Knockouts and Neck Cranks

In the followup to my previous article in the same series, here is my breakdown and predictions for the main card for the upcoming UFC 82: PRIDE of a Champion event.

The fights covered in this edition are:

Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara v/s Chris “The Crippler” Leben
Jon Fitch v/s Chris Wilson
Yushin “Thunder” Okami v/s Evan Tanner

Let’s get it on, then.

1. Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara v/s Chris “The Crippler” Leben

This is Alessio Sakara’s first fight at middleweight and judging by his last performance at Light Heavyweight, this one is going to be a barnburner! Sakara comes in with amazing boxing ability and a newly found confidence on the ground as well, thanks to his new camp - The American Top Team. Sakara, ever a dangerous knockout artist, seems to finally have worked at his achilles heel, the Takedown defence. What one wonders is whether Sakara will be able to translate his power and skill down in the middleweight division.

His acid test - The Crippler, Chris Leben. Although Leben is more known for his antics on the camera on the Ultimate fighter season 1, do not take this team quest and now hawaii based fighter lightly. Many people on the internet make the mistake of judging him by his TV appearance and have been proven wrong a few times. Ever an exciting fighter, Leben brings excellent ground skills and really good striking into this fight. What might be a bad idea for him would be to wait till he gets hit before he exhibits any fire in this match since one punch from Sakara will be all it takes to knock Leben out. Leben does have an advantage on the ground and I think that should be his strategy in this fight - take Sakara down and end the fight with punches from side mount.

An exciting standup battle is what I predict.

Prediction: Chris Leben by TKO round 2.

2. Jon Fitch v/s Chris Wilson

This is one of three match-ups that I am very excited to watch. Jon Fitch goes up against a very dangerous newcomer to the octagon in Chris Wilson.

Fitch, an exciting ground fighter, is well known in the division and is thought of by many as one of the rising stars in the division. Fitch has a phenomenal ground game and is pretty good at strikes also. I forsee Fitch trying to take the match to the mat and use his considerable wrestling skills to dominate Wilson on the ground to take the victory.

Wilson, on the otherhand, is a seasoned muay-thai veteran and has had an excellent record in stand-up matches. Wilson’s knees and strikes and especially his setups for the same are phenomenal and have ever gained the praise of many of the game’s best. His ground game is pretty good as well, training at Team Quest with the likes of Dan Henderson and Matt Lindland have really helped Wilson step up his skills on the ground and his submissions are really good as well. I personally am really excited to finally see Wilson in the UFC and can’t wait to see how he performs.

I think the match will end up on the ground for the latter half of the first round with Fitch dominating after taking a few blows while on the feet. The second round will have Fitch trying to get Wilson to the ground but Wilson will use his considerable reach to keep him at bay and the match ends by either submission or TKO on the ground for Chris Wilson. I know a lot of people are going to disagree with this one - glad to hear your thoughts.

Prediction: Chris Wilson - round 2 - Submission/ TKO

3. Yushin “Thunder” Okami v/s Evan Tanner

Evan Tanner returns!! This is basically what has been hyped a lot during the past few weeks and I have even read articles with Tanner claiming to know how to beat Anderson Silva. Two things here that don’t pertain to the match-up. It may be to generate interest, but I have never seen Tanner given so much media attention and secondly, never has Tanner ever made such statements before a fight either. Now that I have that off my chest…

Yushin “Thunder” Liger ..errr…I mean Okami is back after his decision loss to Rich Franklin and has been given the task of judging whether the 35 year old Tanner is still a force to reckon in the middleweight division or not. Okami is mainly a ground fighter with excellent takedowns and dominant wrestling capabilities. Deceptively strong, Okami possesses strength that will be a challenge for Tanner to fight against. The one big weakness that I see in Okami’s game that might cause him problems is that Okami is not very comfortable with strikes and someone with as dangerous a striking game as Tanner can be a daunting task for Okami. The one thing that Okami always goes to and I believe will this time as well is going to be the takedown and ground and pound strategy (if it works, don’t change it right?) and his strength and skill will definitely be difficult for Tanner to combat.

Tanner on the other hand has every eye on him and has a lot to prove. No one knows how good Tanner’s conditioning is - although I have never seen Tanner gas and he looked better than ever in promo material. Secondly, is the Evan Tanner who steps in to the octagon the same Tanner who stepped out a few years back? Third - Does Evan Tanner have the will and determination to take his game back to and beyond what it was when he lost to Rich Franklin?

