NOTE: this was written before Dana and Randy made nicey nice this week. My take on that situation is that Randy just wants to be free and clear of his legal dramas and be able to market and promote himself without Dana up his booty every minute of every day…nonetheless…Mami still ain’t givin’Dana no love right now.
I don’t even know where to start with this…but Dana White is pissing me off! For someone who has done so much for my favorite sport, Dana why do you insist on making such ridiculous decisions as of late? Is it greed? Have you been sparring without any protective gear and have been kicked in the head too many times? What exactly is your fucking problem?
Don’t look at me all baffled and clueless either…whuuut? whadido? Nah uh…
You have alienated most of the seasoned vets that helped you build the UFC empire causing a t-shirt guy to go off and create his own organization just so the fighters can wear his custom designed shirts to promote themselves and ultimately the sport which means more money in your pocket—DUH!!! That’s like the NFL or NBA forbidding it’s players to wear products they endorse causing Nike to create competitive leagues just so they can have the athletes endorse their product—YOU IDIOT!!! Stop turning MMA into the nightmare boxing has become…
First and foremost you’ve alienated hall-of-fame legend, Randy Couture, [Brock Lesnar—have you gone completely mad? I hope Randy tears his fucking face off and throws it right at you! There is no way he deserves a shot at Randy’s title over many of the other fighters who have paid their dues in the UFC!]
Lesnar could prove to develop into a great MMA fighter, but right now he’s just big and has some wrestling skills that I’ve not seen him use yet. I’ve just seem him sit on top of his opponents like a fat bully stealing a jelly donut on the playground.
He’s the UFC version of Kimbo Slice with a better legacy than u-tube and street brawlin’ to feed his family. At least Kimbo is humble and recognizes he’s got a lot to learn about MMA and wants to earn his way into contention. That’s a fight that someone should make happen. Brock vs. Kimbo. My money’d be on Kimbo!
Second, not that I am big fans of any of these guys, but they have their place in MMA history: Tito, Ken Shamrock and Tim Sylvia, to name a few, have all left the UFC on bad terms. And finally, what are Babalu and Arlovski doing fighting for “are you fucking kidding me with that hair Donald Trump”?
Again, more bad blood…brilliant!
You didn’t grow up with a silver spoon which means you hustled your way up the ladder. And as a leader of an enterprise, you should realize the importance of taking care of the people who helped you build it; but instead you choose to chew them up and spit them out once you have no use for them anymore or because they want to take a direction with which you don’t agree. I realize this is business [by the way, do you?] and that profit is a key component in business, but so is relationship management. Perhaps you should google that or get a book. =)
And if that fiasco isn’t enough, the salary disparities are maddening! You’re paying Anderson Silva, the UFC Middleweight Champion the SAME as I can’t be bothered to train or finish a fight, Brandon Vera? And looking after punks like Michael-won’t fight anywhere but England-Bisping?!?!?!
Not to mention all the salary disparities going on in the WEC! Trifling!!!!
All of these actions you’ve been taking are very disheartening to the loyal hardcore fans that have been down for awhile. We’ve spent our pesos on PPVs and live events. Why do you insist on compromising the coolness and integrity of the sport to make it mainstream for a few extra bucks? Check yourself!
Dana, seriously…I am really failing to see the logic in your business acumen.
No love for you right now—Mami!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
UFC 88 Mami’s Predictions
Let me start by apologizing for not having written anything for awhile. I know the upcoming UFC 88 fight is around the corner with a great card lined up, but I just can’t seem to wrap my brain around it in terms of predictions. My crystal ball isn’t working or I’m just secretly devastated that I won’t be there in person like I thought I would be…=(
At any rate, here’s my take on the situation. There are 3 seasoned MMA vets that need to make fierce statements in the ATL or risk losing the love & respect of long time fans, not to mention possibly tarnishing their legacies as the best in their respective weight classes once upon a time. Mami's sendin' love to 'em all!!!!
the main event | Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans
Liddell TKO in round 1 or 2. Evans by decision if it goes 3.
I honestly don’t know what will happen here and I seem to be one of the only fans who doesn’t have a definitive opinion. My guts says this: Rashad Evans by split decision.
