MMA Hot Stuff

UFC 107 Pay Per View Locations

Are you as excited for UFC 107 as I am? I mean are you kidding me, BJ Penn vs Diego Sanchez? YES PLEASE! On the same card as Kenny Florian vs Clay Guida?! While it's officially ski season out here in Tahoe, it makes traveling to events more difficult. If only we could get these events to happen at a casino in South Tahoe. That would be a dream.

If you're also unable to get to the event for whatever reason, fear not because you can still watch it and enjoy a few brew-skies with your friends at your local bar/restaurant. And because I love you all so much, I've compiled a list of the bars/restaurants showing the event. Listed by State, after the jump below. Enjoy!

BJ Penn vs Diego Sanchez

Frank Mir vs Cheick Kongo

Kenny Florian vs Clay Guida

Jon Fitch vs Mike Pierce

Paul Buentello vs Stefan Struve

Alan Belcher vs WIlson Goveia

Matt Wiman vs Shane Nelson

Johny Hendricks vs Richard Funch

Rousimar Palhares vs Lucio Linhares

Demarques Johnson vs Edgar Garcia

Kevin Burns vs TJ Grant

Oh, P.S.S don't forget to make your FANTASY SELECTION! Go to Fantasy.UFC.com 

LIST OF BARS/RESTAURANT SHOWING UFC 107

The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale Fight Recap & Results

Wow. Some exciting brawls tonight.

Joe Daddy Stevenson vs Nate Diaz - This was a back and forth match. It went to the judges.  Joe won via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Ross Pearson vs Andre Winner (TUF Lightweight finale) - Ross Pearson won via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to become "TUF 9" lightweight winner. Honestly, in my opinion this was one of the most boring TUF finale fights. These guys did not fight as though they were fighting for a major contract.

Chris Lytle vs Kevin Burns - I was really looking forward to this fight because Chris is such an exciting fighter to watch. He's always trying to get fight of the night or submission/knock outs of the night. I love how he was "toying" with Kevin. Kevin seemed to gas out somewhat quickly, and Chris would do what looked to be a pretty basic one two combo then step back and do it over and over again. While I actually thought (hoped) Chris was going to take this in the first round, it ended up going to the judges. And just to note, Kevin kneed/kicked Chris in the balls THREE times during the fight. THREE. Who does that? Chris Lytle won via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Damarques Johnson vs James Wilks (TUF welterweight finale) - While Damarques was able to fend off a few early chokes, he was finally caught in a rear naked choke at the very tail end of the first round. Just as the 10 second warning was heard, Johnson tapped.  James Wilks won via rear-naked choke in Round 1, 4:54 to become "TUF 9" welterweight winner.

Diego Sanchez vs Clay Guida

THE MAIN EVENT was one of THE best fights I've seen in a long time. Such different styles yet both FEROCIOUS. In what started out as a serious boxing match, was coupled with superb wresting, tight  armbars and lots of blood. I loved the fight, it was exactly my kind of fight! What I really love is Diego Sanchez just adds even more excitement to one of the best weight classes. Anyway both fighters rocked it. It went the distance and Diego won via split decision split decision (28-29, 29-27, 29-28). These two will definitely meet again at some point.

By the way, I ended up at 106 out of 16046 in UFC Fantasy. How did you do?

The Ultimate Fighter Finale Sanchez vs Guida

Tomorrow night is the much anticipated Finale between Team US and Team UK. Although there will be one fight where it's team UK vs team UK because there are 3 Team UK guys and one Team US appearing in the Finale. Not only will we see the TUF guys fight it out for a contract but we will also see some other great match ups. Below are some of my predictions, winners in green!

Diego Sanchez vs Clay Guida - This has all the ingredients for a spectacular fight. Clay is one of the most ferocious and explosive fighters in the light-weight division. Diego has recently dropped a weight and has shown he's comfortable in the 155 weight class. I'm really looking forward to this fight. Both fighters are coming off of wins (Diego beat Joe Daddy and Clay recently beat Nate Diaz). As far as my prediction goes, I'm going to give the W to Clay. 

Chris Lytle vs Kevin Burns - Kevin is still somewhat new to MMA, however his record isn't too shabby at 7-2 overall and 2-1 in the UFC. If you recall Kevin is the one that fought Anthony Johnson twice. The first fight he won although be-it in a controversial way with his open hand punches. He's going to have a tough fight on his hands as he takes on the veteran (26-17) Chris "Lights Out" Lytle. Chris is coming off a loss against Marcus Davis via split decision but still won Fight of the Night honors. As many of Chris' fights do. I give this fight to Lytle. In fact I'll even say it'll go in the first round by TKO.

Joe Daddy Stevenson vs Nate Diaz - I love the light-weight division. Joe daddy is another veteran of the sport with a record of 29-10 although he's coming off a tough unanimous decision loss against Diego Sanchez. And while Nate doesn't have the depth in his record (10-3) his fights have been explosive winning him fight of the night honors as well as submission of the night.  I'm also excited to see this fight because I think it's going to be a fun match up to watch. I hope this one goes the distance with Joe daddy winning via decision.

DaMarques Johnson Vs. James Wilks - True Team US vs Team UK fighting for the contract in the welterweight division. This will be interesting to watch because as you may recall DeMarques is the guy that had some funny run-ins with Michael Bisping. The water throwing incident. Given the records of both fighters, I'll go with the more 'experienced' one and give the win to DaMarques Johnson. Plus I'd like to see Bispings reaction to the loss.

Ross Pearson Vs. Andre Winner - Team UK vs Team UK fighting for the light-weight contract. I guess this is a win win situation (for Team UK).  Tough to call but I'll go with Ross Pearson on this one.

Good Luck Frank Lester. I can't help but cheer for him. He lost, worked his way back into the house and even though he lost again I'm glad to see him get another chance. I'm hoping this is the fight he wins!

Don't forget to fill out your UFC Fantasy picks!

Event information:

Date/Time:  June 20 9pm ET/PT

TV: Spike TV

Location: If you're in Las Vegas, you're in luck because tickets are still available. The event will take place at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort. For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com

UFC Fight Night 14 Results

Here are the results from UFC Fight Night 14...

CB DOLLAWAY VS. JESSE TAYLOR
CB Dollaway defeats Jesse Taylor by submission (Peruvian Necktie) at 3:57 of the first round. For those girls out there reading my blog, the Peruvian Necktie is not an article of clothing.

KEVIN BURNS VS. ANTHONY JOHNSON
Kevin had been warned about poking Anthony in the eye and in the 3rd round while Kevin threw a left jab and his finger poked Anthony in the eye causing him to turn and fall (after yelling in pain) and then Kevin threw a right uppercut that just grazed Anthony... Kevin defeats Anthony by TKO at 3:35 of the third round. Johnson is gracious in defeat, as he's interviewed by Rogan he asks the crowd to stop booing Burns, noting that "it's a fight and things happen, give the man his props."  If you ask me it was a cheap win. I mean I know shit happens but what a shitty way to win. Even though I did pick Kevin to win this fight, I wasn't happy with the way it ended. Although, I also must say that I think Kevin would have gotten the judges decision had it gone the distance.

JAKE O'BRIEN VS. CAIN VELASQUEZ
I want to go on record and say you guys sent me a lot of emails giving me shit for picking Cain on this fight. Well  while I can't say I picked 'em all right tonight, I did pick this match up. Cain defeats Jake by TKO at 2:02 of the first round!
 
FRANKIE EDGAR VS. HERMES FRANCA
This was the one and only fight I didn't get right with my predictions. Frankie did an unbelievable job getting out of Herme's submission attempts. Hermes hit a beautiful armbar in the first round and I thought Frankie would tap for sure, but he managed to escape. The only other offense that Hermes could muster came at the end of the third round when he threw a nice knee as Frankie shot in, catching him flush on the nose and ringing his bell, but Frankie maintained his composure for the final few seconds. It ended up going all three rounds and in the end Frankie defeated Hermes by unanimous decision.

REESE ANDY VS. BRANDON VERA
Wow is about all I can say for this fight. I was NOT impressed. In fact I was a little disappointed with Brandon. I understand he probably had to cut the weight for the new weight class but I thought Brandon would eat this guy for lunch. That wasn't the case. It ended up going all three rounds and quite frankly was just overall boring. In fact the crowd booed. Don't blame them. Brandon defeated Reese by unanimous decision.

JAMES IRVIN VS. ANDERSON SILVA
Round 1 - The fighters touch gloves and the main event is underway. Anderson circles around from the outside.  He throws a couple low leg kicks, then steps inside and lands a 1-2 combination to the head.  Goldberg lets us know that Anderson's "precision is very precise."  :) Funny how everyone in the room burst into laughs at the same time. James throws a right kick towards the body. Anderson catches it and lands a perfect right hand to the button (that's a technical term for temple I'm guessing).James  is down immediately in the fetal position.  Anderson jumps on top and lands eight punches in a row, putting James out cold before the referee can step in.  Anderson defeats James by knockout at 1:01 of the first round.  Jame's right eye has a massive cut under it! I'm guessing that's going to bruise.

Anderson Silva is still the best fighter pound for pound in my book...

UFC Fight Night Predictions

I've put together my predictions for UFC Fight Night! Disagree with my opinions? Tell me.

Anderson Silva vs James Irvin 

Ranked as one of if not the best middleweight and pound for pound fighter, Anderson Silva will be making his debut at 205lb. Anderson has some major wins under his belt such as Rich Franklin (twice – by tko), Dan Henderson, Travis lutter and Chris  Leben.

His opponent, James Irvin, also has some big wins and BIG knock-outs such as Houston Alexander (dropped him in 8 seconds in the first round tying for the fastest knock out) and Terry Martin (the infamous flying knee!) but some big losses as well; such as Stephan Bonnar. By the way, when will Stephan be returning from suspension? Irvin is trying to prove he belongs at the top of the 205 weight class, but hasn't shown the consistency or dominance to get there yet. 

I think it’s going to be a great fight, but in the end I have Anderson Silva winning his first fight as a light heavyweight. I’d also like to see the winner of the Rashad Evans/Chuck Liddell fight take on Anderson and the winner from that fight face Forrest Griffin (assuming he gets past Rampage in a much anticipated rematch). 

Brandon Vera vs  Reese Andy 

There’s the whole story line about who Brandon wanted to fight but couldn’t get any takers. But his confirmed opponent Reese Andy is no slouch. He’s a 3 time Division 1 All-American Wrestler from the University of Wyoming.

I foresee Reese taking Brandon down right away to stay away from the dangerous Muay Thai striker. He’s going to try to establish a top position where he’s comfortable and can work his ground and pound, forcing Brandon to work to stand back up. Take downs and getting back up will definitely exhaust Brandon but in the end (and I don’t think it’s going to go that many rounds, 2 max) Brandon is going to submit Reece. I think overall, it’s going to come down to experience, nerves and who is more diverse. I give this to Brandon in the 2nd round.

Hermes Franca vs Frankie  Edgar

Hermes is coming off a loss to Sean Sherk that went to the judges. What I really love about Hermes is his diversity, experience and he has some huge wins under his belt – and in some cases for a belt!

Having said that, while Frankie is coming off a loss to Gray Maynard, I think his big wins (example Tyson Griffin) gives him the experience he’ll need to go head to head with Hermes. Frankie is great at avoiding submissions and working for position. In the end though, I think Hermes still has the leg up on this match up  and will take the victory in his return to action.

Cain Velasquez Vs. Jake O'Brien

Cain comes into this fight with a MMA record of 3-0, winning all by TKO. He'll be taking on Jake who has a MMA record of 10-1. Jake’s one notable loss was to Andrei Arlovski.  Both fighters have a Division-I wrestling background, and are comfortable taking this fight to the ground. However, Cain trains at AKA so you know his stand-up will be up to par. This will be a great battle between two solid wrestlers. Cain is looking to make a splash in the UFC and is considered a huge talent coming out of AKA. I give this fight to Cain!

Anthony Johnson Vs. Kevin Burns

Ohh Anthony. Thank you for the abs. No really, thank you.

Anthony has a MMA record of 5 wins and 1 loss. The loss was against Rich Clementi at UFC 76 losing by rear naked choke. His opponent Kevin Burns has a MMA record of 6 wins and 1 loss. While I wish Anthony and his abs the best of luck, I think he’s going to most likely lose by submission (choke).   

Jesse Taylor Vs. CB Dollaway

This will be a highly anticipated fight as many fans probably saw it as the most probable final for the most recent Ultimate Fighter. We've got big controversy with Jesse Taylor, who has supposedly turned over a new leaf. While everyone makes mistakes, you can’t help but look at this guy and say "what in god’s name were you thinking". For those of you that live in a shoe box, this was the guy who was down to the finals for The Ultimate Fighter 7. I think he’s the only guy who has been kicked off after the tournament portion was finalized. After Dana White made him understand his actions were wrong and inexcusable, he was kicked off the show and replaced. Now after sobering up and continuing to train, Jesse is making his UFC debut against fellow TUF 7 cast mate CB Dollaway. CB faced Amir Sadollah for TUF finale and lost  (which counted for his second loss to Amir, both by armbar). While I think Jesse could be a good fighter given he stay on the right path, I’m giving this match up to CB. CB is coming off a somewhat embarassing loss to Amir (no offense Amir, we love you) in the finals of the UF7 and will be hungry for a win, and to prove he belongs in the UFC.