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?