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UFC 158: Mike Ricci’s a fighter first, reality star second

UFC lightweight and TUF 16 finalist Mike "The Martian" Ricci (Photo courtesy of ufc.com)

UFC lightweight Mike Ricci is done with people doubting his combat skills.

“The Martian” first made waves as a finalist in last year’s “The Ultimate Fighter 16″ welterweight tournament. Since then, he’s courted controversy by slamming the TUF experience as ultimately unpleasant for its participants. It’s a criticism Ricci (Twitter: @MikeyRicci) still stands by, and one he says doesn’t affect his fighting abilities.

“For me the problem with TUF was being away from home,” he told MMADiehards’ Punch Drunk Radio last Tuesday. “It had nothing to do with fighting or making weight.”

Now in its 17th season, TUF is the UFC’s reality TV series for recruiting and signing new fighters. Though Ricci revealed he’s grateful for the exposure, he said the star-making program too often focuses on trivialities rather than actual talent. The end result is entertainment first and elite athletics second.

“The Martian,” for example, found viewers were often distracted by his distinct hairstyle. Rather than watch his exploits in the cage, he said they’d discuss his fashion sense instead.

“I’d rather have people talking than not talking,” Ricci admitted. “But it’s been three years now since I first got this haircut. I’ve been fighting for a while now, and I’ve won fights – sometimes in devastating fashion – and lost others too. I’ve proved I’m a fighter regardless of my haircut.”

Ricci said such misplaced priorities are frustrating given that MMA is more competitive than ever before. The sport’s mainstream success is attracting more talent, he said, and it’s now a booming battlefield for new fighters.

“I think the challenge of competing on TUF is still high,” Ricci said. “The playing field is leveling out. Everybody’s getting good at everything. I think that’s why there’s a lot less finishes on the show now.”

“The Martian” confronted this phenomenon firsthand during the TUF 16 Finale last December. Facing off with Colton Smith, Ricci lost via unanimous decision. At day’s end, both men were too evenly matched for a decisive finish.

That meeting’s result ensured Ricci made his UFC debut in defeat. He’s now trying to bounce back with a victory over “Freakshow” Colin Fletcher at UFC 158 in March. It’s a tough challenge given Fletcher’s penchant for pre-fight mind games. “Freakshow” is notorious for wearing elaborate walkout costumes and insulting his foes.

“Some guys are good at getting into other guys’ heads and some guys aren’t,” Ricci said of Fletcher’s psychological warfare. “It’s not really my thing. Fletcher is actually a nice guy, though, and I’ve seen some of his interviews. He’s an intelligent dude, and he markets himself very well.”

Ricci said he’s convinced he has the tools for overcoming Fletcher’s antics. Even if he doesn’t, “The Martian” revealed one final weapon. A proud native of Montreal, Canada, Ricci’s fight with Fletcher will take place at his hometown’s Bell Centre.

“The crowds here are incredible,” Ricci said of the support he’ll receive at home. “Whether it’s boxing or MMA, the fight roots run real deep here. I went to a UFC event once in Toronto with 60,000 other people and it wasn’t as loud as the last time Georges St-Pierre fought in Montreal.”

Mark Hensch is an avid MMA fan who became interested in the sport through wrestling and karate. When not covering the hurt business, he writes about heavy metal for the Washington Times at his blog Heavy Metal Hensch in Washington D.C.

An act of randomness leads Chad George to “Occupation Fighter”

When Chad George moved dwellings, becoming the center of an MMA film and sharing his life wasn’t something he expected.

George (Twitter: @savage135) is the subject of Bavayou Films’ new documentary entitled “Occupation Fighter.” The former WEC fighter claims 2013 is “The Year of the Savage” and he will debut in the UFC. After finally be healed from nagging injuries, coupled being the star of “Occupation Fighter”, his chances stand to improve.

The making of the film came about in the strangest of ways. George didn’t come up with the idea of the movie and cast himself as the center of attention. He was in fact sought out through a beautiful black eye that attracted the attention of a filmmaker which birthed “Occupation Fighter.”

“It was really kind of random,” George told MMADiehards.com. “My girlfriend and I moved into a condo and our next door neighbor happened to be an independent documentary film maker from Germany. He really didn’t know anything about the sport and I was walking around the neighborhood with a nice little shiner. He asked, ‘What’s that all about?’ And his wife became friends with my girlfriend and they started talking and my girlfriend told her what I do, so she Googled my name because she was interested and wanted to find out more. We sat down and talked more about my story and it opened his eyes a little more to the sport.”

George said the producer was so intrigued by the mixed martial artist’s training that he continued to delve deeper into the life of a fighter. The film turned into a research project for the filmmaker, which not only focused on training, but more so on George’s lifestyle outside the cage.

“It’s not just about the fighting and training,” George said. “It actually goes into really make us go through what we go through to be fighters’. The family side, the relationship side of things, the financial, the injuries, the medical insurance, the ups and downs, all of that. The fighting and training is there, but it’s secondary. This shows the public what we really go through mentally and emotionally before the fight even happens.”

