MMA CAGE CHATTER: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

UFC ON FX 2: ALVES VS KAMPMANN, MAIN CARD PREVIEW, PREDICTIONS AND BETTING LINES

UFC on FX 2: Alves vs Kampmann takes place March 3^rd, 2012 from the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia. Due to the time zone difference the main card airs live on FX March 2, 2012 at 9pm ET and 6pm PT in North America. This card is the perfect compliment to the epic UFC 144 pay per view card that happened in Japan one week ago.

This card features a main event welterweight showdown between perennial top contender Thiago “The Pitbull” Alves vs Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann with UFC welterweight title implications on the line. Also on the card is the start of the UFC Flyweight tournament (125lbs). The fighters that are taking part in this tournament are two top UFC bantamweight fighters, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Joseph Benavidez. Then to round out the tournament two other top flyweights from other promotions Yasuhiro Urushitani and Ian McCall. The winner of this four man tournament will be crowned the UFC’s initial flyweight champion. Then to start off the main FX card is former Ultimate Fighter season 11 winner Court McGee vs knockout artist and fast rising Constantinos Philippou.

Thiago Alves is always in UFC welterweight title contention talk. Alves has been in the UFC almost 7 years. His overall professional mixed martial arts record is 19-8. His UFC record in 16 fights is 11-5. Alves holds notable wins over the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck and Karo Parisyan. He also has been defeated by the likes of current UFC welterweight champion Georges St Pierre, Jon Fitch and Rick Story. When Alves is on he is on. He is one of the nastiest fighters in the UFC and maybe all of mixed martial arts. This statement is backed by Alves last fight against Papy Abedi at UFC 138. Alves won via rear naked choke in round 1. With high level muay thai skills and underrated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills he has everything to be a champion. One thing though has mired Alves through out his career. That is the weight cut to 170lbs. Alves recognizing this, has hired Mike Dolce to make that transition easier for him.

Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann is another long term UFC rostered fighter. Kampmann has been with the UFC going on almost 6 years. His overall professional MMA record is an impressive 18-5. Kampmann has had 13 UFC fights and has posted a 9-4 record. He has key wins over the likes of current UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit, Jorge Rivera, Jacob Volkmann and Paulo Thiago. Kampmann once considered a can’t miss prospect has faltered with losses to perennial top contenders Diego Sanchez, Jake Shields, Paul Daley, and Nate Marquardt. Kampmann has always been one win away to be in title contention talk. This bout is no different with Alves. A win over Alves, gets Kampmann in the UFC welterweight title picture.

Alves -140

Kampmann +110

This fight is going to be a war. Alves and Kampmann have a lot to prove and they have many questions to answer. Can Kampmann get that big win over a top contender so he is in title contention talk? For Alves is the Pitbull going to show up that we saw at UFC 138 or will it be the lethargic Alves because he had a bad weight cut? If both men show up ready to scrap we are in for one hell of a main event. I see both fighters looking to impose their game plan on their feet. Alves I feel is the more heavy handed striker, and has more big fight experience than Kampmann, which will enable him to pick up the huge win.

WINNER: THIAGO ALVES, VIA TKO, ROUND TWO

**An editors note** It was recently revealed in an interview given by Demetrious Johnson that as part of his bout agreement for the UFC Flyweight tournament, if the fight went into the hands of the judges and they could not determine a winner, a sudden death round would happen to determine the winner.

For those of you who do not know who Ian McCall is here is some background information on the former Tachi Palace Fights Flyweight champion. McCall has a professional MMA record of 11-2. Of those eleven wins, four have come from KO/TKO, 3 from submissions and 4 decision wins. McCall did have a brief run in the World Extreme Cagefighting(WEC). He fought three times there and posted a 1-2 record. His lone win came against Coty Wheeler, and his 2 losses came against current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Charlie Valencia. McCall is a very well rounded mixed martial artist.

Joe Rogan has said if the UFC ever got a flyweight division Demetrious Johnson would be perfect for it. Johnson is a 5'3 scrappy dynamo. A high level wrestler who is motivated to provide a better life for his family. Johnson who has a professional MMA record of 14-2 has gone under a lot of peoples radar for far too long. Of his fourteen wins, three have come from KO/TKO, six from submission and 5 from decisions. His only losses have come from current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Brad Pickett in his WEC debut.

Ian McCall +275

Demetrious Johnson -375

As much hype as McCall has from the hardcore MMA fans, Johnson is going to be too much for McCall to handle. The only way I see McCall winning is if Johnson has a bad weight cut (since this is the first time for Johnson fighting at 125lbs) or Johnson is affected by traveling overseas to fight. I do not see this being a problem for Johnson because when we interviewed him for our A Warrior's Journey: Fighter Profile series, he said he has already taken steps to ensure those two things will not be an issue come this weekend. I see this fight being a fast pace, non stop action fight, with Johnson getting the nod. Johnson will use his speed, UFC experience and superior wrestling to keep the former Tachi Palace Fights champ confused and off balance. Johnson wins in a great fight

WINNER: DEMETRIOUS "MIGHTY MOUSE" JOHNSON, UNANIMOUS DECISION

Yasuhiro Urushitani +600

Joseph Benavidez -1000

The betting line says it all. Benavidez was the #2 bantamweight fighter in the world before dropping down a weight class to the UFC's newly created flyweight division. Benavidez has a 15-2 professional mixed martial arts record. His only two losses have come against UFC bantamweight king pin Dominick Cruz. Notice the pattern with Benavidez, Johnson and McCall? They have all lost to Cruz. Shows just how good the UFC bantamweight champion is. Urushitani has not come close to fighting the high level competition that Benavidez has, and it will show in this fight. This could be a short night of work for Benavidez. Although it is MMA and anything can happen.

WINNER: JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ, SUBMISSION (GUILLOTINE CHOKE), ROUND 1

Court McGee -130

Constantinos Philippou -110

On paper this fight looks like a classic grappler vs striker match-up. McGee who has 13 professional MMA wins to only one loss, has won 7 by submission. McGee who bounced back from dark times in his life to be a high level mixed martial artist, looks for a big win to prove he still belongs as an on the rise prospect. For McGee's opponent Philippou, he has a professional MMA record of 9-2-1. Five of those wins have been via KO/TKO. Philippou, a Golden Gloves finalist has high level boxing skills for MMA. If his opponent is not ready for his boxing game, they are going to be put to sleep fast. In McGee's past fights he has absorbed some big strikes on the feet. In MMA it is hard to replicate in practice or sparring the hand speed and the sudden power of a high level boxer. Philippou makes a dramatic statement and pulls the huge upset.

WINNER: CONSTANTINOUS PHILIPPOU, TKO, SECOND ROUND

Need a boost of energy to get thru the day? Try Advocare's Spark Energy Drink. Mix powder with water and your good too go!

OVERVIEW

Available in Mango Strawberry, Pink Lemonade, Mandarin Orange, Fruit Punch, Grape, Citrus and Cherry
Offered in pouches and canisters
Our #1 seller
The most nutritionally advanced energy drink on the market
Sugar-free, long-lasting energy*
Surprisingly fast-acting*
Contains 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to synergistically provide a healthy, balanced source of energy*
Just 45 calories per serving
Sharpens mental focus*

TO ORDER FOLLOW THIS LINK ADVOCARE SPARK ORDER

Saturday, February 25, 2012

UFC 144 WEIGH IN RESULTS. RAMPAGE JACKSON MISSES WEIGHT!

The UFC 144 weigh-ins took place 11pm ET, and 8pm PT last night. The weigh ins took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The same venue that plays host to tonights UFC 144 event. All fighters made weight, except one. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Jackson said in a post fight interview, the reason he came in overweight was because of an injury he sustained in training camp. Jackson declined to say what or where the injury is. He alleges that he is "almost" healed. For Jackson missing weight he forfeits 20% of his purse to his opponent Ryan Bader, who looked impressive at the weigh ins. The obivous questions here are:

1) Is Rampage taking Bader as a serious threat and
2) Is this the fight, where Jackson announces his retirement?

UFC 144 weigh in results:

MAIN CARD **Pay-per-view**

(UFC Lightweight Champion) Frankie Edgar (154) vs. Ben Henderson (154)
Ryan Bader (205) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (211)
Cheick Kongo (229) vs. Mark Hunt (264)
Yoshihiro Akiyama (169) vs. Jake Shields (170)
Tim Boetsch (186) vs. Yushin Okami (185)
Hatsu Hioki (145) and Bart Palaszewski (146)
Joe Lauzon (156) vs. Anthony Pettis (155)

PRELIMINARY CARD **FX**

Takanori Gomi (155) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (154)
Vaughan Lee (135) vs. Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (136)
Steve Cantwell (185) vs. Riki Fukuda (185)
Chris Cariaso (136) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (135)

PRELIMINARY CARD **Facebook**

Issei Tamura (145) vs. Tiequan Zhang (146)

Are you a fighter, looking to take your mixed martial arts career to the next level? Then check out what Be the Weapon Management can do for you HERE

Friday, February 24, 2012

UFC 144: FRANKIE EDGAR VS BENSON HENDERSON FOR THE UFC LIGHTWEIGHT (155LB) TITLE. FIGHT FACTS UNLEASHED!

(Highlights provided by UFC press release)

Saturday’s fight for the lightweight championship between Frankie Edgar and Benson Henderson at UFC 144 in Japan could be the most evenly matched title fight of the year, so says the science… For further information check out our fight review, predictions and betting line for this fight HERE

Frankie Edgar – already on his way to 'all-time great' status

Edgar scored two of the biggest upsets of 2010, beating BJ Penn twice, the second time by dominating every round both standing and on the ground. He then had two of the best fights of 2011, with an epic draw and knockout win over Gray Maynard, both times saving his title by clawing his way off the canvas to take it to the one man to ever beat him.

You can’t measure a fighter’s heart, but getting off the canvas after heavy knockdowns gives a good indication of cardio-vascular fortitude. And Edgar is the ONLY fighter in UFC history – that’s over 2000 fights and 19 years – to recover from three knockdowns (vs Maynard in first fight, went on to get a draw) and not lose the fight.

