Georges St-Pierre Admits Josh Koscheck Gets Under His Skin Video by UFC 124
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Georges St-Pierre Admits Josh Koscheck Gets Under His Skin - UFC 124
Georges St-Pierre Admits Josh Koscheck Gets Under His Skin Video by UFC 124
Friday, December 10, 2010
Rick Story Beats Johny Hendricks at Ultimate Fighter Finale
by Michael David Smith
In a close, hard-fought decision at Saturday's Ultimate Fighter Finale, Rick Story extended his winning streak to five by beating Johny Hendricks by unanimous decision.
"I was trying to land strikes as he was coming in, and I think that was the difference," Story said.
In a close, hard-fought decision at Saturday's Ultimate Fighter Finale, Rick Story extended his winning streak to five by beating Johny Hendricks by unanimous decision."I was trying to land strikes as he was coming in, and I think that was the difference," Story said.
Kyle Busch Wins Nationwide Race, Danica Patrick Leads Lap, Finishes 19th
Filed under: Nationwide Series, NASCAR
As Kyle Busch motored to a comfortable victory in the Nationwide season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway Saturday, Danica Patrick led her first lap in NASCAR racing before settling for a 19th-place finish, nonetheless her best ever in the series. Busch dominated the event before winning by about a second over Kevin Harvick. Series champion Brad Keselowski was third, followed by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne.
It was Busch's record-settiing 13th victory in the Nationwide series this year, and it clinched the owner's championship for Joe Gibbs Racing, even though Keselowski won the driver's title. Busch did not run in every race this year and thus did not compete for the driver's title.
"That says it all right there, boys!" Busch shouted on his radio as he took the checkered flag. "You guys are the stuff. I can't do it without you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"This is fun," he added while still circling the track. "This is what it is all about. I wish I had something for tomorrow, but we'll play with teammates tomorrow and try to get them one."
Bo Pelini Not a Candidate at Miami, According to Nebraska
Filed under: University of Miami, Nebraska, Coaching
Bo Pelini has been rumored to be a candidate for the Miami coaching job, but on Thursday Nebraska denied such reports. Tom Osborne, Nebraska athletic director, commented on a report that Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt had planned to speak with Pelini."Bo's never talked to me about anything like that," Osborne said. "If he got permission (to talk to Miami), he didn't get it from me."
Pelini refused to comment, saying, "I don't address rumor and innuendo." Pelini also said he hasn't asked anyone for permission to speak to another school.
Law Enforcement Probes NCAA Under Agent Act
Filed under: Police Blotter, Recruiting
While Cam Newton is crisscrossing the country picking up postseason awards, representatives of the Mississippi secretary of state's office are heading to Illinois to interview the man at the center of the infamous pay-for-play scandal involving the quarterback.The officials want to talk with Kenny Rogers to see if Agent Act laws were violated during Newton's recruitment. Rogers, the former Mississippi State player who the NCAA ruled assisted Newton's father with the failed payment scheme to get his son to sign with that school, is scheduled to meet with officials Thursday in Waukegan, Ill.
"We'll certainly cooperate and answer whatever questions they ask," said Doug Zeit, Rogers' attorney and whose offices are in Waukegan. "Kenny Rogers isn't hiding anything from anybody."
The ongoing Newton investigation has involved everyone from the NCAA to the FBI, though the Auburn quarterback has been cleared to play by the NCAA as the top-ranked Tigers (13-0) prepare to face No. 2 Oregon (12-0) for the national championship on Jan. 10.
The Agent Act has been on the books for years, though it's rare for anyone to be prosecuted.
Guide To Wetsuits
Exposure Protection I love being a dive instructor, I love diving even more, and I absolutely adore diving in tropical water! Diving in a sea with an average temperature of around thirty-one degrees Celsius is the perfect way to enjoy an undersea safari! In Thailand, where I?m based, the water temperature doesn?t even change with [...]
Scuba Diver Girls Review: Sea Cure Mouth Piece
Article by Scuba Diver Girl Karma Jewel December 6, 2010 Last month I was lucky enough to attend DEMA show in Las Vegas. Among many new exiting things I ran into one of my favorite demonstrations at the Sea Cure booth. Sea Cure is a specially fit mouthpiece that molds specifically to your bite. During [...]
Funny Whitewater Kayaking Quotes on the River Chica Blog
OK, they’re not really whitewater kayaking quotes, but they should be.� I checked out Ky Delaney’s blog and she has a great article with quotes from 1800′s miners that apply really well to kayaking.� Check out the whole River Chica blog post for 1800′s miner quotes on ‘paddling the gnar’, ‘being a dirtbag’, and ‘on [...]
Video: Dan Patrinellis? Whitewater Kayaking Pin on Icicle Creek
Dan Patrinellis was wearing a helmet camera when he got pinned on a low-water run of Icicle Creek about a week ago.� Here’s his video – it took a while for him to get the throw bag, and he said the hairy moment came when he pulled his spray skirt and the boat went deeper [...]
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Westbeach Kamtow Pant
Westbeach Kamtow Pant Buy This Online Our slimmest fit women?s pant to date! Fully seam sealed DWR coating Inner thigh vents Back patch pockets Inner waist adjusters Bacon shammy Goggle lens pocket Westbeach trims GCS tabs Inner boot zipper with gusset Shaped hem with Cordura trim Boot hooks Buy This Online
Lawler has highlight reel KO of Lindland at Strikeforce
ST. LOUIS -- In front of a home crowd, Robbie Lawler took out a legend, knocking out Matt Lindland in 0:57 on Saturday night.
