Knockouts and Neck Cranks

Keep refreshing the page for live play by play.

Ron Waterman vs Dave Herman

Ron Waterman gets Herman down and controls Herman. Both men are back on theie feet. Herman with a roundhouse kick. Waterman tries to get Herman back down but Herman gains control and is raining down Hammer fists. Herman with a mount and continuous strikes. Waterman is in trouble. Herman with heavy strikes and the referee calls a stop to it. Herman remains undefeated!!

Winner: Dave Herman by TKO (ground and pound) - R1

We cut to an interview with Yves Edwards where he talks about his great comeback and how much the shift to ATT helped him. He believes that the fight will be competetitive but he has the preparation under his belt and hopes to come out victorious.

Murilo “Ninja” Rua vs. Tony Bonello

Former EliteXC champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua takes on Aussie Tony Bonello. Bonello is a BJJ fighter and his strategy will be to take Ninja down on the ground and try and finish it there. He is undefeated in his MMA career and hopes to keep it that way.

Ninja, on the other hand, started with the enigmatic Chutebox and is now looking to get back on the winning track and someday regain his belt. Goldberg tells us that Ninja and his wife are expecting their first fight and that Shogun and Ninja started their own camp in Brazil …

The match begins and Bonello with a roundhouse kick. Bonello jumps guard as soon as Ninja gets a body lock. Ninja passes Bonello’s guard into sidemount and throws an elbow. Ninja with more elbows to the body. Ninja continues to throw elbows to Bonello’s face. Ninja pins Bonello in a crufix and gets more strikes in on Bonello. Ninja doing and excellent job with this so far. Bonello unable to move out of Ninja’s side mount. Ninja with a full mount now and rains down more strikes. Ninja moves back to side mount with absolute ease. Bonello eats more strikes. Ninja with a knee on Bonello’s belly and throws down more big strikes. Yamasaki stops the fight and Ninja wins his 16th fight and a dominant one.

Winner: Murilo “Ninja” Rua by TKO (strikes) - Round 1

Nick Diaz vs. Muhsin Corbbrey

Muhsin Corbbrey, who is a ShoXC fighter makes his move to the big time and goes against Nick Diaz. Corbbrey feels confident and believes that he has all the skills to take this fight away from Nick Diaz. Corbbrey, apparently, has just come back from Thailand where he was working on his Muay Thai and is more than ready to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Diaz talks about his previous fight against KJ Noons and talks about getting the rematch and seems to be ready to get this win under his belt so that he can get his title shot and move back to where he believes he should be - at the top. Diaz came really over the weight limit and this fight is being fought at a catch weight (a la Hughes-Alvez).

The fight begins and Diaz seems to want to stalk corbbrey. Diaz with a attempt at a single but Corbbrey moves away. Diaz with a few lazy shots. Corbbrey moving away and trying to jab. Both men seem to be trying to feel each other out. Diaz with a right hand. Diaz tries for a thai clinch and knees but Corbbrey is comfortable and gets out of it. Diaz with some more jabs on a moving Corbbrey. Corbbrey with a clinch and both men get some shots in. Diaz with uppercuts from Corbbrey’s clinch. Low kick by Diaz and a left by Corbbrey in return. Diaz seems to be the aggressor. Diaz gets caught by a right but Diaz seems ok. Diaz has Corbbrey on the cage with double underhooks and is getting some nice combinations on Diaz. Corbbrey with some nice combinations and a nice body kick. Diaz gets some nice uppercuts. Corbbrey with some nice elbows. Both men are getting their range now and this fight is getting interesting. Knee strikes by Corbbrey as Diaz keeps getting nice body shots on Corbbbrey. The first round is over!

Round two begins with Diaz following a moving Corbbrey. Both men with strikes. Diaz with a body lock and gets Corbbrey to the cage. Diaz looking for a double but Corbbrey is doing a good job defending the takedown. Corbbrey gets an elbow and moves away. Diaz with some nice shots as Corbbrey tries to avoid. Back to the clinch and Diaz shows some nice defense. Diaz with some big shots and back to the clinch as Diaz gets some upper cuts in. Corbbrey continues to move back as Diaz comes in on the offensive. Corbbrey with some nice shots in. Diaz tries to get Corbbrey to attack. Diaz continues to jab at Corbbrey. Diaz with some trash talk on Corbbrey. Diaz taunting Corbbrey. Diaz with some nice combinations. Corbbrey with a nice overhand right. Diaz with a nice body shot. Diaz has Corbbrey on the fence and looks for a takedown. One minute left in the second round and Diaz has Corbbrey in the clinch and showcases some dirty boxing. Diaz continues to jab Corbbrey. Diaz back to a takedown attempt. Diaz has Corbbrey down and in side control but may not have enough time to do any damage. The second round ends.

Diaz immediately tries to get Corbbrey back to the ground and after a short while gets the fight to the ground and into sidemount. Diaz looking for a kimura and almost getting it. Diaz transitions into an armbar. Things not looking good for Corbbrey but he escapes. Diaz with some more jabs and then gets Corbbrey to the cage. Corbbrey is in a bad position on the cage as Diaz gets some big strikes in. Diaz continues to get strikes in on Corbbrey. Diaz with a full mount!! Diaz peppers Corbbrey with more strikes. Diaz ups the ante and throwing big strikes from the mount. The referee has stopped the fight! Diaz wins!!

Winner: Nick Diaz by TKO (Strikes) round three.

K.J. Noons vs. Yves Edwards (Lightweight Title)

This is KJs return fight in his native Hawaii as he tries to defend his lightweight belt against cagey veteran and ever dangerous Yves Edwards.

The fight begins as Noons takes the centre and gets a big kick. Edwards with some good combinations. Both men are right in on each other. Noons gets tagged but Noons with a big shot in. Edwards is down! Noons immediately pounces on Edwards. Noons with a huge combination!! Noons gets some big strikes in on Edwards! Noons with a big elbow. Edwards is getting rocked. Noons with some vicious strikes in. Edwards seems out of it all. Noons with some more strikes as Yamasaki stops the fight! KJ Noons wins, defends the belt and gains respect from a lot of people! KJ Noons finishes fast and is still the lightheavyweight champion!

Winner: KJ Noons by TKO (strikes) - round 1 (0:48)

Nick Diaz is in the ring now. KJ asks the fans if Diaz deserves the title shot and the fans boo. Diaz asks the champion not to be scared. Chaos in the ring as both camps get into some sort of tussle thanks to Diaz’ two finger salute. Both camps are separated and order is restored. Noons goes out the champion and we have the next title shot ready, I guess.

That’s a wrap!!

Dana White debunking rumours and announcing the deal with JAKKS/Pacific deal to release UFC Action Figures.

Big Thanks to Evilmaster for the video.

