It's been well noted that Machida has a background in Shotokan Karate. What hasn't been discussed as much, is the fact that Machida is a national Sumo wrestling champion. While some people insist on saying that there is not a lot of Sumo in his game, I think that there is as far as balance goes. Just watch how easily he shrugged off Tito in their fight. Every time Tito tried to clinch, Machida made him look like a ragdoll. Not to mention the takedown he got on Tito.
It's going to a whole lot of fun watching Machida go at it with Rashad May 23rd.
And for all the people out there tired of stereotyped MMA fighters, watch this and have a good laugh. Usually I find these types of videos just childish, but this one was really funny.
2009/05/05 Chuck will be missed.
I personally never stated that I was a Chuck Liddell fan while he was fighting. I enjoyed his fights and the excitement he brought to MMA, but I wasn't a big fan of the way he fought. I like many martial artists, was amazed how long he could stay at the top of the fighting game with a guard that made the Roy Jones Jr. guard look tight. But in a way that was his appeal. He was always willing to brawl and his hands were amongst the most powerful in the game.
I actually wish he didn’t retire, because despite the fact that 4 out of his last 5 fights were losses, I would still pay to see him as a main event, as I am sure many people do.
What bothered me more than the fact he was retiring, was that he more or less had nothing to say about it. Dana White openly said in interviews that if Chuck lost to Shogun, he would never fight again. That in a way was belittling of the world’s most popular MMA fighter.
Never the less Chuck will be missed and will forever be appreciated for what did for MMA. It’s just a little sad that he had go out the way he did.
On another note, check out this old fight from the good old Pride days. Grappling at it’s very finest, by two livinglegends in MMA. Sakuraba and Newton.
2009/04/15 To the death!
I guess that anybody that watches MMA made sure to watch GSP vs BJ fight. After BJ had been manhandled for 4 rounds, he simply quit. That was highly ironic considering the fact that he was calling GSP a quitter etc.
If you haven't seen it, here is what happend:
While this may be old news, just yestarday I stumbled upon a hilarous Bevis and Buthead video on the subject:
2009/04/11 So who else feels like it was a long time since a big fight in the UFC?
It feels like UFC 94 had the last "big name fight" in GSP vs BJ Penn.
UFC 95 hade no big names, but it was maybe the best UFC of all time. So many fights were finished that the UFC had time to spare even after they showed all 10 of the fights.
UFC 96 had a potentially good fight in Rampage vs Jardin, but that was a real boring fight.
It's been over a month since then and it's soon time for UFC 97. A really good card with 2 main events. Anderson Silva vs Thales Leitas, which I think will be another easy win for Anderson Silva, and Chuck Liddell vs Shogun.
Chuck never seems to lose his appeal with the people, most fans, including me would rather watch him than most champions fight, even though he has lost 3 of his last 4 bouts.
What suprises me however is how big of an underdog Shogun is in this fight. People don't remember that just over a year ago, he was considered the most dominant LHW in the world. Today he isn't even in the top 20 on most peoples list. Don't be fooled because Shogun hasn't had his cardio down in his last few fights, what do you expect after massive knee inuries like that.
Hopefully by now Shogun is 100% and we can see the fight that we all wanted to see a few years ago. I can't wait, be smart and don't bet against Shogun in this one, except if he still looks a bit fat on weigh-in day, then bet your house against him, because then he isn't in any better shape then he was the last time.
Quote of the day: It's a lie that somewhat reflects the truth.
On a different notice, I found this MMA Highlightreel on the internet, the best MMA video I have seen. Pretty much sums up the history of modern MMA.
2009/03/21 Royce Gracie interview
Most martial arts that become very popular, also lose some of their initial focus on self-defense, and turn more toward the competation styles. This has happend, to Judo, Taekwondo, Karate etc.
The huge increase in popularity of MMA also led to a big increase of the popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and vice versa. Which in it's turn led to BJJ becoming more of a sport than a system of self defense.
Royce Gracie who was the original UFC champion however still tries to keep BJJ in touch with it's roots, and it is well known that his seminares put a lot of focus on self defense technique.
Here is an interview with him on that matter and a few more topics..
2009/03/06 Point Karate fighter in Muay Thai competation
This is a cool and somewhat funny fight. This point karate fighter insisted that he could enter a fight with Muay Thai rules without any Muay Thai training what so ever.
Keep in mind that this point karate style is the american version of point karate, and not the wkf point karate style that you see for example the Machida brothers training in.
I must say however, even though this fight looked hilarious, the karate guy is actually really skilled. He was real impressive in his way of avoiding punches, the only problem was that he had no guard, and not enoughe effective counter techniques. Here is a video of the type of karate point style the he is used to competing in:
And here is another form of point karate by one of it's best practitionars of all time:
2009/03/01 Fighting several attackers
Sorry for the lack of updates people, I will be updating more often in the future.
I have gotten a few e-mails from people telling me that there is no point for me to consider putting into consideration how good a certain martial art is for self defense. They state that there is no point in it, because one person can never win a fight against several attackers.
I agree to a certain extent. To win a fight for example 1 vs 3, you have to be VERY skilled, VERY Strong and VERY lucky, but it is possible. Here is one example:
This man is a pretty skilled boxer, and he won this fight with good footwork, solid punches and VERY much luck. I must say however, that if he wasn't such a good boxer, he would not have that much "luck".
Here is another example:
You could argue on the video above that the guys he is fighting cannot fight themselves, but belive it or not, most people and the streets can't. Just because it is natural for you to throw proper punches because you train, does not mean that it is natural for average Joe.
Here is yet another example, just some solid straight punches:
Now what people don't realize, is that when I say fighting several opponents, it does not have to mean fighting them alone, don't forget, you could have your friends with you as well. You might be less in numbers, for example 3 vs 5, but if you can fight, and maybe even your friends can fight, then you probobley have better odds than they do. That is why I think it's important that you know striking, and not just grappling.
If it was 3 vs 3, then sure, you might be able to grapple, but if one of your friends would get knocked out, then you are 2 vs 3, and if you only know how to grapple, again, you are in a bad situation.
Here is an example of several people fighting each other, obviously the security guards have done some martial arts, especially the big guy that knocks out 3 guys, he has a background in Kyokushin Karate.
Martial arts like Krav maga are especially good for training against several opponents.
2009/02/19 UFC 95 predictions
UFC 95 coming up. Not the best card ever on paper, but I am sure there will be some good fights.
Joe Stevenson vs Diego Sanches
I am not a big fan of either of these guys, but there is no doubt that they are amongst the hardest workers in the game. I think Diego summed this up perfectly in his interview, when he said that Joe Stevenson has not evolved, which I completly agree with. Joe is a good fighter, but I feel that he can't compete with the very best guys any more.
Diego by Ground and pound.
Nate Marquardt vs Wilson Gouveia
This is close fight in my mind, but Nate still has the edge here I think. I wouldn't be suprised if Wilson wins on submission or knockout, but I still think that Nate is slightly better. Both are good strikers and grapplers, Nate however has more strength which will be a factor in this fight
Nate by decision.
Demian Maia vs Chael Sonnen
Both guys have looked good, but Maia's Jiu Jitsu is just on a another level right now. I think he will win this fight, and get the next title shot against Anderson Silva.
Maia by submission
Josh Koscheck vs Paulo Thiago
Josh has been evolving in every aspect of the game, except for his wrestling, which seems to be weaker with every fight. Never the less, I am sure he has taken notice of that and will work on it again. His boxing is good, but he is too dependent on his big right hand.
Koscheck by Knockout
Dan hardy vs Rory Markham
This is a real close fight this one, but I think Rory Markham will come up on top in this one.
Rory Markham by decision.
2009/02/08 Eshan Shafiq
Eshan Shafiq, one of the most entertaining fighters, with a background in Kung Fu.
2009/02/02 GSP wins!
One of the best UFC's that I have seen in a while! Tons of highlights, mainly by the up and coming star Jones. Make sure to check out the latest highlights at www.ufc-gifs.com.
Here is a small taste:
Ones again I was right on 4 out of 5 picks. Overall 8/10 now.
2009/01/31 UFC 94 predictions
George st. Pierre vs BJ Penn
I am rooting for Pierre big-time in this one. If this fight goes past 2 rounds, GSP will win it. I think Penn has the biggest chance of winning in the first two rounds, before his small tank of cardio runs out. BJ has better Jiu Jitsu and boxing, and GSP has better kicks and wrestling. Overall but guys are very well rounded, but I think GSP will take this home.
GSP by Ground and pound.
Lyoto Machida vs Thiago Silva
Both guys are undefeated, but Machida has fought way better competation. Thiago won't be able to take Machida down, and he will get out-struck on the feet.
Machida by decision.
Stephen Bonnar vs Jon Jones
I have not seen much of Jon Jones, but I think that Stephen Bonnar has to potential to be the future Champion.
Bonnar by TKO
Nate Diaz vs Clay Guida
I am suprised that Clay Guida is an underdog in this fight. I think he is clearly the better fighter, but I will admit that Nate Diaz is a bad match-up for him. I think Clay Guidas intensity will be too much for Nate, I just hope he does not get caught in a submission along the way.
Clay Guida by "Ground and Pound".
Karo Parisyan vs Dong Hyun Kim
Karo Parisyan is very underrated fighter in my opinion. People forget that he was winning the fight against Thiago Alves before getting caught with a knee.
Karo Parisyan by submission.
2009/01/29 My new website is up! www.ufc-gifs.com
I have just started a new website to satisfy my love for MMA. The site focuses mainly on providing fans with the all the latest gifs of highlights from the latest UFC events.
So for those of you who enjoy the UFC, or just enjoy watching technical displays of martial arts like this for example:
Make sure to check it out.
Other than the UFC gifs, there is also a section called "UFC fantasy challenge". That's basically a challenge from a friend. I personally am not a betting man, but I do think I am good at predicting UFC outcomes. I am insisting that by the end of 2009, I will have converted 1000$ into 10000$ by making the right bets. Go in and see my predictions and bets, and let's see if I will make it to 10000$, or will I maybe lose all of and finish with 0$ ?
Either way, it's just good fun.
2009/01/24 Affliction card
The affliction card is coming up. Time to see the greatest fighter in the world, the chubby Russian Fedor Emilianenko fighting again.
He is fighting another great fighter by the name of Andrei Arlovski. Andrei is in the top 10 heavyweight fighters in the world, but he is still a big underdog in this fight, because of how ridiculously good Fedor is.
Josh Barnett is fighting against Yvel in what will be an exciting fight.
Vitor Belfort will have his hands full with Olympian wrestler Matt Lindland. I for one hope that this is the fight where Belfort shows his true potential.
The card is stacked with more great fights, don't miss it.
2009/01/22 Self defense & martial arts videos
I am working on getting up the self defense and martial arts videos section.
Right now it is about half-way finished, but you check out the videos up right now. There will be videos there from other people on the net, and there will be videos made by me. I try to pick only good videos.
2009/01/18 UFC 93
Well, it wasn't the best UFC I had seen, but there were some good moments. I got it right on 4 of 5 of my predictions. Dan Henderson however got the better of Rich Franklin. I was suprised that Dan was better on the feet than Rich was. I was a bit bummed out because I am a Franklin fan.
Can't wait for the next UFC, BJ Penn vs Geroge st. Pierre. And before that, in Affliction, Fedor Emilianenko vs Andrei Arlovski.
2009/01/17 Evolution from BJJ to MMA!
There used to be a time about 15 years ago when everybody thought that they had figured out what really works in real life fighting, and what’s useless.
It was simple; everybody knew that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the only true working martial art. Throughout MMA forums you could constantly read “keyboard warrior posts” about how all traditional martial arts where worthless, and many saying that standup fighting period is useless... Read more about the evolution of MMA
2009/01/15 The Death Touch!
Realistic martial arts blog entry:
As some of you might have seen in what I was writing about Yellow Bamboo, I do not believe in the whole energy/chi thing, at least not for martial arts purposes. Those are just money frauds in my opinion. Watch this video that really shows the truth about another BS martial art, probably much more popular than Yellow Bamboo, it's called Dim Mak.
It gained in popularity when the Jean Claude Van Damme (hope I spelled his name right), movie Bloodsport featured it. Man I loved his movies when I was a kid.
2009/01/13 UFC 93 coming up!
I personally am a huge MMA fan. I watch every UFC. I get up at 04.00 in the morning to watch it live because I can't wait until the next day when they show the rerun. Plus it's a different feeling when you know that you are watching it as it is happening. Luckily this one is in Ireland so I want have to get up early in the morning. Can you believe that we don't have to pay to watch the UFC in Sweden!
January 17th is the date for UFC 93, and here are my predictions.
Rich Franklin vs Dan Henderson
I think Henderson will try to stand with Franklin, and he will be out-struck. Henderson is a warrior but I think that age is catching up with him as it has been doing with many of the greats lately.
Rich Franklin by decision.
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs Mark Coleman
Coleman decides where this fight takes place because of his awesome wrestling and power, but unfortunately, wherever he takes it, he is out-classed.
Shogun by knockout.
Marcus Davis vs Chris Lytle
This will probably be fight of the night. I am a fan of both guys, but I have go with Marcus Davis on this one. I think both guys will want to stand and trade punches, and while Chris is a good boxer as well, but Marcus is a notch above.
Marcus Davis by decision (Chris has never been knocked out).
Jeremy Horn vs Rousimar Palhares
I am pretty amazed that Horn is still gets to be on the main card. His standup is better than Phalares, but in the end, I think he will be out-powered and out-grappled.
Rousimar Palhares by "Ground and Pound".
Denis Kang vs Alan "The talent" Belcher
I think it's time for Belcher to live up to his nickname "The talent", and I think he will.
Alan Belcher by submission.
2009/01/12 Silat document is finally uploaded
I had written about Silat a long time ago, but managed to lose the file. I have rewritten it now and posted it again. Read about Silat.
As some of you might have seen in the Guestbook, I had a discussion with a fellow native from Sweden about the effectiveness of Silat. While I agree with him that Silat is not bad for self defense (4.9 is not a bad score), I still feel that there are many unrealistic techniques, like for example the techniques in this very popular Silat video:
2009/01/07 The four grounds of fighting
Some time around 1604, an English gentleman by the name of George Silver wrote the second of two books, entitled Brief Instructions upon my Paradoxes of Defence. This book, along with other Silver works, are discussed in the Stephen Hand book, English Swordsmanship and the Paul Wagner book, Master of Defense. In Silver’s book, he describes what he calls the “ancient” system of English swordsmanship (Hand, pg. 1). In describing this system, he begins with the Four Grounds, or Principles, of what Silver described as the “True Fight.” The Four Grounds are listed in this order:
Ok, so I and a friend of mine decided to go and have a workout after midnight (he had a key to the gym). We brought a camera for fun to tape our workout. Check out what happend.
