Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Vitor-Belfort-The-Journey-of-a-Phenom
Masakatsu Funaki Zelg Benkei Galesic Mauro Galvao Arman Gambaryan
Saturday
WWE SummerSlam 2012 Report: Triple H Wins Even Though He Didn?t
Every year there are a handful of annual WWE events standing out from the rest based on their placement in the company?s pantheon of PPVs ? cards like Wrestlemania, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, and, of course, SummerSlam. This year?s SummerSlam looked solid on paper but when it came to the actual show, did it actually deliver?
For some, the answer is undoubtedly ?yes??or ?Yes! Yes! Yes!? for you Daniel Bryan fans. For others, it unquestionably resembles Bryan?s recent change in chant. In my eyes, both sides are right, as SummerSlam 2012 had its share of highlights but didn?t measure up to the epic feel a show of its scope should deliver.
The start of the evening was insultingly stupid, which says a lot when you consider some of the product?s past moments, as Santino Marella?s ?cobra? was sold like a conscious being. It, not Marella, was distracted by Antonio Cesaro?s manager (Aksana) and cost him the title. Marella?s character is obviously comically driven but the whole situation reeked of a future ?Are You Serious? episode on YouTube.
Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler turned in a fantastic bout, perhaps even the best of the show, though I?m still waiting for Ziggler?s actual build as legitimate title-contender. I also question WWE?s decision to not include Ziggler?s Money in the Bank status as being on the line since it would have played perfectly into the feud?s storyline about Jericho being unable to still ?win the big one?. What, as if coming out on top while curtain-jerking the show was somehow akin to a major victory? The briefcase could?ve then been returned to Ziggler after a future bout between the two given the chemistry each man clearly has with the other or even used later in the evening by ?Y2J? to pick up Sheamus? title and cement his legacy in the ring.
Bryan?s bout with Kane was somewhat forgettable, as was The Miz?s defense of the Intercontinental title against Rey Mysterio. They weren?t terribly bad by any means. They just weren?t particularly good either. Throw the tag tilt in there as well, and I also want to add the way The Primetime Players are being presented concerns me to an extent, tip-toeing the line between over-the-top and racist caricatures.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the match-up between Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio though I swear the ?shoe? gimmick was already used in a like fashion less than a month or two ago. The incompetence of the official not seeing Del Rio?s foot on the ropes was a bit silly too, especially since we saw AJ Lee intervene later in the evening and restart a contest. Where was Booker T on the matter? In fact, where was Booker T at all?!? Beyond that, there have also been plenty of past situations where a referee has restarted a bout under similar circumstances upon discovering the mistake as well. The blatant lack of continuity, while minor to some I suppose, took away from the overall result.
I think the WWE title-fight between CM Punk, Big Show, and John Cena was booked about as perfectly as possible (though I?m losing my love for AJ since her ?crazy dial? has been turned down). Show was portrayed as the ?giant? he should be, eating a number of high knees from Punk without going down and countering Punk/Cena at the same time, while Cena came off as being strong enough to have a victory in front of him but losing it due to Punk?s craftiness. To steal from a blockbuster franchise (and Mysterio?s outfit), their feud combined with The Rock?s pending presence almost has a Dark Knight feel to it in the form of Cena being a powerhouse (Bane) in comparison to Punk?s more cerebral approach (Joker) preparing to play off Rock?s superhero persona (Batman).
As indicated by the headline, even though Triple H ultimately lost the bout to Brock Lesnar he still came out on top as far as I?m concerned. Whether that?s good or bad is up is relative to the individual answering the question. On one hand, it showed HHH is okay with losing face at this stage in his career (good). On the other, it showed he is still the focal point of attention at this stage in his career (bad). HHH exited the fight taking a ton of damage, though strangely not wearing any crimson as I would have suspected given the ?brawl? build the bout was given, but teased his retirement by apologizing to fans for the defeat. The cameras faded out on HHH, not Lesnar i.e. the winner who supposedly broke HHH?s arm again. Good? Bad? Again, it’s all relative. I’d say a mix of both.
In terms of the actual bout between the two, it was mediocre at best and not nearly as violent as it should have been if fans were meant to believe it was a real fight. I?m also bothered by the notion Lesnar only uses one submission (Kimura) as though he doesn?t know any others from his time in Mixed Martial Arts. Why not throw in a Guillotine Choke to sell how dangerous he actually is instead of a standard hold resulting in an obviously-fake injury when applied a certain way?
