Ahh, back in the gym, and getting ready to hit training with a vengeance! Worked on take downs utilizing the gi, and my backside is quite sore. First, we drilled an arm drag to gut wrench leg trip. If your opponent grabs your hand when you put it on their head, roll over their wrist with your had to grab theirs, pull it down, and reach inside their arm with your opposite hand, and arm drag them to a gut wrench position, but don't take their back, stay on their hip, with their near arm trapped, and your hands low, down on their hip. Extend your (for this purpose left) leg behind them, and your right straight away from them, and as they try to escape, fall and turn, tripping them over your left thigh. On the way down, clear your left arm so it doesn't get trapped underneath them, finish with a C block and chest pressure.
Next we drilled a simple double leg outside trip. Very important in this take down is changing levels. If you can get yous opponent to mirror your level changes even better, but as soon as you get lower than them, drive in, wrap both arms around their legs, keep your head on the inside (ear on belly button) and swing your outside leg around behind them. Pressure into them, and what I like to do, is as they begin to fall, start to kick pass so I can land in side control.
Lastly, we worked on a take down that uses the gi, but is also easily done in no gi. Grab the sleeve on the same side with your left hand, and a cross grip of the lapel with your right. Start pushing and pulling, but don't do so too hard. Pull in firmly, and as they step forward, step around them with your right leg, pull down with your left hand while pushing with your right down and left. They will fall over your right leg, and if you maintain a tight grip on their sleeve, it will be sticking straight up, begging to be arm barred! An extra bit to this that we worked on, was as you begin to trip them over, if you hip into them, and kick your right leg up, lifting their leg off the mat, you can HURL them through the air. It's a very easy, very effective take down.
Great grappling at the end of class, and I am glad to be back in getting my sweat on!!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
UFC 154
Been a while since I have done one of these, but with the return of welterweight king Georges St. Pierre, I felt this was a very good time to get a little preview and prediction!
Mark "The Machine" Hominick vs. Pablo "The Scarecrow" Garza
featherweight
Hominick simply has not been the same since his valiant effort against featherweight champion Jose Aldo, getting KO'd by Chan Sung-Jung in 7 seconds, and then getting pummeled for three rounds by Eddie Yagin. That being said, he is still a formidable opponent, and any fighter on a three fight losing streak, and still employed by the UFC, should be considered very dangerous indeed. Garza is on a two fight skid of his own, and is probably fighting for his job just as much as Hominick is.
I give the edge to Hominick in the striking department, as he possesses some of the cleanest, most precise stand up in the featherweight division. Backed with a very underrated ground game, Garza will have his hands full.
Garza has decent stand up, but is mostly blessed by being one of the taller 145 pounders out there at 6'1". He does his best work in the clinch, and on the ground, or on the perimeter sniping away. I honestly think Hominick will be too much for him, and eventually wear down "The Scarecrow" en route to a unanimous decision, though it should be an entertaining fight for the fans.
Hominick via Unanimous Decision
Nick "The Promise" Ring vs. Constantinos Philippou
middleweight
An interesting 185 pound scrap, that could feature a fighter on the rise in Philippou. He has to get past the very game Ring, who seems to be coming on strong himself. Both men are solid on the feet, employing stout boxing, with Ring having a little more diversity, and Philippou decidely having the power advantage. The question is, can Ring get the fight to the ground where he enjoys a bit of an edge in the submission grappling department? Philippou has very good wrestling, which is likely to dictate where the fight takes place, and though he has a great record, Ring has had a few questionable decisions go his way. Unless that happens here, Philippou is pretty much going to own every aspect of this fight, and should be able to take to a hard fought, but one sided decision.
Philippou via Unanimous Decision
Francis "Limitless" Carmont vs. Tom "Filthy" Lawlor
middleweight
Carmont is a fighter on the rise, but overlooking "Filthy" is not smart, especially for Carmont, who while very impressive in his 8 fight win streak, has shown a tendency towards carelessness, and against a savvy veteran like Lawlor, that can prove to be your undoing.
Since getting dismantled by Chris Weidman (which it turns out, he apparently does to EVERYONE!) Lawlor rebounded with a quick KO win over the very tough Jason MacDonald. With a well rounded skill set, he could give Carmont fits.
