MMA Hot Stuff

Announcing MMA Socialites

I’m excited to announce the launch of MMA Socialites in partnership with Lani Carwin, wife of UFC Heavyweight contender Shane Carwin. MMA Socialites was created as a way to bring the fans into the lives of MMA fighters and their families, as well as all others deeply involved in this sport, within a community atmosphere. We’ve taken our passion for the sport and the lifestyle we both live, coupled with the stories we’re told, to share with you, the fans. Regardless of the juncture, whether training for the first MMA fight or defending a title, every fighter has a story to tell and we wanted to share them with you.

Our goal is to tell the stories of the fighters outside the cage, and present the side of them that fans rarely see. We’re confident that by showing the fans who these fighters are outside the cage, the more MMA will gain mainstream acceptance and the more the sport will grow. We won’t focus on breaking news, but rather on interviews, event coverage, as well as community meet-ups at events. We’ll bring you into the lives of the fighters, their families, and get the perspective and stories of those non-fighters that still play a key role in the growth of this sport. 

Lani says “I am thrilled to be involved with MMA Socialites, and the launch of the site is so exciting!  The MMA industry is a passion of mine; not only because my husband, Shane Carwin, is a top-notch talent in the UFC, but because the potential for growth and advancement of the sport is incredible. As my knowledge base has grown through the years of my direct exposure, my excitement for the sport has as well. MMA Socialites was born to expose an entire population, a group that has been completely neglected, to something they are just as interested in as I am.  There are so many women that love the sport and crave more knowledge and insight into our industry.  We are here to bring that - to give them a place to bond, gain insight, and attain a whole different perspective that I have no doubt will be so interesting for them.  Thank you to Rachel for all her hard work - and let the ride begin!”

And what a ride it will be. Please come and join the community -www.mmasocialites.com- to stay in the loop on our efforts, also,  follow us on twitter. If there’s a fighter or fighter’s wife you want us to interview just email and let us know. We want to hear from you, the fans!

Nominations for 2009 World MMA Awards closes on Wednesday

Who do you think was the BreakThrough Fighter of the Year? Best MMA Promotion? 

As a reminder, the nomination stage for the 2009 World MMA Awards closes this Wednesday (tomorrow), Sept. 30. 

The World MMA Awards, which is operated by Fighters Only magazine, is viewed as one of the most prestigious awards for the sport, awarding in 18 different MMA related categories

Nominees will be announced on Oct. 5, and final voting will then run until Dec. 5. Winners will be announced at a Dec. 30 "Oscars-style" black-tie ceremony, which streams live on Versus.com (and throughout January on Versus) from The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. 

"Response to the World MMA Awards has been huge this year with thousands of fans worldwide taking part," Fighters Only CEO Rob Hewitt recently stated. "Nominations have been very diverse, and ... most of the categories are still wide open." 

The categories range from Fight of the Year to KO and Submission of the Year to Best MMA Brand and best MMA Media Source. MMA equipment manufactures also vie for a variety of categories. 

But before you place your vote I encourage you to take a minute and think about things. What makes someone the Best Fighter of the Year? Is it the number of wins? Is it the most vicious KnockOut? The biggest upset? Or is it because of heart and dedication?

Another category is Best MMA Journalist. I've thought a lot about this one (for obvious reasons). Always keep in mind the best Journalist may not be the one that breaks every 'story'... Sadly, fact checking has taken a back seat more often than not over being the first to the party. And then there are times the stories are known weeks before the story actually gets out but can't be discussed for confidential reasons. I personally take pride in the fact that while I consider many Fighters (UFC, WEC & Strikeforce) my personal friends, a lot of the information I hear I keep to myself. I'm so proud of what my friends have accomplished and there are times I know the information is just best left unsaid or unwritten. I want them to have time to train in private for a fight before it's publicly announced who their next opponent is. Who do you consider to be a Journalist that writes funny or interesting stories? Gives a different perspective than the 12 other sites that covered the same thing the day before.

So now that I've given you something to think about, please hurry and vote. 

Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/MMAHotStuff

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

MMAHotStuff Co-Hosted MMAScrapsRadio Guest WEC Mike Brown

This evening I co-hosted on MMAScraps Radio! Special guest was WEC Mike Brown. I was nervous and I'm sure I will only get better (I hope). 

Please show your support by following us at Twitter.com/MMAHotStuff Twitter.com/MMAScraps Twitter.com/MMAScrapsRadio

UFC 100 FanExpo - Who will be there?

Today the UFC® confirmed the fighters that will be attending the first ever UFC^® Fan Expo™. The two day expo will be held at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas July 10th and 11th. The fighters that will be at the expo for meet and greets will be UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida, UFC Hall of Famers Royce Gracie and Randy “The Natural” Couture,  and former world champions Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, “Suga” Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. UFC contenders Kenny Florian, Steve Cantwell, Shane Carwin, Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, Tyson Griffin, Clay Guida, Dustin Hazelett, Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann, Josh Koscheck, Joe Lauzon, Junie Browning, Nate Marquardt, Gray Maynard, Karo Parisyan, Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez, Sean Sherk and Mike Swick will also be meeting fans, along with The Ultimate Fighter winners Nate Diaz and Efrain Escudero.

