UFC 125 Predictions

by Michael David SmithThe UFC tries to make its annual New Year's show one of the biggest fight cards of the year, but for the second straight year, the New Year's card has taken some big hits because of injuries, and UFC 125 is an average pay-per-view, not a great one.

What: UFC 125: Resolution

When: Saturday, the pay-per-view starts at 10 PM ET

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

Predictions on the five pay-per-view fights are below.

More: UFC 125 Fight Card | UFC 125 Pictures | UFC 125 Results

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/29/ufc-125-predictions/

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Mark Bocek Willing to Wait for George Sotiropoulos to Prove BJJ Point - UFC 124

Mark Bocek Willing to Wait for George Sotiropoulos to Prove BJJ Point Video by UFC 124

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-124/mark-bocek-willing-to-wait-for-george-sotiropoulos-to-prove-bjj-point-video_ec0ac2237.html

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Hiroyuki Takaya Tops Bibiano Fernandes in Dynamite 2010 Main Event

Filed under: DREAM, News, Japan

Dream has a new featherweight champion, as Japan's Hiroyuki Takaya took the belt from former champ Bibiano Fernandes in an impressive unanimous decision victory at Dynamite 2010.

Fernandes simply never appeared to be on his game, looking so tentative in the stand-up that he was warned by the referee in the first round that he needed to pick up the pace, and failing to put Takaya in any kind of danger on the ground. By the time the end of the 20-minute battle came, Takaya was raining punches down on Fernandes on the ground, and there was no question who would get the judges' decision.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/31/hiroyuki-takaya-tops-bibiano-fernandes-in-dynamite-2010-main-eve/

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Dana White Expects to Know 'Ultimate Fighter' Coaches on Friday

by Michael David SmithIn the week and a half since the Finale of The Ultimate Fighter Season 12, speculation has run rampant about who the coaches will be for the show's 13th season, which will begin taping in early 2011. UFC President Dana White said on Wednesday that he's about 48 hours away from knowing the coaches' identities.

"We should have it done by Friday," White said at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, where he announced that the UFC would host a fight card in Brazil in August.

So who are the likely choices?

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/15/dana-white-expects-to-know-ultimate-fighter-coaches-on-friday/

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UFC 125 Lightweight Title Breakdown: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

Filed under: UFC

LAS VEGAS -- Fresh off two straight wins over a legend, Frankie Edgar and his confidence are both at an all-time high. Because of that, it's probably the perfect time to be facing the one man who has figured him out.

Thirty-three months ago, Edgar and Gray Maynard faced off in Broomfield, Colo., with Maynard winning a unanimous decision. All three judges scored the bout for Maynard 30-27, but it was much closer than the final scores indicated. Each of the first two rounds were very close, with Maynard out-landing Edgar 22-16 in the first, but Edgar out-landing Maynard 20-16 in the second. The third went decisively into Maynard's column with a series of takedowns, although Edgar actually out-landed Maynard in the round, 12-8.

All this time later, there's not a lot that we can project from that fight into Saturday night's UFC 125 championship encounter.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/31/ufc-125-lightweight-title-breakdown-frankie-edgar-vs-gray-mayn/

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Video analysis: Iole's MMA fight 2011 wishlist

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Video-analysis-Iole-s-MMA-fight-2011-wishlist?urn=mma-300243

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Photography Workshop with Aaron Chang

Aaron Chang will lead a specially designed workshop focused on action surf photography during October 2010 in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico. Click here for more information here…

If you didn't know… As senior photographer for Surfing magazine Aaron Chang has photographed some of the biggest names in the sport and traveled to more than 50 countries shooting cover stories for the magazine. Aaron has over 100 covers to his credit. In the commercial photography realm Aaron's photographic skills have landed him work with clients like Levi's, Macy's, Nike, Billabong, Yamaha, Polaris, ESPN and Sanuk. Chang also works with and supports the Surfrider Foundation and SurfAid International.


Photo: Waimea Bay, Hawaii by Aaron Chang

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cotw/~3/YYX53sOy794/photography-workshop-with-aaron-chang.html

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Cruz's style is dazzling, who's going to beat him?

You can call him the "Decisionator," but damn Dominick Cruz is entertaining. Cruz won his eighth straight fight last night, with a unanimous decision blowout over Scott Jorgensen. He became the first UFC bantamweight champ by putting on a clinic in every area of the game.

Cruz (17-1) was impossible to hit. His counterstriking game was brilliant. The 5-foot-8, 135 pounder was tough to take down. When he did hit the floor, he popped up quickly. His combinations are some of the best we've ever seen in MMA. Jorgensen is a good fighter but he was made to look silly.

His style is completely unique. There are some good counterstrikers in MMA, and many more who are good defensive fighters, but Cruz's combination of the two is baffling opponents right now.

That's not a bad comparison to Lyoto Machida, but Cruz is a much better grappler than the former light heavyweight champ. Last night, when he wanted to take it to the ground, Cruz executed perfectly. Jorgensen is a former Div. 1 wrestler at Boise State and got dominated in clinch situations.

There's also a mental hurdle to overcome when you face Cruz. It's got to feel like he's clowning you in the cage. The opponent has to refrain from losing his cool.

The comparison to boxer Prince Naseem Hamed is interesting. He mocked opponents for years before getting torn apart by the very composed Marco Antonio Barrera. The Prince's success was part talent and part creative matchmaking.

