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UFC 119 - Mir vs Cro Cop

No championship contests included on UFC 119, however this recent offering features 2 world class marquee match-ups, including a UFC vs PRIDE FC themed fight for the fans.

Countdown show (disc 2) features wicked footage of Mirko – Cro Cop dominating former UFC Heavyweight champ Josh Barnett in Pride, winning the Open Weight Grand Prix. Frank Mir – former UFC title holder declares he’s representing UFC honour in fighting Croatian Cro Cop.

Aside from the UFC vs Pride angle the featurette tells the story of Mir restrategising, following losses to hugely powerful wrestlers Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin.

We learn more about Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan ‘Darth’ Bader, who trains with former wrestling team-mates CB Dollaway and the reigning Heavyweight king Cain Velasquez. Countdown show clearly illustrates why Bader is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC Light-heavyweight division, Little Nog has his work cut out against the young fast-rising MMA star.

“Young lion” Evan Dunham vs Sean Sherk is hyped up here also, Dunham is clearly getting noticed as he climbs the lightweight rankings.

Having got hyped for those 3 fights you might want to make use of the menus, skipping forward to the top tier of the card.

Dunham vs Sherk: an exciting, close fought contest, won by Sherk, stalling Evan’s climb to the top. Sherk’s wrestling dominance in the clinch coupled with amazing submission defence pipped for the veteran.

Little Nog – Antonio Rogerio Nogueira against Ryan Bader is a fight where the action and suspense doesn’t pick up until round 3. Mostly neither fighter takes advantage throughout the bout. Less experienced Bader edges out the decision win, thanks to a take-down in the final round.

Main event – Pride FC vs UFC match-up pitting Crop Cop against Frank Mir is a much hyped cage-clash that disappoints, the fighters respecting each others abilities just don’t get stuck in. However if you’re prepared to sit through the dullness of the majority of the bout you’ll see Mir amaze, KO’ing the Croatian striker at 4:02 of round 3.

Former TUF coach Matt Serra makes an appearance at UFC 119, versus Chris ‘Lights Out’ Lyttle. You’ll enjoy this if you like a stand-up battle or a Lyttle fan, Serra fans won’t be so joyous. Serra disappoints not utilising his wicked Jiu- Jitsu skills, choosing to fight one dimensional, thus losing to Lytle.

The main card is lacking somewhat, disc 2 with prelims plus bonus features helps make for it. Prelims include fun squash match-ups: Mark Hunt tapped out by ‘Big Sexy’ Sean McCorkle, Thiago Tavares makes the debuting Pat Audinwood tap via guillotine choke plus CB Dolloway impresses on the mat submitting Joe Doerksen within the 1st round.

Matt Mitrione against Joey Beltran is a good scrap, Meat-head always entertains.

Bonus feature Behind The Scenes follows UFC commentator Mike Goldberg’s preparations pre fight night. Home-town hero Chris Lyttle treats us to a tour of the fire station he’s based at, giving us an insight to his life as a fire-fighter and cage-fighter. Charismatic Matt Serra is featured too, doing a video diary.

Not the best fight card match-up-wise but overall a great package.

UFC 119 Mir vs. Cro Cop 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 & Blu-ray releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC 118 : Edgar vs Penn 2

UFC & FightDVD are spoiling us, yet another double DVD release boasting a championship showdown. Frankie ‘The Answer’ Edgar defends his lightweight title, giving former champ BJ ‘The Prodigy’ Penn a chance of redemption.

Penn v Edgar is for the purists, co-main eventing is the huge drawing freak-show fight of boxer versus wrestler, pitting former Heavyweight and Light-heavyweight Champion Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture against James ‘Lights Out’ Toney – former IBA and NABO Heavyweight boxing Champion.

As always I suggest watching the Countdown Show first (disc 2) , gotta be done to get yourself hyped up to view the main fights! This featurette superbly tells the story behind Penn v Edgar 2, complete with words from challenger and champ.

Talking of words heavyweight boxer James Toney is a man who talked his way into co-main eventing at UFC 118, selling himself to head honcho Dana White. Witness Toney transition to MMA, preparing to face legendary Hall of Famer – Couture. The question posed here is will Toney KO Couture or will Randy take-down the heavyweight slugger and tap him out?

Lightweight contenders Kenny Florian and Gray Maynard also receive the countdown treatment, indicating the importance of their match-up for a shot at the owner of the lightweight strap.

Popping in disc 1, skipping forward to the hotly anticipated freak show marquee match – boxer James Toney stepping into the octagon to face wrestler (and elite mixed martial artist) Randy Couture, demonstrates why a wrestler can beat a boxer. Couture immediately takes down the slugger, applying pressure on top, tapping out Toney via Arm-triangle within the first round. Not a long drawn out affair like Antonio Inoki’s tangle against the legendary boxer heavyweight Muhammed Ali decades earlier but still a freak show attraction none-the-less. Listen out for UFC chants.

Rubber match – BJ Penn v Frankie Edgar, for lightweight strap sees Edgar prove he’s the rightful wearer of the gold. You get a full 5 rounds of championship action, valiant warrior Penn doesn’t have the answer for Jersey Boy – Edgar.

Nate Diaz – a personal favourite fighter features in welterweight competition against Marcus ‘Irish Hand Grenade’ Davis. Street-tough Diaz, rarely in a unexciting bout delivers. The bad-ass Californian out boxes the boxer Davis, splitting his face open. Nate finishes the fight on the mat, putting the Boston native to sleep.

Lightweight number 1 contender decider – Kenny Florian facing Gray ‘The Bully’ Maynard, sees undefeated Maynard (excluding loss to Nate Diaz on The Ultimate Fighter) live up to his moniker, bullying his way to challenge Frankie Edgar.

You’ll find all the preliminary contests over on disc 2, including 2 Brits in octagon action: Andre Winner and Nick Osipczak.

Boston home-town favourite Joe Lauzon puts on a clinic, defeating Gabe Ruediger via Arm-bar submission. Lauzon never gives Ruediger a single inch. Total domination in the words of Mike Goldberg.

As to be expected from UFC DVD releases UFC 118 comes loaded with additional material on disc 2: Weigh In Show, Behind The Scenes plus Fighter Interviews. Another high quality value for money addition to your MMA DVD collection.

UFC 118 Edgar vs. Penn 2 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 & Blu-ray releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC 117: Silva v Sonnen

Following in suit wth UFC 116, UFC 117 comes complete with another epic championship showdown of the ages.

UFC are brilliant at promoting their top tier fights, some fighters possess the gift-of-the-gab to promote themselves, helping propel their careers into the stratosphere.  Chael Sonnen, Anderson Silva’s challenger for his middleweight crown is one of those fitting into that category.

Sonnen is a talker who can back it up, check out the Countdown show (disc 2) to witness his ‘promo’ highlights plus all the build-up and comments from defending champ Silva. This bonus feature shows some great footage of Sonnen’s college wrestling career and what makes him the MMA contender he is today.

Heading over to disc 1, how did the plot pan out for the 185-pounders title tilt? Value for money is delivered, we are given a near full 25 minutes of championship calibre competition.

Like Lesnar’s title defence against Carwin we see a similar story, but told over more rounds. Silva is on the back-foot often defending against Sonnen’s superb wrestling throughout the majority of the match-up, making a last minute comeback snatching a round 5 tap-out win.

If Anderson didn’t pull out the triangle-choke victory, Chael would have clearly taken it on points. A gripping must see title defence.

UFC 117 DVD isn’t marketed as USA v Brazil, interestingly the supporting cast of bouts featured on disc 1 are all between those 2 nations. A great theme Dana White and co opted not to use, instead pushing the focus on Silva v Sonnen.

First off a personal favourite fighter steps in the cage – Roy ‘Big’ Country Nelson, stepping up to battle Junior Dos Santos. Lack of success here for Nelson, but an awesome performance from the Brazilian striker.

Welterweight legend Matt Hughes is featured, versus Renzo Gracie student Ricardo Almeida, who hoped for revenge for his trainer’s loss.  Hughes puts on a clinic putting the BJJ practitioner to sleep in a choke.

Ultimate Warrior minus the war paint Clay Guida next in the octagon, again it’s another USA v Brazil skirmish, battling Rafael Dos Anjos. Strange Guida’s cage entrance is omitted, it’s part of the hype and excitement of a live bout. Not the most entertaining scrap but a win for Guida due to Dos Anjos injured jaw.

Welterweight contenders collide next – American wrestler John Fitch against Brazilian Muay Thai fighter Thiago Alves. The bout is a decider at another shot for Georges ‘Rush’ St Pierre’s belt. So a lot at stake. Due to Alves struggling to reach 170lbs this fight lacks a little in the entertainment stakes plus Alves doesn’t match well with American wrestler Fitch. Ugly to watch but Fitch gets the job done.

UFC & FightDVD are reliable as ever for bonus material, this 2 disc release includes many extras – prelims, weigh-ins, interviews plus behind the scenes footage. Interviews and behind the scenes are fun for some great moments from Big Country – Nelson.

UFC 117 Silva vs. Sonnen 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 & Blu-ray releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC Ultimate Submissions

Being a pro wrestling to mixed martial arts convert this UFC showcase of submissions is right up my street. When the Ultimate Fighting Championships first caught my attention the submissions and grappling element is what drew me in.

The submission and ground game are key elements of a mixed martial artist’s skill set. Boxing is known as the “sweet science”, however Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a scientific chess-game in it’s own right. Within octagon competition the key to victory is to knock-out your opponent by kicking or punching your opponent or to force him to tap-out in submission. UFC Ultimate Submissions DVD is loaded with masters of the tap-out.

Let’s see what you get: Highlights here include many stars of the octagon, you’ll see submission master BJ Penn winning Lightweight gold from Joe ‘Daddy’ Stevenson via rear-naked-choke at UFC 80, Newcastle.

TUF generation bad-ass Nate Diaz versus Kurt Pellegrino. Caesar Gracie trained Diaz is a human highlight reel of tap-out victories. Witness Pellegrino tap, constricted by a world class triangle-choke, complete with a Diaz biscep flex, adding insult to injury, accompanied by a double display of the middle finger, I told you he’s a bad-ass!

Former UFC World Heavyweight champ Frank Mir, possibly THE best heavyweight submission artist shows us how to break a giant’s arm, bringing the pain to Tim Sylvia via Armbar.

So what else do you want? Damian Maia? Yes, he’s here too, putting Ed Herman to sleep in a nasty Triangle Choke.

Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva – Middleweight champ and arguably THE best pound for pound fighter on the planet shows you just why he’s called that, making 2 tap-out career highlights.

Georges ‘Rush’ St Pierre the other best pound for pounder, exhibits superb submission skills, submitting world class wrestler Matt Hughes in their  third encounter.

The finale of the main feature sees Frank Mir make another appearance, highlighting his leg-lock submission win over the debuting Brock Lesnar. A perfect example of technique overcoming power.

As well as the icons of the octagon, look out for Rousimar Palhares, Evan Dunham, Cole Miller and Dan Miller – true grappling wizards.

Bonus features: Along with the current fighters showcased, this special collector’s DVD boasts 10 classic submissions from the Zuffa vaults, featuring legends of the cage.

A must-see is Japanese MMA icon Kazushi Sakuraba, a submission wrestler and king of the Kimura, submits Brazilian Marcus Silveira at Ultimate Japan 1.

Going way back to UFC 1, pioneering BJJ master Royce Gracie shows us all how it’s supposed to be done, tapping-out ‘The Baddest Man On The Planet’ Ken Shamrock, himself a submission specialist.

Other legends featured are Marcus Ruas, Tank Abbott, Marc Coleman and ‘The Natural’ Randy Couture.

10 more bonus classic submissions are also included from the likes of Hughes, Penn, Mir and GSP.

Third added extra is a highlight reel of combatants such as our very on Dan Hardy – who just won’t tap!

It’s got to be said this collection is further enhanced by the commentating of Joe Rogan, a BJJ practitioner who’s knowledge comes to the fore explaining the holds and positions to the uninitiated. It’s too easy to take Joe’s knowledge for granted.

Make space for UFC Ultimate Submissions on your DVD shelf, a must have for all MMA fanatics.

UFC Ultimate Submissions 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 & Blu-ray releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

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

UFC 113: Machida vs Shogun 2

UFC 113 fight card includes 1 title bout, 2 last appearances, plus a number one  contendership decider for the welterweight strap.

Streetfighting bad-ass Kimbo Slice makes his second official UFC appearance, following an impressive performance against Houston Alexander, demonstrating wrestling ability, evidence of Kimbo evolving to be a fully-fledged mixed martial artist.

Could Kimbo  SLICE up ‘Meat’ Mitrione? Highlights are Kimbo’s slams in Round 1, for Slice fans, which unfortunately sapps the-street-certified-slugger.

The star shining brighter is Mitrione’s. Maniacally-ever-smiling Mitrione sticks to a game plan that works wonders. Sadly Slice’s star fades out, fighting his last bout for the UFC. Mitrione is like an overgrown kid, who happens to be lethal.

Josh Kosccheck versus Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley: Second last appearance of a fighter  here, following Kimbo’s departure. Kos versus Daley was a fight with heaps of hype and heat leading up to UFC 113. Kos – hated heel, Daley – cocky Brit, who ordinarily would be the villain versus an American UFC fan favourite but Koscheck is no fan favourite.

The build-up banter included an online competition to design Koscheck a new hairstyle, featung wacky photoshopped pictures  galore. Daley clearly the anti-hero fan favourite here.

Daley is resilient versus wrestler Kos, but unable to get in the much needed explosive stand-up offence. Aside from the photshop competition this fight will be remembered for Daley’s post fight cheap-shot to Koscheck, earning Daley a one way ticket out of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Marquee bout – Machida vs Shogun 2 confirms what most fans and pundits alike already knew, Rua was the better fighter. An impressive win for Shogun, a sad loss for ‘The Dragon’  but don’t worry we’ve not seen the last of Machida. That’s what I love about the UFC, fighter get a second chance unlike boxers.

UFC 113 2 disc DVD is loaded with 8 other bouts from the Montreal card, featuring a whole host of Canadian cage competitors. Plus all the usual must see bonus features including weigh-ins, Countdown show, and behind the scenes.

Behind The Scense takes an in depth look back at Shogun and Machida’s first epic encounter from UFC 104. Includes input from UFC matchmaker extraordinaire Joe Silva, commentator Joe Rogan, plus the fighters themselves.

UFC 113 is another welcome addition to any UFC fanatic’s DVD collection. Enjoy!

UFC 113 – Machida vs. Shogun 2  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

When I review UFC DVDs my aim is to show the positives but be fair, admittedly having seen the UFC 112 live card from ESPN and the let down it was, I’m hoping the bonus material makes up for the live event.

When the Abu Dhabi royal family bought a stake in the UFC, on paper for the inaugural Middle Eastern fight card they got what they wanted: 3 fights that should feature some world class grapple action. Unfortunately the Arab royalty did not get what they’d paid for, as all 3 top tier bouts were near void of mat action.

In reverse order, starting off on disc 2: the Countdown show does a fantastic job building up to the marquee match-ups. You’ll receive an insight into the life of New Jersey lad Frankie Edgar. A competitor with great wrestling, who chose MMA over the family plumbing business.

For those less familiar with Renzo Gracie this is a great introduction to Royce’s cousin, touching on family pride.

Post event conference will be appreciated for the honesty of UFC President – Dana White, who was disappointed with Anderson Silva’s performance, not engaging and general show-boating, defending the middleweight strap against fellow Brazilian Damian Maia.

We get Silva thoughts here too, although I’m sure many viewers will not be satisfied with the middleweight champion’s response.

Behind The Scenes profiles Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva, what makes him so great, plus we see the champs fun side, entertaining us with impersonations of Bruce Lee.

UFC legends Matt Hughes and BJ Penn also receive the fighter profile treatment, great introductions for newer fans.

Due to both title bouts going the full 25 minutes at UFC 112, the prelims can be found on disc 2, 3 of which feature UK based fighters: Jon Madsen vs Mostapha Al Turk, Nick Osipczak vs Rick and Paul ‘Tellys’ Kelly against Matt Veach.

Kelly’s skirmish against Veach is the must-see match-up, giving a warm sense of pride. Paul impresses, putting in an awesome performance, dominating hotly tipped wrestler Veach, pounding on him, then taking the win via guillotine choke.

Demarques Johnson and Brad Blackburn treat us to a good thrilling scrap.

Disc 1:

Kendall Grove versus Mark Munoz, is a fight loaded with grapple action plus a surprise comeback.

Next is Liverpool lad Terry Etim versus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Dos Anjos.

So far bouts featuring excellent world-class ground, especially from Dos Anjos, submitting Etim. Joe Silva booked the correct match-ups, but the following 3 marquee bouts sway from the script, veering off what should in theory feature great grappling.

Battle of legends: Matt Hughes against Renzo Gracie is a let down ,  I recommend digging out Pride FC events featuring Renzo and classic UFC DVDs to witness Hughes in his prime.

First of the title contests BJ Penn defending the strap against challenger Frankie Edgar again is all stand-up. Penn even ignores his corner’s advice in taking Edgar down. To be fair Penn had a sinus infection, affecting stamina. We see a title change but not an exciting scrap.

Finally the fight that garnered the most bad press – middleweight champ – Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva, challenged  by fellow Brazilian Damian Maia. You’ll enjoy the first 2 rounds, but round 3 onwards Anderson loses respect and fan admiration, making a mockery of his opponent, dancing around. It’s as if he chooses not to finish the fight.

This 2 disc offering from FightDVD features some high points thanks to the mid and lower card bouts along with the bonus material, but what should be highlights aren’t. Kelly versus Veach is a bigger reason to buy UFC 112 than Silva against Maia.

UFC 112 – Invincible 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

UFC 111: St. Pierre vs Hardy

UFC 111 is all about the great British hope – Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy challenging welterweight king Georges ‘Rush’ St. Pierre.

Co-main event status comes in the form of Heavyweight Interim Champion decider – Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin. Coming into the cage with Carwin, Mir was not just there to decide the interim belt wearer, but equally as important in the mind of Mir was the possibility of being booked against Brock Lesnar for a third, the opportunity to avenge a loss.

Carwin headed into the bout undefeated, with high hopes and tremendous power. Shane looks awesome here in this epic contest, KO’ing Mir inside round 1, earning his spot to challenge returning title holder Lesnar at            UFC 116.

GSP vs. Hardy: Cocky Hardy earnt respect in this welterweight championship contest. Hardy sells a fight, he brings the heat, plus The Outlaw backs up the talk to the best of his ability. Number one contender Dan entered the 5 round fight boasting an undefeated UFC streak.

Despite not besting the French-Canadian, Hardy is admirable for his staying power, never tapping out to GSP’s numerous submission attempts. Our lad from Nottingham indures the full 25 minutes, Pierre is so damned relentless, overwhelming, taking Hardy down and dominating on the canvas, utilising Olympic-worthy-wrestling.

Unfortunately despite training with BJJ supremo Matt Serra, the man who beat GSP, Hardy is unable to keep the fight standing. To up his game ‘The Outlaw’ needs to improve his take-down defence. The problem is St. Pierre any elite fighter appear pale in comparison, including former lightweight champ BJ Penn.

A personal fave – Nate Diaz makes an appearance in the prelims of UFC 111, facing Rory Markham. Always exciting Diaz putting in a dominating performance.

Rounding out the package giving you value for money are the bonus features on disc 2. UFC 111 Countdown is a must-see, focussing on the co main event (GSP vs Hardy was treated to the Prime Time TV specials, omitted from this release).

Behind The Scenes follows the UFC crew and fighters media-work, promoting the event in New York, a stones throw away from Newark, New Jersey, host to UFC 111. The featurette gets close up and personal with Nottingham’s latter day outlaw – Dan Hardy.

We’re also introduced to less familiar UFC family member  - Kurt Watson, the guy responsible for weighing in the competitors, with that includes taking good care of the scales.

UFC 111 – St. Pierre vs. Hardy 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

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

Rampage Jackson: Memphis to Hollywood.

Do you know what a ‘Rampage’ is? If you didn’t before, after watching this DVD you will. Rampage Greatest Hits charts the MMA career of Quinton Jackson, not only an international fight superstar but the new BA Baracus in the forthcoming A-Team movie.

Rampage is a man from humble beginnings, the Memphis native overcame adversity, trying his hand at wrestling, channelling his aggression in a way that would keep him out of mischief. Quinton’s high school wrestling success earnt him the All-State Championship.

Rampage progressed into the ranks of pro-MMA, gaining notoriety with an impressive 11-1 fight record. As a hotly tipped young gun, Jackson broke out internationally, aiming high for the big money of PRIDE FC, Japan.

UFC 114 Rampage returned to the octagon, for the highly anticipated showdown with ‘Suga’ Rashad Evans. Despite the hype, it’s fair to say the performance from the returning light-heavyweight contender was not what his fans had hoped for. If you want to see Jackson at his best during his tenures in PRIDE FC and UFC, this DVD is a must have for you.

This DVD release from FightDVD is an excellent reminder of how awesome a fighter he is. Included here are 5 bouts from Pride rings and 5 UFC cage clashes.

From the Pride era we see the larger than life ‘Rampage’ persona shining through, from the grand stage of Dream Stage Entertainment. His performance battling Japanese grappling hero Kazushi Sakuraba won Rampage a place in the hearts of the oriental fans, despite the loss. That bout is not shown, obviously this is the howling one’s greatest hits after all.

Quinton followed the Saku match-up with was some amazing wins, collected on the DVD. See tough competitors Ishkawa and Vovchanchyn receive a pulverising Rampage style.

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman, the man who KO’d K1 killer Mirko – Crop Cop, receives a loss courtesy of Rampage.

We also are treated to Dana White on commentary duties, when his UFC protege Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell takes a beating.

Prepare to be amazed, in one of Jackson’s career highlights Ricardo Arona finds out the hard way how it feels to be knocked out by a Rampage-slam. In a word – brutal.

Away from Pride’s square-circle, Rampage acts out revenge in the  UFC cage for a loss against Eastman, earlier in his career. Rampage impresses in the octagon debut at UFC 67.

Jackson continues to impress, becoming the ‘Ice-breaker’, destroying Chuck Liddell in their highly anticipated rematch. Witness Quinton put Liddell on ‘Dream Street’, KO’ing the UFC legend in round 1.

Next up you’ll see Rampage unify UFC Light-heavyweight strap besting Dan Henderson for the Pride version of the title.

More revenge follows from UFC 96, this time Brazilian and Pride veteran, Wanderlei Silva is on the receiving end of a Rampage knock-out blow.

Final bout rounding off this collection sees another dominant performance, against Keith Jardine in a rugged 3 round battle. No KO, but still a testament to the dominant force that is Rampage Jackson.

Usually on a fight card release the fight quality may vary, no such problem in this case, right here all on one disc is a showcase of an MMA mega-star. A must have for all Rampage Jackson and mixed martial arts fans.

UFC Rampage Greatest Hits released on DVD Monday June 28, direct from www.fightdvd.co.uk and all good retailers. RRP: £12.99

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