MMA Hot Stuff

Big Nog Makes Prediction On Shields vs Ellenberger Fight

Guess who Big Nog picked as the winner for this Saturday's fight between Jake Shields vs Jake Ellenberger?

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Don't Forget To Thank The Fighters

You can say what you will about the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Whether you love it, hate it or just don't understand it, you can definitely walk away with one understanding of the sport if you have time to watch just about any given fight. A big reason why the fighters are in the cage and doing what they do is because of the fans. Okay so not ALL the fighters are always so generous to their fans but never mind the exceptions. The vast majority of the fighters are extremely thoughtful, respectful and GRATEFUL for their fans.

Think about it. After every fight when Joe Rogan (or whoever) is talking to the winning fighter, the fighter always thanks his team, sponsors and the fans. When was the last time a baseball player thanked the fans? A football player? Okay, you can make the argument they're on a team and not being interviewed individually so I'll make more points.

Name a fighter. Any fighter. Have you ever tried to get into contact with that fighter? Most likely they're on Twitter. Or Facebook. Come on give me a name. You even have the Real Chuck Liddell now on Twitter. Randy Couture? Check. Tito Ortiz? Yep. And no offense but those are exactly the youngest of the fighters! Okay mind you I just mentioned the three fighters that probably need the most help with their Twitter-skills! LOL They're great with posting but not so great with being interactive. But come on, they're at least on there and posting what they're up to right? And why do they do this? Purely for the fans. Umm where's Peyton Manning? Not on Twitter. Reggie Bush on Twitter but let's be real here, it's probably just because Kim Kardashian got him up and going on it! Okay, I kid I kid!

Some fighters are very interactive on their personal websites. Daily video posts? Hello have you been on BJPenn.com? The guy shows you what he eats for every meal. 

Oh you want to roll around with these guys. Most likely you can find a gym in a city near you where there's a top tier fighter that's a household name you can roll around with. I'm not kidding. Of course they're not looking to give free lessons to any Larry or Stan off the street, but if you're a dedicated fighter in the making, these guys have opened gyms and are teaching classes. When they're not personally training for a fight they're most likely helping one of their team mates prepare for a fight. 

And now you're starting to see fighters go one step further in how they interact with fans. Shane Carwin will send you a hand written and signed letter. The guy is BUSY. I mean crazy busy. And he hand writes letters. Who even writes letters now days? You can go to Shane's store http://www.performancemma.com/Shane-Carwin-s/215.htm?Click=1592  buy something and you'll get the letter with the merchandise! 

I just think it's worth noting and making sure the MMA fans (like me) don't take the accessibility of fighters for granted. I think this is one of the many things that makes this sport so special. The next time you see a fighter you should thank him for everything he does since they're so quick to thank us.

UFC 102 Breakdown By Jon Anik And Kenny Florian

While I'm not going to be happy until I see this type of recap on SPORTSCENTER (hello ESPN aren't you listening to me?) this will have to do for now.

My friends Jon Anik and Kenny Florian did a quick break down of the Couture/Nogueira fight and the Jardine/Silva fight from UFC 102.

One quick note, as they mentioned Randy was coming to an end to his contract, however as Randy announced tonight during the post-fight press conference, he has just signed another contract with the UFC for 6 more fights over the next two years. RAD!

To support Jon, Kenny and the rest of the ESPN MMA Live crew, please follow them on twitter!

twitter.com/kenny_florian

twitter.com/franklin_mcneil

twitter.com/jon_anik

twitter.com/mollyqerim_espn

twitter.com/espn_mmalive

oh and me!

twitter.com/mmahotstuff

UFC 102 Results

OFFICIAL EVENT RESULTS:

Fight Honors:

"Fight of the Night" - Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Randy Couture

"Knockout of the Night" Nate Marquardt

"Submission of the Night" Jake Rosholt

This was probably one of the best and yet under rated cards this year! Here are the final results...

Winners in GREEN

Randy Couture vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by Unanimous Decision in the 3rd Round

Keith Jardine vs Thiago Silva by Knock Out in the 1st Round

Chris Leben vs Jake Rosholt by Submission (choke) in the 3rd Round

Nate Marquardt vs Demian Maia by Knock Out in the 1st Round

Brandon Vera vs Krzysztof Soszynski by Unanimous Decision in the 3rd Round

Ed Herman vs Aaron Simpson by Techncial Knock Out in the 2nd Round

Gabriel Gonzaga vs Chris Tuchscherer by Technical Knock out in the 1st Round

Junstin McCully vs Mike Russow by Unanimous Decision in the 3rd Round

Tim Hague vs Todd Duffee by Knock Out in the 1st Round (UFC RECORD of  7 seconds)

Nick Catone vs Mark Munoz by Split Decision in the 3rd Round

Marcus Aurelio vs Evan Dunham by Split Decision in the 3rd Round

UFC 102 Predictions - FROM A GIRL'S PERSPECTIVE

Okay, I know it feels like I waited until the last minute to post my predictions (and let's be real here, I did) but I have a good reason. I didn't want people to steal my predictions for our fantasy league. Hey, it could happen.

While I thought I was super excited for UFC 101, I'm even more excited for UFC 102. The card doesn't have a title fight but it's stacked with killer match ups. Good job Joe Silva!

Where to start.. It's Friday night and I've got things to do so we'll skip around and cover the fights I'm anxious to see and the main card.

Mark Munoz vs Nick Catone: First of all, this is Mark's second fight in the UFC. If you recall his debut with the UFC was against Matt Hamill (one of my favs), where he was KNOCKED the eff OUT with a head kick early in to the first round. I think a lot of Mark and his wrestling skills. And I'm anxious to see how he does against Nick. But since this is a prediction post I'll just lay it out here. I believe Mark is going to suffer another loss. I have Nick winning by TKO in the first.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs Chris Tuchscherer Even though Gabriel is coming off a loss against Shane Carwin (hello one of the best fights of 2009 so far) he's still a skilled fighter. We all remember how he caught Shane and rocked him pretty good. A lot of people are saying this is a do or die fight for Gonzaga but I disagree. Either way, I have Gonzaga winning the fight by TKO in the first.

Here's an upset pick. Damnit I just gave it away. Ed Herman vs Aaron Simpson. While many people are going to pick Ed, and I understand why, I think Aaron is going to win his UFC debut fight. No real reason. The kid has experience from being in the WEC and he's shown his wins by KO or TKO (all in the first round but one). Impressive in my book. So there you have it. My upset pick. Aaron by TKO in the first

A CAN'T WAIT FOR THESE FIGHTS:

Brandon Vera vs Krzysztof Soszynski I actually had a hard time with this pick. I think both fighters are great. Krz has won submission of the night multiple times and has some big wins under his belt. Assuming Brandon can keep this fight standing, I'm giving him the fight by TKO in the second. 

Nate Marquardt vs Demian Maia This very well could be THE FIGHT OF THE NIGHT. Again, I've gone back and forth on this one. I've even argued with myself over it. Both fighters are some of the top middleweights in the UFC without a doubt. The thing about Demian is he hasn't been a MMA for all that long. However in his short stint he's proven his ability and then some. Currently with a record of 10-0 his style is unusual or as some people say unorthodox. He's won all of his fights (but two) via submission and has won submission of the night honors on many occasions. This is without a doubt going to be Demian's hardest fight yet. However, I have him winning by Choke in the first round.

Chris Leben vs Jake Rosholt Chris Chris Chris... being from Portland I expect the crowd to be rowdy for this fight. Recently in Jon Anik's ESPN chat, some people said Chris is a gatekeeper for the middle weight division. I think he's a good/emotional fighter but definitely NOT a gatekeeper. In my opinion, this is a must win fight for Chris. I don't mean must win as in he'll be cut from the UFC but pretty dang close. Coming off a loss from well over a year ago against Mike Bisping, and then later testing positive for steroids, Chris hasn't been in the public eye for a while now. His record isn't bad, and again he's an emotional fighter. He's fighting someone who has pretty limited MMA experience (5-1) vs Chris' record of 18-5. Because of the emotion, the home town advantage and something to prove attitude, I give this fight to Chris via quick TKO in the first.

Don't think I'm picking every fight to go by TKO! Dun Dun Dun... The Dean of Mean Keith Jardine vs Thiago Silva! I can't wait for this fight! Keith Jardine is one of those fighters I love to watch. He doesn't always win but he always gives his best. Okay that was the girl in me saying that. But it's true he's a fighter that just never (or rarely) leaves the crowd disappointed. I think Keith is going to do everything he can to ensure this doesn't go to the ground given Thiago is known for his ground and pound style. I have this one going the distance my friends. But in the end I'm giving it to Keith by Unanimous Decision. 

And the MAIN EVENT!!! Randy Couture vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - I can list all the reasons why I believe Randy will win. Never mind his age and that he's almost as old as dirt (I kid I kid), his body and mind are that of a youngin'. Did you see him at weigh-ins? The guy is ripped. If I saw him (and were single duh) at the beach I'd be like.. "damn'. He's coming focused and with a game plan. He's going to take Nogueira down but will be smart enough to stay out of his submissions. I'm giving this fight to Randy by TKO in the second.

Again, I'm really looking forward to a great night of fights. Superb card and match ups. I love MMA!

I'll be on twitter ( twitter.com/mmahotstuff ) and we'll also have an open post/chat open during the fights. Check back here later with more details.

Also, friendly reminder. If you haven't already done so MAKE YOUR UFC FANTASY PICKS! Time is running out. 19 hours left. Go to http://fantasy.ufc.com/

If you haven't decided where you're watching the fights, don't worry I'm here to help. Here's a list of bars/restaurants showing the PPV events. http://www.mmahotstuff.com/about/2009/08/ufc-102-pay-per-view-locations.html

UFC 102 Pay Per View Locations

When the history of mixed martial arts is written, two names will stand at the top of the heavyweight division Randy "The Natural" Couture and Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira. But these two legendary former champions aren't thinking about the history books, they're looking to make another run at the UFC title, and to get there, they must face each other in the Octagon in the main event of UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira.

In the co-feature, two of the light heavyweight division's heaviest hitters collide, when perennial contender Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine takes on Brazilian powerhouse Thiago Silva.

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira - Saturday, August 29th, live on Pay-Per-View from the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon.

4:00pm PT      Arena Doors Open
4:45pm PT      First Bout
7:00pm PT      Main Card Begins; UFC 102 Goes Live on Television and the Web

After the jump, you'll find a full list of bars/restaurants sorted by city and state, showing the fights! Maybe I'll see you there.

I'll also be tweeting the fights live. www.twitter.com/mmahotstuff  

RUMOR: Shane Carwin vs Cain Velasquez UFC 104 in LA

Thanks to Shane Carwin's Twitter, we know he's interested in facing Cain Velasquez October 24th in Los Angeles.  It looks like the bout is not signed sealed and delivered just yet but close.

The Heavyweight division is just so exciting and a match up between these two undefeated fighters would be fantastic.

Shane is coming off an impressive win against Gabriel Gonzaga where he won by Knock-Out 1:09 minutes into the first round.

There's been some buzz about Shane fighting the winner between Randy Couture and Antonio Nogueira.

UFC 102 in Portland - Rose Garden

I think every time there's a new UFC event announced I say "wow this is going to be one of the best cards ever." Well I'm saying it again. UFC 102 will take place in Portland Oregon (my home state) August 29th at the Rose Garden! And Mr Joe Silva has done it again. He's bringing us some outstanding match ups.

As I previously announced, the main event will be Randy Couture vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Keith Jardine will face Thiago Silva as the co-headliner.

Also on the main card, Chris Leben vs Jake Rosholt, Nate Marquardt vs Demian Maia (MAKINGS OF A GREAT MATCHUP), Matt Hamill vs Brandon Vera.

Preliminary Card:
Wilson Gouveia vs James Irvin
Junior Dos Santos vs Justin McCully
Nick Catone vs Mark Munoz
Evan Dunham vs Matt Veach

It's nice to see some of my "Dream UFC MatchUps" are coming to fruition.