Edgar is already setting records at 155lbs. He makes opponents miss with 74% of total strikes – best striking defence of any lightweight ever and already fourth best overall defence of anyone in UFC history. Consider the level of competition he has had, this is a stunning statistic.

Frankie has handed five world class fighters their first professional defeats: Gray Maynard (by knockout), Matt Veach, Jim Miller, Tyson Griffin and Mark Bocek.

Counter-intuitive to his impressive defence, ‘the Answer’ is an attacking fighter. He throws leather – he has landed 940 strikes in UFC, which is second behind only BJ Penn in UFC lightweight history (Penn’s record is 1215).

Edgar’s wrestling is just as impressive as his striking. He has scored with 35 career takedowns, averaging three (3) per fight in the UFC.

Still not ready to accept ‘the Answer’ as one of the best 155 lbs fighters in MMA history? Well, if he wins at UFC 144, Edgar ties BJ Penn and Jim Miller in most wins in UFC lightweight division at 10.

Benson Henderson – Stats prove he’s true No.1 contender

‘Bendo’ might be one of the few fighters able to match Edgar’s cardio. Henderson's takedown accuracy actually gets better as the fight goes on. His 72.7% takedown accuracy in the third round is easily better than his averages in rounds one (56.5%) and two (38.95%).

Ben is officially the hardest man to submit in UFC/WEC history. He’s been put in a record 28 submission holds, but escaped every single one. Next hardest guy to submit is Jon Fitch, who has escaped 23 threatening submission holds.

He has out-struck (landed more shots than he took) all three UFC opponents in every single round in the Octagon. His UFC strike radio reads 161-36.

His four (4) takedowns on average per fight (UFC/WEC) put him at No.4 all time.

Henderson wins via chokehold - Undisputed Truth?

A final stat to heighten anticipation for the UFC 144 main event: for the first time since THQ’s UFC Undisputed 3 fight simulator began predicting fights four months ago, it is predicting both the upset and a title change.

While there were scenarios where Edgar finished the fight with a big punch (and the computer couldn’t separate the two men in terms of one getting the upper-hand in striking), according to the fight simulation mode on the best-selling video game, the most likely outcome of the Edgar vs Henderson fight is that the champion is caught with an arm-in guillotine from the guard and is tapped out.

The simulator works by selecting ‘computer v computer’ mode in the new video game, and having the match play out 25 times. Of those 25 successive simulations, the most frequent outcome is that Henderson defeats Edgar via choke.

The Undisputed predictor has called just over 80% of all fights correctly... has it got it right for Saturday?

http://www.facebook.com/UFCUndisputed?sk=app_311632895517254

Do you not have enough time to go to the gym 4-5 times a week to get the 20-30 pounds you want off yourself? Or is it that you want to slim down to get out of the elastic waist band pants that you have been wearing since you moved out of your parents house? If you want to do that or for any other reason then Advocare's 24 day challenge is for you

Looking to jumpstart your weight loss?* Looking to break through a plateau?*
Then take the 24-day challenge! This bundle features everything you need to get you going toward your next goal.*
Each 24-Day Challenge includes:

One box of Herbal Cleanse-Citrus
One bottle of OmegaPlex®
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Mandarin Orange
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Fruit Punch
Your choice of one box of Meal Replacement Shakes - Chocolate, Vanilla, or Berry
Your choice of one box of MNS® Max 3, C, or E

Days 1-10 Cleanse Phase
The first ten days are about cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption, and you may enjoy weight loss as well!*

Herbal Cleanse-Citrus: helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.*
OmegaPlex®: essential fatty acids for increased overall wellness.*
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally-advanced energy*

Days 11-24 Max Phase
Give your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal during days 11-24!*

Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS®): Your choice of Max C+ (appetite control), Max E+ (energy), or Max 3 - for weight management, appetite control and overall wellness.*
Meal Replacement Shake - your choice of chocolate, vanilla, or berry: Complete nutrition in a great-tasting shake!
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally advanced energy*

+ Compared to MNS Max 3

TO KICK OFF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS FOLLOW THE LINK TO ORDER AND IN 24 DAYS YOU WILL SEE A HUGE AND NOTICABLE WEIGHT LOSS ADVOCARE 24 DAY CHALLENGE

UFC 144 EDGAR VS HENDERSON : EVENT REVIEW, PREDICTIONS AND BETTING LINES PART 3

UFC 144’s main event between Frankie “The Truth” Edgar vs Ben “Smooth” Henderson certainly has the potential to be a fight of the year candidate. Between both fighters they have 29 professional Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) wins and ONLY 3 losses. That is an amazing feat in itself.

Edgar who has a professional mixed martial arts record of 14-1 (1 draw) has to be relieved he is not fighting an opponent with the last name of Penn or Maynard. For the better part of two years those two names are what Edgar thought about 24/7. Over those four bouts Edgar went 3-0 (1 draw) . His first bouts against Penn and Maynard ended in a bit of controversy with judging, which granted each man an immediate rematch. In the rematches, Edgar left no doubt who the better fighter was. He beat Penn by unanimous decision at UFC 118, and Maynard at UFC 136 by a thunderous knockout. In those fights we learned a lot about who Edgar is as a fighter and a person. In the Maynard fights (UFC 125 and UFC 136) Edgar was rocked and on the brink of defeat early on. However, he showed the will of a champion and heart like no other MMA fighter on the planet. After being almost defeated in the first round he came back stronger and even better in each passing round.

Benson (Ben) "Smooth" Henderson is an under the radar MMA superstar waiting to emerge ala Jon Jones. His talent is undeniable. Looking at his professional mixed martial arts record "Smooth" is 15-2. His losses have been to Anthony Pettis and Rocky Johnson. The loss to Johnson was very early on in his pro MMA career. Henderson has defeated guys like Donald Cerrone (twice), Jamie Varner, Mark Bocek, Jim Miller and MMA's energizer bunny Clay Guida. At one point in his career he was on a 3 year, 10 fight win streak.

Benson Henderson +105

Frankie Edgar (Champion) -135

As we mentioned above this fight has fight of the night and possibly fight of the year written all over it. Edgar and Henderson are true MMA warriors. I can not think of a better fight to have headline the UFC's first trip back to Japan in over 12 years. Both fighters possess high level wrestling skills, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills. For this reason makes me think this fight is going to remain standing. For Henderson, he is going to be the bigger, stronger fighter in this fight. To win, Henderson will need to use that strength and size advantage to defeat Edgar. For Edgar, he needs to start strong, and end strong. Henderson is not a guy like Gray Maynard who will allow Edgar to recover. Edgar will need to use his crisp boxing skills, speed and footwork to pick apart Henderson to retain his UFC Lightweight title. One thing is certain with this bout. People will be talking about it on Sunday morning in the USA.

WINNER: FRANKIE "THE TRUTH" EDGAR, UNANIMOUS DECISION (48-46, 48-46, 48-46)

Do you not have enough time to go to the gym 4-5 times a week to get the 20-30 pounds you want off yourself? Or is it that you want to slim down to get out of the elastic waist band pants that you have been wearing since you moved out of your parents house? If you want to do that or for any other reason then Advocare's 24 day challenge is for you

One box of Herbal Cleanse-Citrus
One bottle of OmegaPlex®
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Mandarin Orange
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Fruit Punch
Your choice of one box of Meal Replacement Shakes - Chocolate, Vanilla, or Berry
Your choice of one box of MNS® Max 3, C, or E

Days 1-10 Cleanse Phase
The first ten days are about cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption, and you may enjoy weight loss as well!*

Herbal Cleanse-Citrus: helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.*
OmegaPlex®: essential fatty acids for increased overall wellness.*
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally-advanced energy*

Days 11-24 Max Phase
Give your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal during days 11-24!*

Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS®): Your choice of Max C+ (appetite control), Max E+ (energy), or Max 3 - for weight management, appetite control and overall wellness.*
Meal Replacement Shake - your choice of chocolate, vanilla, or berry: Complete nutrition in a great-tasting shake!
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally advanced energy*

+ Compared to MNS Max 3

TO KICK OFF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS FOLLOW THE LINK TO ORDER AND IN 24 DAYS YOU WILL SEE A HUGE AND NOTICABLE WEIGHT LOSS ADVOCARE 24 DAY CHALLENGE

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Official Ronda Rousey Blog Pt. 2 - 'My Pampered Life?' Rousey sounds off.

“I don't know what Miesha thinks being ‘Pampered and Protected’ means, but I suggest she invests in a dictionary.”

( Photo courtesy of Darin Harvey, via Strikeforce Press release, blog courtsey of Strikeforce Press release)

By ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey:

I read recently on Miesha's blog that she thinks that she has the heart of a champion because in her first MMA bout was getting punched till she got a bloody nose, was losing a match and then came back to win.

She then stated that I've been pampered and protected for my whole career.

Let me give you a little insight into my pampered upbringing.

I remember my first injury very well. I was 11 years old and I broke my big toe doing judo. To an 11 year old this is a very big deal, so I stopped fighting and started to cry. My mother then made me run laps around the mat for the rest for the night. I thought she was just being cruel at the time but she told me "Sometimes you have to fight when you're injured. You need to know you're capable of that".

A few years later I was 15 and broke 3 bones in my foot (jumping over a fence, during my first and only attempt to try and ditch class) That weekend my mom sent me up to northern California to fight in two divisions in a tournament that was hosted by the club of one of my biggest rivals at the time. I was sent with no coach and injured, fought eight matches in front of a bias crowd that were cheering against me. When I asked my mom why she would do something so mean she said "You won't always have a coach, the crowd won't always like you, and you won't always be healthy when you fight. You need to know you can win anyway."

A few months later I got my face smashed into the mat and cauliflower ear started to swell up. Of course I had to finish practice, after practice the guy who hurt me slapped me in the ear and told me to toughen up. The next week we went into the doctor to get it drained. They cut a big gash in my ear and left a kind of tube in it to let it drain. They wrapped my head up with gauze and sent me home. I still trained that night till the entire headwrap of gauss was soaked in blood… The other kids at school weren't too kind about it either, a muscular girl with deformed ears isn't really "miss popularity" material.

Miesha claims I've never tasted my own blood, but I've been inadvertently kneed in the face during training and broke my nose a few times, blood splatter everywhere, I got two very stylish black eyes and continued training without a pause. Honestly, I always thought a broken nose was so minor it wasn't really anything worth mentioning or bragging about…

At 16 I tore my ACL during practice. My mom made me finish training that night as well as the following morning before I got another coach to look at my knee. They sent me in for an MRI and found that my ACL was totally missing. A month or so later I got surgery. Two weeks after surgery I was already back on the mat doing push-ups and sit-ups, whatever I could do without using my knee. A week later I was drilling ne-waza (ground techniques) and continued to only focus on my ground game till I could fight standing again.

At 18 I fought in the German open. My first match was against Finland . I was winning until the last 45 seconds when I tried a risky throw which unfortunately set myself up for an armbar. Before I could believe it, she already dislocated my elbow. I remember thinking: "Well…its already out, tapping won't make it better, I only have 45 seconds…" I didn't tap, I kept fighting and my elbow snapped back into place, she popped it out again before I finally escaped the hold and was able to relocate my elbow a second time. I stood up, continued fighting, and won.

Too bad I only had a two minute break because I had to fight the world champ from France next. I remember I couldn't even pick my arm up from my side, so I had to lift it to my face with my other arm in order to be able to hold it up. I lost pretty quickly, But Decosse (that was her name) quickly advanced and I was dropped into the loser's bracket to fight back up for third. I won my next match against a German before having to promptly face Olympic Medalist Urska Zolnir from Slovenia . We fought a very close match but I lost. The next day the training camp started and for the following week I sparred with all the best women in the world for two 2 hour sessions a day. By the time I got home my elbow was the size of a grapefruit.

At 20 I tore the meniscus in my knee almost in half. One half flipped over and it jammed my knee into place. I couldn't bend or straighten it and needed surgery immediately. Unfortunately the Pan American championships were a week away and it was an extremely crucial competition when it came to qualifying the 70kg category for the USA in the 2008 Olympics.

My mother's words echoed in my head "Sometime you need to fight when you're injured" I fought anyway, and got a bronze. The USA 's Pan Am ranking was secured, and I was rushed to LA the day after to undergo surgery. Afterwards the doctor came up to me and said. "From what I found in there, I'm surprised you walked in the door. You're a real warrior."

A few months later I fought in Germany again. My second match was against Edith Bosche from Netherlands , the defending world champ at the time. Early in the match she did a Wakegatame - an illegal move in judo due to that fact that it dislocates the elbow during the throw and doesn't give your opponent a chance to submit. She was disqualified but I popped my elbow back in and fought on. I ended up getting third that day.

A while after that, Edith fought again. This time at the semi finals of the World Championships in Rio . She did the same move and dislocated my elbow again, but this time the referees didn't see it and we continued. I was losing until the last 20 seconds, when I caught her with a Sode - a one handed throw, using the arm she injured, and won the match. Even the Brazilian crown that was extremely hostile towards me earlier in the day burst into applause. It was one of my proudest moments in judo.

Less than a year ago my first pro fight was against Ediene Gomes, a 6-1 Brazilian from American Top Team. Three days before the fight I incurred a brutal pitbull bite that required 9 stitches, the wound went down to the bone and the doctor said I was lucky the teeth just barely missed my tendons. I needed this fight, and refused to withdrawal. I asked the doctor if I would permanently injure myself if I fought. He said no, but I would be in a world of pain and the stitches would burst open by the end of the first round. I made myself go through weigh-ins without limping. I stripped naked on the scale (though my opponent was 4 lbs heavy) so the towels would cover my foot (there were no socks allowed). When it came time to fight, I won in 26 seconds. I didn't have another option. "Sometimes you have to fight when you're injured."

Karo Parisyan, former UFC top contender has known and trained with me since I started judo at 11, in a recent interview with Fightline he said:

"Ronda is a kid that trained with us for many years at Team Hayastan. The reason why Ronda is so good, is because Ronda was a cute little girl - she's not little no more - but she was a cute little girl that trained with guys like us. She wasn't training with other girls. Other girls she would beat up, so she would train with us. She would cry. I would yell at her, 'Suck your lip up! I don't want you crying!' She would suck her lip up and continue on. She would cry so much during practice because we would push her. That's why she became an animal in the cage and on the mat. She'll destroy ninety-five percent of the guys I know in my life. It is inspiring; it is motivating, to see all these colleagues and these people that I've known come up and make something of themselves. It's good. I'm really happy for her. I'd say she's gonna’ beat anybody that they put her in with, just because I know how good Ronda is. She's a strong girl. She's really strong mentally."

I don't know what Miesha thinks being "Pampered and Protected" means, but I suggest she invests in a dictionary.

Follow Ronda on Twitter @RondaRousey

Do you not have enough time to go to the gym 4-5 times a week to get the 20-30 pounds you want off yourself? Or is it that you want to slim down to get out of the elastic waist band pants that you have been wearing since you moved out of your parents house? If you want to do that or for any other reason then Advocare's 24 day challenge is for you

One box of Herbal Cleanse-Citrus
One bottle of OmegaPlex®
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Mandarin Orange
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Fruit Punch
Your choice of one box of Meal Replacement Shakes - Chocolate, Vanilla, or Berry
Your choice of one box of MNS® Max 3, C, or E

Days 1-10 Cleanse Phase
The first ten days are about cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption, and you may enjoy weight loss as well!*

Herbal Cleanse-Citrus: helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.*
OmegaPlex®: essential fatty acids for increased overall wellness.*
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally-advanced energy*

Days 11-24 Max Phase
Give your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal during days 11-24!*

Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS®): Your choice of Max C+ (appetite control), Max E+ (energy), or Max 3 - for weight management, appetite control and overall wellness.*
Meal Replacement Shake - your choice of chocolate, vanilla, or berry: Complete nutrition in a great-tasting shake!
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally advanced energy*

+ Compared to MNS Max 3

TO KICK OFF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS FOLLOW THE LINK TO ORDER AND IN 24 DAYS YOU WILL SEE A HUGE AND NOTICABLE WEIGHT LOSS ADVOCARE 24 DAY CHALLENGE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

UFC 144 EDGAR VS HENDERSON : EVENT REVIEW, PREDICTIONS AND BETTING LINES PART 2

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs Ryan “Darth” Bader: Rampage returns to Japan!

(poster image courtsey of UFC press release)

Rampage Jackson makes his long awaited return to Japan and his old stomping grounds as the co-main event of UFC 144 against Ryan Bader. Jackson was a legend in Japan and in the now defunct Pride organization. Pride at one point was the biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world. Jackson last fought in Japan at Pride 31, February 26, 2006. He fought Yoon Dong-Sik and won via unanimous decision. Jackson had memorable fights against some of the biggest names in the sport in Pride. Notable fights include bouts against Kazushi Sakuraba, Igor Vovchanchyn, Kevin Randleman, Chuck Liddell, the Rua brothers and Wanderlei Silva. Probably Jackson’s most famous Pride fight happened against Ricardo Arona at Pride: Critical Countdown 2004, June 20, 2004. Late in the first round Arona, caught Jackson in a triangle choke, and without missing a beat Jackson lifted Arona up over his head and slammed him to the canvas. The force of the slam immediately knocked Arona out, and forever cemented Jackson in MMA’s permanent highlight reel.

Jackson made his UFC debut February 3, 2007 at UFC 67, defeating Marvin Eastman by first round KO. Jackson also made a statement he is a force to be reckoned with at 205lbs. The win over Eastman aand avenged Jackson's first ever professional MMA loss. Jackson, who is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, he knocked out UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell at UFC 71 to win the title. It can also be argued, he was the fighter that made the world believe Liddell could be beat. Jackson has fought ten times in the UFC and has posted a 7-3 record. In his most recent fight at UFC 135, which was for the UFC light heavyweight title he lost to world #2 pound for pound fighter and current UFC light heavyweight champion Jonny “Bones” Jones. Jackson lost for only the second time ever by submission(Jones, Sakuraba, Pride 15, 07.29.11). Both submission losses were by rear naked choke.

Ryan “Darth” Bader the former Ultimate Fighter season 8 winner and once thought of can’t miss light heavyweight prospect, is working his way back up the UFC’s light heavyweight division ladder. Bader, started his professional MMA career a perfect 12-0. Then he ran into #2 pound for pound fighter and current UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Bader was Jones's first opponent on his incredible 2011 run and also resulted in Bader's first professional MMA defeat. Bader's next fight was against legend, and future Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz at UFC 132. That bout which Bader was a heavy favorite, derailed a lot of the buzz about him, when he was rocked early and Ortiz submitted him early in the first round. Bader with his back to the wall in his next fight, bounced back in a big way at UFC 139 knocking out Jason Brilz early in the first round.

Ryan Bader +190

Quinton Jackson -240

Jackson is a legend in Japan from his Pride days and is motivated for this fight. He campaigned with UFC president Dana White, and from interviews he has conducted, had to pull some strings and piss some people off to be included in this card. Jackson wanted a bout with Maurcio "Shogun" Rua, but because of Rua's legendary fight at UFC 139 against Dan Henderson he was unavailable. Jackson had to settle for Bader. Bader by no means is a push over. A motivated Rampage Jackson is a dangerous one. Rampage will need to show off his underrated take down defense here because that is the only way we see Bader possibly winning. Bader will need to take Jackson down and grind out a decision win. Standing and trading with Jackson is not fun for anyone to do. Jackson is just to much for Bader. Rampage gets back in the win column here and shows he still has what it takes to be considered a top 10 light heavyweight in the world.

WINNER: QUINTON "RAMPAGE" JACKSON, BY KNOCKOUT, ROUND 1

Need a boost of energy to get thru the day? Try Advocare's Spark Energy Drink. Mix powder with water and your good too go!

OVERVIEW

Available in Mango Strawberry, Pink Lemonade, Mandarin Orange, Fruit Punch, Grape, Citrus and Cherry
Offered in pouches and canisters
Our #1 seller
The most nutritionally advanced energy drink on the market
Sugar-free, long-lasting energy*
Surprisingly fast-acting*
Contains 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to synergistically provide a healthy, balanced source of energy*
Just 45 calories per serving
Sharpens mental focus*

TO ORDER FOLLOW THIS LINK ADVOCARE SPARK ORDER

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

UFC 144 EDGAR VS HENDERSON : EVENT REVIEW, PREDICTIONS AND BETTING LINES PART 1

UFC 144: Edgar vs Henderson takes place this Saturday, February 25, from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event starts roughly at 7 pm on the east coast, and 4 pm on the west coast. This marks the UFC's return to Japan in over 12 years. The last Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) event took place December 16, 2000. It was called UFC 29, Defense of the Belts. That event featured many UFC legends and UFC Hall of Famers. Some names that were on the card were: Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes, the late Evan Tanner (RIP), Pat Miletich, Chris Lytle and Tito Ortiz. This event also signaled an end of an ERA as well. This was the last event put on by former UFC owners SEG. A month later, SEG sold the UFC to current owners Zuffa, LLC.

The nights main card kicks off with a bang. Anthony "Showtime" Pettis and Joe Lauzon are two UFC lightweights trying to make a statement at UFC 144. With an impressive win they may have the right to say they should face the winner of UFC 144's main event between Frankie Edgar and Benson Henderson.

Pettis, who is 5-1 in his last 6 MMA bouts, is looking to have a performance, similar to the ones that garnered him so much media buzz when he was with World Extreme Cagefighting(WEC). When the WEC was merged into big brother UFC so did much of the WEC's fighter roster. Pettis, ironically was the last WEC lightweight(155lbs) champion. He just had an epic 5 round war with UFC 144's main event challenger Henderson who was the WEC champion at the time. Pettis's victory over Henderson was highlighted by probably the most famous move ever pulled off in a mixed martial arts bout, the "Showtime Kick". With the win, Pettis was guaranteed the next shot at UFC lightweight champion Edgar's belt. The bout was set for Pettis to get his title shot against Edgar, however a injury forced the champion out of the fight. Pettis had the option of waiting on the sidelines for Edgar to heal or he could take another fight and risk his #1 contendership. Pettis, being the competitor that he is, took another fight. That fight was against all action Clay Guida. Pettis, in his UFC debut lost a heartbreaking decision to Guida at the Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale. Forced to start at square one again, Pettis bounced back against the heavy hands of Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 pulling off a split decision win.

Joe Lauzon is one bad ass, finishing fighter. Of his 21 professional MMA wins all have been finishes (4 TKO/KO, and 17 submissions). Lauzon has fought 14 times in the UFC and has posted an 11-3 record in those bouts. He has won some type of post fight bonus in 8 of those 11 bouts. Five submission of the night bonuses and 3 fight of the night bonuses. Bottom line is Lauzon is legit.

Pettis -220

Lauzon +175

This bout could go either way. Pettis though has an underrated Jiu-Jitsu game and knows that is Lauzon's bread and butter. Pettis is such a crafty, think outside of the box type striker, that he is gonna keep Lauzon guessing. We could see a flash knockout or quick submission but, I see this fight being a fight of the night contender and going all three rounds. Like a well played chess match, Pettis checkmates Lauzon and continues his ascend back up the UFC lightweight ladder.

WINNER: ANTHONY "SHOWTIME" PETTIS, UNANIMOUS DECISION

Bart Palaszewski +145

Hatsu Hioki -175

Hatsu Hioki and Bart Palaszweski are veterans of MMA. With a combined 81 professional fights, they do not lack experience. This fight is going to be a seesaw battle between two grinding fighters. Palaszweski in this bout will need to rely on his very heavy hands to beat this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt. Hioki, who can absorb a lot of punishment, is a crafty MMA wizard, who will use a slick BJJ game plan with a crisp striking attack to keep Palaszweski off balance and clearly be the winner in the fight.

WINNER: HATSU HIOKI, UNANIMOUS DECISION

Yushin Okami -375

Tim Boetsch +275

On paper this fight is a complete mismatch. Yushin Okami, who is a former UFC 185lb, middleweight #1 contender, is looking to bounce back after his disappointing title fight loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 134. Tim Boetsch has had a bit of a resurgence in his UFC career since being called back up to the UFC. He has posted a 3-1 UFC record since then. This bout could be very entertaining or one that could send you to the refrigerator. Okami is too good and it shows.

WINNER: YUSHIN OKAMI, UNANIMOUS DECISION

Yoshihiro Akiyama +250

Jake Shields -350

Yoshihiro Akiyama is the most overrated fighter in the UFC. Akiyama, is 1-3 in his UFC career. Some would argue that he should be 0-4. He won a razor thin split decision against Alan Belcher at UFC 100. There is no denying his fights are not entertaining as evidence by his 3 post fight UFC fight of the night performance bonuses. However the boat has left the port. Jake Shields bounces back from his devasting loss to Jake Ellenberger and the loss of his father.

WINNER: JAKE SHIELDS, SUBMISSION, GUILLOTINE CHOKE, ROUND 2

Cheick Kongo -350

Mark Hunt +250

If there is a prop bet that says this fight between Mark Hunt and Cheick Kongo will not go the distance, I would recommend taking that bet. Both Kongo and Hunt are high level strikers. Odds are against this fight going to the floor. Hunt, is another UFC 144 fighter that has recently experienced a career resurgence. Since being given an opportunity by default to fight in the UFC (thanks to an old Pride contract) Hunt has gone 2-1. Kongo in his last four bouts is 3-0-1. The draw was to Travis Browne at UFC 120. Two of his three wins have been via stoppage. One of those wins was probably one of the most dramatic wins in MMA in along time. That happened against Pat "HD" Barry. Kongo was rocked and arguably knocked out on his feet, and he came back to defeat Barry by knockout. Kongo is too good. With a win, Kongo is on a collision course against Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.

WINNER: CHEICK KONGO, VIA TKO, ROUND 1

One box of Herbal Cleanse-Citrus
One bottle of OmegaPlex®
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Mandarin Orange
One box of AdvoCare Spark®-Fruit Punch
Your choice of one box of Meal Replacement Shakes - Chocolate, Vanilla, or Berry
Your choice of one box of MNS® Max 3, C, or E

Days 1-10 Cleanse Phase
The first ten days are about cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption, and you may enjoy weight loss as well!*

Herbal Cleanse-Citrus: helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.*
OmegaPlex®: essential fatty acids for increased overall wellness.*
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally-advanced energy*

Days 11-24 Max Phase
Give your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal during days 11-24!*

Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS®): Your choice of Max C+ (appetite control), Max E+ (energy), or Max 3 - for weight management, appetite control and overall wellness.*
Meal Replacement Shake - your choice of chocolate, vanilla, or berry: Complete nutrition in a great-tasting shake!
AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally advanced energy*

+ Compared to MNS Max 3

TO KICK OFF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS FOLLOW THE LINK TO ORDER AND IN 24 DAYS YOU WILL SEE A HUGE AND NOTICABLE WEIGHT LOSS ADVOCARE 24 DAY CHALLENGE

QUINTON "RAMPAGE" JACKSON PUMPED TO BE BACK IN OLD STOMPING GROUNDS FOR UFC 144

(poster image and quotes courtsey of UFC press release)

Former unified UFC & PRIDE light heavyweight champion ‘Rampage’ Jackson is pumped to finally be fighting again in Japan - where he made his legend - after an absence of exactly six years.

Jackson last fought in the Land of the Rising Sun in February 2006, defeating elite judo competitor Yoon Dong-Sik at the PRIDE31 event. Since then, Jackson has predominantly fought in Las Vegas, where the Ultimate Fighting Championshiporganization is headquartered; and he is reveling in finally getting another chance to return to the scene of some of his career-defining victories.

Rampage had this to say about his opponent at UFC 144 Ryan Bader and returning to Japan:

“I had a lot of success here, but the real reason I was so anxious to be on this UFC 144 card is that have a special bond with the Japanese fans,” Jackson said from his hotel room in Tokyo. “I’ve really missed fighting here, just the whole energy of the place and how they go crazy but they are also so respectful at the same time. I was so determined to make sure I was on this card. I must have asked Dana (White, UFC President) about it a thousand times. I guess he got tired of me asking and put me as the co-main event with Ryan Bader. Honestly, I’d have been cool as a prelim guy for this fight, just put me on the card!

“I’m so happy, so excited to be here. I’ve seen some old friends, fans of mine who became friends, who are coming to the fight and I can’t wait for UFC 144 this weekend.

“I’m going to go on the Rampage in Japan. I’m going to go back to my old style that and just whup his ass. He’s a good fighter, he can punch and wrestle like me, but I want to fight like I did in Japan, just fight and give the fans a fight they will remember for years like they do my PRIDE days. That’s all I care about. I’m looking to do some slams, my powerbomb and knocking Ryan Bader out!”

To commemorate Rampage’s return to Japan, the UFC presents a limited edition UFC 144 poster in the style of Japanese ‘Manga’ movies. A strictly limited number will be printed, but five of them are up for grabs at the UFC.com’s official Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/UFC.

Need a boost of energy to get thru the day? Try Advocare's Spark Energy Drink. Mix powder with water and your good too go!

OVERVIEW

Available in Mango Strawberry, Pink Lemonade, Mandarin Orange, Fruit Punch, Grape, Citrus and Cherry
Offered in pouches and canisters
Our #1 seller
The most nutritionally advanced energy drink on the market
Sugar-free, long-lasting energy*
Surprisingly fast-acting*
Contains 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to synergistically provide a healthy, balanced source of energy*
Just 45 calories per serving
Sharpens mental focus*