Saturday, June 27 Bob Sapp takes on up-and-comer Bobby Lashley at Ultimate Chaos (available on PPV). Lashley is an ex-WWE star as well as a three-time NCAA Champion and four-time All American wrestler in college. Sapp is an ex-NFL offensive lineman and pro-wrestler. Both men know this is a must-win for them; Sapp to gain American notoriety and Lashley to prove he's more than a flash in the pan.
The co-main event is Pedro Rizzo vs. Gilbert Yvel. Yvel is a Dutch Muay Thai practioner 30 of his 35 victories via (T)KO. Pedro Rizzo has wins over some of the top names in the MMA heavyweight division. Both coming off losses in Affliction to Josh Barnett and look to redeem themselves and prove to fans they aren't past their prime.
Other fights on this card include:
Chris Horodecki vs. William Sriyapai Din Thomas vs. Javier Vazquez Brett Cooper vs. Waachiim Spiritwolf
Tom Atencio, Affliction's Vice President, will enter his second professional fight with a 1-0 record facing fellow 1-0 professional fighter Randy Hedderick.
Available on pay-per-view this Saturday, June 27 at 9pm EST.
(via MMAMadness.com) The total payroll (disclosed) was $430,000; not including the $200,000 in Fight/Submission/Knock Out of the night bonuses handed out by the UFC.
Brad Blackburn: $18,000 ($9,000 win bonus) def. Edgar Garcia: $5,000
Tomasz Drwal: $15,600 ($7,000 win bonus)* def. Mike Ciesnolevicz: $6,400+
Nick Ospiczak: $16,000 ($8000 win bonus) def. Frank Lester: $8,000
Jason Dent: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus) def. Cameron Dollar: $8,000 * - Includes 20 percent of Ciesnolevicz's "show" money as a penalty for Ciesnolevicz failing to make weight + - Includes a 20 percent deduction/penalty that went to Drwal after Ciesnolevicz failed to make weight (Salaries via MMAjunkie.com )
For the first time in UFC history, three Fight of the Night bonuses were handed out along with the Submission and Knock Out of the night.The bonuses awarded each fighter an additional $25,000.
Bonus winners include:
Fight of the Night - Diego Sanchez-Clay Guida, Chris Lytle-Kevin Burns, and Joe Stevenson-Nate Diaz.
UFC 99: THE COMEBACK The UFC knows how to do it BIG when they are entering a new market. For their first German (and first main-land European) show they stacked the card with great shows and regional favorites.
Where to start?! What a fantastic card. Not only does it have SIX, instead of the normal five, Main Card fights (that's guaranteed viewing people!) but every fight is fantabulous!!
Rich "Ace" Franklin and Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva developed more than the normal "I'm gonna punch you in the face!" animosity once Rich started training with Anderson Silva, Wanderlei's old training partner. The Axe Murderer viewed it as a betrayal to not only train his opponent when the two had so much history together.
Questions have been brought as of late with Wanderlei now fighting at 185# could we soon be seeing a "Silva v Silva" match-up. I feel Wandy should have a few more fights at 185# (the fight with Franklin is at a catch-weight of 195#) before he gets a title shot... but with the potential hype already there and really no one else challenging Silva at 185 it could happen before the end of the year - A. Silva fights Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 in Philadelphia. My pick: Wanderlei via (T)KO late in the 2nd round.
Cheick Kongo v Cain Velasquez one has under-performed and one is just starting to make his climb to the top. In recent fights Kongo has had disappointing performances- his physical stature does not match his capabilities on most occasions. However, he was conquered his last three opponents by way of TKO; also, Cain is 3-0 inside the Octagon, all of those wins coming via TKO which makes for an interesting (and hopefully exciting) match-up. The ASU wrestler knows how to use his skill and power to muscle men to the ground and dominate with impressive G'n'P. My pick: Somebody is getting knock'd the F out. Kongo via (T)KO, 1st round.
Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic v Mostapha Al Turk... WOW! I'm amped to see Cro Cop back and after the media conference call the other day I'm even more stoked! CroCop explained that in the past "I was empty in the head," but now, "There is no Parliment, [I'm] staying out of everything else, all of the things that can take away my concentration." His conditioning "is good, I feel excellent! There is not a gram of fat [on me]." Look out Al Turk, talk can be cheap but if this holds any value the old CroCop is back and ready to kick your head off. My pick: CroCop via KO (head kick) 2nd round
Mike Swick v Ben Saunders no nasty grudge match here... just two excellent fighters. Both have won their last 3 outings and though no one is a fan of the decision with Swick's past and both guys' power I can't see this ending before the final bell. Both can stand and bang, and take it. Saunders has a strong enough jaw to withstand Swick's lighting fast hands and in return Swick has proven his agility by not being knocked out in the last 5 years. My pick:Swick via Split Dec.
Spencer Fisher v Caol Uno I give this one to experience. Caol has fought some of the top guys in MMA (Jens, Shinya Aoki, BJ, etc). Spencer... not so much. He's fought some great guys just not the caliber of opponents that Uno has faced. My pick:Uno via Uni Dec
Marcus Davis v Dan Hardy there isn't a fight I could be more excited for! I'm sure the trash talking and hype surrounding that only adds to my excitement, but really, even on paper, what a great fight!! Knock down, slug it out, bang til someone drops fest. I have to give the edge to Marcus though. With his boxing experience... and experience in general I have to believe he will be able to pull out a "W". My pick:Davis via (T)KO mid-3rd round
THE UFC TO OPEN THE FIRST EVER UFC GYM IN CA From the press release (via UFC):
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The UFC® Octagon™ isn’t just for fighters anymore. Now, for the first time in the 15-year history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, anyone - no matter how young or old – can experience what it’s like to train in the most exciting sport in the world thanks to the launch of the UFC® Gym™. UFC and New Evolution Fitness Company (NEFC) announced today that Concord, California will be the first home to the ultimate fitness destination, one that combines a complete UFC experience with mixed martial arts and fitness.
“We are excited to open our first UFC Gym, it’s going to have something for everyone in the family, from traditional mixed martial arts classes, to all-around fitness classes, personal training and a gym just for kids,” said Dana White, UFC President. “We are going to redefine the fitness industry, and get everyone excited about fitness again, starting with the first UFC Gym in Concord, California.” ... The first UFC Gym enrollment center is set to open on Wed. June 17th and is located at The Willows Shopping Center, 1975 Diamond Blvd in Concord, CA 94520. For additional information, click on UFCgym.com.
Earlier this year, UFC and NEFC announced a partnership with Welterweight Champion Georges “Rush” St-Pierre, and Lightweight Champion BJ “The Prodigy” Penn to build “St-Pierre” and “Penn” UFC Gyms, with locations planned for St-Pierre’s native city of Montreal and Penn’s home state of Hawaii.
Other gyms are on the agenda, though ultimately the success of the first gym will determine the fate of the others.
On August 15, will be a night of first: first woman’s MMA headlining event, first woman’s title contest and the first time the two most recognized figures of women’s MMA battle each other. After years of speculation the question of the “best” woman fighter will finally be answered- in the truest fashion possible: a 5 round meeting of the fists. The only question left is if they will both come in on weight. Both have struggled with the issue in the past; at the April 11 StrikeForce event "Cyborg" Santos originally weighed in seven-pounds over the 145 limit. Ultimately, she was given extra time to cut weight and dropped to 146 pounds, still several pounds over her opponent. For all her efforts, Gina Carano has also missed weight more than once. Originally she came if over weight for her Kobold, Evinger and Young fights. More than respect you have to take in the concept of the fighter’s health. Weight and hormones affect woman more so than men… woman gain water weight easily and naturally retain a higher body fat percentage. With both women dropping drastic weight in the past, on repeated occasions, you have to consider how they are physically affected by these grueling tasks.
Nevada ring-side physician, Margaret Goodman, explains “It [cutting so much weight] makes no sense physiologically and contributes to a lesser performance. Bottom line, irrespective of the weight class, if a fighter has to cut more than five pounds the week of the fight, they are either unprepared, unhealthy, or fighting in the wrong weight class.” The agreed upon weight of 145# is five more pounds than Carano’s most recent bouts, but is the same weight “Cyborg” Santos missed in April.
With the August match being for a title it’s assumed the CSAC will be less than lenient with weight regulations. I, for one, can only hope both women start getting their weight in check now and continue to work with nutritionist and dieticians… and let’s pray nobody has “girl problems”.
Before we get to this weekend EPIC UFC 99 fights let's review the awesome weekend of fights we were just blessed with...
WEC 41 At a glance:
MAIN CARD Mike Brown def. Urijah Faber via Uni Dec R5 (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) Jose Aldo def. Cub Swanson via TKO R1 M0:08 Donald Cerrone def. James Krause via Sub(RNC) R1 M4:38 Josh Grispi def. Jens Pulver via Sub (Guillotine)R1 M0:33
PRELIMINARY CARD Manny Gamburyan def. John Franchi via Uni Dec R3 (30-27) Rafael Rebello def. Kyle Dietz via Sub(RNC) R1 M2:55 Anthony Pettis def. Mike Campbell via Sub (Triangle) R1 M1:49 Antonio Banuelos def. Scott Jorgensen via Split Dec R3 (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Frank Gomez def. Noah Thomas via Sub (Side Choke) R2 M3:12 Seth Dikun def. Rolando Perez via Sub (Triangle) R1 M2:30
Though most all of these fights were fantastic we'll just cover the main card bouts.
Josh Grispi - Jens Pulver
PHOTO CREDIT: WEC.TV
Heartbreak! Jens was so ready, he looked so good.. but alas, Grispi got the better of him. Sinking in a tight Guillotine that Lil' Evil could not escape. In his post-fight interview Pulver made fans' hearts skip a beat when he initially sounded like he was announcing his retirement,
"It's tough. I started right here. I'm not going to be that guy who keeps saying I'm retiring but i think I just ended in the same place I started... [ed. note NOOOOOOOOOO!]... I'm not saying I'm done yet, but it's been incredible."
You can listen to Jens talk his defeat and his future tonight (Tuesday) at 6:30 PT, 9:30 ET on the Ground and Pound Radio Show, hosted on www.fightjungle.com .
Donald Cerrone - James Krause Few people knew who James Krause was going into this fight. He was 10-0 professionally, but against no one of recognition. Krause opened the bout with a leg kick, followed shortly by a take down. During a third take down attempt Cerrone caught his head in a guillotine which the two take to the ground. While on the ground the "Cowboy" took Krauses back and quickly ended the match with a Rear Naked Choke.
Jose Aldo - Cub Swanson Amazing KO.... and that's about how quick the fight was. Taken out in all of 8 seconds Swanson wont be quick to forget Aldo.
PICTURE CREDIT: Zuffa, LLC
Mike Brown - Urijah Faber What a war!! Faber broke his right hand in the second round (pictures below) but continued for the final 3 rounds. It wasn't the K.O. we saw last time, but this fight was a fight! Who knows if we'll see a 3rd meeting after Urijah's hand is healed... but with this match drawing record attendence AND profits for the WEC I wouldn't doubt it. Urijah's hand after the fight and him going into surgery.
PHOTO CREDIT: URIJAHFABER.COM
STRIKEFORCE I don't think I picked any fight correctly. At a glance:
MAIN CARD Jake Shields def. Robbie Lawler via Sub(Guillotine) R1 M2:02 Brett Rogers def. Andrei Arlovski via KO (Punches) R1 M0:22 Nick Diaz def. Scott Smith via Sub (RNC) R3 M1:41 Joe Riggs def. Phil Baroni via Uni Dec (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Mike Whitehead def. Kevin Randleman via Uni Dec (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD Jesse Finney def. Josh Baumgartner via Sub (Kimura) R1 M1:55 Mike Kyle def. Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante via TKO (Strikes) R2 M4:05 Booker DeRousse def. James Wade via TKO R1 M4:06 Tyron Woodley def. Sal Woods via Sub (Anaconda Choke) R1 M4:20 Lucas Lopes def. Scott Ventimiglia via DQ (Illegal Knee) R1 M3:26 Pat Benson def. Dave Cochran via Sub (Armbar) R1 M2:18
Mike Whitehead - Kevin Randleman Good fight by both guys... Mike Whitehead was just he better guy that night. Both guys work out at great gyms and it showed. I'm not a fan of "stepping stone" fights, but with Randleman being out for a while and all he had going on Whitehead was not an easy opponent.
Nick Diaz - Scott Smith What can I say, Smith was just out-matched that night. Diaz has a great ground game and a equally as good stand up. Smith is no push over, he is a great muay thai guy and has KO power; however, Satuday night Diaz beat him on every field. Congratulations to him, but I can't wait to see Smith back in the cage.
Brett Rogers - Andrei Arlovski This fight ended exactly opposite of how it should have. Don't misunderstand, I don't want to take anything away from Rogers. He's one of the up-and-coming heavyweights to watch for... but Andrei is the ex-champ and should have had a better showing. Rogers' finish was impressive though. Is there any way to work on Andrei's jaw. He's been boxing with one of the top coaches for over a year but keeps showing the only thing that seems to be constant is his glass jaw. Andrei is supposed to have his professional boxing debut in 3 weeks (if he's medically cleared), we'll see how he performs then.
Jake Shields - Robbie Lawler Again, picked this one wrong. I thought Lawler's hands would take care of things for him... apparently not! Shields used his impecible ground game to choke out Lawler half way through the first round.
My interview with DaMarques originally was slated to be featured as our weekly “20 Questions”; however, after a few conversations he made me realize that he’s not the cocky, arrogant persona I thought I knew from TUF. He’s endearing and charming and funny… and that’s just the beginning. Somehow he just has this way of making you feel relaxed talking to him- it’s not a “normal” interview by any means. My “normal” interview with a fighter consists of gaining their e-mail and letting them fill in their answers whenever their schedule permits. Most fighters take about a week, but they are training and running schools and busy so it’s totally understandable… but DaMarques was different. He responded to my interview request within 12 hours and we were on the phone 8 hours later. I explained that I normally e-mail (for their convenience), but he seemed more comfortable with a phone interview, and thank God he did or I would have never discovered that we’ve all been duped by SpikeTV and TUF. Not to blame them; they have certain “personas” to fill and DaMarques is just cocky enough often enough to fill that persona.
He’ll admit that his attitude “never turns off, that’s what people don’t get. Being cocky is a small portion of who I am.” It is, a very small portion, but he’s also much, much more. A MMA fan since age 10, Johnson grew up the poor kid on the west side of the highway in Salt Lake City, UT (if you’re from there you know what the West-side is like). His first taste of the UFC was in 93’ when Ken Shamrock took on Royce Gracie and the love grew from there. For DaMarques MMA isn’t everything in life, it just makes life better. It provides him with a means to support his child and give him a role model he can be proud of. Before joining the military Johnson had gotten into some trouble as a kid; he had a choice- join the military and make something of your life, or go to jail and end up on a path all too familiar to kids he grew up with.
During his time in the military the long hours were filled by watching current UFC and MMA greats compete. Ultimately he decided “I think I could do that” and started training. While completing his 8 year stint with both the Army and National Guard DaMarques found time to train. Taking advantage of veteran UFC fighter, Jeremy Horn, owning a gym in Sandy, UT (a suburb of Salt Lake), Johnson soon found himself taking classes and fine tuning his skills. With only a few months in a professional gym Johnson stepped inside the cage for the first time. Walking away with a loss, DaMarques was more determined than ever to get in the gym and hone in his skills.
After four years of fighting in smaller, regional shows Damarques took the leap and tried out for UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter ninth season. With a first round TKO of Muay Thai specialist, Ray Elbe, to get into the house the Utah-native showed what he was made of early. The move into the house was little more than Johnson expected, "I expected it to suck! The lack of family and friends. Having to live with people you would eventually fight. I didn't expect much." There's no reason for him to expect more than that. There are countless post-TUF accounts of fighters saying they'd never to the house again, but doing it once can change everything. On his way to the finals, in DaMarques' Preliminary fight he finished Brit, Dean Amasinger via triangle choke in the first round- boosting the score to 2-1. With that push the Americans then went on to settle up at 4-4 going into the semi-finals. With less than a week left in the house the semi-finals pitted DaMarques against Nick Osipczak. USA team-member Jason Pierce pulled a Benedict Arnold and tipped off Team U.K.’s David Faulkner how DaMarques trained and what his strengths were. Viewers at home were weary of the outcome when this was aired… knowing the ins-and-outs of an opponent can be the difference between a W or an L. However, DaMarques showed heart and heaps of skill with his Unanimous Decision finish of his British counterpart.
Since getting home and out of The Ultimate Fighter house Johnson has had time to relax a little more and focus on more than just training… like his kid. DaMarques’ “little man” turned 4 recently and they celebrated with a Batman themed birthday; for DaMarques it was the perfect day. He’s not a party type of guy, he’d rather hang out with his son and girlfriend than go out clubbing and get drunk. When asked who, if given the chance, he would spend a day with the answer took no time to think of “my dad, he died when I was nine, and my mentor Steve, he died on my birthday in ’04.” It’s not the typical “Muhammed Ali” or “Bruce Lee”, just the two guys he feels he didn’t get enough time with.
After the time I've spent talking to DaMarques Johnson it's hard to sum him up in a few words, but I'll try: Funny, Charismatic, Personable.
Tomorrow: Reviewing StrikeForce and WEC41. The end of Jens?
LEGALIZE MMA After years of getting shot down MMA in NY made it a step further. On Wednesday the New York State Assembly on Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports passed Bill-2009B with a 14-6 margin. YAY!!
TUF 10... Kimbo? This week it was announced that Kimbo Slice (Kevin Ferguson) would be a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights (the series' tenth season). Though it's reassuring to see that he's not afraid to kick Kimbo off if need be. Still... it's Kimbo Slice and he's getting in bed with the UFC. Though the Pres. said it's not about ratings, why else would they bring him on. Dana has always spouted that there is NO WAY Kimbo would get into the UFC unless he goes through TUF- but does he have to win?
TUF 10- the coaches Rashad talks in the video below about why he took this opportunity so soon after a loss. He sums it up well (and ever amusingly), "What am I going to do, sit in the dark and hold myself?" Is that what you call it?? I think having been on the show he will be able to relate to the guys and the stress brought on by being stuck in a house for 6 weeks.
