Punch Drunk Hangover 12.17.07: Road Tripping
Posted by Bren Oliver on 12.17.2007
Read ahead for thoughts on things including last week's WEC event, the announcement of Fedor Emelianenko's opponent at Yarennoka, the IFL's injury woes, Ryan Gracie's unexpected death, and my personal take on attending Saturday night's "HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon". All that, PLUS a Bob Sapp musical medley and much more!
Welcome to this week's Punch Drunk Hangover - your one-stop shop for catching up on Mixed Martial Arts news from the past seven days. MMA is the sport that never sleeps and this week was absolute proof of that, while some of the headlines were triumphant while others were tragic. Outside of the realm of news, I also had the pleasure of attending HDNet Fights live in Dallas, Texas over the weekend. Instead of my usual rant, I thought I'd share a few "personal experienecs" from the show and then attempt a slick transition into the news report like a jiujitsu blackbelt switching from Triangle Choke to Armbar.
I arrived in Dallas late afternoon on Saturday and checked into the hotel. A friend, and fellow MMA enthusiast, accompanied me to the show. After all, every experience worth having is worth sharing. We decided to stay at the same hotel as the fighters, per the HDNet Fights' P.R. person's recommendation, and it was well worth the extra money.
Walking into the hotel we saw Guy Mezger hanging out front. Then, entering at the same time as us, were HDNet announcers Ron Kruck and Kenny Rice. Furthermore, while waiting for the elevator to go to our room, we noticed Dan Henderson standing there doing the same thing with a Team Quest entourage. The only people I recognized in the group were Sam Hoger and Matt Lindland. We had only been there fifteen minutes and we were already experiencing a few cool "we're going to a MMA event" moments.
Moving on to the actual HDNet Fights spectacular, check in to the arena went smoothly and we quickly obtained our media seats on the floor. The production of the show was impressive in terms of lighting and the fighters' entrances. The bulk of the crowd arrived by the second fight and the total attendance was calculated at around 6,750 people. The actual show was so-so and involved some strange stoppages, though it had 2-3 solid bouts including a barnburner between Jason Miller and Tim Kennedy. I'll break down the fights a little later in the column.
I normally attempt to remain cool in front of fighters, doing my best to harbor the fan-boy emotions I often feel in their presence, but I admit I could not resist when it came to a certain individual in attendance at HDNet Fights - Randy Couture. I had a chance to take a picture with him and obliged without hesitation. In fact, Randy took time from watching the event (behind the set no less) to allow at least 30-40 fans to take pictures with him. He didn't turn a single person away and he genuinely seemed pleased to be there. At the press conference he was standing off to the side, not seeking attention, holding hands with his wife. I cannot imagine there is a man in Mixed Martial Arts with more class than "The Natural". He is truly one of a kind.
Dan Henderson took pictures with people after the show but he seemed a little more apprehensive, perhaps even shy, when it came to fans' adulation. Mark Cuban and Ken Shamrock were notably absent from the post-fights press conference, though Andre Arlovski was seated in the crowd with his girlfriend and seemed none too pleased when I snapped a picture of them. Lucky for me he didn't decide to break me in half like a toothpick. That dude is huge in person! Couture took a seat and answered a few questions. I asked him what he thought about Fedor fighting Hong Man Choi and his response was along the lines of, "A fight is a fight and Choi is huge - he can punch you from across the ring as soon as the bell sounds."
After the event my friend and I went back to the hotel and shortly thereafter to the hotel bar. We saw Kennedy and his wife leaving (presumably to dinner). I wonder what the waiter thought about the giant gash across his customer's schnozz? Tristan Yunker and a few smaller named fighters showed up at the bar. Later on Ron Kruck, Jeff Blatnik, and Kenny Rice wandered in to snag some drinks. Kruck nursed a beer all night while Rice enjoyed multiple libations. Couture and his wife came into the lobby, then went straight upstairs so no after-hours partying for them...at least in public. Frank Trigg's wife showed up at the bar by herself and literally stayed there until last call without "Twinkle Toes" in sight. I thought it was strange.
On a side note, Jason Miller's girlfriend is smoking hot! My friend and I noticed her and her friend walking around at the event, not realizing who she was, so we had a nice laugh when she showed up on his arm at the hotel. Dan Henderson came down to the bar before the rest of his crew. His drink of choice appeared to be a dark liquor topped with either water or club soda. Miller and the rest of the Quest crew came down a little later and their whole party went out. The highlight of this occurence was Sunday morning, when my friend and I were checking out around 8:00 am, Dan Henderson was in the lobby talking to Matt Lindland (who was also checking out) and Hendo had on the same clothes as the night before! Apparently he partied all night, slept in his clothes, or only packed a single button-up shirt. I have a feeling the latter is the least likely.
That was the long and short of my HDNet Fights experience. As always, I highly recommend people go to live MMA shows regardless of the size, scope, or promotion. I have yet to attend a Mixed Martial Arts event where there weren't a few really good fights as well as access to numerous stars in the sport. On a side note, Look for pictures from Saturday night at some point later this week.
Now on to my humble opinion on a variety of subjects rearing their ugly heads over the past seven days. File your final TPS report, check your Fantasy Football score one last time, and settle into your cubicle - here comes this week's Punch Drunk Hangover...
The following medley of items were reported between December 10th, 2007 and December 16th, 2007:
UFC fighter Terry Martin recently announced on his Myspace that he will be fighting Marvin Eastman on February 2, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. In addition, he mentioned that the fight will be aired on CBS and it will be free for everyone to view. The UFC has yet to confirm a deal with the network.
I went to Terry Martin's MySpace page and I did not see any such information. I'm wondering if perhaps the UFC asked him to remove it as no deal with CBS has been officially inked or publically announced. I would love for UFC 81 to take place live on network television and not because of the money I'd be saving. The simple fact Mixed Martial Arts would be given that kind of exposure would be a landmark moment and be satisfaction in itself regardless of a little extra cash in my pocket.
It's being reported that M-1 and Art of War met today in Dallas, Texas to finalize a deal that would have Fedor Emelianenko fight Pedro Rizzo in Las Vegas some time in April of 2008. Today's meeting was scheduled to finalize the deal and sign the contracts.
I talked to my contacts at Art of War and nothing official has been done (at least as far as he knew). However, the fight makes sense, as M-1 is in need of opponents for Fedor and Pedro Rizzo is a respected name in MMA circles. He has had a career resurgence as of late and he handed Jeff Monson a beatdown at Art of War 3 on September 1st, 2007. Fedor vs. Rizzo would certainly be better than giving the Russian Heavyweight another tin of "Freakshow and Noodle Soup".
After having Robbie Lawler pull out of the main event of their December 15 card with a torn bicep, ICON Sport has cancelled the entire slate of fights after being unable to find a suitable replacement for the injured ICON Sport Middleweight Champion.
Unfortunate news for ICON and the promotion's passionate fans. However, I've since read Lawler's scheduled opponent, Kala Kolohe Hose, will be fighting at the ShoXC event on January 25th. He is a talented competitor who embodies the Hawaiin spirit so his fight will be worth watching no matter the opponent.
HDNet Fights' CEO Andrew Simon passed along news to 411Mania that HDNet would be broadcasting a FOURTH live MMA event over the next three weeks. The newest promotion to find itself partnered with HDNet Fights is none other than Matt Lindland's "Sportfights" organization which is run out of the Pacific Northwest (mainly due to Lindland's affiliation with Oregon's 'Team Quest'). The event will be shown on December 22nd starting at 10:30 p.m. ET and feature Welterweight Champion Ed Nuno defending his title against Michael Pierce.
Take notice, Dana White - Mark Cuban and HDNet are coming for you! A quartet of free, live MMA shows in High Definition taking place within a three week time period is something the UFC cannot offer fans of the sport. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but Cuban has the potential, and resources, to give White a serious run for his money in terms of being Mixed Martial Arts' top executive figure. The next twelve months should be quite interesting, especially if Cuban can deliver Emelianenko vs. Couture as many suspect is a very legitimate possibility.