This is the first time that Tanner has had a proper training and conditioning camp for a fight. Tanner’s strengths have always been his elite level striking and excellent submission game. Although his will is sometimes questioned, his heart has never been. He has excellent control during most of his defensive manouvers and can easily turn a defensive manouvre into an offensive tipping point. Look for a lot of crazy elbows from the back while maintaining guard and also look for some really crisp striking from Tanner.

Prediction: Evan Tanner by Submission/ Tapout - Round 3 (provided this is a fully prepared, ready Tanner who shows up).

P.S.: Look for similar and other work of mine at MMAOpinion. Be sure to leave comments.

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1. Bob Sapp vs. Jan Nortje

This is the main event of the evening with the returning Bob “The Beast” Sapp going up against Jan “The Giant” Nortje. Sapp at his best is known for some very aggressive striking and is a brawler. The fight will not be a walk over for him however, as Jan Nortje is a very hard hitting and technically sound striker. Let’s see how it goes.

Jan Nortje opens up Bob Sapp with some huge shots and picks up the quick upset victory as such. Nortje hit Sapp with more than 12 left jabs as a reeling Sapp falls to the ground. The referee stops the contest and just like that Jan Nortje wins the match effortlessly at 55 seconds.

Winner: Jan “The Giant” Nortje by TKO - round 1 (0:55 mins).

2. Joe Riggs vs. Cory Devela

Round one: Devela with a body kick as Riggs counters with a punch. Devela works to get Riggs down as they are both against the cage. Devela slams Riggs to the mat and punches Riggs as Riggs taps immediately. Injury to Riggs.

Winner: Cory Devela by submission - round 1

3. Maurice Smith vs. Rick Roufus

The veteran comes in with Frank Shamrock in his corner. As soon as Maurice feels comfortable, he shoots in for a takedown, gets Rick Roufus down and passes from full guard to mount. Maurice with a kimura and Roufus taps.

Winner: Maurice Smith by Kimura - Round 1

4. Steve Berger vs. Eddy Ellis

Round one starts with Ellis getting a couple of jabs and a kick in as Berger starts with a whirlwind of punches. Ellis gets Berger down with a body lock but Berger gets back up. Both fighters are against the cage and Ellis lands a good knee to the body. Ellis with a big right and follows it up with body shots. Ellis with another good side kick. Berger charges for a takedown but Ellis gets back up. Berger tries for another as the round ends.

Round two starts and Berger immediately gets a takedown and starts punching from Ellis’ guard. Berger with some big straights on Ellis who is trying to stand up but Ellis gets a takedown on Berger instead. Ellis almost lands an anaconda choke but is unable to do so. The referee restarts the action and the two start throwin punches before Ellis lands another takedown. The referee again stands them up as there was little action on the ground. Ellis takes Berger down again but Berger with an omaplata followed by some punches to Ellis’ head from the back as the round ends.

5. Jorge Masvidal vs. Ryan Healy

Masvidal gets some early punches in as Healy gets a big right in on Masvidal followed by a knee. Masvidal gets back up as he fights a guillotine attempt by Healy. Healy is taken down by Masvidal as both fighters get back up. Healy with some good shots inlclduing a flying knee. Healy gets a takedown and lands some small shots. Both fighters on the cage as Masvidal gets some knees in from the inside. Masvidal with a trip and then lands some good punches in on Healy. Masvidal gets some really rocking punches in as Healy gets Masvidal down with a big takedown. What a back and forth fight! Masvidal back on top now and landing some good body shots from Healy’s full guard. Healy trying to control Jorge’s posture. Masvidal with a good left as Healy tries some defensive manouvers. The referee stands both fighters up with 20 seconds left. Both fighters look for shots in as Masvidal tries to get a spinning kick in. Healy gets some shots in as the round ends.

Round two starts with a very aggressive Healy trying to get some good shots in. Masvidal in Healy’s full guard. The referee stands them back up again as Healy gets Masvidal down again. Healy tries to posture up to get some strikes but almost gets trapped in an armbar. Healy slips out and turns around and tries to get a guillotine in on Masvidal. Masvidal gets out of a suboptimal choke as the round comes to an end. Another close round.