What George wants to accomplish with “Occupation Fighter,” is show the similarities between a professional mixed martial artist’s life and that of most people. George said the thought of fighter being considered a meathead is not something that sits well with him. He wants viewers to realize we all have a fighter instinct in us. It’s about making a decision.

“I look at this documentary as an extension of everyone else’s story,” George said. “We’ve all done something in our lives where we just came up short and have a choice to make. Do you let it end there or do you keep going with it? That’s a choice that each one of us has to make.”

UFC on Fox 6 recap: Johnson defends belt, ‘Rampage’ loses in final UFC bout, Pettis asks for title shot

by Jason Kelly on January 26, 2013 10:42:44 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

UFC flyweight champ Demetrious-Johnson (L) John-Dodson (R). (Photo courtesy of MMA Weekly)

UFC on Fox 6 took place tonight at the United Center in Chicago, and it presented a championship bout, the end of famed fighter’s UFC career, theatrical “Showtime” tricks and a record was set for the history books.

The main event of UFC on Fox 6 was a UFC flyweight title match between champion Demetrious Johnson and the challenger, John Dodson.

Both combatants came out of their respective corner with all the speed that was expected. Johnson withstood several solid left-handed punches from Dodson, which found a home through Rounds 2 and 3. Dodson, however, was the victim of an illegal knee to the head, as well as a groin strike.

The championship Rounds are what defined the bout. After both mixed martial arts persevered through punishment, it was a battle of stamina. Johnson was able to keep the pace up, which led to “Mighty Mouse” having the agility to utilize the muay thai clinch and hammer Dodson with knees and draw blood. Johnson dominated Dodson until the match materialized and won a unanimous decision; defending his flyweight belt.

In the night’s co-main event, Glover Teixeira spoiled Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s UFC exiting party via brutality. Teixeira continuously had “Rampage” on the defensive due to punches and takedowns. Jackson was dizzied a number of times, which provoked him to verbally taunt Teixeira, but that made no difference in the flow of the fight. Teixeira battered the former UFC light heavyweight champion from start to finish and won a unanimous decision victory. Teixeira is now on an 18-fight winning streak.

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis initiated his bout against Donald Cerrone with sort of cartwheel-kick, which was impressive, yet ineffective. That’s where the fun had just begun. Pettis used pinpoint accuracy with his kicks and punches to cripple Cerrone immediately. “Showtime” continued to live up to his moniker, as he hit Cerrone with an off the cage knee. After toying with “Cowboy” for a couple of minutes, Pettis slammed Cerrone with a liver-kick. Cerrone crumpled to the canvas and the match was stopped midway through Round 1.

Pettis, who was the final WEC lightweight champ, addressed UFC president Dana White following his victory.

“Dana White,” Pettis called out in a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. “What do I have to do to get this title shot?”

Ricardo Lamas, the underdog heading into the fight, took out Erick Koch in the opening bout on the Fox televised portion of the card. Koch was getting outclassed, but wasn’t out of the match a totally. During Round 2, Koch made a critical error on the ground and Lamas landed in mount position. Lamas punished Koch with punches and elbows, opening a deep gash on the American’s head. The referee halted the bout before Koch could take any excessive damage.

Canadian T.J. Grant exhibited his finest performance in the Octagon to date. Grant was paired against Matt Wiman at UFC on Fox 8. Early into the contest Grant wobbled his opponent, but Wiman briefly recovered. Nearing the end of Round 1, Grant and Wiman were tied up in a clinch. Grant planted an elbow flush on “Handsome’s” temple that stunned him. Grant followed up as his counterpart fell to the canvas and landed a few more blows to secure the Round 1 victory.

Ryan Bader was efficient in victory. The TUF 8 winner accomplished the quickest submission victory in the history of the UFC light heavyweight division against Vladimir Matyushenko. The win puts Bader back in the win column; meanwhile, Matyushenko has now dropped back-to-back bouts.

Clay Guida and Hatsu Hioki competed in a match that would’ve been a nightmare to judge. Guida’s wrestling polarized the fight at times, but Hioki was proactive from the bottom; landing strikes as well as attempting transitions. Hioki was quick to figure out the unorthodox movements of Guida, as he connected with several solid uppercuts and one clean head kick.

For the majority of the match, it was a back and forth battle of wits on the mat, which went to the judges’ scorecards. Guida was awarded a split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) victory in his featherweight debut, not to mention his first win in three matches. Hioki is now on a two-fight losing skid.

Shawn Jordan canceled Mike Russow’s homecoming party at UFC on Fox 6. Russow, a Chicago police officer, opened up a cut on Jordan in the early going and went for the finish. Jordan seemed to be in trouble, but composed himself and made it to the Round 2. In the second frame it was apparent Russow had overexerted himself trying to finish Jordan at the beginning of that match. Jordan took advantage of the fatigued Illinois native and applied the pressure. Jordan was successful and walked away with a TKO victory. Russow, on the other hand, has now suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in his career.

Pascal Krauss outpointed Mike Stumpf with technical striking for 15 minutes and earned a decision from the judges. The outcome put Krauss back on the winning side of the sport after coming off his first career loss at “UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller.” Stumpf, though proved his resiliency, is still winless in the Octagon.

On the Facebook portion of the event, David Mitchell edged out a decision victory against Simeon Thoresen in the sole match on the social media platform.

UFC on Fox 6: Defending Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson

by Mark Hensch on January 25, 2013 2:43:42 PM in Features, Fighter Features | 1 Comment »

UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson appears with his first challenger John Dodson at the UFC on Fox 6 weigh-ins. (Photo courtesy of mmafighting.com)

Let’s face it fight fans – reaching MMA matchmaking nirvana’s no easy task.

It takes a special blend of factors creating a perfect bout on paper. We MMA aficionados crave action, drama, intensity and memorable moments with implications on the bigger picture of our sport. When these elements come together in the cage, they rank among the finest moments in athletics.

It’s thus puzzling why UFC viewers aren’t more excited about tomorrow night’s UFC on Fox 6 main event. Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson is a potentially epic fight. Despite this, anticipation for their clash seems low heading into Chicago, Ill.’s United Center. Perhaps it’s the equally entertaining undercard, or maybe fight fans still aren’t that familiar with the flyweight division’s addition last year to the UFC.

Either way, tomorrow’s headliner is criminally underrated. MMA matchmaking nirvana’s rare, but Johnson’s dust-up with Dodson fits the bill. Still not sold? MMADiehards is here to show you why:

1.) Speed kills – The flyweight division’s 125 lb. ceiling turns all its matchups into high-speed collisions. It’s a weight class where quickness reigns supreme, and faster fighters than Dodson and Johnson don’t exist. Both men are also extremely active, so tomorrow’s fight will feature kinetic fury that’s off the charts. The end result is the first UFC title fight capable of breaking the proverbial sound barrier.

2.) Demetrious Johnson, UFC champ next door – Few UFC champions are as relatable as Johnson. Yes, “Mighty Mouse” is athletically gifted, but he’s mainly a normal guy who’s worked hard at achieving success. Humble and easy-going, he still mops the floor at his first gym and recently married his long-time sweetheart. A self-made man, Johnson was still working his day job when he received his first title shot against bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz in 2011. As if that’s not everyman enough, “Mighty Mouse” is an avid gamer on XBOX 360. His success story is proof that with dedication, luck and a little natural ability, even the most average Joe can achieve greatness.

3.) John Dodson has knockout magic – A frequent criticism against flyweight fighters is that they lack punching power. When it comes to Dodson, nothing’s further from the truth. “The Magician” is already his division’s resident knockout wizard, having won two of his last three by KO. Brash and heavy-handed, he’s capable of staggering whoever’s standing across from him even without a finish. Though Johnson’s rightfully favored tomorrow night, Dodson’s the most dangerous striker he’s faced yet.

4.) History in the making – The flyweight division’s youth offers fight fans a chance of witnessing UFC lore unfold firsthand. Johnson is its first champion, and his duel with Dodson marks his inaugural defense. It’s a rare set of circumstances, and one that will anchor the division’s depth years from now. When that happens, people who caught tomorrow’s card will remember what the division was like long before it established its eventual lineage.

5.) The future is now – Speaking of which, UFC on Fox 6 dictates where the entire flyweight division heads next. If Johnson wins, he starts cementing a long reign for himself like those dominating other divisions. If he doesn’t, Dodson has an ever-expanding stable of worthy contenders hungry for title gold.

Either way, fight fans are watching top fighters built their division’s foundations from the ground up. The most interesting aspect, then, is seeing what heights they’ll reach next.

UFC on Fox 6: Demetrious Johnson’s crown doesn’t weigh him down

by Mark Hensch on January 24, 2013 4:37:15 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

UFC flyweight champion Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson walks to the Octagon with his fight team. (Photo courtesy of sherdog.com)

UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson isn’t intimidated by other fighters gunning for his title gold.

It’s not that “Mighty Mouse” (Twitter: @MightyMouseUFC) is cocky – quite the opposite. It’s just that having fought professionally for six years, he’s confident in his own abilities as a mixed martial artist. As Johnson sees it, winning his first championship last September is physical proof of where he stands as a fighter.

“I’m focusing on beating people rather than defending my title,” Johnson told MMADiehards’ Punch Drunk Radio on Jan. 15. “I’m not worried about losing it or hanging on to it. It’s just a token or achievement I’ve earned in my MMA career. I’ve already made history and they can never take that away from me.”

“Mighty Mouse” initially made his way into the record books by besting Joseph Benavidez for the flyweight belt in September 2012. Scoring a split decision victory over “Joe B-Wan Kenobi” at UFC 152 in Toronto, Canada, Johnson can now call himself the first-ever UFC flyweight champion.

It’s an honor Johnson isn’t taking lightly. As the face of the UFC’s newest weight class, “Mighty Mouse” plans on making 125 lbs. one of its most entertaining divisions.

“With the flyweights being so new and the fans not understanding the division yet, it’s going to take time for them to get educated about us,” Johnson said. “We bring a lot of different skill sets to display in the UFC. There are a thousand guys out there. Just because they’re not known doesn’t mean they’re not out there.”

So far, Johnson has caught fight fans’ attention with a trio of electrifying bouts. He started by dueling “Uncle Creepy” Ian McCall to a draw last March at UFC on FX 2, then completely shutting him down with a unanimous decision rout at UFC on FX 3 in June. After that, “Mighty Mouse” completed the trifecta by defeating Benavidez during September’s nail-biting, back-and-forth contest for the title.

“2012 was a great year,” Johnson said. “I got married, won the belt and had a great string of fights. I’m looking forward to bringing that momentum over to 2013.”

A new year brings new challenges, and Johnson will face a dangerous one in John Dodson at UFC on Fox 6 on Saturday in Chicago, Ill. “The Magician” has cast a powerful spell over his division by knocking out two of his last three foes. He’s now feared for hitting like a car crash at blistering speeds.

“Dodson is absolutely a threat to me,” Johnson admitted. “He’s super-athletic and that right there poses a threat as he has great balance and good footwork.”

It’s a pairing Johnson expects will push his division to the next level. Airing on Fox, “Mighty Mouse” vs. “The Magician” marks the flyweights’ debut on national television.

“With Fox, anyone in the world can watch it,” Johnson said of his standoff with Dodson Saturday night. “I’m just happy to go out there and fight for the UFC, especially in the main event. Fighting on Fox is just icing on the cake.”

Given the extra exposure, Johnson said he’s not resting on his laurels as flyweight champion. Rather, he intends on delivering Dodson an unquestionable defeat Saturday night.

“I’m training hard and looking forward to getting in there and doing my thing,” Johnson said. “When I train for a fight, I’m not just training for John Dodson or anyone else. I’m training to make myself a better mixed martial artist. I take care of business and I know what needs to be done.”

Jon Anik: Proves passion for MMA through actions, not words

by Jason Kelly on January 21, 2013 1:58:36 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

If ESPN was the pinnacle of success, Jon Anik has surpassed his apex.

An ESPN-turned-UFC commentator, Anik (Twitter: @Jon_Anik) began his sports media career in Boston, as a sports radio personality. His talents led him to a position at the prestigious ESPN; the world’s grand sports media outlet.

Anik covered all sports on ESPN, which he enjoyed immensely, but his passion was in MMA. After several years with the company, ESPN launched a program entitled “ESPN MMA Live,” and Anik was the host. The show proved successful, yet Anik still wasn’t doing what he truly wanted to in MMA, which was play-by-play commentating.

“I did primarily studio stuff, and it wasn’t for a lack of trying,” Anik told Amy Barton and Alex Donno on Punch Drunk Radio on the MMA DieHards Radio Network. “For one reason or the other, things just didn’t materialize until I was on my out. I ended up doing about 10 boxing fights or so for them.

“I think it takes both things to find out what makes you happy. I found that being in a studio six nights a week wasn’t doing it for me. It’s great to be on the road; I wish there were more domestic shows than international when it comes to the UFC. But it’s great to be on the road and get the best seat in the house in front of the sport that I love.”

Anik joined the UFC family in October 2011, as former UFC competitor Kenny Florian’s partner in the booth on the FX and Fuel TV broadcasts, as well as TUF Live. Anik relishes the opportunity to work with “Kenflo,” but like any successful human, the former ESPN analyst longed for a chance to shine at the top.

After cutting his teeth on televised UFC cards for just over a year, Anik got the chance to work alongside Joe Rogan on a pay-per-view event for UFC 155.

“I got the call on Christmas eve,” Anik said. “It was very exciting. A lot of the things I would normally do to get ready, there just wasn’t time to do. It was sort of a nutty week, but certainly an experience of a lifetime and one that I hope to do again. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with Joe Rogan, I’m happy we were able to develop some chemistry despite the fact that we had never worked together and haven’t had too many conversations off the air either.”

Anik got his crack at UFC 155 commentating duties after Rogan’s usual partner, Mike Goldberg, got bit by the flu bug. Anik said he wishes Goldberg a speedy return, but won’t pass up another chance to work alongside Rogan if the UFC calls upon him.

Commentating for the UFC and covering mixed martial arts isn’t what Anik set out to do in the world of sports, but his passion drove him to be a part of MMA, not just a part-time reporter on the subject.

And if anyone questions his passion, well, actions speak louder than words.

“The passion is always there, that’s the thing,” Anik said. “When I got to ESPN, I thought I’d never leave. That was the always the goal for me, to get to ESPN. I don’t know that there could be any greater statement about my passion for the UFC and mixed martial arts than to leave ESPN so I could do this full-time.”

Charlie Brenneman is moving down to climb up

by Jason Kelly on January 15, 2013 12:45:19 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

Former UFC welterweight Charlie Brenneman. (Photo: Hector Castro/MMADieHards.com)

It’s just a matter of dropping 15 pounds, garnering a few wins and Charlie Brenneman expects to be back in the big show.

Brenneman (Twitter: @SpaniardMMA) is approaching his first fight outside the UFC in nearly three years. “The Spaniard” will battle Eric Irvin on Jan. 19 at VFL 40 at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona, Pa.

Brenneman endured eight fights in the Octagon before the UFC released him. During his time in the promotion, Brenneman displayed some exciting performances, most notably his courageous bout against Rick Story. Brenneman took the match on less than 24 hours’ notice and bested a top contender, Story, in a three round decision. Following the gutsy outing from Brenneman, it appeared as if he was accelerating to the top of the UFC welterweight division, however, the Pennsylvania native went just 1-3 in his next four bouts.

Brenneman lost to Anthony Johnson, Erick Silva and Kyle Noke en route to being released from the UFC, but two of the three stoppages could be argued as premature. Johnson and Noke both dropped Brenneman, yet he was quick to recover. In each instance, the referee decided Brenneman had enough and halted the match. Brenneman verbally contested both losses in the cage, but there was not much he could do but accept the blemishes on his record and wonder where the stability is.

“It’s hard to real say what’s fair in this sport,” Brenneman told MMADiehards.com. “You see one thing one day and the complete opposite the next day, so I’m not really sure if there’s a balance to say what’s fair and what’s not. They were definitely questionable stoppages, so it’s not like I went out horribly. It’s could’ve been worse, so I am hoping they realize that.”

Now, Brenneman is gearing up for Irvin, and preparations themselves have a new approach when not getting ready to fight a combatant that isn’t at the top of the MMA food chain.

When Brenneman would prepare for a fight against a UFC fighter, he was able to watch their previous matches with ease. Seeing as Irvin isn’t the most popular fighter on the planet, Brenneman had some difficulties getting educated on his opponent’s strengths, although, “The Spaniard” isn’t taking the less experienced fighter lightly.

“I couldn’t find a lot of video on him, but I did my research,” Brenneman said. “He seems like a wrestler, he’s got almost all finishes, but his level of competition is obviously not what I have faced in the past. On the other hand, he is a finisher and that always presents a danger.”

Competing outside the UFC isn’t something Brenneman hasn’t done in the past, but his bout against Irvin marks the first time the AMA Fight Club teammate will test his mettle at lightweight.

Brenneman has competed throughout his entire career in the 170-pound division. He has done a mock weight cut to ensure that he can make the lightweight category of 155 pounds and was successful. Brenneman’s drop in weight classes wasn’t due to being bullied by larger opponent’s, but rather a part of his intelligent ploy to get back in the UFC.

“I thought my best approach at getting back to the UFC would be to drop down,” Brenneman said. “I was a small welterweight anyways, so I figured I showed them what I can do at welterweight, which was average, but I feel I have a lot more to offer. I figured I’d start fresh at lightweight.”

Brenneman is still on good terms with his former employer. He is ready to show and prove what he can do at 155 pounds. Now, it’s just a matter of when “The Spaniard” will be called upon, but no matter what, Brenneman will be ready.

“It could be one win, it could be five wins, who knows?” Brenneman said. “I know I want to make it back to the big show, that being the UFC, and I’ll be close enough to weight that I can even take a fight on short notice when they call me.”

Strikeforce: Sometimes these things happen in MMA

by Jason Kelly on January 14, 2013 2:27:12 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

Strikeforce is a thing of the past, but sometimes these things happen in MMA.

Strikeforce presented their final show on Saturday, and the promotion put on an event that exhibited dominant performances, back and forth wars and even an upset in the main event. In the years leading up to “Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine,” the mixed martial arts promotion was also responsible for breeding new fighters, reviving old stars, as well as some of the sport’s greatest debacles.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker started the promotion as a kickboxing organization in 1985, however, we’re going to focus on the MMA Strikeforce that was incepted in 2006.

On March 10, 2006, Strikeforce displayed their first MMA event. The show had bouts including some of today’s well-known names such as, Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, Clay Guida, Brian Ebersole, Matt Horwich, Mike Kyle, Krzysztof Soszynski, Cung Le and Nate Diaz. A battle between Frank Shamrock and Cesar Gracie also took place that evening and set the pace for the breakthrough organization.

The San Jose based promotion spent the next couple years building their roster out of fighters from smaller companies and UFC rejects. Once Strikeforce found its niche in the sport, they started to catch the respect of MMA fans looking for another outlet to watch their favorite sport besides the UFC.

In 2008 and 2009, Strikeforce really flourished. The promotion acquired fighters, as well as the combatants’ video libraries from Pro Elite (parent company to EliteXC). Those mixed martial artists included the likes of Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Scott Smith, Robbie Lawlor, amongst others. Another seldom seen thing in MMA, Strikeforce struck deals with Japanese organizations, which allowed fighters to have cross-promotion matches. This idea gave fans the ability to see elite fighters from two different promotions do battle. They also put an emphasis on promoting the females of the sport, which birthed superstars in WMMA and encouraged fans to take a look at what women can offer in the cage.

By then, Strikeforce wasn’t relying on journeymen and beyond-their-prime fighters to flesh out a card. Strikeforce had an identity and began building their superstars.

(Nick) Diaz, a longtime fan-favorite in MMA, entered Strikeforce with his take no nonsense attitude and took out Shamrock in his first bout under contract with the promotion. Diaz went on a six-fight undefeated streak, while grasping the welterweight belt in Strikeforce during his time with the organization. The aforementioned Melendez, Diaz’s homie, built his name in Strikeforce en route to becoming the lightweight champion and cementing a legendary trilogy of scraps with Thomson. A couple of women by the names of Gina Carano and Cris “Cyborg” Santos put female fighting on the map when the two combatants headlined a Strikeforce event on Showtime. It was the first time two females were ever the main event of an MMA card, and man, they delivered.

Strikeforce was beginning to look like a promotion that could co-exist with the ginormous UFC. Strikeforce attained UFC top contender Dan Henderson and a fighter considered to be one of the best in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, which were two essential assets to obtain in 2010 MMA. They were embarking on the beginning of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, which included Alistair Overeem. They had their own fighters that represented the organization, inked network television deals and we’re expanding, which established the promotion in the sport. They were intent on making their next move, however, the hiccups and turmoil began.

In Henderson’s inaugural bout in the Strikeforce cage, he was bested by Shields in a middleweight title affair. Emelianenko won his first match in the promotion against Brett Rogers, yet was annihilated in his final three Strikeforce outings. And, lest we forget, the Nashville brawl that followed the Shields vs. Henderson main event, which had Diaz and crew rush Jason Miller in the cage after an uninvited plug to get his shot against the middleweight champ. Then the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix started as a great concept, but after Overeem fell to injury, and Daniel Cormier replaced “The Demolition Man,” fans had to wait eight months for the tournament to finalize. It questioned the legitimacy of the tourney and the promotion.

While Strikeforce was ironing out their wrinkles, they were purchased by Zuffa, parent company of the UFC. The UFC was quick to gobble up the fighters who were UFC-ready. Diaz, Henderson, Lavar Johnson, Antonio Silva, amongst others were absorbed immediately. Yet, Strikeforce was expected to continue as its own entity, it was business as usual, UFC president Dana White claimed.

Strikeforce had champions like Luke Rockhold, perennial contenders like Tim Kennedy, new stars like Cormier, yet the inevitable happened in the autumn of 2012. They announced the doors would be closed on the promotion following their event on Saturday.

Though, many fans expected Strikeforce to become defunct after Zuffa purchased the company, some still had hope the promotion would continue. MMA fanatics loved having an option other than UFC, they enjoyed the quirky commentating booth, they appreciated an outlet supporting fighters that didn’t go with the UFC grain, yet they were let down.

After Tarec Saffiedine defeated Nate Marquardt vie decision last Saturday, the promotion was laid to rest.

Strikeforce is now a thing of the past, and in the words of former Strikeforce commentator Gus Johnson, sometimes these things happen in MMA.

Ryan Ford: ‘War Machine ain’t sh*t to me’

by Jason Kelly on January 2, 2013 12:56:31 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

Bellator welterweight Ryan Ford. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

Ryan Ford knows what he wants, and what he wants is War.

A Bellator welterweight competitor, Ford (Twitter: @RyanFordMMA), has yet to compete in the prestige Bellator tournament. Though, Ford has not had the opportunity to showcase his skills in a tourney, he is vying for a chance to take out one of the most hyped up participants originally in the Bellator Season 8 welterweight tournament; War Machine.

Ford didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to pick a fight with War Machine. The idea of the scrap initiated from the powers of social media, but then War Machine fueled the fire and now Ford said he is ready to put hands on the former UFC fighter.

“Someone wrote him on Twitter saying, ‘You and Ryan would be a good fight,’ or something like that,” Ford told MMADiehards.com. “On Twitter you have the option of leaving that person’s name out or putting it in when you comment on them. He added my name to the comment, saying he’d like a bit more of a challenge. Once you speak my name you better back it up. I don’t call people out, but War Machine, that’s the dude I want to fight next. Hopefully Bellator will make it happen so I can punch this kid out.”

War Machine’s release from prison and entrance to the Bellator “Vote for the Fight” tournament was highly publicized, however, this is not a ploy for Ford to gain attention.

Since Ford’s inception to the organization, he has an undefeated record of 2-0. His Bellator debut pitted Ford against Louis Santos. The Canadian recovered from a vicious head kick absorbed in Round 1, and knocked Santos out in the second frame with a knee. Ford’s most recent outing in the Bellator cage saw “The Real Deal” batter Kyle Baker for a full 15 minutes en route to earning a very decisive decision victory.

When comparing Ford’s achievements to War Machine’s in Bellator, the former MFC welterweight No. 1 contender believes he ranks higher within the organization.

“I believe I got a bigger stock than him already in Bellator,” Ford said. “Look at his record, who has he fought? What, Roger Huerta? He’s a (lightweight). Look at who I fought. I fought Louis Santos in my Bellator debut and knocked him out in the second round. War Machine would have made his debut in the Bellator welterweight tournament, but his ass would’ve got knocked out.

“I believe he has a lot of followers because he was a porn star and all that, so I might pick up a few fans from beating him. But, for me, War Machine ain’t shit to me. I’m better than him and I know it.”

War Machine has tweeted that Ford is not worthy of fighting him, nor is the Canadian main card status. Ford is already doing battle on Bellator main cards and if it weren’t for Visa issues preventing him from competing in the U.S., he thinks he would be involved in the four-man tourney in place of War Machine.

Ford said he is looking to be back in competition come February, preferably against War Machine. Ford wants to shut War Machine up and the only way to do that is by defeating him in the cage and not via trash talk on Twitter.

“Talk is talk, but once you get in that cage and the door closes it’s a different story,” Ford said. “Who knows if War Machine will read this article, but if he does he needs to know I’m ready to scrap. Bellator knows that and we need to make this fight happen.”

MMADieHards.com’s highlights of 2012

by Jason Kelly on December 31, 2012 1:34:38 PM in Features, Fighter Features | No Comments »

With 2012 being full of so many outstanding fights, MMADiehards.com managed to narrow down the top five for a few different categories.

Fighters of the Year

Cain Velasquez

UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez (R) punches Junior dos Santos (L) at UFC 155. (Photo courtesy of lasvegassun.com)

Velasquez began the year coming off a loss in November 2011 to Junior dos Santos, which was the end of the Mexican’s reign as UFC heavyweight champion. In his first bout of 2012, Velasquez manhandled Antonio “Big Foot” Silva in Round 1 TKO victory that was one of the bloodiest fights of the year. Velasquez was granted a rematch with dos Santos and a chance to get his belt back. Velasquez met dos Santos at UFC 155 and wrecked the champ for the majority of 25 minutes as he went on to win a unanimous decision, plus be crowned the UFC heavyweight champ once again.

Mike Pyle

Mike Pyle (L) punches Josh Neer (R). (Photo courtesy of Zuffa)

It’s puzzling to me how Pyle isn’t atop of many lists for top fighter of the year. Aside from amassing three victories in 2012, Pyle dismantled every opponent via KO/TKO in Round 1. His competition of Ricardo Funch, Josh Neer, and James Head are not the elite level of the UFC welterweights, however, they are viable opponents. That, coupled with the fashion in which Pyle defeated them is enough for me to call him one of the best fighters of 2012.

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson (L) takes down Joseph Benavidez (R) (Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report)

Johnson ended the year with a 2-0-1 record. At the beginning of 2012, Johnson was elected to participate in the first-ever UFC flyweight tournament to crown the inaugural 125-pound division champion. Johnson met UFC newcomer Ian McCall in the opening round and was declared the winner, but after the event it was realized the judges made a mistake and the bout was deemed a draw. Johnson took to setback in stride and decisively beat McCall in a rematch via decision. Johnson went on to defeat the other finalist, Joseph Benavidez, in the championship match and make history as the first-ever UFC flyweight champion.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey (T) punches Sarah Kaufman (B) (Photo courtesy of mmafighting.com)

Rousey was the victor in both her outings in 2012; obviously both wins via armbar. In one of the most entertaining matches of the year, Rousey caught Miesha Tate in an armbar – the second of the bout- to win the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion. Tate was the first combatant to last with Rousey outside the first minute, but still couldn’t make it pat Round. In Rousey’s first title defense, she squared off against Canadian Sarah Kaufman. It was back to her old ways as she forced Kaufman to tap out from an armbar just 54 seconds into the opening round.

Andrey Koreshkov

Andrey Koreshkov (L) punches Marius Zaromskis (R)

Undefeated Koreshkov entered the Bellator Season 7 welterweight tournament and kept his record intact when the tourney finalized. Koreshkov battered Jordan Smith in the quarterfinals of the tourney en route to a decision victory. In the semifinals, Koreshkov met Lithuanian striker Marius Zaromskis. The Russian welcomed Zaromskis to a battle on the feet and knocked out his Lithuanian counterpart in the first round. Koreshkov faced Lyman Good in the tournament finale, a fight in which he was an underdog. Koreshkov bested Good in all aspects of the fight, put on his best performance of the tourney and won a decision, which secured the Bellator $100,000 check, as well as a welterweight title shot in the future.

Knockouts of the Year

Eddie Alvarez vs. Patricky Freire
Bellator 76 at Caesars Palace in Windsor, Ontario

Eddie Alvarez (L) head kicks Patricky Freire (R)

The finish to this bout, coupled with the circumstances surrounding the match made for a monumental main event.

After becoming the inaugural Bellator lightweight champ and first well-known name in the promotion, Alvarez vs. Freire could possibly be the Philadelphia native’s last fight under the Bellator banner. Alvarez dropped “Pitbull” with a left hook and pounced on the Brazilian early in Round 1. Freire managed to recover and get back to his feet, then struck back with a flurry of punches, which had Alvarez backpedaling and trying to regain composure after absorbing a few shots.

The two combatants spent the next couple minutes trading strikes and grappling in an effort to capitalize on a mistake. With under 10 seconds remaining in the opening frame, Alvarez stalked Freire until “Pitbull’s” back was against the cage and threw a head kick. Alvarez planted his left shin on Freire face and the Brazilian went stiff as he timbered to the canvas. Alvarez picked up a knockout victory at 4:54 of Round 1.

If the former Bellator lightweight champ competed for the last time under the promotion, he definitely went out with a bang.

Noteworthy knockouts of the year:

Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon
UFC 144 at Saitama Arena in Saitama, Japan
Pettis def. Lauzon via KO (head kick), Rd 1, 1:22

Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim
UFC 142 at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Barboza def. Etim via KO (spinning wheel kick), Rd 3, 2:02

Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard
UFC 150 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Cerrone def. Guillard via KO (head kick, punch), Rd 1, 1:16

Brian Rogers vs. Vitor Vianna
Bellator 61 at Horseshoe Riverdome in Bossier City, La.
Rogers def. Vianna via KO (flying-knee), Rd 1, 4:14

Submissions of the Year

Charles Oliveira vs. Eric Wisely
UFC on Fox 2 at the United Center in Chicago, Ill.

Charles Oliveira (B) setting up calf slicer on Eric Wisely (T). (Photo courtesy of Yahoo)

Oliveira’s debut in the featherweight division wasn’t the only new thing on display.

Oliveira initiated attack by utilizing hard leg kicks. Oliveira, on the defensive side, caught a kick from Wisely and tripped his opponent to the mat. Oliveira worked his ground and pound before dropping back for a heel hook, which Wisely defended, but put himself in a worst position. Oliveira switched to a calf slicer, which made Wisely tap out in agony.

Oliveira clocked in the submission victory at 1:43 Round 1. The calf slicer Oliveira executed was the first-ever in the UFC.

Noteworthy submissions of the year:

Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate
Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Tate at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
Rousey def. Tate via submission (armbar), Rd 1, 4:27

Nate Diaz vs. Jim Miller
UFC on Fox 3 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J.
Diaz def. Miller via submission (guillotine-choke), Rd 2, 4:09

Martin Kampmann vs. Thiago Alves
UFC on FX 2 at Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia
Kampmann def. Alves via ubmission (guillotine-choke), Rd 3, 4:12

Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier
UFC on Fuel TV 3 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.
Jung def. Poirier via submission (d’arce choke), Rd 4, 1:07

Fights of the Year

Jim Miller vs. Joe Lauzon
UFC 155 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Joe Lauzon (R) and Jim Miller (L) battle at UFC 155. (Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report)

Miller bloodied Lauzon to the point that the canvas looked like a Hollywood crime scene.

Miller rushed Lauzon with punches and elbows that found their way through the “TUF 5” participant’s defense. Lauzon had a deep gash on his forehead and blood streaming down his face. Referee Herb Dean interrupted the match to have a cageside doctor inspect the cut. Lauzon was approved to continue fighting and the bout commenced again, which resulted in Miller battering his opponent until the end of Round 1.

Lauzon entered Round 2 with a horrific cut on his brow and a laceration on the top of his head. Miller continued to bring the pain to Lauzon, but fortunately for the Boston native, he avoided additional significant cuts. Miller was up 2-0 after the second frame, but the third stanza exhibited some of Lauzon’s skill set.

Though, Lauzon was overworked and punished to a bloody mess, Miller seemed to have emptied his gas tank in his efforts to finish his foe. Lauzon took advantage and began winning the exchanges on their feet. Lauzon didn’t put Miller in much trouble in the striking department, however, he did go for a flashy finish in the dying seconds. Lauzon dropped to the mat, intentionally, and swept Miller’s legs out in an attempt the secure a heel hook. Miller said following the bout that the submission was on tight, but he got out of the lock. As Miller slipped out of the heel hook, Lauzon latched on a guillotine-choke until time ran out in the fight.

It was a lightweight classic that took place on the final UFC card of 2012, in which Miller picked up a unanimous decision (29-28×3) victory. The match won “Fight of the Night” honors. The nightly bonus was Jim Miller’s fifth, and No. 12 for Lauzon.

Noteworthy fights of the year:

Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier
UFC on Fuel TV 3 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.
Jung def. Poirier via submission (d’arce choke), Rd 4, 1:07

Joe Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner
UFC on Fox 4 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
Lauzon def. Varner via submission (triangle-choke), Rd 3, 2:44

Jake Ellenberger vs. Diego Sanchez
UFC on Fuel TV 1 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Neb.
Ellenberger def. Sanchez via decision (29-28×3)

Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate
Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Tate at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
Rousey def. Tate via submission (armbar), Rd 1, 4:27

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