UFC on Fox 2: Back to Primetime

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

UFC on Fox 2 Preview: Back to Primetime

By, ALar88

The UFC returns to Fox on Saturday night with a very exciting three bout card. Many fans complained that the organization’s last foray into national television was lacking content when only the Velasquez v. Dos Santos fight was scheduled to air.  Dana White has responded by booking three fights for the time slot, where two of the winners could be seeing immediate title shots.  We will see an exhibition of world-class ground games when BJJ ace Damien Maia and young gun Chris Weidman face off to start the evening.  Next, the battle of the loudmouths: Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping, whoever shuts their mouth long enough to defeat their opponent will earn a chance at Anderson Silva’s Middleweight title this summer. The Main Event of the evening marks the return to the Octagon for two Light Heavyweight contenders. When Rashad Evans and Phil Davis enter the cage, many eyes will be watching to see what the future of the Light Heavyweight division holds.  If Evans wins and remains uninjured, he will fight Jon Jones for the title this spring.  If Evans wins, but is hurt and sidelined for an indeterminate amount of time, one of our favorite’s here Moai Martial Art’s, Dan Henderson, will get a shot at Jones. Dana White has not guaranteed Phil Davis a title shot if he wins, but assuming ‘Mr. Wonderful’ wins in impressive fashion, you can bet you will likely see Phil getting a fight for the strap.

Main Card on Fox: 8 PM

Demian Maia (16-3) v. Chris Weidman (7-0)

Maia was originally scheduled to face Bisping on this card, but due to Mark Munoz dropping from the card due to injury, he finds himself fighting Chris Weidman  It is well-known that Demian Maia is one of the greatest BJJ players in the world of MMA.  His ground skill earned him a fight with Silva for the Middleweight title in 2010, but his submissions couldn’t derail the Spider’s reign. Since that fight, Maia has gone 3-4 with six of those fights going to decision. Maia needs a solid win to get back on track and back into the upper echelon of the division.  Usually replacement fighters are easy fodder for UFC vets, but in this case, Weidman is no cakewalk for Mr. Maia.  Weidman is widely considered one of the top prospects in MMA and certainly has a bright future in the sport.  Weidman was a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler; and under the tutelage of Matt Serra earned entrance into the 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. Here’s the kicker… Weidman had only been training in BJJ for one year at the time…  The fact that this kid could find himself opposing some of the greatest BJJ players in the world after only one year of training shows you what kind of chops this he has on the ground.

Prediction: I don’t see either of these guys looking to stand and bang, thus this will be a ground war.  Both are highly skilled, but I have a feeling that the young gun will end up on top on this one. A new UFC star will be born on national television. Weidman by Decision.

Michael Bisping (22-3) vs. Chael Sonnen (26-11)

***DISCLAIMER: Chael Sonnen fans: Do Not Read Ahead!!!***

I DESPISE Chael Sonnen. I think his persona is manufactured, fabricated, and fraudulent. To start, I don’t trust any of his in ring exploits due to his past with PEDs. Then add in his  adventures outside the ring a.k.a. a history of money laundering and fraud, and you have the make up of one detestable human being. Yes, he beat Anderson Silva for four rounds, but someone please remind Chael what happened in the last round. HE LOST!!!!  Chael has been parading around calling himself the true Middleweight champion and even showed up to the pre-event press conference with a replica UFC belt that he says he stole from Silva “like a gangster in the night.” He has repeatedly said that Silva “sucks” and will never fight again. This would be like an NBA player from the 80s or 90s saying that Michael Jordan “sucked”, it simply wouldn’t happen.  Chael has gained his fifteen minutes of fame by benefiting from a depleted Middleweight division, and giving the greatest champion in the history of the UFC a run for his money.  Hopefully, on Saturday, those fifteen minutes are up.

With that being said, both of these fighters are coming off impressive wins. Bisping recently destroyed fellow TUF coach Mayhem Miller, and Sonnen submitted Brian Stann back in October.

Prediction: I simply wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror respectfully if I picked Sonnen for this fight.Though, I do actually believe Bisping will take this one.  He is on a four fight win streak and is on a mission after being promoted to this #1 contender bout. The Brit knows that this is his time to shine in front a massive American audience. If he ever wants to see a shot at the Middleweight strap, he has to perform on Saturday.  Bisping by KO.

Let the good times roll Mike...

Phil Davis (9-0) v. Rashad Evans (16-1-1)

No one can intelligently say what they expect to happen in this fight without acknowledging the fact that these two haven’t exactly had frequent cage visits in the last few years. Davis has been out since March with various injuries, and Rashad has only fought once since May 2010, beating a resurgent Tito Ortiz in August of 2011.  We simply don’t have large enough of a sample size to judge this fight, each fighter has been talking up how much better their skills have gotten recently and how they deserve shots at Jones’ belt.  Both claim to be in the greatest shape of their careers and expect to dominate their counterpart. These fighter’s are both extremely athletic with strong wrestling pedigrees. Whoever has the mental power to impose their will on the other and cater the fight to their style has the best chance to win.

