End of an Era, or is it?

With the UFC 2013 books being closed, has the marked number 13 brought forth the End of and Era? For a combined 14 years, Champions and PPV stars George St Pierre / Anderson Silva reigned supreme in their divisions and headed the pound 4 pound rankings. Fans long dwelt on the idea of GSP Vs Silva, that it would be the only way to decide whose No.1 and the only way either 1 would be defeated.
They each drew the biggest hype, crowds and PPV buys, being responsible for drawing many new fans to MMA.

Welterweight Johny Hendricks and Middleweight Chris Weidman work their way to the top with impressive finishes of high calibre opponents while St-Pierre & Silva continue their legacy.
UFC 162 Chris Weidman gets his opportunity and shocks the world with a KO victory over Anderson, "He got lucky" "Anderson Beat himself" "You cant play games in the octagon" we heard all the reasoning, regardless he defeated Silva, claimed the gold & the rematch was booked

 UFC 167 Hendricks looses a razor thin split decision to GSP with a likely rematch to follow after many say "Hendricks was robbed".
(UFC 167 Live Blog Here)

UFC 168 "I Back trust me I back", Anderson Silva's stern words heading into the rematch with Chris Weidman.

St Pierre walks away from the sport, retires the championship, and UFC 168 ends in devastating fashion for Anderson Silva (Live Blog / Results Here) likely signalling the end of his career.
The emotion, that empty feeling of not seeing GSP rush down the isles toward the GON, not gearing up for Anderson to dance around an finish his opponent with precision strikes is a hard pill to swallow, the hype is no more it is the end of an era.

Or is it?...

Johny Hendricks gets his deserved shot at the title at UFC 171, the man he squares of against is veteran Robbie Lawler, Lawler debuted in the UFC in 2002, fought outside of the UFC for strikeforce and other promotions between 04 and 13 before successfully returning in February with a KO win over Josh Koscheck.
Chris Weidman will fight Vitor Belfort in 2014, Vitor is the longest running UFC fighter, debuting at UFC 12 in 1997, now possibly in the best shape of his career.

(What's behind Vitor's re-birth)

Vitor is extremely hungry for UFC gold, at age 36 it may be the final opportunity he gets.
Lawler and Belfort hold a key that no coach can teach, no amount of money can buy, experience!
Should they be crowned new champions there will be no End of an Era, the Era will receive a second coming and affirm 'Crazy things happen in the Octagon'

Will St-Pierre return to the sport when least expected?
Anderson has defied what is possible and what's not with incredible fighting styles, will he recover like no other?
2014 and the future, there is plenty to look forward too!

Angry Beard UFC 168

Angry Beard UFC 168

So another event and another great card.
Can you say broken leg? Because that’s what we got when we saw Anderson Silva pretty much snap his leg in half. Some would say a spider has 7 more, so maybe he will return but it will be a hard road back. So what made me angry about this about this event?

All you so called UFC fans, not one of you gave Miesha cupcake Tate the respect she deserves you all counted her out and I’m not saying that Ronda Rousey isn’t good, in fact she is great, Miesha became first EVER to take her past the first round let alone into the third. Yet you all continue to talk Ronda up. This isn’t me having sour grapes, Ronda is the bench mark and Tate didn’t reach it but she is the closet to come to doing it. Guess what this isn’t Strike force this is the big leagues now and when Ronda really starts taking on all the up and comers then I will be even more impressed, she is going to get that in her next fight when she takes on Sara McMann a women who won a silver medal in the same Olympics that Ronda won her bronze, guess what Silver is better than Bronze last time I checked.
Which brings me to the man who claims to not pick the winners of the fights Mr Dana White at the post fight press conference released the poster for UFC 170 showing Rousey Vs McMann, I wonder if you had one with Miesha on it I bet you didn’t you egg head. Plan to announce the fight yes, but to have a poster is just wrong it makes me angry that anyone would think any fight is a sure thing.
Ronda Rousey is beast but she won by the same old way an arm bar, hey if it works why not but Ronda when you stop being a one trick pony come and talk to the beard.
I love the fight business and trying not to let my emotions come into play but I’m called angry beard for a reason deal with it because I’m not shaving.

UFC 170 Poster at the post fight press conference

 

Next Diego Brandao 8 pounds over are you joking if you have personal problems then that’s fine but still make an effort man and to threaten to stab someone in the neck I don’t even know what to say about that.  If you think I’m angry now wait to you see what happens if Cruz loses! he won’t but if he does WATCH OUT.

The beard is angry and now YOU KNOW!

UFC 168 Live BLOG

Dustin Poirier Vs Diego Brandao

Diego opens up emotionally agressive as per usual, looking for the big finish. Poirier displaying excellent skills landing early inside leg kicks.
Brandao lands a big right early and begining to gain composure, controlloing the pace of the fight.
Diego lands another big right to the chin, Porier recovers.
Poirier pushes forward with clean combinations with Deigo backing up against the fence.
Dustin lands a takedown and continues the punishment, finishing Brandao seconds out from rounds end.

Official Decision Dustin Poirier by TKO

Jim Miller Vs Fabricio Camoes
Miller opens up with control of the centre of the GON
An early feeling out from both with shorts punches from Camoes.

He finds a home for his left with a strong overhand.
Miller counters a headkick takes Camoes down.
Camoes reverses and lands on top, un effective Miller makes his way to his feet.
They stand briefly and the fight lands back on the mat, Miller with great ground skills throws his shin accross Camoes face and locks in the arm bar forcing the tap.

Official Decision Jim Miller by Submission R1.

Josh Barnett Vs Travis Browne
Clash of the beards
These two giants start of head high above the cage line.
Browne looking to use the long reach advantage he posses, keeping Barnett at distance.

Barnett looks for double leg takedown and eats a big left knee from Travis, Browne follows up with vicious elbows to the side of Barnetts head.
Barnetts arm goes limp and the referee rescues him before another elbow is delivered.

A champions Kryptonite is beomimg reality.

Official Decision Travis Browne by KO R1

Ronda Rousey Vs Miesha Tate
Complete opposites entering the GON a happy Miesha Tate and a Angry Ronda Rousey make their into a highly animated arena.

Ronda looking ready for the kill, they strike early and land equally. Rousey looks for a takedown Tate scrambles an stays on her feet with Rousey landing big knees in the clinch.

Ronda catches a kick an trips Tate.
Tate manges to counter and land a takedown of her own, a dangerous position with ronda looking to set up a submission.

They stand and close out the round against the fence with Ronda landing combinations.
Rondas Round.

R2 starts with a strong left from Tate followed by a inside leg kick.
Tate looks for a takedown and finds her self in a infamous Ronda Judo hip toss.
Rousey controls from half guard, great conditioning fron Tate she embraces the attack from  Ronda fibding a way to her feet.

Momenterely as Ronda lands another takedown and locks in the arm bar, the crowd errupts it only time before the tap.
Miesha escaped and avoids the usual, incredible submission defence.
Ronda closes the round with a triangle locked in but the bell sounds.
Rondas round again

Round 3 Rousey pushes Tate towards the cage and controls the fight, lands another hip toss and works her way to lock in the Arm bar.
Locked in and there it is the Tap early in the 3rd.

Official Decision Ronda Rousey remains UFC Womens Bantamweight Champion by Submission R3 Arm Bar

Chris Weidman Vs Anderson Silva
The most anticipated rematch in UFC History. The GOAT Anderson Silva enters the GON for the first time in 7 years.
Weidman walks down rapped in the American flag around his body.
The lights are dimmed as Bruce Buffer announces the fight.

