Saturday, December 31, 2011

Watch Dana White prove Duane Ludwig?s fastest knockout

In UFC president Dana White's latest video blog, he answered to the Nevada Athletic Commission's refusal to change Duane "Bang" Ludwig's knockout time. The UFC changed the time of Ludwig's 2006 knockout of Jonathan Goulet, giving Ludwig the fastest knockout in UFC history.

The NAC, on the other hand, said that the 11-second time still stands. To prove just how wrong they are, White worked with the UFC's production team to show the time of the three fastest knockouts in UFC history.

White doing this adds validity to his decision to update the record. It wasn't a capricious decision by White, but something fair, calculated and transparent. Nicely done.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Watch-Dana-White-prove-Duane-Ludwig-s-fastest-kn?urn=mma-wp11195

Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons

Remember last year: 2011 flashback

On Sunday we officially start 2012. But before that, let's end 2011 with a bang, courtesy of zany comments and predictions we received from our AFC East community last season. Here are the "Remember last year" greatest hits of 2011. Enjoy. Buffalo Bills (6-9) Brunocraig writes: This Bills team is special this year. Rodikman35 writes: Move over Pats. Move over Tom Brady. The Buffalo Bills are taking your seat at the BIG KIDS TABLE this season!

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/36358/remember-last-year-2011-flashback

St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City ChiefsBen Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson

Nate Diaz wins UFC 141 grudge match with Donald Cerrone

Nate Diaz wins UFC 141 grudge match with Donald Cerrone

After plenty of smack talk, Nate Diaz delivered a three-round beating of Donald Cerrone, winning by decision 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.

The battle started before the fight even began. When the two came to the center of the Octagon for fight instructions, Cerrone flashed Diaz the middle finger when told to touch gloves. "You can touch gloves ... or not," referee Herb Dean said.

[ Related: Kevin Iole's complete UFC 141 recap ]

They started throwing immediately, with Diaz trying for the takedown. Cerrone pushed him off and landed a punch on the way out. Diaz found his rhythm, and landed more strikes early in the bout. Cerrone responded later on with kicks, but Diaz gave the majority of punishment.

With a bloodied and bruised face, Cerrone responded with leg kicks that put Diaz on the ground twice early in the second round. A head kick then put Diaz on the ground, and another leg kick did the same. Under the two-minute mark, Diaz began to throw the punches that made him successful in the first. Though Cerrone continued to use kicks, Diaz wobbled Cerrone late in the round.

[ Related: Brock Lesnar announces retirement after UFC 141 loss ]

As he waited to start the third round, Diaz flashed both middle fingers at Cerrone. He was confident heading into the round with good reason. Diaz continued to land combinations, and was not bothered by Cerrone's leg sweep. They traded punches furiously for the rest of the round, but did shake hands as soon as the final horn sounded.

Compustrike estimated that Diaz landed 258 strikes to Cerrone's 66.

"I train hard, I've got good training partners," Diaz said after the fight. "I hope I didn't look too sloppy. I'm glad I got the win."

The fight had plenty of build-up, as Diaz had been insulted by Cerrone trying to shake his hand at a UFC event. It culminated with the two getting into a scuffle at the pre-fight press conference. After the bout, both men apologized and congratulated each other.

Diaz finished the year with two wins, and has a record of 15-7. Cerrone fought five times in 2011, going 4-1. His record fell to 17-4.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Dan Wetzel's most memorable columns of 2011
? Terrell Owens reportedly considering joining Indoor Football League
? Reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose won't allow his fame or riches to change him

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Nate-Diaz-wins-UFC-141-grudge-match-with-Donald-?urn=mma-wp11357

dana white blog diego sanchez ea mma fighter mma frank mir georges st. pierre

Tom Brady listed 'probable' vs. Bills

Shoulder-gate is coming to a close in New England. BradyPatriots starting quarterback and MVP candidate Tom Brady is listed as probable for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills. He missed Wednesday’s practice with a left shoulder injury and was limited on Thursday. The Patriots (12-3) need this win to solidify home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The key for New England will be to take a big lead early and sit their starters in the second half.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/36375/tom-brady-listed-probable-vs-bills

Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

VT red zone offense critical vs. Michigan

With Virginia Tech's top two kickers at home because of off-field incidents, offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring said it's even more critical for his team to cash in on its red zone opportunities against Michigan in Tuesday's Allstate Sugar Bowl. That has been a weakness for the entire season, as the Hokies enter the game tied for No. 101 in the country in red zone efficiency. In 64 drives inside the 20-yard line, Virginia Tech has come away with 34 touchdowns and 14 field goals.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/57111/vt-red-zone-offense-critical-vs-michigan

cage fighters dana white dana white blog diego sanchez ea mma fighter mma

Heavy-handed Thiago Michel joins Bellator's season-six lightweight tourney

Thiago Michel has joined the eight-man field for Bellator's upcoming season-six lightweight tournament.

MMAjunkie.com today confirmed his participation with sources close to the fighter. An official announcement is expected later today.

Silva, who's also held Muay Thai and kickboxing titles, has posted knockouts in all nine of his career MMA wins.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/6l5VgxktFKs/heavy-handed-thiago-michel-joins-bellators-season-six-lightweight-tourney.mma

Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills

Hendricks hopes he?s the guy who gets Fitch to move aside

Hendricks hopes he?s the guy who gets Fitch to move aside

Georges St. Pierre rules the roost at welterweight, but just behind the UFC champ, Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck have presented a major blockade to the top. Aside from losses to GSP, those two have combined to run roughshod over the division with a 9-1-1 record since 2009.

Fitch is called boring by many fans and Dana White has been lukewarm to giving the world's No.2 170-pounder another shot at the champ, but he keeps winning. Mike Pierce, Thiago Alves, Ben Saunders, Paulo Thiago, Akihiro Gono all tried but failed and the best B.J. Penn could get against Fitch was a draw. Johny Hendricks thinks he's the guy who breaks through against Fitch.

"You gotta fight Fitch the way he fights everybody. His main goal is to take you down, put you on your back and do what it takes not to get stood up," Hendricks told "The MMA Insiders" show on ESPN1100/98.9 FM. "My main goal is to defeat him where he's best at,� getting people to the cage taking them down and grinding the win out."

Fitch was a solid college wrestler at Purdue while opponent was two-time national champ at Oklahoma State yet it was Hendricks who decided he needed to go back to basics and drill his wrestling. Fitch likes to use his length on the feet with punches to set up the takedown.

"As soon as he switches it to that you have to go into wrestling mode as well and I think that I've sharpened up my tools. That's one thing that was really lacking in my arsenal," Hendricks said. "Right now, if he wants to go wrestling, I'm ready for that."

Hendricks hopes to turn the tables on Fitch.

"Not only do I know that my wrestling is there, but also, if I don't feel like I'm doing what I need to do on the feet, I can switch it up and take him down ... make him fight where he's not comfortable," said Hendricks.

This is a make or break fight for the 28-year-old Hendricks. He's 11-1 in the young UFC career, but had his momentum stunted a bit when he a decision loss to Rick Story. Since then he's reeled off two straight victories and a win over Fitch puts him in the mix for a title shot qualifier fight.

"2012 has the potential of putting me where I want to be. This is the fight to start it all off. That's the way I'm looking at this fight. I gotta go out there and put on a dominating performance," said Hendricks.

Watch UFC 141 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Hendricks-hopes-he-s-the-guy-who-gets-Fitch-to-m?urn=mma-wp11238

Kansas City ChiefsBen Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae

Heavy-handed Thiago Michel joins Bellator's season-six lightweight tourney

Thiago Michel has joined the eight-man field for Bellator's upcoming season-six lightweight tournament.

MMAjunkie.com today confirmed his participation with sources close to the fighter. An official announcement is expected later today.

