UFC 119 Preview

By Jacob Harvison

Frank Mir v. Mirko Filipović

Frank Mir’s repugnant hubris has shown no signs of deceleration during the lead up to this Saturday’s main event with MMA legend Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipović. Such behavior may be a promotional tactic or just a byproduct of Mir’s love for the scent of his own flatulence, I prefer the latter. Mir’s gaseous confidence has once again permeated the public domain through all possible mediums. In spite of his nauseating persona, Mir has asserted himself among the heavyweight elite through his grappling aptitude. In 1999 Mir attained the prestigious status as ADCC open class champion. I witnessed the consequences of such size and skill first hand as he cracked Tim Sylvia’s radius and ulna in twain via armbar back at UFC 48. At the other end of the spectrum a brief visit to youtube will serve as ample evidence to justify Cro Cop’s famed quote delivered with genuine assurance prior to the PRIDE 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix, “Right leg hospital; left leg cemetery.” Excluding the executioner sentiment, this bold assertion was an alarming reality for numerous opponents who found themselves waking up to a cloudy haze of reverberation.

Upon Zuffa’s procurement of PRIDE FC, Cro Cop was among the most desired acquisitions. Since entering the UFC Mirko has struggled with inconsistent results amplified by mystic expectations. One can hope Cro Cop regains his luster at the expense of Mr. Mir.

Mir’s fight against an ailing Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira showed his ability to effectively implement angles and footwork into his striking. However improved his striking may be there is no comparison with Mirko whose K-1 World Grand Prix runner up credentials and PRIDE open weight grand prix title trump Mir’s striking on paper and in action with ease. Coming off a KO loss, Mir must have hot flashes at the image of Cro Cop’s left leg.

In effort to accentuate his strengths, Cro Cop has devoted himself tirelessly to his sprawl and takedown defense. Mir has never been known for his wrestling or takedown ability so I don’t foresee him being proactive in this sense, instead he could seek his takedowns from the clinch or by pulling guard where chances for victory are increased exponentially. It is never wise to assume certainty in any fight, especially in the heavyweight division where a zig when one should have zaged is of exceptional importance. Cognizant of this, Mir’s jiu jitsu aptitude and Cro Cop’s kickboxing proficiency allow for a rudimentary analysis and prediction contingent on where the fight is waged.

Ryan Bader v. Antônio Rogério Nogueira

Stylistically this may be the most intriguing matchup of UFC 119. Bader seems to have all the qualities worthy of championship aspirations. Expanding on his All-American wrestling base, The Ultimate Fighter 8 winner has developed legitimate KO power with his boxing. Nogueira has the edge in experience by a wide margin in both quantity and quality. Little Nog has not garnered nearly the same level of adoration or accolades as his twin brother but that is not to say he isn’t capable of equal or greater success in due time. Little Nog showcased his world class potential within the PRIDE ring where he assembled impressive wins over the likes of Sakuraba, Overeem, and Dan Henderson. Momentum waned as a consequence of a surprising KO loss to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at PRIDE 33 in 2007, Nogueira’s lone stoppage loss. Since that setback Nogueira strung together eight consecutive wins securing his place as a bona fide contender in the UFC light heavyweight division.

Bader’s intrinsic athletic ability has afforded him the luxury to pick up the various aspects of MMA with fluidity and progression. While Bader’s boxing has shown marked improvement he seems to have the tendency to throw looping arm punches at times, leaving him ripe for exploitation by little Nog’s southpaw stance. Nogueira’s boxing resume is of impressive caliber highlighted with the 2006 and 2007 Brazilian Super Heavyweight Champion and a bronze medal in the 2007 Pan American Games.  Following suit to his heavyweight brother, little Nog also possesses that rare inexplicable terminator quality, exhibiting palpable resolve in nightmarish scenarios. Considering the mutual striking talents a KO would not be surprising from either party, while Bader’s wrestling will attempt to subdue Nogueira’s submissions.

Matt Serra v. Chris Lytle

Two of the most affable fighters inside and outside the cage will square off in a rematch of their initial meeting in 2006 at The Ultimate Fighter 4 finale resulting in Serra’s hand raised via split decision. In effort to find his optimal weight class, Serra has amassed very positive results at 170 where many felt his body type would be a hindrance. No fighter enjoys the demands of cutting weight and fighting at 170 as opposed to 155 allows Serra to partake in the luxuries that come with competing at a more natural weight. While customary to cut weight for a physical advantage, the deleterious effects on the body, long term and short cannot be denied. At welterweight Serra is able to train in a physically healthier environment while preserving his endurance and knockout power. Serra, Renzo Gracie’s first American black belt and ADCC silver medalist, has forced opponents to sincerely acknowledge his punching ability.

Lytle is a fight promoters dream. He inevitably comes in with excellent cardio and a mindset of controlled aggression that generally takes shape in gripping exchanges where fans are treated to the fusion of technique and bad intentions. Lytle experienced notable success as a professional boxer with a 13-1 professional record, but as a testament to his all inclusive talents, ‘Lights Out’ has secured victory by means of submission in twenty of his twenty nine MMA victories. Lytle should exercise his reach and boxing skills to pick his shots keeping Serra’s power at bay, while being mindful of the precarious positions Serra can invoke if the fight hits the mat.

Sean Sherk v. Evan Dunham

The Sherk and Dunham matchup offers a quintessential contest pitting a trailblazing veteran against the new generation of promising talent. Dunham renders an unblemished 11-0 record with great promise before him. Having been inactive since May of ’09, Sherk faces inherent hiccups of an aging athlete exacerbated by the very real obstacle of ring rust. While Dunham represents youthful exuberance, the veteran Sherk has vocalized his championship convictions.

Sherk has not fared well against rangy punchers who can easily implement their jab exploiting his frequent reach disadvantage. I am reminded of the familiar sound of Sherk’s hissing combinations, while impressive aesthetically they have lacked in effectiveness. Dunham should employ his reach with the confidence to successfully fight off his back if need be.

UFC Fight Night 22 in Austin, TX - Main Card Preview & Predictions
by Jacob Harvison

Nate Marquardt v. Rousimar Palhares

 Alan Belcher and Damien Maia were slated as the original main event but an unfortunate and potentially career ending injury to Belcher’s retina prompted Marquardt v. Palhares, a bout scheduled for later this month, as the revamped main event for this Wednesdays Fight Night 22.

A resolute Chael Sonnen derailed Marquardt’s road to a rematch with middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Coming off a loss, Marquardt could be additionally motivated to reestablish his place in the elite of the middleweight division. Marquardt enjoys the luxury that comes with facing a one-dimensional opponent, the luxury of predictability. Marquardt is aware of Palhares’ intentions so it would be wise to avoid the ground with The American Top Team submission assassin.

While Marquardt renders a broader gamut of skills and fighting acumen, Palhares’ one dimension is destructively potent. Palhares has finished eight of his eleven wins via submission but not without controversy. Much has been said about his recurring tendency to lock onto a submission with excessive duration. In the wake of his prolonged heel hook against Thomas Drwal at UFC 111 Palhares spoke in his defense, “Murilo always told me to wait until the referee stops the fight. He had problems with [fake taps] in the past and Anderson almost had the same problem in his last fight. It’s not that I want to hurt anyone but I am trying to be fast with my submissions so the referee needs to be fast as well, to stop the fight. My opinion is that the referee in my last fight was too far away and took too long to stop the fight. If he had been closer then he could have stopped it right away and then we would not even be having this conversation at all!” Palhares said.

While Palhares has avoided chastisement from the UFC I would be remised not to mention the customary hypocrisy within UFC management. Renato “Babalu” Sobral sent a message with his anaconda choke against David Heath at UFC 74 and was promptly released from the UFC with no signs of return. I believe the disciplinarian distinction lies in Babulu’s candor during his post fight interview. Whatever the case, the designated referee might want to be equipped with the Jaws of Life if Palhares secures one of his vice grip submissions. 

Cole Miller v. Ross Pearson

Miller, fighting out of American Top Team, will come in equipped with his advantageous reach and jiu jitsu talent. Eleven of Miller’s sixteen wins are by way of submission. Pearson has shown solid evolution as a fighter since his time on The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Pearson prefers to engage where his fighting forte lies, striking. This is predictable in part considering a fundamental void within most British fighters, wrestling; the component Miller’s recent diatribe dwelled on.

Miller joined the peanut gallery of fighters and fans alike in their criticism of the seeming apprehension of certain athletes to “fight.” In doing so he specifically implicated lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, whom I regard to be one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport. As a fan of MMA and all its constituents, I take great joy in seeing how different styles unfold and which ultimately surfaces as most effective and victorious, whether that’s a seven second knockout or a 25 minute grind on the mat. I fear this desire for “entertaining” fights will unnecessarily lead many fighters down the short plank of UFC unemployment.

As the inimitable Joe Rogan eloquently expressed during the UFC 68 broadcast, “I hate all standups. I think it’s a five minute round, it’s short amount of time. If a guy can hold you down and punch you in the face for five minutes, tough balls! That’s it. That’s how it goes. You’re on your back, tough. Get up, figure out a way to get up. That’s a part of the game. Part of the game is grappling….I think grapplers should have the chance to keep a guy on the ground as long as they can.” Personally, I couldn’t agree more.

It will be interesting to see if Miller holds true to his soapbox rant, presumably entertaining alleged fans of MMA.

Jim Miller v. Gleison Tibau

Jim Miller and another American Top Team talent Gleison Tibau will collide in a very competitive lightweight bout. Both have a similar foundation in grappling yet vary in styles. Miller a will bring his American Wrestling base versus a very competent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player. Such a matchup often results in a stalemate of the shared expertise. Look for Miller to use his wrestling to keep the fight on the feet while avoiding Tibeau’s submission proficiency.

Miller possesses uncanny strength for a man of any size let alone a 55er. For proof just refer to his 425lb deadlift nearly tripling his bodyweight. The Jersey pride is flowing strong in the UFC and Miller will do his best to propagate that honor.

Couture v. Toney

Since Dana White made the official announcement on March 3, this fight has garnered multiple monikers. Most apt being ‘Boxing vs. MMA.’ There is no confusion about their respective game plans. The Greco Roman Olympic alternate will try to close the distance, secure the takedown and employ his signature ground pound, presumably from his preferred half guard position. On the other end of spectrum Toney, a former world champion in the sweet science, totes an impressive professional boxing record with 72 wins 6 losses with 44 of those wins via KO.

The knee jerk reaction to the fight’s announcement has sustained itself to fight week. Such foresight rests in Couture’s wrestling. Prevailing wisdom defaults to a Couture double leg and a sound ground and pound beating on behalf of the three-time division I All-American. One very intriguing aspect in this fight revolves around the clinch. Couture’s Greco style of wrestling is predicated upon the clinch and presents inherent risks for the multiple UFC champion. The aforementioned double leg isn’t integrated into Greco Roman wrestling, in which Couture fostered his grappling, but rather in free style wrestling. In effort to close the distance and clinch, as opposed to a conventional freestyle double leg, Couture could encounter an abrupt ending at the hands of Toney. Couture relishes the clinch where he constantly jockeys for position while punishing his opponents. He may want to avoid this comfort zone with such a one dimensional power puncher.

A sport in which Couture has dedicated his Olympic talent and discipline for more than a decade, Toney has a meager four months worth of experience. However limited his MMA experience, Toney’s squared circle accolades must be recognized within the octagon where only four ounces of leather separate his world champion hands from a suspect chin.

Edgar v. Penn

The lightweight title will be determined in a role reversal rematch. Frankie Edgar employed a methodical strategy of footwork, and speed on his feet while showcasing glimpses of his wrestling pedigree to upset the reigning champion BJ Penn with a unanimous decision win in their initial Abu Dhabi meeting. Edgar has endured unfair criticism for the lopsided decision and is determined to prove his belt is not the result of misguided judging.

Penn certainly possesses more power in his strikes but as we’ve continually seen, speed kills. BJ will have to adjust his approach much more than Edgar in order to regain the lightweight title. Any time Penn fights there is always the looming question about his discipline and motivation, no such question mark exists in Edgar’s preparation. Edgar will come in with his inexhaustible cardio and look to implement a very similar strategy from the first fight with minor adjustments that could take the form of more wrestling and takedowns. Few can survive the grappling prowess of the Prodigy, but I feel many of those worries are curbed due to Edgar’s iconic BJJ coach Renzo Gracie, a man who is very familiar with Penn. Not only has Renzo fought BJ himself, but has now directly assisted two different fighters to victory over Penn on three occasions. It is also worth noting that Renzo’s brother Ryan reared Penn to his rapid ascent in the jiu-jitsu realm, earning him the ‘prodigy’ sobriquet.