However, if Chuck has been training with Hack at the Pit and is focused (the belly will tell me), we may seem him finish Rashad in round 1 or 2 by TKO or possibly a true KO ( but not likely). I expect it to be an exciting fight!
I think Rashad’s conditioning will prove superior just by the age factor alone. He’s 10 years younger than Chuck. But if Chuck can bring his A game, he may earn the W because while Rashad is undefeated in the UFC, his list of opponents isn’t particularly impressive. [side note: Michael Bisping—YUCK!] Other than Stephen Bonnar, I doubt his anyone has really tested that chin. He will also be at a disadvantage in terms of reach, standing only 5’11” to Chuck’s 6’2” frame. Hopefully Chuck will leverage his advantages where he can.
I am a long time Chuck fan. In fact, for quite some time Chuck was MMA for me so I’d love to see him the victor. However, there are many outside influences that will impact his game so it’s hard for me to predict.
I believe Chuck’s raw talent sometimes causes him to not train as hard as he should. Something BJ Penn has also suffered from in the past.
I am sure all the hardcore fans saw Chuck get slapped around by Rampage back in May 2007 at UFC 71. While I was bummed, I can’t say I was surprised. I saw Chuck’s belly growing and heard how he partied like a rockstar, rightfully enjoying his hard earned success. But I knew Rampage was hungry and fierce. I didn’t get the sense Chuck was taking him too seriously. We all know what happened after that….TKO baby!
I was in San Francisco watching it at a bar because the hotel where I was staying not only smelled like a cat box, it also didn’t have PPV. I was fascinated that Chuck wasn’t gettin’ much love. It was definitely a Rampage crowd…many yellin’ Glass Jaw Chuck and the like. I wasn’t tryin’ to hear that…I had to roll out after the fight because I was gettin’ vexed and almost yelled “shuddup biiaaches!!!” at group of rather large dudes. *smirk*
Like I said--sad, yes, surprised no. But, what did surprise me was his next loss to Keith Jardine. A split decision rather than a TKO, yet still a loss. As I've said before, Jardine is no punk, but I was worried my favorite warrior was on his way out. Then, in UFC 79 Chuck won a unanimous decision over a formidable opponent in Wanderlei Silva. However, if you saw the fight you would know that Wanderlei, who coincidentally beat down Jackson not once but twice in his days with Pride, didn’t have that killer instinct I’ve seen in the past. So I am not sure the impact of the victory other than it looks good on paper and may have re-established Chuck’s confidence/warrior spirit.
I’m hoping to see the Iceman Cometh at this one. We still love you Chuck, just please...FUCKIN'BRING IT!!! and leave the hoochies alone til AFTER the fight--then celebrate your victory in the VIP room at the Cheetah! mmauuh!!! XOXO!
fight of the night | Rich Frankin vs. Matt Hamill
I have NO IDEA but I’m gonna go with Franklin by decision.
This is the fight of the night for me! While I love Chuck and think that the main event will prove to be exciting, Franklin vs. Hamill really has me juiced because both are true warriors who bring professionalism to the cage.
Franklin’s record is as impressive as they come at 25/3/0. Although other than Anderson Silva, who is 22/4/0 in his MMA career but undefeated in the UFC, I’m not sure who else Franklin has lost to…maybe someone can help me out here because I’m feelin’ too lazy to google it.=)
There is NO SHAME in Franklin’s game. Before Anderson came along, Franklin was the Middleweight that no one could beat. And if Anderson hadn’t come along, I’d be hard pressed to find anyone else who could beat him…except perhaps Matt Hamill. Anderson even stated, at the fight against Hendo that Franklin has been his toughest opponent yet (read: not you Hendo!) which is quite the compliment coming from, in my opinion, the best pound for pound fighter in the world today…sorry Fedor—you’re not the one for Mami! =)
The first time I saw Matt Hamill fight was in UFC 75 against Michael Bisping, where he was handed the loss by split decision by the judges. Most fans, including myself agree that Hamill unequivocally won that fight and thought it complete bullocks that Bisping was given the decision just because he was the hometown favorite. This is just one of the reasons Bisping isn’t getting’ any Mami love—see note above!
