What you need to know from this week on “The Ultimate Fighter”

Welcome to the second week of "The Ultimate Fighter: Lesnar vs. dos Santos." Read on for spoilers, a fight recap, and the reason why Brock is choking that poor bunny.

Apocalyptic drill of the week: At Team dos Santos practice, Junior has his fighters put on gas masks and train. Keon Caldwell struggles through the practice, saying that he had a hard time leaving his family.

Lesnar teaches what he knows: wrestling. He corrects his fighters in their grappling ways and says that he expected to lose the last fight because of the picks. He also uses his favorite phrase: "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken [expletive]."

Gut check the week: Caldwell talks with dos Santos, and says that he wants to go home to see his daughter. Dos Santos tries to talk Caldwell through the indecision, and his teammates point out that he needs to stay for his daughter, but in the very next frame, Dana White walks in. He asks for Keon, and Keon looks like he soiled his pants.

White gives him a surprisingly compassionate speech, reminding Keon that he needs to fight for his daughter. No f-bombs were dropped in the making of this motivational speech.

Fight pick of the week: Javier Torres (Team dos Santos) vs. Chris Cope (Team Lesnar)

Lesnar isn't surprised by the pick, as he thinks that Junior is matching up his best against Lesnar's weakest fighters. An odd wrinkle in this fight is that Cope trained with Lew Polley, dos Santos' assistant coach. Polley tells Torres all the wrinkles of Cope's game, particularly that he doesn't like working against the cage.

Gut check that didn't work of the week: Keon still isn't focused in practice, and he decides to go home. He mentions that knows it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but feels like it's the right thing to do.

Many will look at Caldwell as a crazy man, but he did the right thing. Fighting takes 100 percent of your effort and focus. To give anything less is downright dangerous both to himself and his teammates. Saying, "I want to be a fighter," and actually doing it are two totally separate things. When faced with the actual life of being a fighter, he realized it wasn't for him and left the door open for someone else to take over.

Wait, Brock is human? of the week: Sensing that Cope is an underdog, Lesnar sits his fighters down to remind them that no one is indestructible. Everyone can lose fights. Lesnar brings up his own loss to Cain Velasquez as proof of that, opening up to his team and showing a vulnerable side.

Stuffed animal of the week: Before the fight, a nervous Cope reads and rereads a letter from his girlfriend. He pulls out a stuffed animal, a good luck charm from his girlfriend's daughter. Torres' motivation comes from home, as well, as he learned that he was going to be a father before he left for the show.

Fight of the week: Torres (Team dos Santos) vs. Cope (Team Lesnar)

Round 1: Just as his coaches instructed, Torres takes Cope into the fence and grinds him out there for nearly two minutes. When they separate, Cope tries to land strikes and pushes Torres into the cage. Torres responds with a hip toss take down. Cope works back to his feet, and the two continue to work against the cage for much of the round. Just before Cope pushes away, Torres lands a knee that opens a cut underneath Cope's eye in the final seconds of the round.

Round 2: Cope starts strong by throwing kicks, but Torres takes him into the fence again. When Cope can break free, he does well and lands kicks and strikes, but Torres does a good job at keeping him clinched against the fence. Torres tries in vain to get a takedown, but remains in the clinch.

After two rounds, the fight is called a draw, and they head to a third round.

Round 3: After tons of clinching, Torres tries for another hip toss takedown but it misfires, and Cope falls on top of him. Neither fighter seems interested in the ground, and they return to their feet and the clinch. Two odd moments happen when the fighters get confused by referee Herb Dean's instructions. First, he tells them to fight or he will break them apart. They stop fighting, and he has to tell them, "No! Fight!" Next, Cope throws an inadvertent knee to the crotch. Torres is given time to recover, but it's Cope who picks up a second wind. He has an easier time breaking free of Torres' clinches, and lands knees and kicks. Dos Santos begs Torres to take Cope down, but he never listens. Cope dominates the standup for the remainder of the fight.

