Latest in ‘Students of the Game’
Back to the Land of the Samurai in a Big Way
December 21, 1997 was the first and last time The UFC was in Japan; that was until Saturday night when they went back to the land of the Samurai in a big way. The Saitama Super Arena was home once again to mixed martial arts, only this time it was UFC 144. Headlining this event was a lightweight (155 lbs.) championship between now former champion Frankie ‘The Answer’ Edgar (14-2, 3 KO’s 3 subs) and new champion Ben ‘Smooth’ Henderson (16-2, 2 KO’s, 8 subs). Read More
Black House MMA + Roy Tapia = Boxing success
Normally when you hear the name Black House in combat sports you immediately think of excellence in Mixed Martial Arts; with their stable of numerous world champions and renowned contenders. However, that excellence is now being exhibited in the boxing ring as well and the fighter upholding that standard for them is a young, talented featherweight named Roy ‘The Pit’ Tapia. Read More
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Sorry if I misled anyone to believing this was a blog or movie review regarding the classic western from the ’60’s, but I couldn’t think of a better title to describe current UFC welterweight Nick Diaz. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t find a photo of him wearing a cowboy hat; especially after the way his brother Nate threw down Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone’s hat last month either. Read More
Goody & Angie: Last of a Dying Breed
They just don’t make them like they used to. That’s the phrase people use when they’re talking about pieces of furniture, automobiles etc. However, I’d argue that the same phrase should be applied to boxing trainers. In today’s generation of unlimited social media, where there are numerous organizations in the boxing world that are willing to crown someone a champion, a champion fighter’s trainer instantly becomes a household name; even though that fighter or his trainer’s credentials may just not be that great. Read More
UFC on FOX 2: Murphy’s Law
Murphy’s Law is an adage that states, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong;” introducing UFC on Fox 2. Although this was technically the second UFC on FOX event, it was the first full card that was featured with three big bouts. Read More
Nice Guys Don’t Always Finish Last
Legendary baseball manager Leo Durocher is credited with coining the phrase, “Nice guys finish last.” In most cases, regardless of the situation, Durocher is right; but when it comes to MMA that rule doesn’t necessarily apply. The latest example is now former UFC middleweight (185 lbs.) contender Jorge ‘El Conquistador’ Rivera. Read More
Who’s Gonna Take the Weight?
As the late great rapper Guru of the legendary hip-hop group Gang Starr once quipped, “Who’s gonna take the weight?” That is the question now that surrounds Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson following the quick release of this promising young contender from the UFC. Sure it is a question, but also a play on words as the release is the result of Johnson’s third failed attempt at making weight before a fight. Read More
Enough Already with the Excuses
Probably the greatest single thing about this country may be freedom, freedom to choose instead of having someone make decisions for you. It is a powerful thing, but with freedom comes much responsibility. Read More
Right or Wrong, Brock Did It His Way
The New Year isn’t even a day old and yet the biggest news for mixed martial arts in 2012 belongs to a personality no longer affiliated with the sport. Although Brock Lesnar lost his fight Friday night in spectacular and quick fashion, he still ended up being the biggest star of the night, both literally and figuratively; that’s because upon his defeat, Lesnar dropped the bombshell that he is retiring from the sport of MMA. However, was it really that surprising? Read More
UFC 141 Preview: 2011 is Going Out with a Bang
As I sit here previewing next Friday’s UFC 141 card it suddenly dawned on me that no matter what I say regarding the main event, it’s quite simple, somebody’s getting knocked the f*** out! I mean, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that when you have two finely tuned behemoths coming at each other, something or somebody’s got to give; the question here is who? Read More
