The Ultimate Fighter Season 5, Episode 3
By Erin | April 19, 2007
Gabe talks about how everyone is giving him s*** about his weight. He is apparently rather desperate as he decides he wants to get a colonic. Let me just say: Eeeew.
Back at the house, Manny gets to sport the homemade belt and Nate is going stir crazy and wants to fight Emerson.
BJ doesn’t “get†Gabe and is confused by the colonic. As are we all, BJ, as are we all.
Jens brings in Jeremy Horn as a guest trainer. Poor Corey, lacking in cable, is unsure who Horn is. However, Horn thinks Corey has awesome potential. Nate talks about how he and his brother have been watching Horn since they were kids.
Oh gah, do we really need a blow-by-blow of the colonic? Gabe gets a cute blond as his colonic lady, so at least if he has to have someone shove a tube up his ass, at least its not some big hairy dude. Damnit editors, we DO NOT need to keep getting close ups of the “lovely†water themed office decorations.
Gray says that he wouldn’t be taking a day of training off to go get a colonic and taking the easy route. Dude, it may not be the way you would go, but I seriously doubt that taking anything up the ass is the easy route.
Some of the boys are getting creative with the clothing and occasional complete lack there of. For such well built guys, they really go out of their way to look as horrible as possible.
Nate picks Rob as this week’s fight and explained it earlier as he’s still annoyed by the “suck it team Pulver†bit.
We get background on what is supposed to be Nate, but almost all of it focuses on Nate’s older brother, Nick. This does make since as there’s no UFC footage of Nate to use.
Emerson shows off his creativity by making marshmallow skewers, writing on the walls and coming up with a makeshift basketball hoop.
My shallow side thoroughly enjoys Emerson and his boxer briefs during the weigh-in.
Both guys are rather confident in their chances. Emerson, as he’s used to fighting “street punksâ€, and Diaz as he’s willing to beat the crap out of anyone.
Damn, I’m conflicted. On one hand I want Nate to win as he is on Team Jens, on the other hand I wouldn’t mind keeping Emerson around as he sure is purdy.
Round 1. Both guys test each other out with kicks, until Nate goes for the clinch and they go against the fence. They switch back and forth between stand up and clinches until Nate goes for a trip that lands him on his back. Emerson lets him back up and they are into the cage again. Mostly stand up-clinch-repeat until the end of the round, with Nate attempting a few takedowns with not much success.
Round 2. Nate gets Emerson trapped up against the cage and throws a couple knees before attempting a trip. Emerson manages to avoid it and almost get the fight off the cage. Nate finally gets his takedown and clings to Emerson’s legs before trying again and getting a better positioned takedown. Emerson does a good job of keeping his legs in Nate’s way, but Nate is just raining down punches. Nate eventually works to full mount and Emerson tries to roll out which only leads to Nate getting his back. Nate grabs Emerson’s arm and gets an armbar. Nate can’t finish it off, but returns to full mount for more punches. Nate gets Emerson’s back again and sinks in rear naked choke. Emerson taps.
Winner via Rear Naked Choke: Nate Diaz
Emerson is understandably depressed after the fight and BJ gives him a nice hug type of thing, which makes me like BJ a little bit more. Just a little though.
Topics: Erin Bucknell, MMA, UFC | 4 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Fight Opinion Radio #46: The world of Zuffa
By Zach Arnold | April 19, 2007
This week’s 60-minute show covers the main stories in the past week of MMA, including the fallout from the Dana White/Tito Ortiz ‘Bad Blood’ docudrama that Spike TV aired last week. Did Tito Ortiz’s career suffer damage due to the show? What exactly was the payoff? Begrudgingly, we discuss these issues.
Also, we talk about the BodogFight PPV show from Russia with Fedor vs. Lindland. What should have happened when Fedor grabbed the ropes? Plus, we break down some of the politics involved in the show and talk about some trends that are happening outside of UFC in the MMA world that resemble tactics seen in boxing.
