The Main Card Evans vs. Ortiz UFC 133

Light Heavyweights Rashad Evans (15-1-1, 10-1-1 UFC) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-8-1, 15-8-1 UFC) The Matchup: Their first bout, waged at UFC 73, was a tense, back-and-forth affair in which the then-unbeaten, rising contender Evans escaped with a draw. The bout showed Evans that he could not physically overpower top 205-pounders with his wrestling, as Ortiz’s [...]

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Rory MacDonald is silencing his critics, one fight at a time

Three fights into his UFC career, Rory MacDonald has emerged as one of the best young talents in mixed martial arts. He has also experienced both ends of the competitive spectrum, losing and winning in dramatic fashion in high-profile bouts. If there is an enduring lesson to be learned from those bookended chapters — a [...]

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motivation for Rashad Evans in fighting Tito Ortiz

At the end of UFC 114, all seemed to be right in the world of Rashad Evans. He had scored a decision victory over archrival Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and earned himself the opportunity to regain the UFC light heavyweight title. Fortuitously, it would come against a new champion and better stylistic matchup in Mauricio “Shogun” [...]

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Daniel Cormier vs Josh Barnett fight photos gallery from Strikeforce in San Jose

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

May 19, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Daniel Cormier (right) poses with the Strikeforce chief executive officer Scott Coker (left) after defeating Josh Barnett (not pictured) during the heavyweight tournament final bout of the Strikeforce World Grand Prix at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

took place last night (Sat., May 19, 2012) from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, featuring dominating over five rounds and 25 minutes to become the heavyweight grand prix tournament champion.

It’s just too bad both guys suffered broken hands in the process.

brought an end to his rivalry with by winning the rubber match via split decision and successfully defending his lightweight championship. It didn’t come without controversy, however, as the judges decision was roundly booed by fans at the arena and panned by those at home.

The Fight Metric report backs up the judges but it’s all subjective. Or something like that.

Other action on the card saw knock block off before submitting him in just 33 seconds while stopped in the first round.

A photo gallery is available for your viewing pleasure after the jump. For complete results and blow-by-blow coverage of all the night’s action click here, here and here.

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Returning Varner Focuses on the Future

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

UFC lightweight Jamie VarnerWhat a difference a year makes.

In 2009, was the defending WEC lightweight champion. In 2010, Varner lost the title to via third round guillotine choke, had battled to an inexplicable draw with , lost a “Fight of the Night” rematch by decision to rival , and suffered a first round submission loss in the final WEC event to . Last year, Varner returned to smaller circuit shows, where he scored two lightning quick wins and a hard-fought decision loss. Finally this year, he defeated in 40 seconds, got the call from the and is in the best mindset he’s been in for a while to answer this big opportunity.

“When you’re on top for so long and when you hit bottom, you forget what it was like to be hungry, you forget what it is like to be down there,” tells Varner. “Since I’ve been gone, I’ve been able to get in touch more with reality and become a lot more grateful for the things I had, the things I lost. I think the biggest difference in me is my appreciation for all the people that have supported me, that have been around me, all the opportunities that I have been given, and the ability to fight for Zuffa. During that time off, I found out that I wanted to be a fighter. I wanted to be a competitor. Before, I was so sick of fighting, so sick of training. Realistically, 2010 was the worst year in my professional career and I guess it’s because I didn’t want to fight anymore. I took it for granted and I just didn’t enjoy it and I lost the love for it. I think taking some time off and losing everything really made me appreciate what I had. It helped me find myself, I re-centered myself, I put myself around the right people, and now I’m back. I’m ready and I feel good. I think the biggest change is my overall happiness. I don’t need to fight to be happy, but I like to fight and it makes me happy.”

At 27 years old, Varner has faced this career roller coaster and has come out the other side smiling and ready to face his next challenge. He credits most of this transformation to those who believed in him when he didn’t believe in himself: family, friends, fans, and, especially, Varner’s management Oren Hodak and Mike Constantino. It was these people who stood strong by Varner and helped change his mind when he felt, “I didn’t want to fight, I didn’t deserve to fight, and I thought I forgot how to win.” The last piece of this puzzle came in the unlikely form of a past opponent and a new gym.