Denis Kang has confirmed that he will be fighting at DREAM 5, to be held on the 21st of July in Osaka, Japan. The ATT fighter will fight an as yet unnamed opponent at the event but will definitely be trying to get back to the explosive winning ways that got him the fame and recognition he has among the hardcore MMA audience today.

This bout will also finish his contract with DREAM in what was a contract that was transferred from his original post-PRIDE employers, K-1 HERO’s.

About his future, Denis Kang seems hopeful and is thinking of fighting in the US, but all depends on the contract negotiations and of course, his visa.

Watch this space for the live play by play for UFC 85: Bedlam. We will be covering the full event blow by blow right here. So keep refreshing this page for the updates as and when it happens!

UFC85 - Live from the O2 arena in London!! Here we go. Let the fights begin!!

Main Card

Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves

Its time for the main event of the evening as a former champion tries to get back on his final run in the fight game against a young, hungry up-and-comer in ATT fighter Thiago Alvez. This fight is at a catch-weight, a compromise that Matt Hughes agreed to since Alvez couldn’t make the weight at 170 pounds and came in 4 pounds over.

First in to the cage is Thiago “Pitbull” Alvez. Alvez has amazing muay thai and really great leg kicks. He is good on the ground and is very well rounded. He trains with the American Top Team and is coming off a big victory knocking out Karo Parisyan who had never been knocked out before. Next in is former champion and future hall-of-famer Matt Hughes, who is hoping to get back in to the win column after a second loss to current champion Georges St. Pierre. Hughes will look to take Alvez down with his wrestling and ground and pound the young fighter to get his first win in what could be his last run in the fight game.

Alvez looks and is really big for the division. He looks confident and focused as I am sure he knows that a win in this fight can catapult him right to a title shot. Hughes is really big at welterweight as it is and looks in excellent condition and looks to ensure a big fight as he fights in the UK again after 6 long years.

The first round begins with Hughes in south paw position again. Hughes looking for a shoot immediately but Thiago avoids the takedown. Hughes with another attempt but Thiago again keeps away. Matt Hughes pulls guard to get Alvez down. Thiago with big punches from the guard. Both men are back on their feet. Alvez with a good knee and Hughes get Alvez down. Hughes in side mount. Hughes slowly trying to get a better controlling position. Thiago gets Hughes in full guard. Alvez trying to move away but Hughes doesn’t allow it. Not much action here so far as Alvez has a good ground game. Hughes unable to get any damage on Thiago so far. Herb Dean asks the fighters for more action. Hughes tries to pass but Alvez stands up. Hughes has a single leg but Thiago moves away. Hughes on his back now. Thiago with some shots from the guard. The first round is over.

The second round begins with Hughes trying to get a takedown only to eat a knee. Hughes back on his back as Alvez tries to get control. Alvez with some shoulder shots. Alvez with some shots from the guard. Hughes tries to get him down again. Alvez with a huge knee followed by some strikes and it is over! Hughes is really in pain and seems to have hurt his knee. Hughes has really hurt his knee as he falls on his knee as it twists backwards when he falls.

Winner: Thiago Alvez by KO round 2

Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day

Bisping, the hometown hero, after a dominant first fight in the middleweight division, looks to solidify his position in the division as he takes on Jason “Dooms” Day. Day coming off a huge victory against Alan Belcher in his debut looks to finish a very confident Michael Bisping and make waves in the middleweight division. “The Count” will look to impress with a knockout once again and more importantly in front of his home town.

First in to the cage is canadian Jason “Dooms” Day, is a late replacement for Chris Leben in this fight and has a really good all-round MMA game and has displayed a good guard and an aggressive fighting style. Day believes that this is a good fight for him stylistically. Next up is the fan favorite and exciting fighter, Michael Bisping who trains with Quinton Jackson and Juanito apart from his own camp in England. Bisping has a really good kickboxing background and loves to brawl. To add to that, he has a good ground game as well, but would rather keep it standing. Bisping has a 3 inch reach advantage.

The first round gets underway as a fired up Bisping comes out ready. Day with a leg kick. Jason gets another low kick in. Bisping looks for a right but gets a left from Jason. Bisping takes Day to the cage and both men wrestle for control. Bisping getting Day down and strikes from a postured position. Bisping with some big shots on Jason Day. Day tries to get up but Bisping gets some more huge shots on Day. Bisping in side control. Day tries to recover and both men are back on their feet. Bisping with a big takedown. Bisping with a full mount. Day gives up his back as Bisping gets some more strikes in on Day. Relentless strikes on Day from Bisping. Referee Dan Miragliotta stops the fight rightly this time as Michael Bisping wins a dominant and impressive fight against Jason Day.

Winner: Michael Bisping by TKO - Round 1

Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick

This is the first main card fight without a brazilian fighter. Maybe an american fighter will win this time … Lets see.

One of the most anticipated matches on the card, Marcus Davis vs Mike Swick is up next.

“The Irish Hand Grenade” Marcus Davis looks to keep his win streak going on as Swick, new to the welterweight division looks to continue on what he believes is his path to the title at 170.

First up is a focused and ready looking Mike “Quick” Swick. Swick trains at the American Top Team and has one of the fastest hands in the division. Swick will look to defend Davis’s power punches and try and unload some good strikes of his own and get the victory here. Next in is former pro-boxer and now mma fighter Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis. Davis is coming in on a huge confidence high with 11 straight wins against some really game opponents. Davis trains with Mark Delagrotte and team Sityodtong. Swick has a huge 7 inch reach advantage and a height advantage on Davis.

The first round starts with Swick throwing some fakes. Davis moves in and gets a couple of shots in. Davis with an inside leg kick. Swick with a leg kick. Marcus rushes Mike in onto the cage and tries to get Swick down but couldn’t finish it. Swick is now in half guard. Davis has his back to the cage, not a good place to be. Swick trying to pass. Swick is not able to get too much damage so far though. Swick passes to side but Davis gets Swick back to full guard. Davis with nice elbows from the bottom. Swick is unable to get anything on Davis. Swick trying to use the cage to get some advantage. Swick has controlled the position so far. Davis is not able to get away from this so far. Swick with a few strikes that don’t do too much damage. Swick with a few short elbows. The first round is almost over. Davis tries to sweep Swick over but is unable to do so. End of the first round and Davis is bleeding thanks to the scar tissue on his face.

Round 2 starts as Davis looks for a low kick again. Swick tries for a high kick but Davis gets a left hand in. Swick gets a nice knee on Davis and they are on the ground again. Davis needs to get this back on the feet. Yamasaki asks for action. Swick tries to pass but Davis has a good guard. Swick passes to side control. Davis gets back into side mount. Davis looks for a kimura. Davis is using a lot of energy to look for the kimura as Swick gets a few elbows down. Both men are back as Davis gets a left in on Swick. Davis with Swick on the cage and peppers in with some body shots. Good combination from Davis. Swick warned for grabbing the fence. Davis with some upper cuts. Good right hand from Davis as Swick gets some nice knees in on Marcus. Davis with a trip and Marcus looks to get a triangle on Davis. Davis looks for a right kick as Swick intelligently gets a takedown. Nice knees to Davis’ body as the second round stops.

