Check out this video, Dana White talking Toney vs Couture with legendary boxer ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
UFC 118: Edgar vs Penn 2 & Couture vs Toney
The bank holiday weekend is here! While many are travelling to the seaside or music festivals, Saturday August 28, 2010 is a huge date for fight fans, who will be glued to their sets when the action kicks off in the earlier hours of Sunday morning.
Not only will BJ Penn get a chance of redemption against Frankie Edgar in a return contest for the lightweight belt, but Zuffa are also treating us to a boxer versus mixed martial artist co-main event match-up -- Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture against boxing champ James Toney.
I’m agreeing with Tom Watson, who picks BJ Penn as the winner, in his bout with defending lightweight champ Frankie Edgar. If Penn is in tip top condition and chooses the right game plan he’s the man getting his hand raised by the referee. BJ needs to go in for the finish earlier on, Edgar is a durable fighter, with great cardio, whereas Penn has to drop quite a bit of weight to make the cut to 155 lbs.
The co-main event old school style boxer vs wrestler bout, pitting UFC Hall of Famer Couture against heavyweight boxing champ Toney has got UFC 118 a lot of mainstream attention. Toney is the highest profile heavyweight pro-boxer to challenge a veteran mixed martial artist.
According to the boxing and MMA competitors quoted in Gareth A Davies article most agree Couture is the likely winner, due to Toney’s lack of MMA experience. Randy’s tactics have got to include getting the boxer to the ground and tapping him out. If he plays his usual game of holding his opponent against the fence and dirty-boxing, it may be his undoing against a boxer of Toney’s pedigree, who’ll trade punches in the clinch and may knock out the former UFC Light-heavyweight and Heavyweight title-holder.
Another bout I’m looking forward to is Marcus Davis facing off against Nate Diaz. Diaz one my favourites from The Ultimate Fighter, has got fantastic Jiu Jitsu and some underrated boxing. Davis is known for his stand-up, but don’t underestimate him on the canvas either. Diaz versus Davis looks to be a damn good scrap. My pick is Diaz by tap-out.
Watch the weigh ins video with interviews.
The advertised card:
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts is the location, see UFC 118 LIVE exclusively on ESPN in the UK.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
In the words of Joe Rogan: Batista joins a bunch of savages
Now this picture is something that grabs my attention as a pro wrestling to MMA convert.
Pictured above is former WWE pro wrestling superstar Dave Batista, alongside the Caesar Gracie camp. Rumour has it muscle-bound freak Batista, who trained in BJJ and Muay Thai before leaving the sports entertainment world, is in talks with Scott Coker’s California based Strikeforce outfit.
A future possibility would be the match-up of Batista versus another former WWE heavyweight and current Strikeforce contracted fighter – Bobby Lashley. First impressions are of sceptisism, featuring 2 former WWE guys in a freak show fight. However after watching this video and seeing who he’s training with, it’s clear he’s focussed and taking the MMA switch seriously.
From Sherdog.com:
Scott Coker had stated that he would be interested to see the 41 year old matched up against former WWE star, and Army wrestler Bobby Lashley claiming that it would be a fun fight for the fans. Only time will tell how interested Batista is in competing in MMA at age 41 it is a little late to pick up the sport. It is yet to be seen if Batista will be able to handle all the hard work involved in becoming an MMA fighter.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
Calling MMA gamers and would be writers out there! Fancy being a guest reviewer by submitting a review of UFC Undisputed 2010?
BluRayMMA.com is seeking guest reviewers and MMA bloggers, email:
duane@bluraymma.com
12: one prize... 12 fighters... only one will survive...!
9 times out of 10 when asked to review a DVD, I’m not blessed with a shop retail release version. On this occasion I’ve been spoilt, having in my hands Twelve in all it’s glossy covered goodness.
Past the glossy cover, Twelve is all about grittiness. A British martial arts action flick, pitting 12 fighters of different fighting skills and backgrounds, in bouts organised by high-rollers. £500,000 is up for the taking, it’s a submission or knock-out to win each bout, other than that it’s no-holds-barred.
Having recently reviewed American made MMA-movies, the raw, rough, grittiness of this British made fight-flick is very refreshing. 12 doesn’t boast a huge line-up of UFC names, accompanied by a big budget, however the smaller budget works as an advantage, picturing a realistic rawness, leaving the required impact on the viewer.
Fight venues the 12 tournament contestants battle it out in include warehouses, nightclubs, scrap yard and even the back of a lorry, whilst being filmed on CCTV, viewed by the room of high-rollers, betting on the outcome, each backing a chosen fighter.
Brutal, blood-thirsty fantastically choreographed kick-ass scenes aplenty here, throughout the 88 minutes.