For "Limitless" to win this fight, he will need to impose his will, and not get lazy. With solid top pressure and ground and pound, he can control Lawlor, and dictate the pace. If he lapses, and lets Lawlor get off first, and determine the speed of the fight, he could be in a world of hurt. Lawlor needs to keep Carmont guessing, and off balance. If he really pushes the pace, it will be a long night for Carmont. Maybe it's my heart talking, but I think that even though Carmont can get the fight to the ground, I don't see him holding it there, and Lawlor winning the fight on the feet, is a close decision.
Lawlor via Split Decision
Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann vs. Johny "Bigg Rigg" Hendricks
welterweight
This fight will be fantastic, and I am making this my pick for Fight of the Night. Both men are coming off solid wins, and are on the brink of title contendership. Kampmann, the well rounded kickboxer with a very slick ground game, and the ability to pick opponents apart, and Hendricks, the powerful wrestler, with a rock solid chin, and a left hand that can put a man to sleep in an instant.
Hendricks will need to make this fight ugly, and a brawl. He wants to get in close, and push Kampmann against the cage, where he can tee off and try to end things with one big left hand. With Kampmanns tendency to back straight up, instead of circling off, this could make for a short night for the Dane. Kampmann, on the other hand, will want to stay on the perimeter, snapping off crisp combos, and frustrating Hendricks. If he does get in close, Kampmann has a solid clinch and Muay Thai game, that Hendricks will have to be wary of. He is also an underrated wrestler, and a very crafty submission artist, so Hendricks will have to be careful if he takes this fight to the ground.
Ultimately, I think this fight comes down to who has the better game plan, and sticks with it. Kampmann has been the comeback kid lately, and though it may not be a comeback this time, I think Hendricks makes a mistake late, and Kampmann capitalizes with a late submission.
Kampmann via submission ( guillotine)
WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION FIGHT
Champion: Georges "Rush" St. Pierre vs.
Interim Champion: Carlos "The Natural Born Killer" Condit
I am keeping this short, because little can be said about either man that hasn't been said many times over. GSP has been out for nearly a year and a half, but is still the top of the welterweight, and perhaps pound for pound heap. Condit has improved by leaps and bounds since coming over from the WEC three years ago, and will get a chance to add another title to his impressive resume. In St. Pierre, he faces one of the all time greats, who is hungry to reclaim his spot in the 170 pound pecking order, and possibly in line for a superfight with Anderson Silva. He can't look past Condit however, and if he does, he could be in trouble.
Simply, I don't think GSP is as dominant as he once was. Yes he looked less than impressive in his win over Jake Shields, and maybe that was due to an inadvertent eye poke, but he still lost a couple rounds for the first time in years. Coupled with an extended layoff from a pretty substantial injury, and facing a fighter as confident as Condit, I'm going with the upset. I see Condit negating any ground and pound GSP tries to mount, even though I see Condit giving up a lot of take downs, and also, GSP is likely to get out struck on the feet. Eventually, I see Condit capitalizing on late round weariness, even though GSP is one of the most well conditioned athletes in the sport. The ring rust, and pace that Condit sets will eventually wilt the champion, as he submits, yes I said it, submits GSP in the fourth round to become the new welterweight champion!
Condit via submission (triangle) round 4
Yeah, I am a little nuts, but I just have a feeling...
Mark "The Machine" Hominick vs. Pablo "The Scarecrow" Garza
featherweight
Hominick simply has not been the same since his valiant effort against featherweight champion Jose Aldo, getting KO'd by Chan Sung-Jung in 7 seconds, and then getting pummeled for three rounds by Eddie Yagin. That being said, he is still a formidable opponent, and any fighter on a three fight losing streak, and still employed by the UFC, should be considered very dangerous indeed. Garza is on a two fight skid of his own, and is probably fighting for his job just as much as Hominick is.
I give the edge to Hominick in the striking department, as he possesses some of the cleanest, most precise stand up in the featherweight division. Backed with a very underrated ground game, Garza will have his hands full.
Garza has decent stand up, but is mostly blessed by being one of the taller 145 pounders out there at 6'1". He does his best work in the clinch, and on the ground, or on the perimeter sniping away. I honestly think Hominick will be too much for him, and eventually wear down "The Scarecrow" en route to a unanimous decision, though it should be an entertaining fight for the fans.
Hominick via Unanimous Decision
Nick "The Promise" Ring vs. Constantinos Philippou
middleweight
An interesting 185 pound scrap, that could feature a fighter on the rise in Philippou. He has to get past the very game Ring, who seems to be coming on strong himself. Both men are solid on the feet, employing stout boxing, with Ring having a little more diversity, and Philippou decidely having the power advantage. The question is, can Ring get the fight to the ground where he enjoys a bit of an edge in the submission grappling department? Philippou has very good wrestling, which is likely to dictate where the fight takes place, and though he has a great record, Ring has had a few questionable decisions go his way. Unless that happens here, Philippou is pretty much going to own every aspect of this fight, and should be able to take to a hard fought, but one sided decision.
Philippou via Unanimous Decision
Francis "Limitless" Carmont vs. Tom "Filthy" Lawlor
middleweight
Carmont is a fighter on the rise, but overlooking "Filthy" is not smart, especially for Carmont, who while very impressive in his 8 fight win streak, has shown a tendency towards carelessness, and against a savvy veteran like Lawlor, that can prove to be your undoing.
Since getting dismantled by Chris Weidman (which it turns out, he apparently does to EVERYONE!) Lawlor rebounded with a quick KO win over the very tough Jason MacDonald. With a well rounded skill set, he could give Carmont fits.
For "Limitless" to win this fight, he will need to impose his will, and not get lazy. With solid top pressure and ground and pound, he can control Lawlor, and dictate the pace. If he lapses, and lets Lawlor get off first, and determine the speed of the fight, he could be in a world of hurt. Lawlor needs to keep Carmont guessing, and off balance. If he really pushes the pace, it will be a long night for Carmont. Maybe it's my heart talking, but I think that even though Carmont can get the fight to the ground, I don't see him holding it there, and Lawlor winning the fight on the feet, is a close decision.
Lawlor via Split Decision
Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann vs. Johny "Bigg Rigg" Hendricks
welterweight
This fight will be fantastic, and I am making this my pick for Fight of the Night. Both men are coming off solid wins, and are on the brink of title contendership. Kampmann, the well rounded kickboxer with a very slick ground game, and the ability to pick opponents apart, and Hendricks, the powerful wrestler, with a rock solid chin, and a left hand that can put a man to sleep in an instant.
Hendricks will need to make this fight ugly, and a brawl. He wants to get in close, and push Kampmann against the cage, where he can tee off and try to end things with one big left hand. With Kampmanns tendency to back straight up, instead of circling off, this could make for a short night for the Dane. Kampmann, on the other hand, will want to stay on the perimeter, snapping off crisp combos, and frustrating Hendricks. If he does get in close, Kampmann has a solid clinch and Muay Thai game, that Hendricks will have to be wary of. He is also an underrated wrestler, and a very crafty submission artist, so Hendricks will have to be careful if he takes this fight to the ground.
Ultimately, I think this fight comes down to who has the better game plan, and sticks with it. Kampmann has been the comeback kid lately, and though it may not be a comeback this time, I think Hendricks makes a mistake late, and Kampmann capitalizes with a late submission.
Kampmann via submission ( guillotine)
WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION FIGHT
Champion: Georges "Rush" St. Pierre vs.
Interim Champion: Carlos "The Natural Born Killer" Condit
I am keeping this short, because little can be said about either man that hasn't been said many times over. GSP has been out for nearly a year and a half, but is still the top of the welterweight, and perhaps pound for pound heap. Condit has improved by leaps and bounds since coming over from the WEC three years ago, and will get a chance to add another title to his impressive resume. In St. Pierre, he faces one of the all time greats, who is hungry to reclaim his spot in the 170 pound pecking order, and possibly in line for a superfight with Anderson Silva. He can't look past Condit however, and if he does, he could be in trouble.
Simply, I don't think GSP is as dominant as he once was. Yes he looked less than impressive in his win over Jake Shields, and maybe that was due to an inadvertent eye poke, but he still lost a couple rounds for the first time in years. Coupled with an extended layoff from a pretty substantial injury, and facing a fighter as confident as Condit, I'm going with the upset. I see Condit negating any ground and pound GSP tries to mount, even though I see Condit giving up a lot of take downs, and also, GSP is likely to get out struck on the feet. Eventually, I see Condit capitalizing on late round weariness, even though GSP is one of the most well conditioned athletes in the sport. The ring rust, and pace that Condit sets will eventually wilt the champion, as he submits, yes I said it, submits GSP in the fourth round to become the new welterweight champion!
Condit via submission (triangle) round 4
Yeah, I am a little nuts, but I just have a feeling...
Friday, November 16, 2012
MMA and me; day 276
Took a little time off, only hit the gym once this week. We were right back on arm bars, and man alive, I am starting to see them everywhere! We once again drilled the snap arm bar, S mount arm bar, arm bar from the guard, arm bar counter to an arm being pulled out (goofy arm bar, LOVE the name!) and we added a new one, another counter to being stacked, the slide through arm bar counter. As you are just about ready to finish the arm bar, you have gone through your checklist, your opponent rolls up on top of you, and now you can't extend your hips for the finish!! Keeping the arm trapped with your head side arm, use your opposite arm to reach through to the outside of their near side leg, and pull yourself through to that side so you are facing their legs, and on your shoulder nearest to their head. Now all of their weight is almost completely belly down, and you have not only an even tighter pinch around their arm, but a ton of space to extend your hips and get the submission. Very cool move, and I can't wait to get back in to the gym! This time of year is always tough to find time to train, but it's going to happen. Thank you to all my coaches and teammates, I love you all!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
MMA and me; day 274 & 275
Double dose today, though the write up for Monday is fairly short. Did 30 minutes of circuit cardio, and then mma sparring for about an hour. Pretty awesome, and with such a small class, got lots of rounds in with similar partners many times, awesome!!
Yesterday was a long night at the gym. Got there around 5:45, and hit mitts with Jeremie for about half an hour, then we kickboxing sparred for the next class, about an hour or so. In gi club, we went back to our arm bars and worked on the snap arm bar (from side control, over hook the head side arm, windshield wiper flick your leg side foot up to the head, sweep the opposite leg around and over the head, and then snap back to knees pinched, under hook deep, hips elevated, extending the arm.) The arm bar from guard (covered previously) and then a new counter to your opponent pulling his arm out from an arm bar from guard attempt. As you cover both arms, open your hips, and cut the angle for the arm bar, they pull the arm in trouble, out of danger. Since you have the other arm pinned already, what you need to do, is slide your head side knee across their neck, until the top of your foot catches on their neck. Next, spin on your back and hip, so your head is on the opposite side of their body. As you spin, swing your other leg around their head, pinching your heel on the opposite side of their neck, and viola! The arm is in your lap, waiting to be cranked on. This arm bar feels really tight, and as long as you keep your checklist thorough, you will get the tap.
In fighters training, we pretty much rocked out half an hour of cardio, and then an hour of sparring. My stand up is getting more comfortable, but I still need to work on the details. Stop dipping my head, circle more and cut angles, and keep mu dang hands up! A very fun past couple of days, and I am REALLY looking forward to competing in January!
Yesterday was a long night at the gym. Got there around 5:45, and hit mitts with Jeremie for about half an hour, then we kickboxing sparred for the next class, about an hour or so. In gi club, we went back to our arm bars and worked on the snap arm bar (from side control, over hook the head side arm, windshield wiper flick your leg side foot up to the head, sweep the opposite leg around and over the head, and then snap back to knees pinched, under hook deep, hips elevated, extending the arm.) The arm bar from guard (covered previously) and then a new counter to your opponent pulling his arm out from an arm bar from guard attempt. As you cover both arms, open your hips, and cut the angle for the arm bar, they pull the arm in trouble, out of danger. Since you have the other arm pinned already, what you need to do, is slide your head side knee across their neck, until the top of your foot catches on their neck. Next, spin on your back and hip, so your head is on the opposite side of their body. As you spin, swing your other leg around their head, pinching your heel on the opposite side of their neck, and viola! The arm is in your lap, waiting to be cranked on. This arm bar feels really tight, and as long as you keep your checklist thorough, you will get the tap.
In fighters training, we pretty much rocked out half an hour of cardio, and then an hour of sparring. My stand up is getting more comfortable, but I still need to work on the details. Stop dipping my head, circle more and cut angles, and keep mu dang hands up! A very fun past couple of days, and I am REALLY looking forward to competing in January!
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