blonde poker forum

I know there are a few guys who follow MMA/UFC on blonde so I thought a dedicated thread could work.

UFC 136 tonight and it's going to be a cracker, can't wait til start time. A few years back when the British bookmakers started accepting MMA bets their prices were all over the place and anyone with a decent knowledge of the sport could pick off the value easily. Nowadays they are a little more clued up but you can still find the value and Ladbrokes are relatively new to the field and seemed to be best price about a lot of stuff.

The main event is the third fight between the lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and the undefeated Gray Maynard with Maynard having decisioned Edgar in 2008 with the other fight ending in a draw earlier this year. The second fight ranks up there as one of the top fights of recent times and hopefully this fight is as good. Picking a winner is tough and the experts' opinions are divided but IMO the champion Edgar grinds out a decision win by using his defensive wrestling to keep it standing and simply outworking Maynard on the feet. Edgar could go for 50 rounds never mind 5 and the drawn fight this year showed that as he got stronger as the fight went on after being in serious trouble early.

Neither man is a known finisher, Edgar doesn't have KO power and Maynard is known as a grinder who was overlooked previously for a title shot due to his unflattering style. Edgar has 8 of 13 career victories by way of decision and Maynard has 8 of 10, stats which kind of tell their own story. My feeling is, if it goes to points, which is extremely likely, then Edgar is the far more likely winner. Edgar is 11/8 with Ladbrokes to win by decision whilst it is odds on in most other places with one other touching evens. Betfair are better priced than Ladbrokes but that rules out multiples.

Another bet I like for this evening is in another rematch, that of Nam Phan and Leonard Garcia. Garcia won their first fight in controversial fashion with most thinking Phan had won the decision only for Garcia to have his hand raised. Due to that I think the market is way off this time and Phan has been made a clear favourite. Garcia took the last fight on 8 days notice and had to drop 30 pounds in that time to make weight, this time he's had longer and should be better prepared. For sure it is going to be a close fight again but Garcia isn't the 2/1 shot that Bet365 have him and I'll have to get involved.

Joey Beltran welcomes Stipe Miocic to the UFC who I must admit to have never having seen fight. Miocic has been a bunch of cans on his way to amassing his 6-0 record and the UFC is a whole different game. Whilst Miocic might be a world-beater I doubt it so I've dabbled in small stakes on Beltran at 9/4 who is an exciting fighter who likes to trade punches.

Elsewhere I like a bunch of the favourites: Pettis (4/11), Maia (4/11), Guillard (1/3), Sonnen (2/5) and Aldo (4/11).

UFC 136 bets

Frankie Edgar by decision @ 11/8 (Ladbrokes)
Leonard Garcia @ 2/1 (Bet365)
Joey Beltran @ 9/4 (Bet365)
Demian Maia by submission @ 11/4 (PP)

Anyone else got an opinion on tonight?

Maynard, Florian, Sonnen, Garcia, Pettis for me.  

Guillard v Lauzon very interesting, I think Lauzon is the better fighter but doesnt match up well at all with Guillard, Guillard will probably gameplan better since he has Jackson in his corner and he is currently on the best form of his life while Lauzon has been really inconsistent.  I also cant see Lauzon winning a decision here at all, round 1 or 2 sub for him is his most likely win.

<3 Guillard

i think i'm getting old. i've gone right off mma recently, it seems terribly violent.

like the price on garcia as well, involved

beltran fight is sick, ure getting a sweat going into the 3rd at least

oh no melvin

Chael Sonnen is insane!  lol  <3

haha silva will ruin him

Yeah that was a strong display there. Have to love the WWE 'I'll leave forever if you beat me' :D

lol

silva looked worried [ ]

awesome main event

Thoughts on Lesnar Overeem in Dec?

Yeah I was just pointing out that I thought it was funny, not that I thought Silva should be worried because of his statement ;)

He doesn't speak English so probs didn't have a clue what sonnen was saying. He should be worried IMO, sonnen smashed him last time until he landed that triangle

Good idea.
Now I'm back, maybe we could resurrect this old beauty;
http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=20685.msg420129;topicseen#msg420129

Pretty awesome event, really enjoyed it. Sonnen's post-fight speech was lolawesome.

got to love chael. I think he will beat anderson in the re match.

Anyone watch the press conference.  Not sure if he is just hyping the rematch or really beleives it but he said that in his world, landing 380+ strikes over 5 rounds on a guy makes him the winner of that fight more than him being in a triangle for 10 seconds and he considers himself the real champ  haha

I hope he smashes Silva!

gonna have the biggest bet of my life in the rematch of sonnen vs anderson.

On Anderson?

nope, on the white man's rampage (except better at fighting).

Fancy Silva inside the distance this time.

Ando wins again

nick diaz 11/10 with betfred for bj penn fight, seems massive

Yeah I agree, have him down as favourite in this fight.

+1

I think the biggest value in UFC markets comes in betting against veterans. Yes they got sick records and skillsets etc but a lot of them have lost speed, power and most importantly their chin.

The last big bet I had was on Leben vs Wandy, when the bookies somehow made Wandy a favourite.

UFC 137 this weekend, check out Roy Nelson now, not so "Big Country"!!!! Forrest is the weight class down and absolutely drowns Roy.

(http://c0014009.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_8e2a89b)

WOW! had no clue he'd lost so much weight! Almost doesn't even look like him.

Could be going as far as MW by all accounts.

Isnt he fighting Cro Cop this weekend?  Insane to go into a fight v CroCop that much smaller than him.

Can't remember the last time Crocop impressed me

his fight v Pat Barry last year was a brawl! since then he seems to have lost the will to fight.

Pat Barry just wanted to bum Mirko the whole fight. Should have put him well away and gave Mirko far too much respect - I don't think Nelson will make that mistake if he gets the chance.

I didn't have a clue about the price on this fight and just seen that Nelson is 1/3, which I think is right, but wasn't expecting as I thought the bookies would give a ton of love to Crocop cos of his name.

I thought CroCop looked decent against Shaub before he got KO'd, saw him say he wants to keep going till he has a fight worth retiring on so he is more motivated than Nelson.  Before the drastic weight-loss I wouldve said maybe CroCop doesnt have the power to KO Nelson anymore but Im not so sure.  CroCop in the 2nd by KO sending Nelson to LHW or MW imo

Would love to see cro cop win, but even with the dropped weight I see nelson taking it to the ground and controlling the fight there.

Who do you like for the main event?
This is another heart v head one for me.
Would love to BJ win it, but I think Diaz will win it on his feet.

How can you say he's more motivated than Nelson? You haven't actually got any clue how motivated Nelson is but by the amount of weight he's lost I'd say he's pretty damn motivated!

agree

I dont know for sure, its just the impression I get from watching interviews with them both.  CroCop wants a performce worthy of ending his career, last person in that situation was Chris Lytle hammering Dan Hardy.  With the weight loss I expect Nelson to find it much harder to get the fight to the ground and keep it there.

lol Dan Hardy. Has he ever won? :P

Ok I've got a score acca on lets gogogo!!

Vera
Griffin
Hioki
Nelson
Diaz

geeeeeeeeeg

Said to myself in the 2nd round that BJ would be done after this fight. Don't know why he isn't on coming in less than fully prepared, looked tidy in the opening round but dead on the feet thereafter.

Two sad but inevitable retirements.
BJ Hall Of Fame immediately please.
After mixing it up, jabbing Koscheck's left eye socket inside out, I'm full expecting to see GSP dry hump Diaz to a 30-25 win when they meet.

Can't win 30-25 in a 5 rounder. Pretty exciting fight!

UFC 138 for me on Saturday, should be awesome!

Sorry, meant 50-45 ;djinn;

having any bets on 138?
I think there's several nailed on results that could make a good accumulator.

hmm, on inspection, most are SO nailed on, you can't get a sensible bet on.
I think Munoz as favourite in the Main Event is a mistake.
I have Leben a solid favourite in that.

Going for £5 on Leben / Alves / Etim / Mills at 9/2
and a £2 10 fold of Etim / Alves / Leben / Mills / Pickett / Broughton / Diabate / Maguire / Omigawa / Lee at 175/1

I think there's value in betting against the Japanese lad. I'll also be betting on Leben - don't see why he's that price. The last time he was that price he had Wandy out cold in the first round.

Heading down tomorrow morning for this, Paul Taylor dropping out had me devastated earlier in the week as he is up there with my favourite guys to watch.

I do make Munoz a favourite in the ME due to the clash of styles but will definitely be rooting for The Crippler.

Can't wait to see Jason Young, Terry Etim and Thiago Alves. Gonna be beasting!

Akiyama's body looks fairly different at 170

(http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Akiyama_welterweight_medium.jpg)

Wow big change. I can't decide whether he looks good or really doesnt.

I'd be leaning towards saying he doesn't.

The guy Alves is facing is an absolute unit!

I think Mills is gonna get crushed

Alves misses weight as usual.
Assume they let him sweat the final pound off.

I've bet Leben and Etim as a double tonight

I put this on a little while ago as a £10 acc

Did have GSP last week as the first fight which I presume just comes off

19/11 Cain Velazquez 5/7

19/11 Faber 10/21

03/12 Bisping 10/21

30/12 Lesnar 27/20

What the fk is the matter with Alves? Once is a fuck up..

etim is a reg as G in manchester. was cool watching it in there tonight while playing cash, everyone lovin it.

Amazing event, despite the pre-event moans from people about the quality of the card. Place was bouncing for the Etim fight. Such a disappointing end to the ME.

According to Twitter, it looks like we're getting Etim v Barboza JR in Brazil. Insane fight.

So, Cain v JDS.
anyone actually going for JDS?
I really like the guy, but I just can't see it.

depends on Cain's shoulder rehab and JDS's TDD, if this were a kickboxing fight who would be favourite? but yeah it's hard to see past Cain if he's fit and injury free.

BTW how cool is this promo?

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yThVrdR7dW8

great stuff.
beginning of a new chapter for sure

Johnson

Lamas

Poirier

Hendo

Velazquez


For a sweat (hopefully)

How are you watching?


EDIT: nevermind its over!

Fights here, http://www.fightvideomma.com/2011/11/cain-velasquez-vs-junior-dos-santos.html

Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh

Well, that'll teach me to have a bit more faith.
junior's been doing that since he arrives in the UFC and still, I wrote him off against Cain.
Can't be any suggestion the shoulder injury was a factor.

If Overeem gets through Lesnar, which I'm sure he will, the first title defence for junior should be an epic stand up war.

Shame about the brief coverage.
Hope that improves as the new deal matures.

Why so sure?

I think Overreem will win.

Tons more experience, prob as strong as Brock with much better stand up. I think I'll be betting 1st round stoppage as I don't think Brock is going to be able to take him down.

Brock can definitely take Overeem down. Whether he can before he gets punched in the face and runs away is another question.

is there any link to a repeat of the fight please

Because Lesnar really doesn't like being punched in the face, and Overeem hits HARD.

If he bum-rushes him, it might be a different matter, but I think he'll eat a couple of stiff straight punches on the way in and it'll be goodnight.

Yeh he can, I just dont see it.

My prediction is going to be r1 KO for Overreem

^^^this^^^

Some nice betting opportunities on Saturday for 139:

Kyle Kingsbury (v. Bonnar) @ 4/5 William Hill

Rafael Dos Anjos (v. Tibau) @ 6/4 bet365

Matt Brown (v. Bacsynski) @ 7/10 Unibet

Jason Brilz (v. Bader) @ 3/1 SkyBet

Shamar Bailey (v. Castillo) @ 5/2 bet365

Anyone else backing anything? Will get mine on on Saturday when I see what site I can get the best priced multiples on as prices above are obv best price.

I've got a double of Henderson and Silva.
Both evens, so not a big bet, but it's with my free bet on bolyesports that I got for my black belt poker bet.

Hendo, Faber and Le in a  treble

Wow, crazy good life for me, every selection lost.

Sigh that Le looked like he'd been doing his training camp in PF Changs.................


All in on Hendo KO/TKO to get out of it!!

What an incred fight!!!!!!

Yeah deffo one of sickest fights I've ever seen and enjoyable even though I can't work out quite how Shogun wasn't asleep :D

Sick comeback by Shogun, the Cung Le/Wanderlei fight was stopped for less punishment than Shogun was taking in the 3rd.  Great reffing

Yeah agreed,  although I'd have liked to have seen a similar reffing line taken from a financial point of view obv :(

WillHill still taking bets on the Fedor fight even though he already won. May as well lump on in the hope that they miss it. Market closes at 5.

:)

Can't believe one judge went 29/28 for Story.
clear 30-27 Kampman for me.

Great main event and co-main event.
Well done to Bonnar too. Solid performance.

Apparently it was a mistake on the scorecard, all 3 judges gave it to Kampman

ah, that's ok then.

Lex Veldhuis v Elky


YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itwZcQlCQaY

Lawl, head kick KO

Elky was pathetic. He's been training a shitload too. Travelling the circuit with a trainer etc.

I thought he was winning until he gassed halfway through the 1st.

Didn't see him throw a kick!?

He could only throw punches with one hand and threw them like a girl.

He was working the body pretty good :o

Yeah my mate says Lex has cracked ribs on his left. Does look pretty marked up. I thought they were both game and there general fitness was quite good as they were swinging from the bell. Was there some animosity between these gUys as I thought it was just a stunt but obv was not?

Was just a prop bet that escalated. I think they bet 25k each at even money.

Don't think there was any bad blood at all.

Wow. Kicking hell out of a mate for 25k.

Loads of side action too. Got to take the edge  ;nemesis;

Lex obviously more technical but thought Elky had the best of it until the ref kept stepping in every time Elky got going!
Lex shit himself and cowered everytime Elky threw a barrage of his slaps. Think Elky would be fav in a cage

we watched a different fight

This, thought Lex was best from the start and had much better skillz.

Lex had good defence - not cowering!

Elky didnt look like he had  a single days training (technique wise), all his punches were just swinging for the fences

Thought they both had good conditioning thou

Elky def seems to have added some size, particularly in his legs. He was tezza though and big +1 to Lex being cool and dominating. He prob allowed those Elky attacks so he could pick his spots as Elky was pretty ineffective.

I think "pathetic" is a bit harsh.
Lex was clearly the better fighter and Elky looked like he was giving away a bit of weight, but he took some big shots and kept coming forward.
Elky's punches were not pretty, but adrenalin dump will have made him forget a lot of his training and he'd be running on instinct.

My first reaction when the fight started was to be critical of technique, but I think both fighters showed a lot of courage.

It's not easy climbing through those ropes.
Got a lot of respect for both men.

Lex utilisted his full range of kicks to perfection, not sure wether Elky had been told to just hammer the body punches or he just had a wild style, either way they didn't cause much damage, he looked like he gassed out pretty early on. Lex also had a very solid left jab, he could have ended the fight a lot earlier on if he showed more aggression imo.

All in all very enjoyable watch and nuff respect to both.