Rampage is Effin' crazy ya'll. Sorry, had to throw it out in the air... now that I've said what you are all thinking. When you have somebody saying, "I get thougths like sometimes I just want to jump on him. Some things he says just triggers thoughts go through my mind; I don't like those kind of thoughts. I dunno if I'll go to jail... two professional fighters get in a fight on a show. Is that criminal?" Yeah 'Page, pretty sure that's a no-no. Keep the temper under control. According to your tweets: "Day 2 of my new job, it's gonna be hard working around a person you wanna knock out..11:58 PM Jun 2nd" and "Very proud of myself in Vegas.. Not partying everyday, just working & training.5:25 PM Jun 3rd" So far so good:
WEEK OF ANNOUNCEMENTS In addition to the UFC announcing the TUF 10 Coaches and Kimbo being a cast member they also added a new Chief Marketing Officer, Bryan Johnston. - The UFC also announced that Ultimate Fight Night 19 would air Sept. 16 just before The Ultimate Fighter 10 season premiere. UFC19 will be held in Oklahoma City, OK at the Cox Convention Center. As of right now no fighters have been connected to the event. - Heading 300 miles south for UFC103 will take place in Dallas, Texas at a yet-to-be-determined-venue. Rumored bouts for the card are:
New CMO, Bryan Johnston at Zuffa Headquarters Las Vegas, NV (PC: Josh Hedges)
Wednesday evening Zuffa announced they have brought on Bryan Johnston to take the position of Chief Marketing Officer (C.M.O.). Bryan comes to Zuffa with 20+ years of experience in the sports industry backed by an impressive resume. After several years with Adidas-Salomon developing marketing strategies and handling athlete contract negotiations, Johnston was hired as Burton Snowboards V.P. of Marketing. Burton Snowboards is the leading snowboard equipment and apparel manufacture (I happen to ride one). According to the official Zuffa press release, While with Burton, Johnston "cultivated the company brand image and coordinated its message and vision through group initiatives including marketing, new media, corporate alliances and media relations."
Dana White, UFC President, said: "With his experience and leadership in brand marketing, Bryan is a great addition to the company just as we are getting ready to go global. I’m excited to have Bryan on board, and look forward to working with him on all of our company plans and goals.”
Johnston added, “I am honored to be a part of UFC, and to have this opportunity to work with Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta [Zuffa, LLC co-owner] and their team. What they’ve accomplished with this sport is amazing; I’m excited to be a part of taking UFC to the next level as a global and lifestyle sport.”
Bryan Johnston's addition to the Zuffa taem may be more than a growth-forced expantion. For weeks rumors have swirled of a "deal" Dana will soon announce. MMA sites and reports alike have speculated as to what the announcement that will, "change the UFC and MMA forever" could be. Johnston's presence may add credibility to the tease of a sport-changing deal that is yet-to-be-announced.
California Appoints Interim CEO The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) announced Tuesday they have appointed retired medical board member Dave Thornton to the position of Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.). Thornton was a member of the California Medical Board for over 32 years holding positions both as the Chief of Enforcement as well as the Executive Director. The CEO position was vacated late last year (Nov.) by Armando Garcia who resigned after a sexual-harassment scandal forced him from office.
It has not been determined how long Dave Thornton will hold the CEO position. Several candidates are being considered for the opportunity. The board votes all new members in and a date has yet to be set for any replacement to be make their case for the position.
Miss something? Questions? Comments? E-mail me: samantha.lynn.johnson@gmail.com
Tomorrow: Week's End Wind Down, Previewing StrikeForce and WEC41 + more...
Today the New York State Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports passed Bill 2009-B (regarding MMA legalization in NY). After a 20-minute rant by bill opposition leader Bob Reilly (boooo!), including a less than convincing video presentation; followed by a 20-minute speech by Assemblyman Jonathan Bing -who favors the bill- (Yay!!) the bill passed with a 14-6 margin.
Now the bill will move to the Codes Committee who will review the legal side of the bill and if/ WHEN it passes the bill will then be sent to the assembly floor for a final vote.
With the vote today taking less than 30 minutes, the hardest part is past us. In 12 years the bill has never made it passed the Committee.
The state of New York banned MMA in 1997, two years after UFC 7: Brawl in Buffalo took place. When the bill is finalized and MMA is legal in the Big Apple once again the UFC plans to hold an event in NY's Madison Square Garden early 2010.
After a way too long hiatus I'm back and promise to make this more frequent. I know I've been lagging lately. Apologies. Let's get started shall we?
