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UFC 114 - Rampage vs. Evans

2 Brit fighters feature on UFC 114: John ‘Hitman’ Hathaway in the opener, later on Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping backing up the main event bout.

British men can’t wrestle? Unbeaten Brit welterweight John ‘Hitman’ Hathaway puts in an awesome performance against Diego ‘Nightmare’ Sanchez, proving some of our home-grown mixed martial artists can compete with the American wrestlers.

This isn’t all about wrestling, but Diego’s wrestling is negated in this bout, enabling Brighton’s finest to implement his striking game.

Sanchez is a top level competitor, a good name to gain a win over for rising star Hathaway. London Shootfighters trained Hathaway does us proud, he’s a name to watch in the welterweight bracket.

The co-main event sees Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping collide in the cage with New Jersey boy Dan Miller.

The Count exhibits a similar display as fellow Englishman Hathaway, sticking to a game plan, thus keeping 99% of the 3 rounds of action upright. Fantastic performance from the Wolfslair team member.

Rampage vs Rashad:  Could Bisping’s American stable-mate Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson impress in the money-match of UFC 114? Unfortunately this long awaited grudge match doesn’t live up to the hype.

A-Team movie star Rampage’s huge gap away from UFC competition gives him a disadvantage it seems, the ring-rust is evident, but is Rashad a bad match-up for Quinton? However it’s not void of thrills and spills, Evans against Quinton is still a good fight but expectations set by previous Jackson fights aren’t met. Rashad is the better man on the night. No doubt somewhere down the line these 2 warriors will do battle in the octagon once more, continuing their rivalry.

Biggest surprise to be found on disc 1 is contained within the heavyweight bout between Todd Duffee and Mike Russow, seeing a KO blow from out of nowhere by flabby Russow, flattening the ripped Duffee. A great example of what makes MMA the most exciting sport today.

Got to say Russow’s comments to Joe Rogan post-fight are comical, sounding less than chuffed with his overall performance.

Over on disc 2 you can see all the prelims, including TUF 7 winner Amir Sadollah versus Korean competitor Dong Hyun Kim. Reliably as ever the second part of the set is loaded with extra features, as to be expected from the UFC and FightDVD.

UFC 114 – Rampage vs. Evans is out now on DVD, available direct from www.fightdvd.co.uk and all good retailers.

Keep visiting BluRayMMA.com for more reviews of brand new UFC, related combat sport and martial arts DVD releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

Check out this wicked unofficial trailer for Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping versus Japanese Judo specialist Yoshihiro Akiyama.

UFC 120 at the o2 Arena London, October 16, catch it Live on ESPN.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

The octagon 'Down Under' - UFC 110.

UFC 110 was a landmark for the Zuffa brand, busting through to a new territory – Australia. Interestingly the Sydney card featured many non-American fighters, including Croatians, Kiwis, Auzzies, Brazilians and Brits, giving the event a truly international feel.

Money-matches featured here are heavyweight contenders Antonio Minotauro Nogueira and Cain Velasquez colliding, along with international middleweight clash – Brazilian Wanderlei ‘The Axe Murderer’ Silva facing Britain’s own Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping.

So let’s see what you get for your money on this 2 disc release from FightDVD.

Our number one Brit middleweight contender Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping, has his hands full facing Brazilian Wanderlei ‘Axe Murderer’ Silva. Pride FC legend Wand doesn’t like Bisping’s apparent cockiness, he seemed to have rubbed him up the wrong way.

The heat heading towards the octagon showdown gave this bout high expectations. The 3 round battle doesn’t fail to entertain, a shame the close fight goes in favour of the Brazilian on the score cards. It would have been brilliant to have witnessed Bisping KO Silva, like Wolfslair team-mate Rampage wanted, thus elevating him closer to a title shot at another man named Silva – Anderson Silva.

Heavyweight contenders collide: Antonio Nogueira versus Cain Valesquez. Another former Pride warrior in action in Australia, Big Nog looks to climb back to the top of the division, against young gun Cain.

A superb opportunity to see why Cain is tipped to become future heavyweight champion, KO’ing Big Nog, in this one sided affair. Judging from this performance, Velasquez is the man to place a bet on at  winning the UFC heavyweight crown.

Joe ‘Daddy’ Stevenson against Auzzie – George Sotiropoulos is THE must see match-up.  Home-town hero ‘Wizard of Oz’ Sotiropoulos earns a name for himself locking horns with the American Joe-Daddy. You can feel the energy of the Auzzie audience, backing their fighter.

George’s impressive performance must put the great grappler on the map. Wicked match-up between 2 lightweight warriors.

Stacking up UFC 110, sees K1 and Pride superstar Mirko Cro Cop in action, Keith Jardine, TUF icon Stephan Bonnar and Chris ‘Lights Out’ Lyltle.

Disc 2 rounds off the package nicely, giving you UFC 110 Countdown, Fighter Interviews, Weigh Ins, plus Behind The Scenes is a hidden gem, showing us the pre-fight promotion ‘down-under’. Brilliant how accessible the UFC fighters are to the fans. See Bisping chillax on Bondi Beach, then follow Big Nog around Sydney Zoo.

Overall a worthy addition to your MMA DVD collection.

UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez is out now on DVD, available direct from www.fightdvd.co.uk and all good retailers.

Keep visiting BluRayMMA.com for more reviews of brand new UFC, related combat sport and martial arts DVD releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

Bisping: cage-fighting to soap acting.

According to Fighters Only UFC middleweight contender Mike Bisping has followed in the footsteps of fellow Brit cage-fighter Alex Reid, by landing a role in soap opera Hollyoaks:

Mike Bisping has followed his team mate Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson into the acting world by taking a part in a British soap opera. Bisping has played a small part in a movie before but this is the first time he has taken on a major speaking role.

Bisping talked about the move in an appearance on The MMA Hour this week, confirming that he has been taking acting lessons and the he had a part in a soap opera – but he did not name the show. Well wonder no more: Fighters Only can reveal the show that will be hosting Bisping’s television acting debut is ‘Hollyoaks’.

The long-running show debuted in 1995 and is considered among the top four soap operas on British national television. As such it offers a big chance for Bisping to reach a wide audience of people who may not previously have been aware of him.

Hollyoaks airs in an early-evening slot but also has a late-night version which has scenes and plotlines of a grittier and more adult nature. It is here that Bisping will make his first appearances in the soap, playing a local underworld character.

The script for one of his first scenes originally contained a graphic sex scene but family man and father-of-three Bisping asked for that to be toned down, according to sources. Several scenes are expected to be of a violent nature however.

Source: www.fightersonlymag.co.uk

- Ultimately good news, giving another British fighter mainstream exposure on national TV. Let’s just hope it doesn’t affect his primary career, inside the octagon.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

A jubilant Michael Bisping at UFC 105, Manchester.

UFC 105, another action packed DVD release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship and FightDVD.  This fight card was the most recent UFC event on British soil, held in Manchester.

Legendary hall of famer Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture fought in the top spot versus Brandon ‘The Truth’ Vera. Vera formerly a hotly tipped future champ who beat former heavyweight title-holder Frank Mir. At UFC 105 Vera aimed to return to that same form. For Couture this match-up was his first octagon outing following the recent decision to drop a weight bracket back down to light-heavyweight.

The main event billed contest, in all honesty wasn’t the most exciting bout. The Natural did enough to edge out a tick in the ‘W’ column, using his patented clinch game, trapping Vera against the fence coupled with dirty boxing.

Value for money is evident however from the British contingent representing their homeland.

Co-main event position on the fight card goes to English Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy, taking on American Ultimate Fighter veteran Mike ‘Quick’ Swick. On the line for this one was a shot at Georges St Pierre’s coveted welterweight strap.  So stakes were high. Hardy the Mohicanned-Midlander, impressed earning his shot for GSP’s gold at UFC 111. A points win , getting the job done to earn a place in history, as the first ever mixed martial artist to challenge a UFC champion.

Next on the bill saw Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping return to winning ways, following the brutally devastating knock-out loss to Dan Henderson back at the monumental UFC 100 on July 11th 2009. The TUF 3 winner Bisping clashed with French born, former Pride FC competitor Denis Kang , giving the Brit MMA superstar the opportunity to shine.  Despite a rocky start getting floored by his opposition Kang, Bisping defied the odds.

The Count overwhelmed Kang, utilising a ground and pound attack, repeatedly taking his opponent to the canvas, until gaining the TKO win.

Elsewhere you’ll witness another British Ultimate Fighter put in a fantastic performance, as Ross Pearson brutalises American Aaron Riley.

Look out for Nick Osipaczak and Terry in their respective preliminary bouts, 2 Brit battlers who do not fail to entertain.

UFC 105 – a DVD you must have in your collection, as a supporter of home-grown world calibre MMA talent, however it’s a shame some cage entrance music is missing, including Blur’s song used by Bisping and post fight interviews plus The Count’s celebration exhibition match with his son. Notably Andre Winner vs Roli Delgado got the chop from the FightDVD release.

Despite taking a little away you do receive bonus material included in the 2 disc package.

UFC 105 – COUTURE vs. VERA is out now on DVD, available direct from www.fightdvd.co.uk, HMV and all good retailers.

Keep visiting BluRayMMA.com for more reviews of brand new UFC, related combat sports and martial arts DVD releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

The Ultimate Fighter - Team UK versus Team USA

Thanks to a friendly neighbour and their Sky Plus box and some useful websites I’ve now caught up on episode 12 along with the awesome finale show. So here’s a brief recap of the final episode from Virgin 1 with the finale review to follow shortly.

