He'd never survive past the first round.
That 11-0 record, with each win coming in the opening stanza, was cosmetic. He never faced anyone the caliber of Frank Mir. Gabriel Gonzaga buckled his knees. Never mind that he showed the mark of a champion by taking it and finding a way to win.
That one-year layoff from competition would come back to hurt him. Mir was going to dice him.
People at Zuffa will never admit it, but they were secretly hoping for Mir to defeat Shane Carwin to set up a rubber Mir-Brock Lesnar match July 3 and build hype based on legit hate.
With an explosive left hand that sent Mir tumbling and a barrage of follow ups that would turn cement into dust, Carwin changed all the questions at UFC 111. To anyone who doubted him because he lacked the big-fight experience of Mir, Carwin proved he's for real. By capturing the UFC interim heavyweight title he actually did Zuffa favor: Lesnar-Carwin lacks the spike fit for a WWE storyline, but Dana White and Co. can turn a 1,000-page novel (with no pictures) on the history of cabinet making into an exciting tale.
And the bottom line is this: Carwin provides Lesnar with the best matchup. For one, Lesnar won't be able to bully Carwin into a defenseless position, like he did Mir. Lesnar's chin has also never been truly tested. I don't care who you are. You get hit flush by a Carwin punch, you're falling. In turn, all of Lesnar's MMA fights took place prior to the diverticulitis that ravaged his body. Not only is Lesnar healthy, he's stronger.
Carwin will also be Lesnar's greatest challenge. Cry all you want about the quality of his opponents. When you win all 12 of your MMA fights, needing no longer than three minutes and 48 seconds, to vanquish 12 of the world's best athletes whose ability allowed them to excel in this sport, you've accomplished something absolutely amazing and remarkable. And this is from someone who at age 35 works full-time as an engineer and is a married father of a newborn daughter. Carwin's got the "it" factor I believed would get him past Mir and it did. And while doing so he forced the first seed of concern behind Lesnar and his smug smile.
*******
If there ever was going to be a fight in which all five rounds were scored 10-8, it was Georges St. Pierre's domination of Dan Hardy. This wasn't scored 50-40, but the judges had it 50-43, 50-44 and 50-45. Hardy earned respect by surviving an armbar and other painful submission attempts that would have forced a lesser fighter to tap, but there's nothing that nether he nor anyone can do to solve GSP. He's just that good ... From what Dana White said after the fight, the winner of Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley in May could meet Jon Fitch. The door for Jake Shields is looking wide open ... All five of the Jersey Boys won their bouts at 111, though I had Mark Bocek beating Jim Miller in a great fight that was very hard to score ... If I were matchmaker, I'd sign off on a rematch between Frank Mir and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Both are out of the title hunt and both are still steaming over their last fight that Mir won but to whom Minotauro refused to give credit because he got over a staph infection ... It was a fun week in New York City. I hung out with great fans Friday night while reporting on Thiago Alves' next step. The UFC also sold out the Prudential Center and earned a gate of $4 million, more evidence clear to everyone except that clown and idiot, Assemblyman Bob Reilly, that MMA must be sanctioned in New York State.
Showing posts with label Frank Mir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frank Mir. Show all posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
White dodging Cain-Junior, for now
Updating this morning's post, Dana White danced around reporters' questions following UFC on Versus regarding a showdown between emerging stars Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos. This matchup that will eventually determine the No. 1 contender to the heavyweight crown makes sense, as does White's assertion that he'll wait until after Frank Mir-Shane Carwin Saturday night before unscrambling the puzzle. If the winner of the interim title suffers an injury that forces them on extended medical leave, Velasquez would face Brock Lesnar likely at UFC 116 July 3.
"They're all going to fight," White said. "All these guys in that lineup are going to fight, but we've got to figure out how it's all going to go down. Mir and Carwin are going to get this thing started. We'll see what happens there, and the great thing is, we're a week away from that."
Back in the day, boxing's heavyweight champion was the most recognized athlete in the world. It'll still be awhile before MMA is in that echelon, but a heavyweight division deeper than it's ever been is a great foundation.
The top contenders: Frank Mir, Shane Carwin, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos
Second-tier: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cheick Kongo, Stefan Struve, Roy Nelson (fighting one another at UFC Fight Night 21)
Keep your eye on: Pat Barry, Todd Duffee
"They're all going to fight," White said. "All these guys in that lineup are going to fight, but we've got to figure out how it's all going to go down. Mir and Carwin are going to get this thing started. We'll see what happens there, and the great thing is, we're a week away from that."
Back in the day, boxing's heavyweight champion was the most recognized athlete in the world. It'll still be awhile before MMA is in that echelon, but a heavyweight division deeper than it's ever been is a great foundation.