“I feel a lot better technically, physically, emotionally – I’m in a good spot,” explains Varner. “My home base is still Arizona Combat Sports with Trevor Lally and I have great workout partners there. I also outsourced my training to The Lab with Ben Henderson, , and coach John Crouch. I had to really grow up. Eat a little crow, swallow a little pride. I had to go into a gym that I knew would make me better and to be around guys that I knew would make me better. Their outlook on everything and fighting has really changed me, inspired me, and motivated me to want to be a fighter and want to be a fighter in the biggest and best organization. I was ok fighting in small shows, just doing it because I liked competing. But now these guys helped me believe in myself and I hope to one day figure out what the hell we’re going to do as far as coaching when it’s me versus Ben for the belt.”

Before Varner can duel “Smooth” for the UFC lightweight belt, he needs to reclaim his spot in the division’s top 10 by beating Edson Barboza at UFC 146. On Memorial Day weekend, Varner will mark his first fight in the Octagon since 2007 and a return to the Zuffa umbrella in a clash with the undefeated Brazilian. Originally, Barboza was scheduled to take on , who was forced out due to injury and, now, replaced by Varner. The product of The Armory in Jupiter, Florida has been continuously impressing fight fans with each of his four wins in the UFC, which have almost exclusively been contested on the feet.

“Edson Barboza is a freak,” affirms Varner. “He’s fast, athletic, strong. What I know about Edson are his four fights in the UFC and he’s tough and a scary fighter. Evan Dunham is an absolute stud and I wish him a speedy recovery, but I am really grateful for the opportunity I have been given and to try to fill his shoes. Those are some big shoes to fill. Edson is extremely tough and it’s a short notice situation, but I feel like I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I go out there and fight Edson and lose to him, what’s it to lose to Edson Barboza? But if I go out and beat him, that catapults me right back to the top. That would put me in as a top five or top 10 lightweight in the UFC. Only good things can come from this fight. My goal is to make it as hard on him as possible. If he puts his hands down for a second, I can hurt him. I have that one punch that can end the fight and we’ve seen that before. I always have a puncher’s chance, but I think my overall preparation and mindset will be what carries me through this fight, whether it is Fight of the Night, a quick knockout or submission. I want to put on a show to show everyone why I was the WEC lightweight champion and to show why people can believe in me again.”

The fight itself should be a guaranteed, no brainer, bet the house on it, entertaining scrap at 155 pounds. Barboza is a bonus machine with his last three bouts winning Fight of the Night and in his most recent outing he also scored a Knockout of the Night over at UFC 142. Meanwhile, Varner has had many memorable tussles including a couple with kickboxer types like “Cowboy” Cerrone and the title winning slugfest with “Razor” . Varner has had success against top fighters before, and is fully estimating Barboza could be his toughest test to date.

“I don’t think I’ve ever fought anyone as fast as him before,” states Varner. “The speed thing on his end is probably one of his greatest assets. I haven’t fought anyone as fast as him. Usually, I’m the faster guy. That is one thing that I’m not used to. As far as kickboxers, I have fought kickboxers before. Not too many that are crazy with the spin kicks, which is something I have to watch out for. He’s just another kickboxer with good wrestling defense. A lot like Rob and a lot like Donald. I know I can make it 15 minutes with those guys. If it is just a kickboxing match in there, I know I can hang. Will I win a kickboxing match? Probably not, but I know I won’t get beat bad. I’m confident in my kickboxing. He brings a lot more to the table than kickboxing – he hits fast, he has good movement, he is long, and he’s got good wrestling defense. The key here will be to punch when he punches and hopefully walk him into something that he doesn’t see.”

As mentioned, Varner is training both at his usual Arizona Combat Sports in Tempe as well as the new addition of The Lab in Glendale. It may have been a while for some fans, so as a refresher, Varner’s a heavy-handed boxer with strong wrestling and the majority of his wins have come by submission (11 of 19). The first two traits can be traced back to Varner’s NCAA division I wrestling background from Lock Haven University, where he was a National Collegiate Boxing Association champion too. The problem wasn’t about how sharp the weapons were, what prevented Varner from crossing over like his contemporaries Cerrone and Henderson was his diminishing internal fire for the sport, which has been rekindled.