Prediction: I think Phil Davis has a tremendous future in this sport, but this may not be his time just yet. He claims to be on a whole new level striking than he has been previously in the Octagon, but I don’t believe word alone is strong enough to give him the edge in this fight. Rashad has had the title before, he has been in big fights, he knows what it takes to win.  I expect Rashad to utilize his own ever-improving striking to teach the young gun a lesson.  Evans by Decision.

Feel free to comment below if you are part of the anti-Chael team! Or let us know what you think about the picks. Enjoy the fights!

Posted in MMA, Opinion | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Review of The Warrior Diet

Posted on January 21, 2012 by

Welcome to 2012!  With the new year comes new resolutions for many of us.  Many of which, of course, involve diet and exercise.

‘Tis the season for new gym memberships never used, failed fad diets, patches, pills, and other quick fixes.  While our intentions are often very good, our desire for easy results often hold us back.

I’ve been experimenting with different ways of eating over the past few years.  While I’m not really trying to lose weight, I am always trying to optimize my physical and mental well being.  I’ve most recently pursued four ways of eating: the vegetarianism, the alkaline diet, the paleolithic diet, and the slow-carb diet.  I’ve had good results with all of them, and each made sense for me at the time.

Right now I’m struggling with clarity and focus.  I don’t know if I tend to overextend myself, or if I just don’t have the endurance others possess, but staying energetic and alert throughout the day has become challenging for me. My wife reminds me that I’m no longer in my twenties might have something to do with it . . .

Case in point: At school a few weeks ago, as I finished a mid-morning meal of chicken tacos and refried beans.  As I yawned into my third cup of coffee, I began dreading the imminent crash inopportunely timed with the faculty meeting scheduled for later in the day.  Then it was off to the dojo to tough it through a workout before my students arrived.  Did I have enough snacks to get through the afternoon and evening?  It would be a long day.

I could definitely use a quick fix!

A Healthful Alternative

I guess there’s no easy way to ensure optimal health.  I’ve been a six-meal-a-day-plus-snacks kind of guy for quite awhile, and it seemed to work, but it was time for a change.  I started reading reviews on different ways of eating, and I found that a lot of people, including well known coaches like Mike Mahler, recommended The Warrior Diet.  My man ALar sort of stumbled upon this diet intuitively and highly recommended it too.  I decided it was worth a shot.

Basic Principles 

Author Ori Hofmekler explains the basic tenets and benefits of the diet in his book and on his website.  The program is simple, as he writes:

“The Warrior Diet is based on a daily feeding cycle of ‘undereating’ during the day and ‘overeating’ at night. The ‘Undereating Phase’ during the day maximizes the Sympathetic Nervous System’s (SNS) fight or flight reaction to stress, thereby promoting alertness, generation of energy, fat burning and the capacity to endure stress.”

A way to pace my eating throughout the day while enjoying a big meal at night?  Sounds good.  Feeling week and hungry all the time without the energy to train?  Not so good.  I needed more information.

The Book

I bought the book after reading primarily good reviews online.  There’s a lot of stuff in there about “the predator instinct” and unlocking your “primal energy”.  There’s also a lot of science about enzymes, nutrients, and brain chemistry.  I see how Hofmekler wants to reach out to multiple audiences, and clearly his approach is to make you feel manly and smart.  I don’t know if I feel more of either, but a lot of what he explains makes sense.  If your body is always bogged down with digestion, how will you have the motivation to labor throughout the day?

Instead, Hofmekler suggest “controlled fasting” in which you eat super-clean, small portions of raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds throughout the day while saving your main meal for when your work is done–usually in the evening.

Guidelines of The Warrior Diet

He provides some simple guidelines to help you plan your eating each day.  They’re really easy to follow and are surprisingly effective.

  1. Under-eat During The Day
  2. Eat Your Main Meal at Night
  3. Do Not Eat Carbs Alone
  4. Exercise Regularly During the Under-eating Phase
  5. During the Day You Can Eat Small Amounts of Fruits and Vegetables, Soups, or a Light Protein Source
  6. When Overeating, Stop Eating When You Feel Much More Thirsty Than Hungry

As you can see, items one and five prevent you from starving yourself while helping you feel fresh.  Items two and six ensure you ingest the calories you need to recover from stress and exercise.

“Expert” Evaluation

Despite the title, this is less of a diet and more of a lifestyle.  Fasting is a major part of many cultures, and martial artists often supplement their training with periods of restricted eating.  I’ve been following The Warrior Diet for about two weeks now, and I’m actually enjoying it.  The first few days were a bit of an adjustment, but after cleaning the crap I ate over the holidays out of my system, I found Hofmekler’s claims to be true.  I’ve had more energy and focus during the day; I’ve savored large, healthy meals at night; I’ve slept better; and I’ve felt a renewed vigor while training hard.