Our meat-and-potatoes segment of the week focuses on the mess that is the PRIDE asset acquisition by Zuffa LLC. What system does Zuffa want to implement for management in the ‘new’ PRIDE? Why is Zuffa’s strategy flawed and why are they stuck in a catch-22? Is there a way to make the ‘new’ PRIDE work? Plus, an update on the Fishman Companies vs. DSE Inc. lawsuit and what the latest court session means for all the parties involved.
To finish off the show, we have adopted our new mailbag system with the world-famous Grab Bag segment. We answer all of your questions. It’s uncensored and unfiltered. It’s Fight Opinion Radio.
This week’s show is brought to you by Monster Wrestling Rings and Kakuto Store.
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Podcasting Links
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The 46th edition of Fight Opinion Radio is now online and available to download. Here are your options for listening to the show:
Broadband (MP3) | Dial-up/Streaming
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: BoDog, Erin Bucknell, Fight Opinion Radio, Japan, Jeff Thaler, Media, MMA, Pancrase, podcasts, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | No Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Dana White talks about Fedor
By Zach Arnold | April 19, 2007
Money quote from The Fight Network:
“He has a contract with PRIDE,†White reconfirmed, though the 37-year-old publicly proclaimed he had a problem with the mega-star fighter appearing elsewhere.
White even went as far as to say he would take legal measures to ensure Emelianenko stay off any other roster besides his own.
“He’s not a free agent and absolutely we’d slap an injunction on him,†White said.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: BoDog, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 20 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Thursday talk: BET on MMA
By Zach Arnold | April 18, 2007
The IFL stock is now at $3.40/share. Oh my.
BET’s latest PR push for their new ‘MMA’ show:
IRON RING – Combat sports just got tougher. From the creator of ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHALLENGE, one of the most successful new sports formats in entertainment, comes a new show that introduces new celebrities from music, sports and Hollywood to the most dangerous fighters in the world. An all-star line-up of celebrities will manage teams of fighters in the best mixed martial arts match-ups on television.
Onto today’s headlines.
The Cage Fury 4/13 Atlantic City show is free to watch online now.
I have not heard anything at all about any fallout from the Tokyo meeting with DSE staff in regards to Zuffa’s ‘new system’ of management being implemented. As alluded to on the mailbag post, Zuffa’s lawyers are reportedly just looking at PRIDE contracts now. The date set for the asset transaction is May 1st – 12-13 days from today. Two weeks of analysis may not be long enough…
Pure 100% grade-A speculation
Is it just me, or with the announcements of Choi Hong-Man working K-1’s 4/28 Hawaii show and Gina Carano working the K-Grace 5/27 Differ Ariake show that certain people think the LA Coliseum show for June 2nd may not happen after all? I can’t figure out why these bookings would take place unless the 6/2 show was not happening. Never underestimate stupidity, but I don’t think K-1 is that stupid.
- The Huntsville Times (Alabama): Ultimate fighters don’t faze former Army bomb expert Mike Kniest
- The BBC: Ultimate fighting or boxing?
- The BBC: Boxing’s biggest fight
- Yahoo Sports: Ultimate challenge for Mayweather?
- icLiverpool (UK): Terry Etim faces ultimate challenge
- Gambling 911: Calvin Ayre promises big plans for BodogFight in Europe
- Newswire Today (PR): Josh Barnett releases affliction signature shirt
- Radio: MMA Smackdown #19 w/ Matt Horwich
- UGO: Renzo Gracie interview
- UGO: Bas Rutten interview
- BodogBeat: Cage Rage 4/21 card line-up
- The Canadian Press: Elvis Sinosic takes on English UFC posterboy at UFC 70
- The Canadian Press: Edmonton police officer steps into ring to make MMA debut
- MMA Insider: As Tito Ortiz’s world turns
- UFC HP: Victor Valimaki – ‘The Matrix’ reloads for round two
- Fox Sports: HBO, UFC come to terms on agreement
- UFC Junkie: Sean Salmon on “Training without ego”
Topics: BoDog, Boxing, IFL, Japan, K-1, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 12 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Mailbag time
By Zach Arnold | April 17, 2007
Submit your questions in the comments section. We’ll answer them on this week’s edition of Fight Opinion Radio.
