Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Live Sacrifice PPV Results, New Champ??

Please credit Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.com if used, thanks.


Happy mother’s day and welcome to the LIVE REPORT of the TNA Sacrifice PPV from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. Special welcome to web guru Ms. Kendi and her friends from out of state. Too bad they won’t be able to cheer on The Naturals who were released. Unlike the Destination X and Lockdown PPV we didn’t see the pre-show as it was a replay of the Road to Sacrifice, hosted by Jeremy Borash and Christy Hemme. At least I think they did because Jeremy Borash came into the Impact Zone @ 735 to run down the card for the fans. Val and the new girl assisted a kangaroo character shoot t-shirts into the crowd. For what I believe is the first time ever, TNA’s website listed the exact order of the PPV matches. Note to those who chanted “Nashville Sucks,” before Orlando TNA was Nashville based and it was the Nashville crowd that got TNA on Fox Sports Net. Their fans were crushed when TNA left and you will feel the same way if TNA leaves Orlando for good. .



(1) In a three way match, World X Division champion “the Future” Chris Sabin defeated Sonjay Dutt and “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal.

Not only was Dutt’s right shoulder taped, he wore a mouth guard. During the opening minutes Sabin tired to start crap between Dutt and Lethal. It backfired and they took turns beating down the champion. At one point they dumped Sabin to the floor and a Lucha style match broke out. Dutt locked in a camel clutch and Sabin hit Lethal with a sling shot dropkick. Sabin wanted Dutt to do the same but Dutt dropkicked Sabin. The trio exchanged hard hitting moves that got the crowd on its feet but didn’t lead to a victory. Dutt went to the floor as Sabin tried to isolate Lethal but he too couldn’t pin the “Black Machismo” as Lethal fought back. Sabin went for another slingshot move but Dutt tripped him and it allowed Lethal to hit the double sledge to the floor. Dutt went back to the ring only to fly out onto the duo. Back in the ring Sabin’s top rope huricurana was blocked and Dutt went for a missile dropkick but Sabin sidestepped and Lethal got hit. Sabin recovered and hit Dutt with the Garvin Stomp (now that’s old school) and some punches. Lethal rejoined the match only be decked by a Sabin forearm which led to a leg lariat into Dutt’s face. Dutt nearly won the title after hitting Sabin with a legdrop on the ropes and hitting Lethal with a twist on the Thesz press. Sabin fired back with a double tree of woe in the corner which led to Dutt and Lethal getting kicks in their faces. Sabin hit Lethal with punches but Lethal hit a enziguri and went up for the elbow drop but Dutt broke up the pin. Dutt broke up a Lethal pin with a 450 splash but couldn’t get the pin on either man. Sabin snuck out with the title by shoving Dutt into Lethal and rolling up Dutt with a handful of ring pants. After the match Dutt and Lethal traded punches as Kevin Nash tried to be mediator. Dutt felt he had enough and kicked Nash in the back of the leg before retreating to higher ground.



Jeremy Borash spoke to Robert Roode and Ms. Brooks about the location of Eric Young and the shot at Jeff Jarrett. Roode said Young was not here and then claimed by beating Jarrett he would become a superstar and he would OWN Jarrett too. Nash called out Dutt on the mic, he said Thursday night Dutt’s ass was his. Take that as you wish. We saw backstage footage of VKM getting jumped by Basham and Damaja. They played the recap of how Jeff Jarrett went from losing the title to Sting and BFG to coming back with a plan to give back.



(2) Robert Roode (w/Ms. Brooks) defeated “King of the Mountain” Jeff Jarrett.

Amazing how these fans who booed the living crap of Jarrett now root for the founder of TNA. Roode jumped Jarrett during the introduction and the fight was on and around ringside over to the announce table. For the first time in months Jarrett looked like he was having fun in the ring as he beat Roode all over the place until Ms. Brooks brought the fight back to the floor where Roode got control after tossing Jarrett into the ring steps. With more help from Ms. Brooks choking Jarrett on the ropes. Roode kept control for several moments. Jarrett blocked a hip toss into a backslide for two but Roode got to his feet first to hit a clothesline for two. Roode’s top rope move met Jarrett’s boot instead of his upper body. Jarrett recovered to hit a power slam for two and traded sleeper holds with Roode. Roode escaped the sleeper into the Jarrett patented figure four putting the pressure on Roode who was aided by Ms. Brooks. Jarrett made the ropes but Roode kept control even mocking the Jarrett strut. Roode’s second attempt for the leg lock was countered into an inside cradle for two. Both men went for a clothesline and hit it in the middle of the ring. Both men got to their feet but Jarrett’s punches had more snap and so did the inverted atomic knee drop. Jarrett locked in the figure four and Ms. Brooks saved him by getting Andrew Thomas’ attention. Ms. Brooks took a tumble to the floor and Roode removed a turnbuckle pad which both men fought to avoid hitting. Roode dragged Jarrett to the ring post and then tossed a chair in the ring which ended up smacking him right in the head. Jarrett hit the Stroke but Brooks pulled the referee out. This time Andrew Thomas tossed Brooks out. Long enough for Roode to hit Jarrett with a chain wrapped right hand punch but not long enough to get the pin. Roode went to use Jarrett’s guitar but Thomas stopped that too. Jarrett went for the Stroke but Roode countered out and Jarrett countered into a figure four but Roode kicked Jarrett into the exposed buckle, using Jarrett’s momentum to get the pin. Roode went to use the guitar again but Jarrett got on the figure four. Brooks came back to hit Jarrett but Eric Young came out, locking her in a figure four.



Leticia Cline interviewed Team Cage about their matches tonight. Scott Steiner asked Cage where Tomko was and didn’t get a clear answer.



(3) “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels defeated “War Machine” Rhino.

Daniels continues to wear the Sting mask to the ring and carry the bat. It was obvious in the opening moments this was Rhino’s power against the technical and speed of Daniels. It was Rhino who got control with shoulder blocks and keeping it slowed down. Daniels went for a top rope move but Rhino caught him and hit a belly to belly suplex, setting up but not getting the GORE as Daniels slid out. Both men went to the floor where the punches continued and Rhino missed a plancha. Daniels used the guard rails to inflict damage to Rhino’s left arm and shoulder. Once back in the ring Daniels kept the attack going, using any move he could to do further damage to the injury. Rhino fought out of an armlock and fired in several chops with his good arm, getting a two count off a powerslam. Daniels kept on the arm with kicks and an STO for two but he couldn’t avoid a Rhino spinebuster for two. Just like Rhino couldn’t avoid Daniels who locked in the fujiarwa armbar submission. Daniels released the hold on his own and went for the BME but Rhino moved. Daniels made an error by stopping the forearms to Rhino’s head and going to the rope where Rhino hit a GORE for two. Daniels got the last move when he blasted Rhino in the head with the baseball bat to get the cover. After the match Rhino got the mic and told Daniels he didn’t come to lose or be cheated. He said he was going to kick Daniels ass. So he chased Daniels down the tunnel and when they came back up Daniels was a bloody mess after Rhino hit several chair shots (the chair had blood on it, just a guess). Rhino set up two chairs in the ring possibly for the Rhino Driver but TNA black shirt security hit the ring.



We saw a recap of Christy Hemme’s battle with the VKM and found out BG was in the hospital and Lance Hoyt wasn’t in the venue yet.



(4) Basham and Damaja (w/Christy Hemme) defeated Voodoo Kin Mafia Kip James.

Kip tried his best but in the end Damaja and Basham were too much for Kip James. Lance Hoyt came out to save Kip after the match.



A video recap played before the next match which is guaranteed to be painful. Leticia Cline spoke to “Wildcat” Chris Harris about the match, in which Harris said if Storm wanted to end AMW all he had to do was ask.



(5) In a Texas Death match, “Wildcat” Chris Harris defeated “Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm (w/ “Pride of Tennessee” Jacqueline Moore).

Funny thing about this match, to earn their jobs with TNA in 2002, Storm and Harris fought each other on a Music City Legends like show. To win you need to get a pin then have the opponent not answer a 10 count. The fight began on the floor as Harris baited Storm to come out and fight. They went into the crowd and all around the seating area which sent people running to avoid being hit. Harris grated Storm’s face on some fencing and tried to toss him off the top but Storm fought back as it led to them dragging each other around some more. Finally they came down and kept the fists a flying. Harris finally got in the ring and found one of Storm’s cold brews and had a swig before jumping off the top rope and into the crowd where Storm was just getting to hit feet. Harris got a pin but Storm beat the 10 second count, crawling back to the ring and the guard rails. Storm knocked Harris off the top and smashed his face with a chair which split open Harris. As Harris bled in the ring Storm went under the ring for a folding table and he wasn’t setting dinner up. Storm placed Harris on the turnbuckle but Harris blocked the move. Storm blocked the Scorpion Deathlock so Harris put him under the table and hit a sling shot like move which sent Storm’s head into the table, splitting him open. Storm blocked a suplex with a kick to the ribs and hit the Eye of the Storm into the folding table for the pin. Harris beat Rudy Charles’ count and the fight went was on again. Storm got another folding table from under the ring and set it up on the floor. The fight stayed in the ring as Harris escaped a power bomb into the table but not a DDT which allowed Storm to go shopping for more items at the weapons store. He pulled out a trash can and tossed it in the ring but he didn’t get in fast enough as Harris hit a spear which sent Storm crashing through the table on the floor. Moore broke up the pin attempt as Harris went to get another chair. Harris swung and missed giving Storm enough time to hit a superkick into the chair which went into the face for two. Harris absorbed several trash can shots and fired back with some of his own. By this point all of Storm’s face not covered by a beard was blood red. Moore saw an opening and went to handcuff Harris but Gail Kim came out and fought with Moore to the locker room. Storm thought he had the win with a beer bottle shot but Harris decked him first with the other bottle to get the pin and the win as Storm couldn’t get to his feet in time.



As the ring crew switched canvases, Jeremy Borash spoke to Sting about the main event. The cameras caught Christopher Daniels talking to Sting about the way Daniels had interpreted Sting’s message.



(6) In a “Four Corners” match, Jerry Lynn defeated Tiger Mask IV, Alex Shelley and Senshi

Last night Tiger Mask IV dropped the NWA World Jr. Heavyweight title to Mike Quackenbush. Senshi and Lynn began the bout trading mat moves but it went to move-counter move when Lynn hit an airplane spin-like move. Shelley tagged himself in to face Lynn after Senshi went to work on Lynn’s arm. Lynn countered several moves and tagged out to Tiger Mask. After mocking Tiger Mask, Shelley tagged in Senshi who went move for move with the legendary Japanese character. Senshi felt he needed a break so he tagged out to Lynn. Lynn was backed into the corner where Shelley tagged Tiger Mask to reenter the bout. Shelley went for a back suplex but Lynn countered out and tagged in Tiger Mask who went to work on the cocky Paparazzi member. Shelley stopped a top rope move and hit Tiger Mask with a jawbreaker. Tiger Mask returned the favor hitting Shelley with a top rope double underhook suplex. Senshi came and hit Tiger Mask with kicks as Shelley tagged out to Lynn who joined the battle. Lenny hit a spring board like move which sent Tiger Mask over but Senshi was in Tiger Mask’s waist lock hold so he got hit with a German suplex. Shelley recovered and missed a leg lariat but Lynn’s top rope move was stopped by Senshi and a kick to the head. Tiger Mask broke up a cradle piledriver and got tossed to the floor by Shelley. Shelley thought he had the win when they came off the top rope but Lynn rolled through the power bomb into a pin and the victory. But after the match Shelley and Chris Sabin attacked Lynn. He was saved by Mr. Bob Backlund who sent Sabin and Shelley in a retreat mode.



