World Victory Road's Sengoku Raiden Championships 15 lineup has two new additions.
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MMAjunkie.com Radio today welcomes to the show Kyle Watson, who serves as our blogger and radio correspondent for "The Ultimate Fighter 12" and discusses Wednesday's new episode.
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Sean Sherk is itching to get back in the Octagon this weekend at UFC 119. It sounds odd since the last time we saw Sherk he was running around the cage trying to catch Frank Edgar and then ran from the MGM Garden Arena following the loss. You forgot? Sherk was one of the big victories for Edgar as he made his way to the title upset victory over B.J. Penn and then another upset in defending the strap. That could've been Sherk in there against Penn, but just like the Hawaiian, he couldn't catch Edgar. Now he's got someone who'll stand in front of him in Evan Dunham. This is nice step up for Dunham. All the pressure is on the veteran Sherk. He doesn't care. After an injury-filled 16 months, he just wants to fight.
"To be honest when they offered me the fight with Dunham, I didn't know who he was and I just said 'OK, sounds good.' I didn't even look into it," Sherk told Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press. "I just wanted to fight and I accepted the fight, not knowing who he was."
Dunham only has four UFC fights under his belt but launched himself into the top 10 of the UFC's 155-pound division with a big win over Tyson Griffin.
"After I started watching some video, I'm like 'All right, OK, this is going to be a tough fight. So I better get my ass going and train like I always do," said Sherk. "If I do that, then there's nothing to worry about. I know I can hang with the best in the world, I can beat the best in the world. So nothing's changed on my end."
Sherk's resume is impressive at 34-4-1. He held the UFC lightweight title until he got popped for a positive drug test following UFC 73. His only losses have come to current or former world champions, Penn, George St. Pierre, Matt Hughes and Edgar. The question now is his age. He's 37 years old and his body broke down often following the Edgar loss in May of 2009.
He missed a fight at UFC 104 against Gleison Tibau because of a shoulder issue. Then he bailed from UFC 108 when he suffered a nasty cut on his forehead in training. He was also offered Clay Guida in March but turned it down because of more nagging injuries. Sherk said it was just a bad run of luck.
"I don't think I would say I've been cursed. I've been fighting professionally for 11 years, I've got 42 professional fights and I've been pulled out of two fights in 11 years. And it just so happens those two fights were back-to-back," said Sherk. "It's not a curse by any means, it's just the way it is. We play rough and sometimes you get hurt."
Sherk versus Dunham (11-0, 4-0 UFC) should be a good tactical scrap. Dunham has given his opponents fits with his takedowns. That might not be so easy against an accomplished MMA wrestler like Sherk. But the issue for Sherk once again is his lack of height and reach. If it turns into a standup war, the 5-foot-6 Sherk may have trouble dealing with the 5-11 Dunham. It might be refreshing to see Sherk go back to his bread and butter takedown game but as fighter's get older, they tend to take the less strenuous approach on the feet.
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Lesson plans should be handed out to anyone who didn't fight at Ultimate Fight Night 22. The course? Possibly the most important thing in the fight game - killer instinct! Few fighters have it at the highest level and those who possess it are at the top of the game. Those who don't shouldn't look far to explain why their careers don't amount to what they'd hoped.
The best example of the night in Austin, Texas came from the Efrain Escudero-Charles Oliveira fight. Escudero, the winner of Season 8 of "The Ultimate Fighter," showed why he may be bound for a .500 career in the UFC, while Oliveira exhibited why he's a thoroughbred prospect.
Escudero's reputation began to take a hit on Tuesday when he missed weight. Don't forget that he also struggled to make weight at UFC 103. The third round said all you needed to know about the two fighters. With 3:26 left in the fight, Escudero drilled Oliveira in the groin. The Brazilian was down on the mat for a few minutes and even had to rub his crotch in an effort to "relieve" the pressure. The crowd began booing and Escudero starting mugging for the fans by smiling and waving to the them.
Focus was lost. Oliveira got to his feet, told Escudero everything was okay and then proceeded to unload on him. Escudero simply wasn't ready for the restart. By the time he knew what was going on, the TUF 8 king was caught in a standing rear-naked choke and didn't even attempt to slam Oliveira to the ground in one final effort to extricate himself. He just gave up. That's two fights and two submission of the night bonuses. Oliveira likely earned $14,000 from the fight (Texas doesn't release official salaries) but got an additional $40,000 for the finish. He also received a $40,000 bonus at UFC on Versus 2. Oliveira, 20, is far from a finished project but his skill set, led by a nasty streak is impressive.
Cole Miller is far from perfect in the cage but he knows how to seize an opportunity. Not known for his standup, he rocked Ross Pearson with 3:26 left in the second. The Brit's legs buckled. Just seconds later, Miller caught him again with a combination and Pearson had trouble setting his feet. Instead of cautiously moving forward, Miller charged with a big knee and then dropped Pearson with an awesome left hook. There was no settling into the guard for some ground and pound. Miller pounced and slapped on a rear-naked choke. He now has five finishes in six UFC wins. Killer instinct also pays off with the wallet. Miller has now cashed four bonus checks totalling $160,000. That's nice cash for a guy who's likely to make just $16,000 to show and $16,000 to win his next time out.
And it goes without saying that Nate Marquardt took a step forward because of his killer instinct. When Rousimar Palhares tried to pull a Jamie Varner and essentially call a timeout, Marquardt had no part of it. Sure it was served on a silver platter, but Marquardt smashed and devoured Palhares leaving the Brazilian plenty of time to complain about greasing after he lost. Marquardt didn't get the knockout of the night bonus, that went to Brian Foster.
Fighters who look for decisions will eventually see their careers hit a wall. It was good to see several of the stars and prospects at UFN 22 go for the kill.
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Correspondent: Fedor, first fight according to your contract this year took place. It became one of the fastest out of Your stellar record. Did You expect such a desicive victory over Tim Sylvia?
Fedor Emelianenko: I never exect when a fight is going to end and can never tell ahead of time what is going to happen. Of course, I do want it to end as soon as possible, though I always mentally prepare myself for a long and gruelling fight.
Correspondent: Traditionally fighter's entrance is accompanied by music. This time it was a complete surprise a complete surprise when you came out to a kazak song "Stepan Razin's Dream" (Son Stepana Razina) , better known as a fold song "Oi, to ne veter" (Oi, that's not wind). What made you choose it, and who was it performed by? MMANinja's Note: as Fedor said he had father Andrei record it for him. From little searching that I did I found a version sung by a folk band. Download it here.
Fedor Emelianenko: It was my choice, I really like the song. With God's help I met a wonderful man - a priest from Nizhnii Novgorod father Andrei. When I heard him chant prayers and sing this song, I asked him to record it for me and he agreed.
Correspondent: After the fight cameras zoomed in on a moment when Your coach Vladimir Voronov placed a cross on you. You haven't had it that long. Are you a person of faith?
Fedor Emelianenko: Yes, I'm a person of faith and recently my life has changed, I will try to live my life according to God's teachings...
Correspondent: First step back to church many people make after something happened: serious illness, loss of a loved one, other tragic events... What was the reason for you to make that decision?
Fedor Emelianenko: When I met father Andrei, all my doubts left me...After being around this man, I realized that its the only right way. Through father Andrei God brought me to people who helped me realize how I used to live and how I should live going forward.
Correspondent: A disappointing incident from your last fight became an injury: a broken thumb, the same one that You already had a surgery on, put a metal plate on and so on, it happened again...According to international standards, after a fracture you can not even talk about fighting until after half a year. Does that mean that in 2008 You will not be able to fight?
Fedor Emelianenko: In reality, I don't feel a lot of pain, hand is healing and I'll hope that everything will work out. My next performance is planned in November: Combat Sambo world championships will take place in St. Petersburg.
Correspondent: Do you have plans to participate in "Affliction-2" in October?
