The Tap-Out 06.30.06
Posted by Caleb Newby on 06.30.2006
So much MMA so little time. We're going to talk TUF 3 finale and UFN 5... but what I can't remember... what was Chris Leben going to do again in that fight? I can't recall, but Leben has a rock jaw and can't be knocked out, right? Right?
Rock and roll people. I'm feeling better and ready to go. There were some awesome fights this past week, so we are going to turn this into a recap column. But before we hit that, everyone should join the OFFICIAL 411 FORUM PICK'EM CONTEST!! Huckaby is the ringleader of this shindig and is doing a great job. Test your knowledge against other 411ites.
Thoughts on TUF Season 3 Finale
Light-Heavyweight Finals: Michael Bisping vs. Josh Haynes
To no-one's surprise, Bisping "brought the pain" and flat out destroyed Josh. Bisping is going to be a fun guy to watch in the UFC. His style is very fan friendly, and he has an engaging personality that should really make him and the UFC some money.
Josh sure puts up a fight, and kudos to him for that. But I wonder how sick he is getting of being told "you sure have a lot of heart." It'd be like, "Yeah, thanks, but how about telling me I have talent too for once." But so it goes.
Middleweight Finals: Ed Herman vs. Kendall Grove
What a fight. Our group was on the edge of our seats during this one, with the apartment split over who we were rooting for. I was pretty torn but was SLIGHTLY leaning for Kendall, more because I picked him than anything. The sub attempts and escapes were just top notch. Some of the guys I was watching this with thought Ed had that, and after a second viewing I might agree. It was really close and I am just glad they both got a contract.
Matt Hamill vs. Jesse Forbes
I hope Hamill makes a good career for himself. He legitimately seems like a good guy and has some wrestling skills. But as others has pointed out, he didn't pass Jesse's guard or work other common MMA tactics once he had Jesse one the ground (i.e. subs). Let's hope working with Ortiz's group improves his overall game.
Jesse on the other hand hasn't looked that great, but he is really young and has some time to develop, but has had some early exposure. So good for him.
Kalib Starnes vs. Danny Abaddi
Who didn't think Kalib would take this? Not much to say here.
Rory Singer vs. Ross Pointon
Sounds like it was an exciting 40 some seconds. Rory seems like a decent fighter who should get some more UFN bouts in the future. While Ross isn't that well rounded, he does have guts and swings for the fences (sorry for the cliché) so he is entertaining in that respect.
Solomon Hutcherson vs. Luigi Fioravanti
War Luigi! I love it that Solomon got dropped again.
Mike Nickels vs. Wes Combs
What a surprise, Nickels took this one. I like Nickels well enough but didn't expect him to take this one down.
Keith Jardine vs Wilson Gouveia
Gouveia has a better standup than I was led to believe. Keith did what he does, is an interesting enough fighter but doesn't strike me as someone who will move to the top of the ranks.
Kenny Florian vs Sam Stout
Wow Florian looks better at 155. He just overwhelmed Stout. Florian is definitely someone I'd like to see fight again against slightly tougher competition. I'm still taking Sherk if they are fighting for the LW title though. Can't say much more on such a short fight.
For those keeping score at home, I won the pick'em contest for this event, beating the vile Jennette yet again. In all fairness, I haven't really lost to him so it has been fairly one sided. And with the growing number of people doing this it gets more prestigious by the week. I mean, even wrestling zone Larry is getting in on this.
Thoughts on Ultimate Fight Night 5
Rob MacDonald vs Kristian Rothaermel
Rob hit a wonderful armbar and looked solid. I don't have a clue why I picked Kristian.
Mark Hominick vs Jorge Gurgel
I was rooting for Jorge in this match and was getting frustrated with Mark's backing off, but can you blame him? He fought how he needed to and smartly, but it was just frustrating as a fan to see. Mark does seem like a good guy though. And Jorge didn't shoot for as many takedowns as I would have expected, even with Mark retreating.
Jonathan Goulet vs Luke Cummo
Cummo almost had that RNC at the end of the 3rd. We were getting really excited and I thought he was going to lock that in and get the tap. Goulet was strong in the fight, even if I dislike the hair.
Rashad Evans vs Stephan Bonnar
Argh. Rashad in the fight, step by step:
1) Take strikes from Stephan
2) Shoot in after a combination
3) Slam Bonnar all impressive like
4) Lay on Bonnar without putting him in danger, yet looking active enough to keep it on the ground
5) Rinse and repeat
I know a fair number of people dislike Bonnar, but he reminds me of an old friend of mine and I like his laid back demeanor. And he is the "American Psycho" after all. I'll still tune in to see Stephan fight after this loss, while I will watch Rashad more out of "its MMA on tv" than anything else. Well, to see if he has improved too I suppose.
Chris Leben vs Anderson Silva
Favorite fight of the night!! Silva DESTROYED Chris "Footstomp" Leben. Those were some precise shots Silva was throwing while looking very relaxed, self confident and determined. If I didn't like Rich so much, I would be firmly on the Silva bandwagon for the MW title.
Links
Trust me, these are some good articles.
Check out Mellick's latest in the music section. I think my ol' Wrestaholics coeditor is making quite the stir over there. See what the rage is about here! He talks about Creed, you know it will be entertaining.
One of my absolute favorite posters on the forums Mike "Ego" Novak has a new NFL column and you should check it out. The NFL is the only other sport I care about as much as MMA (Go Pack Go!) and Mike has a good one to start his inaugural column, no matter what he may think. Just a click away! And I've decided if the Packers suck this year the Cards are one of the teams (along with the Bengals) I will root for.
Update on my friend Brian who believes he can take down Sylvia in a fight… he still believes he can do it and I am more than ready to drive to Iowa and bring Brian there personally. We actually have about 5 of us willing to make that trip. Thankfully, it is slowly setting in on him that Sylvia just might be tougher than he thought, but this isn't coming to him fast enough. "If I can just take him down, I think I could beat him on the ground." We'll see Brian, we'll see.
Remember, there is much more solid MMA goodness coming up in the weeks ahead so tune in and enjoy.
