Last Friday, a couple guys from The  EDGE’s Jersey school competed in the cage at the WKU Warrior Challenge. Both guys school dominated their fights. The Pennsylvania EDGE was also supposed to be represented, but the opponent didn’t show up and the fight got scrapped from the card. I don’t doubt we would have gone 3-0 had that not been the case.

Congratulations to Justin Rios and Mark Cugliari on their wins; it’s always cool when people you train with win.

Before you go, “UGH, I don’t care about these UFC posts,” let me just encourage you to check out Joe Rogan’s stand-up special that immediately follows The Ultimate Fighter Finale tonight. Joe’s comedy is amazingly smart and it’s fun to watch the guy work. I’m probably just as excited, if not more to see his special than I am to see the fights. Plus, it’s all free on Spike!

Last event, I got my ass handed to me. Steve was on fire and I stunk. That’s the recap of the last UFC. A couple of my pics were victims of bad decisions, but just as the have losses on their records, I must do the same.

Steve: 62 - 32 (15 perfect picks)

Josh: 55 - 39 (15 perfect picks)

Now on to the next event. This is the conclusion to this season’s Ultimate Fighter which has been set up as USA vs. UK. I liked the UK team and have been impressed with them. 3 Brits made it to the finals while only one American did.

This looks to be a great night of fights.

Diego Sanchez Vs. Clay Guida

Josh: Diego is a nightmare to deal with. As much as I want to see Clay win this one, Sanchez is sharper in just about every area with the exception of wrestling. I think Sanchez wins this with a 3^rd round submission.

Steve: Diego, by decision. I love Clay, he is a bad ass who never quits.  But I think Diego is just THAT much better at everything… but I think it will be a WAR!

DaMarques Johnson Vs. James Wilks

Steve: Johnson, by decision. I could go either way on this one, I have no idea.

Josh: I like Wilks by decision. I liked his personality more and they’re both tough fighters, so I’m being superficial.

Chris Lytle Vs. Kevin Burns

Josh: Chris Lytle by KO in the 3^rd. Kevin Burns is good, but I don’t think he can handle the pressure that Lytle will put on.

Steve: Lytle, 2^nd KO. Kevin Burns can’t even make a fist with one of his hands.  Lytle can outbox just about anyone.  I say he turns up the heat in round two and puts him away.

Ross Pearson Vs. Andre Winner

Steve: Winner, 2^nd KO. Pearson is an all around good fighter, but not great all the way around.  I think Winner is pretty solid.  Plus, how could a guy named Winner lose?

Josh: Ross by Decision. No real reason, I think they’re both good fighters, but I need to take a few chances.

Joe Stevenson Vs. Nate Diaz

Josh: Nate Diaz has won fights because he can take a beating and keep going. Typically his opponents have tired and made a mistake. Joe Stevenson isn’t the type of guy who’s going to gas out and I see him handling Nate in a similar fashion to Clay Guida, only with better stand-up. Joe Stevenson by decision.

Steve: Stevenson, decision.  Nate is probably a better fighter, and he has a serious reach advantage.  Joe Daddy, however, lost two in a row and won’t want to make it three… plus, it is virtually impossible to submit this guy, and that is Nate’s forte.

Melvin Guillard Vs. Gleison Tibau

Steve: Guillard, 2^nd submission. He hasn’t fought in nearly a year, and he isn’t going to screw up his return.

Josh: Tibau by submission in the 2^nd. When you look at Gleison’s record, he’s fought tougher guys than Guillard has.

Brad Blackburn Vs. Edgar Garcia

Josh: Look at Steve’s answer. He makes a damned good case, I’m going with that. Garcia by KO in the 1^st.

Steve: Garcia, 1^st KO. Undefeated Garcia is considered one of the people to watch for in MMA… he is undefeated, and destroys most people in the first round.  I expect more of the same.

Mike Ciesnolevicz Vs. Tomasz Drwal

Steve: Drwal, 1^st KO. Why not?

Josh: I’ve got to go with the guy from PA, Mike Ciesnolevicz in with a 1^st round submission.

Nick Osipczak Vs. Frank Lester

Josh: I think Osipczak is the smarter fighter and will win by 2^nd round submission.

Steve: Lester, decision. This guy has more heart than teeth.  I think that puts him in the win column.

Jason Dent Vs. Cameron Dollar

Steve: Dent, 1^st KO. Dent will have his head together for this one, and he has made it to the big leagues.  He is ready to impress.