DANA'S "BIG" NEWS Monday Dana announced (via his v*log)that Kimbo Slice (yes, the same street-fighting, Kimbo that Dana previously seriously talked trash on) will be joining the cast of The Ultimate Fighter 10- "The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights" where he can compete for a spot in the UFC. In the past Dana has said this would be the only way he'd ever even consider letting Kimbo fight under the UFC banner... but who of us thought it would ever really happen? Not I. For the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, Dana and the boys are switching things up. Originally there were supposed to be Middleweights and Heavyweights on the show competing for ultimately two titles. The cast will now feature only 16 heavyweights. Also veering from the norm all 16 fighter have automatically been accepted into the house- no fighting for beds this time. Kimbo was featured in DW's v*log later in the episode commenting on how he feels about Dana talking trash on him, "the greatest revenge is success... 'know what I'm sayin'?" Yeah Kimbo, we get it... you want to win TUF so you can continue getting a steady paycheck. Unfortunately brother, past performances are suggesting you might be a free agent sooner than you'd like... know what I'm sayin'?
AFFLICTION III- A GOOD CARD? That's right people... I said it, I'm genuinely excited to see who else is added to the Affliction III August 1 card because so far it's looking pretty good. Thus far there have been 4 fights announced and/or confirmed. First, Chris Horodecki will face Dan Lauzon. The 12-1 "Polish Hammer" impressed many with his power in the ill-fated IFL and has be been a free agent since the organization went kaput early last year. Even if he doesn't finish a fight he always makes them interesting. The younger Lauzon brother is coming of a round 1 RNC over Bobby Green at Affliction's last outing in January. Winning all but two of his 14 fights, Dan has proven that he's good at the family business and may one day join older brother Joe on the UFC payroll.
Horodecki's fellow Team Tompkins teammate Mark Hominick (16-8-0)will go up against Kansans City boy L.C. Davis. Davis, an American Jiu-Jitsu Academy trained fighter is 13-2 with his only losses coming from Wagnney Fabiano and -most recently- Michihiro Omigawa. Fresh off the Omigawa loss (at Sengoku in March) Davis is looking to get back on the winning side of things.
The first of two fights I'm really looking forward to is Gegard Mousasi vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral. Gegard is the former DREAM MW belt holder and Babalu is a 32-8 badass. Mousasi was originally rumored to be facing Vitor Belfort though a disagreement about what weight to meet at forced Affliction to scrap the bout and book the two with other opponents. Which leads to the other fight I'm really excited for at Affliction III.
PHOTO CREDIT: SENGOKU-OFFICIAL.COM & FIGHTTICKER.COM Vitor Belfort vs. Jorge Santiago. Belfort is a UFC and PRIDE veteran who's January fight against Matt Lindland left "The Law" convulsing on the canvas. ATT's Santiago is 9-0 in his last nine fights and has finished every one of them... impressively might I add. Both Santiago and Belfort are skilled on the ground and standing so wherever this fight goes it will be an edge-of-your-seat battle.
No surprise here, the headlining event at Affliction III is Fedor vs. Josh Barnett.
CHAEL SONNEN CONTINUES TO PERPLEX ME In this YouTube ramble Chael Sonnen began by quoting JFK's "Ask not what your country can do for you" speech and it's a tailspin from there. I get he's trying to rally the other "Zuffa employees" to stop being little beeches and complaining about everything but he takes it a little far when he starts comparing Dana to Warren Buffet. "If Warren Buffet wrote a book and Dana White wrote a book on business I would read Dana White's book every time." Really, every time? I also feel Dana is a tremendous businessman, but to liken him to Warren Buffet hold him on a pedestal higher than Everest is a little much.
I'll leave you with this video of Jens Pulver. Watch it and tell me you don't love him (even in that man-crush sort of way). He's just so humble and down to earth you can't help but like him. Good luck against Grispi Jens!!
