Sep

24

By Steve Cha

Gegard Mousasi (24-2-1) has made his statement to the MMA world. Mousasi made short work of striking phenom Melvin Manhoef (22-5), submitting him via armbar at the 1:28 mark of the first round. Manhoef commented, “I was surprised I thought he was going to stand and trade with me. It was my own fault for not being prepared and not taking him seriously.”

Brazilian submission specialist, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (10-2) had an impressive semifinal showing, submitting Zelg Galesic (9-4) via armbar at 1:27 mark of the first round.

In the finals, Ronaldo Souza started the round with an explosive takedown. Mousasi seemed very calm off his back and Souza stands up in Mousasi’s guard. Souza attempts a superman punch and is caught with an up kick from Mousasi. Souza is knocked out and the 2008 Dream Middleweight Champion is crowned.

In the past two weeks, many words have been exchanged between these two fighters. The normally stoic Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovicc (23-6-2) replied to Alistair Overeem (28-11)  “I don’t like commenting other fighters; it’s not my thing. But Alistair, you should save your strength for a real fight, because it’s coming. When I see you in the opposite corner, then I’ll talk.”

This highly anticipated heavyweight bout ended in a controversial No Contest decision. Alistair Overeem seemed to be dominating the smaller Filipovicc. Overeem clearly had the advantage in the clinch, throwing Crocrop down and raining down hammer fists in the Croatians guard. Overeem continued to dominate the fight on the ground and in the clinch, however two illegal low blows too Crocrop, forced the referee to rule the fight a No Contest.

Fedor Emelianenko made an appearance at the event and rumors were circulating he would fight the winner of the Crocrop/Overeem fight on the Dream’s New Years Eve card. Without a winner, Fedor’s future opponent on the Dream NYE card is uncertain.

WEC veteran Todd Moore (9-2) had the unenviable task of facing submission specialist Shinya Aoki (17-3). Aoki took Moore’s back immediately and sat down Moore in the corner and sunk in an unorthodox neck crank for the tap at 1:10 mark of round one.

In the reserve bout, Andrews Nakahara (1-1) defeated Dong Sik Yoon (4-6) with a TKO finish 30 seconds in the second frame after surviving a first round mount and several choke attempts by the Korean judo fighter.

Sergei Kharitonov (16-3), former teammate of Fedor Emelianenko, forced American fighter Jimmy Ambriz (13-10-1) to tap due to strikes at the 2:15 mark of the first round.

Hayato Sakurai (33-8-2) picked apart Kuniyoshi Hironaka (12-6) with vicious leg kicks on route to a unanimous decision victory.

Pancrase veteran Masakatsu Funaki (39-13-1) made short work of Pride veteran Ikuhisa Minowa (40-29-8) submitting Minowa at just the :52 seconds of the first round.

Please send hate mail and fan mail to Stevecha@gmail.com

Gegard Mousasi Crowned as 2008 Dream Middleweight Champion, Crocrop/Overeem Fight Ends in Controversy, Fedor rumored to be fighting on Dream’s NYE card.

Sep

24

Here is the second of two parts of comrad101’s Championship Chaos: Top 10 MMA Title Fights. Enjoy!

Championship Chaos Top 10 MMA Title Fights Part 2 (video)

Sep

20

Josh Neer v Nate Diaz
Diaz looked tough in both the 1st and 3rdrounds. Two things really stood out to me during the fight. The first was Josh Neer’s Submissions. Neer Through up a lot of submissions. The Second was Diaz’s ability to get of the submissions. Diaz’s transitions on the ground were quite impressive which often after submission escapes. Neer seemed to control the stand up however Diaz did have points where he seemed to have found his distance and looked to have Neer in trouble. In all truth the fight came down to who had won the first round. Round 2 seemed to be in Neer’s favor while round 3 was in Diaz’s favor. In the end Diaz would earn the decision. In my mind I had thought Diaz had done just enough to win the first round however had Neer won, I would not have been totally surprised.

Mac Danzig v Clay Guida
This decision was quite obvious. Guida used his strong point, wrestling, to pound out Mac Danzig while keeping his technique at bay. Danzig never really had much time to capitalize on the feet as Guida would get the takedown before any huge damage could be done. Guida did a good job using knees to wear his opponent’s legs. The knees also made Guida look good on the cards showing him striking while his opponent was not in a good position to attack. Overall the fight was a good plan and execution by Guida.

Ed Herman v Alan Belcher
Ed Herman showed very good strikes from the feet and looked quite improved. Belcher managed to get his kicks off having flashes of greatness. The ground was controlled by Herman to say the least. Overall I was surprised to Belcher take the decision but like they say never let it go to the judges.

Houston Alexander v Eric Schafer
Another classic Houston match. Houston knees were very borderline. His striking resembled to a point his two wins in the UFC. Alexander kept Schafer’s takedown attempts at bay for a while looking improved at keeping to a plan and not just getting caught up in the moment. Once Schafer got the takedown however it was all over. Schafer took his time and once he secured mount he did not let it go. Schafer dropped some good strikes striking fear into the eyes of Omaha fans. The arm triangle was quite visible in its set up but was applied very well. Schafer did cut it a little close however with the fight coming to an end with the submission in the final moments of the round.

Joe Lauzon v Kyle Bradley
Joe Lauzon looked good at the beginning with a very talented and high risk takedown almost securing a submission. His hands did not look as good as they have. Bradley looked to be improved both on his feet and on the ground. In the end Lauzon got the win.

Alessio Sakara v Joe Vedepo
Easily Sakara’s best showing his standup looked at his best and won with a devastating kick that rivaled many highlight film knockouts.

Ryan Jensen v Wilson Gouveia
Jensen looked really good striking from the top once he secured the takedown. Gouveia seemed to come real close in the first round to securing submissions however Jensen would continue his onslaught. During the second round while continuing the assault from top Jensen succumbed to an arm bar. A good showing to a point for Jensen however it was Gouveia who would get the win in not his best showing ever.

Jason Brilz v Brad Morris
Brilz showed his wrestling taking Morris down at will. The only chink in Brilz’s arm seemed to come from his standup. While it would not cost him the match it is a point he will need to work on in the future. Brilz controlled Morris moving from one position to a better one. Brilz’s back control was very good you would expect. Look for Brilz to possible pose some problems to other light- heavyweights.

Drew McFedries v Mike Massenzio
Massenzio looked a lot better then previously getting the takedown early getting McFedries out of his best position, standup. Massenzio showed good grappling getting the submission.

Dan Miller v Rob Kimmons
Dan Miller showed his skills taking Kimmons back quick and early. Kimmons defended the choke well but did eventually succumb to it. Overall a great showing for Dan Miller.

Other Notes
Almost no one sat down during the Houston fight. However during the main event many stayed in their seats. The sound level was unbelievable rivaling many Nebraska football games.

Jens Pulver was in attendance. I got to meet him; he was very nice and even took photographs with fans.

Diaz actually seemed to receive a louder cheer from the fans in comparison to the Iowa fighter Neer.

The event was packed, with many fans wearing husker red.

Overall was a great debut in Nebraska. Hopefully it will help further the sport in the State of Nebraska.

UFC Fight Night 15 Review by a Fan in Attendance - Henry

Sep

19

Enjoy the first of two parts of comrad101’s latest MMA video compelation.

Championship Chaos: Top 10 MMA Title Fights, Part 1 (video)

Sep

16

UFC Fight Night


Josh Neer v Nate Diaz
Look for Diaz to want to take this to the ground. While Neer has showed some ground game, look for him to be completely outmatched. Neer will try to keep this on his feet and try to use his deadly hands to win. Diaz’s striking hasn’t always looked the best however it should be enough for him to last and get the takedown or pull guard.

Nate Diaz by submission Round 2.

Mac Danzig v Clay Guida
This could be the best fight of the night. I look for Clay Guida to be tough standing up but also just as tough from top. For Guida to win the fight he must use his wrestling to determine where the fight goes. Guida put up a good fight against Tyson Griffin and Roger Huerta so look for another good performance which could get him the win. For Danzig to win he will either need to win the striking which is very possible considering how well rounded he is or pull of a submission from the bottom. Whatever round it is look for this fight to be constantly moving at a rapid pass.

Clay Guida by Decision.

Ed Herman v Alan Belcher
I look to give the standup to Alan Belcher. Alan has showed some good striking in previous matches but has also pulled of some good submissions. Herman showed some good submissions in his last matches in the UFC but also has looked bad like in the Jason MacDonald fight. Herman has showed his hands in the Joe Doerksen fight so he does have the possibility of a knockout.

Alan Belcher by TKO round 2.

Houston Alexander v Eric Schafer
Another classic Houston match. Whatever happens it will happen fast. Look for Houston to come out hard this time around and not wait for his opponent. Schafer will have to work hard and fast to get the match to the ground that will be his only hope to win. Look for Houston to be extra excited and pumped in front of the hometown crowd.

Houston Alexander by TKO in Round 1.

Joe Lauzon v Kyle Bradley
Joe will get this quick and fast to the ground. Look for it to be another bad day for Bradley. Bradley better swing fast and be ready to sprawl because Lauzon will come fast and hard.

Joe Lauzon by Submission Round 1.

Alessio Sakara v Joe Vedepo
Vedepo is making his debut. Sakara has looked good recently. His move to Middleweight should help him considerably. Look for Sakara’s hands to be flying.

Alessio Sakara by TKO Round 1.

Ryan Jensen v Wilson Gouveia
This fight will be a barn burner. Both fighters have good standup and ground games. Look for Gouveia to be strong at 185. Jensen will come out pumped and ready as another Nebraska fighter. Both have good Octagon experience so nerves should not be a huge factor. Gouveia may have the edge in both standup and ground.

Wilson Gouveia by Submission Round 2.

Jason Brilz v Brad Morris
Morris looks to have a good all around game. Look for the Nebraskan Brilz to take the fight to the ground fast and hope to extend his win streak.

Jason Brilz by Decision.

Drew McFedries v Mike Massenzio
While Massenzio was highly touted coming into the IFL his show there was not great. Massenzio will probably want the fight to go to the ground considering McFedries standup. Look for McFedries to come throwing like usual and always going for the Knockout.

McFedries by TKO Round 1.

Dan Miller v Rob Kimmons
Rob Kimmons is going to find it hard to submit IFL Champ Dan Miller. Dan Miller was able to win the IFL belt by using a very tight and very good Kneebar. Look for Miller to overwhelm Kimmons with his extraordinary jujitsu.

Dan Miller by Submission Round 1.

Fight Night 15 Preview by Henry

Sep

16

Here is the second part to yesterday’s Evan Tanner interview video. Pay attention. The man is speaking.

Tribute to Evan Tanner, Part 2 (video)


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