Maynard v. Florian

Kenny Florian has made his opinion clear in regard to his number one contender match up with undefeated lightweight bully Gray Maynard. In a recent interview with mmaweekly radio the native Bostonian shared his thoughts about his backyard bout this weekend,

“He was pretty quiet as far as wanting to get the belt at first, seems like he didn’t want to fight B.J. or Frankie or whatever, and then all of a sudden when Frankie won it seems like he started to get real cocky, or started trying to make a name for himself. I don’t know, it seems like he got cocky over night, all of a sudden. It’s motivating for me. I don’t see any reason for him to be cocky. He’s had decisions over guys. He hasn’t finished anyone of note. He’s squeaking by on these decisions, yet he’s talking like he’s already a world champion.”

Florian is a cerebral fighter whose objective analysis manifests itself in consistent progression. Maynard has shown his desire to improve his standup in his previous two fights, possibly costing him a title shot. Current champion Frankie Edgar, whose only loss is courtesy of the bully at Fight Night 14 in April ‘08, assumed that role. I foresee Maynard getting back on the horse that brought him to a perfect 9-0 MMA record. Maynard’s preeminent Division I wrestling credentials could be the determining factor in order to vanquish Florian and solidify his place as the number one contender.

Oakland’s Oracle Arena will host its first UFC card Saturday night. A middleweight title defense, a welterweight rematch, and a spot for the top heavyweight contender are all featured on the televised card that kicks off at 9:00 p.m. Central Time.

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen

The talking comes to an end and the action will take its place when the longest reigning champion in UFC history goes up against a worthy, albeit controversial and hyped promotional machine.

Silva’s strengths include crushing combinations and an ability to remain focused and calm when pressed. Opponents with strong wrestling abilities have given Silva some fits, but he maintains stability in pulling switches and gaining better position. Dan Henderson and Nate Marquardt have been on the receiving end of Silva’s improved wrestling. Coupled with Mark Muñoz’s integration into Team Black House, Silva and company have a powerful compliment to already polished athletic makeups.

Chael Sonnen’s wrestling has been key to victories over Nate Marquardt, Yushin Okami and Dan Miller. He’ll have to furiously employ an upper-body clinch and takedown strategy to have a chance at winning. Striking-wise, Sonnen excels at setting up clinches and shots by feinting and blasting through to his opposition. If he wins, it’ll be by a very well-earned decision.

Standing across will be Anderson Silva, a fighter touted as one of the best pound-for-pound. He faces a strong opponent with an equally big trash-talking game to boot.  Whether Silva can channel a furious response toward another successful title defense or not will be the question.

Silva’s key to winning the bout lies in his speed and ability to strike from the outside. He’ll have to avoid the clinch against Sonnen, unless he breaks him down with leg kicks and other strikes. Should he find himself on the ground against the challenger, Anderson Silva has shown a willingness to engage and win by submission.

Prediction: Anderson Silva def. Chael Sonnen by TKO (strikes) in round 3.

Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves II

A rematch years in the making and interrupted by an unexpected brain surgery comes to fruition in tomorrow’s main event.

Jon Fitch’s stout wrestling earns praise from veteran MMA fans and followers, but draws ire for its blanketing and bunny punching to earn decisions. In his sole loss in the UFC, Fitch was dominated by welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre en route to a decision loss. Fitch’s main weakness is an apparent lack of striking. Against Thiago Alves, Fitch will have to avoid or respond to Alves’ muay thai arsenal.

Alves can win the fight with striking, but his bout against St-Pierre at UFC 100 showed that his ground skills against a proficient wrestler needed improvement.

Prediction: Jon Fitch def. Thiago Alves by decision.

Clay Guida vs. Rafael dos Anjos

MMA’s Energizer bunny Clay Guida takes on slick submission specialist Rafael dos Anjos in a lightweight attraction on the main card. Fan-friendly styles of fighting are entertaining, but there are times when the grungy hair and relentless pace of action could see you on the losing end.

Guida certainly can put on a show. (Tyson Griffin and Roger Huerta can attest to that) The frenetic pace of his bouts make him a promotional dream. But that style has not led to more favorable numbers in the win column.

Rafael dos Anjos is a veteran of the Brazilian MMA scene and carries submission wins against Terry Etim in the UFC and fellow notable countryman Johil de Oliveira. He rides into tomorrow night with a three-fight win streak.

Guida’s best chance is to keep the fight standing. Getting into guard play against a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu would stifle him and leave him susceptible to a submission loss. Dos Anjos can work a clinch game and wrist control to soften Guida up before landing a takedown and working for positional advantage.

Prediction: Rafael dos Anjos def. Clay Guida by submission in round 2.

Matt Hughes vs. Ricardo Almeida

Almeida looks to avenge the loss of his mentor and long-time jiu-jitsu instructor Renzo Gracie against the venerable Matt Hughes.

Almeida’s jiu-jitsu credentials have led to submission wins against Rob Yundt, Matt Brown, and – many years before – Nate Marquardt and Kevin Jackson. He also carries an average striking game to complement his effective trip takedowns and scrambles from unfavorable positions.

Hughes’ career is at a crossroads: a loss against Almeida should conceivably lead to contemplation of retirement from competitive MMA bouts, while a win would be good, yet would come against a fighter whose inactivity between bouts may hurt the quality of a victory. Still powerful with takedowns and shots, Hughes rebounded from a TKO loss to Thaigo Alves with wins against Matt Serra and a TKO stoppage against Renzo Gracie. His submission defense still raises questions, but his veteran status in the sport cannot be ignored.

Prediction: Ricardo Almeida def. Matt Hughes by submission in round 2.

Roy Nelson vs. Junior dos Santos

Opening up the pay-per-view broadcast is the next contender spot against the winner of October’s heavyweight title bout between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez in Los Angeles. Roy Nelson carries his experience and unappreciated ground game against slugging knockout artist Junior dos Santos.

Nelson’s ascension in the UFC came hot off the heels from his eliminating Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson on The Ultimate Fighter. Since then, he’s knocked out both Brendan Schaub and Stefan Struve. The former IFL heavyweight champion’s two previous defeats came in controversial fashion: in his bout against Andrei Arlovski, the bout was restarted from the standing position despite a good work rate from Nelson. That led to a TKO stoppage. His “March Badness” bout against Jeff Monson in 2009 left viewers with a bad taste in their mouths. Nelson outworked Monson on the feet and stifled takedowns, but the judges at ringside rendered a unanimous decision against him.

The fresh jiu-jitsu black belt has shown good lateral mount control by pinning opponents – albeit under a thick layer of girth – and working to gain a better position. He’ll carry a considerable reach and height disadvantage, but he has shown good striking against the taller Struve and Schaub.

Junior dos Santos rocked the world in 2008 against Fabricio Werdum, and has earned credible wins against Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Stefan Struve. Despite his successful stand-up game, no one truly knows how the Team Black House heavyweight can fare on the ground. He’ll have to keep Nelson at a distance and hope to land sharp striking combinations to knock him out.

Prediction: Junior dos Santos def. Roy Nelson by TKO in round 1.

As always, reader feedback is suggested and encouraged. Drop me a line at Jaime.Martinez@gmail.com to share your thoughts on the fights.

You can also hear me on “The Mighty Gwinn Show” this Monday, August 9 at 11:30 a.m. on KBME Sports Talk 790 as I recap Saturday’s results with show host Dylan Gwinn and Marcell Epps, contributing writer to the MMA blog.

Anderson Silva’s ascension to the top of many fans’ and pundits’ pound-for-pound list is well-earned as well. Adjusting to his opponents’ styles to viciously win via submission or knockout is a trademark of Silva’s stardom in the sport.

Or is it?

More recently, Anderson Silva’s toying of his challengers has led to frustration among MMA enthusiasts who look at his lackadaisical approach with disdain and disappointment. Gone are the highlight reel finishes we grew accustomed to in his wins against Rich Franklin (twice); Nate Marquardt; James Irvin; Forrest Griffin; Travis Lutter; Chris Leben; and Dan Henderson. A more arrogant, overly-confidant and seemingly uninterested middleweight champion took the reigns in his fights against Patrick Côté, Thales Leites and Demian Maia. Vociferous booing and public admonishment from UFC president Dana White followed Silva’s performances in that time frame. Was it frustration with the level of challengers? Was it boredom due to a sub-par skill set? Was Silva upset with UFC management? No one knows for sure.

Skill wise, Anderson Silva has at times struggled against top-level wrestlers who excel in the upper-body Greco-Roman style of wrestling. He was taken down by Henderson, Marquardt and Lutter, but persevered and came away with submission finishes. Fundamental switches from disadvantageous positions aided Silva to better positioning for his wins. It’s no surprise that Silva’s Team Black House drafted WEC veteran and current UFC middleweight fighter Mark Muñoz – a college wrestling standout – to assist them company with a better wrestling skill set. Silva will need every piece of advice necessary to counter challenger Chael Sonnen’s relentless wrestling.

It takes two fighters to promote a bout. In yesterday’s entry, I detailed how Sonnen has lured Silva and MMA fans with harsh trash talk. Indeed, many talking points have flown around the blogosphere and MMA media in anticipation of Saturday’s fight. Silva, on the other hand, has said little up to now about Sonnen and his title defense in Oakland.

Last night’s Countdown to UFC 117 that aired on Spike TV, however, brought about an agitated middleweight champion.

“Chael Sonnen has talked more trash than anybody I’ve ever faced,” he said. “He talks like a champion, but in the Octagon we’ll find out quickly if he can fight like one. All this trash talking is going to cause a fiasco in his mind.”

“He’s saying that I’m a fake and liar. Well you know what? When we’re inside the Octagon, he’s going to have to back up all these things he’s saying about me.”

If ever there was a time for Silva to unleash his full potential and convert his recent detractors, Saturday night presents the perfect opportunity.

Tomorrow, I’ll preview the welterweight rematch between Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves. Friday’s edition will include my picks for Saturdays fights. As always, reader feedback is encouraged and welcomed. Feel free to email me at Jaime.Martinez@gmail.com

The Oregonian squared off against once highly-touted Brazilian Paulo Filho in the WEC for a vacant middleweight title in 2007.  After a strong start by Sonnen that soon saw both combatants on the mat against the fence, Filho secured an armbar in the second round to force a technical submission. To this day, the Team Quest fighter denies he tapped out, though replays will show he screamed in pain.

Out of Sonnen’s ten losses, seven of them have been by submission. His most recent loss was against to jiu-jitsu ace Demian Maia at UFC 95. His lead up to his title shot on Saturday got off to a rocky start with the Maia submission. Since that setback, Sonnen has won three hard-earned decisions against Dan Miller, Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt. The key to those – and most – of his victories lies in his creative and pressuring Greco-Roman wrestling background. Upper-body clinches and takedowns with great ground control have stymied his opponents, allowing him to impose his will.

Perhaps the greatest talking point since April, however, has been Sonnen’s perceived outlandish and vitriolic statements regarding his status in MMA; how he feels about submission fighting and jiu-jitsu; and Anderson Silva. Sunday’s “UFC on Versus” event heavily promoted Saturday’s UFC 117 card by showing a vignette of Sonnen’s skills and remarks.

These are but a few of his quotable quotes:

He [Anderson Silva] has a black belt from the Nogueira brothers, but to me, a black belt from the Nogueira brothers is like a free toy in a Happy Meal

Even if I thought I could get a submission, I’m not laying underneath a grown man with my legs spread, on worldwide T.V. Some guys subscribe to that theory, but I’m a republican and we don’t do that.

I saved Anderson’s Job. Uncle Dana was going to give him his walking papers and I begged him, keep him around, keep him around for one more fight. I will retire this guy.

It’s the type of hype fighters would crave to consistently have in their careers. Chael Sonnen has, by himself, talked up his title match with such an air of anticipation that you can’t help but want to see a definitive and unquestionably solid win by either fighter.

This is the first of a four-part series which will preview Saturday’s card. Your thoughts and opinions before and after the fights are welcomed and encouraged. You can contact me at Jaime.Martinez@gmail.com

Pat Healy vs. Josh Thomson

A solid grappling exhibition marked the opening round of Thomson’s return to competition. Healy’s training with Team Quest in Oregon was evident as he pressed and pummeled Thomson against the fence. Thomson used the opportunities to his advantage as the fight went to the ground. Impressive submission attempt transitions from inverted armbars to triangle chokes to heel hooks showed little to no ring rust for the former lightweight champion, who earned a 10-9 round in my book.

Healy’s double-leg takedown to open round two allowed him to go for back control and work from the half mount as both were against the fence. Thomson maintained control as he was dumped and went for a triangle choke. Still, Healy reversed to be in Thomson’s guard, who again went for an armbar. Healy’s well-timed escape and reversal were short-lived, as Thomson again sought submission attempts with little action to end the round. Healy won the round with better takedowns and strikes.

Healy takes the center of the cage and has to withstand Thomson’s strikes in round three. Still, he shoots in and lands the takedown. Thomson gives his back but gets himself out of a dangerous position. After a brief north-south, Thomson secures Healy’s back with a body triangle and rear naked choke to end the bout at 4:27 in the last round. Interesting to note that Thomson’s attempt lasted around a good 30 seconds as Healy struggled to escape the body triangle hold.

Comments from Alistair Overeem regarding who he wants to fight in his next title defense:

“Well, it’s hard to predict. Personally, I hope Fedor will win the fight. I look forward to fighting him myself. I think it’ll be a KO, probably standing up. Whoever wins tonight, I want next.”

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos vs. Jan Finney

Finney connected early, with Santos responding via straight blasts. Santos pressed forward and pummels to land short knees to Finney’s thighs. Finney breaks free and lands a good jab, but Santos again responds with a straight right and a huge knee. Finney tries to pummel Santos against the fence, but Santos wrestles her in an unfavorable position. Tagging Finney with a right, Santos tries for ground-and-pound. Referee Kim Winslow warned Santos about shots to the back of Finney’s head, leading to a one-point deduction in the round. Fans at the HP Pavilion booed with fury. The fight restarted, Santos swings hard again and pummels Finney against the cage. Both exchange blows, but Santos lands the crisper, more punishing punches. She follows up with more brutal ground-and-pound. The crowd again boos, but this time it appears as if their rancor is aimed at Kim Winslow for the lack of stopping the fight. A 9-8 round (would have been 10-8) because of the one-sidededness of it all.

Finney opens up round two with a solid right hand, but Santos maintains composure as Finney tries for an ankle trip. Again, Santos lands crushing punches on the ground and allows for Finney to stand back up. They tie up briefly against the fence, and in between the pummeling, exchange punches again, with Santos getting the better of Finney. Winslow separates the pair and Santos forces Finney against the fence and lands jab-cross combinations with a knee to the abdomen. Finney falls, and Santos lands more shots, leading Winslow to end the bout at 2:55. Cristiane Santos wins by TKO to retain the Strikeforce 145 pound women’s title.

Scott Smith vs. Cung Le

Smith chases down Le and lands a short right hand, pummeling Le against the fence. Smith keeps chasing down Le, and Le attempts to land a straight left. He catches Smith with it after throwing a lead right hook. Smith is forced to shoot in and Le sprawls nicely to prevent the takedown.  Smith walks his way up against the fence as they pummel again. Le again tags Smith with the left and lands knees to drop Smith. Le pauses while sprawled on top as the pace slows to end the first round. 10-9 Le based on better striking.

Smith tries for better head movement, yet Le is unfazed and tries to land good shots. Le lands a spinning back kick and a knee on Smith as he drops him. Le lands knees to the body on the ground, but Smith gets up against the fence.  Le again drops Smith with a spinning back kick, follows it up with punches on the ground, and the referee calls an end to the bout at 1:46 of round two.

“I came back and knew that I had to get in shape. I cut out pizza and chocolate for seven weeks! This time, I fought smart and let him come into my power. Last time was his night. This time is my night.”

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabricio “Vai Cavalho” Werdum

The pair exchange punches wildly, with Emelianenko apparently dropping Werdum. Werdum closes Emelianenko in the guard as the Russian attempts a ground-and-pound attack. He goes from an armbar attempt to a triangle choke with an arm sunk in. Werdum adjusts the arm from within his guard and submits Fedor Emelianenko at 1:09 of round one.

“I feel very very happy because I know that my team is a strong team. I believe in my family, my friends. Thank you Fedor for the opportunity. Fedor is the best in the world. Tonight, I beat Fedor, but Fedor is the best. Next time, I want a rematch with Fedor, maybe here or maybe in Russia. I like Fedor, he’s the best in the world. Overeem is the champion. Next time, give me the belt.”

“Well, frankly, nothing [is going through my mind] because the one who doesn’t fall doesn’t stand up. I was concentrating on the striking and that’s why I made the mistake. I’ll try to figure out why it happened. I have one more fight [with Strikeforce] here in America.”

As the blending of ground and striking styles emerged, so did better-equipped fighters and teams. Limited or no exposure Stateside from overseas promotions like Pancrase, RINGS,  PRIDE FC and Shooto prevented a wider perspective of the sport’s existence and promotional methods. Athletes such as Igor Vovchanchyn, Sanae Kikuta, Rumina Sato, Volk Han and Bas Rutten fought in Japan to a growingly accepting public while Zuffa’s takeover of the UFC drew little interest. Waiting in the wings under the tutelage of Han in the Russian Top Team was a young Fedor Emelianenko.

A combat sambo practitioner from Stary Oskol, Russia, Emelianenko’s rise to prominence and dominance came in paradoxical form: pudgy, unassuming, but ever devastating. Young fighters like Renato Sobral and Hiroya Takada in RINGS, along with more established talent in PRIDE FC like Heath Herring and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, felt the impact of what is now seen as the best heavyweight, perhaps even pound-for-pound, in the early history of MMA.

Despite splitting with Han and Russian Top Team and moving on to Red Devil Fight Club and management by Vadim Finklestein’s M-1 Global, Emelianenko’s dominance over highly-ranked heavyweights did not cease. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovi?, Mark Hunt, Tim Sylvia, and Andrei Arlovski all succumbed to the consensus number one heavyweight’s power. Fans and observers began to take notice and clamored for fights against some of the UFC’s top heavyweights. Arduous, back room negotiations carried for some time, in 2007 and again in 2009, but the insistence of co promotion with Zuffa became a sticking point. Fans expressed feeling deprived that the Russian legend wouldn’t be fighting Randy Couture, Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, Cain Velasquez and other emerging heavyweight talent.

At issue for many observers, analysts and fans is M-1 Global’s handling of Emelianenko. BodogFIGHT’s Calvin Ayre and UFC President Dana White have repeatedly cited difficulties in dealing with Vadim Finklestein and Apy Echteld, and speculation of strife between Strikeforce’s Scott Coker and M-1 Global regarding co-promotional efforts has surfaced since the Brett Rogers fight last year. Prior to Affliction’s doomed “Trilogy” event last year, efforts to match Emelianenko with Rogers and even middleweight fighter Vitor Belfort bore no fruit. Central to these speculated incidents is the belief that M-1 Global’s involvement in negotiations after every bout has complicated high-risk, high-reward bouts that made Emelianenko famous in PRIDE FC.

Which makes today’s press release from M-1 Global concerning Fedor Emelianenko’s run in Russian Duma primaries not at all surprising. M-1 Global’s strict management style and fighter-centered policies are a departure from the top-down promotional model frequently seen in the UFC. With a reported 10% to 20% stake in M-1 Global, Emelianenko can also exercise his right to outside activities with little to no interference. Little truly remains for The Russian fighter, who still has two fights remaining on his Strikeforce contract. Should he defeat Fabricio Werdum later this month, the push for a bout against Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem will begin from die-hard MMA fans.

Still, a complete perspective on Fedor Emelianenko’s career will yield one undeniable result: The most dominant heavyweight in the sport’s young history, complete with a unique athlete-centered promotional and managerial model. While bouts against Couture, Velasquez, Carwin and Lesnar are appealing inside the Octagon, Emelianenko runs the biggest risk of losing since his bout against Arlovski. Regardless, his past accomplishments and his decision-making with his management team – however unpopular – should not surprise anyone.