Grispi: 'I can't be stupid like I usually am.'

Remember Josh Grispi? The featherweight out of Plympton, Mass., used a guillotine choke to shock MMA legend Jens Pulver in 33 seconds at WEC 41 on June 7. Until recently, it was thought that the loss sent Pulver into retirement.

We haven't seen Grispi since. Two days before meeting Pulver he was hitting mitts and went for a high kick when he fell backwards and turned his right ankle to where it was severely swollen on fight night, but you had no idea seeing how he wiped out a pioneer of the sport and someone he's considered a role model since adolescence. Pulver was one of the first fighters Grispi saw and became his favorite after watching his lightweight title win over B.J. Penn at UFC 35, when he was blown away by Little Evil's "ridiculous" hand speed.

I spoke with Grispi Tuesday afternoon for a feature on Pulver I'm penning for TapouT Magazine and he provided an update since he underwent surgery in September. The cast was removed the middle of this month and he's followed an intense rehabilitation program at the Rockland, Mass.-based South Shore Sportfighting that includes aqua therapy.

Grispi (13-1, 3-0 WEC) said he's healing "quicker than I thought," but there remains no timetable for a return to the cage and he's not yet been cleared by his doctor to resume training. Before his WEC debut, Grispi's first 10 fights took place over a span of 15 months, and just when his career was set to take off, the surgery could keep him inactive for up to a year.

"I wanna get back soon," Grispi said. "I've never gone this long without training. It's crazy, but the doctor cautioned it's not fully healed. I can't be stupid like I usually am. I'm so young and can go so far. I don't want a permanent injury."

Grispi turned 21 in October, so there's absolutely no rush to return. Each of his three WEC wins have come in the first round, his last two in under a minute, so expect "The Fluke" to resume his rapid ascension up the ranks of WEC's deepest division.

Holiday Hustle

It wasn't last-minute shopping, but that didn't stop me from running around the past few days to gear up for Christmas. Major League Baseball is closed for business until next year, though that won't stop general managers from tapping away at their blackberries. And like last year, the Yankees made a big deal within the five days before Christmas. No, it didn't shake baseball's foundation like the signing of Mark Teixeira, but the trade that brought Javier Vazquez back to the Bronx was another example about how the champs aren't resting on their laurels.

The rich getting richer? Complain if that's your thing, but the Red Sox also re-loaded with John Lackey and may yet end up with Jason Bay back in green, red and white. And the last I looked, no laws were broken.

Vazquez's first stint in New York was anything but idyllic. After a strong first half, a bout with pink eye combined with a tired shoulder he refused to reveal to the Yankees' medical staff led to a 6.29 second-half ERA. His lasting impression was the two Game 7 home runs he surrendered to Johnny Damon (one a grand slam, the other a two-run bomb) that sealed the Yankees' epic ALCS collapse.

Now Vazquez has a second chance to write a new story. He returns a better and wiser pitcher, having finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting. Yes he's back in the hitter-friendly American League, but Vazquez put up some decent numbers while with the White Sox and has pitched at least 190 innings every season since 2000.

Also, in 2004 he was considered a front-line starter riding shotgun with Kevin Brown and Carl Pavano, two wonderful influences. In '09, he pitches behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte, a true ace, a fully-matured veteran and one of the best big-game pitchers in franchise history. Even if his homers-allowed and ERA rises, Vazquez's projected numbers will be those that teams will kill for out of their fourth starter.

This means either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain will open the season in the bullpen. Chamberlain denies it, but his mojo is in the 'pen. Yet Hughes will work under an innings limit - the Hughes Rules - and Chamberlain will not. The fifth-starter competition will be a chief storyline during Spring Training with Sergio Mitre (another year removed from Tommy John surgery will make a big difference), Chad Gaudin and Alfredo Aceves also in the mix. That's a nice luxury to have.

Big projects are in store for my MMA coverage and especially the sport. I'm arranging an interview with Jon Jones for a meaty feature to run on FightMagazine.com before Bones' showdown with Brandon Vera, the headliner of the UFC's debut on Versus. Last week I had a great chat with Trevor Wittman, Rashad Evans' assistant coach during The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights, about Matt Mitrione. Despite "Meathead's" portrayal on the show, Wittman has great respect for him as a person. As a fighter, Mitrione must improve his ground game - and he knows it. The mental side to his craft, according to Wittman, will make or break him. Lots of interesting ground to cover there.

Huge props to WEC and Strikeforce for tremendous shows last Saturday night. The WEC continues to showcase exciting and compelling talent, while Strikeforce showed there's a lot more to the MMA world. Scott Smith provided dramatic and amazing theater of the unexpected while Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thompson tore it up in what was unquestionably a top-five Fight of the Year for 2009.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I'll check in again before the new year. Today and tomorrow are days to cherish with loved ones even more than usual.

Thanks for reading,



Jon

Winter's wrath

It's 32 degrees and plummeting in my corner of the world. By mid-afternoon the first flake of what's expected to be at least a foot of snow is expected to hit the ground straight through Sunday morning. Those of you living in South Florida or Southern California, go ahead, brag. From where I sit it's an excuse to hunker down and enjoy a fine TV day and night. The Rangers are in Philly to take on the Flyers at 1 p.m. And tonight a big Cowboys-Saints game is an appetizer for two MMA shows airing at 10: WEC 45 on Versus and Strikeforce: Evolution on Showtime. I understand the importance of competition, but also wish these great shows didn't air simultaneously.

I did a great interview with Matt Mitrione this week for a FightMagazine.com feature running early next month. The crux of it: "Meathead"says The Ultimate Fighter behind him. His UFC contract was extended and he hopes to prove that there's a lot more to the devious person that was portrayed on the show. That said, if you choose to hate him, he won't care. He'll tell his story in the Octagon. Here's how he summed up his win over Marcus Jones at the TUF Finale on December 5:

“As soon as he took me down the first time and couldn’t do anything with me, I was saying to myself, ‘Oh he’s [screwed],’” Mitrione said. “You’ve got nothing for me, guy.”

Lay off the haterade: First, there's no argument that the UFC is tops in the MMA world and the best is still yet to come as long as it continues to build and market its new stars. But why knock your competition? Strikeforce to date is not making Ted Turner's and Eric Bischoff's mistakes nor is it jumping in deep, shark-invested waters. Let it build and grow, and from there up the ante. It's in the best interest of MMA's market and fans.

Yet more haterade, this time in baseball: Why are many hating on the Yankees' decision to sign Nick Johnson? Is he Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon? No. Is he a good player (when healthy)? Sure is. Johnson, pending he passes a physical, returns to his original team with career numbers of .279-.477.-413. Damon and the Yankees are at an impasse (thank you Scott Boras), so the Yankees turned to a player who fits in perfectly as a No. 2 hitter who along with Nick Swisher can spell Mark Teixeira at first base. Johnson will primarily DH, but that slot will remain a pit stop for the older veterans with a ton of mileage on their legs.

I'm sad to see Matsui go. He represented class, dignity and was clutch during his seven seasons. Unfortunately, the grind of all those games in Japan and the U.S. took a toll on his knees. He'll put up nice numbers in Anaheim in 2010, but the Yankees were not going to play him in the field at any cost. With Matsui gone, here's hoping Damon can somehow find his way back in pinstripes. He's another one of the great guys in the sport who still has plenty of game. Boras' demands just don't match with his market value at this stage of his career, which is why interest remains minimal from strictly a baseball perspective.

Mid-week ramblings

It's close to 3 p.m. on a Wednesday and I'm still recovering from a wild holiday party thrown by MLB Advanced Media. No, I did not overdo it. It was just good conversation and plenty of ping-pong. Of course, living in the sticks, the LIRR got me back home around 12:30 a.m. and it was up early for a few errands - top of the list getting my son his new bed.

With headache and fatigue still in two - and warm coffee in the mug - a few random thoughts while enjoying some down time.

The Yankees made news by doing nothing on Monday when John Lackey and Mike Cameron agreed to sign with the Red Sox. The Big Texan and Cameron made the BoSox a better team, adding a horse to the top of the rotation while tightening team defense in hopes of unseating the Yankees as AL East - and World - Champions. Why was it a good day in Yankeeland? Because Roy Halladay, better than Lackey (who's darn good) and a top-three pitcher in the game, is not going to Boston. In fact, he's en route to Philadelphia and out of the Yankees' hair. Since the price was too high to pay for Doc and extend him another three years, the next-best thing was him not going to Boston.

Of course, some Yankees fans were in an uproar thinking that Brian Cashman sat back and watched the parade go by? Wasn't it last week when Cashman took over Indianapolis and the Winter Meetings by acquiring All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson? Talk about having a short memory. To serve as a refresher, the Yankees are introducing Granderson during a formal press conference Thursday morning at Yankee Stadium.

Unfortunately, the Yankees bid farewell to Hideki Matsui, who signed a one-year deal with the L.A. Angels. Godzilla was one of my favorite players to watch and one of my favorite people to interview. It'll be great to see him back in the Bronx and receive his ring in person when the Yankees open their 2010 home schedule against the Angels. How's that for timing?

