In MMA yesterday, our regular coach wasn't there, so we worked on more boxing, which I was totally okay with. First we did a round of burn outs, and then a round of rolling uppercuts to loosen the shoulders, and get us nice and relaxed. We moved on to the 1-2-3. Coach had me change my stance a bit, and though it felt awkward at first, the widened base started to feel more stable, and I wasn't falling off to the side on my punches or losing my balance. We then worked on a 1-2-slip-6, which sounds much easier than it is. I need to work on keeping my hand up as I slip, and try not too load up for the 6, or I'm going to get cracked. Last, we drilled a 1-2-3-roll-5. On the roll, it's important to keep your torso upright, and not tilted off to the side, because if you drift off axis, you have to correct it, and a good opponent will notice that and have a punch or two waiting for you when you do. We finished with flutter kicks and over unders, and it was time for kickboxing.
After jumping rope, we did a round of shadow boxing, and then partnered up. We worked on catching kicks, and then countering with punches. The partner holding focus mitts would throw a mid 10, and as the target of the kick, you slide away from the kick, bring your hand on that side around it in a circular motion trapping it between your arm and your body, but also dissipating the power of the kick by moving away from it. After catching the kick, you throw a straight with your free hand. After two rounds of that, we did two more, doubling up on the punches the second go around. The last drill we did was catching the kick, throwing the straight, and then tripping the opponent by stepping behind their still standing leg, and pushing them in the chest. There is also a transition to an ankle lock from here. When you push them to trip, you tighten your arm around their ankle as they fall down, and when they hit the mat, stand tall and arch your back. We finished with partner ab drills, and more planks, hooray!
Grappling was more shark tank, and is still one of my favorite drills. I managed to get a couple of subs I've never hit before. A twister, and a Peruvian necktie. As usual on shark tank days, I was exhausted, but pooped in a good way. I stayed to grapple for another 20 minutes or so, just because it's so damn fun.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
UFC Fight Night 24
So this will be a bit different than most preview/predictions that I do. As I am attending this fight card, I'm previewing each fight, albeit in very short form, and then I'll be doing a recap early next week. Pretty neat! Onto the fights.
MAIN CARD
Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia vs. Chan Sung "Korean Zombie" Jung
featherweight
A late replacement for Nam Phan, Jung looks to avenge a loss that many thought he won. Garcia will try to justify the win, and put Jung out early. Garcia is a tough nut to crack, and will do his best to finish, and will likely catch Jung with one of his looping punches early to set the tone. Expect Jung to make a strong comeback late, but it wont be enough, and Garcia will once again get the decision win.
Garcia via Unanimous Decision
Amir Sadollah vs. DaMarques Johnson
welterweight
A very close, and interesting fight. Sadollah has nasty muy thai skills, and is solid on the ground. Johnson has decent stand up, and his length gives him a lot of advantages in the grappling department. Neither is a particularly strong wrestler, but Sadollah can usually get the fight to the ground if he needs to. This will be close early, but Sadollah will frustrate Johnson early, and capitalize on a mistake leading to a late second round TKO.
Sadollah via TKO, Rd. 2
Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy vs. Anthony "Rumble Johnson
welterweight
This will be good. Hardy is coming off his KO loss to Carlos Condit, and Johnson hasn't fought in almost a year and a half. Despite this, the potential for someone getting blasted into unconsciousness is through the roof. Both like to stand and trade, and even though Johnson is the far bigger fighter, Hardy is much more technical, and well rounded. If Johnson can't get Hardy down, he could be in for a long night of getting beat up at a distance. Hardy wins with either a late stoppage or submission after weathering an early barrage from Johnson.
Hardy via TKO, Rd. 3
Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis vs. Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira
light heavyweight
Another late replacement (quite a few on this card), Davis steps in for Tito Ortiz, and actually makes the main event more compelling. The fighter known affectionately as Lil Nog has had a rough go during his stint in the UFC, and Davis looks to make it tougher. A very talented athlete, with rapidly improving skills in striking and grappling, Davis looks to be the next big thing. Nogueira is a battle tested veteran, who has fought the elite in the sport, and will try to right the ship after losing his last fight to Ryan Bader. Davis needs to have improved his boxing, or he'll get eaten alive, but his wrestling should be able to keep Nogueira from turning it into a grappling match. It should be a very exciting, back and forth fight, with Davis pulling away late to snag a tight decision victory.
Davis via Unanimous Decision
UNDER CARD
Alex "Bruce Leroy" Caceres vs Mackens "Mack dad Menace" Semerzier
featherweight
Caceres is tough, but still young, and Semerzier is much too experienced to be caught off guard by his antics. Caceres will start strong, but fade late, as Semerzier gets the late TKO win.
Semerzier via TKO, Rd. 2
Mike Russow vs. Jon Madsen
heavyweight
This could be a less than exciting bout, but it may surprise us. Both men are tough wrestlers, but Russow has KO power. Madsen is game, and can take a bigger man down, but most likely loses by decision.
Russow via Unanimous Decision.
John "The Hitman" Hathaway vs. Kris "Savage" McCray
welterweight
Both coming off losses, Hathaway is the taller fighter and better striker, where McCray is the bigger fighter, and more ground and pound oriented. Hathaway will keep it standing and fight off McCrays take downs en route to a solid unanimous decision.
Hathaway via Unanimous Decision.
Sean "Big Sexy" McCorkle vs. Christian Morecraft
heavyweight
Morecraft is not going to be able to enjoy his usual size advantage, McCorkle is HUGE! "Big Sexy" is a better striker, and should be able to fend off the attempts by Morecraft to take the fight to the ground. McCorkle will utilize his 6'7" frame to perfection, and get a late second round stoppage after battering Morecraft for a round and a half.
McCorkle via TKO, Rd. 2
Johny Hendricks vs. Anthony "TJ" Waldburger
welterweight
Hendricks should win this easy. Waldburger is no slouch, but Hendricks is a machine who is intent on grinding his opponents into a fine paste. Look for him to wear Waldburger down over the course of three rounds and pick up a lopsided victory from the judges.
Hendricks via Unanimous Decision
Aaron "A-Train" Simpson vs. Mario Miranda
middleweight
Miranda is just a huge middleweight, with solid wrestling to back up his very impressive BJJ. If Simpson can't use his own stellar wrestling to stay standing, he's getting tapped out. Look for Simpson to tire late, and Miranda picks up a late submission victory.
Miranda via submission (rear naked choke) Rd. 3
Nik "The Carnie" Lentz vs. Waylon Lowe
lightweight
Lentz has been on a tear and will continue to do so against Lowe. Both are tough wrestlers, but Lentz is just a beast, and has been in fights against much tougher opponents. It will be close, but decidedly in the favor of Lentz as he out wrestles, out strikes, and out works Lowe.
Lentz via Unanimous Decision
Michael "Mayday" McDonald vs. Edwin "El Feroz" Figueroa
bantamweight
Figueroa is stepping on very late notice, and that is bad news against a fighter like McDonald. Despite a strong showing early, Figueroa will end up getting the worse of a nasty stand up war, and get finished in the second.
McDonald via TKO, Rd. 2
MAIN CARD
Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia vs. Chan Sung "Korean Zombie" Jung
featherweight
A late replacement for Nam Phan, Jung looks to avenge a loss that many thought he won. Garcia will try to justify the win, and put Jung out early. Garcia is a tough nut to crack, and will do his best to finish, and will likely catch Jung with one of his looping punches early to set the tone. Expect Jung to make a strong comeback late, but it wont be enough, and Garcia will once again get the decision win.
Garcia via Unanimous Decision
Amir Sadollah vs. DaMarques Johnson
welterweight
A very close, and interesting fight. Sadollah has nasty muy thai skills, and is solid on the ground. Johnson has decent stand up, and his length gives him a lot of advantages in the grappling department. Neither is a particularly strong wrestler, but Sadollah can usually get the fight to the ground if he needs to. This will be close early, but Sadollah will frustrate Johnson early, and capitalize on a mistake leading to a late second round TKO.
Sadollah via TKO, Rd. 2
Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy vs. Anthony "Rumble Johnson
welterweight
This will be good. Hardy is coming off his KO loss to Carlos Condit, and Johnson hasn't fought in almost a year and a half. Despite this, the potential for someone getting blasted into unconsciousness is through the roof. Both like to stand and trade, and even though Johnson is the far bigger fighter, Hardy is much more technical, and well rounded. If Johnson can't get Hardy down, he could be in for a long night of getting beat up at a distance. Hardy wins with either a late stoppage or submission after weathering an early barrage from Johnson.