Judges decision: Cope wins it two rounds to one. That makes Lesnar a happy man, because his fighters just made chicken salad out of chicken [expletive]. He tosses the bunny to Cope in glee.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/What-you-need-to-know-from-this-week-on-The-Ult?urn=mma-wp935

skateboarding tricks & tips skateboarding info

Tyra McCart-Swanson Interview

After a year of around-the-world travel, Tyra McCart-Swanson returned to California and found a home at the O.A.R.S. headquarters in Angels Camp. She's worked here for over five years now, and currently resides as the adventure consultant for Utah & Wyoming. Her favorite snack is chips & salsa, and she listens to a solid amount [...]

Source: http://whitewaterraftingblog.oars.com/post/tyra-mccart-swanson-interview

current nfl standings current nfc standings

Thailand sport climbing: can you help?

Since an old friend told me about his climbing trips to Thailand it’s been one of my boxes-to-tick. Climbing by the beach and then relaxing in the blue seas sounds too good to be true. I’m about to find out - I’ve decided to do it later this year…



Photo kindly shared by HalonaCoast on Flickr
I’m [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rock-climbing-blog/~3/38U5UCpl448/philsheard

colts lose saints win

Tailgating with K2: Spring Break Alaska

It’s hard to imagine an event in snowboarding more miraculous than Tailgate Alaska. Located on Thompson Pass just outside of Valdez, this epicenter of big mountain riding plays host to a good ole fashioned parking lot party each spring from March 25-April 10. Except, this time the rowdy crowd aren’t waving flags or wearing home team colors, they’re sporting smiles from ear to ear and hugging complete strangers.

Photo: Peter Mullenbach.

It’s funny how this place makes you do that but after thinking about it a bit it becomes obvious. The people who come to Tailgate are of the same mind; they straight up love riding powder. Imagine your absolute best powder day and then multiply it by ten. Crystal blue skies highlight jagged, powder-covered spines as far as the eye can see. Scared for your life you drop into a fifty degree pitch of bottomless gold sparkling in the sunlight. Choking on snow with every slash you point it out into the open glacier for wide open hand dragging turns. Now imagine returning to base camp and being surrounded by one hundred people who just shared your same experience. Throw in a little Alaskan Amber and some delicious reindeer hot dogs and you can see how hugging strangers is no longer a foreign concept.

Screen Grab: Earl Reynolds.

Since the beginning, we here at K2 Snowboarding have held this event on the highest of pedestals with the understanding that such an occasion was essential in keeping the roots of big mountain snowboarding grounded. This year, complete with a 22ft RV and a powder hungry crew, K2 once again spent Spring Break on top of Alaskan mountains. Each on their own mission, K2 shreds Kyle Miller and North Face Masters champion Aaron Robinson found themselves easily entertained by the magical surroundings. While Kyle was out “working” on getting photos, A-Rob was busy “working” in the legendary King Of The Hill big mountain contest. His two runs consisted of straight lining the entire face of Bro Bowl both switch and regular.

Photo: Jeff Hawe. Rider: Aaron Robinson.

As one of the original tailgaters from 2009, A-Rob has seen Tailgate Alaska transform from a couple snow caves and a yurt to the full on event it became in 2011 hosting hundreds of people from around the world. “Tailgate Alaska is the most important player in re-exploding big mountain riding to the industry’s mainstream. What Mark Sullivan, Nick Perata and crew are doing up at 29.5 mile of Thompson Pass is a bold but fool-proof attempt to bring 'real' mountains back to the people,” said A-Rob. “The bumming, the hiking, the snowmachining, the scrapping all year long for two heli days in April… this dream is now more achievable than ever.”

Photo: Jeff Hawe. Rider: Kyle Miller.

The beauty of Tailgate Alaska is that everyone is on his or her own program; it’s a full on vacation with tumbleweed style. The only thing that matters is scoring the best pow turns in your life and watching your buddies do the same.

Screen Grab: Kyle Miller.

To give you an idea, here is a day in the life at Tailgate Alaska, 2011: Note, there is no concept of time up there, we use daylight as the benchmark.

Morningi-sh:

Wake-up when we do and check for sun. If we’re lucky, snowmobile’s and helicopters revving their engines help assure descent light; no matter what, the first step is in the direction of Magpie’s Bakery trailer for coffee and breakfast burritos; lace up our soggy boots and start planning the day; splitboard? Snowmachine? Helicopter? Unless the Alaskan Amber clouded our thoughts the night before this is a good thing to organize before going to sleep.

