Bleacher Report - Articles by Pete Dudek

ASU Alums Making Waves in UFC

Pete Dudek — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:02:20 -0400

At UFC 10: The Tournament, Mark Coleman made a statement inside the Octagon, and that statement was wrestlers have their place in Mixed Martial Arts. Now, Dan Severn and Don Frye had both been successful before Coleman, but he was the first to really incorporate strikes into his wrestling.

Fast forward to Ultimate Fighter Season one, we see Josh Koscheck as a purebred wrestler; look at him today and he's knocking out tough competition in Yoshiuki Yoshida. Wrestlers are a growing commodity in MMA, and some of the most successful today can call themselves Sun Devils.

There are four former Arizona State wrestlers that are making a home in the UFC: Ryan Bader, CB Dollaway, Cain Velásquez, and Aaron Simpson.

Despite their strong wrestling pedigree, all have developed strong stand-up skills. Of the fighters listed, the only name that is still affiliated with ASU is Aaron Simpson.

Simpson is currently serving his ninth year as an assistant coach at ASU who, as it turns out, coached Ryan Bader, CB Dollaway, and Cain Velásquez to All-American titles for all.

Simpson's career as a professional Mixed Martial Artist is short, with his first bout taking place October 2007. Since that time, he has amassed a 5-0 record at Middleweight, all ending via KO or TKO. Fighting out of Arizona Combat Sports, Simpson has just won his first UFC bout with a first round TKO over Tim McKenzie.

Up next is Cain Velásquez. Along with Shane Carwin, Velásquez is the most talked about heavyweight prospect the UFC has acquired. Velásquez is currently training out of American Kickboxing Academy with the likes of Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch, Cung Le, and Josh Thompson.

Like Simpson, Velásquez is sporting an undefeated 5-0 record with all victories coming by way of first or second round TKO in the Heavyweight Division. His next fight is scheduled against Heath Herring at UFC 99.

Recent winner of Ultimate Fighter Season Eight, and big prospect in the Light Heavyweight Division is Ryan “Darth” Bader. Like his former coach, Bader is fighting out of Arizona Combat Sports and brings, like a broken record, an undefeated 9-0. His most recent bout was a “coming out” Unanimous Decision against Carmelo Marrero.

A product of, and favorite to win, Ultimate Fighter Season Seven is CB “The Doberman” Dollaway. As a Middleweight, he is sporting an 8-1 record, his only loss coming by way of a submission from Amir Sadollah (who has been absent since this victory).

Most of his victories have come by way of either TKO, with a couple submissions and only going to decision once. His next scheduled bout is against TUF Eight alum Tom Lawlor, who is dropping to Middleweight. CB also trains out of Arizona Combat Sports.

As you can see, these wrestlers-turned-mixed martial artists have found some great success in their careers, sporting a collective fight record of 27-1. What future MMA stars will ASU turn out? The public will just have to wait and see.

*Also, Don Frye is also and ASU alumni.

It's Fantasy Time!

Pete Dudek — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:01:46 -0400

March Madness is in full swing. Preseason MLB could be better for the White Sox. Let's not forget the countless golf, football, and office pools across the country. Fantasy leagues are an integral part of the athletics fan community, both professional and amateur.

All of the major sports leagues have them and are talked about throughout the entire preseason, in season, and postseason. So, where is mixed martial arts in the foray? I would like to bring to the attention of my readers of a website for those mixed martial arts fans who want to be even more involved in the sport.

MMA Playground is a free MMA fantasy website where one gets to make picks on fight cards, make fantasy wagers, create their own fighter rankings, and even participate in forums-style discussion. For $20, one can join as a Premium member for some added perks.

The format of the picks and wagers is as follows: There are 10 events in a season. Each new member starts with $1000 fantasy to make wagers. Five points are awarded for picking the winner, two for the round, and two points for the method, with an addition two points for getting all picks right—totalling 11 points possible per bout. Must pick the winner to gain points for round and method. Wagering is simple. It is odds based betting, and bet on fighters you think will win to increase your bankroll.

In addition to this, one can join a "Fight Camp" to compete against other groups for bragging rights. There is more available than just bragging rights. Prizes are available for all members: Top three Season Earners and Point Scorers can win $150, $75, and $50 respectively. For Premium Members, those amounts double. Also for Premium Members is the chance to make $25 per event for top score and top earner.

I'm not getting anything for promoting this site. I'm not being paid or getting any incentives. I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things on Bleacher Report and share my love of Mixed Martial Arts with the rest of the community. Hope to see you on the playground!

www.mmaplayground.com

UFC Cracking Down: Fighter Dismissals

Pete Dudek — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:55:37 -0500

Recently, the UFC's fighter spotlight has been the merger of the WEC's Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions, as well as the UFC's foray into Germany and returns to Ireland and England. The result: new foreign fighters that have the potential to shine. However, with the new blood, means some old blood has to go.

When it comes to being a star in MMA, the UFC is more stringent than other organizations when it comes to making a name for oneself. With the now defunct PRIDE FC, it didn't matter what a fighter's record was. They could be 10-15 but if they put on a good show and people came to see them, they would remain in an organization.

Not only does the UFC want crowd pleasers, but they want winners. The UFC's list of recent dismissals is evident of this.

Rameau Sokoudjou (Overall Record 5-3, UFC Record 1-2)

Here is a fighter who was supposed to be the UFC's next big thing at 205. Before his move to the UFC, he rattled off two first-round knockouts of Antonio Rodgerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona in PRIDE FC. Despite the hype, he did not perform and the UFC released him of his contract.

Jorge Gurgel (Overall Record 12-5, UFC Record 3-4)

A product of The Ultimate Fighter season two, Gurgel was one of the most hyped fighters in the show. Up until the show, Gurgel spotted a 9-1 record. Gurgel's fault is is reluctance to use is Jiu-Jitsu background and bang it out, resulting in six of his seven fights going to decision. His most recent loss, a unanimous decision against Aaron Riley, won Fight of The Night honors. Unfortunate for Gurgel, going 1-3 in his last four fights led to the UFC cutting him.

Jess Liaudin (Overall Record 12-11, UFC Record 2-3)

Jess led his UFC career in UFC 70 in Manchester and rattled off two straight wins, both in the first round. In his next bout, he lost a first round KO to Marcus Davis. Following the Davis loss, Jess dropped two decisions, one of them a Split Decision to Paul Taylor, which earned him Fight of the Night honors. The UFC doesn't support three straight losses, so he was also cut.

If the UFC continues its current trend of releasing fighter based on records instead of fan appeal and excitement, there are numerous other fighters in desperate need of an impressive win. Here are three that come to mind; they either need a win, or are soon on their way out.

Houston Alexander (Overall Record 8-4, UFC Record 2-3)

Alexander burst on to the UFC scene by defeating Keith Jardine (Jardine's first fight after scoring a TKO over Forrest Griffin) in less than a minute. In his next bout, he won by TKO in just over a minute. Despite his quick first round victories, his next three fights ended with losses in the first. His most recent, a first round submission loss to Eric Schaffer.

Brandon Vera (Overall Record 9-3, UFC Record 5-3)

The only fighter on this list with a positive UFC Record, Vera was tearing through the Heavyweight division before dropping two straight to former champion Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Werdum. This prompted a drop to Light Heavyweight, where Vera won a lackluster decision to Reese Andy. Vera followed this performance with a Split Decision loss to Keith Jardine. Since his loss to Sylvia, Vera hasn't looked the same and needs a big win to show the UFC he still belongs.

Paul Taylor (Overall Record 9-4-1, UFC Record 2-3)

Taylor has won the UFC's Fight of The Night honor on three separate occasions. However, all of these fights ended in losses for Taylor. These three fights were against top level guys in Chris Lytle, Marcus Davis, and formerly undefeated Paul Kelly. His most recent fight was a, albeit controversial, Unanimous Decision. We will probably see Taylor once more, but he must win and in impressive fashion.

If anyone has any other leads on fighter's status within the UFC or if any of this information is incorrect, please message me.

UFC's Dwindeling Heavyweight Division: Where Is It Going?

Pete Dudek — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:46:43 -0400

The UFC's talent pool runs deep, featuring some of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. With a potential rematch between BJ Penn and Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva taking a crack at the Light Heavyweights, and Forrest Griffin defeating "Rampage," there is a flux of activity within all of the weight classes save one: The Heavyweights.

With the absence of Randy Couture due to contract dispute, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira fought and defeated Tim Sylvia for the Interim title. This was back in February. He has not defended his title since and will not until after a stint coaching the eigth season of The Ultimate Fighter alongside his future opponent, Frank Mir.

Mir earned his title shot by defeating Heavyweight hopeful Brock Lesnar with a quick first round submission victory the same night Nogueira won the belt. Unfortunately, this fight won't happen anytime soon. With the eight season of TUF slated to start September 17th and finish sometime in December, Mir and Nogueira will have to wait at least ten months before they next step into the octagon.

*SIDE NOTE- Speaking of TUF, Heavyweights haven't been featured since season two.

According to Sherdog.com, the UFC only features three top-ten fighters in Nogueira, Fabricio Werdum, and Gabriel Gonzaga for the Heavyweight division. Gonzaga and Werdum have recently won in the octagon, and will be climbing up the ladder. However, besides this recent action, there is not too much more to come.

There are only three slated Heavyweight bouts between now and October for the UFC. These fights are newcomer Cain Velasquez against Jake O'Brien. Velasquez has only had three professional fights but is undefeated, finishing all his fights in the first round. He is also a product of the American Kickboxing Academy. O'Brien was undefeated in ten fights until suffering a second round TKO at the hands of Andrei Arlovski. Velasquez is showing signs of hope for the division if he can take out O'Brien.

The next two bouts are to take place in the same night. The first features Brock Lesnar against Heath"Texas Crazy Horse" Herring. Lesnar is looking to bounce back after the submission loss to Mir, while Herring is on a "high horse" after defeating potential top contender Cheick Kongo via decision. Both men have a lot to gain from this bout.

The next fight is between the aforementioned Cheick Kongo and UFC newcomer Dan Eversen. With Kongo looking to bounce back after his loss to Herring and Eversen looking to make a name for himself in the UFC with a record of 10-2, this bout will help determine the future rankings for the Heavyweight division.

With a large number of former UFC fighters signing with the newly formed Affliction promotion and news of Brandon Vera dropping to Light Heavyweight, the UFC is in dire need of some new heavyweight talent if the division is going to survive.

MMA: UFC Tries To Establish Dominance over New Affliction Promotion

Pete Dudek — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:49:10 -0400

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, there are numerous organizations with respectable, top-tier athletes to call their own. Undoubtedly, the UFC is in the lead when it comes to exposure to the casual sports fan.

However, the UFC is intent on keeping it that way. How far will the UFC go to keep MMA fans from tuning in to other organizations?

With the rise in popularity of MMA, fans of the sport want to see their favorite fighters in the cage (or ring) more. Often, there is a gap between events because of the time required to market and produce an event.

Take, for instance, UFC 88, featuring Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans, which is planned for early September. With so much time between events, it's natural for fans to turn to other organizations to get their fix of highlight reel knockouts and slick submissions.

But what does it say when an organization attempts to put together an event in just over a month's time for the same night that another organization makes its debut? Despicable.

The UFC has always taken pride in its high production quality, solid cards, and strong marketing. It doesn't make sense to try and cram all the things that it does well over the course of several weeks into one month.

The only possible explanation is that the UFC is trying to steal viewers to make sure it remains the highest watched MMA organization in the world.

Let's face it, the UFC is facing some serious competition. EliteXC's deal with CBS not only brought MMA to network television, it was also the highest watched MMA bout on free TV history.

Strikeforce has a deal with NBC for late-night airtime. The "Dream" organization in Japan is putting together some reputable shows as well, featuring Aoki, Diaz, Sakurai, Uno, Cro Cop, and Yamamoto.

Now the UFC's latest threat: Affliction. Affliction: Banned is one of the most talent filled cards in MMA history, featuring Fedor vs. Sylvia, Barnett vs. Rizzo, Babalu, Linland, Arlovski, Rothwell, Nogueira, Belfort, Martin, and Pyle.

Now the UFC is trying to throw together a card on Spike TV for free in just over a month to try and compete? Even the UFC's choice for the headliner is intriguing at best.

Moving Anderson Silva up to 205 is an interesting prospect, considering how he's almost "small" to be a 185-pounder. Matching him up against James Irvin doesn't make too much sense either.

Sure, Irvin did destroy LHW up-and-comer Houston Alexander with a Superman Punch that tied the fastest KO in UFC history, but that does not put Irvin in the top 10 and warrant a fight against Silva. Irvin is also big for 205. It just does not make sense.

This is a shameful attempt by the UFC to remain the "top-dog" in the MMA world. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the UFC has pulled this particular stunt.

Last year, the UFC scheduled an event the same evening as a Cage Rage event in the UK. It is actions like these that make people look down upon the business aspect of the UFC.

Will the UFC achieve its goal and overshadow Affliction's debut into the MMA world? Only the numbers will tell on July 20. I think UFC won't succeed.

Ultimate Fight Night 13: Lauzon Vs. Florian Part 2

Pete Dudek — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:56:50 -0400

Part two of this two part series is focusing on the undercard bouts that may not be shown on TV. In the event that a majority of the main card bouts end quickly, some of the undercard bouts may be broadcasted.

Gray Maynard Vs. Frank Edgar

Both fighters are undefeated with the only blemish via No Contest to Gray. This is the first true test in the octagon for Gray; Edgar has fought two top-level Lightweights in Spencer Fischer and Tyson Griffin. Both fighters have extensive wrestling experience, but I give the upper hand to Gray.

My Pick: Gray Maynard via (T)KO. I think Gray has the better wrestling and will ground 'n pound Edgar into his first loss.

Marcus Aurelio Vs. Spencer Fisher

It seems like just about every bout on the card has potential for fight of the night. Both men boast and impressive ground game, with a majority of Fisher's victories coming via ground 'n pound and Aurelio's from submissions. Aurelio is 1-1 in the UFC while Fisher is 3-3.

My Pick: Spencer Fisher via Unanimous Decision. Both fighter will come out strong, neutralizing each other's game. Fisher also has more octagon experience. Fisher's stand-up will help him on the judges scorecards as will his effective ground game.

Josh Neer Vs. Din Thomas

Neer hasn't fought in the UFC since his submission loss (kimura) to Nick Diaz. Thomas' last bout ended by submission (rear-naked choke) by Kenny Florian. This, however, was after Thomas shot in for a takedown and blew out his knee. Straight up, Thomas has been fighting tougher competition lately. Neer will really have to step up his game if he wants to win this fight.

My Pick: Din Thomas via submission. Thomas will use his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt experience to take this fight to the ground and win a submission over "The Dentist."

Jeff Cox Vs. Manny Gamburyan

The pace that Manny sets in uncanny. Both fighters have only gone the distance once in their perspective careers and both coming off of victories. While Cox has had a few more fights, Manny is coming of strong after the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter.

My Pick: Manny Gamburyan via (T)KO. Bell rings, Manny takes down Cox, ground 'n pound to victory.

Samy Schiavo Vs. Clay Guida

Since making his octagon debut, Guida has never been in a dull fight. With a 2-3 UFC record, Guida is one of the most entertaining fighters to watch. The pace that he sets in his fights unheard of. I can't figure out why Guida is on the undercard after being the Main Event against Roger Huerta on the Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale. Schiavo is making his UFC debut against one of the most intense Welterweights in the division.

My Pick: Guida via submission. Guida, with a 2-3 UFC record, needs a win if he wants to stay. This plus his energy in the octagon will push the pace and earn him the victory.

Roman Mitichyan Vs. George Sotiropoulos

Two fighters coming off of the recent season of The Ultimate Fighter 6. Roman was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a broken arm, then came back for the finale to win with an ankle lock 23 seconds into the fight. This fight will be his first since then, nearly four months ago. George was a heavy favorite to win the show, losing to finalist Tommy Speer in the Semi-finals. This was also George's last fight. This is a tough one to call.

My Pick: George Sotiropoulos via submission. George boasts a little more experience than Roman and I think this will play a factor into his victory.

Anthony Johnson Vs. Tommy Speer

Tommy Speer is coming fresh of the Ultimate Fighter Season 6. His loss coming at the hands of the show's winner: Mac Danzig. Both fighters are coming off of losses within the Octagon, so both need the win. Both also have much to gain from this fight. If Johnson wins, he took out the finalist of The Ultimate Fighter. If Speer wins, he solidifies that he belongs in the UFC.

My Pick: Tommy Speer via (T)KO. Speer has the superior wresting ability (and in my opinion the more impressive stand-up) that will allow him to dominate the fight however he wants.

Ultimate Fight Night 13: Lauzon Vs. Florian Part 1

Pete Dudek — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:29:41 -0400

Ultimate Fight Night 13 featuring Kenny Florian and Joe Lauzon has the potential for some of the most exciting fights of the year without having to cough up $40 for pay-per-view. The card is featuring some of the most exciting fighters from the Lightweight, Welterweight, and Light-Heavyweight divisions. Now it's time for an in-depth breakdown of the main card as well as my picks for the night.

MAIN EVENT: Kenny Florian Vs. Joe Lauzon

This is a lightweight battle for the ages. With a total of 30 fights between the two, only two of the fights have gone to decision, both of these were losses for Florian. What does this mean? The fight is not likely to go the distance.

Both fighters have been on The Ultimate Fighter, Florian on Season 1 and Lauzon on Season 5. Playing into the outcome of the fight will be experience. Lauzon has had ten more fights than Florian, and has one those. However, Florian has been facing higher level competition since his UFC debut. Speaking of UFC debuts, did I mention that Lauzon took out former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver?

Overall, Lauzon has the most to gain from this fight. He has had two fights in the UFC since making his official debut on the season finale of The Ultimate Fighter 5. Because Florian has fought for the belt in the division, a win for Lauzon will help catapult him up the Lightweight rankings toward an eventual title shot. A large majority of both Lauzon and Florian's wins come from submissions, so expect to see some spectacular ground game from the two.

In respect to the ground, I give the advantage to Joe. He has had more fights and, in my opinion, the more solid ground game. In terms of experience, I give the advantage to Florian. He has had more fights in the UFC against tougher competition.

My Pick: Lauzon by TKO- Lauzon will get the takedown, get dominant position, and ground 'n pound Florian till he's forced to tap or the referee pulls Lauzon off.

Thiago Alves Vs. Karo Parisyan

This bout will feature two of the most exciting fighters in the Welterweight division. Thiago is on a four-fight win streak, of which three were finished via TKO. Karo is on a three-fight win streak, all going to unanimous decision. Thiago has the advantage on the feet while Karo has the advantage on the ground.

This fight, along with Lauzon and Florian, has potential fight of the night. Both fighters will come out strong and make an exciting fight. Karo is very good at developing game plans and has only lost four times, one by TKO and the other three by decision. Thiago has finished more than half of his fights via TKO.

My Pick: Karo Parisyan via Split Decision. Karo's ability to make a game plan and follow it is uncanny. He'll use his judo to take the fight to the mat, but don't see him finishing Thiago

Matt Hamill Vs. Tim Boetsch

This is an intriguing match-up in my opinion. Hamill has not fought since his controversial split-decision loss to Michael Bisping which will be just a few days shy of seven months on April 2nd. Boetsch, however, has just come off an upset in defeating David Heath at UFC 81 last month. Both fighters have wrestling background, Hamill's a little more in depth. Either way the fight goes, it will be exciting.

My Pick: Tim Boetsch via (T)KO. Boetsch's experience will help him take the victory in this fight. Hamill may have the better wrestling experience, but Boetsch has the better mma experience

Kurt Pellegrino Vs. Nate Diaz

Another exciting fight with skilled fighters. Diaz, winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 5, is on the high road, undefeated in the UFC 3-0. Pellegrino is 3-1 in the octagon, losing a unanimous decision to Joe Stevenson. Pellegrino has high school wrestling background as a finalist for two years. Diaz, on the other hand, is a Ceaser Gracie Brown Belt.

My Pick: Nate Diaz via submission. While the majority of both fighter's victories come from submission, I see Diaz's utilizing his jiu-jitsu better than Pellegrino's.

James Irvin Vs. Houston Alexander

This Light-Heavyweight showdown is the first fight of the night. Irvin has been in and out of the UFC; in his last two fights, he blew out his ACL and won via DQ (Illegal Knee). In Alexander's last few fights, he's knocked off Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara in a total time of less than two minutes only to lose to Thiago Silva via first round KO. His victory over Jardine helped is career a lot, especially since Jardine knocked off Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell.

My Pick: Houston Alexander via KO. Neither fighter appears to have a solid ground game and Alexander's strength and reach will play into him getting the KO.

Part II coming soon.