Episode 12 focuses on the final fight between American Frank Lester and Brit James Wilks to decide who will go head to head with Team USA welter weight hopeful DeMarques Johnson. Wilks has the advantage since beating Lester once already plus he is the fresher fighter.

It’s interesting to see Wilks and Lester are good buddies despite competing against each other inside the octagon.

Curry night for Team UK courtesy of Dean Amarasinghe. Michael Bisping tells of how chuffed he is to have put British MMA on the map with this series of  The Ultimate Fighter.

Fun and games ensue, as the team mates knock each other in the pool! It truly is fantastic how well Team UK have all bonded so well.

Jame Wilks vs Frank Lester 

Round 1) A tough fought first round, featuring lots of standup action and clinching defending against takedowns. Very close, infact both coaches believe their fighter won the round.

Round 2) Wilks receives a low blow pausing the action straight away but they are soon back to it. Another close tough round with no clear winner.

Round 3) James keeps his composure, eventually winning via knee strikes.

Lester did well, he was one tough cookie, you can’t take that away from him.  Wilks’ win earns him the spot for the Ultimate Finale for the welter weight TUF 9 prize taking on DeMarques Johnson.

Team UK doing so well spurs Dan Henderson on for his confrontation with Team UK coach Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping at UFC 100 on July 11th.

The Ultimate Fighter as shown on Virgin 1 Sunday nights at 11pm
in the UK on Freeview TV, Sky or Virgin Media.
UFC & MMA blog by Dynamite Duane

duane@bluraymma.com

http://twitter.com/BluRayMMA
www.myspace.com/dynamite_duane

2 Nations, 1 octagon - The Ultimate Fighter 9

The war for the UFC contract begins as nations collide. Finally Team UK and Team USA battle it out following the elimination fights to decide the final members of Dan Henderson’s Team USA. As episode 4 begins Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping arrives at The Ultimate Fighter training facility in Las Vegas where he introduces us to his two assistant coaches for the series. Mario Sukata specialising in wrestling and submission along with Dave Jackson for Muay Thai training. In fact they are the duo that keep Bisping in top cage condition back at the wolfslair near Liverpool. We get our first opportunity to see Team UK in training. Bisping takes his new recruits through their paces and he is not easy on them. Already the programme is portraying Bisping as the villain of the series as they highlight all his banter with Henderson and his team when they meet.

As you will recall from episode 3 Hendo has the pick of the first fight thanks to the toss of the TUF 9 coin. And so it is decided, the first pairing between the welterweights is Mark Miller of Team USA, taking on Nick Osipczak representing the United Kingdom.

Due to Bisping arriving late in the US due to Visa issues he takes the opportunity to review Mark Miller’s previous fight on tape to plan a strategy with Sukata and Jackson. Their main strategy is for their man to take the action to the deck, which will be unexpected.

Discovering a Team UK t-shirt Team USA decide it is fair game holding the garment for ransom. Yes the game of silly buggers has commenced! The t-shirt is scrawled on claiming 1-0 to Team USA. We discover the shirt belongs to Dave Faulkner who doesn’t appear terribly bothered. But it doesn’t end there, next Ross Pearson’s wrestling shoes are found discarded and they too are defaced with similar sentiments. Ross Pearson does not take it so well, he is not a happy chappy but you can’t blame him eh? Bisping’s responds by telling his squad to keep a level head about it all and rise above it.

Pre fight both Mark Miller and Nick Osipczak sound confident for their forthcoming confrontation inside the cage.

Round 1)

Fight time! Nick utilises the strategy as planned by his coaching team, swooping in for a takedown on the American fighter. On the ground a grappling battle ensues. During the round Miller appears to tap whilst held tight by Nick’s guillotine choke but he breaks free to drop some bombs on the British mixed martial artist. First round to Nick Osipczak.
Round 2)

As the round progresses Miller cinches in a deep guillotine hold on the Brit appearing momentarily like it is all over for the Londoner but fortunately the canny combatant sneaks out. It is a struggle of wills on the ground as the second round progresses until both fighters are upright. Out of nowhere Nick knocks Miller clean out with an awesome kick sending the American crashing to the canvas.

One nil to Team UK! A phenomenal start for Bisping’s Team UK, bagging the first victory.

Make sure you tune into Virgin 1 every Sunday at 11pm in the UK on

Freeview TV, Sky or Virgin Media. Setanta Sports subscribers can catch The Ultimate Fighter the second showing every Wednesday. Over in the States the programme is aired on Spike TV.
MMA blog by Dynamite Duane

duane@bluraymma.com

www.myspace.com/dynamite_duane