Saturday, August 20, 2011

UFC on FOX

The recent news of the UFC going to network television is gigantic. We now get to see the world's biggest MMA company make its way to it's largest stage yet. It's been the number one tv network in the past eight or so years and joining such big organizations as the NFL, MLB, and NASCAR, it's safe to say the UFC is finally being taken seriously as a professional company and MMA as a sport as a whole. They're now going to have pre and post fight shows for every single UFC event along with a change to TUF, which is now moving to FX and will be airing the fights live as apposed to a edited version. This could mean that they can crank out more seasons of it per year because instead of waiting a while to watch the whole season after it's been done filming we'll get to see it as it's happening. The first live event will be in November and will feature a 2 fight main card with pay per view level talent. The event will last an hour. It is unclear weather this will be the new format for FOX or if they'll expand the main card. My guess is it all depends on how well their first couple of shows go and they'll work it out from there. The UFC had also said that the gladiator intro will be gone and they're going to have a new look to the whole event. Personally I liked the intro but who knows the new one might be even better. We'll all have to tune in to see how the first event goes which I personally am pumped for!!

Friday, August 12, 2011

UFC Live: Hardy Vs. Lytle Predictions


This Sunday will mark the UFC's 5th event to be aired on Versus, and just because it's a free event doesn't mean it's a weak card by any means. In fact, the card is packed with great cards both on the main and undercard. Every card on the main card is a fight of the night candidate so try to catch the whole card if you can. Also, make sure to check out facebook.com/UFC for all of the prelims live and free. This is an event you definitely shouldn't miss if you have the chance. Now let's start with the breakdown.

Amir Sadollah (5-2) vs. Duane Ludwig (20-11)

This is a fight of a newer fighter trying to make a name for himself against a seasoned veteran trying to get back on track for a shot at the title. Both men love to stand and trade and both have the ability to get the submission. However, Sadollah has the more solid striking, it's much cleaner and efficient and his only major weakness is his wrestling ability, which definitely won't be exploited by Ludwig.

Sadollah via UD


Charles Oliveira (14-1-1) vs. Donald Cerrone (15-3-1)

This is the fight on the card I personally am looking most forward to. Both fighters bring their all everytime they step in the cage. "Cowboy" had a lackluster performance last time around but you could tell he was angry at himself for letting it happen and I don't believe we'll see that going on this time. In Oliveira's last outing we saw a controversial end to an otherwise great fight. As unfortunate as it was he still looked great, particularly in the second round before an unfortunate illegal knee landed ending in a no contest. I think that this one is Oliveira's to take so long as he doesn't get overexcited and leaves an opening for his oppenent like we saw in the Jim Miller fight. If he can stay calm and keep good technique i believe it will end in his favor.

Oliveira via 2nd round submission


Jim Miller (20-2) vs. Ben Henderson (13-2)


I think this will be a great measuring stick for both fighters to see where they stand in the always exciting lightweight division. We'll see if Miller can finally get that title shot he wants so badly and we also can see if Henderson is ready to become Champ once again. Henderson's ability to submit anyone out of nowhere is a constant threat that shouldn't be taken lightly by anyone. However, Jim Miller is no slouch and is always crisp with technique and seems to improve with every outing. I think if he can pick his shots and make sure not to fall trap to a submission he can win a very close back and forth fight.

Jim Miller via UD


Chris Lytle (30-18-5) vs. Dan Hardy (23-9-1)

In what is sure to be a stand up war, Chris Lytle and Dan Hardy never fail to disappoint. They're crowd pleasing fighting style have both made them fan favorites but who holds the edge? This fight very well can go either way like every other main card fight. There will be exciting exchanges and both fighters will probably get rocked throughout however i believe that Hardy holds a slight edge in power which i think will be the difference. Though his shots will be powerful i believe that it still won't be enough to put away the always relentless Chris Lytle

Dan Hardy via Split Decision

Thursday, August 11, 2011

MMA Blog!!

After some thought I decided I would dedicate my blog to my favorite sport, mixed martial arts. I'll talk about new fighting news and give my opinion on the fighters and people surrounding them. This is exciting for me because it allows me to share my perspective on my favorite sport! My first piece of news I'd like to talk about is Alistair Overeem and his potential deal with the UFC. Personally, I'd love to see the deal go through because we'd see if Overeem truly is the number one heavyweight in the world. From his win of the K1 Grand Prix he had shown that he's a force to be reckoned with. He needs to be tested against other top strikers and top wrestlers though, and what better place for that to happen than in the UFC? Potential fights I'd like to see him in would be against, Junior Dos Santos, Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez, along with rising talent like Matt Mitrione, or Brendan Schaub. I'm anticipating further developments in this story and i hope the two sides come to agreement because everyone would win in this deal!