Hardy via TKO, Rd. 3
Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis vs. Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira
light heavyweight
Another late replacement (quite a few on this card), Davis steps in for Tito Ortiz, and actually makes the main event more compelling. The fighter known affectionately as Lil Nog has had a rough go during his stint in the UFC, and Davis looks to make it tougher. A very talented athlete, with rapidly improving skills in striking and grappling, Davis looks to be the next big thing. Nogueira is a battle tested veteran, who has fought the elite in the sport, and will try to right the ship after losing his last fight to Ryan Bader. Davis needs to have improved his boxing, or he'll get eaten alive, but his wrestling should be able to keep Nogueira from turning it into a grappling match. It should be a very exciting, back and forth fight, with Davis pulling away late to snag a tight decision victory.
Davis via Unanimous Decision
UNDER CARD
Alex "Bruce Leroy" Caceres vs Mackens "Mack dad Menace" Semerzier
featherweight
Caceres is tough, but still young, and Semerzier is much too experienced to be caught off guard by his antics. Caceres will start strong, but fade late, as Semerzier gets the late TKO win.
Semerzier via TKO, Rd. 2
Mike Russow vs. Jon Madsen
heavyweight
This could be a less than exciting bout, but it may surprise us. Both men are tough wrestlers, but Russow has KO power. Madsen is game, and can take a bigger man down, but most likely loses by decision.
Russow via Unanimous Decision.
John "The Hitman" Hathaway vs. Kris "Savage" McCray
welterweight
Both coming off losses, Hathaway is the taller fighter and better striker, where McCray is the bigger fighter, and more ground and pound oriented. Hathaway will keep it standing and fight off McCrays take downs en route to a solid unanimous decision.
Hathaway via Unanimous Decision.
Sean "Big Sexy" McCorkle vs. Christian Morecraft
heavyweight
Morecraft is not going to be able to enjoy his usual size advantage, McCorkle is HUGE! "Big Sexy" is a better striker, and should be able to fend off the attempts by Morecraft to take the fight to the ground. McCorkle will utilize his 6'7" frame to perfection, and get a late second round stoppage after battering Morecraft for a round and a half.
McCorkle via TKO, Rd. 2
Johny Hendricks vs. Anthony "TJ" Waldburger
welterweight
Hendricks should win this easy. Waldburger is no slouch, but Hendricks is a machine who is intent on grinding his opponents into a fine paste. Look for him to wear Waldburger down over the course of three rounds and pick up a lopsided victory from the judges.
Hendricks via Unanimous Decision
Aaron "A-Train" Simpson vs. Mario Miranda
middleweight
Miranda is just a huge middleweight, with solid wrestling to back up his very impressive BJJ. If Simpson can't use his own stellar wrestling to stay standing, he's getting tapped out. Look for Simpson to tire late, and Miranda picks up a late submission victory.
Miranda via submission (rear naked choke) Rd. 3
Nik "The Carnie" Lentz vs. Waylon Lowe
lightweight
Lentz has been on a tear and will continue to do so against Lowe. Both are tough wrestlers, but Lentz is just a beast, and has been in fights against much tougher opponents. It will be close, but decidedly in the favor of Lentz as he out wrestles, out strikes, and out works Lowe.
Lentz via Unanimous Decision
Michael "Mayday" McDonald vs. Edwin "El Feroz" Figueroa
bantamweight
Figueroa is stepping on very late notice, and that is bad news against a fighter like McDonald. Despite a strong showing early, Figueroa will end up getting the worse of a nasty stand up war, and get finished in the second.
McDonald via TKO, Rd. 2
Friday, March 25, 2011
MMA and me; day 97
More fundamentals in boxing, but this time we worked defense and counters. First we worked the jab parry. As your partners jab is coming in, you intercept it with your rear hand. Nothing too big, just a simple tap to knock it off direction, since it's only strong in the direction it's coming. Give it a light tap from any angle, and it wont hit the target. We worked on countering off the parry next. As you parry the jab, throw a jab of your own, which your partner would also parry. Next was a hook parry/counter. By making a small circular motion with your rear hand as the jab comes in, you pull the jab off to the side, and then with the same hand, throw a straight counter. The motion is very small, as are all of the parries. A big motion can leave you open to getting countered, and you're trying to minimize any holes an opponent can exploit. Last, was the slip counter. As your partner throws the jab, you shift your weight slightly to the side of your rear hand, and let the jab slip harmlessly past your head, as the punch goes by, immediately throw a jab to counter it. To help slip the jab, you can also bring your rear hand up to the far side of your face to help check the punch. We finished with two rounds of ab drills, but it was the punching and getting punched in them by your partner kind, and they can leave you a little sore.
Wrestling was a conditioning class, and we did light calisthenics to warm up then did partner take down drills, spinning drills, bear crawls, planks, and more. By the end of class I was so beat, it was all I could do to make it home. Good day of class. Solid technique up front, and exhausting conditioning at the end. Gotta love it.
Wrestling was a conditioning class, and we did light calisthenics to warm up then did partner take down drills, spinning drills, bear crawls, planks, and more. By the end of class I was so beat, it was all I could do to make it home. Good day of class. Solid technique up front, and exhausting conditioning at the end. Gotta love it.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
MMA and me; day 96
Boxing was a return to basics, and working to solidify the foundation of fundamentals. We started off throwing the jab in either one, two or three punches. I need to remember to sit down on my punches, and keep my weight back. Next we worked the jab-straight, making sure to drive off the back leg as you throw the straight. We followed that with the 1-2-3. The hook is a hard punch to throw, and I need to work on keeping all the punches smooth and fluid, while remembering to pivot on the front foot while allowing the fist to snap back to the guard position, after following the head. Last, we worked on the 1-2-slip-2. This is another combo where I need to work on fluidity and rhythm. Also, I need to make sure I'm not diving out of the way, but instead simply shifting my weight just enough so that the punch barely misses me, and firing back with a straight. We finished with a round apiece of medicine ball drops. For three minutes, your partner stands over you, and drops a medicine ball on your stomach. The key is to control your breathing, and as soon as the ball hits you, bounce it back up to them with your hands so they can do it all over. Tough way to end class, but somehow satisfying.
In wrestling, we worked mostly on single and double legs, with a bit of take down defense as well. First we drilled making our shots faster, by working on dropping our knees to the mat, and sliding through. Next, we drilled a lot of feints, and using hands to keep the opponent off balance by pushing the head or shoulders and then as they react, shooting for the take down. We then drilled defense a bit, working on our sprawls, and finished off with a little iron man drill. A good class, and I even got to grapple afterwards for a little while.
In wrestling, we worked mostly on single and double legs, with a bit of take down defense as well. First we drilled making our shots faster, by working on dropping our knees to the mat, and sliding through. Next, we drilled a lot of feints, and using hands to keep the opponent off balance by pushing the head or shoulders and then as they react, shooting for the take down. We then drilled defense a bit, working on our sprawls, and finished off with a little iron man drill. A good class, and I even got to grapple afterwards for a little while.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
MMA and me; day 95
Kickboxing was a good class yesterday. We started off with checking a high 10, and countering with a 2-3-2-mid 9. Next, we checked a high 9, and countered with a rear had superman punch followed by a 3-2. This one felt really awkward, and timing the superman punch was a little difficult. I kept throwing punches with my feet off the ground. Last, we worked a simple kick combo. A rear leg push kick, to mid 10. With this, it's important to not try and reset your stance after throwing the push kick, as it makes the transition to the 10 longer.
Before we finished off with planks and flutter kicks, our coach said he was going to let us have a little fun. Everyone lined up, and we got to practice this.
http://youtu.be/2BY8d3Aip9Q
To say it was pretty cool is a bit of an understatement. Big ups to Jathan for holding the pads for the whole class, and standing in there when most of us had no idea what we were doing. A great way to end a fun kickboxing class.
SHARK TANK!!!!! Man I love days where we get to rock the shark tank. Even Coach Troy grappled for a while, and that never happens. Plus to top it all off, I got a new pair of shorts! Great day back in the gym.
Before we finished off with planks and flutter kicks, our coach said he was going to let us have a little fun. Everyone lined up, and we got to practice this.
http://youtu.be/2BY8d3Aip9Q
To say it was pretty cool is a bit of an understatement. Big ups to Jathan for holding the pads for the whole class, and standing in there when most of us had no idea what we were doing. A great way to end a fun kickboxing class.
SHARK TANK!!!!! Man I love days where we get to rock the shark tank. Even Coach Troy grappled for a while, and that never happens. Plus to top it all off, I got a new pair of shorts! Great day back in the gym.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
UFC 128
This Saturday's UFC card brings us some very exciting and interesting fights. Some of them have potential to have title implications, and some are just going to be plain fun! It's shaping up to be a great night of fights, so let's get right down to it.