TUF Finaleeeeeeeeee mixed bag so just favourite punted on faves and off to flipadelphia really I think


Dustin Pague

Bryan Caraway

Johnny Bedford

Diego Brandao

Tony Ferguson

TJ Dillashaw

Michael Bisping


Cheeky score at 8s which will no doubt end up seeing me lump on a smaller acca as it goes down midway through :D

Any links?

The prelims should have been on Facebook as part of Dana's newest little brainwave, unfortunately it didn't work for 90% of people I don't think and nobody got to watch fk all. I had to check Wikipedia to find out my acca was down before the main card had started :D

There will be a link at 1am once the show starts and I'll post it in here Herbie, it's being shown on FX though for anyone at home with Sky

Oh really will get out of bed then. Been watching ultimate fighter on there. Diego and Dodson for me and mayhem to get knocked out. Dodson was a bit of a rat and more of a Bisping player anyway so looks like a clean sweep

www.firstrowsports.tv (http://www.firstrowsports.tv) is normally the business but it's not working at present

FB fights worked for me, started 30 mins late

http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/95953/1/watch-ultimate-fight-night-:-jason-miller-vs-michael-bisping.html


Main Event just starting

I'm watching on FX hd. Ain't fell asleep

Yeah was strange that was working for a couple people and most couldn't get it working. I tried in IE and Mozilla but neither worked...




My first acca went down with Pague so I went back in with a 4 timer on Ferguson, TJ, Brandao and Bisping. Good shout with Dodson Herbie, was the danger by standing up with him that he'd get caught and sure enough he did.

Brandao pulled it out the bag too after geting dropped there and good to see Bisping open up Miller. I'm not so sure the performance was as good as they were saying though, Miller tired so quickly it made Bisping's life easy for the next couple rounds. Not to say it wasn't clinical but Miller didn't help himself by being out on his feet so quick.

Really pleased Bisping got the win.
The more hated he is by the American fans, the more satisfying the win is.

He now has to face someone higher ranked and win convincingly to get his shot.

Looking at the sherdog rankings
Sonnen would be a bad match up but an epic trash trash talk war.
As he's next in line, doubt they'll line up schedule wise.
Okami too easy, and not really a good eliminator after the big loss to anderson.
Munoz, another bad matchup, but I fear the most likely choice.
Maia, I think a good matchup, but can't see it being a big enough draw for UFC.
Stann a bit over rated and only really an option if they want to cement the 'heel' role.

Must be Munoz in feb/mar

Lawl, Munoz v Sonnen has already been announced. Dana said they might sneak Bisping on the FOX2 card at end of Jan.

What a life Bisping has....

MAIN CARD:
Michael Bisping: $275,000 + $150,000 bonus = $425,000
Jason "Mayhem" Miller: $45,000
Diego Brandao: $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Dennis Bermudez: $8,000
John Dodson $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
T.J. Dillashaw : $8,000
Tony Ferguson: $15,000 + $15,000 bonus = $30,000
Yves Edwards: $16,000
Johnny Bedford $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Louis Gaudinot : $8,000
PRELIMINARY CARD:
Marcus Brimage: $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Stephen Bass : $8,000
John Albert: $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Dustin Pague: $8,000
Roland Delorme: $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Josh Ferguson: $8,000
Steven Siler: $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Josh Clopton: $6,000
Bryan Caraway: $8,000 + $8,000 bonus = $16,000
Dustin Neace: $8,000

missed that.
good.

wonder who it'll be then.

I've been trying to think who it could be too. Thought it might be Rockhold, the Strikeforce champ, but he's fighting Jardine bizarrely. Somebody like Mousasi or Jacare from Strikeforce maybe but not sure if they have fights already booked.

GO GET SOME DONALD SAH ROAN NAY

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq_QcbGlvo8

Corissa Furrs UFC 140 picks.
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Exg1fU70H4
(sick brag, she follows me on twitter)  ;kev;

Rashad vs mr wonderful.

Sonnen vs munoz and bisping vs maia. Good card!

Also faber and cruz the new tuf coaches. Will they get heavyweights lolz?

Miguel Torres banned from UFC for making a rape joke on twitter.

Apparently forrest griffin made a similar joke a month or so ago and all ufc stars were warned about their twitter activity. Think Torres is claiming that he didn't know about this warning but seems very harsh anyway.

Watched a few vids of Overeem, very very good striker. Think brock could be in trouble when they meet

Just met Paul Daley at BAMMA, absolutely loving it!!!

Just seen there a card on at Nottingham tonight, I'm tempted to go!

Pah already started  :(

They need to up their promotion if they want to become Europe's main organisation: loads of empty seats and sports fans (like Woodsey) didn't know it was on til the same night.

Basically cageside seats for 50 buck, can't complain.

Looking for somewhere in Notts to watch UFC, been recommended Rileys in St James St.

http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/97216/1/watch-ufc-140-:-preliminaries.html (http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/97216/1/watch-ufc-140-:-preliminaries.html)

Link for prelims

That would have been hilarious. Think it's WWs and/or LWs.

If I'd found out an hour earlier I would deffo have gone, am only 15 mins away. Always wanted to go to boxing/MMA live, my mates just aren't interested  :(

Loved Mir v Big Nog. Good round, up there with Daley/Diaz and Brandao/Bermudez as top one round fights this year.

Still not warming to Jones, this video is pretty funny, basically Jackson knows Jones aint too popular.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/11/2628124/ufc-140-results-jon-jones-lyoto-machida-get-some-fans

Big Nog's x-ray. Nasty.

(http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/big-nog-arm.jpg)

The big Nog arm snap was a sickener.
That'll be one I look away from on future highlight reels, joining the Tim Silvia Arm snap Mir inflicted.  ;scarymoment;

He's not much of a fan-favourite, but I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Mir.
I hope he can put on a bit of a charge for the top.
I think the Heavyweight division is really wide open and any one of about half a dozen fighters could hold the belt this time next year.

Re-Jones, I really thought we had a fight on there for a minute. Looked Like machida was going to cause him some problems, but sadly, Jesus's favourite fighter got there relatively easily again. Is LHW division the weakest in the UFC now? I think Jones really is THAT good, but I can't see a credible challenge for him from the ranks.

Agree re liking mir. I've always liked him a lot - he's one of my fave fighters.

Wonder how different his career would be if he never had that bike accident

Absolutely.
Real company boy when you look at his record.
19 straight fights in the UFC, going back 11 years to UFC34
Not exactly a glittering list of opponents, but as you say, without the two year break and the shakey return, he could have held the title for a while, especially given how weak the division was during the Sylvia / Arlovski era.

Should think he'll get someone top 5 ish next.
Carwin, Cain, or even Lesnar rubber match if Overeem does the business at the end of the month.

Fucking hate Mir. Sorry.

Random rumours going about that Overeem won't be given his license. Seemingly Brock/Mir 3 could be on!

Hate is quite a strong word.

Why do you dislike him so much?

No need to be sorry tho.

LIKE!

Think its harsh to say LHW is weak.  Divisions always look weak when someone dominates and cleans it out but the rest of the division is so incred close in quality I think its still an excellent division, Rampage, Rashad, Hendo, Shogun, Machida, Li'l Nog, Bader, Davis.
I think MW is much weaker in the UFC, probs the weakest.  Only Sonnen looks even closely capable of beating Anderson and then the rest of the pack Bisping, Wanderlei, Munoz, Leben, Stann, Maia, Belfort, Okami seem so far behind.

Agree with Mir, always been a huge fan.  Something different in the HW division.

I think the trouble with that list is it's a mixture of great fighters past their best, decent fighters who are co-main event at most, and Bader.
I suppose what I really meant is that, compared to decade ago when LHW was the flagship weight clas, it's not as strong as it was.

Agree with that.
When Bisping wins against Maia he should get a shot, mainly because most of the list has tried and failed to dethrone Anderson.

Enjoy...

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKu-urmeJl8

http://www.steverattlemma.com/2011/12/the-reem-season-2-episode-8-roller-coaster-video/

Who's that?

Don't know the fighters Adam, think it might be in Poland.

http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/100141/1/watch-ufc-141:-lesnar-vs-overeem.html (http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/100141/1/watch-ufc-141:-lesnar-vs-overeem.html)

Link for anyone that doesn't have one for tonight.

Overeem made that look easy.
Should be a cracker against Dos Santos.

Enjoyed Diaz too.
Don't know what it is about Ceroni that gets under my skin.

Man, Cerrone sucked. No head movement.

I've started writing for the UK's biggest MMA site The Fight Lounge. Would be good if you guys had a nosey at my random first article: http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/kimbo-slice-a-life-after-the-ufc/#more-12936

Well written Scott.
Not easy to sum up the who Kimbo phenominon in so few words, but decent effort.

What other articles you got planned?

Thanks Adam.

Planning a few more pieces over the weekend, will post them up. They are also interested in me writing betting pieces for them so should have that done for 142.

Good piece Scott, enjoyed it. Link more up when you write them.

Sick that he got paid more than Lesnar or Overreem but shame he didn't at least beat Petruzelli. He was certainly garnering interest in MMA better than Overreem ever could.

I know you didn't include it in the piece but I found it interesting when Petruzelli said EliteXC offered to pay him to basically not hurt Kimbo or not knock him out. Something along those lines.

Good read m8 wp and look forward to reading more (esp the betting because I'm a fish :D)

Yeah, Petruzelli (more of a grappler I think) seemingly said something about how the owners said it'd be worth his while to keep it standing in a radio interview. He retracted it soon after tho saying that's what the fans would want, or some similar nonsense.

Thanks for taking the time to read it guys.

I think it was they wanted Kimbo fights to be standup fight (and not expose his lack of ground game) so they offered a standup bonus to all his opponents, win or lose.  Petruzelli mentioned afterwards he qualified for the standup bonus and it got some people wondering if it was just an incentive or if fighters were being brought in and actually being told they can get the fight but they HAVE to keep it standing.

The "standup only" fights were also the rules for his streetfights as you can see in tons of the videos that his friends were getting involved in the fight in anyone tried to attack Kimbo when he was down

you sure?
weren't you backing Lesnar ;)

Backing Lesnar as in I'd back Dundee to beat Barca.

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/best-one-round-fights-of-2011/ - have a read if you have a spare few minutes please.

UFC 142 next weekend, early prices show Terry Etim at 9/4 which is intriguing.

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/ufc-142-beat-the-bookmakers/

My first betting piece for The Fight Lounge. Remember it isn't aimed at punters really.

U guys backing anything this weekend?

Not having a bet myself but good luck with your predictions.

I think Vitor will be too much for Johnson myself, but I see your reasoning.

The hole card was a huge spectacle, not sure about some ref decisions in a couple of fights!

The atmosphere was electric and reinforces MMA as my preferred combat sport.

Yup, crazy good event. Rogan commented on it being the loudest noise he'd heard for a UFC event during the Belfort fight.

Feel like jumping off a bridge today though, tipped up a 125/1 winner in my above article but didn't get on myself. Sick much.

I thought Etim had the wrong approach to Barbosa. his long reach is usually an advantage, but it put him in Barbosa's kickboxing range and, despite a good start, he was clearly coming off worse. As the takedowns weren't working, I thought he should have got into a clInch / dirty boxing fight. Good fight though and Etim hasn't done his status any harm with that loss.

Vitor did what I thought he would to Johnson, but Mergliotta's quick stand ups probably helped.

Aldo looks good. Also looks like a lightweight to me.
I see a lot of division hoping right through the lighter divisions over the next few years including some duel weight champions.

Palhares is a beast too. Real problem for middle weight strikers.

Bisping replacing Munoz V Sonnen, winner gets Anderson! :O

ooh.
I like his chances against Maia much better than Sonnen.

The build up will be epic, but I worry about this match up for Bisping.

He'll have to drill nothing but TDD between now and then
Also, Dan Mirgliotta for ref please, following the quick standups in the Vitor / Johnson fight last weekend

With 10 days til the fight I don't think he'll have too much time to drill, especially with training usually stopping a week in advance.

Horrible match-up for Bisping IMO.

Wish we had more time between now and the fight for the incredible banter.

yeah, just realised how soon it is.

I'm not counting Bisping (no pun intended).
Just a much harder route to the title shot than Maia

Maia wouldn't have been the final step in the route anyway. Sonnen/Munoz winner was going to fight for title so Bisping would have fought again, probably against Paul Harris.

Buzzing for Saturday already. Going to be awesome. Must stay awakeeeee.

Random article I wrote this week: http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/the-road-back-to-the-ufc-the-brits/

nate diaz vs jim miller booked for UFC on fox 3, fuck yeah!

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/ufc-on-fox-2-beat-the-bookmakers/

any link for bisping fight please?

Marky is usually good for a link!

Having a small bet on Mr Incredible/Sonnen as well.

Whole card is available on facebook. just join the official ufc group
http://www.facebook.com/UFC?sk=app_247211121995467
click live stream, sign up for ufc.tv and your good to go.

I hope he gets smashed to bits by Silva

Disappointed Bisping didn't get the nod. I wasn't scoring it cos I was so into it, so can't say if I agree. Definitely wasn't 30-27 though, that's lolbad judging.

Another winner on my Fight Lounge article.

Yeah tilting as fk that with Sonnen acting like a fking clown at the end as well, hope he gets absolutely owned by Silva now!

Thought Evans was just a cut above and Davis once out of the first couple minutes never really threatened heavily.

Sick picking tekkers scotty hope you got on   ;hattip;

I think Sonnen just edged it, but I don't think Bisping's stock fell as a result.
Considering the 4 1/2 round beasting Sonnen gave Silva last time (juice / injury accounted for) Bisping held his own and ir wouldn't have been a shocker if he'd got the not.
I think he can still justifiably get a top 5 eliminator for next crack after Sonnen get's his trap shut by Anderson.

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/ufc-143-beat-the-bookmakers/#more-13611

Looking forward to tonight's ME.

I'm getting on Scotty, your record is sick since I've been reading your articles!!

Just gonna pick out which ones now, prob the big price ones as an acca to get paiiiiiiiiiiid like the proper mug punter that I am :D

I'm really strong on the Kos decision. I would maybe team that with whatever you like in the main event.

£10 Nelson by KO/TKO and Barao Submission @ 25/1

£10 Diaz 5th round @ 20/1 365

£10 Diaz 5th round and Barao 2nd pays £2470

I'll pick something out to double with the pts later :)

Lets gogogo

Hopefully we get paid Mark.

I'm not greedy just the Diaz and Barao coup will do :D

Link if anybody doesn't have one for prelims http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/105797/1/watch-ufc-143:-preliminaries.html (http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/105797/1/watch-ufc-143:-preliminaries.html)

prelims are on facebook! espn free for the weekend so if you dont have a subscription/sky you can catch it on freeview.

Thumbs up for ESPN's free w/e. Don't get to watch much UFC these days so will enjoy this freebie even if I do dislike both Koscheck & Diaz.

BS split decision win for Koscheck as he does the minimumto defeat a guy ranked much lower then him. And he wonders why the fans boo him.

Bring on fat boy Nelson for FOTN with a bear hug victory.

Just about got there then though I don't think he should have done....

Need Diaz in teh fifth baby!!

Damn, Big Roy has been on a diet, that's bad news. I'm however loving his defense of stopping Werdum's knee shots with his face.

He's got to be the toughest guy in the UFC bar none

DREAM FIGHT

"Big Country" Roy Nelson vs Tank Abbott

Diaz in the 5th then to get me out of it for the day

Great main event and the article delivers again, 15/1 winner - hope someone got on. Three in a row: 125/1, 17/1 and 15/1.

Had such a sick sweat on the Diaz 5th round bet.

Haha that was the only one I didn't do because I was on Diaz, nice one anyone that did.

I wasn't that impressed by last nights card and thought the main event failed to deliever it's hype as probable "fight of the night".

Barao and Werdum put in decent performances but thought both Koscheck and Diaz were VERY disappionting.

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/ufc-144-beat-the-bookmakers/

Really looking forward to tomorrow night. Hoping to win the lot on Kongo.

Lets do it!!

£25 on Kongo KO/TKO and Shields Submission

£10 on Kongo KO/TKO/Shields Submission/Palasz KO/TKO

£20 on Pettis/Rampage/Edgar on points

Might do a punty acca tomorrow too if I'm bored

can't see a Rampage win I'm afraid. Odds are way off. I have Bader a big favourite.
I'd lump on Joe Rogan retiring him post fight though.

Edgar, Bader, Shields, Boetch, Kongo accumulator.
(Boetsch is ridic value)

I snap fancied the Boetsch price but a bit of Fight Metric studying put me off. Okami will win it standing and has amongst the best takedown defence percentage in the UFC.

decent article mate, have had a dabble on Kongo and Palaszewski by KO/TKO/DQ @ 11/8 and 9/1.

3/1 though.
Okami hasn't looked himself for a while for me.
Sticking with it

Couple links for anyone that needs them, the FB one will only work for the prelims


http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/109785/1/watch-ufc-144:-preliminaries.html (http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/109785/1/watch-ufc-144:-preliminaries.html)

https://www.facebook.com/UFC?sk=app_247211121995467 (https://www.facebook.com/UFC?sk=app_247211121995467)

Tonight sure could have gone worse lol

You got Akami dead right Scotty then he pulled defeat from the jaws of victory............

Fk it gamboooooool double

£20 on Bader tko/ko and Edgar points

Yeah Marky, pretty brutal night.

Finally got caught up. Busy weekend so had to watch the Sky+ recording over a few days.

WARR Boetsch. Should of had it as a single bet, instead of part of an accumulator :(
Never doubted it.

Shields win wasn't as boring as I'd feared, but his stand up is aweful. I think my 7 year old could out box him.

Poor old Kongo.

Rampage v Bader went exactly as expected, which is a shame. He looked competitive early, but soundly dominated by the end.

Main event was certainly close, and I wouldn't call it a robbery, but 49-46 Henderson is a ridiculous. Edgar won the 1st and 2nd comfortably. An upkick with 10 seconds left doesn't win a round where you've been out struck and taken down.
3rd could go either way and should be a 10-10 if anyone ever gave them
4th was Henderson's only clear 10-9 and I think Edgar edged the 5th.I can accept 48-47 henderson as it's a subjective business, but not 49-46.
Interesting to see what Frankie does next. He is certainly capable of winning that belt back, but life would certainly be easier for him if he dropped

Looks like a good TUF season.
Not a big fan of the one round eliminator. Bit of a super turbo satellite feel to it, but they're obviously looking for finishers.

Don't think it was really to do with finding finishers but more to do with the fact it was live and 16 x the usual two rounders wouldn't have worked. Looks ok season, glad one Brit got in but he looks a really small LW.

Not sure how they pick the qualifiers.
Maybe random draw, because there were some killer matchups where a really good looking fighter was going home.
The Bravo black belt against the rickson black belt for example.

boo, sob, sigh, fml etc etc

http://mmajunkie.com/news/28109/alistair-overeem-fails-pre-fight-drug-test-likely-out-of-ufc-146-title-fight.mma?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

so tilt

Wonder who gets bumped up.
Mir?
Surely on the best run of the contenders.

Quick check, Mir it is.

Big JDS fan, but also have a soft spot for Frank.
Torn

Just watching last nights card from Stockholm and this is good! Similar styles match up across the card, with some heavy knockouts. Bring on next week when Evans takes a lesson from the masterful Bones Jones.

Yeah, I enjoyed all the fights. Good night for the Brits.

Big night tonight which I've not accounted for getting up at noon after going to bed at 8am this morning.....

Dolce Gusto machine is in for a hammering tonight now as I'm gonna have to push through it, anyone got any strong views on it as this mug needs some punts :D

#scottyareyouthere

Apart from the main event, is there anything to get excited about?

for me the only pick I thought was value was Rothwell against Schaub. I've not been overly impressed with Schaub when I've seen him. He's less experienced than Rothwell and has lost to a couple of guys that Rothwell has beaten. He's a favourite for sure but in terms of value I think he's it.

what time are we expecting the main event to start uk time

Cheers Cosvaldo I'm on Rothwell for a cheeky score and I'll see if I can pick an acca



Think 5am but not 100%

Check The Fight Lounge website for my usual article Marky! On my phone so can't link.

Makdessi v Njokuani starts soon but is value at 6/1 for FotN.

And sorry to disappoint but mad Schaub by stoppage my main bet @ 5/4. Sadly, Mills will get battered by MacDonald, first round win for MacDonald was 15/8 when I advised it.

che mills lol biggest miss match in UFC HISTORY

Great event that and how sick was it watching Evans being made to look so average for 5 rounds!

Knew Rothwell was sick value there!

They've just announced this event for July 7th in Vegas and WOW what a lineup!!



Middleweight Championship bout: Anderson Silva (c) vs Chael Sonnen

Bantamweight Championship bout: Dominick Cruz (c) vs Urijah Faber

Light Heavyweight bout: Tito Ortiz vs Forrest Griffin

Middleweight bout: Rich Franklin vs Cung Le

Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs Tim Boetsch

Welterweight bout: Demian Maia vs Dong Hyun Kim

Bantamweight bout: Renan Barão vs Ivan Menjivar

Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs Fabrício Camões

Middleweight bout: Constantinos Philippou vs Riki Fukuda

Lightweight bout: Gleison Tibau vs Khabib Nurmagomedov

Randy Couture doing a q&a night at Outlane near Huddersfield, 15th of May, £35 includes a copy of his new book.

Andy Farrell on 07815046374 if anyone wants a ticket.

From local rag.

WOW  Sick card

Was due to fly back from Vegas on the 6th of July so called up yesterday to extend until the 8th, now just to get me some tickets!

UFC on Fuel tonight and prelims going on atm.

Koscheck vs Henricks who cost me a bundle last time when he sparked Fitch out and Koscheck is the dog....

Miller vs Diaz too, might do a small double Koscheck and Diaz jst for a sweat :)

Ugh, did you get the tickets? Both title fights off the card I believe.

Yeah got 4 and extended my trip to the 8th :D

Couldn't find anything on Silva and Sonnen being off, if it is I'll probably sell the tickets and try to spin the cash into m/e buyin or something.

Rumoured that they are maybe moving the date, nothing concrete yet. I hope for your sake they don't.

Well that would suck if they did that, unless it was something pretty special to replace then I think I would sell my tickets. I'd hope they don't change it as the July 4th weekend UFC card has always been pretty incred as far back as 100 in 2009 when Bisping and Lesnar were co main event I think?

Insanely pumped for tonight, can't imagine how Marky is feeling since he's going! I can't even decide who I'm shouting for in the ME.

Wrote a little for The Fight Lounge as usual so will have a couple of throw-away 10ers for fun.

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/ufc-148-beat-the-bookmakers/

http://www.thefightlounge.com/forum/showthread.php?18853-UFC-149-Beat-The-Bookmakers

Thoughts on tomorrow?

In Scotty we trust!

Barao and Lombard 1st round

Acca 

Perosh
Ebersole
Kongo
Riddle
Lombard
Barao

Wouldn't let me put McGee and Barao in same bet on 365???

Laddies only showing the 4 main event fights so couldn't do it there.

On Lombardooooooooooooooooo in the 1st!!!

LEGGOOOOOOOOO

Hope we get some winners tonight Mark, thanks for the support. Pity you missed the article that I posted last week mate: had Silva 2nd round @ 9/2, Mendes 1st round @ 3/1 and Griffin/Ortiz FotN @ 5/1!

Just for future reference, the article is obviously based at a MMA crowd, not a sports betting one and the bets at the end are more showy. The crux of the article is the singles mentioned throughout, actually prefer Barao on points than the 1st round.

Good luck.

Yeah I like Barao on points in this one. Urijah is a tough mofo

Fk my absolute life, I was looking to punt before I went down to MGM and as it was my last night I had quite a few dollars left (surprisingly enough). I didn't even think to look on here unfortunately, I'd have prob paid for most of my trip with that little coup, congrats!!

As it turned out my boss paid for dinner at Gordon Ramsay's place, I went back to the Palazzo after dinner and spent about $600 on presents for everyone before I left Sunday......

What a lame last night in Vegas and further rubs that I missed out on smashing the sportsbook to death :D

Done a muggy punt now after reading that!!

Ebersole Sub
Kongo    TKO/KO
Lombard  Round 1
Barao    Submission

4x£5 Trebles

£10 acc 165/1

Apologies for the tilt post sir.

No worries....  I couldn't help myself and had to check what it paid :D

I'd have only won the $6.5k for my bullseye ;noflopshomer;

Make up for it tonight with a clean sweep I hope.

Ok back in with a 5fold - that mug Perosh :D

If you're gonna lose, may as well do it in style.

That was fking weak

Absolute fking disaster lol

Sigh/............

Who next for Anderson after that disappointing Lombard debut?
Bisping if he gets through Stann in style?
Belfort if he can find a win next time out?
Heard a rumour Evans considering a drop. That'd be interesting for the division.

Saying that, I was just reading that Belfort isn't that interested in the Wanderlai fight.
He wants a title eliminator with Bisping.
That makes a lot more sense that the Stann fight too.

Bisping v Belfort in Nottingham in September would be awesome if they couldmake that happen.

Um, the Stann fight is signed. They usually take to randomly shuffling fights about.

Boetsch has actually done enough to earn the shot, don't think he'll get it though, not marketable enough. Perhaps the same with Weidman. They may pair the two up. If they do that then they may give Bisping a shot if he puts in an impressive show against Stann. Bisping said at a Q&A that he believed that to be the case.

Also heard the Evans thing, he has said it's 50/50 - wouldn't be an instant shot anyway, surely. And Belfort would be wasting his time with Wandy.

Was very disappointed in Lombard. Wanted him to explode more. Seemed like he had it in him but held back too much. Built like an absolute fkin tank though.

Hope Wandy does fight against someone soon cos the bookies constantly price his fights terribly. It's almost as if they think he can still fight

Yeah, agreed. But you'd rather it not be against someone like Belfort, cos they are more than likely to get that one right.

Was absolutely the reverse of 148, the prelims were pretty class last night and the main card was shockingly boring on the whole.....

I'd have been spewing had I spent £200 to watch that shower of shit last night, as it goes technically I almost did, but indirectly :D

I don't think Bisping v Stann being signed would have any significance if they decided they wanted to bump him up to a title shot.

I quite like Boetsch, (appart from the heavy praise Jesus crap) but I don't think he's done anywhere near enough to leap frog Bisping or for tha matter Belfort for the next shot. I know it's unusual, or even unheard of for a fighter to get a shot coming off a loss, but Bisping put on a very good show against Sonnen and has been rattling around top 5-10 opponents for years. He's surely due. Don't get me wrong, I think it'd be a bad night for him, but I think he's put the graft in to earn the shot.

I think Stann is overrated. This whole American hero stuff has gotten out of control. Think Bisping would make light work of it if the fight stands.

But you didn't say he was getting bumped to a title shot, you said Bisping v. Belfort.

No, I meant Bisping v Belfort would be the better number 1 contender match up.

I'm a bit fed up of the so called contender matchups where if 1 fighter wins they get a fight, but if the other does they're "in the mix."
Lombard was supposed to beat Boetsch, Munoz was supposed to beat Weidman, Belfort was supposed to meet and beat Wanderlai, Bisping is supposed to beat Stann...
They're trying to create narratives, but as they're light on upcoming stars, they're trying to keep several narratives going at once rather than actually clash them like they used to.

I didn't say either Bisping v Belfort or Bisping v silva was happening, just that either made more sense than a gimme with Stann

The real problem is Anderson has just cleaned out the division rather than a lack of stars.  There is lots of decently good fighters at MW

Good fighters yes, but "stars" less so.
UFC have the same problem across all the weights.
A lot of their biggest stars have retired, or will be doing over the next year or two.
They desperately need new poster boys. More John Jones.

Annoys me a bit because it's not why I watch.
I can live without the theatre side of it.
I don't think fight careers have to be like a computer game, with a path to the title and a boss level to compete.
From a marketing point of view, that's just how it is though.

Decent card tomorrow, looking forward to it....

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/news/ufc-150-beat-the-bookmakers/

TTT

That was daylight robbery.
I had it the same as the 1st judge, 49-46 Edgar, giving Henderson the 1st round.

The "significant strikes" metric Goldberg kept going on about is meaningless.
in 2-5 Edgar had more knockdowns, takedowns, better octagon control and more aggression.

I was watching it on Sky+ sunday and before the main event was skimming facebook and thought I saw a spoiler of a picture of Henderson with his hand raised, but quickly whizzed off it.
While watching round 5 I was thinking I had either actually seen a picture of their previous fight, or he was going to have to KO/Submit Edgar in the last round.

I think Cerone is a bigger threat to Henderson than Diaz, who's apprently next.

Wonder if Cerone will fight Edgar for the title fight after that.
Can't see Edgar bowing to the pressure to move down a weightclass after that travesty.

Easy night for Jon Jones tonight?
Sadly I expect so.
Hard as I find it to get behind Dan Henderson, who I've thoroughly disliked since the whole TUF / Bisping thing, I'd love to see him derail the Jones hype train.

Can't see it though :(

Don't understand this. Read last week fight off As henderson was injured???

Lol. Yeah I thought he would fight anyone anywhere.

Lolwot? Fight/event is off. Plus it was never meant to be tonight.

I understand they canceled the full event. That seemed a bit drastic as there was a lot of fights in the undercard. All the months of training all those fighters must have under gone will be so frustrating. I appreciate Jones was the main event but why cancel the lot?

The fans must be devastated. Looking at the rest of the card, there definitely wasn't another main event fight, with some of them even debatable co-main fights. I still think the fans would rather see some fights rather than none, regardless of the main event being scrapped. You buy tickets knowing fine well that fights are never 100% until they step in the cage.

A number of the other fighters have shown their displeasure: Brenneman tweeted something to Jones about how his bills needed paid. I'm the sure the UFC will have sorted anyone out who required it, they're good like that.

A good few of the fights have been rescheduled for the rest of September as well as October.

I hadn't heard about the cancellation till yesterday.

That right Jones turned down Sonnen as a replacement?

Yeah, they got offered Sonnen but turned it down - Dana aint too happy with Greg Jackson as it seems he played a big part in Jones turning down the fight. They then announced Jones/Machida 2 at 152 but that was before Machida had even agreed. He wanted more time to prepare. So we've got Belfort.

Ah. Well that's a win / win for Jesus then, who'll get the credit for what ever result we end up with.

Lol at the stream of middle weights who'd rather pack on the pounds and face Jones than continue to queue up to lose to Silva.

yep, 1st time any champion has turned down a fight and subsequently 1st time ufc have cancelled a card..... dislike jackson/jones with every thing they do or i hear about them

sonnen has so much heart to step in with jones on short notice, smart thing to do for his career after the anderson thing, but still shows lots of heart.

Frankie Edgar replaces Erik Koch at UFC 153 and faces Jose Aldo. Exciting fight but is this the first title shot given to someone coming off the back of a loss, never mind two losses???

although it seems bad on the face of it, the closeness of the fights with hendo wouldnt be discrediting losses, i thought he won the 2nd fight 48-47.... but anyways should be an amazing fight

I scored it 48-47 Edgar too.

A close loss is still a loss. Think it's first time someone has fought for title coming off a loss when the title fight isn't a rematch - as in Edgar also just fought for the title coming off a loss, but it was a rematch.

yeh def unusual, but should be an amazing display of striking .... will be interesting to find out who is better at that aspect. plus its not like he got gifted a title shot but he filled in as a replacement.

Well stats say that Bendo outstruck Edgar......

I'm sure if they thought the card was strong enough they would have kept it alive, especially given the money they've already spent on promotion and whatnot. The problem is that they have so many events these days that the cards have gotten weaker, and rely solely on a main event, and if that main event goes tits up, the event goes down the hole because there isn't enough interest in the undercard.

This didn't used to be the case, which is a shame, as those fighters now lose out on a payday (or, at least, will have to wait) because of one man's decision to not accept a gift-wrapped fight against a fighter who has even less preparation, and is nowhere near the calibre required to truly concern Jones. Even if he did lose, the rematch would make him a lot more money than his next match if he'd have accepted and won, so it's kind of a win-win situation.

Still, I guess it saves UFC 152 from being a flop.

Fight isn't judged on those "significant strikes" stats though.
I only gave Henderson 1 round.
Take downs, octagon control, aggression was all Frankie for my money.

Hope he terrorises 145

Also hope someone Knocks Henderson off his perch ASAP.
rubs me up the wrong way

Oh sorry, I forgot my post said that the fight was scored on significant strikes. Plus I'm not only talking about significant strikes, there are other statistics available other than the ones they chuck on the screen on fight night.

Sorry, I'm not having a go.

Goldberg and Rogan just keep bleating on about that 'significant strikes' statistic, as if it's relevant to how a fight is scored.

Yeah, Goldie loves it

agreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed i hope diaz knocks seven bells of shit out of him....

Just copied this from the 'Tips for Tikay' thread. What is everyone backing tonight?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After UFC 151 was spectacularly cancelled, we have had to wait 6 weeks between UFC events. UFC 152 takes place tonight and features some excellent match-ups and one bet in particular stands out for me and is worthy of consideration for TfT.

The co-main event sees the flyweight title on the line for the first time ever and we should get treated to an excellent fight as Joseph Benavidez (16-2) of Team Alpha Male takes on Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson (15-2-1). The bookies are heavily favouring Benavidez (1/3) and that allows us to have an excellent value bet on Johnson. In my regular UFC betting article I advised Johnson at 12/5 but he must have seen a little support since with 9/4 the best price available with other firms shorter.

The fight is guaranteed to be close and I expected the two fighters to be priced much closer. If you were giving me even money either man, I would still take Johnson - to emphasise how good I think the price is.

My expectation is that the majority of the fight will take place in the striking department, an area I anticipate Johnson to have a slight edge. Johnson is the busier fighter, and in these fights where the expectation is that it will go the full 5 rounds (stoppages less frequent when you have two 9 stone men hitting each other) it is important to be active and to point score. I can't find the outright striking statistics but on significant strikes (of which the exact definition no one is really sure), Johnson lands 3.11 per minute to Benavidez's 2.84. Perhaps more significantly, Johnson has a strike accuracy of 49%, considerably higher than Benavidez's 32%. The defence stats are close, with both absorbing a similar amount. From the statisitics we can determine that Johnson throws more and lands more, which is of course an excellent combination.

Those statistics are no secret and Benavidez's gameplan may involve trying to take Johnson to the mat where he has had previous success with 8 career submission victories. However, getting close enough to take down the speedy Johnson will be a task in itself and even if he does, his takedown success is a poor 25% with Johnson's defence at 55%. In fact, I think we might see Johnson point score with the odd takedown of his own as he is an accomplished wrestler with a success rate of 54%.

The most likely outcome, in my opinion, is a Johnson victory by decision which is offered up at 9/2 with Bodog and was best price 16/5 (PP) when I wrote my article before Bodog offered their prices. SkyBet have since went 4/1.

I don't really know how to do the maths as to regards whether the 9/4 outright or 9/2 decision is the better price. Johnson has 6 of 15 wins by decision and 6 submission victories but I am ruling the submission victory out in this close fight. I'll suggest the outright price but hopefully someone can come in and explain the maths, maybe someone has experience with boxing markets which might be similar.

I suggest £20 @ 9/4 (Ladbrokes) Demetrious Johnson to defeat Joe Benavidez at UFC 152.

I've suggested a couple of other bets in my article if anyone fancies a sweat this evening: http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/news/ufc-152-beat-the-bookmakers/

It's TIMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (Almost :D)

This Sicilia fight was really great, both of them just going at it Rocky style!!

Marky, I've gave u a few duffs recently and missed u out on the DJ coup last time out but Silva 1st round 2/1 is very nice. Also Texeira by (T)KO 11/5 and Nog (T)KO 5/1 are the bets tonight.

Great fights tonight, that Texeira fight was incred!

Best card in ages.
Silva showed again while he's the greatest. I've heard a few people echo what Rogan was saying that Silva was showing disdain for Bonnar by going back to the cage, hands down, but I didn't see it that way.
No point circling out and backing off, as Bonnar will just chase.
No poimt pushing back, as Bonnar is too big and strong.
you could tell Bonnar was confused by the rope-a-dope antics.

I know Silva is adamant that he doesn't want to fight Jones, but they have to pursuade him. Makes a lot more sense than a catchweight one-off with GSP.
GSP coming off a long lay off, needing to reassert himself in the WW division. Lose/Lose for Silva
Where as, Jones is dominant at LHW, with no immediate credible threats.
Come on Dana, make it happen.
Would love to see Jones knocked off

That's the fight everyone wants to see Anderson Silva v Jon Jones! Really hope it happens

Unlikely it'll happen now with the Jones v Chael TUF/Fight just announced.

Dana is gonna put it on them to get it on though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLoCwHkFsm4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLoCwHkFsm4)

(Won't let me link the video directly)

I just heard that.
Epic!

The tele-conference was brilliant. Sonnen's comments on how tough the TUF tournaments are, were really good. Dana and the FX exec on the call must have been elated with that statement. He was then on great form for the rest of the call in his comments about Jones and all the top 205 fighters. Really looking forward to the season and for a change, will really be rooting for Sonnen in the fight. I'm always a bit an ABJ supporter (Anyone But Jones) but this time, even more so. I'm sure Sonnen will come across really well as a coach, and I fully expect Jones to come over as a complete douche.

On the subject of TUF, I'm really enjoying the contrast between the UKvAus TUF and the concurrent US TUF. Even though the rivallry is intense in the Smashes, both sets of fighters still show considerably more class than the American jocks.

GSP is back tonight!!!! Can't wait.

Got a few views on best bets, anyone else backing anything?

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/news/ufc-154-beat-the-bookmakers

Finally got caught up on Sky+ and watched the main eventlast night.
Fantastic return by GSP.
Shame drawn rounds are so rare in MMA scoring, because I think Condit could easily have been given a share of rounds 3 and 4.
As it was only 1 judge gave him half a round.

haven' had chance to trawl the pressers yet.
Any suggestions as to what next for GSP, the division, the Anderson superfight, etc?

Youve probs looked it up by now but it appears to be either Hendricks or superfight with Anderson

Speaking of Superfights, Anderson has been offered chance to have a superfight with GSP or Jon Jones, I feel like he is being a total bitch by going for the smaller guy especially he has has fought 2 LHWs recently

Don't think it's quite like that.
The Anderson v GSP fight has been talked about for years.
It's the P4P 1v2 fight and the 'legacy' fight for both guys.

comparitively, Jones has only been at the top 5 minutes and Anderson, how ever genuinely he means this, is essentially saying he doesn't want to derail the Jones train at this early stage.

That said, I'd personally much rather see him fight Jones than GSP, not least because I really like GSP and don't want to see him lose, and really dislike Jones and really want to see his self-rightious block knocked off. On the other hand, I'm a shameless Anderson fan too and I think Jones poses a much bigger threat to him than GSP.

all in all tough, I'd like to see GSP defend his belt against Hendricks, Anderson defend his belt against Bisping after he sees Belfort off, and I would LOVe to see Chael Sonnen put a beating on Jones after the next TUF. Can't see it, but god, I'd love it.
If there is going to be a catch weight GSP / Anderson fight, May seems a long way and it strangles both divisions for 12 months, which would suck.

Enjoy....

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei5A2Zu0AmA

JDS or Cain?

I'm going for JDS again.

I agree, think he's too slick and will KO him again

whats the card for tonight?

Main Card

Heavyweight    Junior dos Santos (c)    vs.    Cain Velasquez             
Lightweight    Joe Lauzon    vs.    Jim Miller             
Middleweight    Tim Boetsch    vs.    Costa Philippou             
Middleweight    Yushin Okami    vs.    Alan Belcher             
Middleweight    Chris Leben    vs.    Derek Brunson       
      
Preliminary Card (FX)

Bantamweight    Brad Pickett    vs.    Eddie Wineland             
Bantamweight    Erik Perez    vs.    Byron Bloodworth             
Lightweight    Melvin Guillard    vs.    Jamie Varner             
Lightweight    Michael Johnson    vs.    Myles Jury       
      
Preliminary Card (Facebook)

Heavyweight    Phil De Fries    vs.    Todd Duffee             
Featherweight    Leonard Garcia    vs.    Max Holloway             
Flyweight            Chris Cariaso    vs.    John Moraga                

It got ravaged by injuries. Main event is Dos Santos v Velasquez for HW title. Philippou v Boetsch co-main. You've got Miller/Lauzon and Belcher/Okami too. Brit Pickett leads the undercard against Wineland.

What Mark said.

Anyone backing anything?

I've offered up Boetsch on points on the TfT thread.

Considering JDS on points @ 14/1 as think his smashes of Cain and Mir have thrown that price off a bit. He decisioned Carwin and Nelson before that.

Who do we like for Bisping v Belfort?
not really worth a bet as Bisping is only just past evens, but I think he'll grind a decision out against Vitor.
I'd have been worried about the power of a past Vitor, given Mikes tendancy to get clipped early, but I think if he can stay out of trouble early doors, he should be ok (is it a 5 rounder? deffo Bisping points win if it is)

I like Bisping to grind it out too I think, but as you said not worth betting on and hopefully he can grind him down.

I know Bisping was a light-heavy before, but I think Belfort is naturally much bigger and finds it a lot harder to make 185 than Bisping  does which works in his favour too.

Not that I think he'll win it, but I think Bisping really deserves his crack at Anderson.
A win here must put him front of the queue.

No chance of this happening, but wouldn't you love to see TUF UK v Brazil, Bisping v Anderson

would we get hammered by the Brazilians? I would expect the gulf in talent and natural ability would be similar to the football teams.

maybe, maybe not.
I don't know enough about the unsigned talent pool, but I thought the lads in the Smashes were a decent quality.
Maybe it'd have to be Europe v Brazil to make it a comparible population to draw fighters from.

Bisping is guaranteed a shot at Silva if he wins.

I heard Dana say that in a press scrum, but that's never set in stone :)

edit: also in the vlog for the event :)

I would hazard a guess that we would get smashed to pieces by the Brazilians, Scotty will probably be able to give a more informed opinion.

The lads in Smashes were good against the Australians, but I'm not sure that says a lot in the grand scheme of things.

Europe V Brazil might be something worth considering and would save us getting smashed to bits at a guess :D

The thing is with TUF is that it doesn't tend to be the best of the unsigned talent that joins the show. The UK team could have been stronger and there is no way that could have been Australia's strongest team, their LWs were dreadful. Rob Sinclair, the BAMMA World Champion, applied for the show and for him not to get in is a little ridic - although I think he was told one more win and he'd get a deal or something.

The sport in Brazil is so much more advanced that it would likely be one sided. But it's also more advanced in the US and Te UK beat them, although I hazard a guess that that wasn't the strongest US team possible.

So really it just depends which fighters would ge selected, if their picking the best available fighters (rather than perhaps the best personalities) then Brazil would be win easily. IMO.

Have 3 Feb 16th Wembley tickets for sale. 60 something each.

Gutted. Vitor + God too powerful for Mike on his own.

Gutted too.

Humble in defeat saying Vitor was the better fighter on the night. I thought at first it was stopped a little bit early but if he is not moaning about the stoppage then he was really hurt by the kicks so was saved further punishment and injury. Hated seeing that last punch he took from Henderson.

You'd think to get back to title contention, he'd need to get through the likes of Weidman and Lombard.

Good luck to him.

Vitor not even asking for MW shot. Would rather duck Anderson and try his luck against Jones again. And he tries to get that fight by bad mouthing Sonnen, rather than Jones  himself.

Bitch move IMO.

Vitor used to be one of my favourite fighters back in the day, but over the last few years, he tilts me so bad.

TUF Jones v Sonnen
Jones and his whole team are coming off as total dicks so far.
The fighters are arrogant enough to come up with a full list of picks for the season, which they think is a recipe for winning it with a white wash.
When Jones picks a fight from that list that's one of their weaker guys against Sonnens top pick, they all bitch and moan that it shouldn't be the first fight because they aren't confident their guy can win.
Coaches and team mates alike make no secret of their lack of confidence in their man and crush his self belief.
When thier man loses, Jones holds this failure up as a warning, humiliating the losing fighter further.

Meanwhile, Sonnen gets control and puts his strongest guy against another inexperienced young Jones guy and Jones' team are shitting themselves about that result too.