Fedor Emelianenko: I would like to take part in "Affliction-2", but I'm not sure yet if it will happen.
Correspondent: Your younger brother Alexander was going to participate in the last "Affliction" event. What was the reason for him not being allowed to fight? Many fear if the same situation will happen at the next event?
Fedor Emelianenko: I can't comment on the situation. Alexander was in fact barred from performing from some blood tests. That's why I can't really say anything.
Correspondent: Last few years you have not trained with your brother. He moved to St. Petersburg and your training, mostly, takes place in Starii Oskol. Any plans to resume training together?
Fedor Emelianenko: It's more convinient and better for me to train in Starii Oskol. That doesn't work for Alex. From what I understand from his recent interviews, he likes it in St. Petersburg and he isn't planning to go anywhere for training.
Correspondent: A considerable group of fans went with you to America. How important is that for you?
Fedor Emelianenko: For me, of course, it's important to have people close to me, who always support me, worry about me and pray for me. I wish all of them could come with me, but none the less it was great to see guys who cheered for me at the event.
Correspondent: Are you planning to fly to Beijing to support russian athletes?
Fedor Emelianenko: Unfortunately, they way things are working out I will not be to go to Beijing. But I wish I could.
Correspondent: One of the organizers of the "Affliction" event was world famous make of stylish clothing, gothic style. You came out in an "Affliction" t-shirt as well. Do you prefer such "brave" style?
Fedor Emelianenko: I prefer a more simple style in clothing. Though I do really like "Affliction" clothes, it's comfortable. And on my t-shirt there was nothing that was against Russian orthodox, so I came out to the ring in it.
Correspondent: In one of your recent interviews we spoke about a project "Fighting Fedor". Are the participant already picked? When will it start?
Fedor Emelianenko: That's a question for Vadim Finkelstein - he leads that project. I don't know the exact time frames.
Correspondent: What are your plans for the near future?
Fedor Emelianenko: I am leaving for America to participate in a press conference. I will also be negotiating with "Affliction" company.
Check out and learn Fedor's MMA style from his new book: Fedor: The Fighting System of the World's Undisputed King of MMA
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It's that time again, less than two hours before the event and all I have time for now is just the very quick picks for UFC 88. It's another one of those UFC cards that on paper looks average, even with Chuck Liddell and Dan Henderson on it, but as it often happens can turn out to be quite exciting.
Roan Carneiro Vs. Ryo Chonan - I really hope this one actually makes it on the PPV. Roan Jucao Carneiro was one of the very few fighters that had Jon Fitch in real trouble. Not an easy fit by any standards. Coming off an upset loss to Kevin Burns he should bounce back and beat Chonan by TKO. Ryo Chonan is a Japanese journeyman who's biggest accomplishment was catching the great Anderson Silva by a jumping scissors to a heelhook submission, but hey, at least is a great accomplishment. Should be a good fight due to Chonan's resiliency.
Jason Lambert Vs. Jason MacDonald - this match up feels like a "retirement from UFC for a while" party for Jason Lambert who has now dropped down to 185. Probably in hopes of better luck. It's an annoying trend nowadays. Lose a few fights and blame it on the fact that other guys are just "too big and strong". Yep, forget the fact that they might have done a few more pushups than you and are just a bit more skilled than you in some areas. Lambert is doing exactly this. He got TKO'd in his losses, not taken down and held down by a bigger stronger fighter. Another loss in the new for him 185 category should teach him a good lesson hopefully. It's about skill stupid! Plus, according to Jason MacDonald pendulum record, he is due for a win. Picking MacDonald by submission quickly.
Tim Boetsch Vs. Michael Patt - Patt has had a few decent wins in Bodog event and is decent on the ground with 12 submissions. Tim Boetsch is the famous for introduction to the world of the very unique style of combat Judo, the brutal "Redneck Judo". He instantly won over a great deal of fans, me including. He was just so much fun to watch and he was kicking ass while at it. Even though Matt Hamill put a damper on his quest for championship, Tim is more focused than ever and I'm sure his "Redneck Judo" is a sharp and unrefined as ever. Picking Boetsch by a vicious throw on a head.