The top contenders: Frank Mir, Shane Carwin, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos
Second-tier: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cheick Kongo, Stefan Struve, Roy Nelson (fighting one another at UFC Fight Night 21)
Keep your eye on: Pat Barry, Todd Duffee
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Launch of a new project
I am now a weekly MMA blogger for FightLaunch.com, a place where fighters, promoters, models, gyms and fans can connect and network. My first entry was posted this morning during which I give my take on the WEC, Jens Pulver, Frank Mir's recent comments and look back at UFC 110.
I'll still be sharing my thoughts in this space, which will include my Yankees coverage and general stuff on my mind. Today in Yankeeland, Derek Jeter was his usual composed self while answering questions - for the first and only time - about playing in the final season of his contract.
Black on black crime will finally happen. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Rashad Evans is official May 29 at UFC 114. Their dislike for each other on The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights was heated and hilarious. This showdown after Rampage's win over Keith Jardine is timeless and priceless.
I'll still be sharing my thoughts in this space, which will include my Yankees coverage and general stuff on my mind. Today in Yankeeland, Derek Jeter was his usual composed self while answering questions - for the first and only time - about playing in the final season of his contract.
Black on black crime will finally happen. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Rashad Evans is official May 29 at UFC 114. Their dislike for each other on The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights was heated and hilarious. This showdown after Rampage's win over Keith Jardine is timeless and priceless.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Jersey show a major deal
Think UFC 111 is just another pay-per-view? Think harder. The show takes place in Newark, N.J., in the shadow of New York City, Zuffa's nirvana once MMA is finally sanctioned in the state of New York.
The efforts to hype and market UFC 111 are a message to the suits in Albany that says, "Think MMA is irrelevant? Too violent? A menace to society? Here morons, have this."
UFC's second Primetime special beginning March 10 on Spike is centered around Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy. The co-main event is Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin in a battle to decide Brock Lesnar's next challenger. The card as a whole is loaded including Thiago Alves vs. Jon Fitch and a few Jersey boys representing their home state: Jim Miller, Ricardo Almeida and Kurt Pellegrino. Also count on No. 1 lightweight contender, and Tom's River's own, Frankie Edgar, being inside the Prudential Center on March 27. I'm mapping out my next feature for FightMagazine.com on the Jersey fighters competing on this show, and what UFC 111 means to them and for Zuffa, New Jersey and New York.
Speaking of Miller, while he and Dan Miller are recognized by MMA fans, there are a few brother combination who haven't reached mainstream status (though Little Nog is close) and those who never will. My breakdown is on Fight's site and you can check it out here.
If you can't make it to Newark, you can't miss the show if you have a burning desire to see it. There's pay-per-view, of course and your local sports bar. If the crowded, rambunctious bar scene isn't your thing, check this out: Beginning with UFC 111, movie theaters around the country will be showing live events.
The operative words: "Beginning with UFC 111." Coincidence? I think not.
The efforts to hype and market UFC 111 are a message to the suits in Albany that says, "Think MMA is irrelevant? Too violent? A menace to society? Here morons, have this."
UFC's second Primetime special beginning March 10 on Spike is centered around Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy. The co-main event is Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin in a battle to decide Brock Lesnar's next challenger. The card as a whole is loaded including Thiago Alves vs. Jon Fitch and a few Jersey boys representing their home state: Jim Miller, Ricardo Almeida and Kurt Pellegrino. Also count on No. 1 lightweight contender, and Tom's River's own, Frankie Edgar, being inside the Prudential Center on March 27. I'm mapping out my next feature for FightMagazine.com on the Jersey fighters competing on this show, and what UFC 111 means to them and for Zuffa, New Jersey and New York.
Speaking of Miller, while he and Dan Miller are recognized by MMA fans, there are a few brother combination who haven't reached mainstream status (though Little Nog is close) and those who never will. My breakdown is on Fight's site and you can check it out here.
If you can't make it to Newark, you can't miss the show if you have a burning desire to see it. There's pay-per-view, of course and your local sports bar. If the crowded, rambunctious bar scene isn't your thing, check this out: Beginning with UFC 111, movie theaters around the country will be showing live events.
The operative words: "Beginning with UFC 111." Coincidence? I think not.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Cain is able: An exclamation point on rebuilt division
Even if you had Cain Velasquez defeating Minotauro Nogueira, no chance I'm believing you if you predicted first-round knockout. Nogueira was the popular pick among fans and media. And while the consensus was that Velasquez was good, and win or lose he'd remain a future champion, Saturday night in Sydney he shocked Nogueira and everyone by proving he's damn good.
Velasquez looked awesome and is no doubt championship material. For now he'll have to wait his turn. The winner of Frank Mir-Shane Carwin next month at UFC 111 will determine the No. 1 contender to Brock Lesnar's title, but if the victor is forced on a lengthy medical suspension, Dana White said Saturday night that Velasquez will step right into the top spot.
