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!

Elite XC Saturday Night Fights on CBS

Somebody at CBS reads the blogs!
No cheese please! After last Saturday’s live EliteXC event, it is clear that somebody at CBS is reading the MMA blogs of the hardcore enthusiasts…and took some notes. I found that the production was much more in line with what we’ve all come to expect from top ranking outfit, UFC, in terms of production quality. From walkouts to interviews and commentary to overall presence, CBS seems to have stepped their game up. They got the message that the MMA fan base is not the same as the WWE or whatever fake wrestling organizations are still out there. After their last live Saturday Night Fights fiasco, they gave us props by resolving many of the issues we all voiced online. And I can tell the difference.

I gotta say…I LOVE their original announcers, Mauro Ranallo, Goldberg and especially Frank Shamrock. He knows the game up close and personal and has a lot of passion which really establishes their credibility. I also like his little demonstrations in between bouts and yes Frank, I noticed the braces…good call! I feel the transition from fighter to announcer happening and after that beating you took from Cung, who can blame you! MMAUUH! xoxo =)

Note to CBS researcher: take a few notes on Joe Rogan’s post-fight cage interviews. He’s not afraid to pour gas right on the fire!!! You need to send Frank into the cage as he’ll have more rapport with the fighters than Stiff Neck did Saturday. Otherwise, good job on the marked improvements!!!

And once again, it’s Ladies Night….
Just as with the first EliteXC Saturday Night Fights, the ladies were the most exciting bout. Shayna Baszler versus Cristiane Cyborg (is that really her name? how unfortunate…and thank gaaaawd she didn’t come out with one big eye or I’da been askerd…make that more askerd).

Anyhow, props to Shayna for standing and bangin’ with Cristiane because that girl was fierce.
I’d put my money on her against Brandon Vera any day of the week…ok I’ll stop fuckin’ with Brandon…but I’m just sayin’. Cristiane’s power and energy was unbelievable. Better than a lot of dudes out there in the MMA game.

That has to be one of my top 5 fights of the year. Shayna displayed a ton of heart and fought til the very end. Big ups! It won’t be long before the undefeated Cristiane meets Gina Carano in the cage and all I can say is Cristiane, please….Not the Face! Not the Face! MMAUUH! xoxo

UFC Fight Night 14 Results

Anderson Silva def. James Irvin

Spider Superb at 205!

There were mixed emotions, even among some of Anderson's most loyal fans, about how he would perform moving up to light heavyweight. There was speculation, sometimes even doubt, that he could maintain his speed and technical proficiency with an extra 20lbs. But I never wavered. During some of the pre-fight training sessions, I could tell he was as focused as ever and seemed to maintain his skills.

The Spider weaved his web once again in his usual style. He danced around for a little while loosening up at the beginning of the round. Some say to size up his opponent, James Irvin, the man who knocked Houston Alexander the fuck out in 8 seconds to hold the fastest victory in UFC history . My opinion is a little different. I think he dances to draw out the fight, otherwise his fans will feel cheated if the find ends too soon. We saw him do this with Rich Franklin among others and Anderson, we feel the love!

When he went in for the kill, his strikes were as fierce as venom. James Irvin didn't have a chance. Anderson caught a kick attempt, held Irvin's leg while punching him square in the face leaving a bloody gash behind, stunning Irvin. Anderson proceeded to take him down and in classic MMA style grounded him the fuck out til the ref called the Knock Out. Anderson may have found a new home at 205 because the class is deep and I have no idea who Dana White thinks would even be a challenge to Silva at 185. Certainly not the new to 185 Michael Bispng--please tell met that's not your plan, Dana!

Anderson has beat down everyone, including former UFC MW champ Rich Franklin, twice. I very much look forward to watching the Spider continue to annihilate his prey no matter the weight class.

Brandon Vera def. Reese Andy

Shut up or Step up...

Brandon Vera, also a newbie to the 205 weight class wasn't nearly as effective as Anderson Silva. While he did win the bout with a decision, I would offer that is only because Reese Andy was just that much worse. Making his UFC debut, Reese Andy had nothing to lose coming into this fight. His inexperience was evident and it cost him the decision. But Brandon Vera is a seasoned UFC veteran and in my humble opinion, even considering the 5 weeks to cut 20lbs (an excuse I've heard several times now--eyeroll) he talked the talk but didn't walk the walk. And he has plenty to lose.

This fight never should have gone past the first round--especially if he was feeling weak, woozy or just out of sorts at the new weight class. Even better reason to finish the fight early.Before the fight, he talked of aspirations to hold the HW and LHW belts and he's gonna go the distance to a decision with a newbie? Champs finish fights Brandon...they don't leave it up to the judges. Ask Anderson, Chuck, or even your buddy Rampage...oh wait, maybe you learned it from him.What the fuck is that about Brandon? Leave the twinkies and ho ho's alone and start taking your training seriously.

Joe Rogan even tried to call him out and his focus wasn't on what he did wrong or where he needs to make adjustments in his game plan. He announced his after party venue and diverted the attention to former LHW Rampage Jackson who is going through some drama right now. I am not exactly sure what Brandon thinks there was to celebrate after that weak-ass display in the cage last Saturday but hopefully he will get his head right and step up! Get refocused on your fighting Brandon or shut the fuck up!

Frankie Edgar def. Hermes Franca

Frankie had the Anwser

In a unanimous decision over Hermes Franca, Frankie "the answer" Edgar put on a respectable display of well rounded MMA skills. While I thought he would have faired better had the fight stayed off the ground (it certainly would have been more exciting), he managed to hold his own against the formidable jujitsu master. While Edgar has a strong wrestling background he was at risk of getting caught in one of Franca's fierce submissions so he trained extra hard to avoid that for this fight and it paid off. Franca seemed off and when he took Edgar down he didn't do anything useful or effective which cost him the fight. Edgar clearly wanted the win more than Franca and it earned him the decision.

Cain Velasquez def Jake O'Brien

I don't even remember this fight so it couldn't have been too exciting and/or they are both uggas....=)

Anthony Johnson Vs. Kevin Burns
OW! My F#$%&*$ Eye...
I can't believe that this fight did not end in a disqualification for Burns. He was warned 3 times for poking Jonhson in the eye and was given the decision. I am too pissed to discuss anything else about the fight. And if I were Johnson I wouldn't even take a re-match!

Jesse Taylor Vs. CB Dollaway

Whoops!
I was out fetching the pizza and missed it. Sorry guys. Heard CB executed a sick Peruvian necktie submission though. Not sure I've ever seen this move...thank gaaaawd for utube!