Final round starts as both men seem more tentative in comparison. Nice knee from Swick. Swick tries to draw Marcus in the clinch but he moves away. Marcus with a few nice shots. Swick with a nice knee to the body. Marcus looks for the big punch. Back to the clinch and they break away. Marcus is not able to get his range it looks like. Swick with a nice knee. Davis with some body shots. Swick gets Davis to the cage and gets some knees in. Davis needs to come up with something extraordinary or this is Swick’s fight to lose. Under two minutes remaining as Yamasaki stops the fight to deduct one point from Mike Swick for holding the fence. Swick with a takedown and some nice elbows on Davis. Both men with elbows on the ground. One minute remaining as Davis looks like a bloody mess. The crowd don’t seem to like the fight as they do the wave and sing! The final round is over.

Marcus Davis has a big gash on his left cheek. Delagrotte thinks Davis has got the fight, but it seems highly unlikely.

Winner: Mike Swick by Unanimous Decision (29-27)

Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites

Leites comes in to the fight with a 6 fight win streak and a great BJJ pedigree. Leites will definitely try to get the fight down to the ground although it remains to be seen how good that will be with his opponent. Nate “The Great” Marquardt is one of the UFCs best middleweights and has a great standup game that is accentuated by his amazing ground game. One of the very few fighters to submit Jeremy Horn and backed by the Jackson submission fighting camp, Marquardt will look to keep the fight standing and continue down his road to another title shot. Marquardt looks a little slimmer than he did the last time. Leites has a 4 inch reach advantage.

The fight begins and thankfully Herb Dean is the referee. Leites takes the centre and looks like he is going to try and push the pace. Leites with a superman punch. Marquardt rushes in with punches. Leites gets a few good combinations on Nate. Marquardt trying to get body punches in on Leites. Leites continues to push. Marquardt is dropped with a right. Leites has full mount and reins down punches. Marquardt trying to control the fight by getting Leites into half guard. Marquardt does and excellent job by keeping Leites in his guard. Leites gets into side control but Marquardt escapes and now both fighters are back on their feet. Marquardt is looking fine now. Leites gets a few good punches on Marquardt as Nate tries to get some body punches in. Marquardt takes Leites to the cage but cannot get any damage on Leites. Thales with a spinning back kick. Marquardt with a few nice punches and a beautiful uppercut. Leites is on wobbly legs. Nate gets another good shot in. The first round is over.

The second round starts and both men start off where they left off. Leites pushing the action and is now trying to get Marquardt down. Marquardt also trying to get Leites down from the fence. Both men trying to get control from the clinch. Marquardt has the take down but gets an illegal knee on Leites’s face when he was down. Leites taking the time to recover wisely. Herb Dean calling for the doctor to make sure the fighter is ok. This is exactly why Herb Dean is the best referee in the fight game today. Dean takes a point away from Marquardt. Marqaurdt takes Leites down immediately. The fight is stood back up but Marquardt tries to get another takedown but insted Leites takes control and goes for a choke and some punches on Nate as the second round comes to a close.

The third round is begun and at 3:36 Herb Dean deducts another point form Naruardt for a supposed illegal strike to the head. Leites trying to get some shots in on an aggressive Marquardt. The point deductions might cost Marquardt a lot. Marquardt has Leites on the ground and in the corner. Nate looking for a kimura and also gets some nice shots in on Leites. Marquardt has such a dominant ground game. A minute and a half left and Leites seems the worst for wear so far. Leites looking for a kimura now. Leites looks absolutely tired. Leites looking to get some sort of leverage on Nate and get back up. Leites gets Nate back on the ground but just as the round is about to get over, Nate explodes with what Rogan can only describe as a pile driver! The third round is over. Let’s see if the points cost Nate Marquardt what was otherwise a hard fought victory.

Winner: Thales Leites by split decision

The loss for Marquardt is definitely due to the points deducted.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Brandon Vera

Brandon “The Truth” Vera looks to come back from a decision loss to former champion Tim Sylvia. Vera also is looking to come back from a broken hand and will try to use his standup skills to stop Fabricio Verdum. Verdum on the other hand, is coming off a victory over Napao, Gabriel Gonzaga and should look at using his chute box style of muay-thai to defend and take Vera down on the ground where he is a wizard (Abu Dhabi and Mundial Champion).

First in to the cage is Fabricio Verdum with Chute Box behind him. This is an intense looking Verdum who seems to be ready to take this home. Next up is Brandon Vera who looks calm and focused as he enters the cage. Vera has an extra chip on his shoulder as he hates having lost badly in his last match. Vera has been training with Rob Kaman in Muay Thai and is a BJJ black belt so he can hold his own on the ground. Verdum has a distinct weight advantage coming in to this fight.

The first round starts with both men in the centre of the ring. Vera with a clinch and they separate. Vera takes Verdum to the cage after a low kick. Verdum reverses and throws a few knees of his own. Vera takes a left, Verdum coming in with some punches that miss. Vera with knees from the clinch. Verdum with a couple of his own. Verdum with a really sweet takedown and is now on top of Vera. Vera scrambles to keep Verdum in full guard. Verdum throws a few punches and elbows from the top. Vera escapes and gets a couple of knees on Verdum. Verdum tries to pull guard but Vera is able to get a few blows on him. Both men back on their feet. Vera with a nice elbow. They are back on the cage and the referee breaks it up. Verdum with a high kick but Vera gets back in the clinch. Verdum gets Vera down but Vera gets a few elbows in. Verdum trying to pass and gets to half guard. Verdum mounts Vera and is reining blows on Vera and referee Dan Miragliotta stops the fight!! WTF??!! Vera is really upset and justifiably so! Vera was taking some shots but Vera was covering and defending. Premature stoppage for sure out here.

Winner: Fabricio Verdum by TKO - Round1 - Referee’s stoppage

Fabricio thinks that Vera was asking for a stoppage. Vera is really upset and says that he did not ask for the match to stop and was saying that he was ok.
The undercard fights went as follows:

Heavyweight: Antoni Hardonk def. Eddie Sanchez - R2 TKO (4:15)

Welterweight: Paul Taylor def. Jess Liaudin - R3 split decision

Light Heavyweight: Luis Cane def. Jason Lambert - R1 TKO (2:07)

Luiz Cane with some huge lefts and rights gets Lambert on the defense and then unloads on a wide open Lambert as Lambert goes down. Dean stops the fight as a wobbly Lambert tries to get Herb Dean down. Huge first victory for Luiz Cane.

