Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted February 14, 2005 Haven't seen the show yet, but my thoughts on what I'm hearing from the recent DEEP show: - Imanari is a dangerous grappler, but Maeda really should be on a different level if he expects to compete with the elite 143lbs. fighters in the world. - Japanese heavyweights (for the most part) suck. What else is new? - Mishima's still entertaining, but damn him for beating Kato. - If what they're saying is true, Chonan is DEEP's most protected fighter along with Ueyama. Got stood up at every chance, only to be continually taken down over the first two rounds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AboveAverage484 0 Report post Posted February 14, 2005 Haven't seen the show yet, but my thoughts on what I'm hearing from the recent DEEP show: - Imanari is a dangerous grappler, but Maeda really should be on a different level if he expects to compete with the elite 143lbs. fighters in the world. - Japanese heavyweights (for the most part) suck. What else is new? - Mishima's still entertaining, but damn him for beating Kato. - If what they're saying is true, Chonan is DEEP's most protected fighter along with Ueyama. Got stood up at every chance, only to be continually taken down over the first two rounds. I'm interested in seeing who Chonan will fight next in Pride. Not really getting my hopes up though, I expect he'll fight some lower level fighers until they throw him in against another top 10 fighter. I expect maybe Schembri or someone like that, maybe? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 14, 2005 In croatian newspapers "Jutarnji list" Mirko was asked few questions about Coleman. Here is what Mirko said. About Coleman Mirko was talking with chosen words full of respect: "10 years before i admired Colemans fights, along with croatian boxer Stipe Drvis. Coleman has nothing to lose and he can gain a lot because no one really expects from Coleman to win. He is one of the most experienced fighters in Pride and i have large amount of respect towards Mark. I honestly believe i am better fighter and that i am going to come out as a winner from this fight." If Mirko overcomes Mark he will probably take some time to rest and to start training for title fight against Fedor. Now is certain that Fedor will not respond positive for title fight before June, even June is still questionable. There is also big possibility that Mirko will fight on UFC tournament April 8th in Mandalay Bay with one of the UFC heavyweights, but there is nothing confirmed from Crocop team at the moment, Mirko can only confirm that he recieved the offer from UFC. From Crocop.tk Interesting shit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Masked Man of Mystery 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2005 I just want to let folks know the KotC Underground set is well worth the money based on the first event on it, KotC 14. Best show I've seen them put on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Epic Reine 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2005 I figure this would be the best thread to ask this: What past MMA shows should I pick up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2005 Depends on what you like, what you want to know, who you want to see. Off the top of my head, for the big 2 promotions, these shows are well rounded. Pride 10, 12, 17, 20, 25, Final Conflict 03 UFC 17, 40, 43, 44, 49 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2005 For a quick crash course in some of the other Japanese orgs, the "Best of SHOOTO" comps are good pick-ups, as well as RINGS 1999 & 2000 KOK tournaments (each has a Block A, Block B, & Finals tape, which are better when watched together, IMO). With Pancrase, the early matches' rules are so different & the legitimacy questionable enough that I'd suggest mostly 1999-now stuff. However, many of the matches often go to the judges (not due to lack of trying on anybodies part, though) so it's not for everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Styles 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2005 I figure this would be the best thread to ask this: What past MMA shows should I pick up? If you're a new fan, it was the recent UFCs and Pride's that got me into it. All the recent UFCs are on DVD and readily avaliable in stores now. Pick any of them up and you're bound to like them. Pride doesn't release its DVDs nearly as quickly but older ones are avaliable and most have something good. In fact, on the very first page of the thread, I posted this, so use it as your guide I guess: Well I'll just say I got into MMA over the past year after reading so much praise about it in The Wrestling Observer and all the hype upcoming events were getting at this very forum (specifically from RRR). The 2 events upcoming were UFC 43 and Pride 26. I was unsure whether I'd like it or not from my love of wrestling but figured I had nothing to lose since I had a friend who got them for free tape both for me. UFC 43 was a good show. I immediately got into the Chuck Lidell vs. Randy Couture storyline and from the way they built up this guy Lidell I figured there was no way he'd lose. Well it turned me into a Randy Coutoure fan, that's for sure! Otherwise I was excited to see Tank fight since I knew him from WCW...uh yeah his match really didn't make me want to see him again! The Mir/Simms fight was great from a wrestling fan's perspective since it made Simms a huge heel. Oh and Vitor opening up a huge gash on Marvin Eastman's head was pretty darn cool too! I liked Pride 26 too, but I think in watching both back to back I liked UFC a little better. I don't know if it just had more of a pro wrestling feel, or what but that was just my initial opinion. The presented main event of Frye vs. Coleman was pretty boring from my perspective but I became a big Fedor fan with his win over Fujita with the CHOKE! Oh and that Cro Cop guy seemed pretty scary too. It was Pride Total Elimination that made me a Pride fan, as it was a fantastic show top to botom. Now that I knew who most of these guys were it gave me more perspective too and made me appreciate the fights more. I can't even decide which fight I liked best! Lidell/Overheem was a solid match, Tamura vs. Yoshida was just insane and high energy and Rodriguez/Nogeira (controversial decision aside) and Bustamante/Jackson were both excellent bouts. And Cro Crop, Fedor and Silva continuing to be monsters was cool too. This was pretty much the perfect show I think. Final Conflict pretty much matched the previous show in quality. Cro Crop vs. Nogeira was such a markout type match with the way it went, Liddell vs. Jackson was an excellent fight and Yoshida vs. Silva stole the show. Silva vs. Jackson was good too. I sat out the next 2 UFC shows because of unfamiliar undercard but got UFC 46 and even with the disappointing main event it was still a highly enjoyable show. Simms/Mir was just awesome and again had that wrestling match feel. BJ Penn's upset was just awesome and Lee Murray instantly made me a fan. On DVD I got UFC 44 so I could watch Coutoure/Ortiz and yeah Coutoure just owned Tito in that match the whole way through. All the other matches were good too, if somewhat unmemorable. It was my first look at Tim Sylvia and I like what I see, so I look forward to his return. I also got Pride 10 on DVD which is a really good top to bottom show. Belfort pounding Matsui bloody was cool as were Silva and Yvel's scary knockouts. It was also my first look at Ken Shamrock in MMA and he was impressive until basically giving up at the end. I also got Pride 13 on DVD but have yet to watch it, but I'll post my thoughts here after I do. This has been my rambling thoughts on the MMA shows I've seen (all of which I've enjoyed). Since then UFCs 47-50 all are worth getting (I was at 50 live and posted an extended report on it wherever that thread is). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Epic Reine 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2005 Thanxs everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AboveAverage484 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2005 Depends on what you like, what you want to know, who you want to see. Off the top of my head, for the big 2 promotions, these shows are well rounded. Pride 10, 12, 17, 20, 25, Final Conflict 03 UFC 17, 40, 43, 44, 49 Pride 16 is the shit, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2005 The whole PRIDE Middleweight GP series, PRIDE NYE that just happened, UFC 51 was really good as well, the DVD should be stellar showing matches that we missed. PRIDE Shockwave 2002 is good as well, and features the match that got me hooked on MMA, Bob Sapp vs. Antonio Minotauro Nogueira. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2005 I've just realized that both my avatar and signature revolve around QJ. Ain't nothin' wrong with that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2005 Stefan Leko is fighting Nak at PRIDE 29. They REALLY don't like K1 do they? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AboveAverage484 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2005 He has to finish out his contract before he goes back to K-1. Honestly, he'd have a better chance against Cro Cop than most people, considering Leko's striking is top-notch; although striking in K-1 and striking in MMA are two entirely different things. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Styles 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2005 Stefan Leko is fighting Nak at PRIDE 29. They REALLY don't like K1 do they? Hahahahah, I love watching Leko fight. Maybe he'll get poked in the eye leading to a TKO or something equally ridiculous... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2005 Fromd SD: "Today, the California State Athletic Commission voted four to one in favor of sanctioning mixed martial arts, Sherdog.com's Josh Gross reports. The adopted rules are the same as the commission accepted in 2003, which are nearly identical as the rules used in Nevada and New Jersey. Expanded report to follow." Well, that rules. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cameron chaos 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2005 Now they don't have to fight on Indian reservations... yay! Considering he already runs the Arnold Classic, it's not too surprising to see MMA getting passed in CA under Arnie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 28, 2005 Babalu won again. I'd like to see this guy get a chance in the UFC. Last time it's like he lost to the unstoppable (at the time) Chuck Liddell and was kicked out for it. He's kicked serious ass since. How would you rank him in the LHW division? I say six, with nowhere to go but up. I'm biased admittedly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Styles 0 Report post Posted February 28, 2005 Didn't you say he was returning on April 16 to fight on the prelim card? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted February 28, 2005 Well, when I say get a chance I mean really have an opportunity to fight consistently. That division is pretty bleak as of now so some fresh talent will help. I mean, last time he was a rising star and they fed him to the best LHW they had, in Chuck, then sent him packing. I guess I mean a fair chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted February 28, 2005 I don't really think they "fed" him to Chuck. Chuck had looked far from invincible in his last few fights before that one, and had never come at an opponent like he did that night. However, everyone pretty much assumed Babalu earned his way back into the UFC with his IFC tournament win, though it's a bit suprising they couldn't find anything for him until now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2005 Trevor prangley lost in South Africa (by JD to a HW), so OF COURSE he's off the upcoming UFC card. He'll be replaced by Joe Riggs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2005 I don't get Dana sometimes. Do you know how legit Babalu's BJJ skills are? I know he's one of the few Brazilians that actually know how to wrestle and wrestle well. From what I can tell his strikes are pretty mediocre. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted March 2, 2005 I don't get Dana sometimes. Do you know how legit Babalu's BJJ skills are? I know he's one of the few Brazilians that actually know how to wrestle and wrestle well. From what I can tell his strikes are pretty mediocre. They were raw when he fought at HW, but he always had decent low-kicks. However, if you saw him at IFC, he outstruck all three of his opponents (Prangley, SHogun, & Horn) and flowed from strikes to takedowns very well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Deft Report post Posted March 2, 2005 BJ Penn vs. Lyoto is set for March 26th.. Yes that's right, the same Lyoto that smashed Rich Franklin. This guy walks around at 220. I don't think Penn can keep him down. If he shows up with the hands he had during the Franklin fight, it could be a very long (or short) night for BJ. www.mmaweekly.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lei Tong 0 Report post Posted March 2, 2005 Machida's a good style match-up for BJ, actually. He's more of a counter striker with an average ground game and unspectacular power. No mis-match here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AboveAverage484 0 Report post Posted March 8, 2005 I'm going to try to do this weekly until the final card is confirmed for the GP. I'll post the 16 fighters most likely to participate in the GP based on news, rumors, DSE, and other reliable sources. I'll also match the fighters up based on guesswork and rumored matchups. 16 Fighters: Alistair Overeem Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Dan Henderson Hidehiko Yoshida Hirotaka Yokoi Igor Vovchanchyn Kazuhiro Nakamura Kazushi Sakuraba Makoto Takimoto Mauricio Rua Quinton Jackson Ricardo Arona Ryan Gracie Wanderlei Silva Yuki Kondo Matchups: Overeem vs. Kondo (Two strikers, both love to use knees, would be a great opener) Lil' Nog vs. Hendo (Hendo has history with Rodrigo, his last match with him at Pride 24 was awesome) Yoshida vs. Silva (Yoshida was challenged by Silva at Pride 29, rematch from 2003 GP, Yoshida is pretty banged up so he may face an easier opponent) Yokoi vs. Takimoto (Two more natives with fairly decent credentials, would guarantee a Japanese fighter in the next round) Igor vs. Arona (Classic matchup of striker vs. grappler) Nakamura vs. Ryan (Has been brewing for a while now) Sakuraba vs. Tamura (Would be main event and massive draw, doesn't hurt that it's a big time grudge match either, would also be easier on Sakuraba's body by matching him up with Tamura who's style is fairly similar) Shogun vs. Rampage (Shogun goes for revenge after his brother's loss at the hands of Rampage) Silva might face someone like Yokoi, leaving Yoshida to go one on one with Takimoto, another judo stylist. Also, I wouldn't be surprised at any combination of Igor, Arona, Kondo, or Overeem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2005 I don't know if any of you have been keeping up with the news, but there has been a big dispute with Fedor and PRIDE management, with Fedor saying that he won't resign because PRIDE is only offering him HALF of what he feels he deserves, aka half of what Wanderlei Silva is getting. Nobuhiko Takada has gone publicly to say that he thinks Fedor is scared of Cro Cop and that's why he hasn't resigned, trying to lure him back by calling him a pussy basically. Fedor said that he won't fall for his tricks (or something like that) and will wait till he gets what he deserves. Fedor Re-signs with PRIDE The Dutch media report that PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko has signed a new contract with DSE/PRIDE . Fedor was in Holland for last night's 2H2H show , and made the announcement in the ring. PRIDE Site In other words... Fedor will fight Koshaka on bushido 6 in april! -Fedor Emelianenko vs Tsuyoshi Kohsaka -Ikuhisa Minowa vs Gilbert Yvel -Amar Suloev vs Paulo Filho -Murilo Bustamante vs Ryuta Sakurai -Aleksander Emelianenko vs Ricardo Morais -Dean Lister vs Akira Shoji -Luiz Buscape Firminho vs Luiz Azeredo -Daiju Takase vs Daniel Acacio I'm a littler nervous because anything can happen, but here's hoping for a vicious KO of TK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Styles 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2005 So they're risking Fedor on a B show before the big title fight....AND they're bringing in Gilbert "completely insane" Yvel too? EDIT: Not, in the same match obviously. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AboveAverage484 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2005 TK is tough, but I seriously doubt Fedor will have any problem defeating him. As for Yvel, what are ya gonna do? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
