Passing the Guard 09.06.08: Couture Comes Home

Posted by Stephen DeAugustino on 09.06.2008

Another week, and another awesome edition of Passing the Guard! Take a look at some of the biggest stories going on today, such as up-to-date information on Couture's return to the Octagon, as well as the latest chapter in the Brett Rogers-Kimbo Slice feud. That and tons more, not to mention a solid look at tonight's event, UFC 88: Breakthrough. Don't miss out!

Hello and welcome, to another weekly edition of Passing the Guard; the best source for all that is MMA around. With UFC 88 only a few hours away, you're definitely going to want to take a peek at our in- depth preview, as well as some of the top stories going on in the sport today.




Reviews


UFC 88


Chuck Liddell Vs. Rashad Evens

The main event of the evening may not be the fight of the year or the most exciting match-up made in even the past few months, but Liddell-Evans is going to be one to watch. After sitting on top of the 205 throne for the better part of a couple years, Liddel lost his title to former nemesis and current underdog Quinton Jackson. The loss was a huge blow to "the iceman's" image, but was not something the former champ could rebound from; getting caught with a right hook is not something to throw a career away over. However, when Liddell lost his second fight to Keith Jardine via a split (and dull) decision, many thought it was time for Chuck to hang ‘em up. Then, it happened. After years of anticipation, Liddell stepped into the cage against Wanderlei Silva in which many claim to be one of the best fights to ever happen within the UFC. Chucks win may very well have saved his career, but the legend still has some ways to go before reclaiming his belt, more specifically, a win over Rashad Evens. Evens, undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, is coming off a relatively lackluster split decision win over Michael Bisping, and before that, Rashad saw himself earning a draw against a now stale Tito Ortiz, a man Liddell has topped twice in his career. "Sugar" Rasahd Evens is a solid threat at 205, even to Chuck Liddell, but Liddell is just too much; his takedown defense will null and wrestling offensive the MSU alum will throw, and Evens isn't as sharp on his feet as his opponent. Liddell takes this, by unanimous decision.


Rich Franklin Vs. Matt Hamill
Sometimes cutting weight may not be your best interests. Rich Franklin has come to this conclusion, as the elite middleweight and former champion his decided to make the move back to 205 after suffering two brutal losses to current champion Anderson Silva. The situation leaves Franklin little choice but to move up, and he will do so tonight when he takes on fellow Cincinnati native Matt Hamill. Hamill is known for his aggressive wrestling style that comes from his very successful run at collegiate and international competition. By the books, Hamill is 5-1 in his career, but his loss to fellow castmate Michael Bisping was regarded as something of a fluke; Hamill was clearly winning the fight at the end of the third round, but judges suspiciously thought otherwise. Regardless, Hamill will prove to be a huge challenge for Rich, for he has never really fought against a wrestler as good as Hamill in his long career. How will Franklin react to the relentless takedowns Hamill has to offer? Will Franklin, a strong standup fighter, be able to put down a guy like Hamill who has a very strong chin? Is Franklin's grappling good enough to launch any kind of offensive when the fight hits the floor? So many questions makes this fight very hard to call, but I'm going to have to pick the underdog here. Hamill wins by split decision


Karo Parisyan Vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

After making a huge splash in the MMA world a few years ago, things have kind of gone south for good ol' Karo. After an extremely lukewarm performance against Ryo Chonan, Parisyan went on to lose a critical fight against Thiago Alves. Soon after Parisyan went on to reveal that he had chronic issues concerning his stress levels throughout his life. Hopfully, he has gotten back on the horse, for he will need to bring his A game if he wants to snatch a win from Yoshiyuki Yoshida. Yoshida is coming off an outstanding performance in his UFC debut just four months ago when he put Jon Koppenhaver to sleep in one of the slickest anaconda chokes we've seen in the Octagon. Surprisingly enough, Yoshida is not known for his submission game; most of his wins have come from TKOs and KOs. A veteran of Shooto and Cage Force, Yoshida will give Karo all that he can handle later tonight, but the question is can Karo pull it out? I really don't see Yoshida pulling a submission off against Parisyan; sure that anazonda choke was excellent but lets be honest, Jon Koppenhaver's submission ability is nowhere near that of Karo Parisyan. However, Yoshida does have the ability to unload some strikes on Karo, and in my mind that is enough to win this fight. Yoshida by TKO.