Round three starts with Healy again looking to get some punches in.

Another bout of technical difficulties, readers. Hang on as we try and get this sorted out.

Winner: Jorge Masvidal by Unanimous decision

6. Eric Clark vs. Josh Bennett

Clark starts with some big kicks and punches but Bennett gets clark in a clinch and gets some body shots in. Clark looks for a take down as Benett tries to get a guillotine in using the position to get a few knees. Clark with some big punches and combination is on Bennett. The fighters move to the center of the ring as Clark continues to get some big shots in on a tired looking Bennett. Bennett again tries to press Clark against the cage. Clark with a superman right followed by some one-two combinations. Clark does a good job punching as he moves back. Clark advancing now as he gets a couple of shots in from the clinch. Bennett reverses and tries to get another choke in. Bennett drives Clark to the ground but is not able to do much damage as the round comes to an end with both fighters looking for some big shots in.

Bennett has a big mouse over his left eye. I am experiencing some technical difficulties and will get the play-by-play back on as soon as this is started.

Before the beginning of Round three, the doctor stops the fight as Bennett is unable to continue due to the cut above his left eye.

Winner: Eric Clark by TKO round two (Doctor’s Stoppage)

7. Ray Perales vs. Lyle Beerbohm

Welterweight bout with both fighters matching up pretty evenly on paper. Perales has the obvious experience edge with close to 20 fights more than Beerbohm who comes with a wrestling background and an atrocious nickname - “fancypants”!

The match starts with Beerbohm taking the center and throwing some nice low kicks. Lyle with a good shoot takes Perales to the ground and rains some nice shots in. Beerbohm in Perales’ half guard. Beerbohm tries to get a guillotine but is not able to get it in. Beerbohm has Perales against the cage and tries to mount but has no space to manouvre in to position. Beerbohm throws a few shots in as he tries to improve position but Perales does well. Beerbohm with a side mount and tries to pass but gets stuck in Perales’s half guard. Beerbohm is dominating the ground game but there isn’t really too much action going on. Beerbohm with some good punches but Perales is doing a good job defending. Beerbohm again in side mount but is unable to do too much damage. Beerbohm mounts and tries to get some shots in as the round ends.

Round two starts with Beerbohm getting another quick takedown and gets Perales on the cage. Beerbohm trying for another guillotine in but Perales uses that to stand up and counter Perales takedown attempt. Beerbohm lifts Perales up and slams him to the ground. Beerbohm moves into full mount and tries to get some strikes in but Perales is working hard to control Beerbohm. Lyle throws some big shots in and looks very aggressive from the top. Nothing changes throughout the next minute as Beerbohm gets some shots in to the body and head of Perales from the mount. Perales tries to sweep but Beerbohm is having none of it. The round ends.

Round three starts with Beerbohm trying to get some big left high kicks. Beerbohm looks for a shoot again as Perales sprawls. Beerbohm gets him down finally as the same story as rounds 1 and 2 continue with Beerbohm looking for the guillotine. Beerbohm finally gets the submission hold and Perales taps.

Winner: Lyle Beerbohm by submission (guillotine choke) - Round 3

8. Matt Kovacs vs. Mike Hayes

Heavyweight fight with two very new fighters - Kovacs being the only one with a pro fight under him. Kovacs is the heavier fighter whereas Mike Hayes has the definite height advantage.

Kovacs with a low kick. Hayes trying to get some strikes in. Hayes with a good combination, looks pretty decent in his standup. Kovacs trying to get some body shots in but Hayes is not phased. Hayes tries to get a head kick in but falls and Kovacs takes the opportunity to get in Hayes’s side mount. Kovacs loses the advantage as both fighters stand back up. Hayes with a few good strikes to Kovacs. Kovacs has Hayes on the cage and is trying to get some leverage going, but is unable to do any damage. Some pretty sloppy striking going on as Kovacs gets a good body shot in. Hayes gets two or three good strikes in as Kovacs gets Hayes down with a trip. Kovacs getting some shots in from Hayes’ full guard as the round comes to an end.