Let's face it, Cruz has faced some pretty good opponents. Joe Benavidez is no slouch and Brian Bowles is an above average MMA striker.

Who has "real technique?" Does that even matter. Until you're in there and Cruz is bouncing all over the place and landing strikes from crazy angles, do you really know if a disciplined striking game will chop him down? Urijah Faber's striking has gotten better, can he do it? Miguel Torres is a good boxer, but he can get a little out of control too.

Joe Rogan once made the mistake of overreacting to Machida's win over Rashad Evans, saying we were on the verge of the "Machida Era." Are we making the same mistake here if we say this could be the "Cruz Era?" He's only 25 and seems to have it all.

Listen here to hear Cofield and Adam Hill from the Las Vegas Review-Journal on ESPNRadio1100 in Las Vegas as they talk about the victories by Cruz and Anthony Pettis.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Cruz-s-style-is-dazzling-who-s-going-to-beat-hi?urn=mma-297488

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Dominick Cruz Whips Scott Jorgensen, Earns UFC Bantamweight Belt

by Michael David SmithDominick Cruz destroyed Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53, winning an easy unanimous decision to defend his World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight title and enter the UFC as its first bantamweight champion.

"I had a chip on my shoulder because a lot of people didn't believe in me," Cruz said. "Now, I think people believe."

Cruz, who improved to 17-1, is likely to face Urijah Faber in the first UFC bantamweight title fight. Faber is the only man ever to defeat Cruz, and Cruz said he wants a shot at revenge.

"I'm ready to fight Urijah," Cruz said. "Let's do it."

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/16/dominick-cruz-whips-scott-jorgensen-earns-ufc-bantamweight-belt/

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UFC 124 Post-Fight Press Conference Video

by Michael David SmithAfter Georges St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck finish their business in the cage, they will meet the media for the UFC 124 post-fight press conference, and we'll have the video right here at MMAFighting.com.

The post-fight press conference is the time for the winners of the Knockout of the Night, Submission of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses to be announced, and for reporters will get a chance to question the fighters about what happened inside the cage. You can watch it all live.

The press conference will begin about half an hour after the main event ends, likely around 1:15 AM ET, and the video is below.

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/12/ufc-124-post-fight-press-conference-video/

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When will Nelson fight? This video only confuses more

Roy Nelson is on the shelf for a while or is he? Inside MMA needed to bring Roger Cossack on board to navigate this story. Nelson is being sued by Square Ring Inc. for a contract signed before his fight against Jeff Monson in March of 2009. Nelson then accepted a slot on Season 9 of "The Ultimate Fighter." That's where things get fuzzy.

Apparently, SRI believes it holds promotional rights for Nelson and the fighter violated the deal by working out a deal with Zuffa. But there's a lot more to the story that the casual viewer should know.

The IMMA interview is incredibly misleading in several ways. Roy Jones is made into the villain. That's really not the case. Square Ring Inc. is a legitimate promoter in the world of boxing, so it's not Jones simply trying to screw over the MMA fighter.

Secondly, Nelson was working in a matchmaking capacity for the promotion after his March of 2009 fight. According to the Fight Lawyer blog, Square Ring built its lawsuit around a short conversation between the UFC's Marc Ratner and Nelson at a May 2009 MMA event in Primm, Nev. 

On or about May 24, 2009, Defendant's Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Mr. Marc Ratner, attended the Primm Event. Plaintiff s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Wirt, spoke with Mr. Ratner at the Primm Event and told Mr. Ratner that Mr. Nelson was not only assisting SRI's matchmaker for the MMA bouts on the Primm Event, but also that Mr. Nelson was under contract with SRI as a fighter. Mr. Ratner also spoke separately with Mr. Nelson while at the Primm Event.

In the end, it sounds like the lawyers have to figure out some cash settlement Nelson will have to send the way of Square Ring.

Check out the interview and then read the take from the Fight Lawyer. SRI probably has a case and Nelson is far from a fighter getting bullied by Jones. Hopefully, the financial terms can be worked out quickly so Nelson can get back into the Octagon sooner rather than later. Because of his fighting style, appearance and ability to promote a fight, just about every high level UFC heavyweight is calling out the mulleted-mammoth. Nelson's tale should serve as a lesson to all MMA fighters outside the UFC. Get a lawyer before you sign any contract!

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/When-will-Nelson-fight-This-video-only-confuses?urn=mma-300872

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Dana White Mum on Future Plans for Brock Lesnar

Filed under: UFC, News

LAS VEGAS -- Two months after walking out of the octagon upon losing the UFC heavyweight title, Brock Lesnar has seemingly vanished.

In a way, it's nothing new for the Minnesota-based fighter to retreat to his family and quiet setting on his Minnesota ranch, shunning the media spotlight.

But this time his absence has come with rumors and whispers, that Lesnar is interested in returning to pro wrestling, although likely only for a one-fight payday at WWE's upcoming Wrestlemania event.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/29/dana-white-mum-on-future-plans-for-brock-lesnar/

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Rainy Day Lurkervision

Yes it does rain in California, sometimes for weeks straight but that still couldn't stop BakerBoys Distribution, East LA, and Animal Chan from having a good time getting their Lurkervision on.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/shad-lambert/2010/12/28/rainy-day-lurkervision/

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UFC Heavyweight Champ Cain Velasquez Out 6-8 Months With Shoulder Injury

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, News

LAS VEGAS -- It will be a long while until the new UFC heavyweight champion defends his title.