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Brendan "The" Hybrid" Schaub
heavyweight
Schaub is an up and comer in the UFC's heavyweight division, and after lsoing to grizzled vet Roy Nelson in the finals of TUF 10, he has won three straight, including a thorough dismantling of former UFC champ, Gabriel Gonzaga last October. Cro Cop is a former champion himself, but on the back end of a truly impressive career. In September, he was knocked out by Frank Mir in a fight where neither man looked truly impressive. Since returning to the UFC after a pedestrian 1-2 showing in his first stint with the company, Cro Cop has gone 3-2, and despite his days of challenging for the heavyweight title seemingly behind him, he still is one of the most feared strikers in MMA, andposes a serious threat to Schaub's ascendancy into the upper echelon of the heavyweight division.
A heavy handed, and athletic fighter, Schaub is still an individual learning the ropes, and improving his skills constantly. He is, however, more than capable of beating Cro Cop, so long as he sticks with the game plan his coaches lay out for him, which I imagine is something along the lines of pressure him, work the clinch, close distance, and get take downs when he can. Staying at range to allow the Croatian to gauge distance and timing for his legendary striking is at beast an invitation for pain, and at worst, a ticket to a highlight reel KO loss. Schaub is a big, powerful man, who can cause a lot of destruction with ground and pound, but if he cannot manage to get Cro Cop to the mat, he may be in for a long night, provided Cro Cop's head is in the game.
Having struggled with motivation in his last several fights, Cro Cop can be his own worst enemy. He has shown a reluctance to really let his hands and feet go, and that has cost him. In his heyday, he was elusive on the defensive front, capable of unleashing lighting quick counter shots, and pouncing on injured or stunned opponents. If he doesn't maintain distance from Schaub, and work from the perimeter, he's asking to get mauled in the clinch, and if not stopped from there, taken down and pounded out. A wild card may be Cro Cop's ground game. Not necessarily the best out there, but still, Cro Cop has been at this for a while, and at the very least has an experience edge on Schaub as far as fighting MMA. Cro Cop may be able to get a quick choke if Schaub leaves his head out while going for a take down, but this fight will likely be submission free. Cro Cop may start out strong, but Schaub will close the distance, and manage to eventually get the fight to the ground, and work some nasty ground and pound. He may not finish the fight, but he will win a very dominant decision.
Schaub, via Unanimous Decision
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Dan Miller
middleweight
Originally scheduled to fight Yoshihiro Akiyama, who had to pull out due to the massive earthquake that has devastated much of Japan, Marquardt now faces Miller, a very tough, well rounded fighter who was pulled from an under card fight to replace Akiyama. Marquardt suffered a loss to Yushin Okami in October, and with it a chance to possibly face Anderson Silva. Now he looks to get back on track to a title fight, and it begins with Miller, but it's no easy fight.
Miller is a solid stand up fighter, and very talented on the ground. With eight of his thirteen MMA victories coming via submission, he is not someone to take lightly on the ground. He sometimes doesn't have the best luck sticking with his bread and butter though, as evidenced by his losses to Michael Bisping, Chael Sonnen and Demian Maia. Perhaps those were just instances of him facing fighters he wasn't ready for, or just over matched against. When he fights his fight, he can be very difficult to beat. Against Marquardt though, he'll need to bring everything he has to the table, or he'll be on the receiving end of a sound beating.
Though his opponent has changed, Marquardt will still be ready for Miller, and with the advantage he has in the stand up department, and considerable ability he possesses on the ground, he will be quite a lot for Miller to handle. Both men are BJJ black belts, and neither is giving up much in reach. Marquardt appears to be the stronger of the fighters, and the more explosive. Miller will need to avoid the big shots, and try to work a take down so he can get his ground game going from the top, as Marquardt has had troubles working off his back. If Miller can't get the fight out of the stand up arena, he will be in big trouble, as Marquardt is equally comfortable throwing kicks and punches, and he throws them in great numbers with intent to punish each, and every time.
Marquardt should win this fight, and without too much work. Miller is very game, and as tough as they come, but his striking is just not at the same level as Marquardt, and that will be evident early on. As Miller gets frustrated, he may try to get the fight to the mat, and if he's worn out from getting beat up on the feet, he may leave himself open to catching a big knee, or maybe even getting caught in a sub. In any event, I see Marquardt getting a stoppage finish midway through the second round.
Marquardt via TKO, Rd. 2
Jim Miller vs. Kamal "The Prince of Persia" Shalorus
lightweight
This fight would be a heavy favorite for fight of the night, if not for the main event. Miller has been ripping up the lightweight division, and has only suffered losses to the two men currently set to settle their draw for the lightweight title, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Shalorus is an iron chinned striker, with world class wrestling, and he is not afraid to take a punch to give one. In a fight where both men are hungry for a chance to potentially get a title fight, this one should leave it all out on the table.
Shalorus has displayed his go for broke, break your opponent at all costs style in entertaining fights with Bart Palaszewski, and Jamie Varner. He is more than happy to throw punches in great volume, and will fight for take downs until he gets them, and seems to have an endless reserve of energy. Against Miller though, he may want to tread more carefully, and be judicious about his offensive output, because any small mistake will be capitalized on by Miller, and he can make you pay.
Miller is no slouch in the wrestling department, and has phenomenal ground skills as a BJJ black belt. His striking is also very solid, and the fact that he is so well rounded makes him very difficult to game plan. He may want to test the feet against Shalorus, but if he really wants to get a dominant win, he really should use his strikes to set up take downs, and work his submission game from the top. Though Shalorus has never tasted defeat, Miller will simply be too much for him, and may threaten to finish him several times over the course of a very entertaining, and very one sided decision victory for Miller.
Miller via Unanimous Decision.
Urijah "The California Kid" vs. Eddie Wineland
bantamweight
In Faber makes his long awaited UFC debut, and is facing another former WEC champion in Wineland, who has a very similar style, and isn't afraid to get in there and go toe to toe with anyone. Faber will need to be on top of his game, and keep things crisp, because Wineland is a very strong striker, and has a solid wrestling and jiu jitsu game to back it up, fortunately, Faber is no slouch in those areas either.
Long the poster boy for the WEC, Faber suffered set backs in two tough losses to then champion Mike Brown and another loss to current champ Jose Aldo. After taking some time off, he made the decision to drop to bantamweight, and won his first fight in the weight class by submitting Takeya Mizugaki. Now as a 135 pound fighter, Faber still has the speed and quickness that made him so tough at 145, but he also now has a size and strength most fighters in the division don't have. He will pose a problem for most fighters, and if Wineland doesn't step lightly, he will find himself on the long list of fighters with a loss on their record thanks to "The California Kid".
With both fighters possessing excellent cardio and well rounded skill sets, it could just come down to a question of who wants it more, and it's hard to see Faber being outdone in that department. Wineland will give him some cause for concern early, but with the patience to weather the storm, Faber will come through and just be too much for Wineland to handle. I see Faber just wearing Wineland out late in the second, or early in the third and catching a submission, either a guillotine, or maybe a rear naked choke, but either way, Faber will get a tap, and with it, a chance to fight Dominic Cruz for the bantamweight title.
Faber via submission (guillotine) Rd. 2
UFC Light heavyweight championship
Champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Jon "Bones" Jones
When Jones' training partner Rashad Evans went down with an injury, Jones was tapped to replace him in his fight for the 205 pound belt against Rua. This in itself is not noteworthy. What is was how it was done. Fresh off defeating Ryan Bader in impressive fashion, Jones was informed of the decision to have him replace Evans during his post fight interview by Joe Rogan while still in the ring. Jones accepted, and fast forward six weeks, and here we are. Rua stands tall as the champ, yet betting lines make Jones the favorite, in spite of his young age and relative inexperience in the sport. Jones' meteoric rise to title contender has been nothing short of amazing, and this Saturday, we'll find out if it's all been justified, or simply hype.
Rua came into the UFC heralded as the best light heavyweight in the world, and was promptly pummeled for nearly three rounds before being choked out by Forrest Griffin. It was later revealed that he had taken the fight despite having a very badly injured knee, but he still looked like a shadow of the fighter who had ruled the PRIDE Fighting Championships for nearly three years. After a year and a half lay off due to another knee injury, he fought Mark Coleman. Despite winning, he still looked worn, and hardly the man who had beaten such fighters as Rampage Jackson, Alistair Overeem (twice), Ricardo Arona, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Turns out it was simply ring rust at that point, because he went on to flatten Chuck Liddell, engage then title holder Lyoto Machida in an epic five round war (which many people, myself included, thought he won) and then avenge his loss to Machida by pounding him out inside four minutes and becoming the 205 pound champ. Rua has nasty muy thai strikes, and a very slick style on the ground that makes him very difficult to hold down. He's extremely quick, and has had no problems with fighters who have more reach and size than he does. He also can take a punch, and has never been knocked out in his career. Can Jones overcome these obstacles in order to become the new champion?