We had a video recap of how Team 3D got to the World Tag Team titles at Lockdown and who they would face tonight. Leticia spoke to Tomko about his issues with Scott Steiner, claiming Steiner thought the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor (someone has been watching National Lampoon’s Anima House.)



(7) World Tag Team champions Team 3D (Ray and Devon) defeated Tomko/“Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner and Latin American Xchange (“Notorious 187” Homicide and Hotstuff Hernandez w/Konnan on crutches)

Steiner and Homicide started out and it was not good for LAX as the strength was solely in Steiner’s favor. Ray made a blind tag and hit Steiner with a German suplex after leveling Homicide with a clothesline. Homicide tried to make peace with Steiner and for a second it worked as they attacked Ray. Ray fought back and got rid of Homicide with a kick to the face before tagging in Devon. Tomko finally tagged in to trade punches with Devon but a rope move led to a 3D powerslam. Hernandez made a blond tag and hit Tomko with a slingshot shoulder tackle but Devon hit him with the Thesz press. Homicide caught the attention of Rudy Charles and it worked long enough that Tomko/Steiner grabbed Devon’s legs and ragged his package into the ring post. LAX and Steiner/Tomko kept Devon from tagging out for several minutes but neither team could score the pin. At one point Hernandez came off the top with splash after blocking a Devon move for two. Tomko put Devon on the top rope but his move was countered into a Tornado DDT. LAX tried for a move but Devon ducked and tagged out to Ray. Actually all six men fought in the ring and the carnage was ended when Hernandez stopped 3D from getting the table. This left Steiner and Tomko with Homicide who ducked a Road Warrior clothesline, rolling up Steiner for two. Ray ended up in the ring with Steiner and Tomko but another move backfired and Tomko was hit with the 3D to see the champions retain. After the match Tomko and Steiner traded hated words and then punches which ended when “the Dogface Gremlin” Rick Steiner hit the ring and Tomko with punches!



Jeremy Borash spoke to Kurt Angle in the Sting interview area. Angle said the difference between himself and Sting was he didn’t need hocus pocus to win. He called Sting a cartoon character and the “gym teacher” was going to school Sting. A well done video package recapped the Styles/Joe saga.



(8) Samoa Joe defeated “the Phenomenal” AJ Styles.

These two picked up right where they left off several months ago, with hard hitting action. However Styles aggressive mood let Joe take control with a corner enziguri. Joe hit the back chop but Styles blocked the chest kick however Styles ended up on the floor. Joe wasted no time in hitting his tope’ to the floor which sent Styles over the guard rails. Styles blocked Joe’s suplex back in the ring but not Joe’s punches which sent Styles crashing to the floor. Joe tossed Styles into the ring as Styles claimed his shoulder came out of socket. Too bad for Joe Styles was gold bricking and he decked Joe. Joe fought back and again we went to the floor where Joe set up the Ole kick but Styles hit a discus clothesline. Styles tossed Joe in the ring where he hit a dropkick which sent sweat flying off Joes’s chest. Joe went for a move but Styles hit him in the head with a spinning heel kick for two. Joe fought back with punches and a German suplex which looked like it made Styles’ eyes got glassy for a moment. Styles ducked a Joe kick but not a release suplex, a senton bomb and powerslam for two. Styles slid of Joe’s shoulders and hit the Pele’ kick before hitting a springboard clothesline for two. Styles fought for it and finally hit the flip into the inverted DDT for two. Joe fought out of the Styles Clash and hit a DVD for two. Styles ducked a move and Joe went crashing to the floor where it looked like he injured his left knee. Somehow Joe beat Andrew Thomas’ count but his knee gave out when he went after Styles on a corner move. Styles went for and missed the Spiral Tap as Joe was gold bricking. Joe locked in the Kokina Clutch and hit the Muscle Buster to win.



A video package played highlighting the sacrifices the three men in the main event have made in their careers to get the World title in their possession. They played for the home audience some bullet points on the match before Jeremy Borash introduced the match.



(9) Kurt Angle became World Heavyweight champion when he defeated “Instant Classic” Christian Cage and Sting.

Cage’s mind games worked for a moment as Sting and Angle argued before the bell, but they joined to the goal of keeping Cage out of the ring. It worked as they beat each other up while Cage stood on the floor but Sting left Angle in the ring to get Cage. It backfired as Cage tossed Sting into the guard rail. But when Cage got in the ring he ran right into Angle. But Angle missed Cage ran into the ring post shoulder first. Cage tried to make peace with Sting but instead of turning the other cheek Sting spit in Cage’s face before attacking the champion. Sting hit Cage with a Stinger Splash but the second one was stopped by Angle who dragged Sting to the floor and hit a suplex on the rampway. Angle came back to the ring where Cage was waiting to work on the injured arm. Cage hit Angle with a move and went to the floor to keep Sting injured. Cage smacked Angle in his head and it fired up Angle who hit eight consecutive German suplexes but Cage kicked out of the pin. Sting made his way back and tossed Angle to the floor so he could cover Cage but he too got only two. Sting went for a superplex but Angle brought Sting an Cage off with a superplex of his own. The singlet came down as Angle went for the Olympic Slam but Cage countered into the Unprettier but Angle countered out. Sting sent Angle’s head into Cage’s package but Cage sent Rudy Charles to the floor. With Charles out of the match Angle locked Cage and Sting in the Ankle Lock but both men fought out. Sting dragged Charles in the ring but he walked right into Cage’s crotch shot. Sting pinned Cage but Kurt Angle made Sting tap out to the Ankle Lock. Referee Andrew Thomas only saw Sting tap out and Rudy Charles only saw Cage be pinned by Sting.
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Wednesday, May 2, 2007

INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING PHENOMENON RING OF HONOR INKS STATESIDE TELEVISION DEALS

http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1314

INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING PHENOMENON RING OF HONOR INKS STATESIDE TELEVISION DEALS

WITH iN DEMAND, TVN AND ECHOSTAR

PPV/VOD Distribution Deals Bring ROH into 50 Million Households


New York, May 3, 2007 - Ring Of Honor Wrestling (ROH), in association with G-Funk Sports & Entertainment, has concluded programming and distribution deals for PPV and VOD wrestling cards with iN DEMAND Networks, TVN and EchoStar Communications Corporation’s DISH NetworkTM, making the critically-acclaimed ROH brand available for the first time ever to approximately 50 million American households. The agreement calls for a card every 60 days from shows both stateside and abroad, and will premiere July 1. A total of six cards are planned throughout ‘07/’08. ROH owner Cary Silkin made the announcement today with G-Funk’s President Ken Gelman. The debut event, entitled “Respect Is Earned,” will be taped May 12 in New York City from the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center, and will feature a glistening array of talent from Japan, England, the U.S. and Mexico.

Long revered by a loyal underground fan base, the Philadelphia-based ROH—currently seen on Canadian, British and Japanese TV—appeals to the disenfranchised wrestling fan fed up with storylines which seem to take precedence over the kind of powerful ring competition that ROH specializes in. ROH, in fact, is seen to have the highest level of athleticism in its field today, which recently culminated in a sweep of the 2006 Wrestling Observer awards for “Most Outstanding Wrestler,” “Best Brawler,” “Best Major Wrestling Show” (ROH took four of its Top 10) and “Best Booker.”

“Fans around the world now know that our brand of action is, indeed, the highest-flying, hardest-hitting most daring and acrobatic action presented today,” says Mr. Silkin. “We are thrilled that we can finally show a televised audience what our crowds have known for the last six years…that ROH harkens back to an earlier era of wrestling where authenticity still counted for something. There’s a magic at our shows that I, as a wrestling fan, had all but given up on.”

G-Funk Sports and Entertainment will be handling all marketing and promotion for the wrestling programs, including creation and launch of an affiliate website on May 15, www.rohaffiliates.com, which will contain easy-to-implement marketing materials and all event information. Each show will also be supported by a range of targeted national consumer advertising and promotion.

According to Mr. Gelman, “Ring Of Honor already has the respect and enthusiastic following of legions of fans around the world through their live events, but represents a fresh new entry into the world of televised wrestling. These distinctive programs will prove a welcome change-of-pace for audiences and a popular new option for cable operators and satellite providers as they expand their transactional offerings.”

About iN DEMAND Networks

iN DEMAND Networks is the pioneer and world leader in providing exciting entertainment delivered through television’s most innovative technologies. iN DEMAND delivers programming through four distinct areas of business: Pay-Per-View (PPV), Video-On-Demand (VOD), Subscription Video-On-Demand (SVOD) and high-definition (HD) programming. Howard TV (SVOD) is now the exclusive TV home of Howard Stern. PPV programming includes first-run movies, mega events and the digital out-of-market subscription sports packages. VOD includes blockbuster movies and boxing, mixed martial arts and concert events. The company also operates the MOJO network, formerly INHD, a pioneer in HD. The company's shareholders are Comcast iN DEMAND Holdings, Inc., Cox Communications Holdings, Inc., and Time Warner Entertainment - Advance/Newhouse Partnership. Further information about the company can be found at www.indemand.com.

About TVN Entertainment Corporation
TVN Entertainment Corporation, the leading television on-demand company, works with every major studio, network and telecommunications video provider in North America. TVN is the preferred provider of original on-demand programs and networks. TVN supports an open, advanced technology platform, and offers the most comprehensive, end-to-end solution for licensing, managing, distributing and marketing on-demand content to virtually any platform. For more information about TVN’s products and services, please visit www.TVN.com.

About Echostar Communications Corporation
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) has been a leader for more than 26 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The Company's DISH Network(TM) is the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000 and currently serves more than 13.1 million satellite TV customers. DISH Network offers a premier line of industry-leading Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and hundreds of video and audio channels as well as the most national HD and International channels in the U.S., Interactive TV, Latino and sports programming. DISH Network also provides a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America and the DishDVR Advantage Package. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.
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Sunday, April 29, 2007

WWE Backlash PPV - Quick results

Complete results on the Wrestling Observer site

- Hardys defeated Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch to retain the tag titles
- Melina defeated Mickie James to retain the women's title
- Chris Benoit defeated MVP to retain the U.S. title
- Vince & Shane & Umaga defeated Bobby Lashley when Vince pinned Lashley to become the new ECW champ (BULL-FUCKING-SHIT~!!!)
- Undertaker vs. Batista in a last man standing match went to a draw
- John Cena defeated Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Edge when Cena pinned Orton to retain the WWE title

-- Both Wrestling Observer and Figure 4 Weekly gave the show positive reviews.
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Saturday, April 28, 2007

ACE Preview WWE Backlash 2007

Download this episode (51.26 MB)

If they held a PPV and nobody cared it would be this Sunday's WWE Backlash. Join Art and Casey and Terminally ill Euan as they run down the known matches on the card giving their predictions.

Then marvel as Casey and Art talk MMA while Euan makes preparations for his death.

Please vote for us at Podcast Alley, check us out at Podcast Pickle, Blubrry and of course at the OC Times at oldcountrycorner.blogspot.com

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Saturday, April 14, 2007

BodogFight: Clash of the Nations PPV spoilers


-- Go to WrestlingObserver.com

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

BodogFight, the Brothers Emelianenko Make Mixed Martial Arts History

BodogFight, the Brothers Emelianenko Make Mixed Martial Arts History

Russian heavyweights will fight at home for first time during April 14 PPV

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2007

It's difficult to imagine the two baddest brothers on the planet have never fought professionally on their home soil. That situation will soon change thanks to BodogFight. Fedor and Aleksander Emelianenko will make their BodogFight debuts when they headline the much-anticipated pay-per-view spectacle on April 14 at the ICE Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The two heavyweights are already household names in Japan, but have waited a long time to show off their considerable mixed martial arts skills to their own comrades and are thrilled to finally get the opportunity.

"I will try to do my best to show a fine fight for my Russian fans," says 30-year-old Fedor. The world's number-one ranked heavyweight is scheduled to take on American Olympic silver-medalist Matt "the Law" Lindland in BodogFight: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Lindland, Clash of the Nations.

"Our fans wished we could have fights in Russia a long time ago, so I hope they will cheer loudly for us at the ICE Palace," he adds.

While the 230-pound Fedor (24-1) is anxious to put on a good show, he admits he doesn't know a whole lot about his 185-pound opponent. Lindland has a 20-4 record, but will be fighting for the first time as a heavyweight.

"I do know Matt is a good fighter who makes a strong attack when he stands. He will also be putting on weight for this fight, so I am preparing myself seriously at an Olympic mountain training camp in Kislovodsk," Fedor says.

It was Fedor's commitment to training that helped usher his younger brother Aleksander into the sport of MMA. Instead of babysitting Aleks, who is five years his junior, Fedor would take him along to Sambo practice. Learning to imitate his brother's moves, Aleks soon went on to train with the legendary Vladimir Mihailovich Voronov. Eventually, he became a two-time Russian national Sambo champion, and a two-time world Sambo champion, and is now ranked among the top 10 heavyweights in the world.

Fittingly, the 253-pound Aleksander (9-3) will precede his older brother and fellow Red Devil Sport Club member into the ring as he squares off against 340-pound American Eric "Big" Pele (10-2) in a super-hot heavyweight matchup that promises to melt the walls of the ICE Palace.

"We are thrilled to have the Emelianenko brothers fighting for BodogFight in Russia," Bodog Entertainment Founder Calvin Ayre says. "They are true superstars of the sport and their participation in this one-of-a-kind event makes it an absolute must-see for all fans of MMA."

Don't miss the chance to watch these "Sons of Sambo" in action, as they attempt to add to their already impressive MMA legacy in their beloved Russia.

Presented by BodogFight and M-1, Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Lindland, Clash of the Nations will be available via satellite in more than 44 million households in the United States exclusively on the Dish Network and In Demand, and to more than 3 million households in Canada via Viewers Choice, Shaw and Bell ExpressVu. Details available on www.BodogFight.com/ppv/.

About Bodog Entertainment

Bodog Entertainment offers a host of entertainment services, including: an international television production division, which produces reality television series, such as BodogFight (BodogFight.com) and Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker (Bodog.TV); an international record label (BodogMusic.com); a million-dollar band search competition (BodogBattleoftheBands.com); a publishing division (with an online magazine, BodogNation.com, and news service, BodogBeat.com); and an events department renowned for producing parties that are stunning, chic and celebrity-filled. Bodog Entertainment Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. For more information, contact Media Relations at 1-866-892-3371, or pr@bodog.com. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog Entertainment Group.

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Live Notes From Destination X PPV, Elevation X Steals Show

Please credit Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.com if used, sorry for its lateness. Talk after TV tomorrow.


Welcome to live results/notes from the 2007 Destination X PPV from Universal Studios of Orlando, FL. According to the TNA website the pre-show is now called the “Black & Blue Carpet Event”. It will be hosted monthly by Jeremy Borash and Leticia. Think of the Oscars pre-show and add wrestling into the mix. Signs in the crowd listed people who came over from Scotland to witness the event. Leticia held a DHL envelope that was to be delivered to Christian Cage. It was a letter from Tomko who told Cage he was wrestling in Japan. Cage was not happy and wanted to know where Scott Steiner was. Robert Roode, Ms. Brooks and Eric Young made their way to the ring with Ms. Brooks carrying the RRI portfolio. Roode wanted some answers from Young about the animosity he has been feeling. Roode wanted Young to get the fans to cheer for him; instead the fans chanted Robert Sucks! It looked like Young was going to go postal when Roode made fun of the fans. Young said his friend told him he should leave RRI in the dust. Roode said he had a message for the friend and he slapped Young across the face. To show the terror of the Elevation X match JB put on a harness and went up onto it. On the carpet we saw the arrival of the one and the Great Muta with photographer Jimmy Suzuki.



The cold opening focused on the types of fears people face in everyday life.



(1)In a non-title “Ghetto Brawl”, NWA World Tag Team champions Latin American Xchange (“Notorious 187” Homicide and Hotstuff Hernandez w/Konnan & Machete) defeated Team 3D (Brothers Ray and Devon w/Johnny Rodz)

According to Dave Penzer in the warm up to the PPV pre-show, victory came via going into a table or pinfall. The ring was surrounded with garbage cans and other metal objects which were used for violence purposes. 3D attacked LAX and kept it going for several minutes. LAX got control and used double teams to dominate. Hernandez hit Devon with a tope’ to the floor as Ray brawled with Homicide. The fighting went into the fans where beverages were not safe. It took a while but the action came back ringside where everything else metal was used on 3D’s head and back. In the ring Devon hit Homicide with a powerslam for two. Hernandez came in to help his partner beat down Devon but he got leveled with a trash can lid shot to the head. Ray hit Hernandez with a superplex but Homicide hit a flying head scissor and a trash can shot to the head. 3D paid him back with the Wassup top rope splash. After sharing a beer and smashing them on their heads (sound familiar) 3D got lumber from the ring. Before they got to use it some of the LAX gang of friends hit the ring. (Ricky Romeo and Benny Blanco included) They were fought off by Johnny Rodz and some of the 3D friends (Kory Chavis and Kenny King included) who brawled with them to the back. 3D hit the Road Warrior clothesline and the 3D but couldn’t get the pin. Alex Shelley came out and decked Devon with his video camera, then hit a splash into the table. This allowed Homicide to get the pin.



As the carnage was cleared Jeremy Borash spoke to Rhino about the Elevation X match. Mike Tenay and Don West ran down the rest of the card.



(2) In a double bullrope match, “Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm and “the Pride of Tennessee” Jacqueline Moore defeated Gail Kim and Petey Williams.

Moore and Storm jumped their opponents as the referees were taping them to the bullropes. Kim got some satisfaction as Williams tied up Storm and Kim laid in some chops. The fighting went to the floor and knocked the timekeeper over. Kim wedged Moore against the ring post with the bullrope and laid in more chops as Williams dragged Storm around ringside. Williams got back in the ring as Storm fought to hold his ground. Williams had some leverage and pulled Storm into the ringpost. But once Storm got back in the ring he hog-tied Williams and laid the boots to him. Moore finally got free from the ropes and attacked Kim. Storm hit his patented Eye of the Storm but somehow Williams kicked out. Williams whipped Storm in the back with the bullrope and hit a Canadian legsweep before roping Storm in. But instead of the Destroyer Williams hit a Guillotine DDT for two. Moore and Kim finally got back in the ring and fought again as Storm and Williams jockeyed for position. Williams had the Destroyer set up but Moore hit a low blow which freed Storm to hit the Superkick to win the match.



Leticia spoke to Scott Steiner about his match and was interrupted by Christian Cage who wanted a favor.



(3) In a match where the Crossface Chicken Wing (Bob Backland’s finisher) is the only way to win, Senshi defeated the Austin Starr.

Starr wasted no time and jumped Senshi as he got in the ring. They traded chest chops and shoulder tackles but Senshi hit two dropkicks before going for the Chicken Wing. Starr got to the ropes to cause the break and got chopped in the chest for his effort. Senshi hit a powerdrive elbow and instinctively went for a pin. Starr went to the ring apron and Senshi brought him back in with a suplex. Starr got some revenge by raking his nails down Senshi’s back and dropping an elbow on his jaw. Starr hit a Northern Lights Suplex and went for the Chicken Wing but instead hit some more chops. Starr kept trying to soften Senshi’s neck with chops and rope moves. As Starr went up top Mr. Backland came out which caused Starr to lose focus. Senshi hit the 1,000 hand chop and a running forearm to the head followed by some kicks to the chest. Starr countered out of the Chicken Wing and poked Senshi’s eyes but he got decked by a move by Senshi. Senshi countered the Chicken Wing and hit an in ring Warrior’s Way but Starr stopped him by sending the referee into the ropes. Starr hit a tope’ to the floor and a slingshot corkscrew splash. But instead of the Chicken Wing he went for a brainbuster which Senshi countered into the Chicken Wing. Starr escaped and avoided a shoulder tackle which sent Senshi into the ringpost. Starr got the Chicken Wing but Senshi got his feet under the rope to cause a break. Starr complained to the referee he thought it was over. Backland yelled at Starr and it allowed Senshi to lock in the Chicken Wing to win. After the bell Senshi and Backland were going to celebrate when Starr returned and locked Backland in the Chicken Wing.



Jeremy Borash spoke to AJ Styles who was confident going into the Elevation X.



(4) Voodoo Kin Mafia (BG and Kip James) defeated Christy Hemme’s mystery team The Heartbreakers (Romeo Roselli and the Promise” Antonio Thomas).

Before the match began we had to listen to Kip insult Hemme on the mic. Thomas got a taste of left hand from BG who tagged in Kip but Roselli tagged in. Kip had fun hitting Roselli with chain wrestling but didn’t have fun when Roselli attacked from behind after Hemme’s distraction worked. BG and Thomas fought on the floor as Hemme went to hit Kip in the package. Hemme did no damage as Kip was wearing some protection for his package. VKM’s friend Lance Hoyt came out and got Hemme out of the ring and left. The bad part was the Heartbreakers got control of the match by double teaming Kip for several minutes. That ended when a top rope double team move hit canvas instead of Kip and BG tagged in who cleaned the Heartbreaker’s clocks and won via pinfall. After the match Hemme came back to the ring with a rider’s crop in hand and was not too happy with the result of the match.



Christian Cage and Leticia found Abyss sitting in the cell he was locked in at last month’s PPV. Cage tried to bribe Abyss in helping him out later tonight. It looked like it worked as Abyss got out of the cell and dapped fists with Cage.



(5) In a 2 of 3 falls match, World X Division champion “the Future” Chris Sabin defeated Jerry Lynn.

Sabin looked a bit uneasy when he locked up with Lynn, possibly worried about being pinned twice. Lynn played mind games with Sabin but Lynn stopped that with some boots to the ribs. Sabin worked over Lynn with a side headlock and eventually sent Lynn to the floor. Sabin followed out and drove Lynn into the barricades. As this went on some fans got into a scuffle which was sipped by a Don Harris choke hold. Sabin went into the ring for a move but Lynn sent Sabin into the rails wheel barrel style. Sabin and Lynn came back to the ring where Lynn hit a tornado DDT to get the first fall. Sabin got right on the offense and sent Lynn into the fans and followed with a move. Sabin stopped a top rope move and left Lynn hanging on the ropes only to have his huricurana turned into a sunset flip for two. Sabin locked in a rear chinlock but Lynn escaped and hit a cross body block for two. Lynn went for a corner move but Sabin moved and pinned Lynn for fall number two, with both feet on the ropes for leverage. Lynn fought back with a series of moves and rolled up Sabin for two. Lynn got caught in a series of moves but somehow kicked out of the Cradle Shock. Lynn countered out of the Cradle Piledriver with Emeral Frosion but a masked man came out and distracted Lynn. Sabin hit the Cradle Shock to win via pinfall. The masked man turned out to be the “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels who had a beard and a marking around his right eye. Daniels dropped both men with moves.



JB talked to Jim Cornette about the PPV and an announcement for Impact on the future of TNA. Christy Hemme came in and said she wasn’t finished with VKM.





(6) In the Elevation X match, “War Machine” Rhino defeated the Phenomenal” AJ Styles (scaffold rules).

Think back to Starrcade 1986 or 1987 and you get the idea of how high scaffold is. It is ominous to see in person. Before they climbed up top the two men fought on the floor with punches and other moves to deliver punishment. Styles was the first to climb up and waited for Rhino to ascend and join him. Rhino was reluctant to climb but finally went up as the scaffold shook with the weight on it. Once up on the X Rhino dropped to his knees as Styles shook the X with his own weight. Styles hocked a loogie into Rhino’s face and that seemed to get things started as Rhino hit some punches but almost fell as Styles moved out of the way. Rhino was able to grab hold and stay up as Styles kicked him. Styles climbed down to get in some punches but Rhino got in some punches of his own but Styles held on as he kicked Rhino in the head. Styles actually wedged himself underneath the X as Rhino looked around. Styles kept moving underneath as Rhino looked around for him even as the fans shouted out where Styles was. Rhino finally found Styles and got in a choke. Styles finally came out from under the X and got back on the attack. Rhino fought back and knocked Styles down onto the scaffold. Styles signaled for the Styles Clash but Rhino double legged Styles to the scaffold. After trading some punches Styles went for a white powder toss but it backfired and Rhino got the GORE as Styles walked around blinded. Styles tried to climb down but Rhino stepped on both hands and Styles hit the canvas! TNA officials took Styles out on a back brace to avoid any chance of further injury.



Jeremy Borash spoke to Kurt Angle about his match with Scott Steiner



(7) Kurt Angle defeated “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner.

Angle tried to wrestle Steiner but when Steiner escaped a side headlock he ran over Angle. Steiner posed in front of Angle which led to a headbutt and kicks. Angle got the first suplex with a belly to belly and then a clothesline which sent Steiner to the floor. Steiner avoided Angle’s baseball slide and decked him with a clothesline. Steiner rammed Angle’s head into the ring steps and hit a Steiner Line in the ring before the Bicep Elbow drop. Angle fought back with punches into a cut on Steiner’s head. Steiner stopped a move with a kick to Angle’s face and a rear chinlock. Angle fought to his feet and traded punches with Angle which led to a trio of German suplexes but Steiner countered the Olympic Slam with a belly to belly suplex for two. Angle ducked a Steiner punch and hit the Olympic Slam into the Ankle Lock but Steiner countered out. Angle went for a corner move and met post instead of Steiner’s ribs. Steiner locked in the Recliner going for a submission but Angle countered into a pin for two. Steiner stopped his momentum on the ropes and backdropped Angle to the floor and then the guard rails. Angle got back in the ring and then nearly knocked out with an Olympic Slam by Steiner. The Recliner got locked in again but angle got out again and hit the Olympic Slam into the Ankle Lock once more. Somehow Steiner countered out of the hold and put Angle on the tope turnbuckle. Steiner went for a belly to belly suplex but Angle blocked it and came off into a sunset flip pin.



Jeremy Borash spoke to Samoa Joe about his title shot.



(8) In a Last Rites match, Sting defeated Abyss (winner must put the other in a coffin which sat on a bed of some kind).

During this match the fans chanted some stuff about Vince Russo. Abyss met Sting on the floor and the fighting began. Abyss hit Sting in the back and ribs with a folding chair and kept the forearms going into the back. Once the match got in the ring Sting took over, fighting out of a slam into the Scorpion Death Drop and then the Stinger Splash. But his next attempt at the Stinger Splash met one of the candelabras in the corner that Abyss threw into his face. Abyss called for the bed to be lowered as Sting bled all over the place. Abyss got Sting in the casket but couldn’t get the lid shut as Sting fought back. Sting got out of the casket and Abyss found a tombstone ringside. Sting fought out of a slingshot and locked in the Scorpion Deathlock but couldn’t win via submission. So Abyss put the tombstone in front of Abyss’ face and smashed it with the baseball bat. Sting got Abyss in the casket but Abyss got out and chokeslammed Sting onto the top of the casket. With Sting out cold Abyss got the other tombstone and brought it into the ring along with two chairs. Abyss set Sting on the top turnbuckle. But sting grabbed a candelabra and smashed it on top of Abyss’ head, this sent Abyss crashing into the tombstone. Sting was able to drag Abyss to the casket and closed it shut.



Before the match Leticia spoke to Christian Cage who seemed very nervous about his match. His conversation was stopped by the Great Muta and Jimmy Suzuki. Cage made some insults which caused Muta to spit the dreaded green mist on a locker instead at the champion’s eyes.



(9) NWA World Heavyweight champion “the Instant Classic” Christian Cage defeated Samoa Joe.

Like his match with Jushin Liger at Bound For Glory 2005, Joe was led to the ring by some of his family which is a famous dance troupe in California. Big shock the fans were behind Joe the entire match who peppered Cage with kicks to the thighs. The kicks moved up to the chest and followed with chops. Cage went for a move but got backdropped and hit with a series of moves leading to a knee that sent Cage to the floor. Joe followed out and his whip to the post was countered and Cage made Joe hit post. Cage grabbed a chair but Rudy Charles made him drop it. Joe hit a spinebuster to the ground and tossed Cage into the fans where the fighting continued around the Impact Zone. Joe finally tossed Cage back to ringside but Cage hit a DDT onto the ring apron. Once in the ring Cage hit a flying elbow to the jaw and got two. Joe went for but missed his senton bomb and Cage capitalized with a pin for two and a chinlock. Joe got his foot on the bottom rope and it caused a break. Joe went for the Muscle buster but Cage countered into an inverted DDT for two. Cage slapped Joe in the face so Joe chopped in the face and got an enziguri. Both men fought on their knees trading punches to the face but Joe got in some axe handle shots and more punches to the jaw. Joe got to his feet and hit an Ole kick for two. Joe went to the second rope and hit a knee to the face for two. Joe went for the Muscle Buster again but Cage escaped only to be hit with a powerslam for two. Joe escaped the Unprettier into a power bomb and an STF then a Crossface as Cage tried for the ropes. Cage made the ropes and hit the Unprettier after countering the Kokina Clutch but got two. Cage locked on a chinlock and climbed on Joe’s back but Joe fell back onto Cage. Cage went to the ring apron so Joe hit a tope’ forearm sending them to the floor. Cage tried to leave via countout but Jay Lethal, Petey Williams, Sonjay Dutt and Senshi met him. Cage got back in and hit a move for two. Joe went for a boot but kicked Charles when Cage pulled him in the way. Cage went to the floor and Joe went to follow but got a chair shot to his face. Cage got too close and got hit with the Muscle Buster for two. Cage went up top but Joe stopped him and locked in the Kokina Clutch again but when Joe pulled Cage off he forgot to bring Cage’s legs which landed on the ropes and Cage won via pinfall. The fans chanted restart the match as Cage got in the ring and slapped Joe in the face. Joe locked in the Kokina Clutch which caused Cage to tap out, a little too late.

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Sunday, March 11, 2007

TNA Destination X 2007 Live Coverage

Courtesy of Wade at Old Country Times: Click Here~!

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ACE and Other Vuz, Vuz, Vuz Jabronis Preview: TNA Wrestling's Destination X 2007

ACE and Other Vuz, Vuz, Vuz Jabronis Preview: TNA Wrestling's Destination X 2007

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Saturday, March 3, 2007

CARE And Other Vuz, Vuz, Vuz Jabronis Preview: UFC 68 'The Uprising'

CARE And Other Vuz, Vuz, Vuz Jabronis Preview: UFC 68 'The Uprising':

UFC 68 'The Uprising'
03/03/2007
10:00 PM ET
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, OH
*Note: Countdown™ to UFC 68 replays on Spike at 6PM EST

-- Lightweight Bout (dark): Jason "The Gizzard" Gilliam Vs. Jamie "The Worm" Varner
-- Lightweight Bout (dark): Gleison Tibau Vs."ìDynamite" Dent: 26, 5í9, 156, 12-6-0
-- Welterweight Bout (Dark): Luigi Fioravanti Vs. Jon Fitch
-- Light Heavyweight Bout (Dark): Rex "Big Dog" Holman Vs. Matt "The Hammer" Hamill
-- Light Heavyweight Bout: "The Punisher" Jason Lambert Vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral
-- Middleweight Bout: Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald Vs. Rich "Ace" Franklin
-- Middleweight Bout: Martin "The Hitman" Campmann Vs. Drew McFedries
-- Welterweight Bout: Chris "Lights Out" Lytle Vs. Matt Hughes
-- Heavyweight Title Bout: Randy "The Natural" Couture Vs. Tim "The Manie-Iac" Sylvia

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-- Casey [Old Country Times]:
This from a familiarity standpoint is one of the stronger lineups UFC has put together in a long time. In 4 of the top 5 bouts, you have men who have headlined PPV's within the past year. You know what though? Even with all of that said, this show has no fucking chance to be better than Pride 33.

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Jason ìThe Gizzardî Gilliam: 34, 6í0, 155, 11-0-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut.
Vs.
Jamie ìThe Wormî Varner: 22, 5í8, 155, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Hermes Franca via submission at 3:31 in Round 3.

This could be an interesting bout. Right now I am leaning toward picking Gilliam for the upset. The reason is because his Q&A on UFC.com made me laugh and that's always a plus.
Winner: Jason Gilliam

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Gleison Tibau: 23, 5í10, 155, 23-3-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) lost to Nick Diaz via referee stoppage at 2:27 in Round 2.
Vs.
Jason ìDynamiteî Dent: 26, 5í9, 155, 12-6-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Roger Huerta Via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in Round 3.

Both of these fighters are coming off of losses. Also there seem to be a lot of Jason's fighting on this show. Perhaps UFC should've gone with something like Jason's revenge for the show tagline? I'm going to pick Jason Dent to win this fight because Gleison Tibau lost his last fight to Nick Diaz and that's not cool.
Winner: Jason Dent

Welterweight Bout (Dark):
Luigi Fioravanti: 26, 5í8, 185, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live 7 (12/13/2006) Defeated Dave Menne via TKO at 4:44 of Round 1.
Vs.
Jon Fitch: 28, 6í0, 170, 16-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) Defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3.

I'll always remember Jon Fitch for his terriffic walk-in music, got to love Jonny Cash. Fitch a pretty good wrestler. Luigi is no slouch in the Octagon either, he probably got a lot of training from helping his brother Mario rescue the Princess over and over again; but there's nothing wrong with that at all. I read that Fitch was complaining about being in the dark match feeling he wasn't a prelim anymore, well now he has a chance to prove it.
Winner: Jon Fitch

Light Heavyweight Bout (Dark):
Rex ìBig Dogî Holman: 37, 6í2, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut
Vs.
Matt ìThe Hammerî Hamill: 30, 6í1, 205, 3-0-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live (10/10/2006) Defeated Seth Petruzelli via Unanimous decision at 5:00 in Round 3.

Matt Hammill is deaf and yet he still cuts better promos than a lot of the guys in the UFC. Rex Holman is an outstanding wrestler but at 37 he is kind of coming in to the game a little late. Although I guess you could make the argument that he doesn't have the wear and tear on his body that many fighters do.
It will be interesting to see where Hammill's striking game is at this point. That could be a deciding factor here as I've heard good things about Holman's wrestling. I'm going to give this fight to Hammill anyway, but this could be an upset.
Winner: Matt Hamill

Light Heavyweight Bout:
ìThe Punisherî Jason Lambert: 29, 5í10, 205, 22-5-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Rashad Evans via KO at 2:22 of Round 2.
Vs.
Renato ìBabaluî Sobral: 31, 6í1, 205, 27-6-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Chuck Liddell Via TKO at 1:35 of Round 1.

Unless Babalu is fighting Chuck Liddell, he's pretty awesome. I haven't checked in awhile but I don't believe that Jason Lambert is Chuck Liddell. Therefor, Babalu should get back to being someone I like to watch fight.
Winner: Renato "Babalu" Sobral

Middleweight Bout:
Jason ìThe Athleteî MacDonald: 31, 6í3, 185, 18-7-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 66 (12/30/2006) Defeated Chris Leben Via TKO at 4:03 of Round 2.
Vs.
Rich ìAceî Franklin: 32, 6í1, 185, 22-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) lost to Anderson Silva via TKO at 2:59 of Round 1.

You hate to pick against MacDonald, well maybe you don't but I sure do. I've picked against him 2 times and been wrong both times. Some would say that perhaps now is the time to learn, but I guess I'm a slow learner. I do think MacDonald has a chance to win this fight especially if Franklin goes in looking like he did against Anderson Silva. I just think that Franklin will be all the more determined to put forth a good showing in front of what is basically a hometown crowd. Again, I note 4 Jason's fighting on this show that has to be some kind of record.
Winner: Rich Franklin

Middleweight Bout:
Martin ìThe Hitmanî Campmann: 24, 6í0, 185, 7-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Defeated Thales Leites via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Drew McFedries: 28, 6í0, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Alessio Sakara via TKO at 4:07 in Round 1.

I debated this one for a long time. We even flipped a coin on the Old Country Podcast preview. The thing is I don't trust Euan's coins. Call me a nationalist if you must but there's something unamerican about flipping coins that aren't yours. Anyway, after thinking about it for longer than any other fight on the show, I decided that Martin Campmann will win. I don't know why, but that is my pick.
Winner: Martin Campmann

Welterweight Bout:
Chris ìLights Outî Lytle: 32, 5í11, 170, 18-12-5
Last UFC Bout: Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Lost to Matt Serra via Split decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Matt Hughes: 33, 5í9, 169, 41-4-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) Lost to Georges St. Pierre via TKO at 1:25 of Round 2.

Matt Hughes is looking forward to a rematch with Georges St. Pierre later this year. Hopefully, he's not looking past Chris Lytle to that fight because Lytle is no slouch. However, I believe Hughes will be focused enough to get the job done and will win his tune-up fight in preparation for his rematch with GSP.
Winner: Matt Hughes

Heavyweight Title Bout:
Randy ìThe Naturalî Couture: 43, 6í2, 222.5, 14-8-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 57 (02/03/2006) Lost to Chuck Liddell Via KO at 1:28 of Round 2.
Vs.
Tim ìThe Manie-Iacî Sylvia: 30, 6í8, 263, 24-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Jeff Monson Via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 5.

I don't want to have to do it. I don't want to have to pick Tim Sylvia. I want good reasons for picking Couture to win this fight. I hope that Couture wins this fight, I like him a lot more than I do Sylvia. However, if Couture wins then he's got a date with Mirko Cro Cop down the road and that would make me sad. I just don't see him beating Sylvia, who dying at Cro Cop's foot would please me a lot more.
I've been trying to talk myself in to Couture for weeks now and I just haven't been able to do it. So as much as I hope I am wrong on this one...
Winner: Tim Sylvia


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-- Art [Strong Style Shimko]:
Saturday's UFC 68 event in Ohio is an interesting one as it's a night of returns as we have Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin and Renato "Babalu" Sobral. Of course every fighter has something to prove tonight but it's the four individuals mentioned above that have a lot on the line to prove if they still have what it takes to remain in the UFC. Let's take a look at the fight card:

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Jason ìThe Gizzardî Gilliam: 34, 6í0, 155.5, 11-0-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut.
Vs.
Jamie ìThe Wormî Varner: 22, 5í8, 155.5, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Hermes Franca via submission at 3:31 in Round 3.
I picked Varner to win last time, now of course anything can happen in a fight but I'm going with Gilliam based on his fight record. Gilliam making his UFC debut may cause some jitters but at the same time I'm sure he's determined to make an impact just as Varner's out to pick up a win but I'm not getting burned again picking him.

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Gleison Tibau: 23, 5í10, 155.5, 23-3-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) lost to Nick Diaz via referee stoppage at 2:27 in Round 2.
Vs.
Jason ìDynamiteî Dent: 26, 5í9, 156, 12-6-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Roger Huerta Via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in Round 3.
Both fighters are coming off recent losses, Tibau lost to Diaz and Dent lost to Huerta. Again judging by fight records and experience (and despite losing to Diaz who beat Gomi at Pride last weekend) I'm going with Tibau to win.

Welterweight Bout (Dark):
Luigi Fioravanti: 26, 5í8, 171, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live 7 (12/13/2006) Defeated Dave Menne via TKO at 4:44 of Round 1.
Vs.
Jon Fitch: 28, 6í0, 171, 16-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) Defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3.
Fitch wins via TKO

Light Heavyweight Bout (Dark):
Rex ìBig Dogî Holman: 37, 6í2, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut
Vs.
Matt ìThe Hammerî Hamill: 30, 6í1, 202.5, 3-0-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live (10/10/2006) Defeated Seth Petruzelli via Unanimous decision at 5:00 in Round 3.
I'm impressed with Hamill's wrestling and if he's improved his boxing skills can certainly be a force to reckon with. Whether on the ground or standing up this should be a good fight.

Light Heavyweight Bout:
ìThe Punisherî Jason Lambert: 29, 5í10, 204, 22-5-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Rashad Evans via KO at 2:22 of Round 2.
Vs.
Renato ìBabaluî Sobral: 31, 6í1, 204, 27-6-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Chuck Liddell Via TKO at 1:35 of Round 1.
On last night's ACE podcast I picked Lambert to win and stated that I felt Sobral may not have a chance to win. Well I'm changing that pick after some thought feeling that despite his loss to Liddell Sobral is a top class fighter and definitely has something to prove to himself and UFC so I pick Sobral to win.

Middleweight Bout:
Jason ìThe Athleteî MacDonald: 31, 6í3, 183.5, 18-7-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 66 (12/30/2006) Defeated Chris Leben Via TKO at 4:03 of Round 2.
Vs.
Rich ìAceî Franklin: 32, 6í1, 185, 22-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) lost to Anderson Silva via TKO at 2:59 of Round 1.
McDonald was brought in as a "jobber" for lack of a better term and ended up beating Ed Herman and Chris Leben in his previous UFC fights. Tonight McDonald "does the job" and "lays down" for Ace... seriously, Franklin got his clock cleaned by Anderson Silva a while back and if you notice the theme here Franklin needs this win to get himself back in the game. Franklin is the victor in this battle.

Middleweight Bout:
Martin ìThe Hitmanî Kampmann: 24, 6í0, 185.5, 7-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Defeated Thales Leites via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Drew McFedries: 28, 6í0, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Alessio Sakara via TKO at 4:07 in Round 1.
Again, judging by fight records Kampmann has more wins and the losses were a decision and another fight ended in a "TKO" when Kampmann got cut. He seems to be the superior fighter so I pick him to win.

Welterweight Bout:
Chris ìLights Outî Lytle: 32, 5í11, 169, 18-12-5
Last UFC Bout: Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Lost to Matt Serra via Split decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Matt Hughes: 33, 5í9, 171, 41-4-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) Lost to Georges St. Pierre via TKO at 1:25 of Round 2.
Okay, so Hughes' recent comments about God not wanting him to win the fight against GSP were interesting, not knocking his or anyone's personal beliefs but as an athlete you figure a more solid conclusion would be met, such as a judgement of his training and performance. Nonetheless Hughes is back and ready to get his name back on top and the one way he'll do it is by beating Lytle.

Heavyweight Title Bout:
Randy ìThe Naturalî Couture: 43, 6í2, 222.5, 14-8-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 57 (02/03/2006) Lost to Chuck Liddell Via KO at 1:28 of Round 2.
Vs.
Tim ìThe Manie-Iacî Sylvia: 30, 6í8, 263, 24-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Jeff Monson Via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 5.
As much as I'd love to see Couture win I really can't see that happening. Sylvia will set the pace and control the fight, he may even block some of Couture's takedown, wear him down and such. Casey did have a good point on the podcast, that being if Sylvia wins he'll eventually meet Crocop for the title and get his head kicked off into the solar system. It'll either go to decision or TKO thus Sylvia retaining the title.

Final thoughts: Looks to be a good card with interesting returns, it's no Pride 33 but then again not all shows can be of that caliber. I will not be watching this show tonight as I will be drunk watching some bluegrass band in North Jersey. Judging by the feedback of the show I may get it on Sunday.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Ric [Canvas Chronicle]:
- Varner
- Tibau
- Fitch
- Hamill
- Sobral
- Franklin (although a MacDonald win wouldn't surprise me)
- McFedries
- Hughes
- Sylvia


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Euan [Old Country Times]:
After the fantastic Pride PPV last weekend, UFC are going to have to pull something really special out of the bag to top it so let's see what we have.

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Jason ìThe Gizzardî Gilliam: 34, 6í0, 155, 11-0-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut.
Vs.
Jamie ìThe Wormî Varner: 22, 5í8, 155, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Hermes Franca via submission at 3:31 in Round 3.

Jason Gilliam loves Jesus as much as our friend Sheiky as he lists him as his only hero. I don't know why since when asked what his job was before fighting he replied "I was studying to be a cop, but then I went to jail and all that went away, so I turned into a wrench-head (mechanic), working on million dollar toys." Humbled~! Jamie Varner however will never be a friend of Jesus since he lists his favourite technique as "sleeping people". I am not going to say anymore for fear of plague or anything else he could conjure up. I am going to for for Gilliam in this fight as he has the better record being undefeated in 11 fights.
Winner - Jason Gilliam

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Gleison Tibau: 23, 5í10, 155, 23-3-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) lost to Nick Diaz via referee stoppage at 2:27 in Round 2.
Vs.
Jason ìDynamiteî Dent: 26, 5í9, 155, 12-6-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Roger Huerta Via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in Round 3.

Jason Dent is a wise man indeed since when asked what his favourite technique was he replied " I can't tell you that because you know my opponents will be reading this." So that's why people lose fights, they read UFC.com and learn their opponent's techniques from there. I wonder how long it will be before Travis Lutter puts his cooking techniques on his profile? Can you imagine that, triple chocolate cookies, down home country cooking...wait this is Travis Lutter i'm talking about, how about a tub of lard and a spoon? I am going to go with Jason Dent for this fight just for the fact that Gleison Tibau lost to Nick Diaz pre-greatestfightisawalltimeallmylife.
Winner - Jason Dent

Welterweight Bout (Dark):
Luigi Fioravanti: 26, 5í8, 185, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live 7 (12/13/2006) Defeated Dave Menne via TKO at 4:44 of Round 1.
Vs.
Jon Fitch: 28, 6í0, 170, 16-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) Defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3.

Jon Fitch is my new hero after this comment regarding his favourite technique "Punch to face or kick to head, itís a toss up between the two, but I have also been known to suplex opponents." Senshi + Iron Sheik = Winner!
Winner - Jon Fitch

Light Heavyweight Bout (Dark):
Rex ìBig Dogî Holman: 37, 6í2, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut
Vs.
Matt ìThe Hammerî Hamill: 30, 6í1, 205, 3-0-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live (10/10/2006) Defeated Seth Petruzelli via Unanimous decision at 5:00 in Round 3.

Again with the invisible fighters that lose fights by default even though they are actually there in the octagon but nobody can see them.
Winner - Matt Hamill

Light Heavyweight Bout:
ìThe Punisherî Jason Lambert: 29, 5í10, 205, 22-5-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Rashad Evans via KO at 2:22 of Round 2.
Vs.
Renato ìBabaluî Sobral: 31, 6í1, 205, 27-6-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Chuck Liddell Via TKO at 1:35 of Round 1.

This is Babalu's comeback fight after going down to the great Chuck Liddell and he is out to regain his loss against Jason Lambert. Since Lmbert cannot bring big guns and explosives to the octagon like the real Punisher, he is going to be beaten soundly by Babalu.
Winner - Renato Sobral

Middleweight Bout:
Jason ìThe Athleteî MacDonald: 31, 6í3, 185, 18-7-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 66 (12/30/2006) Defeated Chris Leben Via TKO at 4:03 of Round 2.
Vs.
Rich ìAceî Franklin: 32, 6í1, 185, 22-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) lost to Anderson Silva via TKO at 2:59 of Round 1.

This could be the sleeper fight of the night with MacDonald coming off a win against Chris Leben and Rich Franklin returning after his HUMBLING IN THE OLD COUNTRY WAY by everybody's friend Anderson Silva~! For some odd reason, there is a picture on MacDonald's profile showing him telling Rochelle how big his...member is. So here is how i see the fight going, Jason MacDonald will be too busy talking to Rochelle to notice Rich Franklin sneaking up behind him and knocking him the fuck out and then beating him to death with said member. (Oh, jesus this is SO wrong, I may have given Ric "bathroom material" for the next month )
Winner - Rich Franklin

Middleweight Bout:
Martin ìThe Hitmanî Campmann: 24, 6í0, 185, 7-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Defeated Thales Leites via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Drew McFedries: 28, 6í0, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Alessio Sakara via TKO at 4:07 in Round 1.

My mind is dead after that last comment so i'm going to use the EuTube index to decide the victor.

Martin Campmann: 0 videos
Drew McFedries: 0 videos

Fuck! That didn't help, let's flip a coin...dammit! No coin! Well based on win/loss records i am going to predict Marvin Campann to win.
Winner - Marvin Campann

Welterweight Bout:
Chris ìLights Outî Lytle: 32, 5í11, 170, 18-12-5
Last UFC Bout: Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Lost to Matt Serra via Split decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Matt Hughes: 33, 5í9, 169, 41-4-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) Lost to Georges St. Pierre via TKO at 1:25 of Round 2.

Matt Hughes is returning to the UFC after being killed by GSP at UFC 65 while Chris Lytle is only coming back from a decision loss. I'm sure that Hughes will want to put on a strong performance to show Dana White he wants his title back. I am going to say he will.
Winner - Matt Hughes

"And now from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. IT'S TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME FOR OUR UFC MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!" Again Bruce you are wrong, this show is coming from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio and why have you not taken off the maid's outfit that Lenne Hardt gave you at the Pride show? No, don't take it off right now...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OH GOD!!!!! MY EYES!!!!!!!!! Lenne, take him to the back please.

Heavyweight Title Bout:
Randy ìThe Naturalî Couture: 43, 6í2, 205, 14-8-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 57 (02/03/2006) Lost to Chuck Liddell Via KO at 1:28 of Round 2.
Vs.
Tim ìThe Manie-Iacî Sylvia: 30, 6í8, 265, 24-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Jeff Monson Via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 5.

I really, really, really do not want to do this but i am going to have to go with Casey and choose Tim Sylvia to win this fight. I would like to be proven wrong and have Couture win the title but i just do not see it happening. Couture is 43 years old which is very old in the world of fighting while Tim Sylvia is 13 years younger and has got momentum coming into this fight with two successful title defences. I'm sorry Randy Couture but please prove me wrong, i am only doing this to avoid the One Night in Chyna DVD review that is destined for Wade.
Winner - Tim Sylvia.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Wade [Old Country Times]:
Lightweight Bout (dark):
Jason ìThe Gizzardî Gilliam: 34, 6í0, 155, 11-0-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut.
Vs.
Jamie ìThe Wormî Varner: 22, 5í8, 155, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Hermes Franca via submission at 3:31 in Round 3.

Winner-Jason Gilliam

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Gleison Tibau: 23, 5í10, 155, 23-3-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) lost to Nick Diaz via referee stoppage at 2:27 in Round 2.
Vs.
Jason ìDynamiteî Dent: 26, 5í9, 155, 12-6-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Roger Huerta Via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in Round 3.

Winner-Gleison Tibau

Welterweight Bout (Dark):
Luigi Fioravanti: 26, 5í8, 185, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live 7 (12/13/2006) Defeated Dave Menne via TKO at 4:44 of Round 1.
Vs.
Jon Fitch: 28, 6í0, 170, 16-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) Defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3.

Winner-Jon Fitch

Light Heavyweight Bout (Dark):
Rex ìBig Dogî Holman: 37, 6í2, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut
Vs.
Matt ìThe Hammerî Hamill: 30, 6í1, 205, 3-0-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live (10/10/2006) Defeated Seth Petruzelli via Unanimous decision at 5:00 in Round 3.

Winner-Rex Holman

Light Heavyweight Bout:
ìThe Punisherî Jason Lambert: 29, 5í10, 205, 22-5-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Rashad Evans via KO at 2:22 of Round 2.
Vs.
Renato ìBabaluî Sobral: 31, 6í1, 205, 27-6-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Chuck Liddell Via TKO at 1:35 of Round 1.

Winner-Renato Sobral

Middleweight Bout:
Jason ìThe Athleteî MacDonald: 31, 6í3, 185, 18-7-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 66 (12/30/2006) Defeated Chris Leben Via TKO at 4:03 of Round 2.
Vs.
Rich ìAceî Franklin: 32, 6í1, 185, 22-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) lost to Anderson Silva via TKO at 2:59 of Round 1.

Winner-Rich Franklin

Middleweight Bout:
Martin ìThe Hitmanî Campmann: 24, 6í0, 185, 7-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Defeated Thales Leites via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Drew McFedries: 28, 6í0, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Alessio Sakara via TKO at 4:07 in Round 1.

Winner-Martin Campmann

Welterweight Bout:
Chris ìLights Outî Lytle: 32, 5í11, 170, 18-12-5
Last UFC Bout: Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Lost to Matt Serra via Split decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Matt Hughes: 33, 5í9, 169, 41-4-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) Lost to Georges St. Pierre via TKO at 1:25 of Round 2.

Winner-Matt Hughes

Heavyweight Title Bout:
Randy ìThe Naturalî Couture: 43, 6í2, 205, 14-8-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 57 (02/03/2006) Lost to Chuck Liddell Via KO at 1:28 of Round 2.
Vs.
Tim ìThe Manie-Iacî Sylvia: 30, 6í8, 265, 24-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Jeff Monson Via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 5.

Winner-Tim Sylvia


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Liedle [Old Country Times]:
Lightweight Bout (dark):
Jason ìThe Gizzardî Gilliam: 34, 6í0, 155, 11-0-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut.
Vs.
Jamie ìThe Wormî Varner: 22, 5í8, 155, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Hermes Franca via submission at 3:31 in Round 3.
winner-Jamie Varner

Lightweight Bout (dark):
Gleison Tibau: 23, 5í10, 155, 23-3-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) lost to Nick Diaz via referee stoppage at 2:27 in Round 2.
Vs.
Jason ìDynamiteî Dent: 26, 5í9, 155, 12-6-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Roger Huerta Via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in Round 3.
winner-Gleison Tibau

Welterweight Bout (Dark):
Luigi Fioravanti: 26, 5í8, 185, 9-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live 7 (12/13/2006) Defeated Dave Menne via TKO at 4:44 of Round 1.
Vs.
Jon Fitch: 28, 6í0, 170, 16-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) Defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka via Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3.
winner-Luigi Fioravanti

Light Heavyweight Bout (Dark):
Rex ìBig Dogî Holman: 37, 6í2, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: This is his UFC Debut
Vs.
Matt ìThe Hammerî Hamill: 30, 6í1, 205, 3-0-0
Last UFC Bout: At Fight Night Live (10/10/2006) Defeated Seth Petruzelli via Unanimous decision at 5:00 in Round 3.
winner-Matt Hamill

Light Heavyweight Bout:
ìThe Punisherî Jason Lambert: 29, 5í10, 205, 22-5-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 63 (09/23/2006) lost to Rashad Evans via KO at 2:22 of Round 2.
Vs.
Renato ìBabaluî Sobral: 31, 6í1, 205, 27-6-0
Last UFC Bout: UFC 62 (08/26/2006) lost to Chuck Liddell Via TKO at 1:35 of Round 1.
winner-Renato Sobral

Middleweight Bout:
Jason ìThe Athleteî MacDonald: 31, 6í3, 185, 18-7-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 66 (12/30/2006) Defeated Chris Leben Via TKO at 4:03 of Round 2.
Vs.
Rich ìAceî Franklin: 32, 6í1, 185, 22-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 64 (10/14/2006) lost to Anderson Silva via TKO at 2:59 of Round 1.
winner-Rich Franklin

Middleweight Bout:
Martin ìThe Hitmanî Campmann: 24, 6í0, 185, 7-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Defeated Thales Leites via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Drew McFedries: 28, 6í0, 205, 4-1-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Alessio Sakara via TKO at 4:07 in Round 1.
winner-Martin Campmann

Welterweight Bout:
Chris ìLights Outî Lytle: 32, 5í11, 170, 18-12-5
Last UFC Bout: Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale (11/11/2006) Lost to Matt Serra via Split decision after 5:00 of Round 3.
Vs.
Matt Hughes: 33, 5í9, 169, 41-4-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) Lost to Georges St. Pierre via TKO at 1:25 of Round 2.
winner-Matt Hughes

Heavyweight Title Bout:
Randy ìThe Naturalî Couture: 43, 6í2, 205, 14-8-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 57 (02/03/2006) Lost to Chuck Liddell Via KO at 1:28 of Round 2.
Vs.
Tim ìThe Manie-Iacî Sylvia: 30, 6í8, 265, 24-2-0
Last UFC Bout: At UFC 65 (11/18/2006) defeated Jeff Monson Via Unanimous Decision after 5:00 of Round 5.
winner-Tim Sylvia as much it's pains me to choose. I also think that Sylvia vs. Cro Cop might be a better fight then Couture vs. Cro Cop.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Jason:
Randy Couture -v- Tim Sylvia

I'm really perplexed in this fight. I really want to believe that Randy Couture can play "Rocky" and comeback and beat the Heavyweight champion but my gut is telling me that it's just not meant to be.

Winner: Tim Sylvia

Rich Franklin -v- Jason McDonald

Jason McDonald was very impressive in his victories over Chris Leben & Ed Herman but there is 3 things going against McDonald in this fight.
1. Rich Franklin wasn't a CONTESTANT on The Ultimate Fighter. (as Leben & Herman were)
2. Rich Franklin doesn't have red hair. (as Leben & Herman do)
3. Rich Franklin is a better all around fighter than Leben & Herman.

Winner: Rich Franklin

Matt Hughes -v- Chris Lytle

I just can't see Matt Hughes losing this fight (barring an injury or a judge with the last name Lytle).

Winner: Matt Hughes

Renato "Babalu" Sobral -v- Jason Lambert

I can't say I know (off the top of my head) a whole bunch about Jason Lambert so I went to UFC's website and read up about him. His last loss was to Rashad Evans, Babalu's last loss was to Chuck Liddell. So in my mind since Chuck Liddell is better than Rashad Evans then Babalu's better than Jason Lambert.

Winner: Renato "Babalu" Sobral

Matt Hamill -v- Rex Holman

I have to go with Hamill on this one. Their records are similar (Hamill is 4-0 / Holman is 4 -1) but Hamill is also 7 years younger and I believe youth will be served in this one.

Winner: Matt Hamill

Drew McFedries -v- Martin Kampmann

I'm at my desk @ work looking for an answer as to who will win this fight. I look up and I see my freshly received (from E-bay) XFL New York/New Jersey Hitmen hat and when I read up on Kampmann I find out his nickname is "The Hitman". Coincidence???

Winner: Martin Kampmann

John Fitch -v- Luigi Fioravanti

Going back to the loss factor, Luigi lost to Chris Leben, Fitch has lost to no one (in UFC) and has beaten good fighters such as Josh Burkman & Thiago Alves. That's enough for me.

Winner: John Fitch

Gleison Tibau -v- Jason Dent

In my opinion Jason Dent has a better 1st name.

Winner: Jason Dent

Jason Gilliam -v- Jaime Varner

The 1st name factor won't come into play here. I'm not sure why.

Winner: Jaime Varner

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Sunday, February 25, 2007

Second Pride U.S. Pay-Per-View Sees Major Upsets


[photo: MMAWeekly.com]

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Whether rumors of Pride going under or this most recent show being the last one loom throughout internet message boards and news sites one thing is certain and concrete, the fact that last night's Pride 33 show in Las Vegas was a historic and exciting one.
The big news were the four upsets taking place on the company's second event on U.S. soil, and for one that didn't have as equally a huge buzz as its first State side show late last year The Second Coming surely delivered with excitement and high quality fights.
Even bigger news was Dan Henderson defeating Wanderlai Silva [making his U.S. fighting debut] to become the new Middleweight champion as well as being the Welterweight champion when he hit Silva with a spinning back fist and followed up with a left hook that took Silva down and it was over. An amazing finish to a great night of fighting, what was interesting of note is that the noteworthy upsets of the evening happened back to back as prior to the main event Nick Diaz and Lightweight champ Takanori Gomi had what Josh Barnett called on last night's commentary a "slobberknocker". This fight was AWESOME. This is one reason alone to get the replay, both men beat the hell out of each other swinging and landing punches while the crowd was going nuts, it was a great moment to experience. Diaz looked like he was thrown into a wall face first, just blood and cuts near his eyes, it was nasty looking but he was a trooper and in the end beat Gomi via Gogoplata [a modified version of the more common triangle choke] in round two.
Alistair Overeem seemed to have the advantage early on in his fight against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua landing punching combos and taking Rua down a few times, in the end it was Rua who became victorious as he went diving with a right punch to Overeem's chin and some more punches to end the fight.
Sergey Kharitonov beat Michael Russow via armbar submission in 3:46 of the first round, afterwards Russow was protesting to the referee but replays showed him obviously tapping out.
Hayato Sakurai KO'ed Mac Danzig in another great fight with Sakurai beating down Danzig with low kicks followed by hip toss takedowns, ouch. Danzig hung in there only to meet a devastating overhand right punch that put him out.
Sokoudjou knocked out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira with a left hook in only 23 seconds of the first round, yes this was one of those upsets mentioned earlier.
James Lee, a last-minute replacement for Kazuhiro Nakamura [out with a knee injury], defeated Travis Wiuff in 39 seconds of the first round. Lee began striking away landing a right that took Wiuff down, Lee followed up with a guillotine choke on the ground with Wiuff tapping out. Afterwards Lee said he had “48 hours notice and had to cut nearly 20 pounds in about 13 to 14 hours to make weight.” Talk about an upset, quite the historic night.
Frank Trigg was dominant scoring a unanimous 30-27 from the judges with his fight against Kazuo Misak as he took Misak to the mat many times and held his own on his feet as well.
Joachim Hansen defeated Jason Ireland via armbar in round 3, Hansen was in control most of the fight but Ireland was certainly no slouch and showed some control in the second round. Referee Steve Mazzagatti had to stop the fight as Ireland wasn't tapping out to Hansen's armbar after a certain amount of time.
This was a great show and I do recommend the replay, and what's funny is that I ordered this at the last minute not really thinking about it previously. It was worth the $40 to me, and says more than even the last UFC PPV I saw. Pride returns to Las Vegas on 4/28.

Dan Henderson def. Wanderlei Silva by KO at 2:08, Round 3
Nick Diaz def. Takanori Gomi by Gogoplata at 1:46, Round 2
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua def. Alistair Overeem by KO at 3:37, Round 1
Sergei Kharitonov def. Mike Russow by Armbar at 3:46, Round 1
Hayato Sakurai def. Mac Danzig by KO at 4:01, Round 2
Sokoudjou def. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira by KO at 0:23, Round 1
James Lee def. Travis Wiuff by Guillotine Choke at 0:39, Round 1
Frank Trigg def. Kazuo Misaki by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Joachim Hansen def. Jason Ireland by Armbar at 2:33, Round 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

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Saturday, February 17, 2007

Updated card for tomorrow's WWE No Way Out PPV

thanks to Casey Trowbridge [Old County Times]

WWE's 'No Way Out'
STAPLES Center (sold out)
Los Angeles, California
Sunday, February 18
Live pay-per-view @ 8 PM ET

* Shawn Michaels & John Cena vs. The Undertaker & Batista
* Chris Benoit & The Hardys vs. MNM & MVP
* WWE Tag Team titles: Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. Deuce & Domino
* ECW title: Bobby Lashley vs. Mr. Kennedy
* Kane vs. King Booker
* 'Diva Talent Invitational'
* 'Cruiserweight Open': Gregory Helms defends against Daivari, Chavo Guerrero, Shannon Moore, Funaki, Jimmy Yang, Scotty 2 Hotty, and Jamie Noble
* The Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman (official name) vs. Finlay & Little Bastard

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

A Fans Perspective: Good, Bad and Indifferent

A Fans Perspective: Good, Bad and Indifferent By Oliver Newman

I watched TNA Final Resolution, and it was then that I saw what the writing of TNA was doing to the TNA show. Illogical booking left a bitter taste in my mouth at the very end (AJ Styles losing a match on purpose and Brother Runt's drunkenness costing Team 3D a match especially). So I took a step back and said to myself 'I won't watch Impact, but I'll tune in for Against All Odds in February).

So a month passed and it's Against All Odds night. I decided to give TNA Wrestling another chance, bare in mind there had been some Stellar matches (LAX v Styles/Daniels (any), Samoa Joe v Kurt Angle TNA Turning point 2006 for example).

I went through a mixture of emotions watching this show,

Indifferent:

Austin Starr v Bob Backlund - I hope when all is said and done Starr is the man with his hand raised, that is critical for his future in TNA.

Storylines - Abyss v Sting If you watch match without knowing storyline, I feel you could enjoy it. Time to suspend your disbelief!

Christian v Kurt Angle - Too much took away from it, ref being knocked down twice, constant outside interference, case of booking over Wrestling.

Bad:

Lap dance - Two Bikini clad women give Brother Ray a lap dance in the middle of a match. WHY? What did this add to the PPV.

Big Fat Oily Guy v Christy Hemme - Tuxedo match, and an embarrassment to Wrestling fans everywhere!

Traci Brooks and Eric Young - Traci motioning that she will sleep with Eric if he signs Contract.

How could bad become good? Those 3 segments added up to around 10 minutes. Why not for those 10 minutes give two women the opportunity to Wrestle! Christy talked about a Women's Division, well why not cut out Bikini Clad dancers! Christy Hemme wrestles one of a long list of good Women's Wrestlers, any one from the following: Lacey, Allison Danger, Cheerleader Melissa, Daizee Haze if you would like to use UK Women Skye, Jetta or Lisa Fury. One of the aforementioned Wrestlers has a match with Christy they tear it up and put Women's Wrestling on the map in TNA.

LAX v Team 3D - The ending. Why does it take a group of men to help the best tag team in TNA secure a win?

How could bad become good? This shouldn't have happened! LAX have beaten every other TNA tag team, so isn't it feasible they could and in this case should have beaten Team 3D.

Lance Hoyt needing a Steel Chair to beat a Baseball Player.

How could bad become good? I honestly have no idea, Lance Hoyt is exactly what the booking team in TNA want him to be an afterthought, It's a shame because he had a lot of potential.

Earl Hebner kicking key towards Rhino

How could bad become good? It can't! This shouldn't have happened and ruined a pretty good match between AJ Styles and Rhino.

Good:

Bob Backlund - After Hotel scene. "You're ruining the world, fabric of society, etc" Missed out one thing though Bob, this kind of Scene is ruining pro Wrestling!

Chris Sabin v Jerry Lynn - Chris Sabin is truly TNA's MVP, he has stepped up so much since becoming 'cocky' and this performance was no exception. Great to see Jerry back in the ring, hopefully full time!

Jerry just wouldn't stay down for the 3, such is his pride and the opportunity to teach the young upstart a lesson. People may complain about ending of the match but Sabin tried and couldn't beat Jerry Lynn (no matter what he did), but such was the desperation he cheated.

Women's Wrestling in TNA! Still have same opinion about above, as I feel it would not have taken away from mixed tag, which was a pretty good showcase for Women's Wrestling.

Eric Young (after Roode interview) - When all is said and done with Roode incorporated Eric Young could be the next big star (listen to the crowd reactions!).

I almost turned show off half way through, as there was a ridiculous amount of bad. Knowing I was going to be writing this piece, I wanted to stay impartial and to do that I had to watch the whole show, I'm glad to say it picked up. I felt sorry for U.S. fans that paid to see this show at the beginning, it would be interesting to see if they felt they got their money's worth in the end.

Thank you all for reading I hope your experience was most enjoyable, feel free to leave comments in here, message me or you can email me at a_fans_perspective@hotmail.co.uk.

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Sunday, February 11, 2007

CARE and some other vuz, vuz, vuz Jabronis Roundtable Preview: TNA Against All Odds 2007

-- Casey, Ric, Euan, myself, Marcus, Scott and Wade are all back to pick the mind (or nose) of TNA and their Against All Odds PPV tonight. Click here for our preview, here's the card:
*NWA World Title: Kurt Angle Vs. Christian Cage w/Samoa Joe as "Unofficial Enforcer"
*Sting Vs. Abyss in a Prison yard match.
*Italian Streetfight: LAX Vs. Team 3D
*X-division title: Jerry Lynn Vs. Chris Sabin
*Mixed Tag: Petey Williams/Gail Kim Vs. James Storm/Ms. Tennessee
*Basebrawl II: Dale Torborg W/AJ Pierzynski Vs. Lance Hoyt W/David Eckstein
*Christy Hemme Vs. An opponent to be determined
*Preshow Match: Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal Vs. Serotonin

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Friday, February 9, 2007

Final TNA Against All Odds card for this Sunday

(thanks to Casey Trowbridge)...

*Preshow Match: Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal Vs. Serotonin

*Mixed Tag Team Match: James Storm & Ms. Tennessee Vs. Petey Williams & Gail Kim

*Christy Hemme Vs. TBD

*Basebrawl II: Team Eckstein (Lance Hoyt) Vs. Team Pierzynski (Dale Torborg)

*Motor City Chain Match: Rhino Vs. AJ Styles

*Little Italy Streetfight: Team 3D Vs. The Latin American Xchange

*X-division Title: Jerry Lynn Vs. Chris Sabin

*Prisonyard match: Sting Vs. Abyss (think casket match)

*NWA World Heavyweight title: Christian Cage w/Tomko and special consultant Scott Steiner Vs. Kurt Angle - Unofficial Enforcer Samoa Joe

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Saturday, February 3, 2007

UFC news, notes and articles 2/3/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Tons of UFC news for tonight's PPV and notes and articles from the past week...

-- Tonight is UFC 67 featuring Anderson Silva vs Travis Lutter, Mirko Cro Cop vs Eddie Sanchez, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs Marvin Eastman as the top matches, here's the full line-up:
-Anderson Silva Vs. Travis Lutter
-John Halverson Vs. Roger Huerta
-Mirko Cro Cop Vs. Eddie Sanchez
-Quinton Jackson Vs. Marvin Eastman
-Patrick Cote Vs. Scott Smith
-Terry Martin Vs. Jorge Rivera (dark match)
-Frank Edgar Vs. Tyson Griffin (dark match)
-Sam Hoger Vs. Lyoto Machida (dark match)
-Diego Saraieva Vs. Dustin Hazelett (dark match)

-- Got this email from UFC this morning: Lutter misses weight, plans to win against Silva, even though just a pound and a half keeps the fight from being a title fight.

Despite two tries at the scale, TUF 4 winner Travis Lutter will not be challenging for Anderson Silva's UFC Middleweight Championship Saturday night after coming in at a final weight of 186.5 pounds, a pound and a half over the 185-pound middleweight limit. Lutter's first attempt at making weight was 187 pounds, and after two hours he was only able to lose a half-pound. Tomorrow's UFC 67: All or Nothing main event will now be a three round non-title match, with Lutter being fined 10% of his purse by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (5% going to Silva, 5% to the NSAC).


-- UFC 67 - Official Weights:
Non-Title Middleweight Bout - Three Rounds
Travis Lutter (186.5*) vs Anderson Silva (185)

Eddie Sanchez (229) vs Mirko Cro Cop (223)
Marvin Eastman (203) vs Quinton Jackson (205)
John Halverson (155) vs Roger Huerta (156)
Patrick Cote (185) vs Scott Smith (185)

Preliminary Bouts
Terry Martin (186**) vs Jorge Rivera (185)
Frank Edgar (154) vs Tyson Griffin (156)
Sam Hoger (206) vs Lyoto Machida (203)
Diego Saraiva (155) vs Dustin Hazelett (156)

*Lutter was originally 187, and came back at 186.5 in his second attempt.
**Martin was originally 187, but came back and made the contracted weight in his second attempt.

-- Here's the gigantic CARE + Jabronis UFC 67 preview. There won't be any live coverage here tonight but expect thoughts on the show around 2AM EST.

-- Tonight's UFC PPV will be the first to be broadcast in 1080i for HDTV which will be ten dollars more than the average $39.95 price. Also make sure that your cable/satellite provider offers HD PPV.

-- UFC announced a show at the Toyota Center in Houston on 4/7. There's a presale right now for UFC Fight Club members, on Sunday there's a Presale at 11AM EST/10AM CST and the password is: SERRA. Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday morning.

-- The Canadian Press reported Monday that Welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre signed a six-fight deal with the UFC making him on of the top five earners in the company.

-- Chuck Liddell had to cancel an appearance at the Ultimate Warrior Challenge in Jacksonville, FL on Friday night after UFC wouldn't allow it. Liddell had volunteered to MC the event for free and appear at a nightclub after-party.

-- SpikeTV announced in a press release on Wednesday that the station will be airing a UFC Fight Night marathon on 3/17 from 3-11PM EST which will consist of four fight cards including main events Tito Ortiz vs Ken Shamrock, Diego Sanchez vs Karo Parisyan, and Diego Sanchez vs Joe Riggs.

-- Click here to win a trip to Vegas for a UFC show.

-- Dana White quote of the week: "We are going to war with everyone," White said. "We are going to hammer all these rinky-dink, fly-by-night organizations that are popping up trying to grab a piece of the pie."

-- UFC's first syndicated show UFC Wired will air on nine Fox-owned MyNetworkTV affiliates this fall. Stations include WWOR New York and KCOP Los Angeles. The other stations are KDFI Dallas/Ft. Worth, WDCA Washington, KTXH Houston, KUTP Phoenix, WFTC Minneapolis/St. Paul, WRBW Orlando/Daytona Beach and WUTB Baltimore and will be hosted by Joe Rogan.

-- Randy Couture will be opening the Xtreme Couture facility at the Mavericks fitness club [14010 N.E. Third Court, off of 139th Street] in Vancouver this month.

-- Once again, Nicholas Lembo of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board sets the record straight with the Asbury Park Press: Unified rules set by board

I enjoyed reading Stephen Edelson's Jan. 14 article covering the sport of mixed martial arts and Renzo Gracie, a legend and maverick in the sport.

However, the article, "Makeover gave the UFC new life," says the sport resurfaced under the mixed martial arts moniker in 2001, with casino executives Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White purchasing the UFC. The article states these individuals implemented more stringent safety measures and rules.

Neither the Fertittas nor White set up rules and regulations for mixed martial arts. The state of New Jersey did. All White and the Fertittas did in 2001 was follow rules that were already in place.

The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) was the first state commission to implement a comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing mixed martial arts. These are now the standard rules used in every state where mixed martial arts competitions are allowed.

The NJSACB began allowing mixed martial arts events in 2000 and held an extensive meeting in 2001 to discuss regulation and to unify the myriad rules used by the different mixed martial arts organizations. The uniform rules were agreed upon by the NJSACB, several other regulatory bodies, numerous promoters and other interested parties.

Nicholas Lembo

COUNSEL

NEW JERSEY STATE ATHLETIC CONTROL BOARD


TRENTON


-- Cro Cop: Fighter-turned-politician makes UFC debut Saturday night in Las Vegas

-- San Marcos UFC fighter has faced bigger obstacles than opponent

-- Canadian fighter Patrick Cote needs win, hopes to open UFC 67 with a bang

-- Hoger returns to ring vs. Machida

-- A UFC debut for 'Rampage' Jackson

-- Somebody You Should Know: John Halverson, 34, martial arts fighter

-- Lutter in UFC spotlight

-- Underdog role fine with TUF champion Lutter

-- 'Rampage' looks to strike it rich

-- WEC aims to be alternative to UFC

-- UFC might be in ESPN’s picture

-- SOYO Sponsors Ultimate Fighter Marvin 'The Beastman' Eastman for His Febuary 3rd UFC Fight Against Quinton Jackson

-- Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Makes February, 2007 Debut in UFC Battleground

-- UFC's popularity growing with every hit
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