The War of Attrition: Henderson vs. Shogun

Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was one of the greatest fights in the 22-year organized history of mixed martial arts. Years from now, historians will chronicle this epic encounter as one of the sports’ legendary nights. This fight had everything you could ask for. It was a brutal symphony of action, excitement, suspense, and drama between two veteran warriors with an undeniable will to win. Hendo was awarded the unanimous decision victory as all three judges scored the bout 48-47.

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Cung Le vs. Wanderlei Silva Preview

– Cung Le vs. Wanderlei Silva preview

(posted on gerweck.net)

The H.P. Pavilion will be jam packed to the rafters tonight as Wanderlei Silva vs. Cung Le will engage in a middleweight slug fest in the co main event of UFC 139. Cung Le’s reputation as an undefeated San Shou fighter had hardcore fans salivating over the prospect of his participation in mixed martial arts. Le made the move to the cage in 2006 and won by knockout in the first round. He won his first six fights and suffered his first defeat via knockout against Scott Smith. That was loss avenged in June of 2010 by dominating Smith with a barrage of body shots. This also marks the last time he has fought as he comes into the fight on Saturday after a 15 month layoff. The time away was due to an expanding list of Hollywood commitments. The 39 year old star will have a large contingent of fans cheering for him on fight night due to the Vietnamese population in San Jose.

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Strikeforce Challengers results Las Vegas, Nevada

Strikeforce Challengers results (coverage I provided on gerweck.net)

The Pearl at the Palm in Las Vegas, Nevada

Commentators: Stephen Quadros, Pat Miletich and Mauro Ranallo

Prelim results:

– Andreas Spang defeated Willie Parks via 1^st round TKO

– Quinn Mulhern defeated David Hulett by unanimous decision

– Bobby Green defeated J.P. Reese via Rear Naked Choke in the 3rd round

– Matt Ricehouse defeated Bill Cooper via unanimous decision

Main Card:

Middleweight- Referee Kim Winslow

Derek Bunson defeated Nate James via unanimous decision 30-27 across the board: Derek Bunson was the more aggressive fighter and took James downs at will even though he could not keep him down for long. James was poked in the eye with one minute in the first round. No point was taken away from Bunson. Same story in the second round until Bunson landed a belly to back suplex and James rolled through with a knee bar but Bunson escaped. Bunson had difficulty taking down James in the third round until he dropped him with a straight left hand and controlled him against the fence and on the ground for the remainder of the fight.

Light Heavyweight- Referee Steve Mazzagatti

Trevor Smith defeated T.J. Cook via guillotine choke from top position at 4:28 of the 1st round: Smith was just too strong for Cook as he took him down right away and kept working for side control until Cook escaped from the bottom position. Smith applied a sloppy arm bar and Cook got out of it and Smith caught him with the guillotine in the scramble.

Middleweight- Referee Chris Tognoni

Adlan Amagov defeated Anthony Smith via KO at 2:32 of the 1st Round: Amagov worked for the single leg takedown and planted him on the mat and worked from top position until Smtih got up. They traded punches until Amagov lands a hard right cross that Smith could not recover from.

Womens Featherweight – Referee Kim Winslow

Ronda Rousey defeated Julia Budd via submission by arm bar at 39 seconds of the 1st round: Rousey took Budd down right away and applied the arm bar. It was tight, and Budd had to tap out. This makes four straight first round wins by arm bar forRousey. “Judo” Gene Lebell was in her corner. Rousey called out Miesha Tate and Sarah Kaufman in the post fight interview.

Middleweight – Referee Steve Mazzagatti

Lumumba Sayres defeated Antwain Britt via KO at 28 seconds of the 1st round: Britt throws a right hand, Sayers ducks and attempts the takedown but it’s blocked by Britt. Sayres and Britt clinch against the fence and Sayres connects with a short right hook and an uppercut as Britt sinks to the canvas.

UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III Preview & Predictions

While UFC 136 does not have a marquee mega fight that will produce a lot of fan fare, it is the most well rounded card of the year as every fight is intriguing and well matched. Two title championship fights headline the card with the return of one of the most controversial fighters the sport has seen in years. The Facebook Prelims start 5:45 p.m. EST and the Spike TV Prelims start at 8:00 p.m. followed by the PPV beginning at 9:00 p.m. EST.

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Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann Preview @ UFC 136

Chael Sonnen, the mouthpiece of the middleweight division, returns to the Octagon on Saturday night after a 14-month suspension to take on Brian Stann in a contest that will determine the next contender to Anderson Silva’s championship reign. For Stann, it’s a fight to show the world that he belongs among the middleweight elite.

For Sonnen, this is the first step towards silencing the critics that the fruits of his labor against Silva were the result of hard work and not the product of ill-gotten gains. The sub-par administration and lack of drug testing from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will cast a shadow of doubt over a Sonnen victory. Chael’s flair for dramatic storytelling sells the bout while Brian Stann’s personal story of heroic combat and decorated military service sells itself to popular opinion.

The UFC stayed away from commission shopping for fighters, but they made a first-time exception for Sonnen since Texas is the only state in the country he can get licensed in. The Oregonian’s placement on this card suggests the promotion is banking on him to win. The reality is Zuffa wins no matter the outcome. A win for Sonnen sets up a huge money-making rematch and a win for Stann creates a new star in the division. Whether it is legal or in poor taste, you can’t blame the UFC for making a business decision, they would have done it sooner or later.

The promotion for this fight has been a little different since Sonnen has uncharacteristically shied away from insulting his opponent. Customary diatribe such as “I will mow you down like autumn wheat, AGAIN” in reference to Silva has been replaced by “I’m the best Middleweight fighter in the world and I’m going to prove it again on Saturday”. It’s easier to insult a world champion who some perceive to be cocky than a Marine Corps veteran with hero status.

The fight itself will prove to be a battle of wills inside the cage. Stann will try to engage with his stand up while Sonnen will look to control the action with his wrestling. Chael’s weakness is unquestionably his submission defense. Stann does not have the pedigree on the ground to catch him in a submission. He will have to avoid Sonnen’s mixture of punches and elbows from the top position and scramble back to his feet in quick fashion in order to improve his chances. In the end, wrestling will be the key factor, as I don’t see Sonnen having problems taking Stann down since he has no problem taking down higher caliber opposition.

Prediction: Chael Sonnen by judges decision.

Is Jose Aldo The Answer To The Problem?

The featherweight division has a new king, and his name is Jose Aldo. His takedown defense and fierce striking were all he needed to wrestle away the WEC crown from the very game Mike Thomas Brown. At only 23 years old, the Brazilian sensation has shown the poise and maturity of a grizzled veteran.

Like many before him, Aldo has been labeled a “can’t miss prospect” by fans and media. Is Jose Aldo any different from the other fighters who have carried that tag? Jose Aldo has only been a professional fighter for five years, and with a record of 16-1, he has gained a reputation of finishing first and asking questions later.

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UFC 104 thoughts: Where is Shogun’s Belt?

Posted on gerweck.net

UFC 104 from start to finish was a great night of fights. Sadly, the event will mostly be remembered for the horrible judge’s decision that gave Lyoto Machida the nod to retain the Light Heavyweight Title. Every time I watch a close fight, I always get nervous when I hear the play-by-play team keeping repeating, “If you want to be the champion, you have to beat the champion.” It right away tells me that winning on points is not enough. You better destroy the champ if you want to win the title. I don’t know how all three judges scored the bout 48-47 in favor of Machida. There is no way Machida won three rounds. I scored the bout 49-46 for Shogun. The only round I scored for Machida was the third. The second round was very close and could have gone either way; however, I thought Rua did just enough to edge it out.

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Rousimar Palhares is looking for his own breakthrough

Saturday’s UFC 88 event is headlined by Chuck Liddell as he takes on the undefeated Rashad Evans. Rich Franklin will also compete as he moves back to light heavyweight for one night only against wrestling powerhouse Matt Hamill. One fight that is not getting much attention involves former Pride welterweight & middleweight champion Dan Henderson. Henderson’s opponent, Rousimar Palhares, is getting less attention despite the hype about his potential in the division. Palhares made his Octagon debut at UFC 84 in May. He dominated the highly regarded Ivan Salaverry and is looking to impress once again and take out the war-tested veteran in Henderson.

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New Blood, New Battles, and Possibly New Life for the IFL.

Posted on gerweck.net

Thanks to my good friend Ticketmaster, I will be in attendance for the IFL’s New Blood, New Battles show at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Friday’s nine bout card has hardcore fans interested not only because of the three title fights but because the IFL’s changes have fans wondering if it is too little too late? With the IFL’s stock currently at $0.05 a share and their shows not drawing strong attendance figures, one has to wonder if the International Fight League is on its last leg? For now, though, let us look at the fights that will be on hand this Friday night. If you cannot attend this Friday, you can watch the event live on HDNet Fights at 8:30pm EST.

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