For Jones to win, he's going to have to keep the pressure on Rua constantly. His striking is creative and unorthodox, but it also leaves holes, and that's something Rua can capitalize on in a heartbeat. If Jones can get into the clinch, he can use his massively long arms to work body strikes, and try to get Rua down to the mat, where his elbows become devices for facial destruction, and Rua can ill afford to stay down for long. This fight will be a spectacular one to behold, and I think Jones will have a very strong showing, but he's just not quite ready for a fighter of Rua's caliber, quite yet. I see "Shogun" starting off by putting the pressure on Jones, and keeping him off balance. Keeping Jones from getting started, and finding his groove will get Rua confident, and may frustrate Jones. In any event, Rua will be ready for Jones, and is likely to drag him into deeper waters than he has been before, and will start to pull away late after a close couple of opening rounds. Rua may get a late stoppage, but will likely walk away with belt in hand after a rugged five round war, resulting in the judges nodding in agreement for a unanimous decision.
Rua via Unanimous Decision
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Brendan "The" Hybrid" Schaub
heavyweight
Schaub is an up and comer in the UFC's heavyweight division, and after lsoing to grizzled vet Roy Nelson in the finals of TUF 10, he has won three straight, including a thorough dismantling of former UFC champ, Gabriel Gonzaga last October. Cro Cop is a former champion himself, but on the back end of a truly impressive career. In September, he was knocked out by Frank Mir in a fight where neither man looked truly impressive. Since returning to the UFC after a pedestrian 1-2 showing in his first stint with the company, Cro Cop has gone 3-2, and despite his days of challenging for the heavyweight title seemingly behind him, he still is one of the most feared strikers in MMA, andposes a serious threat to Schaub's ascendancy into the upper echelon of the heavyweight division.
A heavy handed, and athletic fighter, Schaub is still an individual learning the ropes, and improving his skills constantly. He is, however, more than capable of beating Cro Cop, so long as he sticks with the game plan his coaches lay out for him, which I imagine is something along the lines of pressure him, work the clinch, close distance, and get take downs when he can. Staying at range to allow the Croatian to gauge distance and timing for his legendary striking is at beast an invitation for pain, and at worst, a ticket to a highlight reel KO loss. Schaub is a big, powerful man, who can cause a lot of destruction with ground and pound, but if he cannot manage to get Cro Cop to the mat, he may be in for a long night, provided Cro Cop's head is in the game.
Having struggled with motivation in his last several fights, Cro Cop can be his own worst enemy. He has shown a reluctance to really let his hands and feet go, and that has cost him. In his heyday, he was elusive on the defensive front, capable of unleashing lighting quick counter shots, and pouncing on injured or stunned opponents. If he doesn't maintain distance from Schaub, and work from the perimeter, he's asking to get mauled in the clinch, and if not stopped from there, taken down and pounded out. A wild card may be Cro Cop's ground game. Not necessarily the best out there, but still, Cro Cop has been at this for a while, and at the very least has an experience edge on Schaub as far as fighting MMA. Cro Cop may be able to get a quick choke if Schaub leaves his head out while going for a take down, but this fight will likely be submission free. Cro Cop may start out strong, but Schaub will close the distance, and manage to eventually get the fight to the ground, and work some nasty ground and pound. He may not finish the fight, but he will win a very dominant decision.
Schaub, via Unanimous Decision
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Dan Miller
middleweight
Originally scheduled to fight Yoshihiro Akiyama, who had to pull out due to the massive earthquake that has devastated much of Japan, Marquardt now faces Miller, a very tough, well rounded fighter who was pulled from an under card fight to replace Akiyama. Marquardt suffered a loss to Yushin Okami in October, and with it a chance to possibly face Anderson Silva. Now he looks to get back on track to a title fight, and it begins with Miller, but it's no easy fight.
Miller is a solid stand up fighter, and very talented on the ground. With eight of his thirteen MMA victories coming via submission, he is not someone to take lightly on the ground. He sometimes doesn't have the best luck sticking with his bread and butter though, as evidenced by his losses to Michael Bisping, Chael Sonnen and Demian Maia. Perhaps those were just instances of him facing fighters he wasn't ready for, or just over matched against. When he fights his fight, he can be very difficult to beat. Against Marquardt though, he'll need to bring everything he has to the table, or he'll be on the receiving end of a sound beating.
Though his opponent has changed, Marquardt will still be ready for Miller, and with the advantage he has in the stand up department, and considerable ability he possesses on the ground, he will be quite a lot for Miller to handle. Both men are BJJ black belts, and neither is giving up much in reach. Marquardt appears to be the stronger of the fighters, and the more explosive. Miller will need to avoid the big shots, and try to work a take down so he can get his ground game going from the top, as Marquardt has had troubles working off his back. If Miller can't get the fight out of the stand up arena, he will be in big trouble, as Marquardt is equally comfortable throwing kicks and punches, and he throws them in great numbers with intent to punish each, and every time.
Marquardt should win this fight, and without too much work. Miller is very game, and as tough as they come, but his striking is just not at the same level as Marquardt, and that will be evident early on. As Miller gets frustrated, he may try to get the fight to the mat, and if he's worn out from getting beat up on the feet, he may leave himself open to catching a big knee, or maybe even getting caught in a sub. In any event, I see Marquardt getting a stoppage finish midway through the second round.
Marquardt via TKO, Rd. 2
Jim Miller vs. Kamal "The Prince of Persia" Shalorus
lightweight
This fight would be a heavy favorite for fight of the night, if not for the main event. Miller has been ripping up the lightweight division, and has only suffered losses to the two men currently set to settle their draw for the lightweight title, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. Shalorus is an iron chinned striker, with world class wrestling, and he is not afraid to take a punch to give one. In a fight where both men are hungry for a chance to potentially get a title fight, this one should leave it all out on the table.
Shalorus has displayed his go for broke, break your opponent at all costs style in entertaining fights with Bart Palaszewski, and Jamie Varner. He is more than happy to throw punches in great volume, and will fight for take downs until he gets them, and seems to have an endless reserve of energy. Against Miller though, he may want to tread more carefully, and be judicious about his offensive output, because any small mistake will be capitalized on by Miller, and he can make you pay.
Miller is no slouch in the wrestling department, and has phenomenal ground skills as a BJJ black belt. His striking is also very solid, and the fact that he is so well rounded makes him very difficult to game plan. He may want to test the feet against Shalorus, but if he really wants to get a dominant win, he really should use his strikes to set up take downs, and work his submission game from the top. Though Shalorus has never tasted defeat, Miller will simply be too much for him, and may threaten to finish him several times over the course of a very entertaining, and very one sided decision victory for Miller.
Miller via Unanimous Decision.
Urijah "The California Kid" vs. Eddie Wineland
bantamweight
In Faber makes his long awaited UFC debut, and is facing another former WEC champion in Wineland, who has a very similar style, and isn't afraid to get in there and go toe to toe with anyone. Faber will need to be on top of his game, and keep things crisp, because Wineland is a very strong striker, and has a solid wrestling and jiu jitsu game to back it up, fortunately, Faber is no slouch in those areas either.
Long the poster boy for the WEC, Faber suffered set backs in two tough losses to then champion Mike Brown and another loss to current champ Jose Aldo. After taking some time off, he made the decision to drop to bantamweight, and won his first fight in the weight class by submitting Takeya Mizugaki. Now as a 135 pound fighter, Faber still has the speed and quickness that made him so tough at 145, but he also now has a size and strength most fighters in the division don't have. He will pose a problem for most fighters, and if Wineland doesn't step lightly, he will find himself on the long list of fighters with a loss on their record thanks to "The California Kid".
With both fighters possessing excellent cardio and well rounded skill sets, it could just come down to a question of who wants it more, and it's hard to see Faber being outdone in that department. Wineland will give him some cause for concern early, but with the patience to weather the storm, Faber will come through and just be too much for Wineland to handle. I see Faber just wearing Wineland out late in the second, or early in the third and catching a submission, either a guillotine, or maybe a rear naked choke, but either way, Faber will get a tap, and with it, a chance to fight Dominic Cruz for the bantamweight title.
Faber via submission (guillotine) Rd. 2
UFC Light heavyweight championship
Champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Jon "Bones" Jones
When Jones' training partner Rashad Evans went down with an injury, Jones was tapped to replace him in his fight for the 205 pound belt against Rua. This in itself is not noteworthy. What is was how it was done. Fresh off defeating Ryan Bader in impressive fashion, Jones was informed of the decision to have him replace Evans during his post fight interview by Joe Rogan while still in the ring. Jones accepted, and fast forward six weeks, and here we are. Rua stands tall as the champ, yet betting lines make Jones the favorite, in spite of his young age and relative inexperience in the sport. Jones' meteoric rise to title contender has been nothing short of amazing, and this Saturday, we'll find out if it's all been justified, or simply hype.
