The Breakdown: UFC 136 Edgar vs. Maynard III

We do not own the rights to this image.

The Breakdown

UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III

Greetings yet again my friends! For the third time in as many weeks, the UFC is looking to give us a show of epic proportions. This time at the center of the spotlight is part III of a battle where if you didn't know better, you could swear had some type of Hollywood influence behind it. Of course I'm talking about Gray Maynard taking on lightweight champ Frankie Edgar in a continuation of their arguable fight of the year last January. But as if that match alone were not enough, we're also being treated to champion, Jose Aldo, looking to keep his featherweight run of dominance intact against dangerous challenger Kenny Florian. Further more, mma's resident loud mouth Chael Sonnen will duke it out with American hero Brian Stann, the hard hitting Melvin Guillard takes on submission wiz Joe Lauzon, and Nam Phan looks for redemption against Leonard Garcia. .....Sorry, I almost passed out from the awesomeness! No more time wasting, it's time to get these showdowns broken down!

Featherweight Bout: Nam Phan vs. Leonard Garcia

The last time these two fought at the ultimate fighter 12 finale, the vast majority of the mma community thought that Phan had won. Unfortunately, the judges didn’t. As Phan goes into this match, I would think he would want to stick with what was working for him last time, a more technical approach to the stand up, but add in more grappling exchanges to make Garcia uncomfortable. True, Garcia has decent grappling credentials himself, but I believe Phan can do enough to frustrate him. If he wants to win decisively, Garcia should probably take the same route as Phan as far as striking is concerned. Garcia has genuine talent and power to go with it, but he has always seemed to abandon technique in favor of putting on a show full of haymakers and flashy, but poorly executed, strikes (don’t ask me why he keeps getting gifted these controversial decisions though…it is beyond me). This quality will be Garcia’s downfall in this fight, as I see Phan being able to better out strike him this time and take him down when necessary en route to a solid decision win and some well deserved revenge.

Lightweight Bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon

I’m really not sure what to expect from Joe Lauzon. He’s a good if not great lightweight with decent striking and a world class ground game. However, he just doesn’t seem to be able to clear that hurdle that would propel him into the elite portion of the division. He looked great against Jeremy Stephens only to lose to Sam Stout. He pulled off a win against Gabe Ruediger, but then got beaten handily by George Sotiropoulos. Lauzon had a great showing against Curt Warburton, but now he’s dealing with a whole new class of opponent in Melvin Guillard. Guillard has always been crazy talented, but under the tutelage of Greg Jackson, everything about Guillard’s game has been steadily tightening up including his fight IQ. He’s not making the same wild mistakes that cost him previous matches. I believe that his blend of knockout power, good wrestling, and his more calculated approach to fights should be more than enough to polish off Lauzon. Look for Melvin Guillard to get the KO early in round 2.

Middleweight Bout: Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann

For all the running of the mouth that Chael Sonnen does, the guy sure can back it up. In his championship match with Anderson Silva, he managed to make the champ look extremely human even though he went on to lose. I’m not so convinced that this was a fluke like many others and I believe that Sonnen is a real threat to the middleweight title. However, before he gets a second crack at the gold, he’ll have to best the concrete fisted American hero in Brian Stann. Since his drop to middleweight, Stann has been nothing short of impressive particularly in his absolute destruction of Chris Leben. The problem I see with Stann though lies in his wrestling. Granted the contest was at light heavyweight, but Stann was outclassed on the mat by Krysztof Soszynski. Sonnen has demonstrated far better wrestling than Soszynski and he’s intelligent enough to not get sucked into a fire fight against someone with heavier hands. I predict that Stann will make Sonnen eat some shots and possibly put him in a predicament or two, but I’m seeing this going the way of Sonnen as he wrestles and ground and pounds his way to a unanimous decision.

Featherweight Championship Bout: Jose Aldo (c) vs. Kenny Florian

Having watched both these guys’ most recent fights within the last few weeks, all I can say is that Jose Aldo had better hope he has an easier weight cut this time. For their last fights, both of these fighters had hard cuts to get to 145. However, where Aldo looked good early and tired steadily against Mark Hominick, Kenny Florian looked pretty darn good in taking a decision from Aldo’s team mate, Diego Nunes. I see this fight as being far closer than odds makers are making it out to be as Florian’s skills are easily comparable to those of Aldo. I’d still put Aldo ahead in the striking department, though not by leaps and bounds. As far as grappling is concerned, I think Florian my have a slight edge even though I don’t see Aldo getting submitted. And as previously mentioned, there is the possibility of Aldo tiring again despite the hopes that he has corrected this issue. If that happens, Florian can and will get the finish that Mark Hominick was gunning for in the end of his match with Aldo. I’m going to be somewhat optimistic though and I’ll take Jose Aldo by razor thin decision in a match that will go every which way and back and forth.

Lightweight Championship Bout: Frankie Edgar (c) vs. Gray Maynard

If you haven’t seen there fight from UFC 125 yet, do yourself a huge favor and get on that! Take it for what it’s worth, but for me there has not yet been a better fight in 2011 so far. For 25 minutes these guys struck, grappled, and just plane brawled only to have their masterpiece end in a draw. Lucky for us, they get to do it again! Unfortunately, I am just having the darnedest time trying to take a pick here though. On the one hand, we have Gray Maynard with his size, strength, and knockout power advantages. However, Frankie Edgar has “the Answer” (haha, see what I did there?) with speed, technique, and the heart of bear. Maynard learned last time just how much Edgar can take and still keep coming, so I don’t think he’ll make the mistake of almost punching himself out again like he did in the first round of he and Edgar’s previous encounter. For his part, Edgar now knows just how much power Maynard is packing will probably look to do a lot more sticking and moving. I’m of the mindset that this fight is going to come down to one thing…who wants it more? After watching Edgar almost literally go through hell and back to hang on to his belt I just feel as though I can’t pick against him in good conscience. I’m saying that this will be another war (I hate using that term, but this time it fits) where Edgar very slowly, but very surely finds ways to run away with the fight and retain the title.

Well my pals of pugilism, that is how I see these fights playing out. As always, feel free to just rub it in if I’m wrong (you know full well that I’d do the same after all!). Enjoy what looks to be a spectacular card and until next time, keep those hands up!

-The Blue Eyed Ronin

Calisthenics Workout

1. Hindu Push-ups - This one blasts your shoulders, pectorals and core.

 2. Inverse Push-ups - With this exercise, you'll work most of your major back muscles and shoulders including your traps, lats, and lower back.

3. Iron Mikes - Here, your legs will be challenged and you'll get your cardio working hard as well.

4. Push-ups to Side Planks - In addition to all of the benefits of a standard push-up, this exercise also works your core and improves your balance.

 

5. Pendulums - This exercise is great for your lower abs and obliques. To add more resistance, place a weight between your legs.

 

- The Blue Eyed Ronin and Afro Geisha

Ab Workout

1. Crunch - The crunch is pretty basic. Just make sure that you do not strain your neck, and use your abs to get yourself off the ground instead of momentum.

2. Clam - The clam works your lower and upper abs at the same time. Make sure your legs stay lifted through the entire exercise.

Start in position 1. Lift your legs and arms to meet in the middle. Try to only engage your abs. Release and go back to position 1 to start the exercise again.

3. Oblique Crunch - Obliques are sometimes forgotten during ab workouts. Include them because they help to stretch your abs and hence get a flatter waist.

Move from the right side to left engaging your obliques.

4. Back bend with weights - Working the abs while your standing gives you extra benefits including  strengthening your core and a strong core can prevent back injuries. Make sure you listen to your body for this one; you don't want to overextend the back bend or use to much weight.

  Start upright, then bend backwards. Be careful so that you do not overextend yourself.

5.Twist - The twist may seem useless but it gives your abs some cardio which is important for definition. It also works your obliques.

 

Move from left to right only engaging your abs. Try not to use momentum to go from each side.

- The Blue Eyed Ronin and Afro Geisha

UFC Live 6...The Breakdown

We do not own the rights to this photo.