Lawler knocked Lindland out cold with an uppercut followed by a right hook. Lawler grazed Lindland's head while on the ground, but then stopped before throwing the next punch when he saw Lindland was out.
"I didn't expect him to stand with me. I was so worried about takedowns, so I went after it," Lawler said after the fight.
Lindland walked out of the cage on his own after the fight. This is the second time that he's been knocked out frighteningly in two years, as Vitor Belfort took him out in 0:37 at Affliction early in 2009.
Enlightenment at Red Bull Illume
Congratulations to three COTW featured photographers who were named amongst the winning photographers awarded at the prestigious Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2010 awards.
Chris Burkard was named the overall winner!
"I'm overjoyed, it's hard to put into words being able to be nominated and to win this award in front of all your piers and people I respect, I'm truly blessed." - Chris Burkard
Also awarded were Australian surf photographers Stuart Gibson in the Energy category and Nathan Smith in the Close Up category. Nathan was also named the Athletes' Choice winner.
"I'm dizzy from the whole experience, said Smith. I'm humbled to be here and happy to have made the top 50 let alone win two awards that in my book are very prestigious. I'm in a room full of photographers who I look up to." - Nathan Smith
Photo: Chris Burkard receiving his Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2010 award
Photo: Chris Burkard's photo won the Illumination category
Photo: Nathan Smith's photo won the Close Up category
Photo: Stuart Gibson's photo won the Energy category
- Chris Burkard's website
- Stuart Gibson's website
- www.redbullillume.com
Chris Burkard was named the overall winner!
"I'm overjoyed, it's hard to put into words being able to be nominated and to win this award in front of all your piers and people I respect, I'm truly blessed." - Chris Burkard
Also awarded were Australian surf photographers Stuart Gibson in the Energy category and Nathan Smith in the Close Up category. Nathan was also named the Athletes' Choice winner.
"I'm dizzy from the whole experience, said Smith. I'm humbled to be here and happy to have made the top 50 let alone win two awards that in my book are very prestigious. I'm in a room full of photographers who I look up to." - Nathan Smith
Photo: Chris Burkard receiving his Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2010 award
Photo: Chris Burkard's photo won the Illumination category
Photo: Nathan Smith's photo won the Close Up category
Photo: Stuart Gibson's photo won the Energy category
- Chris Burkard's website
- Stuart Gibson's website
- www.redbullillume.com
Bernard Pollard Speculates on How New Coaches Would Rip Up Texans' Roster
Filed under: Texans, AFC South
As if winning and professional isn't incentive enough, Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard said this week there's another reason for players to play hard for the rest of the season:Job security.
The Texans, after a 4-2 start, have lost five of six games to slip to third place in the AFC South -- two games behind division-leading Jacksonville -- and Pollard said while he doesn't know the future for Texans coach Gary Kubiak and the rest of the coaching staff, when it comes to players, change often is not good.
"I'm not saying they're gone," Pollard said told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. "I don't know what's going on. But (new coaches) would bring in their players. If you're on the bubble, you're gone. If they have to question your effort, you're gone. If they don't like you, or if they didn't draft you, you're gone.
"I don't think some of the guys understand that. You're dealing with a lot of young guys and a lot of guys who have only been in this situation. They only know Kube. They only know these coaches. You bring in somebody else, they're going to shake this thing up."
Josh Koscheck Hypes Fight on ESPN, Predicts Early Knockout
by Michael David SmithJosh Koscheck's appearance on ESP
N Wednesday morning was a good example of the right way for a fighter to sell his upcoming fight to an audience that might be on the fence about watching it, as he promised in a SportsCenter interview to deliver the kind of exciting finish that casual fans are hoping to see when they decide whether to buy a pay-per-view.
"I believe that I'm going to win this fight," Koscheck said. "I'm going to knock Georges St. Pierre out, either in Round 2 or 3."
Koscheck has spent plenty of time talking to the MMA media in the lead-up to this fight, but those interviews aren't as important to the UFC's bottom line: If you're an MMA fan, you're going to buy UFC 124 whether you see a Koscheck interview or not. Much more important is the kind of interview like Koscheck had on SportsCenter, where he was talking to fans who don't regularly watch the UFC.
N Wednesday morning was a good example of the right way for a fighter to sell his upcoming fight to an audience that might be on the fence about watching it, as he promised in a SportsCenter interview to deliver the kind of exciting finish that casual fans are hoping to see when they decide whether to buy a pay-per-view."I believe that I'm going to win this fight," Koscheck said. "I'm going to knock Georges St. Pierre out, either in Round 2 or 3."
Koscheck has spent plenty of time talking to the MMA media in the lead-up to this fight, but those interviews aren't as important to the UFC's bottom line: If you're an MMA fan, you're going to buy UFC 124 whether you see a Koscheck interview or not. Much more important is the kind of interview like Koscheck had on SportsCenter, where he was talking to fans who don't regularly watch the UFC.
Olsen on Ngwenya and rebuilding
The Black-and-Red have their man from the Stage 1 of the 2010 MLS Re-Entry Draft, and as Head Coach Ben Olsen and Technical Director Chad Ashton have been stressing all week, the club picked up value, experience, and athleticism in the form of Joseph Ngwenya.
Miami Thriving Behind LeBron and Wade's Simultaneous Success
SALT LAKE CITY -- King James, for the best interests of the Heat kingdom, I am kindly asking that you drive to the basket.
No, Master Wade, it is you who has won great wars in Miami. You should be the one to shoot the ball.
OK, so it didn't go quite like that. But for much of this Miami season, stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were deferring too much to the other.
So what happened?
Miami got off to a 9-8 start, and its struggles elicited glee from so many who had hoped to see the team stagger. Well, there's now bad news for those who were celebrating prematurely.
The Heat (15-8) have won six straight games, the most impressive being Wednesday night's 111-98 toppling of Utah at EnergySolutions Arena. And James and Wade, two players who are similar in what they like to do on the court, are learning how to play together.
Early in the season, James, a small forward, and Wade, a shooting guard, both had their moments but there was plenty of awkwardness. It often looked as if the basketball gods, wanting to maintain some NBA competitive balance, would not permit both to play extremely well in the same game.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Kizer defends himself against Rogan, fans and media
No one said Marc Ratner's job was easy, but you wonder if Keith Kizer expected to be at the center of the storm so often.
Ratner, the UFC's VP of regulatory affairs, left his post with the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 2006. Kizer slid into the spot.
At the time, MMA was still in its infant stages and boxing required most of his attention. A rabid fanbase spurred on by good matchmaking, increased exposure and excellent marketing has made MMA into the NSAC's primary responsibility.
Ratner was well-regarded and rarely got smashed by the boxing media and fans, but it's a whole new game with MMA. The heat got turned up a notch last weekend when UFC analyst Joe Rogan went ballistic about a bad decision in the Nam Phan-Leonard Garcia fight.
Kizer spoke with several media sources on Monday about Rogan's critique. From USA Today:
"You get people who love to overreact," Kizer told the MMAFA.tv site. "Obviously there are people who want to feel superior than others, trash others. Maybe they are full of some self-hate, some self-pity; maybe that's Rogan's piece as well. ... There are ways to criticize professionally, ethically, effectively and legitimately. But then there are ways where you are just trying to make yourself look better."
Kizer said he's not interested in going back and forth with the comedian-turned-sports analyst.
From the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
"He's got the right to say what he believes, and that's fine, but when someone starts calling people names, I'm not going to respond to it directly," said Kizer, who said he has received about 600 e-mails about the decision. "It's not worth my time and it's probably not worth his time, either."
Kizer did say he was "shocked" by the Phan-Garcia decision, but understood the rationale of the judges, Adalaide Byrd and Tony Weeks, who scored the fight in favor of Garcia.
USA Today pointed out that the UFC itself hasn't had an issue in the past with the majority of judges working for the NSAC.
UFC has taken 90% of Nevada-appointed officials to non-U.S. shows, Kizer said, adding that one of the judges who scored Saturday's bout in Garcia's favor, Tony Weeks, has been chosen by UFC to score fights for next Saturday's UFC 124 card in Montreal. Others who have worked overseas shows before include the oft-maligned Cecil Peoples.
The level-headed Ratner said the judging is a work-in-progress. From the Review-Journal:
"It's still a brand new sport. You're really only talking about the last 10 years," Ratner said. "You're going to have some controversies, but we can't be ostriches, either. We, as a sport, need to keep improving."
Ratner appoints the judges when the promotion hit places like Germany, Australia, Abu Dhabi and the U.K.
Thanks to @adamhilllvrj from the Las Vegas Review-Journal
Asante Samuel, Juqua Parker Return to Practice From Injury; 'Ready to Go'
Filed under: Eagles, NFC East, NFL Injuries
The Philadelphia Eagles were back at practice on Wednesday after a five-day break and they were quite happy that Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel (knee) and defensive end Juqua Parker (hip) were back in the saddle after missing the past two games."I think they're ready to go," said coach Andy Reid, whose team won three of four games in 18 days before the well-earned respite and share the NFC East lead with the New York Giants at 8-4. "They feel good and we'll just see how they do in practice. ... When they weren't in the defense, I expected the guys that stepped in for them (cornerback Joselio Hanson and rookie end Brandon Graham) and to do a good job and they did that.
"I'll also say that they're a big part of our defense. Both of them have great personalities and they're both veteran players and they've had success in this league. I welcome these guys back."
However, Philadelphia's offense was minus right tackle Winston Justice, at least on Wednesday, with a hyper-extended knee. Justice said that he expects to return to the field this week and start Sunday at Dallas.
"In my mind I'm telling myself yes because I think with injuries it starts with your mind first," he said of getting on the field on Thursday. "Maybe it's more mental because it feels unstable and the brace (helps) me feel like it's more stable."
If Justice can't make it back, King Dunlap, who filled in for two games while Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters was hurt, would get the call.
"We have full confidence in King," Reid said.
The Eagles' final four games are against hot teams -- two with the Cowboys (winners of three of four under interim coach Jason Garrett) and one each with the Giants (winners of two in a row) and the Minnesota Vikings (winners of two straight under interim coach Leslie Frazier), but the mood was certainly upbeat on Wednesday in Philadelphia.
"We're fired up, ready to get out there and be sharp," said quarterback Michael Vick, who was eclipsed by New England's Tom Brady as the NFL's leader in passer rating over the weekend.
'Bruce Leeroy' absence makes Garcia-Phan possible at TUF 12 Finale
Phan will face veteran UFC and WEC fighter Leonard Garcia.
Phan (16-7) is wise to drop down to featherweight. He's too small to make any sort of mark in the UFC's lightweight division.
Before for you shed a tear for the Vietnamese-American fighter, keep in mind he was a very experienced guy before he gained that slot on TUF 12.
Garcia (14-6-1, 4-3-1 WEC, 1-2 UFC) will be tough. He's a slugger with his back against the wall. The Texan is one of the Greg Jackson fighters that Dana White actually admires, but he's just 2-3-1 in his last six fights.
Garcia was originally set to face Tyler Toner but was mysteriously pulled from the bout a few weeks back. That must've been when the promotion found out that Alex "Bruce Leeroy" Cacares, Phan's original opponent, would be unavailable.
Phan won't be an easy fight for Garcia either. He's got seven losses but names like Michihiro Omigawa, Rob McCullough, Josh Thomson, Billy Evangelista and JZ Cavalcante highlight his resume.
Fellow semifinalist Kyle Watson will battle Sako Chivitchian. From the TUF 12 roster, only Phan's fight and the TUF 12 title bout are slated to appear on the Spike broadcast. MMAjunkie has the official card and televised bouts.
SPIKE CARD
Stephan Bonnar vs. Igor Pokrajac
Jonathan Brookins vs. Michael Johnson
Kendall Grove vs. Demian Maia
Rick Story vs. Johny Hendricks
Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan
PRELIMINARY CARD
Rich Attonito vs. Dave Branch
Pablo Garza vs. Fredson Paixao
Will Campuzano vs. Nick Pace
Kyle Watson vs. Sako Chivitchian
Ian Loveland vs. Tyler Toner
Cody McKenzie vs. Aaron Wilkinson
Video: Dan Patrinellis and Scott Waidelich on Ernie?s Canyon
Whitewater kayaker Dan Patrinellis shot a nice helmet-cam video�of himself and Scott (aka Fish) running Ernie’s Canyon on the North Fork of the Snoqualmie River the other day, I like it because after a lot of the drops Dan turns around to film Fish so you some good shots of the run�looking upstream as well. [...]
High Water, Grand Canyon, 1983
The water has indeed risen. 75,000 cfs. Scuttlebutt has it going higher. I make a mental note to scout an uphill escape route as we float. Who knows? The dam just might blow. (I cross my fingers, actually preferring this option, but keep my mouth shut.) Six hundred vertical-foot tsunami. Should take a few hours [...]
Richard Petty and Investors Take Control of RPM From George Gillett Jr.
Filed under: A.J. Allmendinger, Petty Enterprises, Sprint Cup, NASCAR
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Richard Petty will once again run his race team and participate in day-to-day operations as chairman of the new ownership group that was announced Monday.The assets of Richard Petty Motorsports have been sold from George Gillett Jr. to an investment group that consists of Petty, Medallion Financial Corp. and DGP Investments.
"Today is a great day for me, my family, our fans and our wonderful sponsors," Petty said in a statement that listed 10 partners that "have supported me through thick and thin and I thank them from the bottom of my heart."
RPM will field cars for AJ Allmendinger and Marcos Ambrose in 2011.
The transfer of assets has been in the works for several weeks because of Gillett's ongoing financial problems. Debt-laden English soccer club Liverpool recently was sold despite the objection of Gillett and business partner Tom Hicks. And a U.S. hedge fund is suing Gillett over what the firm says is more than $117 million in debt he racked up investing in Liverpool.
Surf Artist - Leandro Silva
Introducing Brazilian surf artist Leandro Silva. Leandro is a self-taught artist based in Rio de Janeiro. He says; "I have struggled to gain traction in the market for art, often by not being famous, many doors are closed before my work is even considered". Let's help change that! If you like Leandro's work share it with your friends and get Leandro the recognition he deserves…
www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-artist/leandro-silva.php
Image below: Kelly Slater with one of Leandro Silva's paintings at the Billabong Pro at Santa Catarina, Brazil…
http://leandrosilva.carbonmade.com
http://leandrosilvaart.blogspot.com
www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-artist/leandro-silva.php
Image below: Kelly Slater with one of Leandro Silva's paintings at the Billabong Pro at Santa Catarina, Brazil…
http://leandrosilva.carbonmade.com
http://leandrosilvaart.blogspot.com
Stephan Bonnar: TUF 12 Finale Pre-fight Interview - Stephan Bonnar
MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant spends a few minutes with UFC Light Heavyweight Stephan Bonnar, who headlines the TUF 12 finale on December 4, 2010. Stephan talks about his opponent, Igor Pokrajac, and the likelihood that the fight will be another classic slugfest. The former TUF contestant also shares his thoughts on being a role model for the young fighters currently coming off the show, and tells us why he loves to rock the mic and call fights as a commentator.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
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A rock climbing training blog - why?
If you are hoping to improve your ability or learn more about training techniques and tools, then this blog will give you some of the answers - because that’s what I’m going to do too!
I’ve been climbing for about three years and have developed enough basic ability to get me up 6a routes. I’ve set [...]
I’ve been climbing for about three years and have developed enough basic ability to get me up 6a routes. I’ve set [...]
The SharmaFund
?Since Chris Sharma began climbing at the age of 12, he has been shown a wealth of support from friends and sponsors in the climbing community. In the midst of his success as a professional climber, he realized that he … Continue reading
Jameel McClain, Haloti Ngata Fined for Hits vs. Steelers Sunday Night
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The NFL has fined Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain $40,000 for his helmet hit that left Steelers tight end Heath Miller with a concussion.Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata was fined $15,000 for hitting Ben Roethlisberger's helmet and breaking the Pittsburgh quarterback's nose. Ngata's left hand raked across the quarterback's face during Pittsburgh's first offensive series. Ngata was not penalized.
Roethlisberger played the entire game, which Pittsburgh won 13-10. He underwent surgery on the nose Monday.
Despite the NFL's stricter enforcement of potentially dangerous hits, McClain was not penalized for a hit that bent Miller's head and neck backward during the third quarter Sunday night. Miller remained on the turf for several minutes before being helped off the field.
More Coverage: Heath Miller Hit Should Have Drawn Penalty, NFL Admits
California Amateur MMA to Test New Scoring System in 2011
The California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) will experiment with a new scoring system in 2011.
Longtime MMA Official Nelson ?Doc? Hamilton developed MMAS in the hopes of clarifying the criteria by which fights are judged.
Longtime MMA Official Nelson ?Doc? Hamilton developed MMAS in the hopes of clarifying the criteria by which fights are judged.
State of the Strikeforce Welterweights
by Michael David Smith
Nick Diaz is one of Strikeforce's most recognizable fighters, and he's the unquestioned star of the welterweight division. But does Strikeforce have anyone to challenge him at 170 pounds?
That's one of the big questions for Strikeforce in 2011. Some people think Diaz is one of the truly elite welterweights in all of MMA, while others think it's impossible to say that because he hasn't really been tested in Strikeforce. Actually, both might be right.
So can someone test Diaz in the next year? We take a look at the state of the Strikeforce welterweight division below.
Nick Diaz is one of Strikeforce's most recognizable fighters, and he's the unquestioned star of the welterweight division. But does Strikeforce have anyone to challenge him at 170 pounds?That's one of the big questions for Strikeforce in 2011. Some people think Diaz is one of the truly elite welterweights in all of MMA, while others think it's impossible to say that because he hasn't really been tested in Strikeforce. Actually, both might be right.
So can someone test Diaz in the next year? We take a look at the state of the Strikeforce welterweight division below.
Monday, December 6, 2010
I?d rather be skydiving ? moving edition
I wish I had something skydiving related to share…truly I do. Unfortunately, in the last week �I’ve only been able to get in one skydive (and it was a solo head down / stand practice — still need much more head down work, that’s for sure), what with the move from Cleveland to Chicago and [...]
'Bruce Leeroy' absence makes Garcia-Phan possible at TUF 12 Finale
Phan will face veteran UFC and WEC fighter Leonard Garcia.
Phan (16-7) is wise to drop down to featherweight. He's too small to make any sort of mark in the UFC's lightweight division.
Before for you shed a tear for the Vietnamese-American fighter, keep in mind he was a very experienced guy before he gained that slot on TUF 12.
Garcia (14-6-1, 4-3-1 WEC, 1-2 UFC) will be tough. He's a slugger with his back against the wall. The Texan is one of the Greg Jackson fighters that Dana White actually admires, but he's just 2-3-1 in his last six fights.
Garcia was originally set to face Tyler Toner but was mysteriously pulled from the bout a few weeks back. That must've been when the promotion found out that Alex "Bruce Leeroy" Cacares, Phan's original opponent, would be unavailable.
Phan won't be an easy fight for Garcia either. He's got seven losses but names like Michihiro Omigawa, Rob McCullough, Josh Thomson, Billy Evangelista and JZ Cavalcante highlight his resume.
Fellow semifinalist Kyle Watson will battle Sako Chivitchian. From the TUF 12 roster, only Phan's fight and the TUF 12 title bout are slated to appear on the Spike broadcast. MMAjunkie has the official card and televised bouts.
SPIKE CARD
Stephan Bonnar vs. Igor Pokrajac
Jonathan Brookins vs. Michael Johnson
Kendall Grove vs. Demian Maia
Rick Story vs. Johny Hendricks
Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan
PRELIMINARY CARD
Rich Attonito vs. Dave Branch
Pablo Garza vs. Fredson Paixao
Will Campuzano vs. Nick Pace
Kyle Watson vs. Sako Chivitchian
Ian Loveland vs. Tyler Toner
Cody McKenzie vs. Aaron Wilkinson
Hold Tight Clear Out
Colts' Injuries Continue as Jerraud Powers Sustains Broken Arm
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts' injuries just don't stop.
Jerraud Powers, the Colts' second-year cornerback and one of their best defensive players, sustained a broken arm in a 38-35 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, the Indianapolis Star reported Monday.
"He's got a pretty significant issue," Colts' Head Coach Jim Caldwell said of Powers. "As soon as we get the final decree, we'll let you (the media) know."
Powers, a second-year veteran, leads the Colts with nine passes defensed and also has intercepted two passes this season. He is the Colts' fourth-leading tackler with 56 solos this season.
Caldwell said it was possible some injured players could return by Thursday, when the Colts (6-6) visit the Tennessee Titans a LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Running back Joseph Addai has missed the last five games with a neck injury, and Caldwell said he could "potentially" return.
"Not real certain," he said.
Jerraud Powers, the Colts' second-year cornerback and one of their best defensive players, sustained a broken arm in a 38-35 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, the Indianapolis Star reported Monday.
"He's got a pretty significant issue," Colts' Head Coach Jim Caldwell said of Powers. "As soon as we get the final decree, we'll let you (the media) know."
Powers, a second-year veteran, leads the Colts with nine passes defensed and also has intercepted two passes this season. He is the Colts' fourth-leading tackler with 56 solos this season.
Caldwell said it was possible some injured players could return by Thursday, when the Colts (6-6) visit the Tennessee Titans a LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Running back Joseph Addai has missed the last five games with a neck injury, and Caldwell said he could "potentially" return.
"Not real certain," he said.
Marco Sturm Reportedly Traded to Los Angeles
With Marc Savard set to return to the lineup, the Boston Bruins needed to make a move in order to clear some salary cap space. On Thursday, they traded forward Marco Sturm to the Los Angeles Kings for what may be a conditional draft pick, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie. Sturm, who was originally acquired by the Bruins during the 2005-06 season as part of the one-sided trade that sent Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks, has yet to play a game this season due to an ACL injury he suffered during last year's playoffs. The veteran winger is in the final year of a four-year contract that pays him $3.5 million. According to McKenzie, he had to waive a no-trade clause to complete the transaction, while he's still probably two-three weeks away from making his season debut.
The 32-year-old Sturm has scored at least 20 goals in seven of the past eight seasons, while the 2008-09 campaign is the only time during that stretch he failed to reach the mark, playing in just 19 games. He finished last season with a team-high 22 goals for the Bruins.
Tiger Woods Fires 7-Under 65 to Grab Lead at Chevron World Challenge
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- Those streaks of good play from Tiger Woods keep getting a little longer.In one of his most complete rounds of the year, Woods missed only two greens and putted for eagle four times Thursday on his way to a 7-under 65 for a one-shot lead over U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy in the Chevron World Challenge.
Woods made it all the way until the 18th hole before an old flaw crept into his new swing. He popped up his tee shot, forcing him to pitch out from behind a tree and two-putt from 50 feet to escape with bogey. Even so, he matched his best score of the year, and was atop the leaderboard for only the second time in his troublesome season.
About the only club that didn't cooperate was his new putter, although that's nothing new. If anything has held Woods back from at least having a few chances at contending, it's not making many putts.
Great iron play made up for that at Sherwood Country Club.
"It's not too often you can say I shot 65 and only made one putt, but that's kind of what I did today," Woods said. "I only made one putt and it was on 9. The rest were either two-putts or kick-ins. It was a good ball-striking day."
The putt on the par-4 ninth was from about 15 feet with significant break. Equally impressive were some of his shots into the par 5s, particularly the 3-iron into No. 2. Woods hit it so clean that he twirled the club, a sure sign of a good shot.
He hasn't done much twirling this year.
"I have not," Woods said. "Usually, it's point which way the ball is going to go -- incoming somewhere."
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 [...]
Ultimate Fighter Finale Results: Leonard Garcia Beats Nam Phan
by Michael David Smith
In a fun if sloppy fight to start Saturday night's Spike TV broadcast of the Ultimate Fighter Finale, Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan bashed each other for 15 minutes before Garcia won a close and controversial split decision.
Two judges scored it 29-28 for Garcia while one scored it 30-27 for Phan, leading the fans to boo and offer a profane chant. Garcia was apologetic in his post-fight comments and acknowledged that the decision easily could have gone to Phan, who was loudly cheered by the crowd.
In a fun if sloppy fight to start Saturday night's Spike TV broadcast of the Ultimate Fighter Finale, Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan bashed each other for 15 minutes before Garcia won a close and controversial split decision.Two judges scored it 29-28 for Garcia while one scored it 30-27 for Phan, leading the fans to boo and offer a profane chant. Garcia was apologetic in his post-fight comments and acknowledged that the decision easily could have gone to Phan, who was loudly cheered by the crowd.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
One Hectic Year Later, Tiger Still Trying to Get Back on Track
Filed under: PGA
One year later, it is not an anniversary to celebrate. Nevertheless, the date's significance is indisputable. At some point in the distant future, depending on how things eventually play out, it might even be considered right there beside the day the music died.
Last year, in the early morning hours of Nov. 27, Tiger Woods, the world's most famous golfer, crashed his car into a fire hydrant outside his gated-community home in Orlando, Fla., and all sorts of dirty laundry came spilling out.
Initially there was alarm. Television news crawls announced Woods had been involved in a traffic accident and was being treated in an Orlando-area hospital in serious condition.
As it turned out, Woods' health was never an issue, but his condition was serious. Tales of bimbos, porn actresses and party girls were soon flowing like cheap beer at a frat house.
Lana Lawless Lawsuit Leads LPGA Votes to Allow Transgender Golfers
Filed under: LPGA
Following a lawsuit by Lana Lawless, the LPGA has voted to allow transgender women golfers a chance to play on the tour.Lawless, a transgender woman who won the women's world championship in long-drive golf in 2008, sued LPGA in October because of a requirement that all competitors must be "female at birth." Lawless claimed the rule violated California's civil rights laws.
At a meeting in advance of the LPGA Tour Championship, the players voted Tuesday to eliminate the "female at birth" clause from the LPGA's constitution.
Despite winning the long-drive championship in '08, Lawless was barred from competing this year because Long Drivers of America, which oversees the event, changed its policy to mirror that of the LPGA. Lawless wrote a letter in May asking for permission to apply for LPGA qualifying tournaments, but was told she would be turned down.
"I am, in all respects, legally and physically female," Lawless said in a statement at the time. "The state of California recognizes me as such, and the LPGA should not be permitted to come into California and blatantly violate my rights. I just want to have the same opportunity to play professional golf as any other woman."
State of the Strikeforce Heavyweights
by Michael David Smith
The list of names in Strikeforce's heavyweight division is undeniably impressive: Former No. 1 fighter in the world Fedor Emelianenko. The man who beat him, Fabricio Werdum. Former UFC heavyweight champions Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett. Hot prospects Daniel Cormier and Shane del Rosario. And the champion, K-1 wrecking machine Alistair Overeem.
The biggest question facing Strikeforce is whether it can actually get all of those fighters -- and Antonio Silva and Brett Rogers and Lavar Johnson and so on -- into the cage, fighting each other. The heavyweight talent is there. The heavyweight fights came all too infrequently in 2010, and as we take a look below at the state of Strikeforce's heavyweight division, we offer some suggestions on what should happen in 2011.
The list of names in Strikeforce's heavyweight division is undeniably impressive: Former No. 1 fighter in the world Fedor Emelianenko. The man who beat him, Fabricio Werdum. Former UFC heavyweight champions Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett. Hot prospects Daniel Cormier and Shane del Rosario. And the champion, K-1 wrecking machine Alistair Overeem.The biggest question facing Strikeforce is whether it can actually get all of those fighters -- and Antonio Silva and Brett Rogers and Lavar Johnson and so on -- into the cage, fighting each other. The heavyweight talent is there. The heavyweight fights came all too infrequently in 2010, and as we take a look below at the state of Strikeforce's heavyweight division, we offer some suggestions on what should happen in 2011.
Antoine Walker Signs With D-League, Set to Join Idaho Stampede
Filed under: NBA D-League, Idaho Stampede
Antoine Walker, a 12-year NBA veteran and three-time NBA All-Star, has cleared the standard NBA Development League background check and was placed on waivers Friday, according to a league source, clearing the way for him to join the D-League's Idaho Stampede when he clears waivers Tuesday afternoon.The Idaho Stampede, the only winless team in the D-League with an 0-4 record, are expected to use their top choice in the waiver claim preference order to claim Walker, which they received after having the last pick in November's D-League Draft.
Walker's expected signing with the D-League was first reported by FanHouse Sunday, though his contract only now becomes official.
Walker averaged 17.5 points and 7.7 rebounds over the course of his NBA career that began after becoming the sixth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, but he wasn't able to earn an NBA training camp invite with the Charlotte Bobcats earlier this year after showing up to practice with them in September.
While it isn't surprising that Walker wasn't able to earn a training camp invite amid their glut of tweener forwards, ESPN's Marc Stein reported at the time that Walker was in very good shape, that multiple witnesses who had seen Walker playing and working out with famed trainer Tim Grover in Chicago said "that Walker looks as fit as he has for some time."
Walker will have plenty of company in former NBA players trying to get back to the NBA through the D-League with the Stampede. Luke Jackson, the 10th overall pick in the 2004 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers will man one wing while Salim Stoudamire, the 31st pick of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, will be on the other wing. Point guard Dontell Jefferson, who was recently acquired via trade, spent the end of the 2008-09 season with the Charlotte Bobcats.
Video: Barcelona Destroys Real Madrid, 5-0
Filed under: International Soccer, La Liga (Spain)
There was only one team on the field as the world's two best club sides faced off Monday evening in Barcelona.The hosts, playing the peerless attacking soccer that led them to an unprecedented six titles in 2009 and inspired Spain to this summer's World Cup championship, destroyed arch rival Real Madrid, 5-0, in what amounted to a 90-minute infomercial for coach Pep Guardiola's skillful, stylish approach to the game.
Barça unleashed its prodigious arsenal of talent on a helpless and hapless Madrid, which had yielded just six goals in its first 12 La Liga games.
As GolTV color commentator Ray Hudson said, Jose Mourinho's team was left "tattooed with blaugrana ink."
Xavi Hernández opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, turning on a deflected pass from midfield maestro and World Cup hero Andrés Iniesta and chipping goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Ultimate Fighter Finale Weigh-In Video
by Michael David Smith
All of the fighters taking part in Saturday night's Ultimate Fighter Finale will hit the scale on Friday afternoon for the weigh-in, and if you can't be there in person at the Palms in Las Vegas you can watch it live right here at MMAFighting.com.
Prior to the weigh-in, Forrest Griffin will take the stage at the Palms for a question-and-answer session with UFC fans, and that will also stream live.
The Griffin Q&A starts at 5 PM ET and the weigh-in starts at 7 PM ET.
Video is below.
All of the fighters taking part in Saturday night's Ultimate Fighter Finale will hit the scale on Friday afternoon for the weigh-in, and if you can't be there in person at the Palms in Las Vegas you can watch it live right here at MMAFighting.com.Prior to the weigh-in, Forrest Griffin will take the stage at the Palms for a question-and-answer session with UFC fans, and that will also stream live.
The Griffin Q&A starts at 5 PM ET and the weigh-in starts at 7 PM ET.
Video is below.
Day at Al Jazeera Offers Insight into Vulnerabilities of US World Cup Bid
Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International Soccer, US Soccer
WASHINGTON, DC -- While the sports world was focusing on Zurich throughout Wednesday, I was bouncing between Switzerland's largest city, Doha and Washington, DC, doing a little soccer espionage en route.I spent the day in a television studio as part of Al Jazeera's coverage of the buildup to the Thursday votes that will determine the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.
It was an intriguing assignment. I was there to answer questions and comment on (and even defend) my own nation's worthiness to host the '22 World Cup on a network based in the country that's emerged as the most significant rival.
Paul Daley and Scott Smith Final Press Conference Video - Strikeforce
Paul Daley and Scott Smith answer questions from the press on their explosive welterweight matchup this Saturday. Don't miss Strikeforce St Louis: Henderson vs Babalu live this Saturday at 10 PM ET/PT only on SHOWTIME! http://strikeforce.com
Patriots Add Defensive Line Depth With Eric Moore
Filed under: Patriots, AFC East
The New England Patriots never stop tinkering with their roster, and with their biggest game of the season coming up Monday night against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium they continued that trend on Friday by addressing the defense again. Defensive end Eric Moore, who most recently was with the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League, was added to the 53-man roster to provide depth up front.Moore, who played four seasons in the NFL from 2005-08 with three different teams -- the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams -- actually played on in a high school all-star football game with Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork in Miami before going on to Florida State University. The 6-foot-4, 268-pounder who was on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad last season, was drafted in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Giants.
"I'm very excited right now for the opportunity," Moore said. "I have the chance to come out and help this team. I"m just trying to learn the plays and get out there and help out in any way I can right now."
Fight Journal: Paul Daley Edition
Filed under: MMA Videos, Strikeforce, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos
ST. LOUIS -- MMA Fighting's E. Casey Leydon spent some time with Paul Daley in St. Louis this week as "Semtex" prepares to make his Strikeforce debut Saturday night against Scott Smith at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu.Watch below as Daley takes part in a shoot for the Showtime telecast, visits an army store and works out.
Sonnen's suspension reduced to six months
Chael Sonnen won his battle against the California State Athletic Commission. Well, sort of. The fighter, who tested positive for high levels of testosterone after UFC 117, had his suspension reduced to six months.
He was suspended for one year back on Sept. 22. He's now eligible to return in March. His fine of $2,500 remained the same.
The defense for Sonnen revolved around his contention that he has previously disclosed that he was taking shots to treat unusually low levels of testosterone. Sonnen argued that he provided information to a doctor whom he mistakenly believed worked for the California commission.
A motion to uphold the initial one-year penalty failed to pass when it only received a 2-2 vote. Commissioner DeWayne Zinkin, citing concerns about the scant records surrounding Sonnen's disclosure of testosterone replacement therapy, proposed halving the suspension.
The measure to reduce the suspension passed 3-1.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Billabong & Surfers For Cetaceans
Hats off to Billabong who have teamed up with team rider Dave Rastovich to produce a line of clothing for Surfers for Cetaceans, called the "Rasta Collection". The clothing line is all made from recycled materials. Billabong even ran an advert for the collection on their highly trafficked event site for the recent Billabong Pro in Jeffreys Bay! Way to go Billabong!
For more info on this series and to purchase online, visit the Billabong Europe store or to purchase and watch a video visit the Billabong US store
Read more about the dolphin slaughters in Japan that organisations like Surfers for Cetaceans and the Visual Petition are fighting to put an end to.
For more info on this series and to purchase online, visit the Billabong Europe store or to purchase and watch a video visit the Billabong US store
Read more about the dolphin slaughters in Japan that organisations like Surfers for Cetaceans and the Visual Petition are fighting to put an end to.
UFC 123 Results: Mark Munoz Beats Aaron Simpson
by Michael David Smith
In a battle of two excellent collegiate wrestlers that was fought mostly on the feet, Mark Munoz beat Aaron Simpson by unanimous decision at UFC 123.
"I was prepared to go three rounds and go as hard as I can," Munoz said afterward. "I know Aaron doesn't back down, and I didn't back down for three rounds."
As is so often the case when two wrestlers step into the Octagon, they ended up spending most of the time on their feet in the first round, feeling each other out in the stand up, trading punches, and stalemating more than anything else when they clinched. Simpson probably did a little more than Munoz and deserved to win the first.
In a battle of two excellent collegiate wrestlers that was fought mostly on the feet, Mark Munoz beat Aaron Simpson by unanimous decision at UFC 123."I was prepared to go three rounds and go as hard as I can," Munoz said afterward. "I know Aaron doesn't back down, and I didn't back down for three rounds."
As is so often the case when two wrestlers step into the Octagon, they ended up spending most of the time on their feet in the first round, feeling each other out in the stand up, trading punches, and stalemating more than anything else when they clinched. Simpson probably did a little more than Munoz and deserved to win the first.
Expedition's Madness Premieres Friday
This Friday, December 3,2010, Expedition-One Skateboards will premiere their new video, Madness at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas, CA on Friday December 3rd. Free tickets are available at McGill's Skateshop.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Steph Morgan in North V South
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