Enter Blue Guy

I hate MMA fans. No matter how hard MMA outlets push his NCAA credentials and the fact he is an athletic freak of nature, fans act like Brock is still WWF champion, coming down to the ring with a steel chair, rather than a camp that is front lined by Sean Sherk and Erik Paulson.

People all over the place are discrediting Brock.

"He hit a lucky shot." A freight train fist square to the temple from a raging bull ready and willing to throw leather is not luck.

"He was gassing." Yeah, it looked like he might have been going to that way. But then he won.

"Randy took a dive." Re. Tards.

The fight was like any other Randy Couture game planned fight, the only problem was Randy had little success offensively. He could not get Brock on his back against the fence (though he tried his damnedest), he couldn't get anything going in the clinch (Brock's knee says hi), nor could put together an effective combo standing up to set up an opening for anything, as Brock was ready to respond with his canned hams. The only thing Randy could put into effect was holding the clinch against the fence and wearing him down, which was working, but Brock was way too much for Randy to wash, rinse, repeat that strategy until Brock was truly gassed out and vulnerable.

I don't think anybody really understands the power of Brock until they feel it the form of a shot to the head. I really, REALLY liked Brock having none of Randy trying to transition to the back. I mean Randy's reversals and stand ups were more impressive, but Brock looked like a total pro in grabbing that leg just as Joe Rogan was about to bust a nut into 50's grill. Something so basic, I know, but it still comes off like Brock is fulfilling his potential. I was even impressed that he almost got full mount on Randy, considering it's Randy Couture, the man who wrote the book on full mount.

His battering ram stand up that has put down all three of his very tough UFC opponents to the mat, his bull rush shots, his beastly wrestling ability, and the fact he is still getting better makes me think that it could only a matter of time until Brock Lesnar is known for MMA, not pro wrestling. Not to mention the guy looks like he was taken straight out of a comic book or a video game or Greek mythology or something. Plus all that interest from wrestling fans who don't necessarily watch MMA too... Brock Lesnar = Money for the UFC.

Also, wrestling fans seem to be taking some perverse pleasure out a guy who wrestled purely for the money, for a relatively short period of time, coming in and winning the UFC HW title. It's almost as fucked as the blind elitist MMA fans not wanting anything to do with Brock Lesnar.

Reljic's debut was impressive. After watching Wilson get hit with like 50 head kicks, even my head hurt. Goran was so fierce that fight that you kind of forget that it wasn't a one sided fight, Wilson had opportunities to finish and fuck, it took a battering ram to eventually KO him. I like Thales to have his way with Goran on the ground.

Die Hard then Live Free or Die Hard.

*Welterweight Championship Bout: Georges St. Pierre © vs. Jon Fitch - 3rd round TKO

Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring - 2nd round submission

Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta - Decision

Rob Emerson vs. Manny Gamburyan - Decision

Jason MacDonald vs. Demian Maia - 1st round TKO (I'm scratching my head on why I picked that, for some reason, it feels right)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Luke Cummo vs. Tamdan McCrory - 2nd round KO

Dan Evensen vs. Cheick Kongo - 1st round KO

Joe Joes vs. Andre Gusmao - 1st round submission

Steve Bruno vs. Chris Wilson - Decision

Jared Rollins vs. Ben Saunders - 2nd round TKO

I'm away for the weekend, so I'll try to have the results up by Sunday night or sometime on Monday.

That's certainly not an educated guess, that total comes to 12 not 11

Why it does. Geh. I've officially been designated to the Canaduh region of the country.

Handball on TSN sounds fun.

When do the female gymnastics events commence? I feel the need leer in the direction of jailbait.

I mean, GO CANADA!

I say Canada gets 11 medals. One gold, five silver, and six bronze. That's not an educated guess, that's throwing something out there for the sake of it.

I have no idea what happened to the RINGS library. I know Fedor had a bunch of RINGS bouts up on his website at one time. Besides that, it's difficult to find any footage or even info about the damn promotion. I haven't looked real hard, as I don't have much interest in it.

Sherdog is saying that the merger of the 185 and 205 divisions of WEC and UFC could happen within months.

Ok, besides Filho moving over, this isn't so much about merging two divisions for the sake of deepening competition as it is to make room for more of the lighter weights in WEC.