They kick of you can feel the anticipation in the air, hearts pumping around the arena.
Feeling out with Silva holdong his hands high.

A half attempted takedown is equally as succsesfull, momenturelly Weidman holds Silva down.
They take it to their feet and Weidman lands a double leg and lands continous lefts and rights on Silva, Silva looking to hold guard.
Weidman controls scoring points on the judges cards, grinding Anderson on the mat closing out the first.
Weidman round.

R2 the 2 stand centre of the GON looking for openings. Anderson throws a left inside leg kick and Weidman checks it, Anderson collapses cluching his leg and the fights over. Anderson Silva has brocken his leg, definietly the femur, it wrapped around Weidman leg.
Official Decision Chris Weidman by TKO Due to Injury to Anderson Silva.
Remains UFC Middleweight Champion

UFC 168 Preview

So here we are only days away from UFC 167 and I think this has been one of the biggest built up cards for a longtime and with good reason this is the rematch of the fight that shocked the MMA world when GOAT candidate Anderson “ Spider “ Silva was knocked out by Chris Weidman.
Add to that the fight of TUF 18 trainer Ronda Rousey vs Miesha Tate and we are in for one hell of a show so let’s get to it and see how it could go down.

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier #6 vs Diego “DB” Brandao
We start the main card with a bout in the Featherweight division and this should be one great battle. We last saw Dustin Poirier at UFC 164 when he won a unanimous decision against Erik Koch.  His opponent is season 14 TUF winner Diego Brandao who even though lost his first outing in the UFC has since gone on a three fight winning streak. 
Even though Brandao is on a bit of a streak his wins have not been against any high caliber opponents and he will face his biggest test to date when he steps in the cage against Poirier.
Dustin is a very smart fighter who has more to lose in this fight, with a win he can step up the ladder even further.
Look for him to really use stand up game here but if it does go to the ground he won’t mind as he does have a solid ground game with a brown belt in BJJ. Brandao does out rank him with a black belt in BJJ but the problem may be is he is also a very emotional fighter so he will need to keep that in check, in the end it doesn’t matter how great your ground game is if your too tired to use it.
Look for Poirier to land some great combinations standing up, then taking this to the ground to grind out a win. Expect Brandao to come out swinging and if he can keep his emotions together and not get frustrated when the diamond doesn’t go down he can edge his way to take a big scalp

Jim Miller #10 vs Fabricio Camoes

I find this fight to be very interesting and really think that anything could happen on one side we have Jim miller who has had only one other outing this year when he lost to Pat Healy at UFC 159 by submission. 
On the other side of the cage is Fabricio Camoes who hasn’t really done much since his return to the UFC and his last fight was back in July in 2012, he lost to the talented Melvin Guillard and you would think that a loss here would see him being shown the door again.
Everything here points to Miller walking away with the easy victory, he is a well rounded fighter and even though we haven’t  got to see much of him in the last two years I expect him to come out and control the centre of the GON and land some solid combinations with dangerous Muay Thai elbows.
His one weakness is his ground game, hard to believe with a black belt in BJJ but he has been choked out in two of his last three fights and here is where I think this could get interesting.
Camoes has a solid submission game he has a third degree black belt in BJJ and he needs to get this fight to the ground and get it there as quickly as possible, if he can do that his chances of winning will increase by a hell of a lot. 
A win here to Miller doesn’t really do much but a loss is going to really hurt him. I see Jim Miller winning by KO here but never count out an animal when they have their back against the wall and Camoes is just that he knows he needs to win here and that makes him dangerous.

Josh Barnett #6 vs Travis Browne #5

This a huge fight when it comes to the standing in the HW division a win here to either man will really be a big step and on to face current No.1 contender Fabricio Werdum who has really been slated as the next to take on champion Cain Velasquez, but with Velasquez on the shelf till late next year after shoulder surgery a lot can happen between now and his return. Even Junior Dos Santos has come out saying he wants the winner of this one. Josh Barnett is a true veteran of the sport he has taken on every legend in the HW division and we last saw him at UFC  164 when he Knocked out Frank Mir. He takes on a beast of a fighter in Travis Browne who when last in the octagon knocked out Alistair Overeem.
What Barnett needs to do in this one is try and take it to the ground early and use his ground game, let’s face it he has the best ground game of all the heavyweights, But also has great Muay Thai so that makes him equally dangerous in the stand up.
Travis Browne has been an absolute highlight reel when it comes to knockouts, in his eight fights in the UFC no one will ever forget his superman punch on Stefan Struve. Browne will come out very strong and will try to knockout Barnett, he needs to keep it off the ground otherwise he will find himself on his back getting smothered and that will not end well for him. What we have is a great fight which really could end at any moment and who knows what way with both possessing knockout power. Barnett needs to win as he isn’t getting any younger and he eagerly desires to be the next in line for Cain Velasquez.

Ronda Rousey Champion vs Miesha Tate #2

The Co main event of the night see’s the coaches of season 18 of TUF hit the GON  and this is will be a war!
or will it just be another round one arm bar to the champion. History would say it will be, in every fight that Rousey has been in they all knew it was coming and I’m guessing they all trained for weeks but one way or another they end up on their backs tapping out to the arm bar. What Tate needs to do is keep it on the feet for as long as she can. Tate does have good wrestling but that means she would have to take it to the ground and that will be dangerous unless she can keep Ronda on her back and try and not let her get a hold of her arm. Rousey is by far one of the best things to happen to the UFC in a long time she just knows how to win and I can’t really see it being any different here she will use her judo and get Tate to the ground or wait for Miesha to take her to the ground and then work into the position where she hits the arm bar not in the first maybe the second.  
I like Tate and think that she has a lot of skills to come out the victor here, the stars will have to align for it to go her way and maybe the unknown can work in her favour, what happens if you take Rousey past the first round, If you can keep her on her feet, maybe Rousey will just come into this with a little bit too much emotion after the TUF season. Or maybe it will just end in the first round with Rousey Breaking Tate’s arm.

Chris Weidman Champion vs Anderson Silva #1

So here we go the rematch for the Middleweight championship and we all know what happened last time. Silva dropped his hands and started taunting Weidman and then he stuck his chin out and Weidman made him pay. So with no disrespect to Weidman this one will come down to which Anderson Silva we get one would think he isn’t going to show up and do the same thing. I believe that a 100% Silva is nearly unbeatable and if he shows up and fights the way we all knows he can he will walk away with his belt again.

 I’m looking for Weidman to use his wrestling this time round and maybe look to really smother Silva. His grappling is good but in the first fight twice he went for a leg lock and both times Anderson shook them off with ease.
Silva can be very sneaky with his submissions but I think if Weidman is smart he can avoid it. He also has some real great cardio so if this does go the distance and I’m not planning that it will Weidman will be fine.

What Silva do we get here? If you believe the promos he would like to believe he is back but back for what?
Will we get the old Silva the one who used his superior speed with stand up  skills, using the vicious kicks we know he has.
I’m looking for Anderson to play a much smarter game here and not stick his chin out as much or taunt Weidman as much. Well not in the first three round at least. Silva let Weidman win the last fight because he was lazy and sloppy I don’t think we have seen Anderson Silva like that before. Another thing to note here is that he is 38 getting on in age so you have to wonder how important it is for him to walk away (like GSP did) with the belt. That will also determine how much he wants this fight.

