PRIDE: Shockwave '04

[The Ghost of bps21 0]

Well that should be fun.

 

And as a big Sakuraba fan...

 

Thank you God that he's injured. Can't watch him get killed by Silva again.

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

Oh no, is the freight train that is Wanderlei Silva finally over? I don't see how he can get this fight to the ground, nor would I see him wanting to. He just loves to stand up and trade. No one can knock out Mark Hunt either.

 

Oh my goodness, I hope Silva knew what he was in for when he asked for a heavyweight.

[Styles 0]

Oh no, is the freight train that is Wanderlei Silva finally over? I don't see how he can get this fight to the ground, nor would I see him wanting to. He just loves to stand up and trade. No one can knock out Mark Hunt either.

 

Oh my goodness, I hope Silva knew what he was in for when he asked for a heavyweight.

I think when it's all said and done. Silva's knee will be lodged firmly into Hunt's jaw, but yeah, Silva might break his knee on his hard head....

[Guest Deft]

There is a 64lb weight difference between Hunt & Silva. Pretty ridiculous but should make for an awesome fight.

[Lei Tong 0]

I really hope Silva lives up to his word and stands with Hunt, but chances are he realizes he stands no chance in a striking match and instead waits for Hunt to gas, trips him up, and subs him on the ground.

[AboveAverage484 0]

Oh no, is the freight train that is Wanderlei Silva finally over? I don't see how he can get this fight to the ground, nor would I see him wanting to. He just loves to stand up and trade. No one can knock out Mark Hunt either.

 

Oh my goodness, I hope Silva knew what he was in for when he asked for a heavyweight.

Have you ever seen Silva's fight with Bob Schrijber? Bob has probably got better taked down defense than Mark, considering Mark only has two MMA fights and Bob has more than 40, but the question is whether Silva would want to stand and trade with Mark or not.

 

But hey, Silva's surprised us on more than one occasion, so maybe he can pull another one out.

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

Sorry, I meant that I was wondering as to whether or not he would want to go down, or even if he did, whether he'd want to keep it there and work for a submission.

[Lei Tong 0]

Oh no, is the freight train that is Wanderlei Silva finally over? I don't see how he can get this fight to the ground, nor would I see him wanting to. He just loves to stand up and trade. No one can knock out Mark Hunt either.

 

Oh my goodness, I hope Silva knew what he was in for when he asked for a heavyweight.

Have you ever seen Silva's fight with Bob Schrijber? Bob has probably got better taked down defense than Mark, considering Mark only has two MMA fights and Bob has more than 40, but the question is whether Silva would want to stand and trade with Mark or not.

 

But hey, Silva's surprised us on more than one occasion, so maybe he can pull another one out.

Dirty Bob has shit takedown defense. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be suprised if Hunt can avoid the takedown better than Bob this early in his career.

[Styles 0]

Ok, here's the match order for the show:

 

1) Stefan Leko vs. Ikuhisa Minowa

2) Giant Silva vs. Choi Mu Base

3) Ryan Gracie vs. Yoji Anjo

4) Anderson Silva vs. Ryo Chonan

5) Makoto Takimoto vs. Sentoryu

6) Rulon Gardner vs. Hidehiko Yoshida

7) Kevin Randleman vs. Mirko Cro Cop

8) Dan Henderson vs. Yuki Kondo

9) Jens Pulver vs. Takanori Gomi

10) Wanderlei Silva vs. Mark Hunt

11) Fedor vs. Nogueira

 

Huge Request, PLEASE do not post any spoilers in this thread, not even any comments alluding to match results. I think I speak for most people ordering the show in that we want to go in and be suprised. If someone wants to make a "Pride Spoilers thread", they can. Ok, thanks!

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

1) Stefan Leko vs. Ikuhisa Minowa

 

Leko looked horrible against Ogawa, so unless that was a work I can't see this being any different. Minowa will take him down and pound him. Leko will give his back. Minowa, Rear Naked Choke, Rd1

 

2) Giant Silva vs. Choi Mu Bai

 

They're trying to create a superstar with the CMB, they've gone so far as to create a Korean website. I see no reason why he doesn't take this. Hopefully this won't air on the PPV. Choi Mu Bai, Decision.

 

3) Ryan Gracie vs. Yoji Anjo

 

Anjo is going to get destroyed. He took a really good beating from Tank Abbott a few years ago at UFC Japan, but Gracie does more than just pound. Unless Gracie gets injured in a freak accident, Ryan Gracie, Armbar, Rd1

 

4) Anderson Silva vs. Ryo Chonan

 

That loss to Takase did a number on Silva. Horn, Newton, Steibling, Sakurai, Murray... an impressive list of names which should override that one loss, but I can't help but shake it. I need to see an impressive win from Silva to have some confidence in him. This is a toss up, Silva should win it by decision at least. If I had to choose, Silva via KO Rd 1.

 

5) Makoto Takimoto vs. Sentoryu

 

Let's not dignify this, k?

 

6) Rulon Gardner vs. Hidehiko Yoshida

 

Gardner has size and strength against Yoshida, but I don't really see any finishing skills on him. If Silva couldn't finish Yoshida, I don't see how Garnder can. Hunts size didn't stop Yoshida from tapping him out and I don't see Gardner being able to avoid them either. Yoshida, armbar, Rd1

 

7) Kevin Randleman vs. Mirko Cro Cop

 

The punch was no fluke, but it was a once in a life time shot that will never happen again. If that makes sense. Randleman can still take Cro Cop down and has shown the power to KO him. But I will still go with Mirko. Cro Cop, KO, Rd 2.

 

8) Dan Henderson vs. Yuki Kondo

 

This match will suck. Only because the last 2 Hendo matches which should have ruled sucked. Henderson, Decision.

 

9) Jens Pulver vs. Takanori Gomi

 

Oh man. I don't want to jinx this match. Gomi, Decision.

 

10) Wanderlei Silva vs. Mark Hunt

 

Shit, I would have put Leko vs. Silva, because this is a tough one for Wanderlei. Silva is prone to a good uppercut and Hunt can deliver one. This is not a good match. I can't believe I'm betting against Silva. Hunt, KO, Rd 1

 

11) Fedor vs. Nogueira

 

Noguiera showed the right strategy vs. Fedor, but now Fedor knows that strategy and will have a counter for it. Their first match was one of my favourites, the second one was going great until the cut, this is one of 4 awesome matches on this card that could provide MOTYC's. I don't want to call this.

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

I don't want to read the PRIDE spoilers, so please don't place them here, but I was looking for a link to K1 spoilers, for the dynamite show. EDIT: Here are the spoilers, I didn't care much for this show, and after reading the spoilers, I understand why. The experiment with the gold medal wrestler intrigued me though, especially against a typical wrestler in Fujita.

K1 Dynamite spoilers

 

Lei Tong, don't you think it's a little overboard to say Silva has no chance on the feet? I mean, he stood with Cro Cop pretty well in that fight, he played it smart. This is a surreal matchup for me though. It went from a one sided beating to taking the most dominant fighter in MMA and putting him in a match that he is the underdog (in my eyes). It's just so weird to have the possibility of him being ousted from his stranglehold on the sport in a matter of what, three days? Of course, I could be wrong on all of what I said, seeing as how the fight has occurred, but I haven't seen it, so it hasn't happened to me.

 

Leko had a back injury in the first fight, so that could be a good reason why he sucked it up there, or it was a work.

[Lei Tong 0]

Well, I'd say Silva has no chance of beating Hunt standing, though he can probably hold his own until the takedown. Plenty of awesome strikers can be thrown off their striking game due to having to worry about the takedown, which is a reason I believe Silva could get Hunt to the ground enough to eventually finish him (assuming his black belt is as legit as some believe).

[Brush with Greatness 0]

What time is this tonight? 8 or 9 eastern?

[the pinjockey 0]

Preview: 8:30

Show: 9:00

[Guest JebusNassedar]

Moments of the Night, without spolers since the show is over:

-Ikuhisa launching a dropkick 5 seconds in.

-Choi Mu Bae forgetting that headbutts are illegal.

-Not having to see Sentoryu ever again. Phew!

-The entirety of Chonan/Silva, especially Chonan's Heel hook. Gorgeous.

-Cro Cop SUBMITTING Randleman.

-Rulon not getting tired.

-Gomi's "Fuck You" look after a Jens flurry.

-Hunt blasting Silva on numerous occasions.

-ATOMIC ASS DROP~!

-The look on Hunt's face when the first judge's choice was him.

 

 

Past Gomi/Pulver, the show was kinda blah, except for the huge markout moments when Fedor actually connected.

 

Great show to watch, simply because of the ATOMIC ASS DROP~!

[the pinjockey 0]

Again I have to ask, Where the fuck are the opening ceremonies?!? Opening Ceremonies > Stefan fucking Leko and Giant Silva.

[AboveAverage484 0]

IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE PRIDE SHOW DON'T READ THIS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick thoughts on each match:

 

Leko vs. Minowa: Leko definitely needs to go back to K-1. It would be a benefit to all concerned; K-1 would get another A class HW, and Leko could redeem himself for his poor performances of late.

 

Choi vs. Silva: Silva should stick to pro wrestling.

 

Gracie vs. Anjo: Gracie has beaten nobody yet continues to act like he is a major player in the MW/HW scene. Gracie vs. Chonan would be good.

 

Chonan vs. Silva: Damn, Chonan was impressive. He frustrated one of the top middleweight fighters in the world and to top it off, applied one of the slickest submissions this side of Rumina Sato. Big things in this guy's future.

 

Takimoto vs. Sentoryu: Wasn't shown on PPV.

 

Gardner vs. Yoshida: Boring fight, but Yoshida lost so I'm happy Gardner would get murdered by Fedor or Cro Cop, though.

 

Cro Cop vs. Randleman: Either Cro Cop's improved his subs or Randleman's sub defense is just as bad as ever. My guess is it's the latter.

 

Hendo vs. Kondo: Dan looked worn out the entire fight, but like always he turned it up towards the end. One of those fights that looked good on paper, but failed to impress in actuality. I think Pride needs to bring back the overtime round for instances like this where the regulation is too close to call.

 

Gomi vs. Pulver: Gomi beats Jens at his own game and looks damn good at the same time. Gomi should fight Kawajiri, but since he gets no respect, I guess a rematch with Hansen is in order.

 

Hunt vs. Silva: Silva has a monster set of balls on him for fighting a big guy like Hunt in three days notice and not being afraid to stand and trade with him. All those haters that think Silva has a poor chin need to watch this match and suck a fat one, cuz Silva took some monster shots from Mark. Don't really have a big problem with the decision, as I think it could have gone either way.

 

Fedor vs. Nog: I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can see no one right now that would pose a problem for Fedor. He just has the instincts and natural talent, he knows exactly what to do and when to do it. A match with Cro Cop is in his future, and I see Fedor coming out on top in that one. I think he could take Cro Cop down at will, yes at will, and ground and pound his way to victory.

 

Pretty good show, though it failed to deliver on an overall scale, it was still worth the dough.

[Styles 0]

That was a nonstop, frantic paced show. They has so many matches to show and so many went to decision that they cut out all the filler like entrances, interviews, etc. which I don't have a problem with. More bang for my buck, literally.

 

Ikuhisa Minowa def. Stefan Leko (1st, leg lock): I think Leko should fight on every show. Really, I'm beginning to get a perverse pleasure at his complete cluelessness and quick losses that I'd like to see him become Pride's comedy jobber. Put him against Giant Silva next. Anyway the dropkick was funny and Minowa just synched on that leglock and when Leko let go of the ropes he knew he was fucked.

 

Choi Mu Base def. Giant Silva (1st, choke): I didn't care for this one, but I guess they want to get over Choi. I think Silva's usefullness has run out, although to his credit he looked to be in better shape and quicker moving and he showed some good defense briefly.

 

Ryan Gracie def. Yoji Anjo (1st, armbar): Ryan sure is an asshole. Best part was when he took a shot at the referee when he was being reset. Didn't care much for this either since Anjoy didn't look like he belonged in there.

 

Ryo Chonan def. Anderson Silva (3rd, leg lock): First good fight of the night. Chonan definitely made a name for himself with this showing as he looked very well rounded. That leglock out of nowhere to finish was awesome.

 

Rulon Gardner def. Hidehiko Yoshida (unanimous dec.): I was really into this one. I didn't think Gardner had much of a chance but he really pulled me in from the second he hit that huge blow that knocked Yoshida down in the 1st. His hits looked good and he showed good defense too avoiding Yoshida's submission attempts. Very impressive debut.

 

Mirko Cro Cop def. Kevin Randleman (1st, choke): Talk about the stupidest finish you could think of, since I wanted a knockout either way in this one. What is wrong with Randleman? He came out strong charging at him but Cro Crop shouldn't be submitting people. Most diappointing match of the night.

 

Dan Henderson def. Yuki Kondo (2-1 decision): A good, evenly matched fight but boring at times as Henderson especially seemed to fatigue and just lay there in spots. I'm sure I'd need to rewatch it again without the heavy load of the rest of the show already absorbed to appreciate it more.

 

Takanori Gomi def. Jens Pulver (3rd, knockout): This was a fun match. These 2 really went at it and it was like a straight boxing match most of the way, nice KO from Gomi.

 

Mark Hunt def. Wanderlei Silva (2-1 decision). OHHHHH MY! Match of the night (and your early match of the year!) This was so exciting, and Hunt made himself tonight. This guy is for real. Silva still looked like a monster too as he absorbed some sick, sick, heavy shots from Hunt and wouldn''t stay down. I was sure he was finished a couple times. Of course what Randy Couture dubbed THE ATOMIC BUTT DROP~! has to be mentioned as a highlight. Hunt rolling out of that kimura and then just switching positions out of nowhere when he was in the guard were phenomenol to watch. I agreed with the announcers in thinking Silva should have been awarded the match given the large weight difference, that Silva absorbed it and still didn't get finished, that he scored several big takedowns and he was on top in control at the end. Still, Hunt was impressive enough to earn the win too. Would he be allowed to fight for the title because of the weight difference? If not bring on Fedor vs. Hunt (after Fedor disposes of Cro Crop, but Im getting ahead of myself now!). The reactions at the end by the 2 fighters from Silva's elation turned to shock, to Hunt's melancholy turned to suprise were priceless.

 

Fedor def. Nogueira (unanimous dec.). This was my second favorite fight of the night, not because it was competitive like the last one, but because I love watching Fedor fight and he just owned the very skilled Nogueira for 3 straight rounds. Mintaur got basically 0 offense in. Every time he tried a submission, Fedor just non chalantly stepped out of it. I'll give Antonio credit though for not getting knocked out by some heavy blows by Fedor. But this was clearly a one sided contest by the Russian Killing Machine. Fedor vs. Cro Crop awaits!

 

Overall I enjoyed the show. There was a lot of fights, which is a good thing since it's 30 bucks, but on the other hand it caused some overkill at time, as it became tedious with basically no breaks to catch your breath. Hunt vs. Silva was amazing, I really liked Gardner vs. Yoshida and Fedor vs. Nog, Gomi vs. Pulver, Henderson vs. Kondo and Silva vs. Chonan were all enjoyable fights too.