It's MMAzing Hall of Fame Class of 2017

Categories
1) Modern Era: Fighters who debuted in the UFC or Pride FC on or after November 17, 2000
2) Pioneer Era: Fighters who debuted in the UFC or Pride FC before November 17, 2000
3) Fights of great historical significance (UFC & Pride only for now)
4) Outstanding contributions to MMA outside of active competition (ie non-participants)

Modern Era

Brock Lesnar
Frank Mir

Pioneers

Igor Vovchanchyn
Genki Sudo
Dan Henderson

Fights

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson - UFC 165
Anderson Silva v. Chael Sonnen - UFC 117

Contributors

Rickson Gracie
Esther Lin
Stephen Quadros
Mike Goldberg
Ben Fowlkes

It's MMAzing 2016 Year End Awards

For information on how we came up with these wonderful selections please listen to Episode 217 of It's MMAzing Radio

Look at our sweet sweet trophy

Fighter of the Year (Male)

Doctor Law: Cody Garbrandt
Kid Presentable: Cody Garbrandt
DJ Mark with a "K": Cody Garbrandt
Lavender Gooms: Conor McGregor

Fighter of the Year (Female)

Doctor Law: Amanda Nunes
Kid Presentable: Amanda Nunes
DJ Mark with a "K": Amanda Nunes
Lavender Gooms: Amanda Nunes

UFC 204: Bisping vs Henderson Picks and Predictions

Do you remember the seminal moment that was UFC 100? Because the UFC sure hopes you do. It is late 2016 and TUF 9 and the Revolutionary War never ended. Looks like we're going to run back "the punch heard 'round the world." How perfect the stage has set up that Michael Bisping, the unexpected king, would have such an unusual and unexpected first title defense. Words like "deserving" or "next in line" get thrown in this scenario, but it is tough to find too many people who aren't top 5 middleweights themselves who it seems to matter to one bit. When you're an absolute legend of the sport, and you feature in one of the all time highlights against said champion, curiosity usually prevails because we want to see it again. Will Hendo truly retire even in victory? Will he only come out of retirement to specifically haunt Bisping? Only time will tell. Stipe brought the reverse hometown curse to an end, but can Hendo help light it back up? Meanwhile, contenders will also rise in the MW, LHW, and HW scenes respectively.


UFC Middleweight Championship

Your new champ ladies and gentlemen? @danhendo

Michael Bisping (c) vs Dan Henderson

2016 has been a long and strange year thus far in title pictures. Saying there have been a lot of upsets and titles changing hands would be quite the understatement. Fitting then that a 46 year old man is going to take his proverbial and quite literal swing at it. I'll admit to perennially underrating Michael Bisping, and that is largely due to finding him so unlikeable. But our amigo from the podcast Marc is right on two counts, he's been playing the heel for years intentionally, so why can't I get on board with that? But more importantly, he has been a deeply talented fighter the entirety of his career. None of his losses came to fighters who were not of legit quality, and he'll also not let you forget that his losses have also come to men who may have had questionable "blends" in their system looking back. Look, do I think USADA has had the rest of the fighters finally come back down to Bisping's level? Sure. Do I think Bisping is the less shop-worn, well conditioned, and better all around fighter? Absolutely. Am I picking Dan Henderson cause of American exceptionalism nonsense and that ridiculous back elbow KO of Hector Lombard? You RED, WHITE, and BLUELIEVE IT! Hendo by KO punch + unnecessary follow up punch.

The Count: Doc Law, Gooms, DJ Mark
Hollywood: Kid P

UFC 199: Rockhold vs Bisping II Predictions

It is the cementing of legacies versus a moment of redemption. Will past losses be avenged? Or will the tides press on, confirming the past moments that resonate with us today. These are the story lines going into UFC 199: Rockhold vs Bisping II. Originally slated to defend in a rematch against the recently dethroned Chris Weidman, Rockhold now takes on Michael Bisping in his first, and almost entirely improbable title shot. For some reason the UFC brass has also deemed it necessary to give us the Cruz vs Faber rubber match that none of us really wanted. This card is deep on action fighters that should make for an action packed night. Max Holloway continues his ascent toward title contendership, while an ever aging Dan Henderson will continue to carry o see if he can land that mega-nuke right hand against the always dangerous (in the first round) Hector Lombard. But personally, I am most awaiting the return of the king, Bobby Green, who has a potential fight of the night bonus in waiting against the always exciting to watch, Dustin Poirier. Check out our picks for the fights.

UFC middleweight championship
Luke Rockhold (c) vs Michael Bisping

Luke feelin' himself

And then... a handsome man entered the room. As an FYI, that is how every story involving Luke Rockhold begins. I just thought you should know. At this point, there aren't too many superlatives I can give out that you wouldn't already know for the man who beat the man, who beat THE MAN. Rockhold is every bit a complete fighter with nasty power while striking, and may the Seven protect you if he gets control of you on the ground. Michael Bisping knows this first hand with the way he was so effortlessly rolled over into a nasty top-side guillotine in their first outing. This is a title fight so I feel like I should say more, but this title shot is more so just a resume padder. Rockhold by choke submission, round 2.

Rockhold: unanimous

Bisping: Bobby's heart

UFC on Fox 19: Teixeira v. Evans Predictions

The UFC returns to Florda and this time they're in Tampa for some reason. Seriously...Tampa. Are they worried they wouldn't be able to go Miami without having Kimbo Slice on the card? Let me give you a recap of the disastrous lead up to this fight card. The main event was killed by Tony Ferguson having blood in his lungs. The guy replacing Tony Ferguson has to cut 21 pounds in 9 days and has never fought in the UFC before. The previous co-main event of Shogun Rua v. Rashad Evans was destroyed by Shogun managing to hurt his knee for about the 30th time.   The event lost Dan Henderson v. Lyoto Machida because Machida admitted to being on PEDs.  Oh well...we still have Rose Namajunas on the card. I am willing to watch Thug Rose fight absolutely anybody. Check out our predictions below. Also, look at the standings because I'm straight dominating. The game answers to me now.

A postmortem on my UFC Fight Night 68: Henderson vs. Boetsch picks

I am a dumbass

For those of you who are thinking about writing blogs I have a very important lesson for you.  It's pretty important to remember to actually hit the "publish" button after you finish writing the blog.  Because I forgot that key step the fight predictions for this past weekends card was never posted.  I've had better moments.  However, this is a special opportunity.  After writing a predictions post I pretty much never look at it again and never look back to see what I specifically wrote about a particular fight.  With this card, I was particularly ballsy with my predictions and that blew up in my face to a tune ZERO fight picks going my way.  Ouch.  As a result this "prediction" article that I wrote last week for the card that aired this past Saturday has morphed into a postmortem on how horrible my fight picks were.

UFC on FOX: Gustafsson v. Johnson Picks

The UFC returns to network television with a main card taking place in Stockholm in front of a giant venue full of sleep-deprived Swedes. If they're lucky, they'll see their countryman Alexander Gustafsson earn himself a rematch with Jon Jones. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson however, has designs on knocking The Mauler's block off and taking the title shot himself.

Alexander Gustafsson v. Anthony Johnson

Rumble looking fresh to death

Did you listen to this week's episode of It's MMAzing Radio? If you didn't, well, screw you. If you did, you're well aware of my internal struggle regarding this fight. This is a very close match-up and I want very badly to pick "Rumble," but I can't bring myself to do it. Gustafsson versus Jones just needs to happen. Don't get me wrong, so does Rumble versus Jones, but now is clearly the time for Gus/Jones II. Gus got so close to taking the title from Jones back and UFC 165 and it's time to see if Jones really too him as lightly as the rumors suggest. The need for that rematch aside, I think Gus is going to be able to stick and move well enough to win this fight. Gus has fantastic movement and pinpoint striking. Rumble hits hard and is terrifying in general, but I think Gus can avoid the big shots for the first few rounds. The pace he'll set will eventually slow Rumble down. Gus takes a hard fought decision here, but I really hope I'm wrong. Gustaffson by decision.

Swedish Chef Mauler: DJ Mark, Kid P, Doctor Law
Rumble Young Man. Rumble: Lavender Gooms

UFC 157: Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche Predictions

On Saturday we will all be witnesses to history. On Saturday we will see three firsts in the UFC. The first women in the UFC, the first UFC women's championship bout AND the first women headlining a UFC card. That is a lot of firsts. Unofficially this fight is being called "Ronda at the Honda" but I think this is an apt description. Although this card is stacked from head to toe, all the attention will be on the blonde judoka specialist with the unstoppable armbar that's taken the MMA world by storm in the last two years. Whether they love Ronda or think women have no place in fighting, all eyes will be trained on these two women when they make history this weekend.

It's MMAzing Staff Predictions for UFC 139

Maurício Rua vs. Dan Henderson:

Doctor Law: Shogun vs Hendo. A hardcore fan’s dream fight. Being that “Decision Dan” hasn’t been seen in years, I expect this fight to be an absolute war. Both of these fighters like to stand up and both have chins that are made out of granite. It’s really a flip of a coin over who is going to take this one. I’m leaning towards Dan because of the fact that it’s a 5 round fight. Shogun has had conditioning issues in the past and I have more confidence in Hendo having energy in the later rounds. Henderson by 4th Round TKO

Kid Presentable: PRIDE never die! A fight fan's dream throwback fight, this fight should definitely lead to some memorable action and at least a few moments that make you jump up on your feet. Hendo, following in the path of Team Quest OG Randy Couture has been undergoing a career revitalization in recent years, but he now runs into a buzz saw who is being very undervalued because he like many before him, was wrecked by the Martian Manhunter Jon Jones, in Shogun Rua. Shogun's technical striking and power should find room to land against the current version of Hendo, who relies more on his power punching than his Olympic caliber wrestling. These two fighters historically have two of the best chins in the business, so I don't look for either fighter to be finished by strikes, but maybe look for Rua to sink in a sub after being able to rock, but not put out Hendo. Shogun by 3rd round Submission

DJ Mark with a “K”:  This is a tough one to call. Both are coming off impressive wins and have the skill sets to beat the other. My gut is telling me to go with Shogun. I think he'll be able to slow down Henderson with low kicks and keep him at a distance. I also have a feeling that Shogun might even take Hendo down if he starts getting aggressive. With that being said, Henderson's right hand is always the wild card and his experience has taught him to be patient with. I'm picking Shogun but it's a tough fight to call. Shogun by Decision

Lavender Gooms: Welcome back to the UFC Hendo! As a reward you got to fight Shogun(from Feijo to Shogun…now that’s a jump in Brazilian competition). Rua looked dominant in knocking out former champion Forrest Griffin. Henderson had an impressive knockout of Fedor, but at this point who doesn’t beat Fedor.  With a combination of leg kicks to set up his hands, Shogun puts Hendo’s geriatric ass away.  Shogun by 3rd round TKO.

Picking Rua: Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms

Picking Henderson: Dr. Law

Wanderlei Silva vs. Cung Le

Doctor Law: There are two ways of looking at Wanderlei’s chin: 1) it’s gone 2) it’s completely gone. Wand has been put to sleep in violent fashion in 4 of his last 8 fights. I’ve spent a few days coming up with a way I can justify picking in favor of the Pride Legend. This is what I came up with: Cung Le hasn’t fought in 17 months. The last time he had a lay off near this length, he got tired and KO’d by Scott Smith. Wow, I lack confidence in this pick. Silva by 2nd Round TKO. Pride Never Die!

Kid Presentable: I saw Wand at a churrascaria in Las Vegas. The man is a legend and an eternal favorite of mine in this sport. That said, his last showing against Chris Leben made me want to cry. Cung Le is more known for his flashy kicks than straight ko punching power, but leave no doubts that man can hurt you with his striking. I don't see this ending quite as abrupt as Leben ended it, but look for Le to put down Wand eventually. Oh well, at least I will get to hear Sandstorm in person. Le by 2nd round TKO.

DJ Mark with a “K”: Now this is a fun fight! Two extremely entertaining fighters with drastically different styles. My money is on Le getting his distance and timing down before Silva does. Silva always come straight at his opponents which can leave himself open to counters. I'm thinking Le will angle off and punish Silva with kicks to the body. Even if Le gets reckless and starts brawling I don't know how much Silva's chin can take. Le by 3rd round TKO.

Lavender Gooms: Ladies and gentlemen, we could be seeing the end of a PRIDE legend.  I said hello to Wanderlei at a restaurant once and he waved back with what I’m assuming was skirt steak in his mouth. If I didn’t think he was the man before then, I did afterwards. I think Wanderlei still has something left in the tank and takes care of Cung Le. One way or another, there is no way somebody isn’t kissing canvas.  Silva 2nd round TKO.

Picking Silva: Dr. Law, Gooms

Picking Le: Kid P, DJ Mark

Urijah Faber vs. Brian Bowles

Doctor Law: This fight will likely determine who gets the next shot at champion Dominick Cruz when he recovers from his broken hand. Faber holds the advantage in every area except punching power. Bowles certainly has dynamite in his fists, the question is: can he catch the California Kid, who will be constantly moving around. Unless Urijah gets caught, expect him to control Bowles on the feet and ground leading to a late submission.  Faber by 3rd round Submission.

Kid Presentable: The California Kid vs. Brian Bowles and the Funky Bunch. Faber has been appearing to slowdown lately as unfortunately the UFC merger came just passed the prime years of his career, though in his defense he has been facing the cream of the lower weight divisions. But coming off a loss against Cruz, and not so strong showing against Eddie Wineland, I look for Bowles, who is one of the few bantamweights that carries legit power in his hands, to score an upset here. I see him rocking Faber a couple times, not enough to finish the infinitely tough Cali kid, but enough to score a close decision in his favor. Bowles by Decision.

DJ Mark with a “K”: This is a fight I think Faber should win. If he can get Bowles to grapple and roll with him I think Faber can catch him in a choke. If he stands with Bowles I still think he'll get the better of him because of his speed, but it’s a much more dangerous game. Bowles is a really strong, heavy-handed fighter, something Faber struggled with when fighting Mike Brown. However, I think Faber has enough skills to confuse and topple Bowles. Faber by 1st round Submission (choke).

Lavender Gooms: Does anyone else think Brian Bowles looks like Mark Walhberg from Boogie Nights? It can’t be just me….anyways, a possible title shot is up for grabs here. The Cali Kid has speed for days and his wrestling and chokes are superb. I see this being a close match. Faber by Decision.

Picking Faber: Dr. Law, DJ Mark, Gooms

Picking Bowles: Kid P