The Tap-Out 08.16.06
Posted by Caleb Newby on 08.16.2006
Dana tries to conquer Europe, CroCop speaks, and martial arts gets a hard look by the scientific community. Also, while Swick/Loiseau is on can we say the same about Liddell/Silva anymore?
Finally, more MMA events on free TV! Ultimate Fight Night is coming up this Thursday. Also, a very interesting news story on science and martial arts is on the agenda. Let's do it!!
News
Loiseau vs. Swick at UFC 63
I thought this fight was going to be taking place at UFC 62 at one point, which would have strongly improved the card. Instead, it will be backing up St. Pierre and Hughes. Swick has been very impressive lately but still has his critics who question the quality of Swick's competition. Loiseau, while not posing Franklin much danger (who does right now, really?), is an established fighter who is looking to bounce back from his title fight loss. Should Swick win, he gains much more respect from the doubters. Should Loiseau take this, he gains something back after his loss. Loiseau's biggest problem is convincing people that, should he win, that he could possibly deserve another shot against Franklin.
America isn't enough for Dana… here comes Europe Credit: MMAweekly.com
On Monday the UFC hired Marshall Zelaznik as Zuffa's first ever President of their UK Division. Zelaznik's job includes "exporting and managing the UFC brand overseas to the United Kingdom and other parts of English and non-English speaking Europe."
Makes sense. The WWE has seen a large profit from their overseas market and it follows suit that the UFC could do similar. There isn't an organization nearly large enough to compete with UFC based in Europe so, provided a public interest, this should go well for them. And it's not exactly like the UFC is in danger of not having enough events this or next year.
Don't you dare do this to us Dana (or Pride)… Credit: MMAweekly.com
"I don't even know if Silva's going to happen… the Japanese are very hard to do business with and you never know what's going to happen." – Dana White
… I don't have the words. If this doesn't happen it better be due to legit injury and the fighters not being medically cleared. If Dana got everyone's hopes up but then takes this mega fight away from us… I… I'll, I don't know what I will do, but it will involve loud complaining.
CroCop Speaks! Credit: Take a wild guess, MMAweekly.com
Mirko gave an interview recently to a Croatian newspaper, which was then reported on at MMAweekly. I'll give some of the highlights:
Sportske Novosti (Croatian Newspaper): What do you find the hardest, boxing or grappling training?
Mirko: Both are difficult but grappling is more exhausting.
SN: Wanderlei Silva waits for you in the semi-finals?
Mirko: I don't like him, he's the only fighter, who I really dislike in PRIDE. He's weird, without character but he is an outstanding fighter. But I will beat him.
SN: Who would you like to see in the finals, if you get there?
Mirko: Doesn't matter. Maybe I prefer Minotauro a little bit although I've beaten Barnett two times. Match between them is going to be great. Minotauro is Minotauro but Marnett is in super shape this year."
SN: The relation with PRIDE DSE lead men was tense these past few days. If you couldn't come to terms would you have participated?
Mirko: No, I would not.
SN: But surely you have other solutions?
Mirko: Of course, an alternative in the USA which is constantly sending me serious offers. But I'm a PRIDE fighter, I know where I got my glory but that doesn't mean I won't go to the USA one day.
Personally, I want to see him fight Sylvia one day, but not at the expense of the GP tournament.
Martial Arts meets Science Credit: MMAweekly.com… for the last time this column, I swear
The National Geographic Channel is conducting a study of the human body and its ability to dish out damage using knees, elbows, fists, feet, and throws. Who is involved you ask? Scientists, motion-capture specialists, CGI animators along with masters of various martial arts are participating. We are going to be learning how much force each fighter exerts while trying to separate myth from fact. This possibly awesome show will be on Sunday, August 20th at 9pm ET.
Ultimate Fight Night 6
Crafton Wallace vs. Martin Kampmann
Sam Morgan vs. Forrest Petz
Jason Von Flue vs. Joe Riggs
Pat Healy vs. Anthony Torres
Jake O'Brien vs. Christophe Midoux
Josh Koscheck vs. Jonathan Goulet
Dean Lister vs. Yuki Sasaki
Chris Leben vs. Jorge Santiago
Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan
Since there are some unfamiliar names here, I'll do a shorter version of my standard match by match thoughts and throw it all together.
I wonder what happens to Riggs and should he lose. Fortunately for him he should beat Jason. That is, unless Jason decides to lock on a guillotine and causes Riggs to tap immediately out of instinct.
Koscheck doesn't have the easiest fight here against Mr. Crazyhair himself. I am honestly surprised at what a dog Goulet is here in the Vegas odds. +305 Goulet -365 Koscheck? Really? Leben also has similar odds in his fight as the favorite.
Lister should win easily to raise his star higher against Yuki, and would I not have to lay down $800 on him to win $100 I'd get some cash in. But that's just crazy. Risk vs. reward people.
Finally, one of the most anticipated UFN main events yet, Karo vs. Diego. This has all the makings of a war where the winner gets a shot at the Welterweight Title after UFC 63. My gut is telling me Karo right now and he is the slight favorite in the odds. As long as it is exciting, I don't care how long it lasts.
Now, I couldn't end this without mentioning the world acclaimed 411 Fan Forum Pick'em Contest. This could very possibly be a life defining moment. Ask those that have won previously, to have their names ENSHRINED in the 411 Fan Forums MMA Pick'em Hall of Fame. Kinda rolls of the tongue doesn't it? Just head over to the forums, scroll down to the MMA section, and the thread should be towards the top. Directions inside.
Question of the Week
It is the same this week. A few people wrote in predictions, but we need more, so the question stays. Serious or sarcastic, I don't care, but whenever this fight takes place, I will print the predictions. You can then watch the weigh ins with more interest than humanly thought possible!!
What will Mir weigh in at for his bout against Vera?
Email me at cnewbs@gmail.com
What now?
I got nothing for this spot this week. Enjoy the fights!
