UFC 129 Weigh-In Highlight (video)

Tonight is the night! UFC 129 hits the Rogers Centre in Toronto Onatrio! If you missed the weigh-ins like I did. (satelitte brutally knocked out by recent storms *boo hoo) then here is a highlight video. If I have my satellite tonight and we're not going to the nearest Hooters to watch, there will be live chat here on the website! (ofcourse, I don't have to be here for the chat so chat away regardless!)

* All fighters made weight with exception of Ben Henderson, but he went and lost the proper amount of weight in the proper amount of time to keep his full fight purse.

Thank You  mmafighting.com

Picture of the Day: All 7 UFC Champs on One Stage.

Cain Velasquez, Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St. Pierre, Frankie Edgar

Jose Aldo, and Dominick Cruz met on the stage in Toronto, Ontario to take questions. The event took place prior to the UFC 129 Weigh-ins. UFC 129 takes place tomorrow at 9pm ET. Join us for live Chat during the fights.

Introducing Xtreme Fight Gear: It's About Empowerment.

By Lacey Neher

Laura Edler-Hill started Xtreme Gear (also known as Xtreme Female Fight Gear) as a place for women from all walks of life to find empowerment and that is the companies mantra: Empowerment. Xtreme Gear is for all female fighters whether they be MMA or Martial Arts.

Lately, Xtreme Gear has been not only producing fight gear and sponsoring fighters in many parts of the world, but it has been leading a great effort to Knockout Breast Cancer. With every purchase of their KO cancer line Xtreme Gear donates a portion to breast cancer research.

Edler-Hill sees potential all women and especially women who have the courage to fight whether it be in a cage, ring, on the mat or life in general. Laura is a fighter herself with one Amateur MMA victory under her belt. Plus, she has competed in Kickboxing, Pancraration and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Laura Edler-Hill's finds inspiration in so many and I have to wonder...Does she know her story is one we can all be inspired by as well? I had the honor of asking Laura some questions so we can get to learn more about her brand Xtreme Gear, The Knock Out Breast Cancer campaign and the Lady behind the brand herself.


LN: Tell me about your journey into Pancrase and MMA?




Laura Edler-Hill (left) in Lithuania with the
U.S. Pankration team


 LEH: I get a little long winded about this because so many women can relate to some or all of my story. In my lifetime time I have experienced in varying degrees and times: domestic, sexual, emotional and physical abuse. I am a birth mother and mother of 4 beautiful children. I was always an overweight child and teen and after the birth of my first son I began to put on even more weight, by the time my last child was 2 I was tipping the scales at almost 300lbs and on the verge of diabetes.

My daughter was in junior high when she started an after school program that was run by my Coach. They did homework with the kids then Martial Arts. She loved it! When school was out for summer break they offered for the kids to train at their Martial Arts. I signed up all 3 of the kids so they could learn self defense. Little did I know that I would literally begin to fall in love. I contemplated for weeks before actually joining class. I mean I was 34 yrs old and 250+ lbs… what was I thinking? I began training, my body began to change. As my body changed and my skills rose so did my confidence. Never again would I endure abuse by ANYONE! I had my first Kickboxing match in 2005, I lost but my excitement for the sport grew.

Over the next few years I continued to train and started competing in Jiu jitsu. I was down to 180 lbs before long! In 2008 I tried out for the USA Pankration Team when my coaches were selected to coach the team. I made the cut! I proudly represented the USA in Albania that year and Lithuania in 2009. I had never been outside of the country, what an amazing experience!All along I wanted to fight MMA. My opportunity finally arrived with the announcement for GFight 2010. Yep I asked for a match even though I would turn 40 just weeks prior. I would be up against my now friend who was only in her 20’s! After the fight I was filled with an emotional high I will never forget. Imagine me.. 40 …a mom.. fighting!! HELL YEA!!!

I have not fought since then, but I'm getting ready to get back on the mat and back to training. I would like to make the USA Team again, get some more MMA and JJ. My coaches are always getting us involved in other fighting styles and I would like to mix it up there as well.
How long will I continue fighting? I will continue with MMA and Pankration for as long as my body allows me to keep up with all these talented up and coming stars. Jiu Jitsu… until I die!


LN: How did the Xtreme Gear and XFF come about?

LEH: Being a woman, not being a size 5 and training I found that I had to wear mens gear. I started my quest to find gear for women. At the time I only could find a few companies that targeted women. So as I dove deeper into training and instruction and seeing other women having the same frustration, I decided that I wanted to create a company that specialized in womens gear and apparel.
The dreaming stage lasted for almost 3 years before I finally came up with a name. It was almost a year later that I was talking to my ladies in my morning Kickboxing class about what I wanted to do. They simply said … do it! Soon I had the logo and the idea for the first T-shirt, “Stick that 2.” A local artist and friend came up with the design. From there it is all history, the KO Breast Cancer line, connecting with Mia Hayes, the Breast Cancer events, and support from amazing friends and family.

Knowing that I wanted to develop a line to support and empower women in Martial Arts was the starting point. That is how Xtreme Female Fight Gear came to life. However, I knew that I wanted to empower women and girls in whatever sport they desired to participate in. So Xtreme Gear became the parent company to what will someday be a monumental company that will support, empower, sponsor and mentor females in Xtreme Sports World wide. Yes, I am dreaming big!


LN: How do balance being a business owner, fighter, and MOM?




Laura with her Mother and her children.