A word on workouts: I suffered some severe soreness after the first week on the diet, but I adjusted my daytime snacks to include a little more protein and found it helpful.  Other than that, I’ve experience no ill effects.

My advice?  Give the diet a try if you want to lose some weight; fasting during the day will ensure you eat right at night.  But there are also plans like Weight Watchers that teach you to eat better–especially if you struggle with weight issues.  The Warrior Diet might be a nice alternative to points and calorie counting, as it’s very easy to manage.

Especially consider The Warrior Diet if you feel stressed out or logy during the day.  I think the overall feeling of wellness this way of eating promotes is it’s best benefit.  I feel like I’ve finally found a solution that works for me!  I’ll continue to tweak the basics and see where it leads.

But You Don’t Have to Take My Word for It

Still worried about how under-eating will affect your training?  Here’s one last testimonial for a version of the Warrior Diet–an interview with Herschel Walker.  He may be a genetic freak, but eating one meal a day has certainly not harmed his athletic potential!  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

UFC 142 Preview: Back to Rio

Posted on January 11, 2012 by

UFC 142 Preview: Back to Rio

by ALar88

The UFC’s quest for global domination continues on Saturday when the organization holds another event in Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil.  Every fight booked on the card features a Brazilian fighter, and the night is highlighted by a Featherweight Championship bout between Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes.  The UFC looks to start of 2012 with a great night of fights in front of an always-excitable crowd in Brazil.  On to the previews!

Main Card

Edson Barboza (9-0) vs. Terry Etim (15-3)

This bout is my dark horse pick for Fight of the Night. Barboza an extremely talented young fighter with untapped potential; his devastating strikes and raw athleticism remind me of fellow Brazilian Jose Aldo.  In Barboza’s first fight in the UFC, he used lightning quick leg kicks to attack Mike Lullo’s legs and eventually earn a TKO victory. In his two subsequent bouts, Edson has earned decision victories as well as Fight of the Night honors.  Facing Edson on Saturday will be veteran Terry Etim.  Etim has been in the UFC since 2007 and has put together a 6-3 record in the organization. He is trained in Luta Livre, which is a form of submission grappling. His training has certainly paid off, as he has earned 12 of his 15 victories by submission, including 3 Submission of the Night honors.

Prediction: This is another one of Joe Rogan’s favorite style vs. style match-ups.  Barboza will be looking to strike, as Etim will attempt to take the fight to the ground.  I believe Barboza’s exceptional striking skills will work in his favor in this bout. Edson is no slouch on the ground either; he has been awarded a purple belt in BJJ to go along with his Muay Thai black belt.  I believe Edson will be able to do enough damage while the two are standing to get the win.  Barboza by Decision.

Expect more of this from Edson on Saturday

Erick Silva (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Carlo Prater (29-10-1)

Erick Silva has the training partners that many martial artists can only dream of. While training in Brazil he splits time between training with the likes of Anderson Silva, Jacare Souza, and the Nogueira brothers… Not too shabby.  Silva won his UFC debut in August over Luis Ramos with a convincing KO.  On Saturday, he faces off against MMA journeyman Carlo Prater. Prater has traveled across the globe mostly fighting in smaller promotions, but has had stints in the WEC and Strikeforce. Prater is a late substitute into this bout and that worries me as he enters the cage against the impeccably trained young Brazilian.
Prediction:  I think the Brazilian will wax Prater in this bout… Silva by KO.

The kid keeps good company...

Rousimar “Twist” Palhares (13-3) vs. Mike Massenzio (13-5)

If you are looking for a technical ground war between two submission aces, here is your fight.  Palhares is widely considered one of the best grapplers on the face of the planet. Though odd behavior such as cranking submissions after fighters have tapped and possible infractions during ADCC competition has MMA fans weary of Toquinho’s a.k.a. Twist’s superior strength and skill.  With the muscle Palhares possesses, along with his world-class submission skills, especially his knee bars, Palhares certainly has the ability to cause a serious injury in the cage.  He faces off against Mike Massenzio who boasts quite the ground game himself.  Massenzio was a National Champion wrestler and went on to win the N.A.G.A Championship in the Expert Division in 2006.  Massenzio is coming off a decision victory of Steve Cantwell in October, but in his last four fights before that he has only compiled a 1-3 record.

Prediction: Palhares is truly one of the greatest grapplers in the world. His odd actions inside the cage and out leave a sour taste in the mouth’s of many MMA fans, but his skills are undeniable. I think he takes out Massenzio by a patented leg lock.  Palhares by submission. 

Yes, he scares me too.

