Source: http://whitewaterraftingblog.oars.com/post/linked-by-rivers
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Linked by Rivers
It’s 7pm on a warm mid-August evening and I’m halfway down the wall of the Tuolumne River canyon. Far below me, meandering like a silvered serpent, runs the river—still distant though I’ve already been hiking downhill for half an hour. Faint murmurs of running water and fragments of voices from a rafting party camped on [...]
With medical suspensions for Maynard and Edgar, belt on ice
Medical suspensions from UFC 125 were announced, and both Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard are going to be on ice for a while. From MMAJunkie.com:
Frankie Edgar: Suspended until July 1 due to nasal fracture, though an ENT doctor can clear him early; regardless, minimum suspension until Feb. 16 with no contact until Feb. 1
Gray Maynard: Suspended until Feb. 16 with no contact until Jan. 23 due to facial lacerations
Maynard's suspension is expected after a five-round fight, and he could realistically be fighting again by late April or early May. Edgar's nasal fracture -- one of four nasal fractures at UFC 125 -- could pose a bigger problem. If he is out until July 1, as the suspension suggests, that means no rematch until late August. Even with a doctor's earlier clearance, Edgar still needs time to heal.
A long wait for the lightweight title rematch would be no problem if Anthony Pettis wasn't waiting in the wings. The WEC lightweight champ was promised a shot at the UFC lightweight belt, but that was put on hold after Maynard and Edgar fought to a draw. The longer that the Maynard-Edgar rematch is put on hold, the longer Pettis has to wait.
So what is Pettis to do with his time? How about a trip to Puerto Vallarta? The Milwaukee native who was recently named the Gal's Guide to MMA "Pantydropper of the Year" is headed down to Mexico with Urijah Faber, Erik Koch and friends. Considering that he fought five times in a one-year period, won a belt, filmed a reality show, delivered a kick that became instant water cooler fodder and then still got his title shot postponed, the man deserves some time on a beach.
Strikeforce Challengers 13: Woodley's game shows holes in clinch-fest win
There's been some talk of Tyron Woodley facing Strikeforce welterweight champ Nick Diaz in the near future. That hype may need to be dialed down a bit. Tarec Saffiedine didn't win tonight in Nashville, but he showed that Woodley needs a little more seasoning before he faces a top 10 welterweight. Woodley used his wrestling to keep the fight in close quarters and take a unanimous decision, 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28, in the main event of Strikeforce Challengers 13 in Nashville, Tenn.
"Tarec's a very tough guy. He's got some power, got some pop. I endured, I pressed him," Woodley told Showtime's Mauro Ranallo. "The game plan was to be dynamic, in and out."
There wasn't much out as Woodley worked his clinch game throughout the fight. He couldn't get the fight to the ground on several occasions, and Saffiedine scrambled so well off his back that Woodley couldn't take advantage of top control.
Woodley (8-0) got the slight nod in the first two rounds, but all that work along the cage sapped him, not Saffiedine. Originally from Belgium, Saffiedine was able to land the better strikes on the feet in the final round and threatened slightly on the ground as he worked for a kimura from the bottom.
Woodley was tired in the final round and took a lot of sloppy shots. He was also putting himself at risk by dropping his hands. These things happen when you're gassed.
Before anyone gets too down on Woodley, this was probably a case of Saffiedine showing off his own skill-set. He's a versatile kid and proved a lot by grappling on an even level with a former NCAA All-American wrestler.
The 24-year-old fighting out of Dan Henderson's Team Quest camp in Temecula, Calif., is now 10-3.
It was a night filled with decisions.
After a 2010 highlighted by awesome knockouts, Ovince St. Preux ran into a much better challenge than expected against Ron Humphrey. The former Tennessee linebacker still won, but the fight went the distance. It was the third win since the beginning of November for St. Preux, who admitted he may need a little break.
Daniel Cormier (7-0) remained unbeaten, but he also failed to finish veteran Devin Cole.
The night was stolen by the lone female fight as Amanda Nunes destroyed Julia Budd.
Nunes charged hard at the start of the fight and blasted Budd, a Muay Thai specialist, with a straight left. Budd hit the ground hard and her head slammed on the mat. Nunes was a killer. The 24-year-old Brazilian jumped on top and unloaded seven hammerfists. The ref jumped in to save Budd, who had gone limp. All that in just 14 seconds. Maybe Nunes could be a challenger down the road for 145-pound champion Cristiane Santos.
MAIN CARD (results courtesy MMAjunkie)
Tyron Woodley def. Tarec Saffiedine via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Ovince St. Preux def. Ron "Abongo" Humphrey via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Daniel Cormier def. Devin Cole via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Amanda Nunes def. Julia Budd via KO (strikes) - Round 1, 0:14
Rhadi Ferguson def. John Richard via submission (heel hook) - Round 2, 2:00
PRELIMINARY CARD
Thomas Campbell def. Jeremy Wallace via sub (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 1:26
John Salter def. Casey Huffman via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 2:59
Dustin Ortiz def. Matt Horning via TKO (strikes) - Round 3, 2:10
Dustin West def. Daniel Schmitt via KO (strikes) - Round 1, 0:09
Charles McTorry def. Krishaun Gilmore via submission (rear naked choke) - Round 2, 3:46
Chris Barnhizer def. Karl Willis via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 2:35
Jason Blackford def. Jeremy Boczulak via submission (heel hook) - Round 2, 1:54
Luke Sanders def. Josh Jarvis via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 3:15
Stoney Hale def. Gerric Hayes via split decision (28-29, 29-28. 29-28)
Overeem finishes Duffee in 19 seconds
Alistair Overeem is making this fight stuff look too easy. Just two weeks after muscling his way to a K-1 kickboxing title in Japan, he ran roughshod over former UFC super prospect Todd Duffee. Overeem walked straight ahead against the powerful puncher. He delivered a vicious knee to the body, a right to the side of the head and a left hook. That was it. Duffee collapsed into the ropes and Overeem spared him what could've been some nasty punishment. All that in just 19 seconds at Dynamite!! 2010 in Saitama, Japan.
Frankly, Duffee was in over his head. The 25-year-old is a solid prospect but he only had seven pro MMA fights under his belt. This was fight No. 46 for Overeem. The size difference was also alarming. Duffee is massive at 6-foot-3, 249 pounds, but Overeem looked like a giant and fought like one.
Friday, January 14, 2011
With technical savvy, Rhadi Ferguson overcomes adversity to post third win
After a decorated career in the world of Judo, Rhadi Ferguson is making the transition to mixed martial arts. He got a lot of attention before his fight against John Richard for being a distant relative of Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, but it's pretty clear the similarities end with the last name.
Ferguson (3-0) endured a bruising first round and allowed his superior technique to pave the way to his third career win. Ferguson scored a victory over the much larger John Richard via heel hook at 2:00 of the second round.
"When you start going for submissions, they occur in the iterative process," said Ferguson (4:45 mark). "Just like you throw combinations with your hands, you throw combinations with submissions. You don't stop until you finish."
Ferguson said he tried for a heel hook and a knee bar then switched from the right leg to Richard's left leg where he again went for the heel hook and then knee bar. He finished the fight by cranking on Richard's ankle.
"Doctor" Ferguson was also pleased with the way he handled the fight mentally except for one small slip. Early in the second, the Capella and Howard educated fighter was the victim of a low blow. Ferguson hesitated to allow the referee a chance to pause the fight, he didn't and he found himself on his back getting pounded. An Olympian in 2000 and 2004, Ferguson, who's also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt fighting out of American Top Team in South Florida, showed his class by eventually getting hold of the leg.
At 35, Ferguson may be a longshot to rise to the top of the light heavyweight heap, but it'll be interesting to watch his progression.
He's a fireplug at only 5-foot-8. His power was evident in the grappling game. Richard, called in on short notice because of an injury, looked to be around 230 pounds on fight night. Ferguson got blasted pretty good on the ground for the first three minutes of the match, but remained calm and allowed the bigger fighter to exhaust himself.
Working with guys like Lloyd Irvin, Jeff Monson and Ricardo Liborio won't hurt his cause.
Relative Work
Whoa, it’s been a while. I’m sorry for that! Life has been busy, to say the least. Things have picked up at work, and it’s unfortunate, but by the time I get home and do those things that need to get done, I can’t seem to find the time to write before I pass out [...]
UFC's Barry not certain anyone will beat Overeem in MMA
For some, the jury is still out on Alistair Overeem. If the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix goes down according to plan, we should get plenty of answers in 2011.
Pat Barry, a former kickboxer who fights in the UFC's heavyweight division, has already made up his mind.
"The dude is a monster. That’s what I think," he said. "Not only is he humongous, (but) he’s extremely experienced. That’s what makes him the most dangerous," Barry told MMAWeekly radio. "The dude is a monster. I don’t know how anyone is going to stop him any time soon."
Barry said it's Overeem's kickboxing that gives him the edge.
"Not just the size, but he has so much experience in MMA and in kickboxing, and he’s a Dutch trained kickboxer. I was in Amsterdam for five years. I know what the Dutch train like out there," said Barry.
Barry also said that it's ridiculous for people to put limitations on certain fighting disciplines. If they put in the work, kickboxers can make the transition to MMA and vice versa. Barry pointed to stablemate Anthony Pettis, who he thinks would perform just fine in K-1.
MMA fans should welcome K-1 fighters with open arms. The more elite strikers in the sport, the better. Erik Fontanez pointed out that Gokhan Saki is considering the crossover from K-1 to MMA. If he has any takedown and submission defense in his arsenal, he'd be a heck of an addition to a growing group of prospects in the light heavyweight division. Saki told his Twitter followers he'd like to fight in Strikeforce in 2011.
He fought in the K-1 WGP 2010 at just 217 pounds. His quarterfinal scrap against the massive Daniel Ghita (6-foot-5, 245) was epic but he also took major damage to the legs and body in that fight. Overeem overpowered the 6-2 Saki in the semifinals, but check out the punch-kick combinations early in the fight and his vicious left hand. That might work in MMA.
Tip via MMAMania
Thiago Alves calls out Jake Shields wants to fight him - UFC 124
Thiago Alves calls out Jake Shields wants to fight him Video by UFC 124
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Jon Jones Studying Ryan Bader 'Like a Spy' in Preparation for UFC 126
Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive
When UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones sits down to watch tape on a future opponent, it is an exercise in excess. In fact, that's kind of the point. For Jones, there's no such thing as too much time spent studying the man he's about to fight.Take Ryan Bader, for instance. To prepare for their fight at UFC 126 on Super Bowl weekend, Jones has procured tape not only of Bader's fights, but also his interviews and even a recent fan Q&A session. Now he "can't watch them enough." As he told MMA Fighting recently, he already feels like he knows what's going on inside of Bader's head.
"When you watch someone's interviews, you can tell where they're at mentally," said Jones. "There's certain words people use, keywords that show their level of confidence. Like, if I win this fight. Or, I hope. I might be able to do this. For instance, when [Bader] says, 'When Jon does that spinning back elbow he has his back open for a split second and maybe I can take his back.' Just the fact that he mentioned that in a Q&A tells me that's on his mind and that's a move that frustrates him, that's bothering him, so I should work on it and make it even faster and harder for him to see coming. People give a lot away in everything they say."
UFC Suspends Chael Sonnen
by Michael David Smith
UFC star Chael Sonnen, who was already serving a suspension for a positive drug test, has now been suspended by the UFC after his guilty plea to money laundering.
UFC President Dana White told TMZ that Sonnen's contract has been "frozen" while he tries to get his personal life in order. But White also made clear that he still supports Sonnen and wants to see him back in the Octagon.
"Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC," White said. "I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."
UFC star Chael Sonnen, who was already serving a suspension for a positive drug test, has now been suspended by the UFC after his guilty plea to money laundering.UFC President Dana White told TMZ that Sonnen's contract has been "frozen" while he tries to get his personal life in order. But White also made clear that he still supports Sonnen and wants to see him back in the Octagon.
"Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC," White said. "I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/01/04/ufc-suspends-chael-sonnen/
Greg Jackson vs Dana White on Inside MMA - Greg Jackson
Nate Marquardt and Michael Kogen join Kenny and Bas in weighing in on the war of words between Dana White and Greg Jackson, about Jackson's Camp style of fightingSource: http://mmalice.com/greg-jackson/greg-jackson-vs-dana-white-on-inside-mma-video_0603515c4.html
Fedor is back! Strikeforce heavyweight tournament, a coup for MMA in 2011
Many bloggers were skeptical about the possibility of Strikeforce putting together an eight-man tourney for its heavyweights. It looks like Scott Coker and Showtime have cut through the red tape. The heavyweight extravaganza could result in some of the best matchmaking of 2011!
The Canadian Press reported that Fedor Emelianenko Tweeted about his first-round fight. It'll be Antonio Silva on Feb. 12 in New Jersey. The former Strikeforce champ, regarded by many as the greatest heavyweight in the history of the sport, hasn't fought since his upset loss at the hands of Fabricio Werdum last June. Silva, a winner of two straight, has only lost one fight since 2006.
Update - FanHouse reports that the field is set:
The first two quarterfinal bouts will take place on Feb. 12, with Fedor Emelianenko taking on Antonio Silva, while Andrei Arlovski will face Sergei Kharitonov.
The other two quarterfinal bouts include Brett Rogers facing Josh Barnett and current Strikeforce champ Alistair Overeem taking on Fabricio Werdum, the last man to beat Emelianenko
The tourney will also include a cool feature for Strikeforce's up and coming heavyweights. Shane del Rosario, Lavar Johnson and Daniel Cormier may be involved in alternate bouts as insurance down the road for injured participants.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
UFC suspends Sonnen after guilty plea in mortgage fraud
Following his guilty plea in a mortgage fraud case, UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen has been suspended by the UFC, and his bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama is on hold. TMZ reported that Dana White said that Sonnen's contract is "frozen."
"Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC." White adds, "I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."
Sonnen is expected to receive two years probation and be required to pay a $10,000 fine. He is far from the first UFC fighter to run afoul of the law while on the promotion's payroll.
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, the one-time light heavyweight champ, plead guilty last January to going on a reckless driving spree in southern California. Later in 2009, he coached on "The Ultimate Fighter" and starred in a remake of "The A-Team."
Josh Neer fought on Ultimate Fight Night 17 just over a month after his second DUI arrest, but wasn't cut from the UFC until he had two losses in a row. Chris Leben, who fought last weekend at UFC 125, was arrested for a DUI in October 2010 and a probation violation in April 2008.
First bouldering at Stanage Plantation, Derbyshire, UK
Location: Stanage Plantation
Date: Sunday 27 July
Sunday shone this weekend. A planned trip to the gym was quickly canned and instead we made a trip out to a new bouldering spot. After a recommendation that Stanage plantation had some good climbing (thanks Jonny!) we checked my bouldering guide book and set out.
If you’re reading this wondering [...]
Date: Sunday 27 July
Sunday shone this weekend. A planned trip to the gym was quickly canned and instead we made a trip out to a new bouldering spot. After a recommendation that Stanage plantation had some good climbing (thanks Jonny!) we checked my bouldering guide book and set out.
If you’re reading this wondering [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rock-climbing-blog/~3/JrgXY2R0zV4/philsheard
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Shane Carwin Returns at UFC 131 on June 11 in Vancouver
Heavyweight contender Shane Carwin is slated to fight for the first time since undergoing back surgery when the UFC returns to Vancouver for UFC 131 on June 11, but the former interim champ doesn't yet have an opponent after a proposed bout with Roy Nelson fell apart.
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/17213/shane-carwin-returns-at-ufc-131-on-june-11-in-vancouver/
Sylt 2010
It�s my 5th time up here in Sylt. 2005, 2007 till 2010. This time we see a very calm Sylt. So far the wind never picked up above 20 knots and no big onshore waves crashed on the shore of Westerland. 6 days of the event are over and 4 days more are to go. [...]
MMA Marketplace: What's this? MMA shirts with no skulls?
In lamenting Silver Star's Nazi shirt, we pointed out that the problem with many MMA shirts is that they are completely unoriginal. To avoid using the wrong skull, how about just not using any skulls at all?
Reader K.J. Gould shared with us an MMA clothing company which does just that. Check out the shirts made by Cage Hero.
These shirts are pretty amazing. The designs have a comic-book feel, and stick to their motto of "The Hero Comes From Within." The best part is that the hero doesn't cost all that much. Their shirts cost around $24, well under the price point of many MMA shirts that are covered in skulls.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Triple Crown of Surfing Art
Surf comps over the past few years have been increasingly using surf art in their contest marketing materials, Billabong, Roxy and Vans seem to particularly like surf art (good on 'em!). The Triple Crown of Surfing has used surf art for years, with this years umbrella event artwork done by artist Chris Lundy (below), and below that are this years six competition posters…
What is the Triple Crown of Surfing?
If you weren't aware, there is a surfing event going on in Hawaii called the Triple Crown of Surfing, one the most prestigious of all surfing contests. The event spans 6 surfing comps with a holding period from November 12th through to December 20th. Right now is the Pipeline Masters (awesome!). The best Hawaiian local surfers take on the professional surfers from around the globe, in arguably the best waves on the planet.
www.triplecrownofsurfing.com
What is the Triple Crown of Surfing?
If you weren't aware, there is a surfing event going on in Hawaii called the Triple Crown of Surfing, one the most prestigious of all surfing contests. The event spans 6 surfing comps with a holding period from November 12th through to December 20th. Right now is the Pipeline Masters (awesome!). The best Hawaiian local surfers take on the professional surfers from around the globe, in arguably the best waves on the planet.
www.triplecrownofsurfing.com
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cotw/~3/-kIph4xLOVQ/triple-crown-of-surfing-art.html
Apple Pie and Whitewater Rafting??.
