Support NeoGAF

[Boogie]

Once again, who comes up with these titles? I think the UFC and Pride marketing departments simply throw darts at two dartboards, one with a list of “extreme”-sounding adjectives on it, another with “extreme” nouns, put the two together, and *PRESTO*, instant generic title for your event.

Also, anyone who wants to discuss the results, please use spoiler tags until the event has aired in North America.

Anyway, on to the breakdown of the card.

Personally, they had me hooked with just Silva vs. Rampage, and Cro Cop vs. Barnett. Anything extra is just icing on the cake, but apart from the presence of a fair number of unkowns, the rest of the card looks solid too.

Hirotaka Yokoi (10-1) vs. Heath Herring (22-10)

Yokoi is a Judo fighter who was undefeated until he ran into Nogueira in the opening round of the Pride Grand Prix. Mind you, his record consisted of such quality competition as someone known only as “Bulldozer George” whose only MMA fight is the loss to Yokoi. Nevermind that, though, as Yokoi had a good showing against Nogueira, giving him all he could handle in the first round.

Heath Herring is starting to approach gatekeeper status in Pride. He’s still a solid fighter, but he just doesn’t have what it takes to beat the “top three” of Cro Cop, Nogueira, or Fedor, so I think he’ll forever be relegated to mid-card status.

The experience factor certainly lies in Herring’s favour, and although Yokoi has decent stand-up skills, and excellent Judo, I’m thinking that Herring will be able to keep things standing and wear down Yokoi using superior striking skills. Herring by decision.

Choi Mu Bae (3-0?) vs. Sao Palalei (7-0)

What the hell, Pride? These guys are worthy of being in your event? Okay, at least Palalei has an undefeated record, with none of his victories going to decision. But this Choi Mu Bae? He doesn’t even have a record according to the Sherdog fightfinder, but supposedly he’s 3-0. Let’s try to stick to fighters that I can find some evidence of their existence online, mmkay? Palalei by KO, round 1.

Ricardo Arona (8-2) vs. Sergey Ignashov (0-0?)

GODAMMIT PRIDE!! WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!?! Okay, you’ve got Arona in there, great.
Who’s Ignashov? Well, he might be a member of Russian Top Team who’s never had an MMA fight. Or he might be Sergey Ignatyev, who is 3-3. Here’s a tip, Pride: When the MMA community can’t even figure out for sure who the hell the guy is who is fighting in the event, HE PROBABLY DOESN’T DESERVE TO BE THERE. Arona by flying triangle, round 1.


Aleksander Emelianenko (4-1) vs. James Thompson (8-1)

I swear to God, Pride, I am *this close* to flying to Japan and killing your matchmaker. James Thompson’s biggest win is a decision win over Dan Severn. Wow, a decision win over Severn. That sure gets me excited. I guess that puts him a step above Wes Sims, doesn’t it? Okay, calm down Boogie, they’re two big guys who will probably slug it out a bit, and it’s actually kind of hard to call. I’m going to go with Emelianenko by TKO from some ground ‘n pound, round 3.

Alistair Overeem (18-4) vs. Hiromitsu Kanehara (10-9-1)

Well, this is a little better. Kanehara is a pro-wrestler turned MMA fighter who managed to take Cro Cop to take Cro Cop to the distance. Overeem is a talented kick-boxer who was lighting Chuck Liddell up until something went wrong and he got knocked out. Overeem has a massive reach advantage here, so I say Overeem by KO, round 1.

 

[Boogie]

Mark Hunt (0-1) vs. Dan Bobish (9-6)

Ah, this is more like it. Classic grappler vs. striker. In this instance, though, the striker has to be the favourite. While Mark Hunt, who has a K-1 record of 16-7, lost his first MMA match to Yoshida, he looked good in the loss, roughing Yoshida up, and doing a good job of defending against the submissions.

Bobish is a wrestler with mediocre submission skills, who does not react well to getting hit. At all. Which is bad when you’re facing a former K-1 Grand Prix champion. Whether it happens early, or late in the fight, I think Bobish is getting knocked out. And I’m thinking early. Hunt by KO, round 1.

Dan Henderson (14-3) vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura (4-2)

Nakamura’s last fight was an upset decision win over Murilo Bustamante. He completely
neutralized Bustamante’s submission attempts, and got in some decent ground and pound action. Nakamura is definitely someone to watch out for.

Unfortunately for him, he’s facing Dan Henderson. Henderson is one of my favourite fighters, and in my opinion, probably the most exciting wrestling-based fighter in mixed martial arts. His wrestling ability should be able to shrug off any takedown attempts by Nakamura, and his boxing skills should give Nakamura hell standing. One factor in Nakamura’s favour is that he’ll probably have a bit of a size advantage over Henderson. Nonetheless, I’m thinking Henderson by TKO, round 2.

Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (12-2-2) vs. Josh Barnett (15-1)

I’m so psyched. This is the fight that will determine whether Mirko belongs in the top 3, or if he’ll be forever be forced to demolish mid-level fighters. This is by far Mirko’s biggest test since his loss to Nogueira. I’m a huge Cro Cop fan, so I’m really rooting for Mirko. But I have to admit that this fight is simply tough to call. Fans seem to be split 50-50, though most MMA journalists (a group that doesn’t have particularly much more credibility than the fans, in my eyes) are picking Barnett.

Anyone who tries to declare that they have such extensive knowledge of the fight game that they “know” that one of these fighters will win is discrediting the skills of the other fighter. This fight, as many of Mirko’s fights do, come down to a couple key questions. Can Josh take Mirko down? Can Mirko defend the takedown? Barnett on paper definitely has the skills to take Mirko down and finish him by ground and pound, or by submission.

But Mirko often defies such theoretical analysis. He looked great against Aleksander
Emelianenko. Now, whether you think Aleksander is an elite fighter or not, Mirko was
aggressive in his striking, using punches, knees, and low kicks. He wasn’t just waiting for the high kick, he was aggressive in forcing the opening for it. And he defended the takedown well, even throwing Emelianenko like a rag doll. Think about that. Cro Cop actually took down the Sambo champion.

Coupled with the fact that Barnett’s only loss was a KO loss to Pedro Rizzo, and, though I
haven’t seen the fight, the much smaller Yuki Kondo apparently gave him a hard time standing, I think that Mirko is going to be able to take it. It’s not a sure thing, but it’s a hunch and a hope, and I’m going with it. Mirko by KO, round 1.

Middleweight Title Bout:

Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (26-3-1) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (21-4)

The rematch we’ve all been waiting for. Although Silva’s win last year in the Grand Prix was decisive, there are still questions. Both fighters were tired were tired from fighting earlier in the evening, though which was in worse shape is open to debate, with Rampage getting hit by Chuck Liddell for a little over a round, and Silva having to grapple with Yoshida for a full two rounds. Plus there was the controversial ref stand-up.

Will the result be any different this time? Will a fresh Rampage demolish Silva? Will Silva
once again make Rampage eat two dozen knees?

The first fight showed us that while Jackson has become known almost more for his stand-up skills than his wrestling, he did not want to stand and trade with Silva like he had with Liddell. That was telling, in my opinion. The key for Rampage is to take Silva down, and NOT get his head stuck in a tight guillotine choke like he tends to do, and be very active in his ground and pound, since the refs may be jumpy to stand the fight up.

The key for Silva is simply to wail away with punches and knees like he’s best at. And to defend well if the fight goes to the ground.

I think Silva is going to take it again. His BJJ has helped his ground defence, and he might be able to catch Rampage with something on the ground, but I think he’ll beat him standing. Silva by KO, round 2.

 

[NLB2]

Good analysis, you've got me psyched for CroCop vs Barnett.

 

[Boogie]

Good analysis, you've got me psyched for CroCop vs Barnett.

Thanks. Have you figured out a way to see the event?

 

[NLB2]

No, I'm probably gonna have to go to a friends house and pay for it myself. But that's alright, I have to see Silva destroy Rampage again.

 

[Boogie]

*Paging Biff Hardbody*

 

[Sho Nuff]

Can't wait for this, I'm leaving in a few hours to see it (I got free tickets from my friend who works at Dream Stage).

Silva vs Rampage! Whose corner will Jesus be in?

 

[Boogie]

Can't wait for this, I'm leaving in a few hours to see it (I got free tickets from my friend who works at Dream Stage).

The amount of jealousy I am feeling right now cannot be measured. Free tickets to the event? Damn you!

 

[NLB2]

You lucky bastard!
Jesus will be with Rampage, but Jesus is too bad ass to really give a shit, so Silva's gonna win.

 

[dream]

Josh has been doing all of his training with the R1 crew in LA which, to me, means one of two things will happen: either he'll get the takedown easily or Crocop's gonna nail him with that sick high kick.

But GO JOSH!

As an aside, I love Vanderlei's poses.

 

[Boogie]

As an aside, I love Vanderlei's poses.

It looks like he's trying to be a power ranger.

 

[dream]

BTW, I think you're absolutely correct on your analysis of the Vanderlei vs Rampage fight. The fact that Bustamante kept scoring with his low kicks and Arona completely took Rampage apart on the standup is really telling to me. With Nino in the Chute Boxe camp you know Rampage's ground game has to be completely polished which means Rampage's only chance of winning this fight is with a slam.

What's interesting is DSE's planning on matching up Crocop and Silva on their new year's eve show under full MMA rules this time. As hyped as I am to see these two fights, there's a part of me hoping that both Crocop and Silva win fairly quickly just so they can be 100% for 12/31.

 

[Boogie]

What's interesting is DSE's planning on matching up Crocop and Silva on their new year's eve show under full MMA rules this time. As hyped as I am to see these two fights, there's a part of me hoping that both Crocop and Silva win fairly quickly just so they can be 100% for 12/31.

I'm not sure if I want to see them matched up on New Year's. Maybe if Cro Cop loses against Josh. If he wins though, I'd want to see him get a break until he can face the winner of Fedor/Nogueira for the title.

 

[Boogie]

Here's some other pics from the weigh-ins:

Fedor's cut still looks kinda raw. Hope it'll be all healed up for New Year's.

I love pictures of the Emelianenko brothers. They always look so unassuming. You'd never know how dangerous they are from their appearance:

 

[Biff Hardbody]

*Paging Biff Hardbody*

Speak of the devil and he appears. I've been waiting for this thread. Excellent rundown, Boogie. As always.

Biff picks-

Hirotaka Yokoi (10-1) vs. Heath Herring (22-10)

Yokoi did do well against Nogueira, but I think his performance may be a bit overestimated. At the same time, I think Herring is a better fighter then he's given credit for. When I think of "gate keeper", I think of Goodridge.. While Heath may not be able to beat the big three, he's better then some give him credit for. I agree, he's a mid carder though. Heath takes this once, because he's still a very good fighter and is more experienced. Heath by UD.

Choi Mu Bae (3-0?) vs. Sao Palalei (7-0)

Choi is a big bad ass Greco Roman wrestler who was favored by many to medal in the olympics if he chose to go that route. While he is raw in MMA, Pride is pushing him for the Korean audience. I don't know Sao, so I'm going to vote for Shoi by bad ass greco suplex followed by mediocre GandP.

Ricardo Arona (8-2) vs. Sergey Ignashov (0-0?)

I don't know the Russian. Arona is probably pissed after his devastating loss and wants to show he's no joke. Arona by armbar rd 1.

Aleksander Emelianenko (4-1) vs. James Thompson (8-1)

Kind of a lackluster matchup. Alek by sub rd 1.

Alistair Overeem (18-4) vs. Hiromitsu Kanehara (10-9-1)

This should be somewhat brutal. Overeem by ko rd 1.

Mark Hunt (0-1) vs. Dan Bobish (9-6)

Good match. Hunt showed promise against Yoshida. Bobish is an underachieving mamoth wrestler who is probably on his way out of Pride if he loses this one. I predict this fight does not go more then 1 round, with Hunt doing a better job on Bobish then Igor did. Hunt by brutal KO rd 1.

Dan Henderson (14-3) vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura (4-2)

Good fight. Nakamura looked damn good in his win over Busta by dominating the takedowns and control of the fight. Hendo is no joke though, and the only time I've ever seen him really get torn up was against Silva. Hendo has decent boxing and he's a great wrestler. He's going to prove to much for Nakamura. I'm going to say Nakamura hangs tough, Japanese fighting spirit and all. Hendo by UD.

Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (12-2-2) vs. Josh Barnett (15-1)

The real main event. like Boogie I am incredibly pysched for this fight.

Mirko is a fighter who looked unstoppable, but has looked very mortal since coming off some losses. He needs to win this one to keep in the running for the Pride belt, and show he is not just a tomotao can destroyer.

Barnett was perceived as one of the top 5 heavy's in the world for some time, that was until he spent most of his time pro wrestling. Since then he's come under fire as a could have been, and someone even treated with disdain for choosing puro over MMA. Still, Barnett is perceived as being so well rounded, many still rank him in their top ten, some in their top 5 heavys.

I myself do not. His fight with Kondo was no impressive at all to me, neither was his Rizzo one which many people claims he was winning till he got caught. I honestly believe Barnetts stand up is overrated in many circles.

However, he does have superior takedowns to Nogueira and possibly even better ground control. This does not bode well for Mirko, as once he was mounted by Nog he was exposed for not having much of a game.

Still, I have to go with Mirko for this one. For one, Barnett is a fighter who is used to bullying people around. His fight with Kondo showed he had poor standup, afraid to trade witha much lighter man and would initiate a neck clicnh and then after time transition to a takedown from there. This will not be easy with Mirko, who is very strong at defending the upper body clinch.

Barnett will have a much harder fight on his hands then many think. If he gets Mriko down, AND passes his guard he will most likely pound the shit out of him and follow up with a sub. But, I see Josh being tenative after finding out Mirko is far stronger then most of the fighters hes recently faced. If Josh rushes in with his hands down once like he did with Rizzo, he's gone.

Its honestly not as much in favor of Mirko as I'm making it out to be, but I want him to take Barnetts head off. Josh is well rounded, he's BIG, and his ground control is good. Still, Boogie is right on about Mirkos fight with Alex...definitely Mirkos best showing and a perfect fight for getting read for Josh.Mirko by cemetary kick rd 2.

Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (26-3-1) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (21-4)

Can a fighter come back from such a devastating loss like Quinton suffered? If he's exceptional, yes. As powerful as Quinton is, I'm not sure if he's a true great though. This fight will help decide it.

Honestly, I do not see Jackson winning this one. Yes, fatigue was a factor last year, and a tournaments tetting require a very different mindset...but lets face it, he was destroyed by Silva. Unless he's somehow changed his skillset, he's going to get mauled again. Silva is wild though, and Jackson is a good puncher with decent defense. And, weaker hitters have dropped Silva few times before. So, Quinton definitely has a shot.

That being said, Wandy is a machine and I don't see anyone aside from Randy or Igor beating him right now. Jackson has a shot, but the favorite is definitely Wanderlei.
Silva by punches rd 1

 

[Boogie]

Excellent rundown yourself, Biff. Seems we have quite a bit of consensus on this one.

 

[Minotauro]

Here are my picks: (lineup c-and-p'd from the deathvalleydriver forums)

Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) vs. Quinton Jackson (USA)

Usually, I don't pull for any specific fighter...I'm usually pulling for a good fight. In this case, though, I'm really hoping Silva wins it. For one, a loss would probably sidetrack his impending matchup with one of the big 3. Plus, if Rampage wins it, we will never hear the end of how it's his religious awakening that did it. Personally, I'm hoping Silva knees him back over to the dark side. Silva by TKO round 2.

“Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (Croatia) vs. Josh Barnett (USA)

As everyone else has said many times before, this one could really go either way. After some lackluster recent fights, I though Mirko looked absolutely fantastic against the junior Emelianenko brother. His avoidance of the takedown and even a clinch were particularly impressive. Still, Barnett is no slouch in either of those two categories. It's really a toss-up but I'm going to go with Cro-Cop and a KO in round 2.

As an aside, Boogie, you should really try to track down that Barnett/Kondo fight. It's really, really great. In my opinion, the fight doesn't make Barnett look weak...it just makes Kondo look tough. He takes everything Barnett throws at him, including a pair of German suplexes and just keeps going. It's really too bad he didn't show his skills very well against Silva.

Dan Henderson (USA) vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan)

Man, I'm so excited to see Hendo back in the ring. As bored as I usually am by people with similar styles in UFC, I find him really exciting to watch. Even the fight with Arona, which a lot of people found boring, I thought was great. Nakamura, though, is a guy on the way up. He looked really great against Nakamura...basically dominating him in every category. Still, I don't know if he has what it takes to best Hendo at this point in his career. I'm going to go with Dan by decision.

Hirotaka Yokoi (Japan) vs. Heath Herring (USA)

While he's definitely fallen a few notches since a few years ago, Heath is still one of the tougher fighters in MMA. Part of his failings really are due more to the top-notch talent in Pride's heavyweight division. Personally, I'd like to see Heath in the UFC at some point. Regardless, on the subject of this particular fight, I see Heath taking it. The only fight of Yokoi's I've ever seen was the one against Nogueira. While he looked good in the loss, I don't think he'll be able to overcome Heath's size advantage or his heart. So, I'll go with Heath by decision.

Mark Hunt (New Zealand) vs. Dan Bobish (USA)

I'm really looking forward to this fight. Hunt did better than anyone thought he would do against Yoshida. He did great fighting off the takedown as well as he did and punished Yoshida throughout. I think he wants to come out and make a statement in this fight. Hunt by KO round 1.

Ricardo Arona (Brazil) vs. Sergei Ignatev (Russia)

Like everyone else, I know zero about Ignatev. This could be a case of DSE feeding a can to someone they're hoping to use for bigger and better things in the future. That said, I don't see Arona finishing this. He will most likely dominate position throughout and walk away with the decision.

Hiromitsu Kanehara (Japan) vs. Alistair Overeem (Holland)

If Cro-Cop couldn't knock Kanehara out, I find it hard to believe that Alistair will. Still, this should be a dominating victory for Overeem. Overeem by decision.

Aleksander Emelianenko (Russia) vs. James Thompson (England)

Choi Mu Bae (Korea) vs. Soa Palelei (Australia)

I know nothing about Palelei. He sounds tough from what I've read though. In addition, I wasn't that impressed with Me Bae's Bushido performance. So, Palelei TKO round 2.


Looks like another great PPV from Pride. I'm excited-as-hell.

 

[Biff Hardbody]

Thanks Boogie. I can't wait for this event.

Minotauro is right. The Barnett/Kondo fight is good, possibly even great. Any fight with 2 Germans is pretty cool in my book.

I just don't think Josh will be able to control Mirko like he did Kondo. It was all neck clinch in that fight so Yuki could never really get going. Personally, I think Mikro has some of the best clinch defense I've ever seen and it'll be really hard for Josh to do that on him.

That might not even be his gameplan though. Shit, I don't know...this fight is exciting. Two different styles, two big name fighters, big reasons to win.

In other, lesser (much) news, Manny Reyes of underground fame was brutally KOed by Hermes Franca in their much touted "super fight".

 

[Minotauro]

On the subject of MMA, has anyone ever seen any WEC shows? Last night, they showed a few fights from their recent Halloween Hury show on one of my HD channels. Admittedly, it all seemed somewhat low-budget but there were definitely some exciting fights featured. The Chris Lytle/JT Taylor and Olaf Alfonso/Gabe Ruediger fights in particular were quite good. Plus, one of their commentators is Stephon Quadros! It was great to hear the Fight Professor in action again.

 

[Boogie]

In other, lesser (much) news, Manny Reyes of underground fame was brutally KOed by Hermes Franca in their much touted "super fight".

hehe, saw that news too. Serves him right. His idiocy was worthy of OA

 

[NLB2]

I've got a video of the end of the Silva Rampage fight. Its quite brutal. If anybody wants to see it, I'll send them an email.

 

[Boogie]

I've got a video of the end of the Silva Rampage fight. Its quite brutal. If anybody wants to see it, I'll send them an email.

Screw that, I can wait seven hours to watch the event. Thanks anyway though

 

[Biff Hardbody]

Biffs thoughts on this pride (spoiler tagged of course).

Spoiler

Well, I can't start this without talking about the main event, Silva VS Jackson. It was one of the finest bouts I've ever seen in MMA. Its one for the ages. Really, I was on the edge of my seat. Both fighters showcased fantastic ability, strength, and toughness.

I thought the opening of the first was Silva. Jackson showed good defense, and actually managed to move in while he was shelling. But, Silva was better at striking and while not doing anything really huge he was the agressor and you could just feel that Jackson was tentative. Then they clinched for awhile and Jackson managed to get it to the ground and get top position. Nothing major happened, although it was great to watch them nullify eachothers offense. I loved seeing Wandy let go of sub attempts when Jackson seemed ready for a slam, smart fighter. Then the standup...this is where the fireworks began.

After mostly blocking throughout the first round, Jackson connected with a straight that sent Silva down! I couldn't believe it. If there was anytime for Jackson to win, this was it! He jumped on Silva and landed some good shots,a knee and elbow. He also got full mount and began to wail away on him. Silva did manage to block some, but Jackson was definitely in control and Wandy did not seem fully together. Then the bell rang, and Wandy got saved.

Second round...you could feel the energy. I'm forgetting it now, it went somewhat back and forth with Silva winding ontop and then a standup. Then Silva came in and connected with a right hook that Jackson took the full impact of. I said "that's it!". Jackson tried to shell, and ducked his head down while he was doing it. Wandy grabbed him in the Thai clinch and KNEE KNEE KNEE KNEE. Down goes Jackson...brutally.

I didn't realize how badly Wandy had hurt him until one of the replays where a rather large pool of blood fell from Jacksons unconcsious face. He got brutalized. Afterwards, he took a long time to get up. This may have taken something out of Jackson.

If it didn't, I'd love to see yet another Silva/Jackson fight. This one was so good...its really one of the best fights I've ever seen. Back and forth, fighters exchangings trikes and positions...Basically everything you could ask for. Jackson was remarkable in this fight, and really is a great fighter in my book.

I think this win really cements Wanderlei Silva as one of the all time best in this young sport. He was often labeled as someone with a padded record, but he did everything a champion should be able to do in that fight. Go nail and tooth with a great fighter, recuperate from the brink of defeat, and brutally finish your opponent. Wandy is terrific.

Unfortunately, the night wasn't perfect. Yes, you know what I'm speaking of. The Barnett Crocop "fight". I'm going to say it right here, this fight is really fishy I've watched it about 5 times (hell, its only 30 seconds long) and there was no way Crocop damaged Josh's shoulder. Perhaps he injured it hismelf...but he had good use of it to attempt the crank and block Mirko's punches.

I have no way to prove if this was a work or not, and freak injuries do happen. This just seems fishy as hell to me. If it was a work, I don't care to see Barnett ever again.

On to brighter notes, Hunt/Bobish was allot of fun. I felt bad for Bobish at the start when he did that thumbs up. Then, he hit that kick ass belly to belly plex and I figured he might have it. Hun looked in trouble from some of the knees, at one point he seemed dazed. If you noticed though, Bobish wasn't connecting with many of the knees, he didn't have the flexability...the fight was so in favor of Bobish I figured upset, and then Hunt got up...lights out Dan. Good try though.

All in all, this pride had the best and worst match I've seen in a long time. I have mixed feelings about it. Fortunately, I mostly feel posative because of the stellar effort Jackson/Silva gave.

 

[NLB2]

Spoiler

I've watched it about 5 times (hell, its only 30 seconds long) and there was no way Crocop damaged Josh's shoulder.

Do you have a video of that fight, Biff?

 

[Biff Hardbody]

Yeah man. I'll upload it to you sendit for you in a minute. You might want to edit your post so it doesn't spoil it for others.

I'm getting flamed for saying what I said about it on another board, but fuck it...I really believe what I said.

 

[NLB2]

Thanks man, sorry about the spoiler.

Spoiler

It really doesn't make sense for Barnett to lose via sub to CroCop. I haven'tseen the fight yet, though.

 

[Biff Hardbody]

Sure, it happens.

Here's the link.

http://s10.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=AAE82D987509B637BCEF42BB24387F7B

Spoiler

Freak injury or does he throw the fight? You decide.

 

[Biff Hardbody]

Spoiler

Since my above post on the Josh/Mirko fight I've had time to think. Throwing a fight is a terrible thing to accuse someone of, and unless you have proof you shouldn't do it. So, I was to impulsive on my first impression. I have now ay of proving it was a work.

However, that is my feeling after seeing it about 10 times. That, coupled with rumors of the AAmbriz fight being worked and Josh's history of pro wrestling have left me scratching my head thinking this was not kosher.

 

[Boogie]

Well.

Okay, first the Barnett "fight". Biff, my thought is the same as yours. That was the fishiest fight I've ever seen. Mirko did nothing that would have caused an injury, and Barnett was really quick to tap out because of it.

And I wouldn't worry about being flamed for saying so. Most MMA discussion boards aren't known for the intelligence of the fans within.

But as for the good, Yeah, the main event rocked. Back and forth action all the way. I personally don't think Silva was quite in danger of being finished at the end of the first round. He was definitely rocked, but he recovered quickly, and got half-guard back real quick when Jackson took mount.

But it's a moot point anyway, since Silva finished him convincingly in the second.

I loved Mirko's reaction in his speech after his fight. The sentiment seemed to be "Well, I don't know what the hell just happened, but I'll give him a rematch anytime he wants one."

 

[Randam_Hajile]

Holy shit! Silva VS. Jackson!

Spoiler

My god, that KO by Silva was fucking incredible! That was definately one amazing fight.

 

[Biff Hardbody]

Yeah, your right. Silva was blocking the hits well. I just felt bad that the round ended with Jackson in a dominant position...man, I was cheering for Jackson. When he shelled those hits and then stepped in, after blocking Silva's attacks and fighting s carefully, then nailing that punch that sent him down...I was going crazy.

I knew Silva had him when he nailed that punch though. I said it out loud and from there I felt like I was watchinga fight I had already seen. Quinton got brutalized. I mean he got hurt bad.

Silva can get knocked down by lots of guys, but he just recovers so well. He looks sloppy and you think this guy is going to lose sooner or later because of it, but he just gets more brutal.

Amazing fight.

I really don't know what to think about the Barnett affair. Supposedly he injured his shoulder somehow. People have different views of how he did it. Some say as he was coming down, others say it just popped when he was pulling his arms in. What I find strange about it is he could attempt a crank, and then block so well with it after he tapped. I've watched the whole thing over and over...it just looks bad.

I'm just really dissapointed in that fight, and I really am hesitant to watch another Barnett fight after. That's how bad a taste it left in my mouth.

I also hear that Choi was great. I want to get a copy of that fight.

 

[Randam_Hajile]

Yeah, the whole Barnett thing was really sketchy. Everyone was looking forward to Mirko's fight and it turned out to be so disappointing.

 

[PS2 KID]

I thought Jackson was doing a good job of blocking Silva's punches and the bell definitely saved Silva because Jackson was going to unleash some punishment in the ground and pound dept. Jackson's weakness was that he didn't chain together punches unlike Wanderlei and blocking Silva's punches with his arms, eventually that had to hurt. A really good fight.

Nakamura and Barnett having back to back shoulder injuries in short matches. Hmm..
They probably want Henderson to get a shot at Silva and Cro cop was quick to offer a rematch to Barnett, sensing a 'this is a work' kind of vibe from the crowd. Good for him.

 

[Fusebox]

Mark Hunt (0-1) vs. Dan Bobish (9-6)

Ah, this is more like it. Classic grappler vs. striker. In this instance, though, the striker has to be the favourite. While Mark Hunt, who has a K-1 record of 16-7, lost his first MMA match to Yoshida, he looked good in the loss, roughing Yoshida up, and doing a good job of defending against the submissions.

Sorry to hear that, Mark is a bit of a local hero among some of my friends, its no wonder he went to MMA the way he consistently carves through other Oceania kickboxers in his class - he's in a league of his own and he's a bloody top bloke too.

 

[dream]

I love Josh but that was just...bizzare. If he were to take a dive you'd think he'd find a better spot to do it even if he had to feed a sub to Crocop or something. I'm more inclined to believe that he dislocated his shoulder when he posted up from Crocop's guard but I can't find anything in the replay to even remotely prove that.

Ah well.

On the bright side, I'm glad we get to see the New Year's Eve show even if it's on a 3 day tape delay. I think DSE's looking at Saku vs Tamura and Mino vs Fedor in addition to the proposed Crocop vs Silva fight.

 

[dream]

Actually, watching the fight again I'm thinking Josh's shoulder might have gotten messed up during this sequence: