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Special Commentary: When Is News Not News?

When Dana White says it at a press conference.

I love Dana White. I think he's great for the sport and I don't think MMA would be this big without him. But he's a promoter and promoters lie.

When Dana White says stuff like, "we're coming to Australia every year", it's not news. It's Dana White being a promoter and telling the local media and fans what they want to hear. Anything he says at any pre-fight or post-fight press conference shouldn't be considered news. Anyone who takes what he says at those things serious probably sends $100,000 to the Sri Lanka man who e-mails them about a business proposal.

Fabrio Werdum is still waiting for his Heavyweight title shot, Quinton Jackson is still waiting for his Light Heavyweight title shot, Dan Henderson is still waiting for his Middleweight title shot, Chuck Liddell is retired, The Philippines are still waiting for their UFC event, over 100 US cities are still waiting for the Octagon to come to their town, fans are still waiting for Fedor to be signed, fans are still waiting for a major announcement that will shake the MMA world, and the list goes on.

Dana White is no different than Vince McMahon. They're both extremely successful promoters who have taken their sports to new heights. The difference is that McMahon blew his media trust a long time ago with the steroid trials and it's tough to believe someone who promotes a sport that is essentially one big lie. Dana White lies as well. Maybe "lie" is too strong of a word. Dana White tells the media/fans what they want to hear as well. But his reputation is that he's a no nonsense promoter who does tell the truth often times so he gets away with telling the media what they want to hear and nobody really calls him out on it.

Dana White is just doing his job. I don't have a problem with him telling the media what they want to hear because that's what every promoter since the history of promoting has done. But it's not news. It's no different than David Stern saying he wants LeBron James to stay in Cleveland. That's not news yet ESPN will probably say it's the biggest story of the year. It's just what the promoter wants and what he can promote. Unfortunately the media takes any comment from anyone near the situation and passes it off as a story.

It means nothing though. It means nothing until it's official. When UFC announces their next Australian event, that's news. When UFC announces their next title fight, that's news. When LeBron James announces what team he signs for, that's news. What one man, even if that man is extremely close to the situation, wants to do something but doesn't know when it will get done; that's news that's not news.

2/22/10 Cardio Freak Quickie

Topics of Discussion:

*UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez Review
*Thoughts on Heath Herring's recent comments
*Thoughts on Bellator's Super Fight

Random Taylor Swift Mention:

Did you hear that Georges St. Pierre started dating Taylor Swift but they quickly broke up because he claims that she couldn't handle the riddum and she claims that he was just too boring. Look for a song called "Not Impressed With You Hitting Me With Your Groin" on her next album.

Swift Week Streak: 2

Sprained News:

*Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos/Gabriel Gonzaga winner
*Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" (after he beats Ben Rothwell)
*Wanderlei Silva vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
*Michael Bisping vs. Nate Marquardt
*George Sotiropoulos vs. Gray Maynard
*Joe Stevenson vs. Sean Sherk
*Ryan Bader vs. Jon Jones/Brandon Vera winner
*Keith Jardine vs. Stephan Bonnar
*Anthony Perosh vs. Joey Beltran
*Heath Herring will be back in the UFC

Full Column on 411Mania

Prediction Record after UFC 110

I've updated my UFC prediction record following last nights UFC 110. I went 4-1 on the main card and 6-3 overall.

UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez Official Predictions

MAIN CARD

*Cain Velasquez to defeat Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by Unanimous Decision
*Wanderlei Silva to defeat Michael Bisping by TKO in Round 1
*Joe Stevenson to defeat George Sotiropoulos by Unanimous Decision
*Ryan Bader to defeat Keith Jardine by KO in Round 1
*Mirko "Cro Cop" to defeat Anthony Perosh by TKO in Round 1

PRELIMINARY CARD

*Krzysztof Soszynski to defeat Stephan Bonnar by Unanimous Decision
*Brian Foster to defeat Chris Lytle by Unanimous Decision
*CB Dollaway to defeat Goran Reljic by Unanimous Decision
*Igor Pokrajac to defeat James Te Huna by Submission in Round 2

UFC 110 Odds

Keith Jardine (+135) vs. Ryan Bader (-165)

I'm staying away from this fight. Bader seems like the smart pick to win but Jardine finds a way to win fights he shouldn't. Betting on Bader doesn't give you enough return unless it's a large bet or a parlay and I don't trust Jardine enough to win. Maybe a small bet on Jardine since he's an underdog who has a chance but that's up to you.

Final: Stay Away

George Sotiropoulos (+190) vs. Joe Stevenson (-250)

At +190 it's never a bad idea to make a small bet on the underdog but I really like Stevenson to win this fight. Usually I don't make an underdog bet unless they're +200 or better or I really think they're going to win so in the end I'm staying away.

Final: Stay Away

Michael Bisping (+125) vs. Wanderlei Silva (-155)

My heart is picking Silva to win but I could really see Bisping winning this fight. Because of that I'd make a medium bet on Bisping. +125 gives you a good enough return for a fight that could very easily go to Bisping.

Final: Medium Bet on Bisping

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (-110) vs. Cain Velasquez (-120)

Just bet on who you think will win or stay away. I like Cain to win the fight so I'd make a medium bet on him but if you like Nogueira to win then bet on him. The odds are essentially even so just go with who you like to win.

Final: Bet on Your Favorite

Best Bet: Parlay Joe Stevenson & Ryan Bader

Odds Provided by Bodog.com

Fight Review: UFC 98 - Sean Sherk vs. Frankie Edgar

Round One: Edgar a lot of body and head movement. Edgar likes to throw a left hook to the body-right hook combo. Sherk scored with a counter left hook. Edgar very good leg kicks but drops his hands a bit when throwing them. Both guys good clinch control to create a stalemate. Edgar the quicker of the two. Edgar took Sherk down on the one leg kick Sherk threw.

Round Two: Sherk had some success with the left hook. Edgar with more very good movement although he has a tendency to move right after he kicks. Edgar likes to kick with the lead leg. Edgar scored with a lead uppercut-right hand combo. Sherk good takedown defense. Edgar good knee to the body on clinch breaks.

Round Three: Sherk again could only land the left hook with any success. Edgar continued to kick with the lead leg. Edgar continued with his great body and head movement. Edgar very good takedown defense. Edgar did a good job level changing and giving Sherk different looks.

Result: Frankie Edgar by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: Sherk had a terrible gameplan as he only went for takedowns in the final round despite losing the striking battle. Sherk never went back to the kicks after Edgar got the takedown. Edgar was the more diverse striker and his movement was outstanding. Sherk came up short with everything he threw.

2/15/10 Cardio Freak Quickie

Topics of Discussion:

*UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez Main Card Preview
*Thoughts on Anderson Silva vs. Demian Maia
*Thoughts on Randy Couture vs. Rich Franklin
*Thoughts on recent UFC releases

Random Taylor Swift Mention:

"It's been a huge February for Australia and they not only have UFC this weekend but Taylor Swift kicked off her FEARLESS TOUR 2010 down under as well."

Swift Week Streak: 1

Sprained News:

*Mark Coleman will be back in the UFC to fight Tito Ortiz

Full Column on 411Mania

Fight Review: UFC 100 - Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping

Round One: Bisping tagging Henderson a lot with the jab but he always circles to the right of Henderson. Henderson very good control in the clinch and land some good knees. Henderson loading up the right hand with not much set up. Bisping tried one takedown attempt and Henderson easily shrugged it off. Bisping good movement but predictable.

Round Two: Bisping had success with the straight right after the jab but didn't use it enough. Bisping tried to grab the plum clinch every time Henderson got close. Henderson threw a leg kick-left hand multiple times. The end came when Henderson threw a leg kick-right hand that KO'd Bisping.

Result: Dan Henderson by KO at 3:20

Conclusions: Bisping kept circling to Henderson's right and that ended up being his downfall. Henderson did a good job setting up the finishing right hand though as he kept throwing leg kick-left hand combos. Henderson essentially baited Bisping with that combo and then finished him with the right.

Fight Review: PRIDE Final Conflict 06 - Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Josh Barnett

Round One: Nog good success with the one-two. Both men landed a good jab. Barnett had some success with leg kicks. Nog drops his hands when they break from the clinch and it led to Barnett dropping him with a left hook. Barnett likes to use the punch pass to get into better positions. Nog ended up getting a good takedown on Barnett who is a much better wrestler. Nog excellent guard. Nog very good positioning and control on top. Nog baited Barnett on the ground with strikes to set up submissions and submissions to set up passes. Barnett very good submission defense as he escaped a tight armbar attempt late in the ground.

Round Two: Barnett good sprawl. Nog excellent sweeps. Nog used an ankle pick when Barnett postured to his feet in guard and quick go behind when Barnett was turned in half guard. Nog likes to use the leg push to pass from half guard. Barnett either laid low on the chest of Nog or tried passing in guard. Nog good submission defense.

Result: Josh Barnett by Split Decision

Conclusions: Nog very tight and technical boxing. He drops his hands on clinch breaks and he doesn't check leg kicks but his striking defense is still solid. Barnett over extended himself on a lot of punches but did land a nice jab on occasion. Both men very skilled on the ground. Nog showed excellent sweeps from the bottom and excellent positioning and control on top while Barnett was able to get out of bad positions with his size and strength.

Fight Review: UFC 89 - Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben

Round One: Leben had a lot of success with leg kicks early but went away from them late. Bisping very good counter straight right and follows with a left hook. Bisping also threw a lot of straight right hands set up with the jab. Every time they clinch Bisping looked to grab the plum and throw some knees. Leben shoved off every weak takedown attempt by Bisping.

Round Two: Bisping very good counter jab. Leben moves forward and loads up on his left hand but Bisping does a good job circling away from it and moving back. Bisping just timing Leben and countering at will.

Round Three: Bisping jabs and then circles to his right. Bisping continued to time Leben and connect with the counter right hand. Leben went back to the leg kicks and had success with them. Leben scored an easy takedown but Bisping was able to wall walk up. Leben landed some good right hooks but didn't throw them enough.

Result: Michael Bisping by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: Good movement and counter punching by Bisping. Leben made it pretty easy for him as he just stalked forward looking for the big left hook. Bisping went for a couple of takedowns early but they were easily shrugged away by Leben and then Leben scored an easy takedown late.

Fight Review: UFC 106 - George Sotiropoulos vs. Jason Dent

Round One: Sotiropoulos likes to throw the high kick but he doesn't set it up. Sotiropoulos thorws a lot of three punch combos and really uses the double jab followed by the right straight. Dent had success with the counter left hook. Sotiropoulos quick and easy takedown. On the ground Sotiropoulos showed great control and positioning. Sotiropoulos likes to posture and then pass.

Round Two: Dent did well with the counter right straight and landed some good leg kicks. Sotiropoulos continued to throw three strikes at a time and look for the head kick. Sotiropoulos very quick with his takedowns, positioning, and control. Sotiropoulos isolates an arm on the ground and works everything from the arm isolation. Sotiropoulos finished Dent with an armbar late in the round.

Result: George Sotiropoulos by Submission at 4:36

Conclusions: Sotiropoulos very active on his feet but leaves himself open for counter punches. Neither fighter showed much power. Sotiropoulos great control and positioning on the ground as he had his way with Dent.

Fight Review: UFC 104 - Spencer Fisher vs. Joe Stevenson

Round One: Fisher showed good takedown defense early but Stevenson was able to slip behind, get the back, and drag him to the ground at the end of the round. Both men had success with inside leg kicks. Fisher landed some good counter right hooks while Stevenson landed some good lead left hooks.

Round Two: Stevenson again having success with the left hook. Stevenson relentless on the takedown and finally got it. Brutal elbows from half guard and side control by Stevenson. Great control by Stevenson on the ground. Elbows in side control forced the stoppage late in the round.

Result: Joe Stevenson by TKO at 4:03

Conclusions: Stevenson keeps his hands a little low when he goes to strike and got hit with some good counter shots. He rushes in a bit too much as well. Stevenson great control and positioning on the ground and Fisher had no answer for all the elbows.

Fight Review: UFC 104 - Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer

Round One: Bader loads up on the right hand and gets a bit reckless with it. Bader rocked Schafer with the right hand. Bader very powerful. Schafer likes to neutralize an arm and then go for a submission. Bader good positioning on the ground.

Round Two: Schafer had a lot of success with the jab before Bader got a chance to load up on the right and a lot of success with the counter straight right after Bader swung and missed with his right. Schafer was able to fend off two late takedown attempts by Bader. Bader landed some good leg kicks but didn't set them up. Bader looked very tired.

Round Three: Bader continued to load up with the right hand and caught Schafer and rocked him. Schafer had more success with the counter jab and counter right. Bader not very explosive with his takedown but still got it. Schafer good guard and likes to neutralize an arm to set up a sweep.

Result: Ryan Bader by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: Bader doesn't offer much on his feet outside of loading up on his right hand but it's powerful enough to win him rounds and fights. Bader didn't show much in the way of takedowns but his power and positioning on the ground is very good. Schafer was the better technical striker and grappler.

Fight Review: Affliction Banned - Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell

Round One: Arlovski scored multiple times with the overhand right. Rothwell threw a lot of left hook-straight right combos that led to him clinching with Arlovski. Arlovski got a trip takedown in the clinch. Rothwell rolled for a sloppy armbar in guard, Arlovski easily escaped, and went for a heel hook. Arlovski had a lot of success with leg kicks.

Round Two: Arlovski with another trip takedown. Rothwell good defense on the ground and strong hips. Rothwell right hand heavy ground and pound and likes to use elbows more than punches. Arlovski a lot of success with the uppercut and continued success with the overhand right. Rothwell covers up and leaves his body exposed.

Round Three: Rothwell throws and clinches but doesn't do anything with the clinch. Arlovski finished him with an overhand right followed by a right uppercut.

Result: Andrei Arlovski by KO at 1:13

Conclusions: Rothwell likes to throw two or three punches and then clinch but doesn't make his opponent pay in the clinch. Every time Rothwell clinched he was takendown. Arlovski had a lot of success with the overhand right, right uppercut, and leg kicks.

Spraining News: Demian Maia vs. Anderson Silva at UFC 112

So much for my prediction of Randy Couture stepping in to face Silva. I'll have thoughts on this fight in this weeks Cardio Freak. I just hope this one goes better than the last time Silva faced a jiu-jitsu expert in April.

Story on 411Mania

Fight Review: UFC 99 - Cain Velasquez vs. Cheick Kongo

Round One: Kongo landed two straight rights as Cain threw a right that rocked Cain. Cain recovered and was able to takedown and control Kongo the rest of the round. Cain's control on top was good but Kongo was able to shift and roll at will but Cain' positioning was excellent. Cain relentless with strikes on top. Cain went for a rear naked choke but couldn't finish it.

Round Two: Kongo scored with the straight right again that rocked Cain. Cain with powerful takedowns. More good positioning on top by Cain and more relentless ground and pound.

Round Three: Kongo did a better job defending the takedowns but got over aggressive and that cost him. Kongo scored with a quick takedown but Cain was easily up. Kongo had success with knees to the body in the clinch. Cain more dominance with his wrestling, positioning, and ground and pound.

Result: Cain Velasques by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: Cain's recovery ability is outstanding as he was rocked multiple times but quickly got the takedown. Not much power behind Cain's ground and pound but he threw a ton of strikes and never got tired. Cain got caught with the straight right multiple times. Kongo no takedown defense or ground game. Cain could have finished with a submission but continued with the ground and pound.

Fight Review: UFC 99 - Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin

Round One: Silva looking to counter with a left hook followed by a right. Franklin easily passed to mount on the ground but didn't have good top control and allowed Silva to get to his feet. Silva good timing on body kicks.

Round Two: Franklin over extends himself on the left straight. Silva timed the leg kick with a jab-right hook combo that rocked Franklin. Franklin threw a lot of left body kick-left straight combos. Silva likes to lower his head, double jab, and pop up with the right high kick.

Round Three: Silva throws a lot of left jab-right hook combos. Silva looked for the head kick multiple times in the round. Franklin didn't throw many combos this round. Franklin scored with a body lock takedown but Silva right back up.

Result: Rich Franklin by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: Franklin uses a lot of feints with the right hand and over extends himself with his left straight. Silva looked very drawn out from the weight cut. Silva continued to time the leg kicks of Franklin and got him to stop throwing them in the third round. Neither fighter put many combos together.

Spraining News: Vitor Belfort Out of UFC 112

With Vitor Belfort out of his UFC 112 fight with Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. I predict that Randy Couture will step up and fight Silva. Abu Dhabi paid a lot of money for this event and they need a big star to fight Silva. Chael Sonnen most likely won't be ready because he's on medical suspension until March 9 and I think Silva would turn him down as an opponent.

Rich Franklin is my second option. Because it's always fun to see Silva murder him.

Story on 411Mania

Fight Review: UFC 105 - Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang

Round One: Bisping starts with a lead left high kick. Bisping rushes forward with his punches and drops his hands a bit. Kang with a counter right that dropped Bisping. Bisping very good hip escapes and defensive guard. Bisping good control on the bottom and took minimal damage. In the guard Bisping likes to isolate the right arm and go for an armbar.

Round Two: Bisping constantly looking for the lead left high kick. Bisping covers up and then shoots for the takedown. Bisping very good standing ground and pound. Kang mentally broke from the pressure.

Result: Michael Bisping by TKO at 4:24

Conclusions: Bisping decent wrestling but doesn't set it his shots. Bisping leaves himself open for the counter right on the feet. Constant pressure by Bisping won him the fight.

Fight Review: UFC 104 - Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell

Round One: Cain with good body kicks and a good job keeping his hands up. Cain easy and relentless takedowns. Rothwell had no answer for the takedowns or ground and pound. Cain with good standing ground and pound and a good job throwing the legs aside to pass to side control. Cain great positioning on the ground.

Round Two: Cain with an over the top right and then the following sequence level changed for the takedown. Cain more great control on top and relentless pressure with strikes.

Result: Cain Velasquez by TKO at :58

Conclusions: Cain looked light on his feet and much improved striking defense. Relentless takedowns and pressure that Rothwell had no answer for. Cain never went for submissions on the ground, just strikes. Rothwell just outclassed in every aspect of the game.

Fight Review: UFC 102 - Randy Couture vs. Rodrigo Nogueira

Round One: Couture does a nice job with the uppercut both the lead left and right. Nog scored when he went to the body but didn't go there very often. Nog good with a counter right hand and drops Couture. Nog tries to finish Couture with the d'arce choke but Couture survived. Couture very successful in the clinch and controlling Nog against the cage.

Round Two: Couture makes the mistake of going to the ground with Nog. Couture stays tight in the guard of Nog and ends up getting swept over and fully mounted. Nog active on top with an arm triangle submission attempt but Couture good submission defense.

Round Three: Nog throws a good right left-right combo. Nog dropped Couture with a counter right as Couture threw an uppercut. Nog tried to finish on the ground with hammer fists but couldn't. Nog easily passed the guard and half guard of Couture but Couture did a good job using the cage to help himself. Couture again stayed tight in the guard of Nog and ended up getting swept over.

Result: Rodrigo Nogueira by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: They were even on the feet but Nog was able to drop Couture while taking everything Couture hit him with. Couture did a good job controlling in the clinch but didn't clinch often enough. Couture staying tight to Nog in his guard was a mistake and he ended up getting swept over twice. Nog with good balance and technique on the ground.

Welcome

Welcome to the Cardio Freak MMA blog. Here you will find random MMA thoughts, the spraining of MMA news, and other stuff related to MMA. It's a bigger hit than UFC poker, it's the Cardio Freak MMA blog.