MMA Hot Stuff

ESPN MMA Live: Episode 47

Miguel Torres will be defending his title against Takeya Mizugaki in his own back yard this Sunday!

Miguel called in talked about not feeling the additional pressure fighting in front of his hometown fans, they're what helped him get where he is today. He also talked about his training preparations.

He also talked about his plans to move up a weight class. I'd LOVE to see this.

Kenny confirmed the fight with BJPenn will in fact be happening and as he announced on KennyFlorian.com looks like UFC 101 August 8^th in Philly.

Lashley joined in and he talks about his performance against Jason Guida. Find out what he thought of his performance also find out if he would fight for the UFC now. Is there a possibility he'll appear on The Ultimate Fighter? Also, find out his thoughts on being compared to Lesnar.

 

Announced/Rumored Fights:

• Forrest Griffin vs Thiago Silva happening at UFC 101
• Matt Hamill vs Brandon Verra UFC 101
• Rousimar Palhares vs Alessio Sakara UFC 99
• "JZ" Cavalvante vs Tatsuya Kawajiri Dream 9
• Gegard Mousasi vs Rameau Sokokjou Dream 9

 

Versus to sign multi-year extension with WEC that could run two more years

--I'd like to see old fights hosted on versus.com.

The crew gave a Fight Night debrief. If you missed the fights check out what they had to say.

Loving the training table series keep it up guys. Although I'm still craving a whopper my way.

Aoki brings the rubber gaurd... and those tights!

Well, I had predicted a decision win for JZ in the long-awaited fight between him and Shinya Aoki in the DREAM lightweight tournanment. Although I did make the my caveat that if Aoki came out in some of his crazy ass tights, all bets were off. Well, his tights weren't all that crazy, but his rubber gaurd sure was... and he used it to control JZ and neutralize his striking from the gaurd to secure the victory via unanimous decision.

I was more than a bit perplexed when JZ went for a takedown early in the bout, but in comments after the fight JZ noted that part of his gameplan was "to do everything". JZ fought off some amazing submission attempts by Aoki, but aside from a few heel strikes to the face in the first round he really wasn't able to mount any sort of damaging offense.

In the end it wasn't the most exciting fight, but a very technical display of grappling by Aoki and a well deserved victory. It will certainly be interesting to see how the remainder of this lightweight tournament pans out, but Aoki has got to the be the favorite.

Todays Random MMA Thoughts and Questions

First thought... will the fight between "JZ" (Gesias Calvancante) and Shinya Aoki finally happen??? It appears so, and it's about time. First JZ had to pull out due to injury, then when the fight finally did happen as part of the DREAM lightweight grand prix, it was ruled a no contest as JZ hit Aoki with illegal elbows to the back (too close to the spine).

The ending of that last (attempted) fight was disappointing to say the least. JZ was clearly upset at the outcome, as was Aoki for not being able to continue. We can only hope that both fighters come healthy, come to fight, and give fans the lightweight battle we all want to see and expect from two of the worlds top lightweights.

Can JZ keep it standing and use his striking to beat Aoki, the slick submission artist. Or will Aoki be able to get inside and take the fight to the mat? It's a tough call, but I'm going to pick JZ by decision. Unless Aoki comes out in a pair of crazy-ass tights like some of his other fights, then all bets are off!

Second thought... You may have heard that Carlos Condit signed a contract extension with the WEC. When is this guy going to make the move to the UFC? He's widely considered one of the top ten welterweights in the world, and has all but dominated every WEC challenger to come his way. John Alessio, second round submission... Brock Larson, first round submission... Carlo Prater first round submission. Who else does the WEC have to challenge this guy?

And Condit isn't the only one that could have a future in the UFC against some stiffer competition. How about WEC Light-heavyweight champion, Brian Stann? The guy is sitting at 6-0 with all his wins coming by TKO or KO, he has yet to have a fighter last beyond the first round with him, and he's just a machine. Keep your eye out for Brian Stann, this guy could make some waves with a higher level of competition.

But the question that really needs answering is... Is the WEC a feeder system for the UFC? Or is it going to stand-alone on it's own merits? Only time will tell.