Bellator 19
Bellator Fighting Championships
Verizon Theatre
Grand Prairie, Tx
May 20, 2010
Fox Sports South
This week features the Welterweights in action. Steve Carl takes on Dan Hornbuckle and Ryan Thomas gets his re-match against Ben Askren. Featherweight Champion Joe Soto will also have a non-title Super Fight on the card. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Welterweight Semi-Final Tournament Fight- Steve Carl (13-1) vs. Dan Hornbuckle (20-2)
Both of these fighters fought on Bellator 15 in April. Hornbuckle quickly dispatched of Tyler Stinson with a Triangle Choke in the first round. Carl beat Brett Cooper by split decision. Hornbuckle is my odds on favorite to take the Welterweight tournament. The ring announcer botches the introductions. Hornbuckle fights out of American Top Team.
R1- Hornbuckle pulled guard early and the announcers called it a take down. Hornbuckle went for a kimura and trapped Carl's head with his leg. Hornbuckle rolled over on top and applied more pressure and got the submission win. Very impressive win for Hornbuckle.
Winner: Dan Hornbuckle by Submission (Kimura) R1 2:31
Welterweight Semi-Final Tournament Fight- Ben Askren (4-0) vs. Ryan Thomas (11-4)
These two fought on Bellator 14 and Askren won by ref stoppage in what was a poor call by the ref. Askren was in control of the fight in the first round and had a guillotine on Thomas but didn't have it on tight. Thomas was given the opportunity to fight his way back into the tournament and did so on Bellator 15 when he finished Jacob McClintock with strikes in the first round.
R1- Askren got a quick take down. Askren briefly got a mount but was then put into half guard. Askren went for an arm bar but Thomas got out. Thomas jumped over Askren and instead of taking his back took bottom position. Big mistake by Thomas. Askren mounted again and tried to get the arm bar again but Thomas was able to fight out as the round ended. Askren 10-9. Thomas looked like he threw a punch on the ground clearly after the bell but they cut to commercial as he was about to connect.
R2- This is the first time Askren has had a fight go to the second round. Askren hit a right hand early but then Thomas clinched and got a take down. Askren was able to scramble and briefly take Ryan's back and then got on top in side control. If Askren was more experienced this fight would have been over a long time ago. Thomas is giving Askren all kinds of openings for submissions. Askren briefly tried to grab a Rear Naked but Thomas rolled out. Askren dominating right now 20-18.
R3- Thomas hit a knee early. Askren went for a take down and Thomas tried for a choke but Askren completed the take down. Lots of back and forth wrestling. Askren mounted Thomas with two minutes left. Not a very exciting round but I score it for Askren again. Askren 30-27. It's going to be really tough for him to beat Hornbuckle.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all score cards
Winner: Ben Askren by Decision (Unanimous)
Featherweight Super Fight- Joe Soto (8-0) vs. Diego Saraiva (18-8-1)
Soto is the reigning Bellator Featherweight Champion and has a background in wrestling. Soto has 4 wins by knockout and 3 by submission. Saraiva is 4-0 at Featherweight. Saraiva has finished 12 fights by submission
R1- Soto got a quick take down early in the first round. Soto stayed on top and controlled for the entire round. Soto landed a big elbow very late in the round that opened up a large cut on Saraiva's forehead. Soto 10-9.
During the break the doctor stopped the fight due to the cut Saraiva sustained at the end of the round.
Winner: Joe Soto by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R1 5:00
Bantamweight Fight- Jared Lopez (8-9) vs. Johnny Bedford (23-8-1)
Lopez has knocked his opponent out in 6 of his 8 wins. Bedford has 10 knockouts and 9 submissions to his record.
R1- Lopez landed a couple of strikes but then got taken down about a minute and a half into the round. Bedford stayed on top for the majority of the run until Lopez flipped him over in the last minute. Bedford 10-9.
R2- Bedford got a take down early in the round. Bedford grabbed a kimura from side control but let it go in order to land some elbows to the head. Bedford let him up and landed some good strikes and then took him back down. Bedford 20-18.
R3- Bedford landed some good body shots early in the round and then got the take down. The fight was stood up with three minutes left in the round. Bedford landed some good body shots again and then landed a good knee that knocked Lopez down. Lopez covered up and turned to his side and Bedford landed another strike or two and the ref stopped the fight.
Winner: Johnny Bedford by TKO (Strikes) R3 2:16
Showing posts with label Bellator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bellator. Show all posts
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bellator 18 Re-Cap
Bellator 18
Bellator Fighting Championships
Monroe Civic Center
Monroe, LA
May 13, 2010
Fox Sports South
This week we will have the Semi-Finals of the Featherweight division. Last years runner-up Wilson Reis will face Patricio Pitbull and Joe Warren will fight Georgi Karakhanyan. Also on the show Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard will fight in Bellator for the first time since winning the championship.
Featherweight Semi-Final Fight- Joe Warren (3-1) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (13-1-1)
Warren advanced in the first round by defeating beating Eric Marriott by decision. Georgi fought on the same show and beat Bao Quach by TKO in the very first round. Georgi is on a 9 fight win streak.
R1- Warren quickly charged in and got a take down in the first 10 seconds. Georgi grabbed a leg submission but Warren powered out of the move. Georgi went for a spinning arm bar so Warren got up and then took Georgi down again. Georgi briefly got back to his feet with a minute and a half left in the round but quickly got taken back down to the mat. Really really controlled this round and he's up 10-9 on my score card.
R2- Warren picked up Georgi and Georgi grabbed a guillotine but Warren was able to break out of the hold and complete a take down. Georgi tried to get up and Warren completed a sick slam. Georgi went for an arm bar but Warren survived. Warren really controlling where the fight goes and I've got him 20-18.
R3- Warren nailed a slam in the first 30 seconds of the round. Georgi got to his feet and landed a driving knee but Warren absorbed it and pushed forward for another take down. Georgi caught Warren in a guillotine in the final minute but Georgi lost it with about 40 seconds left in the fight. I've got to give this fight to Warren. He didn't come close to finishing but he dominated where the fight went and grinded out a victory.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all score cards
Winner: Joe Warren by Decision (Unanimous)
Featherweight Semi-Final Fight- Wilson Reis (10-1) vs. Patricio Pitbull (13-0)
Reis advanced in the first round by choking out Shad Lierley in the 3rd round of their fight. Pitbull also won his fight over Will Romero by submission. Big Nog is in the corner of Pitbull for the fight.
R1- Reis hit a good left early. Reis got a take down inside of two minutes. Good action on the ground between these two jiu jitsu fighters and Pitbull is able to reverse and briefly take top position. Very competitive first round. I've got Reis 10-9.
R2- Pitbull threw Reis off during a clinch and then landed a knee but Reis grabbed him and clinched again. Pitbull landed a couple knees and a jab. Pitbull very aggressive in this round and is getting the better of Reis. Fight is 19-19 on my score card going into the third round.
R3- They clinched early in the round and Pitbull hit a Magnum TA style belly-to-belly suplex. Pitbull gave up his position with three minutes left to go in the round. Pitbull is starting to find a home for some of his strikes. Reis got a take down with one minute left in the round but Pitbull quickly got back to his feet. Pitbull finished the round on top and then stood up to bang but there was only 10 seconds left. I've got Pitbull taking this round and thus the fight.
Judges score cards: 29-28 on all score cards
Winner: Patricio Pitbull by Decision (Unanimous)
190lb Catchweight Fight- Hector Lombard (24-2-1) vs. Jay Silva (5-3)
Jay Silva is a last minute replacement for Paulo Filho and that's the reason this is a catchweight fight. Lombard is the reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion. He has a background in Judo. Lombard trains at American Top Team. He has 2 decision losses on his record, both came in 2006 against Gegard Mousasi and Akihiro Gono. Lombard is unbeaten in his last 18 fights.
"I got a feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night"- Jay Silva
"I hope he stands up with me like he stands up with everyone else"- Jay Silva
R1- They came out, Silva threw a quick jab and then backed off. Lombard lunged in and connected with an overhand right and then hit him with a left hand and this one was over. Big time performance by Hector Lombard.
Winner: Hector Lombard by KO R1 0:06
178lb Catchweight Fight- Charlie Rader (11-5) vs. Christian Fulgium (12-6)
Rader has won 9 of his 11 fights by knockout. Fulgium has 6 submissions and 6 knockouts in his 12 wins. Both fighters are from Louisiana and both guys have a background in wrestling.
R1- Rader hit a good jab when Fulgium was coming in and it briefly knocked him off balance. Rader got a take down one minute into the fight. Rader landed some elbows from half guard. Rader continued to land some strikes and Fulgium gave up his back. Rader continued to land strikes once he got Fulgium down again and finished him with strikes. Good showing for Rader.
Winner: Charlie Rader by TKO (Strikes) R1 3:27
Bellator Fighting Championships
Monroe Civic Center
Monroe, LA
May 13, 2010
Fox Sports South
This week we will have the Semi-Finals of the Featherweight division. Last years runner-up Wilson Reis will face Patricio Pitbull and Joe Warren will fight Georgi Karakhanyan. Also on the show Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard will fight in Bellator for the first time since winning the championship.
Featherweight Semi-Final Fight- Joe Warren (3-1) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (13-1-1)
Warren advanced in the first round by defeating beating Eric Marriott by decision. Georgi fought on the same show and beat Bao Quach by TKO in the very first round. Georgi is on a 9 fight win streak.
R1- Warren quickly charged in and got a take down in the first 10 seconds. Georgi grabbed a leg submission but Warren powered out of the move. Georgi went for a spinning arm bar so Warren got up and then took Georgi down again. Georgi briefly got back to his feet with a minute and a half left in the round but quickly got taken back down to the mat. Really really controlled this round and he's up 10-9 on my score card.
R2- Warren picked up Georgi and Georgi grabbed a guillotine but Warren was able to break out of the hold and complete a take down. Georgi tried to get up and Warren completed a sick slam. Georgi went for an arm bar but Warren survived. Warren really controlling where the fight goes and I've got him 20-18.
R3- Warren nailed a slam in the first 30 seconds of the round. Georgi got to his feet and landed a driving knee but Warren absorbed it and pushed forward for another take down. Georgi caught Warren in a guillotine in the final minute but Georgi lost it with about 40 seconds left in the fight. I've got to give this fight to Warren. He didn't come close to finishing but he dominated where the fight went and grinded out a victory.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all score cards
Winner: Joe Warren by Decision (Unanimous)
Featherweight Semi-Final Fight- Wilson Reis (10-1) vs. Patricio Pitbull (13-0)
Reis advanced in the first round by choking out Shad Lierley in the 3rd round of their fight. Pitbull also won his fight over Will Romero by submission. Big Nog is in the corner of Pitbull for the fight.
R1- Reis hit a good left early. Reis got a take down inside of two minutes. Good action on the ground between these two jiu jitsu fighters and Pitbull is able to reverse and briefly take top position. Very competitive first round. I've got Reis 10-9.
R2- Pitbull threw Reis off during a clinch and then landed a knee but Reis grabbed him and clinched again. Pitbull landed a couple knees and a jab. Pitbull very aggressive in this round and is getting the better of Reis. Fight is 19-19 on my score card going into the third round.
R3- They clinched early in the round and Pitbull hit a Magnum TA style belly-to-belly suplex. Pitbull gave up his position with three minutes left to go in the round. Pitbull is starting to find a home for some of his strikes. Reis got a take down with one minute left in the round but Pitbull quickly got back to his feet. Pitbull finished the round on top and then stood up to bang but there was only 10 seconds left. I've got Pitbull taking this round and thus the fight.
Judges score cards: 29-28 on all score cards
Winner: Patricio Pitbull by Decision (Unanimous)
190lb Catchweight Fight- Hector Lombard (24-2-1) vs. Jay Silva (5-3)
Jay Silva is a last minute replacement for Paulo Filho and that's the reason this is a catchweight fight. Lombard is the reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion. He has a background in Judo. Lombard trains at American Top Team. He has 2 decision losses on his record, both came in 2006 against Gegard Mousasi and Akihiro Gono. Lombard is unbeaten in his last 18 fights.
"I got a feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night"- Jay Silva
"I hope he stands up with me like he stands up with everyone else"- Jay Silva
R1- They came out, Silva threw a quick jab and then backed off. Lombard lunged in and connected with an overhand right and then hit him with a left hand and this one was over. Big time performance by Hector Lombard.
Winner: Hector Lombard by KO R1 0:06
178lb Catchweight Fight- Charlie Rader (11-5) vs. Christian Fulgium (12-6)
Rader has won 9 of his 11 fights by knockout. Fulgium has 6 submissions and 6 knockouts in his 12 wins. Both fighters are from Louisiana and both guys have a background in wrestling.
R1- Rader hit a good jab when Fulgium was coming in and it briefly knocked him off balance. Rader got a take down one minute into the fight. Rader landed some elbows from half guard. Rader continued to land some strikes and Fulgium gave up his back. Rader continued to land strikes once he got Fulgium down again and finished him with strikes. Good showing for Rader.
Winner: Charlie Rader by TKO (Strikes) R1 3:27
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Bellator 17 5/6 Re-Cap
Bellator 17
Bellator Fighting Championships
Wang Theatre
Boston, MA
May 6, 2010
Fox Sports South
Tonight we have the semi-finals of the Lightweight tournament and a super fight between current Lightweight Champion and former UFC slugger Josh Neer. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Lightweight Semi-Final Fight- Toby Imada (26-13) vs. Carey Vanier (8-2)
Imada beat James Krause in the first round by arm bar submission in the second round. Vanier beat Joe Duarte by TKO in the third round of their fight. Vanier has won 7 straight fights and has finished 7 of his 8 wins (5 KOs). Vanier has been mentored by Roger Huerta earlier in his career so that's a good story if they both advance to the finals. Imada has finished 25 of his 26 wins with 16 coming by submission. Vanier has a background in wrestling and Imada has a background in judo.
R1- Vanier tried an early take down and had to struggle for it but completed it within the first minute of the fight. Imada quickly got back to his feet with no damage taken. Vanier threw two quick kicks and partially landed one and then landed a strike. Vanier is looking good early. Imada grabbed Vanier and tried a submission but ended up on his back. Imada went for a knee bar but Vanier got out and then got a take down straight to full mount. They stood back up and both landed some strikes in the clinch. Vanier hit a sick German Suplex. Good first round. I give round one to Vanier 10-9 but I think he's going to have a tough time winning this fight unless it goes to decision.
R2- Imada landed a good knee early in the round. Imada is more aggressive this round and landed some strikes and then grabbed a knee bar. Vanier was able to escape but Imada tried for an arm bar and Vanier had to tap. Really impressive showing for Toby Imada in round two. Good fight!
Winner: Toby Imada by Submission (Arm Bar) R2 3:33
Lightweight Semi-Final Fight- Roger Huerta (21-3-1) vs. Pat Curran (10-3)
Tournament favorite Roger Huerta advanced in the first round by submitting Chad Hinton in round three with a knee bar. Pat Curran finished his first round fight against Mike Ricci via knockout in the very first round. Jeff Curran is in Pat's corner for the fight. The winner of this fight will face Toby Imada in the tournament finals for a shot at the Lightweight Title and Eddie Alvarez.
R1- Curran snapped off a head kick in the opening moments but it deflected off of Huerta's noggin and did not damage him. Not a lot of action in the round. I felt like Curran scored more with strikes. Huerta started to come on towards the end of the round but I gave the round to Curran 10-9.
R2- Huerta lands some early leg kicks. Huerta is much more aggressive this round. Curran went for a take down but was denied. Huerta took this round and I've got it 19-19 after two rounds.
R3- Lots of clinching early in the round with Curran landing knees and Huerta landing strikes to Curran's thigh. Huerta went for a take down but Curran slipped out. Both guys really starting to throw some leather as we get down to under two minutes left in the fight and it's anybody's fight to win. Huerta took Curran's back and took him down. Curran switched out and landed a knee and then let Huerta go. One minute left and whoever is more impressive in this last minute will probably take the fight. Curran got a take down with 50 seconds left but Huerta immediately got up. Huerta looked like he landed more strikes down the stretch. Razor thin fight that's probably going to go to Huerta since he was pushing forward more in that round. Realistically this would be a 9-9 or 10-10 round and this should be a draw but if you have to pick someone i'll pick Huerta but only by an eye lash. Would like to see some CompuStrike stats for this fight.
Judges score cards: 29-28 on all score cards
Winner: Pat Curran by Decision (Unanimous)
Well Bellator has to be upset with that upset as they were clearly banking on Huerta to fight Eddie Alvarez. The Lightweight Finals are now set with Toby Imada against Pat Curran and the winner facing Eddie Alvarez.
Catchweight Fight (160 lbs)- Eddie Alvarez vs. Josh Neer
Bellator just jumps right into this fight without the intro that they usually do. Strange. Alvarez holds the Bellator Lightweight Championship but this is a non-title fight as it's being contested at a catchweight.
R1- Alvarez got a take down with a minute and a half gone from the round. Alvarez landed some strikes. Alvarez really controlling Neer through the first three minutes of the fight. Alvarez lands more good strikes from the top position. Alvarez mounted and landed some good strikes but Neer was able to flip him over and Alvarez got back to his feet. Alvarez got another take down with under a minute left in the round. Alvarez passed guard and mounted again but didn't have a chance to do much more damage. Borderline 10-8 round as he just dominated Neer. Neer has shown the ability in the past to absorb a lot of punishment and continue to fight so he's still in this fight but not for long if he continues to allow Alvarez to take him down.
R2- Neer landed some strikes but then got taken down. Neer has been busted open over his eye. Alvarez took Neer's back and clamped in a Rear Naked Choke while Neer was on his feet and Neer collapsed and this fight is over. Fantastic fight by Eddie Alvarez. Neer is not at the level of Alvarez but Neer was the bigger fighter so this is a pretty big win for Alvarez considering how convincingly he destroyed Neer.
Winner: Eddie Alvarez by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R2 2:08
Heavyweight Fight- Pat Bennett (1-0) vs. Cole Konrad (2-0)
Konrad is a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and trains with Brock Lesnar. Konrad had to cut weight to make the Heavyweight limit.
R1- Bennett threw strikes early but then got clinched and taken down within the first minute of the fight. Konrad is smothering Bennett and it looks like Bennett is bleeding from the mouth. Konrad mounted with a minute left in the round. Bennett gave up his back and then Konrad flipped him back over. Konrad going to town on Bennett as the round ends. Borderline 10-8 round.
R2- This is the first time Konrad has been into the second round of a fight and he's noticeably tired. His biggest weakness so far is his conditioning and based on his size he could easily get into better shape. This second round has been like one of those TUF fights where the guys are just exhausted. Konrad starts to land a couple of strikes. Konrad took this round but only because I can't remember Bennett throwing a strike in it. Why is this fight on after Alvarez/Neer?
R3- Bennett comes out quickly with a flurry but didn't land anything. Bennett threw some leather up against the cage and looked like he landed a good one that momentarily stunned Konrad. Bennett took this round but Konrad won the fight. If Konrad seriously wants to be an MMA fighter then he needs to drop some weight and get in better shape. He clearly had cardio issues and it was probably a combination of dropping so much weight and carrying extra weight. He looked good in the first round but if he was in there against a high level striker he would have been toast. It's only his 3rd pro fight so he's got a lot of time to correct his issues but it's time to hit the gym.
"There comes a time when you want to win or you just want the fight to be over. I think Cole Konrad may just want the fight to be over"- Jimmy Smith
Judges score card: 30-26, 29-28, 30-27. Not sure how Konrad won that last round as he didn't do anything but he definitely won the fight. He got a round of boos from the fans after the fight.
Winner: Cole Konrad by Decision (Unanimous)
Next week is the Featherweight Semi-Finals. Georgi Karakhanyan fights Joe Warren and Wilson Reis fights Patricio Pitbull. Should be two good fights. They also say Hector Lombard will fight Paulo Filho in a Super Fight but shockingly (sarcasm) there have been reports the Filho has pulled out of that fight.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Wang Theatre
Boston, MA
May 6, 2010
Fox Sports South
Tonight we have the semi-finals of the Lightweight tournament and a super fight between current Lightweight Champion and former UFC slugger Josh Neer. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Lightweight Semi-Final Fight- Toby Imada (26-13) vs. Carey Vanier (8-2)
Imada beat James Krause in the first round by arm bar submission in the second round. Vanier beat Joe Duarte by TKO in the third round of their fight. Vanier has won 7 straight fights and has finished 7 of his 8 wins (5 KOs). Vanier has been mentored by Roger Huerta earlier in his career so that's a good story if they both advance to the finals. Imada has finished 25 of his 26 wins with 16 coming by submission. Vanier has a background in wrestling and Imada has a background in judo.
R1- Vanier tried an early take down and had to struggle for it but completed it within the first minute of the fight. Imada quickly got back to his feet with no damage taken. Vanier threw two quick kicks and partially landed one and then landed a strike. Vanier is looking good early. Imada grabbed Vanier and tried a submission but ended up on his back. Imada went for a knee bar but Vanier got out and then got a take down straight to full mount. They stood back up and both landed some strikes in the clinch. Vanier hit a sick German Suplex. Good first round. I give round one to Vanier 10-9 but I think he's going to have a tough time winning this fight unless it goes to decision.
R2- Imada landed a good knee early in the round. Imada is more aggressive this round and landed some strikes and then grabbed a knee bar. Vanier was able to escape but Imada tried for an arm bar and Vanier had to tap. Really impressive showing for Toby Imada in round two. Good fight!
Winner: Toby Imada by Submission (Arm Bar) R2 3:33
Lightweight Semi-Final Fight- Roger Huerta (21-3-1) vs. Pat Curran (10-3)
Tournament favorite Roger Huerta advanced in the first round by submitting Chad Hinton in round three with a knee bar. Pat Curran finished his first round fight against Mike Ricci via knockout in the very first round. Jeff Curran is in Pat's corner for the fight. The winner of this fight will face Toby Imada in the tournament finals for a shot at the Lightweight Title and Eddie Alvarez.
R1- Curran snapped off a head kick in the opening moments but it deflected off of Huerta's noggin and did not damage him. Not a lot of action in the round. I felt like Curran scored more with strikes. Huerta started to come on towards the end of the round but I gave the round to Curran 10-9.
R2- Huerta lands some early leg kicks. Huerta is much more aggressive this round. Curran went for a take down but was denied. Huerta took this round and I've got it 19-19 after two rounds.
R3- Lots of clinching early in the round with Curran landing knees and Huerta landing strikes to Curran's thigh. Huerta went for a take down but Curran slipped out. Both guys really starting to throw some leather as we get down to under two minutes left in the fight and it's anybody's fight to win. Huerta took Curran's back and took him down. Curran switched out and landed a knee and then let Huerta go. One minute left and whoever is more impressive in this last minute will probably take the fight. Curran got a take down with 50 seconds left but Huerta immediately got up. Huerta looked like he landed more strikes down the stretch. Razor thin fight that's probably going to go to Huerta since he was pushing forward more in that round. Realistically this would be a 9-9 or 10-10 round and this should be a draw but if you have to pick someone i'll pick Huerta but only by an eye lash. Would like to see some CompuStrike stats for this fight.
Judges score cards: 29-28 on all score cards
Winner: Pat Curran by Decision (Unanimous)
Well Bellator has to be upset with that upset as they were clearly banking on Huerta to fight Eddie Alvarez. The Lightweight Finals are now set with Toby Imada against Pat Curran and the winner facing Eddie Alvarez.
Catchweight Fight (160 lbs)- Eddie Alvarez vs. Josh Neer
Bellator just jumps right into this fight without the intro that they usually do. Strange. Alvarez holds the Bellator Lightweight Championship but this is a non-title fight as it's being contested at a catchweight.
R1- Alvarez got a take down with a minute and a half gone from the round. Alvarez landed some strikes. Alvarez really controlling Neer through the first three minutes of the fight. Alvarez lands more good strikes from the top position. Alvarez mounted and landed some good strikes but Neer was able to flip him over and Alvarez got back to his feet. Alvarez got another take down with under a minute left in the round. Alvarez passed guard and mounted again but didn't have a chance to do much more damage. Borderline 10-8 round as he just dominated Neer. Neer has shown the ability in the past to absorb a lot of punishment and continue to fight so he's still in this fight but not for long if he continues to allow Alvarez to take him down.
R2- Neer landed some strikes but then got taken down. Neer has been busted open over his eye. Alvarez took Neer's back and clamped in a Rear Naked Choke while Neer was on his feet and Neer collapsed and this fight is over. Fantastic fight by Eddie Alvarez. Neer is not at the level of Alvarez but Neer was the bigger fighter so this is a pretty big win for Alvarez considering how convincingly he destroyed Neer.
Winner: Eddie Alvarez by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R2 2:08
Heavyweight Fight- Pat Bennett (1-0) vs. Cole Konrad (2-0)
Konrad is a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and trains with Brock Lesnar. Konrad had to cut weight to make the Heavyweight limit.
R1- Bennett threw strikes early but then got clinched and taken down within the first minute of the fight. Konrad is smothering Bennett and it looks like Bennett is bleeding from the mouth. Konrad mounted with a minute left in the round. Bennett gave up his back and then Konrad flipped him back over. Konrad going to town on Bennett as the round ends. Borderline 10-8 round.
R2- This is the first time Konrad has been into the second round of a fight and he's noticeably tired. His biggest weakness so far is his conditioning and based on his size he could easily get into better shape. This second round has been like one of those TUF fights where the guys are just exhausted. Konrad starts to land a couple of strikes. Konrad took this round but only because I can't remember Bennett throwing a strike in it. Why is this fight on after Alvarez/Neer?
R3- Bennett comes out quickly with a flurry but didn't land anything. Bennett threw some leather up against the cage and looked like he landed a good one that momentarily stunned Konrad. Bennett took this round but Konrad won the fight. If Konrad seriously wants to be an MMA fighter then he needs to drop some weight and get in better shape. He clearly had cardio issues and it was probably a combination of dropping so much weight and carrying extra weight. He looked good in the first round but if he was in there against a high level striker he would have been toast. It's only his 3rd pro fight so he's got a lot of time to correct his issues but it's time to hit the gym.
"There comes a time when you want to win or you just want the fight to be over. I think Cole Konrad may just want the fight to be over"- Jimmy Smith
Judges score card: 30-26, 29-28, 30-27. Not sure how Konrad won that last round as he didn't do anything but he definitely won the fight. He got a round of boos from the fans after the fight.
Winner: Cole Konrad by Decision (Unanimous)
Next week is the Featherweight Semi-Finals. Georgi Karakhanyan fights Joe Warren and Wilson Reis fights Patricio Pitbull. Should be two good fights. They also say Hector Lombard will fight Paulo Filho in a Super Fight but shockingly (sarcasm) there have been reports the Filho has pulled out of that fight.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Bellator 16 4/29 Re-Cap
Bellator 16
Bellator Fighting Championships
Kansas City Power and Light District
Kansas City, Missouri
April 29, 2010
Fox Sports South
This is week four of the second season of the Bellator Fighting Championships. All of the Middleweight Quarterfinal fights will take place tonight. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show. This weeks show is being fought outside!
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Eric Schambari (11-1) vs. Luke Zachrich (10-1)
You probably remember Zachrich from season seven of The Ultimate Fighter. He was a member of Team Forrest. He lost in his first fight in the house to Dan Cramer by TKO in the second round. Schambari trains with Joe Stevenson. Zachrich has 10 wins and he has finished all of his fights. His only loss (the TUF fight does not count on his record) was by submission. The only time I've seen Schambari fight was on an episode of WEC Wreckage where he beat Logan Clark by way of a close decision. Schambari is a former power lifter. If I was a betting man I would go with Schambari (although I'm watching this about 5 days after it aired so I don't think they'd take my wager...unless I am wrong). Jason Herzog and his awesome purple gloves will be referring this fight.
R1- Schambari went for take downs early and got stuffed twice before he finally got Luke down. Luke tried to get a guillotine choke and avoided a slam because of it but ended up on the bottom. Schambari went for a guillotine and Luke swept him over and took half guard. Schambari got back to his feet and Luke pulled guard, possibly to avoid a slam or hard take down. Schambari looks like he going for an arm triangle and Luke tapped out of nowhere. In both fights I've seen of him Schambari is not exciting but he's an effective grinder.
Winner: Eric Schambari by Submission (Arm Triangle) R1 3:34
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Alexander Shlemenko (27-4) vs. Matt Major (6-1)
Schlemenko fought on the ShoXC Elite Challengers Series in October of 2008 and won a fight where he got controlled because he landed a big knee at the end of the first round. Major designed his own fights for this show. He did an interview where he talked about being into art and sewing. I'd make fun of him but he would beat me into a pulp. Major has only finished the fight in 2 of his 6 victories. Major did not find out until Tuesday that he was fighting Shlemenko. Give me Shlemenko in this one but I'm going to call him Alexander so I don't screw up his name.
R1- Alexander throws a lot of kicks early and caught Major with a left hand in the first minute. Alexander is coming at a lot of different angles and is throwing lots of spinning strikes. Major's nose has been busted open. Alexander finally caught Major with one of his spinning back fists but didn't hit it fully. Alexander 10-9.
R2- Alexander continues to throw spinning strikes. I think Alexander could finish if he just stopped with all the flashy stuff. Alexander landed a sinning back kick and Major landed a counter strike. Alexander landed a body shot, he does a good job changing levels when he's not trying a spinning strike. Alexander partially landed a spinning back kick to the head but fell down and Major jumped on top. Major is landing some minor strikes while in Alexander's guard. Alexander got back to his feet before the end of the round and then landed a low blow on Major. Alexander 20-18.
"Matt Major just took a shot and sprayed me with blood. It is all over my notes and everything"- Jimmy Smith
R3- Alexander landing some strikes early in the round. Alexander finally connected with a spinning back fist and then landed a couple more strikes and Major looked like he was stunned but Alexander couldn't finish. Alexander looked like he went for a take down with a minute and a half left but Major ended up on top. Alexander got back to his feet with 45 seconds left in the fight. Alexander hit a good left hand. They exchange spinning back fists in the last 10 seconds. Alexander takes this fight 30-27 on my score card but I think he's going to struggle in the next round with that type of offense unless he catches somebody early.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all score cards
Winner: Alexander Shlemenko by Decision (Unanimous)
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Bryan Baker (11-1) vs. Sean Loeffler (18-4)
I saw Baker fight at MFC 23 back in December of last year on HDNet and he won a close decision against Art Santore. Baker's only loss came at the hands of Chael Sonnen and he's finished 7 of his 11 wins (5 by KO). Loeffler's striking coach was shot and killed last month so he will be fighting tonight with a lot on his mind. Loeffler has finished 17 of his 18 wins (10 by submission) and has won 6 straight. Loeffler is a former training partner of Bellator Color Commentator Jimmy Smith.
R1- Baker backed Loeffler into the cage early with some strikes but didn't land anything substantial. Baker got a take down at the one minute mark of the fight. Baker stood up so he could pass Loeffler's guard. Baker landed some strikes from the top and Loeffler covered up and then rolled over and this one is over. Impressive showing by Baker. Most impressive fighter so far in the Middleweight tournament.
Winner: Bryan Baker by TKO (Strikes) R1 2:43
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Jared Hess (9-1-1) vs. Ryan McGivern (13-6)
McGivern was an IFL Middleweight Champion and Hess made the Bellator Middleweight Finals last season where he lost to the current Bellator champ Hector Lombard. MiGivern was a former D-1 Wrestler at Iowa and is also a black belt in taekwondo. McGivern has Pat Militech in his corner. Hess has finished all of his wins, 6 by submission and 3 by KO. Hess is also a wrestler and currently trains with Roger Huerta.
R1- McGivern grabbed a headlock up against the cage when they clinched and Hess slammed him to the mat. Hess controlled on top but McGivern used an active guard to minimize damage. Hess 10-9. Not real exciting but Hess controlled the round.
R2- Hess grabs a single-leg early and uses second effort to complete the take down. McGivern got to his feet but Hess immediately grabbed a guillotine choke and pulled guard and this fight is over.
Winner: Jared Hess by Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 1:54
Catchweight Fight (162 lbs)- Eric Marriott vs. Demi Deeds
This is a pre-show fight. Marriott previously fought on this season of Bellator in a Featherweight fight against Joe Warren.
R1- Deeds grabbed an early guillotine and almost finished but he was in half guard and couldn't get enough behind it. Marriott got to his feet and slammed Deeds to the mat and changed positions to get out of the guillotine. Deeds got back to his feet and landed a good head kick. Marriott grabbed a leg so he could recover. Marriott is busted open. Deeds tried to get the guillotine again but once again could not finish. Deeds went for a leg lock and Marriott grabbed one of his own. Deeds got out of the hold and went for a knee bar but could not finish. Marriott finished the round on top and landed a few strikes. Deeds 10-9. Really good first round.
R2- Deeds landed a strike early but Marriott ended up with a take down. Marriott took his back but couldn't hold it and Deeds spun on top. Marriott went for an arm bar and then transitioned to a triangle. Deeds was able to power out of the submission. Marriott went for the triangle again and turned over onto his back for leverage and Deeds tapped out. Best fight of the night.
Winner: Eric Marriott by Submission (Triangle Choke) R2 3:02
In the first round fights I thought Jard Hess and Bryan Baker had the best two performances. On Thursday Roger Huerta will be in action against Pat Curran in a Lightweight Semi-Final fight. There will be a big fight between Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez and former UFC slugger Josh Neer in a catchweight fight. Toby Imada will also fight Carey Vanier in a Lightweight Semi-Final fight. Brock Lesnar's training partner Cole Konrad will also make his Bellator debut.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Kansas City Power and Light District
Kansas City, Missouri
April 29, 2010
Fox Sports South
This is week four of the second season of the Bellator Fighting Championships. All of the Middleweight Quarterfinal fights will take place tonight. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show. This weeks show is being fought outside!
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Eric Schambari (11-1) vs. Luke Zachrich (10-1)
You probably remember Zachrich from season seven of The Ultimate Fighter. He was a member of Team Forrest. He lost in his first fight in the house to Dan Cramer by TKO in the second round. Schambari trains with Joe Stevenson. Zachrich has 10 wins and he has finished all of his fights. His only loss (the TUF fight does not count on his record) was by submission. The only time I've seen Schambari fight was on an episode of WEC Wreckage where he beat Logan Clark by way of a close decision. Schambari is a former power lifter. If I was a betting man I would go with Schambari (although I'm watching this about 5 days after it aired so I don't think they'd take my wager...unless I am wrong). Jason Herzog and his awesome purple gloves will be referring this fight.
R1- Schambari went for take downs early and got stuffed twice before he finally got Luke down. Luke tried to get a guillotine choke and avoided a slam because of it but ended up on the bottom. Schambari went for a guillotine and Luke swept him over and took half guard. Schambari got back to his feet and Luke pulled guard, possibly to avoid a slam or hard take down. Schambari looks like he going for an arm triangle and Luke tapped out of nowhere. In both fights I've seen of him Schambari is not exciting but he's an effective grinder.
Winner: Eric Schambari by Submission (Arm Triangle) R1 3:34
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Alexander Shlemenko (27-4) vs. Matt Major (6-1)
Schlemenko fought on the ShoXC Elite Challengers Series in October of 2008 and won a fight where he got controlled because he landed a big knee at the end of the first round. Major designed his own fights for this show. He did an interview where he talked about being into art and sewing. I'd make fun of him but he would beat me into a pulp. Major has only finished the fight in 2 of his 6 victories. Major did not find out until Tuesday that he was fighting Shlemenko. Give me Shlemenko in this one but I'm going to call him Alexander so I don't screw up his name.
R1- Alexander throws a lot of kicks early and caught Major with a left hand in the first minute. Alexander is coming at a lot of different angles and is throwing lots of spinning strikes. Major's nose has been busted open. Alexander finally caught Major with one of his spinning back fists but didn't hit it fully. Alexander 10-9.
R2- Alexander continues to throw spinning strikes. I think Alexander could finish if he just stopped with all the flashy stuff. Alexander landed a sinning back kick and Major landed a counter strike. Alexander landed a body shot, he does a good job changing levels when he's not trying a spinning strike. Alexander partially landed a spinning back kick to the head but fell down and Major jumped on top. Major is landing some minor strikes while in Alexander's guard. Alexander got back to his feet before the end of the round and then landed a low blow on Major. Alexander 20-18.
"Matt Major just took a shot and sprayed me with blood. It is all over my notes and everything"- Jimmy Smith
R3- Alexander landing some strikes early in the round. Alexander finally connected with a spinning back fist and then landed a couple more strikes and Major looked like he was stunned but Alexander couldn't finish. Alexander looked like he went for a take down with a minute and a half left but Major ended up on top. Alexander got back to his feet with 45 seconds left in the fight. Alexander hit a good left hand. They exchange spinning back fists in the last 10 seconds. Alexander takes this fight 30-27 on my score card but I think he's going to struggle in the next round with that type of offense unless he catches somebody early.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all score cards
Winner: Alexander Shlemenko by Decision (Unanimous)
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Bryan Baker (11-1) vs. Sean Loeffler (18-4)
I saw Baker fight at MFC 23 back in December of last year on HDNet and he won a close decision against Art Santore. Baker's only loss came at the hands of Chael Sonnen and he's finished 7 of his 11 wins (5 by KO). Loeffler's striking coach was shot and killed last month so he will be fighting tonight with a lot on his mind. Loeffler has finished 17 of his 18 wins (10 by submission) and has won 6 straight. Loeffler is a former training partner of Bellator Color Commentator Jimmy Smith.
R1- Baker backed Loeffler into the cage early with some strikes but didn't land anything substantial. Baker got a take down at the one minute mark of the fight. Baker stood up so he could pass Loeffler's guard. Baker landed some strikes from the top and Loeffler covered up and then rolled over and this one is over. Impressive showing by Baker. Most impressive fighter so far in the Middleweight tournament.
Winner: Bryan Baker by TKO (Strikes) R1 2:43
Middleweight Quarterfinal Fight- Jared Hess (9-1-1) vs. Ryan McGivern (13-6)
McGivern was an IFL Middleweight Champion and Hess made the Bellator Middleweight Finals last season where he lost to the current Bellator champ Hector Lombard. MiGivern was a former D-1 Wrestler at Iowa and is also a black belt in taekwondo. McGivern has Pat Militech in his corner. Hess has finished all of his wins, 6 by submission and 3 by KO. Hess is also a wrestler and currently trains with Roger Huerta.
R1- McGivern grabbed a headlock up against the cage when they clinched and Hess slammed him to the mat. Hess controlled on top but McGivern used an active guard to minimize damage. Hess 10-9. Not real exciting but Hess controlled the round.
R2- Hess grabs a single-leg early and uses second effort to complete the take down. McGivern got to his feet but Hess immediately grabbed a guillotine choke and pulled guard and this fight is over.
Winner: Jared Hess by Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 1:54
Catchweight Fight (162 lbs)- Eric Marriott vs. Demi Deeds
This is a pre-show fight. Marriott previously fought on this season of Bellator in a Featherweight fight against Joe Warren.
R1- Deeds grabbed an early guillotine and almost finished but he was in half guard and couldn't get enough behind it. Marriott got to his feet and slammed Deeds to the mat and changed positions to get out of the guillotine. Deeds got back to his feet and landed a good head kick. Marriott grabbed a leg so he could recover. Marriott is busted open. Deeds tried to get the guillotine again but once again could not finish. Deeds went for a leg lock and Marriott grabbed one of his own. Deeds got out of the hold and went for a knee bar but could not finish. Marriott finished the round on top and landed a few strikes. Deeds 10-9. Really good first round.
R2- Deeds landed a strike early but Marriott ended up with a take down. Marriott took his back but couldn't hold it and Deeds spun on top. Marriott went for an arm bar and then transitioned to a triangle. Deeds was able to power out of the submission. Marriott went for the triangle again and turned over onto his back for leverage and Deeds tapped out. Best fight of the night.
Winner: Eric Marriott by Submission (Triangle Choke) R2 3:02
In the first round fights I thought Jard Hess and Bryan Baker had the best two performances. On Thursday Roger Huerta will be in action against Pat Curran in a Lightweight Semi-Final fight. There will be a big fight between Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez and former UFC slugger Josh Neer in a catchweight fight. Toby Imada will also fight Carey Vanier in a Lightweight Semi-Final fight. Brock Lesnar's training partner Cole Konrad will also make his Bellator debut.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Bellator 15 4/22 Re-Cap
Bellator 15
Bellator Fighting Championships
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, CT
April 22, 2010
Fox Sports South
This is the third week of the second season of the Bellator Fighting Championships. This week we will be seeing the final fights in the Featherweight and Welterweight Quarterfinals. Ryan Thomas lost last week by a controversial stoppage but this week he gets a chance to step back in due to a travel issue for another fighter. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Will Romero (5-0) vs. Patricio Pitbull (12-0)
This is the US debut for both fighters. Romero is Canadian and Pitbull is Brazilian. Romero has 4 stoppages in his 5 wins (2 KO and 2 Submissions). Pitbull has finished 9 of his 12 fights (6 by submission and 3 by KO). Pitbull trains with the Team Nogueira. The winner of this fight will face Wilson Reis in the semi-finals of the Featherweight tournament.
R1- Pitbull got a take down in the first minute after landing some strikes. Pitbull went for an ankle lock and then grabbed a heel hook and Romero tapped out. Very impressive showing for Pitbulls. I'm definitely looking forward to his fight with Wilson Reis.
Winner: Patricio Pitbull by Submission (Heel Hook) R1 2:01
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Ryan Thomas (10-4) vs. Jacob McClintock (6-0)
For some reason McClintock chooses "Wild Boys" from Duran Duran as his theme music. I'm guessing he's a huge Cro Cop fan because there is no other reasonable excuse (besides losing a drunken bet) for choosing that music. Thomas is getting a second chance in this tournament after he was a victim of a poor referee stoppage last week. McClintock has finished all of his fights (6 KO and 2 Submissions) and fights out of Arizona Combat Sports. Thomas has also had stoppages in all of his wins (3 KO and 7 submissions). Dan Mirgliatta is the referee so we could see another early stoppage.
R1- McClintock comes in hard early and landed some strikes. McClintock used a kimura to get a take down and then took his back. Thomas was able to turn McClintock over and take his guard. Thomas lands some good Ground and Pound. Thomas gets a partial crucifix and lands some good shots to McClintock's face and bloodies him up. McClintock tried to grab a triangle but is getting hurt with the Ground and Pound and the ref steps in and stops the fight.
Winner: Ryan Thomas by TKO (Strikes) R1 4:11
Post-fight Ryan Thomas calls out Ben Askren and says he didn't beat him and everybody knows he didn't beat him.
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Tyler Stinson (17-5) vs. Dan Hornbuckle (19-2)
Stinson beat out 78 other pro MMA fighters in last months open tryouts to get this chance. Hornbuckle has wins over Akihiro Gono and Nick Thompson in Sengoku. Stinson has 16 finishes in his 17 wins (12 being by KO). Hornbuckle has finished 16 of his 19 wins (9 by KO and 7 by submission). Hornbuckle looks like a huge favorite on paper.
R1- Stinson looked decent on his feet and then stuffed a take down but got caught in a triangle once Stinson took the fight to the ground. Stinson tried to hold on but had to tap out. Really good showing by Hornbuckle as he went to the finish as soon as the fight went to the ground.
Winner: Dan Hornbuckle by Submission (Triangle Choke) R1 2:03
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Steve Carl (12-1) vs. Brett Cooper (12-5)
This is the final Welterweight Quarterfinal fight. Cooper is 10-2 in his last 12 fights. Carl has 8 submissions and 2 KOs out of his 12 wins. Carl is 7-0 since returning from a serious car accident that he had in 2006.
R1- Cooper got an early slam in the first thirty seconds of the fight. Carl was able to scramble out of the position and ended up getting a take down of his own. Back to their feet and Carl landed some strikes before clinching against the cage. Cooper briefly got a take down but Carl quickly got back to his feet and then got a take down. Carl 10-9.
R2- First half of the round was even and mostly uneventful. Carl got a take down with a minute and a half left in the round. Carl went for a triangle and Cooper slipped out and into side control but Carl quickly got back to his feet. Close round, this is one I would put at 10-10 if it was allowed in the scoring. Otherwise I go 10-9 Carl due to the take down and submission attempt and the strikes he landed towards the end of the round. Neither guy really did any damage in this round.
R3- Carl landed a couple of kicks early and then Cooper had a take down reversed. Cooper popped right back up and was able to land some strikes. Cooper got a take down only a minute and a half into the final round. Cooper briefly got mount but Carl quickly got back to his feet. Carl lands some kicks. Cooper got a take down with about a minute left in the fight. Cooper landed some Ground and Pound from full guard. Cooper landed a couple of really good shots and looked like he could have finished but didn't. Cooper takes this round but I've got Carl 29-28. I smell a split decision. Very close fight. Cooper did more damage but I think Carl took rounds one and two.
Judges score cards: 29-28 Cooper, 29-28 Carl, 29-28 Carl
Winner: Steve Carl by Decision (Split)
From what I've seen in the Welterweight division I'd have to say Dan Hornbuckle looks like the odds-on favorite with Ben Askren as my runner-up.
Featherweight Fight- Brylan Vanartsdalen vs. Rich De los Reyes
Due to time being left on the broadcast this fight is joined in progress going into round two. It is a fight from the preliminaries of this show. This is the pro debut for Vanartsdalen.
R1- Vanartsdalen went for a throw but got mounted instead and then De los Reyes took his back and went for a choke. Vanartsdalen got to his feet and De los Reyes clamped in the choke and Vanartsdalen slammed him to briefly break up the submission. De los Reyes rolled him back over and clamped in the Rear Naked and got the victory.
Winner: Rich De los Reyes by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R2 2:03
Bellator Fighting Championships
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, CT
April 22, 2010
Fox Sports South
This is the third week of the second season of the Bellator Fighting Championships. This week we will be seeing the final fights in the Featherweight and Welterweight Quarterfinals. Ryan Thomas lost last week by a controversial stoppage but this week he gets a chance to step back in due to a travel issue for another fighter. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Will Romero (5-0) vs. Patricio Pitbull (12-0)
This is the US debut for both fighters. Romero is Canadian and Pitbull is Brazilian. Romero has 4 stoppages in his 5 wins (2 KO and 2 Submissions). Pitbull has finished 9 of his 12 fights (6 by submission and 3 by KO). Pitbull trains with the Team Nogueira. The winner of this fight will face Wilson Reis in the semi-finals of the Featherweight tournament.
R1- Pitbull got a take down in the first minute after landing some strikes. Pitbull went for an ankle lock and then grabbed a heel hook and Romero tapped out. Very impressive showing for Pitbulls. I'm definitely looking forward to his fight with Wilson Reis.
Winner: Patricio Pitbull by Submission (Heel Hook) R1 2:01
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Ryan Thomas (10-4) vs. Jacob McClintock (6-0)
For some reason McClintock chooses "Wild Boys" from Duran Duran as his theme music. I'm guessing he's a huge Cro Cop fan because there is no other reasonable excuse (besides losing a drunken bet) for choosing that music. Thomas is getting a second chance in this tournament after he was a victim of a poor referee stoppage last week. McClintock has finished all of his fights (6 KO and 2 Submissions) and fights out of Arizona Combat Sports. Thomas has also had stoppages in all of his wins (3 KO and 7 submissions). Dan Mirgliatta is the referee so we could see another early stoppage.
R1- McClintock comes in hard early and landed some strikes. McClintock used a kimura to get a take down and then took his back. Thomas was able to turn McClintock over and take his guard. Thomas lands some good Ground and Pound. Thomas gets a partial crucifix and lands some good shots to McClintock's face and bloodies him up. McClintock tried to grab a triangle but is getting hurt with the Ground and Pound and the ref steps in and stops the fight.
Winner: Ryan Thomas by TKO (Strikes) R1 4:11
Post-fight Ryan Thomas calls out Ben Askren and says he didn't beat him and everybody knows he didn't beat him.
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Tyler Stinson (17-5) vs. Dan Hornbuckle (19-2)
Stinson beat out 78 other pro MMA fighters in last months open tryouts to get this chance. Hornbuckle has wins over Akihiro Gono and Nick Thompson in Sengoku. Stinson has 16 finishes in his 17 wins (12 being by KO). Hornbuckle has finished 16 of his 19 wins (9 by KO and 7 by submission). Hornbuckle looks like a huge favorite on paper.
R1- Stinson looked decent on his feet and then stuffed a take down but got caught in a triangle once Stinson took the fight to the ground. Stinson tried to hold on but had to tap out. Really good showing by Hornbuckle as he went to the finish as soon as the fight went to the ground.
Winner: Dan Hornbuckle by Submission (Triangle Choke) R1 2:03
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Steve Carl (12-1) vs. Brett Cooper (12-5)
This is the final Welterweight Quarterfinal fight. Cooper is 10-2 in his last 12 fights. Carl has 8 submissions and 2 KOs out of his 12 wins. Carl is 7-0 since returning from a serious car accident that he had in 2006.
R1- Cooper got an early slam in the first thirty seconds of the fight. Carl was able to scramble out of the position and ended up getting a take down of his own. Back to their feet and Carl landed some strikes before clinching against the cage. Cooper briefly got a take down but Carl quickly got back to his feet and then got a take down. Carl 10-9.
R2- First half of the round was even and mostly uneventful. Carl got a take down with a minute and a half left in the round. Carl went for a triangle and Cooper slipped out and into side control but Carl quickly got back to his feet. Close round, this is one I would put at 10-10 if it was allowed in the scoring. Otherwise I go 10-9 Carl due to the take down and submission attempt and the strikes he landed towards the end of the round. Neither guy really did any damage in this round.
R3- Carl landed a couple of kicks early and then Cooper had a take down reversed. Cooper popped right back up and was able to land some strikes. Cooper got a take down only a minute and a half into the final round. Cooper briefly got mount but Carl quickly got back to his feet. Carl lands some kicks. Cooper got a take down with about a minute left in the fight. Cooper landed some Ground and Pound from full guard. Cooper landed a couple of really good shots and looked like he could have finished but didn't. Cooper takes this round but I've got Carl 29-28. I smell a split decision. Very close fight. Cooper did more damage but I think Carl took rounds one and two.
Judges score cards: 29-28 Cooper, 29-28 Carl, 29-28 Carl
Winner: Steve Carl by Decision (Split)
From what I've seen in the Welterweight division I'd have to say Dan Hornbuckle looks like the odds-on favorite with Ben Askren as my runner-up.
Featherweight Fight- Brylan Vanartsdalen vs. Rich De los Reyes
Due to time being left on the broadcast this fight is joined in progress going into round two. It is a fight from the preliminaries of this show. This is the pro debut for Vanartsdalen.
R1- Vanartsdalen went for a throw but got mounted instead and then De los Reyes took his back and went for a choke. Vanartsdalen got to his feet and De los Reyes clamped in the choke and Vanartsdalen slammed him to briefly break up the submission. De los Reyes rolled him back over and clamped in the Rear Naked and got the victory.
Winner: Rich De los Reyes by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R2 2:03
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Bellator 14 4/15 Re-Cap
Bellator 14
Bellator Fighting Championships
Chicago Theatre
Chicago, Illinois
April 15, 2010
Fox Sports South
Last week was the start of season 2 of the Bellator Fighting Championships and we saw opening round action in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. Toby Imada, Wilson Reis, Pat Curran and Ben Askren highlight the fights tonight as we have fights in the lightweight, featherweight, and welterweight divisions. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Lightweight Quarterfinal Fight- Mike Ricci (5-0) vs. Pat Curran (9-3)
Ricci trains with Georges St-Pierre and is currently undefeated. Ricci has finished 4 of his 5 fights with 3 of the wins coming by KO. Pat Curran is the cousin of MMA veteran Jeff Curran.
R1- Really boring first half of the first round and then just as they were lulling me to sleep Pat Curran hit a right hand that just stopped Ricci and then landed four big Ground and Pound strikes and this one is in the record books. Wow. Fantastic finish by Curran.
Winner: Pat Curran by KO R1 3:01
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Wilson Reis (9-1) vs. Shad Lierley (5-2)
Reis was undefeated until he lost to Joe Soto in the semi-finals of last years Bellator tournament. Lierley is a wrestler who is currently training with Roger Huerta. Reis is a former jiu jitsu world champion.
R1- Both guys start at a pretty frantic pace and when the fight didn't go to the ground both guys started throwing wild haymakers. Reis got a take down a minute and a half into the fight. Lierley was able to get to his feet and then get a take down but Reis quickly reversed positions and took Lierley's back. Lierley got out and Reis went for an arm bar but Lierley again slipped out. Reis ended the round with a take down. Reis 10-9.
R2- Reis fought to get top position early in this round but wasn't able to do anything with it. Reis got another take down with three minutes left in the round. This one has turned into a snoozer so of course the announcers call these guys cerebral fighters. Which I don't disagree with I just liked their cerebralness more last round. Reis 10-9 and seems to be in control of this fight right now.
R3- Reis got a take down in the first thirty seconds of this round. Reis landed some Ground and Pound and then surprisingly finished the fight. Good showing by Reis and I was definitely surprised he finished the fight as he looked like he was going to Jon Fitch this one out.
Winner: Wilson Reis by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R3 3:33
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Ben Askren (3-0) vs. Ryan Thomas (10-3)
Askren is a former Olympic wrestler and former NCAA wrestling champion. Thomas has a background in wrestling and Muay Thai and has UFC experience. He has also finished all of his 10 victories (7 by submission and 3 by knockout). Askren has finished all 3 of his opponents in the first round and is currently training out of the Lions Den. Askren just got married last week and they show her at ringside and the announcers mention that this is their honeymoon.
"Let's see how good he can wrestle with my fist in his mouth and my foot up his ass"- Ryan Thomas
R1- Thomas hit a quick punch and tried to egg Askren on but Askren immediately got a take down. Thomas went for a triangle and Askren slipped out of the submission attempt. Askren went for a choke but gave up position. Thomas took top position for about five seconds before Askren rolled him back over. Askren clamped on a guillotine and the ref stopped the fight despite Thomas not tapping out and him not being choked out. Horrible stoppage. Askren looked good. Not his fault. Just really bad referring.
Winner: Ben Askren by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R1 2:40
Lightweight Quarterfinal Fight- James Krause (11-2) vs. Toby Imada (25-13)
The announcers say Krause cut from 190 to 155 over the last week. Krause is replacing a French Olympian that I would butcher his name if I tried to type. Krause has finished all 11 of his wins (9 submissions and 2 knockouts) Imada upset Jorge Masvidal last year in Bellator when he finished him with a sick inverted triangle that took home many submission of the year awards. Imada has 15 submission wins and 9 knockouts in his 25 wins. Imada lost to Eddie Alvarez in the Lightweight Finals of last years Bellator tournament. Krause has a big height advantage.
R1- Imada got a take down about a minute and a half into the fight. Imada went for an omaplata but Krause slipped out and took top position with a minute and a half left in the round. Close round. I've got Imada 10-9.
R2- Imada quickly got top position on Krause. Krause got the fight back to the feet but Imada got another take down at around the three minute mark. Imada went for an arm bar and Krause quickly tapped out. Good showing for Imada.
Winner: Toby Imada by Submission (Arm Bar) R2 2:44
Bellator Fighting Championships
Chicago Theatre
Chicago, Illinois
April 15, 2010
Fox Sports South
Last week was the start of season 2 of the Bellator Fighting Championships and we saw opening round action in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. Toby Imada, Wilson Reis, Pat Curran and Ben Askren highlight the fights tonight as we have fights in the lightweight, featherweight, and welterweight divisions. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show.
Lightweight Quarterfinal Fight- Mike Ricci (5-0) vs. Pat Curran (9-3)
Ricci trains with Georges St-Pierre and is currently undefeated. Ricci has finished 4 of his 5 fights with 3 of the wins coming by KO. Pat Curran is the cousin of MMA veteran Jeff Curran.
R1- Really boring first half of the first round and then just as they were lulling me to sleep Pat Curran hit a right hand that just stopped Ricci and then landed four big Ground and Pound strikes and this one is in the record books. Wow. Fantastic finish by Curran.
Winner: Pat Curran by KO R1 3:01
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Wilson Reis (9-1) vs. Shad Lierley (5-2)
Reis was undefeated until he lost to Joe Soto in the semi-finals of last years Bellator tournament. Lierley is a wrestler who is currently training with Roger Huerta. Reis is a former jiu jitsu world champion.
R1- Both guys start at a pretty frantic pace and when the fight didn't go to the ground both guys started throwing wild haymakers. Reis got a take down a minute and a half into the fight. Lierley was able to get to his feet and then get a take down but Reis quickly reversed positions and took Lierley's back. Lierley got out and Reis went for an arm bar but Lierley again slipped out. Reis ended the round with a take down. Reis 10-9.
R2- Reis fought to get top position early in this round but wasn't able to do anything with it. Reis got another take down with three minutes left in the round. This one has turned into a snoozer so of course the announcers call these guys cerebral fighters. Which I don't disagree with I just liked their cerebralness more last round. Reis 10-9 and seems to be in control of this fight right now.
R3- Reis got a take down in the first thirty seconds of this round. Reis landed some Ground and Pound and then surprisingly finished the fight. Good showing by Reis and I was definitely surprised he finished the fight as he looked like he was going to Jon Fitch this one out.
Winner: Wilson Reis by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R3 3:33
Welterweight Quarterfinal Fight- Ben Askren (3-0) vs. Ryan Thomas (10-3)
Askren is a former Olympic wrestler and former NCAA wrestling champion. Thomas has a background in wrestling and Muay Thai and has UFC experience. He has also finished all of his 10 victories (7 by submission and 3 by knockout). Askren has finished all 3 of his opponents in the first round and is currently training out of the Lions Den. Askren just got married last week and they show her at ringside and the announcers mention that this is their honeymoon.
"Let's see how good he can wrestle with my fist in his mouth and my foot up his ass"- Ryan Thomas
R1- Thomas hit a quick punch and tried to egg Askren on but Askren immediately got a take down. Thomas went for a triangle and Askren slipped out of the submission attempt. Askren went for a choke but gave up position. Thomas took top position for about five seconds before Askren rolled him back over. Askren clamped on a guillotine and the ref stopped the fight despite Thomas not tapping out and him not being choked out. Horrible stoppage. Askren looked good. Not his fault. Just really bad referring.
Winner: Ben Askren by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) R1 2:40
Lightweight Quarterfinal Fight- James Krause (11-2) vs. Toby Imada (25-13)
The announcers say Krause cut from 190 to 155 over the last week. Krause is replacing a French Olympian that I would butcher his name if I tried to type. Krause has finished all 11 of his wins (9 submissions and 2 knockouts) Imada upset Jorge Masvidal last year in Bellator when he finished him with a sick inverted triangle that took home many submission of the year awards. Imada has 15 submission wins and 9 knockouts in his 25 wins. Imada lost to Eddie Alvarez in the Lightweight Finals of last years Bellator tournament. Krause has a big height advantage.
R1- Imada got a take down about a minute and a half into the fight. Imada went for an omaplata but Krause slipped out and took top position with a minute and a half left in the round. Close round. I've got Imada 10-9.
R2- Imada quickly got top position on Krause. Krause got the fight back to the feet but Imada got another take down at around the three minute mark. Imada went for an arm bar and Krause quickly tapped out. Good showing for Imada.
Winner: Toby Imada by Submission (Arm Bar) R2 2:44
Monday, April 12, 2010
Bellator 13 4/8/10 Re-Cap
Bellator 13
Bellator Fighting Championships
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, Florida
April 8, 2010
Fox Sports South
Tonight is the debut of Season Two of the Bellator Fighting Championships. Tonight we will see fights from both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. Bellator is an interesting promotion as they are running 8-fighter tournaments in 4 different weight divisions (featherweight, lightweight, welterweight and middleweight) this year. The biggest names tonight are former UFC fighter Roger Huerta and up and coming Featherweight Joe Warren. These tournaments will run from April 8-June 24. The tournament champions will win $100,000 and the right to fight for the Bellator World Championship in their weight division. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show. The Bellator fights will be three five minute rounds with no elbows to the head and no kicking or kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Georgi Karakhanyan (12-1-1) vs. Bao Quach (17-9-1)
R1- Quach got Georgi down early with a push and jumped on top of him but Georgi got back to his feet. Georgi tried to unload on Quach but didn't look like he hit anything too damaging. Both guys really going after it. Georgi landed a flying knee but Quach pulled guard with a guillotine attempt and then dropped that and attempted to take Georgi's back. Georgi hit a devastating knee on Quach and Quach just slumped to the mat and this one is finished. Great opening fight for Bellator!
Winner: Georgi Karakhanyan by TKO (Strikes) R1 4:05
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Joe Warren (2-1) vs. Eric Marriott (17-2)
Marriott has won 9 consecutive fights. Warren only has 3 fights but one was a victory over Kid Yamamoto and his only loss was to current DREAM champion Bibiano Fernandes.
R1- Warren immediately went for and completed a take down and held Marriott down for the first two minutes of the fight. Warren got a take down slam with about two minutes left in the round. Marriott tried to get an arm bar but Warren picked him up and slammed him onto his back to break the hold. Marriott tried for a triangle and clamped it in pretty good but he couldn't finish as time ran out and the hold became unhooked. Really close round. Even though Warren dominated, Marriott came closer to finish the fight so I've got him 10-9.
R2- Warren got a take down in the first thirty seconds of the round. Warren stayed on top and briefly went for a choke with two minutes left in the round but quickly abandoned the submission. Warren easily took this round as he controlled the entire round. I've got it 19-19 going into the final frame.
R3- Warren again quickly started the round with a take down. Marriott tried another arm bar half way through the round and Warren slammed him down quickly again. Warren just grinded out a win in this fight. Warren wins on my score card 29-28.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all three score cards
Winner: Joe Warren by Decision (Unanimous)
Mickey Rourke and Jeremy Shockey are in the audience and are being interviewed next to a bunch of empty seats. Jeremy looks like he's loaded.
Lightweight Quarterfinal Fight- Roger Huerta (20-3-1) vs. Chad Hinton (6-0)
Hinton is a 38 year old fighter who first fought at the age of 35.
R1- Lots of clinching against the cage early in the fight. Hinton missed a kick and Huerta hit a push kick and jumped on top of Hinton but couldn’t do anything with him. Hinton caught Huerta in a clinch and landed some knees. Huerta hit some good solid punches to escape the clinch and Hinton looked momentarily stunned. Hinton shot in and got a take down but didn’t do anything with hit and Huerta quickly got back to his feet. Huerta landed a couple of good shots and Hinton got another take down. Hinton tried to take Huerta’s back and went for a choke but didn’t have good position and Huerta flipped him over and started landing some Ground and Pound. Good and surprisingly even first round.
R2- Hinton tried a leg kick and hit it but without anything behind it. Then both guys slugged it out wildly. Huerta landed and got a take down. Huerta landed some good strikes from the top. Hinton looks like he’s gassed out and Huerta is landing shots and controlling this round. Huerta clearly won this round and he be able to finish Hinton in the final round.
R3- Huerta grabbed Hinton’s leg and then landed a couple punches. Hinton grabbed Huerta’s back and Huerta did a crazy somersault to the ground to escape and take top position. Huerta grabbed a knee bar and Hinton tapped out.
Winner: Roger Huerta by Submission (Knee Bar) R3 0:56
Lightweight Quarterfinal Final- Joe Duarte (5-1) vs. Carey Vanier (7-2)
Duarte found out last week that he was taking this fight so he’s taking it on 5 days notice. They also mention he cut 15 pounds in 48 hours.
R1- Vanier got a take down about two minutes into the round. Duarte got up but was taken down again with a minute and a half left in the round. Vanier 10-9, not much damage done by either fighter in the first round.
R2- Not a lot of action in the beginning of this round. Duarte briefly got a take down but Vanier immediately got back up. Vanier landed some punches to the gut against the cage and Duarte answered with a knee. Vanier got another take down with about a minute left in the round. Duarte went for a kimura from the bottom but let it go right before the bell as he couldn’t get leverage on it. That round was a lot closer but I’ve got Vanier 20-18.
R3- Vanier landed a good combination to start the round and then quickly got a take down. Vanier landing some good shots from the top. Vanier landing good shots to the head of Duarte. Duarte tried to grab a guillotine but couldn’t hold it as Vanier slipped out. Vanier had position on Duarte’s back and landed a bunch of punches to the side of Duarte’s head and the ref stepped in and stopped the fight.
Winner: Carey Vanier by TKO (Strikes) R3 4:14
Fight of the Night: Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Bao Quach
Bellator Fighting Championships
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, Florida
April 8, 2010
Fox Sports South
Tonight is the debut of Season Two of the Bellator Fighting Championships. Tonight we will see fights from both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. Bellator is an interesting promotion as they are running 8-fighter tournaments in 4 different weight divisions (featherweight, lightweight, welterweight and middleweight) this year. The biggest names tonight are former UFC fighter Roger Huerta and up and coming Featherweight Joe Warren. These tournaments will run from April 8-June 24. The tournament champions will win $100,000 and the right to fight for the Bellator World Championship in their weight division. Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith are the announcers for the show. The Bellator fights will be three five minute rounds with no elbows to the head and no kicking or kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Georgi Karakhanyan (12-1-1) vs. Bao Quach (17-9-1)
R1- Quach got Georgi down early with a push and jumped on top of him but Georgi got back to his feet. Georgi tried to unload on Quach but didn't look like he hit anything too damaging. Both guys really going after it. Georgi landed a flying knee but Quach pulled guard with a guillotine attempt and then dropped that and attempted to take Georgi's back. Georgi hit a devastating knee on Quach and Quach just slumped to the mat and this one is finished. Great opening fight for Bellator!
Winner: Georgi Karakhanyan by TKO (Strikes) R1 4:05
Featherweight Quarterfinal Fight- Joe Warren (2-1) vs. Eric Marriott (17-2)
Marriott has won 9 consecutive fights. Warren only has 3 fights but one was a victory over Kid Yamamoto and his only loss was to current DREAM champion Bibiano Fernandes.
R1- Warren immediately went for and completed a take down and held Marriott down for the first two minutes of the fight. Warren got a take down slam with about two minutes left in the round. Marriott tried to get an arm bar but Warren picked him up and slammed him onto his back to break the hold. Marriott tried for a triangle and clamped it in pretty good but he couldn't finish as time ran out and the hold became unhooked. Really close round. Even though Warren dominated, Marriott came closer to finish the fight so I've got him 10-9.
R2- Warren got a take down in the first thirty seconds of the round. Warren stayed on top and briefly went for a choke with two minutes left in the round but quickly abandoned the submission. Warren easily took this round as he controlled the entire round. I've got it 19-19 going into the final frame.
R3- Warren again quickly started the round with a take down. Marriott tried another arm bar half way through the round and Warren slammed him down quickly again. Warren just grinded out a win in this fight. Warren wins on my score card 29-28.
Judges score cards: 30-27 on all three score cards
Winner: Joe Warren by Decision (Unanimous)
Mickey Rourke and Jeremy Shockey are in the audience and are being interviewed next to a bunch of empty seats. Jeremy looks like he's loaded.
Lightweight Quarterfinal Fight- Roger Huerta (20-3-1) vs. Chad Hinton (6-0)
Hinton is a 38 year old fighter who first fought at the age of 35.
R1- Lots of clinching against the cage early in the fight. Hinton missed a kick and Huerta hit a push kick and jumped on top of Hinton but couldn’t do anything with him. Hinton caught Huerta in a clinch and landed some knees. Huerta hit some good solid punches to escape the clinch and Hinton looked momentarily stunned. Hinton shot in and got a take down but didn’t do anything with hit and Huerta quickly got back to his feet. Huerta landed a couple of good shots and Hinton got another take down. Hinton tried to take Huerta’s back and went for a choke but didn’t have good position and Huerta flipped him over and started landing some Ground and Pound. Good and surprisingly even first round.
R2- Hinton tried a leg kick and hit it but without anything behind it. Then both guys slugged it out wildly. Huerta landed and got a take down. Huerta landed some good strikes from the top. Hinton looks like he’s gassed out and Huerta is landing shots and controlling this round. Huerta clearly won this round and he be able to finish Hinton in the final round.
R3- Huerta grabbed Hinton’s leg and then landed a couple punches. Hinton grabbed Huerta’s back and Huerta did a crazy somersault to the ground to escape and take top position. Huerta grabbed a knee bar and Hinton tapped out.
Winner: Roger Huerta by Submission (Knee Bar) R3 0:56
Lightweight Quarterfinal Final- Joe Duarte (5-1) vs. Carey Vanier (7-2)
Duarte found out last week that he was taking this fight so he’s taking it on 5 days notice. They also mention he cut 15 pounds in 48 hours.
R1- Vanier got a take down about two minutes into the round. Duarte got up but was taken down again with a minute and a half left in the round. Vanier 10-9, not much damage done by either fighter in the first round.
R2- Not a lot of action in the beginning of this round. Duarte briefly got a take down but Vanier immediately got back up. Vanier landed some punches to the gut against the cage and Duarte answered with a knee. Vanier got another take down with about a minute left in the round. Duarte went for a kimura from the bottom but let it go right before the bell as he couldn’t get leverage on it. That round was a lot closer but I’ve got Vanier 20-18.
R3- Vanier landed a good combination to start the round and then quickly got a take down. Vanier landing some good shots from the top. Vanier landing good shots to the head of Duarte. Duarte tried to grab a guillotine but couldn’t hold it as Vanier slipped out. Vanier had position on Duarte’s back and landed a bunch of punches to the side of Duarte’s head and the ref stepped in and stopped the fight.
Winner: Carey Vanier by TKO (Strikes) R3 4:14
Fight of the Night: Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Bao Quach
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