“My next fight will probably be in the summer and I am thinking about Jardine since Jackson is already scheduled to fight (Forrest Griffin). I can’t wait around (for Jackson). I love the sport and I think I have a couple years left in me. I’m a very competitive person. I don’t even like to lose at things I’m not good at.”
Chuck Liddell reiterates that he wants to rematch Keith Jardine next — “The Dean of Mean” upset the “Iceman” at UFC 76: “Knockout” in September 2007. Liddell rebounded to defeat Wanderlei Silva in a thrilling three-round war at UFC 79: “Nemesis” in December 2007. Meanwhile, we haven’t heard much at all about Jardine (even though it was perhaps the biggest win of his career). Something tells me that whatever Chuck “thinks,” Chuck gets.
If you’re going to leave comments and discuss the fights with all the other MMAmania.com readers be sure to do it on the main UFC Fight Night 12 results post and not this one.
Strikeforce will break out the reinforced steel cage on February 23 in Tacoma, Washington — nearly 700 pounds of oversized men trying to hurt each other will surely challenge the integrity of any structure.
That’s what will happen when 6′5″ 350-pound Bob “The Beast” Sapp (9-2-1) makes his United States debut for Strikeforce against 6′11″ 330-pound South African, Jan “The Giant” Nortje (1-5).
Clearly, Nortje’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record is not good. And his K-1 record (9-17) is equally unimpressive.
But Nortje won’t need to rely on his MMA background or his technical skills in this one. That’s because he’ll try to win this fight with raw punching power. He’s had success in his career as a boxer (10-0) and as a kickboxer (14-12). He’ll lean on that experience against Sapp in what is sure to be a gigantic slugfest.
In fact, Nortje is thrilled to have an opportunity against a big freak name like Sapp.
Here’s a snip:
“I’m extremely excited. I’ve always seen Bob get big opportunities so I think it’s my turn to show what I can do against him.”
Sapp’s name is huge in Japan. He’s mostly known for his physical presence and just being a large and powerful human. Sapp has been criticized in the past for not taking his fights serious and just coming out on fight night and trying to win with intimidation.
That might not work against a guy nicknamed “the Giant”.
Most fans remember Sapp for getting his orbital bone broken by Mirko Cro Cop or his arm locked up by Big Nog. He’s proved less than worthy of competition like that … at least for now (even though he just called out Fedor Emelianenko).
However, he is an interesting draw. And because this will mark the first fight in the states for Sapp, he will more than likely looking for a highlight reel knockout to boost his stock.
For the latest “Strikeforce at the Dome” fight card click here.
New pictures of UFC heavyweight fighter Mirko Cro Cop training have recently surfaced all over the Internet boards and blogs.
That normally wouldn’t be too newsworthy if it wasn’t for the fact the UFC President Dana White just announced over the weekend that the Croatian is “currently thinking about his future and is undecided about what his next move is.”
Something is not right. And with the heavyweight division all of a sudden void of numerous top contenders (again) now might be the time to make it right.
“I’ve seen all of his [Alberto Crane’s] fights and he takes everyone down with stuff that he could never take me down with in a million years. So I’m insulted that he took this fight … I’m taking it kind of personally. I hope his cardio is there because I’m not going to fight him like Roger Huerta did. I will take him into deeper water than that. If he wants to go to the floor let’s rock and roll. He took this fight and now I’m going to bring it to him! I will never be as good at jiu-jitsu as Alberto, but I know I can out cardio him. Hell, I could out cardio Clay Guida [laughs]! I plan to frustrate Alberto a lot. I’m going for a submission or a knockout in round two. Either way this fight will not go to the judges. It is going to be bad because I’m not tapping! So Alberto if you get my head just finish me. If you get my arm break it so I can’t use it. I’m not going to stop fighting. I have too much at stake my wife and my new daughter. I’m bringing them into the cage with me on the 23rd. I’m coming. Take this fight seriously because I’m coming for you!”
– Kurt Pellegrino tells tells MMAmania.com that he is all set for his lightweight showdown with Alberto Crane this evening at UFC Fight Night 12, which airs for free on SpikeTV at 9 p.m. ET. It should be a Brazilian jiu-jitsu clinic — both competitors are black belts with tons of talent and technique. Not included in the snip above is that Pellegrino revealed to us that if he and Nate Diaz win tonight he’d be eager to take him on. Thanks to MMAmania.com reader Jason Bradford for tracking Kurt down and sending a transcript of their discussion to us to publish on our site exclusively.
Some interesting comments in this video, eXspecially in regard to him thinking he’d “walk away” from the sport if he defeated Jens Pulver for the 155-pound belt back in 2002 (he didn’t):
Our own Jesse Holland stopped in to chat with Ariel Helwani at JarryPark.com to recap UFC 80: “Rapid Fire,” preview UFC Fight Night 12 and ramble on about all things mixed martial arts (MMA).
Here are some specific discussion points:
BJ Penn’s victory over Joe Stevenson
What to expect from a Penn-Sherk match up
The way the Sherk situation was handled on the UFC 80 telecast
Fabricio Werdum’s place in the heavyweight division
The rise and fall of Kendall Grove
Mike Swick vs. Josh Burkman, Patrick Côté vs. Drew McFedries and the rest of the UFC Fight Night 12 card tonight
Andrei Arlovski, Mirko Cro Cop and Evan Tanner’s UFC future
Check it out when you have some time right here (there’s also an audio player included at the bottom of this post). It turned out to be a solid discussion.
Thanks again to Ariel for inviting Jesse to “The Park.” He’s alienated most if not all of his friends at this point in his life so it made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
UFC Fight Night 12 is set for tonight (January 23) from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-hour event airs LIVE at 9 p.m. ET on SpikeTV.
To get us pumped for the festivities MMAmania.com contributor Jesse Holland and site veteran “PW” went toe-to-toe below to try and predict the fighters who will leave the Octagon with their hands raised tomorrow during the featured fights of the evening.
It’s important to note for the predictions that while someone may be lauding a certain fighter, he isn’t necessarily the guy who he thinks is going to win. Basically, we never want this to come out sounding repetitive. At the end of each analysis, therefore, you will see the individual picks.
Let’s get to it:
Mike Swick (10-2) vs. Josh Burkman (9-4)
Jesse Holland: Mike Swick is back, and that’s bad news for welterweights not named Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck or Georges St. Pierre. While I’m not entirely behind his move to 170 pounds, there’s no question he can bang with the best. Aside from a flash KO at the hands of Chris Leben back in 2004, Swick’s only other loss was to the powerful Yushin Okami at UFC 69. Despite having rocked in the second round, Swick’s frustration got the better of him as the much larger Okami muscled his way to a unanimous decision. Prior to that Swick was on a 5-0 tear through the middleweight division, disposing of Joe Riggs with a guillotine at UFC 60 and dominating the durable David Loiseau at UFC 63. His nickname is “Quick” for a reason: he’s got blistering combos and can hustle on the ground. Burkman is tough but has yet to prove he can overcome a top five contender as seen in his losses to Jon Fitch at Fight Night 4 and Karo Parisyan at UFC 71. Swick may not be ready for GSP, but he’s certainly ready for Josh Burkman.
MMAmania.com reader “PW:” This fight is huge for both Josh Burkman and Mike Swick because the winner will force his way into welterweight title discussions. Swick used a definitive speed advantage to compile a 5-1 UFC record as a middleweight, before dropping to welterweight after getting out-muscled by Yushin Okami. Burkman should be better equipped to deal with Swick’s speed than the larger middleweights. He is also physically strong with good wrestling and grappling skills. While Swick is no slouch on the mat, as evidenced by two wins via “Swickotine,” as though he invented the move, the ground game gives Burkman his best chance to win. He needs to maintain top position and outwork Swick for 15 minutes. Otherwise Swick’s cleaner and more technical stand-up will decide the fight. Burkman’s last four fights have all gone the distance, and I don’t think this one will be any different.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland — Swick via unanimous decision
PW — Swick via unanimous decision
Drew McFedries (6-2) vs. Patrick Cote (11-4)
Jesse Holland: Drew McFedries has very dangerous hands and considering he hasn’t gone to a decision in nearly eight years, he should be single-minded in his approach. To win he needs a first-round knockout. Cote is the type of fighter that can be content with letting McFedries swing away until he’s out of gas and then slap on a submission. Whether Cote is more apt to engage after his TKO wins over Jason Day and Kendall Grove remains to be seen, but knowing McFedries power I’m sure he’ll be in no hurry to stand and strike. McFedries has never been about technique and that’s surprising considering his affiliation with Pat Miletich. If McFedries can have confidence in his hands and stalk the more reserved Cote, he should be able to finish him in the first.
MMAmania.com reader “PW:” After a 0-4 start to his UFC career, Cote was given new life with a spot in The Ultimate Fighter 4. He scored wins over Jorge Rivera and Edwin deWees before losing to Travis Lutter in the final. He has since scored a lackluster unanimous decision win over Scott Smith and an impressive first-round KO of TUF 3 winner Kendall Grove. Cote has knock-out power, although he is a cautious fighter and averse to taking big risks. Drew McFedries earned first round knock-outs in his two UFC fights that stayed on the feet but got choked out the one time he went to the ground. Cote would be wise to take this to the ground and use his superior submission skills, but McFedries’ friends at Miletich FS surely have him prepared for this.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland — Cote via submission
PW — McFedries via technical knockout
Nate Diaz (7-2) vs. Alvin Robinson (9-2)
Jesse Holland: Nate Diaz may be known for his slick jiu-jitsu, but Alvin “Kid” Robinson actually holds a higher submission ratio with eight of his nine wins coming by way of tapout. Alvin hit a bump in the road with his loss to Kenny Florian at UFC 73, but that’s nothing to be ashamed of considering the kind of performance KenFlo has turned in since graduating from The Ultimate Fighter. To overcome Diaz he’s going to have to fight fire with fire. His submissions are what got him this far and they are clearly his best weapon. He needs to take it right to Diaz and while there is always a risk when you start mixing it up on the mat, it should be known that Diaz can be submitted. Nate was armbarred by Hermes Franca at WEC 24 so it’s not unheard of to make him tap. Robinson shouldn’t waste any time fooling around on his feet where he’s at a disadvantage. If they both bring their grappling A-game, expect a very evenly matched, fight-of-the-night contender.
MMAmania.com reader “PW:” This fight will help either Nate Diaz or Alvin Robinson make a move up the incredibly stacked lightweight division. With both fighters being extremely well versed in jiu-jitsu this has Fight of the Night potential. In fact, it makes me wish Frank Mir was calling the action instead of Joe Rogan. Diaz defeated Manny Gamburyan in the TUF 5 finale due to an injury and got a first round submission win over Junior Assuncao. After getting completely overwhelmed by Kenny Florian in his octagon debut, Robinson rebounded with a dominant ground and pound win over BJJ specialist Jorge Gurgel. Robinson will try to do the same to Diaz, but Diaz is much better than Gurgel.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland — Diaz via split decision
PW — Diaz via submission
Thiago Tavares (12-1) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (4-5)
Jesse Holland: Michihiro Omigawa is going to face the 12-1 Thiago Tavares, whose only loss was a decision to lightweight phenom Tyson Griffin. I’m trying hard to build a case for the 4-5 Judo practitioner but against Tavares I find myself grasping at straws. On the plus side he does train with PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura, who if nothing else can show him how to at least make it to the judge’s scorecards. To his credit Omigawa has two TKO wins in 2007, but looked a bit flat against TUF graduate Matt Wiman. In order to win Omigawa needs to be flawless and hope that Tavares has some kind of undisclosed injury prior to the fight.
MMAmania.com reader “PW:” After opening his career 16 straight wins (12 if you believe the Sherdog site over the UFC site) Thiago Tavares suffered his first setback, dropping a decision to Tyson Griffin. Michihiro Omigawa also lost a decision to Matt Wiman in his first and only visit to the octagon. Tavares has a significant striking advantage with his Muay Thai. Omigawa is a judo specialist, so even if he manages to avoid Tavares’ knees and elbows and throw the larger and stronger Tavares, he will then have to deal with Tavares’ BJJ. Tavares is the younger, stronger, fitter and better fighter and will have the advantage on the feet and on the ground.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland — Tavares via anything he wants
PW — Tavares via technical knockout
That’s a wrap, folks.
For the complete UFC Fight Night 12 fight card click here.
Remember to come check us out after the show for all the latest results, recaps and thoughts on the second major UFC event of 2008.
What do you think? Now it’s your turn … let us have it in the comments section and share your thoughts and picks for UFC Fight Night 12.
Diego Sanchez (17-2) will not take on Roan Carneiro at UFC 82: “Pride of a Champion” on March 1 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, as previously reported. Instead, the former winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 1 will fight Swedish import, David Bielkheden (12-5).
There was no mention of a reason behind the opponent switch in the MySpace bulletin sent around earlier this morning from the “Nightmare.”
Bielkheden is a veteran of the Japanese mixed martial arts (MMA) scene, having competed under the Pride FC and Shooto banners, among others. The “Scandinavian Lion” is on a two-fight win streak and will be making his Octagon debut.
Sanchez, on the other hand, will look to rebound from back-to-back losses to American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) training partners, Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch. Those were the first two defeats of his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career and he was contemplating moving down to fight at lightweight.
However, Sanchez recently decided against that and will now look to get back on track against Bielkheden at 170 pounds.
Carneiro posed some serious size and strength problems for Sanchez. It doesn’t appear that Bielkheden poses the same challenge. Other than that it’s hard to give an assessment on the bout without much intel on Brazilian Top Team’s Bielkheden.
Because Sanchez is involved this match up will more than likely make the televised main card, which is quite an accomplishment considering how deep it is. Of course, the main event features the sick showdown between UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, and the last man to hold the Pride FC welterweight title, Dan Henderson.