Silva, who's also held Muay Thai and kickboxing titles, has posted knockouts in all nine of his career MMA wins.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/6l5VgxktFKs/heavy-handed-thiago-michel-joins-bellators-season-six-lightweight-tourney.mma

Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis

UFC 141 discussion thread

LAS VEGAS - MMAjunkie.com is on scene and reporting live from tonight's UFC 141 event at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Be sure to follow along with the latest card updates in UFC 141 live-results post, and then discuss the event in the comments section below.

Round-by-round updates and official results begin at approximately 6:50 p.m. ET (3:50 p.m. PT) for the preliminary card and 10 p.m. ET for the main card.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/X1W2D5XlEpY/ufc-141-discussion-thread.mma

Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions

Nate Diaz vs Donald Cerrone full fight video highlights from UFC 141

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/31/2672145/nate-diaz-vs-donald-cerrone-full-fight-video-highlights-from-ufc-141

mma boxing mma clothing mma fight mma fight videos mma fighter mma fighters

Join MMAjunkie.com Radio's post-UFC 141 show tonight at 1 a.m. ET

Following the conclusion of tonight's blockbuster UFC 141 event, MMAjunkie.com Radio hosts a special post-event edition of the show.

We'll break down all of the night's action, take phone calls, and maybe even be joined by a special guest or two.

MMAjunkie.com Radio airs tonight from 1-3 a.m. ET (10 p.m. to midnight PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/dgTrqVZA6Y0/join-mmajunkie-com-radios-post-ufc-141-show-tonight-at-1-a-m-et.mma

Paul Brown Marion Motley anderson silva best mma bj penn cage fighter

'DREAM: New Year! 2011' weigh-in results: Headliners, champs on weight

The headliners and title-fight participants competing at Saturday's "DREAM: New Year! 2011" event successfully have made weight for the show.

Weigh-ins for the event, officially dubbed "Genki Desu Ka!!," took place today in Tokyo.

Saturday's event, which airs live on HDNet in the early-morning hours (1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT), takes place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/Ni4ptj8BM_8/dream-new-year-2011-weigh-in-results-headliners-champs-on-weight.mma

Oakland Raiders Kansas City ChiefsBen Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins

Friday, December 30, 2011

Strikeforce picks, Vegas-style: Finding underdog value

Tonight's Strikeforce card features plenty of bouts with sizable favorites, but don't be fooled that these are uncompetitive bouts. Strikeforce cards aren't as well researched as UFC events so the public is going lean even more heavily on the few names they're familiar with.

We haven't come across a person that gives Hiroki Yasmanka any shot in her fight for the Strikeforce 145-pound title against the returning Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos. At minus-1500 the fight is a total stay away.

Strikeforce picks, Vegas-style: Finding underdog value

The main event deserves a second look. Jorge Masvidal is long with a solid striking game. If it doesn't go to the mat, Masvidal can certainly stay in the fight as a plus-250 underdog. The strongest underdog plays look like Billy Evangelista and Caros Fodor.

Evangelista (+215) battles KJ Noons. How much wear is gone from Noons' tires? He took a beating in his last fight against Masvidal and before that went five hard rounds against a welterweight in Nick Diaz.� Wilcox and Fodor are hot as pistols coming into their clash. "The Silverback" Wilcox has been more a decision fight. Fodor's solid kicking game gives him a shot to pull off a finish.

Strikeforce betting odds:

Best bets in bold

Gilbert Melendez (-300) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+250) - Lightweight

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (-1500) vs.� Hiroko Yamanaka (+1000) - Women's Featherweight

Gegard Mousasi (-270) vs. Ovince St. Preux (+230)� - Light heavyweight

KJ Noons (-255)� vs. Billy Evangelista (+215) - Lightweight

Roger Bowling (-400) vs. Jerron Peoples (+325) - Catchweight 179 pounds

Caros Fodor (+135) v. Justin Wilcox (-155) - Welterweight

Devin Cole (-160) vs.� Gabriel Salinas-Jones (+140) - Heavyweight

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Strikeforce-picks-Vegas-style-Finding-underdog?urn=mma-wp10843

Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

GSP overhyped? A Canadian website says so after tough 2011

GSP overhyped? A Canadian website says so after tough 2011

It's been a lousy year for Georges St-Pierre and he can't even turn to his boys in Canada for a little moral support. Well, it's only one writer's opinion, but Aaron Lefko of Sportsnet.ca included GSP on his "Most Overhyped Athletes of 2011" list.

And even before his injury, St-Pierre was taking verbal shots from the public, the media and fighters for his inability to put away opponents.

He grabbed the international spotlight in April for headlining the first UFC card in Toronto, producing GSP mania. A record UFC crowd of more than 55,000 packed the Rogers Centre to finally see the conquering Canadian hero and he went the full five rounds with Jake Shields in what was more of a clinic on how not to lose a fight than actually win it.

Keep in mind, St-Pierre won the fight against Jake Shields back in April. Since then he's battled injuries all year with the worst coming a few weeks back when he suffered a torn ACL. The fight at UFC 129 is really stuck in the writer's craw.

It was boring at best and continued a pattern of St-Pierre going the full distance without delivering the knockout blow or submission. Heck, the fight before it on the card was way more entertaining than the main event.

We're not exactly sure why it's a bad thing for the undercard to outperform the main event. Plus it seems tough to overhype a guy who's been inactive for eight months.

Check out the rest of the list. Is there anyone on there who's been a champion? Seems a little harsh to put GSP, a legitimate champion, on the list just because he doesn't win the right way.

Is GSP overhyped? Maybe this guy and Nick Diaz are onto something.

Frank Trigg, Kevin Iole and myself discussed the St-Pierre topic on the latest "The MMA Insiders" on ESPN1100/98.9 FM.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/GSP-overhyped-A-Canadian-website-says-so-after-?urn=mma-wp11086

Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons

UFC 141 opener: Nunes gets past Gamburyan, Volkmann squashes Escudero

UFC 141 opener: Nunes gets past Gamburyan, Volkmann squashes Escudero

LAS VEGAS - Diego Nunes lost to Kenny Florian back at UFC 131, but he sent a clear message he'd be a player in the UFC's 145-pound division.

Using his kicks as a huge weapon, Nunes took on former title contender Manny Gamburyan and rolled past him for a unanimous decision victory, 29-28 on all three scorecards, in bout No. 1 of the night at UFC 141 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Nunes (17-2, 1-1 UFC) ate a couple big right hands from Gamburyan in the second and third rounds, but walked right through them. Beyond that, all the effective came from the Brazilian. Fighting from a conventional stance, Nunes softened up Gamburyan (11-7, 0-2 UFC) in the opening with good leg kicks to his lead leg.

Nunes switched his stance to southpaw in the second and punished Gamburyan's right side. By the end of the fight, the swelling was evident on Gamburyan's right rib cage.

Gamburyan, the runner-up on Season 5 of "The Ultimate Fighter," has now lost three straight.

Volkmann survives late sub scare to beat Escudero

Escudero waited a long time to make his return to the UFC. Sadly, he spent the entire night underneath the might of Jacob Volkmann. Volkmann scored takedowns in each round, maintained top control for most of the fight and survived a very dangerous submission predicament on his way to a unanimous decision, 29-28 on all three scorecards.

Escudero, the champ from Season 8 of TUF, was making his return to the octagon for the first time since late 2010. He was 5-1 away from the UFC, but his gameplan was incredibly flawed. A former All-American college wrestler, Volkmann is a very good one-trick pony yet Escudero allowed him to close space in each round to basically hand him takedowns.

In both the first and round. Volkmann moved into close quarters and Escudero inexplicably dropped for guillotine attempts. Volkmann got out of the choke attempt quickly and worked from side control for the rest of each round.

In the final round, Escudero tried a knee to leave himself open for the takedown. Volkmann took advantage and dumped him. Volkmann was working him over on the ground, but referee Herb Dean decided to put the fight back on the feet with 2:45 left. It gave Escudero one final chance to pull off a miracle and he nearly did it. With 1;48 left, Volkmann drove Escudero into the cage for another double-leg takedown attempt, but he left his head exposed. The Mexican-American fighter locked on a power guillotine and worked the choke on the ground in two different dangerous scenarios.

Volkmann (14-2, 5-2 UFC) escaped to get his fifth straight victory at lightweight. His style may not be the most exciting, but he's posted victories over Danny Castillo, Paul Kelly, Ronys Torres, Antonio McKee and now Escudero.

Kim nearly takes out Pierson in the second to roll to easy win

Dong Hyun Kim looked for a spectacular kick for most of the first two rounds when he landed it was a little too close to the end of the second. Otherwise, his victory tonight would've been via knockout or TKO. Kim got the nod from the judges, 29-28 on all three scorecards in fight No. 3 of the night.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-141-opener-Nunes-gets-past-Gamburyan-Volkm?urn=mma-wp11298

bj penn cage fighter cage fighters dana white dana white blog diego sanchez

K.J. Noons starts Strikeforce card with exciting decision

K.J. Noons starts Strikeforce card with exciting decision

Hometown boy K.J. Noons took an exciting decision over Billy Evangelista at the Strikeforce show in San Diego on Saturday night. The judges saw it 29-28 on all three cards for Noons.

Early in the first round, the pair traded takedowns, but Evangelista landed some short strikes that rocked Noons with around two minutes left. Noons answered with a jab that gave him room, and combinations that showed off his striking prowess. Evangelista finished the round strong with a headlock and a knee.

Noons started the action-packed second round with a spinning backfist and kick. The rest of the round featured Evangelista happily moving forward and surviving Noons strikes. He even asked for Noons to hit him, and Noons obliged. Evangelista tried for a takedown, but couldn't do much with it.

After beating up Evangelista for most of the rounds, Noons came close to losing the fight when Evangelista caught him in a D'Arce choke. Though it was tight, Noons maneuvered out. The two finished the round exchanging strikes, smiling and enjoying the end of their bout. Noons got the better of every exchange.

Both fighters were coming off losses to Jorge Masvidal, the headliner for Saturday's card. Noons is now 11-4, while Evangelista is 7-2.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/K-J-Noons-starts-Strikeforce-card-with-exciting?urn=mma-wp10852

Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators

Jason Miller agrees with Dana White about his performance

Jason Miller agrees with Dana White about his performanceAfter Jason "Mayhem" Miller lost to Michael Bisping at "The Ultimate Fighter" season 14 finale earlier this month, he took a verbal beating from UFC president Dana White. He called it the worst stand-up and the most lopsided fight he has ever seen.

A disappointed Miller is now training in Holland, and responded to White's comments on his own website.

Dana White was right. He made some disparaging comments about my performance, and I agree with him. I displayed the worst of everything that night in the octagon. I was tense in round one and I locked up after that. I didn't perform to my potential, and I take full responsibility for it. That wasn't a UFC caliber performance, and I'm not happy about it.

After reading about Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira blame his loss on referee Herb Dean, it's refreshing to hear Miller take such responsibility for his loss. He also said that he is taking this loss as a challenge, and ended it with a little bit of an inspirational speech.

My challenge to you, and myself, is to continue to press on and make the most of your adventure here on earth. At the end of your life you want to be sure that you've made your best effort to make a collection of epic stories. Some sorrowful ones, some happy ones and some downright amazing, but the challenge for you is to find and make the most of each of these adventures.

That was the exact inspiration I needed to go finish my Christmas shopping.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Jason-Miller-agrees-with-Dana-White-about-his-pe?urn=mma-wp11006

Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers

UFC 141 weigh-in results: Headliners Lesnar (266), Overeem (263) on weight

LAS VEGAS - MMAjunkie.com was on scene and reporting live from today's official "UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem" fighter weigh-ins.

Today's festivities took place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena. The same venue hosts Friday's pay-per-view event.

Heavyweight headliners Brock Lesnar (266 pounds) and Overeem (263) had an intense but cordial staredown. Lesnar, though, quickly left the stage after weighing in and skipped the traditional post-weigh-in interview.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/VOIDtfF5YGQ/ufc-141-live-and-official-weigh-in-results.mma

Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans