UFC 148 Press Conference

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS...

At the Palazzo in Lagasse Stadium in Vegas, The UFC Middleweight Champion and his second time opponent, Chael Sonnen answer questions from the media and fans.

After the conference it took 3 people, including UFC President Dana White, to stop what looked like was going to turn into a fist fight on stage.

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My Thoughts:
I don't want to spoil the surprise so I'll try to limit my hype. A lot of questions were answered with big talk and some with few or even a single word. The Champion is set to fight the Top Contender on PPV this Saturday. All I've got to say is, Order This Fight!

Picture: A Snip-it from the conference via my Snipping Tool

Nick Diaz "Retires" at age 29

Temporary Retirement?

Long time MMA and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu coach, Cesar Gracie is now coming to the defense of former UFC Wealterweight, Nick Diaz.
In October 2011, Diaz's UFC debut fight which brought him a 3 round Unanimous Decision victory over the former Wealterweight Champion BJ Penn igniting Penn's Retirement.
With Geroges St. Pierre, the current Wealterweight Title holder out of the ring awaiting recovery from knee sugery, Diaz fought Carlos Condit for the Interim title. Condit came out with the Unanimous Decision defeating Diaz.
Six days following his loss to Carlos Condit, Diaz tested positive in a urinalysis for Marijuana and has been fighting the NSAC (Nevada State Atheletics Commission) since.

After losing the court battle for the failed urinalysis, Diaz's coach, Cesar Gracie came back with this statement, June 29, 2011 in an interview with Fight Hub TV:

"There's retired and there's retired. One day you have a job and you retire, you're retired. But Nick's too young, he's what, 28 (or) 29, whatever he is. I think the word can be used ... how about temporarily retired? I think that would be a better thing about it, he's temporarily retired."

My opinion:
 Temporarily retired? You're either retired or in the game. I have a lot of respect for the Gracies but when they do what they're doing do defend a fighter for the use of illegal drugs... I lose substatial respect for the team, the fighter, and the coaches. That's just rediculous! Diaz, you tested posistive, there's no getting out of it, good luck with out the UFC.

Photos from top to bottom: Diaz promo for Stikeforce (2) A "fan made" picture of Diaz with a giant marijana plant.

UFC Primetime: Silva VS Sonnen II

The commercial free version is now available here:


Video

Special thanks to MMA Spartan

UFC 148 Co-Main & Main Events

CO-MAIN EVENT
Light Heavyweight - 205lbs
FORREST GRIFFIN -VS- TITO ORTIZ 3

 GRIFFIN (18-7-0)

ORTIZ (17-10-0)

 Let’s start with UFC 59 where Ortiz took a Split Decision win over Griffin after three rounds of a grueling back and forth war between the two fighters back in 2006. Over the next two years, Griffin then took on 5 fights winning 4 to include the UFC Light Heavyweight title in a five round Unanimous decision victory over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Griffin only defended his title once and lost it to “Sugar” Rashad Evan’s after being knocked out in the 3^rd round.  Another KO followed as Griffin fought Anderson Silva at UFC 101 losing in the first round. Griffin’s next fight was against Tito Ortiz for the second time at UFC 106 which brought Griffin a much needed Split Decision victory in November of 2009 at UFC 106. Since then, Griffin has earned another Decision victory over Rich Franklin and his most recent loss due to a first round knockout to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC RIO Live August 27, 2011.

Tito Ortiz has had a hard road since the Split Decision win over Forrest  Griffin at UFC 59, losing 7 of his nine fights to date with his only wins being 2 knockouts over Ken Shamrock in 2006, followed by a KO loss to Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell in his attempts to regain his Light Heavyweight title. From the Liddell fight on, Ortiz went to lose 4 more consecutive fights to include all decisions against Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Matt Hamill and his 2009 loss to Forest Griffin. In July of 2011, Ortiz managed to pull off a KO win over Ryan “Darth” Bader; then to lose two more fights, both knockouts, against Rashad Evans (their 2^nd fight) and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira being his last fight to date in December of 2011.

 Both Tito and Forrest’s careers have not been the best over the past few years. With Ortiz being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame(July 2012), this will most likely be his last fight in the Octagon.

(Unless Chuck Liddell throws in a Hail Mary for a third fight with Ortiz)
Griffin on the other hand is less predictable and less emotional. If Forrest loses his fight with Ortiz he will most likely retire and be done with the sport entirely. I also see Forrest leaving if he wins, being that he’d be leaving on a win; and a good win at that.