Sadly, I think it's likely there'll be a shock result in favour of Jones' guy because in the teasers for next week's brutal KO, it's Chael that jumps up and runs towards the cage, and it's one of his assistant coaches out by the ambulance, although we don't see the fighter getting carted away.

Totally rooting for Sonnen both as a coach, and in his fight against Jones.
I know the latter is a longshot, but I'm still hoping for an upset there.

Pretty sure that's just clever editing, and if u look closely at that scene it's Mike Dolce (Sonnens Nutritionist) by the ambulance.
It's definatley a black guy in the ambulance but wouldn't suprise me if its Kevin Casey, and that its more of a weight issue (pretty sure he has has prior problems)
This season is set to be the best since Season 5, it's rich with talent for sure.
If I was a betting man, and I am when it comes to MMA, it wouldn't suprise me to see Tor make the finals....whether vs Barnett, Hall or any of another select few.....

PS....Didnt know Blonde had an MMA section, happy man!!!

PPS. What's everyone's thoughts on the supercard this weekend??!!  My gut says Frankie will be out pointed again.

Oh and I see Bisping v Belcher has now been booked....a fight Bisping can easily lose, unless he just wrestle fucks Belcher.  TBH Bisping will always struggle vs Top 10 guys as he is distinctly average in most areas, weak subs and pillow hands.

Would love to see Frankie win, but it's a tough ask.
Never been stopped though, so it should be a war.

Expect Rashad to handle Little Nog ok. TKO 2/3

Also expecting Overeem to dispatch Big Foot in short order.

Would very much hope Maia can slap a sub on Fitch, but expecting a grinding slow gound fight there.

On Bisping, I'd say it's more like top 5 than top 10 he'll always struggle against.
He was competitive in his losses to Sonnen, Evans and Wanderlai.
I thought he was looking ok against Vitor too initially.
I think "weak subs and pillow hands" is a bit unfair.
He's not aggressive with his subs for sure, and he's no KO artist, but he's picked a few apart and opponents do get busted up against him
I like Belcher a lot, but think Bisping should get out of that with a W

Bisping is a weird one as:

His TDD is solid so is rarely on his back
If on his back he is confident anyway
As his TDD is so strong, it stays on its feet... But he'll never KO anyone.
Dont get me wrong, i like Bisping, i just dont like his gameplan

As for the card:

Aldo beats Edgar - but points
Rashad should dispatch Lil Nog
I expect Fitch to win by "cuddles" but want Maia to win
Reem should beat Big Foot.

Still a lil gutted Dodson didnt beat Mighty Mouse, definatly think that Illegal Knee deserved a point deduction and i think Dodson wins the title with a pt removed - (Sure 2 judges had it 48-47 MM)

can't stand Dodson. makes my skin crawl for some reason.
I'm struggling to get excited about the very lightest weights for some reason.
Always loved LW and FW is starting to look stacked with some good former LWs moving down, but Bantam and Fly just haven't grabbed me as yet.
Maybe Barao and MacDonald will convert me on 16th Feb on BW

Pretty ridic Bisping hate, very good technical fighter and a solid top ten guy, he'll have too much for Belcher. He rumoured at Belfort having failed his drug test on Twitter yesterday too.

Really cheering on Luke on TUF, would be good to see him go far but he wasn't overly iimpressive, despite the beast KO. That's not Uriah in the ambulance either so that's just edited to make you think it could be - think it's unrelated to the fight - pretty sure it's Kevin. Hall looks a beast and should do the damage this week whilst Tor is one to keep an eye on I reckon.

Dodson doesn't win the title with the point deduction, would have been a majority draw. But irrelevant as a point deduction straight off the bat is so rare these days so would have been harsh.

Looking forward to 156 tonight, here's my betting article....

http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/news/ufc-156-beat-the-bookmakers/

Have a read if you get a chance. Overeem in the 1st round looks playable and I've a few other fancies.

Nice one Scotty leggoooooooo!

Ok, I've done your suggested 'Decisions' @ 9/1  and also done Woodley by decision @ 29/20

My random puntbet is...

Overeem in the 2nd
Evans by TKO/KO
McCall

Cheeky £10 at 39/1  :P

Roll on the prelims!!


I'd like to see Luke do well too, but he just comes off slightly annoying with his 'I've got nothing' and reminds me of that guy last season who bit the fella he was fighting  ;dingdell;

Thought it was a pretty awkward performance too and will be interested to see how he copes going forward.

Chael Sonnen is an absolute hero and I'm still so gutted that he didn't beat Silva at 148 in the summer!!

Only just saw your post, makes a good read and agree with large %% of the bets.

I had an 82% win rate on UFC fight picks last year, and cant disagree at all.

Decisions is a great bet.

Im quite tempted for a late treble:

Tibau + Volkmann + Fitch

But i cant stand Fitch and would love Maia to crush him......will be interesting if it goes to the ground!?

Good card so far!

Plan B...

Overeem and Evans both by KO/TKO

Nothing went too well at UFC 156 betting wise, except in the ME. Next time.

POTENTIAL TUF SPOILER IN THIS LINK. DON'T OPEN IF YOU AINT SEEN EPISODE 3.

If you have seen it, how immense?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_nkOyu201M

Haven't imbedded as still is spoiler.

Scotty any links to watch this online?

mma-core.com will have it.

Not wrong, bookies must have made a killing with all those upsets!

Evans fight was a disgrace and he shouldn't even get paid for that!

Overeem expected to walk through him I think and looked pretty lazy on the most part I think. I haven't watched it again yet and maybe am being a bit harsh...

Looks like they need to find a knockout artist for Aldo :D

Think it's Aldo v Pettis next which is a crazy fight. Pettis dropping down to take him on.

Usually I'm pretty solid at finding the upsets but not 156, just didn't see them coming.

Took all week to get caught up on Sky+
I actually enjoyed the Maia v Fitch fight more than I thought I would. Nice to see Fitch dominated and frustrated for a change

Overeem was looking in control until he got punished for the disrespect. I heard its JDS next, which will be a cracker.

I actually didn't think Rashad v Little Nog was that bad either. Certainly not the barn burner we'd hoped for, but not the shocker Marky describes either. I thought Rashad edged it personally, but close enough that it could have gone either way.

Thought Frankie held his own. I think I heard someone say if Frankie and Aldo were locked in a room for an hour, it's Frankie that'd come out the winner, which I think is about right. Would love to see Aldo move up and beat the snot out of Henderson, who I can't stand.

TUF was great. Jones' lad was doing ok but Hall is UFC-ready.
Great to see Sonnen owning Jones as a coach. Hope he cancomplete a shut out and follow it up in the cage.
BELIEVE!

Have two tickets for Saturday night, £100 for the pair. Awesome card. And you get to sit next to me.

Paging Scotty :)

What you on tonight mate?

Had a bit of Hendricks KO/TKO or DQ @ 3/1 with PP and hope he puts a proper haymaker into Condit on the way to GSP!

GSP fight I'm expecting it to be in the same vein as his fight against Koscheck and he will just punch him about whilst in the top position over 5 rounds. Can't really bet that at 8/15, so I think I'll have a tickle on GSP actually pounding him out this time @ 4/1 with Lads.

The undercard has been sick, excellent fight there, and that Jordan Mein looked electric.

Yeah Cote was good there, the other fella didn't look too bad either.

I was having a doze and missed that one :D

For me that fight could of gone either way.

Loving this fight, as I was all over the SMASHES and the Ultimate fighter with Ricci who was out brawled by a US marine! Doubt the mackem will have enough for the pretty boy.

Yeah, I watched all of those too and they're great. I didn't realise Ricci was fighting a weight class above against Colton Smith too, well until Joe said about it before the fight.

So good it's annoying!

That said, I think it was the most banged up I remember him being for a while and he did spend 1/2 the fight standing with him.

Very enjoyable. Sorry I didn't give you anything beforehand Mark but it would have only been GSP decision and you got that by yourself anyway. Loved Condit/Hendricks.

Disappointed Freakshow lost, very likeable guy. As it happen, Colton Smith can also make LW so the Ricci losing in the final because of that was useless info.

TUF finale tonight and I can't see past a Hall victory in the main event. Gastelum is a solid fighter, but this Hall is a killer and I think even money for him to win KO/TKO/DQ is a good price!

What price is this? Even Dana White would stick the mortgage on this one!

Just put a couple of bets on TfT actually.

I like Browne in R1 @ 17/10 Ladbrokes. Of the TUF fights, Andrews shouldn't be even money against Quinlan.

Where's the evens Mark?

Laddies were going evens on Hall KO/TKO/DQ when PP were 4/7, but it's moved to 8/11 now and I'd probably still bet at that price anyway.

I'll go have a look in TfT and probably have an interest on those too.

On both yours Scotty, had a cheeky trixie too

Faber - Decision
Browne - 1st
Hall - TKO/KO/DQ

Facebook prelims - https://www.facebook.com/UFC/app_247211121995467

Normal prelims - http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/180831/1/watch-the-ultimate-fighter-finale:-prelims.html

Main card - http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/180799/1/watch-the-ultimate-fighter-finale.html

Not sure how Josh Samman managed to get out of that submission in the first round!

One weighed in Scotty, lets make the pair for a nice 23/1 double!

Sigh...

analysis of a UFC contract

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1516575-the-business-of-fighting-a-look-inside-the-ufcs-top-secret-fighter-contract

most of that looks pretty fair to me.
Fighters are signing up to be an asset of the UFC and make a decent living at it.
It's a very well paid JOB.
if you don't like it, get your CV up to date and do something else, same as the rest of us :)

HERE WE GO!

Can't wait for tonight, lots of people going for Weidman and doubting Silva. You can't pick against Ando Silva, he's the man!!!

Picked out a few bets for tonight for those who are interested...

http://www.betpal.com/ufc-betting-tips-ufc-162-silva-vs-weidman

Just caught up with last nights card. Just wow, there has been lots of sport on this weekend and that was the second time I jumped off my feet (the other was corbisieo's try). Lights out for an amazing champion who showed no respect.

I'm still a shameless Anderson nut-hugger.
The showboating, arms down taunting thing had been working well in recent fights, and was working well on Saturday, right up till the point Weidman caught him.
Bet the farm on him in the rematch.

Great card all round.
Barboza is a really promising guy, Swanson is entertaining (as is Siver, but he needs to shed some muscle mass. too small for 155, too slow for 145 and too good to cut), great to see Gonzaga with some killer instinct again, even it it was only for 14 seconds, Frankie Edgar should settle into the new class nicely and should take another couple of 3 rounders before challenging for any belt again, Munoz isn't my kind of fighter, but he's still making a noise at MW, and Leben needs to hang em up. Tough as nails, but if he won't retire, someone needs to make an executive decision.

Agree with most of that Adam.

Silva's gameplan was working perfectly, Weidman looked to be abandoning wrestling and wasn't sure what the fuck was going on, then Silva just took it far too far.

Love Barboza, I'm a bit of a fanboy for the high level kickers. I can't warm to Swanson yet, although undoubtedly he is very good. Aldo beat him in 8 seconds though!!!

Don't like Munoz and don't see his new improved physique being any use to him against the top 5 guys. Leben is dreadful.

No, I wanted Siver to win, over Swanson.
To be fair though, Aldo is a different gravy.

I think the Anderson loss is great for the sport. should hopefully fire him into another gear.

Yeah, I think it was summed up well in the post fight press conference and it wasn't disrespectful as such. Silva got taken down straight off the bat and took some damage, so once he got up it was in his interests to keep it on the feet. He has always been prone to the showmanship, but it wasn't to take the piss and was merely to incite Weidman to fight his kind of fight. Didn't work out too well, but I guess that's variance  :P

I only caught the end of Swanson's fight, but he was awesome and will definitely put on some great bouts in the future.

Munoz's performance was very dominating and it's always nice to see someone battling through adversity to get another shot.

The Kennedy fight was a bit meh to me, but I'm a bit of an uncultured fan that just loves the carnage :D

Edgar vs Oliveira was a great fight for the fans and it's great when both fighters are going for it!

the only two I didn't pick right (not counting the opening two facebook ones, which I passed on) were the main event and Kennedy v Gracie.
I expected a dull fight, buth thought Roger Gracie might pull out a technical submission late.
happy with 7/9 though, but most were prediction gimmes

I watched the whole post fight press conference last night and the Leben issue was addressed in that. Dana loves Leben, but his style of fighting is 'very unhealthy' and he is going to sit down for a talk with him.

Obviously fighters are normally 3 and out, but he is worried about how he will adjust with life after the octagon, and I think he wants to ensure that there is something for him to focus on once he's no longer under contract to the UFC.

Obviously Dana is making bank from the UFC, but it's hard not to like him and he really does seem to be a straight shooter. Obviously I could be way off the mark, but that's the perception you get and there hasn't been much press slagging him that I'm aware of anyway.

I love Dana White.
Real straight forward guy and passionate about what he does.

absolute LOL at the press scrum not getting what P4P is all about too.
Ariel Helwani (who I used to really like, but has recently started to piss me off) asked how the loss affected Anderson's P4P ranking? Who's #1
Dana said he guessed that meant Jon Jones was (which I whole heartedly disagree with. Anderson's achievements still FAR out weight Jones') but Helwani and some of the other press idiots were suggesting Weidman was above him on that list by virtue of beating him. Fucking idiots.

For me, that's still
Anderson >>>>>GSP>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Jones>>Aldo>>>>>>>Henderson
Anderson's period of utter domination means he stays there till he either put a horrendous losing streak together, or retires and is surpassed years later.
GSP's period of domination of WW is also far greater than what Jones has achieve SO FAR.
I think it's likely that Jones will close that gap on GSP and Anderson, but Anderson is still clealy the P4P #1 in the world.

Anyone suggesting that Saturday's result shows Weidman is a better fighter than Anderson is a moron.
They fight 10 times, Anderson wins 7 or 8.

I think Jones should be closer to GSP, in fact I think its pretty close to Jones>GSP.  GSP has been winning fights but not really looking like finishing any of them (7 decisions in last 8 fights).  Jones has been completely crushing a better division and putting people away pretty easily.

I don't think finishing fights within the distance necessarily has any bearing on a fighters place in a P4P list.

Looking hard at the two fighters records and trying really hard to ignore the fact I hate Jones, I'd admit it's closer than I said before. GSP still edges 2nd place for me though

24-2-0 record, with 1 loss against Matt Hughes in his prime (avenged 2 years later to win interim belt), and the other a shock upset to Matt Serra (avenged 12 months later to unify the interim / undisputed belt)
8 defences of the title, plus the unification fight.
Fought and beat every top 5 contender over an 11 year period.

Jone is 18-1 over 5 years and the loss was a disqualification. A great record, but I don't think he's facing the LHW division at it's strongest. Looking down his record, you could argue he's meeting a lot of guys on the fade. Don't see who's going to shift him though. Would be funking hard for Gustaffson if he got a shot, but it's a tall order (no pun intended)

There's no denying that with the physical attributes, training camp, youth and of course Jesus, all on his side, he'll probably threaten both Anderson and GSP's records long term.

;D

If Gustaffson beats Jones, what does THAT do to the P4P rankings??

Any picks for Saturday's card?

Chael to beat Shogun convincingly
Travis Brown to beat Overeem
Faber to beat Alcantara
Pyle to beat Brown
Hall to beat Howard
Lauzon to beat Johnson
Macdonald to beat Pickett
McGregor to beat Holloway
Brown to beat Siler
Brandao to beat Pineda
Miller to beat Gamburyan
St Preux to beat Donovan
Nijem to beat Vick

Made all those predictions before checking odds.
All are with the favourites except Miller, Pyle and Travis Browne.
accumulator time I reckon.

found £18 I didn't know in my Skybet account.
£3.70 on a 13 fold, paying £1215.46
£0.05 across 286 10 folds paying up to £1307.95

was tempted to swich from Mike Pyle to Mike Brown, but stuck with my first thought.

Think Overeem smashes Brown

Hi guys had a look through this thread but tl, any links when I can do some general reading on this series ?

Steve

Hey Steve, what do you mean by series?

Few knowledgable MMA guys here who can definitely help.

Doing my article research at the moment and it mostly consists of trying to find the best way to be with Lauzon.

Mike Pyle is the best of the underdogs and I think Siler is backable too.

Hi mate,

I just bumped into this thread and whilst have enjoyed some MMA late at night at the end of a grind I have never followed it.  I assumed that this was like "MMA 26  the worlds end", or some such WWF  type title and that there would be some link to who's playing :)  times, form and off course details on railing :)  I Did a little search but couldn't find an obvious event going on this Saturday I assumed that there was an on going series of matches  or something ?.

Cheers

Steve

So basically, MMA is the sport with the UFC being the pinnacle, the one MMA organisation everyone wants to fight in. They have numbered events like you mentioned, and it is UFC Fight Night 26 tomorrow evening, should be awesome.

I use sherdog.com for all the "form" etc that you are after. Here's a link to the fight card and from there you can click on each fight to see their records etc: http://www.sherdog.com/events/UFC-Fight-Night-26-Shogun-vs-Sonnen-29795

And here is their preview article: http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/UFC-Fight-Night-26-Preview-54933

Should be kicking off at 3am Sat night/Sun morning.

That's  exactly what I wanted  TY, I sussed out that you guys were referring to "UFC Fight Night 26".


Cheers

Got a new guy to rail now too!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21m-FnPd1cM

Danaaaaa... 60Gs BABYYYY! :D

haha, love McGregor

Like I mentioned a few posts ago, wanted to get with Lauzon in the best way possible and I think the 10/11 to win by sub is the best bet. Also like 10/3 SotN given it would be for the record and it's his hometown etc.

Any other bets?

http://www.betpal.com/ufc-fight-night-26-betting-tips

Just got around to reading your article now, (very good read), obv going for the most degen bets and can't find 'Hall KO of the night' anywhere?

wp me, dunno wtf is wrong with Overeem.  Looked like he gassed stupidly fast and then just drops his hands and gets clipped

Pretty simple mate, didn't you see his last fight? No juice in him and less confidence. He's too muscled up to have great cardio without taking shit he shouldnt be taking.

Can we watch this any where?

Should be all up on here mate http://www.mma-core.com/

Should thank Adam too for winning me a couple quid  ;hattip;

I couldn't find any of Scotty's bets last night for some reason, so just punted Adam's 4 on the main card as an acca

Chael to beat Shogun
Travis Brown to beat Overeem
Faber to beat Alcantara
Pyle to beat Brown

Obv that didn't work out with Pyle getting ironed out in 30 seconds, so I just went in again on the last 3

I saw the Faber fight (thought he was in trouble too for a second), fell asleep before the Overeem/Browne fight, and woke up just as Sonnen was doing the ringwalk.

I didn't see all of the fights, but from what I did see -

McDonald is mustard, and Pickett is going to have a massive headache!

McGregor is going to be around for a long time as was very impressive. He basically completely shut down a guy who previously had extremely high striking output figures.

Thought Michael Johnson looked a much improved fighter and a clear UD was on the money.

Uriah Hall was rather underwhelming again, his groundwork looked good, but would be nice to see him trying to spark people out again!

Brown just smashed Pyle up, so can't really say much about that :D

Faber is just a boss, Alcantara must have thought he was in great shape, and then ends up getting smashed about for most of the fight!

Overeem can maybe feel a little aggrieved there, I have seen fights stopped quicker than that one last night. That said, he got what he deserved after floating around the ring like a doorman for the 2nd half of the round, and Browne rode the storm out well (thankfully)

Sonnen is just Sonnen <3
Didn't look up the result, went to bed and then downloaded the card this morning. Suffice to say I was thinking the bookies had made a mistake after a minute :D

Im still confused at the Manny/Miller elbow incident....watched it back a few times and they look clean enough.

Manny then seems to milk it inbetween rounds and gets longer to recover, and then goes on to win a decision(must say i thought Cole won the fight)

Very odd.

Great card for bets as had Sonnen, Faber, Browne and Brown all to win. :)

Rumour is that Hall is getting the chop, which is mad to think after all the hype he had on TUF, seems that the spinning kick KO he dished out has stayed with him and he hasnt seemed the same fighter since....and to think people were tipping him to storm the division and take a title!

Gutted for Pickett, think he will become a gatekeeper for the Division and always be around the top 5/10 but never breakthrough (same as Bisping tbh)

Some interesting Match Ups to make off the back of this card.

Sonnen/Belfort (rumour has it)
Faber/MacDonald)
Brown vs a top 10 WW (Condit/Kampmann loser would be sick! Although i woulda loved Daley to come back and get Brown)

Sorry mate, only just seen this. Binked the Pickett/McDonald FotN at 13/2 too. Had Siler too so article bets went well despite my big Lauzon punt going pear shaped.

Only on my phone, will give my event thoughts when on laptop.

Only managed a piss poor 7/13
Annoyingly, the last three were the ones I was must sure of.
If I hadn't been greedy and just took Sonnen, Brown and Faber I'd have been good.

Great card.

Was always on series link on ESPN, and school boy error, I forgot to set Sky+ Saturday night so had to settle for the Sunday replay, but saw most if the fights.

What happened with Gamburyan?
That scumbag turned a glove touch into a spinning back fist knock out, so if he's been involved in some shady behaviour, I wouldn't be at all surprised.

See if I can improve on my dismal 7/13 on the last event

Thursday:
Condit Beats Kampmann (though Kampmann is by far my farourite fighter of the pair :( )
Cerone beats Dos Anjos
Melancon beats Gastelum

Actually, looking down the card, i know very little about most of them, so they'd be guesses.

Saturday looks good though.
I only have strong feelings about the top four fights, I'm heavily routing for one fighter based on thoroughly disliking the other.
Without even checking the odds, I'm sure I'm supporting the outsider in at least the top three.

Pettis please beat Henderson
Mir please beat Barnett
Guida please beat Mendes
Rothwell please beat Vera

I've done a treble for tonight

McGee
Cerrone
Condit by decision

Pays just under 10/1 with Laddies

like the look of that bet.

Fingers crossed :)

These are the odds for Saturday


Pettis Evens v Henderson 10/11

Mir 9/5 v Barnett 4/7

Mendes 3/10 v Guida 7/2

Rothwell 11/10 v Vera 10/13


Would make a tasty 46/1 four timer!

So Marky thinks it's tonight, and Adam thinks it's Thursday. It's actually Wednesday!

I actually thought today was Wednesday ;D

I'll be watching Thursday
;)

I like Mir at 9/5

Did you guys see Whittaker's last fight? Looked improved from his TUF times. I'm looking to get with him.

And Condit is a killer, so entertaining. Not sure on points is the best way to get with him though. I'm still thinking.

Wasn't it points last time they met?

To Kampmann.
Damn my memory, would have sworn it went the other way

Yeah was a split to Kampmann. Over 4 years ago, I think it has slim to no bearing on tomorrow's fight.

I also think Condit will win inside the distance, but Kampmann is more than capable of the win.

I just see Condit coming out super aggressive. Might play Condit R1 @ 9/2 and/or 13/8 the KO/TKO.

So, went with the above bets in the end. I can't see any other outcomes (sorry Kampmann fans).

Went with Whittaker too, more as an article filler but still fancy him to win a decision.

http://www.betpal.com/ufc-betting-tips-ufc-fight-night-27

I've gone for an accumulator over the two cards
Cerrone to beat Dos Anjos
Condit to beat Kampmann
Rothwell to beat Vera
Mir to beat Barnett
Mendes to beat Guida
pays 15/1

had to really avoid betting with the heart on a few fights.
Really like Guida, Kampmann and REALLY dislike Henderson.
Managed to make myself bet against the first two.
Decided to leave Henderson off the slip because although I suspect he'll win, I can't face the idea of pulling for him in any way.

I think you're right about Whitaker, but I like McGee too, so left that one off.

Gone for a 20/1 treble :)


Whittaker - Decision
Cerrone   - Decision
Condit      - KO/TKO

Never seen that before... One Judge 30-27 Whittaker and another 30-27 McGee!

There has been a few in recent times. Must be misclicks.

Only one from five for me but it was headline selection so happy enough. Rest was just filler.

I'm glad Cerrone lost, because I thought Whittaker had edged it, and would have been pissed if that had been the one which let me down!

Any more thoughts for tonight? Headline bet is Mendes by UD @ 6/4, think it's a very good bet. Also like Gaudinot and Rothwell of the underdogs.

http://www.betpal.com/ufc-betting-tips-ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis-2

I've done another cheeky treble

Rothwell
Mir
Pettis

17/2

Little gutted that Koch/Poirier wasn't FotN

I was gutted the Mir fight got stopped, that said, I don't think he would have won anyway...

2 fights in a row Mir hasntmade much of an attempt to get off the cage and he got totally smashed.  I think the stoppage was early but he popped up after it was stopped, think Barnett wouldve KO'd him from there anyway.

Surely Vera has to be cut now.  Too small for HW, not strong enough at LHW and Ive never been impressed with him anyway.

Ha, thought much the same myself, and said to the lad who was watching it with me that it would be the last time I ever back Mir.

He came in looking in great shape and possibly the best condition I can remember. He started off great for about 30 seconds, but then just looked like he wasn't really interested once Barnett had stuck a few on him.

Thought Vera looked better last night than he does at 205, but he's never gonna be challenging anywhere. Dana has been wielding the axe a bit lately so wouldn't surprise me, but I'd like Mir shipped out with him I think...

Not the most exciting card tonight but should be interesting nevertheless.

Went with Tor Troeng (12/5) who looks overpriced and Benavidez to stop Formiga @ 4/5.

http://www.betpal.com/ufc-betting-tips-ufc-fight-night-28

Best thing about 164 was Henderson losing, although irritatingly, he still got a chance to remind everything that he can do all things through Jesus.
I wonder, would Jesus touch gloves before a fight?

I was hoping that Henderson would win, but only because it would have meant the blame didn't lie solely with Mir for costing me the best part of £200!

Finally got caught up with the UFN from last week.
Hate to say it, but I think Texiera is massively over hyped.
Don't get me wrong, tough guy, and exciting to watch, but Jones won't break a sweat with him.
Bader had him in all sorts of trouble.

I think Gustaffson will give Jones a fight, but if the champ sees him off, and dispatches Texiera as easily as I think he will, the division is looking pretty cleaned out.

Pretty depressing as a confirmed Jones hater :(

Just seen the next TUF coach line up.
Frankie Edgar v BJ Penn at 145

BJ at 145??
he could barely get down to 155.

Still, BJ's a legend, so good luck to him, although I think even at the new weight, Frankie has his number.

Sorry to read that Marky147 but Barnet's a Beast, and if he can stay fit and off the Sted's he might get a decent run at the Title.

UFC 165

Lay of the year is Gustafsson, can't see him troubling Jones at all. (As long as the compound fracture is all ok)
A small saver on Eddie Wineland is a must at 4/1, is great value but has a tough match.

Technically he only cost me £20, so it's no biggie.

Barnett definitely looked impressive for sure, the bet was a bit of wishful thinking anyway :)

I've gone the other way.
While I think a jones win is the most likely outcome, I couldn't resist a bet on 5/1 Gustaffson.
I think the skill gap between them is a fraction of that between Weidman and Silva, so anything is possible.

WARR GUSTAFFSON

Will be an interesting match, as Jones has never fought anyone with gustafsson's reach, but I think Jones will be able to take him down at will and keep him there.

Hope you're right Adam, I'd love to see Jones get ironed out!

Only bet I've done so far is Mitrione by KO @ 7/5 with laddies, gonna have a look for a punty acca once I've had some dinner.

I had that 48/47 as I gave Gustaffson 1 & 3
Good effort. Next time.

Could either of us gotten it more wrong?

:D



I actually gave him the first 3, but it was so close you couldn't expect Jones to lose the belt.

I jumped on with you to get out of it for the day, and we definitely had a big old slice of value pie!

I think there was a good shout for round 2 to be a draw, but they're so rarely scored that way, so for the two head kicks and the elbow, Jones narrowly.

I can't see how one judge gave it 49/46. Presumably the third, but looked clear enough Gustaffson to me.
Didn't change the result though, so no point moaning.

 

Not seen the fight yet, but have been told it's close, will comment on it tomorrow.

anywhere to watch the fight or the highlights online?

Only just noticed this mate, sorry... http://www.mma-core.com/

The fights are normally up on there the day after.

cheers mate!

Closest fight ever??

I watched it live, and although it was 5am, i scored it 48-47 Gus.

Watched it the next day and scored it 48-47 Jones.

Watched it yesterday and actually scoring one rd 10-10 for a 48-48 draw...

Shows how poor the Maynard/Edgar judging was when they scored that a draw (#2)

Anyone betting on TUF 18? 

I thought Gustafsson won the first 3, Jones the 4th and the 5th could have been given to either.

I've not bet on TUF, but I have found the more I watch, the more I dislike Ronda Rousey!

I always thought she was ace, but she is honestly like a 5 year old child and I am really rooting for Miesha's team now!

Julianna Pena seems pretty cool, so I hope she wins from the girls, and hopefully one of the brits can win the mens side.

Watched the fight again, thought AG clearly won R1, thought he edged R2, thought R3 was 10-10 but they cant score a 10-10, it couldve went either way.  AG was actually winning R4 until he got nailed by the spinning elbows and almost finished at the end of the round so clearly R4 for Jones.  If AG didnt look so gassed in R5 he couldve stole it but he was just trying to survive, Jones wasnt in much better shape but I think he clearly won R5.  I guess the judges scored it the same and all edged towards Jones in R3 (and R2 for the idiot that scored it 49-46), can call it champions advantage but I dont think it was a robbery like everyone was saying.  AG was unlucky not to win but wasnt robbed imo, I think the people saying otherwise is because of some kind of combo of hating Jones and wanting to see him lose and being surprised Gustafson performed so well against him.  Hopefully a rematch can live up to the hype.

Yeah, I said after the fight that you could never expect Jones to lose the belt in a close fight.

The worst thing is, we won't ever see 5/1+ for Gustafsson again :(

Just heard Bisping is out of the Munoz fight.
Complications with the eye he had surgery on apparently.

Gutted

Yea I heard that too, but saves us from a snorefest and him from losing to a fighter he should beat I suppose.
Wish he could make a run at the title but he needs to find some power.

As for TUF, yea I was a huge Ronda fan but now am left thinking what a tool.
Think the ladies fights, from now on, should be epic. Duke, Moras,Pennington and Morgan all to fight. Think Duke < Moras and Pennington < Morgan.

Tbh not too bothered bout the men. Think it's Bollinger v Holdsworth final but none are good enough to stay in the division sadly

While there's no use pretending Bisping will ever be a knock out artist, I also do subscribe to this pillow fists nonsence either.
Leben looked like he'd been hit by a bus at the final bell in their fight, and I seem to remember Wanderlai on chicken legs at one point too.
Actually, looking at the record, he does have 14 KO/TKO finishes from 24 wins.

I still don't think Bisping believes he can beat Anderson, but he REALLY wants a crack at Weidman, who he thinks is a good match up for him.

Maybe this lines that fight up.
Anderson smashes Weidman in the rematch.
Machida derails Munoz
Bisping gets healthy and gets Weidman (who I still think is good, but hugely over hyped) and a convincing win might finally get him that shot.
Even a subsequent match up with Machida as an eliminator wouldn't be the end of the world for him. That seems like a good stylistic match up for Bisping to me.
Would Anderson and Machida fight, or might they swap divisions in the near future?

Pretty sure i read that AS has refused a fight v LM.

Think MB could beat CW, deffo, however i think CW is one of the only top 5 in the division that i think MB beats.

Big night in UFC! Heavyweight title is huge, can Dos Santos land a blow before he is mauled by the champion? Probably not.

As an aside, The last two ultimate fighter bouts have been out of this world, the girls fight was off the charts!

All on the boy Nelson to spark Cormier in the first and get me out for the day :)

What price? Can he tag him?

9/1 Skybet, I hope so!

6.8 on befair on ko/tko surely better value no?

Reckon if Nelson wins, he wins in the 1st, unless he's found some pretty good cardio.

If it goes beyond that, I think he'll be wandering around the ring looking like most of us did coming off that cruise in 2006 ;)

With Marky on this, when he hits them its usually early doors. Will have a small wager and hope big country does the business!

Shame that there is no real danger of anyone smashing Ronda up, would be epic if Miesha sparked her at the finale!

What a fight that was, puts some of the men to shame!

Last nights fights were 'as good as it gets'. Joe Rogan called the Mendez v Sanchez fight as the best he has ever seen! Two absolute bosses.

Definitely the best card I've ever seen and the Sanchez fight was just amazing!

Love Diego!

I dont find the heavyweight division at all exciting atm!

Anyone else think hendo is insane value for his fight vs vitor?

Agree, feels like nobody can beat Cain and nobody else can beat JDS and everyone else is just propping up the division.  An Overeem comeback could be exciting, Barnett is intriguing for his next few fights otherwise I dont really care.  I think Mir will never challenge again, Nelson will never challenge, Cormier could have challenged but is going to LHW, Struve looks like he will never challenge and I never find fights with Browne, Gonzaga, Mitrione, Schaub etc exciting.

I love Junior, but the attitude of "I don't care what he's gonna do, I think about what I'm gonna do." won't wash against Cain. Needs a better plan than just try and hit him on the way in.

I do think it looks like Cain is settled in now. I think there's a lot of interesting fights in the top 10. Loving a resurgent Gonzaga BTW.

Love Gonzaga too, but he can't challenge top 5 guys in my eyes.

oh no, I wouldn't say that either.

Maybe I'm a bit unusual, but I'm not that bothered about title fights.
Don't get me wrong, I'm really looking forward to Anderson destroying Weidman in the rematch, and the day someone finally knocks that smug grin of Jon Jones' face will be a great day.

I've never got into seeing fighting as a chronological story ending in a title.
Most of my favourite fighters to watch will never hold the UFC belt in their weight class. Doesn't make me any less keen to watch their next fight.
People treat it like a game of Tekken, with a big boss at level 10, and anything less than completing the game is a failure.

Belts are for holding your trousers up :)

Gutted that I aint going to Manchester for UFC tonight, any blondes going?

Like Pearson on points. Anyone betting?

http://www.betpal.com/ufc-betting-tips-ufc-fight-night-30-machida-vs-munoz

Not having any bets tonight, but really looking forward to it.

Shame no Bisping but looking forward to sitting round with a bunch of lads watching it live, rather than next morning on Sky+

Probably, but what I bet on depends on the last 3 at Doncaster :D

oioi, Brad Scott @ 23/10

You watching on Mma mania?

Nice one, wasn't on unfortunately, but I'll be on the boy Pearson @ 9/2!

Tough fight for Ogle coming up.
Miller's very seasoned

It's on the UFC website

Good fight there, think he acquitted himself well.

Yeah, good effort Andy, just out classed on the ground.

Wow, talk about lack of class in the interview though.
Unnecessary dick behaviour there

Pretty comedy from Miller

Need more than one women's division.
Wouldn't have helped Rosie there as both look equally undersized for 145.
Just need to get the roster packed first I suppose

Come on Barnatt

Agreed, moronic really.

Dana doesn't fuck about, so hopefully he'll fine him his wages :D

Get in.

First Brit win of the night

Good performance, but needs to remember to finish them before waving his arms about!

It's 135 but your point still stands.

http://tykestv.eu/streams/stream-1-10/stream-2/

Seems pretty solid thus far if anyone needs a stream.

Sorry, yeah, that's what I meant :-)

Who is the fella in the studio here?

David Tennant

Marc Goddard is one of my favourite refs
A lot if refs might have gone DQ rather than NC

Nice.
Machida could light up 185

Shame about that, but he had been opened up like a tin can!

LOL @ David Tennant...

Yeah, Bisping probably going home in a much worse mood than he arrived at the stadium in.

They had a little segment with him after the show finished

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EmQ91baYxs

Thanks for posting, had switched if talking to the lads.
Good ref. runs a lot if seminars for upcoming refs doesn't he?

Goddard, Yamasaki, Dean, McCarthy are all solid refs.
Lavigne, Roberts usually soundwuth occasional wobbles.

Obviously Mazagatti and the woman are shocking.
Worse than even all the regional refs you get on the overseas shows.

I think Bisping would rather fight Machida than Munoz, although I worry that he'll end up on the end of another face pulling photoshop-tastic KO

He is more likely to get Munoz than Machida atm due to the layout.

Division just got a whole lot sicker with Machida moving down, and it wouldnt suprise me to see lots of 205rs making the cut now.  Think a lot of the smaller HW will cut to 205 now also.....

Gonna be interesting in the next 12 months in MW.

Machida is fighting Mousasi on Feb 8th in Brazil.

Sorry, missed this when you posted initially, and agree on the guys you rate the best. Mazagatti loves the game though, 'Bring it on, come on' :D

You don't see those guys very much in the fights, which is essentially what you want, but you do get some muppets in there too on occasion.

Quite an interesting guy, and it does seem like he does a lot behind the scenes too which is nice, and rightfully recognised by Dana no doubt.





Think he would probably rather fight Munoz, but unfortunately he'll never be more than the doorman of the division, that indicates who the boys worthy of their shot are. Shame really, because I love Bisping and it's great that he has done so well out of the UFC. Especially given the fact that he isn't ever likely to be champion, and isn't likely to improve much more now.

Agree about Bisping's skillset not improving but I'm of the opinion that fighters can always improve by becoming more intelligent and by that I mean producing the best game plans. Find a way to win innit. Bisping seems to fall into the category of more intelligent fighters.

I think Bisping is good enough to beat any of the top 10, except Anderson, and as Weidman's shown, you don't actually have to be good enough to beat him to actually beat him (if you know what I mean)

He's fallen at the last hurdle a few times, but I think on another day, he could have beaten Wanderlai, Sonnen, Vitor and Henderson, and a win over any of those at the time would have potentially given him his shot. He needs to get well and keep working with that psychologist. Doubt he'll ever hold the belt, but good enough to compete for it IMO

Don't get me wrong, I think he's a very good and intelligent fighter, however, it's all coulda, shoulda, woulda, when you're say on another day.

The Weidman result was just a freak one, and they do happen, but I think all the guys you mention (bar Wanderlei) are just better fighters.

Didn't know he had a psychologist on the firm, surely not for confidence issues, as he is definitely not short of that!

I think the judges got it wrong against Sonnen, and so does Sonnen :-)
I also think he is more than capable of beating both Henderson and Vitor.

The sports psychologist is to help him deal with the  feelings of awe he apparently has when he's in with legends.
He says he finds himself against fighters like those above and he finds himself thinking it's just an honour to be in there with them. Needs to start believing he's capable of beating them.

Ha, ok I'll watch it again and see what I think, but I can't have him over Henderson and Belfort, as much as I would like to.

Definitely needs on then, surprising given his personality, but he's obviously trying to negate those feelings with the shit talk :)

Vitor and Henderson in their prime, I'd agree.
Vitor and Henderson now are well within Bisping's range.

And if he was as good in the cage as he is in interviews, he'd be in about his 15th title defence by now :)

I remember thinking it was a 29-28 Bisping at the time.

Rumours that Manuwa is fighting Gustaffson on the March London card, might get confirmed tonight on Beyond The Octagon seemingly. Beast fight.

Really, seems like a step down after a narrowly lost title shot.
Not that I don't like Manuwa

Does seem a little strange. Was meant to be Gus/Lil Nog but Lil Nog has already pulled out!!! I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Big card tonight!

Chance to knock in some more dough after Cheltenham :)

No point knocking it in when you can win mate.

Huge card, can't wait.

Some views on tonight: http://www.betpal.com/ufc-betting-tips-ufc-167-st-pierre-vs-hendricks

GSP probably wins on points, not a selection though. Like Koscheck and a couple of underdogs.

Anyone else on anything yet?

Good day at Cheltenham, so not chasing on Hendricks by spinning back fist in the 4th :)

Not even had a look yet, but will be on something after dinner.


Reading comprehension issues this afternoon :D

No bets.
GSP, Evans, MacDonald, are solid favourites.

Not so sure about Koscheck

Pulling for Cerone and Ebersole on the under card, but both have VERY tough assignments.

Sod it, had a couple of bets.
Fiver on GSP, Evans & MacDonald and barely over evens.

Then fiver on the same plus Cerone, Ebersole & Woodley. If all six come in its about £160 :)

Been watching Bellator on Viva.
Most of the lads are clearly a class below UFC but it's still entertaining.
Enjoyed watching Joe Diesel Riggs winning their version of TUF.

About to watch this week's main event with Cheick Kongo. I really lime Kongo, but he's never going to beat Cain or Junior so he might as well move down a league and be the big fish in the smaller pond.

Got Rampage v Joey Beltran coming up too, which could be good.

Your acca will do me Adam, so good luck us  :)up

I watched Rampage doing an interview with some of the Bellator media people, and he was talking about how he wanted to get back into things etc. I can't remember where though, so will have to see if I can find it.

Ok...

Koscheck
McDonald
Evans
GSP

Pays 9/2

Koscheck by decision
McDonald by decision
Evans by decision
GSP by decision

A mugtastic 33/1 :)

Fancied I was dead about 30 seconds into the first round :D

Love how Dana just vents in the press conferences!

Bullshit decision in the main event! Hendricks is a boss.

I think Hendricks is great, but think he made himself look a bit muggy in the press conference.

'I was only hitting him with 70%, not even full power, and I couldn't have done any more to win the fight'

Like Dana said to him -  'Um, yeah, you could have done more.... You left it to the judges'

Still, it was a poor decision and I liked how the whole sabbatical thing was dealt with too.

Agree, he was like "after the first 2 minutes I thought I had the rest of the fight"  he clearly lost 2 rounds  "I did everything I could to win that fight and I know I can go 5 rounds" he took round 5 off coz he thought he had it won already and he looked to have slowed way down by round 3 after only throwing everything at 70%.  I think Hendricks also said something about clearly outstriking GSP but I think fightmetric has it really close and maybe even in GSPs favour in total strikes and signif strikes

I really dont think its as much of a robbery as everyone is saying it is, I actually missed the 1st round which seems to be the one GSP got that people think shoudve went to Hendricks and Ive only seen R2-5 once but I thought GSP clearly won 3/5 meaning he just needs the judges to fuck up 1 round elsewhere to win the fight.  I think all the uproar is coz Hendricks did more damage in the rounds he won but he didnt do enough to make any of them 10-8 rounds.

I stayed up for the press conference, but they had lots of technical problems, and it was very disjointed.

Here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OL9KQjL05M

Press conference starts from the 12 minute mark, and Dana goes right into one from the start :D

Just got caught up with UFC167
obviously my 6 fold bet fell at the first hurdle.
Ebersole was just outclassed by Story.
Thought it was a big ask.

Cerone looked great, and Woodley did what I thought he would.

I was still in for a 3 fold on MacDonald, Evans and GSP, but by half way through round 2 I was pulling really hard for Lawler.
That was mainly down to Joe Rogan, who I thought was at his very worst, most biased on Saturday. MacDonald winning clearly matched his inner narrative, so that's the way he called it. Round 1 was a clear Lawler victory for me, but Rogan saw it razor thin. MacDonald edged the 2nd, so obviously Rogan saw it as dominant. In round 3 Rogan was saying it was Lawler who was fighting in desperation mode, although it was clearly tied. Then MacDonald grabbed a leg and Rogan screamed about the amazing takedown, but it wasn't even close to completed, and Lawler easily stayed on his feet. Lawler easily won the 3rd round, even though he spent the final 30 seconds with MacDonald on top. not one of the elbows thrown landed, and it was a clear 29/28 Lawler. Hype train derailed. boo hoo.

Because the bet was now off, I was able to switch to supporting Sonnen, who's really grown on me over the last year or two. Unfortunately, Evans dismantled him with ease. Sonnen needs to smash Wanderlai, then hang 'em up. He's got such a great career mapped out commentating and promoting the UFC. He's always said, as soon as he doesn't believe he can be champion, he'll walk away, and he'll never beat Jones or Silva (who will be champ again before the year's out)

Then the main event.
Haven't watched all the pressers, media scrums and interviews yet, but I gather there's some fuss about that decision.
I gave the 1st to Hendricks, although the metrics make that one look extremely close, and maybe even favour GSP.
I gave 2 to GSP, but the metrics definitely go against me here. I though he landed some nice clean head strikes that Hendricks made a big show of shrugging off, but they were clean shots nonetheless.
3 was clearly GSP's round. The takedown in the last minute do nothing to undo the domination GSP had that round.
I gave 4 to Hendricks and the stats back that up.
5 was weird, because Hendricks, his corner, and of course Joe Rogan, were all talking as if it were a done deal and he just had to cruise down the final straight, but I (and two of the judges) had it 2 rounds each. GSP got his takedowns and more significant strikes, and for me, earned a perfectly fine 48-47 win.

Rogan was a disgrace in the post fight interviews, and the only clip of Dana I've seen so far, he hung GSP out to dry too. GSP has clearly got something major going on in his life he was undecided on revealing, but he was respectful of Hendricks' abilities and the challenge he'd posed. Despite Goldberg saying Hendricks was classy in defeat, he was far from it. Acted like a petulant child who'd got caught trying to pinch something that wassn't his, and begrudged giving it back. Don't get me wrong, I rate Hendricks as a fighter, but not only did the good lord not want him to win, he didn't earn the win.

I'm personally hoping what ever it is GSP has to deal with only keeps him on the sidelines temporarily, and that Hendricks fights someone for a #1 contender match, wins, then GSP can beat him more emphatically next time.

No controversy here, move along, nothing to see.

Other thoughts?

Watched the press conference first.
There was wholesale character assassination going on of GSP for the first half hour.
Then he brought himself back from being stitched up and just oozed class.
I think everyone felt a bit silly when he did TBH.
GSP is an absolute legend, hero and a gentleman.

I hope whatever it is he's got to deal with makes him stronger, and that he goes on o defend his belt for many fights to come.

...and in the media scrum, having taken a bit of time to talk to GSP, Dana is a lot less chilled.
I still disagree with him that there's any controversy about the decision, but I'll re-watch it as objectively as I can.
I think Dana has been suffering at the hands of Nevada Athletic Commission recently and maybe be over reacting to this decision as a result.

looks like GSP will heal up, then immediately rematch.
WARRR GSP!!

Same thing happen to you that happened to Rogan during the McDonald fight?

:)

I'm not saying it couldn't go either way, just that it's not a controversial one.
The Fight metrics basically give 3 & 5 to GSP, 2 & 4 to Hendricks and 1 as near as damn it, tied.
but the judges obviously don't have access to metrics, replays, or Rogan's gibbering.

48/47 either way or 48/48 are all fair decisions.

but yes, as I said, I will be rewatching as open mindedly as possible.
I hope when Rogan and Dana do, they see it was closer than they did at the time.

I think the Gustaffson Jones result was far worse than this one, but he's not getting an immediate rematch.

EDIT: wow, just looked at the metrics for Jones v Gustaffson. they make it look even worse that live viewing did.
Swede was robbed :)

Watched it again. No sound, took a few notes, rewound a few times to check contact.

Round 1, most significant strikes were definitely Hendricks' elbows on GSP's 1st takedown attempt.
GSP was striking from the outside, landing several clean leg kicks and a clean headkick early on.
There was a successful takedown each, but GSP popped back to his feet immediately when he was down, but had a submission attepmt when he got his.
They were pretty even in the clinch, the difference maybe being Hendricks' heavy knees to the front leg of GSP.
10-9 either way coul be given, but 10-10 would probably be the fairest score there. Not that they're often given.

Round 2 still looked a lot closer in motion than the stats suggest.
GSP was landing stiff jabs earlt on. When Hendricks landed, there was no doubt it was heavier.
GSP slipped in an exchange and Hendricks took advantage with some heavy strikes that wobbled GSP a bit.
After a very short break to replace Hendricks mouth piece, GSP seemed to have steadied again.
most of the clinch work looked fairly even, and GSP landed a clean head kick late on.
again, 10-9 either way is possible.
Taking into account his time on top, Hendricks edges it.


Round 3, GSP was pushing forward. GSP was clearly landing more shots, but Hendricks' strikes certainly seemed heavier.
Hendricks got a takedown, but GSP popped straight back up.
Another really close round, but GSP was the more aggressive for me.
10-9 either way possible, but GSP for me.

Round 4
GSP tripped as their legs tangled up in a striking exchange.
Hendricks followed up and took advantage with some GnP
after a couple of minutes on top, Hendricks elected to let GSP up but still dominated the rest of the round with heavy striking.
Clear 10-9 for Hendricks.

Round 5, early on GSP landed a decent kick, followed by punches and a takedown.
On the feet they were throwing fairly evenly, but GSP seemed to be landing more accurately.
A second takedown by GSP didn't keep Hendricks down long, but there was nothing Hendricks sis that could justify anything other than 10-9 GSP

so R1 could go either way
R2 Hendricks edges it
R3 GSP fairly clearly
R4 Hendricks even clearer
R5 GSP clearly

from what I understand, it was R1 the judges differed on, two seeing it GSP's was, and one Hendricks.
48-48 would have been just fine, or 48-47 either way is not unjustifiable.
I changed my mind on tweo rounds after a second watch, and could well change back on a third watch.
No controversy. Right man has the belt.

Went with Davey Grant at 9/5 tonight, think Holdsworth might be being slightly overrated. 4/1 for the decision too. Fancy Maynard on points too, he's won 3 of his last 7 by split decision and there's a draw in there too so think the 5/1 for a split in his favour could be a player.

Sorry mate, I had meant to reply and completely forgot.


R1 could go either way
R2 Hendricks edges it
R3 GSP fairly clearly
R4 Hendricks even clearer
R5 GSP clearly


I was much the same as yourself after watching it 3 times...

R1 - Hendricks
R2 - Hendricks
R3 - GSP
R4 - Hendricks
R5 - GSP

As you say, he can't have any complaints because he didn't finish him, and Dana always says don't leave it in their hands.

It's not my pocket speaking, because I had backed GSP to win on points and still think he should have lost :)

Definitely agree with everything Boba says too.

Absolute comedy how some of the americans don't make weight, watching them around the house it was like they had copied their diet straight from my handbook :D

I'll multi up your picks for a sweat, and hopefully you can sweep me into the money, Scotty!

I'm not huge on anything, just think Grant should be 5/4. He's 15/8 now.

Anyone you like Mark? Pretty meh card really.

Think that Holdsworth is deffo decent, but tough to be really know what to make of Grant when he bowled on through uncontested.

Pena came across really well on the show, as well as performing well in her fights. I struggled to work out why they were all such assholes to her, and have been rooting for her from the off. That said, I think Rakoczy has been impressive in her fights, so much prefer the 9/4 about her.

Like yourself, not that inspiring a card, so I have stuck Rakoczy in a treble  with Grant and Maynard.

I'm not huge on anything, just think Grant should be 5/4. He's 15/8 now.

Yeh I like Pena too. Think they are all being really cuntish to her.

They were, especially when through the show she was always going out of her way to be nice to everyone. Writing everyone notes before their fights, wishing them luck and saying that she believed in them.

My head asploded when all those morons were slagging her off, and I'm so glad that she won the whole thing. With a bit of luck Miesha will iron Rousey out now as well!

Amen to that last bit.
Rousey moaning she was portrayed badly.
They didn't fake her flipping Miesha off week in week out and threatening her every five minutes.
Was a Rousey fan before the show, but thoroughly unpleasant girl.

Though Miesha handled it exceptionally well.

For balance, I thought that the way she treated all fighters (bar Miesha ldo) was really good. She always had time for the ones on Miesha's team too, and the gifts on fathers day for the fighters on the other team was a very nice touch.

She certainly went out of her way to ensure that she wasn't remembered for that though, and it was good to see Pena give her a bit of stick in an interview after the finale.

Regardless, Tate by armbar one times please!

Did you see the interview Anik did with them at the finale?
Cut the atmosphere with a knife much?

Just got caught up with that show yesterday.
Nate Diaz after fight interview was a classic.

Just placed a 3 fold on UFN 33
Hunt v Big Foot should be explosive, and I'm picking Hunt to score the TKO (any win will do for the bet though).
I Like Te Huna, but I think Rua should be able to handle him. Rua's recent losing record have made the odds pretty close.
I also Like Antony Perosh, but sadly, i think Bader will dry hump him to a decision (again, any win is ok for the bet).
Getting 5/1 on the combo.

Also looking forward to seeing Pat Barry, but wasn't on the coupon.

I saw him chatting with them both during the event., and it was awkard to say the least.

They're pretty funny guys - 'I had to fight because I'm broke' :D


Ronda was on Jimmy Kimmel the other night, talking about bashing some guys up in the cinema...

Remember the event is tonight this week guys since it is in Oz.

Lets go the Hunt and Barry first round double!

I'll have some of that, gonna be a rough weekend with Morning Line at 8am tomorrow!

Just LOL @ that fight!

Gutted. So close.
Bader dominated.
Shogun destroyed.
When Hunt landed that straight right in the third, thought the bet was in the bag.

I scored it 48-47 Hunt, but can't really complain because I'm always banging in that there should be more 10-10 rounds and as a result more draws.

Don't think if was a lol fight at all.
Just both fighters gas tanks ran out long before their heart did.

Love Pat Barry, but he needs to get his ass down to 205

Was in amazement that they got through 5 rounds after clumping each other like that, and not at the fighters themselves :)

Fair enough.
Both looked like they'd be happy to pack it in at 4 rounds and go to the score cards :-)

Was like a Rocky movie, great spectacle on the most part and those 2 are definitely not built for 5 :D

Incredible resilience by both fighters, and the amount of heavy head shots should have seen it over much earlier!

Just heard the news about GSP's retirement/sabbatical/extended RnR

Good for him.
If anyone deserves to walk away on his own terms, it's Georges.

I would like to think he'll take a couple of years off, coach MacDonald to a title shot, and when Hendricks completely dismantles him, he decides to come back and take another successful run at the title.

He may also try and fail to comeback, or even stay retired.

Either way. GSP=confirmed legend of the sport.

First fight I remember seeing was GSP vs BJ Penn in about 2006. Always liked George, so much heart and even more class! GL to him.

Saw that he was vacating for his sabbatical, and hopefully it won't be too long.

Confirmed boss, and up there with Anderson for the best ever!

Superb fighter and a fantastic guy, just disappointed that we won't get to see him for a while.

Any views for tonight? Can't link article cos on phone but only real bet is McGee by decision at 21/10, few reasons why, can click my sig to find article I imagine.

Think UFC really messed it up.  This time last year they couldve had a GSP v Anderson Silva superfight if they really pushed for it or a Jon Jones V Anderson Silva superfight if they really pushed for it.  Now neither of those fights will likely ever happen for years, and by then GSP and Anderson will probably be beyond their primes and it doesnt have quite the importance now 2 of them dont have the titles in their divisions.

I was never that bothered by the prospect of catch weight super fights.
It always seemed to me to be a lazy way of 'settling' Pound For Pound arguments.
There's three great fighters who are dominant in their divisions.
Leave it be IMO

I am looking forward to Anderson being restored to top of both the MW and P4P lists before the year is out.
Anderson>>>GSP>>>Jones

Just been looking at the 168 card, and there's no way I can have a bet on it. There are too many fights that my thoughts would be clouded by outright support for a preferred fighter.
These are the fighters I will be supporting:
Anderson to beat Weidman (unashamed fan-boy)
Tate to beat Rousey who came across as an utterly classless bitch in TUF
Browne to beat Barnett who's an over hyped old school ego maniac and habitual PED cheat.
Miller to beat Camoes. Jim Miller was on course for a title shot but fell foul of schedules and of being too busy and taking really tough fights to fill the time.
Brandao to beat Poirier. Brandao has that killer look in his eyes that I love in a fighter. Same cold stare you get from Thiago Silva who makes me shit myself from across the Atlantic, just by looking into the camera lens.
Hall to beat Leben (retire already, it's over)
Tibau to beat Johnson (another Brazilian with killer eyes)
Siver to beat Gamburyan who I've hated ever since I saw him offer a glove touch at the start of a fight and turned it into a spinning back fist. dick move.
Ambivalent on the bottom three fights on the card.

Warrr Silva, Tate, Browne, Millar, Brandao, Hall, Tibau & Siver!!!

might have a couple of quid for fun, but write it off.

I'm more excited than a kid at Christmas

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVSDFzKqBxc

Think Anderson wins, looked a class above Weidman on the feet, just cl owned around too much

Snap

Be interesting if Weidman takes it to the ground more this time, because he was doing well there in the first fight, and knows that Anderson isn't going to clown as much again.

C'mon Ando!!!!

Might do Silva/Tate both to win in rd 2

I like Silva in rounds 2 and 3. Haven't touched women's fight, really want Tate to win though.

I had that 8 fold at 247:1 :-)

I actually meant Rousey in 2, but I want Tate to win.

I'm gonna be sick if Silva wins in the 2nd round now after she got out of that armbar...

shit

That's one of the most horrific things I have ever seen.

Ariel Helwani ‏@arielhelwani 6m

Anderson is yelling at the top of his lungs on the stretcher backstage. I've never heard anything like that. A horrible sound.

Heartbreaking for Anderson.
I knew what had happened real time and after the first replay, looked away for all the others.
There are somethings you can't unsee.

At his age, I imagine it's very unlikely he'll ever fight again now.
Great shame for the GOAT to end his career in that way.

Rest of the card:
Gutted for Tate.
Dislike Rousey more everytime I see/hear her.
Vile woman.

Well done Travis Browne. Very nice to see Barnett get a proper pasting and to be saved from hearing him run his mouth post-fight.

Jim Miller's submission was a cracker.

Brandao missing weight by such a large margin was a disgrace. 153 for a 145 weigh in.
On top of that, Poirier said Brandao threatened to stab him in the neck at the weigh in. what a nutter.

I hope Leben meant he was 'done' permanently, rather than just in that fight. Been in some entertaining fights, but time to find something else to do.

Tibau out classed. Probably in the wrong weight class as Rogan was saying. Cut is too much for him to be effective.

Siver is a beast at 145. Nice to see Gamburyan beaten.

Wasn't really in the mood to watch any more fights after the Silva break, but that prelim shown looked like a blood bath..

Was a terrible injury, and I think you're right about it being the end for him. It would be like something out of a Rocky movie if he had another shot after coming back from that.

I felt bad for her, but my pocket was gutted about her getting out of that armbar in the second!

The interview Rousey gave backstage after she had calmed down was a lot better than when she spoke to Joe in the ring. She's still a moody bitch, but you have to respect her for not backing down from her beliefs, and she did say she has a lot of respect for Miesha as a fighter etc.

That Browne is an absolute monster, and without having seen the presser yet I am presuming he won KO of the night?

I actually thought Barnett came across ok in the couple interviews I've seen him do, but I've probably missed something he has done  :)

Miller fight was incred!

I heard them talking about someone missing weight, but didn't realise it was one of the midgets :D

Leben will be done now, Dana  was gonna cut him after his last loss if I'm not mistaken. I think this was sort of a last chance saloon against Hall, because he is pretty tired of Hall as well.

Give me a nudge when this is on next mate. Watched the last Silva fight but missed last night. Ta

Probably not a bad thing you missed last night, but will do.

Some excellent views of Ronda...great work cameramen!