Plus, pick what storyline you want us to focus on in the opening segment – Fedor/Lindland, Dana/Tito, complications with the ‘new PRIDE, etc.
In relation to the PRIDE story, this Miruhon report that Gryphon referred to is quite the interesting item. It claims that a Zuffa LLC lawyer has been at the DSE offices every day and that the financial books of PRIDE are being checked. The report states that Zuffa is likely aiming for a two-President system, and that Sakakibara had his nominee voted down. Miruhon further claims that if complications arise in the meeting (that supposed took place today), it would be impossible to get things done before Golden Week (late April-early May). The end game is if things get so complicated that DSE staffers just leave as opposed to shift to the new PRIDE FC Worldwide LLC operation. Motoichiro Takasu also referred to this meeting taking place today.
I didn’t see this publicized on Miruhon, but the ATOM XML feed for their site is: http://www.miruhon.net/news/atom.xml
Topics: Fight Opinion Radio, Japan, Media, MMA, PRIDE, Zach Arnold | 21 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Wednesday headlines: Yakuza mania and PRIDE news
By Zach Arnold | April 17, 2007
By Zach Arnold
Roger Gracie vs. Ricardo Arona announced for ADCC 2007.
Frank Trigg states that he will unlikely be associated with the ‘new’ PRIDE.
Choi Hong-Man has been booked against Mike Malone for K-1’s 4/28 Neal Blaisdell Arena show in Honolulu.
A new release of the NHB MMA simulator.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: Japan, K-1, Media, MMA, PRIDE, Pro Elite, UFC, UK, Yakuza, Zach Arnold | 36 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
BodogFight’s plans for Japan
By Zach Arnold | April 17, 2007
By Zach Arnold
Here are comments made by Calvin Ayre in an interview with us (through an intermediary).
1) Will Bodog run any shows in the US?
Following the overwhelming success of its sophomore series, Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Combat will start airing in over 90 million homes across the U.S., on ION Television, starting this Tuesday, April 17th at 11 p.m. / 10 p.m. Central. In addition to being broadcast on ION Television, all episodes of the series will be available worldwide through video streaming on www.BodogFight.com. Fight fans will get access to previews, recaps, behind-the-scenes exclusives, fighter bios and additional footage only available online.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: BoDog, Japan, Media, MMA, Pancrase, Zach Arnold | 5 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Tuesday notes: Tito Ortiz is still talking
By Zach Arnold | April 17, 2007
Keep your eyes open on the IFL stock. It’s down to $4.20/share.
New poll added to the right side of the page. Make sure to also listen to our latest radio show.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: Canada, IFL, Media, MMA, Pro Elite, UFC, UK, Zach Arnold | 17 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Report: PRIDE to have two US executives
By Zach Arnold | April 16, 2007
By Zach Arnold
First, a quick PRIDE-related sidenote (this news is dated as of 4/16): The next court hearing in the Fishman Companies vs. Dream Stage Entertainment Inc. lawsuit (Clark County, Nevada) is scheduled for May 17th at 9 AM. The discussion will center around the defendant’s motion to dismiss the case or a summary judgment. The main attorney for Fishman Companies is Todd Bice (this may be his information) and the main attorney for DSE Inc. is Patrick Reilly (this may be his information).
Nikkan Sports reports that Zuffa LLC will name two American executives to run management for the ‘shinsei’ (newborn) PRIDE organization. The expectation is that the two executives will come from UFC and will arrive in Japan at the end of April.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: Japan, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 12 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Tito Ortiz: Dana White takes the low road
By Zach Arnold | April 16, 2007
For Immediate Release
Monday, April 16, 2007
“DANA WHITE HAS ONCE AGAIN TAKEN THE LOW ROAD…†SAYS TITO ORTIZ
UFC Fighter Says UFC President “Disrespects All Fighters,†by his Attitude
Statement from Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Tito Ortiz about accusations by Dana White, UFC President on Spike TV Thursday, April 12, 2007:
“Dana White has once again taken the low road and decided to try to damage my reputation and credibility in a public forum. During an appearance on Spike TV on April 12th White accused me of failure to show up for a fight we had originally scheduled for March 24th. He did so at the end of the program and gave me no opportunity to respond or tell the real story, which is simply this: White was fully informed well in advance of March 24th that I would not fight without a contract, which White refused to sign.
Fighting is my livelihood and jeopardizing my body without a full understanding of conditions, doesn’t make any sense. No professional fighter will go into a risky match without a contract.
I’ve struggled to get respect and dignity for my profession and I do it in the way I lead my life as a fighter and as a human being. Dana’s attitude not only disrespects me, but all fighters. I am taking this stand just not for this one incident, but for all future champions.
I want to reiterate: I am ready to settle my differences with Dana White in any fighting forum we can agree on, but only if there is a signed contract that stipulates where the money is going, whether it is to charity or to the fighters doesn’t matter as much as having a definitive agreement.
Until Dana White is ready to fight me on a professional basis, I strongly urge him to keep his mouth shut.â€
For more information or interviews with Tito Ortiz, contact: Sara Perkins-Tito Ortiz Press Office-212-687-1977 or [email protected].
About Tito Ortiz:
Jacob “Tito†Ortiz (born January 23, 1975) is a legendary participant of the sport of mixed martial arts, or “MMA.†Ortiz’ career has been mostly within the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization. A former Light-Heavyweight UFC champion, Ortiz has become one of the sport’s shining stars, headlining pay per view championship events and appearing on the cover of such magazines as Black Belt. He is a native of Huntington Beach, CA and is also known as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy.†Tito Ortiz is recognized as a charismatic and controversial fighter and has also acted in several films and TV series. Whatever the opinions of Ortiz, he is regarded as a colorful showman, talented athlete and successful business executive who heads sportswear company Punishment Athletics.
Topics: Media, MMA, Press Releases, UFC | 14 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Monday news: BodogFight gets worldwide coverage
By Zach Arnold | April 16, 2007
One of the fascinating things in watching the BodogFight PPV was the play-by-play commentating of Bob Sheridan, who is a famous boxing announcer. I remember him calling the Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson 1990 upset at the Tokyo Dome. On the BodogFight show, Sheridan amazingly put over everything he could. I don’t know how to describe it, but Sheridan’s PBP was in contrast to Mike Goldberg (for better or for worse). Sheridan was excited for every punch or every submission attempt. High energy all the way.
- MosNews: Putin greets Van Damme at major MMA contest
- Black Athlete: Does boxing need a new business model?
- Jake Rossen: Thoughts on the BodogFight PPV
- The Daily Reveille (LSU): Baton Rouge gets ‘Beat 2 Sleep’
- The London Times: Fighting talk from Putin as protests grow (BodogFight is getting some serious media coverage)
- MMA California: Punishment Athletics autograph signing on April 28th
- The Houston Chronicle: Sean Sherk rounding back into fighting shape
- UFC Junkie: Rumor mill – Cincinnati likely to host October UFC event
Topics: BoDog, Boxing, Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 17 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Future PRIDE plans
By Zach Arnold | April 15, 2007
Daily Sports has a report quoting Nobuhiko Takada about the upcoming Lightweight GP tournament. Takada is quoted as saying that it will begin on July 16th at Nagoya’s Rainbow Hall. Interestingly enough, he also claims that PRIDE 35 will take place in California this June.
In Nikkan Sports, Takada discusses a proposal to create a large PRIDE-themed museum (and gym) in Roppongi (Tokyo).
Topics: Japan, Media, MMA, PRIDE, Zach Arnold | 10 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Sunday review: Serra speaks out about Hughes
By Zach Arnold | April 14, 2007
Manny Pacquiao defeaed Jorge Solis and Ruslan Chagaev defeated Nikolai Valuev on Saturday night in boxing action. Fight Report breaks down the heavyweight picture.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: BoDog, Boxing, IFL, Media, MMA, UFC, UK, Zach Arnold | 5 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |