Page 30 of 65

      Top 10 Lightweight Rankings

      June 29, 2011 /

      nullThe lightweight division is as impressive a group as any in MMA.

      The top 10 list features a number of different styles and contenders, but each fighter could arguably beat everyone else on the list.

      Still, here are my updated top 10 lightweight rankings.

      1. Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) – Edgar holds on to the top spot as he still is the UFC champion. An injury kept him from facing Gray Maynard in their long-awaited trilogy fight, but those two should collide soon and be able to settle the score as to who deserves to be the champion.

      2. Gray Maynard (10-0-1) – Maynard is still unbeaten but missed out on his opportunity to win the championship when he had Edgar beaten at UFC 125. Now, he will have to wait for a third shot at Edgar this fall where he can perhaps prove to the world that he is the top lightweight in the world.

      3. Gilbert Melendez (19-2) – Melendez could legitimately compete for the UFC title, but he hasn’t had the opportunity to do so. Now that the UFC is tapping into Strikeforce, perhaps a champion vs. champion bout is in the near future. Until then, Melendez looks as if he will continue to tear up Strikeforce competition.

      Continue reading »

      Bellator, Fighters, Rankings, Strikeforce, UFC

      UFC 132 Preview: Chris Leben vs. Wanderlei Silva

      June 29, 2011 /

      nullThe idea of Chris Leben and Wanderlei Silva fighting each other is enough to get any fight fan excited.

      However, a fight that gets this kind of hype rarely lives up to expectations.

      Still, this contest should be a slugfest and has me excited for Saturday.

      Here is a breakdown of the fight.

      Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) – Silva hasn’t fought in over a year since he won a decision over Michael Bisping. He is one of the top strikers of all time as he has some pretty notorious KO victories. Over recent year, Silva has struggled with a weaker chin, as he was KO’d in three of his last five losses. Silva is also just 2-5 in his last seven fights, but he is still one of the most feared men in all of MMA.

      Chris Leben (25-7) – Leben is coming off a TKO loss to Brian Stann at UFC 125, which derailed a nice train of momentum he had going for him. Leben has some big hands, but tends to struggle with grapplers and crisp technical strikers. Stann, Michael Bisping, and Anderson Silva each picked Leben apart in the octagon.

      Who Will Win: When I talk about technical striking, Wanderlei Silva isn’t necessarily in that discussion. He loops big punches that take a long time to deliver. Leben isn’t necessarily real technical either. This basically comes down to which fighter will land the big punch first. I think Leben has a real good shot to win, but my gut just won’t let me pick him. I will take Silva by TKO in the second round.

      Events, Fighters, UFC

      NSAC’s Keith Kizer explains Testosterone Replacement Treatment and its role in MMA

      June 29, 2011 /

      The Nate Marquardt-testosterone replacement treatment story is something that has become a hot-button issue in today’s MMA.

      It was first brought to light this past fall with Chael Sonnen and now has become the reason Nate Marquardt couldn’t compete at UFC Live 4 last Sunday and subsequently was fired by Dana White and the UFC.

      Nevada State Athletic Comission’s Executive Director, Keith Kizer, spoke to Tapout about TRT and how it can be properly done and why it is important in MMA.

      Cleary the athletic commissions feels that TRT is an acceptable thing for fighters that need it, but the rules still seem a little lenient.

      Fighters, News, UFC, Videos

      Marquardt says high testosterone level is what caused failed test, going through hormone replacement therapy

      June 28, 2011 /

      nullNate Marquardt went all Chael Sonnen on us.

      During Tuesday’s edition of the MMA Hour, Nate Marquardt appeared live in studio with his manager Lex McMahon as they spoke to Ariel Helwani to address his firing from the UFC for a failed medical exam prior to his UFC Live 4 bout with Rick Story.

      According to Marquardt, he has been battling low testosterone levels since August of 2010 and began hormone replacement therapy under the advisement of his doctor.

      Marquardt had been altering his therapy sessions in terms of frequency and intensity and that caused his testosterone levels to alter.

      Three weeks prior to the fight, Marquardt discovered that his testosterone levels were too high to get licensed for the fight. He stopped doing the therapy sessions, but they didn’t bring his levels back to an acceptable level by the time the medical exam took place on Saturday.

      The Pennsylvania Athletic Commission suspended Marquardt indefinitely for the failed test, but Marquardt stated that his testosterone levels are now at an acceptable level and he is in the process of getting his license back.

      Marquardt also indicated that the hormone therapy was an issue for his UFC 128 bout with Dan Miller, but he still tested at an acceptable level prior to the bout, so he was cleared to fight.

      Marquardt says that he used to take andro over the counter until 2005, which he thinks may have led to his low testosterone levels.

      Still, Marquardt was fired from the UFC for the failed test on Saturday. Now, remember that Chael Sonnen was caught with high testosterone levels following his bout with Anderson Silva last year and he has not fought again since, but he was never fired by the UFC.

      Should the UFC give Marquardt another chance? Did Marquardt tell the whole story?

      I am sure we have not heard the last of this.

      Events, Fighters, News, UFC

      UFC 132 Preview: Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber

      June 28, 2011 /

      nullCan Dominick Cruz learn from past mistakes or is history doomed to repeat itself?

      That’s the main storyline heading into Saturday’s UFC Bantamweight Championship bout.

      Faber beat Cruz by submission in just 1:38 back at WEC 26 on March 24, 2007. Cruz is now a much different fighter, but will it matter against his rival?

      Here is a breakdown of both fighters and my pick for this contest.

      Dominick Cruz (17-1) – The bantamweight champion has won his last eight bouts since the loss to Faber. He has been on a tear as of late, dominating each of his opponents. Cruz uses a lot of footwork with his striking as he keeps his opponents from being able to settle in. Cruz also has very explosive takedowns, which he likes to use late in rounds to put an exclamation point on his dominance. Cruz has managed to easily defeat strikers and grapplers in his recent string of wins.

      Urijah Faber (25-4) – Faber is one of the all-time greats for the lighter weight fighters. He has very quick hands and a strong wrestling base. He also has developed solid submission skills over his storied career. Faber has had 20 of his 25 wins come by stoppage with 13 coming by submission. Typically Faber likes to use his quick hands to work jabs and combinations. If the fight goes to the ground, Faber uses his strength to control the fight and usually finds a way to work in a submission.

      Who Will Win – Both men are unorthodox, but I don’t see a scenario where Cruz isn’t able to use his style and make Faber have to take chances. That will open the door for Cruz to get his takedowns and control the fight. Faber may have the quickest hands Cruz has ever faced, but Faber has yet to fight someone that has the style that Cruz currently has. It was a problem for his teammate, Joseph Benavidez, and I see it being a problem for him as well. I will take Cruz to successfully defend his title by unanimous decision.

      Events, Fighters, UFC

      « Older posts Newer posts »

      © 2026 MMA Blitz

      Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