The UFC is returning to New Jersey and the shadow of New York City on March 27 when the Prudential Center hosts UFC 111. This isn't just some token event to appease fans on the East Coast who too often do not receive opportunities to view live events. Check out this unofficial lineup: Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy, Shane Carwin vs. Frank Mir (reportedly an interim heavyweight title fight), appearances from Thiago Alves and Ricardo Almedia, and expected fights from Jersey Boys Frankie Edgar, Kurt Pellegrino and Nick Catone. Could The Answer be booked for a showdown with Kenny Florian, with the winner getting a shot at lightweight champion B.J. Penn? The Prodigy will have to face the next No. 1 contender, which in my view will be Gray Maynard (who handed Edgar his only MMA loss) if he defeats Nick Diaz at UFC Fight Night 20. The Bully is 9-o with one no-contest with wins over Roger Huerta and Jim Miller too.

I have a couple of special projects lined up for FightMagazine.com: Lengthy features on Matt Mitrione and Jon Jones. The former is nursing a wrist injury coming off his knockout of Marcus Jones while evaluating his next options (Kimbo Slice?). The latter will likely fight Brandon Vera at a UFC Fight Night event the end of March and is appealing his DQ loss to Matt Hamill. No matter the outcome, "Bones" has the look of a future champion and at this rate will go down as one of the best ever. Much more on these fighters and other projects for MMAJunkie.com and TapouT Magazine - my feature on boxing and MMA working together runs in Issue 34 - coming soon.

The Master

I'm back from watching UFC 107 from my local Hooters. I was originally at Buffalo Wild Wings until finding out an hour before the telecast that they no longer carried UFC pay-per-views. Luckily I got to Hooters in time to sit at the bar. The place was jam-packed and electric, a great time for a Saturday night during the holiday season.

Okay, I went with the upset picked Diego Sanchez to defeat B.J. Penn. Oh well. What's undisputable is that Penn is going down as one of the greatest MMA fighters in the sport's history. The Prodigy had an answer for anything Nightmare attempted is now 7-2 in nine championship fights and a champion in two weight classes. Incredible.

When he dropped Sanchez with a right within the first 30 seconds he set the tone for the rest of the bout. I thought it was over, but Sanchez's heart kept him it. His tools, however, were no match for Penn's systematic destruction that ended with a high kick in Round 5 that opened an ugly cut on Sanchez's forehead.

For Sanchez, expect a mandatory medical suspension that will keep him out of action until around the beginning of summer. For Penn, he's cleaned out the lightweight division and left you wondering who on earth can stop him? Someone will be deemed No. 1 contender and my guess is Gray Maynard if he defeats Nick Diaz next month at UFC Fight Night 20. If I were matchmaker I'd also pair Frankie Edgar against Kenny Florian, who looked awesome in choking out Clay Guida and the winners in a title bout.

I'll have more about Frank Mir's demolition of Cheik Kongo and Alan Belcher's first-round TKO later. It's off to bed and early to rise for a leisure trip to New York City to enjoy the holidays sights.

Iole: Trouble in Florian camp

Yahoo's MMA/Boxing writer Kevin Iole broke down the weigh-ins as part of his UFC 107 preview. Towards the end he revealed he's heard things haven't been right with Kenny Florian due to turmoil in his camp. For that reason, in large part, Iole is suddenly giving Clay Guida more of a chance.

I already called Ken-Flo by decision and gotta stick with it, but even if there was harmony on Florian's side - and Iole was pretty vague in his report - Guida stands a great chance of winning the fight regardless. From Day 1 his wrestling game has been awesome and work with Greg Jackson just might get him over the top in this, the most important fight of his career. A solid win over Ken-Flo vaults The Carpenter into the lightweight title picture, where Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar also have legit claims.

I'll be at my local Buffalo Wild Wings taking in what I expect to be a great night. Even with Rampage Jackson backing out of his showdown with Rashad Evans you have three main-event caliber bouts plus the underrated and angry Alan Belcher in one of the prelims.

Going against wisdom and with the gut

"The psychological aspects of mixed martial arts are so huge, if you’re not right in the mind you’re not going to be right in the cage, and the worst thing a fighter can let enter his mind is doubt. There is a power within all of us, a spiritual power. There is something special in all of us and you can tap into that at any given time." – Diego Sanchez.

Luke Thomas at BloodyElbow.com offers more about a fascinating personality and a hell of a fighter. The funny thing is there are very few actually giving Diego Sanchez a chance against B.J. Penn. Sanchez has never gone five rounds. Penn is one of the all-time greats and owns the edge in striking, jiu-jitsu, takedown defense, etc. It’s also not the overmatched, undersized B.J. Penn we saw against Georges St. Pierre, rather the technician who lulled Kenny Florian into a false sense of security, thinking his gas tank was approaching ‘E’ in the championship rounds before catching him with a right cross and locking in that patented rear-naked choke.

Memo to the doubters: Diego Sanchez thrives when people are against him. His essence is a catalytic converter, taking toxic words and thoughts and filtering them into positive and kinetic energy that pumps his belief system. Many have Penn finishing Sanchez by Rounds 4 or 5, and those who give Sanchez any trace of a chance believe he must finish the Prodigy off early in their main event at UFC 107.

Whether that happens or goes the distance, win or lose, Thomas notes that “Nightmare” will exhaust every mental resource. Few fighters, Penn included, have neither emptied their inner-most reserves nor have they faced such an opponent who’s an unquestioned believer in the Peak Mind State. In his many wars of attrition, Penn has ran on fumes and found ways to win solely on talent alone. There’s always been a time, even against Florian, where Penn steps back and resets.

That’ll be the only opening Sanchez needs. Conventional analysis dictates Sanchez bull-rushing Penn like he’s done to all his opponents. Against Guida Sanchez went balls out before having to defend against the Carpenter’s prolific wrestling attack. In that bout he proved his striking improved greatly and with every fight – many in which he was the underdog – Sanchez has proven people wrong while learning something new about himself.

Like the Florian fight, Penn comes off an awesome training camp run by Marv Marinovich, one of the world’s best strength and conditioning coaches who also infamously and allegedly pushed his son Todd too hard. It looked inevitable that Penn would show signs of overtraining during the Florian fight. That didn’t happen, but what you’ll see at UFC 107 is a classic example of the power of belief, not to mention the sage teachings of a fourth-degree black belt and Royler Gracie disciple named Saulo Ribeiro.

I’m in the minority, and if I’m wrong, I’m wrong. But jeez, this isn’t picking Matt Serra over St. Pierre. Uh, wait minute, what happened in their first fight? Feel the power ... of the underdog! Sanchez split decision.

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo
Kongo is playing the role of the silent but dangerous face to Mir’s loudmouth, trash-talking heel. Funny, the last fight it was the other way around with Mir’s volume turned down just a little bit. Mir hates Brock Lesner and he’s channeled it into his training, building the strength and muscle mass that will be enough to overtake a fierce striker but one who’s yet to prove he can get it down on the ground, which is Mir’s domain. Mir’s not overlooking Kongo either. He’s been through hell and back, which humbles the best of them. Mir submission Round 1.

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida
If there’s any night for Guida to finally break though, it’s this one. The Carpenter worked under Greg Jackson and it may have helped him to unlock some technical skills to complement his wrestling. When Ken-Flo the technician begins to chip away at Guida’s defense, Guida will be getting by on heart. Like Sanchez, Florian is an opponent with a heart to match and a skill set just a bit better. Florian unanimous decision.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce
A grind-it-out battle if there ever wants one. Pierce wants to show he’s more than the one who hugged his way to a win over Brock Larson. Fitch wants to remain relevant in the welterweight division and the one nobody wants to fight. Fitch unanimous decision.

Alan Belcher vs. Wilson Gouveia
Not only is Belcher too skilled – see how Nate Marquardt handled Gouveia - he’s angry. Already seething over a close loss to Yoshihiro Akiyama, Belcher feels dissed over being on the preliminary card. That 5-4 UFC record may have a bit to do with it, but The Talent is better than that and needs a win to justify his case, if not simply to remain in the UFC. Belcher KO Round 2.

Hamill: 'I will die before I tap'

Matt Hamill posted a statement on his Web site this morning days after his DQ win over Jon Jones. He said it best: Jon Jones didn't win and I didn't lose, and when explaining how he took those barrage of blows before Jones' 12-to-6 elbow ended the fight, he said simply, "I will die before I tap." I reported on Sunday that Hamill suffered a dislocated left shoulder that was popped back into place at the hospital, adding that referee Steve Mazzagatti was correct in not stopping the fight sooner.

Jones' camp has appealed the DQ decision. Whether it's upheld or not, I see a rematch. Neither fighter is satisfied with the result and both want to see a definitive winner to come out of this.

The big catch

It's not Roy Halladay, but the Yankees reeled in a pretty big fish named Curtis Granderson this week at the winter meetings. Once all medical records are reviewed and physicals are passed, Austin Jackson and Phil Coke head to Detroit, and Ian Kennedy to Arizona, as part of the three-team deal.

Jackson may well end up a superstar, but today he's projected as a fourth outfielder, and from where I sit, give me production over potential any day. Granderson's batting average has been in a decline the past two seasons and he flat-out cannot hit left-handers, but on top of his 30 home runs, there's no reason to believe a 28-year-old sparkplug can't rebound from a down season (just ask Nick Swisher). Kevin Long has worked wonders as Yankees hitting coach and I can promise you Granderson will be energized to play in New York and Yankee Stadium.