 LEH: Balancing act is a great analogy! I will say that I am not always successful, as I am sure so many women can relate to. I have been training MMA for the past 7 years and I sometimes feel that I have missed a lot with my kids. My children are now 15. 18 and 20 and they support me and tell me that they are proud of me and all that I have accomplished. The things I will never regret about this journey is showing my children that you can come from adversity, being 300lbs, starting at a late age, having family, and obstacle after obstacle placed in front of you and you can still MAKE IT! The only preconceived limitations we have are the ones we place on ourselves.

So how do I balance being a single mom, business owner, fighter, instructor, friend, adult foster care mom, and the other 1000 hats I wear…. I have no clue I guess I just take it one day at a time!



LN:Tell me about XFF's effort to KO Breast Cancer



XFF Sponsored Fighter and
Breast Cancer Survivor,
Mia Camara-Hayes


LEH: The KO Breast Cancer line was the result of my kickboxing class wanting to do the Susan G. Koman Race for a cure in September of 2010. Through the sales of the shirt a portion was donated to the Susan G. Koman foundation. I am always looking for ways to participate in events and fundraisers that are supporting women in the Fight. Breast Cancer not only touches the lives of our mothers, grandmothers, sisters and daughters but our men as well. There will never be enough being done to fight Cancer, any cancer.

Xtreme Gear and XFF will continue to raise awareness and support through the sales of Cancer related gear and apparel, making donations to the cause and supporting anyone that is in the fight, and their loved ones.


LN: Does Xtreme Gear have any exciting events coming down the pike?

LEH: I recently started attending promotions/events for MMA, Grappling and Muay Thai to start getting the name out there in the Martial Arts community as well as to meet more amazing female Martial Artists. There will be additions coming very soon to the XFF line as well. I am trying to make out to TBA Muay Thai Classic June 3rd . XFF is also participating in our local Relay for life June 4th – 5th. My daughter had Leukemia as a child and The American Cancer Society helped us out in our time of need. I believe in paying blessings forward whenever you have the opportunity.

XFF will be in attendance at and also sponsoring the Womens Absolute Grappling Division Title Belt at Invictus June 11th in MO. XFF will also be at GFight held in Las Vegas July 1-3, 2011, which I am so stoked about. I made my MMA debut at GFight 2010 and met so many amazing people.
Also on the agenda for this year is:
Susan G. Koman Race for a Cure
US Grappling
Supreme Promotions
Xtreme Fighting
Powerfights


I am looking for other area promotions that would like to support Women in the arts. Please contact me! I would also like to start attending Karate, Judo events, etc…


LN: Where do you hope to see XFF in 5 years?

LEH: I feel blessed to still be here after a year! I want to sponsor and empower more Martial Artists, not just in MMA but throughout all the disciplines. I enjoy sponsoring the pro and the high profile ladies but it is the amateurs that are starting out where my heart lies. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see an entire female team sponsored by XFF?

I want to be able to sponsor as many girls and women that I can possibly handle. Once the website is complete I would like to see it go international. There are fighters in Australia already representing XFF! I have a few other projects in the works that I can not speak about yet, but they will be worth waiting for!



LN:What is the most important thing you want people to know about you?


LEH: That I am just like you, I am uniquely the same. We may all walk slightly different paths but in the end we are united by common goals, beliefs, dreams, aspirations, trial and tribulations.



LN: What is the best part of being in the MMA community?

LEH: To witness the empowerment of women in all walks of life. Whether you are training for fitness reasons or to actually fight, there is no doubt that MMA changes lives!


LN: Who's your inspiration? ..And is there anyone you want to thank?




Ladies of the LWE kickboxing
class and Laura.


LEH: My inspiration is the men and women who are in the fight no matter what that fight might be. I want to thank first my children Cassi, Owen and Ian for sharing their mother with so many people and activities. If it was not for their love and support I would not be able to continue. My Coaches, Ron and James Hill who helped me see that I have greatness inside of me not just as a person, but also as a Martial Artist and Instructor. To Sam Wilson who helps me connect with amazing opportunities and women. She connected me with Mia Hayes who teaches me daily what it means to truly fight and have faith. To my Kickboxing Class ladies at LWE who have also become my friends, you blew on the embers of the fire I dreamt of and made me take the scary first step towards making XFF reality. Your support will never be forgotten.


To order or friend request they can contact me here on facebook on the Xtreme Gear page or email me at infoxtremegear@gmail.com

The website that is coming soon is www.xtremegear.co and www.xtremefemalefighter.com

Thank you Laura for taking the time to answer my questions! Best of luck to you and Xtreme Gear in the future!


Here is a Video Highlighting Xtreme Gears Fight to KO Cancer



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Mark Hominick: The Machine…The Man

By Yvette R. Brisco

The 13 year old boy’s eyes widened as he and his high school gym class watched the mixed martial artists roll, kick, and strike. He was captivated and he was hooked. He signed on the dotted line that very night. “Right away I knew I wanted to get into it.”

That’s how it all began for Mark “The Machine” Hominick.
Within a year or so, he was already competing in the adult division of grappling tournaments and Pancrase. By the time he turned 18, he knew that mixed martial arts would always be a major part of his life. Earning a business degree at university didn’t deter him from going after what had become so important to him. “It’s just always been my passion, and it will always be that.”


Passion is what it takes to achieve and be successful in this sport. How else could one put in hours and hours of training, stick to strict diets, take the black eyes, pulled muscles, and bruises that seem to be found on every rung of the ladder to the top? When preparing for a fight, Hominick has two trainings each day; one for drilling, strength and conditioning, and one for sparring. This kind of focused determination is found in most elite level fighters.

Even notable coach Shawn Tompkins has recognized that passion and determination in Hominick and dubbed him “The Machine” because when he gets in the gym and starts to work out, it’s like flipping a switch. He’s the machine that doesn’t stop until the job is done.

Hominick counts Coach Tompkins as one of his heroes in MMA. “He’s just really been the biggest mentor not in just my career, but in my life.” His other hero, who inspired him as he was growing up and learning about mixed martial arts was Jens “Lil’ Evil” Pulver. He admired Pulver for his work ethic and dedication on his road to achieving his goal of becoming a world champion.

Hominick has his own goal of being champion to achieve. He is constantly working toward his goals and explicitly defines each goal, focusing on it until it is achieved. Two years ago, he set a goal to go undefeated for that year. He achieved it. One year ago, he set a goal to be ranked in the top 10. He achieved it. This year, he set a goal to earn a title shot. He achieved it. His current goal is to become the Featherweight Champion of the World. Will he achieve it? What will it take?

Mixed martial artists cannot be one dimensional. Although “The Machine” is noted for his superior striking skills, he is constantly improving his wrestling, jiu jitsu, and other skills to ensure that he is well rounded and prepared for anything. He said, “The thing with mixed martial arts, you have to be constantly evolving. You constantly have to work and build your game.”

Hominick takes that to heart, and has both the physical and mental fortitude to be a professional. MMA isn’t a sport for the weak or the meek, and “The Machine” is neither. Although he’s been the underdog in several of his fights, he remains focused on what he has trained to do, and that’s his game plan for defeating Jose Aldo, the current UFC Featherweight Champion. Hominick said he will not allow Aldo to dictate what’s going to happen in the fight.

When asked what it would take to beat Aldo, Hominick said, “I think a lot of people go in there and are intimidated by him and shy away from what they’re good at because they’re so concerned with what he’s going to do. I’m just going to go and fight my fight.” Hominick’s training camp has gone well, and he said, “You gotta remember, he’s a man just like anybody else.” Hominick isn’t looking past Aldo to future goals. His single-minded focus is on winning at UFC 129.

Although Mark Hominick is a good fighter, he’s also a good man. He’s a family man with his first child on the way, and he understands the importance of being a good husband and a good father. That’s how he wants his daughter (to be named Rae) to describe him in 15 years when she talks about him to others. He was asked about meeting his wife and he shyly said, “I chased her all throughout high school, and she finally let me catch her.” When asked when he knew she was the one, he said, “I always knew.” This guy is permanently off the market ladies and is deeply in love with his wife.

Mark spends a lot of time in the gym training, but he keeps balance in his life by spending time fishing and having backyard barbeques with family and friends. His small town life is very fulfilling, and he’s had the same friends since he was a kid. His success as a professional fighter has not changed his relationships with his friends. He understands the value of having personal relationships based on history and sharing.

Mark believes that the secret to a successful marriage is to be an honest man to his wife. He honors her and all the wives and girlfriends whose husbands are MMA fighters. They have to endure long separations during training camps, watching their husbands in danger in the cage, and watching them be appreciated a little too much by vigorous fans. The strength that these women possess is notable. “They have to be strong, sometimes stronger than you.”

Mark appreciates how strong women have to be in other situations as well, especially as female mixed martial artists. He thinks that although the growth in women’s MMA will be slow and challenging, it will happen, and women are up for the challenge. “Some of the women I’ve trained with are just as good if not better than the males.” He recognizes the drive that women in the sport have and indicated that when the ladies fight, they leave it all in the cage. They are an example of courage and determination.

Mark also believes that it’s important to be a good role model for today’s youth. He considers all professional athletes to be role models. “There’s always kids looking up to you, and I do take that role very seriously.” Being a good person and living life the way you’re supposed to, in a respectable way is one of the most important aspects to being a good role model. The foundation of mixed martial arts is particularly good for kids because it can change their attitudes, it can change their work ethic, and it can change their lives.

He is on the card with one of his role models for UFC 129, fighting for a hometown crowd in front of the largest crowd the UFC has ever had: Randy Couture. He is impressed with Couture’s contributions to the sport. Couture’s class in both victory and defeat is legendary, and Hominick felt that calling him a role model is an understatement. “He knows how to win and how to lose, how to carry himself after a loss. He’s a very honorable man and a great role model for me and anybody in the sport. It’s an honor to be on the card with him. He’s a living legend for sure in the sport.”

Couture and Hominick share several attributes. Passion is one of them. They are both passionate about mixed martial arts and living life to the fullest. They are also both respectful. They recognize the potential that this sport has to make an impact on the lives of many. Another word that can be applied to both is humble. Both are gentle but fierce warriors, and both will be laying it all on the line Saturday night in front of 55,000 screaming fans, one hoping to end his career on top, and the other hoping to begin his reign as world champion.



Many thanks to Yvette R. Brisco. She is one of the many wonderful contributors to Real Women and Men's MMA. To be a contributor select the Contributor tab on the main menu and it will give you the contact info.

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Great Footage of Cris "Cyborg" Santos Getting her Training On.

Since we haven't seen Cyborg fight in a long while, I thought some recent traing footage of Cris continuing to work hard and stay strong is in much needed order. The title and credits are in Portuguese, but it's mostly just strength training footage so language doen't matter. We miss you Cris and we hope to see you fight SOON!!!

A Must See: The Ranallo Report on Gina Carano and Women's MMA (video)

We all know Mauro Ranallo as a commrntator for Strikeforce. He us also the host of the Renallo report and this installment concentrates on Gina Carano's comeback and the state of women's MMA. Not bad Mauro..not bad.

UFC 129: Real Predictions from Real Fans

By Lacey Neher

UFC 129 in Ontario Canada, is fast approaching and the anticipation for this great card is growing. With two title fights taking place and two former champions battling it out, this card is sure to be an entertaining one!

George St. Pierre and Jake Shields will battle it out on April 30th, for the Welterweight Championship belt. This is the seventh time St. Pierre has defended his belt since winning it for the second time. Shields is out to prove he deserved the shot at the title after only having one fight in the UFC.

Here are the predictions for St. Pierre vs. Shields from real fans:

Nicole "Go Go" Hevener: GSP...I think that fight is going to be as exciting as IDK watching grass grow. lol. Don't get me wrong I love GSP but him and shields are not known to bring the excitement.

Sam Monsour:  If it goes to ground then it's over for GSP unless he lays and prays. Shield will sub him on ground. GSP says he's going back to his roots which is karate lol. I like both fighters. Shields will make GSP fight at 100% and will be close. Last fight for Shields wasn't great because he cut 20 lbs in ONE day and he won. If GSP wants Silva next then he has to move up a class which will make his cardio go down the drain, he's smart and knows he needs to add muscle.

Glenn Alan Cooper Jr.: Shields by keylock 3rd round! Because he wants it more!

Kevin Berrier:  GSP. Better wrestling. Nuff' said.

Emaun Greagor: Shields bc he for real, I think it would be by decision


Jose Aldo takes on Mark Hominick for the UFC Featherweight title in the evenings co man event. Aldo seems to be unstoppable and this will be his first fight with the UFC since the WEC folded in. He was supposed to fight back in the winter but he had a minor injury that need extra time to heal. Hominick is coming off a TKO win over George Roop at UFC fight for the Troops 2.

Here are Aldo vs. Hominick predictions from real fans.

Meagan Roberts: Hominick all the way!!! His training looks better then EVER before!! That belt is staying in Ontario!!!!

Matthew Zachary Perry:  I'll say Aldo because it is likely he will win he has all the attributes needed to be champ for a while, but If Hominick win's that will make me happier all in all I just want to see a good fight!!

Marcel Folsom: Aldos' leg kicks will be the difference

Glenn Alan Cooper Jr.: Jose Aldo, becase he delivers every time! 

Randy Couture asked for either Machida or Rua for him to step in the octogon and the UFC made it happen. Lyoto Machida and Couture will face eachother in the cage. The last time we saw Randy was when he made quick work of James Toney in their MMA vs. Boxing fight back in August of 2010. Machida is coming off of a 2 fight losing streak. His last fight was with Quinton Rampage Jackson in which Rampage won a very slight decision.

Machida vs. Couture predictions from real fans.

Dana Harwell Cortinaz: MACHIDA!!!!!! Because he's the BEST!

Garin Turner: Couture, if he can get in close and use the dirty boxing, its going to be a rough night for Machida.

Rob Benoure Jr.: Couture!! Captain America can't be beat!!!

Dustin Hahn: Machida will win, his elusive style and his speed.Couture would only win if he gets him to the ground without any trouble and dominating him that way,Couture can not stand up with him,it would have to be a fight like what sonnen did with Silva~take him down and control the fight that way.Machida should have no problems winning this fight and with Randy having a couple movies coming out,he will retire soon~

Chantel White: Machida by KO. He knows he has to win or Dana might get rid of him. It's crunch
 time.

Trey Burres:  I gotta go with the natural, if he can close the distance then Machida wont have a chance. the only way Machida has a chance is if he keeps distance and stays off the cage and off his back.


Here is the full fight card

MAIN CARD

Champ Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields
UFC Welterweight Championship

Champ Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick
UFC Featherweight Championship

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida

Jason Brilz vs. Vladimir Matyushenko

Ben Henderson vs. Mark Bocek

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)

Rory MacDonald vs. Nate Diaz

Sean Pierson vs. Jake Ellenberger

PRELIMINARY CARD

Pablo Garza vs. Yves Jabouin

Daniel Roberts vs. Claude Patrick

Charlie Valencia vs. Ivan Menjivar

Jason MacDonald vs. Ryan Jensen

John Makdessi vs. Kyle Watson

Prelims on Spike start on 8 pm with the PPV starting at 9pm EST

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A Moment of Objectivity: The List of the 10 Hottest Men in MMA

By Lacey Neher

At least once a day there is some website publishing the Ten Hottest Females in MMA. Inevitably, Gina Carano and a couple of other fighters are listed along with a handful of ring girls. Maybe I am more of a feminist then I thought, but all the shallowness was starting to make me want to...hmmm....what is the word I am looking for.....oh yeah, barf!


 So I complained about it on FB, Here is my actual status,

Seriously! Stop with this 10 hottest female fighters in MMA junk...How can women fighters be taken seriously with all these stupid countdowns...You never see a 10 hottest guys in MMA..Let's judge them on their talent and the fact they have the courage to get out there and fight. Okay I'm putting my soap box away...

I think a fighter whether they are male or female should be judged by their fighting skills and their fighter skills only, but in the society we live in that is impossible. Then, in the course of discussing it with my Facebook friends , fellow MMA journalist Yael Grauer of MMA HQ and I decided, "If you can't beat em' join em!" So, on the faceook page, Real Women and Men watch MMA I posed the question, "Who in your opinion is the hottest fighter or male in MMA?" And the ladies (and a couple men) came out in full force and let me know just which male MMA personalities are the hottest. I asked the ladies on FB but, Yael is compiling her own list which will no doubt be a must read! So, cozy up in your woman cave,  and take a look at the official list of the Hottest Males in MMA..Enjoy!

Honorable Mentions:
Gegard Mousasi, Randy Couture,  Don House, Eddie Alvarez, Chuck Liddel, Marcus Sursa, Kendall Grove, Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez, Herb Dean, Chael Sonnen, Robb Philippus, Dan Hornbuckle, Pat Curran, Cheik Kongo, Yoshihiro Akiyama and much much more........

Here is the top 10 (well actually 12 there were 2 ties) Males in MMA according to you!

10. Jon Jones

Maybe it's the fact he is a Champion or he may secretly have an "S" on his chest underneath his clothes, but a great handful of women picked the newly crowned Light Heavyweight champ.

9. Nick Diaz

Strikeforce's Welterweight Champ made the cut. I have a feeling his status as a "Bad Boy" may have a lot to do with his being picked.

9. Urijah Faber (tie w/ Diaz)
The California kid made the list no doubt because of some women's attraction to his chin dimple. Or "butt chin" as it was called more than once.

8. Josh Thompson

The Strikeforce lightweight contender has a Playgirl "Fratboys Edtion" written all over him

7. Roger Huerta
The UFC and Bellator vet is on the list for his good looks as well has his white knight swooping in to KO  the women beater's quality.

6. Dan Hardy

This British bad boy is on a losing streak in the UFC but he's alright to look at according to some female MMA fans. (Maybe it's the Mohawk)

5. Ryan Bader

This UFC light heavyweight has the words "All American Boy Next Door" written all over him.

4.Dominick Cruz

The Champion of the lightest weight division in the UFC, (bantamweight) has that innocent nice guy thing about him. Plus a big Championship belt around his waist doesn't hurt!

3. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

The brazilian light heavyweight former champion has a silent quality that may leave some women weak in the knees. Or maybe it's that Muay Thai stance?

3. Jake Shields (tie with Rua)

The UFC welterweight #1 contender with a million dollar smile..when he brings it out that is!

2. Lyoto Machida

Former LHW Champ, Lyoto Machida may seem like an odd choice to some but, some women are attracted to his exotic look. His father's Japanese roots and his mother's Brazilian are good enough to land him in the number 2 spot. (only 1 vote over Shogun and Shields)

1. Georges St. Pierre

Are you really surprised at our #1? It hasn't been a secret that the ladies love the UFC Welterweight champ. GSP won by an overwhelming majority with the competitiors nowhere even close. It leaves one to wonder...how many women noticed his amazing jabs in his fight against Koscheck, or was it the way he moved in his tight fight shorts that caught the ladies eyes? Congrats Georges you're the hottest male in MMA today! (like you don't know it)


My stance is still as I wrote above, let's judge by skills, but a little fun and eye candy now and then can't hurt...right???

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Marloes Coenen Discusses the State Of Women's MMA in a Zuffa World (video)

Strikeforce Women's Welterweight Champ, Marloes Coenen made an appearance on HDNet's Inside MMA this past week. She discusses her opinion on the Zuffa Buyout of Strikeforce and how Gina Carano can be credited with bringing Women's MMA to a more mainstream audience. Miesha Tate is Coenen's next opponent and as of yet there is no date set for the fight. Marloes defeated Liz Carmouche back in March to retain her title. Thanks to HDNet for having a female fighters on their show! That's something we may never see on MMA Live.



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Randy Couture Talks Machida and the Future

MMA Weekly caught up with Randy Couture recently to talk with him about his upcoming match-up with fellow former LHW champ, Lyoto Machida. The two will face each other on April 30th at UFC 129 in what looks to be an amazing fight. How can you not be excited about these two fighting? Couture is a legend in the sport of MMA, which goes without saying and Machida has cemented his place as one of the great light heavyweight fighters and is part of one of the deepest divisions in the UFC.




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Picture of the Day:Strikeforce Dallas Fight Poster, Return of the HW Grand Prix

I don't know about you, but I am intensely excited for this card! Werdum vs. Overeem and the return of Gina "Conviction" Carano! I can't wait to hear who Gina's opponent will be after her first opponent

(Cindy Dandois) had to bow out due to pregnancy. Stay tuned! Gonna be a great night of fights!

-Lacey Neher

Strikeforce Diaz vs. Daley Recap

By Lacey Neher

Strikeforce delivered a great night of fights once again. This was the first big event under the Zuffa banner and it was hard to forget this fact. The UFC president, Dana White was sitting cageside wearing a Strikeforce shirt and drinking a Xyience. Xyience of course sponsors the UFC while Rock Star sponsors Strikeforce. It was kinda like he was saying, "I support Strikeforce but here is a big middle finger to their sponsors." It's highly probable he wasn't sending any underlying signals...or was he?

Both Cesar gracie fighters, Gilbert Melendez and Nick Diaz retained their titles. Melendez won his fight over Kawajiri pretty handily and he took full advantage of the new elbows on the ground rule. Kawajiri had no answer to Melendez' onslaught of strikes. Gilbert solidifies his status as one of the best lightweights in the world.Diaz and Daley's fight was a back and forth war with Diaz getting slightly rocked at one point. Diaz returned the favor by heavily rocking Daley to which he never or was never given the chance to recover. There is some debate that maybe there was an early stoppage. Even after I watched the replay I was still left scratching my head on the issue. It seemed that Daley got rocked but didn't feel it for a few seconds before he fell awkwardly to the ground. Delayed reaction? As far as early stoppage. Yes and No . It was maybe stopped a split second early in my opinion, but not early enough to really make a difference.

Gegard Mousasi and Keith Jardine had a three hard fought rounds of fighting in their light heavyweight bout. Both fighters were soaked in Jardine's blood before the fight was over. Mousasi clearly dominated the fight, but he he had a point taken away for kicking Jardine while he was down. This point being taken away led to two of the three judges giving the fight a draw. To most fans Mousasi was the clear victor but as the old adage goes.never leave it ...oh well you know. At this point there has been no word of a rematch or if Jardine who took the fight with a 9 day notice, will return to Strikeforce.

Shinya Aoki submitted Lyle Beerbohm with a neck crank in the first round of their lightweight fight. This was a quick one and it was Aoki's first win in Strikeforce. I hated to see Beerbohm go down so quickly in the fight, but Aoki showed once again that he is a beast on the ground.








Here are the full results for the evening.

MAIN CARD RESULTS
Champ Nick Diaz def. Paul Daley via TKO (strikes)
Champ Gilbert Melendez def. Tatsuya Kawajiri via TKO (strikes)
Gegard Mousasi and Keith Jardine fight to a majority draw
Shinya Aoki def. Lyle Beerbohm via submission (neck crank)

OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS

Robert Peralta def. Hiroyuki Takaya via split decision
Virgil Swicker def. Brett Albee via TKO (strikes)
Joe Duarte def. Saad Awad via submission (armbar) 
Herman Terrado de. A.J. Matthews via TKO (punches) 
Rolando Perez def. Edgar Cardenas via unanimous decision
Casey Ryan def. Paul Song via submission (triangle choke)

Here is a video recap of the evening. (main card)


Join us as always on our Facebook homebase Real Women and Men watch MMA and follow us
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Pic of the Day: Keith Jardine after Mousasi Fight.

I wonder if he will need a seeing eye dog? Wow!
His fight against Gegard Mousasi came to a majority draw.

Pictures of the Day: Roger Huerta Takes the Plunge. (literally)

Roger Huerta is on vacation with Phil Baroni and Mike Swick in Phi Phi Island in Thailand . They were frolicking in the water, when Huerta sees a cliff with a huge branch coming out the side of it. His intentions were to grab the branch and dangle for a minute but the branch breaks immediately...I'll let the pics tell the story! Thanks to Roger Huerta for posting the pics on his twitter!







 **Huerta was not hurt.

 


Bellator 40 Askren vs. Thompson: Ready to go.

Last night the Fighters competing in Bellator Fighting Championships 40 weighed in. All fighters were on point (Askren had to strip, but he made it in.) and tonight they meet in the cage at the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma.Welterweight Champ, Ben Askren will take on Nick Thompson in an non-title fight that is slotted as the main event. Tournament action continues in the Welterweight and Lightweight tourney's with a splash of Heavyweight thrown in for good measure.


Official Weigh in results
Ben Askren (170.6) vs. Nick Thompson (170.8)
Jay Hieron (170.5) vs. Brent Weedman (170.2)
Michael Chandler (155) vs. Llood Woodard (155)
Nate James (170) vs. Tyler Stinson (170)
Josh Burns (257.2) vs. Eric Prindle (265)
David Rickles (169) vs. Dylan Smith (169)
Cody Carrillo (155) vs. Michael Osborn (155)

At Last, An Ultimate Women Challenge Promo Has Been Released!

By Lacey Neher

Well, after some bad business deals and unhappy and unpaid contestants, The Ultimate Women Challenge that we have all been teased with for so long now will finally be aired. (well, maybe...) I'll believe it when I see it. First it was to be aired on NBC, then, it was to be aired on one of their affiliates and now, it has been set to be aired on TUFF TV. No offense to the TUFF TV network, but I personally have never heard of it and I am pretty darn sure I don't get it where I live. A press release from the UWC official website found it's way onto the internet Thursday (4/7). The very same day this promo was released.

 As with everything that goes along with the name Ultimate Women Challenge, I personally will take this news with a grain of salt. I was one of the great proponents of this show. It was much anticipated in the Women's MMA community and we have all been let down that these fighters didn't get their show aired on a bigger stage. The way the promo is cut it looks like good TV. Too bad the networks didn't think so, but that goes to show that many of the larger television networks still don't understand the precious gem that MMA is and they obviously don't think they can make money off of it. (especially Women's MMA) Take a Chance on Women's MMA You will NEVER be disapointed.

I'll keep you posted if the TUFF TV deal falls through.

Some of the contestants have sued the producers to get the pay they are owed. Yael Grauer of MMA HQ explained in more detail the terms of the lawsuit and to see that article click here.

Take a moment to watch the promo, It's not bad actually!


To keep abreast of any happenings with UWC check out our facebook page Real Women and Men watch MMA and follow us on twitter @realwomenmenmma

Strikeforce Diaz vs. Daley Real Predictions by Real Fans

Nick Diaz is defending his Welterweight title belt Saturday against Paul Daley in San Diego, California. Diaz seems to be an in demand fighter for the Strikeforce organization being as this is the second time he is defending his belt this year. Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez is fighting for the first time in almost a year after suffering an undisclosed injury in 2010. He is taking on Tatsuya Kawajiri in the co-main event of the evening. Keith Jardine stepped in a week or so ago to replace the injured Mike Kyle to fight Gegard Mousasi in a light heavyweight match up. Lightweights, Lyle Beerbohm and Shinya Aoki  round out the main card for the evening.



The members of our Facebook page Real Women and Men watch MMA gave their predicitions on the matchups... Strikeforce, Diaz vs. Daley airs on Showtime tonight at 10pm. Join us for live chat during the fights!

Diaz vs. Daley predictions

Harry Innis: Diaz if it goes to the ground (which it probably will) daley if he can stay on his feet.

Derek Fantom: Diaz, too versatile and experienced/good camp

Chris Solique: Daley... And why? Because he better just kick that guyz ass!

 Christopher "PrettyDangerous" Portalatin: Daley def has the chance to knock him out but i think diaz will utilize his reach advantange also the way he throws his punches is weird but its been working for him the past what 7 fights.. plus Daley has no ground game

Vanessa Mariscal:  Diaz. Awsomeness!

Elijah Harris: Nicks will and cardio wins the fight...after his last fight look for him to check kicks a lot better too. War diaz!

Vicky Miller: Diaz! Never bet against one of the Diaz brothers

Melendez vs. Kawajiri predictions.

Dave Thomas: Melendez ftw because he is well rounded,but he has to be careful with the dangerous kawajiri!

Jackie Maden: Melendez. Every time Kawajiri takes a step up in competition, he loses. And Gil has already beaten him once. Besides, we saw what the cage did to Aoki when he fought Gil. These Japanese fighters who are used to the ring and don't train in the cage end up paying for it.

Gary Alan Cooper Jr.: Kawajiri cause im always for the underdog lol (not always)

Andrea Franco Viscuso: Melendez ftw, he's a smart fighter...not that Kawajiri isn't, but Kawajiri has never fought inside a cage...could be a disadvantage for him

Kevin Berrier: Melendez, because he's a beast

Mousasi vs. Jardine predictions

Danielle Shelley: Mousasi! I just don't think Jardine's herky jerky unorthodox style is going to save him from Mousasi kicks.

Deb Garza:  Jardine, ... Mousasi has disappointed his last couple fights. Jardine is hungry and has to prove himself back into the UFC

Aoki vs. Beerbohm predictions

Eric McKnight: Aoki By Sub Because His Jits is that good

Moises Gomez: Beerbohm by TKO.

Nicole Go-Go Hevener: Beerbohm :)

Full Strikeforce Diaz vs. Daley Fight Card

MAIN CARD
Champ Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley (for welterweight title)
Champ Gilbert Melendez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (for lightweight title)
Keith Jardine vs. Gegard Mousasi
Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm

PRELIMINARY CARD
Robert Peralta vs. Hiroyuki Takaya
Brett Albee vs. Virgil Zwicker
Saad Awad vs. Joe Duarte
A.J. Matthews vs. Herman Terrado
Edgar Cardenas vs. Rolando Perez
Casey Ryan vs. Paul Song

TUF 13 Episode 2 Recap

By Lacey Neher

The inevitable happened once again. Seems like more often than not, a fighter decides to leave citing he misses his loved ones and this season is no exception. Keon Caldwell of team JDS left the show citing that he missed his daughter way too much to stay.Well, Keon decided to leave, then undecided, then decided again. So with JDS' blessing he left and a replacement will make his debut, next week.

Team JDS had control after their win last week and they chose Chris Cope to fight their own Javier Torres. Brock Lesnar used what seems to be his favorite favorite saying at least 3 times, You've got to make Chicken Salad out ouf Chicken Sh*t seems to be his slogan. Maybe we could make a drinking game out of it...Everytime Lesnars says it...you drink. At any rate, Chris Cope made Brock Lesnars saying a reality when he defeated Javier Torres by decision . The first round obviously went to Torres, who controlled the round. The second round Cope came out and scored points with with kicks and knees. The fight went (and not surprisingly) to a draw and in the third and deciding round Cope dominated Torres to get the the win for Team Lesnar.

On to next week...get your shot glasses ready or your chicken salad...

Check Out WMMA Roundup's "Dear Dana" Series.

WMMA Rounup has been one of the go toYou tube channel's for Women's MMA news and interviews. Since Zuffa bought out Strikeforce, Kristin Usry and the Wmma Roundup gang have put together a series of video letters to Dana White chronicaling the details of a Women's Ultimate Fighter reality series. Kristin makes a spectacular arguement for the show with insightful points given in a concise and humor filled way. Take a moment to watch all three, they are very entertaining and SO TRUE!!!!



Thanks to wmmaroundup for the great content!








Join us on our FB page Real Women and Men watch MMA and follow us on twitter @realwomenmenMMA.

Introducing HouseCat MMA

By Lacey Neher

Eric Safier took a vision and made it reality. HouseCat MMA is a MMA apparel and fight gear company that is still in the beginning stages of being a main stay in the MMA comunity. But, the HouseCat brand is gaining momentum with help from great friends in the MMA community and Safier, himself being a genuinly nice guy the HouseCat MMA brand is starting to make a name for itself in the MMA world.

Safiers inspiration for going ahead and starting the brand came after his wife, Maria was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system and it can make it hard for the body to fight off infection. Seeing her struggle with hardly a complaint showed him that if Maria could be strong enough to fight the fight of her life he is strong enough to see his vision come to light.

I personally met Eric over the social network Facebook and Eric  and his wife, Maria couldn't be nicer. I was excited to talk with Eric Safier and find out a little more about HouseCat MMA and the man behind the brand. 



Eric Safier


LN: What was the inspiration for starting HouseCat MMA?

ES: I originally was going to go with a different name , In fact I had about 5 and couldn't decide which to go with. Well one day at the gym got to talking about nicknames and what nickname would I have . Most guys of course say things like pitbull or some super macho ... Not me it just came right out very naturally as The House Cat! And I had a good laugh but it got stuck in my head. After me and Maria got married and moved into together I get a phone call asking if she can get a cat!!! I was against it totally. We already had to dogs that wasn't ours and I felt it would be another mouth to feed and something else to take care of. So, Maria being Maria didn't stop with me saying no. Lol! I got another phone call about a month later and she was at petsmart on the day the humane society came and she had found a little cat that she fall in love with and me being me couldn't say no at that point. So she brought the little fuzz ball home and about after a week me and the little cat Maximus aka "Big Thug" aka Little Yakuza were attached at the hip. I have never had this kind of bond with any animal ever! He stole my heart and I love him like he was my own blood it's crazy!!!! But he brightens our days when they have been rough. So at this point it became clear why not name this MMA company after something I love and that's unlike any other brand something fresh and to use a little cat in our logo to show you can't always judge a book by it's cover! Look at Royce Gracie, when the UFC first started it was a no holds bar! Everyone judged him because he was a little skinny guy that didn't look like he belonged there. Well.... He proved them and the world wrong. I'm hoping HouseCat MMA does the same thing.



Maria Safier


LN: How has your Wife, Maria's diagnosis of Hogkins Lymphoma changed your outlook on life?

ES: It's changed everything.We have been together for 7 years but only married almost 2. We found out about her cancer just after a year of being married. And it wasn't the first thing bad to happen to us that year. Right after we were married I lost my construction job of 6 years and it was a good paying job. So, it was a tough time too, being as Maria was the only one working a full time job. The only thing I could find was 2 week to a couple month jobs. But, then finding out the one you love and care about has such a scary thing like Cancer! I mean I can't stand toe 2 toe with Cancer or I would have done knocked it out for her. Bu,t its changed my out look on life completely. I'm even more determind than before in all things . Everyday is a blessing.



Team HC  member, Courtney Cardoza



LN:What fighters are on Team HouseCat?

ES: Tisha Rodrigues ,Sarah Marang , LFC FW Champ Luis"SHO NUF" Guerra, Sean"Killer" Furze , Cathy Snell , Christian Cardona , Nya Harrington, Nathen Long , Ayden Markovich, Jina Cole , Jenna "Harley"Bernick , Matthew "Care Bear" Perry and Courtney Cardoza, who was the first and she is HouseCat MMA I've become good friends with her family and absolutely love the kid.

LN: What do you do when you're not promoting HouseCat MMA?

ES: I work at a gym chain called Anytime Fitness and I'm also a personal trainer there and I train at Gracie Barra . Video games when I have time which is rare. I hangout with "Big Thug" at night after work:) I'm not a partier and don't drink ,I prefer to train and workout instead of the clubs or night life . I help take care of Maria when I'm not working . When she's not sick we spend a lot of time together going to see movies and just hanging out and cracking jokes.





Tisha "The Lil Bully" Rodrigues,
Team HC member

LN: Where do you hope to see HouseCat in 5 years?

ES: In the UFC!! I want HouseCat MMA to be one of the top brands and also one of the top female brands. Were big supporters of womens MMA and want it on the big stage which is the UFC. I would also love to have HC in a video game like UFC or EA sports MMA.

LN: What are the qualities in a fighter that you sponsor

ES: Humility and respect first and foremost. I'm old school when it comes to respect. I've trained karate as kid and it was all about respect same with the Muay Thai I've trained. I think a fighter should be grounded I believe it helps them in the long run. Also, we look for talent.



Team HC member,
Luis "Sho Nuf" Guerra



LN: What is the best part of being in the MMA community?

ES: Everything! MMA people who train and are fans I feel are different from any other fan or group out there. We have each others back! We all don't have to like the same fighters or styles of fighting but when it comes down to it we are a family. I'm very blessed to have my MMA family.

LN: HouseCat has some great Logo designs. Which one is your favorite?

ES: The little cat with all the weapons coming out from behind it and the Respect and Honor little cat one. I just love the little cat aka "Big Thug"

LN: Who are your heroes?

ES: My Father , Brother who is older then me and in the Army, My Grand Father Gene Woodall had a Huge impact on my life . I basically lived with him while my parents were going through with there divorce. He was a WWII vet and a hard worker a lot people say I look just like him which I'm honored if so I hope to be half the man he was. Fighters Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva .

And of course my Wife Maria, the true badass.


Team HC member, Sarah Marang



Keep your eye out for HouseCat MMA. They may be a small start up at the moment, but there looks to be a bright future ahead.Visit HouseCat MMA at their website, housecatmma.com and on their Facebook page keyword: HouseCat . And best wishes to Maria Safier as she continues her brave fight with Cancer.

Here is the HouseCat promotional video you can find on our you tube channel realwomenandmensmma

As Always join us on our Facebook page, Real Women and Men watch MMA.