Ticket Sale information:
UFC Fight Club Presale  Thursday, June 18 at 10am pacific time
UFC Newsletter Presale Friday  June 19 at 10am pacific time
Public On-Sale Saturday June 20 at 10am pacific time

UFC 102 Randy Couture vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira In Portland

 HEAVYWEIGHT LEGENDS TO HEADLINE

FIRST-EVER UFC^® EVENT IN PORTLAND

 

LIVE FROM THE ROSE GARDEN – SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009

 

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The Ultimate Fighting Championship^® (UFC^®) is headed to Portland for the first time ever and it’s bringing a couple of true heavyweight heroes. Mixed martial arts legends and former UFC champions Randy “The Natural” Couture and Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira will face off for the first time in their storied careers at UFC 102: COUTURE vs. NOGUEIRA, live from Portland, Oregon’s Rose Garden on Saturday, August 29, 2009.

“We’re extremely excited to be heading to Portland,” UFC President Dana White said. “When you get two mixed martial arts legends that are all heart and have wanted to fight each other for years, plus the fact that Randy has roots in Oregon, that tells me that not only will the crowd be electric but it’s also a night where the fighters will be looking to cement their legacies.”

Tickets for UFC 102 will go on sale Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50. Tickets can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box Office (M-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), all participating Safeway/ TicketsWest outlets, by calling 877.789.ROSE (7673), or at ComcastTIX.com. For more information please visit RoseQuarter.com. Prices do not include service charges.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Thursday, June 18 starting at 10 a.m. PT via UFC.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers on Friday, June 19 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

A UFC Hall-of-Famer and five-time UFC champion, Randy “The Natural” Couture (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) has a mixed martial arts resume that truly stands out from the rest. The Everett, Washington native has registered a series of wins over big names that include Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Tim Sylvia, Pedro Rizzo, Vitor Belfort and Gabriel Gonzaga. On August 29^th, Couture returns to Oregon after coaching wrestling at Oregon State University, and the 45-year-old former three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time UFC light heavyweight champion will be looking to give his legion of fans yet another reason to cheer when he takes on Nogueira.

“Nogueira is the type of fighter that is dangerous everywhere,” Couture said. “He’s difficult to knock out and he’s a world class jiu-jitsu player. I will have to train very diligently and very specifically for him. Also, the fact that I’m fighting in Oregon makes me want to put on a great show and win for these fans.”

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo black belt and the only man to hold the PRIDE and UFC heavyweight championship belts, “Minotauro” Nogueira (fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has the experience and the world-class talent to take out anyone who opposes him in the Octagon. With UFC wins over Heath Herring and Tim Sylvia in his first two UFC bouts, the revered Nogueira quickly made his presence felt in the ultra-competitive heavyweight division. Now the 6-foot-3, 240-pound former interim UFC heavyweight champion looks to get the gold back around his waist.

“I’m honored to face such a great fighter as Randy Couture,” Nogueira said. “I wanted to fight him for some time now and I know to become a legend you have to beat a legend.”

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com, UK.UFC.com, GERMANY.UFC.com or UFCEspanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Dream UFC MatchUps

Where have I been?! Sorry y'all, I've been busy with the "day" job. And while I've been away I've put some thought into a few fights I'd like to see.

These are the fights that would really get me pumped up. Before you all send me messages saying "silly girl at least one of these fights has already been announced" I know that. But this is my list of fights I'd like to see. Announced already or not. 
What are your thoughts? Who do you think would win these match-ups?

Oh, and Joe Silva; if you need any more match ups from me feel free to email me. MKThanks.

Brock Lesnar  vs  Shane Carwin

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira  vs  Randy Couture

Rashad Evans  vs  Lyoto Machida

Matt Hamill  vs  Brandon Vera

Dan Henderson  vs  Keith Jardine

Michael Bisping  vs  Patrick Cote

Damien Maia  vs  Anderson Silva

Matt Brown  vs  Tamdan McCrory

Jon Fitch  vs  Marcus Davis

Clay Guida  vs  Joe Stevenson

Sean Sherk  vs  Nate Diaz