“The thing that set me apart from them and their success was mentally they wanted to fight and I didn’t,” divulges Varner. “They wanted to be fighters and I just lost my love for the sport. It’s never been a question about ability. As far as ability is concerned, I have all the tools. I hit hard, I’m strong, I’m athletic, I have good wrestling, I have pretty good jiu-jitsu, and my striking is on point. It was always my mental game that held me back. I belong in the UFC, I belong in the top 10. Edson Barboza and UFC 146 is my chance to prove that I belong in the top 10. Not just to the fans, but I get to prove it to myself. It’s going to be a tough fight, it’s going to be a grueling fight. It could be over with one kick or one punch, but I don’t see that happening. I see this being long, painful, and torturous, but in the end my hand should get raised.”

On May 26th in Las Vegas, the former WEC champion looks to make his triumphant return in a showdown with top contender Barboza. “I’m nervous, I’m scared, I’m excited,” admits Varner, who is ready, win or lose, to give it his all for the fans and for himself. “I have all these emotions, but I’m going to go in there and fight without fear and whatever happens happens. I’m either going to come back with my shield or on it.”

A win over Barboza would be a huge step for Varner in forgetting years past and focusing on a more positive future.

Studiomma – UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos press conference

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

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In this Gracie Breakdown Ryron and Rener analyze all the critical moments from UFC 133 – from Brian Ebersole’s back mount defense to Costa Philippou’s failed Omoplata attempt to Tito Ortiz’s rolling knee bar attempt against Rashad Evans. They also reveal the winner of the legendary Grand Master t-shirt and the announce the next Gracie Giveaway Item. Please help us spread the word by sharing this Gracie Breakdown with all the jiu-jitsu haters out there (the ones who boo when the fight is on the ground for more than 15 seconds). To enter to win the 11-disc Gracie Bullyproof DVD set, simply follow three steps: 1) Comment on this video 2) Subscribe to the the Gracie Breakdown channel 3) “Favorite” this video To watch several free Gracie Bullyproof clips, click here: www.gracieacademy.com To Register for Rener Gracie’s seminars at the UFC Fan Expo, click here: www.gracieacademy.com Ryron is wearing the new HG Stone T-shirt: www.gracieacademy.com Rener is wearing the new Original Gracie “OG” T-shirt: www.gracieacademy.com Like at www.Facebook.com Follow at www.Twitter.com Learn at www.GracieUniversity.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix results recap: Daniel Cormier vs Josh Barnett fight review and analysis

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

May 19, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Josh Barnett (top) fights Daniel Cormier (bottom) during the heavyweight tournament final bout of the Strikeforce World Grand Prix at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The once hotly anticipated heavyweight grand prix came to a close last night (Sat., May 19, 2012) at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., as claimed his crown (or belt, as it were) with a five-round unanimous decision victory over veteran grappler .

Despite his lack of experience in professional mixed martial arts (MMA), at least in comparison to his opponent, Cormier was able to overcome “The Warmaster” after 25 minutes inside the cage with the vested veteran. Really, he did exactly what he said he would.

The same can’t be said for Barnett, who promised death, destruction, and the derailment of the heavyweight division’s biggest hype train. It didn’t happen. And that’s because he was outgunned, outclassed and overmatched.

Period. No two ways about it.

So how did “DC” pull off such an impressive victory over such a game opponent? Follow me after the jump for a complete fight review and some additional analysis on “Cormier vs. Barnett.”

The bout had a lot less hype than it should have, especially considering the stakes. But amongst fight fans who knew the background, this was an even match-up on paper with the x-factor seemingly being the youth vs. experience play.

There may be plenty of times when it’s prudent to take the latter but this isn’t one of them.

That’s because Cormier showcased his growing set of skills that got him to the big show in the first place. It was impressive when he was throwing around guys like but for him to pick a 250-pound Barnett up over his head and flip him on his back mid-fight was truly a sight to behold.

The standing exchanges favored Cormier all throughout the proceedings. Surprisingly enough, though, he wasn’t just throwing a big overhand right like a wrestler who found a nifty new tool he wanted to use. No, he was launching head kicks that were connecting with the smooth precision of a seasoned pro.

It turns out, the reason he was doing so was because he re-injured the hand he broke that put this bout on hold for so many months early in the fight. It’s amazing, really, that his need for improvisation resulted in the discovery of a new facet of his ever-improving game.

Add another to the arsenal.

Let’s not act as though Barnett just laid down to die. He, too, suffered what he believed to be a broken hand. This apparently occurred early enough in the fight that it changed the complexion of the remainder of the contest.

