Kenny Florian: How to Execute a Triangle Choke

UFC lightweight contender and frequent MMA commentator (and The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 veteran) Kenny Florian hooks up with ESPN and demonstrates the triangle choke.

On a side note, does anyone have Molly Qerim's phone number?

Viacheslav Datsik: Interview in Cuffs

Well, given how this guy behaved in the ring, it's not terribly surprising that we eventually get to see him in handcuffs. I actually expected him to be in a straightjacket and much sooner...

The interview is in Russian, which I don't speak, so I can't personally confirm what is being said. But popular opinion among those who have claimed to translate the interrogation is that he is voicing some racial motivations for the incidents that led to his being shackled, among other examples of Datsik-esque violent weirdness.

Anyway, the guy is a character and one of the most bizarre personalities in the history of MMA. Even without understanding the words (and without the benefit of the creative editing) it is reasonably apparent that there's a screw loose somewhere.



It's a shame that his reckless abandon in the ring seems to be unable to exist without several destructive root causes that constantly rear their heads.

All of that said, it's probably a safe bet that we'll see him in the ring with Kimbo Slice one of these days.

Backstage: Charles Bennett vs. Christiano Marcello

Well, this would certainly get Krazy Horse kicked out of the Ultimate Fighter house.

Here, we get to see Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett take on Christiano Marcello backstage at an event and...get choked out.

Never a dull moment.

Rich Franklin vs. Marvin Eastman

In this 2001 World Fighting Alliance matchup, former UFC middleweight champion Rich "Ace" Franklin squares off against Marvin "The Beastman" Eastman. Rich was pretty fairly early into his MMA career and not too far removed from his math teaching days for this fight. He nonetheless shows some decent ground skills.


Franklin-eastman
Uploaded by HexRei

Jason Guida vs. Marvin Eastman

Well. early in this season of The Ultimate Fighter, Jason Guida became a bit of an involuntary MMA celebrity when he immortalized / Wanged / Ruedigered himself and failed to make weight for his preliminary bout.

It certainly wasn't the way he wanted to escape from his brother's shadow but hey, there's still some fight left in the guy and he has a reasonable body of work behind him.

In this match, he takes on Marvin "The Beastman" / "Don't Call me Sgt. Doakes from Dexter" Eastman. Guida took this fight on very short notice.


Marvin Eastman vs Jason Guida
Uploaded by Knife

Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Shannon Ritch

Another glimpse at MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba at work. In this 2000 Pride matchup, he takes on Shannon Ritch.


Kazushi Sakuraba vs Shannon Ritch
Uploaded by nunoda

Genki Sudo: Documentary (5 Parts)

The following is a 5-part documentary on "Neo Samurai" Genki Sudo, one of MMA's most colorful personalities.

Keita Nakamura vs. Adriano Martins

Dream 6: Keita Nakamura vs. Adriano Martins

Hayato Sakurai vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka

Hayato Sakurai faces Kuniyoshi Hironaka at Dream 6.

Gina Carano vs. Kaitlin Young

From EliteXC on CBS, Gina "Conviction" Carano takes on Kaitlin Young.

Roy Nelson vs. Fabiano Scherner

Another Roy Nelson IFL matchup, this time against Fabiano Scherner.

Roy Nelson vs. Bryan Vetell

From his IFL days, Roy Nelson squares off against Bryan Vetell.

Pro Wrestling: Don Frye vs. Josh Barnett

Well, I am one that does not like to have my MMA mixed with pro wrestling. I have nothing against pro wrestling, but it just annoys the hell out of me when I am trying to follow MMA and somehow pro wrestling coverage gets infused in there (see for example, LAW radio show). I mean, they don't flood my hockey coverage with figure skating just because both sports involve ice skates. If I want to follow pro wrestling, I'll do it separately and on my own time.

That said, I thought this was worth watching (once) because it is a pro wrestling match that involves two legitimate MMA stars. At the very least, it's a bit amusing (kind of like Randy in Scorpion King 2).

