Sunday, December 29, 2013

UFC 170: Ronda Rousey vs Sarah McMann betting odds

Ronda Rousey will come in as a 3.5 to 1 favorite in her bout with Sara McMann. McMann has great wrestling, but Rousey showed in her fight with Miesha Tate that she can counter takedowns with judo throws. However, McMann's Olympic level wrestling is on a whole different plane.


Ronda Rousey -350
Sara McMann +350

Vitor Belfort vs Chris Weidman betting odds



Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort are almost even money for their UFC middleweight title fight in 2014.

Weidman has the slight edge, but the fast paced punching and kicking skills make him a very dangerous threat in round one.


Chris Weidman -115
Vitor Belfort +115

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Jose Aldo Q&A: Talks about his Scar and More



Bigfoot Silva tests positive for elevated testosterone. Suspended 9 months



Silva vs Hunt was still fight of the year.

Tyron Woodley vs Carlos Condit at UFC 171

March 15th in Dallas, Texas, it's going down.

Also on this card:
  • Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler - for welterweight title
  • Hector Lombard vs. Jake Shields
  • Myles Jury vs. Diego Sanchez
  • Ovince St. Preux vs. Thiago Silva
  • Robert McDaniel vs. Tor Troeng
  • Alex Garcia vs. Sean Spencer

Frank Mir and Jon Jones bar fight





Friday, December 13, 2013

Rory MacDonald vs Demian Maia prediction

Demian Maia is a sub master on the ground. But he'll have a lot of trouble getting Rory MacDonald there in their fight. So, it's a stand up fight mostly, and that's good news for Rory. He has the better striking and will win this fight via decision. He doesn't want to play around with Maia on the ground, so will pick him apart on the feet and avoid the floor. He'll take at least two of three rounds.

Cain Velasquez vs Jon Jones prediction

Jon Jones wants to move up to heavyweight one day and fight Cain Velasquez. How'd that go?

Well, it'd be close, could go either way, but going with Cain. He has exceptional cardio, and his relentless pace and aggressive style will pose problems for Jones. Many people respect Jones too much and don't go in for the kill. Cain will go for the kill. He won't get the TKO, but he'll get the nod on the judges' scorecards.

3 rounds to 2 for Cain.

If Chris Weidman beats Anderson Silva, GSP could be the greatest ever

Anderson Silva was widely considered the greatest of all time in MMA. But if loses to Chris Weidman again, possibly Georges St-Pierre could creep up behind him and overtake Silva as the GOAT. Others may point to Fedor Emelianenko, but GSP's 25-2 record over 11 years, and avenging his two losses, makes him statistically the greatest ever. Silva was more creative and devastating, and an incredible artist in addition to being an athlete. But based on pure numbers, Georges St-Pierre is the greatest ever.

UFC 172: Jon Jones vs Glover Teixeira bumped to UFC Baltimore card

Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira duke it out at UFC 172.

UFC 171 odds: Johny Hendricks vs Robbie Lawler predictino

Johny Hendricks is the favorite for this fight at UFC 171, and it makes sense. Both have KO power but the different is wrestling skill. Hendricks is on another level when it comes to takedowns. And when it comes to scoring, that matters.

Johny Hendricks -260
Robbie Lawler +200

Monday, December 9, 2013

UFC 168: Anthony Bourdain prection is Anderson Silva and Ronda Rousey will win

Monday, December 2, 2013

UFC 168 video: Anderson Silva training video for Chris Weidman fight





Michael McDonald abstinence (no sex) for 3 and half years

28 minutes into this clip, Michael McDonald notes that despite being engaged he hasn't had sex in three and half years. Possibly due to adhering strictly to Christian traditions.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Julianna Pena on getting to TUF finale and Ronda Rousey being rude to her



8:25 she talks about Ronda.

MMA fans are harsh critics

You can be as great as Anderson Silva but you will still face such harsh critics. He had an incredible streak of wins in the UFC and after one loss everyone questions everything. The guys that he fought "sucked", were "bums", and so on and so forth. The problem with this type of mentality is that people don't seem to be able to grasp the concept that as time goes when you look back things appear a lot different. The UFC champion in 1993 is not going to be the killer of 2013. It's just not the same time and place. Things evolve and change for the better in athletics. Bigger, stronger, faster, better nutrition and science.

You can take any champion right now and look back at who they beat and start making arguments on why his challengers were not valid. The reason why is that everyone loses, but when someone loses or has more than one loss they are oftentimes instantly branded garbage by some fans.

Just show some respect and take a more healthy approach. Everyone loses. Whether it's Fedor, Anderson, Cain, GSP, or the other mythical figures in the sport of mixed martial arts, they lose. It doesn't mean they suck or anything, it just means that losing is part of the game. As good as the Bulls were in their heyday in the NBA or Edmonton Oilers in the NHL in the 80s, they still lost games. Didn't mean they sucked or were garbage, but over the course of 80 or so matches you are going to have some losses.

MMA is a game or sport in the same way and it's going to happened. Be less harsh on people, people.

UFC should do a welterweight tournament to crown new champ

Since Georges St-Pierre is evidently out of action for a while due to what TMZ claims is a taking care of his dying father and also trying to sort out an unplanned pregnancy; the UFC should create a welterweight tournament to crown a new champ. The brackets are like so:


Carlos Condit (or Matt Brown if Brown beats Condit) vs Rory MacDonald

against

Robbie Lawler vs Johny Hendricks

The winners fight for the belt. If GSP comes back then it's interim title holder vs legit title holder.


Lawler is down to fight Hendricks:

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Friday, November 15, 2013

UFC 168 betting predictions

Anderson Silva vs Chris Weidman

Hard one to call, Weidman was better on the ground and was winning the stand up and got the KO. But despite that Anderson is the greatest ever for a reason: he does the impossible.

Anderson via KO


Ronda Rousey vs Miesha Tate

Rousey has skills but she's a one-trick pony in the cage and that's a compliment because that pony has lead her to the promised land every single time.

Ronda by armbar.

Dana White keeps pushing that Rory MacDonald will fight GSP

Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald insist that they will not fight one another. UFC president Dana White insists that they will. See the three minute mark of the video below. I understand White's point of view as a businessman and moving the sport forward, but at the same time, sometimes there's things besides money that are motivators. MacDonald doesn't want to be disloyal to the team and teammates who helped make him who he is, and a camaraderie between teammates is something that is important; as is friendship. A response to this is "who cares", "it's a sport", and how one should just pursue getting the belt and the riches. To each their own, but doesn't look like these two Canadians are going to clash any time soon. You can't force people to fight and they don't seem to be budging on the matter.

UFC 167 predictions

Georges St Pierre vs Johny Hendricks

If the fight is a finish, Hendricks wins by knockout. If the fight is a decision, GSP wins unanimously on the scorecards. The later rounds are more in Pierre's favor because he has a better gas tank. This fight depends on whether Hendricks lands his left. If he lands it he wins, if he does not, he loses by decision. Pierre will avoid it.

GSP by decision.


Rory MacDonald vs Robbie Lawler

MacDonald avoided Jake Ellenberger's stand up wrath perfectly and will do the same versus Lawler.

MacDonald via decision


Chael Sonnen vs Rashad Evans

Sonnen is a well-rounded fighter, but for the most part he is a very good wrestler who keeps moving forward, does a lot of ground and pound, and has strong guard passing skill and some decent chokes. The problem in this fight is that he will have a hard time taking down Evans, and that means it's a stand up fight, and that favors "Suga".

Evans by decision

Buddhist MMA fighter

Nam Phan talks a bit of his philosophy being raised in a Buddhist culture.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Shane Carwin retires

MMA fighter Shane Carwin officially retires. Carwin was 12-2 in his MMA career, and started off his career with 12 wins, all in the first round. He won the UFC interim title in 2010 after defeating Frank Mir by KO at UFC 111. Carwin was last expected to fight Roy Nelson in November 2012 but pulled out after suffering a knee injury. Best wishes to Shane post MMA.

UFC 161 Winnipeg video trailer

Renan Barão vs. Eddie Wineland   

Maurício Rua vs. Antônio Rogério Nogueira

Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson

Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan

Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton

Preliminary card(FX)

Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley

Sam Stout vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg

Stipe Miocic vs. Soa Palelei

Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac

Preliminary card(Facebook)

Yves Jabouin vs. Dustin Pague

Sean Pierson vs. Kenny Robertson

Mitch Clarke vs. John Maguire

Roland Delorme vs. Edwin Figueroa


Dana White: Nobody makes me uncomfortable

Karo Parisyan talks future in Bellator

Karo Parisyan is in a much better state mentally which is great. He will fight again in Bellator.

Monday, May 6, 2013

GSP a New York Times best selling author

Georges St-Pierre's autobiography, The Way of the Fight, is now on the New York Times Best Sellers list for Hardcover Nonfiction books at number 30. GSP discusses the book in an interesting interview with fellow Canadian Jian Ghomeshi of Studio Q here:

UFC on Fox 8: Jake Ellenberger talks fighting Rory MacDonald

Jake Ellenberger is ready to fight Rory MacDonald at UFC on Fox 8.

Cain Velasquez on fighting in Las Vegas

Cain Velasquez talks about Vegas in general. He fights there again at UFC 160 on May 25th, when he takes on Antonio Bigfoot Silva.

Video: Nick Diaz cornermen talking smack during fights

Interesting video of Nate Diaz and Cesar Gracie talking while watching Nick Diaz fight GSP, BJ Penn, and Carlos Condit.

Jon Jones to Daniel Cormier: Don't Talk, Just Do It

UFC light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones is taking a line from his sponsor Nike when it comes to Daniel Cormier saying he wants to beat him up; Jones replies: Just do it. Also, Jones would likely want to fight a top 10 heavyweight to start his heavyweight career in the UFC, which might happen after one more title defense at 205.

Interview with Phil Davis for Jay Z's YouTube channel

Phil Davis, UFC light-heavyweight contender, talks with Life and Times YouTube channel.

Anderson Silva fined 50 grand by UFC for no-showing to media duties

It's not just Nick Diaz who doesn't show up to media events, add UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva to that list.

Silva was supposed to do a full day of media in Los Angeles today to promote the UFC 162 tickets being on sale for his fight with Chris Weidman, which takes place on July 6th. So the UFC has fined Silva $50,000 for not making the event. For Silva, he probably is happy with paying the fine and not coming along to do the media duties; I don't think it's too much of a thrill for any fighter to go out and speak with the media. The days of a couple media outlets wanting to speak with MMA fighters and the athletes being interested in promoting themselves and the sport are over. There is a growing hatred of fighters towards the media and media obligations, so it's no surprise that a no-show like this would happen.

However, the UFC does lose out big on Silva not doing this media. Granted Silva really doesn't give the media much to work with in that he is respectful and not very candid with his opinions and doesn't speak English, despite Chael Sonnen's claims it is perfect. When Silva does say things, it's often to screw with the media and mislead them. He's said everything from he would not fight Chael Sonnen for a second time, he'll fight Roy Jones in boxing, box in boxing for the Olympics, he wants to do Tae Kwon Do in the Olympics, and that he won't fight Chris Weidman. Despite that, it still would get Silva's picture in the news and major media to promote the sale of tickets for UFC 162. While Silva isn't a media savvy fighter, he is one of the biggest names in the game and he is the selling point of this fight. Chris Weidman is well-known among hardcore fans and a great fighter, but the average person will have no clue who he is. However, the average guy will have an understanding of Anderson Silva.

So Silva is fined 50 grand and I'm sure he could care less because with his salary and sponsorships, it doesn't mean much at all. However, the people who will take notice is all the other fighters to whom 50 grand is a massive amount of cash to lose out on and will make sure they meet every media obligation and put on a Colgate smile for the cameras.

Wanderlei Silva is the most fan friendly fighter

Wanderlei Silva is the most fan friendly fighter in the world. The reason is firstly of course he is extremely friendly with fans and considers them friends as opposed to admirers. Secondly, his style of fighting is geared towards pleasing fans. He goes out there with no concern at all for his well being and brain cells and just charges forward aggressively looking to get the knockout. Even though he has been knocked out in the process of doing this in the past, he still does the same thing and finds ways to finish great opponents such as Cung Le and Brian Stann. He is focussed on making sure he puts on an entertaining show for fans and realizes they pay good money and take time out of their lives to watch him compete. He innately realizes that the fans of the sport are his employees and treats them like gold.

Lyoto Machida will be the UFC champion again at 205

Lyoto Machida is going to be champion again at light-heavyweight, but it's going to be after Jon Jones move up to heavyweight. I think Jon Jones will take on Alexander Gustafsson next for the title, because that's who he is gunning for next. Jones wants Gustafsson to prove to people that it's not just his length that allows to win fights. I'm not sure why he wants to do that, because those people are probably a little retarded anyways.

Nonetheless, expect Jones to dispatch of Gustafsson, and that would break the record for most title defenses at 205 with six and surpasses Tito Ortiz's record. And Jones' work is done at 205. Next for Jones would be a superfight with Anderson Silva, and then from there he will move up and take a "tune up" fight at heavyweight, and work to capture the heavyweight gold.

And at 205 the second best fighter in the division will become champion: Lyoto Machida.

Akira Corassani Calls Out Conor McGregor

Akira Corassani wants to take on rising star Conor McGregor. Smart move business-wise by Corassani, who knows McGregor is getting a lot of hype, will be fighting at the big Fox Sports 1 show in Boston in August. Corassani uses his famous "Meet me in the Garden" line from TUF as well in this video.

Silva Velasquez 2 fight video preview (UFC 160)

Bigfoot is dangerous but expecting Velasquez to win via ground and pound decision or TKO.

Cain Velasquez (c) vs. Antonio Silva   
Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt
Glover Teixeira vs. James Te-Huna
Gray Maynard vs. TJ Grant
Donald Cerrone vs. KJ Noons

Preliminary card (FX)

Mike Pyle vs. Rick Story
Dennis Bermudez vs. Max Holloway
Colton Smith vs. Robert Whittaker
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo

Preliminary card (Facebook)

Stephen Thompson vs. Nah-Shon Burrell
Brian Bowles vs. George Roop
Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan

UFC 165 Toronto: GSP vs Johny Hendricks?



Georges St-Pierre and Johny Hendricks are due to fight for the welterweight title of the UFC, and Hendricks is gunning for September. The UFC should be returning to Toronto for the UFC in September, so there's a chance that GSP will defend his title in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre. However, since GSP has been having the home field advantage so many times by fighting in Canada, they may decide to bring the card between GSP and Hendricks in Las Vegas. Stay tuned.

UFC/MMA Commentary over street fights

Funny video:


UFC 162: Chris Weidman talks fighting Anderson Silva

Chris Weidman knows that Anderson Silva has a mystique about him and walks around the in a fashion that makes a lot of fighters feel like they don't belong in there with him. Weidman looks to pull of an upset at UFC 162 in July and spoil all plans of a superfight with Jon Jones or GSP.

Daniel Cormier in Limbo

Daniel Cormier could be fighting for the UFC heavyweight title, but it won't happen as long as Cain Velasquez is the champion. Cormier is in the same situation as Rory MacDonald is at welterweight with Georges St-Pierre - both fighters have friends who are the champs, and they won't fight them.

So Cormier will only get a title shot at heavyweight if Velasquez is defeated against Bigfoot Silva or perhaps Mark Hunt or Junior Dos Santos down the line. Out of these three fighters, it seems that JDS has the best shot, and Cormier agrees with that assessment.

For the time being the option to fight at 205 is available to Cormier, and Dana White seems to think that he could just jump in there and get a title shot. But at the same time, we have Alexander Gustafsson and Lyoto Machida who are waiting for their crack at Jon "Bones" Jones.

But the big problem for Cormier is he isn't super enthused and confident that he can easily make 205. It would take a big weight cut, a lot of time, and effort. So Cormier's aspirations of becoming a UFC champion at the moment are in a state of limbo. He is a top contender at heavyweight but won't take a shot at the belt so long as Velasquez is wearing it. He doesn't want his teammate to fall from the mountain, but the only way he will get a shot at gold is if he does.

Gray Maynard vs Benson Henderson on the horizon

Will Gray Maynard be the next UFC lightweight champion? He has a pretty good shot. But first he needs to get through Canadian standout TJ Grant, who is looking to defeat Maynard and set himself up for a shot to become Canada's first lightweight champion of the UFC. The winner of Grant versus Maynard will take on Ben Henderson for the UFC lightweight title.

Maynard and Grant have good standup and will be fairly even on the feet, but I think Maynard's strong takedowns will be able to earn him a lot of points in this fight. More than likely it'll go the distance, barring one of them lands their power shots with their punches. So expect a decision for Gray Maynard and that would set up a fight between Maynard and Henderson.

Henderson is very well rounded and fluid moving from technique to technique. He has a lot of heart, will, skill, and cardio. Maynard has big punching power which will serve him well, but his wrestling is so good that he might be able to get Benson Henderson on his back several times in their fight. I think Maynard has a heck of a shot to get that belt in his third chance (two already versus Frankie Edgar). We may have a new UFC lightweight champion in Gray Maynard by the end of the year.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Korean Zombie vs Anthony Pettis at the end of the year

Going out on a limb and predicting that Anthony "Showtime" Pettis will be taking on Chan Sung Jung, who is also affectionately known as the Korean Zombie, at the end of this year. And by the way, this will be a UFC featherweight title shot.

So yes, I'm picking Anthony Pettis to defeat Jose Aldo at UFC 163 to become the new featherweight champion of the UFC. I think Pettis and Aldo are both great strikers, but the cardio edge will be a slight advantage for Pettis in nailing down three rounds to two on the judges scorecards.

So Pettis needs a first challenger. And that challenger will be the Korean Zombie. Zombie takes on Ricardo Lamas, who seems like a great guy and a very competent fighter in all areas of the game; and he's a winner. He finds ways to win and take out great opponents like Cub Swanson and Erik Koch. The different in this fight I think is the dynamic speed, aggressive striking, and creative submission attack of the Korean Zombie. I think Lamas is too tough to be stopped, but I think the Zombie will take two of the three scheduled rounds that they will compete in at UFC 162 on July 6th in Las Vegas.

So at the end of the year look forward to a bout between the Korean Zombie and Anthony Pettis.

Silva Velasquez fight interview (Video)

Cain Velasquez gives his thoughts on his upcoming battle with Antonio Bigfoot Silva at UFC 160. Velasquez is brimming with confidence coming into this fight having dispatched of Silva once already via TKO, and also redeeming his only loss in the sport against Junior Dos Santos, and also winning his UFC heavyweight title back in the process. JDS will also be on the UFC 160 card and will take on Mark Hunt. The winner of the Mark Hunt and Junior Dos Santos fight will earn themselves a title shot. If Hunt loses the fight against JDS, then Hunt will likely fight Roy Nelson. Big Country and Mark Hunt is a fight that a lot of fans want to see. Mark Hunt is a great kickboxer with an amazing chin. Roy Nelson is a knockout artist and has arguably the best chin in MMA. Sounds like fun to me.

UFC 160: Antonio Bigfoot Silva talks fighting Cain Velasquez (video)

We're visual creatures and images have a lasting impression on our minds. So the last image of Cain and Bigfoot throwing down was Cain getting a takedown and then hammering Bigfoot with ground and pound and leaving him in a vast pool of blood. Bigfoot Silva is much better than that performance but the one-sided nature of the first fight makes this fight not as interesting as Cain fighting some other guys he hasn't competed against at heavyweight. Nonetheless, a KO over Alistair Overeem has earned Bigfoot a chance to redeem that first loss at UFC 160.

Who has the best odds of beating Ronda Rousey

Cat Zingano is a tough fighter with strong strikes, but most people are thinking that Ronda Rousey is going to use her patented throws and armbar to finish that fight as he always does, in the first round. I think the fighter that has the best odds of beating Rousey at this point is Sara McMann. Cyborg Santos is likely out of the picture, because she doesn't want to fight at 135, so it doesn't even make sense throwing out her name, despite the fact that she is a devastating striker.

McMann however is very much relevant in the division and is the most likely person to fight Rousey next, if Rousey does in fact defeat Zingano. But what makes McMann dangerous style-wise is that she can put Rousey on her back. Rousey has been dominating by tossing her opponents to the mat and from there armbarring them from top position. We haven't really had a chance to see Rousey be on her back with a tremendous wrestler working from on top. It will be very interesting to see these two fight because of that and also because they are both Olympic medalist, with Ronda winning in Judo and McMann in wrestling. So this will be one of the most decorated athletic fights in MMA history, and between two women.

Chael Sonnen fools TMZ into thinking he's buying WWE

Chael Sonnen, mixed martial arts most prominent troll, got TMZ.com to believe that he's interested in purchasing the WWE. Typically trolls aren't top contenders in the UFC, but rather keyboard warriors angrily venting at successful people around them. But Sonnen finds ways to get out there in the media and understands how to work the media to get headlines. Making outlandish statements, calling out people, saying controversial things about controversial people, and getting people riled up. Sonnen is an ass-kicker by also a brilliant mind when it comes to public relations. He can easily be one of the best PR stunt people if he chose to move into that area after fighting.

As far as fighting goes he will likely take on Wanderlei Silva next. Once again, this is great marketin by himself. At the post fight press conference after UFC 159 he quickly started insulting Wanderlei Silva out of the blue to get his name out there for his next fight. Wandrerlei evidently has taken the bait and is interested in trying to put a beating on the man from West Linn, Oregon, who has the greatest charm, the biggest arms, and does a lot of harm in the UFC Octagon.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Top 5 Canadian Fighters in MMA

Americans and Brazilians lead the landscape of the best MMA fighters, but there are some very talented Canadians in the sport and thriving in the UFC. Here are the top five:

1. Georges St-Pierre

The greatest welterweight of all time, GSP has won the UFC title on two separate occasions and defended it eight times. He is arguably the second best fighter of all time after Anderson Silva.

2. Rory MacDonald.

Dubbed as the Next One, Rory MacDonald is expected to take over the welterweight division in the UFC when GSP retires or loses, and that would make for possibly another welterweight champion from Canada. The original was Carlos Newton, then GSP, and possibly MacDonald in the future. He is very talented in all areas, but his ground and pound seems to be the most brutal attribute. His killer instinct and serial killer type of personality he has developed have made him one of the most feared forces at 170.

3. TJ Grant

This UFC lightweight fighter from Nova Scotia, Canada, brings a well rounded and dangerous attack. He has good wrestling, great BJJ, and his powerful punches make him a very strong threat on the feet. He finished off Matt Wiman and that's not easy task at all, as Wiman is a very gritty and tough lightweight. Additionally, Grant is just one win away (Gray Maynard) from getting a shot at Benson Henderson's UFC lightweight title.

4. Francis Carmont

Francis has been a perfect 5-0 in the UFC. The Tristar fighter out of Montreal has defeated Chris Camozzi, Magnus Cednblad, Karlos Vemola, Tom Lawlor, and Lorenz Larkin.

5. Jordan Mein

Another very strong prospect from Canada. He showed some moments of brilliance against Matt Brown in the UFC, but was steamrolled in the end by the Brown who was on fire that night in San Jose. However, I think that just Rory MacDonald learned from fighting the tough Carlos Condit in his second fight, Jordan Mein will also learn so much from his second fight in the league against Brown. Despite the loss, Mein has looked brilliant in fights against Dan miller, Evangelist Santos, Marius Zarmomskis, and Joe Riggs.

Thiago Alves vs Matt Brown at UFC on Fox Sports 1 show

In August in Boston, Thiago Alves and Matt Brown will fight to see who moves up the ladder at 170. Brown has been fighting like a man possessed and we all know how good Thiago's striking is and also how solid his leg kicks are. Tough one to call, going to go with Alves because he has big KO power and he will soften up Brown's legs and end up taking away some spring in his step with those thunderous strikes.

Anthony Pettis willt take an "Easy Payday" fight against Nate Diaz

Evidently Nate Diaz wants to fight Anthony Pettis, and "Showtime" says he'll take an "easy payday" fight with Diaz. Doesn't look like it'll happen any time soon, Jose Aldo is set to fight Pettis next for the UFC featherweight title.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Nobody makes UFC president Dana White uncomfortable

Dana White says no fighter makes him uncomfortable. Even when he skewered Randy Couture, he was fine with sitting a few tables away from him. But Randy Couture isn't the kind of guy who is going to attack someone verbally, he's more of a killer in the cage, and a polite gentleman outside of it. Business-wise, I have no clue. I'm sure that he is a savvy business man and I'm sure Dana is the same way, so there's a good chance that those two personalities could clash based on them doing business. Frank Shamrock, who is someone Dana White dislikes immensely, is also a shrewd businessman and it's not a shocker that him and Dana White got into some conflicting situations.

UFC 161: Dan Henderson on fighting Rashad Evans

Dan Henderson and Rashad Evans duke it out in Winnipeg in June at UFC 161. Good fight, they are similar in that they are great wrestlers with a big right hand that can knock you out with one swing. I think the different will be that Evans has a faster shot for his takedown. He'll earn more takedowns, score more points, and win a decision.

Cung Le interested in fighting Michael Bisping next

Cung Le is gunning for a shot at Michael Bisping, and potentially a title shot with a win over the middleweight Brit. Le, the post-40 Vietnamese traditional martial artist, is well-known for his strong kicks and excellent striking. He last was in action when he knocked out Rich Franklin with a swift one-punch counter to a kick.

Le versus Bisping would be a good fight. If it goes the distance Bisping will likely win because of better cardio and he does better in the later stages of a fight. But if it's a KO it's going to be Le who wins. I said the same thing about Franklin versus Le when they fought in China, and it ended up being the case when Le got the big knockout that excited the fans in Macau.

Expect Le versus Bisping later this year.

Rory MacDonald a UFC champ soon?

Georges St-Pierre will be taking on Johny Hendricks next and Rory MacDonald will take on Jake Ellenberger in his next bout. Many are confident Rory will prevail in his fight and there is a strong contingent of MMA fans who think that Hendricks' left will connect at some point in his fight with GSP and Hendricks will win.

If that does take place then all of a sudden Rory MacDonald might be the number on contender for the belt. If that is the case I think GSP will do the unselfish thing and let Rory fight for the title and get his shot. So this is not that far-fetched a scenario, if these two fights pan out in this way expect a chance that Rory MacDonald is a champion within his next two fights.

Ronda Rousey on the Opie and Anthony show

Good interview. Funny stuff. Jim Norton gets armbarred too.

UFC on Fox 8 commercial (Korean)

Like watching this Vitor Belfort vs Luke Rockhold commercial in Korean.

Sage advice from Chael Sonnen

He just doesn't talk trash, he also talks a lot of wisdom.

Best UFC entrance ever

This James Te Huna Men in Black entrance along with Genki Sudo's Geisha one at UFC 42 are tied: /

Vitor Belfort / Luke Rockhold winner should get a title shot

The winner of Luke Rockhold against Vitor Belfort should get the next crack at the belt. Weidman is going to fight Anderson next so that fight is going down July 6th. I expect Vitor and Anderson to win in these fights, but I think Anderson is keen on fighting Jon Jones next. So if that's the case, Vitor will have to wait because the world is screaming superfight so let's get that done and put an end to this co*kteasing of superfights the UFC has done for quite some time.

Wanderlei Silva confronts Chael Sonnen in a van

The infamous incident which will be the big selling point for when Wanderlei Silva and Chael Sonnen fight each other. Chael Sonnen is rarely short on words but in this exchange he wasn't interested in arguing with Silva. Wanderlei says in Brazil they say that if you show respect you don't lose your teeth, and Chael thanks him for the information.

TUF 18: Miesha Tate expecting a Jersey Shore type of situation

Miesha Tate thinks that the next season of The Ultimate Fighter will be a Real World type of situation. It'll be great though, the show needs something to be changed and injected into it in terms of entertainment. The sport isn't going anywhere and doesn't need to be like TUF 1, where they were against guys acting stupid. The sport needs to get people interested in characters and storylines and needs drama. They should amp up the characters on UFC shows with a ramp, encourage costumes at weigh-ins, and get more fighters to be theatrical. A lot of fighters are polite and respectful, but highly bland. Many just look like plain and ordinary white folk and without a costume or interesting entrance or some sort of insignia, they get lost in the shuffle. James Te Huna is a great fighter but can be a very unmemorable person amongst the 300 plus roster of fighters the UFC has. But if you see his Men in Black entrance then you will never forget him.

UFC on FX 8: Luke Rockhold talks fighting Vitor Belfort

Luke Rockhold is represent the Strikeforce fold in his next fight against Vitor Belfort. Strikeforce fighters have done amazing in the UFC, including Daniel Cormier, Josh Thomson, and even Gilbert Melendez, who lost a close decision against Benson Henderson. Rockhold will win a decision or Vitor will get a KO in the first couple rounds. Take your pick and bet on that.

UFC 160: Trailer for Junior Dos Santos against Mark Hunt (video)

Greatest stand up fight at heavyweight this year in the UFC.

UFC 160: Bigfoot Silva and Junior Dos Santos talk fighting Cain and Hunt

I'm sure Bigfoot Silva will do better against Cain Velasquez than their first fight, but I think the ground and pound of Cain will earn him the victory. Hunt against JDS is interesting, great stand up fight, but I think Junior Dos Santos will take it to the floor and win there.

UFC 163: Anthony Pettis talks fighting Jose Aldo for UFC featherweight title

This might be fight of the year. Pettis jumps off the cage and strikes people, and so does Aldo. Pettis has the best chance in the UFC of becoming a new champion. After that it's Johny Hendricks, whose one punch knockout power in his left could render GSP unconscious in their fight later this year. After that it's Chris Weidman, whose ground skills could potentially tap out Anderson Silva.


Ruben Guerrero goes nuts at Floyd Mayweather video (calls him woman beater)

Robert Guerrero's dad went ape-sh*t at Floyd Mayweather at the press conference and called him a woman beater, and almost fought with Floyd's dad. Oscar De La Hoya was trying to calm him down and pull him off the podium.

GSP on Joe Rogan Experience podcast (full video)

Joe Rogan has the hottest podcast on iTunes and had Georges St-Pierre on recently promoting his autobiography.

UFC 160: Cain Velasquez talks fighting Bigfoot Silva

Ground and Pound versus brute power.

Anderson Silva does the best MMA/UFC commercials

Anderson Silva is the greatest of all time (GOAT) and also the best when it comes to commercials involving mixed martial arts fighters. This includes Burger King and Budweiser ads, which are hilarious.

Chael Sonnen teaches how to pick up a girl

Chael Sonnen can do anything! Even be a pickup artist. Here's how he nabbed his girlfriend/fiancée Brittany Smith.

UFC 163 prediction: New champion Anthony Pettis

As much as Brazil would like to see Jose Aldo running into the stands again at UFC 163 celebrating a KO over Anthony Pettis, I'm actually betting on the underdog Pettis. I think Pettis and Aldo are equally matched on the feet, and what this fight will come to is cardio. I think Pettis has better cardio and that will be the difference. The first four rounds could be split down the middle, and in the fifth round Pettis will come alive, possibly jump off of the cage and kick at Aldo, and win this fight three rounds to two. Both are too tough to be stopped, but one man will walk out of the Octagon at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 3rd the champion at featherweight, and I think that will be Anthony "Showtime" Pettis.

Tarec Saffiedine's son already a Muay Thai star

Tarec Saffiedine's two year old son is already blasting the sofa like a Muay Thai warrior.

Johny Hendricks hoping for GSP title shot in September

Johny Hendricks has the best shot at dethroning GSP at this point right now with his big left hand and great wrestling. He's gunning for a shot at Georges St-Pierre in September.

Alexander Gustafsson will fight Lyoto Machida if Jon Jones is out for a while

It's quite ballsy for both Alexander Gustafsson and Lyoto Machida to be willing to put their number one contender statuses on the line to take on one another, and not campaign for a fight with Jon Jones. Especially because Machida was promised the fight, and now Gustafsson is the guy who Jones wants to fight.

Tito Ortiz thinks he would have dominated Jon Jones in his prime?

I guess every fighter in the world needs to think they would win to succeed, but I don't think many people would think Tito Ortiz in his prime against Jon Jones in his prime would be a close matchup. 10 years from now the next big thing might make Jones look like he's very outdated, everything keeps evolving and expanding in life and in mixed martial arts.

UFC 162: Michael Bisping on Anderson Silva vs Chris Weidman fight

If Chris Weidman defeats Anderson Silva, that will really shake up the 185 pound division.

Full Chris Weidman Q&A video

Humble guy, would make a good UFC champion. Fights Anderson Silva for the belt on July 6th at UFC 162.

UFC 162 predictions

Anderson Silva (c) vs. Chris Weidman   

Weidman has to get this fight to the floor to have a chance. Unfortunately every round starts on the feet and Anderson Silva's odds off winning on the feet are a lot better than Weidman's on the ground. Georges St-Pierre would disagree, but going with Silva via TKO in the second.

Chan Sung Jung vs. Ricardo Lamas

The Korean Zombie might have some ring rust, but I think his well-rounded and fast paced attack will be too much for Lamas. Lamas is very underrated and soft-spoken, so many don't even know who he is, despite being one of the best in the world at 145. Good back and forth fight, but Zombie gets a decision.

Mark Muñoz vs. Tim Boetsch

The superior wrestling of Munoz will get him takedowns, ground and pound, and each judges to check him off as the winner.

Frankie Edgar vs. Charles Oliveira

Oliveira is talented, but Edgar just finds ways to win against everyone in the world, other than Ben Henderson and Jose Aldo. Aside from close decisions with them, he's usually golden  to win. Edgar by decision.

Dennis Siver vs. Cub Swanson

Siver is a great striker but Swanson is on a tear lately. Don't know if he listened to some Tony Robbins CDs and downed 3,000 cans of Redbull, but the man is on a mission and fights like a guy possessed. Swanson via TKO.

UFC 172: Anderson Silva vs Jon Jones superfight?

Just throwing a wild prediction out there and projecting that UFC 172 will take place during the big Superbowl show that the UFC will have in 2014, like they do every year. Thinking Anderson Silva will defend his title in July at UFC 162 against Chris Weidman, and meanwhile Jon Jones will recover from his toe injury.

Then the big superfight will go down next year in Dallas Cowboy's Stadium. As far as the fight goes, the superfight goes, the reach will keep Jones out of trouble on the feet, and the ground and pound will win him a decision. Unfortunately the UFC loses an undefeated star, but that's the way it goes.

GSP talks to Jian Ghomeshi

Georges St-Pierre hates the media. If he wasn't such a nice guy he'd like to jab a fork in the eyes of every single one of them because he keeps getting asked the same questions over and over. But his interview with Jian Ghomeshi was a good one and he seemed to enjoy it. This was largely due to the fact that it wasn't pure MMA questions and because the interviewer isn't a hardcore fan. So there were no repetitive questions that GSP has heard such as the ones about fighting Anderson Silva in a superfight.

UFC on FX 8: Belfort vs. Rockhold predictions


Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold

Vitor fades a bit as the fight goes on and in a five round battle he will need to win early. I think the first two rounds will be Vitor's and in the second he will find his mark, just like he did against Michael Bisping, and get the knockout. This will be much to the dismay of many ladies who find Luke Rockhold to be one sexy MMA beast.


Costa Philippou vs. Ronaldo Souza

Great fight. Costa has heavy hands, but Jacare's ground game is too good. His striking is solid as well and that spells for a victory for Sousa and a possible title shot in 2014. I think Jacare will win via tapout using one of the subs that he has in his vast BJJ library.


Rafael dos Anjos vs. Evan Dunham

Good fight, hard to call. Going with Dunham based on the fact that he can endure a great deal of punishment and still move forward.

May 4th - Chris Weidman at Grants MMA

Grants MMA Gym
To host
 UFC Middleweight contender Chris Weidman
May 4th 2013 at 12:00pm
Toronto’s top MMA Gym hosts open house and seminar including free Wild Wing lunch, giveaways courtesy of GP8 & Rockstar, prizes and autograph session!
 
On Saturday, May 4th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grants MMA (formerly Grant Brothers boxing and MMA gym) will host a free open house with UFC fighter Chris Weidman. Weidman will then host a training seminar from 3:00-5:00pm for both Grants MMA members and non-members, limited to first 40 spots.
 
11:00am-12:00pm       Press with  Chris Weidman, Sean Pierson and Grants MMA’s RG & Neil Forester
 
12:00pm – 1:30pm       Chris Weidman will sign autographs and take pictures
3:00pm – 5:00pm        Chris Weidman will host a training seminar. Advance registration is required.  $25 for Grants MMA members, $40 for non-members.
 
 
Grant Brothers MMA Gym is located at 4884 Dufferin Street, Unit 6 in North York, Ontario, just south of Steeles Avenue and just North of Finch Avenue.  
 
For more details on seminar, call 416-736-7770, email info@grantsmma.com or inquire at reception.

UFC 160 predictions

Cain Velasquez (c) vs. Antonio Silva

This fight will go in a similar style to the first fight, but not as quick. Cain Velasquez will work a lot of takedowns and ground and pound and win a decision or stoppage later in the bout.

Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt

Junior will strike a bit with Hunt, which will be fun, but in the end he will go for takedowns and finish the fight on the ground.   

Glover Teixeira vs. James Te-Huna

Glover is soon to be a contender for the belt at 205. Teixeira will knock out Te-Huna in a very exciting fight.    

Gray Maynard vs. TJ Grant

Grant is a win away from getting a chance to become the next Canadian UFC champ. Maynard also is a win away from fighting Ben Henderson and getting another title shot. Maynard's wrestling is too good, he wins by takedowns and good strikes, earns  a decision.   

Donald Cerrone vs. KJ Noons

Great fight, but it's the kicks of Cerrone which will be the decisive factor in earning him  a decision. Good fight.

Mayweather vs. Guerrero - Live Press Conference

Chael Sonnen Calls Out Wanderlei Silva

Chael Sonnen wants Wanderlei Silva next. His takedowns will win him this fight, but he has to watch out for that ferocious striking and heart of Wanderlei.

Jake Ellenberger not sold on Rory MacDonald, doesn't think he's Top 10 yet

Rory MacDonald is considered by many as the future of 170 in the UFC, but his opponent at UFC on Fox 8, Jake Ellenberger, isn't sold on him yet. He doesn't put him in the top 10 at welterweight, citing that the only guy that MacDonald fought at 170 defeated him; that man being Carlos Condit.

Chris Weidman ready to shock the world against Anderson Silva

Chris Weidman answers questions from fans about his July 6th matchup at UFC 162 against Anderson Silva. If Weidman gets the fight to the floor he can win, but on the feet Silva has a huge advantage.

Ronda Rousey gives a preview of TUF

This season of The Ultimate Fighter, which is co-ed, has the potential to be the greatest ever. People are scared it will become like Jersey Shore, but that'd be very funny and interesting to watch.

New top 5 pound for pound fighters in MMA

1. Jon Jones

Anderson Silva is well-regarded as the greatest of all time, but if he were to fight Jon Jones, I think Jones would take that fight. He will use his reach to keep away from harm, get takedowns, and land strong ground and pound. Silva is very hard to finish, but a decision for Jones is very possible. We may have a chance to see this fight if Silva defeats Chris Weidman.

2. Anderson Silva

An unbelievable 16 and 0 in the UFC with an astounding 10 title defenses. Anderson Silva has pulled off the unimaginable so many times in the cage.

3. Georges St-Pierre

Two time UFC welterweight champion with 8 defenses of his title. GSP is the greatest welterweight of all time.

4. Jose Aldo

Aldo has been untouchable at 145. He has won 15 in a row and hasn't lost since 2005. However he has a very tough test in Anthony Pettis coming up. I actually think Pettis will win that fight and jump into the top five, but only time will tell.

5. Ben Henderson

The best 155er in the game right now, Ben Henderson finds ways to get the W every single time in the UFC Octagon. In eight months he has defended the UFC lightweight title three times.

Monday, April 29, 2013

5 Fighters who get better as the fight goes on

Some fighters weaken as the fight progresses, and then there are some who seem to get stronger as the fight goes on. Here are five that tend to improve as the minutes wind down in a contest.

Diego Sanchez

Diego has so much heart and cardio that he really can use that as a weapon the later stages of a fight. He has an iron-will and is willing to just take punches and keep walking forward and not show signs of fatigue as the fight goes on. Even if tiredness is setting in he keeps going forward with his heart and outlasts so many opponents as a result.

Michael Bisping

Bisping trains so hard and it shows in his fights. He gets better as the fight goes on in terms of picking apart his opponent's tendencies and also in terms of being able to beat them in the cardio game.

Carlos Condit

Condit is a warrior that trains so hard is so intense in his desire to finish his opponent that he really wears on people as the fight goes on. Like he did with Rory MacDonald and Johny Hendricks, he turned it into high gear in the third round of those fights and finished MacDonald. Also, Condit came close to finished GSP in the same manner.

Rich Franklin

Franklin like Bisping is highly conditioned and gets increasingly stronger and more comfortable as a fight progresses. He was able to endure fights with Wanderlei Silva and defeat Wand in their second battle because of superior cardio and ability to improve as the fight progressed.

Nick Diaz

Diaz regularly does triathlons and has some of the best cardio in the game. Nick Diaz is an endurance athlete and nothing his opponents throw at him seems to be able to stop him. Diaz keeps coming forward at a frantic pace and really drives people into lower gas tank levels and messes wit their confidence.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Jon Jones broken toe pic



Jon Jones breaks toe in the process of defending UFC title against Chael Sonnen.

The Only Person Chael Sonnen follows on Twitter: Alexis P. Sonnen @LexyNataliaaa

Chael Sonnen has over 300,000 followers, but finally followed his first person on Twitter: Alexis P. Sonnen @LexyNataliaaa
Some Recent Tweets:



__________________
 
Knockout game fail

__________________

Quotes from MMA fighters:

Anderson Silva
Chael Sonnen
Fedor Emelianenko
Georges St-Pierre
Jon Jones
Ronda Rousey


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Chuck Liddell type of fighter can only beat Ronda Rousey

A fighter that is going to beat a fighter like Ronda Rousey will need to be a Chuck Liddell-esque type of fighter. Particularly like how Chuck fought Randy Couture in their second and third fights. Liddell avoided the clinch by pushing Couture away and when he was taken down he popped right back up instantly. From there he landed his famous one-punch right hand KO. A fighter with big KO power that can avoid the clinch and being thrown will be able to beat Ronda. Nobody like that exists in the UFC right now, even though Cat Zingano has big power. Possibly the only person is Cyborg Santos, but doesn't look like she's going to be competing in the UFC any time soon against Ronda Rousey.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Cat Zingao vs Miesha Tate was stopped early

Not the worst call ever, but after looking at it again it seems Tate was going for a takedown and the fight shouldn't have been stopped. When I first watched it I thought Tate fell by being rocked from Zingano, but she willingly dropped down for a takedown attempt. Sure it was a weak attempt but it was an attempt and she was not turtled in the fetal position or anything. She was still "intelligently defending" herself.

Wanderlei Silva talks Brian Stann fight and more

Wanderlei Silva talks next fight and more.

Best Asian MMA fighter in the world

Yushin Okami is a terrific 185er in the UFC middleweight division, and might be champ if Anderson Silva wasn't around. However, I wouldn't saw that he's the number one Asian fighter in MMA, I'd put him as a very close number two. Number three would be Shinya Aoki, the submission wizard out of Japan. However, the number one Asian MMA fighter in the world is UFC featherweight Chan Sung Jung, AKA the Korean Zombie. The Zombie gets the number one nod not just because he is arguably the number one contender for Jose Aldo's title, but also because he is incredibly exciting. Okami is a great fighter but has a very stifling style that involves outmuscling and working his opponent from the clinch and blanketing and landing some shots here and there to get a judges' decision. Korean Zombie however is much more exciting as seen from his battle with Leonard Garcia that was unbelievable, and the rematch just as exciting with the Twister submission finish. Then Zombie goes on to KO Mark Hominick in a record seven seconds, and then has an amazing fight where he finishes Dustin Poirier. The Korean Zombie is a finisher, very exciting, and a strong threat for the 145 pound title for the UFC. And he is the greatest Asian mixed martial artist in the world.

Ben Henderson versus Gilbert Melendez prediction

Ben Henderson and Gilbert Melendez are quite evenly matched. Good wrestlers, good striker, have power, speed, and cardio. However, Benson Henderson is a bigger version of Gilbert Melendez and should be able to use that size, power, and edge in cardio to win. He won't stop Melendez, because he's tough as nails, but he will win at least three out of the five rounds to earn a judges' decision at UFC on Fox 7.

Why do MMA fighters fight?

Mixed martial artists fight for a variety of reasons. Some fighters fight because they were involved with martial arts and segued into mixed martial arts. Some fighters fight because they were in wrestling programs and after they wanted to pursue a career that involved wrestling that wasn't professional wrestling. Some fighters fight because they are athletic competitors. Some fighters fight for money. Some fighters fight for fame. But one reason why a lot of MMA fighters fight is because they came from broken homes. And oftentimes more specifically they have father issues.

Issues with their fathers include a variety of things. It might be an absentee father who was never around growing up. It may be a dad who treated them terribly with abuse. But if you look at a lot of fighters in the mixed martial arts landscape there is a common thread among many and that is that they have had problems with their fathers growing up. Nonetheless, mixed martial arts has transformed many individuals into wonderful people and turned them into fully functional members of society.

Arianny Celese stripping in an elevator video

Promoting something 'er other.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Will TUF 18 turn into Jersey Shore?

Since The Ultimate Fighter will be co-ed for the first time ever people are wondering if this season will turn into something like Jersey Shore. I hope so. The show needs some new life and different angles and elements to it. TUF 17 was more interesting than past seasons, but aside from the 10 minute fight at the end of the program, they have a lot of time in between to fill air with and it's good television to have interesting drama. If they can become more dramatic in the minutes leading up to the fight that's great. Jersey Shore got big ratings because it's interesting TV. So who doesn't like interesting TV? In the end the best fighter will come out on top, but the road leading up to that should be interesting!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Jon Jones is pound for pound the best fighter in MMA

Had a discussion with a colleague the other day and came to the conclusion Jon Jones is the best pound for pound fighter in the world. I put Anderson Silva in the top of the heap before, but after thinking about I feel Jon Jones would beat Silva in a fight so why shouldn't I put Jones at number one? Also, I am fairly confident that Jones could move up to heavyweight and make a run to the UFC heavyweight belt. Nothing says pound for pound best like that.

So here are the five pound for pound fighters in mixed martial arts:

1. Jon Jones

2. Anderson Silva

3. Georges St-Pierre

4. Jose Aldo

5. Benson Henderson

Should Georges St Pierre (GSP) retire?

Georges St-Pierre has won the UFC welterweight title twice, defended it an astounding eight times, and pretty much done it all in MMA. I'd say that for GSP the only thing he has left to do is defeat Johny Hendricks at welterweight, and if he accomplishes that, go forth and try and fight Anderson Silva in a superfight. I think GSP is the type of guy who wants to go out as the greatest of all time and for him to do that he will need to fight Anderson Silva. The one caveat to that statement is if Anderson Silva defeats Chris Weidman. Weidman is hell bent on messing up all superfights and defeating Silva to win the title. Should Weidman pull off the upset, then a superfight between Pierre and Silva can be put on ice. However, assuming that the odds do come into reality and Pierre beats Hendricks and Silva beats Weidman, then I believe GSP should fight Silva and retire after that, win or lose.

From there the next generation of stars will get a crack at the belt, and his teammate Rory MacDonald can finally challenge for the welterweight title and possibly continue the legacy of Canadian champions in the UFC at 170 pounds.

Ronda Rousey vs Cat Zingano TUF 18 prediction

This 135 pound women's UFC bantamweight title fight between Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano is an interesting matchup. Zingano is a devastatingly powerful striker who has a strong chin, iron will, and mean-spirited streak inside the cage. She is tough as nails and can do a lot of damage to Rousey on the feet. However, she will need to do that very quickly in this fight because as soon as Rousey clinches with her, it seems the fight will be over, based on all historical evidence. Rousey grabs the clinch, takes her opponent down, and then armbars them. It takes a little bit longer sometimes, but it always happens in the first round. It's a very unique skillset but it works extremely well for Ronda Rousey.

No out of this dimension prediction for this fight: Ronda Rousey via armbar in the first round.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

UFC on Fox 8 predictions

UFC on Fox 8 takes place on July 27 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington.


Jake Ellenberger vs. Rory MacDonald

Ellenberger has incredible KO power, but I think MacDonald will use the clinch, wear out Ellenberger a bit and then get the fight to the floor and land ground and pound. He will avoid getting KO'd and then he will score a unanimous decision.

Melvin Guillard vs. Mac Danzig

Melvin is one of the most talented fighters at 155 but has fell short of making it to the top. He will keep this fight on the feet and then he will knock out Danzig. Guillard's striking is amazing, especially in the first round, so he will realize his potential in this fight and get a big KO in the first.

UFC 161 predictions

UFC 161: Barao vs. Wineland takes place at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Renan Barão (ic) vs. Eddie Wineland 

Renan Barao is so well rounded and dangerous that he will come out victorious in this fight. Wineland has a lot of heart, great punching power and technique, however I feel the durability and diversity of attack that Barao has in his arsenal will earn him a decision win, three or four rounds for Barao.  

Maurício Rua vs. Antônio Rogério Nogueira 

Shogun has a tendency to fade later in fights, so I give the third round to Little Nogueira. However, the first two will be won by Shogun via superior striking. Shogun wins by decision in this all Brazilian affair.    

Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson 

Similar fighters in that they both have powerful rights and great wrestling. I think Evans will avoid the H-Bomb and get some takedowns to earn a decision, two rounds to one in this fight. Actually a split decision.   

Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan

Pat Barry is a such an unbelievable striker and has gained so much knowledge and experience fighting top dogs in the UFC that he wins this one, and gets a big KO.

Pound for Pound rankings (MMA/UFC)

Top five pound for pound fighters in the world.

1. Jon Jones

Jones can defeat Anderson Silva, everyone at 205, and go up to heavyweight and become champion there too. He will go down as one of the greatest ever.

2. Anderson Silva

16-0 in the UFC and unstoppable at 185. He also has wins at 205 over Forrest Griffin, Stephan Bonnar, and James Irvin.

3. Georges St. Pierre

Greatest welterweight ever. He has dominated 170 for years. If he defeats Anderson Silva in a superfight, GSP will be able to retire as the greatest fighter of all time.

4. Jose Aldo

This man has been unbeatable for years at 145 and took out former UFC 155 pound champion Frankie Edgar.

5. Ben Henderson

Ben Henderson has been on fire since 2011 in the UFC and blown through the competition at lightweight, and did it all with a toothpick in his mouth.

UFC 162 predictions

UFC 162 goes down on July 6th in Vegas.

Anderson Silva versus Chris Weidman

Weidman might get a takedown in the first, but he won't be able to tap out Silva. So in the second round, just like he did against Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen in their second fight, Silva will come back and get the TKO victory.

Korean Zombie (Chan Sung Jung) vs Ricardo Lamas

Lamas is very well rounded by the Zombie is more talented on both the feet and ground. Zombie will find a way to win this fight, either submission or decision. Going with decision because Lamas is so tough and talented.

Tim Boetsch versus Mark Munoz

Munoz's solid wrestling will allow the Filipino-American middleweight to get the fight to the floor in every round, earning him a unanimous decision over Tim.

UFC 163 prediction

Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis duke it out at 145 for the UFC featherweight title. Pettis will be the bigger fighter in this bout, and he will also have better cardio. Striking wise they are fairly even, but what will be the deciding factor will be better conditioning for Pettis. Even though he is making his debut at 145 he will have more gas in the tank than Aldo. Pettis will split the first two rounds with Aldo, but in the last three he will take two rounds to earn a decision victory, three rounds to two.

UFC 159 predictions

Jon Jones will win in the main event against Chael Sonnen. Sonnen doesn't deserve this title shot. It made sense on eight days notice when the UFC was desperate, but they have over six months to set Jones up with a legit contender at 205. Snnnen is tough and will go forward in this fight but he's going to be met with a lot of strikes that's going to put him away in the first round on the ground. Jones by TKO.

Michael Bisping says he'll finish Alan Belcher in the first, but that won't happen. If someone does get KOd in this fight it's probably Bisping, but Belcher will most likely go the distance with Bisping. Since Bisping has strong cardio and mixes takedowns and strikes will, he'll earn the nod on the scorecards.

Cheick Kongo and Roy Nelson will strike in this fight. Nelson has a better chin but he won't put away Kongo and vice versa. Kong will beat Nelson on points. Kongo by decision.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

UFC 173: Chris Weidman vs Lyoto Machida prediction

Lyoto takes this bout in a close five round decision to become the UFC's third 2-divisional champion.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Aleksandra Albu record and infographic