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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
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
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
Saturday, December 19, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 4, 2009
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.
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.
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