PART 1



PART 2

Paul Newman: 1925-2008

It is not MMA-related, beyond the fact that Mr. Newman played a lot of tough guys. But today the JC MMA flag is flying at half-mast.

Rest in peace.

Everything the man did and achieved speaks for itself. He doesn't need me to say anything for him.

Lethal Weapon: Mel Gibson by Triangle Choke

Well, if anyone remembers the final fight between Mel Gibson and Gary Busey from the 1985 action classic Lethal Weapon, they may not actually remember it as a pretty effective and accurate display of jiu jitsu, especially for its time (and given that it predated UFC 1 and the rise of Royce Gracie by several years).

Anyway, near the end of the fight, watch for Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) to go for an armbar and transition to a triangle choke. It's actually pretty good.

K1: Hong Man Choi vs. Badr Hari

Here we see the Korean behemoth Hong Man Choi (one of Fedor's most recent opponents) squaring off against Badr Hari in the 2008 K1 GP.

K1: Jerome LeBanner vs. Junichi Sawayashiki

Kickboxing legend Jerome LeBanner takes on Junichi Sawayashiki at the 2008 K-1 Grand Prix.


Jerome Le Banner vs. Junichi Sawayashiki - K-1 World GP 2008
Uploaded by moltisanti87

Viacheslav Datsik: Fan Highlight Reel

It's not too often that a fan video makes it into the posts. But come on, this is Datsik...

Wes Sims vs. Daniel Gracie

Here we see some of the IFL portion of Wes Sims' career. In this case, he takes on Daniel Gracie.

This match is most notable for providing one of the rare instances where you get to see a Gracie whose name does not begin with an "R."

Jeremy Williams vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka

This IFL matchup features some pretty slick jiu jitsu. RIP Jeremy Williams.

GIF: Frank Mir vs. Wes Sims I: The Stomp

And here we see an oldie but a goodie. This is one of the most flagrant fouls in Octagon history (so much so that you barely notice the most excessive fence grabbing in UFC history).

This was the first of two matches between Frank Mir and Wes Sims, and the match that almost singlehandedly made Wes Sims a career heel in MMA.

GIF: Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock: Juggo's Prediciton

Give it a second to load. The always-entertaining photoshop-media-master Juggo has come forward with his video prediction of how the Kimbo Slice / Ken Shamrock mega-fight will go down...

Viacheslav Datsik vs. The Ref

Don't ask me what the hell this is...

Viacheslav Datsik vs. Andrey Kirsanov

You are about to witness some of the craziest MMA moves and weirdest in-the-ring shiznit you have ever seen.

Part 1:



Part 2:

Royce Gracie: Interview from Jan. 2008

Getting to know Royce a little bit...

Renzo Gracie: Interview About Royce and IFL Playoffs

In this video, from another good interview by Sherdog, Renzo Gracie talks about Royce's steroid accusations as well as the IFL playoffs that were upcoming at the time.

Bob Sapp vs. Akebono

Two cardio machines go head to head...


SAPP VS AKEBONO
Uploaded by ukburgaz

Hong Man Choi vs. Akebono

This clip features all three matches between Korean giant Hong Man Choi and Akebono.


Akebono Vs Hong Man Choi (All 3 Fights)
Uploaded by Jackal4422

Nick Diaz vs. Joe Hurley

Nick Diaz takes on Joe Hurley for the WEC title in this match.


Nick Diaz vs. Joe Hurley
Uploaded by mma-tv

GIF: Have a Sense of Humor About Jiu Jitsu

This is one for MMA fans who aren't necessarily fans of "the ground game"...

WTF? Is this for Real?

Quite simply, WTF is this?

TOM PROCTOR'S CAGE FIGHTING SECRETS

Charles Bennett vs. Shad Smith

In this King of the Cage match, the entertainer Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett takes on Shad Smith.


Krazyhorse vs. Shad Smith
Uploaded by mma-tv

Mayhem Miller vs. Egan Inoue

The course in the career of Jason "Mayhem" Miller continues, this time with his fight against Egan Inoue...


Jason Miller vs Egan Inoue
Uploaded by mj_of_bjj

Mayhem Miller vs. Shawn Taylor

Including an entrance with one of his better costumes, Jason "Mayhem" Miller takes on Shawn Taylor. Refereed by Jeremy Horn.


Jason Miller vs Shawn Taylor
Uploaded by mj_of_bjj

Joe Lauzon: First MMA Amateur Fight

Joe Lauzon's first-ever MMA battle, from the amateur ranks.

Mayhem Miller vs. Hector Urbina

A little more Mayhem. Mayhem Miller takes on Hector Urbina and despite the questionable sound quality, ends up with a very decisive finish.


Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs Hector Urbina
Uploaded by n0xin

Mayhem Miller vs. Katsuyori Shibata

The always-colorful Jason "Mayhem" Miller faces Katsuyori Shibata at Dream 3...


Dream 3 - Jason Miller vs Shibata
Uploaded by bawzz

Mac Danzig vs. Orlando Sanchez

Mac Danzig takes on Orlando Sanchez in King of the Cage.

Don Frye vs. Yoshihisa Yamamoto

Don Frye "The Predator" takes on Yoshihisa Yamamoto in this K-1 Hero's match.


Don Frye vs Yoshihisa Yamamoto
Uploaded by lipeaugusto

Mayhem Miller vs. Falaniko Vitale

Jason "Mayhem" Miller squares off against Falaniko Vitale.


Jason Miller vs Falaniko Vitale
Uploaded by mj_of_bjj

C.B. Dolloway vs. Hans Marrero

Courtesy of HDNet Fights...

Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

In this Pride classic, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua takes on Antonio Rogeria Nogueira.


Mauricio Rua vs Rogerio Nogueira
Uploaded by Panabas

Evangelista Santos vs. Darren Little

In this Cage Rage matchup, Evangelisa "Cyborg" Santos fights Darren Little.


Cage rage 13 - evangelista cyborg santos vs darren little
Uploaded by bob_sapp18

Evan Tanner: Never Lose Faith...

An insightful look into the mind and soul of Evan Tanner, in his own words...





A couple great quotes:

"I lost myself to gain an understanding of the things that matter..."

"I'm amazed with the world..."

"Everybody sees themselves and knows themselves. For most people, it's just the courage to face it and acknowledge it..."

"Never lose faith that it can be done. No matter what..."

Diego Sanchez, Chris Leben and Josh Koscheck: Together and Talking Thiago Alves...

MMAmania managed to catch these three unlikely buddies out on the town together.

The discussion in the car seems to question the legitimacy of Thiago Alves' training regimen and recent improvements in his physique...

Evangelista Santos vs. Gegard Mousasi

This HCF matchup features Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos taking on Gegard Mousasi.


Evangelista Santos vs. Gegard Mousasi
Uploaded by moltisanti87

Evangelista Santos vs. Michal Materla

Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos squares off against Michal Materla...


Evangelista Santos vs Michal Materla
Uploaded by FlyingSquirrel

Evan Tanner: Interview before Kendall Grove Fight

Here is an interview where FightHype caught up with Evan Tanner prior to his last MMA fight, a matchup with Kendall Grove that was meant to be the beginning of a great comeback. Ultimately, we never got to see the comeback to its fruition, but here is a glimpse at the man in training.

When Rich Franklin lost to Anderson Silva the first time, he went into the mountains and grew a beard while training. Here, Evan Tanner shows you how it is really done.

Ben Rothwell vs. Kerry Schall

"Big" Ben Rothwell takes on Kerry Schall in the Superbrawl 24 Heavyweight tournament.


SB 24 - Ben Rothwell vs. Kerry Schall
Uploaded by Derek4jc

K1: Duane Ludwig vs. Serkan Yilmaz

Duane "Bang" Ludwig takes on Serkan Yilmaz in this 2004 K-1 match at Japan's Yoyogi Stadium.


K-1 - Duane Ludwig vs Serkan Yilmaz
Uploaded by UrbanX

K1: Duane Ludwig vs. Ramon Dekkers

Duane "Bang" Ludwig takes on Ramon Dekkers in this K-1 matchup.


K-1 '05 Ramon Dekkers Vs Duane Ludwig
Uploaded by ArticulateViolence

Duane Ludwig vs. Charles Bennett

Duane "Bang" Ludwig takes on one of the more colorful personalities of MMA in Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett in this 2001 King of the Cage match. This fight features some primo Ludwig striking.


Duane Ludwig vs Charles Bennett
Uploaded by UrbanX

Bas Rutten vs. Ryushi Yanagisawa

Bas Rutten in another one of the battles that characterized his legendary career.


Bas Rutten vs Ryushi Yanagisawa
Uploaded by Panabas

Bas Rutten vs. Jason Delucia

More from the legendary career of Bas Rutten...


Bas Rutten vs Jason Delucia
Uploaded by Panabas

Bas Rutten vs. Masakatsu Funaki II

Bas "El Guapo" Rutten goes to work in this rematch against Masakatsu Funaki...


Bas Rutten vs Masakatsu Funaki
Uploaded by Panabas

Evan Tanner vs. Lance Gibson

This fight from UFC 29 was posted by Bruno over at MMATKO, another great site for keeping up on your MMA.

Kudos to Bruno for the classy Evan Tanner intro at the beginning.

Evan Tanner: Fan Tribute Video

For something that was put together within hours of the tragic news of Evan Tanner's passing, this is a pretty decent tribute video. Kudos to the creator for the effort and emotion evident in the video.



And finally, a pretty cool and honest picture of Evan Tanner...

Jason Guida vs. Armondo Mena

Jason Guida squares off against Armondo Mena in this 2006 fight.


Guida Vs Mena May 2006
Uploaded by CrFights

Jason Guida vs. Allen Vindas

In this 2006 matchup, upcoming TUF cast member Jason Guida takes on Allen Vindas.


Guida Vs Vindas Apr 10, 2006
Uploaded by CrFights

Evan Tanner: A Few Thoughts on Dying Young in MMA

Well, I made a hopeful post when I heard the rumors, and a solemn post when the rumors were confirmed. It is now many hours later and I am still left wondering about the life and career of Evan Tanner: what was and what might have been. And perhaps in a self-centered way, I am also left wondering why the passing of Evan Tanner has had such a significant effect on me. Why I keep dwelling on it...

I had a great deal of respect for Evan Tanner, but I wouldn't say that I was necessarily a devoted fan. I did not lose one of my utmost heroes and role models today. And while 37 is far too young for the world to lose anyone, it is not the type of shockingly youthful death like that of NHL defenseman Luc Bourdon (age 21) of the Vancouver Canucks earlier this summer. And for whatever reason, Ryan Gracie (33) seemed more than 4 years younger...

And yet I am left feeling a surprisingly large impact, like the absence of Evan Tanner has left a larger hole in the fabric of MMA than I thought it would.

I was not a die hard Evan Tanner fan. But I respected the man a great deal. He fought with heart and that has always been the biggest thing for me. It's why I still don't mind seeing Ken Shamrock step into the cage when everyone else tells him to quit. It's not in his nature to quit. It's why, despite being a "true MMA fan" I like Kimbo Slice. His refusal to stay down against Sean Gannon said more than any of his quick knockouts of bouncers, boxers or MMA pioneers. And it's why, despite my admitting that Anderson Silva may be the most talented MMA practitioner out there, he has yet to win me over and make me cheer for him. He may have heart, but I haven't seen it shining through yet.

Evan Tanner had heart. He came out of training camp in shape and he walked into the Octagon to fight. And he didn't leave or quit until the fight was over. He overcame more personal demons than possibly anyone else outside the Octagon. And that undoubtedly takes the same kind of heart. And if anything is more tragic to a sport than losing a talented young man, it is losing a talented young man with heart.

His journey of redemption had the possibility to inspire many others battling their own demons, and hopefully it still may.

But as I sit here and type, I begin to wonder if one of the reasons that Evan Tanner seems to be leaving a gap in the sport, a gap in my life as a fan of MMA, and a gap in my life as a fan of athletes who approach their duties with heart... Is that MMA is such a young sport that we have yet to see our MMA heroes head up to the Octagon in the sky.

I've watched and mourned the deaths of Rocket Richard and Gump Worsley (NHL), Wilt Chamberlain (NBA), Mickey Mantle (NBA), Gene Upshaw and Reggie White (NFL). The pioneering legends of sports like Howie Morenz (NHL), Joe DiMaggio and Jackie Robinson (MLB), and Rocky Marciano (boxing) had passed away before I was even born.

But the "dinosaurs" of MMA, the people who were there from the inception of the sport, are 50-ish at the oldest: Dan Severn, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock. Some of these guys aren't actually even closing in on fifty. Even Ron Van Cleef is only 65! And he seemed like he was 65 already in UFC 5.

So as an MMA fan, I feel safe that my heroes will be healthy for some time to come. As MMA fans, we aren't yet prepared to see the legends, or even anyone in the sport, grow old and frail, much less die. There are probably some hard lessons and adjustments to come in the future. In more ways than one, Evan Tanner was an MMA pioneer.

And of course, we're never prepared to see a healthy man die in his prime.

Rest in peace, Mr. Tanner.

Interview: Gina Carano after Julie Kedzie Fight

Sherdog catches up with Gina Carano after her victory over Julie Kedzie in a 2007 EliteXC match.


Gina Carano post match interview
Uploaded by frankp316

Interview: Gina Carano on a Trampoline

ProElite interviews Gina "The Face of Women's MMA" Carano, on a trampoline...


Gina Interview

Alistair Overeem vs. Mike Bencic

2003 Pride matchup with Mike Bencic squaring off against Alistair Overeem.


Mike Bencic vs Alistair Overeem

Alistair Overeem vs. Sergei Kharitonov

K-1 Hero's matchup between Alistair Overeem and Sergei Kharitonov.

For those versing themselves in Overeem's technique prior to his upcoming matchup with Cro Cop...


Alistair Overeem vs Sergei Kharitonov
Uploaded by noirRLC

Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Melvin Manhoef

Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba takes on Melvin Manhoef at Dream 4.


Kazushi Sakuraba vs Melvin Manhoef - DREAM4

Alistair Overeem vs. Tae Hyun Lee

Alistair Overeem takes on Tae Hyun Lee at Dream 4.


Alistair Overeem vs Tae Hyun Lee - DREAM4

Evan Tanner vs. Heath Herring I

In honor of Evan Tanner's career, we're dusting off one of his earliest matches, when he squared off against Heath Herring and tired the man out until he said "no mas." This match is from USWF 7 (United Shoot Wrestling Federation).


Heath Herring vs Evan Tanner
Uploaded by UrbanX

Evan Tanner: 1971-2008

It has been CONFIRMED that the remains recently found at an isolated campsite are those of former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner.

The man had overcome a great deal to recently get back onto the comeback trail. He may well have had some good matches ahead in the Octagon, but he leaves behind a sport that he played a role in building and will be missed by fight fans everywhere.

His career included victories over Phil Baroni (twice), Heath Herring and Paul Buentello.

You can view Evan Tanner's SHERDOG RECORD or learn more about his career from his WIKIPEDIA ENTRY.

Also, here is Evan Tanner's OFFICIAL BLOG and MYSPACE.

Rest in peace.

GIF: Chuck Liddell KTFO by Rashad Evans

Here are a couple GIFs of the devastating KO punch that left the Iceman ice cold.

You gotta love the camera flash right before the punch connects. Very Rocky IV.





Perhaps Dynapep made a wise move and jumped on the Rashad Evans marketing wagon right before blast-off... What do you think the chances are that he plays with his nipples in the next commercial?

Evan Tanner: Hoping for the Best

Right now the internet is littered with various reports of Evan Tanner being found "dead in the desert."

Given that he is a former UFC middleweight champion who had recently gone through a painstaking journey to get his life and career back in order, I think all MMA fans are hoping these reports are merely some form of hoax or mistake.

I, for one, hope that this is merely a mass exercise in bad taste or imaginative speculation and that mixed martial arts has not lost one of its great middleweights and, as of late, uplifting redemption stories.

Here is a NEWS STORY suggesting the possibility that a recently discovered body may have been the former champion.

Here is an EVAN TANNER APPRECIATION THREAD on Sherdog. Don't hesitate to show your support...

Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga

Perhaps the most famous and devastating knockout in MMA history, this UFC battle featured a relative unknown (to the casual fan) in Gabriel Gonzaga, squaring off against the UFC's huge signing and new poster boy Mirko "Cro Cop' Filipovic.

Gonzaga was billed as a ground expert, who would be well-advised to keep this fight on its feet as little as possible.

Commentator Randy Couture raised more than a couple eyebrows when he went against the grain and predicted a Gonzaga victory before the fight.

Filipovic - Gonzaga
Uploaded by DBFDM

Since this match, I have always given a little extra weight to whatever Randy says before a fight goes down...

Movie: Tony Jaa vs. Nathan Jones

In this clip from Tom Yum Goong aka The Protector, martial arts superstar Tony Jaa takes on former strongman, (brief) MMA practitioner, WWE star and now action movie villain Nathan Jones.

Rashad Evans: Dynapep Commercial

The Rashad Evans marketing bonanza is in full force.

I do have to see, with that voiceover, if Rashad hadn't actually addressed the camera and said the word "Dynapep", I would have thought this was a fan spoof video or something...

But good on the man for making some cash, especially if he actually uses the product.

Dan Quinn: Theoretical Physicist

The legend that is Dan Quinn does not end at the boundaries of the Octagon.

THIS LINK is seriously worth checking out.

It is a forum called AdvancedPhysics.org where physicists and physics students gather to discuss matters of advanced physics, splitting of the atom. Whatever...

And on this thread (right away) you will witness what happens when the unstoppable force of Dan Quinn enters the arena of physics theory (and is eventually banned from the forum).

Bon appetit!

Jet Li: Iron Monkey

It is well know that Jet Li, like other greats such as Chow Yun Fat, made his name in Asia long before becoming an American and international superstar. But not everyone has a had the opportunity to see the foreign classics that made these men who they are, and display their martial arts talents to the fullest.

Here is the first 14 minutes of Iron Monkey, featuring Jet Li on his way to the top...


Jet Li - Iron Monkey DVD 1
Uploaded by angel_gianfranco86

And here is the rest of the movie...


Jet Li - Iron Monkey DVD 2
Uploaded by angel_gianfranco86


Jet Li - Iron Monkey DVD 3
Uploaded by angel_gianfranco86


Jet Li - Iron Monkey DVD 4
Uploaded by angel_gianfranco86


Jet Li - Iron Monkey DVD 5
Uploaded by angel_gianfranco86


Jet Li - Iron Monkey DVD 6
Uploaded by angel_gianfranco86

Bruce Lee: Casting Session for "The Green Hornet"

If this casting session had not been a success, might that have been the minor detail that kept the world from witnessing Bruce Lee?


Casting Bruce Lee
Uploaded by Jonas

Chuck Norris: The Mike Huckabee Commercial

And this is another oldie, especially with Mike Huckabees gravestone in the Presidential race having long been unveiled. That said, it's Chuck Norris, and I'm adding it to the Chuck file. Norris, that is...


Présidentielle US: Mike Huckabee & Chuck Norris (VOstFr)
Uploaded by Chacsam

Chuck Norris: The Mountain Dew Commercial

You must have seen this before, but I'm dusting it off and adding it to the JC MMA files.


Mountain dew chuck norris commercial
Uploaded by jackess31

KJ Noons Sr: The Diaz Brothers are Punks

Following the match between KJ Noons and Yves Edwards in June, there was a minor dustup involving KJ Noons, his father, and both Nick and Nate Diaz. Sherdog caught up with KJ Noons Sr. after the fight, and he discussed the situation between the Noons' and the Diazes.

All of this bears relevance on a likely rematch between KJ Noons and Nick Diaz, with Noons victorious in the first meeting by way of a TKO due to cuts.


KJ Noons Sr Talks Nick and Nate Diaz
Uploaded by KidNate

And there are plenty more MMA videos and interviews at SHERDOG.COM, but if you're an MMA fan, you probably already knew that...

Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino

And Nate Diaz in the Octagon against Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino...


NATE DIAZ VS KURT PELLEGRINO...DZ..DEZED...UFC.
Uploaded by bouzera

BJJ: Nate Diaz vs. Clement Shields

The Ultimate Fighter 5 winner Nate Diaz tests his submission skills in the 2007 Gracie Open against Clement Shields.


Clement Shields vs. Nate Diaz Gracie Open 2007
Uploaded by jaycosta7

Frank Mir: How to Perform the D'Arce Choke

Former (and future?) UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir displays his technique for the D'Arce choke, a relatively underutilized but effective submission.

GIF: Randy Couture as Captain America

And in honor of today's announcement by the UFC that Randy Couture will remain heavyweight champion of the organization and fight Brock Lesnar in his next matchup, I'm going through the closet and bringing out one of the classic photoshop jobs from the forums for you to add to your collection if it isn't already there.



Captain America is back in the Octagon...

GIF: Tim Sylvia vs. Fedor Emelianenko

It's not very often that a fanmade GIF is worthy of an entire post. But this one is pretty funny, and does capture the essence of the "battle" between Fedor Emelianenko and Tim Sylvia.

Give 'er a minute to load. It's 3.9 megs...

Giant Silva vs. Akebono

K-1 Dynamite matchup between two very large men: Akebono and "Giant" Silva.


K-1 Dynamite2006 Akebono vs Giant Silva
Uploaded by Badboul

Giant Silva vs. Ikuhisa Minowa

One of the classic "circus fight" personalities and apparently a great guy, Paulo Cesar "Giant" Silva, takes on Ikuhisa Minowa in this match from Pride Bushido 10. Giant Silva generally fared much better in his WWE battles than he did in real fights. But he does give it his all...


Giant Silva vs Ikuhisa Minowa
Uploaded by Usergerrit

Antonio Silva vs. Marcus Tchnida

In this Strikeforce matchup. Antonio Silva "Bigfoot" aka "Junior" squares off against Marcus Tchnida.

The commentary is in French...


CWFC - Strike Force - Antonio Silva vs. Marcus Tchinda
Uploaded by eMMA-TV

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Sanae Kikuta

In a fight from his days in the land of the rising sun, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Antonio Rodrigo "Minotaura" Nogueira, takes on Sanae Kikuta.


Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira vs Sanae kikuta
Uploaded by arnojjb

Roy Nelson vs. Vince Lucero

Another one of Roy Nelson's battles from the IFL, where he made a sufficient name for hinself to get onto the next Affliction card. In this match, Roy Nelson fights Vince Lucero.


nelson v lucero
Uploaded by hey971

It's on!

VS.



For the title. More to come...


You knew the UFC was going to come up with some way to squash hype on the Kimbo / Shamrock fight...

Gogoplata: Nick Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi

Here is a video of the final seconds of Nick Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi at Pride 33. Diaz finishes Gomi with a gogoplata, but the decision was changed to a "No Contest" after the fact, due to Diaz's affinity for the happy root...


nick diaz Gogoplata
Uploaded by cabbage08

Nick Diaz vs. Katsuya Inoue

Nick Diaz faces off against Katsuya Inoue at Dream 3.


DREAM3 - Nick Diaz vs Katsuya Inoue
Uploaded by MMAGLORY

The Return of "Pele"

Well, there's a recent development that should be considered good news by any real MMA fan. Jose "Pele" Landi-Johns, out for some significant time after snapping his shin in two in a match against Brian Gassaway, has signed to fight with Raw Combat.

One look at his record will show that he's fought a "who's who" of MMA in his weight range, and come out on the victorious end of some big name matches.

Here is an MMAWEEKLY POST on the subject.

And here is Pele's SHERDOG RECORD.

Jeff Monson vs. Brandon Lee Hinkle

"The Snowman" Jeff Monson takes on Brandon Lee Hinkle at UFC 57...


UFC 57 - Jeff Monson vs. Brandon Lee Hinkle
Uploaded by Freestyler260399

Stephan Bonnar vs. Lyoto Machida

Two top light heavyweight prospects square off in Jungle Fight: "The American Psycho" and Ultimate Fighter Season 1 finalist Stephan Bonnar... And current UFC light heavyweight title threat Lyoto Machida.


Stephan Bonnar vs Lyoto Machida - JF 1
Uploaded by UrbanX

K1: Jerome LeBanner vs. Pavel Majer

K-1 great Jerome LeBanner takes on Pavel Majer in the 2001 World GP in Osaka.


Jerome Lebanner vs Pavel Majer
Uploaded by donsadikcorleone

K1: Mark Hunt vs. Ray Sefo

It's an all-New Zealand matchup as Kiwis Mark Hunt and Ray Sefo duke it out in K-1.


Ray Sefo vs. Mark Hunt
Uploaded by BOXEN99

K1: Mark Hunt vs. Nathan Briggs

The chin of steel (Mark Hunt) goes up against Nathan Briggs in this K-1 matchup.


K-1 - Mark Hunt vs Nathan Briggs
Uploaded by UrbanX

Mark Hunt vs. Cro Cop

Possibly the strongest chin in MMA vs. possibly the strongest high kick in MMA. When an unstoppable force meets and immovable object... You get Mark Hunt vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.


Mirko ''Cro Cop'' Filipovic Vs Mark Hunt
Uploaded by bigwig

Joe Lauzon: Boxing with his Cousin

This clip has absolutely no relevance to any meaningful discussion of mixed martial arts. It's only use of any sort, is to show that Joe Lauzon has a pretty cute cousin.

Dan Severn: Tips for Ground and Pound

Footage of UFC Hall of Famer Dan "The Beast" Severn teaching a class on ground and pound techniques.

Joe Lauzon: Striking from Inside the Guard

Joe Lauzon gives a bit of instruction regarding tactics to employ when inside your opponent's guard.

Cartoon: Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir

Dudave's prediction (before the fact) of Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir. Cameo by Optimus Prime.


Brock Lesnar VS Frank Mir
Uploaded by dudave

Roy Nelson vs. Antoine Jaoude

Roy Nelson is one of the featured fighters in the upcoming second Affliction card. Despite not looking at all like a professional athlete, he made a name for himself in the IFL by throwing hard.

Here is a glimpse of some of his work in the IFL.


Antoine Jaoude vs. Roy Nelson - IFL 2007 WGP Finals
Uploaded by mmanow

Bo Cantrell vs. Brad Imes

Remember the guy who did a flying tap in Kimbo's first (non-exhibition) MMA match? The guy who took a shoulder punch and dove to the ground, tapping frantically?

That's Bo Cantrell. And here he is in King of the Cage against Brad Imes.

This time he finds another unusual way to lose...


KOTC - Brad Imes vs. Bo Cantrell
Uploaded by Nos12big

Is Andrei Arlovski actually George Michael?

What is the difference between Andrei Arlovski and George Michael? Fangs and submissions? Submission skills are easy to hide and fangs can be removed when convenient.

Supposedly Arlovski is from Belarus, but we all know that records in the Eastern Bloc are suspect and easily altered after the fact.



This picture of Arlovski earlier in his career is quite revealing as it is easily reproduced by merging the following two pictures of the frontman from Wham.

(Exhibit A)

(Exhibit B)

Like George Michael, Arlovski has altered his hairstyle and beard many times. And have the two ever been seen in the same place?

If Arlovski ever enters the ring looking like this...



...then the jig will be up once and for all.