Hamill is one of my favorite up and comers in the UFC. I think he shows a lot of promise and a lot of heart. And it’s that heart that will see him through to a victory over Franklin if that is to happen. I think that ultimately Franklin will earn the W, but it won’t be as easy as most are thinking. These boyz are gonna throw down and neither will give up til the very end or until one is submitted or knocked out!
A few words to Rich…
First, you look NOTHING like Jim Carey and stop letting people insult you like that!!! Second, if you really do plan to have a Hollywood career after you’re through in the cage, whatever you do AVIOD any further fights with Anderson Silva…your face can’t afford those knees and elbows unless you plan to play only roles that require a mutilated face! And finally, welcome back man….Mami’s missed seeing you in action!!!
mmauuh xoxo!
Dan Henderson vs. Rousimar Palhares (um…who?)
Best guess—Hendo TKO round 1 or 2, If it goes to 3, Palhares by submission
Let me start by saying that this rarely happens…Mami NOT having an opinion. I see that Palhares fought and won in UFC 84 but honestly, I don’t recall that fight at all. He is 17/1/0 which means he’s not a newbie and must have been fighting in another organization before coming to the UFC. He appears to be a submissions specialist which should prove interesting because Hendo has ground skills and his takedown defense is good so he can keep it standing if it becomes evident that is advantageous to him.
I’ve not seen Hendo fight very much but I’ve heard good things from his days in Pride and he held his own with Anderson despite the loss. He didn’t get the same beatings that Franklin did and came out relatively unscathed...no serious cuts (James Irvin) or broken bones (Rich Franklin) that I’m aware of post Anderson.
If I were Hendo, I’d keep it a stand up war to use the reach advantage. Palhares is only 5’8” and there is no evidence he’s a banger. He probably hasn’t had his chin tested as much as most since he seems to prefer the ground game. I’d try to end it quickly as he’s also only 28, making Hendo 10 years his elder. Conditioning will most likely be a factor although my impression is that Dan trains like an animal. Still, 10 years is 10 years. Hendo must rely on his experience and strategy to win this one. Good luck Hendo!
mmauuh! xoxo
At any rate, here’s my take on the situation. There are 3 seasoned MMA vets that need to make fierce statements in the ATL or risk losing the love & respect of long time fans, not to mention possibly tarnishing their legacies as the best in their respective weight classes once upon a time. Mami's sendin' love to 'em all!!!!
the main event | Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans
Liddell TKO in round 1 or 2. Evans by decision if it goes 3.
I honestly don’t know what will happen here and I seem to be one of the only fans who doesn’t have a definitive opinion. My guts says this: Rashad Evans by split decision.
However, if Chuck has been training with Hack at the Pit and is focused (the belly will tell me), we may seem him finish Rashad in round 1 or 2 by TKO or possibly a true KO ( but not likely). I expect it to be an exciting fight!
I think Rashad’s conditioning will prove superior just by the age factor alone. He’s 10 years younger than Chuck. But if Chuck can bring his A game, he may earn the W because while Rashad is undefeated in the UFC, his list of opponents isn’t particularly impressive. [side note: Michael Bisping—YUCK!] Other than Stephen Bonnar, I doubt his anyone has really tested that chin. He will also be at a disadvantage in terms of reach, standing only 5’11” to Chuck’s 6’2” frame. Hopefully Chuck will leverage his advantages where he can.
I am a long time Chuck fan. In fact, for quite some time Chuck was MMA for me so I’d love to see him the victor. However, there are many outside influences that will impact his game so it’s hard for me to predict.
I believe Chuck’s raw talent sometimes causes him to not train as hard as he should. Something BJ Penn has also suffered from in the past.
I am sure all the hardcore fans saw Chuck get slapped around by Rampage back in May 2007 at UFC 71. While I was bummed, I can’t say I was surprised. I saw Chuck’s belly growing and heard how he partied like a rockstar, rightfully enjoying his hard earned success. But I knew Rampage was hungry and fierce. I didn’t get the sense Chuck was taking him too seriously. We all know what happened after that….TKO baby!
I was in San Francisco watching it at a bar because the hotel where I was staying not only smelled like a cat box, it also didn’t have PPV. I was fascinated that Chuck wasn’t gettin’ much love. It was definitely a Rampage crowd…many yellin’ Glass Jaw Chuck and the like. I wasn’t tryin’ to hear that…I had to roll out after the fight because I was gettin’ vexed and almost yelled “shuddup biiaaches!!!” at group of rather large dudes. *smirk*
Like I said--sad, yes, surprised no. But, what did surprise me was his next loss to Keith Jardine. A split decision rather than a TKO, yet still a loss. As I've said before, Jardine is no punk, but I was worried my favorite warrior was on his way out. Then, in UFC 79 Chuck won a unanimous decision over a formidable opponent in Wanderlei Silva. However, if you saw the fight you would know that Wanderlei, who coincidentally beat down Jackson not once but twice in his days with Pride, didn’t have that killer instinct I’ve seen in the past. So I am not sure the impact of the victory other than it looks good on paper and may have re-established Chuck’s confidence/warrior spirit.
I’m hoping to see the Iceman Cometh at this one. We still love you Chuck, just please...FUCKIN'BRING IT!!! and leave the hoochies alone til AFTER the fight--then celebrate your victory in the VIP room at the Cheetah! mmauuh!!! XOXO!
fight of the night | Rich Frankin vs. Matt Hamill
I have NO IDEA but I’m gonna go with Franklin by decision.
This is the fight of the night for me! While I love Chuck and think that the main event will prove to be exciting, Franklin vs. Hamill really has me juiced because both are true warriors who bring professionalism to the cage.
Franklin’s record is as impressive as they come at 25/3/0. Although other than Anderson Silva, who is 22/4/0 in his MMA career but undefeated in the UFC, I’m not sure who else Franklin has lost to…maybe someone can help me out here because I’m feelin’ too lazy to google it.=)
There is NO SHAME in Franklin’s game. Before Anderson came along, Franklin was the Middleweight that no one could beat. And if Anderson hadn’t come along, I’d be hard pressed to find anyone else who could beat him…except perhaps Matt Hamill. Anderson even stated, at the fight against Hendo that Franklin has been his toughest opponent yet (read: not you Hendo!) which is quite the compliment coming from, in my opinion, the best pound for pound fighter in the world today…sorry Fedor—you’re not the one for Mami! =)
The first time I saw Matt Hamill fight was in UFC 75 against Michael Bisping, where he was handed the loss by split decision by the judges. Most fans, including myself agree that Hamill unequivocally won that fight and thought it complete bullocks that Bisping was given the decision just because he was the hometown favorite. This is just one of the reasons Bisping isn’t getting’ any Mami love—see note above!
Hamill is one of my favorite up and comers in the UFC. I think he shows a lot of promise and a lot of heart. And it’s that heart that will see him through to a victory over Franklin if that is to happen. I think that ultimately Franklin will earn the W, but it won’t be as easy as most are thinking. These boyz are gonna throw down and neither will give up til the very end or until one is submitted or knocked out!
A few words to Rich…
First, you look NOTHING like Jim Carey and stop letting people insult you like that!!! Second, if you really do plan to have a Hollywood career after you’re through in the cage, whatever you do AVIOD any further fights with Anderson Silva…your face can’t afford those knees and elbows unless you plan to play only roles that require a mutilated face! And finally, welcome back man….Mami’s missed seeing you in action!!!
mmauuh xoxo!
Dan Henderson vs. Rousimar Palhares (um…who?)
Best guess—Hendo TKO round 1 or 2, If it goes to 3, Palhares by submission
Let me start by saying that this rarely happens…Mami NOT having an opinion. I see that Palhares fought and won in UFC 84 but honestly, I don’t recall that fight at all. He is 17/1/0 which means he’s not a newbie and must have been fighting in another organization before coming to the UFC. He appears to be a submissions specialist which should prove interesting because Hendo has ground skills and his takedown defense is good so he can keep it standing if it becomes evident that is advantageous to him.
I’ve not seen Hendo fight very much but I’ve heard good things from his days in Pride and he held his own with Anderson despite the loss. He didn’t get the same beatings that Franklin did and came out relatively unscathed...no serious cuts (James Irvin) or broken bones (Rich Franklin) that I’m aware of post Anderson.
If I were Hendo, I’d keep it a stand up war to use the reach advantage. Palhares is only 5’8” and there is no evidence he’s a banger. He probably hasn’t had his chin tested as much as most since he seems to prefer the ground game. I’d try to end it quickly as he’s also only 28, making Hendo 10 years his elder. Conditioning will most likely be a factor although my impression is that Dan trains like an animal. Still, 10 years is 10 years. Hendo must rely on his experience and strategy to win this one. Good luck Hendo!
mmauuh! xoxo
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
WEC—August 3rd
Carlos Condit vs. Hiromitsu Miura (TKO for Condit @ 4:43 in 4th)
The Natural Born Killer kills again!
While Hiromitsu Miura is the toughest opponent Carlos has faced yet, Condit managed to pull off the win with a technical knockout at 4:43 in the 4th round. This fight was one of the most exciting title defenses I’ve seen with maybe the exception of Faber vs. Pulver. It was never one-sided. Both fighters were delivering and taking punishment respectively. They were very evenly matched with stand-up and ground game being superior from both opponents. Hiromitsu’s submission defense was especially impressive to me because Carlos is known for his stealthy slick submissions, even from his back. And Miura was rarely in serious danger of having to tap.
The action was explosive and Miura must be commended on his badass Judo throws. Carlos found himself getting tossed around like a rag doll for a good portion of the fight despite mention of his preparing for this tactic. Had the fight gone to a decision, I am sure the judges would have awarded Hiromistu quite a few points for all of those takedowns.
By the end of the 4th, both fighters were spent. Not because of poor conditioning, but because of the amazing pace at which they pushed the fight. If you missed this one, I highly recommend you keep an eye out for Versus to re-run it or tell your TIVO to find and record for you.
I had been waiting for this fight for months….driving everyone I know crazy with my excitement as Carlos is one of my absolute faves. He is so exciting to watch because his game is fierce. Proficient stand up game with razor sharp strikes and plenty of damaging kicks to the head and his BJJ is sick, especially since many of his submissions happen while he’s on his back.
But last Sunday Carlos lacked his usual intensity that he brings to the cage…where he goes from big smiles to looking like a complete sociopath. Something seemed off…and I wasn’t sure what it was but I could tell he wasn’t the same. I knew he had been visiting the troops overseas with Urijah Faber and BJ Penn and thought perhaps it was something he had experienced over there.
After his win, he dedicated the fight to his grandmother who had passed just a few days before and it all made sense. I found myself even more impressed with his ability to deliver another world class performance while dealing with such a profound personal loss. Gandhi once said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” I would offer that Carlos is a true warrior in that light. My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss, Carlos, and much love from all your fans!!!! mmauuh!!! xoxo
Brian Stann vs. Steven Cantwell (TKO for Cantwell at 4:01 2nd round)
Skill prevails in the world of MMA….
So I didn’t know what to make of this rematch. I think I was honestly a little afraid for Steve Cantwell going into this fight. I had just watched the original fight and a few others of Brian Stann’s earlier in the day. There is no doubt that Stann is a phenomenal athlete and a straight up brawler. That boy can throw dooooooooown. He’s also well-conditioned (to where I may consider adding him to the Short List ladies—meeeooow), extremely powerful and has a ton of heart, fighting for all the soldiers he’s lost along the way while at war as a Marine. His conviction is undeniable.
However, in the world of mixed martial arts what matters most is skill. Well rounded, technical proficiency in preferably more than one discipline will prevail. And that is what happened in this fight. It cost Stann the light heavy weight belt. He even admitted he’s a baby in the sport and has a lot to learn. I was very impressed with his sportsmanship putting the belt around Cantwell, respectfully admitting his defeat.
Stann was just unable to counter the angles, knees, elbows and muay thai kicks that Cantwell was throwing. Cantwell exposed Stann’s weakness and my bet is that is the best thing that could have ever happened to Stann. He will go away from this fight even more determined and focused; stepping up his game to learn whatever he can in the way of mma disciplines. Whether it’s muay thai, Brazilian ju-jitsu, Judo, Kempo....whatever. He knows he needs to acquire some technical proficiency to round out his game. Enjoy the belt for now, Steven. But Brian will be back and fiercer than ever! I’m looking forward to this rematch!
The Natural Born Killer kills again!
While Hiromitsu Miura is the toughest opponent Carlos has faced yet, Condit managed to pull off the win with a technical knockout at 4:43 in the 4th round. This fight was one of the most exciting title defenses I’ve seen with maybe the exception of Faber vs. Pulver. It was never one-sided. Both fighters were delivering and taking punishment respectively. They were very evenly matched with stand-up and ground game being superior from both opponents. Hiromitsu’s submission defense was especially impressive to me because Carlos is known for his stealthy slick submissions, even from his back. And Miura was rarely in serious danger of having to tap.
The action was explosive and Miura must be commended on his badass Judo throws. Carlos found himself getting tossed around like a rag doll for a good portion of the fight despite mention of his preparing for this tactic. Had the fight gone to a decision, I am sure the judges would have awarded Hiromistu quite a few points for all of those takedowns.
By the end of the 4th, both fighters were spent. Not because of poor conditioning, but because of the amazing pace at which they pushed the fight. If you missed this one, I highly recommend you keep an eye out for Versus to re-run it or tell your TIVO to find and record for you.
I had been waiting for this fight for months….driving everyone I know crazy with my excitement as Carlos is one of my absolute faves. He is so exciting to watch because his game is fierce. Proficient stand up game with razor sharp strikes and plenty of damaging kicks to the head and his BJJ is sick, especially since many of his submissions happen while he’s on his back.
But last Sunday Carlos lacked his usual intensity that he brings to the cage…where he goes from big smiles to looking like a complete sociopath. Something seemed off…and I wasn’t sure what it was but I could tell he wasn’t the same. I knew he had been visiting the troops overseas with Urijah Faber and BJ Penn and thought perhaps it was something he had experienced over there.
After his win, he dedicated the fight to his grandmother who had passed just a few days before and it all made sense. I found myself even more impressed with his ability to deliver another world class performance while dealing with such a profound personal loss. Gandhi once said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” I would offer that Carlos is a true warrior in that light. My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss, Carlos, and much love from all your fans!!!! mmauuh!!! xoxo
Brian Stann vs. Steven Cantwell (TKO for Cantwell at 4:01 2nd round)
Skill prevails in the world of MMA….
So I didn’t know what to make of this rematch. I think I was honestly a little afraid for Steve Cantwell going into this fight. I had just watched the original fight and a few others of Brian Stann’s earlier in the day. There is no doubt that Stann is a phenomenal athlete and a straight up brawler. That boy can throw dooooooooown. He’s also well-conditioned (to where I may consider adding him to the Short List ladies—meeeooow), extremely powerful and has a ton of heart, fighting for all the soldiers he’s lost along the way while at war as a Marine. His conviction is undeniable.
However, in the world of mixed martial arts what matters most is skill. Well rounded, technical proficiency in preferably more than one discipline will prevail. And that is what happened in this fight. It cost Stann the light heavy weight belt. He even admitted he’s a baby in the sport and has a lot to learn. I was very impressed with his sportsmanship putting the belt around Cantwell, respectfully admitting his defeat.
Stann was just unable to counter the angles, knees, elbows and muay thai kicks that Cantwell was throwing. Cantwell exposed Stann’s weakness and my bet is that is the best thing that could have ever happened to Stann. He will go away from this fight even more determined and focused; stepping up his game to learn whatever he can in the way of mma disciplines. Whether it’s muay thai, Brazilian ju-jitsu, Judo, Kempo....whatever. He knows he needs to acquire some technical proficiency to round out his game. Enjoy the belt for now, Steven. But Brian will be back and fiercer than ever! I’m looking forward to this rematch!
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