Greetings once again my fellow MMAniacs! As I got to thinking about writing up this breakdown for UFC Live 6, that this will be the second of 3 (that’s right! 3!) weeks that there will be a UFC event playing. Is this sport great or what? But now let’s move onto the task at hand. UFC Live 6 looks to be an exciting card from top to bottom. As if it isn’t enough to be treated to the free viewing of Bantamweight Champ, Dominick Cruz, making his attempt at a fourth title defense we will also get see two heavyweights who just love swinging for the fences, a match deciding the next entrant into the welterweight elite, and a lightweight rematch for redemption. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who I think will be standing tall in the glory of victory and who will be wallowing in the mire of defeat.

Lightweight Bout: Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman

These two met once in 2010 with the result of Wiman getting his had raised for a controversial submission victory. I say controversial because the ref did not look to see if Danzig had actually tapped out (he hadn’t). Now these warriors find themselves across from one another again in the hopes that this time the outcome will be more concrete. As with their last encounter, this match will really come down to who has the better mat skills. Danzig has a solid jiu jitsu game but Wiman comes into this matchup as the better wrestler. I tend to see Danzig as being slightly more technically sound in the standup department and perhaps he may find some success there, but sooner or later this one will hit the ground. When that happens, expect see Matt Wiman come on with some good ground and pound and to outwork Danzig in general. Wiman takes this one by decision.

Welterweight Bout: Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman

How great was it watching Charlie Brenneman defying the odds and taking a victory over vaunted prospect Rick Story at UFC Live 4? Seeing that kind of fight unfold just goes to show how one should never underestimate what any given fighter is capable of. Brenneman proved that his fast paced wrestling and scrambling skills are something to be taken seriously, but I wonder how well those skills stack up against those of Anthony Johnson. In addition to being no slouch in the wrestling department himself, Johnson possesses dynamite in his fists and he’ll be coming into the match as both the bigger (he cuts weight from close to 200 pounds) and stronger man. The size advantage can begin to work against Johnson over time however, as he has been seen tiring considerably once his fights reach their mid point. The longer the fight goes on, the more it favors Brenneman, but I honestly don’t see Brenneman being able to stand up to Anthony Johnson’s strength and knockout power for very long. I’m picking Anthony Johnson by (t)ko early in round 2.

Heavyweight Bout: Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve

This is a match with which I have some problems breaking down. The problems stem from the fact that both of these men have some great talent within them, but neither seems to further develop what they already have or add new elements to their games. Stefan Struve is an extremely gifted grappler who (for reasons unknown) constantly gets sucked into brawls and usually winds up facedown on the canvas as a result. Given his size and length advantages, one would think he’d put some serious time into developing a solid jab but he just seems content to slug it out unless he’s able to realize he’s losing and gets the fight to the ground before getting his lights turned off. On the other hand, Pat Barry is a striking dynamo but lacks the mat skills to stay alive long in a ground war. Additionally, he makes far to many rash decisions in the heat of his fights. Personally, this is a pick’em one for me. But whichever way this fight goes, you can bet it’ll be entertaining. I’m going with Pat Barry by KO in the first based solely on Stefan Struve’s desire to stand and punch it out when he should be taking guys down.

Bantamweight Championship Bout: Dominick Cruz (c) vs. Demetrious Johnson

No matter how you slice it, Dominick Cruz has just been nothing short of phenomenal in his ruling over the bantamweight division. With his “in and out” approach to striking and excellent wrestling skills, it is becoming quite the task to determine who can present him with a challenge let alone defeat him. But Demetrious Johnson seems utterly determined to do just that and put an end to “The Dominator’s” epic championship run. Johnson comes into this fight with some great fast paced wrestling and a heck of a lot of natural talent. Whatever one may think about his previous controversial win over Miguel Torres, one has to admire how Johnson was just able to stay alive and keep finding his way out of submissions in that fight. Add to that the fact that he has some decent power in his hands, and it's easy to see how he is worthy of this title shot. Thankfully for Johnson, he probably won't have to worry about the threat of submissions in this match up, but he will be facing a foe with wrestling skills comparable to his own and excellent technical standup to boot. On paper, both Joseph Benavidez and Urijah Faber were the better wrestlers, yet Cruz was able to outwrestle each of them at the time of each fight. Additionally, Benavidez and Faber brought in much better striking than Johnson has previously shone, and even though they were able to give Cruz some fits, it was never enough get one up over him. This will be yet another tough, fast paced title defense for Dominick Cruz, but his combination of illusive striking and elite wrestling will win him this fight. Cruz wins by decision.

Well there we have it my friends. As always, it's a joy writing these pieces up for all of you. Whether you love or hate my picks, I do hope you enjoy the awesome...and...oh yeah...FREE show that we're getting Saturday night. Also, feel free to just rub my face in it if these fights go the other way. Until next time, keep those hands up!

-The Blue Eyed Ronin

A Ronin's Review: Warrior

Image property of Lionsgate and Warrior. We do not own the rights.

As mixed martial arts has slowly begun to infiltrate Hollywood cinema, mma fans so far have been able to come to only one conclusion; MMA and movies simply don't mix well. Films such as Never Back Down and the more streets focused Fighting did little for mma other than to portray it as a sport for thugs and punks. "Human cock fighting" according to John McCain. This portrayal is mind numbingly disappointing as it is the very image that the mixed martial arts world has spent the better part of two decades trying to shed. To make matters worse, the above mentioned films were utterly terrible to boot. On the other hand, the movie Red Belt did much to emphasize the virtue of honor which many fighters hold so close to their hearts. But while Red Belt proved itself to be a decent film and successfully shined a more positive light on the sport, the way the fighting itself was presented in the film came off as cheesy and only slightly above something one might find when watching professional wrestling. In short, fans longing for a movie that truly captured the spirit of mma and portrayed it in as pure a form as possible were left still hungry. Recently, Gavin O'Conner, director of the inspirational movie Miracle, decided to make his attempt to succeed where others had come up short and bring to mma fans, and sports fans really, the film that mixed martial arts truly deserved. The result? Warrior!

 

 

It is with great excitement that I write that Warrior does indeed do what its predecessors could not. And not only is Warrior a good mma movie, it is just good, period. But what exactly is it about this film that separates it from Hollywood's previous efforts? For one, the main characters in the film, Tommy and Brendan Conlon, expertly played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, respectively, are far too relatable to those of us watching the screen. We have felt that same sense of both anger and abandonment evident in Tommy, an ex-marine who appears to fight for the sake of dealing with his own personal demons, but also just for the sake of fighting...or so it seems. At the same time, we have also felt (and perhaps many of us are currently feeling) the same sense of frustration and desperation in Brendan, a fighter turned physics teacher faced with the financial hardship of trying to provide for his family on a slim salary. But those emotions are not the only high points of this film. Additionally the theme of redemption is also brought to life in Nick Nolte’s character of Paddy Conlon, a former abusive alcoholic father whose ultimate goal is to finally make peace with his sons, Tommy and Brendan, whom he has wronged. Further still, Brendan’s wife Tess, played by Jennifer Morrison, draws sympathy from the audience for loving her husband so much that she would rather face monetary troubles than see Brendan seriously harmed physically in the cage. Truly, one gets the absolute full range of emotions from this film.

 

 

Complementing the characters that have been created is also an exciting portrayal of the fight world itself. Some matches are over in a matter of seconds while others are absolute battles of attrition in which those involved must truly reach deep within themselves to find what they need to keep fighting and attain the victory. The director also deserves to be complemented for his accurate portrayal of the wide array of techniques used in the fights. Outside of one slightly unbelievable moment in a scene where a power bomb (traditionally a pro wrestling maneuver) is used, the motions of fighting are made both life-like and exciting. Punches and kicks are delivered with devastating power and technical beauty. Submission locks and chokes are applied in a way that almost makes viewers want to yell “Just tap out!”

 

 

This brings me to a more critical viewpoint on Warrior however, as the movie, while certainly well done, is not without its flaws. At times during the fights, characters take the kinds of beatings that make fans and non-fans alike think to themselves "the ref should really stop this!" In reality fights are, for the most part, stopped when it becomes apparent that a combatant can no longer adequately defend himself. True to Hollywood's love for the melodramatic however, the fighters within this story sustain far more punishment than any intelligent governing body would allow. This portrayal again threatens to bring on the "human cockfighting" label. Thankfully, the film's other aspects prove themselves so strong that this flaw does not linger in the minds of most viewers. As for shortcomings with the story itself, one can understand any complaints about the movie containing dozens of typical cinematic clichés because...well...it does. But these are the kinds of clichés that we (and specifically I) as movie lovers have come to adore when they are used to inspire which is what this film does...inspire. As cheesy as it sounds, it inspires us to fight for what is important to us whether that is taking care of those we love, rekindling lost relationships, or for the concept of honor.

 

 

I close this piece by offering one last round of applause for this movie. That applause is for the film's unfortunate, but necessary presentation of the outcome of mixed martial arts fights: out of the two men we all want to win, only one will. Yes, this is a downer of a concept but let us also remember that there are a number of times where just as much can be taken from a loss as can be taken from a victory. In short, I highly recommend this film as it is exactly what the mixed martial arts world has been waiting for: a film of true value. Thanks for reading and remember to keep those hands up!

 

 

-The Blue Eyed Ronin

TUF Episode 2 Overview

“Bear witness to the fitness of the modern warrior”

Hello folks, welcome to my weekly dishing on the Ultimate Fighter. This is the second episode so far and my first TUF review. Personally, I think the first episode is really boring anyways…omg that guy has green hair…so we are beginning with the second episode. This season (and the last season on Spike) we have featherweights and bantamweight with coaches Bisping and Miller. And if I am correct (please correct me if I am not), Bisping is the second coach to be featured on 2 seasons of TUF.

Let’s begin, Bisping chooses the first pick for his team, leaving Miller the first pick for the fights.

Bisping                                                                 Miller

Bantamweight

Louis Gaudinot (Green Hair)                            John Dodson

TJ Dillashaw                                                        Johnny Bedford

John Albert                                                         Dustin Pague (District represents!!!)

BJ Ferguson                                                        Roland Delorme

Featherweight

Diego Brandao                                                  Dennis Bermudez

Akira Corassani                                                 Bryan Caraway

Marcus Brimage                                               Dustin Neace

Stephen Bass                                                     Steven Siler

Miller says he picks for his coaching styles. Dana White looks like he slimmed down from last season and he probably gained weight because he was probably busy sealing deals with Fox (ps – I like Dana White so don’t expect me to make fun of him. Not many people can say they have taken a bankrupt business and brought it to success from the brink of failure – I cannot promise the same for the Blue Eye Ronin). The teams begin to train and Siler’s nose starts bleeding and they had to tape his nose up…it kind of made him look like a pig.

Commercials – Hmmm, what am I thinking right now…I hate rain. If you live on the north east coast you have been lucky enough to experience rain for the past forever. I am hoping that this rain won’t dry up for the winter season because I love snow. Like, I am completely in love with snow. Ever since my childhood days in Syracuse, NY I have loved snow like it was my life. What can’t you do with snow – you can make balls and throw it (and put rocks in those balls and throw them…or you can put them in the freezer before you throw…or you can just put it down and go inside for some hot cocoa).

Ah, Bisping’s accent, Bisping isn’t my favorite Briton (that award goes to Gordon Ramsey) but ever since TUF season  3 and his tiff with Ross Pointon and then Matt Hamill says “I love guys from New England,” I have found him very entertaining. Brimage says that Bisping’s coaching is very technical, but with JJ, it’s going to be pretty technical regardless. Miller brings in…space suits? WTF…skipping over that since I don’t believe in crap like that (sort of like colonics except with blood). First fight match of the last TUF season on Spike, Caraway fights Brimage – “classic striking versus grappler” says Bisping, but Miller believes that Brimage does not have the skill to defeat Caraway.

Commercials –  …has anyone seen those BK Halloween commercials, they are so creepy, I mean I guess they are for kids since like they are advertising a toy with it, but still…I want a Droid…I want a smart phone. For everyone who does not know, I have clunky crappy phone since my touch screen broke. Currently that phone is the bane of my existence since everyone I know has at least somewhat of an awesome phone, and mine is this red piece of crap with a battery that can only last 10 minutes when it isn’t plugged in. I hate haunted houses…like seriously, I went in one when I was like 12…never again. UFC Fan Expo in Texas soon, it’s too hot there. If you haven’t noticed, I like the cold, anything that isn’t cold, isn’t worth it…except for hot chocolate.

Brimage just said DBZ was one of the reasons he does UFC. Awesome, I love anime and DBZ was what started it all. My favorite character is Vegeta…I think I am going to watch an episode from the tournament sage before bed. I wonder if Corassoni was named after the Akira from the anime? Brimage is at 157 so he has to cut weight a little. He is worried. I’ve cut weight for comps before too and let me tell you (if you have never done it), it sucks. So Brimage is going through salt baths, runs in sauna suits, and lying down with blankets. Miller says that Caraway is his worst enemy. I can believe that, psyching yourself out never works out well, while pumping yourself up can lead to an ego. But Caraway is pretty level headed, so he’s all good. I see a prank in order – Miller’s team decides to stuff Bisping’s training room with tires and they close the door so that a tire falls and will prevent Bisping from getting in.

Commercials – I have never really been to D&B…well I am lying I have, but I don’t go often. Although there were many a-times I walked to Penn’s Landing in Philly and passed it. I am assuming since they sponsor TUF, you can watch UFC events there. The Ronin and I normally just go to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch events.

First Bantamweight fight, Brimage weighs in perfectly along with Caraway. Dana White gives the fight to Brimage, and Bisping’s team has made a taunt song to Caraway. Hopefully karma won’t bite them in the butt. Bisping finds out about the tires and it seems like this season will be another prank war. Caraway is pretty upset about the song feeling personally attacked. Brimage farted on his interview…I heard it and I wasn’t sure what it was because if you are also like me, you are familiar with Adult Swim’s pranks so maybe Spike decided to do the same thing, but Brimage owned it, so we are ok. Brimage is a striker (leaving me to assume Caraway is a grappler).

The Fight

Round 1 – Fight starts with a few punches and it is quickly brought to the ground. Brimage is having difficulty controlling Caraway and he is trying to take it back to the ground. Caraway almost gets a choke and then tries to manage another but Brimage stays moving. Both seem to be taking coaching direction very well. Caraway manages to get a solid grip and the fight almost ends but Brimage manages to wringle out (getting scolded from the ref over grapping the gloves in the process). They transition with Caraway on Brimage’s back trying to manage another choke. But nothing holds.

Round 2 - Brimage comes out fists a-flying trying to keep the fight standing but Caraway manages a takedown in the fury. The fight manages to go up and down a few times and they both stay moving. Caraway is lying on the floor while Brimage tries to figure out how to get around him. The ref takes the fight standing again. Caraway takes Brimage down again and pins him. Caraway manages a choke and Brimage taps giving team Miller the first win.

Ok ladies and gents, this ends the first overview of TUF season 14. Join me next time for episode 3!

- The Afro Geisha

Make Weight Shake: Banapple Berry Fusion

Making weight is often a difficult and exhausting process, but if you find that you need some extra energy and you don't want to ingest that many calories consider this tasty, b vitamin infused, energizing 254 calorie shake.

Ingredients:

• Almond Milk (see below)
• 1 small frozen banana cut into slices (best to slice banana before freezing)
• 1/4 cup of blueberries
• 1 small apple cut into slices

Nutrition Facts (8oz serving)
254 Calories
Fat: 18.25 g
Carbs: 11.8g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 9.7g
Protein: 8g
Calcium: 92.6mg
Potassium: 398mg

Step 1 - Make Almond Milk: Soak one cup of almonds in water overnight. After soaking take almonds and water and blend until smooth. Get a bowl and cover it with cheesecloth. Take almond mixture and pour into cheesecloth covered bowl (this will separate the unblended chunks from just the liquid). Keep liquid and refrigerate. It can be kept for 3 days.

Step 2 - Take almond milk, banana, apple, and blueberries, and blend until smooth.

Step 3 - Drink! (Shake makes four 8oz servings)