Welterweight: Kevin Burns def. Roan Carneiro - R2 submission (triangle choke) (3:56)

Lightweight: Matt Wiman def. Thiago Tavares - R2 KO (1:57)

Matt Wiman shows some good ground defense and frustrates Tavares in the first round. Wiman has a really impressive guard and has shown a lot of improvement in his game overall.

Round 2 was basically blows by both men on the feet barring one huge right from Tavares. Wiman finishes Tavares with some good ground and sumission defense followed by a huge right hand to finish Tavares after they stand up. Huge Victory!! and an amazing performance by Matt “Handsome” Wiman.

Middleweight: Martin Kampmann def. Jorge Rivera - R1 submission (guillotine choke) (2:34)

The fight started as Rivera gets Kampmann with kicks to the body. Both fighters clinch as Kampmann gets Rivera down to the mat. Kampmann with elbows from the full guard. Kampmann with a slam on Rivera. Kampmann passes and gets Rivera’s back. Kampmann has a left hook and a right underhook in. Kampmann improves to mount and gets an arm triangle on. Rivera survives but falls into a guillotine choke. Rivera taps and Martin Kampmann remains undefeated in the UFC.

Submission of the Night: Kevin Burns - triangle choke against Roan Carneiro
Burns is a blue belt in BJJ and displayed amazing technique to submit BJJ black belt and world champion Roan Carneiro

That’s a wrap! Thanks for tuning in and do leave comments if u liked the coverage and even if u didn’t.

The weigh-ins for UFC 85: Bedlam are officially over and here are the key highlights from the event:

Thiago “Pitbull” Alvez came in 4 pounds over the weight limit! Matt Hughes has agreed to fight him at a catch weight. What that means is basically - Alvez will be giving a share of his fight money over to Hughes I would fight at a catch weight like that if I knew that I would be coming heavier come fight time anyway!

Here are the results from the weigh-ins anyways:

Welterweight: Matt Hughes (170) vs. Thiago Alves (174)
Middleweight: Michael Bisping (184) vs. Jason Day (184)
Middleweight: Nate Marquardt (185) vs. Thales Leites (185)
Welterweight: Mike Swick (170) vs. Marcus Davis (170)
Heavyweight: Brandon Vera (228) vs. Fabricio Werdum (247)
Middleweight: Martin Kampmann (186) vs. Jorge Rivera (185)
Lightweight: Thiago Tavares (154.5) vs. Matt Wiman (155)
Welterweight: Roan Carneiro (171) vs. Kevin Burns (170)
Light Heavyweight: Jason Lambert (205) vs. Luis Arthur Cane (204)
Welterweight: Jess Liaudin (169) vs. Paul Taylor (169)
Heavyweight: Eddie Sanchez (244) vs. Antoni Hardonk (247)

Watch this space over the course of the next day for more pre-UFC85 news and finally, for the live play-by-play of UFC 85 Live from the O2 Arena in London!

Live coverage of the entire event will be available right here throughout the evening! Refresh the page for round by round action as and when it happens.

Quick Results

Jon Murphy vs Brett Rogers - Brett Rogers wins by KO - First Round
“Smokin’” Joe Villasenor vs Phil “NYBA” Baroni - Joe Villasenor by KO Second Round
Gina Carano vs Kaitlin Young - Gina Carano by TKO end of round two
Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith vs “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler - Robbie Lawler by TKO (doctor’s stoppage)
Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson vs James “Colossus” Thompson - Kimbo Slice by TKO - Round Three

Jon Murphy vs. Brett Rogers

The first fight is about to start as Brett Rogers makes his way into the cage. Rogers is an undefeated heavyweight who stands 6′5″ tall and has looked really dangerous is all his fights till now. Rogers has Busta Rhymes rapping live for his intro.

His opponent Jon Murphy is coming in on a two fight losing streak and hopes to get his MMA career back on track today with a win over the dangerous Brett Rogers.

The fight starts with both men in the centre. Murphy with a low kick. Murphy gets a couple of shots in. Rogers with a clinch and knees to Murphy. Murphy gets Rogers to the cage and both fighters exchange. Murphy swings wildly. Rogers with a big swinging right and Murphy is down! It is over!! Brett Rogers finishes it off and remains undefeated.

Winner: Brett “The Grim” Rogers by KO in the first round

The second fight of the night is what can easily be described as a barnburner as “Smokin’” Joe Villasenor takes on the always aggressive Phil “New York Bad Ass” Baroni. Both men are known for their aggressive stand-up and knockout power in the ring. Villasenor is slowly trying to get back his winning ways by consistently winning all his big fights as Phil Baroni tries to get back into the wins column after his big loss to former middleweight champion Frank Shamrock.

Joey Villasenor vs. Phil Baroni

Joe Villasenor makes his entrance to the cage followed by Greg “Yoda” Jackson. Villasenor has a background in boxing and MMA and has the advantage in terms of strategy coming in thanks to his camp. He has probably the best camp behind in with some real champions that he spars with at Jackson’s MMA.

His opponent, Phil “NYBA” Baroni makes his typical colorful and flashy entrance and looks ready to go and win the fight. This fight is very important for Baroni as it can very well decide his future in the EliteXC middleweight division and his standing overall. Baroni is a collegiate wrestler who has great strikes and prefers to stand and bang. He comes in with a reputation for big strikes and flashiness as the ladies in his entourage tear his clothes off. It’s a lynch mob!! Let’s get this match-up underway already!

The match begins and Baroni immediately gets cracking. Baroni gets Villasenor down and gets some strikes on him. Both men are back on their feet and Baroni gets a few body strikes on Baroni in the clinch. Villasenor with a big right and Baroni goes back and is on his knees. Villasenor tries to get a guillotine choke on. Villasenor with strikes from the choke. Villasenor with a short left hook followed by a big right and another on Baroni’s chin as he sits on the cage and it is all over!! Villasenor KOs Baroni!!

Winner: “Smokin’” Joe Villasenor by KO in the first round!!

Next up is the women’s fight as Gina Carano takes on the hard hitting Kaitlin Young. Carano has been the face of women’s MMA on EliteXC and has an undefeated record coming in. She has been away from active competition for some time and even this fight seems to have been a little rushed making one wonder if Carano is completely prepared for an opponent the calibre of Kaitlin Young. Young on the other hand, has been on a tear and is prepared and ready to make her name on live TV on CBS by showcasing her skills against the most popular fighter in her division in Gina Carano.

This has all the makings of a fight of the night candidate as both women are known for their muay-thai kicks and very aggressive striking styles.

We go back stage as Gina Carano is interviewed before the fight. Carano mentions once again that she didn’t have enough time to prepare for this fight. Not a good thing to do in my mind. To me, it shows some tentativeness and lack of confidence. Let’s see what happens.

We go to commercial in what is the worst commercial for an MMA event ever for Adrenaline MMA …

Kaitlin Young vs. Gina Carano

First in to the cage is Kaitlin Young. Young comes in with a huge background in Muay-Thai and BJJ. She has a slight height advantage over Carano. She comes in after winning a 8-woman tournament, defeating 3 women in one night to win the whole event.

Carano comes in “with plans to crush another opponent” according to Mario Ranallo. Carano comes in to the fight with an undefeated record and a huge fan following both from her MMA fights and her TV appearances. Carano is a Muay-Thai striker with a decent ground game. She fights out of Extreme Couture and has been working on her ground game in what is arguably one of the best place to do.

Interestingly enough, Carano comes in 4.5 pounds over the weight limit of 140 lbs and has been penalized for the same.

The fight starts with Carano with a couple of kicks on Young. Carano catches a kick and gets Young to the ground. She is not able to take advantage however and both fighters are back on their feet. Carano with some nice counter strikes. Carano with a couple of straight front kicks. Young with a few strikes and gets Carano to the cage and then to the ground. Carano has Young in her full mount. Carano trying to minimize damage by wrapping her right leg around Young. Carano trying to get Young off her. Both women are back on their feet now. Carano catches another kick from Young. Both fighters with strikes and kicks as the first round is over. Exciting stuff!!

The second round starts with Carano taking the centre of the cage. Young with straight punches on Carano. Young catches Carano’s kick and tries to get some strikes on Carano. Both fighters exchange again. Carano with straight front kicks to counter Young’s strikes. Young with big kicks. Both fighters are giving it their all. Carano with some big strikes as Young ties her up and gets her to the cage. Young with a shot on Carano. Young is in trouble after a big right on Young’s nose. Carano getting some more strikes on Young. Young seems hurt. Carano gets a straight front kick on Young and Young is down. Carano is all over Young. Carano gets her hooks in on Young and tries to get a rear naked choke on Young. Young looks almost out as the bell rings. Young is saved by the bell!!

What an exciting fight!! Match of the night so far and oh!!!

The match is stopped between rounds!!!

The match is over and Carano wins by TKO. Carano walks out undefeated yet again!!

Winner: Gina Carano by TKO (Young unable to continue)

Carano says that she definitely is still dedicated to MMA and this was just a one-off case where she couldn’t focus enough to cut weight. Carano was really crisp with her strikes and her muay-thai game was defintely on.

Next up is the big title fight as EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler defends his title against the ever dangerous Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith. Scott Smith is a really dangerous striker with knockout power in both hands. He comes in with a big win in his debut EliteXC fight and immediately became a challenger for the title. Lawler has always been known for his powerful striking and aggressive style of fighting. What remains to be seen, as always with Lawler, is how prepared is he for this fight. Lawler has been much better prepared and really focused as of late and the fighter, now representing Team Hughes will look to stay away from Smith’s big strikes and use his speed and power to do the exact same thing that Scott Smith will be trying to do - get the quick KO and win this title fight.

Scott Smith vs. Robbie Lawler

Scott Smith comes in looking focused and ready to go. Smith will look to remain outside of Lawler’s range and should try to come in, get his big shots in and move away from Lawler’s power punches. Smith has the power to get it done but may not have the range to get it done easily as Scott Smith does have a noticeable reach disadvantage over Lawler.

Ruthless Robbie Lawler comes in with a reputation for big power punches and aggressive and relentless striking. He is confident and in control both on the feet and when grounded, although he does prefer standing up and dishing it out. This is his first title defence and he has a big task in front of him. He comes into this fight with a nice 6-1 record in his last 7 fights.

This match should have ideally been the main event of the card. Both fighters have identical fight records with 15 wins and 4 losses. Smith has all his wins as finishes whereas Lawler has two decisions.

The fight is underway and both men are in the centre of the ring. Smith with a high kick to start things. Smith looks for a low kick but Lawler avoids. Both men are trying to pace themselves. Lawler showing good footwork. Smith charges trying to get a big strike in but to no avail. Lawler stalking Smith getting him to the cage. Lawler with a right on Smith but Smith counters. Smith with a low kick. Smith is still not finding his range with the strikes. Lawler trying to get Smith back to the cage again. Smith is up to the challenge getting Lawler away. Smith gets a high kick on Lawler and both men strike. Lawler with a big left to break this down. Smith gets a upper cut by Lawler. Lawler jabbing with his right looking to set up a left. Smith gets Lawler away with strikes of his own. Both men are back in the centre of the ring. Lawler with a body kick which hurts Smith. Lawler slowly closing in. Lawler with a few more strikes on Smith. Smith tries to get a kick on but Lawler gets some nice strikes on Smith. Lawler with a jumping knee followed by strikes on Smith as the round ends. Smith looks visibly hurt and the doctor’s check on him. Smith seems to want to continue. What a first round!!

The second round starts and Smith seems ok. Both men start out the exact same way. Lawler with some nice jabs on Smith. Scott Smith is having huge problems getting his range. Smith with a low kick followed by a high kick that connects. Lawler with a really patient but deadly game here. Lawler tries to back Smith to the cage with jabs but Smith pushes him back. Smith with a body kick and gets Lawler in a clinch and follows up with some good knees. Smith continues with good strikes. Lawler is back in Smith’s clinch but Smith has a few good strikes too. Lawler moves Smith on to the cage and with some big body punches. Smith seems gassed due to Lawler’s strikes. Smith with some nice elbows from the clinch. This round has all been about Lawler’s punches and Smith’s Muay Thai knees and elbows from the clinch. Both men go wild with strikes. Smith with a tired high kick. Lawler picking Smith apart with strikes. Smith back on the cage and both men with big strikes. Smith drives Lawler back with a couple of big strikes. The second round of this intense fight is over!!! What a match!!

I can’t help but think that this is exactly what should have been the showcase fight for MMA on prime time TV.

The third round starts with Smith throwing a few low kicks. Smith is still on the cage which is not the best thing against Lawler. Lawler seems the fresher of the two. Smith with a superman punch. Lawler with some more jabs. Lawler keeps Smith away with his jabs. Smith tries to get a body shot but Lawler moves away. Lawler with a left punch. Smith drives Lawler back but Lawler gets away and now has Smith on the defensive. Both men look active again. Lawler has a big gash on his forehead. Smith is defending Lawler’s strikes. Lawler tries to shoot but Smith with a good sprawl. Lawler gets an inadvertent poke to Smith’s eye and the fight is stopped for a moment.

Smith says he is ok but the doctor stops the fight. Smith is distraught! Scott Smith pleads but the fight is stopped. Both fighters look disappointed. The crowd is not happy but fighter safety is paramount. Both fans and fighters are not happy with the decision. The crowd shouting “bull****” but there is nothing that can be done. An unfortunate end to what was shaping up to be the ideal showcase fight for MMA on primetime.

Decision: No contest since three rounds were not completed

This one has to have a rematch! Both fighters are still really disappointed. There is no elation in victory for Lawler and Smith is absolutely disappointed as he kept saying that he can continue …

I hate the Adrenaline MMA commercial even more than I hated any bad decision in MMA … ever!!! …

We are back and it is time for the main event of the evening. Internet sensation Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson takes on James “Colossus” Thompson. Kimbo is new to MMA but has a huge fan base thanks to his street fights that were up on youtube. He has been training with Bas Rutten and seems to be really serious about MMA as a career. His opponent, James Thompson is a really big fighter, fully justifying his nickname - Colossus. He has been on a losing streak as of late and in fact, lost his last fight to Brett Rogers, who fought in the first televised fight in this very event. This is a really hyped fight although the argument can be made against this fight being the main event. At the end of the day, this fight sells tickets and I guess, that’s what matters most to the promoters to make money and pay the fighters well.

We are ready to go as the competitors start to make their way to the cage.

First up is James “The Colossus” Thompson. Thompson is an experienced MMA fighter with a not so impressive record. He stands 6′5″ tall and promises to give Kimbo Slice his first defeat in the cage.

Next up is Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson who is three inches shorter than Thompson but has been on a winning streak since his debut in MMA. Slice is one of the main attractions for EliteXC and has been in the news constantly with contrasting opinions on him from both fighters, owners and fans being a topic of discussion on the net for a long time now.

This is another challenge for Kimbo Slice as losing to Thompson will put him back a long way and can even derail the juggernaut that has been the Kimbo Slice hype machine. Slice has Bas Rutten in his corner and looks ready to get things started. Thompson has both a height and a weight advantage over Kimbo. Let’s see what happens as we get things started in the cage in this the main event of the evening.

James Thompson vs. Kimbo Slice

The referee Dan Miragliotta gets things started as the first round begins.

Thompson rushes Kimbo but he moves away. Thompson tries to get a takedown on Kimbo but Kimbo defends well. Thompson finally gets Slice to the ground and looks to capitalize. Very intelligent of Thompson. Kimbo tries to get up but Thompson gets him back down. Kimbo is driven to the cage but Thompson not able to capitalize as yet. Both men get back up. Kimbo gets a knee in but Thompson is still in control. Thompson tries to control Slice with a guillotine. Kimbo with knees to Thompson’s leg. Both men fight for control and they separate. Good work by Slice showing good perseverance. Kimbo drives Thompson down now! Kimbo with knees to Thompson’s body. Kimbo working on Slice’s neck with sheer power. Kimbo slips and Thompson is back on Slice. Kimbo powers out and gets on top with sheer power also avoiding a kimura! Slice in side mount but not able to get much damage still. The first round is over and this has turned out completely different from what was expected so far!

This is the first MMA fight that has gone in to the second round for Kimbo. The second round starts with both men a little more tentative. Thompson tries to get a take down but Kimbo with some big body shots. Thompson continues to try and get Slice down and Slice keeps getting punches in. Slice eats a knee but then defends subsequent knees. Thompson gets Slice down but is in a guillotine. Thompson gets out and right into Slice’s side mount. Thompson with some elbows from side mount. Thompson with some good control and tries to capitalize but they are stood back up. Slice with some good strikes. Slice with a good uppercut on Thompson. Thompson withstands the barrage and gets Slice back down with a double leg. Thompson with strikes from the half guard. Slice needs to get back up because Thompson is definitely getting the better of him here. Slice eats some elbows from Thompson. Thompson has neutralized Kimbo’s arms and continues to pepper Kimbo with strikes. This fight can be stopped if this continues. Kimbo tries to control Thompson’s wrists but cannot do so. The second round is over with Thompson getting the better of Slice by far.

The third and final round is underway and Thompson is definitely leading on points. Slice needs to finish to win. Both men visibly slower. Slice with an overhand right. Thompson looking for take downs again. Slice with some more strikes on Thompson and he looks rocked as the referee stops the fight! Thompson looks confused. The referee stops the fight. Kimbo Slice wins but I am not so sure the fight was over.

Winner: Kimbo Slice by TKO - round 3

This fight seems to have been stopped a little before it should have been. Thompson’s ear is a mess thanks to Kimbo’s strikes, but that doesn’t make for a need for stoppage so fast … or does it? Let us know.

This here is a collection of some of the funniest MMA quotes I’ve heard over the years. Enjoy!

“You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up they would pound each other behind the barn!” - Mike Goldberg

“I want to fuck Chuck” - Wanderlei Silva

“My foot is very special to me.” - Giant Silva

“I’m gonna smash your little head” - Ken to Tito.. I think he’s the first person to ever refer to Tito’s head as being small.

“I came in here as a professional. That motherf*cker didn’t” - Ken Shamrock referring to Don Frye

“Matt Hughes beat me fair and square…I’m sorry, I’m still learning English; ‘fairly squarely.”- GSP

“The little eagle soars again!” – Mike Goldberg on Jens “lil evil” pulver

“I am impervious to all pain!” – Pat Smith, UFC 1, right before tapping out to a Shamrock heel hook.

“I knew i ‘urt ‘im, when he said aarg” – GSP on Sherk

“I am very confident this fight can go either way.” – Ken Shamrock

“Rampage looks so calm. Like hes going to the grocery store to meet some friends.” – Joe Rogan

“He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day and looks like a p*ssy today.” -Tank Abbott

Interviewer: Did you go college and what degree did you earn?
Cro Cop: Yes.

Bas Rutten: What’s the training routine like ? What’s the first thing you do in the morning ?
Giant Silva:Breakfast.

Mauro Ranallo: You’re right Bas, those are hard shots, I can see the bruising showing up on his right side.
Bas: Um, that’s a birthmark.

“I shoulda gone ta sleep.. but I tapped like a bitch.” - Ed Herman after his fight with MacDonald

Interviewer: Rampage, what do you see as the outcome of this fight.
Rampage: Man I ain’t got no crystal ball, I just got two regular balls, know what I’m sayin?

“You got kicked in the head.. by a kick.” - Ken Shamrock to some guy he was cornering.

“That’s Judo!!!” - Mike Goldberg after Karo Parysian pushed Drew Ficket down.

Interviewer: Do you own a pet?
Fedor: Yes, i have a turtle.

Needless to say, Rampage and Kenny stand out in this department. While the source of Rampage’s comments is his wit and humor, most of Kenny’s quotes can be attributed to considerable head trauma suffered over the y(ears).

I wonder what the heck is wrong with Goldie though.

Over and out.

Watch this space for live coverage of UFC 84: Ill Will - Penn vs Sherk

Fight Main Card

Thiago Silva vs. Antonio Mendes

Mendez makes his debut and is on an 11 fight win streak and is one of the top contenders in the 205 division. He is looking to make a huge first impression by taking out the dangerous Thiago Silva.

Thiago Silva comes in to the fight with a record of 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Thiago Silva trains with the ATT and is a BJJ black belt with impressive striking.