I interviewed him exclusively in 2008 when the Tigers were in town and learned about his lust for the Big Apple. He's made for New York and he'll be pushed and prodded to help repeat as World Champions.

Oh, Andy Pettitte has re-signed with the Yankees. Widely expected, but hugely important.

Pretty quiet in the world of MMA, save for Dan Henderson signing with Strikeforce, another good signing for Dana White's fledgling competitor that must remain committed to not taking too big a bite out of elephant. Last decade, Ted Turner and Eric Bishoff weren't content with competing with Vince McMahon's empire. They wanted him out of business and instead of evolving with the times tried too hard to make it happen instead of building a program. I hope Scott Coker doesn't make similar mistakes. The UFC needs healthy competition to help keep MMA thriving.

UFC business will pick up again Saturday night in Memphis when Diego Sanchez challenges lightweight champion B.J. Penn in the main event of UFC 107. I'm in the vast minority who believes the Nightmare will dethrone the Prodigy. Later this week I'll explain why.

No Bones about it

It's too bad Jon Jones competes in an ocean-deep light-heavyweight division. In the long run this will contribute to his development as one of the greats MMA has ever seen. Short-term Jones will be waiting awhile for his name to be on the championship committee's table. If he defeats Rashad Evans next month, Thiago Silva, in my view is in line for the next shot at the winner of May's rematch between champ Lyoto Machida and Mauricio Rua. If Sugar wins he'd love his shot at a second title reign. The wild card in this is the predictable return of Rampage Jackson. A chance at shutting up his hated rival - combined with big money - will probably supersede Evans facing either Machida or Rua.

Back to "Bones," who looked awesome in destroying Matt Hamill only to be handed a disqualification loss for an illegal "12-to-6" elbow that was confirmed by the wise implementation of instant replay. Hamill dislocated his shoulder early in the bout, but never in his career - not even against Rich Franklin - has "The Hammer" been decimated like he was Saturday night.

(For the record, Steve Mazzagatti, yet again in the line of fire for controversial situations, was 100 percent correct in not stopping the fight. Hamill may have been on the brink, but he was still defending himself in survival mode. In this sport it's often damned if you do, damned if you don't. You get heat for stopping a bout "too soon" when it's your job to protect a fighter's health or doing nothing and increasing risk of a serious injury.)

The DQ win combined with the injury will get Hamill a rematch, but considering what Jones displayed the results will be similar. Jones' flair for the creative and the dramatic, and his unorthodox style (think Keith Jardine with finesse), has him on track to be a future champion. He's just 22 years old and that's out-and-out scary.

****

Kimbo Slice will never be UFC Heavyweight Champion, but because he cemented his place in the UFC, he's a winner. Slice refused to buy into his hype for one second and his commitment to MMA is admirable. It'd be great if his next fight is a rematch with Seth Petruzelli ... I doubt seriously you'll see Slice-Houston Alexander on any best of 2009 compilations. Alexander looked awful and you have to wonder if the UFC's door is closed for good ... Stop hating on Roy Nelson. He's a legit heavyweight who'd put a scare into the top-tier fighters ... Brendan Schaub will be back and will be a superstar ... Marcus Jones, 36, has a lot of work to do and little time to do it ... Matt Mitrione knocked out "Darkness" with one punch, but must improve his ground game and endurance to complement his immense power ... What's next for Frankie Edgar? A rematch with Gray Maynard or the winner of Kenny Florian-Clay Guida? "The Answer" is a one more impressive win over a top contender from a title shot ... Am I in the vast minority of picking Diego Sanchez over B.J. Penn? I'll explain some time this week.

Heavyweight Explosion

Not since Season 1 has The Ultimate Fighter generated this much buzz and excitement as the Heavyweights’ installment momentum heading into Saturday night in Las Vegas. You have the fight for the six-figure contract, a main event worthy of pay-per-view status, a lightweight poised to take a quantum leap, an undercard bout between two former NFL players that screams an old-school pro wrestling grudge match.

And of course there’s MMA’s cult creation Kimbo Slice, who impressed me throughout the show with his heart and humility. Last I check in with Kimbo was during an interview with Howard Davis Jr. for a boxing/MMA feature to run in TapouT Issue No. 34. Slice’s education from the ground up was making gradual progress with so much to absorb. Whether or not it’s enough to defeat veteran Houston Alexander is part of the intrigue that will unfold Saturday night on Spike.

My fearless forecast:

Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill
This is similar to Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson in terms of a talented future star (Jones) who has yet to swim with the sharks. Hamill has and he unveiled a new dimension to his game with a vicious knockout of Mark Munoz (head kick) at UFC 96. Jones’ game is a dazzling array of moves that blend power with finesse, but one mistake that leaves him open could be his last. “The Hammer” gets the edge in the ground game and he’ll be the first to neutralize Bones’ dynamic offense. Think of it as Bill Parcells' Giants grinding Buffalo's K-Gun to a halt in Super Bowl XXV. Hamill unanimous decision.

Brendan Schaub vs. Roy Nelson
Time to give “Big Country” some deserved credit. He and his girth weren’t supposed to hang with the young guys and his thick head was expected to be his downfall. Alas, Nelson proved what experience can do. His strength is the takedown and if he smothers you, it’s curtains. I love Schaub and he’s going to be a stud, but like Jones he’s treading water surrounded by a dangerous fish. Nelson TKO 2.

Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach
You know Edgar but probably have never heard of Veach. Veach is 11-0 and that’s not cosmetic. He’s a student from the H.I.T. Squad and you saw shades of the school’s master Matt Hughes in Brian Foster during his destruction of Brock Larson. Edgar won’t take him lightly – not a chance. The Answer deserves a spot in the lightweight division’s elite having defeated some big names. His win over Sean Sherk was a revelation. His defeat of Veach will move him one step closer to a title shot. Edgar TKO 2.

Houston Alexander vs. Kimbo Slice
Practical wisdom is that Alexander sends Slice back to the drawing board. Gut feeling says Davis and American Top Team unlocked some new tricks. My guarantee is the fight doesn’t get back the first round. Slice KO 1. (From there, how about a rematch with Seth Petruzelli?)

Marcus Jones vs. Matt Mitrione
Love ‘em both and both deserve spots in Dana White’s stable. Jones is the fan favorite and Mitrione is the villain. Take it from me, Mitrione is a better person that what was portrayed on TUF. Schaub exposed Jones’ chin and Mitrione hits way too hard. Darkness’ only chance is to take Mitrione down. It won’t get that far. KO 1.

Darrill Schoonover vs. James McSweeney
McSweeney defeated Mitrione because he somehow took Mitrione’s best shot and Mitrione make a foolish mistake. Schoonover will grind it out and frustrate him, which is easily done. Schoonover unanimous decision.

Jon Madsen vs. Justin Wren
Wren’s fight with Nelson should have gone to sudden death. He’s 22 and on the rise. Madsen’s chin was also exposed by Schaub. Wren KO 2.

UFC releases Larson

Brock Larson has been released by the Ultimate Fighting championship less than a week after he suffered a TKO loss to Brian Foster at UFC 106. My full story with some big help from MMAJunkie.com editor Dann Stupp, is here.

Once considered a rising star in the WEC and the UFC's welterweight division, Larson has dropped his last two MMA bouts after winning 14 out of his last 15. Twelve of those wins came in the first round and Larson was pegged for stardom after his triangle-choke submission of Mike Pyle just 3:08 into their UFC 98 bout in May. However, newcomer Mike Pierce was pegged as a late preliminary card opponent at UFC Fight Night 19. Larson lost via unanimous decision before he was matched with Foster in the latter's second UFC appearance. That night, Larson's game collapsed. He had two points deducted in the first round for an illegal kick and an illegal knee, and was battered and beaten to where he was tapping right after the bout was stopped.

Larson's biggest difficulty was not his opponents, neither of whom he took lightly, but the challenge of getting motivated dropping down in competition - and card status - instead of stepping up.

"It's probably a good thing," Larson (26-4 in MMA) told me via text message. "I was having a hard time getting motivated for my last two fights. I needed a change. The undercards just didn't do it for me."

We spoke briefly off the cuff a short time after. He's a great guy who's taking it well and has options in Japan and Strikeforce. He knows he's better than what he showed against Pierce and Foster and will be re-energized by the new challenges that await elsewhere. And the UFC's door isn't closed permanently. If Larson can rebuild his game overseas, he'll get his second chance.

Koscheck not No. 1, but GSP's top challenger

Josh Koscheck is not the No. 1 contender to Georges St. Pierre’s welterweight title – that’s Dan Hardy, and it looks like he’ll get his shot February in Australia – but for my money he’s right now the best challenger in the division, one that GSP has cleaned out the past two years.

Koscheck took his game to new heights by submitting Anthony Johnson at UFC 106 before calling out Hardy and demanding why he is the No. 1 contender. That drew some boos which isn’t surprising. Koscheck is one of the UFC’s polarizing figures you either love or hate. He’s brash and obnoxious with a big mouth, but also entertaining. My brother yesterday came up with a good analogy: Koscheck is the UFC’s Ric Flair. He’s not afraid to call anyone out and boast that he’s the best, and in his last two bouts he’s backed it up.

Hardy defeated Mike Swick to move to 4-0 in the UFC and Dana White honored his promise of granting the winner of that fight a shot at GSP. However, Hardy should have finished Swick long before the bout went to the judges. Three of his four UFC wins have come via decision and he barely squeaked by Marcus Davis at UFC 99. For a hard puncher and a dynamic personality, Hardy’s lack of a killer instinct is troubling. My lasting impression of Swick vs. Hardy was that St. Pierre would tear either of them apart in less than five minutes.

Koscheck fought GSP once before, losing by a unanimous decision at UFC 74, another reason why technically Hardy is next in line. But when reviewing Koscheck’s remarks after he defeated Johnson –“He ain't fought nobody like me," he said. "Guaranteed, I'm the No. 1 freaking contender in the division." – he’s right. He’s much better than when he met St. Pierre in 2007 – and in that fight he became the last fighter to win a round from the welterweight king (at that time not the champion). He’s one of only two to hold a win over Diego Sanchez (fighting B.J. Penn for the lightweight crown next month) and recovered from a first-round KO loss to Paulo Thiago in February (also his third fight in four months) with impressive victories over Frank Trigg and “Rumble” Johnson.

Figure on Koscheck fighting capable competition in early 2010 before getting the winner of St. Pierre vs. Hardy – perhaps at the show that could end up at Fenway Park this summer.

**

I went 4-4 in my UFC 106 predictions, correctly picking Koscheck, Forrest Griffin, Amir Sadollah and Paulo Thiago, but whiffing on Luiz Cane, Marcus Davis, Jake Rosholt and Brock Larson. Sadollah and Ben Saunders gave clinics in Mauy Thai, Kendall Grove and Little Nog looked tremendous and Larson's days as a top welterweight are over after Brian Foster - showing shades of his teacher Matt Hughes - took him apart in two rounds. Larson's a great guy enduring a bad slump. Here's hoping he recovers sometime in 2010.

The show must go on

UFC 106 was originally headlined by Brock Lesnar's defense of the heavyweight championship against Shane Carwin, and supported by a rematch of the classic Tito Ortiz-Forrest Griffin war, a dynamic battle between Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson, and the intriguing matchup between Karo Parisyan and Dustin Hazelett.

First Lesnar got very sick – and hope remains that it’s not career threatening – and then Parisyan suddenly backed out before the weigh-ins. The latter news I found very shocking. Not even a week ago Parisyan provided me an exclusive interview for FightMagazine.com during which he sounded very confident and motivated to prove skeptics wrong, while also admitting his career had been on a downward spiral.

Suddenly, Dana White blasted Parisyan over Twitter and announced his UFC days were over for good. Then the rumors started, notably one that suggested he had not kicked his pain killer addiction and was afraid he would fail the post fight drug test. Parisyan and I traded text messages earlier today, starting when he said, “I will prove myself in time,” and standing by his story that his ongoing issues with panic attacks – not an addiction to painkillers – is to blame for the about face.

“I’ve talked to my doctors and it’s getting all better soon,” Parisyan said. “All the support I got from everyone, thank you so much.”

The bottom line is that Parisyan has a ton of personal issues to solve once and for all before he thinks about returning to Mixed Martial Arts. He’s also a real down-to-earth person who is keeping the faith. Whether it’s in Japan, with Strikeforce, or if he and White reconcile – not unprecedented if you check White’s history with Ortiz and Randy Couture – he’ll be back and competing sometime in 2010.

Hazelett, incidentally, took the disappointing news very well and was paid the winner’s share of the fight purse. One of his representatives met UFC matchmaker Joe Silva after the fight was canceled. Both agreed it was the bout that was the most intriguing on the bill, and Silva vowed to not just get Hazelett back in the cage – he’s been inactive for a year due to a knee injury – but pair him with the ideal opponent, one which I bet is of similar caliber to Parisyan when the latter’s on his game.

On to UFC 106 as it stands. Ortiz-Griffin II is not a main event match, but still pretty good as a contingency plan. The first fight could have gone either way. The fact that Ortiz held on fighting with a degenerating back figures to give him the edge here now that he's 100 percent healthy. He also hasn't fought in a year-and-a-half. Griffin was embarrassed in his last bout, but that had everything to do with Anderson Silva being the best pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world. As long as Griffin can avoid Ortiz’s legendary takedowns and ground-and-pound, his heart will take care of the rest. Griffin by unanimous decision.

Koscheck-Johnson
My pick for “Fight of the Night” honors, which pits two of the most exciting strikers in the business. “Rumble” finally steps into the limelight with an 8-2 record. He’s yet to swim with the sharks. Koscheck has. His world-class wrestling makes the difference and gets people thinking about a rematch with Georges St. Pierre if the former gets by Dan Hardy next year. Koscheck TKO 3.

Phil Baroni vs. Amir Sadollah
The “New York Bad Ass” returns to the UFC to face The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 winner. This is an important bout for Sadollah coming off a controversial loss to Johny Hendricks while Baroni is on a 3-7 in his last seven fights, but in my view is being dismissed too quickly as big-name fodder for Sadollah. A tough one to call between veteran and neophyte. I’ll take the fighter with the greater upside. Sadollah by unanimous decision.

Other bouts
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira’s UFC debut will be a rude awakening when Luiz Cane fells him in Round 2 … Marcus Davis, still steaming over his June loss to Hardy, takes it out on Ben Saunders (submission, Round 2) … Paulo Thiago, owner of a KO win over Koscheck in his UFC debut, spoils that of Jacob Volkmann (TKO 1) … Jake Rosholt looked awesome defeating Chris Leben. He’ll submit Kendall Grove in war ending in Round 3 … And in a bout airing neither on pay-per-view nor Spike, but one that deserved TV time in my view, Brock Larson recovers from his loss to Mike Pierce by choking out up-and-coming Brian Foster in Round 2.

Memo to NY: End the MMA ban

Randy Gordon was 16 years ago the chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission who led the charge to ban Mixed Martial Arts in the state. He succeeded, but ironically today, he's front and center of the movement to legislate the sport and approve it for competition. Gordon, also the host of "The Sirius Fight Club" (Tuesdays and Fridays 5-7 p.m.) and a good friend, opined about the topic in today's New York Daily News.

I've written about this before: MMA in New York City - Madison Square Garden - is a perfect marriage. Gordon wrote about the impact it had on Philadelphia, tourism and media coverage. It'll do the same for the Big Apple. Of course, if it's too logical and makes too much sense it usually never gets done. It's time for the boneheads in Albany to actually grasp the concept of pumping life into a sour economy. Why everyone outside of Albany sees that is beyond reason.

Epic in the Bronx?

Manny Pacquiao proved why he's currently the best fighter in the world (in my view) by pulverizing a game Miguel Cotto in 12 rounds Saturday night. A showdown between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is inevitable. Everybody wants it - fans, media, cable outlets, DirecTV, sports bars. All that has to happen is the fighters agreeing, and from there business people and promoters biting their tongues when it comes down to the zillions, billions and trillions they'll be making.

If this happens, the Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in hosting it at Yankee Stadium next spring. This has to happen. Boxing is enjoying a second wind in terms of publicity and the two best fighters need New York's stage to showcase that a buzz not felt since the Mike Tyson era is back. (Breaking the law and biting ears are no longer required either.)

Spike TV countered Pacquiao-Cotto with a free airing of UFC 105 (though it was well over an hour before the card ended when the bell for the boxing match rang for Round 1). The disturbing trend of controversy surrounding the judges at ringside continued with Randy Couture's paper-thin victory over Brandon Vera. I normally have little to no tolerance for horrible, inferior officiating, umpiring and judges, but I too felt Couture won the fight - barely, only because he was able to neutralize Vera's offense when he needed to. Of course, Vera was pissed at the verdict, but if there's any lingering doubt about him being a top-tier light-heavyweight, The Truth put that to bed. Vera has proven he's changed course and career is no longer at a crossroads.

Dan Hardy will get the next shot at Georges St. Pierre's welterweight title, though I wasn't impressed with his win over Mike Swick. The lack of a killer instinct against an opponent clearly not on his 'A' game bothered me. Hardy's simply not at GSP's level. Then again, who is at the moment?

Very excited about WEC 44 Wednesday night (which means the DVR will be set to "The Ultimate Fighter"). Mike Brown vs. Jose Aldo headlines a solid show that includes Manny Gamburyan (Karo Parisyan's cousin)-Leonard Garcia. Karen Darabedyan-Rob McCullough and Danny Castillo-Shane Roller. This bout won't be aired unless there's down time, but Cub Swanson has an extremely important fight against John Franchi on the preliminary card. The last time we saw Swanson, Aldo blasted him in eight seconds. There are big questions about Swanson's ability to perform in major fights; Jens Pulver made him tap 35 seconds into their WEC 31 showing. Still, he's an exciting fighter who trained with Greg Jackson for Franchi. We'll see if that excitement can finally be harnessed properly.

WEC co-founder and general manager Reed Harris angrily dismissed a report of a merger between it and parent company UFC. Good for him. Why take the spotlight away from some of the sport's most breathtaking talent? The morons at the defunct World Championship Wrestling frequently bragged about how it recruited talent from around the world to compete in its cruiserweight division. Then the brainiacs buried them under the old and slow 'big names.' When you have something as unique as the talent in WEC, you maximize its exposure and showcase it as your niche product.

To be clear, Zuffa markets young and hot new starts virtually every day. What you don't want is to see too many good fighters get lost in the shuffle. Keeping WEC as a separate entity under one umbrella gives Brown, Urijah Faber, Brian Bowles, Miguel Torres and others their deserved time in the sun.

UFC 106 is Saturday on pay-per-view. I'll have more on the Tito Ortiz-Forrest Griffin rematch along with takes on the returning New York Badass Phil Baroni, and crossroad bouts for Parisyan & Brock Larson.

UFC 105 predictions, Brown ready for Aldo

Since 2003 it's been a challenge to find new and creative ways to keep busy during baseball's offseason. Of course there's all that Hot Stove chatter and "sources familiar with the situation" scattered across the four corners of the earth, plus my inevitable presence at a press conference announcing the Yankees' next A-list acquisition (Roy Halladay? John Lackey?)

Covering Mixed Martial Arts for MMAJunkie.com, FightMagazine.com and TapouT/MMA Worldwide magazine has more than helped fill the void. In fact it's been a blast. The next issue of MMA Worldwide has my debut feature on Frankie Edgar, who on December 5 at the Ultimate Finale will take on Matt Veach (an injury replacement for Kurt Pellegrino), on newsstands real soon. Karo Parysian, fighting Dustin Hazelett at UFC 106, provided me a very candid, enlightening and forthcoming interview that will run on Fight next week.

Before I get to tomorrow and UFC 105, Mike Thomas Brown will make his third defense of the WEC Featherweight title Wednesday against the electric Jose Aldo at WEC 44. I haven't seen the odds yet, but my guess is there are those who still refuse to believe Brown is for real. Even Brown himself didn't consider himself a legit champion until he blasted Leonard Garcia in Round 1 of his first defense. His defeat of Urijah Faber in their rematch was enough to eliminate any trace of doubt from where I sit.

At 18-1, Aldo is an amazing talent who in his last fight destroyed Cub Swanson in eight seconds prior to Brown-Faber 2. He's also a guy whose aggressiveness may end up hurting him against Brown, a veteran who knows how to turn an opponent's strength into his downfall.

“Aldo is probably more technical, throws more punches and combinations, better knees and better kicks," Brown told me during an interview for another TapouT/MMA Worldwide feature. "But Leonard is probably a harder puncher; he swings hard and tries to kill you with every shot.

“Aldo is a little more finesse, but the game plan is similar – try and swing and crack him, put him down. If I hurt him I hurt him. If I don’t, I don’t. If that doesn’t work, take him down and try to submit him.”

Brown's best quality is his modesty and integrity. The way he continues to live his life - answering the phone at his home base of American Top Team, driving the same beat-up old car, and how he conducts himself with the highest amount of integrity - makes him a champion win or lose. Sometimes, in fact, Brown needs to be reminded that he's a recognized world champ.

“Sometimes fighters get to a high place and they forget all the hard work – and they forget that they deserve it,” said Howard Davis Jr., a 1976 Olympic Gold medalist who helps Brown with his striking game at ATT. “There’s a little guilt in them. I remind him every day he’s champ and that he deserves it.

“Mike hasn’t changed himself one bit. I asked him, 'Did you know you’re the WEC Featherweight champion? That put a huge smile on his face. [He told me] 'You know something you’re right coach. I am champion of the world.'”

As for UFC 105, I've picked against Vera twice and been wrong twice. The third time will be a charm: Couture takes a bout that goes the distance. Mike Swick proves he's ready for a shot at Georges St. Pierre by taking out Dan Hardy (TKO-2). Michael Bisping-Denis Kang is a tough call. This will depends if Bisping is physically and emotionally recovered from Dan Henderson's one-punch knockout at UFC 100. Emotion plays a big part in MMA, and Bisping will draw off the support of his home country by taking a decision.

There's the Yankees and, well ....

The afterglow of the Yankees' 27th World Championship will last awhile. That's good for Yankees fans - and newspapers, who will now feast on the misery that's the rest of New York sports.

The Devils and Rangers are exceptions, and though they're an afterthought at the moment, the Islanders have been surprisingly competitive - and they have John Tavares; the hyped first-overall pick is tied for the team lead in scoring.

Tops on the tabloids' radar, however, are the following teams, each in currently in a state ranging from sad to pathetic.

Giants: Losers of four straight after a 5-0 start and currently outside of the playoff bubble. As a fan watching them give away a game to the Chargers was the first in a long time I've been so disgusted with them.

Jets: 4-4 after a 3-0 start. Their 1-3 slide includes two galling losses to the Dolphins and an inexcusable setback to the Bills. Rex Ryan's bravado is refreshing, but if it's not backed up he's left to look like a fool.

Knicks & Nets: Whoa boy. The Nets are 0-7 and the teams are a combined 1-14. Everyone knew this would be a transition season at Madison Square Garden and the Swamp, but these teams' performances have been hideous. Nobody, not LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, will want to play for bad teams that barely compete. That's the vibe on both sides at the moment. It's been like shrugging their shoulders and saying we'll get 'em next year.

Unless the Giants and Jets get it together, and the Rangers can weather their current injury storm, brace for a long winter. Here's hoping native and fellow Long Islander Phil Baroni can make a triumphant return to the UFC against Amir Sadollah at UFC 106.

****

Junkie published my feature on Miguel Torres and how training with Miguel Cotto is helping him recover from his shocking loss to Brian Bowles. More and more MMA fighters are learning from boxers and their training techniques, and the relationship is getting stronger. Howard Davis Jr. works with Mike Brown, Thiago Alves, Thiago Silva and Kimbo Slice (the best move for Kimbo right now) at American Top Team. Famous boxing trainer Freddie Roach has worked with a ton of them, including a session where Michael Moorer watched Frankie Edgar's footwork. I have more about that story in the new TapouT/MMA Worldwide magazine coming out later this month.

Champions

I was afforded the unique and memorable privilege of covering the night the Yankees captured World Championship No. 27. Next to making a positive difference for people like the late George Murray, nights like Game 6 at Yankee Stadium is why I got into the business.

Let's be fair: The Yankes were baseball's best team. They won 115 games, many in dramatic fashion. And it was extra special seeing Hideki Matsui put on a show. I'm sure it reminded many older fans of what Reggie Jackson did in 1977 - also in Game 6. Reggie belted three homers that night. Matsui drove in six runs (tying Bobby Richardson's World Series record). Both took over the city, and in Matsui's case he also took over Tokyo.

The 2009 season and postseason was one of serious redemption for Alex Rodriguez. You can like him or not like him, and his wounds were self-inflicted, but A-Rod worked his way out of hell to slug 30 homers and drive in 100 runs for the 13th time in his career (12th straight season) - and he was sidelined until May 8 while rehabbing from hip surgery. On some levels, this may have been Rodriguez's finest campaign.

A.J. Burnett drove Yankees fans crazy at times, but you know what? The Yankees may not have won the World Series if he didn't shut down the Phillies in Game 2 to even the Fall Classic at 1-1. There will always be "Good A.J." and "Bad A.J." but when he's on there's nobody better, and you can never question his mental strength in big games. I spoke with Burnett during the clubhouse celebration about what he learned from his first season in the Bronx.

Because baseball never slows down, expect more observations, analysis and the inevitable coverage of the Yankees' big-ticket free signee this winter. Because business always picks up in MMA, expect MMAJunkie.com and other outlets to keep me busy. An alumni event has me missing tomorrow's big Strikeforce show in Chicago, but I'll be DVRing CBS' broadcast. I have Fedor beating Rogers, showing why he's the sport's best heavyweight, and in the fight of the night, Jake Shields doing enough to get by Jason "Mayhem" Miller.

Close the deal

Tonight is Game 6 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, another chance for the Yankees to win World Championship No. 27, this time in front of their fans for the first time since 1999.

What's been said has been written. What's been documented has been digested. The Yankees now have to get the job done, defeat a tough, and gallant Philadelphia Phillies team that just so happens to be the defending champions.

As a journalist I am obligated to tell it like it is whether the Yankees win or lose 10-0. As fans we cannot control the outcome. As fans you can control the environment. Phillies fans are among the best and they went crazy showing support for their team. Tonight it's Yankees fans' turn.

Whether you root for the Yankees or Phillies, here's something to pump you up. Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez has one of the more dramatic entrances in the UFC. Only he knows how he'll enter the Octagon before his shot at B.J. Penn's lightweight title December 12 in Memphis. Count on some more Tony Robbins influence.

One win, 27 outs to go

Amazing how people are fretting about the Yankees and using hindsight to bash Joe Girardi for having the gall to live or die with one of his top-tier pitchers. A.J. Burnett started Game 5 on three days' rest. He lost because the Phillies have heart and remain the reigning World Champions, not because Burnett was on short rest. If Chad Gaudin would have started his first game in a month and gotten bombed, people would moan over that too.

Memo to the worry-warts: The Yankees lead the World Series three games to two. They need to win one of two games at Yankee Stadium to win their 27th World Championship after taking two of three in Philadelphia. The job isn't done, but that's pretty good, right?

Those ready to jump off a cliff need an image of Alfred E. Newman.

Like the rest of the postseason, I've been covering the home games for YESNetwork.com, while blogging away on the YES Blog, and will be at Game 6 and (if necessary) Game 7. CC Sabathia met his match in Game 1 and Burnett was awesome in Game 2. In Game 6, Andy Pettitte - also on three days' rest - attempts to win his Major League record sixth clinching game.

I'm still covering MMA and looking forward to doing a lot more once baseball is finally over. My debut feature for TapouT/MMA Worldwide magazine, a profile of Frankie Edgar, hits newsstands the middle of this month. Today, MMAJunkie.com published a feature on Brock Larson, a good fighter and great guy out for redemption when he battles Brian Foster at UFC 106.

Future projects include a piece on Miguel Torres and the budding relationship between MMA and boxing training techniques. I'm also looking forward to chatting with Karo Parisyan for FightMagazine.com.

First thing's first: Back to the Bronx tomorrow night.

Two down, two to go

Two crazy, sleep-deprived days defined my Friday and Saturday. I'm not in California, so most of my Sunday was spent playing catch-up.

The Yankees resume their series against the Angels ahead two games to none. CC Sabathia took over the game, and the town, Friday night, while Jerry Hairston made his first postseason game a memorable one to end Saturday's marathon. And with Sabathia named the Yankees' official starter for Game 4, the team will be in position for a shocking sweep if Andy Pettitte outduels Jered Weaver this afternoon.

It takes four to win a series and the Yankees have won two, but if you're not a believer in karma, the Yankees have been great sellers. They've gotten it done every which way, and everyone has bought into the philosophy of winning.

Whew!

Nothing like an insane amount of activity to keep me from blogging. Well, not exactly. I've been feeding the YES Blog with enough material to supply an encyclopedia. To sum up, the Yankees swept the Twins in three games to reach their first League Championship Series in 2004.

I remember '04 and flying two and from New York and Boston. At Fenway Park I was three Mariano Rivera outs from covering a World Series and making travel arrangements to St. Louis. No need to rehash the few things that happened to squash those plans.

I'm not traveling this year - though a Philadelphia excursion remains a slight possibility - but there's been plenty of action. Game 1 was the start of Alex Rodriguez's rebirth. People won't leave him alone until he continues to scorch opposing pitching en route to his first World Series ring, but the Yankees may not win that series at all if not for A-Rod.

A-Rod played hero again in Game 2, as did Mark Teixeira when his walk-off home run ended one of the greatest postseason games I've ever witnessed. Alas, Teixeira's heroics aren't possible if not for David Robertson's yeoman effort in the top of the 11th. The kid earned his stars and stripes that night, believe me.

It's been a couple of days of quiet since the Yankees sealed Game 3 and learned that the Angels, their longtime nemesis, stand in the way of their first World Series since 2003. We'll find out more when the team works out Wednesday and Thursday, but Joe Girardi is leaning towards starting CC Sabathia in Games 1, 4 and if necessary 7. He'll also have to decide on a roster and whether to stick with three catchers and/or replace Damaso Marte (horrendous in Game 2) with Brian Bruney or Freddy Guzman.

I'm still covering MMA. Days before Benson Henderson put on one of 2009's top individual performances by defeating Donald Cerrone, he spoke with me about how he became "Smooth" and how he manages his hair. Ryan Bader also returns to the Octagon October 24 when he faces Eric Schafer at UFC 104. In a Q&A done for FightMagazine.com, Bader talks about his love for guns, Bader TV and a bright future for Kimbo Slice.

Yesterday I interviewed Frankie Edgar for my first feature for TapouT Magazine. "The Answer" is a moniker that is wholly appropriate for one of the UFC's rising lightweights, one despite his impressive roll call of wins is still evolving and still waiting in line for a title shot. Provided he gets past Kurt Pellegrino December 5 at the TUF 10 Finale, from my view he deserves a crack at the winner of the B.J. Penn-Diego Sanchez lightweight title fight one week later at UFC 107.

Matt Hamill and Jon Jones will officially headline the TUF 10 card. There are a lot of fights I cannot wait to see - Lesnar v. Carwin & Penn v. Sanchez are two of them - but this one is going to be great. I've done interviews with both "The Hammer" and "Bones," and their respective camps. This is far and away Jones' toughest challenge, and a bout that Hamill needs to win badly. Jones is 22 years old and if it won't be the end of the world if he loses. Hamill, however, is 33 and the clock on his chances at a light-heavyweight title shot will freeze if he ends up on the short end of this one.

I'm told, by the way, that "Hamill: The Movie" is in its last week of shooting.

Petruzelli responds to Kimbo

Kimbo Slice denied declining a rematch with Seth Petruzelli yesterday during a conference call to promote his TUF Heavyweights bout with Roy Nelson that airs tomorrow night on Spike. Petruzelli fired the first salvo on The Underground, calling out Slice while stating he's likely to sign with the UFC. Slice's response was blunt, brutal and to the point, saying the Silverback's Smoothie King franchise was "a sissy ice cream shop" before going as far to say he'd fight Petruzelli "bare-knuckle style."

Not one to hold back either, Petruzelli e-mailed me his side of the story:

"LOL, a 'Sissy ice cream shop.' My bad for thinking ahead of fighting and opening a franchise. Kimbo wouldn't know the first thing about opening and running a successful business. He should stick to what he knows: being a thug and hanging with icey 'class act' Mike.

"And I was told by two promoters that they talked with his manager and that he said NO, so either the promoters were lying or he is. I hope Dana will sign me back to the UFC and maybe we will see."

Slice needs an opponent for the TUF Finale in December. I'm just sayin'.

Business picking up

Yet another eventful week in Yankeeland and the MMA World - with more potential projects on tap! One thing is for certain, I'm bracing for a wild postseason ride. I'll be covering most of the Yankees' playoff games at Yankee Stadium, and was there Friday night to document Joba Chamberlain stepping up to and meeting the challenge presented to him during a stern conversation with manager Joe Girardi. All parties played down the discussion, but Chamberlain's maturity has been questioned, as have the handling of "The Joba Rules." What matters is winning, and if Chamberlain is lights-out come October, fans will find something new to complain about.

For now, enjoy the journey. The Yankees clinched a tie for the AL East title behind CC Sabathia's one-hitter over seven innings. The Yankees haven't had that truly dominant ace/stopper since 2003, one that opponents fear. They have one in the big lefty. Of course, talk radio palavers and their cult followers will obsess over Sabathia's October failures while bracing for Alex Rodriguez to strike out in a big spot. Allow me to quote the great Reggie Jackson: "With the bat (or in CC's case, the ball) in your hand, you can change the story."

In between Yankees coverage I have two new assignments for FightMagazine.com: Ben "Smooth" Henderson and Ryan Bader. The biggest fight of Henderson's young career comes next month at WEC 43 when he battles Donald Cerrone for the interim lightweight title, as current champ Jamie Varner (hand) has not been medically cleared. Cerrone has made no secret of his respect for Henderson and pure hatred for Varner.

Bader's turned up the intensity of his preparation for Eric Schafer at UFC 104, his first fight since injuring his knee back in April. Bader takes full advantage of the information age. He continually updates his Web site and keeps a Facebook page. He told me during a May interview about the importance of fan interaction and how it will help grow the sport, and at 9-0 (2-0 in the UFC), many are already pegging him a future champion. First thing first is not overlooking Schafer. I'm not insinuating a darn thing, but Brock Larson's rising star is at a pit stop thanks to his loss to Mike Pierce.

FIGHT posted a story on Strikeforce fighter Zak Cummings hours before Tim Kennedy ended his 10-0 run with a second-round knockout. Cummings was very upset with The Ultimate Fighter's selection process, Kimbo Slice in particular. From what I've seen on TUF Heavyweights, Kimbo has completely embraced the opportunity to go back to the beginning and learn how different it is from a street fighter to a Mixed Martial Artist. It's now up to Cummings to take a step back and tend to his own ship.

Wednesday night it's Kimbo vs. Roy Nelson in arguably TUF's most anticipated fight ever. Win or lose, Kimbo will compete at The Ultimate Finale in December.

A shout out to Daniel Cormier. The former Olympian knocked out Gary Frazier in his MMA debut for Strikeforce. For a man who's endured multiple trips to hell and back, Daniel is a emotionally strong and remarkable human being, one who hasn't lost his zeal to compete and live his life.

Quinton Jackson quit the UFC and reports indicate it'll be Rashad Evans versus Thiago Silva at UFC 108 January 2 in Las Vegas. There are many layers to the Rampage-Dana White spat. I'll narrow it down to three sides: Jackson's, White's and the truth.

UFC 108's main event, by the way? Anderson Silva vs. Victor Belfort. The winner of that fight meets the winner of Dan Henderson-Nate Marquardt bout, a bout also rumored for 108. No slowing down the UFC, is there?

Schultz, Larson, Bader and the Yankees

Some quick hits to begin the week while I listen to Tommy Bolin Band's Homeward Strut on Sirius Channel 16:

I went 4-3 on my UFC 103 predictions, whiffing on Rich Franklin, Martin Kampmann and Drew McFedries while getting it right with picking Dos Santos, Koscheck, Griffin and Escudero. I was surprised with how McFedries had nothing and how electric Victor Belfort is. Cro Cop proved once again that he hasn't been the same since he was knocked out by Gabriel Gonzaga, while Frank Trigg says retirement is imminent following his disappointing return to the Octagon.

Ryan Schultz, again at a crossroads, has a big fight Wednesday night in Japan. "The Lion" explained to me during an interview for FightMagazine.com what happened the last time nobody gave him a chance.

I spoke with Brock Larson this afternoon five days after his bitterly disappointing loss to Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 19. Larson knows this was a lost opportunity, especially with Martin Kampmann's TKO loss to Paul Daley, to move a few rungs up the welterweight ladder and get his coveted rematch against Carlos Condit. He's obviously frustrated, but plans on training harder than he's ever had in his entire life. Like the loss to Condit, Larson is hell-bent on becoming better from this experience.

Ryan Bader told me in an e-mail: "Every thing is going great. I am training hard and am ready to go." The TUF Season 8 light-heavyweight winner steps into the Octagon next month for the first time since April, when he tore his MCL and PCL, to face Eric Schafer on the preliminary card of UFC 104.

Los Angeles will play host to a stacked event despite Shane Carwin being pulled away from his scheduled bout against Cain Velasquez in favor of a shot at Brock Lesner. Velasquez takes on Ben Rothwell. Anthony Johnson returns from his injury to face Yoshiyuki Yoshida, and Joe Stevenson-Spencer Fisher and Gleison Tibau-Josh Neer precede Lyoto Machida's first defense of the light-heavyweight crown against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

Strikeforce continues to stock up, this time signing former NCAA and NFL star Herschel Walker. Okay, Walker is 47, but won't fight until at least early next year and will train under one of the best camps in the country, American Kickboxing Academy and Bob Cook. The odds of a prosperous MMA career may be against Walker, but I personally have never been one to dismiss anyone strictly due to age.

If you believed the Yankees had the AL East wrapped up, look again. Their lead is down to five games coming off three losses in five games while the Red Sox are winners of 10 out of their last 11. This weekend set at Yankee Stadium suddenly has some bite, especially if the Yankees sweep the Angels and the Sox fall our course, or if - gasp - New York's division lead shrinks to two or even a game-and-a-half. This is why Yogi Berra was baseball's Einstein.

Jeter's place secure

I meant to share this much sooner, but it's been another crazy week. I Tweeted this while providing real-time updates on the YES Blog. I was on hand to watch Derek Jeter pass Lou Gehrig to become the Yankees' all-time hits leader. Jeter may not be the greatest to ever wear a Yankees uniform, but you can make a case of him perhaps being the best shortstop to have played the game. His career is far from over, which means 3,000 - and perhaps 4,000 - hits are in sight.

MMA has returned to CBS with Strikeforce's huge November 7 show, which was supposed to be in Newark, N.J., but thanks to a Miley Cyrus booking will take place outside of Chicago. Here's hoping CBS learned from the Elite XC debacle and that Strikeforce doesn't make the same mistakes.

Appearing next week on FIGHT's! Web site: Features on Ryan Schultz and Zak Cummings. The magazine was set to publish a piece on Brock Larson until Larson lost to Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 19. Larson is a great guy and I'll be calling him to chat informally this weekend. His career is far from over and his spot in the UFC remains secure, but Wednesday was definitely a step back.

My quickie UFC 103 predictions:
Franklin over Belfort: Split decision
Dos Santos over Cro Cop: Unanimous decision
Kampmann over Daley: 1st round TKO
Koscheck over Trigg: 3rd round TKO
Griffin over Franca: Unanimous decision
Escudero over Miller: Unanimous decision
McFedries over Drwal: 1st round KO

Killing time

As I return to the blogosphere after a two-week hiatus, I'm sitting in my perch in Yankee Stadium's press box waiting through an interminable rain delay. It's disgusting here, on all nights, the one when Derek Jeter has a chance to become the Yankees' all-time hits leader. Journal News beat writer Peter Abraham wrote a good line earlier today: "Not even Mother Nature will mess with Derek Jeter. Like every other girl, she’s crazy about the Captain." I guess she's in tune to the rumors of his engagement to Minka Kelly.

While tracking Jeter and the Yankees - in case you haven't noticed, their magic number for clinching the AL East is 15 - on the YES Blog, I've kept plenty busy in the MMA world too. Since I last checked in ....

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria and Randy Couture had a classic fight at UFC 102 worthy of two great warriors with Minotauro pulling off the unanimous decision. Nogueria is in line for a shot at heavyweight title, but judging from recent comments he wants a rematch with Frank Mir, but Mir vs. Cheick Kongo is almost locked in for UFC 105 in December.

Junkie ran my feature on TUF Heavyweights contestant Matt Mitrione this week. Later that day, I was clued in to a verbal agreement to Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones at the The Ultimate Finale in December. The buzz for that fight has been tremendous. This will undoubtedly be Jones' toughest fight while Hamill will have to prepare for his greatest challenge since Rich Franklin.

On tap for FIGHT! Magazine's Web site: Short stories on Ryan Schultz and Zak Cummings, the latter who is headlining the Strikeforce September 25 Challengers Series against Tim Kennedy.

Smashed

On Thursday Junkie ran my feature on Mark Kerr and his latest comeback attempt. The odds were Buster Douglas-like against Mike Tyson, but there was no shocking upset. In fact, it was pretty ugly. Muhammad Lawal literally knocked out Kerr in 25 seconds. Kerr's a real good guy who's cleaned up his life and told me he plans on fighting until the end of next year. To be fair, he had just three weeks to prepare for a rising star looking to make a name for himself in the United States. But Kerr needs to step away. He finally has balance in his life and there's nothing more to prove.

Thursday afternoon I did something different for YES: A feature on a visiting team. The Texas Rangers showed they're for real in taking two of three from the Yankees, but they will be in a war to secure a playoff spot.

Tonight is UFC 102 and a great card is lined up. Here are my quickie predictions:

Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Big Nog offered up no excuses for his KO loss to Frank Mir, but competed with a staph infection. The Natural is still a force even at age 45, but this time Minotauro is healthy enough to pull off one of his patented rise-from-the-dead late comebacks. Nogueira split decision. 

Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva

Both are off losses and their careers are at a crossroads. Jardine's been through the wars and has proven his resilience, but which Dean of Mean will show up> Silva was knocked out cold by Lyoto Machida and will be taught more hard lessons. Jardine unanimous decision. 

Demian Maia vs. Nate Marquardt

This will be the fight of the night. Maia (10-0) is undefeated -  and untested. Marquardt looked awesome in dismantling Wilson Gouveia and has also competed against Anderson Silva and Martin Kampmann. Maia has that invincible aura about him, but his best chance in this, his stiffest challenge, will be keeping it on the ground. Marquardt has an array of skills and is peaking. Marquardt TKO Round 3.

Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt

Both are coming off losses, yet this is Leben's last chance.  He's been given numerous opportunities to stay clean. Here's hoping his life is finally in shape. As for his UFC shelf life, the Crippler makes a statement. Leben TKO Round 1.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brandon Vera

Great opportunity for The Polish Experiment, who steps in for Matt Hamill (knee). The Hammer and his camp have a vested interest in this fight, for it's likely Hamill will take on the winner. Like Jardine, the biggest question about the Truth is whether the good or bad Vera will show up. Soszynski was TUF 8's best competitor and was stopped only by an injury. Vera is re-dedicated to the sport, but hasn't yet shown he can maintain focus. The experiment cashes in on his chance. Soszynski unanimous decision.

Rink Rap, Silverback, Smashing Machine

Jim Cerny, a colleague and friend from my hockey writing days, has launched a new blog called "Rink Rap." Jim's covered the NHL for more than 20 years working as radio play-by-play voice of the Islanders and now as the beat writer for the Rangers' official Web site. You can't have a big enough hockey fix, especially in the New York metropolitan area. Jim will keep you plugged in.

Seth Petruzelli knocked out Chris Baten at 2:23 of the first round last Saturday in his first post Kimbo Slice bout. The Silverback told me days before that he's been in talks with Strikeforce and the UFC about a return to the latter promotion. This is a nice first step.

Keep an eye on MMAJunkie.com tomorrow for my exclusive interview with "The Smashing Machine," Mark Kerr, who is attempting another comeback and this time in the best frame of mind he's been in his whole life. Kerr will fight rising star Muhammad "King Mo" Lawal at M-1 Global's first televised event Friday night in Kansas City. Seconding Lawal is his close friend Daniel Cormier, the former Olympian who spoke with me shortly after singing an MMA contract with Zinkin Entertainment.

Contrary to popular belief, the Yankees haven't wrapped up the AL East. There's more than a month to go and Tuesday night the Texas Rangers showed why the road to a championship won't be easy. I'll be at Yankee Stadium tomorrow to learn more about the team that's shooting for its first postseason appearance since 1999.

Couture-Varon? Strike now, Coker

The Junkie crew had this covered yesterday, culminating with John Morgan's exclusive interview with Kim Couture. As former WWE and current TNA wrestler Victoria (aka Lisa Marie Varon) told Dann Stupp, she's planning an MMA career and has apparently challenged Couture to a future fight.

Couture's record speaks for itself. She may be too big of a bite for Varon, but Brock Lesnar wasn't supposed to steamroll through veteran competition either (Heath Herring, Randy Couture, Frank Mir II). And Varon has always been full of surprises. Before a 2001 WWE (nee WWF) event in San Jose, Varon sat in an empty area with a few WWF developmental league wrestlers and was about as a warm and gracious person you'd ever meet. I knew she'd make an impact someday, but she blossomed into one of WWE's most feared competitors and its women's champion.

Yes, wrestling is an act, but it takes an unbelievable amount of physical talent and incredible charisma to succeed in the business, one that takes a physical and emotional toll beyond comprehension. Varon has the desire to succeed in MMA. The question is whether her skills will be up to standards.

Either way, if I'm Scott Coker, I'm not wasting time. Couture is eying two bouts before the end of the year and this is Coker's opportunity to cash in on the electric fan reaction to Gina Carano-Cris Cyborg by building a women's division. Attendance dropped 8.12 percent from April's "Shamrock vs. Diaz" Strikeforce event, but Carano vs. Cyborg drew 576,000 viewers on Showtime, the highest-rated MMA program to ever air on Showtime Networks according to Showtime officials.

Thanks to the bad economy, you can cut the attendance figures some slack. This is Coker's chance to strike it rich. Dana White had his chance (WEC), but passed. A full-fledged woman's division, combined with Fedor and a growing talent roster and Coker's ready to seriously compete.

Silverback: Time to create my own image

Seth Petruzelli returns to the cage Saturday night when he'll face Chris Baten at an Art of Fighting event in Tampa., Fla. There are still those who consider the Silverback lucky and a joke. Saturday is his chance to rewrite his story. An impressive win brings him one big step closer to a deal with Strikeforce or a return to the UFC, and possibly a rematch with Kimbo Slice. A lackluster win and doubt will still surface. A loss and he can forget about shaking that fluke label.

Carano didn't give into fear

It was last July when Gina Carano sat ringside at the Stockton Arena for EliteXC: Unfinished Business. One of the televised matches was Cris “Cyborg” Santos against Shayna Baszler. Cyborg destroyed Baszler at 2:48 of Round 2. CBS cameras caught a glance of Carano smiling, but not the attractive grin that ticketed her for Maxim’s hot list. It suddenly dawned upon her that a showdown with this destruction device was inevitable. For the first time in her life there appeared to be a shred of fear and she entered Saturday night the face of women's fighting, but also an underdog.

Give this to Carano: She lost to Cyborg, beaten up pretty badly, but did not give in to fear, unlike Michael Spinks against Mike Tyson in 1990. She gallantly traded punches with Cyborg and escaped a kimura attempt late in the round, but Cyborg’s power was too much. She pinned Carano against the cage and unloaded at least 20 unanswered blows. Amazingly, there are those who thought referee Josh Rosenthal was wrong in stopping the fight. The ref’s job is to keep an eye on the fighter, not the clock. While Carano was getting pounded, she was told three times she had to fight back and when he failed to receive a response Rosenthal had no recourse but to stop it when it just so happened to be one second left in Round 1.

There were a few comparisons to the epic Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor bout in 1990, when Taylor was three minutes from ending Chavez’s undefeated run at 66 fights and winning the WBC World Junior Welterweight title. He was floored with 17 seconds left and rose at the count of six, yet was verbally unresponsive to referee Richard Steele’s questions. Steele stopped it with two seconds left, setting cornerman Lou Duva in a rage. In Taylor’s case he was nodding and looking towards his corner. He had two more seconds in him, which is why the controversy continues to this day.

No controversy over Cyborg’s tremendous victory before arguably one of the hottest and most energized atmospheres (13,524 strong at The Shark Tank, the NHL’s loudest arena) in the history of MMA, albeit one virtually 100 percent behind Carano.

“I felt like everybody was on Gina's side, but I wasn't alone," Santos said. "I had God on my side and all of my team. I was very comfortable with that. [Having the crowd against me] was something more (to motivate me) for the fight, but I was ready. Inside the cage, there's only two fighters.”

Who’s next for Cyborg? For Carano? And what about the future of women’s MMA and Strikeforce? All mostly sunny from where I sit. Strikeforce president Scott Coker is looking at one of his new additions, veteran Marloes Coenen (16-3), reports my Junkie colleague John Morgan.

Mike Chiappetta of Fanhouse projects it’ll be Erin Toughill, respected in the MMA community, but unfamiliar to the casual audience Strikeforce is looking to attract. Toughill had reportedly been at odds with the organization, but Coker told reporters that she will be welcomed into the fold.

Either way, both Cyborg and Carano need one fight – and impressive wins – under their belts before a rematch, which would be so big Strikeforce had better hope a deal is in place with CBS (they’re not ready for PPV yet). Anyone who believes Strikeforce will go under because its ‘meal ticket’ was pummeled is misguided and failed to notice how awesome Glibert Melendez and Gegard Mousasi looked during their respective victories. If management's eyes do not get bigger than its stomach, Strikeforce will be OK.

Carano will be back and better than ever, because the great ones evolve after learning how to lose. As far as Cyborg goes, never mind her being the the best female fighter. She proved Saturday night she's one of the best in the world, period.

Daniel Cormier launching MMA career

This release came from Zinkin Entertainment & Sports Management, who now represents former Olympian wrestler Daniel Cormier.

A few quick updates: I'll be interviewing Seth Petruzelli on his next fight, August 22 against Chris Baten at Art of Fighting 4 in Tampa, Fla. After that it's a discussion with former New York Giant turned MMA fighter Matt Mitrione and Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. And I couldn't help think about Forrest Griffin while reading Zinkin's release. Never a good loser, Griffin was schooled by Anderson Silva at UFC 101, stormed out of the Octagon and hasn't been heard from since. Word has it days before the bout the last thing he wanted to deal with was media attention. Stay tuned.

Daniel Cormier, 2x US Olympic Wrestler and 6x U.S Senior National Champion, has just signed on with Zinkin Entertainment & Sports Management, officially beginning his professional career in MMA. Cormier adds his name to other MMA stars under Zinkin Entertainment such as Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, Josh Koscheck, Cain Velasquez, Josh Thomson, Bobby Southworth and Paul Buentelllo.

Cormier, resident of Oklahoma since his collegiate wrestling career at Oklahoma State University, is known for his extraordinary talent and physically aggressive, explosive style of wrestling. Zinkin Entertainment is excited to have Cormier as part of their team and have high expectations for their latest MMA fighter. Daniel will soon begin training at the world-renowned American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose , California under “Crazy” Bob Cook, Javier Mendez and Dave Camarillo.

With a collegiate record of 117-10, Cormier is considered one of the most decorated U.S wrestlers.

Munson: The heart & soul of a franchise

YESNetwork.com's tribute to Thurman Munson, 30 years after his untimely death, is on-line. Here's the rundown:

• Munson: Still loved and respected
• Reflections on Thurman by Ray Negron
• From Munson to Cory Lidle
• No. 15 for the Hall?

As I write this, the Chicago White Sox radio broadcast team are recalling Munson as an all-out player who would beat your brains out for a win. Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis was a catcher growing up and is describing how Munson was an influence and how he admired his toughness. If you were a runner heading home and Munson was blocking the plate, he'd ensure you'd make contact with his shin guard before applying the tag. A long-time Yankees fan who I interviewed for my feature summed it up best: There was tough and then there was "Thurman tough."

It's ironic that today, August 2, 1979, the Yankees are in Chicago playing the White Sox in the same park where Munson played his final game. Whether he's a Hall of Famer or not - my heart says yes but conventional wisdom and analysis suggests no - is immaterial. Munson is on the same level as Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Yogi, Martin and Jackson: Yankee icons who made an impact on the field and in the hearts of fans. To this day we're still talking about them as well as plenty of others.

For me, it's back to covering the modern gang. Thursday marks the opener of a four-game showdown against the Red Sox.

Five Days in August

Ray Negron, a Yankees senior advisor and special consultant to George Steinbrenner who's worked for the Boss for 35 years, kept a hand-written diary that documented his emotions of the five days in August of 1979 when the team mourned the loss of its captain, Thurman Munson. Last week, Negron made his diary public and I produced a five-part series for YESNetwork.com that launched its tribute to Munson's memory 30 years after his tragic death in a plane crash.

• Part I
  
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV
• Part V

A week of HOPE

The Yankees put together an amazing endeavor that concludes tonight called HOPE Week, (Helping Others Persevere & Excel), a community program that will bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

I worked Wednesday's game and participated in the event that took place in the Billy Martin suite before first pitch: The powerful, compelling and tear-jerking story of George Murray, a former Army paratrooper terminally-ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. What started as an invite from Mark Teixeira to watch batting practice turned into a big surprise from the team, a day George, his wife Kim and son Trason will never forget.

The following night, my colleague and friend, Jerome Priesler, attended a postgame carnival on Yankee Stadium's field for the children of Camp Sundown, a haven to these courageous kids living with a rare skin disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum that prevents them from being in the sunlight. The Yankees have always been at the forefront of community events and helping charitable organizations. In a word, HOPE Week was fantastic and the organization deserves a tremendous amount of credit.

On the side, the first-place Yankees are winners of seven straight entering tonight against the A's. Their philosophy is simple. A big piece of the puzzle has been Phil Hughes.

Because Josh Barnett failed a drug test, Affliction: Trilogy was canceled. Not only is Barnett selfish, he's stupid. Barnett was in the show's main event against Fedor Emelianenko.

I can only divulge so much, but a fight date for Brock Larson is almost set.