Liddell vs Couture
This ought to be a war folks. Randy is up here (42 I believe) but still in great shape and is the epitome of a warrior. I find it damn near impossible to take someone over Couture but I just can't bring myself to say Liddell will win. My pick...Couture and believe me I planned on putting Liddell here when I started to type this!
Frank Mir vs Marcio Cruz
I know nothing about Cruz but my money is on Mir.
Babalu vs Van Arsdale
We'll get to see if Babalu has learned enough Ju-Jitsu to hang with the ground and pounders. I'm taking the Brazilian based just by the look i've seen in his eyes. He's got the eye of the tiger and he's hungry to prove himself. I remember seeing Van Arsdale years ago and being very impressed but I don't see him winning this.
Sakara vs Sinosic
Elvis is the better all around guy and he's better on the ground so I am going with him. I'd like to see Sakara win though. Elvis takes it with a submission.
Vera vs Eilers
Vera. He's hungry, calm and cool and well rounded. If he doesn't screw up and get caught by something then he should have this.
Buentello vs Aldana
I'm taking Buentello because I like his two fisted aggression. I hope he can prove that the KO from Arlovski was mostly a fluke.
Monson vs Hinkle
I'm going Monson on this. He's fought some big names, he lost but he was there and that means something.
Diaz vs Riggs
Diaz all the way. This ought to be a slugfest but if it goes to the ground Diaz will finish off Diesel quickly.
Monday, December 26, 2005
My UFC Power Rankings
Okay here are the Following the Flow Power Rankings. The fighters in each class are listed in a rough ranking with comments on the side. I have listed fights I would like to see for some as well. Fights that would showcase the guy's skill or elevate his status in the division generally.
Heavyweight
Arlovski - This guy is an animal and looks to be, pound for pound, the best fighter in the UFC. He has sick knockout power, great footwork and pinpoint precision. Oh and according to the UFC website his strength is his grappling.
Frank Mir - Mir needs about one legit victory before he gets a title fight. Then again UFC seems to like bring in guys in and giving them quick title shots. I suppose in this thin division it's probably best though.
Rizzo - He's listed on the UFC website so I guess it's fair to assume he may fight. If so he most likely gets a title shot to start with. Rightfully so. Rizzo/Arlovski 2 would be something to behold
Tim Sylvia - Tim just needs to get back on track. A couple victories and he'll stay a contender, just a bit below the guys in front of him, having lost to Mir and Andrei
Gan McGee - I'm not sure of this guys status as he hasn't fought since '03. The big boys could certainly use another gamer though. A fight against Mir would be interesting. Heck, Sylvia too for that matter.
Brandon Vera - This guy looks good. He has mentioned fighting lighter but this is the best spot I think. He's upper half in this division. Vera vs. Buentello
Mike Kyle - Never seen him fight and I hope he does soon. Seems to be a gamer.
Paul Buentello - Despite the somewhat embarassing effort against Arlovski I like Buentello. I'd like to see him go against Sylvia or Vera.
Jeff Monson - I got nothin'.
Justin Eilers - Eilers has work to do. He's about on par with Telligman though I suspect Tra would beat him.
Tra Telligman - Telligman really won't do more than provide a test for some up and comer.
Brandon Lee Hinkle - I got nothin'.
Rashad Evans - Another guy that talked about going lighter. Heavier would be better.
Keith Jardine - Another guy that talked about going lighter. Heavier would be better.
Kerry Schall - Eh
Brad Imes - He's working with Miletich last I heard so he could very well have a future and the lack of real talent in this division will only help. The Hillbilly Hearthrob might possibly benefit from some preferential treatment because of his popularity, similar to Nate Quarry.
Light heavyweight
Liddell - If Liddell wins there's little chance of another Liddell/Couture so we would se some young bloods seeing action.
Couture - If Randy wins then Liddell/Couture 4 could be around the corner. Though I admit I would have to think about hanging myself.
Tito Ortiz - Wow this really makes things interesting.
Ken Shamrock - Very likely the winner of the Ortiz/Shamrock (my money's Ortiz) fight will get a title shot.
Babalu - Babalu has been making his way up through the ranks and a fight with either Ortiz or Shamrock would be in order. Or maybe loser of Liddel/Couture.
Vitor Belfort I'm not sure what the Brazilian's status is but I would love to see him return to the form he had when he owned Tank Abbott. That was amazing.
Forrest Griffin - Still working his way up. Looks good but anyone above him on this list would be a really big step. Babalu would make the most sense. Shamrock? (ed. note: Damn I was close. It was announced he'll be fighting Ortiz in April '06. That will be the stiff test to see if Griffin has arrived.)
Bonnar - Bonnar against Irvin will be a good fight.
James Irvin - The Sandman loses but doesn't get put to sleep.
Edwin Dewees - Edwin has experience but just hasn't put it all together yet.