All in all SummerSlam 2012 was middle-of-the-road when it should have been larger-than-life; a decent effort to be sure but not the mid-year classic from the past.
PHOTO CREDIT – WWE
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/08/20/wwe-summerslam-2012-report-triple-h-wins-even-though-he-didn%e2%80%99t
Wagner Prado?s UFC debut ends with eye poke, no contest (PHOTO)
Phil Davis and Wagner Prado's night ended quickly. Less than two minutes into their bout during the preliminary card of UFC on Fox 4, Davis hit Prado with an eye poke. When the fight doctor checked on Prado's eye, which was bleeding and swollen, Prado said he was seeing double. Though Prado protested, the bout was stopped and called a no-contest.
The ending of the bout was a disappointing way for Prado's UFC bout to end. His record is now 8-0-1. For Davis, it was his first fight after losing in a title contender fight against Rashad Evans in January.
Mike Dolce on Dieting and Fighter Health (Video)
Former TUF 7 cast member turned diet specialist Mike Dolce stopped by "UFC Tonight" this past Tuesday to discuss his diet and weight cutting planning for current fighters. Dolce spoke on how his diet helps fighters cut weight while still maintaining strength with hosts Todd Harris and Kenny Florian. Be sure to tune in to "UFC Tonight" every Tuesday on FUEL TV.
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30057/mike-dolce-on-dieting-and-fighter-health-video/
What if we end up getting vitor vs lyoto?
Just thought about this. Pretty intriguing fight if you ask me. Would be horrible if machida front kicked vitor into oblivion too...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104649-what-if-we-end-up-getting-vitor-vs-lyoto.html
Friday
WWE SummerSlam Preview: Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar, Battle of the Part-Time Stars
The final sell for SummerSlam‘s most heavily hyped match, as judged by total live and video package TV time anyway, had its moments. After watching him get slapped by Stephanie McMahon about 850,000 times to epic music in recap videos over the last few weeks, Paul Heyman treated us to a typically eloquent, dastardly promo. Plus, Shawn Michaels was more interesting in getting his ass kicked than he has in weeks of grinning “special appearances” including that completely incompre-friggin-hensible conversation with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper on RAW. Heyman’s cry of “OH MY GOD YOU BROKE HIS ARM” will probably last as an all-time classic over-the-top wrestling call.
But the final sell to Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar was more miss than hit. Length was the first problem here – yet another contract signing segment slotted for well over thirty minutes is pretty inexcusable no matter how long WWE thinks crowds are willing to wait for Hunter to show up. The buildup we had to deal with for the conclusion that was heavily hinted at–that is, HBK getting a Lesnar-sized beatdown–highlighted the further problem of how lame the final execution of that beatdown turned out. The cheap busted camera trick was pure hackitude and Triple H acting as hostage negotiator felt like more filler. And Triple H, who recovered from his own broken arm in about a week earlier this summer by standing near Justin Bieber at boxing bout, has largely wrecked the bad-ass mystique of the Kimura as a pro wrestling move at this point.
Regardless, look for WWE to finally try and make good on their considerable investment in Lesnar by giving him an explosive, convincing win over Triple H with possible further arm breakage. For him to do any less and keep showing up with his asskicking claims so badly de-legitimized would make zero sense. And c’mon, WWE would never do something that was completely illogical, would they?!?
That being said, stay tuned for more coverage of tomorrow’s SummerSlam in my second preview piece and be sure to come back for our live coverage of tomorrow’s PPV festivities!
Check out Lesnar’s attack on Michaels below. Fortunately, this video’s only a couple of minutes:
PHOTO CREDIT – WWE
TweetFedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein Tom Big Cat Erickson
Lyoto Machida declines title-shot, Vitor Belfort booked against Jon Jones
The strange saga of UFC 151 continued last night when it was revealed light heavyweight contender Lyoto Machida has decided to decline a shot at 205-pound champion Jon Jones? belt based on the abbreviated preparation period for a September 22 showdown. Adding another unforeseen twist, seasoned stand-up artist Vitor Belfort was named as Machida?s replacement, [...]
Who is to blame for UFC 151 cancellation?
Plenty of anger bubbled up after UFC 151 was canceled. From UFC president Dana White to fans who posted on Cagewriter's Facebook page, people are angry there won't be fights in Las Vegas next weekend. Anger quickly turns into a search for blame. Who do you blame for UFC 151's demise?