Strikeforce announced today that Bob "The Beast" Sapp will be headlining their February 23 show at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington against a yet-to-be determined opponent. Sapp, who has amassed an 8-2-1 record in MMA, last fought in November of 2005 and has recently been the subject of hot rumors that placed him in talks with the WWE, TNA, Elite XC and others, but it appears that Strikeforce had the right offer to gain the services of the 6' 4", 375 pound Sapp
I would like to see "The Beast" take on Frank Shamrock. I realize that will never happen, but wouldn't it be fun to watch the near-400 pounder toss Shamrock around the cage....before, of course, Sapp gasses out and throws in the towel? If I was to guess I'd say the former NFL lineman will end up facing Paul Buentello or Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem.
FUN FACT - Did you know Bob Sapp also dabbles in music? Enjoy his stylings, won't you? However, I first advise you to swallow any liquids you may be sipping on. Your nostrils will thank me after you watch this...
Music not only soothes the savage beast, but allows him to get FUNKY...
FEG, parent company of K-1 Hero's, announced three more match-ups for their December 31 Premium Dynamite! 2007 card and they brought out some big names. Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen, rumored to be involved in M-1's New Year's Eve card, has been tabbed to fight Kazyuki Miyata in a lightweight bout. It's believed that Hansen was lent out to the K-1 card as part of the K-1/M-1 talent exchange which saw K-1 star Gesias Calvancante be moved to the M-1 Yarennoka! fights being held the same night in Tokyo. Also added to the card were former Pride veteran Ikuhisa Minowa who will do battle in an openweight contest with Wagner da Conceicao Martins, also known as Zuluzinho, while Melvin Manhoef will see action against Yosuke Nishijima.
I was hoping to see Hansen fight on the Yarennoka card, but I'm happy to give up the pleasure if it meant putting together Calvancante vs. Shinya Aoki. Their M-1 fight should be legendary by the time one man stands victorious. Manhoef vs. Nishijima should be a war. Both men are strikers so it's likely one won't be maintaining consciousness throughout the entire bout. I'd put my money on Nishijima going to sleep somewhere in the first frame. Zuluninho taking on "Punk" Minowa is ridiculous. He outweighs the Japanese veteran by two-hunded pounds. I won't be surprised if Minowa submits the Brazilian Super Heavyweight, but the mere notion these two are squaring off is a few sides short of an Octagon when it comes to match-making.
The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board released word today that all 18 fighters submitted urine samples to be tested for performance enhancing drugs following the UFC 78 show on November 17, and that all 18 came back clean. Four additional fighters were also subject to blood testing to check for 24 different steroids and various testosterone level changes, and those tests also came back clean. No word on whether there were any positive tests for drugs of abuse (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) as the test results released only pertained to performance enhancing drugs.
As much flak as the California State Athletic Commission takes for it's stringent drug testing, I commend them for the simple fact they offer full disclosure of results. Why allow any speculation in terms of recreational drug use? Even if there is no fire, the simple fact the New Jersey board did not release results pertaining to drugs of abuse creates smoke.
According to a report on UFC.com, the BJ Penn/Joe Stevenson main event at UFC 80 will indeed be for the undisputed Lightweight Championship, but don't expect former champion Sean Sherk to be too far out of the mix. UFC President Dana White stated that Sherk will be next in line for a title shot after the Lightweight title situation is resolved.
Penn vs. Stevenson is as good a championship match as Sherk vs. Florian originally was, if not better, and I think either man would make an excellent Lightweight Champion. Penn was in tremendous shape against Jens Pulver and I expect the same man to show up at UFC 80. I don't have any problem with Sean Sherk getting an immediate shot at the title. He served his suspension, paid his fine, and suffered the slings and arrows of humanity. Sherk deserves a chance at redemption. He's also a teriffic 155-pound fighter who could, without a doubt, beat Joe Stevenson or BJ Penn on any given night.
Fans of Mixed Martial Arts won't have to wait long before the world's leading promotion offers up another dose of action on free television. The UFC will be taking over the Palms Casino in Las Vegas on January 23, 2008 to bring "Fight Night XII" to the masses.
The following bouts have been confirmed for the event:
Mike Swick vs. Josh Burkman
Patrick Cote vs. Drew McFedries
Thiago Tavares vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Another fight being rumored, though not stated as official by the UFC, is Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Champion Nate Diaz taking on talented Lightweight Alvin "Kid" Robinson.
All four of these fights are top notch in my opinion. They also work well for a "Fight Night" event as Cote, Swick, and Diaz each have a fanbase built from time spent on TUF so Spike TV is a natural fit to showcase the Ultimate Fighter alumni. Burkman should offer Mike Swick a serious test in the former Middleweight's first UFC fight at 170 pounds. McFedries and Cote will stand toe-to-toe and bang which should make for some in-Octagon fireworks. Tavares and Omigawa are both masterful technicians and Robinson vs. Diaz makes for a solid battle between young, talented Lightweights.
MMA veteran BJ Penn was sentenced to a year of probation, as well as ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution, in relation to a 2005 fight outside a bar in Waikiki where Penn was alleged to have punched a cop. Acording to official reports, the incident occurred when a police officer attempted to break up a group of men fighting in the street when Penn, involved in the melee, punched him in the face. Penn's sentence will not affect his ability to compete at UFC 80 in a bout against Joe Stevenson for the newly vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. The plea agreement does, however, mandate he abstains from alcohol, submits to substance abuse treatment, performs fifty hours of community service, and submit to random drug tests. If he meets all terms of the deal the offense will be removed from his permanant record.
This was a very fortunate ruling for the UFC. Had BJ Penn received jail time for assaulting a police officer, an even darker cloud would have been cast around the Lightweight Championship. I'm surprised more mainstream news outlets didn't pick up on this story. Penn is a respected name in Mixed Martial Arts and punching a police officer is a serious offense in the eyes of most people.
John Gunderson, of the Nevada Lions, was set to fight Chris Horodecki for the IFL's lightweight belt at the World Grand Prix Finals. He was replacing Shad Lierley. Then Gunderson aggravated a hand injury forcing him off the card. Replacing Gunderson is Portland Wolfpack lightweight Ryan Schultz. He's on a three fight win streak and 4-2 in the IFL. His only two losses have come to Bart Palaszewski and the man he'll be facing on the 29th, Chris Horodecki. During their first bout in November of 2006, Horodecki won by TKO in the 2nd round.
The International Fight League can't seem to get a break...unless it comes in the form of a broken bone preventing a fighter from stepping into the ring at one of their events. Ryan Schultz makes for a decent replacement. Losing to Palaszewski and Horodecki is nothing to be embarassed about. Both men are underrated Lightweights. Hopefully, the IFL has found a way to lock Schultz in a padded room with around-the-clock supervision. Beware the banana peel!
Dan Miller, of the New York Pitbulls, is off the IFL World Grand Prix card after breaking a bone in his face. He was scheduled to face Rory Markham of the Quad Cities Silverbacks. Miller was coming off a victory against Dave Phillips in the IFL Semifinals and a win over John Howard in a Ring of Combat bout. According to the IFL's website, Tom Galechio will be replacing Miller to take on Markham. Galechio is 7-3 in MMA competition and will be making his IFL debut on the 29th. He's won his last two bouts over Scott Argott and more recently Brian DeMuro in Extreme Challenge and Battle Cage Xtreme Bouts.
Dan Miller would have been a great stylistic match-up for Markham and his injury is unfortunate. He is skilled at submissions while Markham has never tapped out in his professional career. On the other hand, I don't think Markham will have any trouble finishing Tom Galechio, and I would be shocked if the IFL veteran ends up on the losing end of this fight.
EliteXC has sent out a press release announcing the signing of Scott Smith to their 185lb division. Smith is scheduled to debut in the promotion in Febuary. No opponent has yet been announced.
This is a nice move by EliteXC. Smith has UFC recognition, is an exciting fighter, and his resume will always include one of the sport's most-exciting finishes to date. If you don't remember his name you'll likely remember the knockout. It came against Pete "Drago" Sell at the Ultimate Fighter IV finale when he connected with a punch sending to Sell to the canvas while he (Smith) fell down in pain from a body shot "Drago" had delivered a second earlier. Scott Smith will never be considered an upper-echelon fighter or compete for UFC gold, but "Hands of Stone" is absolutely a rock solid addition to EliteXC's roster.
M-1 Global officials made an announcement earlier today stating Korean phenom Hong Man Choi, also known as the "Techno Goliath", would be facing PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko on December 31st, 2007 at the promotion's "Yarennoka" event. The 7'2", 350-pound Choi boasts a 1-0 Mixed Martial Arts record and has also found success in other forms of combat.
This is a lose-lose fight for Emelianenko. If he beats Choi, he has defeated a man who he should walk through like a warm knife cuts through warmer butter. Even if Fedor wins there will be many people, perhaps myself included, who will begin to question him as the best Heavyweight in the world. And, if the unthinkable happens where Choi somehow defeats Emelianenko, Fedor's reputation will be severely tarnished to the point of ridicule. The only winners in this equation are Choi (for exposure), HDNet fights (for exposure), and the fans who will get to watch things unfold on free, live television.
Fans last saw Jon "War Machine" Koppenhaver standing victorious in the Octagon after a hard-fought battle against fellow TUF 6er Jared Rollins at the Ultimate Fighter Finale. Thursday, December 13th, Koppenhaver found himself standing in front of a Superior Court Judge on Thursday fighting a new battle - one for his freedom. "War Machine" was charged with felony assault and battery relating to September 2nd incident where a man, Darren Zatkow, alleged Koppenhaver's role in an attack outside a fitness club where he (Zatkow) was choked unconscious and repeteadly punched in the face while out.
San Diego Police Detective Fernando Ramirez said a doctor who saw Zatkow within a week of the assault determined facial blows caused multiple fractures to his left eye socket. The injuries are serious enough to where there is a possibility of permanant nerve damage. A vacationer who was in San Diego at the time testified that, while he saw Koppenhaver "hold" the victim, the strikes to the unconscious man's face were delivered by a different individual in the party. If convicted of the crime, Koppenhaver faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
I was actually saddened to come across this news. Perhaps I'm your average bleeding heart liberal who loves caged displays of violence, but I felt a sense of pity towards Koppenhaver while watching the Ultimate Fighter VI as far as his upbringing. It seemed that perhaps he had turned a corner in his life when the show wrapped, especially after his inspirational performance against Jared Rollins at the Ultimate Fighter VI finale and heartfelt, emotional speech afterwards. Where my compassion ends is a man being choked unconscious and then punched in the face while being out cold...
If "War Machine" is in fact an accomplice in this crime he deserves whatever punishment the law dishes out. He has also jeopardized his UFC career by allegedly playing a role in a vicious beating. It is exactly the kind of offense Dana White is not willing to risk his organization's reputation on as one of his primary goals is to distance the UFC from its association with "street fighting". I will not be surprised if Koppenhaver is given his pink slip depending on how this legal matter plays out.
The Brazilian news website g1.globo.com is reporting that MMA fighter Ryan Gracie of the famous Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family was found dead in his prison cell this morning. Ryan had been arrested yesterday for attempted car theft. According to the police, Gracie stole a Toyota Corolla shortly after leaving his house with a kitchen knife. After crashing the car, he attempted to steal a motorcycle from a biker but was fought off by other bikers. He was arrested and processed. Police say that during a routine cell check at the station, Ryan was found in a corner of the cell, dead. Coroners quickly appeared on the scene to examine and remove his body. He was 33 years old.
This was sad news for the Mixed Martial Arts community and obviously moreso for the Gracie family. While Ryan Gracie had been out of the sport since 2004, he finished his career with a four-fight win streak and had a great deal of potential. I'll be interested to learn more about the circumstances surrounding his death as they're sketchy at best. I will not be surprised if drugs are involved given his reported erratic behavior.
Sensational news for Mixed Martial Arts fans in Hawaii . ICON Sport, Hawaii 's original MMA brand and leader since 1995, is about to get bigger" and better. ProElite, Inc., an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class MMA events, today announced the acquisition of ICON Sport, Hawaii's first and most lucrative MMA organization.
I thought ProElite had already purchased ICON this past September?!? Did I imagine the press release I was sent a few months back? Is the Google Search I just did on the matter lying to me? My brain hurts...
HDNet's Fights matchmaker Guy Mezger announced that a rematch between Frank Trigg and Jason "Mayhem" Miller could very well happen at the next HDNet's Fight's card that will be held on February 15th. Both fighters were victorious at last night's HDNet's Fight's event.
I was at the press conference and Mezger also stated he would like to see a "rubber match" between Jason Miller and Tim Kennedy. They split their first two meetings, each winning by decision, so a third and final bout makes a lot of sense given their hotly contested fight on Saturday night. I'm not sure if "Mayhem" can avenge his loss to Frank Trigg in the same manner as Kennedy, but the build to the event will be legendary given both men's knack for promoting a fight in an entertaining way.
Put Marshall up against a better fighter and I'll be impressed when he wins. Until then I could do without his desire to "KD" (Knock Dead) opponents, especially on the heels of Sammy Vasquez's death less than three weeks ago.
Charlie Valencia def. Ian McCall - Submission - RD 1
This was a fun, fast-paced fight. Valencia outclassed his foe which is saying a lot given McCall's 6-0 record prior to entering the fight. I have a feeling I wasn't the only one who whooped it up after Valencia delivered a beautiful German Suplex. If you missed it...
Paulo Filho def. Chael Sonnen - Submission - RD 2
I didn't feel the Submission was at all controversial while I know others, especially those in attendance, felt the referee ended the fight without the Team Quest fighter tapping out. It appeared to me as though Sonnen verbally gave in and, in a replay I've watched, he does appear to tap out before the official made his call. Frankly, if Sonnen wasn't submitting, the ref was doing him a favor as Filho was about to rip his arm off.
Jens Pulver def. Cub Swanson - Submission - RD 1
Pulver's win was a feel good moment for the sport but I wasn't necesssarily "impressed" by his performance. "Little Evil" was able to show his experience in his ability to take advantage of Swanson's aggression but the fight didn't tell you much about either individual. I certainly did not come away having a reason to believe Pulver can hang with Urijah Faber at this stage in their careers.
Urijah Faber def. Jeff Curran - Submission - RD 2
Faber, or "The Chin" as I like to call him, found himself in Filho territory at the start of this fight in terms of being seconds away from being on the losing end of a huge upset. His ability to overcome Curran's attacks was impressive. Urijah is the real deal and, as far as I'm concerned, any 145-pound guy who can fight off the Balinese mafia (as Faber did according to a memorable story he's told) is the best Featherweight in the world. I think "The California Kid" will breeze through Pulver and, unless the UFC Jr. starts to bring in guys from various Asian promotions, they're going to run out of opponents for their golden boy in the next 12-18 months.
From HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon...
Krzysztof Soszynski def. Robert Villegas - Disqualification - RD 2
Villegas was limping around at the press conference and back at the hotel so I don't doubt his claim of a broken foot. I don't believe he deserved to be disqualified, but in the referee's defense it appeared as though he was giving up in the fight by repeteadly falling down to pull guard. Krzystof "Triple Letter Score" Soszynski looked good, so as long as he avoids fighting Ben Rothwell again (who he's lost to twice), I think the big Canadian has a few solid showings for HDNet Fights in his future.
Pete Spratt def. Tristan Yunker - TKO (cut) - RD 1
Yunker's orbital area was pretty busted so I had no problem with the stoppage. It didn't seem to bother him at the hotel bar afterwards. He was in good spirits and perhaps even enjoyed a few good spirits too if you know what I mean. Spratt is 2-0 for HDNet Fights. Perhaps the native Texan has found a home in, of all places, Texas.
I was surprised Yves Edwards was absent at the post-event press conference. Their fight was a good one, though Edwards was clearly superior to Martinez. His experience and recent stint at American Top Team were evident. He's won two fights in a row. I wouldn't mind seeing Edwards, a seasoned fighter who has been competing for ten years, put together a nice run this late in his career.
Frank Trigg def. Edwin Dewees - Submission - RD 1
The Kimura Trigg locked on to Dewees was deep! If Edwin wasn't double-jointed before he certainly is now....maybe even triple-jointed. Trigg expressed in the post-event press conference what I felt were genuine sentiments regarding Dewees' experience, size, strength, and submission skills. "Twinkle Toes" said he never expected to win by submission and gave Xtreme Couture a great deal of credit. Dewees was understandably disappointed, but gave Trigg a ton of respect as well as expressed his appreciation to HDNet Fights for the opportunity. Actually, there seemed to be a general warm, fuzzy feeling radiating from the fighters regarding their treatment by the HDNet crew.
Jason Miller def. Tim Kennedy - Judges' Decision
"Mayhem" is by far one of Mixed Martial Arts' greatest personalities. His entrance was classic, especially given HDNet Fights' methodolgy of entrances where both men stand side-by-side before walking down to the cage. Miller stepped out in a luchadore mask, shiny silver tights, and a sparkling red cape. Dan Henderson and another Team Quest member then stepped forward while holding pinatas, which seemed confusing until "Mayhem" proceeded to smack them both and unleash a spray of candy onto the audience. I personally ended up taking a package of Sweet Tarts to the dome based on my positioning next to the entrance way. DJ Gozma better start looking over his shoulder as Jason Miller is nipping at his heels when it comes to creative, entertaining entrances.
As far as the fight, it was clearly the best of the night and both men gave it their all. I would love to see a Fall 2008 "rubber match" between the two. The cut on Kennedy's nose was serious business. In the press conference after the show, he stated he wasn't sure what kind of blow opened it up and credited the memory loss to Miller's striking. I thought "Mayhem" had a great line after winning the fight about playing a tough guy on television, but then showed a great deal of respect to Tim Kennedy by calling him a real hero based on Kennedy's affiliation with the Army Rangers.
And, because I have a feeling people who didn't see the event will enjoy these, I'm including a few pictures of Miller's entrance. If I find a video of it, or if one of you kind readers wants to send me a link to one, I'll definitely include the festivities in a future Punch Drunk Hangover. Enjoy! I'll have more photos ready to post later this week...
Dan Henderson prepares for...
....JASON...
....MAYHEM...
....MILLER!!!
Jibber-Jabber:
The following soundbytes were delivered over the past week...
From former WWE superstar Bret Hart when giving his thoughts on Mixed Martial Arts...
"In ultimate fighting, when you see these guys really punching faces, and drilling guys until the ref usually stops it, I think, always a couple seconds too late, that's an incredible amount of brain damage being done. And at what cost? Do you really want to pay money for this? It's like dog fighting. Do you really feel good about yourself supporting someone getting their brains punched out? I mean, I'm guilty, I love watching it, I'm riveted and I have deep regard for it. But when I watch it I always have a pang. I wish wrestling was like it used to be so we wouldn't need to have this kind of entertainment."
The first thing Mr. Hart can do to draw me into giving a steaming pile of poo about his opinion would be calling the sport "Mixed Martial Arts" - not "Ultimate Fighting". Equating it to dog fighting is asinine. I find it ironic a man who had a stroke as the result of a botched wrestling move would accuse MMA of inflicting an "incredible amount of brain damage" while calling for a return to the glory days of professional wrestling. When Mixed Martial Artists start dying off in droves between the ages of 35-50 he can start pointing fingers at how dangerous the sport is in comparison to flopping around on a canvas while wearing hot-pink spandex and dime store sunglasses.
Michael Bisping on dropping down to Middleweight...
"Even though I've never fought at middleweight, I've gone back and forth with the decision to go down pretty much my whole career. Even from my very first pro fight, people were telling me that I was a little too small for the light heavies. But I kept winning and, at least before I stepped up to the UFC, I was winning easily so I didn't really take much notice. I've not trained in a month and right now I weigh 211 pounds. Actually, even as far back as the TUF 3 try-outs in London, Dana White looked at me and asked me if I was sure I wanted to try-out for the light heavies rather than the middleweights. Then I was asked the same question again when I was invited to Las Vegas to do the interview to get on the show. I've been asked about middleweight loads of times, by not just writers, but also other fighters, so I started thinking about it more seriously this year."
This is a good move for "The Count". It was clear he was getting out-muscled by other Light Heavyweights who walk around at 220-230 pounds. Bisping's natural weight is more in the 205-210 range. I believe he'll find success in the Middleweight division and it's nice to see the division continue it's descent towards having actual depth.
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As mentioned last week, tis the season of giving, so please check out Roger Huerta's charity - "My Fight 4 Kids". Also, if you're in the gifting mood, peep our site's
"MMA Holiday Shopping Guide". You're bound to find some sweet deals made even sweeter by 411Mania exclusive discounts on some great Mixed Martial Arts gear and clothing. To help inspire the spirit of the Holidays, maybe I should start by doing a little "giving" of my own?
I hope you've enjoyed this week's PDH and I've made your day go by a little faster with some insight, humor, and knuckle-headed opinion. Till next we meet, in the immortal words of Bas Rutten, "God Speed and party on!" WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!