UPDATESince the writing of this article, Karo Parisyan has dropped out of the bout due to back problems. While not much has been announced besides that, chances are that the bout will simply be pulled off the card completely.


Dan Henderson Vs. Rousimar Palhares

Talk about a fall from grace. After becoming the first fighter to ever carry belts in two different weight classes, Dan Henderson saw his luck turn for the worst as he lost both of said belts in his first two consecutive UFC appearances. First, "Hendo" clashed with close friend and then current UFC champion Quinton Jackson, in which he lost a hard fought decision. Following that defeat, Henderson saw himself on the band end of a rear naked choke with a submission loss to middleweight great Anderson Silva. Now, the beltless Henderson will look to reclaim his title in the middleweight division as he faces dangerous up-and-comer Rousimar Palhares. Palhares has had a long history of fights in his home country of Brazil, where he earned a reputation of being a submission stand out. However, the Brazilian Top Team member didn't make a name for himself until his first appearance in the UFC, where he pulled off a beautiful armbar finish over veteran Ivan
Salaverry.

A win here for Henderson would be a great start for his journey back into title contention, but it will not be easy; Henderson is known for having a sub-par submission game as he was tapped out by Antonio Rogerio Nogueira twice, and most recently Anderson Silva. Despite that, Dan Henderson should have no problem here. After taking a tough two losses in his opening fights, Henderson will finally strike victory in the cage with a win over a solid opponent. Dan Henderson by TKO.


Martin Kampmann Vs. Nate Marquardt
While the 185 division may be a little bit skinny right now, it is well represented on tonight's card, not only because of the Henderson-Palhares bout, but also because of this. Both of these competitors are at the top of the middleweight division in the UFC. Nate is a former king of Pancrase who upon entering into the UFC put together a solid string of wins that included Dean Lister and Joe Doerksen before losing his title fight against Silva. Kampman has yet to reach his own title shot, but the way he has been fighting should bring any hopes of a belt into fruition; Kampmann is on a nine fight win streak and is undefeated in the UFC. Not only that, but since his injury in 2007, Kampmann has shown a great improvement in is ground game, something that makes this Danish kick boxer even more dangerous. This will prove to be an excellent fight, as the classic grappler vs. striker mach up usually is. However, as Kampmann has shown a very much improved ground game, he may be cheating a bit here. Kampmann has seemed to cross into the territory of becoming a great mixed martial arts fighters that is balanced in both standing and ground fighting. Unfortunately for Marquardt, he himself is not quite there yet. Martin takes this fight by Decision.






News


Rafael Cavalcante to fight for EliteXC light heavyweight belt

After having a rather bleek 205 division, the EliteXC is going to try and spice things up Rafael Cavalcante into the divisions first title fight this October. Coming off of a TKO victory over Travis Galbraith, Cavalcante told Tatame.com his plans for the future belt.

"That's a goal [to win the light heavyweight title] that I had planned since the beginning of the year with my coaches, and thank God we made it, and I hope I bring this belt to Brazil. I'm doing my best and I'll get there in shape"

Cavalcante has a 7-1 record, with most of his wins coming under the IFL or EliteXC banner. He was first discovered by fellow Brazilian Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, who was in need of a training partner while on a business trip back home. Calvalcante originally made his debut at heavyweight, but since then has dropped down to 205 where he has struck some respectable success. At this time, no opponent has been announced for Calvalcante.


DREAM announces Cro Cop-Overeem, return of Kharitonov

While everyone and their mother saw this fight coming, it was only a matter of time before Alistair Overeem got his wish to step in the ring with feared heavyweight Mirko Cro Cop. After a few weeks issued challenges between both camps, it seems things have come together as DREAM announced that the fight will be taking place on their September 23rd show at the Saitama Super Arena. The move is clearly made with the intention of trying to keep DREAM's broadcasting relationship a float as ratings have been dropping the past few months.

The fight will be co-headlining the semifinals and finals of the middleweight grand prix that's is wrapping up in the same night. The semis will see Gegard Mousasi vs. Melvin Manhoef and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Zelg Galesic, with the winners of each moving on to the finals. DREAM has also made an additional move to trt and beef up the card; the addition of Pride heavyweight standout Sergei Kharitonov.

Kharitonov has a record of 15-3, holding wins over Pedro Rizzo, Murilo Rua, Fabricio Werdum, and most recently Alistair Overeem. Keep in mind that Overeem and Kharitonov have fought twice before, with both men taking one win apiece. Depending on the outcome of the Cro Cop fight, we many be seeing a third bout in the works here. Kharitonov will be facing Siala "Mighty Mo" Siligia in his DREAM debut.



HDNet announces partnership with Affliction

As Affliction continues to grow, so does it's relationship with others within the MMA community. This statement also includes other organizations, as HDNet announced Wednesday that it had locked in a long term partnership with the newfound fight promotion. While specifics are not known at this time, we do know some of the more interesting portions of the deal.

For the time being, HDNet will be used to air some of the preliminary bouts before Affliction's pay-per-view shows begin, much like the current roll that Fox Sports Net currently plays. The pre-fight specials will be roughly 60 to 90 minutes long, and will be announced by several HDNet fight personalities such as Kenny Rice, Bas Rutten, and Ron Kruck. HDNet Fights CEO Andrew Simon:

"This is the beginning of a long-term partnership with Affliction that encompasses live MMA, co-marketing and top fighters for the top weekly show in MMA - Inside MMA on HDNet,….. Affliction has quickly become one of the top organizations in MMA which means it is a must have for HDNet."

The deal will go immediately effect, as Affliction's next card, "Day of Reckoning", will be the first to incorporate the new deal. Currently, three matches will air at 7:30 on HDNet prior to the pay-per-view. However, only two of the three fights are know as of right now; former IFL champion Roy Nelson will be taking on UFC veteran Paul Buentello, and welterweights Mike Pyle and Jason High will square off in one of the promotion's growing lower weight divisions.



Rogers, Slice conflict picks up more momentum

It's quite clear that Brett Rogers is a very angry man, and who can blame him? After watching James Thompson, a man Rogers defeated a couple of months before hand, standing in the prime time spotlight against Kimbo Slice, a fight arguably more hype than anything else, it is easily justifiable for Rogers to be upset. To make matters worse, after Rogers appeared to be next in line for his shot at Slice, MMA legend Ken Shamrock cuts in and takes the fight. Roger's camp struck first, issuing this statement:

"As for Oct 4th; that was our spot. Shamrock with his name and giant ego butted in line to get a slice of Kevin. At 103 years of age Ken usurped our rightful place against the YouTube champ. Our sincerest hope is that Ken whips Kimbo and then we can finally euthanize the "World's Most Dangerous Man" and relegate him to some MMA dinosaur exhibit. Maybe taxidermy him and Severn and place them on a rotating pedestal where they can endless circle each other.

"If Ken proves to be more sham then rock and Fergi beats him, then the Slice hype grows even greater. Dude is already more myth then Sasquatch, Chupacabra and a fucking unicorn combined. Kevin is the black Yeti.

"Caught between a Shamrock and a hard place, Kevin has chosen the old over the new; the past over the future. But Fergi… the hard place is coming. By putting us off, making us wait will only make matters worse."

Slice's camp responded by simply requesting that Five Ounces of Pain show a picture of Rogers lifting a tire, with the caption of "Rogers, don't quit your day job." The quote is a reference to Rogers former job as a tire repairman at a Minneapolis-area Sam's Club.


Recently, Rogers' camp issued another statement back to Slice. While seemingly harmless, the entire response is a reference to Slice being an apparent Marijuana user, as several drug related bold words are subliminally put into the letter.

"With all the talk and about the Kimbo situation let me be Blunt. I would hate to see this whole deal go up in Smoke when Kenny hammers Kimbo. We don't want to be a Chronic pest; like a Roach on a white rug but we want our shot" Team Bison continues with "We are not just going to huff and puff; we will just wait 'till the numbers are right and then we will get out from behind the 8-ball, jump from limbo and just hope it happens sometime before Kimbo B-40"

To read the letter in its entirety, visit
five ounces of pain



Gonzaga to make return at UFC 91

Gabriel Gonzaga is continuing to rebuild, as reports are out that he will face UFC newcomer Josh Hendricks at UFC 91 on November 15 in Las Vegas Nevda. Contracts are still in the works, but both camps have verbally agreed to the fight.
Once looked upon as a strong threat to anyone in the heavyweight division, Gonzaga dropped two critical fights to Randy Couture and Fabricio Werdum, which put a damper on his title run and reputation. Most recently though, Gonzaga was able to claim a solid victory over Justin McCully by way of kimura. Another win here will help to move Gonzaga back up into contention.

His opponent, Josh Hendricks, has a 14-4 record and has not lost in his past ten outings. Hendricks has never competed in the UFC, but he has fought against big names such as Sam Hoger and Travis Wiuff earlier in his career.

So far, the only other matches confirmed for the November card is a lightweight fight between Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson, as well as the return of Randy Couture against Brock Lesnar. However, word is out that Ultimate Fighter season 7 winner Amir Sadollah will be fighting in the card too. No opponent has been named for Sadollah yet.




Couture back in UFC, Fedor fight looking gloomy

Fans rejoiced this past week as Randy Couture finally settled things with Dana White and the UFC, in what promises to bring "The Natural" to competition very soon. For the past several weeks, the legal battle between Zuffa and Couture had raged on into a strict dead lock that seemed to prevent Couture from fighting anytime soon. Thankfully, all is now well and we will see Couture back in action again on November 15 at the MGM in Las Vegas. His opponent will be Brock Lesnar, who is coming off of a rather dull win over Heath Herring last month.

Originally thought to be a one or two fight deal, details have arisen that Couture has signed a brand new three-fight deal that still has him listed as the organizations heavyweight champion. The divisions interim champion, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, will still fight Frank Mir in December, and the winner of that fight will go on to fight the winner of Couture-Lesnar, at which point the two belts will be unified.

Interestingly enough, when asked why he decided to take up the contract with Zuffa, Couture said that it was "a resolution" that would speed along the potential super fight between Fedor and himself. Randy stated that Fedor "needs to come and fight me." On the same note, UFC president Dana White went on to say that he was not interested in negotiating any cross promotion fights, and that he would never sign Fedor to a one fight deal. With the way things have been going, Fedor would almost never see action inside the cage under these conditions, making a fight between the two legendary heavyweights seem improbable anytime soon.

Until then, Couture will have to focus on Lesnar, who seems fairly irritated about the whole Fedor issue. At one point, the former WWE superstar stated "Who gives a s— about Fedor!? This fight is between me and Randy."



Thiago Silva pulls out of fight with Machida

UFC 89 already was a fairly slim card, but now matters have gotten worse for the Birmingham, England show as the co-main event has been altered; Thiago Silva will not be able to compete due to back problems. One of the more anticipated fights on the card, Silva was slated to take on light heavyweight contender Lyoto Machida, who has been on a rampage since his entry into the UFC. With Silva holding an equally impressive record in the Octagon, the fight was guaranteed to help draw viewers in.

With the event still six weeks away, there is plenty of time for matchmaker Joe Silva to find a replacement for the injured fighter. Just as to who it might be, is still undetermined at this time.

UFC 89 will take place on October 18 at he National Indoor Arena, and will be headlined by Michael Bisping and Chris Leben. Some of the other fights on the card are Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Luiz Cane, Keith Jardine vs. Brandon Vera, and Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly.




Random Pass

A week or so ago I watched an extremely funny video about Cro Cop, in which he and Bas Rutten played a pretty good joke on Mauro Ranallo. (I believe the video was put up by Mr. Mitchell over at Eight Sides of Steel, but I am not sure). Anyway, I was so found of the clip that I decided to find my own bit of Mirko Filipovic humor, and while it may not be as entertaining as the previous video, it still manages to cracks smile on my, and hopefully your, face.




Yup. That is all she wrote for this week. Please enjoy tonight's fights and have an awesome weekend. Thank you for stopping by, and we hope to see you back next week. Until then, you have just passed the guard! Good night!