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (13-3) vs. Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (20-9)

This marks Rumble’s first venture into the Middleweight division of the UFC; where he truly belongs. If anyone saw his small role in the 2011 film Warrior (which I HIGHLY recommend) Johnson looked like a completely different person than we see in the cage. He was HUGE! Johnson was well over 200 lbs. during filming, making those of us who are not as physically gifted wonder how the heck he cuts all that weight to make the 170 lb. division.  It is well documented that Rumble would cut nearly 60 lbs. to make weight. This massive weight cut had to take a serious toll on his performance in the cage, but Johnson still used his size and skill to put together an impressive resume in the UFC. Fighting at 185 will allow Johnson to be in a much healthier state when he enters the ring.  Few fighters in the division will be able to answer Johnson’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism.

Note that I said few…  Vitor Belfort is one of the few fighters in the division that holds the skills and speed to compete with a fighter like Johnson.  Belfort is coming of a seriously impressive KO of “Sexyama” back in August, and is looking to retain his status at the top of the division against the newcomer Johnson.  Belfort may not see another title shot any time soon after the shellacking he took from “The Spider” back in February, but he can certainly keep his main event status on lock with a win against Rumble.

Prediction: This is my front-runner pick for Fight of the Night.  If these two decide to stand and trade blows, this bout could turn into something epic. Both athletes are top-notch strikers that can send opponents to the mat with strikes from any number of extremities.  Belfort seems to be the favorite in this booking, but I think by moving up a division, Anthony Johnson has unleashed a new beast into the world of MMA.  This should be Rumble’s best performance in the UFC yet, even with the massive Brazilian crowd behind The Phenom. Johnson by KO.

Update! As of January 4th, Rumble said he was weighing in at 215! Beware… If are reading this and are fighter in the UFC Middleweight Division (highly unlikely…), do not look at the upcoming picture! It will make you reconsider your career choice!

"Anderson, I'm comin' for ya!"

Featherweight Championship Fight

Champion Jose Aldo (20-1) vs. Chad Mendes (12-0)

Another member of Urijah Faber’s Team Alpha Male is getting his shot at the Featherweight strap on Saturday.  Chad Mendes is a former Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year and NCAA All-American. His wrestler skills have earned him an undefeated MMA record and a chance to derail Aldo in his native Brazil.  Even though Mendes has never lost, I just don’t see him having a shot on Saturday.  To me, he simply doesn’t possess the skill set to earn a victory over Aldo.  If he takes Aldo to the ground, I think Aldo will be able to counter with his black belt in Jiu Jitsu.  Many fans think if Aldo as a 145 lb. steamroller who simply flattens his opponents. Though truth be told, Aldo has only finished one of his last four fights.  His war with Mark Hominick in April was one of the best fights of the year, and then in October he dismantled an aging Kenny Florian through five rounds.  When Aldo is 100% healthy, he is a joy to watch for MMA fans.  His overwhelming pace, unpredictable strikes, and seemingly unrelenting cardio make him a serious fan favorite.  Aldo has not fought in his native country of Brazil since 2007, when he was just 21 years old.  I think he brings his A-Game on Saturday and wows the Brazilian crowd.

Prediction: I predict Aldo finishes this fight in the early rounds. I think fighting in his home country will allow him to keep his name away from being mentioned with the other champs that keep allowing bouts to go to the judge’s scorecards (Cruz & GSP…). Aldo by KO.

Keep the belt warm Dana, this one is going to be quick.

Feel free to drop a line in the comment section to let us know who you think will win the night’s main event.  Also, add your two cents in to how you think a bulked up Anthony Johnson will fare in the cage! Enjoy the fights!

Posted in MMA, Opinion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Shohei-Ryu Karate at Gracie Farmington Valley Promotional Video

Posted on January 8, 2012 by

Here’s a video that tells a little bit about the karate we practice at Gracie Farmington Valley every day!  Please take a look and let us know what you think.  If you’re interested in training, you can e-mail bill@graciefv.com or call 855-458-8255 today.   We offer a 30-day free trial to all new students!

Many of the exercises and techniques are highlights from longer videos shot over the last few weeks.  I’ll be uploading the full videos to YouTube over the next few weeks.

Posted in Affiliates, Instruction, Karate, MMA, News | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

(Finally) Video for YouTube!

Posted on January 7, 2012 by

We’ve shot a bunch of video of the last few weeks and are currently editing all of it.  Topics include demonstrations of kata and techniques, breaking, and conditioning exercises.  Here’s the first video on hand strengthening.  Take a look, let us know what you think, and stay tuned for more!

 

Posted in Fitness, Instruction, Karate | Tagged , , , , ,

The Gift of Martial Arts

Posted on December 31, 2011 by

Giving Thanks

As we’re wrapping up the season of giving, and 2011, I’m feeling a bit reflective.  First off, thanks for helping to make the site bigger and better than it was last year!  We’ve about doubled readership, and our martial arts community is growing strong.  If you’re new to our site, welcome!

As a visitor of Moaimartialarts.com, you’ve likely trained in martial arts–at least a little bit.  And if you’ve trained in martial arts for any amount of time, you’ve undoubtedly experienced at least some of their benefits.  Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading about this stuff online, right?

Why Study the Martial Arts?