Round 2 starts with both fighters throwing lazy low kicks one after the other. Hayes again with a left. Hayes gets a clinch going and throws a few knees. Kovacs with a knee of his own. Kovacs with a few big swings. Hayes is against the cage as Kovacs throws a few wild combinations. Kovacs looking to get Hayes in but Hayes in Kovacs’ full mount. Hayes with some shots from Kovacs’ back as Kovacs turns and gives Hayes the side mount. Hayes is dominating the ground game. Hayes traps Kovacs’s left arm tied and throws some hammer strikes to Kovacs’ head. Hayes dominates on the ground with some good strikes to Kovacs’ head as the round comes to a close.

Round three starts with both fighters trying to get some big shots in. Hayes gets a wildly swinging Kovacs into the clinch and gets taken to the cage. Kovacs with a couple of good shots in on Hayes. Hayes bleeding a lot from the nose now. Both men move to the center of the ring. Hayes with some big punches on Kovacs as Kovacs takes Hayes to the cage once again and gets some big rights in. Hayes powers Kovacs back to the center of the ring. Both fighters look exhausted. Hayes with a few tired punches as Kovacs gets Hayes back onto the cage. Hayes with a good knee to the body. Kovacs gets an unintentional shot below the belt as he tries for a knee strike to the body. The fight resumes with 1 minute left. Hayes swings at Kovacs who is trying very hard to get a takedown. Hayes with a guillotine on Hayes but Kovacs gets out and gets in to Hayes’ full guard. The match ends with both fighters on the canvas totally exhausted.

Winner: Mike Hayes by Unanimous Decision

9. Scott Shaffer vs. Zach Skinner

Result: Zach Skinner by Unanimous Decision (29-28)

  As promised, I will start my breakdown of the UFC 82 card over the coming week. Let’s start by taking a look at the undercard for the event.

The flavor of the undercard seems to be “past glories”. You’ll see what I mean. This is the undercard for the event:

Andrei “Pitbull” Arlowski v/s Jake O’Brien
Luke Cummo v/s Luigi Fiorovanti
Josh Koscheck v/s Dustin Hazelett
Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez v/s David Bielkheden
John “Hurricane” Halverson v/s Jorge Gurgel

Let’s start from the bottom and make our way up.

1. John “Hurricane” Halverson v/s Jorge Gurgel

John Halverson, a miletich product, has been in the UFC before (lost to Roger Huerta at UFC 67) and is at the moment coming off a three fight win streak in smaller shows. John Halverson is a brawler/ wrestler like a few other Miletich products and is pretty strong at those particular skills. However, he has either lost by TKO or submission in his more high-profile fights, which leads me to believe that Halverson has a serious case of “Dreamsmasheritis“, a particularly unique malady that was first seen in veteran KOTC champion and UFC, PRIDE and EliteXC veteran Joey Villasenor.

On the other hand we have Jorge Gurgel. A very accomplished jiu-jitsu fighter, Jorge has a similar malady in that he goes the distance and loses in hard fought matches with good fighters. Till he joined The UFC, Jorge had a really impressive 9-1 record. However, after he joined the UFC, Jorge’s record has been pretty even at 2-2, with his losses coming against Mark Hominick and Alvin Robinson. The fights haven’t been really pretty either.

Prediction: Jorge Gurgel by Unanimous Decision

2. Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez v/s David Bielkheden

This is the match that Diego has to win. Sanchez has been drifting into mediocrity ever since he left his proving ground in Greg Jackson’s camp and now that he seems to have a steadier camp, the UFC has thrown him up against David Bielkheden.

Although I don’t know much about David Bielkheden and have never seen him fight, his record suggests a middle level fighter and it seems to me that Diego has been thrown a lifesaver in this fight.

Look for Diego to dominate the fight and score a KO/ TKO to win the fight in the first round.

Prediction: Diego Sanchez by TKO - Round 1

3. Josh Koscheck v/s Dustin Hazelett

Coming off a decisive loss against interim welterweight champion Georges St.Pierre, Josh Koscheck comes in to this fight looking to get back to his winning ways. As always, Koscheck brings in excellent wrestling skills, athleticism and an always improving striking game along with the spirit of one of the best camps in MMA - The American Kickboxing Academy.

Hazelett is coming in to this fight with a three win streak against game opponents and hopes to continue the run with a victory over Koscheck. It won’t be easy however as Hazelett will have to put his ground game to the test against the wrestling skills of Josh Koscheck. The advantage that Hazelett has over his opponent is the often displayed finishing skills.

