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October 1, 2008

UFC: Henderson vs. Franklin and Rua vs. Coleman II in Dublin

from ufc.com:
Live From the O2-Dublin - Saturday, January 17, 2009

Las Vegas, NV (USA) - The world's most exciting sport returns to the Emerald Isle as the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) organization opens up 2009 with the star-powered UFC 93 card at the O2-Dublin in Dublin, Ireland on January 17, 2009.

In the light heavyweight main event, former two-division world champion Dan Henderson will collide with former UFC middleweight king Rich Franklin in three-round war which will set the tone for the 205lbs division in 2009.

Then, 2005 PRIDE® Grand Prix Champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua returns to the Octagon™ to throw down with UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman in a rematch MMA fans thought they would never see. The pair last met in Japan in 2006, with the legendary Coleman pulling off a stunning upset by breaking Rua's arm in the first round.

Here's the video of the Rua-Coleman fight in PRIDE and the aftermath. As I remember it, Rua breaks his arm early in the fight when Coleman goes for a take down. Coleman either doesn't realize it or doesn't care and keeps after Rua with the ref trying to intervene.

Chute Boxe members, including Wanderlei Silva, hit the ring, as do members of Hammer House, Coleman's team. Phil Baroni takes down Silva, who ends up getting Coleman's shoe on his throat. Coleman is charged up after the fight but later tries to apologize. Chute Boxe has nothing of it. Silva's so mad, he wants to take on Coleman, Baroni and Rampage Jackson at the same time.

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September 26, 2008

Rich Franklin in "Cyborg Soldier"

I'm thinking maybe 90210's Tiffany Amber Thiessen got punk'd here ... "Yo, Tiff, we want you to star in this futuristic action/romance thriller with UFC champ Rich Franklin!" Then all they did was make this trailer as a goof. ... Heck, if it is real, I'll rent it on Netflix. I like Rich Franklin and I'm sure he kicks major ass in this movie, so there. By the way, I used to think Tiffany was hot in Saved by the Bell. Am I the only one?

September 5, 2008

All fighters make weight for UFC 88

lidev.jpg

I just watched the live weigh-ins for UFC 88-Breakthrough. All the fighers made weight. Chuck Liddell looked more cut than usual at 204 pounds, although he still had a little of his trademark "beer gut," as some would call it. I prefer to think that's where he gets his power. The Power of the Gut.

Liddell and Rashad Evans had a curt handshake and an intense staredown.

Rich Franklin looked good at jumping up to 205. Jason Lambert, dropping from 205 to 185, looked like he made the right move. And Rousimar Palhares, Dan Henderson's opponent, looked huge and cut. He's short, but has the physique of a bodybuilder.

September 4, 2008

UFC 88 press conference

Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans squared off at the press conference held earlier today for UFC 88 - Breakthrough in Atlanta, Ga. Rich Franklin and Matt Hamill, who also meet in a light-heavyweight bout, seemed like old friends - and they do go back a ways - at the presser. A great display of sportsmanship, one I see more often in MMA than any other sport out there.
Thanks to mmaweekly.com for the photos.

LiddellEvansUFC88Press.jpg
Liddell and Evans

FranklinHamillUFC88press.jpg
Franklin and Hamill

August 21, 2008

This week's MMA Live







Features Rich "Ace" Franklin, who will be fighting Matt Hamill at UFC 88 on Sept. 6.

This week's MMA Explosion radio show


powered by ODEO
Tom Joyce and I give our picks for the upcoming UFC 88 - Breakthrough event, discuss the KJ Noons- Nick Diaz-EliteXC feud and break down steroids in MMA.

August 16, 2008

UFC 88: Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill

This marks Rich Franklin's return to the 205-pound division after dropping down to 185, winning the middleweight title, then losing it to Anderson Silva, then losing a re-match.

Hamill is an up-and-comer, and is going to give Franklin a real tough fight. It's a contrast of styles here. Franklin likes to stand, Hamill feels more comfortable on the ground, but he's improved his striking as of late. I say Hamill takes it by unanimous deicison.