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By Jason Comack  February 3, 2010, at 10:10 pm  Rob Emerson (17-8-1) vs. Phillipe Nover (9-2-1)
The Fighters: In what has become a staple of UFC undercards, this match, between two former Ultimate Fighter contestants, has “loser leaves town written all over it.”
For some reason Rob Emerson seems to have nine lives. He’s 2-2 [1 NC] in the UFC. In his debut fight he got slammed on his dome by Grey Maynard and while it was eventually ruled a no contest it was obvious he would have lost that fight. His two wins were over Kekita Nakamura (a split decision against a fighter who went 0-3 in the UFC) and Manny Gamburyan (who now fights at 145 pounds.) Emerson has solid kickboxing and good takedown defense but not enough to present a serious threat against even middle of the road lightweights.
Nover of course had a ton of hype coming into the Ultimate Fighter Finale. Dana White went as far as to compare him to Anderson Silva….whoops. Nover is 0-2 in the UFC and has had serious medical trouble along the way. Nover feinted in the opening moments of his TUF season and had another incident before his scheduled fight against Sam Stout in September. On the day of the fight Nover had another feinting episode and was not medically cleared to fight.
Breakdown: While Nover is primary a ground fighter his standup is more then adequate. In this fight expect him to look to go to the ground early where he will have a significant advantage against Emerson. The key to this fight will be Emersons take down defense as the only hope he has of winning this fight is on the feet. And even then I’m not so sure how he’d fare.
Prediction: Nover Via Unanimous Decision
Brian Stann (8-2) vs. Phil Davis (4-0)
The Fighters: Brian “All-American” Stann is a former Marine who is probably best known for his three fight trilogy against Steve Cantwell. Since joining the UFC, Stann is 2-1 and 8-2 overall.
Phil Davis is one of the UFC’s newly signed prospects. Considering how many prospects the UFC has let sign with other organizations recently one would assume they think very highly of him. The 25 year old Davis is 4-0 heading into his Octagon debut. Davis was a decorated wrestler at Penn State. He was a 4 time All-American with a career 116-20 record, including a 26-1 senior year where he won an individual title.
Breakdown: While it’s possible Davis will have the so called “UFC jitters” it’s hard to see him losing this fight. While he is raw he’s far too decorated of a wrestler and natural athlete for Stann to contain. Plus do you really think the UFC would make a big deal about signing Davis only to have him lose? Davis is the second coming of Rashad Evans.
Prediction: Davis Via Unanimous Decision
Tim Hague (10-2) vs. Chris Tuchscherer (17-2)
The Fighters: Two guys that are infamous for very different things. Hague was on the wrong end of one of the most embarrassing losses in recent memory (the Todd Duffee power-jab) Tuchscherer in his UFC debut was kicked in the groin by Gabriel Gonzaga in one of the most horrifying sights in recent memory.
Hague fights like a caveman. He keeps his hands and body so square he’s just asking to be knocked out. He’s 1-1 in the UFC and billed as having submission skills but don’t let the one win fool you. Pat Berry, who has no ground game, basically gave Hauge his neck and said “please choke me.” Tuchsherer on the other hand trains with Brock Lesnar and Minnesota MMA. He has legit wrestling skills and was a Division II All-American at Morehead University.
Breakdown: While we haven’t seen a ton of these guys in the Octagon I have yet to be impressed with Hague. His chin is questionable, to say the least, and his stand up game leaves a ton to be desired. The same could be said with Tuchscherer but if nothing else we know he’s incredibly tough and a solid wrestler.
Prediction: Tucscherer TKO Round 2
Rolles Gracie (3-0) vs. Joey Beltran (10-3)
The Fighters: Rolles Gracie continues the legacy of the Gracie Family. He is the son of Rolls Gracie, who was raised by his uncle the Helio Gracie. As the Gracie name would suggest Rolles is an excellent submission fighter and is a second degree blackbelt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This is Rolles UFC debut. Gracie is 3-0, including one win in the now defunct IFL.
Beltran is replacing Mustapha-Al Turk on very late notice (Al-Turk had visa issues.) The Mexicutioner, awesome nickname, presents a tougher test than Al-Turk would have. Primarily a kickboxer, Beltran is 10-3 with wins over UFC vets Wes Combs and Houston Alexander.
Breakdown: While Gracie is rough around the edges as a complete fighter his ground game is world class. As seen in his other fights his game plan will be simple. He will look to use his boxing to close the distance, clinch and proceed to look for a submission. While Beltran is a solid prospect he lacks top fight experience and will have no answer to Rolles ground skills.
Prediction: Rolles Gracie Rear Naked Choke Round 1
By Jason Comack January 18, 2010, at 4:43 pm The “New Year’s Revolution” show co-promoted by 5150 Combat League and Xtreme Fighting League that happened this past Saturday featured a who’s who of UFC vets.
Jeff Monson, former UFC Heavyweight title contender, won a split decision. Jeremy Horn picked up another win, his 84th, by submission. Rich Clementi secured a rear naked choke in round five to defeat former WEC fighter Mike Budnick. Tim Botesch, who last fought at UFC 96, won by guilltone choke.
Of all the UFC veterans on the card only one picked up a loss.
Houston Alexander, who many now know as “the dude running away from Kimbo”, lost to Joey Beltran, a Bellator vet. Alexander has now lost 5 of 6 further proving his KO of Keith Jardine was a fluke of epic proportions.
In 10 years from now we might remember Alexander the same way Harlod Howard has grown into a legend. Alexander KO’s a top 10 fighter, loses to Kimbo and get’s Joe Rogan banned from ESPN for saying “Houston Alexander comes at you like someone is raping your mother.” What a career!
By Anthony De Franco December 7, 2009, at 2:58 pm If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that this was a WEC.
The only people on this card that got paid anything were the established stars. All of the TUF guys received the same 8+8 deal, except for Kimbo slice, who we already knew was getting a bigger deal than anyone else. He received 25,000 flat for his victory over Houston Alexander.
The days top earner is Frankie “The Answer” Edgar, who made 46,000, and then made an additional 25,000 grand for fight of the night, adding up a grand total of 71,000.
Here is the full list, courtesy of MMA Weekly:
MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS
-Roy Nelson: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Brendan Schaub: $8,000
-Matt Hamill: $46,000 (includes $23,000 win bonus) def. Jon Jones: $20,000
MAIN CARD FIGHTERS
-Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson: $25,000 (no win bonus) def. Houston Alexander: $13,000
-Frankie Edgar: $46,000 (includes $23,000 win bonus) def. Matt Veach: $5,000
-Matt Mitrione: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Marcus Jones: $8,000
PRELIMINARY CARD FIGHTERS
-James McSweeney: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Darrill Schoonover: $8,000
-Jonathan Madsen: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Justin Wren: $8,000
-Brian Stann: $30,000 (includes $15,000 win bonus) def. Rodney Wallace: $6,000
-John Howard: $14,000 (includes $7,000 win bonus) def. Dennis Hallman: $15,000
-Mark Bocek: $30,000 (includes $15,000 win bonus) def. Joe Brammer: $5,000
ULTIMATE FIGHTER 10 FINALE DISCLOSED FIGHTER PAYROLL: $351,000
ULTIMATE FIGHTER 10 AWARDS & BONUSES
(Each fighter was awarded $25,000 per award, which is in addition to his disclosed salary.)
Fight of the Night:
-Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach
Knockout of the Night:
-Roy Nelson
Submission of the Night:
-Mark Bocek
By Anthony De Franco December 6, 2009, at 12:15 am Stock Up
- Kimbo Slice: Who knew that Kimbo had it in him? He showed impressive improvement in his all around game. Who knows? Maybe by the next time we see him, we will see him know how to finish the rear naked choke he almost had in round two, or maybe just have enough ground and pound to finish a fight. All I know, is that wasn’t the same guy that was on the show.
- Jon Jones: I’m flabbergasted by the idea that a 12-6 elbow ended that fight. I know that’s the rule, but what about the first 44 elbows and punches that landed in that fight? Those don’t count for anything. Jones was completely dominant before the stoppage. Expect Bones back in the ring quick, and expect him continue his awesomeness. Fuck Steve Mazagatti and his deceased stache.
- Roy Nelson: How badly is Dana cringing right now? The guy that he couldn’t stand throughout the entire show is now The Ultimate Fighter. At least, he finally had the exciting fight that Dana wanted. How soon could Nelson get in the cage? I have a feeling it’s going to be sooner than later with all the UFC’s injuries.
Stock Down
- Matt Hamill: Sure, he won the fight, but he was thrown by Jon Jones. This is supposed to be the big bad ass world champion wrestler, and he got tossed. He looked terrible, but since he dislocated his shoulder, I guess he’ll get a little credit. Hamill is definately further away from a title shot now than he was six hours ago.
- Houston Alexander: The Assassin had been banished from the UFC and needed a win, or at least an exciting fight to stay employed. He gave us neither. The only excitement in the fight was seeing an improved Kimbo beat on Houston. The idea that he spent a whole minute circling in the first round tells you what you need to know.
- Justin Wren: Ugh. Talk about fights you shouldn’t lose. Jon Madsen isn’t half the fighter that Wren is, and a lack of real action led to a split decision win for him. Still think he should get picked up by the UFC, but the chances are much less after tonight’s poor showing.
{Jasons Take:
Didn’t get to see the fights live so I re-watched them this morning. Here’s my thoughts:
- What’s with the Matt Mitrione love from Rogan/White. On the show White kept talking about his power and said “that kid knows how to punch.” Really? His fight against Scott Junk on TUF 10 was a joke. He looked better against Jones but he has a long, long way to go. He has power but zero technique. He would get killed against most heavyweights. Does he have potential? Absolutely, he’s big and athletic but listening to Rogan talk about him you would think he had Anderson Silva’s striking skills.
- Can we change Marcus Jones nickname from “Big Baby” to the “Pitbull” He’s the second coming of AA
- Kimbo did look improved but remember he was fighting Houston Alexander. Match him up with anyone who has any kind of wrestling or ground game and he would lose. Even as a striker he looked very tentative. What’s next for Kimbo? Probably pay-per view because people still want to see him fight. But if the UFC keeps trotting him out their against cans and having him fight in his own weight class it’s going to piss off the hardcore fan base.
- Nothing like a good standing rear-naked choke. Bocek looked good and has put together a nice little UFC win streak, 3 in a row and 4 of 5.
- Haven’t seen John Howards KO but it sounded incredible. And cost me money.
- Darill Schoonover: Stay safe in Iraq, hope to see you back in the UFC at 205 soon.
- James McSweeney is still a douche bag. That is all.
- How about Frankie Edgar. Fighting a much, much bigger opponent he battles back and gets a win. Edgar is probably better suited for 145 but until the WEC and UFC merge there’s no chance of that happening. Edgars boxing gets remarkably better every fight. In fact he probably has some of the best technical boxing in the UFC.
- Kudos to Matt Veach also. Edgar is a top lightweight and was a giant step up in competition for Veach. Veach is big and a very solid wrestler. Something tells me we will be hearing more from him soon.
- Anthony is right about Steve Mazzagati. Worst ref in the business. Dear god stop the fight when Jones is actually killing Matt Hammil. At one point Bones looked at him like “you serious?” He won that fight, yes the DQ was fair and I can’t complain but he dominated the “Hammer” dominated.
- I lost bets on Howards mircale KO and Jones DQ. That’s why they call it gambling.
- Love Roy Nelson. He embraces his image, hell the man came out to the ring to Weird Al’s “Fat.” All joking a side was his dominant run on TUF surprising? He was the IFL world champ, fought legit guys and as Joe Rogan pointed out had Arlovski in side control before he was stood up. Where does he rank of the heavyweight food chain? 7/8th? Only behind guys like ‘Nog, Lesnar, Mir and Velasuqez. Could he beat Dos Santos or Carwin? It’s definitely not crazy to think so. I think Nelson’s career achievements necessitate big name opponents right away. Give him Struve, Gonzaga, Herring, Duffe, Buentello. Don’t give him cans.
By Anthony De Franco December 3, 2009, at 10:34 am Can Kimbo take down the UFC Vet?
Tons of TUF 10 Finale coverage coming. TUF 10 awards and predictions for the finale coming today.
By Anthony De Franco November 4, 2009, at 3:26 pm Matt Soldano is creaming his pants right now.
It looks like we may finally get an inkling as to who will take on Kimbo Slice at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale. Here’s what Sherdog has to say.
Houston Alexander was approved for re-licensure Wednesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, clearing the way for an anticipated bout with Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson at “The Ultimate Fighter 10” finale on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas.
Alexander spoke briefly before the commission, as he was required to undergo additional review as a potential participant that is 35 years or older. When addressed by a commission member, Alexander confirmed that he will be fighting on Dec. 5, but did not identify his opponent.
The heavily rumored Alexander-Slice bout is expected to be contested between 205 and 265 pounds.
It would have to be heavyweight because I don’t that Kimbo cutting weight would be a very pleasant sight. He might shoot a guy. Alexander used to fight in the UFC at light heavyweight.
For me, the most curious thing about this fight will be the amount improvement that Kimbo has made in his game since joining American Top Team a few months back. Has he developed some reverse wrestling? Has his striking gotten tighter?
Well, here’s one thing for sure: Alexander and Slice would NOT go to the ground. Kimbo would get to throw hands. Alexander should be the favorite.
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