What will be interesting to see is whether Koscheck has really upped his game to another level or whether Hazelett continues his winning streak in the UFC. This promises to be an interesting fight by any stretch of the imagination.

Prediction: Hazelett by Submission - round 2

4. Luke Cummo v/s Luigi Fiorovanti

In another round of comeback fighters, Luke Cummo takes on Luigi Fiorovanti. Neither of the fighters have fought since ssptember of last year and are both looking to find their footing once again inside the octagon. Cummo, one of Matt Serra’s star pupils, has shown a great deal of heart and warrior spirit in all of his fights and suprised a lot of people including Matt Hughes as far as his fighting abilities are concerned. Coming in with a very solid all-round game, Cummo definitely has the advantage as far as MMA is concerned, technically.

Fiorovanti on the other hand, while not as technically adept as Cummo has knock out power and looks to finally prove himself and his fans right by finally fulfilling the promise he came in to the UFC with. To win this match, Fiorovanti will primarily have to keep the fight standing and try and work his boxing while staying in the pocket and denying Cummo the reach advantage. Whether or not he is able to withstand Cummo’s onslaught and implement his game plan will ultimately decide whether he wins or not.

Prediction: Luke Cummo by TKO Round 2

Andrei “Pitbull” Arlowski v/s Jake O’Brien

Capping an undercard that could very well be a good Fight Night card is the heavyweight matchup featuring former UFC champion Andrei “Pitbull” Arlowski versus the ever dangerous “Irish” Jake O’Brien.

O’Brien, best known for his ground domination of Heath Herring in his first fight in the UFC is coming off a long layoff due to injuries and is surely looking to make another example of a very highly favoured and decorated opponent in Arlowski. O’Brien has some very solid wrestling skills which are supplemented by his boxing skills, which although nowhere near the level of an Andrei Arlowski, are definitely improving thanks to his brother who is a pro-boxer.

Andrei Arlowski, who has been out of action since April last year, when he fought Fabricio Werdum in what was one of the most boring fights in the UFC, probably wants to show the world that he is still the same fighter who ruled the heavyweight division in the UFC in the past. As far as the reason behind the Pitbull being on the undercard is concerned, although the subject of much debate, is very simple and is infact two fold. One, he is coming off some very lack-luster performances and has shown none of the charisma and in-ring charm that took him to the top of the food chain in the UFC. The second and more business based reason is plain for anyone who follows MMA to see. There has been a lot of rumours surrounding Arlowski as far as his future plans with the UFC are concerned. The UFC, plainly wants to give the fighter as little exposure as possible, unless they are sure that he will remain with the company or not, causing him to be relegated to the prelims.

Prediction: Andrei Arlowski by KO round 3

Stay tuned to the site for more breakdowns of the main card fights over the course of the week.

Over the next few weeks, I will be attempting to break down each and every fight on the UFC 82 card one at a time. I will also be reccommending betting choices along with the breakdown. Please remember I don’t personally put down money on any of these and am doing the breakdown and the odds only because I like to . So if you have to trust me, trust my choices when u bet on a fantasy league

First breakdown tomorrow!

Tim Boetsch gets a quick callback from the UFC after his vicious knockout victory over David Heath at UFC 81. Boetsch, who stepped up last minute to take on the fight against Heath and came out with a dominating performance now gets to do it all over again.

It seems like as soon as Stephan Bonnar dropped out of his fight against Matt Hamill due to an injury, the one man whose number was on UFC match maker Joe Silva’s mind was Tim Boetsch. Shows you how impressed the UFC brass was with the barbarian!

Boetsch, who seems to be the latest to take the “Warpath” of short notice fights (a la Rubens Villareal) wants to show the world once again, that he is a legitimate threat in the Light Heavyweight division by trying to do to Hamill what he did to Heath.

Hamill on the other hand, coming off a controversial loss to now UFC middleweight Michael Bisping, wants to show the world that he is ready for a step up in competition and extinguish the fire that is under Boetsch. He most definitely would not want to be the next to fall victim to Tim Boetsch’s unorthodox and vicious fighting style.

So, come April 2nd at UFC Fight Night, what will happen when Hamill meets Boetsch?

Predictions and more breakdowns as we near the event! For now, suffice to say, Boetsch is here to stay for some time and has just signed a three fight deal with the UFC.

Here’s one for stepping up each time!

EliteXC: Street Certified live play by play and quick results

Hope you all enjoyed the coverage. Have a good night!

Main Card:

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson vs. David “Tank” Abbott

Tank with a big left and tries to get in close to Slice. Kimbo connects with a wild swing as Abbot tries to go for a leg. The match is stopped for some reason, then restarted. Oh wait, its stopped again and then restarted again! Slice continues to hit tank with simple combo punches as Tank is clearly bearing the brunt of the punishment. The final shot goes through and Tank hits the mat face first.

Winner: Kimbo Slice by KO (strikes) in the first round (:33 seconds)

Antonio Silva vs. Ricco Rodriguez

The Heavyweight match that many say should be the headliner for this event as Antonio “Big Foot” Silva takes on Ricco “Suave” Rodriguez.

Jorge Ortiz starts the first round as both men try to find their range. Silva presses the action and gets a few good strikes in. Rodriguez tries to get a few in but is made to retreat by a good right from Silva. Silva with a good jab and a left that makes Ricco’s head go back. Silva with a good right, Ricco tries to go for a knee. Rodriguez gets a nice takedown and is in Silva’s full mount. Ricco trying to get higher up, but Silva is working well off his back. Last minute of the first round as Ricco tries to get a better position. Short elbow from Rodriguez and the first round is over.

The second round starts as Ricco, I am sure, wants to get Silva back down. Silva with a flurry but Ricco defends well. Silva tries for a big left right but doesn’t get a lot behind it. Ricco looking for a double leg as Silva tries to defend off the cage. Ricco against the cage as Silva looks to get a lot of damage in. Hammer fists by Silva as Ricco tries to get back up. Silva in Ricco’s side mount and is throwing a lot of elbows. Interesting fight for control on the ground as Ricco tries to control Silva’s posture. One minute remaining in the fight as Silva tries to get some more hammer fists in. Ricco complains that he can’t see out of his left eye. Doctor asks Ricco if he wants to continue and the match is back under way.

Good sprawl by Silva as Silva tries to get Ricco’s back but Ricco is not having any of it. End of round two.

Round three is underway and Silva is trying to close the distance and get the jabs in. Ricco with a low kick. Silva with a take down and gets into Ricco’s half guard. Silva with some good shots from the top. Ricco looks to counter and gets Silva back into full guard. Silva tries to get a big shot in as they are back standing. Ricco is looking much better than he has in a long time. Ricco looks for a big high kick and immediately shoots for a single leg. Ricco in Silva’s full guard (closed). One minute remaining as Silva tries to hold Ricco down. Good competetitive fight so far. I am really impressed by both fighters. Ten seconds remaining as Ricco gets a few elbows in and win the third round.

Very good back-and-forth fight. This will be tough for the judges to score. One thing is for sure now. Silva is definitely not ready for Fedor, by any means.

Winner: Antonio Silva by Judges Decision (Split)

Scott Smith vs. Kyle Noke

Middleweight bout with Smith making his debut in EliteXC and the aussie Kyle Noke coming off of a victory over Seth Kleinbeck. The fighters are taking their time feeling each other out. Neither has made a move in the first minute. Noke with an inside leg kick. Both fighters miss with overhands. Very little action in the first two minutes. Noke with an outside leg kick. Smith misses with a few strikes.

Noke is getting a few punches in but no real damage. Most of the shots are point earners, but no real damage done. Smith with a one-two combination. Smith gets a few kicks and punches in. The first round comes to a close with a lot of boos from the crowd.

Round two starts with a more aggressive looking Smith. Scott Smith gets a huge right in and knocks out Kyle Noke!

Winner: Scott Smith by KO in the second round (:7 secs).

Yves Edwards vs. Edson Berto

The match starts with both men feeling each other out. Kicks from both fighters. Edwards with some good combinations. Berto comes in with a combination of his own. Berto takes Yves down and passes to side mount. Edwards gets Edson back into half guard and seems to look for a sweep. Berto Has Edwards in a guillotine but Yves gets out and is in Berto’s half guard (open) as Edwards immediately looks for an armbar.

Edwards in the full mount now as he tries to get some damage in, but Berto does a decent job trying to avoid damage. Edwards with some good body shots and gets a few more shots in on Berto. Edwards with a big punch to the head. The referee stands them back up with 30 seconds left. Berto trying for a single leg, but gets knocked out by a big knee by Edwards. The match is over - just like that!