The heavyweight division was once on life support. Now with three viable top contenders - the winner of Junior dos Santos vs. Gabriel Gonzaga becomes the fourth - this group is deep and getting stronger. Where in Strikeforce depth is a major problem, the UFC is building a foundation that will keep life pumping into the organization for years. In other words, Zuffa is winning the battle against complacency - at least in 2010
“Five years ago, there is no comparison to the way it is now,” White said during the UFC 110 post-fight press conference. “We had nobody like Cain. Nobody. All we had then was Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski and that was it. The division was terrible. It sucked and [Sylvia] and Andrei kept knocking each other out. Now, you go down the list and you see guy after guy and you go, ‘He’s the real deal. He’s the real deal. He’s the real deal.’ We’re full of them right now. I can’t wait to see some of these fights. It’s going to be sick.”
Nogueira, 33, is finished as a top contender, but still remains a tough out. You can't forget how impressive he was against Randy Couture, who is suddenly a threat at 205. In Velasquez Minotauro ran into a buzzsaw who took a quantum leap. The same can be said about a division once ruled (via an interim title) by the legend from Brazil.
“The young lions are definitely coming,” said Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, who himself mustered a needed win at UFC 110 over late replacement Anthony Perosh. “The heavyweight division is better than it’s ever been.”
If I were matchmaker, assuming Mir or Carwin emerge from UFC 111 healthy, I'd pit Velasquez against the dos Santos-Gonzaga winner (the two battle on the UFC's debut show on Versus). Seeing that health and injuries can wipe out Plan A (see UFC 112 and Anderson Silva's next opponent), a good Plan B would be Roy Nelson if he gets by Stefan Struve. The bottom line is you don't want Velasquez sitting idle for nearly a year waiting for an opponent of either Lesnar, Mir or Carwin to emerge.
Speaking of Mir-Carwin, UFC 111 is the next UFC pay-per-view. It takes place in Newark, N.J., in the shadow of New York City, where Zuffa is hell-bent on placing its flag by early 2011. It's no coincidence that Mir-Carwin is the co-main event with Georges St. Pierre-Dan Hardy - the focus of Spike's second UFC Primetime special debuting March 10.
Velasquez looked awesome and is no doubt championship material. For now he'll have to wait his turn. The winner of Frank Mir-Shane Carwin next month at UFC 111 will determine the No. 1 contender to Brock Lesnar's title, but if the victor is forced on a lengthy medical suspension, Dana White said Saturday night that Velasquez will step right into the top spot.
The heavyweight division was once on life support. Now with three viable top contenders - the winner of Junior dos Santos vs. Gabriel Gonzaga becomes the fourth - this group is deep and getting stronger. Where in Strikeforce depth is a major problem, the UFC is building a foundation that will keep life pumping into the organization for years. In other words, Zuffa is winning the battle against complacency - at least in 2010
“Five years ago, there is no comparison to the way it is now,” White said during the UFC 110 post-fight press conference. “We had nobody like Cain. Nobody. All we had then was Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski and that was it. The division was terrible. It sucked and [Sylvia] and Andrei kept knocking each other out. Now, you go down the list and you see guy after guy and you go, ‘He’s the real deal. He’s the real deal. He’s the real deal.’ We’re full of them right now. I can’t wait to see some of these fights. It’s going to be sick.”
Nogueira, 33, is finished as a top contender, but still remains a tough out. You can't forget how impressive he was against Randy Couture, who is suddenly a threat at 205. In Velasquez Minotauro ran into a buzzsaw who took a quantum leap. The same can be said about a division once ruled (via an interim title) by the legend from Brazil.
“The young lions are definitely coming,” said Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, who himself mustered a needed win at UFC 110 over late replacement Anthony Perosh. “The heavyweight division is better than it’s ever been.”
If I were matchmaker, assuming Mir or Carwin emerge from UFC 111 healthy, I'd pit Velasquez against the dos Santos-Gonzaga winner (the two battle on the UFC's debut show on Versus). Seeing that health and injuries can wipe out Plan A (see UFC 112 and Anderson Silva's next opponent), a good Plan B would be Roy Nelson if he gets by Stefan Struve. The bottom line is you don't want Velasquez sitting idle for nearly a year waiting for an opponent of either Lesnar, Mir or Carwin to emerge.
Speaking of Mir-Carwin, UFC 111 is the next UFC pay-per-view. It takes place in Newark, N.J., in the shadow of New York City, where Zuffa is hell-bent on placing its flag by early 2011. It's no coincidence that Mir-Carwin is the co-main event with Georges St. Pierre-Dan Hardy - the focus of Spike's second UFC Primetime special debuting March 10.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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.
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