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By Jason Comack  February 19, 2010, at 5:00 pm  Thanks to Twitter MMA coverage has been taken to a new level. We actually have, for lack of a better term, MMA beat reporters just like the NFL, MLB and NBA have. And now when rumors start to spread you can ask one of many excellent journalists what exactly is fact and what exactly is fiction.
Two false reports came out today both of which have been debunked.
First Bleacherreport.com (Bloody Elbow’s favorite site!) reported that Mirko suffered a bad cut during training that needed stitches.
Talk about bad luck! Just a day after the UFC announced that Ben Rothwell was forced out of his bout with Mirko “Cro-Cop” Filipovic due to an undisclosed illness, Cro-Cop himself received a nasty cut over his eye that required stitches.
Here’s what Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports said via Twitter:
“I dont think he’s cut. I saw him yesterday and he wasn’t cut and he said he was done working out.”
“He was told by UFC official workout room had moved and he said, No problem, I’m finished. And he DEFINITELY wasn’t cut then”
“Just talked to Marshall Zelaznik of UFC International Cro Cop is fighting and nothing happened to him as far as Zelaznik knows.”
“I dont know. I saw the guy yesterday a.m. and he was fine. I just talked to head of UFC Intl and he didn’t know anything.”
Now logic would also back this report by Iole up. If he saw Cro-Cop yesterday and he was fine there is absolutely no way he’s sparring a day before the fight. That’s just insanity and MMA fighters stop sparring as long as a week before the fight. It’d have to be a freak accident to cut him that badly.
Second rumor comes from that same article. It cites a report from Fightersonly.com that the UFC offered the Cro-Cop fight to both Rampage and Randy Couture.
The UFC allegedly asked Randy Couture and Quinton ‘Ramapge’ Jackson if they would take the fight with Filipovic at short notice but both turned it down flat. Perosh – who has an 0-2 record in the UFC from 2006 – took it on two days notice on the understanding he would get a four-fight contract out of it.
Again, nothing about that paragraph makes any sense. ‘Page is fighting Rashad Evans and Randy just fought. Furthermore why would ‘Page all of a sudden fight at heavyweight? Just makes no sense. I asked Mike Chiappetta who writes for AOL Fanhouse if there was any truth to the report.
“None whatsoever. Not on 1 day’s notice and no chance to market it.”
And there you go. It seems one of the side affect of MMA’s growing popularity is websites trying to make a name for themselves by coming up with fake rumors. Thankfully we have still have credible reporters like Kevin Iole and Mike Chiappetta.
You can follow Kevin at @KevinI and Mike at @MikeChiappetta
By Anthony De Franco February 8, 2010, at 10:23 am There was a time in which WCWP’s Matt Soldano chided myself and Jason for being the “only people who watched the UFC.” This should make him cry. Here is a little piece of news from sports video game site Pastapadre:
In sales news UFC 2009 Undisputed has passed 3.5 million resulting in it becoming a “Platinum Hit” on the 360 and “Greatest Hit” on the PS3. That makes it the second best selling sports title domestically behind Madden which is extraordinary for the first year in a new franchise. NBA 2K10 has passed 2 million in worldwide sales which is a significant number as well.
That’s right. The first iteration of the UFC’s new franchise just outsold the greatest basketball game of all time, which 2K10 is, and it’s really not an argument.
While it doesn’t mean that MMA has surpassed basketball as a sport, it does show a little something.
By Anthony De Franco February 7, 2010, at 5:38 am As May 25th draws closer, I’m getting more and more pumped for UFC 2010: Undisputed. After last year’s game was awesome, you can only assume that this year’s is going to be even better. IGN.com did a first look at the game this weekend, and I’ll be bringing you the MMA fans view of some of the news.
Let’s get started.