Jon Jones: When an injury happens, fighters often have to make sacrifices to still be able to fight. Ask Rich Franklin about the many times he has stepped up when the UFC needed him to, and how he's been rewarded. Jones didn't do that, and missed out on an opportunity to win a ton of fans. He made a business decision, but now will have to face the business consequences for how fans react when fights at UFC 152.
The UFC: In planning a top-heavy card with UFC 151, they were playing with fire. Main event fighters are injured all the time. Even Jones has had to postpone fights for an injury. Putting a holiday weekend pay-per-view on the backs of two fighters was begging for a problem, as was hoping for a late replacement after a very busy summer of MMA.
Greg Jackson: UFC president Dana White threw some blame towards Jackson, Jones' coach.
"Jones's trainer, Greg Jackson, told Jon that taking the fight with Chael would be the biggest mistake of his life. That's what he told Jon Jones. Let me tell you, this guy (Greg Jackson) is a sport killer," White said on a media conference call.
"When you are a champion, much less one of the guys who is supposed to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, you are supposed to step up. Jon Jones is a guy a lot of fans don't like, and I don't think this is going to make him any more popular. Lorenzo Fertitta (UFC chairman and CEO) and I are disgusted with Jon Jones and Greg Jackson."
Dan Henderson's knee: And here we come to the real culprit behind the cancellation of UFC 151. How dare you become injured when training in a brutal, dangerous sport, knee?
Canada: Always blame Canada.
Does any one person or group deserve the blame for UFC 151 being canceled? Tell us in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.
Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/blame-ufc-151-cancellation-120222893--mma.html
Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida Eddie Alvarez Thiago Alves
Thursday
Randy Couture leaning towards Dan Henderson in UFC 151 title-fight
UFC Hall of Fame fighter Randy Couture may be officially retired from competition but the 49-year old ?Natural? still keeps a close eye on MMA for a variety of reasons including, of course, his love of the sport.
Couture was recently asked to give his thoughts on the upcoming title-bout between light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and seasoned veteran Dan Henderson and had an answer many might not have expected. While Jones is a heavy favorite in the odds department, when put on the spot Couture actually went against the grain and pointed towards ?Hendo? as the man who would exit UFC 151 with the title in tow.
?I like the fight for Dan,? said Couture in an interview with The MMA Show.
Couture, a former 205-pound champ himself, is a friend and former teammate of Henderson?s. However, that didn?t appear to influence his opinion on the match-up, as he also offered up a reasonable explanation for his pick.
?Obviously Jones is a tall order with a 96-inch reach [actually 84.5] and as athletic and dynamic of an athlete that he is, but I think Dan has two things going for him. One is that right hand, but two, at the end of the day it?s going to be that wrestling mentality ? closing the distance, wading through Jon, taking him out of that long-range dynamic striking reach he likes and forcing him to wrestle,? he explained. ?Dan was a two-time Olympic wrestler, and I think if he makes Jones wrestle and does it for five rounds he has a real good chance of winning that fight. (Plus) you may see an ?H-bomb? hit Jon Jones in the head at anytime with Danny, so I really like that fight for him.?
Jones and Henderson will meet in the Octagon on September 1. Couture can be seen much sooner, appearing on the silver screen currently in The Expendables 2.
PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE
Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/17/randy-couture-leaning-towards-dan-henderson-in-ufc-151-title-fight
The Gracie Breakdown of Ronda Rousey?s armbar of Sarah Kaufman
Ryron and Rener Gracie check-in from the new Gracie Academy in Beverly Hills to breakdown Ronda Rousey’s dominate armbar submission win over Sarah Kaufman. With the win, Rousey successfully defended her Strikeforce bantamweight title. In addiion, she has now won all six of her fights by armbar in the first round. The Gracie Breakdown of [...]
The Gracie Breakdown of Ronda Rousey’s armbar of Sarah Kaufman is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
?Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman? payouts
MMA Junkie reports the salaries for this past Saturday?s Strikeforce event.� Ronaldo ?Jacare? Souza topped the list with Ronda Rousey only receiving $40,000 for her armbar victory over Sarah Kaufman. The salaries were released by the California State Athletic Commission. Via MMA Junkie: Ronda Rousey: $40,000 (includes $20,000 win bonus) def. Sarah Kaufman: $17,000 Ronaldo [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Payout/~3/XrTq4yllBjE/
UFC on FOX 5 set for the KeyArena in Seattle
The KeyArena in Seattle, Washington will play host to the UFC on FOX 5 on December 8th. The news was initially reported on Tuesday evenings episode of UFC Tonight on FUEL TV. UFC on FOX 5 will feature lightweight champion Ben Henderson defending his title against the number one contender Nate Diaz. Also scheduled is [...]
UFC on FOX 5 set for the KeyArena in Seattle is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ufc-on-fox-5-set-for-the-keyarena-in-seattle-59286/
Aleksander Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein
Wednesday
Thiago Alves still targeting Siyar Bahadurzada for future fight
UFC welterweights Thiago Alves and Siyar Bahadurzada were set to scrap at UFC 149 before injuries forced the removal of both heavy-handed strikers from the Canadian card. However, if either man has his say about it, the two will still meet inside the Octagon at some point down the road with the pairing preferably coming sooner than later.
Bahadurzada was recently asked on Twitter about who he hoped to face in his next bout, responding with Alves? name. Alves didn?t waste any time replying to the challenge, saying he?d be happy to fight ?anytime?.
?Great! I think we owe the MMA fans a fight,? exclaimed Bahadurzada after reading Alves? message. ?(It) would be an honor to welcome u back in the Octagon after your injury.?
Alves is currently on the shelf healing from a torn muscle in his chest but expects to be ready to fight by year?s end.
Bahadurzada Dreams of Battle with BJ Penn
The 19-9 Alves has stopped twelve of the foes he?s taken out by way of strikes, while Bahadurzada holds an overall record of 21-4-1 with eleven TKOs to his credit.
PHOTO CREDIT – UFC
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/08/16/thiago-alves-still-targeting-siyar-bahadurzada-for-future-fight
Lightweights Mark Bocek-Rafael dos Anjos set for action at UFC 154
A bout between lightweights has been added to the UFC 154 lineup, as Mark Bocek and Rafael dos Anjos will square off on the November 17 card. Each man will be looking to string together a third victory when they meet inside the Octagon. UFC officials have confirmed the match-up. The main event for the [...]
Knockout of the week: Dan Henderson introduces Wanderlei Silva to his fist
For the Knockout of the Week, we jump into the DeLorean and head back to 2007 for Dan Henderson's last Pride fight. Here, he is fighting fellow Pride star Wanderlei Silva, and shows the "Axe Murderer" just what the H-Bomb looks like.
When the UFC swallowed up Pride, it took many of its fighters and its fight footage, but left behind its pageantry. Example one: the confetti that came down at the end of Henderson's win. What do we need to do to bring confetti back? It will add an air of festivity that is sorely missing from the end of fight nights.
What's not missing from the UFC is Henderson hitting people in the head really hard. He'll get another chance to show off that H-Bomb on Sept. 1 against Jon Jones. Is he the guy who can stop Jones? Tell us in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.
John Alessio Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida Eddie Alvarez
Tuesday
Watch ?All Access: Ronda Rousey? here
Check out the second episode of Showtime's "All Access: Ronda Rousey" right here. It's 23 minutes long, but well worth your time. There is some not safe for work language, so turn the volume down.
Things to watch out for:
1. How both women break into laughter after their face-off, and what they discuss next. I expect fighters to be intense during their weigh-in day faceoffs because it's so close to fight time. Breaking into laughter months in a staredown months before the fight is what I expect.
2. "It's brutal. She's an Olympian." Rousey has no problem throwing around Nick Diaz.
3. "I get to hit stuff and make noise."
4. Rousey's face when she sees her ESPN the Magazine cover, and the discussion with her mother. On the downside, she sees a video of her online exposed much more than she had agreed to.
5. Sarah Kaufman's friend doesn't know when she's fighting. Also, Victoria, BC, being insanely beautiful.
[Related: Kevin Iole: Sarah Kaufman lacks Ronda Rousey's glamour, but that won't matter]
6. Greg Jackson being as Greg Jackson as possible, yelling, "You're doing extremely well!" All coaches should rock grammar like Jackson.
7. Why you shouldn't ask Kaufman or her coach if she's working on armbar defense.
8. The narrator's voice. Without looking, who can identify that voice?
9. "Women being put in their place is part of what's wrong this world." Well said.
Related MMA video from Yahoo! Sports
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Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/watch-access-ronda-rousey-222659869--mma.html
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