The story is told via a narrator, although we are introduced to the competitors individually, being made aware of their backgrounds and martial skills there isn’t one lead hero focussed on, unlike a traditional Kung-Fu flick with Bruce Lee or Jet Li. Twelve presents a unique style, it’s very much a 21st century post-modern British picture. What we get here is a grittier, grimey film, which feels very realistic.
Brit-MMA fans will recognise the Cage Warriors logo, when the final showdown happens in a cage. This final scene is Brit UFC competitor Ross Pearson’s favourite fight of the entire film by the way. Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping comments his favourite fight scene is The Triad vs The Soldier.
Left to right - Martial Arts Legend Joe Lewis, Chee Keong Cheung, Mark Strange. Photo copyright www.fightshop.com
Look out for some recognisable faces in Twelve, including Danny John Jules AKA The Cat in Red Dwarf, amazing record breaking female martial arts expert Zara Pythian, Gary Webster from Minder plus see Eastenders Dr Legg actor playing one of the fighter money-backers.
Director Chee Keong Cheung has done a brilliant job conjuring up a very realistic scene-scape of an underground no-holds-barred illegal fight world.
Seni 2010: Chee & Mark signing at the 12 stand. Photo copyright www.fightshop.com
The DVD comes with many special features, including biogs of the actors, a look behind the scenes plus an exclusive fight between Leon Walters vs Guy Golden from Pain & Glory kick-boxing event.
My home-town Bournemouth & local ultimate fighting gym – Bulldog is featured in a mini documentary, following Twelve actor and fighter Mark Strange prepare for a special cross-promotion bout on a Pain & Glory card. The special features round off the package brilliantly.
Twelve is out now on DVD, available from all good retailers.
Visit www.intenseproductions.co.uk and the official Twelve DVD website www.12dvd.co.uk for further information.
Keep visiting BluRayMMA.com for more reviews of brand new UFC, related combat sport and martial arts DVD releases.
DVD review by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
UFC 117: USA vs Brazil
Although not officially marketed as USA vs Brazil, this unofficial UFC 117 poster design brilliantly highlights a great selling point for the Saturday’s pay per view fight-card.
Saturday August 7, a date MMA fans around the world have all been anticipating. Can the UFC top UFC 116? Will Dana White give UFC fans payback in the form of Chael Sonnen vs Anderson Silva?
There is no doubt about it Dana and co are spoiling fight fans with another stacked card. Defending middleweight champion Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva facing Chael Sonnen has set the internet alight with discussion.
Anderson’s last octagon outing, in Abu Dabai, UFC 112, was a controversial moment for the UFC. Silva’s antics turned many a fan to stop cheering the man given the honour of the best pound for pound fighter on the planet. Show-boating and not engaging are antics UFC President Dana White is not a fan of. White has hinted Silva will be out of the organisation if he continues in this vein.
Worthy of note Anderson’s actions have made him less respected, giving him heat – fans will now pay to see the former fan favourite beaten. Challenger Chael Sonnen is being hyped up as the man who can get the job done, but can he? Despite all the building up of Sonnen, the bookies have Anderson as odds on favourite to win.
My prediction: submission victory for Silva, bagging a win for Team Brazil.
A personal favourite Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson returns to octagon action at UFC 117, facing Brazilian knockout artist Junior Dos Santos. The underrated chubby winner of TUF 10, is a fighter I can’t help but like. Not only a world class heavyweight, the IFL veteran is an endearing character. Hell he’s carrying some extra timber, making him an underdog, I like an underdog. This is going to be a war, unlikely to go the distance.
My prediction: Nelson by KO.
Fight card as advertised:
See UFC 117 live from 3am on subscription channel ESPN, UK, PPV North America.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
This past Friday -- July 16, I was privileged with the opportunity to report on Chuck Liddell’s first stop on the UK and Ireland whirlwind training seminar tour, just down the road from me at Rossmore Leisure Centre, Poole. This first event was in association with The Bulldog Ultimate Training Academy, based in the centre of Bournemouth.
Trainees put through their paces on the mats.
Armed with my notebook, pen, camera -- complete with a fresh set of Duracells, I hopped onto the bus in good time for the event scheduled for 6:30pm start. Unfortunately Chuck’s flight was delayed, resulting in a delay in to the start time. Making up for the delay the students in attendance were treated to the opportunity of training from The Ultimate Fighter 9 veteran and BAMMA featherweight contender Jeff Lawson, plus Phil Norman of Gladiators fame and Alex De Souza a skilled Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert. So not only would the trainees learn from one of the very elite stand-up fighters but also pick up some awesome grappling skills, even better value for money.
Along with the MMA students anticipating Liddell’s arrival, were fans like Ryan from Wiltshire. It’s not everyday you get meet a UFC legend, Ryan had brought him a glossy photo of the ‘Iceman’ plus a digital camera to capture the all important snaps.
Chuck’s arrival to hall was greeted by applause from all in attendance at 8pm, when the seminar officially kicked off. Wow, the guy has a real aura about him, you couldn’t help but feel. He’s not a loud and bold vocal person like nemesis Tito Ortiz, but he sure is commanding in that cold and calm way.
The first thing learnt is Liddell’s arms are a length of rope with a rock attached. All the students warmed up swinging their arms, in this slingshot motion. Chuck explained how the technique is so useful in the octagon, going over the top of the opponents guard, using whole body power in one motion for the knock-out blow.
Various other stand-up techniques were demonstrated by the former UFC light-heavyweight champion, including the spinning back kick and the spinning back fist, a strike Shonie Carter has been successful with, defeating Matt Serra.
As the evening progressed Chuck taught ground defence skills. Liddell’s key strength is clearly his striking ability, it’s easy to take his wrestling for granted. What he does so well is wrestle in reverse. It’s rare to see Chuck take fighters down, instead he utilises wrestling to keep upright and get back to a vertical position when needed.
It's not everyday you meet a UFC icon.
When the training session wound up at 9:30pm, a long queue tailed around the sports hall, of all those eager to get a photograph with the man himself, clutching Chuck’s book and various pictures to be signed.
12 lucky students selected by Chuck Liddell, each received a copy of British fight-film Twelve. The makers of Twelve have teamed up Fighters Inc making it all possible.
Overall the event was a great experience, for trainee mixed martial artists, seasoned fighters improving there fight game and fans alike. The event appeared to be a sell-out, judging by the number of people.
On Facebook I noticed Alex Reid pictured alongside Chuck, presumably ‘The Reidernator’ got some training in with the ‘Iceman’ ahead of the showdown against Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, at the London venue.
Chuck hooked up with Fighters Inc at Seni 2006, since then they have worked together on one off seminars as well as Chucks legendary after parties.
Fighters Inc are working on more big MMA names to visit the UK for the super seminar series. Be sure to visit www.fightersinc.net/experience.htm and join the mailing list, keeping up on the latest regards future training seminars from icons of the fighting arts.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
Death Warrior - fight or die.
Timed well with the cinematic release of The A-Team in the UK, sees the DVD release of Death Warrior, featuring UFC star – Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, who also plays BA Baracus in the big screen nostalgia action flick.
As you can imagine by the title, Death Warrior is not for the faint-hearted, this film is aimed at those who like their action 100% hard hitting. Rampage plays ‘Wolf Jackson’, basically the Jackson we know already, a bad-ass, howling, body-slamming, cage-fighter.
The action kicks off with Jackson doing what he does best, slamming his way to victory. Lead character – Rainerio Isandro, played by the screen writer Hector Echavarria challenges Jackson post-fight, wanting one more big fight before quitting the fight game.
Just like the UFC but with but perhaps a little more dramatic so far, until the gangsters turn up, forcing Rain and Wolf to fight to the death or face the consequences imposed on their loved ones. Echavarria being the writer and starring actor unsurprisingly survives the no-holds-barred fight to the death against the former UFC light-heavyweight champion.
It transpires Rain and Wolf aren’t the only fighters manipulated by sinister gangsters. Rashad Evans, Georges St Pierre and Keith Jardine’s characters are all tricked to compete to the death or face the consequences, forced to fight on web-cast pay per views, being bet on for big bucks by bloodthirsty punters.
The MMA-movie follows Rain’s attempts to break free from the grasp of the crooks, to save his wife’s life.
A tale of heroic cage-fighters, gangsters, fights to the death, loyalty and betrayal. As to be expected from an Echavarria film, along with hard-hitting graphic fight scenes, gratuitous female nudity and sex scenes are thrown in for good measure, perks of the job eh? Well you can’t blame him.
Admittedly Echavarria’s latest offering isn’t up to the previous standard set by Unrivaled, but if gangsters, suspense, bare-knuckle-fight action featuring UFC icons battling to the death is your thing you are sure to enjoy this latest release from E1 Entertainment.
Death Warrior is out now on DVD, available from all good retailers.
Play.com are currently offering the brand new DVD for an amazing £7.99.
Keep visiting BluRayMMA.com for more reviews of brand new UFC, related combat sport and martial arts DVD releases.
DVD review by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
We have 3 copies up for grabs of Death Warrior, featuring Rampage Jackson, Georges St Pierre, Rashad Evans and Keith Jardine, released by E1 Entertainment, exclusively on DVD today.
For your chance to bag a copy all you have to do is answer the following question:
Death Warrior features American UFC fighter Rampage Jackson, name the team he trains with here in the UK?
Email your answers to:
duane@bluraymma.com
Closing date Thursday 29 July.