Up to this point, I’ve only done predictions on UFC cards. Reason being I believe that the Ultimate Fighting Championships has enough quality depth in each division to warrant me doing predictions.
But if I’m gonna do it for one, I should do it for all and that starts with some prognostication on this Saturday’s Strikeforce/M1 card on Showtime.
This shouldn’t take too long as the promotion is only listing five fights for the show, main card only of course.
Lightweight bout:
Josh Thomson (16-3) vs. Pat Healy (23-15)
This is Thomson’s first fight since dropping the title fight to Gilbert Melendez in December. Before that loss, “The Punk” had reeled off eight straight victories.
Healy has won his last three fights. His most recent win was over Bryan Travers on a Strikeforce Challengers show last month.
Prediction: Thomson over Healy via TKO.
Women’s 145-pound title bout:
Champion Cris Santos (9-1) vs. Jan Finney (8-7).
Ummmm…. no way to be nice here, so let’s try honesty.
Cris “Cyborg” Santos doesn’t have a long list of challengers to face. So they found Finney, where I haven’t a clue.
I can tell you that Finney has won her last four fights and her nickname is “Cuddles.”
I like Cyborg to win this one in dominating fashion. I think that in addition to Cyborg being a better fighter, the big stage might play a factor as well.
Prediction: Cyborg by KO.
Middleweight bout:
Cung Le (6-1) vs. Scott Smith (17-6)
Rematch time as Cung Le looks to avenge the only blemish on his record.
Last time, Le was dominating the fight when Smith landed a bomb and separated Le from his senses.
Scott Smith isn’t nicknamed “Hands of Steel” for nothing but don’t look for him to do anything but head hunt with his fists.
Le is a more dynamic striker, but I feel like he’s more interested in putting on a show than winning. Sometimes the two do not go hand in hand.
Neither of these guys has fought since they met in December on CBS.
Prediction: Le by TKO.
Heavyweight Bout:
Fedeor Emelianenko (30-1) vs. Fabricio Werdum (13-4)
A rarity here for Emelianenko. “The Last Emporer” is meeting a heavyweight that is currently ranked in the Top 10.
Werdum was won both his fights under the Strikeforce banner. Of his 13 career wins, 7 have come by way of submission with 4 by TKO or KO.
Fedor was last seen coming back to beat Brett Rogers in November is his Strikeforce debut… sorry, forgot about the co-promotion thing, Strikeforce/M1 Global debut in suburban Chicago.
I don’t think Werdum has the standup game to set up his grappling, which on paper appears to be superior to Fedor’s.
Prediction: Fedor by TKO.
Bonus prediction:
If Fedor wants to keep fighting and it’s going to be in Strikeforce when he comes to the USA, the heavyweight contenders are running thin.
So it either leaves Antonio Silva. Or we finally get Fedor vs. Josh Barnett. Provided that Barnett passes the pre-fight drug test this time.
Until Next Time
I’m Q
CYA
“Words are important, I thank you for hearing my words.” George Carlin RIP.
Three months out from the UFC’s historic Indiana debut at Conseco Fieldhouse, a “who’s who” of Indiana MMA joined a near-capacity crowd at the state fairgrounds’ Blue Ribbon Pavilion on Saturday night to take in Premier Cage Fighting 6 and a card featuring ten professional and eight amateur bouts.
Herdy attempts to finish with a Guillotine
The marquee fight of the night featured three nip-and-tuck rounds between Strikeforce veteran Dustin Neace and Joao Herdy, a superior grappler out of Marcello Monteiro’s BJJ camp. Herdy took it to Neace in the early stages of the first period, scoring a takedown to back control from the clinch and looking unsuccessfully for a finish. Neace worked out of inferior position and spent the latter half of the round deftly avoiding submissions and scoring some modest damage from within Herdy’s guard. After a first round that could have been scored either way, Herdy jumped guard in the second and looked for a guillotine. Neace looked in trouble early, but worked out of it. Herdy controlled the pace for the remainder of the round, jumping in for another late guillotine attempt as the round came to a close. Neace shrewdly switched tactics in the third round, keeping the fight standing and catching Herdy with a stiff jab before pouncing later on a Herdy slip. Neace scored on several elbows from within Herdy’s guard in the last minute of the round, likely earning him the round. With the second round going to Herdy and the third to Neace, the fight likely was decided on how the judges scored a virtually-even opening period. In the end, Herdy took a razor-thin unanimous decision (29-28 on all scorecards), with both men showing they deserve to be considered among Indiana’s elite fighters.
Dyer putting the finishing touch to the winning Triangle
The earlier pro bouts featured two leading candidates for submission of the night. In the opening pro fight, Matt Singleton worked for a guillotine from Casey Dyer’s half-guard after scoring a double-leg takedown. However, Dyer executed a beautiful reversal and immediately latched onto a triangle before rolling into the mounted position. Singleton had no escape from the dreadful position, submitting to a mounted triangle 2:46 into the first round.
In another finish sure to make the highlight reel, Andrew Zook made short, painful work of Chris Johnson, incredibly latching on to an armbar from guard that left Johnson screaming in agony and tapping furiously just 15 seconds into the fight.
Despite coming in significantly overweight, James Powell still had no answer for Team Iron Horse’s Marvin Lemock, succumbing quickly to a guillotine choke locked in by Lemock 42 seconds into the fight.
In other professional action:
Ryan McIntosh punished Toney Alvey in the clinch, controlled position when the fight went to the ground, and then finished with a devastating right head kick soon after the fighters returned to their feet. The TKO finish came 2:32 into the first round.
McIntyre (top) vs Neville (bottom)
Rob McIntyre turned in a strong performance against a tough Bryan Neville, controlling the action in the first round (which mistakenly was allowed to continue for six minutes) before finishing Neville in the second with elbows from full mount. Neville’s submission to strikes came at 4:22 into the second round.
Justin Allen finished off Kevin McIntosh with a single well-placed knee to the ribs that crumpled McIntosh 1:21 into the fight.
In a plodding affair featuring all the excitement of watching paint dry, James Shaw finally came alive in the third round and earned a TKO stoppage 2:55 into the round against Jerry Burns.
Garett Whitley showed superior skill in finishing Miles Shrake with a rear naked choke 3:14 into the fight, prompting testy exchanges between each fighter’s vocal contingents in the crowd.
In a superheavyweight tilt, Jimmy Jenkins earned a standing TKO victory over Terry Mellotte 1:33 into the fight.
In the evening’s amateur action:
Larry Pavey got tagged with a jab early but then quickly finished Duane Gray with a guillotine 28 seconds into the fight.
Despite a point deduction for an illegal elbow, Andrew Kepchar cruised to a unanimous decision (29-27 on all three cards) over Matthew Perry.
Ethan Cronk latched onto a rear naked choke that forced Gary Riggs to submit 47 seconds into the second round.
Garcia puts the heat on Turner against the cage
Jesse Parsley earned a TKO stoppage 1:11 into the second round against “The Amish Assassin” Brandon Hockman in a fight that featured the odd sight of Hockman being forced by regulations to wear a mouthpiece despite having no teeth.
Jeremy Baughman lived up to his nickname of “Bulldozer,” plowing through Jason Clouse for a decisive TKO victory 1:05 into the fight.
In the most exciting amateur fight of the night, Abe Garcia earned a unanimous decision (30-27 on all cards) against Jesse Turner.
Bryant Whitaker could have finished Bobby Thilman at almost any point in their fight, but instead seemed content to ride out superior mount and back control position for a clear-cut unanimous decision (30-27 on all cards).
Robert Arnett earned a victory against Casey Claybourn after the latter fighter could not answer the third round bell.
Finally, in addition to the three dozen fighters who stepped into the cage, the night featured interviews with the UFC’s perennial fight-of-the-night contender Chris “Lights Out” Lytle (who is also a partner in Premier Cage Fighting), Kimbo-retirer and TUF alumnus Matt Mitrione, and UFC vets Jason Godsey, Jason Gilliam and Johnny Rees, all of whom are eagerly anticipating the long-awaited Hoosier debut of MMA’s flagship promotion in September.
Quick Results:
Amateur Card:
Larry Pavey defeated Duane Gray via Guillotine Choke in 0:28 of the first round.
Andrew Kepchar defeated Mathew Perry via unanimous 29-27 decision.
Ethan Cronk defeated Gary Riggs via Rear Naked Choke in 0:47 of the second round.
Jesse Parsley defeated Brandon Hockman via TKO in 1:11 of the second round.
Jeremy Baughman defeated Jason Clouse via TKO in 1:05 of the first round
Abe Garcia defeated Jesse Turner via unanimous 30-27 decision.
Bryant Whitaker defeated Bobby Thilman via unanimous 30-27 decision.
Robert Arnett defeated Casey Claybourn via TKO (Claybourn was unable to answer the bell of the third round)
Professional Card:
Casey Dyer defeated Matt Singleton via tapout due to Triangle Choke in 2:46 of the first round.
Ryan Mcintosh defeated Toney Alvey via TKO in 2:32 of the first round.
Andrew Zook defeated Chris Johnson via tapout due to Armbar in 0:15 of the first round
Rob McIntyre defeated Bryan Neville via TKO in 4:22 of the second round.
Justin Allen defeated Kevin Mcintosh via ref stoppage in 1:21 of the first round
Marvin Lemock defeated James Powell via tapout due to standing Guillotine in 0:42 of the first round.
James Shaw defeated Jerry Burns via TKO in 2:55 of the third round
Garett Whiteley defeated Miles Shrake via tapout due to Rear Naked Choke in 3:14 of the first round.
Jimmy Jenkis defeated Terry Mellotte via TKO in 1:33 of the first round.
Joao Herdy defeated Dustin Neace via unanimous 29-28 decision.
Saturday, June 19th, will be another exciting chapter for Mixed Martial Arts in Indiana. Eclectic Kombat 5 “Pankratos” will again be hosted by the Southern Indiana Sports Center located at 620 park east Blvd, in New Albany. The areas best fighters will compete to see who will walk away an Eclectic Kombat Champion! The event will begin at 7:30 PM with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now and start at $20.00. Tickets can be purchased at EKmma.com, and at the door.
Several of the areas most talented fighters will participate in this event along with some very notable teams. Louisville MMA, Team SAW, and Louisville Elite Combat to name a few teams will have participants in the fight show. Eclectic Kombat is excited to welcome back the heavyweights as Clifford Hicks takes on Douglas Weber. This will be the first fight state side for weber who had his first MMA fight A FIGHT NIGHT For HEROES in IRAQ.
In the main event of the evening undefeated fighter Bruce Bostic faces Cody Smith for the 145 title. Bruce is currently undefeated and he represents Team Full Force out of Full Moon Martial Arts in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Cody Smith is representing Team Iron Horse out of Pendleton, IN. Other participants include Kenneth Cash, Dustin Hampton, Jimmy Nichols, Jason Gresham, Clifford Hicks, Coty Flannery, Jason Taylor, and many others. If any media would like to schedule interviews or get more information regarding the event. You can contact our office at any time. Press passes and media footage will be provided upon request at eclectickombat@yahoo.com
Event Information:
Event: Eclectic Kombat 5 “Pankratos”
Date: June 19th, 2010
Location: Southern Indiana Sports Center 620 Park East BLVD New Albany, IN 47150 Directions Doors Open: 6:00pm
Start Time: 7:30pm
Here’s the latest predictions from my warped view of the upcoming UFC 114 card.
There’s five fights scheduled for the main PPV portion of the card and two fights slated to air on Spike TV. First up will be the Quick Hit predictions on the fights not slated for air, then the Spike TV fights and finally the PPV card.
Quick Hit’s
Ryan Jensen over Jesse Forbes.
Aaron Riley over Joe Brammer.
Luiz Cane over Cyrille Diabate
Melvin Guillard over Waylon Lowe
Spike TV fights
Efrain Escudero (13-1) vs. Dan Lauzon (12-3).
Escudero was one of the more highly touted fighters to come off The Ultimate Fighter reality show in recent memory. In his three post TUF bouts, he’s 2-1 and coming off a loss via submission in his last outing.
Lauzon is 0-2 in his two appearances in the UFC and the latest news on him is that he and his now former training camp have had an ugly split.
Prediction: Escudero over Lauzon.
Amir Sadollah (4-1) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (12-0-1, 1 NC)
Again we have another TUF winner in Sadollah. Sadollah has won his fights either via submission or decision. His one loss was a TKO.
Kim has two decisions and a TKO for his three wins in the UFC.
Prediction: Kim over Sadollah by unanimous decision.
PPV Main Card
Welterweight bout: Diego Sanchez (23-3) vs. John Hathaway (13-0).
After a three-fight foray in the Lightweight division, Sanchez is back in the welterweight division. His last fight saw him stopped by BJ Penn in the lightweight title bout at UFC 107.
Hathaway has won two straight decisions in his UFC run. All three of his bouts have been overseas and he’s looking to make an impression on a USA audience.
Prediction: Sanchez over Hathaway by unanimous decision.
Heavyweight bout: Todd Duffee (6-0) vs. Mike Russow (12-1-0, 1 NC).
Duffee’s UFC debut lasted all of six seconds before Duffee notched the fastest knockout in UFC history.
Russow is also making his second trip into the Octagon after picking up a win over Justin McCulley at UFC 102 via unanimous decision.
Prediction: Duffee over Russow by technical knockout.
Light-Heavyweight bout: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3-0) vs. Jason Brilz (18-2-1).
Nogueria was originally slated to face UFC poster boy Forrest Griffin at this event. But a shoulder injury to Griffin opened the door for Brilz.
Brilz has won 3 of 4 fights in the UFC. Nogueira has a TKO win in his lone fight in the UFC but has won pretty much everywhere he’s competed.
Prediction: Nogueira over Brilz via KO.
Co-Main Event
Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping (19-3) vs. Dan Miller (11-3-0, 1 NC).
Bisping, another TUF winner, is fighting to keep his status as the MMA poster boy across the pond. If not to stay relevant, never mind being in title contention.
Miller is looking to take a step up the ladder and Bisping is a big enough name to do that against.
Bisping’s been fighting at 185 pounds since losing to Rashad Evans at 205 at UFC 78 in November of 2007. He came out hot winning three straight fights at 185 before he ran into Dan Henderson at UFC 100.
Let’s just say that Bisping had a good nap that evening.
He bounced back with a TKO win over veteran Denis Kang at UFC 105 in his home country of England. He then lost a close decision to Wanderlei Silva in Sydney, Australia at UFC 110 in February.
Being 1-2 in his last three fights, “The Count” needs a win desperately.
Miller has lost two straight fights to guys that have either challenged for the middleweight title (Damien Maia) or will challenge for the belt (Chael Sonnen).
He also needs to pick up a win or it might mean the end of his run in the UFC.
Prediction: Bisping over Miller by unanimous decision.
MAIN EVENT
A LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT GRUDGE MATCH
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (30-7) vs. “Suga” Rashad Evans (19-1-1)
This all started easily enough. At UFC 96, Jackson beat Keith Jardine a teammate of Evans.
At the time Evans had the belt at 205 and it appeared that Jackson would be the first challenger in line to take a shot at Evans.
That didn’t happen and Evans suffered the first loss of his career to Lyoto Machida.
Then the two aficionados trash talk were picked as coaches for Season 10 of TUF to hype a fight between the two at the end of that season.
The fight still didn’t happen. Rampage went off to Canada to film the upcoming A-Team moive. Evans beat Thiago Silva at UFC 108.
Now, finally, here we are. UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans.
I still think a wildcard in this fight could be which one of these guys remembers that they have a base in wrestling.
I expect both to be launching bombs disguised as overhand rights or left hooks but I think both will be aware of that and Plan B may have to be used for one to finish the fight.
Prediction: I like Evans to remember his takedown skills and get Jackson in a Ground N Pound situation.
Rampage is bigger but I like Evans’ speed in this fight.
Prediction: Evans over Jackson via TKO.
Now watch there be a KO in the first 30 seconds. That’d be just my luck.
Until Next Time
I’m Q
CYA
“Words are important, I thank you for hearing my words.” George Carlin.
May 19th, 2010 | Author: administrator
Biomega Technologies is an e-Business Consulting Agency.
US Grappling is proud to present:
Wilson Reis (BJJ United – Roberto Godoi black belt. Elite XC MMA champion, multiple time US Grappling champion, multiple time Grapplers Quest champion, 2004 IBJJF world champion at brown belt)
vs
Ryan Hall (Fifty/50 BJJ – Felipe Costa black belt. 2009 ADCC bronze medalist, multiple time US Grappling, Grapplers Quest, and NAGA champion, 2008 IBJJF world champion at purple belt and medalist at brown belt in 2009)
This match will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, June 19th at US Grappling’s Diamond State Games. The match will be a ten minute no-gi superfight under US Grappling’s advanced division rules.
April 30th, 2010 | Author: administrator
Biomega Technologies is an e-Business Consulting Agency.
Preregistration is now open for US Grappling’s first event in Illinois. This gi and no-gi tournament tournament takes place on Saturday, October 9th at the Oak Lawn Pavilion in Oak Lawn, IL. Registration will be capped at 500 competitors. There will be divisions for men, women, and 30+ men, but no children’s divisions. The first 100 preregistered competitors will receive a free t-shirt.
Ryan Freeman - "My parents picked these shorts up at the super grands in Buffalo. Loved the way they fit and thought you would like to see your name getting out there!"
Thanks to Ryan Freeman for sending us this video of his 22 sec KO! Rumble at the Ramada, while wearing MyHOUSE shorts! Check it out. He kills it!
Hoosier Fight Club followed up its historic January event – Indiana’s first sanctioned professional fight card – with an all-amateur card Friday night at the Porter County Expo in Valparaiso. Paul and Danielle Vale treated MMA fans in “Da Region” to yet another fun-filled night of knockouts, submissions, and all-around exciting fights.
Noel puts the finishing touches to the TKO
In the main event of the evening featuring two heavyweights, after an evenly-matched opening period, Dallas Woods spent the second round working ground-and-pound from inside Aaron Noel’s half guard. In the third, Woods stuffed Noel’s initial takedown attempt but struggled from there, gassing just a minute into the round. Noel stuffed a tired takedown attempt by Woods, then began hammering away on his turtled opponent. From there it was only a matter of time until the ref was forced to intervene, giving Noel the TKO victory 2:06 into the third round.
In the night’s co-main event, LA Boxing’s Jake Rosenbaum took full mount against Matt Baker about 90 seconds into their fight, got separation soon after, and began raining down some punishment. Baker desperately worked to defend but had no answers. Baker gave up his back and then got knocked out with several devastating strikes from Rosenbaum. The end came 2:37 into a very one-sided fight.
Ryan Story notched an impressive first round submission against veteran IBJJA fighter Justin Curtis. Story deftly neutralized Curtis’s offense, and secured a d’arce choke on a takedown attempt by Curtis. From there Story wrenched the neck and elicited a quick tap. The end came 2:05 into the fight, officially from a d’arce choke but more likely by neck crank.
"Submission of the Night"
As impressive as Story’s finish was, submission of the night honors went to Sam Agushi. Terry House flattened Agushi with a devastating right just seconds into their fight, but Agushi somehow maintained his senses enough to weather the ground assault from House that followed. House worked knees from side control and appeared to be dictating the action. Somehow, incredibly, Agushi slipped his leg around House’s head and set up an inverted triangle choke. House’s tapout wasn’t caught in time and he was put to sleep, giving Agushi a stunning submission victory 1:45 into the fight.
In the evening’s other action:
Kathryn secures full mount
Kathryn Gardiner stifled Katie Fry with good guard work, then rolled Fry into full mount, brutalized her with strikes, and elicited the tapout soon after Fry gave up her back. Gardiner’s submission victory, due to strikes, came 1:43 into the fight.
Josh Dawson sprawled nicely on Ron Marshall’s double-leg takedown attempt, then quickly took Marshall’s back to finish the fight 2:09 into the first round by a rear naked choke.
Jorge Gonzalez got the better of David Shoemaker for three rounds of action, prevailing in a unanimous 30-27 decision.
Cody Martin prevailed in a split decision over Ryan Embry.
"Fight of the Night" (L) Ralph Nurse (R) Mike White
Ralph Nurse and Mike White staged a thrilling three-round battle in the fight of the night. White won the first two rounds on the judges’ scorecards, then desperately hung on in the third as Nurse nearly finished the fight with punishment from full mount. Nurse’s inability to close out the fight in the waning seconds ultimately cost him a unanimous 29-28 decision loss.
Joey Ross showed a lot of heart and grit against Mike Choucalas, surviving a first round in which Ross had several teeth knocked out. In the second though, Choucalas sprawled on a Ross takedown, then overwhelmed Ross with punches and knees, forcing referee Don Clift to intervene 1:23 into the round.
Mike Mann completely used and abused an overmatched Jon Williams en route to a lopsided TKO victory 1:45 into the fight.
In the opening fight of the night, Alex Miller quickly worked out of Jarred Ewick’s guard, jumped to full mount, and nearly secured a vicious armbar from back mount when Ewick gave up his back. Ewick’s escape was short-lived, as Miller quickly took mount again and secured a rear naked choke 2:10 into the fight after Ewick rolled.
For great photos of this event, stay tuned to ThruMyEye.com
This past weekend the Extreme Grappling Open (a production of Fight Hub LLC.) once again showed why it is becoming one of the premier submission grappling tournaments in the Midwest. The event played host to a number of people from kids to adults and “weekend warriors” to elite mixed martial artists.
James Cligerman refereeing one of many matches
The Extreme Grappling Open, or EGO commenced in 2004 with a simple mission to provide an effectively run, well organized gi and no-gi (male and female) division jiu-jitsu tournament (according to their website). In the past six years, they have done just that. Committing to improvement year in and year out has yielded a tournament with a great reputation. Organizations tend to prosper when the enthusiasm of their owners is observed. Both James and A.J. Clingerman actively participate in the event (via refereeing, or announcing).Seeing the creators of the tournament actually working hands-on with the tournament, instead of simply watching, shows the level of commitment each has to watching EGO prosper.
Derrell Smith puts the finishing touch on this submission.
The Extreme Grappling Open is a great place to compete for all ages and all talent levels. “Everyone is at the level in which they need to be. No one sandbags here and that is great.” Stated Darrell Smith (an instructor at the I.B.J.J.A). Competing at a tournament where people truly test themselves and do not “sandbag” allows the tournament to be a true test of ability. This also allows people who do not just practice the art of jiu-jitsu to participate. This past event featured a number of elite to “up and coming” mixed martial artists.
Alex Miller finishing his match via Rear Naked Choke.
According to Darrell “the bulldog” Smith, a cage veteran, “EGO is a great test of endurance for cage fighters. There are no breaks like there are in a fight (due to no strikes being permitted). There is always a constant contact with an opponent. This event truly is a great check for your cardio for an upcoming fight.” This statement seemed to be valid in that a few fighters chose to do exactly as “the bulldog” said. Alex Miller (Team Colon) and Kathryn Gardiner (Team James Clingerman) were less than a week out from their next bouts at Friday, April 2’s Hoosier Fight Club event in Valparaiso, Indiana. Miller and Gardiner joined a whole strew of fighters who competed at the EGO. Matt Perry, whom just competed at the Arnold Sports festival’s premier Amateur Mixed Martial Arts festival took third in his gi division, and second in his no-gi division.
Kyle Gibbons represents his sponsor well, and holds up his 1st place medal to prove it.
Kyle Gibbons won the men’s heavyweight intermediate no-gi division. These were just a few of the fighters who decided to showcase their ground game.
This weekend’s event showed the promise of mixed martial arts and grappling not only in Indiana but the Midwest. With events like the Extreme Grappling Open developing a reputation for Indiana only positive ramifications will ensue.