Josh: I think Steve is just hoping Dollar gets beat. I’m picking Dollar by 3^rd round submission.

Steve: 52 - 30 (12 perfect picks)

Josh: 49 - 33 (13 perfect picks)

Steve and I were pretty even in our last UFC picks. I think it’s safe to say that this sport is becoming very difficult to predict. Someone new steps in with different technique, someone older is just a half step to slow and what seems like an upset is actually the beginning of a solid run.

A half step too slow is a pretty accurate description of the two fighters headlining this event. Both men were dominant champions at one time but have now had difficulty advancing in difficult division. Clearly the winner of this fight will breathe a little more life into their career while the other might be stuck as a gate keeper of their respective division.

I don’t mean to down play it, this fight has the potential to be exciting and brutal. I just feel like there isn’t enough investment in either man because I doubt a title is in their future.

While this card does have some interesting matches, it is clearly a place holder for July’s UFC: 100 that is stacked. If you’re strapped for cash, skip this one and start saving for UFC: 100.

Rich Franklin Vs. Wanderlei Silva

Steve: Wanderlei, 1^st KO. There is absolutely no reasonably way to believe that this is going to happen– I just want to see it happen so I am going to put it down there.

Josh: I agree with Steve, I so want to see Wanderlei crush Franklin. Sorry Rich, but I miss the days when  fighting “The Axe Murderer” was like getting plastic surgery from a doctor armed with a brick. Silva does possess a powerful Muay Thai clench which Rich has had problems with. Silva by 2^nd round KO.

Cheick Kongo Vs. Cain Velasquez

Josh: Kongo by decision. He’s a guy who gets better every time I see him, but at the same time he’s always seemed just a bit lacking. I think he has tools to win, just not in an exciting fashion.

Steve: Kongo, 3^rd KO. Kongo has fought must tougher competition, and has figured out how to do some ground work, plus the larger sized Kongo has the reach advantage.  I see him taking it, but it takes a while.

Mike Swick Vs. Ben Saunders

Steve: Swick, 2^nd KO. Swick is a dominate and fast fighter who was on his way to a title shot at middleweight before dropping down.  Saunders was VERY impressive with his muay thai in his last fight, but you have to get in close to make that happen… Swick has a SIGNIFICANT reach advantage over most of his fighters (though Ben has him in height) and has speed unmatched in the division… he will take it.

Josh: Swick, 1^st round Submission. I don’t think Saunders has comparable tools to Swick and will probably be out of the fight before he knew it really got started.

Marcus Davis Vs. Dan Hardy

Josh: Dan Hardy is one tough guy and so is Davis. This has fight of the night potential with both guys trading big punches, but I see Dan Hardy coming out on top by a close decision.

Steve: Hardy, 1^st KO. I love Marcus Davis and I hope I am wrong… but Dan Hardy has been SO impressive in his last two fights; Marcus has beat everyone in the last four years except for Swick… but he has SO much scar tissue, I see the ref stopping the bleeding.  Sucks.

Spencer Fisher Vs. Caol Uno

Steve: Fisher, by decision. Caol’s only fight against an impressive opponent (Aoki) ended in his 2nd round defeat.  Fisher is an impressive fighter who beats all but the best.  Uno is not the best.

Josh: I just like Uno. He’s one of those guys who’s been around forever and I can’t help but root for him. Uno by decision.

Mirko Cro Cop Vs. Mostapha Al Turk

Josh: Cro Cop’s had trouble in the Octagon, but I think he didn’t take the differences between Pride and the UFC seriously. He’s not a moron, so I’m sure he’s been working on the problem spots. It doesn’t hurt that he’s been given a fight against someone he should smash. Cro Cop 1^st round KO.

Steve: Cro Cop, 2^nd KO. I don’t think Dana would bring back this cash cow to lose.  Al Turk is  a stepping stone to making Cro Cop a title contender.

Terry Etim Vs. Justin Buchholz

Steve: Etim, 2^nd submission. I like Etim, and most of his wins are by sub, even though he has had a few decisions lately.  I see him finishing this fight.

Josh: Etim by 1^st round submission. I remember the first time I saw Terry Etim, I thought he was just some goofball, but he is definitely a problem.

Dennis Siver Vs. Dale Hartt

Steve: This is a tough one.  Hartt is the guy who shattered Corey Hill’s leg.  Siver hasn’t sucked.  Let’s go Hartt by decision.

Josh: True, Corey Hill’s leg broke in half on Hartt’s shin, but that doesn’t mean he would have won that fight had the freak injury not happened. As far as I’m concerned, he’s yet to win on his own. I’ll go Silver by 2^nd round KO.

Paul Taylor Vs. Peter Sobotta

Josh: Sobotta is German, so I’ll give him the hometown advantage. Sobotta by decision.

Steve: Taylor, 1^st KO. His fast pace and hard punches will end this early.

Paul Kelly Vs. Rolando Delgado

Steve: Kelly, 1^st KO. Another battlin’ Brit who wants to end the fight early.  The height difference could make this a loss for me, but I see him working in close, taking him down and ground and pounding him out.

Josh: Delgado is a tall Jiu-Jitsu fighter that has long limbs. Very dangerous, especially to a shorter opponent. Delgado by 2^nd round submission.

Denis Stojnic Vs. Stefan Struve

Josh: Stefan Struve in the 1^st by being almost 7 feet tall, I mean KO.

Steve: Struve, 1^st KO. Now this height difference will be the difference.  Struve is a solid FOOT taller than Stojnic, who at 5′11″ should be fighting at welter or middle-weight.

John Hathaway Vs. Rick Story

Steve: Hathaway doesn’t know how to lose, and he has finished his last few opponents in the first round.  That’s where this is headed.  Hathaway, 1^st KO.

Josh: It’s tough to argue with a perfect record. Hathaway, KO in the 2^nd.

UFC President Dana White had said a lot of things in the past about YouTube figher, Kimbo Slice. He sucks. A UFC light weight could beat him. He’s not a fighter. He’s bad for the sport. Now, he said this is his typical Dana White f-bomb laden passion.

Last year, Dana was proven right when a guy who got cut from the UFC stepped into the Elite XC cage on short notice with Kimbo. Seconds later, Kimbo was on the ground getting the crap beaten out of him. Elite XC pretty much folded the next day because Kimbo was their golden boy.

Earlier this week, we find out that Kimbo is signed on for the next season of the UFC reality show The Ultimate Fighter. So basically, if you smash it all together it winds up like this:

Kimbo sucks.

See, I told you he sucked. See I told you he wasn’t a fighter.

Wait, I can sign him to my show? Let’s give this fine gentleman a chance.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by this turn of events. The Ultimate Fighter started off as a great project. Put 16 talented but fighters into a house and have them train together and fight one another for a spot on the big show. Not only was TUF a success, it thrust the sport into the eye of people who never heard of it and made it one of the fastest growing sports there is. The UFC is a multimillion dollar company now thanks to this show.

As each season progressed, the need for drama on the show had them introduce guys who would bring a little excitement in. Guys who drink too much and have bad attitudes came into the house and brought antics that might be interesting to the casual viewer, but disappointed many of the core fans. 

To someone who isn’t a fan of the sport, they might see it as barbarians who just beat the crap out of each other. Fighters such as Rich Franklin and Kenny Florian have been out there talking about how hard they train and how it’s not just a street brawl. Most of these guys are college educated and enjoy the physical chess match that’s involved. So what better way to prove that than by having drunk meatheads pushing and shoving each other, urinating on food, and smashing up a house?

I don’t want to say Kimbo doesn’t deserve a chance. I think he does. I also understand that the man has a ton of fans who will be turned on to the UFC thru him being on the show, which means the sport I enjoy will continue to grow.

My problem lies in my crazy thinking that when you say something, you should mean it. If you think the guy is bad for the sport, don’t put him on your show. If you think these guys should be seen as athletes and not thugs, don’t showcase their shitty behavior.

UFC 98 is this weekend which means it’s time for fight picks by two comedians that most people couldn’t care less about. By that I mean the fights and the comedians.

Both Steve and I were way off on our picks for UFC 97. 

Steve: 46 - 25 (10 perfect picks)
Josh: 43 - 28 (10 perfect picks)

This fight has 2 great match-ups. Top of the card is Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto Machida for the LHW title. This has potential to be an extraordinarily boring fight as both fighters are smart counter punchers. The entertainment may be in Rashad’s “showboating” but I hope I’m wrong.

The second big fight is the grudge match between Matt Serra and Matt Hughes. This is probably the last fight for Hughes, and in his last few outings, he’s seemed unmotivated. I hope he shows up in old form, but I also hope Serra is better and beats the crap out of Hughes.

Now, to the picks:

Rashad Evans Vs. Lyoto Machida

Josh: This is an extremely tough call. Both fighters are undefeated. Both fighters are counter fighters. Rashad has the power and wrestling advantage. Machida is elusive and has a great ground game. This could either be an amazing fight, or incredibly boring. I’m going to give Greg Jackson some credit here, because he’s come up with some amazing game plans for his fighters, so I’ll pick a more than unlikly Rashad by 3^rd round KO.

Steve: I really want to go with Machida… and I think his elsusive style will be enough to keep him from being knocked out.  But I see Rashad pressing the action and scoring enough points to take the decision.  Honestly, I hope I am wrong about this one… but, of course, I would also love to see Rampage whoop his ass. Rashad by decision.

Matt Hughes Vs. Matt Serra

Steve: This is the only fight Hughes wants.  He won’t loose to the potty-mouthed Long Island Boy.  Hughes puts some ground and pound punishment on him, finishes in the 3^rd and gracefully retires after. Hughes by 3^rd round submission.

Josh: Matt Serra is a really cool guy. Matt Hughes is kind of a dick. I’m not just going by what’s been promoted, I’ve seen them both in person and Serra wins the award for personality. This is a fight and not a beauty pageant, so personality doesn’t count. I think Matt Hughes has lost the fire in him to compete. If Serra can land some big punches that he’s capable of, he can finish Hughes by TKO in round 2.

Drew McFedries Vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam

Josh: Xavier’s nickname is “The Professor X”? Professor X is wheelchair bound guy with telekinetic powers. I’ll call him Mr. X. I’m picking Mr. X to take this fight by decision.

Steve: Drew McFedries, 2^nd KO. Xavier has more experience, but in much lesser shows.  His one venture in the UFC ended in a loss.  McFedries has been to the big game before, many times and been victorious.  I think he is just too much for Professor X.

Dan Miller Vs. Chael Sonnen

Steve: 11-1 is impressive, but who has Dan Miller beat?  Chael wants to be the future of the division, thinks he can beat Anderson… time for him to step up and prove it.  Still, I see this ending in decision. Sonnen by decision.

Josh: Chael Sonnen was supposed to take the middle weight division by storm, but his last fight wasn’t the big welcome that was expected. I think Chael is hungry for a win and would like to see Sonnen with with a 2^nd round submission.

Sean Sherk Vs. Frank Edgar

Josh: Sean Sherk is a little monster. He’ll take Edgar down and pound on him. Edgar’s tough, so it’ll take a while, but Sherk finishes this fight by TKO in the 3^rd.

Steve: Frankie is a great fighter, but Sean is the number 2 or 3 lightweight in the world, depending on where you put Kenny Florian.  He wants that belt back, and Frankie is just a step in the way. Sherk by decision.

Brock Larson Vs. Chris Wilson

Steve: Brock Larson, 2^nd sub. I like Chris Wilson, he is a very smart fighter.  But you just can’t deny Brock’s experience.  I say he finishes the professor.

Josh: Brock Larson is an intimidating fellah with an impressive record. His only 2 losses are against top of the food chain guys. Chris Wilson isn’t one of those guys. Brock by 1^st round submission.

Pat Barry Vs. Tim Hague

Josh: I’m going to go with the guy that has more fights. Hague by 2^nd round KO.

Steve: Four impressive first round KOs?  I gotta go with that. Pat Barry, 1^st KO.

Phillipe Nover Vs. Kyle Bradley

Steve: I was surprised when he didn’t win the ultimate fighter.  Bradley is a journeyman, the UFC is setting Nover up to be the next big thing at 155.  Another stepping stone. Nover with a 1^st round submission.

Josh: No idea who to go with. I think Nover has the tools to win with a submission in the 2^nd.

Krzysztof Soszynski Vs. Andre Gusmao

Josh: Krzystof was a relentless beast against Sonnen in his last fight. I hope that monster shows up for this fight. If he does, 1^st round KO for Soszynski.
Steve: I have heard good things about Gusmao, but The Polish Experiment has been pretty impressive lately.  He also fought a month ago with no damage, so he is in great shape and ready to roll. Krzysztof Soszynski by KO in the 1^st.

Yoshiyuki Yoshida Vs. Brandon Wolff

Steve: When he knocked out Koscheck, he opened some eyes.  Granted, he was losing that fight up to that point, but Kos is a top five Welterweight, he should be able to handle an unranked Brandon Wolff. Yoshida in the 2^nd with a KO.

Josh: Yoshida’s had the tougher competition, so I am going to give him the edge. Yoshida by decision.

Dave Kaplan Vs. George Roop

Josh: George Roop by decision. Why? Because Steve picked the other guy.

Steve: Dave Kaplan, Decision. No reason for this, other than gut.  Could go either way.

Steve: 42 - 17 (10 perfect picks)

Josh: 38 - 21 (10 perfect picks)

UFC 97  looks like a really good card. Not only do we get to see arguably the best pound for pound fighter in the world in Anderson Silva, but Chuck Liddell vs. Shogun Rua could headline the PPV. I’ll be in New Jersey doing a show, so I won’t be able to watch these live. So if you’re not going to be watching either, I’ll be at Ashes to Ashes in Bordentown, NJ at 9pm. Either you chose to do either, you’ll get a good show.

Anderson Silva Vs. Thales Leites

Steve: Anderson Silva, 1^st KO.  I think Anderson will want to avenge his boring last fight with Cote and end this one in quick and stylish fashion.  Leites shouldn’t be where he is today, he lost his fight with Marquardt and won only by bad officiating.  If not for that, he wouldn’t even be here.

Josh: I always judge how the UFC hype machine is doing by how much I believe a mismatch will actually turn out to be anybody’s game. This definately isn’t one of those fights. Anderson Silva is considered by many to be the best pound for pound fighter for a reason. No disrespect to Leites, but I just do not believe he even has the tools to get out of the first round. Anderson Silva to win by KO in the 1^st and set the new record for most consecutive wins in the Octagon.

Chuck Liddell Vs. Mauricio Rua

Josh: Shogun has been very unimpressive in the UFC. He could barely beat a 43 year old Mark Coleman who was so tired he could have been knocked over with a feather. Even so, I wouldn’t fight him. Chuck not only has the gas to go three rounds easily, he’s also the best striker and one of the hardest punchers in the UFC. Chuck can take this in the 2^nd by KO. 

Steve: Chuck, 2^nd KO.  Chuck is past his prime, but Shogun has looked awful lately.  I see a return to Chuck’s natural form after a first round feeling out session.

Krzysztof Soszynski Vs. Brian Stann

Josh: Stann has looked good lately. This is his first fight in the UFC and if the nerves don’t get to him, I should win. Stann by 2^nd Round KO.

Steve: Stann, 1^st KO.  Mainly because I don’t want to spell the other guy’s name.  Actually, Stan was pretty impressive in the WEC, and only lost one fight.  I see him making a splash in his UFC debut.

Cheick Kongo Vs. Antoni Hardonk

Steve: Kongo, decision.  Hardonk is a tough guy, but Kongo has been improving vastly.  I see this one being a war.

Josh: These two heavyweights are great stand up fighters who are both looking to be considered top 5. I think Kongo has had more impressive wins and has improved the most since coming to the UFC. Kongo by KO in the 3^rd.

Steve Cantwell Vs. Luiz Cane

Josh: Tough call. Both are big punchers and both are tough guys. I think Cane might be more well rounded, so I’ll say Cane by 2^nd round KO.

Steve: Cane 1^st KO.  His only loss was a DQ, and he knocks people the FUCK out.  He will once again.

Eliot Marshall Vs. Vinicius Magalhaes

Josh: Both guys are submission fighters, so I expect one to win by submission. I’ll pick Marshal with a 2^nd round submission catch.

Steve: Vinnie, 2^nd submission.  He is looking for redemption, and he will get it.

Denis Kang Vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam

Steve: Xavier, 1^st submission.  I know I am picking the underdog here, but I think this guy has what it takes for the upset.  Kang has not been that impressive lately.

Josh: I keep expecting big things from Denis Kang and even though I’ve been disappointed, I still think he’s a great fighter who can win. Kang by split decision.

Jason MacDonald Vs. Nate Quarry

Josh: This fight could be great and I can’t believe it’s not going to be shown on the main card. Both fighters put on a good show, but MacDonald has become one of my favorite fighters because he’s tenacious and has great submission skills. I don’t think Quarry can stop MacDonald’s ground game. MacDonald by submission in the 3^rd.

Steve: MacDonald, 2^nd  submission.  MacDonald always impresses, even when he loses.  He is also the TUF killer.  Nate has always been an “also ran”, though he will be notorious for making Kalib run.  But he is stiff and slow, even if he is powerful.  Jason wins this for sure.

David Loiseau Vs. Ed Herman

Steve: Loiseau 3^rd KO.  Ed has lost his last two fights and is looking for a comeback.  David has been gone for about 8 fights or so.  He used to be a dangerous striker, with sharp and dangerous elbows.  I see him being a bit more conservative on his UFC return, making sure he gets the victory.

Josh: Yet another fight that I’m amazed isn’t part of the main card. David Loiseau has the ability to be one of the best middleweights, but had some hard times after getting pummeled by Rich Franklyn for the title. Since then, he’s had some great fights and seems to have regained his confidence. I expect him to take out Ed Herman with a TKO in the 2^nd round. 

Mark Bocek Vs. David Bielkheden

Josh: This is a tough call. Bielkheden by submission in the 3^rd.

Steve: Bielkheden, decision.  I like Bocek, I do…. but I just have a feeling about David.  He has the height and reach advantage, as well as the experience.  

Ryo Chonan Vs. TJ Grant

Steve: Chonan, decision.  Ryo has been disappointing lately, after many impressive fights in PRIDE.  But he is fighting a guy who hasn’t had anywhere near the calibre of fighters Chonan has.  

Josh: I like Ryo Chonan. He seems to love fighting but has not had an easy time in the UFC. This is Grant first fight for the big company, so I think Ryo’s experience at this level will see him thru to a decision.

Sam Stout Vs. Matt Wiman

Josh: To have a different pick, I’ll go with Wilman by submission in the 2^nd.

Steve: Sam Stout, 2^nd KO.  Again, I like Wiman.  But Hands of Stone will live up to his nickname.

Well, after weeks of trying to get down to 159 in order to make the light weight division of a local Jiu Jitsu tournament, I made it. The last day sucked because I was water and food restricting. It was a long but not terribly difficult task and I think the worst part was having people tell me I looked “thin”. So, was it worth it? No.

Come to find out, there was no one else in my division so what they did was throw me in some mixed divisions that included people of different weights. All of that effort was basically a waste and I probably would have been better off had I stayed at the weight I was already at. I would have at least been eating more.

I competed in both gi and no-gi divisions and both were mixed. For Jiu Jitsu, the gi is the traditional uniform you see karate and judo guys wear. The main difference between gi and no-gi is you can use the gi as part of your offense and defense. You’re allowed to grab and hold onto the clothing for leverage and submissions.

So, the first match was in the no-gi division. My opponent was very fast and transitioned well. We started standing and he pulled guard on me. After faking an arm bar to sweep me, he was on top, but I was able to sneak a leg thru and get to half guard. I managed to sweep him but stupidly left too much space for him to bring me back into full guard. Another arm bar fake into a sweep and I was able to change positions winding up back in his guard.

He then threw got a triangle choke because I was too eager to pass the guard. His triangle wasn’t very tight and I could still breath so I didn’t feel in danger. As I was about to break the submission, he switched to an arm bar. It wasn’t tight and I was planing on one thing but changed my mind. In the process, I touched his leg before switching to grab his neck, but the referee saw that as me tapping out and he stopped it.

I saw no point in protesting the loss because it didn’t really matter. He might have gotten it, I might have escaped, but once the match is stopped that’s it. If restarted, it changes the whole momentum of the match. 

Shortly after, I was in the gi division against a Brazilian. This guy was good. His hands were fast like snakes striking at me as he grabbed and yanked on my gi. Then he pulled guard and quickly swept me to my back. All I could do was laugh and say, “Nice” because it was so smooth and perfect it was like he was doing a demonstration rather than competing. After getting to half guard (which is one of my strongest positions), he managed to slip out to side control. He had me trapped in side control and  I tried my best to to create space to get to a better position, but this guy was so good I couldn’t budge him. Normally, I don’t have a too much of a problem getting out of this spot. Push the head, create space, escape. I pushed his head and it didn’t move even a little bit.

Then he grabbed my gi, dropped his forearm across my throat and I had no choice but to tap out. Kudos to him, I feel like he really taught me something. I shook his hand and thanked him. I have no problem losing, especially when it’s to someone who is clearly better.

2 losses and a meaningless weight cut. So here’s what I came away with:

Cutting weight isn’t very helpful if there’s no guarantee that it’ll mean anything. I’m happy that I was able to do it, but I’m not sure if I’d do it again, even if I were guaranteed opponents at the lower weight class.

I stayed calm and was more relaxed than in any other tournament I’ve ever been in. While that may be a good thing, I also didn’t get that adrenaline rush that tends to make you push that extra bit. Still, a clear mind was nice to have.

I still have a lot of work to do. That Brazilian guy didn’t do anything I haven’t seen before. In fact, it was so basic it made me laugh when I fell to it, but his technique was tight and precise.

I almost forgot to put these up. Almost. It seems like such a long time since the last UFC event. Here’s the standings between Steve Sabo and myself.

Steve: 33 - 15 (8 perfect picks)
Josh: 30 - 18 (9 perfect picks)

We’ve got another UFC Fight Night which means free on Spike. UFC uses these shows to set up their reality show.  It looks like are some decent match ups, so if you’re not quite into the sport, but are willing to check it out for nothing, April 1^st is your night.

Carlos Condit Vs. Martin Kampmann

Steve: Condit 1^st submission. Kampmann is a great striker.  But Condit is on a hot streak and he has fought some serious competition.  Most of his wins are 1^st round subs, so there you go.

Josh: I agree with Steve. Carlos Condit has been on fire lately and by being put in the main event on a Fight Night card should be enough pressure for him to come out and  perform at his best. I’ll also agree with Steve on the trend of a 1^st round submission continuing.

Ryan Bader Vs. Carmelo Marrero

Josh: I’ll have to be honest, I really didn’t watch last season’s Ultimate Fighter all that closely. I think Bader did eat pissed on fruit or something, but I couldn’t say that for sure. I did watch the finally and Bader reminded me of a smaller Shane Carwin. He’s big, can wrestle and really has thunder in his punches. I say Bader wins with a KO in the 1^st.

Steve: Bader, 1^st KO. He looked great against Vinnie, who I thought would roll over him.  Darth should kick some ass!

Tyson Griffin Vs. Rafael Dos Anjos

Steve: Tyson by decision. Tyson dominates most fights but hasn’t finished an opponent in 3 years.

Josh: I can’t go against Tyson in this fight, but Steve makes a great point. Not one finish in 3 years. Maybe this is his chance. I’ll say he gets into the 3^rd but finishes with ground and pound stoppage.

Junie Browning Vs. Cole Miller

Josh: I don’t really care for Junie Browning, but I will admit, the guy is talented. Cole Miller is also talented and will be a real test for Junie. I think Cole wins with a hard fought submission in the 2^nd.

Steve: Cole Miller, 3^rd Decision.  This is one I am looking for!  Cole has the experience and the reach advantage.  This should be a great fight.

Gleison Tibau Vs. Jeremy Stephens

Steve: Another great fight!  Two guys who are equally matched.  I am going for Stephens 2^nd KO.

Josh: Finally a fight where I can pick someone different. I like both fighters, but I think it’ll be Gleison’s night with a 2^nd round submission.

Ricardo Almeida Vs. Matt Horwich

Josh: I picking Almeida with a 2^nd round submission. He’s a BJJ guy who’s talented and is looking for a solid position in the UFC. Plus, I just like the guy. Probably because of some profile I saw on him that made me feel for him.

Steve: Almeida 3^rd Submission. This could be the one I miss out on bad, because he DID get beat by Patrick Cote… but since it was a split decision I will give him the benefit of the doubt

Brock Larson Vs. Jesse Sanders

Steve: Brock Larson, 1st submission.  He wins most fights in the first, and his only loss in recent years was to Carlos Condit, a top five fighter… I see him taking this one.

Josh: Brock Larson is a strong and powerful wrestler who is exciting to watch and was perhaps prematurely held up as the next big thing in the welterweight division. He’s not there yet, but he’s still an animal. Brock by 1^st round TKO.

Tim Credeur Vs. Nick Catone

Josh: Meh, not really invested in this one. I’ll say Catone with a submission in the 3^rd. Meh.

Steve: Credeur 1^st KO. I see these guys boxing, and Tim usually wins on his feet.  Nick hasn’t lost, but he hasn’t really been challenged.

Jorge Rivera Vs. Nissen Osterneck

Steve: Rivera, 1^st KO. Who’s this other guy?  Please.  Age and experience mop the floor with this guy.

Josh:  Rivera is hot and cold. Seems like he wins one, loses one, wins one, loses one. I’ll go with the unknown element, Osterneck with a 2^nd round TKO.

Rob Kimmons Vs. Joe Vedepo

Steve: Rob Kimmons, 2^nd KO. No real reason.  I am going to go simple experience on this one.

Josh: Both are coming off losses but I think Kimmons has a little bit more experience and will come out on top with a submission in the 2^nd.

Tim McKenzie Vs. Aaron Simpson

Josh: Tough call. Simpson is undefeated, but McKenzie has a winning record with more losses that Simpson has had fights. I’ll go with Simpson’s fist putting McKenzie to sleep in the 1^st.

Steve: McKenzie 1^st KO. Simpson has not fought the kind of people Tim has.  Sure, he lost most of his high profile fights…  but he has been to the big leagues, where Aaron has not.

Steve Steinbeiss Vs. Ryan Jensen

Steve: Ryan Jensen, by decision. Sure, he lost every major fight he has had.  But he is due for a good showing.

Josh: I don’t know…decision to Jensen. I’m betting this one definitely won’t be broadcast.

Two years ago, I decided that I was done with being a fan of comedians. I still enjoy comics like Louis CK or Joe Rogan and would even pay to see them. I will not be going out of my way to do so. If I have to cancel something else, I’m not doing it. I also won’t be waiting outside for the off chance to meet them.

The reason I did that was because I realized that me being a fan of certain comics made me a doofus when I actually did get the chance to meet them. Rather than me talking to them on a person to person or comic to comic level, I put them on a pedestal and felt like I was missing out on the report I could have.

I realized this past weekend that being a fan of anything is setting yourself up for disappointment. Steve and I did the fan type thing several times and it typically ended in disappointment:

1. After a Q&A with Matt Hughes, both Matt and UFC announcer were taking pictures and signing autographs. We got in one of two lines, but unfortunately for us, they spent most of their time on the other line and only got thru a few people in ours before it ended. Disappointment.

2.  After the weigh in, there was supposed to be an after party where we could meet several fighters. We found the bar but it would be 5 hours before anyone we wanted to meet would even show up. We left and called it an early night because it didn’t seem worth 5 hours of waiting to shake 2 hands when we had to get up early the next day. Disappointment.

3.  During the Arnold Expo, there was a UFC Autograph session which had 6 fighters, a couple ring girls, and a couple refs. Steve and I got to the Expo at 8am so we could wait for the doors to open at 9am so we could wait in line for the autographs to start at 10am.  Well, the autograph session started late. People were jumping in line. Then Arnold decided to soak up the last 15 minutes with his own photo session. By the time Steve and I got to the front of the line, the thing was over and we were turned away. Disappointment.

4.  Fight day, we had info of some guy who was having a gathering of fans for dinner with a few fighters. We called the guy but he never got back to us. No dinner that we’d been looking forward to. Disappointment.

5.  Doesn’t anyone care about the rules? Steve and I get to the fights with plenty of time. On the ticket it says the first fight is at 8:15pm. So, we get some beer and food, only to find the fights started half an hour early and we already missed one. WTF? Disappointment.

I’m not really blaming anyone for the things I thought sucked. I think it was my fault for being a fan because being a fan creates expectations. Over all, it was a great experience, but when I look back, any fan moments I had ended in disappointment. Any time we just went with the flow, things were awesome.

An example of that would be after we took a break and sat down for a while at the Arnold, we ran into former Light Weight Champ, Sean Sherk, who I wasn’t really a fan of. He didn’t have a line and was completely awesome. I’m going to root for that guy from now on, but I wonder if I had been a fan of his at first, would I have still thought meeting him was great?

I’ve got to find a balance between really enjoying something but having low expectations for it at the same time.

Holy crap, this last weekend was great. I’ll be posting about the downside tomorrow, but for now, I just want to be positive.

I went to a live event about a year and a half ago and left with a soured mood on going to a live UFC. This weekend changed my opinion of that. Not only were the fights great, but there were small touches that really made it all worth it.

1. I got to meet a lot of fighters. Granted, they were there also because it was Arnold Schwartzenegger’s fitness expo weekend, but it’s great to shake hands with these guys. I also caught my self sizing them up to see who’d kill me and who I might have a chance at. Answer…all of them would kill me.

2. I could see the fights! I know, that seems to only make sense, but what I mean is, I had almost identical seats as the one I went to in New Jersey. Then I spent almost all of the time watching the monitors. This time, I spent almost no time with my eyes on the monitors.

3. For $10 you could buy a transmitter to listen to the commentaries during the fights. That was awesome. You have no idea how much Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg add to a fight until you can’t hear them.

4. The fights themselves were good. I was very critical of this card for not being exciting enough, but man was I wrong. Every fight was good, and honestly, it was one of the best events I’ve seen this year.

5. The Nationwide Arena is fantastic. I definitely want to go back there.