Cantwell, Stann... That's pretty much your WEC LHW division right there. I honestly like both of these guys as MMA prospects. In the UFC, these guys are easily nothing more than depth right now and I'd hate to see their potential wasted being thrown into fights they are way over their head in. Which I don't think the UFC will be doing, they'll keep them in prelims or possibly on Spike to start off.

This far without Layla in Goodfellas?

For shame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAvgCloTNI0

In my defense, I was coming to post that. I swear.

The music in Goodfellas is spot on through the whole thing.

The scenes from the nonstop mad dash around town, with the guns, the cooking, and the helicopter and shit. The whole thing has to be like 10-15 minutes, all with different songs mashed into it. My favorite specific part is when Henry is driving, looking for the helicopter, all coked out and paranoid, paying no attention to the road, the lyrics "I want it, I want it, I want it..." from Magic Bus are in the background, and he almost hits the car stopped in front of him. It's all classic, that just sticks out as my favorite bit.

Terminator 2. The truck chase.

I had no idea that was exclusive to Japan. I haven't seen it since last year, it was pretty good, but hard to watch in one sitting. If you are looking for a PRIDE history lesson, this is awesome. It gets a little boring if you are up on the history already. Regardless, still a good watch.

As for comparing to the Smashing Machine... Sorry man, the Pride Decade is a glorified highlight reel compared to the Smashing Machine. And I meant that in a way in which I don't sound like a dick.

News bit stolen from Sherdog forums, they stole it from Dave Meltzer. Because no news is safe.

“Huerta, who has one fight left on his contact after the Florian fight, is far apart with UFC on terms for a renewal. Huerta, who has gotten a new agent, was asking for six-figures guaranteed per fight as well as points on the PPV, in negotiations that haven’t gone well for some time. That’s a better deal then [bJ] Penn, so he wasn’t going to get it. The UFC position is that they groomed Huerta and pushed him hard and were careful of his opponents, with the exception of Clay Guida….”

Clearly if Roger can have the same success with an up competition, he is going to be a star and you don't want to lose him to an upstart promotion like Affliction. But right now, he is not worth the money he is asking and all the UFC needs is Florian to get his arm raised to justify it. So you got your potential future face of 155, who has got an appeal that could possibly lead to fame outside the sport, but he wants the money that he would deserve when he reaches that potential, now.

As much as I have grown to love Roger, Guida is his lone prize trophy right now. The infusion of youth into 155 since it's return, Roger putting together a nice streak, consistent FOTN outings, and the poster boy potential has really helped him stand away from the pack. Fighting for a title shot is a bit premature, but he's got the hype and excitement, so it makes sense givien we are still in the Sherk/Penn hangover and there aren't many challengers worthy of a shot more than Roger is really. It's quite the situation to try to wrap your head around.

There are so many possible scenarios could come about follow the outcome of Huerta/Florian, I can't even attempt to throw a guess out there as to what will happen to Roger Huerta's future.

Anything interesting that comes from a Meltzer newsletter (as opposed to the free daily updates), I try to paraphrase and post here.

That's why there will be a special spot in heaven for you and those who as you do.

Ibarra Speaks

Source, MMAJunkie

Juanito Ibarra, a central figure as both trainer and mentor in the life of Quinton Jackson over the past three-plus years, is struggling to come to grips with the fighter's recent actions and subsequent arrest.

Ibarra told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) Tuesday night that he has not spoken with Jackson since the former UFC light heavyweight champion was arrested by Costa Mesa police July 15, following an alleged hit-and-run accident and subsequent police chase on a California freeway.

"I'm devastated by what he's been through and some of the things I've heard," said Ibarra. "I've not sat down with Quinton to this day to discuss things. I pray for his well-being, and if I helped Quinton out a little bit with his growth in the sport, then I've been very blessed and honored to do that. I love this kid with all my heart, and I wish him nothing but the best."

Ibarra forged a bond with Jackson following the fighter's loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in April of 2005. The longtime boxing and MMA trainer saw the potential in the fellow born-again Christian, and sought an audience with the then-PRIDE Fighting favorite. A successful fighter-trainer partnership and friendship ensued, as Ibarra helped guide Jackson to six straight wins, including a victory over Chuck Liddell in May of last year that earned Jackson a UFC title.

Out of respect for his relationship with Jackson, Ibarra declined to discuss speculation about this status as Jackson's trainer until the two have had a chance to talk.

"I'm not going to get in to storytelling. ... It's not what I'm about," Ibarra told MMAjunkie.com. "I haven't sat down with Quinton Jackson, and I'm not going to hear things through sources and through people. This is a kid I've been with for almost four years. I have nothing but love and support for him. All I want for Quinton right now is what's best for him. Whatever he needs from me in any way, I'm here for him and always have been."

Ibarra has tried to stay focused on his work with Cheick Kongo as the Frenchman prepares for his fight Saturday at UFC 87. Kongo is set to face UFC newcomer Dan Evensen.

Jackson, meanwhile, could face additional charges in the case after a pregnant Huntington Beach woman, who was reportedly injured in the hit-and-run crash, suffered a miscarriage.

Steve Sievert is the lead staff writer and business columnist for MMAjunkie.com. He is also for the former MMA beat writer and lead blogger for the Houston Chronicle.

Longer than a single scene, but from the Sopranos, the first episode of season 3. I don't know the name of the instrumental piece, but it plays when they are trying to plant the bug in Tony's basement. Then it cuts in to "Every Breath You Take" when they show Tony in the car. The whole time you are rooting pretty hard for Tony to come home before they set up the bug. EDIT: Ok, so the song is called Peter Gunn Theme by Henry Mancini... I thought some dude name Peter Gunn wrote it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGOoyI6vTNQ That's the song, not the scene.

Set to the actual scenes, it's freaking amazing. One of my favorite Sopranos episodes. Soprano's always rocks the key music at the right times.

I haven't experienced the injury for myself, so I don't know, but he's been milking a hand injury for years now. My guess is Fedor doesn't want to risk further injuring his hand in October and give up a pay day on New Years Eve. He hasn't missed an NYE paycheck in five years and he's already expressed that he does not want that streak to end this year.

If anybody has any Meltzer news and is kind enough to share it, that would be awesome. He has some pretty cool news and eventually you can find it other places, but you have to filter through so much sourceless crap first to make sure where you are getting it from.

Anybody see WEC? If you get a chance, watch it! Very good event. Main event was very entertaining. Most likely it'll end up being a FOTYC. I watched the whole thing this morning. I suggest you do to. Watch Miura/Condit at the very least if you haven't.

Nate Marquardt vs. Martin Kampmann is on for UFC 88.

I like this fight a lot. I like Kampman, he's got a nice streak going, he's been in some tough battles and won, and he's still relatively young at 26, so he's still got a bright future ahead of him.

Still, I think Nate takes this fight. Kampmann will bring the fight to him, but Nate is gonna want this one bad, big opportunity to make for that SD loss. Plus, Kampmann already has a win over Leites. I don't know if that counts for anything, but it felt like the right time to bring it up.

Roger Huerta has a problem. And he's angry!

This comes from an article in the pages of the newest issue of Fight! Magazine that is on newsstand's now. Thanks To Fiveouncesofpain.com for pulling the quote:

Huerta is one of a growing number of Zuffa-contracted fighter who feel that there is a disconnection between the company’s success and the way fighters are compensated. Huerta’s disillusionment with the UFC began when he did press tours for his employer in Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, and London and received a $50 per diem for his troubles. It sounds like a a good deal until you factor in time away from training, friends, and family, days often stretch twelve hours or more, and an exchange rate of one UK pound for two American dollars. “Why do you think I don’t do PR for the UFC any more?” he asks.

He’s also unhappy with the terms of his current contract, but to Huerta, the press tours underscore a larger point: by and the large, Zuffa does not treat its contracted fighters with sufficient loyalty or respect. He argues that many UFC fighters noly make enough to cover their training expenses. He brings up teammate Keith Jardine repeatedly, incensed that a main event fighter is working for ten and ten- $10k to show and 10k to win - while his opponent regularly makes ten times as much.

Huerta’s expression hardens and becomes more animated as talk turns to endorsements. The common counter-argument for complaints about fighter pay is that fighters often make more from endorsements and sponsorships than they do for competing. But Huerta has soured on the system after receiving lowball offers from companies who expect fighters to jump at the chance to endorse products. He rails against a Fortune 500 company for offering a deal to build him as a spokesman that included unpaid work. “Are you serious?” Huerta ask. “I know Dale Earnhardt Jr isn’t doing appearances for free.”

“The truth is, I don’t really care if I fight in the UFC or somewhere else,” Huerta says. The fighter says he understands that Zuffa has to keep an eye on the bottom line, but he wants to work, “For a company that is as loyal to me as I am to them.”

I cannot wait for the Dana White reaction. This will be fun.

If I'm Dana, I do not want to lose Huerta. So I'm thinking damage control. Or I'm praying Kenny Florian makes Huerta into 30 seconds of work while Goldy changes Rogan's diaper after witnessing the raw awesomeness of KenFlo's authentic Muay Thai expertise.

Word this morning is six teams are showing interest in Mats Sundin. August 1st turns into "sometime in the month of August".

Honestly, I don't see him coming back here. Who ever thinks Mats still showing interest in the Leafs is anything more than an "I'm sorry, but I'm fucking out of here" is crazy. It was probably a tough decision to get over but there is a ridiculous offer waiting out West, to play in a hockey city, on a team I think he fits in very well with, and he can still keep close to his business ventures he has in Canada.

Mats, I love you, but you are a fucking moron if you don't take this offer!

I was browsing over Fedor's record, in his 28 wins, 17 of them have come inside of five minutes. Ten of them finished inside two minutes. Four wins under a minute, with about three or four more not too far over a minute. 21 of his wins have been stoppages. Pretty impressive.

I don't know who that is, but I found that funny. I guess he's with Affliction? I haven't seen their debut yet, just the highlights on the MMA weekly news show that HDNet has. Was the Fedor/Sylvia fight as quick as it looked? I'm guessing so.

The Fedor/Tim fight was a highlight package in itself. Chances are they showed the whole fight and it just looked like highlights. The whole thing was 36 seconds long.

Again, doube post. I should really check the news sites before I make my first post of the day. My bad.

Both news bits stolen from MMANews.com

Rampage Update, fires Juanito, return date?

The following is from an article on SI.com in which Josh Gross talks about Quinton "Rampage" Jackson firing his manager and trainer Juanito Ibarra and how Jackson could return in November for a third fight with Wanderlei Silva, pending mental state

Everything, save the pact between Jackson and Ibarra. With defeat as the impetus, Jackson responded to rough terrain by relieving the trainer of his duties, though "bottom line, somehow, someway it all involves money," said the fighter's friend.

As an Aug. 15 court date approaches for the 30-year-old father of four, a search for a new representation is underway. And, though he is only two weeks removed from an incident that allegedly sent pedestrians scurrying for their lives, the UFC is said to be interested in a November return for Rampage with a third fight against Silva.

His appearance in the cage will depend primarily on his mental state. But, as Jackson says himself, everything happens for a reason.

Also, Old UFC>New EXC

Spike TV sent along the following release:

Need proof the UFC is the preeminent mixed martial arts brand in the world? On Saturday, July 26, more men 18-34 watched a repeat…a repeat…of a UFC event on Spike TV than a LIVE telecast of a Pro EliteXC championship card on CBS. Despite being available in over 17 million more homes, Spike TV drew 27% more Men 18-34 for a re-broadcast of “UFC 84: Penn vs. Sherk” from (9:00-12:00am ET/PT) than CBS’s live show (9:00-11:00pm). Spike TV’s telecast tallied 433,000 Men 18-34 to CBS’s 341,000.

Overall, “UFC 84: Penn vs. Sherk” drew higher ratings than Pro EliteXC in Men 18-49 (1.5 to 1.3) and Men 18-34 (1.5 and 1.0).

Reminiscent of the XFL’s rating collapse years ago, the CBS telecast was 69% lower in Men 18-34 and 57% lower with Men 18-49 than its initial broadcast on CBS in May featuring the “He Hate Me” of MMA, Kimbo Slice.

Compared to last week’s live Spike TV UFC telecast featuring arguably the best pound for pound fighter in the world, Anderson Silva, the UFC outdrew CBS by 165% with Men 18-34, 82% with Men 18-49, and 21% with total viewers.

It was an inspired effort for EXC to try and follow up with Lawler/Smith II, but EXC cannot sell diddly without Kimbo Slice. CBS gotta eat and Robbie Lawler isn't going to feed them on Prime Time Network television.

This needs to come to Toronto.

I can't remember which movie it was, but it was the first one I saw and it must have been like 12 years ago.... The scene were Chong (I think) covers the grow op in the pool with a tarp and pretends like he's swimming in it is my favorite part of any movie.

If I could just remember what movie it was from. I have a bunch on VHS, but I haven't had a VCR since 2003-04. I went through a phase in grade 9 and 10 were I was obsessed Cheech and Chong. That one with the pool scene I do not have. I have Up in Smoke, Still Smokin', Next Movie, and one I taped off television that I don't know the name of.

Fuck, I haven't watched those movies in soooo long. I'm so depressed that I have no method to watch. Oh well, the internet is a hell of a tool.

I love Maia. His BJJ is on another level. I don't know what type of fighter he'll turn into for sure, but training is so complete and efficient these days that I'd be stupid myself not to think he's working his ass off to go from ADCC ace to rounded MMA fighter. He's looked very good so far, he should only be getting better. I'd say there's still a lot of proving to done in order to being considered for the belt. I like Leben or Bisping as next opponents for him if he looks good against MacDonald. And I think those are good opponents to prove himself right now, guys like Leben and MacDonald. Not necessarily consistent fighters, but tough, experienced, and by no means pushovers. Let's say he beats MacDonald, if he can rattle of two more wins against similar caliber opponents, then it's time for a step up in competition.

I'd love to see Maia vs. Lister. Grappling clinic.

GSP. I see GSP being 185 by at least 2010.

Anybody right now? I don't think so. GSP is a huge Welterweight. He'll be fed up with cutting down to 170 soon enough. He's probably sick of it already.

I love the idea of Anderson staying at 185 and moving up for superfights only. For now. 205 is too bloated and it's kind of a mess. Wandy, Chuck, Lyoto, hopefully Rampage, Shogun when he comes back, Jardine is still in the mix (beaten 2 of the last 3 champs) and Vera who moved down. On top of that you still have guys like Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans who could possibly be contenders soon. I'm probably missing a few guys too. Having Anderson would be great and it wouldn't be that hard to make room for him because he is that damn good, but there is already so much going on without him.

Like I said, Anderson seems more than willing to defend his title and take the odd 205 fight for big money. For right now, I love that situation. When things start to settle and the competition starts to thing out, then it will be the perfect time for Anderson.

From the sounds of it, Silva at 205 will just be for money fights. For the time being, Anderson isn't going to completely waste a good thing at 185. EDIT: And yeah, he and Lyoto aren't going to fight each other.

With Cote next, Okami, Nate, then guys like Leites, Kampmann, etc, Filho eventually, possibly a Hendo rematch as well, it's not like he doesn't have anything going for him. By the time Anderson gets through those guys, if he keeps the title of course, who knows who'll break out by then or you the UFC will have at Middleweight. I'm really liking Gegard Mousasi over in Japan. He's got a nice place for himself in Dream at the time, but if he's on the market, I'd love to see the UFC go after him. Very impressed by him.

EBG, I read somewhere (I think the Observer) that it was a Jackson lookalike at Affliction, not really him.

Could be true, but if it wasn't for the looney tunes story, it would make sense if he was there.

Rampage just has a very serious god complex, obviously. I don't think it's anything to worry about, unless he goes Jim Jones on everyone.

I hope it's nothing to worry about. He's gone from street fighter, to God fearing fighter, now he thinks he is God. What the hell is next?

Also, Tito vs. Babalu at Affliction does nothing for me. Both guys still have fight in them, but Tito especially is so washed up. He's gotten too played out for my liking. There aren't many Tito Ortiz fights I'd still pay to watch. I hate hearing from the guy, with his bag of excuses and delusions of MMA supremacy. I can appreciate what he's done and what he could possibly still do. He needs to start looking elsewhere for training. I'm talking full time, not just for week or two training camps. He's the big dog in his training posse, he hasn't improved in years and his game hasn't shown that he can stay consistent or convincing against world class competition. The way he talks and conducts himself through the MMA media has gotten real stale. TUF proved he's a wise mind in the sport and comes off as a great mentor and trainer, but the whole Tito persona outside that is just annoying now.

Forgot about Hendo. I guess he's the best bet to take Anderson out. I passed over him because it still seems like just yesterday he got beat.

I don't know if Lister deserves a shot if he beats Leites. Never been sold on Lister being a contender. He's a grappling stud, but as a complete fighter, he leaves a lot to be desired. Not that making Jeremy Horn tap inside a round isn't impressive. Again, primo grappler.