Moments ago, the company ran UFC Undisputed 2010 through its first public match – Mike Swick versus Paulo Thiago – and although the gameplay demo was extremely short, THQ promised and showcased some really good stuff. For starters and piggybacking off of my complaint, the static animations of 2009 are gone. When your fighters are in the prone position or mid-hold, they’re not just sitting there — they’re living and breathing. You’ll see your arm struggle against a hold as you try and break it, there are transitions between takedowns, and – thank the Lord – there are cage moves. This year, if you’re good enough, you’re going to be able to slam coverboy Brock Lesnar up against the chain link and wail on his ribcage.
This is a great thing. The game did have a “rock’em, sock’em robots” feel to it at times because most of animations were stiff. This was especially true in the ground game, as the opponent would stand still during transitions. Besides that, cage work was one of the biggest gripes of players last year. The fact that the fights took place in a cage, but you couldn’t interact with it was a bit ridiculous. Look for things like clinches, flurries against the cage and switching levels for takedowns to be included this year.
You can switch to the southpaw stance if you click in on the right joystick, the fight animations have been quadrupled, the clinch has been reanimated, the number of front submissions have been doubled, there’s a new targeting system, and there are individual submissions like B.J. Penn’s arm trap. Not enough octagon goodness? THQ has added karate, Greco-Roman wrestling, and Sambo fighting styles while doing away with archetypes for fighters – created fighters will now use individual movesets.
All good news once again. Fighters like Rich Franklin will feel more realistic due to the addition of the south paw stance. More of anything is never a bad thing, and more submissions and animations are a really good thing. The same goes for more fighting styles as the original six that were in the game simply weren’t enough. Since they did away with archetypes, I wonder how the new movesets will work. MMA is a sport where everyone knows how to do pretty much everything, just with varying levels of skills and success. Will my boxer not be able to throw muay thai knees? Will a wrestler not be able to use a triangle? Actually, that one kinda makes sense. Still, I’m curious of how that is going to work. Fighter specific animations are cool, but it made Anderson Silva a bitch to play with last year.
It did look sweet – the graphics are no doubt sharper than last year, as sweat clung to the fighters’ chests and blood spurted out as punches rained down on Thiago’s face – but that was about it. To drive home that TV presentation, the match ended with the fighters in the ring in post-fight outfits such as Swick’s “Dethrone Royalty Texas” shirt.
YYEEESSSSS. Call me a dork, but I think that the presentation is so important. Thinks like walkout shirts and banners for the fighters makes it feel more like an actual UFC. Besides, I already shot walking out in the Josh Koscheck UFC 106 walkout shirt.
It wasn’t shown, but a THQ press release makes it sound like UFC Undisputed 2010 is making a serious play for one of the best online fighting games. In this year’s game you’ll apparently be able to form “fight camps and leagues, train like real-life UFC fighters and go online to compete against other camps.” There will be online co-op sparring sessions that dictate your credibility, popularity and the types of sponsorships you get. On top of that, this year’s career mode will include the “Game Is Watching You” system, which will “track every action and use this information to dictate in-game commentary, opponent intelligence and overall career progression.”
This is meaty stuff. The online “camp” system sounds awesome. Sign-ups for The 3rd String Safety camp will come. Since Jason sucks, we’ll need good fighters. Similar to NBA2K10, the game seems to use a dynamic commentary system which should bring your created character to life, which is a breath of fresh air after last year’s game. They barely even mentioned your character last year.
Typically in the world of video games, the first year a sports game comes out is dedicated to getting the gameplay right. THQ did that just about perfectly. The second year is when they add all the features that they wanted to add in year one but didn’t have time. That seems to be the direction that Undisputed is headed.
UFC 2010: Undisputed comes out on May 25th. Yes, my copy is already pre-ordered.
By Matt Soldano January 7, 2010, at 1:12 am It was the final straw for NBA Commissioner David Stern. The photo (see below) that was taken pre-game of the January 5th 2010 matchup between the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers, showing Gilbert Arenas using his fingers as guns to “shoot” his teammates, proved that his time in the NBA, for the moment, had as much worth as a Sun Yue autograph. Now that Agent Zero has been suspended, what is his future?
Here is what Stern had to say yesterday about his decision to suspend Arenas:
“Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game. Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.”
He also went on to say he felt “taunted” by Arenas, due to Arenas’ joking perspective on the entire situation and endless tweets on his Twitter account in which he really took no responsibility for the matter at hand. Sources are saying that several Wizards teammates and people close to Arenas advised him to shut up and let the process take its course but of course, that was not a realistic option in Gil’s mind. Although his actions over the past week will have no effect on what the legal system in D.C. decides to do, they will have everything to do with how long the NBA decides to keep Arenas off the court.
Remember, this all started on a team flight back on December 19th. Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton got into an argument about a card game that ended up with the suspended guard owing Crittenton money. Two days later, on the 21st, the two were reportedly shoving their guns in each other’s faces, creating one of the most bizarre stories in recent sports memory. Arenas admitted to placing his guns on a chair by Crittenton’s locker in what was supposed to be a playful joke. A couple of days before the incident, Arenas admitting to bringing his unloaded firearms to the Verizon Center in hopes of keeping them away from his young children. After realizing he did not need the firearms anymore, he handed them to team security to give to the police.
As of last night, the Washington Post unveiled some new emerging details about the December 21st incident, that after reading have people in utter shock.
“According to two first-hand accounts of the confrontation, Crittenton responded to Arenas’s action — which included laying the four unloaded weapons in Crittenton’s cubicle with a note that read, “Pick One” — by brandishing his own firearm, loading the gun and chambering a round.
Two of the five people in the room that morning, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Arenas had originally not disclosed Crittenton’s action to protect the little-used guard from prosecution and had told Crittenton he would assume full responsibility for the actions of both players that day.”
Crittenton loaded his weapon and cocked it? In the words of Martin Lawrence from Bad Boys II:
Many were left wondering why the Wizards were letting Arenas play after the reports had come out. The team was directed by the league to hold still until the legal process was complete and they had made a thorough investigation. However, Arenas’ inability to take the matter seriously forced the hand of David Stern and now the guard’s future is up in the air.
I have said on air all week, I think the suspension Gilbert Arenas faces will probably be for the rest of the season. After today’s comments by David Stern, it is not out of the realm of possibility we see him out even longer, although I think some people’s notion that he should be banned from the game and expelled from the league are little unrealistic. Also, do no be surprised if the Washington Wizards decide to terminate his contract. Arenas is currently in the second season of a six year $111 million contract. He has about 9.5 mill remaining this season.
This controversy is just another black eye for a league that tries its hardest to keep its image clean. First it was the dress code, than they had to deal with the Malice at the Palace, than it was the Donaghy scandal. Gilbert Arenas and his guns have now tarnished the league and have sent them back to their “thuggish” identity. Firearms have no place in any person’s work or anywhere outside of ones’ home in which they should be legally registered. Yes everyone makes mistakes and this if true, is as bad as it gets, but Arenas’ inability to take personal accountability for anything makes it a very real possibility that he might not see an NBA floor for a long long time. It was his actions after the incident, that could lead to his own personal demise.
By Jason Comack November 30, 2009, at 7:53 pm Imagine a “Doomsday Summer Of 2010″ scenario Knicks fans. LeBron resigns with Cleveland, Brandon Jennings has become a megastar, the cap comes in at the lowest expected number, and Eddy Curry/Jared Jeffries are both still wearing orange and blue. All hope is lost and Donnie Walsh is a failure….right?
Wrong. Even in a worst case scenario the Knicks still have a lot of hope. While fans and the media will anoint any Non-LeBron team a failure the truth is there are still a ton of ways the Knicks can make it work.
So lets say the Knicks can’t make any roster moves between now and next summers free agency. Here’s their commitments (rounded to the nearest million):
Eddy Curry (12), Jared Jeffries, (7) Danilo Gallinari, (3) Jordan Hill, (3) Wilson Chandler, and (2) Toney Douglas (1) =$28 Mill
Now since the Knicks only have six players under contract the NBA, under the salary cap rules, would add six placeholder players who would make the league minimum. In other words roughly $3 million worth of additional salary.
Keeping with the worst case scenario theme let’s say the NBA salary cap comes in at $50 million. With the Knicks committed to $31 million in payroll they would be $19 million under the cap.
What could the Knicks do with that money?
Offer Rudy Gay, a restricted free agent, enough money Memphis can’t afford to match it. Gay is a guy who will re-energize NY. He’s a borderline all-star right now but will thrive in an uptempo offense. He needs to refine his defense to take his game to the next level but at only 23 and already showing signs of taking the leap.
- Of the players of the 2006 draft class only Rondo, Roy, Aldridge and Bargnani got extensions. If Memphis was prepared to pay Gay big time money wouldn’t they have offered him an extension?
- If the Knicks offered Gay the same contract Rondo got; 55 million over 5 years, starting at 9 million, would Memphis financially be able to match? Memphis already has $47 million committed to their ‘09 payroll. That number doesn’t include their three first round picks, including one that will likely be in the top 5. Let’s say those draft picks add up to $7 million. That takes the Grizzles cap number to $54 million. Paying Gay $9 million would top them off at $63 million, dangerously close to a potential luxury tax line.
- Have the Grizzles ever demonstrated that they are willing to spend money? Furthermore O.J Mayo is due to hit restricted free agency in 2012, eventually he’ll command a near max deal as well.
So now the Knicks have Gay and still have $10 million left to play with. As currently constructed NY would still lack a floor general PG who could run the Seven Seconds Or Less Offense. They could turn to free agency to fill this void.
- Ray Felton: Unrestricted free agent. Would be pricey and might never be better then a third guard on a great team.
- T.J Ford: Has a player option, at $8.5 million, if he opted out he would be looking for big bucks. Ford has the speed to run an offense but since joining Indy his assist numbers have dropped dramatically. Health is also a big question mark for the undersized Ford.
- Kyle Lowry: Restricted free agent. A tenacious defender whose great at pushing the pace on both ends. He drives to the lane like few PG’s can and has a knack for drawing fouls. His long range jumper is improving but still has a long way to go. He’s also never been asked to play starter minutes and hasn’t consistently dished out assists. Lowry might be the best fit for the Knicks but he’s a restricted free agent and he’d be hard to pry away. The Rockets love him
- Randy Foye: Also a restricted free agent. Foye seems to have fallen out of favor in Washington. He’s a bit of a tweener but for a PG he’s solid defensively. Foye has a solid range on his jumper, but is a shoot first point guard.
The Knicks best option might be to hit the trade market. Being under the cap the Knicks are the perfect match for a team looking to shed salary.
- Chicago is a team that will be looking shed salary entering the Summer Of 2010. The Bulls, blessed with Derrick Rose, have Kirk Hinrich eating up $9 million and not playing major minutes. While Hinrich doesn’t carry name value he’s a very solid jump shooter, distributor and defender. The Knicks could essentially trade nothing (cap space) for Hinrch. Hinrich is owed $17 million over the next two seasons. A reasonable short term commitment for the Knicks.
So now the Knicks have added Gay ($9 million) and Hinrich ($9 million) to their 2010 payroll. That would pretty much put them up against the cap. With their remaining money, and mid level exception, the Knicks could go bargain shopping.
- Wouldn’t Raja Bell, coming off an injury, take a 2 million dollar contract to reunite with D’Antoni in the Big Apple?
- Wouldn’t Marcus Camby take a 3 million dollar contract to come back to the Garden?
So now, having spent all the Knicks money here’s their hypothetical roster:
Starters: C: Camby, PF: Gallinari, SF: Gay, SG: Bell, PG: Hinrich.
Sixth Man: Wilson Chandler; SG/SF
Bench: Jordan Hill; PF/C, Toney Douglas; PG/SG, Jared Jefferies; SF/PF, Eddy Curry; C.
In a weak East isn’t that easily a playoff caliber team? Are you telling me that this group is worse then the Pacers (currently the 7 seed) or the Bobcats (currently the 8 seed)?
And here’s the best part. In 2011 the Knicks would have $20+ million coming off the books and primed to be major players in free agency. Maybe it isn’t as loaded as 2010 but take a look at some of the 2011 free agents.
- Tony Parker, Yao Ming, Pau Gasol, Caron Butler, David West, Josh Howard, Jason Richardson, Richard Jefferson, Tayshuan Prince, John Salmons and Andrei Kirilenko.
Just because Donnie Walsh’s 2010 Plan begins with LeBron James doesn’t mean it ends with him. There are plenty of other ways to make the Knicks relevant again. Even if the sky comes falling.
By Matt Soldano November 15, 2009, at 12:25 am November 14, 2009: Milwaukee Bucks 129 – Golden State Warriors 125.
Brandon Jennings: 55 points (21-34 FG, 7-8 3PT, 6-8 FT) 5 rebounds 5 assists
While the rebounds and assists may seem average, this is a rookie point guard who just dropped double nickel! With every impressive game Jennings has, the NCAA cringes as more and more high school seniors will find overseas to be the more attractive route rather than college. Knicks fans are quiet tonight, as well they should be. Jordan Hill is showing some positive signs (in garbage time albeit).
Here’s to Brandon Jennings, your 2009-10 ROY.
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Breaking Down IGN's First Look of UFC 2010: Undisputed...
As May 25th draws closer, I’m getting more and more pumped for UFC 2010: Undisputed. After last year’s game was awesome, you can only assume that this year’s is going to be even better. IGN.com did a first look at the game this weekend, and I’ll be bringing you the MMA fans view of some of the news.
Let’s get started.
This is a great thing. The game did have a “rock’em, sock’em robots” feel to it at times because most of animations were stiff. This was especially true in the ground game, as the opponent would stand still during transitions. Besides that, cage work was one of the biggest gripes of players last year. The fact that the fights took place in a cage, but you couldn’t interact with it was a bit ridiculous. Look for things like clinches, flurries against the cage and switching levels for takedowns to be included this year.
All good news once again. Fighters like Rich Franklin will feel more realistic due to the addition of the south paw stance. More of anything is never a bad thing, and more submissions and animations are a really good thing. The same goes for more fighting styles as the original six that were in the game simply weren’t enough. Since they did away with archetypes, I wonder how the new movesets will work. MMA is a sport where everyone knows how to do pretty much everything, just with varying levels of skills and success. Will my boxer not be able to throw muay thai knees? Will a wrestler not be able to use a triangle? Actually, that one kinda makes sense. Still, I’m curious of how that is going to work. Fighter specific animations are cool, but it made Anderson Silva a bitch to play with last year.
YYEEESSSSS. Call me a dork, but I think that the presentation is so important. Thinks like walkout shirts and banners for the fighters makes it feel more like an actual UFC. Besides, I already shot walking out in the Josh Koscheck UFC 106 walkout shirt.
This is meaty stuff. The online “camp” system sounds awesome. Sign-ups for The 3rd String Safety camp will come. Since Jason sucks, we’ll need good fighters. Similar to NBA2K10, the game seems to use a dynamic commentary system which should bring your created character to life, which is a breath of fresh air after last year’s game. They barely even mentioned your character last year.
Typically in the world of video games, the first year a sports game comes out is dedicated to getting the gameplay right. THQ did that just about perfectly. The second year is when they add all the features that they wanted to add in year one but didn’t have time. That seems to be the direction that Undisputed is headed.
UFC 2010: Undisputed comes out on May 25th. Yes, my copy is already pre-ordered.
Categories: MMA
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