Rua came into the UFC heralded as the best light heavyweight in the world, and was promptly pummeled for nearly three rounds before being choked out by Forrest Griffin. It was later revealed that he had taken the fight despite having a very badly injured knee, but he still looked like a shadow of the fighter who had ruled the PRIDE Fighting Championships for nearly three years. After a year and a half lay off due to another knee injury, he fought Mark Coleman. Despite winning, he still looked worn, and hardly the man who had beaten such fighters as Rampage Jackson, Alistair Overeem (twice), Ricardo Arona, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Turns out it was simply ring rust at that point, because he went on to flatten Chuck Liddell, engage then title holder Lyoto Machida in an epic five round war (which many people, myself included, thought he won) and then avenge his loss to Machida by pounding him out inside four minutes and becoming the 205 pound champ. Rua has nasty muy thai strikes, and a very slick style on the ground that makes him very difficult to hold down. He's extremely quick, and has had no problems with fighters who have more reach and size than he does. He also can take a punch, and has never been knocked out in his career. Can Jones overcome these obstacles in order to become the new champion?
For Jones to win, he's going to have to keep the pressure on Rua constantly. His striking is creative and unorthodox, but it also leaves holes, and that's something Rua can capitalize on in a heartbeat. If Jones can get into the clinch, he can use his massively long arms to work body strikes, and try to get Rua down to the mat, where his elbows become devices for facial destruction, and Rua can ill afford to stay down for long. This fight will be a spectacular one to behold, and I think Jones will have a very strong showing, but he's just not quite ready for a fighter of Rua's caliber, quite yet. I see "Shogun" starting off by putting the pressure on Jones, and keeping him off balance. Keeping Jones from getting started, and finding his groove will get Rua confident, and may frustrate Jones. In any event, Rua will be ready for Jones, and is likely to drag him into deeper waters than he has been before, and will start to pull away late after a close couple of opening rounds. Rua may get a late stoppage, but will likely walk away with belt in hand after a rugged five round war, resulting in the judges nodding in agreement for a unanimous decision.
Rua via Unanimous Decision
MMA and me; day 94
Was only able to make it to boxing last night, but it gave me one of the best workouts we've had in that class for a while! We started with a simple combo, the 1-2-3. With all the intricate and lengthy combos we've been working lately, it was pretty intense to hit a simple combo over and over again for three minutes, and I had a solid sweat going after both rounds had gone by. Next we worked another simple combo, but with a new wrinkle. After hitting the 2-3-2, we added a step-pivot, then went right back to the 2-3-2-step-pivot. One of the key tenets to making this work right, is setting your feet after the pivot, so you're not running with your punches and taking all the snap off of them. The next combo was the same, just with a jab added to the start, making it 1-2-3-2-step-pivot. Nothing too fancy, but adding the jab made it feel much more solid. Lastly, we worked it all together with an uppercut thrown in as well. Making it 1-6-2-3-2-step-pivot. In lieu of our regular core workouts, we instead kept our gloves on and went to the back wall. One partner would keep their back on the wall, and hands over their heads, and for three minutes get punched in the body at about 50%, then we switched. I went second, and was lucky enough to have the coach come over and work my body for about 15-20 seconds. To say it sucked would be a grand understatement, but I didn't collapse, or even buckle, so I felt good about that, even though it really, REALLY didn't feel good at all. Good class, and though I can't make it tonight, I'm really looking forward to the next week of class. I got 8 pounds to drop for my grappling tournament on the 26th, and I will make it!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
MMA and me; day 93
In MMA, we worked on an arm bar/triangle drill where the person in your guard simulates throwing a heavy punch that you slip to the outside, and reach across with your far side arm and grab their tricep. As they try to rip their arm free, push off their hip and kick your near side leg over their face as you spin on your shoulders to lock in the arm bar. To defend, they will stack your legs up over your shoulders and rip their arm out, leaving them wide open for a transition to a triangle. The leg you kicked over their face should be brought back out and around their head, over the back of their neck, as you spin on your shoulders to the other side of their body. As your leg goes across the back of their neck, get your boot on, and slip your other leg over the ankle of the leg across their neck, and reach under the inside of their leg with the same side arm as the leg across the neck. With your other arm, pull their hand that is trapped in the triangle across their face, and simply squeeze your knees together. If you have to, pull down on the back of their head to finish the choke. We then worked a triangle drill where you grab wrist control with your partner in your guard, peacock their hands out, and slap on a triangle, then pull your legs out, and throw a triangle on the other side. We went back and forth for two three minute rounds each. We then worked the opening drill one more time before we called it a day for MMA class.
Kick boxing started with working low 10s on kick shields, just working on driving the shin into the kick shield, and making sure to lean into the kick, and opening the hip up before pivoting on the lead foot. Next the partner holding the kick shield would throw a low 10 and you would check the kick, and immediately return the favor with a low 10 of your own. We then drilled a step back to avoid a low 10 and reply with a mid 9. As your partner throws the 10, switch your stance and bring your lead leg back, then fire the mid 9 to their ribcage with mean intentions. We finished off with a few rounds of light kick sparring, which further reinforced the fact that I need to spar much more frequently, because I'm a flipping pansy when it comes to this (sorry Kyle, I need to get the sand out of my..., well, you know) Then we knocked out some leg lifts, and it was on to grappling.
Grappling was a conditioning class (woo). Half the class (my half) started doing the kettle bell 300. This involved doing 25 swing lifts with each arm, 25 push ups, 50 swing presses using both arms, 50 burpies, or squat thrusts, 25 lift and press with each arm, and 50 mountain climbers. This was pretty brutal, but I know I did better than the last time I did these, because this time I only really stopped once, and then got right back to it. After this exercise, our groups switched, and we alternated doing bag hangs and ab rollers for three minutes at a time while the other group busted out the kettle bell workout. With 15 minutes to go, we all finished with a little live grappling, and called it a day.
Kick boxing started with working low 10s on kick shields, just working on driving the shin into the kick shield, and making sure to lean into the kick, and opening the hip up before pivoting on the lead foot. Next the partner holding the kick shield would throw a low 10 and you would check the kick, and immediately return the favor with a low 10 of your own. We then drilled a step back to avoid a low 10 and reply with a mid 9. As your partner throws the 10, switch your stance and bring your lead leg back, then fire the mid 9 to their ribcage with mean intentions. We finished off with a few rounds of light kick sparring, which further reinforced the fact that I need to spar much more frequently, because I'm a flipping pansy when it comes to this (sorry Kyle, I need to get the sand out of my..., well, you know) Then we knocked out some leg lifts, and it was on to grappling.
Grappling was a conditioning class (woo). Half the class (my half) started doing the kettle bell 300. This involved doing 25 swing lifts with each arm, 25 push ups, 50 swing presses using both arms, 50 burpies, or squat thrusts, 25 lift and press with each arm, and 50 mountain climbers. This was pretty brutal, but I know I did better than the last time I did these, because this time I only really stopped once, and then got right back to it. After this exercise, our groups switched, and we alternated doing bag hangs and ab rollers for three minutes at a time while the other group busted out the kettle bell workout. With 15 minutes to go, we all finished with a little live grappling, and called it a day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
MMA and me; day 92
So a day late, but I was taking care of my sick wife yesterday, so I'm thinking I get a pass. In MMA on Wednesday, we worked one drill for the whole class. You either were on top in your opponents guard, working punches and trying to get them to tap to strikes, or on bottom trying to avoid those punches and either sweep, or submit the person on top, only stopping for a submission or a sweep. If neither of these happened after two minutes, you'd switch to a different partner. It doesn't sound like much, but for 45 minutes, it induced much sweating, and got you comfortable with a lot of positions, and different approaches.
Kickboxing was a return to basics. First, we drilled a low outside 10, making sure to step across and lean into it. Next was a low outside 9, which feels weird fighting orthodox because you have to really get your leg around to get their rear leg. We followed that with a lead push kick to a low outside 10. I had a hard time with this, mostly because I'm getting in too deep with my teep, and that leaves me in a tight space to throw the 10. All in all it was a good class, and we finished with partner ab drills, and five minute planks starting normal, doing a minute and a half each for side planks, and finishing regular. Exhausted but feeling good.
Two words, SHARK TANK! I love this drill. Don't get me wrong, I really dig working moves and refining technique, but live grappling is just a ton of fun! Can't be beat.
Kickboxing was a return to basics. First, we drilled a low outside 10, making sure to step across and lean into it. Next was a low outside 9, which feels weird fighting orthodox because you have to really get your leg around to get their rear leg. We followed that with a lead push kick to a low outside 10. I had a hard time with this, mostly because I'm getting in too deep with my teep, and that leaves me in a tight space to throw the 10. All in all it was a good class, and we finished with partner ab drills, and five minute planks starting normal, doing a minute and a half each for side planks, and finishing regular. Exhausted but feeling good.
