Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Kurt Pellegrino Stepping Away from UFC Career

UFC lightweight fan favorite Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino has decided to walk away from MMA for the time being, and possibly for good.

The choice to walk away from the sport you love is never an easy decision for any athlete and it appears Pellegrino has been wrestling with the choice for awhile.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/18698/kurt-pellegrino-stepping-away-from-ufc-career/

Daniel Acacio Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana 

Asus Padfone Puts a Phone Inside a Tablet

This is the Asus Padfone, a truly ridiculous device that seems to have been inspired by the Wizard of Oz, with a little dash of Transformers.
Although the actual design isn’t finalized, the mockup shows the concept clearly enough. You get an Android phone which slides into a dumb tablet. The phone then drives the tablet’s [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/05/asus-padfone-puts-a-phone-inside-a-tablet/

Dennis George Kultar Gill Allan Goes Takanori The Fireball Kid Gomi Akihiro Gono

There?s Only One Way to Get These Seats

The ball boys and girls chosen to work the premier court at the French Open have access to a photographers? pit that has become a sort of clubhouse for them.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/8MjpMCkSacY/clubhouse-for-ball-boys-and-girls-at-french-open.html

Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee  Marvin Eastman  Stav Crazy Bear Economou 

Accusations Are Replaced by Anger at FIFA

FIFA has repeatedly faced charges of corruption while operating with a lack of transparency and little oversight.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/UWXZ63e3C0Q/accusations-are-replaced-by-anger-at-fifa.html

Andrew Gardner Tiki Ghosn Dennis George Kultar Gill Allan Goes

What you need to know from this week on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’

Last week, Chris Cope and Ramsey Nijem punched their tickets to the semifinals. Two more fights are on the docket for tonight, as well as the semifinals match-ups. Who will win the quarterfinals? What fighter crosses the line? What is Ramsey doing in that picture? Read on for spoilers and a recap.

Nice guy of the week: Chuck O'Neil plans to give half of his win bonus to Charlie Rader, who needs money to deal with legal problems surrounding his kid. He hasn't seen his son in more than a year. Rader said that he isn't going to take the cash, but O'Neil isn't taking no for an answer.

Rematch of the week: Davis beat O'Neil in their first bout, so they are fighting with good knowledge of each other.

Quarterfinal: Zach Davis (Team dos Santos) vs. Chuck O'Neil (Team Lesnar)

Round one: The two started by throwing every strike in the book at each other until Davis dives in for a takedown attempt. O'Neil defends it, while Davis throws knee after knee. Davis tries to drop to a single leg to get O'Neil to the ground, but O'Neil lands strike after strike on Davis' face that opens a cut under Davis' eye. O'Neil takes over in the final minute, aggressively landing punch after punch while Davis showed little defense. As the round ended, Davis' face was swollen and bleeding, and O'Neil looked fresh and ready for more.

Round two: O'Neil knocks Davis to the ground with a quick leg kick, but as soon as he's in Davis' guard, Lesnar order O'Neil to stand up. Back on their feet, Davis still seems desperate to bring the fight to the ground. No matter what he does, he can't get the fight to the ground. After referee Steve Mazzagatti breaks the two apart, O'Neil stays aggressive. Davis tries another takedown attempt that makes Lesnar say, "That's weak!" For once, I agree with Brock.

O'Neil takes the fight in two rounds, and thoroughly impressed Dana White.

More bad news of the day: The loss was only the first blow to Davis. He tore the retinas in both of his eyes, and now is told that he can't ever fight again. He is clearly heartbroken, mentioning that his career has to end just when it was getting good.

Quarterfinal: Ryan McGillivray (Team dos Santos) vs. Tony Ferguson (Team Lesnar)

Round one: Early in the round, Ferguson caught McGillivray with a uppercut and then added a straight right. McGillivray staggered backwards, and then fell to the ground. Ferguson jumped on top quickly, ending the fight and earning himself another $5,000 bonus for a stoppage.

With that, Lesnar has three semifinalists and dos Santos has one. The semifinal match-ups are:

Ramsey Nijem vs. Chris Cope

Chuck O'Neil vs. Tony Ferguson

The fights will air next Wednesday, and decide who will fight in the finale on June 4.

Hijinks of the week: With the quarterfinals finished, the fighters decide to celebrate. That involves tequila, Ramsey stripping on the pool table, and throwing water.� Apparently, throwing water doesn't sit well with Ferguson, because he tackled Charlie Rader into a coffee table after Rader poured water on Ferguson's head. It turned really ugly from there. Ferguson wouldn't shake Rader's hand, then brought Rader's child into the discussion, saying, "Hit me, don't hit your kid!"

Whoa. That's as over-the-line as it gets. Ferguson didn't let up, despite Rader handling himself as well as can be expected. Later, when the rest of the castmates try to get Ferguson to apologize, he again brings Rader's son into the conversation. Rader had to be held back by several fighters, and Ferguson has marked himself as an enemy to the whole house.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/What-you-need-to-know-from-this-week-on-The-Ult?urn=mma-wp2550

Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown  Junie Browning Paul Buentello 

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt ? Deep Ultramarine

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt – Deep Ultramarine The Roxy Genius Long Sleeved T-Shirt is available in Deep Ultramarine. 100% Cotton, long sleeved t-shirt with printed logo design and ribbed panel running down the back. One front chest pocket. Price �21.60 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: T-Shirts|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-genius-ls-t-shirt-deep-ultramarine-2/

Grant Campbell  Gesias JZ Calvancante  Luiz Cane  Dos Caras Jr   Phil Cardella

What you need to know from this week on “The Ultimate Fighter”

If Season 13 of "The Ultimate Fighter" has been missing anything, it's a bit of that pizazz from Brock Lesnar's WWE days. The former WWE champ still hasn't gone back to his roots, but between Chris Cope's Ric Flair-like "wooos" and Junior dos Santos screaming "what" like he was watching "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Episode 9 felt like being at a wrestling event.