Newly crowned champ Cain Velasquez will be out of action for six to eight months with an injured right shoulder, sources with knowledge of the situation told MMA Fighting.

UFC president Dana White subsequently confirmed the news to MMA Fighting following Wednesday's UFC 125 press conference at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/29/ufc-heavyweight-champ-cain-velasquez-out-6-8-months-with-shoulde/

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Norman Woods Rip Clip

Tailslide double kickflip out on a ledge? Just one of the handful of sick tricks in the Norman Woods Rip Clip.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/shad-lambert/2010/12/30/norman-woods-rip-clip/

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Kodachrome is no more...

The first roll of film I ever shot of skateboarding in February of 1979 was Kodachrome 64 and I shot it with my roommate's camera. Today was the last day any lab could develop it, the end of an era if you ever shot photos on film. Kyle Jensen on my first roll, Invert, Del Mar Skate Ranch. Photo: Grant Brittain

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/j-grant-brittain/2010/12/30/kodachrome-is-no-more/

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UFC 125 video picks: Diaz may meet his match in Kim

Back in May, there was lots of head shaking and confusion surrounding Nate Diaz's move out of the lightweight division up to 170 pounds. So far, the jump has worked. Diaz dominated his first two opponents at welterweight, Rory Markham and Marcus Davis.

In this RawVegas.tv video, Larry Pepe, of ProMMARadio.com, thinks Diaz has bitten off more than he can chew in Dong Hyun Kim, a big 170-pounder.

Along with Damon Martin from MMAWeekly.com, we also discuss concerns about Chris Leben's motivation to fight Brian Stann, and what might be a lack of focus during his extended layoff since fighting twice this summer.

Check MMAFix.com for the betting odds chart for UFC 125.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-125-video-picks-Diaz-may-meet-his-match-in-?urn=mma-301500

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Japan's Christmas gift for MMA fans: 'The Reem' vs. Duffee

If the fight stinks, at least the postfight posedown will thrill the fans at Dynamite!! 2010. Japanese promoters have delivered an opponent for Alistair Overeem on their year-end MMA card, it's fellow muscleman Todd Duffee. What a holiday gift to close out the year.

Duffee has been in limbo since his mysterious axing from the UFC back in September. The 6-foot-3, 252-pounder was considered one of the UFC's best heavyweight prospects. After putting a first-round beatdown on Mike Russow, Duffee gassed and was shocked via knockout in the third. Four months later, he was cut by the UFC with a 1-1 record.

FanHouse confirmed Thursday morning that the 25-year-old will face Overeem on Jan. 31 in Saitama, Japan (HDNet).

HeadKickLegend reports that Duffee will be paid $60,000 to show and an additional bonus if he pulls the upset. HKL also says Bobby Lashley turned down an Overeem fight over financial concerns.

Overeem, the Strikeforce heavyweight champ, is riding an eight-fight win streak that dates to 2007. His last MMA fight was a walkover in May against Brett Rogers in St. Louis.

On New Year's Eve, he'll be just 20 days removed from fighting three times in one night at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010.

This is MMA fight No. 45 for Overeem and only Duffee's eighth. Is it too soon?

The youngster has everything to gain. Hopefully, he's corrected some of his gas-tank issues because Overeem can go hard for 15 minutes and has huge knockout power.

Duffee will also have to deal with a long trip to Japan. Let's hope he has only good things to say about DREAM's promoters on the way to the fight.  

Tip via Bloody Elbow

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Japan-s-Christmas-gift-for-MMA-fans-The-Reem-?urn=mma-299903

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How to?build a home gym

When I moved into my new home, I spent a little time on reconnaissance for somewhere to train for climbing.
I initially thought a fingerboard would be the way to go. However, all the doorways were flimsy stud walls and not sturdy enough.
An alternative jumped out - Rock Rings by Metolius. If only I could find [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rock-climbing-blog/~3/LXsipZlLDPE/philsheard

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A wet and bleak Sunday 8 February 2010

Source: http://nedsurfshots.blogspot.com/2010/02/wet-and-bleak-sunday-8-february-2010.html

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South

Source: http://nedsurfshots.blogspot.com/2010/09/south.html

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Jamie Varner, Chris Horodecki Among Latest UFC Releases

Former WEC champ Jamie Varner and fellow lightweight Chris Horodecki are among the latest fighters to be dropped from the UFC's roster after respective losses to Shane Roller and Donald Cerrone earlier this month.

Joe Doerksen, Pat Audinwood, and Tyler Toner have also been cut.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/16988/jamie-varner-chris-horodecki-among-latest-ufc-releases/

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Jason Mayhem Miller talks Nashville Brawl and talks Entrances - Jason Mayhem Miller

MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant tries to wrangle "Most Memorable Ring Entrance" winner Jason "Mayhem" Miller on the red carpet and backstage at the 2010 Fighters Only World MMA Awards. Mayhem is his usual low-key self as he discusses the fallout from the "Bash in the Nash," how he puts together his award-winning ringwalks and his perseverance in the sport of MMA. In addition, Mayhem comes up with an appropriate name for the Fighters Only trophy.Be sure to visit http://www.MMAheat.com for more interviews and our 1/2 hour show. N�s falamos Portugu�s!* We're on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MMAheat* Follow MMAheat on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MMAheat* Follow Karyn on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KarynBryant

Source: http://mmalice.com/jason-mayhem-miller/jason-mayhem-miller-talks-nashville-brawl-and-talks-entrances-video_ae1e78010.html

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Mongonex

The final DVS InNOventors commercial describes Mongonex, a product designed to help mongo pushers push properly.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/templeton-elliott/2010/12/28/mongonex/

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WEC 53 Weigh-In Video

by Michael David SmithAll the fighters participating on the WEC 53 card will step on the scale for the WEC 53 weigh-in Wednesday, and if you can't be there in Glendale, Ariz., you can watch the live stream right here at MMAFighting.com.