Winner: Yves Edwards by TKO (Flying knee) in the first round (4:45).

James Thompson vs. Brett Rogers

James Thompson looks the leanest and the best I have ever seen him as the heavyweight match starts. The match starts in typical Thompson style as he changes things up by going for a single leg as Thompson gets Rogers down for an instant but Rogers gets up only to get peppered by knees by Thompson. Thompson with a big right, Rogers gets Thompson on the cage and gets some body shots in. Rogers gets a few big overhands in and the fight is all over.

Winner: Brett Rogers by TKO in the first round (2:24).

Preliminary Card:

Rafael Feijao vs. John Doyle

Light Heavyweight bout. Doyle had only two weeks to prepare for the fight. Cardio might come into the picture for Doyle. Feijao comes in after a few fights in IFL, trains with the Noguieras and Anderson Silva, has most of his wins by KO/ TKO.

Strangely enough, the ring announcer welcomes Anderson Silva and Minotauro who are in Feijao’s corner. Wonder what the UFC has to say about this …

The fight starts with Feijao taking the center of the cage. Doyle tries for a single leg but Rafel is not having any of it. They separate as Doyle gets a good left hand. Feijao with a good overhand right. Both fighters are swinging for the fences. Feijao lands a good knee and has Doyle in the clinch as he tees off with really good knees as we can hear Anderson Silva telling him what to do. Doyle is hit by a big body shot and falls down to the canvas as Feijao finishes Doyle with a great punch.

Your Winner: Rafael Feijao by TKO in the first round.

Jon Kirk vs. Yosmany Cabezas

The middleweight bout starts with Kirk starts with an overhand right. Cabezas gets Kirk to the canvas and gets an ankle lock, but Kirk reverses and gets half guard. Kirk tries to posture but cabezas tries for another heel hook with the same result. Kirk trying to land a lot of punches as Cabezas tries to get off. Cabezas tries for another heel hook but Kirk gets full mount and tries to rain punches.

Cabezas gets dominant position and goes to side mount and tries for a americana. Kirk reverses and tries to get position. Cabezas tries for another triangle and seems to have this tight. Kirk is holding on with 30 seconds left. Cabezas busts Kirk open but the referee notices a strike with the point of the elbow by cabezas and deducts one point from Cabezas as the round comes to a close.

Round two starts with Kirk trying for a flying knee. Cabezas with a high kick as Kirk and Cabezas gets a takedown with a trip. Very quick transition into a rear naked to the back and sinks in the choke deep!!!

Jon Kirk taps out as Cabezas gets his first ever victory in EliteXC at 2 mins of the second round. Excellent fight!

Winner: Yosmany Cabezas by submission (rear naked choke)

Mario Rinaldi v/s Dave “PeeWee” Herman

The referee Jorge Ortiz starts the fight as we go into round 1. Rinaldi immediately rushes in for a single leg, which is well defended by Herman as he manages to pepper a few shots in on Mario. Mario tries to power Herman down but Herman gets off easily. Rinaldi again goes for the same exact takedown with the same result.Herman with many knee strikes on Rinaldi as Mario starts bleeding. Mario comes off as a very one dimensional fighter and is really not able to do any damage. The fans don’t appreciate Rinaldi’s efforts too much as the referee intervenes and forces a separation.

Rinaldi keeps trying for the takedown but Herman is having none of it. Herman takes Rinaldi’s back and is trying to get a Rear naked choke in but Rinaldi’s blood does not help. Rinaldi gets up but is not able to inflict any damage. Rinaldi looks really hurt and tired at the end of the round.

Round two starts with Rinaldi coming in with the same exact strategy as he looks for a single leg. They are back up and Rinaldi goes back to trying to get PeeWee down. Rinaldi looks gassed as Herman doesn’t try anything either. Herman gets Rinaldi’s back and looks to rain down the punches again and again. The fighters are back up and Rinaldi gets rocked by the punches and knees.

Rinaldi tries to get him down again but the referee stands them back up. Herman on Rinaldi’s back again and tries to sinks in a rear naked again but ends up going back to the punches. Rinaldi tries for a knee bar but he just doesn’t have anything left as the round comes to a close. Will the doctors let Rinaldi continue?

