks toppled bitter rivals the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals. This Saturday, June 18, the Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament resumes after a three-month break to bring its heavy hitting champion face-to-face yet again with his former foe and to wrap up the last of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarter-Finals as well as bring some of its up-and-coming stars to the big stage. Strikeforce, DREAM and K-1 champion “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (31-12) meets “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (14-4) in a long awaited rematch that pits arguably the world’s best heavyweight striker against the world’s best heavyweight Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, PRIDE, and Sengoku stand-out “The Baby Faced Assassin” Josh Barnett (21-5) fights Chicago-born slugger ”The Grim” Brett Rogers (11-2) in the co-main event to determine which man moves on to the tournament semi-finals. The reemergence of “Conviction” Gina Carano (7-1), who was making her return to the cage against undefeated Sarah D’Alelio (3-0), has been pulled due to Carano not receiving medical clearance from her doctor and has been replaced by a previously scheduled prelim bout between former Elite XC Lightweight Champion KJ Noons (9-3) and “Gamebred” Jorge Masvidal (19-6). Opening up the main card though are a pair of tournament reservoir bouts with former UFC heavyweight title contender and American submission specialist “The Snowman” Jeff Monson (37-11) returning to the big leagues opposite the undefeated rising star Daniel Cormier (6-0), and IFL veteran and heavyweight dark horse “The Grave Digger” Chad Griggs (9-1) looking to continue his dominant win streak when he meets former PRIDE veteran and powerhouse “The Python” Valentijn Overeem (27-21). With the opportunity for either Griggs or Overeem to partake in one of Strikeforce’s most major events, both men have a lot to gain but even more to lose. Continue reading »

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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 »

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MMA Gospel Gary’s Cageside Musings: Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Silva”

 Posted by at 8:39 PM  Features, MMA News, Strikeforce  4 Responses »
Feb 142011
 

Saturday, February 12. The night was chilly as usual but even another freezing night could not damper my mood as I drove towards East Rutherford, New Jersey and the start of the unprecedented (in the US at least) Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament being put together by Strikeforce. With so much emphasis put on the UFC, fans really had to be surprised to see the wealth of heavyweight talent amassed for this tournament. That I was witnessing the launch of such an historic MMA event left me quite gleeful. Of course events that unfolded would show that for Strikeforce no good deed goes unpunished. But we’ll get to that.

The IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey played host to Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva last Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of MeadowLands.com)

As I drove toward Lot 26 which is designated for the press and employees I stopped to ask every parking attendant where the lot was located and was instructed to just keep driving. When I finally circled the entire IZOD Center and came to my designated lot I made an ill advised, on-the-fly decision to not stop by the parking person manning this lot and a few seconds later felt like Billy Hayes in Midnight Express as my car was surrounded by several guys who looked as if they were competing in the evening’s Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament or at least a local tough man contest. After the some venting of steam by guys whose mood was not enhanced by the freezing temps, I was finally able to spit out my name and ultimately allowed to proceed and park. So began my first sojourn as a credentialed press dignitary. I almost ended up buried with Jimmy Hoffa and other luminaries in the nearby meadowland swamps courtesy of Mo and the guys. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Silva”: The Aftermath

 Posted by at 11:53 PM  Features, MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 132011
 

"Bigfoot" Antonio Silva (top) upset the MMA world last night when he battered and finished "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (bottom) in two rounds. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

The MMA world has been ablaze since the end of 2010 when Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker announced the organization’s upcoming eight-man single-elimination tournament, dubbed the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, which was slated to include some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division signed on as competitors. Last night the San Jose-based mixed martial arts promotion kicked off that tournament, as the main card of its “Fedor vs. Silva” event, with two Quarter-Finals match-ups and two alternate qualifying bouts. It was an amazing night of fights, culminating with a fight between “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (15-2 ) and “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-3). Continue reading »

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Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Silva”: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 Posted by at 8:46 PM  Features, MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Feb 132011
 

Antonio Silva (right) was by far the biggest winner in last night's Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva card, TKOing top heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (left) in the main event. (Photo courtesy of Esther Lin and Strikeforce)

Strikeforce launched its World Heavyweight Grand Prix last night to the eager cheers of one of the largest crowds it has ever hosted. The night was filled with exciting barn burners including a main card that opened with four straight first round finishes and ended with what many are viewing as the biggest upset in modern MMA history. As a whole the card was an overwhelming success and did its job of hyping the casual fan base for the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix magnificently. It brought all the ingredients of a fan pleasing MMA production to the table with big names against big underdogs, fast paced casual fan-friendly brawls, bouts which displayed that higher level of technical precision that awes the pundits, big finishes and even bigger upsets. However, it is not all wine and roses for the San Jose-based promotion. One of their biggest drawing fighters announced his potential retirement after being knocked out of the tournament along with another fan favorite, there were a few close calls from the referees that could have easily caused a controversy, and their commentary was even more painful than usual. There are always ups and downs with every fight, so to help sort them out MMA Gospel presents The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Quick Results

 Posted by at 9:45 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  No Responses »
Feb 122011
 

(Photo courtesy of Strikeforce and Showtime MMA)

—MAIN EVENT (Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarter-Final Match, on Showtime)—
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Silva: Silva via TKO (Doctor Stoppage), Round 2, 5:00

—CO-MAIN EVENT (Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarter-Final Match, on Showtime)—
Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov: Kharitonov via KO, Round 1, 2:49

—MAIN CARD (Heavyweight Grand Prix Reserve Bouts, on Showtime)—
Shane del Rosario vs. Lavar Johnson: del Rosario via Submission (Armbar), Round 1, 4:31
Valentijn Overeem vs. Ray Sefo: Overeem via Submission (Neck Crank), Round 1, 1:37
Chad Griggs vs. Gian Villante: Griggs via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 2:49

—PRELIMINARIES (HDNet)—
John Cholish vs. Marc Stevens: Cholish via Submission (Kneebar), Round 2, 3:57
Josh LaBerge vs. Anthony Leone: LaBerge via TKO (Doctor Stoppage), Round 1, 5:00
Jason McLean vs. Kevin Roddy: McLean via Split Decision, Round 3, 5:00
Igor Gracie vs. John Salgado: Gracie via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke), Round 2, 3:04
Don Carlo-Clauss vs. Sam Oropeza: Oropeza via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 4:10

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Pre-Fight Breakdown: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Silva

 Posted by at 10:41 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 112011
 

Russian Sambo Champion "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (left) is considered by many in the MMA community to be a shoe-in for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix championship. Tomorrow night, he competes in a quarter-final match-up against "Bigfoot" Antonio Silva. (Photo courtesy of Yarennoka)

With UFC 126 in the books and another chapter in NFL Super Bowl history cemented, February is continuing to prove to be a hot month for sports. This time Strikeforce claims their stake in the heat of action with one of the most highly anticipated events when they kick off the Heavyweight Grand Prix. In the heavyweight reserve bouts, Muay Thai practitioners “The Python” Valentijn Overeem (26-21) and “Sugarfoot” Ray Sefo (2-1) begin the night,  IFL veteran “The Grave Digger” Chad Griggs (8-1) and former NFL prospect Gian Villante (7-1) are paired together, and the undefeated Shane del Rosario (8-0) meets knockout artist “Big” Lavar Johnson (13-3). In the co-main event, former UFC Heavyweight Champion “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-8) hopes to get back on the winning side of competition when he welcomes PRIDE veteran Sergei Kharitonov (16-4) to Strikeforce in the first round of the Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament. In the second quarter-final match and main event, “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (14-2)  takes on one of the most beloved fighters across the world, “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2).  February might be the shortest month of the year, but with this latest showcase by Strikeforce, it is holding true that big things do come in small packages. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Pre-Fight Breakdown: Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov

 Posted by at 10:13 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 112011
 

Andrei Arlovski (black trunks) has a more well rounded and refined game than his opponent, however, his inability to take a punch may be too great a weakness to overcome.(Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

Strikeforce will arrive in New Jersey for the first time tomorrow night in a big way as it brings the MMA hungry fans of the Northeast the opening card of its Heavyweight Grand Prix. In the two main event tournament battles, preceded by the likes of “Big” Lavar Johnson (13-3), Shane del Rosario (8-0), Gian Villante (7-1), “The Grave Digger” Chad Griggs (8-1), “The Python” Valentijn Overeem (26-21), and “Sugarfoot” Ray Sefo (2-0), Russian phenom “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2) will trade leather with “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (14-2) and the former UFC Heavyweight Champion “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-8) will step into the cage with PRIDE stand-out Sergei Kharitonov (16-4). The latter of these Heavyweight Grand Prix matches contains two of the tournament’s biggest dark horse entrants as either man has the skill to carry himself through the finals but each also lacks in a key area that leaves many fans counting them out. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Weigh-In Results

 Posted by at 7:49 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 112011
 

Fedor Emelianenko (left) and Antonio Silva (right), two of the world's best heavyweights, will square off tomorrow in the first installment of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. (Photo courtesy of Esther Lin and Strikeforce)

—MAIN EVENT (Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarter-Final Match, on Showtime)—
265 lbs.: Fedor Emelianenko (230) vs. Antonio Silva (264)

—CO-MAIN EVENT (Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarter-Final Match, on Showtime)—
265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski (242) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (250)

—MAIN CARD (Heavyweight Grand Prix Reserve Bouts, on Showtime)—
265 lbs.: Shane del Rosario (248) vs. Lavar Johnson (243)
265 lbs.: Valentijn Overeem (239) vs. Ray Sefo (249)
265 lbs.: Chad Griggs (229) vs. Gian Villante (227)

—PRELIMINARIES (Un-aired)—
155 lbs.: John Cholish (155.75) vs. Marc Stevens (156.5)*
145 lbs.: Josh LaBerge (145.75) vs. Anthony Leone (146.2)**
145 lbs.: Jason McLean (145.5) vs. Kevin Roddy (145.75)
170 lbs.: Igor Gracie (170.75) vs. John Salgado (170)
170 lbs.: Don Carlo-Clauss (170.4) vs. Sam Oropeza (169.75)

* Marc Stevens weighed one-half pound over the limit, but John Cholish decided to accept the match-up
** Anthony Leone has one hour to lose the remaining two-tenths of a pound

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Pre-Fight Breakdown: Shane del Rosario vs. Lavar Johnson

 Posted by at 5:56 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  3 Responses »
Feb 102011
 

Undefeated Shane del Rosario (white trunks) will have a more varied and complete fight game than his opponent "Big" Lavar Johnson, but will it be enough to win a spot as an alternate in the Grand Prix? (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

The time has finally come. The MMA community has been abuzz ever since the announcement of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, and come Saturday, the wait is finally over. While the fight that is getting the most attention, and rightfully so is “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2) taking on “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (14-2), there are plenty of other dynamic and showy fighters on the card including the likes of “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-8), Sergei Kharitonov (16-4), “The Python” Valentijn Overeem (26-21), “Sugarfoot” Ray Sefo (2-1),“The Grave Digger” Chad Griggs  (8-1), and Gian Villante (7-1). In one bout of particular interest to the tournament competitors, “Big” Lavar Johnson (13-3) will be facing Shane del Rosario (8-0) in a battle of capable heavyweights competing in an alternate match for the Grand Prix.  Shane has eight wins in as many attempts in his career and has only ventured into the second round one time.  That’s a pretty impressive rate of early finishes for the polished del Rosario who trains with Team Oyama in California.  Lavar Johnson received a lot of press after being a victim a shooting at a family reunion in the summer of 2009.  Lavar was struck twice – once in the chest and once in the abdomen – but recuperated and enters this fight on the heels of a seven fight win streak. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Pre-Fight Breakdown: Chad Griggs vs. Gian Villante

 Posted by at 7:50 AM  MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 102011
 

Gian Villante's (top) vicious striking has rendered him on the punishing end of five TKOs/KOs in his total seven victories. This Saturday, he faces Chad Griggs in a heavyweight grand prix reserve bout. (Photo courtesy of Keith Mills and Sherdog)

Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – or at least Elton John thought so when he wrote the hit song.  Well, as it turns out, this Saturday night will be a great night for fights as the Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva live event in East Rutherford, New Jersey kicks off the Heavyweight Grand Prix with two of its quarter-final bouts, with “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2) facing “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (13-2)  and “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-8) clashing with Sergei Kharitonov (16-4) in the main and co-main event, respectively.  While those fights involve the Strikeforce “elite eight” heavyweights, Saturday night’s card also hosts a pair of reserve bouts for the promotion’s tourney, including Shane del Rosario (8-0) squaring off with “Big” Lavar Johnson (13-3), “The Python” Valentijn Overeem (26-21) taking on fellow striker and former K-1 kickboxer “Sugarfoot” Ray Sefo (2-1), and “The Grave Digger” Chad Griggs (8-1) teeing off against Strikeforce newcomer Gian Villante (7-1).  Villante is a veteran of Ring of Combat, having competed there in all of his professional fights and currently representing them as their World Heavyweight Champion.  Gian was an All-American football player at Hofstra University and was one of the last men cut from the New York Jets’ roster.  After being dismissed by the NFL, he turned to MMA.  For Griggs, he made a name for himself on the big stage by beating Bobby Lashley (5-1) via TKO in the third round of their August clash. Both Griggs and Villante prefer to keep the fight standing, and each has earned the majority of his wins via TKO or KO. How will this battle between two strikers play out? Lets take a look. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Pre-Fight Breakdown: Valentijn Overeem vs. Ray Sefo

 Posted by at 4:20 AM  MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 092011
 

Ray Sefo (white trunks) brings world class kickboxing, but little else, to the table in his Strikeforce bout against Valentijn Overeem this Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of Micah Hamilton and Sherdog)

The International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) sanctioned state of New Jersey will host the inaugural of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament on Saturday night as “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2) faces off with “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (14-2) and the former king of the UFC heavyweight division “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-8) takes on dangerous kickboxer Sergei Kharitonov (16-4). In addition to the Heavyweight Grand Prix, the main card features a host of journeyman fighters taking part in the tournament’s reserve bouts – which will determine the alternates in the event that any of the eight original contestants are unable to compete for one reason or another – including Shane del Rosario (8-0), “Big” Lavar Johnson (13-3), Gian Villante (7-1), and Chad Griggs (8-1). Also of interest to the hardcore PRIDE fans of the MMA world, the older brother of superstar heavyweight “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (30-12), “The Python” Valentijn Overeem (26-21) returns to the ring after a two year lay-off to battle five-time World Muay Thai Champion and eight-time K-1 Grand Prix finalist “Sugarfoot” Ray Sefo (2-0). Despite it holding little to no implications for the Strikeforce heavyweight division, as both men are largely considered to be beyond their respective prime, the match is an excellent bout to open the card for casual fans, as it will be a high paced stand-up affair. Continue reading »

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Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva Fight Card Preview

 Posted by at 6:44 PM  MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 082011
 

"The Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski is one of eight competitors in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, which kicks off with two of its quarter-final bouts at this Saturday's "Fedor vs. Silva" event. (Photo courtesy of MTV)

Just four days from now – on Saturday, February 12, Strikeforce’s much anticipated inaugural Heavyweight Grand Prix kicks off from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey with Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva. The event itself, named after its main event competitors, boasts an all-heavyweight main card including two quarter-final match-ups of the eight-man single elimination tournament.

The main attraction of the evening pits the legendary Russian Sambo and Judo Champion “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2), who is returning to the cage for the first time since his upset loss to Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1) last June, against the Brazilian behemoth and Karate, Judo, and BJJ black belt “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (14-2), a bout that Silva has been requesting for almost a year now. The co-main event sees former UFC Heavyweight Champion “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-8) return to the lime light in taking on the last man to defeat Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion (one of several titles he currently holds) “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem – former PRIDE superstar Sergei Kharitonov (16-4). Continue reading »

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