We are now ready to rock!
Mendez has a two inch height advantage. The first round starts with Mendez with a south paw stance. Mendez with a huge high kick. Silva is in trouble with Mendez bringing him down again with a middle kick. Both fighters get back on their feet and Silva takes Mendez to the cage. Mendez looks for a judo throw, slips and has Silva in his full mount. Silva with strikes from full mount. Silva with an excellent controlling mount, pounds on Mendez and gets the Tapout submission victory.

Winner: Thiago Silva by violent Ground and Pound Tapout in the first round.

We are shown a calm, relaxed BJ Penn and a contrasting Sean Sherk who looks really pumped up and ready to go.

Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz

This is a make or break fight for Tito Ortiz as far as his marketability post UFC is concerned. Tito looks like he has come totally prepared. For Machida, this is the fight that can get him that title shot. This is the make-famous fight for Lyoto Machida and that makes this fight a must-win for both fighters.
A very emotional Tito Ortiz makes his entrance with a totally different entrance song. This looks like a new Tito Ortiz coming into the octagon for the last time. Lyoto comes in looking calm and ready and confident. Looks like a man with a plan! As Goldie just said, We Are Under Way!

Yves Lavigne starts the bout and the first round is under way. Machida with a low kick to start the bout. The crowd cheers for Tito. Machida going for the low kicks and then tries for a high kick. Tito with a few attempts at strikes. Tito goes for a shoot but Machida sees it coming. Tito with a few short punches gets Machida running back. Tito gets a hold on Machida but Machida shrugs him off. Half way through the fight and both men are still trying to feel each other out. Machida elusive as ever, moves away from Tito’s range continuously. Machida with a high kick and then a low kick. Tito tries to get a hold on Machida and fails again. Machida with a switch-high kick. Almost done with the first round and Machida probably has more points in the end. Machida takes Tito down and into side control with some punches from there as the round comes to an end.

Round two starts the same exact way with Machida being strangely elusive. Tito seems confused about how to get Machida down. Tito tries to get Machida to the cage but Machida moves away and gets a kick in. Machida with a nice straight kick and moves again. Tito seems frustrated with not being able to get Machida down. Machida fakes with a low kick and gets a beautiful high kick. Tito is at sea against Machida. Tito with a glancing blow on Machida. Tito looks for a shoot, Machida sprawls and Tito pulls guard. Both men get back on their feet. The second round is almost done and Machida gets a good knee to Tito’s head. Ten seconds left and Tito is really frustrated. The round ends with another one for Machida on points and aggression and control!

Final round and Tito has a cut on the left eye. Ortiz is frustrated and it shows. Yves Lavigne slips and shows some athletic recovery. Ortiz gets in the clinch but doesn’t get any damage done. Machida with a straight left on Tito. Tito tries for a shot again and doesn’t get it. Tito with a knee in a split second clinch on Machida. Machida and Tito exchange blows on the cage. Tito still not able to take Machida down. Tito goes for a single leg but Machida shows great takedown defence. Tito looks at the clock at 2:15 left. Lyoto is basically controlling the fight, warding off Tito and getting strikes in. The referee breaks them from the cage. Machida with a big knee to the body. Tito goes down and Machida gets strikes in. Machida in full guard and Tito closes the guard. Ortiz looks hurt! Less than a minute left and Tito gets an arm bar and almost gets a triangle arm-bar submission but Machida gets away. The fight is over and Machida gets the victory by decision.

Tito is really upset! He goes out trying but Lyoto wins by an impressive show!

Winner: Lyoto Machida by Unanimous Decision

Machida is asked how close that arm-bar was and he says that he was thinking that “I am gonna die, but I won’t tap”. Machida has worked on his english

Tito with Rogan now. Tito gives props to Machida and talks about the triangle saying Machida slipped through. Tito is definitely here for a lot more years and goes out by thanking the Fertitas and gives a shout out to his fans, talks about his book and finishes off with a big Send off from the fans. Rogan was the first to interview him after his first fight and does so for his last fight in the UFC.

Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic

Goran Reljic comes into the fight focused and determined to win and preserve his undefeated status. He trains with Crocop and Roger Gracie for his standup and BJJ respectively. This is his first UFC and has been working out at Extreme Couture with Griffin, Silva and others of that high calibre. Wilson Gouveia comes into this fight with a hot win over Jason Lambert and is on a 4-fight win streak. This is a fight between possibly two major players in the future of the light-heavyweight division in the UFC.

The fight is under way. Herb Dean is the official in charge. Wilson with a low kick and another. Reljic looks for a roundhouse kick. Gouveia looks really compact. Reljic with a huge high kick. Gouveia keeps Reljic moving back. Reljic with two-three high kicks that resound through the arena. Both fighters exchange punches. Reljic with a good left straight. Gouveia has a red mark on his shoulder from Reljic’s kicks. Reljic with another high kick. Gouveia with some good right straights. Wilson seems to have a little more respect but goes for a body shot only to get a body kick. Goran with another couple of kicks. Gouveia’s arm is red and he tries to get a few huge punches in on Reljic. Reljic was getting worn out but Reljic pulls a flying guard. Gouveia not able to get too much on Reljic. Goran looking for an omaplata as the round ends.

Sean Thompkins tells Reljic to set up those beautiful kicks and get more out of them. The second round starts with Gouveia looking a little more relaxed and aggressive. Gouveia has the superior boxing but Goran has amazing kicks. Reljic with a big kick. Wilson looking for a big punch. Wilson gets Reljic down with a big punch, gets him on the fence and rains down elbows and strikes. Reljic looking to survive but Wilson is a BJJ black belt. Reljic with an active guard and good defence. Both men back on their feet and Goran looks the worst for wear. Wilson goes down with a big left. WIlson is down and Reljic looks to stop the fight with strikes. Goran unrelenting with strikes on a downed Gouveie as Herb Dean stops the fight.

Winner: Goran Reljic by TKO round two.

Its now time for the two biggest fights on the card. I can’t wait. We are taken into BJ Penn’s locker room and it seems like BJ is getting in the zone. Sherk doing some last minute warm-ups.

But before that we are taken back to the prelim fight between Shane Carwin and Christian Wellisch.

Shane Carwin vs Christian Wellisch

The match gets started as the debutant Carwin gets some nice punches in on Wellisch. Carwin moves away from Christian’s punch and fires back. Carwin with a right straight and knocks out Wellisch. Carwin has never had a fight go out of the first round.

Winner: Shane Carwin by TKO :44 in the first round.

Keith Jardine vs. Wanderlei Silva

This is a fight not only between two extremely exciting fighters but also between two fighters who have the best nicknames in the sport as Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine takes on Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva.

Jardine looks for the victory to get his place in the history books and Silva says that he needs the victory and that he can’t stop.

Keith Jardine, walking in with his coach Greg Jackson, is a very unorthodox fighter who is well rounded and always goes in with a plan to win. Jardine looks really big and really well prepared. The lights go out and the crowd explodes as Wanderlei Silva makes his entrance in to the octagon. This is a tough fight for Silva as every advantage seems to be with Keith Jardine except maybe experience and that makes this an even fight that can go either way.

Mazzagatti starts the fight after a great staredown. Jardine takes the middle immediately. Jardine with a big overhand. Silva with a big right hand. Jardine goes down and Silva pounces on him. Silva with unrelenting strikes and gets the KO!! Silva is Back!!

Jardine is still down and flat out.

Winner: Wanderlei Silva by KO in the first minute of the first round!
Ivan Salaverry vs Rousimar Palhares

In another preliminary bout, veteran Ivan Salaverry goes up against newcomer Rousimar Palhares.

The fight starts with Salaverry looking to get a big high kick but is immediately taken down by Palhares and immediately into side control. Rousimar looks really good as gets into a full mount on Ivan. Salaverry turns and Palhares tries to get a rear naked. Salaverry struggling to get out but Palhares is really strong. Salaverry seems to be getting tired already by the effort of getting out of the guard. Salaverry trying to bridge out. Salaverry tries to get out but gets caught in an arm-bar.

Winner: Rousimar Palhares by arm-bar submission - Round 1

The online voting for the main event shows that BJ Penn is a 56% favorite against Sean Sherk. Urijah faber is with Rogan as they talk about BJ’s training camp and the WEC title bout versus Jens Pulver. Pulver is also there and they talk about the big matchup as well. We go to a great package hyping the fight between Pulver and Faber.

It is finally here! The main event of the evening!! BJ Penn vs Sean Sherk!! Will it be BJ keeping the title and proving that he is here to stay and go down in the history books as one of the best ever or will it be Sean Sherk, who never really lost the belt, and wants to prove that he should never have had to fight to regain the belt in the first place and that he deserves to be at the top of the food chain at lightweight in the UFC.

B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk

The lights go out and we hear the music from “jaws” as “the Muscle Shark” Sean Sherk walks down to the octagon. Sherk looks determined and absolutely ready. Sherk looks focused and ripped!! The crowd boos. The question is still - Has BJ gotten into Sherk’s mind enough to make him lose focus on his game plan? The lights go out, we here Hawaiin music and it is time for the champ to come out! BJ Penn looking calm and focused. For Penn, the question remains, can he withstand Sherk’s relentless barrage and get a victory in the first two rounds? Can he take on Sean Sherk for 5 full rounds and come out victorious?

We are ready and here we go! First round starts with Sherk looking for a single leg that BJ defends. Both exchange blows. The crowd is all for BJ. BJ using his range and height to stay away from Sherk’s strikes. Sherk with a good shot. Both fighters looking for a mistake by the other and still staying aggressive. Sherk in a clinch gets an elbow on. BJ counters with a punch. Both seperate. Sherk’s boxing looks crisp. Half-way through the first round. Both men connect with jabs. The clinch is seperated again with BJ getting a parting shot on Sherk. BJ looks for a straight, gets it but Sherk counters with a low kick. Sherk is doing a lot of good with his left hook. Both men exchange again. BJ with a big right. BJ seems to be winning a boxing match by points here. BJ ducks under a right and gets a body shot. The first round ends in an interesting way promising a lot more in rounds to come.

Round two starts and both fighters are back in the middle. This round starts out exactly like the first. Sherk looking to get in on Penn. Penn gets a good combination again. Sherk gets a good number of punches on Penn when BJ went to the clinch. Penn with a nice straight. Sherk getting quicker jabs in. Penn with a few nice strikes from outside. Penn landing a lot more. Sherk jabbing away everytime BJ gets within range. BJ consistently peppering Sherk with jabs. Sherk missing a lot of the punches he tries to land. Sherk finally lands one. 1 minute left and BJ still peppering Sherk. Sherk with a left kick but gets a right pretty straight. Sherk is bleeding from his left cheek. Penn with a right low kick. Penn gets some nice shots in. Sherk looking for a single but BJ shrugs it off.

Round three to start now. BJ looks a little tired but not enough to give Sherk any advantage. Sherk has cuts under both eyes. No chance of stoppage due to those.

Round three starts the exact same way. Sherk looking for jabs again. Sherk caught BJ with a overhand left. BJ with a couple of good jabs that land. This fight can still go either way. BJ shoots in, doesn’t get it but lands a good couple of strikes. Back to the centre. Sherk trying to answer BJ’s strikes with wild strikes. BJ with a right low kick. Sherk with a nice inside right low kick. BJ lands a right hand again. BJ keeping Sherk away with the jabs. Sherk landing more leg kicks. Seems like Sherk is trying to tire BJ and get some strikes in on his legs to make BJ slower. BJ with some more jabs to close out the third round. Sherk goes down with strikes from BJ. BJ gets a huge knee in. Sherk goes down. BJ lands huge strikes. The round ends but so does the match!

Winner: BJ Penn by TKO round three

it was a left hand, right upper as Sherk went back to the cage. BJ caught him with a right knee and teeing off on Sherk. Sherk looked out. No controversy here. Sherk and BJ hug and it seems mutual.

BJ Penn is on top, the champion and moving forward to new challenges in the lightweight division. Buffer announces that the fight was stopped because Sherk was unable to continue. BJ Penn ends it with class and thanks Sherk for a good fight.

Excellent event! Hope you had fun!! Lights out. We’re done.

Preliminary action
Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs Jon Koppenhaver

Yoshida is on a 8 fight win streak coming in to this one. The first round starts as Jon looks for a leg kick. Jon moving in on Yoshida but Yoshida with a really cool judo throw. Yoshida with a anaconda choke and is cranking it up on Koppenhaver. Koppenhaver is out cold!! Yoshida chokes Jon out!!

Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida by submission: Anaconda Choke - Round 1

Rameau Sokoudjou vs Kazuhiro Nakamura

The first round starts with Sokoudjou taking the centre and starting with a low kick. Nakamura tries to rush Sokoudjou but does not succeed. Sokoudjou with a lot of body kicks. Nakamura counters with a punch. Sokoudjou with some nice punch kick combos. Nakamura looks for a body punch. Soko with a nice low kick. Sokoudjou with a punch kick combo. Follows up with a superman punch. Nakamura tries for a left but misses. Sokoudjou faking a kick. Nakamura looks for a knee. Sokoudjou with a nice right hand on Nakamura. Sokoudjou with a high kick. Both fighters exchange. Soko with a knee to the body. Nakamura looks for a looping left. With five seconds left in round one, Soko gets Nakamura down with a left low kick followed up with a right hand. Nakamura can’t walk, it seems. The referee stops the fight in between rounds as Nakamura cannot continue. Sokoudjou’s kicks took everything out of Nakamura’s leg.

Winner: Remeau Sokoudjou by TKO (Nakamura unable to continue)

Submission of the night: Rousimar Palhares.

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).

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