Rashad Evans - It will be interesting to see who he fights. Griffin or Bonnar maybe? Maybe too soon.
Sam Hoger - The Alaskan Assassin could fight anyone above him on the list and at least put up a showing. And true to the moniker he can beat anyone if they get a little too careless.
Travis Wiuff - Might want to think about going up to heavyweight where there is more room to breathe
Keith Jardine - Needs a ground game.
Chael Sonnen - No idea
Middleweight
Rich Franklin - I left a few guys off and still this is the deepest division in terms of legit title contenders. Great technique, KO power, intelligence and controlled aggression make this man just dangerous and fun to watch.
David Loiseau - Deserves a title shot or at least a fight to decide number one contender. I'd love to see Loiseau vs Franklin.
Jeremy Horn - I think this guy has the best jiu-jitsu game in the UFC since Royce Gracie. He has a varied striking arsenal but nothing really scary. Since he lacks good handspeed, KO power or footwork he basically has to bide his time and pick at you until he can get you in his world.
Nate Marquardt - I think he will prove to be one of the best in the class. His next fight looks to be against Horn and that sounds great to me. I think Horn is a tough fight for anyone so if Nate wins this one the sky may be the limit.
Phil Baroni - If he's still fighting in UFC then he'll get some hi level fights.
Ivan Salaverry A personal favorite. An assassin like Hoger in that he can fight anyone and have a chance. Salaverry vs Horn would be nice, or Tanner
Evan Tanner - I say Tanner vs. Quarry and lets see if Tanner has enough left in the tank to be a contender again.
Nate Quarry - Or if Quarry is the real deal.
Robbie Lawler - I'd like to see Ruthless back fighting. He's so damn quick. Lawler vs Swick....eh?..eh?
Chris Leben - Leben is ready for a stiffer test. Salaverry?
Carter - A good test for someone on the upswing but not a contender himself.
Cote - Needs to prove himself again.
Mike Swick - Has a torn MCL so will be out a while but man I can't wait to see him fight again. This guy is quick!
Doerksen
Charles McCarthy
Dave Terrell
Welterweight
Matt Hughes - Like he said I don't see him giving up his belt to nobody and no time soon.
Karo Parisyan - Will Karo get the title shot again, he got injured before the fight last time and GSP is so popular. Regardless Karo needs better striking. He swings wild and lets his aggression carry him on the feet and that kind of glaring weakness will get you beat down one day.
George St. Pierre - GSP is so good everywhere. If Karo does fight Hughes then GSP should fight Penn.
BJ Penn - If Penn can win a fight against one of the top tier fighters he'll get a title shot rather quickly and a Penn/Hughes rematch would be a big draw. If only to see what the reaction would be if he tried to kiss Hughes on the mouth again.
Diego Sanchez - Diego needs a fight against a bigger name guy too. Parisyan or Trigg?
Josh Koscheck - I want Koscheck vs Stevenson!!
Joe Stevenson - ...and the winner gets Diego.
Frank Trigg -Trigg desperately needs a win and some respect. I'd like to see him against Cope or Diaz or some other up and comer.
Nick Diaz - I love this guy's game! He's good on his feet and on the ground and instead of going at his opponents weakness he wants to beat them at their own game. And he is good enough to do it.
Kit Cope - Work on that ground game man. Cope vs Cummo could be something to see.
Luke Cummo Cummo needs a few fights under his belt. I'd like to see him fight a standup guy but Florian would also be a good matchup, two small guys.
Matt Serra - Not sure if "the Terror" still is fighting or what. Hopefully he's working on his standup so he can compete in this already deep division. He's beaten Penn so that good for some cred.
Spencer Fisher - A Militech guy so expect to see the name around. Kingfisher seems to have great technique period. He can strike and he knows submissions. Fisher vs Fickett would be a nice fight.
Drew Fickett - Fickett has a nice record but no 'name' victories other than Koscheck if that can be called such and he was being dominated until that knee landed. Stevenson vs Fickett
Kenny Florian - I'd like to see KenFlo against Diaz.
Joe Riggs -
Sean Sherk -
Nick Thompson -
Melvin Guillard - This guy is EXPLOSIVE. He needs to get some polish on his game but he has amazing upside. I think any guy on this list ahead of him can beat him but with this athleticism he has an outside shot against most of them.
Heavyweight
Arlovski - This guy is an animal and looks to be, pound for pound, the best fighter in the UFC. He has sick knockout power, great footwork and pinpoint precision. Oh and according to the UFC website his strength is his grappling.
Frank Mir - Mir needs about one legit victory before he gets a title fight. Then again UFC seems to like bring in guys in and giving them quick title shots. I suppose in this thin division it's probably best though.
Rizzo - He's listed on the UFC website so I guess it's fair to assume he may fight. If so he most likely gets a title shot to start with. Rightfully so. Rizzo/Arlovski 2 would be something to behold
Tim Sylvia - Tim just needs to get back on track. A couple victories and he'll stay a contender, just a bit below the guys in front of him, having lost to Mir and Andrei
Gan McGee - I'm not sure of this guys status as he hasn't fought since '03. The big boys could certainly use another gamer though. A fight against Mir would be interesting. Heck, Sylvia too for that matter.
Brandon Vera - This guy looks good. He has mentioned fighting lighter but this is the best spot I think. He's upper half in this division. Vera vs. Buentello
Mike Kyle - Never seen him fight and I hope he does soon. Seems to be a gamer.
Paul Buentello - Despite the somewhat embarassing effort against Arlovski I like Buentello. I'd like to see him go against Sylvia or Vera.
Jeff Monson - I got nothin'.
Justin Eilers - Eilers has work to do. He's about on par with Telligman though I suspect Tra would beat him.
Tra Telligman - Telligman really won't do more than provide a test for some up and comer.
Brandon Lee Hinkle - I got nothin'.
Rashad Evans - Another guy that talked about going lighter. Heavier would be better.
Keith Jardine - Another guy that talked about going lighter. Heavier would be better.
Kerry Schall - Eh
Brad Imes - He's working with Miletich last I heard so he could very well have a future and the lack of real talent in this division will only help. The Hillbilly Hearthrob might possibly benefit from some preferential treatment because of his popularity, similar to Nate Quarry.
Light heavyweight
Liddell - If Liddell wins there's little chance of another Liddell/Couture so we would se some young bloods seeing action.
Couture - If Randy wins then Liddell/Couture 4 could be around the corner. Though I admit I would have to think about hanging myself.
Tito Ortiz - Wow this really makes things interesting.
Ken Shamrock - Very likely the winner of the Ortiz/Shamrock (my money's Ortiz) fight will get a title shot.
Babalu - Babalu has been making his way up through the ranks and a fight with either Ortiz or Shamrock would be in order. Or maybe loser of Liddel/Couture.
Vitor Belfort I'm not sure what the Brazilian's status is but I would love to see him return to the form he had when he owned Tank Abbott. That was amazing.
Forrest Griffin - Still working his way up. Looks good but anyone above him on this list would be a really big step. Babalu would make the most sense. Shamrock? (ed. note: Damn I was close. It was announced he'll be fighting Ortiz in April '06. That will be the stiff test to see if Griffin has arrived.)
Bonnar - Bonnar against Irvin will be a good fight.
James Irvin - The Sandman loses but doesn't get put to sleep.
Edwin Dewees - Edwin has experience but just hasn't put it all together yet.
Rashad Evans - It will be interesting to see who he fights. Griffin or Bonnar maybe? Maybe too soon.
Sam Hoger - The Alaskan Assassin could fight anyone above him on the list and at least put up a showing. And true to the moniker he can beat anyone if they get a little too careless.
Travis Wiuff - Might want to think about going up to heavyweight where there is more room to breathe
Keith Jardine - Needs a ground game.
Chael Sonnen - No idea
Middleweight
Rich Franklin - I left a few guys off and still this is the deepest division in terms of legit title contenders. Great technique, KO power, intelligence and controlled aggression make this man just dangerous and fun to watch.
David Loiseau - Deserves a title shot or at least a fight to decide number one contender. I'd love to see Loiseau vs Franklin.
Jeremy Horn - I think this guy has the best jiu-jitsu game in the UFC since Royce Gracie. He has a varied striking arsenal but nothing really scary. Since he lacks good handspeed, KO power or footwork he basically has to bide his time and pick at you until he can get you in his world.
Nate Marquardt - I think he will prove to be one of the best in the class. His next fight looks to be against Horn and that sounds great to me. I think Horn is a tough fight for anyone so if Nate wins this one the sky may be the limit.
Phil Baroni - If he's still fighting in UFC then he'll get some hi level fights.
Ivan Salaverry A personal favorite. An assassin like Hoger in that he can fight anyone and have a chance. Salaverry vs Horn would be nice, or Tanner
Evan Tanner - I say Tanner vs. Quarry and lets see if Tanner has enough left in the tank to be a contender again.
Nate Quarry - Or if Quarry is the real deal.
Robbie Lawler - I'd like to see Ruthless back fighting. He's so damn quick. Lawler vs Swick....eh?..eh?
Chris Leben - Leben is ready for a stiffer test. Salaverry?
Carter - A good test for someone on the upswing but not a contender himself.
Cote - Needs to prove himself again.
Mike Swick - Has a torn MCL so will be out a while but man I can't wait to see him fight again. This guy is quick!
Doerksen
Charles McCarthy
Dave Terrell
Welterweight
Matt Hughes - Like he said I don't see him giving up his belt to nobody and no time soon.
Karo Parisyan - Will Karo get the title shot again, he got injured before the fight last time and GSP is so popular. Regardless Karo needs better striking. He swings wild and lets his aggression carry him on the feet and that kind of glaring weakness will get you beat down one day.
George St. Pierre - GSP is so good everywhere. If Karo does fight Hughes then GSP should fight Penn.
BJ Penn - If Penn can win a fight against one of the top tier fighters he'll get a title shot rather quickly and a Penn/Hughes rematch would be a big draw. If only to see what the reaction would be if he tried to kiss Hughes on the mouth again.
Diego Sanchez - Diego needs a fight against a bigger name guy too. Parisyan or Trigg?
Josh Koscheck - I want Koscheck vs Stevenson!!
Joe Stevenson - ...and the winner gets Diego.
Frank Trigg -Trigg desperately needs a win and some respect. I'd like to see him against Cope or Diaz or some other up and comer.
Nick Diaz - I love this guy's game! He's good on his feet and on the ground and instead of going at his opponents weakness he wants to beat them at their own game. And he is good enough to do it.
Kit Cope - Work on that ground game man. Cope vs Cummo could be something to see.
Luke Cummo Cummo needs a few fights under his belt. I'd like to see him fight a standup guy but Florian would also be a good matchup, two small guys.
Matt Serra - Not sure if "the Terror" still is fighting or what. Hopefully he's working on his standup so he can compete in this already deep division. He's beaten Penn so that good for some cred.
Spencer Fisher - A Militech guy so expect to see the name around. Kingfisher seems to have great technique period. He can strike and he knows submissions. Fisher vs Fickett would be a nice fight.
Drew Fickett - Fickett has a nice record but no 'name' victories other than Koscheck if that can be called such and he was being dominated until that knee landed. Stevenson vs Fickett
Kenny Florian - I'd like to see KenFlo against Diaz.
Joe Riggs -
Sean Sherk -
Nick Thompson -
Melvin Guillard - This guy is EXPLOSIVE. He needs to get some polish on his game but he has amazing upside. I think any guy on this list ahead of him can beat him but with this athleticism he has an outside shot against most of them.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
UFC Divisions
Heavyweight
Arlovski
Frank Mir
Tim Sylvia
Rizzo?
Gan McGee
Brandon Vera
Mike Kyle?
Brad Imes
Rashad Evans
Keith Jardine
Justin Eiler
Buentello
Kerry Schall
Tra Telligman
Light heavyweight
Liddell
Couture
Babalu
Forrest Griffin
Bonnar
Dewees
Rashad Evans
Sam Hoger
Travis Wiuff
Rashad Evans
Keith Jardine
Middleweight
Franklin
David Loiseau
Nate Marquardt
Baroni?
Ivan Salaverry
Jeremy Horn
Evan Tanner
Carter
Cote
Doerksen
Nate Quarry
Robbie Lawler
Chris Leben
Charles McCarthy
Trevor Prangley
Pete Sell
Mike Swick
Welterweight
Hughes
Karo Parisyan
George St. Pierre
Sanchez
Joe Stevenson
Koscheck
Joe Riggs
Frank Trigg
Cope
Cummo
Diaz
Matt Serra
Sean Sherk
Florian
Fickett
Fisher
Guilliard
Karalexis
Sammy Morgan
Nick Thompson
Here is a rough list of the fighters in the various weightclasses for UFC. Some guys are listed in multiple groups as they will probably change classes or can do 2 different ones. They are in order of the champ on top and top contenders below him. I did the best I could on this from the information at hand. Questions marks next to guys means I am not sure if they are fighting anymore or anymore in UFC.
Arlovski
Frank Mir
Tim Sylvia
Rizzo?
Gan McGee
Brandon Vera
Mike Kyle?
Brad Imes
Rashad Evans
Keith Jardine
Justin Eiler
Buentello
Kerry Schall
Tra Telligman
Light heavyweight
Liddell
Couture
Babalu
Forrest Griffin
Bonnar
Dewees
Rashad Evans
Sam Hoger
Travis Wiuff
Rashad Evans
Keith Jardine
Middleweight
Franklin
David Loiseau
Nate Marquardt
Baroni?
Ivan Salaverry
Jeremy Horn
Evan Tanner
Carter
Cote
Doerksen
Nate Quarry
Robbie Lawler
Chris Leben
Charles McCarthy
Trevor Prangley
Pete Sell
Mike Swick
Welterweight
Hughes
Karo Parisyan
George St. Pierre
Sanchez
Joe Stevenson
Koscheck
Joe Riggs
Frank Trigg
Cope
Cummo
Diaz
Matt Serra
Sean Sherk
Florian
Fickett
Fisher
Guilliard
Karalexis
Sammy Morgan
Nick Thompson
Here is a rough list of the fighters in the various weightclasses for UFC. Some guys are listed in multiple groups as they will probably change classes or can do 2 different ones. They are in order of the champ on top and top contenders below him. I did the best I could on this from the information at hand. Questions marks next to guys means I am not sure if they are fighting anymore or anymore in UFC.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Florian vs Cope
This was a good fight. They say how great the fights are when both guys are well rounded and can compete everywhere and I agree, those are fun too but these striker versus grappler/submission fights are just so tense!
Kit Cope is a topnotch Muay Thai guy who looks big for 170 lbs. and Kenny Florian is a jii-jitsu guy who looks small for 170. Florian looked okay on this feet. I might have given the edge to Cope in striking but it was pretty close. As long as they stood though Kenny was in danger of getting knocked out. Naturally he went for takedowns as soon as he could after establishing himself on his feet just long enough to get Cope into boxing mode then....SHOOT!
It finally got the ground and Florian locked up his foe in an arm bar and got him to tap but after the round ended. On the replay you could see perfectly that it was immediately following the buzzer or bell or whatever it was. No I can't remember what sound they use. That does not mean I am getting old. No! Nooooooo!
Anyway I am not sure if Kenny broke the arm or what but Kit Cope just didn't use it for much afterward and the fight ended directly afterward, rear naked choke with full body control. Good fight for Kenny. Cope looked good too and I would like to see him fight some more. Needs to work on the ground game some and his sprawl. I'd say sprawl primarily because he looked like he could do that a bit better at this point. He's got a future in the sport though.
Kit Cope is a topnotch Muay Thai guy who looks big for 170 lbs. and Kenny Florian is a jii-jitsu guy who looks small for 170. Florian looked okay on this feet. I might have given the edge to Cope in striking but it was pretty close. As long as they stood though Kenny was in danger of getting knocked out. Naturally he went for takedowns as soon as he could after establishing himself on his feet just long enough to get Cope into boxing mode then....SHOOT!
It finally got the ground and Florian locked up his foe in an arm bar and got him to tap but after the round ended. On the replay you could see perfectly that it was immediately following the buzzer or bell or whatever it was. No I can't remember what sound they use. That does not mean I am getting old. No! Nooooooo!
Anyway I am not sure if Kenny broke the arm or what but Kit Cope just didn't use it for much afterward and the fight ended directly afterward, rear naked choke with full body control. Good fight for Kenny. Cope looked good too and I would like to see him fight some more. Needs to work on the ground game some and his sprawl. I'd say sprawl primarily because he looked like he could do that a bit better at this point. He's got a future in the sport though.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Diaz vs Sanchez
Unleashed had fights by the two of these guys last night. Diaz continues to evoke mixed feelings in me. He's a shit-talker and I don't think that is good for the sport. Hopefully he will grow out of that. Don't get me wrong, I am a shit-talker too but it has a time and a place and I don't think inside the octagon is either of those things. Probably moreso now that the UFC is trying to go mainstream. His game is a thing of beauty though. I haven't seen much of the grappling yet but it's Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after all. He's a natural boxer by the looks of it and he has some crazy kicks as well. They probably don't do much other than give his opponent something to think about but in the octagon every little bit helps.
Diego looked good and reminded me why he won his weightclass in season one of TUF. He's a master on the ground. He gains position really well, he delivers good strikes on the ground (though he could still use some work in that area) and he has the submissions.
Diaz has the advantage in striking and he seems like he can just about match Diego's groundgame so the natural thing to do would be to keep it standing and I am not sure Diego has good enough takedowns to force the action where he wants it. Nevertheless I expect Diaz to let it go to the ground. He wanted to box with Lawler so I think he'll want to grapple with Sanches, just a hunch. I can't wait to see this fight!
POSTFIGHT
Sanchez won by a desicion, can't remember if it was split or unanimous. This was a heck of a fight in a night filled with very nice ones. Oops hang on. Got to get my son some cereal.
Okay where was I? Oh yeah! Well he likes the Captain Crunch and I go for the Special K vanilla almost, damn that's some good shit. Oh the fight! Oh. Anyway they looked like to pythons fighting out there. I figured it to be a ground fight and it was. Neither could impose themselves on the other one but it was fun to watch. Diego got shot strikes off on the ground but Nick defended well and not a whole lot go through. Both guys were bleeding but Diaz was bleeding much worse. I think Diego later said something about bathing in Nick's blood gave him extra power and that he would't bathe for a week. Or something.
The fight could have gone either way but I think Sanchez got it primarily because he kept taking down his opponent, maybe bloodying him up some too helped. I would expect a rematch in the future and I would expect Diaz to work on his sprawl because on the feet is his very best chance at winning the fight, not that he can't on the ground just that would be nearly equal and come down to execution and not making mistakes. Is that redundant?
I think the fight I want to see now is Joe Stevenson against Diego.
Diego looked good and reminded me why he won his weightclass in season one of TUF. He's a master on the ground. He gains position really well, he delivers good strikes on the ground (though he could still use some work in that area) and he has the submissions.
Diaz has the advantage in striking and he seems like he can just about match Diego's groundgame so the natural thing to do would be to keep it standing and I am not sure Diego has good enough takedowns to force the action where he wants it. Nevertheless I expect Diaz to let it go to the ground. He wanted to box with Lawler so I think he'll want to grapple with Sanches, just a hunch. I can't wait to see this fight!
POSTFIGHT
Sanchez won by a desicion, can't remember if it was split or unanimous. This was a heck of a fight in a night filled with very nice ones. Oops hang on. Got to get my son some cereal.
Okay where was I? Oh yeah! Well he likes the Captain Crunch and I go for the Special K vanilla almost, damn that's some good shit. Oh the fight! Oh. Anyway they looked like to pythons fighting out there. I figured it to be a ground fight and it was. Neither could impose themselves on the other one but it was fun to watch. Diego got shot strikes off on the ground but Nick defended well and not a whole lot go through. Both guys were bleeding but Diaz was bleeding much worse. I think Diego later said something about bathing in Nick's blood gave him extra power and that he would't bathe for a week. Or something.
The fight could have gone either way but I think Sanchez got it primarily because he kept taking down his opponent, maybe bloodying him up some too helped. I would expect a rematch in the future and I would expect Diaz to work on his sprawl because on the feet is his very best chance at winning the fight, not that he can't on the ground just that would be nearly equal and come down to execution and not making mistakes. Is that redundant?
I think the fight I want to see now is Joe Stevenson against Diego.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Riggs vs Hughes
Apparently "Diesel" has been thrown in to replace "the Heat". It could still be a decent fight, maybe moreso now. Riggs is bigger and I would say stronger than Hughes which will probably be a first for the champ. I'm thinking this isn't a title shot since Riggs is 185, unless he's gonna drop some. That would be a helluva drop though.
Anyway, Hughes has better technique and is just plain better than Riggs, whether on the ground or on the feet. Riggs has knockout power though so anything could happen. My money would still be on Hughes though, no doubt.
Anyway, Hughes has better technique and is just plain better than Riggs, whether on the ground or on the feet. Riggs has knockout power though so anything could happen. My money would still be on Hughes though, no doubt.
T.U.F. Episode 11
Damn! Rashad done did it again. He sucked the soul right out of poor Keith Jardine. Hahahah. Not really it was a good fight for the most part. Rashad is finally coming out of his shell and asserting himself in fights, though he could still do more. Jardine trains with Diego Sanchez but apparently needs to work on the jiu-jutsu a bit more because he looked helpless on his back. He didn't even look like he had a wrestling background. Hell to be honest I wasn't all that impressed with his standup. He did get some nice shots in so me must have some heavy hands but I think he just wasn't letting his hands and feet fly like he should have. Yes probably worried about a takedown. Hey Keith, work on your sprawl and brawl man. Those takedowns guys are vulnerable when they shoot so you need to let your hands go and when they shoot catch them with a knee. You didn't see the Koscheck/Fuckit....er...Ficket fight?
Anyway, Rashad looked okay standing up and has really quick hands. With some more training in that regard he could be really fun to watch and awful to fight. If these guys end up going down to light heavyweight that will become ( if it isn't already) the best division in UFC.
Anyway, Rashad looked okay standing up and has really quick hands. With some more training in that regard he could be really fun to watch and awful to fight. If these guys end up going down to light heavyweight that will become ( if it isn't already) the best division in UFC.
Monday, October 24, 2005
UFC Unleashed
Babalu looks like a man compared to the boy he was when he got beat by theIceman. I haven't seen any other fights of his but the Liddell fight but Isee he has fought some real warriors. He's supposed to be a great strikerbut he looked as though he wanted to be on the ground as much as Wiuff. Iguess he wanted to show the new Brazilian JJ stuff. His sprawl looked goodenough to stay on his feet were that his desire. His ground game lookedsolid. Ground and pound with some submissions. He could end up being areal gamer since he spent time with Marco Ruas and Rizzo and now is roundingout his game with the Gracie's.
Diaz vs FicketWell, Nick Diaz looks like a trash talker and I personally don't think thereis room in the sport of that and would hate to see that become commonplace.His skills and aggression were good though and he has potential. Ficketlooked overmatched by the scrawny Diaz. I'm not sure who I wanted to seeget his butt kicked more, to be honest so it was a wash in my book. Goodfight by Diaz though.
Quarry vs Carter (?)Another dominant performance by Quarry. I am really looking forward to him fighting Franklin. I don't know about the heavy hands he has bragged aboutbut we'll see. I think it was Shonie Carter he fought in the fight lastnight but I didn't catch the first part so I can't guarantee it. I'm also at work so I can't research it appropriately. Carter is a veteran but never has set the world on fire. Quarry owned him from the get go and looked good. So you got Quarry and Leben coming out of Couture's camp? Wow, nice.
Caro Paresyan vs (hell i can't remember)I was interested to see the Paresyan fight since he's going to be fighting Hughes soon. Caro's of Armenian decent and lives in North Hollywood, CA which I believe is where System of a Down is from, also Armenian. So Caro can keep beating people down while Serj can sing about stopping the violence all while the band continues to make music that is the audio equivalent ofcrack-cocaine, which fuels Paresyan to fight harder and more aggressive which causes Serj to get more passionate about stopping the violence which in turn causes the band to be even more aggressive and brutal which...okay okay i'm done. Anyway it will be interesting to see if Caro can use this Judo throws to neutralize Hughes' strength and takedowns.
Diaz vs FicketWell, Nick Diaz looks like a trash talker and I personally don't think thereis room in the sport of that and would hate to see that become commonplace.His skills and aggression were good though and he has potential. Ficketlooked overmatched by the scrawny Diaz. I'm not sure who I wanted to seeget his butt kicked more, to be honest so it was a wash in my book. Goodfight by Diaz though.
Quarry vs Carter (?)Another dominant performance by Quarry. I am really looking forward to him fighting Franklin. I don't know about the heavy hands he has bragged aboutbut we'll see. I think it was Shonie Carter he fought in the fight lastnight but I didn't catch the first part so I can't guarantee it. I'm also at work so I can't research it appropriately. Carter is a veteran but never has set the world on fire. Quarry owned him from the get go and looked good. So you got Quarry and Leben coming out of Couture's camp? Wow, nice.
Caro Paresyan vs (hell i can't remember)I was interested to see the Paresyan fight since he's going to be fighting Hughes soon. Caro's of Armenian decent and lives in North Hollywood, CA which I believe is where System of a Down is from, also Armenian. So Caro can keep beating people down while Serj can sing about stopping the violence all while the band continues to make music that is the audio equivalent ofcrack-cocaine, which fuels Paresyan to fight harder and more aggressive which causes Serj to get more passionate about stopping the violence which in turn causes the band to be even more aggressive and brutal which...okay okay i'm done. Anyway it will be interesting to see if Caro can use this Judo throws to neutralize Hughes' strength and takedowns.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
T.U.F. 2 episode 9
Wow! What a pathetic fight. Rashad vs Mike Whitehead. I really thought this would be something. It stunk though. I don't care if I ever see another Rashad fight. That's the second fight he came out and just stood there. Sure toward the end he got a little aggressive but for the most part he just waved his jab hand around like there was a mosquito bugging him. His striking looked pretty good. He could have been the aggressor and taken control of the fight but he just sat there. I guess he deserves some credit though. Something he does seems to suck the sould right out of his opponents. That's the second guy who just came in and figured the job was done when he showed up.
The saddest thing is that Mike was afraid to get punched in the face. A UFC fighter? Huh? You can see how he just about pissed himself whenever Rashad did throw a punch. Mike would abandon anything he was trying to do if Evans throw leather near his face. What a disgrace. I understand that Whitehead probably got spooked when he couldn't take Rashad down but my god man!
Rashad may have one and showed some skill doing it but I question his heart. He said he was going to leave it all in the ring and he clearly didn't, win or no win. He is scared to be the aggressor and I can't respect that. Sure he's won two fights but they were handed to him more than anything.
The saddest thing is that Mike was afraid to get punched in the face. A UFC fighter? Huh? You can see how he just about pissed himself whenever Rashad did throw a punch. Mike would abandon anything he was trying to do if Evans throw leather near his face. What a disgrace. I understand that Whitehead probably got spooked when he couldn't take Rashad down but my god man!
Rashad may have one and showed some skill doing it but I question his heart. He said he was going to leave it all in the ring and he clearly didn't, win or no win. He is scared to be the aggressor and I can't respect that. Sure he's won two fights but they were handed to him more than anything.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
T.U.F
My thoughts on The Ultimate Fighter series on Spike TV( my currentobsession). I watched the first season religiously even though I knewnothing about it and found out about it late. The show and the fights wereso much better last year but still it's the only show on TV that I lookforward to. Last year's finale was the most amazing fight I have ever seen. Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar went at it like champions and both proved they could take shots, give shots and were well rounded. Forrest was much more fluid than Stephan, who looked stiff but still was impressive overall. I'm not sure if either have heavy hands since they each took many, many shots to the chin but we'll see in the future I imagine.
Even the other fighters from the first season are seeing action. Josh Koscheck has looked good except in his last fight. He reminds me of Kevin Randleman when he was in the UFC. Strong, quick, overwhelming on the groundand able to get a takedown anytime he wants. He did learn the hardway that the chief rival to the sprawl for defending takedowns is a good knee though. Leben is looking good. Strong ground and pound, good sprawl, iron chin and good striking. Nate Quarry looked amazing in his last fight though as I recall it was against Lodune Sincaid who didn't impress anyone. Quarry said that he has heavy hands but I haven't seen them yet. He's also supposed to be a good submissions guy but so far all I have seen is striking. His punching was tight and accurate and I can't wait to see him against "Ace"Franklin.
The new crop of TUF's don't seem nearly as potent though. Cummo was impressive and we didn't even get to see him standup for very long. His groundwork was mostly defensive but he did stay out of trouble against a grappler with more experience and more strength. Joe was brutal but he was going against a one dimensional striker. I think Mike Whitehead will be a monster when he gets to fight. If his takedowns are good he'll have an upperhand on Seth and or Keith who are strikers.
Even the other fighters from the first season are seeing action. Josh Koscheck has looked good except in his last fight. He reminds me of Kevin Randleman when he was in the UFC. Strong, quick, overwhelming on the groundand able to get a takedown anytime he wants. He did learn the hardway that the chief rival to the sprawl for defending takedowns is a good knee though. Leben is looking good. Strong ground and pound, good sprawl, iron chin and good striking. Nate Quarry looked amazing in his last fight though as I recall it was against Lodune Sincaid who didn't impress anyone. Quarry said that he has heavy hands but I haven't seen them yet. He's also supposed to be a good submissions guy but so far all I have seen is striking. His punching was tight and accurate and I can't wait to see him against "Ace"Franklin.
The new crop of TUF's don't seem nearly as potent though. Cummo was impressive and we didn't even get to see him standup for very long. His groundwork was mostly defensive but he did stay out of trouble against a grappler with more experience and more strength. Joe was brutal but he was going against a one dimensional striker. I think Mike Whitehead will be a monster when he gets to fight. If his takedowns are good he'll have an upperhand on Seth and or Keith who are strikers.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
My Blog...my own blog
Well folks this is it. I decided to start my own blog so that I can ramble on about nothing and everything. I am not sure what my goals or intentions are with this other than to just give myself a place to vent or spout off at the mouth....er...fingers. Please come in and sit down and read a bit. My plan is to make this my own forum for discussing (okay maybe lecturing) on all things MMA. Because frankly i'm infatuated with it. I do hope that it will be entertaining though and I would love feedback from anyone who is unlucky enough to get stuck in my spiderweb.
The Ultimate Fighter 2 episode 8
What a great fight that was last night. Luke Cummo the quiet, nerdy guy who everyone makes fun of faced off against Anthony who I had forgotten was part of the show since he's never on screen. The classic striker versus grappler matchup. Nevermind that Luke looks like cro-magnon man (and my buddy Nick, sorry bro) he is a scrawny lil fella. Anthony is a strapping wrestler type. This being the modern age of mixed martial arts the two have some skill and training in the other form of combat but have their specialties. I do kind of miss the days when it was two guys who had their specialty and little else but the modern day warrior is more rounded and that makes for an interesting chess match.
I admit to having a likeness for Luke as he is into Eastern philosophy and such and I too was once a quit bookworm. Not so much anymore I am afraid. Anyway, Luke dominated the fight both on the mat and on their feet. I was a little disappointed in Anthony's performance. I mean it was obvious that he had no gas left at the end, as it should be, but I think he got too tired too quickly. He should have been throwing the scrawny NYer around from the start. He should have shot and taken him down and pounded on him. To his credit though Luke knew enough grappling to stay out of trouble and he was obviously the aggressor throughout. I want to see more of his standup skills. Of the rest of the welterweights left I think he can hold his own against all of them with the possible exception of Joe. Granted I haven't seen Sammy fight yet. Joe is probably too strong for anyone in the welterweight class. He's strong, motivated and a really good grappler. Oh and he's got a lot of experience. Poor guy is ugly too. I read somewhere that you should never fight anyone ugly since they have nothing to lose.
I admit to having a likeness for Luke as he is into Eastern philosophy and such and I too was once a quit bookworm. Not so much anymore I am afraid. Anyway, Luke dominated the fight both on the mat and on their feet. I was a little disappointed in Anthony's performance. I mean it was obvious that he had no gas left at the end, as it should be, but I think he got too tired too quickly. He should have been throwing the scrawny NYer around from the start. He should have shot and taken him down and pounded on him. To his credit though Luke knew enough grappling to stay out of trouble and he was obviously the aggressor throughout. I want to see more of his standup skills. Of the rest of the welterweights left I think he can hold his own against all of them with the possible exception of Joe. Granted I haven't seen Sammy fight yet. Joe is probably too strong for anyone in the welterweight class. He's strong, motivated and a really good grappler. Oh and he's got a lot of experience. Poor guy is ugly too. I read somewhere that you should never fight anyone ugly since they have nothing to lose.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