I feel like Weidman will still walk away with the gold, he is the future of this division and I think he has more to prove and more to lose. Silva will still go down as one if not the best of all time even if he loses, either way this will be one great fight and the true winners will be the fans

Don’t forget to follow us @MmaAus on twitter on the day for updates and www.mmaaus.com for LIVE Weigh-In Video + LIVE BLOG on the day

Angry Beard UFC on Fox 9

Angry beard here again and people who watched the UFC fight night on the weekend maybe thinking no way the beard could be angry about this card.
There wasn’t any bad decisions and no one ran their mouth, it was a  talented event with decent fights. No way could the beard be angry, Right?

Wrong!

The beard is angry!
 
I have nothing against the Johnson vs Benavidez fight, I enjoyed it I just didn’t see the point of this event except just to fill a weekend so we didn’t have a three week break before UFC 168 and that’s the problem, everyone was thinking about that event and who was going to win the rematches either it be Weidman vs Silva or Rousey vs Tate, If you weren’t thinking about it you must be blind as they showed that promo over and over.
I love the promo but I don’t need to see it every 2 minutes I’m already very excited about it. If people weren’t thinking about UFC 168 you know what they were thinking about, how GSP walked away and gave up the belt so he could focus on personal problems.

Something else that made me angry was how Uriah Faber was on this card and yes I know I don’t like him but this isn’t about that, this about how he deserves a title shot!
I’m not disagreeing but guess what has to happen DING DING DING that’s right Cruz vs Barao.
So what they should of done is put Faber on the same card so after he won they could really build up him versus who ever walks away with the belt.
But no now he has to take another fight before he gets the title shot and if he loses and yes I understand ‘he doesn’t lose if it’s not a title shot’ but if he did that looks great giving him a title shot, but then again they gave Tate a title shot so we know Dana doesn’t mind rewarding loses.
All im saying is that Faber needs to fighter closer to UFC 169 Crus Vs Barao so he didn’t have such a long break before getting that title shot he so desperately reminds us he deserves.

Finally OMG Cody McKenzie you’re a professional athlete in the biggest MMA Company in the world buy some real shorts and remove the tags! not that it would have helped you yesterday.
We get it you’re a bit weird but so was Mayhem miller and we know what he is doing now.

The Beard is angry and now you KNOW

 

 

UFConFOX9 Live Blog

Joe Lauzon vs Mac Danzig
A good fast start as we expected. Both guys moving in and out trying to get to the center of the octagon. Joe Lauzon scores the first takedown and quickly moves beautifully to mount. Joe locks away an armbar, its deep, he goes belly down to finish it, Mac survives. He escaped by pulling Joe's leg out of the way and rolling. On their feet now, not a lot happening, both guys just trying to work from the clinch. Lauzon eventually gets the takedown again, working from guard, but doesn't land very much. Joe's first round.
Mac starts the 2nd well on his feet, some nice combos followed by a leg kick. Joe gets to the clinch and they trade from there for a minute or so. Joe is looking a touch slow here, but that could just be Mac moving and throwing well. Danzig continues to press and land, but its Lauzon who lands another takedown. Ohhh, Joe lands multiple good elbows from the top position and Mac is opened up. Danzig is trying to work towards a submission, Joe has him well controlled for the moment. More elbows from Lauzon allows him to move to mount, with time running out in the round, Joe tries to roll to an arm bar, with more time to work he might've got that, but the round comes to an end. Joe probably stole that round.
Straight to the center and these two begin to trade, an accidental headbutt has the ref stepping in to check on both fighters, but we're all go again. Danzig is definitely looking the better on the feet. Joe lands a nice short elbow on the feet and follows up with another takedown. Joe moves to side control and then to the mounted crucifix position where he is brutalising Mac with elbows, he moves to full mount now, landing huge elbows still. Lauzon moves to go for an arm bar again, but he didn't have all his limbs in correct position and Danzig gets out. Joe continues to dominate on the ground though as the fight comes to an end. Joe Lauzon should get this 30-27

Joe Lauzon wins by Unanimous Decision (30-27 all round)

Chad Mendes vs Nik Lentz
'Money' Mendes moves to the center of the octagon in an attempt to control the movement of Lentz. Huge right hand from Chad rocks Nik, he chases Lentzto the ground as he falls and lands another huge right, Lentz somehow recovers enough to get away and back to his feet. Super fast pace here. Takedown by Mendes but we we're quickly back to the feet. Good exchanges standing now, and Chad gets another takedown, he can't do much from the top position, but as they get to their feet he lands a beautiful left, right combo. Mendes gets another takedown as the round comes to a close. Chads round.
Lentz is much more tentative coming out in the 2nd. He's started to relax a bit more now as both guys trade blows. Nice leg kicks here from 'Money' Mendes in an attempt to stifle Nik's power. After some more good exchanges Chad lands his 4th takedown of the fight, but yet again we're quickly back to the feet. Make that number 5 takedown now. Nik is defending well from guard though, he explodes and gets out without taking damage again. On the feet, no, back to the ground. Mendes is really lacking some attacking power on the ground, he's had 6 takedowns landing only 1 strike from the top position. Chad will take the round with more control.
Lentz has come out much more desperate now, he lands a nice right that looked to shake up Chad. Good work here from Nik is really catching Mendes off guard. He moves in quick with a nice uppercut and left hook. Nik continues to be on top in this round. Very nice body kick from Nik, Chad another takedown, Nik another escape. Lentz gets Mendes into the clinch and lands a nice knee to the body, Chad gets another takedown and quickly looks to lock in a Guillotine, Nik again defends well. Back to the feet to end the fight and Chad has probably done enough to earn the W here.

Chad Mendes wins by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Urijah Faber vs Michael McDonald
Touch of the gloves and we're underway. Head kick by McDonald and Urijah gets the takedown. Urijah is in 'Mayday' McDonalds guard, Michael looks to be slowly working towards a triangle submission early. Faber hasn't been able to land much from the top position, with some defence from Michael. The ref (Herb Dean) steps in and stands them up because of a lack of action. Body kick from McDonald is caught by Urijah and a nice counter right from Faber. Nice overhand right from Urijah was probably the best of the first round. Faber 10-9 in the first.
Nice left to get us underway in the 2nd from McDonald. Lovely counter striking from Faber and a lead left hook backs Michael up. Urijah lands a huge right that stuns 'Mayday', McDonald backs up and as Urijah stalks him Michael lands a huge right of his own. Faber is now backed up. What a good exchange. Urijah is looking very fleet of foot here, dancing around McDonald. Ohhhh huge right from Urijah, McDonald is rocked, he's running away, Faber is chasing him down, another huge right, Michael goes down. Urijah jumps on him, sinks in the Guillotine, 'Mayday' rolls one way then the other, Faber gets the Guillotine tighter, its all over! McDonald taps. What an exciting fight from Urijah Faber, he proves he's still at the top of his game.

Urijah Faber wins by Submission (Guillotine) at 3:22 of Round 2

Demetriuos Johnson vs Joseph Benavidez
Dodge and dodge some more, is the theme here as both guys avoid each others striking. Nice leg kick from Benavidez is on the money. Good strikes here from Joe, OOHHHHHHHHHHHH MMMYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOWWWWW!!!!!!! WHAT A RIGHT HAND FROM DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON!!!!!! Joe Benavidez is out cold! Big John McCarthy can't get there quick enough, DJ lands 4 more shots on the ground. That was massive!