The card features two title fights: Lightweight champion Ben Henderson and challenger Anthony Pettis will have to make the 155-pound limit, and bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and challenger Scott Jorgensen will have to make the 135-pound limit.

Following the weigh-in, the UFC's Forrest Griffin will take part in a question-and-answer session with fans, which will also stream live.

The weigh-in starts at 7 PM ET and the video is below.

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/15/wec-53-weigh-in-video/

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Former Champs Urijah Faber, Eddie Wineland Expected to Fight at UFC 128

Former WEC champions Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland are expected to square off in their UFC debuts at "UFC 128: Shogun vs. Evans" on March 19 in New Jersey, with the winner likely to earn a shot at Dominick Cruz's bantamweight title.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/16997/former-champs-urijah-faber-eddie-wineland-expected-to-fight-at-ufc-128/

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Looking back: Our 10 favorite fights from the WEC

Thursday night is the last event for World Extreme Cagefighting as after Thursday, it will be absorbed by the UFC. It is going out with a bang, with two title fights live on Versus. Ben Henderson will try to defend his lightweight belt against Anthony Pettis, and the winner will challenge the winner of Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard for the UFC lightweight belt.

Meanwhile, the winner of Scott Jorgensen vs. Dominick Cruz will leave Glendale, Ariz. with two belts: the final WEC bantamweight championship as well as the first UFC bantamweight belt.

But before looking forward, we look back to our all-time favorite fights from the WEC. In no particular order:

WEC 48: Jose Aldo vs. Urijah Faber -- This fight was huge before the two fighters even stepped in the cage, as it was the WEC's first foray into pay-per-view. As the two biggest stars in the WEC, big expectations loomed for Faber and Aldo, and they delivered. Aldo put on a five-round beating, while Faber showed that he is one of the toughest fighters in MMA.

WEC 36: Mike Brown vs. Urijah Faber I -- It's important to remember that in November of 2008, Faber seemed invincible. He was the face of the WEC and on a 14-fight win streak. But the power of Mike Brown ended that with a first-round TKO.

WEC 48: Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung -- Was this fight, shown live on Spike as a lead-in to the PPV, technically proficient? No. Was it fun to watch? Absolutely. Garcia and "The Korean Zombie" didn't let up for one second of the three-round decision for Garcia.

WEC 43: Benson Henderson vs. Donald Cerrone -- In this five-round interim title bout, Cerrone looked on the verge of submitting Henderson several times but Henderson's superhuman flexibility kept him from tapping, earning him the decision and the belt. Though the result was disputed, Henderson has proven with subsequent wins over Cerrone and Jamie Varner that he's a deserving champ.

WEC 40: Miguel Torres vs. Takeya Mizugaki -- This fight was special for me, as it was the first title fight I had ever covered, but Torres and Mizugaki made it special for everyone who watched it. Torres' stamina was impressive as he won a five-round decision, but Mizugaki was just as impressive in his WEC debut, refusing to stop despite the hard shots Torres was delivering.

WEC 41: Jose Aldo vs. Cub Swanson -- With one flying double-knee, the legend of Jose Aldo Jr. was born. He took just eight seconds to take out Swanson and earn a shot at the featherweight title.

WEC 37: Miguel Torres vs. Manny Tapia -- Front-roll axe kick is really all that needs to be said about this fight. Torres TKOed Tapia in the second round of this bout that Torres used to debut several unconventional moves, including a front-roll axe kick. 

WEC 38: Donald Cerrone vs. Jamie Varner I -- This fight is memorable not just for the fight and its oddball result, but for the feud it set up between Varner and Cerrone that still continues today. The two fought a back-and-forth battle, but the fight was stopped after Cerrone threw a still-disputed illegal knee. Varner won the decision on the judges' cards, and a hate was born.

WEC 34: Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver I -- Just like at WEC 48, Faber, as the face of the WEC, was expected to deliver. The WEC and Versus marketed the bout to the hilt; you couldn't drive one city block without seeing a poster of Faber and Jens Pulver, the UFC pioneer. They came through, with a non-stop five-round bout.

WEC 31: Paulo Filho vs. Chael Sonnen I -- You can pretty much guarantee that some weirdness will happen when Paulo Filho and Chael Sonnen get in a cage. At the end of the second round, Filho had Sonnen in an armbar, and Sonnen yelled out. The referee took that as a verbal submission and stopped the fight. Sonnen said that he hadn't submitted. The two then fought again at WEC 36, and Sonnen won the bizarre decision that featured Filho refusing to engage, asking Sonnen to "rest" during the match and not making weight.

Now that you've read through ours, what were your favorite WEC bouts?

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Looking-back-Our-10-favorite-fights-from-the-WE?urn=mma-296863

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Dana White fires the fans for Fight of the Night fail

The UFC tried something neat tonight by allowing the fans to hand out some bonus money. There was a lot on line. With a near-record gate of $4.586 million, the UFC was handing out $100,000 each to the fighters that the fans said put on the Fight of the Night.

Slap Cagewriter on the back, we called it.

When the news first emerged shortly before the start of UFC 124, we asked if the fans would judge objectively or turn it into a popularity contest?

We got our answer. Georges St. Pierre's destruction of Josh Koscheck (50-45 on all cards) was given the fan's nod as the best fight.

"The reporters aren't happy with it," Dana White joked at the postfight press conference. "It's one of the hazards. (The fans) are always chirping about how we mess it up and here we are."

White thought the real Fight of the Night was on the preliminary card. Sean Pierson and Matt Riddle beat the living hell out of each for three rounds.

The UFC and White even tried to give the fans a gentle nudge by showing the fight on the pay-per-view.

If you cast a vote at UFCvote.com, hope you enjoyed the chance to be the boss, now you're fired. 

"They blew their chance," White said. "That's it. It's over."

White said he'd take care of Pierson and Riddle. White also joked with St. Pierre telling him that he owes $100,000 to his buddy Pierson. 

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Dana-White-fires-the-fans-for-Fight-of-the-Night?urn=mma-294769

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UFC 128: Brendan Schaub vs. Mirko Cro Cop

by Michael David SmithAt long last, Brendan Schaub has an opponent in place for his next fight: He's taking on Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 128 on March 19.

Schaub, who's coming off a great 2010 in which he went 3-0 inside the Octagon, had previously been linked to a meeting with either Frank Mir or Stefan Struve. But instead he'll take on Cro Cop, who will return to the Octagon for the first time since a lackluster loss to Mir in September.

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/29/ufc-128-brendan-schaub-vs-mirko-cro-cop/

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Josh Koscheck Not Looking to Interact With Montrealers - UFC 124

Josh Koscheck Not Looking to Interact With Montrealers Video by UFC 124

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-124/josh-koscheck-not-looking-to-interact-with-montrealers-video_7979eda23.html

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Surf Artist - Kathryn Colvig

Introducing oil painter Kathryn Colvig based in Nosara, Costa Rica, a place she says has had a "profound" effect on her work, painting "the surf, big waves, and the power of the ocean". Check it out…

www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-artist/kathryn-colvig.php



http://kathryn-colvig.artistwebsites.com

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cotw/~3/KmzAyC9zJg4/surf-artist-kathryn-colvig.html

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Nick Diaz Signs New Multi-Year Contract With Strikeforce

You can officially stop wondering whether Nick Diaz will leave Strikeforce in the near future to re-sign with the UFC.

Strikeforce announced Tuesday afternoon that they had signed their welterweight champion to a new mutli-year agreement. Exact terms of the agreement were not announced.

"I'm looking forward to continuing my career with Strikeforce," Diaz stated in a press release. "When I first got here, there weren't a lot of great 170 pound fighters for me to fight, but that's definitely changed. There's a lot of really good fighters in the division now and I'm ready to fight anyone who thinks they can beat me."

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/28/nick-diaz-signs-new-multi-year-contract-with-strikeforce/

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GSP: 'Never been so excited for a fight in my life'

The UFC released the opening video for Saturday night's UFC 124, something that, according to Dana White, they have never done. Why release this one? Probably because Georges St. Pierre looked so amped that he was about to jump through the screen.

This is a top-heavy fight card, but with the animosity built up over the taping of "The Ultimate Fighter," Josh Koscheck and GSP seem ready to deliver. 

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/GSP-Never-been-so-excited-for-a-fight-in-my-li?urn=mma-294621

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Bellator signs deal with MTV2 for fourth season and beyond

Bellator has signed a three-year deal with MTV2 to air the promotions' fights live, starting with the fourth season in March 2011. The tournament-based promotion, with champions like Ben Askren, will air on MTV2, a station once known for music programming but has grown to air sports-ish programming like "Bully Beatdown," a show hosted by Strikeforce's Jason "Mayhem" Miller, and "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory," which follows professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek.

From the Bellator press release:

MTV2, which features the highest concentration of M12-24 and M12-34 in television, will telecast two of these LIVE tournaments per year, plus a collection of special feature events. The first tournament will premiere in March 2011.  
 
"MTV2 is the perfect home for the intense mixed martial arts action of Bellator," Eric Conte, SVP, Programming and Production, MTV2. "MMA is at the top of our audience's wish list, and partnering with Bellator to bring live events and specials to MTV2 made complete sense since our viewers are so hungry to see more MMA on-air."

The key word in that is live. Bellator was with Fox Sports Net for their last two seasons, and they were often pre-empted by other local programming. In Chicago, Bellator's hometown, the fights rarely aired live, and sometimes were started after midnight. By the time the fights aired, the results were widely known.

Bellator recognized that and made a change. They also appear to be going after a younger demographic, as most MMA promotions covet the 18-49 year-old male demographic.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Bellator-signs-deal-with-MTV2-for-fourth-season-?urn=mma-295838

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Danzig knocks out Joe "Daddy" at UFC 124

Mac Danzig made quick work of Joe Stevenson at UFC 124 in Montreal, knocking Joe "Daddy" out midway through the first round.

The two were still feeling each other out in the first round when Stevenson charged in to punch Danzig with an uppercut, but Danzig caught him on the jaw with a left hook. Stevenson stiffened and fell straight to the ground. Danzig pounced on Stevenson but referee Dan Miragliotta jumped in quickly, stopping the bout at 1:54 in the first round.

Both men are "The Ultimate Fighter" winners, and this bout was thought to be a "win-or-go-home" bout. This is Stevenson's second loss in a row, as he lost to another TUF alum, George Sotiropoulos, in February. Danzig has had a rough run, battling both losses and injuries to get to this bout. Before this fight, he was 3-4 in the UFC, and one of his wins was in the TUF final.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Danzig-knocks-out-Joe-Daddy-at-UFC-124?urn=mma-294708

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Alistair Overem vs Peter Aerts at K-1 Final Grand Prix 2010 - Alistair Overeem

K-1 World Grand Prix Final 2010, [ Final ]

Source: http://mmalice.com/alistair-overeem/alistair-overem-vs-peter-aerts-at-k-1-final-grand-prix-2010-video_921622c90.html

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WEC 53 Post-Fight Press Conference Video

by Michael David SmithAfter the fighters step out of the cage Thursday night at WEC 53, the action isn't over. Select fighters will meet the media for the WEC 53 post-fight press conference, and we'll carry the video live right here at MMAFighting.com.

The post-fight press conference is the place to find out who won the Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night bonuses, and the place to hear from the winning fighters.

The press conference will begin about half an hour after the main event ends (around 12:30 AM ET) and the video is below.

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/17/wec-53-post-fight-press-conference-video/

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...a couple more from last week

Source: http://nedsurfshots.blogspot.com/2010/08/couple-more-from-last-week.html

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Fighter of the Year: Cain Velasquez

Filed under: Fighting, UFC

At 6-foot-1 and around 240 pounds, Cain Velasquez is no small man in the ordinary world, but among the UFC's supersized heavyweights, he hardly stands out for his size.

In fact, many heavyweights are either taller or heavier than Velasquez, and most are both. Yet by the end of 2010, it was Velasquez that reigned over the group of monster athletes.

For capturing the UFC heavyweight championship and completing a rapid rise to the top, Velasquez is MMA Fighting's 2010 Fighter of the Year.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/22/fighter-of-the-year-cain-velasquez/

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Trim and energetic Alves whips Howard at UFC 124

Thiago Alves hasn't been at his best in a long time. Tonight in Montreal, the vicious striker was in tip-top shape. It paid off. He put on a striking clinic against John Howard to pick up a unanimous decision, 30-27 on all cards in the first fight on the pay-per-view portion of UFC 124.

Alves (18-7, 10-4 UFC) is one of the top strikers in the UFC's welterweight division from a  technical standpoint, but his career stalled in 2009 and 2010 because he couldn't maintain his weight. The stocky Brazilian missed weight in two of his last four fights. As a result, Alves was listless in his last fight, a one-sided loss to Jon Fitch. An angry Dana White said he was fed up and Alves would have to go middleweight.

Alves got one more chance to stay at the lower weight by changing his lifestyle. He brought in diet expert Mike Dolce. Dolce's plan clearly paid dividends. Alves was fresh for all 15 minutes. His leg kicks were devastasting.

Howard (14-6, 4-2 UFC) tried to go on the offense throughout, but Alves was too smooth for him. Alves had him timed early in the fight and Howard took a beating.

Alves also showed a decent ground game by scoring two takedowns, including a big slam in the second round. He also floored Howard in the third. Alves timed a Howard leg kick and popped him with right, straight down the pipe. 

Howard has lost two straight after beginning his UFC career with four wins.  

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Trim-and-energetic-Alves-whips-Howard-at-UFC-124?urn=mma-294704

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The 11 things MMA fans want to see in 2011

Looking ahead to the new year, Cagewriter is turning it up to eleven. In no particular order, here are the 11 things MMA needs for 2011.

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Alistair Overeem: Despite his loss to Fabricio Werdum, the negotiations just to get Fedor fighting in the U.S. again have been treacherous, and now it seems that he will fight Antonio Silva. Meanwhile, Overeem has kept busy making history in K-1. Strikeforce has two of the best heavyweights in the world on their roster. It should not be difficult to get them to fight.

Improved judging: How many fighters need to get screwed by judges before changes are made in MMA's judging system? As the sport continues to grow and improve, parity will follow and more fights will require a judges' call. These fighters deserve competent judges.

A challenge for Jose Aldo: The featherweight champ looked head and shoulders above Faber and Manny Gamburyan in 2010. As fun as it is to watch Aldo beat up on his opponents, someone who challenges him could be much more fun. 

Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber coaching on "The Ultimate Fighter": This match-up is full of win. Bantamweights Cruz and Faber are top-flight fighters, already dislike each other, and both come from camps that would provide excellent coaches and training partner cameos. Going with smaller fighters would not only invigorate the TUF franchise, it would also introduce a larger MMA audience to the WEC fighters joining the UFC.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Nick Diaz: Enough with the trash talk, the viral videos and the catchphrases. Strikeforce needs to make this fight happen.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva: The two have been at the top of pound-for-pound rankings for years, and are just one weight class apart. GSP has asked for time to put on weight to fight Silva, who walks around at more than 200 lbs. UFC, give him time, and then let's make this fight happen.

Legal MMA in New York: Seriously, Empire State. Get your act together and legalize MMA. It's ludicrous for a state with a rich history of boxing and wrestling not to allow mixed martial arts.

A rejuvenated Brock Lesnar: Losing his title to Cain Velasquez exposed Lesnar's distaste for getting punched in the face, a liability for someone whose job involves getting punched in the face. It will be fascinating to see how Lesnar reacts to being an underdog, and watching to see if he has the resolve to come back should be an interesting storyline. 

More pre and post-fight shows: Here at Yahoo! Sports, there was a pre-fight show for UFC 121. ESPN's "MMA Live" did pre and post-fight shows for UFC 116 and 121, and Versus had shows for the final two WEC events. Every one of these shows added to the MMA viewing experience. 

Gilbert Melendez vs. Eddie Alvarez: To compete with the UFC juggernaut, the smart thing for Strikeforce and Bellator would be to team up to make the best fights. This should start with a bout between their two lightweight champions. Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney probably ended any hopes for this bout with overzealous negotiation tactics, but it still would be a fun fight for fans to watch.

More Pat Miletich on the microphone: The man is both a legendary coach and fighter, and now he uses his talents as a commentator for Strikeforce. Inexplicably, he isn't always included on their broadcast team. Please, give us more Pat.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/The-11-things-MMA-fans-want-to-see-in-2011?urn=mma-297708

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Triple Crown of Surfing Art

Surf comps over the past few years have been increasingly using surf art in their contest marketing materials, Billabong, Roxy and Vans seem to particularly like surf art (good on 'em!). The Triple Crown of Surfing has used surf art for years, with this years umbrella event artwork done by artist Chris Lundy (below), and below that are this years six competition posters…





What is the Triple Crown of Surfing?

If you weren't aware, there is a surfing event going on in Hawaii called the Triple Crown of Surfing, one the most prestigious of all surfing contests. The event spans 6 surfing comps with a holding period from November 12th through to December 20th. Right now is the Pipeline Masters (awesome!). The best Hawaiian local surfers take on the professional surfers from around the globe, in arguably the best waves on the planet.

www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cotw/~3/-kIph4xLOVQ/triple-crown-of-surfing-art.html

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Koscheck suffered broken orbital bone, surgery upcoming

Josh Koscheck didn't get to fly away in a helicopter like he had hoped. And now, it'd be hazardous to his health to do so.

Josh Gross at ESPN.com confirms that the welterweight challenger suffered a broken orbital bone during his one-sided loss to Georges St. Pierre.

"Jab" St. Pierre used a stiff left throughout the first round to bust up Koscheck. With just five minutes gone by in the fight, Koscheck's right eye was almost completely shut.  

Koscheck's trainer Bob Cook said the fighter extended his stay in Montreal and will head to Boston for surgery on the eye.

He cannot fly home to San Jose, Calif., because an air pocket formed behind the broken orbital bone, making air travel dangerous. UFC officials arranged for Koscheck and Cook to drive Sunday afternoon from Montreal to Boston, where the 33-year-old fighter is expected to undergo surgery Monday or Tuesday.

The injury is similar to the one boxer Antonio Margarito suffered during his brutal beatdown at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. 

Koscheck couldn't see out of the eye and GSP took advantage of it, landing jabs and left hooks whenever he wanted to in the fourth and fifth rounds. After the fight, UFC analyst Joe Rogan offered a hand shake to Koscheck. The fighter ignored the offer, but it was clear the fighter couldn't see Rogan's hand out of his right eye. 

Late in the fight, Koscheck was experiencing considerable pain. Between rounds, Koscheck was wincing and jerking his head away anytime his cornermen tried put an ice bag on the eye.

The American trash talked for months, leading up the welterweight title showdown against the French-Canadian St. Pierre. He joked before the fight that if he pulled the upset, he'd need to leave city via helicopter from the top of the Bell Centre. 

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Koscheck-suffered-broken-orbital-bone-surgery-u?urn=mma-294879

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Skate sauce Los Angeles

Skate Sauce wraps up 2010 with a video from Los Angeles. �Featuring
special guests Fabian Alomar & Gabriel Rodriguez.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/tom-carter/2010/12/25/skate-sauce-los-angeles/

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Fabracio Werdum Says He Can Beat Wanderlei Silva - Fabracio Werdum

MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant talks with Wanderlei Silva, Fabricio Werdum and Rafael Cordeiro at the 2010 Fighters Only World MMA Awards, where all three men are nominated. Wanderlei wins for "Gym of the Year" and Fabricio takes home "Submission of the Year," and the very close friends and training partners share their thoughts before and after winning. But perhaps most importantly, (and after a little confusion- LOL), we find out that Fabricio thinks he can defeat Wanderlei in a fight...

Source: http://mmalice.com/fabracio-werdum/fabracio-werdum-says-he-can-beat-wanderlei-silva-video_09e7f4cb5.html

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WhatIt.be NYC Mixed Bag

WhatIt.be has a sick new montage from NYC.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MostlySkateboarding/~3/I4L6LAHDjZk/whatitbe-nyc-mixed-bag.html

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Stevenson vs. Danzig loser could be done with UFC

Joe Stevenson and Mac Danzig are two of the best guys in the UFC. They're both former "Ultimate Fighter" champs as well. That may not mean much for the loser of tomorrow's UFC 124 fight in Montreal. According to Yahoo! Sports' lead MMA writer Kevin Iole, someone's spot in the UFC could be gone after the fight.

There are less roster spots available now that the WEC's fighters have been added to the mix. Stevenson (31-11, 8-5 UFC) is coming off a loss to George Sotiropoulos and has lost two of three fights while Danzig (19-8, 3-4 UFC) has lost four of five. Both could try to drop down 10 pounds and make the featherweight limit, but that option may not be offered. 

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Stevenson-vs-Danzig-loser-could-be-done-with-UF?urn=mma-294377

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WEC 53 post-fight: Coaching TUF, bonuses and more

"What a great way to finish that up!" Reed Harris, general manager of the WEC, said to start the final press conference for the WEC, following a blockbuster fight between Anthony Pettis and Ben Henderson. Harris was referring to the gravity-defying kick from Pettis that secured his win over Henderson and the WEC lightweight title. Other notes from the WEC 53 press conference:

-- The fight of the night bonus was given to Henderson/Pettis for their five-round bout, knockout of the night to Eddie Wineland for knocking out Ken Stone with a slam, and submission of the night was to Shane Roller for his rear naked choke of former champion Jamie Varner. The bonuses were for $10,000.

-- Henderson was emotional after the fight, thanking the WEC and his home crowd of Glendale, Ariz. He said he didn't remember the kick, but that he knows it will be on the highlight reel for a while.

-- "It still doesn't feel real," Pettis said about his title. He said he has done that amazing kick in practice before, but felt the pressure to do something big going into the final round of the fight. Henderson admitted that he was woozy after the kick, but conscious.

-- Cruz continued to push for a rematch with Urijah Faber, and pointed out how different he is as a fighter. "I'm a completely different fighter. My stand-up's better, my wrestling's better, my ground game's better. I'm on a whole different level than Urijah," Cruz said.

-- After the final WEC fights, Harris spoke of his fighters like a proud father. "All these guys are going to make a mark in the UFC, and I couldn't be prouder," Harris said.

-- "When it first happened, I was happy because I got the knockout, but then when he wasn't moving, I was worried," Eddie Wineland said about the frightening knockout of Ken Stone. He said that he made sure he got word Stone's health after the fight.

-- Though there were plenty of UFC stars on hand in Arizona, Harris was happiest about having a Bear in attendance. Harris, a native of suburban Chicago, said that he was excited to see Jim McMahon at the fights, the quarterback of the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears.

-- Pettis' first fight in the UFC will be for the UFC lightweight title with the winner of the Jan. 1 bout between champ Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, but he doesn't care who it is. "I haven't had time to think about Edgar/Maynard yet," Pettis said. "I was fighting Ben Henderson, and it's all I cared about."

-- Cruz said he'd happily accept a coaching gig on "The Ultimate Fighter" against Urijah Faber. "I would accept it, and I would be stoked. It would be awesome, because I'd get my loss back."

-- Harris said that several of the unaired preliminary fights will be available for free  on UFC.com, and the Brad Pickett-Ivan Menjivar decision will be on Versus.com on Friday. More fights will be released over the weekend.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/WEC-53-post-fight-Coaching-TUF-bonuses-and-mor?urn=mma-297153

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Newcomer John Makdessi Felt No Jitters in UFC Debut - UFC 124

Newcomer John Makdessi Felt No Jitters in UFC Debut Video by UFC 124

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-124/newcomer-john-makdessi-felt-no-jitters-in-ufc-debut-video_9a1b440b8.html

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Big Heads, Dezort, Lutheran, and Proust Videos

Girl has a video for their Big Head series. Theeve has a welcome video for Drew Dezort. Insight has a sick video featuring Daniel Lutheran. Check this part from Clich� flow dude Boris Proust.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/templeton-elliott/2010/12/22/big-heads-dezort-lutheran-and-proust-videos/

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Analog Wheel Wash Denim

Analog called for people's old wheels back in September to use for their new Wheel Wash jeans. Well, the Wheel Wash jeans are out in three styles, Arto $75, Dylan $75 and Remer $68 denim. Click through for the full press release.

Read More

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/templeton-elliott/2010/12/22/analog-wheel-wash-denim/

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With Matchmaking, UFC Plays Chess While Others Play Checkers

by Michael David SmithIf you're wondering what's up with Alistair Overeem, allow me to fill you in: He's supposed to fight for Dream on New Year's Eve, except for the pesky little problem that they can't find an opponent for him (maybe it'll be Todd Duffee), and then he's supposed to fight for Strikeforce in the spring, except they've consistently been unable to find opponents for him (one title defense since he won their heavyweight belt more than three years ago).

In case you haven't noticed, finding an opponent is kind of an important part of booking a fight. And the inability to consistently get fighters into the cage with the right opponents is the fundamental reason that Strikeforce, Dream and other MMA promotions consistently lag behind the UFC in generating fan interest and building momentum from one fight card to the next.

The UFC's matchmakers, Joe Silva and (now that the WEC has been absorbed by the UFC) Sean Shelby, are like chess grand masters thinking several moves ahead. Other promotions are like a kid playing checkers, moving ahead one square at a time, without any long-term strategy.

 

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Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/23/with-matchmaking-ufc-plays-chess-while-others-play-checkers/

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