Archive for the 'Liveblog' Category

UFC 84!

We are chatting on AIM in the room “Sherkstears” for those interested, and we have a huge, huge card tonight. We are text voting now to see who will win between Sherk and Penn!

On top of that, we have Joe Rogan back… Err, yeah.

Thiago Silva vs Antonio Mendes has the honor to go first.

R1. We start off with Mendes with some awesome standup and NAILS him with an amazing highkick, but Silva rolls through and somehow avoids some GnP. Mendes then with an amazing mid kick to knock him down again. This is awesome. Silva gains the advantage on the ground and now it is domination, ground and pound and its OVER. Brutal.
Tito Ortiz vs Lyoto Machida is up next.

R1. Akin to Lyoto fights, we start off with tentative striking for both. Lyoto stuffing a few takedowns from Tito and keeping the distance with his hands and feet. Lyoto is picking at him with strikes from a distance still, and this seems to be the story of the fight and Lyoto’s life. Maybe Antonio Inoki just kept slapping him too hard and too often and we end up with him being afraid to just let loose. Who knows.

R2. Round 2 is… Lyoto picking at him from a distance. While its not the most exciting thing in the world, it is interesting to watch what is going on in Lyoto’s head and the shots he goes for and how he waits for the openings. Don’t ever let anybody tell you that Lyoto is a shitty fighter, but don’t expect people to be excited by him. Tito finally goes for some offense with a highkick but we end up back in a stand up stalemate. Tito goes for a takedown, sprawl by Machida and Tito able to flip over and pull guard. Tito pops back up.

Andrew likes Tito’s shorts. I concur, as does the knee Lyoto lands. Tito just looks out of his mind mad now near the end of the round, he is essentially just chasing Machida now until the bell rings, and Tito is amped now. He is really, really frustrated, as is most of the audience.

R3. Tito claimed to his corner that Lyoto was running the whole time. Yves Lavigne tried to entertain us by falling over, but he got up, sadly. Any time Tito goes for a strike, Lyoto finds a way to block/duck and then come right back with another shot. It must be completely infuriating. Tito with a clinch and a few good knees and some fists! Hugging Lyoto up against the cage and trying to take him down, and now the fans are finally starting to wake up. Lyoto has amazing balance. WOW. Tito goes for a punch and Lyoto with an absolutely brutal knee to the ribs that sends Tito down, Lyoto following up with some GnP, but Tito able to come to his senses and pull guard.

Wow, that was close. Tito going for a triangle!!!!! He has it locked in, Lyoto tries to roll out of it and Tito on top of him with an armbar triangle and Lyoto gets out. He gets out. Lyoto is just scary. That was just a really amazing round 3. Lyoto by UD.

The text messaging fans have spoke so far, 59% for BJ Penn.

Wilson Gouveria vs Goran Reljic is up now. How in the hell am I going to spell these names for a full fight, let us wait and see!

R1. This fight was just explained as a popcorn match where Herb Dean could destroy either. Laughs. Tentative standup, hey, just like the last fight. Ok, and Wilson gets caught with a kick to the shoulder and then it is more nobody wins stand up. They really love the possibility of a standup battle~ that really, I wish they’d just cut it out. Enough with putting the ‘exciting stand up fighters’ against each other on TV and PPV cards. OK, Goran did a kind of awesome flying guard, but that went nowhere.

R2. Wilson has taken a bunch of kicks to his right arm and is visibly favoring it. Goran fights like this: Just wait and throw a really hard left strike. Wait, left high kick! Wait, left hand! Wait, left high kick! Wilson has him down and Goran kind of has no defense and Wilson is kind of just doing very little. Back up and Wilson eats another straight left with no set up! Goran hits him hard and is now using like the weakest looking GnP imaginable for about a minute straight before Herb just gets bored and calls the fight. It was a, guess what, big left that took him down.

Ninja Gaiden ad on a PPV. So, an ad.. on a PPV..

Christian Wellisch vs Shane Carwin, a prelim is up next.

R1. Carwin rushes in, then hangs back, then absolutely kills Wellisch with a right hand to the chin. :44.

Wanderlei Silva vs Keith Jardine is on now, and oh shit is it ON. Can you tell that I’m big on Wandy? Plus Jardine is a good dude and a pretty skilled guy on top of that. This could be incredible or it could be two guys afraid to go at each other.

R1. I still get chills when Wanderlei fights, even if I get the feeling that he is going to get killed. Standup, and Wanderlei connects, hard! Keith was ducking and ate a few fists, got back and ate a right then ate a lot of scary GnP. Jardine is still down. I don’t know if it is Wanderlei being back or Jardine just completely unable to handle being rushed. But still, rejoice.

Ivan Salaverry vs Rousimar Palharese, a prelim airs next.

R1. Apparently Edith was a call girl from Montreal previously. UFC; a class act. Oh, the fight, Ivan is getting tooled on the ground and we have been watching Palharese trying to work a choke on him for a good while now. Another minute of that, and Palharese slips into an armbar and taps out Ivan Salaverry. Wow.

The text voters now say 56%, oh how they always end up close.

BJ Penn vs Sean Sherk for the Lightweight Belt is coming up. 55/45 for text voting now! Oh my.

R1. Guys, BJ looks to be in good shape. He also looks very, very focused. This is going to rule. Sherk goes for a leg, BJ stuffs it and gets off a few punches. This is as intense as you’d expect ti to be. Both guys look like they just want to destroy each other while the fans chant for BJ. BJ gets caught with a big right but doesn’t even look phased. BJ is just jabbing the shit out of him and is starting to look more relaxed as Sherk looks still to be in a cloud of roid rage. Sherk is just throwing big strikes while BJ is kinda picking him apart with jabs and combos.

R2. Sherk is working the leg kicks now, BJ went for a clinch and Sherk went nutty with the punches while BJ was kneeing him. This is good. The fans are giving a rousing “STERRRRRRRRR-OIDS” chant, which is visibly bothering Sherk, which is hilarious. It is still even, with Sherk maybe having an upperhand, but BJ is landing a lot of clean shots, with Sherk cut under both eyes and maybe his eyebrow. I think it is safe to say that BJ’s jab has been the story of this fight while Sherk is just throwing hard hooks that aren’t really connecting. Sherk’s face is kind of a mess right now, two cuts, one on each cheek right under his eyes.

R3. Another steroids chant, and this fight almost feels like a rope-a-dope where Sherk might be punching himself out while BJ sits back and jabs at him. Its round 3 and this hasn’t touched the ground yet, which for both men is a bit weird. Finally it looks like BJ has just had enough and just absolutely destroys him with a flying knee and some ridiculous punches. YES! BJ just ran back over, wiped his hand on Sherk’s face to get some of his blood and licked it. Amazing.

I am feeling awfully rough and for God knows what reason I got up to watch Sengoku at 8am. Live results shall go here.

1. Satoru Kitaoka vs. Ian Schaffa

Kitaoka won by armbar within a minute or two. Nothing else to say. Schaffa looked rubbish.

2. Mike Pyle vs. Dan Hornbuckle

God, the battle has already started before they enter the ring. They are duking it out to see who can have the worst fucking entrance music possible.

Pyle won via triangle in the first round.

Our very own BILL THOMPSON rates Hornbuckle as a prospect but he got outworked in every aspect of the game here pretty much. DH looks to have a good takedown but Pyle’s boxing looked pretty slick and his jiu-jitsu was far superior. Nice finish to the fight. I’ve just checked and Hornbuckle was 15-1 coming into that fight which surprises me.

3. Eiji Mitsuoka vs. Kwang Hee Lee

TURN THE MUSIC OFF. If HDNet was carrying this show they’d have to dub their own tunes not out of copyright fear but just to try and retain some credibility. I like Mitsuoka though so I shall persevere.

Also, whilst we’re not talking Scott Ferrall levels of ring announcer, the microphone guy is pretty terrible. No idea why Japanese companies would be so keen to appoint a random yank.

Another first round finish. Mitsuoka won by rear naked choke. I believe there was some hype surrounding Lee coming into this fight but he didn’t show anything of note. Eiji took him down after coming off slightly poorer when standing and controlled it from there. Lee struggled to keep him from passing to side but once he did he soon took the back and IT WAS ALL OVER to quote Goldberg.

4. Yuki Sasaki vs. Jorge Santiago

Not long until RandleMAN now…

Good first round. Sasaki looked a little scared of the much bigger Jorge when standing. he eventually decided to just run at him and hold him hopefully which led to a takedown. He got the back, secured the body triangle and his arm underneath Jorge’s chin. I’ve no idea how he didn’t finish the fight. They stood up again and Jorge looked better but still rather sloppy.

Whilst I didn’t expect him to be steamrolled, I picked Jorge to win this fight but he’s losing two rounds to nil at the moment. Sasaki is controlling it with his submission game and again I’ve no idea how he hasn’t finished the fight yet. He had a nice arm triangle and was about to sink in an armbar just at the bell went for the end of the round.

I take it all back. Well, almost. Santiago finished with a sweet armbar in the start of the third. Sasaki had his chances and only has himself to blame really. Sunglasses for everyone!

5. Yoshihiro Nakao vs. Big Jim York

I just want your extra time and your…

KISS!

I shall forever associate Tom Jones with people kissing Heath Herring from now on.

I think Nakao is one of those things that only people in Japan understand. He is absolutely HORRID though and I don’t want to see him fight ever again. He’s shaking his arse and generally running away from combat in this. I fear another two rounds of the same. I don’t care who wins or loses, please just finigh the fight someone.

Hey, they listened to me. Nakao came out, went for the takedown and used the punch to the face technique to knock down York as he was blocking it. Obligatory hammerfists follow and the ref stops it. RANDLEMAN IS NEXT! He will not let me down like last fight.

Intermission. Crowd is announced as 9,268.

6. Kevin Randleman vs. Ryo Kawamura

This is the sort of fight that I should hate because it’s a dominating LHW taking on an under-experieced native middlweight but I’ll let them off if it means a nice win for Rand.

Odd first round. KR won it but he never really looked finishing or anyting close despite having some prety dominating positions in the corner. Just a display in not losing really from Kawamura who isn’t offering any offence.

Rounds two and three are pretty similar in the sense that Kawamura lost his fear and started to believe he could actually win the fight. There were times when he was actually stalking Randleman which was a slightly bizarre sight given the size difference. He had much better stand up generally and some nice high kicks although nothing too damaging. This was mixed in with various takedowns from the Randle which will probably win him the fight.

Yep, unanimous decision. Kawamura looked much better in losing here than he did in winning at the first Sengoku. KR was not at his best but he is still a better man than you or I.

Interesting post-fight speech where he says he thinks he should have lost the fight and that Kawamura deserves a rematch. He starts chanting “ONE MORE TIME”. The crowd seemed so reluctant to join in with the chanting but eventually they were too polite and gave in.

7. Roger Gracie vs. Yuki Kondo

To the surprise of nobody, Roger submitted Yuki in the first round. His grappling game is scary despite the fact that he pretty much doesn’t use ground and pound at all. Very impressive display although against a hugely undersized opponent.

Looks like they might run Roger-Yoshida at some point judging by the post mtch festivities. Bunch of flowers means IT’S ON MOTHERFUCKER.

8. Josh Barnett vs. Jeff Monson

Pretty dull fight to be fair with both men looking reluctant to exchange. Possibly because they made a point of saying how good friends they are. You could say they shouldn’t have agreed to fight if it was going to be an issue but there you go.

Barnett has won the first with low kicks and takedown defence. Monson hasn’t really done anything though.

I was just in the middle of saying how unless the referee breaks it up that Monson will stay on top forever as he is so hard to shift, when Barnett casually jumped back to his feet. More active round but I would sat Barnett edged it and is currently 2-0 up in that sense.

Third round is more of the same. Josh is winning the stand up and negating what little offence is being offered by Monson. This is more like sparring than an actual fight and the fans doen’t seem impressed although obviously they’re not booing the shit out of it. Monson is a hard guy to finish and Barnett showed improved kicks and knees but there’s no need to go out of your way to see this. Which is a good way to summise the whole card actually.

Barnett win the unanimous decision.

The show has just got underway which means the first fight should be starting in about half an hour knowing Japan and their elaborate opening ceremonies.

This page will be constantly updated.

There is an official Total MMA DREAM chat on AIM if anyone wishes to join. The room is called ‘ countingsheep’.

Enjoy!

Takeshi Yamazaki vs. Shoji Maruyama

Good first round that really picked up towards the end. Yamazaki looked like he had finished it with an armbar, and Shoji even looked like he had rolled further into it but somehow escaped. Bas commented that he won’t be drinking with his left hand tonight. Definitely Yamazaki’s round as he largely controlled top poisition although Shoji was active and landed a particularly good knee to the body when standing.

Enjotyable second round but a little frustrating if you’re a Shoji fan. It looked like he winded Yamazaki with the knee in the first and it seemed as though he may be able to take advantage as the fight went on. However he was just too reckless and missed his opportunities to capitalise and ended up on bottom too often. Good action from both guys though. This show is one for one so far.

Yamazaki gets the unanimous decision and the dubious honour of being the lamb to be slaughtered by KID.

Middleweight GP: Jason Miller vs. Katsuyori Shibata

This type of fight is a perfect argument for an international sanctioning body to prevent such horrible mismatches. Miller knew immedaitely that he was in a different league to Shibata and proceeded to emabarass him and advertise his own unique brand of ‘Mayhem’ for around seven minutes or however long it lasted. Shibata should not be fighting and was basically paid to take a beating here.

Miller landed several dangerous knees to the face of Shibata and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a broken cheekbone or somesuch. Yuji Shamada is an embarassment to refereeing. Miller starts rambling in Japanese afterwards and the Japanese crowd don’t seem very impressed. Also - Bas is being typically excellent on commentary.

I’d be surprised if Mayhem-Sakuraba isn’t made before the end of the year.

Middleweight GP: Melvin Manhoef vs. Kim Dae Won

Talking of fights that look like an argument for international regulation. This could also be nasty but I have a soft spot for Melvin so will tolerate it.

Can I just re-iterate my love for Manhoef. He comes out to the battle cry from the film 300 which is cool, if a little cliche. Then you have the motivational speech where the Golden Glory coach screams at him which is always a touching moment. Finally he walks to the ring on a LEASH just ot prove he is a bad apple and would gladly kill you despite the engaging smile on his face.

Wow, this was actually surprisingly competitive. Dae Won stunned him standing and took the fight to the ground early on. I thought we were on for a huge upset as Manhoef was audibly breathing very heavily and just holding for dear life. Somehow he got to top position though and landed a brutal knee to the back of Dae Won’s head that effectively knocked him out in an instant. He landed the obligatory hammerfists and as Dae Won is Korean and not Japanese the refereee doesn’t stand there and watch him die for ten minutes and mercifully ends it straight away.

Melvin excuses his performance by explaining that he only fought Bonjasky TWO WEEKS ago, which is a pretty incredible experience to recover from in such a short period. Apparently Tamura is likely out of the tournament due to finger injuries / money issues so expect to see Manhoef back soon.

Daisuke Nakamura vs. Jung Bu-Kyung

I can totally see Jung turning into an internet fan cult hero. Going into this fight he’s easily the best guy in MMA who doesn’t have a win to his name and he’s just so eager to throw on submission attempts that it’s impossible not to like him.

Entertaining first round that Nakamura gradually asserted his control over as it progressed. Jung is too keen and goes for the back at every opportunity and it cost him position a few times. Nakamura throws a really good straight left hand and it is connecting quite often.

Talking of a left hand, he feints with it in the second and immediately follows with a straight right that KOs Jung. That followed a great armbar exchange with the Korean showing exemplary defence. Really good fight though and this is an incredibly enjoyable card so far apart from the murder of Shibata. Jung remains without a win but he’s a winner in all out hearts. Or something.

DREAM Welterweight contender’s match: Nick Diaz vs. Katsuya Inoue

The reason we’re all here… DIAZ! Bas is rocking out the Inoue’s entrance music (R.A.T.M.).

Diaz is the strongest! Forget Judo.

He dominated the entire fight and late in the round Inoue’s corner threwthe towel in despute him not being dropped. Classic display of boxing from Diaz with him throwing body shots let and right, although they were all thrown with him typical lack of power. Where has the force that KOed Robbie Lawler gone? He also got caught a few too many times himself (like in the Mike Aina fight) but he has too good a chin to be worried by Inoue’s shots and it appeared as though it was only his lack of respect for his opponent that meant he wasn’t defending.

I can’t wait for Diaz-Sakurai later in the year for the DREAM title. It will be good to see Nick get some gold round his waist.

INTERMISSION

Lightweight GP: Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Luiz Buscape

We’re back and that was a very dominant first round from Kawajiri. More exciting than his last fight but still not thrilling. A good exhibition of ground and pound skills though. My bet is looking good so far.

Sama again in the second. Easy victory for Kawajiri and I finally in a bet! Assuming the judges don’t rub us both. If they do I will forever boycott DREAM from now on.

Hooray! It was unanimous!

Lightweight GP: Joachim Hansen vs. Eddie Alvarez

Eddie Alvarez won a decision. Everyone go and watch this fight.

Marc: Another FOTYC from the Norwegian warrior

Lightweight GP: Kaoru Uno vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida

Uno nails Ishida with big right hook, then busts his nose open with an uppercut. Very solid takedown defense showed by Uno thus far. Ishida finally hits a takedown….doesn’t last long on the mat though.

R2 CRAZY EXCHANGE, UNO CHOKES OUT ISHIDA!!UNO CHOKES OUT ISHIDA!!!!

GOOD NIGHT!