Round three starts with a much more aggressive Herman as he gets in a lot of knee strikes and kicks. Herman gets in a few more strikes as the referee mercifully stops the fight.

Your Winner: Dave Herman by TKO (Ref’s stoppage) in the third round!

Eric Bradley v/s Mikey Gomez

Bradley in Gomez’s guard, raining down hammer fists. Referee stands them up at 2:15, Bradley tries to get Gomez back down as Mikey does a good job of countering the single leg. Gomez is taken down at 1:11. Very active guard. More hammer fists rained down by Bradley as the first round comes to a close. Mauro describes the round as a war of attrition.

Round two starts the exact same way with Bradley on Gomez’s back. Both men trying to get optimum position next to the cage as Gomez gets warned for holding the fence. Bradley has Gomez next to the fence as referee stands the fighters up at 1:35 of the second round. Gomez is forced on to the fence and pseudo-slammed onto the canvas. Gomez manages to get off the fence, but Bradley stills in dominant position although there isn’t much damage being done. Troy Waugh stands them up as the round comes to a close.

Round three is no different as both fighters go down and try to stop the other from inflicting too much damage. Gomez tries for a kimura but overall a very defensive game by Gomez and a non-aggressive one by Bradley causes this fight to go to the judges decision.

Result: Eric Bradley by Unanimous decision (30-27)

In about five hours, the event goes down. What has been a dream matchup for YouTube/ street fight fans for a long time and what the promoter Gary Shaw feels will really rake in the big bucks and get a lot of attention will finally go down.

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson meets David “Tank” Abbot in an event that is called Street Certified and the whole MMA community waits to see if Kimbo can actually take a punch

Tank claims to have been training for a fight and Kimbo has been promising a real knock down drag out fight since Tank made it personal by disrespecting his trainer, the legendary Bas Rutten.

Kimbo comes in with one “fight” in MMA that strangely enough not even his trainer really calls a real match. So needless to say, we have not seen whether the man can actually fight although from what we see of his training in the many promo videos and from his camp, Slice does look like he is training right.

However, as everyone in MMA knows, training is not fighting and that is exactly what Tank Abbot wants to show to everyone come saturday as a strangely focused Tank comes in looking to derail the hype that Kimbo brings. Tank, a UFC veteran and pioneer and a perrenial favorite comes in looking ready for a brawl as usual and claims that this will be the best Tank Abbot you and I have seen in a long time.

What will be interesting to see is what happens after the first minute in the fight.

My prediction? If Kimbo manages to get past the barrage of scarily effective punches that Tank dishes out, then the fight is his to finish. If however, Tank catches him with a good right, then it’s bye bye Mr. Slice

Prediction: Kimbo Slice by TKO round 1.

It’s almost time! Another edition of UFC Fight Night is upon us and the weigh-ins are officially done with all fighters making weight without a problem, something that is happening more often I am glad!

The main event for the Fight Night which takes place at the Pearl at the Palms hotel in Las Vegas is the welterweight bout between Josh Burkman and Mike Swick, who is making his debut at this weight class tonight. Other highly anticipated fights on the card are the middleweight showdown between Patrick “The Predator” Cote and Drew McFedries, a lightheavyweight fight between Thiago Tavares and former PRIDE fighter Michihiro Omigawa and the highly anticipated fight between grappling heroes Kurt Pellegrino and Alberto Crane.

The card also marks the return of Ultimate Fighter stars Corey Hill, Matt Wiman, Nathan Diaz and Cole Miller all lightweight contenders.
Here are the results from the weigh-ins:

Welterweight Bout

Josh Burkman- 170 lbs.
Mike Swick- 170 lbs.

Middleweight Bout

Drew McFedries- 185.5
Patrick Cote- 184

Lightweight Bout

Michihiro Omigawa- 154
Thiago Tavares- 155

Lightweight Bout

Alvin Robinson- 155
Nathan Diaz- 155

Lightweight Bout

Alberto Crane- 155
Kurt Pellegrino- 155

Lightweight Bout

Dennis Siver- 154
Gray Maynard- 155

Lightweight Bout

Jeremy Stephens- 155
Cole Miller- 155

Lightweight Bout

Joe Veres- 155
Corey Hill- 154

Lightweight Bout

Justin Buchholz- 155
Matt Wiman- 155