UFC 121: Cain Velasquez Dethrones Brock Lesnar

   One big array of punches from Cain Velasquez is all he need to take down the "baddest man on the planet", UFC's heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar. And as the whole crowd of Anaheim, California explodes to joy of  Cain's victory, the former champ Lesnar leaves the Octagon, bruised and bloodied on UFC 121.

   Lesnar started and showed why he is the champ by barging right into Velasquez using his strength as his advantage. But on every Lesnar offense resulted into Velasquez's instant defense-offense combination of punches. As the two traded punches in the middle of the first, Lesnar had a bad left eye already. Velasquez had Lesnar with a big punch that sent down the champ. But Lesnar got up again. And with Velasquez sensing the end of Lesnar, he followed it up with a set of punches that sent Lesnar again. As the challenger pummeld the champ, the referee had enough and stopped it at 4:12 of the first round.

   With the win, Velasquez became the first Mexican heavyweight champ of the UFC.



(TheBloggerSays: Really good fight. I was really rooting for Cain to pull this one up. Good overall performance by Cain really paved the way for him. I think Lesnar just didn't expect this kind of opponent.)

Vitali Kiltschko Decisions Shannon Briggs

It was all business again for Ukranian WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko after he pummeled former champ Shannon Briggs in 12-rounds of one sided action at Hamburg, Germany. It was all Klitschko right from the opening bell. Briggs didn't had the chance to unleash a flurry and was bloodied and beaten down. The only chance he got was in the final seconds of the fight as he let it all what he had left in him.

With the win, Klitschko retained his WBC title and improved to 41-2, 38KOs while Briggs dropped to 51-6-1, 45 KOs.



(TheBloggerSays: Another big win for Vitali over a big name in their division. But obviously, Shannon is another heavyweight fighter who just came back. Absolutely an over the hill fighter. Boxing's glamour division really needs someone who can match the Vitali-Wladimir tandem. If only can Manny, Floyd and Juan Manuel can fight their way up there.)

Morales To Fight Again On December

   Former multi-division champion and Mexican legend Erik "El Terrible" Morales is really eager to get back on top as he is expected to return to the ring on December 18 against a yet to be determined opponent for the WBC Silver super lightweight title at the fighter's hometown, Tijuana, Mexico.

   This will be Morales's third fight since his return last March and a win against his opponent will make way for a title fight against the winner of Juan Manuel Marquez-Michael Katsidis bout.



(TheBloggerSays: Erik is really squeezing what's left on him. A true warrior indeed, with this kind of attitude, I think Erik will stay for a while.)

St-Pierre's Manila Visit

   Last week, UFC welterweight champion George St-Pierre visited Manila and he thought that it was just another visit to another country. And he was wrong. Fans crowded the Ninoy Aquino International Airport just before his arrival at 5 AM. From there on, it was all amazement for GSP as he roamed Manila. He stopped by ABS-CBN's top-rating Showtime to promote his activities. He also dropped by in a gym where his idol, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao trains. He even had some tips from Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach. The day after he went on a MMA clinic at SM Mall of Asia where thousands of Filipino MMA fans gather to see one of UFC best top fighters.

   GSP's next bout is against Josh Koscheck on UFC 124, December 14, 2010.



(TheBloggerSays: This is one big proof, that MMA or UFC is really the fastest growing sport anywhere.)

Jones Jr. Injured, Fight Postponed

   Former pound for pound king Roy Jones Jr. may take have to wait longer before his scheduled bout with Danny Santiago on October 7 due to an injury he suffered while training. A swollen hand while doing a sparring session that kept giving him pain forced Jones Jr. to take a rest for a while before coming back to training again, although the doctors said that the x-rays showed that there were no fractures on Jones Jr.'s hand.

   His camp also said that they will re-schedule the fight as soon as possible.



(TheBloggerSays: Jones Jr.'s bones are really getting brittle. Haha. He should hang his gloves after this. But he should take down Danny in a hard way to end his career with a bang!)

UFC 119: Mir Back In Winning Ways, Defeats Cro Cop

   After a loss suffered from Shane Carwin 6 months ago, heavyweight Frank Mir showed again his might knocking out Mirko Filipovic in the 4:02 of the 3rd round at main event of UFC 119 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

   Cro Cop,who replaced Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira due to injury, ducked while attacking but unaware if a Mir knee strike. That strike sent him down to the octagon's canvass and also ended the fight. Both fighters were criticized for lack of offensive attacks in the fight prior to the knock out.



(TheBloggerSays: I really liked the way Mir knocked Cro Cop. But that's it. The KO was the only thing in the fight. I almost fell asleep. I just wish Mir will go up again in the ranks.)

Knucklehead's Official Trailer

Out on theaters this fall in the US, WWE films' releases it's official trailer for Knucklehead. It stars WWE's The Big Show as a 35-year old giant and church orphan turned mix martial artist Walter Krunk who joins a former MMA champ turned promoter and a chaperone heading to a big MMA tournament in New Orleans.

(TheBloggerSays: I think this one will be a hit, finally, for the WWE films. After busting it out with Cena and Austin for their action flicks, this one really fits well and I think will do good for The Big Show.)

Klitschko Dominates Peter

   Proving to be one of most dominating heavyweights today, Wladimir Klistchko stopped Samuel Peter in their rematch, ten years in the making, via 10th round KO at Frankfurt, Germany.

   Klitschko, 55-3, 49 KOs, controlled the fight right from the opening bell, battered him all through out until dropping the Nigerian in 10th.



(TheBloggerSays: Who else now is left at the heavyweight division after this? Will Wladimir face David Haye or finally, his brother and also one of the top heavyweights, Vitali Klitschko.)

Morales KOs Limond

    For the second time after almost 3 years of retirement, former 3 division world champion and Mexican legend Erik "El Terrible" Morales won against Willie Limond of Scotland via 6th round KO at Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexicao in Mexico City.

   It also marked as Morales' second fight at welterweight division. With the win, Morales improved his record to 50-6 with 35 KOs.



(TheBloggerSays: With his age, I don't know how long Erik can stay at this shape. Great win for Erik.)

The Battle Of Combat Sports

   After last weeks "Boxing vs. MMA" bout between boxing champ James "Lights Out" Toney against UFC star Randy "The Natural" Couture live on UFC 118 PPV, many fans and sports athletes have been wondering on which combat sport is dominating the other, based on PPV sales, gate attendance and the winner between two fighters of different sport.

   Today's sport stars like UFC Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley and Bob Sapp all became professional wrestlers first before trying out their skills in MMA.While Anderson Silva, Eric "Butterbean" Esch, Marcus Davis hanged up their gloves to pursue a MMA career. Other notable fighters like Vladimir Kozlov, Ken Shamrock, Sylvester Turkay and Daniel Puder are all trained MMA fighters who transitioned to WWE, a sports-entertainment wrestling brand. 

   With all people buzzing around and wondering, The Fighting Pride asked some sports analyst to take on topics varying from transitioning fighters to which brand is better than the another.

   Asked about why do fighters, despite being on the peak of their career, switched from boxing or pro-wrestling to MMA, one of Philippines' most-respected sport analyst Ed Tolentino said: "MMA offers an intriguing challenge  to anyone who is engaged in particular discipline. The offer of big bucks for short bouts is very tempting. In most cases, wrestlers and boxers who are already over-the-hill switch to MMA switch to salvage whatever remains in their careers. Rare is the case of Brock Lesnar. But note that he only joined MMA after he failed make it as a football player in NFL."

   In 2009, MMA's "UFC 100" PPV garnered the most PPV buys for the year while boxings "Fire Power: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto" have the second most buys. That's why the fight fans are having thoughts, is the boxing losing it's fans to MMA world? "No. Die hard boxing fans as are loyal as they come." says Anthony George of Zutes Sports Show. "There seems to be more MMA gyms in the U.S. than boxing gyms.UFC is the biggest brand in all of combat sports and young guys are attracted to that. The trouble is, boxing is not attractive enough to young people." Archer added. Tolentino seems to agree with the boxing's rich stories by saying that: "Boxing has a lot of history behind it. However, they need to police it's ranks to keep MMA at a safe distance." 

   With Couture of MMA defeating Toney of boxing, some fans assumed that MMA is the one really dominating the world of combat sports. But Lesnar, a NCAA champion and former WWE wrestler himself, proved to be that even a man form another sport can become a MMA champ. How do really former boxers and wrestlers fare in MMA? "Nowadays, there is not just one discipline that will amke it in MMA, you have to be well rounded. Wrestlers do well in MMA because it allows most of them to pick-up the BJJ discipline a lot easier than folks with no wrestling base." says Archer. 

   And asked if Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., two of the boxing world's best fighters, do stand a chance in MMA, Tolentono said: "Yes. As long as you have legitimate martial arts background, you can excel. Pacquiao and Mayweather are legit boxers."

(TheBloggerSays: It's good to have Mr. Tolentino and Mr. Archer to have this conversation. I do really believe in what they say, and I respect it.. Thank you guys.)

Ricky Hatton: "I'm Done."

   Sixteen months after being knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ricky Hatton officially announced in BBC Radio at Manchester that he may never come back to the boxing ring and fight again.

   "You can never say never. But if I was to put my last pound on it, i would say 'no, that's me done'" Hatton said. Hatton also said that he'll just concentrate on promoting other fighters. He added: "I announced that I was going to make a comeback. I came back off holiday and went into a training camp for three weeks, but it wasn't just the same."

   But Hatton himself hinted about his return. Hatton recently renewed his boxing license with Bristish Boxing Board of Control. Asked why, he answered "Just in case one day I do wake up and think 'come on, let's give it another go.'"



(TheBloggerSays: I thinks Ricky's retirement is made just too soon. There's still so much left in him. He can still have good match up and bouts with Juan Manuel Marquez or Amir Khan. Or even maybe Michael Katsidis.)



  

Roy Jones Jr. To Fight Next Month

   Former Pound for Pound King Roy Jones Jr. is scheduled to face former championship challenger Danny Santiago next month, October 7. The fight will take place probably on Jones' hometown, Pensacola, Florida. Further announcements about the bout will be made next week.



(TheBloggerSays: I wonder why these senior citizens of boxing (Hopkins, Jones Jr.) keep fighting. But for me, win or lose, they should be hanging up their gloves after their respective fights.)

Marquez To Fight Katsidis On November; Hopkins Vs. Pascal On December

   After a failed negotiation to fight Manny Pacquiao for the third time, Mexican warrior and champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez agreed to fight the Australian slugger Michael "The Great" Katsidis on November 27 at MGM Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

   The bout will be for Marquez's WBO lightweight belt.

   Another champion, Jean Pascal, is also scheduled to fight a boxing warrior, former champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins. The bout will be on December 18. This will be Hopkins' second fight this year after defeating Roy Jones Jr. last April. This will be also Pascal's second fight this year after defeating Chad Dawson and successfully defended his WBC light heavy weight championship for the third time.



(TheBloggerSays: All-out war is what I am expecting for the Katsidis-Marquez bout. But Hopkins against Pascal? These promoters are really getting really bad for the sport. Why not Luciano Bute?)

Pacquiao Believes Margarito Knew About The Hand Wraps

   Multi-division champion Manny Pacquiao said that he believes that his next opponent, Antonio Margarito, do not knew anything about his illegal hand wraps, discovered in his dressing room before his fight with Shane Mosley in January of 2009.

   "I believe he knew. He's the one watching his hands wrapped and he doesn't know what's in there? he;s just making some alibi for some reason." the Filipino said during their kick-off presser for the November 13 bout. After the fight and the suspension, Margarito blamed and fired his then-trainer Javier Capetillo.

   Although he said that he had forgiven Margarito for his actions, Pacquiao also said that he wants someone to watch Margarito in his locker room wrapping his hands before the fight.



(TheBloggerSays: I believe and respect what Manny believes in. As a boxer like Margarito, he's the one aside from either the trainer or someone appointed to do the boxer's hand, who should know what's inside the wrap. Not the promoter. Right, Bob?)

Margarito Says He'll Beat Pacquiao, Calls De La Hoya Out

   "Margarito has the strength, the power, he's hungry to be the best and prove everybody wrong. He's the bigger man."

   Those were the words that came out from Antonio Margarito's trainer, Roberto Garcia during an interview with Dennis Guillermo of The Examiner for his fighter's bout against Manny Pacquiao. "I honestly see a very big chance of us pulling it out." he added. With his fighter already busy training and conditioning himself for their scheduled fight on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Garcia is also busy watching Pacquiao tapes everyday to study the Filipino's boxing moves.

   Meanwhile, Margarito has expressed himself towards to another fighter, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya during an interview in TV Azteca. "I don't know what he has against me, I really don't understand. what I do know is he had a big influence in California State Athletic Commission with everything he said against me. I am upset because he talked too much and said some nasty things and he has a shady past himself that most of us know about".

  "I hope he takes off the fishnet, stop acting like a sissy and fight me. If you have something against me, then get in the ring and fight me." Margarito says towards De La Hoya. "I will knock Pacquiao out and show the world that I am back. this the fight of my life and Manny will be in for a tough night. I won't quit like De La Hoya did." he added.


(TheBloggerSays: There is no doubt about Antonio's conditioning. Training this early while Manny is not yet, he will surely get in his fighting form before the bout. But will that be enough? His fight against Roberto Garcia didn't convince me that he's really that good. But prior to his hand wrap controversy, he did. I just hope that we'll see the old Margarito back to give us a explosive showing.)

UFC 118: Randy Couture Forces James Toney To Submit!

   The difference between two athletes of two different sports proved to be very large as MMA's man and UFC legend Randy "The Natural" Couture made an easy work of the heavyweight champion of pro boxing James "Lights Out" Toney in UFC 118 at TD Garden, in Boston, Massachusetts.

   Couture wasted no time taking down Toney, who sported his natural boxing stance, and needed only no less than 30 seconds to finally ground the boxer. As Couture pummels the defenseless Toney, the boxer struggled to get out of trouble. It was only a matter of time until Couture forced Toney to submit via triangle choke at 3:19 of the very 1st round.

   In the main event, Frankie Edgar defended his title and bested out BJ Penn for the second time around.



(TheBloggerSays: James Toney really needed to reassert himself as well as his techniques if he wants to stay in the sport. For Randy, if he wants to end his MMA career right now and do Hollywood instead, this time's the perfect one.)

Bautista, Jaca Victorious

   Boos and dislikes resounded the full-packed Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu City, Philippines as the crowd reacted to the result of Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista winning over Alejandro Barrera via technical decision, 1:14 of the 4th round.

   A cut on the Mexican's eyelid forced the ringside doctor to halt the fight, caused by exchange of punches by both Bautista and Barrera.

   With the win, Bautista improved to 29-2 with 22KOs and now scheduled to fight at Dubai on Oct. 29.

   In the co-main event, Jimrex Jaca made an easy work of his opponent, Pipino Cuevas Jr in a  first round KO. A left uppercut by Jaca that connected perfectly ended the fight at 2:22.



(TheBloggerSays: With these win by two good boxers, it seems another ray of light is coming upon them. Boom-Boom,  was a young hot-prospect. Even Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya was impressed the way he trains back then. But now, with a big fight to an unnamed opponent yet, he must do more better than this  to fulfill what he has started and once again, be one of the Philippine boxing's big names. Same with Jaca too.)

Texas Grants Antonio Margarito A License

   Mexican Antonio Margarito needed only $20 and no six hour hearing is required like he had at California to ensure a license and that his super fight with Filipino Manny Pacquiao will go on. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation granted Margarito his license to fight within their grounds. The Pacquiao-Margarito bout, scheduled November 13, will take place at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

   "I want to thank the state of Texas for granting me a boxing license which enables me to continue my passion for the sport of boxing in the United States. I have dedicated my life to giving the fans of the sport entertainment and excitement." Margarito said. He then added "On November 13, this great opportunity will ultimately be fulfilled when I battle Manny Pacquiao."




(TheBloggerSays: As I've said, Antonio doesn't deserved to be denied of a license. He's not a repeat offender, and with his passion for the sport, I don't think that he'll try to do the same offense. And with that, we'll have a fight on Nov. 13.)

Juan Manuel Marquez To Face Amir Khan On December?

   According to sources, Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez and British Amir Khan may face each other before the end of the year. Both under Golden Boy Promotions, the fight may fall on December 4, which the promotions has a reservation on cable network HBO PPV. Marquez  and his promotion team has ruled out a possible 3rd fight with Filipino Manny Pacquiao, who fights under Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions and will possibly face Mexican Antonio Margarito on November.

   Freddie Roach also trains Khan, the same trainer who handles Manny Pacquiao. Marquez just came off his 2nd fight with American Juan Diaz.



(TheBloggerSays: I don't know if this fight will pull that many fans as much like Diaz and Marquez did in their two bouts. For me, I think Amir still has lot to prove on the boxing grounds. A Ricky Hatton, in my opinion, will be a much better fit for the young Amir.)

UFC 118: Randy Couture To James Toney "Let's Go!"

   "James or any other boxers, they think they're just gonna walk in there with just their boxing tools and be terribly effective, I'll show him mistake."

   Those were the words by UFC legend and former heavyweight champion Randy Couture regarding his opponent, boxer James Toney, scheduled on UFC 118 this August 28.

   The said heavyweight bout will be the co-main event along with Penn-Edgar lightweight fight.

   The whole UFC Couture interview below. Courtesy of UFC's official Youtube site.

(TheBloggerSays: I think this heavyweight bout will just be an attraction, for the fans of course. But surely will be entertaining. I wanna see if Toney will be able to counter all of Randy's kicks and take downs.)