Demetrious Johnson wins by KNOCKOUT at 2:08 of the 1st Round

Angry Beard!; UFC Brisbane

Wow what an event UFC Brisbane turned out to be. From the very start to the end I enjoyed every minute. I could rattle off everything I loved about it from Seeing Bader win to the knock out delivered by the Hulk.  I could say how I loved being in the presence of UFC legend shogun Rua, or finishing the night with that main event where two giant men collided for 25 minutes, who said that it wouldn’t go 5 rounds.
Let’s face it this column isn’t called what the beard love it’s called angry bearded so here it is.

 

I’m not angry about the draw in the main event I can cop that, what I’m really angry about is that I had to travel to Brisbane to see this event! Don’t get me wrong this isn’t about Brisbane as a place even if traveling on the public transport there costs you an arm and a leg, so much that I decided to walk to the event for one and half hours avoiding the ridiculous travel fare. 
It’s about that I live in Melbourne the apparent sporting capital of Australia yet we can’t have an event that could bring the city a lot of money because of a ban that some peanuts in a suit decided to create because they feel a cage is to dangerous or too brutal.
I hate to tell you this but cage or ring your still in there to beat your opponent, with a ring you have the issue of fighters falling through the ropes and landing on their neck yeah sounds so much safer. 
I’m angry because I had to travel on a plane for 4 hours spending way too much money on a 365ml coke that I would normally pay half for.
I shouldn’t have to travel to Brisbane or Sydney to see this event I should be able to see it here in Melbourne.
Plus Perth same story you would have had this event if it wasn’t for the ban guess what I’m from Perth you could of used that money, right now Perth SUCKS!

I’m also angry about the-uneducated morons in the crowd who were yelling out there coaching expertise, and ridiculous crap.
Don’t get me wrong people are there to enjoy the event and everyone has a right to do what they want. However these people have no idea about the sport of MMA they know what UFC is but that’s IT!
There is so much more to this sport then two guys or girls fighting in a cage it’s an ART.
So sit there enjoy the fight and let the rest of us enjoy the technique, the ones who actually understand you just can’t “get up” when someone has double hooks in.

Now don’t get me started on the Richie vas fight, I’m afraid my words if spoken will flourish into brutal action.

The beard is angry and now you KNOW

Angry Beard!

So after the weekends TUF finale I should be talking about how history was made with the crowning of the first ever women’s TUF champion Julianna Pena, or how Chris Holdsworth dominated in the men’s final.

I should be talking about the wars from Jessamyn Duke, Peggy Morgan, Raquel Pennington & Roxanne Modafferi.

I should be talking about how there was an illegal knee that ended the main event of the prelims, or how Jon Anik had to conduct the icy interview between Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate, I could go on and on but instead I’m going to talk about a great fight.

Sorry to say but Nate Diaz is just a dumb guy. Am I honestly the only person who needs subtitles when this guy talks.
I was impressed with his victory over Gray Maynard, but when I see the one and only Nick Diaz standing in the background I just knew what was coming next.

TUF 18 Finale Results
Nate starts talking about how Gilbert Melendez and his brother are the greatest in the world.
Don’t get me wrong I don’t have anything against Melendez but if he is so great and the greatest in the world, when the time comes around you can give up any title shots Nate, but then
again your just going to wait for someone to get injured.
What really makes me angry is how can you say that Nick Diaz is the greatest in the world when he won’t even get back in the GON! He has been offered a fight against Michael Bisping but turned it down.
Retire but don’t run around talking yourself up and saying you’re the greatest when you won’t even fight.
Jones and GSP they could be the greatest going around at the moment and they aren’t running around acting like spoilt brats, and even if they were, guess what, they back it up when they step inside the cage
Maynard I don’t know where to from here buddy, three losses in a row seems ''The Bully" of previous years isn't around the school yard, surely you won’t be shown the door but you want to do something in the next fight, or you & Jon Fitch will become best of friends.

The beard is angry and now you know!

 

 

TUF 18 Finale Main Card LIVE BLOG

Roxanne Modafferi Vs Raquel Pennington
Arguably the most loved contestant in Ultimate Fighter history, Roxanne Modafferi looks to be embracing the moment, enjoying her first steps on the big stage. Pennington takes early control of the fight with centre placement and accurate strikes.
Roxanne searching for her range and displaying a lot of variety through various combinations.
Pennington  staying patient waiting on the opening to land the counter strikes. Modafferi staying extremely busy and pushing the pace, and nice spinning back fist lands but Pennington successfully covers up.
Control against the fence late in the round from Roxanne is quickly switched by Pennington and the two close out the round separate in the centre of the GON.
Modafferi should take the round 10-9.Round 2 starts with a Roxanne staying active, with Pennington aware of any flurry coming her way.
Underhooks from an attempted takedown from Modafferi puts Pennington backed against the cage.
They push back to the stand up game and Pennington lands effectively before an attempted takedown from Modafferi is sprawled and Pennington is in control from half guard.
Modafferi a dangerous ground fighter looks to lock up and arm whilst Pennington controls good posture to land the left and rights.
Referee allows the stand up as Pennington backs of from half guard to her feet.
A clean left from stagers Modafferi as Pennington is finding the perfect range, another clean right will put the round in her favour.
Pennington round.The final round again opens with Modafferi pushing forward, heavier strikes from Pennington are doing significant damage and she sprawls another attempted takedown from Roxanne.
Crucial test of cardio for both fighters as getting into the deep end of the fight, Modaferri is continuously active but unable to land effectively.
Pennington sprawls yet another takedown attempt and ends up in side control before moving to half guard.
Searching for submissions but a wise Pennington keeps her posture and doesn't allow Modafferi to find a opening, Pennington landing big body shots from half guard.
Modafferi makes her way up but Pennington sinks in a deep guillotine against the fence and puts further pressure on it dropping to the floor. What looked to be a tap from Roxanne was indeed body shots as she survives the round without tapping.

Official Decision Raquel Pennington by Unanimous Decision
Jessamyn Duke Vs Peggy MorganThe tallest female contestants both standing at 6ft + face each other with 1 looking to remain undefeated.
They kick of with long limbs flying, Duke looking sharp early with stick & move shots.
Morgan pushes Duke against the cage before Duke reverses and controls whilst landing body shots. A deep guillotine from Duke last for a minute before Pennington breaks free and lands on top switching between half an side control.
Jessmyn actively looking to finish searching for the triangle with her legs locked around Morgans upper body.
Duke lands viscous sharp short elbows from the bottom for the final 30 seconds of the round.
Jessamyn will take the round 10-9

The 2nd starts with strong combinations from Duke as they keep the fight standing in the centre of the GON. Morgan trying to find her range and find consistency with the jab as she lands whilst a slight opening.
Duke continues with combinations but Morgan pushes forward with great confidence in her chin.
Morgan eats effective shots from Duke each time she moves in closer, noticeable damage to Morgan is swinging the round in Jessamyn favour. She continues with a muay thai clinch against the cage before breaking away and landing a clean left hook to the chin of Morgan.
A game but ineffective offence from Morgan will see Jessamyn take the 2nd also, closing the round with a takedown.
2 round to DukeThe 3rd picks up where the rest of the fight left of, strong combinations from Duke and effective strikes looks to be sapping the confidence out of Morgan.
A scramble along the fence with Duke in control sees a unusual headlock on her way to the mat from Duke, sees Morgan take control of Jessamyn back looking for a rear naked with  2 minutes remaining in the fight.
Morgan in full control and has Duke laid out flat before Jessamyn is able to switch and spin and move into half guard, escaping a dangerous position.
Morgan in control with under a minute remaining with the referee calling for a standup.
Jessamyn comes back to life on her feet landing strong hooks and the damage is clearly shown on the left eye of Morgan.

Official Decision Jessamyn Duke by Unanimous Decision


Chris Holdsworth Vs David Grant
Two gallant fighters looking to become the latest Ultimate Fighters, start things of with incredible pace, outside leg kicks from Holdsworth before the fight goes against the fence with Grant exploding and landing a huge right hand.
Holdsworth weathers an early story and looks for the takedown, Grant controls the attack and take control of the clinch followed by knees to the body.
Big exchanges from both as they get back to the centre of the GON, electing to continue to stand and trade, could be facing a possible adrenalin dump from both fighters.
The push out the remainder of the round against the cage with even control from both guys, a late takedown from Holdsworth finishes out round 1.
Could go either way

The 2nd opens with a barrage of strikes from Grant, his corner telling him Holdsworth can not handle your power, however Grant soon eats a incredible head kick from Holsdworth sending the fight to the mat.
Holdsworth opens up the nose of David, transitioning to a back mount along with crowd eruption spurs momentum for Holdsworth as he sinks in the rear naked choke forcing Grant to tap, and become the season 18 Male Ultimate Fighter winner.
Official Decsion Chris Holdsworth by Submissions RNC R2



Julianna Pena Vs Jessica RakoczyThe first ever Womens Ultimate Fighter will be crowned as 2 dangerous Women enter the GON.
Pena opens up with strong strikes an uses her incredible core strength to push Rakoczy against the cage.
Jessica breaks off the cage with Pena holding on to the under hooks and landing a takedown in the centre of the cage.
Control from half guard and a easy transition to side control whilst landing efficient strikes.
An exhilarating attack from Pena finds her way to a high full mount, workring vigorously on the bottom Rakoczy is unable to break free from the mount as she receives huge elbow from a punishing Pena. A uncontrollable pace from Pena continues a barrage of ground and pound, seconds before the round ends referee Mario Yamasaki steps in and stops the fight

Official Decision Julianna Pena by TKO R1
Gray Maynard Vs Nate Diaz
The main event kicks of with some quick movement around the cage before Maynard lands a solid double leg takedown, extremely good on the ground Diaz is able to make his way to his feet and excellent judo flip puts Maynard on his back before they both elect to keep things standing.
Diaz with phenomenal dirty boxing hurts Gray and has him staggering around the cage barely keeping his feet, continuous high volume strikes is too much for Maynard as Referee Yves Lavigne steps in to end the fight as Maynard stagers and falls to the ground.
Nate ends the trilogy between the 2 in devastating fashion.

Official Decision Nate Diaz by TKO R1

UFC Brisbane Preview

Mark 'Super Samoan' Hunt vs Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva
2 of the baddest men on the planet go head to head, in what is arguably the biggest fight to date on Aussie soil. Australia's adopted son, Mark Hunt, has a chance to again put his name in title contention. His last fight loss, was to the recently defeated Junior Dos Santos, in which he was simply not quick enough with his hands. This time in the octagon he will be staring across at friend 'Bigfoot' Silva. Antonio Silva is a giant, he stands 6'4" and will weigh in the maximum weight of 265lbs. He's a former world champion in 3 other promotions, but failed in his only title fight in the UFC. Both of these guys have ridiculously big power in their hands, don't expect this to go 3 rounds. With the backing of the home crowd let's hope Mark can land the killer blow.

James TeHuna vs Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua
The living legend that is 'Shogun' Rua, will fight right here in Australia! Wow, what an occasion. 'Shogun' is the former Pride Middleweight champion and former UFC Light Heavyweight champion. He's fought and beaten the best, but is coming to the end of his career. He last fought Chael Sonnen and was submitted within the first minute. James TeHuna, fighting out of Sydney, has the chance to take easily the biggest scalp of his career. TeHuna's last fight was much the same as his opponent, being submitted very early on, however James' loss was to the no.1 contender in Glover Texeira. TeHuna has the power in his hands to rock Rua, he must jump all over him if gets the chance because Mauricio does not go down easily. C'mon James we're right behind you!

Anthony 'Hippo' Person vs Ryan 'Darth ' Bader
Crowd favorite Anthony 'Hippo' Perosh was recently on the edge of being cut by the UFC, before a huge knockout victory over Vinny Maghalaes kept his spot secure. Perosh is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and teaches out of his own gym in Sydney. He's 11 years the elder of his opponent here and in Bader, Perosh faces the highest ranked and biggest test he's seen. Bader was considered the future of the UFC, before being beaten by now champion Jon Jones. He has top notch wrestling and will be trying to take Perosh to the mat to control him from there. With Anthony's BJJ skills let's hope if it gets to the mat, he can slap on a quick arm bar or triangle from the bottom.
'Let's Go Hippo!' will be coming from our side of the crowd, join in and get behind Perosh's rise up the ranks!

Soa 'The Hulk' Palelei vs Pat Barry
Soa Palelei fighting out of Perth, made his long awaited return to the octagon recently with TKO victory over debutant Nikita Krylov. Soa is truly a 'Hulk', he's 6'4" and unlike others that weigh 265lbs, he is 120kgs (265lbs) of muscle. He was injured going into his last bout and not wanting to lose his opportunity, went and fought with damaged ribs. He was criticised for his lack of action, but the 'Hulk' did what he had to given the situation. Pat Barry has been in the UFC  for 5 years now, without reaching any great heights. He has big power, but hopefully struggles with the height of Soa here. If Palelei can get a decisive victory over Barry, he could be in line for a top 10 opponent and as Mark Hunt has proved, it only takes a run of a few wins in this division to catch the eye of the matchmakers. Tear him apart Soa! Prove it to them you belong!

Dylan 'The Villain' Andrews vs Clint Hester
'The Villain' gets the chance to fight in his home state, I can't wait to hear the roar when he enters the arena. A contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 17, as was his opponent, Dylan was the last man picked by either team, but he made waves in the house by making the semi finals of the show and calling out the guy no person wanted to face. He was beaten in that semi final fight, but gained admirers for his heart and determination, in refusing to give in. His last fight was much the same with a different result, having badly injured his shoulder early in the fight, Andrews was being well beaten by Papy Abedi, before a barrage of punches he unleashed knocked out Abedi for a 3rd knockout. His team mate from season 17 on TUF, Clint Hester, was one of the favorites on the show, but didn't live up to his ability. He is all about power in his hands, and this could be his downfall. Dylan is much more well rounded, he just needs to steer clear of the right hand of Hester.

With a main card involving 5 Aussie fighters, and the telecast live on Fuel TV, you have no reason to not get your mates around, fire up the barbie and put some Vic or Draught on ice. After all we love to watch some good fisticuffs, so get behind the boys!

Wonder Women?

Not too long ago UFC president Dana White responded to a question with a brief, but extremely powerful word, "Never". The question, "when are we gonna see women in the UFC?". Fast forward 2 years, we have an undefeated Women's Bantamweight champion, a roster of more than 10, an Ultimate Fighter series featuring women and the plans for the introduction of a Strawweight (115 lbs or 52kg) division. Suddenly "Never" seems so long ago.

Bantamweight Champ Ronda Rousey 

"They don't know how to throw a punch", "their fights arent as exciting" are some of the uneducated, unfounded comments I've heard in reference to the fairer sex competing in the octagon. Watch the way they train, watch the way they hit the bags, even better, step in for a round with a trained Woman, let's see if you're still standing at the end. The truth is, Women belong on the big stage. The Ladies that have had the courage to stand up and say 'look at us, we deserve the recognition as well', ought to be applauded. It's bringing a whole new audience to, not only the UFC, but to MMA. We, the loyal, passionate fan now need to embrace the fact that Women can compete at such a level, we must spruik the excitement and encourage the growth. As the old saying goes 'give them a foot and they'll take a mile'. It's taken 20 years to get that foot hold in the worlds premier organisation, I for one, can't wait to see what the next 20 will bring for Womens MMA.

By Tiger

UFC 167 Live Blog

TIM ELLIOT vs ALI BAGAUTINOV
UFC 167 underway! Tim moves forward first, leading with his head, he keeps his hand down bravely and Ali is the first to throw. A left jab and front kick keeps Tim at bay, he continues to stalk however, eventually shooting for the takedown, Bagautinov stuffs it and we continue. A very slow start here with both guys trying too get a feel for one another. Ali has suddenly come to life, he moves in with some good striking and throws a nice knee in the clinch that catches Elliot. Tim for some strange reason continues to lead with his head and hands by his side. Baugautinov lands a great right, left combo followed by a head kick to end the round, Ali probably pinched the round at the end.
Second round starts a bit different with Tim now looking more aggressive, Ali shoots for the takedown and Tim grabs him in a 'arm in guillotine', it looks tight. Somehow Baugautinov survives and it's back to the feet. Ali is the one throwing the harder and wilder strikes, he's definitely enjoying the better striking. Tim looks composed though and he continues with his hands down, Anderson Silva style. Elliot shoots for the takedown, but its brilliantly stuffed by Baugautinov, back to their feet and Ali again is cleaner on the feet. Should be 2 rounds to nil to Ali.
Time is now looking more desperate as we begin the third, pressing Ali and stalking him around the octagon. He's attempting to leap in with the jab and catch Bagautinov off guard. Ali continues to be the cleaner on the feet though, his superior striking is getting the better of Tim. Elliot refuses to back down though, he lands some nice jabs and a lovely front leg kick. Tim gets Ali to the ground with a beautiful Judo throw and a nice knee as Bagautinov gets to his feet. Tim may have got the third round, but we should see Ali get the decision 2 rounds to 1.

Ali Bagautinov wins by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

JOSH KOSCHECK vs TYRONE WOODLEY
Koscheck charges to the center of the octagon, but Tyrone lands the first strike and its a big on Josh is rocked, he slumps to his knees as Woodley moves for the kill, Josh recovers. These guys are really trading now, both are throwing wild over hand rights, ooohhhh Woodley lands and Koscheck is down, he looked out there but he's back and alert, he pulls Tyrone into his guard and Woodley begins to ground and pound from there. The ref doesn't take long to step in and we're back on the feet. Josh again controls the center of the octagon, BOOOOMMMM!!!!!.Tyrone Woodley goes whack! A right hand cross and Josh Koscheck is out! Huge win for Tyrone Woodley.

Tyrone Woodley wins by KNOCKOUT

RORY MacDONALD vs ROBBIE LAWLER
'Ruthless' Robbie Lawler has the chance her to really make a statement in the Welterweight division. He begins brightly, with some nice leg kicks and jabs to keep Rory at a distance. Rory throws his first strike, with a lovely jab the definitely catches Robbie's attention. Still a very tentative start, especially from Rory, Robbie is continuously landing good leg and body kicks, but Rory is controlling the center of the octagon. Rory is throwing a nice front kick that seems to be keeping 'Ruthless' out of range. A slow but entertaining first round, will be very close in scoring. I'll give it to Robbie, for more strikes landed.
Lawler begins nicely again with front leg kicks, but Rory is the one that shoots, Robbie semi stuffs it however and lands a nice right on exiting. Robbie is beginning to look the more relaxed here, pressing MacDonald to the outside. Both guys are really landing some nice blows now, Robbie with the right cross and Rory with the front kick. Lawler is doing a good job of staying out of range here. Just as I say that Rory shoot and gets the takedown. He lays in Robbie's guard, not moving at all, Lawler tries to hip escape eventually and Rory moves to side control. Not a lot happening from there, and Robbie gets it back to guard. 1 round a piece heading into the third.
Robbie begins the third landing kicks and then a beautiful right cross that looks to have rocked Rory. MacDonald shoots but its not there for long, as the ref stands it up. Back to the feet and huge shots from Robbie, Rory is rocked again, Lawler ends up in guard but let's Roryback to his feet. Huge shit from 'Ruthless', Rory goes down. He's not out, but Robbie is on top and landing good elbows. Big strikes on the ground from Lawler. Robbie eventually backs away and its back on the feet. Rory gets the takedown as the right closes, but Robbie should have the win 2 rounds to 1.

Robbie Lawler wins by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

RASHAD EVANS vs CHAEL SONNEN
Both guys charge to the venture, but it's Chael who gets there first. He shoots for the takedown which is stuffed by Rash ad, then presses him up against the cage. It's back and forth with both guys sweeping each other off the cage and exchanging good body shots. Evans is the one who eventually gets the takedown and quickly moves to half guard, he lands some good ground and pound from there as Chael attempts to sweep. Rashad is all over Sonnen here transitioning from back mount to side control, he gets back into back mount and unleashes, huge bombs from the back. Chael can't move and Herb Dean (the ref) steps in and stops the fight, in the replay it's shown that it was a big elbow from Rashad that really shook Sonnen up.

Rashad Evans wins by TKO

GEORGES ST-PIERRE vs JOHNY HENDRICKS
The time for talk is over, the beard and GSP square of in the 'GON', an electric crowd is creating the feeling of Silva V Weidman.
GSP looking focused as always, Johny embracing the moment as Buffer plays his infamous role.
They take of towards each other , GSP lands early takedown.
Johnny back up and has GSP against the cage. A missed uppercut from John opens a attempt for takedown from George.
Johny defends and lands a double leg of his own.
A feeling out as they both make it to their feet, Johny getting comfortable early.
Johny likely to take the round 10-9.

Round 2 continues the same, GSP looking to establish the jab with Johny pushing forward with a barrage of bombs slightly rocking George.
GSP very placid allowing Johny to hold him against the cage, Until pushing off and landing the damaging jab.
A comfortable distance for both with Johny continuously looking for the home run swing.
Johny completely unfazed by GSP attack although looking like fatigue will become an issue soon.
Could go either way but GSP needs to get a move on.

R3 GSP wants to punish Hendricks with that jab, can not seem to find consistency in what he usually displays.
Johny landing the combos has the corner of GSP Calling for attack, he pushes forward but Johny backing up with confidence.
A well placed body shot lands on GSP but seemingly ineffective, Johny takes down George late which should secure the round.
Johny well placed heading in to the championship rounds.

Round 4 this is where the Champion will rally, keeping it standing early and even strikes landed.
A swing from johny slightly lands but a miss footing is the cause of George heading to the mat.
Working strong from half guard Hendricks is control until allowing the stand up, George face tells the story with battle scars all round.
GSP lands quick combos and has Johnny against the fence, a quick reversal from Hendricks and another from George has an even scrap to close out the 4th.
In good position for Johny to grind out the last and easily take the GOLD

5th and final Round looks too be heading to crown a new welterweight champion. George attempting takedown but Hendricks continues to out wrestle and stop the attempts.
A snap attempt at a standing kimura has the crowd electric before the champ rallys and takes Hendricks down looking for a submission.
Johnny makes it back to his feet with 2 Minutes left a new Welterweight champion looks to be crowned.
A bloody GSP is in desperate mode but again in able to Hendricks. Cage control from John ends out the fight with GSP Attempting a kimura but the buzzer ends any chance.
An untouched face if Hendricks is sure to secure the GOLD around his waist.

Official Decision GSP By Split Decision, Terrible terrible decision!

UFC 167 Preview

20 years in the making and I have to say what a card the UFC have delivered! Here at MMA AUS we have been talking about this card for a long time now and the day is almost upon us. This Sunday (Australian time) the talking will be done and it will be time to deliver. Dana White came out last week and said that UFC still wasn’t main stream, well i feel after this it will take a giant leap towards that.

Now the prelims, with names like Story, Cerrone, Durham, Ebersole and Pettis (not the champion one), are likely to be just as exciting as the main card, you don’t want to miss this one. Let’s get this going!

Tim Elliott #7  vs. Ali Bagautinov
We last saw Elliot at UFC 164 when he defeated Louis Gaudinot via unanimous decision. A win here, could really put him in the mix or at least one giant leap towards a title shot in the flyweight division, in which he is already ranked #7.
His opponent here Bagautinov only had his UFC debut in September at UFC fight night 28 where he finished Marcus Vinicius. What I do know is he is a Russian national champion in BJJ so one things for sure he knows how to finish his opponents in the ring.
I think this comes down who handles the lights and pressure of being the opening fight to the biggest card of the year if not ever. It’s definitely the biggest stage either fights have fought on. One fighter has everything to lose and the other has everything to gain. Watch for Elliott to use wrestling game and grind out and ring and just watch Bagautinov in a big step up in class in only his second outing for UFC and he wouldn’t be there if there wasn’t a reason.

Josh Koscheck vs. Tyron Woodley
Tyson Woodley has his hands full in this Sunday in this one, ok just hear me out. Woodley has had only two fights in the UFC and they were a knockout of Jay Hieron (36 seconds) and a loss to Jake shields who grinded out the win. On the other hand Koscheck an eight year veteran has face some of the best welterweights who have ever stepped foot into the octagon and that experience is going to the key here to a win by Koscheck.
Firstly I would like to point out that I can’t see Josh Koscheck ever being in the title picture again there’s just too many talented fighters in the division for that to happen and let’s face it he has lost three of his last five fights. What I do see him being is that fighter or stepping stone that Dana White uses for any up and coming fighters have to get through before they get their chance for bigger fighters and Josh is still a hard fight.
This is what this fight is going to be for Woodley a chance for him to test himself against a quality opponent not saying shields wasn’t but koscheck is a different fighter. Now I see this fight going two ways. Now Koscheck could try and work the fence and really grind out the victory or take him to the ground in saying that Woodley has the skills to defend that. So how I see it going down is this will be a stand up fight and it will comes down to who lands first and Josh does love that overhead right but he hasn’t finished a fight in a longtime but on the other hand we don’t know how great Woodley’s chin is either.

Rory Macdonald  #3 vs. Robbie Lawler #10
This is one interesting fight on one side you have Rory Macdonald who has a lot of tools when it comes to fighting but most of his wins have always been what I want to called ugly not flashy or anything special but you know what it works he gets the wins but one has to feel to take the next step and that would be a title shot he has to do something special in this fight. Yes sure he could wait till it was just his turn and I’m sure it will come around but he should go out there and show or even demand a title shot and that is with a decisive victory. One problem is that he has “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler standing on the other side of the GON.
What Lawler brings is knockout power and boy does he love to knock dudes out. In his last 21 fights he has KO his opponent 18 times and more than half in the first round. It’s amazing that Robbie has been around for a longtime and seems like he is getting a second wind and a win here and who knows where it might take him.
Plain and simple I see this fight going two ways Lawler knocks him out or Rory does best with strikers and that is keeping his distance not letting them find their range and toys with Robbie just like he did with Ellenberger. Lawler won’t just sit back though one would think he would be far more aggressive here. I just feel that if he doesn’t knock Macdonald out he won’t get the victory here. Rory Macdonald deserves a title shot if not just so we can see how good he is when the pressure is on.  So does Lawler and maybe just maybe he will take his spot.

Rashad Evans #4 vs. Chael Sonnen #6 CO-Main Event
Friend vs. Friend but make no doubts about it folks there won’t be any friendly feelings after that cage door closes on Sunday. Evans has been saying that someone has to pay for all the hard work he has been putting in and someone has to pay for him having to be away from his family and that person is Chael Sonnen.
The big question is which Rashad Evans is going to show up for the fight because we know which Sonnen is going to show up and that’s the one who is always ready for a fight (even though he’s been pretty quiet ). Will the real Rashad please stand up please stand up. Evans hasn’t looked overly great in his last couple of fights and has really been outclassed. Now one thing in Evans favor is he has a great chin and he is really hard to knockout but Chael Sonnen knows that and will take him to the ground and will work him over and either submit him or the more likely go the distance and win by decision. Don’t get me wrong Evans does have a chance of winning if he can catch Sonnen but I can’t see that happening and Chael is too strong on the ground. I think Chael will come into this with the perfect game plan to take out the victory and I just don’t know about Evans is he really Suga or just plain sweet. In the end i dont see the winner of this advancing much. In Chael Sonnen’s case a win won’t advance him in the ranking in LH and won’t do much for MW.

GSP #Champ VS  Johny Hendricks#1 Main Event
I don’t think we have had a more talked about fight in a long time and this is going to be one hell of a fight and we at MMA AUS for one cannot wait to see what happens in this one.
Hendricks has every skill to win this fight. He has the knockout power that we have seen in fight after fight to add to that he has a great wrestling background so nothing wrong with his ground game and finally he has heart and motivation which is going to take him a long way in this fight.
However there is a reason why GSP has been the champion for so long and that’s because it doesn’t matter how fighters have something that he hasn’t seen before or dealt with because he always seems to find a way to overcome it and win. It’s like he uses the opponents strength against them or he keeps his distance in the first couple of rounds and then grinds away at them in the last two rounds to a decision. He is just that good. A win here will have the GOAT debate start again not that it ever went away.
What I feel that Hendricks need to do here is not come out swinging and trying to knockout GSP out straight away and yes I know it could work but I feel that what he will be expecting. He should come straight out and shoot get GSP on his back let him know he is in for a long night and that you have come for his title. Hendricks can’t let GSP control the fight otherwise he will find his range and Johny will be at the end of the jab and that doesn’t end well.
On top of all the skills and talent that GSP brings to this fight that we already know there is one more weapon he has up his sleeve and that comes in the form of Rick “horror” Story the last and only man to ever defeat Hendricks. Who has been brought in to train with GSP. One bit of advice that he has given is to take the fight to Hendricks as he doesn’t work well on his back foot. Add to that GSP, Story and Macdonald all training together at Tristar for fights at UFC 167 with Story taking on Ebersole in the prelim, Sets a pretty solid training camp.
I wouldn’t be surprised if GSP did win he is just that good and knows how to win but on the other hand I can’t see Hendricks losing. It’s a tough one. If Hendricks can KO or submit GSP he just has to get close enough to do it.
Can Hendricks become the first fighter since Matt Serra to knock out GSP? Well he has a beard so that’s a great start.(Get your Johny Hendricks T-shirt here)
Don’t forget to check out the live blogs on the website www.mmaaus.com on fight day and follow MmaAus on twitter and when your there Follow @Tdawg1111.

UFC Belforts Kicks, TRT, or God?

Some see it as cheating, others see it as a higher favour, but the UFC see it as great TV.
Vitor Belfort's controversial TRT (Testosterone Replacement Theorapy) usage has somewhat re-birthed the 'Phenom' of the early UFC days.
Since his submission loss to Jon Jones late last year, Vitorsaurus has head kicked his way through 3 opponents.
Bisping went to sleep, then  Rockhold saw stars, and Dan Henderson received a bomb for the first time in his 16 Year career.

UFC President Dana White's words "Barring injury or something crazy, Vitor will fight the winner of Weidman/Silva 2".
With the opportunity of GOLD awaiting the 'Phenom' Is it the TRT he has to thank?
Is it his strong belief in God that has seen him overcome and receive incredible power?

Or did a Front Kick To The Face leave scars that would ignite Vitor in years to come.


February 5th 2011, Anderson Silva delivered a highlight real knock out to Vitor with a front kick to the face, marking the first time he had been stopped from a kick. A kiack no one saw coming, yet again showcased why he is referred to as 'GOAT'.
Rebounding with 2 wins over 2 fighters no longer in the UFC, then being submitted by Jones, looks to have had Vitor at crossroads.                                                                                                       A wave of short success and failure at the very top seemed to be a trend, the flashback of Silva's foot must surely appear in each sparring session Vitor has.

"Your past is your Weaponry for your Future!" Whatever your religious beliefs, this phrase speaks for itself, with the recent devastating knock out's that Vitor has produced he continually acknowledges that his beliefs have him where he is today.

The added bonus of enduring his training camp at Jurassic Park (TRT) has Vitor thriving through any foe that comes against him.
1 kick has come a long way and the final prize is around the corner, the GOLD will be around the waist or Vitor.

UFC Fight Night 32 Live Blog

RONY JASON vs JEREMY STEPHENS
Rony Jason, entering the octagon looking to take his UFC record to 4-0, is the first to throw. He begins with a flying knee followed by a right hook. He again is first to throw in the next exchange, oooohhhhhhh my!!!!! Wooooowwwwwww! Rony Jason attempts a right hook, in doing so he leaves himself open and Jeremy Stephens lands a huge left head kick that leaves Jason motionless on the canvas. What a way to get the Main Card underway, with a spectacular knockout!

Jeremy Stephens wins by KNOCKOUT at 0:40 Round 1

RYAN LaFLARE vs SANTIAGO POZINIBBIO
Pozinibbio takes control of the center of octagon as we begin. But its LaFlare, that begins the better, getting the takedown and moving straight to mount. Santiago gets out of the position, but Ryan is able to keep the fight on the mat. Ryan again moves to the mount and looks for an arm triangle, he can't quite secure it and then looks for an arm bar he gives up his position in doing so. Santiago scrambles to get back to his feet, but even on the feet it's Ryan who's having the better of the fight. End of the round and it's LaFlare's.
LaFlare begins the brighter in the 2nd, he shoots for Santiago's hips and gets the takedown, good scrambling allows Pozinibbio to get back to his feet and Ryan lands some good knees on the way up. Back on the feet Santiago looks tired, his punches don't have the same venom as Ryan and LaFlare looks to pick him off. Hold on, here comes Pozinibbio, he lands good strikes that backs Ryan up, LaFlare throws a couple of his own and sensing a momentum shift, hits the double leg. The round finishes there with Ryan in side control, attacking the body of Pozinibbio. LaFlare probably did enough to get that round as well.
Ryan against begins the better, throwing a good body kick. Pozinibbio is again looking fatigued with his striking and LaFlare is throwing the better combos. Huge slam from Ryan, he moves straight to side control and begins to land good elbows, he's attacking the body as well. Once again Santiago scrambles and gets back to his feet. Oooohhhhh huge kick from LaFlare, it sends Pozinibbio crashing, he looks for the finish but somehow Santiago survives. To the feet we go again, ooohhhh a huge uppercut from Santiago sends LaFlare to the mat, he is able to recover quick enough though and as Pozinibbio looks land a big shot on the mat LaFlare pulls off a great sweep to get into side control. That's where the fight ends. We should see all 3 rounds go to Ryan LaFlare as we go to a decision.

Ryan LaFlare wins by Unanimous Decision (30-27 all round)

BRANDON THATCH vs PAULO THIAGO
Thatch trying to live up to the hype, is aggressive from the outset, throwing plenty of combos. It's Thiago who gets the takedown though, Brandon gets up and lands the better blows. Oooohhhhhh a huge left knee to the liver from Thatch sends Paulo down and into the fetal position. He taps as soon as he hits the mat, he looked to be in a huge amount of pain.

Brandon Thatch wins by Submission (strikes) at 2:10 Round 1

RAFAEL 'FEIJAO' CAVALCANTE vs IGOR POKRAJAC
What a start! These guys literally charge at each other and swing! After these early exchanges both guys settle and Pokrajac gets Feijao to the clinch. Rafael moves off the cage with his Muay Thai grip behind Igor's head and begins to land knees to the face. One, two, three, four, Igor slumps to the ground, Feijao moves to land the killer blow, but it's all over, Igor is tapping. Another finish on a great night of fights.

Rafael 'Feijao' Cavalcante wins by Submission (strikes) at 1:18 Round 1

CEZAR FERREIRA vs DANIEL SARAFIAN
Fast start here, both guys darting around the octagon looking for an opening. Sarafian gets Ferreira to the clinch, but doesn't do a lot from there. Cesar, clearly the bigger fighter, gets an under hook as he looks to move off the cage. It's not much longer though before Mario Yamasaki (the ref) moves in to break it up and it's back to the center of the octagon. Both guys are trading from here without landing anything really significant, Ferreira even tries a flashy Capoiera kick, but it misses and on we go. Sarafian throws with bad intentions every time, but with Cezar being so big he is finding it difficult to land. The round closes with Ferreira landing good blows, probably Sarafians, just.
The second begins with a beautiful double leg to Cezar, in Daniels guard Ferreira looks to land ground and pound, he's now opened a cut on Sarafian above his right eye. Daniel does well to get to his feet and lands a beautiful combo that staggers Cezar. Ferreira recovers easily and shoots for the takedown before Sarafian can move in. Cezar moves into a beautiful position from guard and is looking for the arm triangle but in a strange move the ref moves in and breaks them up. The round ends in the clinch. Cezar's round without a doubt.
Daniel charges straight to the center of the octagon and lands a nice straight right. Sarafian moves to the clinch and as Ferreira exits Daniel lands a great combo. Cezar doesn't look fazed in the slightest, he takes Sarafian down again and goes straight to side control. He's looking to exhaust Sarafian from here peppering away at Daniel with body and head strikes. Sarafian is really trying hard to scramble and escape, but Cezar's control is too good, once again the ref strangely stands them up. Up they go and down they go, Cezar again gets the power double leg, this time though he's able to transition to back mount with Sarafian standing. He working away on the rear naked, squeezing, squeezing, the bell rings. End of the fight with Cezar in a dominant position. He should get the decision 29-28.

Cezar Ferreira wins by Unanimous Decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-28)

VITOR BELFORT vs DAN HENDERSON
Touch of the gloves and here we go. A very slow start, with both guys trying to feel each other out. Hendo throws the first strikes, he misses and Vitor lands a huge left uppercut, down goes Hendo!!! Belfort pounces he's all over Dan, Hendo gets to his feet and Victor lands left head kick!!! Ooooohhhhhhhhh!!!! Hendo is out!!!! He has tremendous recovery skills and looks to be alert as the ref stops the fight, but he was out. It's over!

Vitor Belfort wins by KNOCKOUT at 1:17 Round 1