After all, there’s only so much a man can do when his hand is throbbing out of his glove.

“The WarMaster” was game, firing off submission attempts when the opportunities presented themselves and utilizing his knees like missiles inside the clinch. He was effective at points but he couldn’t manhandle Cormier in the same manner he did and , the two men he defeated to get to the tournament finals.

The result was a battered and bruised face, a busted limb, and an uncertain future.

Really, though, this may have been a blessing in disguise, at least for Barnett. Because he broke his hand, if that turn out to be the case, he can lobby for a rematch before Cormier skips off to the Octagon to swim with the sharks in the (UFC).

Remember, the grand prix winner is contracted to fight one more time under the Strikeforce banner, even if the promotion no longer houses a heavyweight division. Why not a rematch once Barnett and Cormier both heal their hands?

That’s an angle Barnett can attack, if it’s something he desires. Surely, his competitive drive will lead him to such a conclusion, no? Unless, of course, he’s got a UFC contract awaiting him. But what does that leave for Cormier?

There are few options for Strikeforce, especially considering where Cormier now is in his career progression. Is there a heavyweight better than Barnett who is a free agent that can be brought in for a one-and-done scenario?

Not likely.

So unless UFC President Dana White decides he wants to watch his new heavyweight star beat up on someone like , there really isn’t a fight that makes sense. And let’s not even get into any talk of . It’s not worth the headache.

What do you think, Maniacs? Were you as impressed with Cormier as I was? And who should he fight next before heading off to the UFC?

Sound off!

For complete Strikeforce: “Barnett vs. Cormier” results, including blow-by-blow, fight-by-fight coverage of the entire event as well as immediate post-fight reaction click and here.

Strikeforce HWGP Main Event Results…

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

When s Heavyweight Grand Prix began 16 months ago, was just a promising up and comer and not a member of the tournament’s field of eight. Saturday night at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Cormier became the Grand Prix champ after defeating by way of a near-shutout five round unanimous decision that announced his arrival as one of mixed martial arts’ premier big men.

Scores were 50-45 twice and 49-46 for Cormier, a two-time US Olympic wrestler who replaced in the tourney and never looked back, scoring consecutive victories over and Barnett to take the mixed martial arts world by storm.

“It means everything to beat somebody like Josh Barnett,” said Cormier. “I’ve lost a lot of people in my life, and this is for all of them. My daughter Kaedyn, my dad. This means the world to me.”

Barnett set a fast pace to begin the five rounder, and Cormier eagerly kept up, going on the offensive with hard punches to the head. Barnett looked to be a little flustered by Cormier’s attack, but by the midway point, the fight settled into a more manageable groove for him. Cormier continued to tag Barnett with a varied array of strikes, including punches to the head and body, knees, and push kicks. The former champion finished strong though, opening a bruise under Cormier’s left eye just before the bell.

Cormier started the second round off strong, but this time Barnett was able to answer a lot better with his strikes. Two minutes in, Cormier drilled Barnett with two hard body shots and then took “The Warmaster” to the mat. There, Cormier mauled Barnett, bloodying his face with ground strikes. Barnett tried to work a submission from the bottom, but the Louisiana native wasn’t having it.

The pace dipped in the third, but Cormier still remained in the driver’s seat, slamming Barnett to the mat and later drilling and hurting him with a right head kick as he locked up another round.

Barnett, refusing to back down, landed with two hard knees to open round four, making it clear to Cormier that he was still in the fight. Barnett’s punches were apparently not hurting Cormier, yet they were scoring some much needed points. Cormier, potshotting whenever he saw the openings, even landed with two more head kicks before another getting takedown. Barnett almost locked up Cormier’s leg in the process, but “DC” was able to escape, with his fans breathing a sigh of relief. In the final minute, referee Josh Rosenthal restarted the action, with Barnett making a final charge until round’s end.

The two shook hands before the final round began, and with five minutes left in the fight, Cormier played it smart, but he didn’t stall, still picking off Barnett until getting a takedown with under two minutes left. Barnett didn’t stay on the mat long, but Cormier pinned him to the fence, not allowing the veteran to make a fight saving rally.

With the win, Cormier ups his record to 10-0; Barnett falls to 31-6.

Fedor Emelianenko..Greatest Fight Highlights..

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

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Video Rating: 4 / 5

-May 2008. Fedor finished his study as a student of chair of Physical Training at Belgorod State University. It’s understandable that Fedor’s schedule wouldn’t let him graduate as quickly as other students normally do. The topic of his thesis was “Methodology of physical skills’ development training for 13-15 year old Sambo practitioners”. Fedor may get to use his education and experience at the still in construction Academy of Fedor Emelianenko in Belgorod to coach professional fighers. -Fedor was 12 when he started training grappling under Vladimir Voronov, who remains his trainer to this day. For 20 years Voronov has been as much a part of Fedor’s life off the mat as on it. Fedor (teenager) aspired to join the Russian national team. He didn’t partake in life’s pleasures but instead spent all of his time studying and training. Two factors were constant in his life then: a lack of money and the presence of his family and team. Frequently there wasn’t enough money for food. Fedor and his brother Aleksander were constantly growing and training, and their mouths were not the smallest to feed. The food Olga Emelianenko grew in her makeshift garden was often not enough, and come winter a garden was impossible. “My mother not only loves me as a son,” Fedor has proudly said, “but respects me as a person.” Voronov pitched in, dropping off bags of grain or potatoes. The harder life became, the closer Fedor and his family and his team grew. The more they depended on each other’s …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

‘Barnett vs Cormier’ fight card: Josh Barnett vs Daniel Cormier close the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix in style

May 20th, 2012 uzoneadmin

Daniel Cormier (left) and Josh Barnett (right) will finish the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix tonight (Sat., May 19, 2012) at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

There was a time when the heavyweight grand prix tournament was going to take the mixed martial arts (MMA) world by storm. The smaller San Jose based promotion had managed to assemble eight heavyweights with legitimate credibility (for the most part) that rivaled that of (UFC) 265-pound weight class.

But, like most things in life, nothing ever goes the way you plan it.

Indeed, was bounced in the first round while was released and ran off to the greener pastures of UFC. The two biggest names in the bracket failed out, albeit in differing ways, leading many an MMA fan to simply write off the grand prix as a failed experiment by a promotion in over its head.

The good news in all this is it finally, mercifully, comes to an end tonight (Sat., May 19, 2012) with the event that takes place on Showtime from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, featuring .

At the very least, it should go out with a bang.

That’s because and are undoubtedly two of the most talented heavyweights in the division. The fact that they have yet to move over to the UFC is not a testament to their abilities so much as it’s simply an issue of timing.

Gotta finish the business at hand, of course.

The match-up is intriguing on a few levels. Both are strong wrestlers with legitimate credentials in the grappling arts. “The Warmaster” is far better served once they start breaking out submissions but Cormier has shown he can hold his own standing and trading punches.

Just ask and his gigantic noggin.

What this fight could really come down to is experience. Though Barnett is just one year older than his counterpart, he’s just 36 professional fights under his belt to just nine for Cormier. That’s a 27 fight gap for all you math wizards out there. Just think of how much a man can learn in that much time inside the cage.

You’ll find out tonight.

Last chance for predictions, Maniacs. Who ya’ got?

At 33, Duane Ludwig is Just Warming Up

May 19th, 2012 uzoneadmin

UFC welterweight Duane "Bang" LudwigDuane “Bang” Ludwig is just like you, with one exception: he’s a world renowned kickboxer and mixed martial artist.

The Denver, Colorado native is a husband, a father, a small business owner (303 Training Center in Westminster, CO), and simply a guy who wants to own a house. On the other hand, he is also the proud owner of the fastest knockout in history, but that title nor the litany of Muay Thai belts that he refers to as “closet stuffers” have not altered the down-to-Earth individual he is outside of the cage, regardless of how popular he is in it.

“I still have a mortgage and car payments,” tells Ludwig. “I still live fight to fight. It’s not like I’m anything different. People who get popular in the UFC and change when they get famous, I’m not famous, but there are people who change when they get more popular, per se. Maybe it’s because they’re a fake person and they’re allowing other people’s vision to change them. Maybe I would change if I was given a million dollars, but I would doubt it. I am the same person I have always been. I sell more shirts, I sell more shorts, I have more students at the gym, I get more interview questions, and I guess it’s just a busier lifestyle than what it’s been. But it’s fun. Being more popular, I’m able to connect with more people and help out a lot more people, which is nice. I like to help out people and help out animals. It’s not about collecting more dollars and being the ‘man’. It’s about connecting with more people and spreading the martial arts knowledge and I’m happy the more I can do that.”

The 33-year old Ludwig has spent over half his life in pursuit of martial arts excellence. At 15, he began training Muay Thai as his passion, with expectations of being an electrician as his job. After tearing through the amateur circuit, Ludwig became a professional kickboxer and cagefighter in 2000 and hasn’t looked back ever since. 12 years later, he has traded fists and feet around the world with the best fighters both sports have to offer, is raising a family, aspires to open an animal rescue, and is having a blast competing with the razor sharp talent of the UFC welterweight division.

“My motivation has always been that I’m a natural fighter, I love to fight, and I love to train,” says Ludwig. “Things have changed now because I know my athletic performances in the cage directly affect my financial responsibilities, so that is a pressure that sometimes has hurt me and sometimes has helped me. But I try not to let that distract me. At the gym, I still have to train to get better and go out there and fight and have fun. It’s about exploring yourself and the self-development of who you are and your dream. There’s a win bonus and I have a family and that’s all a reality, but, at the end of the day, I have to go out there and have fun. I’m a husband and father first before I’m a fighter, but I definitely love to fight and it’s fun for me. I’d rather help somebody than punch somebody, but I don’t mind punching somebody either.”

The last person fight fans saw “Bang” sock in the kisser was the granite chinned Josh “The Dentist” Neer in the co-main event at in January. “I definitely felt good and definitely felt that I was getting the better of everything because I was,” remembers Ludwig, who landed shots at will before Neer scored a takedown and, shortly thereafter, a guillotine choke. Neer caught Ludwig’s exposed neck in the fight ending submission as he was pushing his way back to standing. “He got the takedown too easy. Looking back, I wish I had sat back and waited for the referee to separate us. I was too eager to fight; I’m too impatient when I fight.”

The first round loss is Ludwig’s first at 170 pounds in the UFC following two exciting decision wins over alum and season 7 winner . With an overall record of 29-12, “Bang” has appeared physically at his best in these past three performances, looking faster, stronger, and more dangerous than he has in years. “It’s definitely great focusing on training to be a martial artist and not just cutting weight,” says Ludwig, who walks around at 190 pounds and used to stubbornly cut down to 155 pounds for lightweight.

On Memorial Day weekend at UFC 146, the next challenger for Ludwig is a showdown with British slugger Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy, which has the proverbial “guaranteed fireworks” written all over it. “He’s a really good opponent and always comes to fight,” asserts Ludwig, who isn’t underestimating the heavy-handed Hardy because of his recent four fight losing streak. “The whole win/loss ratio is idiotic as long as you come to fight, case in point with . They want you to put on a good show and that’s what he comes to do and that’s what I always come to do. Of course, everyone wants a winner, but you want good shows and we put on good shows.”

On paper, this is a matchup between standup fighters with a prodigious amount of KO/TKO victories to their name. Although true, that rough estimation severely undercuts Ludwig’s elite level kickboxing experience, which he has honed, as mentioned, for more than half his life. “Bang” didn’t win the I.S.K.A. World Title from Mongkhon Wiwasuk because he likes to grip and rip punches; Ludwig won because he’s a great and technical kickboxer. It’s a distinction that was quite evident in Ludwig’s outclassing of Sadollah last August, and he anticipates a similar result against Hardy if the fight stays on the feet.

“I’m a striker,” affirms Ludwig. “I’m one of the best strikers in all of MMA. I’m a very good striker in the striking world. I did K-1. I think overall if you matched me against not just mixed martial arts strikers, strikers in general, I would grade myself as a B+, A- of the best. That’s against the best like K-1 Max level guys. Anything can happen and I am a mixed martial artist and not just a striker. If it goes to the ground, I will be prepared. I do a lot of wrestling, a lot of jiu-jitsu. It’s in my blood to stand up and fight, so I prefer that. We’ll see what happens when the bell rings. I feel superior to most guys in striking, but Dan can take a shot and he can chuck some bombs, so I have to be alert and be on my game for sure. I’m just naturally fast and I hit hard. I’ve been doing this for a while, so you can see what’s going on before, during, and after shots to see if there are any openings going on in there. I am good at reading telegraphic keys is what I call them – I have good ‘counter eyes’. There are mistakes done before, after, and during shots and I can pick them up. I felt that in the Sadollah fight and I think I will feel that again in the Hardy fight.”

In preparation for his bout with his 23-10 (1 NC) opponent, Ludwig splits his training between two gyms: his own and Grudge Training Center. At the latter, “Bang” works with gym owner, operator, and boxing coach turned MMA coach Trevor Wittman while sharing mat time with MMA notables like and . At his own gym, Ludwig brings in Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts, solid wrestlers, and has the personnel who can help keep his striking tight. No matter where he trains, Ludwig has himself, who he’s relied on most to cull his own talent by his own instincts as a fighter.

“I have to give myself the most credit in being able to just see these things,” explains Ludwig. “It’s just naturally been in me and been a part of me of being able to see shots, shots coming. I do have specific drills that I do to kind of slow things down visually and read the telegraphic keys. I would say 80% of this has been self taught from watching videos and doing what I feel like I should do. I have learned quite a bit from Trevor Wittman and I have learned quite a bit from . I have been able to pick things up and pick and choose things and that’s how my fight game has evolved. I have adapted my own style or created my own style from that, so that’s been good instead of having someone tell me what I should or shouldn’t do. I just go by feeling and who I truly am instead of having someone tell me what I am. I go by what I feel, which is more natural.”

On May 26th in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, two MMA welterweights will collide inside the Octagon, but everyone watching will have their fingers crossed that “Bang” and “The Outlaw” keep it standing and just throw. “I think I’m better at wrestling and jiu-jitsu than him, but when that bell rings and I get hit, I bite the end of my mouthpiece and I chuck bombs – that’s just what I do,” states Ludwig, who remains true to himself as a fighter in the cage or ring, and as a nice guy outside of it.

In conclusion, “Bang” is a typical family man trying to make ends meet seeing the shots coming and firing back with a mean counterpunch. Sort of like all of us.

Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 15 episode 11 results recap from last night (May 18) on FX

May 19th, 2012 uzoneadmin

Photo

(UFC) was back on cable television last night (Fri., May 11, 2012) with episode 11 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 15 “Live” on FX.

And this time they had one hell of a hook to get viewers to tune in.

Indeed, with the series moving to a live format this season, that provided the promotion an opportunity for something unprecedented. When blew his knee out, it left a gaping hole in the fight card set for July 7, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was decided he would continue coaching throughout the remainder of the season but his previously scheduled opponent and rival coach, , would need a new foe for the Independence Day weekend extravaganza.

So the UFC used the situation to tease fans into watching last night’s episode in wait for the big reveal of who Faber’s opponent would be, though word had been circulating through mixed martial arts (MMA) circles throughout the past week.

As it turned out, the rumors were true and revealed himself to be the lucky man to fill the void left by Cruz. He and Faber will battle for the interim bantamweight championship in less than two months. Yippie!

As for the rest of episode 11, it was fairly uneventful, despite another show featuring two fights and very little fluff. In fact, we were treated to maybe 15 minutes worth of training montages and back story.

By now, that’s a welcome change.

Unfortunately, last week’s stellar episode cast a long shadow over this week’s proceedings. and engaged in a plodding two round affair that saw the former take his coach’s advice to heart en route to grinding out a majority decision.

Blah.

The second bout saw a far more thrilling conclusion, as the cold and calculated blasted into next week with one of the prettiest standing elbow strike knockouts in recent memory.

It was somewhat bittersweet, considering Ogle was one of the few fighters in the TUF house who showed real emotion that allowed fans to feel somewhat invested in his progress. He overcame his demons to win his elimination fight but was felled here.

At least he’ll likely end up fighting on the Finale card.

Speaking of which, we’re down to the final four and the semifinals will play out next week in the form of vs. and Vinc Pichel vs. Al Iaquinta. The winners will meet on June 1 in Las Vegas for the coveted glass trophy and six-figure contract with the UFC.

It’s almost over, Maniacs. Hang in there. You know I am.

For complete results and the running live blog of TUF 15, episode 11 click .

MMA: Walka Paweł Nastula kontra Andrzej Wroński – 20 sierpnia 2011(Koszalin)

May 19th, 2012 uzoneadmin

MMA: Paweł Nastula pokonał Andrzeja Wrońskiego podczas koszalińskiej gali MMA 20 sierpnia 2011. www.gk24.pl
Video Rating: 2 / 5

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