………………..the great American combo!� Ok, well maybe not.� But still not a bad idea.� And here in lovely El Dorado County, we can offer you award-winning versions of both! In the the same weekend, no less, how ya doin. The South Fork of the American continues to flow past the turning fall colors, and lucky [...]
Source: http://blog.aorafting.com/apple-pie-and-whitewater-rafting/
Fedor is back! Strikeforce heavyweight tournament, a coup for MMA in 2011
Many bloggers were skeptical about the possibility of Strikeforce putting together an eight-man tourney for its heavyweights. It looks like Scott Coker and Showtime have cut through the red tape. The heavyweight extravaganza could result in some of the best matchmaking of 2011!
The Canadian Press reported that Fedor Emelianenko Tweeted about his first-round fight. It'll be Antonio Silva on Feb. 12 in New Jersey. The former Strikeforce champ, regarded by many as the greatest heavyweight in the history of the sport, hasn't fought since his upset loss at the hands of Fabricio Werdum last June. Silva, a winner of two straight, has only lost one fight since 2006.
Update - FanHouse reports that the field is set:
The first two quarterfinal bouts will take place on Feb. 12, with Fedor Emelianenko taking on Antonio Silva, while Andrei Arlovski will face Sergei Kharitonov.
The other two quarterfinal bouts include Brett Rogers facing Josh Barnett and current Strikeforce champ Alistair Overeem taking on Fabricio Werdum, the last man to beat Emelianenko
The tourney will also include a cool feature for Strikeforce's up and coming heavyweights. Shane del Rosario, Lavar Johnson and Daniel Cormier may be involved in alternate bouts as insurance down the road for injured participants.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Jason Mayhem Miller talks Nashville Brawl and talks Entrances - Jason Mayhem Miller
MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant tries to wrangle "Most Memorable Ring Entrance" winner Jason "Mayhem" Miller on the red carpet and backstage at the 2010 Fighters Only World MMA Awards. Mayhem is his usual low-key self as he discusses the fallout from the "Bash in the Nash," how he puts together his award-winning ringwalks and his perseverance in the sport of MMA. In addition, Mayhem comes up with an appropriate name for the Fighters Only trophy.Be sure to visit http://www.MMAheat.com for more interviews and our 1/2 hour show. N�s falamos Portugu�s!* We're on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MMAheat* Follow MMAheat on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MMAheat* Follow Karyn on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KarynBryant
A Guide To? Dive Watches, Part Two ? The Top Contenders.
The Top Contenders As an add-on to illustrate my recent “Guide to…Dive Watches” article I wanted to mention a few all-time modern classics that incorporate at least some of the features I?ve mentioned in the guide. All the watches in this list are available presently, but have been in production in some guise or other [...]
Source: http://www.dailyscubadiving.com/a-guide-to-dive-watches-part-two-the-top-contenders/
Fedor is back! Strikeforce heavyweight tournament, a coup for MMA in 2011
Many bloggers were skeptical about the possibility of Strikeforce putting together an eight-man tourney for its heavyweights. It looks like Scott Coker and Showtime have cut through the red tape. The heavyweight extravaganza could result in some of the best matchmaking of 2011!
The Canadian Press reported that Fedor Emelianenko Tweeted about his first-round fight. It'll be Antonio Silva on Feb. 12 in New Jersey. The former Strikeforce champ, regarded by many as the greatest heavyweight in the history of the sport, hasn't fought since his upset loss at the hands of Fabricio Werdum last June. Silva, a winner of two straight, has only lost one fight since 2006.
Update - FanHouse reports that the field is set:
The first two quarterfinal bouts will take place on Feb. 12, with Fedor Emelianenko taking on Antonio Silva, while Andrei Arlovski will face Sergei Kharitonov.
The other two quarterfinal bouts include Brett Rogers facing Josh Barnett and current Strikeforce champ Alistair Overeem taking on Fabricio Werdum, the last man to beat Emelianenko
The tourney will also include a cool feature for Strikeforce's up and coming heavyweights. Shane del Rosario, Lavar Johnson and Daniel Cormier may be involved in alternate bouts as insurance down the road for injured participants.
The 10 Secrets to Buying the Perfect Wetsuit for Women
Check out this cute article by: The Girls at Swish Suits Are you a woman and do aquatic sports? If you answered yes, you are aware then of the frustrating lack of options we women have out there for wetsuits. Swish Suits are trying to solve this problem for you! Swish Suits is an aquatic [...]
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)