It also turned out to be about and looking past an opponent and weak excuses.

Cope is supposedly the weak link on the show, but he proved everyone wrong again by pulling the upset on Team dos Santos' No. 1 pick Shamar Bailey.

UFC president Dana White called it before the fight saying Bailey looked one-dimensional in his opening round win and was overlooking Cope. Cope wasn't exactly Mr. Aggressive, but he successfully defended against nine takedown attempts and gassed Bailey on his way to a surprising 20-18 win.

Dos Santos was shocked.

"That [decision] was terrible for me," dos Santos said. "I looked at Dana and said 'what?'"

Bailey was also in disbelief saying, "he fought well, but I don't know about that. You can't win backing up the whole time."

White seemed pleased that Cope got the decision and wasn't hearing Bailey's lame excuse during a one-on-one conversation shortly after the fight.

"I just want to let you know I took a risk," Bailey told White. "I wanted to show you I could bang and not just wrestle. I left it in the hands of the judges. I could've took the easy way out and just took him down."

White quickly pointed to Bailey that he did try to take Cope down throughout the fight and had zero success.

There was no controversy in quarterfinal fight No. 1. Knowing that Ramsey Nijem is a strong wrestler, Brock Lesnar worked with Clay Harvison on his takedown defense. Harvison was drilled hard on getting out of the clinch.

Practice didn't make perfect. He was taken down just 10 seconds into the fight. When he tried to get back up he left his back exposed. Nijem worked to get the hooks in, then flattened out Harvison before locking on a rear-naked choke. It was all over in 56 seconds.

Next week it looks like Tony Ferguson goes psycho in the TUF house. He also faces Ryan McGillivray while Zach Davis battles "Cold Steel" Chuck O'Neil.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/What-you-need-to-know-from-this-week-on-The-Ult?urn=mma-wp2391

Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson Tank Abbott

Fighter Mike Brown ready to take over the Lakers

Mike Brown is getting ready for his August bout with Nam Phan, but apparently, he has another job on his plate. "Mike Brown" is expected to be hired as the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, so the other Mike Brown, a UFC featherweight, had fun with it on his Twitter account.

It looks like Brown has some ideas on changing the Lakers' lineup. He plans on switching out 7-footer Andrew Bynum from center with the 5-foot-10 Yves Edwards. Brown also advised "his players" to expect some changes in training. "Practice starts tomorrow at 9am sharp. Bring your mouthguard and headgear. There's gonna be some changes!"

At UFC 133, Brown wants to stop a two-loss skid, but he shouldn't try to take inspiration from his "new team." The uninspired Lakers were swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Fighter-Mike-Brown-ready-to-take-over-the-Lakers?urn=mma-wp2538

Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho Mirko Cro Cop Filipović Luiz Buscapé Firmino

On Par: Allen Renz: Teacher of the Hour, 14 Times Daily

Allan Renz keeps telling his wife that he will work less, and she keeps telling him she doesn't believe it.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/fCHhKSNVCUA/

Luiz Azeredo  Luciano Azevedo  Ba Te er  Ryan Bader  Siyar Bahadurzada

Asus Padfone Puts a Phone Inside a Tablet

This is the Asus Padfone, a truly ridiculous device that seems to have been inspired by the Wizard of Oz, with a little dash of Transformers.
Although the actual design isn’t finalized, the mockup shows the concept clearly enough. You get an Android phone which slides into a dumb tablet. The phone then drives the tablet’s [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/05/asus-padfone-puts-a-phone-inside-a-tablet/

Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana  José Aldo 

Analysis: Buckeyes? Trials With Tressel Are Test for N.C.A.A.

The trials of Jim Tressel and Ohio State will prove to be a test of the N.C.A.A.?s commitment to policing its ranks.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/bx0p8xbwhxY/buckeyes-trials-with-tressel-are-test-for-ncaa.html

Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana  José Aldo  John Alessio  Houston Alexander

4th Westbeach Chinese Downhill ? Whistler

In the Westbeach Chinese Downhill you either win or you loose, there’s no inbetween, there’s no attitude, there’s nothing to hold on to. It’s you, your board and the mountain & you get down that mountain as fast as you can. On the way down you have no friends. Then when you reach the bottom [...]

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/4th-westbeach-chinese-downhill-whistler/

Mike Brown  Junie Browning Paul Buentello  Josh Burkman  Mikey Burnett 

Monday, May 30, 2011

Eating baby food, abstinence and kicking butt, all part of what makes up phenom Michael McDonald

A 20-year-old shouldn't be able to walk into the UFC and compete, but that's exactly what Michael McDonald is doing. A few seconds of watching him fight and you understand why he's so advanced for his age. Speaking to him gives you an even better indicator.

With the help of RawVegas.tv, we hunted down McDonald in Las Vegas. He's a very poised, grounded kid. McDonald is spiritual and admitted that he doesn't drink or party, and he's abstinent.

McDonald faces UFC newcomer Chris Cariaso on the undercard of UFC 130. The fighters have a history with Cariaso taking out a McDonald teammate in a past fight. It was a frustrating night for McDonald who worked the corner. He wants to exact a bit of revenge for his buddy. McDonald is a huge minus-300 favorite over Cariaso.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Eating-baby-food-abstinence-and-kicking-butt-a?urn=mma-wp2624

Giants Superbowl Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney 

Stout interview: Lightweight sides with Maynard, says Gray will beat Pettis

Sam Stout is in Las Vegas prepping for his UFC 131 bout against Yves Edwards. One of the more dynamic strikers in the lightweight division, he needs to put together a winning streak to breakthrough into the UFC's top 10.

Stout looks at the division as the deepest in the world and tends to side with Gray Maynard, who said a few weeks ago that the UFC 155ers have faced better competition than those in the WEC.

With the help of RawVegas.tv, we spoke with Stout about who he thinks will come out the victor by the middle of 2012 and the brewing rivalry between lightweights from the WEC and UFC.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Stout-interview-Lightweight-sides-with-Maynard-?urn=mma-wp2497

Mark The Hammer Coleman Wes Soldier Combs  Ray Cooper  Kit Cope  Wesley Cabbage Correira 

MMA takes another step in N.Y. by passing again in the State Senate

MMA made strides again yesterday in New York as another bill passed through the state's senate. The N.Y. Senate voted 42-18 in favor of Bill S1707A and now it's head to the N.Y. State Assembly where it's consistently stalled in recent years.

Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Colonie, has led the charge in the past. The assembly session ends on June 20 with just 12 days of actual working time remaining.

It should be noted that the senate vote in favor of MMA in New York was stronger this time. In June of 2010, it only passed 32-26.

Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome, introduced S1707A yesterday.

"We made an attempt in the budget and it was taken out as the final agreement was put together," Griffo told the Albany Times-Union. "It's a good idea because the sport exists. It's a recognized sport, and it would generate economic activity and income for the state of New York, and allow New York State athletes to compete in their home state."

UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta was pleased with the outcome.

"It's time to bring the fastest growing sport in the world to New York. With every passing month, our sport gets more and more popular around the country and in New York," Fertitta said in a release. "We want to thank the State Senate, and we're confident that when Assembly members take an objective look at our safety record, our popularity with their constituents, and the economic benefits and jobs we would bring to the State, they will take the same action and UFC fans will finally be able to see live UFC events in their home state."

The UFC has bolstered its efforts recently in New York by holding two press conferences at Madison Square Garden and sending fighters to Albany on several occasions in 2011. UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones pitched in yesterday. New York is just one of six remaining states that don't allow MMA.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/MMA-takes-another-step-in-N-Y-by-passing-again-?urn=mma-wp2502

Andre Amade  Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade 

‘The MMA Insiders’ audio: Roy Nelson talks feuds and Sonnen

Roy Nelson was in studio for ESPNRadio1100's "The MMA Insiders" show on Friday.

Nelson took part in the 10-minute "opening round." Adam Hill and Nelson covered the five big MMA stories of the week - ringside monitors for the judges, Brock Lesnar's illness/heavyweight division, Jon Jones' hand injury, WEC vs. UFC 155 pounders and the Chael Sonnen saga.

The Sonnen story took a twist later on Friday with California changing the date when he could re-apply for a license. Nelson stuck around for Part 2, and in Part 3, Jon Jones joined the show.

If you're in Las Vegas next week, "The MMA Insiders" will be live from the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday from 6-7 p.m. PT before the Tuff-N-Uff fight card.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/-The-MMA-Insiders-audio-Roy-Nelson-talks-feuds?urn=mma-wp2476

Edson Drago  Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee 

Mir and Nelson may be friends, but punching each other in the face is no problem

Before past fights, Frank Mir has engaged in some pretty nasty trash talking wars. This time it just doesn't feel right, but that doesn't mean Mir's fightplan is any different against Roy Nelson.

"If my wife we're to get in the ring with me, I would try to knock her head off and choke her unconscious. I would flip the switch instantly," Mir said with a smile. "Roy and I are friends before the fight. I like the guy a lot. But during the fight, it doesn't matter that we do or don't like each other beforehand. Trust me, Roy is going to try and knock my head off. I'm going to try and knock his head off. And if I can catch him in a choke, I want him to go to sleep. And I guarantee you he'd like to take arm off and put it on his mantle."

Check out Larry Pepe (ProMMARadio), Damon Martin (MMAWeekly) and myself picking the Mir-Nelson fight using the Las Vegas odds.

You can watch UFC 130 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Mir-and-Nelson-may-be-friends-but-punching-each?urn=mma-wp2561

Murilo Bustamante  Grant Campbell  Gesias JZ Calvancante  Luiz Cane  Dos Caras Jr  

Stann scores another spectacular finish by blasting Santiago at UFC 130

LAS VEGAS - Brian Stann dealt with an emotional spot beautifully in the opening fight of the UFC 130 pay-per-view. The Marine, fighting on Memorial Day weekend, took out an elite middleweight in Jorge Santiago, by showing off a versatile, powerful stand up attack. Stann floored Santiago with a right hook and landed five more shots on the ground before referee Herb Dean saved the Brazilian at 4:29 of the second round.

"It means so much to win today," Stann said, who received a Silver Star back in 2006 for his heroic efforts in Iraq. "There are people who aren't here anymore. They are the true heroes. I am here thanks to a lot of luck and I'm grateful to be fighting on the biggest stage on earth."

Stann's military is a main focus before every one of his fights. He's so humble that he actually apologized during the prefight press conference and again after the fight.

"The attention that's bestowed upon me is misdirected. It belongs to the active military personnel and those who lost their lives fighting for this country," said Stann.

Based on his success with Japan's Sengoku, Santiago rose into the middleweight top 10 of some MMA polls. But there was also a thought that he was a bit overrated. The sportsbook and betting public in Las Vegas agreed with that assessment. Stann was minus-140 favorite during the week and one-sided action pushed him to a -160 favorite. The way the fight played out, he probably should've been a 3-to-1 favorite.

Santiago had trouble getting into a rhythm on the feet and anytime he went near Stann in a clinch situation, he was overpowered.

On the feet, Stann (11-3, 5-1 UFC) was excellent with his leg kicks. He momentarily dropped Santiago on two occasion with those kicks, but the fight changing blows came with both fists. He landed a left hook with 1:45 left in the first and pounded away on top of Santiago for the rest of the round. In the second, Santiago still looked shaky on the feet and was slow. Stann caught him with a right hook on the side of his head and this time Santiago couldn't recover. Stann pounced and fired away from a standing position. The fifth punch he landed made Santiago go limp.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Stann-scores-another-spectacular-finish-by-blast?urn=mma-wp2719

Tony Bonello Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney 

Tony Ferguson explains offensive TUF outburst

On Wednesday night's episode of "The Ultimate Fighter," Tony Ferguson crossed the line when in a drunken argument with castmate Charlie Rader. It started with Rader pouring water on Ferguson's head, and with the amount of alcohol and testosterone flying around, things went too far. Ferguson brought up Rader's custody problems with his son, saying, "Hit me, don't hit your son."

Ferguson discussed the incident in his post on the SB Nation MMA blog:

Why did I bring up Charlie's son? I have no idea, but I have a guess. My birth father wasn't there for me growing up. Somehow Charlie's situation mixed in with my adrenaline from fighting and the booze all worked together to bring up my own issues. I learned a lot about myself watching that on tape and how I felt about certain things in my life. I was under a lot of pressure, I was trying to bottle up frustration and it didn't work. Well, it worked for a while, but ultimately did not.

I said some things I shouldn't have said. I was in a weird place. I was having crazy dreams in that house. The entire experience took me out of my own independence and removed all of my release valves.

I really regret saying what I said to Charlie and we've talked about it since the incident. I've spoke to Clay Harvison and Chuck, too. We are in a better place now than we were that night.

In the post, Ferguson mentions that they started drinking immediately after the fights, and adrenaline was still pumping through his veins.

Every TUF castmate I've spoken to has mentioned how weird the experience is. They're in a house for six weeks with no television, books, visitors or privacy. They get to train, drink, and entertain each other. This is not to excuse Ferguson's behavior, but just to point out that this isn't a normal situation, and abnormal behavior comes out of it.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Tony-Ferguson-explains-offensive-TUF-outburst?urn=mma-wp2619

Patriots Giants Superbowl Kyle Bradley 

Straight Sets: Chasing Win Record, Djokovic Faces Tough Finale

To earn a record winning streak, Novak Djokovic may have to beat Roger Federer in the semifinals and Rafael Nadal in the final.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/ggILIWYRGs8/

Dos Caras Jr   Phil Cardella Roan Jucao Carneiro Shane The Engineer Carwin  Jason Hollywood Chambers

Hands-On: Incredible 2, a Phone That Lives Up to Its Name

I scoffed when HTC first released the Incredible 2. Not necessarily at its hardware or features, but rather for its presumptuous name.
But after spending some time with the device itself, I can safely say the phone’s title is no misnomer (if not a little overconfident).
The phone bucks the trend of the huge, power-hungry phones we’re [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/05/hands-on-droid-incredible-2/

Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee  Marvin Eastman  Stav Crazy Bear Economou 

Yankees 7, Mariners 1: Bullpen Rests as Sabathia Helps Yankees Avoid a Sweep

The Yankees got a hit from every member of the starting lineup and eight solid innings from C. C. Sabathia to win the finale of a three-game series in Seattle.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/ScdL0oPvSpo/bullpen-rests-as-sabathia-helps-yankees-avoid-a-sweep.html

Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio  Mikhail Avetisyan Luiz Azeredo 

Natural Speakers, Handmade From Porcelain and Wooden Sticks

You’d think that making a speaker from hard, brittle porcelain would result in an equally splintered, frangible sound. Apparently, though, according to Joonsoo Kim and Jungyou Choi of Joon & Jung, it lends the sound a resonance, a “natural vibe and ambiance,” which lends music some properties of acoustic instruments.
This is the thinking behind their [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/05/natural-speakers-hand-made-from-porcelain-and-wooden-sticks/

Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee  Marvin Eastman  Stav Crazy Bear Economou 

On Par: Allen Renz: Teacher of the Hour, 14 Times Daily

Allan Renz keeps telling his wife that he will work less, and she keeps telling him she doesn't believe it.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/fCHhKSNVCUA/

Efrain Escudero Rashad Evans Urijah Faber Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson

Sunday, May 29, 2011

‘Bigfoot’ says Barnett is rude and a butt kisser

Josh Barnett is outspoken and brash. It rubs a lot of people the wrong way. That included Dana White. Say what you want about Barnett, but he's not stupid, so when Zuffa purchased Strikeforce, the former UFC heavyweight champ swallowed his pride and finally worked to bury the hatchet with MMA's leading man.

That and just about everything else about Barnett seems to bother fellow heavyweight Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.

"[...] when [Barnett] sees Fedor, [UFC President] Dana White or [UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo] Fertitta, he runs to them and stays by their side all the time. He makes me sick. He's the classic kiss-ass, a rude man …" [Silva told Sherdog]. "I really want to face Barnett and I've already said I consider him a filthy person, even though he is a great fighter, and that I'll beat him up and close both of his eyes."

Silva suggested Barnett is rude and snooty when it comes to Brazilian fighters.

"I've been fighting since 2004 and have never had any issues with another athlete, even the most stuck-up," explained Silva. "Friendship, for me, is everything, but Josh is a weird guy, a guy who doesn't greet you when you enter the elevator, doesn't even say 'good morning.' It's how he treats Brazilian fighters especially. It's the same thing with [Barnett and] Werdum."

Barnett faces Brett Rogers on June 18 in Dallas. With a win over Fedor Emelianenko, Silva advances to the semifinals of the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix. Silva is awaiting the winner of Alistair Overeem and Werdum on that same card.

Tip via Larry Brown Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/-8216-Bigfoot-8217-says-Barnett-is-rude-and-a?urn=mma-wp2322

Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson Tank Abbott Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi 

UFC 130 Results: Demetrious Johnson, Tim Boetsch Win Featured Prelims

Demetrious Johnson edged former bantamweight champ Miguel Torres by unanimous decision in an exciting grappling battle that capped off the preliminary card at Saturday's "UFC 130: Rampage vs. Hamill" event in Las Vegas.

In the other featured prelim on Spike, Tim Boetsch dominated The Ultimate Fighter 3 winner Kendall Grove to score a unanimous decision in his middleweight debut.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/18665/ufc-130-results-demetrious-johnson-tim-boetsch-win-featured-preliminary-bouts/

Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney  Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito 

If his kids stay out of trouble, ‘Rampage’ may retire at 35

Quinton Jackson doesn't want to be like Roy Jones Jr. and countless other boxers who fight because they have to financially. The former UFC light heavyweight champ always targeted 35 years old as the time to walk away. Jackson, 32, still believes that, but there are some uncontrollable factors that could change the plan.

"I have kids to look out for. I want to put some of my kids through college. I know some of my kids ... I'm gonna need lawyers fees for them," joked Jackson. "Y'all laughing but I know this!"

Jackson was in a good mood as he spoke during Wednesday's final press conference for UFC 130. In spite of the talk that he's not motivated for this fight, he seems to have a new outlook on his fighting career. Jackson has benefited greatly from being able to earn a healthy living.

"My parents were real poor and I want my mom to drive a nice car and have a nice house, and I want my dad to have the same. That's the thing that drives me to keep fighting so I can afford to keep doing those things," said Jackson.

Rampage is starting to realize he can lengthen his career by cleaning things up outside the cage. That could mean he fights past 35.

"When I used to fight in PRIDE, I was a single parent and I used to eat fast food all the time. I used have to cut 15 pounds every time before a fight. I really got sick of that over the years," Jackson said. "I'm sick and tired of that lifestyle, being real heavy."

Jackson knows it cost him a title shot earlier this year.

"I really regret getting real heavy after my November fight because I couldn't fight [Mauricio] "Shogun" [Rua] after Rashad [Evans] got injured. It was like a kick in the ass," said Jackson.

During Wednesday's presser, Jackson looked visibly thinner than before previous fights.

"I was really excited about getting in shape for this fight. When you look at yourself in the mirror and you're disgusted with yourself, and you're a professional athlete, that's bad," said Jackson.

Jackson faces Matt Hamill in the main event of UFC 130 on Saturday.

You can watch UFC 130 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/If-his-kids-stay-out-of-trouble-Rampage-may-r?urn=mma-wp2559

Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie Ryan Gracie

1st Annual Adaptive Climbing Clinic In Joshua Tree National Park

Climbing has played a pivotal role in my life over the past four years. After I lost my leg above the knee almost six years ago I decided to leave my previous passion, soccer, as a part of my past. … Continue reading

Source: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/05/28/adaptive-climbing-clinic-in-joshua-tree-national-park/

Edgar Garcia Leonard Garcia Andrew Gardner Tiki Ghosn Dennis George

UFC 130 Results: Story Tops Alves, Stann Stops Santiago, Browne KOs Struve

Rising welterweight Rick Story edged Thiago Alves in an exciting slugfest to earn a unanimous decision and his sixth-straight win on the main card of Saturday's UFC 130 event in Las Vegas.

Middleweight Brian Stann and heavyweight Travis Browne both scored knockout wins on the pay-per-view broadcast.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/18667/ufc-130-results-story-tops-alves-stann-stops-santiago-browne-kos-struve/

Edson Drago  Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee 

White suggests Sonnen has been punished too harshly

Chael Sonnen's career is in limbo. The confusion over how his testosterone replacement therapy was handled and reported, plus a positive test following his UFC 117 loss to Anderson Silva, has him facing an indefinite period on the sidelines. Dana White broke his silence on last week's California State Athletic Commission ruling and didn't sound pleased.

"I'm pretty bummed out about the Chael Sonnen thing and the way that the whole thing was handled. You know, this guy… I don't know if there's ever been a penalty laid down, I mean Tyson, I think when Tyson bit the ear, Tyson got a year. Um… it's pretty crazy," White told Heavy.com.

White says Sonnen's getting a raw deal.

"Um… listen, it's not that he'd have to retire, but right now was his opportunity. This kid had the opportunity to coach The Ultimate Fighter, he had the opportunity to get a big fight set up, should he win that fight… everybody knows what happened with Anderson Silva, this was a key moment in this kid's career and me, personally, you know, you've heard me say it for the last almost 11 years, we always support whatever the athletic commission says," White said. "This kid got, this kid got it stuck to him, man. He paid his dues in every way shape and forum and, uh… I think he's been treated a bit unfairly."

The CSAC denied Sonnen after his most recent attempt at regaining his license to fight. It was thought initially that Sonnen would be unable to re-apply until the summer of 2012. The CSAC admitted it misinterpreted a rule and now Sonnen can try again in late June.

Quotes via FightOpinion.com

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/White-suggests-Sonnen-has-been-punished-too-hars?urn=mma-wp2520

Jason Guida Melvin Guillard Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao

Iole and Cofield UFC 130 picks audio

UFC 130 betting odds (Courtesy Lagasse Stadium Las Vegas):

Best bets in bold

Matt Hamill (+240) vs. Quinton Jackson (-320) - Light heavyweight

Frank Mir (-120) vs. Roy Nelson (-110) - Heavyweight

Rick Story (+170) vs. Thiago Alves (-200) - Welterweight

Travis Browne (-115) vs. Stefan Struve (-115) - Heavyweight

Jorge Santiago (+110) vs. Brian Stann (-140) - Middleweight

Miguel Torres (-130) vs. Demetrious Johnson (Even) - Bantamweight

Tim Boetsch (+130) vs. Kendall Grove (-160) - Middleweight

Rafaello Oliveira (+280 ) vs. Gleison Tibau (-360) - Lightweight

Michael McDonald (-300) vs. Chris Cariaso (+220) - Bantamweight

Renan Barao (-330) vs. Cole Escovedo (+250) - Lightweight

You can watch UFC 130 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Iole-and-Cofield-UFC-130-picks-audio?urn=mma-wp2688

Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown 

Mir and Nelson may be friends, but punching each other in the face is no problem

Before past fights, Frank Mir has engaged in some pretty nasty trash talking wars. This time it just doesn't feel right, but that doesn't mean Mir's fightplan is any different against Roy Nelson.

"If my wife we're to get in the ring with me, I would try to knock her head off and choke her unconscious. I would flip the switch instantly," Mir said with a smile. "Roy and I are friends before the fight. I like the guy a lot. But during the fight, it doesn't matter that we do or don't like each other beforehand. Trust me, Roy is going to try and knock my head off. I'm going to try and knock his head off. And if I can catch him in a choke, I want him to go to sleep. And I guarantee you he'd like to take arm off and put it on his mantle."

Check out Larry Pepe (ProMMARadio), Damon Martin (MMAWeekly) and myself picking the Mir-Nelson fight using the Las Vegas odds.

You can watch UFC 130 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Mir-and-Nelson-may-be-friends-but-punching-each?urn=mma-wp2561

Yves Edwards  Justin Eilers  Jon Olav Einemo Per Eklund Jason Ellis

Pa. high court strikes down a county's Megan's Law residency restrictions

In a ruling with statewide ramifications, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated an Allegheny County law that restricted where convicted sex offenders could live, saying the ordinance would banish offenders to "localized penal colonies" with little access to jobs, support, or even their families.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122707758&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110527_Pa__high_court_strikes_down_a_county_s_Megan_s_Law_residency_restrictions.html

Patriots Giants Superbowl Kyle Bradley 

Nester Goes Pro

Enjoi just bumped Nester Judkins up to the pro ranks. To celebrate he went to Disneyland.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/templeton-elliott/2011/05/27/nester-goes-pro/

Ian Freeman Don Frye Tony Fryklund Kazuyuki Fujita Masakatsu Funaki

Comparing Sonnen’s actions to Mayweather’s behavior, White is confused by commissions’ actions

Dana White is confused. With Chael Sonnen facing a possible two-year ban from fighting, the UFC president looked at past penalties handed down by commissions like the one in California and sees some inconsistencies, especially with boxers.

"Let me ask you a question, Floyd Mayweather's been running around town punching everyone in the face and threatening people and doing all this stuff. Watch how fast Floyd Mayweather gets licensed," said White (6:56 mark).

Mayweather's involved in several legal battles. One involves multiple felony counts for an alleged incident with a former girlfriend. A bouncer from Drai's on the Las Vegas strip is also suing Mayweather for alleged altercation, and the former pound-for-pound king is further involved in several legal battles with his community's homeowners association and security guards.

White then turned his attention to the CSAC's action with boxer Antonio Margarito.

"If you look at boxing man, there's been situations where guys have put weapons inside their hands and fought another human being," White said. "There's been instances where people have assaulted other people in the ring."

In his first attempt to regain his license, Margarito was also turned down by the CSAC. He scurried off to Texas and was allowed to fight Manny Pacquiao in the U.S. after 17 months away.

By lashing out at a commission, White knows he's walking on dangerous ground.

"It's a touchy subject for me," White said. "If you're dumb enough to do something to get in trouble, you gotta face the consequences. This guy did some dumb stuff, he manned up and he was punished. Once that sentence is over, it's over man."

White tensed up when asked if Sonnen did this to himself.

"What happened with Chael Sonnen? Chael Sonnen has a big mouth. Chael Sonnen says a lot of dumb [expletive]. When you get to the point where a guy serves his sentence and now you're stopping a guy, his ability to make a living? What happened to Chael Sonnen is insane. It's unjust. It's unfair."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Comparing-Sonnen-s-actions-to-Mayweather-s-behav?urn=mma-wp2608

Paul Buentello  Josh Burkman  Mikey Burnett  Murilo Bustamante  Grant Campbell 

Fitch says his fight against GSP could be most exciting option at 170

There's still no word on what's next for Georges St-Pierre. After he limped across the finish against Jake Shields, many folks have changed their minds about the UFC welterweight champ being invincible at 170 pounds.

Does that mean fans are more open to GSP-Jon Fitch II? Fitch sold the fight on this week's Inside MMA on HDNet (9 p.m. ET).

"You look at all the fights GSP's had, which fight has been the most exciting? Whether or not, you think I could beat him, which fight has been the most exciting fight?" Fitch asked Kenny Rice and company (0:179 mark). "And that's the fight I had with him. You're guaranteed to have an exciting fight with him. He can't hold me down, I can take his punch and I'm always gonna keep moving forward."

Fitch lost that one-sided fight at UFC 87 by a unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 50-44). Has he gotten better since then? Fitch's won five straight along with a draw versus B.J. Penn, but he hasn't exactly steamrolled people. Meanwhile, St-Pierre's become a very cerebral fighter and appears to gameplan for decision victories.

If GSP-Fitch II goes five rounds again it may spark another Wiki graffiti incident.

Is Fitch-GSP II the best option? If not, what is?

It looks like a good episode of Inside MMA with Rashad Evans, Mark Munoz, Daniel Cormier and Fitch. Evans appears to be the co-host. Hopefully, he can live up to standard set by Tito Ortiz a few weeks back. Tito struggled a little bit.

Tip via MMAMania

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Fitch-says-his-fight-against-GSP-could-be-most-e?urn=mma-wp2408

Michael Bisping  Dan Bobish Vagam Bodjukyan Kotetsu Boku  Tony Bonello

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Westgate Stay Gold B-Sides

With all the footage Brandon Westgate has put out recently, you wouldn't think there would be anything left. Well, feast your eyes on his Stay Gold B-Sides from Emerica.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/templeton-elliott/2011/05/27/westgate-stay-gold-b-sides/

Gary Goodridge Gerard Gordeau Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace

More Seven Day Weekends From Dustin

Dustin Dollin keeps dropping his behind the scenes raw Seven Day Weekend videos, click on through to view the two latest two since

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/shad-lambert/2011/05/28/more-seven-day-weekends-from-dustin/

Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie Ryan Gracie Peter Graham

Garcia, Palmer Share Lead at Nelson

While Ryan Palmer is doing everything his caddie tells him, Sergio Garcia is playing just fine without a practice round at the Byron Nelson Championship.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/yu3x0y0uM7Q/AP-GLF-Byron-Nelson.html

Mike Brown  Junie Browning Paul Buentello  Josh Burkman  Mikey Burnett 

UFC 130 weigh-in: Mir and Nelson both weigh 260, ‘Rampage’ on point

UFC 130 weigh-in (Courtesy MMAjunkie):

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view)

  • Matt Hamill (205) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (205)
  • Frank Mir (260) vs. Roy Nelson (260)
  • Travis Browne (247) vs. Stefan Struve (255)
  • Thiago Alves (170) vs. Rick Story (170)
  • Jorge Santiago (185) vs. Brian Stann (186)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)

  • Demetrious Johnson (135.5) vs. Miguel Torres (135.5)
  • Tim Boetsch (186) vs. Kendall Grove (185)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook.com)

  • Rafaello Oliveira (155) vs. Gleison Tibau (155)
  • Chris Cariaso (135) vs. Michael McDonald (136)
  • Renan Barao (135) vs. Cole Escovedo (135)

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-130-weigh-in-Mir-and-Nelson-both-weigh-260-?urn=mma-wp2683

Lyman Good Gary Goodridge Gerard Gordeau Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia

Long-sought Bosnian is arrested

BELGRADE, Serbia - After 16 years on the run, a frail and haggard Ratko Mladic was hauled before a judge Thursday - the first step in facing charges for international war crimes, including the slaughter of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica in 1995.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122707743&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110527_Long-sought_Bosnian_is_arrested.html

Wesley Cabbage Correira  Patrick The Predator Côté  Randy The Natural Couture  Dan Cramer Alberto Crane

No. 1 Wozniacki, Still Seeking First Major, Is Ousted

With Caroline Wozniacki?s loss, the Nos. 1 and 2 women?s seeds failed to reach the Round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time since the Open era began in 1968.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/mPQcJWZ1Zw0/2011-french-open-top-seeded-wozniacki-out-in-third-round.html

Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee  Marvin Eastman 

Senators say Nutter's pledge could mean more cash for Philadelphia schools

The state would be more willing to kick in more money to the School District of Philadelphia if the city followed through on Mayor Nutter's pledge to find the district about $100 million in new money, State Sens. Vincent Hughes and Shirley Kitchen wrote in a letter.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122763483&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110528_Senators_say_Nutter_s_pledge_could_mean_more_cash_for_Philadelphia_schools.html

Andrei Arlovski  Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio  Mikhail Avetisyan

Daedalus Touch, a Clever, Gesture-Based iPad Text Editor

Despite the ridiculous amount of iPad text editors in the App Store, none have yet managed to feel like truly iPad-exploiting apps. They may be controlled by touch, but they could exist equally well on a desktop machine, controlled by keyboard and mouse.
Daedalus changes all that. It is a gesture-driven app that could only work [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/05/daedalus-touch-a-clever-gesture-based-ipad-text-editor/

Renzo Gracie Rickson Gracie Rodrigo Gracie Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie

Fighter Mike Brown ready to take over the Lakers

Mike Brown is getting ready for his August bout with Nam Phan, but apparently, he has another job on his plate. "Mike Brown" is expected to be hired as the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, so the other Mike Brown, a UFC featherweight, had fun with it on his Twitter account.

It looks like Brown has some ideas on changing the Lakers' lineup. He plans on switching out 7-footer Andrew Bynum from center with the 5-foot-10 Yves Edwards. Brown also advised "his players" to expect some changes in training. "Practice starts tomorrow at 9am sharp. Bring your mouthguard and headgear. There's gonna be some changes!"

At UFC 133, Brown wants to stop a two-loss skid, but he shouldn't try to take inspiration from his "new team." The uninspired Lakers were swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Fighter-Mike-Brown-ready-to-take-over-the-Lakers?urn=mma-wp2538

Giants Superbowl Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney 

Slap Shot: Do or Dye Victory for the Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning were fighting to keep their season going during Wednesday's Game 6 against the Bruins. So it makes sense the team decided to paint the waters of Tampa Bay a different shade of blue.


Source: http://feeds1.nytimes.com/~r/nyt/rss/Sports/~3/SW8N279qVxU/

Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown 

Neal Hendrix Photo Show at "Boneless One-A Tribute to Jeff Phillips" event in Dallas on Saturday

If you are going to the "Boneless One- A Tribute to Jeff Phillips" event in Dallas on Saturday, May 28th, be sure to check out pro skateboarder, Neal Hendrix's photographs. He's an amazing photographer! See flier for details.Neal Hendrix Photography

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/j-grant-brittain/2011/05/26/neal-hendrix-photo-show-at-boneless-one-a-tribute-to-jeff-phillips-event-in-dallas-on-saturday/

Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown 

Senior complex, town in tax fight

Although none of its residents send children to the public schools, the 85.5-acre Dunwoody Village complex has been one of the Marple-Newtown Area School District's biggest benefactors.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122763473&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110528_Senior_complex__town_in_tax_fight.html

Koby Bryant Michael Jordan Patriots Giants Superbowl

Friday, May 27, 2011

Couture likes Hamill over ‘Rampage’ at UFC 130

Randy Couture is breaking down UFC fights for Affliction. In this video, he likes the stronger wrestler in the Quinton "Rampage" Jackson-Matt Hamill fight. Couture respects Rampage's punching power, but the ground work of Hamill is enough to make him pick the upset.

Jackson is coming off a narrow win over Lyoto Machida while Hamill is fresh off beating up Tito Ortiz. Everyone's old pal Tom Atencio "goes out on a limb" and chooses Jackson. Rampage is a minus-260 favorite.

UFC 130 betting odds (remaining fights posted later):

Quinton Jackson (-320) vs. Matt Hamill (+260)

Roy Nelson (-115) vs. Frank Mir (-115)

Brian Stann (-140) vs. Jorge Santiago (+110)

Thiago Alves (-220) vs. Rick Story (+180)

You can watch UFC 130 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Couture-likes-Hamill-over-Rampage-at-UFC-130?urn=mma-wp2454

Aleksander Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein Tom Big Cat Erickson

Second grand jury report blasts Pa. gaming board

A state grand jury on Tuesday slammed the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, characterizing it as a patronage-filled, secretive agency that failed to safeguard the public by inadequately investigating casino operators and vendors.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122555484&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110525_Second_grand_jury_report_blasts_Pa__gaming_board.html

Arman Gambaryan Manvel Gamburyan Sean Gannon Edgar Garcia Leonard Garcia

Mubarak to face trial in deaths

CAIRO - Deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will stand trial on charges related to the shooting deaths of protesters during the country's 18-day revolt, the country's prosecutor-general announced Tuesday.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122555469&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110525_Mubarak_to_face_trial_in_deaths.html

Chris Dolman Edson Drago  Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus 

Roxy Ride the Waves Pants ? True Black

Roxy Ride the Waves Pants – True Black The Roxy Ride the Waves Pants are available in True Black. 95% Cotton, 5% Elastine, embroidered logo design. Price �24.99 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: Pants

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-ride-the-waves-pants-true-black-2/

Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney  Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan

IRS opens detailed audit into Phila. School District's financial practices

The IRS has launched an in-depth audit of the Philadelphia School District's financial practices, personnel policies, and contractor payments.

Source: http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=166721&44=122707748&32=3796&7=195342&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Finquirer%2Ffront_page%2F20110527_IRS_opens_detailed_audit_into_Phila__School_District_s_financial_practices.html

Rich No Love Clementi  Mark The Hammer Coleman Wes Soldier Combs  Ray Cooper  Kit Cope 

Matyushenko sits through Fighters Summit, gets married

It's been an excellent spring for UFC light heavyweight Vladimir Matyushenko. First, he knocked out Jason Brilz in a mere 20 seconds at UFC 129. Two weeks later, after sitting through Zuffa's Fighters Summit, he got married.

Cagewriter extends a hearty congratulations to the happy couple, and also encourages the UFC to put on more hybrid events like this. Make UFC 130 a graduation commencement and Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum a birthday party. That means we can have Matt Hamill walk out in a cap and gown, and Alistair Overeem could break out the birthday hat he wore on the MMA Hour. Do it, Dana White! Give us fighters in funny hats!

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Matyushenko-sits-through-Fighters-Summit-gets-m?urn=mma-wp2316

Steve The Snake Claveau  Rich No Love Clementi  Mark The Hammer Coleman Wes Soldier Combs  Ray Cooper 

Tony Ferguson explains offensive TUF outburst

On Wednesday night's episode of "The Ultimate Fighter," Tony Ferguson crossed the line when in a drunken argument with castmate Charlie Rader. It started with Rader pouring water on Ferguson's head, and with the amount of alcohol and testosterone flying around, things went too far. Ferguson brought up Rader's custody problems with his son, saying, "Hit me, don't hit your son."

Ferguson discussed the incident in his post on the SB Nation MMA blog:

Why did I bring up Charlie's son? I have no idea, but I have a guess. My birth father wasn't there for me growing up. Somehow Charlie's situation mixed in with my adrenaline from fighting and the booze all worked together to bring up my own issues. I learned a lot about myself watching that on tape and how I felt about certain things in my life. I was under a lot of pressure, I was trying to bottle up frustration and it didn't work. Well, it worked for a while, but ultimately did not.

I said some things I shouldn't have said. I was in a weird place. I was having crazy dreams in that house. The entire experience took me out of my own independence and removed all of my release valves.

I really regret saying what I said to Charlie and we've talked about it since the incident. I've spoke to Clay Harvison and Chuck, too. We are in a better place now than we were that night.

In the post, Ferguson mentions that they started drinking immediately after the fights, and adrenaline was still pumping through his veins.

Every TUF castmate I've spoken to has mentioned how weird the experience is. They're in a house for six weeks with no television, books, visitors or privacy. They get to train, drink, and entertain each other. This is not to excuse Ferguson's behavior, but just to point out that this isn't a normal situation, and abnormal behavior comes out of it.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Tony-Ferguson-explains-offensive-TUF-outburst?urn=mma-wp2619

Randy The Natural Couture  Dan Cramer Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo 

UFC 130 picks, Vegas-style: Will Hamill catch ‘Rampage’ sleeping at the wheel?

Which Quinton Jackson shows up at UFC 130 this weekend? Randy Couture is asking and so are the analysts with RawVegas.tv. Is Jackson just spouting off when he says he's not fired up to fight Matt Hamill or is he just trying to diffuse when folks push him to talk trash?

A less than in-shape Jackson didn't show well in fights against Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans. Larry Pepe from ProMMARadio.com and Damon Martin from MMAWeekly.com joined me on RawVegas to break down the main event.

UFC 130 betting odds (Courtesy Lagasse Stadium Las Vegas):

Matt Hamill (+240) vs. Quinton Jackson (-320) - Light heavyweight

Frank Mir (-120) vs. Roy Nelson (-110) - Heavyweight

Rick Story (+170) vs. Thiago Alves (-200) - Welterweight

Travis Browne (-115) vs. Stefan Struve (-115) - Heavyweight

Jorge Santiago (+110) vs. Brian Stann (-140) - Middleweight

Miguel Torres (-130) vs. Demetrious Johnson (Even) - Bantamweight

Tim Boetsch (+130) vs. Kendall Grove (-160) - Middleweight

Rafaello Oliveira (+280 ) vs. Gleison Tibau (-360) - Lightweight

Michael McDonald (-300) vs. Chris Cariaso (+220) - Bantamweight

Renan Barao (-330) vs. Cole Escovedo (+250) - Lightweight

You can watch UFC 130 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-130-picks-Vegas-style-Will-Hamill-catch-R?urn=mma-wp2525

Rodrigo Gracie Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie