Leading up to tonight, Roy Nelson won a controversial decision over Justin Wren. Dana visited the house to check up on Matt Mitrione, causing people to wonder who might take Matt’s place versus James McSweeney. Tonight, Brendan Schaub takes on Jon Madsen.

The show begins with Team Rashad arriving at the gym for training. Rashad discusses the good energy and camaraderie the team has. But Matt breaks the happy mood by telling Rashad that he now has a migraine, has been throwing up, etc. There is serious concern over whether or not he will fight. He wants to, but it might not be wise. The words “concussion,” “swelling of the brain,” etc. are thrown around, but the doctors have not told him that he can’t fight. The coach even calls him out on it – if he really had swelling of the brain, the doctor would’ve told him he couldn’t fight. He’s clearly making it up, and the coaches question his desire to fight.

Even back at the house, the guys discuss it. James puts it perfectly, “If you can’t swim, stay out of the water.” He’s not brain-damaged, he’s not concussed. He clearly doesn’t want to fight. Scott reiterates the idea, and throws himself out as a possible replacement.

Matt is even the topic of discussion at Team Rampage training. Rampage believes that if Kimbo ends up fighting James, he can win. But…apparently he was rolling around with Damico and his weight did damage to his knee. Rampage knows that James will kick at his knees if they fight; James is more experienced at kicking legs than Kimbo is at not getting kicked (it’s scary, but even in Rampage-speak, that makes sense).

The next day, Brendan is preparing for his fight with James. Brendan sees stand-up as his advantage, being that Jon’s strength is wrestling. His only fear then is the takedown. As they are working out, they call Rashad in for practice, but he says he can’t help (he said previously that he wouldn’t specifically work with anyone as it’s not fair). Instead, Roy gets in and helps him out. After the workout, Brendan complains a little about who he drew to fight, but he just wants to win.

Kimbo is being seen by a doctor who tells him that he is missing cartilage that coats the bones, called a “kissing lesion”. He equates it walking around on hard pebbles without a shoe on. He has worn out the cartilage and it was replaced with fluid that needs to be drained. Kimbo seems more afraid of the needle than fighting!

And then the moment I’ve been waiting for: the coaches’ challenge, beach volleyball between two coaches who’ve never played! I love it! Teams will be Ramapge and Tiki vs. Rashad and Mike Van Arsdale. They will be playing for $10K in cash with each fighter winning $1500. Wow…where do I sign up???

The game begins and actually looks good. Team Rampage is winning to start and the guys are all pretty hyped up. Rampage is just happy that Rashad is pissed and has no smart-ass comments. No sooner does he say that that Rashad and Mike start winning Game 2. Now they are tied 1 game apiece with one more to go. Rashad and Mike take the first point, and like Dana says, Mike starts looking/acting like a pro. Game 3 is continually tied right to the end, but Team Rashad pulls it together for the win. Rampage is seriously pissed, but with pain in his face he shakes the hands of Rashad and every player. However, the peace is shortlived as Rashad “rubs” the money in Rampage’s face and it gets him all sorts of riled up.

A sad looking Kimbo discusses how disappointed he is with his knee. James offers a solution – a tub of ice-freakin-cold water. The look on Kimbo’s face as he sits in the tub is absolutely priceless. Even as he struggles to get out, James pushes him right back in. Come on, if Wanderlei Silva can do it, the Uber-Macho Kimbo can do it, no? And then jumps right into the hot tub!

Later, Jon is training, and with Rashad no less. This irks Brendan, as Rashad really didn’t do much for him. He understands that both Jon and Rashad are wrestlers, but it’s really not fair. Jon’s gameplan is to change his level frequently so that Brendan doesn’t know when he’s going to shoot. He knows that Brendan will want to keep it standing, but that’s not where he’s comfortable.

The following day, Matt strolls into the gym looking as sluggish as ever. Rashad questions him as to whether or not he wants to fight, which Matt claims he does. Rashad tells him that he doesn’t want him to do it for the wrong reasons and wonders if he thinks they’re forcing. Matt stutters a bit but finally admits that he does feel that way a little – which couldn’t be further from the truth. What it comes down to is that Matt better be 100% into it or else he could get hurt. And for Matt, he just wants to end the show and go back home….then why sign up in the first place?

Dana then decides to speak to the guys, trying to getting them to realize that their hearts need to be in this 100%. Dana will never force someone to fight if they don’t want to. If they don’t want to fight, they’re in the wrong place. He puts it well: to a real fighter, they’re invincible. There’s no question as whether or not they will fight. And Matt Mitrione is not that guy, and at the end of the day it’s up to Matt to decide whether or not he wants it, because if he doesn’t, someone does. My question is, isn’t there some sort of screening process to this show? There seems to be one of these guys EVERY season. There’s always someone who doesn’t really want to be there. Can’t they weed these guys out from the get-go?

At the weigh-in, Dana discusses each fighters’ chance at winning. Schaub is a stand up guy out of Greg Jackson’s camp while Madsen is a wrestler out of Matt Hughes’ camp. Basically, whoever can impose their will can win this fight.

FIGHT DAY

ROUND 1

No glove-touch, and Madsen almost immediately goes for a takedown which is fended off. The two dance around each other for a while (while I yawn). Finally, Madsen shoots, picks Schaub up and slams him. In Schaub’s half guard, Madsen alternates between knees and body shots. Madsen jockeys for position and Schaub tries to push him off. Schaub pushes off the cage with his feet to move them away. They are warned to advance position, but Madsen isn’t doing a whole lot. Finally they are stood back up. Schaub throws a weak jab and Madsen shoots. They clinch against the cage, where Schaub gets in a knee or two. Again, in the clinch not much happens. Schaub reverses and controls the clinch with knees and body shots. As Madsen backs up a little, Schaub lands a short jab that drops Madsen to his knees. Schaub tries to get Madsen in a guillotine, but Madsen picks up and slams Schaub. Back in half guard, Madsen lays on top while Schaub lands some body shots. Even with ground control Madsen has landed fewer shots than Schaub from his back. And the round ends dully.

ROUND 2

They start with a weak jab exchange and more dancing. Madsen fakes a shoot, but Schaub strikes and tries to go for his neck. They clinch and jockey for position. Madsen tries to get Schaub down, but is unsuccessful. Back to their feet, neither wants to be aggressive. Schaub keeps backing Madsen up and finally inches up on him. He catches him off guard and lands a big left-right, knocking Madsen out.

Winner: Brendan Schaub via KO

Post fight, Rashad admits that Brendan was using the fence a lot and probably should’ve been penalized. He actually wondered if Brendan would be able to pull off the win, but he did it. Not the most exciting fight, but at least it was a good ending. Dana was even impressed that Brendan could overcome Jon’s wrestling.

Next week: A two-hour special with the final four fights of the season. The quarterfinals are left: Who will fight James McSweeney: Kimbo or Matt? Will Big Baby pull off a win? Then the semi-finals – who will win to fight in the finale at the Palms?

(and according to a commercial after the end of the show, there will be a Kimbo twist that no one sees coming….yeah, like we haven’t heard that one before)

In previous episodes, Matt Mitrione was found out to be a rat and later tested Rashad’s patience. Also, Darrill gets in Rampage’s face and the heat between Rampage and Rashad escalates.

From the start of tonight’s show, Rashad is mocking Rampage (mimicking how stupid he looked when he fought Wanderlei), but Rampage gives it right back. But the bottom line is that Rashad has 6 wins in a row to Rampage’s none.

At the fight announcement, they trade more barbs, but in between are still able to announce that Matt “Meathead” Mitrione will fight Scott Junk (who has fought in the UFC before). Dana puts his money on Junk simply because of his experience. That leaves Mike Wessel to fight Marcus Jones. Dana dubs it a “David vs. Goliath” and really doesn’t know what to make of it.

As soon as the announcements are over, Rampage and Rashad get in each others’ faces. Scott tries to break it up, but as soon as he turns away, they’re back at it. The tension between the two is unbelievable. I’d write about what the two are saying, but they’re talking so fast, I can’t! I just know it was an I’m-a-better-fighter-than-you or I’m-a-better-coach-than-you kind of fight. In the thick of it, their faces were literally inches from each other. Rampage keeps trying to egg Rashad to hit him, but Rashad wisely turns and walks away.

Back at the house, Matt is shown looking at a piece of paper that he later slips in his pants. Later, Scott reveals that it said that Mike was afraid to fight Scott and that’s why Matt is fighting him. However, Scott knew Mike before the show and tells him about the note. Apparently, the note was not true. So Matt’s a bigger rat than everyone thought.

At Team Rashad training, Matt discusses how he played football, but then found himself getting into MMA because of the athletic and training aspects of it. James gives the fight to Junk just based on his experience and Matt’s lack of training. James also tells Rashad about the issue with the note. Rashad’s theory is that Matt is projecting because he’s the one afraid of Scott, as this is the second fight he’s trying to get out of. Rashad confronts him, but he says he knows what he’s doing. Yeah. Sure.

Matt is later boring the hell out of Brendan talking about the peace in his head and how he feels when he’s fighting or doing something athletic. Basically, he’s just making himself sound like a crazy man.

Scott and Rampage train next, and they discuss strategy. Seems like they want to keep it fast and standing. According to Scott, he has come to the realization that Matt is a scumbag. It seems like no one really likes him, and everyone is picking Scott to win.

No surprise, the dislike is not limited to the opposition. Matt goes into the fridge and proceeds to drink Jon’s OJ (the one with his name on it). When Jon confronts him about it, Matt feels like he did nothing wrong. After some few choice words, Matt leaves the room and Jon threatens to slap him, but Matt didn’t hear it. Of course, James had to run and tell him. The big baby didn’t take it very well.

Lo and behold, Matt and Jon are paired together to spar at practice. Both start going at 100% and the anger is evident. Jon decides he’s done, causing Matt explode at him and begin screaming. Rashad gets him in the back room to straighten him out. Though his speech is nearly entirely bleeped, the gist of it is that Matt shouldn’t care what anyone says and that he should save his aggression for his opponent. But with Matt it goes in one ear and out the other. Rashad finds the truth of it though – his focus is all messed up.

And so a new pool develops in the house. When is Matt going to snap? Inspired, Sims sees Matt playing basketball alone and decides to sneak up on him “ninja-style.” Hiding in the trees, he waits for Matt to walk off and pounces on him trying to scare him. But it doesn’t quite phase him. Soon after, they are in the house playing pool and Sims stays nice and close to Matt, despite his pleas for Sims to not touch him. Matt keeps his composure. For now.

FIGHT DAY

In the morning, Scott seems pretty stoked to shut Matt up for everyone. Even Marcus makes a good point: there’s an issue if people on your own team don’t like you! In talking to Matt, Matt reveals that he has talked to his wife. But this can’t be, because they’re not allowed to receive phone calls! And then he points to his head…. Ooooooookkkaaaaaayyyyy….

ROUND 1

(P.S. What’s with the 8” reach difference? Does Mitrione have monkey arms or what??)

Both feel each other out, but Junk swings first with a kick. Both seem tentative. Junk kicks and it’s caught, so he falls back but Mitrione doesn’t know what to do. Junk gets up and they have some weak exchanges. Junk is slightly rocked and falls, but Mitrione again does nothing with it. Junk kicks again, gets caught and Mitrione connects, but can do nothing with it. Junk gets up and Mitrione rocks him with another punch. Partially down, he’s not really fighting back. He lays down and the ref directs Mitrione to let him up. Again, Mitrione connects with another solid shot and rattles him. Mitrione keeps landing several combos. Junks falls and grabs Mitrione’s leg, but can do nothing. They continue to exchange, but Mitrione looks tired and Junk is looking beat up. They both land a few good jabs and overhands. Junk rushes Mitrione into the cage and they clinch. Neither makes progress, so they go back to stand up. Mitrione is winded and has dropped his guard allowing SJ to connect a few. SJ backs him up against the cage and is relentless with several unanswered shots. As the round ends, their punches look like slow motion.

(Dana is awfully excited! True, this is the best fight yet, but that’s not saying much…)

ROUND 2

The round starts the way the first ended – both are exhausted and throwing shots my grandmother could throw. They connect with a couple, but not enough to knock anyone out. Mitrione decides to throw a leg kick, followed by another which is checked. Mitrione keeps throwing backhands that Junk fends off. The only good thing is that Mitrione keeps backing up. Finally, Junk charges and takes Mitrione down. Holding Mitrione down with one hand, he lands a couple jabs to the face. In full guard, he tries to punch Mitrione’s body and head. Both are SO tired this is comical. Eventually the ref stands them up and Mitrione lands a great straight kick. But then Junk lands a weak superman punch. Mitrione keeps connecting with weak shots, but at least they’re connecting. They continue walking and swinging around the cage, but at one point, they’re even on opposite sides of the cage. The round FINALLY ends.

Winner: Matt Mitrione by Majority decision (one judge called it a draw)

Rampage is thoroughly pissed, as Junk was supposed to be guy to get him a win and get the team on track. He responds by going into the back and literally tearing the door to shreds. Wow. Nutjob.

Next week: Marcus Jones begins to lose it. Darrill stands up to Rampage. And the final preliminary fight: can Marcus Jones defeat Mike Wessell and prevent a Rashad sweep? These days, I’m not counting anyone out!

Last week, there was a lot drama and Team Rashad won their fifth straight. Will their winning streak continue?

At the house, Darrill is drinking at 8am, and not just a little bit with breakfast. In a very short time, he’s had probably a couple beers and several shots of whiskey. And somehow he still makes it to practice.

Come practice time, Rashad brings in Phil Nurse to help the guys train. Rashad is still enjoying the high of 5 wins, but it doesn’t last long. He’s watching Darrill spar, and sees that he’s hit a wall. Wondering what’s wrong, he asks James and is told that he’s drunk! This does not make Rashad happy. He pulls Darrill aside, reprimanding him, as the drinking is affecting his conditioning (which he denies doing that day). He is told to keep his drinking to a minimum (or none) until the show’s over or until after he fights. Rashad is still hopeful for him, referring to him as the diamond in the rough who gets no respect from Rampage. This is proven as Rampage continually refers to him as “Titties.” This spurs Darrill to come back at Rampage with a challenge – he promises to win the show, then drop to 205 and knock out Rampage….Wooo!!! It sure was fun to see him gettin’ ol’ Rampage all riled up!

Later, at the fight announcement, it is determined that Darrill Schoonover will fight Zak Jensen. And then the s**t hits the fan! The “Titties” start flying which causes Darrill to get in Rampage’s face and they start exchanging some FU’s. Rampage threatens serious bodily injury on Darrill if he ever “walks up on” him again. Thankfully, Justin helps to keep Darrill back. But Rashad feels the need to defend Darrill and threaten to call Rampage “dick face” everyday. Priceless…

In the van home, Kimbo decides that if Shrek had a little brother, it’d be Zak, and he’d be called Linderman. Sims continues the analogy, calling him the little dog you kick, and then kick some more. The apparently literate Abe dubs him Piggy from Lord of the Flies. Wes even goes so far as to start a pool, betting on when Zak is going to flip out on everyone. They plan on continuing to push on him. With all this crap, I’m actually starting to feel bad for the guy. Can’t they just believe that there’s someone in the house that wants to stay out of the drama?

The next discussion at the house is Darrill’s tattoo choices, and the reasons behind them. Shocker, all his stories seem to start with “I was drunk and…” Rashad calls him serial-killer weird. Can’t say I disagree! But at training, Rashad says he sees a fire in him, like he can’t wait to fight. The strategy for Darrill is to keep the fighting on their feet and to stand and bang. Darrill has heavy hands, and hopes to wear Zak out with power and dirty boxing. He’s definitely hungry for it.

At Rampage training, the coaches unveil a present for the guys: a collage of “Team Cocky” featuring caricatures of Rashad’s team. In talking about the upcoming fight, Rampage realizes that Zak was a last pick, but he feels like this fight is winnable for him. The problem is Zak doesn’t have a lot of confidence (I love how Rampage offers to call his momma for him…). What Zak needs is more mental coaching than physical. Then the big uh oh…. as Zak is rolling around, Zak gets cut. BAD. Blood is all running down his face. And all we see is Kimbo’s face light up like a Christmas tree. *sigh*

After the commercial, Kimbo is told to keep training, but Zak’s status is unknown yet. He might be fine. The coaches discuss the potential of him getting hit on the cut during the fight, and slap him to see how he and the cut react. Both are all good and Zak still wants to fight. (Now I’m sighing…in relief!) During Zak’s sparring session, he looks like a new man, doing really well. Zak just might give Darrill a run for his money.

Uh oh. Rashad and Phil show up at the gym early to get in a workout. Suddenly, they look up and see the “Team Cocky” collage. While Rashad actually finds it funny, he decides it’s best to take it down before Darrill can see it. God only knows how Darrill would flip out if he saw it, and he just needs to focus on his fight. He tells the team about the drawings, but tells them to not let it get to them, because they’d win. He reminds them to keep focused, and they may end up on the wall like him.

(I like the clip during the commercials where Wes Sims says that Zak isn’t “all there”…well isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black!)

Back at the house, the guys are all discussing the fight. It basically comes down to which one of them is just going to flip and go nuts in the cage. Regardless, it’s gonna be a good fight.

*Insert eye roll* Next we see Rampage, et al, sneaking over to Schoonover’s room, defacing his sign, filling in the O’s with dots and scribbling “titties” underneath. Seriously, how old are these guys? It is quickly covered up with tape.

The best advice from Rashad – the best way to get back at Rampage is for Darrill to whoop Zak’s ass and help him to quit. Rampage’s advice? “The guy has titties. That’s enough.” And that helps Zak to win how?

(New Rampage-ism “I couldn’t fight no guy with titties.” Does this guy have an edit button in his head? Guess not…and it’s getting really hard to write out these Rampage-isms. My spell check is getting annoyed.)

FIGHT DAY

(P.S. It’s 10:50EST and the fight hasn’t started yet. Good. I love short fights.)

ROUND 1

Schoonover strikes first and they exchange several head shots. Then they clinch and Schoonover has Jensen against the cage. Jensen tries to get in around Schoonover’s neck but can’t. Their positions are then reversed and they separate. Schoonover starts raining serious punches on Z’s head as well as some serious knees. After many painful shots, Jensen finally goes for the takedown and gets Schoonover on his back. Soon after, Schoonover swings his legs up, wrapping them around Jensen’s neck for the triangle. From the top, Jensen nails Schoonover with some solid punches to the face, but Schoonover is finally able to wrap his legs tighter, crossing them. Jensen tries punching more but his shots are getting weaker as Schoonover pulls tighter and tighter. Eventually Jensen’s face turns purple and the ref stops it just as he passes out.

Winner: Darrill Schoonover via Submission (triangle)

The general consensus from Dana and everyone else is that Darrill looked really good, but Zak showed he can fight too. Just when it looked like Zak was gonna get knocked out, he was up and going. The kid can take a hit, that’s for sure. Personally, I feel like this has been the best fight of the season thus far.

To end the show, Team Rampage then decides to bestow their gift to Team Rashad – the lovely caricature poster. But they didn’t quite get the rise out of them that they expected. Ha!

Next week: Team Rashad finally turns on Matt Mitrione, but Mitrione snaps. The final two prelim fights are announced. Will the coaches finally come to blows? And we have the penultimate preliminary fight. This looks like it might be the best episode yet.

CageToday.com welcomes its newest contributing writer, Brian Lopez-Benchimol from New York.

The UFC gears up for its second installment in Montreal on April 18th, in front of an already sold-out crowd. Although the event was in jeopardy early on by the Quebec Athletic Commission due in part to the Strikebox debacle this past February, the UFC is back on course, to put on another great show in front of the Montreal natives. Although the card doesn’t boast Canada’s favorite son Georges St. Pierre, big names with big future implications on several divisions are set to hit the Bell Centre.

With Canadians galore gracing the card, every bout appears to be a crowd pleaser.

On the preliminary card, an intriguing matchup with Pride and Dream veteran, former top 10 Middleweight Denis Kang is set to take on the hard nose Xavier Fouka-Pokum.

Denis, the Vancouver native has struggled as of late, going 2-3 in his last 5 bouts, against top flight competition. In his UFC debut, he initially was able to control the pace of the action against Veteran Alan Belcher. What looked to be an easy victory looming ahead, with Kang landing solid combinations and mixing it up with takedown’s, winning him the opening frame, it was in the second where Belcher (garnering an abnormally large Johnny Cash Tattoo on his left arm) was able to capitalize on a poor shot by Denis, securing a guillotine choke, and clinching the victory.

Citing a lack of time to prepare for the bout due to an ankle injury, Kang will get his second shot for a successful UFC win when he fights fellow Canadian Fouka-Pokum, who will serve to be a tough and sturdy test for Kang. Although not having fought as many big named opponents as Kang, the French Parisian remains a solid striker, garnering 11 wins by way of TKO/KO. Yet with that said, the Snake Team members’ weakness appears to be against ground savvy Jujitsu specialist. Undoubtedly, Kang being a very competent Jujitsu practitioner will look to implement a cautious standup game, mixing it in with takedowns, and locking in a fight ending submission before the bouts end in order to secure his first victory inside the Octagon, and spoiling the debut for his opponent.

The Crow is back!

David Loiseau makes his long anticipated return to the cage, when he takes on TUF 3 Middleweight Runner Up, Ed Herman. David has racked up three straight, since being ousted from the UFC following consecutive defeats to former Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin, and TUF Alum Mike Swick. Training with the likes of longtime friend Georges St. Pierre, as well as Greg Jackson’s own Nate Marquardt and Champion Rashad Evans, the sky is the limit for “The Crow”. With a solid Taekwondo background, Loiseau has a versatile standup game, including spinning back kicks and vicious elbows that almost always find their mark.

Ed Herman has had a string of bad luck, dropping his last two bouts after having successfully finished his last 3 opponents in the UFC; he will look to get back on track. Herman trains out of Team Quest, which boasts big names such as Dan Henderson, “Mayhem” Miller and the always tough Matt Lindland. Primarily relying on his wrestling base, “Short Fuse” has developed well rounded grappling skills, adding Jujitsu to his arsenal. Although there is a discrepancy between Loiseau and Herman with well roundedness, this should prove to be an interesting fight as it is staged to be a grappler vs. striker matchup. Look for David to shake off any takedown attempts by Herman with his improved defense, mixing up his striking effectively, with an array of kicks and punches finding their mark and putting a Short Fuse, on Herman before the bouts conclusion.

Moving on the to main card, and the first televised bout of the evening Former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Brian Stann meets IFL Veteran and TUF personality, Krystof Soszynski. Stann, a decorated Marine Lieutenant has seen his fair share of action in his time serving in Iraq, and uses his memories and experiences to fuel him in his fights, always upholding the honor of his country. Normally a fan favorite, he’ll be entering into unfamiliar territory when he faces Canada’s own “Polish Experiment”. A former body builder turned fighter, Soszynski appears to be the clear favorite. Having the experience in his career, along with a well rounded game; “The All American” Stann will be over whelmed early. His only chance will be a decisive one punch blow ending the bout, as Soszynski has garnered 8 victories by way of submission in his 16 wins. The move to Greg Jackson’s camp will prove to be too little too late, as Krystof will take the fight to the ground, locking in his trademark kimura to finish the bout in the 2nd round, spoiling the UFC debut for the marine.

Next, the last ever WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Steve Cantwell takes on rising contender Luiz Cane. Steve “The Robot” has had an extensive kickboxing background in his young career, while always improving on his ground game, which proved evident in his UFC debut against Razak Al-Hassan, winning the bout by an elbow bending armbar. Luiz is coming off of a big KO win over former top 10 ranked Sokoudjou, ending the bout with an unforgiving right hand to the chin. “Banha” will be the larger of the two coming into the bout, and that may very well be the difference maker. While both matchup well standing up, look for Cane to use his size and strength to fend off any takedown attempts from the WEC star, and making him pay with knees and punches while coming in, garnering his 10th KO victory, and his 3rd straight in the octagon, inside of the first round.

In come in the big boys, the heavyweights where rising contender Cheick Kongo meets Dutch Kick boxer Antoni Hardonk, in a pivotal matchup. Kongo comes off a crushing first round win against the overwhelmed Mustapha Al-Turk. All of Mustapha’s takedown attempts were thwarted with big fists to the face, by way of his 6’4 Frenchman. While Kongo’s strongpoint is his standup, he’s made leaps and bounds in his wrestling, which proved evident (albeit a split decision loss) against Heath Herring, constantly using effective sweeps and takedowns in order to stifle the standup game of “The Texas Crazy Horse”. Hardonk having fought in K-1 and garnering several Kickboxing titles has solely relied on his standup game since being in the UFC. Going 1-2 in his first 3 bouts in the octagon, the Dutchman has since racked up 3 straight, all by way of TKO. Though most would be anticipating a standup fight, Cheick will use his improved wrestling since training with the Wolfslair in the U.K., to control the action on the ground, and use a steady dose of ground pound en-route to a safe unanimous decision victory.

Now, the Co-Main Event, pitting the Icon that is Chuck Liddell against Former Number One Light Heavyweight Mauricio Rua. Both men are looking to impress in their next bouts, while the two are coming off of essentially losses. Though Shogun was successful in his last bout at UFC 93 against an over the hill Mark Coleman, he looked only a shell of a man that was dominating everyone overseas. Having wins over the likes of Alistair Overeem, Ricardo Arona and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rua hasn’t been able to duplicate the same success in the UFC. While Liddell remains to be arguably the biggest star in MMA today, he’s gone 1-3 in his last 4 bouts, two by way of KO, with his last fight being the most devastating loss of his illustrious career. A swift “Iceman” trademark overhand right by Rashad Evans has left a lasting impression on fans, questioning Liddell’s longevity in the sport and whether he is still relevant in today’s game. Rua being a former teammate and good friend of Wanderlei Silva will use his fellow Brazilian’s own experiences against the Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, dissecting his weaknesses in order to improve his chances. This match is a toss up, if Rua comes in good shape for three rounds, he will win the fight with his speed, athleticism and great standup game by way of decision, but if he comes in gassing after the first round (i.e. Forrest Griffin and Mark Coleman), you can expect Chuck to pressure him constantly, capitalizing on a fatigued “Shogun” with a right hand to the jaw, putting an end to the hype train that is Rua and making his run back to the top.

Finally, the Main Event of the evening, arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter and unquestionably the best Middleweight in the world Anderson Silva will meet his fellow countryman, Brazilian Jujitsu Black Belt Thales Leites. “The Spider” has been on a tear since joining the UFC ranks, with his first foray into the cage lasting only a mere 49 seconds into the bout against the seemingly iron chinned Chris Leben, by way of KO. The Nova Uniao product, Thales has emerged as a top contender, gaining 5 consecutive victories since his unsuccessful UFC debut against Martin Kampmann, the only blemish on his otherwise flawless record. Leites, a prized Brazilian Jujitsu black belt under Andre Pederneiras (who has also trained the likes of BJ Penn, Vitor Ribeiro and Jose Aldo to his credit) will look for his biggest win of his career, cementing his legacy and being the first to defeat Silva, who is looking for a record 9th straight victory in the UFC. Silva is no slouch in the ground game, though most analysts will say his sole weakness is in his jujitsu, it’s hard to argue his versatility as he holds a Black Belt under the Nogueira Brothers. Though his last performance was some what uncharacteristically what most have come to expect of Anderson with him showing less aggression, Thales is the perfect opponent to display his full arsenal against. With limited standup ability, compared to Anderson, look for Silva to maintain the distance with his long reach, looking to capitalize on any mistakes that Leites gives him, ending the fight in traumatizing fashion inside of the first round via, as Joe Rogan would say, “…a ballet of violence”.

(Photo courtesy of Combat Lifestyle)

Elite XC’s mainstream ride came to a permanent and unceremonious halt several weeks ago. The once promising upstart-mixed-martial-arts promotion declared bankruptcy, thus, joining the likes of failed fight companies like Pride and the IFL.

The organization had received increasing criticism for resembling the circus like WWE, rather than a respectable sports promotion. By pushing undeserving and over the hill stars, compounded with a lack of fighter depth, their demise was not surprising.

Amidst the chaos though, several talented and intriguing fighters remain in search of new homes. Some of these future free agents are world-class talents, others provide ratings, and a select few find their careers in jeopardy.

In order to decipher the best possible free agents, I have made a comprehensive list of the most viable Elite XC options.
 

Robbie Lawler

Elite Exec’s incumbent middleweight champion is an entirely different fighter than he was in the UFC. Gone is the undisciplined, one-dimensional brawler. A calculating, precise and well-rounded mixed martial artist has replaced him. Lawler’s game has evolved and combines lethal striking with solid wrestling. Still young at 26, Lawler’s career is on the rise. With an array of skills and a flair for dramatic fights, Big Rob will be a serious addition to any roster.
 

Kimbo Slice

The face of the defunct organization is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Youtube’s most famous street brawler elicits massive fan reaction and attracts quite a following, but he has been exposed as an inexperienced and pedestrian fighter. It appears as though Slice is too old to ever be a top contender, yet is still marketable enough so that he is a profitable commodity. While the UFC could exploit his popularity, it would hurt its credibility in the process. More likely, the Kimbo Slice show will be taken overseas to Japan, where less skilled fighters with a menacing look have been successful in the past (Bob Sapp). Either way, it seems for now as though Slice’s 15 minutes of fame are almost up.
 

Jake Shields

The Gracie trained jiu-jitsu fighter is a highly sought after free agent. His impressive 11-fight winning streak and slick ground game make him one of the best welterweights in the world. Shields has also voiced interest in competing at 185, which allows organization flexibility in crafting the best possible fights. Although receiving decent exposure from Elite XC, his fights lacked real excitement so his drawing power is still relatively low. But, his talent is too great to ignore and the UFC is the most logical destination for him.
 

Gina Carano

The woman who thrust female MMA onto a national platform is in a precarious position. There are few organization that have a steady women’s division, fewer with notable opponents, and even fewer with deep enough pockets to pay Carano her proper due. Yet, she is one of the most popular athletes in the sport, is easily one of the most marketable and attracts an entirely new demographic. That kind of ratings power is a valuable asset for any company and should be enough to get her signed. Additionally, Carano can truly fight and has taken part in fan-pleasing bouts. A potential showdown against rival Cyborg Santos was quickly becoming a highly anticipated main event. It would be a shame for her fighting prowess to go to waste because nobody wants to invest in the development of women’s MMA. Dana White, step your game up! Can anybody say, Ultimate Fighter, Women’s Edition?
 

The Heavyweights

Elite XC truly began to cultivate three up and coming heavyweights that are deserving of recognition amongst the crop of free agents. Antonio Silva is an established presence and Brett Rogers and Dave Herman are rising stars.

Silva is a giant serving one-year steroids suspension, but Rogers and Herman are young and ready. Rogers gained notoriety for calling out Kimbo Slice and for his propensity for first round TKO’s (see James Thompson and Jon Murphy). He appears increasingly more polished with experience and would be a nice talent to cultivate for a thin UFC division.

I attended Indiana University with Herman where he was a dominant wrestler. With no consistent formal training, Herman is a very raw prospect. Still, the guy is incredibly agile for his size and can really move. He is very limber and extremely powerful. The 23-year-old is an infant in the sport and should be brought along slowly.

All three fighters would provide quality depth for any organization.
 

Other Notables

Nick Diaz, KJ Noons, Joey Villasenor and Rafel Cavalcante.
 
Diaz is a MMA veteran who has fought across the globe. Noons is a younger fighter more recognized for his controversial relationship with Elite XC than his actual fighting. Villasenor is an exciting middleweight who is well rounded, but not exceptional.
 
The real prize here is Cavalcante. Hailing from Brazil, the 28-year-old is a BJJ fighter who trains with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Anderson Silva. At 6’2, the former heavyweight is a massive specimen at 205. His striking has continually improved, which compliments a grappling background and established ground game. If he catches on with a major promotion, look for him to turn some heads.

Kenny Florian sits down with the MMA girl Joanne and light heatedly discuss what actually happened to Ken Shamrock before the Kimbo Slice fight at EliteXC “Heat”.

Florian is set to take on Joe Stevenson at UFC 91 on Nov. 15th.

First of all, I apologize for the delay. I promise that I have good reason!

So here I am, the morning after a chaotic night filled with flight delays and turbulence. I had carefully planned that while I was away in Cancun, missing TUF, my wonderful VCR would tape the TUF Episode. Unfortunately, what I didn’t account for was stupid DAYLIGHT SAVINGS! So I came home to a blank tape and nothing to write about. All I have to say is thank god for the internet and finding someone who posted the episode (and there’s always a bright side – at least there are no commercials!).

The episode begins with a recap of all the previous pranks pulled by Team Mir (more specifically Krzysztof) along with the highlights of the third Light Heavyweight fight in which Vinny Magalhaes dominated Jules Bruchez giving Team Mir their third straight win.

After this fight, no one was without comment. John calls Vinny super-cautious; Kyle says he wants to stay outside and not really engage; but all agree they did a lot of staring at each other. Once it goes to the ground, it was an instant submission.

The next day, Team Mir leaves for the gym and Team Nogueira is on the hunt for food. Into the refrigerator they go, where they steal Tom Lawlor’s fruit tray as a joke. Apparently, every day, Tom orders a fruit platter, and each day when he comes back from practice, it’s gone. Playing up on the joke, the guys are feeding each other grapes, etc.

Eventually, Tom comes back from practice and notices AGAIN that his fruit platter is gone. He is understandably pissed off and decides to take matters into his own hands. His plan of action is to wait until they leave and pee into his own fruit platter. If someone else eats it, it’s not his fault. Tom then proceeds to piss in the fruit – poolside. The rest of the guys seem to think it’s hysterical (except George who seems to be patently against it, though just stands there and watches) and they shortly follow suit and piss in it too! Shane rewraps the platter and gingerly puts it back in the refrigerator (ugh, I can only imagine what that refrigerator smells like!).

Later at the Fight Announcement (at which Dana seems to be MIA…again), Team Mir makes their fight choice for the next Light Heavyweight fight. They choose Dave Kaplan (who seems surprised) and Phillipe Nover. Both seem satisfied with the choices, as Phillipe has been dying to fight since he got in the house while Dave wants to fight Phillipe because he was a first pick and is the toughest on their team. Nog thinks that Nover will be a tough fight for Kaplan but conversely Mir thinks it will be an eye-opening experience for Nover.

At the house, Team Nogueira comes home and almost immediately goes for the fridge. Bader is shown with the fruit platter, bringing it back into his room where he immediately begins eating it (pardon me while I throw up in my mouth a little)! Nover then joins in on the fun! As they’re eating, Bader jokes it’s a little more bitter than last time and that he doesn’t even like fruit, but because it’s Lawlor’s it tastes better. Shortly thereafter, Efrain, Kyle and John start to chow down in the kitchen. Then Dave breaks the news….and the vomiting begins! In between bouts of barf, Lawlor tells them each guy that peed in it, laughing all the while. All seem to be taking it well, and they even seem to be laughing. Nover is continually dry-heaving, but Kyle seems especially fine. They willingly admit that Lawlor got them good and Nover admits he shouldn’t be eating other people’s food anyway.

Team Mir goes off to training and we learn a little about Dave Kaplan. In college at Old Dominion University, he was a Division I wrestler. After graduation, he then went to Holland for seven months and learned Thai Boxing. He adds that most of his fighting is instinct. His strategy for fighting Phillipe: liver punching, leg kicking. Mir thinks that Dave is a super-tough guy, who is scary on his feet. He likes Dave as a fighter and has grown to like him as a friend. Honestly he wants to see him go to the finals.

What is it with food in the TUF house? Nover talks about his sushi going missing multiple times. He jokingly blames it on the heavyweights because they eat everything. Apparently it’s been happening since the second week, but he’s not the type to say anything. Maybe this is the breaking point, as he yells “I want my sushi!” He is told later that it was Kaplan who ate his sushi which seems to especially rile him up. In plotting revenge, Bader comes up with the very disgusting idea to “spunk” on the sushi. The idea goes over swimmingly with the rest of the guys.

At another Team Mir session, Junie criticizes the other guys saying they’re not training very hard or taking it (their training) seriously. As he’s theoretically training himself, he gets mad at the trainers and other fighters because they never want to roll or spar with the Lightweights because they’re off with the other guys. Typical Junie gets hot under the collar when told he’s being too emotional in his grappling. By now, Mir has learned to keep his distance when Junie begins to act this way because he knows it’ll blow over. A temperamental Junie whines that other people besides Dave need work.

While Team Mir is training, the red team begins their plan. They take Nover’s California rolls and label them. Then Bader disappears into the bathroom to, ahem, “work his magic”. In trying to concentrate, he yells at the other guys for talking too much and “disturbing” him. Soon after, he emerges to taint the sushi and puts it back in the refrigerator. While Team Nogueira is enjoying their food, Team Mir comes home. Into the fridge they go and Kaplan goes straight for the sushi and chows down. All Kyle can do is just sit there and smile. When it is finally confirmed that it is Kaplan eating the sushi, Kyle rips into him. Kaplan fully admits to it, claiming to have eaten only one piece. Bader then poses the hypothetical “Let’s say I ate someone else’s semen….” You can tell immediately by the dumbfounded look on his face that Kaplan knows what’s going on. Kaplan just sits there in disbelief, and looks mad. His response: that his s**t will come in contact with Kyle’s stuff in the next few days. But how is it any different than the fruit platter? Kaplan declares that his fecal matter will touch all involved and that it isn’t fair because he had nothing to do with the fruit platter. Kaplan is not taking it well at all; adds that he wouldn’t want to be Bader.

Later at Team Nog training we learn about Phillipe Nover. A lot of people seem find Phillipe odd because he’s a Registered Nurse as well as a fighter. When he’s working, he works the 12-hour night shift in a very busy ER, seeing the worst of the worst. Because of his job, nothing can scare him anymore. He’s a walking contradiction: he fixes people up, and he tears them down. Because of his training, he feels he is mentally prepared for fighting.

Speaking of Nover, back at the house, he is cooking a Filipino delicacy which is a duck egg, taken right as it is about to hatch, and boiled. He cracks them open and begins to eat while all the guys watch completely immersed and grossed out. Krzysztof goes for a bite, as does Kyle who actually admits it’s good, quipping that it’s “Yolk mixed with the dark meat of a chicken, mixed with blood.” Between pissed-on fruit, spunked sushi and aborted duck eggs, I have totally lost my appetite.

At the weigh-ins, both guys weigh in at 156 (and not that it’s entirely important, but is anyone else a little weirded out by the fact that Kaplan knows every capital of every country?). Mir calls Dave a dangerous dude who is capable of winning the whole thing: he’s tough, he’s conditioned and he’s last guy Mir would want to fight in the house if he was 155. Both Nog and Dana agree that Phillipe is extremely talented and very well could dominate the house. Phillipe claims he has better Jiu Jitsu than Dave and probably has better stand up too. The jokester, Dave says Phillipe is better at being Filipino, better at cooking and better at having more veins; but to be serious, he adds that he’s more technical in all aspects of the game.

At the house after the weigh-ins, Junie begins ranting to Phillipe about Dave, about how he is constantly running his mouth at the gym. Junie tells him about Dave’s skills: how he has no power behind his punches and how he has no Jiu Jitsu and that if Phillipe can get him on the ground he’ll be able to submit him easily. Junie even shows Phillipe some of Dave’s moves! What’s Junie’s motive behind all this? He says he doesn’t care for Dave because he’s a lot of talk and no show and that’s precisely why he wants Phillipe to beat him: because he’s got a big mouth. And of course, Junie asks Phillipe to keep it quiet that he told him all this (as there were like five other guys sitting around them…duh!).

Nog shows up at the house later that night, once again showing that they are a tight knit family. Nog says that Team Mir looks like a group of individuals with talent, whereas Team Nog is a real team. He is very happy with how much the guys respect him. Nog and Phillipe then discuss fight strategy – hit him hard (as if hitting soft were an ideal option?).

FIGHT DAY

Nover is not scared. He sees Kaplan as intelligent and as a joker, but doesn’t think he has the same hunger. Nover didn’t come for the pranks, didn’t come to make friends. He came to hurt his opponent.

Kaplan thinks Nover has a better chance of beating him at a game of pool. While part of Kaplan fights for the money, he mainly does it because it’s interesting to him to be in a good fight.
He jokes that anything can happen, but he’s never been knocked out. He doesn’t do a whole lot of things well, but he does fight well.

(Someone please tell me to stop looking at the clock before fights!)

ROUND 1

In the tale of the tape there is a HUGE reach and height advantage for Nover.

The round begins and both come out aggressively. They exchange some solid jabs and leg kicks. Kaplan lands a brutal leg kick. Nover retaliates with a barrage of solid punches to Kaplan’s head. Kaplan takes a defensive position and falls. Nover is on top of him in a half mount, but Kaplan swings his leg around and Nover is in full guard. Nover continues to punch, repeatedly landing shot after shot. Kaplan rolls and gives up his back and sides. Nover takes advantage and pounds Kaplan’s face and head. Eventually Kaplan fully rolls and Nover mounts his back. Nover gets the hooks in for a Rear Naked Choke and Kaplan quickly taps.

Winner: Phillipe Nover via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)

In post-fight comments, Dana was amazed to see Nover hit Kaplan with 3 or 4 punches in a row at which point Kaplan began to crumble. Flabbergasted, Mir was in total shock during the fight, so shocked that he didn’t say a word. Junie says he doesn’t mean to be an asshole, but he is glad to see Kaplan lose because he needed a reality check. And in the strangest TUF quote ever (second to Dana’s beat off comment), Nover claims, “I am the toughest Registered Nurse on the planet right now.”

As Team Nogueira celebrates their victory, Nover pretends to faint (I’m beginning to like him more and more). Apparently, he impressed Dana who says that Nover reminds him of a young GSP, in his potential.

In Team Mir’s locker room, a beat-up looking Kaplan blames himself for testing Nover’s punching abilities (he took about five unanswered shots to the chin). When questioned by Mir, he really doesn’t know what made him divert from the game plan. He knew that Nover had a lot of power, but he let his pride get in the way of the game plan. Kaplan feels embarrassed because he feels that he is a better fight than Nover. Mir is in shock, because he really thought Kaplan would walk over Nover. Respectfully, though, Mir gives props to Nover for out-strategizing Kaplan and taking advantage of what Kaplan put out there freely.

A good ending to a very sick, twisted and strange episode.

Next week promises to be even more interesting. It appears that Kaplan does not take loss well, and he proceeds to spiral out of control. Following the drunken antics, we are treated to the Coaches’ Challenge, which is soccer (which is ironic that Nog, a Brazilian, has never played soccer). And lastly preparations are made for the last prelim Light Heavyweight fight, which will be Krzysztof Soszynski and Kyle Kingsbury. As long as there are no more bodily fluids mixed with foods, I think my stomach can handle it.

At the start of tonight’s episode, we are reminded of the Junie’s smack talk before his fight with Roli. After 3 grueling rounds, Roli loses a split decision. After the fight, there is wonder about who will be fighting in the next LHW matchup: for Team Mir will it be Krzysztof or Vinny and for Team Nog will it be Kyle or Jules?

When we come back to the present, everyone is discussing the fight between Junie and Roli, which Junie won by split decision. Someone even goes so far as to describe the fight as spectacular (were they watching the same fight?). Kyle admits that Roli impressed everyone, and everyone else agrees that Junie did NOT back up his trash talk as he had promised.

Back in Team Mir’s room, Mir lets loose on Junie, saying that winning a split decision over Roli is not good enough and that it’s his own fault. Junie agrees and adds that it’s a victory that’s really a loss. In Krzysztof’s eyes, the only thing he needs to work on is his conditioning. Wisely, Mir tells Junie not to drink tonight – no fiascos. He advises him that if he wants a career, he needs to do things right.
Later at the Team Mir Training Session, Mir is happy to have it tied up, and thinks his next choice for matchup will change the chain of events. As we saw in the previous TUF leak, we see Krzysztof grappling and getting hurt. Thankfully, it is only his thumb. He claims he can still make a fist so it’s no big deal. Talk about a bullet dodged for Team Mir.

At Nogueira’s Training Session, things look very interesting… it looks like they’re playing leapfrog. Jules talks about the camaraderie of the team and how everyone picks on everyone else. In defense of his strange training, Nog says he wants to keep things light sometimes. He adds that if he had control of the fights, he’d choose either Jules or Kyle. He jokes that he’s frustrated that he doesn’t have control and would choose “this and this and this”, but he can’t do “nothing.”

Back with Team Mir, he talks about how he didn’t always take conditioning seriously, but now stresses how anaerobic conditioning is the most important. So he brings in a guy from Wanderlei Silva’s camp to help with their training. The guys wear snorkels to limit their oxygen intake – this pushes them through the hardest workout they’d ever been through. They have to sprint for five minutes with the headgear and snorkel strapped to their faces. Then they are forced to jump into a garbage can FILLED with ice to reduce inflammation in their joints, sending the blood flow back to their heart. Mir says the cardio pain crushes EVERYBODY. Soon after, they begin grappling. Mir says Vinny’s ground game is unparalleled to anyone else on the show. He even admits that he’s so scary on the ground, there are things he’s showing Mir!

At the house, a few guys are cooking; what, I can’t tell. Then we find that Jules and Phillipe have baked cakes for Nog’s birthday. As they’re cooking dinner, Nogueira and the other coaches show up. Phillipe is glad he comes over because it’s like they have a tight knit family. Nog genuinely seems to be happy to be with the guys and jokes that he loved all the food. Kyle finds that Nog isn’t as homesick as he thought he would be, which makes the guys feel special.

As Team Mir is watching all this, Shane Nelson makes fun of them all – says they all act like they’ve known each other for 20 years. In agreement, Vinny claims that it seems so “fake.”

The next day, at the fight announcement, Mir announces that the next Light Heavyweight bout will be between Vinny Magalhaes and Jules Bruchez. This seems to please everyone. In response to the fight pick, Nog says Jules has to keep the fight standing up; he can’t let the fight go to the ground because Vinny’s Jiu Jitsu is dangerous. Mir, on the other hand, thinks Vinny will destroy him. Born in Brazil, Vinny started training in Jiu Jitsu at 13 years old and has been champ several times. Mir thinks he has both the talent and the tools, but there are things he needs to work on. He’s developing his standup and picking up some good combinations. In his favor are the fact that Vinny is phenomenally strong and has good conditioning.

Nogueira discusses Vinny and how he might look good in the gym, but when he get in the ring he’s different. Early on, he was going to make him his second pick but is now glad he didn’t because Vinny is running his mouth too much. And what’s an episode of TUF without a little drama? Team Nogueira begins to tell Nog some trash that Vinny was “supposedly” talking about him, so angry, Nog confronts Vinny. He repeats to Vinny what the guys told him, and avers that they are enemies now, that he shouldn’t have said anything, and that he blew it with him. Vinny tries to rectify the situation, and tells him that he would never say anything about him, but Nog won’t even hear it. Vinny swears he’s telling the truth and that Nog took their side without knowing everything. In defense, he even tells him to look back at all the tapes, because he never said anything. Nog says he’d be happy to, and will ask forgiveness if he is wrong, but he is still angry. Now Vinny is pissed because of the gossip. He doesn’t know if it’s a cultural thing, but if this were in Brazil, someone would be being punched in the face (now that would make for exciting TV!).

Later, at a Team Nogueira Training Session, Jules and Nog are sparring. Jules says this is hands- down the most important fight he’s ever had. It’s a personal goal of his to fight someone of this caliber. He is going to try to get Vinny wherever he’s uncomfortable. With a twinkle of hope in his eyes, Nog says that Jules is getting better with each session but he has to show a lot of heart to win the fight. Jules admits that Vinny is one of the top Jiu Jitsu fighters in the world, but luckily for him it’s an MMA match, not a Jiu Jitsu match. And apparently Jules is not the only one with high hopes for his chances. Primm gives Jules a chance because Vinny does not like to be hit. That being said, Kyle hopes that Jules pounds his “pretty Brazilian face” in.

At home, Junie is trying to get Vinny pumped up for the fight and they are all making predictions. Nelson’s prediction is a flying armbar two minutes into the first round. Rope also predicts a win for Vinny; it was just a matter of how long it takes Vinny to get Jules to the ground. Then Krzysztof begins with the pranks. He had previously ordered a body bag, flowers and a headstone for Jules, which her personalizes with “He lived. He died…. Who cares?” This is all set up in Jules room as a memorial.

The upcoming fight seems to be a hot topic. As Vinny is grappling, Krzysztof talks him up (they are training partners back home). He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champ, but a quiet guy. However, he is not counting Jules out, as Jules is a lefty and that in and of itself may throw Vinny off. This will also be bad for Vinny in that Vinny does not like to be punched in the face.

Upon Team Nogueira’s return from the gym, immediately everyone sees the “funeral” made for Jules. Jules admits it’s a good one, that he feels special. All think it’s actually pretty cool (finally, a prank taken for what it is!). Later on, Jules talks about his experience (when he fought Magee in elimination). Because of that fight, he feels that people underestimate him because he didn’t get to throw a punch or even really showcase his skills. He’s from a small school with no big names, so he’s hard to study. Jules likes being the underdog, because he likes to spoil it for the guys who think they’re going to win the show. He wants to impress people by being the guy to beat a tough opponent.

FIGHT DAY
(I guess nothing of worth happens at the weigh ins?)

In prefight trash-talking, Vinny says that Jules only chance is if he knocks him out, as Jules has no chance of submitting him. Vinny, however, can knock Jules out, submit him, or just make him cry.
Jules says he’s always nervous before a fight. His plan is to come out, landing a big left and breaking his teeth, punishing him until he can’t take anymore.

While they’re getting ready, Vinny jokes to Mir that he had a nightmare that he got submitted by Jules. Mir looks straight into the camera and says if that happens, he’ll quit as coach for the rest of the season. Vinny says he’ll leave the house if he loses and Mir says he’ll go with him, that he’ll keep the car running outside.

ROUND 1
(I already know this will be over fast, as it’s 10:52EST)
And we finally see Dana!

No big left as Bruchez promised. The two are pretty much just feeling each other out. Finally, we get a big kick from Magalhaes that is blocked. The next good leg kick from Magalhaes is landed. This is followed by a good kick from Bruchez. Magalhaes returns with another great kick to the knee. The two exchange jabs. Magalhaes tries to land a big roundhouse that would’ve been deadly if it hadn’t missed. He follows this up with a good body kick, then another that is blocked. In continuing, he lands another good kick to Bruchez’s knee. Bruchez taunts Magalhaes to come at him. So he does and lands a good body kick. Bruchez returns the favor. (HO HUM – that’s what I’m thinking). Finally, Bruchez lands a few punches and they begin to clinch. As they are clinching, Magalhaes latches on to Bruchez’s arm, at which time he swings his body, pulls Bruchez down and tries to get him in a triangle on the ground. They begin to grapple and Magalhaes sweeps and gets full mount and is working for a submission. He is able to get his arm, swings himself over for the armbar, and Bruchez taps.

Winner: Vinicius Magalhaes via Armbar Submission

After the fight, Mir claims that the fight was a nightmare, that Vinny wants to be a kickboxer, and Jules is petrified. Nog agrees and says that Jules gave Vinny too much respect due to the kicks.
And almost as if he took the words right out of my mouth, Dana admits that he almost fell asleep until it went to the ground. “Vinny’s ground game is a amazing, his stand up is boring.”

As his parting words, Jules says that he is disappointed in his performance, but is not quitting. And to show the damage done by Vinny, they show shots of his ribs…nice and pink.

Next week:
* Stolen food becomes bait for the next wave of pranks.
* Mir makes the next matchup – Will it be Roop or Kaplan and Nover or Polakowski?
* Betrayal from one fighter might change the outcome in the octagon?

It seems to me like even though Junie is not creating the drama anymore, the TUF house hasn’t changed. Someone’s food, man…. that’s one thing you just don’t mess with!

The video you can no longer find...

Maybe.

Here’s the deal…

Tammy Logsdon AKA “TammyTV” recently visited Junie for an interview at the Four Season Martial Arts Gym in Lexington, Kentucky where he trains. TammyTV later placed that video interview on YouTube and I happened to have watched it. The video interview didn’t reveal anything too exciting, that is until Tammy asked Junie when his last fight was. Junie’s reply was that he couldn’t say, making it understood that his last fight was on sometime on TUF. Obviously, he was being vague because he had to be. However, things took a slight turn when Junie stated that all he would say was that he did “really good” on the show.

Now, keep in mind that this video was posted on YouTube before this most recent TUF episode when Junie went absolutely berserk. If you were like me, most TUF viewers were probably thinking that Junie could be getting kicked off the show because of his crazy antics on that episode. Or it could be reasoned that maybe he’d be kicked off at a later date because he will just keep up his crazy ways.

Let’s take one step back and ask ourselves, what does Junie mean by “really good”? Up until now, I was of the belief that this guy was bound to keep up his craziness and eventually be booted from the show. But if he’s now saying (after the taping of TUF is over) that he did really good, it now makes me question my beliefs. Now, I’m not entirely sure he’s going to be kicked off. Also, because of his statement in the interview, I’m led to believe that, at minimum, he wins his next fight – or more.

The story, however, does not end there. In the latest twist, the video has since been removed from YouTube and can’t be found anywhere on the web. Prior to a few days ago, at least a few MMA News sites had posted or linked the video. Now all that is left is an error message. If I had to guess, I’d surmise that the UFC got wind of this video and they pressured the owner to remove it. Why else would the video be suddenly MIA?

I’m pretty sure all of the fighters sign confidentiality agreements prior to the taping. Junie was supposed to keep his mouth shut. Dana has got to be fed up with all the drama Junie creates. I can only assume that he is that damn good for them to put up with him. He better be worth it.

EliteXC consultant Gary Shaw adds some more fuel to the EliteXC fight fixing fire, contradicting EliteXC’s Head Of Operations Jeremy Lappan and his own son Jared “$kala” Shaw in a recent interview with the LA Times.

Elite XC consultant Gary Shaw said he wouldn’t hesitate to “go to a fighter and say, ‘We’re looking for a stand-up fight.’ You’re not asking him to throw a fight. You’re talking about a fan-friendly fight, not about protecting Kimbo.”

Shaw said he has urged MMA fighters in the past to maximize the action, to avoid an abundance of yawn-inspiring wrestling.

“Do I think that’s unethical? No,” Shaw said. “Because in MMA, you get bonus money for a knockout. I don’t see it as unethical . . . asking him to be TV and fan friendly.”