 Fans of the PRIDE Fighting Championships will have the chance to re-live the excitement of Japan’s classic organization as well, with MMA icons Renzo Gracie and Gary Goodridge being joined by “The Texas Crazy Horse”, Heath Herring, and Brazilian superstars Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

And if that’s not enough MMA star power, the premier fighters of the WEC will be on hand to sign autographs, with current champions Miguel Torres, Mike Brown, and Jamie Varner sharing the convention center floor with Urijah Faber, Jens Pulver, Brian Bowles, Joseph Benavidez, Donald Cerrone, Leonard Garcia, Ben Henderson, and Alex Karalexis.

For a list of bars/restaurants showing the historic UFC 100 Pay Per View event - check out this link.

Shane Carwin: Interview with MMAHotStuff.com EXCLUSIVE!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Shane Carwin. As you know he's coming off a huge WIN against Gabriel Gonzaga. Who does he want to fight next? How did he celebrate that last win and what food does he miss the most while training..... Find out here!

 
Rachel: Shane I'm a huge fan of yours and Lani's. Congratulations on your mega win at UFC 96. And while I'm handing out the compliments how about making the cover of FIGHT Magazine! That's a huge honor and accomplishment in my opinion! Your 11-0 record (all first round stoppages) is impressive to say the least. Who do you have your sights set on next? I'm sure you have an opinion on who you'd like to see win between Lesnar & Mir, care to publicly comment?
Shane: Right now I don't have my sights set on anybody, just trying to get healthy from my surgery (nose surgery). To tell you the truth I'm just excited to watch the fight. Both are great fighters and I love watching Brock's game evolve, they both are elite athletes. I think the new crop of Heavyweights at the UFC will be exciting for years to come.

Rachel: What did you do as a way of celebrating your latest win against Gabriel Gonzaga?
Shane: I have just been celebrating with family and friends they have been very supportive. Greeley the community I live in has been GREAT as well! Aside from that I have kept it low key. I am back at work and healing, my wife and I were on the morning flight home right after the fight.

Rachel: What's your favorite food that you can't eat while training?
Shane: Totinos party pizzas!

Rachel: Fast forward 10 years, and your son says he wants to be a fighter, what's your response?
Shane: Ten years from now he will still be in school so my answer is if you have straight A's in school I will let you train some of the disciplines of fighting, but you're going to college no matter what. My son and hopefully all kids will realize the importance of education. If it wasn't for my Mom keeping me focused and on track with school, my life today would be very different. My son is starting to understand this. I am able to fight because I stayed in school, how crazy does that sound!

Rachel: Knowing the skill set that is required to be a well versed MMA fighter, do yo think fighters with wrestling foundations are typically more successful? And do you think the wrestling fundamental is the hardest to learn?
Shane: Wrestling is a great base and provides a solid foundation, however I believe that all disciplines (BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai) are equal. MMA today is less about being good at any one thing and more about respecting all discipline and LEARNING them. I have had people tell me my wrestling helped me win the fight with Gonzaga, fact is without the boxing and BJJ training, Gonzaga would have ran over me. The sport has evolved from where you can put a boxer against a wrestler and see who wins. The best baseline for MMA is a MMA.

Rachel: Since you have 11 fights under your belt and none have gone past the first round, which is usually a good thing, is that also a concern for you as you face harder opponents?
Shane: No, i face hard opponents every day in training, At T'sKO we go pretty much full speed all the time. We prepare for every fight as if it has five minute rounds. I am thankful for the preparation that my coaches and team put me through. It makes the night of the fight seem less significant.

Rachel: You see some of these fighters fight once a year and train full time (no other "job"). You have a job, fight/train, have a family and still find time to volunteer as a wrestling coach. Whats your secret?
Shane: A great team, time management and a great wife! My wife is not only supportive of my jobs but she holds down her own career and she works with my management team when I can't. Everyone works hard for me, I know I am working twice as hard to show them how much I appreciate the love and respect they give me.

Rachel: You have a gorgeous wife that travels to your fights with you. Does she give you any advice before your fights?
Shane: Lanie is always with me everywhere we go, she is my best friend, she helps me with everything! She is a strong woman who usually has opinion on things. What makes her so great is that opinion is not the only opinion. She listens, absorbs things and I usually have no idea which fires she put out until after the fight. Then I get a "Babe you won't believe what happened at weight-ins..." She is a HUGE part of my life in and out of the cage. My son and I are blessed to have met such a wonderful woman.

Rachel: You keep hearing people talk about MMA going "mainstream". Do you think having more acceptance and support from women will help the sport get to the same level as other major sports such as baseball and basketball?
Shane: Absolutely, Gina Carono, Katilin Young, Hillary Williams, Alicia Gumm and many many more tough fighters are already establishing that to be true. Boxing and High School Wrestling I think have softened the younger demographic that women are just eye candy. Women boxing has not been a huge hit at the vox office but some of the female boxers have had commercial success. A lot of wrestling rooms (college too) have a female or two on the team. I think that having women on the same cards as the men, not treating it as it is anything more than a great fighter facing another great fighter will see it gain acceptance. 

I'm happy to be officially be a part of Team Carwin. I expect we'll see a lot of momentum with Shane for a long time to come.