Thiago Tavares Vs. Kurt Pellegrino - Tavares burst on the scene with some of the smoothest jiu-jitsu around and the hype around him was quite strong for a while. But you could see chinks in his beautiful jiu-jitsu based game. Tyson Griffin beat him by a close decision, then a judoka Michihiro Omigawa gave him a good run for his money. Many said Tavares had an off night, but truth was that just beautiful jiu-jitsu may simply not be enough. Matt Wiman proved that, he wasn't afraid of it and KO'd Tavares. Kurt Pellegrino can eat a huge kick and still keep coming. His record isn't the most stellar but he's been in some tough fights. I'm picking Pellegrino to get through the ground assault by Tavares and use his improved striking to beat Tavares, just follow Wiman's blueprint.
Dong Hyun Kim Vs. Matt Brown - Matt Brown is certainly tough and can win fights and finish them, but he HAD to get better at starting to fight sooner in his fights. You can not take a bunch of damage and hope it doesn't affect you too much when you're finally ready to fight back. Kim is an unknown, but based on his record it sounds like he will too come out and hurt Matt Brown for a while and may be Matt Brown will fight back or may be he won't. Picking Kim to start out early and not give Brown a chance to be in a condition to fight back effectively.Martin Kampmann Vs. Nate Marquardt - Martin Kampmann is cool, awesome combo of dutch striking with improving ground game. However I believe in Nate Marquardt. His destruction of Jeremy Horn made me believe a little longer in his dream to eventually get a crack at Anderson Silva again. Marquardt's loss to Thales Leites was due to questionable fouls. Picking Marquardt to finish Kampmann.
Dan Henderson Vs. Rousimar Palhares - Palhares is a little muscle tank with some very slick jiu-jitsu who in his UFC debut not only submitted a very slick himself Ivan Salaverry with an armbar from back mount but also made Joe Rogan cry on the broadcast with that move. I mean honestly, while not a common move in MMA to date, it is a very common and real simple move in grappling. I just wish Joe Rogan was the one commentating Shinya Aoki pulling off gogo plata from the mount to see and hear Rogan's reaction. He would have blown up from all the excitement. Dan Henderson coming off two tough losses to two super tough guys in Andreson Silva and Rampage Jackson. He's really due to bounce back as he usually does and once again make an example of his opponent. Palhares definitely poses danger to Henderson, but Henderson's experience should bring him victory. Picking Henderson
Rich Franklin Vs. Matt Hamill - Is this a 205 fight? I'm guessing 185 is a pointless division for Franklin to be in so for now he's just going to do fights. No real meaning or a goal. And why not? Beating Anderson Silva is out of question for a few years if ever. He should be just as successful at 205 as he was at 185. May be a good move. Hamill isn't exactly an easy fight to try moving up a category. Franklin should have no problem dealing with Hamill's strong wrestling and hard punching. Picking Franklin
Chuck Liddell Vs. Rashad Evans - I don't know why but I'm not excited about this fight at all. Rashad has amazing potential, but he himself is his only hinderance to being great. He had nothing to be afraid of in his fight with Tito, for 2 rounds he stopped himself from beating Tito up exactly the same way he beat him up in the third. If he didn't get over the fact that he is now part of the more famous fighters and should not be afraid to punch them or take them down, he'll hurt his chances bad against Chuck Liddell. Because unlike Tito, Chuck will actually hurt him. Things are just not looking good for Rashad, he hasn't fought for almost a year, he's tentative with celebrities, his height disadvantage. Picking Chuck Liddell by TKO by Chuck's own sprawl-and-counter (tm). He was sharp against Wanderlei Silva and looked excited again to be fighting. Just hope that is still there.
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If it feels like Jamie Varner and Donald Cerrone have been at each other's throats for two years, well, it's because they have.anderson silva chuck liddell martial art mma fight mma training
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