Afternoon-ish:

Keep shredding!

Eveningi-sh:

Keep shredding! Take our last laps under the sunset before our legs fall off; head back to base camp.

Night:

Trade in the shell layer for a puffy jacket in the K2 RV and cruise across the parking lot to the Alaskan Amber beer garden for celebratory beers and reindeer hot dogs; high five and hug strangers – it comes natural after a day like today; note to self… plan tomorrow’s attack before the party takes over; pray for sun and rest our eyes, tomorrow may be just as good as today.

Photo: Peter Mullenbach.

Despite minimal snow, which locals referred to as the worst in 30 years, Tailgate Alaska 2011 was still out of this world. Thompson Pass is so vast that even a two-foot storm, which is small by Alaskan standards, can provide blower turns for weeks to come. There is always another peak or a chute with a slightly different aspect that holds the key to unlocking your dreams.

Forget spring Break, Cancun; go scare yourself in Alaska, it’ll change your life. We’ll see you next year on Thompson Pass.

Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2011/04/15/tailgating-with-k2-spring-break-alaska

bmx bikes hot bmx info

MMA Marketplace: Tokyo Five’s shirt for Japan

Tokyo Five bills itself as an apparel company with the Bushido spirit, and they're acting on it in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan. They are teaming up with Global Giving to raise money for Japan with the sales of a new shirt:

The shirt is just $20 and 100% of the proceeds will go to Global Giving Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Click here to buy it and help with the relief.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/MMA-Marketplace-Tokyo-Five-s-shirt-for-Japan?urn=mma-wp1176

mma ufc live ufc fights

Bellator 39 Predictions

by Michael David SmithBellator's picked a good time for its best fight card of the year so far, with Bellator 39 taking place during an otherwise slow week for mixed martial arts, and a Saturday night without any UFC or Strikeforce competition. The Bellator card should be a highly entertaining one, headlined by a lightweight title fight featuring Bellator's top star, Eddie Alvarez.

What: Bellator XXXIX

When: Saturday, the MTV2 televised card starts at 9 PM ET

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut

Predictions on the four televised fights below.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/04/02/bellator-39-preview-and-predictions/

football lines ultimate fight fashion

Brock Lesnar makes a ‘Friend’

Before teaching Jimmy Fallon about rear naked chokes, Brock Lesnar met up with David Schwimmer, also known as Ross Geller on "Friends."

Schwimmer tweeted, "UFC 130 perhaps? ... If @DCBROCKLESNAR loses 175 pounds and drops down to my weight class, it's over. God I hope he knows I'm kidding."

This isn't Schwimmer's first brush with large men from the UFC. When starring on "Friends," he was part of the episode that featured Bruce Buffer, Big John McCarthy and Tank Abbott. Monica Geller's boyfriend, played by Jon Favreau, had dreams of being an "ultimate fighter," despite being thrown around the Octagon by Abbott.

Perhaps Schwimmer was having flashbacks of that episode when staring into the eyes of Lesnar. Or perhaps the two just commiserated on being TV stars, as the Lesnar-coached edition of "The Ultimate Fighter" starts Wednesday night on Spike.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Brock-Lesnar-makes-a-Friend-?urn=mma-wp762

colts win colts lose

The Advantage of Maui Private Charters

Whether you are interested in whale watching, scuba diving or a sunset cruise, Maui has a package just right for you. However, there is something truly special about the ability to customize your vacation plans to your specific party and needs. This is where a Maui private boat charter can enhance your tropical getaway. Private [...]

Source: http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/private-charters/the-advantage-of-maui-private-charters.html

colts win colts lose

Polar Opposites Webisode #2: Whistler Step Downs

Devun Walsh and Iika Backstrom sending big stepdowns in the Whistler backcountry with guest appearances from Blauvelt and Ryan Tiene. Quality entertainment.

4.5.2011 - Polar Opposites Webisode #2 from Polar Opposites on Vimeo.

Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2011/04/06/polar-opposites-webisode-2-whistler-step-downs

saints lose super bowl 2011

You tell us: Should the UFC keep Dan Hardy?

Despite sustaining his third loss at Ultimate Fight Night 24 -- often the death knell for a career in the UFC -- Dan Hardy still has the confidence of UFC boss Dana White. After Saturday's fights, White had this to say about Hardy's future employment:

"Not necessarily," White told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "We'll have to wait and see. I [expletive] love that kid."

Apparently, love will keep them together. But considering the competitive nature of the UFC, and the fact that some fighters get cut after just one loss, White's stance is surprising. After looking at both sides, you tell us: Would you cut Dan Hardy?

Yes: Three losses is unacceptable at this elite level of MMA. Sure, one was in a title shot against Georges St. Pierre, but since then he's been taken out by Carlos Condit and Anthony Johnson. He also has not improved in wrestling since coming to the UFC, and lost to both GSP and Johnson because of it. In fact, his last big, convincing win was a KO of Rory Markham more than two years ago.

No: Hardy makes fights fun. From the pre-fight trash talk right down to his mohawk and interplay with Bruce Buffer during introductions, you look forward to watching Hardy fight. He also brings in a fanbase from the UK. The man can sell a fight, and let's face it, the UFC is in the business to make money. Why would they cut such a valuable commodity?

Thanks to Combat Lifestyle for the picture.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/You-tell-us-Should-the-UFC-keep-Dan-Hardy-?urn=mma-wp715

current nfl standings current nfc standings

Ref Mike Beltran’s mustache true star at Strikeforce

Cagewriter already wrote about the three biggest fight stars from Strikeforce's show on Saturday night, but we can agree that the true breakout star from the fights was referee Mike Beltran and his mustache.

That is a work of art. He could braid his mustache into a loop, and have his own facial door knocker. He could tie each end in a bow across his mouth to protest censorship, saving money on duct tape. He could attach his glasses to his mustache, thereby eliminating the need for a glasses chain. He could have signaled the draw in the Mousasi-Jardine match by holding up both ends of the mustache.

After the death of Steve Mazzagatti's mustache, the MMA world was in search of fantastic facial hair to take its place. Sure, Antonio Banuelos stepped up, but we needed more. Thanks, Mike Beltran, for filling that need.

UPDATE: Tracy Lee shared a picture of the 'stache in action from one of the undercard fights. Dare I say, it is glorious.

Thanks to Fightlinker for the top image.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Ref-Mike-Beltran-s-mustache-true-star-at-Strikef?urn=mma-wp1120

george saint pierre vanderlia silva

Dan Wileman for Venture UK

Dan Wileman does some impressive skateboarding in this HD Venture UK video. Found on MPORA amongst other skateboarding videos.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MostlySkateboarding/~3/Q4VcKSHL6bM/dan-wileman-for-venture-uk.html

ufc and tapout tapout clothes

Almeida graciously walks away from MMA

Ricardo Almeida announced through his Facebook account that after his loss at UFC 128, he was ready to hang up the gloves.

During these almost four years it has been a personal struggle to find balance between my fighting career, caring for my son who was diagnosed with autism soon after I signed a six-fight deal with the UFC, teaching at my growing Jiu Jitsu Academy and the family duties we all have. MMA is a great sport but also physically and mentally unforgiving. It is a dangerous task to step in the octagon, specially if your focus is not at 100%.

After much deliberation since my fight at UFC 128 I have decided to step away from the sport as a fighter.

Known as a BJJ ace, Almeida put together a 13-5 record in MMA. He started fighting in 2000, but took a break from MMA in the middle of the decade and returned in 2008.

What's impressive about Almeida's retirement is that he did it. This isn't an easy thing for fighters to do, especially those going out on a loss. Almeida is setting an example for other fighters, saying, "Look. This isn't easy. We need to realize that." For that measure of grace, Almeida deserves a ton of respect.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Almeida-graciously-walks-away-from-MMA?urn=mma-wp805

vanderlia silva forrest griffin

Things you don't usually see

Source: http://nedsurfshots.blogspot.com/2011/03/things-you-dont-usually-see.html

ufc fights skateboarding news

My Reaction To Winning The Blog Contest (Blog #1)

On January 4th I woke up to a gloomy, snowy Colorado morning. Another gray day and my spirits seemed to match the color of the mountain. Sitting at my computer checking my e-mails and OMG…… it read  “Blog Your Way Around The World Winner”. I went flying through the house screaming with excitement. After I [...]

Source: http://whitewaterraftingblog.oars.com/post/my-reaction-to-winning-the-blog-contest-blog-1

new tricks fresh content

Strikeforce Challengers: ‘The Silverback’ elbows his way to impressive win

UFC bought Strikeforce two weeks ago and said the Showtime-televised promotion would continue to run with a "business as usual" approach. That didn't necessarily�mean inside the cage.

The UFC eliminated the "no elbows to a grounded opponent" rule in�Strikeforce. Justin Wilcox, a powerfully built former college wrestler, took full advantage of the added weapon. He mauled Rodrigo Damm with some big�blasts, opening a huge gash over the Brazilian's left eye.�The doctors advised a stoppage and Wilcox got the victory via TKO following the first round.

Wilcox's game improves with each fight. A muscle-bound freak who wrestled at Edinboro in Pennsylvania,�Wilcox has come a long way with his striking game.

Tonight, it was his legs that through Damm for a loop. Wilcox set the tone just 40 seconds into the fight by blasting Damm with�kick to the head. The kick was actually partially blocked by Damm's left arm, but he was rattled and put his back on the cage. Another Wilcox kick sent Damm into scramble mode. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt tried to settle the fight by getting a takedown. Wilcox's takedown defense was impenetrable.

Damm got to his feet, but was still out of it and kept moving in the same direction. With Damm scurrying to his left, he walked right into several more of those nasty head kicks. Around the 3:00 mark, a cut over Damm's eye starting leaking blood. He hit the deck again after absorbing a straight right. On the ground, Wilcox kept pushing Damm's head down,�landing elbows and punches. By the end of the round, Damm's blood was all over the canvas. He had small cuts under both eyes and the big gash over his eye.

"It's messed up," joked Wilcox. "They let the 'Silverback' use elbows."

Wilcox credited his camp, American Kickboxing Academy. The striking coaches at AKA have done wonders. Wilcox (11-3, 5-1 Strikeforce) has the tools to become a real factor at lightweight. The 31-year-old has won five straight

Fodor completely outclasses Douglas

David Douglas looks the part, but tonight a guy with all the tools to be a great fighter. The thickly-muscled Douglas was greeted by an offensive onslaught from Carlos Fodor. Douglas quickly wore down and took a beat for eight-plus minutes. Fodor moved to 8-2 with the TKO victory at 2:12 of the third round.

Fodor actually apologize for a�slow pace. Douglas couldn't have thought it was slow. He was dominated in the clinch and it was even worse on the ground.�This�is the first Strikeforce event where elbows to�a grounded opponent were legal. Douglas ate dozens of elbows and found himself fighting off several guillotine attempts.

Douglas (8-3) had been fed some smallish opponents last two fights with Strikeforce.

Undercard results (Courtesy MMAjunkie):

Lorenz Larkin def. Scott Lighty via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 3:15

James Terry def. Josh Thornburg via knockout (punch) - Round 1, 4:38

Damion Douglas def. Wayne Phillips via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Untelevised prelims

Anthony Avila def. Rafael Rios via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Robert Escalante def. Raul Sandoval via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 4:10

Tristen Arenal def. Tom Peterson via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 1:58

Ronald Carillo def. Adam Antolin via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 1:48

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Strikeforce-Challengers-The-Silverback-elbows?urn=mma-wp859

watch ufc watch ufc now

Bellator Books Top Prospect Tony Johnson vs. Carlos Flores

by Michael David SmithWhether the Bellator Fighting Championships can carve out a niche for itself and survive in the UFC-dominated world of American mixed martial arts is an open question. But there's no question at all that Bellator continues to sign talented fighters.

Heavyweight Tony Johnson is the latest acquisition to demonstrate just how good Bellator is at attracting top fighters: Bellator formally announced Thursday that Johnson has signed, and that he'll fight the 4-0 Carlos Flores at Bellator 41 on April 16.

"Tony is a fighter we have had our eye on for quite some time," Bellator boss Bjorn Rebney said. "He's one of the top heavyweight prospects in the world right now, and will make a great addition to our already impressive heavyweight lineup."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/04/07/bellator-books-top-prospect-tony-johnson-vs-carlos-flores/

brand spankin new stuff new extreme stuff

Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley - Fight Preview - Strikeforce

Reporting from San Diego, Showtime Sports and Mauro Ranallo interview Nick Diaz, Paul Daley, Gilbert Melendez, and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker as fighters prepare for an intense night of MMA on April 9th.

Source: http://mmalice.com/strikeforce/nick-diaz-vs-paul-daley-fight-preview-video_414738882.html

ufc fights skateboarding news

Bouldering Burbage photos

Finally a little sun! Yesterday I went climbing in Burbage (specifically Burbage south boulders) in the Peak District near Sheffield. I’m really glad I’ve got these boulders within 15 minutes of my home.
Although in a climbing wall / gym I’m happy on 6a/6b the techniques on grit boulders are a different world: lots of smearing [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rock-climbing-blog/~3/cezufJsw-4w/philsheard

watch ufc live gsp lose

Justin Wilcox Wins Strikeforce Challengers Main Event

by Michael David SmithJustin Wilcox put on a show at Saturday night's Strikeforce Challengers event in Stockton, California, dominating Rodrigo Damm for five minutes and opening up a cut over Damm's left eye that caused the fight to be stopped before the start of the second round.

It was Wilcox's fifth consecutive win in Strikeforce, and his most impressive yet. Wilcox benefited from Strikeforce legalizing elbows to the head on the ground in brutalizing Damm on the ground, and prior to that he chased Damm around the cage, as Damm didn't really look like he wanted any part of Wilcox.

Wilcox, who had Josh Koscheck in his corner, praised his camp afterward.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/04/02/justin-wilcox-wins-strikeforce-challengers-main-event/

ultimate fight fashion tapout fashion

Eclectic

2nd nature just posted their video, Eclectic online. It's a good watch with solid parts and interesting, eclectic spots.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MostlySkateboarding/~3/6zGY5wN9Fl8/eclectic.html

watch ufc live gsp lose

prAna Fair Trade Soul T Is A Shape Magazine?s Planet Lovin? Pick

Source: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/04/09/prana-fair-trade-soul-t-is-a-shape-magazines-planet-lovin-pick/

new tricks fresh content

You tell us: Should the UFC keep Dan Hardy?

Despite sustaining his third loss at Ultimate Fight Night 24 -- often the death knell for a career in the UFC -- Dan Hardy still has the confidence of UFC boss Dana White. After Saturday's fights, White had this to say about Hardy's future employment:

"Not necessarily," White told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "We'll have to wait and see. I [expletive] love that kid."

Apparently, love will keep them together. But considering the competitive nature of the UFC, and the fact that some fighters get cut after just one loss, White's stance is surprising. After looking at both sides, you tell us: Would you cut Dan Hardy?

Yes: Three losses is unacceptable at this elite level of MMA. Sure, one was in a title shot against Georges St. Pierre, but since then he's been taken out by Carlos Condit and Anthony Johnson. He also has not improved in wrestling since coming to the UFC, and lost to both GSP and Johnson because of it. In fact, his last big, convincing win was a KO of Rory Markham more than two years ago.

No: Hardy makes fights fun. From the pre-fight trash talk right down to his mohawk and interplay with Bruce Buffer during introductions, you look forward to watching Hardy fight. He also brings in a fanbase from the UK. The man can sell a fight, and let's face it, the UFC is in the business to make money. Why would they cut such a valuable commodity?

Thanks to Combat Lifestyle for the picture.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/You-tell-us-Should-the-UFC-keep-Dan-Hardy-?urn=mma-wp715

current mlb standings top rated nfl teams

The best lightweight outside the UFC, Alvarez says hype doesn’t impress him

Eddie Alvarez is one of the last men standing. With Zuffa purchasing Strikeforce, the UFC has scooped most of the elite fighters in the world. The promotion has 110 of 125 ranked fighters in the USA Today/Bloody Elbow rankings under contract. One of those guys, and probably the best not working for the UFC is Eddie Alvarez.

The 27-year-old lightweight out of Philadelphia fights Pat Curran this weekend at Bellator 39 on MTV2 (9 p.m. ET/PT).

Alvarez (21-2) is standing up for those guys outside the UFC, saying the fighters listed as the elite at 155 pounds are just names with huge promotional power behind them.

"...They're only important names why? Because they fight for the UFC. Or else they'd be nobodies. The UFC does a great job of pushing them, and they're popular. It doesn't mean they're talented. It just means they're known," Alvarez told SI.com. "I guarantee that if you put them in a tournament structure like Bellator, they're not going to win it every time. Gray Maynard? Kenny Florian? All these guys, they're UFC fighters, that's all. They're pushed by the UFC, but when they leave the UFC, they're forgotten."

Alvarez fought two former UFC 155ers in 2010 and destroyed them.

"When's the last time you heard Josh Neer's name? You haven't. When's the last time you heard about Roger Huerta? You haven't. They're no ones anymore. What were they two years ago? They were superstars."

For anyone who doubted Alvarez's skills, the Huerta win was an eye opener. Alvarez known as a good wrestler with heavy hands used his legs to mentally and physically breakdown Huerta in two rounds. Huerta lost just two times in the UFC, to Florian and Maynard. Neither one of those guys, ranked No. 7 and No. 2� respectively at lightweight, put a beating on Huerta like Alvarez did.

Curran (12-3) is dangerous. He's on a nice run of four straight wins, including Toby Imada and Huerta. Alvarez-Curran headlines an excellent card that includes welterweights Lyman Good, Rick Hawn and Ben Saunders along elite lightweights Patricky Freire and Imada.

Tip via MMAMania

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/The-best-lightweight-outside-the-UFC-Alvarez-sa?urn=mma-wp819

hot bmx info mma

Tintype surf culture by Joni Sternbach

Check out this great video on photographer Joni Sternbach talking about her unique approach to ‘surf photography’ using 19th century tintype photographic techniques to photograph local surfers, or as ABC Arts put it: "Snapshots of surf culture using an 1850s camera resulting in unique and unpredictable images"… Watch the video on the ABS Arts website… [...]

Source: http://www.clubofthewaves.com/blog/tintype-surf-culture-by-joni-sternbach/

new ufc fighters moving up ufc fighters

Dan Wileman for Venture UK

Dan Wileman does some impressive skateboarding in this HD Venture UK video. Found on MPORA amongst other skateboarding videos.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MostlySkateboarding/~3/Q4VcKSHL6bM/dan-wileman-for-venture-uk.html

moving up ufc fighters trending ufc fights

Roxy Ride the Waves Pants ? True Black

Roxy Ride the Waves Pants – True Black The Roxy Ride the Waves Pants are available in True Black. 95% Cotton, 5% Elastine, embroidered logo design. Price �24.99 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: Pants

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-ride-the-waves-pants-true-black-2/

watch ufc live gsp lose

Rogan video: Fedor too fat for 2011 heavyweight division

Rumors from the camp of Fedor Emelianenko have the former heavyweight king returning some time in July. When he re-emerges will he be a slimmer Fedor?

Joe Rogan says Emelianenko's days at heavyweight are numbered, probably sending PRIDE fans into a apoplectic rage.

"You can't be rolling around fat and fighting those guys," said Rogan as he was referencing 290-pound Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.

"He's an amazing athlete. He's put on some incredible fights over the years, but I think once you get to the highest level ... you can't come in fat. You can't be fighting way above your weight class."

Rogan said Fedor is smaller than some middleweights. He points to Anthony Johnson as example of someone who is actually bigger than Fedor. The UFC analyst also talked about the amazing transformation the sport has undergone saying fighters in 2011 would crush fighters of the past (1:55 mark).

Will Fedor shock us and return as a light heavyweight?

MMAConvert thinks he looked smaller in a recent training video in Holland. Does he look smaller in this photo with Ernesto Hoost? On the flip side, in the last two weeks Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was still telling folks he considers Fedor an alternate candidate for the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Rogan-video-Fedor-too-fat-for-2011-heavyweight-?urn=mma-wp925

colts lose saints win