The End of an Era: Fedor Emelianenko retires

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Fedor Emelianenko retired from MMA last week to little fan fare. In a lot of ways it’s sad that Fedor never really got the full respect and attention he deserved from the American audience. With “The Last Emperor" fighting in smaller organizations against lesser known competition during his twilight years, the average MMA fan might recognize the name but not fully grasp the important that Fedor had on the sport.

I remember the first time I saw Fedor fight. Like many others I didn’t think he looked like anything special physically and his last name was one of the weirdest I’d had seen at the time. However, the highlight video I saw of him man-handling Semmy Schilt (K-1 Legend) was impressive. When I found out his next fight would be against one of my favorite Pride Heavyweights, Heath Herring, for a #1 contenders spot, I was excited. For those of you that might not have been fans then, Heath Herring and Big Nog fought for the first Heavyweight title in Pride history. At the time it was easily the best heavyweight fight I’d ever seen. I was amped for my boy to make quick work of this doughy Russian so we could finally see the rematch the whole MMA world wanted to see. However, I was in for a rude awakening and the first real glimpse of Fedor’s greatness.

When Fedor fought Herring it almost seemed unreal. Heath had been on a tear in Pride, at the time only losing the super competitive fight against Big Nog and smashing all others that were in his way. However, Fedor handled Herring in that fight with relative ease, getting big throws and some of the nastiest GnP I’d ever seen. Even though towards the end of the first round it seemed like Fedor was gassing a bit, the damage had already been done. Heath Herring wasn’t allowed to continue on to the second round due to a nasty cut. With this fight I knew Fedor was for real, but I still didn’t think he had a chance to beat Big Nog. At that time Big Nog was the man in Pride, besides the “freak show” fight with Bob Sapp no one had been able to put Big Nog in any type of real trouble. I remember it was around this time the Pride FC video game for Playstation 2 was coming out and I had befriended one of the developers on an MMA Forum. I remember he told me he thought Fedor was going to win and I thought this guy was nuts and, as a result, that game would surely suck. How wrong I was.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 14

The gang breaks down the results of UFC on FX: Maynard v. Guida, spends a large amount of time talking about how poorly Guida performed, discuss what is next for Gray Maynard, go over the results of UFC 147, break down the TUF: Brazil fights and talk about a great main event between Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva. Also, the gang says goodbye to Fedor.

UFC 147 Predictions

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Wanderlei Silva v. Rich Franklin

Doctor Law: Thank Christ we avoided Wanderlei v. Vitor II. Seriously, that was just going to be an execution. Don’t get me wrong, I love Wanderlei Silva. The man is just violent. That being said, he couldn’t beat Vitor when he had a chin. God knows what would have happened to him now that his chin is super questionable. Rich Franklin steps in for Vitor (who broke his hand) and takes this fight on short notice, showing that he is the ultimate company man. This a rematch of an awesome fight at UFC 99 that Franklin won. I think Wanderlei wins this because, well, it’s what I want. Sidenote, Belo Horizonte is beautiful...you all should go there. Wanderlei by 3rd round TKO.

Kid Presentable: Hey Calgary, Brazil feels your pain as this is another card ravaged by injuries. Franklin the consummate company man steps in to fight Wanderlei at the franklin-weight catchweight. It's a chance for Silva to avenge his earlier loss to Rich, and a chance for both to show if either of them is still relevant in the fight world. How relevant is a stretch though considering once again, its at a catch weight. It was a close fight last time, though I still thought it was clearly Franklin's fight, though this time I look for Silva to even the score due to home field advantage. There is something about that Brazilian crowd that lights a fire under these fighter's asses, unless of course you are Luiz Cane and you kick the fence in your near unconscious state. Wanderlei has to win, otherwise how is he going to ever get that Vitor rematch? Axe Murderer by TKO 3rd round.

DJ Mark with a “K”: While it sucks that we aren’t going to see the two TUF coaches fight eachother, I feel like Wanderlei dodged a bullet. With Silva’s worsening chin and Belfort devastating hands the original match up had Wanderlei’s destruction written all over it. This fight however, seems more evenly matched. While I still have serious questions about Silva’s chin, he looked awesome in his last fight and I hope we see that Silva again. Normally I would pick Franklin because I think he has more fuel in his tank then Silva does, but given that it’s pretty short notice and Silva’s last fight I’m going with Silva. Silva by decision.

Lavender Gooms: I was happy when Silva came back against Cung Le to get the TKO. Being a newcomer as a fan of MMA, I never saw Silva fight while in Pride, when he was just wrecking dudes. The only Silva I’ve seen is the one who got broken by Rampage and lost to Chris Leben. Logically, I know that Silva’s days as being one of the best in the world are long over, but he still has more than enough in the tank for Franklin. If Franklin can keep his distance or get on top he’ll likely win. Silva will (hopefully) be able to get inside and cause major damage from the clinch and earn himself a second straight TKO victory. Silva by TKO in the 2nd.

Picking Silva: All of us (Seriously guys…someone should have picked Rich Franklin)
Picking Franklin:

UFC on FX 4 Predictions

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Gray Maynard v. Clay Guida

Doctor Law: This card is headlined by a fun fight (does Clay Guida have any other kind) between Guida and Maynard. Guida is coming off of a clear decision loss (stop raising your hand at the end of every fight Guida; it makes you seem delusional) against current 155 lb champ Ben Henderson. Maynard is coming off of 2 fights with Frankie Edgar. I think Clay is in some serious trouble in this fight. The only place he has the advantage is in the gas tank department, which could be a factor in this five round fight. However, Maynard is ever improving and I expect him to be in great shape after moving to AKA earlier this year. Guida is hard to finish, but he isn’t above getting choked. Maynard by 3rd round submission.

Kid Presentable: Poor Mr. Maynard, you were so close to being the champ twice, now it might be a long uphill climb. Gray can re-establish himself in the upper echelon of the division with a win here. To be fair though, the often labeled "boring" fighter showed vast improvements in his boxing against former champ Edgar. This should be a nightmare matchup for Guida who gets by on motor and heart more often than technical skill. Guida is a solid wrestler but is likely to struggle mightily against the power wrestling style of Maynard. I think Gray has the power to tko Guida, but that is a feat rarely seen, so I will go with the much safer call of a dominant decision for Gray. Maynard by UD.

Image via heavy.com

DJ Mark with a “K”: Maynard comes back after being knocked out for the first time in his career, kinda, if you don’t count the time he DDT’ed himself against Rob Emerson. Maynard is still in the top five for lightweight and a solid win over Guida here will keep him there. On paper Maynard has all the advantages, heavier hands and better wrestling. Guida’s best shot is to try and grind Maynard and get him tired for the later rounds, I don’t see that happening. Maynard TKO (GnP) 4th round

Lavender Gooms: For those six people who have been reading this blog since November, you’ve probably realized by now that my criteria for liking a fighter can range from their general attitude(the Diaz brothers) to their choice in hair color (Louis Gaudinout). My reasons for who I have in my hate list are just as fickle. Maynard logging a complaint against Guida’s hair is a punk move. Half of the reason I love watching Guida fight is because he looks like a Wartime Jesus action figure…and Jesus doesn’t cornrow his hair. Maynard’s only loss is to the former champ and he should be able to utilize his wrestling to control the always effervescent Guida. While on my hate list, I still think he wins this fight. Maynard by decision.

Picking Maynard: All of us
Picking Guida:

Image via ufcgaming.com

Spencer Fisher v. Sam Stout

Doctor Law: A trilogy fight that no one was really asking for, but I doubt anybody is complaining about. The first two fights between these two veterans have been highly entertaining 3 round decisions and I doubt this one will be any different. I honestly wanted to pick Fisher because I didn’t this was a one-sided enough fight for all of us to pick the same fighter, but in his last few fights he has had the look in his eyes that says “I’m done.” He’s lost 5 of 6 and is very likely fighting for his job on Friday night. You know what? Screw it. Spencer Fisher wants to keep making a decent income. Fisher by decision.

Kid Presentable: This fight was probably more relevant several years ago, and it seems like for Fisher's final fight Joe Silva is hoping for the bout that helped Sam Stout make a name for himself. What you get here are solid, decently-rounded mid card level vets. I expect it to be a standup fight where each fighter will have their moments, but I give the slight edge to Stout. Hands of Pillo... I mean Stone will probably not be able to finish Fisher, and I could see these guys scrapping for a fight of the night type bout for Fisher's swan song. Stout by decision.

DJ Mark with a “K”: This fight seems kinda odd to me. Don’t get me wrong, I like both of these guys and their past two fights against each other have been very exciting. I just think it’s weird to have a trilogy with two guys who aren’t ranked in the top ten (maybe not even top 20) in a very deep division. Never the less it should be a good one. I’m picking Stout here because I think the wear of a super long and productive career for Fisher is starting to take it’s toll. Stout by split decision.

Lavender Gooms: This is the third fight for these two men, with Fisher winning the last matchup that garnered “Fight of the Night.” I think it’ll be different this time. I expect to be entertained and for the fight to go the distance. They’re both coming off losses (oddly enough both to Thiago Tavares). Stout, however has looked better in his last few fights so I’m giving him the decision. Stout by decision.

Picking Fisher: Dr. Law
Picking Stout: Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms

Anderson Silva on the cover of Brazilian Rolling Stone

Image via mundo-mma.tmblr.com

UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva graces the June 2012 cover of the Brazilian version of Rolling Stone magazine dressed as Michael Jackson. Why is a cage fighter on the cover of a music magazine, you ask? It's because Anderson has become a rock star in his native country ever since knocking out Vitor Belfort at UFC 126. His status was further bolstered by his two round embarassment of Yushin Okami in front his home country at UFC 134.

Anderson makes his return to the octagon at UFC 147 next month where he will re-matching Chael Sonnen. Sonnen and Silva famously fought at UFC 117 in a fight that Chael was dominating before being caught in a triangle choke/armbar in the 5th round. The fight will take place in Las Vegas, but was originally supposed to take place in Brazil before a United Nations conference forced the cancellation. Anyways, the point of this article was to let you know that Anderson's love of Michael Jackson has been known for years. Check out this video of him doing MJ proud back when he was in Pride.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 13

The gang (minus one) discusses the results of UFC on FX 3: Johnson v. McCall, the future Benavidez v. Johnson title shot, the merits of a possible Jorgensen move to flyweight, the injury bug that has hit the UFC, whether Shogun is coming off like a "p*ssy," the pointlessness of Shogun v. Vera, the likely fireworks of Lombard v. Boetsch and the tragedy that took place on Saturday night in the Pacquaio v. Bradley fight.

UFC on FX 3 Predictions

Via UFC newsletter

Demetrious Johnson v. Ian McCall

Doctor Law: Rematch time. These two are taking another crack at each other as their fight in March was ruled a draw. In case you forgot, these two are fighting for the chance to take on Joseph "Joekozuna" Benavidez in the finals of the UFC Flyweight Championship Tournament. I picked Mighty Mouse the first time, but I have to pick McCall this time. McCall got his feet wet in his first fight and took control of the fight as time went on. Also, Mighty Mouse just got married a week ago (his legs won't be there *wink* *wink*). McCall by decision.

Kid Presentable: We're finally back after the commissions messed up the first fight that ever had a sudden death round in play as a special provision. I picked McCall last time, and since his stache has only become more awesome I am taking him again. If you account for the potential of octagon jitters in your first fight out and add that with how clearly he swung the momentum at the end of the fight, McCall should feel that much more comfortable and confident this go around. McCall by decision.

Image via fighters.com

DJ Mark with a "K": The UFC knew this fight was going to be so close they made a special rule to make sure it didn’t end in a draw, course the commission said “screw you, watch us still mess this up”. After the dust settled we were left with a draw and this rematch. Now I’m going with Johnson because as far as I'm concerned last time they met Johnson did get his hand raised, that’s a fact. Also after watching this year’s Microsoft E3 press conference I’m pretty sure MS was focusing more on Mighty Mouse’s sponsorship then that horrible display they put on this Monday. Johnson by decision.

Lavender Gooms: This fight was a show case in why the flyweights were brought into the UFC. Their fight was easily an instant classic and was made even more memorable by idiot tabulations. I’m not complaining though since we get to see these guys fight again. I thought Johnson won the fight the first time out. However, I think McCall goes into the rematch with no ring jitters and gets the W. Hopefully this time they double check the results. McCall by decision.

Picking Johnson: DJ Mark
Picking McCall: Dr. Law, Kid P, Gooms

Image via fiveouncesofpain.com

Charlie Brenneman v. Erick Silva

Doctor Law: Erick Silva is a killer. Charlie Brenneman spends his free time at Enrique Iglesias autograph signings. You do the math. Silva by 1st round KO.

Kid Presentable: Ever since I was first introduced to Brenneman on an episode of Ariel Helwani's MMA hour I have been a fan. The guy is genuinely likeable, down to earth, and seems to be a real fan of the sport himself. Also, he won Pros vs. Joes for crying out loud. Unfortunately for him, Erick Silva is a muthafuggin monsta. This kid has the talent to be a top contender one day, and if it wasn't for the fail that epitomizes the Super Yamasaki Bros. Silva would be coming in on a hotter streak. Silva by KO round 1.

DJ Mark with a "K": I like Brenneman, he’s a very likeable guy. I fear Silva, he’s the guy you wake up from and find out your face has been smashed in. I think Silva is a very hot prospect, he’s young and deadly. Brenneman is a grinder and that type of fighter can be successful against just about anyone. However, I want excitement and I think Silva will deliver. Silva by KO 1st round.

Lavender Gooms: Silva got hosed in his last fight in a bout he would have won if not for the refs. I’ve also never liked Brenneman. He beats Rick Story on one day notice and I’m supposed to be impressed? No thanks. Silva by TKO in the 3rd round.

Picking Brenneman:
Picking Silva: All of us

It's MMAzing Consensus Staff Rankings for May 2012

**Note: For an explanation of how we came to these rankings, please listen to Episode 11 of It's MMAzing Radio.**

Heavyweight

1. Junior Dos Santos

Image via joerawrsyouhard.com

2. Cain Velasquez
3. Alistair Overeem
4. Daniel Cormier
5. Frank Mir
6. Fabricio Werdum
7. Shane Carwin
8. Josh Barnett
9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
10. Mark Hunt

Light Heavyweight

1. Jon Jones
2. Dan Henderson
3. Rashad Evans
4. Mauricio Rua
5. Lyoto Machida
6. Ryan Bader
7. Phil Davis
8. Alexander Gustafsson
9. Quinton Jackson
10. Rafael Cavalcante

Middleweight

1. Anderson Silva
2. Chael Sonnen
3. Mark Munoz
4. Vitor Belfort
5. Michael Bisping
6. Tim Boetsch
7. Yushin Okami
8. Alan Belcher
9. Brian Stann
10. Hector Lombard

Welterweight

1. Georges St-Pierre
2. Carlos Condit
3. Nick Diaz
4. Johny Hendricks
5. Jake Ellenberg

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6. Jon Fitch
7. Josh Koscheck
8. Martin Kampmann
9. Rory MacDonald
10. Ben Askren

Lightweight

1. Benson Henderson
2. Frankie Edgar
3. Gilbert Melendez
4. Nate Diaz
5. Gray Maynard
6. Clay Guida
7. Anthony Pettis
8. Jim Miller
9. Michael Chandler
10. Eddie Alvarez

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 12

The gang talks about The Ultimate Fighter Live Finale, discusses where Jake Ellenberger goes from here, debates the "sexiness" of Martin Kampmann's method of victory, plays matchmaker with a possible Henricks v Kampmann matchup, ponders the futures of Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta and Justin Lawrence and looks ahead to the UFC on FX 4 card.