 If Forrest Griffin can keep the fight standing, utilize his leg kicks, and avoid Ortiz’s takedowns than he’s got this win in the bag. I’d love to see Forrest end his career on a highlight reel knockout over Tito Ortiz, but I just don’t think that’s in the cards for this event this late in his career.

*Prediction: [W] Griffin Round 3 Unanimous Decision (30/29)
Photos From top to Bottom: UFC 59, UFC 106 "Otiz VS Griffin II, UFC 106 Weigh-ins 

MAIN EVENT

Middleweight – 185lbs

TITLE MATCH
5 Rounds

ANDERSON “THE SPIDER” SILVA -VS- CHAEL SONNEN 2

 ANDERSON SILVA (29-4-0)

CHAEL SONNEN (28-11-1)

 Anyone that pays any attention to the UFC knows the rivalry between these two fighters.

Sonnen is the number one trash talker in the business today, often pushing his insults too far. He claims to have never lost to Anderson Silva and to be the best fighter in the UFC today. Not just in the Middleweight division, but the entire sport; a lot of talk and not a lot or realization that he has lost (on the books) to 2 fighters that Anderson Silva has previously beaten.  

In 2003 fighting for IFC division, Chael Sonnen lost to Forrest Griffin in a first round submission. Following that, in 2009 during Sonnen’s UFC debut for UFC 95 he also lost to a first round submission against Demian Maia.
After his debut loss, Sonnen took on three more opponents and won each fight by Decision against Dan Miller, Yushin Okami, and Nate Marquardt.
In August of 2010, Sonnen fought Anderson Silva for the first time in a dominating title fight making him the closest of all Silva’s contenders to take his title. Sonnen used his wrestling to stay on top of Silva and beat him down for 23 of the 25 minutes. At 23 and 9 seconds into the fifth and final round, Silva caught Sonnen in an Arm in Triangle choke forcing Sonnen to tap.

 Since their first fight, there has been nothing but words from Sonnen; going as far as insulting Silva’s home country of Brazil and its people, and saying:

 “I’m going to walk in his house, slap his wife on the ass and tell her to make me a steak.”

The infuriated Silva held his tongue… for the time being.

Anderson “The Spider” Silva is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He is undefeated in his 14 UFC fights including 10 title defenses. Due to sheer boredom in the middleweight division, Silva moved up in weight to Fight at Light Heavyweight (205lbs) to defeat James Irvin with a first round knockout and Forrest Griffin the same.
None fighter, other than Chael Sonnen, has come close to defeating “The Spider.”

 Up until a few days more than a week before the UFC 148 fight, Anderson Silva held his tongue. In an online media phone call interview, Silva went to say that:

 “The shit talk is over. I will break all of his teeth, his legs, his arms, and his face. Chael Sonnen will not be able to walk. He will not leave the Octagon alone, I guarantee that!”

 The first thing that Anderson Silva needs to do is prepare to be taken down and defend it wisely. Silva’s best bet would be to come out swinging with accurate strikes, kicks, knees, and elbows to defend against an upset repeat of his first title defense against Chael Sonnen.

At 10pm (EST) July 7^th, 2012 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada the rivalry will come to the Octagon and only one fighter will walk out with either a new Middleweight title belt around their waste, or simply just another win for “The Spider.”
*Prediction: [W] Silva Round 1 KO

Photos from top to bottom: UFC 148 Promo picture, Chael Sonnen VS Brain Stann at UFC at UFC 136,
Silva's front kick to the face of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126.

UFC 148 Main Card

MAIN CARD
There are six spectacular fights set for the main card of UFC 148.

2 Lightweights

2 Middleweights (Including the Main Event)
1 Light Heavyweight (Co-Main Event)
1 Featherweight

 Let’s not drag this out longer than need be; here is your fight line up for the Pay-Per-View Main Event fight card.

Bantamweight – 135lbs

Ivan Menjivar (24-8-0)
VS
Mike “The Hulk” Easton (12-1-0)

Since Menjivar’s debut fight in the Octagon April, 30^th 2011, he has made a remarkable recovery since losing three fights in a row, spread out across 8 years. That’s right, before his 2^nd debut in the UFC, Menjivar’s last fight in the Octagon was against none other than Matt Serra at UFC 48 way back in June of 2004. Since his return, he’s knocked out Charlie Valencia,  won a Unanimous Decision over Nick Pace, and earned a first round Submission over John Albert in February on UFC on FUEL TV.
At UFC 148, he’s set to fight “The Hulk” Mike Easton who carries in his 2-0 record in the UFC is a second round knockout over Byron Bloodworth at UFC live 6 on October 1^st. 2011 and a Majority Decision over Jared Papazian at UFC on FX 1. 
Ivan Menjivar has to be weary of Easton’s power, striking, and takedowns.
*Prediction: [W] Easton Round 1 KO
Photo: Easton at UFC on FX 1 Weigh-ins 

Featherweight – 145lbs

Chad “Money” Mendez (11-1-0)
VS
Cody Mckenzie (13-2-0)

Chad Mendez a way better average than most of the other Featherweights in his division. After a 6 fight win streak, 2 of which being in the UFC being decisions over Michihiro Omigawa and Rani Yahya, his reign was brought down by the Current Featherweight Champion, Jose Aldo. Mendez carries in his arsenal some of the best wrestling in the division matched with his speed and power. Takedowns are his game and you better believe that Cody Mckenzie knows it.

Mckenzie being the owner of the infamous “Mckenzitine” guillotine choke, only furthers the proof of his drive and ground game. The single submission has brought Mckenzie his only two wins on the book in the UFC against Aaron Wilkinson and Marcus LeVesseur and both in the first round. Although his 2 consecutive losses were also by submission.
Personally, I don’t think Cody Mcenzie is ready for Chad Mendez but we’ll see. The only chance that Mckenzie will have against Mendez will be his signature Mckenzitine… if that fails, he’s in deep trouble.  
*Prediction: [W] Mendez Round 2 TKO (Ground N Pound)
Photo: Mendez at UFC 133 Weigh-ins

Welterweight – 170lbs
Dong Hyun “Stun Gun” Kim (15-1-1)
VS
Demien Maia (15-4-0)

From 2007-2009 Demien Maia was undefeated in the UFC with a 5-0 record with all submission victories, 3 of which were in the 1^st round. After a first round knockout loss to Nate Marquardt, Maia have never really been the same and his fights a lot less spectacular than those preceding. From 2009 until now, every fight Maia has been in has been a win or lose by Decision with his last fight and most current loss to Chirs Weidman, Unanimously, at UFC on FOX 2.

Kim is much in the same boat as Maia with a record of alternating wins and losses coming off a 3 round decision victory over Sean Pierson at UFC  141 back in December of last year. Kim and Maia will bring the same fight styles to the ring the each other possesses. This fight will be a win by decision for witch ever fighter has more takedowns and Octagon control while on the ground.
*Prediction: [W] Maia Round 3 Unanimous Decision (29/28)

Middleweight – 185lbs
Cung Le (7-2-0)
VS
Patrick “The Predator” Cote (18-7-0)

 Since his fight with Anderson Silva in 2008 “The Predator” has become the prey with three consecutive losses to include the TKO @ UFC 90 by the current Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, a second round submission by Alan Belcher at UFC 113 and a Unanimous Decision loss to Tom Lawler at UFC 121 in October of 2010. At UFC 148, he will be fighting for his career.

Cung Le’s debut fight into the UFC was less than gratifying for his change from Strikeforce where he once held the title after knocking out Frank Shamrock in 2008. Wanderlei Silva broke Le’s nose in classic Wanderlei style with big knees to the face giving Cung Le his UFC debut loss. Although win or lose, boring, would never describe a Cung Le Fight. Every single win on the books has been by KO/TKO
*Prediction: [W] Le Round 2 TKO by Strikes retiring Cote
Photo: Cung Le VS Wanderlie Silva at UFC 139

UFC 148 - Preliminary Card & Predictions

Over the last couple years, the UFC and Zuffa have been putting together bigger and better fight cards, and thus far, all leading up to this one. Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Wealterweight, Middleweight, and Light-Heavyweight classes will be engaged throughout the UFC 148 event on July 7^th, 2012.

Here are the top 3 more exciting names (aside from the Main Event) to know and who will host the “Can’t Blink” type of fights:

Costa Philippou (Middleweight) Stand and Bang Power                             [VS Riki Fukuda]

Melvin Guillard (Lightweight) Speed, Power, and agility                             [VS Fabricio Camoes]
Ivan Mejivar (Bantamweight) Speed and Striking                                         [VS Mike Easton]

With fighters such as these named above, it’s not hard to get a little excited. But wait, yes, there’s more…

 Starting with the Preliminary Fights on FX:

Lightweight – 155lbs

John “The Natural” Alessio (34-15-0)
VS
Shane Roller (10-6-0)

 Shane Roller is coming off of his third loss in the Octagon after a third round decision going to his opponent Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 2 in January earlier this year. This upcoming fight with Alessio will probably mark his standing in or out of the UFC.

“The Natural” Alessio, is coming off of a loss after six year break from the UFC where he fought in the WEC  and Dream 8 divisions. In April of 2012, Alessio lost a 3 round Unanimous decision to Mark Bocek.
With Alessio’s ground game and Roller’s all around Octagon skills, this preliminary fight should make an interesting battle between the two Lightweights.
*Prediction:  [W] Alessio Round 2 Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Photo: John Alessio UFC 145 Weigh-ins

Middleweight – 185lbs

Constantinos “Costa” Philippou (10-2-0)
VS
Riki Fukuda (18-5-0)

This is a great match up styles similar to if Matt Hughes were to fight Kimbo Slice. Costa Philippou has some serious stand up and a wealth of experience and power. In hindsight, Fukuda’s dominant takedowns and ground game are nothing to overlook. Costa is really going to have to keep this fight on their feet not to lose from a sheer points disadvantage.  Philippou is coming off of a 3 fight win streak to include a First Round KO over Jarred Hamman at UFC 140 and a Unanimous Decision victory over Court McGee at UFC on FX 2, March 2^nd earlier this year. Philippou will have to utilize his strikes and take defense to put this fight in the Win column, and continue his reign over the Middleweight division.
*Prediction: [W] Philippou Round 1 TKO
Photo: Philippou landing a solid straight right on Court McGee at UFC on FOX 2

Lightweight – 155lbs

Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (46-11-3)
VS
Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (13-6-1)

 Looking at the numbers alone would give this fight to The Young Assassin due to an overwhelming wealth of experience. But, the 2 most recent of Guillard’s 11 losses have come consecutively with two First Round submissions by Joe Lauzon and Jim Miller. Guillard’s 16 UFC fights have brought 7 KO finishes over some big names in the division such as:  Evan Dunham,  Dennis Siver, and Marcus Davis. Fabricio Camoes  is a well-rounded Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with wins a 1-2 record thus far in the UFC. His only win comes from a first round submission over Tommy Hayden at UFC on Fox 1: Guillard VS Miller.

Melvin Guillard is really going to have to step up his ground game (or lack thereof)  and keep this fight standing utilizing his speed and agility to pull off the win over Camoes. The Young Assassin’s ground game has been his Achilles heel for the better part of his UFC career.
*Prediction: [W] Guillard Round 1 KO (Overhand Right)
Photo: Melvin Guillard giving Shane Roller a big knee at UFC 132

Lightweight – 155lbs

Gleison Tibau (34-7-0)
VS
Kabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov (17-0-0)

 The Russian native Nurmagomedov has had only 1 fight to date inside the Octagon pulling an impressive 3 round submission win over Kamal Salorus at UFC on Fox 1, January 20^th this year.

Tibau on the other hand is coming of a 3 fight win streak ending with a Split Decision over Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 139, November 19^th of 2011. Tibau has an excellent ground game to match that of the Russian newcomer and the experience to boot. We’ll see if Tibau can shake off the “Ring Rust” and bring a fourth straight win to his win column.
*Prediction: [W] Nurmagomedov Round 2 Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Photo: The Eagle and his big blonde afro wig at UFC on Fox 1 Weigh-ins.

Brian Stann's Gaspari Blog:

"My shoulder is recovering and I have restored about 90 % of my range of motion. I have kept in shape doing various different workouts from one armed pad work, sled pulls, sprints, and every leg exercise I can think of. I have also continued to lift weights with my left arm to ensure a faster recovery of my right arm once it is healed. I am headed to Las Vegas next weekend for UFC 148, and will be on the weigh in, and pre/post fight show on Fuel TV. From Vegas I leave with my family for Oahu. I do actually have some work to do at Pearl Harbor. I will be accepting a very large donation from the coalition of 7-11 franchisees for my charity Hire Heroes USA."
-gasparinutrition.com

My Thoughts:
Being a memeber of the U.S. Military, I guess I'm somewhat partial to being a big fan and supporter of Brain Stann. "The All American" is more than just an accomplished fighter and a decorated U.S. Marine Officer. His charity work for Veterans of U.S. forces is outstanding.
Personally, I am glad to see that his shoulder recovery is going well. I hope to see him back in the Octagon, knocking people out soon.
Maybe the future will bring a higlight-reel knockout over Michael "The Count" Bisping or the retirement fight for "The Phenom" Vitor Belfort.