Two words, SHARK TANK! I love this drill. Don't get me wrong, I really dig working moves and refining technique, but live grappling is just a ton of fun! Can't be beat.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
MMA and me; day 91
Another day of boxing, another long and complex combo to work, and I couldn't have been happier to flex my mental muscles during the class. The combo started with a similar pattern to one we'd worked before, but slightly different. Block a hook to the body, rear uppercut to a straight, hook, straight, lead uppercut, hook, straight. It looked like this; block body 3-6-2-3-2-5-3-2. We also had a catch counter on the end of that, where you catch a straight on your glove, and throw the 2-3-2 counter. Next, we added a pull counter roll counter, or pull-2-3-2-roll-2-3-2. We finished by adding the slip sequence, and worked that for a couple rounds. So the last bit was slip jab-6-2-3-2-slip straight-body 3-3-2. A total of 23 punches, and a lot of memorization, but it starts to become muscle memory, and you don't have to think about it as much. We flutter kicked and over undered for two rounds, and it was time for wrestling.
Wrestling featured a lot of offense and defense for take downs. First we worked on a defensive sweep from defending a single leg. If your leg is sucked in and trapped between their legs, spin your free leg out to the side, lean down and post on the outside arm, then slip your free leg behind their knee, and twist your hips into them, driving them backwards and to the mat. Finish by reaching across them for a far side under hook and kicking your leg free to end in side control.
Next was an option from a single leg, where if you have the leg over both of your arms, and you drive your near side shoulder into their thigh, forcing them to turn away from you and drop to their knees. From here, all you have to do is jump to cover their back, and sink your hooks in and work for the sub.
A simplified double leg take down was next. As you shoot in, your knee that is down should split their legs, and your head should be on the same side as your leg that is up. Get both arms behind their knees, and arch your back to get them off the mat. From there, you simply push with your head, pull with your arms to pass their legs, and land in side control.
Lastly, we worked on running the pipe, a term for driving a single leg take down to the mat with your head and shoulder pressure. Shoot in for a deep single leg, making sure that your head is on the inside, or you'll get choked out in a heart beat. Pin their leg between your thighs, and twist your hips to the outside as you drive your head and shoulder in the opposite direction, forcing them to the mat. As they fall, begin to get your legs free so you land outside their half guard, and in a more advantageous position such as side control or high judo.
Wrestling featured a lot of offense and defense for take downs. First we worked on a defensive sweep from defending a single leg. If your leg is sucked in and trapped between their legs, spin your free leg out to the side, lean down and post on the outside arm, then slip your free leg behind their knee, and twist your hips into them, driving them backwards and to the mat. Finish by reaching across them for a far side under hook and kicking your leg free to end in side control.
Next was an option from a single leg, where if you have the leg over both of your arms, and you drive your near side shoulder into their thigh, forcing them to turn away from you and drop to their knees. From here, all you have to do is jump to cover their back, and sink your hooks in and work for the sub.
A simplified double leg take down was next. As you shoot in, your knee that is down should split their legs, and your head should be on the same side as your leg that is up. Get both arms behind their knees, and arch your back to get them off the mat. From there, you simply push with your head, pull with your arms to pass their legs, and land in side control.
Lastly, we worked on running the pipe, a term for driving a single leg take down to the mat with your head and shoulder pressure. Shoot in for a deep single leg, making sure that your head is on the inside, or you'll get choked out in a heart beat. Pin their leg between your thighs, and twist your hips to the outside as you drive your head and shoulder in the opposite direction, forcing them to the mat. As they fall, begin to get your legs free so you land outside their half guard, and in a more advantageous position such as side control or high judo.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
MMA and me; day 90
Another Monday in the books, and I'm slowly approaching my goal weight for the grappling tournament in two and a half weeks. We kicked off the day with MMA class, and like last Wednesday, I was asked to help run everyone through the drills, because two of our coaches were sick. This time, we worked on submissions from S-Mount. The S-Mount is where you flare one of your legs out to the side while in mount. It provides additional stability, and a plethora of offensive options. First was the arm bar. From S-Mount, pummel in your arm on the far side from the leg that is out, as you grab the wrist of your opponent on that side with your other arm. Get a rear naked choke grip, and swing your leg that is tucked under you around and over their head, and go through your arm bar checklist; knees pinched around their upper arm, boot on, pull their head in as tight as you can, and lean back pulling on their wrist until they tap.
Next was the howdy, or far side arm triangle. From S-Mount, bring the flared leg across the opponents face, bringing one of their arms with it. As their arm crosses their face, drop your hip to the mat, and keep pressure on their arm with your chest, keeping it pinned to their chest, and slip your far side arm from the S-Mount leg under their neck, trying to get their neck as deep in the crook of your elbow as possible. From there, with the arm under their neck, grab your other bicep, and get that hand over their forehead, and slowly begin to squeeze until they tap out. Remember to keep your weight over their neck, and stay up on your toes if at all possible.
Lastly, we drilled the topside triangle. This is in response to the bottom opponent trying to under hook your S-Mount leg. As they under hook the leg, quickly slip the leg under their neck, pulling up on the head if necessary. From there, wrap your other leg over the ankle of the leg under their head, and pulling their arm that is trapped across their face. The last thing you need to do, is get your boot on your underside leg, and lean forward as you pinch your legs together for the tap. Big thanks to Kyle and Irv for helping me not entirely butcher being an assistant.
In kickboxing, we worked on some similar stuff that we did last week. We started with light bump drills, going from a low 10 to a high 10, then an inside 9 to a high 9. Next, we went back and forth on the inside 9, and that left the leg a bit sore. We drilled a 1-2-mid 9 next, which I liked, because that's the perfect height for me to kick at this point in my flexibility evolution. From there we moved to a step in 2-3-step out-mid 10. For this to work, you need to step in then throw the 2, or there's nothing on it, then throw the hook, then step out, then throw the rear leg kick to the body. This one is nasty, and I can see really liking it as well. We drilled that combo for two rounds, then worked our core drills, and it was on to grappling.
Grappling, we worked the exact same drills as we did in MMA, so no need to be too redundant. :) All in all it was a great day, and I only have ten more pounds to go for my goal at the end of the month. I'm really excited!
Next was the howdy, or far side arm triangle. From S-Mount, bring the flared leg across the opponents face, bringing one of their arms with it. As their arm crosses their face, drop your hip to the mat, and keep pressure on their arm with your chest, keeping it pinned to their chest, and slip your far side arm from the S-Mount leg under their neck, trying to get their neck as deep in the crook of your elbow as possible. From there, with the arm under their neck, grab your other bicep, and get that hand over their forehead, and slowly begin to squeeze until they tap out. Remember to keep your weight over their neck, and stay up on your toes if at all possible.
Lastly, we drilled the topside triangle. This is in response to the bottom opponent trying to under hook your S-Mount leg. As they under hook the leg, quickly slip the leg under their neck, pulling up on the head if necessary. From there, wrap your other leg over the ankle of the leg under their head, and pulling their arm that is trapped across their face. The last thing you need to do, is get your boot on your underside leg, and lean forward as you pinch your legs together for the tap. Big thanks to Kyle and Irv for helping me not entirely butcher being an assistant.
In kickboxing, we worked on some similar stuff that we did last week. We started with light bump drills, going from a low 10 to a high 10, then an inside 9 to a high 9. Next, we went back and forth on the inside 9, and that left the leg a bit sore. We drilled a 1-2-mid 9 next, which I liked, because that's the perfect height for me to kick at this point in my flexibility evolution. From there we moved to a step in 2-3-step out-mid 10. For this to work, you need to step in then throw the 2, or there's nothing on it, then throw the hook, then step out, then throw the rear leg kick to the body. This one is nasty, and I can see really liking it as well. We drilled that combo for two rounds, then worked our core drills, and it was on to grappling.
Grappling, we worked the exact same drills as we did in MMA, so no need to be too redundant. :) All in all it was a great day, and I only have ten more pounds to go for my goal at the end of the month. I'm really excited!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
MMA and me; day 89
Sooooo slacking this week, sort of. Between a super busy Thursday, and a very strange Friday, I am just now getting around to my blog about Wednesday. It's going to be short and sweet, most of the detail will be in kickboxing, but I'll cover the other portions with some references to old classes.
Firstly, I got to the gym around 4:15, and didn't leave until after 9. Nearly five hours. I was pooped. First I just did some sparring with a friend for about 30-45 minutes, got a good solid sweat going. From 5-6 was MMA conditioning, and without too much detail, we did a laundry list of core exercises, medicine ball work, plyometrics, and by the end, I was just a puddle of sweat. MMA class was different, because I taught it...sort of. There's a kids class at the same time, and our usual MMA coach was stuck in Sultan *shudder*, so he had me run the MMA class through the arm bar/triangle/omoplata transition. I think I did okay, and I couldn't have done it without Irv and Morgan to help me out. Thanks fellas!
Now came kickboxing. First, we worked the switch 9-high 10 drill with a partner. Just going back and forth, nice and easy, getting stretched out. Next was baiting your opponent into keeping their hands up by throwing two switch 9s followed by a switch run up low 10. Next we worked the combo we did on Monday, where we throw a 1-2-step off-2. Then we added a body hook to the step off. Not before or after, but during the step off. As you rotate your body around to the side, you drag your knuckles across your partners stomach, and really dig it in. From that, we added a body 9, and let me tell you, that body 9 sucks! Lastly, we sandwiched a 2 between the body 3 and body 9, then worked our core drills, and it was on to jiu jitsu.
I'm lazy, and we covered the leg lock flow on day 50 of the blog with two small exceptions. We added the heel hook in between the ankle lock, and the toe hold. I wont go into detail, because among other things, heel hooks are illegal in all but the highest levels of competition. Second, we added a calf crusher onto the end of the flow. If your opponent gets out of the toe hold, or you can't secure it, sit out even further, and sink your shin into the back of their knee, and get your legs behind you. Lean forward, using their own leg to compress their calf over your shin. It hurts like crazy and will get most people to tap out. Well, I'm beat, and with three weeks to go before my next grappling tournament, I need all the sleep I can get. It's all hard work and dedication from here on out.
Firstly, I got to the gym around 4:15, and didn't leave until after 9. Nearly five hours. I was pooped. First I just did some sparring with a friend for about 30-45 minutes, got a good solid sweat going. From 5-6 was MMA conditioning, and without too much detail, we did a laundry list of core exercises, medicine ball work, plyometrics, and by the end, I was just a puddle of sweat. MMA class was different, because I taught it...sort of. There's a kids class at the same time, and our usual MMA coach was stuck in Sultan *shudder*, so he had me run the MMA class through the arm bar/triangle/omoplata transition. I think I did okay, and I couldn't have done it without Irv and Morgan to help me out. Thanks fellas!
Now came kickboxing. First, we worked the switch 9-high 10 drill with a partner. Just going back and forth, nice and easy, getting stretched out. Next was baiting your opponent into keeping their hands up by throwing two switch 9s followed by a switch run up low 10. Next we worked the combo we did on Monday, where we throw a 1-2-step off-2. Then we added a body hook to the step off. Not before or after, but during the step off. As you rotate your body around to the side, you drag your knuckles across your partners stomach, and really dig it in. From that, we added a body 9, and let me tell you, that body 9 sucks! Lastly, we sandwiched a 2 between the body 3 and body 9, then worked our core drills, and it was on to jiu jitsu.
I'm lazy, and we covered the leg lock flow on day 50 of the blog with two small exceptions. We added the heel hook in between the ankle lock, and the toe hold. I wont go into detail, because among other things, heel hooks are illegal in all but the highest levels of competition. Second, we added a calf crusher onto the end of the flow. If your opponent gets out of the toe hold, or you can't secure it, sit out even further, and sink your shin into the back of their knee, and get your legs behind you. Lean forward, using their own leg to compress their calf over your shin. It hurts like crazy and will get most people to tap out. Well, I'm beat, and with three weeks to go before my next grappling tournament, I need all the sleep I can get. It's all hard work and dedication from here on out.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
UFC on Versus 3
I don't have a lot of time, so the previews and predictions are going to be short and sweet.
Joe "Daddy" Stevenson vs. Danny "Last Call" Castillo
lightweight
Castillo is making his UFC debut, though he's been fighting in the WEC for the past 2+ years, so he's no stranger to the Octagon. Stevenson has nearly four times as many fights, and having lost his last two fights, he really needs a win to get back on track. Look for Castillo to come out strong, and take the fight to Stevenson, but "Daddy" will weather the storm, and out work "Last Call" for a tough decision victory.
Stevenson via Unanimous decision
Brian Bowles vs. Damacio "The Angel of Death" Page
bantamweight
Bowles is coming off the first loss of his career last year to current 135 pound king, Dominic Cruz. After badly breaking his hand, Bowles had surgery, and was set to return to the WEC last fall, but a broken foot pushed his return back until after the WEC/UFC merger. Eager to get back to fighting, he faces a man he's already beaten in Page, which has to help his confidence after his year long lay off. Page is a very tough fighter, and after beating the relentless Scott Jorgensen in his WEC debut, he split his next four fights, and is looking to rebound from a loss himself, having been choked out by Demetrious Johnson in November. Page is scrappy, and well rounded, but Bowles is so smooth on the feet, and has a solid ground game. Page will perhaps have learned his lesson from their last fight and not be so reckless, but Bowles is so patient, I don't see this fight making it out of the second round before Bowles can snag a submission.
Bowles via submission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2
Alessio "Legionarius" Sakara vs. Chris Weidman
middleweight
After bowing out of his fight with Jorge Rivera the night before it was scheduled due to illness, Sakara makes his return to the Octagon against newcomer Weidman, and he's looking to regain some of the momentum he had coming into the Rivera fight. On a three fight win streak, but having not fought in nearly a year, Sakara takes on a tough wrestler in Weidman, who is also fairly savvy on the ground for a fighter with only four fights to his name. Sakara has improved upon his take down defense, but can be put on his butt rather easily. Unless he's learned to sprawl and stuff take downs, he's in for a long night. On the other hand, Sakara is one of the strongest pure boxers in the middleweight division, and Weidman only has a fifth of the experience. If Weidman can't get the fight to the mat, he's in a lot of trouble, because Sakara will be more than happy to put his lights out, and is more than capable. Weidman will come out looking for the take down, and if he doesn't get it, it should be a quick KO for Sakara, who should be able to get a rather stunning knockout late in the first.
Sakara via KO, Rd. 1
CB "The Doberman" Dollaway vs. Mark "The Phillipine Wrecking Machine" Munoz
middleweight
Two outstanding wrestlers with varied skill sets clash in this co-main event. Dollaway has solid ground skills, and adequate striking to back up his grappling acumen, and Munoz hits like a freight train, and has solid defensive wrestling to back up his base. It will be a very close fight, and it all comes down to which fighter wants the win more. Dollaway has been on a tear as of late, winning three straight, including an impressive guillotine choke against the experienced veteran, Joe Doerksen. Munoz himself has been rolling, winning four of five since dropping to 185, losing only to one of the next in line for the middleweight belt, Yushin Okami. If Dollaway can avoid the C4 laced bombs Munoz likes to throw, he may be able to outpoint him, and perhaps get the fight to the mat where he is definitely the stronger jiu jitsu player. If not, Munoz will be able to dictate the pace of the stand up, and impose his larger frame on Dollaway. While Munoz is a bit bigger and stronger, Dollaway has more polish and technique, and that will win him what promises to be an outstanding middleweight affair. Dollway will get the judges nod, but both men will get Fight of the Night bonuses.
Dollaway via Unanimous Decision
Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez vs. Martin "Hitman" Kampmann
welterweight
This should be a very telling fight, and a very entertaining one to boot. Both fighter recently fought on the same card in October, but had different results. Kampmann lost a very close split decision to current number one contender Jake Shields, whereas Sanchez handed the very tough Brazilian, Paulo Thiago, a decision loss that went in Sanchez's favor in all the judges eyes. This fight is going to be about whether or not Sanchez can get Kampmann down. The stand up is clearly in Kampmann's favor, but even if the fight gets to the mat, the Dane is no slouch. Sanchez is going to need to keep the fight paced as only he can, and force Kampmann to be reactionary. In Sanchez's win over Thiago, he overcame a rough first round, to struggle back and win the next two rounds on guts, cardio, and sheer strength of will. When Kampmann fought Thiago last summer, he soundly beat him in every area of the fight, and nearly submitted him a couple of times. This will be an outstanding fight, no doubt, but Kampmann is just too strong in all areas of mma, and is a bigger fighter to boot. We're talking about a man who used to fight at 185, and in Sanchez, we have a fighter that briefly fought at 155! The size may not be too different come fight time, but Kampmann will still prevail in a close, but decisive unanimous decision.
Kampmann via Unanimous decision.
Joe "Daddy" Stevenson vs. Danny "Last Call" Castillo
lightweight
Castillo is making his UFC debut, though he's been fighting in the WEC for the past 2+ years, so he's no stranger to the Octagon. Stevenson has nearly four times as many fights, and having lost his last two fights, he really needs a win to get back on track. Look for Castillo to come out strong, and take the fight to Stevenson, but "Daddy" will weather the storm, and out work "Last Call" for a tough decision victory.
Stevenson via Unanimous decision
Brian Bowles vs. Damacio "The Angel of Death" Page
bantamweight
Bowles is coming off the first loss of his career last year to current 135 pound king, Dominic Cruz. After badly breaking his hand, Bowles had surgery, and was set to return to the WEC last fall, but a broken foot pushed his return back until after the WEC/UFC merger. Eager to get back to fighting, he faces a man he's already beaten in Page, which has to help his confidence after his year long lay off. Page is a very tough fighter, and after beating the relentless Scott Jorgensen in his WEC debut, he split his next four fights, and is looking to rebound from a loss himself, having been choked out by Demetrious Johnson in November. Page is scrappy, and well rounded, but Bowles is so smooth on the feet, and has a solid ground game. Page will perhaps have learned his lesson from their last fight and not be so reckless, but Bowles is so patient, I don't see this fight making it out of the second round before Bowles can snag a submission.
Bowles via submission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2
Alessio "Legionarius" Sakara vs. Chris Weidman
middleweight
After bowing out of his fight with Jorge Rivera the night before it was scheduled due to illness, Sakara makes his return to the Octagon against newcomer Weidman, and he's looking to regain some of the momentum he had coming into the Rivera fight. On a three fight win streak, but having not fought in nearly a year, Sakara takes on a tough wrestler in Weidman, who is also fairly savvy on the ground for a fighter with only four fights to his name. Sakara has improved upon his take down defense, but can be put on his butt rather easily. Unless he's learned to sprawl and stuff take downs, he's in for a long night. On the other hand, Sakara is one of the strongest pure boxers in the middleweight division, and Weidman only has a fifth of the experience. If Weidman can't get the fight to the mat, he's in a lot of trouble, because Sakara will be more than happy to put his lights out, and is more than capable. Weidman will come out looking for the take down, and if he doesn't get it, it should be a quick KO for Sakara, who should be able to get a rather stunning knockout late in the first.
Sakara via KO, Rd. 1
CB "The Doberman" Dollaway vs. Mark "The Phillipine Wrecking Machine" Munoz
middleweight
Two outstanding wrestlers with varied skill sets clash in this co-main event. Dollaway has solid ground skills, and adequate striking to back up his grappling acumen, and Munoz hits like a freight train, and has solid defensive wrestling to back up his base. It will be a very close fight, and it all comes down to which fighter wants the win more. Dollaway has been on a tear as of late, winning three straight, including an impressive guillotine choke against the experienced veteran, Joe Doerksen. Munoz himself has been rolling, winning four of five since dropping to 185, losing only to one of the next in line for the middleweight belt, Yushin Okami. If Dollaway can avoid the C4 laced bombs Munoz likes to throw, he may be able to outpoint him, and perhaps get the fight to the mat where he is definitely the stronger jiu jitsu player. If not, Munoz will be able to dictate the pace of the stand up, and impose his larger frame on Dollaway. While Munoz is a bit bigger and stronger, Dollaway has more polish and technique, and that will win him what promises to be an outstanding middleweight affair. Dollway will get the judges nod, but both men will get Fight of the Night bonuses.
Dollaway via Unanimous Decision
Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez vs. Martin "Hitman" Kampmann
welterweight
This should be a very telling fight, and a very entertaining one to boot. Both fighter recently fought on the same card in October, but had different results. Kampmann lost a very close split decision to current number one contender Jake Shields, whereas Sanchez handed the very tough Brazilian, Paulo Thiago, a decision loss that went in Sanchez's favor in all the judges eyes. This fight is going to be about whether or not Sanchez can get Kampmann down. The stand up is clearly in Kampmann's favor, but even if the fight gets to the mat, the Dane is no slouch. Sanchez is going to need to keep the fight paced as only he can, and force Kampmann to be reactionary. In Sanchez's win over Thiago, he overcame a rough first round, to struggle back and win the next two rounds on guts, cardio, and sheer strength of will. When Kampmann fought Thiago last summer, he soundly beat him in every area of the fight, and nearly submitted him a couple of times. This will be an outstanding fight, no doubt, but Kampmann is just too strong in all areas of mma, and is a bigger fighter to boot. We're talking about a man who used to fight at 185, and in Sanchez, we have a fighter that briefly fought at 155! The size may not be too different come fight time, but Kampmann will still prevail in a close, but decisive unanimous decision.
Kampmann via Unanimous decision.
MMA and me; day 88
Had a long weekend, so I only went to two classes on Monday, Kickboxing we worked some old stuff, and some new. First we started by going back and forth with high kicks. First throwing a high 10, followed by a high switch 9. Next was bump drills, low outside 10 -low inside 9-low inside 10-low outside 9. After the warm ups, we continued working the switch 9, and got that going by throwing a 1-2 then going right into the kick. Next we worked throwing the switch 9 twice, then following it up with a switch run up low 10. This is great for keeping your opponent guessing, especially if you throw the switch 9 a lot. Eventually they'll start to predict it, and then you can run up with the low 10 and dig the leg kick in. Next we worked a punch combo that ended up with you turning off to the side. You throw a 1-2, then spin on your front foot out to the right side as you push back with your lead leg and you end up facing their left side as you throw another straight. This felt odd at first, and I still need to push back more instead of just turning. This combo led into the next, where we did the exact same thing, except instead of throwing a two at the end, you throw a switch 9 to the midsection. Let me tell you, getting kicked there with even a light kick and with shin guards, does not feel good! We finished with flutter kicks, over unders, and of course, planks!
Grappling was a lot of work from top side control. First we worked on going from high judo to side control. From high judo, you have a far side under hook, and get inside wrist control on the near side. Pulling their arm away from their body, bring your top side knee over the arm, and pin it to the ground as you switch your hips and move into side control. Bring your knee up to their head, and move your other knee to their hip, maintaining the under hook, and move your other arm to the outside of their head, essentially pinching their head between your knee and elbow.
Next was an arm bar from this transition. So instead of pinning their arm down with your knee, you keep it under your knee, and trap it against their head, leaving it easier to grab. As you transition to side control, reach your top side arm back and over hook that arm, then slip your inside foo up near their head, and throw a snap arm bar. Make sure to go through your checklist; get your boot on, pinch the knees, and if you can't get the arm bar right away with the over hook, lean back and turn the wrist to the ceiling.
Next we worked on a bicep slicer. This felt weird at first, but I started to get the hang of it. Once in side control with the arm pinned under your knee, slide your inside foot over the trapped arm. From here, straighten out the outside leg, and one of two things will happen; one, your opponent will bend their arm to try and secure it. If that happens, slide your outside leg over your inside leg in a figure four fashion, and lean forward while splitting your knees until they tap. Or two, they will keep their arm straight, and if that happens, simply reach over and pull it up so you can finish the submission.
Lastly we drilled a top side triangle. From the beginning of the arm bar we had just practiced, instead of bringing up the knee and pinning the arm against the head, step the leg through and over the head, then securing it under the head. From here, lock your other leg around your ankle, and squeeze. If you don't get the tap, there is a good chance you will be able to grab their defenseless arm and try for a kimura. Pretty sweet!
Grappling was a lot of work from top side control. First we worked on going from high judo to side control. From high judo, you have a far side under hook, and get inside wrist control on the near side. Pulling their arm away from their body, bring your top side knee over the arm, and pin it to the ground as you switch your hips and move into side control. Bring your knee up to their head, and move your other knee to their hip, maintaining the under hook, and move your other arm to the outside of their head, essentially pinching their head between your knee and elbow.
Next was an arm bar from this transition. So instead of pinning their arm down with your knee, you keep it under your knee, and trap it against their head, leaving it easier to grab. As you transition to side control, reach your top side arm back and over hook that arm, then slip your inside foo up near their head, and throw a snap arm bar. Make sure to go through your checklist; get your boot on, pinch the knees, and if you can't get the arm bar right away with the over hook, lean back and turn the wrist to the ceiling.
Next we worked on a bicep slicer. This felt weird at first, but I started to get the hang of it. Once in side control with the arm pinned under your knee, slide your inside foot over the trapped arm. From here, straighten out the outside leg, and one of two things will happen; one, your opponent will bend their arm to try and secure it. If that happens, slide your outside leg over your inside leg in a figure four fashion, and lean forward while splitting your knees until they tap. Or two, they will keep their arm straight, and if that happens, simply reach over and pull it up so you can finish the submission.
Lastly we drilled a top side triangle. From the beginning of the arm bar we had just practiced, instead of bringing up the knee and pinning the arm against the head, step the leg through and over the head, then securing it under the head. From here, lock your other leg around your ankle, and squeeze. If you don't get the tap, there is a good chance you will be able to grab their defenseless arm and try for a kimura. Pretty sweet!
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