I’ve been thinking about the benefits–or gifts–I’ve received from the two styles I study: karate and jiu-jitsu.  Of course there’s personal commitment and an element of sacrifice involved when pursuing any discipline, but most of the time–especially with martial arts–the ends justify the means.  Mark Dellagrotte shouted at us during a Muay Thai seminar I attended a few years ago, “You are all kind of crazy.  Most people are drinking beer and watching football on a Sunday, but you’re here to train.”  I’m paraphrasing, but it’s still pretty uplifting stuff.

Like everyone else, I’ve had my ups and downs while pursuing “the way”, but looking back I see it’s been worth it. So many good things have come of it: improved health, greater peace of mind, friends that feel like family.  But I’d like to highlight two specific gifts given by each style to its practitioners, two that I feel define karate and jiu-jitsu and differentiate them from other styles.  I’d like to highlight focus and grace.

Focus

Kime is often overused when discussing karate, it’s meaning not entirely clear due to the repetition.  I won’t add to the confusion.  What I will say is that sitting on the dojo floor in meditation, drilling kumite techniques, and practicing kata over the years is bound to make you a more focused individual.  A laser is a beam of light in which a huge number of electrons are aimed at a single point.  Isn’t that what karate is all about?

It may be hard, but try to remember when you first started.  Your body was tight where it shouldn’t be tight, loose where it shouldn’t be loose, and generally you have no economy of motion.  You couldn’t strike the way your sensei tried to show you, and you probably forgot about blocking effectively altogether.

Karate forces you to harmonize the conflicting forces in your body.  A main tenet of Uechi-ryu is to stay half hard/half soft.  To achieve this takes tremendous concentration.  A mind conditioned through karate will inevitably gain focus.  If you stick with it, you learn to be mindful of what is happening around you, to set goals accordingly, and to pour all your energies into a task until complete.

This video’s not perfect, but it shows some excellent focus!

These are some of the things karate has helped me get better at doing.  I’d like to think that as a kid, I was able to discipline myself  in school and to avoid peer pressure better than most.  I know I’m better able to pursue my passions as an adult because I’m not as easily discouraged as some.  It might take me a long time to get where I want to go, but I know that I will do so eventually.

Grace

It’s easier for me to remember starting jiu-jitsu because I did so recently.  For most people it’s a pretty memorable experience; someone teaches you a few positions, shows a submission or two, and then an entire class of people clad in sweaty gis take turns tapping you out.

Needless to say, your first time rolling can be a little traumatic.  At least it was for me.  I used my karate gifts against my opponents, and, consequently, I lost.  Every time.

This isn’t to say that determination and focus aren’t valuable.  It’s also not another Gracie Challenge.  However, what jiu-jitsu teaches you more than any other martial art is how to maintain grace under pressure.  No amount of simple force will submit someone who knows how to flow around your power.  No amount of straining can free you when a good grappler is holding a dominant position.

What I’m learning from jiu-jitsu–perhaps slower than most–is that you need to be graceful when rolling.  You shouldn’t try to kill one submission; you shouldn’t grind a position.  Instead, it’s best to “flow with the go” and handle situations as your opponent presents them to you.  If you are too focused on one attack, your opponent will defend it every time.  If you are too determined to push someone from mount, you will be exhausted.

Here’s a great video of Marcelo Garcia and Ryan Hall flow rolling to show what I mean:

All grappling isn’t done lightly though.  Learning to deal with pressure and pain are important, too.  If jiu-jitsu is like human chess, then how do you think clearly about your next move when someone is choking you?  Staying calm and relaxed in the face of adversity, being graceful despite what can feel like dire odds, is the only way.  Grace is the best gift I’ve received from jiu-jitsu, and I’ve put it to good use during some tough times over the past few years.

Wrapping Up

It’s impossible to list and analyze all the wonderful things martial arts can do for you.  Whether you’re interested in self-defense, fighting, fitness, improved attitude, or even making new friends, there are ways to enjoy these benefits and more.

I am most thankful for the gifts described above, and I feel lucky to share them with you.  If you train, what are some of the best things martial arts have done for you?  If you’re a new practitioner, what are you looking for?  Remember to be humble and appreciative as your pursue your goals, and you will likely receive much more than you can imagine.

Posted in Jiu-jitsu, Karate, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goliath vs. Goliath: A UFC 141 Preview

Posted on December 28, 2011 by

Taking a look at UFC 141: Goliath versus… Goliath

by ALar88

Happy Holidays everyone! The UFC is giving us a great present this year by treating us with one of the biggest matchups of all time in the UFC. Two absolute monsters will face off in this *FRIDAY’S* Main Event.  Brock Lesnar and Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem will go toe to toe in an epic Number One Contender bout in the Heavyweight division, emphasis on heavy! Overshadowed by the HUGE bout is a high octane matchup between Nate Diaz and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Both fighters will be looking to land “punches in bunches” as soon as the bell rings. A bit of bad blood between the two lightweights will also add to this already explosive matchup. On to the preview!

Main Card:

Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (26-5) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (12-1)

Gustaffson is a rising star in the Light Heavyweight division. His heavy hands and impressive record have his name slowly gaining recognition as fans across the globe are starting to notice his prowess in the cage.  Matyushenko is a true professional, he fully embraces the role of “Gatekeeper” in the Light Heavyweight division and always looks to put on a good show for the fans.  Matyushenko is a great test for the 24-year-old Gustafsson because both fighters will be looking to stand and bang until the other is asleep on the mat.

Prediction: Gustaffsson is coming off an impressive TKO victory over Matt Hamill and I expect him to continue his winning ways on Friday. Expect Gustaffson’s star to keep growing brighter. Gustaffson by KO.

Jon Fitch (23-3-1, 1 NC) vs. Jonny Hendricks (11-1)

On Friday, Jon Fitch will continue his campaign for another title shot in the welterweight divison.  Fitch is coming off a shoulder injury that his kept him away from the cage since his draw with BJ Penn at UFC 127.  Fitch has been looking to get back into title contention ever since his five round loss to GSP at UFC 87 in 2008. Since then, Fitch has gone undefeated (5-0-1) in the division. It is often asked in MMA circles why the former Boilermaker’s name hasn’t been tossed around for a rematch with the Canadian Champ; many believe it is because Fitch was utterly dominated by St.-Pierre in 2008, while others think it is because Fitch has a somewhat “boring” style because of his strong wrestling background.  None of that will matter though if Fitch does not get through his next opponent on Friday, the wily Jonny Hendricks.  Hendricks is another collegiate wrestler who has been impressive in the Octagon since joining the organization in 2009.  Hendricks has surprising power in his hands for being such a strong wrestler, as he has gained 6 of his 11 wins by KO.

Prediction: I hope that Fitch is fully recovered from his shoulder injury when he enters the cage on Friday. With a strong training camp, I believe Fitch should be the favorite here. Though, it does seem as though Fitch has spent a SERIOUS amount of time playing Xbox in the lead up to this fight, you can read about his adventures in Skyrim here. With a victory, I think Fitch deserves a shot at whoever wins the Interim Welterweight title when Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit face off at UFC 143. Fitch by Decision.

Nate Diaz (14-7) vs. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (17-3, 1 NC)

This lightweight bout could easily steal the show from the big boys on Friday night.  These fighters put the pedal to the metal every time they enter the cage. Both have high level stand up games, and incredible skill on the ground. Wherever this fight ends up, standing or on the mat, both fighters have the tools to counter the other.

Diaz is coming off a dominating submission victory over Takanori Gomi. That bout at UFC 135 marked Diaz’s return to the lightweight division after a lackluster venture in the welterweight bracket.  Diaz looked better than ever against Gomi and ready to take on all comers at 155.

“Cowboy” Cerrone is always a threat to earn end-of-the-night honors. He has six “Fight of the Night” honors to his name; therefore, any time he enters the cage you can expect a bout that gets you out of your seat.  Cerrone is on a six fight win streak spanning from the WEC to the UFC.

Prediction: Diaz believes he is, “better than (Cerrone) everywhere”.  Diaz is extremely talented, but I believe he may be underestimating the Cowboy.  Cerrone has fought six times in the last fifteen months.  He has won every fight. That means he has remained relatively unscathed in the cage and dominated his opponents.  Cerrone had a great year in 2011, and in 2012 I can see him working his way to a lightweight title shot. It all begins with a win on Friday over Nate Diaz.  Cerrone by Decision.

Main Event

For a shot at Junior Dos Santos’ Heavyweight Title

Brock Lesnar (5-2) vs. Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem (35-11, 1 NC)

*cough* STEROIDS, PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS, COORS LIGHT, HORSE MEAT. *cough*

Now that those are out of the way… I can get on to previewing literally one of the biggest fights in UFC history.  As the fight poster proclaims, over 520 pounds of fighter will be in the cage on Friday.  This is no David versus Goliath match-up; this is straight up Goliath versus Goliath.

I am sure our friend Joe Rogan will remind us on Friday, but I have to say this is a true style versus style match-up. Lesnar is a wrestler to the core, and Overeem is one of the greatest strikers the sport has ever seen.  It is simple; if Lesnar fails to take The ‘Reem down, it will be a longgg night for the former WWE superstar.

Brock is entering the cage for the first time since losing his belt to Cain Velasquez in October of 2010. Since then Brock has had another fight on his hands, he had a serious case of Diverticulitis that kept him away from the gym for an extended period of time.  After successful surgery, Lesnar returned to the gym in mid-August in order to prepare for another title run. I expect Brock to show up on Friday in spectacular shape. He has always taken his training seriously, and he knows that his superior athleticism and size are one of his major advantages in the ring.

Overeem’s training style and mentality contrast to that of Lesnar’s.  Overeem is another one of those mythical MMA superstars that seemingly travels the world and just looks to beat people up, no matter the organization, no matter the competition level. Whether he is fighting high-level MMA or Kickboxing Ubereem finishes opponents. Of his 35 wins, 2… I repeat 2 have gone to decision. That is an incredible finish percentage (maybe GSP should take note…)  Though, due to a close family member being ill, Overeem’s training camp has not been as focused as he would have liked, but Overeem is dismissive of any distractions taking away from his performance against Lesnar.

Even without a fully focused camp, I think Overeem holds the advantage over Brock.  The size advantage that Brock usually holds over his opponents still exists with Overeem, but is not as drastic as it was with fighters like Randy Couture or a 2009 version of Frank Mir.  Brock is not a striker, nor does he try to be. He simply does not like to get hit. Carwin and Velasquez both showed that when you hit Brock with a solid shot, he can crumble like a cookie.  We all know that Overeem can, and will, hit Brock in the face with his hands, legs, and knees.  Even if Brock controls Alistair on the cage and on the ground, Overeem’s striking is on such a level that he will only need one shot to stun and shake Brock. Once that shot hits and The ‘Reem breaks through Brock’s defense, I would look for Overeem to take charge and try to finish the fight.

Prediction: Overeem has guaranteed a second round KO. I feel as though I have to agree with him.  Brock is a great athlete, a great star for the UFC, but I do not trust his chin against such an accomplished striker as Overeem. Overeem’s camp distractions do not seem as though they will totally derail The Demolition Man.  He has stated that he will still enter the Octagon and defeat Brock, and I believe him.  Overeem by KO.

Remember the fights are on Friday this week and return to the old 10 PM timeslot. Who do you think wins the BIG match up? Let us know in the comment section. Enjoy the fights!

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A Guide to “Eating” Healthy During the Holidays

Posted on December 24, 2011 by

Supplements ‘n Stuff

It’s not likely many of you have included dietary or performance supplements on your Christmas lists.  Santa generally sticks with toys, I think, but you never know if he’ll make exceptions for dedicated athletes and martial artists. But maybe it’s a better time to ask for that new gi you’ve been jonesing for or a pair of FatGripz to improve your hand strength?

It can be tough to decide whether to use supplements or not.  I’ve been asked by several students lately about what they should try.  Some are interested in creatine, caffeine, and other pre-workout staples.  Others have been interested in trying thermogenics to help cut weight.

I’m not an expert on these products, but my basic philosophy is this: anything that helps you keep your diet clean will, in turn, increase your performance.  I eat as many whole and raw foods as possible; only when I don’t have good access to these foods do I mix a powder or swallow a pill.  When I’m eating a well-rounded diet rich in nutrients, I find my performance is at its best.  I feel better inside and outside of the gym.  Sure, this evidence is anecdotal, but leading research shows that eating well improves overall health, and that’s the real prize, isn’t it?

Some products I use more than others; some I may chose nearly every day and others if I’m short on sleep or super stressed.  Both of these scenarios weaken the immune system and inhibit athletic performance.  Still, I try to avoid anything I wouldn’t normally find in REAL FOOD.  If it’s not natural or isn’t derived from natural sources, I try to avoid it.

With that said, I plan to violate just about everything I preach during the next week.  It’s the holidays, and I will be on the See Food Diet.  These supplements should help balance things out while I overindulge, but I will use them from time to time throughout the year as I start up some New Year’s resolutions as well.

My Favorite Flavors

Here’s one I take almost every day.  Fish oil is beneficial if you don’t eat a lot of sea food.  The omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful antioxident and help heart health.  Most Americans are extremely omega-3 deficient, so a supplement may be a good option.  Try to find a “burpless” formula if you really hate the taste of fish.  I find most are pretty agreeable with my stomach.

 

I take glucosamine during periods of extra-hard training or when I suffer a strain or sprain to a joint.  When I first started jiu-jitsu, this was a regular occurrence.  Anyone new to the “gentle art” can attest to the learning curve one needs to survive during the first few months training.  Almost without exception, every white belt pushes too hard, and, as a consequence, gets injured.  I found glucosamine very useful while I nursed my elbows, knees, ankles, and shoulders back to health each time I got carried away on the mats.

 

Ginseng is great for the immune system, gives you energy and mental clarity, and helps physical performance.  I enjoy it most in tea, but the pills are helpful too.  I like to take this instead of echinacea because it’s easier on the kidneys and has benefits beyond preventing a runny nose.  I’ve been taking it for the past month or so to avoid getting sick during the holiday season.  I like to mix ginseng powder into almond milk or yerbe matte as a recovery/energy drink.

 

For me, probiotics are the new kids on the block.  I started taking them every day about two weeks ago after one of my training partners started raving about them.  I bought a lower potency than what he recommended (two for one sale) to try them out.  So far, I notice they’ve worked as advertised: they aid digestion and help out the immune system.  My pseudo-scientific test has shown they are especially beneficial to people with lactose intolerance, as I avoid yogurt due to this condition.  They also help to break down lactic acid and inflammation–two benefits particularly useful to someone that trains hard and regularly.

Last but not least, I mix myself a Trader Joe’s Green Drink at least once a day.  Featured on this blog many times, it’s a holdover from my experiments with Randy Couture’s akaline diet and Timothy Feriss’s slow-carb diet.  Both show that lowering the body’s pH helps to break down lactic acid and to reduce soreness after training.  I eat as much raw vegetables as possible, but this supplement helps when I miss a serving or if I just need an alkaline boost.  Try it with almond milk for extra benefits.

 

Results

I love eating healthy food, but I enjoy the occasional serving(s) of fudge, pie, and candy during the holidays.  I’ll supplement my diet to ensure my body gets what it needs, and I’ll carry out supplementation as needed when I get back to my normal training diet full of whole grains, raw grains, and lean meats.  Moderation is a major factor for good health, and the same mindset applies to “good” food as it does to “bad” food.  Don’t take more supplements than you need because you’ll be wasting your money and possibly ruining your long-term health.

What special additions do you include in your diet?  Do you have any preferred brands?  I’m currently taking the items pictured, but I am most loyal to the Green Drink.  Any suggestions?

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How to Stop Intruders (Without Having to Kick Any Butt)

Posted on December 13, 2011 by

The holidays are here, and we all hope to enjoy some quality time with friends and family.  However, every year someone tries to ruin the fun.  No, I don’t mean Uncle Stew when he drinks too much eggnog, I mean the bad guys who try to catch us when our guard is down.

No one wants to be a victim, so a little advice and some common sense are in order to help stay safe this season.

We happen to have a guest post for you by home security expert, Madison Parker.  Her security experience extends beyond just defending against home invasion: she has several years of experience in Ninjutsu and Karate!  Take a look at her excellent article, check out her blog, and let us know what you think!

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How to Stop Intruders (Without Having to Kick Any Butt)

Stopping home intruders with your fists is one thing; stopping them before they get to your fists is quite another. You need to remember first of all that home security is a battle; and battles are won and lost in the mind.

Fortunately, you have one advantage over the home invader from the start: he’s a coward and you’re not. He’s afraid to do what it takes to earn a living honestly, so he does so by hurting others. You only hurt others when they really deserve it.

Here are some minimalist, do-it-yourself home security measures you can take that will keep home invaders at bay and keep you and your family safe:

  • Give him fair warning. Burglars tend to target homes where they believe no one is home – or where they believe the person who’s home is weak and defenseless. There are plenty of things you can do to let a home invader know you’re not playing around. Leave your size 12 boots on the step. Put an NRA sticker on the back of your truck (even if you’re not a member). Even an empty protein shake can will be a deterrent for some criminals.
  • Guard your perimeter. You don’t have to have an expensive home security system to make your home defensible. Take a step back and consider your home. Look at every possible entry point. Make sure those entry points are well lit and clearly visible from the street. Get rid of tall bushes that might conceal a burglar. Cowards don’t break into homes where neighbors might see them.
  • Secure entry points. Deadbolts aren’t impenetrable. A good thief can get past a deadbolt. The problem is that it takes him about 10 times as long to break into a door that has a deadbolt as it does to break into a door with a regular lock. A deadbolt lock is an easy-to-install and relatively cheap way to dramatically increase your home’s security.
  • Don’t flaunt your valuables. If you buy a 70” plasma TV, don’t leave the box sitting on the curb for three days waiting for the trash man. Put it out the morning that the trash man comes. Better yet, cut the thing down into manageable pieces and put it out on recycling day.
  • Protect your home even when you’re not there. There are a number of ways to do this, each of which brings a different kind of protection. Certainly, do-it-yourself home security systems from your local big box hardware store can do the trick, and usually for less than a couple hundred bucks. A neighborhood watch is also effective, and has been show to greatly reduce home invasions in communities where the program is active.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to keep your home and your family safe. There are plenty of ways to do that without ever having to throw a punch. You win the fight against a home invader the same way you win every other fight: by beating him in the battle of wits before there’s ever a real altercation.

Madison Parker is a home security expert whose advice is sought after by friends and strangers alike.  Read more of her work at her blog Home Security Systems!

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Standing Guillotine Defense

Posted on December 11, 2011 by

Well, it was fun to watch the fights last night–lots of surprises!  It looks like many of the fighters–and the fans–learned a lot.  Mark Hominick found out Zombies can actually be pretty quick.  Tito learned that his ribs can’t take as much Punishment as (what ALar calls) his enormous head.  Big Nog now knows what “Tap or Snap” is all about.  And my man Machida, while he pushed the champ a little bit, has to go work on his standing guillotine defense.

You won’t learn any of these things if you keep reading, but you might pick up a tip or two from my new(ish) YouTube channel. These videos are from the summer and were initially offered as a Facebook exclusive. Check them out and provide some feedback if you get a chance, and be on the lookout for more videos soon!

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